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 Russia thwarts drone attack on Moscow Xinhua) 10:39, August 12, 2023 MOSCOW/KIEV, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- The following are the latest developments related to the Ukraine crisis: Russia's air defense system has downed a drone that attempted to fly over Moscow, the Russian Defense Ministry said Friday. "This afternoon, an attempt by the Kiev regime to carry out a terrorist attack with an unmanned aerial vehicle on a facility in Moscow was thwarted," the ministry said in a statement. The unmanned aerial vehicle was downed by means of electronic equipment and crashed in a forest area in the west of the capital without casualties and damage on the ground, according to the ministry. Earlier on Friday, flight restrictions had been introduced at the Vnukovo Airport in Moscow, but soon were lifted, according to local reports. - - - - The Ukrainian authorities said that a missile attack on an airfield in western Ukraine killed one on Friday. The Ukrainian Air Force (UAF) said in a statement that Russia fired four "Kinzhal" hypersonic ballistic missiles against the Kolomyia airfield in the Ivano-Frankivsk region. A missile hit the territory of a private house in Kolomyia district, killing a boy, said Ukraine's Prosecutor General's Office. One of the missiles was shot down near Kiev. Yuriy Ignat, spokesman for the UAF, said later that the attack targeted young Ukrainian pilots, who set to go abroad for training to fly F-16 fighter jets and other aircraft. Last month, Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov said the training would start in August and last for a minimum of six months. (Web editor: Zhao Tong, Hongyu) (CNN) Six suspects arrested in connection with the assassination of Ecuadorian presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio are Colombian nationals and gang members, authorities have confirmed, as a former vice president demanded action over spiraling levels of violence in the South American country. Villavicencio, an anti-corruption campaigner and lawmaker who was outspoken about the violence caused by drug trafficking in the country, was shot dead at a campaign rally in the capital Quito on Wednesday. The killing of the 59-year-old came 10 days before the first round of the presidential election was set to take place. Villavicencios campaign had promised a crackdown on crime and corruption amid a deadly escalation of violence that has gripped Ecuador in recent years. The suspected shooter died in police custody following an exchange of fire with security personnel, Ecuadors Attorney Generals Office said Wednesday. Six others were arrested in connection with the killing. Ecuadors Interior Minister Juan Zapata said in a news conference Thursday that the suspects are members of organized criminal groups, citing preliminary evidence. He later confirmed to CNN the suspects are Colombian nationals. The nationality of the suspected gunman is not yet clear. During overnight raids, authorities found a rifle, a machine gun, four pistols, three grenades, two rifle magazines, four boxes of ammunition, two motorcycles, and a stolen vehicle believed to have been used by the men, Zapata said. The attack prompted Ecuadors President Guillermo Lasso to request help from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation, and he tweeted that a delegation would soon be arriving in the country. Lasso also announced a state of emergency for 60 days, an immediate mobilization of the armed forces across the country and three days of national mourning. The assassination prompted an outpouring of condemnation from inside Ecuador and around the world, including from the UN Human Rights chief, the United States and European Union. On Friday, a judge ordered the preventive detention of the six Colombian nationals detained under suspicion of Villavicencios murder, the Ecuadorian Prosecutors Office said in a statement. The Prosecutors Office said the investigation into the suspects will last 30 days. In an interview with local media, Patricia Villavicencio, Villavicencios sister, said Friday her family would make a decision on whether to transfer his body to a bigger and more open space to allow friends and supporters of his political party Movimiento Construye to say goodbye. Villavicencios body is currently at Memorial funeral home north of Quito, his sister told Ecuadors FM Mundo radio. Speaking about the current investigation for her brothers murder, Patricia Villavicencio said this crime cant go unpunished. We are hurting, with a broken soul, there is no justice, there is no protection, she added asking President Lasso for protection for her family. She confirmed that Veronica Sarauz, Villavicencios wife, has arrived in Quito. Earlier on Friday Sarauz published a photo with her husband on social media. Fernando already won with his journalistic work years ago, he never needed a position in public office to do it. He did while hiding, being persecuted and prosecuted without fear. Today those who took his life from us will not have peace because @VillaFernando_has already changed the country, Sarauz wrote. Level of violence something we have never seen before The former vice president of Ecuador and current presidential candidate Otto Sonnenholzner said in an exclusive interview with CNN Thursday that the level of violence in Ecuador is something we have never seen before. Its something new. It started maybe one and a half or two years ago. Its a spiral of violence that is completely out of control and demands concrete government action that we are not seeing, Sonnenholzner said. The Andean country, a relatively peaceful nation until a few years ago, is now plagued by a deteriorating security crisis fueled by drug trafficking and a turf war between rival criminal organizations. Violence has been most pronounced on Ecuadors Pacific coast as criminal groups battle to control and distribute narcotics, primarily cocaine. The country has also lost control of its overcrowded prisons, which are often ruled by criminal gangs. Hundreds of inmates have been killed in brutal prison riots between these rival gangs. The gangs are controlling crime in the streets from the jails, Sonnenholzner said. There is a lot of influence of drug dealers and drug traffickers in different institutions in the country, including corruption affecting the judiciary, some police, and even local governments across Ecuador, he said. Sonnenholzner told CNN that Villavicencio had received threats two weeks ago from organized crime groups in Ecuador, but he had not been protected. Villavicencio did have a security detail at the time of the shooting, comprised of five police officers, multiple patrol cars, and his own armored vehicle, according to interior minister Zapata, though he noted that the armored vehicle was not used in Quito. Seven of Ecuadors eight presidential candidates were under police protection, Zapata said earlier in the week, according to local media. Gun control is completely failing every day. The guns that the criminals are carrying are relatively new The six people who were detained yesterday, that were part of the attack they had machine guns and grenades and Ecuador has been historically a very peaceful country, Sonnenholzner said. Sonnenholzner said he had suspended public campaign events for the next few days and had taken on his own private security. Ecuadors presidential election, scheduled for August 20, will go ahead as planned, the Electoral Council President Diana Atamaint said Thursday. Sonnenholzner said he has requested the televised presidential debate planned for Sunday be postponed so Villavicencios political party, Movimiento Construye, has time to find a new candidate. He noted that Villavicencio had first entered public life as an investigative journalist who fought against corruption and abuses of power. His fight against corruption should be his legacy, Sonnenholzner said. During an interview with local media Patricia Villavicencio, Fernando Villavicencios sister, said her family will decide in the coming hours if his body will be transferred to a bigger and more open space to allow friends and supporters of his political party Movimiento Construye to say goodbye. At the moment Villavicencios body is at Memorial funeral home north of Quito, Patricia Villavicencio told Ecuadors FM Mundo radio on Friday morning. Speaking about the current investigation for his brothers murder, Villavicencio said this crime cant go unpunished. We are hurting, with a broken soul, there is no justice, there is no protection, she added asking President Lasso for protection for her family. Patricia Villavicencio also said his brothers wife Veronica Sarauz has arrived in Quito. Earlier on Friday Sarauz published a photo with Fernando Villavicencio on social media. In a previous message Sarauz said Villavicencio has already changed the country Fernando already won with his journalistic work years ago, he never needed a position in public office to do it. He did while hiding, being persecuted and prosecuted without fear. Today those who took his life from us will not have peace because @VillaFernando_has already changed the country, Sarauz posted. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Ecuador says six suspects arrested for presidential candidate assassination are Colombian" Biondo Investment Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in iShares U.S. Medical Devices ETF (NYSEARCA:IHI Free Report) in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm acquired 4,106 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $222,000. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Aspire Private Capital LLC purchased a new stake in shares of iShares U.S. Medical Devices ETF during the 1st quarter worth approximately $11,499,629,000. Castleview Partners LLC bought a new position in iShares U.S. Medical Devices ETF in the 4th quarter valued at $27,000. WFA of San Diego LLC bought a new position in iShares U.S. Medical Devices ETF in the 4th quarter valued at $32,000. Red Lighthouse Investment Management LLC bought a new position in iShares U.S. Medical Devices ETF in the 4th quarter valued at $35,000. Finally, Key Financial Inc boosted its holdings in iShares U.S. Medical Devices ETF by 683.3% in the 1st quarter. Key Financial Inc now owns 705 shares of the companys stock valued at $38,000 after purchasing an additional 615 shares during the period. Get iShares U.S. Medical Devices ETF alerts: iShares U.S. Medical Devices ETF Price Performance NYSEARCA:IHI traded up $0.09 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $53.26. The stock had a trading volume of 554,316 shares, compared to its average volume of 905,528. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $55.44 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $54.53. iShares U.S. Medical Devices ETF has a one year low of $46.21 and a one year high of $57.95. The firm has a market capitalization of $5.76 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 27.50 and a beta of 0.85. iShares U.S. Medical Devices ETF Profile The iShares U.S. Medical Devices ETF (IHI) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the DJ US Select \u002F Medical Equipment index, a market-cap-weighted index of manufacturers and distributors of medical devices in the US. IHI was launched on May 1, 2006 and is managed by BlackRock. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for iShares U.S. Medical Devices ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares U.S. Medical Devices ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. GW&K Investment Management LLC grew its position in Polaris Inc. (NYSE:PII Free Report) by 1.4% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 520,556 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 7,385 shares during the period. GW&K Investment Management LLCs holdings in Polaris were worth $57,589,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Capital World Investors boosted its stake in shares of Polaris by 33.2% during the 1st quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 3,698,573 shares of the companys stock worth $389,534,000 after acquiring an additional 922,101 shares in the last quarter. Millennium Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Polaris by 1,473.6% during the 4th quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 661,440 shares of the companys stock worth $66,805,000 after acquiring an additional 619,406 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp boosted its stake in shares of Polaris by 14.8% during the 1st quarter. State Street Corp now owns 4,136,582 shares of the companys stock worth $435,665,000 after acquiring an additional 532,947 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank bought a new stake in shares of Polaris during the 4th quarter worth about $49,002,000. Finally, Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership boosted its stake in shares of Polaris by 392.9% during the 4th quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 382,885 shares of the companys stock worth $38,671,000 after acquiring an additional 305,200 shares in the last quarter. 88.29% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Polaris alerts: Polaris Price Performance PII stock traded down $0.06 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $124.32. 393,955 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 575,220. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $124.54 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $115.07. Polaris Inc. has a 1-year low of $91.86 and a 1-year high of $138.49. The company has a market cap of $7.05 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.61 and a beta of 1.65. The company has a quick ratio of 0.36, a current ratio of 1.20 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.21. Polaris Dividend Announcement Polaris ( NYSE:PII Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results 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. Polaris had a return on equity of 57.98% and a net margin of 6.89%. The firm had revenue of $2.22 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.14 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $2.42 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 7.5% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts anticipate that Polaris Inc. will post 10.41 earnings per share for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 1st will be given a $0.65 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, August 31st. This represents a $2.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.09%. Polariss payout ratio is 24.28%. Analysts Set New Price Targets PII has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Truist Financial upped their price target on Polaris from $100.00 to $125.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 26th. Robert W. Baird increased their target price on Polaris from $125.00 to $140.00 in a research note on Wednesday, July 26th. Roth Capital restated a neutral rating on shares of Polaris in a research note on Tuesday, April 25th. Royal Bank of Canada increased their target price on Polaris from $115.00 to $121.00 in a research note on Wednesday, July 26th. Finally, StockNews.com began coverage on Polaris in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a buy rating for the company. Ten investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $124.18. View Our Latest Research Report on Polaris Insider Buying and Selling at Polaris In other Polaris news, CEO Michael T. Speetzen sold 58,301 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, July 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $136.14, for a total value of $7,937,098.14. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 56,067 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,632,961.38. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. In other news, insider Michael D. Dougherty sold 21,124 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, July 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $135.99, for a total value of $2,872,652.76. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 22,391 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,044,952.09. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CEO Michael T. Speetzen sold 58,301 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, July 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $136.14, for a total value of $7,937,098.14. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 56,067 shares in the company, valued at $7,632,961.38. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders have sold 145,464 shares of company stock worth $19,593,994. Insiders own 2.75% of the companys stock. Polaris Profile (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. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PII? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Polaris Inc. (NYSE:PII Free Report). 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. Biondo Investment Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW Free Report) by 1.3% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 34,626 shares of the industrial products companys stock after purchasing an additional 440 shares during the period. Illinois Tool Works accounts for 1.7% of Biondo Investment Advisors LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 22nd biggest holding. Biondo Investment Advisors LLCs holdings in Illinois Tool Works were worth $8,430,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Wedbush Securities Inc. grew its holdings in Illinois Tool Works by 5.4% during the first quarter. Wedbush Securities Inc. now owns 5,866 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,428,000 after purchasing an additional 300 shares during the last quarter. Todd Asset Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Illinois Tool Works by 2.5% in the 1st quarter. Todd Asset Management LLC now owns 3,387 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $825,000 after buying an additional 82 shares during the period. White Pine Capital LLC increased its position in shares of Illinois Tool Works by 2.0% during the first quarter. White Pine Capital LLC now owns 7,832 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,907,000 after acquiring an additional 153 shares in the last quarter. Altshuler Shaham Ltd boosted its holdings in shares of Illinois Tool Works by 372.0% in the 1st quarter. Altshuler Shaham Ltd now owns 439 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $107,000 after buying an additional 346 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd acquired a new stake in Illinois Tool Works in the 1st quarter valued at about $3,285,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 79.37% of the companys stock. Get Illinois Tool Works alerts: Insider Transactions at Illinois Tool Works In other Illinois Tool Works news, CAO Randall J. Scheuneman sold 5,425 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, June 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $239.23, for a total value of $1,297,822.75. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer now owns 8,870 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,121,970.10. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Insiders own 0.88% of the companys stock. Illinois Tool Works Trading Down 1.8 % Shares of NYSE:ITW traded down $4.37 during trading on Friday, reaching $237.43. 1,889,697 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,104,346. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $247.35 and its 200-day simple moving average is $237.98. The firm has a market capitalization of $71.80 billion, a PE ratio of 23.92, a P/E/G ratio of 4.40 and a beta of 1.13. Illinois Tool Works Inc. has a 12-month low of $180.27 and a 12-month high of $264.19. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.25, a current ratio of 1.59 and a quick ratio of 1.11. Illinois Tool Works (NYSE:ITW Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 1st. The industrial products company reported $2.41 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.39 by $0.02. Illinois Tool Works had a net margin of 19.30% and a return on equity of 94.14%. The business had revenue of $4.07 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.14 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $2.37 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 1.6% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts anticipate that Illinois Tool Works Inc. will post 9.74 EPS for the current year. Illinois Tool Works Increases Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 12th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 29th will be issued a dividend of $1.40 per share. This represents a $5.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.36%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, September 28th. This is a positive change from Illinois Tool Workss previous quarterly dividend of $1.31. Illinois Tool Workss dividend payout ratio is currently 51.83%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades ITW has been the topic of a number of research reports. Morgan Stanley boosted their target price on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $230.00 to $232.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research note on Thursday, August 3rd. StockNews.com raised shares of Illinois Tool Works from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Monday, July 24th. Barclays raised their price target on Illinois Tool Works from $203.00 to $210.00 in a report on Monday, July 10th. Stifel Nicolaus lifted their price objective on Illinois Tool Works from $236.00 to $250.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, July 19th. Finally, Credit Suisse Group upped their price target on Illinois Tool Works from $281.00 to $292.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 2nd. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have issued a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $236.75. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on ITW Illinois Tool Works Profile (Free Report) Illinois Tool Works Inc manufactures and sells industrial products and equipment worldwide. It operates through seven segments: Automotive OEM; Food Equipment; Test & Measurement and Electronics; Welding; Polymers & Fluids; Construction Products; and Specialty Products. The Automotive OEM segment offers plastic and metal components, fasteners, and assemblies for automobiles, light trucks, and other industrial uses. Read More 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. Investment House LLC cut its stake in shares of Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN Free Report) by 0.9% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 95,973 shares of the information technology services providers stock after selling 840 shares during the period. Accenture makes up approximately 2.3% of Investment House LLCs holdings, making the stock its 10th largest holding. Investment House LLCs holdings in Accenture were worth $27,430,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in shares of Accenture during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $1,850,765,000. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Accenture by 101,214.0% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 4,040,402 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $1,078,141,000 after acquiring an additional 4,036,414 shares in the last quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp acquired a new stake in shares of Accenture during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $638,488,000. Morgan Stanley raised its position in shares of Accenture by 14.9% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 16,642,841 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $4,440,976,000 after acquiring an additional 2,163,582 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD grew its stake in Accenture by 22.0% during the 4th quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 9,475,017 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $2,528,314,000 after buying an additional 1,710,992 shares during the last quarter. 73.00% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Accenture alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research analysts recently commented on the company. Robert W. Baird lowered their price objective on Accenture from $322.00 to $316.00 in a research note on Friday, June 23rd. Morgan Stanley cut their price objective on Accenture from $350.00 to $340.00 in a research note on Friday, June 23rd. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised their price objective on Accenture from $292.00 to $377.00 in a research note on Friday, June 9th. Societe Generale raised their price objective on Accenture from $314.00 to $373.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, July 7th. Finally, TD Cowen downgraded Accenture from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and cut their price objective for the company from $325.00 to $300.00 in a research note on Friday, June 23rd. Eight equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $329.20. Insider Activity at Accenture In related news, insider Ellyn Shook sold 5,250 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, July 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $315.00, for a total value of $1,653,750.00. Following the sale, the insider now owns 21,958 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,916,770. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. In other Accenture news, insider Ellyn Shook sold 5,250 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, July 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $315.00, for a total value of $1,653,750.00. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 21,958 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,916,770. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CAO Melissa A. Burgum sold 1,344 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, June 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $300.00, for a total value of $403,200.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 10,506 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,151,800. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 25,774 shares of company stock valued at $8,138,451 in the last 90 days. 0.08% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Accenture Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:ACN traded down $1.36 during trading on Friday, hitting $309.05. 1,351,186 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,407,479. Accenture plc has a 1-year low of $242.80 and a 1-year high of $327.93. The company has a market capitalization of $205.41 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 27.66, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.83 and a beta of 1.23. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $312.49 and its 200-day simple moving average is $289.12. Accenture (NYSE:ACN Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, June 22nd. The information technology services provider reported $3.19 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.96 by $0.23. The business had revenue of $16.56 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $16.49 billion. Accenture had a return on equity of 30.47% and a net margin of 11.28%. Accentures quarterly revenue was up 2.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $2.79 EPS. On average, research analysts forecast that Accenture plc will post 11.59 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Accenture Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, August 15th. Investors of record on Thursday, July 13th will be paid a $1.12 dividend. This represents a $4.48 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.45%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, July 12th. Accentures dividend payout ratio is 39.93%. Accenture Profile (Free Report) Accenture plc, a professional services company, provides strategy and consulting, interactive, industry X, song, and technology and operation services worldwide. The company offers application services, including agile transformation, DevOps, application modernization, enterprise architecture, software and quality engineering, data management, intelligent automation comprises robotic process automation, natural language processing, and virtual agents, and application management services, as well as software engineering services; strategy and consulting services; data and analytics strategy, data discovery and augmentation, data management and beyond, data democratization, and industrialized solutions comprises turnkey analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions; metaverse; and sustainability services. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ACN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Accenture Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Accenture and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bigelow Investment Advisors LLC decreased its holdings in shares of Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE Free Report) by 4.7% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 27,043 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after selling 1,330 shares during the quarter. Bigelow Investment Advisors LLCs holdings in Pfizer were worth $1,103,000 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 PFE. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC grew its stake in Pfizer by 89,592.7% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 161,143,638 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $8,257,000,000 after purchasing an additional 160,963,976 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of Pfizer during the 4th quarter worth about $3,150,472,000. Morgan Stanley boosted its position in shares of Pfizer by 10.3% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 79,499,361 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $4,073,547,000 after acquiring an additional 7,419,929 shares in the last quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. boosted its position in shares of Pfizer by 13.2% during the 1st quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 59,828,849 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $3,097,341,000 after acquiring an additional 6,972,650 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Renaissance Technologies LLC acquired a new position in shares of Pfizer during the 1st quarter worth about $311,238,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 67.80% of the companys stock. Get Pfizer alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets PFE has been the subject of several analyst reports. Barclays lowered their price objective on Pfizer from $40.00 to $38.00 in a research report on Tuesday, July 11th. UBS Group reduced their target price on Pfizer from $41.00 to $39.00 in a report on Friday, May 5th. BMO Capital Markets reduced their target price on Pfizer from $45.00 to $44.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, August 2nd. Daiwa Capital Markets downgraded Pfizer from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and set a $38.00 price objective for the company. in a research note on Thursday, May 11th. Finally, Truist Financial reduced their price objective on Pfizer from $64.00 to $62.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, August 2nd. Twelve investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $46.35. Pfizer Price Performance NYSE:PFE traded up $0.34 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $36.06. 16,604,812 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 24,422,363. The firms 50-day moving average is $37.14 and its 200-day moving average is $39.44. The stock has a market cap of $203.54 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.50, a P/E/G ratio of 1.20 and a beta of 0.60. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31, a current ratio of 1.37 and a quick ratio of 1.11. Pfizer Inc. has a 1-year low of $34.65 and a 1-year high of $54.93. Pfizer (NYSE:PFE Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, August 1st. The biopharmaceutical company reported $0.67 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.57 by $0.10. Pfizer had a return on equity of 28.55% and a net margin of 27.55%. The firm had revenue of $12.73 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $13.36 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $2.04 EPS. Pfizers quarterly revenue was down 54.1% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts expect that Pfizer Inc. will post 3.32 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Pfizer Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 5th. Shareholders of record on Friday, July 28th will be paid a dividend of $0.41 per share. This represents a $1.64 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.55%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, July 27th. Pfizers dividend payout ratio is presently 43.62%. About Pfizer (Free Report) Pfizer Inc discovers, develops, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers medicines and vaccines in various therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular metabolic, migraine, and women's health under the Eliquis, Nurtec ODT/Vydura, and the Premarin family brands; infectious diseases with unmet medical needs under the Prevnar family, Nimenrix, FSME/IMMUN-TicoVac, and Trumenba brands; and COVID-19 prevention and treatment, and potential future mRNA and antiviral products under the Comirnaty and Paxlovid brands. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PFE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Pfizer Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pfizer and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. S&CO Inc. cut its holdings in shares of Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE Free Report) by 4.8% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 32,929 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after selling 1,645 shares during the period. S&CO Inc.s holdings in Pfizer were worth $1,343,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the business. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC grew its position in Pfizer by 89,592.7% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 161,143,638 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $8,257,000,000 after purchasing an additional 160,963,976 shares in the last quarter. Morgan Stanley grew its position in Pfizer by 10.3% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 79,499,361 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $4,073,547,000 after purchasing an additional 7,419,929 shares in the last quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. grew its position in Pfizer by 4.6% in the 4th quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 73,340,479 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $3,741,204,000 after purchasing an additional 3,216,573 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank bought a new stake in Pfizer in the 4th quarter worth about $3,150,472,000. Finally, Bank of New York Mellon Corp grew its position in Pfizer by 0.6% in the 3rd quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 56,659,179 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $2,479,407,000 after purchasing an additional 317,858 shares in the last quarter. 67.80% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Pfizer alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of brokerages have issued reports on PFE. BMO Capital Markets reduced their price objective on shares of Pfizer from $45.00 to $44.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, August 2nd. Cantor Fitzgerald reissued an overweight rating on shares of Pfizer in a research report on Wednesday, May 17th. Morgan Stanley reduced their target price on shares of Pfizer from $42.00 to $40.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, August 2nd. Daiwa Capital Markets downgraded shares of Pfizer from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and set a $38.00 target price for the company. in a research report on Thursday, May 11th. Finally, HSBC initiated coverage on shares of Pfizer in a research report on Friday, July 14th. They set a buy rating and a $50.00 target price for the company. Twelve investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $46.35. Pfizer Price Performance NYSE PFE traded up $0.34 on Friday, hitting $36.06. The stock had a trading volume of 16,604,812 shares, compared to its average volume of 24,422,363. Pfizer Inc. has a 52-week low of $34.65 and a 52-week high of $54.93. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31, a quick ratio of 1.11 and a current ratio of 1.37. The company has a market capitalization of $203.54 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.50, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.20 and a beta of 0.60. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $37.14 and a 200-day moving average of $39.44. Pfizer (NYSE:PFE Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, August 1st. The biopharmaceutical company reported $0.67 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.57 by $0.10. Pfizer had a net margin of 27.55% and a return on equity of 28.55%. The business had revenue of $12.73 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $13.36 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $2.04 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 54.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts expect that Pfizer Inc. will post 3.32 EPS for the current year. Pfizer Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 5th. Shareholders of record on Friday, July 28th will be paid a $0.41 dividend. This represents a $1.64 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.55%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, July 27th. Pfizers dividend payout ratio is presently 43.62%. Pfizer Profile (Free Report) Pfizer Inc discovers, develops, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers medicines and vaccines in various therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular metabolic, migraine, and women's health under the Eliquis, Nurtec ODT/Vydura, and the Premarin family brands; infectious diseases with unmet medical needs under the Prevnar family, Nimenrix, FSME/IMMUN-TicoVac, and Trumenba brands; and COVID-19 prevention and treatment, and potential future mRNA and antiviral products under the Comirnaty and Paxlovid brands. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PFE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Pfizer Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pfizer and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wedbush Securities Inc. boosted its position in shares of Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE Free Report) by 4.8% in the first quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 224,572 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after buying an additional 10,362 shares during the quarter. Pfizer makes up about 0.5% of Wedbush Securities Inc.s holdings, making the stock its 28th biggest holding. Wedbush Securities Inc.s holdings in Pfizer were worth $9,163,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. RB Capital Management LLC increased its position in Pfizer by 6.7% during the 1st quarter. RB Capital Management LLC now owns 5,446 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $282,000 after purchasing an additional 341 shares during the period. Ironwood Wealth Management LLC. grew its position in shares of Pfizer by 1.1% in the 1st quarter. Ironwood Wealth Management LLC. now owns 36,081 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $1,868,000 after buying an additional 400 shares during the period. United Bank grew its position in shares of Pfizer by 0.6% in the 1st quarter. United Bank now owns 46,671 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $2,416,000 after buying an additional 290 shares during the period. Ergoteles LLC grew its position in shares of Pfizer by 136.3% in the 1st quarter. Ergoteles LLC now owns 36,766 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $1,903,000 after buying an additional 21,209 shares during the period. Finally, Mackenzie Financial Corp grew its position in shares of Pfizer by 6.4% in the 1st quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 1,337,418 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $69,238,000 after buying an additional 79,887 shares during the period. 67.80% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Pfizer alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Barclays reduced their target price on shares of Pfizer from $40.00 to $38.00 in a research report on Tuesday, July 11th. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Pfizer from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, June 30th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their target price on shares of Pfizer from $45.00 to $41.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, July 17th. HSBC initiated coverage on shares of Pfizer in a research report on Friday, July 14th. They issued a buy rating and a $50.00 target price on the stock. Finally, Bank of America cut their price objective on shares of Pfizer from $50.00 to $45.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, April 21st. Twelve analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Pfizer presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $46.35. Pfizer Stock Performance PFE traded up $0.32 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $36.04. 16,336,679 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 24,420,615. The company has a quick ratio of 1.11, a current ratio of 1.37 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31. The firm has a market capitalization of $203.46 billion, a PE ratio of 9.50, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.20 and a beta of 0.60. The companys 50-day moving average is $37.14 and its 200 day moving average is $39.44. Pfizer Inc. has a 52 week low of $34.65 and a 52 week high of $54.93. Pfizer (NYSE:PFE Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, August 1st. The biopharmaceutical company reported $0.67 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.57 by $0.10. Pfizer had a net margin of 27.55% and a return on equity of 28.55%. The business had revenue of $12.73 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $13.36 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $2.04 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 54.1% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts expect that Pfizer Inc. will post 3.32 EPS for the current year. Pfizer Announces Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 5th. Stockholders of record on Friday, July 28th will be paid a $0.41 dividend. This represents a $1.64 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.55%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, July 27th. Pfizers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 43.62%. Pfizer Company Profile (Free Report) Pfizer Inc discovers, develops, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers medicines and vaccines in various therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular metabolic, migraine, and women's health under the Eliquis, Nurtec ODT/Vydura, and the Premarin family brands; infectious diseases with unmet medical needs under the Prevnar family, Nimenrix, FSME/IMMUN-TicoVac, and Trumenba brands; and COVID-19 prevention and treatment, and potential future mRNA and antiviral products under the Comirnaty and Paxlovid brands. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PFE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Pfizer Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pfizer and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. AdvisorShares Investments LLC increased its stake in shares of Coterra Energy Inc. (NYSE:CTRA Free Report) by 14.0% during the first quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 14,950 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 1,835 shares during the quarter. AdvisorShares Investments LLCs holdings in Coterra Energy were worth $367,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Several other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Vanguard Group Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Coterra Energy in the first quarter valued at $2,472,575,000. State Street Corp acquired a new position in shares of Coterra Energy in the 1st quarter valued at $1,493,855,000. Northern Trust Corp acquired a new position in shares of Coterra Energy in the 1st quarter valued at $300,998,000. Invesco Ltd. bought a new position in shares of Coterra Energy during the 1st quarter worth about $169,781,000. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Coterra Energy during the 1st quarter valued at about $151,999,000. 92.59% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Coterra Energy alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research analysts recently issued reports on CTRA shares. UBS Group started coverage on shares of Coterra Energy in a research report on Wednesday, April 19th. They issued a neutral rating and a $27.00 price target for the company. Mizuho raised their target price on Coterra Energy from $38.00 to $39.00 in a research report on Friday, May 19th. Stifel Nicolaus boosted their price target on Coterra Energy from $34.00 to $35.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, July 24th. Stephens reiterated an overweight rating and set a $32.00 price objective on shares of Coterra Energy in a research note on Tuesday. Finally, Morgan Stanley reduced their target price on shares of Coterra Energy from $27.00 to $26.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, July 18th. Fourteen investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $29.87. Coterra Energy Price Performance Shares of CTRA stock opened at $28.05 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 1.74, a quick ratio of 1.61 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.17. The firm has a market capitalization of $21.18 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.03, a PEG ratio of 0.22 and a beta of 0.29. The firms 50 day moving average is $25.74 and its 200-day moving average is $25.10. Coterra Energy Inc. has a 1 year low of $22.25 and a 1 year high of $32.47. Coterra Energy Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, August 31st. Shareholders of record on Thursday, August 17th will be given a $0.20 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, August 16th. This represents a $0.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.85%. Coterra Energys payout ratio is 20.05%. About Coterra Energy (Free Report) Coterra Energy Inc, an independent oil and gas company, engages in the development, exploration and production of oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids in the United States. The company primarily focuses on the Marcellus Shale with approximately 183,000 net acres in the dry gas window of the play located in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CTRA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Coterra Energy Inc. (NYSE:CTRA Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Coterra Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Coterra Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wintrust Investments LLC increased its stake in Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO Free Report) by 3.1% in the 1st quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund owned 66,289 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 2,007 shares during the quarter. Wintrust Investments LLCs holdings in Altria Group were worth $2,958,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other large investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. boosted its stake in Altria Group by 4.6% during the 4th quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 2,630,570 shares of the companys stock worth $120,243,000 after purchasing an additional 116,654 shares during the last quarter. Berkeley Capital Partners LLC boosted its position in Altria Group by 9.9% during the first quarter. Berkeley Capital Partners LLC now owns 21,535 shares of the companys stock worth $961,000 after acquiring an additional 1,941 shares during the last quarter. MV Capital Management Inc. grew its stake in Altria Group by 440.5% during the 1st quarter. MV Capital Management Inc. now owns 4,789 shares of the companys stock valued at $214,000 after acquiring an additional 3,903 shares in the last quarter. Cascade Investment Group Inc. acquired a new stake in Altria Group in the 4th quarter valued at about $1,156,000. Finally, CWM LLC lifted its stake in Altria Group by 28.5% in the 1st quarter. CWM LLC now owns 127,560 shares of the companys stock worth $5,692,000 after purchasing an additional 28,273 shares in the last quarter. 58.38% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Altria Group alerts: Altria Group Stock Performance Shares of NYSE MO traded down $0.19 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $43.73. 7,164,321 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 6,731,060. The stock has a market capitalization of $77.60 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.48, a PEG ratio of 2.35 and a beta of 0.59. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $44.93 and a 200 day simple moving average of $45.56. Altria Group, Inc. has a twelve month low of $40.35 and a twelve month high of $51.57. Altria Group Dividend Announcement Altria Group ( NYSE:MO Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, August 1st. The company reported $1.31 EPS for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $1.31. The company had revenue of $5.44 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.43 billion. Altria Group had a negative return on equity of 225.61% and a net margin of 27.40%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 1.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $1.26 earnings per share. On average, research analysts expect that Altria Group, Inc. will post 4.99 earnings per share for the current year. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, July 10th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, June 15th were paid a dividend of $0.94 per share. This represents a $3.76 annualized dividend and a yield of 8.60%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, June 14th. Altria Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 98.69%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on the company. Citigroup dropped their price target on Altria Group from $49.50 to $47.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Monday, April 17th. StockNews.com raised Altria Group from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 4th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $46.00. Read Our Latest Research Report on MO Altria Group Profile (Free Report) Altria Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells smokeable and oral tobacco products in the United States. The company provides cigarettes primarily under the Marlboro brand; cigars and pipe tobacco principally under the Black & Mild brand; moist smokeless tobacco products and snus products under the Copenhagen, Skoal, Red Seal, and Husky brands; and on! oral nicotine pouches. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Altria Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Altria Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sendas Distribuidora (NYSE:ASAI Get Free Report) and Greggs (OTCMKTS:GGGSF Get Free Report) are both consumer discretionary companies, but which is the better business? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their valuation, earnings, dividends, institutional ownership, analyst recommendations, risk and profitability. Earnings & Valuation This table compares Sendas Distribuidora and Greggs revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Get Sendas Distribuidora alerts: Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Sendas Distribuidora $10.56 billion 0.35 $236.31 million $0.78 17.69 Greggs N/A N/A N/A $0.21 153.72 Sendas Distribuidora has higher revenue and earnings than Greggs. Sendas Distribuidora is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Greggs, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Profitability Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Sendas Distribuidora 1.49% 23.17% 2.31% Greggs N/A N/A N/A Dividends This table compares Sendas Distribuidora and Greggs net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Sendas Distribuidora pays an annual dividend of $0.08 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.6%. Greggs pays an annual dividend of $0.20 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.6%. Sendas Distribuidora pays out 10.3% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Greggs pays out 91.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. Insider & Institutional Ownership 4.5% of Sendas Distribuidora shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 42.1% of Greggs shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.4% of Sendas Distribuidora shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of current ratings and target prices for Sendas Distribuidora and Greggs, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Sendas Distribuidora 0 0 1 0 3.00 Greggs 0 1 1 0 2.50 Greggs has a consensus target price of $3,140.00, suggesting a potential upside of 9,429.59%. Given Greggs higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Greggs is more favorable than Sendas Distribuidora. Summary Sendas Distribuidora beats Greggs on 8 of the 12 factors compared between the two stocks. About Sendas Distribuidora (Get Free Report) Sendas Distribuidora S.A. engages in the retail and wholesale sale of food products, bazaar items, and other products in Brazil. The company serves restaurants, pizzerias, snack bars, schools, small businesses, religious institutions, hospitals, hotels, grocery stores, neighborhood supermarkets, and individuals. It sells its products through brick-and-mortar stores, as well as through telesales. The company was founded in 1974 and is headquartered in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. About Greggs (Get Free Report) Greggs plc operates as a food-on-the-go retailer in the United Kingdom. It offers a range of fresh and frozen bakery products, sandwiches, and drinks. The company sells products to franchise and wholesale partners for sale in their own outlets. It is also involved in the property holding, non-trading, and trustee businesses. The company also operates through its own shops. Greggs plc was founded in 1939 and is headquartered in Newcastle upon Tyne, the United Kingdom. Receive News & Ratings for Sendas Distribuidora Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sendas Distribuidora and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Quito, Ecuador (CNN) The body of the assassinated Ecuadorian presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio was buried in a private ceremony in the countrys capital on Friday night. The 59-year-old was laid to rest in the Monteolivo cemetery in northern Quito, his campaign team confirmed to CNN en Espanol. They said the burial was carried out in deep privacy, with his coffin escorted by members of the police along with his closest relatives. Villavicencio, an anti-corruption campaigner and lawmaker who was outspoken about the violence caused by drug trafficking in the country, was gunned down at a campaign rally in Quito on Wednesday. The killing of Villavicencio, who belonged to the Movimiento Construye political party, came just 10 days before the first round of the presidential election was set to take place. Authorities said Thursday that they had arrested six suspects, all Colombian nationals and gang members, in connection with his assassination. The suspected shooter died earlier in police custody following an exchange of fire with security personnel, though his nationality remains unclear. The Andean country, a relatively peaceful nation until a few years ago, is now plagued by a deteriorating security crisis fueled by drug trafficking and a turf war between rival criminal organizations. Violence has been most pronounced on Ecuadors Pacific coast as criminal groups battle to control and distribute narcotics, primarily cocaine. The assassination prompted an outpouring of condemnation from inside Ecuador and around the world, including from the UN Human Rights chief, the United States and European Union. During the investigation, authorities seized a rifle, a machine gun, four pistols, three grenades, two rifle magazines, four boxes of ammunition, two motorcycles, and a stolen vehicle believed to have been used by the suspects. The attack also prompted President Guillermo Lasso to request help from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation, and he tweeted earlier that a delegation would soon be arriving in the country. This story was first published on CNN.com. "Assassinated Ecuadorian presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio buried by relatives" TransAlta (TSE:TA Free Report) (NYSE:TAC) had its price objective boosted by ATB Capital from C$18.00 to C$19.00 in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday, BayStreet.CA reports. ATB Capital currently has an outperform rating on the stock. TA has been the topic of several other research reports. CIBC boosted their price target on shares of TransAlta from C$17.50 to C$18.50 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday. National Bankshares raised their price objective on shares of TransAlta from C$14.00 to C$15.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday. Industrial Alliance Securities raised their price objective on shares of TransAlta from C$17.00 to C$17.50 and gave the company a strong-buy rating in a research report on Tuesday. Scotiabank raised their target price on shares of TransAlta from C$16.00 to C$17.00 in a research note on Monday, May 8th. Finally, CSFB lifted their price objective on shares of TransAlta from C$17.00 to C$18.50 in a research note on Tuesday, May 16th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, six have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Buy and an average target price of C$17.06. Get TransAlta alerts: View Our Latest Report on TransAlta TransAlta Price Performance TransAlta Dividend Announcement TSE TA opened at C$13.76 on Tuesday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.62, a current ratio of 1.51 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 195.84. The stock has a market capitalization of C$3.62 billion, a PE ratio of 32.98, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of -0.07 and a beta of 1.05. The company has a 50 day moving average price of C$12.98 and a two-hundred day moving average price of C$12.42. TransAlta has a 12-month low of C$10.52 and a 12-month high of C$13.97. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Sunday, October 1st. Investors of record on Friday, September 1st will be given a dividend of $0.055 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, August 31st. This represents a $0.22 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.60%. TransAltas dividend payout ratio is 52.38%. TransAlta Company Profile (Get Free Report) TransAlta Corporation engages in the development, production, and sale of electric energy. It operates through Hydro, Wind and Solar, Gas, Energy Transition, and Energy Marketing segments. The Hydro segment has a net ownership interest of approximately 922 megawatts (MW) of owned hydro electrical-generating capacity located in Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario. See Also Receive News & Ratings for TransAlta Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TransAlta and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wealth Dimensions Group Ltd. trimmed its holdings in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY Free Report) by 6.6% during the first quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 12,836 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after selling 902 shares during the period. Wealth Dimensions Group Ltd.s holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb were worth $890,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of BMY. Wintrust Investments LLC increased its holdings in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 19.3% in the 1st quarter. Wintrust Investments LLC now owns 168,170 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $11,656,000 after acquiring an additional 27,173 shares during the period. Ingalls & Snyder LLC increased its holdings in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 3.7% in the 1st quarter. Ingalls & Snyder LLC now owns 478,653 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $33,175,000 after acquiring an additional 17,032 shares during the period. Motco grew its position in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 2.5% in the 1st quarter. Motco now owns 98,846 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $6,851,000 after buying an additional 2,435 shares in the last quarter. Nicolet Advisory Services LLC grew its position in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 20.2% in the 1st quarter. Nicolet Advisory Services LLC now owns 7,389 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $523,000 after buying an additional 1,241 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Cohen Investment Advisors LLC grew its position in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 6.3% in the 1st quarter. Cohen Investment Advisors LLC now owns 8,053 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $558,000 after buying an additional 476 shares in the last quarter. 74.57% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Bristol-Myers Squibb alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Cantor Fitzgerald decreased their target price on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $88.00 to $85.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, July 19th. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Monday, August 7th. Daiwa Capital Markets assumed coverage on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a research report on Wednesday, June 28th. They issued an outperform rating and a $70.00 target price for the company. Morgan Stanley restated an underweight rating and set a $59.00 price objective on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a research report on Wednesday, July 19th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price objective on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $78.00 to $65.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, July 28th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have given a hold rating, six have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $71.14. Bristol-Myers Squibb Trading Down 0.1 % Shares of BMY traded down $0.06 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $61.23. The stock had a trading volume of 16,836,207 shares, compared to its average volume of 10,563,589. Bristol-Myers Squibb has a fifty-two week low of $59.71 and a fifty-two week high of $81.43. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $63.43 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $67.08. The firm has a market cap of $127.92 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.28, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.62 and a beta of 0.42. The company has a current ratio of 1.39, a quick ratio of 1.28 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.08. Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 27th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $1.75 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.99 by ($0.24). The company had revenue of $11.23 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $11.81 billion. Bristol-Myers Squibb had a return on equity of 50.51% and a net margin of 17.62%. Bristol-Myers Squibbs revenue for the quarter was down 5.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company earned $1.93 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Bristol-Myers Squibb will post 7.47 EPS for the current year. Bristol-Myers Squibb Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, August 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, July 7th were given a $0.57 dividend. This represents a $2.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.72%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, July 6th. Bristol-Myers Squibbs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 60.64%. Insider Transactions at Bristol-Myers Squibb In related news, EVP Robert M. Plenge sold 732 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $61.14, for a total transaction of $44,754.48. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 6,584 shares of the companys stock, valued at $402,545.76. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. 0.09% of the stock is owned by insiders. Bristol-Myers Squibb Profile (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. Featured Stories 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. StockNews.com cut shares of Cheniere Energy Partners (NYSEAMERICAN:CQP Free Report) from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report issued on Tuesday morning. Other equities analysts also recently issued research reports about the company. Stifel Nicolaus cut their target price on Cheniere Energy Partners from $53.00 to $49.00 in a research note on Wednesday, May 3rd. Wolfe Research cut shares of Cheniere Energy Partners from a peer perform rating to an underperform rating and set a $43.00 price target on the stock. in a report on Thursday, June 1st. Finally, UBS Group raised shares of Cheniere Energy Partners from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $57.00 price target on the stock in a report on Wednesday, July 19th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, one has assigned a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Cheniere Energy Partners presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $49.71. Get Cheniere Energy Partners alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on Cheniere Energy Partners Cheniere Energy Partners Price Performance CQP stock opened at $49.75 on Tuesday. The firm has a market cap of $24.08 billion, a P/E ratio of 6.51 and a beta of 0.83. Cheniere Energy Partners has a 52-week low of $42.96 and a 52-week high of $62.08. The companys 50-day moving average is $46.59. Cheniere Energy Partners (NYSEAMERICAN:CQP Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, August 3rd. The energy company reported $0.84 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.82 by $0.02. Cheniere Energy Partners had a negative return on equity of 174.10% and a net margin of 31.31%. The firm had revenue of $1.93 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.27 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $0.25 EPS. The companys revenue was down 53.8% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts expect that Cheniere Energy Partners will post 3.21 earnings per share for the current year. Cheniere Energy Partners Cuts Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, August 14th. Shareholders of record on Monday, August 7th will be issued a dividend of $0.255 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, August 4th. This represents a $1.02 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.05%. Cheniere Energy Partnerss payout ratio is 41.44%. Insider Buying and Selling at Cheniere Energy Partners In other Cheniere Energy Partners news, COO Corey Grindal sold 7,649 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, May 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $45.93, for a total transaction of $351,318.57. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Natixis grew its position in Cheniere Energy Partners by 179.8% in the second quarter. Natixis now owns 111,900 shares of the energy companys stock worth $5,163,000 after acquiring an additional 71,900 shares in the last quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. grew its position in Cheniere Energy Partners by 1.1% in the second quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 30,283 shares of the energy companys stock worth $1,398,000 after acquiring an additional 332 shares in the last quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. grew its position in Cheniere Energy Partners by 5.9% in the second quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. now owns 1,511,794 shares of the energy companys stock worth $69,754,000 after acquiring an additional 83,952 shares in the last quarter. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC grew its position in Cheniere Energy Partners by 29.8% in the second quarter. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC now owns 29,701 shares of the energy companys stock worth $1,370,000 after acquiring an additional 6,811 shares in the last quarter. Finally, BNP Paribas Arbitrage SNC grew its position in Cheniere Energy Partners by 133.0% in the second quarter. BNP Paribas Arbitrage SNC now owns 218,654 shares of the energy companys stock worth $10,089,000 after acquiring an additional 124,811 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 46.48% of the companys stock. Cheniere Energy Partners Company Profile (Get Free Report) Cheniere Energy Partners, L.P., through its subsidiaries, provides liquefied natural gas (LNG) to integrated energy companies, utilities, and energy trading companies worldwide. It owns and operates natural gas liquefaction and export facility at the Sabine Pass LNG production terminal located in Cameron Parish, Louisiana. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Cheniere Energy Partners Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cheniere Energy Partners and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS lifted its stake in shares of The Charles Schwab Co. (NYSE:SCHW Free Report) by 0.3% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 258,578 shares of the financial services providers stock after acquiring an additional 749 shares during the period. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYSs holdings in Charles Schwab were worth $13,544,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other large investors have also modified their holdings of the stock. Circle Wealth Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Charles Schwab by 2.8% during the 4th quarter. Circle Wealth Management LLC now owns 4,811 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $401,000 after acquiring an additional 131 shares during the period. Trustcore Financial Services LLC increased its position in Charles Schwab by 3.1% during the 4th quarter. Trustcore Financial Services LLC now owns 4,395 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $366,000 after purchasing an additional 134 shares in the last quarter. CVA Family Office LLC increased its position in Charles Schwab by 26.8% during the 4th quarter. CVA Family Office LLC now owns 638 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $53,000 after purchasing an additional 135 shares in the last quarter. Regal Investment Advisors LLC increased its position in Charles Schwab by 3.6% during the 4th quarter. Regal Investment Advisors LLC now owns 3,918 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $326,000 after purchasing an additional 135 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Signet Financial Management LLC increased its position in Charles Schwab by 0.3% during the 4th quarter. Signet Financial Management LLC now owns 49,378 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $4,111,000 after purchasing an additional 139 shares in the last quarter. 82.77% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Charles Schwab alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research firms recently issued reports on SCHW. The Goldman Sachs Group increased their target price on shares of Charles Schwab from $71.00 to $80.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, July 20th. Argus increased their target price on shares of Charles Schwab from $70.00 to $81.00 in a research report on Wednesday, July 19th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their target price on shares of Charles Schwab from $86.00 to $85.00 in a research report on Tuesday, April 18th. Raymond James raised shares of Charles Schwab from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $63.00 price objective for the company in a research report on Monday, May 15th. Finally, Wolfe Research lowered their price objective on shares of Charles Schwab from $62.00 to $60.00 in a research report on Monday, June 26th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and thirteen have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $72.09. Charles Schwab Stock Performance Shares of SCHW opened at $64.08 on Friday. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $59.61 and its 200 day moving average price is $60.84. The Charles Schwab Co. has a 12-month low of $45.00 and a 12-month high of $86.63. The stock has a market capitalization of $113.44 billion, a PE ratio of 18.68, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.71 and a beta of 0.91. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.80, a current ratio of 0.39 and a quick ratio of 0.38. Charles Schwab (NYSE:SCHW Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 18th. The financial services provider reported $0.75 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.71 by $0.04. The firm had revenue of $4.66 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.61 billion. Charles Schwab had a return on equity of 27.54% and a net margin of 33.15%. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 8.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business posted $0.97 earnings per share. Equities research analysts forecast that The Charles Schwab Co. will post 3.28 EPS for the current year. Charles Schwab Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 25th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 11th will be paid a $0.25 dividend. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.56%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, August 10th. Charles Schwabs payout ratio is 29.15%. Insider Buying and Selling at Charles Schwab In other Charles Schwab news, Chairman Charles R. Schwab sold 75,760 shares of the firms stock in a transaction 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 directly owns 59,672,778 shares in the company, valued at $3,974,207,014.80. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. In other news, Chairman Charles R. Schwab sold 75,760 shares of the firms stock in a transaction 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 transaction, the chairman now directly owns 59,672,778 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,974,207,014.80. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, Chairman Charles R. Schwab sold 72,047 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on 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 transaction, the chairman now directly owns 59,748,538 shares in the company, valued at $3,982,837,543.08. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 225,447 shares of company stock worth $13,866,915. 6.60% of the stock is owned by 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 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. Efficient Advisors LLC decreased its position in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (NYSEARCA:EFA Free Report) by 5.8% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 79,358 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 4,854 shares during the quarter. Efficient Advisors LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE ETF were worth $5,676,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of EFA. Coastal Investment Advisors Inc. grew its holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE ETF by 158.9% during the 4th quarter. Coastal Investment Advisors Inc. now owns 3,288 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $216,000 after acquiring an additional 2,018 shares during the period. Berkeley Capital Partners LLC increased its holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE ETF by 29.4% in the first quarter. Berkeley Capital Partners LLC now owns 5,441 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $389,000 after purchasing an additional 1,236 shares during the last quarter. D.B. Root & Company LLC acquired a new position in iShares MSCI EAFE ETF in the first quarter valued at about $281,000. Triasima Portfolio Management inc. boosted its holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE ETF by 12.9% during the first quarter. Triasima Portfolio Management inc. now owns 23,870 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,707,000 after buying an additional 2,720 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Ausdal Financial Partners Inc. acquired a new position in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE ETF during the 1st quarter worth about $216,000. Institutional investors own 78.99% of the companys stock. Get iShares MSCI EAFE ETF alerts: iShares MSCI EAFE ETF Stock Performance Shares of NYSEARCA:EFA traded down $0.49 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $72.13. The stock had a trading volume of 14,863,672 shares, compared to its average volume of 13,301,041. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $72.63 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $71.86. iShares MSCI EAFE ETF has a twelve month low of $54.61 and a twelve month high of $74.74. About iShares MSCI EAFE ETF iShares MSCI EAFE ETF, formerly iShares MSCI EAFE Index Fund (the Fund), is an exchange-traded fund. The Funds investment objective is to seek investment results that correspond to the price and yield performance of its underlying index, MSCI EAFE Index (the Index). The Index has been developed by MSCI Inc as an equity benchmark for its international stock performance. Read More Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Greggs (OTCMKTS:GGGSF Get Free Report) and Sendas Distribuidora (NYSE:ASAI Get Free Report) are both consumer defensive companies, but which is the superior stock? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their earnings, profitability, analyst recommendations, dividends, institutional ownership, valuation and risk. Earnings and Valuation This table compares Greggs and Sendas Distribuidoras gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Get Greggs alerts: Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Greggs N/A N/A N/A $0.21 153.72 Sendas Distribuidora $10.56 billion 0.35 $236.31 million $0.78 17.69 Sendas Distribuidora has higher revenue and earnings than Greggs. Sendas Distribuidora is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Greggs, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Profitability Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Greggs N/A N/A N/A Sendas Distribuidora 1.49% 23.17% 2.31% Dividends This table compares Greggs and Sendas Distribuidoras net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Greggs pays an annual dividend of $0.20 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.6%. Sendas Distribuidora pays an annual dividend of $0.08 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.6%. Greggs pays out 91.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. Sendas Distribuidora pays out 10.3% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Institutional & Insider Ownership 42.1% of Greggs shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 4.5% of Sendas Distribuidora shares are held by institutional investors. 0.4% of Sendas Distribuidora shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of recent recommendations for Greggs and Sendas Distribuidora, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Greggs 0 1 1 0 2.50 Sendas Distribuidora 0 0 1 0 3.00 Greggs presently has a consensus price target of $3,140.00, suggesting a potential upside of 9,429.59%. Given Greggs higher possible upside, equities analysts clearly believe Greggs is more favorable than Sendas Distribuidora. Summary Sendas Distribuidora beats Greggs on 8 of the 12 factors compared between the two stocks. About Greggs (Get Free Report) Greggs plc operates as a food-on-the-go retailer in the United Kingdom. It offers a range of fresh and frozen bakery products, sandwiches, and drinks. The company sells products to franchise and wholesale partners for sale in their own outlets. It is also involved in the property holding, non-trading, and trustee businesses. The company also operates through its own shops. Greggs plc was founded in 1939 and is headquartered in Newcastle upon Tyne, the United Kingdom. About Sendas Distribuidora (Get Free Report) Sendas Distribuidora S.A. engages in the retail and wholesale sale of food products, bazaar items, and other products in Brazil. The company serves restaurants, pizzerias, snack bars, schools, small businesses, religious institutions, hospitals, hotels, grocery stores, neighborhood supermarkets, and individuals. It sells its products through brick-and-mortar stores, as well as through telesales. The company was founded in 1974 and is headquartered in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Receive News & Ratings for Greggs Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Greggs and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of MYT Netherlands Parent B.V. (NYSE:MYTE Get Free Report) have received an average rating of Hold from the nine brokerages that are covering the firm, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating on the company. The average 12-month price objective among analysts that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $9.80. Several equities analysts have commented on the stock. 500.com reiterated a reiterates rating on shares of MYT Netherlands Parent B.V. in a report on Monday, June 26th. Jefferies Financial Group downgraded shares of MYT Netherlands Parent B.V. from a buy rating to a hold rating and decreased their price objective for the company from $19.00 to $4.00 in a report on Wednesday, June 14th. Morgan Stanley decreased their price target on shares of MYT Netherlands Parent B.V. from $9.00 to $6.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, April 20th. Bank of America decreased their price target on shares of MYT Netherlands Parent B.V. from $14.00 to $8.00 in a research note on Thursday, June 29th. Finally, Societe Generale downgraded shares of MYT Netherlands Parent B.V. from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $7.00 price objective on the stock. in a research note on Thursday, April 20th. Get MYT Netherlands Parent B.V. alerts: Get Our Latest Report on MYTE MYT Netherlands Parent B.V. Price Performance NYSE:MYTE opened at $3.75 on Friday. MYT Netherlands Parent B.V. has a one year low of $3.47 and a one year high of $15.90. The company has a market cap of $318.30 million, a P/E ratio of -41.66 and a beta of 1.04. The firms fifty day moving average price is $3.91 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $5.93. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.11, a current ratio of 2.84 and a quick ratio of 0.45. MYT Netherlands Parent B.V. (NYSE:MYTE Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, May 10th. The company reported ($0.05) EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.04 by ($0.09). MYT Netherlands Parent B.V. had a negative net margin of 1.05% and a positive return on equity of 5.34%. The company had revenue of $213.37 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $236.00 million. Equities analysts expect that MYT Netherlands Parent B.V. will post -0.11 earnings per share for the current year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in MYTE. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of MYT Netherlands Parent B.V. by 11.2% in the first quarter. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. now owns 24,145 shares of the companys stock worth $295,000 after acquiring an additional 2,429 shares during the last quarter. Lord Abbett & CO. LLC raised its holdings in MYT Netherlands Parent B.V. by 18.1% in the 1st quarter. Lord Abbett & CO. LLC now owns 296,518 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,626,000 after buying an additional 45,369 shares during the last quarter. Sei Investments Co. raised its holdings in MYT Netherlands Parent B.V. by 2.5% in the 1st quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 67,704 shares of the companys stock valued at $828,000 after buying an additional 1,675 shares during the last quarter. Invesco Ltd. raised its holdings in MYT Netherlands Parent B.V. by 0.3% in the 1st quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 1,185,003 shares of the companys stock valued at $14,492,000 after buying an additional 3,444 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Quantbot Technologies LP bought a new position in MYT Netherlands Parent B.V. in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $56,000. Institutional investors own 15.29% of the companys stock. About MYT Netherlands Parent B.V. (Get Free Report MYT Netherlands Parent B.V., through its subsidiary, Mytheresa Group GmbH, operates a luxury e-commerce platform for fashion consumers in Germany, the United States, rest of Europe, and internationally. It offers womenswear, menswear, kids wear, and lifestyle products. The company sells clothes, bags, shoes, accessories, and fine jewelry through online and retail stores. Read More Receive News & Ratings for MYT Netherlands Parent B.V. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for MYT Netherlands Parent B.V. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Portland Global Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of ABB Ltd (NYSE:ABBNY Free Report) by 2.3% in the 1st quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 168,231 shares of the industrial products companys stock after acquiring an additional 3,772 shares during the period. Portland Global Advisors LLCs holdings in ABB were worth $5,770,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of ABBNY. Personal CFO Solutions LLC grew its holdings in ABB by 4.1% during the first quarter. Personal CFO Solutions LLC now owns 7,865 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $270,000 after purchasing an additional 311 shares during the period. Hexagon Capital Partners LLC grew its holdings in ABB by 14.4% during the first quarter. Hexagon Capital Partners LLC now owns 2,720 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $93,000 after purchasing an additional 342 shares during the period. Cetera Investment Advisers grew its holdings in ABB by 5.5% during the first quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 7,404 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $239,000 after purchasing an additional 384 shares during the period. 1832 Asset Management L.P. grew its holdings in ABB by 23.5% during the first quarter. 1832 Asset Management L.P. now owns 2,135 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $68,000 after purchasing an additional 406 shares during the period. Finally, Cable Hill Partners LLC grew its holdings in ABB by 2.2% during the first quarter. Cable Hill Partners LLC now owns 18,561 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $637,000 after purchasing an additional 408 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 5.02% of the companys stock. Get ABB alerts: ABB Stock Up 0.7 % ABBNY traded up $0.27 during trading on Friday, reaching $38.52. The company had a trading volume of 105,994 shares, compared to its average volume of 201,091. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33, a current ratio of 1.14 and a quick ratio of 0.78. ABB Ltd has a 12 month low of $24.27 and a 12 month high of $41.03. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $38.92 and its 200 day moving average price is $36.02. The company has a market cap of $72.49 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.68, a PEG ratio of 3.13 and a beta of 1.10. Analysts Set New Price Targets ABB ( NYSE:ABBNY Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 19th. The industrial products company reported $0.49 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.50 by ($0.01). ABB had a net margin of 10.99% and a return on equity of 26.90%. The company had revenue of $8.16 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $7.47 billion. Equities analysts anticipate that ABB Ltd will post 1.97 EPS for the current year. Separately, StockNews.com started coverage on shares of ABB in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a strong-buy rating for the company. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, one has assigned a hold rating, one has issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $26.25. Get Our Latest Stock Report on ABB ABB Profile (Free Report) ABB Ltd manufactures and sells electrification, automation, robotics, and motion products for customers in utilities, industry and transport, and infrastructure in Switzerland and internationally. Its Electrification segment provides electric vehicle charging infrastructure, renewable power solutions, modular substation packages, distribution automation products, switchboards and panel boards, switchgears, UPS solutions, circuit breakers, measuring and sensing devices, control products, wiring accessories, enclosures and cabling systems, and intelligent home and building solutions. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ABBNY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for ABB Ltd (NYSE:ABBNY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for ABB Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ABB and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Toyo Suisan Kaisha, Ltd. (OTCMKTS:TSUKY Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large decline in short interest in the month of July. As of July 31st, there was short interest totalling 700 shares, a decline of 56.3% from the July 15th total of 1,600 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 400 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 1.8 days. Toyo Suisan Kaisha Trading Up 4.0 % TSUKY opened at $41.36 on Friday. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $44.27 and its 200 day moving average price is $43.10. Toyo Suisan Kaisha has a one year low of $35.83 and a one year high of $47.24. Get Toyo Suisan Kaisha alerts: Toyo Suisan Kaisha Company Profile (Get Free Report) Read More Toyo Suisan Kaisha, Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, produces and sells food products in Japan and internationally. The company operates through Seafood, Overseas Instant Noodles, Domestic Instant Noodles, Frozen and Refrigerated Foods, Processed Foods, and Cold-Storage segments. It purchases, processes, and sells seafood. Receive News & Ratings for Toyo Suisan Kaisha Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Toyo Suisan Kaisha and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Victoria PLC (OTCMKTS:VCCTF Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant decline in short interest in the month of July. As of July 31st, there was short interest totalling 95,100 shares, a decline of 64.1% from the July 15th total of 264,600 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 100 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 951.0 days. Victoria Stock Performance Shares of VCCTF opened at $8.25 on Friday. Victoria has a 12-month low of $4.19 and a 12-month high of $9.00. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $7.34 and its 200 day moving average price is $6.98. Get Victoria alerts: Victoria Company Profile (Get Free Report) Featured Stories Victoria PLC, together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, and distributes flooring products primarily in the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Turkey, the United States, and Australia. The company operates through four segments: UK & Europe Soft Flooring, UK & Europe Ceramic Tiles, Australia, and North America. Receive News & Ratings for Victoria Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Victoria and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sparta Commercial Services, Inc. (OTCMKTS:SRCO Get Free Report) was the target of a significant drop in short interest during the month of July. As of July 31st, there was short interest totalling 400 shares, a drop of 97.6% from the July 15th total of 16,500 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 12,600 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.0 days. Sparta Commercial Services Stock Down 3.2 % Shares of SRCO traded down $0.01 during trading on Friday, reaching $0.15. 14,567 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 8,939. Sparta Commercial Services has a twelve month low of $0.07 and a twelve month high of $0.28. The stock has a market cap of $3.59 million, a PE ratio of -0.54 and a beta of -0.47. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $0.15 and a 200-day simple moving average of $0.17. Get Sparta Commercial Services alerts: About Sparta Commercial Services (Get Free Report) Featured Articles Sparta Commercial Services, Inc provides mobile app tools, products and services. It also provides vehicle history reports and a municipal leasing program. The company offers mobile app development, sales, marketing and support and vehicle history reports. Its mobile application offers base beyond vehicle dealers to a wide range of businesses including, but not limited to, restaurants, hotels, and grocery stores. Receive News & Ratings for Sparta Commercial Services Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sparta Commercial Services and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Squarespace (NYSE:SQSP Free Report) had its price target hoisted by The Goldman Sachs Group from $30.00 to $34.00 in a report published on Wednesday, MarketBeat.com reports. The brokerage currently has a neutral rating on the stock. Several other research firms also recently weighed in on SQSP. DA Davidson began coverage on Squarespace in a research report on Wednesday, July 26th. They issued a buy rating and a $40.00 target price on the stock. Credit Suisse Group raised their target price on Squarespace from $28.00 to $30.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, May 10th. Citigroup upgraded Squarespace from a neutral rating to a buy rating and raised their target price for the company from $30.00 to $40.00 in a research report on Tuesday, April 25th. B. Riley began coverage on Squarespace in a research report on Wednesday, June 28th. They set a buy rating and a $40.00 price objective on the stock. Finally, Barclays lifted their price objective on Squarespace from $29.00 to $33.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Tuesday. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $34.08. Get Squarespace alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on SQSP Squarespace Trading Up 0.1 % NYSE SQSP opened at $31.52 on Wednesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $4.26 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -19.46 and a beta of 0.40. Squarespace has a twelve month low of $16.86 and a twelve month high of $34.38. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $31.16 and a 200 day moving average of $28.94. Squarespace (NYSE:SQSP Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, August 8th. The company reported $0.03 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.20 by ($0.17). The firm had revenue of $247.50 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $243.34 million. Squarespace had a negative net margin of 23.60% and a negative return on equity of 2.24%. The businesss revenue was up 16.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $0.45 EPS. Equities analysts predict that Squarespace will post 0.31 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insider Activity In other news, General Counsel Courtenay Oconnor sold 2,091 shares of Squarespace stock in a transaction on Wednesday, June 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $30.55, for a total value of $63,880.05. Following the completion of the sale, the general counsel now directly owns 38,216 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,167,498.80. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. In related news, CEO Anthony Casalena sold 57,483 shares of Squarespace stock in a transaction on Thursday, July 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $30.81, for a total value of $1,771,051.23. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 4,722,692 shares in the company, valued at $145,506,140.52. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, General Counsel Courtenay Oconnor sold 2,091 shares of Squarespace stock in a transaction on Wednesday, June 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $30.55, for a total value of $63,880.05. Following the completion of the transaction, the general counsel now owns 38,216 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,167,498.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 286,312 shares of company stock valued at $9,029,230. 47.14% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Trading of Squarespace A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of SQSP. Wellington Management Group LLP lifted its holdings in Squarespace by 438.4% during the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 3,169,388 shares of the companys stock worth $100,691,000 after buying an additional 2,580,712 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its holdings in Squarespace by 56.3% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 3,645,279 shares of the companys stock worth $93,392,000 after buying an additional 1,313,755 shares during the last quarter. First Trust Advisors LP purchased a new stake in Squarespace during the 1st quarter worth about $27,254,000. BlackRock Inc. lifted its holdings in Squarespace by 38.7% during the 2nd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 3,427,924 shares of the companys stock worth $108,117,000 after buying an additional 956,920 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Acadian Asset Management LLC lifted its holdings in Squarespace by 266.0% during the 2nd quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC now owns 1,160,423 shares of the companys stock worth $36,582,000 after buying an additional 843,404 shares during the last quarter. 40.38% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Squarespace Company Profile (Get Free Report) Squarespace, Inc operates platform for businesses and independent creators to build online presence, grow their brands, and manage their businesses across the internet. Its suite of integrated products enables users to manage their projects and businesses through websites, domains, e-commerce, marketing tools, scheduling, and hospitality services, as well as tools for managing a social media presence. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Squarespace Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Squarespace and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Storebrand ASA (OTCMKTS:SREDF Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant growth in short interest during the month of July. As of July 31st, there was short interest totalling 780,200 shares, a growth of 437.0% from the July 15th total of 145,300 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 0 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently days. Storebrand ASA Price Performance Shares of SREDF remained flat at $8.87 during trading hours on Friday. Storebrand ASA has a 1-year low of $7.53 and a 1-year high of $8.87. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $8.10 and a 200 day moving average price of $7.75. Get Storebrand ASA alerts: About Storebrand ASA (Get Free Report) Featured Articles Storebrand ASA, through its subsidiaries, primarily provides insurance products and services in Norway, the United States, Japan, and Sweden. The company operates through four segments: Savings, Insurance, Guaranteed Pension, and Other. The Savings segment offers retirement savings, defined contribution pensions, asset management, and retail banking products. Receive News & Ratings for Storebrand ASA Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Storebrand ASA and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TransDigm Group (NYSE:TDG Free Report) had its price objective lifted by Susquehanna from $820.00 to $850.00 in a research report released on Wednesday, MarketBeat Ratings reports. The firm currently has a neutral rating on the aerospace companys stock. TDG has been the subject of a number of other research reports. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective on shares of TransDigm Group from $725.00 to $840.00 in a report on Thursday, May 11th. Citigroup began coverage on TransDigm Group in a research report on Thursday, July 6th. They issued a buy rating and a $1,042.00 price target on the stock. Bank of America upped their target price on TransDigm Group from $890.00 to $980.00 in a report on Tuesday, May 16th. StockNews.com upgraded shares of TransDigm Group from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday, June 23rd. Finally, Truist Financial upped their price objective on shares of TransDigm Group from $870.00 to $1,044.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, July 21st. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $889.07. Get TransDigm Group alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on TDG TransDigm Group Trading Down 0.5 % Shares of NYSE TDG opened at $873.28 on Wednesday. The company has a market cap of $48.19 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 46.53, a PEG ratio of 1.63 and a beta of 1.38. TransDigm Group has a 12 month low of $499.63 and a 12 month high of $940.00. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $864.66 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $789.17. TransDigm Group (NYSE:TDG Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, August 8th. The aerospace company reported $7.25 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $5.87 by $1.38. TransDigm Group had a net margin of 18.41% and a negative return on equity of 39.57%. The business had revenue of $1.74 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.69 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $4.36 EPS. The firms revenue was up 24.7% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts predict that TransDigm Group will post 21.49 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Activity In related news, CEO Kevin M. Stein sold 11,833 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, June 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $798.13, for a total value of $9,444,272.29. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In related news, CEO Kevin M. Stein sold 11,833 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, June 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $798.13, for a total value of $9,444,272.29. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, Director W Nicholas Howley sold 3,250 shares of TransDigm Group stock in a transaction on Monday, May 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $800.76, for a total transaction of $2,602,470.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 21,548 shares in the company, valued at $17,254,776.48. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 59,852 shares of company stock worth $51,288,636 over the last three months. 7.18% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On TransDigm Group Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. FMR LLC boosted its stake in shares of TransDigm Group by 217.5% in the 1st quarter. FMR LLC now owns 1,340,675 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $988,145,000 after buying an additional 918,393 shares during the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. grew its stake in TransDigm Group by 567.9% in the 2nd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 758,088 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $677,860,000 after purchasing an additional 644,578 shares during the period. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD grew its stake in TransDigm Group by 128.1% in the 1st quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 818,757 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $603,465,000 after purchasing an additional 459,787 shares during the period. Capital World Investors raised its stake in shares of TransDigm Group by 17.9% during the 2nd quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 2,206,880 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $1,973,326,000 after purchasing an additional 335,334 shares during the period. Finally, Norges Bank bought a new stake in shares of TransDigm Group during the 4th quarter worth $180,823,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 95.10% of the companys stock. About TransDigm Group (Get Free Report) TransDigm Group Incorporated designs, produces, and supplies aircraft components in the United States and internationally. Its Power & Control segment offers mechanical/electro-mechanical actuators and controls, ignition systems and engine technology, specialized pumps and valves, power conditioning devices, specialized AC/DC electric motors and generators, batteries and chargers, databus and power controls, sensor products, switches and relay panels, hoists, winches and lifting devices, and cargo loading and handling systems. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for TransDigm Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TransDigm Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Alyssa West was on the move the moment her tiny feet touched the ground, her mother, Kim Bohaty remembered. For the rest of her life, she kept running, picking up speed in the wrong direction. Alyssa died of an opioid overdose May 22, 2022, in Grand Island. The pill was laced with fentanyl. She was 17. You essentially handed a loaded gun to somebody and said, Test it, Hall County District Court Judge Andrew Butler later told her accused drug seller. Youve hurt numerous people because of all this. Yourself, Ms. West and her family, your family. A lot of people know Alyssa. Shes the face on the fentanyl awareness billboard on South Locust Street. Shes smiling with a full face of makeup. Cosmetology was one of her passions. Still, eyelashes and all, its easy to tell shes just a kid. Fentanyl steals our families, the billboard states. Kim knows it. I feel like a lot of people don't understand how I feel, she said. And I feel like I should be getting better and I should just be OK by now. Alyssas troubles began at about age 12, Kim said, when she was molested. After the abuse, Alyssa started drinking a lot, her mother said. She just wasn't the same. Shed been in and out of a lot of different places ever since that happened, Kim said of her daughters frequent group home and treatment center stays. Before she died, Kim said I had begged her probation officer for a month and a half to send her to treatment. She had an ankle monitor on; she'd still run away. She wouldn't go to class. Kim said she was told they had to try other resources first. I said, I know my daughter. And I know if she doesn't get help now it's going to be worse, Kim said. Initially, Alyssas main source of official trouble was skipping classes, Kim said. The truancy troubles continued, especially after she was put on probation for her lack of attendance. ***** Emma Harris says she is alive today because of Alyssa. They met at a group home in Seward. We were roommates for about two and a half weeks. We tried to run away, so we had to be in split rooms, Emma said. Emma said of her friend: Some of our memories aren't positive memories. I almost overdosed and she saved my life. The two were separated after their escape attempt. Maybe it was fate, but Alyssa found her friend in the bathroom. At the time, I was really addicted, taking over-the-counter cough medicine, she remembered. It was easy to get, Emma said. After all, If you were locked up, it was kind of hard to get stuff. Emma got a hold of her drug of choice, and later found herself lying on the floor of the group homes bathroom. I wouldnt say I was overdosing, but I was really close. Alyssa went looking for her sister, Emma said. She knew I was high. Alyssa lifted her friend from the floor and splashed water in Emmas face. We ended up getting in trouble for being under the influence. Alyssa and her family helped Emma in other ways, including lending her clothes to wear and providing a place to stay. I called (Alyssa) my sister most of the time, because I really didn't have family that cared about me the way that she cared about me, Emma said. Accounts vary about what drugs Alyssa used. I feel like Alyssa was just kind of whatever, tried a little bit of everything, Emma said. She was experimental. Araceli Alvarez said she remembers her friends struggles. (Alyssa) had some rough patches, I mean, everyone (does), but I never thought that I would hear that she overdosed on pills, let alone fentanyl. Kim said she knows assumptions are being made. People think, oh, just another drug addict. Grand Island Police Department Investigator Brandon Kirkley said he followed the facts. I know on that day - on May 22, 2022, Alyssa ingested fentanyl, he said. Maybe that was her first time. I have no idea. It could have been. I know her friend, it wasn't her first time. There are a lot of misconceptions about addiction. Kirkley was the lead investigator for Alyssas case. A thing that a lot of people don't realize, including law enforcement, is that we don't learn. It's a chemical addiction, and you don't learn from that. You have to be treated for it, Kirkley, a former drug investigator, said. I know all that now, because I worked with drugs for seven years. My eyes were opened. Theyre not bad people," Kirkley said. "There's something else going on. Araceli said Alyssa knew she shouldnt be using drugs. Numerous sources, including Araceli, said Alyssa was trying to get back on track. She was trying to better herself, and learning from her mistakes, Araceli said. I think she's seen a lot. She didn't want to turn out like all these other people on drugs. She wanted better for her life. Emma said it all leaves her frustrated. Addiction is so weird, and I hate it so much. ***** Rumors abound as to why Alyssa West went to Paco Green for drugs. The girl with Alyssa that night knew Paco well and had a history, several sources said. Alyssas companion that night declined The Independents later request for an interview. A lot of the misconceptions and all this viral misinformation came out on social media, Kirkley said. They can afford to do all the guessing and come up with these theories, where we can't. We go by what the evidence says. What officials do know is that on May 22, 2022, emergency responders arrived at a home in the 1100 block of Evans Street in Grand Island, where they found an overdose victim and another young woman. Grand Island Fire Department responders at the scene noticed drug paraphernalia, according to Kirkley. (The Grand Island Police Departments) patrol division collected some evidence, Kirkley said. They more or less treated it kind of like a crime scene. This is typical when reporting to the scene of a drug overdose, Kirkley said. Alyssas companion that evening was cooperative, to a degree. She was a key witness. She never was a suspect, Kirkley said. I tried to tell her that so many times, listen, we just want to get to the bottom of this. You're not in any trouble. Thats because of Nebraskas Good Samaritan Law. It protects the person at the scene of an emergency if they make a good faith request for emergency medical services, remain on the scene until first responders arrive and cooperate with officials and EMS. Its so important for the people who are with the person who overdosed or even found the person who overdosed to provide information to law enforcement, Kirkley said. Whether or not (the individual with Alyssa) was truthful, nobody knew at the time yet, but she at least cooperated. Dr. Anthony Cook, emergency room medical director for CHI Health St. Francis, called the opioid high euphoric. Death is often a symptom of the overdose, Dr. Cook said. He explained that typically death comes from choking. Maybe on saliva, sometimes vomit. In a Snapchat conversation with another individual, Paco Green seemed flippant about the pills he sold Alyssa, saying: It was these news ones [pills] I got she shouldve know(n) the tolerance. She (is) stupid for that. ***** The handle Paco Green eventually identified as Daniel Cervantes, age 17 at the time of his arrest had been tossed around a lot on social media regarding opioid transactions, police found. When people don't talk to us with their mouths, we can at least figure out what's going on with their phones, Kirkley said. When a search warrant spurred in large part by Alyssas overdose at the separate location was served, evidence indicating drug sales and use were scattered about the Cervantess residence, Kirkley said. The house at 311 E. Sixth St. was condemned before the search warrant was fully executed by officers outfitted head to toe in Tyvek gear. It was gnarly, Kirkley recalled. According to court documents, law enforcement found 26 light blue pills, imprinted with M30, and the anti-opioid overdose medication Narcan in a desk. The Narcan was actually on top of the pills, Kirkley testified in court. I lifted up the Narcan and there were the pills. The pills, which appeared to be Percosets, tested positive for fentanyl. Police also found a package of roughly 35 grams of marijuana, digital scales, a drug ledger and two firearms. In court testimony, Kirkley noted a rifle was propped up in the corner of Cervantess bedroom and an AR-type rifle was on the floor. The bedroom was littered with burnt tin foil and straws. Thats how Grand Island juveniles tend to consume pills, Kirkley said in court. They smoke them by inhaling the vapors off the aluminum foils through some type of straws. In Mr. Cervantess case, he liked to use dollar bills. Cervantes had $700 in his pocket when he was taken into custody, according to court transcripts. Lowkey feel bad, Cervantes said in a different Snapchat exchange about the overdose death. They should know they [sic] limits by now. (I) Aint tripping, he said. ***** Through the fog of mourning, Kim said she feels pangs of self-consciousness. I hate it because I feel like no matter where I go, I see people whispering to each other like, oh, that's her. She's the mom of the girl that overdosed. I feel like people blame me, she said. Social media has been brutal. Kim rattles off several blame game favorites. Where was her mother? Why was she not watching her? She obviously needed better parenting, she said flatly. People don't realize, like, I did everything I could. I knew where Alyssa was going. I knew I could shut her phone off anytime. I had a camera in my house. Emma is incredulous. Alyssa was 17 years old. Two more years, she would have been out on her own. She wasn't 10. (Kim) can't hold her hand for the rest of her life. No. People were thinking Kim was a bad mom. She wasn't a bad mom. She literally gave Alyssa the world and more. Were kids. We go behind our parents backs. ***** Colette Evans, health projects manager for the Central District Health Department, said I think sometimes people just blow it off, maybe because it's just a drug user. It isnt, she says adamantly. This is a daughter, friend, sister. This is somebody who was loved deeply. We lack an awareness in our community. That girl could have been anybody's daughter, Evans said. I think about how much (Alyssas family has) been through. And then, for Kim to be willing to talk about this. One of the things that I stir around in my head so often is, we need to talk about it. Kim said she tries. I really feel like I'm the only one here in Grand Island that's posting about it and determined to try and fix it. It comes down to a lot of awareness, education, obviously certainly in the school starting at home, Dr. Cook said. Too often it takes something really bad happening before people pay attention. We have a lot more overdoses that the media doesn't even know about, Kirkley said. Dr. Cook says his ER sees about one overdose a day. He estimates 75% of them have been opioid-related. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data states there were 174 unintentional drug overdose deaths in Nebraska in 2021, the latest year with available data. The states drug overdose death rate was 9.4 per 100,000 total population, lowest in the country, but still higher than 2020, when the state had 160 overdoses for a rate of 8.6. Of the 174 in 2021, 106 were opioid-related. Over the past two years, we've really seen a spike in these overdose cases, Dr. Cook said. Right before COVID we started to see an increase and definitely a burst among adults. Now it's spread to the children. ***** Alyssas overdose was essentially Kirkleys first assignment as a general investigator, after working drug investigations in years prior. My boss basically said, Hey, welcome back to investigations. Here's your first case. It's a 17-year-olds overdose death and you're not working on anything else until you get this solved, Kirkley recalled. I breathed and lived Alyssa West. In November 2022, Cervantes was sentenced for possession of a firearm with two felony drug violations. Cervantes was not charged in connection with Alyssas death. Kirkley explained that in Nebraska, there is no legal avenue to hold drug dealers directly responsible for overdose deaths. Despite facing no charges for Alyssas death, Cervantess role was addressed during sentencing. There were more than 30 victim impact letters submitted to the court, the vast majority regarding Alyssas death. I am not going to read them all today in court, but I have read every single word that was written down, Butler said during sentencing. I dont know if youve read them all, the judge said to Cervantes. I hope youve read them all. Cervantes, by then 18 years old, received 3545 years for his charges. I knew hed get some time. But 35 to 45 years that's unheard of for a drug dealer, Kirkley said. I dont know if (Kim) understands how huge (that is). Some, including Emma, say thats not enough. I'm mad at the justice system it failed her once again. More teenage lives and once again, nothing is happening with a guy who just got drug charges, she said. There's no mechanism in the state of Nebraska to charge a drug dealer with manslaughter or murder or anything like that, and that was what a lot of Alyssas family wanted, Kirkley said. Emma said she is confused lost. I don't know. I really don't know who to blame anymore. So instead she tells Alyssas story. I love talking about her. I love telling about how great of a person she was. It's one of my favorite things to do now, honestly, like I just can't stop talking about it. It's probably not healthy, Emma said. At the same time, it's better because the first two months she passed away, I just shut completely down. I just isolated myself. Emma stopped using drugs after Alyssas death. I'm working again. I'm just trying to slowly build a future for myself, she said. Because I know that's what Alyssa would want. AURORA A ceremony Friday morning broke ground for a $20 million plant that will be built on the south side of Aurora, along Highway 14 and not far from Interstate 80.The Specialty Ag Formulations production facility, which will total 100,000 square feet, is a joint venture between a company called Brandt and Frenchman Valley Co-op, which is based in Imperial. The plant will produce agricultural nutrition, mostly foliar micronutrients that are applied over the top of cops, said Bill Engel, Brandts executive vice president. The product is primarily used on row crops, such as corn and soybeans, but also specialized crops, including fruit and vegetables. The Aurora plant will give Brandt better access to the Great Plains, said Rick Brandt, the companys president and CEO. Brandt, headquartered in Tampa, Fla., does business in 49 states and more than 80 countries. From Aurora, Brandts products will be distributed to about six states, said Rod Schroeder, one of Fridays speakers. He described the Aurora location as being in the western corn belt. Two years ago, Brandt opened a state-of-the-art production plant in Brazil. Rick Brandt has been assured the Aurora plant will be even better. The company currently has facilities in Avon Park, Fla., Pleasant Plains, Ill., Logan, Utah, and two California cities Fresno and Visalia. Brandt was formed in 1953 by Ricks father, G.B., and Ricks aunt, Evelyn. She will turn 100 on Aug. 25. G.B., who passed away in 2020, would have loved to see the Aurora plant, Rick said. He always enjoyed getting a plant tour, especially in his latter years, whenever he got the chance, Rick said. Referring to Aurora, Kelsey Bergen said opportunity grows here. She is the executive director of the Aurora Development Corp. Schroeder, a former Aurora resident, introduced the Brandt company to Aurora. He told the Aurora Development Corp. that Brandt is a longtime family business that is held in high esteem. He then told Brandt executives Aurora is great community in which to do business. You come here and you will be successful, Schroeder told the Brandt people. All the infrastructure is here. People are great. And because of that, this is going to be a win-win. Schroeder then got out out of the way, and let the deal come together. John Bender of Frenchman Valley thanked Schroeder, who now lives in Ashland, for bringing the parties together. He also thanked the Aurora Development Corp. for a job well done. When we came up here and did our tour, I didnt know if we were looking at sites or if they were trying to sell me a time share. But it was well done, Kelsey. And were here, Bender told Bergen. Bender became familiar with the Brandts about 10 years ago. They were a competitor of mine, said Bender, who says hes competitive himself. I dont like competitors. But I did like Brandt. They were a tough competitor because they were honest. Gov. Jim Pillen attended the groundbreaking. Another speaker was Sen. Loren Lippincott. The quarter section of land has been annexed into the city of Aurora. A soybean field stands not far from the groundbreaking site. Aurora leaders conducted a serious recruitment of the project partners, showing them the value of our site, Mayor Marlin Seeman said in an interview. Once they began to show an interest, all of the partners in our community began to focus on how to bring this soybean field to life as a building site, Seeman said. Aurora Development Corp. and the city played a major role. The county and the school district are also cheerleaders when a large project is a possibility, Seeman said. Seeman believes the operation will grow in the future and we believe they will be a partner with the ag industry thats already here. The plant will begin with 15 employees. The number will gradually increase to between 40 and 50, Engel said. Auroras current population is 4,678. Rick Brandt said he was excited to see the project come together and he promised that well be a good neighbor. Brandt is also looking forward to deepening our relationship with Frenchman Valley, he said. Jim Ediger, president of the Aurora Development Corp., said it took a lot of people to bring the project to Aurora. Some good connections were made and we always thought we had a great piece of property here. The area is full of farmers, so it makes sense for Specialty Ag Formulations to manufacture its products in Hamilton County, Ediger said. The proximity to Interstate 80 and Highway 14 made it a good location, Ediger said. No immediate decision was reached Friday in a lawsuit alleging that a political action committee defamed a Nebraska lawmaker by accusing her of grooming her transgender son. The first hearing in the case pitting the Nebraska Freedom Coalition against State Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha took place Friday, with Douglas County District Judge Todd Engleman considering the coalitions motion to dismiss the suit. Engleman took both sides arguments under advisement but did not issue a ruling. The initial complaint, filed by the Nebraska Legal Action Fund on behalf of Hunt, alleges that the coalition including members Patrick Peterson, Robert Anthony and Malia Shirley made intentional, reckless, and knowingly false statements about Hunt, claiming she sexually abused and groomed her 13-year-old son. The coalition made such claims on Twitter after Hunt shared that her son was transgender during a contentious debate over a bill that will restrict access to gender-affirming care for individuals under 19, Legislative Bill 574. Since then, the coalition has repeatedly called Hunt a groomer and posted photos of her child. Following the initial post, the Nebraska Legal Action Fund requested the coalition retract its statements, but the coalition doubled down in a post that was still pinned on its Twitter page as of Friday. The coalition later filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, in which they stated their intent to countersue if their motion is unsuccessful. Their attorney, Robert Sullivan, said Hunts case was fatally flawed. Sullivan said that while the coalition members dont deny making posts calling Hunt a groomer, that doesnt equate to accusing her of a crime. He argued the coalitions posts would reasonably be seen as an expression of opinion, not fact. Hunts lawyer, former State Sen. Adam Morfeld, said defamation can be an accusation of something that is generally considered a crime, even if no specific crime is alleged. Morfeld said grooming allegations are generally considered criminal. Morfeld noted that the coalition even posted a definition of the word grooming on Twitter and called it an act of abuse in referring to LB 574 opponents. By doing so, Morfeld said, the coalition implied Hunt was unfit to serve her current office, since most crimes categorized under grooming are felonies in Nebraska. Morfeld added that because of the coalitions posts, Hunt and her family have been subjected to harassment and threats of violence, many of which accused her of being a child abuser and a pedophile. Violence against children, especially sexual violence, is considered universally abhorrent in our society, Morfeld argued. To accuse (Hunt) of such behavior is to expose her to disgust, disdain, humiliation, and ostracization. Sullivan said the coalition was responding to Hunts arguments against LB 574 and was effectively expressing an opinion on a political issue, which is not considered defamation. He pointed to past cases in which the courts have affirmed that public debates ought to be unrestrained and sometimes sharp against public officials. As unpleasant and unfortunate as it is, political discussions often devolve into little more than childish tantrums, Sullivan wrote. Sullivan also described Hunts complaint as a thinly-disguised abuse of the litigation process for purposes of silencing citizen discussions on issues affecting the public well-being. But Morfeld said the coalition was the one trying to silence other views by intimidating Hunt and other LGBTQ+ advocates through accusations of grooming. Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of August 2023 Petrovietnam seeks sea survey license in August for electricity export to Singapore By Tri Duc Sat, August 12, 2023 | 9:42 am GTM+7 State-owned oil and gas group Petrovietnam wants authorities to grant a sea survey license to its technical arm PTSC this month for an offshore wind power project that will export electricity to Singapore. Petrovietnam CEO Le Manh Hung made the request at a Friday meeting with Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Le Minh Ngan. In February, PTSC and Sembcorp Utilities, under Singaporen conglomerate Sembcorp Industries, signed an agreement on supplying electricity directly to Singapore via undersea cable from a 2.3-GW offshore wind power project. PTSC proposed a sea survey of an area of 99,322 hectares, offshore the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau. In particular, it suggested that the sea survey license be granted before the scheduled August 27-29 Vietnam visit of Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong as part of events commemorating 50 years of Vietnam-Singapore partnership. PTSC CEO Le Manh Cuong (right), Petrovietnam CEO Le Manh Hung (center) at a meeting with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment in Hanoi, August 11, 2023. Photo courtesy of Petrotimes newspaper. Supporting the request, Deputy Minister Le Minh Ngan asked relevant agencies to cooperate with other ministries and agencies to draft and submit a report to the Prime Minister. Quang Tri province seeks to speed up major LNG power project By Minh Van Sat, August 12, 2023 | 11:50 am GTM+7 Quang Tri province, set to become a power hub in central Vietnam, has presented to the Ministry of Industry and Trade a series of proposals to accelerate the execution of its Hai Lang LNG-to-power project. Plans for the LNG power project were finalized under Vietnam's power development plan VIII in May. The investors are South Koreas state-run Korea Gas Corp. (Kogas), a major gas company in Asia, Hanwha Energy, Korea Southern Power (Kospo) and Vietnamese group T&T. Kogas has anticipated an annual revenue surpassing 1 trillion won ($766 million) if the project commences commercial operations by the end of 2028. An artists impression of Hai Lang LNG power project in Quang Tri province, central Vietnam. Photo courtesy of Quang Tri project management unit. The four-side consortium started technical work, not construction work, for the first phase of the $2.3-billion project in Hai Lang district in January 2022. However, site clearance for the project is yet to be completed, and a feasibility study is not available. The consortium has signed contracts with Vietnams Institute of Energy (the main consultant for the project) and global engineering company Tractebel (sub-consultant for the project) to prepare for a feasibility study and mechanical design for the first phase. Le Tien Dung, director of the provincial Department of Industry and Trade, updated this to Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien, who visited the province on Wednesday to scrutinize the significant project. Dung urged the ministry (MoIT) to direct state-run utility Vietnam Electricity (EVN) and National Power Transmission Corp. to support the consortium in connecting the project to the national grid. Quang Tri also asked the MoIT to provide specific guidance on building an LNG terminal in harmony with the countrys newly-approved scheme for the storage of oil and gas. Minister Dien asked the province to provide full support for the consortium as the project is of great significance. He told provincial officials to promptly remove obstacles facing site clearance and speed up administrative procedures, including environmental and other relevant issues. The minister requested the consortium to submit the feasibility study no later than this September so that construction can start in the third quarter of 2024. Kogas announced on June 23 that it had signed a memorandum of understanding on the same day with PV Power, a state-run power corporation in Vietnam, and domestic partner T&T Group. Under this partnership, the three sides plan to uncover opportunities in Vietnam's gas-to-power projects, LNG terminal-associated initiatives, and the hydrogen business. These initiatives aim to bolster Vietnam's long-term power development strategy. The gas-to-power business venture involves the supply and sale of electricity generated from combined heat and power systems that utilize natural gas as fuel. This expansive infrastructure project encompasses the procurement of LNG, the main raw material, and the development and operation of LNG terminals and power plants. With the MoU signed during South Korea President Suk Yeol's state visit to Vietnam, Kogas intends to spearhead additional gas-to-power initiatives in the country. Singapore firm to invest $100 mln in polymer packaging plant in northern Vietnam By Tri Duc Sat, August 12, 2023 | 3:30 pm GTM+7 Singaporean polymer food packaging firm Sunrise Material will invest $100 million to build a factory in Nam Dinh province near Hanoi. The Singaporean firm and Nam Dinh-based Dai Phong JSC, a local construction firm, signed an agreement for the project on Friday. Sunrise Material will lease 6.01 hectares of land in the My Thuan Industrial Park invested by Dai Phong JSC to build the factory. Executives of Singapore's Sunrise Material and Vietnam's Dai Phong JSC sign an agreement in Nam Dinh province, northern Vietnam, August 11, 2023. Photo courtesy of the companies. Construction of the project is set to begin in 2024, featuring sites for main production, post-production processing, product testing, warehouses, offices, and residential areas. The construction is set to take five years, with the first phase completed in 15 months. Upon full completion, the project will employ up to 600 people and reach an export revenue of $500 million and import expenditure of $200 million a year. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Sunrise Material CEO Song Jian Xin said the firm surveyed Russia, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam to find a suitable location. Nam Dinh was their first choice thanks to the strong support of provincial authorities and local businesses. Construction of the 158-hectare My Thuan Industrial Park was initiated in November 2021, with an investment of VND1.62 trillion ($68.2 million). The facility holds a strategic location next to national highways 21 and 21B, and 80 kilometers from Hanoi and 100 kilometers from the northern port city of Hai Phong. My Thuan Industrial Park is also a popular choice among foreign investors. A major investor is Quanta Computer, a supplier for Apple. In May, Nam Dinh granted an investment certificate for Quanta to build a $120 million factory, the giant's first in Vietnam and its ninth worldwide. The plant is set to manufacture 1.3 million laptop and desktop computers in 2024, 2.6 million in 2025, 3.6 million in 2026, four million in 2027, and 4.5 million in 2028. Another is Taiwan-based JiaWei. In June, JiaWei said it would invest $100 million in three projects in Nam Dinh. JiaWeis projects include a $80 million factory for manufacturing high-tech houseware covering 8.5 hectares; a $10 million printing facility on an area of 2.5 hectares; and a $10 million plant for producing carton boxes covering 3.3 hectares. VinaCapital sells small stake, no longer major shareholder in Quang Ngai Sugar By Trang Nguyen Sat, August 12, 2023 | 11:20 pm GTM+7 VinaCapital, a leading investment management firm company in Vietnam, has sold 200,000 QNS shares of Quang Ngai Sugar JSC to reduce its ownership from 5% to nearly 4.95%. The sell order was executed Tuesday by member fund Foremost Worldwide Limited. With this transaction, VinaCapital is no longer a major shareholder in Quang Ngai Sugar, owner of famous soy milk brand Fami in Vietnam. Fami brand soy milk products of Vinasoy, a subsidiary of Quang Ngai Sugar. Photo courtesy of the brand. VinaCapital sold QNS shares in the context of the stocks price increasing in a single circuit from the beginning of the year to the historic peak of VND54,000 ($2.27) per unit at the end of July. The QNS share closed Friday at VND48,000 per unit ($2.02), down 11% from the peak, but still up 43% since the beginning of 2023. The total number of QNS shares owned by the VinaCapital group as of July 6 was nearly 21.4 million, equivalent to 5.985%. Since then, the group has sold nearly 4 million QNS shares, collecting hundreds of billions of dong (VND1 billion = $42,000). Quang Ngai Sugar is the parent company of Vietnam Soy Milk Company (Vinasoy), the largest soy milk producer in Vietnam. Quang Ngai Sugar also many subsidiaries, factories and enterprises operating in different fields, including the Dung Quat brewery, Biscafun confectionery factory, Thach Bich mineral water factory, Sugarcane seed center, and factories related to sugar products like An Khe Sugar and Pho Phong Sugar. The company, listed on the unlisted public company market UPCoM as QNS, reported after-tax profits of nearly VND712 billion ($30 million) in the second quarter of this year, up 95% year-on-year; and net revenues of VND3.15 trillion ($133.14 million), up 43%. Quang Ngai Sugar has noted with the economy facing difficulties, purchasing power has not fully recovered. Consumption of dairy products, mineral water, beer and confectionery decreased over the same period last year. "The above results come from stable production and high growth in consumption of some products. Specifically, revenues from the sugar, electricity and malt segments increased by 151%, 39% and 14%, respectively," the company report said. It said Quang Ngai Sugar has focused on investing in developing raw material areas in the direction of industrial production, helping to increase productivity and quality of sugarcane. The state's trade remedies for sugar products and control of smuggled sugar have helped boost the efficiency of sugar production. In the first six months of this year, Quang Ngai Sugar posted net revenues of VND5.28 trillion ($223 million) and after-tax profits of VND1.03 trillion ($43.4 million), up 31% and 90% year-on-year, respectively. In its revenue structure, sugar products reached nearly VND2.22 trillion ($93.77 million), accounting for 43% of the total revenue, followed by the soy milk segment with VND1.98 trillion ($83.55 million) at 38%. For 2023, Quang Ngai Sugar has set a revenue target of VND8.4 trillion ($354.8 million) and an after-tax profit target of over VND1 trillion ($42.6 million). The curtain has closed on The Maestros time at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, but he has promised an annual encore. Ed Benyas, professor of oboe in the SIU School of Music who also has served as director of the Southern Illinois Symphony Orchestra and artistic director of the annual Southern Illinois Music Festival, has retired from the university and accepted a position as executive director of the Cascade Symphony Orchestra in suburban Seattle. Benyas, who had been at SIU for nearly 30 years said his new role will be administrative and not include any conducting, however, he said that he will continue annual roles as conductor of an orchestral event in St. Louis as well as in France. Additionally, he will continue to serve as the head of the popular Southern Illinois Music Festival. Thats in my contract that I can continue to organize and run the music festival. That is perhaps my most creative work, Benyas told The Southern in a telephone interview from his new home in South Snohomish County, Washington. He said the move to the Pacific Northwest was one that he and his wife had been considering for some time. Kara and I are very excited to begin the next chapter of our lives in the Pacific Northwest, an area where we have long aspired to live, Benyas said. He said the region is closer to family members including one daughter now attending Stanford University and is near a major airport that makes visits with the couples other daughter easier. She is a student at Columbia. Additionally, he said the region will offer more opportunities for Kara, a concert pianist. The all-volunteer Cascade Symphony Orchestra has more than 75 members, he said. Benyass role with the orchestra will be administrative. Professor Benyas has an impressive musical and business background, and I am very much looking forward to working with him to continue building the orchestra and bringing more beautiful music to our community, Michale Miropolsky, Cascade Symphonys musical director and conductor, told myedmondsnews.com. Benyas said he is looking forward to remaining a part of orchestral music in Southern Illinois through the annual music festival and is grateful for his time at SIU. SIU has been a great experience for me. I would not have had this opportunity if it were not for my experiences at SIU, he said. Close The very first concert in the SIU Arena (now Banterra Center) was part of SIU Homecoming celebrations in October 1964 and featured the Dave Brubeck Quartet. Simon and Garfunkel performed at the SIU Arena in 1969. A 1971 performance at the SIU Arena featured Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash, The Statler Brothers and Carl Perkins. Rock Supergroup Chicago appeared at the SIU Arena in 1971. Grateful Dead appeared at the SIU Arena in 1979 A 1974 SIU Arena concert featured pop duo Sonny and Cher. The "King of Rock and Roll" performed in front of a sold-out audience at the SIU Arena on Oct. 27, 1976. ZZ Top in concert at SIU Arena, 1980 Country superstar Garth Brooks sold out three concerts at the SIU Arena in October 1996. Elton John performed at the then-named SIU Arena in 1999. Rock group KISS has performed at the Banterra Center at SIU twice, including this performance in 2000. James Taylor performed at the Banterra Center (then SIU Arena) in 2002. The SIU Arena welcomed performers The Blue Man Group in 2007. Kenny Rogers performed at the SIU Arena in 2011. PHOTOS | A look back at past performances in the SIU Arena/Banterra Center The very first concert in the SIU Arena (now Banterra Center) was part of SIU Homecoming celebrations in October 1964 and featured the Dave Brubeck Quartet. Simon and Garfunkel performed at the SIU Arena in 1969. A 1971 performance at the SIU Arena featured Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash, The Statler Brothers and Carl Perkins. Rock Supergroup Chicago appeared at the SIU Arena in 1971. Grateful Dead appeared at the SIU Arena in 1979 A 1974 SIU Arena concert featured pop duo Sonny and Cher. The "King of Rock and Roll" performed in front of a sold-out audience at the SIU Arena on Oct. 27, 1976. ZZ Top in concert at SIU Arena, 1980 Country superstar Garth Brooks sold out three concerts at the SIU Arena in October 1996. Elton John performed at the then-named SIU Arena in 1999. Rock group KISS has performed at the Banterra Center at SIU twice, including this performance in 2000. James Taylor performed at the Banterra Center (then SIU Arena) in 2002. The SIU Arena welcomed performers The Blue Man Group in 2007. Kenny Rogers performed at the SIU Arena in 2011. A Christian academy in Orangeburg is the result of much thought and prayer. Wesfield Academy, located at 5261 Columbia Road, is led by head of school Renee Bozard, who began the school in 2019. I felt that there was a better way to teach children than just a traditional way of a classroom. I really was intrigued by a digital classroom. I started immediately looking for a digital platform, and we found that. Its all weve ever used, and we love it, Bozard said. She has experience as a homeschooler and also taught high school and fifth grade at Orangeburg Christian Academy before retiring from there to start Wesfield Academy. The school serves grades 3-12. It currently has three teachers and 20 students, along with a special education room. That was in my heart as well because a lot of private schools dont offer special education services. We only have two children in that room right now, but they get a designated teacher to help them with what they need to get help with, Bozard said. The school is accredited through the S.C. Independent Schools Association. The academy uses the Ignitia curriculum, which is built exclusively for Christian schools with a versatile, online Christian curriculum and learning management system. It includes not just academics, but Bible-based lessons. The school does not offer any sports. The digital classroom allows us to have that child learn independently at their own pace. The curriculum is designed so that it teaches lessons in all three modalities. A child who learns auditorily can have it played to them, Bozard said. She continued, For a child who is visual, the software is really exciting with a lot of videos and that kind of thing. Then it's very project-based. You do have kids who are very tactile learners. They're able to learn that same concept. So it's presented in all three ways in one lesson. Teachers are able to go in and reteach lessons that a student may not have understood. They will get a second try on the lesson. Not on the quizzes or tests, but on that part so that we're sure that they have it before we move them on, she said. The school will be graduating its first class in May 2024. Right now its just two sweet girls, but we are super excited about that because this will be our very first graduation ceremony, she said. The school operates on a Monday through Thursday school week, with Fridays serving as a virtual learning day. Its very versatile that way, and we dont have homework unless that student needs extra help in something. Then sometimes theyll count their Fridays as a homework day just because they may have something that they need to get caught up on, or whatever, Bozard said. Students are also able to choose their own electives. We do all of the core subjects that South Carolina requires for a diploma, but the nice thing about it is the software allows us technical tracks and career-oriented tracks. Theres career tracks for construction, nursing, business, finance, architecture, foreign language study, she said. Credit recovery is available to help students succeed. What happens is if I put any subject in a credit recovery mode and I just do that with the click of a button then when a lesson comes up, that child will be given a pretest. So they take that pretest and based on what they got wrong or right, the computer will only assign the lesson that they need to redo in order to get that credit, Bozard said. The annual cost to attend the school is $3,350, which includes technology and testing fees. The tuition is $300 a month. We just had our first tuition increase this year because I wanted to keep it as low as I could, Bozard said. The school is run by a three-member board, and a fourth member is being sought. We had a lot of loss over this last year. One of our board members passed, just a lot of hits. ... Were a family here. So it wasnt just me going through, it was our staff, as well, Bozard said. She remains focused on the mission: What I felt was a focus on family. I wanted children to be able to learn in their own learning style at their own pace. I wanted to be sure that we were addressing the entire student, rather than just education. Where are they spiritually? Not every child that comes to a Christian school is a Christian and no matter what that child might believe, what the family might believe, were not going to work against that, but we can still help that child build their character, she said. For more information on Wesfield, call 803-206-9860, email reneebozard@wesfieldacademy.com or visit online at wesfieldacademy.com. The Cecil Williams South Carolina Civil Rights Museum will host a conversation and book signing with Joseph McGill and Herb Frazier at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, at the museum. Joseph McGill is founder and executive director of The Slave Dwelling Project, a nonprofit with a five-part mission that includes providing education about the intertwined history of Americans of African and European origins; preserving slave dwellings and having dialogue about the legacies of slavery. Their work includes engaging people in honest conversations about slavery, race and racial equity in search of improved racial relations. Herb Frazier is a distinguished journalist and author. They are the co-authors of the recently released book and audio entitled Sleeping with the Ancestors: How I Followed the Footprints of Slavery. This program is supported by South Carolina Humanities, a not-for-profit organization inspiring, engaging and enriching South Carolinians with programs on literature, history, culture and heritage. SC Humanities receives funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Admission to this event is free; however advance registration is required. To attend, register at cecilwilliams.com/events or call 803-531-1662. The museum is located at 1865 Lake Drive in Orangeburg. The Cecil Williams South Carolina Civil Rights Museum is a nonprofit dedicated to preserving and honoring South Carolinas civil rights history and the heroes that helped shape American history. For more information, call 803-531-1662 or email info@sccivilrightsmuseum.org. The Wyoming Supreme Court ruled that people have a right to obtain settlement agreement records involving government entities because it is a document about the use of public funds. In other words, the public deserves to know how their government is spending money because those funds are often, in part, collected through peoples taxes. When city or state governments settle, or make payouts, to others, there is a formal contract written. These settlement agreements fall under the definition of a public record and is subject to production under the Wyoming Public Records Act, the ruling states. In this case, Jessica Gates appealed the Converse County District Courts refusal to order a local hospital to produce documents without a protective order. She requested Memorial Hospital of Converse County provide her with copies of settlement agreements, which disclosed payouts from the medical facility to patients, the ruling states. Gates and her husband filed a malpractice lawsuit against Memorial Hospital of Converse County, which is why she wanted them, the ruling states. She requested all medical malpractice claims filed against the hospital and all documents pertaining to payments made for medical malpractice claims. The hospital informed Gates it would not be producing several agreements claiming they didnt qualify as records required to be produced and the settlements included confidentiality provisions, the ruling states. There are many examples of governments reaching confidential settlement agreements. It happens around Wyoming frequently. Last year, Debra Hinkel, the mother of Robbie Ramirez, reached a settlement with Albany County after her son was shot to death by a sheriffs office deputy in Laramie. Last month, the City of Casper reached a settlement with Linda Lennen after her son, Douglas Oneyear, was killed by two police officers. Neither settlement was made public. When Gates could not resolve her disagreement with the hospital, she asked the district court to compel Memorial Hospital of Converse County to produce the records, the ruling states. The Wyoming Public Records Act does not contain a provision that permits a government entity to selectively limit production of all agreements and contracts by identifying some as confidential, Gates argued. Carbon County District Court found confidentiality clauses are not considered privileged or confidential by law, and it could order the disclosure of information protected by confidentially clause when necessary and appropriate, the ruling states. A confidentiality clause does not render a record exempt from public disclosure. [T]he public had a vital interest in information of this nature. Memorial Hospital of Converse County eventually produced settlement agreements, but only under the stipulation of a protective order, the ruling states. It limited the use of the documents, restricted the individuals to whom the documents could be shared and required the documents be returned or destroyed. Gates believed the hospital did not present a shred of evidence or argument...that disclosure would cause substantial injury to the public interest, the ruling states. The states highest court agreed that the hospital should have been ordered to produce these documents, the ruling states. Its a public agency making dealings with public funds, and any privacy concerns can be addressed with simple redactions. And once members of the public legally obtain records they are entitled to, they cant be told how to use them, the ruling states. The information contained in public records...belong to the citizens of Wyoming to do with as they choose, the ruling states. [I]f the information is subject to disclosure, it belongs to all. Due to this, the Wyoming Supreme Court decided the district court was wrong when it decided the public wasnt entitled to settlement agreements, in part, on the basis of confidentiality clauses. The district court also lacks inherent power to tell people what they can and cannot do with public information. In America, individuals are able to obtain records to know what their government is up to, the Supreme Court of the United States explained. Its a crucial part of national and state law, and the intentions behind it and the consequences of it shouldnt be dismissed, they said. It defines a real democracy, the U.S. Supreme Court said. 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. Several Government and Opposition MPs listed their lands and properties on Form B of their declaration forms to the Integrity Commission, a search by the Sunday Express has found. There has been controversy over Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowleys non-declaration of his Inez Gate, Tobago, townhouse on Form B of his declaration filed for 2019 to the Integrity Commission. So, I love tasting and, in fact, it is my truest form of eating. I am the kind of person who would be the first to try when something new comes out. A new twist of an existing product, a new type of snack, a new-flavour Shandy or mixed drink, a new fruit, a new meal combination. I have even tasted baby food, which I actually like, either at home before giving to said babies or when I see a new flavour combination. The fruit ones are usually great. The actual food ones are bland, and the ones where bananas are mixed in overwhelm everything and there is only the taste of banana. Question: How can I be prepared for the unexpected at home? Answer: It is hard to plan for the truly unknown. We tend to not think about any disaster happening to us. We tend to believe that is something that happens to someone else. Well, disasters do happen, and we need to be prepared. Some common ways to be ready for the unexpected would be: Gathering supplies for a power outage including flashlights and candles. Placing fire extinguishers in the kitchen and garage Setting water leak detectors under the sinks and next to the washing machine. Q: Where should I turn when a disaster happens to my home? A: When something destroys all or part of our home, such as a water line breaking and flooding the house, a tree falling through the roof, or a fire destroying the kitchen, we ask, what do we do? When calamities hit, restoration companies are qualified to put our homes back together. As much as we dont like to think about it, we need to know how to be ready to ask for help when needed. Challenging situations require a company specializing in restoration. Jim Kowalski of Kowalski Construction, Inc., a Rosie on the House certified partner, says that most people are under the impression that their insurance company controls the process. While the insurance company can lead you through the recovery process, you, as the homeowner, have the right to contact the restoration company of your choice to start the mitigation and repair process. No matter what trouble befalls you, the first step is to stop the damage from getting worse. This could mean turning the water to the house off or keeping the rain out to prevent more damage. You can choose the company to engage in this first step. Once the company has been selected, it will secure the site from further damage. There are so many possibilities here that choosing a company with diverse experience would be wise. Securing the premises can involve boarding up the structure from entry or removing a tree from the roof and tarping the opening. This initial step of securing your property is critical. The next step typically involves your insurance company. Kowalski says a qualified restoration company can engage the insurance company on your behalf. That is quite helpful as insurance claims can be complicated and often involve detailed descriptions that some people may need help understanding. After securing the property, an investigation will determine the cause of the damage. If a water line is broken, why did it break? The insurance company will work with the restoration company to assist in the investigation and document the damage in great detail. The restoration company you choose should know how to document the damage using the same forms and nomenclature as the insurance company. The company you choose should work with the insurance company to ensure all the details are covered. This attention to detail ensures you get the maximum benefit to help replace your loss. The insurance company may send an adjuster to determine the damage and how much the insurance company will pay. Having a well-educated restoration company on your side makes this process much easier. Next comes the rebuild portion. Negotiations between you and the insurance company can be very one-sided. In addition, you may not be familiar with all the terminology. A good restoration company will know if the itemized costs the insurance company presents are, in fact, sufficient to complete the work. Insurance companies have standard pricing for every aspect of your restoration and reconstruction. The company you select should know these and be prepared to negotiate. Once the cost to repair or rebuild your home has been agreed upon, you are ready to have the work done and start getting back to some sense of normalcy. Q: How should I select a construction and restoration company? A: Kowalski suggests hiring a contractor with considerable experience working with insurance companies. Many insurance companies will attempt to push their favored contracting companies. This is not always a bad thing, but you want to be sure the company on your project has experience they can put to work for you. If you start with an internet search, do your homework. The How to Choose A Contractor Guide is a helpful tool. Find it at tucne.ws/1mek. Visit the Arizona Registrar of Contractors website, roc.az.gov. Find out how long the company has been in business and whether they are licensed, bonded and insured. Do they have any complaints? If so, how were they resolved? Then call the company. Does the person answering the phone take five minutes to ask about your project? Ask them if they have worked with your insurance company or agent. Do they give references from previous customers? If so, check those out, too. Do your due diligence as you would with any company. A restoration company that knows how to work with the insurance company can serve as your liaison and save you a lot of stress. A woman says she fatally shot a man Friday afternoon as he tried to break in to her home in a rural area southwest of Tucson, the Pima County Sheriff's Department said in a news release. The unidentified woman told authorities that she was alone in the home south of Three Points, about 2 p.m. when a man tried to break in, the release said. The woman grabbed a gun and fired through a window in an attempt to scare the male away, the release said. The man continued to try to get into the home and the woman says she fired again, striking the man. Deputies tried to save the man but he was declared dead at the scene. The unidentified woman was not hurt and she is cooperating with the ongoing investigation, the release said. When Ivo Ortiz moved out of the Spanish Trail Suites early this month, he left behind a contested property, one that symbolizes the struggle over South Tucsons future. The Spanish Trail is a bottom-end apartment complex where South Fourth Avenue meets Interstate 10. Decades back, the apartments were a motel, part of the broader Spanish Trail complex that included a stylish restaurant, nightclub and pool. That part long ago crumbled, leaving an eyesore along the interstate, but the apartments live on as first-rung housing for people climbing out of homelessness, or last-rung housing for those sinking toward it. Drug-dealing and prostitution are common, residents told me, and police calls are frequent. You call the cops and all they do is drive by, look and leave, Ortiz said. I dont even call them anymore. Its futile. As to the complex, They ought to raze it and bill him, Ortiz said of the owner, Brian Bowers. In fact, the city of South Tucson is considering taking legal action. One idea is to pursue an injunction that would force Bowers and his wife Margeaux to deal better with the criminal problem at that property and another they own nearby, the South 6th Avenue Suites. The other idea is to pursue a legal action that declares the apartments blighted properties and allows for their redevelopment. The council didnt make a decision when given these options by their attorney July 18. But the bigger question is a constant one these days in South Tucson, a square-mile city with maybe 5,000 residents and a budget of just $11 million: Should they seek development, or should they try to sustain the citys low-end housing for existing, mostly low-income residents? Three of the seven council members won election last year on a platform of resisting feared gentrification and displacement of long-time residents by newcomers and developers. But they are a minority bloc, with most council decisions favoring the other four. Resisting development could keep revenues down in the cash-starved city, with a few, low-paid police officers and bare-bones services. And it wouldnt necessarily stop the bigger market forces from driving up housing prices beyond what people can afford. Even at the low-end Spanish Trail, the price for renting a small studio apartment is $800 per month. Focus on affordability The three new council members Brian Flagg, Roxanna Valenzuela and Cesar Aguirre also work for Casa Maria, the longtime charity for the poor that straddles the South Tucson-Tucson border. Their joint campaign focused on keeping housing affordable and preserving the culture of the town, with its Mexican and indigenous roots. The threats, as they saw them, were outside homebuyers coming and flipping properties, making them unaffordable, or developers putting up projects that also drive up prices and change the local culture. A lot of developers are trying to come in here, trying to make a quick buck displacing people, Valenzuela told me. A lot of these investors from out of town buy all these lots and park their money there. Or they buy vacant units and hold them or flip them. The idea theyre trying to implement, both at Casa Maria and on the City Council, is to grow the town from the bottom up, by taking care of its residents housing needs first. In their day jobs with Casa Maria, they have successfully raised money to buy three old motor courts in South Tucson, with plans to bring them up to habitable condition and rent them out to lower-income people. Theyre pursuing a fourth. The problem is, the city has little money to take care of the residents, because it is dependent on scant sales-tax revenue. Thats the reality Mayor Paul Diaz thinks about when he considers peoples ideas for South Tucson. Hes a member of the councils four-member majority and has little interest in new apartment complexes or other new housing developments. Those concepts are not for us, he told me, seated in a booth at Michas Restaurant, a South Fourth Avenue landmark. Our lives depend on sales tax in South Tucson. Greyhound Park opportunity The different visions for the city often come to rest on a key property at South Fourth Avenue and East 36th Street. Thats where Tucson Greyhound Park sits abandoned, with a large parking lot next to it about 17 total acres. Those, like Valenzuela, who favor more housing in the city imagine more housing there. Those, like Diaz, who favor more retail businesses imagine events and food trucks something that brings in tax money. The owner, Equilibrium Properties, hasnt decided what to do with the property purchased last year for $9 million. The thing I can tell you is there are a lot of ideas weve pored over. At this point, our main focus is to get the main building operational, managing partner Sofonias Astatke said. Our biggest goal is to get it operational, then work through how we can make it useful and a solid space. In other words, at this point theres no real movement toward using the property that became vacant in 2022, six years after greyhound racing ended. You can see why. It could be hard to raise the financing for a big, splashy investment that would make a developer money, and theres no political will for such a project anyway. Morgan Abraham, whose company sold the Spanish Trail Suites to Bowers in 2020, told me big development interest is unlikely. Youre not seeing a lot of developers or capital wanting to go to that city, he said. Its really challenging working with that mayor and council, and then the services are lacking. Give something back Its possible that the difficulty of doing any significant project in South Tucson puts its own brake on gentrification pressures. That doesnt mean housing prices wont go up, but it wont be due to splashy new apartment complexes like the ones on North Fourth Avenue, near West Congress Street, or in downtown Tucson. We arent against development we invite development, Valenzuela said. What were asking is that the people who come in give something back. Her idea is to use community-benefit agreements or other conditions that ensure South Tucson residents get jobs or other benefits from projects, or that city services are better funded. In the meantime, the city is left to wrestle with relatively minor opportunities, like the future of the Spanish Trail. Bowers, the owner, told me he was never even made aware by the city that they were discussing taking action against him, possibly even pursuing seizing the property. The way I see it were helping a lot of people down there, Bowers said. Were trying to protect the residents the best we can, keeping people off the property that dont belong. He also found it unfair that Flagg, Valenzuela and Aguirre are working against him on the council while also getting into the affordable-housing business themselves at Casa Maria. But Valenzuela sees their dual roles as a benefit. The council is just something else that we do, she said. Were activists. Were trying to do things right for the poor people of South Tucson. But there is power in the city. We want to tap into that, into all those resources, and give back. Maybe that will mean that the Spanish Trail gets cleaned up thats about the scale of achievement that South Tucson seems capable of. And it would be meaningful for those living there. Affordable housing does not mean living with indignity, the former resident, Ortiz, texted me after I visited his apartment. By then he had moved out of the little square-mile city and across the border into a nicer four-plex in Tucson. University of Arizona students will return to campus this month to find security upgrades, like doors that can be locked automatically, and improved mental health services, officials say. The upgrades follow the shooting death of Thomas Meixner, a UA professor shot and killed on campus in October. His alleged killer is a former, disgruntled student. They are part of several recommendations made by the PAX Group, LLC, the crisis management consulting firm the UA used to investigate factors in the professors shooting. The report was released March 27. PAX gave the University 33 suggestions to improve safety. But Steve Patterson, vice president and chief safety officer of the UAs public safety office, says theyve grown that to over 200 tasks, plans and safety related items that were going through. The toughest pill to swallow is that a professor was murdered, by a student, basically on UAPDs watch, said UAPD interim police chief Chris Olson. Moving forward, a lot of these changes are a great way to provide higher-level service and honor Dr. Meixners legacy by working extremely hard to make sure this never happens again. About 75% of classrooms on campus now have new door locks installed and all-hazards posters displayed in buildings that tell people what to do in various emergencies. Campus buildings will remain open as theyve always been when classes resume Aug. 21, but exterior doors can now be locked at the push of a button in the event of an emergency, Patterson says. Classrooms also can now be locked from the inside as well. New posters, which will be displayed in every classroom, will provide individuals with vital information and will also display what individuals should do in the event of a bomb threat, chemical spill or utility emergency, among other emergencies. The UA also updated more than 170 building emergency plans, which will only be made available to students and faculty with a registered university account, called NetID. Since the creation of the Office of Public Safety in May, upgrades have been made throughout the summer at a cost of millions. Patterson says that the school is still about 18 months away from completion. This work has been going on for years, he said. Additionally, the University formed the Campus Safety Commission in May, announced work to bolster their Threat Assessment Management Team in April and a mobile crisis team that was announced in May as well. The campus community was very supportive of the work the PAX Group did and by-and-large very supportive of the changes weve made, said Patterson. Weve been actively engaged with the campus community I would say in general the campus community has been very positive on the changes weve made. UAPD has also created a mental health support team as part of a regional partnership with Tucson Police Department, Oro Valley Police Department as well as Pima County Sheriffs Department. It first starts as an investigative assisting tool, where when we get referrals or calls and we begin investigations into concerning behavior . . . that we actually try and find the root cause of the behavior, said Olson. The mental health support team officer helps us to analyze and understand the different types of conduct were seeing. In addition to agency training, campus administration and faculty have had their own throughout the summer, including walkthroughs and table-top exercises. Patterson and Olson say they believe the campus is as safe as ever. If you look at the PAX report it actually demonstrates the University of Arizona campus is comparatively safe to other places ... It does indicate the over the last couple years theres been a slight increase in certain crimes, said Olson. Just telling (students) its going to be safe, I dont think does enough. We have to demonstrate that ... they need to see our officers out there, not just in cars but out on foot, walking around, talking, engaging with the students. There certainly is a renewed sense of awareness on safety, not to say the university didnt in the past, but we certainly are refreshing some areas post-COVID where we need to refocus on, certainly on the physical side but the awareness piece, as well, said Patterson. University of Arizona is a very safe place to be, doesnt mean that there arent potentially dangerous situations that do occur and thats why weve had these mechanisms in place to ensure that the campus stays safe. Howard Fischer Capitol Media Services PHOENIX Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs is declaring a heat state of emergency but only of three of Arizonas 15 counties. The declaration issued Friday for Maricopa, Pinal and Coconino counties is based on the National Weather Service issuing excessive heat warnings there for 30 consecutive days. That provided a legal basis for Hobbs to decide the situation had reached emergency levels. The declaration frees up $200,000 that can be used to reimburse local government agencies in those counties for additional costs they have incurred between June 30 and July 30 related to the heat. The rest of the state isnt being entirely left out. Hobbs issued a separate executive order Friday requiring various state agencies to develop plans for future excessive heat situations. Most of that involves coming up with proposals and programs that wont be ready for months, however. For example, the Governors Office of Resiliency is charged with developing an extreme heat response plan by March, one designed to ensure the state is prepared to respond to, and recover from, extreme heat in future years. The same agency is supposed to propose changes in state law designed to protect the elderly, children, medically vulnerable and other affected communities from extreme heat. Hobbs is providing the agency with $13.3 million of federal dollars to prevent power outages and improve the resilience of the grid across the state. The state health director has been told to come up with a plan to allocate resources to respond to extreme heat, ranging from emergency room use and heat-related workplace incidents to morgue capacity and distribution of cooling and heat-relief centers. Hobbs executive order includes opening two new cooling centers near the Capitol in Phoenix where many homeless people gather, one in an existing office building and another in a cooled storage container specially equipped to provide short-term heat relief. Neither, however, will be open on a 24-hour basis. Local officials in the three counties under the emergency declaration praised the move. This has been a brutally hot summer so far in Pinal County, said Supervisor Jeffrey McClure in a prepared statement released by the Governors Office. We welcome any support that the governor and the state can offer that can help provide relief to our residents. In Maricopa County, Robert Rowley, director of its division of emergency management, said the countys Human Services Department has been providing additional funds for cooling and respite centers. It also has been spending money in home and air conditioner repair for those who cannot afford it. Patrice Horstman, who chairs the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, said temperatures at the bottom of the Grand Canyon this summer sometimes topped 115, contributing to multiple heat-related hiker deaths and injuries in July. Horstman said the record heat in her county also took a toll on our unsheltered population. According to the National Weather Service, the general rule of thumb for an excessive heat warning is when the maximum heat index temperature what it feels like for the human body is expected to be 105 degrees or higher for at least two days, and nighttime air temperatures will not drop below 75 degrees. Resource Management 101 Now, let me make sure I have this right: The Saudis own thousands of acres in Arizona where they pump millions of gallons of our precious water per day to irrigate alfalfa crops that they bale up and send to Saudi Arabia to feed their cattle. They pay nothing for our water. Meanwhile, they pump their oil and sell it to us, charging whatever the market will bear. Am I missing something here? Gerard Ervin Northeast side Heartwarming It's heartwarming to read letters to the editor from lifelong Republicans saying the Republican Party today doesn't stand for what they believe in and have supported all their life thus they have changed parties. It makes this writer believe our country has a chance to survive as a democracy. Jim Dreis East side Congress shifting? Re: the Aug. 5 letter "Congress hard right and hard left." I think the writer misinterpreted the CPAC ratings. I believe that CPAC has moved more towards the right resulting in less Republicans agreeing with their conservative values and more Democrats disagreeing. Maybe he should read Yeats The Second Coming the centre cannot hold what rough beast slouches toward Bethlehem to be born? Marc Goldfeder Foothills Chris Christie is GOP best bet I am a registered Democrat. I have crossed party lines based on the attributes of individual candidates. I voted for John McCain every time he ran. I heard Chris Christie speak on a morning news show. He said he knew Trump before he was president and backed him as the Republican nominee, and backed him as president. He said after four years of Trump he stopped supporting him and will never support him under any circumstances. I might cross party lines for him because he clearly stated that his support of Trump turned out to be a mistake. He is a Republican who has the integrity to face the truth and say his support of Trump was a mistake. I wish more Republicans could admit that Trump is a mistake, and move on with a rational choice for president. The GOP is better than Trump as a presidential candidate. Richard Bechtold West side School vouchers Numerous submissions have claimed that the Arizona school voucher program is only utilized by the rich to send their kids to private schools. I do not believe this is correct. Many parents of every income level, observing that their public schools are graduating illiterate dunderheads, utilize the voucher system to ensure their children receive a proper, comprehensive education. Opponents of vouchers claim that public schools are failing because they are not receiving enough money. Possibly, they are failing because they have abandoned teaching methods that historically have proven successful for the vast majority of students, and are instead focusing on feelings. Until public schools focus single mindedly and unconditionally on getting the vast majority of their students proficient in reading, writing, and math by the 6th grade, vouchers will be popular. Mississippi elementary students are now testing in reading at the top level when compared to others in United States. I suggest that all review the methods and success that the Mississippi program has had. Loyal M. Johnson Jr. Oro Valley Grandparents, the gift of wisdom I believe that grandparents offer a wealth of wisdom to their grandchildren, drawn from their own experiences and observations of life. Since I have 13 grandchildren, I have tried to instill the importance of family tradition and relationships. I have tried to instill the importance of respecting their elders, being kind to others, and the value of hard work and perseverance. I have tried to teach my grandchildren about setting goals, and never giving up on their dreams, and to appreciate the simple things in life. The importance of giving back to others, of helping others and making a difference in the world. I have tried to give them a sense of stability, love, and support. Grandparents can be a safe place for grandchildren to talk about their problems, and they can offer guidance and advice. The wisdom that grandparents offer is invaluable to grandchildren. They can help them to navigate the challenges of life, to build strong relationships and teach them to live a happy and fulfilling life. Tom McGorray Northwest side Support legislation to compensate for radiation exposure pending in Congress Entry into the Nuclear Age began 78 years ago, first at Alamogordo, New Mexico, then with atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki Aug. 6 and 9. Legislation in Congress can extend and expand RECA [Radiation Exposure Compensation Act] to cover more of the 500,000 down-winders affected by the initial test, as well as veterans, soldiers, and other radiation victims. Arizona Sens. Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema and Rep. Raul Grijalva co-sponsored the 2023 bills. The Senate has passed bipartisan legislation. Please urge Rep. Juan Ciscomani to support expanded coverage. We of St. Michael & All Angels Social Action Committee have written letters. One of the young soldiers exposed without protection at Alamogordo, years later a parishioner at St. Michaels, told us, We couldnt see the mushroom cloud. We were under the cloud. He died of cancer. His ashes are buried in the church yard. A Church display reminds of one dying childs response to vast suffering. You can see 1,000 origami paper Peace Cranes on the Corpus Christi altar. Ila Abernathy Midtown LEDs Re: the Aug. 8 article "Out Like A Light." I do not like laws that dictate how we live our lives, but I do like LED lighting. If you replace an incandescent bulb with an LED that provides the same light, it takes only about five to 10 days to pay for it. I assumed $3 for the LED, $0.15 per kWh for the electricity and that the LED is 90% more efficient. As added benefits, LEDs are very small units that can be formed as strings, lanterns, multicolored and even as fireflies in Mason jars. A bicolor blue-in-the morning, reddish-in the evening unit protects your sleep-inducing melanin. They last for years. They are especially efficient in traffic lights but will also relieve you of replacing the lights in a chandelier using a ladder. They are great for driveway lights with a small battery and solar cell. Wiliam Wolfe, professor emeritus of optical science at University of Arizona Northeast side United Health Care should settle with Radiology Ltd. Dear Editor: UnitedHealthCare (UHC) is negotiating with Radiology Ltd as the existing contract expires on Aug. 15. This potentially creates problems for many southern Arizona residents. Radiology Ltd. is locally owned by a consortium of doctors. It is a very well run company. They are prompt with appointments, proficient treatments, communicative about problems, courteous on the phone, professional and friendly in their offices, and many workers have been with them a long time. In short, excellent service from a local provider of key services. United HealthCare is simply using their size to extract maximum dollars from this company. Interested patients can write UnitedHealthCare CEO Brian Thompson (salary+perks $9,859,429) at: uhg_consumer_affairs@uhg.com and urge a quick settlement. The top five earners in UnitedHealth Group have combined salaries and perks of over 73 million. Fred Miller It feels so good to be back where we all came from, said Bryan once he got on the stage Friday. Bryan will take the stage again Saturday night for another sold-out show. Lydia Fletcher Tulsa World Scene Writer Follow Lydia Fletcher 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 Zach Bryans alternative country roots shined during his sold out show Friday night at the BOK Center. The Oologah-raised musician hadnt performed in Tulsa since 2021 when he sold out two nights at Cains Ballroom. Two years later Bryan sold out two nights at BOK Center, the first of which included a 23-song set filled with classics, fan favorites, and an unreleased track from his upcoming album. It feels so good to be back where we all came from, said Bryan once he got on the stage. Burn, Burn, Burn tour brings global Zach Bryan fans to Tulsa One big fan assumes that she traveled the farthest, flying almost 9,000 miles from Orange, Australia, a small town in New South Wales, to see Zach Bryan in concert. Bryan entered through the audience, which from above looked like a sea of cowboy hats and denim. Fans swarmed the entry that he ran through, hoping to get closer to the star. Bryan started his show with Open the Gate, and looked pleasantly surprised as fans sang along, occasionally overpowering his voice. Next was Godspeed, a track from his debut album, which is a tribute to his mother who passed away in 2016. During the track Bryan stepped away from the mic, and looked as though he was trying not to cry. Fans filled in the lyrics, as Bryan looked out to the audience in awe. You guys have no idea how unbelievable this is for me, Bryan said at the conclusion of the song. Throughout the set Bryan continually thanked the audience, who stayed engaged during the entire show. Fans traveled from across the globe to see Bryan, and they werent letting their energy go to waste. Those in the general admission area surrounded the circular stage Bryan and his band were on. Each section had a mic close to the edge, so Bryan could walk around the stage, giving his attention equally to all sections of the arena. Zach Bryan's father says he enjoys fostering fan community, hosting pre-show parties Dewayne Bryan will host big events downtown Friday and Saturday before and after the Zach Bryan concerts. The arena was packed, and it was hard to spot an empty seat within the crowd. According to the BOK Center, around 36,000 tickets were sold for the Friday and Saturday shows combined. Bryans stage presence fit his personality. A man of not many words, he would say one or two sentences before introducing his next song. I havent played (this) in ages; I saved it for you guys, Bryan said as he introduced the track Oklahoma City. I saved it for you guys, so if I mess up its on the band, not me. Once fans heard the title the roar of the crowd grew. The track, which mentions cities across the state, was sung along to by many, but as town names were called out, people would scream when they heard their home. The show felt like a love letter to Oklahoma as Bryan crooned about his younger days in the state. Fans sang along, holding their beers high above them as if toasting Bryan for the music he shared. Throughout the show, Bryan looked amazed that so many fans knew his lyrics, a good thing as his voice occasionally strained during the set. Band members sang along to some tracks, while playing traditional instruments, and a fiddle, banjo, and trumpet were present for some tracks as well. After hyping up the crowd with higher energy tracks like Oklahoma Smokeshow and The Good Ill Do, Bryan was ready to slow it down. I hope no one is in too good of a mood tonight, said Bryan. Im gonna ruin it for this one. The first notes of Bryans most popular track, Something in the Orange, plays, and fans immediately turn on their phone flashlights. Some got creative enough to turn the light orange by placing their finger over the bulb. As phone lights swayed in the air, fans sang along, but not as loudly as to other tracks played like Snow, and his latest release, Dawns. After playing a few more tracks from his debut album DeAnn, and latest album American Heartbreak, Bryan decided to give the audience something new a sneak peek into the album hes set to release August 25th. For once no one was singing along, and just Bryans voice filled the arena. You cant buy where youre from, Bryan sang, his southern accent shining through. You can fight your feelings and sell your guns, but youll always be the Oklahoman son. While the track title cannot be verified, many fans are calling it Oklahoman Son, on set lists and in the popular Zach Bryan Fan Group on Facebook. Bryan continually thanked the crowd throughout his show, often talking about how grateful he was to be home. Bryan began to end the two-hour set with fan favorites like Heading South and Burn Burn Burn, the title track of the tour. As the last song ended fans begged for him to play Revival, a song hes known for ending all of his shows with. Yet Bryan doesnt placate them immediately, and chants for an encore grew louder and louder. From screams and whistles, to claps and a USA chant, fans made enough noise to shake the building, all begging Bryan to return to the stage. Guitar plucks began to play over the speakers, and the dark stage was lit once again. The crowd began to scream, almost deafening the beginning of the song. Bryan and his band returned to the stage once again, and while Revival is usually a track where multiple guests come to the stage, Bryan kept it simple, inviting his opener Charles Wesley Godwin to the stage. His other opener, JR Carroll is already there, as he is part of Bryans band. Fans jumped up and down, screaming the lyrics to the track which talks about redemption and forgiveness. By the end of the song Bryan is on his knees, furiously playing the guitar for the crowd. Despite the concert ending a little before midnight, fans were high energy. Screaming along the lyrics and talking about how good the show was as they exited the arena. I think music is the most beautiful thing, bringing us all here to Tulsa, Bryan said during the show. Cheers to you guys for bearing with us all night, and thanks to BOK for having us... The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. Photos: Zach Bryan performs two sold out shows at BOK Center Zach Bryan at the BOK Center Zach Bryan at the BOK Center Zach Bryan at the BOK Center Zach Bryan at the BOK Center Zach Bryan at the BOK Center Zach Bryan at the BOK Center Zach Bryan at the BOK Center Zach Bryan at the BOK Center Zach Bryan at the BOK Center Zach Bryan at the BOK Center Zach Bryan at the BOK Center Zach Bryan at the BOK Center Zach Bryan at the BOK Center Zach Bryan at the BOK Center Zach Bryan at the BOK Center Zach Bryan at the BOK Center Zach Bryan at the BOK Center Zach Bryan at the BOK Center Zach Bryan at the BOK Center Zach Bryan at the BOK Center Zach Bryan at the BOK Center Zach Bryan at the BOK Center Zach Bryan at the BOK Center Zach Bryan at the BOK Center Zach Bryan at the BOK Center J.R. Carroll at the BOK Center J.R. Carroll at the BOK Center J.R. Carroll at the BOK Center J.R. Carroll at the BOK Center J.R. Carroll at the BOK Center J.R. Carroll at the BOK Center J.R. Carroll at the BOK Center J.R. Carroll at the BOK Center J.R. Carroll at the BOK Center Charles Wesley Godwin at the BOK Center Charles Wesley Godwin at the BOK Center Charles Wesley Godwin at the BOK Center Charles Wesley Godwin at the BOK Center Charles Wesley Godwin at the BOK Center Charles Wesley Godwin at the BOK Center Charles Wesley Godwin at the BOK Center Check out our latest digital-only offer and subscribe now Word spread through an Oregon hospital last month that a visitor was causing trouble in the maternity ward, and nurses were warned the man might try to abduct his partners newborn. Hours later, the visitor opened fire, killing a security guard and sending patients, nurses and doctors scrambling for cover. The shooting at Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center in Portland was part of a wave of gun violence sweeping through U.S. hospitals and medical centers, which have struggled to adapt to the growing threats. Such attacks have helped make health care one of the nations most violent fields. Data shows American health care workers now suffer more nonfatal injuries from workplace violence than workers in any other profession, including law enforcement. Health care workers dont even think about that when they decide they want to be a nurse or a doctor. But as far as actual violence goes, statistically, health care is four or five times more dangerous than any other profession, said Michael DAngelo, a former police officer who focuses on health care and workplace violence as a security consultant in Florida. Other industries outpace health care for overall danger, including deaths. Similar shootings have played out in hospitals across the country. Last year, a man killed two workers at a Dallas hospital while there to watch his childs birth. In May, a man opened fire in a medical center waiting room in Atlanta, killing one woman and wounding four. Late last month, a man shot and wounded a doctor at a health center in Dallas. In June 2022, a gunman killed his surgeon and three other people at a Saint Francis Health System office in Tulsa because he blamed the doctor for his continuing pain after an operation. Its not just deadly shootings: Health care workers racked up 73% of all nonfatal workplace violence injuries in 2018, the most recent year for which figures are available, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. One day before the July 22 shooting in Portland, employees throughout the hospital were warned during meetings to be prepared for a possible code amber announcement in case the visitor attempted to kidnap the child, according to a nurse who spoke on condition of anonymity because she feared retaliation at work. Fifteen minutes before the shooting, someone at the hospital called 911 to report the visitor was threatening staffers, according to a timeline provided by Portland police. He kind of fell through the cracks, the nurse said. I dont know how many chances he received. It kind of got to the point where staff did not know what to do, or what they could or couldnt do with him. Police arrived at the maternity ward within minutes, but it was too late. Bobby Smallwood, a security guard who had been called in from another Legacy hospital to cover shifts for Good Samaritans understaffed security team, had been fatally shot. Another hospital employee was wounded by shrapnel. The suspect fled and was later killed by police in a nearby community. Around 40 states have passed laws creating or increasing penalties for violence against health care workers, according to the American Nurses Association. Hospitals have armed security officers with batons, stun guns or handguns, while some states, including Indiana, Ohio and Georgia, allow hospitals to create their own police forces. Critics say private hospital police can exacerbate the health care and policing inequities already experienced by Black people. They also say private police forces often dont have to disclose information such as how often they use force or whether they disproportionately detain members of minority groups. Security teams cannot address all of the factors leading to violence because many of them are caused by a dysfunctional health care system, said Deborah Burger, a registered nurse and the president of National Nurses United. Understaffing forces nurses to care for more patients and affords them less time to assess each one for behavior problems. Efforts to de-escalate aggression arent as effective if nurses havent had time to bond with patients, Burger said. Understaffing is an absolutely catastrophic formula for workplace violence increasing, DAngelo said. Now you dont even have the good old buddy system of two co-workers keeping an eye out for each other. The nurse at the Portland hospital said the shooting left her colleagues terrified and unusually solemn. She is worried Legacy Healths promises of increased safety will be temporary because of the cost of finding, training and retaining security officers. Some of her co-workers have resigned because they dont want to face another code silver, the alert issued when someone at the hospital has a weapon. You know, we always say these patients and their families are so vulnerable, because theyre having the worst day of their life here, the nurse said, and that makes many staffers reluctant to demand better behavior. We have to stop that narrative, she said. Being vulnerable is bleeding out from a bullet wound in your chest. Being vulnerable is having to barricade yourself and your patients in a room because of a code silver. Randy Krehbiel Tulsa World Staff Writer Follow Randy Krehbiel 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 Barn raising: Several members of Oklahomas congressional delegation figure into this years Farm Bill negotiations, and not always on the same side. Third District Congressman Frank Lucas, a former Agriculture Committee chairman, has been working behind the scenes to head off a deadlock threatened by the Freedom Caucus and 2nd District Congressman Josh Brecheen, while 1st District Congressman Kevin Hern and the Republican Study Committee the larger GOP caucus are somewhere in the middle. Fourth District Congressman Tom Cole, as chairman of the Rules Committee, is also likely to have a hand in what makes it to the House floor providing, of course, it does. Considered must pass legislation, the Farm Bill sets agricultural policy and regulates food programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. According to Politico, senior Ag Committee Republicans are taking a bipartisan approach to the bill. Lucas has been meeting with GOP legislators to try to move the bill along, but it isnt clear how much the broken hip he recently suffered might slow him down. Budget hawk Brecheen is reportedly among Freedom Caucus members trying to use their leverage in a narrowly divided House to push through cuts to SNAP. Hern, chairman of the RSC, advocates work requirements for at least some food benefits. Well, well: An Oklahoma member of Congress got a rare gold star from an environmental group last week. The Environmental Defense Fund acknowledged 5th District Congresswoman Stephanie Bices involvement in abandoned oil and gas well remediation legislation. Bice is House co-author of bipartisan legislation that would set aside $150 million to find abandoned oil and gas wells and either bring them back to life or completely close them. Abandoned wells are a leading source of water and air pollution and can be public safety hazards. They are also potential sources of small-scale localized energy production, such as one used to heat an Oklahoma elementary school. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. Sharon Bishop-Baldwin Sand Springs Leader Staff Writer Follow Sharon Bishop-Baldwin 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 EL PASO, Texas Standing mere steps from the filthy, foul-smelling trickle of water that passes for the Rio Grande running along the southern edge of downtown El Paso the Mexican border city of Ciudad Juarez just a stones throw away on the opposite side of the river its easy to see both sides of the situation. Its a fine line that Oklahoma National Guard troops walk every day in blistering heat while patrolling the nations southern border in support of Operation Lone Star, an effort aimed at cracking down on illegal immigration and the more nefarious crimes that some state and federal officials say often accompany migrants. Perhaps few law-abiding people would disagree with efforts to reduce the amount of illegal drugs and weapons coming into the United States via foreign borders, but others insist that most migrants attempting to enter the country illegally along the Texas-Mexico border are merely searching for a better life and not planning to engage in additional criminal activity. For the roughly 50 Oklahoma National Guard members who arrived here July 31 on the order of Gov. Kevin Stitt to offer assistance to the Texas National Guard-led mission, all of that is secondary to the focus on simply deterring illegal immigration. Capt. Jayce Crowder is the Oklahoma detachments OIC, or officer in charge. Hes been in the Guard since 2010 and serves the residents of Tulsa as a member of the Tulsa Fire Department when hes not serving in the Guard. For Crowder, who has taken part in a couple of state active-duty missions and was stationed in Kuwait in 2019-20, the task is clear. Our mission is to prevent and deter illegal immigrants from coming across, he said. Were here to help the Texas National Guard do their mission. Post-pandemic changes The renewed focus on the nations southern border comes as a result of the expiration in May of pandemic-era health restrictions that allowed U.S. officials to turn away migrants at the border on the grounds of preventing the spread of COVID-19. Stitt, along with most other Republican governors, has complained that President Joe Biden is doing too little to protect the border. At a May 26 press conference announcing his decision to call up the Oklahoma troops, Stitt said it was in the best interest of Oklahoma and the nation to take decisive action to address the federal governments utter failure to secure our southern border. Republican governors continue to step up to the plate when President Biden refuses to lead; and by deploying our brave National Guard Troops, we are sending a strong message that we remain dedicated to defending our borders and upholding law and order in our nation, he said. The Biden administration, on the other hand, has said it is taking steps to address immigration but that Congress has put up road blocks. With the support of the Department of Defense and multiple countries across the Western Hemisphere, the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State are implementing the administrations plan to humanely manage the border through deterrence, enforcement, and diplomacy within the constraints of a broken immigration system that Congress has repeatedly failed to fix, including by not acting on President Bidens comprehensive immigration reform proposal, a joint statement issued by the federal agencies in May says. Oklahomas mission Crowder said the Oklahoma Guard troops serving here at least 10 people on the ground 24 hours a day are in a defensive, or military, posture, not a law enforcement stance. They have no authority to arrest anyone or even physically touch them. Our job is to stop people from coming through our barriers, and we direct them to the points where they can go through legally, he said, nodding to two large bridges far overhead that, combined, make up the Bridge of the Americas crossing between the two countries. Our job is to ask them to go to those points. Although most Oklahoma Guard members are not bilingual, a number of the Texas National Guard members are, Crowder said. Its helpful with the way were postured Oklahoma truck, Texas truck, Oklahoma truck so no ones very far away, he said. And what happens if those trying to cross the border resist instructions? Thats when federal or state law enforcement agents get involved, Crowder said. If they do end up going that route, if that has to happen, that would be Border Patrol or DPS doing that, he said, referring to the U.S. Border Patrol and the Texas Department of Public Safety. Were here to deter. Although Oklahoma Guard members are armed, they wouldnt point their guns at migrants even to hold them, he added. We are not going to do that, he said. Thats here for deterrence and just in case. We are not doing that at all. Yet theres no lack of conflict or confrontation with people wanting to cross the border against their orders. That happens daily for us, he said. Theyll cut holes in the c-wire and try to cross illegally that way. Or they will put things on top of the concertina wire and try to cross that way. Crowder said the holes are patched with more concertina wire and that engineers with the Texas National Guard are installing sturdier fencing panels, as well. Humanitarian concerns Meanwhile, questions about the care and compassion afforded to migrants attempting to cross some areas of the border, many with young children, has been a focus of recent news reports. The Houston Chronicle in July reported on emails from a Texas DPS trooper-medic to a supervisor that detailed concerns about inhumane treatment of migrants, including some who were medically distressed, along the border in Eagle Pass, Texas, about 700 miles east of El Paso. Crowder said his troops encounter people regularly who are suffering from medical distress, particularly related to the oppressive heat. Thursdays high temperature in El Paso was projected to be 101 with a heat index of about 114, according to a public affairs officer with the Texas National Guard, who said the climate in the area rivals the heat in southern Iraq. But humane treatment is the rule, Crowder said, adding that when necessary, Border Patrol and DPS would get involved, and theyll get the care they need. We have medics, so well get them the care they need. We will hand them water or whatever they need, he said. We hand people water all the time. That happens all day long down here. This is why you join the Army, Crowder said. This is why you join the National Guard in particular, since we can do state-level missions. This is just another way to serve. Im happy to do it, and I know a lot of the guys here are asking to come back, he said. Another deployment possible Stitt is expected to visit the Oklahoma detachment around the 21st of the month, and the troops will return to the Sooner State about a week later, although a second deployment next year is possible, officials have said previously. Thats welcome news to some Texas officials. We really appreciate the support from all of the (state Guard units), including Oklahoma right now, said Maj. Mike Perry, the public affairs officer for joint task force Operation Lone Star. Theyre doing rotations down here just to help support whats going on on the border. We have a lot of places like El Paso where were seeing a lot of higher traffic. Perry said the Texas Military Department and DPS have identified low-water crossings across the entire border of 1,600-plus river miles as particularly vulnerable to being breached. Whether they have barriers or not, weve had to go in and put up this extra infrastructure to help out, said Perry, who lives halfway between McAllen and Brownsville, Texas. Hes no stranger to the border, both personally and professionally. I live a mile and a half from some 30-foot Trump wall, he said, adding that this is his fifth named mission on the border in nine years. There is a process, if youre talking about migrants, of how they come and claim asylum, so what were doing out here in between these ports in these high-traffic areas is instructing, encouraging and, actually, from a standpoint, blocking them from coming across illegally and telling them to go to the ports, he said. Our job is to get these people either to not come in or to attempt to come in in a legal fashion. Away from home When not patrolling the border in eight-hour shifts, the Oklahoma National Guard troops are staying at a hotel on the east side of El Paso. Part of a national chain, the hotel has catered to troop units previously and knows how to accommodate their unique needs, feeding them in a dining room-style manner and working with the Guard members to get their laundry done. The Guard members said its some of the best accommodations theyve experienced with the military. That doesnt make it easy to be away from home for 30 days, though. Thats probably the hardest part. Its hard for the families. I think thats who takes the hit, said Crowder, who, with his wife, a therapist for Bixby Public Schools, has a 2-year-old son. Were down here doing a job, and were busy a lot, he said. But the families are the ones holding it together, so kudos to them and everything they do at home. Senior Airman Coleise Thomas of Muskogee said she was reminded of her own children at home as she gazed off through the concertina wire at young children gathered with a growing group of adults across the Rio Grande. It is heartbreaking to see those children, she said, but that just shows me the level of desperation and tells me how bad it must be over there. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. Photos: Oklahoma National Guard patrols border with Mexico Bustling vibes now return to the famous food and drink street Phan Xich Long in Ho Chi Minh Citys Phu Nhuan District, as retail spaces previously left vacant due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic have been increasingly occupied by both domestic and international food businesses. The section starting from the intersection of Phan Xich Long and Phan Dang Luu Streets to Van Kiep Street and neighboring areas is donning a new look, with all sidewalks being resurfaced. Workers pave Phan Xich Long Street, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City with flat stones, August 10, 2023. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre Just several vacant retail spaces remained available on the street as of this Thursday, compared to a dozen units seen three months ago. Some food brands are also putting the finishing touches to make their debuts on this foodie street. A beverage business representative told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that the street has seen fewer vacant retail spaces than in early 2023. Lots of eateries and coffee shops rushed to reopen despite the relatively high rents of US$800-1,000 per month. Many eateries and coffee shops along Phan Xich Long Street serve a large number of guests, after they began commercial operations several months ago. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre Food and beverage (F&B) businesses active along Phan Xich Long said they were looking forward to the date the route is officially developed into a food town as proposed. We hope that the street after being renovated will entice more guests, especially in the evening, to help us improve our revenue during an economic slowdown, the representative elaborated. Besides F&B establishments along Phan Xich Long Street, those in neighboring areas will be beneficiaries of the upcoming food town, said Nguyen Duc Nhat Thuan, owner of Ca Men, an eatery offering food delights from Quang Tri Province, located in central Vietnam. The municipal Department of Industry and Trade previously reported on a project to develop a food town along Phan Xich Long Street to the municipal administration. In this project, part of a night-time economy development plan put forward by Phu Nhuan District, the street is projected to become a food town by 2025 on a trial basis. Works are in rush to pave Phan Xich Long Street with flat stones. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre An eatery located on Hoa Su Street, near Phan Xich Long Street, is going to open. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre Just several vacant retail spaces remained available on Phan Xich Long Street as of August 10, 2023, compared to a dozen units seen three months ago. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre The sidewalk in front of a gas station on Phan Xich Long Street undergoes renovation. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre A Thai eatery on Phan Xich Long Street will launch its services soon. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre A newly-opened coffee shop on Phan Xich Long Street serves many guests. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Vietnam has requested China to create favorable conditions for the establishment of a consulate general in Chinas Chongqing and trade promotion offices in Sichuan and Hainan provinces, according to a Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announcement made on Friday. Vietnams Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu put forward this suggestion during his recent visit to Beijing from Wednesday to Thursday this week. During the two-day trip, Deputy Minister Vu met with Chinese Executive Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Ma Zhaoxu, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Nong Rong, and Chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency Luo Zhaohui. According to Vu, the trade promotion offices of Vietnam would be located in Sichuans Chengdu City and Hainans Haikou City. He also called on the Chinese side to offer favorable conditions for Vietnam to soon open its consulate general in Chongqing. Located in the southwestern region, Chongqing is one of the municipalities in China. It spans an area of over 82,000 square meters and has a population of more than 30 million people. Vietnams Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu (L) holds talks with Chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency Luo Zhaohui. Photo: Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs The top Vietnamese diplomat asked both sides to jointly adopt measures to speed up economic recovery, especially boosting customs clearance to pave the way for more Vietnamese agricultural products to be shipped to China. Both sides should expand cooperation and remove obstacles hindering some of their cooperation projects, such as those to expand the Thai Nguyen iron and steel plant and the Ninh Binh nitrogenous fertilizer plant in northern Vietnam. The two nations will facilitate the implementation of Chinas non-refundable aid packages for Vietnam and agreed to maintain frequent meetings between the foreign ministries leaders. Both sides also agreed to continue enhancing cooperation to facilitate the execution of high-level common perceptions, and work closely together to prepare for upcoming high-level exchanges and meetings. In addition, they will bolster up exchanges and cooperation between Parties, governments, parliaments, as well as collaboration in the fields of national defense, security, and law enforcement; promote the opening, upgrade and recognition of some border gate pairs in an attempt to tighten their economic, trade, cultural, and people-to-people ties. Regarding border and territorial issues, the two sides exchanged their points of view in an open and frank manner and put forward specific measures for better collaboration in land border management. As for sea-related issues, both sides concurred that they will continue strict adherence to the high-level common perceptions and their agreement on basic principles guiding the settlement of sea-related issues, aside from properly controlling water-related disputes and jointly maintaining peace and stability in the East Vietnam Sea. Further, Deputy Minister Vu underlined the need to respect the rights and legitimate interests of coastal countries on par with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Authorities in Phu Yen Province, south-central Vietnam intercepted an unregistered shipment of over four metric tons of shisha tobacco found on a truck en route to Ho Chi Minh City, a market surveillance official said on Friday. At around 9:00 pm on Thursday, at the An My traffic police station, located on National Highway 1 in Tuy An District, Phu Yen Province, the collaboration between a local market monitoring team and the police led to the interception of a truck carrying a Hung Yen Province-registered license plate. The vehicle, driven by Nguyen Trong Chung, a resident of Hung Yen, was heading for Ho Chi Minh City. There was a cargo of 12,168 Adalya-branded shisha tobacco boxes, each of which weighed 250 grams and was labeled as Made in Turkey. The cumulative weight of the shipment was 4,056 kilograms. While Chung declared himself as the custodian of the mentioned merchandise, he was unable to present any invoices or documents substantiating the legitimacy of the consignment. In response, the team of market surveillance and police officers confiscated the entire shisha tobacco shipment and all relevant documents of the truck for appropriate legal measures. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A number of tourism enterprises in Da Nang in central Vietnam are grappling with skyrocketing land rents with many of them having to move heaven and earth to borrow loans to pay the rents. Large coastal tourist sites in Da Nang have reopened after facing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic for three years. However, difficulties are still in place as the number of domestic and international tourists remains modest. As a result, the tourism sector has yet to recover to pre-pandemic levels and many tourist destinations are still operating in moderation. Many enterprises have to shoulder soaring land rents. Nguyen Manh Trung, general director of Vistar Co. Ltd., the investor of Melia Da Nang resort, said he was shocked at the escalating land rents. The company's land rents amount to nearly VND26.5 billion (US$1.1 million) per year in the 2022-26 period, jumping 360 percent over the VND7.3 billion ($306,500) per year in 2017-21 and 1,300 percent against the VND2 billion ($83,965) per year between 2012 and 2016. The firm has accessed bank loans to pay the land rents, Trung said, adding that this was just a temporary solution as no enterprise can afford such high land rents. Melia Da Nang resort earned revenue of VND37 billion ($1.6 million) but was subject to land rents of VND26.5 billion ($1.1 million) in 2022. After deducting costs for operation and workers salaries, we find it hard to ensure funds for paying taxes. At present, the occupancy rate reaches 50 percent as international travelers have yet to return [to Da Nang]. We expect the competent agencies to see enterprises difficulties and offer support to help them avoid bankruptcy. Dozens of other tourism firms in Da Nang have faced the same fate. For instance, Coral JSC must annually pay VND28.45 billion ($1.2 million) as land rents for a two-hectare water sport tourist site in Phuoc My Ward, Son Tra District in 2020-24, rocketing 948 percent over the VND3 billion ($126,041) in the 2015-19 period. Similarly, Que Viet JSC saw a surge of over 766 percent in land rents for the 7,000-square-meter Danabeach amusement park and water sport center in My An Ward, Ngu Hanh Son District in the 2021-25 period compared with those in 2016-20, when the company had to pay only VND900 million ($37,812) per year. Nguyen Anh Minh, a representative of the company, said the firm got a fine of more than VND500 million ($21,000) for late land rent payment in 2022. Tourism enterprises have to make heavy investments in facilities, while they are facing multiple bottlenecks in business with much lower revenue. Therefore, they are in dire need of support to survive, Minh said. The Da Nang Tax Department had earlier coerced the investor of a large resort in Ngu Hanh Son District, Da Nang to pay land rents. The amount hit VND120.92 billion ($5 million) per year in 2022-26, 344 percent higher than the VND35.13 billion ($1.5 million) in 2017-21. According to enterprises, land rents were high in Da Nang and are increasing sharply, beyond enterprises payment ability. They have sent complaints to the authorities of Da Nang, suggesting reducing land rents, and stopping blocking their bank accounts and imposing fines for late land rent payments. They stated that coastal resorts have a large area but the area for construction is small, at 18-30 percent of the land. The remaining areas accommodate trees and facilities that do not directly help yield profits but enterprises have to still pay land rents for these areas. The authorities should apply lower land rents for these areas or allow enterprises to increase the area for items serving business purposes. Enterprises added that spikes in land rents should be in line with the economic situation. Over the past three years, economic sectors have reported a decline due to the pandemic, so land rents should be revised down. Without adjustments, many enterprises will be on the brink of bankruptcy, thus resulting in the economic downturn. In other words, reducing land rents is a way to ensure long-term state budget revenue, they said. Coastal resorts in Da Nang are facing multiple difficulties due to surging land rents. Photo: Tan Luc / Tuoi Tre Meanwhile, the Da Nang authorities affirmed that the land price frame issued in 2019 was close to the market prices. The land prices in Da Nang are higher than those in other localities but are not higher than the market prices, so it is hard to revise the prices down. The city has proposed the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment levy different rents for land for construction and land for planting trees in a project. Phan Thi Tuyet Nhung from the Da Nang delegation of National Assembly deputies admitted to Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that the current land rents are much higher than earlier. She explained that the land price frame was launched in 2019 when the real estate market was thriving. As a result, land rents from 2020 have been high. The municipal Peoples Council has assigned agencies to study support policies for enterprises, such as employing regulations on extending deadlines to pay land rents in cases of natural disasters and pandemics, the official noted. Regarding the proposal to reduce land prices, Nhung said land price frames would be promulgated once every five years. They can be adjusted within 20 percent every year depending on the market conditions. However, the current land prices are lower than the market prices, so adjustments are likely impossible, according to Nhung. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Theres something perfectly Mills & Boon about the new same-sex romance film, in which the son of a US President falls for a British prince. Red, White & Royal Blue is based on a novel of the same name by Casey McQuiston. It has all the hallmarks of forbidden love, torrid romance, politics, media, and two to-die-for leads. In the pages of an airplane novel, or the script of a Hollywood melodrama, the audience can lose itself in the fantasy of a dreamy hypothetical. In reality, Im struggling to think of any equivalent. There was Lord Ivar Mountbatten, gay royalty in India and Brunei, and numerous through ancient history. But the notion of a cross-Atlantic high office romance is presumably the stuff of fiction thus far. None of that will deter the audience for this steamy tale, given all the trappings of the endless heterosexual royal romances that have come before it. In 2023 where marriage equality and Prince Harry & Meghan are well-entrenched, director Matthew Lopez has plenty of hypothetical terrain in which to play. Taylor Zakhar Perez (Minx, The Kissing Booth 2) is Alex, the drop-dead gorgeous biracial, bisexual son of the first woman President of the United States (Uma Thurman) who connects with the boyish, dashing Prince Henry (Nicholas Galitzine), on a cultural relations trip to Britain. But a frosty collision, underneath a towering wedding cake no less, marks the point where you may start yelling at your TV Get a room! But fear not, the sexual tension will simmer until it explodes behind closed doors, if wrapped in awkward hijinks. While Alex tries to ignore his attraction (despite having had two gay flings in the past), Prince Henry is smitten, but stifled by the expectations of the Crown. There are questions around coming out, pressures of upcoming US elections and navigating who is let in on their secret, at the same time as grasping just what this long distance relationship even is. Then there is the role of media, personified largely through the eyes of one journalist (Juan Castano) while our romantic couple dont seem to take any care to avoid long lens cameras shooting them through open windows. Supporting characters such as deputy chief of staff Zahra (Sarah Shahi) get some of the better lines, while Thurman drawls her way through a supporting role and Stephen Fry makes a belated cameo as the King. The two leads handle the material confidently but the directing lets them play theatrically and some scenes come off as too hammy. Despite scenes veering between saccharine and romp there is one sex scene that is surprisingly unequivocal in its intimacy and hints at what might have been. Sometimes less is more. Thanks to the two likeable leads Red, White & Royal Blue remains an easy and crowd-pleasing watch. It may not surpass Call Me By Your Name or even the sincerity of Heartstopper and Love Simon, but youd hope such an affair would be received with equal enthusiasm should it ever come to pass. Red, White & Royal Blue is now screening on Prime Video. This month on Shelter, sustainable designs made reality, affordable home transformation from New Zealand and a Californian city that never was. Design: E Season 2 (6 x 60 mins) USA 2008 August 7, Worldwide ex USA Follow the pioneers and innovators in the world of sustainable architecture, and see how their work is producing solutions to pressing environmental and social challenges in season 2 of Design e. Narrated by Golden Globe and Academy award winner Brad Pitt, this 6 episode season explores the former mayor of Bogota, Colombias use of urban planning to create alternatives to automobile culture; the rejuvenation of an abandoned Amsterdam dockyard to create high density, suburban-style housing without the sprawl; and the Druk White Lotus School in Ladakh, India, created through sustainable design driven by local culture and materials. Full Frontage (8 x 30 mins) NZ 2015 Available August 14, Worldwide ex NZ Top landscape designer Justin Newcombe and real estate guru Mike Pero join forces to transform front yards around New Zealand from the worst house on the street to number one on the block in Full Frontage. After an honest appraisal from Pero, each home is given a makeover plan from Newcome to dramatically improve the homes street appeal to get owners the best possible sale price. Working with a budget of up to $20,000 per property, Justins makeovers include practical know-how, step by step processes and top tips, advice and technique. The series covers painting, planting, landscaping, lighting, fencing, minor repairs and small building projects, with the home owners themselves engaged in the overhaul and transformation of the property. Victoria Australian Premiere (71 mins) USA 2020 Available August 21 In the Southern California desert lies the unfinished California City. Founded in 1958, this predesigned city was originally intended to mirror Los Angeles in size and population, but was never completed. Miles of streets and neighbourhoods were built, zoned and sold as the next step of the California Dream, but today remain empty. While holding the third largest land mass of any city in the state, its population is just over 10,000. After leaving behind his turbulent past in Los Angeles, Victoria follows the journey of Lashay T Warren, as he tries to make a fresh start within the grid of thousands of crumbling streets in California City. Employed as part of the Kern County Conservation Corps to maintain these eerily empty streets, Warren makes his way through the vast city on foot. Warren reports about his encounters with his new and unfamiliar home in a diary, mirroring the early frontier pioneers of the Westward Expansion. Sharp-witted and playful, the diary excerpts show his wonder at his new desert surroundings, his efforts to obtain his high school diploma at the age of 26, and his absurd and endless job maintaining the disappearing streets of California City. Never Too Small New episodes every Friday. Peek inside a warm, minimalist compact apartment conversion in one of the oldest urban areas of Taipei City; discover a state of the art eco-house set in perfect harmony with its Mt Kembla backdrop; and step through an architect couples chic & efficient apartment in Buenos Aires. Featuring award-winning designers and their tiny / micro apartments, studios and self-contained projects, and with new episodes released every Friday, these are a perfect and inspirational taste of cutting edge interior and small-living design. Never Too Small provides a window into this world for inspiration and leadership in small footprint living. The airline has marked a major milestone (Image: Gordon Terris) easyJet, which describes itself as Scotlands largest airline, yesterday celebrated carrying more than 60 million passengers to and from Edinburgh Airport. The airline said yesterday that it had, to mark the occasion, surprised the Wilson family flying today from Edinburgh to Madrid, with free easyJet return flights. It noted that its achievement of the milestone of 60 million passengers followed the announcement of new winter routes from Edinburgh to Rovaniemi, the gateway to Finnish Lapland, and to the coastal city of Hurghada in Egypt. easyJet noted it had this summer the airline welcomed an additional aircraft to its base at Edinburgh Airport, to serve demand from the Scottish capital this summer. READ MORE: Denial after denial from brass-necked Tory arch-Brexiter It flagged its launch of new summer routes from Edinburgh to popular beach and city destinations, including the Greek Island of Santorini, Catania in Sicily and Antalya in Turkey. The airline is operating its largest-ever flying programme from Scotland this summer. READ MORE: Ian McConnell: This humiliation for Brexiters is surely good for everyone else It is on course to operate 6.3 million seats to and from Scotland, around a million more than summer 2019. READ MORE: Ian McConnell: In grip of UK misery, Scotlands detractors need to stop growling easyJet now offers customers in Edinburgh and the surrounding region with connections to 45 airports across the UK, Europe and the Middle East. Ali Gayward, easyJets UK country manager said yesterday: I am delighted to be celebrating flying our 60 millionth passenger at Edinburgh. This is a fantastic milestone for us to reach and clearly shows our continued success and commitment to Scotland since the launch of our first flight 27 years ago between Edinburgh and London Luton. Since then, Edinburgh has been a key market for easyJet and our investment in more new routes and additional aircraft allows us to serve passengers with more choice. We remain excited about the future at Edinburgh. Story continues Kate Sherry, chief commercial officer (aero) at Edinburgh Airport, said: This milestone illustrates the fantastic offering easyJet has provided and continues to provide to passengers at Edinburgh Airport, demonstrating the strength of our relationship. Its commitment to Edinburgh has led to the arrival of many new routes and destinations to Scotland, allowing passengers more choice and new places to visit - whether its the flights it launched to Santorini in the summer, or the new route to visit Santa Claus in Rovaniemi this winter. We look forward to working with easyJet to deliver even more new routes and destinations in the years to come, providing excellent options for the next 60 million passengers and beyond. easyJet serves four Scottish airports, offering 81 routes to 58 destinations across Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. The airlines flights to Rovaniemi will launch on December 3 and are set to operate twice a week on Wednesdays and Sundays. easyJet said: The new route is set to prove popular with Scottish families visiting the famous home of Santa Claus this winter. The new flights from Edinburgh to Hurghada will launch on November 6 and are scheduled to operate twice a week on Mondays and Fridays. ABOD Associated Club General Committee leads the Relief of Londonderry celebrations last year. Picture: George Sweeney. One of the largest loyal order demonstrations in Northern Ireland, Derry Day attracts participants from far and wide. Members of the Apprentice Boys across Northern Ireland hold their own local parades before heading off to the north west for the main event, where they will be accompanied by around 141 bands. What is Derry Day? Each year on the second Saturday of August, the Associated Clubs of the Apprentice Boys of Derry assemble in Londonderry to celebrate the events of August 1689 and the Relief of the city. The celebrations have been an annual event since 1690 and are kept alive in much the same format to this day. The main elements of the celebrations have changed little in hundreds of years. The crimson flag flies and the bells ring from St Columbs Cathedral, as requested by Colonel Mitchelburne. Although the original cannon on the walls are no longer in working order, a cannon is still fired on the walls. Just like in 1690 a parade around the city celebrates the end of the siege. Perhaps the most important part of the days celebrations is a service of thanksgiving in St Columbs Cathedral, which played such an important role in the lives of the besieged. What form do the celebrations take? Although parade routes have changed over the years, the day follows a similar pattern each year now. The celebrations begin at midnight with the firing of a cannon on the city walls. The parade around the city begins at 9.30am with the eight parent clubs parading around the walls before walking to the cathedral. As the parade passes the War Memorial in the Diamond, a wreath-laying ceremony takes place and at 10.30am there is a service of thanksgiving in St Columbs Cathedral. The main parade around the city begins at 12.30pm at Craigavon bridge, led by the General Committee of the Apprentice Boys, followed by the parent clubs with each of their branch clubs from across the UK. The parade passes through the city centre before returning to across the bridge and up to Irish Street and back down to finish at Bond Street. The days events end with the eight parent clubs returning to within the city walls, finishing at the Memorial Hall. SWNS A young woman has proudly spoken of her amazing tattoo which covers her entire back and bum - but is completely invisible from the front. Alexandra Cornish, 24, opted to get a unique back tattoo - which spans her entire back, bum and the back of her thighs. A tattoo artist herself, Alexandra, from Hillarys, Perth, Australia, took inspiration from Japanese 'bodysuit' tattoos. She got the 3,000 ink done over NINE sessions in a year, taking more than 50 hours to complete in total. The tattoo centres around Princess Wakana and also features flowers, skulls and spiders on a spider web background. She loves seeing people's reactions when they see her from the front, with no visible ink - then she turns around. Alexandra, who is currently living with her partner in Singapore, said: "I never looked at myself originally with a big back piece. "But traditionally with Japanese back pieces, they're supposed to tell the story of the rest of your body and all images link to the back and I liked that. "When people say the back is quite painful, I didnt find it too bad. My waist and tailbone hurt though. "Tattoos like this are designed to be hidden under clothes - and it's good I can have it hidden. "I love having it on display though. I love the contrast of not looking tattooed from the front, but having a heavy back piece. "I do notice people staring when I'm out - but I take no offence. "I put 50 hours into it - I don't care who looks!" Alexandra had two tattoos but nothing on her back when she first reached out to tattoo artist Dan Molloy, based in Perth, Western Australia in January 2021. She already knew him from a previous tattoo he did for her and she feels he is "one of the best artists" in Australia. Initially unsure what she wanted, they came up with an idea around Princess Wakana, the beautiful daughter of Lord Otomo no Sorin, a Japanese feudal lord of the 1500s. She studied magic and had a special connection with spiders which taught her magic spells, according to Japanese art from the 1800s. Alexandra said: "I told Dan I wanted a woman that wasnt too feminine, but nothing too intense, and he suggested Wakana. "Originally I didn't like spiders and I wasn't inclined, but I have always liked magic and fantasy, so I went with it." She explained these back pieces normally only cover the back when done on men because they have broader shoulders. But due to her feminine proportions, it made more sense for the design to stretch lower, and cover her entire bum and the tops of her thighs. Alexandra's first session took place in September 2021. She had to fly to and from Dan's studio Kurikara Fudo Tattoo in Perth from where she was living in Surry Hills, Sydney at the time. The entire tattoo took nine sessions - with some as long as eight hours in one go - and the entire piece took 50 hours to complete. She said: "When people say the back is quite painful, I didnt find it too bad. "Certain parts were better than others. The shoulders, I found so easy. "But I didnt like my waist or ribs. The worst part was the very bottom, my tailbone. "People say the butt is sore but I found that and my thighs ok - I was expecting it to be worse. "The hardest thing was the bruising when travelling for the days after." By August 2022 her back was completed - delayed by travel restrictions in Sydney due to local Covid outbreaks. Since then, she has proudly showed off her unique ink and loves it. While her parents weren't originally big tattoo fans, now they see it as "art" - although not everyone agrees. Alexandra said: "A comment that irks me is 'I like it but I wouldnt get it' - I just dont really care. "It's not on their body! "The way mine is, and where it is a whole design, it looks like art. "Someone else commented that I'm beautiful but the tattoos ruined me. "Someone once asked if I'm worried that men won't be attracted to me - but then why would I be attracted to them? I'm a tattoo artist! "Ten out of ten times someone approaches me, it's about my tattoo - I get it in clubs, the gym, the shop, cafes, everywhere." She said she loves surprising people - who don't expect her to have ink on her back after seeing her from the front. She said: "Personality wise I am friendly and bubbly, I dont have a face where I look like I'll be heavily tattooed. "Its a good contrast. "I still like the look of being heavily tattooed, I love that look, as a tattooer myself. "But for me personally I am not at a point yet where I want that next step. "For now, I'm very content with the 'shock factor'". Russia has redeployed elite airborne forces from the Kherson region to Zaporizhzhia where fighting is intensifying, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has said in its latest update. The move is believed to be made to allow troops from Russias 58th Combined Arms Army (CAA) to be given rest and recuperation after been fighting back Ukraininan assaults since June. The units previous chief Major General Ivan Popov was sacked by the Kremlin after calling for his troops to be rested as the Ukrainian counter offensive took its toll, according to the MoD. Meanwhile Russias 70th and 71st rifle units have also been involved in heavy combat in Zaporizhzhia, home of Europes largest nuclear plant and a battle zone wracked by intense attrition the update said. Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine - 12 August 2023. Find out more about Defence Intelligence's use of language: https://t.co/jicui2oblb #StandWithUkraine pic.twitter.com/cOsGaKFyT0 Ministry of Defence (@DefenceHQ) August 12, 2023 The assessment is that although the arrival of the airborne forces of the VDV will allow those troops to rest, the redeployment will leave Russias lines on the Dnipro river more exposed to attack and crossings by amphibious Ukrainian forces. The update added: Russia has likely redeployed airborne forces units from the Kherson region to Zaporizhzhia oblast. The 58th Combined Arms Army (CAA) has been in combat facing Ukrainian assaults since 4 June 2023. As early as 11 July 2023, the then commander of 58 CAA was sacked, likely partially becuase of his insistence that that elements of his force needed to be relieved. Reports that the 70th and 71st Motor Rifle regiments have faced particularly intense attrition and heavy combat on the front line. there is a realsitic possbility that the arrival of the VDV will finally alow elements of those regiments to be pulled out for rest and recovery. However, the redeployment will likely leave Russias defences near the east bank of the Dnipro River weaker, where they are increasingly harassed by Ukrainian amphibious raid. 397,000 was given to help people displaced by the ongoing war in Ukraine (Photo: Ben Birchall) Within this total, 397,000 was given to help people displaced by the ongoing war in Ukraine in response to appeals by Christian Aid; 199,000 supported projects in Africa; 76,000 went to countries in Asia, and 17,000 to Central and South America. In 2023 so far, the Bishops' Appeal has given out 353,000 in funds, including 215,000 for Syria and Turkey following the earthquake in the region in February Bishops Appeal has operated since 1972, when it was set up by Church of Irelands bishops in response to the commands in the Bible to bring good news to people living in poverty and relief to the suffering. Church of Ireland Bishops' Appeal is a registered charity in both Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic and its aims are: "Educate the church at home about the needs and concerns of people in the less developed world and the causes of poverty; encourage church members to examine the reasons for the problems facing the less fortunate in the world and to consider what we can do to change conditions; reach out in Gods name to those who need our help; encourage informed prayer and prayerful action aimed at strengthening the poor; raise funds needed to allow Bishops Appeal to support development projects and alleviate the suffering caused by disasters, both natural and man-made." Most significant recipient country for the Church of Ireland Bishops' Appeal was Ukraine, in response to appeals by Christian Aid, Tearfund and Habitat for Humanity. However, sustained support for projects in Africa continued, especially in East and Central Africa. Bishops Appeal also supported projects in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Lebanon, Nepal, Bangladesh, Haiti, and Honduras. Meanwhile Ms Hilary McClay has just been appointed as education advisor for the Church of Ireland Bishops Appeal for world aid and development. For 20 years, she worked in community development in Northern Ireland, supporting local churches to engage with issues of poverty and deprivation as part of their Christian mission and outreach. Story continues She has also visited several countries where extreme poverty and climate change has had such a severe impact on the lives of people, and has seen what churches in countries such as Ethiopia and Nepal are doing and how the support of agencies like Christian Aid is helping. Ms McClay says: "As Christians we have a particular responsibility to campaign, advocate, respond, give and walk alongside the most vulnerable in our world which is what Bishops Appeal is all about." She added: "I look forward to learning more about what Bishops Appeal does to support the work of Christian agencies on the ground, and to bring positive change to peoples lives. Letters to editor (Photo: JP) I would like to express my agreement with Ben Lowrys comments last Saturday on the issues facing infrastructure developments (The UK including Northern Ireland will not think big when it comes to major infrastructure, August 5, see link below). Sadly the prospect of any rational solutions for airport provision for Northern Ireland awaits an assembly of no more than 40 MLAs, where the debates are about goals and how to achieve them and not crumbs and how to share them out. What hope have the next generation when the preference of the political class is to slow down and discourage inward investment, at the expense of job creation; preferring to see public services decline in order that old power bases continue to vote for visions of a world now long gone. Brendan Milligan, Downpatrick, Co Down Ben Lowry: The UK including Northern Ireland will not think big when it comes to major infrastructure Romeo Lavia. Picture: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) Chelsea are close to agreeing a deal for Romeo Lavia, reports suggest. Liverpool have made three bids so far this summer for the Southampton midfielder - culminating at 48 million. Yet despite being in need of a replacement for duo Fabinho and Jordan Henderson, who departed for Saudi Arabia sides Al-Ittihad and Al-Ettifaq respectively, one has still not been sought on the eve of the 2023-24 Premier League season. Now it has been claimed that Chelsea are nearing an agreement with the Saints for Lavia. Belgium-based reporter Sachia Tavolieri has suggested that the London side are willing to pay up to 55 million for the 19-year-old - some 5 million more than Southampton initially wanted - and are keen to get things done quickly so Liverpool cannot hijack the transfer He posted on Twitter: Agreement between #CFC & #SaintsFC now close to 52M + 3M add-ons. Not a done deal yet as it left some extra information to be exchanged tomorrow even if Soton accepted the fee as revealed this evening. Been told #ChelseaFC wants to anticipate a possibly last minute hijack from #LiverpoolFC by asking the team responsible to be prepared for medical tests. Joe Shields absolutely impressive for #CFC on this transfer while #LFC was scary to meet #SouthamptonFC financial requests. Liverpool and Chelsea are also in a battle to sign Brightons Moises Caicedo. The Reds have had a British record bid of 110 million accepted for the Ecuador international. However, it is said that Caicedo would prefer to join Chelsea, which is why things are stalling. The James Hutton Institute is researching the development of food crops resilient to climate change (Photo: Contributed) Assuaging it, and pure self-interest, mean that mitigating its effects must be a top priority. So it was very disappointing to learn in Katharine Hays report (Scotsman,10 August) that instead of fully supporting the James Hutton Institute, which is doing world-class work in developing food crops resilient to climate change, its funding is being cut. A Scottish Government spokesperson blamed devolution. But devolution means that the Scottish Government can spend its budget any way it likes. Clearly, it puts scientific research into how to better respond to the burning planet low on its list of priorities. Hugh Pennington, Aberdeen Stop being lazy I was recently travelling from Singapore to Scotland and before I boarded my plane I had a quick look around the many shops in the International departures area. I couldn't help but notice Bill Gates new book, How to Avoid A Climate Disaster. What a total waste of money, I thought. Anybody with a tiny wee bit of common sense can see what has to be done. Do we really need to have a neon sign inviting us to review how the toilets were during our visit? Speaking of toilets, why cant we flush them manually are we so useless than we can't press a button ourselves? In Singapore, a land of young and mainly fit people they cant even climb stairs anywhere you have to go on the escalator. When you enter any building the air conditioning is so freezing cold you need your coat and once outside you take it off. Back in Edinburgh, I cant help thinking of the number of stores I visit where the door opens automatically. I may be 64 but I can still open a door by myself and hold it open for someone who might not be able to. Where I am staying my trusted scales are flung out and replaced with battery-operated scales. All these operations require energy and power. If we want to be independent of fossil fuels and save our beautiful planet we need to stop being so damn lazy and do things for ourselves. I dont need to read Bill Gates book its as simple as that. Story continues Jean Draxler, Edinburgh Church and state On Thursday I attended a Festival of Politics event in the parliament which discussed how it had been 35 years since the inception of Section 28: a hateful and now repealed local government act which sought to ban the promotion of homosexuality as a as a pretended family relationship. Though I lived through it at the time it was still shocking to be reminded that gay relationships were believed to be pretended and of the absurd idea that children would have chosen to be gay simply because they knew about the existence of LGBT people. Many battles have been won since those days but we are reminded that outstanding LGBT inequalities are largely religiously-based: faith schools are exempt from providing LGBT-inclusive sex and relationships classes should that run counter to their ethos; a full ban on so-called gay conversion therapy was met with demands that pray away the gay uniquely should be allowed to continue and unrepentant homophobic views are to be excused even in candidates for First Minister if they are religiously derived. We cannot prevent that minority of believers who still hold these views from privately doing so but separation of church and state is absolutely vital to prevent them being deployed from a position of advantage or privilege. Neil Barber, Edinburgh Secular Society Wilkos demise It is a very sad for all staff and customers that Wilko has effectively gone bust (Scotsman, 11 August) . I do find it rather strange, though, that the GMB union states that the collapse was entirely avoidable. I think we should be reminded of which other UK business is run by a union and how successful are they? Yes, quite Its very easy to carp from the sidelines about the management team who have done their best in very difficult trading conditions . Let us all hope a buyer can be found for some of the stores and as many of the staff as possible are retained but I dont think it will be the GMB that puts up the cash. Jeff Lewis, Edinburgh Wings clipped It was interesting that Nicola Sturgeon justified 10,000 of VIP luxury travel by her as probably less than a private jet flight by Rishi Sunak (Scotsman, 11 August). That makes it all right then? Her predecessor used to join the rest of us embarking and disembarking London flights, occasionally getting some verbal drubbing. Maybe Ms Sturgeon cant take that as she confirmed that personal attacks were a factor in her quitting as First Minister. Either way, she has closed the door on any reconciliation with Alex Salmond despite him offering her an olive branch earlier in the week. They were once the SNPs golden couple. How times change! Neil Anderson, Edinburgh Reality check An astonishing defence of Margaret Ferrier MP by Kenny MacAskill (Scotsman, 10 August) reveals that he lacks both political judgement and a moral compass. But the East Lothian MPs tenuous grasp of reality extends even further. Were told: The government and opposition in Westminster may swap benches but life in Scotland will remain the same. Thats misery and penury for many, which is why the real motivation for the movement is independence. So breaking away from the UK will suddenly create a land of equality and plenty north of the border. How is this miracle to be achieved? Oh yes of course, by harnessing Scotlands vast natural resources (minus fossil fuels, obviously) wealth redistribution and using financial levers to borrow countless billions from some mysterious source . Words not reached Mr MacAskill that this rob Peter to pay Paul approach has been tried unsuccessfully many times before for example, in Argentina and is currently failing miserably in oil-rich but impoverished Venezuela. As ever, the separatist grasp of economics remains infantile. The electorate will soon demonstrate their opinion of Mr MacAskill, Ms Ferrier and their movement at the ballot box. Martin OGorman, Edinburgh Disenfranchised Now in my eighties, I have supported the SNP all of my adult life. In the 1960/70s I represented the SNP as a councillor in the town where I was living at the time. But no more. I have had enough of the tail wagging the dog. If the SNP leadership continues a relationship with the Green Party, they will no longer have my vote. As I will not vote for any other party, unless there is a potential independent candidate, for the first time ever I will not cast my vote. James Thompson, Dunbar, East Lothian Protect pensions The Tories are talking about cutting the triple lock that protects our pensions, again! However, Im hopeful that Conservative blue rinse donors will protect us until the next election. After that, our pensions will be at risk again. Voting Labour wont help. Starmer has not promised to protect us, so appears to be following the Tory line, as usual. The Lib-Dems, like Labour, are silent. UK voters have no alternative party to vote for. Scottish voters do. We can vote for a government that cares for its elderly and has shown that it is able to govern Scotland well. We worked for our pensions. We deserve them. Elizabeth Scott, Edinburgh Pause for thought John McLaren (Scotsman, 10 August) suggests the weakness of the devolved administrations policies is due to a dearth of think tanks. I suggest the reasons are different. First, who funds these think tanks? Gordon Browns Our Scottish Future, These Islands, Scottish Business UK, Reform Scotland and the Centre for the Union were all given the lowest score possible in an Open Democracy report on funding transparency. We can dismiss the London-based Tufton Street think tank gang the IEA, Taxpayers Alliance, Centre for Policy Studies, and the Adam Smith Institute, neoliberal lobby groups masquerading as impartial funded by corporate dark money and patronised by both Tory and Labour politicians. McLaren values the analysis of the University of Strathclydes Fraser of Allander Institute that accepts the Tory-rigged GERS accounts designed to keep Scotland in its box. GERS is riddled with errors and estimations and grossly overstates costs and understates revenues . Second, policy-making in Scotland isnt optimal because Scotland is controlled by a Unionist establishment. Its from this group, educated at elite private schools and universities, that the key positions in Scotlands social and academic institutions, as well as business, are drawn. All high status and well-remunerated posts are advertised in the London media market. English, not Scottish values, prevail. Genuine Scottish think tanks like Common Weal, where funding is transparent and the mission is to develop policies to improve life for all Scots, will only flourish in an independent Scotland. Leah Gunn Barrett, Edinburgh Write to The Scotsman We welcome your thoughts NO letters submitted elsewhere, please. Write to lettersts@scotsman.com including name, address and phone number we won't print full details. Keep letters under 300 words, with no attachments, and avoid 'Letters to the Editor/Readers Letters' or similar in your subject line be specific. If referring to an article, include date, page number and heading. officials in Vilnius say Minsk may be trying to recruit some travellers to Belarus for espionage (PETRAS MALUKAS) Under the clear skies of Sumskas nestled at Lithuania's border with Belarus, several dozen cars lined up on Saturday, awaiting passage. But what for years has been a convenient journey to get cheaper goods and pay family visits will likely soon turn into a more challenging endeavour. Next week, Lithuania will shut two of its six border checkpoints with Belarus, including the crossing in Sumskas. The decision came as a response to escalating tensions between the neighbours, with Vilnius warning of a provocations threat by Minsk -- and the Wagner fighters now based in Belarus following their short-lived rebellion in Russia. For casual travellers, the move will mean extended waiting times at the remaining checkpoints, which will now also be shared with buses and trucks. Some Lithuanians say they would need to abandon their excursions to the neighbouring state completely. Among them is 73-year-old pensioner Jadvyga, who crosses the border on her bicycle several times a year to buy cheaper medication. "They sell this drug for one and a half euros ($1.64), while here (in Lithuania) it costs from 10 to 12 euros," she told AFP while she queued at the Sumskas checkpoint. "But now I won't go," she added. - 'Fail to come back' - Lithuanian authorities say around 230,000 Lithuanian citizens went to Belarus in the first half of 2023 despite political tensions and multiple warnings from the government to stay away from the authoritarian state. The surge in illegal migration from Belarus to the European Union, coupled with Minsk hosting Russian tactical nuclear weapons and letting Moscow use its territory to conduct strikes on Ukraine, has left Lithuania uneasy. This week, the government installed banners at all border checkpoints with Belarus bearing the inscription "Do not risk your safety -- do not travel to Belarus. You may fail to come back." "By granting shelter to the Wagner military group, Belarus has become a state that harbours a terrorist organisation," Lithuanian Deputy Foreign Minister Mantas Adomenas told reporters. Story continues "New security challenges have emerged and we must take them into account," he added. The officials in Vilnius say Minsk may be trying to recruit some travellers to Belarus for espionage, exert psychological pressure, or even blackmail the Lithuanian citizens by performing checks on their phones and social media. "Every citizen of Lithuania who goes to Belarus must assess all the risks, including those to their health and life," said Rustamas Liubajevas, head of the border guard service. - 'People will suffer' - But for many Lithuanians travelling to Belarus, the new restrictions only cause anger and disappointment. Sergey, a construction worker who declined to give his full name, used to go shopping in Belarus once a month -- and said he had never encountered anything that Lithuanian authorities warn of. "What can happen there? It's nonsense, it's funny," he told AFP. The middle-aged man said political tensions are "useless" to ordinary people. "It would be more beneficial to foster friendly relations with our neighbours, but for some reason they make a confrontation. Who is it good for?" Sergey added. 33-year-old Violeta Porsatovic said she didn't back the new restrictions, but felt there was nothing she could do about it. "Regular people will suffer. How can we support this if we are suffering?" she said. sau-mmp/imm HA NOI The Government has agreed that, in the near term, special consumption tax will not be levied on online video game services. The decision announced by the Government Office stipulates that relevant ministries and specialised regulatory bodies should enhance their collaborative efforts and optimise legal mechanisms (including licensing and personal identification utilisation) to effectively address the challenges associated with online games. The aim is to manage and mitigate the potential negative impacts of these games. Earlier, the Ministry of Finance had put forth a proposal to subject online games to a special consumption tax, citing health and societal concerns as the rationale. However, industry experts and businesses have voiced concern that such a tax might curb the sector's growth. Of the primary concern was the possibility of unintended fostering of illicit gaming practices, alongside the failure to achieve the intended management, production, business, consumption and service limitations. In a recent official dispatch to the Ministry of Finance, soliciting opinions on potentially amending the Law on Special Consumption Tax, Deputy Minister of Information and Communications (MIC) Phan Tam suggested that it's not advisable, at the present juncture, to subject the online gaming service sector to special consumption tax. Statistics revealed that during 2021-22, unlicensed games introduced by foreign entities to Viet Nam contributed to nearly 30 per cent of the entire gaming industry's revenue, all while evading taxation. It's worth noting that the proposed excise tax would only be applicable to and collectible from domestic enterprises, and it would be impossible to enforce on foreign entities. This scenario could significantly disadvantage domestic enterprises in comparison to foreign counterparts operating within Viet Nam, thus exacerbating the domestic-foreign business inequality. The official also highlighted that the imposition of an excise tax on online games might incentivise domestic enterprises to relocate their operations abroad, potentially to tax-favourable jurisdictions like Singapore. They could then offer cross-border online gaming services to Viet Nam, evading the high tax burden. This would lead to a substantial loss of tax revenue from the burgeoning online gaming industry, thus undermining the core objective of augmenting State budget revenue. Furthermore, the proposed excise tax could inadvertently disincentivise domestic gaming enterprises from investing in growth. This sector exhibits significant potential for development and international outreach, but the application of such a tax could hamper its expansion. Viet Nam's application and game development sector is experiencing rapid growth. According to a recent report by DataAI and AppMagic spanning from 2019 to the first quarter of 2023, Viet Nam's global ranking for app downloads surged from the top 15 to the top 5, with Vietnamese developers releasing approximately 4.2 billion applications. This growth outpaces global trends by 2.5 times. In 2022, revenue from In-App Purchases in Viet Nam-developed applications increased by 20 per cent, even as global revenue in the same segment decreased by 2 per cent. Notably, Viet Nam boasts 93 game and application development companies with 171 applications that have entered the top 10 weekly downloaded apps on the Play Store at least once. Additionally, four Vietnamese application developers secured spots among the top 50 global companies with apps surpassing 100,000 downloads in 2022. These are Falcon Global, ABI Global, Zego Global and Rocket Studio. This robust growth underscores Viet Nam's swift adaptation to user preferences and alignment with global trends, elevating its position as a prominent hub for application development. However, challenges remain, including shifts in user privacy policies, changing spending patterns, reduced revenues per ad impression, and declining user engagement. Google's experts advise Vietnamese developers to stay updated on technology and infrastructure, invest significantly in content creation, analyse demographic data, and deeply comprehend their target audience. These strategies can help overcome the challenges and continue the sector's growth trajectory. VNS HCM CITY From 14 to 17 August, Sotheby's auction house will return to Viet Nam for the second time with the non-selling exhibition Mong Vien ong (The Faraway East: of Dreams and Pursuits), introducing the works of French artists who travelled to or lived in Indochina. Following Sothebys first-ever non-selling exhibition in Viet Nam in 2022, Hon Xua Ben La (Timeless Souls: Beyond the Voyage), which saw thousands of visitors from around the world attending the four-day event, Sothebys is delighted to return with The Faraway East: of Dreams and Pursuits. A sequel to last year, the exhibition explores the narrative of French artists who travelled to or lived in Indochina, and how they constructed their visions of the land and its people. The exhibition features more than 50 works by artists including the likes of Victor Tardieu, Jean-Louis Paguenaud and Andre Maire. As we are nearing the 100th anniversary of Indochina Fine Arts College, it is important to recognise the contributions of the French artists who came here not just to set up an art academy, but an entire art movement with a legacy to last. Their journeys embody a repertoire of personal and collective ambitions, dreams and perspectives, and reflect not just the Western influence on the Vietnamese art discourse, but also vice versa, Ace Le, curator and Sotheby's country head of Viet Nam, said. Jasmine Prasetio, Sotheby's managing director in Southeast Asia, said: Marking our 50 Years in Asia and a successful recent exhibition and auction in Singapore, we are excited to set another milestone in Southeast Asia by being back in Viet Nam with the second edition of our exhibition series. As we envision our future in the region, our core mission continues with building local art and cultural ecosystems. By showcasing these sublime works for the public, we hope they will engage, inform, and inspire the art community and beyond." The exhibition will open to the public from August 14 to 17 at Park Hyatt Saigon Ballroom, 2 Lam Son Square District 1, HCM City. Audiences can register via the link: https://rsvp.theworldsbest.events/_4o5rz. VNS BEN TRE The Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta province of Ben Tre has stepped up managing the quality of seedlings to develop its production sustainably. The countrys largest seedling producing province is focusing on producing high quality seedlings of its key fruits such as green skin and pink flesh grapefruit, rambutan, longan, durian, mangosteen, mango and lime. It has selected elite trees and orchards to produce high quality seedlings which can adapt to climate change and saltwater intrusion. It has invested in developing elite orchards for 12 key fruits: dragon fruit, mango, rambutan, durian, milk apple, grapefruit, longan, banana, pineapple, orange, sour sop and mandarin. The province's Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is exploring the seedling demands of other provinces and cities in the southern and Tay Nguyen (Central Highlands) regions, seeking contracts to sell seedlings and consult on growing techniques. Nguyen Minh Canh, deputy chairman of the provincial Peoples Committee, said the province had tightened management of the production and trade of seedlings to ensure the quality of seedlings. To promote its potential and strengths, the province planned to set up a national level Cho Lach flower and ornamental plant seedling centre, he said. The plan was an important task to develop the provinces seedling production sector to improve incomes for farmers and the lives of rural people, he said. The province has 1,500ha devoted to producing seedlings and produces about 20 million seedlings of fruit, coconuts and other tree varieties a year. It is developing concentrated areas for producing seedlings of flowers and ornamental plants and promoting linkages among farmers, co-operatives and companies to develop seedling production sustainably. According to Huynh Quang uc, deputy director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, seedling producers in the province have been quick to collect and create new seedling varieties. The province has 126 elite trees and 670 elite orchards. It aims to develop seedling production towards high-tech production to supply seedlings that have high quality and yield, adapt to climate change and meet market requirements. It has tightened inspections of the quality of seedlings and the registration of producing seedlings, and has developed linkages among stakeholders that produce and sell seedlings. It plans to implement advocacy activities to enhance the awareness of seedling producing firms of regulations for producing and trading seedlings. It has more than 8,000 households who participate in producing and trading seedlings, mostly in Cho Lach, Mo Cay Bac, Chau Thanh and Giong Trom districts. Of these households, only 570 have registered their production and trading. VNS CA MAU The southernmost province of Ca Mau is stepping up the development of brand names for specialty products and specifically identified products. Ca Mau, which is the countrys largest shrimp producing province, has many specialty and specifically identified products, including black-tiger shrimp and mud crabs. Its black-tiger shrimp and mud crabs have been granted geographical indication by the National Office of Intellectual Property. The province has 12 specialty products and specifically identified products which have been granted collective brand names. It is implementing a national level plan of developing geographical indication for its blood cockles and a provincial level plan of developing geographical indication for spotted scat fish. It will register with the National Office of Intellectual Property to develop geographical indication for its Thoi Binh giant river prawn this year. Thai Truong Giang, deputy director of the provincial Department of Science and Technology, said the intellectual property protection for the provinces key products has helped increase their value and competitiveness, and these products have been gradually switched from small scale production to large-scale production. It has also helped to preserve and promote the provinces specifically identified products and specialty products and expand their markets, he said. The province plans to develop geographical indication abroad for its black-tiger shrimp and mud crabs by 2030 and for seven branded products that have potential for further developing in export countries. It will develop export markets for shrimp in Japan, South Korea and China and for mud crabs in China. With a dense river and canal network, Ca Mau has diversified specialty products and specifically identified products and many of them have been recognised as products of the countrys One Commune-One Product (OCOP) programme. The province is boosting the development of more OCOP products. It aims to develop at least 40 new OCOP products rated three to four stars and upgrade the star level for at least 30 existing OCOP products this year. It will strengthen communication activities about the programme and advertise OCOP products to more consumers. It will expand effective models of developing OCOP products and their brand names. The province has 128 OCOP products ranking from three- or four-star level under a five-star system. OCOP products have had their sales revenue increase by 10-30 per cent compared to before their recognition and their prices rise by 20 per cent, according to the provincial Peoples Committee. However, it does not have a five-star OCOP product and does not have an OCOP tourism product. Phan Hoang Vu, director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said that to develop OCOP products comprehensively, the province should not only develop the number of OCOP products but also their quality, and these products have to be sold to consumers in a fast and sustainably way. The province will give priority for developing co-operatives and small- and medium-size companies, and set a target that at least 20 per cent of co-operatives and 10 per cent of small- and medium-size companies will have OCOP products rated at least three stars. It will host the deltas annual One Commune, One Product (OCOP) Network Connection Forum in December. The event will include a contest for four- and five-star OCOP products. VNS HA NOI Numerous Agent Orange victims have strived to overcome challenges to pursue education and contribute positively to society, although the quest to alleviate the suffering of these victims remains an enduring one, demanding persistence and collaboration from various stakeholders. Vuong Thi Quyen, a second-generation sufferer of Agent Orange, has faced scoliosis from birth, encountering significant challenges in walking everyday life. Nevertheless, she consistently pushes herself to rise above these obstacles, seeking education and aspiring to make a positive impact on society. Originally from the coastal central province of Quang Binh, her father served as a soldier in the anti-American resistance war and was exposed to Agent Orange. In 2014, Vuong was among few Agent Orange victims selected to be awarded a scholarship from the Searching for young talents initiative. This programme, a collaboration between the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Indias Ministry of External Affairs, and the Viet Nam Association for Victims of Agent Orange, marked a significant milestone in her life, she said. Through her dedication to education, she has overcome feelings of inadequacy and now confidently engages with society, she expressed. Upon her return to Viet Nam from India, she opted to teach computing at the Viet Nam Social Protection Centre for Agent Orange (AO)/dioxin victims, with an aspiration to impart her knowledge and enthusiasm to fellow victims, she said. Under her guidance, numerous victims have established photocopy businesses to support themselves financially, she noted. Crucially, her students have bolstered their self-worth, triumphed over challenges, and are now making valuable contributions to society, she emphasised. I chose to light a candle instead of just sitting in the dark, she said. I thought if I do not stop, it doesn't matter how quickly or slowly I progress. I have enough strength to overcome all difficulties and inspire other victims, she said. Similarly to Quyen, inh uc Thiep from Ha Noi is another victim of Agent Orange. He has congenital cataracts, a result of the aftermath of Agent Orange, which have impaired his vision. At 22, after consulting with a doctor who confirmed that he was affected by Agent Orange, Thiep joined the association. His father served in the southern battlefield during the most intense periods of the anti-American resistance war. Thiep acknowledged that being visually impaired posed numerous challenges in both his daily life and academic pursuits. Nevertheless, he remains proactive, attending life-skill classes and partaking in activities to better assimilate into society. Impressively, he graduated with distinction from the Social Work Major at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities under the Viet Nam National University, Ha Noi (VNU). Throughout his academic journey, Thiep was actively involved in various social and volunteer events, establishing himself as a prominent figure within his institution. For his efforts, he was awarded the "Student of 5 Good Achievement" accolade at the city level for the academic year 2018-19. He shared that his involvement in social endeavours introduced him to many individuals facing even greater hardships than his own. This exposure ignited in him a stronger desire to assist the more vulnerable and fellow Agent Orange victims, he expressed. Long journey ahead According to figures, 4.8 million Vietnamese were exposed to Agent Orange, with over three million of them becoming victims. Hundreds of thousands have passed away, while a similar number grapple with severe ailments. Studies from both Viet Nam and around the globe indicate that Agent Orange/dioxin has the potential to inflict varied and multifaceted harm to the entire human body. This includes inducing skin cancer, skin ailments, and damage to the liver, thyroid, and diabetes. It also adversely impacts the respiratory, circulatory, digestive, endocrine, and nervous systems; instigating gene and chromosome mutations, congenital disabilities, and reproductive issues. Significantly, the effects of Agent Orange can be passed down through multiple generations. In Viet Nam, its repercussions have been observed up to the fourth generation. Partial figures suggest that the country has over 75,000 second-generation victims; more than 35,000 third-generation victims, and upwards of 2,000 fourth-generation victims, all stemming from the exposure of the first generation to Agent Orange. The majority of Agent Orange victims continue to face challenges in both material and spiritual aspects of life. In response, the State allocates over VN10 trillion (US$420 million) annually from its budget to provide monthly allowances, medical care, and rehabilitation for these victims. This funding also assists areas heavily impacted by Agent Orange, all in an effort to alleviate the suffering of the victims and their families. The State has further instituted various guidelines and policies to honour those who rendered meritorious services to the revolution. This includes soldiers whose offspring have been affected by these toxic chemicals. For the past two decades, the Viet Nam Association for Victims of Agent Orange has raised more than VN3 trillion to cater to the needs of these victims and their families. Despite the socio-economic challenges faced this year, the Viet Nam Fund for Victims of Agent Orange has managed to gather a sum of VN320 billion ($13.4 million) to aid victims and their families in housing, livelihood enhancement, and in motivating them to tackle hardships. Nevertheless, the road ahead is perceived to be long and fraught with challenges. Lieutenant General ang Nam ien, deputy chairman and general secretary of the Viet Nam Association for Victims of Agent Orange, highlighted that the primary challenge faced by Agent Orange victims today is medical assistance. This includes providing care and support for victims both at their homes and within social protection centres and wider communities. He emphasised that many descendants of the victims, including their children and grandchildren, are grappling with severe illnesses. The impending concern is the lack of support these younger generations will face once their parents are no longer around. Hence, he underscored the importance of long-term planning, advocating for clear and cohesive policies from the central government down to local levels to ensure these individuals are cared for after the demise of their parents. Lieutenant General ien expressed the hope that various organisations, individuals, and benefactors would offer aid, ensuring stable employment opportunities for the victims so they can be self-reliant. He shared the association's future plans, which include urging the State to focus on developing policies specifically for third-generation Agent Orange victims. In the immediate term, the State has been petitioned to provide support for this third generation. While the anti-American resistance war might be a distant memory, Lieutenant General ien poignantly remarked that the "fire of war" continues to burn within the Agent Orange victims, evident in their very bodies and skin. Supporting the victims of Agent Orange isn't solely a charitable act, he stressed. It is a tangible way of expressing gratitude to those who made significant contributions to the nation. Moreover, it embodies the collective conscience and responsibility of every Vietnamese citizen. The whole of society, he believes, must come together to assist these victims. VNS CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) A federal appeals court on Friday granted a motion to dismiss a challenge to construction permits for a controversial natural gas pipeline in Virginia and West Virginia after Congress mandated that the project move forward. The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia, sided with lawyers from Mountain Valley Pipeline in dismissing challenges to the project by environmental groups over concerns about the pipelines impact on endangered species, erosion and stream sedimentation. The U.S. Supreme Court last month allowed construction to resume. Work had been blocked by the 4th Circuit, even after Congress ordered the projects approval as part of the bipartisan bill to increase the debt ceiling. President Joe Biden signed the bill into law in June. Lawyers for the company building the 300-mile (500-kilometer) pipeline argued before the appeals court two weeks ago that Congress was within its rights to strip the 4th Circuit from jurisdiction over the case. They also said that any debate over the laws constitutionality should be heard not by the 4th Circuit but by an appellate court in Washington, because the law passed by Congress spells out that precise scenario. Armed with this new legislation enacted specifically in their favor, Respondents the federal agencies and the Mountain Valley Pipeline moved in this Court for the dismissal of the petitions, appeals judge James Wynn wrote. Upon consideration of the matters before us, we must grant Respondents motions to dismiss. Environmental groups have opposed the the $6.6 billion project, designed to meet growing energy demands in the South and Mid-Atlantic by transporting gas from the Marcellus and Utica fields in Pennsylvania and Ohio. Mountain Valley Pipeline is a dangerous, destructive project that repeatedly failed in attempts to obtain federal authorizations that could withstand legal scrutiny until it convinced its friends in Congress to intervene," said Jessica Sims, the Virginia field coordinator for Appalachian Voices, an environmental organization. "We will not give up our efforts to protect the communities suffering the consequences of this unnecessary project. COLLEGE STATION David Anderson is optimistic about the upcoming cattle market for producers. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension economist explained his reasons for optimism is rooted in increased prices and consumer demand during the general session at Texas A&Ms 69th annual Beef Cattle Short Course in Rudder Auditorium on Monday afternoon. I think on a balance, the positives outweigh the negatives and I think theres plenty of reason for optimism going forward, Anderson told the crowd. Over 1,900 cattle producers attended this weeks conference with more than 80 speakers discussing different topics centered on bovine. The Short Courses general session often gives an overview of the current and upcoming cattle market and weather. I think with both of those topics, theres a lot questions from everybody of: How long is this market going to last? And when we get to weather it is: Whens it going to rain? Three long-term market issues stand out to Anderson, he said. Producers are supplying consumers with a product they want to buy. Higher prices will likely continue with tighter beef supplies over the next couple of years, which will test consumers resolve and pocketbook. Drought has caused declining cattle numbers and this ongoing climate issue continues to affect feed costs. Finally, Anderson explained how the speed of rebuilding herds takes producers back to a decade ago in wake of the 2011 drought when there were record-high cattle prices, which he said came down quickly. An overarching issue facing the cattle industry is drought. Anderson noted how most people know the biggest percentage of beef cows in the U.S. are in the Great Plains, which is where drought conditions linger and will limit producers ability to recover. Another area for producers to water is the corn belt, an area that stretches from Indiana over to Nebraska and the Dakotas. Anderson noted corn prices have been lower throughout most of this year, which has equated to lower feed costs and higher calf prices. Perspective on weather and climate Matt Makens, meteorologist and atmospheric scientist at Makens Weather in Colorado, spoke for an hour on El Nino and long-range weather outlook. Perspective is everything to Makens, he explained. In order to explain short-term projections and longer-term forecasts, there has to be an understanding of weather and climate. He did so by giving an overview of the last 40 years. You rarely hear a perspective piece on weather, Makens said. Long-term natural oscillations will provide more, or less, frequent drought, Makens explained. He showed graphs on how Texas has had little to no discernible drought trends since the late 1800s and said there is currently one of the worst multi-decade droughts in the western North America record. Makens said until the Atlantic Ocean makes a change that lasts multiple decades, there will be a drought tendency. His data suggests a change should be near and a transition should occur between 2025 to 2035. Its all a cycle, Makens said. Every pattern across the country will change and it will oscillate. This mega drought, this long-term period of drought, we may be on the tail end of it going forward. Why? Long-term natural changes within the atmosphere is driving this. In the short-term, Makens projected a drier and warmer than average August in Texas. His models show East Texas will likely get wetter in the next three months while maintaining higher than average temperatures, though. In the months of November to April, Makens said he expects Texas on average to have a cold winter with a favorable precipitation forecast. Makens said he hopes his takeaway for producers is to improve insurance premiums. Do current prices lead to rebuilding? Anderson projects smaller cattle numbers in 2024 than 2023. Tighter supplies can be attributed to fewer beef cattle on feed, fewer calves being born and declining beef cattle being slaughtered, he said. These bullet points led Anderson to ask the question: Are current prices high enough to start herd rebuilding? High prices are a signal, Anderson said. They signal producers to do more, to produce more if they can. They signal to consumers to buy less. So, do we see on the supply side some changes and rebuilding going on? Evidence of rebuilding is how many heifers are being held back as beef cattle replacements, he explained, and the USDAs Jan. 1 report shows the lowest number in the last 50 years. Anderson said producers continue to send heifers to feed lots. The prices we are seeing now are not high enough to really kickstart expansion and the drought areas we see really provide constraint holding us back from our ability to expand if those prices were high enough, Anderson said. Almost every week this year there have been fewer cattle sent to market, according to Anderson, but the aggregate numbers show numbers are still higher than the five-year average. Data shows the industry is not in rebuilding mode yet and wont be until future returns are better than when producers can get right now, Anderson explained. On the cow part of the equation, where we go from here the rest of the year is pretty important in terms of whether were rebuilding or not or at least slowing the reduction counter, Anderson said. Anderson projects less beef will be exported because of higher prices, but this gives more incentive for greater imports that are mostly lean trimmings used for hamburgers. Beef demand has been positive and seen growth in quality cuts, such as prime, high choice and branded products, Anderson explained. This aligns with the fact that producers are producing the highest quality beef in history. Evidence suggests consumers are buying beef, even if they switch around to different products. Were supplying exactly what consumers want, Anderson said. Waco Independent School District homeowners are likely to see tax bills shrink by hundreds of dollars after the school board this week signaled it would cut the tax rate by more than 21 cents per $100 valuation. That cut comes on top of a $100,000 school homestead exemption the state of Texas has approved and is awaiting voter approval in November. Trustees on Thursday voted 6-0 to declare their intent to adopt a tax rate of $1.029 per $100 in valuation, with Jeremy Davis absent from the vote. The new rate, a decrease from the 2022-23 rate of $1.242, would help fund a $161.7 million budget for the new fiscal year. A vote and public hearing on both scheduled for Aug. 24. The districts tax base rose 11% to $9.1 billion this year, according to the McLennan Central Appraisal District, continuing several years of double-digit increases. The board last year voted to keep the tax rate virtually unchanged, but rising valuations meant higher taxes for many taxpayers. An $18 billion tax relief package signed last month by Gov. Greg Abbott uses state funding to lower school property tax rates, and pending voter approval, increases the school homestead exemption from $40,000 to $100,000. With the new homestead exemption, the average homeowner in Waco ISD would see taxable value drop from $132,282 in 2022 to $96,185, according to the appraisal district. Based on those numbers and the proposed tax rate, the average homeowner would see a tax cut of $653.20. An increase of some $2.4 million in state funding to Waco ISD will largely offset the loss of property tax revenue for the district, Chief Financial Officer Sheryl Davis told trustees at their budget meeting Thursday. More crucial in determining state revenue is the districts student enrollment and attendance levels, and Davis cautioned the board that the districts downward trend in both will shrink the states share of funding. Despite a recent uptick of 38 students in the districts average daily attendance, which Davis termed a great gain, the finance officer built the administrations proposed $161.7 million budget on a projected enrollment of 13,698 students and estimated ADA of 11,816, both down from last year and continuing a multi-year decline. While the states basic allotment of $6,106 per student remains unchanged, this years proposed budget includes nearly $4 million in teacher and salary increases, more than $456,000 in higher utility costs, some $549,000 in additional security costs required by the state and a mandated $1.3 million for special education. Expenditures exceed revenues by $4.6 million in this years proposed budget, which will cause the district to dip into its fund balance to cover the shortfall, Davis said. The district also faces growing financial pressures in higher teacher and staff salaries to remain competitive, as well as rising health care costs for employees and the need to replace and upgrade capital assets such as buses, Davis said. She also warned trustees this is the last year for federal funding for pandemic relief, which now covers $6.3 million in personnel salaries as well as an appreciable amount of the districts technology funding. Superintendent Susan Kincannon also saw darkening clouds without more financial support from the state. We have some significant challenges ahead, she said. I hope the Legislature will help if they meet (in special session) in October, but the politics dont seem to be in our favor. Vivek Ramaswamy is as comfortable talking about Bible stories as he is sharing the message of the Bhagavad Gita, one of the most sacred Hindu texts. The 37-year-old biotech entrepreneur turned Republican presidential candidate has been steadily garnering support in a party dominated by conservative Christians. In many polls, he's in third place behind former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, and he is one of six candidates who have qualified for the first GOP presidential debate on Aug. 23. He is also only the nation's second Hindu presidential candidate. Tulsi Gabbard, the former Hawaii congresswoman, ran as a Democrat in 2020. Ramaswamy shared 10 core beliefs as part of his campaign, with God is real topping the list followed by "There are two genders." He cascaded into the limelight with his 2021 book Woke Inc: Inside Corporate Americas Social Justice Scam," a scathing critique of corporations that he says use social justice causes as a smokescreen for self-interested policies. He became a regular commentator on Fox News and other conservative outlets, backing capitalism and meritocracy, and criticizing affirmative action, mask mandates and open borders. He is anti-abortion and believes gender dysphoria should be treated as a mental illness. He has expressed support for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, whose populist policies have been divisive. On the campaign trail, Ramaswamy has leaned into his faith as he vies for the nomination of a party where evangelical Christian support is key. In speeches and casual conversations with these voters, he maintains that his religion has much in common with the Judeo-Christian values this nation was founded on. "Im an ardent defender of religious liberty," he said. "I will be an even more vocal and unapologetic defender of it precisely because no one is going to accuse me of being a Christian nationalist. While questions have been raised about his ability to appeal to conservative Christian voters, Ramaswamy said he has more in common with people of all faiths than those with no faith at all. I was raised in a belief system where there is one true God who empowers each of us with our own capacities, he said. As we say in the Hindu tradition, God resides in each one of us. In the Christian tradition, you say were all made in the image of God. The child of immigrants from southern India, Ramaswamy grew up in Cincinnati speaking Tamil at home with his religious parents who performed pujas a form of worship rituals. He heard stories from Hindu epics, offered daily prayers to deities and attended temples in Dayton and Cincinnati. He and his wife, Apoorva, a physician, plan to raise their two sons as Hindus. Ramaswamy said he was also deeply influenced by Christians. He cemented his anti-abortion stance while attending St. Xavier Catholic High School in Cincinnati, and learned a strong Protestant work ethic from his piano teacher of 10 years. The lessons learned being Hindu were similar and in many ways overlapping with Judeo-Christian values like sacrifice, performing your duty without attachment to the results and believing that your work on this Earth is not being done by you, but through you, he said, adding these Hindu values seem to resonate with Christian and Jewish audiences. His approach is drawing support from influential Christian leaders, including Bob Vander Plaats, who had a front-row seat for Ramaswamys recent campaign visit to Iowa. While Ramaswamys faith may not be ideal for some Christian voters, it comes down to making the best choice available, said Vander Plaats, president of a conservative group, The Family Leader. If we were to tailor-make a candidate, it would be someone who shares our faith, he said. But, Id much rather see him (as president) than Joe Biden, Kamala Harris or Gavin Newsom. Most Hindu Americans and Indian Americans, on the other hand, tend to vote Democratic and be progressive on social issues like abortion, immigration and LGBTQ rights. They are divided over Ramaswamys candidacy; some are particularly irked by his eagerness to equate Hindu and Christian teachings. Ria Chakrabarty, policy director of Hindus for Human Rights, said she is concerned by Ramaswamys attempt to package Hinduism in the family values mold, talking about it as a monotheistic religion to appeal to the Abrahamic faiths. From a Hindu perspective, every person has a fundamental right to make a choice about how they want to access health care, she said. "(Ramaswamy) saying unborn life is life, what does that mean policy-wise? Its also worrying to see a Hindu feed into LGBTQ hate because Hinduism has a rich history when it comes to queerness. For Republican voters, Vander Plaats said Ramaswamys continued success hinges on distinguishing himself from the GOP front-runners. He compared Ramaswamy to Queen Esther in the Bible who was chosen by God to save the Jewish people from genocide: He needs to show us why this is his Esther moment. The 2024 presidential field, in the order they've announced Donald Trump, Republican Nikki Haley, Republican Vivek Ramaswamy, Republican Marianne Williamson, Democrat Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Democrat Larry Elder, Republican President Joe Biden, Democrat Asa Hutchinson, Republican Tim Scott, Republican Ron DeSantis, Republican Mike Pence, Republican Chris Christie, Republican Doug Burgum, Republican Francis Suarez, Republican Will Hurd, Republican WATERLOO Celebrate someone you love at the 12th annual Cedar Valley Hospice Release & Remember fundraiser on Sept. 10 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the RiverLoop Amphitheatre. This event draws hundreds of supporters to the banks of the Cedar River for an afternoon that has become a tradition of honoring family, friends and neighbors in an extraordinary way. The event will feature food while supplies last, kids activities and live music with Flatland Ridge. It will culminate with a short program and the release of 1,000 monarch butterflies. Community members are encouraged to dedicate one or several butterflies as a tribute to someone important to them. For each donation of $30, a butterfly will be dedicated in their honor. Tribute names will be displayed at the event if the donation is received by Aug. 25. Release & Remember T-shirts are also for sale for $20 at any Cedar Valley Hospice location, excluding the Hospice Home, and at the event while supplies last. New this year, attendees can purchase a chance to open a box of butterflies at the event for $10. Two names will be drawn during our program. You must be present at the event to win. At the event, wheelchair ushers will be on hand at the handicap accessible entrance to the amphitheatre near the Phelps Youth Pavilion where handicap parking is also available. For more information or to dedicate a butterfly, go online to www.cvhospice.org. WATERLOO Months after a conversion therapy ban was put in place, the City Council could repeal the divisive ordinance Monday. A special session will be held at 4:30 p.m. in the council chambers of City Hall during which an amendment to the city code will be considered to repeal the conversion therapy ordinance. If the repeal is passed by the council and the rules are suspended to allow the second and third readings, the change could be adopted Monday. The council approved a ban on conversion therapy within the city May 15 in a 6-1 vote, with Dave Boesen dissenting. Conversion therapy is the practice of attempting to change someone who doesnt identify as heterosexual to become heterosexual. The approval came months after the polarizing proposal was first introduced. People packed the council meetings where it was on the agenda with many making public comments in favor of or against the ordinance. The ordinance allows complaints to be made to the city attorney or the human rights commission about a licensed medical professional practicing conversion therapy. The issue is then investigated with a letter sent out to the practitioner if the process goes forward. That allows the city to report a potential ethical violation to medical licensing bodies. Written by Councilmember Jonathan Grieder, the ordinance was first discussed at a February work session. The first of three readings needed for adoption was held later that month. However, the council chose to postpone further readings until May 1 at its next meeting in March. That was intended to coincide with the end of the Iowa Legislatures session, where laws were being passed regarding LGBTQ youths. Councilmembers voted to make some revisions to the ordinance when it was back on the agenda May 2, which meant it would have to go through three readings again before adoption. Among the changes was reporting a potential ethical violation to medical licensing bodies. Previously, if the complaint was founded, the practitioner would have been subject to a municipal infraction. Those revisions were made and the council voted to suspend the rules and adopt the ordinance at its next meeting. WATERLOO In a park in southern Waterloo, city officials placed their heels on shovels to physically signify a new Waterloo. The city held a ground breaking event at Prairie Grove Park for its new fiber network project, Waterloo Fiber, on Wednesday. Today is a momentous occasion as we gather here to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Waterloo Fiber utility and the commitment of an ambitious project that will shape the future of our city, Mayor Quentin Hart said. He said the movement of dirt signifies that the city is working to bridge the digital divide by giving every person in Waterloo equal access to the internet. We envision a future where households, every school, every hospital and every business is seamlessly connected, he continued, empowering each member of our community to reach their full potential. Andy Van Fleet, the chairperson of the citys telecommunications board, said the day was historic but the result hasnt come quickly. In 2005, voters approved the creation of a municipal utility service, but did not approve any funding to move ahead with a system to provide internet, television or phone services. A decade prior, Cedar Falls formed a municipal communication utility through a citizen referendum and launched its internet and television services Cedar Falls Utilities in 1996. In 2015, the city of Waverly also approved a measure to allow for the development of a fiber optic network broadband telecommunications system. Courtney Violette, the chief operating officer at Magellan Advisors of Denver, Colorado, said both of those cities also realized the needs of their communities. They made those investments in fiber and communications infrastructure long ago, Violette said. Since then, theyve been reaping those benefits. Magellan Advisors also worked with Waverly Light & Power, which is now Waverly Utilities. In 2020, a broadband study began in Waterloo but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hart said it was time for the city to fulfill the dream of the citizens of Waterloo. Hart noted that when the project started, the city had no money and a dream. As the pandemic died down, Waterloo became hopeful after securing major funding for the utility. In a September referendum, more than 84% of residents voted for a $20 million general obligation bond issue for municipal broadband. The bonds are backed by the governments ability to tax its property owners but the city plans to repay them with revenues generated by the broadband utility as well as revenues from utilities, sewer and storm water services. Van Fleet said the city has also received $20 million in American Rescue Plan Act money, $3 million from Waterloo Water Works and an outstanding grant application for $15 million. The City Council approved a $1.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerces Economic Development Administration to construct a middle-mile network the physical fiber optic infrastructure needed for internet connectivity. The EDA investment will be matched with $667,682 in local funds. Recently, the council awarded a bid of $77.86 million to ITH Communications, LLC, of Tullahoma, Tennesse, for the fiber-to-the-premises and backbone network project. Bryan Siebenberg, the vice president of operations for the company, said ITG has been part of many fiber build-outs over the years. Weve seen the impacts to the communities and how it just continues to multiply on their advantages in the smart devices and (being) able to offer additional services to the home, he said. Its a great opportunity for this community and we are extremely excited to be a part of this. The telecommunications board also appointed Eric Lage as the general manager for Waterloo Fiber. He previously served as the general manager of Reinbeck Telecommunications Utility for nine years. Lage said the rates for the fiber services are the lowest standard rates hes seen. The city will offer speeds of 300 megabits per second, one gigabit per second and 10 gigabits per second for both upload and download. For 300 Mbps, the cost will be $49.95 per month; for 1 Gbps, it will be $69.95 per month; and for 10 Gbps it will be $109.95 per month. That includes no data caps, no hook-up fees and the use of a local service. Residents who want a full package of internet, television and phone have two options. For 1 Gbps, the cost is $179.95 per month. For 10 Gbps, it is $223.95 per month. Three options will be provided for businesses. For 300 Mbps, it is $109.95 per month; 1 Gbps is $249.95 per month; and 10 Gbps is $289.95 per month. Construction is already underway in southern Waterloo, with the access point starting at Fire Station 6 on Ansborough Avenue. Hart said starting at this location will allow for the quickest build-out for the project because there is already infrastructure in place at the fire station from Cedar Falls Utilities. After the first phase in southern Waterloo is completed next fall, northeast Waterloo will be next in 2024 and then northwest Waterloo in 2025, weather permitting. The first Waterloo Fiber customers are expected to be connected by the end of 2023. The entire construction project is expected to end in 2026. Hart said with a project like this he is expecting some challenges and obstacles to overcome. I am confident that with our collective determination, resilience and unwavering spirit, we will triumph over every hurdle, he said. We will build a fiber system that will serve as the beacon of progress, a testament of our commitment for innovation and a source of pride for generations to come. Edgar Allan Poe, who would have turned 214 years old Jan. 19, remains one of the worlds most recognizable literary figures. But is his appeal less about the power and complexity of his prose, and more about the view of him as a perennial underdog? This years legislative session was hugely consequential, criticized by some Iowans and praised by others. The laws passed, from tax cuts to school regulations to book bans to restrictions on transgender students, will influence the everyday lives of people across the state for years to come. We wanted to know how these actions and others by the state government affect the lives of people across the state. What they like, what they dont like, where they see our leaders falling short and what they think needs more attention. This story is part of a larger series involving Lee Enterprises newspapers in Council Bluffs, Davenport, Mason City, Muscatine, Sioux City, Waterloo-Cedar Falls and our Des Moines Bureau. The What Do Iowans Want? series attempts to probe the thinking of people across the state about how the government is working for them. The 20 Iowans profiled represent the broad perspectives in our state. Theyre teachers, artists, retirees and athletes. Theyre Republicans, Democrats and independents. Theyre your neighbors and your friends. Word spread through an Oregon hospital last month that a visitor was causing trouble in the maternity ward, and nurses were warned the man might try to abduct his partner's newborn. Hours later, the visitor opened fire, killing a security guard and sending patients, nurses and doctors scrambling for cover. The shooting at Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center in Portland was part of a wave of gun violence sweeping through U.S. hospitals and medical centers, which have struggled to adapt to the growing threats. Such attacks have helped make health care one of the nation's most violent fields. Data shows American health care workers now suffer more nonfatal injuries from workplace violence than workers in any other profession, including law enforcement. Health care workers dont even think about that when they decide they want to be a nurse or a doctor. But as far as actual violence goes, statistically, health care is four or five times more dangerous than any other profession, said Michael DAngelo, a former police officer who focuses on health care and workplace violence as a security consultant in Florida. Other industries outpace health care for overall danger, including deaths. Similar shootings have played out in hospitals across the country. Last year, a man killed two workers at a Dallas hospital while there to watch his childs birth. In May, a man opened fire in a medical center waiting room in Atlanta, killing one woman and wounding four. Late last month, a man shot and wounded a doctor at a health center in Dallas. In June 2022, a gunman killed his surgeon and three other people at a Tulsa, Oklahoma, medical office because he blamed the doctor for his continuing pain after an operation. Its not just deadly shootings: Health care workers racked up 73% of all nonfatal workplace violence injuries in 2018, the most recent year for which figures are available, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. One day before the July 22 shooting in Portland, employees throughout the hospital were warned during meetings to be prepared for a possible code amber announcement in case the visitor attempted to kidnap the child, according to a nurse who spoke on condition of anonymity because she feared retaliation at work. Fifteen minutes before the shooting, someone at the hospital called 911 to report the visitor was threatening staffers, according to a timeline provided by Portland police. He kind of fell through the cracks, the nurse said. I don't know how many chances he received. It kind of got to the point where staff did not know what to do, or what they could or couldn't do with him. Police arrived at the maternity ward within minutes, but it was too late. Bobby Smallwood, a security guard who had been called in from another Legacy hospital to cover shifts for Good Samaritan's understaffed security team, had been fatally shot. Another hospital employee was wounded by shrapnel. The suspect fled and was later killed by police in a nearby community. Around 40 states have passed laws creating or increasing penalties for violence against health care workers, according to the American Nurses Association. Hospitals have armed security officers with batons, stun guns or handguns, while some states, including Indiana, Ohio and Georgia, allow hospitals to create their own police forces. Critics say private hospital police can exacerbate the health care and policing inequities already experienced by Black people. They also say private police forces often don't have to disclose information such as how often they use force or whether they disproportionately detain members of minority groups. Security teams cannot address all of the factors leading to violence because many of them are caused by a dysfunctional health care system, said Deborah Burger, a registered nurse and the president of National Nurses United. Understaffing forces nurses to care for more patients and affords them less time to assess each one for behavior problems. Efforts to de-escalate aggression aren't as effective if nurses haven't had time to bond with patients, Burger said. Understaffing is an absolutely catastrophic formula for workplace violence increasing, D'Angelo said. Now you dont even have the good old buddy system of two co-workers keeping an eye out for each other. The nurse at the Portland hospital said the shooting left her colleagues terrified and unusually solemn. She is worried Legacy Health's promises of increased safety will be temporary because of the cost of finding, training and retaining security officers. Some of her co-workers have resigned because they don't want to face another code silver, the alert issued when someone at the hospital has a weapon. You know, we always say these patients and their families are so vulnerable, because theyre having the worst day of their life here, the nurse said, and that makes many staffers reluctant to demand better behavior. We have to stop that narrative, she said. Being vulnerable is bleeding out from a bullet wound in your chest. Being vulnerable is having to barricade yourself and your patients in a room because of a code silver. Ukrainian arm twisters arrive at Kiev-Pechersk Lavra to bully and try to evict priests after being blocked from closing another monastery earlier. Priests recite holy words in defiance to protect and send away the evil Ukraine wants to sell off the treasures and destroy the Orthodox Church and this Lavra is truly a Saint Heaven We know, we have been there more than once and God dwells in his wisdom there I really hope evil does not get its way at the Lavra WtR Russian Defence Ministry report on the progress of the special military (11 August 2023) Russian Federation Armed Forces continue the special military operation. In Kupyansk direction, assault groups of the Zapad Group of Forces continued offensive actions on a broad front and improved the tactical situation near Olshana and Pershotravnyovoye (Kharkov region) utilising result of artillery and aviation strikes. In the course of active defence, four attacks and counterattacks of AFU 32nd, 41st, 44th, and 67th mechanised brigades were repelled near Novosyolovskye (Lugansk Peoples Republic), Sinkovka and Mankovka (Kherson region). The enemy losses were up to 165 Ukrainian troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, two pickup trucks, one Polish-manufactured Krab self-propelled howitzer, and two U.S.-manufactured AN/TPQ-50 counter-battery radar station. In Donetsk direction, the Yug Group of Forces units, aviation, and artillery successfully repelled five attack of assault groups of the AFU 10th Mountain Assault Brigade, the 79th Airborne Assault Brigade, the 59th Motorised Rifle Brigade, and the 3rd Tank Brigade close to Nevelskoye, Belogorovka, Staromikhalovka, Maloilinovka, and Veseloye (Donetsk Peoples Republic). The enemy losses were up to 180 Ukrainian troops, seven infantry fighting vehicles, two pickup trucks, one Strela-10 anti-aircraft missile system, U.S.-manufactured M109 Paladin self-propelled artillery system, and two D-20 howitzers. In South Donetsk direction, aviation and artillery strikes of the Vostok Group of Forces thwarted an enemy reconnaissance-in-force attempt near Staromayorskoye (Donetsk Peoples Republic). Three attacks of assault groups of the AFU 72nd Mechanised Brigade and the 38th Marine Brigade have been repelled near Nikolskoye and Urozhaynoye (Donetsk Peoples Republic). Up to 35 Ukrainian troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, two motor vehicles, and one D-30 howitzer were destroyed. In Zaporozhye direction, three attacks of the AFU 21st Mechanised Brigade were repelled by decisive and competent actions of the Vostok Group of Forces units, air strikes and artillery fire near Uspenovka and Rabotino (Zaporozhye region). The enemy losses were up to 60 Ukrainian servicemen, three motor vehicles, and one D-30 howitzer. In Krasny Liman direction, the Tsentr Group of Forces units, aviation, artillery, and heavy flamethrower systems repelled two attacks of the assault groups of the AFU 68rd Infantry Brigade and the 42nd Mechanised Brigade close to Novoegorovka and Kremennaya (Lugansk Peoples Republic). The enemy losses were up to 115 Ukrainian servicemen, three armoured fighting vehicles, and one D-20 howitzer. In Kherson direction, up to 20 Ukrainian troops, two pickup trucks, one U.S.-manufactured M777 artillery howitzer, one D-20 howitzer, as well as and one Gvozdika self-propelled howitzer were destroyed. Operational-Tactical and Army aviation, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Group of Forces have engaged AFU manpower and hardware in 139 areas during the day. A temporary deployment point of foreign mercenaries has been hit near Zaporozhye. Moreover, four ammunition depots of AFU 24th, 43rd, 60th mechanised brigades and the 108th Territorial Defence Brigade have been destroyed close to Toretsk (Donetsk Peoples Republic), Cherneshina, Liptsi (Kharkov region), and Gulyai Pole (Zaporozhye region). Air defence facilities have intercepted two HIMARS MLRS projectiles during the day. Moreover, 16 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles have been shot down close to Kupyansk (Kharkov region), Lisichansk (Lugansk Peoples Republic), Artyomovsk, Volnovakha (Donetsk Peoples Republic), Oreknov and Gulyai Pole (Zaporozhye region). In total, 458 airplanes and 245 helicopters, 5,654 unmanned aerial vehicles, 429 air defence missile systems, 11,230 tanks and other armoured combat vehicles, 1144 combat vehicles equipped with MRLS, 5,847 field artillery cannons and mortars, as well as 12,176 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the special military operation. WtR Winona youth interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics will have the opportunity to learn more about the fields this fall directly from a NASA scientist involved in the Mars Curiosity program. Winona Public Library has been selected as one of 15 libraries nationally to participate in the NASA Inspires Futures for Tomorrows Youth pilot program for children ages 9 through 14. Dubbed Project NIFTY, each library is partnered with a NASA scientist. Youth participants have opportunities to interact with and gain inspiration from NASA STEM professionals who they can relate with. The programming is supported by the Space Science Institute, SciGirls, and Twin Cities PBS. While the programming is available to both boys and girls weekly in September and October, the initiative was designed to broaden youth participation with a critical focus on girls, showing them paths to a STEM field traditionally dominated by men. NASA scientist Sarah Simpson, a geologist and planetary post-doctoral scientist with the Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science Division at the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, has been been partnered with the Winona library. Simpson has been involved with the Curiosity rover on Mars program. Simpson will virtually attend each program date and show her expertise about Mars geology and show the children what her job is like. Winona Public Library Youth Services Librarian Tricia Wehrenberg said the librarys technical capabilities helped in its selection for the program. Im really excited were at that point in our tech history that we can bring in a NASA scientist from Texas to teach us how to navigate Mars, Wehrenberg said. A huge part of Project NIFTY is to put role models in front of kids that have had similar experiences, similar backgrounds that can show them that scientists are also just normal people. She said the application process for the program was intense. Partnering with NASA, for me, was a no-brainer, Wehrenberg said. It was a lot of questions trying to sell them on the greatness of Winona and so it was a long process but it felt easy to show why this was important for our community. Winona is one of the three Minnesota libraries selected, along with Duluth and Carver County. Libraries in Arizona, California and Tennessee also were accepted into the program. Winona Public Library Directory Lezlea Dahlke said this program is a unique opportunity and something to be proud of happening in Winona. It feeds well into this amount of STEM programs we see increasing in our community too, Dahlke said. This was a very select group of libraries piloting this program. So I think its just a thrill to be one of them and represent Minnesota and, particularly, southeast Minnesota. Participation in Project NIFTY is free. Wehrenberg said the program easily lines up with other science-based programs the library has offered like coding program. The first date of the program is Tuesday, Sept. 25. More details about Project NIFTY and the Winona Public Library can be found at winona.lib.mn.us. 0d7d02fa-3855-11ee-b5a8-fb25487d4c2611030df147db18078d517184fb091b3e07081223-wn-nws-project-NIFTYlacrossetribune.com0 Weather Alert ...Widespread rains and cooler conditions with an increased risk of flooding for parts of western NV and the eastern Sierra through late Monday... * Hurricane Hilary in the eastern Pacific is forecast to make landfall today near the northwestern portion of Baja of California. While this system will rapidly weaken by the time it arrives in Nevada, significant amounts of moisture will bring periods of heavy rainfall to the region this afternoon through Monday. The greatest threat for flooding is across the Basin & Range and the eastern Sierra. However, isolated flooding cannot be ruled out elsewhere across western Nevada and northeast California. Have multiple ways to receive alerts in case flood warnings are issued, and never drive through flooded roadways. * Abundant cloud cover and rainfall will keep afternoon high temperatures 10 to 20 degrees below normal today through Tuesday, with Monday likely being the coolest day. * Stay tuned to the National Hurricane Center by visiting www.hurricanes.gov for the latest on Hilary. ...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM NOON PDT TODAY THROUGH LATE MONDAY NIGHT... * WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...A portion of western Nevada, including the following area, Greater Reno-Carson City-Minden Area. * WHEN...From Noon PDT today through late Monday night. * IMPACTS...Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Storm drains and ditches may become clogged with debris. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Hurricane Hilary will bring widespread impacts to much of the Southwest through Tuesday. The biggest concern remains flooding from excessive rainfall. While periods of rainfall are possible at anytime over the next 4 days, this afternoon through Monday will be the window where we will have the greatest flooding threat as the remnants of Hilary moves through central Nevada. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued. && Weather Alert .Tropical Storm Hilary will continue to weaken and rapidly move into Southern California and Central Nevada today. Deep tropical moisture out ahead of Hilary will result in steady light to moderate rainfall across western Nevada and portions of eastern California. The heaviest rainfall and associated flash flooding threat will be from Sunday evening through the early Monday morning hours. ...FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE MONDAY NIGHT... * WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...A portion of western Nevada, including the following area, Greater Reno-Carson City-Minden Area. * WHEN...Through late Monday night. * IMPACTS...Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Storm drains and ditches may become clogged with debris. Never drive through a flooded roadway. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued. && ...Widespread rains and cooler conditions with an increased risk of flooding for parts of western NV and the eastern Sierra through late Monday... * Hurricane Hilary in the eastern Pacific is forecast to make landfall today near the northwestern portion of Baja of California. While this system will rapidly weaken by the time it arrives in Nevada, significant amounts of moisture will bring periods of heavy rainfall to the region this afternoon through Monday. The greatest threat for flooding is across the Basin & Range and the eastern Sierra. However, isolated flooding cannot be ruled out elsewhere across western Nevada and northeast California. Have multiple ways to receive alerts in case flood warnings are issued, and never drive through flooded roadways. * Abundant cloud cover and rainfall will keep afternoon high temperatures 10 to 20 degrees below normal today through Tuesday, with Monday likely being the coolest day. * Stay tuned to the National Hurricane Center by visiting www.hurricanes.gov for the latest on Hilary. China's Hebei activates Level III emergency response to torrential rain Xinhua) 10:41, August 12, 2023 SHIJIAZHUANG, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- North China's Hebei Province activated a Level III emergency response for major meteorological disasters at 11:00 a.m. on Friday as a new round of torrential rain is expected to lash the province from Friday to Saturday, local authorities said. The provincial meteorological observatory continued to issue a yellow alert for heavy rain at 5:26 p.m. on Friday. Some parts of Hebei Province are expected to see heavy rainfall, with precipitation amounting to 200 millimeters from Friday afternoon to Saturday daytime. China has a four-tier weather warning system, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow and blue. Hebei is currently in a critical period for flood control, disaster relief, and post-disaster reconstruction. The area of upcoming heavy rainfall partly overlaps with the previous area of heavy precipitation and is accompanied by severe convective weather such as short-term strong winds and heavy rainfall, posing a high risk of disasters, according to local authorities. (Web editor: Zhao Tong, Hongyu) Gaze up at the stars from one of these Bay Area vantage points. Billy Goat Hill Billy Goat Hill is Insta-famous for its elevated swing set and expansive views of San Francisco. Four hundred feet above sea level, this urban green spot also offers an excellent vantage point to a starry nightbe it from the steps, a picnic table, or mid-swing. Parking can be tricky, especially along Ladley Street. Opt to hug the curb on Beacon Street. // 2442 Castro St. (Glen Park), sfrecpark.org Editors' tips: For an extra hit of cardio, Billy Goat Hill offers a great place to stair climb. The swing is only meant to hold one person at a timeso don't test your luck. Hawk Hill One of the most serene slices of the city, Hawk Hill is popular among yogis and meditation junkies. Nearly 1,000-feet above the Pacific, it is also among the highest points in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) and is accessible via a trying bike ride or calf-straining hike. Also, for the bird watchers among us, Hawk Hill, as the name would suggest, is the highest lookout point for the largest known flight of diurnal raptors anywhere along the Pacific-clasped states. Bust out the binoculars hereday or night. // 948 Fort Barry, (Sausalito), parkconservancy.org Editors' tips: Bring a yoga mat to mentally unwind and stretch out the body before straining your neck to look up at the sky. Raptors are most active during the early hours of the morning; bird watchers will want to perch here early. Mt. Hamilton / Lick Observatory One of the highest publicly accessible summits in all of the South Bay, Mt. Hamilton is popular amongst wannabe and well-seasoned astronomers alike. Perched 4,500-plus feet above sea level and about an hour from San Jose, the darkness afforded by the area's non-existent light pollution makes it one of the best vantage points to stargaze south of Bernal Heights. The UC owned-and-operated Lick Observatory is located off Highway 130, just shy of Mt. Hamilton's peak visitor center and gift shop remain temporarily closed due to Covid, . // Mt. Hamilton Rd. (San Jose), alltrails.com Editors' tips: Refilling stations are few and far between here, so fill your canteen to the brim at home. Mt. Hamilton is dog friendly, just be sure to keep Spot on a leash. Skyline Ridge Open Space Few know that such a secluded, dark space can be found just 15 minutes from Silicon Valley. But sitting on over 2,000 acres of pristine scenery, Skyline Ridge Open Space ebbs and flows with rolling hillsides, most of which are accessible via well maintained trailheads. Whether it's appreciating a star-studded sky from a trail bench or seeing the moonlight refract off of either Horseshoe Lake or Alpine Pond, there's little this place can't offer celestial enthusiasts. // Page Mill Rd. and Skyline Blvd. (San Jose), openspace.org Editors' tips: Trails are easy to moderate in difficulty; no need to bust out the hiking poles. Packing a picnic? Alpine Pond has two tables on its shore. Parking along Page Mill Road is plentiful. Corona Heights Park Sandwiched between the Castro and Haight-Ashbury, Corona Heights Park is a somewhat enigmatic green space, even to locals. Swaths of checkerbloom, California poppies, and more wildflowers sit between towering evergreens, and when the sun retreats beneath the horizon, the park offers sweeping vistas of a lit-up SF and, weather permitting, a starry Bay Area sky. The base of the hill always sits 300 feet above sea level, but hiking the dirt trail up to the peak will put you at 520 feet above the tide. // Roosevelt Way and Museum Way, (Buena Vista), sfrecpark.org Editors' tips: Wear your favorite hiking shoes, the rocky outcrops can be strenuous. Embrace your phone's flashlightthe trails are somewhat tricky to navigate at night. Muir Woods Beach Overlook There may be no better place to gaze up at the heavens than from the sands of Muir Beach. Those who wish to, say, smolder s'mores while stargazing can do so at the designated fire pits. Looking to gawk at the stars from a higher standpoint? Make a beeline to the rocky, cliffside Muir Woods Overlook. Cell phone service is notoriously spotty throughout the park, so screenshot things like trail maps and parking prior to heading out. // Muir Beach Overlook, (Muir Beach), nps.gov.com Editor's tips: Dogs are allowed on leashes, but be mindful that Muir Beach is a popular seal pupping ground. Whale watching at Muir Beach is among the best anywhere in the state. Mt. Tamalpais Ahh, Mt. Tamhow we love your rich hiking trails and windswept vistas. But rarely do we stick around to partake in the stargazing opportunities afforded by the summit and surrounding highlands. Friends of Mt. Tam have suspended their regular astronomy classes due to Covid but they feature astronomy programs on their YouTube channel, providing a window to the skies for those exploring the vast universe on the other side of Karl the Fog. // 801 Panoramic Highway (Mill Highway), parks.ca.gov Editors' tips: The campgrounds around Mt. Tam are among the few places you can have a bonfire in the Bay Area without repercussions. Drones cannot be flown overhead hereleave it at home. Tables, drinking fountains, and restrooms can be found by East Peak off Verna Dunshee Trail. Point Reyes National Seashore Few natural spaces can compare to the awe-inspiring beauty and sublime stillness supplied by Point Reyes' oceanside viewpoints. Limantour beach is one of the better, less popular beaches within the confines of Point Reyes National Seashore, perfect for laying out a blanket and taking in Cassiopeia. // Bear Valley Road and Shoreline Hwy (Point Reyes Station), nps.gov Editors' tips: Check out AccuWeather to see if the night's appropriate for stargazing. Pick up fire and camping permits at the Bear Valley Visitor Center. Bring your coattemps along the shore are often several degrees cooler than what you see on Weather.com. Strawberry Hill, Golden Gate Park Smack in the middle of Stow Lake, Strawberry Hill is an isolated island where greenery and scenery merge into jaw-dropping views. Space is tight at the overlook so don't bother lugging up your telescope: A good pair of binoculars will do the trick. Wear your hiking boots! // 50 Stow Lake Dr. (Golden Gate Park), goldengatepark.org Editors' tips: Pack some snacks and bottles of water for the trek up. Check local forecasts to ensure they'll be minimal cloud coverage. Check for park closures before heading out. (Photo courtesy of SFAA) Land's End and Point Lobos In the northwestern corner of the Golden Gate National Recreational Area sits two geological gems, each perfect for stargazing: the higher elevations at Point Lobos and the ocean vistas at Land's End. San Francisco Sidewalk Astronomers occasionally host an amateur's star watching night at both locations, but its BYO binoculars and telescope. // 80 Point Lobos Ave. (Sea Cliff), nps.org Editors tips: Check local forecasts to assure clear skies for the evening. Bring flashlights for trail navigation; wear hiking shoes. The Presidio With soft mulch and ample parking spaces, the low-light areas of the Presidio offer quality, easily accessible stargazing opportunities within the confines of the city. Plus, SFAA often hosts lectures inside the grounds, sharing insights on what exactly you're straining your neck toward. // Veterans Blvd and Hwy-101 (Presidio), presidio.gov Editors' tips: Crissy Field and Southern Wilds are known for being two of the calmer, quieter parts of the grounds. No need for hiking shoes here. (Photo courtesy of Berkeley Side) Grizzly Peak Sip a chocolate shake, munch on a burger, and ponder your special place in the big ol' thing we call the universe. An East Bay favorite, Grizzly Peaks is thought of as the Twin Peaks of the East Bay, offering up Instagram-worthy landscapes. Just fill up your tank and goand maybe stop at your favorite drive-thru on the way. // Old Fish Ranch Rd. (Berkeley), yelp.com Editors' tips: Parking can be tight here, so try to get there before 9pm. Bring a pair of binoculars, if you wish. Sibley Volcanic National Reserve You'd be hard-pressed to find a more enchanting, light-pollution-free area in the Bay Area than Sibley Volcanic National Reserve. Now, this one's a hike, so be sure to lace up your boots, fill your water bottles, and enjoy the acres upon acres of open space. Stop by the quarry pit labyrinth on your way back to the car. // 6701 Skyline Blvd. (Berkeley), ebparks.org Editors' tips: The clearings are adequate for the use of both binoculars and telescopes. Bring your four-legged best friend on a leash. Redwood Regional Park + Chabot Space and Science Center Every Friday and Saturday evening, weather and light permitting, the Chabot Space and Science Center's observatory is open to the public, free of charge. Just park, follow the signs to the back of the center, and be amazed by the cosmos. If you're yearning for more, head back toward the entrance and grab a general admission pass to explore the entire center. // 10000 Skyline Blvd. (Oakland), chabotspace.org Editors' tips: State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. 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The actress recently opened up she needed stitches after suffering facial injuries during filming of "Bride Hard" - which has been granted permission to continue during Hollywood's SAG-AFTRA strike because it is an independent production - and now she's opened up about the stunt which went wrong explaining she was accidentally smacked in the face with a prop weapon. "I was shooting an independent movie in Savannah, Georgia. In the middle of a night shoot, my last scene of the movie, so I'd done all these kick-ass fight sequences and then just, in the last one, I got hit in the face with the butt of a gun," she revealed in a post on Instagram. Rebel went on to say it was "such a shock" but insisted it was a "complete accident." However, she's pleased to report her stitches have now dissolved and her injuries are healing well. She said, "I just wanted to say thank you for all your well-wishes." "I've actually been healing quite amazing. The stitches have dissolved out ... I hopefully will be totally, totally fine. It was really fun doing an action movie, but it can be dangerous at times. But I'm all good, so thanks, everybody." In the action comedy, Rebel plays "badass secret agent" Sam who is tasked with "one of her hardest missions yet" - being Maid of Honour at her childhood best friend's wedding. Last week, the actress shared a photo of her battered and bruise face on her Instagram Story and wrote, "NOT the way I wanted to end this movie!. 3 stitches and in hospital last night after a stunt accident at 4am (sic)." "Bride Hard" has been granted an Interim Agreement to continue filming during the SAG-AFTRA strike because it is an independent production. The actors' organisation - which is striking due to issues including the rise of AI and streaming revenue - explained in a message to members last month, "The Interim Agreement gives many of our journeyman performers and crews the opportunity to pay their rent and feed their families. This approach maintains our strength, solidarity and upper hand with the AMPTP until they yield to the deal we deserve." "The Interim Agreement is not a waiver. To be clear, it is a contract that includes all terms and conditions for producers looking to employ our members on their specific independent productions." "This Interim Agreement was created for several reasons, all of which are aimed at protecting the interests of our members, helping them successfully navigate the strike and demonstrating to the AMPTP that other producers are eager to work with our members under these terms." You can share this post! Cover Images/Ron Sachs/CNP Celebrity The former U.S. president has been warned by the judge not to intimidate witnesses ahead of his trial on criminal charges of allegedly plotting to overturn the 2020 U.S. election. Aug 12, 2023 AceShowbiz - Donald Trump has been warned not to intimidate witnesses ahead of his trial on criminal charges of allegedly plotting to overturn the 2020 U.S. election. The former U.S. president, 77, was arraigned for a record third time on August 1 and has pled not guilty to four charges against him related to the January 6 Capitol riot and his alleged bid to stay in power. Lawyers for Trump and federal prosecutors appeared in a federal courtroom on Friday, August 11, morning to discuss what restrictions could be imposed before his trial, and he was slapped with restrictions on what he could say before the proceedings. U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan warned Trump's team, "Even arguably ambiguous statements by the parties or their counsel - if they can be reasonably interpreted to intimidate witnesses or to prejudice potential jurors - can threaten the process. I caution you and your client to take special care in your public statements about this case. I will take whatever measures are necessary to safeguard the integrity of these proceedings." She added, "The defendant and defense counsel shall not disclose Sensitive Materials or their contents directly or indirectly to any person or entity other than persons employed to assist in the defense, persons who are interviewed as potential witnesses, counsel for potential witnesses, and other persons to whom the court may authorize disclosure." The judge also ruled the protective order will only apply to "sensitive" materials and not all discovery in the case as the government had requested. She said, "Mr. Trump, like every American, has a First Amendment right to free speech. But that right is not absolute." Trump, who is the front-runner in the 2024 Republican presidential nomination race, could face a combined maximum sentence of 55 years in prison if he's found guilty. The trial is still months away and it has been proposed jury selection starts in December so a trial could get underway just after the new year. Trump claimed he's being "persecuted" after he pled not guilty to the criminal charges against him. He remains free on the condition that he does not communicate with witnesses in the case. The scandal-plagued former leader's four counts in connection to his involvement in the events of January 6, 2021, include conspiracy to defraud the American government and obstruct the electoral count for trying to overturn the 2020 election. A 45-page indictment states the former "The Apprentice" judge was "determined to remain in power" despite having "lost" his leadership. Trump has denied his involvement in the events of January 6 that saw his supporters storm the Capitol Building in Washington D.C., leaving five people dead and others injured. He is also currently facing federal charges in Florida stemming from his mishandling of classified docs after he left office. Trump made history in April when he became the first U.S. president to be charged with a crime after leaving office, when the Manhattan district attorney's office indicted him on charges related to hush money payments he made prior to the 2016 election. You can share this post! Instagram Celebrity After gushing about his 'amazing time' with his daughter Grace Avery at the pop star's L.A. show, the 'Yellowstone' actor is showered with comments calling him 'awesome dad.' Aug 12, 2023 AceShowbiz - Kevin Costner has received compliments after taking his daughter to one of Taylor Swift's "Eras Tour" shows. After gushing about his "amazing time" with his daughter at the L.A. concert of the pop superstar, the actor has been lauded as an "awesome dad." The "Yellowstone" star raved about Taylor's performance via social media. Making use of his Instagram page, he shared his experience from the night out with his daughter by sharing a photo and videos taken from the concert. "My videos are blurry, but I had an amazing time with my daughter at the @taylorswift show," he wrote in the caption. He continued, "I was absolutely blown away watching her art bring so many people together." "I had a great view of her band and had a blast watching them, too. An inspiring night," the father of seven added. He concluded it by declaring himself "officially a Swiftie!" In the comments section, Kevin was praised for being a "cool" dad for taking his daughter to the concert. "So nice to go with your daughter! A great Dad," one fan wrote in the comment. Another complimented him, "Perfect...good Dad vibes Kevin.." "Awesome dad for doing this," a third gushed over the 68-year-old actor. A fourth person added, "I'm so glad you made it to the concert with your daughter, how cool," while another remarked, "wow such fun together." Several others, meanwhile, trolled Kevin for failing to secure a VIP spot in the audience. "Even the Costner family gets s**tty tickets.....," one commenter wrote. Another similarly said, "Not even daddy Dutton can get a close seat." Kevin and his daughter Grace Avery were seen attending Taylor's concert at SoFi Stadium in California on Monday, August 7. He and his 13-year-old daughter, whom he shares with estranged wife Christine Baumgartner, were joined by Grace's girl pal. During the Grammy winner's performance of her breakup anthem "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together", Kevin flashed a grin as he looked immersed in the song. Meanwhile, his teen daughter was jamming to the song. You can share this post! Cover Images/Instagram/Seth Browarnik Celebrity The 43-year-old model is greeted by the jiu-jitsu instructor, who has been waiting on the curb in his pickup truck for her, as soon as she touches down in Miami. Aug 12, 2023 AceShowbiz - Joaquim Valente is clearly more than a jiu-jitsu instructor to Gisele Bundchen. The pair have just added fuel to speculation about their relationship status after he was spotted picking up the model from airport. On early Friday morning, August 11, the Brazilian beauty arrived at Miami International Airport following a vacation to her homeland. She reportedly landed at around 4:45 A.M. and was immediately greeted by Joaquim, who was waiting on the curb for her. Modeling a cream sweater with a pair of leggings, the 43-year-old model received some help from an employee to chuck her bags into the back of her rumored boyfriend's pickup truck. She then hopped in the front seat before the duo sped off. She completed her sporty look with a blue hat and white sneakers. Gisele Bundchen was picked up by Joaquim Valente upon arrival in Miami following a Brazilian vacation. Gisele and Joaquim sparked dating rumors following her divorce from Tom Brady in October 2022. In November last year, the duo were spotted together during a vacation in Provincia de Puntarenas, Costa Rica with her two children, Benjamin and Vivian. At the time, insiders said of the two's relationship, "Joaquim and his two brothers have instructed Gisele and the children in martial arts for the past year and a half," adding that Gisele and Joaquim's relationship was "strictly platonic and professional." They were spotted hanging out together again two months later. In January, they were photographed on a sweaty jog together and later on a fun horseback riding venture. They were also caught enjoying another date in Costa Rica in March. Later that month, Gisele addressed the romance rumors in an interview with Vanity Fair magazine. "I think, at this point, unfortunately, because I'm divorced, I'm sure that they're going to try to attach me to anything," she said, before gushing over the Valente brothers, "I'm so grateful to know all of them, because not only have they helped me and helped my kids, but they have become great friends, and Joaquim especially." You can share this post! Instagram Celebrity The 'Euphoria' actress previously faced backlash after pictures showed that some of the party guests wore what appeared to be Blue Lives Matter garb at the bash for her mother Lisa Mudd. Aug 12, 2023 AceShowbiz - Sydney Sweeney has blasted the controversy that erupted over the birthday party she threw for her mom's 60th was full of "misinterpretations." The "Euphoria" actress ended up being slammed online over the bash for her mother Lisa Mudd as photos of the celebration showed guests in what appeared to be Blue Lives Matter garb and MAGA-styled red caps later revealed to read "Make Sixty Great Again". Sydney told Variety, in an interview conducted before the Hollywood actor's strike, "There were so many misinterpretations. The people in the pictures weren't even my family. The people who brought the things that people were upset about were actually my mom's friends from LA who have kids that are walking outside in the Pride parade, and they thought it would be funny to wear because they were coming to Idaho." The 26-year-old star also revealed her dad Steven Sweeney wasn't at the gathering. Sydney told the magazine she has to constantly think about what she says in interviews so it isn't taken out of context. She added, "When we have a two-hour conversation and there's six quotes in it, it's so hard to have the context behind what we're speaking about, and how we're saying it to each other." Sydney also revealed she tries to get her uncle to stop talking about news around her, adding, "I'll see my uncle comment on things and I'm like, 'You gotta stop'. But it's so hard, because I grew up in a small town, and they don't get the business of it all." Sydney also told Variety she feels a "responsibility" to show her parents their sacrifices for her career were "worth it". The actress was supported throughout her acting dreams and endless auditions by her mum and dad, who divorced and filed for bankruptcy as she was chasing her career ambitions. She said, "My parents sacrificed so much to support my dream, and they lost so much during it. I just felt a responsibility to show them that it was worth it". When asked if the sacrifices her parents made contribute to their family crises, she replied, "I'll never know. I think as a kid, as the eldest, I feel a responsibility. They'll say no, or they'll say yes, depending on what fight it is. But I'll always feel responsible. But that's OK." You can share this post! Instagram Celebrity The former judge on 'America's Next Top Model' decides to share 'a lot of self generated content' on her social media account instead of photos taken by other people following a lawsuit. Aug 12, 2023 AceShowbiz - Paulina Porizkova has been "terrified" to post on Instagram. The former judge on "America's Next Top Model" explained the reason why she feels wary of her social media content while recalling her unpleasant experience of getting sued over an "expensive mistake." The 58-year-old supermodel made the revelation through an Instagram post she shared in early August. "One reason I've been posting a lot of self generated content lately is because I'm terrified," she spilled. "Of what, you may wonder? Of getting sued. Again." Paulina went on to explain, "Here's the deal. Last year, while posting about the horrors in Ukraine, I used photos I found on IG to illustrate the story." She recalled, "Six months later, I was slapped with a lawsuit by a law firm on the behalf of one photographer. I had used his photo without his approval or without paying for usage." "Until that point, I didn't even realize this was a thing- reposting photos from the internet being illegal. My images are used all the time," she further reflected. "And unless someone is trying to sell something with the images, I thought this was fine. It turns out it's not. There are law firms that do nothing but scour social media for dummies like myself who have enough followers to pay up." "We settled out of court, because my best intentions notwithstanding, they were right. I did use an unauthorized photo- even if it was carrying on the message I thought the photographer was trying to make - that war is evil," the model recounted. "And boy, did that turn out to be an expensive mistake!" "So, if you find my thread unbearable in its vanity and narcissism already, it's not gonna get better," Paulina reminded her fans. "You may want to unfollow now before I annoy you further. For those of you who don't mind- thank you for taking this journey called life with me. I'm so very grateful for you! #betweenjloandbettywhite #gettingsuedisexpensive." Making a reference to a selfie she uploaded in the same post, the former wife of The Cars late frontman Ric Ocasek concluded, "Yes, this is what I look like in the morning. [a laughing face emoji]." Paulina's post quickly garnered online responses. One of the comments read, "You don't need to change your content, you just need to make sure that you have obtained the copyright owner's permission before you use their work and pay any agreed royalties. Some photographers go to great effort and expense to take the photos they have and this should be respected." You can share this post! Instagram Music The said poster, which is shared by DJ Akademiks on Instagram, features three dogs and the Canadian rap star's quote that reads, 'They say they miss the old Drake, girl don't tempt me.' Aug 12, 2023 AceShowbiz - Drake has no idea who put the alleged "For All the Dogs" poster in Toronto. The four-time Grammy winner couldn't help but laugh off a picture of the said ad that was placed at a bus stop in his hometown. Sharing the photo of the poster was DJ Akademiks on his Instagram page. The image featured three dogs and the Canadian rap star's quote that read, "They say they miss the old Drake, girl don't tempt me." The post did not go unnoticed by Drake. Sliding into the comment section, the "Way 2 Sexy" rhymer replied, "Lol who did this," seemingly suggesting that the poster was fake. Drake first announced his upcoming album after releasing his poetry book, "Titles Ruin Everything: A Stream Of Consciousness By Kenza Samir & Aubrey Graham". One week later, possible tracks from the LP leaked online. Among the songs hitting the web are "Tried Our Best" and "I'm the Problem", which are said to be included in the upcoming record. Other songs included "416" (feat. Big Sean), "Yves Slatt Laurent", "Calling My Name" (Original Version), "Lose You" (Demo 1) and "Lose You" (Demo 2), though neither of them has been confirmed as authentic Drake songs. Drake has yet to confirm the "For All the Dogs" release date. However, during his final New York City stop of his and 21 Savage's "It's All A Blur" tour, the "Laugh Now Cry Later" spitter informed fans that the album would arrive in "two weeks." "New York, I'll be back soon," the 36-year-old hip-hop artist declared at the tiime. He then added, "I have an album dropping for you in like two weeks or some s**t." You can share this post! Instagram Celebrity The 'Daisy Jones and the Six' actress rarely takes timeout from work and insists she doesn't inherit her work ethic from her mom Lisa Marie Presley or dad Danny Keough. Aug 13, 2023 AceShowbiz - Riley Keough confesses she's a "workaholic." The 34-year-old actress recently checked into an holistic treatment centre in Switzerland - where she received attention for her Lyme disease - and Riley admits that it's rare for her to take a break from her career. "This is my first break in a lot of years. I'm a workaholic," the "Daisy Jones & the Six" star told Vanity Fair magazine. Riley has always been a hard worker, and insists it's not a trait that she's inherited from her family. Asked where her work ethic comes from, Riley - who is the eldest child of Lisa Marie Presley and musician Danny Keough - explained, "Not from my parents. Not from anyone in my family. I came out of the womb like that." "I think we're half nature, half nurture. I was naturally somebody that was very punctual and hardworking and wanted to do things. My upbringing was very different to that. It was very no-schedule, Sometimes we go to school, sometimes we don't. That was what I was used to, so I was living out my teen and childhood years as though that was what I wanted." Riley loves having a strict "routine" and she's always keen to be as organised as possible. She shared, "I'm definitely an adventurous and spontaneous person, but I thrive on routine. My parents said when I was little, I was very much trying to organise things and make things happen." Reese Witherspoon - who serves as an executive producer on "Daisy Jones" - has also been impressed by Riley's work ethic. The award-winning actress said, "To be under constant scrutiny and still rise to the top and still perform at the highest level ... I'm really in awe of her in how much she challenged herself. Because she didn't have to." You can share this post! Cover Images/POOL/CNP Celebrity The 45th President of the United States is unhappy to 'spend time and money away from the campaign trail in order to fight bogus, made-up accusations and charges.' Aug 13, 2023 AceShowbiz - Donald Trump insists he's the victim of "bogus" allegations. The 77-year-old billionaire is facing a litany of crimes over recent months and is currently facing three separate trials - but Trump insists that the allegations are all "b*******." Trump - who served as the 45th US President between 2017 and 2021 - said during a speech in New Hampshire, "How can my corrupt political opponent, crooked Joe Biden put me on trial during an election campaign that I'm winning by a lot, but forcing me nevertheless to spend time and money away from the campaign trail in order to fight bogus, made-up accusations and charges." Trump delivered the speech in front of vocal supporters after prosecutors failed to secure a protective order banning him from speaking publicly about the latest charges. In July, Trump claimed to be the victim of a "coordinated hoax." The businessman took to social media to blast special counsel Jack Smith and Attorney General Merrick Garland, after being given a trial date for his alleged mishandling of classified documents and being indicted for allegedly working to overturn the result of the 2020 election. He said on Truth Social, "Just think of it! Between Mueller, Deranged Jack Smith, and Congressional Committees, over 100 Million Dollars has been spent investigating me since I came down the escalator in Trump Tower (sic)." Trump also slammed current president Joe Biden and warned Republicans that "they are trying to steal the election." Trump - who plans to run in the next US election in 2024 - wrote, "Biden is a criminal, and almost no money, by comparison, has been spent investigating him. Get smart, Republicans, they are trying to steal the Election from you! (sic)" You can share this post! Ambuja Cements Limited and ACC Limited, the cement and building material companies of the diversified Adani Group, collaborate to commemorate India's 77th Independence Day. Under the theme of "Growing Nation," they reaffirm their commitment to India's growth and prosperity, symbolised by the metaphorical shade of a Banyan tree. The joint narrative encompasses the intertwined paths of schoolchildren, vibrant crossroads of carnivals, and the joy of newlyweds, all under our shared heritage. Ambuja Cements, in its latest campaign "Desh Ban Raha Hai," celebrates the unyielding spirit and boundless potential of India's youth. These young individuals embody the essence of India's core values - integrity, unity, and advancement, weaving faith in freedom and individuality. ACC's journey, spanning over eight decades, mirrors India's strength, progress and unity. Just as the tricolor soars with pride, ACC stands tall as a symbol of global quality with nationwide trust. From shaping iconic structures to infrastructure landmarks, ACC's commitment to a sustainable and prosperous India remains strong. Both companies champion innovation and sustainability, with green cement projects, eco-friendly practices, and holistic community engagement defining their commitment to a greener and enduring legacy for generations to come. On India's 77th Independence Day, they dedicate themselves to building a brighter, self-reliant future for our nation. Mr. Ajay Kapur, CEO, Cement Business, reflects on this remarkable journey, "On this auspicious occasion of Indias 77th Independence Day, we celebrate the indomitable spirit of our nation and its journey towards progress and growth. Our new films symbolsise the essence of nation building, intricately weaving into India's growth narrative. Committed to nation-building, Ambuja Cements and ACC embody core values - independence, unity, and dependability - as India progresses." Together, as Ambuja Cements and ACC, they stand as a testament to the essence of optimism, perseverance, and self-sufficiency, ready to carve their mark on the world and contribute to India's resplendent future. A man on an extraction mission, a young girl held captive in a war-torn hostile environment of Syria, how will she escape this world of death?. Disney+ Hotstar releases the trailer of the biggest extraction series of the year, The Freelancer. The series is based on the book - A Ticket to Syria by Shirish Thorat, directed by Bhav Dhulia, produced by Friday Storytellers and Neeraj Pandey is the Creator and Showrunner. Set to release on September 1, 2023 on Disney+ Hotstar, The Freelancer is helmed by popular actor Mohit Raina and veteran actor Anupam Kher along with Kashmira Pardeshi. The series also features talented actors like Sushant Singh, John Kokken, Gauri Balaji and Navneet Malik, Manjiri Faddnis, Sarah Jane Dias amongst others Director Bhav Dhulia said, With a series like The Freelancer, we wanted to bring audiences a conventional story that makes them think and question what is happening around them. It is a one-of-a-kind thriller series and sheds light on the subject with sensitivity. Beyond being a story of a young girl stuck in a hostile environment and a Freelancers attempt to rescue her, the story is much more - parents' love for their child, courage, and undying hope. Mohit Raina effortlessly merges into the character of Avinash Kamath and Kashmira Pardeshi as Aliya will leave you vulnerable and emotional. Moreover, collaborating with Disney+ Hotstar has been an incredible experience and we hope audiences enjoy the series. Talking about the show and his character, Mohit Raina said The Freelancer is a story that touched my heart in several ways. Playing Avinash Kamath was challenging yet creatively satisfying. Despite fighting his interpersonal battles on a daily basis, Avinash embarks upon a mission like never before, as he sets foot to rescue Aliya. Working with a creative genius like Neeraj Pandey, a visionary Director like Bhav Dhulia and Disney+ Hotstar has been a remarkable experience. I am honored to share screen space with a legendary actor like Anupam Kher and learnt a lot from him. Taking charge of the role as The Freelancer comes with great responsibility and I hope audiences enjoy this side of me. Talking about the series, Anupam Kher said, Every story has a mastermind behind it and thats exactly what Dr Khan is to The Freelancer. Different from characters I have essayed in the past, Dr Khan is vocal, opinionated and has a complex personality. He is Avinashs confidante and extremely aware about the environment he is operating in. The series will evoke the feeling of empathy and thrill, all at once. Moreover, collaborating with Neeraj has always been a pleasant experience. Shedding light on her role and the series, Kashmira Pardeshi said, The Freelancer is a story that has left a huge impact on me. Slipping into the role of Aliya was challenging and liberating at the same time. Exploring her journey, emotions, vulnerabilities, her strength, courage and her dire need to escape from a hostile environment taught me several things and changed my perspective towards many things. Working with stalwarts like Neeraj Pandey, Anupam Kher and Mohit Raina was a great learning experience. I am grateful to Friday Storytellers and Disney+ Hotstar for giving me this opportunity. and looking forward to audience reactions for The Freelancer. Witness the mission of The Freelancer to save Aliya, September 1, 2023 onwards, only on Disney+ Hotstar Popular celebrities from the Marathi industry Sunil Godbole and Siddheshwar Zadbuke lend their gracious support for Ruby Hall Clinic's new campaign 'life-saving impact of organ donation'. The duo was seen all smiles as they announced the launch of this thrilling campaign. The campaign features a heartwarming video that not only highlights the importance of organ donation but also sheds light on the staggering statistics that showcase the critical need for more donors. In the heartwarming video, renowned Marathi actors Sunil Godbole and Siddheshwar Zadbuke take center stage as they engage in a poignant conversation about the significance of organ donation. Set against the backdrop of a classical music show, the video captures the essence of compassion and the transformative power of organ donation. The video delves into the journey of two friends in their early 60s, discussing how their own organs could potentially save lives and offer a second chance to those in need. It emphasizes the various organs that can be donated, shedding light on the fact that a single donor has the potential to save multiple lives by donating organs such as heart, liver, kidneys, lungs, pancreas, and intestines. Behram Khodaiji, CEO of Ruby Hall Clinic, expressed his enthusiasm for the campaign, stating, "At Ruby Hall Clinic, we believe in the immense potential of organ donation to save lives and improve the quality of life for numerous individuals. This campaign is a reflection of our commitment to raising awareness about the vital impact each donor can make. We are immensely proud to have Sunil Godbole and Siddheshwar Zadbuke come on board to help us convey this crucial message." Dr Kapil Zirpe, Head of Department (HoD) of the Neuro Trauma unit Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune, "Our campaign not only aims to bridge the organ gap but also raise awareness about the extraordinary impact each donor can make. One donor has the power to save eight lives, illustrating the profound ripple effect of this selfless act. This World Organ Day, let's join hands and pledge for organ donation, creating a legacy of life-givers. Ruby Hall Clinic's organ donation campaign aims to break down barriers, myths, and misconceptions surrounding organ donation while encouraging open conversations about this life-altering decision. The video will be shared across various social media platforms to reach a wide audience and inspire more individuals to consider becoming organ donors. Dr. Manoj Shrivastav, Liver Transplant & Hepatobiliary Surgeon Ruby Hall Clinic: India faces a pressing need for organ donations, yet despite the collective efforts of numerous individuals and organizations, there remains a significant lack of awareness regarding this crucial cause. Through this campaign, our objective is to effectively educate people about the urgent necessity of organ donation. Organ donation transcends the realm of mere giving it stands as a profound embodiment of compassion, enabling life to thrive even beyond the confines of the physical body. The act of donation is a testament to the immense generosity of each donor, fostering a sense of hope and healing that reverberates across families and communities alike. TATA Starbucks has unveiled a special-edition India-themed mug - A Sip of India, inspired by vignettes from life across the country, capturing the vibrancy of our rich cultural tapestry. Imagined and designed by illustrator and designer, Reshidev RK, A Sip of India is a colourful, creative brew of all the little juxtapositions that make Indiawell, India! From the old-world magnificence of the Gateway of India, Mysore Palace and Qutub Minar, to modern wonders like the Bandra-Worli Sea Link and the Howrah Bridge and the glorious simplicity of lush paddy fields, serene lotus ponds and a dancing peacock the motifs are laid out in a miniature-style setting, around signature Starbucks ceramic mugs. Speaking about the launch, Deepa Krishnan, Chief Marketing Officer at TATA Starbucks said, We're absolutely thrilled to present A Sip of India our design ode to the colours, sights and scenes from across the country. Over the last ten years, Starbucks has welcomed customers across 47 cities through its doors in India. While we remain focused to present the best coffee from around the world to coffee-lovers here, our in-store experience is inspired by the cities and communities we are anchored in. A Sip of India is a tactile tribute to the cultural diversity that greets each of us as soon as we step into a Starbucks store. At TATA Starbucks, our commitment extends to nurturing the potential of our nation's youth. By collaborating with Reshidev, we are delighted to be able to capture the essence of India through a modern, colourful lens. *The "Sip of India" mug priced at INR 900, will be available in all Starbucks stores across India starting August 15, 2023, which also marks the 76th Independence Day of India. India currently constitutes one of Starbucks fastest-growing markets globally. Having celebrated its 10th anniversary in India last October, TATA Starbucks currently operates 347 stores in 47 cities across the country, with the support of 4,200 dedicated, green-aproned partners. TVS Motor Company, a globally reputed two-wheeler and three-wheeler manufacturer, announced the launch of TVS Raider Super Squad Edition (SSE). The new line of motorcycles draw inspiration from the iconic Marvel Super Heroes - Black Panther and Iron Man. TVS Raider is a digital native brand since inception, and has received an overwhelming response from Gen Z customers. TVS Raider is a distinct sporty motorcycle, and the powerful character traits of Black Panther and Iron Man will add to its unique appeal. Commenting on the launch, Aniruddha Haldar - Senior Vice President (Marketing) Commuters and Corporate Brand & Dealer Transformation, said, The launch of TVS Raider Super Squad Edition with two iconic Marvel characters marks another step in our successful collaboration journey with Marvel. TVS Raider has received an overwhelming response, especially from Gen Z since its launch in 2021. This Offering will further build brand love for TVS Raider. The new TVS Raider Super Squad Edition is priced at Rs. 98,919/- (Ex-showroom- Delhi). TVS Raider SSE is available across all TVS Motor touchpoints. With an aim to emphasise on the issues, challenges, and way forward for the agriculture and food processing sector, Zee 24 TAAS, one of the leading Marathi news channels of Maharashtra, is all set to host Shetkari Parishad in Pune on 12th August 2023. This distinguished conclave is poised to ignite impactful conversations that hold the potential to shape a bright and progressive future for the agriculture industry. With an ethos of partners in progress, Zee 24 TAAS extends an invitation for its upcoming Shetkari Parishad to stakeholders across the agricultural spectrum to join forces. It also presents a pivotal opportunity for curious minds to engage with and draw inspiration from esteemed leaders, driving innovation and transformation within the industry. The upcoming the conclave will comprise of insightful panel discussion series by Industry leaders and policymakers, sharing their insights on the latest trends in agriculture and provide valuable advice on how to succeed in todays competitive market. Emphasizing on the purpose of organising the Shetkari Parishad, Dr. Nilesh Khare, Editor, Zee 24 TAAS, "In the age of AIML Agriculture is the only sustainable way of generating employment and economic growth. Shetkari Parishad is a platform where we will try to give the skillset for the agriculture aspirants. By offering this collaborative platform, we aim to create a space where knowledge converges, ideas flourish, and partnerships are forged. This event encapsulates our collective pursuit of cultivating progress." Mona Jain, Chief Revenue Officer, Zee Media Corporation Limited further added, The Shetkari Parishad recognizes the significance of empowering farmers and enabling their progress. By gathering policymakers, researchers, industry experts, practitioners, and students under a common roof, this event generates a unique space for meaningful dialogue, innovative insights, and collaborative ventures. This dynamic event provides a profound understanding of the external forces that are shaping the future of farming and food processing. We, at Zee 24 TAAS have meticulously curated an impactful conclave that allows farmers in elevating their yields and incomes through the cooperative pooling of resources. Attendees can expect to explore novel technologies, best practices, and groundbreaking solutions that enhance productivity and profitability across agricultural practices, highlighted Abhay Ojha, CEO, Zee Media Corporation Limited. Co-presented by Pitambari Nursery Franchise & Akkudas Trading Dudhkandi, Tourism Partner Directorate of Tourism, Banking Partner, Buldhana Urban Cooperative Credit Society Ltd and Its Associate Partners Are Kanhaiya Agro, Rajashree Lottery, Quick Start 24 Group, J.K. Oos Ropvatika, Universal Biocon Pvt. Ltd., Vidharbha Irrigation System Pvt. Ltd., Dr. Bawasakar Technology (Agro) Pvt. Ltd. Zee Media Corporation Ltd, one of India's leading media companies, has a strong presence in the news and regional genres, with 16 news channels in seven different languages, reaching more than 528+ million viewers through its linear and digital properties. Union Home Minister Amit Shah introduced the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, 2023, in the Lok Sabha on Friday. The proposed bill, which has been referred to the Standing Committee for review, contains a provision under Section 195 that deals with those spreading fake news or misleading information that jeopardizes the sovereignty and security of India and shall be punished for up to three years of imprisonment. Section 195 (1) d reads, Whoever makes or publishes false or misleading information jeopardizing the sovereignty, unity, integrity, or security of India shall be punished with imprisonment, which may extend to three years, or with a fine, or with both. The section is contained under Chapter 11 of the newly proposed bill under Of Offences against the Public Tranquility under the subject of Imputations and assertions prejudicial to national integration. The provisions related to imputations and assertions prejudicial to national integration were under Section 153B of the Indian Penal Code. Home Minister Amit Shah introduced three Bills in the Lok Sabha on Friday that aimed at giving justice and protecting the rights given to Indian citizens by the Constitution. While introducing the bills, Shah said the soul of these three new laws will be to protect all the rights given to citizens by the Constitution. He said that the three billsthe Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, 2023; the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita Bill, 2023; and the Bharatiya Sakhshya Bill, 2023fulfill a vow outlined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Independence Day address to end all signs of slavery. The bills will abolish the Indian Penal Code, 1860; the Criminal Procedure Code, 1898; and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, made by the British. The Indian Penal Code, 1860, will be replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, 2023; the Criminal Procedure Code, 1898, will be replaced by the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita Bill, 2023; and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, will be replaced by the Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, 2023, he said. Suspected Islamic State terrorists attacked a bus carrying soldiers in the eastern Syrian province of Deir al-Zour, killing over 20 people and wounding others, the Voice of America reported, citing state media and a war monitor group. The late Thursday attack took place in the southeastern part of the restive province, according to Syrias official news agency, SANA, which quoted a military source. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, or SOHR, a Britain-based war monitor group, said the attack killed 26 Syrian government soldiers and wounded at least 10 others, VOA reported. The attack comes two days after another attack blamed on IS in the nearby province of Raqqa, the terror groups former de facto capital in Syria. At least 10 Syrian troops were killed in that attack, according to local news reports. Despite losing nearly all the territory it once held in Syria and Iraq, IS continues to carry out occasional attacks in both countries, as VOA reported. Rami Abdulrahman, director of SOHR, attributed the recent uptick in violence by IS in eastern Syria to its ability to recruit informants in government-held areas. The deteriorating economic situation in regime-held areas, particularly in eastern Syria, has allowed [IS] to recruit locals who provide intelligence and coordinate government military positions, he told VOA. This is a new tactic that Daesh is relying on, Abdulrahman said, using an Arabic acronym for IS, also known as ISIS. In addition to Syrian government troops and their allies, US-backed Kurdish-led forces control large parts of both the Deir al-Zour and Raqqa provinces. Those areas have also come under attack by IS militants. US Central Command said on Wednesday that the US-led Global Coalition against IS conducted 11 partnered operations in July against IS elements, killing three IS operatives and detaining six others, VOA reported. Thanks to the efforts of our Coalition-supported partners, we have seen a dramatic reduction in ISIS activity and effectiveness across our area of operations, Major General Matthew McFarlane, the commander of the US-led Combined Joint Task Force, said in a statement, VOA reported. But Colin Clarke, a senior research fellow at the New York-based Soufan Center, said that despite successive decapitation strikes against the Islamic State leadership in Syria, the group can and will remain a persistent threat. ISIS has built up an insurgent infrastructure over the better part of the last decade, he told VOA. Dismantling that will be extremely difficult, and its likely that a low-level insurgency that flares up at various times is simply a fact of life for certain areas in Syria outside of regime control, he added. Hoover resident Sarah Tharani is giving Birmingham area chocolate lovers a reason to celebrate as she recently opened her doors at Peterbrooke Chocolatier in Cahaba Heights. Peterbrooke states that its mission is to take the art of European chocolate making and turn it into an American experience by combining quality ingredients with old-world techniques. Tharani says she fell in love with the Peterbrooke brand after visiting its Tuscaloosa location while attending the University of Alabama. I loved their chocolate and I would drive my family there from Birmingham as often as I could. We all fell in love with it, and together, decided to open one up in Birmingham, Tharani said. Its a family effort with my parents, brother and husband. Treats offered at the chocolate shop include truffles, handmade caramels and cherry cordials along with its hand-dipped chocolate-covered cookies, chips, pretzels, popcorn and strawberries. However, Peterbrooke goes beyond chocolate treats with its line of gelato flavors. We have authentic Italian gelato and what makes it special is all of the flavors actually taste like their name, Tharani said. Gelato is different from ice cream in that it has a higher proportion of milk and less cream and little to no eggs. It is much denser than ice cream. Tharani also noted that the Cahaba Heights community has welcomed her new business with open arms. I have loved meeting the community we are in. Everyone is so welcoming and just so nice. We really feel at home here, and we are so glad we chose Cahaba Heights, she said. Eight people were arrested on various drug charges Friday afternoon after local law enforcement executed a search warrant at a residence in Stevenson. The Jackson County Sheriffs Office, Hollywood Police Department and Stevenson Police Department each took part in searching the home located on County Road 287. During the search, officers located and seized approximately 326.4 grams of a methamphetamine/fentanyl mixture, 102 grams of marijuana, assorted controlled pills, a firearm and other drug paraphernalia. The eight Alabamians arrested and taken to the Jackson County Jail in connection with the case are as follows: Michael Keith Garrard, 49, of Stevenson was charged with trafficking fentanyl, three counts of unlawful possession of controlled substances, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia with a bond set at $33,500. James Stacy Dunn, 47, of Hollywood was charged with trafficking fentanyl, unlawful possession of controlled substances, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia with a bond set at $28,500. Adam Joe Dunn, 47, of Bridgeport was charged with trafficking fentanyl with a bond set at $25,000. James Kenneth Carter, 34, of Bridgeport was charged with unlawful possession of controlled substances and loitering in a drug house. Carter was released with a bond of $2,800, according to the Jackson County Sheriffs Office inmate roster. Christopher Odel Taylor, 35, of Stevenson was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and loitering in a drug house with a bond set at $964. Stephanie Nicole Monk, 24, of Bridgeport was charged with loitering in a drug house. Monk was released with a bond of $500, according to the Jackson County Sheriffs Office inmate roster. Melanie Lynette Carano, 51, of Stevenson was charged with unlawful possession of controlled substances and possession of drug paraphernalia with a bond set at $500. Tristan Lee Sawyer, 24, of Bridgeport was charged with loitering in a drug house with a bond set at $500. Get the Ed Chat newsletter: Enter your email for weekly updates about Alabama schools: Birmingham City Schools is investigating test score irregularities in two of the districts 43 schools, Wilkerson Middle School and Oliver Elementary, according to a statement from Superintendent Mark Sullivan released Friday afternoon. Sullivan said the district has reported the irregularities to the Alabama State Department of Education. Officials believe there were issues with standardized test scores at the two schools, but did not specify which years or educators may be under investigation. Both schools demonstrated large shifts in test scores reported from 2022 to 2023. We anticipate an investigation by ALSDE, Sullivan said. The Birmingham Board of Education will support the investigation, and the district will provide any requested documents. If the investigation reveals any improprieties, the board will take appropriate action. Our school district has made significant strides in student achievement, and transparency is central to the progress we have achieved, Sullivan said. We take our responsibility to our students very seriously. Once the state review is complete, we will make the report public and detail any applicable actions in response to the findings. Year over year, Oliver Elementary and Wilkerson Middle both saw large shifts in English, math and science proficiency. From May 2022 to May 2023, Oliver Elementary proficiency levels shifted from: 48% to 28% in English language arts, 39% to 10% in math, and 63% to 12% in science. From May 2022 to May 2023, Wilkerson Middle proficiency levels shifted from: 22% to 33% in English language arts, 2% to 38% in math, and 10% to 15% in science. Read more Ed Lab: See how your school district stacks up in math, science, reading. State Superintendent Eric Mackey said the department is waiting for the results of Birmingham City Schools investigation. We have nothing more to add until their investigation is complete. Heres a look at Birmingham schools test scores for 2023 and 2022. ELA is an abbreviation for English language arts. Click here if you are unable to see the table below. Scores from the Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program, or ACAP, were released Aug. 1. According to the Department of Education, school officials have had the results since mid-July. As a longtime staff aide to former U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby, including as his chief of staff, Katie Britt had the opportunity to learn from the master in securing federal funding for projects in his home state of Alabama. Now as his successor, Sen. Britt is bringing home the bacon, so to speak. As the Senate prepares its appropriations bills for the 2024 fiscal year, Britt worked to include $232.1 million in federal funding for Alabama projects in a mechanism known as congressionally directed spending essentially, a fancy phrase for earmarks. According to Congressional Quarterly Roll Call, Britts haul was the ninth highest individual collection of earmarks in the Senate. Britt, sworn into office only eight months ago, accounted for more than 76 percent of the states earmarks. Alabamas senior Sen. Tommy Tuberville collected a total of $72 million or just 23.6 percent of the states haul. Overall, Alabama has $304 million in budget earmarks. Thats down from $656 million in Shelbys final year in the Senate a time when he was the top Republican on the Senate Appropriations Committee but Alabamas earmarks this year still rank seventh in the country, according to Congressional Quarterly Roll Call. Asked about the disparity between Tubervilles earmarks and Britts or what projects the senator wanted to highlight among his earmarks, Tuberville spokesman Steven Stafford told AL.com on Thursday that the senator would be releasing more information in the next few days. Britt was immediately placed on the Appropriations Committee when she took office and appointed the top Republican on the committees Homeland Security subcommittee. As a member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, I will always use my position to conduct oversight on the federal budget and fight for Alabamas people, priorities, and values, Britt said in a statement to AL.com. I firmly believe that our hard-earned tax dollars should be coming home to our communities, rather than being spent by bureaucrats in the Biden Administration to fund projects in New York and California. Britts office spotlighted nearly two dozen specific funding projects that are part of her earmarks under six different categories. Top projects by funding: $20.6 million to revitalize and repair the George W. Andrews Lock and Dam on the Apalachicola, Chattahoochee and Flint Rivers in Houston County. $20 million for improvements and lane additions on SR-167 in Coffee County. $18.4 million for dredging, maintenance, and operations on the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway. There is also a combined $33.8 million for dredging, maintenance and operations on three other waterways: Black Warrior and Tombigbee rivers, Mobile harbor and the Alabama-Coosa-Tallapoosa River System. Other projects include funding for water infrastructure improvements in the cities of Auburn, Lincoln and Vestavia Hills and money for an array of healthcare projects across the state from improving EMS access in 11 counties to providing equipment to expand capacity at Troy Universitys School of Nursing. During the race for the U.S. Senate last year, while campaigning against Britt, retired Congressman Mo Brooks was critical of earmarks and pointed at Shelby as more responsible for the nations debt than anyone else. Brooks noted Shelbys long tenure on the Appropriations Committee, which included a two-year term as its chair. Shelbys office at the time responded by saying Brooks was out of touch and added, The reality is that if these federal funds dont come to Alabama, theyre going elsewhere. This week, in her statement to AL.com, Britt said: In this years Appropriations process, I was proud to work with local officials from across Alabama to identify key opportunities for needed investments and secure funding while being responsible and accountable with taxpayer dollars. We were able to achieve significant wins for Alabamians while getting back to regular order and restoring transparency to the process. Moving forward, I will continue to fight to put hardworking Alabama families first and ensure Alabamians money is strategically, prudently invested in our states strength, growth, and future. Amid the growing chorus of calls to expand all or parts of Interstate 65 in Alabama, Gov. Kay Ivey continued Thursday to advocate for whats informally known as the west Alabama corridor along U.S. 43 in a largely rural area of the state. In a speech to business and community leaders at the Athens-Limestone County Chamber of Commerce luncheon, Ivey promoted the U.S. 43 project which has become come a rival of sorts with I-65 as Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth has contrasted the two projects as he pushes for funding to be redirected to the interstate. Related: Where should the money go? I-65 or U.S. 43? Gigantic Alabama road projects stir political battle Ainsworth has elevated discussion of widening I-65 for months, citing frequent bottlenecks on the states busiest north-south highway -- particularly on summer weekends for travelers making their way to the beach for vacation or back home again. I-65 is largely two lanes both northbound and southbound while additional lanes are available in the Birmingham metro area as well as in Montgomery and Mobile. The issues does not figure to fade, given that Ainsworth is widely expected to run for governor in 2026 when Ivey concludes the second of her two terms. The governor is term limited and cannot run again. And earlier this month, former President Donald Trump endorsed the I-65 project during a speech in Montgomery. Ivey raised the west Alabama corridor project as she touted Rebuild Alabama, a roads improvement project she initiated using funds generated by increasing the states gas tax. It perhaps seemed a curious topic for the governor to raise given that the start of the road project is about 150 miles south from where she was speaking while Athens is split from north to south by I-65. In her remarks, Ivey never mentioned widening I-65. Since the Rebuild Alabama Act was enacted just four years ago, new road and bridge projects have broken ground in all of our 67 counties, Ivey told the luncheon crowd of about 200 people. More than $170 million in state funds have been awarded to cities and counties in which 234 new projects are either underway or already completed. Ivey went on to say that it will be a priority to focus on all infrastructure needs when planning major road upgrades. Another major Rebuild Alabama project is the west Alabama corridor, which involves the widening of U.S. 43 from Tuscaloosa to Mobile, Ivey said. This is a vital road project to open up economic development along Alabamas western border while also improving the lives of many thousands of Black Belt residents. In speaking with reporters following her speech, Ivey acknowledged needed improvements on I-65 but not at the expense of the U.S. 43 project. As a largely two-lane link from Tuscaloosa to Mobile, U.S. 43 goes through small towns such as Demopolis, Thomasville and Jackson before connecting with I-65 just north of Mobile near Satsuma. In fact, Thomasville Mayor Sheldon Day has invited Ainsworth for a visit since the debate began brewing between U.S. 43 and I-65. Number one, west Alabama does not have any four-lane access roads to the interstate, Ivey said when asked why she considered the project a priority as opposed to Ainsworths perspective on I-65. And we need to take care of all of our infrastructure problems, not just I-65. But yes, were going to continue to widen I-65 and deal with the west Alabama corridor. I-65 has added lanes in recent years, particularly south of Birmingham, and the Alabama Department of Transportation has plans for more additional lanes. ALDOT is committed to addressing Alabamas capacity needs, said Tony Harris, spokesman for ALDOT, told AL.com in May, adding that the process of prospering the agencys long-term plan for fiscal year 2024-2027 is underway in which lane widening along I-65 could get included. Were already looking at the most congested segment of I-65 and other roadways, Harris said. Were also continuing to focus on new and improved roadways to spur economic development, with a focus on congestion relief and economic development roads as required by the Rebuild Alabama Act. AL.com reporter John Sharp contributed to this report. On the last day of Amnesty Week, the Jefferson County Courthouse was bustling with people hoping to get their failure to appear warrants and debts dismissed, register to vote and receive voter photo ID cards. Leah Nelson, research director for Alabama Appleseed, a nonprofit social justice advocacy organization, said Amnesty Week is more than just about addressing warrants, it is an investment in community safety. Organizers said more than 100 people showed up each day to address their warrants and debts, making this year even more successful than its first Amnesty Week in 2021. Like its predecessor, no arrests were made. In a 2018 survey, Nelson found that 38% of of respondents engaged in risky or illegal behavior like sex work, selling drugs or theft in order to get money to pay off court fines and fees. Court fines and fees often force people to give up necessary expenses like food and rent, the survey found, and even minor fees can cause people to spiral deeper and deeper into poverty. Read more AL.com: Nothing costs more than not having money. Nelson said people with warrants are less likely to be comfortable interacting with law enforcement or come to court, even in times of need, for fear of being arrested. Once people feel like encountering law enforcement could lead to an arrest, they really go out of their way to not encounter them even when they witness a homicide or serious violence and harm to the people they love, Nelson said. Making it safe for people to come in and clear warrants is an investment in community safety. It sends a message to people that this is actually about the court being accountable to the community. Organizers were happy to help as public defenders ensured everyone who walked through the door had an intake sheet and all their questions answered. Members of the League of Women Voters rushed people to the makeshift photo voter ID room in an effort to help everyone eligible register to vote in the upcoming election. Jefferson County Judge Stephen Wallace abandoned his robe and tie for the week. He said he wanted to make sure everyone who entered the courtroom felt safe and comfortable. I was pretty comfortable and relaxed because I saw him smiling and joking with everybody in the courtroom, Shy Green said after having two traffic tickets dismissed. Jefferson County resident Karrie Ware, said she has not had a drivers license for 15 years because she was unable to pay many of the traffic tickets she received over the years. Ware said when she first heard about Amnesty Week, she thought it was a trap, but wanted to make an effort to get her tickets dismissed and new court dates set to reinstate her drivers license. With no mode of public transportation to get from her home to her job, Ware said she was stuck in a cycle of driving to work to keep her job and then getting ticketed again for driving with a revoked license. I couldnt afford to pay it, I was just having to suffer and deal with getting pulled over and getting another ticket, Ware said. Every time Ware was given a new ticket, another six months would be added to her license revocation. Ware said before today, she had 12 tickets for driving with a revoked license. I think every county should do this and give people a chance to those who are trying, Ware said. Were out here trying to do what were supposed to do, but were having to suffer because of our past. Its so hard to live. Its very stressful. Organizers said they hope other municipalities will participate in future Amnesty Weeks and reach a wider community of people and build trust with the courts outside of Jefferson County. Walking out of the courtroom, Ware had most of her tickets dismissed and a new court date set for her two most recent tickets. She said she is hopeful she will be able reinstate her license. Im hoping after all this and getting it taken care of, I get my license back, Ware said. Im so excited. I feel like a 15-year-old kid. Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed described four people arrested in connection with last weekends riverfront brawl as assailants who come from out of town to cause chaos and sow divisiveness. Reed and the Montgomery Police Department on Friday released an update to the ongoing investigation, saying police detectives have conducted frame-by-frame analysis of the videos of the brawls and extensive interviews with witnesses and victim Harriott II Co-Captain Damien Pickett. This case is not quite yet closed, but our message is clear, Reed said. In Montgomery, not only will we protect our team members, but we will protect our citizens. If you violate the sanctity of our community and the safety of our citizens, the mayor said, then you will be brought to justice. Four people were arrested throughout the week following a Saturday confrontation on the citys riverfront between crew of the Harriott II and the occupants of a private pontoon boat who authorities said refused to move to allow the riverboat to dock in its regular slot. A now-notorious melee ensued including punches and even a chair, all caught on multiple cell phone videos. So far, four people have been charged: Mary Todd, 21, third-degree assault; Richard Roberts, 48, two counts of third-degree assault; Allen Todd, 23, one count of third-degree assault, and Zachery Chase Shipman, 25, one count of third-degree assault. All charges are misdemeanors and all four have been booked. Pickett, a Black man, along with a 16-year-old white young man, were victims in the fight. All of the suspects charged so far are white. Authorities on Friday said a former person of interest, a white man seen on the videos shirtless with sunglasses around his neck and wearing a blue and white ball cap, has been cleared of criminal wrongdoing and is cooperating with the investigation. The man, city officials said, was attempting to de-escalate the situation, according to testimony from Pickett and analysis of video by Montgomery investigators and partner agencies. This is a fluid investigation. At this point, the FBI has not classified these attacks as a hate crime, but the investigation is ongoing, Reed said. As a former judge and as an elected official, I will trust this process and the integrity of our justice system. However, my perspective as a Black man in Montgomery differs from my perspective as mayor, Reed said. From what weve seen from the history of our city a place tied to both the pain and the progress of this nation it seems to meet the moral definition of a crime fueled by hate, and this kind of violence cannot go unchecked. It is a threat to the durability of our democracy, Reed said, and we are grateful to our law enforcement professionals, partner organizations and the greater community for helping us ensure justice will prevail. A Black man seen wielding a folding chair has been arrested in connection with the riverfront brawl in Montgomery last weekend. Police said Reggie Ray, 42, surrendered to authorities Friday afternoon. He is charged with disorderly conduct and being held in Montgomerys Municipal Jail. Efforts to reach Ray, who has drawn nationwide support and inspired many memes over the past week, have been unsuccessful. He is the fifth person charged in the ongoing investigation to the melee that started Saturday evening when crew members of the Harriott II were unable to dock the cruise boat because a private pontoon boat was in the way. A now-notorious melee ensued including punches and even a chair, all caught on multiple cell phone videos. Ray, previously identified by police as Reggie Gray, is the first person charged who was not on the pontoon boat. Those from the pontoon boat who have been charged are: Mary Todd, 21, third-degree assault; Richard Roberts, 48, two counts of third-degree assault; Allen Todd, 23, one count of third-degree assault, and Zachery Chase Shipman, 25, one count of third-degree assault. All charges are misdemeanors. Harriott II Co-captain Dameion Pickett, 43, a Black man, along with a 16-year-old white young man, were victims in the charges involving the pontoon boat occupants. According to a deposition in the charge against Ray, an officer observed Ray wielding a white chair and swinging it towards an unknown subject. The officer, was able to grab Ray and remove the chair from his hands. Ray was detained for officer safety, the police report stated. Police ran a criminal check on Ray, which was negative, so he was released pending further investigation. Via body cam video footage seen (on August 9, 2023), Ray can be seen striking a white male wearing gray shorts and no shirt with the white chair several of times. Authorities on Friday said a former person of interest, a white man seen on the videos shirtless with sunglasses around his neck and wearing a blue and white ball cap, has been cleared of criminal wrongdoing and is cooperating with the investigation. The man, city officials said, was attempting to de-escalate the situation, according to testimony from Pickett and analysis of video by Montgomery investigators and partner agencies. This is a fluid investigation. At this point, the FBI has not classified these attacks as a hate crime, but the investigation is ongoing, Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed said Friday. As a former judge and as an elected official, I will trust this process and the integrity of our justice system. However, my perspective as a Black man in Montgomery differs from my perspective as mayor, Reed said. From what weve seen from the history of our city a place tied to both the pain and the progress of this nation it seems to meet the moral definition of a crime fueled by hate, and this kind of violence cannot go unchecked. It is a threat to the durability of our democracy, Reed said, and we are grateful to our law enforcement professionals, partner organizations and the greater community for helping us ensure justice will prevail. Alabama U.S. Sen. Tommy Tubervilles hold on military promotions is hitting close to home. Five military commands or defense program offices at Huntsvilles Redstone Arsenal are being led by officers who do not have the rank their position requires or are staying past their regular tours of duty because of Tubervilles hold, according to a Defense Department official who spoke to AL.com this week. Its hurting the military, so consequently it would be hurting Redstone Arsenal, yes, Maj. Gen. (retired) Jim Pillsbury told AL.com Wednesday. Were playing musical chairs with senior folks both in uniform and in the civilian ranks to try to fill some holes. I have talked with his folks that are here in north Alabama, Pillsbury said. What wed like to do is assure that the nations security is not being adversely affected by this. In Huntsville, the largest command affected is the U.,S. Army Space and Missile Command with 2,600 soldiers and civilians The ongoing confirmation holds on military nominees adds workload challenges and stressors to military families, Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said Thursday. During this time, the Missile Defense Agency has been forced to reassign key leadership positions while we await Senate confirmation of the next director of MDA, Singh said. This is the first time the Missile Defense Agency has been without a Senate-confirmed Director since the establishment of MDA in 2002. Tuberville is protesting President Bidens steps to assure access to reproductive care including abortion for military families assigned to duty in states like Alabama that have made abortion illegal. Tuberville has single-handedly frozen the process that promotes officers to the rank required by the position the Army needs those soldiers to fill. Tubervilles office did not respond to AL.com Thursday. The Senate is out of session for the month. Beyond Alabama, there are also 83 three- and four-star promotion nominations pending in the next 150 days, a defense department official said, including the Director of the National Security Agency, Commander of CYBERCOM and the commander of NORTHCOM, one of the countrys combatant commands based in Colorado Springs, Colo. Offices, officers and positions affected at Redstone in Huntsville are: Army Col. David C. Phillips, awaiting promotion from colonel to brigadier general, the rank normally in command of the 94-member to the Army Program Executive Officer for the Program Executive Office-Aviation Air Force Maj. Gen. Heath A. Collins, awaiting promotion to lieutenant general, the rank normally associated with the director of the 237-member Missile Defense Agency. Brig Gen. Donald J. Cothren, United States Fleet Forces Command, awaiting promotion to major general to Program Executive, Programs and Integration, Missile Defense Agency. Army Brig. Gen. Christine A. Beeler, awaiting promotion to major general the rank normally in command of the Army Contracting Command. The pushback against the Tuberville freeze is growing among retired generals living in Huntsville who say it isnt working. Maj. Gen. (retired) Jim Myles said his concern for Tuberville is that hell miss opportunities down the road for collaboration with Democrats. That could affect Alabama, as well. Retired General Jim Rogers, a former Redstone senior commander, told CNN this month that Someone has given (Tuberville) bad advice. It affects everyone. It affects the nation, it affects every community like this. I am very concerned our senator is getting led down a path that he does not understand the full impact for the military, and I just recommend that he reconsider that, he said. One large Alabama military installation not affected by the holds - at least for now - is Fort Novosel, formerly Fort Rucker, and the Home of Army Aviation in the Wiregrass. A Pentagon spokesman said, Maj. Gen. Michael McCurry assumed command a year ago and will remain in command for another year as scheduled. Updated Saturday to remove the US Army Space and Missile Defense Command from the list of of affected commands initially provided by the Pentagon and clarify that it is the largest Redstone command with a staff of 2,600 soldiers and civilians. LTG Daniel Karbler will remain in command until his successor is confirmed. For the third time this summer, an electrical outage in north Alabama is being blamed on a snake. No - not the same one. About 14,000 customers of Decatur Utilities lost power Friday morning around midnight, according to the utility. According to the utility, an investigation into the cause determined a very lengthy snake entered the Decatur Primary Substation, came in contact with energized equipment and tripped the stations protective breaker. Other distribution substations soon followed. Power was restored by the afternoon. In July, two utilities experienced similar outages. The Marshall DeKalb Electric Cooperative, which serves about 19,000 customers, reported an outage in early July, and then a few weeks later, a snake made its way into the Athens Primary Substation on Elkton, disrupting power for customers in West Limestone, Clements and parts of Tanner and Athens. A convicted felon pleaded guilty to federal kidnapping and other charges this week, admitting he forced a woman into his vehicle at gunpoint in Cullman County last year, prosecutors said Friday. Jeffrey Barton, 51, of Guin, pleaded guilty to charges of felon in possession of a firearm and kidnapping before U.S. District Court Judge Madeline Haikala in Birmingham, announced U.S. Attorney Prim Escalona and Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson. In June 2022, the Cullman County Sheriffs Office received a call from a man reporting that a suspect, later identified as Barton, had been at his home and forced his wife into a vehicle at gunpoint, prosecutors said, citing the plea agreement in the case. A sheriffs deputy saw the vehicle the womans husband described leaving the driveway of the victims home. When the woman in the vehicle saw the deputys patrol car, she jumped out of the drivers side door and started running toward the deputy. The deputy saw Barton in the back seat of the vehicle, prosecutors said. Barton then got out of the vehicle with his hands above his head. A Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol was found on the ground next to the drivers door, prosecutors said. Barton faces up to 10 years in prison on the weapons charge and life in prison on the kidnapping charge. A missing and endangered person alert was issued Friday for a 62-year-old woman who disappeared four days ago in Center Point. Lisa Smith Powell, who may be living with a condition that impairs her judgment, was last seen around 8 a.m. Monday, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, which issued the alert. ALEA said the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office appealed to the public for help in locating Powell, who was wearing a green shirt with white and green pants when she disappeared near 25th Avenue NE in Center Point. Powell was described as 5-feet 7-inches tall, 200 pounds, with brown eyes and gray or partially gray hair. Anyone with information on her whereabouts was asked to call the sheriffs office at 205-325-1450 or 911. This is an opinion column Like it or not, Donald Trump inspires fealty like no other politician in modern history. During his latest trip to Alabama, there was a long line of politicians bending the knee in hopes of a little recognition from the former president. Last Friday Turning Point USAs Charlie Kirk noticed one emerging Republican leader from Alabamas federal delegation hadnt yet endorsed Trump, and the conservative activist took it upon himself to remedy the situation. Theres no legitimate excuse for Sen. Katie Britt to be the only federal elected official from Alabama not endorsing Donald Trump, especially when he went to bat for her in the (GOP Senate) primary (in 2022) and especially when Trump, the rule of law and our entire country are under assault, Kirk posted on Twitter last Friday. At this point, I cant tell whether Kirk is reckless, uninformed, or both. Other columns by Cameron Smith: First, lets talk about the future of the Republican Party. Even if Trump effectively navigates his legal challenges, wins over the other half of the Republican Party currently looking for another candidate, and manages to defeat Biden, hes not the future of the GOP. Let me repeat. Donald Trump isnt the future of the GOP. Thats not an anti-Trump statement. Its a fact of human biology. Hes 77-years-old. If it makes you feel any better, Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) isnt the future either. As much as I love Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), hes on the way out too. Conservatives need to have a plan for what and who comes next. If were smart, the Republican future looks and acts a lot like Britt. Other Republican leaders seem to agree. For exactly that reason, RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel asked Britt to serve on the Republican Party Advisory Council. The council is reviewing why Republicans seriously underperformed in the 2022 midterm elections. Most Republicans are still parroting nonsense about 2020, so we havent quite made it to a robust post-mortem of the red wave that wasnt in 2022. Britt is working to provide some actionable information relevant to any Republicans concerned about winning elections. As a condition of participation in the council, Britt pledged to remain neutral on endorsements until the work was completed. So yeah, Charlie, theres a perfectly legitimate reason why Britt wasnt going to be hustled into an endorsement. It also didnt have anything to do with Trump. Kirk isnt connecting with reality either when he suggests that Trump meaningfully helped put Britt in office. Trump was all-in for MAGA Mo Brooks until Britt had all but clinched the Republican nomination. The eleventh-hour endorsement wasnt a hallmark of loyalty, but rather Trumps effort to erase his own failure. To make matters worse, al.com picked up Kirks inflammatory tweet and ran a factually-accurate story with the headline, Katie Britt called out for not endorsing Trump by GOP activist Charlie Kirk. The clear implication is that Britt refused to back Trump, but that isnt accurate. Unfavorable headlines arent new to politics, but this is exactly the kind of garbage thats been happening for years with little push back from our leaders. They dont want to correct the record themselves and deal with the headache if an influential individual like Kirk decides to double down instead of admitting he was wrong. Politicians dont want to damage media relationships, so the rest of us are left with a false impression. Theres literally one member of Alabamas federal delegation taking a serious and objective look at why Republicans got their butts handed to them in 2022. That is work that the GOP should want. Or we could follow Kirks lead and get right back on the Trump train without regard to facts or readily available information. Whats the worst that could happen? Four. More. Years. Of. Biden. Britt can and should endorse whomever she pleases, including Trump, when her work with the council concludes. Meanwhile, Republican activists like Kirk might want to consider not burning down our Republican house in their giddy zeal to curry favor with Trump. Given a little room to work, Britt might even be able to give Trump a few pointers on what it takes to avoid another loss to Biden. Smith is a recovering political attorney with a house full of boys, two dogs, a bearded dragon, and an extremely patient wife. Hes a partner in a media company, a business strategy wonk, and a regular on talk radio. Please direct outrage or agreement to csmith@al.com or @DCameronSmith on X. On February 15, 2023, David Malpass, the president of the World Bank, announced that he would retire one year early on June 1, 2023. On July 21, 2023, Pablo Moreno, the director of the Independent Evaluation Office of the International Monetary Fund, read the flyer that described the address that Dr. John F. Clauser was scheduled to give to the IMF on July 27, 2023. As a result, he summarily canceled Dr. Clauser's planned address. What do Malpass and Clauser have in common? They have both acknowledged that they do not believe in the global warming hypothesis. What do these two organizations have in common? Historically, they have both loaned substantial amounts of money to developing countries to fight health crises, hunger, and conflict. What do certain U.S. and world politicians want to see changed to the lending practices of both organizations in the future? A dramatic shift to funding alternative energy investment initiatives "to fight climate change." The United States has contributed $117 billion to the IMF quota. In addition, the United States has contributed $44 billion to funds at the IMF that supplement quota resources. As of February 11, 2022, the IMF had total lending commitments of around $239.2 billion (67% funded by the U.S.). U.S. paid-in capital in the World Bank is $3.5 billion, and callable capital is $47.8 billion. Who manage the sourcing of capital, the development of the loan packages, the processes to effectuate these loans, and get a fee for their efforts? Global investment firms. Want to understand the motivation behind the promotion of the global warming hypothesis? Follow the money. In Mr. Malpass's case, in 2007, he made statements in which he said he did not believe that there is a link between carbon emissions and global warming. In September 2022, when he was asked if he accepted the "overwhelming scientific consensus" that the burning of fossil fuels was causing global temperatures to rise, he responded, "I'm not a scientist." After his September 2022 remarks, Sen. Edward Markey (D-Mass.) called for his removal. "His support for fossil fuels and abject failure to fund climate action is unacceptable," Mr. Markey said in a statement. "Now, the World Bank must make up for his missteps and get ready to be part of the solution for a livable future." Former vice president Al Gore, who had also called Mr. Malpass a climate denier and campaigned for his removal, said in a statement that his departure "must be the first step toward true reform that places the climate crisis at the center of the bank's work." It should be noted that Mr. Gore is the chairman and co-founder of Generation Investment Management Company, headquartered in London, England. Mr. Gore founded his company in 2004 with a former partner from Goldman Sachs, David Blood, a year before the Kyoto Protocol took effect in 2005. As vice president, Mr. Gore was instrumental in negotiating the Kyoto Protocol, which introduced the novel economic concept of trading carbon credits. In November 2007, Generation Investment Management and Kleiner Perkins announced a global collaboration to "find, fund and accelerate green business, technology and policy solutions with the greatest potential to help solve the current climate crisis." Kleiner Perkins is an American venture capital firm that specializes in early-stage investments in growth companies. Venture capital firms and private equity investors actively fund start-ups and early-stage companies that focus on sustainability and reducing environmental and social impact of climate change. Mr. Gore is a partner in Kleiner Perkins. The renewable energy market is expected to grow from $1 trillion in 2023 to $2 trillion by 2030. In the case of Dr. Clauser, he is a theoretical physicist who won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2022, as well as the Wolf Prize in Physics in 2010. The Wolf Prize is widely recognized as the second most prestigious award after the Nobel. Both awards were for contributions that Dr. Clauser made in the field of quantum mechanics for his groundbreaking work on the subject of the quantum entanglement of particles. Dr. Clauser's sin? He addressed the 2023 Korea Quantum Conference, where he stated, "I don't believe there is a climate crisis. The world we live in today is filled with misinformation. It is up to each of you to serve as judges, distinguishing truth from falsehood based on accurate observations of phenomena." Dr. Clauser had previously criticized the awarding of the 2021 Nobel Prize for work in the development of computer models predicting global warming and told President Biden that he disagrees with his climate policies. In my book titled Global Warming: The Great Deception The Triumph of Dollars and Politics Over Science and Why You Should Care, I cite published, peer-reviewed scientific research, employing the first principles of the relevant scientific fields of thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, atmospheric physics, and spectroscopy to prove that CO2 does not cause global warming. I use publicly available data from the world's temperature databases to prove that there has been no significant global warming of the Earth's atmosphere, oceans, or land mass as the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere increased, thereby falsifying the global warming hypothesis. I use publicly available information to demonstrate that the motivation of the U.N. IPCC, certain world politicians, and global investment firms is to gain financially by promoting the fraudulent hypothesis. It is all about the money and political power. Science has been sacrificed on the altar of political opportunism for economic and political gain. Will those who stand to benefit economically from the promotion of the fraudulent global warming hypothesis succeed in their efforts to silence the critics of the pseudoscience that underpins the hypothesis? Will dollars and politics triumph over science? Guy K. Mitchell, Jr. is the author of a book titled Global Warming: The Great Deception The Triumph of Dollars and Politics Over Science and Why You Should Care. It placed #3 on the Wall Street Journal's Top Ten Best Selling Book list in April 2023. www.globalwarmingdeception.com Image: kie-ker via Pixabay, Pixabay License. School starts soon, and this year, parents of K12 children are likely to be greeted by new, well orchestrated assaults on parental rights provoked by the left's strategy to promote "gender transitioning." Most Americans assume that parental decisions about the care, custody, and control of their children are fundamental, God-given rights supported by the Constitution, common law, and centuries of Western tradition. The progressive left is determined to eviscerate parental rights by using schools to drive a wedge between parents and children under the false flag of "gender transitioning." So far, the left is winning. Having inserted diversity, inclusion, and equity into public schools, the educational establishment has escalated, staking out "gender transitioning" as the way to subvert parental rights and the primacy of the family in civil society. These people have laid groundwork that is downright diabolical by labeling parents as adversaries against the best interest of their children. How can this be? State and federal laws, as well as decades of Supreme Court rulings, are clear that until the age of majority, parents or guardians have defined rights and responsibilities, including financial support, making decisions on medical treatments, guiding moral education, and entering into contracts on behalf of a child. Parental rights may be terminated by a court in cases of documented chronic abuse or neglect, sexual abuse, abandonment, drug and alcohol abuse, and financial neglect. Seizing on the emotional fragility of children confused about their sexual identity, departments of education in a handful of states, led by California, Massachusetts, and New York, have issued policies that make parental opposition to sex or name change a violation of a childs human rights and grounds for the schools to usurp control from parents. These policies are typically crafted by advocacy groups working with state departments of education with little to no parental input. Central to the purpose of these policies is withholding parental notification because parents are highly likely to oppose the process. The "gender transitioning" advocates are correct on that score. The vast majority of parents oppose socially, chemically, and surgically altering children to look like the opposite sex 64%, according to the Human Rights Campaign or believe that it is their responsibility to guide their children through puberty to young adulthood. A poll by Parents Defending Education showed that 74% of parents who demand immediate notification on issues regarding their children. New York State's guidelines are typical. Quietly issued in June 2023 and titled "Creating a Safe, Supportive and Affirming School Environment for Transgender and Gender Expansive Students: 2023 Legal Update and Best Practices," the guidelines were devised by 30 "stakeholders," including state officials, advocacy groups, and trans students, but excluded parent groups. The policy states: "School personnel's acceptance of a student's gender identity should require no more than a statement from the student expressing their preference. Schools do not need to require permission, letters from professionals or other proof of gender identity." The policy places minors and school personnel in the driver's seat. "The student is in charge of their gender transition and the school's role is to provide support." Despite strong parental opposition and Supreme Court precedents, federal judges have bought in to the states' policy arguments. In July, a California district court judge dismissed the parents' assertion of parental rights, saying that the Chico Unified School District had a legitimate state interest in creating a zone of protection from "adverse hostile reactions." At the time, the child was in elementary school. In December 2022, a Massachusetts district court judge rebuffed parents who were belatedly informed of attempts to change their middle school child's sex by saying that the state "recognizes gender identity as a personal characteristic deserving of protection from discrimination," completely rejecting the parent's 14th Amendment Due Process claim. Both of these cases and others are headed to the appellate courts and ultimately to the Supreme Court, which has consistently ruled that parents have a fundamental right to rear their children. Two decisions stand out: Troxel v. Granville (2000) and Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972). In Troxel, the Court ruled that parental rights are protected from the state by the 14th and 5th Amendments and reaffirmed the need for a "heightened protection against governmental interference" for these fundamental rights. The majority opinion stated that the right is "perhaps the oldest of the fundamental liberty interests represented by this Court." In Yoder, the Court concluded that parental rights have been "established beyond debate as an enduring American tradition." State legislative efforts to overtly support social, chemical, and surgical intervention on children are facing headwinds. California's legislation AB957, which requires a parent to affirm his child's chosen gender identity or risk losing custody has not passed either house. In New York, A276b/S762a, which allows any medical product that purports to treat sexually transmitted disease to be given to minors without parental consent or knowledge, is stuck in committee. A New York bill to allow minors to initiate a variety of medical procedures died in 2022. In contrast, legislation to ban sex-obscuring procedures for minors has passed in Kentucky and Tennessee. Both laws survived federal court challenges in Thornburg v. Kentucky and L.W. v. Skrmetti, where the courts both held that the states have an interest in creating and enforcing their own laws and rejected the arguments of sex discrimination and due process. Only a handful of states have passed parental bills of rights. Georgia did so in April, and legislation is pending in New Hampshire and Missouri. Legislation protecting parents' rights failed in Colorado, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Despite the decades of clear precedents and a conservative-leaning Supreme Court, parents need to assert their prerogatives aggressively at the local, state, and federal levels. Gender rights advocacy groups, teachers' unions, and progressive politicians believe that the sex discrimination and safe space arguments are their last best legal strategies to obliterate parental rights and bring the family under state control. A hopeful sign is that politicians in very progressive states know that overwhelming majorities of parents oppose socially, chemically, and surgically modifying children to look like the opposite sex. The downside is that the politicians are relying on unelected bureaucrats in education departments to do their dirty work. Linda R. Killian is a retired financial analyst and a local Republican chairman. Image: f_a_r_e_w_e_l_l via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0 (cropped). The war in Afghanistan, launched by the Soviet Union in December 1979, was conducted for the sake of "fulfillment of the international duty to help the brotherly Afghan people." It lasted for nine years and ended with the forced and not victorious withdrawal of Soviet troops from the territory of the neighboring state. In this war, conducted with the purpose of establishing socialist order in Afghanistan, 18,833 Soviet people were killed, died of wounds, and diseases, while 49,985 people were wounded, 669 became disabled, 417 were captured (and only about one third of them returned home). During the nine years of the war, 620,000 soldiers and officers passed through Afghanistan. Many of them fell ill with "Afghan syndrome" (post-traumatic stress disorder) and other mental illnesses. Socialism was not established in Afghanistan. This war, not very understandable to Soviet citizens, demonstrated to the world the regime's imperialist character and was the catalyst for the collapse of the USSR. This last war fought by the Soviet Union turned out to be one of those last suicidal landmines on which this huge state exploded. It ceased to exist two years after the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan in 1991. The Soviet-backed Afghan government fell in 1992. The purpose of the Afghan war was not quite clear to the population of the USSR, especially its dominant Russian segment, but still it had a clear enemy, the mujahideen, who were people of a different religion, speaking a different language, far removed in Russian customs and traditions, who looked alien and hostile. Today the war in Ukraine has been going on for a year and a half, which means it is currently six times shorter in duration than the Afghan War. Many times more Russian soldiers have already been killed, wounded and maimed in this war than Soviet soldiers in Afghanistan. The war in Ukraine is even less understandable to the population of the Russian Federation than the war in Afghanistan was to Soviet Russian citizens. The enemy professes the same Orthodox Christian religion, belongs to the same group of Slavic peoples, speaks a similar language, and lived with Russians in the same Soviet nation for decades. But Soviet Russians were used to their country's army invading other countries to join the socialist camp or to strengthen socialist regimes in them. Apparently, this allowed Soviet citizens to somehow understand the Afghan War. It was much more difficult to formulate the purpose of Russia's war in Ukraine. For Russian citizens, it was necessary to invent a special "Ukrainian enemy," who, for the sake of plausibility, possessed the features of the old undisputed and recognizable enemy -- the Nazis. In 2001, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in response to a question about the Afghan War: "Actually, there was no military defeat of the Soviet Union. It achieved all the goals it set for itself. In military terms." In February 2015, Putin said that although "there were a lot of mistakes," the reason for the deployment of troops to Afghanistan was "real threats." His response was similar on the matter of Ukraine. After the annexation of Crimea, the leadership of the Russian Federation understood that it was necessary to justify the aggressive policy as was done by the Soviet Union in Afghanistan, for the country is the heir of the USSR. That included inheriting its imperialist policy in order to use it against Ukraine. Empires are characterized, in the terms of the German-American philosopher Herbert Marcuse, by "one-dimensional consciousness," i.e., in this case, it is a lack of self-control, sober assessment of the situation and fascination with their own power and rightness. The Soviet war in Afghanistan not only cost Soviet taxpayers a lot of money, it not only killed, wounded, and crippled physically and mentally hundreds of thousands of Soviet people, it brought the end of their country closer. The Soviet Union collapsed and ceased to exist. The Russian Federation's war in Ukraine is many times more dangerous for the preservation of this country than the Afghan War was for the USSR. Ukraine became independent because of the collapse of the USSR. It can preserve its independence thanks to the possible collapse of the Russian Federation. The war in Ukraine was conceived according to the scenario of the USSR war in Afghanistan: a short war, a quick victory, the establishment of pro-Soviet rule in Afghanistan, a show of Soviet military might to the "collective West." But the calculation in Ukraine turned out to be as flawed as it was in Afghanistan. The current war is unfolding according to the Afghan scenario: a long, destructive, bloody war, weakening of the Russian Federation, which may lead to its collapse. The USSR was a more powerful country than the Russian Federation, but lost the war in Afghanistan. Like the U.S. in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan, the USSR retreated from Afghanistan. It realized it was defeated and withdrew from Afghanistan to prevent the defeat from becoming even greater. The Russian Federation has turned the war in Ukraine into an existential war, for it cannot retreat in its fight against the "Nazis" and against the "collective West. It has made the war a Hamletian question: "to be or not to be?" That is, to be an empire, a suzerain to which its former vassal Ukraine must submit and whose imperial greatness must be recognized by the "collective West," or to lose, that is, to fall apart like the Soviet Union? By declaring itself heir to the Soviet Union, Russia has arrogated to itself the right to seize the territories that belonged to it and has found it legitimate to copy its status as an expanding empire seeking to turn as many countries as possible into "socialist" ones. But by arrogating to itself the rights of the Soviet Union to "gather lands" under the aegis of Soviet power, Russia may have arrogated to itself also its fate to suffer a fatal defeat through a self-righteous, mistaken overestimation of its own strength and to disintegrate because of the adventure of launching a war presented to it as a war for its own existence. The Russian empire disintegrated thanks to its defeat in World War I. The Soviet Union collapsed in a failed attempt to follow the traditions of the Russian Empire. As its true heir, the Russian Federation is apparently following the path of the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union. Image: Combined Military Service Digital Photographic Files, via U.S. National Archives, via Picryl // no known copyright restrictions The Biden administration is out promoting religion through the State Department door to the locals in other countries, on our taxpayer dime. That right there is illegal, because the First Amendment states that there is to be no state sponsorship of anybody's religion. What religion is it? Why, the religion of Democrats, which generally speaking, is atheism. According to Susan Crabtree at RealClearPolitics: Rep. Mike McCaul, a Texas Republican who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Rep. Chris Smith, a New Jersey Republican who heads the panels human rights subcommittee, are reviving a nearly year-long inquiry into a 2021 State Department grant they say is designed to expand the influence of atheists and humanists in the Middle East and North Africa. The GOP House members argue that the program could be violating the Establishment Clause of the Constitution, which bars the use of tax dollars to promote theocracy or a specific religion. McCaul, Smith, and Rep. Brian Mast, a Florida Republican, last week sent a letter to Erin Barclay, the State Departments acting assistant secretary for the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Affairs, and Rashad Hussain, the U.S. ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom. The letter accuses both officials of continued noncompliance with their document requests regarding the atheism program. We write once again to ask why it is in Americas interest to promote atheism overseas and why the department refuses to provide certain documents that shed light on that misguided decision, they wrote. Who thought that up? Why did that happen? And of what benefit is this illegal promotion of a religion antithetical to that of most Americans to the U.S.? Along with color revolutions, this looks like Soros promoting his own religion. It's bound to make us "popular" in the Arab world. Any questions as to why many Arab leaders aren't taking Biden's phone calls? Congress is hitting at the root of the matter, though, which is that the U.S. has no business promoting any religion. We write once again to ask why it is in Americas interest to promote atheism overseas and why the department refuses to provide certain documents that shed light on that misguided decision, they wrote. Oh sure, as Crabtree notes, the program nominally tries to get around that by calling it protecting religious minorities. But it's pretty easy for such "programs" to become religious promotion, as the congressional investigators are alleging: While the State Department grant is designed to assist persecuted religious minorities and those who choose not to believe in a higher power, McCaul, Smith, and Mast are concerned that the program promotes the interest of one specific religious tradition humanism as opposed to those of all faith-based minorities. The grant eventually went to Humanists International, or HI, an organization aimed at promoting humanism, an outlook and system of thought attaching prime importance to human effort rather than divine or supernatural powers. In early June, the State Department told McCaul, Smith, and Mast that its Office of Religious Freedom and the human rights bureau do not provide funds to any organization with the aim of using such funds to promote or advance specific religious ideologies or beliefs. In their most recent letter to the Department, the House critics assert that even a cursory look into the operations and mantra of Humanists International calls the agencys claim into question. On HIs website, the organization requires all of its member organizations to pay dues and support its five objectives, the first of which is the advancement of humanism, the Republicans point out. In HIs grant application, it specifically states that it will award sub-grants for organizing events and seminars to promote the positive aspects of humanism and other ethical non-religious worldviews, including atheism, added McCaul, Smith, and Mast. Like many churches, you gotta pay dues to be a member. And they are organizing events to promote "the positive aspects" of atheism, as well as support the group's objectives. We all know what this is about. It's ironic to see this, given the father of Hunter Biden's campaign-trail-activated claims to being Mr. Devout Catholic. This is the same administration that has been caught targeting Catholics as domestic terrorists. This is also the same administration that promotes abortion abroad and targets pro-life activists domestically, two things that suggest a more anti-Catholic and anti-Christian objective, as well as anti-religion in general, given that many Jews, Muslims and Hindus abhor abortion, too. This is obviously not going to win friends or influence people in other countries. And it's certainly anti-Catholic, anti-Christian and even anti-Jewish, given the encompassing role of atheist communists in persecuting Christians and Jews. (Not every atheist, of course, is one of these, and yes, there are many good atheists.) But what's the Biden administration doing illegally promoting their real religion to other countries? It's like these people are a cult and want to spread their own religion on our dime. Do they have any decency at all? Congress is right to investigate this new scandal from the Bidenites because it sure as heck isn't serving the national interest or our "values" as Constitutionally-minded Americans. This is just serving Joe Biden's values and the values of Biden's own cronies. Image: Pixabay / Pixabay License American Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently issued a tweet condemning Russias prosecution of opposition leader Aleksey Navalny. On August 4th, a Russian court convicted Navalny on charges of extremism and sentenced him to 19 years in prison. This was one day after former (and possibly future) President Donald Trump was arraigned in federal court on transparently bogus charges related to his questioning the legitimacy of the 2020 presidential election and his role in the Capitol riot of Jan. 6, 2021. Incredibly, Blinken tweeted: The United States strongly condemns Russias conviction of opposition leader Aleksey Navalny on politically motivated charges. The Kremlin cannot silence the truth. Navalny should be released. He must have giggled to himself after posting this. He should have added #hypocrisy #chutzpah. The Biden administration in its entirety, including the DOJ, CIA, FBI, and various other now rogue and weaponized federal agencies, has been diligently trying to convict and imprison Trump since the day Biden took office. Blinkens missive is akin to Hitler chastising the U.S. for mistreating Jews. Its as if a Klansman reminded Clarence Thomas to treat black folks with the fairness and dignity they deserve. It would be like Teddy Kennedy cautioning Ronald Reagan to drive sober. The Biden administration acts more like a junta than a duly elected assemblage of public servants acting in the best interests of the citizens they allegedly serve. Its members no longer feel the need to hide their lust for power, their disdain for democratic processes and the non-elites in flyover countryor their confidence in believing they have successfully rigged national elections for the foreseeable future. Image: Public domain via Wikimedia Commons. The mainstream media is excited: Two conservative law professors argue Trump is barred from running under Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment. There are just two problems: These professors arent conservative, and their argument is foolish. The New York Times sets the stage: Two prominent conservative law professors have concluded that Donald J. Trump is ineligible to be president under a provision of the Constitution that bars people who have engaged in an insurrection from holding government office. The professors are active members of the Federalist Society, the conservative legal group, and proponents of originalism, the method of interpretation that seeks to determine the Constitutions original meaning. Their apparent argument is that Section 3s amnesty clause must be applied on a case-by-case basis. Unless a congressional super-majority pardons Trump, hes ineligible for the presidency because hes an insurrectionist. This is so wrong that I hope you forgive a longer post. William Baude and Michael Stokes Paulsen are the law professors behind the soon-to-be-published article. Although both identify as conservative, they are fanatic Never Trumpers. In 2016, they signed a petition arguing that Trump was too dangerous to be president. His conservative governance didnt change their opinion. In 2018, Paulsen demanded Trumps impeachment, a demand he reiterated after Trump had already left the White House. That same year, he fretted that Trump might ignore Supreme Court rulings, a concern he hasnt expressed despite Bidens open disdain for the Supreme Court. Baude boasted that he voted for Hillary in 2016, even though it would hand the Supreme Court to leftists for a generation. Image: This is what an insurrection looks likephoto of the dead on the Gettysburg battlefield, July 1863, where over 7,000 men died. The professors are so fanatically anti-Trump, theyd seemingly rather have open borders, higher taxes, racialized politics, a social justice military, the anti-human climate change agenda, lockdowns, transgender madness, and the entire panoply of constitutional attacks that Democrats support. Significantly, theyre also not originalists. There are three schools of constitutional analysis. The leftist school is post-modern: We can interpret the Constitution to mean anything we want it to mean, irrespective of what the Founders intended when they ratified it. Conservatives opt for textualism (look only at the words, if possible) and originalism (look at words and intent). Textualism is a fine approach if the words are Dont drive through an intersection if the light facing you is red. But what if the words are that it is unlawfulfor an employer to fail or refuse to hire or to discharge any individual, or otherwise to discriminate against any individual . . . because of such individuals race, color, religion, sex, or national origin? Thats from the Civil Rights Act of 1964. In 1964, sex meant only the gender binary: It was not about homosexual rights, and it was not about, and could not have been about, the imaginary condition known as transgenderism. Yet Justice Neil Gorsuch, a textualist, concluded that because sex today includes sexual orientation and gender identification, those definitions must be read into the act. Transgenderism is now woven into our culture because Gorsuchs textualism shaded into pure post-modernism. Originalism says that, when there is ambiguity, you must examine what those who ratified the Constitution and its Amendments intended beyond mere dictionary meanings. Thus, the Second Amendment wasnt about muskets. It was about ensuring that law-abiding American citizens had the weapons necessary to protect them from all harm, including a tyrannical government. Baude and Paulsen may identify as originalists, but their Section 3 argument reads like bias-driven textualism. Section 3 was ratified three years after the Civil War ended to ban from public office those who engaged in insurrection or rebellion: No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice-President, or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any State, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any State legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. But Congress may by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove such disability. (Emphasis added.) In 1872, Congress passed the Amnesty Act, holding that all political disabilities imposed by the third section of the fourteenth article of amendments of the constitution of the United States are hereby removed from all persons whomsoever, subject to some irrelevant exceptions. Baude and Paulsen apparently argue that the statute applies only to Confederates because the removal of disability applies on a case-by-case basis. The insurrectionist: Trump needs a supermajority vote in Congress to allow him to run. The Fourteenth Amendment was a direct response to a four-year-long Civil War that resulted in 600,000 deaths. Section 3 intended to keep that generation out of office. Within four years, the same Congress that ratified Section 3 concluded that the situation had changed sufficiently to remove that bar. The bar was about the Civil War, and the Civil War generation ended it. Simple textualism ignores this legislative intention to the point of arrant nonsense. Baude and Paulsen also assume that Trump is an insurrectionist. However, even Jack Smith doesnt have the chutzpah to charge Trump with being guilty of an insurrection under 18 U.S.C. 2383. Challenging election outcomes has been a common practice for decades. (Its a cottage industry among Democrats.) When an election is rife with highly suspicious circumstances, as it was in 2020, the American people deserve a proper accounting. Theres also increasing evidence that January 6 was a Deep State set-up (see here, too), meaning Trump is the innocent party. None of the unarmed people prosecuted for January 6 activities were charged with insurrection, an implicit acknowledgment that the claimed insurrection (a concept the entire media was mouthing the night of January 6) was a false flag action. Also, David L. Smith has an intriguing idea. Section 2383, the statute underlying the professors argument, cannot apply to a sitting president: Whoever incites, sets on foot, assists, or engages in any rebellion or insurrection against the authority of the United States or the laws thereof, or gives aid or comfort thereto, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both; and shall be incapable of holding any office under the United States. (Emphasis added.) As long as he was president, Trump was the authority of the United Statesor at least one aspect of that authority. He was not Joe Schmo in the outer reaches of nowhere or Citadel students firing on Fort Sumter. He was the sitting president and, per the election of 2016 (at the very least), the embodiment of the United States. It would be very wrong if the Baude-Paulsen argument were to gain legal traction. Theres a whole lot of things that goes (sic) into the judgment about what is the way to conduct arrests safely and securely. Christopher Wray On the morning of August 9th, at approximately 6 am, a SWAT team conducted a raid on the home of 75-year-old Craig Robertson. Robertson, a 300-pound Air Force veteran, had difficulty walking and used a cane. This fact alone would make an assassination attempt extremely difficult. However, he claimed to own a sniper rifle and his threats should not have been disregarded. Agents were attempting to serve him with an arrest warrant. Robertson was charged with making internet threats on the life of the president and other government officials. Reportedly the FBI attempted to enter the home with a battering ram. When this failed, they used a vehicle-mounted ram to enter via the front window. One law enforcement source claimed the suspect appeared to point a gun in the general direction of agents. There is no mention of who fired the first six shots. They were followed by FBI agents shouting: Shots fired, shots fired. Hes got a gun! This was followed by a hail of bullets. After Robertson was shot FBI agents dragged him outside where they attempted to render first-aid. When seconds could be a matter of life or death it would seem advisable to render first-aid where he first landed. However, this would not have had the theatrical benefit of showing the FBI compassion for their victim. He later died on the sidewalk and his body was left under a white, blood-soaked sheet for approximately two hours. Usually, these SWAT raids go according to plan. Consider this story, about 66-year-old Thomas Caldwell and his wife Sharon who were awakened at 5:30 a.m. on January 19 by the FBI, after attending the Trump rally on January 6th. Caldwell, wearing only in his underwear, went to see what the commotion was; in his words: There was a full SWAT team, armored vehicles with a battering ram, and people screaming at me. People who looked like stormtroopers were pointing M4 weapons at me, covering me with red [laser] dots. Caldwells wife was also covered with red dots from the weapons aimed at her. She, dressed in her nightgown, begged to put on her socks before they forced her outside in the cold. William Chrestmans home was also raided in the early morning hours. He woke up to flash bangs going off outside his bedroom window. An FBI agent with a bullhorn was yelling at Chrestman while he was talking to the FBI on the phone. When he answered the door, he was told not to bother getting dressed. Project Veritas founder James OKeefe was also a subject to a pre-dawn raid. He reported, I went to my door to answer the door and there were ten FBI agents with a battering ram. He was also partially clothed in front of his neighbors. Christopher Kuehne opened his door with his 4-year-old son in his arms; they were both covered by red lasers pointed at them. Kuehnes wife suffered a miscarriage the following day. Christoper Wray claims that the decision to use SWAT teams is made locally. He testified, Those decisions are madeas they should beby the commanders on the ground, in the field office. Attorney General Merrick Garland said essentially the same thing: The determinations of how to make arrests under arrest warrants are made based by the tactical operators in the district. Yet the similarities of these raids would mean that the commanders on the ground were using the same playbook. Thats the playbook written by the Soviet KGB. This playbook recommends pre-dawn raids in which the arrested person is dazed and half-asleep. An enormous show of force is advised to terrify neighbors. Military equipment, helicopters and tanks emphasize the seriousness of the arrest. The raid on Joshua Jamess residence used an armored vehicle with a turret, two vans, six FBI vehicles, and three local police cars. These raids are an enormous expense. Top leaders cannot be unaware of this. Judge Andrew Napolitano estimated the raid on Roger Stone cost approximately half a million dollars. It is not unusual for SWAT raids to go terribly wrong. Innocent people, including children, have been maimed and killed in their homes. The New York Times examined SWAT team raids in 2017 and found that at least 81 civilians and 13 officers had died from 2010 through 2016 in such searches. The government paid Randy Weaver $3.1 Million for the murder of his wife and son at Ruby Ridge. Weavers wife was shot by a sniper while she was holding her baby. Wray has expressed confidence in the career agents on the ground who make these decisions (about conducting SWAT raids) appropriately. Does this include making an arrestees spouse walk barefoot in the snow, or training weapon lasers on 4-year-olds? Whistleblower and former FBI SWAT team member Steve Friend testified, after raising concerns about using a SWAT team to arrest a subject of the Jan. 6 investigations, he was ordered off the job for a day. Friend believed that the subject was willing to surrender voluntarily. His supervisors were not interested in the subjects voluntary surrender. Perhaps the best illustration of the Justice Departments motivation is provided by the United States Attorney for the District of Columbia, Michael Sherwin. Sherman announced: I wanted to ensure, and our office wanted to ensure, that there was shock and awe. That we could charge as many people as possible before [January] 20th. And it worked because we saw through media posts that people were afraid to come back to D.C., because they were like, If we go there, were going to get charged. The joy these bureaucrats gain from seeing people suffer is truly pathological. John Dietrich is a freelance writer and the author of The Morgenthau Plan: Soviet Influence on American Postwar Policy (Algora Publishing). He has a Master of Arts Degree in International Relations from St. Marys University. He is retired from the Defense Intelligence Agency and the Department of Homeland Security. He is featured on the BBCs program: Things We Forgot to Remember: Morgenthau Plan and Post-War Germany. Image: Public domain via Wikimedia Commons. It's amazing how Democrats tout certain green companies to the public, pump government billions into them, buy the stock, cash out the stock ... and then watch them go bust. It happened with Solyndra under the Obama administration. Now it's happened with Proterra. Seems the corrupt, impunity-laden Biden administration is no stranger to pump-and-dump stock schemes, which is what Fox News's Jesse Watters said was happening. Here's Jesse Watters at Fox News explaining what was going on: If so, it's pretty amazing stuff. Apparently these companies exist to benefit Democrats, to give them some of the cash stream that comes of these monster government spending bills that are done in the name of 'going green.' Without this government money, these green vessels wouldn't get out of the harbor. Kamala Harris was in on this racket, too, singing the praises, literally, of "wheels going round and round" on buses at events to tout these Proterra vehicles: Harris certainly likes this song, singing it here, too, though it's unknown if the campaign bus seen is a Proterra. She touts electric buses in general here, as Democrats got rich: Pete Buttigieg touted them, too. And not only did the Biden administration seed the company Proterra with some $8 billion in federal funding, as Watters reported, it also seeded potential buyers of the Proterra bus with billions: According to this video, it would cost $200 billion to electrify all of America's school buses. Seems Solterra had quite a market in front of it. And yet, after all that money, both direct and with newly cash-up buyers, Proterra still could not make a go of it. Where did that money go? Seems the investors have done fine. Anyone investing in such a company, so long as they sold before the lights-out, could make a killing. And surprise, surprise, Biden's cronies did. Watters cited sizable investments by Democrat moneybags donors such as George Soros, and Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm. There are undoubtedly others. Given the money involved and the killings made, one wonders if these green companies, such as this bus company so loudly touted by the Bidenites, wasn't just a money vehicle for Democrats from the get-go. Given the repetition here -- from Solyndra to Proterra, this cries out for another congressional investigation. The corruption runs thick with the Biden White House and here's another slab of fat on that fire. How much did leftists make, and why is this 'redistribution' of taxpayer money to their pockets not a jailable offense? Image: Pixabay / Pixabay License Ms. Kike Ojo-Thompson is now confronting the humiliating prospect of being labeled the new face of woke racism: She is a diversity expert who conducts Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) workshops in academia. Her cushy job was to build a better society in classrooms, but now shes facing a breach of contract lawsuit filed by the very group that hired her: Toronto District School Board (TDSB). One thing is for certain on the side of TDSB: They will assert the contract for Ojo-Thompsons services as a racial expert did not include shaming white educators with vitriolic name-calling, or even worse, singling out a well-respected principal who would end up committing suicide. The lawsuits were set in motion by the principal in question: Richard Bilkszto, age 60, who would file an harassment complaint and inadvertently pull back the curtain on the egregious conduct taking place in the DEI workshops, having been the target in one. He was the lone voice among 200 educators to challenge the racial experts sweeping generalizations about racism. She threw the ultimate stink bomb at Mr. Bilkszto, labeling him a white supremacist, for his arguing the point that Canada wasnt a bastion of racism or even more racist than America. Your job in this work, as white people, is to believe, Ojo-Thompson scolded the principal who had a stellar reputation as a dedicated educator and had taught in both countries. Apparently, he wasnt a believer. This public harangue by Ojo-Thompson failed to intimidate the principal or silence him. Among his differing points of view was arguing that Canada allocated more funds, than the U.S., to educate children in economically depressed areas. This comment must have triggered Ojo-Thompson. She turned to the standard list of ABR insults (anti-Black racism), well known in the DEI world, condemning Bilksztos point-of-view as an apologist for racism. Her topsy-turvy logic -- which her consulting firm was extravagantly paid $15,000 per two-hour workshop -- included lambasting the educator as a sterling example of resistance to the equity narrative. If Bilkszto hoped for support from his colleagues in the room, he would have been sorely disappointed. They sat in mute silence watching Ojo-Thompson expound on her circular logic of claiming Bilksztos resistance was one of the ways that white supremacy is upheld, protected, reproduced, upkept, and defended. She was caught on tape laughing while taunting Bilkszto. These sordid details would surface in the initial lawsuit filed by Bilkszto, but TDSB didnt want to be on the hook for the expenses. So they turned around and sued Ojo-Thompsons firm, KOJO. The tragedy of Bilksztos suicide can really be traced to the two years of humiliation he experienced subsequent to the workshop. He felt betrayed, according to friends, by colleagues who failed to investigate the matter, but relied on their knee-jerk reactions to build themselves up on social media as the arbitrators of stamping out racism, no matter how undeserving the target. His tipping point is not known. But his family reported he felt devastated when he read the comment of a prominent member of his district: Sheryl Robinson Petrazzini, superintendent of TDSB, posted a tweet hailing Ojo-Thompson for modeling the discomfort administrators may need to experience in order to disrupt ABR (anti-Black racism). She later deleted her message. Perhaps she found the posting a bit harsh in light of learning Bilkszto had taken his own life. The last tragic footnote belongs to Ojo-Thompson. She appeared resistant to the concept of personal responsibility, and came up with the unfathomable position of casting herself as a victim. This incident is being weaponized to discredit and suppress the work of everyone committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, she wrote. We will not be deterred from work in building a better society for everyone. She may end up being deterred by the inevitable pitfalls of a harassment lawsuit, and additional legal proceedings underway by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, a collection of insurance companies. They, too, would contribute to exposing the shameful dynamics taking place in diversity seminars: Based on the information on file, wrote a representative with the insurance board, I am satisfied that the conduct of the (DEI) speaker was abusive, egregious and vexatious, and rises to the level of workplace harassment and bullying. If Ojo-Thompson takes a closer look at the complaints piling up, she will discover a teachable moment, but not like the one she boasted about in her workshop while shaming Bilkszto. She could wake-up to the realization that her actions have caused a great deal of harm to others. And speaking as a Black woman doesnt sanction the right for her to assume the moral high ground when targeting and shaming individuals who fail to agree with her orthodoxy. Image: Picserver Move over January 6, theres a new darkest day in American history! The sheer horror, as relayed by Fox News last week: A new law in Louisiana requires public schools to make sure In God We Trust has a place in their classrooms. The law, HB 8, went into effect on Tuesday and requires public schools to display the national motto of the U.S. In God We Trust in every classroom of every building. According to the new law, each public school system shall display the national motto in each building it uses and classroom in each school under its jurisdiction. The legislative proposal had bipartisan support Democrat governor John Bel Edwards signed Republican Dodie Hortons bill into law it is the national motto after all! But, since you probably know how unthinking, hypersensitive, and petty the average American left is, you would know that the idea of American classrooms displaying American aphorisms instituted into civic life by one of the greatest American presidents (Eisenhower) wouldnt be a move without controversy. Enter Chaz Stevens, a man apparently residing in Deerfield Beach, Florida (per his X profile), who engages in one Satanic (literally) stunt after the other, in an effort to promote his separation of church and state cause. At one point, he championed a Satan or Silence Project in his home state to prohibit Judeo-Christian prayer; Stevens eventually delivered a satanic prayer with the Twerking Deacon of Sin by his side. Undoubtedly, Stevens doesnt actually understand what that concept of separation of church and state means, but hey, hes a leftist, so no one really expected him to go track down the Danbury Baptist letter (if he could even comprehend the archaic language style), or do a dive into primary sources from the foundation of this country. Anyway, Stevens is now protesting the Louisiana law with queer art and like the good leftist he is, hes grubbing for money to sponsor the project. After almost eight months, Stevens has raised a whopping $687 of his $25,000 goal. Screen grab of Chaz Stevenss crowdfunding campaign According to an article from June: Artist and activist Chaz Stevens designed a series of posters both to comply with and to protest state laws requiring In God We Trust signs at educational institutions. Stevenss signs display the motto, but use the color scheme from the transgender Pride flags; he also created others penned in foreign scripts that make the signs unreadable to the average student. As a born-again Christian, Im perpetually dumbfounded at the sentiments held by those in opposition to my faith. My dearly-held convictions teach me that I too am a sinner, and Ive been saved by the free gift of grace; they demand that I dont take vengeance into my own hands; they require that I dont bear false witness; Im told that when Im wronged, the Christian way is to turn the other cheek; and Im commanded to love my enemies. You may have heard, Hate the sin, love the sinner. Isnt that a good deal for the atheists and God-haters with whom I interact? Best case scenario, my beliefs are true; worst case scenario is theyre not, but Ive deluded myself into being on my best behavior. Is that really any skin off the nose of people like Chaz Stevens? Image: Free image, Pixabay license, no attribution required. In recent days, Oregon senator Jeff Merkley, a Democrat, joined by several colleagues, penned a letter to the Food and Drug Administration pressing the agency to ban, or at a minimum heavily regulate, flavored cigar sales. In response, the FDAs Center for Tobacco Products said it will likely take action in the coming weeks. The agency purports to be concerned that teenagers are smoking these cigars, and are at risk of becoming addicted. Yet, take a look at this report from the Boston Herald, out just ten days ago: 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, from 12 to 17 years old, and it shows that only 2.3% had ever smoked a traditional cigar, and less than 1% (0.7%) had tried one within the past 30 days. Thats hardly an epidemic of cigar-smoking youngsters. Contrast our government representatives actions and FDA concern about cigars to their almost unquestioning, wholesale sanctioning of increased marijuana usage. Bizarre doesnt begin to describe this dichotomy. Illogical? Insane might be more appropriate. Many people who smoke cigars dont (deliberately) inhale the smoke. The whole point of smoking pot is to inhaleand hold the smoke in your lungs deeply and for as long as possibleto achieve the high. Moreover, higher combustion temperatures are reached when smoking pot because it is typically smoked to a shorter butt, which leads to a carboxyhemoglobin concentration that is five times higher than tobacco. Also, roughly three times more tar is inhaled when smoking marijuana as opposed to tobacco. Whats more, the quantity of THC (the psychoactive component in cannabis) found in weed has tripled in less than three decades, causing teens and others to experience addiction, psychosis, and chronic vomiting. How times have changed. Today, nearly half (48%) of U.S. adults say they have tried marijuana at some point in their lives, up from only 4% in 1969, when Gallup first started surveying rates of lifetime marijuana use. That same year, 40% of Americans said that they had smoked a cigarette in the past week. This is not to say I am a fan of smoking tobacco. Like far too many others, I have lost family members to lung and other cancerslikely at least partially due to tobacco use. This is to say, however, that there is a growing psychosis in America, marijuana-induced or not. Many peoplewoke, progressive, leftist, Democratno longer appear to have the ability to rationally process information, construct a reasonable argument, or even to perceive or acknowledge reality or objective truth. Cigarettes and cigars? BAD! Pot? GOOD! Trying to limit abortions? BAD! Their body, their choice! Forcing people to accept an experimental mRNA vaccine into their bodies, even if they are young and healthy? GOOD! Screw their free will and bodily autonomy! Al Gore, Hillary Clinton, Stacey Abrams, et.al, vehemently and incessantly question election results? Meh. Their right to do so. Donald Trump questions an election result? Indict and imprison him! BLM and Antifa thugs burn down sections of major cities? Support them in their noble cause! Trump supportersalmost certainly egged on and abetted by federal government operativesriot in front of, and stroll through, the Capitol Building, A.K.A. The Peoples House? Fry the bastards! Ad infinitum. Those of us whod like to drain the swamp can try all wed likebut its likely the best result will be close, but no cigar. But, on the bright side, we can always light up a big doobie, joint, or spliff. Image: Free image, Pixabay license, no attribution required. In a move that should come as a surprise to no one, Merrick Garland has appointed, as special counsel to investigate Hunter Biden, the one man who can most be counted on to continue covering up for the Biden family crimes. That man is David Weiss. This is the self-same David Weiss who allowed the statute of limitations to lapse on Hunter Biden's most serious crimes, while offering him a plea deal so broad, so lenient, and for crimes so minor that the prosecutor Weiss sent to court had to admit to an astonished judge that there was no legal precedent for it. To her credit, the judge rejected that sweetheart plea deal out of hand. That would be the David Weiss whose office IRS investigators-turned-whistleblowers testified prevented them from even interviewing Hunter or executing search warrants to collect evidence of his crimes and the same David Weiss who blocked those IRS investigators from using the mountains of evidence contained on Hunter's infamous laptop from hell. Yes, David Weiss, who, five years after the beginning of this sham investigation, has not indicted Hunter Biden for anything while the statute of limitations on his serial and thoroughly documented felonies continue to slip away. Those crimes would have earned any Republican a pre-dawn arrest by a heavily armed SWAT team with news media in tow. I say that it should surprise no one, because at this point, there is no act so blatant, so brazen, or so lawless that Joe Biden's DOJ, led by Merrick Garland, will not stoop to it. This is the same weaponized DOJ that is targeting Biden's main political opponent for re-election in 2024. Besides having proven himself as nothing more than a protector of the Bidens, David Weiss isn't even legally eligible for this appointment at least according to a plain reading of the special counsel statute, which states that "the Special Counsel shall be selected from outside the United States Government." All this is to conclude that David Weiss has proven that his only intention is to immunize Hunter Biden with the lowest possible charges and shield any evidence from implicating Joe BIden. All of this has been done to continue stonewalling and prevent House Republicans from subpoenaing Hunter and Jim to testify about that $20 million that flowed into the Biden family coffers. Ongoing investigation, don't you know. We can't be surprised, but we should all be ashamed of what our Department of Justice, under Joe Biden, has become. Calling this banana republic justice is an insult to banana republics. We also should not be surprised if and when the Democrat prosecutor in Atlanta, following the Biden DOJ's well established pattern, indicts Donald Trump next week for legally contesting the 2020 presidential election something the Democrats themselves did in 2000, 2004, and 2016. Jim Daws is a longtime America First activist, beginning with work on Pat Buchanan's presidential campaigns. He's a writer and itinerant talk radio/podcast host and a former fire battalion chief from Atlanta. Image via Picryl. A couple of days back, Samsung released the August 2023 security update for the Galaxy S22 series in Latin America. The update has now crossed boundaries to reach the US. More precisely, the company is pushing the new SMR (Security Maintenance Release) to its 2022 flagships in Puerto Rico. It should soon be available in the mainland US as well. Users in other parts of the world can also expect to receive the latest security patch in the coming days. Samsungs August SMR is currently rolling out to factory-unlocked variants of the Galaxy S22, Galaxy S22+, and Galaxy S22 Ultra in Puerto Rico. The new firmware build number for the phones is S90*U1UES3CWG2. The official changelog supplied by the Korean firm reveals that the devices arent getting anything more than this months security patches. Users in Latin America also only received the August SMR and nothing else. Advertisement Advertisement As said earlier, Samsung will soon expand the rollout of the August SMR for the Galaxy S22 series to other parts of the US as well as the rest of the world. The update will also be available for users with carrier-locked units. The build number may vary, but the changelog should remain the same. The company has already revealed that the latest security patch contains fixes for more than 80 vulnerabilities, including at least three critical patches. If youre using a Galaxy S22, Galaxy S22+, or Galaxy S22 Ultra, you can expect to receive a notification promoting you to download the August update in the coming days. You can tap on the notification and follow the on-screen instructions to install the latest security enhancements on your phone. You can also navigate to Settings > Software update > Download and install to check for new OTA (over the air) updates manually. Samsung has begun beta testing the Android 14 update for Galaxy devices As Samsung pushes the August SMR to more Galaxy devices, the company is also simultaneously beta-testing the Android 14 update. The first beta build of the big Android update, which brings the companys One UI 6.0 custom software, is now available for the Galaxy S23 series in Germany, South Korea, and the US. Interested Galaxy S23 users in these countries can enroll in the One UI 6.0 beta program from the Samsung Members app. The company is expected to open the beta program for more devices and expand the availability to other countries later this month. The stable update should arrive in November, if not earlier. (Photo : Tim Boyle/Getty Images) Florida authorities arrested a suspect who is accused of fatally shooting a woman at a Home Depot store in the northwestern part of the state while also injuring two others. Florida authorities reported that a woman was fatally shot and two others were injured at a Home Depot store in the northwestern part of the state on Friday after a gunman opened fire. Deputies and police officers who arrived at the scene after reports of the incident were called in had discovered the female victim who was fatally shot by the suspect. In a social media post, the Escambia County Sheriff's Office said that the other two victims, who survived, were found to have only minor injuries. Tragic Home Depot Shooting Law enforcement personnel were quickly able to take the gunman into official custody shortly after the tragic incident took place, as per WFLX. The sheriff's office also said that the gunman and the deceased victim knew each other. The sheriff's office added that the shooting was not random after initially investigating the scene of the crime. Additionally, the Home Depot store's spokesman said that the woman who was fatally shot was actually a third-party contractor for the firm, according to the Washington Post. The incident also comes after two women, including a Florida bartender, were also killed in another shooting at a train crossing. Employees from the Dos Gatos bar located in Jacksonville, Florida, identified one of the victims as 28-year-old Paige Pringle. Read Also: South Africa Taxi Strike: British Doctor on Vacation Shot Dead After Taking Wrong Turn Investigators working with the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office (JSO) noted that the female victim's body was found at around 1:40 a.m. on Wednesday inside an SUV along Hendricks Avenue in San Marco with multiple gunshot wounds. The second victim, who authorities have not yet identified, was found outside of the same SUV, alive, but later died in the hospital due to her injuries. In a statement, JSO Sergeant Steve Rudlaff said that the driver of the vehicle was stopped at the railroad tracks because a train was going to pass. Shortly after, gunshots were heard, and the SUV crashed into the moving train, said People. Workers said that Pringle had dropped off a gift for the owner of the bar that she works for as well as another employee before the shooting occurred. The bar posted on Facebook, saying that one of their own was stolen from them, and expressed their condolences to their families. Related Article: Virginia: 6-Year-Old Student Boasts About Shooting Teacher @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. (ANSA) - ROME, AUG 12 - The Financial Times took aim at the economic policy of Premier Giorgia Meloni on Saturday, describing the introduction of a windfall tax on banks' profits as its "biggest blunder so far". In an article titled 'Italy's disastrous bank tax', the London outlet said the move, announced following a cabinet meeting last Monday and partially reversed following the hostile reaction of bankers, investors and economists the following day, has brought the government's economic record "under harsh and justified scrutiny". "The incoherence and shortcomings of the Meloni government's economic policies are now there for everyone to see," read the article, citing analysts and experts and saying the executive "avoids serious economic reform, has no taste for market-based competition and panders to the voters and special interests that form the base of its support". Last week's announcement of a new 40% windfall tax on banks' surplus profits caused immediate stock market turmoil. The losses were partially reversed after the government said the windfall tax would be capped at 0.1% of institutes' assets, but skepticism remains, with Moody's saying Thursday that the measure is "credit negative". The Financial Times added that until now much of Meloni's economic policy "has gone under the radar". "One reason is that, instead of concentrating on the coalition's economic policies, many commentators have chosen to focus either on its foreign policy or on its rightwing cultural agenda at home," the paper said. "But any assessment of a government's overall performance must take into account its economic record," it added. (ANSA). (ANSA) - ROME, AUG 12 - President Sergio Mattarella on Saturday marked the 79th anniversary of the World War II Nazi massacre in the Tuscan village of Sant'Anna di Stazzema, when 560 unarmed people including 130 children were murdered. In a message Mattarella said Sant'Anna di Stazzema is one of the "symbolic places of the tragedy of the Second World War" that has become an "emblem of civil redemption, of rebellion against the most ferocious and inhuman violence, of solidarity, of moral and social reconstruction". "It is a duty for our community to remember what happened seventy-nine years ago in Sant'Anna and the other hamlets of Stazzema, when Nazi SS soldiers, supported by local fascists, carried out one of the most heinous massacres of the conflict," said the president. "It was a massacre of innocent lives. Women, old people, children - well over five hundred - were mercilessly killed. So many bodies were burnt and rendered unrecognisable," he added. "Europe touched the bottom of the abyss [...] but it is from that abyss that the path of the Italian people and of the European continent resumed," continued the head of state, adding that it is "up to each one of us to preserve and hand over the witness of memory to the younger generations so that they can be conscious protagonists of a responsible future in which the values of the human person are no longer put at risk". The August 12, 1944, massacre in Sant'Anna di Stazzema was the second worst WWII Nazi atrocity in Italy after the September 1944 Marzabotto massacre which killed over 770 people. (ANSA). (ANSA) - ROME, AUG 12 - Justice Minister Carlo Nordio was to visit the Le Vallette prison in the northern city of Turin on Saturday following the death of two female inmates on Friday. On Friday morning prison guard union Sappe reported that a 43-year-old Nigerian woman had died overnight after refusing water, food and medication for 18 days. Sources said she had asked repeatedly to be able to see her four-year-old son. Separately, on Friday afternoon Sappe said an Italian inmate had committed suicide in the same prison by hanging herself in her cell. "This is a tragedy that cannot be tolerated in a country that claims to be civilized and democratic," said Ilaria Cucchi, a Senator for the Italian Left (SI) party, after news of the first death. "The State is responsible for this death as it had the victim in its custody," added Cucchi, who gained public prominence during her fight for justice over the 2009 death in custody of her brother, Stefano Cucchi. "I ask that this case be clarified". Monica Cristina Gallo, the city of Turin's ombudsman for the rights of inmates, said her office had not been informed about the woman's case, even though she had refused food and medical care for weeks. "No one informed us," Gallo told ANSA. "It would probably have changed nothing (if they had). "But at least we could have activated our procedures and tried something. "I'm upset because information should be shared for prevention purposes". (ANSA). (ANSA) - ROME, AUG 12 - A 44-year-old prisoner from Lamezia Terme near Catanzaro was found dead in his cell at Rossano jail in Calabria on Saturday. Sources say the man is believed to have taken his own life. The Castrovillari Public Prosecutor's Office has opened an investigation. The man had been in prison custody since last February following his arrest in a local anti-drug operation. His alleged suicide comes on the heels of the death of two female inmates at Le Vallette prison in Turin on Friday. One woman died after refusing food, water and medication for 18 days and the other committed suicide by hanging herself in her cell. Photo: archive photo of an Italian prison. (ANSA). The 1975 have been asked to pay over 2 million in damages for allegedly breaching a contract with a Malaysian music festival. Future Sound Asia (FSA), organisers of the Good Vibes festival, said it had received a pre-show written assurance that the bands set would adhere to all local guidelines and regulations. During their set at the festival Kuala Lumpur in July, frontman Matty Healy made a speech about homosexuality, which is illegal in Malaysia, and kissed bassist Ross MacDonald on stage. FSA alleged that Healys abusive language, equipment damage and indecent stage behaviour caused the event to be cancelled. The three-day event was axed and headliners Australian singer-songwriter The Kid Laroi and American rock band The Strokes did not play. On Monday FSA issued a statement saying that it has issued the band with a letter of claim calling for The 1975 to acknowledge their liability and compensate FSA for damages incurred though the amount was not specified. In a further statement shared with the PA news agency on Friday, lawyers for the organisation said it was demanding 2,099,154.54 in damages. The claim against The 1975 is essentially for breach of contract, said David Mathew, legal counsel for FSA. They entered into a binding contract with Future Sound Asia to perform and the position of Future Sound Asia, among others, is that this contractual obligation was breached. The 1975 frontman Matty Healy (Jordan Curtis Hughes/PA) Further, Mr Healys representative categorically provided a pre-show written assurance that Mr Healy and The 1975s live performance shall adhere to all local guidelines and regulations during their set in Malaysia. Unfortunately, the assurance was ignored. Mr Matthew added: Future Sound Asia is taking action in response to The 1975s breach of contract. Their actions have had repercussions on local artists and small businesses, who relied on the festival for creative opportunities and their livelihoods. In this connection, Future Sound Asia wishes to move forward in a way that will give the Malaysian community affected some closure. The FSA previously said if the final warning is not addressed, then legal proceedings in English courts will begin. Following the incident the Malaysian Ministry of Communications and Digital said The 1975 had been blacklisted under a body that oversees foreign artists playing in Malaysia. The 1975 then cancelled two tour dates, at the We The Fest in Jakarta, Indonesia, and at the Taipei Music Centre in Taiwan. Representatives for Healy have been approached for comment. LAHAINA, Hawaii As the death toll from a wildfire that razed a historic Maui town reached 93, authorities warned Saturday that the effort to find and identify the dead was still in its early stages. It's already the deadliest U.S. wildfire for over a century. The newly released figure surpassed the toll of the 2018 Camp Fire in northern California, which left 85 dead. A century earlier, the 1918 Cloquet Fire broke out in drought-stricken northern Minnesota and raced through a number of rural communities, destroying thousands of homes and killing hundreds. At least two other fires have been burning in Maui, with no fatalities reported thus far: in south Mauis Kihei area and in the mountainous, inland communities known as Upcountry. A fourth broke out Friday evening in Kaanapali, a coastal community in West Maui north of Lahaina, but crews were able to extinguish it, authorities said. In Maui, a desperate search for the missing Fire crews battled blazes still burning Saturday from wildfires that ravaged parts of Maui as teams with cadaver dogs combed through the rubble in an intensifying search for the missing. Firefighters were making progress, but three main wildfires that ignited Tuesday were still not extinguished: The Lahaina fire was 85% contained, the Pulehu/Kihei fire 80%, and the Upcountry Maui fire 50% as of late Friday. Another fire that prompted evacuations in the Kaanapali area of West Maui on Friday evening was 100% contained within a few hours and evacuation orders were canceled, officials said. As the sun rose in Kihei on Saturday, the sky was filled with the smell of smoke. On the highway into Lahaina, a historic town decimated by the fires, cars, trucks and buses laden with supplies ignored signs to keep off the median as they tried to bypass the traffic jam ahead of a road blockade. Residents who were allowed to return to Lahaina on Friday were met with charred remains, demolished homes and businesses and a changed landscape, including the loss of dozens of their neighbors. But police on Saturday were once again restricting access into West Maui, warning people to stay out of the area because of hazards, including toxic particles from smoldering areas. Hawaii Gov. Josh Green has warned the death toll could climb even higher as the search for the missing continued. Cadaver-sniffing dogs were brought in Friday to assist the search for the dead, Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen Jr. said. In an aerial view, two men ride a scooter by businesses that were destroyed by a wildfire on Aug. 11, 2023, in Lahaina, Hawaii. Community members gather supplies for Lahaina Early Saturday morning, Marina Sanchez, 28, and Dustin Akiona, 31, began loading up their pickup with supplies to make another run into devastated Lahaina Town. Theres a traffic jam leading to a road block on the main road, but theyre hoping to get in backside. The pair spent hundreds on batteries, flashlights, gas, first aid kits and anything else residents have asked for at Lowes and Home Depot. Sanchez said community members have sent her so much money for supplies, shes asked them to stop. She said money should be going directly to those who have lost their homes and businesses and will need the cash for rent and rebuilding. Because our community is so tight, theres no hesitation, she said. Im really grateful everyone is coming together. Sanchez and Akiona have been going house to house, trying to meet individual needs. Some of the homes still standing in Lahaina Town have been converted into makeshift donation centers. People know they can go there and get what they need and its not limited, she said. Such a big part of Hawaii is community. Dustin Akiona, 31, and Marina Sanchez, 28, gather supplies needed for community members in Lahaina on Aug. 12, 2023. Dozens of people are still missing and thousands were displaced after a wind-driven wildfire devastated the town of Lahaina on Aug. 8. Crews are continuing to search for missing people. Firefighters on the front lines are losing their homes Firefighters and emergency crews trying to battle the fires and keep people safe in shelters were operating on scant resources themselves, the governor said Friday. Green said many buildings are so badly damaged in Lahaina and at risk of collapsing that the whole area is a public safety threat. About 30% of the firefighters working this week lost their own homes, Green told Hawaii News Now television. They also dont have cell service or ability to go home, he said. Some forms of health care are not available in Lahaina because a clinic and a dialysis center were incinerated, Green said. Deadliest natural disaster in Hawaii in decades The toll from the wildfires makes this the deadliest natural disaster in the state in decades, surpassing a 1960 tsunami that killed 61 people. An even deadlier tsunami in 1946, prior to Hawaii's statehood, killed more than 150 on the Big Island, prompting the development of an outdoor siren alarm system. Overly dry vegetation that acted as fuel, the ongoing drought, strong winds from Hurricane Dora, a high-pressure system and dryness of the atmosphere made for a devastating combination that allowed the flames to spread at a faster pace than firefighters could contain them. The warning system was notably silent on Maui before residents were forced to run for their lives Tuesday, survivors and officials said. Instead, alerts on cellphones, televisions and radios went out across the island, but widespread power outages and cell signal loss made it unclear how successful that warning was. There was no warning. There was absolutely none. Nobody came around. We didnt see a fire truck or anybody, said Lynn Robinson, who lost her home in the fire. 'THERE WAS NOTHING I COULD DO': As Lahaina burned, he looked for a way out. Then he heard the screams. A line of abandoned, charred cars paves the path to Lahaina Blackened, burned cars. Firetrucks abandoned. Boats scorched in the harbor. The path out of Lahaina was a scene of horror in the aftermath of the fires. Associated Press reporters saw an eerie traffic jam of charred cars that didnt escape the inferno as surviving roosters meandered through the ashes. Jesse Kong, resident and owner of a concrete pumping company, described to USA TODAY the horror of fleeing on his bike while seeing others stuck and the highway on fire. One abandoned fire engine still had its lights on. Another was just a smoldering shell. Kong saw people trapped inside a car fully engulfed by flames; they were screaming. A traffic signal had fallen on the vehicle. He couldnt get close. "You can see their flesh burning, he said. There was nothing I could do. Ashley Lewis and Jordan Culver, USA TODAY; The Associated Press Officials warn of 'toxic' aftermath of fires In the wake of wildfires, people returning to inspect the damage of their homes and businesses in Lahaina should be cautious of the "highly toxic" burning areas. The Hawaii Department of Health said anyone accessing restricted areas should wear a tight-fitting N95 mask, gloves and other protective equipment because inhalation of airborne particles and dust can be a health hazard. The department said people should be careful of ash and ash pits holes filled with burned ash that can be fallen into and cause burns. "Ash and dust (particularly from burned buildings) may contain toxic and cancer-causing chemicals including asbestos, arsenic, and lead," the health department said. Water, too, wasn't safe in some places. An unsafe water advisory was put in place Friday in the Upper Kula and Lahaina areas, where some running water had been restored. People should use only bottled water for drinking, brushing teeth and preparing food, Maui County said. People should limit bathing to quick showers in well-ventilated rooms with lukewarm water, the county said, but Purdue University engineering professor Andrew Whelton told AP even that is not advisable until the water can be tested because there might be "hazardous waste levels of benzene." Residents returning to Lahaina face devastation, no water or power Residents finally allowed back to Lahaina, a treasured town with cultural and religious sites that trace their roots back centuries, discovered a scene of ash-ridden devastation. It hit so quick, it was incredible, Lahaina resident Kyle Scharnhorst told the Associated Press as he surveyed the damage to his apartment complex Friday. It was like a war zone. Only a few items were able to be retrieved from the lot where Summer and Gilles Gerlings home once stood. They picked up a piggy bank, their daughters jade bracelet and watches they gifted each other when they got married. But their wedding rings were lost. Safety was the main concern. These are all material things, Gilles Gerling said. Anthony Garcia saw dead animals, such as cats and roosters, as he stood under Lahainas cherished banyan tree, now charred. As the grim reality sank in, he felt like he had to ground himself and safeguard his mental health. If I dont do something, Ill go nuts, said Garcia, who lost everything he owned. Im losing my faith in God. Residents who could prove they lived in the area or were hotel guests were let back in around noon Friday, according to a county update. Maui County officials said there would be a daily curfew in place in Lahaina from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., and certain barricaded areas were off-limits to unauthorized people. "West Maui remains without power and water, and search crews continue efforts in the Lahaina town area for victims of the brush fire," the county said. 'NO PLACE TO LIVE': Why rebuilding Maui won't be easy after deadly fires Hawaii lawmaker: We 'underestimated the lethality' of the fire Days after officials have said the wildfires sparked and spread so quickly there was little time to give any warning, Rep. Jill Tokuda told CNN on Saturday the state "underestimated the lethality, the quickness of fire," and didn't plan adequately for redundancies in the emergency alert system. Though alerts went out to people's cellphones, Tokuda said there was no cellphone service in many places as the fire began to whip through Maui. It's not like hurricane force winds are unknown to Hawaii, or dry brush, or red flag conditions," Tokuda said. "We did not learn our lesson" from 2018's Hurricane Lane, which led to brush fires on Maui and Oahu. "We have got to make sure that we do better," Tokuda said. Hawaii Attorney General Anne Lopez announced Friday a "comprehensive review" of decisions and policies related to the fire would be launched. Update on the damage, acres burned The fires that tore through parts of Maui left thousands of buildings damaged or destroyed, and the governor said he anticipates recovery costs to run into the billions and rebuilding could take years. The Pacific Disaster Center and the Federal Emergency Management Agency late Friday released an update on the devastation caused by the Lahaina fire: 2,207 structures damaged or destroyed 86% of buildings exposed to the fire were classified as residential 2,170 acres burned 51,700 square feet of shelter are estimated to be needed 4,500 people estimated in need of shelter It will cost an estimated $5.52 billion to rebuild How you can help Maui fire victims Maj. Gen. Kenneth Hara, from the Hawaii State Department of Defense, asked those who want to donate supplies or volunteer to do so through the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency. James Kunane Tokioka, director of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, said the governor has also asked people with vacant homes or vacation rentals to provide shelter for those in need. Several shelters are open to assist those on the islands and several local organizations are collecting donations. USA TODAY compiled resources for Americans to help people and animals in Hawaii here. Contributing: Minnah Arshad, USA TODAY; The Associated Press This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Maui Hawaii wildfire live updates: Death toll rises to 93 Ecuador police have arrested the Colombian suspects for Presidential Candidate Fernando Villavicencio's assassination. The anti-corruption candidate and former Assembly member died Wednesday at his campaign event in Quito's capital. Ecuador Presidential Candidate Assassination Suspects Arrested Ecuadorian authorities have made a breakthrough in investigating the assassination of the anti-corruption presidential candidate. As per a report by CNN, Ecuadorian police have arrested six Colombian nationals in connection with the assassination of the presidential candidate. The local authorities further disclosed that the suspected Colombian nationals are gang members. Ecuadorian police have worked tirelessly to piece together the puzzle behind the assassination of Villavicencio. The suspects' arrest, revealed to be Colombian citizens, brings new dimensions to the case, raising questions about the motives of the killing. According to the Associated Press News, Villavicencio is known for his strong stance against corruption and criminality. The lawmaker also vocally condemns the violence in the country, which he blames on the rampant drug trafficking. His presidential campaign heavily centered on his plans to crack down on crime and corruption amidst the raging violence in the nation. The authorities arrested the suspect after conducting raids, and one of them died in a shootout with the police. The Ecuador Interior Minister Juan Zapata says the Colombian suspects are members of various organized criminal groups. He says that preliminary evidence shows their links to gangs. He also confirmed that all these suspects are from Colombia. However, the Attorney General's Office states that the gunman died in police custody. The suspected killer reportedly exchanged gunshots with security personnel. Amid the raids, the local authorities stumbled on a machine gun, a rifle, a stolen vehicle, two rifle magazines, two motorcycles, three grenades, four pistols, and four ammunition boxes. President Guillermo Lasso has already sought the helping hand of the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to deal with the brutal killing of the former Assembly member. Read Also: Fernando Villavicencio Assassination: Ecuador's President Vows to Punish Slain Presidential Candidate's Killers Ecuador Presidential Candidate Fernando Villavicencio As The New York Times reports, gunmen shot Villavicencio, a former journalist, killing him at a high school in Ecuador's capital where he held his campaign rally. Among the eight candidates, the assassinated presidential aspirant is prominently known for his outspoken decry against crime and corruption, which plagued the country. The lawmaker was polling in the middle of the election race, according to The New York Times. Ecuador's government has taken a firm stance on the violent incident, vowing to leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of truth and justice. In an official statement, President Lasso affirmed the nation's resolve to ensure that the perpetrators face the consequences of their actions. The arrest of Colombian suspects in connection with the assassination of Villavicencio marks a crucial step forward in the pursuit of justice, but the journey is far from over. Related Article: Ecuador Presidential Candidate Fernando Villavicencio Killed Amid Campaign Rally @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A 3-year-old child who was riding a migrant bus from Texas bound for Chicago died in Illinois, authorities said. The child's death is the first Texas has announced after Gov. Greg Abbott's Operation Lone Star last year started shuttling thousands of migrants to cities such as Washington, New York, Philadelphia, Denver and Los Angeles. The 3-year-old presented "health concerns" on board the bus that departed from Brownsville, Texas, according to the Texas Department of Emergency Management, and the bus pulled over and called 911. The child was treated by paramedics and later died at a hospital, Texas' emergency management agency said Friday. All passengers had their temperature taken and were asked whether they had any medical conditions before boarding, the agency said. Texas authorities did not say where the child was from or why the child became ill. The Illinois Department of Public Health said the child died Thursday in Marion County, about 130 miles north of Illinois' southern border with Missouri. The Illinois Department of Public Health is investigating, officials confirmed to USA TODAY. "IDPH is working with local health officials, state police and federal authorities to the fullest extent possible to get answers in this tragic situation," spokesperson Mike Claffey said. Chicago Mayor Lightfoot told Abbott to stop busing migrants Moving people to municipalities already struggling to house and support people experiencing homeless has fueled criticism from cities' mayors. In April, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot urged Abbott to stop busing migrants to Chicago, calling the move inhumane and dangerous. The city shouldered more than 8,000 migrants sent by Abbott since August 2022, many of whom required extensive care that wasn't addressed by Texas before they were sent to Chicago, Lightfoot said in April. Chicago is a welcoming city and we collaborate with county, state and community partners to rise to this challenge, but your lack of consideration or coordination in an attempt to cause chaos and score political points has resulted in a critical tipping point in our ability to receive individuals and families in a safe, orderly and dignified way, Lightfoot said. Texas elected officials speak out against Abbott's bus program The child who died began showing symptoms of fever and diarrhea on the bus before losing consciousness, Rep, Joaquin Castro told The New York Times. The Texas Democrat, whose office was briefed on the child's death, criticized Abbott's treatment of migrants in a statement posted to his office's website Friday. We are saddened and horrified, but not surprised, by the death of a 3-year-old child on a state-sponsored bus from Texas to Chicago," the statement says. "For months, Operation Lone Star has trafficked asylum-seekers across the country in squalid conditions. Governor Abbotts barbaric practices are killing people." What is Operation Lone Star? Texas officials have bused more than 30,000 migrants to Democratic-led cities across the country since Abbott's Operation Lone Star began last year. This year, Abbott has tacked on new measures as part of Operation Lone Star, including massive buoys placed in the middle of the Rio Grande, which forms the border between Texas and Mexico. The Biden administration is suing Texas over the line of buoys, saying the barrier in the water could lead to environmental and humanitarian problems. On Aug. 3, an unidentified body was found stuck to the buoys. In recent months, Texas officials have also confirmed they are separating some migrant parents from their children, a USA TODAY investigation found. Under Texas' bus program, the state says migrants give written consent and agree on the destinations where they are headed. Texas officials say that the buses are stocked with food and water and that migrants are allowed to get off early. At least four migrant children have died this year in federal custody, including an 8-year-old girl from Panama who died in May after arriving with a heart condition and sickle cell anemia. Last month, an independent report found that Border Patrol does not have protocols for assessing medical needs of children with preexisting conditions. Contributing: Sarah Elbeshbishi, USA TODAY; The Associated Press This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 3-year-old child dies on Texas' migrant bus bound for Chicago The independent No Labels Party can stay on the 2024 presidential election ballot, an Arizona judge ruled this week. The ruling is a blow to the state Democratic Partys attempt to oust a political opponent which they fear could help former President Donald Trump win the state. Democrats argued that No Labels filed incomplete paperwork when they were approved for the 2024 ballot in March. A state judge disagreed, affirming their place on the ballot. This is an important win for American democracy and a testament to the power of over 41,000 Arizona voters who signed to give No Labels ballot access in Arizona, No Labels leaders Benjamin Chavis Jr. and Jay Nixon said in a statement. No Labels pitches itself as a centrist party intended to bypass divisive, partisan politics with bipartisan appeal. Figures from both parties, but especially Democrats, have denounced the group as a potential spoiler in elections where outcomes could be decided by just a few thousand votes. President Biden won Arizona in 2020 by just over 10,000 votes. No Labels is currently recruiting candidates for a unity ticket, the organization said. Leaders from the group have stated that it isnt interested in helping get Trump elected, but Democrats and anti-Trump Republicans have criticized the organization for considering a run at all. The state Democratic Party has also filed a separate complaint against the group attempting to force it to disclose its donors. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Attorney General Merrick Garland has appointed Delaware U.S. Attorney David Weiss as a special counsel in his investigation of President Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden, Garland announced on Friday. The move came as a plea deal struck between Hunter Biden and federal prosecutors fell apart last month and the case appeared headed for trial. In the interim, Hunter Biden entered a not-guilty plea. Weiss, who was previously appointed by former President Donald Trump, asked Garland to be appointed special counsel on Tuesday and Garland said he concluded it was in the public interest after considering the request. A senior Department of Justice official told reporters that this is the first time Weiss has asked to be appointed special counsel. Weiss himself has said the same before, pushing back on claims by an IRS whistleblower. "This appointment confirms my commitment to provide Mr. Weiss all the resources he requests," Garland said. "It also reaffirms that Mr. Weiss has the authority he needs to conduct a thorough investigation and to continue to take the steps he deems appropriate in dependently based only on the facts and the law." Garland said Weiss "will continue to have the authority and responsibility that he has previously exercised to oversee the investigation and decide where, when and whether to file charges." Prosecutors also wrote in court filings that they intend to drop the misdemeanor tax charges against Hunter Biden in Delaware and instead bring them in California and Washington, D.C. -- the venues where prosecutors say the alleged misconduct occurred. "Since that time [of Hunter Biden's not-guilty plea], the parties have engaged in further plea negotiations but are at an impasse. The Government now believes that the case will not resolve short of a trial," the filing said. "Now that the parties are at an impasse, a trial is in order," they wrote. "Venue must be proper for each count of an indictment." The judge gave Hunter Biden until Monday to respond to the motion from the United States to vacate the court's briefing order. Republicans blasted the appointment of Weiss as special counsel, with House Oversight Chair James Comer, R-Ky., claiming the Justice Department is trying to "stonewall" Congress' own investigations into Hunter Biden and calling the news part of a "Biden family coverup," despite Republicans offering no evidence of a "coverup." "This move by Attorney General Garland is part of the Justice Department's efforts to attempt a Biden family coverup in light of the House Oversight Committee's mounting evidence of President Joe Biden's role in his family's schemes selling 'the brand' for millions of dollars to foreign nationals," Comer, who is leading the effort by House Republicans investigating Joe Biden and his family, said in a statement on Friday. Since Republicans retook the House last year, they have launched multiple investigative efforts aimed at learning more about who paid Hunter Biden in the past, when and why, and they have contended that the swirl of foreign money sullies Joe Biden himself. The White House has repeatedly dismissed claims of misconduct by the president, saying there is no evidence that Joe Biden was or is connected to his son's business work. The president has said the same. ABC News' Will Steakin contributed to this report. Special counsel appointed in Hunter Biden case as plea deal reaches 'impasse' originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Shutterstock (2) Britney Spears sons and their dad, Kevin Federline, are safe from the Hawaii fires that have taken the lives of 55 people, according to multiple reports. The fires, fueled by a dry summer and strong hurricane winds, started on Tuesday, August 8, and took Maui residents by surprise. The fire moved so quickly that residents homes burnt and several were forced to flee. In May, Federlines lawyer, Mark Vincent Kaplan, announced that the father of five who shares sons Preston, 17, and Jayden, 16, with Spears, 41 was planning on moving to Hawaii. In a letter sent to TMZ at the time, Kaplan asked if Spears would consent to the pairs minor children relocating to the Aloha state. (Federline also shares Kori, 21, with Shar Jackson and daughters Jordan, 11, and Peyton, 8, with wife Victoria Prince.) Spears attorney, Mathew Rosengart, replied on her behalf weeks later. In a public letter shared with Us Weekly at the time, the lawyer revealed that Spears consented to the move and would not interfere with Federlines change of residency. Britney Spears Family Album With Sons Preston and Jayden Over the Years Read article Britney has never given up hope on repairing things with her kids, a source exclusively told Us Weekly in July. But she hasnt seen them in a long time and she isnt exactly sure when shell see them again now that theyre moving to Hawaii. Courtesy of Britney Spears/Instagram Spears does travel to Hawaii all the time, the source explained, but noted that the new dynamic wont really be the same. She isnt going to see her sons before they move with their dad this week but hopes to make plans with them in the near future, the insider added at the time. Spears and Federline tied the knot in 2004 but split two years later. Following their divorce Spears continued to coparent their boys before her relationship with the two of them hit a rough patch. In order to view the video, please allow Manage Cookies I think Mom has struggled giving us both attention and showing us equal love and I dont think she showed enough to Preston and I feel really bad for that, Jayden told the Daily Mail in September 2022. Weve both been through so much pressure in the past that this is our safe place now, to process all the emotional trauma weve been through to heal, heal our mental state. If I complained, she went after [my brother]. I feel guilty, so I am there for him. Mom has treated me better. After Jayden spoke out, Spears took to social media to weigh in on his accusations. Ive tried my best at being the best person I can be to be basically held hostage in homes under nurses and bullst, she alleged in an Instagram statement. I hope my kids one day understand my reasoning of my play in water revealing myself as any woman would being held under blankets and supervision under the conservatorship!!! She continued: I say to my son Jayden that I send all the love in the world to you every day for the rest of my life!!!! My love for my children has no boundaries and it deeply saddens me to know his outcry of saying I wasnt up to his expectations of a mother and maybe one day we can meet face to face and talk about this openly! Derek Gregory Vannoy, 22, of Phelan was arrested on suspicion of felony evading a deputies in Apple Valley. An Illinois man was arrested on suspicion of traveling to Apple Valley where he planned to meet a 17-year-old girl for lewd purposes, authorities said. The exchange between the suspect and victim began in November 2022, when the two met while playing the online gaming platform Roblox. The two have communicated using various applications, with the suspect eventually coercing the girl into sexting and exploited her into sexual acts, committed on an electronic device, authorities reported. On Wednesday, identified as Faruq Balogun, 19, flew from Chicago to Ontario, California, and went to the girls home in Apple Valley, sheriffs officials said. Deputy Cohlton Hubbard responded to the call for service at the victims home in the 15500 block Ute Road and questioned Balogun. At the completion of the investigation, Balogun was arrested on suspicion of arranging to meet with a minor for lewd purposes and sending or selling obscene matter, sheriffs officials reported. Balogun was booked to the High Desert Detention Center. He posted bail and was released on Thursday, sheriffs officials said. Apple Valley sheriffs officials are reminding parents of the importance of protecting children. It is essential for parents to be vigilant in helping their children learn and use safe technology practices. Parents should monitor activity and conduct regular, unannounced checks of phones and other devices to ensure they are being used properly. These checks will protect children and provide opportunity for early detection of someone exploiting or coercing their child, sheriff's officials stated. Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to call Apple Valley sheriffs station at (760) 240-7400 or sheriffs dispatch at (760) 956-5001. Callers wishing to remain anonymous can contact the We-Tip Hotline at 800-78CRIME (27463) or wetip.com. This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Illinois man suspected of traveling to Apple Valley to meet teen girl The death toll in the Maui wildfire keeps mounting as search teams and their cadaver dogs continue the grim work of sifting through the ruins of burned buildings that once made up vibrant communities on island including the picturesque town of Lahaina. At least 89 people have died in the fires as of Saturday night, Gov. Josh Green said, and the death toll is expected to increase. The fire is now the deadliest US wildfire in more than 100 years, according to research from the National Fire Protection Association. Firefighters have made some progress in containing the blazes, which have leveled entire communities, but officials warn they do not know exactly how many people are still missing after wildfires earlier this week began eating through neighborhoods in western Maui. The blazes, fanned by powerful winds from Hurricane Dora hundreds of miles offshore, have become the deadliest natural disaster in Hawaii since statehood in 1959. As of Friday evening local time, all three fires were still active after initial reports came Tuesday. And while there have been some improvements in containment, the risk of flare-ups remains. People in Kaanapali were evacuating Friday night after spotting a fire in the neighborhood, which is about 4 miles north of hard-hit Lahaina, Maui police said. The fire was later 100% contained, according to county officials. Of the three largest wildfires that crews have been combating, the deadly fire in Lahaina was 85% contained, Maui County officials said Friday afternoon, up from 80% reported the day before. The Pulehu fire located farther east in Kihei was 80% contained Friday, another sign of improvement from 70% on Thursday, officials noted. A third inferno in the hills of Mauis central Upcountry was 50% contained on Friday, officials said. Meanwhile, search and recovery teams are using cadaver dogs to help find those missing and the increasing possibility of more deceased victims. So far, crews have not searched inside buildings, Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen said Friday. The deaths in Lahaina confirmed as of Friday afternoon likely happened outdoors as people were trying to escape flames, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green told CNN. Without a doubt, there will be more fatalities. We do not know, ultimately, how many will have occurred, said Green, noting that officials should have a better idea of that within days. As search efforts are underway, heres the latest as of Saturday morning: Thousands unhoused: The fires have displaced thousands of people, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell told CNN on Thursday. Those staying in shelters have expressed a deep sense of uncertainty, and the governor has urged people to take victims if they can. A hotline will likely be established to connect displaced residents with available rooms in homes and hotels, the governor added. Honoapiilani Highway closed: Maui police continued to close and reopen the main roads into Lahaina Saturday with little notice, leading to boiling frustrations from residents and exceedingly long lines of people in vehicles. Honoapiilani Highway initially reopened at 6 a.m. Saturday for residents. Maui police later said in a Facebook post that residents could now only access Lahaina through Kahakuloa from Mauis north side. Official updates: Communication in parts of Maui have been compromised due to severed lines, and many have reported not hearing from their loved ones in days. Maui County officials have resorted to updating the public via radio stations. They will also post new information on the countys website and social media pages. Disaster response under review: Hawaii Attorney General Anne Lopez will lead a comprehensive review of officials response to the catastrophic wildfires, her office said Friday. My Department is committed to understanding the decisions that were made before and during the wildfires and to sharing with the public the results of this review, Lopez said in a statement. Emergency sirens: News of the review comes as state records show Mauis warning sirens were not activated, and the emergency communications with residents was largely limited to mobile phones and broadcasters at a time when most power and cell service was already cut. Water and power issues: Local authorities have cautioned residents not to drink the water in Upper Kula and Lahaina areas because it is unsafe. Instead of tap water, customers are advised to use only bottled water for drinking, brushing teeth, making ice and preparing food, Maui County said Friday. Power restorations were underway Friday, with about 5,000 outages still active, according to the tracking site PowerOutage.us, a significant improvement from about 11,000 a day prior. Hawaiis lieutenant governor says she understands that people who live and work in Lahaina are upset by delays in being able to return to the wildfire-damaged community. I know individuals are very frustrated, Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke told CNNs Jessica Dean on Saturday. There have been structures that have not been destroyed, and individuals want to go back, Luke said. The state does not intend to intervene in the traffic headaches as the few roads in and out of Lahaina are closed and reopened with little warning, according to Luke, adding that Maui County officials will make those calls to protect public safety. She declined to weigh into the debate over whether the state was sufficiently prepared for the disaster. All the assessments and investigation will happen, but really the priority is to make sure that people are fed and people have a place to stay, Luke said. While its too early to determine the full scope of widespread destruction, the losses are estimated in the billions of dollars. Maui County experienced $5.52 billion in capital exposure, which is the estimated cost to rebuild following damage by the Lahaina Fire, according to an updated damage assessment from the Pacific Disaster Center and FEMA on Saturday. FEMA issued a statement later Saturday saying the figure is not accurate and that it is still too early to determine the cost of rebuilding. The $5.5B figure being reported by some media outlets, and cited to the Pacific Disaster Center, is not a dollar amount from FEMA and does not reflect any damage estimations from our agency, according to a statement from a FEMA spokesperson. The FEMA spokesperson said the amount listed was characterized as capital exposed, which the agency said is not a measure of rebuilding costs. The agency said it has not done any cost estimates yet because it is too early in the response and recovery stages. Once all life saving and life sustaining needs are met, we will begin to assess the damage and formulate preliminary estimates, the spokesperson added. CNN has reached out to the Pacific Disaster Center for clarification. A total of 2,207 structures were damaged or destroyed and 2,170 acres have burned as a result of the Lahaina Fire, according to the Pacific Disaster Center and FEMA assessment. As the town is closed to residents, one couple told CNN they were not allowed in Friday to see their home. The police wont let us go to our home. We lived in the same house for 50 years since 1971, Steve Dolan told CNN. I wanted to go down there, see if anythings left, but they wont let us, he said. Well deal with it and well wait a week or two and we can go see whats left and start from scratch and rebuild. CNNs Michelle Watson, Sara Smart, Mike Valerio, Andy Rose, Roxanne Garcia, Chris Boyette and Rebekah Riess contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com NEW YORK (AP) FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried left a federal courtroom in handcuffs Friday after a judge revoked his bail after concluding that the fallen cryptocurrency wiz had repeatedly tried to influence witnesses against him. Bankman-Fried looked down at his hands as Judge Lewis A. Kaplan explained at length why he believed the California man had repeatedly pushed the boundaries of his $250 million bail package to a point that Kaplan could no longer ensure the protection of the community, including prosecutors' witnesses, unless the 31-year-old was behind bars. At the conclusion of the hearing, Bankman-Fried took off his suit jacket and tie and turned his watch and other personal belongings over to his lawyers. The clanging of handcuffs could be heard as his hands were cuffed in front of him. He was then led out of the courtroom by U.S. marshals. It was a spectacular fall for a man once viewed by many as a savvy crypto visionary who had testified before Congress and hired celebrities including Larry David, Tom Brady and Stephen Curry to promote his businesses. Kaplan said there was probable cause to believe Bankman-Fried had tried to tamper with witnesses at least twice since his December arrest, most recently by showing a journalist the private writings of a former girlfriend and key witness against him and in January when he reached out to FTX's general counsel with an encrypted communication. The judge said he concluded there was a probability that Bankman-Fried had tried to influence both anticipated trial witnesses and quite likely others whose names we don't even know to get them to back off, to have them hedge their cooperation with the government. Bankman-Fried's lawyers insisted that their client's motives were innocent and he shouldnt be jailed for trying to protect his reputation against a barrage of unfavorable news stories. Attorney Mark Cohen asked the judge to suspend his incarceration order for an immediate appeal, but Kaplan rejected the request. Within an hour, defense lawyers had filed a notice of appeal. Bankman-Fried had been under house arrest at his parents' home in Palo Alto, California, since his December extradition from the Bahamas on charges that he defrauded investors in his businesses and illegally diverted millions of dollars' worth of cryptocurrency from customers using his FTX exchange. His bail package severely restricted his internet and phone usage. The judge noted that the strict rules did not stop him from reaching out in January to a top FTX lawyer, saying he would really love to reconnect and see if theres a way for us to have a constructive relationship, use each other as resources when possible, or at least vet things with each other. At a February hearing, Kaplan said the communication suggests to me that maybe he has committed or attempted to commit a federal felony while on release. On Friday, Kaplan said he was rejecting defense claims that the communication was benign. Instead, he said, it seems to be an invitation for the FTX general counsel to get together with Bankman-Fried so that their recollections are on the same page. Two weeks ago, prosecutors surprised Bankman-Fried's attorneys by demanding his incarceration, saying he violated those rules by showing The New York Times the private writings of Caroline Ellison, his former girlfriend and the ex-CEO of Alameda Research, a cryptocurrency trading hedge fund that was one of his businesses. Prosecutors maintained he was trying to sully her reputation and influence prospective jurors who might be summoned for his October trial by sharing deep thoughts about her job and the romantic relationship she had with Bankman-Fried. The judge said Friday that the excerpts of Ellison's communications that Bankman-Fried had shared with a reporter were the kinds of things that somebody who'd been in a relationship with somebody would be very unlikely to share with anybody, lest The New York Times, except to hurt, discredit, and frighten the subject of the material. Ellison pleaded guilty in December to criminal charges carrying a potential penalty of 110 years in prison. She has agreed to testify against Bankman-Fried as part of a deal that could lead to a more lenient sentence. Bankman-Fried's lawyers argued he probably failed in a quest to defend his reputation because the article cast Ellison in a sympathetic light. They also said prosecutors exaggerated the role Bankman-Fried had in the article. They said prosecutors were trying to get their client locked up by offering evidence consisting of "innuendo, speculation, and scant facts." Since prosecutors made their detention request, Kaplan had imposed a gag order barring public comments by people participating in the trial, including Bankman-Fried. David McCraw, a lawyer for the Times, had written to the judge, noting the First Amendment implications of any blanket gag order, as well as public interest in Ellison and her cryptocurrency trading firm. Ellison confessed to a central role in a scheme defrauding investors of billions of dollars that went undetected, McCraw said. "It is not surprising that the public wants to know more about who she is and what she did and that news organizations would seek to provide to the public timely, pertinent, and fairly reported information about her, as The Times did in its story, McCraw said. Halle Berry says she feels more powerful than ever as she goes through menopause. The Oscar winner, 56, opened up about embracing the aging process and in a recent essay for Womens Health. The most important thing about owning your sexuality as a woman is accepting the station youre atand embracing that. And I say that because Im smack dab in the middle of menopause, she wrote. She added that she is challenging everything she thought she knew about menopause. Things like: Your life is over. You are disposable. Society no longer has a place for you. You should retire. You should pack it up, she wrote. Im challenging all those stereotypes about how you have to look a certain way or feel a certain way, she continued. Im my best self now that I reached 56 years old. I have the most to offer. I have zero blanks to give anymore. Im solidly in my womanhood. I finally realize what I have to say. Heres what else Berry has said about health, body positivity and embracing yourself in every stage of life. Halle Berry knows beauty is deeper than the physical body Berry opened up about the aging process in an interview with AARP in 2022. Were all going to get older. Our skin is going to shrivel up and were going to look different, she said. I see things changing with my face and body, but Ive never put all my eggs in that basket. Ive always known that beauty is deeper than the physical body youre walking around in. She added that instead of trying to hold onto a youthful face, whats most important is how you live your life, form meaningful connections and give back to others. Women are told that when we reach a certain number, were no longer valuable. I believe the opposite. Society should look at us as jewels as we get older, she said. Because the older women get, the more formidable we are. Halle Berry on doing what she wants to do Earlier this year, Berry shared a photo on Instagram of herself drinking wine while standing nude on a balcony. I do what i wanna do. happy Saturday, she captioned the post. Her bold photo drew plenty of praise in the comments, with Kelly Rowland writing, YES!!!! and author Maria Emmerich commenting, Well behaved women never made history. While Berrys unapologetic celebration of her body inspired plenty of positive feedback, some commenters criticized her for sharing the photo. Imagine being in your 50s, still posting nudes for attention in menopause when you should be chilling with the grandkids, one person commented on the photo on both Instagram and Twitter. Aging with dignity is no longer a thing. To this, Berry replied in a since-deleted tweet, Did you guys know the heart of a shrimp is located in its head? Halle Berry believes on owning wherever you are In her recent essay for Womens Health, Berry advised women to embrace the life stage they are currently in, and to resist societal pressures to reach milestones by a certain age. If youre in your 20s, own that. Own the era of exploration. Earn the era of real curiosity," she wrote. "Earn the era of trying to figure out who you are. Take your time and figure yourself out. You dont have to be rushed, you dont have to be forced. If youre in your mid-30s, dont be bogged down by the idea that you have to have children by a certain age, she continued. You decide. Halle Berry on embracing her natural beauty Berry celebrated her beauty in an Instagram post for her 56th birthday. The actor shared a sultry pic of herself wearing a black, lacy top and rocking gray curls. feeling so much gratitude and love on this birthday! WOW! she wrote in the caption. Beautiful love the silver strands on you!!! one person wrote in the comments. You get more beautiful with age, another fan wrote. She also exuded confidence in a mirror selfie earlier this year. Mirrors the most honest friend out there. , she captioned one photo of herself sporting wet hair and lingerie. Aunt Halle you age like fine wine , one fans wrote in the comments. Berry celebrated her natural beauty in another bathroom mirror selfie on Instagram in March 2023. Hump day self love, she wrote in the caption. How Halle Berry's approach to fitness has changed since her 20s When she was 53, Berry penned an essay in Womens Health about how her approach to fitness had shifted over the decades. In her 20s and 30s, she said, she mostly worked out in order to look a certain way. I was young and appearance was a big part of my early acting career, she explained. Now, however, Berry says her workouts have become a form of self-care. I began to focus on feeling fit more than looking fit, she said. She added that when she became a mother, she wanted to be strong and healthy for her kids: daughter Nahla, 15, and son Maceo-Robert, 9. I wanted to be around for them for as long as possible, she said. I wanted to be able to carry them out of a burning house if I needed to. Halle Berry on welcoming aging with open arms When she turned 50 in 2016, Berry said she was fully embracing her milestone birthday. With open arms I welcome 50... Im so blessed to be here! she captioned an Instagram photo of herself sporting a sheer lace shawl. She shared more about her attitude toward turning 50 in an interview with USA Today. (For the last year), people have said to me, Youre turning 50. Oh, God. How does that make you feel? Berry said. Well, I feel great. Ive never been defined by a number or my age. And Ive never felt better. This article was originally published on TODAY.com As Hawaii continues its effort to contain wildfires across the Big Island and Maui, and a climbing death toll leaves residents shell-shocked, scientists across the United States have begun to take stock of the plants and animals that have been lost to the flames. Though Hawaii makes up less than 1% of U.S. land, it contains 44% of the countrys endangered and threatened plant life. While some native plants can gradually recover from wildfires of this scale, others will likely be scorched beyond regrowth, experts said. No clear data is available yet on exactly what has been lost, but scientists fear the toll is significant. There are immeasurable amounts of ecological damage, even in rainfall, after a fire, said Venkataraman Lakshmi, a professor of engineering at the University of Virginia. Hydrological extremes floods, droughts, landslides, permafrost, thaw and wildfires are becoming more frequent, as well as of higher magnitude. Hawaiian botanists, who have spent years pushing for forest restoration projects, say the inevitable loss will be felt deeply on the states landscape for years to come. abutilon menziesii hawaii native flower plant kooloa ula on rock red abutilon, Red ilima; Shutterstock ID 1139268977; Email: -; Date: -; Site/Section: -; other: - (Pikchy / Shutterstock) Many native species in Hawaii are not fire-resistant, said botanist and environmental researcher Katie Kamelamela. That will have a big impact. Hawaiis volcanic islands, variety of biomes and isolation from the continental U.S. have produced species unlike those seen elsewhere, Kamelamela said. Flowers like the kooloaula and puaala have long been endangered, and can only be found on the archipelago. In parts of Hawaii that are becoming increasingly dry, wildfires have always been a threat. Kamelamela says shes seen their impact before. As a botanist, shes worked at reforestation sites making the slow uphill climb of restoring the islands native plant life. All of it can be wiped out with a single spark, she said. Ive worked on a fire site in Oahu, which is the island I grew up on, she said. It was a project to reforest with native species. We got like 15 years into it, and it burned. Some native plants can gradually recover from wildfires. Others, she said, become total matchsticks, unrecoverable. This fire was uniquely brutal, she said. How it got this bad A destructive combination of factors including winds from Hurricane Dora, an unusually dry climate and flammable invasive plant species aligned to make this wildfire uniquely widespread and dangerous, Lakshmi said. Nonnative shrubs and grass were introduced to Hawaii from other parts of the world over time to help resist droughts, given their ability to survive extreme heat and dryness. This strategy, experts say, has backfired. There were a lot of invasive species which took root and came quickly to life after the last fire, and especially survived a drought, Lakshmi said, referring to wildfires on the islands in 2018. Those species make it easier for a wildfire to quickly light up large swaths of land, he said, and they also bounce back much faster than native plants. They come back faster than the native species, he said. Unfortunately, native plants take more time. After working on several forest restoration projects on the islands, Kamelamela said shes seen firsthand how threatened Hawaiis landscape is even before this fire. Were stretched very thin, she said. Wildfires, becoming increasingly more common with climate change, leave permanent impacts on the land, Lakshmi said. They change the soil, he said, making it harder for water from future rains to permeate. With climate change, he said, were only going to see more of this kind of extreme weather. Kamelamela hopes that those who consider her home a tourist destination will see what is happening and lend support before things get worse. For anybody thats ever dreamed of coming to Hawaii or has come, return that same aloha back to us at this time, she said, referring to the word that means many things in Hawaiian, including mutual compassion. "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Jeremy Allen White is currently single after breaking things off with his wife Addison Timlin, but despite your attempts to slide into his DMs and build a beautiful life together based on you saying "yes chef" repeatedly, he was spotted making out in public with model/actor Ashley Moore. VEGAN / BACKGRID Find yourself needing to know everything about Ashley and/or wondering why she looks so familiar? Time for a deep dive. Ashley Was in Drake's "Hold On We're Going Home" Video And apparently she had a great experience, telling The Arcadia, Drake is hands down one of the most intelligent and humble people I have ever met. It is incredible to watch the way he works. She's in Amazon Prime Video's I Know What You Did Last Summer Me to Ashley and Jeremy the second it becomes 2024: I know what you did last summer. Shop Now She's Also a Model This is how Ashley started her career, and I mean, not surprising! Ashley is gorge. She Mayyyybe Dated Justin Bieber Back in 2017, Ashley and Justin were spotted on a "flirty hike"in Los Angeles, according to ET Canada, and also this happened? Noel Vasquez - Getty Images As did this! Noel Vasquez - Getty Images Plus, Justin reportedly called Ashley his "woman crush." She Was on Model Squad Here's Ashley talking about her long distance relationship, which fans speculate was with Ben Simmons, and the Bieber dating rumors. Despite Her Public IG, She's Pretty Private Back in 2021, Ashley told Byrdie, "There are days when I wont get on social media until the end of the day. There was a time when I took a two-week break, and I remember having anxiety thinking about downloading the app again. I rarely post personal stuff. I usually dont post my family because Im really private about that. The times I do go on [social media] is to look for inspo and see what friends are up to." She's Super Outdoorsy In the same interview, Ashley said, "I love to go running. I run a lot. Just being outdoors in general just brings me a lot of joy. [Also,] spending time with family and friends, I feel like thats really important. Also, Ive been reading a lot of scripts. That brings me a lot of joy." She Moved to L.A. at Age 17 Ashley opened up about her past to Who What Wear, saying her mom let her move from North Carolina to Los Angeles at just 17 under the condition that she get signed as a model (which happened in only two weeks!). I was so excited when I moved to Los Angeles, she said. I told myself, Theres no way in hell Im going back to North Carolina. I want to stay here, and I want to do this. So it was grind time for me the moment I landed. Ashley also told GQ that she comes from a military family so she "moved around a lot," adding, "It's really hard to say exactly where I grew up, but if I had to answer I would say North Carolina. I lived there the longest." TBD on what happens with Ashley and Jeremy, but obviously we'll be obsessing over their relationship status until further notice, thx. You Might Also Like (Photo : GEORGE FREY / AFP) (GEORGE FREY/AFP via Getty Images) The Illinois Supreme Court rules to uphold a ban on semiautomatic weapons that were used in mass shootings across the United States. Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of cryptocurrency exchange FTX, has been arrested and sent to prison after a federal judge revoked his bail, accusing him of trying to influence witnesses who were set to testify against him. Bankman-Fried has been placed under house arrest at his parents' home located in Palo Alto, California, following his arrest in December last year. The case brought against him accuses him of fraud charges stemming from FTX's implosion. Sam Bankman-Fried Jailed During a hearing on Friday, however, Judge Lewis A. Kaplan of the Federal District Court in Manhattan said that the arrangement would have to end. The decision was made after prosecutors argued that the 31-year-old defendant tried to interfere twice with witnesses in the case, including when he gave reporters documents. In a statement on the bench, Judge Kaplan said that Bankman-Fried had gone up to the line multiple times, prompting him to revoke the defendant's bail. After Kaplan's order was read aloud, two U.S. marshals ordered Bankman-Fried to remove his tie and navy suit jacket as they prepared to handcuff him, as per the New York Times. The defendant's mother, Barbara Fried, was in attendance with her husband and tried to approach her son. However, a court officer cautioned her to stand back before the defendant was transferred to the Metropolitan Detention Center located in Brooklyn. Mark Cohen, one of Bankman-Fried's lawyers in the case, said in court that he plans to appeal the federal judge's decision. On the other hand, Kaplan said that he would not wait any longer for the outcome of that effort before sending the defendant to jail. The scene inside the courtroom is the latest development of Bankman-Fried's case since his cryptocurrency company's downfall. The incident is considered one of the recent most stunning corporate crashes. Read Also: Tennessee Hospital Accused of Violating Transgender Patient's Privacy Alleged Witness Tampering Former FTX executive Caroline Ellison, who is also Bankman-Fried's former girlfriend, belonged to a group of former partners who have taken a plea deal and are planning to testify against him, according to CNN. On Friday, Kaplan agreed with prosecutors when they argued that Bankman-Fried was trying to cover his tracks after he allegedly leaked Ellison's documents to the New York Times. This was allegedly done by allowing a reporter to review the document in person. The judge added that the leak would only be done "to hurt, discredit, and frighten the subject of the material." On the other hand, the defendant's attorneys argued that Bankman-Fried had the right to defend his reputation in the press. They also emphasized that the defense of the suspect is very complex as it involves hundreds of thousands of documents and requires him to have regular access to a computer and the internet. Bankman-Fried pleaded not guilty to stealing billions in FTX customer funds to cover up losses at his hedge fund Alameda Research. The defendant was initially able to avoid spending time in prison after he posted a $250 million bond, said Fox Business. Related Article: SC Ex-Priest Pleads Guilty to Sexual Misconduct, Child Exploitation @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The hall of historic Waiola Church and nearby Lahaina Hongwanji Mission in Lahaina, Maui (AP) Devastating wildfires on the island of Maui, Hawaii, have left at least 96 people dead and neighbourhoods in ruins. The fast-moving inferno has destroyed the resort town of Lahaina, which the states governor said attracts two million tourists each year equivalent to 80 per cent of the islands visitors. There have so far been three major wildfires on Maui, fuelled by dry conditions and strong winds, and thousands of tourists and locals have been evacuated from the affected areas. It is already Hawaiis deadliest natural disaster since a tsunami killed 61 people in 1960. There are also fires on some of the states other islands, though these are not as severe. The scenes come after a summer of record-breaking temperatures and fires across the world. Thousands of people were evacuated from Greece, Spain and Portugal as southern Europe battled wildfires, and a series of fires in western Canada sent clouds of smoke over vast portions of the US. If youre booked to travel to Hawaii, you might be asking: is it safe to go? Heres what we know so far, including the latest government travel advice. Where are the fires? There have been blazes on the islands of Maui as well as Hawaii, known as the Big Island. The worst conditions are in the west of Maui, in the town Lahaina, but other fires are in Kihei and Kula. Due to the emergency, electricity shortages have been reported, and mobile phone service is unreliable. Many of those evacuated have been taking shelter in safer parts of Maui or on the neighbouring island of Oahu, reports Reuters, with tourists camping out in Kahului Airport, Mauis main airport, as they wait for flights to take them home. More than 46,000 people have flown out of the airport since last week. On X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, the Hawaii Department of Transportation confirmed that Kahului Airport was open but asked people to please be patient while all airlines are sending additional support to aid in getting people off island. People waiting for flights crowd into Kahului Airport (AP) Big Islands ongoing fires are centred around the north, including Mauna Kea, North and South Kohala, and Waimea. Some parts of the Kohala Coast were evacuated this week but mandatory instructions to leave the area have been lifted. Is it safe to travel to Hawaii? With the fires contained to Maui and the Big Island at this time, other islands in the Hawaiian archipelago are safe to visit. Local officials are encouraging those with trips planned over the next week or so to Maui to cancel or reschedule. Hawaiis lieutenant governor Sylvia Luke has issued an emergency proclamation to extend the state of emergency to all counties, discourage non-essential air travel to Maui, and to order all affected state agencies to assist with the evacuation. This proclamation is to discourage travel to the affected areas so we can prioritize our scarce resources for Maui residents who desperately need assistance, she said. Over the weekend, Hawaiian native and Hollywood actor Jason Momoa warned tourists against travelling to the island, writing on Instagram: Maui is not the place to have your vacation right now .. do not convince yourself that your presence is needed on an island that is suffering this deeply. Travel adviser Jim Bendt, who owns Pique Travel Design, told CNN that people should think again before going to Maui at this time to help ease the burden on local infrastructure. Last week, two major US airlines United and American said they had cancelled flights to Maui in light of the wildfires; they are still operating outbound flights from the island. What is the latest government travel advice? The UKs Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) last updated its advice for the US on 10 August to reflect the situation in Hawaii, describing it as one that can change quickly and saying that the wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. It has not, however, issued a warning against travel to the region. The latest advice states: If you are due to travel to an area that might be affected by wildfires, contact your travel operator or accommodation provider before you travel to check that it is not currently impacted. Make sure you have appropriate insurance. For those who find themselves in or near areas affected by wildfires, the FCDO advises following the guidance of emergency services on the ground and calling 911 if in immediate danger. The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) has said: Non-essential travel to Maui is strongly discouraged at this time. Visitors currently on Maui for non-essential travel reasons are being asked to leave the island as rescue and recovery efforts continue. The HTA added: Currently, travel is still welcomed to the island of Hawaii. Visitors are encouraged to contact their hotel accommodations provider and airlines for updates that could affect their stay on island. At a news conference on 9 August, Hawaiis State Department of Transportation director said non-essential travel to Maui was strongly discouraged. Can I cancel my holiday to Hawaii? Will I get a refund? Theres no reason not to travel to Hawaii if youre visiting an island that isnt affected by the fires; if you cancel in that instance, its unlikely you will be entitled to a refund. Speak to your airline or tour operator to discuss your options, especially if youre visiting the Big Island or Maui. As mentioned, the state government has advised against non-essential travel to Maui, with flights being cancelled. Given the extraordinary circumstances, holiday companies and airlines may be more flexible with changes to plans. If you have booked a package holiday to the affected islands, you should be able to claim a full refunds as you are protected by the Package Travel Regulations, which stipulate customers are entitled to their money back if the performance of the holiday is significantly impacted. Will I be protected by travel insurance? Policies can vary, so make sure you check to see what your insurance covers. As the FCDO has not issued a travel advisory warning people not to go, cancellation costs wont be covered by the most providers. However, if your trip is significantly affected, such as the wildfires meaning youre unable to travel or you need to return home early, then there may be coverage. Multiple houses have been "leveled," one person has died, and several more are missing after an explosion Saturday in Plum, a suburb of Pittsburgh. One person was confirmed deceased, the Plum Police Department said in a news release. Several others remain unaccounted for, and crews are continuing search operations, police said. Three people have been transported to local hospitals and "three others are currently unaccounted for," Allegheny County officials posted on social media. UPDATE- at least two homes are completely gone. Other homes are damaged. Two triage areas at least are set up. Over 30 units on scene. No reports of any kind of fatalities as of yet. Neighbors rushing to provide seating, water and shade for first responders. @KDKA pic.twitter.com/elZldg8qmh Christopher DeRose (@ChrisDeRoseTV) August 12, 2023 At 10:23 a.m. Eastern time Saturday, 911 dispatchers received a call that multiple houses were on fire due to an explosion. Responding officers and firefighters arrived to find "people trapped under the debris," Allegheny County officials reported. Three houses have been destroyed and at least a dozen more are damaged, officials said. CBS Pittsburgh reported that nearby residents were allowed back into their homes. At least 1 killed in Pennsylvania explosion Inside the Ukrainian unit tasked with recovering Russia's war dead Trump campaigns at Iowa State Fair amid legal troubles A Marine who was detained in June after a missing 14-year-old girl was found in the barracks of a California base has been charged by military prosecutors with sexual assault of a minor, authorities said Friday. Military police at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton near Oceanside found the teenager June 28, more than two weeks after her grandmother reported her missing to the San Diego County Sheriffs Department, according to the agency. Neither the charged Marine nor the teen has been identified by authorities. The Marine also faces a charge involving a prior incident. Police take a Marine into custody on June 28, 2023, at Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, Calif., in connection with a teen who was missing for 15 days. (@notinregz via Instagram) Military prosecutors have charged the Marine with allegations of sexual assault of a minor and violating liberty restriction from a prior unrelated case, according to a Friday statement from Capt. Charles Palmer, with the 1st Marine Logistics Group. After the preliminary hearing, the command will review all charges and evidence to determine whether the case should be tried by court-martial, Palmer said. In July, Palmer said the Marine who had been detained in connection to the missing teen was with the Combat Logistics Battalion 5, 1st Marine Logistics Group. Melissa Aquino, a spokesperson with the San Diego County Sheriffs Department, said in July that the sheriffs department and the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force were supporting the Naval Criminal Investigative Services in an investigation. The girls grandmother reported her missing June 13 after the child had run away from home four days earlier. The grandmother said the girl had run away before but always returned home quickly, Aquino said in July. Authorities entered the girls information into missing person databases, including that of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the sheriffs department had said. Once found, the teenager was returned to her grandmother, Aquino had said. The Teen Line provides peer-based support from trained teenagers who are available every evening to field calls and texts. Call 310-855-HOPE (4673) or toll-free at 800-TLC-TEEN from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. ET or text TEEN to 839863 from 3 and 6 p.m. ET. Teen Line also responds to emails and has a message board. The National Human Trafficking Hotline can be reached toll-free 24 hours a day at 1-888-373-7888. Support is available in more than 200 languages. The hotline can also be reached by texting BEFREE to 233733. Authorities urge those who suspect trafficking to also contact local police. SHANGHAI (Reuters) - Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged the Philippines to work with China to seek an effective way to defuse tensions in the South China Sea, the official Xinhua news agency said on Saturday. The comments come amid rising tensions between the two countries over the location of a grounded warship that serves as a military outpost in the South China Sea. The comments were made by Wang during a visit to Singapore and Malaysia which took place on Thursday and Friday, said Xinhua. China has repeatedly expressed its willingness to resolve differences with the Philippines through bilateral dialogue, hoping that the Philippine side would abide by a consensus reached in the past, Xinhua reported Wang as saying. The Philippines intentionally grounded the World War Two-era warship Sierra Madre in 1999 as part of its sovereignty claim to the Second Thomas Shoal, which lies within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and rotates a handful of troops through the ship. The Philippines won an international arbitration award in 2016 against China's claim over almost all of the South China Sea, after a tribunal ruled Beijing's sweeping claim had no legal basis, including at the Second Thomas Shoal. China, which does not recognise the ruling, has built militarised, man-made islands in the South China Sea and its claim of historic sovereignty overlaps with the EEZs of the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia. (Reporting by Engen Tham; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan) A person on an electric bike crashed into a parked vehicle in Oceano on Friday afternoon, sending the cyclist to the hospital, according to the California Highway Patrol. The cyclist crashed into the vehicle at the intersection of Highway 1 and Truman Drive in Oceano at about 4:30 p.m., according to the CHP traffic incident log. According to the CHP, the cyclist suffered a severe head injury and lost consciousness. Emergency responders transported the patient to Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center in San Luis Obispo, the agency said. Elsa Pataky has amusingly attempted to lift Chris Hemsworths spirits about entering his 40s. The Spanish model took to Instagram to settle her husbands uneasiness about entering the new stage of his life with a bit of banter. On 11 August, the Australian actor posted a string of selfies of him digging into the two birthday cakes in front of him. His caption read: Thank you for all the birthday wishes! Another lap around sun and still goin strong! I can safely say not a single piece of cake made it through the night. In a single photo posted to Patakys page, the couple could be seen side-by-side with Hemsworth covering his mouth as if he was in shock. Thats exactly the face I made when I turned 40 my love. But dont worry, its gonna be ok, she wrote. Ill be here for you to hold your hand and give you all my beauty secrets even if you look better than ever. Happy birthday. The Fast Five star celebrated her own big milestone last month. While Pataky approached her husband of 13 years with a witty birthday wish, Hemsworth chose to send her a warm message from the heart on her 40th birthday. Next to footage of Pataky blowing out her candles, Hemsworth wrote: Happy birthday to my partner in crime, love you always, heres to many more. Pataky and Hemsworth were first introduced in 2010 and married by December of that year, just three months after making their relationship offical. They tied the knot over the holidays in Australia. Now, the pair share their daughter India, 11, and twin nine-year-old sons Sasha and Tristan. The Thor actor, like many others, has taken a step back from work to join the SAG-AFTRA protests. These are challenging times for so many in our industry and I stand in solidarity with my fellow actors in #SAGAftra who are striking for a better future, he stated in his 19 July Instagram post. Photograph: John Moore/Getty Images Aura pointed at the corner of her left eye, where a scar, she said, reminded her of why she had left the Colombian coastal region of Cordoba seven months ago. Her ex-boyfriend, a local police officer, had beaten her and threatened to kill her if she reported him to the authorities, she said. Fearing for her life, the 31-year-old decided to embark on a more than 2,000-mile-long journey north to a country she considered to be the safest in the world. I told my eldest daughter I was leaving for the US, said Aura, whose last name the Guardian is withholding due to concerns for the safety of her family in Colombia. But I promised her that I will find a job and provide her an education. In a restaurant in Sacramento county, where she has been living since June, Aura thought about that promise she made to her daughter. Since her arrival in the US, it has become more complicated to keep it. Related: Massachusetts governor declares emergency and urges help for migrants On 2 February, Aura and a friend walked across the mountains of the infamous Darien Gap, a roadless jungle connecting Panama with South America. She traversed most countries in Central America to reach Mexico, where she traveled north for days until she arrived in the border town of Ciudad Juarez. Unable to secure an appointment to enter the US through a Biden administration app known as CBP One for over a month, she surrendered to the US agents near the border wall in El Paso, Texas, on 10 May. After five days in a border detention center, Aura was released with a form that required her to appear in an immigration court on 12 July in Portland, Oregon, where the friend she traveled with had relatives. Her immediate concern was getting money to buy a ticket to the west coast. So when two men in civilian clothes approached her and another group of migrants at a shelter near the US-Mexico border and promised them housing and a job in California, Aura believed her prayers had finally been answered. Aura said the two men gave her a form that read in Spanish: I understand that this program is administered by the Florida division of emergency management. I understand that the contractor of this program is Vertol Systems Company, Inc. A Florida official confirmed that the state transported the migrants to Sacramento through Vertol Systems, the same company that flew approximately 50 asylum-seekers to Marthas Vineyard almost a year ago. The Republican governors of Texas and Florida last year started transporting migrants to Democratic-led jurisdictions, without notifying local authorities. The transfers have been criticized as political stunts in response to the Biden administrations border policies. The Florida governor and Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis allocated $12m in his 2023-2024 budget for implementation of the Governors initiative to protect Floridians against the harms resulting from illegal immigration by facilitating the transport of unauthorized aliens. Since June, several buses with migrants have arrived in Californian cities, including Sacramento and Los Angeles. But far from the political stage, Auras main concern is to earn enough every month to avoid homelessness in a state that accounted for 30% of the countrys unhoused population in 2022. In Sacramento county, at least 9,278 people experienced homelessness last year, according to a report from California State University. When Aura arrived in Californias capital city, Sacramento Area Congregations Together (ACT), a faith-based community organization, helped her secure a hotel room to temporarily live in. In Sacramento county, at least 9,278 people experienced homelessness last year. Photograph: Rich Pedroncelli/AP However, on 27 July, the organization sent Aura and 30 other migrants a letter stating: Starting Sept 1, participants must contribute $30 per person for housing accommodation, noting that any failure to comply will result in the termination of your participation in Sacramento ACTs program. How am I going to pay or look for a place to live if I cant work? said Aura, whose two daughters are living with their grandmother in Colombia.The organization has helped me a lot but now Im afraid of sleeping on the streets again, like I did on my way here. Sometimes I want to eat what other people are eating, but I cant. I dont have the money, she said. The little I have, I send it to my mother, whos taking care of my two daughters. Related: Biden administration sued over asylum appointment app that does not work Sacramento ACTs executive director, Gabby Trejo, said the letter was meant to confirm that our funding would only allow us to pay for the hotel until 30 September. The fee, Trejo said, would cover the entire month of September at the hotel. Though the organization has paid for the month using donations, she said the payment would help prepare migrants for the future. When asked what would happen to the 31 migrants if Sacramento ACT couldnt secure more funds, Trejo said: Homelessness is something that we had already as an organization been working and advocating. This region wasnt prepared; we didnt have a program like Los Angeles or New York. They have migrant shelters. But I will continue to knock on more doors. Sacramentos mayor, Darrell Steinberg, didnt immediately respond to requests for comment. With no job, Aura was not able to purchase a bus or plane ticket to attend her court hearing in Portland. Her lawyers told her they would request to have her case transferred to Sacramento. While her legal status remains uncertain, Aura cant legally work in the US. However, she has started studying English on her phone with the hope that one day she can get a stable job. For now, without a work permit, proof of income or a credit history, Aura and the 30 other migrants in her hotel cant rent a place to live and find themselves on the brink of homelessness. I cant go back to Colombia. I made a promise to my daughter, Aura said. I cant go back to the violence I escaped from. Eighty people have now been confirmed to have been killed by wildfires on the Hawaiian island of Maui, officials say. There are fears the numbers will rise further, as hundreds are still uncontactable. Firefighters have been trying to contain fires in several areas, including the historic town of Lahaina which has been utterly devastated. Hawaii's attorney general has announced a "comprehensive review" into how the authorities responded to the wildfires. It comes as questions mount over whether officials warned residents fast enough. State officials reopened Lahaina to people with proof of residency on Friday for the first time since flames swept rapidly through early this week, razing much of the coastal town which has a rich history and attracts some two million tourists a year. On the Honoapiilani Highway - one of the only available routes into Lahaina - cars sat bumper-to-bumper, with families looking tired and worried alongside trucks piled high with supplies, water, fuel, nappies and toilet paper. But within hours after opening, the road was shut to everyone but emergency services. Authorities told the BBC that police had been called in to address a "situation" but would not elaborate. Evacuated Lahaina residents later said they believed their homes had been struck by looting, though this was not confirmed by police. Still, for hours after the closure, families sat in a mile-long line. Earlier, Governor Josh Green had warned residents would be greeted by "destruction like they've not ever seen in their lives". And for many of Lahaina's evacuees, that waiting devastation is still too much to see. In Paukukalo, a coastal neighbourhood east of Lahaina, 23 stranded members of the Tacderan family gathered with relatives to take stock of the loss. Bryan Aguiran said he's not ready to return home One of them, 26-year-old Bryan Aguiran, remained in Lahaina through the worst of the fire, fighting the blaze with large buckets of water and miraculously saving his family home. But he does not want to go back. "Every time I close my eyes I see Armageddon," he said, adding he has not been able to sleep. "Lahaina will never be the same," he said. He, like many other Maui residents, said he feared how much further the death toll would climb. These fears were intensified on Friday evening when residents of Kaanapali - north of Lahaina - were ordered to evacuate as a fire flared up in the area where a fuelling station had been set up. It was brought under control some two hours later, Maui officials said. West Maui, where Lahaina and Kaanapali are located, is still without power and water. Search crews are still in the area looking for wildfire victims. That includes in the water. The Coast Guard said it had pulled 17 people alive from the water near the town's harbour so far. All were reported to be in a stable condition. But Gabe Lucy, who owns a tour operator on Maui, told the BBC that he was hearing horrific accounts. "People were jumping in the water and I think for a lot of them the fire wrapped around so quick that the only way to escape was go down to the water's edge," said Mr Lucy, whose boats were called in to help. He added that they were "picking up four-year-olds and putting them on surfboards and pulling them out" and that he had heard reports of "bodies on the rocks". Authorities have warned it will take many years to repair the damage caused by wildfires on the island of Maui. More than 1,000 buildings have been destroyed in Lahaina alone. The extensive damage is an added stress for Maui's locals, many of whom rely on the service jobs supplied by the tourism industry. Governor Josh Green warned Hawaiians on Friday what they found in Lahaina would be difficult. "Lahaina is a devastated zone. They will see destruction like they've not ever seen in their lives," said the governor, who visited the town on Thursday. "Be very safe, be very careful." Map showing where the fires on Maui have been over the past 7 days and which have been burning in the last 24 hours There are six shelters in operation on Maui for those displaced, and officials said they were drafting a plan to house them in hotels and tourist rental properties. In recent days, donations have been rolling in. The island is home to many wealthy people, including Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. He and his partner Lauren Sanchez have pledged $100m (79m) to help the fire victims. Wildfires on Hawaii's Maui island and Big Island began on Tuesday night. The cause is still not known but once lit, hurricane winds and dry weather helped fuel the flames. Banner saying 'Get in touch' How have you been affected by the fires in Maui? Please share your story by emailing: haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk. Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also get in touch in the following ways: If you are reading this page and can't see the form you will need to visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your question or comment or you can email us at HaveYourSay@bbc.co.uk. Please include your name, age and location with any submission. House Republicans are still scrambling to find a path forward with less than two months until the government runs out of funding, as the right wing of the GOP conference is still insisting it needs to see more spending cuts in order to support a series of bills to avert a government shutdown. The disagreements mean lawmakers will undoubtedly need to pass a short-term spending measure to give them more time to negotiate, but a so-called continuing resolution or CR will only kick the inevitable fight down the right and could still risk enraging House Speaker Kevin McCarthys right flank. House Republicans are expected to huddle Monday evening at 6 p.m. ET to discuss spending and other issues including investigations, a chance to check in during a six-week recess not scheduled to end until mid-September. The impending spending showdown will come just as lawmakers are also contending with a potential impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden and as the House and Senate have a series of divisions in the annual defense policy bill they need to iron out. There are a lot of things colliding, one House Republican member told CNN Friday. Over the last two weeks, leadership has been trying to gauge in informal conversations the potential for passing some more individual spending bills on the House floor when Republicans return in September. Republicans in the House passed one spending bill before recess, but still have 11 more to go. An agriculture spending bill theyd hoped to put on the floor was scraped after the House Freedom Caucus wanted another $8 billion in spending cuts. The Senate also still has to pass all 12 of their bills (although all 12 of theirs passed with bipartisan support out of committee). As one Republican put this week finding any more bills that can pass on the floor is still an extremely heavy lift. Asked how many they predicted could get through a narrow 4-vote House majority, the member replied zero. Multiple appropriators who have spoken to CNN in the last several days say they have grown tired of the demands of the House Freedom Caucus, warning that the goalposts simply have kept moving. The tension was exasperated this week when Rep. Chip Roy of Texas released a letter laying out a series of demands he wanted to see in exchange for supporting the funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security. The letter, which was signed by other Republicans, called for Texas to be reimbursed billions for support on the southern border and for DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to be fired. As one House Republican put it, everyone else in the conference picks an issue to stand for, they pick an entire platform. Even passing a short-term spending bill a so-called CR could be a heavy lift. McCarthy would need to turn to Democratic votes and may even need them to pass the procedural rule vote. God bless our leadership to hammer through that, said Rep. Mike Waltz, a Florida Republican. I dont like CRs. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com South Florida rental prices are finally flattening out. Hallelujah. Weve lived in one of the most unaffordable places in the nation for so long, a small bit of positive news like this sounds like cause for a full-on celebration. And why not? All that suffering through high-rise construction the ripped-up roads, the traffic tie-ups, the noise and dust is finally paying off in what housing experts called a sharp cooldown. (If only that would describe the summer weather, too.) All the new housing on the market, the housing experts told the Miami Herald, is one of the key reasons for the improved rental picture. The relocation of corporations during the pandemic was one of the drivers behind the building boom of the past few years. Theres so much competition in the rental real estate market that some apartments are offering a month or two of free rent to qualified renters, something we havent seen in a very long time. This is a real change: After two years of average rent increases of 25% in 2021 and 7% in 2022, rents rose less than 1%. Hold on, though. Experts also say that although prices may have peaked and even dropped a bit, they arent likely to come down much in this region. And they are still far higher than in 2019, before the public-health crisis hit. That means the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties last month was still $2,052, down slightly from a year ago, but far above the median in 2019 of $1,491. Thats according to Apartment List, an online real-estate marketplace that released a report on the rental shift in South Florida. Theres really only one solution. We need higher salaries in South Florida. So much of the job market is stuck in the days when living here was cheap. But the new companies coming into Miami should set the tone and set a higher salary structure if they want to keep employees from fleeing to places with more reasonable housing costs. And thats a real issue, too: Despite the welcome news in the South Florida region, in Miami-Dade specifically, rental prices in the past year rose by about 6%, a national real estate consulting firm told the Herald. After decades of real estate prices that were relatively cheap, South Florida has become known as a place plagued by a lack of affordable housing. That will hamper growth. Business leaders who see Miami as an attractive market to relocate their headquarters need to play a role, along with elected officials, in fixing the problem. If Miami hopes to realize all its big-league city dreams, it has to offer big-time salaries, too. Android 14 is rolling out a new feature, which finally lets phone users block annoying full-screen ads and notifications from taking over their mobile devices. It is a major win for users sick of being interrupted by full-screen ads and notifications. Android 14 New Feature Blocks Full-Screen Ads and Notifications Are you tired of being ambushed by those pesky full-screen ads while navigating your Android device? Well, Android 14 is delivering a powerful new feature that lets you take control of your screen. As per a report by Android Police, Android users have been longing for a shield to fend off full-screen ads and notifications. These pesky ads not only take over the device's display, but it is typically hard to get rid of too. This time, full-screen ads are on the verge of extinction thanks to an all-new feature on the much-awaited Android 14 update. Last April, Android Central reports that Google is gearing up to give Android users the freedom to control full-screen notifications. The new feature is tucked beneath the Settings menu, letting users choose which apps could dish out full-screen alerts. The "Manage full-screen intents" option lets Android users disable the full-screen notification permission of several apps, including Clock, Gmail, and Discord, to name a few. Read Also: Apple's US iPhone Dominates 55% of Smartphone Market Share in Q2 2023 Android 14 Full-Screen Notifications Option Rolls Out Late 2023 An app researcher Mishaal Rahman sheds light on the new feature now available on Android 14. In his recent post on X, formerly Twitter, Rahman disclosed, "Later this year, Google Play will auto revoke this permission from newly installed apps that [do not] provide calling or alarm functionality!" Once you have blocked an app from displaying full-screen notifications, it will still be able to send you alerts, but they will appear in the traditional notification bar at the top of your screen. The researcher, known for leaking app features, says the next-generation Android lets users "manually revoke the US_FULL_SCREEN_INTENT permission from apps so they [cannot] send you full-screen notifications." In Android 14, you can manually revoke the USE_FULL_SCREEN_INTENT permission from apps so they can't send you full-screen notifications. Later this year, Google Play will auto revoke this permission from newly installed apps that don't provide calling or alarm functionality! pic.twitter.com/plCSZDz94f Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) August 9, 2023 The new full-screen intents permission is just one of many new features coming to Android 14. As XDA Developers report, the "Upside Down Cake" update brings countless improvements. The sharing menu is getting a massive overhaul, whereas deleting carrier-installed bloatware is about to get easier. One of the most-awaited upgrades is the support for satellite connectivity, which the Apple iPhone 14 series offer. Related Article: Google Pixel Fold Speakers Quietly Support Spatial Audio: Here's How It Works @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A mosque in the Nigerian city of Zaria has collapsed during prayers, killing at least seven people, officials say. Hundreds of worshippers were in the building at the time on Friday. An investigation is under way to ascertain the cause of the collapse. The emir of the area told local media a crack had been discovered in one of the walls on Thursday. The mosque is thought to be more than a century old. Nigeria has a long history of buildings collapsing. "Four bodies were found initially," a council spokesman Abdullahi Kwarbai told Reuters news agency. "Then three others were found after the rescue team searched the collapsed mosque," Mr Kwarbai added. A team of engineers had been organised to fix the crack in the building, the Emir, Mallam Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, told Punch News. Marion city police and the Marion County sheriffs office did something on Friday that no government agency in America has any right to do. They shut down a newspaper. Those agencies raided the offices of the Marion County Record and the home of its owners, Eric Meyer and his mother, Joan. Police seized company-owned and personal computers and cell phones, and photographed personal documents on tables in the Meyer home. The police action, involving at least four city officers and two sheriffs deputies, also seized similar equipment and materials from the citys vice mayor, Ruth Herbel. Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody (more about him later) reinjured a dislocated finger of Record reporter Deb Gruver a former Wichita Eagle reporter when he personally snatched her cellphone from her hand during the raid. The ransacking and seizures, which include the Records file server, directly threaten the ability of the Record to publish. The computer equipment seized contained the stories and ads that were scheduled for next weeks paper. We could express our outrage at what is happening here. But we probably couldnt say it any better than the 98-year-old Joan Meyer, a newspaperwoman since 1953: These are Hitler tactics and something has to be done. It turned out to be one of the last things she ever said. Mrs. Meyer complained of feeling upset and stressed by the invasion of her home when she spoke to us on Friday. Late Saturday, we received the sad news that she had collapsed at home and passed away. According to a search warrant signed by Marion County Magistrate Laura Viar, the raid is related to an ongoing dispute between the paper and local restaurateur Kari Newell. Newell has been seeking city approval of an application for a liquor license. But records sent to the paper and Herbel by a confidential source indicated that she should be ineligible because she does not have a valid drivers license due to a 2008 drunk-driving conviction and other violations. The paper checked those records through a publicly available website, but opted not to publish a story. From the warrant, the crux of the police investigation seems to be whether the paper and its reporters committed identity theft and/or unlawful acts concerning computers in confirming Newells driving records. An affidavit justifying the warrant is being withheld by County Attorney Joel Ensey, whose brother owns the hotel where Newell has her restaurant. The ordinary and proper way to pursue such a complaint would have been to subpoena the papers communications and records regarding Newell and let the courts decide what, if anything, the Record had to turn over. Unpublished materials of a news gathering operation are generally protected by state and federal laws and a long line of First Amendment court decisions, but there are exceptions. Vultures roosting on the water tower in Marion, Kansas. There could very well be more sinister motives in play here, involving the police chief himself. Cody was hired by Marion in April, after taking an early retirement from the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department, where he was a captain. According to Eric Meyer, the Record has been actively investigating the circumstances surrounding Codys departure from the KCMO department. Fridays raid gives Cody and his subordinates access to reporters notes and materials from confidential sources who were interviewed as part of the newspapers investigation. Codys phone line does not accept voicemail and he did not return a message left for him with the city clerk. Theres no way to put this toothpaste back in the tube, but there are several actions that need to be taken without delay: 1) Magistrate Viar, or the presiding district judge, should immediately revoke the overly broad search warrant she signed and declare that any evidence seized under it be inadmissible in court. 2) Viar or the district judge should order the immediate return of all equipment and materials seized. 3) Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach should take time out from his hobby of suing over government overreach from Washington, and conduct a full investigation of government overreach at home. That must include public disclosure of the circumstances of the raid and motivations behind it. In the meantime, The Wichita Eagle and The Kansas City Star stand ready to assist the Record in any way we can. By Tim Reid DES MOINES, Iowa (Reuters) - Republican presidential rivals Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis were holding competing events in the early nominating state of Iowa on Saturday, at a time when the former president overwhelmingly dominates opinion polls and the Florida governor is scrambling to reset his troubled campaign. DeSantis, who has had two staff shake-ups in the past three weeks and is sinking in the polls, had long planned to attend the Iowa State Fair, a political must for aspiring presidential candidates in the state that kicks off the Republican nominating contest in January. Trump's late announcement on Tuesday that he was also going to attend the event on the same day as DeSantis amounted to a political gate-crashing of an appearance the Florida governor hopes will kick-start his stalled campaign. DeSantis is making a high-risk bet that he can halt Trump's march to the Republican presidential nomination by winning Iowa. Asked about his governing style on Saturday, DeSantis said he cared more about protecting voters than his own fortunes. "So we'll do what's right. We'll take the consequences and let the chips fall where they may," he said in an interview with Iowa's Republican Governor Kim Reynolds at the fair. At the start of the interview, Reynolds reproached a group of protesters who were blowing whistles. Later on, a large crowd cheered Trump as he arrived at the fair. He later made a speech inside a fairground bar, where he boasted about his current lead. "We're way up in the polls," Trump said. Iowa holds the first of the state-by-state Republican nominating contests on Jan. 15. DeSantis hopes that a win in the Midwestern state will give him valuable momentum against Trump before primaries in New Hampshire and South Carolina. Trump's appearance at the fair could steal the limelight from the governor and dominate the headlines. It is held in the state capital Des Moines and runs from Aug. 10 to Aug. 20. Last year, it attracted more than 1 million visitors. Trump's appearance will also complicate efforts for the rest of the Republican field. Apart from Trump and DeSantis, nine other candidates will be attending the fair between Aug. 11 and Aug. 18, but all are languishing in single digits, over 40 points behind Trump according to the latest Reuters/Ipsos poll of likely Republican voters. According to that Aug. 3 poll, Trump also leads DeSantis by 34 points, 47% to 13%. Most of Trump's rivals had agreed to be interviewed individually by Reynolds between Aug. 11 and Aug. 18. Trump turned down her invitation, angered by her public neutrality in the primary race and her appearance with DeSantis at several of his Iowa events. (Additional reporting by David Ljunggren; Editing by Jonathan Oatis) As California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) consider an in-person face-off this fall, strategists across the political spectrum see a shared opportunity for the governors to position themselves as the future of their respective bases. While Newsom has for months been seeking to debate DeSantis and both governors are notorious for slamming each others policies only in the past couple weeks did plans for a televised tete-a-tete become semi-official. Newsom sent Fox Newss Sean Hannity an offer delineating his terms of participation at the end of July, after which DeSantis followed up with his own counterproposal. The proposed debate comes as DeSantis struggles to gain traction against former President Trump in the Republican presidential primary after he was touted as a viable alternative to replace Trump as the partys standard bearer. Democrats say that Newsom, on the other hand, is increasingly being viewed as a leading candidate in the 2028 race or even as a possible alternative to President Biden if he quits the 2024 race. There is no downside at all for Newsom, Daniel Schnur, a Republican-turned-Independent political strategist, told The Hill. If Biden does run for reelection next year, this is excellent national exposure for the future. If Biden were to step aside, Newsom will have positioned himself as a plausible successor, said Schnur, who teaches political communications at several California universities. Either way, this is an immense boost to Newsoms profile and will be of great benefit to him at some point, he added. Republicans say the debate provides an opportunity for both candidates. I think theres a lot of upside in it for Gov. DeSantis and quite frankly, theres upside in it for Gov. Newsom for the same reason, said Justin Sayfie, a Florida-based Republican strategist. In the current political age were living in, voters want to see that the people theyre going to vote for can win the rhetorical battle against the other side, he continued. This gives both candidates an opportunity to showcase that. The debate also gives DeSantis, 44, the opportunity to emerge in the public eye as the future of the Republican Party and as a candidate with the strength to take on Newsom, who at 55 is seen as one of the Democratic partys younger stars. That debate stage later this month will be crowded with a bunch of other Republicans on it, Sayfie said. This gives DeSantis an opportunity not to share the stage with any other Republicans. Trump has dominated the Republican primary polls and news cycle, making it difficult for the Florida governor to break out of second place. Hunter [Biden] and Joe [Biden] and Donald Trump are taking up all of the media oxygen. So this is a way the DeSantis team feels that they can get the spotlight on them, said Ford OConnell, a Florida-based Republican strategist. its the inability to get the media to focus on what hes saying or on his campaign, OConnell said. That is really what I see that debate being about. In a memo sent to donors and supporters last week, DeSantiss team emphasized that the debate was not about California vs. Florida. Ron DeSantis is debating Gavin Newsom to highlight the choice facing American voters next year, the memo reads. The left wants America to follow the path of Californias decline Ron DeSantis wants to reignite the American Dream, restore sanity and ensure our nations best days are ahead. However, DeSantiss campaign did not hesitate to compare the two states in the memo, declaring that California embodies American decline, while Florida is the blueprint for the Great American Comeback. I absolutely think the debate with Gov. Newsom is a good idea, said Dan Eberhart, a DeSantis donor. It gives Gov. DeSantis a platform to talk about what hes done effectively in Florida and a successful red states vision for the future of America. The debate, which is likely to occur in November, was initially proposed by Newsoms team, who on July 28 sent Hannity an email suggesting a televised Red v. Blue Debate that would focus on the impact of representation at the state level. Within the proposal were stipulations that the two governors be the only speakers at the 90-minute, in-studio debate, which would be solely moderated by Hannity and aired live on Fox News. While the governors would not be able to bring notes on stage, they would have access to a pen and pad during their conversation, per the proposal. Hannity would ask all questions, ensure that equal time is maintained and that governors do not interrupt each other during their designated time to speak. A coin toss would determine which governor speaks first, with each person receiving four minutes maximum for an opening address. The loser would make the first closing remarks, which would be up to two minutes each. During the debate, the participants would take turns responding to questions in 90 seconds, with the same amount of time allocated for a rebuttal. Newsom and his team suggested Nevada, Georgia or North Carolina as potential locations for the debate, due to their positions as either battleground or purple states. They offered Nov. 8 or 10 immediately after the 2023 Election Day as possible dates for the debate. DeSantiss counteroffer suggested that the governors each record a video to make the case for their governing philosophy instead of offering opening statements, according to a memo first obtained by Politico. Additionally, the proposal called for the forum to be held in front of a live audience. Nathan Click, a spokesperson for Newsom, characterized DeSantiss counterproposal as a joke, in a written statement shared with The Hill. He described the offer as littered with crutches to hide his insecurity and ineptitude, while accusing the Florida governor of swapping opening statements with a hype video, cutting down the time he needs to be on stage, adding cheat notes and a cheering section. Ron should be able to stand on his own two feet, Click continued. Its no wonder Trump is kicking his ass. Evaluating the potential pros and cons of holding such a debate, political scientist Eric Schickler deemed the proposed event as mostly reward for Newsom. Its unlikely that Democratic voters would judge him as losing this debate, and so in that sense, it only raises his profile, Schickler, a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, told The Hill. Newsom comes in with the advantage of not only being a pretty good debater, but also with the feelings of intense dislike for DeSantis among Democrats, according to Schickler. You want to be a part of the conversation seen as a Democrat who can really take on the Republicans, the professor said. Being one of the handful of Democrats who are seen as strong potential 2028 candidates is important. He acknowledged, however, that the positive impact for Newsom could become less powerful if DeSantiss potential as a presidential candidate continues to weaken. When [Newsom] issued the invitation initially, DeSantis seemed like the most likely alternative to Trump and potentially the person who beat Trump, Schickler said. For Newsom to beat DeSantis or be seen as taking him on is a kind of feather in his cap its maybe a little less so if DeSantis continues to fade, he added. Schicker also referred to the likelihood that DeSantis would try to attack Newsom on certain local issues, including the Florida governors claims that Californians are flocking to his state. The problems California is having with housing, homelessness and so on certainly is a big obstacle, probably the most significant obstacle facing Newsom, he said, stressing a need for demonstrable progress on these matters. On the other hand, however, Newsom is also likely to call out DeSantis on many of Floridas contentious issues, including secondary and higher education and abortion, Schickler added. Schnur, the Republican-turned-Independent strategist, echoed these sentiments, noting that in addition to gaining national media attention, Newsom could gain tremendous political benefit at home in California as well. He is facing some very difficult fights on housing, health care, homelessness and environmental policy, all of which divide Democratic voters, Schnur said. The debate is an ideal way to remind his supporters here that he is on their side. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Poland said this week it would move 10,000 troops to its border with Belarus, the latest sign of unease among Americas friends at the presence of Russian mercenary forces now based in this close Kremlin ally. The mutiny by Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin and his battle-hardened fighters posed a rare challenge to President Vladimir Putins authority. But the deal to end their short-lived rebellion has now also added a destabilizing element to tensions between Moscow and the West compounded by Russias own plans to beef up its flank. The mercenaries, who fought in some of the wars most grueling battles, are now helping to train Belarusian armed forces, having been exiled to the country. And although President Alexander Lukashenko said their presence was temporary, there are lingering questions around the size of their contingent and their proximity to the borders with Poland and Lithuania, two NATO members on the alliances eastern border. Warsaw and its neighbor have been staunch supporters of Kyivs defensive fight and long voiced concerns about the war spilling over to threaten their own security, but a flurry of moves in the past week suggest those fears have taken on new intensity. Polands ambassador to the U.S., Marek Magierowski, told NBC News it was imperative for his country to not only defend itself, but also protect NATOs eastern flank. The region should be braced for further provocations from Moscow and Minsk in the months to come, he added. Poland is the only E.U. country which borders Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, he said. Its almost 800 miles combined. You can only imagine how volatile the entire region is nowadays. Neighborly provocations Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki warned last month that about a hundred Wagner fighters moved toward a stretch of land known as the Suwalki gap, which lies along Polands border with Lithuania, separating Belarus from the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad. The geography of the region means that taking control of the area would mean that the Baltic states of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia would be cut off from the rest of NATO making any potential threat particularly sensitive. Last week, Warsaw also accused Belarus of violating its airspace with military helicopters. Minsk called the accusation far-fetched and a way for Poland to justify a buildup on the Belarusian border. Earlier this month, though, the Belarusian president stirred the pot: Poland should be thankful that he is holding Wagner fighters back because, he suggested, they had been talking about going on an excursion into a Polish border town. Lithuania is also worried. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda met with Morawiecki in the Suwalki region last week. Presence of Wagner mercenaries in Belarus is an additional security risk factor for Lithuania, Poland and NATO allies, Nauseda wrote on Twitter after the meeting. We stay vigilant and prepared for any possible scenario. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda visits Poland, Suwalki - 03 Aug 2023 (Artur Reszko / EPA via Shutterstock) Belarus announced military exercises near its borders with Poland and Lithuania this week, saying it will be drawing on the experience of the special military operation, the name Russia uses for its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Belarus is now also believed to harbor Russian tactical nuclear weapons that Putin promised to transfer to his ally last month. And adding to the growing concern, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Wednesday that the Kremlin was going to bolster its forces on its western borders as the war drags on, driven in part by the accusation that Poland planned to occupy western Ukraine a charge dismissed by Kyiv and Warsaw. Magierowski, the ambassador, labeled Shoigus comments as outlandish as it gets, and accused Russian officials of trying to drive a wedge between Ukraine and Poland. Shoigu military Russia (AFP - Getty Images) The U.S. and its allies need to brace for further provocations along the Polish-Belarusian border, he warned, as attempts to weaponize what he called a migration crisis at the border will grow in the months to come. Poland views the addition of the mercenary fighters to the picture as the latest escalation in a long-standing campaign that has included Belarus encouraging migrants to cross the border illegally in order to destabilize the West. NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu told NBC News that the alliance had significantly increased its defensive presence in the east and continues to do what is necessary to deter any threat and protect every inch of allied territory. She said NATO is closely monitoring all military activities inside Belarus. We do not see any direct or imminent military threat posed by Wagner mercenaries to our allies, but we remain vigilant, Lungescu said in an emailed statement. And in a surprise departure from his normally belligerent rhetoric toward Poland, Lukashenko appeared to try to ease the growing tensions Friday, instructing his prime minister to make contact with Warsaw to re-establish relations. You can't choose your neighbors, he jokingly lamented "they are from God." It remains unlikely the Kremlin has any real appetite for a direct confrontation with Poland and, by extension, NATO, said Frank Ledwidge, a senior lecturer in law and strategy at Portsmouth University in the United Kingdom and a former British military intelligence officer. Warsaws decision to send more troops to the border is nonetheless understandable and proportional to assuage the fears of its citizens living next to Belarus, he added. Polands ruling right-wing government faces parliamentary elections in October and will be eager to appear on top of national security. Putin has used the mercenaries movements and exercises in Belarus as an implicit and murky threat to NATOs eastern members, forcing them to devote additional resources to border defense, said Kimberly Marten, a political science professor at Barnard College, Columbia University. Most likely these Russian actions are designed as annoyances: to test NATO readiness, to divert NATO resources and attention from Ukraine and the Black Sea, and maybe to throw a wrench into domestic political discussions in Poland, she said. It also serves to keep the mutinous Wagner forces busy, Marten added, giving them a mission outside Russia, but near enough for Russia to watch closely. Joe Biden's son Hunter will now be investigated by a special counsel with additional powers, the US attorney general has announced. Merrick Garland has elevated the status of David Weiss, the federal prosecutor who has already filed criminal charges in the case. A plea deal on tax and gun charges against the president's son collapsed earlier this month. Republicans are pushing for an inquiry into Hunter Biden's business dealings. In a surprise announcement at the Department of Justice on Friday, Mr Garland explained that he was making the move after a request by Mr Weiss earlier this week. The new designation will provide the prosecutor with extra resources to pursue the investigation and to potentially bring further charges beyond the state of Delaware. Mr Garland said the special counsel would produce a report when his work was done, and that the justice department would make as much of it public as was possible. "The appointment of Mr Weiss reinforces for the American people the department's commitment to both independence and accountability in particularly sensitive matters," Mr Garland said at a news conference. Hunter Biden's lawyer, Chris Clark, responded in a statement: "We are confident when all of these manoeuvrings are at an end my client will have resolution and will be moving on with his life successfully." Mr Clark pointed out that the investigation has already gone on for five years. Mr Weiss was appointed by former President Donald Trump to become the US attorney in Delaware in 2018. Not long after, in 2019, he opened an investigation into allegations of criminal conduct by Hunter Biden. Hunter Biden has since been charged with two misdemeanour tax offenses for allegedly not paying income taxes in 2017 and 2018, years in which he earned in excess of $1.5m (1.1m), according to the US Attorney's Office in Delaware. He faces an additional felony charge for allegedly possessing a firearm while addicted to and using illegal drugs. Hunter Biden had previously reached a deal with prosecutors to plead guilty to the tax charges and admit the gun offence to spare himself prison time. However, US District Court Judge Maryellen Noreika squashed the deal due to "non standard terms" and the "unusual" nature of the proposed resolution for the gun charge. Since then, Hunter Biden and prosecutors have engaged in further plea negotiations but remain at an impasse. In a court filing on Friday, Mr Weiss's team said they now expect the case to go to trial - and could potentially file new, more serious charges in Washington DC or California. Republicans want to see the younger Mr Biden further criminally charged, along with the president. They allege that Mr Biden has profited from his son's business dealings in Ukraine and China. House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy said that the Republican-controlled chamber will continue to investigate the president and his son regardless of the special counsel announcement. He echoed concern expressed by other Republicans that Mr Weiss's inquiry has been insufficiently aggressive. Other Republicans have wondered whether the attempt to move the trial out of Delaware, where it had been overseen by Trump-appointed Ms Noreika, was an attempt to find a legal venue more friendly to the Bidens. The White House called the allegations "insane conspiracy theories" and rejected the assertion that Mr Biden has participated in his son's business affairs. Mr Weiss has conducted a years-long investigation into the matter. So far, he has not found any evidence that Hunter Biden's business dealings have benefited from his father's presidential status. The special counsel announcement - and the possibility of new charges leading to a jury trial - all but assures that the investigation into Hunter Biden will stretch on well into the 2024 presidential election season, if not past election day itself. It will continue to be a distraction for White House officials who had until recently hoped that the issue was approaching a resolution. But Friday's announcement may also diffuse some of the conservative claims that there are two standards of justice in the US - one for Republicans and one for the Bidens. Attorney General Merrick Garlands move to elevate U.S. Attorney for Delaware David Weiss to special counsel in the Hunter Biden investigation sits against the backdrop of multiple GOP investigations, puts the focus back on two IRS whistleblowers and comes as a plea deal for Biden over tax issues has evaporated. Garland made the surprise announcement on Friday and was immediately met with Republican backlash and plenty of questions. Here are four things to know in light of the announcement. Whistleblower testimony and GOP investigations Gary Shapley, IRS Supervisory Special Agent, and whistleblower Joe Ziegler Garlands announcement comes as the House GOP intensifies multiple probes into issues surrounding Hunter Biden, which were further fueled by testimony from two IRS whistleblowers who criticized how Weiss and the Department of Justice (DOJ) handled the tax crimes investigation into the presidents son. IRS investigators Gary Shapley and Joseph Ziegler claimed the Justice Department slow-walked the Hunter Biden investigation, gave him preferential treatment, and declined to pursue charges in California and Washington, D.C., where there was stronger evidence. The whistleblowers also alleged Weiss sought and was denied special counsel status. Both Weiss and Garland have denied he did so, saying that if he desired a special prosecutorial status, it would be approved. Shapley and Ziegler gave closed-door interviews to the House Ways and Means Committee in May and early June, and their testimony was made public in late June after news that Hunter Biden and the DOJ struck a plea deal, which has since fallen apart. The House Judiciary Committee has probed the DOJ on the whistleblower claims, as well as put focus on whether the federal government had any role in suppressing dissemination of a laptop hard drive that purportedly belonged to Hunter Biden. At the same time, the House Oversight Committee is investigating Hunter Bidens foreign business dealings while his father was vice president. Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) has floated an impeachment inquiry into Garland over disputes over how the case was handled, and a possible inquiry into President Biden over issues surrounding his familys foreign business dealings. Republicans rip special counsel move despite previous calls Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) Some Republicans previously pushed Garland to appoint a special counsel in the Hunter Biden investigation, with 33 Senate Republicans signing a letter requesting that Weiss be elevated to that role last November. But in the wake of Fridays announcement, Republicans overwhelmingly raised alarms about how a special counsel could interfere with their own investigations. The move to elevate Weiss, in particular, has also peeved Republicans, given their previous criticisms about how he handled the case and a plea agreement that later fell apart in court. If Weiss negotiated the sweetheart deal that couldnt get approved, how can he be trusted as a Special Counsel? Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) said on X, the social media platform previously known as Twitter. House Oversight and Accountability Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.), whose panel has been leading probes into the Biden familys business dealings, said in a statement that the special counsel appointment is part of the Justice Departments efforts to attempt a Biden family coverup. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) spelled out the GOP fears: Every subpoena, every record request, every transcribed interview, or any other effort in an impeachment inquiry will be be blocked by this corrupt and unlawful Special Counsel under the guise of an investigation. The move also generated criticism from Trumps campaign, which accused Weiss of changing where he might file charges in order to move the case to a more Democrat-friendly venue, despite the whistleblowers claims that cases could be stronger there. Hunter Bidens legal woes multiply Garland made his announcement just minutes before a flurry of activity in Hunter Bidens Delaware case, further signs a plea deal relating to his failure to pay taxes has been nixed as prosecutors signaled an interest in bringing charges elsewhere. The Justice Department said the two sides are at an impasse in reaching a new plea deal for some tax charges after a judge had rejected a preliminary agreement last month. The original deal would have Biden agree to plead guilty to two tax offenses while also entering a pretrial diversion program on a gun charge. The Government now believes that the case will not resolve short of a trial, prosecutors wrote in court filings on Friday. In the hearing last month, the judge asked if the proposed agreement meant that Biden could still be charged with a hypothetical violation of the Foreign Agents Registration Act. Prosecutors said yes, but Bidens defense said no. The plea deals collapse combined with the announcement of the special counsel which gives Weiss greater authority to speedily charge Biden would appear to put the presidents son into deeper legal jeopardy. But Chris Clark, counsel for Hunter Biden, downplayed the announcement of Weiss being elevated to special counsel. This doesnt change our understanding of Mr. Wiess authority over the 5-year investigation into Mr. Biden, Clark said in a statement. For years, both Mr. Weiss and the Department have assured us and the public that Mr. Weiss had more authority than a special counsel and full authority to negotiate a resolution of his investigation which has been done, Clark said. Whether in Delaware, Washington, D.C. or anywhere else, we expect a fair resolution not infected by politics and well do what is necessary on behalf of Mr. Biden to achieve that. Spotlight on jurisdiction disputes Attorney General Merrick Garland Weiss obtaining special counsel status draws attention to concerns raised by the IRS whistleblowers over whether he previously had authority to bring charges against Hunter Biden outside of Delaware. According to Shapley, the U.S. District Attorney in Washington, D.C. declined to bring charges in the Hunter Biden case, and then Weiss said in an Oct. 7, 2022 meeting that he was not the deciding person on whether charges are filed. The statute of limitations for relevant charges expired shortly after that, and Shapley said that the district attorney in California had also declined to bring other charges. Both Weiss and Garland, though, have told Congress that Weiss had full authority to make referrals to other districts and had never been denied authority to bring charges in any jurisdiction. Garland on Friday reiterated that Weiss had broad authority even before being appointed special counsel. In February 2021, US Attorney Weiss was asked to remain as US Attorney for the District of Delaware and in that capacity to continue to lead the investigation. As I said before, Mr. Weiss would be permitted to continue his investigation, take any investigative steps he wanted and make the decision whether to prosecute in any district, Garland said. Making Weiss a special counsel, Garland said, affords the prosecutors, agents and analysts working on this matter the ability to proceed with their work expeditiously and to make decisions indisputably guided only by the facts and the law. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The Biden administration is in active negotiations with Iran to bring home five jailed Americans released to house arrest in anticipation of a reported prisoner exchange and the release of $6 billion in oil revenue for the purchase of critical life goods. White House National Security Spokesperson John Kirby on Friday cautioned that the deal is not done and that active discussions on how to bring home the five Americans are taking place. Kirby also defended the deal from GOP criticism, saying the release of $6 billion will be tightly controlled for the purchase of food, medicine and medical equipment that does not have a dual military use. There would be a rigorous process of due diligence and standards applied with input from the U.S. Treasury Department, he told reporters in a briefing call. GOP critics have accused the administration of paying out a hefty ransom that will encourage adversaries like Russia and China to target Americans. While I welcome home wrongfully detained Americans, unfreezing $6 billion in Iranian assets dangerously further incentivizes hostage taking and provides a windfall for regime aggression, tweeted Senator Jim Risch (R-Iowa), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The Biden Administration must punish those who use Americans as political pawns and work to end this practice. Democrats argued the concessions are a necessary step to rescue Americans unjustly detained. Agreements with hostile regimes to release hostages are never easy. They involve tradeoffs. Tough tradeoffs, tweeted Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee on the Middle East. But we are America and we bring our people home. Period. Stop. Biden made the right call. President Biden prioritized the release of Americans imprisoned abroad and in Iran, in particular. Those released to house arrest included Siamak Namazi, who was given a 10-year prison sentence for collaborating with enemy states, but has been in prison since 2015; Emad Sharghi, who was sentenced in 2020 to 10 years in prison on charges of spying; and Morad Tahbaz, arrested in 2018 and sentenced to 10 years on charges of spying. Two other Americans are also part of the deal, U.S. officials have said, but they have not released their names out of respect for their privacy. There is more work to be done to actually bring them home, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said during a press conference Thursday. My belief is that this is the beginning of the end of their nightmare and the nightmare that their families have experienced. The $6 billion stems from Iranian oil profits in South Korean banks that were frozen in 2019 following a decision by the Trump administration to revoke exceptions for certain countries to purchase oil from Iran while it was under U.S. sanctions. The move was aimed at trying to bankrupt Tehran and bring its oil exports to zero, part of the former administrations maximum pressure campaign that included former President Trumps exit from the nuclear deal with Iran. The Biden administration will reportedly transfer those funds to a bank account in Qatar controlled by the Qatari government, which will regulate Iranian purchases. The successful return of Americans from prison in Iran reportedly in exchange for five Iranians serving sentences in U.S. jails for sanctions violations could prove an important confidence building measure between Washington and Tehran related to Irans nuclear program. The New York Times reported in June that U.S. officials were in talks with Iran on an informal agreement where Tehran would limit its enrichment of nuclear-weapon fuel, expand cooperation with international nuclear inspectors, halt lethal attacks on U.S. contractors in Syria and Iraq by its proxy forces and hold back from selling ballistic missiles to Russia. The U.S., in turn, the Times reported at the time, would release the billions in frozen oil profits and hold back on further tightening existing sanctions. The reports drew intense pushback from GOP lawmakers who celebrated Trumps pullout of the deal in 2018. Kirby on Friday said that the administration is not focused on talks to renew the nuclear deal with Iran, formally called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, but said it would be welcome if Tehran took deescalating steps surrounding its nuclear program. If Iran were to take deescalating steps with respect to their nuclear ambitions again, that would all be to the good, he said. We are not in active negotiations with Iran, akin to the Iran deal, were not in active negotiations about the nuclear program. But certainly, those sorts of steps if they were to be true, would be welcome. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A school district in Farmington, Utah, says it will pay $2 million to the family of Isabella Izzy Tichenor, an autistic Black student who died by suicide in 2021. Izzys family claimed the 10-year-old was bullied by her classmates because of her race and disability, CNN previously reported. After her death, the Davis School District faced questions over how its schools handled bullying allegations. An independent investigation commissioned by the district found Izzys school, Foxboro Elementary, did not investigate bullying allegations in a timely manner. The report also concluded the girl had been mistreated but could not confirm whether it was due to her race or disability. In a joint statement with the Tichenor-Cox family, the school district said the agreement was a mutual resolution. Izzys loss will always impact our community and school, the statement said. Isabella "Izzy" Tichenor - courtesy Brittany Clark Tichenor Cox The district also noted it is committed to making its school safe for all and will ensure reports of bullying are thoroughly documented, addressed promptly, and appropriate consequences will be administered. The District is continually assessing and expanding its processes and efforts to better support every student who attends its schools, including implementing trauma-informed counseling and other resources for its students, the joint statement said. The district also announced an official apology and a separate $200,000 settlement involving three students who alleged discrimination. On behalf of the Davis School District, I would like to extend my sincerest apologies to you, and most especially, to your three children for the unwelcome experiences they had while attending school in our district, Davis Superintendent Dan Linford wrote in a letter to their parents. I am grateful to you for bringing your childrens experiences to our attention. The Justice Department previously investigated the Davis School District in 2021 which resulted in a report and settlement agreement that detailed how Black and Asian American students were harassed for years and officials had deliberately ignored complaints from parents and students. Editors Note: If you or a loved one have contemplated suicide, call The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, to connect with a trained counselor. CNNs Justin Gamble contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com 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. Chinese lenders ramp up credit support for disaster-affected businesses Xinhua) 14:29, August 12, 2023 BEIJING, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- China's large state-owned commercial banks have strengthened the credit support for business entities in disaster-stricken areas. The Industrial and Commercial Bank of China has ramped up efforts to support key groups such as small and micro-sized companies, planting and breeding enterprises, individual businesses, and rural households. Priority will be given to ensuring credit needs for stable agricultural production and water conservancy facilities for farmland in disaster-hit areas, said the Agricultural Bank of China. The major state-owned commercial banks will also increase investment and financing support for transportation, municipal, and other fields, to help post-disaster reconstruction. More efforts will be made to ensure cash operation and emergency allocation of disaster relief funds and enhance liquidity support for banks in disaster-stricken areas. (Web editor: Zhao Tong, Hongyu) (Photo : Photo credit should read MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images) Investigators believe that a 17-year-old suspect was motivated by hate when he fatally stabbed a dancer in New York City. In a heart-wrenching case that has gripped both local and national attention, a 17-year-old teenager pleaded not guilty on Friday to second-degree murder as a hate crime in the tragic killing of O'Shae Sibley, a talented 28-year-old professional dancer. The incident occurred at a Brooklyn gas station where Sibley lost his life after dancing joyfully to a Beyonce song. The case sheds light on the devastating consequences of hate-fueled violence, as per CBS News. 17-Year-Old Pleads Not Guilty in Heart-Wrenching Hate Crime Murder Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, in a press briefing outside the Brooklyn Supreme Court, refrained from disclosing the teenager's name due to their age. The case has generated significant public interest, prompting discussions about hate crimes, violence, and the pursuit of justice. Gonzalez revealed that a Brooklyn grand jury, after reviewing evidence related to the case, returned an indictment of second-degree murder as a hate crime, alongside other charges. Although specifics from the indictment were not disclosed in the brief court proceeding on Friday, efforts are underway to obtain a copy to further understand the charges brought against the defendant. During the court session, the suspect's mother and grandmother were present but chose not to provide any comments to CNN. As the teenager exited the courtroom, they reportedly offered a thumbs-up gesture to their family members, suggesting a show of support during this trying time. Defense attorney Mark Henry Pollard is expected to hold a post-court briefing, potentially shedding light on the legal strategy that will be employed moving forward. The defense's approach will be crucial in navigating the legal proceedings and presenting their case to the court. Due to the murder charge being elevated to a hate crime, the defendant, if convicted, could face a minimum of 20 years in jail, with a maximum sentence ranging up to 25 years to life. The case's significance goes beyond legal consequences, as it highlights the profound impact of hate-motivated violence on individuals and communities, according to the New York Post. Read Also: Netherlands Seizes Cocaine Haul Worth 600 Million Euros, Setting New Record Tragic Death of O'Shae Sibley Gonzalez emphasized the senselessness of the tragedy, stating, "The death of this young man is both tragic and senseless." He recounted the circumstances leading up to Sibley's death, noting that Sibley and his friends were targeted simply for dancing joyfully to music at a gas station. The altercation escalated with the group allegedly shouting anti-Black and homophobic slurs, ultimately culminating in the fatal stabbing. O'Shae Sibley's tragic death has resonated deeply, not only with his family and loved ones but also with the broader community. Gonzalez highlighted the broader impact, asserting that the entire city of Brooklyn, and indeed the nation, has been affected by this senseless act of violence. Numerous witnesses have come forward to provide accounts of the incident. According to Gonzalez, there were two groups involved in a confrontation, with Sibley's group allegedly being subjected to anti-gay and anti-Black statements. While the current charges pertain to the teenager in custody, the possibility of further charges in connection with the incident remains unclear. Sibley's story reflects the aspirations of many young individuals who come to New York to pursue their dreams. As a choreographer and dancer, he sought to illuminate both himself and his community. Tragically, his life was cut short due to senseless violence, prompting discussions about the need for awareness, tolerance, and action against hate-fueled crimes. The case of O'Shae Sibley underscores the importance of confronting hate and prejudice head-on. As the legal proceedings unfold, the nation watches with anticipation, hoping for justice to be served and for meaningful conversations to continue about eradicating hate in all its forms, Daily Mail reported. Related Article: 6 Colombians Nabbed in Murder of Ecuador Presidential Candidate Fernando Villavicencio @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. STEPANAKERT, AUGUST 12, ARMENPRESS. Azerbaijan has again generated fake news, once again falsely accusing the Nagorno-Karabakh Defense Army of breaching the ceasefire, local authorities have announced. In a statement released Saturday evening, the Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) Defense Ministry denied Azerbaijans accusations of opening fire and warned that Baku is spreading disinformation. The statement released by the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry claiming that Defense Army units opened fire around 15:00, August 12, at Azerbaijani positions deployed in the occupied territories of the Martuni region is yet another disinformation, the Nagorno-Karabakh Ministry of Defense said. YEREVAN, AUGUST 12, ARMENPRESS. Azerbaijani forces have opened gunfire at farmers and communication infrastructures in Nagorno-Karabakh and are generating fake news in an attempt to justify their actions, the Ministry of Defense of Nagorno-Karabakh said in a press release on August 12. In the early hours of Saturday morning, Azerbaijani military units opened fire at communication infrastructure equipment in Nagorno-Karabakh, and around 14:15 shot at farmers working in the fields of Sarushen community. No one was hurt in the shooting, the ministry said. The Defense Ministry added that Azerbaijans latest disinformation campaign, when it twice falsely accused Nagorno-Karabakh of opening fire on Saturday, is an attempt by Azerbaijan to try and justify its own ceasefire violations of August 12 and to divert international attention from the humanitarian disaster in Nagorno-Karabakh resulting from the blockade of Lachin Corridor. The government passed the Inter-Services Organization Bill 2023 in Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha sans any substantive discussion. In 1934, Charles de Gaulle, in his book titled Vers lArmee de Metier (Towards a Professional Army) cautioned the French regarding the outdated nature of trench warfare and advocated for the mechanisation of their military. However, the allure of pacifism and a misplaced sense of French superiority among the army elites led them to persist with the Maginot Line and trench warfare. Tragically, this choice proved fatal as the French army succumbed to the German blitzkrieg. The nature of warfare is categorised by its ephemerality and its fluidity. It is imperative for one to constantly adapt with the changing time to survive. With the objective of modernising the structure of Indian Armed Forces, and adapting to the changing nature of modern warfare, the government introduced and subsequently passed the Inter-Services Organization (Command, Control and Discipline) Bill, 2023, in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, respectively, sans any substantive discussion in both houses of Parliament. The keywords used repeatedly by the defence minister while introducing the bill in Lok Sabha was jointness and integration. A historical perspective is imperative for better context. The structure of the Indian Armed Forces to this day is influenced by its colonial legacy. The East India Company set up its legions, namely, the Bengal Army, Madras Company and the Bombay Army to protect its commercial interests. During the Company rule in India, the recruitment of soldiers in the Company army relied heavily on the Mughal system. Soldiers, or sepoys, were drawn from high-caste Hindu Rajputs, Brahmins, and Bengali/Awadhi Muslims. The Bengal Presidency, in particular, contributed around 80 per cent of the soldiers to the East India Companys army. However, post the First War of Independence of 1857, India came under direct control of the British Crown. The Crown reorganised the newly formed British Indian Army under the aegis of the Jonathan Peel Commission. The Commission divided the population into two categories the martial races, and the non-martial races. The martial races were those communities which had, by and large, supported at the instance of their native sovereigns, the British in controlling revolts, and consequently successive rebellions against the Crown. These communities were regarded by the British as valiant, strong, but obedient enough to acquiesce to authority. Conversely, the non-martial race comprised largely of communities that resisted the Crown and were labelled as untrustworthy and ill-suited for battle. Hence the British proscribed their recruitment into the army. On February 1, 1949, the defence wing of the Press Information Bureau put out a release. It stated that the Government of India has decided to abolish class composition based upon fixed percentages in the Indian Army. This was a valiant first attempt to bury the pernicious martial race theory. The implicit and unstated objective was to prevent concentration of power in any one single/ community or combination of communities. Hence, the doctrine of civilian supremacy over the military establishment was thereby sought to be embedded into Indias democratic ethos. While India has achieved only very marginal success in changing the composition of its Armed Forces, with the bulk of the recruits still coming from the traditional stomping grounds, it has fallen woefully short in changing the structure of the Armed Forces. Unfortunately, it still adheres to the traditional model of classifying service personnel into distinct branches the Air Force, Army, and Navy with each of these branches being governed by its respective provisions the Air Force Act of 1950, the Army Act of 1950, and the Navy Act of 1957, respectively. It was, therefore, imperative to establish a uniform law which enables the creation of an integrated inter-service armed forces system, designed to align with evolving changes in warfare and to enhance our military capabilities to compete against potential adversaries who have successfully reorganised their armed forces. In pursuit of the aforementioned, the Union government brought the Inter-Services Organization (Command, Control and Discipline) Bill, 2023. The Bill, which shall have far-reaching implications regarding the defence apparatus of the country, was passed without even a perfunctory discussion in both Houses. My other objections pertain to the contents of the Bill. First, the Bill falls short of introducing any meaningful provisions that would mitigate the current state of affairs. While the Bills objective is to establish a standardised framework for disciplinary and administrative authority, its important to note that Section 8 of the Army Act, 1950, already confers the Union Government with the authority to designate an officer and empower him to command armies, divisions, and brigades. Similarly, under Section 8 of the Air Force Act, 1957, and Section 6 and 7 read with Section 93 (3) (e) of the Navy Act, 1957, the Union government can make provisions for uniform disciplinary and administrative authority to operate. Thus, the Bill lacks novelty in terms of introducing fresh substantial provisions. On the contrary, since there are multiple laws on the same subject matter, the Bill would ultimately result in confusion and ambiguity. Second, the Bill provides the legal basis for the Union government to create theatre commands by restructuring armed forces without explicitly saying so and, more importantly, by-passing Parliament on this most significant reorganisation of the armed forces in 164 years since the Peale Commission. Thus, the Bill is a colorable exercise of legislative power, thereby arrogating to the Union government the right to transform the very structure of the armed forces without taking Parliament into confidence by bringing appropriate and substantive amendments to the respective service acts or a standalone legislation on theatre commands that is underpinned by the theory of seamless integration and non-discriminatory jointness. The law does not allow you to do indirectly what you cannot do directly. The law, therefore, will be ultra vires of constitutional jurisprudence if it is used as the legal basis to create theatre commands. Third, under Clause 3 (1) (b), the Bill defines a Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). However, no role has been ascribed to him by the Bill. I have long argued for a standalone legislation that defines and empowers the institution of CDS. The Bill, as it currently stands, would necessitate fleshing out the role of CDS through rules to provide a legal architecture that define the role and responsibility of the CDS. However, since those rules will relate to a substantive legal issue that would squarely lie within the domain of Parliament, these rules would constitute excessive delegation of legislative power. This Bill has only one objective to provide the legal basis for theatre commands. It would have been far more appropriate if the government would have stated its intentions explicitly and allowed Parliament to contribute its institutional wisdom to this seminal reorganisation. by Mathias Hariyadi The bishop of Surabaya passed away yesterday at the age of 69. He had been hospitalised for some time. One of his many initiatives was establishing a seminary, which, over the years, has played a major role in priestly training. Many fellow bishops remember the Chinese bishop for his zeal in financial matters. Jakarta (AsiaNews) The Church and Indonesian Catholics mourn the death of Bishop Vincentius Sutikno Wisaksono of Surabaya, one of the most authoritative figures in evangelisation and community development in the worlds most populous Muslim majority country. The prelate passed away yesterday at the age of 69 at the Paulo Catholic Hospital (RKZ) in Surabaya, East Java, where he had been hospitalised for prostate cancer for some time. For Catholics, the bishop represented a model of faith and devotion in the mission, who enable the local Church to develop rapidly, who undertook numerous local initiatives, some dating back decades that left their mark on bishops and seminarians alike. The future bishop of Surabaya set up a centre to train young men for the priesthood, inspired by his own spirituality, called Tahun Rohani Oriented Seminaries, or simply Tor Seminaries. Thanks to his work and that of other prelates in East Java, Tor Seminary opened in Lawang, dedicated to Saint John XXIII, becoming a stage for candidates to the seminary and future priestly ordination. It draws young people from 10 dioceses; eight on Kalimantan Island, plus the dioceses of Malang and Bali. The establishment proved itself over time as a place where young men can deepen their vocations and studies; several students who trained there completed their journey abroad, some in Spain, earning doctorates in philosophy and theology. It is hoped that the Diocese of Surabaya may have its own Catholic university at some time in the future. An ethnic Chinese, Bishop Wisaksono was born Oei Tik Haw in Surabaya in 1953, originally from the Perak parish church, in the city centre. He began his studies at the Garum Minor Seminary in Blitar (East Java), followed by theological studies at the Saint Paul Major Seminary in Yogyakarta. After seven years, he was ordained a priest by then diocesan Bishop Jan Antonius Klooster CM, in January 1982. On 3 April 2007 he was appointed bishop of Surabaya, as announced by then Vatican envoy Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, while his episcopal consecration was held on 27 June of the same year by the Archbishop of Jakarta, Card Julius Darmaatmadja SJ, with, as concelebrants, Archbishop Ignatius Suharyo of Semarang and Bishop Herman Pandoyoputro, O. Carm, of Malang. Bishop Wisaksonos most significant contribution to the Indonesian Bishops' Conference (KWI) was in the field of finances, harshly criticising some of its support for festive events, which he deemed inappropriate or fruitless. Although he was sometimes overruled and some of the events were approved despite his objections, he managed to pull them off successfully. (Photo : Photo by ANATOLII STEPANOV/AFP via Getty Images) Russian missiles struck a hotel in the Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia, leaving one deceased and 16 injured, including four minors, according to Ukrainian officials. In a tragic turn of events, a deadly missile strike struck a hotel in the Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia on a fateful Thursday evening, sending shockwaves through the region and leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The strike, attributed to Russian Iskander missiles by national police, claimed the life of one individual and left sixteen others injured, including four children, according to The Sun Missiles Hit Reikartz Hotel, Amplifying Escalating Conflict The horrifying incident unfolded as the missiles soared overhead, their impact sending terrified screams echoing through the air as they struck the Reikartz Hotel, a popular location for journalists, aid workers, and United Nations personnel. Chilling footage captured the moment of impact, with children's voices piercing the air as the rockets closed in on the city center. The hotel, a mere few hundred yards away, was engulfed in a blinding yellow fireball as the second missile hit, unleashing a scene of chaos and devastation. Images shared in the aftermath portrayed a grim reality-a large crater marred the landscape, and the hotel's surroundings were littered with the wreckage of cars and debris. The Reikartz Hotel held a significant role in facilitating humanitarian missions and hosting individuals involved in various relief efforts. Denise Brown, a coordinator for United Nations activities, expressed her shock and distress, highlighting the hotel's importance as a hub for those dedicated to aiding war-affected communities. Her heartfelt sentiments echoed the feelings of many who had frequented the establishment over the years. Regrettably, this wasn't an isolated incident. The missile strike marked the second attack on Zaporizhzhia within a span of two days, underscoring the escalating tensions in the region. The city had already suffered casualties and injuries from Moscow's missiles just the day prior. As the clashes continued, Russia claimed to have thwarted a drone attack from Ukraine targeting Moscow. These events illustrated the intensity of the ongoing conflict and the desperation evident in the tactics employed by both sides, Daily Mail reported. Read Also: China-Philippine Water Cannon Dispute Update: Beijing Urges PH Officials to Calm Down, SoKor Condemns Chinese Coast Guard Drone Strikes and Zaporizhzhia Tragedy Fuel Tensions Moscow, typically spared from direct conflict, had experienced a surge in attacks, most notably drone strikes. The city's residents, once insulated from the direct consequences of the war, now found themselves grappling with the fear of uncertainty as drones flew overhead. The debris from these downed drones had even struck prominent locations like Moscow City, the main business district, leaving locals on edge and predicting further incidents. Back in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky's office released a statement providing additional details about the missile attack on Zaporizhzhia. The grim toll of the strike included three lives lost and nine individuals injured, one of whom was a mere 11-month-old baby. The victims ranged in age, with a 43-year-old man and two young women aged 19 and 21 among those who perished. The strike also wreaked havoc on the city's infrastructure, leaving a church destroyed and around 15 high-rise buildings damaged. Residents of the affected area were left to cope with shattered windows, damaged balconies, and an overwhelming sense of uncertainty. Images of the aftermath depicted residents filling out paperwork amidst the wreckage, as both city workers and civilians united to document the extent of the damages. The toll on the community's psyche was undeniable, as the city's very fabric was marred by the grim reality of conflict. As the world watched these events unfold, the tragedy in Zaporizhzhia served as a stark reminder of the human cost of armed conflicts. Innocent lives were forever altered, and communities were left reeling from the destruction caused by forces beyond their control. The international community continued to hope for a peaceful resolution to the crisis, even as the echoes of missiles and the hum of drones served as a haunting backdrop to the ongoing struggle. Related Article: China's Military Laser Weapon Could Outperform US Technology @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Environmentalists welcome the move, which has the support of the United States. One of the Chinese companies involved is under US sanctions. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi today called for an easing of tensions following recent incidents in the South China Sea. Under President Marcoss administration, the Senate takes a bipartisan stance against Beijing's claims. Manila (AsiaNews) Philippine environmental groups have welcomed the decision by the government led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr to suspend some 20 Chinese-backed reclamation projects in Manila Bay approved under President Rodrigo Duterte so that they can undergo an environmental impact review. Environmental groups warn that these projects threaten the local environment and biodiversity; in their view, cancelling them would allow giant clams (which are also threatened by poaching) and the coral reef recover from the negative impact of the presence of Chinese military ships. Earlier this month, the US Embassy in Manila also expressed concern about the clean-up of the area due to the involvement of a Chinese state-owned company under US sanction for its role in building militarised artificial islands in the South China Sea. The decision to put the projects on hold comes at a time of heightened tensions between China and the Philippines over their respective claims to portions of the South China Sea, where more than US$ 3 trillion in trade transit each year, but which is also the cause of multiple disputes, mainly between China and the countries of South Asia. Last weekend, a Chinese Coast Guard ship used a water cannon against a Philippine Coast Guard ship that was escorting a civilian convoy bringing supplies to an outpost located within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. After the two countries exchanged angry messages, Manila announced joint patrols with the United States in the disputed waters and the deployment of some Philippine Navy ships to the area. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reacted urging the Philippines to work with China to defuse tensions, state news agency Xinhua reported today. A 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague condemned Chinese interference in Philippine waters, saying that Chinese claims had no legal basis. China, however, refused to accept the decision. During the six years of Duterte's administration, Beijing was able to strike several deals with Manila; despite this, the Philippines continued to boost its northern defence south of Taiwan. What is more, opposition to Chinese actions in the South China Sea now enjoys bipartisan support in the country; on 2 August, the 24-member Senate unanimously approved a resolution that read: We strongly condemn the continued harassment of Filipino fishermen and the persistent incursion in the West Philippine Sea by the Chinese Coast Guard and militia vessels. Observers have noticed that the Philippines is taking a perceptively harder line vis-a-vis China (some senators have even suggested a boycott of Chinese companies and goods) that could lead the government to boost defence spending but also fan anti-Chinese rhetoric in the media. by Stefano Caprio Under the Soviet regime, education too was the subject of state attention. Now, with the new textbooks, Stalins glorious victory on 9 May 1945 becomes Russias new baptism, subsuming Soviet ideological rhetoric and the latest incarnation of sobornost, the universal union of peoples led by Moscow. The motivations for Russias war in Ukraine, which has upset the entire world order, are varied and rather confused, from political and economic to ideological and religious, oozing from the soup of anger and resentment that underpins the idea of Russkiy Mir ( ), Russian world. Since the main actors and "motivators" from President Putin and Patriarch Kirill to the many propagandists and leaders, army generals and owners of mercenary companies are often uncertain and contradictory in explaining the ins and outs of the "special military operation", all the claims and proclamations are scrambled and revitalised in the favourite dish of the many "cooks" of Russias spiritual-military cuisine, i.e. historical revisionism. The clash with Ukraine is explained starting with the Baptism of Kievan Rus' in AD 988, renamed "Novgorod Rus", the northern city founded in AD 860, of which Moscow is supposed to be the only true heir, covering the whole millennium of shared history and splits of the Eastern Slavic peoples, inspired by this idea. Putin has devoted hundreds of speeches and Kirill thousands of homilies to this topic, although Metropolitan Tikhon (Shevkunov) can be considered the real specialist. Dubbed Putins spiritual father, he has produced documentary films (his real vocation since he studied cinematography), and written books and various articles since the 1990s, stressing one key historical concept: "Russia can only exist as an empire." Its vast territories and various Eurasian peoples who live together impel to "unify" everyone around the spiritual superiority of the Russians, the only depositories of the "true faith", the Orthodoxy betrayed by Latins and Greeks, Europeans, and Americans, threatened by Muslims and Orientals, who are still preferable to the apostates of the Churches of Rome, Constantinople and especially nowadays, Washington and Kyiv. In order to inculcate these visions of patriotic orthodoxy in the minds of Russian, the Kremlin has adopted basically a three-pronged approach. For people 50 and over, who can still remember Soviet times, it is enough to persistently pump the official propaganda on television and the press, supported by central and regional institutions, in order to trigger the instinct of submissiveness still firmly rooted in the minds of post-totalitarian boomers. The unlucky middle generation, the 30-to-50 something, gets the least appetising dish, whose main ingredients are: persecution and repression of any form of dissent, mobilisation for war with a good chance of not surviving, escaping to more hospitable latitudes, or simply just sticking their head in the sand, hoping to make it through the night. The heavy is, however, on the shoulders of young people, which is to build the Russian World whilst trying not to lose Russia itself, handing over the anti-globalist utopia to other peoples and countries, starting with rising China, which is trying to get the most out of Russias war. This explains the hysterical attempts to control the Internet, through a sovereign runet; monitoring and shutting down social media, blogs, and sites; blocking VPN access and any form of free expression that runs via evil cables. Cutting Russia off from any of this could remove it from the geopolitical map, but also deprive Russian society of todays technical and informational tools. The State, however, holds a much more traditional and powerful instrument, which does not provide for any real competition, and which has a decisive impact on boys and girls, at least until they reach the age of majority: school. The Soviet regime was also keen on schools, which were one of Lenin's first concerns after the October Revolution. After winning less than 20 per cent of the vote for the Constituent Assembly, Lenin and his Bolsheviks dissolved that body when it met for the first and only time in February 1918, as well as all state institutions, setting up a new regime based on two sacred institutions": the Party and the Red Army. In March 1918, Lenin introduced a law instituting the new system, titled Separation of the Church from the State and the School from the Church, insisting not only on the "spiritual replacement" of Orthodoxy with the new communist religion, but also on the Partys educational hegemony over family, traditions and culture, with the "official version" to be passed on to the "new men" created by the revolution. Rewriting history was thus common to both the Soviet Union and present-day Russia, and it is precisely in this domain that Putins regime is now working on. Since the start of the invasion of Ukraine, a new "hour of religion" has been introduced in all schools, titled Conversation about Important Things, with soldiers and priests used as support staff alongside often unreliable teachers. At first this course was optional, but eventually parents who opted out for their children began to suffer serious consequences for not sending them to hear important things. Since teachers are poorly trained on things that matter, teaching tools have been provided, such as new history and geography manuals, but also textbooks on art and literature, even chemistry and physics. Military training has replaced physical education, with drills in schools exalting the homeland and its conquests, and perhaps getting pupils to do socially useful manual works, like weaving blankets and making clothes for the heroes fighting at the front. To coordinate the major overhaul of school content, Putin appointed one of Russia's most active propagandists, namely Vladimir Medinsky, formerly head of the Culture Ministry, one of the most useless departments in government. As general adviser to the president on "important things", he can pass them on to young people. In addition to many initiatives and publications, Medinsky recently released History of Russia from 1945 to the Start of the 21st Century, the new "Gospel of the Russian World", the modern history guide for students in the last year of senior high school, to learn by heart for their final exam. The thousand years of the prophetic-apocalyptic history of the missionary people are channelled into the rewritten history of the last 70 years, which overlap with Putins own lifetime, from childhood to the present, fighting to save the whole world from the assault of the Ukrainian-Anglo-Saxon Antichrist. Victory Day on 9 May 1945, the day of Stalin's glorious triumph over the Nazis (which the "allies", according to the manual, could never have done), is the day that marks Russias new baptism, a medley of Soviet ideological rhetoric and the current vision of Sobornost (), the universal union of peoples led by Moscow. The 450-page manual will be the basis for all new textbooks, including those used in elementary schools, starting next year; all references to the Tatar-Mongolian yoke, which is currently very irksome for Russians, will be struck out. Medinsky explains the ongoing revision by citing Konstantin Pobedonostsev, the Ober-Procurator of the Holy Synod (the secular head of the Russian Orthodox Church) in the second half of the 19th century. Dubbed the Russian Torquemada, Pobedonostsev, whose names propitiously translates as bearer of victory, said that the multiplicity of manuals in schools is the great lie of our time since it produces unacceptable competition in the things that really matter. Pobedonostsev was a stalwart supporter of the monopoly of Orthodoxy and against freedom for other religions. Medinsky, for his part, is concerned about pro-Western or even pro-Ukrainian sentiments, which still survive in the minds of many Russians, especially those who have relatives abroad or in Ukraine. As he notes, the new text modifies the previous one by 70 per cent, especially with respect to biographies, the role of major figures, and the most recent events". The book is not only long, but very intense, without the many useless images" found in previous editions, with lots of information and citations of sources". Unlike the "false interpretations" spread by others, the manual explains that the era of the "revolution of comfort began in 1945, thus no Stalinist terror, Khrushchev-era thaw, or Brezhnev-era stagnation. The real Russia, the one that exists in the minds of Putin and Kirill, overcame the final crisis of the Soviet Union, sparked by "Western aggressions" and Gorbachevs ineptitude, as well as the troubles of the Yeltsin years. Now Russia is free from all foreign oppression, especially that of devil Biden, and can look forward to a bright future in a world of freedom and spiritual communion. On paper at least, that of manuals. RUSSIAN WORLD IS THE ASIANEWS NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO RUSSIA. WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE IT EVERY SATURDAY IN YOUR E-MAIL? TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE Americans are very fond of car auctions, and as a result a huge number of such high-profile events take place multiple times a year across the nation. If you've been following what's going on in this world like we do here at autoevolution, you might have noticed a trend or two. Photo: Mecum Photo: Mecum The first is that Americans are suckers for American-made cars. They are so much so in love with everything Americana that they spare no expense when they see something they like cross the block. But there's one catch here: generally speaking, American-made cars sell for six-figure sums at best, and very rarely go above one million dollars.Cars valued in the millions, no matter where they come from, are what the heavy hitters of the collectors' world are after. And later this month, during the Mecum auction in Monterey, there's no shortage of collectibles so rare and special that they're sure to make an impact on loaded bank accounts.Earlier this week we brought you news of a matching-numbers 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300SL in almost perfect condition that's probably going to get $2.5 million with ease. Today however we look at something a lot more valuable: the 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster.The 540K is a very rare machine, given that it was made for just four years, between 1936 and 1940, when everyone in this world got busy fighting a war. The car was styled like many machines of its era, with a massive body pulled over the chassis, large fenders draped over the wheels, and the kind of class and style only kings, queens, and Nazi Reichsmarschalls could enjoy at the time.The rarity of the car (just 419 of them were ever made) and the age it comes from makes it incredibly appealing to a certain group of collectors. That's why it came as no surprise to learn the 540K we are here to admire is gunning for as much as $4.5 million at the California auction.The huge amount of money that'll land the car a new owner is justified not only by the above-mentioned facts, but also by the fact there's no other 540K like this in existence.You see, back in the 1930s Mercedes made these cars as a blend between an in-house built chassis and a body to be placed over it by whoever desired it. Most of Merc's customers went of course for German-made bodies, but there were some who preferred to have other shops handle this part of the build.A small number of 540K chassis (up to a total of 70 together with the 500K variant) were delivered to customers with no bodies. The one we have here, coming with a 128-inch wheelbase, is part of that small lot, and it left the Mercedes-Benz plant in Sindelfingen to reach a customer in the UK.The original buyer of the car had its body made at the hands of London-based Mayfair Carriage Works, and as far as we know there is no other car like this anywhere in the world.When fighting in Europe broke out the 540K stayed over in the UK, and it remained there until the end of the war, when it was purchased by a Canadian. It didn't stay in Canada for long, as an American father and son duo stumbled upon it and had it shipped to Michigan.It took the Americans about two decades to bring the car to its pre-war condition (we're not told anything about the state it was in when it left Britain). When ready it was shown at Meadow Brook Hall Concours d'Elegance (unclear what year), and was then featured in the Mercedes-Benz -The Supercharged 8-Cylinder Cars book by Jan Melin.In 1995 the 540K entered the Imperial Palace Auto Collection and shortly after the General William Lyon Collection. It made an appearance in 2011 at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance as part of the "Celebrating 125 Years of Mercedes-Benz" event.Still in right-hand drive configuration as it originally was, the 540K is equipped with a 5,401cc inline-eight engine rocking two carburetors. Back in its day this powerplant was rated at just 115 horsepower, controlled by means of a four-speed transmission, but thanks to a supercharger it could push that to as much as 180 hp. The top speed the car was capable of reaching was 110 mph (177 kph).As far as its present condition goes, the car still offers most of the thrills and comforts it put on the table back when it was brand new. The seats are covered in leather, there are white-faced gauges in the dashboard, and a steering wheel the kind of which we so rarely see these days placed ahead of that.The 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster is presently part of a collection called Don Williams Estate, of which a total of 11 cars are offered at Monterey. The German machine is however considered a main attraction for the auction, and we will of course keep an eye on it to see how much it eventually manages to go for. Photo: eBay seller ohhbigmike Buick produced the series between 1971 and 1973, with the Riviera boasting new styling inspired by the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray. The luxury car, therefore, received a sportier stance, though it continued to feature the dimensions of a boat (which was the only way to offer a spacious and exquisite cabin in the first place).The yearly sales weren't impressive, though Buick managed to keep them at almost the same level throughout the entire generation. In 1972, the parent company sold 33,728 units, while a year later, the numbers increased to a little over 34,000 units.A 1973 Buick Riviera is looking for a new home on eBay, as the owner has decided to part ways with a car that seems to sport all the major selling points of a classic model.First and foremost, this Riviera is all-original and unmolested . The car has most likely spent its entire life in a climate-controlled garage because this is the only way to explain its impressive condition. Considering its age, it's not a perfect 10, and you can't expect it to be, but this Riviera looks great, nonetheless.The paint shows its age, but I couldn't spot any significant metal problems. You should still inspect everything closely, especially under the car, as a car sitting for a long time ends up struggling with the notorious rust. Seller ohhbigmike did not share any information on the car's tenure on the side of the road, but the low mileage indicates this Riviera rarely went out.The odometer indicates just 21,000 miles (a little over 33,000 km), and all are original. The unmolested state means the owner did not restore the car, so I assume this Riviera didn't receive any modifications to alter its original configuration.The car rolled off the assembly lines with many options, including power windows, power seats, and air conditioning. The engine under the hood still runs and drives flawlessly, so you could take the car for a spin before committing to a purchase. Considering the low mileage, you should put the car on a trailer when bringing it home.Aside from the obvious problems, such as the ripped driver's seat and the dings and scratches on the body, I don't expect this Riviera to pose any major challenges during restoration. A complete inspection is still recommended, but as an all-original and unmolested example, this Riviera already checks most boxes for a solid restoration candidate.The car is ready to go for $10,700, but the seller would also consider other offers. It was born and raised in California, so you can find it today in Riverside. The adoption of Android Auto and CarPlay has skyrocketed in the last few years, primarily as carmakers decided to replace their lazy infotainment efforts with a solution that sits in everybody's pockets. How Android Auto and CarPlay work Photo: Packix The advantages of using Android Auto and CarPlay Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution Wired versus wireless Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution How to set up Android Auto wired and wireless Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution How to set up CarPlay wired and wireless Photo: autoevolution How do I know if my car has Android Auto and CarPlay? Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution How do I install Android Auto or CarPlay in a car that doesn't have it? Photo: Packix Do I need an app to run Android Auto and CarPlay? Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution Why is Android Auto failing to load in my car? Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution The best Android Auto apps Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution The best CarPlay apps Photo: autoevolution Can I use Android Auto in any car? Can I use Android Auto with an iPhone? Do Android Auto and CarPlay wireless adapters work? Why did Google kill off Android Auto? What's Android Automotive? When is the new-generation CarPlay projected to launch? Using Android and Apple phones, drivers can get Google Maps , Waze, Spotify, and YouTube Music on the infotainment screen, so car manufacturers no longer need to use their resources to build alternative solutions embedded at the car level.The strategy helped Android Auto and CarPlay in their early days on the market, mainly as the native infotainment solutions were terrible.Both are now must-have features for new-car buyers, with Apple's data showing that nearly eight in 10 customers wouldnt consider a new vehicle in the United States without CarPlay.Android Auto and CarPlay are very similar systems that rely on a connection between the smartphone and a compatible head unit to project the mobile interface to the screen.The connection can be wired or wireless (depending on the version supported by the vehicle's media receiver). The running apps sport a special car-optimized interface based on templates developed by Google and Apple. Certain capabilities, such as typing when the vehicle is in motion, are restricted to reduce the driver's distraction.Android Auto and CarPlay support multiple input methods, including touch and control knobs (as it's the case with Mazda cars ). When the vehicle moves, users can interact with the apps running on the screen using voice commands powered by Google Assistant and Siri. The two systems support voice commands for the most common tasks, including setting up navigation, playing a specific song or artist, making a phone call, and sending a text message.Android Auto and CarPlay connect to the car with a USB cable (in the case of wired connections) via the dedicated port in the vehicle it can be USB-A (the traditional USB connector) or USB-C (mostly used in new-generation models). The wireless connection requires Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.Once the connection between the phone and the media receiver is established, Android Auto and CarPlay show the compatible apps on the car's screen. Google Maps, Waze, Spotify, YouTube Music, Apple Music, and Apple Maps are the most popular apps on Android Auto and CarPlay. Video streaming apps, such as YouTube and Netflix, are blocked.The primary benefit of using Android Auto and CarPlay behind the wheel is how they tackle driver distraction. The media receiver shows apps running on the larger screen in the cabin, so you can ignore the mobile phone and still interact with your apps, phone calls, and messages.The two systems already support the most popular driving applications, such as navigation solutions. Still, the app ecosystem keeps growing with new categories, including smart home software to control garage doors and home security equipment.With Android Auto and CarPlay, your phone calls are routed through the car's speaker system, similar to using a Bluetooth connection.The main difference between a wired and a wireless connection is how you run Android Auto and CarPlay on the infotainment screen.A wired connection always requires a cable, while the wireless sibling lets you run Android Auto and CarPlay without pulling the phone from the pocket.However, most people still use a cable to connect the smartphone to the head unit, even when running Android Auto and CarPlay wirelessly. The cable allows them to get an extra charge while driving, as the battery impact of running Android Auto and CarPlay wirelessly could be significant.The wired version could also encounter occasional connection problems due to bad cables. Google and Apple recommend using a high-speed cable, but in the Android Auto world, even a certified cord could cause random disconnects.Setting up Android Auto in your car is typically a matter of seconds. You must first connect the mobile device to the infotainment screen using a USB cable.The wired connection is required regardless of the connection type users must connect their phones to the head unit with a cable even when setting up Android Auto wireless; once the system is configured, Android Auto wireless can run without a cable.If the device meets all requirements (such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi and the necessary permissions), Android Auto detects the mobile device and launches an on-screen wizard. Once users complete the step-by-step wizard on the screen, they can access the home screen and launch apps.Android Auto also comes with a dashboard view, allowing them to run multiple apps side by side. They can toggle between this view and the full-screen mode in most apps.Android Auto wireless requires a phone running Android 11. You can run the no-cord experience with Android 10 if you own a Google or Samsung phone. The wired version of Android Auto requires at least Android 8.0.The setting up experience is similar in CarPlay's case. Your device must meet all requirements one thing many people ignore is Siri; CarPlay doesn't work unless Siri is enabled, as the digital assistant is responsible for the voice interaction with the apps running on the screen.Users must connect their iPhones to the head unit using a compatible cable even if their vehicle supports the wireless mode.Once the vehicle detects the smartphone, the iPhone creates a car profile in the iOS settings, allowing the two devices to exchange data. CarPlay loads automatically when the iPhone connects to the head unit with a cable or wirelessly.CarPlay doesn't have an on-screen wizard for the initial experience, as Apple designed the process to be more straightforward. CarPlay automatically displays the app drawer on the infotainment screen when the connection is established.The easiest way to find the answer to this question is to ask your dealership. If your car has Android Auto and CarPlay, you should see this specification on the build sheet.Most new cars already come with integrated Android Auto and CarPlay support, and the wired mode is often the preferred choice because of the reduced costs.Additionally, most cars supporting Android Auto also work with CarPlay, but some models on the market only come with one of the two. You can find a full list of compatible brands and models on Google's and Apple's websites.You can also connect your smartphone to the head unit to see if Android Auto or CarPlay fires up on the screen. If you see a message loading on the infotainment display, prompting you to set up Android Auto or CarPlay, your car has the necessary equipment to run the two systems.Android Auto and CarPlay are typically available in most new-generation cars, but owners of older models can also get the two systems with an aftermarket head unit upgrade.Companies like Sony , Pioneer, Kenwood, and Alpine launched media receivers with support for Android Auto and CarPlay, allowing wired and wireless mobile phone connections.The price of an aftermarket head unit upgrade starts at $200 and exceeds $1,000 in the case of premium media receivers that also include other capabilities, such as large touch screens.These models are typically created with universal designs to fit most vehicles, so they come in various sizes and with single-DIN or double-DIN systems. Installing them doesn't require advanced tech skills, but contacting a professional is the better option, especially if you purchase a premium model that connects to other peripherals, such as rear cameras.No. Beginning with Android 10, Android Auto is integrated into the operating system, with the app getting updates through the Google Play Store.CarPlay is also integrated into iOS, but this time, the updates go live as part of operating system updates. This means you must wait for Apple to come up with a new iOS version to get CarPlay patches and new features.Downgrading Android Auto is possible by removing the app updates. In CarPlay's case, Apple doesn't offer version numbering, so you can't go back unless you restore an earlier iOS backup.Android phones and iPhones have the necessary software to run Android Auto and CarPlay out of the box. Once you configure your mobile phone, you can connect it to the head unit in the car to begin the setup process.The answer to this question most often comes down to a bad cable.The wired connection has long been a major annoyance in the Android Auto world, as even high-speed cables have caused reliability problems for drivers.Android Auto sometimes fails to load on hardware configurations that worked correctly in the past. Changing cables, removing the app's cache and data, and downgrading Android Auto are the most common fixes in the Android Auto world.If nothing works, your head unit might need a firmware update. Your best option is to contact the dealership for assistance, as your infotainment system might run an old software version.The number of apps in the Android Auto world keeps growing, but most people continue to run the same software for their daily commutes.Google Maps and Waze are the leaders in terms of navigation capabilities. Waze requires a permanent Internet connection to send and receive traffic reports. Google Maps offers a more advanced feature package, including offline maps, so you can navigate without an Internet connection.If you're looking for an app to listen to your favorite tunes, Spotify and YouTube Music are the top choices on Android Auto. Poweramp and Fermata will let you play music in the local library if you don't want to use a streaming service.The Android Auto world is also getting new and compelling software, including more navigation solutions. Software from TomTom, Sygic, and HERE serves as alternatives to Google Maps for people looking for more advanced navigation features.Google Maps and Waze also dominate the navigation space on CarPlay, but many users also stick with the native Apple Maps. Compared to Google Maps and Waze, Apple Maps now offers more map details, including the location of stop signs and traffic lights.The detailed city experience includes crosswalks, sidewalks, trees, and buildings. Users in some regions also get 3D navigation for more straightforward route guidance.YouTube Music and Spotify are two popular choices for listening to music on CarPlay, but Apple's Music also serves as a top alternative, especially as it comes pre-loaded with the smartphone.Android Auto and CarPlay have both been designed to offer a very straightforward experience, but sometimes, things don't work exactly as expected. That's why I prepared a short FAQ to address the most common problems you could encounter when running the two systems.No. Android Auto is available only in cars with a compatible media receiver. Most new models already support Android Auto, but you can install a third-party head unit to get it in an older car.Android Auto works with a wired or wireless connection, but the version depends on the support integrated into the vehicle.You can upgrade from Android Auto wired to wireless using a dedicated adapter that plugs into the USB port in the car and then connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth.No. Android Auto is only available with an Android smartphone. In return, CarPlay requires an iPhone, as each system is locked to its respective ecosystem.Android head units running the full version of Google's operating system can also support CarPlay. Apple does not offer a car operating system.They do. These adapters connect to the head unit using the car's USB port. Users must pair them with their smartphones.These devices ensure the wireless data connection between the phone and the head unit, so you no longer need a cable to run Android Auto and CarPlay.The most popular Android Auto adapters are AAWireless and Motorola's MA1. In the CarPlay world, the number one choice is Carlinkit.It didn't. Google discontinued Android Auto for phones , a mobile version of Android Auto that ran on the smartphone.Android Auto for phones uses an interface similar to the full version of Android Auto, allowing users to get a car-optimized experience without a compatible head unit.Google discontinued this app and replaced it with the driving mode bundled with Google Assistant. The new experience is very limited, as it only supports Google Maps.Google's car strategy comes down to two major platforms: Android Auto and Android Automotive While Android Auto requires a smartphone to run, Android Automotive powers the infotainment capabilities in a car and is installed at the hardware level. It offers an upgraded experience compared to Android Auto, as Google's services get access to more vehicle data.Google Maps can read the battery range and automatically suggest charging stops when the vehicle runs out of battery.You can't get Android Automotive in a car that doesn't feature the system. The OS is installed from the factory in electric vehicles.Apple is already preparing a significantly upgraded experience with the release of CarPlay 2.0. Projected to land later this year, the new CarPlay will use all screens in the car to provide access to more information, including vehicle data.The new CarPlay will be similar to Android Automotive and only work in new-generation cars. It will be installed from the factory by Apple's partners. Finished in orange and decorated by the '01' decals on the doors and the controversial confederate flag on the roof, this Dodge Charger comes with an all-black interior and was signed by the movie cast and crew. It appears to have been properly maintained over the years, yet since it lacks some of that perfect shine, it does need some TLC.It is part of the second generation that was made across the United States from the 1968 to the 1970 model year, with assembly taking place at the Michigan, Hamtramck, Los Angeles, and St. Louis facilities, it is related to the era's Coronet and several Plymouths, including the famous Road Runner. The automaker used to offer it with a fine selection of V8s, including a HEMI lump, and it also came with a straight-six under the hood in the entry-level configuration. The transmissions of choice included three-speed units in both two- and three-pedal configurations, which delivered the thrust to the rear wheels.As for the pictured Dodge Charger, it uses the 383 ci. It is a 6.3-liter V8 that used to be offered in two versions, with two- and four-barrel carburetors. The former was good for 290 horsepower, and the latter came with 330 horsepower and is said to have been unique to this model back in 1969. Sure, one may argue that its performance is anything but neck-snapping, as we now have hatchbacks that are far more powerful and faster. However, they should also keep in mind that this muscle car came out in the same year when man first stepped on the Moon, and it is an old-timer. Still, if extra oomph is on your mind, then we're certain you could stuff a modern Hellcat engine under the hood and make it new-gen supercar quick.On a second thought, it may not be financially worth it, considering that you could buy a brand-new Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody Jailbreak for about as much as this '69 example. The 2023 model has an MSRP of $82,650, and with the dealer fees and destination, you're realistically looking at close to $90,000 for a base copy. That's precisely how much this classic Charger costs, as the Garage Kept Motors ad reveals a buy-it-now price of $89,900. Is it worth it to you? And if not, how much would you pay to make it yours? Let us know your thoughts about this fake General Lee in the comments area below. However, Carlex Design claims this is a subtle tune for the BMW X7 . The company recently took to its social media to release a few images of the Munich marque's flagship crossover's cockpit, which has received their special touch on most components.The seats, center console, door cards, and lower parts of the dashboard were reupholstered in new leather with a minty finish. The vehicle has cushions attached to the headrests that feature the tuner's logo on them. We can also see some double stitching on various elements in the same hue, and the color also adorns the edging of the new floor mats.The usual amount of carbon fiber trim is present, and we can see that this X7 also has aluminum pedals and footrest, some aluminum accents on the dashboard, what appear to be new entry sills and a custom signature on the right side of the dashboard and on the rear center armrest. The pillars and headliner appear to have been wrapped in Alcantara, though it probably came like this from the factory.We can probably assume this BMW X7 doesn't feature anything special on the outside, given that Carlex Design hasn't released any images of it. In the social caption accompanying the pics, the tuner says it is a 2023 model, so we're looking at the facelifted iteration that broke cover a little over a year ago. It features updated styling on the outside, with the split light clusters being the biggest novelty, a new curved display running the iDrive 8 software, a new gearshift toggle, etc.Available with seating for six or seven, the brand's flagship crossover, which goes against the likes of the Mercedes GLS, is available in three distinct versions in the United States. The 2024MY family comprises the base X7 xDrive40i, the X7 M60i, and the Alpina XB7. Pricing starts at $81,900, before destination and handling, for the most affordable version of the series. Choose the sportier model, and you will have to pay at least $108,700, excluding destination. The one that sits at the top of the series, which bears Alpina's signature, carries an MSRP of $149,400, setting itself apart with a punchy powertrain and exclusive touches inside and out.So, does this minty makeover suit the design of the BMW X7? Comment below and let us know what you think of this project. Beginning in 2022, when the company expanded the beta program and turned it into a more consistent effort to improve Android Auto, the rollout pace has been significantly accelerated, with new builds landing almost weekly.For example, Google shipped Android Auto 10.2 beta only a few days, allowing testers to take the latest build for a spin. The purpose is obvious: users try out this pre-release version and then provide feedback to let Google resolve potential glitches before the production rollout begins.As it turns out, Android Auto 10.2 was a pretty stable build, so today, the company promoted this version to the stable channel. The rollout system relies on a phased approach, so the update is delivered to devices in stages, with some users having to wait up to several weeks before getting the new version.Fortunately, Android devices allow users to sideload applications, and the Android Auto 10.2 APK installer allows them to install the update without waiting for the Google Play Store rollout. The Android Auto 10.2 APK build is available here, and once you store it on your device, tap the file to begin the update.If you have never installed an app update manually, you must unblock the non-Google Play Store support. Android blocks third-party app sources by default, but you can safely proceed with the update if you download files from trusted sources.You don't have to remove the existing Android Auto installation, as the new files automatically replace the old ones. When the process is complete, you can launch Android Auto normally.If you're looking for a changelog, Google did not provide one, but this is no longer a surprise. The search giant rarely shares such information, so users must discover the new features in Android Auto builds by exploring every bit of the application.For example, Android Auto 10.2 enables a new search icon in music apps. This feature allows users to type a song's name, the artist, or the album they want to listen to. The experience is similar to navigation apps, with Android Auto automatically blocking the keyboard when the vehicle starts moving. As in the current Android Auto versions, only voice input is allowed if the car is in motion. The new search option will be available in all audio apps running on Android Auto, including Spotify and YouTube Music.However, the new feature isn't yet live for all users, as Google seems to enable it with a server-side switch. The company hasn't announced the feature, but I expect the availability to increase gradually in the coming weeks as Google collects more reliability data. When Volkswagen revealed the ID. Buzz, people saw it as the successor of the VW Bus (the T1 and T2). However, the electric MPV only shares the nostalgic styling and being an RWD with the first Transporter. Fans of the new vehicle who were hoping to have the California derivative will have a reality shock: the next camper will be offered as a version of the seventh-generation Multivan instead of the ID. Buzz. The explanation is that it would be too heavy as most battery electric vehicles (BEV) are, but a little worse. Photo: VW Photo: VW According to Edison Media, most buyers of the California bear a B-category driver's license, which allows them to drive vehicles that do not exceed the maximum authorized mass (MAM) of 3,500 kilograms (7,716.2 pounds). For them to be able to drive the ID. Buzz California, they would need at least a C1 driver's license. Although this is the market excuse for the vehicle not to be made, Volkswagen would also have a massive problem with range.I have already discussed how crucial it is to make BEVs lighter for safety and efficiency matters. A more lightweight vehicle will not hurt other people as severely as a hefty one and will also demand less energy. At the same time, it was also obvious how difficult it would be to do that with the current battery technology. The low energy density cells present impose a massive battery pack . The longer the range the vehicle needs, the bigger the battery pack. Some car companies defend that a more widespread charging network would allow battery packs to be smaller, but that would only lead them to be fast charged more frequently. This procedure reduces the lifespan of the component, which costs a fortune to replace. Summing up, BEVs need better batteries, and they are yet to reach production lines.A good example of what the hypothetical ID. Buzz California must have faced comes from the BMW i7. Its Protection derivative has a curb weight of 4,450 kilograms (9,810.6 pounds) and a range of 380 kilometers (236.1 miles). That's 1,735 kg (3,825 lb) more than the i7 xDrive60 and its 2,715 kg (5,985.6 lb). The regular electric sedan has a maximum range of 625 km (388.4 mi). That means the armor makes the BMW 63.9% heavier and gives it a range that is 38.7% worse. BMW even tried to ease that by limiting the top speed to 160 kph (99.4 mph), but that hurt the very purpose of the car: to help the attacked passengers run away before the bullets can cut through the armor. Volkswagen seems to want to avoid the same risk with its electric campervan.Edison Media said that "the large pop-up roof alone, under which the second sleeping area for the travelers is located, weighs 100 kg." The California Concept also includes a kitchen and built-in cupboards. The second sliding door must also add more weight to the vehicle- Volkswagen did not disclose how much heavier the "California kit" made the T7 Multivan become. Its plug-in hybrid version already makes the scale suffer: its curb weight is 2,195 kg (4,839.2 lb), while its maximum total weight reaches 2,750 kg (6,062.7 lb).Weight is not the only concern surrounding the project. Volkswagen may probably have lightweight solutions for the camper such as carbon fiber components but they would be expensive. Until the German carmaker can deliver something light and affordable, potential customers will have to make do with the Multivan California. While the concept version will be presented on August 25 in Dusseldorf, the production version should arrive in the summer of 2024. In other words, one year from now.The disappointing bit is that Volkswagen had promised the ID. Buzz would have a California derivative. Although the company thinks it cannot deliver it right now, it is aware of the expectations and is working to solve the engineering challenges that it involves. The German carmaker is working closely with QuantumScape on a solid-state cell that could lower the mass of BEVs without range losses. They may also accept fast charges without the penalties ternary cells have, which would still make them depend on more charging stalls available wherever they were sold.This is probably why Edison Media's sources said Volkswagen did not abandon the idea of an electric camper based on the ID. Buzz . It will just take the German carmaker a while to deliver one around seven years more, to be precise. The ID. Buzz California should arrive only by the end of the decade, which reinforces that the German automaker is really waiting on better battery tech to offer such a product.Considering QuantumScape plans to provide a solid-state platform, we may see it combined with several chemistries. The ID. California as the future camper is also called should count on a nickel-rich solution, which may help it weigh less. It may also present something completely different. In seven years, we may have more good news on batteries than solid-state solutions. It may also be the case that we do not have anything able to solve this weight problem and that another energy source for electric vehicles proves to be better. Hydrogen fuel cells, perhaps? We'll eventually find out how this story will unfold. (Photo : Photo by MIKHAIL KLIMENTYEV/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) A top Kremlin investigator believes that Russian President Vladimir Putin will shortly confront a second coup. Speculation about Russian President Vladimir Putin's grip on power intensifies as a leading Kremlin investigator, Christo Grozez from Bellingcat, suggests a potential second coup is on the horizon. Grozez's earlier prediction of Yevgeny Prigozhin's coup attempt proved accurate, and he now points to Prigozhin's possible involvement in a second coup against the Kremlin within the next six months, as per Express. Investigator's Warning Fuels Debate Over Putin's Authority Bellingcat, known for exposing various Russian plots during the Ukraine war, offers insights into the political landscape that extend beyond the official narrative. The failed revolt attempt by Prigozhin's forces on June 23 ended amid a Belarus-brokered truce, but Grozez believes that Prigozhin's relationship with Putin remains strained. While Putin referred to Prigozhin as a traitor on TV, Grozez highlights that Putin's restraint in taking drastic measures against him could indicate a more sinister intent. Grozez suggests that Prigozhin might not survive the next six months, or alternatively, another coup attempt might unfold. Grozez asserts that the potential for a second coup lies with discontented elites, particularly those unsatisfied with the state of the Ukraine conflict. He notes that a "reversal of fortunes on the frontline" could spark such an upheaval. The investigator acknowledges the complexity of the situation, emphasizing that much of the elite, apart from the military-industrial complex, sees little sense in continuing the war. However, the prisoner's dilemma prevents many from speaking out or making the first move. Amid these uncertainties, a mysterious fire blazed near Putin's official residence, sparking questions about its origins. The fire erupted at a storehouse in Odintsovo, a few miles from Putin's presidential estate. Despite the blaze's magnitude, no official word on its cause has been issued by Ukraine or Russia. While the possibility of a drone strike has been floated, details remain elusive. This incident coincides with heightened tensions involving drones. Moscow's Vnukovo and Kaluga airports temporarily closed due to suspected drone flights, later reopening. A Ukrainian drone was reportedly shot down over Moscow, but conflicting accounts emerged, suggesting that a drone either crashed or was jammed, New York Post reported. Read Also: New York: Family of Suffolk County Police Brutality Victim Receives $35 Million from 2008 Incident Rising Tensions and Growing Paranoia Meanwhile, Putin's security forces have escalated the arrest of suspected "traitors" on charges of treason. A staggering 82 treason cases have been recorded in 2023 alone, according to independent Russian outlet Kholod. These figures, likely underestimated due to secret cases held by the FSB security service, evoke concerns about a growing paranoia reminiscent of the Stalin era. Previously, individuals in defense enterprises, military roles, and those with access to state secrets were at risk of being labeled traitors. However, the criteria have broadened considerably, with individuals even facing accusations for social media activities. Lawyer Yevgeny Smirnov, from human rights project Department One, highlights the lack of transparency surrounding state secrets, contributing to the arbitrary nature of treason charges. Amid these complex dynamics, Putin's grip on power appears to waver, sparking discussions about potential shifts in the country's leadership and a broader reassessment of Russia's trajectory, according to Daily Mail. Related Article: Moscow's Moonshot: Russia Launches Newest Moon Lander After Almost 50 Years @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Thieves are turning to new-generation methods to find things to steal, and the police in a series of regions, including San Francisco, San Jose, Vallejo, and Oakland, warn of a trend that involves using Bluetooth to find electronics. Burglars specifically looking for electronics rely on Bluetooth to find devices left in cars. The system is as simple as it is concerning, as almost every device that connects wirelessly to your car or other gadgets could be exposed.Thieves walk around neighborhoods, getting close to cars to scan for available Bluetooth connections . Depending on the device, they can retrieve the product's name, sometimes revealing complete information and letting the thief determine if it's a laptop, a phone, or earbuds.The bad actors use simple devices like smartphones to scan for Bluetooth, but others turn to radio scanners or malicious applications that can retrieve more information about the found devices. Finding devices is a matter of seconds, as the electronics you leave behind without an active connection continue to search for the paired device via Bluetooth.For example, earbuds paired with your smartphone use Bluetooth to send the audio signal. When the smartphone is no longer in the working range, it keeps searching for Bluetooth signals, eventually exposing the connection. Thieves using smartphones and dedicated hardware can find them.Stealing these electronics takes seconds, as the criminals use software to unlock vehicles or turn to the old-fashioned way that involves breaking your car's window.Police have a very simple recommendation for all those who want to avoid becoming a victim of these thieves: turn Bluetooth off and put your electronics out of sight. Thieves who smash your window to search for gadgets don't have the time to look for them thoroughly in the cabin, so if they're not in plain sight, the likelihood of a criminal targeting them drops significantly.Law enforcement also emphasizes that letting devices enter sleep mode still exposes them to these Bluetooth scanning tactics. Unless these devices are powered off, they could still produce a Bluetooth signal, so eventually, a burglar could detect them.The best way to deal with this new trend is to never leave electronics in the car. Taking the laptop and the smartphone with you is the best thing you can do, as nobody breaks into the vehicle without a reason. If you must leave a gadget in the car, turn it off to block it from transmitting a Bluetooth signal to nearby devices.Police reveal that the number of burglaries involving cars is increasing alarmingly. In the first week of August, the San Francisco police department reported a 42 percent increase over the last year, with thieves breaking into over 200 cars in just seven days. SUV Photo: Toyota / Lexus / Ford / Jeep Not long ago, I used to consider Toyota a reliable but utterly boring automobile maker. Gone were the days of the original RAV4 that basically established the compact crossoversector a segment that now rules undefeated across the US car market after the first six months of the year, sitting way ahead of full-size pickup trucks.Back then, when Toyota unleashed the first-gen RAV4, I was just a little kid, but I could easily see myself on a fabulous beach with my friends at the wheel of a three-door convertible SUV from Toyota it was quirky, it was youthful, it was trendy. And above all, it was just like a Jeep Wrangler but without the bulk of its off-road chassis and reliability issues or big MSRPs.Luckily, sometime before the end of his term as Toyota's president and CEO, Akio Toyoda decided that a paradigm change was needed to move the automaker forward. Now he's chairman of the board, so he will probably get to see the seeds of his strategy bear ripe fruits. Already, the US lineup looks half-different than before.For example, a returning S215 Toyota Crown now bridges the gap between crossovers and traditional sedans. There is also a Prius 'Hybrid Reborn' that looks a lot better than before and also comes with a marvelous 220-hp Prime plug-in hybrid variant for $32,350. The Corolla family includes stuff like the Corolla Cross (that might turn into a unibody compact pickup truck soon), the Nightshade variants, plus the mighty GR Corolla.Speaking of GRs, this company has three of them, including the affordable GR86 (with an upcoming Trueno Edition) plus the classic GR Supra now also in Orange for its 45th Anniversary Edition . Notice how we have almost only talked about passenger cars so far? Crossovers abound, too, like the 2024 Grand Highlander or Corolla Cross Hybrid, and trucks couldn't get any better than with the upcoming N400 fourth-generation Tacoma mid-sizer.However, the positive aspects (like the Sequoia and Tundra siblings) are still put to shame by some of the old-school models, like the stunningly boring short-wheelbase Highlander, Sienna, Camry, or RAV4 models. Even the 4Runner is making a quirky note out of context because it looks tough and ready for anything if we lived during the 1980s.Fortunately, I bet that a lot of people around the world fell in love just like I did with the early August presentation of the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser . Launched worldwide as the proud successor to the 'light duty' model lineage started in 1990 with the J70 models, this should not be confused with the J300 land Cruiser introduced across various regions two years ago. That's why in some markets like Australia and parts of Europe it will be called Land Cruiser Prado and in others, including at home in Japan, as the Land Cruiser 250.But the name etymology doesn't matter too much in North America, where things are kept simple and cheerful with the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser moniker, the transfer of326-hp electrified 2.4-liter inline-four turbo i-Force Max power from the 2024 Toyota Tacoma, and the option to select two design flavors from just three grades. Make that two, as the First Edition is limited to 5,000 units for the entire region of North America, and I bet that once order books are open, that one will disappear off the lot in a matter of hours.That leaves regular folks with the base 2024 Land Cruiser 1958 featuring round headlights, a grade touted around the mid-$50k mark when it arrives at dealerships sometime next spring. Plus, there's also the squared-off Land Cruiser a great callback to the big Land Cruiser 80 series from the 1990s. The interior looks great, too, with a mix of modern, connected amenities and the series' inherent toughness.So, that makes the 2024 Land Cruiser a compelling package in the off-road SUV field and also a big menace for the four-door versions of the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler because if you look at the size charts, they are pretty comparable. Please don't make me say Land Rover Defender, too, because that one will probably clash with the 2024 Lexus GX 550 sibling . By the way, that brings one conundrum.Is it possible that Toyota made the 2024 Land Cruiser such a compelling package with vintage-modern looks, a hybridized powertrain from the 2024 Tacoma, and the general allure of the GX 550 that it might eat away from the sales reserve of these two 'siblings' not just the reservations of Bronco and Wrangler units? I'm afraid it's entirely possible although hopefully, Toyota will price the 2024 Tacoma a lot more accessible than the 2024 Land Cruiser and ensure everyone knows the GX 550 targets premium models like the Defender. A blaze on June 23 destroyed five Tre BEV trucks at Nikola's headquarters in Phoenix. At first, the company said it suspected foul play because of a vehicle parked nearby that left soon after the fire started. However, Electrek revealed that Romeo Power battery packs could have cells that corroded and self-discharged, a malfunction that could cause a blaze. Nikola denied that this was the problem and announced on August 11 that it would recall 209 units of the Tre BEV due to a coolant leak or all the trucks it has delivered so far. EV kWh Photo: Nikola BEV Photo: Nikola Photo: Nikola Nikola is filing the voluntary recall with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) . According to the company, the trucks may still operate as long as the owners take some precautions. The truck maker asked its customers to park the trucks outside any facility "to allow for over-the-air updates and better connectivity with Fleet Command, Nikola's truck monitoring system." Another obvious benefit would be that they would not affect anything else should they catch on fire. General Motors made a similar request when the Chevrolet Boltfires started, but it was more explicit about the reasons.The battery electric truck (BET) manufacturer also advised its clients to keep the Main Battery Disconnect (MBD) function turned on at all times. That would "enable real-time vehicle monitoring and safety systems operation." The idea is that this resource will detect and prevent any problem caused by an eventual coolant leak.According to Nikola, Exponent helped it discover the probable cause for the fire. The third-party investigator disclosed on August 10 that leaking coolant in a single battery pack was to blame. The Tre BEV has nine battery packs for a total of 733. Coincidence or not, a "minor thermal incident" with "an engineering validation truck" parked at Nikola's plant in Coolidge (63 miles from the Phoenix headquarters) happened on the same day. The BET maker said the other fire confirmed that the coolant leak was the problem's cause. Nikola's own investigations determined that the issue was related to a single supplier, but it did not through them under the bus and protected its identity. The proposed repair will be announced in the next few weeks.Nikola did not disclose if all the trucks it ever sold are involved, but its numbers confirm that. In 2022 when Nikola started deliveries the first 131 BETs reached their buyers. In 2023, that number increased by 76 units, meaning that the 207 Tre BEVs handed to buyers until the end of Q2 2023 were joined by two more in July and August.Nikola knows how harmful this can be to its image. Unlike older truck manufacturers, the startup is still trying to prove it can create reliable products that will save money for its customers while avoiding carbon emissions . That is why it stressed it is taking all possible measures for no customer to have issues with this coolant leak. The company's new CEO ensured Nikola would be transparent about what happened. Steve Girsky also said that the BET maker takes safety very seriously. Nikola was also careful enough to describe all the steps it took to test and validate the truck and its battery packs.The Treallegedly "meets and exceeds FMVSS and UN GTR 20 government regulations." Nikola said it submitted the truck "to front, side, rear, and rollover crash testing." Curiously, "battery coolant leakage monitoring, battery thermal runaway detection, and high-voltage interlock loop fault detection" were also analyzed. Why the leak was not detected at that stage is something that Nikola shall try to explain in the future. Theoretically, those evaluations should have revealed any failures when Nikola performed them back in the Tre BEV's testing phase.If the leak only showed up after use or even several miles after it started, the first fire case would not have happened with recently produced trucks, as those parked in Phoenix seemed to be. It may also be the case that the BET that started the blaze was "an engineering validation truck," but Nikola would have talked about it. Hopefully, the company's future updates will address that.While the repair is in development, Nikola will halt Tre BEV's sales. It makes sense: apart from fixing the BETs already in the hands of its customers, the company wants to be sure the ones yet to get in their hands and to be produced will not offer the same risks. The BET maker also rushed to ease the minds of Tre FCEV's buyers. The electric truck powered by hydrogen started leaving production lines on July 31.Nikola wanted everybody to know that the new "truck's battery pack has a different design," which means that the coolant leak does not affect the hydrogen-powered vehicle. Although it does not rely solely on battery packs, the Tre FCEV has two units delivering a total of 164 kWh. They are necessary to start the truck and also to harness the energy from regenerative braking. The fuel cells work to charge these battery packs and also to deliver electricity to the e-axle that powers the truck.Do these battery packs have the same supplier involved with the leakage? That's something else the BET maker may want to disclose. If you think it through, Nikola has wanted to sell fuel-cell vehicles since its foundation, but the carbon-neutral transportation business is more widespread. When the company went under new management, its executives probably decided to explore all possibilities. That would have been a wise decision if the execution was flawless. With this recall, we'll have to wait for the reputation impacts to determine if that choice did not hurt the company. Nobody can say Nikola is not doing its homework. Thirty years ago, Mercedes-Benz and AMG officially worked together for the first time to make the C 36 AMG and bring it to the US. But fast forward to 2023, and the successor of that fantastic vehicle is now being actively avoided. That's according to a recent report coming from Germany. Here's the gist of it. AMG Photo: Motor Passion on YouTube The beginning of a beatiful and profitable friendship kWh PHEV The stark reality of abrupt downsizing The light at the end of the tunnel Photo: Car Importer-Cars Adventure PL on Facebook Two men who worked for Daimler's motorsport department were pouring their hearts and souls into mechanical wonders meant to bring home trophies. But the company decided to leave the racing world for a while, and the engineers had to find another way to keep their passion going.Onefounder famously said, "You can't really improve a Mercedes, but you can make it different." Their commitment to add that missing piece that made a Mercedes-Benz vehicle more special quickly spread the word. Consequently, customers of the German brand were buying their cars and immediately taking them to Hans Wernerufrecht and Erhardelcher inroaspach.The two were forced to start a company because they could not meet demand. Back then, BMW and VW units were commonly tuned, but Mercedes-Benz opposed this practice and expanded this belief to customers. But they were thirsty for more performance, so AMG quickly became their shop of choice.Mercedes-Benz smelled the potential of a high-performance division for its brand, so it signed a partnership with AMG in 1990 and expanded it in 1993 with the launch of the C 36 AMG. Six years later, Mercedes-Benz became AMG's majority shareholder. In 2005, Hans Werner Aufrecht sold the remaining shares, and AMG became Mercedes-AMG, a subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz.All in all, it was a brilliant move. The Affalterbach badge is highly sought after, and that only guarantees more revenue for Mercedes-Benz. But why don't people what the brand-new C63 S E? After all, it follows a successful recipe for high-performance sedans adapted to fit the current powertrain and emissions trend. It makes sense, right? Well, not for Germans.The plug-in hybrid 2024 Mercedes-AMG C63 S E boasts trickled-down F1 tech, a two-speed 204-hp electric motor, a high-power but not heavy 6.1-battery, and the world's most powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. This engineering jewel puts out 680 hp and 752 lb-ft of torque when everything is set to the max and the battery is charged. All that and a new interior will set you back around $127,000 in Europe. At the time of writing, the automaker has not released the MSRP for the US market.This vehicle is the most powerful C-Class ever, but it needs all this power because it weighs 4,684 lb (2,129 kg).But a report from Germany says there's next to no demand for the hybridized high-performance sedan. Salespeople from multiple parts of the home country of Mercedes-Benz told mbpassion.de that they are not receiving orders for the C63 S E. Moreover, they're unaware of any ledger book that includes prospective customers waiting to complete their deposit and agreeing to eventually buy the"Demand for the C 63 S E is currently largely and consistently close to zero," explained the advisors.When asked why this is happening, salespeople said that BMW M and Audi RS vehicles are making people switch from AMG because of their already proven drivetrains. Another significant advantage of something like the M3 Competition or the Audi RS3 is that they are available at better price points.Keep in mind that people are willing to jump ship to BMW M or Audi RS even though not all their models have a V8. A 3.0-liter inline-six cylinder powers the M3, while the RS3 boasts a 2.5-liter five-cylinder. Even the RS5 hides a 2.9-liter V6 under its hood.Salespeople also believe that Mercedes-Benz is not genuinely delivering on its promise to combine luxury and true high performance with this new iteration of the C Class.Independent reviews of the C 63 S E have also not been very good. Most journalists that drove one said that the car feels heavy, the turbo lag is noticeable, the chassis isn't set up properly, the sway bars are too stiff, and it's overall a rough experience.The sound system trying to compensate for the natural exhaust noise loss also contributes to a tiring behind-the-wheel experience because of the bass pounding on your eardrums.Maybe that's why another report claimed Mercedes-Benz decided to put the V8 back into the C63 S. Hopefully, that'll convince fans of the brand to get the sedan. Or is this a sign that Mercedes-Benz should have ditched high-performance plug-in hybrids and gone directly for the likes of Tesla Model 3 Performance?We'll know soon enough. For now, one thing can be said - those that choose a C 63 S E for their garage won't be able to put that sticker next to their car's badge saying, "Only milk and juice come in two liters."In the end, Mercedes-AMG tried to please everyone and ended up pleasing nobody Photo: Screenshot Youtube | Theottle Exterior Design at a Glance and Interior Features What About the Power? Photo: Screenshot Youtube | Theottle When Should I Start Saving Up for It? These past few years, the Prius has lost significant ground to Tesla's EVs , as it's no longer a constant presence in the garages of those who think they're saving the world by driving an 'eco-friendly' car. But even so, the nameplate has withstood the test of time, and the automaker based in the Land of the Rising Sun has constantly made it better. It is currently in its fifth generation, and we can dare to say that it's sexier than ever.Beneath the eye-catching skin lies a very familiar platform: the TNGA-C. You will find it on cars such as the Corolla, Corolla Cross, C-HR, and Lexus UX, among others. This has allowed Toyota to keep the pricing in check, as while it may be a bit costlier than its predecessor, it remains an affordable product. The 2023 model starts at $27,450 with the hybrid and $32,350 with the plug-in hybrid (Prius Prime) powertrain, and if you feel like it deserves a bit more oomph than the former's 194 hp and the latter's 220 hp, then you should wait for the GR Prius to launch.Previewed by the Prius 24h Le Mans Centennial GR Edition Concept at the Le Mans 24 Hours race in June of 2023, the Toyota GR Prius will borrow some of its sporty visuals to draw a line between it and the regular versions. We'd look for a honeycomb pattern on the lower grille, which should be bigger, an integrated apron, bulkier side skirts, a diffuser at the rear, and probably a wing, though not as big as the one of the study. It is likely that Toyota will give it extended fenders, bespoke alloys, and the usual GR logos on the outside, alongside maybe exclusive colors.Inside, it should be business as usual, as it is believed to retain the overall layout of the regular models. Therefore, look for the same widescreen infotainment system on the dashboard and the digital dials mounted behind the steering wheel. However, the latter will likely be different, with an emphasis on the car's sportier nature, and the front seats with extra side bolstering will likely join it. We'd expect the two main displays to feature some exclusive sub-menus and probably load screens, and we think the company's designers will give it new upholstery and trim, perhaps with colorful stitching.Funny you should ask because the concept had the fuel filler cap on the left rear quarter panel. That's specific to the hybrid variant, but we think the production model will be based on the plug-in hybrid. After all, it makes sense to use the punchier assembly to come up with a sportier derivative , doesn't it? The exact output is unknown to anyone who's not directly involved in the project, but we think somewhere in the region of over 300 horses or a bit more is realistic.This, combined with the improved aero and probably wider tracks signaled by the beefed-up fenders, will make it faster at the track and in a straight-line sprint. The brakes will likely be updated , and we expect it to feature some chassis enhancements that will bring the body closer to the road at the expense of comfort, as it should be a bit stiffer. We wouldn't hold our breath for it, but it could also feature a sporty exhaust system for a deeper tone, which could be sprinkled with fake engine noise.Sooner rather than later, obviously, and while there's no official release date yet, we think the car manufacturer based in the Land of the Rising Sun will probably introduce it sometime next year. Either that or an unveiling in 2025. As a result, Toyota's first-ever GR Prius , which will join other sporty GR-branded models in the company's lineup, could start hitting the showrooms in the United States of America, maybe for the 2025 or the 2026 model year. If we were to bet on it, we'd say it could launch as early as the second half of 2024. After all, Toyota still has a lot of things to deal with when it comes to its development, and they have to make sure that it's worthy of the GR name.And since we mentioned the saving up part in the subtitle, we might as well mention the obvious, which is the fact that it will be more expensive than the current range-topper version of the Prius Prime . The XSE is an almost $40,000 affair (MSRP), and it might be a bit more expensive than the GR Supra, which kicks off at $45,540 for the 2024 model year. Presenting the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh and stressing that its people are on the verge of a full-fledged humanitarian catastrophe, Mher Margarian, permanent representative of Armenia to the United Nations, said in his August 11 letter to the president of the UN Security Council that under current circumstances, the Government of Armenia requests the intervention of the UN Security Council as a principal body of safeguarding global security and preventing mass atrocities including war crimes, ethnic cleansing, crimes against humanity and genocide. According to the press office of Armenias Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Margarian emphasized that the severe shortage of essential goods, including food, medicines and fuel, has been exacerbated since June 15, 2023, when Azerbaijan fully blocked the Lachin corridor - the only road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenia and the outer world - by banning any access to Nagorno-Karabakh, even humanitarian. The continued deliberate obstruction of natural gas and electricity supply to Nagorno-Karabakh by Azerbaijan has been detrimental for the daily life of the people. The suspension of all humanitarian supplies coupled with the gradual utilization of limited domestic stocks, targeted shootings of agricultural areas by Azerbaijani Armed Forces, has resulted in an acute food shortage and closures of shops. Due to the lack of essential food and vitamins, approximately 2,000 pregnant women, around 30,000 children, 20,000 older persons, and 9,000 persons with disabilities are struggling to survive under conditions of malnutrition, Margarian wrote. People with chronic diseases, including 4,687 individuals with diabetes and 8,450 individuals with circulatory diseases, are left almost without any medicine needed. As a result of this situation there has been a recorded increase of mortality from several diseases, including cardiovascular diseases and malignant neoplasms. From January to July, compared to the same period of the previous year, the level of anemia among pregnant women under medical observation has reached around 90 percent. This is due to inadequate nutrition and the absence or insufficiency of appropriate medications. Moreover, the hot weather conditions and absence of sanitizers and medicine create risks of epidemics in the region, Armenias permanent representative to the UN added. Margarian went on to emphasize that the deliberate creation of unbearable life conditions for the population is nothing but an act of mass atrocity targeting the indigenous people of Nagorno-Karabakh and forcing them to leave their homes and homeland. Such an infliction of collective punishment upon the people of Nagorno-Karabakh constitutes an existential threat to them should they be left alone vis-a-vis the Azerbaijani aggressive policy, the Armenian representative underscored. On August 8, Nagorno-Karabakhs ethnic Armenian leader Arayik Harutiunian issued an urgent appeal to the international community, asking for immediate action to lift the de facto blockade imposed by Azerbaijan and prevent what he called the genocide of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh. He also called on Armenia to immediately turn to the UN Security Council requesting a discussion of the humanitarian disaster that has emerged in Nagorno-Karabakh as a result of Azerbaijans illegal blockade of the Lachin Corridor. Armenia and ethnic Armenian authorities in Nagorno-Karabakh see the checkpoint that Azerbaijan installed in the Lachin corridor in April as a violation of the terms of a Moscow-brokered 2020 ceasefire agreement that they insist places the vital route solely under the control of Russian peacekeepers. Azerbaijan denies blockading Nagorno-Karabakh and offers an alternative route for supplies via the town of Agdam, which is situated east of the region and is controlled by Baku. Aykhan Hajizade, a spokesman for Azerbaijans Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said on August 11 that Karabakh Armenians scuttled at the last moment arrangements made through the efforts of international partners for the use of the Agdam road by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and a further intensification of traffic through the Lachin road through the ICRCs agency. Hajizade was commenting on a publication in Kommersant, a leading Russian newspaper, that wrote earlier that day, quoting an official familiar with the regional situation, that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had proposed opening the Agdam road first, through which Red Cross vehicles would deliver what was necessary to Nagorno-Karabakh, and a day later, according to Moscows proposal, the Lachin road would be opened. According to the unnamed official, Karabakh Armenians first set a condition that Lachin should be opened not one day later, but simultaneously and then demanded that no Azerbaijani goods be delivered through Agdam. The paper wrote that then a scandal related to Azerbaijans arrest of a Karabakh resident at a checkpoint in the Lachin corridor on charges of war crimes allegedly committed during the early 1990s emerged and the compromise did not happen. Commenting on the article in the Russian daily, Nagorno-Karabakhs de facto Foreign Ministry said on Friday that any initiatives which seek to link the use of the Lachin corridor with unrelated matters or alternative routes, including through Agdam, are essentially attempts to legitimize Azerbaijans breach of its international commitments concerning the Lachin Corridor and to call into question the Trilateral Statement signed by their countrys president on November 9, 2020. This approach, which is being put forward by Azerbaijan, deliberately infringes upon the rights and dignity of the people of Artsakh [Nagorno-Karabakh ed.] and runs counter to the norms of international humanitarian law and human rights-related international law, it said. 12 August 2023 08:30 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more As far as it can be seen, the passion and enthusiasm for Armenian propaganda based on the myth about great Armenia playing out from the Caspian Sea to the Black Sea is getting dampened. This sacred myth for Armenians has a claim that as though Armenians are the most civilized and the most ancient nation in the world, and everybody in the world is obliged to fight and die for them. This fetish belief drove them to the extremes of terrorism, genocide and finally invasion. Even fanatically believing in this fabrication, Armenians tried to wrest Garabagh from Azerbaijan. Taking advantage of the internal turmoils and economic crisis in Azerbaijan, Armenians were able to invade 20 percent of Azerbaijani territories and expelled over 1 million residents from their hometowns 32 years ago. Although it was useless in every visit, Azerbaijan did not take a step back from the negotiations even for a moment. The whole world witnessed the exhausting processes at the negotiating table. Finally, the biggest offer for reintegration - the offer to give Garabagh the highest status - came from Azerbaijan. However, the society, brainwashed with past mythical ideas of the most civilized and ancient nation, rejected this proposal. Even having gone further, David Tonoyan, the former Armenian Defense Minister, solemnly announced a new war, new territories. Following this motto, Armenia attacked Azerbaijan to snatch new territories in 2020. So, Azerbaijan was obliged to respond with a counterattack.. First, Hayk demanded assistance from other nations and called them to come to Garabagh to fight against Azerbaijan for them. Then they started to beg but nobody came to help them due to their brazen and disgraceful ideology. So, the war resulted in a humiliating defeat for Armenians as a result of which Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed the November 10 Statement the capitulation act. Swift and unexpected defeat fumed the Armenian society and they poured into the streets to hold protests. The meeting continued for several days, but nobody understood to whom they protested. The streets of Yerevan were alive with reproaches directed to all nations in the world for not having come to sacrifice themselves for the sake of the "most civilized and ancient" nation. Russian blogger's interview with an unknown old Hay became a culmination of the protests. The old man was very angry and solemnly claimed that he had made Vladimir Putin the president of Russia by shouting. Ostensibly, he asked a friend of a friend of a friend of Boris Yeltsin, the former president of Russia, to make Putin president after him. Actually, the interview revealed how deeply the Armenian myth influenced the citizens. The old man really believed that Armenians are so a well-esteemed nation in the world that even when Russian state apparatus chooses the president, it takes into account the desire of a Hay living in a remote village in Armenia. He was so sure that Vladimir Putin was not elected by Russians but appointed to the post in accordance with his request. So, he reproached Vladimir Putin for not sending the Russian Army to fight against Azerbaijan. All surveys conducted by different foreign organizations read that prior to the war in 2020, the majority of Armenians believed that someone will come to save Armenia. But it did not happen. But Armenians did not accept the reality and continued to take advantage of the goodwill demonstrated by Azerbaijan. Despite being the victor, Azerbaijan complied with the commitments of the November 10 Statement. In contrast, Armenians persistently violate their obligation. Even today, they are reluctant to open the Zangazur corridor. Despite being detected, they continued to transfer illegally some weapons into Khankendi. They did all provocations. Smuggling forbidden products to Khankendi and firing at Azerbaijani servicemen were the last straws. Azerbaijan closed the Lachin Border Checkpoint only for security purpose. Hoping that someone will come to save them, they performed a "tragedy named a humanitarian crisis in Garabagh." Through this period, Azerbaijan offered reintegration again and again. Of course, the answer was no. However, last week, Samvel Babayan, one of the leaders of separatists in Khankendi spoke about opening a common market in Agdam where both Azerbaijanis and Armenians will collaborate initially. Despite he explained his proposal in favor of separatists, many on social media said that it is a hint for integration. As everybody was busy making out the market proposal, Dilara Afandiyeva, the head of the Centre "Women: Peace and Security" operating under the Dilara Aliyeva Azerbaijan Society for Protection of Women's Rights, stated that several Armenians in Garabagh have made calls to the hotline requesting that they wanted to accept Azerbaijani citizenship. She said that Armenians also ask questions about the fate of the people who fought against Azerbaijan in the first and second Garabagh Wars. Besides, they also are interested in getting pensions from Azerbaijan. All this foreshadows the crumbling of the Armenian myth. It reveals that at last Armenians understood that nobody care about them and with such kind of demands they just lose their face. At last, after tasting the the power of the Iron Fist over their heads, they understood that the reintegration is the only solution. --- Qabil Ashirov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @g_Ashirov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 12 August 2023 16:30 (UTC+04:00) The State Service on Property Issues under the Azerbaijani Economy Ministry has finalized the investment competition announced for the sale of state-owned shares of Garadagh Glass Plant OJSC, Azernews reports, citing State Service. According to the received information, on 23 June the tender commission opened envelopes with bids of the bidders, the proposals were evaluated and the winner of the competition was Glass Vay LLC, which offered more favorable conditions. On 2 August, a sale and purchase agreement was signed with the winner of the tender. According to the agreement, the investor should transfer AZN20m ($11.8m) to the state budget and implement an investment program worth AZN10.5m ($6,2m) within two years. The program envisages overhaul and reconstruction of furnace and glass equipment, shops, and purchase of other equipment necessary for production, and improvement of infrastructure (electricity, gas supply, road construction, etc.). --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 12 August 2023 13:45 (UTC+04:00) In order to promote our national and moral values in the Azerbaijani Army and to foster a sense of patriotism among the personnel, the Ministry of Defence conducts joint activities with the State Committee for Work with Religious Organisations, Azernews reports, citing the Ministry. In accordance with the signed plan of joint actions for 2023, representatives of the Committee met with the personnel of military units and held talks. At the event, a minute of silence honored the memory of the national leader of our people Heydar Aliyev and those who rose to the top of martyrdom for the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. The National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan was sounded. The speakers talked about the education of youth in the spirit of military patriotism, the role of our national and moral values in protecting them from bad habits, and the importance of educational measures implemented in this direction. Later, the questions of the staff were answered. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 12 August 2023 10:00 (UTC+04:00) Minister of Digital Development and Communications of Azerbaijan Rashad Nabiyev met with the founder of the Tesla company Elon Musk at the Giga-Texas plant in Austin. The Minister announced this on his Facebook page, Azernews reports, citing the post. "We exchanged views on the planned operation of the Starlink satellite Internet service in our country this year, the launch of satellites belonging to Azerbaijan, as well as on the International Astronautical Congress to be held in Baku in October this year," the minister wrote. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz (Photo : Photo by Suffolk County Sheriffs Office via Getty Images) Gilgo Beach serial killer suspect Rex Heuermann exhibited "disturbing" behavior until his arrest for murdering three women. The Gilgo Beach serial killer case continues to unravel with the revelation that the estranged wife of the accused, Asa Ellerup, is battling spreading cancer. As Ellerup fights her personal battle with the disease, a controversial GoFundMe campaign aimed at aiding her and her children has sparked intense debates about compassion, victimhood, and public support, as per Daily Mail. Wife of a Suspected Serial Killer Amidst Health and Legal Challenges The wife of suspected serial murderer Rex Heuermann, Asa Ellerup, has been dealing with skin and breast cancer for several years. Her health challenges are further compounded by financial concerns, as her insurance coverage provided through Heuermann's architecture firm is set to expire in the coming months. This financial uncertainty adds a layer of stress to her already overwhelming situation, with her husband's arrest looming large. Amidst this complex backdrop, a fundraising campaign initiated by Melissa Moore, whose father was infamously known as the 'Happy Face Killer,'has garnered attention. The campaign has raised over $44,650, intended to support Ellerup's immediate needs and the restoration of her family's home, which sustained damage during the evidence collection process. However, the campaign's focus on providing assistance to the family of a suspect has triggered a passionate debate about the ethics of such support. John Ray, a lawyer representing families of the murdered women, emphasized at a press conference that the Ellerup family should not be considered victims in this narrative. He argued that the true victims are the women who lost their lives, and the focus should remain on them and their families who have suffered immeasurable pain. The Gilgo Beach case centers on the discovery of multiple sets of human remains along Ocean Parkway. Rex Heuermann, a New York City architect and a father of two, was arrested in connection with the murders of several women, known as the 'Gilgo Four,' whose bodies were found wrapped in burlap within days of each other in late 2010, according to CBS News. Read Also: Florida Authorities Arrest Gunman Who Fatally Shot Woman, Injured 2 Others in Home Depot Store Victims, and Justice in the Wake of Alleged Serial Killings The controversy surrounding the fundraising campaign underscores the moral dilemmas inherent in cases involving alleged serial killers. While some view supporting the family of a suspect facing health challenges as a humanitarian gesture, others argue that the focus should remain squarely on the victims and their families, who bear the emotional scars of these heinous crimes. The detailed accounts of the victims in the Gilgo Beach case are a haunting reminder of the tragedy that unfolded. The victims, most of them petite female sex workers with distinctive eye colors, were found dumped along the marshy shoreline near Gilgo Beach in Suffolk County between December 2010 and April 2011. This grim discovery marked the beginning of a years-long investigation that led to Heuermann's arrest. In the midst of this turmoil, Asa Ellerup and her two children, Christopher Sheridan and Victoria Heuermann, find themselves grappling not only with the devastation of the murders but also the aftermath of Heuermann's arrest. The family recently returned to their home after Heuermann's apprehension, only to find it turned upside down by investigators on a quest to find evidence. Asa Ellerup's resolve to hold her family together despite these challenges is evident in her determination to reassure her children that they will get through this difficult period. Her lawyer, Robert Macedonio, dismissed criticism from John Ray, stating that the focus should not be on deflecting empathy from Ellerup but on finding justice for the victims. While the legal proceedings and investigations continue, the Gilgo Beach case stands as a grim reminder of the darkness that can exist in society. The complexities of human emotions, the ethical debates surrounding support for the families of suspects, and the overarching need for justice and closure for the victims all contribute to the intricate narrative that is unfolding on Long Island, New York Post reported. Related Article: US Suicide Deaths in 2022 Reach All-Time High, CDC Data Finds @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. 12 August 2023 12:10 (UTC+04:00) The return of former IDPs to their native lands continues in accordance with the order of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Azernews reports. On August 12, another group of IDPs, made up of 22 families or 106 people, left the Masazir village of the Absheron district for the rebuilt Agali village of the Zangilan district. The IDPs, who temporarily settled in the cities of Baku, Sumgayit, and other residential areas in the Absheron district previously, will start living in their homeland. They are residents of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Agali villages, which were completely destroyed by the Armenians during the occupation. The residents of Agali thanked President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva for their comprehensive care, and expressed gratitude to the valiant Azerbaijani army, which liberated the lands from occupation. The distribution of houses was carried out by drawing lots which is the currently valid rule for providing new residential areas to internally displaced persons, based on the principles of transparency and fairness. The ceremony of drawing lots was held on August 4 in the Repatriation Department of the State Committee. The departure ceremony was attended by representatives of the Azerbaijani State Committee for Refugees and IDPs, the special representative of the Azerbaijani President in Jabrayil, Gubadli and Zangilan districts, Zangilan District Executive Power, and other officials. Thus, the number of families permanently settled in Agali village will reach 108 families or 526 people. Resettlement will continue. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 12 August 2023 11:35 (UTC+04:00) Deprived of Azerbaijani citizenship terrorist Zulfugarov Kamran Azer oglu has illegally crossed over to the territory of Azerbaijan, Azernews reports, citing State Security. Saturday that information about the terrorist's presence in Azerbaijan was verified as a result of an investigation conducted by the State Security Service (SSS) of Azerbaijan and after his location was established, he was detained. Kamran Zulfugarov was prosecuted under Articles 12.1 (criminal law on persons who committed a crime outside the borders of the Republic of Azerbaijan), 279.1 (creation of armed formations or groups not stipulated by the legislation of the Republic of Azerbaijan, as well as participation in their creation and activity) and other articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan and arrested by court decision. As a result of investigative and operational measures, it was established that Kamran Zulfugarov was trained in a special training camp of ISIS in Syria, having mastered the skills of handling firearms and explosives. Zulfugarov's participation in battles motivated by religious radicalism and religious enmity in the Syrian town of Haritan, as well as armed conflicts in the illegal armed group led by Badalov Rovshan Kitab oglu, nicknamed "Uncle Khalid", has been proven. This group is engaged in intelligence and terrorist attacks. "Kamran Zulfugarov told about the crimes he committed during his stay in ISIS," the report says. Evidence was also collected that members of the criminal group, to which Kamran Zulfugarov belonged, beheaded captured people and committed other criminal acts with particular cruelty. During his testimony, Kamran Zulfugarov also gave details of his escape from Syria, expressing regret about joining an illegal armed group and the actions committed. It should be noted that Kamran Zulfugarov was born on December 14, 1983 in Salyan district. In 2013, he left the territory of Azerbaijan, participated in armed conflicts and committed terrorist acts in Syria. Based on materials collected by the State Security Service of Azerbaijan and in accordance with the law, he was deprived of Azerbaijani citizenship and the right to return to Azerbaijan by a court decision in 2018. More detailed video material to the readers' attention: --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 12 August 2023 17:00 (UTC+04:00) Azerbaijani IDPs who returned to their hometown that were librated in 2020 from 30-year Armenian occupation shared their happiness in interviews with local media outlets. Azernews presents some of them: "We return with tears of joy to our lands liberated from occupation by our martyrs and veterans under the command of the Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev," said Raya Mammadova, a resident of Agali village of Zangilan district. "We are indebted to our president, our martyrs, and veterans who gave us this happiness. We have longed for this land for many years. But today I will be reunited with my land. I am so happy, I can't put my feelings into words. "When I became a refugee from Zangilan, I was with my boys. I have my grandchildren now. I am going back with them," Ilgar Mammadov, a resident of Agali village of Zangilan district, emphasized. "It is a very blessed day that we return to our land with such joy " he said. He noted that their family consists of four people. "My parents have been living in Agali village for more than a year. I used to visit them. Now I have completely different feelings," he added. I left my homeland with two children, and now I am returning to the township with three children and five grandchildren" another resident of Agali said "When I left Zangilan, I was 30 years old and married. I had two children. Now my son, who has returned there, is the same age as the one I left there." This was reported by Valida Samadova, a resident of Agali village of the Zangilan district. It should be noted that on August 12, another group of IDPs, made up of 22 families or 106 people, left the Masazir village of the Absheron district for the rebuilt Agali village of the Zangilan district. The IDPs, who temporarily settled in the cities of Baku, Sumgayit, and other residential areas in the Absheron district previously, will start living in their homeland. They are residents of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Agali villages, which were completely destroyed by the Armenians during the occupation. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 12 August 2023 14:50 (UTC+04:00) Armenian residents of Garabagh today crossed the border in the direction of Armenia without hindrance. A total of 9 vehicles of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), 30 people (including 3 ICRC members, 9 drivers, 10 patients, and 1 medical worker) passed through the Lachin border checkpoint in the direction of Khankendi-Gorus, Azernews reports. It should be noted that Azerbaijani citizens of Armenian origin can safely cross the Lachin border checkpoint at any time of the day. All conditions have been created by the Azerbaijani side for their unimpeded crossing of the checkpoint. This once again proves that there are no barriers on the part of Azerbaijan to crossing the checkpoint at the state border. Armenia's statements and actions regarding the border are purely provocative. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 12 August 2023 15:55 (UTC+04:00) The Pakistani newspaper "Parliament Times" has recently published an article headlined "Armenia Trying to Tarnish Image of Pakistan by Unleashing Propaganda". The article claims that Armenia is trying to damage Pakistan's reputation by spreading false information about the country, Azernews reports, citing Parliament Times. The article states that Armenia has been using its diplomatic channels to spread false information about Pakistan, including allegations of human rights violations, religious persecution, and political instability. It further claims that Armenia has been using its media outlets to spread these false claims in an effort to discredit Pakistan. The article also cites a statement from the Pakistani Foreign Office, which states that Armenia's attempts to tarnish Pakistan's image are "unacceptable" and "unfounded". The statement further states that Pakistan is committed to protecting its citizens' rights and will continue to do so. The article also mentions that the Armenian government has been accused of using its diplomatic channels to spread false information about other countries in the region, including Azerbaijan and Turkiye. It further states that Armenia's actions are in violation of international law and could lead to further tension in the region. Finally, the article concludes by stating that Pakistan is committed to maintaining peace and stability in the region and will continue to do so despite Armenia's attempts to tarnish its image. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 12 August 2023 22:00 (UTC+04:00) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is making efforts to restore the Grain Deal, Turkish National Defence Minister Yasar Guler said in an interview with A Haber newspaper, Azernews reported, citing interview. He expressed confidence in the Turkish government's ability to resolve the issue. According to Guler, after the outbreak of war in Ukraine, everyone learnt that Russia and Ukraine are the grain storehouse of the world, "Because the stoppage of grain exports created serious problems," he said. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Death toll from Maui wildfire reaches 89, making it the deadliest in the US in more than 100 years Authorities in Hawaii say a fire that swept through a picturesque town in Maui this week has killed at least 89 people, making it the deadliest U.S. wildfire of the past century Bakersfield, CA (93308) Today Rain ending early. Remaining cloudy. Low 69F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Localized flooding is possible.. Tonight Rain ending early. Remaining cloudy. Low 69F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Localized flooding is possible. Niger President Mohamed Bazoum's allies decided to make a simpler plea to the U.S. and other nations. Recently, they were asking for the U.S. government to help restore Bazoum to power. Now, they only want the United States to help save Mohamed's life. Niger President's Allies Make Simpler Plea to Save Bazoum's Life According to Star and Stripes, supporters and friends of Mohamed have been appealing to the U.S. and other allied nations to help bring back the Niger president to power. However, since Bazoum is still under house arrest in his presidential compound, the Niger leader's supporters decided to ask for something simpler, which is to save his life. Ambassador of the Republic of Niger to U.S. Niger Ambassador Mamadou Kiari Liman-Tinguiri is among Bazoum's friends calling out for the assistance of the United States. "They are killing him. The plan of the head of the junta is to starve him to death," said Liman-Tinguiri. As of press time, the Niger ambassador said that the leader is still confined in a dark basement. Mamadou said that he has been maintaining daily calls with his close friend ever since he was arrested by the coup leaders. The Niger ambassador claims that he calls Bazoum one or more times a day. Read Also: Niger Coup: Rumors of Rebellion Spread as Soldiers Announce Seizure of Nation's President US, UN Concerned About Niger President's Health BBC News reported that the UN and the United States government expressed their concerns about Mohamed's health. "We are greatly worried about his health and his personal safety and the personal safety of his family," said a U.S. State Department spokesperson. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also said that he was concerned about the deplorable living conditions of the Niger leader, as well as his family. Recently, Antony Blinken, the U.S. Secretary of State, reassured that the support of the U.S. government is still ongoing. Meanwhile, Ecowas (Economic Community of West African States) said that they will give coup leaders until Aug. 13 to stand down. Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu said that there's they consider all the options available to help the Niger leader, including the use of force if necessary. You can click this link to learn more about the situation of Mohamed Bazoum. Related Article: Niger Coup: Thousands Show Support for Rebel Leaders Refusing Reinstatement of President @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Bakersfield, CA (93308) Today Showery rains will be accompanied by heavy downpours and strong gusty winds at times, especially early. Low 69F. Winds WSW at 20 to 30 mph, becoming SE and decreasing to 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a half an inch.. Tonight Showery rains will be accompanied by heavy downpours and strong gusty winds at times, especially early. Low 69F. Winds WSW at 20 to 30 mph, becoming SE and decreasing to 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a half an inch. Bakersfield, CA (93308) Today Showery rains containing strong gusty winds and heavy downpours at times. High 73F. Winds NW at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall possibly over one inch. Localized flooding is possible.. Tonight Showery rains will be accompanied by heavy downpours and strong gusty winds at times, especially early. Low 69F. Winds W at 20 to 30 mph, becoming SE and decreasing to 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near an inch. Do you consider Election Integrity an issue of some real importance, or just another conspiracy theory interfering with Democratic Socialist political hegemony? No, complete access to everyone voting, even in a willy nilly manner, is more important than getting it right by limiting access to those that would commit Voter Fraud. Yes, the most inalienable right of real citizens of this Democratic Republic is the Right to Vote, and that right shall remain sacrosanct for perpetuity. Again, I don't vote and I don't care. 709 total vote(s) What's your Opinion? Senate Bill 749,passed along party lines in the North Carolina Senate and now moves on to the state House.As the bill's name implies, SB 749 changes the composition of the state board of elections and county boards from favoring the governor and his political party to an even split between the state's two largest political parties. The State Board of Elections will change from a 3-2 majority to a 4-4 split between Democrats and Republicans. County boards of elections will change to a 2-2 format, losing one member from their board.(Most states leave the administration of elections to an elected secretary of state. North Carolina rejected that approach, instead appointing an independent agency rather than an elected official to oversee our election process. This is so we have elections administered in an even-handed fashion. Unfortunately, our current system is not accomplishing that.)Democrats have complained about this move, with Governor Cooper calling the proposed change anand saying,The claim that an evenly divided board is somehow rigging our election is ironic, given the questionable actions the State Board of Elections conducted during the 2020 election. The board utilized its emergency powers and participated in a collusive settlement with Marc Elias to circumvent state law. Theoretically, an evenly divided board will force compromise from both major political parties in the state rather than allowing one party to have an advantage based on who is in the governor's office.Republicans benefited from the board's current partisan split when Republican Pat McCrory was governor in 2016. After the election had been called for Roy Cooper in the North Carolina Gubernatorial election, the state board of elections, under a 3-2 Republican majority, granted McCrory a full recounting of Durham County's ballots.While balancing the state and county boards of elections is a good thing, the bill has flaws and goes against current court precedent.In a 2016 special session, the state legislature passed legislation modifying the state board of elections, moving four of the eight appointments away from the governor and giving them to the speaker of the House and the pro tem of the Senate instead. A superior court established that the board of elections must be under executive authority and rejected the idea of legislative appointments, citing McCrory v. Berger. The court was correct in ruling against the state legislature as the administration of elections is inherently under the executive branch's authority.The Legislature attempted to comply with that court order by keeping all the appointments to the board of elections while establishing an evenly divided board in 2017. The supreme court rejected this notion under Cooper v. Berger, establishing that the governor's party must maintain a majority to implement theThis elicited a scathing dissent from Justice Martin, accusing the majority of distorting the McCrory v. Berger case. Justice Martin rejected the majority idea that the governor must haveRepublicans in the Legislature should listen to Martin's writings in the McCrory v. Berger case and his dissent in Cooper v. Berger. While the notion of an evenly divided board would likely comply with the state constitution, the administration of elections should be housed under the Executive branch. Understanding that this fragile Republic of the self-governed is in a precarious space in our nation's vast history: What is your honor bound patriotic duty in helping to sustain the continuance of these United States of America? I will depend on my Democratic Socialist politicians to continue to march hard toward the Left to provide Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for all who think and do as they are told. I will defend the Constitution of the United States of America, and support all elected leaders who pledge to protect and insure the continued sovereignty of this Representative Republic. I am very concerned about maintaining my current life style without working. I was told that as long as I vote Democrat, I had nothing to worry about ... but now I worry. 242 total vote(s) What's your Opinion? poll#145 After one full year of the Biden /Harris Administration: Does Joe Biden have the intellectual capacity, and, or the energy to lead the United States of America through the mess that he predominately created ... in just one year? Yes No Unsure 1,171 total vote(s) What's your Opinion? Two out of three U.S. voters have declared that President Joe Biden, 80, might be just a tad too mature to run in 2024. Americans think it's high time he step aside and let younger Democrats fight it out for the nomination, according to a new poll.The DailyMail.com/Tipp poll shockingly discovered that a whopping 67% of registered voters believe Biden - who's become quite the maestro of gaffes and falls - isn't up to the task mentally or physically to serve a second term.It seems Republicans aren't the only ones shaking their heads. Surprisingly, just a third (33%) of Democrats think Biden should gear up for the 2024 race. A staggering 56% believe he should pack his bags and take a break, while another 10% just aren't sure about his prospects.Biden might already have two Democratic rivals jousting for his party's nomination - yes, you heard that right. We're talking about the lifestyle guru Marianne Williamson and the notorious anti-vaxxer Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Though, let's be honest, they might need a miracle to surpass Biden.But waiting eagerly in the wings are esteemed and sprightly younger Democrats who just might give Biden a run for his money against former President Donald Trump, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, or any Republican who manages to snatch the nomination.Names like California Governor Gavin Newsom, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Biden's Vice President Kamala Harris, and his Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg are already gaining attention as the future faces of the Democratic Party.Now, we must admit that Biden himself has acknowledged the legitimacy of the age question. However, he's been trying his best to brush off concerns about his energy levels and sharpness for the job. At 80, Biden is already the oldest president in the nation's history, and he's not backing down from extending that record with each passing day.But let's not forget the criticisms from the Republican side of the aisle. Trump, 77, has taken every opportunity to claim that Biden suffers from dementia.Now, here's where things get really spicy. The survey has uncovered some bad news for Biden's reelection dreams. A whopping three-quarters of respondents are clamoring to see him in a TV debate with the two Democrats who have already thrown their hats into the ring - Williamson and Kennedy.Additionally, 77% of voters from both sides of the aisle want to witness this epic showdown. Of course, the likelihood of this actually happening is about as slim as Biden pulling off a cartwheel. The Democratic National Committee (DNC) has already made it clear that they have no plans for a primary debate.Amongst all the Democratic voters, Biden is the indisputable front-runner, with the support of around 60% of loyal fans.Stay tuned for more jaw-dropping updates as the 2024 race continues to unfold!is the question on everyone's mind. U.S.-based Amazon employees said that they received a return-to-office warning from the giant retailer. Because of this, staff shared their disappointment; asking for a warning is meant to scare them. US-Based Amazon Employees Receive Return-to-Office Warning According to CNN Business, Amazon sent a return-to-office warning to its staff in the United States. The e-commerce giant emailed employees who are not complying with its return-to-office policies. Analysts said that this warning shows Amazon's determination to implement these rules despite the employee backlashes. Some staff decided to take screenshots of the email message and share them on social media platforms. Based on the circulating images, the retailer said that some of its workers are not meeting the expectation of joining other employees in the office at least three days a week. "We expect you to start coming into the office three or more days a week now," said the e-commerce company. Amazon added that many Amazon staff already complied with the return-to-office rules, which were implemented in May; saying that the collaboration of Amazon employees and teams is surging. Read Also: X CEO Linda Yaccarino Claims Big Advertisers are Returning; Here are Some Other Things She Shared Amazon Employees are Outraged Many Amazon employees were outraged by the email message sent by their company. The New York Post reported that the latest warning worsens the tensions within the business of the e-commerce giant. In May, Amazon's workers decided to stage a walkout to protest against the return-to-office policies. Now, there's a high chance this could happen again as Amazon further forces its workers to comply. In an internal Slack channel, an Amazon staff asked if the email warning is supposed to scare them. Another Amazon worker said that the email message is "peak absurdity," arguing that the warning was incorrectly sent to many employees who are already following the return-to-office regulations. Meanwhile, many Amazon employees are asking if the email is a sign that the company will conduct additional layoffs or if it will lead to stricter attendance requirements. Amazon clarified that it might have made a mistake after sending the email to complying workers. "If you believe that you received this email in error, please reach out to your manager to discuss your situation and ensure it is accurately reflected in the system," said the retailer. Related Article: Amazon's Cost-Cutting Efforts Include Removal of In-House Private Label Brands @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. I can hardly believe that 53 years have elapsed since I arrived as a raw RUC probationary constable, fresh out of initial training at Tennent Street police station in north Belfast. It was May 1970 and I was pleased at my posting as the station was responsible for policing the loyalist Shankill and republican Ardoyne. These areas featured regularly in news bulletins about the Troubles, and in my youthfulness, I was hungry for action and excitement. During the next two years, many of my duties were quite mundane, such as spending a full eight hours turn of duty standing at one of the sectarian interfaces to give early warning of trouble. As I gained more experience, I began to be allocated duty in one of the local patrol cars with a fellow constable answering 999 calls and this satisfied the excitement I craved. At times I got more than I bargained for as my colleague and I were the first officers at the scenes of 12 sectarian murders. Some of these victims had been beaten to death while others had been cleanly shot. The hatred that lay deep within some people was unfathomable for us. At that stage, our only duty was to preserve the scene awaiting the arrival of detectives from the CID. I envied their role as they could follow up these crimes and often bring the killers to justice. Consequently, I vowed to apply for acceptance into the detective ranks as soon as I had completed my probationary period. I was successful and in December 1972 I was appointed as a trainee detective and transferred to Springfield Road in republican west Belfast. In the years that followed, I passed my sergeants and inspectors exams and was transferred to HQ Crime Squad, which had a province-wide remit. Promotions followed rapidly, and in 1979, when I was a detective inspector, the legendary head of the CID, detective chief superintendent Bill Mooney, asked me to return to Springfield Road on a temporary basis as they were short handed. Read more Sinn Fein MLA slammed for shameful tweet honouring hunger striker who killed Ballymena mother I relished the thought of getting back to my old stomping ground and soon immersed myself in the detective work I cherished by visiting scenes of crimes, making arrests and interviewing suspects. I had a particular interest in cultivating informants from the interviewees, some of whom I handed over to the Special Branch. An RUC search for Thomas Niedermayer in 1978 However, there was one suspect that I worked hard on to engage his trust and perhaps turn him. I shall hereafter refer to him as Disciple. I had arrested him as one of the earlier interviewees named him and said he was of some importance within the IRA as he was used to travel to different battalion areas in Belfast carrying secret information. I had him arrested and a few days of mental sparring began. He seemed to be living life on edge so to speak and I soon learned he lived on cigarettes and beer. He eventually agreed that hed had enough of the IRA but only admitted that he was a member, which usually carried a sentence of around three years. He agreed to meet with me some days after his release. I met him in due course and he kept his word by unburdening all of the information in his possession. The one crime I was particularly interested in was the kidnapping and disappearance of Thomas Niedermayer OBE, general manager of the Grundig factory in Dunmurry and honorary West German Consul to Northern Ireland. Read more Why do we honour murderers like Thomas McElwee? He had been missing for seven years at that stage. Disciple said he knew little about the crime and he knew better to ask about it lest he was regarded as an informant resulting in him being passed onto Stakeknife for interrogation. However, Disciple had picked up a few snippets of information as the OC of the Andersonstown IRA was his usual drinking partner. He had learned that the operation was the brainchild of Brian Keenan, a high-ranking member of the IRA and Niedermayer had been kidnapped to force the British Government to transfer the Price sisters from an English prison to one in NI, where they would benefit from political status. I pushed Disciple for any more detail, however small, and he said that when his OC lost his inhibitions through drink, he had boasted that Niedermayer had been buried on a fly-tipping site at Colin Glen and had been placed face down so he could dig himself in deeper. Read more Teen girl hit in face with debris from burning vehicle during Derry disorder will require surgery Disciple knew better than to push his OC for more information but laughed at the joke. He also found out that Keenan, who was on the run, had come to Belfast to oversee the operation and had stayed some nights with the adjutant of his battalion and for some reason a John Bradley, whom he regarded as a small-time IRA player had been brought into the operation. Armed with this information, I reported to Bill Mooney at RUC HQ and he was excited at this development and agreed we should exploit it to its fullest. We decided to hire a civil removal company to take away all of the rubbish at Colin Glen, and when we related our plan to the top tier of the NIO, they agreed to provide 50,000 to finance the operation. Three of my CID colleagues and I were determined to be at the site under the guise of an environmental group. On the first day of the fourth week of rain, mud, rats, and irate motorists, we found Niedermayers remains. Some very interesting forensic science work then took place and we convicted two of the gang who had kidnapped and murdered him. There is a desperately sad footnote to the case as the victims wife, two daughters and a son-in-law all committed suicide in the aftermath of the crime. We take a look at the biggest stories of the week in tech, from a camera shy product to a potential billionaire cage fight... There is constant talk in Hollywood of a follow-up to David Finchers 2011 film The Social Network, primarily one which focuses on Facebook captivated (and then didnt) our lives ever since Mark Zuckerberg created the original code of the website in his Harvard dorm. But in the past few weeks, it appears you couldnt just do a simple sequel, youd need a Game of Thrones-esque franchise documenting every twist and turn in the battle for social media. This week also seen two behemoths, Meta and Twitter (which is now, confusingly, X but still technically Twitter) dealt blows in their respective fields, with the latters owner billionaire eccentric Elon Musk kill off Larry the Bird in favour of a shiny new simplistic (and pointless) rebrand to, X while Zucks own rebrand of Twitter lost over 50 million users in his micro-blogging rival Threads. It seems every week users of the once-bird app threaten to jump ship - and they did in their droves when Meta/Facebook/Instagram launched their rival last month, but now it appears teething issues like a catered For You homepage, lack of desktop version and no search feature put off users who have quickly retreated back into the arms of the South African pioneer. Time will tell who will come out on top between the pairs respective rival websites, perhaps we just let whoever wins their long touted cage fight (seriously) get to keep the format which is now edging a little bit closer. The pair have long been playful rivals, but are set to bring it into a ring with Musk writing on X (of course) that he had plan to stream the tussle between the pair live on the website. Zuck responded on Threads (because, of course) he is ready but Musk hasnt got back to him. Read more Musk says his cage fight with Zuckerberg will be streamed on X Maybe its just a case of lost in translation and both are missing each others taunts because theyre on each others respective social media platforms. If only Google+ was still around so the pair could set a date together. In hardware news, Apple still continues to show-off its highly anticipated and visual game changer Vision Pro AR headsetby talking about it. CEO Tim Cook said in an interview this week he wears the device daily, with the California company stating they anticipate the device to reform every aspect of our lives in what is expected to be Apples biggest launch since the iPhone. It remains to be seen how many people will race to pick it up when it is finally released given its eye-watering near 3,000 price tag. You do get to see your surroundings through. After Cooks announcement he left many scratching their still headset-free heads after he didnt share any photographs of himself wearing the device leading to confusion in the tech world as to why if youre loving the device, drop a selfie Tim? Belfasts Christmas lights display will be halved this year due to budget concerns at City Hall. At a Belfast City Council committee meeting this week, councillors were told that the councils static budget was likely to mean that the current city centre festive lighting scheme would need to be scaled back for 2023. Councillors had asked for a report earlier this year looking into the potential for extending the Christmas lighting regime across the city, to provide festive lighting and animation on main arterial routes in the four quarters of the city. However, at the City Growth and Regeneration Committee this week John Greer, Director of Economic Development, told councillors he felt like the harbinger of doom and informed them not only was there no budget to allow lighting arterial routes this year, but the city centre lighting would see a 50% cut. Read more Planning permission submitted for statues of two Belfast women at City Hall He said: I wont labour the bad news in the paper. In short, our budget, given the councils financial pressures this year, had been set as a flat budget, which means there is no financial allocation that would allow us to give funding to lighting in the arterial routes, or animation. In fact, in terms of lighting, I must stress that to secure Christmas lights often takes a significant amount of time to lease or purchase lights. As well as that you need to install mounting infrastructure on the buildings or lights that you are going to hang the lights from, which requires you to secure permission from building owners, agents or statutory bodies that may own street furniture. In our current budget we have a shortfall. Our contractor for the Christmas lights has informed us that costs have increased significantly around insurance, hire for vehicles and equipment, and labour. That means we have a shortfall to install the city centre lighting scheme at the moment using our agreed flat budget, which would see reductions in some of the streets in the city centre. Im sure members are asking why this is different to last year. In years prior to this we received a budget allocation of around 140,000 recurring for Christmas lights, and we received that this year. We have also historically received 100,000 in non-recurrent budget, which has allowed us to install more lights. This year, given the councils financial pressures, we did not secure that non-recurrent budget, so the combined effect of that and the increasing costs has put us in this position. Read more Belfast City Council to install 25 new recycling bins The council report states that the arterial route lighting proposal may be viable in the future via other existing council funding schemes. It states: Members should note there is a pre-existing mechanism for groups to secure funding to programme activity during the festive period. The councils Community Festivals Fund is administered via Culture and the Central Grants Unit. This funding scheme is accessible by community groups but not by the council. Those groups can apply for funding between 2,500 to 10,000 for arts and heritage activities and/or other cultural events that contribute to the cultural identity of an area or group and celebrate the uniqueness of that area or group. In October 2021, members agreed the Vibrant Business Destination programme which provided over 500,000, including 475,000 of funding from the Stormont Department for Communities to increase the footfall and vibrancy of business destinations across the city. The funding provided allowed groups to form constituted associations and develop and deliver action plans for their specific areas. The programme aims to fund 10 action plans along the arterial routes. Christmas events and lighting are eligible investments within these programme conditions. Leading intelligence expert warns of potential danger from crime gangs over PSNI data breach blunder PSNI data release disaster one of the worst security breaches I can recall, says former military spook Philip Ingram Mark Bain Sat 12 Aug 2023 at 09:15 Deputy Director Immigration Enforcement Murad Mohammed (right) with Immigration enforcement officers taking part in an immigration raid in Warrenpoint Seven arrests have been made in Northern Ireland by immigration officials. They came as part of Operation Tornado 2, an operation carried out by the Home Office as part of increasing immigration enforcement visits to target illegal working in the UK. A number of similar raids took place across the UK on Thursday and Friday. The actions in NI on Thursday by the Immigration Enforcement team included targeting a female Chinese national at a restaurant and takeaway in Warrenpoint. The owner of the establishment will now face a fine of up to 20,000. There was an arrest warrant for the woman, who was not suspected of any other criminality beyond illegal working. The team were told in a briefing before the raid that during a compliance visit conducted in September they were not able to search the property as they did not have a warrant at that stage. When immigration officers entered the takeaway there were two men in the restaurant, one was the owner of the establishment whose identity and status was confirmed. The other man was questioned by enforcement officers using a mandarin interpreter over the phone. Immigration enforcement officers taking part in an immigration raid in Warrenpoint He was found to have residency in the Republic of Ireland, but as a Chinese citizen that does not give the man the legal right to work in Northern Ireland. Murad Mohammed was one of the officers involved in the operation. This was part of a national operation, we had intelligence to suggest that there would be people working illegally in the establishment that we visited, we secured a warrant, and we executed that warrant this evening, he said. And we encountered one Chinese male who had no legal basis to be working here, therefore he was promptly arrested. Due to the mans compliance with officers he was allowed to voluntarily return to the Republic of Ireland, after he had his photograph and fingerprints taken at the premises in Warrenpoint. The man was asked by officers if he had the financial means to leave Northern Ireland that evening, with the expectation that he would leave at the latest in one or two days. The owner of the restaurant asked officers if he could issue refunds to customers waiting outside the takeaway who were not permitted to enter while the raid was ongoing. For employing someone who did not have permission to work in Northern Ireland, the owner of the takeaway was given a civil penalty referral notice, that could carry a fine of up to 20,000. Immigration enforcement officers taking part in an immigration raid in Warrenpoint Mr Mohammed said in his view the operation was a success. It was a success, we had reason to believe that they were illegal workers, and we did encounter. On the fine for the owner he added: He had an employee he shouldnt be employing, and therefore, in this case, its going to be up to 20,000. Three vans and around 10 immigration enforcement officers were involved in the raid. When asked on the benefit of carrying out such operations, Mr Mohammed said: It is our responsibility to uphold the immigration law, Illegally employing people undercuts other legitimate businesses, we make sure that by enforcing the law, the continuity of legitimate businesses is able to operate without them being unfairly and illegally undercut. He added: If we can stop people working illegally then that is a success in itself. The raid comes amid a government push to curb illegal immigration, with one of Prime Minister Rishi Sunaks five key promises over recent months centred particularly around the issue of small boats crossing the English Channel. A garda investigation is underway after three male tourists in their 20s were assaulted in Temple Bar on Friday night. The three men were taken to St James Hospital by ambulance for treatment following the assault on Fownes Street Upper just after 10pm last night. The extent of their injuries is unknown. Gardai confirmed that no arrests have been made as a result of the incident. Gardai received reports of an incident of assault that occurred at approximately 10:05pm last night, Friday, 11th of August 2023 on Fownes Street Upper, Dublin 2, a spokesperson said. Three men aged in their 20s were conveyed to St Jamess Hospital for treatment of injuries sustained as a result of this incident. No arrests have been made. Investigations are ongoing. In response to this latest assault of tourists in Dublin, Fine Gael Councillor Ray McAdam told Independent.ie that the Garda Public Order Unit should be on the streets of the inner city every night, particularly around OConnell Street and Temple Bar. This incident in Temple Bar reiterates to me the need for the Public Order Unit needs to be in place from at least 6pm every evening from OConnell Street through to Temple Bar. "Dubliners, tourists and everyone in the city centre must be reassured that there exists a highly visible police presence to maintain public safety and apprehend those involved in these senseless attacks. Garda boots on the ground visible to all is what is necessary to stamp out this type of anti-social and criminal activity occurring on our city streets, Cllr McAdam said. Afghan refugees have been getting knockback after knockback in property searches, according to a volunteer helping with their efforts to find places to live in the UK (Yui Mok/PA) Afghans trying to find accommodation two years after fleeing to the UK for safety have been getting knockback after knockback in their property searches, according to a volunteer who is helping those being evicted from hotels. RAF veteran Matt Simmons, who set up the community aid organisation Bridge to Unity in the aftermath of the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan in August 2021, described the massive difficulty in trying to find housing for people in the private rental sector. The 42-year-old said even arranging a viewing for people is a major hurdle let alone then securing the property as he told of making up to 30 phone calls a day to enquire about accommodation on behalf of people and getting just one or two viewings. Thousands of people were still in hotels almost two years on from the evacuation from Kabul (Dominic Lipinski/PA) Previous figures showed about 8,000 Afghans were still in hotels almost two years on from their evacuation to the UK, with updated numbers due to be published later this month. In July, the Government confirmed Afghan refugees had been given their notice to leave hotels known as bridging accommodation by August 31 and were expected to find other places to stay. Last week, the Local Government Association (LGA) said as many as a fifth of Afghan refugees in some parts of England who have been evicted from hotel accommodation had presented to councils as homeless. Mr Simmons, who did three tours of Afghanistan, said there has been concern among people since they were given the deadline to move. He told the PA news agency: Theres definitely a lot of anxiety there and a lot of worry, and theyre (Afghans are) looking for people to turn to, to look for support. Theyre asking themselves why are landlords being so difficult?. Its hard, you havent really got an answer for them, other than please dont let your morale drop, keep pushing, keep phoning, you will find one, I promise you. He described the efforts of Afghans and organisations helping them to find places to live, saying: We didnt actually comprehend how difficult it would be. He added: We, as part of a coalition of charities, have been phoning round estate agents and landlords. Afghans in hotels the English speakers have been doing the same. And just getting knockback after knockback. He said he believes there are a number of issues making the situation difficult, including a general shortage of housing accompanied by high demand, plus a pushback from landlords and agents. He said: Its probably a mix of both a lack of housing and the amount of people going for any particular house in an area. Then, also, the pushback from landlords and agents as well, not really understanding Afghans and that they were evacuated by British forces, by the British Government, theyve got a right to work, theyve got indefinite leave to remain. He noted a change in tone (from landlords or estate agents) as soon as you say youre speaking on behalf of somebody from Afghanistan and theyre in a hotel. Mr Simmons, who is based in Hampshire, said Afghans who had supported Britain during the conflict there were owed support now in the UK and lamented a lack of on-the-ground resources in place and the slow nature of the help provided. He said: These people supported British forces. (They had to leave) Because of their links to the British, not being able to return to their country for fear of what might happen to them. I just think we owe it to people really. We owe it to these people to support them. I just wish there were better support networks in place and they could have been there (earlier). Matt Simmons said the Government has provided good financial help for Afghans but suggested more practical support is needed (Matt Simmons/PA) He said while those with good English skills have been able to move into accommodation reasonably quickly due to being able to negotiate the UK housing market and jobs market easier, others with limited English have been left behind a little bit. He praised Government financial help but suggested more practical help has been needed. He said: The offer from the Government is very, very generous, but unless youve got the support mechanisms in place, then it kind of all falls apart. Those support mechanisms start in the local authorities and in the hotel. Ben Beadle, chief executive of the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA), said: We condemn any instances of racial prejudice or discrimination wherever they may occur. Refugees, as with all renters, are facing the impact of a supply crisis in the rental market, with 20 requests to view each available home to let. The NRLA blamed tax policies intended to reduce the number of available homes to rent and called on ministers to revisit these damaging policies if we are to stand any chance of meeting housing need. They added: To compound matters, many of those Afghan households seeking alternative accommodation are being hit by the ongoing freeze on housing benefit rates. The Government has said it understands the difficulties in finding and securing a home in the private rental market but that it is providing extensive support to help guests find their first settled home in the UK through its Find Your Own Accommodation scheme which involves working with local councils who have been provided with 285 million of funding to support Afghans with their moves. A migrant boat leaving France for the United Kingdom capsized early on Saturday morning, August 12. The tragedy killed at least six people, while rescuers pulled out more than 50 others. 6 Fatalities, 54 Persons Saved Around 6:00 AM local time, French officials allegedly started a large rescue effort as dozens of migrant boats attempted to cross the Channel simultaneously. The town's mayor, Franck Dhersin, told Reuters that several boats encountered serious difficulties. Bodies were discovered tragically close to the beach town of Sangatte. According to the report, French maritime officials confirmed the deaths of at least six people and indicated that rescue efforts were still underway. A rescue boat volunteer said their team had rescued 54 individuals from the drowning vessel. Overcrowded and sinking, she said the migrants were using their shoes to bail water out of the vessel. Herve Berville, France's junior minister for maritime affairs, will go to Calais, where one of the migrant boats sank, as announced by French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne. "My thoughts are with the victims," Borne said on X (previously Twitter) messaging platform. The British coastguard claimed they sent a lifeboat from Dover, together with a rescue crew and medical workers, to help in the search and rescue. In a second incident on Saturday, the British coastguard reported that a UK Border Force vessel and two lifeboats successfully rescued everyone on board another small boat in the Channel. British Home Secretary Suella Braverman remarked, "My thoughts and prayers are with those affected by the tragic loss of life in the Channel today. This morning, I spoke with our Border Force teams who have been supporting the French authorities in response to this incident." Also Read: UK: Labour Party to House Asylum Seekers on Barges While Clearing Backlog Risky Trip From France to the UK In recent years, thousands of asylum seekers have tried the perilous journey from France to England. Fox News said human traffickers prey on the migrants' desperation by cramming them onto flimsy boats at risk of the seas and heavy maritime traffic as they attempt to reach Britain. According to the British authorities, over 100,000 asylum seekers have tried to enter the country via traveling through France in the last year. More than 15,000 people have attempted to enter the country illegally this year. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of Britain has sworn to "stop the boats" after criticism from his party's dwindling ranks. Sunak claimed success in June when the number of crossings was down 20% from the previous year, but the Labour Party has accused him of doing little to remove a backlog of thousands of asylum petitions, even as new migrants continue to come. The cost of providing lodging for the migrants that arrive in the UK is estimated to be $7.4 million per day (6 million). Also Read: 41 Feared Dead in Mediterranean Sea Migrant Shipwreck Off the Italian Coast @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Education Secretary Gillian Keegan has said pupils must expect lower results this year (James Manning/PA) Teenagers receiving their A-level results must expect lower grades than last year so universities and employers can properly distinguish between candidates, the Education Secretary has said. In England, this years national A-level results on Thursday will be similar to those before the pandemic. It comes after Covid-19 led to an increase in top A-level grades in 2020 and 2021, with results based on teacher assessments instead of exams. Gillian Keegan wrote in the Sunday Times: During the pandemic, results were higher because of the way grades were assessed now grades will be lower than last year and more similar to 2019. Pupils and parents might wonder why. It is vital that qualifications hold value so that universities and employers understand the distinction between grades when recruiting, and pupils get the opportunities they deserve. Professor Alan Smithers, director of the Centre for Education and Employment Research at the University of Buckingham, has suggested 59,154 fewer A* grades and 35,505 fewer A grades will be awarded to sixth-formers this year compared with last year. He added that nearly 50,000 students could miss out on getting the A* and A grades they could have expected last year if this summers grading returns to pre-pandemic standards. But schools minister Nick Gibb has said additional protection is in place this year where grade boundaries will be altered if senior examiners find national evidence of a drop in standards compared with 2019. School leavers are expected to face more competition for university places due to a growth in 18-year-olds in the population and international demand. Clare Marchant, chief executive of Ucas, told school leavers to research options and prepare a plan B ahead of A-level results day. One person is said to have died in the incident (Gareth Fuller/PA) One person has died and five others are in a serious condition after a boat carrying migrants sank in the Channel, French authorities have said. Two British ships and several French vessels have been involved in a search and rescue operation, Frances Maritime Prefecture of the Channel and the North Sea said. Early on Saturday morning, information was received from a patrol boat that a migrant boat was sinking off Sangatte. Six people were recovered in a serious condition, one of whom was then taken by helicopter to Calais hospital and declared dead, a statement from the prefecture said. Home Secretary Suella Braverman is expected to chair a meeting with Border Force officials later on Saturday morning. A UK Government spokesperson said: We are aware of an incident in the Channel. HM Coastguard are working on a co-ordinated response and further information will be provided in due course. Dover Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) crew with rescue teams from Folkestone and Langdon Bay and South East Coast Ambulance have also been sent to respond, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said. The RNLI said the crew set off just before 4am. An investigation has also been opened by the Boulogne prosecutors office. It comes after 755 people crossed the English Channel in small boats on Thursday, the highest daily number so far this year, confirming the total since 2018 has passed 100,000. Since current records began on January 1 2018, 100,715 migrants have arrived in the UK after making the journey, according to analysis of Government data by the PA news agency. Thursdays figures were recorded as another major search and rescue operation was launched after 17 migrants went overboard and were pulled from the water. The Home Office said they were all taken ashore for medical checks. Shadow immigration minister Stephen Kinnock said the latest incident was an appalling, deeply shocking tragedy. We must stop these crossings and defeat the criminal people smugglers. There can be no more headline-chasing gimmicks or madcap schemes that just make everything worse, he wrote on Twitter. Enver Solomon, CEO of the Refugee Council, said the incident underscores the need for meaningful action to reduce dangerous crossings, and urged the Government to focus on creating an orderly and humane asylum system. We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life in todays sinking of a boat in the English Channel. Our hearts go out to the victims, survivors, and their loved ones. We also thank the rescuers who helped save many lives under harrowing circumstances, he said. He accused the Government of focusing on passing expensive and unworkable legislation and shutting down existing safe ways to get to the UK, adding: There are constructive alternatives we have set out that would create an orderly and humane asylum system. US attorney general Merrick Garland has appointed a special counsel in the Hunter Biden probe, a surprise move that intensifies the investigation into the presidents son ahead of the 2024 election. Mr Garland noted the extraordinary circumstances of the matter as he named David Weiss, the US attorney in Delaware who had already been probing Hunter Bidens financial dealings, as special counsel after plea deal talks in the case broke down. The sudden turn of events raises fresh questions about the case against Hunter Biden on tax evasion and a gun charge, deepening an investigation that was close to resolution just weeks ago. Mr Weiss had asked to be named special counsel, gaining broad authority to investigate and report out his findings. US attorney David Weiss (Suchat Pederson/The News Journal via AP, File) It comes as the Justice Department has taken the unprecedented step of indicting former president Donald Trump, who is President Joe Bidens chief rival in next years election, in two separate cases. It also puts questions about Mr Bidens family at the forefront of the 2024 presidential election. Speaking at the Justice Department, Mr Garland said he expects the special counsel to work expeditiously in an even-handed and urgent manner. Mr Garland said Mr Weiss, who had been appointed by Mr Trump as US attorney, told him this week the investigation had reached a stage in which he should continue as special counsel. Upon considering his request, as well as the extraordinary circumstances relating to this matter, I have concluded it is in the public interest to appoint him as special counsel, Mr Garland said. The announcement of a special counsel is a significant development from the typically cautious Mr Garland and provides Mr Weiss with independence, authority and budget to pursue the investigation. It is not fully clear why the attorney general took the step in appointing a special counsel for the Hunter Biden case, but prosecutors in Delaware also announced on Friday that plea deal talks Mr Weiss was pursuing in the tax evasion case had hit an impasse. In a court filing on Friday, Mr Weisss team said charges would be better filed in California or Washington. Though Mr Garland has said Mr Weiss always had the authority to file outside Delaware, the venue may have been a factor in his request to be named special counsel. Nevertheless, the announcement ensures the Justice Departments probes of Mr Trump, and now of Mr Bidens youngest son, who used drugs and whose personal entanglements have trailed his fathers political career, will carry into election season. The federal cases differ significantly: Mr Trump has been indicted and is awaiting trial in two separate cases brought by special prosecutor Jack Smith. Former president Donald Trump (Robert F Bukaty/AP) One is over Mr Trumps refusal to turn over classified documents stored at his Mar-a-Lago estate. The other involves charges of fraud and conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election in the run-up to the January 6 2021 attack on the Capitol. In the case of Hunter Biden, the president has not been accused or charged with any wrongdoing by prosecutors probing the affairs of his son. Hunter Bidens lawyer Chris Clark said little has changed about their understanding of the situation and the prosecutors role. Whether in Delaware, Washington, DC, or anywhere else, we expect a fair resolution not infected by politics, Mr Clark said in a statement. President Biden has said repeatedly he does not talk with his son about business. Mr Trumps team on Friday questioned the independence of the special counsel Mr Weiss, who he himself had appointed. But a Trump spokesman said the prosecutor should move quickly, and anyone found with wrongdoing should face the required consequences. Mike Pence, another Republican rival for the presidency in 2024, told reporters at the Iowa State Fair that he welcomed the special counsel appointment as he made his own dig at the Biden family. To be honest with you, I cant relate to what his son was doing when he was vice president, said Mr Pence, who served alongside Mr Trump. When I was vice president, my son was flying an F35 in the Marine Corps defending this country. Mr Garland said Mr Weiss will have all the resources he requests to probe the matter. Last month, Hunter Bidens plea deal over tax evasion and a gun charge collapsed after US District Court Judge Maryellen Noreika, who was appointed by Mr Trump, raised multiple concerns about the specifics. Hunter Biden (Julio Cortez/AP) House Republicans had derided that agreement as a sweetheart deal as they pushed their own probe into Hunter Bidens business dealings. House Republicans have been struggling to connect the sons work to his father, and so far they have not been able to produce evidence to show any wrongdoing. Representative James Comer, the Republican chair of the House Oversight Committee, has been leading the congressional inquiry into Hunter Bidens financial ties and transactions. Mr Comer joined forces with two chairmen of powerful House committees to launch a larger investigation into claims by two IRS agents who said the Justice Department improperly interfered in the years-long case. The Republicans claimed Mr Weiss was being blocked from becoming a special counsel. It is a claim Mr Weiss and the Justice Department denied. The Kentucky legislator has obtained thousands of pages of financial records from various members of the Biden family through subpoenas. Since then, Mr Comer has brought in a former business associate of Hunter Biden, Devon Archer, who provided fresh insight during closed-door evidence into how the Democratic presidents son capitalised on his relationship with his father, who was then vice president, to court foreign investors. Mr Archer said Hunter Biden was using the illusion of access in Washington. But he offered no tangible evidence that Joe Biden played any role in his sons work beyond saying hello during their daily family calls or as he stopped by a couple of dinners. Mr Comer joined other Republicans on Friday in rejecting the appointment of a special counsel, calling it a cover-up by the Justice Department, and vowed to continue his own probe. Special counsels are typically appointed to investigate cases where the Justice Department perceives itself as having a conflict or where it is deemed to be in the public interest. As special counsels, they are not subject to day-to-day supervision from the Justice Department, though they are still overseen by the attorney general. They have a budget and, unlike most prosecutors, are expected to produce a report at the end of their investigations explaining their findings and decisions. Mr Weiss was nominated by Mr Trump to serve as Delaware US attorney in 2017 and was retained after Mr Biden took over so he could continue to oversee the Hunter Biden investigation. People who fled from Myanmar collect donated clothes at a temporary distribution center in Farkawn village near the India-Myanmar border, in the northeastern state of Mizoram, India, Nov. 20, 2021. Authorities in the Indian border state of Manipur have begun collecting biometric data from thousands of Myanmar citizens who fled conflict between armed ethnic groups and the Burmese military, but the refugees fear the data could be shared with the junta, several refugees told Radio Free Asia. Since fighting broke out on July 22 in Khampat, a town on the Myanmar side of the border, more than a thousand local residents have fled to Manipur, one of Indias northeastern states. They have not been able to return. They are among about 50,000 Myanmar citizens who have fled to India since the junta ousted Myanmars democratically elected government in a coup in 2021. The Indian government has been collecting biometric data since the end of July. Refugees, aid workers and human rights activists are concerned that India will arrest Myanmar citizens using the collected biometric information and hand them over to the junta or that they could be swept up into internal conflicts in India. Refugees from Myanmar are required to record their fingerprints, eyes, face, and voice, a Myanmar refugee, who requested anonymity for security reasons, told RFAs Burmese Service. They register by scanning the eyes and all 10 fingerprints. The data has been collected as if we are migrants from another country, the refugee said. The first place the biometric data was collected was in prison. The refugee said that all of the refugees deing detained by Indian authorities would be registered within the next three to four days. All of us outside the prison will have to register ourselves as migrants in police stations as migrants, and we will have to provide our biometric data to do so. Another refugee said many felt unsafe because they worried that the biometric data could be used against them. Additionally, they feared that the government was increasing security measures because the refugees could be swept up in a local ethnic conflict. Armed Kuki men guard a checkpoint at Torbung village in Churachandpur district, in the northeastern state of Manipur, India, July 23, 2023. [Adnan Abidi/Reuters] In the conflict between the Meitei and Kuki, two local Indian ethnic groups, the Kuki tribe is protecting the Myanmar refugees. So in return the refugees seem to support the Kuki, the second refugee said. Indian authorities might have concerns that the refugees might be involved or complicit in the conflict which could lead to our mistreatment at the local level as well. According to a statement of the Manipur state government on July 29, the biometric data collection process started in the foreigner detention center near the Sajiwa prison in East Imphal district. Indian media outlets reported that the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs, Manipur and Mizoram state officials discussed the issue of registering Myanmar refugees in April 2023 and decided to start the process in Manipur state. Current directives from the ministry authorize biometric data collection in Manipur starting on July 29 and ending on Sept. 30. Concerns The biometric data could enable the selective arrest of any refugee who is wanted by Myanmars junta, Salai Dohka, an official for an India-based organization called India for Myanmar, told RFA. Myanmar political activists who [the junta] regard as criminals who are sheltering in India could be sent back to Myanmar in some form of criminal exchange, said Dohka. We are also worried that Myanmar refugees in India could be accused of committing drug and other unlawful crimes and could be used as scapegoats in ethnic disputes caused by political conflicts in India. Salai Tel Ra, the program manager of Chin Human Rights Organization, told RFA that the collection of biometric data should not be done and there was a rising concern about how this information would be used. This information is related to the rights of each citizen and their survival and security, said Ra. They should not force the refugees to give up their biometric data. It would be another story if the stakeholders voluntarily consent to it. In fact, [the refugees data] is none of the Indian governments business. RFA attempted to contact both the Indian Embassy in Yangon and the Indian Foreign Ministry in New Delhi for comment on the situation, but neither responded immediately. Officials of the East Imphal district in Manipur state were also not responsive to questions. The Myanmar Embassy in New Delhi did not reply to emails asking if they would protect the refugees. The juntas spokesperson in the Sagaing region did not respond to telephone calls. This report was produced by Radio Free Asia (RFA), a news organization affiliated with BenarNews. August 11/12, 2023 - Information Clearing House - " Tom Dispatch" - In his message to the troops prior to the July 4th weekend, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin offered high praise indeed. We have the greatest fighting force in human history, he tweeted, connecting that claim to the U.S. having patriots of all colors, creeds, and backgrounds who bravely volunteer to defend our country and our values. As a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel from a working-class background who volunteered to serve more than four decades ago, who am I to argue with Austin? Shouldnt I just bask in the glow of his praise for todays troops, reflecting on my own honorable service near the end of what now must be thought of as the First Cold War? Yet I confess to having doubts. Ive heard it all before. The hype. The hyperbole. I still remember how, soon after the 9/11 attacks, President George W. Bush boasted that this country had the greatest force for human liberation the world has ever known. I also remember how, in a pep talk given to U.S. troops in Afghanistan in 2010, President Barack Obama declared them the finest fighting force that the world has ever known. And yet, 15 years ago at TomDispatch, I was already wondering when Americans had first become so proud of, and insistent upon, declaring our military the worlds absolute best, a force beyond compare, and what that meant for a republic that once had viewed large standing armies and constant warfare as anathemas to freedom. In retrospect, the answer is all too straightforward: we need something to boast about, dont we? In the once-upon-a-time exceptional nation, what else is there to praise to the skies or consider our pride and joy these days except our heroes? After all, this country can no longer boast of having anything like the worlds best educational outcomes, or healthcare system, or the most advanced and safest infrastructure, or the best democratic politics, so we better damn well be able to boast about having the greatest fighting force ever. Leaving that boast aside, Americans could certainly brag about one thing this country has beyond compare: the most expensive military around and possibly ever. No country even comes close to our commitment of funds to wars, weapons (including nuclear ones at the Department of Energy), and global dominance. Indeed, the Pentagons budget for defense in 2023 exceeds that of the next 10 countries (mostly allies!) combined. And from all of this, it seems to me, two questions arise: Are we truly getting what we pay so dearly for the bestest, finest, most exceptional military ever? And even if we are, should a self-proclaimed democracy really want such a thing? The answer to both those questions is, of course, no. After all, America hasnt won a war in a convincing fashion since 1945. If this country keeps losing wars routinely and often enough catastrophically, as it has in places like Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Iraq, how can we honestly say that we possess the worlds greatest fighting force? And if we nevertheless persist in such a boast, doesnt that echo the rhetoric of militaristic empires of the past? (Remember when we used to think that only unhinged dictators like Adolf Hitler boasted of having peerless warriors in a megalomaniacal pursuit of global domination?) Actually, I do believe the United States has the most exceptional military, just not in the way its boosters and cheerleaders like Austin, Bush, and Obama claimed. How is the U.S. military truly exceptional? Let me count the ways. The Pentagon as a Budgetary Black Hole In so many ways, the U.S. military is indeed exceptional. Lets begin with its budget. At this very moment, Congress is debating a colossal defense budget of $886 billion for FY2024 (and all the debate is about issues that have little to do with the military). That defense spending bill, you may recall, was only $740 billion when President Joe Biden took office three years ago. In 2021, Biden withdrew U.S. forces from the disastrous war in Afghanistan, theoretically saving the taxpayer nearly $50 billion a year. Yet, in place of any sort of peace dividend, American taxpayers simply got an even higher bill as the Pentagon budget continued to soar. Recall that, in his four years in office, Donald Trump increased military spending by 20%. Biden is now poised to achieve a similar 20% increase in just three years in office. And that increase largely doesnt even include the cost of supporting Ukraine in its war with Russia so far, somewhere between $120 billion and $200 billion and still rising. Colossal budgets for weapons and war enjoy broad bipartisan support in Washington. Its almost as if there were a military-industrial-congressional complex at work here! Where, in fact, did I ever hear a president warning us about that? Oh, perhaps Im thinking of a certain farewell address by Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1961. In all seriousness, theres now a huge pentagonal-shaped black hole on the Potomac thats devouring more than half of the federal discretionary budget annually. Even when Congress and the Pentagon allegedly try to enforce fiscal discipline, if not austerity elsewhere, the crushing gravitational pull of that hole just continues to suck in more money. Bet on that continuing as the Pentagon issues ever more warnings about a new cold war with China and Russia. Given its money-sucking nature, perhaps you wont be surprised to learn that the Pentagon is remarkably exceptional when it comes to failing fiscal audits five of them in a row (the fifth failure being a teachable moment, according to its chief financial officer) as its budget only continued to soar. Whether youre talking about lost wars or failed audits, the Pentagon is eternally rewarded for its failures. Try running a Mom and Pop store on that basis and see how long you last. Speaking of all those failed wars, perhaps you wont be surprised to learn that they havent come cheaply. According to the Costs of War Project at Brown University, roughly 937,000 people have died since 9/11/2001 thanks to direct violence in this countrys Global War on Terror in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, and elsewhere. (And the deaths of another 3.6 to 3.7 million people may be indirectly attributable to those same post-9/11 conflicts.) The financial cost to the American taxpayer has been roughly $8 trillion and rising even as the U.S. military continues its counterterror preparations and activities in 85 countries. No other nation in the world sees its military as (to borrow from a short-lived Navy slogan) a global force for good. No other nation divides the whole world into military commands like AFRICOM for Africa and CENTCOM for the Middle East and parts of Central and South Asia, headed up by four-star generals and admirals. No other nation has a network of 750 foreign bases scattered across the globe. No other nation strives for full-spectrum dominance through all-domain operations, meaning not only the control of traditional domains of combat the land, sea, and air but also of space and cyberspace. While other countries are focused mainly on national defense (or regional aggressions of one sort or another), the U.S. military strives for total global and spatial dominance. Truly exceptional! Strangely, in this never-ending, unbounded pursuit of dominance, results simply dont matter. The Afghan War? Bungled, botched, and lost. The Iraq War? Built on lies and lost. Libya? We came, we saw, Libyas leader (and so many innocents) died. Yet no one at the Pentagon was punished for any of those failures. In fact, to this day, it remains an accountability-free zone, exempt from meaningful oversight. If youre a modern major general, why not pursue wars when you know youll never be punished for losing them? Indeed, the few exceptions within the military-industrial-congressional complex who stood up for accountability, people of principle like Daniel Hale, Chelsea Manning, and Edward Snowden, were imprisoned or exiled. In fact, the U.S. government has even conspired to imprison a foreign publisher and transparency activist, Julian Assange, who published the truth about the American war on terror, by using a World War I-era espionage clause that only applies to American citizens. And the record is even grimmer than that. In our post-9/11 years at war, as President Barack Obama admitted, We tortured some folks and the only person punished for that was another whistleblower, John Kiriakou, who did his best to bring those war crimes to our attention. And speaking of war crimes, isnt it exceptional that the U.S. military plans to spend upwards of $2 trillion in the coming decades on a new generation of genocidal nuclear weapons? Those include new stealth bombers and new intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) for the Air Force, as well as new nuclear-missile-firing submarines for the Navy. Worse yet, the U.S. continues to reserve the right to use nuclear weapons first, presumably in the name of protecting life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. And of course, despite the countries nine! that now possess nukes, the U.S. remains the only one to have used them in wartime, in the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Finally, it turns out that the military is even immune from Supreme Court decisions! When SCOTUS recently overturned affirmative action for college admission, it carved out an exception for the military academies. Schools like West Point and Annapolis can still consider the race of their applicants, presumably to promote unit cohesion through proportional representation of minorities within the officer ranks, but our society at large apparently does not require racial equity for its cohesion. A Most Exceptional Military Makes Its Wars and Their Ugliness Disappear Heres one of my favorite lines from the movie The Usual Suspects: The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he did not exist. The greatest trick the U.S. military ever pulled was essentially convincing us that its wars never existed. As Norman Solomon notes in his revealing book, War Made Invisible, the military-industrial-congressional complex has excelled at camouflaging the atrocious realities of war, rendering them almost entirely invisible to the American people. Call it the new American isolationism, only this time were isolated from the harrowing and horrific costs of war itself. America is a nation perpetually at war, yet most of us live our lives with little or no perception of this. There is no longer a military draft. There are no war bond drives. You arent asked to make direct and personal sacrifices. You arent even asked to pay attention, let alone pay (except for those nearly trillion-dollar-a-year budgets and interest payments on a ballooning national debt, of course). You certainly arent asked for your permission for this country to fight its wars, as the Constitution demands. As President George W. Bush suggested after the 9/11 attacks, go visit Disneyworld! Enjoy life! Let Americas best and brightest handle the brutality, the degradation, and the ugliness of war, bright minds like former Vice President Dick (So?) Cheney and former Secretary of Defense Donald (I dont do quagmires) Rumsfeld. Did you hear something about the U.S. military being in Syria? In Somalia? Did you hear about the U.S. military supporting the Saudis in a brutal war of repression in Yemen? Did you notice how this countrys military interventions around the world kill, wound, and displace so many people of color, so much so that observers speak of the systemic racism of Americas wars? Is it truly progress that a more diverse military in terms of color, creed, and background, to use Secretary of Defense Austins words, has killed and is killing so many non-white peoples around the globe? Praising the all-female-crewed flyover at the last Super Bowl or painting rainbow flags of inclusivity (or even blue and yellow flags for Ukraine) on cluster munitions wont soften the blows or quiet the screams. As one reader of my blog Bracing Views so aptly put it: The diversity the war parties [Democrats and Republicans] will not tolerate is diversity of thought. Of course, the U.S. military isnt solely to blame here. Senior officers will claim their duty is not to make policy at all but to salute smartly as the president and Congress order them about. The reality, however, is different. The military is, in fact, at the core of Americas shadow government with enormous influence over policymaking. Its not merely an instrument of power; it is power and exceptionally powerful at that. And that form of power simply isnt conducive to liberty and freedom, whether inside Americas borders or beyond them. Wait! What am I saying? Stop thinking about all that! America is, after all, the exceptional nation and its military, a band of freedom fighters. In Iraq, where war and sanctions killed untold numbers of Iraqi children in the 1990s, the sacrifice was worth it, as former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright once reassured Americans on 60 Minutes. Even when government actions kill children, lots of children, its for the greater good. If this troubles you, go to Disney and take your kids with you. You dont like Disney? Then, hark back to that old marching song of World War I and pack up your troubles in your old kit-bag, and smile, smile, smile. Remember, Americas troops are freedom-delivering heroes and your job is to smile and support them without question. Have I made my point? I hope so. And yes, the U.S. military is indeed exceptional and being so, being #1 (or claiming you are anyway) means never having to say youre sorry, no matter how many innocents you kill or maim, how many lives you disrupt and destroy, how many lies you tell. I must admit, though, that, despite the endless celebration of our militarys exceptionalism and greatness, a fragment of scripture from my Catholic upbringing haunts me still: Pride goeth before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall. Copyright 2023 William J. Astore Bennington, VT (05201) Today Mostly clear this evening then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low 59F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Mostly clear this evening then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low 59F. Winds light and variable. The Associated Press reported on stories circulating online incorrectly claiming that Dominion Voting Systems owns a bank that donated $2 million to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Stay up to date on Berkshires news with Berkshires in Brief, our free daily newsletter Start the day with the lastest headlines PITTSFIELD The state increased the city's risk level after a third test of the local mosquito population turned up positive for the presence of West Nile virus. The positive test promoted the state to upgrade Pittsfields West Nile virus risk level to moderate, meaning infection with WNV is likely or has occurred in humans, the office of Mayor Linda Tyer said in a statement. There still have been no confirmed cases of West Nile virus in humans in Pittsfield, according to the city. West Nile was detected in a sample taken by the Berkshire County Mosquito Control Project near Cheshire Road in the city's Allendale neighborhood. The result the confirmed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. The city said that residents should take the following precautions: Make sure screens are free of holes and eradicate mosquito breeding sites Be aware of stagnant water on private property (e.g., unused swimming pools) Wear long sleeves and long pants from dusk to dawn, weather permitting Use mosquito netting on baby carriages and playpens Wear mosquito repellent when outdoors, most importantly between dusk and dawn Dump standing water two times each week Information from The New York Times and the Boston Globe was included in this report. Clarence Fanto can be reached at cfanto@yahoo.com. Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield, pictured in 2020. As part of the $56 billion state budget signed last month, Massachusetts must develop a tiered system for transporting patients to hospitals that have various designations for providing stroke care, including the ability to treat the most severe strokes. Mary Starsja makes a purchase from Megan Wendling-Kane at Temescal Wellness in 2019. The Cannabis Control Commission is mulling a swath of regulatory changes that would clear the way for people with criminal records to work in marijuana shops and give the CCC new authority over community host agreements. August 11/12, 2023 - Information Clearing House - " The Telegraph " - A source says that in conversation with a foreign politician, it emerged that their government assumes Joe Biden will not be the Democratic nominee in 2024. Joe will pull out before the first primaries; it will be too late for a grassroots candidate to enter the fray; an establishment stooge will be crowned at the convention. And the name of that lucky winner? Michelle Obama. Its a wild scenario, but if it does happen, please remember that you read it here first. This anecdote confirms what Ive heard from UK sources, too: when governments engage with Biden they feel they are dealing with the face of an administration but not always the person in charge. Were the Democrats to drop him from their presidential ticket, the world would understand. The race is tied, which is too close for comfort; Biden is unpopular; he is ageing before our very eyes (the latest gaffe is that he called the Grand Canyon one of the nine wonders of the world - built, if you know your history, by the Phoenicians). Doubts about his capabilities are enhanced by the grim alternative should he expire in office. The charmless Kamala Harris is one of those deeply average people who, unaware that her limited knowledge isnt the sum of human understanding, talks to everyone as if they were simpletons. Her latest pearl was to inform an audience that community banks are in the community - a revelation to those who thought they were in the Grand Canyon. Click Here To Get Our FREE Newsletter We face a rematch between two unpopular nominees, Biden v Trump, which nobody really wants. So why not ask/force one of them to retire? Assuming it will never, ever be Trump - thanks to various legal troubles, his own choice is now between the White House or prison - it would be logical to persuade Joe to do the decent thing, or else dump him without letting him know. One can imagine a Good Bye, Lenin scenario wherein Biden is relocated to a mock-up of the Oval Office and is told he is still president. Nancy Pelosi could be wheeled in from time-to-time to ask if hes any closer to ending the Great Depression. Swapping-out Biden would pose big challenges. There are deadlines for filing to run in primaries - Nevada, for example, is as close as October - and a Democratic convention hasnt been properly fixed since 1968. Is Joe happy to be told what to do? Has he ever operated an independent agenda? A Michelle Obama replacement would suggest hes always been Baracks third term, a conspiracy theory endorsed by Barack Obama in a 2021 interview. He said: Joe and the administration are essentially finishing the job begun by Obama and paused by Trump, noting that ninety per cent of the folks who worked for him are now back at their desks. This was an exaggeration, but not by much. The figure of Obama people working for Biden, among his top 100 aides, was closer to 75 per cent. The Biden presidency has its own character; hes spent more money and pushed the cultural issues harder. Obama was more cautious for fear of being labelled a radical. Nevertheless, journalists often joke that Obama is running the country from his iPhone, and a recent, much-read interview between reporter David Samuels and historian David Garrow highlighted a curious detail: Obama still lives in central Washington DC, violating the historical agreement that ex-presidents should move away. Samuels notes that Obama has openly lobbied on internet censorship and gun control, and suggests that he lingered in DC society to serve as a potent symbol of the legitimate political order that had been stolen by Trump (never forget how many liberals said 2016 was a fix). The interview is most famous for Garrows claims that, as a young man, Obama fantasised about gay sex, but more pertinent is the suggestion that Obama is the guiding hand in Biden-era foreign policy. Its turtles all the way down, argues Samuels. There are obviously large parts of White House policymaking that belong to Barack Obama because they are staffed by his people, who worked for him and no doubt report back to him. He concludes: personnel is policy, adding that the arrangement is spooky because it operates outside the constitutional framework. So, a court coup to replace Biden with the next Obama available, far from being revolutionary, would reinforce the line of political continuity that stretches from 2008-2024, with only Trumps election as a temporary aberration (Michelle has revealed that his amusing inauguration caused her to sob uncontrollably). Mrs Obama has always polled well. She has published two best-selling books of biography and womanly wisdom. She has served in the White House. She is known by everyone but, unlike Trump, has retained some of the enigma of privacy. She has denied that she has any intention of running for the presidency, but thats usually a sure-fire sign that someone is interested. As for the suggestion that her overnight nomination would be too fantastical, too Hollywood - has our sense of the possible not been radically expanded by Donald Trump? Mrs Obamas opponent would be spending much of the election cycle in court. There is no normal anymore in US politics. Talking Points Memo: The failure of the Biden administration is only getting more and more obvious by the day. Heres three major agencies that are falling apart. President Biden snaps at reporter for asking about Hunters text messages. SCOTUS rules on states control over elections and agrees to hear case on wealth tax. Bill renews calls for investigation into Zuckerbergs efforts into the 2020 presidential election. Former Prosecutor Cully Stimson on his new book Rogue Prosecutors: How Radical Soros Lawyers are Destroying Americas Communities. Reuters releases report that says all living US Presidents descended from slaveholders all expect Donald Trump. Smart Life: pickleball injuries This Day in History: International Body Piercing Day Final Thought: Leaving money to kids, charities & friends In Case You Missed It: Read Bill's latest column, "They're Not Victims" It's the 'Summer Reading Special!' 'Killing the Killers,' Killing the Legends,' and 'Killing Crazy Horse' all for $32.95. We'll also give you a FREE 'Team Normal' hat. 'Team Normal!' gear is 15% for a limited time. Go to BillOReilly.com now and order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Rise of HEALTHCARE WEARABLES Wearable technology is becoming increasingly popular in the healthcare industry. These devices can track a variety of health metrics, including heart rate, blood pressure and sleep patterns. They can also be used to provide remote patient monitoring and early warning systems. The wearable healthcare market in India is rapidly growing due to the increasing awareness of health and fitness among the Indian population, the prevalence of chronic diseases and the governments support for the adoption of wearables. Of course, there are a few challenges that need to be addressed, such as the lack of regulatory guidelines for wearables, the high cost of some devices and the lack of awareness about the benefits of wearables among the general public. Despite these challenges, the wearable healthcare market in India is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. This growth will be driven by the increasing demand for wearables from consumers and healthcare providers. Lets explore further. In April of this year, the FBI began an investigation to determine who was using illegal software to spy from within the United States on persons in Mexico. The software was illegal because its Israeli manufacturer, a company called NSO, had previously crafted other software for the FBI, which President Joseph Biden had put on a Department of Commerce blacklist. Stated differently, because NSO manufactured software that enabled the government to violate the Fourth Amendment, all NSO-manufactured products are prohibited from use in the U.S. Yet, somehow NSO had bypassed the federal embargo on its products and someone was using at least one of those products unlawfully. The FBI investigation determined that the user of the illegal software was: THE FBI ITSELF. Here is the backstory. During the Trump administration, the FBI paid $5 million to NSO for a license to use its "zero-click" surveillance software called Pegasus. Zero-click is software that can download the contents of a targets computer or mobile device without the need for tricking the target into clicking on it. The FBI operated the software from a warehouse in New Jersey leased by its customer, the American importer of the software. Before revealing any of this to the two congressional intelligence committees to which the FBI reports, it experimented with the software. The experiments apparently consisted of testing Pegasus by spying illegally and unconstitutionally, since no judicially issued search warrant had authorized the use of Pegasus on unwitting Americans by downloading their personal data from their devices. The FBI later claimed that these experiments were harmless, as it never used the downloaded data. When congressional investigators learned of these experiments, the Senate Intelligence Committee summoned FBI Director Christopher Wray to testify in secret about the acquisition and use of Pegasus, and he did so in December 2021. He told the senators that the FBI only purchased Pegasus "to be able to figure out how bad guys could use it." Is that even believable? In follow-up testimony in March 2022, Wray elaborated that Pegasus was used for governmental needs "as part of our routine responsibilities to evaluate technologies that are out there, not just from a perspective of could they be used someday legally, but also, more important, what are the security concerns raised by those products." More FBI gibberish. Thereafter, dozens of internal FBI memos and court records caused Sen. Ron Wyden, Democrat of Oregon and a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, to question the veracity of Wrays testimony. Wydens skepticism provoked the FBI reluctantly to reveal that it had ordered its own version of Pegasus, called Phantom, which NSO tailor-made for hacking American mobile devices. In July 2021, when Biden personally put a stop to the FBIs use of all NSO products, the congressional intelligence committees assumed that that was the end of it. Biden and his advisers concluded that NSO products were too tempting for the FBI and its intelligence community cousins, as the use of this software without a search warrant was a violation of the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution. The Fourth Amendment was written to preserve the natural right to privacy and to cause law enforcement to focus on crimes, not surveillance. The instrument of these purposes is the requirement of a judicially issued search warrant before the government can engage in any surveillance. A search warrant can only be issued based on probable cause of crime demonstrated under oath to the issuing judge and a showing that the place to be searched or person or thing to be seized is more likely than not to reveal evidence of crime. As well, the warrant must specifically describe the place to be searched and things to be seized. Warrants can only be issued for investigations of actual crimes that have already occurred, not for experiments. The Fourth Amendment contains some of the most precise language in the Constitution, as it was written intentionally to thwart the rapacious appetite of governments to snoop, which the British did to the colonists using general warrants. General warrants were not based on probable cause of crime and lacked all specificity. Rather, they were based on government needs a totalitarian standard because whatever the government wants it will claim it needs and they authorized the bearer to search wherever he wished and seize whatever he found. After The New York Times revealed the results of Freedom of Information Act requests for memos and court documents pertaining to NSO, they showed a vast determination by FBI management to offer NSO products to FBI agents and other federal law enforcement and surveillance personnel. Last week, the FBI found the importer of the illegal NSO software: its own customer who leases the New Jersey warehouse where the illegal Pegasus software is stored. And it revealed that it had used the NSO product before realizing it was illegal. Before realizing it was illegal? Who would believe that? The FBI was using software illegally imported into the US by its regular customer who had been banned from importing the product. All of this leaves us with an FBI out of control and run by a director who has been credibly accused of misleading Congress while under oath a felony and whose agents have been credibly accused of computer hacking also a felony. Who knows what other liberty-assaulting widgets the FBI has in its unconstitutional toolbox about which Wyden and his investigators have yet to learn? The whole purpose of the Fourth Amendment is to protect the right to be left alone and to compel the government to focus on solving crimes, not predicting them. Todays FBI has agents who are professional computer hackers. Todays FBI has morphed from crime fighting to crime anticipating. Todays FBI is effectively a domestic spying operation nowhere authorized in the Constitution. It should be defunded and disbanded. Andrew P. Napolitano, a former judge of the Superior Court of New Jersey, is the senior judicial analyst at Fox News Channel. Judge Napolitano has written seven books on the US Constitution. The most recent is Suicide Pact: The Radical Expansion of Presidential Powers and the Lethal Threat to American Liberty. To learn more about Judge Andrew Napolitano, visit https://JudgeNap.com. Australia was, arguably, ground zero for the lockdown/mandate/masking agenda. I dont recall seeing more shocking, hardcore images of government brutality than the ones leaked from the Land Down Under. https://rumble.com/vpnas8-northern-territory-chief-minister-if-you-are-anti-mandate-you-are-anti-vax.html A small, but laudable, contingent of Aussies in a sea of compliant slaves has emerged to lead their countrymen out of this mess, to the extent that such a feat is possible in a captured state such as Australia. Here is Sen. Matt Canavan drilling down on a non-compliant Pfizer shill appearing before his committee. Canavan asks repeatedly a very basic question: "Did Pfizer test whether your COVID-19 vaccine could stop or reduce the transmission of the virus before its approval and rollout in late 2020?" This question has a very clear "yes" or "no" answer. Instead of providing it, the Pfizer shill takes the moment to vomit out a PR word salad that has nothing to do with the question asked. Canavan repeats the question, more word salad, and the farcical cycle continues for several minutes. We know now, of course, why the Pfizer shill won't address the question head-on: Pfizer didn't test for transmission in its trials (while also committing fraud, by the way). But that didn't stop Public Health officials, the corporate state media, and government actors from lying about this very critical issue upon which the entire moral justification for vaxx mandates hinged. Youre not going to get COVID if you have these vaccinations. -Joe Biden, July 21, 2021 Vaccinated people do not get sick do not spread the virus. -CDC Director Rochelle Walensky, March 29, 2021 When people are vaccinated, they can feel safe they will not be infected. -NIAID Director Anthony Fauci May 17, 2021 https://twitter.com/jimmy_dore/status/1688001331121070080?s=03 Here's that same Pfizer shill from the same hearing refusing to offer anything but standard industry talking points when confronted with the very real and documented injection side effect of myocarditis. https://rumble.com/v34fn1p-australian-senator-gerard-rennick-grills-evasive-pro-vaccine-pro-pfizer-doc.html While watching these demons squirm under (rare) intense scrutiny is entertaining, it's equally infuriating that they refuse to answer straightforward questions right in front of the world and no one stops them. Instead, they allow the witness to "take the question on notice," which just means that if and when an answer is ever forthcoming, it's sure to be mindless PR drivel vetted by Pfizer lawyers before release to the public. They're not going to stop obfuscating and lying brazenly, at that until there are real consequences meted out for this kind of behavior. Nothing short of Nuremberg II will suffice, to be followed by swift and publicly televised justice. As long as I'm breathing, there will be no "pandemic amnesty," as the lockdown and mandate architects have pleaded for as if they just made an honest, well-intentioned mistake. When we win this fight against literal fascism the merger of corporate and state power -- these people will be made to pay dearly for their sins. Ben Bartee, author of Broken English Teacher: Notes From Exile, is an independent Bangkok-based American journalist with opposable thumbs. Follow his stuff Substack if you are inclined to support independent journalism free of corporate slant. Also, keep tabs via Twitter. For hip Armageddon Prose t-shirts, hats, etc., peruse the merch store. Insta-tip jar and Bitcoin public address: bc1qvq4hgnx3eu09e0m2kk5uanxnm8ljfmpefwhawv The US State Department pressured Pakistan to remove Prime Minister Imran Khan from power over his "aggressively neutral position" on the Ukraine-Russia war, a leaked cable reveals. From The Intercept: SECRET PAKISTAN CABLE DOCUMENTS U.S. PRESSURE TO REMOVE IMRAN KHAN "All will be forgiven," said a U.S. diplomat, if the no-confidence vote against Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan succeeds. by Ryan Grim, Murtaza Hussain The U.S. State Department encouraged the Pakistani government in a March 7, 2022, meeting to remove Imran Khan as prime minister over his neutrality on the Russian invasion of Ukraine, according to a classified Pakistani government document obtained by The Intercept. The meeting, between the Pakistani ambassador to the United States and two State Department officials, has been the subject of intense scrutiny, controversy, and speculation in Pakistan over the past year and a half, as supporters of Khan and his military and civilian opponents jockeyed for power. The political struggle escalated on August 5 when Khan was sentenced to three years in prison on corruption charges and taken into custody for the second time since his ouster. Khan's defenders dismiss the charges as baseless. The sentence also blocks Khan, Pakistan's most popular politician, from contesting elections expected in Pakistan later this year. One month after the meeting with U.S. officials documented in the leaked Pakistani government document, a no-confidence vote was held in Parliament, leading to Khan's removal from power. The vote is believed to have been organized with the backing of Pakistan's powerful military. Since that time, Khan and his supporters have been engaged in a struggle with the military and its civilian allies, whom Khan claims engineered his removal from power at the request of the U.S. The text of the Pakistani cable, produced from the meeting by the ambassador and transmitted to Pakistan, has not previously been published. The cable, known internally as a "cypher," reveals both the carrots and the sticks that the State Department deployed in its push against Khan, promising warmer relations if Khan was removed, and isolation if he was not. The document, labeled "Secret," includes an account of the meeting between State Department officials, including Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu, and Asad Majeed Khan, who at the time was Pakistan's ambassador to the U.S. The document was provided to The Intercept by an anonymous source in the Pakistani military who said that they had no ties to Imran Khan or Khan's party. [...] The contents of the document obtained by The Intercept are consistent with reporting in the Pakistani newspaper Dawn and elsewhere describing the circumstances of the meeting and details in the cable itself, including in the classification markings omitted from The Intercept's presentation. The dynamics of the relationship between Pakistan and the U.S. described in the cable were subsequently borne out by events. In the cable, the U.S. objects to Khan's foreign policy on the Ukraine war. Those positions were quickly reversed after his removal, which was followed, as promised in the meeting, by a warming between the U.S. and Pakistan. The diplomatic meeting came two weeks after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which launched as Khan was en route to Moscow, a visit that infuriated Washington. On March 2, just days before the meeting, Lu had been questioned at a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing over the neutrality of India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan in the Ukraine conflict. In response to a question from Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., about a recent decision by Pakistan to abstain from a United Nations resolution condemning Russia's role in the conflict, Lu said, "Prime Minister Khan has recently visited Moscow, and so I think we are trying to figure out how to engage specifically with the Prime Minister following that decision." Van Hollen appeared to be indignant that officials from the State Department were not in communication with Khan about the issue. The day before the meeting, Khan addressed a rally and responded directly to European calls that Pakistan rally behind Ukraine. "Are we your slaves?" Khan thundered to the crowd. "What do you think of us? That we are your slaves and that we will do whatever you ask of us?" he asked. "We are friends of Russia, and we are also friends of the United States. We are friends of China and Europe. We are not part of any alliance." In the meeting, according to the document, Lu spoke in forthright terms about Washington's displeasure with Pakistan's stance in the conflict. The document quotes Lu saying that "people here and in Europe are quite concerned about why Pakistan is taking such an aggressively neutral position (on Ukraine), if such a position is even possible. It does not seem such a neutral stand to us." Lu added that he had held internal discussions with the U.S. National Security Council and that "it seems quite clear that this is the Prime Minister's policy." Lu then bluntly raises the issue of a no-confidence vote: "I think if the no-confidence vote against the Prime Minister succeeds, all will be forgiven in Washington because the Russia visit is being looked at as a decision by the Prime Minister," Lu said, according to the document. "Otherwise," he continued, "I think it will be tough going ahead." Lu warned that if the situation wasn't resolved, Pakistan would be marginalized by its Western allies. "I cannot tell how this will be seen by Europe but I suspect their reaction will be similar," Lu said, adding that Khan could face "isolation" by Europe and the U.S. should he remain in office. The "rules-based international order" strikes again. Follow InformationLiberation on Twitter, Facebook, Gab, Minds and Telegram. Past, Present, and Future: When Legitimate Anticommunism Becomes a Danger for Czech Democracy 12. 8. 2023 / Muriel Blaive cas cteni 12 minut In his recent piece in Britske listy , which was itself a reaction to the defense of Josef Baxas nomination to the Constitutional Court by Boris Cvek also in Britske listy , Jan Culik kindly recalled my research in Ceske Velenice. In it I had showed that even in a localized, extreme version of the communist dictatorship, the regime found some ways of accommodating the needs of the workers: the latter were allowed to swim in a biotope pool located in the middle of the border forbidden zone in an exotic landscape of control towers and armed border guards, as well as to pick mushrooms and blueberries amidst the same armed guards while enemies of socialism were presumably reduced to slaloming between them on their path to freedom. This shenanigan was justified by the need of the regime to please its public opinion beyond its usual display of force and restraint. On the other hand, Jan Culik also underlined that certain professions were discredited beyond repair under normalization, amongst which those of judge, soldier, procurator, and policeman, so that a certain tolerance vis-a-vis the social contract is finding its limit here. The behavior of such professions, he wrote, shows that they are capable of collaborating with whatever regime. Reality is always more complicated This is of course true to a point, and difficult to disagree with. And yet. As often, I would argue that things might not be so black and white. As the very motto of Britske listy puts it, Reality is always more complicated. I can think of not a few individuals who, as far as I can judge and beyond an obvious reconstruction bias (the reality of their past behavior is not easy to judge from todays point of view), seem to have remained decent people no matter their profession and the timing in which they exercised it. For example in Ceske Velenices train station, a particularly harsh, policed institution since it was the last stop before the Iron Curtain, the station master who was in charge before 1989, of course a party member, remained in place well into the 2010s, not because he was an apparatchik appointed by the regime, but because he was a genuinely nice person and a boss liked and respected by his employees. He was put in place by the regime, yes, but he was freely elected and reelected after 1989 by his employees. The way he handed me the keys to his office so I could stay in it alone and study the archives after hours was not exactly the behavior of someone who had something to be ashamed of. Did he know at the time of his nomination what the regime had done in the 1950s? He assured me he did not. Is this true? Of course I cannot say. What I can report is that in 1990, since there were no more May Day parades in Czechoslovakia he proudly went to the May Day parade in Vienna, which would seem to indicate that he held genuine left-wing ideals. As many Communists who had been engaged in the public sphere before 1989, he remained in the party and pursued his involvement in the town council after 1989. He stepped down only in 1992, somewhat discouraged by the new capitalist mentality frenzy. But even the position of station master was not one of those compromized professions Jan Culik mentions. No matter: I happen to have interviewed also a former policeman, Vladimir Dzuro. Why did he become an officer of the criminal police in the 1980s? Because he wanted to catch criminals. This is hardly a reprehensible aim even under a dictatorship, a society might wish not to let murderers run loose in its midst. Let us repeat the cycle of questions: did he know at the time of his nomination what the regime had done in the 1950s? He assured me he did not. Is this true? Of course I cannot say. What I can say is that even though he was a compulsory party member, had been appointed by the regime, and belonged to the repressive apparatus (even if repression was not part of his own professional daily assignment), he made a spectacular and deserved career after 1989 as one of the most distinguished representatives of the Czech Republic in international police and judicial institutions: after serving at Interpol, he became the only Czech investigator at the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, then pursued his career at the UN. Obviously, a newly established democracy cannot conjure uninvolved policemen and judges out of thin air. The new, democratic police and justice forces after 1989 had to be made at first of communist regime policemen and judges. As a side note, Mr Dzuro was not called for duty to maintain order in the streets of Prague on the evening of 17 November 1989, nor before or in the days thereafter, even though his unit was on stand-by. But he could have. What would he have done? His career could have been very different after that. Does this make him a potentially bad person? This is the whole question. My tentative answer is that there probably were decent people even amongst the police force, just as there probably were unsavory characters even amongst the dissidents. Humanity does not always pick sides and chance can genuinely change human destinies in either direction. I believe it was Vaclav Havel who claimed one could become a dissident just by happenstance, as the sheer result of a given set of circumstances. One rule which we might derive from these personal, concrete examples is that overall judgements on a group of people might be true in general, but they are not always true for individuals, so that the risk of injustice in this pre-ordained collective judgement is real. Examples are rife in the history of dealing with the communist past in post-1989 Czechia. The most obvious among them is the 1992 Cibulka list, an unofficial list of former secret police collaborators smuggled out of the Ministry of Interiors archives. Yes, it is true that a large part, probably most, of the persons on the list were former collaborators of the StB. In many cases, the shame these people experienced when seeing their name on the now published list was the only retribution they ever encountered, and they arguably got what they deserved. But there are two caveats: not all people on the list were guilty; and not all people who were *not* on the list were innocent. And to finish answering to Jan Culik, who amongst us can be absolutely certain they would never collaborate with any regime? The hypocrisy of the anticommunists This is where hypocrisy enters the stage as the main character of the story. It is quite amusing to consider the personal path of the most prominent of our anticommunists and chief lesson-givers. Take for instance Eduard Stehlik, the head of the governing board of USTR, who studied Russian and became an employee of the Military Historical Institute before the revolution. Take Nadezda Kavalirova , long a symbol of anticommunism, also former head of the USTR board as representative of the Confederation of Political Prisoners, whose husband was a member of the communist party. Take the darling of the anticommunist media, Petr Blazek, who, despite his young age (he was 16 in 1989), was already a member of the socialist youth. Take the founder and first director of USTR, Pavel Zacek, as well as current board member and beacon of the anticommunist movement, Monika MacDonagh-Pajerova , who were both journalism students before 1989. It is not difficult to imagine what career these personalities would have pursued had the Velvet Revolution not taken place. Pavel Zacek might well have ended as editor-in-chief of Rude pravo rather than USTR director, who knows. What is relevant here is that the narrative of these personalities on their own moral integrity is based not on their personal courage, but on the fall of communism, for which they had done little or nothing while those who had really done much, like Petr Uhl or Vaclav Havel, but also small hands who were not remembered by history but who challenged the regime by their everyday way of being before 1989, i.e. genuinely brave people, were the least boastful about it. What our anticommunists all have in common is their absolute certainty that their personal case is special, a level of self-stylization which can only call for a good measure of eye-rolling. Other people allegedly irremediably compromised themselves and can be freely pilloried, but with them it is unfailingly a different story. It is not a different story. It is exactly the story of Czech society. Without knowing anything specific about Josef Baxa and Robert Fremr, we can generically argue that a bad person under communism remains a bad person under capitalism. Surely, we all have made the experience of meeting a personality of whom we just know they would have been the type to denounce us to the StB, even if they were small children or werent even born in 1989. There is simply such a personality type. I would argue that with the benefit of hindsight, rather than professing necessarily murky judgments on people for what they shortly did or did not do before 1989, unless of course interconvertible documentation is available and their actions are clearly reprehensible, we now have ample opportunity to judge what they have done in the 34 years since 1989, and this is much more relevant cf. the path of Petr Pavel or of Vladimir Dzuro. To live in the past incurs the real danger of endangering the future and of reproducing the vindictive communist mentality. USTR is becoming a public menace Contemporary History illustrates this worrying trend. When I read It is perfectly logical that Petr Pavel would turn to USTR to provide expertise on the past involvement of upcoming Constitutional Court judges. This is what public institutes of memory should be for. But this is also where we see the gravity of USTRs development since February 2022. The insipid disputes amongst USTR supporters in the columns of Echo24 or on Facebook might be laughable, but in this case those at its helm exert real influence and can significantly contribute to destroying Czech democracy, exactly as it is already happening in Poland and Hungary. The recent controversy about the schoolbookillustrates this worrying trend. When I read Michal Klimas denunciation (History cannot be the playing field of manipulators who pick and choose what pleases them or what fits their ideological worldview) and USTRs systemic critique of the textbook (The textbook contains fundamental errors, about which there is no doubt, which may mislead the underage pupils and students for whom the textbook is intended), I must confess I had a moment of doubt. If only a tenth of what they reported was true, the pedagogical value of the schoolbook was indeed questionable. I will leave aside the mass of misleading and irrelevant details USTR invoked and concentrate only on Michal Klimas central point: the textbook allegedly gives the impression it endorses the communist regime as legitimate and good. When I did open the schoolbook, I had to laugh. I should not be surprised, yet I cant help being fascinated at the level of historical fabrication involved in USTRs and Michal Klimas critiques. It is one of the smartest textbooks I have ever seen, one which indeed absolutely deserves an international prize. How I would have loved to have it as a high school student! It is engaging, reflexive, entertaining, it mixes personal, political, and social sources, the micro- and the macro-level, it leads the readers to ask themselves questions rather than provide ready-made answers. It is not remotely supporting communism, only making an effort at understanding the motivation of social actors at the time, many of whom were sincere in their support of the regime sincerely mistaken, we might add. Michal Klimas uncultured jibes show that we are yet again back at the long-standing misunderstanding within Czech society of what revisionist history is supposed to mean. The greatest ideological success of the self-stylized anticommunists after 1989 is to have made the Czech public believe that to ask questions instead of parroting ready-made answers amounted to denying the extent of Nazi or communist repression. Once again: it does not. To be revisionist means to ask questions, not to deny repression. Communists and anticommunists are intellectual twins Another thing the schoolbook does *not* do is to give a list of dates and names and a political wisdom to be learned by rote. No wonder the anticommunists dont like the book it does the opposite of what the communists and their anticommunist intellectual twins like to do: it makes people think. To refuse to publish it and demand a ministerial expertise as if this book represented a public menace is a sinister charade and yet another intimidation maneuver. It would be a mistake to laugh it out, though: slowly but surely, USTR is attempting to drag the country down the authoritarian slide towards a regime in which one is allowed to think only what is printed on official material. The antidote, which brings me back to the question of the judges nomination to the Constitutional Court, is to start seriously debating about the limits of legitimate anticommunism. I cannot imagine that anyone would want to bring back the communist regime today in this country. In this sense, we are all anticommunists. But not everyone is instrumentalizing a legitimate preference for democracy and freedom in order to push an authoritarian agenda of a different sort. Anticommunism is an ideology, too, and one that is ultimately almost as dangerous for democracy as communism itself. 0 August 11/12, 2023 - Information Clearing House - " Mondoweiss " Political Zionism, as laid down in the First Zionist Congress in Basel in 1897, has been brutal from the beginning a colonial racist movement aimed to take someone elses land for its own exclusive use. The only way to accomplish this goal was through forced population transfer. This crime, so hideous that it is deemed a war crime and a crime against humanity, served as the foundation of Zionism as well as Israel, where the forcible removal of Palestinians and the installment of its own identified privileged settler group on that same land formed the basis of the state. While Zionist forces have used military might over the decades to advance this goal, the Zionist movement has also sought to mask this process by placing its atrocities under a legal umbrella. In Zionist logic, not just the mighty sword but also the mighty gavel of the judge would hammer down on Palestinian rights and existence. Legal strategies to promote colonization The Israeli narrative itself describes its own establishment by historic birthright and political turmoil. Zionism wanted to appear modern, democratic, and enlightened not murderous, supremacist, and authoritarian. In 1948 already, Israel issued a series of military orders to place its crimes within a set of legal regulations. The Absentee Property Military Order, later formed into the Israeli Absentee Property Law, was created to further appropriate Palestinian land and belongings by the appearance of a system ruled by the rule of law. According to that rule, Israel declared that all Palestinian refugees and internally displaced persons who were forced out of their homes by the same regime that was prohibiting them from returning were absentees, and therefore all their land and property would be confiscated and transferred to Israeli state ownership. Although a clear violation of international law and principle, the law facilitates ethnic cleansing through legal venues. Another example is how the state has established legal means to prohibit all Palestinian villages and neighborhoods from expanding in size. In practice, this has meant that since 1948 these places have been unable to grow to accommodate their inhabitants, which have quadrupled. A similar regulation was put in place in the territory occupied in 1967, with the same devasting result. The laws and regulations Israel put in place to advance its policies of forced population transfer are almost endless. For instance, in the 1967 occupied cities and areas, more than 2,000 Israeli military orders exist alongside Ottoman, British, and Jordanian laws. Israel chooses which regulations to apply in a specific situation to get the maximum result. And if the law does not exist, a new military order is formulated. This contradictory approach to all international legal principles forms the basis of Israels legal illegality. In recent years Israel adopted laws to further curtail public freedoms, demonize all forms of Palestinian resistance as terrorism, and call all international supporters of Palestinian rights antisemites. The 2018 Nation-State Law is a prominent example of how the Israeli political system is heading further into a majoritarian and authoritarian direction. This law simply codified long-standing existing Israeli practices, in particular, that the right to exercise national self-determination in Israel is exclusively for Jewish people, and therefore made the fundamental imbalance of being a democratic state and a Jewish state clear. The law, in essence, declares if there is a clash between the Jewish and democratic character of the state, Jewishness precedes the latter. Such a grave restriction to democratic principles reveals Israels true nature and stands in direct contradiction to the decades-long mantra of being a Jewish and democratic state. Another example is the recently passed amendment of one of Israels central apartheid laws, the 2010 Village Committees Law, which grants neighborhoods up to 700 households to reject people from moving in to preserve the fabric of that community, naturally leading to Jewish-only communities. According to Adalah, the amendment will lift the limitation on households in five years time, potentially granting Jewish-only admission committees power in all Israeli-controlled areas and cities throughout historic Palestine. An accelerating process Israel designed a displacement strategy through legality to complement its mass deportations in 1948 and 1967. Population transfer is achieved by creating an overall untenable living situation that leaves no choice for the inhabitants other than to leave their homes. This strategy has taken the form of silent transfer, and through it, Israel attempts to avoid international attention by displacing small numbers of people on a weekly basis. However, this policy is gradually being abandoned by Israel and Zionist leaders to make room for a more aggressive displacement strategy. Today, Israeli ministers openly discuss the takeover of holy places, the erasure of whole Palestinian villages, and the deportation of large parts of the population. It seems that Israels leaders, more than 75 years after the original accomplishment of Zionism, the creation of a state, are trying to complete the Zionist vision in their own lifetime. The current judicial overhaul fits into this accelerationist line of thinking. Though it should be pointed out that all Zionist Israeli institutions, including the Israeli Supreme Court as well as all preceding governments, advanced the Zionist goal of colonizing all of historic Palestine, disabling the potential judicial oversight of courts allows for much more quickly adopted and aggressive transfer policies. Israels oppression and systematic dispossession of Palestinians are executed by brute force masked within a web of laws and legal mechanisms. The Zionist elites are currently working on closing any potential loopholes to that system, even though this means sacrificing their own institutions in that process. Thus, Israel will not be able to untangle itself from the web it has weaved, and when actual judicial oversight is applied, its legacy of war crimes and crimes against humanity is all that will remain. Malaysia, China pledge to deepen cooperation in various fields Xinhua) 14:38, August 12, 2023 GEORGE TOWN, Malaysia, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim met with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi here on Friday, during which the two sides pledged to deepen cooperation in various fields. Recalling his successful visit to China in March this year, Anwar said that China is a reliable and good friend of Malaysia, and the two countries have a special and friendly relationship with robust bilateral cooperation. The prime minister said that the two sides have actively implemented the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries and made significant progress in the cooperation on economy, trade, investment, culture and tourism. Chinese companies are welcome to expand investment in Malaysia, and Malaysia stands ready to deepen cooperation with China in various fields to achieve mutual benefit and win-win results, Anwar added. Calling Anwar an old friend of the Chinese people, Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that the leaders of the two countries have established solid mutual trust and friendship, and pointed out the direction for jointly building a China-Malaysia community with a shared future. China is ready to work with Malaysia to maintain the sound and strong development momentum of bilateral relations, bring more benefits to the two peoples, and make new contributions to regional development and revitalization, Wang said. China and Malaysia are both emerging markets and developing countries with similar development concepts and broad common interests, Wang said, adding that the high-quality Belt and Road cooperation between the two countries has yielded fruitful results. Noting that the Belt and Road projects in Malaysia, such as the East Coast Rail Link and the "Two Countries, Twin Parks," have achieved good economic and social effects and showed broad prospects for practical cooperation, Wang said that China is willing to share with Malaysia the mega market opportunities and expand cooperation fields so as to achieve mutual benefit, win-win results and common development. Wang also met on the day with Malaysian Minister of Foreign Affairs Zambry Abdul Kadir. (Web editor: Zhao Tong, Hongyu) Oftentimes, it has been seen that people use the terms continuous integration and continuous deployment interchangeably without knowing the difference between the two. Well, the problem lies in the lack of understanding of the two terms and to make sure it doesn't happen with any tech professional ever again, I have tried to demystify continuous integration and deployment and simplify the software release cycle in this article. In layman's terms, CI and CD are required to ensure that the software is current and that the time to market is shortened. Using a straightforward analogy, continuous integration is comparable to having a chef taste and inspect the cuisine at each stage to ensure that all the ingredients are included properly and that nothing is missing. By doing this, they may find errors early on, correct them promptly, and guarantee that the food is good and complete. Having a magical kitchen that automatically serves the final dish to customers is what Continuous Deployment is like now. This implies that diners won't have to wait for the chefs to personally give them each a dish after it's prepared to their satisfaction. But this was an example just to make things sound simpler for you all. In technical terms, let us understand what these terms mean in a software release content cycle. What is Continuous Integration (CI)? A shared version control repository is regularly updated with code updates from many developers as part of the software development practice known as continuous integration. To maintain the software's functionality and stability at all times, the method entails automating the building, testing, and validation of code modifications. This is how CI operates: Software modifications are made by developers who write code. Developer will commit their code to a central version control system (like Git) once they are prepared to share their updates. A CI server or service keeps an eye out for fresh code commits in the repository. The CI server immediately starts the build process after a commit is found, compiling the code and producing an executable version of the programme. Automated tests are conducted after the build to look for errors or defects in the new code. If the build and tests are successful, the code modifications are deemed "validated," and the team is certain that the new code performs as intended. CI promotes developer collaboration, finds integration problems early, and shortens the time between producing code and finding possible issues. It makes ensuring that the codebase is constantly usable and that future changes do not interfere with functionality that has already been established. What is Continuous Deployment (CD)? In addition to Continuous Integration (CI), Continuous Deployment automates the procedure of delivering verified code changes to production environments. With CD, the verified code is automatically delivered to consumers, enabling the quick availability of new features and issue fixes. Here's how CDs function: The CD system immediately pushes the updated code to a live environment when the CI process has successfully built and tested it. Human mistake is less likely because the deployment procedure is often automated and does not involve manual interaction. The CD system can immediately revert to a previous, stable version of the software if any problems are found either during or after the deployment. By using continuous deployment, users always have access to the most recent and stable version of the product. It facilitates quicker delivery of features and problem fixes and shortens the time between code changes and deployment. It also speeds up the release cycle. Benefits of CI/CD Here are some industrial benefits of CI/CD with examples. Faster Time-to-Market: Faster Time-to-Market: By reducing the time it takes between writing code and putting it into production, CI/CD pipelines make it possible to provide features and bug fixes more quickly. Imagine that your preferred app is awaiting an update. Similar to how quickly a pizza is cooked and delivered, CI/CD enables app developers to swiftly distribute updates, giving you access to the newest cool features and problem fixes. Higher Software Quality: Automated testing makes guarantee that the code is of higher quality, with fewer errors and regressions. Consider software to be like a car; you want it to run smoothly and be error-free. As mechanics inspect the elements of an automobile, CI/CD assists software engineers in testing the components automatically and frequently to identify any flaws and ensure that software is of better quality and runs without bugs. Reduced Risk: Frequent integration and automated testing catch potential issues early, reducing the risk of major failures in production. When building a sandcastle, it's better to add a few buckets of sand at a time and check if the structure is stable rather than piling a lot of sand at once and risk it collapsing. CI/CD does the same by checking the software frequently, so if there's any problem, it's spotted early and fixed, reducing the chance of a big failure when the software is used by many people. Improved Collaboration: Since everyone is working on the same codebase, CI promotes developer teamwork and collaboration. Think of constructing a massive LEGO castle with your friends. Everyone knows what they are working on thanks to CI/CD, which is similar to having a shared instruction manual. When they are finished, they can put the pieces together without any problems. Software developers can collaborate effectively on the same code in this way, just as they would while creating a work of art together. Scalability: Scalability: CI/CD pipelines are easily expandable to accommodate sizable teams and projects. Imagine a factory producing toys. When there are more orders, they hire more people and use more equipment to keep up with demand. When a software project expands or new team members are added, CI/CD can easily handle the increased workload, just like a well-run toy factory can. The software is created and disseminated swiftly as a result. Continuous Feedback Loop: The short feedback loop in CI/CD enables developers to swiftly learn from mistakes and advance. Think about playing a game where each move you make prompts feedback on your performance and places for development. When writing new code, developers use CI/CD to quickly receive feedback indicating whether it is sound or if any problems need to be fixed. How does CI/CD automate code integration, testing, and deployment for quicker and more dependable software releases? Having CI/CD is similar to having magical assistance when developing software. It streamlines and accelerates the process of integrating code modifications, testing, and deployment. So picture yourself working with a group of developers on a software project. With CI, a magical system automatically starts working whenever someone modifies the code and saves it. It compiles the code, executes tests to see if everything functions as intended, and then executes that code. When something goes wrong, it notifies you right away what has to be fixed. By doing this, you can identify concerns early on and address them before they become more serious. After the code has been thoroughly tested and is in good condition, CD takes over. It's like having a small army of assistants that automatically release the verified code into the actual world for people to use. There's no need to wait for protracted manual deployments; everything is completed quickly and effectively. The nicest part about this is that it keeps happening. Integrating, testing, and deploying are ongoing processes that improve the software with each iteration. You receive prompt feedback so you can monitor the performance of your code and make any necessary corrections. You and your team can release new features and bug fixes more quickly than ever before by using CI/CD. Examples of popular CI/CD tools Some of the well-known CI/CD tools are suggested here: Jenkins: The superstar of open-source CI/CD tools is Jenkins. Jenkins is incredibly adaptable and excels at managing large projects. The goal is to simplify life for developers by automating the software delivery process. It can interface with various version control systems, build tools, and testing frameworks thanks to a tonne of plugins. Travis CI: It's like your neighbourhood CI service. Because Travis CI is simple to set up and excellent for testing projects hosted on GitHub, developers adore it. With a configuration file called a.travis.yml, Travis CI keeps things straightforward while supporting several programming languages. CircleCI: Linux and macOS operating systems are supported by the cloud-based CI/CD platform CircleCI. It works well with several version control systems and is user-friendly. Additionally, it provides a tonne of ready-to-use Docker images, which makes building and running tests simple. GitLab CI/CD: GitLab is a collaborative powerhouse and not simply a version control system. Developers may quickly define their CI/CD pipelines using YAML files right in the repository because it has built-in CI/CD capabilities. The best thing, though? The project management and code review tools in GitLab are intimately integrated with the CI/CD functionalities. Like having everything you require in one location! GitHub Actions: A CI/CD service that is directly integrated into GitHub repositories is called GitHub Actions. Developers can use YAML files to construct workflows that automate a variety of operations, such as creating, testing, and delivering software. Projects hosted on GitHub are well-suited for GitHub Actions. TeamCity: JetBrains created the potent CI server TeamCity. It offers thorough assistance for creating, evaluating, and deploying different kinds of applications. The user-friendly interface and effective build distribution across numerous agents of TeamCity are well known. Bamboo: Atlassian, the same company that created Jira and Confluence, offers Bamboo, a CI/CD server. It allows automated deployments, builds, tests, and integrations with other Atlassian products. Azure DevOps: Microsoft's Azure DevOps, originally known as Visual Studio Team Services, is a collection of development tools. The CI/CD service Azure Pipelines, which facilitates developing, testing, and deploying apps to Azure or other cloud platforms, is part of it. Best practices used by organisations for CI/CD Organisations implement a variety of CI/CD best practices to guarantee a seamless, effective, and dependable software delivery process. Let's take a look at the best practices and examples of how businesses use them: Automated Testing: Businesses utilise automated testing as a method to ensure that code updates are thoroughly tested before being made available. This includes unit tests, integration tests, and end-to-end testing. As an illustration, a company runs an online store. Every time website developers add new features or make changes, automated tests are run to make that the shopping cart, payment processing, and other crucial components work as intended. Version Control: Version control is essential for managing developer collaboration and tracking codebase changes. One illustration of a version control system is Git. For instance, a software development team uses a Git repository to manage its codebase. Each developer works on a different branch to add new features. Infrastructure as Code: Infrastructure as Code (IaC) implementation enables companies to manage and supply infrastructure in a repeatable and automated manner. Example: A corporation uses tools like Terraform or AWS CloudFormation to explicitly express its infrastructure requirements in code. When new software is delivered, the infrastructure is automatically given, providing consistency and obviating the need for human configuration. Continuous Integration with Pull Requests: Developers frequently commit their code to a shared repository, and CI pipelines are started on each commit. This is known as continuous integration with pull requests. Pull requests are used in continuous integration, which is what this is. When a developer completes their work on a feature, they could submit a pull request. The CI/CD pipeline automatically runs tests and assesses the quality of the code before integrating the changes into the main branch. Verified code only is merged into the main codebase thanks to this procedure. Monitoring and Observability: Organisations use monitoring and observability techniques to find production-related problems and learn more about system performance. An organisation monitors its services using software like Prometheus and Grafana, for instance. They put up alarms to tell the team if reaction times go over predetermined levels or if error rates suddenly rise. Blue-Green Deployments: During deployments, traffic is switched between two identical environments (blue and green) that are maintained. A web application for a company is active in a blue environment. The green environment is configured with the most recent updates when a new version is prepared for deployment. Traffic is converted from blue to green after the green environment has been confirmed, enabling updates with little to no downtime. These best practices reduce the time between writing code and getting it into users' hands while lowering the chance of errors and failures, assisting organisations in achieving more streamlined, dependable, and efficient software delivery. Well, overall, this is how I could demystify the CI/CD process for you all in as simple terms as possible. State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. 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The drugs are now undergoing analysis by Forensic Science Ireland. A man, aged in his 20s, was arrested as part of this investigation. He was detained at a garda station in the city centre under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996. The man has since been charged and is due to appear in court on Saturday morning. Members of the U.N. Security Council hold a meeting on North Korea at the United Nations headquarters in New York City, April 16. AFP-Yonhap A U.N. Security Council panel has approved sanctions exemptions for the World Health Organization (WHO) allowing the delivery of tents into North Korea, its website showed Saturday. On July 20, the U.N. committee overseeing sanctions approved the waiver on the importation of five "multipurpose" tents into the North for humanitarian relief to civilians to help cope with floods, drought and other emergencies, according to the U.N. website. The exemption will be valid for nine months, the committee said. It remains unclear when the items will be delivered to the North, as the reclusive country maintains border controls due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Yonhap) Updated at 19:53 The assaults in Dublin city centre which left three tourists hospitalised have been labelled as "deeply shocking and unacceptable" by a Sinn Fein TD. Advertisement The men, all aged in their 20s, were assaulted on Fownes Street Upper in Temple Bar just after 10pm on Friday night. It is understood the men were tourists holidaying in the capital when they were attacked. Gardai said they were taken by ambulance to St James's Hospital for treatment. No arrests have been made and investigations are ongoing, gardai said. Advertisement Sinn Fein TD Louise OReilly described the incident in Temple Bar as deeply shocking and totally unacceptable. My thoughts are with the three people receiving hospital treatment for their injuries and I wish them a speedy recovery, she said. Dubliners, those who call this city home, tourists and Gardai, all deserve to be safe in our capital city. Advertisement Ms OReilly said her party has outlined proposals to tackle crime in Dublin. Advertisement A sticking-plaster approach to policing our capital city will not cut it we need real reform to keep communities safe, she said. The incident comes after an American tourist was seriously assaulted and left with life-changing injuries last month in Dublin. An Garda Siochana has been keen to show high visibility in the city centre since the assault. A new policing plan for the capital is to include increased use of search powers, as well as ensuring greater visibility of gardai. As the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite, many of us are looking for ways to save money where we can. Food shops are one of the main things that have become more expensive in recent years so are there any easy ways to save a bit of cash in the kitchen? Advertisement Chefs are on hand to share their top money-saving tips Make simple swaps Suzanne Mulholland, author of The Batch Lady: Cooking On A Budget, recommends letting go of loyalty to brand names. For example, she says: Youre not going to notice a difference in flour yet its about a fifth of the price of a branded one. Mulholland continues: If you love to eat haddock, then buy hake instead. If you like to eat cod, buy coley instead monkfish? Buy seacat. These are all very similar fishes, but theyre just not the most popular ones everybody else buys. Advertisement You wouldnt actually notice the difference between eating a different type of fish, because hake is very much like haddock yet because its not that popular, its half the price. Its also locally sourced, because these are all Irish fish. Maunika Gowardhan, author of Tandoori Home Cooking, also advocates cost-effective swaps. Advertisement If its a chicken recipe, I normally use chicken thighs over chicken breasts, she says. Its a cheaper cut of meat, and its a more flavourful cut of meat. If youre a keen baker, The Great British Bake Offs Kim-Joy has a top tip for you. As butter has become so much more expensive, she recommends using more vegetable oil in baking. Advertisement Make a plan Most people are cooking blindly, says chef Max La Manna. Pulling ingredients together and cooking they do the same when they go to a supermarket, they buy ingredients and a lot of waste happens when people dont have a plan. La Mannas top tip is firstly cook the food you already have before you go out and buy more. After that, its all about making a plan. Shop smarter, says La Manna. Create lists when you go to the supermarket, and stick to that list. Make your ingredients last longer Advertisement Throwing away produce thats gone off is money down the drain so La Manna is keen for us all to make ingredients last longer. Advertisement You can extend the shelf life of ingredients for instance, most people throw away bag salad or herbs, he says. What I do with my bag salad, once I bring it home Ill wash it and also let it sit in cold water because it firms up and it gets crisp and it stays fresh a little longer. Once hes washed the salad, he divides the bag of leaves putting half in a container in a tea towel (to absorb some of the moisture) and use within the next three or four days. The other half I cook in hot water blanch it really quickly, squeeze out the water, then I have this kind of pre-cooked spinach. Roll that up tightly, place it in the freezer and then when I need something in a weeks time a stew, a soup, a curry, a stir-fry pop those in. You can also reduce waste by knowing how to store all your other produce properly. Thats where a lot of waste is coming in, people put ingredients away, they turn their back and the foods already gone bad, says La Manna. Advertisement Know how to store your produce and where to store it potatoes should be kept in a cupboard somewhere dry, dark, cool but well-ventilated so they dont begin to sprout. Same thing with onions. Bananas like to have their own space bananas dont like to be with other ingredients, because they release a chemical and will ripen quicker. Instead of throwing away bananas on the turn, La Manna says: Its great for the freezer, [or] use them in smoothies. Use them as a batter for cupcakes or cakes. Use every part of your ingredients With Chinese food, there really is a no waste policy, says Kwoklyn Wan and he suggests this ethos could help you save money in the kitchen. Even when you peel your onions, use the onion skin in the stock along with anything else you might normally throw away, such as the top ends of carrots or fish heads. View this post on Instagram A post shared by KwoklynWan (@kwoklyn1) Thats so important if people learn to use every part of that ingredient You can have a fantastic dish with all the best bits, and at the end of it, youve got this fantastic soup base. All youve got to do is add really cheap noodles into it, and maybe a few veggies and tofu, some chicken whatever. Advertisement Youve got this lovely broth and thats your next meal completely free, or near enough. Be smart with your ingredients Most of us are guilty of buying an exciting-sounding ingredient for our store cupboard and only using it once. If you really want to save money in the kitchen, its all about being smart with what you buy and making sure youre going to use it a lot. Lydia Vernon, co-author of Caught Snackin, says that on Caught Snackins wildly popular TikTok channel,we like to keep with the same ingredients for each recipe. We stay around things like mixed herbs, garlic powder, plain flour those kind of staples you have in your cupboard all the time, which are going to be cost-effective. View this post on Instagram A post shared by G U R D E E P L O Y A L (@gurd_loyal) Food writer Gurdeep Loyal takes this one step further, saying: My advice would be to equip your pantry with four or five very flavour-forward ingredients things such as tamarind paste, things such as brown miso, things such as fennel seeds, for example, or something like tandoori masala powder. Because these four or five pantry staples can transform anything really simple and basic just adding a spoonful of this is going to amplify your cooking into hundreds of different directions. It means you can use very basic supermarket staples, then turn them into something incredible without having to spend money on fancy new ingredients every week. Residents of Maui County are returning to communities left in ruins after wildfires killed at least 80 people. Maui County raised the number of confirmed deaths to 80 in a statement at 9pm on Friday. Governor Josh Green had warned the death toll would likely rise as search and rescue operations continue. Authorities set a curfew from 10pm until 6am on Saturday. Advertisement The recoverys going to be extraordinarily complicated, but we do want people to get back to their homes and just do what they can to assess safely, because its pretty dangerous, Mr Green told Hawaii News Now. Burnt areas in Lahaina on the island of Maui (Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources via AP) Anthony Garcia assessed the devastation as he stood under Lahainas banyan tree landmark, now charred, and swept twisted branches into neat piles next to another heap filled with dead animals including cats, roosters and other birds killed by the smoke and flames. Advertisement Advertisement If I dont do something, Ill go nuts, said Mr Garcia, who lost everything he owned. Im losing my faith in God. Mr Garcia and other residents were faced with catastrophic destruction resulting from the wildfires that tore through parts of Maui this week and were still not fully contained by Friday night. A new wildfire on Friday evening triggered the evacuation of Kaanapali in West Maui, a community north-east of the area that burned earlier, but crews were able to extinguish the fire before 8.30pm, authorities said. Attorney general Anne Lopez announced plans to conduct a comprehensive review of decision-making and standing policies affecting the response to the deadly wildfires. Advertisement My Department is committed to understanding the decisions that were made before and during the wildfires and to sharing with the public the results of this review, Ms Lopez said. Attorney General Lopez announces the initiation of a comprehensive review of decision-making concerning Hawaii wildfireshttps://t.co/zVPsHg0FFO Hawaii AG Anne E. Lopez (@AtghIgov) August 12, 2023 Advertisement Dogs have been deployed to help in the search for bodies, Maui County mayor Richard Bissen Jr said. The wildfires are the states deadliest natural disaster in decades, surpassing a 1960 tsunami that killed 61 people. An even deadlier tsunami in 1946, which killed more than 150 on the Big Island, prompted development of a territory-wide emergency system with sirens that are tested monthly. Advertisement Advertisement Many fire survivors said they did not hear any sirens or receive a warning giving them enough time to prepare, realising they were in danger only when they saw flames or heard explosions. There was no warning, said Lynn Robinson, who lost her home. Hawaii emergency management records do not indicate warning sirens sounded before people had to run for their lives. Officials sent alerts to mobile phones, televisions and radio stations, but widespread power and cellular outages may have limited their reach. Many people are returning to their home town to find their houses utterly destroyed (AP) Fuelled by a dry summer and strong winds from a passing hurricane, at least three wildfires erupted on Maui, racing through parched brush covering the island. The most serious blaze swept into Lahaina on Tuesday and left a grid of gray rubble wedged between the blue ocean and lush green slopes. Associated Press journalists found the devastation included nearly every building on Front Street, the heart of historic Lahaina and the economic hub of Maui. There was an eerie traffic jam of charred cars that did not escape the inferno as surviving roosters meandered through the ashes. Palm trees were torched, boats in the harbour were scorched and the stench of burning lingered. Advertisement It hit so quick, it was incredible, Kyle Scharnhorst said as he surveyed his damaged apartment complex. Summer and Gilles Gerling sought to salvage keepsakes from the ashes of their home. All they could find was the piggy bank Summer Gerlings father gave her as a child, their daughters jade bracelet and watches they gifted each other for their wedding. Their wedding rings were gone. Areas destroyed by the fire in Lahaina on Maui island (Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources via AP) They described their fear as the strong wind whipped the smoke and flames closer, but said they were happy to have made it out alive with their two children. Safety was the main concern. These are all material things, Gilles Gerling said. The wildfire is already projected to be the second-costliest disaster in Hawaii history, behind only Hurricane Iniki in 1992, according to disaster and risk modelling firm Karen Clark & Company. The fire is the deadliest in the US since the 2018 Camp Fire in California, which killed at least 85 people and destroyed the town of Paradise. The danger on Maui was well known. Maui Countys hazard mitigation plan updated in 2020 identified Lahaina and other West Maui communities as having frequent wildfires and several buildings at risk. The report also noted West Maui had the islands second-highest rate of households without a vehicle and the highest rate of non-English speakers. Advertisement 2:30pm Update on the Maui Fires. For more information on how to help go to: https://t.co/tI37h4hIkx pic.twitter.com/qIUAbIGOgr Governor Josh Green (@GovJoshGreenMD) August 12, 2023 This may limit the populations ability to receive, understand and take expedient action during hazard events, the plan stated. Mauis firefighting efforts may have been hampered by limited staff and equipment. Bobby Lee, president of the Hawaii Firefighters Association, said there are a maximum of 65 county firefighters working at any given time with responsibility for three islands: Maui, Molokai and Lanai. The department has about 13 fire engines and two ladder trucks, but no off-road vehicles to thoroughly attack brush fires before they reach roads or populated areas, he said. Maui water officials warned Kula and Lahaina residents not to drink running water, which may be contaminated even after boiling, and to only take short, lukewarm showers in well-ventilated rooms to avoid possible chemical vapour exposure. The so-called Islamic State group (IS) has claimed responsibility for an ambush in eastern Syria that killed at least 33 government soldiers and wounded others, and warned that such attacks will continue. The attack is among the deadliest to be carried out this year by the extremists. Advertisement IS sleeper cells still carry out deadly attacks despite their defeat in Syria in 2019. The group once controlled large parts of Syria and Iraq where they declared a caliphate in 2014. The Friday night statement said IS fighters ambushed two army trucks in the eastern province of Deir el-Zour using different kinds of weapons. IS claimed that 40 members of the Syrian military were killed and 10 were wounded. Advertisement The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the death toll reached 33 on Saturday. Another activist collective that covers news in eastern Syria put the death toll at 35, adding that all of the dead were members of the Syrian armys 17th Division. Advertisement The Observatory said the toll could rise further as some of the soldiers are in critical condition. Advertisement Let the whole world know that our allegiance to our leaders is practised with deeds and not words and our Jihad is going on until Doomsday, IS said. In one of their deadliest recent attacks, IS sleeper cells attacked workers collecting truffles near the central town of Sukhna in February, killing at least 53 people mostly workers but also some Syrian government security forces. Last week, IS announced the death in Syria of its little-known leader, Abu al-Hussein al-Husseini al-Qurayshi who had headed the extremist organisation since November and named his successor. He was the fourth leader to be killed since its founder, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, was killed in 2019 by US troops in north-west Syria. Police say a new fire burning on the Hawaiian island of Maui has triggered the evacuation of a community north-east of the area that burned earlier this week, killing at least 80 people. The Maui police department said the fire prompted the evacuation of Kaanapali in West Maui on Friday night. Advertisement The number of confirmed fatalities in the announcement by the County of Maui marked an increase on the previous figure of 67. The town of Lahaina was devastated by the blaze (AP) Officials said the fire is not yet contained. Advertisement The town Lahaina has been mostly destroyed by the blaze, with many survivors saying they did not receive a warning giving them enough time to flee. Residents of the town have returned to a scene of utter devastation. Hawaiis attorney general Anne Lopez announced plans to conduct a comprehensive review of decision-making and standing policies impacting upon the response to the deadly wildfires. Advertisement Areas destroyed by the fire in Lahaina on Maui island (Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources via AP) Advertisement My Department is committed to understanding the decisions that were made before and during the wildfires and to sharing with the public the results of this review, Ms Lopez said in a statement. The wildfires are the states deadliest natural disaster in decades, surpassing a 1960 tsunami that killed 61 people. An even deadlier tsunami in 1946, which killed more than 150 on the Big Island, prompted the development of a territory-wide emergency system, with sirens that are tested monthly. Advertisement Many fire survivors said they did not hear any sirens or receive a warning giving them enough time to prepare, realising they were in danger only when they saw the flames or heard explosions. Attorney General Lopez announces the initiation of a comprehensive review of decision-making concerning Hawaii wildfireshttps://t.co/zVPsHg0FFO Hawaii AG Anne E. Lopez (@AtghIgov) August 12, 2023 Advertisement There was no warning, said Lynn Robinson, who lost her home. Hawaii emergency management records do not indicate warning sirens were sounded before people had to run for their lives. Officials sent alerts to mobile phones, televisions and radio stations, but widespread power and mobile phone outages may have limited their reach. Advertisement State governor Josh Green warned the death toll would likely rise as search and rescue operations continue. Authorities set a curfew from 10pm on Friday until 6am on Saturday (9am on Saturday to 5pm BST). Burnt boats sit in waters off Lahaina (AP) Mr Green told Hawaii News Now: The recoverys going to be extraordinarily complicated, but we do want people to get back to their homes and just do what they can to assess safely, because its pretty dangerous. Cadaver-sniffing dogs were deployed to search for the dead, Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen Jr said. Fuelled by a dry summer and strong winds from a passing hurricane, at least three wildfires erupted on Maui, racing through parched brush covering the island. The most serious blaze swept into Lahaina on Tuesday and left a grid of grey rubble wedged between the blue ocean and lush green slopes. Hawaii emergency management records show no indication that warning sirens sounded before people ran for their lives (AP) Associated Press journalists found the devastation included nearly every building on Front Street, the heart of historic Lahaina and the economic hub of Maui. The wildfire is already projected to be the second-costliest disaster in Hawaiis history, behind only Hurricane Iniki in 1992, according to disaster and risk modelling firm Karen Clark & Company. Advertisement The fire is the deadliest in the US since the 2018 Camp Fire in California, which killed at least 85 people and destroyed the town of Paradise. The danger on Maui was well known. Maui Countys hazard mitigation plan updated in 2020 identified Lahaina and other West Maui communities as having frequent wildfires and several buildings at risk. Many people are returning to their home town to find their houses utterly destroyed (AP) The report also noted West Maui had the islands second-highest rate of households without a vehicle and the highest rate of non-English speakers. This may limit the populations ability to receive, understand and take expedient action during hazard events, the plan stated. Mauis firefighting efforts may have been hampered by limited staff and equipment. Bobby Lee, president of the Hawaii Firefighters Association, said there are a maximum of 65 county firefighters working at any given time with responsibility for three islands: Maui, Molokai and Lanai. The department has about 13 fire engines and two ladder trucks, but no off-road vehicles to thoroughly attack brush fires before they reach roads or populated areas, he said. 2:30pm Update on the Maui Fires. For more information on how to help go to: https://t.co/tI37h4hIkx pic.twitter.com/qIUAbIGOgr Advertisement Governor Josh Green (@GovJoshGreenMD) August 12, 2023 Maui water officials warned Kula and Lahaina residents not to drink running water, which may be contaminated even after boiling, and to only take short, lukewarm showers in well-ventilated rooms to avoid possible chemical vapour exposure. Lahaina resident Riley Curran said he fled his Front Street home after climbing up a neighbouring building to get a better look. He doubts county officials could have done more due to the speed of the onrushing flames. Its not that people didnt try to do anything, Mr Curran said. The fire went from 0 to 100. Mr Curran said he had seen horrendous wildfires growing up in California, but Ive never seen one eat an entire town in four hours. At least six people have died and more than 50 rescued after a boat carrying migrants sank in the English Channel, French authorities have said. Two British ships and several French vessels have been involved in a search and rescue operation, Frances Maritime Prefecture of the Channel and the North Sea said. Advertisement Information was received from a patrol boat early on Saturday that a migrant boat was sinking off Sangatte, according to a statement. Six people were recovered in a serious condition, one of whom was then taken by helicopter to Calais hospital and declared dead, the prefecture said. An updated statement said the other five, who were taken in by boat, had also died. Advertisement A dozen people were rescued by British means, including by a Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) crew, which was launched shortly before 4am. Advertisement Those on board were transferred to Dover with survivors from another RNLI operation also on the boat, the statement said. Advertisement According to the prefecture, at least 37 people were also collected by French boats and three by a British chartered ship. The five deceased people are being taken to the port in Calais. British home secretary Suella Braverman said she had chaired a meeting with Border Force officials later on Saturday morning. A UK government spokesperson said: We are aware of an incident in the Channel. HM Coastguard are working on a co-ordinated response and further information will be provided in due course. Advertisement Rescue teams from Folkestone and Langdon Bay along with paramedics from South East Coast Ambulance have also been sent to respond, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said. A French Navy maritime surveillance aircraft has now been mobilised, along with a helicopter and a number of vessels as the rescue operation continues. An investigation has also been opened by the Boulogne prosecutors office. It comes after 755 people crossed the English Channel in small boats on Thursday, the highest daily number so far this year, confirming the total since 2018 has passed 100,000. Advertisement Since current records began on January 1st, 2018, 100,715 migrants have arrived in the UK after making the journey, according to analysis of UK government data by the PA news agency. Advertisement This is an appalling, deeply shocking tragedy. We *must* stop these crossings and defeat the criminal people smugglers.https://t.co/cpxy7lKKq7 Stephen Kinnock (@SKinnock) August 12, 2023 Thursdays figures were recorded as another major search and rescue operation was launched after 17 migrants went overboard and were pulled from the water. The Home Office said they were all taken ashore for medical checks. Shadow immigration minister Stephen Kinnock said the latest incident was an appalling, deeply shocking tragedy. We must stop these crossings and defeat the criminal people smugglers. There can be no more headline-chasing gimmicks or madcap schemes that just make everything worse, he wrote on Twitter. Enver Solomon, chief executive of the Refugee Council, said the incident underscores the need for meaningful action to reduce dangerous crossings, and urged the Government to focus on creating an orderly and humane asylum system. We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life in todays sinking of a boat in the English Channel. Our hearts go out to the victims, survivors, and their loved ones. We also thank the rescuers who helped save many lives under harrowing circumstances, he said. He accused the British government of focusing on passing expensive and unworkable legislation and shutting down existing safe ways to get to the UK, adding: There are constructive alternatives we have set out that would create an orderly and humane asylum system. US attorney general Merrick Garland has appointed a special counsel in the Hunter Biden probe, a surprise move that intensifies the investigation into the presidents son ahead of the 2024 election. Mr Garland noted the extraordinary circumstances of the matter as he named David Weiss, the US attorney in Delaware who had already been probing Hunter Bidens financial dealings, as special counsel after plea deal talks in the case broke down. Advertisement The sudden turn of events raises fresh questions about the case against Hunter Biden on tax evasion and a gun charge, deepening an investigation that was close to resolution just weeks ago. Mr Weiss had asked to be named special counsel, gaining broad authority to investigate and report out his findings. US attorney David Weiss (Suchat Pederson/The News Journal via AP, File) Advertisement Advertisement It comes as the Justice Department has taken the unprecedented step of indicting former president Donald Trump, who is President Joe Bidens chief rival in next years election, in two separate cases. It also puts questions about Mr Bidens family at the forefront of the 2024 presidential election. Speaking at the Justice Department, Mr Garland said he expects the special counsel to work expeditiously in an even-handed and urgent manner. Mr Garland said Mr Weiss, who had been appointed by Mr Trump as US attorney, told him this week the investigation had reached a stage in which he should continue as special counsel. Advertisement Upon considering his request, as well as the extraordinary circumstances relating to this matter, I have concluded it is in the public interest to appoint him as special counsel, Mr Garland said. The announcement of a special counsel is a significant development from the typically cautious Mr Garland and provides Mr Weiss with independence, authority and budget to pursue the investigation. It is not fully clear why the attorney general took the step in appointing a special counsel for the Hunter Biden case, but prosecutors in Delaware also announced on Friday that plea deal talks Mr Weiss was pursuing in the tax evasion case had hit an impasse. Advertisement In a court filing on Friday, Mr Weisss team said charges would be better filed in California or Washington. Advertisement Though Mr Garland has said Mr Weiss always had the authority to file outside Delaware, the venue may have been a factor in his request to be named special counsel. Nevertheless, the announcement ensures the Justice Departments probes of Mr Trump, and now of Mr Bidens youngest son, who used drugs and whose personal entanglements have trailed his fathers political career, will carry into election season. The federal cases differ significantly: Mr Trump has been indicted and is awaiting trial in two separate cases brought by special prosecutor Jack Smith. Former president Donald Trump (Robert F Bukaty/AP) Advertisement One is over Mr Trumps refusal to turn over classified documents stored at his Mar-a-Lago estate. The other involves charges of fraud and conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election in the run-up to the January 6 2021 attack on the Capitol. In the case of Hunter Biden, the president has not been accused or charged with any wrongdoing by prosecutors probing the affairs of his son. Hunter Bidens lawyer Chris Clark said little has changed about their understanding of the situation and the prosecutors role. Advertisement Whether in Delaware, Washington, DC, or anywhere else, we expect a fair resolution not infected by politics, Mr Clark said in a statement. President Biden has said repeatedly he does not talk with his son about business. Mr Trumps team on Friday questioned the independence of the special counsel Mr Weiss, who he himself had appointed. But a Trump spokesman said the prosecutor should move quickly, and anyone found with wrongdoing should face the required consequences. Mike Pence, another Republican rival for the presidency in 2024, told reporters at the Iowa State Fair that he welcomed the special counsel appointment as he made his own dig at the Biden family. To be honest with you, I cant relate to what his son was doing when he was vice president, said Mr Pence, who served alongside Mr Trump. When I was vice president, my son was flying an F35 in the Marine Corps defending this country. Mr Garland said Mr Weiss will have all the resources he requests to probe the matter. Last month, Hunter Bidens plea deal over tax evasion and a gun charge collapsed after US District Court Judge Maryellen Noreika, who was appointed by Mr Trump, raised multiple concerns about the specifics. Advertisement Hunter Biden (Julio Cortez/AP) House Republicans had derided that agreement as a sweetheart deal as they pushed their own probe into Hunter Bidens business dealings. House Republicans have been struggling to connect the sons work to his father, and so far they have not been able to produce evidence to show any wrongdoing. Representative James Comer, the Republican chair of the House Oversight Committee, has been leading the congressional inquiry into Hunter Bidens financial ties and transactions. Mr Comer joined forces with two chairmen of powerful House committees to launch a larger investigation into claims by two IRS agents who said the Justice Department improperly interfered in the years-long case. The Republicans claimed Mr Weiss was being blocked from becoming a special counsel. It is a claim Mr Weiss and the Justice Department denied. The Kentucky legislator has obtained thousands of pages of financial records from various members of the Biden family through subpoenas. Since then, Mr Comer has brought in a former business associate of Hunter Biden, Devon Archer, who provided fresh insight during closed-door evidence into how the Democratic presidents son capitalised on his relationship with his father, who was then vice president, to court foreign investors. Advertisement Mr Archer said Hunter Biden was using the illusion of access in Washington. But he offered no tangible evidence that Joe Biden played any role in his sons work beyond saying hello during their daily family calls or as he stopped by a couple of dinners. Mr Comer joined other Republicans on Friday in rejecting the appointment of a special counsel, calling it a cover-up by the Justice Department, and vowed to continue his own probe. Special counsels are typically appointed to investigate cases where the Justice Department perceives itself as having a conflict or where it is deemed to be in the public interest. As special counsels, they are not subject to day-to-day supervision from the Justice Department, though they are still overseen by the attorney general. They have a budget and, unlike most prosecutors, are expected to produce a report at the end of their investigations explaining their findings and decisions. Mr Weiss was nominated by Mr Trump to serve as Delaware US attorney in 2017 and was retained after Mr Biden took over so he could continue to oversee the Hunter Biden investigation. 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 The words came on the radio and the television so goes the Yothu Yindi song Treaty. The then prime minister Bob Hawke agreed to negotiate Australias first treaty with First Nations people by 1990. As it turned out, a policy of reconciliation took priority instead. Promises can disappear, just like writing in the sand, went the lyrics. The chorus caught on treaty yeah, treaty now but there was no treaty to come. Guwamu woman Cheryl Buchanan says these were dark years after the prospect of a treaty faded. Social justice issues come to the fore, then theyre lost, and then they come up again, and then theyre lost, says Buchanan, who was among the first campers at the Aboriginal Tent Embassy outside Parliament House in Canberra in 1972. Weve had to keep pushing forward. Today, treaty negotiations have never appeared more likely as nearly all states and territories commit to pursuing them, along with truth-telling about historical injustices. Victoria and Queensland are the most advanced. A sense of hope is building for Buchanan, co-chair of Queenslands Interim Truth and Treaty Body, which was set up last year to advise the state on how to proceed. There are great opportunities here for our people. Meanwhile, in Canberra the prospect of a treaty following the establishment of a Voice to Parliament has been raised, with the Coalition which broadly opposes the Voice questioning the federal government on the matter. In turn, the government has attempted to deflect the questions by pointing out that processes for treaty-making are already under way in several states. What is an Indigenous treaty? What would a treaty or treaties with First Nations Australians look like? And is the Voice a precursor? Cheryl Buchanan: Weve had to keep pushing forward. Credit: Rhett Wyman (digital altered) Advertisement First, whats an Indigenous treaty? Treaties have helped world leaders to end wars with one another, to agree to stop nuclear proliferation, to negotiate trade, to commit to emissions reduction targets. But international treaties are different from those between governments and Indigenous people. These treaties help provide a structure for resolving ongoing differences after settlers have colonised lands. [They] are agreements, essentially, where the parties come together, discuss how they can resolve differences and set down an agreed framework for living together more positively, says George Williams, a professor at the University of NSW and co-author of the book Treaty. The aspiration of treaties is to achieve a just coexistence. Australia is the only Commonwealth country with an Indigenous population that doesnt have a treaty with that population. This is partly because no treaty with the Crown was entered into when colonists arrived in the late 18th century, Williams says, and neither were they negotiated as settlements expanded. Some settlers did make agreements. John Batman, for example, claimed to have negotiated a treaty with Wurundjeri people in 1835 to hand over land in present-day Melbourne for items including blankets, clothing and flour. But even if the Aboriginal individuals involved regarded the treaty in the same way as Batman, he was not acting on behalf of the Crown and his treaty was quickly deemed invalid. Half a century after the British arrived in Australia, in 1840 in New Zealand they entered into the Treaty of Waitangi with about 540 Maori chiefs. The Maori sought to protect their interests as the British sought to secure the Crowns position in New Zealand. Since 1975, a tribunal has been dealing with claims where the Crown is alleged to have breached the treatys principles. The circumstances of the Waitangi Treatys creation were very different to those in Australia. The treaty itself is three articles, far less complex than modern treaties with First Nations people. Historic treaties are first-principles treaties. Theyre saying, Well engage this way, you can have this, well have that and good luck to each other, says Harry Hobbs, an associate professor of human rights law at University of Technology Sydney. A treaty between the United States and the Six Nations of the Iroquois League signed at Fort Stanwix in 1784. Credit: US National Archives The United States government also struck several hundred historic treaties with American Indian Nations between 1778 and 1871, mostly to establish peace and land boundaries, before Congress ended this kind of treaty-making. Often broken, sometimes coerced, treaties still define mutual obligations between the United States and Indian Nations, notes the National Museum of American Indians. Canada recognises 70 historic treaties covering land rights and peace agreements and has 26 modern treaties, which aim to address historical injustices. Advertisement Uluru Dialogue co-chair Megan Davis is cautious about comparing historical treaties overseas with what treaties might be able to achieve today. One of the problems I have with the way treaties have been done is people have created really unrealistic expectations about what a treaty will be able to achieve, she says. Because a treaty [in Australia] is an ordinary act of parliament it will be very limited with what it can do and achieve. A modern treaty has three main elements, based on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, says Hobbs. First, the agreement acknowledges that Indigenous peoples are a distinct political community: Theyre not just Australian citizens, but they are something different as well: they could be Wurundjeri, they could be Wiradjuri, they could be Wik theyve got this distinct community. Second, the agreement must be reached by a process of negotiation between equals. Last, it has a concrete outcome that recognises unceded sovereignty and a degree of self-governance. It needs to provide for some exercise of that right in the modern-day situation, Hobbs says. In Canada, for example, the Nisgaa treaty is comprehensive: it provides for a government that makes laws including over the administration of itself, management of Nisgaa lands and assets and Nisgaa language, culture and citizenship. These laws operate alongside existing laws; the treaty sets out how to resolve any conflicts and inconsistencies between laws. Nisgaa people and officials at the dedication of their government building in New Aiyansh, Canada, in 2000. Credit: WikiCommons Sydney senior counsel and Wirdi man Tony McAvoy, who is the former acting Northern Territory treaty commissioner, says self-governance can vary in practice. In remote parts of Australia, self-governance will be something entirely different to the self-governance that First Nations can carry out in the capital cities, he says. So the system has to understand that and have the flexibility to accommodate the aspirations of the various First Nations. Several legal experts, including Williams and Hobbs, argue that the Western Australian South West Native Title Settlement (known also as the Noongar settlement) is the nations first treaty. The settlement, reached in 2021, includes recognition of the Noongar people through an act in the WA parliament and the transfer of up to 320,000 hectares of Crown land into the Noongar Boodja Trust. Over 12 years, the WA government pays $50 million annually to a trust managing assets for six Noongar corporations, and $10 million to the corporations for their operations. Id say its kind of a lowercase-T treaty, Hobbs says. Others say the settlement is not a treaty because it didnt go far enough to achieve self-governance and wasnt negotiated through a formal treaty process. Rueben Berg and Ngarra Murray are overseeing treaty negotiations with the Victorian government. Credit: Justin McManus (digitally altered) Advertisement Where are treaties up to in Australia? In 2019, the inaugural members of the First Peoples Assembly of Victoria met in the states upper house, possum skins draped across red seats, native flora screening the vice-regal chair. The assembly began to set up a negotiation framework for treaties with the state government. Most states and territories are committed to pursuing treaty negotiations. Western Australia is holding out; former premier Mark McGowan said in 2022 he wanted to see a successful national Voice before the state aligned its framework. Its important we dont confuse things. The aim is to ensure this referendum is successful first, he said. NSW has also committed to a year-long consultation process after the Voice referendum. As with most modern treaty negotiations, such as in Canada ... an independent umpire, a Treaty Authority, will ensure deliberations are fair. In the Northern Territory, McAvoy delivered a report last year recommending a treaty and truth-telling commission. The government has not acted on this so far, finding there was no consensus view on what treaty framework is best for the state, but says it is continuing the treaty journey. South Australia has legislated a state-based Voice to parliament an election for First Nations people will occur in March to determine members while the state says it is committed to pursuing treaties. Queensland passed a Path to Treaty Bill in June to create a First Nations Treaty Institute, overseen by a 10-person First Nations Council, and a formal Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry. There are more than 150 First Nations groups in Queensland; Buchanan says groups will work with the institute to discuss what they want to negotiate. We have to get some consensus on these things, and I dont think thats going to happen overnight, she says. Victoria is the furthest ahead with a framework for treaty negotiations. The assembly has 32 members representing five regions across the state. Members are elected through two systems: communities in particular regions elect 22 of the representatives, and there are 11 reserved seats for specific traditional owner groups. (This number can expand, and one seat is currently vacant.) Advertisement As with most modern treaty negotiations, such as in Canada, the government and assembly have established an independent umpire, a Treaty Authority, that will ensure parties are prepared to negotiate and deliberations are fair. You cant have an entity thats part of the state because theyre clearly not independent, says assembly co-chair Rueben Berg. The authority was created through Victorian law, but also gets its power from both parties signing up to the framework. Separately, Victorias Yoorrook Justice Commission is facilitating truth-telling, with a final report due in 2025. Berg says truth-telling is an important part of treaty negotiations because it can make recommendations about what needs to change. Uncovering and understanding all those truths and injustices is a way of saying, This is why we need a treaty, he says. Megan Davis says truth-telling can help develop broad support for treaties, which have to pass through parliament. You are going to have to get both sides of parliament on board, she says. At a state level, treaty processes have bipartisan support in Queensland and Victoria, although not in NSW. Tony McAvoy: [Treaties] havent brought about any economic crash. What could the treaties cover? The Victorian First Peoples Assembly believes treaty negotiations could start in 2024; its vision is for one treaty between the state and the assembly on statewide matters. This could cover anything from granting the assembly greater powers to appointing board members to the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council (currently a power that sits with the minister) or some state land being returned for Aboriginal management. Theres nothing, automatically by default, thats off the table. But it has to be reached in an agreement between the two parties, Berg says. The assembly also wants to empower traditional owner groups to negotiate multiple treaties at a local level. This could include anything from dual-naming of places such as Melbourne or Wilsons Promontory to increasing representation for First Nations people on local councils. Berg is wary of the view that treaties and forms of self-governance could be perceived to create a separate society thats just for Aboriginal people. Thats not the aspiration, he says. We know there are discrepancies in outcomes for our people. So we need dedicated approaches to improve those outcomes. Advertisement Brisbanes South Bank CityCat terminal could be the main stop and recharging station for smoother, faster electric ferries if an emerging bid is successful in 2026. Two prominent boat-building companies one based in Auckland, the other in Brisbane have announced they will work together to build battery-powered ferries for the Brisbane River after setting their sights on CityCats 2.1 million annual trips. South Banks CityCat station could become a recharging hub and passenger centre for upstream and downstream trips. Credit: Tony Moore Their leading designers plan to divide the services into upstream (South Bank to the University of Queensland) and downstream (South Bank to Northshore Hamilton) to maximise the ferries batteries. Michael Eaglen, from Auckland, has seemingly lived and breathed boat building his whole adult life. A decision by a Queensland tribunal to order a Brisbane professor to pay several thousand dollars in legal fees after she lost a racial discrimination complaint against police will have a chilling effect on the states most marginalised people, her lawyers say. Brisbane professor Chelsea Watego, a Munanjahli and South Sea Islander woman, was ordered to pay $7500 after her racial discrimination complaint against police outside a Fortitude Valley nightclub was rejected. Watego claimed she was racially discriminated against when arrested outside The Beat nightclub in the early hours of a Saturday evening in December 2018. Online profiles say Chelsea Watego is the current professor of indigenous health at QUTs School of Public Health and Social Work. Court documents state she was forcibly removed by security guards when the nightclub closed. Once outside, she was said to have berated the guards before a nearby white man got involved in an argument with her. A field of Gueok-ri on Jeju Island / Courtesy of Rachel Stine By Rachel Stine The Olle Trails open a quiet space for hikers to confront our subconscious saboteur. In my case, that confrontation occurred on Trail 14-1 a short inland route that stretches from Jeoji to the O'Sulloc Tea Museum. Route 14-1 started pleasantly enough. As I walked past the inland farms, I asked myself: "Are you ready to commit to the life you've built in Korea?" Wellyeah. Mostly. I was in my early 30s. I had spent 10 years fundraising for the North Korean Underground Railroad. The dog I adopted in university had lived with me in three countries, and together we had formed deep, global friendships. Every continent had a couch for us to crash on. That didn't seem so bad. But as Trail 14-1 progressed, my mood soured. My thoughts went from "this is good, actually" to a grown-up temper tantrum. Instead of being grateful for what I had, I hyperfixated on what I lacked. (This, unfortunately, seems to be humanity's factory setting.) Silently, I fumed in my head. "Why did the one long-term relationship of my life disintegrate? Why am I everyone's chronically single friend? Am I defective or something?" There was that upstairs neighbor again, stomping on the floorboards. Then, as I entered the gotjawal (Jeju subtropical forest), a new and startling thought barged into my brain. There it was there was the painful truth I had buried under layers and layers of city noise. This inner rage wasn't about romance. It was about priorities. My top priority having at least three biological children of my own had not materialized. That was one of the reasons my breakup had been so painful; it felt like a reminder that time was running out. If something didn't change within the next few years, biology might render those pregnancy dreams impossible. No amount of students winning spelling bees, or visas getting approved, or manuscripts getting finished, was going to change that. But this fear was too painful to consciously confront. Instead, I numbed out with hustle culture and video games. My subconscious had decided: "Yeah, you know that primal feminine pain? Drown it. That's what true crime podcasts are for!" But Dr. K. at Healthy Gamer is correct when he says : "When we handle emotion through technology, all we do is suppress it. And as we suppress it, what happens? It comes back roaring, again and again." And on Olle Trail 14-1, my childlessness pain came back, roaring. It roared so loud I'm pretty sure the deer on Mount Halla heard it. Continuing down that Olle Trail, in the embrace of Mama Universe, I lived those feelings of failure without judgment, and it allowed healing to begin. And I did need to heal. I had essentially stopped discussing fertility concerns with other people. Strangely, of all my goals, none has inspired more angry pushback than wanting to have children. When I moved to Osan, Gyeonggi Province, to fundraise for the underground rescues of North Koreans, nobody said: "Are you sure that's a good idea?" Everyone was on board. My university even gave me a $2,000 stipend that helped with moving expenses. But when I off-handedly mentioned I wanted to have children, a professor worriedly pulled me aside after class. "Marriage is a trap," he insisted. "It turns women into property. Don't do it. Just don't." This wasn't intended as a cruel comment. On the contrary, he understood that for millennia, women have fought to uproot the poisonous idea that we are biologically designed to be nursemaids. We have never been portrayed as main characters of history. From the Bible to Korean fairy tales, history insists the height of female achievement is raising a capable son. What he was trying to do was warn me that society hasn't been kind to women, and especially not mothers. It was meant to be a loving act. But that didn't take the sting out of his words. Coastal scenery on Jeju Island / Courtesy of Rachel Stine The nations peak business group will intensify its campaign against federal workplace laws it says will burden employers with billions of dollars in higher costs, naming a new chief to lead its case while calling for full disclosure of Labors plan. The Business Council of Australia has chosen former Coalition adviser Bran Black to replace outgoing chief executive Jennifer Westacott, risking tensions with leaders in Canberra and the states by selecting someone without Labor ties. Outgoing Business Council CEO Jennifer Westacott and her successor, Bran Black (right) plan to step up their campaign against Tony Burkes workplace reforms. Credit: Natalie Boog; Alex Ellinghausen; Supplied But Black said he would seek common ground whenever possible, including on the workplace reforms, and pointed to his background as chief of staff to former NSW Liberal premier Dominic Perrottet as proof he could work with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Black said he backed the federal plan for an Indigenous Voice to parliament as well as climate action to cut emissions by 43 per cent by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050 policy areas where Perrottet was often at odds with his federal Liberal colleagues. Two years ago, 44 per cent of Americans said the alliance with Australia made the US more secure. That has since jumped by 14 points to 58 per cent, a record high, according to polling commissioned by Greens study centre. This is, no doubt, a reflection of Americans fears of China and an appreciation of AUKUS. Loading Ambassador Kennedy nominates two reasons that the Pacific region is the most important. One is its significance strategically. Biden has said America is in a competition with China and other countries to win the 21st Century. Why is Australia and the Pacific important to that competition? Kennedys family history in the Solomons helps illuminate. The Japanese Imperial Army occupied the Solomons and Papua New Guinea to isolate Australia from its friends and allies. This would have two key consequences. It would take Australia out of the war, and it would deny the US the ability to use Australia as a base of operations against Japan. Thats why America began its offensive against Japan in the Solomons, the Battle of Guadalcanal, named after one of the islands in the Solomons group. Geography doesnt change. Australia and the Pacific are just as central in todays American effort to win the 21st century. Like Imperial Japan before it, China today seeks to dominate the Pacific islands that straddle Australias commercial and military lifelines. Loading Australia needs to counter these efforts for its own survival. And the US, which again plans to use Australia as a base for military operations in any potential Pacific war, is determined to help it. The director of the Lowy Institutes international security program, Sam Roggeveen, is concerned that this makes Australia a bigger target for Chinas missiles: Australia has taken the decision to bring US combat forces, and its military strategy to fight China, on to our shores, Roggeveen writes in the latest edition of the Australian Foreign Affairs journal. We have also chosen to build military capabilities of our own that are designed expressly to contribute to American operations to defeat China. These fateful decisions threaten to draw Australia into a war that is not central to our security interests, and which could end in nuclear catastrophe. Kennedys response? Australia is investing in its own defence, and, I think, also believes that deterrence is the most effective way to preserve peace and stability, she tells us. Nothing is inevitable and I think both our governments believe that securing their own respective defences, strengthening the alliance and our ability to work together is the best way to preserve peace. Loading So the Solomons was a pivot point in world history. Is it again, we ask Kennedy? I dont know [pause] yet. In a recent visit, she met the Solomons Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare. Sogavare had earlier alarmed Canberra, Washington and many capitals in between when he signed a security agreement with Beijing. Kennedy said she came away from her meeting with Sogavare reassured that he wants to work with the US. The second reason that Kennedy nominates for Pacific centrality is climate change. Its effects are stark in the Pacific, she says. The island my father swam to is now two islands because of rising sea levels. Its definitely time that these nations got support and assistance and that we listen and try to learn from their experience and prevent that kind of climate crisis from happening in more places. But, of course, looming over everything the Biden administration does, over all its plans with its allies, is the spectre of Donald Trump. Biden believes in alliances and he believes in the need to act on global warming. Theres scant evidence that Trump believes in either. As president, Trump toyed publicly with abrogating Americas treaty obligations to its NATO allies. When Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine, Trumps first response was: Genius! Illustration: John Shakespeare. Credit: Trump has said of Chinas dictator, Xi Jinping: Smart, brilliant, everything perfect. Theres nobody in Hollywood like this guy. Trump, agent of chaos, is once again the leading candidate for the Republican nomination for the presidency. Surely he presents deep risk to allies dependent on US support? Not according to Kennedy: I think that foreign policy historically, and certainly now and certainly in this region, enjoys real bipartisan support. Im confident that Australia should be able to count on us. Loading There are two US congressional delegations in Australia at the moment, taking part in the annual Australian-American Leadership Dialogue. Both are bipartisan, and both carry much the same message. Asked about Trumps reliability as an ally, Republican Mike Gallagher, chair of the US House committee on China, told the ABC on Friday: Whoever occupies the presidency, there will remain the deep reservoir of support for the US-Australia alliance. Im confident with Republicans and Democrats working together we can do what is necessary to deliver on AUKUS. And a former deputy chief of staff to Trump, Emma Doyle, told me last week that he felt strongly about Australia: I remember he hosted a state dinner for Australias prime minister [Scott Morrison] and it was incredibly moving. I think he sees the sense in preserving the alliance. Orlando: Students in a Florida school district will be reading only excerpts from William Shakespeares plays rather than the full texts under redesigned curriculum guides developed, in part, to take into consideration the states new law that restricts classroom materials whose content can be deemed sexual. The changes to the Hillsborough County Public Schools curriculum guides were made with Floridas new legislation limiting classroom materials that contain pornography or obscene depictions of sexual conduct in mind. Other reasons included revised state standards and an effort to get students to read a wide variety of books for new state exams, the school district said this week. Too raunchy for Florida? Callum Linnane and Sharni Spencer dance in the Australian Ballets Romeo and Juliet. Parts of the book have been censored by schools in Florida. Credit: Simon Schluter Several Shakespeare plays use suggestive puns and innuendo, and it is implied that the protagonists have had premarital sex in Romeo and Juliet. Shakespeares books will be available for borrowing at media centres at schools, said the district, which covers the Tampa area. Theres some raunchiness in Shakespeare, Joseph Cool, a literacy teacher, told the Tampa Bay Times newspaper. Because thats what sold tickets during his time. The Board of Directors of FIT Hon Teng Ltd (Foxconn) approved the investment of USD 400 million in Telangana, its India representative V Lee said in a social media post. Taiwan-based contract manufacturer Foxconn is Apple's biggest supplier. "...FIT Singapore's proposal to make a capital injection of USD 400,000,000 to Chang Yi Interconnect Technology (India) Private Limited, which is held by FIT Singapore as to 99.99 per cent of the capital stock," FIT Hon Teng informed the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on Friday. Posting the company's disclosure on his social media handle, Lee said: "Moving so fast, Telangana! Another US$ 400M is coming." Reacting to the post, Telangana Minister for IT and Industries K T Rama Rao tweeted on Saturday saying the fresh investment proposal is in addition to the already committed USD 150 million earlier. "Our friendship with Foxconn Group remains steadfast, each of us delivering on mutual commitments. With total infusement of $550m (adding previous $150m), FIT is poised to deliver on its promises in Telangana. This once again proves Telangana Speed," Rama Rao posted on X, formerly Twitter. Also Read Foxconn to invest $600 mn in Karnataka for components, chipmaking machinery Karnataka govt, Foxconn sign Letter of Intent for two marquee projects Microsoft looks to buy $50 mn Foxconn parcel in Wisconsin for data centre Comfort and security: what does it take to set up a smart home Political funding: Unions decry govt's move to derecognise postal unions Mobile retail firm Celekt launches 'Mission E-waste' to protect environment Anurag Tiwari appointed as National Academic Director for Unacademy Centres Jio Platforms' subsidiary Radisys completes acquisition of Mimosa Networks Indus Towers' macro tower installations grow by 6.3% to reach 200,000 units Near-term demand worries to weigh on Hindalco stocks; volumes may improve Rama Rao had earlier posted that Foxconn's investments in Telangana will create 25,000 direct jobs in the first phase. Electronics major Foxconn Interconnect Technology in May laid the foundation for a new electronics manufacturing facility in Telangana as part of its investment in the state. The proposed electronics manufacturing facility at Kongara Kalan near here is a milestone for the Taiwanese firm's global expansion strategy diversifying its global manufacturing base, a press release had earlier said. The proposed facility will serve as a hub for Foxconn Interconnect Technology's operations in Telangana allowing the firm to expand its production capacity, it said. Earlier this year, Foxconn Technology Group chairman Young Liu along with senior officials of the company met Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao here. Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said the government understands the adverse situation in which Border Security Force (BSF) jawans work to secure the nation's frontiers and will ensure budgetary allocations to give them better facilities. Shah was at Koteshwar in Gujarat's Kutch to lay the foundation stone for a BSF mooring place and for the e-inauguration of other projects. He said the BSF is the only Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) that specialises in securing land, water and air and works in diverse geographical conditions to ensure the security of the country from external forces. Don't think the government does not have an idea of the adverse situation in which you work. When I visit (Harami Nala), I will certainly be informed about this once more, said Shah before heading for Harami Nala, a creek area that separates India and Pakistan in the Kutch district, as part of his Sunday's visit. He assured the BSF jawans that whatever budget is required to be allocated for your convenience will be done by us in the coming days. This will increase their convenience as well as the security of the region, he added. Shah said that he is able to sleep peacefully at night because BSF jawans remain alert 365 days, 24 hours to secure the country's borders. Also Read Cyclone Biparjoy: 37,800 people evacuated from coastal areas in Gujarat Par panel lists steps to get women in CAPFs, reservation for transgenders Kutch limping back to normalcy in Biparjoy aftermath; most roads cleared 114,000 posts vacant in central police organisations: Govt in Rajya Sabha Comfort and security: what does it take to set up a smart home Delhi Metro services to start early on I-Day, no parking at stations PM advises G20 nations to look at confiscations for fast recovery of assets SC dismisses NHRC's plea on deploying observers for WB rural polls UP govt inks MoU for 5,000 special accommodations at Maha Kumbh 2025 Someone is complicit: SC on Atiq; seeks report on 183 UP police encounters Among all CAPFs, BSF is the only one that specialises in securing land, water and also has an air wing. Like the Indian Army, BSF has the capacity to secure all three areas, he said. BSF is given the responsibility to safeguard borders in regions where temperatures range from -43 to +43 degrees Celsius, and they remain vigilant to secure areas along Sundarbans (in the east) and Harami Nala, Shah said. The Union minister said that after India's partition, the BSF was given the responsibility of securing the country's borders along Pakistan and Bangladesh. Coastal security is most important for the country. Located along the coast of Gujarat are many important institutions, nuclear stations, missile launch areas, research centres, industries and ports. Their 365-day, 24-hour security is vital, he said. Shah said the country salutes more than 1,900 jawans who have sacrificed their lives for the country, and the Narendra Modi government has also taken steps for the security of their family members. You are securing the border of the country, so Modiji has left no stone unturned to ensure the security of your family members, he said. The home minister also mentioned Ayushman CAPF Cards with 24,000 linked hospitals and 13,000 new houses as some of the facilities for them. Earlier in the day, Shah laid the foundation stone for leading fertiliser cooperative major IFFCO's nano DAP (liquid) plant at Kandla in Kutch district. The Union home and cooperation minister said India needs a new green revolution under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to show the path of natural farming to the world and lead the way for the prosperity of farmers. Shah said 2 lakh bottles of 500 ml liquid will be produced per day at the plant, which will reduce the country's dependency on imported fertilisers and save Rs 10,000 crore subsidy on fertilisers. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Friday the name of the caretaker premier would be finalised by Saturday, as the country's president wrote to him and the opposition leader to propose a "suitable person" for appointment by August 12. Prime Minister Sharif told journalists in Islamabad that he and opposition leader Raja Riaz would finalise the name by Saturday and the former coalition parties would also be taken on board for political consultations. Coalition partners will be taken into confidence over the matter before taking a final decision, he said. Sharif said the Constitution provided eight days for the appointment of the caretaker premier after the dissolution of the National Assembly (NA), the lower house of Parliament. According to the Constitution, the premier and the outgoing opposition leader in the NA have three days to decide the name of the interim prime minister. In case the two fail to agree on a name, the matter would be referred to a parliamentary committee. If the committee fails to make any decision, then the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) will have two days to choose the caretaker prime minister from the list of names shared with the commission. Also Read No names finalised for caretaker premier: Outgoing Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif Premier League 2023-24 full schedule, match timings (IST), live streaming Shehbaz Sharif asks Nawaz to return Pakistan, become PM for fourth time Shehbaz Sharif to step down as Pak PM before next month; all you must know 'Neutral' person to be picked for interim premier post: Pakistan PM Sharif Hawaii's biggest disaster kills 55 people with 1000 still missing: Report 'A ticking time bomb', says US President Joe Biden on China's economy Vital medicines' import from India allowed: Pak's drug regulatory authority Alphabet's rapidly expanding $118 billion cash pile poses a new problem Pak's prez asks PM Sharif, oppn to propose caretaker premier's name by Sat Prime Minister Sharif organised a dinner for his coalition partners and used the occasion for consultation on the issue of the caretaker prime minister. Separately, President Arif Alvi wrote a letter to the prime minister and leader of the opposition to remind them that under Article 224A, they are supposed to propose a name for an interim prime minister within three days of the dissolution of the National Assembly. As provided in Article 224 (1A) of the Constitution of Pakistan, the Prime Minister and leader of the Opposition in the outgoing National Assembly may propose a suitable person for the appointment of care-taker Prime Minister not later than 12th August, said President Alvi in the letter. Sharif and Riaz held the first meeting on Thursday, a day after the premature dissolution of the National Assembly, and agreed to meet again on Friday for further consultations. The Pakistan Peoples Party has proposed the names of former diplomat Jalil Abbas Jilani and former chief justice of Pakistan Tassaduq Hussain Jilani while Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) put forward the name of Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has kept its cards close to the chest, keeping everyone guessing about its candidate. One of the reasons for the delay in deciding the name of the head of the interim set-up is believed to be the PML-N's desire to see its own man in office, the Dawn newspaper reported. Some in political circles believe that Prime Minister Sharif wants to stay in office till August 14 so he could attend the flag-hoisting ceremony on Independence Day, after which a caretaker premier will take an oath. A senior leader of the PML-N told the newspaper that Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani was one of the strongest candidates. The Senate chairman can be the dark horse, he said while referring to Defence Minister Khawaja Asif who had first used the term dark horse. Other possible contenders are Jilal Abbas Jilani, former finance ministers Hafeez Sheikh and Ishaq Dar, former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, ex-principal secretary Fawad Hassan Fawad, ex-justice Tassaduq Jilani, Abdullah Hussain Haroon, Pir Pagaro, and Makhdoom Mehmood Ahmed. Food at Coreanos, a Mexican restaurant in central Seoul's Itaewon / Courtesy of Coreanos By Pinnacle TheHustler Seoul's vibrant culinary scene continues to amaze locals and visitors alike, with various international cuisines leaving their mark. Among the array of options available, Mexican food has carved a special place in the hearts of many in the multicultural neighborhood of Itaewon. While most restaurants in the area cater to local tastes, offering their own twists on Mexican dishes, a handful of establishments proudly serve up authentic Mexican cuisine based on traditional recipes. The exterior of Taco Amigo in its new location in Itaewon's Gyeongnidan-gil / Courtesy of Taco Amigo Taco Amigo: An Itaewon taste of Mexico Owned by Wayne Bessant, Taco Amigo is a prominent name in Itaewon, reflecting the growing popularity of Mexican cuisine in the area. Originally opened way back in 2005, it reopened recently in Gyeongnidan-gil, after moving from its previous spot near Itaewon Station. Wayne acknowledges that many restaurants have adapted their menus to cater to local preferences, creating a fusion of flavors that may not necessarily be authentic but are still pleasing to the palate. This restaurant boasts an enticing selection of Mexican-inspired dishes, such as tacos, burritos and quesadillas, which have won over the hearts of many customers. While Taco Amigo's offerings may not be entirely traditional, they manage to deliver an enticing culinary experience, perfect for those open to exploring the creative adaptations of Mexican flavors. Whether you're a fan of spicy or mild, Taco Amigo offers a diverse range of dishes to satisfy your cravings. Food at Taco Amigo / Courtesy of Taco Amigo Vatos Urban Tacos: A fusion of Mexican authenticity and Korean vibes At Vatos, the melding of Mexican authenticity with Korean influences creates a unique and exciting dining adventure. Dan Cho, the chief operating officer (COO) of Vatos, shed light on what makes this restaurant so special. Vatos takes pride in offering a representation of Mexican food that embraces the vibrancy of Korean culture. Their menu is an innovative fusion, offering delightful surprises for adventurous foodies. From the famous Kimchi Carnitas Fries to the savory Galbi Short Rib Tacos, each dish showcases the harmonious blending of Mexican and Korean culinary traditions. While Vatos may not adhere strictly to traditional Mexican recipes, it is undeniably an exceptional dining destination for those seeking a unique and enjoyable gastronomic experience. The restaurant's lively ambiance and eclectic decor complement the exciting flavors, making Vatos a must-visit for locals and tourists alike. Drinks at Vatos Urban Tacos in central Seoul's Itaewon / Courtesy of Vatos Urban Tacos Crispy Pork Town: An authentic Mexican culinary journey A true testament to a restaurant's authenticity is when people who hail from the food's country or region of origin vouch for the legitimacy of the establishment's culinary provisions. Eugene Seok, an Itaewon entrepreneur that was raised in Guatemala, a Spanish-speaking country that is inundated with Spanish cuisine, has high recommendations for Crispy Pork Town. As he states, "it sets itself apart by offering genuine Mexican cuisine in the midst of other so-called Mexican restaurants." Unlike the Tex-Mex variety often found in many eateries, Crispy Pork Town focuses on serving authentic Mexican tacos and other traditional delicacies. The restaurant's commitment to staying true to Mexican culinary techniques and flavors has earned it a dedicated following of patrons who feel like they've been transported to the streets of Mexico. For Eugene, it's not just about the food but also the cultural experience. Crispy Pork Town aims to make its guests feel at home, surrounded by the warmth and familiarity of Mexican hospitality. The exterior of Crispy Pork Town in central Seoul's Itaewon / Courtesy of Crispy Pork Town BistroMEXI: A combination of flavors with Mexico infused in every bite Founded by MYK INC., the visionary minds behind the successful Prost Pub & Grill and Glam Lounge, bistroMEXI made its grand entrance into the Itaewon culinary scene last October. This dynamic eatery was conceptualized to enrich the already diverse array of dining options in the neighborhood. Since its inception, bistroMEXI has been a hub of cultural fusion, blending the warmth of Mexican hospitality with the charm of Itaewon's bustling streets. The interior of bistroMEXI is an enchanting blend of emerald and red, evoking the serene beauty of the Caribbean Sea. Through its expansive window walls, diners can take in the energetic rhythm of Itaewon's main street. A unique feature is the 10-meter-long media wall brandishing world-leading NFT art, adding a modern artistic flair to the dining experience. At the helm of bistroMEXI's kitchen is Mexican sous-chef Alex Perez, whose culinary expertise infuses every dish with authentic Mexican flavors. The menu boasts an array of delectable tacos, signature cocktails and high-quality mocktails. Notably, bistroMEXI offers a rare opportunity for guests to enjoy shots and samplers of premium tequilas, a treat typically reserved for bottle purchases in other venues. BistroMEXI in central Seoul/s Itaewon / Courtesy of BistroMEXI Coreanos: A Mexican fusion pioneer The origins of Coreanos Kitchen trace back to a food truck in Austin, Texas, in 2010, with Gene Cho and James Kwon leading the charge. In 2013, Coreanos Kitchen made its mark in Itaewon's Apgujeong Rodeo, and within a year, a second location was established in Itaewon. What sets Coreanos apart is its unwavering commitment to innovation while staying true to LA-Tex Mex cuisine. The establishment seamlessly blends its original food truck offerings, such as the Three Wise Fries and OG burrito, with creative "skizzle" fajita menus and platters that have captivated the taste buds of patrons. According to Coreanos manager Grace Lee, the Mexican food industry in Itaewon is thriving and remarkable. She pointed out that Itaewon has always been a haven for international comfort food, and Mexican cuisine has always been at the forefront. From authentic street-style tacos to fusion creations like birria, the options are as diverse as the district itself. The exterior of Coreanos Kitchen in central Seoul's Itaewon / Courtesy of Coreanos Kitchen Scouts leave Korea for their home countries at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, Aug. 12, the final day of the World Scout Jamboree. Yonhap About 10,000 young Scouts and adult volunteers who participated in the 2023 World Scout Jamboree in South Korea were ready to depart back home Saturday, according to the interior and safety ministry. The ministry said over 10,000 participants headed to the airport on Saturday alone to return to their respective countries. The central government and local governments will host various cultural programs, and provide food and transportation services to the remaining participants until they depart for home, it added. Interior Minister Lee Sang-min earlier said the government will "provide convenience to the participants of the jamboree and take care of the safety of each of them until the last one (departs)." "With the sublime blessings of Heaven pouring down in the form of smiling sunshine, dawned the Great Day of Independence-the day that will go down to India's unborn generations as the important landmark in the history of India's National Freedom." "It was, indeed, a unique day in every respect," the piece said, echoing the tone of the opening sentence. "Those of us who have had the good fortune to witness this Great Day being observed in all solemnity and with perfect traditional ceremony throughout the length and breadth of India will never forget the imposing manifestations of full-blooded patriotism that fired the heart of every true Indian worth the name." Think again if you believe it to be a description of August 15, 1947. The Bombay Chronicle's front-page piece, which described the nation's attitude the day after India celebrated its first Independence Day, began with these words on January 27, 1930. That's right. The Congress's new Working Committee met on January 2, 1930, and following the momentous declaration of Purna Swaraj at the Lahore Session in 1929, resolved to mark January 26 as "Purna Swaraj Day." The CWC published a statement that was to be taken as a vow all across the nation. 'New Chapter in Indian History' was the bold headline of The Bombay Chronicle. The report's subheadings provide some insight into the atmosphere in Bombay. The first day of freedom. Heavy Demand for Flag Lockets, Perfect Volunteer Organization, Homage to the National Flag, and C.I.D. Men as Khaddarites! Abbas Tyabji presided over the gathering and raised the national flag at Chowpatty, which had become "a sea of humanity" due to the procession of people. Gandhi was invited to Bombay to preside over the historic conference, according to Abid Ali, secretary of the Bombay Provincial Congress Committee. Gandhi, however, retorted that his role was to prepare the nation, not to preside over the conference. Gajendranath Sharma, Shardaben Mehta, an author and social worker, activist Kamaladevi Nehru, and Central Khilafat Committee secretary Kamara Ahmed, respectively, read the pledge of allegiance in Hindi, Gujarati, English, and Urdu. (Page 11 of The Bombay Chronicle, 27 January 1930). On January 21, C. Rajagopalachari, from Gandhi Ashram, issued the following appeal in the newspaper: "I hope on January 26, everyone wanting freedom for India will decorate his house and street with national flags and festoons and attend the meeting that will be held in his town or village to hear the Congress message of freedom read. The day has come when India will question the government, and each person must choose whether to support the Congress or the government. The simple problem is this. To stay at home and skip the meeting is to support the government. (Page 16 of The Bombay Chronicle, January 25, 1930). An annual event The Prabhat Feri (morning processions), Flag Salutation, and public gatherings that accompanied the commemoration of Independence Day on January 26 became traditions after that. As several provincial governments outlawed "a particular Independence pledge that was proposed to be read and reaffirmed at public meetings," The Bombay Chronicle's editorial headed "Independence Day" in its edition from January 26, 1937, emphasised the potential of unusual fervour. As the party had gained control in numerous provinces following the elections in 1937, Congress officials participated in the celebrations for the first time on Independence Day in 1938. The National Flag was raised at Congress House by B.G. Kher, the premier (chief minister) of the Bombay Province. A sizable assembly was presided over by Sarojini Naidu in Bombay's Azad Maidan. A politician from Sindh named Jairamdas Daulatram urged the crowd to remember that "one-fifth of the world's population was under slavery and that freedom in India was therefore a global problem." 27 January 1938, page 1 of The Bombay Chronicle Naresh Mukherjee, the secretary of the Congress, even moved to adjourn the House's proceedings so that the members may take part in the Independence Day festivities in the Bengal Legislature. Due to the late delivery, the President did not accept it. (p. 8 of The Bombay Chronicle, 27 January 1938). Jawaharlal Nehru, the president of the Congress, raised the national flag in Gandhi Chowk in Bannu city, which is far from Bengal and is now part of Pakistan. The Pashtun nonviolent resistance group Khudai Khidmatgars, commanded by Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, organised the event. Following the salutations, Nehru delivered a speech in which he noted, "The flag stood for India's freedom and unity among different communities." (Page 1 of The Bombay Chronicle, 27 January 1938) It all changed in 1947 For 18 years, the 26th of January was observed as Independence Day. The previous one, which was observed a few months before the official Independence Day, occurred in 1947. On January 26, 1947, the renowned Gujarati nationalist newspaper Pravasi, which is based in Bombay, released an Independence Day Special Supplement. On January 23, 1947, a full-page advertisement for it appeared in Janmabhoomi and featured an artwork by renowned Gujarati cartoonist-artist "Shani." The copy had two slogans: 'We promise for independence with martyrs as witnesses.' And our life motto is "Do or die." 'India's Final Rally For Independence' was the front-page banner headline of The Bombay Chronicle on January 27. The Congress didn't organise any public gatherings or processions. The raising of a flag was the only activity that day. Jawaharlal Nehru received telegrams from the Indonesian Prime Minister Sutan Sjahrir and a delegation from the Viet Nam Republican Government in Paris wishing the nation a happy Independence Day. Indonesians are closely following India's valiant effort to achieve total independence, according to Sjahrir. Additionally, greetings were sent by ambassadors and ministers from China, Syria, the Emirate of Transjordan, and Saudi Arabia. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the deputy prime minister of India when it became a republic on January 26, 1950, reflected on the Purna Swaraj pledge made 20 years earlier and said, "Although we obtained independence on August 15, 1947, it was not complete in the sense of the pledge we took [as India came into existence as a dominion]." By God's grace, that promise has been fully kept as of right now. (Page 1 of The Bombay Chronicle, 26 January 1950) According to Patel, 26 January has lost some of its attraction due to the loss of its status as Independence Day after 1947 and the absence of a new identity as the day of full independence. On August 15, 1947, the end of British rule sparked nationwide celebration. However, the gloom of the shocking and awful communal violence persisted. After a protracted night, the newspapers published special supplements to wish their readers a happy new day. Popular Gujarati monthlies Kumar and Sanskruti, published in Ahmedabad, did celebrate freedom in their August issues. But it was subtle in tone. The cover of the August 1947 issue of Kumar, a reputable Gujarati monthly, featured an image of the National Flag with a boy scout. In later decades, the salutation and outfit (knee-long shorts, cap) that originally represented the Sewa Dal of Congress became synonymous with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. Kumar: a monthly for the citizens of tomorrow Kumar, "a monthly for the citizens of tomorrow," produced a map of Independent India with the caption "Independent yet incomplete India." Kumar is known for covering a wide range of themes in literature, the arts, culture, science, and other fields without getting too caught up in current events. The foundation of Pakistan and the regions governed by various princely princes, even though they were integrated with the Indian Union, were used as examples in the preceding article to explain the issue. Some princely realms continued to exercise "sovereign" control over the populace because they had not yet made a choice. They made the Independence, according to the monthly, incomplete. Bachubhai Rawat, the illustrious editor of Kumar, was renowned for encouraging poets and authors. Sundaram, Rajendra Shah, and Balmukund Dave all went on to become well-known Gujarati poets, with Shah winning the Jnanpith Award in 2001. Their poems may be found in the renowned poetry section of the issue from August 1947. Dave's poem, A Cloudy Dawn, contrasted with the joyous poetry of Sundaram and Shah. He inquired, "Why is the dawn cloudy and foggy?" as he described the sacrifices paid for the cause of independence in the first stanza. He pictured people getting up and being unimpressed by the foggy light. Dave did an excellent job of capturing Gandhi's images in the final stanza: "Graceful yet sorrowful and feeble eyes peering across the sky. He was the one who had ingested the darkness's toxin yet still stood in front of the crowds with full calm and asceticism, like Lord Shiva. The people were inspired by his leadership to put their sorrow behind and look toward a better future. The readers of a brief, unsigned article in Kumar captioned "As the independence has arrived" were forewarned that the hard work had only just begun. The nation's post-revolutionary state was substantially comparable to that of Russia in 1918. We require thousands of qualified individuals to manage our long-boarding facility...If we don't build up our fortitude to bear the weight of our freedom, it will crush us. Sometimes it was simple to make a sacrifice while enthusiastic, but it was challenging to make a sacrifice while maintaining silence. And the latter was what would be required. In the August 1947 issue, Kumar also began a series of articles about the independence martyrs. The photograph of the four Sarnath lions, the country's emblem, was published in the September 1947 issue. A two-page piece headlined "The freedom is ignited in the country but not in our hearts" was included in the issue. It cited a few unpleasant facts and advised against excessive self-praise. The article also described the disorderly conduct of the 15 August celebrations in several locales. Sanskruti Magazine Umashankar Joshi, a poet and author, founded the new magazine Sanskruti in January 1947. It was equally measured in celebrating 15 August. The country will cease to be a colony due to a bill passed quietly (in the British Parliament), according to Joshi's column Samayrang (moods of time), and this fact in and of itself is astonishing. He added that no group of people had shown the kind of excitement that was appropriate for the situation. As for pure pessimism, Joshi remarked, "To accept what we have and to make full efforts of building a grand structure based on it is the only way forward... " He also rejected pure pessimism, which swiftly eliminated all joy.The nation cannot continue to be as lifeless as it is right now. Joshi was critical of the British leadership of both the Indian and Pakistani forces. He stated unequivocally that the Indian leadership lacked statesmanship and vision. Three poems, including one by Joshi himself, were included in the issue greeting Independence. Umashankr Joshi remarked in the editorial of the September 1947 issue of Sanskruti that he was utterly disappointed and that the nation has reached an all-time low spiritually. He also criticized the political establishment for giving up Gandhianism or other similar ideas. The harsher remark was made in his 'Samayrang' column, where he bemoaned the excessive pay of recently appointed Indian governors. He observed a new practice of tax-free salaries for the governors, which was not even the case during the British Raj, and quoted a Gujarati saying that says one can see the child's traits from the cradle. Joshi said that it was unlucky to see the ministers leaving Birla House to take their positions of authority while wearing kanku (red turmeric) on their foreheads. He regretted the lack of any ministers who offered to decline a salary or who declined to use it for a charitable cause. When the Congress formed governments in numerous provinces after the election in 1937, there wasn't a single minister who at least adhered to the remuneration of Rs 500 that Congress ministers received. "Perhaps the British might not have inherited it from the Mughals in the same way, given the way our leaders have advanced the British legacy." Joshi wrote and expressed his hope that the new officials would serve the people with humility. Joshi disagreed with Gandhi's decision to remove the spinning wheel from the national flag and expressed surprise that Gandhi was persuaded to make the alteration. He wrote that "the inclusion of the Chakra is like trying to show respect towards the essence of Gandhi in the present and that of Ashoka in the past but effectively appropriating the pride associated with both of them." He cited the religious and spiritual history of the chakra in Indian tradition even before Ashoka. On such a significant occasion as 15 August 1947, the tone of two renowned Gujarati monthlies can be instructive for the media and authors watching the government-driven Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. Mahatma Gandhi did not celebrate the end of British rule on August 15, 1947, as many other people did. He plunged himself in peace efforts after being deeply upset by the pre-Partition communal violence and was in Calcutta on the evening of August 14, 1947. Both hoopla and passion were lacking for Harijan, the English weekly produced by Pyarelal, Gandhi's secretary and close adviser. The editions of Harijan published on August 17, 24, and 31 served as a legitimate repository for Gandhi's writings, ideas, and speeches but were devoid of any articles celebrating the country's independence or written in an overly triumphal tone. With the exception of one subject-discussions regarding the National Flag-the weekly continued to cover Gandhi's post-prayer remarks and other pieces that had nothing whatsoever to do with the Independence. The Flag's Legacies in Congress In the Dandi March, Satish Kalelkar, the son of Kaka Kalelkar who returned from Oxford, had followed Gandhi. He advocated for red, white, and green stripes on the national flag in a column published in Harijan. He recalled that the original Congress flag had a charkha in the center and horizontal stripes of white, green, and red in that order. Given that orange might be "anything from yellow, saffron, pink, to the bhagwa of the sadhu's kafni," Kalelkar defended his preference for red over orange. The other justification for choosing red was to remember the employees who had a "partiality toward the color." If white, the color of purity, were to be used instead of keeping saffron for the desh-sevikas (women who served the country), as some people claimed, Kalelkar asked, "would not Indian womanhood be better suited by white?" He thought that a wheel should take the place of the charkha (spinning wheel), both for aesthetic reasons and because it represents a crucial discovery. The wheel also represented farmers, the American Revolution, industry, the Emperor Ashoka-adopted Buddhist notion of the dharma-chakra, and religion as the "balance-wheel" that supports society. Gandhi stated in a postscript to Satish Kalelkar's writing that "the three strips were to represent all the communities and the charkha was the symbol of non-violence" and claimed to be "the originator of the first design" of the Indian flag. Harijan, July 6, 1947, p. 221. Later that month, in response to the rumor that the Union Jack would take up a corner of the National Flag after 15 August 1947, he received an angry letter. As long as India remained a Dominion, Gandhi saw no harm in it. At the Congress Working Committee, he "heard with sorrow that the Union Jack was not going to occupy a place on the Flag." Even more, he urged them not to celebrate the omission. In the following issue of Harijan, Gandhi penned an editorial titled The National Flag. The Congress flag becoming the National Flag infuriated several people. Gandhi refuted the charge in his letter, stating that the Congress "never represented a party, but...represented all parties and all Indians." (Page 260 of Harijan, August 3, 1947) He recalled that in 1921, the nation acting through the Congress accepted the National Flag by its very name. Gandhi warned that "the improved condition of the Flag has value only if it answers the significance attached to the Original," citing an article he authored in 1921. The spinning wheel was said to be Gandhi's toy and an elderly woman's comfort, which was an argument against the traditional flag with a charkha.We want lions to be mounted on Ashoka's disc.We've had enough of timidity. In the modern day, we are sick of wearing khadi. Gandhi firmly stated, "I would refuse to salute the flag that bears the foregoing interpretation, however artistic it may appear," in his letter. Another group saw the flag's wheel as an enhanced, artistic representation of the spinning wheel. Gandhi wasn't opposed to it. If any further but non-inconsistent interpretations are added to this essential meaning, the additions will undoubtedly be harmless, the author said. Gandhi was willing to embrace it as "the necessity of obeying the ever-moving Wheel of the Divine Law of Love" because of the wheel's connection to Ashoka's ultimate abandonment of pomp and power. Gandhi said he had no problem as long as people preserved charkha and khadi in their hearts when they expressed their regret over the absence of charkha in the new Flag. Nehru's ideas Jawaharlal Nehru was portrayed giving Gandhi his charkha back with the caption, "Bapuji, here is your spinning wheel," by the Gujarati cartoonist "Chakor." Nehru did not find these interpretations amusing. He explicitly stated, "It must not be imagined that we have given up the charkha or what it symbolized because the whole charkha is not there now. The Constituent Assembly's resolution made it quite clear that the wheel in the middle stood in for the charkha. He disregarded recommendations that the wheel should have been larger and cover some of the saffron and green stripes, saying that the charkha gave the flag a certain kind of conceptual elegance. He claimed that the suggestion "exhibited a lack of appreciation for the artistry of the entire design." He acknowledged the relationship between the wheel and Ashoka and then stated that the flag represents India's working class. It is both contemporary and transports us to the rich cultural traditions of ancient India. As a result, it demonstrates both the enduring nature of Indian culture and the country's current vibrancy. Professor Radha Kumud Mookerji commented on the wheel's significance, the Dhamma-chakra, as the Gandhian principle of "Ram Rajya," or "right against might." As a "successor of Lord Vishnu's Sudarshan Chakra, the Cosmic Circle, within which is comprehended all that is, animate or inanimate," he also described it. The truth is, as Gandhi already said, it's all in the heart. Know the List of Bills Passed in the Monsoon Session by the Parliament of India The Monsoon Session of the Parliament of 2023, which began on the 20th of July 2023, has been postponed sine die as of today, August 11, 2023. Over the course of the session's 23 days, there were 17 sittings. The Lok Sabha presented 20 bills during the session, while the Rajya Sabha introduced 5 bills. Rajya Sabha approved 25 bills, while Lok Sabha approved 22 bills. With the approval of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, one Bill each was withdrawn. There were 23 bills passed by both Houses of Parliament in total during the session. With a view to giving effect to the intention and purpose behind the provisions of article 239AA of the Constitution, a permanent authority, headed by the Chief Minister of Delhi along with the Chief Secretary, Government of National Capital Territory, was established to replace the Ordinance. The Bill replacing the Ordinance, The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023, which was promulgated by the President before the Monsoon Session, was considered and passed by the Houses. Following are some of the significant Bills which have been passed by both Houses during the Session: The Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023: Seeks to make the process of sanctioning films for exhibition more effective and in tune with the changed times by including enabling provisions in the Act to check film piracy, introduce age-based categories of certification and remove redundant provisions in the existing Act. The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Third Amendment) Bill, 2023: Seeks for the inclusion of the Hattee community of the Trans Giri area of Sirmour district in the list of Scheduled Tribes in Himachal Pradesh. The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Fifth Amendment) Bill, 2023: Seeks for the inclusion of Bhuinya, Bhuiyan, and Bhuyan communities as synonyms of the Bharia Bhumia community. It also includes three Devanagari versions of the name of the Pando community in Chhattisgarh. The Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2023: Seeks- (i) to strengthen governance, enhance transparency, increase accountability reform the electoral process etc. in the Multi-State Cooperative Societies by supplementing existing legislation and incorporating the provisions of the Ninety-Seventh Constitutional Amendment. (ii) to improve monitoring mechanisms and ensure Ease of Doing Business for Multi-State Cooperative Societies. The Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2023: Seeks- (i) to reduce the pressure on wild medicinal plants by encouraging the cultivation of medicinal plants; (ii) encourage the Indian system of medicine; (iii) facilitate the fast-tracking of research, the patent application process, transfer of research results while utilising the biological resources available in India without compromising the objectives of United Nation Convention on Biological Diversity and its Nagoya Protocol; (iv) decriminalise certain provisions; (v) bring more foreign investments in the chain of biological resources, including research, patent and commercial utilisation, without compromising the national interest. The Mines and Mineral (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023: Seeks to amend the Mines and Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 for introducing Exploration Licences & to delist some minerals from the list of atomic minerals. The Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023: Seeks to provide for the grant of production leases to the private sector only through auction by competitive bidding to enable early allocation of operating rights through a transparent and non-discretionary process. Also to adopt other features of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, such as the establishment of trusts for mining-affected persons and encouraging exploration, removing the process of discretionary renewals and providing a uniform lease period of fifty years, the introduction of the composite licence, providing for area limits, easy transfer of composite licence or production lease, etc. The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023: Intends to amend the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 by inter-alia clarifying the applicability of the Act in various types of lands and streamlining the process of approvals under the Act. The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2023: Besides the decriminalisation of minor offences, the Bill envisages the rationalisation of monetary penalties, depending on the gravity of the offence, bolstering trust-based governance. Yet another novelty involved in the proposal is an increase of ten per cent. of the minimum amount of fine and penalty levied, after the expiry of every three years, once the Bill becomes law. The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2023: Seeks to accommodate progressive changes in society during the last five decades, making the registration process people-friendly and updating other databases at the national and state levels using the database of registered births and deaths. The Mediation Bill, 2023: Seeks to promote and facilitate mediation, especially institutional mediation, for the resolution of disputes, commercial or otherwise, enforce mediated settlement agreements, provide for a body for the registration of mediators, encourage community mediation and make online mediation an acceptable and cost-effective process and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. The Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Bill, 2023: Seeks to empower the Commander-in-Chief or the Officer-in-Command of Inter-Services Organisations in respect of persons subject to the Army Act, 1950, the Navy Act, 1957 and the Air Force Act, 1950, who is serving under or attached to his Command, for maintenance of discipline and proper discharge of their duties. The Indian Institutes of Management (Amendment) Bill, 2023: Seeks to provide for (i) alignment of the IIM Act with Acts governing the IITs and other Institutes of National Importance. (ii) inclusion of NITIE, Mumbai in the schedule of the IIM Act, 2017 and renaming NITIE, Mumbai as IIM Mumbai. The National Dental Commission Bill, 2023: Seeks to regulate the profession of dentistry in the country, to provide for quality and affordable; dental education, to make accessible high-quality oral healthcare and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. The National Nursing and Midwifery Commission Bill, 2023: Seeks to provide 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 and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. The Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2023: Seeks the Inclusion of Mahra, Mahara community as synonyms of Mahar, Mehra, and Mehar at Sl. No. 33 in the list of Scheduled Castes of Chhattisgarh. The Anusandhan National Research Foundation Bill, 2023: Proposes to establish the Anusandhan National Research Foundation to provide high-level strategic direction for research, innovation and entrepreneurship in the fields of natural sciences including mathematical sciences, engineering and technology, environmental and earth sciences, health and agriculture, and scientific and technological interfaces of humanities and social sciences, to promote, monitor and provide support as required for such research and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. The Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023: Seeks to provide for the processing of digital personal data in a manner that recognizes both the right of individuals to protect their personal data and the need to process personal data for lawful purposes and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. The Coastal Aquaculture Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2023: Seeks- (a) to revise the provisions of the Act so as to reduce the regulatory compliance burden to the stakeholders without diluting the core principles of environment protection in coastal areas; (b) to decriminalize the offence(s) under the Act; (c) to expand the scope of the Act to bring all coastal aquaculture activities under its ambit; and (d) to remove difficulties and regulatory gaps in the Act for effective implementation, and to facilitate ease of doing business.) The Pharmacy (Amendment) Bill, 2023: Seeks to provide that any person whose name has been entered in the register of pharmacist maintained under the Jammu and Kashmir Pharmacy Act, 2011 or who possesses qualification (medical assistant/pharmacist) prescribed under the said act shall be deemed to have been entered in the register of pharmacist prepared and maintained under chapter IV of the said act subject to the condition that an application to be made in this behalf within a period of one year from the commencement of the Pharmacy (Amendment) Act, 2023 on payment of such fees, in such a manner, as may be prescribed by the Government of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and administration of Union Territory of Ladakh. No-confidence motion in the Council of Ministers moved by Shri Gaurav Gogoi was discussed for approx. 20 hours. 60 Members including Ministers participated in the discussion, which was replied to by Hon'ble Prime Minister. The Motion was negatived by the House via voice vote. The productivity of the Lok Sabha was approximately 45% and that of the Rajya Sabha was approximately 63%. Annexure LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS TRANSACTED DURING THE 12TH SESSION OF THE 17TH LOK SABHA AND THE 260TH SESSION OF RAJYA SABHA (MONSOON SESSION) I - BILLS INTRODUCED IN LOK SABHA The National Nursing and Midwifery Commission Bill, 2023. The National Dental Commission Bill, 2023. The Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2023 The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2023 The Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023 The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023 The Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Castes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2023 The Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2023 The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023 The Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023. The Indian Institutes of Management (Amendment) Bill, 2023 The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023 The Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023 The Pharmacy (Amendment) Bill, 2023 The Anusandhan National Research Foundation Bill, 2023 The Central Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2023 The Integrated Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2023 The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, 2023. The Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita Bill, 2023 The Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, 2023 II - BILLS INTRODUCED IN RAJYA SABHA The Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023 The Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2023 The Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023 The Post Office Bill, 2023 The Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023 III- BILLS PASSED BY LOK SABHA The Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2022. The Multi-State Co-operative Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2022 The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023 The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2023 The Repealing and Amending Bill, 2022 The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023 The National Nursing and Midwifery Commission Bill, 2023 The National Dental Commission Bill, 2023. The Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023 The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Fifth Amendment) Bill, 2023 The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Third Amendment) Bill, 2023 The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2023 The Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023 The Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order Amendment Bill, 2023 The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023 The Indian Institutes of Management (Amendment) Bill, 2023 The Inter-services Organisations (Command, Control & Discipline) Bill, 2023 The Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023 The Anusandhan National Research Foundation Bill, 2023 The Pharmacy (Amendment) Bill, 2023 The Mediation Bill, 2023 The Coastal Aquaculture Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2023 The Central Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2023 The Integrated Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2023 IV - BILLS PASSED/RETURNED BY RAJYA SABHA The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Fifth Amendment) Bill, 2022 The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Third Amendment) Bill, 2022 The Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023 The Multi-State Co-operative Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2023 The Mediation Bill, 2021 The Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2023 The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023 The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023 The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2023 The Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023 The Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023 The Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2023 The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023 The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2023 The Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control & Discipline) Bill, 2023 The Indian Institutes of Management (Amendment) Bill, 2023 The National Dental Commission Bill, 2023. The National Nursing and Midwifery Commission Bill, 2023 The Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order Amendment Bill, 2023 The Anusandhan National Research Foundation Bill, 2023 The Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023 The Coastal Aquaculture Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2023 The Pharmacy (Amendment) Bill, 2023 The Central Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2023 The Integrated Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2023 V - BILL S PASSED BY BOTH THE HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT The Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023 The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Fifth Amendment) Bill, 2023 The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Third Amendment) Bill, 2023 The Multi-State Co-operative Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2023 The Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2023 The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023 The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023 The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2023 The Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023 The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023 The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2023 The Mediation Bill, 2023 The Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control & Discipline) Bill, 2023 The Indian Institutes of Management (Amendment) Bill, 2023 The National Dental Commission Bill, 2023. The National Nursing and Midwifery Commission Bill, 2023 The Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order Amendment Bill, 2023 The Anusandhan National Research Foundation Bill, 2023 The Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023 The Coastal Aquaculture Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2023 The Pharmacy (Amendment) Bill, 2023 The Central Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2023 The Integrated Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2023 VI - BILL WITHDRAWN IN LOK SABHA The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2019 VII - BILL WITHDRAWN IN RAJYA SABHA Today, practically all significant firms and sectors rely on software and provide their services online. For instance, Amazon is a software company, the top video service by a huge number of members, and Netflix is a software company. Facebook also became the largest social media company. You can build a profession as a software developer with the aid of these certification programmes. 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Learning Puppet: This course teaches you how to use this versatile and powerful coding language to control complicated networks and environments. This course can be completed in 3 hours and 28 minutes and is offered on Udemy for 3200 Rs. A woman steps through a door in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington that is covered by a mural depicting American hostages and wrongful detainees who are being held abroad, July 20, 2022. AP-Yonhap Two-and-a-half years into Joe Biden's presidency, and after exhaustive diplomacy with Iran's clerical leadership, his administration has reached a first deal to free five detained Americans. The delicate agreement heralds an easing of tensions between the longtime adversaries, and experts and diplomats believe it could bring further, quiet efforts to address concerns including Iran's nuclear work. Few people, however, expect major agreements anytime soon, with the clock ticking to the 2024 U.S. presidential election. "I think both sides have an interest in using this initial agreement as the gateway to get back to dialogue, but not necessarily to a deal," said Ali Vaez, the Iran project director at the International Crisis Group, which promotes conflict resolution. European-led talks collapsed last year on reviving a 2015 nuclear deal, which constrained Iran's contested program in return for promises of sanctions relief but was trashed by former president Donald Trump. Biden himself, in a caught-on-camera encounter at a campaign stop late last year, said the nuclear deal was "dead" in all but name, at a time when the Islamic republic was putting down massive protests led by women. A source familiar with the negotiations said the prisoner agreement was separate from the nuclear issue. But he also said diplomacy has been effective in lowering the temperature with Iran, pointing to the truce that has held unofficially for more than a year in war-ravaged Yemen, where Huthi rebels are backed by Iran. Attacks by Iranian-linked Shiite militias against U.S. troops have also appeared to subside in Iraq, noted a diplomat from a U.S. ally. "The tensions are still very much there but the two governments are communicating, and that makes a difference," the diplomat said. We ask you, humbly, to help. Hi readers, it seems you use Catholic Online a lot; that's great! It's a little awkward to ask, but we need your help. If you have already donated, we sincerely thank you. We're not salespeople, but we depend on donations averaging $14.76 and fewer than 1% of readers give. If you donate just $5.00, the price of your coffee, Catholic Online School could keep thriving. Thank you. Help Now > Prayers A to Z: A Copyright 2022 Catholic Online. All materials contained on this site, whether written, audible or visual are the exclusive property of Catholic Online and are protected under U.S. and International copyright laws, Copyright 2022 Catholic Online. Any unauthorized use, without prior written consent of Catholic Online is strictly forbidden and prohibited. Catholic Online is a Project of Your Catholic Voice Foundation, a Not-for-Profit Corporation. Your Catholic Voice Foundation has been granted a recognition of tax exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Federal Tax Identification Number: 81-0596847. Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law. Taiwan's Vice President William Lai, center, speaks prior to his departure to Paraguay inside the Terminal of Taoyuan international Airport in Taoyuan, Taiwan, Aug. 12. EPA-Yonhap Taiwan's Vice President William Lai few to the United States, Saturday, on a sensitive trip that has angered Chinese officials. The democratic island is claimed by China, which has vowed to take the territory one day by force, if necessary and has ramped up political and military pressure. It opposes other countries' official exchanges with Taiwan, and often reacts angrily to Taiwanese leaders' stopovers in the United States. Lai a candidate for Taiwan's presidential elections next year is officially making only transit stops in the United States en route to and from Paraguay, where he will be attending that country's presidential inauguration. "Departing soon for #Asuncion to attend (president-elect Santiago Pena's) inauguration convey to him the people of #Paraguay the best wishes of (Taiwan)," Lai wrote on Twitter, now called X. "(E)xcited to meet with #U.S. friends in transit." In response, Laura Rosenberger, chair of the American Institute in Taiwan a de-facto embassy for Taiwan based in Virginia wrote that officials were "looking forward to welcoming" Lai. Lai is expected to stop in New York en route to Paraguay, and San Francisco when flying back. Last week, China's foreign ministry urged U.S. leaders to "abide by the One-China principle and... to stop official exchanges between the U.S. and Taiwan". In April, China staged three days of military exercises simulating a blockade of Taiwan after President Tsai Ing-wen met U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in California. Ahead of Lai's departure, Taiwan had sought to downplay the trip, with foreign ministry spokesman Jeff Liu saying there was "nothing special" about vice presidents transiting in the United States which has occurred 11 times before. "China has no reason to overreact or take the opportunity to escalate the situation," Liu said in a briefing this week, adding that Lai was making the trip in his capacity as vice president, not as a presidential candidate. "If China decides... to take provocative actions, it is China, not Taiwan or the United States, that undermines the status quo of peace and stability in the region," Liu said. In the week leading up to Lai's departure, incursions by the Chinese military around Taiwan's waters and airspace which have been happening near-daily in the past year were larger than usual. On Wednesday, the defense ministry said 33 Chinese warplanes and six vessels were detected around the island over the past 24 hours. (AFP) Lindsey Coker Rodney Kellum Sephanie O. Hubach Previous Next The Anna Shaw Childrens Institute will host the eighth annual North Georgia Autism Conference on Friday, Oct. 27 at the Dalton Convention Center.Keynote speakers will include Rodney Kellum, author and inspirational speaker, and Stephanie O. Hubach, a mother, research fellow in disability ministry and author of Same Lake Different Boat & Parenting and Disabilities.We are excited to continue our mission in providing a well-rounded conference with presentations to help increase functional skill development and decrease behavioral challenges to ensure individuals with autism can live enriched, successful lives, said Lindsey Coker, educational resource coordinator.By bringing speakers such as these, the North Georgia Autism Conference can continue to be viewed as the premiere conference in the region.The event is intended for parents, caregivers, educators, professionals, medical providers, young adults on the autism spectrum, self-advocates and other interested individuals.To register, please visit HamiltonHealth.com/autismconference If you would like to attend this event and need assistance with interpretation services and/or auxiliary aids, please indicate when registering.There are still some slots for presenting. Those interested in presenting may visit hamiltonhealth.com/conferencepresentations For more information, contact Coker at lcoker@hhcs.org. The fall of the short-lived Second French Republic in December 1851 marks one of the most rapid and complete reversals in modern political history. Born out of the February Revolution of 1848, the Republic appeared to promise a new era of progress and democracy for the whole of Europe. But this proved to be a false dawn. In less than four years the most democratic republic on Earth was transformed into its opposite: the naked dictatorship of Napoleon III. This article was written as an introduction to Marx's Eighteenth Brumaire, published by Wellred Books The Eighteenth Brumaire of Louis Bonaparte was originally written as a series of articles by Karl Marx in the immediate aftermath of these events. It remains not only a classic of Marxist theory but one of the greatest works of political analysis ever written. In seven concise chapters Marx lays bare the anatomy of revolution and counter-revolution in the swirl of events, personalities and parties that characterised the period. Not only that, but in the course of this phenomenal work Marx addresses a number of theoretical questions that resonate far beyond the nineteenth century. The role of the individual in history, the nature of Bonapartism and of the bourgeois state, the nature of the peasantry and its relationship with the working class, even the nature of social democracy, are all formulated with remarkable clarity considering the relatively early stage of working-class struggle in which this work was written. We are happy to announce we now have our very own edition of The Eighteenth Brumaire of Louis Bonaparte by Karl Marx in stock, featuring a brand new introduction. BUY NOW AT https://t.co/VDmiWoUqQR pic.twitter.com/HNNLIjyxa1 Wellred Books (@WellredBooks) October 7, 2022 Today, the publication of this new edition of Marxs great work is taking place in an even more volatile period than that of the mid-nineteenth-century. A firm grasp of the lessons drawn out in The Eighteenth Brumaire has never been more necessary. It is therefore hoped that the following introduction will serve to familiarise the reader with the key areas of Marxs analysis, and relate his conclusions to the modern world. Historical Materialism The revolution of 1848 provided the first opportunity for Marx to apply the materialist approach to history that he had developed and refined with his close collaborator, Friedrich Engels, to living events. Bonapartes coup in 1851 represented a decisive defeat, which posed new theoretical as well as political challenges for the revolutionary workers movement. The first and arguably the most fundamental challenges related to the apparent ease with which Bonaparte had been able to rise to power and restore the Empire. Many sought refuge in the Great Man theory of history, explaining the fall of the Republic as the product of Bonapartes own unstoppable will. Others, by contrast, sought to deprive Bonaparte of his triumph by claiming that the Republic had been doomed from the beginning, and that the rise of Bonaparte had been built into the foundations of French society. Ironically, this view was not necessarily incompatible with the worship of great individuals either. Bonaparte himself effectively subscribed to this view, considering the restoration of the Empire as preordained by Providence, and that it was his own destiny to bring it into being. And, superficially at least, events seemed to confirm his hypothesis. Both explanations are equal in that they both ultimately explain nothing. If events are determined by certain historical free agents who defy all prediction and control, or if they are in fact only the unfurling of a predetermined destiny, then what difference does it make? Neither interpretation allows us to learn from events in order to intervene and change history ourselves. What these essentially fatalistic views did provide however was a theoretical cover for those who had found themselves at the head of the republican and workers movements in 1848-51. If they had foreseen nothing, they explained, it was because nothing could have been foreseen; if they did nothing, it was because nothing could have been done. Marxs response is contained in the following famous lines: Men make their own history, but they do not make it as they please; they do not make it under self-selected circumstances, but under circumstances existing already, given and transmitted from the past. The foundation of the Marxist view of history is the materialist principle that these circumstances can be understood scientifically by human beings. It is therefore necessary to enquire into those circumstances in order to place the ideas and actions of individuals in their proper context. Only then can we grasp the real logic of events and guide our own attempts to make history. And it was precisely this that Marx achieved in The Eighteenth Brumaire. The Class Struggle In February 1848, on the eve of the revolution in France, Marx and Engels had declared to the world, The history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggles. And prime among the social conditions which Marx dissects in The Eighteenth Brumaire were the various classes present in French society in 1848, as well as how the interests and struggles of those classes shaped political events. The dominant class in French society at the time of the Revolution of 1848 was without doubt the bourgeoisie, that is, the possessors of capital in the form of industry, land and the machinery of high finance. The Great French Revolution swept away the old absolutist state and eliminated the last vestiges of feudal land ownership throughout the country. In the process, the revolution cemented free bourgeois property, unencumbered by feudal dues or privileges, at the foundations of the state, whether in the form of the Republic (1792-1804), the Empire (1804-1815), the restored Bourbon, or Legitimate, Monarchy (1815-1830), or the Orleanist, or July Monarchy (1830-48). The Great French Revolution swept away the old absolutist state / Image: public domain The development of capitalist production not only strengthened the still relatively weak industrial bourgeoisie in the towns, but also rendered the great landowning class thoroughly bourgeois in character. Even the old nobles, the former First Estate of the Old Regime who returned from exile after the defeat of Napoleon, were reduced to a mere faction of the bourgeoisie. Those landowners who did not move into capitalist agriculture themselves subsisted on leaching off a proportion of the surplus value produced by the workers and peasants of the country in the form of ground rent. This aristocracy of the soil was intimately connected to the aristocracy of finance, which enriched itself at the expense of all classes. Through the mortgages crushing the peasants, the rampant speculation on the Paris stock exchange, or Bourse, and the interest on the ever-expanding national debt, this bankocracy, as Marx termed it, placed its tentacles at all levels of the economy. It is worthy of note that the overwhelming majority of the French bourgeoisie in 1848 favoured a constitutional monarchy, along British lines, and not a republic of any kind. Under such a regime the bourgeoisie rules just as surely as under a republic, but the presence of an unelected head of state, hallowed by the tradition of centuries and seemingly standing above the fray not only mystifies the real class nature of the state, but also offers a useful distraction for the masses when they do begin to move. During the February Revolution, the respectable Liberal opposition desperately sought to avoid the fall of the monarchy by engineering the abdication of the king in favour of his nine-year-old grandson. This offers an instructive example of the way in which a mere change of monarch can be used to maintain the state, and with it bourgeois rule, almost intact. Likewise, if the monarch should intervene to undermine or even overthrow an elected government that proves itself untrustworthy to the ruling class, the blame for such a move would apparently fall on the Crown, not on the class on whose behalf it had acted. However, one major point of conflict within the monarchist bourgeoisie was over which dynasty was to rule over France. Marx found the basis for this Quixotic struggle of the competing royalist parties, the Legitimists and the Orleanists in the different material conditions and interests of those factions. While the industrial, landowning and financial bourgeois all form parts of the same class in that they all live off the surplus value produced by the exploited masses, this certainly does not mean they have identical interests. Under the restored Bourbons, the electoral franchise was restricted to the richest 50,000 landowners in France. The top positions in the state were occupied by nobles and high-ranking representatives of the Catholic Church. Under Charles X (1824-1830), those aristocratic families who had lost lands in the Revolution were compensated handsomely, but even this did not satisfy the Ultras in his parliament, who demanded nothing less than the full restitution of their lands and the restoration of Divine Right. Such a prospect was intolerable not only to the mass of the population but even to the bulk of the French bourgeoisie, which formed a Liberal opposition to the king in the 1820s. At last, the inevitable confrontation came to a head in July 1830, and not for the first nor last time in France, the monarchy came out the loser. But what emerged out of the Three Glorious Days of July was not a democratic republic but a mere change of dynasty, similar in nature to Englands so-called Glorious Revolution of 1688. As Marx explains in The Eighteenth Brumaire: The Legitimate Monarchy was merely the political expression of the hereditary rule of the lords of the soil, as the July Monarchy was only the political expression of the usurped rule of the bourgeois parvenus. What kept the two factions apart, therefore, was not any so-called principles, it was their material conditions of existence Individuals born into these conditions also inherited the traditions and ideological baggage which had formed over the course of the development of their class. And these ideas themselves formed a significant part of the circumstances in which these individuals made history. Similarly, the titanic struggles between the British Liberal and Tory parties of the nineteenth century were at root the political expression of the clashing interests of the industrial and landlord factions of the British ruling class. For all their high-flown parliamentary rhetoric, the fundamental division between these two parties ultimately came down to a dispute over how to share the loot plundered from the workers and peasants of the world. But while the various individuals and factions of the bourgeoisie may be engaged in a constant struggle with one and another, this does not prevent them from acting almost unanimously as a class when threatened by other classes in society. Such was the basis for the Party of Order, the name given to the unholy alliance of the two royalist factions under the Second Republic. Judging by their stated aims and principles such a fusion should be impossible, and yet when faced by the revolt of the working class, their common interests as a class trumped all other considerations. This contains a lesson for class-conscious workers today: No matter how bitter the apparent hostilities between two bourgeois parties, such as the Republicans and Democrats in the USA, they will form a solid united front against the working class when faced with a serious challenge to their rule. The Working Class Confronting the French bourgeoisie in 1848 was a young and relatively small working class, or proletariat. This class of wage workers, who had no means of securing a livelihood other than selling their ability to work by the day or the week, had barely existed in France at all during the Great Revolution of 1789-93. Only with the growth of capitalist industry made possible by that revolution did the modern working class begin to take form. Financed by enormous state loans, the 1840s saw a boom in railway construction. The construction of railways increased demand for the coal and metallurgical industry. This necessarily produced a growing demand for workers, who began to concentrate in the major cities. In 1851, 1,331,260 individuals were classed as working in grande industrie out of a total population of roughly 36 million. The working and living conditions faced by this young French working class were horrendous, comparable to the horrors described by Engels in his Conditions of the working class in England. Workers often worked fourteen or even eighteen hours a day to earn barely enough to survive. The lack of housing meant that workers and their families were crammed into tiny rooms and forced to live in the most squalid conditions imaginable. The overcrowded and filthy living conditions imposed on the working class facilitated the spread of disease, such as cholera, which claimed the lives of 18,400 people in Paris alone during 1831-32. In a very similar fashion to the British Chartist movement, the workers were at the forefront of the struggle for universal suffrage / Image: public domain It was in this period of suffering and insecurity that the first organisations of the French working class were forged, along with an explicitly working-class consciousness. During the mighty Lyon uprising of 1834, the silk weavers addressed their slogans to a specific class - the workers - quite possibly for the first time in French history. This marked a qualitative break with previous radical traditions in France, such as Jacobinism, which tended to address itself to the people in general. As the working class continued to grow under the July Monarchy, the workers began to form friendly societies, trades unions, co-operatives and even revolutionary secret societies. Educational societies were also set up to discuss political and economic theory. This movement provided fertile ground for the rising influence of various socialist and communist theories, which would have a significant impact on the revolution of 1848. Not for nothing did Marx and Engels declare in 1848: A spectre is haunting Europe: The spectre of Communism. In a very similar fashion to the British Chartist movement, the workers were at the forefront of the struggle for universal suffrage, although in France this took a much more explicitly republican form. But again, just like the Chartists and workers movements around the world ever since, they also combined this programme of democratic demands with their own social demands. The ten hour day, the right to work that is, the right to fairly paid, decent employment for all and the organisation of labour, in effect the planning of the economy to eliminate poverty, were all raised by the workers the moment the monarchy fell. For the working class, political democracy was always a means to achieve their social emancipation, not an end in itself. This fact would have extremely important consequences for the revolution of 1848, and beyond. The workers quickly realised that without a political organisation of some kind it would not be possible to realise any programme, and this gave rise to the inspiring club movement that flourished between March and June 1848. On 1 March there were around five clubs known to be meeting in Paris; on 15 March there were fifty-nine. By mid-April there were 203 clubs, of which 149 were united in a single federation. The clubs took their name and inspiration from the Great French Revolution of 1789-93, but they had a very different class content. Unlike the original clubs, they were made up of tens of thousands of workers, meeting regularly, sometimes nightly, to debate the tasks of the revolution. Marx described the clubs as the centres of the revolutionary proletariat, and even the formation of a workers state against the bourgeois state. The rise of the clubs was sadly short-lived. After the elections in April the government began to move decisively against them and on 23 June they were provoked into an insurrection in which at least 50,000 armed insurgents took part and thousands were killed. In many ways it was a precursor to the infamous bloody week of 21-28 May 1871, when the Paris Commune was crushed by the army of Versailles. The Petty Bourgeoisie The working class may have been at the forefront of the revolutionary movement in 1848, but it was by no means the only class in French society which had an interest in toppling the July Monarchy, and it was far from the majority of the republican movement. In fact, the vast majority of the urban population of France in 1848 formed part of what Marx called the petty bourgeoisie: small proprietors who owned means of production of their own but worked for themselves. Artisans in possession of their own workshops, shopkeepers and the lower ranks of journalists, lawyers, doctors and other professionals formed the bulk of this class. It had been the revolutionary petty bourgeoisie that had led the French Revolution in its most radical phase, under the Jacobin Convention of 1793. The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, issued in 1793 under the pressure of the Paris sans-culottes, supplemented the formal, legal and political equality of the original declaration of 1789 with further social demands, such as maintenance for the unemployed and secular education for all, which were extremely progressive at the time. What is significant about even the most radical layers of the petty bourgeoisie and its republican traditions, however, is that unlike the workers movement, the representatives of the petty bourgeoisie never went so far as to challenge private property. After all, the petty bourgeois were property owners themselves. The priority of the Mountain for example, which represented petty bourgeois republicanism under the Second Republic, prioritised the utmost political democracy and legal equality in order to attack the privileges and corruption of big property and provide succour for the poorest. The position adopted by the political representatives of the petty bourgeoisie ultimately reflected its class position, as Marx explains. Interestingly Marx describes the petty bourgeoisie as a transition class, because it forms a middle layer between the capitalists and the working class, and its members are continually rising into the ranks of the capitalists or sink gradually into the proletariat as they are ruined by competition with big business. As a result of this intermediate position in the class struggle, the mutually exclusive interests of big property and the proletariat are, in Marxs words, simultaneously mutually blunted in the form of general appeal to the people as a whole, and demands which aim to do away with the worst excesses of capitalism whilst preserving its economic relations intact. A prime example of this kind of thinking can be found in Bernie Sanders demand to break up the big banks into smaller banks which remain under capitalist control. Likewise, the fiery populist rhetoric of Pablo Iglesias and Podemos in Spain tended to be levelled not at the capitalist class, or any class in particular, but la casta, which sat at the top of the establishment and swindles the people as a whole, presumably including some of the capitalists as well. The blunting of the class struggle in theory also leads to the blunting of the struggle in practice. None of the members of the Mountain supported the workers insurrection in June 1848, but when they stumbled into their own a year later they did so without arms, without preparation, and without a clear idea of what they were asking people to fight for beyond a vague call to defend the constitution. The insurrection of 1849 inevitably went down to defeat, and this defeat further weakened both the workers and petty bourgeois democrats, as well as strengthening the position of Bonaparte. From the experience of 1848-51 in France and Germany, Marx and Engels both concluded that the petty bourgeois was the class least capable of achieving even the most basic democratic revolutionary tasks, let alone lead a struggle against capital. Marx reserves perhaps his most withering criticism in The 18th Brumaire for the petty bourgeois democrats, writing: No party exaggerates its means more than the democratic, none deludes itself more light-mindedly over the situation Accordingly, when a struggle is impending they do not need to examine the interests and positions of the different classes They have merely to give the signal and the people, with all its inexhaustible resources, will fall upon the oppressors. The modern class struggle abounds with examples of this self-delusion, which was personified by the self-described erratic Marxist, Yanis Varoufakis, in Greece. Raised to the finance ministry in the context of an insurrectionary mood against the brutal austerity being imposed on the masses by the EU and their own ruling class, Varoufakis submitted a modest proposal for debt relief that was immediately rejected by the troika of the IMF, ECB and European Commission. When this proposal was flatly rejected Varoufakis prevaricated and eventually resigned. From this experience he concluded that what was needed was more democracy in the EU and today leads the tiny Democracy in Europe Movement 2025. With three years left to go, it looks doubtful that he will reach his target. This is unlikely to concern Varoufakis himself, however. As Marx writes in The 18th Brumaire: In any case, the democrat comes out of the most disgraceful defeat just as immaculate as he was innocent when he went into it, with the newly won conviction that he is bound to win It is worth pointing out that Marx considered it possible for individuals to adopt a class standpoint without necessarily belonging to that class in their immediate material conditions. As he explains: What makes them representatives of the petty bourgeoisie is the fact that in their minds they do not get beyond the limits which the latter do not get beyond in life, that they are consequently driven, theoretically, to the same problems and solutions to which material interest and social position drive the latter practically. In theory, a millionaire industrialist could take up a petty bourgeoisie standpoint just as much as a unionised worker. Presumably therefore, even individuals from bourgeois backgrounds can adopt a proletarian political standpoint if they express and fight in accordance with the material interests and social position of the working class. Marx and Engels themselves are a famous example of this phenomenon. The ideology and actions of individuals are clearly not automatically and mechanically determined by their class background, either in terms of their working and living conditions, or those of their family historically. How many politicians have we seen talking up their working class credentials whilst voting for cuts to wages and social services? However, the organisations and traditions of the various classes in society, which have grown and continue to grow out of their material conditions, clearly do confront the individual as important pre-existing conditions of their social existence. On a mass scale, this has a powerful influence on the ideas and actions of millions. The Peasantry Marx traces the support for Bonaparte amongst the peasantry from the material conditions of its existence / Image: public domain In addition to the petty bourgeois in the towns, another class of small proprietors is that of the peasantry, which constituted the absolute majority of the French population in 1848. This class would also provide Bonaparte with an important base of support. Marx comments that his fixed idea of the imperial restoration was realised because it coincided with the fixed idea of the peasantry. When Bonaparte sought to legalise the result of his coup in a referendum on 20 December 1851 the result was, of course, a foregone conclusion. The entire country was effectively under martial law, all opposition parties had been liquidated, and just to be on the safe side, the government informed all state officials that their continued employment depended on their enthusiastic support. However, the fact remains that millions of genuine votes were cast in favour of Bonaparte. The majority of these undoubtedly came from the peasantry. It could be said that if the peasant in uniform had ended the republic with the bayonet on 2-4 December 1851, the peasant in the provinces established the empire with the ballot on 20 December. In an important passage of The Eighteenth Brumaire, Marx traces the support for Bonaparte amongst the peasantry from the material conditions of its existence. The isolated and inherently conservative way of life of the smallholding peasantry made it both a class and not a class in the eyes of Marx. The peasants lived in broadly similar material conditions but their relations with one another tended to be limited to the local village. No national peasant organisation or political parties existed to any meaningful degree, for example. Out of this atomised condition, Marx concluded that the peasantry was incapable of exerting an independent class position by itself. It cannot rule directly, in its own right. Marx concludes therefore that the political influence of the small-holding peasants, therefore, finds its final expression in the executive power which subordinates society to itself. But it would be a grave mistake to assume from this that the peasantry as a whole only ever forms a solid block of reaction. If that were the case the social revolution in majority peasant countries would be ruled out, including the Russian Revolution of 1917. In fact, the resistance to Bonapartes coup was more fierce in the countryside than in the towns. The historian, Roger Price, recorded that as many as 70,000 from at least 775 communes actually took up arms and over 27,000 participated in acts of violence. Marx himself explained that what Bonaparte represented therefore was the conservative, not the revolutionary peasant. Just as the bourgeois republic had disarmed the same workers who were called upon to defend it on 2 December 1851, it had waged a constant war against the spread of socialism in the countryside. It had made the peasantry Bonapartist. Meanwhile, neither the petty bourgeoisie nor the working class provided another way out of the crisis. As Trotsky explained in the 1930s the petty bourgeois and peasants can find a leader in the proletariat, but: To bring the petty bourgeoisie to its side, the proletariat must win its confidence. And for that it must have confidence in its own strength. "It must have a clear program of action and must be ready to struggle for power by all possible means. Tempered by its revolutionary party for a decisive and pitiless struggle, the proletariat says to the peasants and petty bourgeoisie of the cities: We are struggling for power. Here is our program. We are ready to discuss with you changes in this program. We will employ violence only against big capital and its lackeys, but with you toilers, we desire to conclude an alliance on the basis of a given program. "The peasants will understand such language. Only, they must have faith in the capacity of the proletariat to seize power. Tragically, the French peasantry began to move only after the most advanced and determined section of the working class had been crushed in June 1848. When a section of the peasantry did move in the direction of revolution in the following years, it turned to the radical republicans and socialists of the Red, or social-democratic party for a lead, but time and time again this opportunity was squandered by the social-democratic leaders. As the struggle in the countryside reached a fever pitch, with several areas under martial law, the social-democratic leaders kept the struggle of the workers within safe, legal channels at all times, urging their followers to depose Bonaparte at the ballot box. As a result, the most revolutionary peasants were isolated and the fury of the peasantry was directed along reactionary lines in the form of Bonaparte. Today in Europe the question of the peasantry and its role in politics has largely been resolved by the urbanisation of society and the industrialisation of agriculture. However, there still remain many countries where the peasantry remains an important factor in the situation, prime among which is India, the second most populous country in the world. The inspiring movement of the Indian farmers, which exploded onto the scene in 2020, gives a striking modern example of the revolutionary potential of the peasantry. Crushed by debts on the one hand and by the world market on the other, millions of small farmers rose up in opposition to a series of laws enacted by the BJP government in order to liberalise agriculture. The movement even reached insurrectionary proportions on 26 January 2021, Indias Republic Day, when tens of thousands of farmers marched to the centre of Delhi, sweeping the police out of their way, and occupied the famous Red Fort. The experience of the Indian farmers shows that far from being a permanent obstacle to the struggle for socialism, an important section of the peasantry can swing radically to the left and even in a revolutionary direction, forming a natural and powerful ally for the working class. The potential for such an alliance clearly exists in India, as shown by the historic general strike of 26 November 2020, which saw 250 million workers stop work at the same time that the farmers began their march to Delhi. But this potential has not been fully realised. Marxs analysis in The Eighteenth Brumaire also contains a warning for the workers of India and for the world. We cannot complacently assume that a large section of the Indian peasantry could not also swing violently to the right if no solution to the crisis can be found on a working class basis. And as in France in 1848-51, the responsibility for this historic task will ultimately fall to the leadership of the working class and its organisations. Social Democracy After the defeat of the workers in June 1848, the club movement was driven underground. But the remaining clubs and secret societies united with the radical republican faction of the Mountain to form the social-democratic party, which put forward a common list of candidates on a common programme across the whole country. In the conditions of social instability and disillusionment that affected all classes under the Second Republic, the social democrats succeeded in winning millions of votes in both the countryside and the towns. The rise of the French social democracy and its suppression by Bonaparte in 1851 thus gave Marx the opportunity to analyse a political phenomenon which continues to have enormous significance today. In the creation of a genuinely national party, leading a broad layer of all oppressed classes in French society, with its own sizeable parliamentary faction and even support within the national guard and the army, the birth of the social-democratic party represented an enormous step forward for the workers movement. On a number of occasions in the stormy period of 1848-1851, the strategists of the ruling class even feared that the social democrats might take power. Take the British Economist, for example, which published an article dated 21 March 1850, reporting: It is true that the progress that socialism is making every day in France is threatening for the future. The moderates apprehend that before the end of next year, that party will have obtained an overwhelming majority, and be able to proclaim a democratic and social republic. Fortunately for The Economists moderates, the great potential indicated by the partys electoral successes was squandered. The social democrats succeeded in winning millions of votes in both the countryside and the towns / Image: public domain After the revision of the Constitution was blocked by the republicans in parliament, it became clear to all parties that a decisive clash was imminent. Bonaparte openly prepared his coup, while the respectable bourgeois press clamoured against the Constitution, with one paper complaining: Demagogues assert that: We must remain within the bounds of legality But this legality - everybody replies that that is where the danger lies Indeed, what good does this legality do us? Meanwhile, the leaders of the social-democratic, or Red, party complacently declared to their supporters that all they needed to do was wait until the second Sunday of May 1852, the date of new elections, when they would conquer at the ballot box. Sadly, that joyful day would never arrive. In November Bonaparte began a campaign of pre-emptive arrests against known republicans and socialist, and on 2 December 1851 he filled the streets with soldiers and dissolved what remained of parliament. It was this coup that Marx refers to as the 18th Brumaire of Louis Bonaparte, in reference to the date of the French republican calendar on which Napoleon I seized power in 1799. In spite of all the means at its disposal, at every turn the social democracy had proved incapable of leading the masses to power. Marx identified the most important reason for this failure not only in the flawed ideas or character of the social-democratic leaders, but the class contradiction at the heart of the social democracy itself: the subordination of the proletarian party to the leadership of the petty bourgeoisie and the limitation of its fight to transform society within the bounds of the petty bourgeoisie. Considering the defeat of the Mountain in June 1849, Marx explains: The peculiar character of social-democracy is epitomised in the fact that democratic-republican institutions are demanded as a means, not of doing away with two extremes, capital and wage labour, but of weakening their antagonism and transforming it into harmony. The revolutionary point was broken off the social demands of the workers and instead they were directed along safer, more constitutional channels. Thus whenever the possibility of a decisive clash between the bourgeois republic and the masses presented itself, the so-called Red leaders managed to do everything in their power to hold the struggle back, whether they intended to or not. Such a statement could be applied to any of the modern social-democratic parties of Europe, their younger, more left-wing rivals, such as Syriza in Greece, or indeed the Democratic Socialist movement in the United States, which rose to prominence during Bernie Sanders first campaign for President. What unites this huge variety of political formations, each with their own programme, history and national character, is identical to what Marx identified 170 years ago: namely, the combination of socialist reforms with the preservation of capitalist relations of production and the bourgeois state. Beyond this holiest of holies, the reformists will not pass. When the conquest or even the defence of gains for the working class cannot be carried out without threatening the capitalist system itself, even the most radical reformist leaders will either lead the workers to defeat or worse, turn against them. It was for this reason that Trotsky warned, Betrayal is inherent in reformism. At such an early stage in the development of the French working class, and following the arrest and exile of the most outstanding leaders of the proletariat after the June Days, it was inevitable that the leadership of the movement would fall to the representatives of the petty bourgeoisie. Out of the experience of further struggles and harsh lessons, Marx confidently expected that a really revolutionary party would be forged by the working class. But he insisted that such a party must maintain its class independence at all times, rejecting any unity under which the definite demands of the proletariat must not be brought forward for the sake of beloved peace. A common struggle with radical layers of the petty bourgeois and peasantry was by no means rejected by Marx. In fact he considered these absolutely necessary for the victory of the working class in any country where those classes predominate. But he remained convinced that so long as the workers movement remained an appendage of official bourgeois democracy, it would never succeed in taking power. The need for a strong, independent and genuinely socialist party of the working class remains one of the most pressing struggles of our era. This task is especially urgent in the United States of America, the most powerful of all capitalist countries, where the workers movement remains gagged and bound to the cynical and corrupt Democratic Party machine. Indeed it would be no exaggeration to say that the struggle of the American working class for its own party will shape the fate of the whole world. The State In The Eighteenth Brumaire, Marx also extends his class analysis to the nature of the state. Already in 1848 the Communist Manifesto had explained that the state was in general an instrument of class rule and that the working class must win the battle of democracy to seize political power and use it to make despotic inroads on the rights of property. But the question of what this political power was exactly and how it was to be used was necessarily vague and abstract. Within the French socialist movement of the time, the dominant trend saw the Democratic Republic as the instrument by which socialism could be built. The 1848 revolution proved an unforgiving test of this theory in practice. Marx explained that even the most democratic republic remained the unlimited despotism of one class over other classes. Beneath the abstract political equality of universal suffrage was a gigantic bureaucracy and military, which is in no way answerable to the people and which has been built up and refined continuously alongside the development of bourgeois rule itself. These things cannot be separated by any election. What Marx concluded therefore was that the seizure of political power by the working class would have to involve the overthrow of the bourgeois republic itself, and the dismantling of the pre-existing state at all levels. In the final chapter of Eighteenth Brumaire, he writes: But the revolution is thoroughgoing. It is still travelling through purgatory. It does its work methodically It first completed the parliamentary power in order to be able to overthrow it. Now that it has achieved this, it completes the executive power, reduces it to its purest expression, isolates it, sets it up against itself as the sole target, in order to concentrate all its forces of destruction against it. What exactly was to follow this destruction of the bourgeois state could not be set out concretely, as the workers attempts to establish their own state had been defeated. Marx put forward the dictatorship of the proletariat as opposed to the dictatorship of the bourgeoisie as his general notion of a workers state, and indicated that the workers clubs had been an embryonic form, perhaps more an indication of the potential for this form of state. This prognosis was realised in full on 18 March 1871, when the workers of Paris seized control of the city and were forced by events to create their own organs for running society in the space of only a few weeks. The significance of the Commune was not lost on Marx himself. Writing while the heroic workers of Paris were still fighting for their lives and their class in May 1871, Marx built upon his analysis in The Eighteenth Brumaire, explaining that the working class cannot simply lay hold of the ready-made state machinery, and wield it for its own purposes. Further, he wrote: The cry of social republic, with which the February Revolution was ushered in by the Paris proletariat, did but express a vague aspiration after a republic that was not only to supercede the monarchical form of class rule, but class rule itself. The Commune was the positive form of that republic. Bonapartism The state, as Marx explained, is ultimately an instrument of repression armed bodies of men, courts, prisons etc. which defends the property and privilege of the ruling class, and keeps the class struggle within the bounds of order. But there can be periods in history in which this repressive force, the army, police and state bureaucracy gains a degree of independence from the ruling class in whose interest it ultimately rules. There have been a number of such instances in the history of class society, each with their own distinct social foundation, such as Caesarism for example. Engels identified the absolutism of the late Middle Ages as another example. In bourgeois society this phenomenon has acquired the name of Bonapartism, after the rise of Napoleon I and the First French Empire. One of the most important theoretical contributions of The Eighteenth Brumaire is that Marx subjects this important historical phenomenon to a rigorous analysis, drawing on the rise of Napoleons nephew, Napoleon III, or Louis Bonaparte. When Cavaignac crushed the Paris workers, he did so at the behest of the whole of parliament and in the name of the whole of bourgeois civilisation / Image: public domain The most obvious characteristic of a Bonapartist regime is political repression: police or military rule. But repression alone does not constitute Bonapartism. After all, every state in history has ultimately been an instrument of repression, as Marx notes in relation to the Second Republic. During wartime for example, even the most democratic bourgeois state can suspend elections, place limitations on the right of assembly and the right to strike, and will often censor the entire press, all in the interests of the war effort. Likewise, the state of siege imposed by General Cavaignac from June to October 1848 placed an unelected general at the head of the executive, arrested workers leaders and placed severe limitations on the freedom of assembly and the socialist press. Marx draws an important distinction between this regime, as repressive as it was, and that of Bonaparte, commenting at the time: Cavaignac was not the dictatorship of the sabre over bourgeois society; he was the dictatorship of the bourgeoisie by the sabre. When Cavaignac crushed the Paris workers, he did so at the behest of the whole of parliament and in the name of the whole of bourgeois civilisation. For this service he was greeted by the representatives of the bourgeois in the press and parliament as the saviour of society. In this the dictatorship of Cavaignac did not fundamentally differ from any capitalist state, which in the last analysis is little more than an instrument of repression in the hands of the ruling class. By contrast, on 4 December 1851, Bonapartes troops deliberately fired upon the houses of respectable bourgeois on the Boulevard Montmartre. Engels reported that Bonaparte had even ordered the soldiers to target the gentlemen in broad-cloth as opposed to the workers blouses. Not only socialist deputies but even Liberals were arrested, and all of the press was either shut down or censored by the state. How could the executive arm of the state acquire such a degree of independence from the ruling class and its representatives in parliament? The answer to this question is of course to be found in the class struggle itself. In conditions of great social instability, intense class struggle and revolution, the normal functioning of the parliamentary regime becomes increasingly difficult. With every rising of the masses the ruling class and its political representatives have no choice but to turn to the repressive arms of the state for their salvation, as we saw in the Cavaignac regime. Further, with every step forward of the radicalised masses within parliament, the bourgeois deliberately restrict and undermine the power of the legislative arm of the state, and any other institutions which have been corrupted by the revolution. In the case of the Second Republic, it was not in fact Bonaparte but the parliamentary majority of the Party of Order that voted to arrest Red deputies, dissolve the National Guard, and eventually abolish universal suffrage itself. With each of these steps the bourgeois deputies weakened their own position in relation to the executive, and its head, Bonaparte. In the meantime, Bonaparte had begun to organise his own private fighting force out of what Marx called the refuse of all classes, or lumpenproletariat, under the name of the Society of 10 December. This benevolent society was effectively a private army of hired thugs, who were frequently used to violently break up republican meetings, often under police protection. In many respects they were a precursor to the Hitlers brownshirts. With the police and the army increasingly under Bonapartist control, little resistance could be expected from the respectable bourgeois state. The only force capable of driving these thugs from the streets was the revolutionary masses, but with workers clubs banned and the democratic National Guard dispersed, all of the organisations capable of carrying out this fight had been disarmed by the republic itself in the name of order. Eventually Bonaparte felt himself so secure that he could effectively blackmail the parliamentary majority and appoint ministries with no parliamentary support whatsoever. And yet in the face of these clear provocations the Party of Order did nothing. The reason for this is that while they may have been parliamentarians they were above all bourgeois, and they recognised that the only way to stop Bonaparte would have been to have rallied the masses around itself in a fighting force opposed to the army. Such a course of action would have meant nothing other than arming the same Red workers, petty bourgeois and peasants they had just spent two years disarming and arresting. Faced with such a prospect, it is not surprising that at every turn the Party of Order considered Bonaparte the lesser evil. Trotsky described a similar phenomenon in Germany under the Bruning and Schleicher governments prior to the rise of Hitler, and in France under the government of Gaston Doumergue in 1934. He writes: It is true that the Doumergue government, like the Bruning-Schleicher governments in their day, appears at first glance to govern with the assent of parliament. But it is a parliament which has abdicated, a parliament which knows that in case of resistance the government would dispense with it. Thanks to the relative equilibrium between the camp of counter-revolution which attacks and the camp of the revolution which defends itself, thanks to their temporary mutual neutralisation, the axis of power has been raised above the classes and above their parliamentary representation. A similar scenario could be seen in the latter years of the Second Republic, particularly after the abolition of universal suffrage. The parliament had effectively abdicated. In opposition to Bonaparte the best parliament could muster was another strongman, Changarnier. But Bonaparte, the strongman already in possession of the army, and with a mandate of over 5 million votes, was easily the favourite in the contest. But it must also be asked, if Changarnier had won, what would have been the result? Most likely, it would have just paved the way for another form of military rule, perhaps not the restoration of the Empire, but a reactionary dictatorship with the aim of eventually restoring the monarchy, which would hardly have been an appealing choice for the masses. Marx describes in some detail the process by which in his skirmishes with parliament, Bonaparte became more and more sure of himself. Like a good gambler he saw through the bluffs of the deputies, their speeches and protests without action. With the proposal to revise the constitution he raised the stakes. And when the republican minority in parliament vetoed revision, the dominant wing of the bourgeoisie outside of parliament turned to Bonaparte in disgust. Only then did Bonaparte feel able to proceed with his coup. The rise of Bonaparte therefore appears not simply as the product of his own acts but as the necessary outcome of the struggle of the Party of Order on the one hand, and the resistance of the masses on the other. His confidence and freedom of action rose in direct proportion to the isolation of the parliamentary majority and its fear of the masses. Could Bonaparte Have Been Stopped? Looking at the rise of Bonaparte from start to finish, it becomes clear that the opposition between democracy and dictatorship was and is not an absolute one. To Liberal commentators, Bonapartism, or authoritarianism, appears as an external threat to democracy, emanating from unscrupulous individuals who fail to respect democratic norms, such as Donald Trump. The advice usually given by these Liberal defenders of democracy is therefore to support the existing establishment over the nasty populists and stick religiously to the constitution. Bizarrely, similar advice was given by the stalinist leadership of the Communist International under the auspices of fighting fascism, which they called the Popular Front. But such a policy would have done little to prevent the rise of Bonapartism under the Second Republic. Many of the deputies who were arrested chanting, Long live the Republic! on 2 December had themselves made the coup inevitable. As Marx brilliantly lays bare in The 18th Brumaire, it was precisely the moderate parliamentary majority that prepared the fall of the Republic. The question therefore arises: Could the victory of Bonaparte have been prevented, or was it inevitable as soon as he won his landslide victory in the election of 1848? Had he attempted to take power in December 1848 rather than 1851 he would have come up against not only the parliament but the National Guard and an important section of the army. Even in 1850 the support enjoyed by the social democrats within the army, as demonstrated in the elections in March, made a military coup a risky prospect. This highlights a crucial feature in the rise of Bonapartism in general: that the executive raises itself above the contending class in society in direct proportion to the extent that they exhaust themselves in a deadlock without resolution either way. The victory of the revolutionary masses would certainly have cut across Bonapartes plans, but with every defeat and missed opportunity the forces of revolution grew weaker and weaker. However, just because the workers could not seize power, this did not mean the bourgeois were any more able to wield it directly. The longer the Party of Order ruled the more isolated and despised it became. And the more its social base shrank the more necessary it became to dismantle the very organs of bourgeois democracy in its own defence. But as Marx explains, society cannot be kept in a state of white hot fever indefinitely, with the constant threat of revolution over its head: Better an end with terror than terror without end! Eventually, a way out will be found, either by the revolution or the reaction. Either the workers will succeed in toppling bourgeois rule and breaking the resistance of the old ruling class, or the more or less democratic form of the state will be stripped away in order to protect its real class content. To defend just the republic and nothing else in such a period is the purest utopia, as the so-called pure republicans learned the hard way in December 1851. Instability For all the apparent power and freedom of action the state appears to acquire under conditions of Bonapartism, it still does not become completely independent of the rest of society. It still rests on bourgeois property, on capitalist relations, and ultimately, like any state it must defend the property and exploitation upon which it is based. In fact, what the Empire signified above all was that the bourgeoisie was at last relieved of political rule in order to all the more surely secure its economic dominion over the working class, which had been gagged, liquified, reduced to raw material for exploitation. Under these conditions, France experienced a historic economic upswing. The relative independence of the Bonapartist state consists in the fact that the regime balances between the contending classes, making promises and striking blows in all directions. As Marx comments in relation to Bonaparte: This contradictory task of the man explains the contradictions of his government, the confused groping which tries now to win, now to humiliate, first one class and then another, and uniformly arrays all of them against him We can see such a phenomenon in Russia today. The French politician, Adolphe Thiers, once said of Bonaparte that he would be a cretin, whom we will lead. Perhaps the architects of Putins rise had similar hopes. But it rapidly proved otherwise when their neutral man of the bureaucracy began to arrest and expropriate individual oligarchs, all the while leaving the oligarchy and Russian capitalism as a whole intact. The military adventurism of most Bonapartist regimes in history can serve as a useful distraction / Image: own work Marx draws out another important lesson from the rise of Louis Bonaparte: that Bonapartist rule is unstable by nature. In conditions of economic boom it can stabilise itself for a period, but without a solid base of support in any particular class the regime can rapidly unravel in conditions of crisis. The military adventurism of most Bonapartist regimes in history can be linked to this fact: They can serve as a useful distraction which, if the war goes well, can rally support around the beleaguered leader. The present military adventure in Ukraine and the Western sanctions that have followed it have also had the effect of rallying a section of the Russian population behind the regime, for now. But things can turn rapidly into their opposite. Marx predicted that precisely one of Bonapartes military adventures would be his downfall. Facing growing protests and instability at home, Bonaparte declared war on Prussia on 15 July 1870. By 2 September he was a prisoner of Bismark and the Second Empire was no more. Above all, it should not escape our notice that the downfall of Bonaparte did not lead peacefully to stable, democratic rule. Instead it triggered an inspiring revolutionary movement, which produced the first workers state in history: the Paris Commune. The fall of the Estado Novo regime in Portugal and of fascist rule in Spain also gave rise to immense revolutionary movements that could have overthrown capitalism. Today there are many bonapartist regimes that are beginning to quake under the blows of the capitalist crisis, and the resentment of the workers. Marxists around the world should follow them closely. The Logic of Revolution Looking back on the events described in The Eighteenth Brumaire, it is perhaps tempting to assume that they belong to an era far removed from our own. After all, the main democratic demands of the 1848 revolution universal suffrage, freedom of assembly and the press, etc. have all been achieved by the workers struggle in the dominant capitalist countries at least for some time. But this would be to miss the much deeper importance of the rise and fall of the republic and its lessons for today. In many ways 1848 was the first modern revolution. In spite of its small size, the working class took centre stage from the very beginning, and at every stage the fortunes of the revolution were bound up with the advance or retreat of the workers movement. The revolutions early gains were entirely driven by the pressure of the armed working class. But, having secured the democratic republic, the workers immediately put forward their own, social demands. Terrified by the power of the workers, the bourgeois quickly abandoned all of the democratic gains of the revolution and leapt into the arms of reaction. By this fact the fate of the republic was sealed: either it would be overthrown by the workers or it would be overthrown by the bourgeoisie. This process is in no way unique to France in 1848. A similar logic of revolution and counter-revolution can arguably be traced in every revolution in the last 170 years to a greater or lesser degree. That this logic had been grasped by Marx and Engels can be seen in their writings of the time. Drawing directly from the experience of the Paris workers, Marx issued an address to his organisation, the Communist League, in 1850. In it, he insisted that in a future revolution: Alongside the new official governments [the workers] must simultaneously establish their own revolutionary workers governments, either in the form of local executive committees and councils or through workers clubs or committees Further, he explained that the aim of these councils or clubs should not be to support the official government, but to expose and eventually overthrow it, establishing what he termed the dictatorship of the proletariat the class rule of the workers. Their battle-cry, he concluded, must be: The Permanent Revolution. This programme could not have been realised in 1848. The workers, entering into the direct struggle for power for the first time, with no party or even well-developed trade union organisations, made gigantic steps forward but were not yet capable of leading the masses to victory. But what the insurrection of June 1848 had only decreed was carried out in 1871, if only for a few weeks, and again in 1917. That the logic of revolution had been grasped by Marx and Engels can be seen in their writings of the time / Image: public domain It may have taken the genius of Marx to lay out the logic of permanent revolution at such an early stage but his insight provided the pre-existing material for generations of later Marxists to grasp the meaning and trajectory of their own revolutions and make history themselves. In Russia, where no proletariat existed in 1848, Leon Trotsky's analysis of the revolution of 1905 would lead him to put forward his own theory of permanent revolution, which undoubtedly drew heavily from Marx's writings on 1848. Trotsky summarised this theory as follows: [T]he Revolution, having begun as a bourgeois revolution as regards its first tasks, will soon call forth powerful class conflicts and will gain final victory only by transferring power to the only class capable of standing at the head of the oppressed masses, namely, to the proletariat. Once in power, the proletariat not only will not want, but will not be able to limit itself to a bourgeois democratic programme. It will be able to carry through the Revolution to the end only in the event of the Russian Revolution being converted into a Revolution of the European proletariat... But should Europe remain inert the bourgeois counter-revolution will not tolerate the government of the toiling masses in Russia and will throw the country back far back from a democratic workers and peasants republic. Therefore, once having won power, the proletariat cannot keep within the limits of bourgeois democracy. It must adopt the tactics of permanent revolution [emphasis in original]. This perspective, which Lenin would adopt himself in his April Theses, was key to the arming of the Bolsheviks, and without drawing the lessons they contained, the party would most likely not have seized power. Later, Trotsky would draw on the lessons of The Eighteenth Brumaire once again, in his peerless analysis of the period of revolution and counterrevolution between the two world wars. Writing in 1934, he explained: After the war a series of brilliantly victorious revolutions occurred in Russia, Germany, Austria-Hungary, and later in Spain. But it was only in Russia that the proletariat took full power into its hands, expropriated its exploiters, and knew how to create and maintain a workers state. Everywhere else the proletariat, despite its victory, stopped halfway because of the mistakes of its leadership. As a result, power slipped from its hands, shifted from left to right, and fell prey to fascism. In a series of other countries power passed into the hands of a military dictatorship. Nowhere were the parliaments capable of reconciling class contradictions and assuring the peaceful development of events. Conflicts were solved arms in hand. As this introduction is being written, the capitalist system faces the deepest crisis in its history. Already, across the globe the masses have toppled one government after another in search of a better life. And this is only the beginning. In Europe and the so-called advanced capitalist countries a level of corruption and malaise comparable to the last days of the July Monarchy can be felt at all layers of society. At the same time, the crisis of capitalism offers only further instability and suffering to humanity. As the working class seek a way out we will undoubtedly encounter our own Cavaignacs, our Barrots, our Napoleons but also our Montagne. The future of humanity lies in our ability to absorb the lessons of those that came before us. The Communist Manifesto, published on the eve of the 1848 Revolution, concludes with the inspiring words: The proletarians have nothing to lose but their chains. They have a world to win. Today, as in 1848, the workers have nothing to lose but their chains. Today, as in 1848, they have a world to win. But the modern proletariat is incomparably stronger than it was in 1848 and the possibility of the socialist transformation of society has never been greater. Armed with the lessons of history, its victory is assured. Workers of the world unite! London July 2022 For the last couple of years, this 25-year-old woman has had issues with her sister, 29, when she comes to visit with her two children. During these visits, her sister and her children stay in her house and go to theme parks in the San Diego area. Shes been comfortable with this arrangement, aside from some problems that started to arise because of her sisters parenting style. My sister has very different parenting ideas than I would like in my home, she explained. She isnt big on discipline and has gotten upset with me when I tell her kids to stop doing things. For example, I have glass doors in my house going into the laundry room, and, on one visit, my nephew (then 6 months, now 7 months) was slamming the glass doors as hard as he could, and I was worried they would break. I admittedly freaked out a little and snapped at him not to play with the doors, and my sister got upset and told me he was fine Last week, her sister and her children came to visit again, and the children were, for the most part, on better behavior. However, her sisters son caused some issues while they were at her house. Her son refuses to eat multiple things on the same plate, she shared. By the way, he is not neurodivergenttheyve taken him to multiple doctors and have been told he is neurotypical. For example, say we made spaghetti and had a side salad and bread. He would demand a plate for each thing, so three plates. Hed also demand two different forks for the spaghetti and salad, as well as a separate plate and fork for dessert. Because of this, she started buying paper dishes and plastic silverware in preparation for their visits. Sign up for Chip Chicks newsletter and get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Atlanta hospital says baby died 'in utero before delivery, decapitation' An Atlanta hospital named in a lawsuit regarding the decapitation of a baby during childbirth has denied the allegations and said the infants death occurred in utero prior to the delivery and decapitation. According to the lawsuit filed in Clayton County, 20-year-old Jessica Ross went to Southern Regional Medical Center in Riverdale, Georgia, on July 9 after her water broke, and the baby, named Treveon Isaiah Taylor Jr., reportedly became stuck due to shoulder dystocia, Fox 5 Atlanta reported. Dr. Tracy St. Julian allegedly tried for hours to deliver the child vaginally before deciding to perform a Cesarean section, the lawsuit states, adding that the babys body was delivered, but the head was delivered vaginally. The lawsuit claims that St. Julian did not inform Ross and the babys father, Treveon Taylor Sr., about the decapitation, and that the hospital discouraged them from seeking an autopsy. The family was ultimately told about the decapitation by the funeral home, according to the familys lawyer. The hospital issued a statement in response to the lawsuit, claiming that this unfortunate infant death occurred in utero prior to the delivery and decapitation. The hospital also countered the couples claim that it attempted to hide information, stating it voluntarily reported the death to the Clayton County Medical Examiners office and is cooperating with all investigations. The hospital has also claimed the doctor who delivered the baby, Dr. St. Julian, is not and never has been an employee of the hospital. However, media outlet 11Alive said she did have privileges at Southern Regional Medical Center when the incident took place. CBS News reported that the couples lawyers described the incident as gross negligence and accused the hospital and several nurses of covering up what happened. When the womb was opened, the feet came out, the body came out, and there was no head, Dr. Roderick Edmond, one of the couples lawyers, was quoted as saying. Dr. St. Julian came in, and she, in the process of trying to deliver the baby, pulled on the babys head and neck so hard, and manipulated them so hard, that the bones of the babys skull, face, and neck were broken. Edmond added, When they wrapped this baby up tightly, they propped the babys head up on top of the blanket to make it appear that the baby's head was attached, when it wasnt. The Clayton County Police Department told local media outlets that they have opened an investigation into the babys death. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation performed an autopsy but has not launched an investigation. The Clayton County Medical Examiners office also released a statement saying it was notified by the funeral home of the infants death on July 13, the same day it was reported to the medical examiners office. The investigation is ongoing. 'On fire for God': Over 11,000 students attend worship event to pray, celebrate the Lord Amid ongoing concerns about the younger generation's religious dedication, thousands of students attended a worship event aimed at equipping youth with the knowledge of Jesus. The latest Motion Student Conference, which concluded on July 29 at the Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama, hosted over 11,000 students representing 230 churches from 31 states and six countries. In addition, 2,000 volunteers assisted with organizing the event. Motion is organized by the Church of the Highlands, a congregation with multiple locations throughout Alabama and Georgia. Attendees ranged in age from middle school to college and participated with their youth leaders. Mark Pettus, president of Highlands College and associate pastor at Church of the Highlands, told The Christian Post in an emailed statement that Motion exists to empower a generation to live out Ephesians 2:10, which states: For we are Gods handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. It provides an environment where students discover their identity in Christ and set their faith in motion to do the good things He planned for them, Pettus stated. During the conference, students had an opportunity to attend sessions featuring speakers and worship band members before breaking into community groups to unpack what they learned, Pettus added. Motion is more than a conference and more than bands and speakers, Pettus continued. Its about a generation of young people empowered by Jesus, equipped to make a difference and living out their faith. Students and youth pastors have gathered at Motion to engage in prayer, worship and Bible study for the past 15 years, Pettus explained, adding that Highlands Senior Pastor Chris Hodges and the churchs youth ministry team envisioned a conference at the end of the summer so students can begin the school year enthusiastic to live their lives in motion for God. Students and attending groups pay a fee to cover the cost of the event; however, the Church of the Highlands offers scholarships, so money doesnt prevent a student from attending. The funding for the scholarships comes from donations by church members. This generation of students is on fire for God. Students are seeking the love of Jesus, and its inspiring and motivating to see how they want others to know His love, too, Pettus told CP in a separate statement. As Pettus noted, the latest Motion Conference saw an 18% increase in attendees from last year, with the data accounting for the number of students that came to the event with their worship leaders. The associate pastor shared a quote from Hodges, who described the level of attendance as encouraging. Our heart has always been focused on raising up young leaders, and Im convinced more than ever that this generation will change eternity by changing the world, Hodges stated. The Motion Student Conference comes amid reports that suggest Generation Z Americans are less dedicated to attending religious services. As The Christian Post reported in February, the "Gen Z Post Election Research" polls released by the Walton Family Foundation and Murmuration in conjunction with SocialSphere found that only 28% of Gen Zers say they're committed to attending religious services at least once a month. The survey also found that 14% identify as atheist or agnostic. Satan readying world for Antichrist with rise in demonic content, authoritarian regimes: Michael Youssef Michael Youssef, bestselling author and cultural anthropologist, doesnt want to give folks the wrong impression. I am not an End Time preacher, the 73-year-old Egyptian-American pastor told The Christian Post during an interview Tuesday. Instead, said Youssef, his new book, Is The End Near?, which walks Christians through Jesus depictions of the biblical end times in the Gospel of Matthew, is merely pointing out what many have already chronicled, namely, the rise in demonic content in popular culture and an increase in the frequency of global catastrophes. Popular shows like TV's "Lucifer" and Little Demon," said Youssef, underscore a common theme of acceptance and humanization of the biblical Antichrist figure referenced in the book of Revelation. "Little Demon," a Disney-owned animated program, features a woman who is impregnated by Satan and gives birth to an Antichrist daughter. The show contains nudity, violence, and witchcraft. The series has earned warnings from pastors and condemnation from groups like One Million Moms, which said the show makes light of hell and the dangers of the demonic realm. Youssef called such programming content an example of how secular media plays a major role in practicing a form of indoctrination when it comes to truth-telling. So many so-called journalists are saying that objectivity is really a passe among journalists and broadcasters, that there ought to be no objectivity, he said. So theyre already sanctifying and praising subjectivity, so that when the Antichrist comes, theyre all going to be ready. The media is playing a major role in all of that." If anybody had doubts about that, the last six years should have cured us of that doubt. He compared the current state of the media to the high-profile push for mass vaccinations during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. You see the sheep. Weve got a sheep mentality, he said. When I see the preparation in the hearts of people Oh yeah, yeah, the Antichrist is good for us just like the vaccine is good for us.'" He then clarified, Im not against vaccines, but Im just saying, weve all got to fall in line. Not all, of course, because some of us are going to stand up and say, Absolutely not. The global COVID shutdowns, such as the harsh restrictions implemented in Australia, where Youssef lived and was ordained, taught us how easily and how quickly some authoritarian power rises in democracies, the pastor said. As authoritarian regimes are rising even in Western democracies, you see this is Satans way of preparing the world for the Antichrist, he added. Youssefs book focuses on six signs explicitly mentioned by Jesus in Matthew 24 and 25, which include the destruction of Jerusalem by the Roman army in 70 AD and the time just before Jesus return. While he acknowledges the world has always had earthquakes, famines and storms, Yousseff said the difference is that now theyre coming faster and faster. Using his expertise as a trained anthropologist, Youssef said after studying those passages, he became convinced that what Jesus is talking about, those days before the return of the Son of Man, are the days were living in. Now, have these things happened before? Sure, he added. But the image that our Lord gives us of labor pains, of a pregnant woman ... is that when the labor pains start coming in close intervals, you better get ready for the big event. He said one of those signs mentioned in the Bible is a great falling away from the faith mentioned in Matthew 24:10 a trend Youssef believes to be currently underway. Youssef pointed to a study from last October which found up to 70% of Evangelicals believe there are many ways to God, rather than exclusively through faith in His Son, just as Jesus said in John 14:6. [Jesus is] not talking about the world falling away, because the world doesnt know Him, said Youssef. This is the falling away of Christians, of people who claim to be believers. Youssef, who has authored over 50 books and whose programs are broadcast in 28 languages worldwide, said apostasy a total desertion of or departure from ones faith is underway not just in America but in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and other Western countries. But even as more Christians stay home on Sundays, Youssef said thousands of Muslims are coming to Christ in the Arabic world, where Youssef reaches up to 195 million homes with his Arabic TV station, The Kingdom SAT. That is an indication to me the Lord is gathering His elect, Youssef said. Hes bringing his faithful ones together in preparation of His return. Youssef hopes the book will stir pastors and other church leaders to prepare their people for some potentially hard times ahead even persecution. We need to train people how to be faithful in the midst of difficulties, he said. Here in America, this is new to us. As much as we should resist it we should also be prepared as the onslaught comes; how are we going to stand? Canadian church faces $183K in fines for holding worship in defiance of lockdown orders A congregation in Ontario has been slapped with a $66,000 fine for holding outdoor worship services after its church building was ordered closed by a judge, bringing the total that the church and its leaders have been fined to $183,000, according to the pastor. Henry Hildebrandt, the pastor of The Church of God in Aylmer, Ontario, announced that his church was facing fines for refusing to abide by the ongoing COVID-19 lockdown orders in a YouTube video posted Wednesday. We were back in court on Monday. We were back in court earlier in May, and the judge had fined us $117,000, and he also ordered that our meetinghouse would be locked, which happened later on that day. After the doors to the meetinghouse were locked, the Church of God held outdoor worship services. Hildebrandt defended the decision to continue holding services. We must obey God rather than man," the pastor added. "We must continue to have meetings, which we did on the 16th of May, and he now fined us another $66,000, total now coming up to $183,000. "The scripture that came to my mind when I saw those fines as the judge was speaking ... was that the Lord owns the cattle on 1,000 hills. So for the Lord, $183,000 ... He can work that out," the Hildebrandt added. "Maybe there is a way how He works it out where it doesn't get paid. If it needs to be paid, then there will be a way to do it. Whatever He wants, we are seeking His will in the matter to know what we need to do with that." Hildebrandt said that the fact that the Church of God held outdoor worship services on the two subsequent Sundays did not come up in Mondays court hearing, maintaining that he was not sure if thats still coming. He estimated that attendance at the most recent outdoor worship services ranged from 850 to 1,000 people. I wish that all of us would look with open eyes to see what is happening, he added. A revival has begun, an awakening is taking place, and God is using these things to kick out lukewarm Christianity, and like the Book of Revelation says, Its either we are hot or we are cold. Hildebrandt indicated that the threat of additional fines would not deter the Church of God from continuing to hold church services. Were looking forward to a wonderful, wonderful service this coming Sunday," he said. As Hildebrandt noted in the video, The Church of God has already faced fines for failing to abide by a stay-at-home order in Canadas most populous province. Ontario Superior Court Justice Bruce Thomas ordered the church to cease holding in-person worship services. According to the Canadian website Global News, Thomas ruled on April 30 that the church had violated his orders by holding Sunday services streamed online. Two weeks later, Thomas imposed fines of more than $100,000 on the Church of God and two of its pastors. He ordered authorities to lock the church doors. The ongoing lockdown orders limit worship gatherings in Ontario to 10 people for in-person religious services. More than 100 unmasked worshipers gathered at the April 25 service that led Thomas to hold the church in contempt five days later. On the two Sundays immediately following the April 30 contempt order, The Church of God continued to hold in-person worship services, where attendance ranged from 166 people to more than 200. On the three Sundays since May 14, when the fines were handed down and the church was ordered closed, the church held outdoor worship services. Thomas held the church in contempt of court again last Friday. He subsequently ordered the place of worship to pay $66,000 in fines. The church itself will have to pay a fine of $35,000. Hildebrant was ordered to pay $20,000. Assistant Pastor Peter Wall will have to pay $6,000. The remaining $5,000 will go toward legal costs. The Church of God is not the only Canadian church that has attempted to push back against the ongoing COVID-19 worship restrictions. Calgary, Alberta-based Pastor Artur Pawlowski has gone viral multiple times after sharing his encounters with local law enforcement officials who came to his church to enforce the restrictions. An immigrant from Poland, Pawlowski likened the officials to Nazis and communist fascists and forcefully told them to leave his property. Pawlowski was arrested for not abiding by the worship restrictions. Last month, his garage caught fire in an act that he said was an arson attack. Another Canadian pastor, James Coates, spent about a month in prison for failing to abide by the ongoing worship restrictions. Canadian Supreme Court refuses to hear appeals over worship restrictions on churches The Supreme Court of Canada has declined to hear appeals from churches in Ontario and British Columbia that challenged pandemic restrictions on in-person worship. The churches had been fined hundreds of thousands of dollars for violating gathering limits. Pastor Henry Hildebrandt of the Church of God in Aylmer, Ontario, expressed his disappointment over the courts decision Friday. Truly a sad day for liberty and justice in Canada, tweeted Hildebrandt. The Supreme Court refuses to even hear our case, which directly affects freedom of religion, assembly, and speech in Canada. Not entirely surprising, but very disappointing. Hildebrandts church, along with Trinity Bible Chapel in Waterloo, had challenged Ontarios pandemic restrictions on constitutional grounds, arguing that the limitations on gatherings infringed on their rights, according to The Epoch Times. They lost at both Ontarios Superior Court of Justice and Court of Appeal, which ruled that the restrictions were a justifiable infringement on Canadians freedom of religion. In May, the churches filed an application for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court, but the refusal to hear the case means the appeal process is now over. We are disappointed to learn that the Supreme Court determined that this was not a matter of national importance, lawyer Hatim Kheir was quoted as saying in a statement from the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms. The JCCF also revealed that Hildebrandts church was ordered to pay $274,000 in fines and costs for violating gathering limits, including three outdoor services held in May and June of 2021. Trinity Bible Chapel was also hit with fines totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars, while parishioners were forcibly locked out of their church for several months. The churches had to abide by a 10-person limit, while retail stores deemed necessary were allowed 50% capacity with physical distancing. The JCCF said fundamental freedoms have been violated in a manner that could not be justified in a free, democratic society, according to Western Standard. In British Columbia, three churches challenged the provinces total ban on in-person worship from November 2020 to May 2021, while gyms and restaurants were allowed to be open. The JCCF said the churches held in-person services in December 2020, adhering to all COVID-19 protocols. We are disappointed, JCCF lawyer Marty Moore was quoted as saying. He added that the churches would continue to assert their other legal and constitutional rights, as they still face prosecution over in-person services in 2020 and 2021. The evidence in this case establishes that the risk of outdoor transmission is negligible, said Ontario government expert witness Dr. Zain Chagla, according to the Standard. The JCCF also argued that the harms caused by gathering restrictions outweigh any benefits provided and must be struck down. We must obey God rather than man, Hildebrandt said earlier, defending the decision to continue holding services. The scripture that came to my mind when I saw those fines as the judge was speaking ... was that the Lord owns the cattle on 1,000 hills. He also said, It is important that people retain the right to choose for themselves whether a situation presents a danger to their health. Hotel clerk saves 2 girls from sex trafficking Police are commending a hotel worker who thwarted a sex trafficking operation involving two girls in a state that ranks third in human trafficking. The hotel clerk at the Lago Motor Inn in Lake Worth Beach, Florida, became suspicious after he entered the room on Sunday and observed the girls sitting on a bed with Richard Flores, the 44-year-old suspect. Maria Barrios Calero, 44, is also named as a suspect. Upon entering the room, the hotel clerk also saw a condom on the bed beside Flores, adding to his suspicions. The witness stated he called police after observing how young the two girls appeared to be and their demeanor, the Palm Beach County Police Department stated in a press release lauding the hotel worker's decisive action. Consent to search the room was provided by the hotel clerk, which resulted in locating the condom on top of the bed. An investigation by the detectives confirmed the two girls were the victims of a commercial sex trafficking operation, according to the release. According to the authorities, Calero allegedly arranged a date between Flores and the minor girls. Flores paid both of the girls to have sexual intercourse with him after they were transported to the hotel. Probable cause was developed leading to the arrest of both subjects, the release states. Calero was charged with three counts of Human Trafficking (Minor) while Flores was charged with two counts of Human Trafficking (Minor). Both subjects were transported to jail without incident. According to a public safety report on Palm Beach Countys website, Florida ranks third out of all states in the country for human trafficking incidents, and Palm Beach County holds the same ranking. Earlier this week, The Christian Post reported on a separate sex trafficking incident involving a minor. In that case, the Seventh U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decided that the California-based company Salesforce should have known that one of its clients, Backpage.com, was involved in the trafficking of minors. The plaintiffs at the center of the case, G.G., and her mother, Deanna Rose, are listed as the defendants in the case. The pair claim that G.G. fell into the hands of sex traffickers after she ran away from home at the age of 13. The traffickers then used photos of the girl in advertisements for escorts on the now-defunct Backpage.com. The mother later found her daughter's image on the website. Backpage is accused of failing to remove the ad soliciting sex with underage girls and instead referring the mother to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Writing for the majority opinion, Judge David Hamilton highlighted Salesforces business relationship with Backpage, which consisted of helping the latter company develop its marketing technology and software. The plaintiffs allege that this business relationship, which began in 2013, helped Backstage grow to become the dominant force in online sex trafficking. Salesforce's job was, in part, to help Backpage reach more customers, both in the form of sex traffickers and purchasers of commercial sex, Hamilton wrote. In a sense, Salesforce helped Backpage find more sex-trafficking contractors. According to the suit, since 2008, Backpage had been publicly identified by law enforcement, United States Attorneys General, and every state Governor as the biggest and most notorious sex trafficking and pimping website in the United States. The suit also noted that in 2010, the National Association of Attorneys General publicly described Backpage as a hub of human trafficking, especially the trafficking of minors. In October 2016, Backpage CEO Carl Ferrer was arrested for pimping minors. Salesforces profits grew as Backpages business expanded, according to the suit, with the latter companys profits totaling $46 million from the start of 2008 to the end of 2010. From January 2013 through May 2015, Backpages revenue reached approximately $346 million, with $340 million of those profits coming from adult advertising. Ontario congregation charged for holding outdoor services after church locked by court order A Canadian congregation has been charged with violating lockdown rules when it held multiple outdoor worship services with more than 10 people in attendance after its church building was shut down by the government. The Church of God in Aylmer, Ontario, held two services, one on May 16 and the other on May 23 attended by hundreds of people, that violated the Reopening Ontario Act because it exceeded the capacity limit. Also known as the Roadmap to Reopen, Step 1 of the program involves allowing outdoor gatherings of no more than 10 people and non-essential retail being allowed at 15% capacity. Pastor Henry Hildebrandt told The Christian Post that the services were held on the church's lawn, as their building was locked up by the government on May 14 due to the Church meeting in spite of regulations. Hildebrandt said that his congregation hadn't had any confirmed COVID-19 cases, let alone COVID-19-related deaths, even though they have gathered for in-person worship since May of last year. It is important that people retain the right to choose for themselves whether a situation presents a danger to their health," said Hildebrandt. "We offer drive-in, online, in-person services to accommodate all those seeking for spiritual fellowship." The pastor went on to say that he and his church acknowledge Christ as our King and do not recognize the authority of the State as it pertains to the services and functions of the Church as prescribed by the Word of God. When the State commands what God forbids or forbids what God commands, we will obey God rather than men," Hildebrandt continued. "The supremacy of God is written into our Constitution, and we acknowledge that His sovereignty supersedes that of earthly government." Local media reports that as many as 300 people attended the church's outdoor service on Sunday and was the seventh consecutive week the church violated rules restricting worship service attendance to 10 people. Since the start of the pandemic, the church has been slapped with multiple legal charges. The doors to the church were locked under the order of Superior Court Justice Bruce Thomas. The Aylmer congregation filed a complaint against Ontario. The church is represented by the Calgary, Alberta-based Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms. A hearing is scheduled for October. Church of God in Aylmer had multiple run-ins with Ontario police in the past over its worship services, including last year when drive-in services were held at the church property. In December, the legal group explained that the residents complained after seeing photos of the church parking lot during the drive-in services. Although congregants remained in their cars with windows up and listened to the service on the radio, those who complained to authorities "assumed that the congregants were inside the building. Aylmer Police Chief Zvonko Horvat told the Ontario-based London Free Press in an interview earlier this month that tensions are escalating." He rejected the argument that the gathering limits were an attack on the congregation's religious freedom. There are certain things that governments take a position on for the betterment of the community and the safety of the community and, in actual fact, they are not prohibited from having service, so its not a total shutdown of religious services, said Horvat. These are restrictions in terms of the number of people (for in-person service) based on expert opinion during this pandemic. They are allowed to do a drive-in service where they can worship and pray ... so Im not sympathetic at all toward their cause. Horvat went on to thank the community for being responsible and obeying the current rules, saying that most Aylmer residents were adhering to the lockdown rules. We are working cooperatively with different groups, and all I ask is for the general public to be patient and wait for the outcome, he continued. 99.9 percent of the people that live in Aylmer do that and Im certainly proud of that. Your eschatology doesnt determine your eternity How exactly are things going to play out when Jesus Christ returns to earth one day? What will the end times look like? The answer you receive to these compelling questions depends upon who you ask. Every Christian trusts in Jesus alone for salvation, but followers of Christ have different interpretations among themselves on secondary doctrines, such as the doctrine of last things (Eschatology). Your doctrine of salvation reveals whether or not you are a believer, whereas your eschatology reveals what you believe about a relatively brief period of time when the world as we know it will come to an end. Eternity is forever, whereas the end times will be quite brief in the grand scheme of things. Your eschatology doesnt determine your eternity. It simply defines your conviction on a doctrine that is not essential to salvation. Your personal interpretation of a secondary doctrine does not make you more or less a part of the body of Christ. It does not provide you with more or less forgiveness. And it does not prompt God to love you more than He loves those believers who disagree with your interpretation. Heaven and Hell are places where people will spend eternity. Eschatology, meanwhile, is not a place at all, but a biblical topic of study. Your eternal existence in Heaven as a believer in Jesus Christ will not be weakened or strengthened as a result of your particular eschatological perspective. Perhaps you agree with amillennialism, or with postmillennialism. Historic premillennialism might be your preferred interpretation, or maybe dispensational premillennialism seems correct to you. Whichever interpretation you accept about the end times is a view shared by other believers in the body of Christ, but also rejected by many believers in the body of Christ. A professing believer who assumes that his eschatology determines his eternity places himself on shaky spiritual ground, to say the least. After all, your perspective on the end times cannot wash away even one of your sins. The blood of Jesus is the only thing that can cleanse your soul (see Hebrews 13:11-12). Your eschatology is not nearly as important as your faith in Christ alone for salvation. But that doesnt seem to stop a handful of professing believers from making their eschatological interpretation the focal point of their religious life. Perhaps you have known someone who seems extremely judgmental toward believers who do not share his particular view of the end times. A condescending attitude produces a simmering hostility in man's heart. It is exceptionally ugly and highly offensive to the Holy Spirit. A few professing Christians behave as if the specific details of your eschatology is essential to your salvation. Romans 14 provides corrective instruction for such an unhealthy point of view. The Apostle Paul wrote, One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. He who regards one day as special, does so to the Lord. He who eats meat, eats to the Lord (Romans 14:5-6). Likewise, one man considers his eschatology more sacred than another. Another man disagrees with his interpretation. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. Believers can hold personal perspectives on secondary issues and do so to the Lord." Does your particular view of the end times increase your love for Jesus and for Gods Word? If so, rejoice! Does your interpretation increase your anticipation for the Lords return, and your love for the lost? If so, be glad! Does your eschatological perspective increase your desire for holy living? If so, great! Does your preferred interpretation increase your love for other Christians, including those who hold an alternate view of the end times? If not, then your spiritual growth has been stunted. Any Christian who develops a judgmental spirit needs to confess his sin to the Lord and ask God to replace his arrogant attitude with a gracious, loving and humble heart. The devil is a master at tempting zealous believers to go off the deep end over secondary doctrines and become fanatical. Consider how Paul described unsaved Jews: I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge (Romans 10:2). I think something similar can be said about professing Christians who use their eschatology as a club to pound those who disagree with their interpretation. An obscure 17 century Lutheran theologian named Rupertus Meldenius famously said: In essentials unity, In non-essentials liberty, In all things charity. What a beautiful Christian principle to implement when confronted by conflicting Scriptural interpretations! After all, if I lack the love of Christ in my heart for those who disagree with my perspective, then I am in great need of repentance, compassion and kindness. The Lord can fix the hot mess my heart has become, but not until I own it and renounce the darkness within my soul. Since our eschatology doesnt determine our eternity, let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), as we make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification (Romans 14:19). Are white evangelical pastors at odds with their congregants? A new study says no Over the past two years, a group of influential evangelical leaders broke away from their churches or denominations, mostly over their congregations' solid support for former President Donald Trump and, more generally, conservative politics and messaging. The moves, by such people as theologian Russell Moore and Bible study teacher Beth Moore, most prominently, but others as well, suggested deepening cracks between established evangelical leaders and ordinary believers. But a new study published in the latest issue of Politics and Religion, a quarterly journal, shows there's no evidence that white evangelical clergy are less conservative politically than their congregations. In fact, the survey found, white evangelical clergy are as conservative, if not more so, as the people in their pews. The study, by Duke University sociologist Mark Chaves and postdoctoral research associate Joseph Roso, finds that 74% of white evangelicals reported that their political views were about the same as most people in their congregations. (Only 12% of white evangelical clergy said they were more liberal than their congregants, and 13% said they were more conservative.) "It really counters this idea that there are a lot of evangelical clergy who are more liberal than their people," said Chaves. (The only other group where clergy and congregants neatly align is Black Protestants; 70% of Black clergy said they hold the same views as their congregants. But unlike white evangelicals, Black clergy and churchgoers are far more liberal and tend to vote for Democrats.) Consistent with decades of past data, the new study also shows a deep political gap between the views of clergy in more liberal Protestant denominations as well as the views of Catholic priests and their parishioners. More than half (53%) of mainline Protestant clergy say they are more liberal or much more liberal than their congregants. Among Catholic priests, 52% said they were more liberal than their parishioners. The study relies on data from the National Survey of Religious Leaders conducted in 2018-2019, and the 2018 General Social Survey. The survey included responses from leaders across many religious traditions, but the study focused on a sample of 846 Christian clergy arranged in four different groups: Evangelicals, Black Protestants, mainline Protestants and Catholics. Those clergy were asked, "How would you compare your own political views to those held by most people in your congregation?" They were then asked who they voted for in the 2016 presidential race between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. Researchers then compared those answers to data from the General Social Survey on how monthly churchgoers in those four Christian groups voted for Trump in 2016. Chaves pointed out that mainline Protestants have been considerably more liberal than their congregants for a long time dating back to the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s when many mainline clergy spoke out in support of justice and equality for Blacks and later publicly opposed the Vietnam War. What isn't clear from the study is whether evangelical pastors have long been politically aligned with their congregants or if that's a more recent phenomenon. (Chaves said there's no comparable national representative surveys to document that.) The survey suggests clergy who are more in sync with their congregants find it easier to mobilize as a political base into a potent constituency. And of course, white evangelicals have become arguably the most influential voting bloc in the Republican Party. Many evangelical pastors have embraced politics, railing about perceived threats from the secular world and using social media to expand their reach. "It speaks to why the religious right is more politically effective," said Chaves. "The more liberal-leaning clergy are in churches where the people aren't with them." The study did not speculate on why white evangelicals were much more likely to be on the same page politically with with their church members, but Paul Djupe, a political scientist at Denison University, said there were probably a few reasons. White evangelical pastors are more likely to lead congregational type churches, where members choose their own ministers. In mainline and Catholic churches, clergy are often chosen by bishops or others in the denominational hierarchy one step removed from the local congregation. Evangelical pastors may also have less seminary education than mainline or Catholic clergy. "The very fact of going through higher education to get a master's or even a doctorate in theology is something that probably makes them more liberal, or gives them an expansive view on a number of issues," Djupe said of mainline and Catholic clergy. That education may also lend mainline and Catholic clergy a wider lens on social justice issues from a national or global perspective. By contrast, Djupe said, "evangelicals are thinking about the community and how to preserve the community, which are traditionally conservative notions." But Djupe said it would be a mistake to suggest mainline or Catholic clergy avoid political issues because their congregants are more divided. "They might be a little bit more careful about how they talk about those issues, but they still talk about more issues than evangelicals do," Djupe said. The study did not address the relationship between congregation size and clergy political activism. The larger a church, the more likely it includes a diverse set of participants. "Based on our analysis, it does not appear that pastors of large congregations differ substantially in their political involvement from pastors of smaller congregations," Roso said. Religion News Service Christians respond to devastating Hawaii fires (CP) The Christian humanitarian group World Help is focusing its efforts on helping Maui residents displaced by the wildfires that ripped through the Hawaiian island and claimed the lives of at least 55 people in Lahaina, and destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses. World Help is "working with local partners on the ground to assess the greatest areas of additional need" and "will offer aid through partners already working in the Lahaina, Hawaii, area," the organization said in a statement shared with The Christian Post. World Help President Noel Brewer Yeatts added: "Maui has been absolutely devastated by these wildfires. Our partners in Lahaina tell us that there is very little left standing and that it looks like a war zone. So many people have lost everything their homes, and their livelihoods." "It's going to take years to heal and rebuild, and World Help wants to do our part so that families and communities can begin that healing process," he added. World Help has posted a donation page specifically to benefit the victims of the Maui wildfires. The wildfires began on Aug. 8, being fueled by a mixture of a dry summer season and winds from a hurricane that went near the Hawaiian island. Maui County officials reported on Wednesday that there had been 36 confirmed deaths; another 17 deaths were confirmed on Thursday afternoon, followed by two more by the end of the day, and an additional two deaths on Friday, bringing the death toll to at least 55. According to a county update posted in the predawn hours of Friday, firefighters continue to battle fires and "flare-ups" in Lahaina, Pulehu and Kihei, and Upcountry Maui. "The firefighting effort was bolstered by 21 firefighters from the Honolulu Fire Department, seven supervisory personnel and four vehicles. A nine-member search-and-rescue team also arrived on [the] island," noted county officials. "Visitors wanting to leave Maui are asked to book a flight with an airline. Travelers can book flights to Honolulu, then continue on another flight to the mainland." On Thursday, President Joe Biden approved Hawaii's disaster declaration request, making federal funding available for those impacted by the fires. "Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster," explained the White House. "Federal funding also is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for debris removal and emergency protective measures in Maui County, and assistance for emergency protective measures for Hawaii County." The Christian Post How India's religious violence is becoming a problem for American politicians For nine days, Pieter Friedrich starved himself to get his congressman's attention. Drawing from his own Christian tradition of prayer and fasting and the Indian political tactic of "satyagraha," the activist and journalist fasted from July 27 until Aug. 5, aiming to convince U.S. Representative Ro Khanna, a California Democrat, to speak on the House floor about violence against Christians. "He has not just a political responsibility, but a human responsibility to raise these issues," said Friedrich, after he had abandoned his strike at the request of two Indian organizations. "I believe the only way he continues to refuse doing so is because he's continuing to straddle the fence." The Christians whose plight Friedrich was demanding Khanna take responsibility for, however, were not Californians, but live more than 7,000 miles away in Manipur, India. The fence he was accusing an American congressman of straddling was U.S. policy toward Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his troubling history of Hindu nationalism. From President Joe Biden to Indian American congressmembers like Khanna, American politicians are under increasing pressure to account for their courtship of Modi, the leader of a strategically important ally and the world's largest democracy, while ignoring the Indian regime's oppression of religious minorities. Modi's recent visit to Washington, where he met with President Biden, attended a state dinner and addressed Congress, fully rehabilitated a figure who, in 2005, was refused a visa by the U.S. State Department. At the time, Modi, then chief minister of the state of Gujurat, held a precarious position on the international stage after 1,000 of his constituents, mostly Muslims, died in religious riots. Since being elected prime minister in 2014, his record has improved, but marginalization of minority groups has continued. In its 2023 Annual Report, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom cited India for its "systematic, ongoing and egregious violations of religious freedom." In May of this year, violence erupted in the Imphal Valley of Manipur, in Northern India, after members of the mostly Christian Kuki tribe protested a court order extending benefits to the Meiteis, an ethnic group many Kukis believe the government already favors. After the protest, Kuki were subjected to egregious violence and sexual crimes by Meitei mobs. Friedrich, a human rights advocate whose Twitter account has been banned twice in India for putting pressure on the Modi regime, has also urged American politicians of Indian heritage to speak out against rights violations in India. "I feel like I've been called to be doing what I'm doing," said Friedrich in an interview with Religion News Service. "These are people from my community, and I believe in the teaching that we are all one body in Christ. And whatever does harm to that body does harm to the whole." On July 30, midway through his hunger strike, Friedrich attended a Khanna town hall to confront him. A Kuki-Zomi Christian woman also spoke about her family, who has been victim to the violent clashes. "I believe that there should be absolutely no violence against any place of worship," Khanna told the town hall audience. "I will be co-leading a bipartisan delegation in coordination with the State Department that will build on President Biden's relationship with India, which is critical to American foreign policy interests." The co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, Khanna has been working on U.S.-India relations since his election in 2017. He has condemned Hindu nationalism, which many accuse Modi's government of promoting, but in June, Khanna invited Modi to address the India caucus. Modi's opponents say the invitation was a public affirmation. Khanna's tepid official response to the violence in Manipur was considered another strike against him. "A lot of people in D.C. have made this calculation that for the sake of a deeper U.S.India relationship, they need to be nice to Prime Minister Modi," said Ria Chakrabarty, policy director of Hindus for Human Rights. On Aug. 7, Hindus for Human Rights, along with the Indian American Muslim Council and India Civil Watch International, met with Khanna ahead of a planned trip to India to discuss their concerns, especially regarding the role of Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party "in eroding democracy and rights." In response, Khanna "expressed his unwavering commitment to upholding democratic values and human rights both within India and the United States," according to a Hindus for Human Rights press release. Modi's U.S. visit did prompt some politicians to speak out. U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington led more than 70 legislators in sending a letter urging President Biden to bring up human rights and democratic values in India. But activists have begun to organize to sway the debate and demand action. Two days after the crisis in Manipur began, Florence Lowe, a tech entrepreneur in Dallas, founded the North American Manipur Tribal Association with the goal of bringing justice to the victims. Her 77-year-old mother, her sister-in-law and young nieces and nephews live in Manipur. "It's just evil," said Lowe. "I don't recognize who these people are." In May, Lowe got a harrowing call from her sister telling Lowe that the family had been forced to flee from their home in the town of Paite Veng. (They were originally sheltered by a Hindu Meitei neighbor, and have since found refuge with family.) In the continuing violence, houses have been burned and looted by mobs and churches destroyed. The Lowe's neighborhood church was razed, and along with it the pulpit Lowe's father had designed. Aside from the thousands of displaced Kukis, hundreds of others have been physically attacked, raped or killed. Lowe is worried that violence in Manipur will soon be forgotten and seen as "one of the many atrocities." "Just trying to raise awareness is not working," she told RNS. "We need the body of Christ to speak up." N. Biren Singh, the Chief Minister of Manipur, a Meitei Hindu, is a member of the BJP. Singh has referred to the violence as "pre-planned," adding that a "foreign hand" cannot be ruled out. The crisis only gained national attention in India when a video of Kuki Christian women being paraded naked in Manipur went viral. Modi called the video "the most shameful," but many were disappointed that his response came more than two months into the conflict. Lowe is clear that the U.S. government has the responsibility to address ethnic cleansing of this nature, no matter what the deep-rooted cause of violence is. "I've always been religious, but this has made me so much more of a believer," said Lowe. "One thing I've realized is that for all my education and experience, I don't know how to solve this problem. I've realized that God is the only one who can really do anything." Religions News Service We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form 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. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A man was found dead on Woodland Avenue in Cleveland sometime overnight Saturday, police said. The unidentified 32-year-old man was found with a gunshot wound, police said. Police could not say where on his body the man was shot nor the circumstances surrounding the mans death. Cleveland polices Homicide Unit is investigating the death, Sgt. Sabrina Walker said. There is no further information at this time, she added. This post will be updated if more information becomes available Saturday. CLEVELAND, Ohio An innovative project to use recycled sediment from the Cuyahoga River to expand a lakefront park over the next 20 years on Clevelands East Side is ready to leap from vision to reality. A redesign over the past year calls for features including a more natural-looking offshore isle intended to protect a vulnerable section of the Interstate 90 Shoreway from increasingly violent storms and erosion attributed to climate change. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The National Weather Service in Cleveland has issued a severe thunderstorm warning until 3 p.m. for dozens of Northeast Ohio cities. Meanwhile, a tornado watch remains in effect until 9 p.m. for northcentral and northeastern Ohio. Severe thunderstorms were located along a line that extends from Amherst to Wellington and moving east at 45 mph, NWS says. These storms could develop wind gusts of up to 60 mph and penny-size hail. Expect damage to trees and power lines with the storms, NWS says. Some of the cities impacted include Cleveland, Lorain, Elyria, Medina, Vermilion, Parma, Lakewood, Strongsville, Brunswick, Westlake, North Royalton, North Ridgeville, Avon Lake, Amherst, Grafton, Wellington, Wakeman, North Olmsted and Avon, NWS says. Torrential rainfall is coming with these storms and may cause flooding. NWS advises people not to drive their vehicles through flooded roads. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Severe thunderstorms that swept through northern and northeastern Ohio Saturday afternoon dumped between 1 inch to nearly 4 inches of rain on some cities, the National Weather Service says. Huron in Erie County got 3.66 inches of rain as of 5:30 p.m. Saturday, NWS Meteorologist Freddie Zigler said. Saturday was filled with a mixture of heavy rainfall, thunder, lightning and tornado threats throughout central, northern and northeast Ohio. Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Medina and Summit counties are under a tornado watch until 9 p.m. Saturday. A flood advisory is now in effect until 7 p.m. for portions of Lake, Lorain and Cuyahoga counties, NWS says. Cities along the lakeshore got the most rainfall from Saturdays storms, especially in Lorain County, Zigler said.. On Cuyahogas west side near the lake, cities like Lakewood got 1 inch to 2 inches of rain. We are actually starting to log in a little more than 2 inches as the numbers come in, Zigler said. The forecast for Sunday call for sunny sky and a high of 80 degrees. But more thunderstorms are in the forecast for Monday and showers are expected Tuesday. Here are some of the heaviest rainfall totals in the last 24 hours, according to NWS: Avon: 2.46 inches Amherst: 2.21 inches Elyria: 2 inches Huron: 3.66 inches Lorain: 1.71 inches Northeast Ohio still has a threat of severe weather over the next couple of hours, Zigler says, but as the night goes on, the threat will go away. The weather should start to improve into Sunday, he said. Conditions will really dry out Sunday with a high of 80 degrees. Even with the rain gone, were going to have moisture still. It wont be as humid as Saturday morning though. Hype of China's "economic coercion" yet another testament to U.S. coercive diplomacy Xinhua) 14:43, August 12, 2023 This aerial photo taken on Feb. 23, 2023 shows the Qinzhou Port in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua) BEIJING, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- The accusation of "economic coercion" leveled against China by the United States is actually another testament to U.S. coercive diplomacy. Behind the word game is the U.S. evil intention and perpetual practice of stigmatizing others before inflicting economic and technological suppression on them, so as to maintain its hegemonic interests. At a hearing of the United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations in July, Under Secretary of State Jose Fernandez alleged that China is currently the biggest economic competitor of the United States and a prolific user of "economic coercion." The accusation is simply false. Believing that peace, development and win-win cooperation are the unstoppable trends of the times, China has never used, and will never use, so-called "economic coercion" in pursuing its own development. Rather, China has made great efforts over the years to promote common development through bilateral or multilateral mechanisms. Through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has signed cooperation documents with more than 150 countries and over 30 international organizations over the past decade, based on the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits. The BRI has contributed to economic development, job creation and improvement of people's livelihood in these countries. Over the past decade, China has established 21 free trade zones across the country, an important means to facilitate trade and carry out high-level opening up. The full implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a mega free trade agreement signed by 15 members including China, is of great significance in facilitating regional economic and trade development. In its international economic cooperation efforts and initiatives, China has never attached any political condition or sought any political self-interest, nor has China imposed economic sanctions or pursued suppression of others. Obsessed with hegemony, unilateralism and protectionism, the United States, however, does not conceal its selfish concept of "America First." In terms of coercive diplomacy, the United States is not only the instigator, but also a veritable abuser and undoubtedly the only superpower of sanctions. With a very disgraceful "dark history" in coercive diplomacy, the United States has made this practice a standard instrument in its foreign policy toolbox. Figures show a more than nine-fold increase in sanctions imposed by the United States from 2000 to 2021. To date, the United States has imposed economic sanctions on nearly 40 countries, which have affected almost half of the global population and caused severe humanitarian disasters. The United States has imposed a tech blockade against China in the semiconductor sector, and used state power to suppress China's high-tech enterprises. Economic coercion by the United States has not only undermined global supply chains and industrial chains, but also raised regional and even global production costs and hindered the process of regional economic integration. This is a blatant violation of the principle of free and fair trade. Despite this suppression by the United States, China's efforts to expand its circle of friends will never stop. The country will remain committed to its fundamental national policy of opening up to the outside world, uphold a mutually beneficial strategy in this course, and continue to create new opportunities for the world through its own development. (Web editor: Zhao Tong, Hongyu) An Air China Boeing 747-8 makes its final approach landing at New York John F. Kennedy International Airport on Jan. 23, 2020. The U.S. and China will approve twice the number of passenger flights currently permitted for air carriers to fly between the two countries, the Biden administration said on Friday, in a rare sign of cooperation between the world's largest two economies. The U.S. Transportation Department (USDOT) said it would will increase the number of Chinese passenger flights allowed to fly to the U.S. to 18 weekly round-trips on Sept. 1 and increase that to 24 per week starting Oct. 29, up from the current 12. It said the Chinese government will agree to the same increase for American carriers, confirming a decision reported earlier by Reuters. The agreement between Beijing and Washington, which have sparred on many fronts, comes after China on Thursday lifted pandemic-era restrictions on group tours for more countries, including key markets such as the U.S., Japan, South Korea and Australia. USDOT said the first tranche of flights was approved to start Sept. 1 "to meet an anticipated increase in demand around the start of the academic year." Sources said U.S. airlines are not expected to immediately take advantage of all 18 weekly flights. The Chinese Embassy in Washington referred questions about specifics to authorities in China, but said "direct flights are essential for increasing mutual visits between Chinese and American peoples. We hope that the restoration of more flights will do good to the flow of people and trade between the two countries." After Secretary of State Antony Blinken's June trip to the China, consistent engagement by USDOT and the State Department with Chinese officials "made this important step forward possible," USDOT added. "Our overriding goal is an improved environment wherein the carriers of both parties are able to exercise fully their bilateral rights to maintain a competitive balance and fair and equal opportunity among U.S. and Chinese air carriers," USDOT said in its approval order on Friday. Air China 601111.SS said in a filing with USDOT on Thursday that it was seeking permission to add a new weekly flight between Beijing and Los Angeles. China Eastern 600115.SS, Xiamen Airlines and China Southern 600029.SS also fly scheduled service to the U.S., while United Airlines UAL.N, American Airlines AAL.O and Delta Airlines DAL.N currently operate passenger flights to China. United said on Friday it will expand flights between the two countries under the agreement, resuming flights to Beijing and reintroducing its daily service to Shanghai. Airlines for America, an industry trade group, said it "supports the gradual reopening of U.S.-China air services commiserate with increases in passenger demand over time. Today's modified Order ensures fair and equal opportunity for U.S. airlines to compete in the marketplace." The 24 weekly flights are still a fraction of the more than 150 round-trip flights allowed by each side before restrictions were imposed in early 2020 due to the COVID-pandemic. On May 3, USDOT said it would allow Chinese airlines to increase U.S. passenger services to 12 weekly round-trips, equal to the number of flights Beijing has permitted for American carriers. Previously, only eight weekly flights by Chinese carriers were allowed. U.S. carriers have noted that they cannot fly over Russian airspace to China, which makes some routes much longer. Reuters reported in June Chinese airlines were avoiding flying over Russian airspace in newly approved flights to and from the U.S. but still using Russian airspace for other flights. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged the Philippines to work with China to seek an effective way to defuse tensions in the South China Sea, the official Xinhua news agency said on Saturday. The comments come amid rising tensions between the two countries over the location of a grounded warship that serves as a military outpost in the South China Sea. The comments were made by Wang during a visit to Singapore and Malaysia which took place on Thursday and Friday, said Xinhua. China has repeatedly expressed its willingness to resolve differences with the Philippines through bilateral dialogue, hoping that the Philippine side would abide by a consensus reached in the past, Xinhua reported Wang as saying. The Philippines intentionally grounded the World War Two-era warship Sierra Madre in 1999 as part of its sovereignty claim to the Second Thomas Shoal, which lies within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and rotates a handful of troops through the ship. The Philippines won an international arbitration award in 2016 against China's claim over almost all of the South China Sea, after a tribunal ruled Beijing's sweeping claim had no legal basis, including at the Second Thomas Shoal. China, which does not recognize the ruling, has built militarized, man-made islands in the South China Sea and its claim of historic sovereignty overlaps with the EEZs of the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia. Investors may be feeling some market indigestion in August, but Morgan Stanley said there are still top stocks to buy settle down portfolios. The bank named a host of companies that it believes can weather the latest market weakness. CNBC Pro combed through recent Morgan Stanley research to find the well positioned stocks for August. They include: Apple , Keurig Dr Pepper , Elevance Health , Howmet and CBOE Global Markets. Keurig Dr Pepper Analyst Dara Mohsenian is getting even more bullish on shares of the beverage and coffee maker. "Our most significant change is doubling down on our recent upgrade to [overweight] at KDP by moving it to our top pick in beverages," Mohsenian said recently. Keurig is coming off of a solid second-quarter earnings report in late July where it beat on both the top and bottom lines. "The stock narrative on KDP post Q2 upside and raised underlying FY guidance is playing out as we expected in our recent upgrade," he wrote. Several positive catalysts remain, the firm says. A coffee inflection is likely ahead before year's end, he while international remains strong, the analyst said. In particular, Morgan Stanley said it's impressed by Keurig's commitment to improve coffee fundamentals. Shares are down 5% this year, but the stock remains too compelling to ignore, according to Mohsenian. CBOE Global Markets "More irons in the fire to drive [an] upside surprise," analyst Michael Cyprys said following the company's mixed second-quarter earnings report earlier this month. CBOE, which operates exchanges including the Chicago Board Options Exchange, is beginning to fire on all cylinders, Cyprys said. Morgan Stanley gave several reasons in its earnings reaction note as to why CBOE is well-positioned as a top pick. They include growth initiatives that are in early stage development, an improving revenue outlook and operating leverage that's likely to be positive in 2024, but isn't yet priced in to shares. Product innovation is also percolating and Cyprys sees upside to estimates. For example, "in Europe, Cboe is moving ahead on the launch of single stock options on leading European companies, which is expected to come Nov. 2023," he wrote. Cyprys added that the company's index option products are "cash cows with pricing power & high incremental margins that are poised to benefit from broadening customer & user engagement..." Shares of the company are up almost 20% this year. Howmet Aerospace Meanwhile, shares of Howmet Aerospace are up over 25% this year, but the stock has plenty more room to run, according to Morgan Stanley. Analyst Kristine Liwag recently raised her price target on the aerospace component company to $60 from $50 after Howmet's top and bottom lines beat earnings estimates in its latest quarter, reported earlier this month. "Given the company's strong cash generation and quality balance sheet, we see further upside driven by increased capital return to shareholders," she said. Howmet also has a great deal of pricing power as its supply chain continues to be constricted and parts remain in demand. "We continue to see Howmet as best positioned for the commercial aerospace upcycle from the increases in new aircraft build and spares," she added. Further, Liwag says the production rate increases at Airbus and Boeing serve as near-term catalysts for the stock. The firm also says results are likely to top expectations and forward guidance will be raised through year end as management's outlook has been very conservative. "Howmet is our top Aerospace Top Pick," Liwag said. Apple "A Catalyst Rich Event Path Supports Apple As Our Top Pick. ... .Catalysts to drive a re-rating in [next twelve months] include 1) a stronger iPhone 15 cycle, 2) reaccelerating Services growth, 3) underappreciated [gross margin] tailwinds, 4) new product launches, and 5) a potential hardware subscription launch." Elevance Health "Amidst the multitude of current overhang risk factors impacting the broader Managed Care space, we are updating our Top Pick to Elevance as we believe the company is currently the cleanest story in Managed Care into 2024 with strong opportunity to achieve +12-15% EPS Growth in 2024 driven by Commercial and Medicare Advantage margin expansion, which heavily de-risks the company from a wide range of potential Medicaid Redetermination headwind scenarios." Read more about this call here. Howmet Aeropace "Given the company's strong cash generation & quality balance sheet, we see further upside driven by increased capital return to shareholders. ... .We continue to see Howmet as best positioned for the commercial aerospace upcycle from the increases in new aircraft build & spares. ... .We view management's 2023 outlook as conservative, potentially setting up the company for a beat & raise through 2H23. .... .Howmet is our top Aerospace Top Pick." CBOE Global Markets "More irons in the fire to drive [an] upside surprise. ... .In Europe, Cboe is moving ahead on the launch of single stock options on leading European companies, which is expected to come [in] Nov. 2023. ... CBOE's proprietary index option products are cash cows with pricing power & high incremental margins that are poised to benefit from broadening customer and user engagement..." Keurig Dr Pepper "Our most significant change is doubling down on our recent upgrade to [overweight] at KDP by moving it to our top pick in beverages. ... .The stock narrative on KDP post Q2 upside and raised underlying FY guidance is playing out as we expected in our recent upgrade. ... .Compelling Valuation With Robust U.S. Refreshment Momentum and Coffee Inflection." For those looking to leave the U.S., pursuing life as an expatriate is often an appealing option. That's especially true for those living in pricey locales, such as New York City or San Francisco, where the cost of living remains persistently high. In fact, New York continues to be the most expensive city in North America, ranking sixth in the world. Relocating to work abroad, however, can also come with a hefty price tag, according to Mercer's 2023 Cost of Living Ranking, which ranks 227 cities across five continents, comparing the cost of goods and services in each location. The most expensive city in the world for expats: Hong Kong, which topped the list for the second consecutive year. Here are the 10 most expensive cities for expats, outside the U.S.: Hong Kong Singapore Zurich, Switzerland Geneva, Switzerland Basel, Switzerland Bern, Switzerland Tel Aviv, Israel Copenhagen, Denmark Nassau, Bahamas Shanghai As for the U.S., the data finds that the cost of living has increased in all American cities analyzed. In the global ranking, New York lands in sixth place, followed by Los Angeles (11th), San Francisco (14th) and Honolulu (15th). Additionally, Detroit, Houston and Cleveland saw the greatest increases in cost of living among U.S. cities this year. But keep in mind that cost of living is just one factor to consider when looking to move abroad. While Hong Kong is the most expensive city on the list, that doesn't necessarily translate to a better quality of life. In fact, it ranks 78th in that category. On the other hand, some global cities may offer expats a lower cost of living and, perhaps, a higher quality of life. Barcelona, Spain, for example, ranks 75th for highest cost of living, but 47th for best quality of life. DON'T MISS: Want to be smarter and more successful with your money, work and life? Sign up for our new newsletter! Get CNBC's free Warren Buffett Guide to Investing, which distills the billionaire's No. 1 best piece of advice for regular investors, do's and don'ts and three key investing principles into a clear and simple guidebook. Taiwan's William Lai speaks during a press conference at the Presidential Palace in Taipei on September 5, 2017. Taiwan Vice President William Lai leaves on Saturday for a sensitive trip to the United States, which China has condemned and Taiwanese officials fear could prompt more Chinese military activity around the democratically governed island. Lai, the front-runner to become Taiwan's president in elections in January, is officially making only transit stops in the United States on his way to and from Paraguay for the swearing in of its president. Taipei and Washington say such stopovers are routine and no cause for China to take "provocative" actions, but Beijing has reacted with anger at what it sees as a further sign of U.S. support for Taiwan, which it claims as sovereign Chinese territory. China is likely to launch military drills next week near Taiwan, using Lai's stopovers in the United States as a pretext to intimidate voters ahead of a next year's election and make them "fear war", Taiwanese officials say. Beijing particularly dislikes Lai, who has in the past described himself as a "practical worker for Taiwan independence". Lai has, however, repeatedly said during the election campaign he does not seek to change the status quo. Lai, who goes first to New York, wrote in English on social media platform X, formerly called Twitter, he was "excited to meet with US friends in transit" and to be going to Paraguay, one of just 13 countries to maintain formal ties with Taipei. Laura Rosenberger, chair of the Virginia-based American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), a U.S. government-run non-profit that carries out unofficial relations with Taiwan, responded on X that AIT was looking forward to welcoming him "during his transit en route to Paraguay". Neither Taiwan nor the United States have given exact details about his U.S. schedule. Lai's official schedule for Sunday states merely that he is going to Paraguay. Lai, scheduled to speak to reporters at Taiwan's main international airport on Saturday afternoon before leaving, is to return from Paraguay via San Francisco. The Paraguay leg of the trip is also important given China's increasing efforts to take Taiwan's remaining allies. Honduras, once a stalwart Taiwanese partner, switched relations to China in March. Lai went to Honduras last year for the inauguration of its president and had a brief though symbolic chat while there with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 12) John Lloyd Cruz won the Boccalino d'Oro prize for best actor at a film festival in Switzerland for his role in Lav Diaz's "Essential Truths of the Lake. The Philippines so-called King of Contemporary Cinema received the award at the 76th Locarno International Film Festival, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) confirmed on Friday. Cruz played the role of Lieutenant Hermes Papauran, who investigates a 15-year-old case against the backdrop of former President Rodrigo Dutertes bloody anti-drug war. What can a good policeman do in the face of Dutertes murderous wrath? Lt. Papauran fixates on the deep mystery of a cold case he has been trying to solve for years. Great investigators are obsessive visionaries. They are also human beings, read the directors note, as posted on the film festivals website. In a video uploaded online, Cruz can be heard dedicating his win to murder victims and their bereaved loved ones. Para sa Pilipinas, para sa Pilipino, para sa lahat ng pinatay at mga naiwan nila [For the country, for the Filipino, for everyone killed and the people they left behind], the actor said. According to the FDCP, Cruz is the second Filipino to receive the recognition from the Independent Critics Jury. The first was Hazel Orencio, who received the best actress award in 2014 for another film by the critically acclaimed director Diaz. FDCP chairman Tirso Cruz III congratulated the actor, saying the award is much deserved by an artist of his caliber. "Essential Truths of the Lake" was the only Southeast Asian film in the main competition section of the film festival, the council earlier said. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 12) The country will resist any attempt by a foreign nation to remove the BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin Shoal, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Saturday. Such an attempt may already be considered as "hostile," according to AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar. "We have rules of engagement in situations like this," he said. His remarks came after China's coast guard used a water cannon on Philippine vessels on a resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre a World War II-era ship deliberately grounded in 1999 to serve as the country's outpost in the West Philippine Sea. "They should not resort to actions that are hostile, that are in violation of international law, that will endanger people's livesAll the consequences that will arise from their singular hostile act will be blamed to them and to those above them," Aguilar said. READ: PH tells China to stop illegal activities in WPS after water cannon incident University of the Philippines Director of the Institute for Maritime Law Jay Batongbacal agreed that a foreign country attempting to move the ship would count as a hostile act. "It is an attempt to exercise an act of coercion. That's why it is a hostile act," he explained. Batongbacal speculated that China's latest harassment was an attempt to test the country's new leaders, noting that Beijing also did this during the early days of past administrations. Following the water cannon incident near Ayungin Shoal, China urged the Philippines to tow the BRP Sierra Madre away claiming Manila had previously agreed to remove the Navy ship. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has made it clear that the BRP Sierra Madre will stay right where it is in Ayungin Shoal. "And let me go further, if there does exist such an agreement, I rescind that agreement now," the chief executive added. Beijing asks for peace Meanwhile, Beijing's state news agency Xinhua reported that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has sought cooperation with Manila to effectively control the situation over the contested waters. Yi claimed that the situation over the West Philippine Sea has already "achieved overall stability," and accused the United States and other forces of making waves in the region to "stir up troubles between China and the Philippines." Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 12) Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will visit Manila on Sept. 8 to discuss with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. how the two countries can strengthen cooperation on defense and maritime security. "Our partnership with the Philippines is built on close defense and security cooperation, increasing economic relations and warm personal ties, including through the vibrant Filipino Australian community," Albanese said in a statement Friday. "I look forward to visiting Manila to meet with President Marcos and affirm our partnership," he added. Albanese's office also said the meeting with Marcos will also cover development cooperation and education. Albanese will be the first Australian PM to visit the Philippines in 20 years. He will also visit Indonesia and India next month. Australian Ambassador HK Yu earlier said Australia is aiming to become a better defense partner to the Philippines through the nuclear-powered submarine program under the AUKUS trilateral security pact. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 12) The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has inspected dredging vessels in reclamation sites in Manila Bay following concerns about the activities of foreign crews in the area. The BI said it conducted the inspection with the Philippine Coast Guard on Friday to ensure foreign nationals involved in the activities are compliant with immigration laws. The inspection is expected to continue over the following days. As of Friday, BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said inspectors boarded three vessels: MV Mao Hua which has 14 Chinese nationals and eight Filipino crew; MV Liang Long with 17 Chinese nationals and two Filipino crew; and MV Jun Hai 5 with 28 Chinese crew. "We will be submitting a comprehensive report of our findings to the Secretary of Justice and will be penalizing any foreign national found to be working without proper documentation," he said. Tansingco said foreign nationals that conduct commercial activities in the Philippines are required to secure a work visa or permit. House Deputy Majority Leader Erwin Tulfo has warned about possible security threats after crew members of Chinese vessels docked in Manila Bay were seen being transported to areas around the bay. In February, the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) launched an investigation into "suspicious" activities of 10 foreign vessels, most of which were Chinese, in Philippine waters. Marina said the vessels conducted dredging and reclamation activities for the Pasay Reclamation Development Project. Some of them were also identified to have sailed and operated outside their approved areas of operation, particularly the areas of Nasugbu, Batangas, and Ambil Island in Occidental Mindoro. Lawmakers have also raised concerns over the reclamation project involving a Chinese firm that helped Beijing construct and militarize artificial islands in the disputed South China Sea. It was first flagged by the US Embassy, saying the company supposedly engages in "fraudulent business practices." President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the suspension of activities of all reclamation projects at Manila Bay pending review. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources said there are roughly 22 projects in the area that are under evaluation. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 12) The Department of Budget and Management has increased the allotted funds for the social pension of indigent senior citizens to 49.81 billion under the proposed 2024 national budget. This is nearly double the 25.30 billion allocation in 2023. The budget for social pension for indigent senior citizens will be doubled to 49.81 billion to cover the increased government monthly allowance of 1,000 for more than four million indigent senior citizens who are not part of the pension system, said Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman in a statement. The social pension program is part of the implementation of the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, which provides an additional monthly government assistance of 500 to senior citizens who are frail or disabled, with no regular income or support from family, and without a pension from private or government institutions. In 2022, the Social Pension for Indigent Seniors Act lapsed into law and doubled the monthly pension to 1,000 per qualified indigent elderly. The funding for the social pension for senior citizens is included under the governments budget for the social services sector, which is at 2.183 trillion or 37.9% of the proposed 5.768 trillion national budget for 2024. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 12) The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) warned Filipinos against falling for fake news and misinformation on the situation in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), something the agency said may have swayed Filipinos towards China. "I'm calling all Filipino na mahilig mag-Facebook, mahilig gumamit ng social media, kung may makakakita kayo ng fake news na lumalabas sa feed ninyo [who are fond of Facebook and social media, if you see fake news on your feed], at least, learn to comment, share the right information," PCG spokesperson on the WPS Jay Tarriela said Saturday. READ: PCG official: Don't use free speech to justify unpatriotic behavior "Huwag natin hayaan na mag proliferate ito. Otherwise, sa laban natin sa West Philippine Sea, matatalo tayo," he added. [Translation: Let's not allow this to proliferate. Otherwise, we will lose our battle for the West Philippine Sea.] This comes just a week after the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) used a water cannon on Philippine vessels on a resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal. READ: Chinese coast guard fired water cannons at PH vessels en route to Ayungin Shoal PCG Some false claims include one debunked by Vera Files in May, which alleged that the PCG fired a water cannon at a Chinese fishing vessel in the West Philippine Sea. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 12) Representative Arnolfo Teves Jr.'s legal counsel said there is a need to corroborate the testimony against the lawmaker over three killings that happened in Negros Oriental in 2019. Atty. Ferdinand Topacio told CNN Philippines they have received information that witness Gemuel Hobro allegedly has pending criminal cases against him. "Isa lamang po ang testigo rito, 'yang si HobroHindi pwede uncorroborated ang mga testimonya, alam po ng lahat ng criminal defense lawyers 'yan [Hobro is the only witness hereTestimonies should be corroborated, criminal defense lawyers know that]," he said in an interview. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Friday said murder charges will be filed against Teves in connection with the 2019 murders. Besides Teves, six other individuals linked to him were included in the complaint, including Hobro whom the government said confessed to the crimes. Topacio said they will take legal action after they receive a copy of the resolution when the murder charges are filed. "We will wait and see whether the court will find probable cause to issue a warrant and to hold Representative Teves for a hearing on this matter. Pagka dumating na po sa step na 'yon ay tsaka po kami gagawa ng aming kilos na legal [Once we reach that step, we will take legal action]," he said. He also maintained that the charges against Teves have been fabricated, saying the lawmaker had been prejudged by Remulla. When asked if Teves will soon return to the country to face the issues and charges thrown at him, his lawyer said the congressman will only do so once he feels there are no more threats against him. "Alam niyo po lately may mga aali-aligid na naman na mga sasakyan doon sa kanyang mga ari-arian sa Bayawan. Labas-pasok na po ang mga armadong tao doon sa kanyang farm, siguro magtatanim na naman ng ebidensya. And with these latest developments na siya ay dinesignate na isang terorista daw, pagkatapos ifa-file mo ito ano, nasaan ang fairness? So bakit pa uuwi?" Topacio said. [Translation: Some vehicles were lately seen roaming around his properties in Bayawan. Armed men have been going in and out of his farm, maybe to plant evidence. And with these latest developments designating him as a terrorist, and now murder cases will be filed how is that fair? So why will he come home?] Any column on the topic of homelessness and, yes, this is one should start with an acknowledgement of, I dont know. At a minimum, I am not sure. As complex, multi-faceted problems go, this challenge has proved utterly intractable. It continues to defy the best intentions of smart people of various political leanings. Then-mayor John Hickenlooper set the mark of eliminating homelessness in Denver within ten years. He prospered politically, but that pledge did not age well. More recently, former mayor Michael Hancock was less rhetorically lofty in his goals. He left officewith the numbers of homeless spiking, notwithstandingendless dollars and countless new initiativesseeking to serve as remedies. The count of homeless in Denver and Colorado Springs, and plenty of other locales near and far, continues to grow. Though an imperfect methodology, the latest point-in-time survey conducted by the Metro Denver Homeless Initiative showed a major increase in all categories.This included homeless families as well as individuals in temporary shelter and those unsheltered.People experiencing homelessness for the first time rose by over 50 percent. The statistics paint anything but a pretty picture. The numbers out of Colorado Springs are less conclusive, but certainly show that the problem is hardly abating. New Denver Mayor Mike Johnston was elected with an aspirational, even visionary, plan not just to combat homelessness, but to end it. Where Hickenlooper had set a ten-year marker, Johnston pledges to eliminate unsheltered homelessness during his initial four-year term. He and his team have earned the right to put their plan in place. The bar he set may be unattainable even if many Denverites would settle for pronounced improvement. That said, Johnstons day-one declaration of a state of emergency smacked more of a photo-op than a long-term strategy. Portland has been under emergency orders since 2015 while the situation there has only deteriorated from bad to worse to atrocious. As the magnitude of homelessness has grown, fatigue has emerged in many public corners. Every homeless person is a story of trauma and overpowering loss. Though the quote is in some dispute among historians, Stalin is reputed to have said, If only one man dies of hunger, that is a tragedy. If millions die, that is a statistic. Sadly, that attitude applies to homelessness as well. As the numbers have grown, encampments seem omnipresent and once marquee parts of cities have become no-go zones, hearts have hardened. Passing by from the comfort of our air-conditioned car, we too often see the masses but not the individual faces. One service provider with deep experience remarked that any solution depends on our willingness to ask hard questions. In that spirit, let me pose five. Question 1: Is the umbrella term of homelessness even useful? To my thinking, that term really encompasses four distinct subpopulations. Included are those suffering severe economic dislocation; those we long ago called vagrants or hobos making a lifestyle choice to live free of societys norms; those deep into psychosis; and those with majorsubstance addiction often involving the most harmful opioids. Clearly, there is huge overlap between those last two sub-groups.For the largest part, they inhabit the most visible, dangerous encampments. But what do these groups have in common beyond their lack of shelter? For those brought low by economic hardship, the answer lies in a roof, a job and a bit of financial support. Individuals making a lifestyle choice are uninterested in outreached hands or interventions. Those suffering from crippling mental illness and/or addictionpose the most difficult challenge and require intensive therapy. A precondition in most cases is some willpower to get well. Too often, we treat the homeless as a monolithicuniverse. That one-size-fits-all approach is itself part of the problem. Question 2: Can the psychotic and addicted be managed and treated without tough interventions? Encampments are full of such suffering people.All too often, they reject housing options even if offered. Knowledgeable service providers attest that beyond just the increased numbers they are seeing, the acuity of these individuals isramped way up. The dilemma lies in how to treat these people and give them even a chance of getting back on track without forcing them off the streets in some manner. It is true that sweeping encampments all too often results in a new tent city popping up two blocks away. But leaving encampments alone and accepting them as a semi-permanent part of the landscape is not the answer either. Denvers Johnston used the public health imperative of a rat infestation to shut down his first campsite. But he appears reluctant to use that power broadly. With a different political calculus, Mayor Yemi Mobolade in Colorado Springs faces similar choices. Color me dubious that meaningful progress will be achieved absent such interventions. Clearing camps might be a necessary precondition to cleansing the deeply troubled inhabitants and giving them any hope for a different life. Question 3: How do you balance the rights of the homeless with the rights of others? This is perhaps the root of the issue. Our hearts can go out to the homeless and our wallets can open, but that does not put all equities in their corner. A friend who runs a hair salon tried to open a shop at the corner of 22nd and Champa, a block from the encampment just swept by Johnstons team. There was a proliferation of tents around her business, too, as there arefor blocks in all directions. Needless to say, her investment in that location went down the drain. What do we say of her rights and those of similarly-situatedsmall business owners, employees and residents? Question 4: Is funding the variable that will solve this problem?It is not as if Denver is trying to deal with the homelessness issue on the cheap. When Hancock moved into the mayors office 12 years ago, the citys budget for homeless programs was a mere $8 million.By 2022, Hancocks last full year in office, that number had exploded to $152 million with $254 million budgeted for the current year. Thats an increase of over 67% from 2022 to 2023. This years allocation comes to roughly $53,000 per homeless individual. Across the metro area, spending on services and programs is estimated to reach $660 million this year, a 42 percent increase over just two years ago. A reasonable person must ask what we are getting for these rapidly accelerating sums. Someone with more skeptical instincts might inquire whether this largesse is improving the situation and leading to a solution or whether it is compounding the tragedy. What little I remember from college psychology classes centers on B.F. Skinners lessons on behaviorism. That thesis holds that positive reinforcement leads to more of a given behavior. Could elements of that be applicable here? In our yearning to do the right thing and our unrestrained money, are we perhaps making the problem worse? It is a fair query. Places such as Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles and others are testimony that vast funding, overlaid withindiscriminate welcoming tolerance, is not a fix but can actually magnify the problem and add to the burden. Question 5: How is compassion best exercised? Lets conclude with a few words about a critical trait that virtually all good citizens display in one way or another. That is compassion for the travails and anguish of our fellow man or woman. We are a compassionate people, even if that quality is sometimes taxed by the magnitude and growth of those needing help. However, there is an active, legitimate debate about what form that compassion takes and how it is most useful. Some believe the best course is to give that dollar to the panhandler and to support the right of the homeless to live on the streets indefinitely with minimal interference. I might disagree with thejudgment of such folks, but I do not doubt their good heart or intent. Others favor an approach grounded in tougher love and find it completely lacking in compassion to allow suffering people, especially those in the bottomless depths of mental illness and substance abuse, to live their days and nights in encampments absent the basics of human dignity. The fact that people disagree on the prescription is not a reflection on their goodwill or compassionate heart. This issue is as vexing asany society currently faces. An extra dose of humility is called for among policymakersand service agencies alike.Commentators, too. Anyone who professes to have a ready-made solution is fooling themselves and you. Eric Sondermann is a Colorado-based independent political commentator. He writes regularly for Colorado Politics and the Gazette newspapers. Reach him at [email protected]; follow him at @EricSondermann In this file photo, U.S. Rep. Pat Schroeder, a Denver Democrat, testifies before the Senate subcommittee on Interior and Insular Affairs on the use of public lands for nuclear stimulation of natural gas on May 11, 1973, in Washington. India, Angola to bolster defence, trade ties Indian and Angolan officials decided to strengthen the relationship in several sectors, including defence and science and technology, while participating in the inaugural Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between the two countries on Friday. Indian and Angolan officials participate in inaugural Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) on Friday. Photo Courtesy: India in Angola Twitter page The meeting was held in Angola's capital city Luanda. The Indian delegation was led by Additional Secretary (Central & West Africa Division) Sevala Naik Mude. The Angolan side was represented by Ambassador Esmeralda Bravo Conde Da Silva Mendonca, Secretary of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs said: "Both sides carried out a comprehensive review of the existing bilateral relations, including strengthening of cooperation in trade and economic relations, defence, energy, agriculture, development partnership, health and pharmaceuticals, science & technology, culture, and people-to-people ties." "The two sides also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, including cooperation in the UN and other multilateral fora, climate change, International Solar Alliance (ISA) and sustainable development," read the statement. The First Joint Commission Meeting, co-chaired by the Foreign Ministers of the two countries, was held in September 2020. It had provided fresh impetus to the bilateral relations of the two countries. Both sides are keen to explore new avenues of cooperation. Healthy bilateral growth in last three years The bilateral trade between India and Angola has shown a healthy growth trend during the last three years and has increased from USD 2.14 billion during 2020-21 to USD 4.22 billion in 2022-23. India is the 3rd largest trading partner of Angola sharing about 10 percent of Angolas external trade. Indias import from Angola is primarily driven by crude oil which is 3 percent of our global oil import. "There was detailed talk on available opportunities for enhanced cooperation in the fields of rough diamonds trade, agriculture, food processing and Defence cooperation including Government of Indias offer of an LOC of USD 100 million to Angola for Defence procurement. Both sides exchanged views on diversification of the trade basket for mutual benefit," read the statement. If youre running an airline, there are plenty of things you can do to save some money. You might hold off on that latest order of new planes. You might fire a bunch of people. Or, you could simply refrain from giving passengers teaspoons, which they dont use anyway, and save $300,000 a year. Similarly, you could stop printing menus, saving $50,000. Or you could do something even more trivial, and save even more. Find out what below, along with an instructional tale on why you should be careful what trash you pick up. 15 Werewolf Lawyer When Abraham Lincoln was practicing law, he was cross-examining a witness who claimed to have seen the defendant by the light of the Moon. Lincoln now pulled out an almanack to prove the Moon wasnt big enough that night to see by. 14 Down with Buttons The push button that thing you press, like on a doorbell or a machine was invented in the 19th century and attracted a lot of controversy. It took so much less effort than levers or pull chains that people feared it would lead to an atrophy of human skills. 13 Violate Your Warranty In 2006, Sony introduced a free service to engrave buyers names on items like laptops. In two years, they figured they profited $1 million by rendering these items ineligible for returns. 12 Nature Always Wins The most biodiverse spot in Britain is an industrial waste site. Its an abandoned oil refinery, with so many different kinds of soil that people compare it to a rain forest. Advertisement Advertisement 11 The Geek Show The word geek originally referred to a type of carnival worker. He bit heads off chickens, after the live chicken show. It was not a terribly skilled job. 10 Retro-Future The Futurama theme song is based on The Troggs Wild Thing. Its a reworking of a French instrumental piece called Psyche Rock, which was based on Wild Thing, and the throughline from Wild Thing is still obvious once you know what to listen for. Advertisement Advertisement 9 Varnishing Day In the 1800s, it was common for art galleries to let patrons in to watch the paintings being varnished before being officially unveiled. They literally watched paint dry. It was more exciting than it sounds, apparently. 8 The Irish Giant Charles Byrne, 7-foot-6, asked to be buried at sea. The British Museum instead kept his remains and displayed his skeleton publicly. They still display it today. Advertisement Advertisement 7 Forensic Electric Network Frequency Matching When we record audio of anyone in many places outside, power lines add a background hum. This hum varies so much that it can be used to exactly identify the persons location. 6 Cool, New Toy A 10-year-old in Mexico City found a radioactive capsule at a dump. He took it home, without knowing what it was. It killed him, his mother and his sister. Advertisement Advertisement 5 Classy Salad The airline industry had a recession in 1993, and airlines tried a bunch of new measures to save money. Delta stopped including a decorative leaf in every salad. This alone saved them $1 million that year. 3 RIP, Best Town For years, weve had fun pointing out that there is a town in Austria called Fucking. Sadly, this is no longer so. Since 2021, the town has officially been known by the amended name of Fugging. Advertisement Advertisement 3 The Old Bonsai A 300-year-old tree survived the Hiroshima bombing in 1945. Three decades later, Japan gifted it to the U.S. during the 1976 bicentennial. The donor didnt attach any explanation of the trees history, and no one in America knew it until the guys grandchildren came to visit in 2001. 2 Conflict of Interest David Camm spent 13 years in prison for killing his family. Part of the issue here was that the man who prosecuted him and falsified evidence also worked as an attorney for the actual murderer. Advertisement Advertisement When Wes Anderson announces a new film, the question isnt simply what its going to be about, but who will be in it. Over the course of 11 films, he hasnt just mastered a meticulous visual style but assembled a troupe of actors who keep popping up in his fanciful worlds. By this point, theyre like old friends, a comforting face to guide us into Andersons stories so much so that it can be jarring when one of those familiar presences isnt there. Hence many peoples confusion when word got out that Asteroid City, now streaming on Peacock, wouldnt feature Bill Murray, who had been in every Anderson film save for his 1996 debut, Bottle Rocket. We dont just go to Andersons movies to get lost in his gorgeous environments we go to see his regular stable of collaborators do their thing. Play With that in mind, I decided to highlight 11 actors who have appeared in at least five of Andersons flicks, picking each performers best role. As a warning, some people who you think might be in this rundown arent: Jeff Goldblum has only popped up in four films, and Luke Wilson (who was central to Andersons early movies) hasnt been in one since The Royal Tenenbaums. Ill start with the eight actors who appeared in five films and then work my way up from there. You can probably guess which person has been in the most. Click right here to get the best of Cracked sent to your inbox. Eric Chase Anderson Number of Films: 5 Best Performance: Kristofferson Silverfox, Fantastic Mr. Fox Advertisement Sometimes, Wes Anderson likes to keep it in the family. His younger brother Eric, whos also an illustrator responsible for the cover art for Wes Criterion Collection editions of Rushmore and The Royal Tenenbaums, has done small parts in his siblings films. But his most memorable role was in Fantastic Mr. Fox, in which he provides the voice of Mr. Foxs precocious nephew Kristofferson, whos an amazing athlete recruited to be part of Mr. Foxs heist crew. Theres a dry matter-of-factness to Erics performance he even sounds slightly like his big bro thats very winning, serving as the perfect counterpoint to George Clooneys grandiose, big-talking Mr. Fox. (Hes also quite funny juxtaposed with Jason Schwartzman as Mr. Foxs underachieving, insecure son Ash, who feels threatened by this serenely confident outsider whos infiltrated his home.) Advertisement Advertisement Bob Balaban Number of Films: 5 Best Performance: The Narrator, Moonrise Kingdom Character actor, writer and director Bob Balaban is one of those performers who instantly makes anything hes in better, whether its playing the uptight NBC chief who greenlights Jerrys show about nothing in Seinfeld or being wryly hilarious in Christopher Guest mockumentaries. His first appearance in a Wes Anderson film was Moonrise Kingdom, in which he plays the narrator who lays out the location and time period for what is about to unfold. Balaban has appeared in each of Andersons movies since, usually signing up for fairly small supporting roles. He always adds a touch of classy gravitas, but it would be great if the director could find something a little more substantial for Balaban to do. Play Advertisement Advertisement Adrien Brody Number of Films: 5 Best Performance: Julien Cadazio, The French Dispatch Wes Anderson has been a boon to the Oscar-winner, whose career since The Pianist has arguably had more valleys than peaks. Adrien Brody was a revelation in The Darjeeling Limited, playing one of the three depressed brothers at the center of the story, but in subsequent Anderson films hes often delivered off-kilter comedic performances that he wasnt being offered elsewhere. My favorite is in The French Dispatch, where hes Julien, an ethically slippery art dealer whos landed in prison for failing to pay his taxes. Thats where he meets the deeply disturbed criminal Moses (Benicio del Toro), whos a murderer but also maybe a master painter. This smooth-talking schemer has plans to make Moses a household name and himself rich. Brody has often played earnest or intense in other peoples films, but Anderson has unleashed a delightfully playful and quirky side to the actor. Hes never been more charming on screen than when hes in front of Andersons camera. Advertisement Willem Dafoe Number of Films: 5 Best Performance: Rat, Fantastic Mr. Fox Advertisement The Oscar-nominated actor has made a habit out of playing bad guys, and he serves a similar function in several Wes Anderson films. The best of the bunch was Rat in the stop-motion movie Fantastic Mr. Fox, which took full advantage of Willem Dafoes slinky, malevolent voice. As Mr. Foxs adversary, Dafoe practically coos his every line as Rat enjoys taunting him especially while making inappropriate comments about Mr. Foxs wife. In Dafoes live-action performances, hell often go to bugged-eyed extremes to convey his characters wickedness. But here, its all in his seductive, antagonistic line readings Rat is as sharp and deadly as the switchblade he loves to brandish. Play Advertisement Advertisement Anjelica Huston Number of Films: 5 Best Performance: Etheline Tenenbaum, The Royal Tenenbaums Etheline cannot help herself: She knows shes over her lousy ex-husband Royal (Gene Hackman), and yet, after all these years, she still has a soft spot for the scoundrel. Anjelica Huston brings a regal grace to Wes Andersons movies, her characters often a pillar of stability and sober reason amidst the immaturity and foolishness around them. As the wise, long-suffering matriarch in The Royal Tenenbaums, Huston radiated a maternal warmth for her dysfunctional children while falling in love with her loyal accountant Henry (Danny Glover), allowing herself to find a little happiness in a family in which such joy is rarely sustained. Whereas other members of Andersons acting troupe are often comedic, Huston is frequently called upon to be the calm grownup shes lovely in The Royal Tenenbaums. Advertisement Edward Norton Number of Films: 5 Best Performance: Scout Master Ward, Moonrise Kingdom Its awfully tempting to pick Edward Nortons spot-on Owen Wilson impression from Saturday Night Lives very funny Wes Anderson spoof, but since were focusing on actual films, Im going with the actors first appearance in the Anderson Cinematic Universe. As Scout Master Ward in Moonrise Kingdom, the Oscar-nominated actor got to lighten up a little, showing off a comedic side thats not frequently on display. Funny enough, though, hes actually playing a tightly-wound individual, running his troop like a drill sergeant and demanding these kids keep their campground immaculate. Advertisement Advertisement Theres an endearing combination of golly-gee naivety and hardass disciplinarian in Ward, and considering that Norton usually depicts streetwise types, it was incredibly rewarding to watch him just be a big dork. Since then, hes portrayed lawmen and playwrights in Andersons work, but here hes so damn lovable like a literal overgrown boy scout, you might say. Play Advertisement Tilda Swinton Number of Films: 5 Best Performance: Madame D., The Grand Budapest Hotel Advertisement Tilda Swinton is one of our best actors, which is why its a shame shes never had a really great role in a Wes Anderson film. She seems more than happy to doodle in the margins, usually portraying an eccentric who has wild hair or a funny accent. The Oscar-winner can do much more than that, of course, but shes clearly just enjoying herself in his fantastical worlds, and who can begrudge her? If I had to pick her best role, Id go with Madame D., the elderly, anxious, rich widow being romanced by Ralph Fiennes Gustave in The Grand Budapest Hotel. Its not a meaty role the character is essentially an excuse to get the plot rolling but Swinton (who loves disguising herself in makeup) is very funny playing someone so geriatric and feeble, hilariously close to death who, wouldnt you know, shuffles off this mortal coil early in the movie. Play Advertisement Advertisement Wally Wolodarsky Number of Films: 5 Best Performance: Kylie, Fantastic Mr. Fox Wally Wolodarsky is not primarily known for acting: Actually, hes one of the most important writers from the early years of The Simpsons, working with partner Jay Kogen on beloved episodes like Last Exit to Springfield. But he and Wes Anderson are buddies, and so Wolodarsky often does bit parts in his friends movies. The highlight is Fantastic Mr. Fox, in which he was cast as the voice of Kylie, a nervous pal of Mr. Fox who gets talked into helping him with his crime wave. In the Oceans films, George Clooneys Danny Ocean was paired with cool bros like Brad Pitt, but here, the best he can hope for is a not-very-bright opossum who has an odd habit of staring blankly when Mr. Fox is trying to talk to him. Kylie might be Fantastic Mr. Foxs most underrated comedic character, and Wolodarskys amusingly hemming-and-hawing voice performance is a big reason why. Advertisement Jason Schwartzman Number of Films: 7 Best Performance: Augie Steenbeck, Asteroid City Advertisement This is probably a controversial pick. Why not go with Max Fischer in Rushmore, the iconic comedy that launched his film career? I also think hes wonderful as Ash, the sad-sack son in Fantastic Mr. Fox. But I think Jason Schwartzmans work in Wes Andersons latest is the best thing hes done. He plays Augie, a war photographer and widowed father reeling from the death of his wife, taking his children to Asteroid City and falling for a melancholy actress with her own baggage (Scarlett Johansson). Advertisement Fifteen years after Rushmore, Schwartzman is once again center stage in an Anderson film, far more nuanced as an actor now and able to convey a closed-off man grappling with grief and a life he can barely manage. That Schwartzman is able to make such a despairing soul funny as well is even more impressive. Technically, Schwartzman is doing two characters in Asteroid City hes also the New York actor Jones, whos playing Augie in the TV production within the movie but as good as the other role is, its Augies wistful spirit that youll think more about in the days after. Play Advertisement Advertisement Owen Wilson Number of Films: 7 Best Performance: Eli Cash, The Royal Tenenbaums Tempted as I was to go with his performance in Bottle Rocket (where hes really funny) or The Darjeeling Limited (where hes really heartbreaking), I give the slight edge to The Royal Tenenbaums, simply because his portrayal of Eli Cash is just perfect. You get different aspects of the Owen Wilson persona here: the pompous artist, the utter dolt and the sweet heartthrob. As a self-important author who has spent his life trying to impress the snooty Tenenbaum family, all the while harboring a crush on adopted daughter Margot (Gwyneth Paltrow), Wilson is funny and vulnerable in equal measure. Advertisement Also, The Royal Tenenbaums would be the last time hed work on the script for one of Andersons films, the two men getting an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay. (Anderson and Wilson had also collaborated on Bottle Rocket and Rushmore.) Friends since college, they have enjoyed the most long-lasting of any of Andersons ongoing acting partnerships, although Wilson has been plenty busy on his own in recent years thanks to projects like Loki. Researchers from Microsoft have demonstrated how programmable logic controllers (PLCs) that support the CODESYS runtime can be taken over by exploiting high-severity remote code execution (RCE) vulnerabilities in the popular automation protocol. The flaws were patched earlier this year and impact the CODESYS V3 software development kit (SDK) that is integrated in more than 1,000 device models from more than 500 manufacturers. Exploitation of the discovered vulnerabilities, which affect all versions of CODESYS V3 prior to version 3.5.19.0, could put operational technology (OT) infrastructure at risk of attacks, such as remote code execution and denial of service (DoS), the Microsoft researchers said in a report. The discovery of these vulnerabilities highlights the critical importance of ensuring the security of industrial control systems and underscores the need for continuous monitoring and protection of these environments. Microsoft reported the vulnerabilities to the CODESYS Group, which maintains the popular SDK, in September 2022 and they were patched in updates released in March and April. However, industrial equipment manufacturers that integrate the CODESYS Control Runtime Toolkit into their controllers to allow customers to run and debug applications created with CODESYS will also have to issue updates and the patch development and deployment in the ICS space can be very slow. 15 CODESYS vulnerabilities The researchers found 12 vulnerabilities that can lead to both remote code execution and DoS in various components of the CODESYS protocol and another three that can result in just denial of service. All except one DoS flaw are rated 8.8 out of 10 on the CVSS severity scale, but a DoS condition can have serious implications when it strikes devices like PLCs that control critical processes in factories, energy plants, and building automation systems. The CODESYS software suite has multiple components. It provides an integrated development environment (IDE) that runs on engineering workstations and allows users to develop applications according to the IEC 61131-3 standard in multiple programming languages and for multiple CPU architectures used on PLCs. The suite allows users to then upload these applications to PLCs where they get executed by the integrated CODESYS runtime and can also be monitored and debugged. Other add-ons extend the functionality to include visualization, communication with human-machine interfaces (HMIs), advanced motion applications, and more. The Microsoft researchers set out to investigate the proprietary CODESYS network communications protocol that allows the CODESYS engineering software to communicate with the CODESYS-compatible PLCs. This protocol runs over TCP (ports 11740-11743) or UDP (ports 1740-1743) and is broken down into multiple layers: the block driver layer, the datagram layer, the channel layer, and the services layer. It could happen any day now. After yet another brief, unsuccessful court hearing, a column of vans and police cars roars out of Belmarsh prison in London and hurries to Heathrow, where a manacled, stooped and blinking prisoner is handed over to American officials and bundled aboard a plane bound for Washington DC. There he will face the strong possibility of decades buried alive in some federal dungeon, the sort of place intended for mass murderers or terrorists. But the man involved is neither of these things. This will be an irrevocable and shameful event, against which all patriotic, freedom-loving people in this country should be ranged. But by the time most of us have realised what has happened, it will be over. So now is the moment to act. I must beg you to join me, as soon as you can, in protesting against the fast-approaching extradition of Julian Assange to the USA. WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange greets supporters in 2017 outside the Ecuadorian Embassy in London I am sorry to say I do not believe he will receive justice when he gets there. I simply cannot see why our supposedly independent courts have so far permitted this, when the extradition is so blatantly political something clearly banned under the UK-US Extradition Treaty. I am astonished at how few people in Parliament or the media have spoken out against this grave injustice. I am amazed that it should have fallen to me a person who has no great love for Mr Assange or his politics to speak for him. The only time we ever met, in debate, we clashed angrily. But his extradition would be an outrage. He faces absurd charges of spying, when he never spied. His crime was to embarrass the US government by selectively releasing information that Washington had tried and failed to keep secret. I do not think this is a crime, here or there. Claims are made against him, by supporters of the extradition, which I do not think are true. He took considerable care not to release material which would endanger or compromise individuals, and if he were an American citizen he would certainly be protected by the First Amendment to the US Constitution, which safeguards journalists as Mr Assange is from the anger of the state. It is almost three years since I asked here: Do we really want the hand of a foreign power to be able to reach into our national territory at will and pluck out anyone it wants to punish? Are we still even an independent country if we allow this? The Americans would certainly not let us treat them in this way. The question is perhaps more urgent now we have seen the dismissive way in which President Biden has twice treated our Prime Minister. Do we think that the Biden White House will be nicer to us if we do their bidding over Julian Assange? Or just even more contemptuous than they are already? As Frances mighty Charles de Gaulle proved long ago, the Americans treat independent nations much better if they stand up to them than if they suck up to them. I also explained exactly why this is a political extradition, a case I have never seen answered: for a start, different US administrations have taken opposite views, clear proof that it is about politics above all. Prosecutors working for the Obama White House (2009-2017) decided, for legal reasons, not to prosecute Mr Assange almost a decade ago. They concluded that charging him would have meant they would then have to prosecute any journalist who published information alleged to endanger national security. That would have violated the US constitution. Demonstrators hold large letters spelling out 'Free Assange,' refering to Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, currently trying to avoid extradition to the US Under Donald Trumps rule, US policy veered wildly. In April 2017, US Attorney General Jeff Sessions declared that the arrest of Mr Assange was now a priority. Yet at one point Donald Trump himself had said, I love WikiLeaks and rejoiced that the source was like a treasure trove. Mike Pompeo, Trumps director of the Central Intelligence Agency, later promoted to the even higher office of Secretary of State, said on April 13, 2017, of Mr Assange and his WikiLeaks colleagues: They have pretended that Americas First Amendment freedoms shield them from justice. They may have believed that, but they are wrong. He added: Julian Assange has no First Amendment freedoms hes not a US citizen. He also made a long and excoriating personal denunciation of Mr Assange and WikiLeaks. If any British official or Minister of similar standing had made these statements about a person accused of a crime in a UK court, the trial would have to be stopped on the grounds that it had been hopelessly prejudiced. Yet our courts are apparently ready to pass Mr Assange over to a justice system, in my view gravely inferior to ours, where this is acceptable. Only one person stands between Mr Assange and this hole-in-corner handover. The Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, can if she chooses refuse to hand him over. There is a precedent for this. One of her forerunners, Theresa May, did so in the case of Gary McKinnon, who had hacked into US defence computers, saying: Mr McKinnons extradition would give rise to such a high risk of him ending his life that a decision to extradite would be incompatible with Mr McKinnons human rights. Britain faced no adverse consequences as a result. I think Lady May deserves great credit. I think Ms Braverman, likewise, would deserve much credit for courage and compassion and justice if she halted the extradition and allowed Mr Assange to go home to his wife and two small children. If you agree with me, please write, politely and briefly, and soon, to The Rt Hon Suella Braverman MP, Home Secretary, the Home Office, 2 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DF. Jesus is back... after Porsche does a U-turn To me, flashy cars look like objects of pagan worship. Viewed from the front they almost have (ugly, bad-tempered) faces. They crouch on the driveways of the rich, lovingly polished by their devotees. They dont exactly embody Christian virtues, do they? So I am unsurprised by news that Porsche edited one of its video advertisements to remove a fleeting view of a statue (90ft tall, on a 270ft plinth) of Jesus Christ, next to a bridge in Lisbon. After some protests, Porsche has now put the statue back in the film, but I think we get the point. Somebody very important saw it and decided that it should be removed. Why ever might that be? Then there was an unexpected social media fuss. So Jesus is back, thanks to the platform formerly known as Twitter. God moves in mysterious ways. In the original video, the statue of Jesus Christ with his arms spread wide appears to have been edited out Leak proves there is no peace This has been another bad week for the If youve nothing to hide, youve nothing to fear lobby. The electoral roll leak shows that you cannot trust the state with any private information you give it. Blaming the Russians (laughably in my view) doesnt get the authorities off this hook. There has also been a bit of a blow for the deluded There is peace in Northern Ireland lot. If things are so great, why are the provinces police officers so worried about their personal details getting out? The reality is, the terrorists have not gone away, there is no true peace and there are still some miles of hell to go before the IRA achieves its final triumph. Photographers from around the world have captured the extraordinary, miraculous moment of birth in a mesmerising series of raw images. The breathtakingly intimate photographs, which featured in this year's International Birth Photography Awards, convey both the agony and ecstasy associated with giving birth. The global contest, in collaboration with Atkins Lab, was founded by award-winning birth photographer Lacey Barratt, 36, from Melbourne, Australia, in an attempt to legitimise the stunning and intricate art of birth photography. The striking images portray a selection of moments associated with birth, including delivery, postpartum, hardships and loss. This year's competition saw a record number of submissions as photographers from around the world entered their snaps to be considered for the awards. Photographers from around the world have captured miraculous images of women giving birth for the International Birth Photography Awards. Here, Martha Lerner has captured a woman giving birth via c-section The best overall photograph was awarded to Annemarie Fuckel from Germany. Winners in other categories included: Paula Beltrao from Brazil for Best in Birth; Jessica Innnemee from the Netheralnds for Best in Labour'; Mary Beliz from the US for Best in Delivery; Natalie Borders from the US for Best in Postpartum; and lastly, Ebony Ankins from Australia won 'Best in Hardship and Loss'. With almost 1,000 entries from around the world - including Brazil, Portugal, France, Germany, Australia and New Zealand, the judges had the difficult job of narrowing down the results. The panel included reporters, doulas, previous winners of the competition, and other award-winning birth photographers. For the second time since the start of the annual photography competition, the judges opened entries to a group of birthing stories that relate to hardships and loss, in recognition of the one in four birthing persons who experience miscarriage or infant loss. Here, FEMAIL lists some of the stunning winning photographs from this year's competition... In this image, called 'I AM HELD', Stephanie Entin has captured a soon-to-be father embracing his pregnant partner This image, called, 'MOMENTS BEFORE' by Briana Koop, a couple is captured very shortly before the mother gives birth This moving photo, called 'LOVERS AFTER', shows two parents just after their baby has born, where the father cradles his newborn on his chest while the mother strokes his hair This image by Rowan Steiner called 'MIRACLES UNVEILED' is taken just as a woman delivers her second twin This special image, which features a mother-to-be sitting on her hospital bed at night is named 'LIGHT IN THE DARK' by Renee Mason The happy image, in which a mother sheds a single tear after giving birth, is called 'LEAKING JOY' by Lindsey Bowns Here, experienced birth photographer Chinelle Rojas captured the moving image called 'RELAX, SOFTEN, OPEN' To see all the winning photographs, click here To mark the film's release, FEMAIL takes a look at the disturbing true story Tad Cummins, from Tennessee, took Elizabeth Thomas on the run for 38 days A new crime-drama is set to unravel the disturbing true story of a 15-year-old girl who spent more than a month on the run with her mentor-turned-abuser. Abducted By My Teacher, which is set to air on Lifestyle today, will follow the harrowing details of the case which sparked a nationwide manhunt in 2017. Tad Cummins (Michael Fishman) groomed student Elizabeth Thomas (Summer Howell) before coercing her to go on the run for 38 days and making her endure daily sexual abuse. Here, FEMAIL has laid bare the disturbing realities which saw the perpetrator sentenced to 20 years behind bars after pleading 'guilty to obstructing justice and taking a minor across state lines for sex.' Abducted By My Teacher (pictured), which is set to air on Lifestyle this weekend, will follow the harrowing details of the case which sparked a nationwide manhunt in 2017 Tad Cummins (left) groomed student Elizabeth Thomas (right) before coercing her to go on the run for 38 days and making her endure daily sexual abuse The chilling tale began after Cummins met the teen when she was a student at Culleoka Unit School in Maury County, Tennessee. Elizabeth, who had previously been homeschooled, previously told ABC that Cummins and his wife of 30 years took her under their wing after her own mother was charged with child abuse and neglect involving the teen and sister Sarah. Jill Cummins has previously said she came to think of Elizabeth as her third daughter and she believed her relationship with her husband was akin to that of a parent and child. But Elizabeth soon started to notice that the relationship between her and her married mentor was developing. She revealed that Cummins would make various suggestive remarks and the pair eventually began exchanging sexually explicit messages on Instagram. The teen also previously described the first time Cummins kissed her which, she said, was when she 'realized it was getting too far.' 'He grabbed my face. I was right next to the double doors I had. I was 15. Being home schooled I haven't really had a boyfriend,' she said. 'When that happened, it was kind of like, "wow."' Despite knowing their relationship was taboo, the teenager said she never told anyone because she did not want the attention and was also scared to make Cummins angry. Elizabeth previously told ABC that Cummins and his wife of 30 years (pictured together) took her under their wing In the days after he fled with the teenager, the duo were seen on surveillance cameras going into a Walmart where they bought hair dye to change Elizabeth's appearance But the teacher was eventually suspended from the school on February 6, 2017, after a fellow student reported seeing him kiss Elizabeth. During his suspension, the teacher would force the teen to call and text him at regular intervals, she said. Eventually, the student claimed that Cummins told her she had to run away with him. Elizabeth previously revealed in an interview with ABC's 20/20 that she felt like she had to go with him or he would do something drastic, and that he kept a gun in the car's console during their cross-country drive and she knew she couldn't escape. Cummins is said to have also destroyed both of their phones so their whereabouts could not be traced as they made their way to a remote cabin near Cecilville, California. Elizabeth told authorities she and Cummins had sex 'every day as they traveled from state to state,' over 38 days between March 13 and April 20 of 2017, the Tennessean reported. In the days after he fled with the teenager, the duo were seen on surveillance cameras going into a Walmart where they bought hair dye to change Elizabeth's appearance. They also bought cheese cubes, K-Y jelly, women's razors and chocolate. He later bought a two-seater kayak, allegedly for a failed plan to escape to Panama, and an iPad to try to monitor the media coverage of their case, prosecutors said at the time. But authorities were soon alerted to the pair's presence at the cabin by a neighbor who became suspicious when she saw the car being driven by Cummins without a license plate and noticed the very young-looking Elizabeth inside the vehicle, the Tennessean said. As a result, Cummins was caught and arrested on April 20, 2017. Elizabeth told authorities she and Cummins had sex 'every day as they traveled from state to state,' over 38 days between March 13 and April 20 of 2017, the Tennessean reported Cummins is said to have also destroyed both of their phones so their whereabouts could not be traced as they made their way to a remote cabin (pictured) near Cecilville, California Authorities were soon alerted to the pair's presence at the cabin by a neighbor who became suspicious when she saw the car being driven by Cummins without a license plate In a letter to wife Jill, written from behind bars on July 31, 2017, Cummins wrote: 'I am the one to blame for everything,' while adding that 'the devil was deeply involved.' The then 52-year-old eventually pleaded guilty in April of 2018 to obstructing justice and taking a minor across state lines for sex. Cummins was sentenced to 20 years behind bars by a federal judge and the former teacher will also have to register as a sex offender after he is released. Confronting him in court, Elizabeth said during her victim impact statement, according to Radar Online: 'When I started school, you picked me out of the crowd. I was just a kid who wanted to make friends, but you were someone who had a plan. 'You saw a broken girl who was lonely, scared, and traumatized. You made her feel safe and loved because you saw what she needed and made her believe you would be her "protector."' 'You act like you care now and that you're full of all this regret, but where was any of that before?' Thomas asked in court, according to the statement obtained through Burton Staggs of the Tennessee River Valley News. 'Where was any of that when you first had me alone in your classroom closet and violated me over and over again for months? Where was any of that when you spent untold amounts of time and effort into manipulating, pressuring and deceiving me into thinking that you were the only person that cared about me?' Elizabeth went on: 'All you were was a man who wanted sex, and you manipulated me and used me just for that. 'But the truth is, no matter how much time you have to serve, you will never be able to undo what you did to me. I will have to live with the scars you left on me forever.' In the years since, Elizabeth has married Skylar Dirla after the pair fell in love while working together at a seafood restaurant in their hometown of Columbia, Tennessee. Abducted by My Teacher: The Elizabeth Thomas Story will premiere on August 12. The well-documented stories of dangerous serial killers remain largely uncontested as the world remains horrified by their monstrous crimes. But for a small online community, the personal stories of such violent criminals is open to interpretation - and in many cases, the inspiration for romantic plotlines. A community of amateur true crime fanatics is writing real person fiction (also known as fan fiction) about mass murderers including Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer and the Columbine shooters. The disturbing tales thought up by the writers, many of whom are women, include X-rated sex scenes between Bundy and Dahmer, as well as Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold who murdered 13 of their classmates in 1999 before turning the guns on themselves. Other distressing excerpts, seen by FEMAIL, re-imagine some of Ted Bundy's sickening crimes. Toby Ingham, UKCP registered psychotherapist and author of Retroactive Jealousy, has explained why amateur writers are drawn to such dangerous criminals as subjects - and suggested women in particular may be motivated by a desire to 'rescue' the monstrous men. Real person fiction (or fan fiction) is a phenomenon where amateur writers create stories about people who exist, or have existed, in real life. FEMAIL delves into the dark side of the online trend where serial killers and violent criminals become the subject of twisted love stories such as Ted Bundy (left) and Jeffrey Dahmer (right) forming an illicit romance Real Person Fiction is a phenomenon in which fans write fictional stories about public figures - often focusing on their favourite celebrities. Examples of themes that have been explored in depth by fans include romances between bandmates such as Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson in One Direction, when the boyband was still together. However, stories written by amateurs in online forums also explore much darker themes, with a particular focus on serial killers who have gone down in history for the most sickening crimes ever recorded. Toby explained the obsession with violent criminals is not uncommon, as many people are 'drawn into the darkness and the taboo'. He said: 'For an author, the murderers mind becomes somewhere we can project all kinds of ideas, fantasies and thoughts onto. 'As we do so they become more compelling and, for some, more attractive. The murderers power, their capacity to manipulate and deceive, to act where ordinary citizens would not, is an irresistible subject.' As for the female obsession with such dark subjects, he said it could be motivated by 'vicarious power by association'. He explained: 'The killer as subject, maybe seen as someone who can go beyond the ordinary moral codes that the rest of us live by, and their capacity to do so is appealing. They are a kind of dark superhero, an irresistible partner. 'There may be a kind of seductive satisfaction in become absorbed in these themes.' One notorious criminal who has been the subject of hundreds of fan fiction stories is Ted Bundy, the murderer, rapist and necrophile believed to have had more than 30 female victims. Another criminal of interest, with dozens of fan fiction stories written about him, is serial killer and sex offender Jeffrey Dahmer, who killed and dismembered at least 17 men for more than a decade until he was finally caught in 1991. Elliot Rodger, who murdered six people and injured 14 by shooting, stabbing and running them over in 2014 is depicted as a lonely boy struggling with his sexuality Ted Bundy, who kidnapped, raped and murdered women between 1974 and 1978 taking at least 30 victims, is depicted as a lovesick puppy in some disturbing works of fiction Between the two monstrous criminals, a specific genre of fan fiction exists called 'Teffrey' - which explores a sexual relationship between the pair as they secretly pursue a romantic relationship. The disturbing depiction of the relationship shows Dahmer falling for Bundy by looking into his blue eyes and imagining what it would be like to kill him in a twisted sexual fantasy. Another theme explored in the bizarre stories is a close friendship between Jeffrey Dahmer and UK serial killer Denis Nilsen, both of whom ate their victims after killing them. One story delves into the twisted friendship between the serial killers as they bond over their violent crimes and disgusting desires, in what has insensitively been dubbed 'cannibroism'. In one particularly bizarre and offensive theme, known as 'cannibroism', Jeffrey Dahmer and Dennis Nilsen, serial killers who both ate their victims, form a friendship over their shared sick interest Elsewhere, there is a theme of empathy for Ted Bundy, who raped and brutally murdered more than 30 women and girls between 1974 and 1978, and is believed to have had more victims than he admitted to. Fan fiction stories explore his childhood through a lens of understanding, depicting scenarios in which he might have been teased at school while wanting to be loved - whereas other sickening tales suggest scenarios in which he falls in love with some of his victims. Elliot Rodger, the so-called 'incel' who killed six people and injured 14 others by shooting, stabbing and running them over in an attack driven by misogynistic motives, is depicted as a closeted gay man who struggles to grapple with his sexuality in several of the stories about him. Dozens of fan fiction stories explore Rodger, who took his own life after his killing spree in 2014, as a troubled young man who wants to be loved, in a twisted re-imagining of the horrific crimes he committed. Toby said the approach of empathy when dealing with such monstrous killers is no doubt 'creepy', but also 'sets free' the narrative of people who have been locked up. He argued it was a type of 'saviour complex' in which 'the writer is able to nurture the killer and turn them around'. 'Through writing, they can act out a need to help, heal or rescue the damaged men and play with the pathological idea that they can empathise with the killer,' he said. The millionaire's Southend getaway can be seen on Channel 5, Sunday, at 9pm The millionaire owner of Princess Diana's favourite restaurant ditched his usual 1,000-a-day holiday for a camping trip in Southend - but, on his last 10, blew 600 on a single night out. Marco Mellino, from Surrey, who owns Da Mario in South Kensington, was joined by his best friend Paul for a budget British getaway in an episode of Rich Holiday, Poor Holiday. The restauranteur met his best friend 'outside the headmaster's office' when he was six years old and the pair, both divorced bachelors and 'playboys', often go on holiday together. They swapped their usual luxury trip to head to Southend in Essex, where they visited as children, and stayed in a caravan - while a support worker who had never been abroad enjoyed a five-star resort in Dubai. Instead of Michelin star restaurants and five-star service, Marco and Paul were forced to grapple with cleaning out their own toilet - and cooking on a camping stove. Marco Mellino (right), from Surrey, who owns Da Mario in South Kensington, was joined by his best friend Paul (left) to ditch their usual exotic trip for a budget British getaway Paul - who owns a high-end chauffeur service - has travelled to the likes of San Francisco, Miami and Capri, Italy, with his close friend Marco. 'We went to Southend, Highgate, the Isle of Wight. It'll be fun because it will be nostalgic,' Marco said. 'The stories I could tell you about Southend, I don't want to repeat. 'I hope we don't bump into anyone from back in the day'. 'My nightmare holiday is rain,' Paul added. 'As long as we're somewhere warm it'll be okay'. On the other end of the spectrum, Cheryl and her son Harvey, 27, from Southampton, usually go away within the UK - spending around 200 for fuel, food, accommodation and activities. Harvey had never been abroad before he appeared on Rich Holiday, Poor Holiday, but after a friend died at a young age he made a plea to make more of his life. Meanwhile, Cheryl, a support worker and her son Harvey, 27, from Southampton, usually go away within the UK - spending around 200 for fuel, food, accommodation and activities At one point Paul and Marco attempted to stretch 20 for two-days' worth of breakfasts and main meals on a shopping trip In a significant departure from the norm, the mother and son were sent to the five-star Anantara resort on the luxury Palm Jumeirah island in Dubai. With more than 300 rooms, the couple had to be driven to their accommodation. It was clear that both groups felt baffled by how the other half holidays. At one point, Paul and Marco attempted to stretch 20 for two-days' worth of breakfasts and main meals on a shopping trip - but thanks to an insistence on wine with every meal, blew around a third of their remaining budget. In the Middle East, cooking enthusiast Harvey was baffled when he ended up spending a whopping 90 on spices at a market in Dubai. 'I've never spent that much on food,' he admitted. 'Or even just one type of food before. So I'm going to make sure I use every single last drop of it!' Meanwhile, Cheryl allowed herself to sink into a massage treatment at the hotel. Marco and Paul - who enjoyed a number of activities despite the rainy weather on their holiday - became sentimental as they reflected on their experience. 'Sometimes you make friends in places like Dubai and they're not real friends,' Marco explained, reminiscing on the people he met in Surrey. 'These are real people and their friendship is definitely real.' Marco and Paul - who enjoyed a number of activities despite the rainy weather on their holiday - also became sentimental as they reflected on their experience To thank Cheryl and Harvey for their newfound experiences, Paul and Marco donated 600 to fund their next holiday 'If you asked me whether I'd have a night in Dubai or have a night here, I'd have a night here now,' Paul added. 'This is priceless.' With only 30 in the budget, the duo decided to have a day out in Southend, where they used to go as teenagers. After a rainy day of adventuring, the pair braved the elements one last time for a night out - where they could spend only 10. Instead, they rake out 50 times their budget on a nostalgic evening of partying. 'Last night we blew it, because we decided that we're here, we're gonna have a night like we used to have, we're gonna go to all the old haunts,' Paul said. Meanwhile, Marco admitted he felt a 'slight amount of guilt'. 'I think last night... last night we spent about 600,' he added. The episode saw Harvey and his mother splash out 9,300 on their exquisite getaway - whereas Paul and Marco's trip was 592, around three times more than what the mother and son duo would have cashed out. To thank Cheryl and Harvey for their newfound experiences, Paul and Marco donated 600 to fund their next holiday. Rich Holiday, Poor Holiday will be available on Channel 5 on Sunday, at 9pm. Miraculously, she lived and now helps other suffering from mental health issues The Pennsylvania-based mom revealed she shot herself twice last year Amanda Thome, 35, shared how she survived two gunshot wounds to the face A Pennsylvania mother has revealed how she miraculously survived two self-inflicted gunshot wounds to the face - and is now using her experience to help those grappling with thoughts of suicide. Amanda Thome, 35, felt as though her entire world was ending in 2022 when she her marriage began falling apart - and the pressure from her side job as a consultant had become overwhelming. Then, when her grandmother passed, the emotional burden became too much to bear, and she turned to alcohol and substance abuse for relief. On September 6, she reached for a drink before the clock even struck noon and grew frustrated when she and her husband began to argue. She locked herself into their office and grabbed her husband's gun, despite never having touched it before, and made a harrowing decision that she now says she will 'forever regret', aiming the gun at her chin and pulling the trigger twice. Amanda Thome, 35, (pictured before she shot herself) has revealed how she survived two self-inflicted gunshot wounds to the face The Pennsylvania-based mom shot herself twice after suffering from severe mental health problems Now, one year later, Amanda is recalling how her mental health problems took over her life that day, and how she miraculously survived Now, one year later, Amanda is recalling how her mental health problems took over her life that day, and how she miraculously survived. She said: 'It wasn't even noon, and I was already reaching for a drink. My husband and I had been going through a lot of rough patches, and that day, things escalated into a big argument. Frustrated, I stormed off and locked myself in my office. ' Her husband attempted to coax her out of the office, but she refused, so he called the Military Police since they were living on a military base at the time. 'As soon as they arrived and tried talking to me through the locked door, I made a decision I will forever regret,' she went on. 'I went into my husband's gun safe, which happened to be in the closet of my office, unlocked it, and grabbed a semi-automatic 12-gauge shotgun. Despite never touching my husband's guns in the nine years we'd been together, I found myself holding it in my hands.' She pointed the barrel of the gun under her chin and pulled the trigger. After the first shot, she was still conscious, so she once again attempted to end her life. Amanda said: 'I thought the world would plunge into darkness, but it didn't. Even after the first shot, I remained conscious. I pulled the trigger again, and collapsed to the floor.' Upon hearing the second gunshot, the police finally managed to break down the door. After getting into a heated argument with her husband, Amanda locked herself into the closet and grabbed his gun Her husband attempted to coax her out of the office, but she refused, so he called the Military Police since they were living on a military base at the time However, it was too late, she pointed the barrel of the gun under her chin and pulled the trigger. After the first shot, she was still conscious, so she once again attempted to end her life The Military Police, along with Amanda's husband, found her lying in a pool of blood. Miraculously, she was still alive. Amanda was quickly life-flighted to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) and placed in an induced coma for three days while doctors charted the best course of action. 'My time in the hospital was tough, one of the hardest experiences of my life. I was completely bedridden and unable to do anything for myself. 'I underwent numerous operations to reconstruct my face, including flap surgery where doctors took a piece of flesh from my leg to patch up the hole on my face,' she explained. Amanda added: 'The pain was indescribable and dealing with a tracheostomy and the feeding tube (G-tube) made things even worse. However, with time, the doctors gradually weaned me off those medications, and I felt a sense of progress.' After she had regained mobility, Amanda - who has been suffering from mental health problems since she was a child - was transferred to a psych ward. The Military Police, along with Amanda's husband, found her lying in a pool of blood. Miraculously, she was still alive (shown before the gunshot wound) Amanda (shown after the gunshot wound) was quickly life-flighted to the University of Maryland Medical Center and placed in an induced coma for three days She had encountered difficulties since she was 11 because she was diagnosed with epilepsy and PCOS, and suffered intense bullying as well as a rocky relationship with her father. Sadly, admission to the psych ward didn't help Amanda. In fact, she said it did the opposite. 'The way the nurses and doctors treated us there was far from compassionate; it felt like we were being herded like animals. Thankfully, I wasn't going to let that slide. 'I reached out to the patient advocate and the doctors, and they agreed to move me back to the ICU after my next surgery. It was such a relief,' she explained. Amanda, who still has trouble eating, has since undergone several reconstructive surgeries and has many more to come. She said: 'The doctors have plans to attempt recreating my lower lip, but they want me to wait until I'm fully healed from the previous surgeries. 'They tried using a tendon from my right forearm before, but it didn't work out it went all necrotic, and they had to address it. 'Next fall, they'll take another shot at it, using the tendon from my left arm this time,' she added. Amanda, (shown after the gunshot wound) who still has trouble eating, has since undergone several reconstructive surgeries and has many more to come Amanda's journey of recovery has led her to discover a powerful sense of purpose to be a guiding light for others navigating through their darkest moments. Today, she fearlessly shares her story on TikTok, with dreams of becoming a motivational speaker, particularly for teens, championing mental health awareness and suicide prevention. As she nears a significant sobriety milestone on September 7, 2023, Amanda has been emphasizing the profound importance of seeking help, opening up about struggles, and avoiding the trap of internalizing pain. Her advice to those suffering from mental health issues is to, 'Hold on tight you are worth every moment, and your existence matters! 'Reach out for help, share your pain, and remember, hope is always within reach. Keep in mind, storms don't last forever!' A teenage mom who had no idea she was pregnant has revealed how she gave birth in a stranger's bathtub before having to bite through her baby's umbilical cord. Journey Richardson, now 18, from Anchorage, Alaska, was dog-sitting alone when she suddenly began experiencing agonizing cramps - so she went to get into the bath in the hopes of soothing them. But the pain only continued to increase and when she reached down to see where it was coming from, she was stunned and horrified to feel a baby's head. Moments later, the then 17-year-old said that the newborn came out face down, with Journey recalling to DailyMail.com how her baby girl was bright purple and not breathing. She was forced to give her newborn daughter mouth-to-mouth for five minutes before successfully resuscitating the youngster, who she has since named Finn. Journey Richardson had no idea she was pregnant has revealed how she gave birth in a stranger's bathtub before having to bite through her baby's umbilical cord The then 17-year-old, from Anchorage, Alaska, went into labor while she was alone in a house to dog sit. Pictured: Journey at five months pregnant Now, Journey is candidly opening up about the terrifying experience - revealing how doctors even dismissed her concerns that she might be pregnant after she went to them for help after receiving a positive test. But the medical professional who she saw simply told her that it is normal to get a positive result if you have an ovarian cyst - and sent her away, with Journey feeling safe in the knowledge that the test had been incorrect. However, during her mom Anneke's 49th birthday party, Journey began experiencing intensely painful cramps - even joking with her younger sister, who was also having cramps, that they were both 'in labor.' Just one day later, Journey gave birth to her daughter. Speaking to DailyMail.com Journey recalled how she was 'really confused' by the painful cramps, which she knew were 'not normal' - explaining that even after she realized she was in labor, she felt as though she 'physically could not push [the baby] out'. Journey, who was alone at the time, would later learn that she was experiencing 'back labor' - a pain in the lower back that is caused by the baby's head pressing up against their mother's spine and tailbone - which can make an already uncomfortable situation even worse. She said that it 'hurt a lot' and revealed that she could hear her skin tearing as she finally managed to give birth after using the base of her right hand to push against her back. She was forced to give her newborn daughter mouth-to-mouth for five minutes before successfully resuscitating the youngster, who she has since named Finn During mom Anneke's 49th birthday party (pictured together), Journey began experiencing intensely painful cramps But the newborn was not breathing and Journey said her immediate thought was: 'Wow, I just killed my baby.' She quickly sprung into action, knowing she needed 'to do whatever I can to make sure it's okay.' Her dad, Chad, 50, had frequently taught CPR at their house, which Journey had picked up on over time. She began giving the newborn mouth-to-mouth and after around five minutes had successfully resuscitated the baby - all while she bled out after an unmedicated labor. After making sure her baby was alive, Journey was left thinking: 'Here I am in a stranger's bathtub with a baby.' She said that the dog she was looking after stayed right beside the bathtub the entire time she was in labor and repeatedly approach to lick her face. But even after she managed to resuscitate her little girl, she was faced with yet another obstacle: the umbilical cord. The new mom did not have any medical equipment to cut it, explaining that she was forced to bite through it herself. Journey concluded that she 'loves Finn very much' and said they are now a 'happy family' along with her dogs and cat Journey, who is 5ft 2in, weighed 110lbs at full-term - which was only 9lbs more than her usual weight. Pictured: Journey at four months pregnant Journey revealed how she did not call 911 until two hours after giving birth, stating that she was nervous to call the emergency services because her dad worked as a first responder. She said that her father 'has always been my best friend' and so she was nervous about how he would react. Eventually, the teen called both of her parents but neither of them picked up because they were watching TV. Instead, Journey sent them both a cryptic text saying something bad had happened and that she was on her way to the hospital. The fire department brought Journey to the emergency room and finally got in touch with her parents. When Journey's father picked up the phone, the fireman on the other end said: 'Congratulations Grandpa, they're both healthy.' Journey's mother was also shocked to discover that her daughter had given birth because she was so small. Journey, who is 5ft 2in, weighed 110lbs at full-term - which was only nine pounds more than her usual weight. Her parents arrived at the hospital and asked to see the latest addition to the family. Journey said: 'I didn't even think that keeping Finn would be an option, but when my parents asked to see her I realized I could. 'I never thought I wanted children I didn't really like kids.' Journey has not suffered from any long-term health problems as a result of the unassisted labor - despite some scarring inside her uterus She explained that she was nervous she would not 'do a good job as a mother' and that she would never want to bring a child into the world if she could not give them the best life possible. But, after having Finn, Journey said: 'The first time I saw Finn I would have done anything in my power in that moment to save her.' The proud mom, who is now 18, has said her entire family takes care of the baby and that Finn's father is still involved in his daughter's life. Journey has not suffered from any long-term health problems as a result of the unassisted labor - despite some scarring inside her uterus from when giving birth to the placenta tore her lining. Finn was born with a rare disorder called Klippel-Feil syndrome which is when two or more vertebrae in the neck are fused together from birth. All seven of Finn's vertebrae are fused which makes it an even rarer case. People with Klippel-Feil syndrome may have short-neck-limited movement. Journey concluded that she 'loves Finn very much' and said they are now a 'happy family' along with her dogs and cat. It isn't unusual for the cast of Made in Chelsea to jet off to a new location for an often drama-fuelled summer series, and this year is no different. But rather than return to their past haunts in New York City, Bali, the south of France and Mallorca, the cast have jetted off to live the island life in beautiful Corsica. The French island is the fourth-largest in the Mediterranean, sitting to the southeast of the French mainland and west of the Italian peninsula. People often mistake Corsica to be part of Italy due to its close proximity to Sardinia, but the island formally belongs to France, with people on the island considering themselves French. The island, with its crystal blue waters and mountainous terrain, is a favourite for the high society due to its mix of stylish coastal towns and remote villas. It isn't unusual for the cast of Made in Chelsea to jet off to a new location for an often drama-fuelled summer series, and this year is no different. Pictured: The cast in Corsica Those who visit Corsica can choose to embark on tricky hikes to the highest peak at Monte Cinto, or relax on the beaches of Pietracorbara, Saleccia and Rondinara. Despite having been a part of France since 1768, the island does have a distinctive Italian culture. Among those enjoying the beautiful island this summer are the cast of Made in Chelsea, whose exploits in Corsica you can watch from Sunday night. Joining the spin-off cast are Jane Amber Aubrun-Mautin and Geronimo Mortl, who have travelled to the location with Olivia Bentley, Ruby Adler and Inga Valentiner. Regulars Miles Nazaire, Freddy Knatchbull and David Templer will also feature. Describing the series, Channel 4 said: 'It's summer, and the Chelsea gang are off to live the island life in the sunny climes of Corsica. Rather than return to their past haunts in New York City, Bali, the south of France and Mallorca, the cast have jetted off to live the island life in beautiful Corsica The French island is the fourth-largest in the Mediterranean, sitting to the southeast of the French mainland and west of the Italian peninsula 'But the drama doesn't take a holiday...' The new holiday episodes see the gang head out for a glamorous stay on the gorgeous island off the coast of the south of mainland France. It comes after Ollie Locke quit the hit E4 show after 12 years to star in a new YouTube series with his husband Gareth about their journey to parenthood. The couple, whose wedding appeared on the show in 2020, are expecting twins, a boy, and a girl, via surrogate and have decided to depart the reality show for their online series. The island, with its crystal blue waters and mountainous terrain, is a favourite for the high society due to its mix of stylish coastal towns and remote villas Our Daddy Diaries will document their journey to fatherhood with weekly episodes. Alongside a teaser clip, the couple wrote on Instagram: 'WE HAVE OUR OWN SHOW!!! 'We are sooo excited to finally be allowed to tell you that we have our own show following us and our baby twins as we start this huge new adventure becoming dads! 'We will be followed everywhere and give you an all access pass into our lives becoming parents!' She applied to trademark name in November at US Patent and Trademark Office She was criticised by a Hollywood bigwig as 'not a great audio talent' after her Spotify series was cancelled, so it's no surprise to learn that Meghan Markle is planning to retreat to more familiar territory. I can reveal the Duchess of Sussex's lifestyle blog The Tig which she abandoned in 2017 as she prepared to marry Prince Harry is set to make a comeback this autumn. After applying to trademark the blog in November last year, The Tig has now been issued with a so-called Notice of Allowance document by the US Patent and Trademark Office, as no other company has contested it being trademarked. Now all that is left to do is for Meghan, 42, to provide a statement of use, which proves the blog is up and running, to get the trademark fully registered. Thanks to the six-month timeframe on providing this document, Meghan will have to get this all done by October or pay for a further six-month extension. REVAMPED: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attends the Invictus Games at Zuiderpark in April 2022 in The Hague, Netherlands Meghan pictured on her Tig lifestyle blog website on New Year's Day in 2016 The Duchess of Sussex 's lifestyle blog The Tig which she abandoned in 2017 as she prepared to marry Prince Harry is set to make a comeback this autumn She was criticised by a Hollywood bigwig as 'not a great audio talent' after her Spotify series was cancelled, so it's no surprise to learn that Meghan Markle (pictured) is planning to retreat to more familiar territory The application to relaunch the blog, which Meghan marketed as a 'hub for the discerning palate', was first filed in July 2021 by LA lawyer Marjorie Witter Norman but hit a snag when Meghan failed to sign the trademark application. Documents show The Tig will include interior design, travel and perhaps to the horror of the Royal Family 'commentary in the field of personal relationships'. Meghan set up the site in 2014 while an actress on legal drama Suits and named it in honour of her favourite Italian wine, Tignanello. She closed the site in 2017. Jeremy Zimmer, the boss of United Talent Agency, criticised Meghan in June, saying: 'Turns out Meghan Markle was not a great audio talent, or necessarily any kind of talent.' Last week, it was revealed Netflix paid 3 million for the film rights to a romantic novel called Meet Me At The Lake that Meghan and Prince Harry will produce. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex bought the rights to the romantic novel Meet Me At The Lake by Carley Fortune, which experts estimate could have cost them up to 3million. New York Times bestselling author Fortune's second novel is a romance about two long-lost lovers, Will and Fern, whose paths cross by chance a decade after first meeting and sparks fly between the pair. The book has just the right formula to bring in millions for Netflix, film expert and founder of Movie Metropolis Adam Brannon said last week. And insiders claimed earlier this month that Prince Harry and Meghan's Spotify deal ended early because there was too much 'red tape' and they were 'given no formal lay of the land' which set them up to fail. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's lucrative Spotify project was dramatically pulled after they produced one 12-episode podcast and a festive special over three years. The couple also reportedly did not produce enough content to receive the full pay-out from the reported 18million deal they signed after stepping down as senior working royals. But an Archetypes production source claimed Harry and Meghan had 'a lot of ideas and did pitch them' - although the project was delayed by huge amounts of red tape between the two parties and 'things moved very slowly on both ends'. It was reported the source said last week: 'They were given no formal lay of the land to kick things off, so they were already on unsteady footing even before the ink was dry.' Sources close to the duchess were also at pains to say that she was looking to take her Archetypes series to another streaming platform During its 12-episode run, Meghan's podcast featured an array of high-profile guests including Mindy Kaling (pictured) - who was interviewed in-person by the Duchess - and Mariah Carey Another source close to the Sussexes told People magazine that they were being held to a higher standard than others, and had 'plenty of things that are in different phases'. They told the publication: 'Very few other production companies are measured by what's actually hit the airwaves.' They noted that the royal life 'wasn't a world they wanted for their family' and that their subsequent career choices reflected that. Joe Quenqua, a senior media strategist, told the magazine that the couple's brand Archwell had suffered from 'serious growing pains' while a royal insider said 'there wasn't necessarily a five-year-plan' when Harry and Meghan left the UK for the US in early 2020. The defence of the royal couple's podcast episode ideas follow claims in June that Harry suggested interviewing Russian president Vladimir Putin about his 'childhood traumas'. In brainstorming sessions, he apparently came up with the idea of speaking to ex-US President Donald Trump and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg about their formative years and how those experiences made them the adults they are today. The initial 2020 announcement from Spotify referred to both Harry and Meghan producing and hosting multiple 'podcasts'. But Meghan completed just one, on the social stereotypes around women in 2022, as well as one joint half-hour Christmas edition in 2020 featuring a group of celebrity friends and their son, Archie. The couple also faced an attack from fellow Spotify podcaster and senior executive at the company, Bill Simmons, who blasted them as 'grifters'. While industry 'sources' blasted the Duchess for faking several interviews on her show. The supposed insiders claimed that Meghan had staff members on the show conduct interview with her guests, before audio of her voice was edited into the final episodes. The podcast-focused outlet Podnews said 'multiple sources' have claimed that 'some interviews on the show were done by other staffers, with [audio of 41-year-old Meghan's] questions edited-in afterwards'. The site, however, did not highlight specific episodes where this might have applied. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Netflix movie could be a huge hit for the platform, an expert has said Carley Fortune's second novel Meet Me At The Lake has captivated the Sussexes In a joint emailed statement, Spotify and Archewell Audio, Meghan and Harry's production company, said in June that they 'have mutually agreed to part ways and are proud of the series we made together.' Sources close to the duchess were also at pains to say that she was looking to take her Archetypes series to another streaming platform. Following the news that the Spotify deal had been cancelled, rumours circulated the couple's 80million Netflix deal, signed in 2020, could meet the same fate. But the streaming platform spoke out in support of the couple, with a Netflix spokesman saying: 'The bond with Archewell Productions is one we deeply value. Our exciting journey with them isn't ending any time soon.' Questions still remain over what is next for the Duke and Duchess but in June experts suggested Meghan could become one of the highest paid influencers in the world, receiving 200,000 per post to endorse brands. The Duchess did not respond to requests for comment. Millions of US taxpayer dollars are being sent to shady laboratories in China to fund cruel and dangerous experiments on animals. Records show more than $15 million in government grants has funded animal experiments in foreign labs from 2013 to this year, despite concerns that dubious Chinese research may have started the Covid-19 pandemic. Some of the US-sponsored research involved gathering dangerous avian flu viruses from China's wet markets and infecting chickens, ducks, and guinea pigs to 'supercharge' the viruses and make them more transmissible. While not technically illegal, research in China is not subjected to the same stringent ethical and safety protocols in the US. A previous watchdog oversight investigation found grant money sent to Chinese labs is often subject to little or no oversight. Between 2015 and 2023, at least seven US entities supplied NIH grant money to labs in China performing animal experiments, totaling $3,306,061 The above labs in China, which run animal experiments, are all eligible to receive funding from the National Institutes of Health From fiscal years 2021 to 2023, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), America's primary agency for medical and public health research and response, awarded 15 grants totaling $3.6 million to institutions in China that perform experiments on animals. In that same time, the NIH provided at least 92 sub-awards worth $12.5 million to institutions in China. A sub-award allows another organization to perform some activities for the NIH grant under the NIHs supervision. For example, in some instances, the NIH awarded a grant to an educational institute, which then sent money to Chinese entities performing animal experiments with no oversight. Federal spending data from 2020 revealed the NIH spent an estimated $140 million on animal experiments in 29 foreign countries. Watchdog group White Coat Waste Project has been fighting to force the government to stop sending American tax dollars overseas to fund virus and drug testing on animals. The organization was the first to discover the NIH sent millions of dollars to unmonitored and dangerous animal experiments in China and Russia. Georgia Tech sent $770,466 of a $2.7 million NIH grant to the Kremlin-linked Pavlov Institute of Physiology, which conducted experiments on cats. According to the WCW Project, the experiments included implanting electrodes into the cats spines and muscles and removing parts of their brains. The felines were also locked in metal frames and forced to walk on treadmills. They were then killed and dissected. Additionally, between 2018 and 2020, the University of Illinois gave approximately $123,550 of a $1.6 million NIH grant and an undisclosed amount from a USDA grant to the Kremlin-linked Institute of Cytology and Genetics to study the social behavior of silver foxes on a fur farm. The foxes were housed in small and unkempt cages and then killed and dissected. In the US, these experiments likely wouldn't be legal under the guidelines the government has for using animals during experiments, which include providing proper veterinary care, using appropriate anesthetics to minimize harm and using humane euthanasia methods. Following the WCW Project's findings, the group was successful in getting the Biden administration to defund all animal labs in Russia earlier this year. However, animal experiments using American money have continued in China. Shi Zhengli - dubbed the 'Bat Lady' or 'Bat Woman' for her work on bat coronaviruses - is pictured in a Wuhan Institute of Virology lab. She hunted down dozens of deadly Covid-like viruses in bat caves and studied them at the WIV Alive and dead rabbits for sale at a market in China in 2020. As part of experiments in between 2015 and 2018, researchers collected avian flu viruses from Chinas wet markets and injected them into guinea pigs, mice, chickens, and ducks A woman removes flies from the meat at a meat stall in a market in Guangzhou in June 2020. Between 2015 and 2018, researchers performed experiments to supercharge flu viruses collected from China's wet markets Now, the group has teamed up with Rep. Lisa McClain, a Republican from Michigan, to introduce the bipartisan Accountability in Foreign Animals Research (AFAR) Act. The act was first introduced in 2021 by McClain and has since gained support from other House members, as well as gotten the attention of members of the Senate. Now, it is being reintroduced in Congress. The legislation would prevent the NIH from conducting or supporting all research on vertebrate animals in foreign countries. Vertebrate animals are those with spinal cords and bony or cartilaginous backbones, including all mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish. Our tax dollars should never be sent to state-run labs in adversary nations like Russia and China that threaten our national security. My AFAR Act would prohibit tax dollars from being shipped to animal testing labs in any countries that are deemed foreign adversaries, McClain said in a statement. Recent data compiled by the WCW Project found that between 2015 and 2023, at least seven US entities supplied a portion of their NIH grant money to labs in China performing animal experiments, totaling more than $3.3 million. Between 2015 and 2018, Emory University provided Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, which houses one of Chinas dangerous high-containment bioagent labs, $515,418 of a $38.6 million Health and Human Services contract for experiments on avian flu viruses. Researchers collected avian flu viruses from Chinas wet markets and injected them into guinea pigs, mice, chickens, and ducks. Taxpayer money was also used to supercharge flu viruses, making them more transmissible. The animals were later killed and dissected. The study continued through July 2022, years into the Covid pandemic, despite concerns about the origins of the pandemic. In addition to providing funds to Kremlin-backed labs, the University of Illinois also supplied the Institut Pasteur of Shanghai in 2017 with $149,832 of its $1.7 million NIH grant to infect mice with tuberculosis. The mice were killed after 50 days and had their lungs dissected. The research ended in 2019. From 2017 to 2018, the University of South Florida shipped more than $812,900 of a $28.9 million grant it was awarded from the NIH to several Chinese entities to create mutant malaria strains and inject them into mice. The mice were then fed to mosquitoes. The White Coat Waste Project found white rabbits housed in cages at the Wuhan Animal Lab The White Coat Waste Project uncovered silver foxes being kept in cages on an experimental Russian farm The research is set to continue until March 2024. In 2019, Eastern Virginia Medical School sent $42,452 of a $35.5 million grant from the United States Agency for International Development to the Qichun County Zhangliang Digging Machine Business Department. The funds were used to test an experimental hepatitis and HIV drug on primates. According to a description from USA Spending, which compiles information on grants, the study states that primates will be given a treatment and then have their plasma analyzed. The research ran until November 2021. Also in 2019, the University of California-Irvine gave $216,000 of a $4.3 million NIH grant to the Wuhan Institute of Virology to perform experiments related to neuronal tracing. Experiments included drilling holes in the skulls of mice, rats, and tree shrews and injecting herpes viruses into their brains. The study states there was rapid death of injected animals and viral infections. It only recently concluded in January. With one of the largest amounts supplied to Chinese animal experiment labs, the late Microsoft Co-founder Paul Allens Allen Institute sent nearly $1 million of its $64.7 million NIH grant to Chinas Huazhong University of Science and Technology in 2021. The study, which only ended in January, was to create an atlas of mouse brain cells. Researchers killed and sliced the brains of eight-week-old mice to analyze and map them. As recent as February 2023, the University of Southern California funneled more than $576,400 of its $1.9 million NIH grant to Peking University for experiments in which mice had holes drilled into their skulls and viruses injected into their brains. Scientists inserted electrodes in the animals brains and performed imaging experiments. The research is set to run until 2025. While the watchdog group revealed the millions of dollars being sent overseas, Americans may never know the exact amount or the specific experiments being conducted because of an NIH loophole exempting foreign grant recipients from following certain animal care guidelines. The WCW Project is currently suing the institution over this loophole. In a statement, senior vice president of the WCW Project, Justin Goodman said shipping taxpayer dollars to animal testing labs in China, Russia and other adversarial nations is a recipe for disaster. Our Worldwide Waste campaign has defunded the Wuhan lab, Putins kitten tests, and all Russian animal labs, but weve uncovered how dozens of animal labs in China are still eligible for more taxpayer money. Over 70 percent of taxpayersRepublicans and Democrats alikeoppose this reckless spending Stop the money. Stop the madness'. A blood pressure medication that costs less than a penny per pill could help banish severe acne in women and may offer an alternative to the currently used drugs which have been linked to mental health problems. As well as controlling blood pressure, the drug, spironolactone, affects levels of hormones in the body thought to trigger acne. Although dermatologists have been prescribing it for skin problems, a clinical trial the first of its kind has shown it can significantly reduce spots in six months. Acne is one of the most common skin problems, affecting more than one in ten adults. Specialists say they hope the drug will change the way the condition in women is routinely treated. It can't be taken by men, however, as its hormonal effect has been found to trigger abnormal breast tissue growth in male patients. University of Southampton's Professor Miriam Santer, a GP, who led the trial, said: 'We hope these results will mean more doctors feel confident to prescribe spironolactone as a treatment for acne. CLEAR SKIN: Kelly Cornick has been taking spironolactone for three years Blood pressure medication spironolactone that costs less than a penny per pill could help banish severe acne in women 'The drug is already included in treatment guidelines for persistent acne in the US and Europe, and we hope this trial will lead to a change in the UK guidelines.' Spironolactone is a diuretic causing the body to expel salt and water in urine more rapidly than usual. This helps remove water from the blood, decreasing the volume of fluid flowing through the body lowering blood pressure. But it also has a secondary effect on levels of the hormones testosterone and progesterone in the body, which are known to drive acne. The recent trial recruited over 400 women, aged over 18, with acne that had persisted for more than six months. Half were given spironolactone, while the other half were given a placebo. The women were asked to complete questionnaires on their acne and quality of life relating to the condition at the start of the trial and then at 12 and 24 weeks into their treatment. 'The results showed that the women taking spironolactone saw a significant improvement in their acne compared to those on the placebo,' said Prof Santer. 'And side effects were uncommon and minor.' Most cases of acne can be controlled with over-the-counter treatments but, more severe cases can require antibiotics or other medication. If these are not successful, isotretinoin is often prescribed, a powerful medication that can only be offered by a specialist, often known by brand name Roaccutane. In April, NHS watchdog the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency announced new rules on prescribing isotretinoin, after reports that it may increase the risk of mental and sexual health problems. There have also been suggestions that these side effects might have been a factor in at least 88 cases of suicide in young people over the past few decades. Roughly 40,000 isotretinoin prescriptions are issued each year in the UK and the drug is deemed extremely safe and beneficial for the majority. But health chiefs now say under-18s will only get the drug if all other standard treatments have failed and two medical professionals agree it's needed. 'Spironolactone gives us another option to try before isotretinoin,' said Prof Santer. 'Also, isotretinoin can't be taken long-term. Spironolactone is very low risk so can be taken for as long as it's needed.' Kelly Cornick, 39, from Dorset, who said that she had been prescribed various creams as well as the contraceptive pill to try and control her 'horrible' acne. One patient on the trial, Kelly Cornick, 40, has been acne-free since starting on spironolactone three years ago. Previously, the civil servant was prescribed antibiotics and the contraceptive pill to try and control her skin but nothing had worked. She said: 'It might go away for a while, then it would flare up again. I would get thick, red, lumps all along my jawline and at its worst it spread up onto the rest of my face.' Kelly, who lives in Dorset, was referred to a dermatologist who offered her isotretinoin. 'I deliberated about it but decided against it because of side effects,' she said. 'I didn't want to take the risk.' Kelly's dermatologist then offered her a place on the spironolactone trial. 'Within about three months everything was gone, all the spots had disappeared,' she said. 'Knowing how much it's helped me, I hope that other people will now be given this treatment as an option. 'I want people to be able to experience it, because everyone should feel confident, and not have spots.' Model Ariel Anderssen starts her working day shooting videos to order. Yesterday she played a teacher mysteriously turned on while reading Aldous Huxley to her class. The 46-year-old then spent 30 minutes on her OnlyFans account, answering questions and adding behind-the-scenes content. Anderssen is a BDSM model: bondage, discipline (or dominance), submission (or sadism) and masochism. Her husband, Hywel Phillips, 54 (a particle physicist turned fetish photographer), is a dominant sadist. Anderssen calls herself a submissive masochist. They live in Wales because they both love hill walking. Its not the life she expected growing up as a Jehovahs Witness in 1970s and 1980s Sussex. (Her mother had been converted by a member of the religion who knocked on their door while she was living in Oxfordshire.) Anderssen is a BDSM model: bondage, discipline (or dominance), submission (or sadism) and masochism Like lots of people then, she was terrified of nuclear war, and my dad was a nuclear physicist, so she was in possession of some really horrible facts, says Anderssen. The Jehovahs Witnesses had a solution: Yes, the end of the world is coming, but well show you how to survive. How could my dad, a scientist, have gone along with it? I guess he could see it made my mum less frightened. The religion isolated Anderssen. Thats the point: we were meant to see ourselves as different. You cant celebrate Christmas. We werent allowed to listen to pop music. 'Our family didnt have a TV. So we had little in common with our peers. Jehovahs Witnesses must dress modestly and Anderssens mum made pinafores for her and her sister. I dont think it occurred to her how weird it made us look to be dressed like Victorians in the 80s! It wasnt a miserable childhood. They were a loving unit in a tightknit community. Her parents were quirkily liberal in many ways, especially around body positivity. MY HUSBAND HAS BOLT CUTTERS AND SOME SPARE HANDCUFF KEYS My parents had been affected by hippie culture. They were casually naked, like naturists, and it didnt occur to me that it was weird. Anderssen saw no point in school work much of her childhood was spent reading books, immersed in her imagination. Even then she was drawn to tales of kidnap, imprisonment and punishment. There was no sexual element, just fascination, she says. I cant see anything in my background that would have created it. My sister had the same upbringing and shes not kinky. I think it was like buried treasure, waiting to be discovered. The discovery came when she was 25. The family had left the Jehovahs Witnesses her dad could no longer square it with his science and her mum had knocked on the door of a Baptist minister to convert him, only to be invited in for a chat and eventually converted by him. (She is now a Methodist.) Anderssens sister, Imogen, left home to marry young her husband is a vicar. Through her late teens and early 20s, Anderssen struggled with a growing awareness that BDSM turned her on. Jehovahs Witnesses must dress modestly and Anderssens mum made pinafores for her and her sister. Ariel, right, aged four, with sister Imogen, eight It seemed as bad as being a paedophile, she says. All I could do was suppress it. She was living in London, working as an actress and model, when she stumbled across a BDSM photography exhibition under Waterloo station. It felt like an electric shock. The images were very classy, she says. Sepia prints of ladies in Victorian underwear and handcuffs, or lying on a bed with a cane next to them. Very non-graphic but it was an affirmation; a community I could join. Anderssen arranged to model for the man behind the images: erotic-art photographer China Hamilton. She remembers him picking her up from a train station in Suffolk, driving to his beautiful house (stuffed with antiques he was also a clocksmith) and asking her about her fantasies. He told her she was a true submissive masochist. He was a sexual sadist who was married but had a slave. It blew my mind, she says. Id been a virgin until I was 23 and had one sexual partner. I was stepping into a world where anything seemed possible A world of magazines, websites, collectors and collaborators who would pay to tie her up, suspend her from the ceiling and spank her. Now Anderssen has written a book about her transformation. At times its hard to read; take the four days she spent making films for collectors. Halfway through, she wondered how much more her body could take. Would multiple clamps and hooks, along with foot torture, combine to make her pass out? Consent is paramount. If a photographer does something unexpected, it can be terrifying. In 2019, I arrived for what I thought was a stills photo shoot. 'The man tied me up, started a camera, pulled out a knife and threatened me with it. It turned out to be rubber but Id never work with him again. He didnt understand the rules. Its not a job without risks. Anderssen had an irregular heartbeat for 18 months after getting a shock from an electro play device. Once she was tied on the floor when a forest of burning candles above her dislodged; one landed on her ankle. She still has the scar. Safety, she says, is sexy. Thats partly what attracted her to her husband, whom she met while modelling for his bondage site. He always has a fire extinguisher, bolt cutters, a spare set of handcuff keys. If you feel the person in charge is responsible and in control, thats hot. She fears the rise of violent porn and its impact on young people. Theres a load of really respectful, loving, beautiful stuff but its behind paywalls because its made by people who do not want children seeing it, she says. I hate the idea that teenage boys watch the nastiest, most violent porn they can find then emulate it. Her 11-year marriage sounds like a comfortable (and uncomfortable) mix of hardcore kink and low-key domesticity. By a strange quirk, their house was once a whisky maltings, and it has a dungeon-like space just off the kitchen, now a handy bondage studio. Theyve never kept anything hidden in their small Welsh town. Someone came to fix our washing machine, which is in our kit room with our bondage stuff, she says. He asked what it was, so we explained. He said, Oh yeah, Im a cross-dresser! When youre honest, people are honest back. A lot of us are into something a bit unusual. Even Anderssens parents know what she does theyre unfazed by the nudity, but she has withheld more explicit details. Although she and Phillips chose not to be parents, Anderssen is close to her sisters children one made a documentary about her for her university film course. Anderssens sister is her PA: Its funny that a lot of my emails are being written from a vicarage! Somehow, Anderssen has built a life that incorporates everything and everyone she loves. She has no plans to slow down. Ive got model friends in their 60s and 70s who are still very successful, she says. I want to see how far I can go. Oh, we do love to be beside the seaside, preferably with a vast platter of seafood and a glass of something white and cool. Everything seems to taste so much better with a sea view, and if the sun wont come out to play, at least you have the prospect of a long, jolly lunch to get you through the gloom. Rockfish, Devon There are now eight Rockfish, all of them in the Southwest, offering sustainably caught, beautifully cooked seafood. At the one in Brixham chargrilled calamari, then a whole Devon crab or lobster, work with lashings of rose. Proof that good British seafood is not just for those with deep pockets. therockfish.co.uk Beach House, Wales: In Oxwich on the Gower Peninsula is this serious restaurant, with a Michelin star to boot Rileys Fish Shack, Tyne & Wear This is one of my favourite restaurants, anywhere, the very best, freshest fish cooked over coals or in their wood-fired ovens. The view, over King Edwards Bay in Tynemouth, is almost as delectable as the food: spicy mackerel wrapped in fluffy flatbread, roasted tranche of turbot. The wine list is short but sweet and the beers local. After lunch, sink into one of the deckchairs to snooze until dinner, when you can start all over again. rileysfishshack.com The Seafood Shack, Scotland Its little more than a shack on the beach in Ullapool. Well, a trailer, but you know what I mean. But The Seafood Shack is all about local seafood, bought from day boats. Like all good fish restaurants, the menu depends on what looks best that morning: local creel-caught langoustines with garlic butter, steamed mussels and hand-dived scallops. seafood shack.co.uk Beach House, Wales In Oxwich on the Gower Peninsula is this serious restaurant, with a Michelin star to boot. Head chef Hywel Griffith cooks up the likes of local lobster with tomato, elderflower and peas, and John Dory with ricotta and anchovies. Ingredients are locally sourced and the quality of produce is matched by the skill of the cooking. beachhouseoxwich.co.uk Its little more than a shack on the beach in Ullapool. Well, a trailer, but you know what I mean. But The Seafood Shack is all about local seafood, bought from day boats The Company Shed, Essex Dont go to Colchesters The Company Shed expecting linen tablecloths and a cavalcade of amuse bouches. A few years back, you had to bring everything yourself, save for a knife and fork. Things are a little more sophisticated these days, but its still all about the fish: local dressed crab, cockles, homemade crab cakes, smoked mackerel and amazing oysters. Bring your own booze and bread (although they do have both), eat, drink, then work off lunch with a walk on the beach at West Mersea. the-company-shed.com The Hidden Hut, Cornwall By day, this internationally renowned restaurant in Portscatho serves up grilled seafood and salads. Then, as night falls, there are regular one-dish feasts (booking essential), ranging from lobster and chips and grilled mackerel to carne asada and wood-fired seafood paella. You bring plates, cutlery and wine, they do the cooking. Like the very best picnic, with none of the hassle. hiddenhut.co.uk We didnt drink much water when I was a child. It was either Tizer or milk. Im an old fella now but when I was at school, everyone would have half a bottle of milk. Sometimes it was off and it was awful, especially in the summer when it was left outside. When I was 16 I got very sick on whisky and my dad gave me a thump around the head. Id been in a pub called the Duke of York in Goodge Street in London because I was a wannabe beatnik. I just had too many of them. It really turned me off whisky for a while. Each morning, I have a cup of tea brought to me in bed by staff. They come up with the newspapers and say, Good morning, Mr Stewart and I say, Good morning, ladies. I drink my tea, look at Sky News and read the newspapers. Im usually out of bed by ten past eight. You Magazine spoke to Rod Stewart about the desire to perform inebriated, the pleasure of Guinness and the perils of too much whisky I have to have my tea in a mug in the morning, but it has to be in a proper tea cup in the afternoon. I take it with one and a half sugars in a sort of light mahogany colour. I also have a coffee around 11am and that is my intake of caffeine for the day. Ive fallen in love with Guinness. Two or three nights a week, Ill go down to my local pub, the Cock Inn, in Sheering, Essex. Ill have half a Guinness and a small glass of Whispering Angel. Then I drive home, because I cant drink any more. Im a lover of wine with dinner. I have a wonderful chef, and I cant imagine having a fine dinner with a glass of water, ginger ale or Coca-Cola. I enjoy a rose this time of year Whispering Angel or Domaines Ott. I never drink it in the winter its purely a summer drink. Then Ill finish off with a nice Argentinian Malbec and a bit of cheese. Then Ill go to bed. The best bottle of wine Ive ever had? A 1948 Chateau dYquem. I drank it with some foie gras at the Ritz in London, maybe 30 years ago. Its all sugar, but I remember it blew my socks off. Ive had many bottles of wine, but I havent had many disappointments, thats for sure. It can be intimidating going to a French restaurant with lots of wine on the menu, so its best to be honest. Tell them youd like to drink a nice wine and put a price on it. Say these words: Sir, Im in your hands. Dont spend more than 80 quid. The sommeliers love that because they feel like they are in control, and they want to impress you. I had a superb glass of chardonnay on board the Queen Elizabeth 2. It must have been 1986 or 1987. It was the first time Id ever been on an ocean liner and it tasted great because it was just a wonderful occasion. At the weekend I enjoy a cosmopolitan, an apple martini or a French martini. The Ritz makes the best cocktails I look forward to them when I go there for dinner once a week. I dont have the patience to make a cocktail, but my wife Penny [Lancaster] can knock up a French martini. We have them in the winter. Well go downstairs to the bar in our wine cellar and have a couple of martinis before dinner. The best bottle of wine Ive ever had? A 1948 Chateau dYquem. I drank it with some foie gras at the Ritz in London, maybe 30 years ago Ill break into any song after a few drinks. I like to do a collection from My Fair Lady: All I want is a room somewhere Id love to have a glass of wine with [Volodymyr] Zelensky. Ive got so much admiration for that man. I want to tell him about what Ive been doing for the Ukrainians, off-stage and on-stage. It would be wonderful to be toasted at my funeral with my own whisky, Wolfies. Otherwise, martini or a nice Guinness. After owning the original 1995 Honda CR-V, I was intrigued to try the latest sixth-generation model. And this time, the Japanese brand has gone big. It's 80 mm (3 in) longer with a 40 mm (1.5 in) longer wheelbase than the one it replaces. It's also more than 7.6 in longer, 3.3 in wider, with a 3 in longer wheelbase and half an inch lower than the 1990s first-generation CR-V. Growing reputation: Sixth-generation CR-V hybrids are larger than the original I drove the new first Plug-In Hybrid version, which you can charge up at home to give you up to 50 miles of zero-emissions motoring. On longdistance trips, there's no EV range anxiety and a maximum total range of 513 miles. The CR-V 'e:Phev' is powered by a 148 hp, 2-litre petrol engine which also charges up an onboard 17.7 kWh electric battery-generator supplying additional electric power, giving a total of 180 hp. Acceleration from rest to 62 mph is 9.4 seconds up to 121 mph. Performance, especially in sport mode, is much more energetic and engaging than I'd expected, while styling particularly the interior remains conservative and distinctly unflashy. But that's never troubled Honda buyers who put more store on practicality and reliability. Properly and regularly serviced, CR-Vs seem to go on for ever, though older models can be thirsty on fuel something the PHEV helps resolve. Fully charged, it offers up to 353 mpg equivalent, dropping to around 45.5 mpg without charge. The original CR-V cost around 16,000. My highly specced e:Phev is 53,995. The standard hybrid starts from 45,895, up almost 5,000 on its predecessor. Order books open on Monday for deliveries from October. Ray owned from launch and drove for many years a fetching 'passion orange' shade the original 1995 CR-V Available only as a five-seater, there's lots of space for rear passengers whose seats recline in eight steps by 10.5 degrees. Riding on 18 in wheels, it also gains an extra 72 litres of boot space 658 litres in total because the batteries are under the floor. A system which projects the blind spot behind you onto the screen when turning left helps spot cyclists on your inside. After owning the original 1995 Honda CR-V, Ray was intrigued to try the latest sixth-generation mode It's 80 mm (3 in) longer with a 40 mm (1.5 in) longer wheelbase than the one it replaces Acceleration from rest to 62 mph is 9.4 seconds up to 121 mph Available only as a five-seater, there's lots of space for rear passengers whose seats recline in eight steps by 10.5 degrees. Slide me Riding on 18 in wheels, it also gains an extra 72 litres of boot space 658 litres in total because the batteries are under the floor I speak from experience as I owned from launch and drove for many years in a fetching 'passion orange' shade the original 1995 CR-V (which arrived in the UK in 1997) which redefined and arguably created the family recreational SUV market. Along with the Toyota RAV4 it provided 'soft-roader' 4X4s with car-like driving manners that suit domestic grass-and-gravel off-roading, but nothing too extreme . I've also owned subsequent generations of the CR-V. Charging the new CR-V plug-in hybrid takes 2.5 hours. The 50 miles of EV-only range provided is ideal for daily commutes and school runs - to save on fuel and CO2 emissions. How they compare on size First generation Sixth generation Length: 4510 mm Width: 1780 mm Height: 1678 mm Wheelbase: 2620 mm Length: 4705 mm (+195 mm) Width: 1865 mm (+85 mm) Height: 1665 mm (-13 mm) Wheelbase: 2700 mm (+80 mm) As well as sport mode, you can also choose Normal, Eco, Snow and Tow. When pulling a trailer or caravan, 'Tow' mode uses sat-nav to predict when to save battery power for predicted steep inclines ahead. Another first is the front cross traffic which warns the driver of out-of-sight cars approaching as you nose out from tricky blind-sided T-junctions. It works. Head-up display is great and Parking Pilot helps automatically park your car into a tight space. There's even a volume control button on the central dashboard screen, as well as on the steering wheel. My initial reaction on seeing the new and larger sixth-generation CR-V was: 'My, how you've grown.' But after driving it I'm more tempted to say: 'My, how you've grown up.' Vauxhall banishes 'boring' Here's a glimpse of things to come from Vauxhall which aims to banish 'boring' from its design vocabulary. The car shown above is expected to be the basis of a sporty new Manta fastback coupe but the overall styling will be used on all future Vauxhall models. Vauxhall Experimental: A glimpse of things to come from Vauxhall which aims to banish 'boring' from its design vocabulary Codenamed Vauxhall Experimental, the battery-electric crossover has its world premiere at this year's IAA Mobility in Munich, from September 5 to 10, which replaces Germany's Frankfurt Motor Show. The vehicle is based on parent company Stellantis's battery electric platform, is all-wheel drive, dispenses completely with chrome trim and showcases Vauxhall's 'pioneering spirit.' Mark Adams, vice-president for design at Vauxhall and its German sibling Opel said: 'Our new Vauxhall Experimental gives shape to our vision of the future.' The last six months has seen a more than 27 per cent jump in the number of investment funds described by analysts as serious and persistent underperformers, research reveals. BestInvest's latest 'Spot the Dog' report shows a combined 46.2billion of savings are withering in so-called 'dog' funds, up a whopping 142 per cent since February's total of 19.1billion. There are thousands of funds on offer to UK investors across a variety of asset classes, sectors and regions, making it difficult for the average DIY fund buyer to work out the best place to park their cash. But twice a year Bestinvest names and shames underperforming investment funds, with the investment platform's Spot the Dog report revealing which funds belong in the dog house and which have exceeded expectations. In the dog house: Bestinvest has published its list of 'dog funds' which have underperformed the benchmark over 3 years Which big name funds are in the dog house? The report reveals that 56 equity funds have been identified as serious and persistent underperformers, a 27 per cent increase on the 44 funds named in Februarys report. The investment giant with most vehicles in the list is St. Jamess Place with six funds on the list, twice as many as any other individual fund group. It currently has 29.3billion held across these funds, 63 per cent of the total dog fund assets in the survey. The second worst performer, Artemis, has just 5.8 per cent. There are three SJP funds from the global sector - Global Quality, Global Growth and International Equity - as well as two European and one emerging market fund. Artemis has three dog funds, namely its two US funds - North America and North American Smaller Companies - largely because theyve been underweight Apple, Nvidia and Tesla, and were exposed to the now-defunct First Republic Bank. Its Global Select fund is also on the list. Other notable inclusions are Columbia Threadneedle which has four funds on this years list, with combined assets of 1.9billion, and abrdn which has two funds on the list, down from three in the last report. BNY Mellon and M&G dodged the list entirely, while Baillie Gifford had just one fund on the list. How does a fund get labelled a dog? Global stock markets have enjoyed a better year than last year, but the biggest gains have been made by megacaps - or the world's largest companies - that have benefited from interest in artificial intelligence. While more global funds have entered the dog house, Bestinvest doesnt name and shame a fund just because theres been some market volatility. Instead it looks at funds that have a more deep-rooted problem to address, rather than just a short-term wobble. To qualify as a dog, a fund must have delivered a worse return than the market it invests in for each of the last three years. This rules out those that have just had a bad year, but it is worth noting that many experts prefer to judge funds on their five or even ten-year performance. Secondly, a fund must also have underperformed the returns delivered by the market by more than 5 per cent over the three-year period under review. It only looks at funds that have share classes open to retail investors, taking out those only accessible to institutional investors. Which funds have done particularly badly? Global funds are in the kennel of shame, with 24 funds making the list up from 11 funds last time. It represents 15 per cent of overall assets in the sector, up from 3 per cent last time, equivalent to 32.14billion. Global funds have had a rocky ride as the benchmarks came to be dominated by the US and technology. Bestinvest suggests many managers have been wrongfooted by 2022s selloff and then again in 2023, with big technology names and the US market coming out top again. St Jamess Place funds make up 26.05billion of this, with its 11.47billion Global Quality fund, 7.09billion Global Equity and 7.49billion Global Growth funds making the list. Other big names include Columbia Threadneedles Responsible Global Equity fund, one of a number of responsible/sustainable funds on the list. Also shamed are FP WHEB Sustainability Fund, Jupiter Global Sustainable Euqities Fund and the Sarasin Responsible Global Equity fund. While the exclusion of fossil fuels may have been a drag on performance last year, Bestinvest says it should not have made the difference between a good and bad fund. There were five UK All Companies funds, just 3 per cent of the overall market, but it still accounts for 3.4billion of assets. Scottish Widows UK Growth has been a repeat offender say Bestinvest, showing no sign of better behaviour. Other funds include The Unicorn Outstanding British Companies fund, which has struggled with its higher weighting in small and medium-sized companies, Trojan Income and AXA Framlington UK Sustainable Equity. The Invesco UK Equity High Income is now out of the dog house having responded to the discipline imposed by new managers Ciaran Mallon and James Goldstone. Which funds are a better breed? Some sectors are better-behaved than others, with Japans smaller companies and emerging markets having just one or two dog funds to their name. After trailing its international peers, Japan has seen somewhat of a revival this year. A slump in the Yen has boosted the competitiveness of Japanese exports and the value of overseas earnings for Japanese companies. The 183million T Rowe Price Japanese fund, which made the list, makes up 1 per cent of overall assets in the sector. Bestinvest says its growth approach has not found favour. There were also no global equity income funds on the list this year because of the revival in dividend investing. What to do with your savings if theyre in a dog fund While the report highlights some of the worst performing funds, it is not a list of funds that should be sold automatically because past performance is not necessarily a guide to how well the fund will perform in the future. Jason Hollands, managing director of Bestinvest said: Of course, every fund manager will go through weaker periods whether that is a run of bad luck, or they are sticking to a style or process that may be temporarily out of fashion. 'Identifying whether these are short-term or structural factors is key and investors should ask some questions before deciding to stick with a fund or switch. Things to consider include whether a fund has become too big, which might constrain its agility, or if there have been subtle but important changes in the management team. 'Also, is the manager straying from a previously successful approach or are they now too burdened with additional responsibilities? The word of the month in the property world is 'resilience'. It has been used by Halifax to describe the state of the residential market, and by the chief executive of Taylor Wimpey. Unveiling the housebuilder's latest results, Jennie Daly said: 'I am pleased that we have delivered a resilient performance, with first-half completions slightly ahead of our expectations.' Performance at Bellway has also been 'resilient', according to Jason Honeyman, the group's chief executive. Bricks and mortar: Taking a bet now on housebuilder shares involves looking beyond their falling profit margins, their declining sales and other dispiriting details of their circumstances In light of the gloomy forecasts for house prices, these assessments will seem surprising to some and delusional to others. But I would argue that they are a signal to take a closer look at housebuilders, against the background of what Alan Dobbie, co-manager of the Rathbone Income fund, calls 'our cultural relationship with property and the long-term structural need for more housing'. At present, housebuilders face huge obstacles. These difficulties are economic and political. Would-be homebuyers have been hit by sharply higher living and borrowing costs. The average five-year mortgage rate is 6.06 per cent, against 3.81 per cent a year ago. Such has been the increase in rates that there is a new word to describe certain young professionals who have 'given up on property ownership' the Guppies. Both the Government and Labour make much of their aspirations to deliver more homes, with housing likely to be a key general election battleground. But the official target of building 300,000 homes a year in England was abolished in late 2022, and the Help to Buy scheme was withdrawn in March this year. Taking a bet now on housebuilder shares involves looking beyond their falling profit margins, their declining sales and other dispiriting details of their current circumstances. It represents a gamble on the companies' resilience which should be supported by their cash reserves and their land banks. The Artemis Alpha investment trust holds Berkeley Homes, Bellway and Redrow because, as the managers John Dodd and Kartik Kumar point out, 'the UK faces an accumulated supply deficit of over 1m homes'. London is calculated to need about 90,000 new homes with a value of under 1m a year. Since 2020, some 30,000 have been delivered. This underlines the extent of the opportunities nationwide, which housebuilders are ready to seize when the time comes. Richard Donnell, head of research at the Zoopla platform, says: 'I sense that they are hunkering down until the next election, and hoping for some more leadership on new development and the need for more homes.' In the meantime, these companies are better positioned than before to withstand the slowdown. Dobbie says: 'At the start of the global financial crisis in 2007-2008, the balance sheets of many housebuilders were in a difficult state. 'But this time around they have been preparing for a downturn, pulling back from land purchases; their balance sheets are strong.' Rathbone Income has stakes in Taylor Wimpey, Bellway, Redrow and Persimmon and Redrow. Shares in the first four have risen since the start of the year, but Persimmon's price has fallen by 7 per cent, reflecting the view that it is reliant on first-time buyers. It would be tempting to assume that you should apportion some cash to all the housebuilders' shares and sit back and wait for better times. But this may not be a restful experience, given the prediction that the sector's output may not return to its 2021 level until 2026. Oli Creasey, equity research analyst at Quilter Cheviot, argues in favour of being more discerning. He suggests avoiding Persimmon, and also Vistry which has less of a cash buffer than its peers. He says: 'In our view Taylor Wimpey is the company best-placed to weather the ongoing storm, with a very comfortable net cash position and one of the lowest overall gearing ratios in the sector at around 4 per cent.' The gearing ratio is a measure of company's debts to shareholders' capital. Creasey also cites Berkeley. This group is more dependent than the rest on the South East and London, where there is most downward pressure on prices, as Halifax reports. But there should be demand from overseas buyers exploiting sterling's weakness to acquire prime pieces of London real estate. Berkeley's dividend yield is 5.93 per cent. Taylor Wimpey offers 8 per cent. The whole sector is generous towards shareholders. Think of these payouts as some recompense for the volatility of housebuilder shares, which even the sector's biggest fans admit that they can find unnerving. The ups and downs are accentuated by the incessant flow of property news it is a national obsession, after all. The Rimac Nevera is the fastest electric car in the world, capable of reaching 258mph with a 0-60 record of just 1.74 seconds. Exceptionally exclusive, production is limited to just 150 models, each of which costs around 2.4 million. Rimac is based in Croatia, shareholders include Porsche and Hyundai and the group is known throughout the world for its electrical vehicle expertise. But a key component of the Rimac Nevera comes from Equipmake, an engineering firm based in Snetterton, Norfolk. Equipmake was founded in 1997 by former Formula One engineer Ian Foley. Initially a consultancy, the company began delving into the world of hybrid and electric vehi-cles more than 15 years ago and has been honing its expertise ever since. Fast mover: Equipmake builds electric motors for buses, emergency vehicles and the fastest electric car, the Rimac Nevera, at its factory in Norfolk From the start, Foley realised that a small business like Equipmake could not compete in the high-volume electric car market. Instead, he chose to focus on more specialist areas, such as buses, emergency vehicles and the occasional motor for millionaires and speed freaks. The decision paid off. Today, Equipmake supplies two of the UK's biggest bus groups, First Bus, which has a fleet of almost 6,500 vehicles, and Go Ahead, which operates nearly a quarter of London's bus routes. Foley also works with leading fire and rescue firm Emergency One and Wisconsin-based REV Group, a top fire engine maker in America. Equipmake is also involved in developing the first commercial electric aeroplane, scheduled to be on sale from 2025 and already attracting significant interest from airlines. The company listed on the Aquis Exchange in July 2022, the shares are 9.5p and should accelerate as Foley pursues his plans for growth. Making the parts that power an electric vehicle is complicated and many firms focus on one or two elements. Equipmake is different. Not only can the group supply individual components but it can also design and make everything that allows an electric vehicle to operate, from chassis to motors to chargers. Some customers want the lot. Others pick and mix. In every case, however, Foley and his team aim to combine high-performance with affordability. Progress was slow in the early days, as traditional manufacturers wrestled with the idea of moving from combustion engines to electric power. In recent years, however, momentum has gathered pace, with firms from across the world calling on Equipmake for its experience and expertise. At home, bus makers are asking Foley to produce new electric motors and retrofit older models with more environmentally friendly alternatives. Fire engines are being converted to electric motors with Equipmake's help. And aircraft groups are tasking the firm with developing efficient take-off and landing systems. Overseas, US firms are looking at REV Group's progress and thinking of following suit, especially given government subsidies for green technology. Equipmake has a customer in India too, Sona Comstar, which specialises in electric components and works for vehicle makers across the world. Demand is such that the Norfolk group recently opened a second plant, quadrupling capacity to more than 65,000 square feet, a move that will allow Foley to increase production severalfold over the next couple of years. Brokers expect swift progress too. Revenues of 5.1 million are forecast for the year to May 31 2023, rising to 13.4 million in the current year and 24 million in 2024/25. Equipmake is loss-making at the moment, as all spare cash is ploughed back into the business but profits are expected from 2026, rising steadily from that year. Environmental agendas are pervasive, with governments across the globe committed to achieving net zero carbon by 2050. None of those commitments will be possible without eco-friendly transport and Equipmake is at the centre of these endeavours. Over time, therefore, the firm should become materially larger and more profitable. The group is already a leading player on the Aquis Exchange, where shares can be traded in a similar way to the main market or AIM. Foley has no imminent plans to move to the London Stock Exchange but he runs Equipmake as if he were already listed on one of the larger markets. Midas verdict: Equipmake is a ground-breaking business in a fast-moving industry. The shares are 9.5p and should go far. Buy and watch this British pioneer motor. Traded on: Aquis Ticker: EQUIP Contact: equipmake.co.uk or 01953 661200 The largest armed conflict in Europe since World War II crests the 18-month mark in less than two weeks' time as Ukrainian forces continue their bitter fight for survival and independence in the face of Vladimir Putin's aggression. Recent months have seen the conflict descend into a grinding stalemate, with neither side clearly in the ascendancy as their forces grow ever wearier amid dwindling resources and constant fighting. Kyiv's troops are focused on making steady, marginal gains in Donetsk around the rubble-strewn crater that was once the city of Bakhmut, and to the South in the Zaporizhzhia region, while their long-range drones seek to disrupt Russian supply lines and bases in Moscow, Belgorod and occupied Crimea. Russia's military meanwhile - stretched across a frontline spanning hundreds of miles and now without the reinforcement of Yevgeny Prigozhin's Wagner mercenaries - is focused on digging in as the Kremlin sets about entrenching pro-Russian politicians, installing infrastructure and solidifying its hold on occupied territories. But less than a year and a half ago, the face of the conflict was very different. Instead of hunkering down and desperately trying to hold ground, Moscow's men were surging forward, blazing through southern Ukraine while their compatriots in the north forged a path that brought them within six miles of Kyiv's city centre. Now, with 18 months of Russian occupation fast approaching, a shocking time-lapse graphic shows the dramatic shifts in momentum and the changing face of the battlefield over the course of the war. With that in mind, MailOnline recaps the conflict so far in its entirety from February 24, 2022, right up to the present day. Ukrainian servicemen ride on tanks towards the front line with Russian forces in the Luhansk region of Ukraine on February 25, 2022 Ukrainian soldiers take positions outside a military facility as two cars burn, in a street in Kyiv, Ukraine, February 26, 2022. Russian troops stormed toward Ukraine's capital that weekend and street fighting broke out as city officials urged residents to take shelter February 2022 After months of threats, Putin ordered his troops into Ukraine on February 24. Images from the first days showed bombs falling on major cities, including Kyiv and second city Kharkiv, and Russian tanks rolling through towns. Tank battalions crossed from Belarus and occupied the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, while elite paratroopers landed at airports near Kyiv - including Hostomel just six miles from the city centre - and intense battles broke out for their control. The region around Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city that sits just 20 miles from the Russian border, fell quickly to intense bombardment as fighter jets, helicopters and missiles streaked overhead. Fears that Kyiv would suffer the same fate grew as a 40-mile-long convoy of Russian armoured vehicles began winding its way towards the capital. Simultaneously, Putin's forces in Crimea pushed north, spreading through the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions and ultimately occupying the city of Kherson. March 2022 Kherson was fully occupied by March 3 and Russia's armoured column was bearing down on Kyiv. For a time it looked as though Moscow's convoy would breach the capital, but thick mud, food and fuel shortages - as well as Ukrainian sabotage - ultimately stalled the vehicles a few miles away from the centre. The stalled column became emblematic of Russia's early failures in relying on slow-moving Soviet-era tactics. By contrast, Ukraine deployed small, more mobile units armed with modern technology such as drones to wreak havoc on Putin's forces, cutting supply lines and surrounding Russian troops in pinch points. Ukraine's fierce defence of its capital was ultimately successful, and despite Russian troops reaching deep into Kyiv Oblast, they never made it to the city centre. But Moscow's soldiers enjoyed continued success in the south of Ukraine. The first days of the war saw Russia seize control of the Black Sea and hatch its plan to form a land bridge between the eastern Donbas region to the Crimean peninsula - illegally annexed by Russia in 2014 - amid reports Moscow wanted to reach Transnistria, a Russian-occupied breakaway republic in Moldova. Russian forces pushed north out of Crimea, spreading both east and west, overrunning the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and consolidating its gains in Kherson. Artillery bombardments levelled towns and cities as Russia's forces swept towards this objective, and although Russian forces were stalled by resistance in Mykolaiv - preventing their advance on Odessa to the west and further north into the country - Mariupol came under siege in March. The coastal city on the border of the Russian-controlled Donbas region with a pre-war population of 425,000 people was all but levelled to the ground by indiscriminate bombing, in scenes reminiscent of Grozny during the Second Chechen War. On March 9, a missile struck a maternity ward and days later - on March 16 - another bomb hit a theatre being used by as many as 600 civilians for shelter. As tens of thousands fled the city, Ukrainian fighters hunkered down in the Azovstal Iron and Steel Works, a vast complex with a maze of tunnels and bunkers capable of withstanding a nuclear attack. FEBRUARY 27: A Russian armoured personnel carrier (APC) burning next to an unidentified soldier's body as fighting rages with the Ukrainian armed forces in Kharkiv. Ukraine's defence surprised many, especially Russia, which hoped to take Ukraine within days MARCH 5: People cross a destroyed bridge as they evacuate Irpin during heavy shelling. The city was overrun by Russian forces in the early days of the war, and would be occupied for a month. The images of people - the young and the old - being helped across the wrecked bridge became emblematic of the human cost of the war MARCH 29: This satellite image shows the Mariupol drama theatre after it was bombed on March 16 April 2022 In the last week of March, Russian commanders began to understand their attempts to encircle Kyiv were simply untenable. Amid valiant Ukrainian defence, which resulted in considerable armour and infantry losses, the decision was made to retreat from Kyiv and back into the Kharkiv region. Ukraine rightfully celebrated their successful defence of Kyiv and the subsequent Russian retreat in the north. But the scale of the human cost of the war truly began to become apparent at the start of April, when Russian troops pulled out of the Kyiv region and Russian atrocities were discovered in towns such as Irpin and Bucha. Footage captured in the towns, found after the Russian retreat, showed Putin's occupiers rolling through the suburbs and killing indiscriminately. April also saw a Russian missile strike Kramatorsk railway station as hundreds of Ukrainian civilians tried to flee the east of the country, killing at least 57 people. The heinous acts shocked the world and galvanised Western support for Ukraine. Tougher sanctions were placed on Russia and - perhaps most crucially - the West increased their supply of weapons. Days after the station bombing, Ukraine hit back. On April 13, two Neptune cruise missiles slammed into the side of the Moskva, Russia's Black Sea flagship. It was the first time a Russian warship had been sunk since World War II. The brazen attack on the ship that was around 80 miles from the coast showed Ukraine had previously unknown long-range missile capabilities, was being well supported by its Western allies, and meant Russia's sea supremacy was not as assured as it was once thought - causing it to pull its vessels further away from land. The day after, blasts were also reported in Russia's Belgorod region, the first reported attacks on the other side of the border since the start of the war. But despite the embarrassing incidents, Putin pressed on. April marked the second phase of Russia's invasion, with Moscow claiming its retreat from Kyiv was to re-focus its efforts on taking the whole of the Donbas. APRIL 1: This aerial picture shows burned Russian armoured vehicles in the outskirts of Kyiv. A vast column of Russian tanks and other armoured vehicles, at one point over 40 miles long, never made it to Kyiv. It is thought a combination of poor weather, a lack of sufficient food and fuel, and Ukrainian sabotage, prevented it from ever reaching the capital APRIL 2: The bodies of civilians lie on Yablunska street in Bucha, northwest of Kyiv, after the Russian military pulled back from the city. Dozens of Ukrainian civilians were slain in the town during Russia's month-long occupation, with Yablunska street in particular going on to become emblematic of the atrocities carried out by Putin's soldiers in the regions around Kyiv Russia's Black Sea flagship the Moskva sinks after it was struck by Ukrainian missiles on April 14. Two Neptune missiles slammed into the side of the Moskva, causing it to go down. It was the first Russian warship sunk since the Second World War, and demonstrated that Ukraine had long-range missiles in its arsenal. Russia was forced to pull its navy away from the coast MAY 10: A view shows the Azovstal steel plant in the city of Mariupol. The plant was the last Ukrainian bastion in the city and held out against the invaders for weeks before it was finally captured by Russian forces May 2022 Having fully retreated from Ukraine's northern regions, Russia began consolidating its efforts on seizing and securing territory throughout Ukraine's East and South. After weeks of valiant fighting, the Ukrainian units holed up in the Azovstal steelworks - the last bastion of resistance in the by now devastated southern port city of Mariupol - were finally out of ammunition, food and medical supplies. They were forced to surrender to the occupiers and were subsequently taken as prisoners of war. With their removal, Russia gained complete and total control of Mariupol and its environs - or rather, what was left of it. Flyover satellite images revealed huge mass graves on the outskirts of the city with Ukrainian officials estimating tens of thousands of civilians had likely perished there. In the northeast, Russian forces continued to forge a path through the Kharkiv region, taking a series of towns and villages, but were held on the outskirts of the regional capital by a fearsome defensive effort from Kyiv's military. Despite being just 25 miles from the Russian border, Moscow's troops were never able to gain total control of Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, and by mid-May the tide had turned. Momentum swung the way of the Ukrainians, and Kyiv's troops pushed their adversaries back from Kharkiv and forced a major retreat. Most of the region had been liberated by the end of the month - but that didn't stop Russian forces from blasting Ukrainian civilians with artillery and missiles from afar. Away from the battlefield, Finland and Sweden - countries who remained steadfastly neutral throughout the latter half of the 20th century into the new millennium - announced their applications to NATO, marking a future expansion of the security bloc Russia was so keen to avoid. JUNE 3: Incendiary ammunition airbursts are seen during a shelling, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues, in the town of Marinka, in Donetsk region. Russia continues to this day to insist it has not been attacking civilians JUNE 20: A Ukrainian service member with a dog stands guard in the industrial area of the city of Sievierodonetsk JULY 22: In this photo released by the Russian Defence Ministry Press Service in July, Russian soldiers fire a 2S4 Tyulpan self-propelled heavy mortar from their position at an undisclosed location in Ukraine June - July 2022 June and July saw Russia commit untold numbers of troops to the battle for the region of Luhansk, which along with the Donetsk region constitutes the Donbas. Much of Luhansk had been under control of Russian separatists even before Putin launched the full-scale invasion, and Moscow's forces were largely able to force Ukrainian defenders back West and out of the region. A dejected but defiant Zelensky in early June admitted Russian forces controlled roughly 20 per cent of his country. The twin cities of Sievierodonetsk and Lysychansk, sat on opposing banks of the Donets river, were the final Ukrainian strongholds left in Luhansk by the summer of 2022. Both were consistently battered by Russian missile strikes from all sides, with Putin's commanders turning to artillery and dogged infantry attacks as they drew closer to the city's outskirts. After weeks of bitter fighting, Russian troops were ultimately able to force a breakthrough, and Ukrainian defenders on June 24 were ordered to abandon Sievierodonetsk and retreat across the river to Lysychansk to avoid further losses. But the weary Ukrainians were unable to regroup, and by early July the Russians had swept across the Donets. Putin's troops succeeded in taking control of Lysychansk, and with it, Ukraine's last major urban stronghold in Luhansk fell. Russia's assault on the cities in Luhansk echoed the brutality displayed amid the destruction of Mariupol. As Kyiv's troops pulled back from Sievierodonetsk, President Zelensky took to the airwaves to describe the scale of the damage. 'All the city's critical infrastructure is destroyed... More than two-thirds of the city's housing stock is destroyed.' But the tide began to turn towards the end of July as Ukraine's forces began to slow the onslaught, aiming to force a stalemate as they sought to regroup and requip with fresh weaponry donated by NATO. SEPTEMBER 17: Ukrainian soldiers ride a top of infantry fighting vehicles in Novoselivka, near the eastern frontlines of the war OCTOBER 8: Black smoke billows from a fire on the Kerch bridge that links Crimea to Russia, in what is believed to have been a daring Ukrainian attack. The damage to the bridge cut off a key supply line for the Russian armed forces fighting in Ukraine Black smoke billows from a fire on the Kerch bridge that links Crimea to Russia on October 8. The bridge connected the Crimean peninsular to Russia, and the blast was a major embarrassment to Vladimir Putin August - September 2022 By the end of July, Ukraine had managed to almost completely halt Russian forces, stymying Moscow's advances further into Donbas and the southern Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions. The third phase of the war truly began at the end of August, when Ukraine formally launched a counteroffensive against the Russian invaders six months into the conflict. Kyiv's forces began to use Western-supplied weapons, such as the HIMARS missile system, to great effect, striking deep into Russian-controlled territory. The Ukrainian government said its military had 'breached Russia's first line of defence near Kherson' and struck a Russian base in the same region on August 29. Blasts at a Russian airbase in Crimea, miles from the front lines, showed just how far Ukraine was able to strike with the weapons, and forced Russia to pull back its fighter jets and increase its air defences in the peninsular. Meanwhile, in the north, Ukraine liberated Kharkiv Oblast - the region around the country's second-largest city that had been taken in the early days of the war. The successes gave the Ukrainian military the initiative to launch a lightning offensive which saw Kyiv's soldiers liberate over 1,000 square miles of land in a six-days in September - the country's biggest victory since pushing Russia back from Kyiv in March. On September 20, in an attempt to claim some form of victory, Putin announced the Russian annexation of four Ukrainian regions - Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson - despite not being in full control of any of them. And a day later, the Russian despot ordered the partial mobilisation of Russia's military reservists, meaning 300,000 new soldiers would soon join the fight. The partial mobilisation provoked strong public anger in Russia. But by October 1, Ukrainian troops had regained control of Lyman in the Luhansk region - a key regional hub. A week later, a huge explosion severely damaged the Kerch Strait Bridge that connects Crimea and Russia in the most embarrassing single incident to Moscow in the war since the Moskva sank, severing a key supply route to Russian forces in the south of Ukraine. Two days later, Russia blitzed Ukraine with missile strikes, hitting the capital Kyiv for the first time in months and several other cities - killing civilians seemingly as revenge for the explosion that crippled the bridge. NOVEMBER 23: A wounded Ukrainian soldier is seen as military mobility proceeds in Bakhmut A heavily wounded Ukrainian soldier waits to receive medical treatment at a hospital in Bakhmut on December 5 DECEMBER 7: An expert of the prosecutor's office examining collected remnants of shells and missiles used by the Russian army to attack the second largest Ukrainian city of Kharkiv DECEMBER 30: Ukrainian servicemen ride a tank past a school bus and through the village of Torske, in the Donetsk region Winter 2022-2023 November heralded a major victory for Ukraine, as its counteroffensive in the southern Kherson region forced a Russian retreat across the Dnieper river, resulting in the liberation of Kherson city which had been occupied since the first weeks of the war. But as winter set in, so did a territorial stalemate. Ukraine's high-intensity counteroffensive finished early in November, and meant its military needed time to regroup and prepare in case Russia launched a counter-punch of its own. Attention fell on the battle of Bakhmut, a city in the Donbas that became a key target of Russia and the private military company Wagner. Fighting there had been ongoing since May, but Russia stepped up its efforts in the latter months of 2022. Reports of Wagner's involvement in the invasion had been consistent since around April, but the shadowy group took a leading role in the fighting for Bakhmut, and took on a new public persona. Wagner's chief Yevgeny Prigozhin reportedly recruited 50,000 Russian prisoners to fight for their freedom in his Private Military Company. Fighting around Bakhmut was intensely bloody and was likened to a First World War 'meat grinder' as Russia crashed thousands of its seemingly expendable soldiers against the Ukrainian defences. Casualties were heavy on both sides as artillery and trench warfare in the countryside around the city gave way to bitter close-quarter combat in the city centre. In January, Wagner claimed it had captured Soledar, a town near Bakhmut, boasting it did so without the help of the Russian military - angering the Kremlin. Later that month, Russian forces also came out on top of a bloody conflict for the nearby town of Vuhledar. But Kyiv and the West played down the significance of both towns, saying Moscow sacrificed wave upon wave of soldiers and mercenaries in a pointless fight for a bombed-out wasteland, with analysts saying it offers little tactical benefit. Nonetheless, Russia's success in taking more territory helped solidify their lines and provide further scope to launch more attacks on Bakhmut. The New Year did however bring a fresh round of military aid commitments from Western powers, including much sought-after tanks. The US and Germany committed to sending M1 Abrams and Leopard 2 tanks respectively, after Rishi Sunak announced Britain would offer Challenger 2 tanks to Kyiv. The first Leopard 2 tanks arrived in Ukraine just in time for the anniversary of the invasion, when Zelensky gives an impassioned speech. 'We survived the first day of the full-scale war. We didn't know what tomorrow would bring, but we clearly understood that for each tomorrow, you need to fight. And we fought,' he said in an early morning video address. '[It was] the longest day of our lives. The hardest day of our modern history. We woke up early and haven't fallen asleep since.' JANUARY 13: Armored vehicles destroyed during the fighting between Ukrainian and Russian armed forces lie on a bank of the frozen Siverskiy Donets River in the recently-liberated village of Bogorodychne FEBRUARY 4: A Ukrainian firefighter works at the scene of a fire at a shopping mall that was attacked by Russian missiles in Kherson, southern Ukraine. Emergency workers have had to brave the warzone to continue their work of saving civilians FEBRUARY 5: A Ukrainian serviceman with a mask leads a group of soldiers down a snow-topped road near the frontline in Donetsk. The region, where as of February 2023 fighting is still on-going, has seen some of the deadliest battles of the war Spring - Summer 2023 The stalemate that characterised much of the winter period was shifted somewhat in March when Russian troops, led by Wagner forces, launched another consolidated assault on Bakhmut. Their assault persisted for weeks, soaking up Ukrainian ammunition and resulting in huge losses on both sides, but by April, Wagner leader Prigozhin claimed his forces had assumed 'legal control' of Bakhmut, and less than a month later, the city was fully occupied with Ukrainian forces pushed out of the city limits. April was also punctuated by some stark revelations about the conflict, courtesy of leaked US intelligence documents. In late April and early May, chatter began about a planned Ukrainian counteroffensive after months of relative inaction over winter. But the documents revealed serious doubts about Ukraine's battle capabilities, citing tens of thousands of troop losses and considerable ammunition shortages, particularly for artillery batteries which played a key role in frontline warfare. Nevertheless, by June there were some signs that Kyiv's military had regrouped, re-equipped and were ready to fight on. The long-awaited counteroffensive officially began on June 4, and Ukrainian units quickly set about recapturing territory in and around Bakhmut, which Russia had conquered but failed to hold for any meaningful length of time after the increasingly disgruntled Yevgeny Prigozhin withdrew his Wagner fighters from the conflict. Zelensky's men managed to recapture a few dozen square miles of territory in the South as well - but the month of June precipitated one of the war's biggest tragedies when the control room of the Nova Kakhovka dam, spanning the Dnieper river in Kherson, was blown up - most likely by Russian forces. The resulting floods caused the evacuation of tens of thousands as the deluge swept through dozens of settlements in Kherson city itself and killed 50 people in what was described as the country's worst ecological disaster since Chernobyl. Weeks later, a pivotal moment in the conflict unfolded when Prigozhin and a contingent of Wagner fighters staged a daring mutiny against Russia's defence ministry. They seized the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don and made a beeline for the capital - before Prigozhin slammed the brakes at the eleventh hour. He and his fighters were miraculously spared death or jail for treason, and were instead exiled to Belarus thanks to a deal allegedly brokered by Belarus' president Alexander Lukashenko - leaving Russia's worn-out military to fight on alone without mercenary support. The month of July saw fighting stall yet again with very little ground made in either direction. But the summer months did see a considerable uptick in what appeared to be Ukrainian-authored strikes on Russian soil, with long-range drones finding more and more military and administrative targets in and around Moscow, Belgorod and occupied Crimea. Where are we now? With less than two weeks to go until the 18-month mark in the conflict, fighting on the ground is very much stalled. Neither side has made any significant gains in recent weeks, with pockets of fighting along the frontline yielding little progress in either direction. One exception to this appears to be minor Ukrainian gains in Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions, with Kyiv officials and Russian milbloggers appearing to confirm some Ukrainian counterattacking success south of Bakhmut in Donetsk, and around several small settlements in Zaporizhzhia. Besides this, the sides have largely focused on conducting long-range strikes. Russian missiles slammed into several Ukrainian cities this month, with one particularly devastating attack on a hotel and residential area in Pokrovsk in Donetsk killing eight people and leaving dozens seriously injured. Ukraine meanwhile targeted government offices in the Russian capital's Moscow-city commercial district, and a massive explosion destroyed a major military manufacturing plant on the city's outskirts - though it is unclear whether this explosion came as a result of a Kyiv strike. The status of Wagner fighters in the war is unclear - after weeks of offering training to Belarus' army units, reports suggested Prigozhin's mercenaries may have overstayed his welcome in Minsk, with Lukashenko seemingly uninterested in financing them now that the Russian government has cut ties with Wagner's troops - at least those operating in Ukraine. Tragic toddler was one of series of lockdown babies killed despite pleas for help EXCLUSIVE: Star bled to death after being attacked by mother's girlfriend The grieving family of tragic toddler Star Hobson say they are ready to welcome her mother back home - three years after her girlfriend brutally killed the 16-month-old. Little Star bled to death after being kicked or punched by Savannah Brockhill with massive force at home in Keighley, West Yorkshire, in September 2020. Nightclub bouncer Brockhill, 30, was jailed for a minimum of 25 years after being given a mandatory life sentence for murdering the defenceless toddler in a fit of temper. And Star's mother Frankie Smith, 22, was jailed for eight years for causing or allowing the death. She would have been out next year - but because her jail term was extended she is now only half way through her sentence. Mr Fawcett says that the pain of Star's death is still extremely raw within the family - his wife, Smith's grandmother, still can't even look at pictures of the smiling toddler Police released a picture of Star smiling happily before the torment from her mother and her murdering girlfriend began Police released a harrowing picture of one of the bruises on Star's face that sparked calls to social services from family Frankie Smith, 22, mother of 16-month-old Star Hobson pictured together before the girl's death Partners in death: Savannah Brockhill, 28 and Frankie Smith, 20, were both convicted over killing Star Hobson Star Hobson with great grandfather David Fawcett, a postman, who alerted social services about Smith and Brockhill But now the toddler's step-great-grandfather David Fawcett, 63 - who the toddler lived with for some of her few months - says he is looking forward to having Smith home with him after visiting her throughout her sentence. The postman says she is 'devastated' in prison, and still refers to the baby she let die as 'my Star'. The 63-year-old told MailOnline: Theres only really me who does go to see her. A lot of the family cant face seeing her. 'She does phone her mum. But she rings me nearly every day does Frankie because shes like a daughter to me - we used to get on. We used to do everything together, used to go to all the shows. 'Ive always stood by Frankie. I miss what we had with Frankie. 'We used to do everything together and she was good company. She were a good kid - its just a shame she met this wrong person.' Brockhill never admitted to little Star's murder - which Mr Fawcett says still haunts him as 'one of those nagging things'. Sentencing Smith in December 2021, Judge Mrs Justice Lambert tore a strip off sobbing Smith - whose lawyer had tried to claim was also a victim - telling her that her daughter's life was 'marked by neglect, cruelty and injury'. Three years after her death the toddler has not been forgotten - locals still visit her grave in Baildon and Mr Fawcett says he keeps his great-granddaughter's grave stocked with flowers Frankie Smith, 20, and her partner, Savannah Brockhill, 28, killed Smith's daughter Star Hobson (pictured) at her home in Keighley, West Yorkshire Star Hobson (pictured with Brockhill) suffered a cardiac arrest and died in hospital from appalling injuries inflicted on her The pair were said to have a dark obsession with each other which fueled a life of 'neglect, cruelty and injury' for the little girl. During the seven-week trial the jury heard Star endured months of assaults and psychological harm before suffering 'utterly catastrophic' injuries. Smith was cleared of murder but was convicted of causing or allowing the toddler's death - an offence with a 14-year maximum prison sentence. Mr Fawcett says she is 'ok' in prison - and is now halfway through her sentance. He claims she has made friends inside who 'look after her'. Brockhill - who Mr Fawcett calls 'the Monster' - waved and grinned at her family in court. He says that the pain is still extremely raw within the family - his wife, Smith's grandmother, still can't even look at pictures of the smiling toddler. David continued: 'I can watch videos of Star and it gives me a bit of a lift. We did a couple of videos and Star was just shaking her head and dancing - I love to look at that. 'But I feel so sad that Anita cant look at pictures. Little Star lived with David Fawcett for some of her few months, before she died at the hands of evil Brockhill Smith and Brockhill's explanation of Star's bruises were accepted by social services after their family repeatedly contacted them for help 'On other days Ill be on my way to work thinking, and it just goes round in your head what poor Star went through and you get really angry about it then. 'Anitas not in a good place at all - shes really finding it hard to cope, to look at pictures of Star. She just gets so upset. 'Anything to do with life - when it were her birthday and anniversaries and when its near Christmas - thing like that it is hard. 'As Anita says she just wants her back. We just want her back with us.' The abuse included the toddler being 'choke-slammed', being forced to stand facing a wall and being repeatedly punched. Smith - who has a very low IQ of 70 - was said to have been domineered by her older partner and so enthralled by her she lost interest in her own daughter. Jurors were shown footage which prosecutors said showed Brockhill delivering 21 blows to Star in a car over three hours, some as the toddler sat in a car seat. 'Id been with Frankie since she was born. But things started changing when she started hanging around with this Savannah. Thats when the problems set in. Despairing great-grandfather David Fawcett repeatedly tried to blow the whistle on the child's abuse but was fobbed off in a process where complaints from family members was dismissed five times Innocent Star Hobson was only 16 months old when she was killed in her Keighley home after five social services cases drop Star's great-grandparents Anita and David have made a shrine in their front room to always remember her too-short life The Facebook post from Star's great-grandfather demanded to know why she had suddenly appeared with bruises Frankie's father, Andrew Smith, (left) took his own life after sending his daughter Frankie a letter in jail saying he would look after her murdered daughter Star. Pictured right: Star's great-grandfather, David Fawcett 'There was something just not right about her at all. When Frankie got involved with her she just brainwashed her. She would just believe in everything. TIMELINE OF STAR HOBSON'S SHORT LIFE Star Hobson was only 16-months-old when she was killed at her home in Keighley, West Yorkshire. Here are some of the key events in her short life: 2019 May 21 - Star Hobson is born November - Savannah Brockhill and Frankie Smith begin a relationship. 2020 January 23 - Smith's friend Holly Jones makes the first contact with social services over concerns about domestic violence and how much time she is left looking after Star. Police and social workers visit Star but no concerns are raised. Early February - Star goes to live with her great-grandparents, David Fawcett and Anita Smith at their home in Baildon, Bradford, after Smith says she has split up with Brockhill. April 26 - Star is removed from Anita Smith's house by her mother and taken to live with Smith and Brockhill. May 4 - Anita Smith contacts social services after she is told about Brockhill 'slam-choking' Star. June - David Fawcett posts a picture of Star with bruises on Facebook alongside a happier shot and with the caption 'From this to this in five weeks, what's going on Frankie?' June 21 - Star's father, Jordan Hobson, contacts social services. Police take Star for a hospital examination. Smith says her daughter had hit her face on a coffee table. June 23 - Another friend of the Smith family contacts social services with concerns. August 14 - David Fawcett and Anita Smith see Frankie and Star for the last time. August 28 - David Fawcett is sent a video of Star with bruises and confronts Brockhill. September 2 - Another of Star's great-grandfathers, Frank Smith, contacts social services after seeing video of bruises on the youngster's face. Social workers make an unannounced visit. September 15 - Social services closes the case after concluding the referral to be 'malicious'. September 22 - Star is seriously injured at the flat in Wesley Place, Keighley, and dies later in hospital. 2021 December 14 - Following a trial at Bradford Crown Court Brockhill is convicted of Star's murder while Smith is convicted of causing or allowing the toddler's death. Advertisement 'At the end of the day as well that Monster was jealous of Star. Frankie was probably a victim on this as well because she used to get abused.' The despairing great-grandparents repeatedly tried to blow the whistle on the child's abuse but were fobbed off in a process where complaints from their family were dismissed five times - despite warning them Star could be the 'next Baby P'. Mr Fawcett previously said he had confronted Brockhill about Star's bruises and was told 'all kids get bruises'. When he questioned how she didn't get any while living with him he said she hung up the phone so he posted comparison photos of Star with bruises and without on Facebook. Frankie Smith then blocked him after seeing them. Bradford Council chief executive Kersten England accepted social workers took Smith and Brockhill's views that the complaints were 'malicious' and down to relatives not approving of their same-sex relationship or Brockhill's traveller background at 'face value'. Mr Fawcett - who believes Star's death could have been prevented if they had been taken seriously - says that seeing other toddlers dying at their family's hands after the failed intervention of social services is extremely painful. The drug addict parents of 10-month-old Finley Boden beat him to death on Christmas Day just 39 days after social services put him back in their care. And five-year-old Logan Mwangi was killed by his stepbrother just five days after courts allowed him move back in with the boy despite threatening to kill him. He said: 'It brings it all back when you hear these stories. It just seems to keep on happening. 'With the social services, if more would have been done this wouldnt have happened. 'Savannah Brockhill twisted it and made it out as if we were the bad ones - and they actually believed her. Were really angry about that.' Mr Fawcett revealed Star's death was one of five tragedies that hit the family that year - as he lost his mother, father and Star's great-grandmother's sister months after the murder. And on the 20th birthday of Star's mother the little girl's grandfather Andrew Smith died after taking a lethal dose methadone - a heroine substitute. Shortly before his death, the 50-year-old sent a letter to Smith while she was remanded in custody telling her he would look after her baby. David said: 'We were trying to come to terms with what had happened with Star and we had all this on top. It was a very traumatic year. 'The family got torn apart really. 'Obviously theres fallouts with members as well because people have different opinions on what they should have done, we should have done more to help. Youve got a bit of that as well, so its just been difficult. Its just blown the family apart.' But years after her death the toddler has not been forgotten - locals still visit her grave in Baildon and Mr Fawcett says he keeps his great-granddaughter's grave stocked with flowers. He added: 'I go down to her resting place three times a week - we get her flowers every Sunday and take them down to her. 'At the moment with all this rain theres a lot of mud - its like Glastonbury down there because a lot of people go down to see the grave so it does tend to get a bit boggy. 'I just do the best I can to look after her.' For nearly 30 months, soft White House border policies have lured millions of foreign nationals to the U.S. Mexico border and the banks of Rio Grande - where they've dumped their trash. Near sprawling migrant encampments, long stretches of the river have become stinking, garbage-clogged sewers filled with human excrement and choked by invasive plants. But, until last month, not a U.S. single government agency or environmental group said much more than a peep about it. Now, all the sudden, President Joe Biden's government is sounding the environmental alarm. On July 24th, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service sent out a cry to save the Mexican Fawnsfoot, a riverbed mussel that lives in the Rio Grande. They propose extending Endangered Species Act protections to the humble mollusk. Why now? For decades, environmentalists have begged the government to do something to save the Fawnsfoot. Well, the White House would have you believe that they care deeply about the health of the Rio Grande and the poor bivalves. I don't believe it for a second. This is a cynical 'shell' game. It just so happens that some of the remaining populations of the Mexican Fawnsfoot nestle into the mud near one of most trafficked illegal immigrant crossings on all of the Rio Grande. Near sprawling migrant encampments, long stretches of the river have become stinking, garbage-clogged sewers filled with human excrement and choked by invasive plants. (Above) Migrant camp in Matamoros, Mexico across from Eagle Camp, Texas in May 2023) Burning trash at a migrant camp in Matamoros, Mexico In one area of Brownsville, Texas across from Matamoros, I walked atop one rancid, spongy pad so thick that local National Guardsmen called the area 'the mattress.' It's here, across from Eagle Pass, Texas, that Governor Gregg Abbott has installed the first 1,000 feet of a floating marine barrier to block migrants from entering the U.S. from Mexico. Illegal-immigrant advocates, Mexico's government, and the Biden administration are in the midst of an all-or-nothing legal, propaganda, and political campaign to force Texas to remove the barrier and abandon state plans to extend it miles downstream. If all else fails, an Endangered Species declaration and a lawsuit would certainly threaten Abbott's border security measures. Too cynical, you say? Consider that for years, I've witnessed the ecological devastation wrought by relentless illegal immigration. I'll tell you what's really killing the mussels, its Biden's border policy, yet no environmentalist will ever say that out loud. Take a look at the vast, makeshift migrant shanty towns, like those in the Mexican border cities of Reynosa and Matamoros, Mexico. Here rotting garbage in scattered piles cascades by the ton straight into the Rio Grande. Water bottles, food wrappers, discarded bags and all manner of debris litters the riverbanks. Here rotting garbage in scattered piles cascades by the ton straight into the Rio Grande. Water bottles, food wrappers, discarded bags and all manner of debris litters the riverbanks. I'll tell you what's really killing the mussels, its Biden's border policy, yet no environmentalist will ever say that out loud. It's here, across from Eagle Pass, Texas, that Governor Gregg Abbott has installed the first 1,000 feet of a floating marine barrier to block migrants from entering the U.S. from Mexico. Consider that for years, I've witnessed the ecological devastation wrought by relentless illegal immigration. It's also here that thousands of immigrants empty their bowels straight into the water every day. That's why few dare drink from the river itself. The man-made fertilizer feeds invasive hyacinth plants that choke off water flow and rob native water species of oxygen and sunlight. The river has possibility not been this abused since the advent of industrialized farming. To be sure, mass immigration did not introduce the hyacinth to the Rio Grande, but I'd bet the river weed's spread near migrant camps is no coincidence. It's hard to believe that mussels or anything else - could survive under the solid mats created by this meddlesome species from Brazil. And speaking of smothering mats, on the American side of the border, tens of thousands of immigrants fresh from their river crossings strip off their soaking wet clothes and drop them on the ground creating suffocating blankets over the riparian habitat. The shirts, shorts, pants and baby diapers are mixed with abandoned medications, syringes, animal feces and other non-biodegradable junk. To be sure, mass immigration did not introduce the hyacinth (shown above, outside Matamoros) to the Rio Grande, but I'd bet the river weed's spread near migrant camps is no coincidence. The shirts, shorts, pants and baby diapers are mixed with abandoned medications, syringes, animal feces and other non-biodegradable junk. On July 24th, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service sent out a cry to save the Mexican Fawnsfoot (shown above), a riverbed mussel that lives in the Rio Grande. In one area of Brownsville, Texas across from Matamoros, I walked atop one rancid, spongy pad so thick that local National Guardsmen called the area 'the mattress.' And that's to say nothing of the countless immigrants, who trudge back and forth across shallow areas of the river, leaving deep underwater trails denuded of any living thing. If mussels are in the mud only their crushed shells would remain as evidence. So, where was Fish & Wildlife and groups, like the Sierra Club, when this started happening? They were nowhere to be found, because they've abandoned their mission and been coopted by a Democratic Party that's determined to prop open America's gates to all. This week, a senior Texas law enforcement officer told me no migrant has gone near the 1,000-foot buoy stretching across the river near Eagle Pass since it was installed. 'No one's going over it. No one's going under it,' the official said. 'I'd like to have another two miles of it.' If President Biden really wanted to stop the mussel killing and restore the Rio Grande, he'd order more river barriers. But he won't. Despite the handwringing over endangered species, these cynical open-border liberals are the Mexican Fawnsfoots' worst enemy. Morin was suspected of at least 40 murders between 1969 to 1981. He was executed March 1985 by lethal injection in Texas - Palm visited him a day earlier He was arrested at a bus stop - he'd hoped to escape from - after he freed Palm A San Antonio mother-of-two was kidnapped from a Kmart parking lot in 1981 by a man who raped and killed dozens, instead of becoming his next victim, she became his friend. Margaret Mayfield Palm was abducted by the 'chameleon' killer Stephen Morin when she was 30 after being held at gunpoint during a chance shopping excursion for Christmas presents. Morin was convicted of killing three women and accused of two other slayings but had been investigated for more than 40 murders across the country that occurred from 1969 to 1981. The criminal, dubbed the 'forgotten serial killer' by some, has been thrust in to the spotlight after a recent Vanity Fair article. In it, Palm recounts how she befriended the man who ended the lives of dozens. They remained close, even as he was led to the execution chamber. 'He was happy,' Palm said of Morin's last days on Earth. 'He said, 'I'm ready to die. I feel good. I'm gonna be with the Lord.' He was given the lethal injection March 1985 and according to a digitized New York Times article from the time and uttered the words 'Lord Jesus, I commit my soul to you' before dying 'very calmly.' A San Antonio mother-of-two who was kidnapped from a Kmart parking lot in 1981 has recounted how a man who killed and raped dozens of women became an unlikely friend In a personal testimony for the National Radio Series 'Focus on the Family' with psychologist Dr. James Dobson, Palm, now 72, revealed the harrowing details of her abduction. As she left her home on December 11, 1981, Palm explained how God had spoken to her and compelled her to go back into the house to take her book of scriptures. 'I put it in my car along with about four evangelistic magazines and about 10 evangelistic tapes that I had sitting in my car,' she said. Palm had been doing some volunteer work and decided on the way home to make a stop at Kmart - where she'd only been twice in nine years. 'It was not a stopping off point for me, really. It isn't even on the way to my house. But I went into the Kmart, was there about an hour, and came out to my car,' she said. 'As I was approaching the car, I felt a gun in my back. I turned around and this man looked at me and he was shaking, crying, he looked like a rabid dog. 'I don't know how else to explain it, but he looked satanic and the first thing I thought was, 'you're gonna die today.'' Palm said she hadn't seen the news and wasn't aware of the gruesome slayings that Morin had left littered across the country. Morin had been on the FBI's 10 Most Wanted list and had eluded the bureau for a decade with the use of fake identities and living the life of a drifter. 'He had raped and brutally murdered women all over the country and was known for his intense hate for women, I knew none of this,' she said. Police had been scouring neighborhoods that day telling women to 'get in their homes,' according to Palm. Morin had abducted and killed a girl earlier and was boasting to Palm how he once again evaded the police. Through tears he explained to Palm he'd been 'running all over town' and had been taking buses all over the city and had even visited a church but 'didn't know what to do.' Margaret Mayfield Palm was abducted by the 'chameleon' killer Stephen Morin when she was 30 after being held at gunpoint during a chance shopping excursion for Christmas presents He told Palm he'd been sitting in the Kmart for hours when he happened upon her. Palm revealed that she felt the 'spirit of God' growing 'mighty' in her. 'I said, 'what's your name?' And he said, 'it's Steven,'' she explained. Palm then proceeded to put her hands on Morin to pray for him despite his rebuttals. 'I take authority over every demonic force in this man. You know that I serve the Lord Jesus Christ and I declare right now, you have no dominion over this man,' she said her hands placed on Morin. 'Sin shall not have dominion over him. He has dominion over you, and I have dominion over you and he will be serving Jesus Christ before this day ends.' Palm said Morin looked over to her in disbelief and said: 'I can't believe this, I'm in the car with a religious freak.' At first, Morin thought Palm had been trying to con him but she produced the book of scriptures she'd taken with her from her home. Caught off guard, Morin said he felt a love for Palm, untethered from his previous lust for violence and brutal rape. 'While his hands were raised up, he said, 'Jesus, I'm sorry for everything I've ever done. Please forgive me. I wanna go to heaven.' I couldn't believe my eyes,' she said. In a personal testimony for the National Radio Series 'Focus on the Family' with psychologist Dr. James Dobson, Palm, now 72, revealed the harrowing details of her abduction Palm revealed Morin began to accept God and said he'd felt cleansed. As they continued to drive, Palm explained Morin was desperate to find his escape route to Fort Worth, Texas. 'If there's not a bus here that can take me to Fort Worth, you're gonna come with me. I said, there will be a bus, Steven, I'm sure God has prepared a bus for you to get on to go,' she recalled. As they reached the station, Palm said she asked an attendant about the buses leaving soon. She explained one was leaving for Fort Worth in 45 minutes so the pair went to McDonald's and shared a meal. 'By this time we were friends, and we sat in that parking lot eating our hamburgers,' she said. 'I told him that you cannot use these weapons anymore, you can't use your guns or knives anymore because you have been fighting a spiritual demonic force.' Morin released Palm in a bid stay on the righteous path, and she waited until she was home with her husband Bart to reveal his location. '[My husband] went over to the phone, called the FBI, and said, 'my wife knows where he is, he's in the bus station in Austin waiting for the bus to go to Fort Worth,'' she said. Palm claimed the FBI thought they were 'crazy' to think a man who eluded them for a decade would be sitting at the bus station reading her book of scriptures. So, she proceeded to call the Austin Police. She claimed they surrounded the bus station where he was reading her book of handwritten scriptures before being taken into custody. In the revealing tell-all with Vanity Fair, Palm detailed the years after his arrest leading up to his execution. Palm became a 'life-line' for Morin who sent letters and Christmas cards from Texas and Colorado jail cells - one which described her as 'one of the greatest moms on Earth.' When Morin was moved into the Texas penitentiary, Palm told the outlet the family's phone would ring with a collect call once or twice a week. Over the years, Palm (left) revealed with the help of her daughter, Noelle (pictured when she was young right), who is now a trained Psychotherapist, she could digest the full gravity of her experience with Morin Morin released Palm in a bid stay on the righteous path, and she waited until she was home with her husband Bart to reveal his location. He's seen with Noelle and Mills their children The pair would talk about Morin's life, but their conversations were 'largely spiritual.' While Palm believed that Morin could be forgiven spiritually, she told Vanity Fair he deserved life in prison. 'It's like a wild animal,' she said to the outlet. 'Try to tame a wild animal and they might be sweet for a while. Then they bite your head off. 'He lived so long in that dark place. I imagine that the thoughts he lived with for so many years would come back.' A day before his execution, Palm visited Morin at the Ellis 1 Unit on death row near Huntsville, Texas. 'He was happy,' Palm told Vanity Fair. 'He said, 'I'm ready to die. I feel good. I'm gonna be with the Lord.' Morin was born in Providence and spent his teens in Florida. He led a life of crime having spent some time in juvenile detention for car thefts in his early years. The outlet reports that Morin was briefly placed at the state-run Florida School for Boys in Marianna. The school had a notorious reputation for beatings, abuse and chaining boys to walls, leading to, in some cases, death, according to piece. Later in life, Morin was sent to Florida State Prison after stealing a vehicle from his father. That same year he'd stolen more than 20 cars. Margaret Mayfield Palm was abducted by the 'chameleon' killer Stephen Morin when she was 30 after being held at gunpoint during a chance shopping excursion for Christmas presents - he was called as such because he had a number of different aliases including 'Rich Clarke' Morin was convicted of killing three women and accused of two other slayings but had been investigated for more than 40 murders across the country Vanity Fair claimed Morin blamed his criminal persuasions on his mother sending him to the boys' school, witnessing her allegedly abuse his brother and her 'supposed sexual exploits with a friend his age' as well as being sent to prison as a teen. Drugs and violence quickly became common in Morin's life who had offenses including possession of drugs, hitting his girlfriend and killing his girlfriend's cat. The day of his execution, the New York Times reported that Morin was only convicted of the brutal murders of three and accused of two others. Technician's took 40 minutes to administer the lethal needle with unsuccessful attempts in both arms and one leg. As the lethal injection flowed into his veins, Morin took a deep breath and then uttered his final words, ''Lord Jesus, I commit my soul to you.'' The State Attorney General, Jim Mattox, said at the time that Morin 'died very calmly.' Morin admitted shooting Carrie Marie Scott, 21, outside a San Antonio restaurant on December 11, 1981, the same day he kidnapped Palm. The conviction was upheld by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. Morin never had a stay of execution and his case was never reviewed by a federal court. Morin also faced death sentences for killing Janna Bruce, 21, of Corpus Christi, and Sheila Whalen, 23, whose body was found near Denver. Those two murders and Scott's happened within a five-week period in 1981. He was also accused of killing two women whose bodies were found in a Utah desert after their abductions from Las Vegas. Over the years, Palm revealed with the help of her daughter, Noelle, who is a trained Psychotherapist, she could digest the full gravity of her experience with Morin. A day before his execution, Palm visited Morin at the Ellis 1 Unit on death row near Huntsville, Texas As the lethal injection flowed into his veins, Morin took a deep breath and then uttered his final words, ''Lord Jesus, I commit my soul to you.'' 'I've grown a lot in the past few years and learned about trauma and how to talk about these things,' Palm said. She explained she'd wished she had vocabulary and understanding to hold Morin accountable for his crimes and to speak to the laundry list of victims' families. 'I didn't have that language at age 30, but if he were still alive, that's what I wish I could do,' she said. Palm said after her abduction she led a fairly normal life, however some scars remained evident, she told the outlet. She now drives an 'attention-grabbing fire engine red' car, she only parks in lit spots near entrances and rarely goes to big stores unless with a companion. When asked what Noelle thinks about her mother's reconciliation of Morin she 'every survivor has to find a story that gives them peace.' 'It's going to be different for every survivor. For some survivors, it's like, 'He's going to rot in hell,' and that gives them peace,' she explained. 'For Mom, I think the story that helps her survive is that he was a changed man. 'Separating the person from the problem has been such a survival tool for her. 'It's what's helped her that day, and it's what helped keep her from having nightmares.' Usually this comes without a price reduction Australian shoppers are noticing that products bought at their local supermarket are shrinking while the price stays the same - and it's happening around the world. Neal Chauhan, 28, a 'shrinkflation' expert and founder of Toy Soldier Marketing, began compiling lists of the worst examples of product downsizing he has found. Shrinkflation is when brands start selling less for more by reducing the size of their products but keeping the price the same, and usually the changes are not obvious. Brands like Coke, Snickers, Oreos, Glad Wrap and Smiths chips are among the groceries that have shrunk in supermarkets across Australia. In some cases, shoppers only realise the product is smaller when they open the packaging to find one less biscuit or bar - as is the case with LCMs and Tim Tams. Neal Chauhan, 28, (pictured) is a 'shrinkflation' expert who has been analysing the trend of companies reducing the size of their products while maintaining their prices Mr Chauhan has compiled examples of products in Australia, and from around the world, that he considers the worst offenders of the trend 'It's a disgrace. And it's really interesting seeing how this is impacting people regionally as well, because it's affecting every corner of the globe. 'We're talking about this now, in 2023. Ten years from now, who knows what the products are going to look like?' In Australia, sizes are decreasing across the board for everything from household products to snacks. Glad Wrap's bulk option shrank by 25 per cent, with a 'value pack' going from 400m to 300m in length. Buying Coke in a glass bottle, which already costs more, also comes at a loss as the new bottle was found to hold 15 per cent less soft drink. Pringles used to sell 165g of chips, which has now been reduced to 134g, but the company made the chips themselves smaller instead of shrinking their packaging. Smiths chips followed suit and got smaller too, with their bags going from 200g to 170g in recent years. Mr Chauhan noticed most products don't reduce the size of their packaging, which he claims is a deceptive practice that tricks customers Even sweets haven't survived the shrinkage, with the filling in Oreos and Arnott's Monte Carlos seemingly halving since they were first introduced. A standard block of Cadbury chocolate, which used to be 250g before dropping to 200g a couple of years ago, faced another cut since and now weighs 180g. A spokesperson from Cadbury owner Mondelez told news.com.au their better ingredients, including fruits and nuts, made up for it with a 'chunkier' experience. But the worst offender is cereal, with big brands like Kellogg's and Weet-Bix being the most deceptive about what's inside the box. 'One of my favourite, or I guess maybe least favourite, examples is cereal. I've seen pictures of the overall amount decreasing but the front of the box staying exactly the same size,' Mr Chauhan said. A Weet-Bix value pack has gone from 1.5kg to 1.2kg, a 300g reduction for the iconic breakfast - which has since reduced again to 1.12kg. Consumer advocacy group Choice also recently slammed Kellogg's for slashing its value across numerous products last year. Crunchy Nut hiked its price by 57 per cent after losing 30g in 2022, meaning shoppers went from paying $0.90 per 100g of Crunchy Nut to $1.41 per 100g. Fruit Loops also downsized from 500g to 460g while retaining its $9 price tag. Boxes of LCMs have lost an entire leg, with shoppers opening up the boxes this year to see a whole bar has been cut from the package - with just five coming in a pack. 'It feels unfair to package your stuff in a pretty empty box,' Mr Chauhan continued. He said the average person walking down the supermarket aisle is just going to grab it and throw it into their cart, adding: 'They're not going to rattle it around, bring a scale or anything like that, because the average consumer doesn't know what 100 grams feels like.' Even sweets can't escape the shrinkage, with biscuits reducing their filling and cereal bars like LCMs chopping an entire bar out of the box The worst offender, however, is cereal, with the bags inside reducing in size while the boxes look large and generous Mr Chauhan previously spent time at Shopify, where he worked closely with brands and sales, but since leaving the company his focus has shifted towards consumer advocacy. With recessions and supply-chain issues plaguing businesses globally, the issue of shrinkflation is difficult to solve, but addressing it is the best way forward, he said. Ice cream giant Ben and Jerry's recently shrank the size of its pints, and instead of simply reducing the contents of their tubs, the company released a statement. 'Maintaining top quality ice cream and values sourced ingredients comes with increasing costs. And so, weve made the difficult decision to make our tubs slightly smaller,' their statement read. 'We wanted to be transparent with you, because we care about you, our fans and our communities while making the best ice cream in the world.' Maintaining transparency is the best way forward, Mr Chauhan believes. 'Companies have two choices: they can either give you less, or they can increase the prices. And unfortunately, quite a few products increase their prices while decreasing their size, which is kind of a lose-lose,' he said. 'I think if you are going to reduce the quantity, or the quality, transparency is the best way forward. It's the lesser of two evils in my opinion. 'People vote with their dollar and I think that goes a whole lot further than a lot of these brands might think.' After rape allegations, appeared to campaign against LNP Brittany Higgins was sad and feared everyone would hate her for the coalition losing the federal election after waging a campaign against Scott Morrison. Texts obtained by Daily Mail Australia show the former Liberal staffer was worried she would be singled out for blame after female voters savagely turned on the PM and the LNP was ousted in May 2022. 'I'm freaking out. It was never my intention to help destroy the Liberal Party. Does everyone hate me?' she asked. Ms Higgins became a household name and a figurehead for women's rights after alleging she was raped by Bruce Lehrmann in the office of former defence minister Linda Reynolds' after a night out in 2019. Mr Lehrmann has strongly denied the allegation. Brittany Higgins is pictured with her fiance, David Sharaz. She alleged Bruce Lehrmann raped her in 2019. He denies the allegations In a WhatsApp exchange between Ms Higgins and political journalist Samantha Maiden four days after the election, the former Young Liberal lamented the result was a 'lot sadder' than she thought it would be. Ms Higgins' angst over the election outcome came after she spent more than a year rubbing shoulders with Labor MPs and plotting against the government with her now-fiance David Sharaz, who sometimes referred to Mr Morrison as 'c**t' in their private exchanges. In one exchange with Mr Shiraz on March 26, 2021, Higgins said of Mr Morrison: 'He's about to be f***ed over. Just wait. We've got him.' Polling by the Australia Institute found just 30 per cent of women cast their first preference for the coalition at the last election amid claims female voters felt Mr Morrison didn't take violence against women or sexual harassment seriously. In the text exchange obtained by Daily Mail Australia, Ms Maiden attempted to placate Ms Higgins: 'I don't think any of them personalise it as being personal to you or you being somehow responsible for it.' Pictured: A mock-up of WhatsApp messages between Brittany Higgins and political journalist Samantha Maiden 'So I wouldn't freak out. I don't think anyone thinks you've destroyed the Liberal Party. I think Scott Morrison may have done that himself.' Ms Higgins replied: 'Okay. Thank you. The election night was a whole lot sadder than I ever thought it would be and the whole Twitter brigade over the next day or so really compounded it.' Ms Higgins allegations were first published by Ms Maiden on news.com.au on the morning of February 15, 2021. Later that evening, she made the same allegations in a TV interview with Lisa Wilkinson on The Project. A month later Ms Higgins' famously accused the Morrison government of failing to protect her during a speech to a crowd of 5,000 at a women's 'March 4 Justice' rally on the lawn outside Parliament House in Canberra. While Ms Higgins told Ms Maiden she felt upset when the Liberal Party lost government in 2022, she herself appeared to wage war against Mr Morrison in the lead-up to the election. Her allegations were intentionally aired on national television before senate estimates - to ensure she could get 'friendly' Labor MPs to fire questions at the coalition during Question Time. She was recorded wargaming the broadcast about two weeks beforehand, in a five-hour meet-and-greet with Mr Sharaz, Wilkinson, and Channel 10 producer Angus Llewellyn. During that conversation, Mr Llewellyn asked: 'Do you have friendly MPs you know that could fire questions in question time? Ms Higgins stood on the lawn of Parliament House and accused the coalition of treating her allegations like an inconvenience Samantha Maiden (pictured) first published Ms Higgins' allegations online, on February 15 2021 Ms Higgins met with former Liberal leader Scott Morrison (pictured). He lost the election in 2022 Ms Higgins replied: 'We could find some.' Mr Sharaz said: 'I have a friend in Labor, Katy Gallagher on the Labor side, who will probe and continue it going. 'So sitting week, the story comes out, they have to answer questions at Question Time, it's a mess for [the Liberal Party]. On the lawns of Parliament House a month later, Ms Higgins stood accused the coalition of treating her allegations like an inconvenience. 'I was [allegedly] raped inside Parliament House by a colleague and for so long it felt like the people around me only cared because of where it happened and what it might mean for them,' she told the cheering crowd. Brittany Higgins alleges Bruce Lehrmann (pictured left, with his lawyer) raped her in Parliament House. He denies the allegation 'I wasn't a person who had just gone through a lifechanging traumatic event, I was a political problem.' Less than two weeks after making that speech, she texted Mr Sharaz to say Mr Morrison was 'about to be f***ed over'. 'Just wait,' she wrote. 'We've got him.' Two weeks after that, Mr Sharaz also referred to Mr Morrison when he sent Ms Higgins a text to say: 'I still hate the c**t.' A month after that, Mr Sharaz sent Ms Higgins a text about senate estimates, during which he referred to Labor leader Anthony Albanese as 'Albo', and referred Mr Morrison only as 'c**t'. Ms Higgins and her fiance also organised multiple meet-ups with Labor and Greens' senators, including Sarah Hanson-Young, who visited the former staffer at her apartment in Brisbane, and then-opposition leader Mr Albanese. She also went for tea with former Labor leader Kevin Rudd in a '$10million penthouse'. Mr Lehrmann was tried in the ACT Supreme Court in October last year. Under cross-examination, Ms Higgins told the court she did intend to take the Liberal Party down: 'I loved my party, I loved the Liberal party.' 'It sounds absurd. I didn't necessarily want to hurt them. I wanted to reform this issue,' she told the court. A mistrial was declared after a juror brought banned research material into the court, before the ACT Director of Public Prosecutions dropped the sexual assault charge entirely citing concerns for Ms Higgins' mental health. A day after the DPP announced the collapse of the case, Ms Higgins was given a compensation payment by the Labor government - worth up to $3million. In 2013 Rakishev was embroiled in a DoJ investigation of alleged breaches of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act but was not charged Rakishev is allegedly owner of a company that makes mine-resistant armored vehicles which were seen driven by Chechen troops that invaded Ukraine Hunter Biden's Kazakh oligarch business partner Kenes Rakishev hired him as a consultant to invest millions in the US and sent Hunter $142k to buy a Porsche Hunter Biden's business partner helped supply military vehicles to Putin-backed forces that invaded Ukraine, a report by transparency activists claims. Kazakh oligarch Kenes Rakishev, who sent Hunter $142,300 to buy a Porsche in 2014, hired him as a consultant to invest millions in the US, and was even photographed at an intimate meeting with Joe Biden, according to emails, records and their friend Devon Archer's congressional testimony. Rakishev, 44, is allegedly co-owner of Kazakhstan Paramount Engineering (KPE), which makes Arlan mine-resistant armored platform (MRAP) vehicles, according to a new report by transparency group the Kazakhstani Initiative on Asset Recovery (KIAR), based on Rakishev's leaked emails. The tank-like armored trucks were spotted on the streets of Mariupol in April 2022, driven by Chechen troops that invaded Ukraine alongside Russian forces. Kenes Rakishev (left), a Kazakh businessman worth more than $950million who became friends and business partners with Hunter, is seen in a photo with Hunter, Joe Biden and the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Karim Massimov Rakishev is allegedly owner of a company that makes mine-resistant armored vehicles which were seen driven by Chechen troops that invaded Ukraine Hunter's former business partner Rakishev has entered the spotlight of the House Oversight Committee's investigation into the Biden family's shady business dealings, with his payments to Hunter and meetings with Joe detailed in a new memo released by the Committee Wednesday, supported by subpoenaed bank records. Rakishev hired Hunter as a consultant to invest millions in the US and sent him $142k to buy a Porsche KIAR's report says Rakishev has co-owned the company since 2015 with a South African defense contractor, Paramount Group. His alleged ownership has previously been obfuscated behind a complex corporate structure, but has now been revealed after his emails were leaked. The Kazakh businessman, reportedly worth over $300 million, has close ties to his country's military. His father-in-law Imangali Tasmagambetov was the former Defense Secretary, and was on the board of another firm that supplied military trucks to Russia, the report said. The armored Arlan truck manufacturer KPE has denied a close relationship with Russia's military, saying they gave one Arlan vehicle to Putin's National Guard in 2019 but that 'further cooperation with Russians did not continue.' They also claimed that 'Kenes Rakishev and Imangali Tasmagambetov have nothing to do with the enterprise.' But KIAR's report, based on corporate records and Rakishev's leaked emails, says he controlled two companies that own KPE: KazPetroMash and InterTechAudit. Emails in Cyrillic allegedly show Rakishev approving transactions by the two firms. In April 2012, Devon Archer sent Hunter an email with the subject line 'Kenes Rakishev meeting NYC' and spoke of his plans to meet with the oligarch to discuss business Hunter's business partner and former 'best friend in business' Devon Archer testified to the House Oversight Committee that Rakishev met with Joe and his son at Washington DC restaurant Cafe Milano in Spring 2014 Head of the Chechen Republic, Ramzan Kadyrov, who is under US sanctions for his involvement in Putin's Ukraine invasion, was quoted gushing about 'my dear brother Kenes Rakishev who has always been a patron of our important projects,' in a July 2016 article on Russian-language news site Grozny-Inform. On March 17, 2022, Kadyrov posted a video on Russian social media site VKontakte showing the storming of the Ukrainian city of Mariupol, which included a shot of an Arlan armored car allegedly sold by Rakishev's company. A November 2022 report by military news site Oryx claimed that Chechen forces 'include a small number of Arlan MRAPs (South African designed Marauder MRAPs) from Kazakhstan'. A photo obtained by KIAR shows Joe, Hunter, Rakishev and then-Kazakh Prime Minister Karim Massimov at an intimate meeting. Hunter's business partner and former 'best friend in business' Devon Archer testified to the House Oversight Committee that Rakishev met with Joe and his son at Washington DC restaurant Cafe Milano in Spring 2014. Head of the Chechen Republic, Ramzan Kadyrov is pictured to the right of Rakishev in an undated photo. Kadyrov is under US sanctions for his involvement in Putin's Ukraine invasion Rakishev and Kadyrov are pictured together. Kadyrov was quoted gushing about 'my dear brother Kenes Rakishev who has always been a patron of our important projects,' in a July 2016 article on Russian-language news site Grozny-Inform In April, Rakishev sent $142,300 to Rosemont Seneca Bohai, a company equally co-owned by Hunter and Archer, the former friend of the First Son said. Archer claimed Hunter was selling the Biden 'brand' to his foreign business partners, flexing his political influence by having Joe talk to Hunter's business partners on speakerphone during meetings. In a press release Wednesday along with the House Oversight Committee's memo on Rakishev's payments to the First Son, Republican committee chairman James Comer said Hunter was selling access to the president. 'During Joe Biden's vice presidency, Hunter Biden sold him as 'the brand' to reap millions from oligarchs in Kazakhstan, Russia, and Ukraine,' Comer said. 'It appears no real services were provided other than access to the Biden network, including Joe Biden himself. And Hunter Biden seems to have delivered. This is made clear by meals at Cafe Milano where then-Vice President Joe Biden dined with oligarchs from around the world who had sent money to his son. 'It's clear Joe Biden knew about his son's business dealings and allowed himself to be 'the brand' sold to enrich the Biden family while he was Vice President of the United States. The House Oversight Committee will continue to follow the money trail and obtain witness testimony to determine whether foreign actors targeted the Bidens, President Biden is compromised or corrupt, and our national security is threatened.' Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said Saturday that he 'hoped' actor Woody Harrelson was now supporting his 2024 White House bid and ruled out being former President Donald Trump's running mate during his appearance at the Iowa State Fair. Kennedy and fellow presidential hopeful Marianne Williamson were the two Democrats to attend the fair this year, scheduled back-to-back at the Des Moines Register's Political Soapbox Saturday afternoon. With President Joe Biden in the White House - and skipping the fair for Rehoboth Beach - much of the political attention at the fair was on the Republicans vying for their party's nomination. But Kennedy's speech, in particular, attracted throngs of supporters of Trump - who had spoken across the street earlier - with calls of 'Trump-Kennedy!' and 'Drain the swamp!' Kennedy, an environmental lawyer turned prominent anti-vaxxer, told reporters afterward that he 'would not' become Trump's running mate. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said Saturday that he 'hoped' actor Woody Harrelson was now supporting his 2024 White House bid and ruled out being former President Donald Trump's running mate during his appearance at the Iowa State Fair On Friday, Kennedy's wife Cheryl Hines (right) posted a picture with actor Woody Harrelson (left), with Harrelson sporting a 'Kennedy' hat, suggesting he supported the prominent anti-vaxxer's presidential campaign He was more optimistic, however, about gaining some more star power. Kennedy is married to actress Cheryl Hines, from Curb Your Enthusiasm fame. On Friday she posted a picture with Harrelson - and he was sporting a Kennedy hat. Asked by DailyMail.com Saturday if he had gained another famous supporter the candidate answered, 'I hope so.' 'My wife did a podcast with him. And she gave him a hat at the beginning of the podcast and she said, "Well, do you want to take it off now that we're doing it?" He said no, so,' Kennedy said. 'You know, he's very hard to get on a cell phone,' Kennedy also said of Harrelson. 'Because he doesn't use cell phones.' Both Kennedy and Williamson have the disadvantage of another Democrat already residing in the White House. Half of all Trump voters in Iowa think RFK Jr would make a good VP pick, according to a poll for DailyMail.com that surveyed 600 likely caucus-goers Democratic presidential candidate Marianne Williamson confirmed that the Democratic National Committee has told her there would be no primary debates against President Joe Biden, but said she's having success reaching some voters using TikTok Williamson confirmed Saturday that the Democratic National Committee has informed her campaign that there will be no Democratic primary debates, which is standard practice when there's an incumbent president running. She said that while she's being ignored by many mainstream media outlets she's been having success on TikTok, which is why her strongest numbers come from the country's youngest voters. 'They support me because they hear me,' she said. 'And they hear me because they're on TikTok.' 'So if you're young, I have access to you and it doesn't cost money,' she continued. 'If you're older than that you're likely getting your political information from MSNBC, CNN and so on,' she said, places she's been 'blackballed.' Biden was represented at the fair on opening day by Minnesota's Democratic Gov. Tim Walz, who appeared Thursday alongside Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart. Walz expressed that he wasn't disappointed that Biden wouldn't be attending this year's fair. 'I think the president is out everywhere. I know, Vice President Harris was here two weeks ago, I think you're gonna see a lot of surrogates,' he said. He gave a frank 'no' when asked if was concerned that Kennedy and Williamson would be representing the party at the fair. 'We've got some concerns about the fact that Robert Kennedy Jr. made some anti-Semitic comments,' Hart said, jumping in. Kennedy at one point invoked Anne Frank and implied Jews had more freedoms during the Holocaust than the unvaccinated during the pandemic. He more recently said COVID was 'ethnically targeted' so spare Jewish people and the Chinese. 'But, you know, again Iowa is very proud of the tradition of the state fair and is welcoming to all,' Hart said. Republican voters in Iowa would like to see vaccine skeptic Robert Kennedy Jr. put in charge of regulating American medicines or leading the nation's public health efforts, according to an exclusive new poll, even though he is running for president as a Democratic candidate. R.F.K. Jr. has become well-known for pushing debunked theories about vaccines and outlandish ideas about viruses. But a survey of 600 Republicans in Iowa who are likely to play a role in picking the 2024 G.O.P candidate found that his assault on the health establishment is gaining traction. They backed the idea of putting him in charge of the Centers for Disease Control or the Food and Drug Administration by a margin of almost three to one. Some 48 percent endorsed the proposal, which was floated last month by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in his run for president. Only 17 percent said they were opposed. J.L. Partners surveyed 600 likely Republican caucus-goers in Iowa from August 1 to August 7. The results carry a margin of error of +/- four percent Robert J. Kennedy Jr. is polling at about 15 percent in the Democratic primary race. But his attack on the health establishment has won him admirers on the right of the Republican Party It illustrates how R.F.K. Jr's long shot campaign has attracted Republicans who want their candidate to stand up to a scientific consensus they believe failed them during the pandemic. His name also comes up in discussions about picking a vice president. Some 40 percent of respondents said he could make a good running mate for the eventual Republican nominee, including half of people who said they were backing former President Donald Trump. But opinion is more divided than putting him at the head of a health agency. Some 29 percent said they were opposed to putting him on Republican 2024 ticket. James Johnson, co-founder of J.L. Partners which conducted the poll for DailyMail.com, said: 'R.F.K. may not appeal to Democrats, but he is certainly pushing the right Republican buttons. 'Though he is controversial as a G.O.P. V.P. pick, he is seen as an attractive appointment to the F.D.A. or C.D.C. 'This is not the sort of thing that would make a major impact on voters in either direction, but it does show that DeSantis' comments were less out of touch with his electorate than some Republican talking heads may have suggested.' His promotion of theories that circulate the darkest fringes of the internet alarms health professionals and centrist candidates. But DeSantis appeared to offer him a job during an interview with OutKicks Clay Travis, who asked him about Kennedy as a possible running mate. Republican voters are more divided on whether R.F.K. Jr would make a good VP pick Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, seen here Friday in Atlantic, Iowa, floated that idea that Kennedy could take on a health role under his administration during an interview last month Focus moves to Iowa this week as candidates flock to its state fair. Former Vice President Mike Pence is seen here posing for selfies with his wife Karen He rejected that idea, pointing out that Kennedy was out of step with many Republicans on issues such as climate change. 'If you're president, you know, sic him on the F.D.A. if he'd be willing to serve, or sic him on C.D.C.' he said. The idea was quickly condemned by other Republicans in the race. Former Vice President Mike Pence who said 'pro-abortion Democrats' would not be allowed such roles if he won the election. DeSantis later changed tack, saying that he meant Kennedy might be suitable for a bipartisan task force that would monitor agencies. 'It wouldnt be ... he would be the head of C.D.C.,' he said. 'That would be a doctor or a PhD.' The Kennedy campaign did not respond to questions about whether he be interested in these roles. In the Democratic primary he is consistently polling about 15 percent, according to to a rolling average maintained by politics website FiveThirtyEight. Republicans have lapped up his attacks on Anthony Fauci, the former head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and one of the faces of the Trump administration's pandemic response. Former Donald Trump is still the clear frontrunner in our poll of Republicans in Iowa He has said he would prosecute Fauci if 'crimes were committed.' But any formal role in government would be deeply controversial. His anti-vaccine stance dates back to at least 2005 and he continues to peddle unverified and debunked theories. Last month he claimed in a podcast interview that, 'there's no vaccine that is safe and effective' and he clings to a false scientific report that childhood mumps, measles and rubella vaccines can cause autism. During a fundraiser at a New York restaurant he reportedly said C.O.V.I.D.-19 was a bioweapon that may have been 'ethnically targeted' to spare Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese people. He later said the reporting was mistaken and that he did not believe the virus was deliberately made to target certain ethnic group. 'I have never, ever suggested that the C.O.V.I.D.-19 virus was targeted to spare Jews,' Kennedy wrote on Twitter. Instead, he said he had meant to demonstrate the virus offered proof of concept for ethnically-targeted bioweapons. 'There was no warning. No sirens. No cell phone alerts. Nothing,' he said. 'There were no firefighters because they were battling fires in other areas' Todd Hudson told DailyMail.com the region, which only has a total of 100 firefighters, was woefully ill-equipped for a disaster of this magnitude Maui residents have described returning to the now decimated historic town of Lahaina for the first time since it was engulfed in flames Residents of fire-stricken Maui have described returning home for the first time since the city of Lahaina was engulfed in flames this week and revealed the true scale of the disaster is far more devastating than imagined. Longtime resident Todd Hudson was one of the first to witness the aftermath of the deadly wildfire Friday after delivering much needed supplies to the historic town that was also home to his daughter, her husband, and their two-year-old child. 'It's worse than you could ever imagine. It looks like a war zone. Everything is gone,' he told DailyMail.com in an exclusive interview. Hudson spoke of the heartbreaking scenes as locals began returning home on Friday for the first time since wildfires that have killed at least 55 people reduced large swaths of the historic town to a hellscape of burnt debris. Longtime resident Todd Hudson shared video footage of the destruction after returning to Lahaina for the first time since it was engulfed in flames Gabrielle Longhi's family property in Lahaina was known as the Blue Sky Villa which included a custom built meditation tower that miraculously withstood the fire The resident shared heartbreaking photos showing the only structure that remains of the luxury property after it was reduced to rubble His daughter Alyssa Sullivan narrowly escaped death after fleeing in her car with her husband, Kevin Sullivan, and their two-year-old son Rome, as flames engulfed their home just minutes after driving away. Unfortunately, their sweet cat named Willow remains missing. The blaze is the deadliest US wildfire since 2018 and also highlighted just how ill-equipped the region was for a disaster of this magnitude. Resident Gabrielle Longhi spoke out after losing her family home turned luxury rental that burned to the ground 'There was no warning. No sirens. No cell phone alerts. Nothing,' said Hudson who took extensive video of the aftermath while driving through the once thriving tourist town. 'People were left to fend for themselves. There was nowhere to go.' 'There was nothing put in place to prevent what happened,' he added, while revealing that the island of Maui only has one hundred firefighters. 'There were no firefighters when it happened because they were battling fires in other areas of the island like upcountry.' Lahaina is home to many elderly people and sadly Hudson revealed the residents of the Senior Citizen Home may have been inside when the facility burned down. 'There were dozens and dozens of people who had no other choice but to jump into the water where they remained for up to eight hours waiting for help. Many more perished than survived,' he said. 'We already have a huge shortage of housing on the island,' said Hudson who hopes the devastation will shake up the infrastructure and its tedious housing policies. Gabrielle Longhi is both heartbroken and angry. She said city officials lagged in their response to the town's worst disaster in history. 'It was like Hurricane Katrina with dozens of bodies in the water.' Gabrielle's father Bob Longhi opened his famous restaurant Longhi on Lahaina's Front Street in 1976, but the business sadly did not survive the fires Todd Hudson with his wife Kathy Janosi Hudson. Hudson was among the first to deliver much needed supplies to the historic town of Lahaina where is daughter lived with her family in their fourth generation home A view of the charred remains after wildfires engulfed the historic town of Lahaina, Maui on August 9 Hudson, dozens of people had no other choice but to jump into the water where they remained for up to eight hours waiting for help 'I don't feel like the true devastation is being told. Nothing is there. It's just like dust. The banks are gone.' Gabrielle's father Bob Longhi opened his famous restaurant Longli on Lahaina's Front Street in 1976 and quickly became a well known eatery on the island. The popular spot burned down, along with their family home turned luxury rental on the beachfront. 'My dad had the first open house in Maui where all the doors were open and a 65-foot lap pool on the ocean. The ceiling in his bedroom could roll back so you could look at the stars at night.' 'I am getting calls from so many former guests.' 'The meditation tower is miraculously still standing,' said Longhi whose home in upcountry Kula remains under threat from another fire started earlier in the week. 'I know every inch of that house. I never realized that the last time I was there would be the very last time.' 'I am really mad that the whole town burned. People said there was nobody there to help. Lahaina is the heart of Maui.' 'With all the tourism this island brings in, you have to wonder where all the money is going. The natural disaster is on pace to become the deadliest wildfire in recent US history 'The land is extremely dry and fires happen, there should have been some plan of action. Something put in place. 'There are so many taxes, yet Maui has always been short changed with services, fire, police, medical. 'People have been complaining about this for years. There are no hospitals. You have to drive all the way to the other side. Now the hospital is full. I am so glad my dad didn't see all this. 'The governor finally called the National Guard. Maui needed help long before it came. 'There are neighborhoods near Lahaina that did not burn down, but the people living there can't leave because if they do they can't go back. 'They have no power. No cell reception. They are running out of food and water.' Meanwhile multiple GoFundMe pages have been created, including the Sullivan family who are pictured holding their young son. A British woman who was accused of throwing her boyfriend 100ft to his death from a hotel balcony in Turkey has returned home after a court ruled she was innocent. Kayley Myers, from Newcastle, spent months behind bars in the Mediterranean country after her partner, Reece Pegram, was found dead at their resort last year. Prosecutors alleged that the 32-year-old had thrown her 5ft 5in boyfriend off the balcony sparking a 16-month nightmare where she faced the prospect of being locked up for life. But after a judge ruled there was 'no definite and convincing evidence' to convict her she has finally been allowed back to the UK bringing an end to one chapter of her 'living nightmare', she told the Sun. However, now she's back in Britain in a secret address as she faces a new battle - trying to convince people of her innocence and that she didn't kill her boyfriend. Kayley Myers, pictured, spent months in a Turkish prison accused of murder her boyfriend at a resort The body of Reece Pegram, pictured, was found less than a day after the couple arrived in Turkey The former sales rep had initially flown out with father-of-one Reece to the Turkish resort of Side in Antalya on March 11, last year, to celebrate their first anniversary together. The couple checked into the five-star Hotel Side Star Elegance with plans to celebrate Reece's 23rd birthday few days later. Kayley says that they spent the first day drinking, with Reece being brought back to their hotel room by members of staff at 8pm. This was followed by an argument about him allegedly cheating, during which a glass was smashed, with Kayley cutting her hand open trying to pick up the pieces. She says when she went to clean up in the bathroom she heard a thump, which she thought was her boyfriend slamming the door while leaving to get more drinks. The former hairdresser then sent him messages 'telling him I was finished with him' before growing concerned when he didn't answer them or return to the room. Kayley says she then went to sleep only to be woken up by Turkish police in the middle of the night who told her to get dressed and took her to a local police station. After spending 12 hours waiting to be told what was happening, a translator arrived and delivered the news that would change her world - Reece was dead and she was being accused of murder. She told the Sun: 'I thought of the last words I said to him, that I hated him and didn't want to be with him. I said I was finished with him. 'I wish my last words to him had been ones of love, not anger. 'In the very next sentence the translator said, 'You have killed him'.' Kayley was accused of throwing Reece, pictured, from their hotel balcony by Turkish prosecutors The incident took place at the five-star Hotel Side Star Elegance on March 12, 2022 Kayley was allowed to leave Turkey, pictured, for the first time last month after the case was thrown out by a judge She spent the next six months in a Turkish jail while waiting for her court case to move forward and vociferously protesting her innocence, while prosecutors called for her to spend 25 years behind bars. Kayley was temporarily released in October as experts finished Reece's post-mortem report, but was forbidden from leaving the country. When published, the report claimed he had alcohol and cocaine in his system at the time of his death, and concluded that he had fallen feet-first from the balcony. During the case her lawyer reportedly argued the use of these substances, along with antidepressants, can make people suicidal. They also said: 'It is not possible for my client to lift the deceased person, who is so much heavier than herself, and throw him over the balcony railing.' Despite this, it wasn't until last month, on July 17, that the case against her was formally dropped, with a judge saying: 'There is no definite and convincing evidence that is sufficient to punish her for the crime, free from any doubt. 'The accused is acquitted of the wrongful offence.' Kayley, who broke down in tears when she was told she could fly home, says she has returned to find she has 'lost everything - my job, my home, my friends and my family'. She said that she doesn't want to add to the pain Reece's family is suffering but 'I need peope to know I didn't do it'. 'I've been described as a violent and vicious person and I'm neither of those things. 'All I'm guilty of is having an argument with my boyfriend on holiday. 'I'd swap places with him in a heartbeat if I could. He had so much to live for. 'I miss him every day. He was my best friend.' Former President Donald Trump's Save America PAC - which has paid out nearly $40million since 2021 to attorneys fighting his multiple indictments - is running a major deficit as Trump's legal woes continue. His laundry list of legal problems - including 40 federal charges in Florida, the Stormy Daniels hush-money case in Manhattan and a looming indictment in Georgia - means he will likely be on trial during the next White House campaign. In the first half of 2023, the political action committee has received $67 million in donations but spent over $90 million, with $27 million of that going to Trump's legal bills, an average of 30 cents out of every dollar they've collected. That stands at a deficit of $23 million, with the ex-president potentially forced to reach into his own pockets after he was indicted again just weeks ago. In a statement to the New York Times, spokesperson Steven Chung said the president was not worried. Former President Donald Trump's Save America PAC - which has paid out nearly $40million since 2021 to attorneys fighting his multiple indictments - is running a major deficit as Trump's legal woes continue 'President Trump continues to be the campaign fund-raising leader due to the support from voters who recognize this as an illegal witch-hunt,' said Chung. 'As President Trump has said, he will spend whatever it takes to defeat the Deep State and Crooked Joe Biden.' Save America has run through millions of dollars that were largely collected after Trump lost the 2020 election to Biden. There are signs that the indictments against Trump have actually helped line his campaign coffers. Around 40 percent of his donations during the first six months of the year came within a week of his first two indictments, peaking at about $4 million the day he was first arraigned in Florida. At the start of July, Trump had $22.5 million in cash on hand for his campaign committee. That's more than he began the year with and more than any of the other 2024 presidential candidates. Cheung added that Special Counsel Jack Smith is bullying Trump, saying he's using 'unlimited resources' of the federal government 'to force the Trump campaign to spend, spend, spend to defend innocent Americans who have been targeted.' The lawyers for the former president have lined their pockets from small donations to Trump's Save America political action committee to the tune of almost $40million since 2021. No one has profited more from defending Trump in court than Christopher Kise, who has pocketed $5.8million. The extensive legal team helping former President Donald Trump battle multiple indictments has collected tens of millions of dollars aided by donors to Trump's 2024 presidential campaign Kise, the former solicitor general of Florida, got an upfront salary of $3million to join Trump's team in his case in the Sunshine State, over claims he improperly stored classified documents. That is widely-regarded as the most serious indictment that the 45th president faces. Kise is now preparing for the civil suit in the New York case. His law firm also received about $2.8 million and lawyers at a firm Kise is now partner got another $2.9million. Alina Habba is handling the case in Manhattan as well as Trump's defense against rape accuser E. Jean Carroll. The New Jersey-based attorney has been paid $3.5million but a Florida judge fined her and Trump $1million for filing a 'frivolous' lawsuit in the state in January, according to the Wall Street Journal. Evan Corcoran, a former prosecutor, has made $3.4million defending Trump in the Mar-a-Lago case and his indictments over the January 6 riots. Harmeet Dhillon, a Twitter firebrand who often appears on Fox News, successfully defended Trump in a defamation case against Daniels and has been paid $1.1million. No one has profited more from defending Trump in court than Christopher Kise, who has pocketed $5.8million Alina Habba is is handling the case in Manhattan as well as Trump's defense against rape accuser E. Jean Carroll and has made $3.5million A total of a dozen lawyers have made at least six figures paid out by Save America PAC. Campaign finance releases show that about 90 percent of the organization's day-to-day expenses are legal bills. Approximately 40 percent of donors to the PAC gave under $200, causing complaints from campaign finance watchdogs. Trump is still the odds-on favorite to be the Republican nominee for president and could be convicted and sentenced before Americans go to the polls in November 2024. He could still serve as president even if jailed. The only criteria a person must meet to run for office is to be an American-born citizen over the age of 35. Nearly half of GOP voters said they would not vote for Trump if he were convicted of a felony, and 52 percent wouldn't vote for him if he were in prison on Election Day, a Reuters/Ipsos released on Thursday found. But there are some areas where the experts agree: that Trump can legally run for president should be convicted and sent to prison and that he could even have internet access to make his case via Truth Social or other social media platforms. Evan Corcoran, a former prosecutor, has made $3.4million defending Trump in the Mar-a-Lago case and his indictments over the January 6 riots Harmeet Dhillon, a Twitter firebrand who often appears on Fox News, successfully defended Trump in a defamation case against Daniels and has been paid $1.1million However, he is likely unable to vote for himself should he be the nominee. Trump on Thursday was indicted on four counts - including conspiracy to defraud the U.S. government and obstruct the electoral count - in relation to his attempts to overturn the 2020 election. The 45-page indictment says he was 'determined to remain in power' despite 'having lost' the presidency to Biden. Experts expect the trial to proceed quickly, given that much of the evidence was discovered by the House special committee investigating the January 6th insurrection and, unlike special counsel Jack Smith's other case, it doesn't involve classified information. The trial could be concluded by early next year. Parents on TikTok used the mom's post to share their own scary situations of children taking trips into their own hands Marissa Phiffer says her three-year-old son took a field trip to McDonald's during nap time because he was hungry and wanted some food A Wisconsin toddler snuck out of his crib during nap time and took an impromptu trip to his local McDonald's a quarter of a mile away because he was hungry. In a viral TikTok video, mom Marissa Phiffer said her son Aiden decided to get up and leave their house while she was taking a nap next to Aiden and his twin sister's cribs. When she woke up, she discovered Aiden - and his shoes - gone from the home and she called 911 to report her child missing. 'He was not in the house. He was not in the basement. He was not in the front yard or the backyard,' Phiffer, 23, said in her TikTok which has more than 500,000 likes. When police arrived, they told her that a child had been found at the McDonald's nearby and was being held there until a family member picked him up. Talking with TODAY.com, Aiden gave a simple answer to his motive behind the journey across the street to the fast-food restaurant: 'I was hungry.' In a viral TikTok video, mom Marissa Phiffer said her son Aiden decided to get up and leave their house while she was taking a nap next to Aiden and his twin sister's cribs Phiffer shared a grab of one of the police officers who helped reunite her with her son Phiffer told the outlet it's a situation she will never forget. 'I was sleeping on the floor right next to their cribs,' Phiffer said, describing how she was not worried about Aiden leaving. After waking up and making the startling discovery that one of her twins was gone, she called 911 and looked around the house and the yard searching for him. 'I really started to get nervous when he wasn't in our neighbor's yard. I thought that's where I'd find him. They have a bunch of rocks and he likes to line them up and play with them,' Phiffer said. The mother said cops arrived within 'two seconds' and showed her a picture of a toddler inside a McDonald's nearby. It was Aiden. According to Phiffer, a Good Samaritan called police and told them a child was wandering around by himself between the McDonald's and the home. The mom and Aiden's twin sister quickly drove over to the McDonald's and found the young boy inside waiting. 'We run in, and he goes, "Hi, Mom!"' Phiffer told TODAY, saying she was too relived to be angry at her son. The McDonald's Aiden walked to is .2 miles away from his home and is visible from their house Phiffer said she booked it out of the restaurant after talking with police. In the viral video, Phiffer showed pictures and videos of her interaction with officers who helped to reunite her with her son. 'I almost bought him a Happy Meal, but I was embarrassed,' she said. 'I just wanted to get out of there.' According to the mother, her son is a regular McDonald's addict. She says he will often wake up from a nap in the car when she is going through the drive-thru. 'Fries, nuggets and apple slices he'd eat that every day,' she said. The mom said she has since put child proof locks and latches on her door. The video has been viewed more than 2.8 million times and has received nearly 7,000 comments. According to the mother, her son is a regular McDonald's addict. She says he will often wake up from a nap in the car when she is going through the drive-thru Aiden (pictured right) said he 'was hungry' and wanted to go get some McDonald's when asked why he made the trek to the nearby McDonald's by himself Despite the scary situation, other parents have used the mom's TikTok to share their own similar incidents involving kids going rogue. 'My son did this he didnt walk to Mac Donalds but went across the street, me and my husband was sleeping the cop walked in our house,' one said. 'Happened to me with my oldest. Now I just don't sleep lol,' another wrote. 'My son found a penny and walk to the store when he was 2 yrs old scared the hell out of me too lol,' shared another parent. 'Easter. Age 3 or 4. Went through backyards, down a hill, across major street, and WENT INTO A BAR! They had a giant Sprite sign and I was thirsty,' one woman said. The scarlet lipstick was the first thing that stood out. It continues to baffle Teresa Steele today. I was transfixed by it because it seemed newly applied, she explains. You know when you have bright red lipstick with a very clearly defined edge? It doesnt last. It has to be reapplied. This lipstick looked as if it had just been done. With the rest of the heavy make-up and there was a lot of eye make-up, too and the blonde wig, my first thought was that this was a patient who had got lost. It was about 6.30pm, so I remember thinking specifically that it was a patient leaving, on their way to a night out. This was not a patient. The person who had knocked on the door and simultaneously entered the hospital treatment room where Teresa had been undergoing pre-operation assessments, including intimate swabs, was a nurse but not a nurse who had anything to do with Teresas care. Former solicitor Teresa Steele (pictured) this week claimed she almost died when a private hospital cancelled an essential operation because she had demanded same-sex care The whole situation was just peculiar, most unnatural. The nurse who was already in the room with me indicated that the room was occupied. There was a brief exchange. I dont know what exactly was said, but instead of just backing out or saying Oh, sorry, as youd expect, the person lingered and made eye contact, which again I found odd and disconcerting. As soon as he had started to speak, though, it had confirmed my first thoughts that it was a man. Actually, the nurse was a trans woman, but already at this early point in our interview an interview about how potentially dangerous it can be when trans rights clash with womens rights in a hospital setting we get into trouble with language. I wont say she, insists Teresa, when we get into the inevitable tangle about pronouns. I wont buy into this language. Obviously if I were speaking to this person directly, I would observe courtesy by using their chosen name. But in certain contexts, I reserve the right to call him a man, because he is a man. I believe and I know it is now seen as controversial, but it is biological fact that even if a man has surgery (and the majority do not; they keep their penises) it does not make them a woman. One of the reasons this issue has become so contentious is that people are totally confused by the language of gender ideology and are afraid to just state facts they already know. We shall return to Teresas views on this, but to go back to less controversial ground for a moment, the indisputable facts of this complex, but important, story are as follows. Former solicitor Teresa this week claimed she almost died when the private hospital involved in her care, The Princess Grace Hospital in London, cancelled an essential operation because, after the incident with the nurse entering her room, she had demanded same-sex care a right enshrined by law. I am interested in the law in this area, she stresses. The hospital originally accused Teresa of discrimination against the nurse although it has since apologised for this, admitting that what happened was a breach of her privacy. Yet as a punishment for her gender-critical views or, as Teresa puts it, my disbelief in gender ideology she faced the ultimate cancellation when her operation was scrapped last October. Which is a huge deal in a hospital, she points out. Two leading surgeons, and their teams, were stood down. It was done at such a late stage that another team of robotic experts, in a different location turned up, only to be turned away. A high-dependency ward space, robotic suite and open-surgery suite were left lying empty. I dread to think of the costs involved. The non-financial costs could have been incalculable, too. The Princess Grace Hospital in London (pictured) originally accused Teresa of discrimination against the nurse although it has since apologised for this, admitting that what happened was a breach of her privacy By the time she was finally operated on, only after mass demonstrations by supporters appalled by her situation, Teresas condition had deteriorated and she had developed an abscess, which caused complications. I was at deaths door. My weight had plummeted and I was in intense pain. I had been rushed to A&E but it was only once surgery was done three weeks later that they discovered the complications. It was high drama, with another, fourth, surgeon having to get involved remotely by camera link. The problems also extended her recovery period by months. She still has lasting effects today. I believe this happened simply because I hold views that are based on biological fact. I was the one who was discriminated against. You could forgive Teresa for wishing shed never gone public with her story. She has since discovered just how toxic the gender-identity issue is. On a radio phone-in she was called a bigot. On Twitter, the broadcaster Narinder Kaur said What an entitled brat. Teresa is now reporting Kaur to the police for online harassment. Others revelled in her ill health, saying that they wished she had died on the operating table. She is shaken when we speak, but still determined to tell her full story, even though there are family members who fear for her safety. I hope I wont be physically attacked, she says. But it underlines why we should have been having this debate five years ago. What is happening in our hospitals is scandalous, and it has been implemented by stealth. Teresas insistence that she is in the right has been strengthened, she says, by the stories of other women who have come to her in the belief that they, too, have been victims of a disturbing agenda driven, she feels, by trans activism. This story isnt about me, but about access to healthcare being compromised because the rights of employees with special identities are being put above the rights of women patients often vulnerable women, who are perhaps disabled, whose culture means they require same-sex care. They are fully entitled to ask for this. I am in contact with a woman who has been threatened with the removal of her disabled daughters care package if she doesnt accept that a man does her intimate care. That is wrong. Teresa has the option of legal action, but has said she would waive proceedings if the hospital puts in place protection for other patients and brings its policy in line with the Equality Act. She is also calling on HCA, one of the UKs largest private healthcare firms (which owns The Princess Grace and also provides services to the NHS), to ensure vulnerable patients are given protection regarding their sex-based rights. I stress sex-based rights, but in policy documents I have read, you will find the word sex changed to gender. A completely different thing. There are something like 109 recognised gender identities, including furry animal identity. I dont think most people have the faintest idea what is going on in some hospitals where diversity apparatchiks have quietly rewritten policy, which is outside the Equality Act. My experience is that senior medical staff frequently have no idea this has been done. By the time she was finally operated on, Teresas condition had deteriorated and she had developed an abscess, which caused complications (Stock image used) For the past ten months Teresa has been working with HCA in an attempt to advise on a review of its policies, but she has now gone public after it refused to commit to a time frame. Who is Teresa Steele? Her critics will deem her a terf (a trans-exclusionary radical feminist) who has an agenda. Her background is certainly a factor in this story, but not necessarily for the reasons her opponents think. Before retraining as a solicitor, she worked as a biochemist. My background is science, she explains. I have two degrees, in immunology and forensic science. I think like a scientist. I am a rationalist. Her opinions on gender identity are informed ones, she says. Not one academic paper, and I have read many, has convinced me that anyone can be born in the wrong body. Ive yet to see a shred of evidence that gender ideology is anything more than a belief system. Its a quasi-religion. When she retired, after a stint as a solicitor, Teresa became involved in the womens rights movement. Her particular area of expertise? Hospitals and single-sex spaces. She spearheaded a high-profile investigation, later taken up by the Womens Rights Network, into violence against women in hospitals. It supported the work of Baroness Nicholson, who campaigned against the controversial NHS Annex B policy, which means that a biological male could be accommodated with female patients on female wards (and vice versa) if requested by a patient who self-identifies as a gender not aligned to their biological sex. This was not specifically about the trans issue, but obviously there was overlap because the question about how to protect women from male violence, while upholding the rights of men who identify as women, is a difficult one. She no longer works, admitting her health problems have been a factor. As a retiree, I do not have a job that I can be sacked from for expressing views that are deemed controversial. I am in the unusual position of being able to speak out. Very few women are able to do that, in this climate, without risking their livelihoods. It was last summer when the political became personal. Long-term medical investigations revealed that Teresa needed major abdominal surgery. When it came to filling in a standard assessment questionnaire, Teresa put her cards on the table. She said she would not use gender-neutral toilets. I also said that I would not agree to use pronouns or otherwise engage with such manifestations of gender ideology. She now believes that by outing herself as gender-critical or a non-believer in gender ideology as she puts it she made herself a target. She also suspects that the arrival of the trans nurse in her examination room was deliberate (the hospital insists it was an inadvertent mistake, and that the nurse in question would have had no sight of her admission questionnaire). Obviously I have no proof, Teresa says. But it was a strange coincidence. One made all the more striking by the scarlet lipstick. Was what the nurse was wearing on her lips or otherwise even relevant in this case? Its a separate issue, but related. I was shocked by the hyper-sexual nature of it and, since the incident, I have asked if a female nurse would have been allowed to wear so much make-up. I dont feel it was appropriate, and that different standards were applied to a man than they would have been to a woman. Again, if you dare to raise things like this, you are called transphobic. My issue is about single-sex spaces for women. I would accept a third space rather than having men invading womens spaces and making them mixed sex. The problems caused by the operation being delayed also extended Teresa's recovery period by months (Stock image used) Some have felt Teresa over-reacted, and that everything that has happened since then is the result of making a mountain out of a molehill. Immediately afterwards, though, she expressed shock at the intrusion and shared her feelings of discomfort with the (biologically female) nurse in the room. When further forms had to be filled in, she wrote in Biro that she was now requesting same-sex care for the intimate care that would be required after her surgery. There was a green marker pen on the table and I lifted it to underline my words, she recalls. I said to the nurse, I bet I am not the first person to have done this. She was clearly embarrassed and very nervous. There is no suggestion that this nurse agreed with Teresa, but the former solicitor insists that contact with other healthcare employees since has confirmed her view that this is a wider issue. Women do not like it, she says. It? Feeling that if they ask for women nurses they have to accept men identifying as women. When she got home, Teresa emailed a patient dignity breach complaint about the trans nurse entering the room without permission, reiterating her request for same-sex care. She also asked for an assurance that, after her operation, all male staff except for her consultants surgical team would only enter the room with her prior agreement. Given that there clearly had been a privacy breach, you might imagine the hospital would have been keen to smooth over the incident. Yet, two days later, Teresa was astounded to open an email from Maxine Estop Green, the hospitals CEO, saying: We do not share your beliefs and are not able to adhere to your requests. She informed Teresa that the operation was being cancelled, and told her to make alternative arrangements. Emails between staff that have emerged since and have been seen by this newspaper discussed that they perceive the patients request and rationale as a discrimination on gender and sex against hospital employees. I was utterly shocked, says Teresa. I didnt actually find out until the Saturday two days before my operation. I had been given a prescription for medication which I was having trouble getting hold of and had spent the Friday ringing the hospital, asking for help, but it was only the next day when a receptionist told me: Actually your operation isnt going ahead. The CEO has sent you an email. Only then did I look at my emails. That was unforgivable, to tell me like that, with no discussion. I was frantic, but nobody at the hospital would take my call. She is horrified by social media speculation that she risked her own life by putting her principles before her health. I would never have done that. I wanted, needed, this operation. It was not my choice to cancel it, and it never occurred to me that they would. What sort of message does it send if you dare to hold the belief that people cannot change sex, an Equality Act-protected belief, you have no right to healthcare? This case is significant because rarely do these simmering issues boil over so publicly. It could well be that this is a one-off a very unusual set of circumstances and clashing personalities. Teresa isnt convinced. This isnt just happening to me. It is happening to women who are much more vulnerable than I am. The only difference is that they are too scared to speak out. I am not. A Spokeswoman for The Princess Grace Hospital said: 'The privacy and dignity of our patients is incredibly important; outside of an emergency situation, a nurse should not enter a patient's room without knocking and we have apologised unreservedly to Ms. Steele for this. 'We remain committed to always accommodating patient requests where we safely can do so and where they are legally and operationally possible. In rare circumstances we may need to cancel or postpone a procedure to give us more time to ensure we can meet these requests. We would always do this prioritising the patient's safety and the urgency of their care and look to reschedule this as soon as we have been able to fully discuss their individual needs.' Local councillor is getting calls from people trying to help He is in hospital in critical condition after fatal lunch The sole survivor of a now-infamous beef wellington lunch is still in critical condition as locals in his hometown make an extraordinary offer should he need a life-saving transplant. Ian Wilkinson, 68, is in critical condition in hospital and locals from Korumburra, in rural Victoria, have begun offering their organs should his condition require a transplant operation. The community is still reeling after Erin Patterson, 48, invited her in-laws for a lunch, that killed Ian's wife, Gail, her sister Heather Patterson and her husband Tom. Locals in Korumburra, which has a population of 4,700, are calling their local councillor to see if Mr Wilkinson needs anything from support to body parts. All three of the deceased were from the town, which is now the subject of a media frenzy since the guests died after allegedly eating death cap mushrooms as part of their meal. Locals from Ian and Gail Wilkinson's (pictured) hometown are calling their local councillor to see if they can donate organs should he need one, after his wife and two other people died The community is still reeling after Erin Patterson, 48, (pictured) invited her in-laws for a lunch that resulted in the deaths of Ian's wife, Gail, her sister Heather Patterson and her husband Tom South Gippsland local councillor Jenni Keerie worked with Mr Wilkinson's wife for eight years at the Milpara Korumburra Community House, and she's become the go-to person for locals wanting to help. 'I've had community members phone me this week and say, 'I've heard Ian needs a transplant and I want to be a donor so what can I do',' Ms Keerie told ABC. 'You don't get that often that people are willing to donate a part of their body to save the life of someone else but that is the type of people they were. 'That is the calibre of people they were and their contributions to the community.' Mr Wilkinson and his wife were active members of the community, he as a Baptist minister and handyman at a local retirement village and his wife teaching English. Ms Patterson has become the focus of an investigation into what caused the deaths, with new details constantly emerging in the story. South Gippsland local councillor Jenni Keerie (pictured) worked with Gail Wilkinson for eight years and is now getting calls from locals wanting to help Ian in any way they can The Korumburra community, which has a population of 4,700, is still reeling after the loss of Gail, her sister Heather Patterson and her husband Tom The family lunch may have been part of an effort to win back her husband, Simon, who pulled out last minute. Ms Patterson was interviewed by police, who said the victims' symptoms were consistent with eating death caps - the most poisonous mushrooms in the world. Sources have told Daily Mail Australia that Ms Patterson had invited Simon to their former family home as part of a church mediation involving Ian. It is not clear when Ms Patterson split with Simon but police said the separation was 'amicable'. They have two children who were at the lunch but ate different meals to the adults and did not experience any illness. They've reportedly been taken into care. A source close to Simon, who remains in hiding days after the tragedy on July 29 in the town of Leongatha, told Daily Mail Australia that his friend had no interest in getting back together with the mother of his two children. 'They went to her house for a mediation to talk to the family. Simon was supposed to go there for lunch but he pulled out in the last minute otherwise he would be in that death bed too,' the friend said on Thursday. 'The people who died, Gail, Don and the Wilkinsons, were talking to them because they're heavily ingrained with the church and they wanted to make sure she was right to resume a relationship with Simon ... she was basically petitioning to get back with him and the family didn't think that was a good move.' Daily Mail Australia can reveal Ms Patterson is a wealthy real estate owner, who invested wisely after inheriting money she received from the death of her parents in 2019. Gail and Don Patterson died after eating the mushrooms. Erin was previously married to their son, Simon It emerged yesterday that Simon spent 21 days in intensive care after collapsing at his home in May 2022. However, several of Simon's friends have told Daily Mail Australia he never once accused his ex-wife of foul play. On Thursday, Ms Patterson lashed out at a waiting media pack, who she accused of making her a prisoner in her own home. 'I've got tonnes of friends who want to help (me) but I've told them to stay away while all the vultures are here because they don't want to be in the papers either,' she said. 'So I can't get help from my friends who all want to come and help me but they'll all be subjected to the crap so do I have to move out of my own home?' Erin Patterson was last seen withdrawing cash from an ATM on William Street in the heart of the Victorian capital's CBD Ms Patterson has since travelled to Melbourne to speak with her lawyers. She has denied any wrongdoing and no charges are expected to be laid at this stage of the investigation. There is no suggestion Ms Patterson was responsible for Simon's illness or the three deaths. Police say the symptoms experienced by the victims were consistent with consuming death cap mushrooms, which can cause kidney and liver failure. Hours earlier police returned to a rubbish tip in Koonwarra to request CCTV footage after a dehydrator was found discarded at the site. It was previously revealed detectives are investigating whether a food dehydrator was used to prepare the meal and then disposed of a day after the lunch. Police are believed to be carrying out forensic testing on the appliance. Detectives have described the deaths as 'unexplained'. Homicide squad investigator Dean Thomas said: 'It could be very innocent, but we just don't know.' Gogglebox may seem like a harmless guilty pleasure, but it has been criticised for encouraging viewers to gorge themselves on snacks. The show Channel 4s biggest after the Great British Bake Off pushes the idea that you cant watch television at night without a snack, according to food expert Professor Tim Spector. Bafta-winning Gogglebox has hooked millions of viewers on the heartwarming and often comical reactions of families, friends and couples who are filmed as they watch TV. But the unhealthy treats they eat on screen encourage viewers to tuck into processed snacks laden with sugar, salt and fat at night, according to Professor Spector. Speaking on the Science and Nutrition podcast, which is made by Zoe, the nutrition firm he co-founded, Professor Spector, of Kings College London, said: If you watch Gogglebox, everyones watching TV and theyve got plates of sandwiches and cakes. Gogglebox may seem like a harmless guilty pleasure, but it has been criticised for encouraging viewers to gorge themselves on snacks The show pushes the idea that you cant watch television at night without a snack, according to food expert Professor Tim Spector (pictured) In many parts of the UK this is the tradition you cant watch TV unless youve got snacks. It didnt used to be. Thats the worst time to be eating these foods. A study from Kings College London and Zoe found snacking after 9pm, when many people watch television, could be damaging to your health. When researchers took 854 people and analysed their blood sugar level which is linked to the risk of type 2 diabetes and their blood fat level which is linked to the risk of heart attacks and strokes those who snacked after 9pm had worse readings than those who didnt. Professor Spector said: Shows like Gogglebox reinforce the habit of consuming foods like pre-packaged muffins, cakes and pastries, cupcakes and biscuits whilst sitting in front of the TV at night specifically after 9pm. Our guts need a long rest overnight from digesting and processing food so our gut microbes can get to work. Also, late-night snacking whilst watching TV adds another layer of distraction so that someone can easily miss their bodys signals that it is full and reach for another cookie. Around 85 per cent of people in the UK say they snack during the day, compared with only about 10 per cent of French citizens. In this country, the average person has about two and a half snacks a day, which means they eat about six times a day. Bafta-winning Gogglebox has hooked millions of viewers on the heartwarming and often comical reactions of families, friends and couples who are filmed as they watch TV Professor Spector, author of Food For Life and Spoon Fed, told the podcast: Our ancestors were not eating six or seven times a day. In the Sixties and Seventies we didnt bring snacks to school. 'But now you talk to parents and theyd be horrified at the idea of sending little Johnny to school without some midday sugar. It is crazy how its become part of the norm. This is all marketing. Channel 4 said: Gogglebox airs at 9pm and is aimed at an adult audience. We trust viewers to make an informed decision on what they eat while watching TV. A Texas woman is suing the prison where she worked after she was prevented, while seven months pregnant, from going to hospital for two and a half hours while she experienced intense pain - and her baby was then delivered stillborn. Salia Issa claims that her supervisors accused her of lying about her contractions and said she needed to wait until a replacement arrived before leaving her post. Medics told her that, had she arrived at the hospital sooner on November 15, 2021, her child could have been saved. Issa and her husband, Fiston Rukengeza, filed a law suit in 2022 against the Texas Department of Criminal Justice seeking monetary damages to cover her medical bills, pain and suffering, and other things, including the funeral expenses of the unborn child. Issa alleges that her supervisor told her: 'You just want to go home.' The state attorney general's office and prison system have asked a judge to dismiss the case, and Ken Paxton, the Republican attorney general, has argued that the unborn child did not have rights. Paxton is known for his strong pro-life position, declaring on the day that Roe v. Wade was overturned: 'I look forward to defending the pro-life laws of Texas and the lives of all unborn children moving forward.' Salia Issa was seven months pregnant in November 2021 when she began to feel intense pain she knew to be contractions at work: her supervisors allegedly accused her of lying, and would not let her go to hospital immediately. Her baby was stillborn Ken Paxton, the Republican attorney general of Texas, has argued in court filings that Issa's unborn child did not have rights Texas immediately banned abortion when the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022: earlier this month, Paxton celebrated the state Supreme Court temporarily blocking a decision by a lower court which declared Texas's abortion ban to be unlawful. 'Protecting the health of mothers and babies is of paramount importance to the people of Texas, a moral principle enshrined in the law,' said Paxton on August 5. He vowed that his office would 'uphold the values of the people of Texas by doing everything in its power to protect mothers and babies.' Yet in response to Issa's case, Paxton argues that the fetus had no rights. 'Just because several statutes define an individual to include an unborn child does not mean that the Fourteenth Amendment does the same,' the Texas attorney general's office wrote in a March footnote, referring to the constitutional right to life. Issa and her husband, Fiston Rukengeza, filed a law suit in 2022 against the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Issa drove herself to the hospital when her bosses finally let her leave the prison where she worked (pictured), but her baby was already dead Ross Brennan, Issa's attorney, wrote in a court filing that the state's argument is 'nothing more than an attempt to say - without explicitly saying - that an unborn child at seven months gestation is not a person.' Paxton's position was first reported by The Texas Tribune. Laura Hermer, a professor at the Mitchell Hamline School of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota, described Texas' legal posture as 'seeking to have their cake and eat it too.' 'This would not be the first time that the state has sought to claim to support the right to life of all fetuses, yet to act quite differently when it comes to protecting the health and safety of such fetuses other than in the very narrow area of prohibiting abortions,' Hermer said. Last week, U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan Hightower recommended that the case be allowed to proceed, in part, without addressing the arguments over the rights of the fetus. A veterinary nurse has been suspended for three months after she gave strong, unprescribed drugs meant for animals to a friend, describing them as a 'cocktail of dreams'. Melanie Herdman was reported by the friend five months after the incident, after Ms Herdman started a relationship with her husband, a professional tribunal heard. The woman who - named only as Mrs LC in the hearing - had asked Ms Herdman for drugs to ease 'severe pain' which her husband was suffering. Text messages showed a conversation between the two women, who were long-standing family friends, discussing how Mrs LC's husband's current medication was ineffective. Mrs LC messaged the veterinary nurse saying: 'I have a broken husband. I think he needs your special cocktail. I've given him gabapentin and codeine but he's needing the extra element.' Melanie Herdman gave unprescribed drugs meant for dogs to a friend, describing them as a 'cocktail of dreams' The veterinary nurse gave her friend's husband diazepam after she complained about him being in pain Ms Herdman responded by saying she could provide her friend's husband with diazepam and tramadol which are both prescription-only drugs. Mrs LC replied: 'Tramadol not working anymore but diazepam will knock him out!!' Later on, Ms Herdman messaged her friend saying: 'I left drugs for grumpy arse - forgot to say max dose are 10mg diazepam three times daily.' Ms Herdman dropped a box of diazepam to Mrs LC's house which she had at home as a result of a prescription for her pet dog, Rigby. She included additional information about the dosage, and insisted in the tribunal she did not provide tramadol and only supplied diazepam - which is a drug used to treat anxiety, muscle spasms and seizures or fits. Five months later, Mrs LC reported the woman for suppling the drugs and told the tribunal she had come to reflect on the damage that could be done to a veterinary practice when the dispensing of controlled drugs was not properly managed. She said she was aware she was not without fault as she had asked for the drugs, and was also aware that reporting the incident might be regarded as 'sour grapes' as her husband was now in a relationship with Ms Herdman. Mrs LC told the disciplinary hearing she had become desperate about the extent pain was impacting her husband's well-being. Ms Herdman was suspended for three months by a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons committee The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons committee were told diazepam can be fatal and as a nurse Ms Herdman was not entitled to prescribe them even to animals, with it falling to veterinary surgeons instead. Ms Herdman said: 'I understand that the actions undertaken by me were irrational and completely irresponsible. 'They could have caused severe consequences, as I did not have any training or authority to advise on the use of these drugs as I did.' The veterinary nurse, who had practised for 17 years and worked at Galedin Vets in Berwick, Northumberland, also recognised she had made 'a massive error in judgment' and said it would not happen again. The disciplinary committee suspended her for three months, stating: '[It] is a period which is sufficient to mark the gravity of the misconduct while taking into account the circumstances in which it arose.' The Russian henchman who is wanted for poisoning Alexander Litvinenko has advanced cancer from the radioactive substance used in the attack. Andrey Lugovoy, who is wanted for murder by British police, has reportedly developed prostate cancer following the hit in 2006. Litvinenko, a former Russian federal security services and KGB officer and outspoken critic of President Vladimir Putin, died in hospital after ingesting Polonium-210, a rare radioactive substance. Ukrainska Pravda newspaper reported that investigators believe Lugovoy's tumour is related to the radioactive substance and cited findings from his medical reports that were leaked by Ukrainian cyber resistance group Inform-Napalm. The documents also reveal that he 'refused surgery and radiation therapy' after doctors recommended 'radical treatment' for the disease, the Sun reported. Andrey Lugovoy (pictured) who is wanted for poisoning Alexander Litvinenko has advanced cancer from the radioactive substance used in the attack Litvinenko (pictured), a former Russian federal security services and KGB officer and outspoken critic of President Vladimir Putin, died in hospital after ingesting Polonium-210, a rare radioactive substance Lugovoy and his co-accused Dmitri Kovtun were found guilty of killing Litvinenko by a UK court in 2016, which decided there was a 'strong possibility' Russian authorities ordered the spy and wannabe pornstar to kill his compatriot for betraying his country. The European Court of Human Rights upheld the ruling in 2021, when it declared the Russian state responsible for Litvinenko's killing and found Kovtun and Lugovoy guilty beyond all reasonable doubt. The ECHR's verdict came after Litvinenko's widow Marina brought a case demanding compensation from the Russian authorities for the death of her husband. The court ordered Russia to pay her 100,000 euros in compensation, but the killers themselves were never brought to justice. Russia has always denied any involvement in the death and had refused to comply with international arrest warrants issued for Kovtun and Lugovoi. Neither of the men have ever been brought to justice, with Kovtun having passed away last year in a Moscow hospital aged 56 after succumbing to complications arising from Covid, according to Russian state media. A 3-year-old child riding one of Texas migrant buses died while on the way to Chicago, officials said Friday, the first time the state has announced a death since it began shuttling thousands of migrants from the U.S.-Mexico border last year. Texas authorities confirmed a childs death in a statement Friday but did not say where the child was from or why they became ill. The Illinois Department of Public Health said the child was three years old and died Thursday in Marion County, in the southern part of that state. His identity has not been released. 'Every loss of life is a tragedy,' the Texas Division of Emergency Management said in a statement. 'Once the child presented with health concerns, the bus pulled over and security personnel on board called 9-1-1 for emergency attention.' Texas has bused more than 30,000 migrants to Democratic-controlled cities across the U.S. since last year as part of Republican Gov. Greg Abbotts sprawling mission on the border, called Operation Lone Star. The operation has come under a burst of new scrutiny in recent months over additional hard-line measures the governor has authorized in the name of deterring migrants from crossing from Mexico. Migrants are seen in Chicago in August 2022. On Friday night, a three year-old migrant died on a bus traveling from Texas to the Windy City The Biden administration is suing Texas over wrecking ball-sized buoys placed on the Rio Grande this summer, saying the water barrier poses environmental and humanitarian concerns. Texas has also begun separating some migrant families on the border in what marks a shift by state police, who have previously said that families should stay together. Abbott spokesperson Renae Eze referred questions Friday night about the child's death to the state's emergency management agency, which has operated the bus program since it launched in 2022. The child received treatment from paramedics and later died at a hospital, according to the agency. The bus departed from the Texas border city of Brownsville. All passengers had their temperature taken and were asked if they had any medical conditions, according to Texas' emergency management agency, which did not immediately respond to requests for more details Friday night. Illinois officials said in a statement they were working with health officials, state police and federal authorities 'to the fullest extent possible to get answers in this tragic situation.' This picture, taken in 2019, shows migrants being loaded onto a Border Patrol bus in Chicago U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, a Democrat whose district includes the Texas border, said Friday night that he had not been briefed on details of the child's death. Still, he criticized Abbott, saying the governor should be working more with the federal government on border security. 'You cant use the migrants as political pawns. You still got to be accountable to taking care of them, especially if youre transporting kids,' Cullear said. Besides Chicago, Texas has also sent buses to Washington, New York, Philadelphia, Denver and Los Angeles. On Thursday, Abbott freshly touted the bus program on Twitter, posting, 'We will continue busing migrants to sanctuary cities until Biden does his job & secures the border.' Under Texas' bus program, the state says migrants sign consent waivers and agree on the destinations where they're headed. Texas officials say the buses are stocked with food and water and that migrants are allowed to get off early at stops before the destination city. Two cars disappeared from the driveway of the house where a 10-year-old girl died the night her body was discovered, neighbours claim. Locals living in Hammond Road in the village of Horsell, near Woking, say the vehicles were at the property hours before the child, named locally as Sara, was found dead in the early hours of Thursday morning. But locals say both cars were gone by the time emergency services swarmed the residential road at 2.50am amid reports of concern for a child's welfare, the Mirror reports. It comes as police continue an international manhunt for three people they want to speak to over Sara's suspected murder at the 550,000 home, after confirming the trio had left the country on Wednesday night. Locals say Sara's family, headed by her father 31-year-old Urfan Sharif, moved into the three-bedroom council house in April. Police officers in the village of Horsell where the ten-year-old girl's body was found An international manhunt has been launched for three people who left the UK on Wednesday Mr Sharif was described as a 'hardworking family man' and a 'good friend' by former Conservative councillor Rashid Mohammed to the Times. The tax driver, who has six children from different two relationships, attended the local mosque but was described as being 'not very religious', by friends. He is reported to have moved to Britain from Pakistan about 20 years ago, with one fellow cabbie telling the publication the family was 'always friendly and laughing'. Detective Chief Inspector Debbie White said: 'Our investigation into this tragic incident has continued at pace today with a number of enquiries underway. 'We have identified three people we would like to speak to in connection with our investigation and from our enquiries, we believe that they left the country on Wednesday, 9 August. We are working with our partners, including international authorities, to locate them.' 'Officers have been in the local area today carrying out house to house enquiries and we expect a police presence to remain around the scene over the coming week.' Inspector Sandra Carlier, Borough Commander for Woking, said: 'I know that the community are shocked and saddened by [the] events, and we stand with them in their grief. Officers will remain in the area carrying out patrols and enquiries as part of the investigation over the weekend. 'I would like to reiterate that we do not believe there to be any risk to the wider public at this time. We will continue to provide updates as and when we are able to.' There was a heavy police presence at the semi-detached property on Hammond Road on Friday as people laid flowers on the pavement. Locals have been paying their respects to the ten-year-old girl following the tragedy A person leaves flowers outside a property in Woking, Surrey A detective wearing blue gloves and a face mask carries items in a plastic bag down the road One mother, who wished not to be named, said she was 'traumatised' by the news, adding that her children were 'terrified'. She said: 'It's just a shock. My 16-year-old daughter was very upset thinking about that little girl.' Several neighbours said that they were in a state of shock after hearing the news. In a statement on Thursday evening, Surrey Police said officers were called to the address at around 2.50am that morning following 'concern' for the girl's safety. The investigation is being led by Surrey Police and Sussex Police's major crime team. The child's loved ones have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers, Surrey Police said. Neighbour Amjad Ali, 47, told MailOnline he 'couldn't believe' that 'something like this happened outside my house.' He added that the family moved in about five months ago and that everyone in the area is 'shocked' by the girl's death. Mr Ali said: 'The first I knew of anything was around 3.30 this morning. 'My son looked out the window as I had taken my wife on holiday and were still up and he said the road was full of police. A detective carries a water bottle and other items in a plastic bag outside the house where the body of a ten-year-old girl was found 'Then an officer knocked on the door and asked if we knew anything about the family, but we don't really know them. 'They are a Pakistani family that moved in about five months ago. I don't know where from, but the husband works as a taxi driver, and they have three or four kids. 'I only know them to say "Hello" and that's about it. The kids sometimes play together but we don't really mix that much. 'This is a very nice area and everyone is shocked. I didn't know a little girl was involved until I saw it on the news.' Ukraine and Russia have engaged in tit-for-tat drone and missile attacks as their war of attrition intensifies. President Volodymyr Zelensky is increasingly taking the war to Russia, with fresh strikes on Moscow yesterday. Earlier this month, Ukrainian drones damaged government offices in the capital, and on Thursday Russia said it downed two drones headed for Moscow, a day after two others were destroyed on approach. Targets yesterday included the west of the capital near the Karamyshinsky hydroelectric power station. The attacks led to the closure of airspace over Moscows Vnukovo international airport and Kaluga city, 125 miles to the south west. At least two drones were reported, with one filmed buzzing the Russian capital. A drone was said to have been shot down by Russia. There were also reports of an explosion in Krasnogorsk in north-west Moscow. A car destroyed in a Russian missile attack is seen in Zaporizhzhia, southeastern Ukraine on Friday The hotel shows damage caused by a Russian missile attack on Zaporizhzhia, southeastern Ukraine on Friday evening In Ukraine, a video showed a Russian rocket flying over cowering children in Zaporizhzhia before destroying a hotel. The Iskander missile attack on Thursday evening left one dead and 16 injured, four of whom were children. Russias defence ministry said the strike on the Reikartz Hotel in the south-eastern city targeted a deployment point for mercenaries. But Ukraine and the United Nations said it was used by UN staff and other humanitarian agencies providing assistance to the citys residents. Footage showed the moment children screamed as one rocket roared overhead and slammed into the hotel a few hundred yards away. The clip shows the hotel erupting in a fireball as a second missile hits. Images of the aftermath show a large crater and wrecked cars around the badly damaged building. Russia said it foiled another Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow. The drone appears to have been blown up in this image The Reikartz was popular with journalists and aid workers, and was used by UN staff on humanitarian missions, according to UN co-ordinator Denise Brown. She said: I am appalled that a hotel frequently used by UN personnel and colleagues from non-governmental organisations supporting people affected by the war has been hit by a Russian strike. The strike was the second on the city in two days. On Thursday, president Zelenskys office revealed the toll of an attack there on Wednesday, explaining: The Russian shell took the lives of a 43-year-old man and young women who were 19 and 21. How terribly dispiriting that a fresh cohort of newly qualified doctors have been arriving at their hospitals full of enthusiasm and vigour, only to be called straight out on strike. What a shocking example for the British Medical Association to set to its newest intake. Forget patient welfare, everybody out! So much for the Hippocratic oath. For five days they will be kicking their heels time they should have spent learning the early lessons of their chosen vocation. It is the fifth round of this spiteful and unnecessary industrial action, which has cost the NHS 1billion it can ill afford and led to the cancellation of 800,000 appointments. Largely as a result, the waiting list has climbed to 7.6million and NHS productivity has plummeted. With breathtaking arrogance, Dr Robert Laurenson, co-chairman of the BMA's junior doctors committee, blames the Government for his union's militancy. The fifth round of industrial action has cost the NHS 1billion and led to the cancellation of 800,000 appointments (File image) He and his colleagues have 'no choice' but to strike, he says, adding: 'The Government should be ashamed.' It is a risible exercise in self-delusion. Of course, junior doctors have a choice. They could stop playing politics, accept the fair and reasonable double-digit pay rise they have been offered and get back to work. They are demanding a clearly unaffordable 35 per cent, roughly the amount they claim their real pay has fallen since 2008. Even if that figure is accurate, it needs to be seen in context. In the intervening years we have had a banking crash, austerity, Covid, a cost of living crunch and an energy crisis caused by a European war. Millions of workers saw real-terms pay cuts over that period and unlike doctors, their pensions also suffered. But do they strike for a 35 per cent pay rise? Of course not. On BBC Radio 4 yesterday, Dr Laurenson a 29-year-old ex-public schoolboy from a wealthy family let slip how much this dispute is fuelled by anti-Tory politics. While he believed the BMA could have 'a working relationship' with the Left-wing Scottish government, UK ministers had been guilty of 'betrayal' and could not be trusted. It's hard to see why this man became a doctor at all. He seems far more interested in playing politics than treating patients. He and his colleagues should know that actions have consequences, and it is quite possible that people will die indeed may already have died because of their intransigence. That is something they will have forever on their conscience. A balance of rights In hospital, patients can feel singularly vulnerable. They may be fretting over an operation to come, convalescing from treatment already administered or simply anxious about having to cede control over their lives to others. So it's vital they are made to feel as secure as possible. There are good reasons, therefore, for strict NHS rules prohibiting hospitals from placing men and women in neighbouring beds. They can, however, allow biological males who identify as women even only part of the time to share female-only wards. There are good reasons for strict NHS rules prohibiting hospitals from placing men and women in neighbouring beds (File image) Understandably, campaigners believe this would make some women highly uncomfortable and makes a mockery of the rules. Tory MP Nick Fletcher believes it poses an unacceptable risk to safety. The arguments around trans rights are, of course, vexed and frequently over-heated. There are people who believe they have been born in the wrong sex and wish to change. But the rights of trans women to access female safe spaces have to be balanced against the rights of biological women who may object or feel fearful about sharing such areas. The NHS, of all organisations, must get that balance right. It should review this controversial policy as a matter of urgency. When you have done something wrong, it is tempting to buy a gift to apologise. But trying to placate your partner with anything involving the word 'sorry' may actually be a bad idea. That's because a study suggests apology gifts are evaluated more negatively compared with verbal apologies or to receiving gifts without a label. Researchers from Wageningen University in the Netherlands picked two gift products flowers and chocolates. They examined the effect of an apology label on the items, such as the word 'sorry', on how they were evaluated by recipients. A study suggests apology gifts are evaluated more negatively compared with verbal apologies or to receiving gifts without a label (File image) The results of the study, published in the Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, showed both chocolates and flowers with an apology label were evaluated less positively than those with a plain gift label or no label. Further experiments revealed people were less likely to accept apology gifts compared with spontaneous gifts and were less likely to appreciate them. Gifts to say sorry were perceived as strong negative reminders of a transgression and were more likely to be regifted. It reads: 'When recipients receive an apology gift, they evaluate the gift and giver-recipient relationship more negatively compared to regular products, to receiving regular gifts, or towards verbal apologies. Further experiments revealed people were less likely to accept apology gifts compared with spontaneous gifts and were less likely to appreciate them (File image) 'Apology gifts remind the recipient of transgressions, and signal misunderstandings of recipients' emotions. Together these findings suggest that giving a gift to apologise may not be so beneficial after all.' Experts say the best way to say sorry is to try to understand the other person's experience. Dr Aaron Lazare, an apology expert from the University of Massachusetts Medical School, has said a good apology has four elements acknowledging the offence, explaining what happened, expression of remorse and offering to make amends. Leading authors have threatened a boycott of next year's Edinburgh International Book Festival because of links between the event's sponsor and 'fossil fuel companies'. Zadie Smith, Gary Younge and Ali Smith are among the writers appearing at this year's festival who have signed an open letter protesting at the 'huge profits from global disaster' made by the multi-billion pound corporations. They have demanded that finance firm Baillie Gifford - a firm with up to 5billion invested in fossil fuel corporations should divest its money or the festival should find another backer. The letter, signed by more than 50 authors and literature professionals, states: 'These corporations fuel the climate crisis. They're making huge profits from global disaster and hide behind esteemed cultural institutions like the Edinburgh Book Festival. 'The only meaningful change is divestment. I call on Baillie Gifford to divest its 5bn from fossil fuel companies. 'If it does not do so, I call on the Edinburgh Book Festival to find alternative sponsors for 2024. If it does not, I call on all authors to commit to boycotting the festival in 2024.' Leading authors have threatened a boycott of next year's Edinburgh International Book Festival because of links between the event's sponsor and 'fossil fuel companies' Zadie Smith (pictured) Gary Younge and Ali Smith are among the writers appearing at this year's festival who have signed an open letter protesting at the 'huge profits from global disaster' made by the multi-billion pound corporations Climate activist Greta Thunberg has already cancelled an appearance at this year's festival, which starts today and has 'Climate Positive' as one of its themes, after accusing Baillie Gifford of 'greenwashing' through the sponsorship of cultural events. The Swedish campaigner, who had been due to appear at the Edinburgh Playhouse tomorrow, said: 'I do not want to be associated with events that accept this kind of sponsorship.' Baillie Gifford rejected claims that it invests 'heavily', saying between just 2 and 5 per cent of its clients' money was invested in firms with links to fossil fuel activities. Yara Rodrigues Fowler, author of acclaimed novel There Are More Things, said: 'This summer has been defined by global wildfires, flooding and extreme heat: the climate crisis is here. 'In the midst of climate breakdown, Baillie Gifford is investing almost 5billion into the cause of this crisis: companies that profit from the fossil fuel industry. 'Edinburgh International Book Festival allowing them to sponsor cultural events gives them a social licence to continue funding the destruction of our only home.' Mikaela Loach, author of It's Not That Radical: Climate Action To Transform Our World, said investments in corporations making money from the fossil fuel industry were 'unjustifiable in a climate crisis'. Climate activist Greta Thunberg has already cancelled an appearance at this year's festival She said the book festival must stand by its 'Climate Positive' commitment. Nick Thomas, a partner at Baillie Gifford, said: 'We are not a significant fossil fuel investor. Only 2 per cent of our clients' money is invested in companies with some business related to fossil fuels. This compares to the market average of 11 per cent. 'Currently, 5 per cent of our clients' money is invested in companies whose sole purpose is to develop clean energy solutions. 'We believe in open debate and discussion, which is why we are long-term supporters of the Edinburgh International Book Festival.' Nick Barley, director of the book festival, said he wanted to talk to authors and pledged that organisers would 'carefully' consider the contents of the letter. He added: 'We looked very closely at the work of Baillie Gifford and it seems to us that they are in fact investing in companies that are seeking to resolve the crisis.' Seattle and Portland have long drawn comparisons for their similar climates, locations, Democratic leaders and their homelessness and drug issues The article referred to the once-beloved Oregon city as 'a landfill' The Seattle Times published an op-ed on Friday warning residents that their city could turn into the next Portland if things continue to worsen The progressive Seattle Times has issued a warning to residents of the city by turning on neighboring Portland, Oregon, referring to the city as 'a landfill.' Columnist Jon Talton penned the piece, 'A tale of two cities: Portland offers a worrying example for Seattle,' writing that citizens should be concerned. In the article, Talton shared that one person he spoke with said Portland 'looks like the road to the landfill and, in some areas, the landfill itself.' The person who spoke with the author blamed the city's own 'preoccupations with grand abstractions such as 'social justice,' liberal policies, and high tax rates. Seattle has long been compared to Portland due to their Pacific Northwest locations, climates, Democratic leadership, and recently, their drug and homelessness issues. Many tourists visiting the Pacific Northwest visit both cities during a trip, with Seattle and Portland famed for their good food, grunge music scenes and lush green scenery, before crime, drugs and homelessness overran both locales. The progressive Seattle Times has issued a warning to residents of the city by turning on next-door neighbor Portland, Oregon (pictured) referring to the city as 'a landfill' Seattle (pictured) has long been compared to Portland due to their Pacific Northwest locations, climates, Democratic leadership, and recently, their drug and homelessness issues Columnist Jon Talton penned the piece , 'A Tale of two cities: Portland offers a worrying example for Seattle,' writing that citizens should be concerned The Seattle Times is a left-leaning publication, with its condemnation of Portland likely to provoke ire among residents of the Oregon city who've long considered their Washington neighbors friendly rivals. In the article, Talton described Portland pre demise as a 'quirky, endearing city,' known for its walkable neighborhoods and youthful, vibrant districts. 'This was a city that cared about itself, going back decades,' the author wrote. That quickly changed however as city politics centered around crime, drugs, and homelessness, devolved and turned the city into a hellscape for many residents. Among the major issue facing Portlanders is how to solve their problems, with many Rose City residents vocal fans of anarchist politics which condemn almost all police activity. 'The split is between compassion and open arms and citizens affected by crime, garbage and encampments overflowing into sidewalks and neighborhoods. 'Meanwhile, decriminalization of drugs for 'personal use' including fentanyl and methamphetamine has further riven Portland. Sound familiar?,' Talton wrote. The city used to attract thousands and even millions from around the country but now is looked down upon by its own. 'Ten years ago, Portland was an urban success story virtually without parallel in America,' the Portland resident who spoke with Talton said. 'We did this to ourselves from equal parts denial and sentimentality,' he said. Columnist Jon Talton (pictured) penned the piece for the Seattle Times A homeless man wanders the streets of Seattle, Washington A boat filled with trash outside a large homeless encampment in an affluent Seattle area The author went on to compare the two cities, noting that while Portland has continued to see an overall decline in quality of life and new residents, Seattle continues to boom with business. Despite that, he notes that 7.2 percent of adults in Seattle felt pressure to move from their own neighborhoods due to crime. More than 1.6 percent more than the second highest area where residents felt pressure to move due to feeling unsafe, Riverside-San Bernardino, California. Portland did not make the top 15 cities on the list in contrast to Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, New York, Boston, and Houston, in part. Talton ended his 'cautionary tale' article with a hope that Seattle can still 'avoid the fate of Portland' by using the city as a guidepost for what not to do. Many Portlanders would argue that Seattle is in no position to judge them. Most infamously, Seattle's so-called Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone (CHAZ) sprung up during summer 2020 in the wake of George Floyd's murder in Minneapolis. The area was billed as a haven free of police violence and crime, and even hailed by Seattle's Democrat ex-Mayor Jenny Durkan. But it quickly descended into anarchy, with cops clearing the area after a brutal murder. Businesses stuck within it say the woke experiment destroyed their livelihoods. In August, DailyMail.com reported that Seattle residents are furious over the continued homeless and drug crises in the city. Hundreds of tiny homes meant to house the homeless are sitting locked up in storage while sprawling homeless encampments grow. Komo News revealed that there are at least 204 unused homes that are locked up and kept guarded by a fence, leaving people to sleep on the streets. Fentanyl user at a bus stop in downtown Seattle, Washington Individuals parked outside a camper in Portland, Oregon on June 21, 2023 Meanwhile, earlier this month members of an affluent Seattle neighborhood became enraged at homeless individuals setting up a swimming pool in their encampment. The encampments expansion sparked outrage among homeowners, who found it frustrating that officials hadn't removed it. In early July, DailyMail.com reported that a July 4 parade had to be re-routed to avoid a fentanyl-riddled homeless encampment for 'everyone's safety.' The parade in Burien, just south of Seattle, was altered to avoid a homeless encampment of up to 20 tents, according to local media. The issues are just as bad if not worse in Portland where residents are so fed up that they have slammed city leaders and called homelessness 'an out-of-control disaster.' A recent survey, commissioned by People for Portland, found that more than two thirds of voters wanted to clear the streets by forcing drug addicts into rehab. Respondents by wide margins supported Mayor Ted Wheeler's plan to ban homeless daytime camping and people stringing up tents near schools and daycare centers. A woman who was raped by her husband up to four times a day escaped his clutches after a case worker secretly gave her a burner phone. The unnamed woman fled Afghanistan when the Taliban resumed control in 2021 and settled in Sydney with her husband, a man who helped the Australian army during the war. She had no access to internet, money, or phones while under his control, and he refused to let her leave the house or even leave his side for a time. Under the resettlement scheme for entry into Australia, she was assigned a case worker who eventually found out what she was going through. After the woman gave a statement detailing her abusive husband, he was immediately arrested and charged with sexual assault the next day. A woman was allegedly kept as a sex slave by her husband who raped her up to four times a day in Sydney (stock image) The woman, who had fled from Afghanistan before the Taliban regained control, was given a burner phone by her case worker which helped her escape Sergeant Lisa Clemence from the Domestic and Family Violence Registry said the case was one of the worst she had ever seen. 'This woman was so beaten down, she had no family, no support system and within her culture to stand up against a male and say "No what you're doing is wrong", that's a very hard thing to do,' Sgt Clemence told the Daily Telegraph. 'This is one of the most horrendous cases I have ever seen, not only the physical abuse but the coercive control. She literally couldn't scratch herself without getting his permission.' While living in Afghanistan the woman had lived in the same house as her husband's mother and father, another married brother and sister and five children. She had approached his mother about the incessant sex, but was told by the elder that it was a man's right to demand it and that it was her duty to meet his needs. Police in Sydney, however, are now treating the woman as a modern-day slave, who was allegedly kept against her will and subject to horrendous violence. The woman had tried to escape her husbands clutches once before, when her case worker told police that she was being abused multiple times a day. She was taken to a refuge with her two children where the case 'fell through the cracks', according to Sgt Clemence. Eventually the trio returned to her husband's home, where he became incensed that she had tried to leave in the first place. Restrictions on her movement were tightened, and she was not allowed to leave her husband's side for even a moment. Her case worker kept in touch however, and was somehow able to provide the woman with a burner phone she could use when her husband was at work. 'Her case worker managed to get her a burner phone where she was able to hide it from him. The case worker would call her on that to check in on her to make sure still alive,' Sgt Clemence said. After two weeks her husband returned to work and she texted her case worker, who then sent a taxi to take the family to the closest police station. Her husband was arrested and taken to jail on the same day, while she and her two mentally challenged children were rehomed. Sergeant Lisa Clemence (pictured) from the DV unit said it was one of the worst cases of serial abuse that she had ever seen The woman wasn't allowed to have access to the internet, money, or a phone by her oppressive husband (stock image) When he appeared in court the man claimed that he could not speak English before police told the court that he had worked as an interpreter for the Australian army during the war. The man was charged with four counts of sexual assault and two counts of breaching an AVO. He was refused bail and is now waiting in prison for his next court date. In Afghanistan women are commonly oppressed due to the culture where men are seen as the leaders of the house and the writers of the rules. When the Taliban regained control during the catastrophic pullout of international troops, millions of Afghanis fled in order to escape the return of the notorious group. A fear of retaliation and stigmatism prevents many women from reporting their abuse to police, according to Sgt Clemence. 'The system missed her in New South Wales because she was not covered in bruises, bleeding and screaming. She lived a life under a government that made it an offence to accuse your husband of DV or rape. Understanding how the system let her down is the only way her case was resolved through the good work of our team,' she said. 'If we can solve such a difficult complex case then we have a blueprint for the future and how we approach victims when the circumstances are beyond difficult.' British tourists are swapping Spain for Scandinavia this summer as heatwaves cause unbearable temperatures and raging wildfires. Holiday companies are seeing a huge increase in interest for trips to cooler countries in August, including Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Latvia and the Netherlands. Searches for hotels in Copenhagen, known for its city beaches and refreshing harbour pool, have seen a 34 per cent increase compared to August last year, according to holiday booking giant Expedia.com. Oslo has also seen a 45 per cent increase, while Stockholm is also proving popular, with searches for hotels in August increasing by 29 per cent. The Swedish capital has an archipelago of 30,000 islands with charming villages and sandy beaches popular for activities such as kayaking, swimming and hiking. Searches for hotels in Copenhagen, known for its city beaches and refreshing harbour pool, have seen a 34 per cent increase (Pictured: Nyhavn, a canal lined with colourful houses in central Copenhagen) Stockholm is also proving popular, with searches for hotels in August increasing by 29 per cent Elsewhere, the Latvian city of Riga, where temperatures reached 27C this summer compared to the highs of 45C experienced in Spain, has seen a 47 per cent increase. Closer to home, there has been an increase in interest in summer holidays to the Scottish Highlands (41 per cent) and the Isle of Man (38 per cent). Flight search engine KAYAK said it was seeing a similar trend, with Amsterdam becoming its most searched for destination for holidays in August and September this year. Other destinations in its top ten include Dublin, Belfast and Stockholm. The only typically hot destination for summer holidays to be featured in the list is Istanbul. Visit Finland, meanwhile, said flight bookings to the Scandinavian country from London between July and September had increased by 23 per cent compared to the same period last year, while flight bookings from Newcastle had increased by 28 per cent. Parts of southern Europe have endured three intense heatwaves this season, with temperatures hitting 45C in parts of Greece, Italy, France and Spain. Thousands of Britons were evacuated from the Greek island of Rhodes last month amid raging wildfires. An Expedia spokesman said: UK travellers are searching for colder destinations this summer much more so than they were last year. This could be due to their milder summer weather, offering a refreshing escape from the heatwave weve seen this season in southern Europe. The CEO of the worlds biggest holiday company TUI last week predicted Belgium and Poland could became the next top destinations for British tourists seeking to avoid extreme temperatures. Mourners have gathered to say goodbye to a 'beautiful' teenager whose alleged murder in rural Tasmania sparked a months-long manhunt. Shyanne-Lee Tatnell was found dead near a walking track in the state's northeast last month after she disappeared from Launceston in April. Tasmania police have since arrested Scottsdale man Christopher Mark Jordan, 36, who was charged with the 14-year-old's alleged murder. Hundreds of people packed into the Chapel of Parkside Funerals in Burnie on Saturday, with almost a 1000 people watching via an online livestream. The service began with the lighting of candles which honoured Ms Tatnell and the grief felt by her family and the close-knit Tasmanian community. Shyanne-Lee Tatnell was found dead near a walking track in the state's northeast last month Picture: Facebook. Hundreds of people packed into the Chapel of Parkside Funerals in Burnie on Saturday, with almost a 1000 people watching via an online livestream Mourners were told the funeral was a 'harsher moment' than expected, given that many questions surrounding Ms Tatnell's death remained unanswered Mourners were told the funeral was a 'harsher moment' than expected, given that many questions surrounding Ms Tatnell's death remained unanswered. Ms Tatnell's father Nathan described the young teen as his 'little puddin'', and in a message said he was proud to have seen her grow into a 'young lady'. 'You always made me so proud - apart from stealing Nan's car,' he said. 'I have to say I was a little impressed how far you made it at only 14. Bobbi-Lee Ketchell with a young Shyanne-Lee Tatnell, whose remains were found last month. Picture: Facebook Ms Tatnell's father described one of the last times the pair spoke, with the young teen describing her excitement about returning to school and making friends 'My baby girl, I will stay strong and continue to be your voice - protecting you was something I couldn't do or save you,' Ms Ketchell posted online 'I've done a lot of laughing telling people what you did. 'The pain I feel now is tearing me apart, knowing I'll no longer be able to watch you grow up. 'You were taken away too early. 'You will always be Dad's puddin' bear. 'See you soon.' Ms Tatnell's father described one of the last times the pair spoke, with the young teen describing her excitement about returning to school and making friends. Born in August 2008, Mr Tatnell was described as a 'chubby bubby' who brought love and light into her family, and delighted being the centre of attention. A person close to the family described difficulties the head-strong teenager faced after entering high school, before she relocated to Launceston in recent times. 'Shyanne became strong willed and rebellious, bucking against boundaries put in place for her and ultimately deciding she could do whatever she wanted,' they said. Police last week formally identified Ms Tatnell's remains through DNA testing. Picture: Facebook 'The lessons that Shyanne leaves for us all how to do everything in your power to keep your children safe, to listen with open ears and open hearts and to never stop loving.' A neighbour of the family, Gina, described Ms Tatnell as her 'sweet little neighbour', and reminisced watching her 'grow up laughing and just having fun'. 'Even when you moved away you would never hesitate to stop and say hello with your beautiful smile. That will always stay with me,' Gina told the service. Ms Tatnell's step sister, Lakeisha, said she didn't how to describe how she felt her 'her onw and only sister' had died tragically. 'There was so many different emotions, and in the end it became total overload and too much for me to handle,' she said. 'My little sister, my baby girl, the one person I used to cause arguments with, and then sit there and laugh with because the argument was funny, and was gone.' Ms Tatnell's family encouraged mourners to bring written messages to be placed with the teenager during a funeral service. Mother Bobbi-Lee Ketchell, who was active on social media during the frantic search, broke her silence last month in a tribute posted to Facebook. 'Heaven has now gained two of my beautiful children. Their wings were ready but my heart was not,' Ms Ketchell said. 'My baby girl, I will stay strong and continue to be your voice - protecting you was something I couldn't do or save you. 'I am blessed I was your mum and you are coming home to me, just not the way I hoped.' A GoFundMe account set up earlier this month has so far raised $2300 to help Ms Ketchell. The teenager's disappearance, and subsequent death, sent shockwaves through the tight-knit communities in rural Tasmania. Mother Bobbi-Lee Ketchell, right. Picture: Facebook Organiser Joanne Nicholls said Ms Ketchell did not want flowers or gifts. '(This is) a chance for members of the public to show their support,' Ms Nicholls said. 'Instead of flowers or gifts, please donate here. All donations go directly to the family's needs.' More than 180 emergency service personnel including Tasmanian police were involved in the search. Police last week formally identified Ms Tatnell's remains through DNA testing. The teenager's disappearance, and subsequent death, sent shockwaves through the tight-knit communities in rural Tasmania. The Mercury reported seeing flowers, teddy bears, and heartfelt messages placed on Henry St bridge in Launceston. Mr Jordan has been remanded into custody where he will remain ahead of his next court appearance on August 16. No pleas have been entered. A scandal-hit diversity, equity and inclusion consultant has accused a Vermont mayor of white supremacy after an official report found she overspent by $192,000 while planning a Juneteenth celebration. Tyeastia Green was the first person appointed by the city of Burlington to head a newly-created Racial Equity, Inclusion and Belonging office, in April 2020. She left in March 2022 to return to Minneapolis, where she was from, and work there - but after less than a year amid questions about her financial management. Burlington, hearing of the Minneapolis debacle, began investigating Green's work in the Vermont city and found similar financial irregularities. Green claimed she'd been vindicated Thursday because there was no evidence of her committing any crimes. But huge wastage on projects she oversaw was condemned - leading her to go on the offensive and call the mayor of Burlington, Miro Weinberger, a white supremacist. 'White supremacy does not mean that you have a hood and a robe in your closet,' she told WCAX News. 'That's not what that means. It means that you're going to do everything that you can to make sure that whiteness is the standard. 'And that's exactly what Miro does. He makes sure that whiteness is the standard, look at his leadership team.' Tyeastia Green worked as the director of Burlington's newly-created Racial Equity, Inclusion and Belonging office from April 2020 until March 2022. On Thursday she reacted angrily to accusations of financial carelessness Green called Miro Weinberger, the mayor of Burlington, a white supremacist The mayor's spokesman said Green failed to respond to the questions about her financial dealings. 'Once again Tyeastia is responding to public concern about her professional work by making personal accusations against others,' the mayor's office told WCAX. 'Following the events in Minneapolis, it would have been professional malfeasance for Burlington not to commission this report.' The Burlington mayor's report looked at the financing of a Juneteenth celebration in 2022, which Green planned, and which was held shortly after Green left. They found Green did not follow city policy, which ordered that city officials use the best value vendors for events. Instead, they found Green opted for more expensive vendors, which cost the city an additional $132,000. The city also accused her of a lack of communication about budgets and fundraising. Green was accused of failing to communicate about budgets and fundraising for the 2022 Juneteenth celebrations A report from the City Hall in Burlington found she overspent on vendors Green was accused of being careless with spending for the festival, but she pointed out she was clear of fraud or embezzlement Green told WCAX that her office had nothing to do with the event planning and contracts for Juneteenth, and said the city's report cleared her of any allegations of fraud or embezzlement. Green claimed that the only reason the event was reviewed was because it was organized by and in celebration of black people. Vermont is 93.8 percent white: only Maine has a higher percentage of white people. The city said that if Green still worked there, she would be facing significant punishment. 'If they were still city employees we would be considering serious sanctions against them now,' the spokesman said. Green's year working at Minneapolis City Hall, from March 2022 until March 2023, saw allegations that she asked to go on a taxpayer-funded leadership retreat and oversaw the spending of almost $500,000 on an underwhelming Black Expo event. Green is pictured in March 2022, when she returned to her hometown of Minneapolis to work at City Hall Green wanted to go to the See Change event in Burlington, Vermont, which lists activities such as snow kiting and yoga. It also offered a series of talks, including ones titled 'Letting go of your climate guilt' and 'Demystifying climate justice.' Green sought $2,433.21 for event registration, airfare and a travel agent fee. The City denied the request. Green was also criticized for her organization of Minneapolis's inaugural 'I am Ancestors Wildest Dreams' business expo, held in February 2023. One local business owner told local media she was promised that 20,000 people were expected to attend, but only a few hundred turned up. Green defended the expenditure, and said it was within budget. Green in Minneapolis, as in Vermont, accused her former colleagues of racism. She said Minneapolis City Hall had a 'toxic work culture' and claimed she was made to work in an office where she could hear nearby jail inmates crying through the walls. She also accused several senior black officials - including President Andrea Jenkins and member LaTrisha Vetaw - of being 'anti-black.' Jenkins replied that she is 'not anti-black, I am anti-incompetent.' He has been left so traumatized by the arrest that he is now too afraid to go outside 'even to get the mail' The boy was handcuffed and hauled into a cop car because his clothes matched those of a suspect who fled police on foot that day Tashawn Bernard, 12, was taking the trash out at his home in Lansing, Michigan on Thursday when he was mistaken for a suspect in a spate of car thefts Shocking footage captured the moment a 12-year-old black boy was handcuffed and hauled into a cop car after police mistook him for a suspect in a spate of car thefts. Tashawn Bernard was taking out the trash on Thursday outside his home in Lansing, Michigan when he was confronted by a police officer brandishing a gun, who believed the boy was a thief who fled on foot earlier that day. A stunned onlooker began filming the detention as at least four officers and a fleet of vehicles descended on the parking lot outside the schoolboy's home, and watched as his father Michael berated cops for 'traumatizing' his son. Officials say Tashawn matched the description of a suspect in neon green shorts and white shirt, however his family's attorney reportedly disputed this and said he was wearing a grey shirt. The video sparked fierce backlash that led the town's embarrassed police department and mayor to issue multiple statements of regret and explanation. The Bernard family's attorneys, Rico and Ayanna Neal, said the 12-year-old has been left so distressed by the ordeal he now 'does not want to go outside... even to get the mail.' Tashawn Bernard is pictured being arrested by four cops after the innocent black 12 year-old was mistaken for a theft suspect This is the distressing moment the cuffed teen was maneuvered towards the back of a Lansing Police cruiser Tawshawn's father Michael Bernard is filmed angrily remonstrating with cops over their mistake, as his upset son looks on Michael Bernard demanded answers from the cops, and at one point could be heard condemning the cops for arresting his son based on physical description of a suspect Video of the arrest racked up over 3.5 million views in under a day after it was posted to TikTok, which opened with Tashawn already in cuffs moments after he dumped his trash in a large blue dumpster. As the boy hangs his head and appears to exchange a few words with the officer, his father could be heard racing out of his home exclaiming: 'I'm his dad.' At a virtual press conference on Friday, Michael said he knew something was wrong when Tashawn was taking longer than usual to take the trash out, adding that by the time he made it outside the 'police were standing around him.' After watching his son perp-walked across the parking lot, Michael turned and put his head in his hands as the police appeared to explain the arrest. While much of the footage is inaudible due to the distance it was filmed from, Michael could be heard raising his voice as the officers continued justifying the detention. 'You always use that excuse man,' he said, adding: 'It doesn't matter - once you're black you match any description, bottom line' he added. While Michael continues pleading his son's case, Tashawn is led away from his father and into a police vehicle while still in handcuffs. At that moment, backup officers likely called during the prior chase arrive on the scene and a fleet of at least three extra police SUVs roll into the parking lot. Michael also notices the arrest is being caught on film by an onlooker, leading him to stroll down the sidewalk towards them with his hands outstretched, proclaiming the incident to be 'bulls***.' 'They're traumatizing my son,' he continued, as the person behind the camera agrees that the arrest was 'some wrong s***.' 'All these cops for a teenage kid,' adds another person behind the camera, at the same time Tashawn is eventually freed from the car and uncuffed by four officers crowded around him. The boy appears to spend around a minute in conversation with the officers, before he raced back to his dad on the sidewalk. When the officers slowly sauntered over, someone could be heard remarking 'now they about to tell lies.' Tashawn couldn't even face the cops as he stood by his father in tears, while Michael beckoned the cops to hurry up so he could gather them around and berate them. Tashawn Bernard (center) seen during a video press conference alongside his parents. His father Michael (left) slammed the cops for their audacious arrest, as their lawyers say they are 'exploring all legal options' including potentially filing a lawsuit The family's lawyers Ayanna and Rico Neal (pictured together) said Tashawn has been left too afraid to even get the mail after the terrifying ordeal The Bernard family say they are 'exploring all legal options' in the aftermath of the arrest, including 'the possibility of filing a lawsuit,' their lawyers said. They alleged that they have not received any additional information from the police besides what they have seen on social media. The Lansing Police Department faced fierce backlash following the detention, in part due to public statements that were intended to explain the circumstances of the arrest. Lansing police released two statements Friday, with the first sent out early in the morning sparking fury after it said the arrest was merely a case of 'wrong place, wrong time.' In a follow-up statement again explaining how police felt Tashawn was wearing similar clothes to a suspect, Lansing Police Chief Ellery Sosobee defended the arrest as 'respectful and professional.' Authorities said the 'unfortunate misunderstanding' unfolded after a witness to a car theft 'described a suspect as wearing neon shorts and a white shirt.' 'A responding officer saw a subject matching this description and attempted to make contact but the subject fled and ran west in to the nearby apartment complex,' the first statement read. 'A different officer was in the area and saw the young man pictured in the viral video wearing a very similar outfit and made contact with him. The initial officer was able to respond and clarify the young man in the video was not the suspect who fled earlier. 'Once this information was obtained, the young man was released and officers continued to search the area. Community relations is a top priority for us as a department, from top-down. Our hope is we can put this unfortunate case of 'wrong place, wrong time' behind us and continue to represent the community that we serve.' The Facebook post included two grainy images of Tashawn side by side with the suspect from the arrest, who was wearing similarly colored clothes yet many online remarked the suspect was clearly far larger than the child. The Lansing Police Department released a statement on Friday, the day after the arrest, that angered many after it tried to brush off the incident as 'wrong place, wrong time' In his follow-up statement that was sent out several hours after the first, the Sosebee defended the arrest and said it is an unfortunate moment during the departments push to 'address recent car thefts plaguing our city.' 'In doing so, yesterday officers detained a young man who was wearing similar clothing and in the same apartment complex as an accused car thief who fled from officers on foot,' the statement continued. 'When the officer made initial contact, it was near a trash bin but was after he had disposed of any garbage. The young man was then released to his father when eliminated as the accused. 'The command officer on the scene made contact with the young mans father and explained the situation and apologized for the misunderstanding. I have reviewed the incident and can confirm the officer who contacted and detained the young man was respectful and professional during his investigation. 'Its unfortunate that incidents like this occur but through communication and sharing of information, we can help people understand the whole story,' the police chief concluded. As he apologized because 'this incident had such an effect on this young man and his family', Sosobee urged the community to 'consider all the facts of the situation before making a judgement.' A Victorian woman under investigation by police after mushrooms she served at a family lunch are suspected of fatally poisoning three guests and leaving another fighting for life was known as 'blunt' and somewhat shy by residents in her small town. Erin Patterson, 48, from Leongatha two hours south-east of Melbourne, is said to have invited to the meal estranged husband Simon Patterson, his parents Gail and Tom Patterson, 70, along with Gail's sister Heather Wilkinson and husband Ian, 68. Simon pulled out of the July 29 lunch at the last minute but Gail, Tom and Heather were dead in a week and Ian remains in a critical condition in hospital. Doctors initially believed the patients were suffering from gastroenteritis, or possibly a nasty bout of food poisoning. But as the weekend drew to a close, it became clear that the situation was far more serious. Ms Patterson was interviewed by police, who said the victims' symptoms were consistent with eating death caps - which are the most poisonous mushrooms in the world. An official toxicology report is yet to be completed. By emerging accounts from residents in the largely Christian rural town of Leongatha, Ms Patterson was a harmless - though distant and somewhat odd - person who liked to cook, was a good mother and, as a neighbour described to The Australian, was naive and 'into unicorns'. It's understood Erin Patterson initially told police during an interview that she bought the mushrooms from a grocer in the Leongatha area Syd Whyte, who has been the president of the Korumburra Community Development and Action Group for more than a decade, said Ms Patterson was responsible for pulling together the community newsletter. The Burra Flyer is put out four times a year and contains local news, information on events and advertising for local businesses. Mr Whyte said he found Ms Patterson's manner to be blunt and she rarely engaged in small talk, but that she did her job well. 'She was quite capable of putting the Flyer together... I found her all right,' Mr Whyte told The Australian. Other parents in the town, population 5,800, noted Ms Patterson mostly kept to herself during school pickups in her bright red SUV. Ms Patterson and her estranged partner Simon have two high school-aged children together. The children were also present at the lunch but, along with Ms Patterson, did not become ill after being served different food to the potentially tainted beef wellington, though all three went to hospital when the other guests showed symptoms. Ian Wilkinson and Heather Wilkinson (both pictured) became severely ill after they ate wild mushrooms. Mrs Wilkinson sadly died while her husband is in a critical condition in hospital Simon's parents Gail and Tom Patterson, 70, fell ill after the lunch with what was assumed to be food poisoning or gastro until their symptoms turned lethal Simon had previously spent 21 days in ICU after becoming ill when he collapsed at the family home in 2022. It was one of a number of mystery bouts with sickness. Daily Mail Australia doesn't suggest Erin tried to poison Simon or her four guests. Several of Simon's friends have told Daily Mail Australia he never once accused his wife of foul play. Sources have even told Daily Mail Australia the fatal lunch had been an attempt to repair the failing marriage as part of church mediation. Ms Patterson was involved in the church, though it appears not as heavily as her in-laws. Ian Wilkinson, who is clinging to life in hospital, is a local Korumburra Baptist Church pastor. Simon Patterson (pictured) who is the estranged husband of Erin, reportedly suffered bouts with mystery stomach illnesses in the past By neighbour accounts Ms Patterson also has a fondness for animals and kept sheep on the family hobby farm. The hobby farm is one of two properties she owns, the other, a semi-detached east Melbourne townhouse worth in excess of $1million, she bought after inheriting money when her mother passed away four years ago. One neighbour said at a previous family property they had noticed graffiti scrawled onto a wall. Ms Patterson, who has remained at her family home this week as reporters camped outside, has strongly denied she had intentionally hurt her in-laws. 'I didn't do anything; I loved them. I just can't fathom what has happened,' she told reporters this week. Homicide squad detectives are continuing to investigate how the four guests became seriously ill. Detective Inspector Dean Thomas said the type of mushroom the guests ate was unknown, but the symptoms were consistent with those from eating a death cap. He said it would take a while for investigators to piece together what happened and police are keeping an open mind. 'It could be very innocent but, again, we just don't know,' he said. The family were all deeply involved with Korumburra Baptist Church (pictured) Mushrooms seen on the family home at Leongatha in Victoria's Gippsland region Chinese customs authorities optimize policies to expedite customs clearance for imported fresh products 15:59, August 12, 2023 By Du Haitao ( People's Daily Tropical fruits from Southeast Asia, lobsters from South Africa, Dungeness crabs from North America, yellow pitayas from Ecuador... As China's consumer market recovers at an accelerated pace, more and more overseas fresh products are making their way onto Chinese dining tables. Chinese customs authorities have introduced effective measures to ensure convenient and smooth customs clearance for imported fresh products. A flight from Bangkok, Thailand landed on time at the runway of Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, capital of China, at 9:02 a.m. one day. Zang Dong, section chief of the aviation monitoring division at the logistics monitoring department of the airport's customs authority, stood poised at the arrival gate alongside two customs officers. They had been waiting for the airplane to arrive on time and were ready to provide customs clearance. Imported fresh products are unloaded from an airplane which has arrived from overseas at Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, capital of China. (Photo/Fang Xing) "Fresh products are difficult to store in high temperatures and can only be declared as soon as they arrive," said Zang. As pre-arrival declaration forms submitted by the importing company showed, the aircraft was carrying one tonne of tropical fruits which needed swift customs clearance upon landing. After the cargo section of the airplane slowly opened, a platform truck unloaded 1,092 kg of Thai rambutans from the aircraft. Zang and his colleagues immediately began inspecting the fruits. They carefully checked the paper waybills, focusing on whether there was any spilled liquid and whether the packaging carried anyquarantine pests or vectors. After being inspected, the shipment of Thai rambutans successfully passed customs clearance. Statistics show that in the second quarter of this year, Beijing Capital International Airport handled 230 million yuan (about $31.92 million) worth of imports, including aquatic products, seafood and fresh fruits. This figure represented a significant increase of nearly 140-fold over the first quarter. During the same period, imports of specialty agricultural products saw eye-catching growth. Major imported fruits were mangosteen, durian and rambutan, while main seafood items were salmon and lobster. Many enterprises expressed that maintaining freshness is an essential priority when bringing in fresh products from abroad. These products demand efficient transportation, prompt customs clearance, and consistent cold-chain management. With fresh goods, every minute matters. "The Customs has implemented pre-arrival declarations and paperless clearance, whereby importers can complete all necessary clearance procedures simply by uploading electronic documents online. This includes the procedures for document receiving, review, and final approval," explained Gao Hongtao, general manager of Beijing Huayi International Freight Forwarding Co., Ltd. Customs staff members conduct inspections of imported lobsters at Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, capital of China. (Photo/Fang Xing) "This greatly streamlines declarations and quickens clearance, which is crucial for fresh imports," Gao noted. To handle potential revisions in cargo manifest data, the customs authority of Beijing Capital International Airport offers round-the-clock services to promptly transfer imported goods from aircraft to warehouses upon landing, prioritizing cargo breakdown, waybill acceptance and other subsequent logistics operations. It also adopts electronic quarantine permits for entering animals and plants, which enable real-time online verification of these documents. China's consumer market shows massive potential. In 2022, China imported $2.7 trillion worth of goods, making itself the second largest import market of the world for the 14th consecutive year. This figure accounted for nearly 11 percent of total world imports. As consumption structure continues upgrading, consumer demand in China for imported products is becoming more diverse and personalized. In recent two years, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement has been comprehensively implemented. Encompassing the world's largest population, highest trade volume and economic output, and greatest growth potential, the RCEPagreement has injected major impetus into regional development and opened up new possibilities for China to expand its imports of fresh goods. "From tariff reductions to smoother customs clearance, the RCEP agreement has substantially improved the ease of doing business for traders engaged in international commerce," explained Lyu Huibin, general manager of Beijing North China Transport International Freight Forwarding Co., Ltd. As China is expanding multilateral and bilateral economic and trade relationships globally, domestic demand for quality imports will keep rising, harboring tremendous market potential, Lyu added. According to data from China's General Administration of Customs (GAC), in the first half of 2023, China imported 125.08 billion yuan worth of agricultural products from ASEAN, up 7.5 percent. Fruit imports totaled 40.54 billion yuan, up 24.1 percent. Imports of durian and pineapple rose 65 percent and 24.1 percent respectively. To further smooth industrial and supply chains and improve trade facilitation, as well as help companies cut costs and increase efficiency, Beijing Customs District of the GAC recently rolled out 27 measures to optimize business environment. Zhang Geping, director general of Beijing Customs District of the GAC, said Beijing customs will streamline clearance procedures and improve logistics efficiency for perishable agricultural goods, special items and other products requiring quick customs processing. "We will implement more rigorous measures to ensure high-quality fresh products can swiftly pass through customs clearance," Zhang added. (Web editor: Zhao Tong, Hongyu) Police say they found a love letter between the defrocked priest and the teen from Valentine's Day when the girl was still a high school student Crow once claimed to have been the subject of a 'minor exorcism' 'Heartthrob priest' Alex Crow, 30, is being pursued by Alabama cops after he allegedly groomed a high schooler and fled to Italy with her A heartthrob priest is being hunted by cops over claims he groomed an 18 year-old girl while working at the school where she studied, before fleeing to Italy with her. Father Alex Crow, who has been hailed for his good looks online, and who once claimed he was the subject of a 'minor exorcism' - is on the lam with a former student at McGill-Toolen High School in Mobile, Alabama. During an initial investigation, cops discovered a love letter between 30 year-old Crow and the teen from Valentine's Day when she was still in high school. The teen, who has not been identified, graduated this past May as a part of the class of 2023. 'Clearly there was some sort of a relationship other than a priest and a student,' said Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch. The Archdiocese of Mobile defrocked Crow, a former rock musician, in July after they say he abandoned his post at the Corpus Christi Catholic Church on the outskirts of the town. At the time of writing, Crow and the teen remain in Europe and apparently have no plans to return. She is said to have told family members that she is happy and has asked them to leave her in peace. Female fans have gushed over Crow's brooding looks online, with one Facebook commenter writing 'He's cute' and another adding: 'He was a good-looking priest.' Police are searching for a now defrocked 'heartthrob priest' who allegedly fled to Italy with an 18-year-old woman who cops say he groomed as a high school student Father Alex Crow - who once claimed he was the subject of a 'minor exorcism' - is on the lam with a former student at McGill-Toolen High School in Alabama During an initial investigation, cops discovered a love letter between Crow and the teen from Valentine's Day when she was still in high school In a statement, Burch said that the former priest and rock band frontman may have taken the young woman to Italy to try and perform an exorcism. The sheriff said Crow has a fascination with demons and exorcisms which is supported by the former priest's own words during sessions. 'Former McGill-Toolen students told [a local newspaper] Crow would talk to classes about demons and exorcisms.' according to one report. Crow himself is a graduate of McGill-Toolen and later attended a seminary named St. Joseph before receiving his Master of Divinity degree in Indiana. The defrocked clergy member also attended Sant' Anselmo in Rome, Italy, where he received a Bachelor of Sacred Theology and studied demons and exorcisms deeply. In lectures posted online, Crow discussed his fascination in detail with possession and other supernatural encounters. 'I grew up in a weird home, both familially, but also a lot of weird stuff happening in the house,' he said during a podcast appearance in July 2022. 'You'd hear things moving around or banging in different rooms. I'd see things from time to time as a kid, always assuming I was kind of, hyper, or just looking too much into stuff,' Crow said at the time. The former member of the church also described a time when he experienced health issues like chest pains and migraines. The cause, he said, could not be determined. Crow claimed he underwent a 'minor exorcism' and that he had a 'negative reaction' initially but that he 'felt immediately better when it was over.' The Archdiocese of Mobile defrocked Crow (pictured in October 2020) in July after they say he abandoned his post at the Corpus Christi Catholic Church Crow was a priest at the Corpus Christi Catholic Church (pictured) in Mobile, Alabama The 'heartthrob priest' Alex Crow pictured out of his Roman Collar in a photo posted online During an initial investigation, cops discovered a love letter between Crow (pictured left) and the teen from Valentine's Day when she was still in high school. The defrocked clergy member also attended Sant' Anselmo in Rome, Italy where he received a Bachelor of Sacred Theology and studied demons and exorcisms deeply The young woman's parents were slated to hold a press conference on Thursday but canceled the event out of fear for their daughter's safety. 'They're afraid something is going to happen to their daughter,' attorney Christine Hernandez told NBC 15 News. 'She is with someone who the sheriff's office considers a predator,' she said. After the couple was discovered in Italy, the young woman reportedly told a family member that 'she went with him on her own free will.' She also allegedly insisted there was no romantic relationship between them and that they were staying in separate bedrooms. In a statement issued by the Archdiocese of Mobile on July 26, officials said Crow 'abandoned his assignment in the diocese' and exhibited behavior 'totally unbecoming of a priest.' Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi told Crow that 'he may no longer exercise ministry as a priest, nor to tell people he is a priest, nor to dress as a priest.' At the time, the Archdiocese said 'due to the circumstances of his departure, we have reported this to the district attorney.' He had been ordained just two years prior in June 2021. Before joining the church, Crow fronted a band called 'Alex Crow & The Altar Boys,' which played around the Mobile, Alabama area. Before joining the church, Crow (pictured) fronted a band called 'Alex Crow & The Altar Boys,' which played around the Mobile, Alabama area The young woman Crow ran away with is a recent graduate of McGill-Toolen High School Some online have asserted that the priest was able to get away with potential indiscretions due to his good looks. Pictured: Crow during a lecture Burch and other officials have said they are continuing to investigate and are looking for any additional victims of the former priest. The law officer says it is possible additional female students are involved. Some online have asserted that the priest was able to get away with potential indiscretions due to his good looks. In a statement sent to local media, the Mobile District Attorney's Office said they are working with the sheriff's office in the investigation. 'This is an active investigation, so we are limited on what we can say in order to protect the integrity of the investigation,' an official said. 'The circumstances surrounding this case are concerning, and it has the full attention of the Mobile County District Attorney's Office,' the statement read. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has been touted as a potential Republican rival to Donald Trump for the 2024 presidential nomination. Republicans who hate the thought of another Trump nomination are said to consider the moderate Old Dominion conservative a 'lifeboat' candidate, as former golden boy Ron DeSantis continues to founder in polls. Youngkin, 56, knocked off longtime Clinton family ally and former governor of the liberal-leaning state Terry McAuliffe in 2021, with many suggesting he was part of a new wave of Republican leaders. However, with the GOP failed to meet expectations in 2022's midterms and still have yet to come up with a substantial alternative to the controversial Trump, Youngkin's name is being suggested as a 'lifeboat' candidate according to some. The Virginia governor has an approval rating of 57 percent in a state Biden won by 10 points in 2020, with polls showing he'd be the first Republican to win a presidential race in the liberal-leaning state since 2004 in people voted today. With Trump's former Vice President Mike Pence, Florida's Governor Ron DeSantis and former Trump loyalist Chris Christie among those flopping , one more fresh Republican has been touted to take on Trump: Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin Youngkin, who is term-limited and cannot run for governor again in 2025, claims he is more focused on his own state's November assembly elections. Earlier this year, Axios reported he was considering re-entering the 2024 race - having previously dropped out - after DeSantis performed far worse than expected on the campaign trail. 'I'm excited about the midterms,' he told the Wall Street Journal. 'It gives us a chance to take our case back to voters and say, 'This is how we've done. We'd like for you to extend our license to lead by electing a House that's led by Republicans and flipping the Senate.'' He endorsed ten primary candidates this summer and each one of them advanced to the November general. 'If Mr. Youngkin flips the Senate in the fall, and no alternative to Mr. Trump has emerged, the pressure for the governor to jump into the presidential race will be enormous, no matter looming state filing deadlines,' the Journal's editorial board writes. It comes after DeSantis and his wife Casey were heckled by furious protesters who referenced an embarrassing claim that the Florida governor eats chocolate pudding with his hands. The aspiring 2024 presidential candidate and his glamorous wife walked awkwardly away as two women in t-shirts emblazoned with the words 'Bitches get stuff done' targeted them in Menlo, Iowa, on Friday. Heather Ryan, 51, screeched her protest into a megaphone at the top of her voice, then launched into a foul-mouthed tirade at a male bystander who tried to stop her. Onlookers claim she also branded DeSantis 'pudding fingers,' although that moment wasn't caught on camera. It was a reference to a Daily Beast story published earlier this year claiming the lawmaker eats chocolate pudding without utensils, a claim which DeSantis has denied, but which has continued to haunt him since. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and wife Casey were met by two vocal hecklers at their first stop of a six-town tour of Iowa on Friday The two liberal protesters donned all black and stood next to the Freedom Rock in Menlo, Iowa awaiting DeSantis' arrival CAUTION, STRONG LANGUAGE Bit of a skirmish at DeSantis first stop of the day in Iowa. Two protesters here are drowning out his remarks shouting pudding fingers and someone supporting him is trying to get them to stop. pic.twitter.com/xEtmd2M3c9 Natalie Allison (@natalie_allison) August 11, 2023 Instead he moved on to talk about his commitment to restoring the U.S. Military to a mission first mentality. He said that the protesters at the Melo Freedom Rock don't respect veterans. 'Racist, Fascist, anti-gay. Ron DeSantis, go away,' Heather Ryan, 51, from Bondurant, Iowa and Kara Ryan, 28, of Des Moines, Iowa shouted into a megaphone. Donald Trump has also jumped on the chocolate pudding claims claims and included a line about DeSantis' 'dirty fingers' in one of his ads. The claims have stoked claims that DeSantis is a socially-awkward candidate who lacks the charisma needed to power him to the White House. DeSantis, a former GOP golden boy over his stewardship of the Sunshine State, continues to slump in polls, with numbers from FiveThirtyEight showing he's the choice of just 14.3 percent of GOP voters, verses 53.7 percent who'd like to see Donald Trump run for president again. The Ryan ladies told DailyMail.com that they were tipped off about DeSantis' very intimate stop in Menlo from TikTok. 'They're not even from this county and they come and they want to scream over other people,' DeSantis told press while still being drowned out by the bullhorn chants and ringing of cowbells. 'That's not how we work. And we want to lift people up, we want to aim higher. We want a country that can be united again.' 'People like that are holding this country back,' he added. 'People like this are why we lose as Americans, because they have no respect for what these people who wear the uniform did. And they don't care about honoring the people who stood up and fought for us.' 'So as the only veteran running for president I can tell you I care. It means a lot to me.' Heather Ryan told DailyMail.com that she thinks of DeSantis as the devil. 'I'm protesting Satan,' Ryan said. 'So that's what I'm protesting. He is Satan.' 'I think he's more dangerous than Trump because he's smarter than Trump,' she added. 'Trump's a moron. You know, Trump has a big personality, so he's actually probably I'm sure gonna get the nomination. DeSantis doesn't have a personality but he's still dangerous.' The protester shouted into a megaphone, 'Racist, Fascist, anti-gay. Ron DeSantis, go away,' as the Never Back Down PAC campaign bus pulled into the first stop 'People like that are holding this country back. People like this are why we lose as Americans, because they have no respect for what these people who wear the uniform did,' DeSantis explained while the protesting persisted Heather Ryan, 51, from Bondurant, Iowa (right) and Kara Ryan, 28, of Des Moines, Iowa (left) told DailyMail.com that they are protesting the 'devil' and claim DeSantis is 'more dangerous' than Trump because he's 'smarter' than the ex-President DeSantis & Co. are barnstorming Iowa this week ahead of their appearance at the State Fair on Saturday. The first-in-the-nation primary caucus state will welcome nearly all presidential candidates to speak on the Political Soapbox, sit down for a 'fairside chat' with Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, mingle with fair goers and charm caucus-goers by flipping some burgers or trying unique food selections. The only 2024 hopefuls that aren't making an appearance at the Fair are former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and President Joe Biden, who is running for reelection. Biden faces two Democratic competitors, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Marianne Williamson, both of whom are coming to Iowa over the weekend. Taking off from the capital city of Des Moines on Friday morning, DeSantis' first stop of the day was at the Freedom Rock in Menlo where protesters were the first to greet him. He went on to a much more welcoming crowd at the Downtowner Family Restaurant in Atlantic, then stopped at an American Legion in Harlan before making a quick pit stop at the Audubon truck stop. The day wrapped with a very brief visit at a Windstar Lines Charter Bus Company location before his town hall in Panora, Iowa. A finance manager has accused Ryanair of 'racially profiling' her and her family after she was turned away from a flight in a furious row over the size of her cabin bag. Mother-of-two Chassidy Robertson, 28, was returning to London last month after a week-long break in Fuerteventura, Spain with her two children and younger sister Danique, when she was told her 10kg priority boarding bag was too large. In video filmed by her sister, staff can be heard telling Ms Robertson that she is no longer allowed to fly and has to 'get out' of the airport due to the 'scene' she has made at the gate - as they called police on the family. Ms Robertson believes the row arose after she was 'racially profiled' by staff who allegedly told her they 'didn't like' the way she looked at an employee as she walked through the gate. Ryanair have denied the allegations, calling them 'completely false' and insisting the passenger's bag was simply too large for their size restrictions and needed to go in the hold. The bag at the centre of the row, which ended in Ms Robertson and her family being removed from the queue Chassidy Robertson, from Putney, London, pictured with her two children while on holiday The airline says Ms Robertson was removed because she became 'abusive' and tried to board the aircraft without permission. The confrontation left Ms Robertson feeling 'attacked' and 'embarrassed', as well as distressed as she was desperate to board the flight, having run out of formula for her one-year-old daughter, who has various allergies. Ms Robertson had paid an extra 25 to upgrade her sister to priority boarding and allow for a 10kg bag on the flight - but the airline said it was the size of her bag, and not the weight, which meant she would have to pay extra for it to go in the hold. The mother-of-two claims the row erupted because they were told they had not paid priority for the bag and that staff had not liked a 'dirty look' or 'side-eye' she had supposedly given a staff member while scanning her boarding pass. Ryanair have since insisted that while they had paid for the 10kg cabin bag, it did not fit the dimensions permitted for the flight, so the group were advised to pay a standard fee to put it into the hold several times before 'forcing their way through the gate'. Concerned about her one-year-old daughter, who had run out of the prescription formula milk she relies on due to allergies, the mother was reduced to tears and was forced to book a flight on a different airline to get back to the UK. In a furious letter to the airline, Ms Robertson told them she believes the incident occurred 'because she's a black woman' and she vowed to 'make sure it doesn't go unheard about'. Ms Robertson, from Putney, London, said: 'It gets me so upset even talking about it now. I do think it was racism. My children have never experienced anything like that, my son was crying. 'I just wanted to resolve it as my one-year-old has medical issues, she has a special formula milk which had run out that day as I didn't bring extra on holiday. Concerned about her one-year-old daughter, who had run out of the prescription formula milk she relies on due to allergies, the mother was reduced to tears and was forced to book a flight on a different airline to get back to the UK Ms Robertson's sister Danique began filming the exchange as the row became heated Ryanair called police to remove the family after claiming they became 'abusive' - something Ms Robertson denies Ms Robertson, 28, said officials banned her from flying because they 'racially profiled' her 'My great grandmother had just passed away unexpectedly so we wanted to get back that day to be with family. They didn't want to hear it though, they just said we aren't flying today.' She also claimed that one of the handling agents told her sister, who had been filming the exchange, that if she deleted one of her videos they would be allowed on board - before 'laughing' at them and still denying them entry when she did. Ms Robertson said: 'They called the police on us. At no point were we ever violent or threatening. 'Other people waiting to board the plane were saying "how can you be doing this to this woman and her children?" One lady was crying herself because of how they were treating us.' In the footage a member of staff can be heard telling Ms Robertson that she does not have priority and would need to still pay at the gate - prompting further confusion. During the confrontation, a frustrated Danique can be heard in the video quoting Danielle Bregoli as she threatens: 'You're lucky I don't live here I would catch you outside'. The group were escorted to Ryanair's desk by the police, where they were told the next flight was on Friday, meaning they'd have to find accommodation to stay another four nights. With no formula left, and unable to afford this, Ms Robertson ended up booking them onto an easyJet flight for later that day. Ms Robertson is now scared to fly again in case she faces a similar situation Ryanair staff allegedly 'laughed' at the family as they refused them access to the flight She said: 'When we were boarding, they scanned our boarding passes and looked at our passports and let us through. Everything was fine. We were in the little tunnel about to get on the plane and I was called back. 'She told me that we didn't have priority baggage and that we wouldn't be flying today as she didn't like the way I looked at her when scanning my boarding pass. This made no sense to me. I had priority booking on my phone, it was on the app. She was denying that we had it. 'When I had walked through [the boarding gate], I hadn't even looked at her. I was more focused on my children and getting them through. 'Regardless of if I did look at her funny, which I didn't, that isn't a reason to not let somebody on the plane. 'I didn't think this would warrant us not flying, so I went back to my sister and kids. We were then forcefully removed from the line. They started pushing me with my one-year-old daughter in my hands. My son was crying, my daughter was crying. I felt so embarrassed and attacked. 'I asked, "is it racially motivated?" They laughed and said "if that's what you want to think." 'Going over it again, it brings tears to my eyes that my children had to see that.' Since returning home, the mother has sent a complaint to Ryanair via email but she felt their response showed 'no remorse' as it denied any racism and only restated that her sister's bag was too big. Now, she feels terrified to get on another plane and travel overseas in case the same thing ever happens again. A Ryanair spokesperson said: 'This passenger's cabin bag exceeded the dimensions permitted for her flight from Fuerteventura to Luton (17 July). 'As per Ryanair's T&Cs, which were accepted by the passenger at the time of booking, oversized cabin baggage must be placed in the hold of the aircraft for a standard fee which this passenger was advised at the check in desk and again at the gate. 'This passenger refused to pay the standard baggage fee and became abusive towards staff, including forcing herself through the gate and towards the aircraft, to which the gate staff promptly requested police assistance and the passenger was removed.' A country pub has unveiled a supersize fish and chips pizza drizzled in curry sauce to deliver the Best of British with flavours from around the world. The combo of haddock and chips and mushy peas served on a curry sauce flavoured pizza base has become a massive hit with customers far and wide. It is now a highlight of the menu at the Devonshire Arms, in the village of Middle Handley, in North East Derbyshire, just south of Sheffield. The supersize portions may be more than enough for most appetites. But customers are so in love with the creation that they are taking what they cannot eat home to enjoy it later. A country pub has unveiled a supersize fish and chips pizza drizzled in curry sauce The pizza is loaded with fish, chips, mushy peas, curry sauce and tartare sauce Portuguese joint head chef Marco Caires, originally from Madeira, says the original plan was just to do a 'twist on an old classic'. But the 16 a head dish became an overnight sensation and is now a permanent fixture on the menu. It consists of a flat pizza base, chip shop curry sauce, haddock pieces, double cooked chips, mushy peas and dollops of fresh tartare sauce, plus a sprinkling of fresh chives and dash of lemon. Fellow head chef Gareth Nightingale said: 'They are selling like hot cakes. 'We like to do things differently here so when Marco suggested his plan we put it into action. 'We have served up 30 or 40 of them a day, particularly on Fridays when people like a bit of fish. 'It's like Marmite. You either love it or hate it. 'Now we want to do a twist on some other favourites. A burger pie is definitely on the cards.' The pub, which dates back to 1750, is owned by Tom Maddick, 65, and run by his daughter Alex Tunney, 37. Reporter Mark Branagan tries out the dish, which now sells around 40 a day Chef John Thompkinson holds up the finished product after making the fish and chip pizza Mark Branagan said: 'It tasted very light on the palate and was amazingly more-ish' He said: 'It was four weeks ago that Marco came to me, saying he wanted to do a fish and chips pizza. I was blown away with the idea. 'It was supposed to be a limited edition but we kept it on the menu because people kept asking for it. 'One customer ordered four to take away. Another guy came here all the way from Northumberland and stayed the night just so he could get a taste. 'The portions are supposed to be for one person but a lot of people have not been able to finish and it and taken it home with them. 'The only traditional ingredient we decided against was ketchup. We thought it might make the pizza base a bit too much like a Margherita. 'That's why we opted for curry sauce instead. The response has been fabulous. Fellow head chef Gareth Nightingale said: 'They are selling like hot cakes' Reporter Mark Branagan meet chef John Thompkinson at the Devonshire Arms, Sheffield 'We have notched up 250,000 comments on social media about it and our posts have reached more than half a million people.' Our reporter said: 'Having seen the size of the portions I was expecting something quite stodgy. 'But it tasted very light on the palate and was amazingly more-ish. Before I knew it, I had scoffed the lot. 'The tartare sauce and curry sauce flavoured pizza perfectly offset the traditional flavours of the haddock and chips. 'Both food and service was restaurant quality - and very friendly with plenty of Yorkshire banter to accompany the main course.' 'I am not to much of a fan of either fish and chips or pizza on their own but together they tasted amazing.' Bizarre footage shows the moment a goat is left swinging after its horns snagged a power line while it was in an open transporter lorry. The baffling accident occurred when a triple-decker lorry drove through a Russian village, leaving the poor goat dangling on the low-hanging wires. It is seen helplessly swinging backwards and forwards, but thankfully the goat was later rescued and lowered to the ground, according to local media reports. A spokesperson for the administration of the Charodinsky district told local media: 'The three-tiered vehicle was too high. The wires are low there. 'People who live in our district know that it is not worth driving there with such vehicles. Bizarre moment when a goat is left swinging after its horns snagged a power line The accident occurred when a triple-decker lorry drove through a Russian village, leaving the goat dangling on the low-hanging wires 'They came to us from the Levashinsky district to buy goats, sheep.' A repair team is currently working in Kutikh, in the Charodinsky district of Dagestan, to lift the cables higher. As the video circulated on social media one user called Olga F. joked: 'Freedom was so close! lol.' Another, called 'Vadim' said: 'It decided to ride on the swings.' While another going by 'Grigory Makeev' asked: 'How is this possible? His horns are bent in the wrong direction - or did he jump backwards?' While 'Oksana' said: 'Escape failed!' The Army has sparked a feminist backlash after the first transgender soldier to serve on the front line was featured on a panel at a 'women in leadership' event. Warrant Officer Class 2 Deborah Penny was taking part in a discussion about the 'lived experience' of women in the forces at Sandhurst event this week. WO2 Penny, who has served for the British Army for more than 40 years across Northern Ireland, Afghanistan and Iraq, is the Warrant Officer for diversity and inclusion. The decision to select WO2 Penny on the five-person panel over biological women provoked a backlash from campaigners who argue her experience was 'irrelevant' to women as she joined as a man and served in roles female troops could not. Helen Joyce, the director of advocacy for campaign group Sex Matters, told The Telegraph that the trans soldier 'came into the army as a man and as a man did things that women could not do'. Warrant Officer Class 2 Deborah Penny was taking part in a discussion about the 'lived experience' of women She added: 'It is enormously offensive to present this to women as something that is useful to their careers, they cannot do the same thing,' she said. 'It is insulting and really suggests that there aren't any women who can be women in leadership. I think that they would have been better off not doing the event.' The latest Government statistics show that in 2021, just 13.81 per cent of officers were women - as female soldiers continue to remain underrepresented in the Army, particularly in leadership positions. The Ministry of Defence also came under fire on social media after Hannah Colbeck, co-chair of the Army Servicewomen's Network, posted pictures of the event online. Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (stock) was where the controversial talk took place this week 'Great being [at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst] today to support the [Army Engagement] team delivering a Women in Leadership event. Pomp and ceremony from the Commandant's Parade, followed by a Lived Experience Panel and questions,' she said. Social media users complained that WO2 Penny's spent time in the Commandos in 1986 - which women were not allowed to enter at the time. All combat roles were only made available to women five years ago. Despite facing criticism, senior Army figures have praised the 'progressive' decision made by the forces. Former head of the Army Lord Dannatt said that by having a trans women it was 'a good way of reflecting all dimensions of female point of view'. WO2 Penny has previously opened up about her long transition process between 2004, when she came out, and 2010. Trans people were allowed to join the military from 1999 - a year before gay, lesbian and bisexual people could. Last year, the solider was nominated for a national diversity lifetime achiever award, which saw her recognised as someone who 'actively delivers presentations to external audiences from schools, communities and businesses to break down barriers and dispel myths about being trans, LGBTQ+ and a woman in today's Army' and has 'pioneered diversity training'. Earlier this year, British Army officer Abigail Austen, the first officer to begin gender reassignment while serving in the military, claimed she was told to shoot herself when she revealed to her commanding officer that she was trans. An Army spokesman said: 'The comments posted on social media regarding this individual and any amplification of it are unacceptable, and does not reflect what the Army stands for, which is a place where everyone is welcome. 'We are an inclusive employer, where every single member of our personnel is valued and they all have the right to participate in network events to support each other's personal experiences in our service.' Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu has visited the Arctic island notorious for nuclear testing amid fears the Kremlin is set to defy the West by resuming military atomic tests. Shoigu's trip to Novaya Zemlya, a remote Arctic archipelago, comes amid huge war games by Vladimir Putin's Northern Fleet involving 20 naval ships and more than 8,000 troops. It's the first time the defence minister has visited since Putin ordered that Russia is ready 'if necessary' to conduct new nuclear tests for the first time since 1990 in the Soviet era. The aggressive move fuels deep east-west tension over the Kremlin's illegal invasion of Ukraine, and regular Russian threats to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in the Ukraine conflict. A defence source is on the record as saying: 'The task to get ready for resuming nuclear tests that has been assigned by the Russian president will certainly be fulfilled. Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu (accompanied by Alexey Likhachev) has visited the Arctic island notorious for nuclear testing Putin has ordered that Russia is ready 'if necessary' to conduct new nuclear tests for the first time since 1990 in the Soviet era. Pictured: Russian troops carrying out military drills in the Arctic Shoigu's trip to Novaya Zemlya, a remote Arctic archipelago, comes amid show of strength war games by Vladimir Putin's Northern Fleet involving 20 naval ships and more than 8,000 troops. Pictured: Drills being carried out in the Arctic 'The Novozemelsky test range has always maintained its readiness for the tests.' Shoigu 'inspected the remote Arctic garrisons of the Northern Fleet' and 'in particular, checked the organisation of official activities on Novaya Zemlya', state news agency RIA Novosti reported today. Significantly he was accompanied by Alexey Likhachev, director-general of ROSATOM, Russia's State Nuclear Energy Corporation. It follows reports earlier this week that Shoigu's daughter Ksenia, 32, has been forced to split up with her 'anti-war' partner Alexey Stolyarov, 33, after pressure from Putin. Meanwhile 'a detachment of [naval] ships of the Northern Fleet went to sea to solve problems in the Arctic zone'. Shoigu's visit followed a call from Putin's former space agency chief Dmitry Rogozin to restart banned tests at Novaya Zemlya. 'We must make sure that [the West's] buttocks begin to shake with fear,' he said. 'I would startI would do it, and I wouldn't wait for the Americans,' he said in May. 'Conduct nuclear tests now on Novaya Zemlya.' Vyacheslav Solovyov, scientific director of the Russian Federal Nuclear Centre said: 'There is a special program to maintain the readiness of the test site.' Some 130 nuclear tests were conducted on Novaya Zemlya from September 21, 1955, to October 24, 1990 The aggressive move fuels deep east-west tension over the Kremlin's illegal invasion of Ukraine. Pictured: Shoigu visiting Novaya Zemlya Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu inspects the Arctic garrisons of the Northern Fleet Some 130 nuclear tests were conducted on Novaya Zemlya from September 21, 1955, to October 24, 1990. These included 88 atmospheric, 3 underwater and 39 underground. Putin this week started drills in the Arctic ostensibly to protect the Northern Sea Route between Europe and Asia. 'In all, the drills will involve more than 8,000 servicemen, 20 warships, submarines and logistics vessels, five aircraft, up to 50 pieces of military and special hardware of the Northern Fleet's forces, formations and military units,' said a naval source. 'The participants will test different options of exercising fleet forces command and control while tackling missions to protect the Russian Federation's sovereignty along the Northern Sea Route.' This follows the Oceanic Shield 2023 naval exercise in the Baltic Sea involving more than 30 warships and other vessels, 30 aircraft and some 6,000 troops. Russia also has plans to expand a garrison on Novaya Zemlya. Shoigu's visit is the latest high profile event by the veteran defence minister whose star appears to be rising in Moscow. Last month he travelled to North Korea on a four day visit seeking ammunition and weapons for his war in Ukraine. Putin this week started drills in the Arctic ostensibly to protect the Northern Sea Route between Europe and Asia 'In all, the drills will involve more than 8,000 servicemen, 20 warships, submarines and logistics vessels, five aircraft, up to 50 pieces of military and special hardware of the Northern Fleet's forces, formations and military units,' said a naval source. Russia's defence ministry said today that Moscow destroyed 20 Ukrainian drones launched onto the Crimean Peninsula early on Saturday. There were no casualties and no damage as a result of the attempted attack, the ministry said on the Telegram messaging app. It said 14 drones were destroyed by air defence systems and six were suppressed by electronic warfare. It was not immediately clear what was targeted in the reported attacks on the Russian-annexed peninsula. Sergei Kryuchkov, an adviser to the Russia-installed governor of Crimea, said earlier that air defence systems were engaged in repelling air attack in different parts of the peninsula. Crimea transport authorities said on their Telegram channel that traffic on the Crimean Bridge, which links the Black Sea peninsula with the Russian region of Krasnodar, was suspended for about two hours from 1:30 a.m. (2230 GMT). Drone attacks on Russian-controlled territories in Ukraine and deep inside Russia have increased since a drone was destroyed over the Kremlin in early May. Ukraine almost never publicly claims responsibility for the attacks but has said destroying Russia's military infrastructure is crucial for Kyiv's counteroffensive. Yesterday, a Russian defence plant was evacuated after a major explosion at the site sent a huge plume of smoke into the sky, towering over nearby buildings. The explosion at the Zagorsk Optical-Mechanical Plant also initially prompted reports of a drone strike, but this was quickly denied by Russian officials. A huge mushroom cloud was seen over the plant in Sergiyev Posad, 46 miles northeast of Moscow. A witness said 'the whole plant is in ruins'. An Australian real estate executive charged with the attempted murder of his Russian wife lived an idyllic and extravagant life until one drunken night in France. Melbourne-born Damien Carew, 43, met Anna Polianskaya-Carew, 33, who had grown up in Monaco, on a beach in Greece more than a decade ago. The jet-setting couple were engaged in 2011 and married two years later on the French Riviera at the exclusive Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in the village of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. The pair had previously lived in Dubai for years where they had a 'humungous' waterfront home on the famous Palm Islands development and ran a handful of businesses in property, diamonds, and hospitality. But now, French authorities have confirmed real estate entrepreneur Carew has been charged with the attempted murder of the mother of his two children, after Ms Polianskaya-Carew was rushed to hospital and placed into a coma following an alleged attack in April, The Herald Sun reports. Damien Carew from Melbourne is accused of the attempted murder of his wife Anna Polianskaya-Carew (pictured together) and of laundering large amounts of money Damien Carew, 43, called emergency services after an incident involving his wife, local media reported. She was in a coma but has made a recovery and has been discharged from hospital Shocked friends have described the couple as 'lovely' and 'down-to-earth' but it appears their perfect life began to unravel after Mr Carew was found injured and drunk on a Paris street in late 2021 by French firefighters, known as pompiers. Police allege that when firefighters attended to the intoxicated man they found almost 200,000, the equivalent of $335,000 in cash inside his very ordinary-looking bag. A source with knowledge of the investigation said police allegedly found a further 160,000 ($268,000) in cash after searching the apartment in the north of Paris where he was staying, the Herald Sun reported . The source said police claimed Mr Carew had handled about 4m ($6.7million) through his accounts or in cash. He was eventually charged with aggravated money laundering and conspiracy to commit an offence punishable by 10 years imprisonment. Carew, who attended Melbourne's prestigious St Kevin's College, was held in a Paris jail throughout 2022 before he was released in January under 'judicial control' which involved being monitored by an ankle bracelet. Daily Mail Australia understands Carew has struggled since he was let out of jail and returned to Ms Polianskaya-Carew at their home in La Turbie, a village on the outskirts on Monaco. The couple and their two children lived at a rented villa in La Turbie (above), near the wealthy city-state of Monaco A friend of the couple said Carew had struggled since he was let out of jail in January and Russian-born Ms Polianskaya-Carew (above) had in recent months said she was suicidal Ms Polianskaya-Carew worked as a brand manager for Ibrahim Zein jewellery at the Stardust boutique in Monaco's Hotel de Paris, her Linkedin profile states. She has since woken from her coma following the alleged attack by Mr Carew in April. Her younger sister who works in a hotel near Antibes an hour west of Monaco told the newspaper their mother is taking care of Ms Polianskaya-Carew and the couple's children. 'She hadn't been doing very well and is still a little fragile but she is piecing her life back together,' she said. A friend said said Mr Carew and Ms Polianskaya-Carew had moved permanently to Monaco in late 2014 to settle down after previously enjoying the trappings of Dubai. 'They were living the high life,' the friend said. 'They were living in a humungous villa on Palm Islands. Damien Carew and Anna Polianskaya-Carew lived for several years in the United Arab Emirates, where they had a 'humungous' home on the exclusive Palm Islands (above) 'They were a very good looking couple, as you can tell. They obviously had a very ostentatious life. They live in Monaco, they've been in Dubai.' While in the UAE, Ms Polianskaya-Carew worked for the American commercial real estate services company Jones Lang LaSalle and her husband was involved in property as well as dealing in diamonds. After moving to Monaco, where Ms Polianskaya-Carew's mother lives, the couple had a daughter then a son. The friend was stunned to learn that Carew had been arrested over what had happened to his wife. 'I was floored,' the friend said. 'I couldn't believe it. 'They're the most generous people, quite quirky, but really down to earth. They're just so nice. It's just so sad. My heart breaks for the children.' The couple have previously worked in real estate, hospitality and diamonds. It is understood their business in Monaco has been liquidated since Mr Carew's arrest Neighbours said they had heard nothing on the day of the alleged incident but confirmed police had attended the house. Local news site Monaco-Matin reported Carew was represented by a Parisian lawyer when he appeared before a judge in April who ordered he be detained. Prosecutors have since charged Mr Carew with attempted aggravated murder and intentional violence against a spouse. Investigators and prosecutors with Junalco, an elite French agency, also continue to build a case on the money laundering charges. Plans to ban new oil boilers have been thrown into doubt following backlash amongst Tory MPs - with some Government insiders now insisting it was just a 'proposal'. Whitehall sources said the initial proposal was spearheaded by Boris Johnson's Government who put it out for consultation and that it is uncertain whether Rishi Sunak will charge ahead as planned. It comes as the proposal - which will ban the boilers in off-grid homes and introduce air-source heat-pumps by 2026, was criticised by the former environment secretary. Earlier this week George Eustice urged the Prime Minister to scrap the plans, that fall under the net zero strategy, comparing it to the controversial Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) charge in London. Others have warned the scheme, that will affected 1.7million rural properties, will leave thousands of voters 'colder and poorer'. Whitehall insiders said the plans, which fall under the net zero strategy, were only a 'proposal' set forward by Rishi Sunak's government The plans put forward by Boris Johnson's government hoped to ban new oil boilers in off-grid homes and introduce air-source heat-pumps by 2026 This week former environmental secretary George Eustice urged the Prime Minister to scrap the plans comparing it to the controversial Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) charge in London 'It is only a proposal,' one insider close to the discussions told the Telegraph, while another added 'It hasn't been adopted as government policy'. The paper's analysis revealed that one in seven households in cabinet ministers' constituencies are off the grid, meaning the ban would affect them. But even if the 2026 deadline was axed, the policy could still remain in place and with the oil heat source being phased out over a longer period. Mr Johnson yesterday urged his party to stick to it's eco commitments to make the UK a net zero carbon emitter by 2050. He wrote in his column for the Mail: 'You can create phenomenal wealth, and millions of high-wage jobs, with net-zero-friendly green technology, and the answer is not to scrap the ambition to achieve net zero which does not seem to me environmentally sensible (or electorally sensible, come to that) but to work harder to ensure that the UK economy benefits from the inevitable and growing green revolution.' 'Fossil fuels should be phased out when there is a cost-effective, affordable, and appropriate low-carbon heating option for off-gas grid, rural homes,' he added. But rural and fuel poverty campaigners fear households will not be able to afford the high costs for installing heat pump systems and retrofitting draughty homes. An oil boiler usually costs up to 4,000 to install, according to the Energy Saving Trust, while an air source heat pump costs around 14,000. Ground source heat pump are even more price - costing between 28,000 to 49,000 based on the type of installation. There also worries over a lack of trained engineers who can install heat pumps as well as the subsidy scheme providing up to 6,000 is set to end in five year's time. An employee works on a new heat pump at Vaillant Group in Remscheid, Germany, on July 20 Air source heat pumps absorb heat from the outside air at low temperature into a fluid to heat your house and hot water. They extract renewable heat from the environment, meaning the heat output is greater than the electricity input Ground source heat pumps circulate a mixture of water and antifreeze around a ground loop pipe. Heat from the ground is absorbed into the fluid and then passes through a heat exchanger, and running costs will depend on the size of the home Heat pumps run on electricity and capture heat from outside before transferring it inside Others have placed emphasis on how the ban will only affect rural homes, with others across Britain who are connected to the gas grid not being affected for at least the next ten years. Writing in the Telegraph earlier this week, Mr Eustice said: 'Rural communities are about to have their own version of the Ulez dumped on them. 'They should call off the ban on the sale of boilers and pursue a different strategy, which would be to properly incentivise renewable fuels in those boilers.' He added that an existing kerosene boiler could instead be converted to run on hydrotreated vegetable oil made from waste cooking oil or vegetable waste for just 'a couple of hundred pounds'. The politician said this would reduce carbon emissions by 88 per cent 'far faster than the current approach could and at a fraction of the cost'. Mr Eustice said the Government needs to create different approaches to develop the delivery of net zero, rather than 'lock' into technologies now. 'To pick winners today is to shut down all the other innovation taking place and the Prime Minister is right to push back,' he said. 'Rural communities are about to have their own version of London's ultra-low emission zone dumped on them.' Mr Johnson yesterday urged his party to stick to it's eco commitments to make the UK a net zero carbon emitter by 2050 Earlier this week Mr Eustice compared the plans to scrap oil boilers to the controversial Ulez scheme The expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) is due to come into force on August 29 His criticism was supported by the Country and Land Business Association which claimed the 2026 deadline was a decade too early. Its president Mark Tufnell told the Telegraph: 'With urban homes not needing to wind down fossil fuel heating until the mid-2030s, the Government has gone against all conventional wisdom by targeting the highest-hanging fruit first.' Meanwhile, Martin Collett, chief executive of affordable housing provider English Rural Housing Association, told MailOnline: 'Rural homes overall are disadvantaged through being 'off grid' without access to mains gas and having a high proportion of hard to decarbonise older stock. READ MORE A third of voters support 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel cars Advertisement 'The current approach to valuing carbon reduction through property energy ratings also still limits the benefit of installing heat pumps. 'Specifically, the intended approach of banning replacement oil boilers in the countryside some nine years in advance of an 'on-grid' ban is likely to result in higher costs for rural households, without the infrastructure, support, or investment to make renewable options work as effectively as they could. 'The outcome is likely to hit low-income rural households hardest, increasing their risk of fuel poverty. 'To effectively deliver on intended government policy, increased investment is needed to decarbonise rural homes. This should start with better funding for housing associations to decarbonise affordable rural homes. 'Reducing carbon emissions, lowering energy costs for those facing fuel poverty, and providing a financial shot in the arm to innovate and improve the use of renewable technology in the countryside.' It is unclear how the Government will respond to the consultation that was issued in 2021. While it was closed 20 months ago, there has still been no Government response to the submisi A spokesman for the Energy Security Department said: 'We have consulted on new regulations to phase out boilers in homes and non-domestic buildings off the gas grid from 2026. We will confirm our plans when we publish our response to the consultation in due course.' NSW Liberal leader Mark Speakman says he will support an Indigenous voice to parliament, after months of personal and community deliberation. Mr Speakman said the potential rewards outweighed the potential risks, adding he will not take an active role in the referendum or advise others on how to vote. 'I personally support a voice in the Australian constitution,' he said in a statement on Saturday. 'There are no guarantees but other things being equal, working in closer partnership with Indigenous Australians - and elevating it by embedding it in the constitution - offers a better chance of closing the gap.' The Liberal leader previously made it clear he would allow opposition MPs to vote how they want on the issue. NSW Liberal leader Mark Speakman says he will support an Indigenous voice to parliament, after months of personal and community deliberation Mr Speakman said the potential rewards outweighed the potential risks, adding he will not take an active role in the referendum or advise others on how to vote He says he held concerns the voice to parliament could impede timely decision making but believes these have since been allayed. With polls now showing the referendum only likely to succeed by a narrow margin, if at all, Mr Speakman called for changes to the proposal being put to the Australian people. He urged the government to separate proposals for constitutional recognition and a voice into two different questions. Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney congratulated Mr Speakman on his stand as that of 'a decent man'. 'It is an extremely proud day in NSW where we have bipartisan support for a voice to parliament from both the Liberal and the Labor Party,' she told 'yes' campaign supporters in Geelong. However she said it was the Albanese government's intention go forward with the referendum in the way it had been asked to by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, to put 'a very simple, clear question'. WA Liberal leader Libby Mettam this week withdrew her support for the 'yes' campaign, saying the state government's scrapping of the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act had changed her mind. 'We have seen the repeal of a piece of legislation just weeks after it has been implemented as a result of an approach of providing the details later,' she told ABCTV. Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney congratulated Mr Speakman on his stand as that of 'a decent man' While acknowledging cultural heritage laws and the voice are separate issues, Ms Mettam said the plan of voting first and releasing details later is the same. 'I remain supportive of Indigenous recognition in the constitution,' she said. 'What I was hopeful of - and what many Australians and Western Australians are hopeful of - is more detail on how the voice that has been proposed will lead to some real practical outcomes.' On Saturday, Mr Speakman called for the release of draft legislation on the voice, including detailing its proposed composition, functions, structure, powers and procedure. The NSW top Liberal was not alone in putting off making public his position, with counterparts in Victoria and Queensland still to do so. Victorian opposition leader John Pesutto has given coalition MPs the freedom to vote how they choose but is yet to reveal his personal position, as is Queensland opposition leader David Crisafulli. Leader of Australia's sole Liberal government Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff, who is considered a moderate, plans to vote 'yes' in the referendum. 'Recent polling suggests the referendum is unlikely to succeed and that even if it does, it will only do so by a narrow majority,' Mr Speakman said. 'Neither outcome helps our nation's ongoing journey of reconciliation. 'Whatever the outcome of the referendum, there remains the urgent business of reconciliation and closing the gap, to which we must all renew our commitment.' The death toll from the devastating Hawaii wildfires has risen to 80, officials have said, with nearly 1,500 islanders being evacuated as a probe is launched into the handling of the deadly inferno. Late on Friday night, Maui County government confirmed the number of fatalities had risen, in what is the worst natural disaster to have hit Hawaii since it became a state. The death toll is expected to rise significantly over the coming days, with hundreds of people still unaccounted for, as the mayor of Maui, Richard Bissen Jr., said they have not yet begun searching inside buildings. As the tragedy continues to unfold, Hawaii's attorney general announced a 'comprehensive review' would be taking place into how authorities responded to the fire - as questions mount over whether residents were warned fast enough. The updated death toll comes hours after Lahaina residents were allowed back into the town for the first time, with many sadly finding their home had been reduced to ashes. Josh Green, the governor of Hawaii, is seen in Lahaina on Friday surveying the damage Two people stand near a destroyed structure in Lahania town on Thursday Rescue workers search the charred ruins of Lahaina, in western Maui Members of the Hawaiian National Guard are seen on Friday combing the devastated town But even those who luckily had their homes saved were critical of the authorities, voicing concerns of abandonment. 'Everything has been coconut wire,' said William Harry, referring to a system of rumors. 'One person heard, then told another, but it's not official information. They don't come here and explain anything.' Another man, who did not want to be named, added that he felt like he had been left to fend for himself. 'Where is the government? Where are they?' he fumed. 'This is insane. We can't move freely, we don't get the support, now we've heard about looting.' Hawaii's Attorney General Anne Lopez said her office would be examining 'critical decision-making and standing policies leading up to, during and after the wildfires on Maui and Hawai'i islands this week.' 'My department is committed to understanding the decisions that were made before and during the wildfires and to sharing with the public the results of this review.' Late Friday, Maui county officials gave an updated death toll from the disaster. 'The number of fatalities is at 80,' the county said, adding that 1,418 people were at emergency evacuation shelters. It has now emerged that a report last year on emergency preparations placed the risk of wildfires as low - well below that of earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes and hurricanes. A view of flames as wildfires engulfed the historic town of Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii, on Thursday Prior to the wildfires, the most devastating natural disaster in the state's history was a 1960 tsunami that struck Hilo Bay killing 67 people. The wave was created following a 9.5 earthquake in Chile. Asked by Wolf Blitzer whether they were complacent, Josh Green, Hawaii's governor, insisted that the fire was unprecedented and impossible to predict. 'We do have wildfires every year. But we've always been able to contain them,' he said. 'Whether the factors were different this year? 'I've been in Hawaii 24 years and never seen the convergence of a hurricane and a wildfire anywhere near our towns. These things do occur, but that was in a rural area with grass.' Green defended the efforts of his team. 'We do what we can with the resources we have, far from the mainland,' he added. 'This is the first time we've ever seen anything like this.' The February 2022 report, entitled 'State of Hawaii Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan - Base Plan', detailed potential threats to those living on the island. The plan 'describes and establishes the organizational framework the state will use to document and socialize the many strategic, operational, and tactical emergency management plans, policies, and procedures that make up the State Comprehensive Emergency Management Program.' The authors claim: 'Through the execution of this document, state emergency management activities will increase in effectivity, to the benefit of all public and private entities as well as state residents and visitors.' The document said tsunamis posed the greatest threat, with a high risk to people, property, the environment and emergency management program operations. Hurricanes were next on the list. Floods were a significant concern, and cyber threats were also troubling to the authorities. But wildfires were considered of low risk to people living on the islands. There was a greater threat from landslides, terrorism, infrastructure failure and drought, the officials concluded. Yet other documents, first cited by CNN, showed that the officials were aware of a growing threat from wildfires. In 2018, tailwinds from Hurricane Lane whipped a wildfire on Maui, burning 2,000 acres. 'The approaching storm stretched public safety resources and complicated the suppression response, with strong winds grounding air support and the fire forcing evacuation of a storm shelter within hours of predicted hurricane landfall,' according to a 2021 report from Maui County. The fires burned 21 residential structures, 27 vehicles, and an about 150 acres of active farmland, making them among the most destructive in state history, according to the report. Hawaii's 'unprecedented' wildfires razed a historic town and killed dozens of people after a hurricane hundreds of miles from the islands combined with dry conditions A member of the Hawaii National Guard marks a burnt-out truck on Thursday in Lahaina An aerial view of the destruction of Lahaina, showing burnt-out cars amid the ruins of homes The scorched town is pictured from the air. People jumped into the sea to escape the flames A charred bicycle is seen amid the wreckage of a home in Lahaina The center of Lahaina, a historic town with buildings from the 1800s, has been destroyed Fleetwood's restaurant was ruined by the wildfires which blazed overnight on Tuesday and into Wednesday Rolando Bumanglag, 65, is seen trying to sort through the charred ruins of his home in Lahaina, looking for his passport and other papers Smoke still rises from Lahaina on Friday The charred ruins of an apartment building in Lahaina are seen on Friday In the 2021 report, officials concluded that funds to prevent wildfires were 'inadequate.' The report also said the county fire department's strategic plan included 'nothing about what can and should be done to prevent fires' an omission which the authors called a 'significant oversight.' The report recommended a thorough risk assessment of fire hazards, but it's not clear whether officials heeded the recommendation. Green, the governor, on Thursday night said that Lahaina would be rebuilt with attention paid to reducing the threat from future fires. Police have launched an urgent hunt for a killer who stabbed her own mother to death after she escaped from a hospital at around 5:10pm yesterday. Laura Van Marle, 43, was on escorted leave when she threatened hospital staff with a weapon before making her escape which has sparked a nationwide search. A helicopter and specialist units have been deployed in the Wellington area of Somerset - members of the public are urged not to approach her. She is described as about 5ft 7in, slim, with blonde hair with members of the public urged to call police immediately if they see her. Van Marle was previously detained under the Mental Health Act and given an indefinite hospital order by the courts in 2021 for killing her mother Susanna Van Marle. Laura Van Marle killed her own mother in the dead of night by stabbing her seven times in the chest while she lay in bed A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: 'Laura was on foot and is known to walk long distances, so may have left the Wellington area. 'She may also be travelling on public transport, and has links to Herefordshire. 'Laura is considered to be in mental health crisis and may pose a risk to herself or others. 'Laura was on foot and is known to walk long distances, so may have left the Wellington area.' She was last seen wearing a white vest top, grey denim shorts and black trainers. A court heard previously how Van Marle killed her own mother in the dead of night by stabbing her seven times in the chest while she lay in bed. She travelled more than 150 miles to the quaint Herefordshire village of Cradley where her parents lived as she listened to voices in her head telling her to kill. Worcester Crown Court heard Van Marle said she was 'evil' as she stabbed her mother to death at the Cradley home using a kitchen knife. Laura Van Marle (pictured), 43, was on escorted leave when she threatened hospital staff with a weapon before making her escape Prosecutor Richard Smith QC told court Susanna Van Marle's last words to her daughter were 'you've killed me'. Mr Smith said Susanna Van Marle had been asleep in bed with her husband as her daughter let herself into the house using a spare key kept in the garage. She had travelled more than 150 miles from Dorset, where she had been living an open-air alternative lifestyle, to carry out the killing. Mr Smith said Van Marle felt it was the right thing to do in order to put her mother out of her suffering, believing 'Satan was taking over the world'. He said that Van Marle had suffered with severe mental health issues since 2010, which doctors believed to be schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Her father was able to lock his daughter out of the house until the police arrived and Van Marle was arrested and said her actions were due to an 'inner message'. Kate Bex QC, defending, said Van Marle was of previous good character, and thought what she was doing was an 'act of love' due to her mental health. Van Marle pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility. Sentencing at the time, Judge James Burbidge QC said the killing was committed in 'the dead of night' and Van Marle used 'stealth' to sneak into the family home. He said Van Marle's parents had always been as supportive as they could be, which was 'part of the tragedy of the case'. Six people have died and more than 50 people rescued after a small boat carrying migrants sank in the Channel early on Saturday morning, with fears others are still missing. British and French crews scrambled to the vessel after a passing ship alerted authorities the boat had got into difficulty off the coast of Sagnatte. The Boulogne prosecutor's office immediately opened a judicial investigation into the drownings. The tragedy comes almost two years to the day since 27 migrants heading for Britain also drowned when their flimsy inflatable craft collapsed below them. This morning a French emergency services source said some 66 migrants of various nationalities were involved in total, including an Afghan in his 20s who was initially rescued by helicopter but was declared dead on arrival in Le Touquet. 'Around 50 people were saved, and a rescue operation is still underway, but some six people are thought to have died, and others are unaccounted for' the source said. Following the disaster Home Secretary Suella Braverman held an emergency meeting this morning and is being updated on the latest developments surrounding the search and rescue operation. A rescue boat enters the port of Calais after a boat carrying migrants across the Channel capsized The RNLI bring people ashore at Dover Docks this morning after rescuing them from a capsized vessel in the Channel Emergency responders give medical care to those brought ashore in Dover on Saturday Border Force officials bring people ashore from the channel, some carrying babies in their arms Six were recovered in serious condition, one of whom was flown by helicopter to a Calais hospital and declared dead. Some 22 people were rescued and dropped off in Dover, including by a Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) crew, which was launched shortly before 4am, and a British chartered ship. At least 36 survivors were also collected by French boats and taken to the port of Calais, as well as the five who died. A search and rescue operation involving two British ships, five French ships and a helicopter is under way, France's Maritime Prefecture of the Channel and the North Sea said. The RNLI said a lifeboat crew was launched just before 4am. In Dover people were seen being stretchered off a lifeboat and surrounded by paramedics as urgent medical treatment was given - although most of those pulled from the sea were picked up by French vessels and returned to France. Local mayor Franck Dhersin said dozens of boats were reportedly trying to make the crossing at the same time. He added: 'Near Sangatte they unfortunately found dead people.' Home Secretary Suella Braverman said her 'thoughts and prayers' are with all those affected by this morning's deaths in the Channel, as she is expected to hold a meeting with the Border Force today. The French vessels involved in the rescue included Pluvier, Notre dame du Risban, Abeille Normandie and Cormoran. A French helicopter was also deployed to the scene, as well as a ship from the RNLI and another British private vessel. Dover Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) crew with rescue teams from Folkestone and Langdon Bay and South East Coast Ambulance have also been sent to respond, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said. Early on Saturday morning, information was received from a patrol boat that a migrant boat was sinking off Sangatte, French authorities said. Many of those rescued were returned to Calais aboard the patrol vessel Cormoran, MailOnline understands. Some were also picked up by the RNLI's Dover ship. It is unclear how many people were on the boat and whether more are missing at this stage. An eyewitness told how some on board had been using shoes in a bid to bale water out of the boat. Anne Thorel, who was one of the rescuers, told Reuters her group saved 54 people including one woman, adding: 'There were too many on the boat'. Ms Thorel said no one was killed on the boat she was involved with rescuing. The rescue boat called Notre Dame du Risban, an SNSM lifeboat, enters the port of Calais At least one person was seen being stretchered off the RNLI boat after spending time in the Channel waters At least one person is known to have died in the tragedy, with five others in a serious condition in hospital It comes as the government was yesterday forced to take all migrants off the Bibby Stockholm barge after just four days following detection of Legionnaires bacteria in the water supply. A UK Government spokesperson said this afternoon: 'These deaths are devastating and our thoughts are with the victims' families and friends at this time. 'This incident is sadly another reminder of the extreme dangers of crossing the Channel in small boats and how vital it is that we break the people smugglers' business model and stop the boats.' The Boulogne prosecutor's office has launched an investigation into the tragedy. A UK Coastguard spokesman said: 'HM Coastguard is currently assisting the French authorities, Gris Nez, in a search and rescue response to an incident involving a small boat in the Channel. Paramedics rushed to Dover on Saturday to receive those injured in the tragedy Rescued migrants sitting on a French rescue ship after a migrant boat tried to cross the Channel 'Dover RNLI lifeboat has been sent as part of that assistance with Folkestone and Langdon Bay coastguard rescue teams. South East Coast Ambulance has also been sent. 'HM Coastguard will continue to work with search and rescue partners to respond to those in distress around the seas and coastal areas of the UK.' More than 100,000 people have made the perilous crossing across the English Channel since 2018, figures this week showed. On Thursday, 755 people were intercepted arriving into the UK, a record figure for the year so far. Last year five people died and another four went missing while trying to cross from the north coast of France to England. In 2021, one of the worst tragedies in recent Channel history occurred after 27 people drowned when their small dinghy sank in the middle of the crossing. The English Channel is one of the busiest shipping routes in the world and its seas can be highly dangerous. As of Friday, 15,826 people have crossed the Channel in small boat crossings this year. A mother whose autistic daughter was dragged from home by seven cops after saying a female officer was 'a lesbian like nana' is set to take legal action against the force, MailOnline can reveal today. The 16-year-old girl, who also suffers from spinal disability scoliosis, had been driven to her home in Leeds, West Yorkshire, by officers after attending the city's Gay Pride celebrations with her sister when she allegedly made the 'homophobic' remark. She was later dragged away 'screaming' by West Yorkshire Police officers in the early hours of Monday morning having been arrested on suspicion of 'homophobic public order offence'. Footage of the incident, filmed by the girl's mother went viral on TikTok prompting a furious backlash online, as the officers were accused of heavy-handedness and left the girl cowering under the stairs in her own home. The 39-year-old mother-of-six has already made an official complaint about the way the officers treated her daughter, whom she denies is homophobic, but she is now set to take it further. 'I am going to seek legal advice,' she told MailOnline. The girl was dragged screaming from her home in Leeds, West Yorkshire, by a group of officers after a 'homophobic public order offence' The teenage girl called this police officer a 'lesbian like nana' which prompted the intoxicated 16-year-old to be arrested The girl cowered in a corner of the hallway as her mother said she was autistic and had not meant to offend the officer It comes after the force has confirmed it will take no further action against the teenager and released her from her bail, although a review of the arrest by West Yorkshire Police's Professional Standards Directorate is ongoing. The mother also raised concerns that the police are not properly trained to deal with autism sufferers and they do not understand how the condition affects people in different ways. She says her daughter suffered severe pain as she was manhandled by seven officers, having recently been diagnosed with the spinal disability scoliosis. 'We only found out two weeks ago. I knew she had it. I had been backward and forwards to the doctors for a year,' she added. 'They said she was fine and was putting it on and it was all in her head. Then she collapsed at home so I had to rush into A and E. 'She was being sick everywhere. Then they did the tests and found out she had scoliosis. I knew she did because her 17-year-old brother has got it and is waiting for surgery on his spine.' The mother is also angry that she was not present when her daughter was interviewed following the incident in the early hours of last Monday. She continued: 'They released her after 20 hours in a cell. They did say I could be her appropriate adult but they did not call me. I rang them three times while she was in custody. 'They used someone else as the appropriate adult but then said they could not use me because I was a witness to what happened. I don't know what that has to do with it. 'They were frightened I was going to tell the truth about what the officer had done. That is why I put a complaint straight in. 'They have obtained bodycam footage. They must have viewed it because I understand the complaint has gone straight upstairs to an official who deals with policing standards on a national basis. 'They have mistreated my daughter so many times. When you call her for help when she is having a meltdown because she is hard to control because she is really strong they don't help. 'They twist it around onto her, find something to charge her with and stick her in a cell for hours. 'The last time they did that, they slammed her up against a wall and she came out with bruises all over the face. They say she did it to herself. But my daughter does not lie to me. 'That is one thing about autism - you don't lie. You just tell people how it is. If she had punched herself in the head, she would have told me. The female officer at the centre of the row is pictured after the incident. Police say the girl who compared her to her 'lesbian nana' will face no further action 'That is why she does not like the police. They tell you to ring them for help with your kids and they never, ever help ever.' Officers have since visited the house to inform the family it will take no further action against the teenager and released her from her bail. What is autism? Autism is a lifelong developmental disability which affects how people communicate with the world. More than one in 100 people are on the autism spectrum and there are around 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK. Autistic people often have difficulties with interpreting language, gestures or tone of voice. Some autistic people are unable to speak or have limited speech while others struggle with nuance and tend to interpret words very literally. Some often have difficulty recognising or understanding others' feelings and intentions - as well as expressing their own emotions Others with the condition may experience over- or under-sensitivity to sounds, touch, tastes, smells, light, colours, temperatures or pain. They may find certain background sounds like music in a restaurant, which other people ignore or block out, unbearably loud or distracting. This can cause anxiety or even physical pain. SOURCE: National Autistic Society Advertisement The mother previously told MailOnline insisted her daughter is not homophobic, adding: 'My girl did not mean anything by the remark. Some of her best friends are gay... She did nothing wrong. She was saying to the police officer she was sorry. The police woman said 'I don't care. You are getting arrested'. 'I don't see how they can take offence from a comment like that. How is that a hate speech? She did not mean anything by it. 'If my girl had done wrong I would have said 'take her' But what that officer did was wrong. She went about it the wrong away.' According to the girl's mother, her 16-year-old daughter had been at a friend's home when she 'sneaked out' to find her older sister who had celebrating her 18th birthday at Leeds' Gay Pride event on Sunday. The mother, who is a cancer survivor, added her daughter had been drinking while out and was 'running in the road and being unsafe' when she was found by her older sister. Concerned, the 18-year-old called police 'for help' after being unable to get in touch with her mother, who had gone to sleep. 'She explained her sister is autistic,' the mother told MailOnline. 'She was scared to go in the police car to go home so my eldest offered to go with the police with her and got in the car with her sister. The drunken teenager, who had been giggling in the police car, according to her mother, was then driven back to her home address by police where the drama continued. 'When I opened the door the police woman was holding my daughter's arm,' the mother said. 'I took her gently off the police officer who stood at the door and did not come in. As I was guiding my daughter upstairs she said 'She is a lesbian like Nana'. The girl, who also has scoliosis, tumbled down as she was dragged by officers outside into a police car 'The next thing the police officer tried to grab my daughter who hid under the stairs because she was a really scared. 'I put my leg on the wall in front of the officer and said 'You are not going near her'. That's when I started recording. 'She was clenching her fists and looking at her really angry. My daughter was under the stairs and was punching the wall and punching herself in frustration. 'The police woman called for back up and seven officers ended up arresting her.' The teenager, who is not being named, was held in custody for 20 hours after the incident about 1am on Monday and then released. A review of the arrest by West Yorkshire Police's Professional Standards Directorate continues. Assistant Chief Constable Oz Khan said: 'We recognise the significant level of public concern that this incident has generated, and we have moved swiftly to fully review the evidence in the criminal investigation which has led to the decision to take no further action. 'Without pre-empting the outcome of the ongoing review of the circumstances by our Professional Standards Directorate, we would like to reassure people that we will take on board any lessons to be learned from this incident. 'We do appreciate the understandable sensitivities around incidents involving young people and neurodiversity and we are genuinely committed to developing how we respond to these often very challenging situations.' A British soldier has been charged over a glass attack on her holiday friend in a Magaluf nightclub. Sydney Cole, 23, faces a three-year sentence if convicted over the April 15 2019 incident which left Lance Corporal Sarah Garrity, 26, in intensive care after losing four pints of blood and needing 14 stitches to a neck wound. Hertfordshire-born Cole was arrested on suspicion of attempted homicide and remanded in prison in Majorca briefly before being released pending an ongoing investigation. Today, respected island newspaper Ultima Hora said she had been accused of a crime of wounding in an indictment submitted to a court in Palma and was facing a three-year prison sentence if convicted at trial. Prosecutors in the Majorcan capital drafted their indictment despite Sarah, 26, telling Spanish authorities early on in the investigation she didn't want to press charges and renouncing her right to compensation. Sydney Cole (right), 23, faces a three-year sentence over the April 15 2019 incident which left Lance Corporal Sarah Garrity, 26 (left), in intensive care after losing four pints of blood and needing 14 stitches to a neck wound Hertfordshire-born Cole was arrested on suspicion of attempted homicide and remanded in prison in Majorca The trial date has not yet been made public but it is expected to take place before the end of the year. The latest development in the long-running case comes 18 months after it emerged a Palma court had issued an international arrest warrant for Cole following failed attempts to inform her she was wanted for a new quiz under oath. Judicial sources at the time said her indictment over the attack was 'just a question of time' and explained the Palma judge who issued the warrant had decided to take action after she breached bail conditions by changing address without notifying Spanish authorities. It was not immediately clear today if the arrest warrant remained in place or Cole, based at Fort George Barracks in Inverness when she was arrested, had deactivated it by contacting court officials and making herself available for further questioning. The female squaddie was held for allegedly throwing a glass at her friend's face after the pair rowed at Banana's Nightclub in Magaluf following an all-day drinking session. She insisted after her arrest her holiday pal was hurt in an accident when she threw the glass on the floor during a fight with her and shards from it hit Sarah in the neck. The latest development in the long-running case comes 18 months after it emerged a Palma court had issued an international arrest warrant for Cole The pair were sharing a hotel room with another squaddie friend called Deborah Ferguson. Cole, who told police she and the injured woman fought after Sarah tried to intervene in a problem she was having with Ferguson, was remanded in custody for two days before her former lawyer Miguel Angel Ordinas got her released from prison. Sarah, who was serving in the Royal Logistics Corps when she was critically injured, told Spanish police after her release from hospital she did not want to press charges. Mr Ordinas, in his last comments on the case in November 2020 before he handed over the files to a colleague, said state prosecutors had yet to indict Cole. But well-placed legal sources in Majorca insisted at the time they believed a trial would take place and the case had simply been delayed by the coronavirus pandemic. One said: 'Before state prosecutors indict her Cole has to be questioned again under oath. 'The problem has been that the coronavirus pandemic kicked in and it has to be done via videoconference and it's been suspended on more than one occasion. 'No date has yet been set for the court quiz. It could be another month or two months away. But it will happen and it's a simple bureaucratic formality that needs to precede the issuing of the indictment.' Another added at the time: 'I'd expect state prosecutors to indict Cole for attempted homicide given the investigating judge's decision. 'That's punishable in Spain by a prison sentence of five to ten years. 'The indictment could be for a lesser crime of wounding with a dangerous object although it would be unexpected. 'But until the indictment is issued no-one can be 100 per cent sure..' A relative of Sarah told the Sunday People at the start of November 2020 Cole had yet to apologise and the Army had let her stay on the same base for 11 months afterwards. A source told the paper: 'Sarah told the police not to charge Cole because she didn't want to see a young girl banged up in a jail abroad. 'She expected her to be full of remorse but didn't even get an apology.' The source also claimed Army bosses told Sarah to 'get on with it' when she asked them to consider moving Cole after she got back to work three months later and found her still on Fort George barracks base. A family member of Sarah's said: 'We don't feel the Army has looked after our girl.' Cole is said to have left after having a baby and being given an Army house. An Army spokesman told the Sunday People at the time: 'An investigation is ongoing following an incident with a British soldier in Spain last year. 'We take our duty of care to personnel very seriously. It would be inappropriate to comment further.' State prosecutors in Majorca have always declined to make any official comment on the case, as is normal in Spain where only trials are held in public and the judicial probe that precedes the open court hearing is carried out behind closed doors. A driver was killed after he was flung from his car and smashed into a metal door in a horrifying crash in North Dakota. Another passenger was seriously injured after he was also ejected from the vehicle and a third person was left with minor injuries following the collision. Salvador Mendiola, 32, from Mexico, was driving a 2002 Mercury Mountaineer south on 87th Avenue Northwest in New Town on August 5 at around 11.20pm. He failed to negotiate a curve and ran off the road which caused the SUV to roll before coming to rest at the bottom of a ditch. Mendiola was not wearing a seatbelt and CCTV footage captured shows the shocking moment he was ejected from the car before slamming into a shop front. A driver was killed after he was flung from his car and smashed into a metal door in a horrifying crash in North Dakota Passengers Lazaro Gonzalez, 25, and Salvador Gonzalez, 26, both from Mexico, were also hurt in the crash. Lazaro was in the front seat and not wearing a seatbelt and was flung from the car while Salvador, in the back, had one on and remained in the vehicle. Authorities raced to the scene where Mendiola was pronounced dead following the shocking crash. Lazaro was left seriously injured and taken to Trinity Hospital in Minot for treatment while Salvador sustained minor injuries and treated at the scene. He failed to negotiate a curve and ran off the road which caused the SUV to roll before coming to rest at the bottom of a ditch Mendiola was not wearing a seatbelt and CCTV footage captured shows the shocking moment he was ejected from the car before slamming into a shop front In a video of the horrifying crash, the car is seen skidding off the highway and rolling down a ditch. Mendiola is then hurled out of the window and is traveling in the air at great speed for a few seconds. He smashes in the metal front door of a business as terrified witnesses watch on. The car then smashes into a parked car and comes to a halt. The crash is still under investigation by the North Dakota Highway Patrol. In the afternoon leading up to her disappearance, she is said to have told salon workers she was on dating sites, despite having a boyfriend Mother-of-five Rachel Morin who was found murdered on a Maryland hiking trail last weekend was using 'multiple dating apps' before she vanished. Morin, 37, disappeared last Saturday around 6pm after leaving her house to take a hike on the Ma and Pa Trail in Bel Air, Maryland. On the afternoon of her death, Morin had stopped at a bronzing studio for her daily spray tan. A source close to the salon told The New York Post that all employees there knew her and she had told staff she was on 'multiple dating sites' just before her death. Despite allegedly telling staff she was on dating sites, Morin had gone official on social media with her new boyfriend Richard Tobin, just days before. In the afternoon leading up to her disappearance, Morin, pictured here, is said to have told salon workers she was on dating sites, despite having a boyfriend Rachel Morin and Richard Tobin started dating a 'few weeks ago'. The pair are shown during a previous hike together The post reported that following her trip to the salon, she then went to her local Planet Fitness gym before Tobin dropped her home around 5pm. Morin then went on the hiking trail and was last seen between the hours of 6 and 7:30pm. After being reported missing, her lifeless body was discovered in a drain inside a tunnel on the scenic trail. Harford County Sheriff Jeff Gahler also told WBAL earlier this week that officers did not have a suspect yet. He said: 'We do no have a solid suspect. Not knowing whether this was a targeted event specific to Rachel, we are going to say, yes be aware, be thinking there could be somebody out there.' Local man Michael Gabriszeski had joined the search for Morin along with his stepdaughter Cecilia and her friend Evan, when he claims he came across her remains on Sunday. Speaking to DailyMail.com, Gabriszeski, a Native American tracker, said they decided to check two tunnels after noticing 'disturbances' on the ground close to the track. He said: 'Cecilia was the first person to see the body. She was hyperventilating really, really bad. And then the police told her to sit down. 'When she sat down, she realized she was sitting in a big pool of blood. She was laying on her back, fully naked, and she had brutal head trauma...it looked like her head had been smashed in with a rock. 'There was a 15 to 20-foot blood trail. So, it looked like she had been beaten and dragged into that position.' 'It looked like (the killer) was trying to erase her identity. The right side of her face was gone.' Michael Gabriszeski, had joined the search for Morin on the Ma & Pa trail in Bel Air, Maryland when he came across her remains on Sunday, he claims Grabiszeski said he felt compelled to check out the drainage tunnels on the trail after noticing 'disturbances' on the ground near the track The medical examiner has not yet revealed how Morin died, but a homicide investigation has been launched. Her family say she did not 'go willingly' and that her death was 'not accidental' Morin was last seen on Saturday at around 6pm leaving her house to take a hike on the Ma and Pa Trail A separate source close the family had earlier told DailyMail.com that the young mother had suffered serious head trauma. 'The injuries were so horrific that there won't be an open casket (at her funeral),' the source said. In an open letter shared by her daughter Rebekah on Facebook, Patricia Morin spoke of how her family is trying to cope with her daughter's death. She wrote: 'We are grieving. We need the time and space to grieve as a family. We have not forgotten our community.' 'We just need time ... I need time. It has only been 4 days since we received the horrific news. 'I ask that as mothers, fathers, brothers, and sisters, that you would please have compassion on us and allow us this.' Morin's new boyfriend who has a criminal past took to social media on Sunday to insist he had nothing to do with her killing It's unclear who she was hiking with, but her new boyfriend Richard Tobin, 27, reported her missing. The medical examiner has not yet revealed how Morin died, but a homicide investigation has been launched. Her family say she did not 'go willingly' and that her death was 'not accidental'. It comes after her new boyfriend took to social media on Sunday to insist he had nothing to do with her killing despite his criminal past. The pair had only made their relationship official on social media four days earlier. Locals were seen participating in a community walk along the Ma and Pa Trail, Bel Air, on Tuesday amid the investigation He said: 'I love Rachel. I would never do anything to her, let the family and I grieve. Yes, I have a past but I also have 15 months clean and have changed as a person. Please.' Tobin has been arrested 14 times since 2014 on a variety of charges including drug dealing, assault, disorderly conduct and refusing arrest. His lengthy rap sheet includes two arrests for criminal second degree assault, violating restraining orders, drug possession, and malicious destruction of property. Tobin also has a number of traffic offenses, a fugitive from justice offense, resisting arrest, and disorderly intoxication and conduct marks on his record, documents show. A clean-eating Florida mother is suing her local French bakery after a feud over a Mocha cake left her hospitalized with stress. Margarita Sciapin, a jewelry designer from Boca Raton, who describes herself as 'plant based, vegetarian on a path of balanced eating' bought a $29 mocha cake from Paris Morning Bakery in Boca Raton in January this year. A dispute over payment led the bakery to plaster posters next to its register of the mother with the words 'cake thief', a receipt stating her full name and some of her credit card information splashed across them. Now Sciapin is suing the business for emotional damages and defamation totaling more than $50,000. Sciapin recalls in legal papers filed last week how when she went to pick up her mocha cake the cashier gave her the wrong product and was not able to 'simply switch the cakes'. Paris Morning Bakery in Boca Raton put up pictures of Margarita Sciapin after a dispute over payment in January Now Sciapin (pictured) is suing the business for emotional damages and defamation totaling more than $500,000 The employee, Sciapin alleges, instead suggested issuing a refund and charging her again for the cake. Sciapin says she did not want to run the risk of being charged twice so decided to keep the original cake and told the employee 'not to worry'. The bakery, however, recalls events differently. One of the posters offered an explanation for the public shaming: 'This Karen thief stole a cake from us at 5 p.m. on January 22, 2023.' 'When an employee tried to explain that our refunds don't show up in statements immediately, she got angry, refused to believe the employee, took the cake, and left while her cake was already refunded. 'She was very impatient when the employee was trying to figure out how to do a refund receipt, instead of waiting, she ran off with the cake' the poster concluded. Sciapin claims the posters led her 12-year-old daughter to be taunted at school, and herself to be left in such a state of stress and anxiety that she was hospitalized for shortness of breath and rapid heart rate. An employee of the bakery told the Miami New Times that images taken from Sciapin's social media were used to produce the posters. The Florida motehr describes herself as 'plant based, vegetarian on a path of balanced eating' Although unclear if the same one as ordered by Sciapin a Mocha Cake advertised on the bakery's website describes it as: 'Mocha sponge cake with a light mocha cream filling. Topped with fresh fruit and a smooth caramel glaze exterior.' Sciapin, a jewelry designer, claims she was hospitalized with stress from the ordeal Paris Morning Bakery have now removed the 'wanted' style posters from the stores Sciapin says she did not want to run the risk of being charged twice so decided to keep the original cake Materials featuring Sciapin were distributed across Paris Morning's locations, she says. 'It's like a thing across our stores. They actually printed a bunch of different themes of her and then gave it to our stores in case she comes back. We have memorabilia of it in our kitchen,' the employee said. A manager at the store told the publication that Sciapin 'didn't see the refund on her credit card and said she was just going to take the cake. 'If she would have waited for two minutes for the employee to text me, to figure out how to print a refund receipt, she would have gotten it. But she was rushing the employee and not being patient, not being very understanding.' The bakery employees said the posters have been taken down. The father of two of the four children who survived a plane crash that killed their mother and two other adults, then survived 40 days on their own in the Amazon jungle was arrested. The Colombian Prosecutor's Office confirmed that officials arrested Manuel Ranoque, 32, who is the father of the one and 4-year-old boys in the crash and the stepfather of the two girls, aged 9 and 13. Officials gave little detail about the arrest, but media reports said the case involved allegations of abuse. Astrid Eliana Caceres, director of the Colombian Institute for Family Welfare, said the state agency had been working with the authorities. 'We learned of the capture of the father of two Mucutuy minor children and we believe that the prosecutor's office has operated within the full framework of the law,' she said. The father of two of the four children who survived a plane crash that killed their mother and two other adults, then survived 40 days on their own in the Amazon jungle was arrested Exclusive photos show the four siblings, Lesly, 13, Soleiny, nine, Tien Noriel, four, and baby Cristin, one, safe in their hospital beds at a military hospital in Bogota, Colombia Ranoque had been embroiled in a fight for custody of the children with their maternal grandparents. Their mother died four days after the crash, according to the oldest child, Lesly. The four siblings have remained in the custody of Colombia's child protection agency since leaving the hospital after recovering from malnutrition and other ailments. Their maternal grandfather, Narciso Mucutuy, has accused Ranoque of beating their mother, Magdalena Mucutuy. Before authorites confirmed his arrest, Ranoque acknowledged to reporters that there had been problems at home, but he said he considered it a private family matter and not 'gossip' for the rest of the world. When asked if he had assaulted his wife, Ranoque replied: 'Verbally all of a sudden, yes. Physically, very little, because we did more fight of words.' The arrest was carried out in Bogota according to El Pais, a Spanish-language daily newspaper. Colombian Family Welfare Institute's (ICBF) director, Astrid Caceres, told the outlet that the siblings were doing well. Ranoque and military took part in the rescue mission in which the 32-year-old admitted to using hallucinogens to have visions that may lead them to the displaced minors 'The children are still in the process of establishing their rights. We are not going to expose them to any other exercise. Their history and their personal lives are their own,' she said. Magdalena Mucutuy, the mother of the four children, died in a plane crash while they were traveling to Bogota to meet Ranoque - who had fled from an indigenous reservation where he was governor according to the outlet. Its been claimed that Ranoque was trying to get away after he reported threats from the Frente Carolina Ramirez - a group headed by former guerrilla leaders, for control of Putumayo and Caqueta, two areas in the Colombian Amazon, near the border with Ecuador and Peru, that play critical roles in the drug trade. The children survived off cassava flour found in the luggage of one of the deceased, fruits from the jungle and a package of emergency supplies dropped by military. Ranoque and military took part in the rescue mission in which the 32-year-old admitted to using hallucinogens to have visions that may lead them to the displaced minors. When the children were finally found in June complaints began to swirl from the maternal grandparents of the children. ICBF took charge of the children while they investigated claims of child abuse - allegations vehemently denied by Ranoque who was demanding custody. 'They are my children, not the president's,' he told the newspaper in July. Magdalena Mucutuy, the mother of the four children, died in a plane crash while they were traveling to Bogota to meet Ranoque DailyMail.com spoke to Valencia's brother Dairo as he sat in the lobby of his Bogota hotel. 'We didn't know Magdalena was leaving with the children,' Dairo said. 'The most painful thing is my sister never said goodbye to us' The maternal grandparents, Narciso Mucutuy and Maria Fatima Valencia, claimed that Ranoque 'hit their daughter and mistreated their grandchildren.' They have also been fighting for custody of the kids. A few weeks ago, its been reported that Ranoque filed a million-dollar lawsuit against Avianline Charters - the owner of the plane that crashed. DailyMail.com confronted Ranoque in the street after claims he abused Magdalena and her family exclusively said he had an affair. Sporting what appeared to be new red and white Nike high top sneakers, designer jeans and a colorful Indigenous beaded necklace emblazoned with pictures of toucans and a tiger's head, he dodged our questions. Asked if he had any response to the claim he physically beat Magdalena, one of the minders with him shook his head and said: 'Don't answer that.' Ranoque, who was outside the military hospital where all four children are recovering at the time did say, 'that's what I can't talk about. 'I can't say anything. They've forbidden me from saying anything. These are personal issues.' It was not clear who he was referring to when he said 'they', but it understood he has engaged a lawyer. The four indigenous children are pictured after being rescued. They were missing for six weeks in the Colombian Amazon jungle after a plane crash Belgian Shepherd Wilson played a vital role in tracking down the four children but remains missing in the Amazon rainforest When asked if he would talk about the rescue, he declined, saying: 'I can't right now. Because I have to go to the shops to get some clothes before they close.' He did not say if this was shopping for himself or the children. DailyMail.com exclusively revealed earlier that Magdalena's brother Dairo Mucutuy, 30, believed Ranoque was cheating on his sister. Ranoque who has been highly vocal about claiming his rights over all four survivors left Magdalena at their Indigenous community for Bogota, alleging he was being threatened by FARC guerrillas in their homeland area. But once in the sprawling capital city, the father of the two younger children allegedly had an affair then brought the woman back to live in the southern tribal area, shattering his wife of seven years, her brother Dairo told DailyMail.com. Ranoque later left for Bogota again, but kept the mom-of-four dangling with hope that they could re-establish a relationship, Dairo said at the time. Sitting in the lobby of his Bogota hotel, Dairo calmly revealed to us: 'What happened is that Manuel had come to this city and here he cheated on my sister. 'The thing is, he took the woman he cheated with back to the community. So my sister of course left their house because of the affair and came to live with me and my partner and two children.' Dairo, who has come to the capital from his base in the Huitoto Indigenous group homeland to offer his support for the surviving children, continued: 'Manuel went back to Bogota, but he left a bag for her and inside was a piece of paper with a phone number. 'Magdalena was communicating with him. But we noticed when she talked with him she would hide. And we would sometimes hear her crying. 'We believe somehow she was fooled into trying to come to Bogota. We are not exactly sure of the reasons.' 'We didn't know Magdalena was leaving with the children,' Dairo said. 'The most painful thing is my sister never said goodbye to us. 'We didn't get to talk. It hurt when I found out what was happening between her and Manuel. I am so sad I never got to talk to her properly about it. I felt I didn't want to pressure her about something that was so difficult for her. 'I was waiting for the right moment. But that moment never came because she obviously made her decision to leave and we didn't know about it. 'Right before, she came to a community meeting and we thought she was going on to our aunt's house. We didn't know her goal was to take that plane. Maybe she felt confused. We'll never know now.' Amid the growing acrimony over the children's future, Dairo said: 'The hope is for the kids to stay together, because of what they went through. 'Lesly got them all through this. And that makes a special bond. We want them always to stay together and that Manuel does not fight for custody. 'I have talked to the older two's father, Andres. He has seen the children and he told me that this is not the time for fighting and division. It is the time to focus on the well-being, safety and comfort of the children.' A toddler has been rushed to hospital with severe burns after falling into a firepit. Emergency services were called to a property in Tallai, located in the Gold Coast hinterland, at about 4pm on Saturday. A Queensland Ambulance spokeswoman told the Gold Coast Bulletin the toddler was taken to Gold Coast University Hospital. He is in a stable condition but suffered burns on his legs and abdomen. He claimed that the pandemic had been part of a scheme to take away the freedom of Americans Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson has went on a bizarre rant while appearing on Fox News and claimed the Covid pandemic was 'pre-planned' by unnamed elites. The Republican appeared on the news channel alongside presenter Maria Bartiromo and was speaking about the pandemic and vaccines. During the interview, Johnson wildly claimed that the pandemic was planned as part of an ongoing scheme to take away the freedom of Americans. The 68-year-old said: 'We are going down a very dangerous path, that has been laid out and planned by an elite group of people that want to take total control over our lives. 'That's what they are doing bit by bit. They really risk taking away all of our sovereignty. But people have to wake up to the dangers of the moment.' The Republican Senator had been speaking to Fox presenter Maria Bartiromo about the pandemic and vaccines on Friday He said: 'The doctors I have been dealing with, they believe hundreds of thousands of Americans lost their lives because they were denied early treatment. 'They were denied it because the FDA sabotaged Ivermectin saying 'c'mon y'all you're not a cow, you're not a horse'. 'This was a noble prize winning medicine that could have saved hundreds of thousands of lives. Johnson continued: 'This is all pre planned by an elite group of people. This is very concerning in terms of what has happened, what is happening, what continues to be planned for our loss of freedom. 'It needs to be exposed but unfortunately there are very few people in Congress who are willing to take a look at this, they all pushed a vaccine. 'So many people just simply don't want to admit they were wrong and they are going to do everything they can to assure they are not proving wrong. 'We are up against a very powerful group of people here Maria.' Following his interview on Fox, Johnson claimed on his Twitter page that the FDA had 'quietly' approved the use of Ivermectin. Senator Johnson walks to a Republican caucus luncheon in the Hart Senate Office Building on October 23, 2020 Ivermectin became infamous during the Covid pandemic due to claims by fringe medics that it might be a suitable treatment, and even a vaccination alternative, despite a lack of credible evidence Johnson had been referring to an ongoing legal battle between the FDA and three doctors who accuse the agency of impending their right to prescribe Ivermectin as treatment for Covid. The FDA has not approved the drug for fighting Covid-19, but conceded that doctors have the authority to prescribe if they wish. During the pandemic, the senator had made multiple podcast and radio appearances pushing Ivermectin as a treatment for Covid. At the time, Johnson had argued for the use of Hydroxychloroquine and Ivermectin as treatments. Ivermectin is commonly used to deworm livestock, and it is approved for use in humans to treat parasitic infection. The drug became popular among conservatives after commentators and held up the anti parasitic drug as a miracle cure for the coronavirus and other illnesses. The Food and Drug Administration has not approved it for use in treating COVID-19 and warns that misusing ivermectin can be harmful, even fatal. A deaf British TikTok star took her own life after being sent a 'suicide kit' by a Canadian man linked to a string of deaths. Imogen Nunn, 25 known as Deaf Immy on the social media platform where she raised hearing and mental health issues died in January, sparking an outpouring of grief among her 780,000 followers. Now her heartbroken parents have revealed their anguish after learning she died in Brighton after being supplied a chemical online by chef Kenneth Law, 57, who has been charged with assisting two suicides in Canada. He is alleged to have run an online business sending kits to hundreds of vulnerable young people worldwide, including Britain. They have been linked to at least four other UK deaths and one in the US. Immy's parents Ray and Louise Nunn, of Bognor Regis, were devastated to be told by police, five months after her death on New Year's Day, that a stranger may have helped her take her own life. Kenneth Law (pictured) has been charged with assisting two suicides in Canada. He is set to appear in court in Ontario later this month Imogen Nunn, 25 known as Deaf Immy on the social media platform where she raised hearing and mental health issues died in January, sparking an outpouring of grief among her 780,000 followers Louise, 53, a carer with four other children, said: 'We felt sick that someone might do this. Knowing how scared and alone Immy must have felt, and how painful it would have been, is the worst thought.' Immy, a photographer, was born deaf but led an independent life with the help of her assistance dog Whitney. As a successful influencer she earned money through endorsement deals with companies who provide support within the deaf community. But she faced challenges which contributed to her fluctuating mental health, including being wrongly refused entry to restaurants because of her dog, plus a lack of sign language users. She found Law's online business last year and it posted her the substance. The website has since been taken down. In November she admitted to her community care worker that she had bought the product classed as a 'reportable substance' in the UK, which can only be handled under an official licence that she planned to use to end her life. Sussex Police were contacted and visited her flat. But Immy denied buying it and they took no action. Her parents only learned about this visit months after her death and are furious that an opportunity to save her life was missed. 'The authorities were aware Immy had a dangerous chemical but didn't do enough to deal with it,' said her mother Louise. Immy died after leaving a friend's New Year party early. Immy Nunn is pictured with mum Louise. Immy's parents have revealed their anguish after learning she died in Brighton after being supplied a chemical online Immy Nunn is pictured with her father Ray. Immy's parents were devastated to be told by police, five months after her death on New Year's Day, that a stranger may have helped her take her own life Ex-aerospace engineer Kenneth Law (pictured), of Ontario, faces a maximum of 14 years in jail if convicted Kenneth Law appears in court in Brampton, Ontario, May 3, 2023 in an artist's sketch 'Neither her dad nor the emergency services could get to her in time to save her life,' Louise said. 'Our beautiful daughter, who fought so hard to live her life to the full, had been taken from us. It was heartbreaking.' That pain was compounded in May when they were visited at home by Sussex Police. Ex-aerospace engineer Law, of Ontario, had allegedly been exposed after two deaths in Toronto. Police in Britain and dozens more countries announced a review into suicides. Immy's name had been on a list of individuals supplied with his kits. Louise said: 'They told us a man in Canada had been providing suicide kits and they were contacting all the families of people whose names were on his computer. They said, 'Some people we've got to in time, others sadly not'.' In October 2021, Surrey Police allegedly tried to contact Law following the death of law student Tom Parfett, 22, from Maidenhead. He had bought the same lethal substance from Law's company but police did not pursue charges. Last year, police again allegedly failed to take action following the death of another of Law's customers, 23-year-old Neha Radu, of Guildford. Law is set to appear in court in Ontario later this month. If convicted, he faces a maximum of 14 years in jail. Sussex Police referred The Mail on Sunday's inquiries to the National Crime Agency. It said it could not comment on individual cases but added: 'We are continuing to liaise with Canadian authorities to enable ongoing assessment of the support they require from the UK, and the appropriate UK law enforcement response.' Tropical air could make Britain hotter than California next week, with the Met Office predicting temperatures could soar past 30C within days - a stark difference to this weekend of heavy downpours. In what is good news for those families heading to the UK's beaches to make the most of the summer holidays, high pressure set to build from the middle of the week. It means south-east England could reach 32C by Friday - higher than the 26C predicted for sunny Los Angeles. Before then, however, the rainy weather will continues, with heavy and persistent showers expected from Sunday evening and into Monday. Those visiting Ascot racecourse today for the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup were also hit with blustery showers and spells of rain, forcing racegoers to shelter. A weather warning will be place for parts of North Wales on Monday with a half a month's worth of rain expected to fall in 24 hours. Met Office forecaster Dan Stroud said: 'We are looking at the possibility of reaching the low 30s later in the week, most likely on Friday, probably in and around London, running into East Anglia and other parts of the South and East. ASCOT: Racegoers shelter from the blustery showers today as they arrive for the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup TORBAY: Beachgoers got a glimpse of sunshine earlier this week before returning to blustery showers KENT; People sunbathing near the English channel in Kent earlier this week Next week south-east England could reach 32C by Friday - higher than the 26C predicted for sunny Los Angeles TORBAY: More people will be able to soak up the sun next with temperatures being higher than in Los Angeles 'We've got low pressure dominating at the moment, that will eventually give way to another area of heavy rain and cloud which will move up from the South and West into Monday, which will be a miserable and wet day across England and Wales. 'Beyond that, there are tentative signs of an improvement, gradually losing that showery signal during Tuesday and Wednesday, and temperatures will start to climb. 'We've got high pressure building from the middle of the week and that will tap into some tropical continental air, which will draw up some very warm, locally hot air that will allow temperatures to climb steadily. 'By the time we get into Friday and maybe into Saturday we stand a chance of breaking into the 30s.' Temperatures may also climb in other parts of the country on Friday, with much of England and Wales to surpass 25C, while Scotland and Northern Ireland could reach the low-to-mid 20s. Many areas will be dry with sunny spells during the warm period, according to the Met Office, but there may be outbreaks of thundery showers. Mr Stroud said the heat will be short-lived as low pressure will move back in, making next weekend more unsettled. Last month was the sixth wettest July in Britain on record and the wettest since 2009, with 140.1mm (5.5in) of rain falling 170 per cent of the average amount. TYNESIDE: A kayaker makes the most of the morning sunshine on Friday KENT: A woman with a dog enjoys the sunshine and hot weather by the sea on the English Channel in Kent BRISTOL: A balloon flies in the grey sky yesterday during Bristol's 45th international balloon fiesta LONDON: Earlier this week the capital was hit by heavy downpours causing people to shelter while walking over Millennium Bridge BOURNEMOUTH: Murky skies formed over Bournemouth today ahead of next week's sunshine OXFORDSHIRE: Cloud form over hay bales following a spell of sunshine in Shiplake TORBAY: More people will be able to make the most of the sunshine next week as temperatures soar Heavy rain it thought to have been one contributing factor to a downturn in footfall across UK retail destinations. Rail strikes and the cost-of-living crisis are also said to have contributed to the number of people going out to the shops dropping for the first time in 14 years, with footfall down 0.3 per cent between June and July this year - compared to a rise of 3.7 per cent between May and June. But the warm weather in June encourage Britons to eat out and drink more, boosting GDP and encouraging the UK economy to grow by 0.2 per cent in the second quarter of the year, with a 0.5 per cent increase in June alone. This year saw the hottest June on record, with the Met Office recording an average temperature of 15.8C (60.4F). The previous high of 14.9C (58.8F) was recorded in 1940 and 1976. An eight-year-old girl has died after her babysitter's 11-year-old son allegedly shot her in the head using a gun he stole from a relative's safe. Jenesis Dockery was shot on July 23 in Fayetteville, North Carolina, just an hour after her father dropped her off at the nanny's home with her five-year-old sister. The babysitter's son allegedly got his hands on a gun and shot her in the head. She was rushed to hospital but died two days later. Jenesis has been described as an energetic young girl who enjoyed making dancing videos and 'loved everybody'. Her family has been left heartbroken over her death and are campaigning for justice. The boy is currently in custody and investigators said there is enough evidence to charge him with manslaughter, according to ABC 11. Jenesis Dockery, eight, died after her babysitter's 11-year-old son allegedly shot her in the head using a gun he stole from a relative's safe Her parents Fon and Kimberly Dockery (pictured center) have been left heartbroken over her death on July 25 and are campaigning for justice Jenesis' father Fon Dockery said her life was cut short after he dropped her and her younger sister off at the house of a babysitter who had looked after them many times before. He received the news that she was shot about an hour later and she died after two days in hospital. 'My daughters life was tragically taken,' he told WNCN. 'It hurt my heart to think that I would be in a situation where I would have to comfort my youngest daughter.' 'Losing your child is definitely some different kind of pain,' her mother Kimberly Dockery said. 'And of course nobody understands unless they've lost a child. It's definitely a pain that you can't even describe.' Fon described Jenesis as a child who 'just loved everybody'. He said: 'She wanted to dance and just live life, man. She loved making TikTok videos.' Her parents got tattoos in her memory and say the loss of their daughter has left them with an 'immeasurable' absence. 'This has been a horrible nightmare, still doesnt feel real,' Fon said during a news conference on Thursday. 'Its hard to put into words how were trying to navigate, three weeks later, for something to be done.' The family are campaigning to get justice for Jenesis and for gun violence awareness. Jenesis Dockery was shot on July 23 just an hour after her father dropped her off at the nanny's home with her five-year-old sister (second from left) The babysitter's son allegedly got his hands on a gun and shot her in the head. She was rushed to hospital but died two days later 'We wore orange pins on the day we buried our daughter -- for gun violence awareness,' her father said. 'Because as much as we want justice for our daughter, this is something no parent should ever have to do. 'We thank the community, and we ask that you continue to support and continue to reach out until the full hand of the law is exacted with justice for our Jenesis. The family's attorney has said the 11-year-old son of the babysitter is accused of shooting the young girl. Cumberland County Sheriff's Office Special Victims Unit submitted paperwork to the Division of Juvenile Justice on Thursday to encourage it to charge the young boy with manslaughter and two counts of larceny of a firearm. Detectives are trying to seek a secured custody order for him too. A spokesman for the state's Department of Juvenile Justice said it could not share details on specific cases. 'However, when making decisions related to secure custody, staff with the Division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention take very seriously any information addressing whether a juvenile presents a danger to public safety and respond accordingly,' the spokesman added. 'DJJDPs role is to consider the potential risk to public safety, the individualized needs of the juvenile and their risk of re-offending when making decisions about how to best address delinquency.' Jenesis' funeral was held on Wednesday and a fundraising page on GoFundMe has raised more than $23,000 for her family The family's attorney Harry Daniels wants those who allowed the child to have access to weapons to be held accountable Lawyer Harry Daniels wants those who allowed the child to have access to weapons to be held accountable. 'It is for sure that if they would have been more diligent and paid attention to the 11-year-old, they would have known that he had (a) fantasy about having guns and putting them on social media,' he said. Daniels claimed there were multiple posts on social media which showed the 11-year-old had access to guns. He said two of the guns involved in the case were stolen from a relative's safe. Investigators are waiting on an autopsy and other evidence ahead of a decision as to whether any charges will be filed. Jenesis' funeral was held on Wednesday and a fundraising page on GoFundMe has raised more than $23,000 for her family. A New York City woman who died after partying in an illegal Queens nightclub was allegedly dragged by workers to a back room where she was left for hours until she died. Stephanie Quinones, 35, from Jackson Heights was reportedly celebrating her birthday at the unnamed nightspot on 49th Street in Astoria on July 31 when she suddenly passed out, her family said. New footage, circulated online and reviewed by the New York Post, appears to show nightclub workers surrounding Quinones as she lays unresponsive on the floor. With the disco lights still blaring one man reaches over and slaps Quinones, who has a 12-year-old daughter, in the face several times, but she still remains lifeless. Several workers then pick the partygoer up by her limbs as her body droops forward. Stephanie Quinones, 35, from Jackson Heights was reportedly celebrating her birthday at the unnamed nightspot on 49th Street in Astoria on July 31 when she suddenly passed out A makeshift memorial that has sprung up outside the entrance to the club where well-wishers have left pictures, candles and balloons A bartender at the club, which does not have a liquor license according to the State Liquor Authority, sent a picture of an unconscious Quinones to her mom in Florida, and began texting with her sister, Jasmine Gonzalez, who lives in the Bronx The New York Post reported. 'Come get your drunk sister,' Gonzalez told The Post the bartender said. Gonzalez, who says she was not aware of the severity of the situation, arrived two hours later. Upon arriving at the club she called 911 but it was too late. Gonzalez alleges that club employees fled and locked her inside where she discovered that her sister was dead. 'I was doing compressions on a dead person,' Gonzalez told The Post. 'Everyone left me alone. No one even had the decency to stay.' Gonzalez also claims that by the time the ambulance made it down the block the club's workers had locked the building's door. 'They all left because they did not want to be the one there when the cops got called,' she said. Quinones' 12-year-old daughter Laurel (pictured) has since visited the memorial left for her beloved mother The venue (pictured) is believed to be an illegal nightclub, and does not hold a liquor license according to the State Liquor Authority Quinones was taken to Mt. Sinai Hospital, her sister said. The NYPD said they were investigating a person declared dead on arrival at the location of the club on that night, although they did not identify Quinones by name. 'Someone would still have their mother if they just called 911,' said Gonzalez. 'The thing that hurts me the most is, not only did they not call 911, but it was cruel to have me go over there, giving me hopes that she was alive.' Quinones' 12-year-old daughter has visited the makeshift memorial that has sprung up outside the entrance to the club. The young girl was pictured alongside two police officers as well-wishers left balloons and candles. Family friend and activist Talea Wufka has been positing videos to social media calling for a full investigation into Quinones' death. 'If its an illegal establishment, this is the end result,' Wufka said. 'They didnt want police, they didnt want an ambulance, because they didnt want their illegal activities to be exposed.' A GoFundMe page to raise money for Quinones' funeral and for her daughter Laurel was established by her sister and has since raised almost $25,000. This is the terrifying moment a Russian Su-30 warplane crashed and exploded near a NATO border after spinning out of control as it flew over a crowd of people. Both crew members were reportedly killed when the fighter, travelling at speed at a dangerously low altitude, nosedived to the ground in Kaliningrad region on the Baltic Sea. The stricken Russian fighter jet was the eighth military aircraft that Vladimir Putin's army has lost this year. The crash was towards the Russian border with Lithuania, close to the so-called Suwalki Corridor, a 60-mile stretch between Kaliningrad and Russian ally Belarus which has been dubbed NATO's 'weakest link'. There is concern that Wagner mercenary army could be used as a provocation in the strip which forms the only land link between NATO countries Poland and Lithuania. This is the terrifying moment a Russian Su-30 warplane crashed and exploded near a NATO border Both crew members were reported killed when the fighter nosedived to the ground in Kaliningrad region on the Baltic Sea The Russian fighter plane is the eighth military aircraft that Vladimir Putin has lost this year The official statement said the plane was on a training flight and did not carry ammunition, citing a 'technical fault' as the cause of the crash The official statement said the plane was on a training flight and did not carry ammunition, citing a 'technical fault' as the cause of the crash. However the Russian defence ministry said the Su-30 came down in a deserted area while videos show that crowds of people at an outside event saw the crash. Thick black smoke rose into the sky after the aircraft hit the ground and exploded. Watchers were heard on video saying: 'What a nightmare. 'A plane crashed. 'It exploded. 'The pilots didn't even eject.what a horror.' Last month, a Russian Su-25 fighter jet crashed into sea moments before the newly qualified pilot ejected from the doomed plane in front of astonished tourists close to the Ukrainian frontlines. Video appeared to show the stricken warplane travelling at speed at a dangerously low height before it plunged into the Sea of Azov near the Russian town of Yeysk. At the moment of impact, a huge plume of water was seen soaring up towards the sky as tourists on a nearby beach watched in stunned silence. Seconds before the fighter jet plunged into the sea, the video appeared to show the young pilot ejecting from the warplane as his parachute descended over the water. Reports from pro-War channels said the Russian pilot had been on his first combat mission when he crashed into the sea. In October last year an Su-34 crashed next to a residential block and set it on fire, killing 15 people and leaving dozens injured. Earlier, smoke was seen billowing over the Russia's Kerch Bridge to Crimea - as the Kremlin claims to have shot down two Ukrainian missiles aimed at the crucial link to the annexed peninsula The Kerch bridge connecting Crimea and Russia carries heavy significance for Moscow Earlier in the day Russia's defence ministry accused Ukrainian forces of targeting the Crimean Bridge and a number of other unspecified targets on the Crimean peninsula on Saturday in a flurry of rocket and drone attacks. Russia's Foreign Ministry vowed retaliation for what it called a 'terrorist attack' on the bridge in Crimea, which Moscow forcibly annexed from Ukraine in 2014. Russia's Defence Ministry said Ukraine had unsuccessfully tried to strike the bridge across the Kerch Strait with S-200 rockets, forcing its temporary closure to traffic. A fresh attack on Saturday afternoon again shut down the bridge. The 12-mile (19-km) bridge, which links Russian-annexed Crimea to Russia, has come under repeated attack from Ukrainian forces since Moscow launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022. 'The Ukrainian missile was detected in a timely manner and was intercepted in the air by Russian air defence systems. No damage or casualties were reported,' the Defence Ministry said. In a statement posted earlier on the Telegram messaging app, Russian-installed Crimea governor Sergei Aksyonov said two rockets had been downed by anti-aircraft defences near the bridge. He also said the bridge was undamaged. Aksyonov later reported a third unsuccessful rocket attack on the bridge. 'Thank you to our air defence forces for a high level of professionalism and vigilance,' he wrote on Telegram. Vivek Ramaswamy ramped up the crowd at the Iowa State Fair on Saturday by rapping to Eminem's Lose Yourself. Ramaswamy, 38, ended his fair-side chat with Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds by performing to the hit song. The crowed cheered him on and Reynolds gave him a high-five when he finished his performance. Reynolds had asked the business mogul his favorite walkout song and Ramaswamy said his was Lose Yourself. She joked she was showing her age by not knowing that tune. Vivek Ramaswamy ramped up the crowd at the Iowa State Fair with a performance of Lose Yourself Ramaswamy is spending Saturday at the annual event campaigning for votes. The day is proving a busy one for people interested in the 2024 presidential contest: GOP contenders Donald Trump, Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley are also campaigning on the fair grounds. The biotech entrepreneur is the youngest contender for the 2024 Republican nomination but he has had a surprising burst in polling on the race. He came in fourth in the latest DailyMail.com survey of Iowa voters. And a few national polls showed Ramaswamy in second place above DeSantis. He comes in third in the RealClearPolitics polling average of the race. Trump still leads the contest by double digits. But there is no question Ramaswamy, who brings a lot of energy to the campaign stage, has some momentum on his side. He's already reached the qualifications to be on stage for the first GOP presidential debate, which is on August 23rd in Milwaukee. Polls show younger Republicans and voters with college degrees like the 38-year-old. He has targeted younger voters in his campaign pitch. He spent Friday night posing for selfies and talking to voters at Jalapeno Pete's, a popular Des Moines bar. He has said his campaign's message is about 'speaking the hard truths, the truth that you might speak at the dinner table, but you don't feel free to speak in public.' Vivek Ramaswamy is the youngest contender for the GOP nomination and has targeted young voters in his campaign Vivek is spending Saturday at the Iowa State Fair and he began his day with a fair side chat with Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds Vivek Ramaswamy campaigned at Jalapeno Pete's bar on Friday night During his chat with Reynolds, he talked about his conservative policies, including a plan to drastically reduce the federal employee workforce. He said he would have 75 percent 'headcount reduction,' with 50 percent eliminated alone in the first year. By he ended his chat by donning a red hat, grabbing the microphone and belting out Lose Yourself. The song won an Oscar in 2003 for best original song in the movie '8 Mile' and was the first hip-hop song to win that award. During his student years at Harvard, Ramaswamy had a side-hustle as a libertarian-minded rap artist who went by the stage name 'Da Vek.' He said he was inspired by Eminem. 'He's growing up in the trailers, with a single mom, and he wants to make it. He's going to use the moment to do it. He feels like he's going to use the moment to do it, he seizes it and then he makes it happen, and I thought it was a pretty cool story,' Ramaswamy told Politico last month. 'I didn't grow up in a trailer, but I also didn't grow up in the same circumstances that most of my peers at Harvard did, either. I aspired to achieve what many of their parents did. It kind of spoke to me, I would say.' The latest DailyMail.com/J.L. Partners survey shows that 43% of likely Republican caucus-goers in Iowa will support Donald Trump with Vivek Ramaswamy in fourth Born in Ohio to immigrant parents from India, Ramaswamy earned a biology degree from Harvard University and then finished Yale Law School. He made a fortune after starting a biotech company and is the author of several books, including 'Woke, Inc.' The books helped Ramaswamy gain exposure in conservative circles. Six Afghans died and two others were missing at sea after small boats packed with UK-bound migrants, including children, sank in the English Channel today. French prosecutors opened a criminal enquiry on Saturday following the latest disasters involving illegal voyages organised by people smugglers. It comes almost two years to the day since 27 migrants heading for Britain also drowned when their flimsy inflatable craft collapsed below them. Philippe Sabatier, the Boulogne prosecutor, said the latest two disasters happened 'in the early hours, in poor weather and worsening sea conditions. 'Six Afghan males died, and the vast majority of those involved were also from Afghanistan. They included minors'. Two British ships and several French vessels have been involved in the search A group of people thought to be migrants were brought in to Dover, Kent, after six people are confirmed to have died when a boat carrying migrants sank in the Channel this morning The RNLI bring 50 Migrants ashore at Dover Docks this morning that had been rescued mid channel A flimsy craft with around 66 people on board was spotted struggling 'at around 2am', just off Sangatte, the Calais beach. An emergency was declared, and the French Navy patrol boat Cormoran was the first vessel to start rescuing dozens of survivors. Five Afghan men in their 20s and 30s were declared dead at the scene, while a sixth was airlifted to the French seaside town of Le Touquet before dying in hospital in Calais later on. Around 'two others' were still missing at sea by late on Saturday afternoon, said Mr Sabatier. Another small migrant boat sank in the Channel on Saturday, 'when 22 people were saved, including one 'in a critical condition,' the prosecutor added. No identities of any victims are yet known, as many were travelling without papers. A total of 49 survivors were rescued from the first boat 36 by the French and 13 by the British. The four French vessels involved in the rescue operations were the Cormoran, the Pluvier, the Abeille-Normandie and the lifeboat of the National Sea Rescue Society of Calais, Notre-Dame de Risban. Two British ships were also in support the RNLI 1709 lifeboat from Dover, and a private vessel. Elisabeth Borne, France's prime minister, said: 'This morning, a migrant boat capsized off Calais. My thoughts are with the victims. I salute the commitment of the rescue teams mobilized around the Navy, which saved around fifty shipwrecked people.' Ms Borne said Herve Berville, France's Seas Minister, was on his way to Calais. Franck Dhersin, the mayor of Teteghem near Dunkirk, confirmed that 'dead bodies were unfortunately found around Sangatte'. Some 343 people in six boats were detected crossing the Channel on Friday, according to Home Office figures. It means more than 1,000 made the journey over two days, taking the provisional total for the year to more than 16,000. Thursday's figures were recorded as another major search and rescue operation was launched after 17 migrants went overboard and were pulled from the water. The Home Office said they were all taken ashore for medical checks. Campaigners said the incident underscored the need for safe passages into the UK. Steve Smith, chief executive of refugee charity Care4Calais said the incident was an 'appalling and preventable tragedy.' 'This terrible loss of life demonstrates yet again the need for a system of safe passage to the UK for refugees. This would enable them to apply for asylum while in France, and then to travel safely to the UK without risking their lives in small boats. 'It would put the people smugglers out of business overnight,' he said. Two British ships and several French vessels have been involved in a search and rescue operation (stock image) The English Channel is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world (stock image) Enver Solomon, chief executive of the Refugee Council, urged the Government to focus on creating an 'orderly and humane asylum system'. He accused the Government of 'focusing on passing expensive and unworkable legislation and shutting down existing safe ways to get to the UK.' Head of bargaining at the Public and Commercial Services union, Paul O'Connor said the Government had 'blood on its hands', branding its approach a 'moral disgrace'. 'There is a readily available policy to prevent this tragic loss of life,' he said. 'Unfortunately, our calls on the Government to adopt it have fallen on stony ground. It's clear they have no desire to prevent these dangerous crossings.' Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said it is 'desperately' necessary to stop dangerous crossings and 'the terrible criminal smuggling gangs who profit while lives are lost'. Natalie Elphicke, Conservative MP for Dover, said the fatal incident reinforced the need for joint patrols in the Channel. She said: 'Today's tragedy underlines why we must stop the small boats to keep people safe and prevent loss of life in the Channel. 'These overcrowded and unseaworthy deathtraps should obviously be stopped by the French authorities from leaving the French coast in the first place. 'The time has come for joint patrols on the French coast and a cross-Channel security zone before any more lives are lost.' It comes after the Government came under fire on Friday following the removal asylum seekers on the Bibby Stockholm barge due to the discovery of Legionella bacteria in the water supply. The vessel had been billed as an alternative to housing migrants in expensive hotels but all 39 on board have now been placed in alternative accommodation while health checks are carried out. Senior Conservative MP David Davis said the disembarkment revealed the 'startling incompetence' of the Home Office while fellow Tory backbencher Tim Loughton said it was an 'embarassment.' The Home Office has said the health and welfare of asylum seekers 'remains an utmost priority' and that the evacuation was a precautionary measure, with no one on board having fallen sick. An inflatable dinghy with 29 people on board collapsed on November 24 2021, and the 27 who died were later identified as 16 Kurds from Iraqi Kurdistan, four Afghans, and five other nationalities. French emergency workers in a telephone centre were later blamed for failing to answer their distress calls properly, but the people smugglers responsible for organising the boat have never been brought to justice. There were 755 people recorded as crossing the Channel in small boats on Thursday the highest daily number so far this year. Since current records began on January 1 2018, 100,715 migrants have arrived in the UK after making the journey. Last year, five people died and another four went missing while trying to cross from the north coast of France to England. In 2021, one of the worst tragedies in recent Channel history occurred after 27 people drowned when their small dinghy sank in the middle of the crossing. The English Channel is one of the busiest shipping routes in the world and its seas can be highly dangerous. Dem Hawaii Rep. Jill Tokuda, admitted on Saturday morning in an interview with CNN that the state had 'underestimated the lethality, the quickness of fire.' She said no plan was put in place for potential failures in its emergency alert system which is typically received on cell phones. There was no cell phone coverage in the area at the time. 'It's not like hurricane force winds are unknown to Hawaii, or dry brush, or red flag conditions,' she said. The death now toll sits at 80 and that figure is expected to rise further, with thousands of people still unaccounted for and rescuers yet to search the many properties razed to the ground. Dem Hawaii Rep. Jill Tokuda, admitted on Saturday morning in an interview with CNN that the state had 'underestimated the lethality,the quickness of fire' Fueled by a dry summer and strong winds from a passing hurricane, the fire started Tuesday and took Maui by surprise, racing through parched brush covering the island More than 2,200 buildings here have been reduced to little more than ash, displacing at least 1,400 residents who fled to emergency shelters scattered across the island. The Pacific Disaster Center (PDC) and FEMA has put the cost of the estimated rebuild at $5.52 billion. In 2018, as Hurricane Lane approached Hawaii, bush fires raged across 2,330 acres in Maui. A year later, 25,000 acres were scorched - yet Hawaii's emergency management agency described the risk of wildfires to human life as 'low.' 'We saw this before in [Hurricane] Lane. We did not learn our lesson from Lane [in 2018] - that brush fires could erupt as a result of churning hurricane winds below us to the south,' Tokuda said. 'We have got to make sure that we do better.' When speaking to CNN's Amara Walker on 'This Morning' Tokuda dodged questions about whether someone should be held liable - instead focusing her attention on the 'hundreds, if not thousands still unaccounted for.' We have on one hand the absolute duty to go in there and we want to rescue, rescue is the hope but in many cases recover those who were causalities,' she responded without laying blame. Furious survivors of the deadly wildfire are asking why Hawaii's famous emergency warning system didn't alert them as flames raced toward their homes. With the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency saying records show the warning sirens weren't even activated. Other layers of emergency, however, were triggered including mobile phone alerts and messages on television and radio stations. Furious survivors of the deadly wildfire are asking why Hawaii 's famous emergency warning system didn't alert them as flames raced toward their homes Residents line up to get gas in Honokowai, Maui, Hawaii with officials saying they won't have access to fuel on Saturday Authorities have urged residents to text rather than call as cell service resumes in affected areas, to ensure limited resources are shared 'Our review of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency logs indicates that there was no activation of the sirens on Maui during the wildfire incident,' Adam Weintraub told CNN. 'Nobody at the state and nobody at the county attempted to activate those sirens based on our records.' The statewide public safety warning has about 400 sirens to alert residents of natural disasters, on Maui there are 80. 'It was largely a function of how fast the flames were moving,' he said of the failure to trigger the vaunted all-hazard emergency siren system. 'They were trying to coordinate response on the ground, and they had already issued these other alert systems.' Residents were forced to escape the inferno on foot, with some saying it took as little as five to ten minutes for the situation to get desperate for them. Many of Lahaina's survivors said they didn't hear any sirens and only realized they were in danger when they saw flames or heard explosions nearby. Fueled by a dry summer and strong winds from a passing hurricane, the fire started Tuesday and took Maui by surprise, racing through parched brush covering the island and then flattening homes and anything else that lay in its path. Lahaina's wildfire risk was well known. Maui County's hazard mitigation plan, last updated in 2020, identified Lahaina and other West Maui communities as having frequent wildfire ignitions and a large number of buildings at risk of wildfire damage. West Maui was also identified as having the island's highest population of people living in multi-unit housing, the second-highest rate of households without a vehicle, and the highest rate of non-English speakers. 'This may limit the population's ability to receive, understand and take expedient action during hazard events,' the plan noted. Today, 2,207 structures have been reduced to nothing more than rubble or ash including those in Lahaina - where a man walks through the ruins of his home The devastated landscape of Lahaina looks more like a war zone than the much-loved Pacific beauty spot that welcomes more than two million tourists a year The Pacific Disaster Center (PDC) and FEMA has put the cost of the estimated rebuild from the Lahaina Fire at $5.52 billion Wildfire wreckage is seen Thursday, August 10, in Lahaina, Hawaii Maui's firefighting efforts may also have been hampered by a small staff, said Bobby Lee, the president of the Hawaii Firefighters Association. There are a maximum of 65 firefighters working at any given time in Maui County, and they are responsible for fighting fires on three islands - Maui, Molokai and Lanai - he said. Those crews have about 13 fire engines and two ladder trucks, but they are all designed for on-road use. The department does not have any off-road vehicles, which would allow crews to attack brush fires thoroughly before they reach roads or populated areas, he said. That forces fire crews to wait for brush fires to reach an area where they can attack it with fire engines and other equipment, Lee said. The high winds caused by Hurricane Dora made that extremely difficult, he said. 'You're basically dealing with trying to fight a blowtorch,' Lee said. 'You've got to be careful - you don't want to get caught downwind from that, because you're going to get run over in a wind-driven fire of that magnitude.' The wildfire is already the state's deadliest natural disaster since a 1960 tsunami, which killed 61 people on the Big Island. Donald Trump made a grand entrance at Iowa State Fair on Saturday - overshadowing Ron DeSantis and other contenders for the Republican presidential nomination who were trying to counter the power of the former president. Trump, who is leading DeSantis, his closest rival, by double digits in the polls, told DailyMail.com the Florida governor should drop out of the race. 'He didn't have many people show up,' Trump said of DeSantis. 'That's not good. He's doing very poorly in the polls. Very, very poorly. And I think he's going to be leaving the race pretty soon, I think.' Asked if he would debate DeSantis, Trump replied: 'He really should leave the race.' DeSantis, meanwhile, struggled to outshine the former president as the two candidates worked the fair grounds on the same day. He and his wife Casey brought their three children to the state fair, riding the bumper cars and visiting the pork tent, but the Florida governor's time on the ground was marred by protesters who heckled him at his own events. Donald Trump arrives at the Iowa State Fair, where he spent about an hour on the groud Ron DeSantis laughs as he hits a bumper car driven by his wife Casey DeSantis at the Iowa State Fair Donald Trump waves one his campaign signs to the crowd Donald Trump addresses supporters at Steers & Steins, a popular bar at the Iowa State Fair A group of five liberal protestors disrupted DeSantis' first event - a 'fair-side chat' with Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds - before they were ejected and banned from returning to fairgrounds until September 2024. DeSantis talk continued after the protesters were taken out. A small child fell asleep as the Florida governor spoke. And as DeSantis worked the grill at the Pork Producers Event, the crowd turned away from him to watch Trump Force One fly overhead. Meanwhile, the former president arrived in the grandeur that only Trump can bring. Trump Force One flew low over the fairgrounds for the crowd to see. Secret Service wanded a long line of people waiting to get into Steers & Steins to see the former president. Mobs followed him throughout the fairgrounds, shouting his name. At his speech to supporters, Trump mocked the other contenders at the fair that day - in addition to DeSantis, Nikki Haley and Vivek Ramaswamy were campaigning in Iowa. 'The other candidates came here and had like six people,' he said. And while he mentioned the competition, his short speech - he spoke less than 15 minutes - was missing some of the signature lines from his last presidential campaign. He did not mention Hunter Biden, who is now under a special counsel investigation, and he did not mention his own criminal arraignments, which he claims is a witch hunt against him. But Trump did needle the competition. He brought with him a host of prominent Florida Republicans who have endorsed him over DeSantis. One of them, Rep. Matt Gaetz, told a crowd of supporters that burgers were being grilled at the fair - rare, medium rare and well done - but that 'the most done you can be is Ron DeSantis.' Trump spent only about an hour on the ground in Iowa: he stopped by the pork tent, an animal center and then addressed a crowd at Steers & Steins, the popular beer joint on the fair grounds. During his remarks, he repeated his false claim that he won the 2020 election over Joe Biden. He also told the crowd 'we'll be back.' He noted he leads in the polls but 'we don't want to take any chances.' 'We love you very much. Stay healthy. Stay safe, and you know, stay strong,' he said. His first stop of the day was pork producers tent, where he accepted a grilled chop and waved it to the crowd, who roared back in delight. 'You want it,' he said to one supporter, handing it over. The former president was mobbed every where he went on the fairgrounds. He attempted to look at cows at one of the animal tents but was surrounded by people, who wanted photos and his signature. Trump shook hands as he worked the crowd. Word spread quickly through the fair grounds about where the former president could be seen. Crowds lined up at each venue to shout his name and a current of electricity and excitement followed the former president. There was even new campaign gear: bright green hats that read 'Donald Trump Back to Back Iowa Champ' and bright green t-shirts reading 'Make Our Farmers Great Again.' Donald Trump makes his way through the Iowa fairgrounds With daughter Mamie, 3, on his shoulders, Ron DeSantis and his wife Casey DeSantis holding their daughter Madison, 6, work the grill at the Iowa Pork Producers Tent at the Iowa State Fair Donald Trump visits the Iowa Pork Producers Tent Donald Trump accepted a pork chop and then waved it to the crowd Hundreds of Trump supporters lined up to wave and cheer the former president Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz campaigned with Donald Trump at the Iowa State Fair Word spread of Trump's location and fair goers rushed to see him Trump's motorcade at the Iowa State Fair Ron DeSantis flips burgers at the Iowa State Fair A child sleeps as attendees watch Ron DeSantis participate in the Fair Side Chat with Governor Kim Reynolds at the Iowa State Fair Donald Trump arrives in Iowa holding a red 'Make America Great Again' cap Trump supporters filled the Iowa State Fair Donald Trump was mobbed where ever he went on the fair grounds Donald Trump acknowledges supporters as the visits the Iowa State Fair Donald Trump speaks during a rally at the Steer & Stein bar at the state fair Ron DeSantis plays a game at the Iowa State Fair Meanwhile, protesters ambushed DeSantis, Trump's closest rival for the GOP nomination, at his every stop on Saturday. DeSantis started the morning at a fair side chat with Iowa's Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds - awaiting him were protesters blowing whistles and ringing bells, drowning him out as he tried to speak. They were eventually removed. And as DeSantis flipped pork chops - a mandatory right of passage for presidential candidates - Trump supporters waving distinctive bright green Trump campaign signs - started yelling 'We love Trump.' During all this a plane flew in circles overhead, trailing a banner that reads 'Be Likable, Ron!' The former president has many supporters in Iowa but some Republicans are expressing doubts about his ability to beat Joe Biden ahead of the former president's appearance at the state fair on Saturday. Trump leads in the polls in Iowa - including by 26 points in the latest DailyMail.com survey - but he has barely set foot in the state. And while his rivals for Republican nomination are campaigning old-'school - visiting all 99 counties, visiting the buttercow at the state fair and flipping pork chops on the grill - Trump only spent a few hours on the ground. The lack of appearances and the barn storming by his competition could be sewing doubts in the minds of voters about the former president. Reynolds is hosting chats at the fair with all the Republican presidential contenders except Trump, who declined her invitation, noting she's spoken well of rival Ron DeSantis. Republican Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa told Fox News that even though Trump leads in the polls that 'we do have a number of people out there as well that will say 'We do need a fresh face out there.''' Plenty of Republicans are rivaling to be the fresh face. Mike Pence is spending two days walking around the fairgrounds. He spoke with Reynolds, ate some pork and saw the famous buttercow. Vivek Ramaswamy rapped to Eminen's Lose Yourself. Nikki Haley worked the crowds. Trump Force One flies over the Iowa State Fairgrounds The crowd of Trump supporters waiting for a glimpse of the former president Donald Trump leaves the state fair after speaking to supporters Republican presidential candidate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis holds his daughter Madison as he walks alongside his wife Casey DeSantis, right, holding their daughter Mamie at the Iowa State Fair on Saturday Liberal protesters were dragged away from Ron DeSantis' appearance on stage with Gov. Kim Reynolds after getting into verbal altercations with his supporters Protesters filled a Ron DeSantis event, drowning him out Vivek Ramaswamy ramped up the crowd at the Iowa State Fair with a performance of Lose Yourself Longtime Republican Senator Chuck Grassley told DailyMail.com: 'If you're at the State Fair, engage with the Iowans. Make sense? That's the way you win a caucus.' Grassley, who has been escorting presidential contenders around the state fair, said he hasn't spoken to the former president, nor does he know what Trump plans for Saturday. 'I don't know. But I know what he did to eight years ago when he was here. He came in with his helicopter, gave the kids that ride on the helicopter. He ought to be doing the same thing again,' he said. They persisted protesting, but were later processed and banned from returning to the Iowa State Fairgrounds until September 2024 Ron DeSantis' Iowa State Fair appearance descended into farce on Saturday as foul-mouthed protestors clashed with his supporters and had to be dragged away by police. A group of five liberal protestors, who claim DeSantis is the most 'dangerous' candidate, attempted to disrupt his 'fair-side chat' with Gov. Kim Reynolds before they were ejected and banned from returning to fairgrounds until September 2024. The same protesters had been among the few who came out to see DeSantis at his first stop during a six-town campaign swing through Iowa on Friday. Heather Ryan, 51, and Kara Ryan, 28, went to a giant painted rock on the side of the road in Menlo to protest the governor's appearance by telling him to: 'Go back to Florida.' The small group returned on Saturday, this time blowing whistles along with their chants and cowbell rings. They sprang into action the second DeSantis took the stage with Reynolds to make his case for the presidential nomination to fairgoers. Liberal protesters were dragged away from Ron DeSantis' appearance on stage with Gov. Kim Reynolds after getting into verbal altercations with his supporters Gov. DeSantis and Gov. Reynolds largely ignored the whistles, cow bells and shouts from the protesters with the PAC B****es Get Stuff Done 'It's great to be here. We're really excited to see everybody. We appreciate how nice everybody is,' DeSantis said. But he was met with hate from the B***es Get Stuff Done PAC demonstrators. Gov. Reynolds interrupted her conversation with DeSantis to address the protesters directly: 'Hey, you know what? We're in Iowa, and in Iowa we're Iowa nice.' 'So let's give everybody the opportunity to hear our candidates. So we'll stop until you do,' she added. 'But we're all going to have an opportunity to hear from each and every candidate. That's what we've been doing.' The two Republican governors continued their chat - but after a few minutes, protesters started to get into altercations with supporters who were not able to hear the governor over their demonstration. Heaven Chamberlain, one of the protesters in the group of five, was seen arguing with a man out to hear DeSantis' discussion with Reynolds. 'Don't f***ing touch me motherf***er,' Chamberlain, 27, yelled at the man while recording him. The man repeatedly put his arm up, seeming to try and block her from recording him. Heather Ryan, 51, and four other demonstrators were out to protest DeSantis' appearance at the Iowa State Fair and quickly got into confrontations with supporters of the Florida Governor's bid for president Reynolds addressed the protesters directly: 'Hey, you know what? We're in Iowa, and in Iowa we're Iowa nice. So let's give everybody the opportunity to hear our candidates. So we'll stop until you do. But we're all going to have an opportunity to hear from each and every candidate' DeSantis walked around the fair with his wife Casey and their three children Heather was physically removed from the premises by law enforcement monitoring the fairgrounds Heather Ryan told DailyMail.com that she was processed and threatened with arrest but ultimately just ejected from fairgrounds and told she could not return until September 2024 Heaven Chamberlain, 27, (pictured) was seen arguing with a supporter before her ouster. She yelled at the man: 'Don't f***ing touch me motherf***er' Soon after, an officer at the Fair got involved, cutting in between the fight and telling Chamberlain she can 'enjoy this, or leave.' Moments later, all five of the protesters were dragged away from 'fair-side chat' area and processed with a 'trespassing/ejection notice.' They were told they could not return to fairgrounds until September 2024, a month after the fair next year. 'Badge of glory as far as I'm concerned,' Ryan told DailyMail.com, adding that it just 'sucks' that her 'Chicks tickets are a wash.' DeSantis can't seem to get a break from the B****es Get Stuff Done protesters, who just filed the paperwork to become an official political action committee (PAC) last week. He and wife Casey were heckled by furious protesters who referenced an embarrassing claim that the Florida governor eats chocolate pudding with his hands during their chanting in Menlo, Iowa on Friday by calling him 'pudding fingers.' It was a reference to a Daily Beast story published earlier this year claiming the lawmaker eats chocolate pudding without utensils, a claim which DeSantis has denied, but which has continued to haunt him since. DeSantis was joined at the fair-side chat by Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis and their son Mason, five. Their two daughters did not come to the remarks, but are at the fair Heather and Kara Ryan were also in Menlo, Iowa on Friday (pictured) to protest DeSantis' stop there during his six-town campaign swing ahead of his State Fair appearance Donald Trump landed at the Iowa State Fair shortly after DeSantis' appearance and predicted that the Florida Gov. would soon drop out of the race. Pictured: Trump speaks with supporters at Steers & Steins, a popular bar at the Iowa State Fair The aspiring 2024 presidential candidate and his glamorous wife walked awkwardly away as two women in t-shirts emblazoned with the words 'B****es get stuff done' targeted them. Heather Ryan shouted her protest into a megaphone, then launched into a foul-mouthed tirade at a male bystander who tried to stop her. While DeSantis started walking around the fair with his family following his Q&A with Reynolds, all attention seemed to turn to the former President as his plane flew over the fair. Trump Force One landed in Des Moines and as he began to walk around the fair and mingle with supporters, he he predicted that DeSantis will soon drop out of the race. 'He didn't have many people show up. That's not good. He's doing very poorly in the polls. Very, very poorly,' Trump told DailyMail.com. 'And I think he's going to be leaving the race pretty soon, I think.' The former President did not respond when pressed on if he would debate the current No. 2 candidate. DeSantis, on the other hand, has pressed for Trump to show-up for the debates, the first of which is happening in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 23. Only eight of the 15 candidates running have qualified, but Trump has repeatedly said he won't participate. Several vehicles had their tyres punctured in Bromley today during an anti-ULEZ protest that had to be handled by police. Cars which formed part of the convoy that were parked along a road in the Greater London town were targeted - with at least 15 tyres from seven vehicles reportedly punctured. One man was pictured taking out a flat tyre and replacing it after a pro-ULEZ protester put holes in the wheels of a van. Today's crowd of marchers came after hundreds of motorists gathered in London this month to protest against Sadiq Khan's ULEZ expansion scheme before it comes into force at the end of August. Protesters previously gathered in Trafalgar Square in central London as part of the demonstration organised by the Action Against ULEZ Extension group to hit out at the London Mayor's much hated plans. Today people in Bromley were seen holding up protest signs reading 'Khant pay, won't pay' and 'stop the toxic air life' as they set out to put a halt to the environmental scheme. A man was pictured taking out a flat tyre and replacing it after a pro-ULEZ protester put holes in the wheels of his van Several vehicles had their tyres punctured in Bromley today during an anti-ULEZ protest that had to be handled by police Cars part of the convoy that were parked along a road in the Greater London town were targeted - with at least 15 tyres from seven vehicles reportedly punctured Police were seen trying to control the situation as angry protesters paraded down the town's streets Today people in Bromley were seen holding up protest signs reading 'Khant pay, won't pay' and 'stop the toxic air life' as they set out to put a halt to the environmental scheme One man can be seen holding up a sign saying 'ULEZ creates poverty' while others hold signs criticising Sadiq Khan Police try to diffuse the situation in Bromley this afternoon during the ULEZ protest Police were seen trying to control the situation as angry protesters paraded down the town's streets. The ULEZ expansion will come into force in a few weeks and will require Londoners to pay 12.50-a-day to drive in Greater London if their cars do not meet certain environmental standards. Khan previously refused to 'water down' the ULEZ green tax expansion after he announced he was increasing grants for families to replace non-compliant older, larger cars with less polluting models to 2,000. Despite his efforts to make the scheme more feasible for drivers during the cost of living crisis, Khan was criticised by Tories including Health Minister Maria Caulfield, who warned it would do little to help with the cost of a replacement. MailOnline has contacted Met Police for more information. A Colorado woman is suing banking giant JPMorgan after she claims to have been 'racially discriminated' against by a Chase Bank branch manager. Jeanetta Vaughn, 61, filed a complaint to the District Court naming JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Trina Pelech as the defendants. The 61-year-old was at the Chase Bank on Buckley Road in Aurora, Colorado, when she claims she was approached by Pelech. Police bodycam footage and bank surveillance cameras obtained by kdvr show Vaughn sitting down on a chair before Pelech walks over to speak to her. The June 9 2022 interaction led to Pelech calling two Aurora police officers to the branch claiming that Vaughn was trespassing. A Colorado woman is suing banking giant JPMorgan after she claims to have been 'racially discriminated' against by a Chase Bank branch manager The June 9 2022 interaction led to Pelech calling two Aurora police officers to the branch on Buckley Road claiming that Vaughn was trespassing Footage shows Vaughn walking into the bank to get checks from a teller, she slowly walks in and sits down on a chair telling the outlet she was hoping to unlock her bank card. Vaughn who is a former Government employee told kdvr that she locks her bank card because of her time in that career. Pelech can then be seen walking over to Vaughn who claims she asked if she 'needed anything.' 'I told her 'no, I'm unlocking my card on my phone and then I'm going to go up and do my business,'' she explained. The complaint claims that Pelech then said to Vaughn 'you don't have to be rude.' Footage shows Vaughn walking into the bank to get checks from a teller, she slowly walks in and sits down on a chair telling the outlet she was hoping to unlock her bank card Vaughn who is a former Government employee told kdvr that she locks her bank card because of her time in that career 'She says, 'well you're not welcome here, I'm the branch manager, and you're not welcome here,' and I said, 'what do you mean?'' Vaughn claimed. 'My money is here, my account is here, and she said 'well you're not welcome here and I'm going to call the police.'' Pelech has been accused of going into the back of the branch and calling 911 - an audio recording obtained by the outlet claimed she accused Vaughn of trespassing. 'She says, 'well you're not welcome here, I'm the branch manager, and you're not welcome here,' and I said, 'what do you mean?'' Vaugh claimed 'She told me to go away, she told me when she was ready she would come up and I don't have to be giving her the 411, very rude,' Pelech can be heard saying. Officers promptly arrived on the scene and could be seen speaking with Vaughn and Pelech. 'All she had to do was tell me what she was doing and not with the snarky attitude and threatening me with video,' Pelech can be heard telling one responding officer. Vaughn has been a member of Chase Bank since 2019 and was shocked by the way she was treated. 'She didn't seem to be a danger to me,' one officer speaking to Pelech said in their interaction. The bank has no signs posted to prohibit recording, Vaughn didn't appear aggressive and 'being rude' isn't a law enforcement matter, police could be heard saying on bodycam, according to the outlet. 'All I could see was myself being handcuffed, dragged out, shot or something,' Vaughn explained. The long-time customer said that she then waited for her husband to arrive before leaving the bank. 'This is something that has to stop. Whether it's at a banking institution or a grocery store, movie theaters, no matter where you are I have a right to be there,' Vaughn, who was never charged with trespassing said. 'She didn't seem to be a danger to me,' one officer speaking to Pelech said in their interaction The long-time customer said that she then waited for her husband to arrive before leaving the bank Vaughn was seen exiting the bank after the interaction The complaint also alleged that since September 2021 there have been four discrimination complaints made at the same branch location. 'There is a reason our country witnessed actions like the Woolworth sit-ins during the civil rights era,' said Iris Halpern, Vaughn's attorney. 'True equality requires the same access to goods and services for everyone. 'That is why we have laws in this country that protect against racial discrimination in the restaurant, the movie theater, the gym and the bank.' Halpern added that 'Police and the power they wield should not be exploited as a means to exclude people of color from fully participating in society.' A spokesperson briefly told kdvr 'We disagree with the allegation. That's the only comment we have.' It remains unclear if Pelech still works at the bank. DailyMail.com has contacted Pelech, Vaugh and JPMorgan for comment. Sashko Radchuk was only 11 when a shell fragment pierced his left eye. 'It's burning! It's burning!' he screamed as he stood by a makeshift outdoor stove, on which he and his mother had been forced to cook, in a city without electricity, running water or gas. It was late March 2022 in the industrial city of Mariupol, only 35 miles from the Russian border, and the 400,000 residents had been taking the full brunt of Moscow's bombardment since February. Russian forces were levelling the city with no regard for civilian lives. Like so many others, Sashko's family had been unable to flee in time. As the half-blinded Sashko ran inside to his mother Snizhana, who desperately tried to comfort her crying child, she knew she had to act quickly. When the shelling ended, the pair left their house and sought out Ukrainian soldiers in the streets. The men took them to a military hospital in a bunker at Illich Iron & Steel works one of the last pockets of the East Ukraine city to fall to the enemy weeks later. By the time mother and son reached the hospital, the boy could hardly see out of his injured eye. Doctors were able to remove the shell fragment, but the fighting was getting closer. Sashko and his mother were trapped. Sashko Radchuk's (pictured) is one of the many shocking stories of children abducted in a grotesque campaign sponsored by Russia Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting of the Supervisory Board of the 'Russia - Land of Opportunities Foundation' in Moscow, 19 July Children look out the window of an unheated Lviv bound train, in Kyiv, Ukraine, March 3, 2022 The pair spent more than a fortnight in the hospital. 'We helped doctors. My job was to stick numbers on beds,' Sashko remembers, while his mother helped in the kitchens. But on April 13, Russian troops captured the hospital. And it was then that Sashko's nightmare really began. His is one of the many shocking stories of children abducted in a grotesque campaign sponsored by Russia, which have been verified by the Reckoning Project, a team of Ukrainian and international journalists and researchers documenting war crimes. 'We were put in trucks with 'Z' signs [the symbol of support for Russia's invasion] and moved,' Sashko says. He does not know exactly where but remembers that he and his mum were taken in the middle of the night to a hangar and searched roughly. There he saw hundreds of wounded Ukrainian soldiers, plus female medics the Russians took from the hospital. Next morning a guard told Snizhana and Sashko that they would be returned home. They were taken from the hangar and put into a grey Audi. But the man in uniform behind the wheel did not drive them home. Instead, he uttered the words that every Ukrainian in the occupied territories dreads: 'You will go to filtration.' 'Filtration' is the process inside occupied territories of Ukraine where Putin's forces 'filter' out any Ukrainians who are seen as disloyal or hostile to the Kremlin regime. It can result in deportation, imprisonment and even death. The sinister system operates in every town and city under Russian control and is always brutal. Men are undressed, made to get on their knees and checked for Ukrainian patriotic tattoos. Women are interrogated almost as harshly. Children look out from a carriage window as a train prepares to depart from a station in Lviv, western Ukraine, March 3, 2022 Sashko later discovered that he was in Bezimenne, a village between Mariupol and the Russian border, which had become one of the major 'filtration' points for civilians being deported from the city. A village school had been turned into a waiting area for those enduring filtration. People sometimes spent weeks there. An entire infrastructure for deportations was being built. The Russians had erected two tents in which they checked smartphones for anything suspicious. They interrogated people about their attitudes to Russia, Putin and the Ukraine government. Many people have disappeared, never to be seen again, from these filtr- ation points. Having any connection to the Ukrainian military, or even a prominent civil society organisation, can place you in great danger. Snizhana was married to a Ukrainian soldier, which she did not hide from her captors. Having no documents to confirm her identity, she was taken to another tent, leaving Sashko all on his own. His mother had been gone for about an hour when two people approached him saying they were from local 'child services'. The woman wore civilian clothes and the man, who Sashko assumed was a soldier, had epaulettes with the insignia of one of the Russian-backed breakaway republics. 'Get ready. You will go with us,' they said. 'Where?' Sashko asked. 'Your mum will come back soon,' one of them replied, refusing to answer his question. Sashko Radchuk (pictured) is almost 13 now and safely back in Ukrainian territory, though his mother is still missing 'They didn't even let me say goodbye,' Sashko remembers. 'I was terrified. Nothing felt real.' He was taken to a hospital 70 miles away in the city of Donetsk, under Russian control. There, every day, he pleaded with the doctors to find his mother, or at least to contact his grandmother. But it was impossible. He did not have a phone and even if he had managed to find one, he did not have the number of his gran Liudmyla Siryk, who lives in northern Ukraine, 400 miles from Donetsk. After communications had gone down in Mariupol, she had been worried sick for weeks unable to reach either her daughter or her grandson. It was only after a colleague showed her a Facebook post with Sashko's photo (one of the doctors in Donetsk had put it online) that she was able to contact the hospital and hear her grandson's voice.When they finally spoke, Sashko begged her: 'Granny, please, get me out of here! They want to put me in an orphanage!' He told her that his mother had been taken somewhere, but he did not know where. His gran gathered all the documents she needed to get Sashko back but it took time. And Sashko was on the phone constantly, getting more worried with each day. 'Please, don't take him anywhere, I'm coming,' she told a member of the hospital administration. And she was true to her promise. Liudmyla first crossed Ukraine, then Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Russia to get into the occupied territories and rescue Sashko. The grandmother had barely left her home before, but she embarked on a journey of thousands of miles, carrying the documents to prove Sashko was her daughter's child. In documenting Russia's systematic abduction of minors, the Reckoning Project is doing urgent work. The story of Ukraine's disappeared children is a tragedy and an international war crime. Ukraine's Ministry of Reintegration and the National Information Bureau says more than 19,000 children have been deported to Russia in the 16 months since Putin's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. According to Unicef Executive Director Catherine Russell: 'The war has caused one of the fastest large-scale displacements of children since World War Two.' A man gestures to his kid from outside a train to Poland at Lviv Railway station amid Russian invasion to Ukraine, March 15, 2022 And there is no doubt the policy of child deportations and their accompanying indoctrination is organised at the very highest level. For illegally deporting children, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant in March for Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, Russia's Presidential Commissioner for Children's Rights. A 38-year-old senator from Putin's United Russia party, Lvova-Belova has become the face of a campaign that appears as popular in Russia as it is hated in Ukraine. She has adopted a Ukrainian, 17-year-old Filipp Golovnya, who Russian state media claim was made homeless in Mariupol, having been thrown out by the former husband of his dead mother and his new partner. The teenager featured with his new 'mother' in a half-hour propaganda video shot last autumn and titled This Is My Child. 'She's just the greatest person I've ever met,' Filipp tells the camera. That the adoption had been made possible, Lvova-Belova told Putin at a meeting in February, was 'all thanks to you'. Sashko Radchuk is almost 13 now and safely back in Ukrainian territory, though his mother is still missing. 'He is with me now, studying here and waiting for his mum', says Liudmyla. He is one of the lucky ones. In Ukraine, children are regularly wounded, killed or subjected to rape, torture and other atrocities. And they are being deported to Russia en masse. The Reckoning Project documented a story of the three Mezhevyi children, also from Mariupol, who were separated from their father at the same checkpoint as Sashko. The father, Yevhen, was illegally detained and his children transported hundreds of miles to the Moscow region. The family had been living in a bunker beneath one of Mariupol's hospitals for weeks when Russian soldiers came to 'evacuate' them to a nearby village in April, supposedly for their own safety. There, they were separated and taken to Bezimenne, the same village to which Sashko was taken. As a former Ukrainian soldier, Yevhen was taken to a filtration centre, and the children to the village's 'house of culture' a local community centre. Matvii, 12, remained in the 'house of culture' for weeks, along with his sisters Sviatoslava, nine, and Oleksandra, seven. None had any idea where their father was. Two Russian soldiers patrol in the Mariupol drama theatre in Mariupol on April 12, in the city where Sashko was seized The staff told Matvii his father might not return for years. Things soon got much worse. Social service officers took the youngsters to a hospital several miles away and then, after two weeks, transferred them to Donetsk Children's Social Centre. 'You are going to Moscow. For a vacation,' the children were told before being flown to Russia with 30 other children and put into Polyany boarding house a restricted-access facility with barbed-wire fences and passport checks on entry. Their father Yevhen, back in Donetsk, had been released after six weeks in a Russian prison. Desperate to find his children, he managed to contact the camp in Russia with the help of a human-itarian organisation. But when he spoke to Matvii, the boy had shocking news: 'Dad, you have five days to come and pick us up or we will be adopted!' He told his father that the teachers wouldn't allow them to return to Ukraine because of the war. They were being given a stark choice: a Russian foster home or a grim Russian orphanage. Yevhen did not have the cash but was assisted by a charity to go to Moscow, where he arrived on June 19, 2002, and was met by a woman who took him to the children's boarding house, where he was met by a psychologist and a representative from the Department for Operations Support of the Presidential Commissioner for Children's Rights. After questioning Yevhen, they allowed him to go to the boarding house. The staff there greeted him with shock. 'All the teachers came, staring, as they did not expect that Dad would come!' Matvii remembers. Yevhen packed up his children's belongings, completed the necessary paperwork, which took half a day to fill in, and officially took custody of his children. They stayed in Moscow for a few more days. Due to the fighting in Ukraine, they decided to seek refuge in Latvia. On June 22, they arrived in Latvia's capital Riga, where they have been ever since. Children have always been pawns in war. Millions were displaced in Europe after World War Two, many becoming pawns in a wider political battle as the Cold War dawned. Different political groups would offer humanitarian assistance to displaced children to instil their values into society's most vulnerable and malleable. This is happening again. A person waves at civilians in a train as they are being evacuated from combat zones in Kramatorsk, Donetsk Oblast, in eastern Ukraine on April 6, 2022 According to Yale Conflict Observatory in the US, Russia has set up special facilities malignant 'summer camps' where Ukrainian children taken from their families are subjected to 're-education' to become pro-Russian. They are forced to sing the Russian national anthem and visit patriotic sites. Boys have to do military training. The United Nations considers this behaviour one of the 'Six Grave Violations' against children during armed conflict. According to international law, children can be moved to a third country, not to a country that is a party to conflict. Last month the Ukrainian ombudsman stated that such actions 'have signs of a genocidal policy aimed at turning Ukrainian children into enemies of their own nation'. Ukrainian authorities confirm that out of more than 19,000 children deported to Russia, only 373 have been returned, through the joint efforts of their families, volunteers and officials. Ukraine's landscape is mottled with the memories of loss. On the side of the motorway leading into Kharkiv, I recently saw a billboard with a photo of a Ukrainian soldier. 'He gave everything so that you can be free,' it read. In this war, all atrocities lead back to Russia. The cities and towns I pass through are pitted and scarred by rockets and missiles. Limbless ex-soldiers are on the streets. Buildings turned to rubble have become so ubiquitous they are now part of the national geography. Rivers poisoned; dams burst. Ecocide has become a Russian weapon of war. But nothing is so affecting as the child deportations. They are brazen acts of Stalinism in the 21st Century and it is Ukraine's children who are Russia's greatest victims. Just three months after becoming a mother for the first time, Michelle Donelan is back at work in her new role as Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary. During maternity leave she oversaw the Online Safety Bill and held her first meeting about the legislation only five days after her son Noah was born. The Bill aims to protect children and adults from harmful and indecent content online and on social media, and is expected to become law this autumn. It comes after distressing cases such as that of 14-year-old Molly Russell, who killed herself after viewing images of self-harm and suicide on Instagram. In her first interview since her return to work, Ms Donelan told The Mail on Sunday how having a baby had put a renewed focus on her drive to protect children from harmful content on the internet. Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan, pictured with her new son, has revealed that becoming a mother has given her a renewed drive to protect children from harm on the internet During her maternity leave, Donelan oversaw the Online Safety Bill, which aims to protect children and adults from harmful and indecent content online and on social media She believes the Bill will clear up the 'Wild West' that is the internet, 'especially when it comes to children'. Donelan: Maggie inspired me as a child Big Dreams: Michelle Donelan aged six The Minister in charge of creating new jobs in technology, and ensuring the British people have the skills to do them, decided on her own job to be a Tory MP when she was just six. 'Obviously I didn't fully know at the age of six what an MP did,' she says. 'I was watching TV one day and I saw Margaret Thatcher and I thought, 'Golly'. I asked my mum and she told me all about what she did, and I thought she was inspiring. 'As a kid growing up in the North West, seeing people around me not necessarily having the same opportunities as in some other areas, and the pressures that they faced without those opportunities, I thought, 'This can't be right.' Advertisement She says she has long been passionate about the issue. 'But having my son Noah has reinforced it because I look at him and I think, when he is on social media in a few years' time, I will be in a position where I want to have comfort knowing that there are those protections in place.' 'The cabinet minister 39, who insisted she kept oversight of the bill when she moved to the newly created role from the Culture Department said the legislation should reassure parents. 'This is a game changer,' she said. 'It is about protecting children online and empowering adults as well when they're using social media so that people are in control - not the government, not tech execs thousands of miles away. We know the challenges parents face - you can't be watching your kid all the time. 'You need to have the reassurance that when they're online they're in a position of safety and there are controls and checks and balances in place, and the platforms are held accountable if not.' She warned, however, that the pace of technological change means legislation could soon need updating. 'It's the first time we've done a piece of legislation in this space and it's not a Bill for policing the entire internet. It's not going to achieve everything in perpetuity there will have to be other Bills.' Another focus of her new role is Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the battle to harness the opportunities it provides as well as addressing its potential dangers. On whether AI could help new mothers like herself return to work, she said: 'I think the opportunities are limitless.' Rather than being a threat to humans, she thinks robots could open up new jobs jobs that she sees her son doing. Ms Donelan who has continued her work in her constituency of Chippenham, Wiltshire, during her maternity leave described becoming a mother as a 'masterclass in juggling' and has only been able to return to her role because her husband has taken a career break and her parents are also helping. 'I never really stopped working during maternity leave. I've been very fortunate to have a family set-up that enables me to do that. Not everybody would have that. 'But I think people should take the time that's right for them and their family. It's an incredibly special time but it's also very challenging. Ms Donelan wants the UK to be a leader in AI safety which, in turn, would make Britain an attractive place for the sector to set up home. She says AI has huge opportunities, such as with breast cancer screening and ways of reducing hospital waiting times. But she concedes: 'It's undeniable there are huge risks as well and that's why we need to make sure we have the guard rails in place.' Police are searching for a missing schoolgirl who is believed to have travelled around the UK following her disappearance. Lily, 13, is thought to have travelled 'extensively' around the Birmingham, Tamworth, Manchester, Liverpool and Blackpool areas in the last two days using public transport. Her grandmother, Jackie Jones from Lampeter, said: 'Everyone is really worried about you, please get in touch and come home, we miss you terribly and love you.' She is described as a white female, 5'6" in height, with a slight to medium build and red coloured hair. Heddlu Dyfed-Powys Police believe she is wearing a grey hoodie or gillet or a red coat and white Nike trainers. Police are searching for missing schoolgirl Lily (pictured), 13, who is believed to have travelled the country Lily is thought to have travelled 'extensively' around the Birmingham, Tamworth, Manchester, Liverpool and Blackpool areas using public transport Heddlu Dyfed-Powys Police said on Twitter: 'Have you seen 13-year-old Lily, or do you have information that might help find her. 'We believe that over the past two days Lilly has travelled extensively using public transport around the Birmingham, Tamworth, Manchester, Liverpool and Blackpool areas. 'Lily is described as a white female, 5'6" in height, slight - medium build and has dyed red/copper coloured hair. 'She is believed to be wearing a grey hoodie / gillet or a red coat, and white Nike trainers. 'Lilys family is increasingly concerned about her. 'Anyone who sees Lilly is asked to contact their local police force immediately quoting the Dyfed-Powys Police reference DP-20230810-034. 'If Lilly sees this appeal, then please go to the nearest police station, your family wants you home safe.' King Charles and Queen Camilla are 'utterly horrified' by the wildfires ravaging Maui which have killed at least 80 people. The couple sent their 'deepest possible sympathy' to the families of those who have died in the blazes on the island. They wrote a letter to US President Joe Biden which read: 'My wife and I were utterly horrified to hear of the catastrophic wildfires currently burning in Maui, Hawaii. 'We can only begin to imagine the scale of the devastation engulfing the island, and the heartrending anguish of those whose livelihoods have been so disastrously affected. King Charles and Queen Camilla have sent a letter to US President Joe Biden offering their 'deepest possible sympathy' to the victims of the Hawaii wildfires. Pictured: The royal couple in July The fires, which started on Tuesday, are being fuelled by a dry summer and strong winds from a passing hurricane. Pictured: People look for belongings in the ashes left by the wildfire in western Maui, Hawaii The wildfires are the deadliest the US has seen since the 2018 Camp Fire in California, which killed at least 85 people and devastated the town of Paradise 'However inadequate it may be, we both wanted to send our deepest possible sympathy to the families of those who have so tragically lost their lives, and our prayers remain with all those whose loved ones are missing and whose homes have been destroyed.' They added: 'As the recovery effort continues, my special thoughts are with the extraordinarily brave emergency responders and Maui residents who are providing their support and assistance.' The fires, which started on Tuesday, are being fuelled by a dry summer and strong winds from a passing hurricane. They are the deadliest the US has seen since the 2018 Camp Fire in California, which killed at least 85 people and devastated the town of Paradise. The founder of a luxury bag company adored by stars such as Taylor Swift has warned that independent shops are being hit hard by Britain's tourist tax. Julie Deane, who started The Cambridge Satchel Company from her kitchen in 2008, is backing a campaign to bring back VAT-free shopping for foreign tourists. She said: 'Scrapping this scheme was a big hit because it sends out this unfriendly message, rather than saying, 'You're very welcome, we love tourists, please come and shop here'. We're up against places like Paris, where they're very big on asking tourists at the tills to 'show us your passport' and say, 'Yes you can reclaim this tax' More than 300 business leaders are backing The Mail's 'Scrap The Tourist Tax' campaign and have signed a letter to Chancellor Jeremy Hunt urging him to reverse a 2021 decision to end the VAT refunds. The founder of a luxury bag company adored by stars such as Taylor Swift Julie Deane, who started The Cambridge Satchel Company from her kitchen in 2008, is backing a campaign to bring back VAT-free shopping for foreign tourists Jeremy Hunt's decision not to reinstate duty-free shopping for overseas visitors is so short-sighted and damaging Signatories include Burberry and Mulberry, Harrods, Heathrow airport and Marks & Spencer. Ms Deane, 56, said tourist spending was a 'big part' of business for niche shops in London, Edinburgh and Cambridge before the pandemic, which 'hammered' profits. 'Those cities have also suffered from working from home,' she said. 'You don't have people milling around at lunchtime trying to grab that last minute birthday present. 'The independents are so niche that big shopping tourist groups probably don't even know about them. 'But when they are en route to bigger brands, they will pass an interesting window and duck in.' Ms Deane, who sold her business to French giant Chargeurs last year, added: 'We need a vibrant high street to have good communities. 'It is a very worrying thing, rebuilding communities. If we all stay in our houses and shop online then that is a very lonely world.' Three people have been hospitalized and three others are missing after a Pennsylvania home exploded, gutting neighbors homes after causing a huge blaze. Footage of the explosion circulating online shows a home in Plum, Pittsburgh in what appears to be a fairly sleepy neighborhood, exploding and sending debris flying. Emergency services were called Rustic Ridge Drive and Brookside Drive at about 10:23am on Saturday morning and discovered people trapped under debris, while two others were engulfed by flames, police said. First responders arriving on the scene were met with a massive inferno that had created a large plume of thick, black smoke at the scene. Several homes were flattened in the incident with aerial footage showing at least three empty lots where homes once stood and multiple properties with broken windows and exterior damage. Three people have been hospitalized and three people are missing after a Pennsylvania home exploded, gutting neighbors homes after causing a huge blaze Footage of the explosion circulating online shows a home in Plum, Pittsburgh in what appears to be a fairly sleepy neighborhood, exploding and sending debris flying Allegheny and Westmoreland counties sent water tankers to the scene and 18 different fire departments coordinated to put out the flames and conduct rescue operations. Three people were transported to local hospitals and three others are currently unaccounted for as officials continued to check gas lines and nearby homes for a cause of the chance happening, police said. 'The scene remains very active,' said Amie Downs, director of communications for Allegheny County. Chief of the Holiday Park Volunteer Fire Department and emergency management coordinator for Plum, James Sims, said he's been to at least 'six explosions in Plum.' 'This is the worst I've seen in 47 years or 48 years, the worst one, just the amount of damage,' he told wtae. The house that exploded belonged to borough manager, Mike Thomas, Plum Mayor Harry Schlegel told the outlet. It remains unclear what condition Thomas is in. Emergency services were called Rustic Ridge Drive and Brookside Drive at about 10:23am on Saturday morning and discovered people trapped under debris, while two others were engulfed by flames, police said Three people were transported to local hospitals and three others are currently unaccounted for as officials continued to check gas lines and nearby homes for a cause of the chance happening, police said The house that exploded belonged to borough manager, Mike Thomas, Plum Mayor Harry Schlegel told the outlet. It remains unclear what condition Thomas is in His wife and daughter were taken to the hospital, and a man who lives in a neighboring home was flown to UPMC Mercy to be treated in the hospital's burn unit, the mayor said. Neighbor Alexis Typanski said she was sleeping when she heard the thunderous blast. 'I heard this 'boom.' It was so loud that it woke me up. I thought it was thunder from the storms last night,' she said. 'My water bottle fell on me instantaneously. I was shaking. It scared me so bad.' This is a developing story. Many internet users are being blocked from looking at gender-critical websites on public wi-fi, it can be revealed. A Mail on Sunday investigation found that one in three networks are denying access to sites that raise legitimate questions related to trans issues. A senior MP said this was 'sinister and disturbing'. It follows reports about Great Western Railway's onboard wi-fi blocking the website of human rights organisation Sex Matters, which campaigns for clarity about sex in law and policy. It had been flagged as being 'associated with terrorism and hate'. Our reporters visited 25 venues with accessible public wi-fi and found that eight blocked one or more gender- critical websites. Labour MP Rosie Duffield said: 'This is sinister and disturbing censorship. These firms must be doing well financially if they're prepared to lose the custom of women.' At three branches of Pret A Manger across London, the Women's Rights Network and Transgender Trend's websites were blocked (stock image) At three branches of Pret A Manger across London, the Women's Rights Network and Transgender Trend's websites were blocked. Access to the latter was also blocked at the Science Museum in London, at retailer Uniqlo and on a London North Eastern Railway (LNER) train. The Sex Matters site could not be accessed at Victoria, King's Cross and Paddington train stations in London and it was still impossible to visit it on Great Western Railway (GWR) trains. Bosses at GWR said the site was blocked because AI scanners had deemed it to contain 'adult' content, most likely due to the repetition of the word 'sex'. But at least two other websites featuring the word 'sex' in their titles Sex Positivity UK and Sexual Health Alliance loaded quickly on the network. Major internet service providers are required to adopt network-level filtering systems to prevent children from seeing unsavoury content. But these can block harmless websites, too. Cybersecurity expert Daniel Card said criminals may have attacked gender-critical websites to 'reclassify them' as harmful. Labour MP Rosie Duffield said: 'This is sinister and disturbing censorship. These firms must be doing well financially if they're prepared to lose the custom of women.' Women's Rights Network's Claire Loneragan said: 'Pret let us access porn sites. We could access another to buy guns. So we question why there must be safeguarding around sex-based rights.' A Science Museum spokesman said: 'We use a security system to protect visitors from potentially unsuitable content. We will follow up with the service provider.' A Uniqlo spokesman said: 'We do not knowingly filter gender-critical websites. We are speaking to our vendor to review the filters.' LNER said: 'Website categories are not determined by us, but by a filtering service. Such filters do not reflect our view of any site.' A Pret A Manger spokesperson said: 'It has never been our intention to filter out gender-critical content on our shops Wi-Fi network and we fully support open conversations about gender. We removed these websites from our blocked filter as soon as we were made aware and are doing a full review with our service provider.' After being approached by the MoS, GWR bosses said they had asked for the blocked material to be reviewed by their filtering system. Just 24 hours later, the Sex Matters site was accessible on its trains. Donald Trump on Saturday said he'd never 'take a plea deal' as Georgia prosecutors are preparing to go before a grand jury early next week with their investigation into election interference by the former president and his allies. 'We did nothing wrong. We don't ever take a plea deal. We don't take plea deals. It's a wise guy question,' Trump told reporters on the tarmac of the Des Moines airport after he visited the Iowa State Fair. 'We don't take plea deals because we did nothing wrong. It's called election interference,' he said. A plea deal could keep the former president from facing jail time if convicted in any of the three arraignments that he faces. Donald Trump said he wouldn't take a plea deal in any of his legal cases Trump faces a laundry list of legal problems, including 40 federal charges in Florida, the Stormy Daniels hush-money case in Manhattan, and federal indictment related to the January 6th insurrection at the Capitol. And he may be faces more charges next week, this time in Georgia. Two witnesses in the case, former Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan and independent journalist George Chidi, revealed on Saturday they had been told to appear Tuesday before a Fulton County grand jury to testify about efforts by Trump and his allies to overturn the 2020 election results in that state. That signals Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis is moving forward with a grand jury presentation where she's expected to seek charges against more than a dozen people stemming from her investigation into the efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Her investigation has focused on efforts to pressure state election officials, the plot to put forward fake electors and a breach of voting systems in rural Coffee County, Georgia. It began soon after Trump made a phone call to the state's top election official, Republican Brad Raffensperger, and urged him to 'find' enough votes to alter the outcome. Trump called it a 'perfect phone call' and said he was doing nothing wrong. If Trump is indicted in Georgia, it would follow his federal indictment earlier this month related to his attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 election. Unlike with federal convictions, however, if re-elected president, Trump could not attempt to pardon himself if convicted of state crimes in Georgia. He could also undergo a state trial if he's in the Oval Office. Traditionally, the Justice Department doesn't prosecute presidents but state attorneys have no such rule. Pro-Trump protesters rally against the results of the U.S. Presidential election outside the Georgia State Capitol on November 18, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia A resident holds an 'I'm A Georgia Voter' sticker at an early voting polling location for the 2020 Presidential election in Atlanta Residents wait in line at an early voting polling location for the 2020 Presidential election in Atlanta If Trump is indicted in Georgia, he will have to travel to Atlanta in the aftermath to be booked and arraigned. Numerous security measures are in place at the courthouse in the downtown area. In a post on his Truth Social site on Saturday, Trump again called the Georgia investigation a 'witch hunt.' He has called all the investigations against him a political prosecution as he makes another bid for the White House. Additionally, Trump has been spending money at a high rate for his legal defense. In the first half of 2023, his political action committee received $67 million in donations but spent over $90 million, with $27 million of that going to Trump's legal bills, an average of 30 cents out of every dollar they've collected. That stands at a deficit of $23 million, with the ex-president potentially forced to reach into his own pockets after he was indicted again just weeks ago. Sir Keir Starmer has abandoned Labour's pledge to role out clean air zones across the country after a disastrous public response to Sadiq Khan's hated ULEZ scheme in London. A statement declaring the party's support for the zones, that charge drivers based on their vehicles emissions, has been removed from their programme. It comes as London Mayor Mr Khan has vowed to go ahead with his contentious plans to expand the capital's ultra-low emissions zone (ULEZ) in just a few weeks. Clean air zones were included among Labour's transport pledges in an 86-page draft policy report to be discussed at the party's National Policy Forum (NPF), the Telegraph reported. The original draft said: 'Labour supports the principle of clean air zones and recognises the huge damage to human health caused by air pollution and the damage to our climate caused by carbon emissions from polluting vehicles. Sir Keir Starmer (pictured) has abandoned Labour's pledge to role out clean air zones across the country after a disastrous public response to Sadiq Khan's hated ULEZ scheme in London London Mayor Sadiq Khan (pictured) has vowed to go ahead with his contentious plans to expand the capital's ultra-low emissions zone (ULEZ) in just a few weeks The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) (pictured) was created by Transport for London and intends to be implemented on August 29 'However, they must be phased in carefully, mindful of the impacts on small businesses and low-paid workers, and should be accompanied with a just transition plan to enable people to switch affordably to low-emission vehicles.' But a photo which has been seen by the Telegraph reportedly shows that this paragraph has been taken out of the forum - just days after the party lost the Uxbridge and South Ruislip by-election because of hatred towards Mr Khan's ULEZ scheme. Now a Labour source has revealed that the policy was officially dropped and will not be included in the revised report. This attempt to distance Labour from the policy comes as Sir Keir also tried to move away from eco group Just Stop Oil - calling their demands to 'turn off the taps' in the North Sea 'contemptible'. Discussing the clean air zones, the Labour source said: 'Clean air zones are Conservative government policy. The Tories are the ones who have pushed councils to introduce them. Labour is not in favour of extra burdens on drivers during a Tory-made cost of living crisis. 'Labour's priority is growing the economy to improve living standards and tackle the cost of living crisis.' Although Sir Keir previously showed his support for Ulez, he turned against the scheme after the Uxbridge result. The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) was created by Transport for London and intends to be implemented on A lesbian speed-dating event is at the centre of a transphobia row after the organiser insisted that only 'adult human females' can attend. It follows outrage from attendees at the popular weekly 15-a-head event, held in Bloomsbury in London, after trans women tried to join. Last week, Jenny Watson, a town planner who runs the nights, posted on her website to share her rules. 'If you are male, please refrain from coming to the events, you are not a lesbian,' she wrote. Ms Watson told The Mail on Sunday: 'Last year, a person turned up sporting a purple latex outfit and an erection. Organiser Jenny Watson, 31, is at the centre of a transphobia row after she insisted that only 'adult human females' can attend a lesbian speed dating event Members of an activists' group reported Ms Watson to her London council employers as transphobic for insisting on social media that only 'adult human females' should attend and 'lesbians don't have penises' 'Another time, a trans woman came into the female toilet and pushed their body at a woman who was upset and told me after. It got me thinking that this isn't fair on women.' Ms Watson, 31, added: 'Transgender individuals deserve respect. But there is a need for protection of sex-segregated spaces for lesbian women.' Members of an activists' group reported Jenny to her London council employers as transphobic for insisting on social media that only 'adult human females' should attend. They also accused her of being transphobic for saying that 'lesbians don't have penises'. An inquiry into the get-togethers was last night under way by Stonegate Group, the owners of the College Arms, the pub where the event is held. Stonegate Group, the owners of the College Arms in Bloomsbury, is now looking into claims that the event is not trans-inclusive The row about lesbian speed dating comes just days after large chain Costa Coffee faced backlash over a cartoon they advertised seemingly featuring a transgender man with mastectomy scars. The illustration was branded 'crass and irresponsible' and 'absolutely bonkers' by gender-critical campaigners. Some people found the sign offensive towards women who have had to undergo double mastectomies while suffering with breast cancer. The chain defended its use of the image to promote 'inclusivity and diversity'. Despite the T-shirt's popularity, it is still available to buy for a steep 70 When it comes to creating a hit TV drama, it's important to get the wardrobe right. And the makers of cult show The Bear, streamed in the UK on Disney+, seem to have got it down to a T quite literally. The simple white T-shirt worn by the lead character, Carmy, played by Jeremy Allen White, has seemingly captivated viewers even more than the programme's dramatic storylines with fans comparing the lead's look to James Dean's iconic outfit in 1955 film Rebel Without A Cause and John Travolta's trademark style in musical Grease. The comedy-drama, which was watched for a staggering 853 million minutes over the course of one week in June, follows Carmen 'Carmy' Berzatto, a chef attempting to take over a sandwich shop previously run by his late brother. Hordes of its devoted viewers have taken to social media to both praise and seek out the brand of Carmy's white tee. The simple white T-shirt worn by the lead character, Carmy, played by Jeremy Allen White, has seemingly captivated viewers Jeremy Allen White With Ayo Edebir staring in The Bear. The comedy-drama was watched for a staggering 853 million minutes over the course of one week in June 'That man really knows how to wear a white T-shirt,' wrote a fan with a second saying: 'Love Jeremy Allen White in that little white T-shirt.' Another wrote: 'You NEED to buy the classic white T-shirt from The Bear that everyone is talking about now!' The clothing item is made by Merz b. Schwanen, a German brand which takes pride in using 100-year-old techniques based around loopwheel cotton cylinders. Despite the T-shirt's popularity, it is still available to buy for a steep 70. Carmy's wardrobe also features other vintage fashion including Levi's jeans and denim jackets. Cristina Spiridakis, costume designer for The Bear's pilot, said the clothing choices are meant to reflect the character's personality. 'It was never the intention to be 'stylish' per se,' she told GQ magazine. 'Carmy is a person that appreciates quality and classics, items that last, that aren't fussy or trendy things created with a respect for the item itself.' Three years ago, similar furore surrounded the TV series Normal People when viewers obsessed over a silver chain necklace worn by lead actor Paul Mescal, who played Connell Waldron throughout. The item of jewellery even had its own Instagram account. 58 F-words but only warning is for... smoking By Molly Clayton Set in a high-pressure kitchen, it's no wonder TV programme The Bear contains enough swearing to rival BBC political satire The Thick Of It. But instead of cautioning viewers of a sensitive disposition about the number of profanities they may be about to hear, audiences are instead warned that they may encounter... smoking. Characters in the tense drama, which is now in its second series on Disney+, use 80 swear words in the first 27-minute episode almost three each minute. The word 'f***' appears 58 times, and 's***' 14 times. The second episode of the series nudges close to that tally, with 76 profanities across 30 minutes. But in the opening credits, viewers are given a 'trigger warning' about the show's 'tobacco depictions'. Armando Iannucci's satirical comedy The Thick Of It, starring Peter Capaldi as a foul-mouthed government spin doctor, currently holds the record for the most swear words in a half-hour show, racking up 147 nearly double The Bear's count It is Jamie Lee Curtis as Donna Berzatto, the mother of the lead character, chef Carmy Berzatto, who provides most of the offensive on-screen chain-smoking It is Jamie Lee Curtis as Donna Berzatto, the mother of the lead character, chef Carmy Berzatto, who provides most of the offensive on-screen chain-smoking. There are also scenes involving a chef smoking 'crack' in an alley and references to cannabis. Armando Iannucci's satirical comedy The Thick Of It, starring Peter Capaldi as a foul-mouthed government spin doctor, currently holds the record for the most swear words in a half-hour show, racking up 147 nearly double The Bear's count. Succession comes in second with 2.6 expletives each minute. Martin Scorsese's The Wolf Of Wall Street held the record for the most swearing in a film when it was released in 2013, with the word 'f***' appearing 506 times. But that Guinness World Record was beaten when Canadian comedy Swearnet: The Movie was released the following year. It boasts 935 profanities across its 112-minute running time eight a minute or one every seven seconds. A top HSBC executive and Britain's former ambassador to Saudi Arabia was at the centre of a racism storm last night over claims that he told students 'the Arabic mind is empty'. Speaking at a dinner at the University of Oxford last month, Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles allegedly told the audience that he wished he had learnt to speak Chinese, instead of Arabic, when he was a diplomat because China is 'more interesting'. Sir Sherard, HSBC's head of public affairs, declared that 'the Arabic mind is empty compared to the Chinese', according to sources who relayed his comments to The Mail on Sunday. His alleged incendiary remarks were condemned. 'It is racist and not acceptable at all,' Abdel Bari Atwan, an author and prominent Arab commentator, told this newspaper last night. 'It is definitely very humiliating to the Arabs. To say that their brain is empty is a huge insult. I don't know how a former diplomat like him managed to say these kinds of things.' Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles allegedly told a dinner at the University of Oxford last month that he wished spoke Chinese, instead of Arabic, because China is 'more interesting'. The HSBC executive is pictured at Bloomberg LP's London offices, July 6 In a statement, Sir Sherard, 68, who is also chairman of the China-Britain Business Council (CBBC) lobbying group, last night said: 'These selective comments, which have been taken out of context, were personal remarks made at a private event to raise the understanding of China. 'They do not reflect the views of either HSBC or CBBC.' Details of the speech come just days after he apologised for remarks at a separate closed-door event in London in June. On that occasion, he branded Britain 'weak' for bowing to US demands in its approach to Beijing. The MoS has learned that his more recent comments were made at the beginning of a dinner hosted by the Great Britain-China Centre, a Government-funded quango, attended by so-called 'future leaders' who are embarking on a 'crash course' on China. It is understood that during an off-the-cuff speech to welcome the students, Sir Sherard told them that after joining the Foreign Office in the late 1970s he opted to learn to speak Arabic because of the importance of the Middle East to world affairs. He joked that the department was known as the 'camel corps' at the time. The MoS understands that he was not speaking from notes and the speech was not recorded. One of those who was there claimed the former diplomat said he regretted not learning Chinese because 'the Arabic mind is empty compared to the Chinese'. A second person recalled that in a 'jokey way' Sir Sherard claimed that 'compared with the Chinese mind the Arab mind is relatively empty'. Sir Sherard did not deny making the remarks when The Mail on Sunday approached him at his 2 million home in West London on Friday. Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles (pictured) declared that 'the Arabic mind is empty compared to the Chinese', according to sources He was Britain's ambassador in Saudi Arabia between 2003 and 2006. The Saudis reportedly liked the tough way the man they called 'Abu Henry' after his oldest son responded to Al Qaeda terrorist attacks. However, he was forced to make a grovelling apology to the people of Nottingham when he claimed that the streets of Saudi cities were safer than theirs. Saud al-Faisal, the foreign minister, paid glowing public tribute when Sir Sherard, who had two pet falcons named Nour and Alwaleed, left to take up the UK ambassador's post in Afghanistan. Those present at the dinner also claim that Sir Sherard criticised Lord Patten of Barnes, the Chancellor of the University of Oxford and Britain's last governor of Hong Kong, for knowing 'nothing' about China. Sir Sherard, who was head of the Foreign Office's Hong Kong department in the mid-1990s, reportedly clashed with Lord Patten over moves to democratise the colony before the 1997 handover to China. HSBC declined to comment. A French warship was escorting an overloaded small boat across the Channel to UK waters when it sank today, killing at least six migrants, it was claimed tonight. The PSP Cormoran is understood to have been tracking a number of small boats in rough conditions six miles off the French coast early this morning, according to a well-informed source. A second French vessel was believed to be close by at the time of the tragedy. One of the small boats capsized as it entered a busy shipping lane and almost 70 people were thrown into the water. Six died and two more are thought to be missing. The presence of the French vessels sparked a furious political row as Tory MPs accused the French authorities of encouraging desperate migrants to attempt the perilous crossing in bad weather. The boat was being escorted towards Britain by a French navy patrol vessel when it capsized, the source told The Mail on Sunday. This is a French policy designed to ensure the migrants make it to British waters as safely and quickly as possible. Furious MPs tonight questioned why France was not doing more to tackle the crisis, given that the UK is giving the country almost 500 million to help stop the crossings. SAVED: Migrants whose boat capsized on a French rescue ship today The RNLI brought 50 survivors into Dover docks this morning Legionella to a crashed drone... Small Boats Week to forget Last week was billed by the Government its Small Boats Week as it highlighted initiatives to crack down on illegal Channel crossings. Reports that Ascension Island in the South Atlantic had been earmarked as a Plan B for processing illegal migrants if the Rwanda scheme falters were followed by Whitehall sources saying it would be resisted by the MoD and the US government. Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson sparked a furore for saying barge refuseniks should f*** off back to France, as lawyers boasted of cancelling the transfer of 20 asylum seekers to the Bibby Stockholm barge. Official figures showed that migrant crossings had reached the highest number in a single day for the year so far. Figures also confirmed over 100,000 people have made the journey in the past five years. A Border Force boat broke down and a drone crashed into the Channel as critics said more people illegally crossed from France in a single day than could be housed in the Bibby Stockholm. Migrants had to be taken off the Bibby Stockholm as Legionella bacteria is discovered in the water supply. Advertisement We should get that money back, one senior Tory MP said. Today's incident the worst loss of life in the Channel since November 2021 when 27 migrants perished was last night described as a wake-up call for Labour and Left-wing lawyers blocking Government plans to solve the small-boats crisis. Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith said: Surely we must do everything to deter them from making that decision and making that perilous crossing. It is a wake-up call for all those who speak only of rights, but seem incapable of balancing those rights against the terrible risks that people are undertaking as they pay their life savings to be shoved on to a boat that is unseaworthy, only to find that it all ends somewhere in the channel. Tory MP Marco Longhi, a member of the Home Affairs Committee, added: This terrible tragedy should be a wake-up call to Sir Keir Starmer, Labour and the whole of the Left, that this is what happens when they oppose the Governments sensible measures to tackle the small-boats crisis. I hope to God that the Labour leader now sees this and changes his obstructionist approach as soon as possible. Peoples lives depend on it. After another day of tragedy in the Channel, the MoS can reveal: Vile traffickers were attempting to lure more migrants to undertake the perilous crossing just hours after the deaths. Despite the accident, over 500 migrants crossed the Channel today, making it the fourth busiest day of 2023. At least four other boats were escorted into English waters by French warships in the hours after the tragedy, it is claimed. The small boats are more crowded than ever, according to a senior Border Force source. People smugglers are refusing to give life jackets to some migrants, despite charging up to 5,000 for a seat on one of the packed boats. The incident ended a disastrous week in which Rishi Sunak had hoped to persuade the public that he was getting on top of the Channel crisis. His efforts were first derailed on Thursday after it emerged the number of people who have crossed the Channel in the past five and a half years had passed an astonishing 100,000. Paramedics assist a migrant picked up at sea while attempting to cross the English Channel The P677 Cormoran Flamant-class patrol vessel of the French Navy sails on Calais' harbour The Governments migrant policy then descended into farce the following day when asylum seekers on the Bibby Stockholm barge were evacuated after legionella was found on board. Tory MP Tom Hunt said tonight: One could think its more safe that the French are escorting them. However the net effect is likely to encourage more to attempt the unsafe crossing as it provides a veneer of security. Which, as weve seen this week, can tragically count for little. Sir Iain branded Frances policy of escorting small boats to British waters as madness. That acts as an incentive for them to make the crossing and take the risk, he said. I think the whole thing encourages them to risk the journey more, which is a mistake you see what happens when they do that. They end up dying. Today's incident took place off the coast of Sangatte. The MoS understands that several small boats set off from France despite a forecast of windy and rough sea conditions. Fisherman Matthew Coker said radar tracking data suggested two French warships were tracking the boats as they headed to English waters. The PSP Cormoran is understood to have been the closer of the two vessels to the boat that sunk, while the PSP Pluvier was further away. People smuggler video advert for crossing the English Channel, dated August 12 Two French boats both warships were in that exact area at that time, Mr Coker told the MoS. They were escorting boats. Early this morning, both warships changed direction and immediately headed to where the small boat is believed to have capsized. French authorities confirmed that the Cormoran rescued 33 survivors, while the Pluvier rescued five. Five migrants all thought to be Afghan men died at the scene and their bodies were brought back to Calais. Another Afghan man in his early 20s was airlifted to a hospital in Le Touquet, but was pronounced dead on arrival. A total of 58 migrants were rescued, with most taken back to Calais, and more than a dozen brought to Dover by British rescuers. Anne Thorel, a volunteer on a French rescue boat, described the migrants frantic efforts to bail water out of their sinking vessel with their shoes. There were too many of them on the boat. Another French rescuer, who did not want to be named, said many of the migrants on the boat did not have life jackets. One man was very lucky, he said. He was drowning, but the rescuers pulled him into the boat by his neck. He did not have a life jacket. A witness in Dover said four ambulances and one paramedic car rushed to the port area where migrants were brought in just after 6.30am. Paramedics put oxygen masks on some of the survivors as they were treated on the quayside. It was distressing to watch, he said. I saw a lot of migrants who had their faces and heads covered with blankets. But the ones whose faces I saw, they looked as if they were crying. Even some of the paramedics looked distressed. Mr Coker said he regularly saw French naval vessels escorting migrant boats. He said that last Thursday around six migrants fell into the sea just inside English waters after being accompanied by a French vessel named Argonaute. Instead of rescuing the migrants, the French vessel waited for 20 minutes until an RNLI lifeboat arrived, he claimed. Mr Coker added that people smugglers did not risk launching boats in rough weather before the French began providing escorts around three years ago. When they were leaving in the dark and they had no escorts they would never, ever have attempted to cross on a day like today. That did not happen. Home Secretary Suella Braverman said: My thoughts and prayers are with those affected by the tragic loss of life in the Channel today. Shadow immigration minister Stephen Kinnock said the incident was an appalling, deeply shocking tragedy. A French navy spokesman declined to comment, saying a criminal inquiry had been opened by the Boulogne prosecutor and Maritime Prefecture. Two key witnesses are set to appear before a grand jury in Georgia early next week as the potential for a fourth indictment against former President Donald Trump draws near. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis is in the final stages of her investigation into Trump's efforts to reverse his defeat in the key swing state of Georgia. If he is indicted, it will the fourth time the 45th President of the United States has been charged with a crime since March. Former Georgia Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan, a Republican, will appear Tuesday to testify about Trump's claims during the 2020 presidential election ballot count. George Chidi, an independent journalist who publishes on Substack, tweeted that he's scheduled to appear Tuesday as well. Former Georgia Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan (pictured left) and independent journalist George Chidi (pictured right) are slated to testify before a grand jury in a case judging former President Donald Trump's claims about the 2020 election 'I did just receive notification to appear on Tuesday morning at the Fulton County grand jury and I certainly will be there to do my part in recounting the facts,' Duncan told CNN, where he works as a contributor. 'I have no expectations as to the questions, and I'll certainly answer whatever questions are put in front of me,' he added. That signals Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis - an elected Democrat - is moving forward with a grand jury presentation where she's expected to seek charges against more than a dozen people stemming from her investigation into the efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Her investigation has focused on efforts to pressure state election officials, the plot to put forward fake electors and a breach of voting systems in rural Coffee County, Georgia. The state was a focus of Trump and his allies as they sought to cling to power in the wake of his 2020 election vote. The then president was caught on tape urging Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to help him. 'The people of Georgia are angry, the people in the country are angry,' he said in audio obtained by the Washington Post. 'And theres nothing wrong with saying, you know, um, that youve recalculated.' Raffensperger insisted that Trump's data was not correct but the president insisted: 'I just want to find 11,780 votes, which is one more than we have.' Trump on Saturday said he'd never 'take a plea deal' as Georgia prosecutors are preparing to go before a grand jury early next week with their investigation into election interference by the former president and his allies. 'We did nothing wrong. We don't ever take a plea deal. We don't take plea deals. It's a wise guy question,' Trump told reporters on the tarmac of the Des Moines airport after he visited the Iowa State Fair. 'We don't take plea deals because we did nothing wrong. It's called election interference,' he said. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis is in the final stages of her investigation into Trump's efforts to reverse his defeat in the key swing state of Georgia That signals Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis - an elected Democrat - is moving forward with a grand jury presentation Police close roads and patrolled with dogs around the Atlanta courthouse on Monday. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis is believed to be in the final stages of her probe into Trump If he is indicted in Fulton County, it will the fourth time former President Donald Trump has been criminally charged since March Two weeks ago, Fulton County Sheriff Patrick Labat set out what he called a 'protective plan' for a potential Trump indictment. 'Our goal is to have all the services we normally have open and operational but at the same time create a safe environment for those that we actually service,' he told a press conference. The precautions reflect how a divided country is entering uncharted territory, with the potential for mass demonstrations or a repeat of the violence that broke out on January 6, 2021. Trump, 77, remains the clear frontrunner for the Republican Party's 2024 nomination. But his election timetable must now accommodate a slew of court hearings. Last week he appeared in federal court in Washington to plead not guilty to charges that he conspired to defraud the U.S. by preventing Congress from certifying Democratic President Joe Biden's victory, depriving U.S. voters of their right to a fair election. Earlier in the summer it was Miami. There he pleaded not guilty to charges related to his handling of government documents and an alleged cover-up. And in April he surrendered to authorities in New York where he is accused of falsifying business records as part of a hush money payment to a porn star. He pleaded not guilty in that case. Now Atlanta could be the next setting for his criminal battles. On Monday, the front of the courthouse had been lined with rows of orange plastic barricades as well as steel fencing. Food carts stayed away and the usually bustling district was empty on Monday There was a heavy law enforcement presence outside the courthouse amid reports that an indictment will come this week in Fulton County, Georgia An anti-Trump protester made his feelings clear, urging the prosecutor to get on with it Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis is in the final stages of her investigation into Trump's efforts to reverse his defeat in the key swing state of Georgia Local media are reporting that an indictment is expected this week. Willis has not given away much about the case she is building but lawyers familiar with her history say they believe she will invoke Georgia's racketeering laws. It is modeled on the federal R.I.C.O. laws which were introduced to help connect mob bosses to crimes carried out by their subordinates. The Police Service of Northern Ireland is bracing itself for a multi-million-pound class action lawsuit after a data breach involving its entire force. In the biggest information leak in its history, it accidentally shared the personal details of 10,000 employees last week. The services representative body, the Police Federation for Northern Ireland (PFNI), has set up a secure system so that officers can register their interest in being part of a case if legal action is taken. The PFNI said that so far around a fifth of the force 2,000 rank-and-file members have expressed a desire to be involved. A serving officer told The Mail on Sunday that he will be adding his name to the case if it goes ahead. (Stock Photo) More than 600 police officers working in intelligence, surveillance and carrying out secret work for MI5 in Northern Ireland have been identified on a leaked list, putting their lives at risk The document, mistakenly released by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), identifies officers working in the most sensitive roles (Pictured: Thames House headquarters of MI5) He said: A number of legal firms have already been approaching officers. The federation has appealed to us, saying we should go through it together instead if it takes a class action. Im definitely on board for that and I know many of my colleagues will follow suit, but away from that there are genuine concerns for the safety of officers. For example, I know of one colleague who has what you might say is an unusual surname, in that there is no one else who has the same surname in the force, and he is terrified that he will be easily identifiable. Legal experts have estimated the force could be looking at paying out 100 million in compensation. Russia hacked Whitehall emails Russian and Chinese hackers accessed Foreign Office emails and internal messages in 2021, according to reports. The i newspaper claims the attackers were able to see details of meetings and emails from ambassadors, but did not access classified information. Insiders at GCHQ the UKs intelligence, security and cyber agency said the hacks were made possible by a staff member probably accidentally downloading malware in an email. One source said: It was embarrassing and caused a great stir in government. The Foreign Office said tonight: We do not comment on security matters. Advertisement The data breach saw information appear online for up to three hours on Tuesday. The details included the surname and first initial of every employee; their rank or grade; where they are based; and which unit they work in, including sensitive areas such as surveillance and intelligence. On Wednesday, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed it was investigating a second data breach, which involved the theft of a spreadsheet containing the names of more than 200 officers and staff last month. During the 30 years of violence in Northern Ireland known as the Troubles, more than 300 police officers from all backgrounds were murdered. They face an ongoing threat from dissident republican paramilitaries. The most recent target, Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell, suffered life-changing injuries when he was shot multiple times in Omagh in February. Chief Constable Byrne said the PSNI are investigating the fact that dissident republicans claimed to have got their hands on the leaked list of staff. DUP MP and former member of the Northern Ireland Policing Board, Ian Paisley, said he has received a lot of calls and emails from officers. He added: This is an absolute catastrophic disaster in terms of data handling. I wrote to the Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, formally. I wanted to know what actions she and the Government are going to be able to take. I also wrote to the speaker of Parliament. This is of such national importance. Even MI5 activities have been affected by this. I think Parliament should be recalled after such a national security issue a data breach affecting 10,000 people, affecting specialist services, affecting MI5. Chief Constable Byrne said he is deeply sorry about what has happened, adding: We have seen an industrial-scale breach of data that has gone into the public domain. However, he is refusing to resign. He said: I dont think leadership is about walking away, its about facing up to your responsibilities. And I think the organisation needs consistency and calm heads at the moment, across the team, to lead us through what we accept is an unprecedented crisis. A Florida woman screamed with shock after coming face-to-face with a bear on her porch - and the hilarious encounter was captured on her Ring doorbell camera. Gina Helsel, 60, had a close encounter of the furry kind Thursday morning after deploying her dog to chase neighborhood cats away She went out to collect her pet - only to find a hungry bear rummaging through her neighbor's trash and devouring leftover food. Helsel's frightened screams and grimaces were captured in high definition, with the good sport subsequently sharing her distress with local news station WPBF. A video captured an amusing encounter, in which a Florida woman found herself face-to-face with a bear after sending her pet dog to shoo away the neighboring cats from her porch Gina Helsel explained that she occasionally uses her dog to dissuade cats from congregating on her front porch, but on this past Thursday morning, she encountered a much larger visitor than expected The commotion seemed to cause Helsel to struggle with the door, she explained. 'I did fumble with it, and it wasn't even closed all the way because I never close it all the way when I take him out.' Fortunately, once Helsel and her dog made the swift retreat, the bear followed suit. Helsel made light of the incident, laughing over remarks her brother made after she told him what had happened. Recalling the conversation, Helsel said her brother couldn't contain his laughter, telling her, 'Gina, only you can scream like that.' Mike Orlando, a biologist with Florida Fish and Wildlife, explained the bear's behavior - emphasizing that the bear's actions were typical and not indicative of aggression. He mentioned that the bear was primarily focused on the dog, performing a 'bluff charge' before both Helsel and her dog retreated, causing the bear to run away. A hungry bear was rummaging through the trash and munching away at her neighbors garbage Helsel let out a loud yelp while scurrying back to her home with her dog, fumbling with the door before taking shelter inside Helsel said that she is typically hyper vigilant about alligators, snakes, and coyotes, but seeing bears in Florida never crossed her mind Fortunately, once Helsel and her dog made the swift retreat, the bear followed suit 'The bear's mostly focused on the dog, it basically lunges, does a bit of a bluff charge. When her and the dog retreat, the bear runs away,' Orlando said to WPBF. He noted that the surprising encounter was a result of mutual surprise: Helsel hadn't anticipated a bear's presence, and the bear hadn't expected her to appear with her dog. 'They just all startled each other, you know, she didn't expect to have a bear sitting there, and the bear wasn't prepared to have her show up with the dog,' Orlando said. Helsel said that she is typically hyper vigilant about alligators, snakes, and coyotes, but seeing bears in Florida never crossed her mind. 'I'm always looking for gators, always looking for snakes, and a great fear of coyotes, but bears I didn't really think about,' Helsel said. Helsel described how her dog was signaling to clear the porch before the bear unexpectedly peeked its head around the corner. Helsel's residence in Daytona Beach is adjacent to a conservation area that serves as a natural habitat for bears. There are more than 4,000 black bears in Florida, according to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Orlando emphasized the importance of securing garbage to prevent bears from being attracted to residential areas. 'Some way to keep the garbage secure, so that you're not bringing the bear from the woods into your neighborhood, where you can have a run-in like she had,' Orlando said. Helsel made clear that she bears no ill feelings toward the bear, stating, 'I am glad the bear's OK, I don't want anything to happen to the bear. 'The bear wasit lives here,' she said to the outlet. In June, a black bear cub shocked a man relaxing outside his house in Asheville, North Carolina. The cub quietly padded toward David Oppenheimer, who was sitting on a chair outside his home, drinking a coffee and looking at his phone. Oppenheimer's home security camera captured the incident that saw the man remain completely unaware that the bear was moving toward him until the little bear's nose is just inches from his perched foot. Sir Keir Starmer cannot be trusted with the NHS and waiting lists will soar under a Labour government, the Health Secretary has said. In an interview with The Mail on Sunday, Steve Barclay said ideology would prevent Labour from making use of the private sector to boost capacity in the health service. Mr Barclay said Welsh Labour has failed to cut NHS waiting lists. Sir Keir has suggested the Labour government in Wales offers a 'blueprint' for what Labour can do across the UK. 'People can't trust Keir Starmer with the NHS,' he said. 'You'll wait longer for treatment from the NHS with Labour.' Pointing to splits in the shadow frontbench over whether to use the private sector to clear the backlog, he said: 'We get ideology on the Labour benches being put before the needs of patients.' Health Secretary Steve Barclay (right) tells The Mail On Sunday's Anna Mikhailova (left) that Sir Keir Starmer cannot be trusted with the NHS and waiting lists will soar under a Labour government We met in his Cambridgeshire constituency office on Friday the day junior doctors began a four-day walkout, while a record 7.6 million people wait for care. He said it is 'frustrating' to see the strikes, which he knows have a 'direct impact on patients' and will only worsen the waiting-list crisis. But he is also confident that utilising independent healthcare to free up capacity by making it easier for patients to choose where they get their treatment will help, as will increasing diagnostic centres and the use of technology. Mr Barclay told The Mail on Sunday that he has been accused of privatising the NHS, but said he is 'willing to take that criticism' if it means cutting waiting lists while Labour politicians such as Wales's First Minister, Mark Drakeford, are not. 'Given the challenge we all face from the pandemic, not just in the NHS in England but across the UK, it's important we maximise all available capacity,' he said. In Wales, more than 73,000 people are waiting 77 weeks or more for treatment. In England, such lengthy waiting times have been 'virtually eliminated', officials said. Mr Barclay said if the Welsh approach is replicated in England, then more than a million people will be waiting for NHS treatment for 18 months or longer under a Labour government. Today the Health Secretary has written to the devolved administrations urging that they use private healthcare to clear the backlog, and calling for them to 'collaborate' with Westminster. In Scotland, at least 21,600 people are waiting more than 78 weeks for an outpatient, day case or inpatient appointment. In an interview with The Mail on Sunday, Steve Barclay (pictured) said ideology would prevent Labour from making use of the private sector to boost capacity in the health service He has also suggested that Welsh and Scottish patients stuck on lengthy waiting lists could receive treatment in England via the NHS or the private sector. 'We're seeing patients in Wales wanting to come over for treatment due to the state of the waits in Wales,' Mr Barclay said. 'The public can see what Sir Keir Starmer would do with the NHS by looking at what is happening now in Wales, where people are waiting much longer, they have less choice, and there is far less use of the capacity that's available in the independent sector. Under Labour there would be longer waits.' On private healthcare, he said: 'It is important that we make use of the independent sector much more across the UK as a whole, but there is a reluctance to use it as much as we're doing in England.' Thirteen community diagnostic centres will be opened across England to carry out more than 742,000 extra scans, checks and tests per year. Eight of these will be operated by the private sector although all services will remain free to patients. Mr Barclay said: 'We're quite upfront we're going to use the independent sector. And that leaves people saying to me, 'Does that mean you're privatising the NHS?' Obviously the answer is no it's free at the point of need.' Mr Barclay has a record of taking tough roles in government. He was Brexit Secretary under Theresa May, at a time when no one wanted the job. Last year, he was brought in as chief of staff to Boris Johnson while the Prime Minister was under fire from his party. Health Secretary Steve Barclay (pictured centre) said Welsh Labour has failed to cut NHS waiting lists Which is harder, the role of Health Secretary or Brexit Secretary? He said the challenge he faces in his current brief is more 'immediate'. 'Health so directly interacts with all our families and concerns life-threatening conditions. Obviously that is more immediate than questions of policy, which were often impacting on decisions that will be made some years down the line.' Mr Barclay, who has two children aged 12 and ten, has said he and his family use the NHS. How has he found it recently? 'Everyone, particularly those with young children, tends to interact with the NHS,' he said. 'Part of the reason the NHS is held in such high regard is because of the staff. 'Certainly in my dealings with the NHS that is what always comes through the compassion of the staff that I have dealt with.' He has not taken a summer holiday abroad this year, and it's no wonder with his current workload. He will instead be spending a week away in Norfolk. With senior doctor strikes scheduled for August 24 and 25 and warnings that the NHS is at a 'tipping point', his in-tray is unlikely to get any smaller. Questions are being asked after a group portrait which marked the late Queen's golden wedding anniversary was taken down after 25 years. Queen Elizabeth II commissioned the distinguished artist Andrew Festing to celebrate 50 years of her marriage to Prince Philip in 1997. Festing painted the royal couple and their guests at their golden wedding anniversary party at Windsor Castle. So pleased was Her Majesty with the group portrait that she put it on display in the saloon at Sandringham, where the Royal Family like to spend their evenings at the Norfolk retreat. Now, however, King Charles has reportedly had the painting taken down. The Golden Wedding Anniversary of Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, Windsor Castle, 20 Nov 1997 (by Andrew Festing) King Charles reportedly dislikes the painting of the celebration, just a few months after his former wife Princess Diana's death, in which he stands solemnly holding a glass He didnt like it, a source said. It was an unwelcome reminder of one of the worst years of his life. The portrait depicts the party held in 1997, less than three months after Princess Diana was killed in a car crash. It shows a glum-faced Charles, standing alone with a drink in hand, at the gathering of senior royals and foreign monarchs. Buckingham Palace declined to comment, but a royal source added: From time to time, displays on the visitor route at Sandringham are adapted. Known for his no-nonsense approach, Prince Philip was the longest-serving consort in British history and also the oldest serving partner of a reigning monarch. Marking an end to an extraordinary lifetime's service, he carried out more than 22,000 solo engagements during his career and gave over 5,000 speeches. Princess Elizabeth and Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten, as he then was, pictured at the town hall in Clydebank to receive the town's wedding present - an electric sewing machine - in 1947 Queen Elizabeth II, as Princess Elizabeth, and her husband the Duke of Edinburgh, styled Prince Philip in 1947, on their wedding day. She acceded to the throne less than five years later Known for his no-nonsense approach, Philip was the longest-serving consort in British history But there were also the many thousands of other duties he has carried out behind the scenes since 1947. Even at the age of 95 Philip put the younger generation of royals to shame and undertook 219 official engagements in the UK in 2016, which was more than Prince William, Kate Middleton and Prince Harry put together. After actively serving in World War II, he ended a promising naval career in 1951, and began focusing on royal duties with Elizabeth's accession in 1952. Prince Philip thus became defined by his relationship to Elizabeth as the husband of one of the most influential women in the world and gave up his wishes to support his wife in her royal role. With Elizabeth at centre stage, Philip admirably stood one step behind, offering a helping hand whenever he was needed. In June 2011, when the Duke of Edinburgh turned 90, he insisted on no fuss, but the Queen bestowed on him a new title - Lord High Admiral, titular head of the Royal Navy. For a man who had given up his career and devoted himself to the Monarchy, it was a touching and honourable tribute. Philip's first ever private secretary Michael Parker, a friend from the Navy, once revealed: 'He told me the first day he offered me my job that his job, first, second and last was never to let her down.' Philip stood one step behind his wife throughout his career The Queen described him as her 'strength and stay' in a rare personal tribute in 1997. Pictured: Queen Elizabeth II escorted by her husband from the House of Lords, after the State Opening of Parliament in November 2003 In private, he was head of the family. To the public, he was the irascible figure who occasionally drew controversial headlines for speaking his mind despite the consequences - famed for his outrageous gaffes. But to his wife, Queen Elizabeth, he was her rock. The Queen described him as her 'strength and stay' in a heartwarming rare personal tribute during a speech to mark their 50th wedding anniversary in 1997. Recalling the pair's five decades serving the country together, she said: 'I have done my best, with Prince Philip's constant love and help. 'He is someone who doesn't take easily to compliments but he has, quite simply, been my strength and stay all these years, and I, and his whole family, and this and many other countries, owe him a debt greater than he would ever claim, or we shall ever know.' Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip pictured re-visit Broadlands to mark their Diamond Wedding Anniversary on November 20 in 2007 A view of Prince Philip's retirement cottage, Wood Farm, on the Sandringham estate Prince Philip heading out on his horse-drawn carriage on a cold Spring Morning Upon his retirement, Philip found relaxation at Wood Farm, a cottage in a corner of the Queen's Sandringham Estate in the Norfolk countryside as he took a well-deserved break. According to The Daily Mail, Philip 'loved' his time there, as he spent his time reading, painting watercolours, writing letters and having friends to stay. Wood Farm was the perfect balance for the late Duke after he stepped away from formal royal duties, as at the cottage provided him solace, but he could still be near the Queen and be present with royal life. Laura Kankaala, Threat Intelligence Lead at online security software provider, F-Secure (F-Secure) The way most people use social media puts them at risk of identity fraud, home burglaries, an expert warns. Laura Kankaala, Threat Intelligence Lead at online security software provider F-Secure, told DailyMail.com there are six things she would never post on social media. They include photos of her house keys, back-to-school images of children or anything that can identify places she regular visits - such as her morning run route. Photos taken near my home or sharing my location It's very easy to give away your home address inadvertently on social media, Kankalaa warned. She said: 'I avoid taking and posting photos in and around my home that can give away where I live, key landmarks and recognizable shops and buildings can allow someone with ill intentions to build an accurate picture of where you live. 'Even something seemingly innocent like a fire station or convenience store can provide key waypoints. 'Another one to avoid is sharing a map of your run, hike or cycle particularly if you started from your home as this can easily reveal your address. 'Also, be aware that some social media apps have location sharing, like Snapchat, BeReal and Facebook. It's easy to forget this setting is enabled so I recommend switching it off.' Photos of my house keys or flight tickets Sharing your flight tickets is dangerous Posting a photo of your house keys after buying a home might seem innocent enough, but it carries risks, as does posting flight tickets (which can give away details such as passport numbers). Kankalaa said: 'A trend that's popular with new homeowners is to take a photo of their set of keys, perhaps dangled outside of their front day to proudly announce their new purchase. 'This is a huge no for me. Depending on the type of lock, it is technically possible to 3D print a copy of keys based on a photograph. So, if you don't want any uninvited guests, I'd keep the keys out of shot.' Posting flight tickets online can expose your personal information - or make it easy for malicious pranksters to cancel your plane ticket as a 'joke'. Photos of children going back to school It's become popular to post pictures of children on a doorstep going back to school - but this can give away personal details both about your child and about where your home is located. Kankalaa said: 'As schools return it's popular for parents to post pictures of their children in identifiable uniform outside their door with a house number clearly visible. 'I would think carefully about posting this online, at the very least blur out the badge and house number.' Photos in the workplace It's very easy to give away private details about your workplace which could be exploited by cybercriminals, Kankalaa warned. 'Maybe you want to show the world you're working really hard or perhaps you've found a cool coffee shop and you snap a photo of your laptop/device in situ, with a coffee. But it's also an easy way to unintentionally reveal sensitive information on your screen. 'Smartphone cameras produce such high-quality photographs nowadays, someone could easily zoom into your shot and read the content of your emails or work dashboard. The same goes for when you're logged into personal emails. If you really want to share such a photograph, then lock your device screen first.' Photos of other people without their consent It's worth thinking before you post - do the other people in this image or video want to be there? Kankalaa said, 'Many of us are in the habit of sharing photos of friends online but how often do you ask permission before doing so? Assuming everyone's circumstances are the same could land someone else in trouble. 'On a lighter note, perhaps someone has pulled a sickie at work, but unfortunately there can be darker circumstances. 'Someone might be in an abusive relationship; for instance, a photo shared online could put them in danger.' It may seem overly cautious but asking 'do you mind if I post this picture of us online?' is good practice as well as good manners. Experts reveal what Threads has to do to topple Elon Musk's X (formerly Twitter) It reached 150M downloads within a week but is struggling to retain active users It's been just over a month since Meta released its newest social media app, Threads, and the initial hype surrounding the launch has long since died down. An impressive 70 million people downloaded Threads in the two days after its July 5 launch a figure that reached 150 million within a week. However, the amount of people actually using the app each day plummeted from 49 million on July 7 to just nine million at the start of August, according to Similarweb. The next few months could be key for Mark Zuckerberg's company Meta if it seriously wants to compete with Elon Musk's X (formerly known as Twitter), which has more than 250 million daily active users. MailOnline spoke to experts to find out what changes the Threads app needs to stop it from being consigned to the great graveyard in the sky of embarrassing tech failures. Threads - which is closely linked to Instagram - lets users share text posts up to 500 characters in length, as well as links, photos and five-minute videos READ MORE Threads becomes fastest-ever app to surge past 150 MILLION downloads Threads reached 150 million global downloads in just six days - 5.5. times faster than the successful game Pokemon Go Advertisement Threads which is closely linked to the Instagram app lets users share text posts up to 500 characters in length, as well as links, photos and five-minute videos. While Instagram is primarily used for photos and video clips, Threads is for 'sharing text updates and joining public conversations', according to Meta. 1. Making separate feeds the default When you open Threads, a news feed shows a mishmash of posts from people you follow and algorithmically-boosted posts from random accounts that you don't follow. This means you have to scroll through tens of posts from accounts you don't follow before you can see posts from your friends and family. Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, confirmed that a feed only with posts from people you follow is available by tapping the home icon twice but the default setting shows all of them clumped together. Meta might want to give posts from people you follow more prominence, according to James Bore, tech analyst and consultant at Bores Group, who says a focus on algorithmically-boosted posts can be 'infuriating'. 'I don't want random posts, or sponsored posts popping up and bugging me,' Bore told MailOnline. It's beginning to look a lot like Twitter! The 'text-based conversation app' Threads has a very familiar text feed, profile design and even blue verification ticks READ MORE Can Threads convert a die-hard Twitter addict? Threads looks clean and simple, and offers a text-based interface which feels very familiar if you've used Twitter Advertisement 'Particularly when they're supposedly "targeted" based on whatever profile they think they've built for me.' Bore said Threads needs an 'intuitive' way to show the two types of posts, but not by copying what Twitter has done with its 'For You' and 'Following' tabs. 'Twitter made For You the focus rather than following which was infuriating,' he said. 'It doesn't maintain your preference it'll always default back to For You and there's no indication when you've looked down the page even a little on which you're on.' Social media consultant Rhea Freeman said combining popular posts with personal posts might be part of Meta's growth strategy for Threads. 'It could help show people who are on the app and perhaps encourage additional follows and interaction of Threads that seem likely to get engagement,' she told MailOnline. 'I feel like this definitely expands our experience beyond that of our own community and allows us to see and experience new things.' 2. Hashtags Another big feature that's missing from Threads is the ability to search with hashtags. Threads does have a search function discernable by a magnifying glass at the bottom of the app but it's for finding other users. 'Hashtag search is such a great way to connect people looking for specific things or wanting to chat around a theme or event,' Freeman told MailOnline. Searching for a hashtag on Threads won't work - instead it will return top results for account profiles While Instagram is primarily for photos and video clips, Threads is for 'sharing text updates and joining public conversations', according to Meta Meta's social media platforms - Facebook (2004) - Messenger (2011) - Instagram (acquired in 2012) - WhatsApp (acquired in 2014) - Threads (2023) Advertisement 'At the moment, it is hard to find specific conversations beyond those suggested or those created by people you follow. 'If you're looking to grow your network, find new people with shared interests or just expand your reach by engaging with related conversations, thats really hard to do.' 3. Direct messaging Another issue for many users could be the lack of direct messaging (DMs), as found on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, which lets two users talk to each other privately. 'For me, if search and DMs are released, X would have a real challenge on its hands,' said Freeman. 4. Desktop version Among the other key issues needing a fix is that Threads is only available for smartphones both Android and iPhones but not for desktop, unlike Twitter. Instagram is of course mobile-focused too, but moving into desktop as well could help draw users who like to check Twitter at their work desk. Threads for desktop does indeed seem to be one of the features in the works. In response to a Threads post saying 'Ok desktop web version next PLEASE', Mosseri replied, 'We're working on it'. Musk took over Twitter in October and has just changed its name to X as part of plans to turn it into what he's described as an 'everything' app (file photo) Meta boos Mark Zuckerberg (left) is hoping to pull users away from X (formerly called Twitter) away from its owner Elon Musk (right) READ MORE: Celebs help Threads promo push F1 driver Lando Norris was among those who got early access to Threads Advertisement 5. Ability to delete the app Meta has also caused controversy by making it impossible to delete Threads without deleting Instagram too. Although a Threads profile can be temporarily deactivated, permanently deleting it requires sacrificing Instagram as well because both platforms are intertwined. When the Threads app is downloaded, people don't even need to choose a username; instead Threads just pulls this from your Instagram account. The fact it's so easy to set up an account on Threads may partly explain why sign-ups exploded when it was released. In several other ways there's integration between Threads and Instagram, such as the ability to share a Thread to your Instagram Stories. Users can also use the Threads icon on Instagram (and the Instagram icon on Threads) to jump between the two apps with a single tap. This integration between the two is 'huge', according to Freeman, and could be explored further by Meta in the near future. 'Instagram is a beast of platform with well over 2 billion monthly active users, so theres already a big audience to promote Threads to, who can utilise Threads as part of their Instagram experience rather than being something as a standalone.' Certainly, Threads is limited in terms of functionality, especially when compared with X, but this may have been a deliberate ploy on Meta's part. Releasing Threads as a bare bones version before drip-feeding new features that improve the user experience will add a wave of publicity each time they arrive. So, is Threads salvageable? Ultimately, Meta will have to find ways of taking users away from Twitter without simply copying it outright. 'Threads is still so young, and new functionality is being rolled out all the time, so I dont think itll be long before we see these and more features to make our Threads usage easier,' said Freeman. Bore, meanwhile, thinks Threads might not be 'salvageable' for Meta following the serious dip in daily active users. 'Active users plummeting is hardly surprising it's happened with every single "Twitter killer" so far,' he said. 'There's a burst of users, burst of activity, but not enough interaction and momentum to hit critical mass before people head back. 'By following Twitter they're not going to outdo it. 'Either they need a killer differentiator, or to keep it on life support for long enough to build momentum, which is expensive and a huge risk.' Social media is jampacked with picture-perfect holiday snaps but its worth taking these glossy posts with a pinch of salt. That's the message shared by a handful of TikTokers who have taken it upon themselves to reveal how some of the worlds most beloved holiday hotspots can be something of a letdown. Their videos illustrate the idealised expectations they had for their trips and how they contrast with the reality of the getaway, thanks to everything from uber-crowded streets to horrendous weather. Below are some of the most startling examples, from the Maldives to Mykonos MALDIVES A handful of TikTokers are revealing how some of the worlds most beloved holiday hotspots can be a letdown. Psychology student Beata Lexova shared a video showing what she expected from a trip to the Maldives (above) Beata's video shows the Maldives in July, in the middle of the countrys rainy season. She admits: 'It was very rainy and windy all day all week' When you think of the Maldives, blue skies and even bluer water might spring to mind. But psychology student Beata Lexova, 21, shared a video showing how her visit to the famously tropical archipelago in the midst of its rainy season - which lasts from April to November - panned out. Her footage captures grey stormy skies, lashing rain and palm trees flapping in the intense wind on the isle of Kuramathi. Beata tells MailOnline Travel that she was 'expecting hot sunny days with relaxing time [spent] on the beach during her trip to Indian Ocean islands, but was disappointed by the weather. She admits: It was very rainy and windy all day all week.' Sharing some advice to travellers planning a trip of their own, she adds: 'After my experience, I would only go to the Maldives during winter.' Blogger Mandy van der Heide, who runs the travel blog Unlimited Passport with her boyfriend Daniel, shared an 'expectations versus reality' video from an October trip to the Maldives The rainy season put a dampener on blogger Mandy's travel plans in the Maldives. 'We expected a paradise-like experience in the Maldives with crystal-clear waters and serene beaches,' she says Mandy admits that even though the rain disrupted' their plans, the islands beauty still amazed' her At one point in Mandy's video of the Maldives, the wind is so intense that she can be seen struggling to keep her umbrella up on the beach. The gale eventually knocks her over Beata isnt the only TikToker to have faced dismal weather in the Maldives. Blogger Mandy van der Heide shared a video showing how the rainy season put a dampener on her October trip to the Maldives. At one point in the clip, Mandy can be seen struggling to keep her umbrella up on the beach because the wind is so intense - and falling over on the sand seconds later. The 26-year-old, who runs the travel blog Unlimited Passport with her boyfriend Daniel, tells MailOnline Travel: 'We expected a paradise-like experience in the Maldives with crystal-clear waters and serene beaches. Unfortunately, they found that the rain 'disrupted' some of their plans. Mandy was aware they hadn't picked the optimum time to visit the islands. She says: We took a last-minute deal and knew the rain season was about to end, but [hadnt ended] yet.' That said, the islands' beauty still 'amazed' her, and the experience hasnt put her off the archipelago. She says: We'd love to explore more of the Maldives.' THE PINK BEACH Above is a stock photo of Elafonissi Beach, a beach in southwest Crete that's famous for its pastel-pink sands Gabriela Sokolova, who works at a travel agency, travelled to Elafonissi Beach and turned her camera in on the 'pink' sands. Her video shows how the sand is a watered-down shade of pink in real life, rather than the bright candyfloss hue that's often shown in photographs Gabriela admits that she expected the beach 'would not be as pink' as it appears in photographs before her visit, so she wasn't disappointed by the reality of its sands Gabriela Sokolova, who works at a travel agency, ventured to Elafonissi Beach, a beach in southwest Crete that's famous for its pastel-pink sands, on a work trip. The beach gets its unusual colouring from the reddish-hued seashells that have been crushed on the shore, local travel site Creti reveals. An expectation versus reality video captured by Gabriela shows how the sand is actually a watered-down shade of pink in real life, rather than the vibrant candyfloss hue that's often shown in photographs. The 23-year-old admits that she expected the beach 'would not be as pink' as it appears in photographs before her visit, so she wasn't disappointed by the reality of its sands. In the comments below, several commenters pointed out that the pink sands are depleting because tourists steal sand from the beach even though its strictly prohibited. User 'Ioanna' wrote: 'People take the sand in bottles although they are not allowed to.' And 'Nancy' said: 'There isn't so much pink sand anymore because tourists take it with them inside bags.' Another drawback to the beach, Gabriela admits, is that sunbeds are quite expensive. It costs around 17 (20/$22) to rent one, she reveals. However, her overall impression was a good one, she says, noting: It is a very nice place [that's] worth visiting. The water is beautiful and clear. MYKONOS The isle of Mykonos, with its designer hotels and beach bars, is one of Greece's most popular summer holiday destinations, but one TikTok video might put you off visiting the island by boat. The 'expectation versus reality' clip, shared by Swedish TikToker Sofia Bontin, shows Sofia and her friends sailing towards the island in the summertime. Unfortunately, their boat can be seen tossing and turning on enormous waves, with the queasy-looking passengers on board strapped into life jackets. Taking to the comment section on the video, which has gone viral on TikTok with more than two million views, TikToker 'Fearless Fred' remarked: 'Im surprised the skipper even agreed to take you to Mykonos in that weather.' And user Lina pointed out that the Etesian winds blow over the Aegean Sea in the summer months, adding: 'We call Mykonos The Windy Island... especially this season... its not really recommended for sailing!' While 'Motacilla' commented: 'For a true sailor, the reality looks better than the expectation.' ITALIAN HOTSPOTS Italys picturesque towns and villages have lots of admirers so many that it can lead to overcrowding in peak season, some TikTokers have found. One such TikToker is Sandra Gutmanaite, who shared footage (above) from her trip to Cinque Terre, a string of pretty villages on the Italian Riviera Sandra says she was inspired to holiday in Cinque Terre as she had seen it a lot on social media and travel magazines before Sandra visited Cinque Terre during peak season the month of May. She was stunned to find she was getting super claustrophobic with all the people in the small towns It was almost impossible to breathe,' Sandra says of Cinque Terre. She had intended to visit all five villages in the region but left after the first Italys picturesque towns and villages have lots of admirers so many that it can lead to overcrowding in peak season, some TikTokers have found. Website creator Sandra Gutmanaite, 23, was taken aback by the volume of tourists in Cinque Terre, a string of pretty villages on the Italian Riviera. An 'expectations versus reality' video she captured shows slow-moving queues and streets packed with people. Sandra, who was living in Tuscany at the time of her visit, says she was inspired to holiday in Cinque Terre as she had seen it a lot on social media and travel magazines before. She visited the region twice during the off-season and found there were almost no people there, but when she returned during peak season the month of May she was stunned to find she was getting super claustrophobic with all the people in the small towns. Sandra says: It was almost impossible to breathe. We were planning to visit all five towns, however, we left after the first [village], since it was unbelievably busy. The TikToker adds that she was really disappointed to have made the journey. Vicki Rutwind headed to Positano, a cliffside village on the Amalfi Coast, because she was inspired by the 'beautiful images' she'd seen of it online. 'It looked like a magical place to visit in the summer,' Vicki says of Positano Vicki shared an eye-opening video of Positanos crowded streets on TikTok. The thing I found most disappointing was that it feels like you really cant leave any room for spontaneity in Positano because it is so busy and popular,' she says Above is the queue snaking out of one of the Positano restaurants that Vicki visited Meanwhile, content creator Vicki Rutwind, 39, headed to Positano, a cliffside village on the Amalfi Coast, because she was inspired by the beautiful images shed seen of it online. It looked like a magical place to visit in the summer, she tells MailOnline Travel, adding: I was expecting to visit a charming seaside town, where Id spend my days relaxing at beach clubs and my evenings eating homemade pasta at restaurants with that iconic Positano view. However, its popularity meant that everywhere she wanted to visit was booked out. The New York-based influencer, who shared an eye-opening video of the villages crowded streets on TikTok, reveals: The thing I found most disappointing was that it feels like you really cant leave any room for spontaneity in Positano because it is so busy and popular. You need to plan out every element of your trip in advance. That includes your hotel, every taxi you want to take, the beach clubs you want to visit, and where you want to have dinner each night. Everything books up. And even if you try to book things in advance, you may not even get the reservations you want, since Positano is so busy. We werent able to get reservations at any of the restaurants we wanted to try. While she says shes likely to return in her capacity as a travel influencer, she says that next time, shell have more realistic expectations and a better idea of how to plan [her] trip. For 18 years the nation has been gripped by The Apprentice, with millions tuning in every year to see which contestants Lord Sugar will fire and ultimately hire. The premise is simple, with budding businessmen and women competing in a series of tasks to impress Lord Sugar. Until season six the candidates would compete for a job at the billionaire's firm but in recent years the prize was changed to a 250,000 investment into their business. Thomas Skinner became an instant fan favourite when he appeared on series 15, having made it to week nine before being brought back to help winner Carina Lepore launch her bakery business during the finale. Now the entrepreneur has revealed to MailOnline 10 behind the scenes secrets about The Apprentice. 10 things you didn't know about The Apprentice: Series 15 star Thomas Skinner has revealed what happens when the cameras stop rolling and what Lord Sugar is REALLY like 1. Every 45 minute task takes three days to film While a condensed version of the tasks is shown in the hour-long episodes, in reality they take three full days to film. Every series might be spread over 12 weeks but the candidates cram all their filming into a fraction of the time, with filming over in less than two months. Tasks are filmed back to back so there is very little opportunity for downtime or days off. 2. The producers control the negotiations During selling tasks that require interacting with the public, producers step in to oversee the negotiations. It may appear that the contestants just run into random shops and approach the public on their own back, but Thomas revealed that producers have already had a word. 'They tell them to make it really hard to buy or to be a p***k on purpose!' 3. If a sale isn't filmed, it doesn't count. Anything that it isn't captured on film will not count in the tasks so all sales must wait until the cameras are on. The contestants are also banned from discussing the task when they're back at the house, ensuring that the juicy conversations are saved for when the cameras are rolling. It also means the contestants won't be able to predict which team has won the task. Boss: Since 2005, The Apprentice has been one of Britain's most beloved reality shows, with millions tuning in every year to see which contestants Lord Sugar will fire and ultimately hire 4. The products designed by candidates aren't made While the contestants spend hours brainstorming ideas and creating products to pitch to clients, the finished product never gets made. Any items that are sold to big businesses in pitches are purely hypothetical sales to convey to Lord Sugar how successful they would be in real life. In tasks where they are selling real items to the public such as food and experiences, any profit made isn't given to the contestants or Lord Sugar but is donated to charity. 5. You're filmed getting 'fired' on the first day When a contestant is fired, they're seen wheeling their case out of the office before hopping into a black cab to share their parting words but in reality, the walking out scenes are filmed before the process even begins. Contestants will only film their final words and are bundled up in coats and scarves because they will inevitably be wearing a different outfit on the week they are sent home. Thomas explained: 'When you're fired you're put in a green room for a bit and then you get in a car and film your last words on the way back to a hotel.' 6. Lord Sugar really does want you to 'keep in touch' On some occasions, Lord Sugar will asked a fired contestant to 'keep in touch' and update him with any of their business achievements. While some would assume it was a nice yet hollow gesture, Thomas revealed that the magnate is true to his word. 'He's a nice bloke!' Thomas said. 'I've got his number that we have a chat every now and then. I've asked him for a bit of advice and I've sold him kind of bits and pieces too!' 7. The final is filmed twice so nobody knows the winner In order to stop the winner from being leaked, two endings are filmed and nobody knows whose been picked - not even the winner themselves. Lord Sugar debates the decision with aides Karren Brady and Tim Campbell but keeps the outcome to himself until getting ready to film You're Hired, in which the contestants talk about their time on the show. Although the contestants all know who is in the final because they're brought in to help out they're told to keep their lips sealed. Throwback: Thomas made it to week nine before being brought back to help winner Carina Lepore (centre) launch her bakery business during the finale 8. The girls don't really get ready in 20 minutes In every episode the candidates are seen being woken up a phone call in the early hours when they're told they'll need to be ready to leave the house in 20 minutes time. Yet Thomas revealed that they're warned the day before what time the phone will ring, allowing the candidates a head start. He explained: 'Everyone gets up a little bit earlier to start getting ready then jumps back into bed and pretends to be asleep when the phone rings! All the girls have a full face of makeup on under the covers!' 9. You're completely cut off from the outside world During the filming process contestants have to surrender their phones to producers ensuring they can't use the internet or contact loved ones. Thomas explained: 'It looks easy when you watch it on TV but it's really hard when you're in there. 'You haven't got a phone, you haven't got the internet. You can't go and ring your family or your friends so you're sort of stuck. You can't ask for any advice so everything you do is spur of the moment.' 10. Alcohol is banned During the last episode of The Apprentice, it was revealed that candidate Reece Donnelly was axed from the show after drinking alcohol on flight to Dubai. Thomas confirmed that producers enforced a strict booze ban during filming, explaining: 'I can't comment on what happened to Reece but we definitely weren't allowed any alcohol when we filmed my series.' Previous candidates have revealed that they were allowed to enjoy one glass of bubbly during their treats after winning tasks and this was closely monitored by producers. Amy Duggar King has admitted that she is 'dreading' the day when her pedophile cousin Josh is released from prison, and doesn't believe he can be rehabilitated for his 'sick' urges and 'despicable' behavior. Josh, 35, was sentenced to 12 years and seven months in jail in May 2022 after a jury found him guilty of receiving and possessing child pornography. The father-of-seven attempted to appeal his conviction but it was upheld on August 7 of this year, with his earliest possible release date being October 2, 2032, but Amy has argued that he should never be allowed back into society. Speaking exclusively to DailyMail.com, the-mother-of-one condemned her relative for his 'horrific' crimes and branded him as 'evil', whilst praising his sisters - whom he confessed to molesting years prior. When asked if she thinks the Duggar family will put on a united front when Josh is released from prison, Amy replied: 'I am dreading that day. I don't really believe that you can be rehabilitated from such sick stuff. And if you have that problem, I don't believe that you should be released into society. Her fear: Amy Duggar King has admitted that she is 'dreading' the day when her pedophile cousin Josh is released from prison Behind bars: Josh, now 35, was sentenced to 12 years and seven months in jail in May 2022 Justice served: Josh, pictured here in 2014, was found guilty of receiving and possessing child pornography 'The children are so innocent and it just breaks my heart to think that someone would want to destroy that in a little toddler or a child. It breaks my heart, truly it breaks my heart. 'So, I dread that day because that's another monster that's loose. That's another monster who... you might not act out on it, but he still has those thoughts, and he still has that same kind of urge.' When asked about the fact that Josh's wife - and mother of his seven children - Anna stood by him throughout the trial and hasn't filed for divorce, Amy said she doesn't think Anna wants outside help just yet. 'I think in the heart of hearts, she thinks that he's innocent and I think that she is going to just trust the love that they have and that she is just moving forward with her kids the best she can,' Amy claimed. 'I have no idea what I would do if I was in Annas shoes. I think it takes so long to just even process what has happened, and how many scandals have come out, and how much heart-breaking news she's had to endure. I don't blame her for not making any kind of sudden move, because she's probably just stricken with so much anxiety and so much hurt.' Amy then revealed: 'I have made it clear in every way possible that I am here for Anna, I love Anna, I will help Anna. I hope she's getting therapy, true counselling that can really help her dissect all of this, and come at it from a very healthy viewpoint, and to protect her kids and to be the best momma. 'But you can't help someone who doesn't want to be helped, and that is so hard for me as a momma and someone that knows her, to not lose my mind about, because it's so hard for me to understand why you wouldn't take sudden moves.' Still together: Amy claimed that Josh's wife Anna 'thinks that he's innocent' and doesn't want help Mommy's boy: Josh pictured with his mother Michelle before being arrested United front: Anna supporting her husband as they arrive at court in December 2021 Family photo: Anna and Josh pictured with six of their seven children before his crimes came to light I am dreading that day. I don't really believe that you can be rehabilitated from such sick stuff. And if you have that problem, I don't believe that you should be released into society. Amy admitted that she prays for Anna and her 'beautiful' children 'every single day' and worries about what the future will look like for them. 'It's heavy, it's really heavy, and it's just absolutely despicable and evil, what has taken place and what is still taking place. He's a monster that's put away, and I will say that to the end of my time, but there are millions of them out there just like him doing this and watching that kind of filth and I will advocate for children as long as I have breath.' Amy confirmed she never had any suspicions about Josh when they were growing up together and found out about his arrest in April 2021 'like the rest of the world on national television' and said it left her completely shocked. 'I was texting him two weeks before he was arrested,' she revealed. 'It's just insane how someone can truly live a double life. I honestly just cried and cried, and cried some more until there were no tears left. I was not okay. 'After the last scandal, you know, the disgustingness of what truly happened and what he was looking at, I was not okay for months afterwards and I'm still shaken up by it. My whole demeanor has changed, I get shaky, my eyes start watering, it's just horrific and I never thought anything like that would ever take place, it's disgusting,' Amy added. She also confirmed that there's 'no way in hell' she would ever let Josh go anywhere near her three-year-old son Jaxton, but said she couldn't answer that question for her cousins. 'I honestly have no idea,' Amy said, when asked about her female relatives such as Jill Duggar, whom she has a close relationship with. Jill, 32, along with Amy, appeared in the Amazon docuseries Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets, which explores the dark side of the Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP). In the limelight: Amy claimed she was portrayed as the 'crazy cousin' on TLC reality show 19 Kids and Counting Speaking out: Amy appeared in the Amazon docuseries Shiny Happy People alongside her husband Dillon King Sad stuff: Jill Duggar, pictured with her husband Derick Dillard, became emotional during her interview for Shiny Happy People Her story: Jill Duggar's memoir, Counting The Cost, is set to be released on September 12 The mother-of-three was seen getting upset during her interview as she recalled the extreme measures that her dad took to try to cover up Josh's molestation of his own sisters - and recalled how she was forced to defend her brother on national television to prevent the family's hit reality show from being canceled. 'I hope it was a form of therapy for her, and that she does just get that weight off of carrying around all of those secrets and all of the ways that she wasn't protected,' Amy said of Jill's participation in Shiny Happy People. 'It has got to be so unbelievably heavy, and she's such a light, she really is. She's such a sweet person and none of those girls deserved that, they're beautiful girls inside and out. It hurts me to know that that happened, it really does. I wish I could have done something about that a long time ago,' she added. When a bombshell report hit the web in 2015 that claimed Josh had admitted to molesting four of his siblings years prior, and that his own parents, Jim Bob, now 58, and Michelle Duggar, now 56, knew about it and failed to report the abuse - it completely shattered the wholesome on-screen image that the family had worked so hard to build over the course of their multiple TLC reality shows. Jill is set to go into detail with her side of the story when she releases her new memoir, Counting The Cost, on September 12 and although Amy hasn't received a copy of it yet, she certainly thinks there's more revelations to come. 'I don't believe that it's the end of the story,' she said. 'I do believe there's more that will come out and I'm not ready for it. 'But eventually there will have to be because you don't just become a monster overnight,' she added, referring to Josh. Strictly head judge Shirley Ballas has revealed she lost 9lb in just seven days ahead of the new series of Strictly Come Dancing thanks to a boot-camp style regime. Ms Ballas, 62, who returns to the BBC show next month, has told how she spent a week at Jason Vale's luxury juice retreat in Portugal a favourite among celebrities including This Morning's Alison Hammond and was put through her paces in spin and yoga classes, as well as kickstarting each morning with a two-hour hike. Ms Ballas told MailOnline: 'I lost 9lb. Yoga is definitely something I'm going to keep up throughout the whole Strictly series. I have cleansed my system too, I do colonic irrigation, I'm up at 5am every morning. 'I wasn't there to sunbathe, I was there to take every spin class, two hours hiking up hills that would put my heart rate close to 179, that's how high we were going. 'It was a tough, tough week of hard work but I came back really rejuvenated.' Strictly head judge Shirley Ballas has revealed she lost 9lb in just seven days ahead of the new series of Strictly Come Dancing thanks to a boot-camp style regime Ms Ballas, has told how she spent a week at a luxury juice retreat in Portugal a favourite among celebrities including Alison Hammond and was put through her paces in spin and yoga classes As part of her pre-show 'cleanse' Shirley has also undergone colonic irrigation and says she plans to continue doing yoga throughout the new series of Strictly Ms Ballas has suffered a huge amount of trolling since taking over from the late Len Goodman in 2017 as Strictly's Head Judge. The ballroom dancer has now hired a trained social media manager to eradicate any hateful messages after she was subjected to vile abuse during the last two Strictly series. Ms Ballas said: 'I feel more prepared going into series seven than I have felt going into any other series. 'I have a new social media manager, called Harry, who is a university-trained mathematician, so he teaches maths for a living, but he's taken a year off. 'He's very skilled at social media so he will be filtering everything. 'We will be working together alongside my son who will help as well from the US. Hopefully I will have a little bit more of an easy ride this year.' Known for its glamour, sparkle, and sequins, Strictly returns next month with 15 new celebrities who will all be desperate to impress the Queen of Latin. And Ms Ballas reveals that she already has 32 dazzling outfits ready and waiting for her but unlike with the dancing, she doesn't like to get involved with the behind the scenes. Ms Ballas reveals that she already has 32 dazzling outfits ready and waiting for her ahead of the new series of Strictly Come Dancing Shirley, who's previously been married twice, called off her engagement to stage actor boyfriend Danny Taylor earlier this year She said: 'I have a dresser called Alexandria and she does all 32 outfits for me at the beginning of the run and then I rely on her. 'I don't interfere with hair and makeup, and I don't interfere with clothing because they're the professionals and they know best.' Ms Ballas, who's previously been married twice, called off her engagement to stage actor boyfriend Danny Taylor earlier this year, simply stating in June that she had 'changed her mind.' As a consequence of their hectic careers, she admits that she hasn't seen Danny for 'months', but the couple are still 'happy' and 'talk every day.' Despite the distance between them, Danny has been supporting Shirley throughout her daredevil challenge this week, which has seen the dancer ride the world's fastest zip line, complete a 700ft wing walk and take on a 13,000ft skydive. In aid of the charity CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) for which Shirley is an ambassador, the TV star is raising funds to honour her brother who took his own life in 2003 aged 44. Lisa Rinna showed off her knockout swimsuit body in a jaw-dropping set of Instagram snaps she posted Friday. The former Real Housewife Of Beverly Hills soaked up the sunshine with aplomb as she headed into the dog days of summer. She was evidently indulging in a lakeside holiday to Canada, and during her travels seized a chance to put her sculpted physique on display. Shading herself with a straw hat, the 60-year-old unleashed her animal instinct in a leopard print one-piece that plunged to flash her surgically enhanced cleavage. Her Instagram updates offered fans a glimpse of her charmingly rustic vacation digs, which featured wood paneling on the walls and ceiling. Use it or lose it: Lisa Rinna showed off her knockout swimsuit body in a jaw-dropping set of Instagram snaps she posted Friday Living the life: The former Real Housewife Of Beverly Hills soaked up the sunshine with aplomb as she headed into the dog days of summer Lisa, who was a soap star before she ventured into reality TV, recently hit the headlines for her remarks on the actors' strike. The SAG-AFTRA strike began on July 14 against the backdrop of the ongoing Hollywood writers' strike, which has been rumbling on since May. On the actors' side, some of the sticking points include the pay structure of the streaming era and the looming specter of AI. Late last month, Lisa fired up her social media and urged any Bravo stars in SAG-AFTRA to boycott the network's promotional Bravocon extravaganza. She also threw her support behind her fellow Bravo alum Bethenny Frankel, who has argued that reality stars should unionize. 'You want them to start to take you seriously and pay you the money you deserve?' asked Lisa. 'Then start a reality show union per Bethenny.' Last week, Lisa called on Sony to fire Days Of Our Lives director and co-executive producer Albert Alarr, who was the subject of an internal misconduct probe. The allegations against him included forced kissing, groping and touching, as well as the claim that he presided over a toxic work environment, Deadline reported. Making her voice heard: Late last month, Lisa fired up her social media and urged any Bravo stars in SAG-AFTRA to boycott the network's promotional Bravocon extravaganza Intervention: Last week, Lisa called on Sony to fire Days Of Our Lives director and co-executive producer Albert Alarr, who was the subject of an internal misconduct probe Glam: Earlier this summer, Lisa's travel schedule whisked her to Paris Fashion Week, where she is pictured attending the Stephane Rolland show at the Palais Garnier More than 25 actors signed a petition demanding he be replaced by a woman - a goal that was achieved when he was booted out late last week. Lisa has been involved on-and-off with Days Of Our Lives since the 1990s, and as recently 2021 starred on a Peacock spin-off. When the internal probe into Albert's alleged behavior went public, Lisa wrote on her Insta Stories that when she 'did that week on Peacock I couldn't believe the work environment it was disgusting I was shocked I let many people know how I felt Albert included and they didn't do a thing until now it seems.' She announced her exit from The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills this January - after a particularly vicious season that saw her bitterly feud with Kathy Hilton. Kathy's sister Kyle Richards, the longest-serving Beverly Hills Housewife, duly became involved in the fracas, as did their castmate Erika Jayne. A few months after her departure, Lisa shed some light on her decision, telling ES Magazine: 'I think the world itself has gotten so volatile that the response doesnt match what were doing. I didnt want to live like that. I dont think thats healthy.' She reflected: 'The way the fan base reacts to the show now is not how it was when I first started. I mean, we were getting death threats. Some of the most horrible things Ive ever seen in print in my life, and its a reality show! Its a stupid show!' Lisa eventually reached the point of thinking: '"Its time to go." Im not sure how much longer that can exist in the zeitgeist, to be honest with you. Robert De Niro's daughter Drena De Niro Rodriguez paid tribute to her late son Leandro on what would have been his 20th birthday. 'You would have been 20 yrs old today,' she wrote next to a carousel of 10 photos. 'Thank you for the happiest and most profound 2 decades of my life, little angel. I hope you are at peace and your spirit is filled with joy today and always. 8~11~03 - 7~2~23.' Robert De Niro's grandson died on July 2 after taking fake oxycodone pills laced with fentanyl, which his dealer allegedly warned him about. Leandro, 19, was found dead at his apartment in New York City and Sofia Haley Marks, 20, has been accused of selling him drugs containing fentanyl - a powerful opioid which is said to be up to 50 times stronger than heroin. Birthday: Robert De Niro' s daughter Drena De Niro Rodriguez paid tribute to her late son Leandro on what would have been his 20th birthday Emotional tribute: 'You would have been 20 yrs old today,' she wrote next to a carousel of 10 photos. 'Thank you for the happiest and most profound 2 decades of my life, little angel. I hope you are at peace and your spirit is filled with joy today and always. 8~11~03 - 7~2~23' Leandro died from a toxic mix of fentanyl, bromazolam, alprazolam, 7-aminoclonazepam, ketamine, and cocaine, according to medical records obtained by TMZ. According to police documents, also obtained by the outlet, texts were found on Leandro's phone from Marks, where she asked him: 'do you really need them? I don't wanna kill you. I just don't like serving u them cuz they not script.' She is reported to have agreed to sell him three oxycodone pills and two Xanax tablets for $105 before allegedly texting him to say: 'don't go overboard with these.' The drugs were delivered by car to Leandro around 9pm on July 1 and police say that Marks texted him at 1:50am to ask 'u good?' However, he never responded and was found dead on July 2. Investigators found 'one bag of cocaine, one straw with residue, two blue pills with 'M' and '30' (the oxycodone) and seven rectangular tablets - believed to be Xanax' on a table beside Leandro after his death. Leandro's mother Drena De Niro - who is Robert De Niro's adopted daughter from his marriage to ex-wife Diahnne Abbott - previously claimed her son died after taking pills laced with fentanyl. In a post on Instagram, she alleged: 'Someone sold him fentanyl-laced pills that they knew were laced yet still sold them to him.' 'So for all these people still f****** around selling and buying this s***, my son is gone forever.' Throwback photo: Leandro died from a toxic mix of fentanyl, bromazolam, alprazolam, 7-aminoclonazepam, ketamine, and cocaine, according to medical records obtained by TMZ Life in pictures: According to police documents, also obtained by the outlet, texts were found on Leandro's phone from Marks, where she asked him: 'do you really need them? I don't wanna kill you. I just don't like serving u them cuz they not script' Family: She is reported to have agreed to sell him three oxycodone pills and two Xanax tablets for $105 before allegedly texting him to say: 'don't go overboard with these' Looking back: The drugs were delivered by car to Leandro around 9pm on July 1 and police say that Marks texted him at 1:50am to ask 'u good?' Tragic loss: However, he never responded and was found dead on July 2. Investigators found 'one bag of cocaine, one straw with residue, two blue pills with 'M' and '30' (the oxycodone) and seven rectangular tablets - believed to be Xanax' on a table beside Leandro after his death Grief: Leandro's mother Drena De Niro - who is Robert De Niro's adopted daughter from his marriage to ex-wife Diahnne Abbott - previously claimed her son died after taking pills laced with fentanyl Baby boy: In a post on Instagram, she alleged: 'Someone sold him fentanyl-laced pills that they knew were laced yet still sold them to him.' 'So for all these people still f****** around selling and buying this s***, my son is gone forever' High five: Leandro is survived by his mother Drena De Niro and father Carlos Rodriguez First grandson: Leandro was Robert De Niro's first grandchild The 51-year-old actress previously confirmed his passing in an emotional post on Instagram. She wrote: 'My beautiful sweet angel. I have loved you beyond words or description from the moment I felt you in my belly. You have been my joy my heart and all that was ever pure and real in my life. 'I wish I was with you right now. I wish I was with you. I don't know how to live without you but I'll try to go on and spread the love and light that you so made me feel in getting to be your mama. 'You were so deeply loved and appreciated and I wish that love alone could have saved you. I'm so sorry my baby.' Pip Edwards swapped her usual activewear for a trendy double denim look as she attended a Ksubi party in Sydney on Friday. The P.E Nation founder, 43, looked effortlessly stylish as she donned a matching denim look from the iconic brand. She joined other Sydney socialites to celebrate 25 years of the global fashion label at its event and collaboration space Kstudio. The mother-of-one showed off her fit physique in straight leg jeans that catch the eye with silver rhinestones, as she paired it with the brands matching oversized cropped denim jacket. She perfectly matched her shoes for the denim outfit, opting to wear a pair of see-through rhinestoned stiletto's. Pip Edwards (pictured) swapped her usual activewear for a trendy double denim look as she attended a Ksubi party in Sydney on Friday For accessories, she kept it simple with a $6,500 silver Fendi cross-body bag and small gold hoop earrings. She kept her short blonde locks down in a messy wave and opted for a glamorous makeup look with winged eyeliner and a nude lip. Pip brought her son Justice Single, 17, to the glitzy event in Sydney's CBD. The P.E. Nation founder, 43, looked effortlessly stylish as she donned a matching denim look from the iconic brand The mother-of-one showed off her fit physique in the straight leg jeans that catch the eye with silver rhinestones, as she paired it with the brands matching oversized cropped denim jacket She perfectly matched her shoes for the denim outfit, opting to wear a pair of see-through rhinestoned stiletto's On the night that was sponsored by Don Julio 1942, guests enjoyed cocktails made with the iconic tequila brand as they enjoyed music from DJ Yemi Sul. Before the event, Pip posted a sweet snap of her and her son to her Instagram story. The 17-year-old donned a pair of black cargo trousers and a black hoodie which he used to hide his face from the camera. Pip captioned the photo: 'My date tonight'. A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind. Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner's acrimonious divorce battle has taken yet another turn - as a legal wrangle erupted over whether the jewelry designer 'understood' their pre-nup. Costner, 68 and Baumgartner, 49, initially tied the knot in 2004, with Christine filing for divorce on May 1 after 18 years of marriage - with the pair locked in a battle over their assets and child support. Now, the legal battle has taken a bizarre turn as the actor's latest filing claims Christine and her legal team asked for a definition of the word 'understand' in reference to whether she understood the terms of their 2004 pre-nup, reports TMZ. The filing reads:' Christine asserts she cannot admit or deny that she understood the Premarital Agreement because she (and apparently all of her attorneys) do not understand the word "understand."' Costner's attorney Laura Wasser wrote in her latest filing: 'Christine's counsel asked for a definition of 'understood' and Kevin's counsel provided the dictionary meaning of the word 'understood,' to wit, 'comprehended or perceive the intended meaning of words.' Battle: Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner's acrimonious divorce battle has taken yet another turn - as a legal wrangle erupted over whether the jewelry designer 'understood' their pre-nup (pictured March 2022) Wasser is now asking the judge to make Christine's lawyers answer the question of whether she understood the prenup or not. The question that sparked the latest legal battle began with Wasser asking: 'You understood the legal effect of the premarital agreement before you signed the premarital agreement. Christine's lawyer responded: Objection. This request is vague as to the scope and meaning of the terms 'understood' ... [Christine] is unable to admit or deny the request. A hearing to address the document's validity won't happen until November, and Baumgartner is expected to continue challenging it. A preliminary move to get Costner's ex out of their $145million house indicates that the judge may agree that the rest of the document is also valid. TMZ reports that Baumgartner will also be forced to return $1.5 million paid to her by Costner if the judge determines that the prenup is valid, and she will also reportedly be forced to pay his attorneys' fees for defending the document. Baumgartner recently moved into her new $35,000 a month rental in Santa Barbara, California after splitting from the Yellowstone star. Meanwhile, her ex Kevin was seen this week taking in a Taylor Swift concert at the Sofi stadium in Los Angeles. Bizarre: Now, the legal battle has taken a bizarre turn as the actor's latest filing claims Christine and her legal team asked for a definition of the word 'understand' in reference to whether she understood the terms of their 2004 pre-nup (pictured February 2022) Her new home looks comfortable. DailyMail.com obtained images of the dwelling earlier this week. The home has four bedrooms and four bathrooms and includes amenities such as a swimming pool, fire pit and BBQ area. The luxury home is surrounded by green shrubbery in the upscale California community. Following her July 28 move from the main home, an insider revealed to People that the mother-of-three had been staying 'at a smaller house' on the property that had been used for staffers. The insider said that Baumgartner had been 'staying in the area to not disrupt' her her and Costner's three children - Cayden 16, Hayes, 14, and Grace, 13 - who 'will be back at school in the fall with their friends' in the coming months. Baumgartner, a handbag designer, has been 'trying to keep everything as normal as possible' amid the tumultuous time for the family, the source told the outlet. Baumgartner, who filed for divorce from the Yellowstone star in May, has complained of struggling to find an appropriate rental abode in the area. Since proceedings began, the divorce has been far from amicable, from Costner claiming that his ex refused to leave the 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.' Parents of four: The former couple share three children: sons Cayden, 16; and Hayes, 14; along with their younger daughter Grace, 13 Baumgartner had insisted in court docs that she had no plans to 'strip' their mansion in Santa Barbara of items before leaving the grounds. Costner - who was spotted with the pair's three kids July 28 in Aspen, Colorado - and Baumgartner have been locked in a very contentious split over the past few months. The drama goes back weeks when Costner asked her to exit the home, then the focus had been on what she planned to take with her when she left. Last month, sources told DailyMail.com that Baumgartner fears the performer is 'out for revenge' against her after she filed for divorce, and will have police escort her out of their Santa Barbara home. 'He wants to humiliate her,' a close friend of Christine said. 'This isn't about the house, it's about making Christine's life a living hell for actually going through with the divorce. 'Christine said she wouldn't be surprised if Kevin had her escorted off the property by police,' the friend says. 'It was Christine who wanted to make this transition as peaceful as possible for the sake of the children. 'Kevin has done the complete opposite. He's not thinking about the kids, about how traumatizing this is.' 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 month, 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. The Let Him Go actor was on the hook to help his estranged wife relocate per their prenuptial agreement, but it was a relatively paltry sum for their lifestyle. Baumgartner recently moved into her new $35,000 a month rental in Santa Barbara, California after splitting from the Yellowstone star (pictured 2015) Costner would have paid her a reported $1.5million to find a new home, but with California's elevated home prices particularly if she tried to stay near Costner she may have had difficulty finding something similar to the luxury she and her children are accustomed to. Costner has deposited $1.5 million in Baumgartner's bank account to get her to move out of his mansion, and he said he had given her $200,000 earlier in their marriage in line with their prenuptial agreement. However, Baumgartner hasn't touched the money, as she says doing so would rob her of her ability to contest the prenup's validity. 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. The couple's prenuptial agreement from 2004 requires her to leave the property if they should separate, while giving her access to a $1.2 million fund to find a new house. Baumgartner filed for divorce from The Bodyguard actor on May 1. Their relationship began in 1998 and they had exchanged vows at his ranch in 2004 in Colorado. Following the announcement of the split, Costner's rep Arnold Robinson said in a statement: 'It is with great sadness that circumstances beyond his control have transpired which have resulted in Mr. Costner having to participate in a dissolution of marriage.' The veteran actor is also father to daughters Annie, 39, and Lily, 36, and son Joe, 35, with his ex-wife Cindy Silva; and son Liam, 27, with ex-girlfriend Bridget Rooney. Jaime King's divorce has taken a new turn after her estranged husband Kyle Newman expressed concern that she may attempt to 'abduct' their two children. Legal documents obtained by The Blast state that Newman, 47, is trying to keep Jaime, 44, from taking their sons James, 9, and Leo, 7, to Vietnam for vacation. The filmmaker said in a court filing, 'I cannot agree for Jaime to take our children to Vietnam on vacation after school starts Vietnam is a non-Hague Convention Child Abduction Treaty country.' The treaty exists 'to protect children from the harmful effects of international abduction by a parent by encouraging the prompt return of abducted children to their country of habitual residence and to organize or secure the effective rights of access to a child,' according to the outlet. In layman's terms, the treaty explains that if one parent takes the children to another country, that country's government will assist in their return. Update: Jaime King's divorce has taken a new turn after her estranged husband Kyle Newman expressed concern that she may attempt to 'abduct' their two children New revelation: Legal documents obtained by The Blast state that Newman, 47, is trying to keep Jaime, 44, from taking their sons James, 9, and Leo, 7, to Vietnam for vacation Jaime wishes to take the boys on the trip as soon as in the next few days. 'I am concerned that Jaime will remain there. There is a court order, which we heavily negotiated, that does not allow for either of us to take the children to a non-Hague Treaty country,' Newman expressed in the filing. He added, 'Jaime has already attempted to intercept our childrens passports without my knowledge or consent, which concerns me that Jaime plans to abduct our minor children.' The paperwork further noted, 'Vietnam is not a signatory to the Hague Convention. Based on Jaimes conduct historically and over the last 6 months, I have a reasonable fear that she will refuse to return the children to me after their trip. ' Jaime was dishonest with me from the start regarding her intentions to travel with our children to Vietnam, and I do not consent to it.' Another shocking allegation listed in the new court filing claims that King has defied the current custody order in place as she's been 'intoxicated' around James and Leo. According to Newman, 'Jaime has repeatedly and blatantly violated multiple court orders, including child custody orders (preventing her from being intoxicated while the children are in her custody by repeatedly testing as inebriated with SoberLink, even in the morning while she had custody of the children).' SoberLink is an alcohol monitoring system that fuses a breathalyzer with wireless connectivity, and technology like facial recognition. As for Jaime's side of things, she previously alleged 'suffering years of physical, emotional, verbal, and fiscal abuse,' prompting her to end the marriage. Happier times: The couple pictured with their sons in 2016 2019: Jaime and her family at a West Hollywood farmers market 'I finally decided to stand up for myself and made the decision to terminate our marriage,' she stated. The Blast reported that the judge in the ongoing divorce case is siding with Newman and denying King's request for the Vietnam trip. Last fall Newman claimed he could not afford to live because the actress hadn't paid him any court-ordered money. The Hart Of Dixie actress was ordered by a court in April to pay her ex $1,000 a month in spousal support and $429 a month in child support, but the Barely Lethal director filed legal documents claiming she hadn't handed anything over. The case has been pending for more than three years and an upcoming trial is scheduled for September 19, 2023. Stephen Amell was seen sporting a 'SAG-AFTRA Strong' shirt as he joined a picket line with other strikers in New York City on Friday. The Arrow star, 42, who received backlash after he recently claimed that he did not support the current SAG-AFTRA strike, proudly marched in front of Warner Bros. Discovery offices in the Big Apple. The actor opted to complete his look with a pair of dark, olive-colored pants and slipped into green and black Air Jordan sneakers. He threw on a white cap to partially block the warm sunshine from hitting his face and also held a large sign in his hand as he strolled down a busy street. Amell was joined by his wife and fellow actress, Cassandra Jean, who also chose stylish comfort for the busy day outdoors. Showing support! Stephen Amell, 42, was seen sporting a 'SAG-AFTRA Strong' shirt as he joined a picket line with other strikers in New York City on Friday Along with throwing on a 'SAG-AFTRA Strong' shirt, the beauty additionally slipped into a long, denim skirt that contained a thigh-high slit on the front. The Roswell, New Mexico star slipped into a pair of black and white Moschino sneakers and threw on a pair of reflective shades for a fashionable flare. The couple, who tied the knot in 2012, were seen walking side-by-side with other picketers as they showed their support for the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike which began last month on July 14. The union also joined the WGA (Writers Guild of America), which has been on strike since May 2. According to Variety, the WGA began negotiations with studios once again on Friday. When SAG-AFTRA also went on strike, Stephen claimed that while he stood by the union, he did not support the strike while attending a convention in North Carolina in late July. At the time, he stated, 'I support my union, I do, and I stand with them but I do not support striking, I dont. I think it is a reductive negotiating tactic and I find the entire thing incredibly frustrating.' The Flash actor - who is currently in NYC to attend the Broadway show: The Shark Is Broken - initially received backlash from the comment, and doubled down on his feelings earlier this month while talking to TMZ Live. 'I understand the strike on an intellectual level. Striking is not the only form of negotiating,' he explained, later adding, 'If there is a positive here, I would like to think that in some way, shape or form, I can encourage people to get back to the table and negotiate.' Recent backlash: The Flash actor initially received backlash from the comments, but doubled down on his feelings earlier this month while talking to TMZ Live Clarification: Also earlier this month, released a lengthy statement on Instagram to clarify his statements 'to ensure there is no misunderstanding about my thoughts and intentions...' Amell expressed that he supports SAG leadership and 'wants to stand with them' but doesn't necessarily 'agree' with the choice to go on strike. When asked about the backlash and whether other union members had personally reached out to him in regards to his previous comments, he revealed that, 'I've got an extreme amount of support.' '...And they support the union, too. They really do. But, we live in a time right now...where people want you to vote as long as you're voting for their candidate. I think that this has been done in a very black and white, all or nothing sort of way.' Stephen added, 'I'm talking about shows and movies that were about to come out before the strike. And I'm speaking specifically about shows that, you know, that I and a bunch of other people pour their heart and soul into that happen to be coming out within a certain window after the strike.' 'I don't think some of the consideration that was given to other projects leading up to the strike and the delay of the strike was given to some of the projects that came on the other side.' Amell expressed to TMZ, 'And that's something that retrospectively, I should have done a better job of taking up in private with with the leadership of my union.' Also earlier this month, Stephen released a lengthy statement on Instagram to clarify his statements 'to ensure there is no misunderstanding about my thoughts and intentions...' '...What I actually said: 1 "I support my union, I do, and I stand with them." This doesnt need much clarity: My support is unconditional and I stand with them,' he penned. 'Frustrating': He later wrote, 'From an intellectual perspective, I understand why we are striking, but that doesnt mean it isnt emotionally frustrating on many levels for all involved' Injury while filming: The actor notably suffered a back injury while filming a stunt scene for his Starz series titled, Heels, which premiered its second season on July 28; seen in July 2021 in NYC 'What I actually said: 2 "I do not support striking, I dont. What this means in full context: I understand fundamentally why were here.' 'My off the cuff use of the word support is clearly contradictory to my true feelings and my emphatic statement that I stand with my union. Of course I dont like striking. Nobody does. But we have to do what we have to do.' 'What I said: 3 I think that it is a reductive negotiating tactic and I find the entire thing incredibly frustrating. In full context: Im an actor and I was speaking extemporaneously for over an hour,' Stephen further explained. He later wrote, 'From an intellectual perspective, I understand why we are striking, but that doesnt mean it isnt emotionally frustrating on many levels for all involved.' 'What I said: 4 "I think that thinking as it pertains to shows like the show that I am on that that premiered last night, I think it is myopic." What I meant: Nothing about the strike is funny but if I may self deprecate for a moment...' He added, 'Perhaps it was an inarticulate shoutout to our crew and cast, who mean the world to me. Im simply sad that we dont have a chance to celebrate a show that all of us figuratively and I literally, broke my back for.' The actor notably suffered a back injury while filming a stunt scene for his Starz series titled, Heels, which premiered its second season on July 28. To conclude his explanation, the star typed out, 'However, at least for the foreseeable future, I choose to stand with my union. When you see me on a picket line please dont whip any hard fruit.' 'Great talk': The executive producer of Arrow, Marc Guggenheim, opened up to The Hollywood reporter about Stephen's absence in LA and stated, 'I spoke with Stephen last night and we had a great talk. What he was saying did get misconstrued'; Amell seen in 2021 in Orlando On the West Coast, other Arrow alum showed their support for the strike and helped raise funds for the Union Solidarity Coalition in Burbank on Friday, per The Hollywood Reporter. The executive producer of the series, Marc Guggenheim, opened up to the outlet about Stephen's absence in Los Angeles. 'I spoke with Stephen last night and we had a great talk. What he was saying did get misconstrued.' 'He was in New York for Colin Donnells play yesterday and was picketing Warner Bros. Discovery this morning. Its not my place to talk about another union and their strike but Stephen is as supportive of SAG as he is of the WGA.' Marc added, 'Im glad he was picketing; Im bummed he wasnt here to join us today, but he did send me, [showrunners] Beth [schwartz] and Wendy [Mericle] a lovely text encouraging us. He has our back, and we have his.' Married At First Sight star Belinda Vickers has found love again, two years after she split with her on-screen husband Patrick Dwyer. The red-haired beauty, 31, announced on Friday that she is in a relationship with millionaire bar owner Hayden Burbank. In 2021, Mr Burbank was jailed for three months after breaking Covid rules during the height of the pandemic. He hopped the border into the Northern Territory before travelling to Western Australia to watch Melbourne Demons win at Perth Stadium. To dodge WA's strict border rules at the time, he falsified a rental agreement at a Darwin address while also fraudulently obtaining NT drivers' licences. Married At First Sight star Belinda Vickers has found love with millionaire bar owner Hayden Burbank (both pictured) The shocking new romance comes two years after she split with her on-screen husband Patrick Dwyer (both pictured) Burbank owns the trendy Morris Jones bar in Melbourne, which is a hotspot for reality stars and glamorous influencers. On Friday, Belinda posted a loved-up photo with the swanky restaurateur. And while it was the first time she posted a snap of them publicly, she alluded to the fact that they have been together a while, captioning it: '15 months of love'. In the photo, the happy couple wrapped their arms around one another as they smiled widely for the camera. On Friday, Belinda posted a loved-up photo with the swanky restaurateur (both pictured) While it was the first time she posted a snap of them publicly, she alluded to the fact that they have been together a while, captioning it: '15 months of love' (both pictured) The couple appeared very happy with one another as they posed and kissed for the camera Their relationship blossomed after the bar owner spent 90 days behind bars at WA's maximum security Hakea prison, which earned him the jailhouse nickname of 'border breacher'. Mr Burbank described his experience at one of Australia's toughest jails as 'the ultimate game of Survivor'. 'You have to form alliances and not do anything stupid and get through each day by day,' he told the Saturday Herald Sun in March 2022. In 2021, Mr Burbank (pictured) was jailed for three months after breaking Covid rules during the height of the pandemic Mr Burbank (left) hopped the border into the Northern Territory before travelling to WA to watch Melbourne Demons win at Perth Stadium 'They are the longest days of your life. I'm not built for jail. Nobody is built for jail.' The Chapel St bar owner shared a cell with one of the prison's top dogs, a bikie, who would wake him up each morning and taunt: 'Border breacher, border breacher'. Belinda found fame on season eight of Married At First Sight, which aired in 2021. She and her on-screen husband Patrick Dwyer were deemed the 'golden couple' of the series but split up after nine months. Whitney Port was seen in mom mode on Friday as she stepped out with her son in Los Angeles. The 38-year-old multihyphenate who recently discussed making her health a priority wore a heather gray crew neck sweatshirt and sweatpants. The former MTV personality sported a pair of sleek, tortoiseshell sunglasses and went without makeup. Her shoulder-length light brown locks were styled with a center part and bounced as she walked with her six-year-old child Sonny, who she shares with husband Tim Rosenman. The fashion-forward influencer teamed her casual outfit with a pair of white sneakers with red laces and blue soles. Doting: Whitney Port was seen in mom mode on Friday as she stepped out with her son in Los Angeles Laidback: The 38-year-old multihyphenate who recently discussed making her health a priority wore a heather gray crew neck sweatshirt and sweatpants For his part, Whitney's only child donned a short-sleeved blue graphic T-shirt and dark, geometric patterned shorts. The stylish tot wore a pair of red and black Nike sneakers with a white sole and carried a yellow backpack. The youngster held a sheet of paper as his doting mom lovingly held his arm while crossing a street. The outing comes days after Port took to social media to open up to fans about her eating habits. Opening up to her 1.5 million followers, she shared that she is underweight, but not intentionally. She said she didn't let 'comments about looking too thin' bother her until her husband 'brought it to my attention, as a good husband should.' 'He said it's not just something strangers are spewing. He has been worried about me,' Port wrote via an Instagram Story. 'I had to think about it and try to figure out what has been happening because it's not something I'm consciously thinking about! I eat to live, not the other way around. But after stepping on the scale, it hit me,' she revealed. Throwback: Whitney and Tim pictured with their then-four-year-old son Sonny Sanford Rosenman Part of the craze: Whitney recently watched the wildly successful Barbie movie and then took to social media to reflect Thoughts: Sharing outtakes from her trip to the movies, she wrote in a caption, 'Went to see Barbie last night and left in tears! @americaferrera monologue hit me so hard. Leaving it with you cause its important' The LA-born socialite continued: 'I always feel hungry but I just don't know what to eat. It's not how I want to look or feel though. My excuses are that I'm too lazy to make feeding myself a priority or I'm too picky when it comes to taste and quality. 'Both are unacceptable and I don't want to set an unhealthy example so I promised Timmy and I'll promise you that my health will be a priority.' Whitney recently watched the wildly successful Barbie movie and then took to social media to reflect. Sharing outtakes from her trip to the movies, she wrote in a caption, 'Went to see Barbie last night and left in tears! @americaferrera monologue hit me so hard. Leaving it with you cause its important.' She then proceeded to post the lengthy soliloquy, which discussed the challenges and pressures of being a woman. Gal Gadot slips into the shoes of the Evil Queen in the upcoming live-action musical fantasy film Snow White. Despite being an A-list actress after playing Wonder Woman in two feature films, the actress found herself having to audition to land the role in the remake of Walt Disney's 1937 animated feature film Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs. It turns out director Marc Webb and producers weren't concerned about her acting abilities when they asked Gadot to perform a scene from the screenplay. 'It was the first time I had to kind of audition for a project in a while,' the Israeli actress revealed during an interview with GQ, before adding, 'They needed to make sure I can sing, because this is a musical.' Gadot, 38, went on to share about her lengthy preparations, practicing her singing, ahead of the audition. Gal Gadot, 38, revealed she had to audition to land the role of the Evil Queen in the upcoming live-action remake of Snow White, despite being an A-list star The Fast & Furious franchise star said she ended up practicing her musical skills for an entire month. 'So for a month I was working on the song, and then I auditioned, and we filmed the song and I got the part, and it was very exciting,' she shared during the GQ interview. The new film, which will star Rachel Zegler in the lead role of Snow White, will feature new songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the songwriting duo behind The Greatest Showman and Dear Evan Hansen. With principal photography for the live-action remake having already been shot and wrapped as of July of 2022, Gadot has since called the experience: 'different from anything I've ever done.' She added, 'It's so delicious and delightful, and I could really go big and theatrical.' During a previous interview with People, the leading lady opened up about how one of her three daughters, Maya, six, thought her mom was playing Snow White when she learned that she was going to be in the movie. 'When I told them I'm going to shoot Snow White for [a] month, she was convinced that I'm going to play Snow White,' she shared. 'But when I told her "No, it's the evil queen,' my oldest said, "Oh, how appropriate."' When talking with Deadline, Gadot confessed she isn't used to portraying a villain on screen, and that she is 'used to playing the other end of where the heart should be.' Reason for audition: 'They needed to make sure I can sing, because this is a musical,' Gadot revealed to GQ about her audition process Leading ladies: The Israeli actress will star opposite of Rachel Zegler (left), who plays Snow White, in the the remake of Walt Disney's 1937 animated feature film Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs Development on the live-action adaptation of Snow White began in 2016, and then it would be three years until Marc Webb signed-on to direct from a screenplay by Greta Gerwig and Erin Cressida Wilson. After delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the shoot finally kicked-off in March 2022, and ended up going through until mid-July of that same year. Along with Gadot and Zegler, the cast also includes Ansu Kabia (Huntsman), Martin Klebba (Grumpy), Andrew Burnap (new character) and Colin Michael Carmichael. The live-action adaptation of Snow White is scheduled to make its premiere in theaters in the U.S. on March 22, 2024. Hollywood leading man Jason Momoa is urging people not to travel to Maui, Hawaii while the wildfires continue to wreak havoc on the island state. The actor who's a native of Honolulu took to his Instagram page on Friday and directed his new messages to people who still have plans to visit the region, amid the devastation. 'Maui is not the place to have your vacation right now. DO NOT TRAVEL TO MAUI,' he wrote. Momoa continued: 'Do not convince yourself that your presence is needed on an island that is suffering this deeply. 'Mahalo to everyone who has donated and shown aloha to the community in this time of need.' Plea: Hawaii native Jason Momoa, 44, took to social media on Friday to urge people not to travel to Maui amid the devastation of the Hawaiian wildfires 'The devastation from the wildfires will have a lasting island-wide impact on Maui's resources,' one clip in the post read. Momoa, 44, returned to his Instagram page on Friday to share video of the devastation, captioned: 'All gone.' 'For those asking to see what's left. Devastating drone video from @javier_cantellops #mauistrong #maui #lahaina,' the Aquaman star captioned the clip. The images of the video are heartbreaking; with a drone capturing the charred and leveled coastal region of Lahaina, which is in Maui County. He shared an edited video that 'honors the places we lost' during the ravaging wildfires. 'Pray for Lahaina mahalo for this video @ikaikaloha,' Momoa wrote in the caption. The clip goes into detail about the history of Lahaina, which was originally made the capital city of the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1802. 'It looks like a bomb was dropped right on the town,' Momoa's caption goes on to explain. 'I can't believe this happened and I'm praying that everyone that's unaccounted for gets reunited with their ohana. This is probably the worst disaster that I've lived through so far. As we honor the memories of Lahaina's past, let us rebuild and restore this historic town. Maui no ka 'oi.' Leveled: The historic town of Lahaina, which is in Maui County, has suffered black after block of complete devastation from the wildfires; an aerial view shows charred cars demolished buildings on Friday, August 11 Tragic: The New York Times is reporting the official death toll to be 67 earlier on Friday Going social: When urging people to avoid traveling to Maui right now, Momoa described the region as 'not a place to have your vacation' Keeping focused: The Hollywood leading man went as far as to urge people to 'cancel your trip' Keeping focus on victims: The Aquaman star shared videos that urged people 'not to fly to Maui amid the wildfires Hawaii strong: The clips maintain that the priority should be on 'survivors' right now Resources: The videos want less visitors on the island so resources can be allocated to residents Leveled: A video by Javier Cantellops documented the devastation with video of lebveled regions with the caption: 'All gone' Deadly wildfires: Momoa's shared the video that captures the state of Maui right now Block after block of buildings in the Maui town, which had a resident population of over 12,700 in the 2020 census, has been completely demolished, according to NBC News. In fact, the road into Lahaina was still closed in both directions Friday afternoon, three days after flames destroyed the area; although some residents with limited access had been allowed back earlier in the day. Officials in Maui are reporting that the burning areas have created a toxic situation, which is likely one of the reasons for the continued closures in and around the town. The deadly wildfire is already projected to be the second-costliest disaster in Hawaii history, behind only Hurricane Iniki in 1992, according to calculations by Karen Clark & Company, a prominent disaster and risk modeling company. Horrific: The clips also showed many burnt out cars and leveled buildings in the Maui town of Lahaina The videos claim the aftermath of the wildfires will have a 'lasting island-wide impact' Proud: Momoa, a native of Honolulu, has been an advocate of the island state over the years Making a difference: Momoa also posted ways people can donate to help the victims of the wildfires Donations needed: There's also information being shared in a link in bio Heartfelt; Momoa urged people to 'pray for Lahaina' in another Instagram post War-like: The coastal town in Maui County 'looks like a bomb was dropped' on it in recent days The New York Times shared an evacuation order issued on Friday for residents in Kaanapali, which is just north of Lahaina, due to the spreading flames. Earlier on Friday, the official death toll from the devastating wildfires on the island has risen to 67. Momoa would go on to share three places you can go to get the latest updates, and also support and raise awareness for the people who have been affected the most by the wildfires. 'Aina Momona is standing up this fundraiser to support our Maui community. All the funds raised will be given to the Hawaii Community Foundation Maui County Strong Fund https://www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/maui-strong to support disaster relief on Maui,' he wrote of one. He also shared the accounts you can follow for updates: @kakoo_haleakala @mauirapidresponse and @hawaiinewsnow. Adam Liaw and Poh Ling Yeow have teamed up again for the big new SBS television project Great Australian Bites. The dream team have reunited after their huge success on Malaysia in Australia which premiered in 2021, reported Yahoo Lifestyle on Friday. After becoming fast friends over a decade ago when they competed in back-to-back seasons of MasterChef, the celebrity chefs are on the hunt for local cuisine. 'The premise is very simple: what is Australia's national dish?' Adam, 44, said. 'We think about other countries and other cuisines and we kind of forget that Australian cuisine is amazing, firstly, and also completely unique.' Adam Liaw, 44, (right) and Poh Ling Yeow, 49, (left) have teamed up again for the big new SBS television project Great Australian Bites The Malaysian-born cook went on to say he and Poh, 49, intend to travel the country and try a myriad of dishes as they try to define Australian cuisine. 'We talk about kebabs, we talk about spaghetti bolognese, we talk about roast lamb - we are looking at the everyday food that everyday people are making every day.' Adam said he is also incredibly excited to work with his dear friend Poh once more as they 'get along really well' during filming. The dream team have reunited after their huge success on Malaysia in Australia which premiered in 2021, reported Yahoo Lifestyle on Friday The first time Adam and Poh appeared on camera together was during their first SBS food show Malaysia in Australia which premiered in October, 2021. Each episode, the culinary greats set out on a quest to find the freshest Australian produce as they recreated popular Malaysian dishes like beef rendang and roti canai. In between their cook-offs, fans received expert tips from Malaysian expats, farmers and even Hollywood superstar Remy Hii. After becoming fast friends over a decade ago when they competed in back-to-back seasons of MasterChef, the celebrity chefs are on the hunt for local cuisine 'This is the first time Poh and I have been on camera together, so making this series has been a huge amount of fun,' Adam said in a statement at the time. 'It's also a valuable opportunity to highlight the connections between Australia and Malaysia, two nations that share a long history and which are so special to us both.' Meanwhile, Poh said she was mostly excited to blend the best of both Australian produce and Malaysian flavours. 'We have such great produce here in our own backyard, but what always surprises me is how even the tiniest of places can create delicious experiences.' Advertisement Jaden Smith couldn't keep his hands to himself while hitting the beach with his bikini-clad girlfriend Sab Zada on Friday in Malibu. The son of Will Smith, 25, was photographed affectionately kissing the stunning influencer while she sat in his lap in the sand. The new couple recently enjoyed another hot and heavy beach date while vacationing in Miami, Florida this week. Sab who has over 660,000 Instagram followers showed off her hourglass curves in a purple string bikini. The skimpy two-piece had semi-sheer pastel plaid details on the hips for an adorable touch. Handsy: Jaden Smith couldn't keep his hands to himself while hitting the beach with his bikini-clad girlfriend Sab Zada on Friday in Malibu Chiseled: The Karate Kid actor displayed his chiseled frame by going shirtless The son of Will Smith, 25, was photographed affectionately kissing the stunning influencer while she sat in his lap in the sand The songstress' bleach blonde hair was damp and swept back off her face. Sab appeared to be wearing little to no makeup for the afternoon outing with Jaden and pals. The Karate Kid actor displayed his chiseled frame by going shirtless and rocking pink and blue patterned swim trunks. He accessorized with a myriad of custom diamond chain necklaces and bracelets on each arm. Jaden and Sab were surrounded by their closest pals as they hung out on beach towels in the Malibu sand. After cuddling in the sand, Sab got up and convinced her beau to take a dip in the Pacific Ocean with her. The lovebirds headed towards the water and continued to pack on the PDA as the waves rolled in. Sab and Jaden held hands and kissed each other as they ventured deeper and deeper into the blue ocean. Sab was first linked to Jaden in 2020 but things appear to have only gotten serious in recent weeks. Their latest outing comes just over a month after Jaden was spotted in Paris sharing a steamy kiss with the French influencer Paola Locatelli. Paola and Jaden indulged in a public display of affection out in the street at night, after spilling out of a Louis Vuitton fashion show afterparty. However Jaden and Sab gave no hint of any friction in their relationship as they hung out on Friday. Jaden has been previously linked to the likes of Kylie Jenner and Sofia Richie. Friday's Jaden sighting comes after his father Will confessed that 'nobody in my family was happy' after he pushed Jaden and daughter Willow into child stardom. In 2010, Jaden, then 11, starred in a remake of The Karate Kid, while Willow, who was only nine, released the insta-viral single Whip My Hair. During a new appearance on Kevin Hart's Peacock series Hart To Heart, Will reflected that '2010 was like the greatest year as an artist, as a parent,' via Metro. He noted: Karate Kid came out in June and Whip My Hair came out in October. Im building this dream of a family Ive had in my mind. Im going to do it better than my father did it. Weve talked about it, my father was abusive.' Will has bared his soul in the past about being wracked with guilt over his inability as a child to protect his mother from his violent father. When his own children found themselves in the glare of the global spotlight, Will discovered that they were unhappy. 'No one wanted to be in a platoon. Willow was the first one to begin the mutiny and it was my first realization that success and money dont mean happiness,' he said. 'Up until that point, I really believed that you could succeed your way - to a house and a family - and you could win your way to happiness.' The Kevin Hart interview marked a step in Will's gradual comeback after his career was torpedoed in the wake of last year's Oscars slap. Will slapped Chris Rock onstage at the Academy Awards for making a bald joke about Jada, who shaved her head because she has alopecia. 'Jada, I love you. GI Jane 2, can't wait to see it,' Chris cracked, in reference to the 1997 movie starring Demi Moore with a shaved head. Will was seen initially laughing at the joke, but Jada rolled her eyes and then he stormed onto the stage to give Chris a smack across the face. Going strong: The new couple recently enjoyed another hot and heavy beach date while vacationing in Miami, Florida this week Bikini babe: Sab who has over 660,000 Instagram followers showed off her hourglass curves in a purple string bikini Jaden rocked pink and blue patterned swim trunks Details: The skimpy two-piece had semi-sheer pastel plaid details on the hips for an adorable touch They looked smitten with one another Lovedbirds: The duo kissed in the water Out of the way: Sab tied her hair back in a bun while cooling off in the ocean She grabbed onto Jaden and leaned in for a kiss Bling: Jaden accessorized with a myriad of custom diamond chain necklaces and bracelets on each arm She rocked a beaded anklet as she slowly made her way into the waves After cuddling in the sand, Sab got up and convinced her beau to take a dip in the Pacific Ocean with her The lovebirds headed towards the water and continued to pack on the PDA as the waves rolled in Sab and Jaden ventured deeper and deeper into the blue ocean Jaden and Sab were surrounded by their closest pals as they hung out on beach towels in the Malibu sand Sab was first linked to Jaden in 2020 The sighting comes just over a month after Jaden was spotted in Paris sharing a steamy kiss with the French influencer Paola Locatelli However Jaden and Sab gave no hint of any friction in their relationship when they were seen this week soaking up the summer weather on Friday Party time: Dating history: Jaden has been previously linked to the likes of Kylie Jenner and Sofia Richie Then Will flounced back to his seat and repeatedly shrieked at Chris: 'Keep my wife's name out of your f***ing mouth!' Less than an hour after his outburst, Will was awarded the best actor Oscar and received a standing ovation for his tearful speech in which he called himself a protector of his family and expressed a desire to be a 'vessel of love.' After Will wrapped up his rollercoaster monologue, Jaden fired up his Twitter account and wrote: 'And Thats How We Do It.' Although Will apologized to the Academy and his fellow nominees during his speech, he did not issue a public apology to Chris until the following day. After the awards, he went to the Vanity Fair Oscar Party and danced to his own song Gettin' Jiggy Wit It while other partygoers cheered him on. Before the Academy could decide what punishment it should impose for the incident, Will resigned from the organization. Although his departure meant he could no longer vote for the Oscars, he at that point was still able to attend the show. However the Academy has since imposed a 10-year ban on his attending the ceremony, though he can still be nominated for Oscars. Zoe Ventoura landed her 'dream role' as Velma Kelly in the musical Chicago which will tour Australia next year. The Packed to the Rafters star, 42, will return to her roots as she hits the stage at Sydney's Capitol Theatre where she made her musical debut 15 years ago. Stepping into the shoes of a character made famous by Catherine Zeta-Jones, the actor said she was 'still pinching' herself, reported Insider on Saturday. 'It's a dream role and I trained as a dancer, so it's coming full circle for me,' she told the publication. 'Going back to my dance roots and back to music theatre, and to be doing this role in this show, with this incredible cast I can't quite believe it.' Zoe Ventoura, 42, (pictured) landed her 'dream role' as Velma Kelly in the musical Chicago which will tour Australia next year She went on to say she is 'just really, really excited' to be given this once in a lifetime opportunity. Chicago is set in the titular city during the 'jazz age' of the 1920s and recounts the story of two rival vaudevillian murderesses locked up in Cook County Jail. Velma, Zoe's character, is a nightclub star who was arrested for killing her husband and sister when she discovered they were having an affair. Zoe's big new role comes after she and ex-husband Daniel MacPherson announced their split in December, 2020. At the time, they shared almost identically worded posts to Instagram, revealing they had mutually decided to separate. The Packed to the Rafters star will return to her roots as she hits the stage at Sydney's Capitol Theatre where she made her musical debut 15 years ago. Stepping into the shoes of a character made famous by Catherine Zeta-Jones (pictured), the actor said she was 'still pinching' herself, reported Insider on Saturday Alongside a photo of the pair with their backs turned to the camera at sunset, Daniel wrote: 'With the greatest respect for each other, Zoe and I have separated. 'Together, we will continue wholeheartedly to raise our beautiful boy Austin. He is, and will forever be, our greatest priority. 'We ask for your respect and will be making no further comment.' They have proven to be notoriously private about their only child, keeping him out of the public eye, as well as keeping the pregnancy and birth a secret. Former Neighbours star Dan married Zoe in an intimate ceremony in Noosa, Queensland in 2015. She recently returned to Turkey for her eighth boob job, just weeks after her surgery 'nightmare'. And Danniella Westbrook showed off her latest boob job scars as she sunbathed on the beach in Portugal after undergoing surgery that took her 'four sizes bigger'. The former EastEnders actress, 49, who is currently recovering from the operation, donned a bright orange bikini that showed off her ample assets. The bikini consisted of a small triangle top and a pair of cheeky thong-style bikini bottoms to show off her peachy derriere. In one snap, the star can be seen chowing down on a box of Krispy Kreme. Boob job: Danniella Westbrook showed off her latest boob job scars as she sunbathed on the beach after undergoing surgery that took her 'four sizes bigger' Surgery: The actress recently returned to Turkey for her eighth boob job, just weeks after her surgery 'nightmare' As she lay back to soak up the sun, Danniella's scars were on full display as she raised her arms in the air. The actress styled her blonde locks in loose waves for the sunny day while adorning a natural look. Daniella exclusively revealed to MailOnline that she plans to sell her breast implants on Only Fans for 40,000. Danniella told MailOnline: 'I'm here in Turkey which is my comfort zone. They have reinstalled my faith in having surgery done in Turkey thank goodness after last time I was here. 'I've had my implants taken out and I'm selling them on OnlyFans and looking for around 40k, how exciting!' Danniella is currently recovering after undergoing breast enlargement surgery at Comfort Zone Surgery in Istanbul. Appearing on Channel 5's Celebrity Botched Up Bodies, she told how she went from a 34B to a 34D, and up again to a 34DD. New boobs: The former EastEnders actress, 49, who is currently recovering from the surgery, donned a bright orange bikini that showed off her ample assets Baring it all: The bikini consisted of a small triangle top and a pair of cheeky thong-style bikini bottoms to show off her peachy derriere Yum: In one snap, the star can be seen chowing down on a box of Krispy Kreme Scars: As she lay back to soak up the sun, the stars scars were on full display Natural: The actress styled her blonde locks in loose waves for the sunny day while adorning a natural look Holiday: It seems the surgery hasn't stopped Daniella from making the most of her holiday as she recently channelled her inner Marilyn Monroe Up for sale: It comes after Daniella exclusively revealed to MailOnline that she plans to sell her breast implants on Only Fans for 40,000 Exclusive: Danniella told MailOnline: 'I'm here in Turkey which is my comfort zone. They have reinstalled my faith in having surgery done in Turkey thank goodness after last time I was here.' Exciting news: She continued 'I've had my implants taken out and I'm selling them on OnlyFans and looking for around 40k, how exciting!' Recovering: Danniella is currently recovering after undergoing breast enlargement surgery at Comfort Zone Surgery in Istanbul Danniella recently spoke about her nightmare surgery at a different clinic in Turkey which she had in a desperate bid to save her collapsing face. The actress- whose wounds have been stitched up with non-dissolvable fishing wire - previously detailed the horrifying procedure as she revealed she will 'go back' to her original doctor in the UK to have corrective surgery. She claimed the painful operation she has waited years for was performed without anesthesia. Danniella alleged the surgeon even slapped her during the op, and her phone was confiscated by an assistant as she begged for him to stop. She said: 'He was going to me, 'Stop crying, stop crying.' I said, 'I'm in a lot of pain. Please, please. I'm frightened. I'm in a lot of pain. I didn't know this was going to happen.' It was really frightening'. She then began to panic and continued to tell the rogue doctor she was in serious pain, but she said he told her to 'Stop f*****g moving, I tell you, stop moving.' Despite undergoing another procedure in Turkey in a bid to save her collapsing face, Danniella has since admitted she hates her new look. Danniella had a thread lift, liposuction in her cheeks and lips, fat grafting on her chin and her jawline etched after her septum collapsed from excessive drug use in 2002. Taking to Instagram, the actress shared a photo of herself taken before the surgery and said she couldn't believe what had been done to her. Nightmare surgery: Danniella recently spoke about her nightmare surgery at a different clinic in Turkey which she had in a desperate bid to save her collapsing face Horrifying: The actress- whose wounds have been stitched up with non-dissolvable fishing wire - previously detailed the horrifying procedure Corrective surgery: And revealed she will 'go back' to her original doctor in the UK to have corrective surgery Painful: She claimed the painful operation she has waited years for was performed without anaesthesia Terrifying: Danniella alleged the surgeon even slapped her during the op, and her phone was confiscated by an assistant as she begged for him to stop She said: 'He was going to me, 'Stop crying, stop crying.' I said, 'I'm in a lot of pain. Please, please. I'm frightened. I'm in a lot of pain. I didn't know this was going to happen.' Panic: She then began to panic and continued to tell the rogue doctor she was in serious pain, but she said he told her to 'Stop f*****g moving, I tell you, stop moving' Not a fan: Despite undergoing another procedure in Turkey in a bid to save her collapsing face, Danniella has since admitted she hates her new look Surgery: Danniella had a thread lift, liposuction in her cheeks and lips, fat grafting on her chin and her jawline etched after her septum collapsed from excessive drug use in 2002 Botched surgery: Taking to Instagram, the actress shared a photo of herself taken before the surgery and said she couldn't believe what had been done to her Painful: When Danniella first woke up after the lengthy procedure, she said she looked 'like she had done 10 rounds with Tyson Fury' Scary: She wanted the reconstruction for the past seven years but was unable to find a surgeon who would operate because her septum had completely collapsed She wrote: 'Three months ago I looked like this and thought I looked awful. I'd give my world to look like this again... 'I can't believe what's been done to me with this surgery.' When Danniella first woke up after the lengthy procedure, she said she looked 'like she had done 10 rounds with Tyson Fury'. She wanted the reconstruction for the past seven years but was unable to find a surgeon who would operate because her septum had completely collapsed. The actress' battle with drugs has been well-publicised, and she famously had her nose reconstructed after her septum collapsed from excessive cocaine use in 2002. At the height of her use, it was reported she would take up to five grams of cocaine a day, blowing close to 250,000 on the drug. Danniella will no doubt be enjoying a change of scenery on her Turkish getaway after splitting from her jailbird fiance. The former soap star announced last year that she was waiting on David to be released from prison so that he could propose in style. And earlier this week she was pictured trying on wedding dresses ahead of what was going to be her big day. But now it has been reported that the couple have called it quits after a seven-year on-off relationship. It has been reported that David is serving time in prison for counterfeit goods and engaging in various physical altercations but will be released in September, just before her 50th birthday. A friend of the star reportedly told The Sun of their 'split' which happened on Tuesday: 'Danniella was heartbroken last night. 'Both Danniella and David have decided to cancel their wedding plans and, it seems, their whole relationship. 'She has spent nearly seven years travelling all over the country to visit him but it seems the closer he is to coming home, the more the cracks are showing. 'They have both just changed so much since they first got together.' Scott Cam and Dr Chris Brown will go head-to-head next year when the celebrity vet stars in his own property renovation show Dream Home. The Block host, 60, revealed on Saturday what he really thinks about the hot competition which will premiere on Channel Seven next year. Playfully threatening the hunky television host to 'stay off me turf', Scott said he was just glad people still wanted to watch renovation shows, reported Yahoo Lifestyle. 'Competition is healthy and if his show rates reasonably well, that means that people are still interested in this style of television,' he said. 'As soon as they stop watching other shows or our show, then that's the end of that style.' Scott Cam, 44, (pictured) and Dr Chris Brown, 60, will go head-to-head next year when the celebrity vet stars in his own property renovation show Dream Home Scott went on to wish 'good luck' to Chris, 44, who he says 'is a great mate'. 'We don't want them to beat us, of course, if they go head to head, but we don't want them to dismally fail,' he continued. Dream Home will be based on the successful New Zealand series of the same name which aired from 1999 to 2013. The Block host (pictured) revealed on Saturday what he really thinks about the hot competition which will premiere on Channel Seven next year The home improvement show will be Chris' first project at Seven since jumping ship to the network from Channel Ten. The reno series will be made by production company Endemol Shine and will begin filming this year, but won't air until early 2024. Seven's last renovation program, House Rules, was axed three years ago and network executives are hoping the new format will be a hit. Playfully threatening the hunky television host to 'stay off me turf', Scott said he was just glad people still wanted to watch renovation shows, reported Yahoo Lifestyle Chris, who signed off from Ten's I'm a Celebrity in May, inked a multi-year deal with Seven in February to produce unspecified 'new projects' for the station. He first joined Ten in 2008 to host Bondi Vet, which became a surprise ratings hit and was syndicated around the world. The factual series was based on his real-life experience as a vet at the Bondi Junction Veterinary Hospital in Sydney's east. He went on to become a part-time panelist on The Project and also co-hosted I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! and The Living Room, which was axed last year. Dream Home will be based on the successful New Zealand series of the same name which aired from 1999 to 2013 Kris Jenner was the epitome of summertime chic of Friday as she stepped out in a lemon yellow dress during her sun-soaked Portofino holiday with boyfriend Corey Gamble. The TV star, 67, looked radiant in the yellow and white mini dress as she strolled around town and enjoyed a spot of shopping with her longtime beau, 42. Kris was sure to catch the eye in the fruity number that showcased her toned pins, teaming the dress with a chic sun hat and white trainers. Finishing her look, the 'momager' added stylish mirrored shades, a white Chanel bag and gold hooped earrings. Meanwhile, Corey cut a casual figure in a crisp white T-shirt, patterned shorts and white trainers, shielding his face from the rays with a white sun hat. Sunshine: Kris Jenner was the epitome of summertime chic of Friday as she stepped out in a lemon yellow dress during her sun-soaked Portofino holiday with boyfriend Corey Gamble Lovely: The TV star, 67, looked radiant in the yellow and white mini dress as she strolled around town and enjoyed a spot of shopping with her longtime beau, 42 The couple looked in good spirits as they meandered around the local area, at one point stopping in a jewellery store. They were later seen getting a helping hand off a boat as they arrived at their lavish villa. Kris summery look comes just a day after she once again looked effortlessly chic on Thursday as she rocked a sheer rose print kaftan and wide-brimmed hat during her sun-soaked break. The Kardashian/Jenner matriarch was sure to turn heads as she returned to her villa via boat in the eye-catching Dolce & Gabbana cover-up, under which she wore a simple black swimsuit. Kris shielded her face from the sun in her stylish sun hat and oversized shades, adding a simple pair of black sliders to her look. Finishing off her fabulous holiday attire, the businesswoman added gold hooped earrings, gold bangles and a designer watch. She was in good spirits during the outing as she was joined boyfriend Corey Gamble, 42, and pals Claudia Sampedro and Julius Peppers. It comes after Kris was seen enjoying the sights and sounds of Portofino as she headed a stroll with her handsome younger beau after a ride on a yacht. Epitome of summer: Kris was sure to catch the eye in the fruity number that showcased her toned pins, teaming the dress with a chic sun hat and white trainers Glowing: The couple were sure to turn heads in their summery holiday looks Style: Finishing her look, the 'momager' added stylish mirrored shades, a white Chanel bag and gold hooped earrings Having fun: The TV star was all smiles as she strolled down the street with her beau Style: Meanwhile, Corey cut a casual figure in a crisp white T-shirt, patterned shorts and white trainers, shielding his face from the rays with a white sun hat Making memories: Corey snapped a photo on his phone as the couple strolled together Shopping: The couple looked in good spirits as they meandered around the local area, at one point stopping in a jewellery store Grabbing a souvenir? Kris was seen perusing the goods in the jewellery store Kris made the Italian streets her catwalk as she looked stylish in a bright, multicolored mini dress with sequined dress featuring Dolce & Gabanna's signature print on it. She teamed the couture piece with strappy sandals while strutting her stuff alongside her handsome man. The mother of Kim Kardashian accessorized with aviator shades featuring mirrored lenses and large hoop earrings. The momager's man Corey donned a white short-sleeved button down with 'Portofino' printed on it along with brown trousers and white sneakers. Perhaps Kris purchased her stunning ensemble during her shopping trip to the flagship store for the Italian high-fashion label earlier this week. The outing took place one year after Dolce & Gabbana designed Kourtney Kardashian's bridal gown for her Portofino wedding to Travis Barker. The fashion house then became a flashpoint for a feud between Kourtney and her sister Kim Kardashian, who signed a deal with them after the nuptials. However Kris seemed entirely unfazed by the controversy as she wandered into the shop and flicked serenely through some of the items on display. Out and about: Kris was joined by who appeared to be a minder during the outing Easy does it: They were later seen getting a helping hand off a boat as they arrived at their lavish villa This way please: Kris carefully navigated her way off the water vessel Gorgeous: The matriarch flashed her toned legs as she got off the boat Follow me: Kris led the way as she and Corey ascended the brick steps That was fun: The pair looked relaxed as they made their way back to their accommodation You and me: The long-term couple were spending quality time together in Italy She cut a stylish figure in a slinky black cocktail dress, throwing on a matching jacket with sheer lace sleeves and strutting her stuff on a pair of flats. Warding off the Mediterranean rays with a large pair of sunglasses, she lent a splash of glitz to the look with a chunky pair of gold earrings. Corey meanwhile was dashing as ever in what appeared to be a silk black shirt with a the top buttons left tantalizingly open over his chest. Their latest couple's outing in Portofino including a boating trip, during which Kris and Corey could be seen gazing affectionately into each other's eyes. The couple were also spotted settling down to an alfresco lunch in Portofino, just over a year after their visit to town for Kourtney's wedding. Kourtney and her new husband, Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker, threw a lavish wedding last year at Castello Brown in Portofino. Holly Willoughby will present This Morning alongside her friend Alison Hammond when she returns from her summer break, MailOnline can reveal. In what will be a new start for the ITV programme, Ms Willoughby will team up with Ms Hammond on her first day back next month which could spell the beginning of their 'new girl power brand.' The two women will appear together on September 4 and 5 in what will be a huge show for the network following the Phillip Schofield scandal that has engulfed the daytime programme. Ms Willoughby will then be joined by Craig Doyle for two days before Ms Hammond and Dermot O'Leary host their usual Friday episode. The casting after Ms Willoughby, 42, told bosses that she wanted to be paired with her friend amid Schofield's departure. Holly Willoughby (pictured in Portugal) will present This Morning alongside her friend Alison Hammond when she returns from her summer break, MailOnline can reveal Ms Willoughby will team up with Ms Hammond (pictured on March 27) on her first day back next month which could spell the beginning of their 'new girl power brand' The two women will appear together on September 4 and 5 in what will be a huge show for the network following the Phillip Schofield (pictured) scandal that has engulfed the daytime programme Chiefs at the channel have also been very keen for the two women to host together after they were deemed a 'massive success' when Ms Hammond, 48, stood in for Schofield in March while is brother Simon was on trial for child sex offences. Those in the upper echelons were delighted with how well appealing they were as a duo and as Ms Willoughby and Schofield's relationship became increasingly strained, she knew Ms Hammond was 'the future.' A source close to the show said: 'To ITV bosses, Holly and Alison are the dream team and it also what Holly wanted and that is very important to those high up because they don't want to lose her. It shows how much Holly means business when it comes to saving This Morning from the trauma it has endured since the whole Schofield scandal. She is determined to keep things going. 'They have this natural chemistry, they are friends and it something that the bosses hope the viewers will enjoy. Holly would love for them to be a permanent pairing but these days Alison is in such demand across the whole television industry these days that it is impossible for her to commit to the show full time but Holly will do her very best to make sure they are together as much as possible.' Ms Willoughby, who is currently on holiday at her luxurious villa in the Algarve, will return next month to save the under fire this Morning. ITV bosses have decided not to replace Schofield, 61, who in May admitted to having an affair with a much younger colleague and then lying to The Mail on Sunday about it. ITV bosses have decided not to replace Schofield, 61, and instead, Ms Willoughby will be front and centre of the programme Monday to Thursday. Pictured: Holly and Phil on May 11 Scandal: Phillip has apologised to Holly, who presented This Morning with him for 14 years, for lying about his secret relationship with his colleague (centre) and for tainting her public image Ms Willoughby will then be joined by Craig Doyle for two days before Ms Hammond and Dermot O'Leary host their usual Friday episode Instead, Ms Willoughby will be front and centre of the programme Monday to Thursday, with a member of what ITV chiefs call the 'This Morning family.' Meanwhile, presenter Welsh Steve Jones is joining This Morning and will host the programme this Wednesday alongside Josie Gibson. ITV bosses are 'thrilled' with the new addition to the show following Phillip Schofield's departure in May. Sources at the channel say that if viewers like him then he will 'almost certainly' become part of the This Morning's rotations of hosts who will present with Holly Willoughby along with Ms Gibson, Alison Hammond, Dermot O'Leary and Craig Doyle. One told MailOnline: 'The hope is that those watching at home will love Steve, he's a very experienced broadcaster but also very cheeky. Meanwhile, Schofield has been privately admitting to friends that he fears 'he will never work again' after his affair with the former runner on This Morning. Matt Smith enjoyed a romantic date with Lili Gattyan in London on Wednesday as they dined outside. The Doctor Who star, who was seen partying with a trio of blondes last month, was then seen enjoying a dog walk with the swimwear mogul. Matt and Lili headed out together after enjoying dinner at the upmarket Fischers restaurant in Marylebone. The actor, 40, dressed smartly in a light blue shirt and black jeans, with a graphic printed tote bag. Meanwhile, Lili looked chic in a button up beige top with a pair of light trousers and some flat sandals. Cute: Matt Smith, 40, enjoyed a romantic date with Lili Gattyan in London on Wednesday as they dined outside Cosy: The Doctor Who star, who was seen partying with a trio of blondes last month, dined outside with the swimwear mogul An onlooker told The Sun: 'They appeared close and were laughing and joking. He had his dog with him and people stopped by for a chat.' Lili, who owns a swimwear brand Eunoia, 'looked like she was having a ball', added the onlooker. MailOnline has contacted a representative for Matt Smith for comment. It comes after Matt tried to keep a low profile as he left Chiltern Firehouse at 3am accompanied by three stunning blonde women last month. The House Of The Dragon star was seen leaving the popular venue and hopping into a waiting taxi. Matt was seen making his exit alongside three gorgeous women, including influencers Sierra Plowden and Emma Carden. Matt's last known serious relationship was with actress Lily James, with the former couple reportedly splitting for good in October 2020, after a failed attempt to rekindle their relationship in lockdown. In May 2020 Matt and Lily sparked rumours they'd reconciled after spending lockdown together at their joint home, having split the December before after five years as a couple. Lily and Matt first met while filming Pride and Prejudice and Zombies in 2014, but didn't confirm their romance until February the following year. Good night: Matt and Lili headed out together after enjoying dinner at the upmarket Fischers restaurant in Marylebone Stroll: The actor dressed smartly in a light blue shirt and black jeans Elegant: Meanwhile, Lili looked chic in a button up beige top Adorable: The couple sat with Matt's dog Support: A fan stopped to take a photo with the actor Chic: She completed her look with a pair of light trousers and some flat sandals Out and about: Matt carried a graphic printed tote bag The couple parted ways in December 2019 after five years together, with reports claiming their romance had hit the buffers over Matt's closeness to his The Crown co-star Claire Foy, 37. In March 2020 the pair were pictured together for the first time in months, but they appeared be keeping a safe social distance apart. The split followed rumours that Lily had struggled to cope with Smith's close friendship with Claire, which developed as they played the Queen and Prince Philip on acclaimed Netflix series The Crown. However, other sources said that the couple were driven apart because of their hectic work schedules. Matt has remained tight-lipped about his love life in recent years, but in 2021 The Mail On Sunday reported he was involved with financier Caroline Brady. Caroline, who works at BlackRock, happens to be the sister of the English actress Millie Brady, who was also in Pride And Prejudice And Zombies. Flame: Lili, who owns a swimwear brand Eunoia, 'looked like she was having a ball', added the onlooker (pictured in 2017 in New York) Alessandra Ambrosio cut a casual figure in a flowing sweaterdress while emerging from a workout in Los Angeles on Friday. The 42-year-old supermodel, who became a global name as a Victoria's Secret Angel, showed off her statuesque legs as she strutted her stuff around town. Ensuring she remained hydrated after working up a sweat, the Brazilian bombshell kept a non-disposable water bottle tucked under one arm. In a possible tip of the hat to the latest fashion trend set off by the Barbie movie, Ale opted for a bubblegum pink ensemble. With her silky dark locks swept back up into a high ponytail, she stopped off at a location of the fashionable Pressed Juicery. Legging it: Alessandra Ambrosio cut a casual figure in a flowing sweaterdress while emerging from a workout in Los Angeles on Friday Legging it: The 42-year-old supermodel, who became a global name as a Victoria's Secret Angel, showed off her statuesque legs as she strutted her stuff around town Since her return to Los Angeles after her summer travels, Alessandra has evidently thrown herself back into her workout regimen. Her recent Insta Stories included a video of serving up a generous dose of cleavage as she posed with her dog Cinnamon after an exercise session. Alessandra recently enjoyed an excursion to Ibiza, where she indulged in such delights as a yacht party, cocktails and shellfish. She was surrounded by pals like hairdresser Dominick Pucciarello, who could be glimpsed in one of her Instagram albums pulling goofy faces with her in an elevator. Not pictured in Alessandra's album was her model boyfriend Richard Lee, with whom she has traveled to exotic locales including her native Brazil. Alessandra confirmed her romance with Richard when they were spotted on a romantic dinner date in February 2021. She was previously involved with Italian fashion designer Nicolo Oddi, who founded the brand Alanui with his sister Carlotta. Alessandra shares her two children Anja, 14, and Noah, 11 with her ex-fiance Jamie Mazur, who co-founded RE/DONE. Jamie and Alessandra were together for a grand total of 13 years and were even engaged before their eventual split in 2018. Back to the grind: Since her return to Los Angeles after her summer travels, Alessandra has evidently thrown herself back into her workout regimen Living the life: Alessandra recently enjoyed an excursion to Ibiza, where she indulged in such delights as a yacht party, cocktails and shellfish Pals: She was surrounded by pals like hairdresser Dominick Pucciarello, who could be glimpsed in one of her Instagram albums pulling goofy faces with her in an elevator Alessandra gave birth to both of her children in Florianopolis and frequently takes trips there, making sure to post jealousy-inducing snaps to her Instagram. GAL Floripa, the swimwear line she was plugging in her new modeling shots from Utah, takes the second part of its title from a nickname for Florianopolis. In an interview with the Telegraph a few years ago, she revealed that she keeps a summer home in Florianopolis, which she named as her favorite place in Brazil. 'My entire family congregates there for the holidays,' shared Alessandra, who enjoys a warm relationship with her parents and sister. Sofia Vergara was a vision in a figure-hugging white dress as she stepped out for an evening on the town in West Hollywood on Friday night. The Modern Family alumna, 51, met up with friends at the Italian restaurant Madeo on the Sunset Strip. The America's Got Talent judge looked stunning in the strapless, bodycon dress that hit just below her knees. She paired the slinky dress with a pair of nude platform heels and a chunky gold link necklace and matching bracelet. The Colombian bombshell completed her look with a white handbag. Gorgeous: Sofia Vergara was a vision in a figure-hugging white dress as she stepped out in West Hollywood on Friday. The Modern Family alumna, 51, met friends at the Italian restaurant Madeo on the Sunset Strip The Hot Pursuit star also shared a mirror selfie of herself in the dress before heading out for the evening. 'Summer nights,' she captioned the bathroom selfie. Her hair was blown out in a sleek, straight style and her makeup featured a soft smokey eye, a touch of blush and deep berry lipstick. A spacious marble shower was visible in the background of the photo as well as a fireplace with a gold-framed mirror above it. She also shared two images of her night out with her friends Margie Heilbron and Dr. Nigma Talib and her niece Claudia Vergara. The Soul Plane actress captioned the post: 'Fridaaayyy.' Sofia's white hot look could be called a revenge dress amid her split from Joe Manganiello, 46. And the newly single beauty is certainly 'living her best life' since the demise of her marriage. Bombshell: The America's Got Talent judge looked stunning in the strapless, bodycon dress that hit just below her knees. She paired the slinky dress with a pair of nude platform heels and a thick gold link necklace and matching bracelet Mirror selfie: The Hot Pursuit star also shared a mirror selfie of herself in the dress before heading out for the evening. 'Summer nights,' she captioned the bathroom selfie Friends: She also shared two images of her night out with her friends Margie Heilbron and Dr. Nigma Talib and her niece Claudia Vergara. The Soul Plane actress captioned the post: 'Fridaaayyy' Revenge dress: ' Sofia's white hot look could be called a revenge dress amid her split from Joe Manganiello, 46 Last month, a source close to the actress told Page Six: 'Sofia was always there to take care of Joe, while his career was never what it was when they met. I think he's been threatened by her success and joie de vivre.' Sofia and Manganiello do not have any children between them, however, they still have to work out a custody agreement for Bubbles, the 10-year-old Chihuahua-Pomeranian mix Vergara adopted in 2021. An insider revealed Sofia has 'graciously' allowed her estranged husband to keep the pup which he had almost already taken exclusive ownership of since she joined the family. 'Not in a million years would Joe part ways with his dog Bubbles and Sofia is well aware of this. Joe said Sofia was gracious about him keeping Bubbles after their break-up,' a source close to the actor told DailyMail.com exclusively. Kevin Costner has accused his estranged wife Christine Baumgartner of deliberately trying to 'delay' their divorce proceedings. The allegation comes after a bizarre legal wrangle over whether Baumgartner understood the use of the word 'understood' in their prenuptial agreement. Costner, 68, now says he had Baumgartner, 49, served with written discovery requests in May to 'elicit her contentions as to the validity' of the prenup. He filed court documents this Thursday requesting financial sanctions against Baumgartner because she has purportedly neglected to reply to the requests. In a motion obtained by Us Weekly, Costner claimed Baumgartner will not disclose what her contentions even are and complained that she 'has only thrown roadblock after roadblock up in an unjustified effort to avoid answering this discovery.' Twists and turns: Kevin Costner has accused his estranged wife Christine Baumgartner of deliberately trying to 'delay' their divorce proceedings; pictured in 2018 in Pasadena, Calif. Contentions: Costner, 68, now says he had Baumgartner, 49, served with written discovery requests in May to 'elicit her contentions as to the validity' of the prenup; seen in March 2022 He accused her of having 'steadfastly refused' to respond to a 'very basic discovery' request involving the 'facts, documents and witnesses supporting her contentions.' According to Costner's motion: 'Christine asserts she cannot admit or deny that she understood the Premarital Agreement because she (and apparently all of her attorneys) do not understand the word "understood."' The Yellowstone star's documents argued: 'This is gamesmanship of the worst sort. "Understood" is not a technical or arcane word.' Costner's new legal filing continued: 'It is not ground for objection that a request is ambiguous, unless it is so ambiguous that the responding party cannot in good faith frame an intelligent reply. 'The notion that Christine and the multiple seasoned lawyers representing her do not understand the word "understood" and cannot reply to this simple, straightforward [request for admission] is frivolous. Clearly, this vagueness objection was interposed only for the purpose of delay.' Costner and Baumgartner tied the knot in 2004, and she filed for divorce this May 1 after 18 years of marriage, launching a battle over their assets and child support. The battle recently took a head-spinning turn when Costner claimed Christine and her legal team asked for a definition of the word 'understand' in reference to whether she understood the terms of their 2004 pre-nup, reports TMZ. The filing reads: 'Christine asserts she cannot admit or deny that she understood the Premarital Agreement because she (and apparently all of her attorneys) do not understand the word "understand."' Battle: The allegation comes after a bizarre legal wrangle over whether Baumgartner understood the use of the word 'understood' in their prenuptial agreement; seen in March 2022 Costner's attorney Laura Wasser wrote in her latest filing: 'Christine's counsel asked for a definition of "understood" and Kevin's counsel provided the dictionary meaning of the word "understood," to wit, 'comprehended or perceive the intended meaning of words.' Wasser is now asking the judge to make Christine's lawyers answer the question of whether she understood the prenup or not. The question that sparked the latest legal battle began with Wasser asking: 'You understood the legal effect of the premarital agreement before you signed the premarital agreement. Christine's lawyer responded: 'Objection. This request is vague as to the scope and meaning of the terms 'understood' ... [Christine] is unable to admit or deny the request. A hearing to address the document's validity won't happen until November, and Baumgartner is expected to continue challenging it. A preliminary move to get Costner's ex out of their $145 million house indicates that the judge may agree that the rest of the document is also valid. TMZ reports that Baumgartner will also be forced to return $1.5 million paid to her by Costner if the judge determines that the prenup is valid, and she will also reportedly be forced to pay his attorneys' fees for defending the document. Baumgartner recently moved into her new $35,000 a month rental in Santa Barbara, California after splitting from the Yellowstone star. Bizarre: Now, the legal battle has taken a turn as the actor's latest filing claims Christine and her legal team asked for a definition of the word 'understand' in reference to whether she understood the terms of their 2004 pre-nup (pictured February 2022) A source recently informed People that she is 'happy' and 'relieved' after vacating the mansion she called home as a married woman. 'Christine hopes there will be less drama now. Kevin got what he wanted she is out of the family house. Christine is relieved about it. She is happy to move on.' Meanwhile, her ex Kevin was seen last week taking in a Taylor Swift concert at the Sofi stadium in Los Angeles. Her new home looks comfortable. DailyMail.com obtained images of the dwelling earlier this week. The home has four bedrooms and four bathrooms and includes amenities such as a swimming pool, fire pit and BBQ area. The luxury home is surrounded by green shrubbery in the upscale California community. Following her July 28 move from the main home, an insider revealed to People that the mother-of-three had been staying 'at a smaller house' on the property that had been used for staffers. The insider said that Baumgartner had been 'staying in the area to not disrupt' her her and Costner's three children Cayden 16; Hayes, 14; and Grace, 13 who 'will be back at school in the fall with their friends' in the coming months. Parents of four: The former couple share three children: sons Cayden, 16; and Hayes, 14; along with their younger daughter Grace, 13 Baumgartner, a handbag designer, has been 'trying to keep everything as normal as possible' amid the tumultuous time for the family, the source told the outlet. Having filed for divorce from in May, Baumgartner has complained of struggling to find an appropriate rental abode in the area. The proceedings have been far from amicable, from Costner claiming that his ex refused to leave the mansion despite giving her $1.45 million for a new residence; to Baumgartner alleging he was trying to make her and their children 'homeless.' Baumgartner had insisted in court docs that she had no plans to 'strip' their mansion in Santa Barbara of items before leaving the grounds. Costner who was spotted with the pair's three kids July 28 in Aspen, Colorado and Baumgartner have been locked in a very contentious split over the past few months. The drama goes back weeks when Costner asked her to exit the home, then the focus had been on what she planned to take with her when she left. Last month, sources told DailyMail.com that Baumgartner fears the performer is 'out for revenge' against her after she filed for divorce, and will have police escort her out of their Santa Barbara home. 'He wants to humiliate her,' a close friend of Christine said. 'This isn't about the house, it's about making Christine's life a living hell for actually going through with the divorce. The way they were: A source recently informed People that she is 'happy' and 'relieved' after vacating the mansion she called home as a married woman; pictured 2014 'Christine said she wouldn't be surprised if Kevin had her escorted off the property by police,' the friend says. 'It was Christine who wanted to make this transition as peaceful as possible for the sake of the children. 'Kevin has done the complete opposite. He's not thinking about the kids, about how traumatizing this is.' 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 month, 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. The Let Him Go actor was on the hook to help his estranged wife relocate per their prenuptial agreement, but it was a relatively paltry sum for their lifestyle. Baumgartner recently moved into her new $35,000 a month rental in Santa Barbara, California after splitting from the Yellowstone star (pictured 2015) Costner would have paid her a reported $1.5million to find a new home, but with California's elevated home prices particularly if she tried to stay near Costner she may have had difficulty finding something similar to the luxury she and her children are accustomed to. Costner has deposited $1.5 million in Baumgartner's bank account to get her to move out of his mansion, and he said he had given her $200,000 earlier in their marriage in line with their prenuptial agreement. However, Baumgartner hasn't touched the money, as she says doing so would rob her of her ability to contest the prenup's validity. 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. The couple's prenuptial agreement from 2004 requires her to leave the property if they should separate, while giving her access to a $1.2 million fund to find a new house. Baumgartner filed for divorce from The Bodyguard actor on May 1. Their relationship began in 1998 and they had exchanged vows at his ranch in 2004 in Colorado. Following the announcement of the split, Costner's rep Arnold Robinson said in a statement: 'It is with great sadness that circumstances beyond his control have transpired which have resulted in Mr. Costner having to participate in a dissolution of marriage.' The veteran actor is also father to daughters Annie, 39, and Lily, 36, and son Joe, 35, with his ex-wife Cindy Silva; and son Liam, 27, with ex-girlfriend Bridget Rooney. Shirley Ballas showcased her daring side on Saturday as she embarked on an incredible 13,000ft skydive to raise money for suicide prevention charity CALM in honour of her late brother David. The Strictly Come Dancing judge, 62, looked in good spirits as she leapt out of a plane over Peterborough and broke through the clouds at over 120mph as she completed the third of her 'Skyathlon' challenges this week. Shirley and her family was left devastated when her brother David, from Wallasey, Merseyside, died aged 44 in 2003 after suffering from depression. And the star was sure to make David and her loved ones proud as she accomplished the daring feat in order to help Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) aid those struggling with life and stop more being lost to suicide. Dressed in a white CALM T-shirt and a yellow head band, Shirley looked terrified as she shuffled to the edge of the plane and prepared to jump at one of the oldest drop zones in the country with her instructor secured to her. Wow! Shirley Ballas embarked on an incredible 13,000ft skydive on Saturday to raise money for suicide prevention charity CALM in honour of her late brother David Go girl! The Strictly Come Dancing judge, 62, looked in good spirits as she leapt out of a plane over Peterborough and broke through the clouds at over 120mph as she completed the third of her 'Skyathlon' challenges this week However, she conquered her fears and was soon soaring through the sky, taking in the breathtaking views of the countryside and four counties on her way down. Upon landing, Shirley showed off her hands in which she'd written her late brother David's name on. Ahead of her dive - in which she was also joined by two competition winners - Shirley told how her heart was 'racing' and 'banging inside' her chest as she expressed her nerves ahead of the challenge. But upon completing the skydive, though she confessed she was still 'terrified', she found it 'exhilarating' too. She said: 'The Skydive today was by far the most difficult challenge, it was terrifying and exhilarating at the same time, leaving the plane was the terrifying part but floating amongst the clouds was the exhilarating part.' Shirley's skydive completes the last of her three jaw-dropping 'Skyathlon challenges which saw her fly 120mph across the worlds fastest zip line, while she also completed an incredible 700ft wing walk in aid of CALM. The charitys helpline staff receive 25% more calls during the summer months and speak to someone who is struggling every 59 seconds. Every day 18 people in the UK tragically take their own lives. CALM exists to change this - by offering life-saving support, creating culture changing campaigns, and bringing people together across the country to reject living miserably. Incredible: the star was sure to make David and her loved ones proud as she accomplished the daring feat in order to help Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) aid those struggling with life and stop more being lost to suicide Petrified: Dressed in a white CALM T-shirt and a yellow head band, Shirley looked terrified as she shuffled to the edge of the plane and prepared to jump Incredible: However, she conquered her fears and was soon soaring through the sky, taking in the breathtaking views of the countryside and four counties on her way down Tribute: Upon landing, Shirley showed off her hands in which she'd written her late brother David's name on What a woman: Upon completing the skydive, though she confessed she was still 'terrified', she found it 'exhilarating' too Last year Shirley fought back tears as she discussed her late brother's tragic suicide, with the star saying how he was 'everything to me'. Almost 20 years from his death she became emotional during an interview on This Morning as she reflected on the warning signs of her sibling's internal struggle. She was seen wiping away tears as she touched on David's photo being among many which features in an exhibition CALM at London's Southbank, which shows the smiling faces of 50 people shortly before they took their own lives. Speaking to hosts Phillip Schofield, Shirley said: 'Seeing my brother there in display in Southbank brought everything back, if I knew now what I knew then I couldve helped. 'Everybody loved him. He was a big brother. He was like a father. He was everything to me. Scary stuff: Shirley's skydive completes the last of her three jaw-dropping 'Skyathlon challenges which saw her fly 120mph across the worlds fastest zip line What a thrill: While she also completed an incredible 700ft wing walk in aid of CALM Tragic: David, from Wallasey, Merseyside, took his own life aged 44 in 2003 after suffering from depression, leaving Shirley and her family heartbroken (pictured last year) 'We talked every day at four o'clock. He was really the last person that I would ever think would take his own life.' Since her brother's death, Shirley has become an ardent campaigner for mental health awareness, even setting up charity The Ballas Foundation with her son Mark. Shirley was said to have felt 'overwhelming grief' when her brother David took his own life in 2003. Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) stands united against suicide with everyone in the UK. The campaign is led through vital, life-saving support, impactful conversations and collective action. If youre struggling, talk to CALM on 0800 58 58 58 (UK) or through our webchat. Our trained support workers are available from 5 pm to midnight every day to provide practical support and advice, whatever youre going through. To find out more about CALM , our services or for support or advice visit www.thecalmzone.net. Guy Pelly is no stranger to a Royal wedding after all, he organised best friend William's stag-do. But now Guy, 41, who is Prince Louis' godfather, is hosting ceremonies at the vineyard in Virginia he owns with Holiday Inn heiress wife, Lizzy Wilson. Pelly, pictured below at the site with American Lizzy, tells me: 'It took us a while to come around to the idea. But we have a beautiful farm and we want to share that. 'So whereas we might not be thrilled at the thought of hearing Sweet Caroline every Saturday night from our back porch, we realise we are hosting the biggest day of two people's lives. And that feels good!' Couples are charged 10,000 for a wedding package but I wonder if the events will be as star-studded as Guy's own big day? His guest list included William, Prince Harry and Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie. Guy Pelly (left), 41, who is Prince Louis' godfather, is hosting ceremonies at the vineyard in Virginia he owns with Holiday Inn heiress wife, Lizzy Wilson (right) Prince Harry at the Memphis wedding of his and William's friend Guy Pelly to Lizzie Wilson in 2014 The late Queen's youngest granddaughter Lady Louise Are Royal titles becoming a thing of the past? First Prince Harry had his HRH removed from the Royal Family website last week and now I hear that Lady Louise Windsor would like to drop hers too. I'm told Lady Louise, 19, has told her parents, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, that she doesn't want to use the Royal prefix. Sources say the late Queen's youngest granddaughter, left, made the decision shortly after turning 18 the age when Royals choose if they want to use the title. Lady Louise is currently studying English at the University of St Andrews, the alma mater of the Prince and Princess of Wales. Ellie Bamber with friend Jasper Conran The heat is on for Ellie Going on a summer holiday can be a challenge, especially if you are fair-skinned like Ellie Bamber. Sharing snaps of a trip to Spain's Costa Brava, The Trial Of Christine Keeler actress joked: 'Never enough Factor 50.' But it seems Ellie, 26, who is due to star as Kate Moss in an upcoming biopic about the Croydon supermodel's relationship with artist Lucian Freud, is determined to get her fix of Vitamin D. She has also been to Tangier's luxury Villa Mabrouka hotel with her close friend, designer Jasper Conran, pictured right. Former Made In Chelsea star Spencer Matthews, 35, says he has to put his parents back in their place when they accuse him of being 'too Eton'. Chatting on his Big Fish podcast with the school's headmaster Simon Henderson, Spencer says: 'I have to remind them that they're the ones who sent me there!' GW&K Investment Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Alamo Group Inc. (NYSE:ALG Free Report) by 0.2% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 331,576 shares of the industrial products companys stock after buying an additional 654 shares during the period. GW&K Investment Management LLC owned approximately 2.76% of Alamo Group worth $61,063,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in ALG. FMR LLC increased its holdings in shares of Alamo Group by 17.4% during the 2nd quarter. FMR LLC now owns 701 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $81,000 after buying an additional 104 shares during the last quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors boosted its position in Alamo Group by 30.1% during the 1st quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 964 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $139,000 after purchasing an additional 223 shares during the period. KBC Group NV boosted its position in Alamo Group by 10.7% during the 1st quarter. KBC Group NV now owns 877 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $162,000 after purchasing an additional 85 shares during the period. Vaughan David Investments LLC IL purchased a new stake in Alamo Group during the 4th quarter worth $212,000. Finally, Macquarie Group Ltd. boosted its position in Alamo Group by 539.9% during the 2nd quarter. Macquarie Group Ltd. now owns 1,894 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $220,000 after purchasing an additional 1,598 shares during the period. 91.07% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Alamo Group alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of brokerages recently weighed in on ALG. Raymond James decreased their price target on shares of Alamo Group from $220.00 to $210.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Friday, August 4th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Alamo Group in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a buy rating for the company. Finally, DA Davidson upped their price objective on shares of Alamo Group from $208.00 to $212.00 in a research report on Thursday, June 8th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Buy and an average price target of $205.67. Insider Activity In other news, CFO Richard J. Wehrle sold 1,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, June 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $182.28, for a total value of $273,420.00. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 25,723 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,688,788.44. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. In related news, CFO Richard J. Wehrle sold 1,500 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, June 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $182.28, for a total transaction of $273,420.00. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 25,723 shares in the company, valued at $4,688,788.44. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, CFO Richard J. Wehrle sold 1,166 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, June 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $183.57, for a total transaction of $214,042.62. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 27,057 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,966,853.49. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Company insiders own 2.30% of the companys stock. Alamo Group Stock Down 1.1 % NYSE:ALG traded down $1.95 on Friday, reaching $174.86. The stock had a trading volume of 21,549 shares, compared to its average volume of 57,760. The stock has a market cap of $2.10 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.78 and a beta of 1.01. The company has a 50-day moving average of $185.87 and a 200 day moving average of $176.94. The company has a current ratio of 4.06, a quick ratio of 2.34 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38. Alamo Group Inc. has a 12-month low of $118.73 and a 12-month high of $200.81. Alamo Group Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, August 1st. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, July 18th were paid a $0.22 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, July 17th. This represents a $0.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.50%. Alamo Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 8.45%. About Alamo Group (Free Report) Alamo Group Inc designs, manufactures, distributes, and services vegetation management and infrastructure maintenance equipment for governmental, industrial, and agricultural uses worldwide. It operates through two segments, Vegetation Management and Industrial Equipment. Its Vegetation Management Division segment offers hydraulically-powered and tractor and off-road chassis mounted mowers, other cutters and replacement parts for heavy-duty and intensive uses and heavy duty, tractor- and truck-mounted mowing and vegetation maintenance equipment, and replacement parts. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ALG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Alamo Group Inc. (NYSE:ALG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Alamo Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Alamo Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Associated Banc Corp increased its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Free Report) by 0.8% during the first quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 160,818 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after buying an additional 1,237 shares during the period. Associated Banc Corps holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $16,284,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). A number of other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of ABT. Capital Investment Advisory Services LLC lifted its position in Abbott Laboratories by 4.0% during the first quarter. Capital Investment Advisory Services LLC now owns 14,110 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $1,429,000 after purchasing an additional 545 shares during the period. Prudential PLC lifted its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 20.1% during the 4th quarter. Prudential PLC now owns 136,388 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $14,974,000 after buying an additional 22,858 shares during the period. Allworth Financial LP bought a new stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories in the first quarter worth $3,107,000. Foster Victor Wealth Advisors LLC increased its position in Abbott Laboratories by 18.4% during the first quarter. Foster Victor Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 11,040 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $1,135,000 after acquiring an additional 1,718 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Glenview Trust co lifted its holdings in Abbott Laboratories by 1.2% in the first quarter. Glenview Trust co now owns 85,463 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $8,654,000 after acquiring an additional 1,014 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 73.08% of the companys stock. Get Abbott Laboratories alerts: Insider Transactions at Abbott Laboratories In other Abbott Laboratories news, EVP Andrea F. Wainer sold 10,400 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $105.03, for a total value of $1,092,312.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 65,027 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,829,785.81. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In related news, Director Daniel J. Starks sold 50,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, July 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $113.76, for a total value of $5,688,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 6,775,316 shares of the companys stock, valued at $770,759,948.16. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, EVP Andrea F. Wainer sold 10,400 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $105.03, for a total value of $1,092,312.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 65,027 shares in the company, valued at approximately $6,829,785.81. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Company insiders own 1.10% of the companys stock. Abbott Laboratories Price Performance Shares of Abbott Laboratories stock traded up $0.57 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $105.31. The companys stock had a trading volume of 3,477,062 shares, compared to its average volume of 5,041,118. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.39, a current ratio of 1.64 and a quick ratio of 1.16. Abbott Laboratories has a one year low of $93.25 and a one year high of $115.83. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $107.30 and a 200-day moving average price of $106.08. The stock has a market cap of $182.75 billion, a P/E ratio of 35.48, a P/E/G ratio of 4.70 and a beta of 0.67. Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, July 20th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.08 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.05 by $0.03. Abbott Laboratories had a return on equity of 20.50% and a net margin of 12.83%. The firm had revenue of $9.98 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $9.71 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $1.43 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 11.4% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts predict that Abbott Laboratories will post 4.4 EPS for the current year. Abbott Laboratories Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, August 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, July 14th will be paid a dividend of $0.51 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, July 13th. This represents a $2.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.94%. Abbott Laboratoriess dividend payout ratio is 69.62%. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Citigroup raised their price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $125.00 to $130.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, April 19th. Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an equal weight rating and issued a $112.00 target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a report on Friday, July 21st. Wolfe Research raised Abbott Laboratories from an underperform rating to a peer perform rating in a report on Friday, July 21st. Mizuho lifted their price objective on Abbott Laboratories from $110.00 to $115.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, July 21st. Finally, Sanford C. Bernstein increased their target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $132.00 to $133.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, April 20th. Six analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $120.82. Read Our Latest Analysis on ABT About Abbott Laboratories (Free Report) Abbott Laboratories, together with its subsidiaries, discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells health care products worldwide. It operates in four segments: Established Pharmaceutical Products, Diagnostic Products, Nutritional Products, and Medical Devices. The Established Pharmaceutical Products segment provides generic pharmaceuticals for the treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, irritable bowel syndrome or biliary spasm, intrahepatic cholestasis or depressive symptoms, gynecological disorder, hormone replacement therapy, dyslipidemia, hypertension, hypothyroidism, Meniere's disease and vestibular vertigo, pain, fever, inflammation, and migraine, as well as provides anti-infective clarithromycin, influenza vaccine, and products to regulate physiological rhythm of the colon. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ABT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Abbott Laboratories Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Abbott Laboratories and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bigelow Investment Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEARCA:VWO Free Report) by 52.6% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 36,683 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after acquiring an additional 12,641 shares during the quarter. Bigelow Investment Advisors LLCs holdings in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF were worth $1,482,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Thomasville National Bank boosted its stake in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 3.6% in the 1st quarter. Thomasville National Bank now owns 7,120 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $288,000 after purchasing an additional 250 shares in the last quarter. Albion Financial Group UT boosted its stake in shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 39.5% during the 4th quarter. Albion Financial Group UT now owns 907 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $35,000 after acquiring an additional 257 shares in the last quarter. Atlas Brown Inc. increased its stake in shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 5.0% in the 1st quarter. Atlas Brown Inc. now owns 5,563 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $225,000 after purchasing an additional 263 shares in the last quarter. Arbor Trust Wealth Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 1.0% in the first quarter. Arbor Trust Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 27,335 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,104,000 after buying an additional 280 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Phillips Financial Management LLC raised its position in shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 0.9% during the 1st quarter. Phillips Financial Management LLC now owns 33,244 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,343,000 after purchasing an additional 283 shares during the last quarter. Get Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF alerts: Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF Stock Down 1.4 % Shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF stock traded down $0.59 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $40.84. The stock had a trading volume of 8,667,765 shares, compared to its average volume of 10,082,148. The firm has a market cap of $73.10 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.00 and a beta of 0.69. Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF has a 12-month low of $34.88 and a 12-month high of $43.22. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $41.31 and a two-hundred day moving average of $40.68. Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF Company Profile The Fund seeks to track the performance of the FTSE Emerging Markets All Cap China A Inclusion Index, that measures the return of stocks issued by companies located in emerging market countries. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding VWO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEARCA:VWO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. GW&K Investment Management LLC grew its position in shares of Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Co. (NYSE:BAH Free Report) by 0.9% during the first quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 1,150,482 shares of the business services providers stock after acquiring an additional 10,090 shares during the quarter. Booz Allen Hamilton accounts for approximately 1.0% of GW&K Investment Management LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 7th largest holding. GW&K Investment Management LLC owned about 0.87% of Booz Allen Hamilton worth $106,638,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of BAH. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD boosted its holdings in shares of Booz Allen Hamilton by 1.5% in the 4th quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 10,739,695 shares of the business services providers stock worth $1,122,513,000 after buying an additional 159,101 shares during the last quarter. Morgan Stanley raised its stake in Booz Allen Hamilton by 312.6% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 5,079,195 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $530,878,000 after acquiring an additional 3,848,242 shares during the period. State Street Corp raised its stake in Booz Allen Hamilton by 1.5% in the 3rd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 2,963,488 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $273,678,000 after acquiring an additional 43,441 shares during the period. 1832 Asset Management L.P. raised its stake in Booz Allen Hamilton by 10.4% in the 4th quarter. 1832 Asset Management L.P. now owns 2,900,583 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $303,169,000 after acquiring an additional 273,441 shares during the period. Finally, WCM Investment Management LLC raised its stake in Booz Allen Hamilton by 24,218.2% in the 4th quarter. WCM Investment Management LLC now owns 2,711,482 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $283,404,000 after acquiring an additional 2,700,332 shares during the period. 89.45% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Booz Allen Hamilton alerts: Booz Allen Hamilton Price Performance BAH traded down $0.02 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $120.67. The stock had a trading volume of 1,261,415 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,000,824. The company has a market cap of $15.81 billion, a P/E ratio of 54.61, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.38 and a beta of 0.61. The business has a fifty day moving average of $112.31 and a 200 day moving average of $100.72. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.71, a quick ratio of 1.21 and a current ratio of 1.21. Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Co. has a 1 year low of $87.99 and a 1 year high of $125.19. Booz Allen Hamilton Announces Dividend Booz Allen Hamilton ( NYSE:BAH Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Friday, May 26th. The business services provider reported $1.01 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.92 by $0.09. The business had revenue of $2.43 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.39 billion. Booz Allen Hamilton had a return on equity of 58.40% and a net margin of 3.05%. Booz Allen Hamiltons revenue for the quarter was up 8.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $0.86 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Co. will post 5.03 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, August 31st. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, August 15th will be paid a dividend of $0.47 per share. This represents a $1.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.56%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, August 14th. Booz Allen Hamiltons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 85.07%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several brokerages have recently weighed in on BAH. Truist Financial upped their price target on Booz Allen Hamilton from $106.00 to $120.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Monday, July 31st. TD Cowen upped their price target on Booz Allen Hamilton from $123.00 to $144.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, July 31st. StockNews.com started coverage on Booz Allen Hamilton in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Bank of America upped their price objective on shares of Booz Allen Hamilton from $105.00 to $110.00 in a research report on Wednesday, June 7th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus upped their price objective on shares of Booz Allen Hamilton from $125.00 to $127.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, July 28th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Booz Allen Hamilton presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $119.00. Read Our Latest Research Report on Booz Allen Hamilton Insider Activity In other news, CEO Horacio Rozanski sold 44,690 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, June 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $108.37, for a total transaction of $4,843,055.30. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 630,511 shares of the companys stock, valued at $68,328,477.07. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. In related news, CEO Horacio Rozanski sold 44,690 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, June 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $108.37, for a total transaction of $4,843,055.30. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 630,511 shares in the company, valued at $68,328,477.07. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Susan L. Penfield sold 22,600 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, May 31st. The shares were sold at an average price of $100.78, for a total value of $2,277,628.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 19,793 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,994,738.54. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 120,920 shares of company stock valued at $13,140,062. 1.76% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Booz Allen Hamilton Company Profile (Free Report) Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation provides management and technology consulting, analytics, engineering, digital solutions, mission operations, and cyber services to governments, corporations, and not-for-profit organizations in the United States and internationally. It also focuses on artificial intelligence services comprising of machine learning, predictive modeling, automation and decision analytics, and quantum computing. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Booz Allen Hamilton Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Booz Allen Hamilton and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Vecima Networks (OTCMKTS:VNWTF Get Free Report) is one of 70 publicly-traded companies in the Communication Equipment industry, but how does it compare to its competitors? We will compare Vecima Networks to related businesses based on the strength of its valuation, profitability, institutional ownership, earnings, dividends, risk and analyst recommendations. Institutional & Insider Ownership 0.3% of Vecima Networks shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 20.5% of shares of all Communication Equipment companies are owned by institutional investors. 27.3% of shares of all Communication Equipment companies are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. Get Vecima Networks alerts: Profitability This table compares Vecima Networks and its competitors net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Vecima Networks N/A N/A N/A Vecima Networks Competitors -90.31% -40.53% -7.49% Dividends Earnings and Valuation Vecima Networks pays an annual dividend of $0.05 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.3%. Vecima Networks pays out 4.3% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, Communication Equipment companies pay a dividend yield of 0.6% and pay out 15.8% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. This table compares Vecima Networks and its competitors top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Vecima Networks N/A N/A 12.47 Vecima Networks Competitors $161.84 million -$10.19 million 138.37 Vecima Networks competitors have higher revenue, but lower earnings than Vecima Networks. Vecima Networks 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. Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of recent ratings and recommmendations for Vecima Networks and its competitors, as provided by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Vecima Networks 0 0 0 0 N/A Vecima Networks Competitors 63 579 955 6 2.56 Vecima Networks currently has a consensus target price of $30.50, indicating a potential upside of 136.07%. As a group, Communication Equipment companies have a potential upside of 174.79%. Given Vecima Networks competitors higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Vecima Networks has less favorable growth aspects than its competitors. Summary Vecima Networks competitors beat Vecima Networks on 6 of the 10 factors compared. About Vecima Networks (Get Free Report) Vecima Networks Inc. engages in the development of integrated hardware and software solutions for broadband access, content delivery, and telematics. The company operates through three segments: Video and Broadband Solutions, Content Delivery and Storage, and Telematics. The Video and Broadband Solutions segment offers platforms that process data from the cable network and deliver high-speed internet connectivity to homes over cable and fiber, as well as adapt video services. Its principal products include Terrace and TerraceQAM, which are designed to meet the needs of the business services verticals, such as multi-unit dwellings, hotels, motels, and resorts; and Entra distributed access architecture platform comprising EntraPHY, EntraMAC, EntraOptical, EntraControl, and EntraVideo that addresses the network migration to a distributed access architecture. The Content Delivery and Storage segment offers solutions and software for service providers and content owners that focus on ingesting, producing, storing, delivering, and streaming video for live linear, video on demand, network digital video recorder, and time-shifted services over the internet under the MediaScale brand. The Telematics segment provides information and analytics for fleet managers to manage their mobile and fixed assets under the Contigo, Nero Global Tracking, and FleetLynx brands. The company also offers optical access nodes, Terrace TC600E, Terrace IQ, Entra FPXT-B, Entra access controller, Entra access switch, Entra Remote PHY Monitor, Entra Video QAM Manager, MediaScale Origin, MediaScale storage, and MediaScale transcode. In addition, it provides engineering and consultation services; lifecycle program management; installation and commission; training and certification; workforce optimization; and operations and customer support services. The company was incorporated in 1988 and is headquartered in Victoria, Canada. Vecima Networks Inc. is a subsidiary of 684739 B.C. Ltd. Receive News & Ratings for Vecima Networks Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vecima Networks and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Curtiss-Wright (NYSE:CW Free Report) from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note published on Tuesday. Several other research analysts have also recently commented on CW. Robert W. Baird raised their target price on Curtiss-Wright from $200.00 to $228.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, August 4th. William Blair started coverage on Curtiss-Wright in a report on Friday, May 19th. They set an outperform rating for the company. Truist Financial upped their price target on shares of Curtiss-Wright from $190.00 to $211.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, July 21st. Morgan Stanley upgraded shares of Curtiss-Wright from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and upped their price target for the stock from $188.00 to $229.00 in a research report on Monday, August 7th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus upped their price target on shares of Curtiss-Wright from $200.00 to $204.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 19th. Six analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Curtiss-Wright currently has an average rating of Buy and an average price target of $208.40. Get Curtiss-Wright alerts: Read Our Latest Report on Curtiss-Wright Curtiss-Wright Trading Up 1.2 % Shares of Curtiss-Wright stock opened at $207.20 on Tuesday. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $185.58 and its 200-day simple moving average is $175.20. The company has a market cap of $7.94 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.93 and a beta of 1.26. The company has a current ratio of 2.11, a quick ratio of 1.36 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.55. Curtiss-Wright has a 1 year low of $136.21 and a 1 year high of $209.00. Curtiss-Wright (NYSE:CW Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, August 2nd. The aerospace company reported $2.15 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.97 by $0.18. The firm had revenue of $704.40 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $648.77 million. Curtiss-Wright had a return on equity of 16.58% and a net margin of 11.77%. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Curtiss-Wright will post 9.09 EPS for the current year. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Curtiss-Wright news, VP John C. Watts sold 224 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, August 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $207.63, for a total transaction of $46,509.12. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now directly owns 3,523 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $731,480.49. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other news, VP John C. Watts sold 224 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, August 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $207.63, for a total value of $46,509.12. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now directly owns 3,523 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $731,480.49. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, Director David Charles Adams sold 4,660 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, July 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $190.00, for a total value of $885,400.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 41,559 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,896,210. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders bought 219 shares of company stock valued at $34,039 and sold 6,948 shares valued at $1,324,069. Company insiders own 0.67% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of Curtiss-Wright A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of CW. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Curtiss-Wright in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $212,009,000. BlackRock Inc. grew its position in shares of Curtiss-Wright by 18.8% in the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 4,300,543 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $645,770,000 after purchasing an additional 680,850 shares during the period. Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of Curtiss-Wright in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $67,673,000. Wellington Management Group LLP grew its position in shares of Curtiss-Wright by 31.7% in the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 1,418,113 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $249,957,000 after purchasing an additional 341,470 shares during the period. Finally, Brown Advisory Inc. grew its position in shares of Curtiss-Wright by 121.4% in the 2nd quarter. Brown Advisory Inc. now owns 556,447 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $102,197,000 after purchasing an additional 305,112 shares during the period. 81.31% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. About Curtiss-Wright (Get Free Report) Curtiss-Wright Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides engineered products, solutions, and services to the aerospace, defense, general industrial, and power generation markets worldwide. It operates through three segments: Aerospace & Industrial, Defense Electronics, and Naval & Power. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Curtiss-Wright Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Curtiss-Wright and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ING Groep NV increased its position in Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN Free Report) by 94.9% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 331,599 shares of the information technology services providers stock after purchasing an additional 161,500 shares during the period. Accenture makes up 0.9% of ING Groep NVs investment portfolio, making the stock its 23rd largest holding. ING Groep NV owned about 0.05% of Accenture worth $94,774,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. 1776 Wealth LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Accenture by 4.4% in the 1st quarter. 1776 Wealth LLC now owns 1,894 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $541,000 after purchasing an additional 80 shares in the last quarter. Mather Group LLC. lifted its stake in Accenture by 121.9% during the 1st quarter. Mather Group LLC. now owns 8,713 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $2,490,000 after acquiring an additional 4,786 shares in the last quarter. Associated Banc Corp lifted its stake in Accenture by 8.8% during the 1st quarter. Associated Banc Corp now owns 1,153 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $330,000 after acquiring an additional 93 shares in the last quarter. Griffin Asset Management Inc. lifted its stake in Accenture by 28.4% during the 1st quarter. Griffin Asset Management Inc. now owns 3,651 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $1,043,000 after acquiring an additional 807 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Wedbush Securities Inc. lifted its stake in Accenture by 5.5% during the 1st quarter. Wedbush Securities Inc. now owns 4,774 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $1,364,000 after acquiring an additional 247 shares in the last quarter. 73.00% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Accenture alerts: Accenture Trading Down 0.4 % Shares of ACN traded down $1.36 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $309.05. 1,351,186 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 2,407,479. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $312.49 and its 200-day simple moving average is $289.12. The stock has a market cap of $205.41 billion, a PE ratio of 27.66, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.83 and a beta of 1.23. Accenture plc has a 12 month low of $242.80 and a 12 month high of $327.93. Accenture Announces Dividend Accenture ( NYSE:ACN Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Thursday, June 22nd. The information technology services provider reported $3.19 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.96 by $0.23. The company had revenue of $16.56 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $16.49 billion. Accenture had a return on equity of 30.47% and a net margin of 11.28%. Accentures quarterly revenue was up 2.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $2.79 EPS. As a group, analysts expect that Accenture plc will post 11.59 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, August 15th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, July 13th will be paid a $1.12 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, July 12th. This represents a $4.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.45%. Accentures dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 39.93%. Insider Activity In other news, General Counsel Joel Unruch sold 7,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, July 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $320.60, for a total transaction of $2,244,200.00. Following the transaction, the general counsel now directly owns 36,034 shares of the companys stock, valued at $11,552,500.40. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. In related news, General Counsel Joel Unruch sold 7,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, July 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $320.60, for a total value of $2,244,200.00. Following the sale, the general counsel now directly owns 36,034 shares of the companys stock, valued at $11,552,500.40. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, insider Ellyn Shook sold 5,250 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, July 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $315.00, for a total value of $1,653,750.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 21,958 shares in the company, valued at $6,916,770. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 25,774 shares of company stock valued at $8,138,451. Company insiders own 0.08% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities research analysts have recently issued reports on ACN shares. Piper Jaffray Companies decreased their target price on Accenture from $316.00 to $314.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Friday, June 23rd. Morgan Stanley decreased their target price on Accenture from $350.00 to $340.00 in a research report on Friday, June 23rd. TD Cowen lowered Accenture from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and decreased their price objective for the stock from $325.00 to $300.00 in a report on Friday, June 23rd. BMO Capital Markets lowered Accenture from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a report on Thursday, August 3rd. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lifted their price objective on Accenture from $292.00 to $377.00 in a report on Friday, June 9th. Eight research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $329.20. Read Our Latest Analysis on ACN Accenture Company Profile (Free Report) Accenture plc, a professional services company, provides strategy and consulting, interactive, industry X, song, and technology and operation services worldwide. The company offers application services, including agile transformation, DevOps, application modernization, enterprise architecture, software and quality engineering, data management, intelligent automation comprises robotic process automation, natural language processing, and virtual agents, and application management services, as well as software engineering services; strategy and consulting services; data and analytics strategy, data discovery and augmentation, data management and beyond, data democratization, and industrialized solutions comprises turnkey analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions; metaverse; and sustainability services. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Accenture Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Accenture and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ING Groep NV acquired a new position in NRG Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NRG Free Report) in the first quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund acquired 3,335,944 shares of the utilities providers stock, valued at approximately $114,390,000. NRG Energy accounts for approximately 1.1% of ING Groep NVs holdings, making the stock its 17th largest holding. A number of other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in NRG. Simplicity Solutions LLC raised its stake in NRG Energy by 24.2% in the 1st quarter. Simplicity Solutions LLC now owns 8,092 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $277,000 after acquiring an additional 1,579 shares during the last quarter. Horizon Investment Services LLC raised its stake in NRG Energy by 25.9% in the 4th quarter. Horizon Investment Services LLC now owns 8,536 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $272,000 after acquiring an additional 1,757 shares during the last quarter. Korea Investment CORP raised its stake in NRG Energy by 79.5% in the 4th quarter. Korea Investment CORP now owns 161,431 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $5,137,000 after acquiring an additional 71,518 shares during the last quarter. West Oak Capital LLC raised its stake in shares of NRG Energy by 233.3% during the 1st quarter. West Oak Capital LLC now owns 1,000 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $34,000 after buying an additional 700 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Teacher Retirement System of Texas raised its stake in shares of NRG Energy by 43.7% during the 4th quarter. Teacher Retirement System of Texas now owns 253,894 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $8,079,000 after buying an additional 77,218 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 98.27% of the companys stock. Get NRG Energy alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities analysts have weighed in on NRG shares. StockNews.com started coverage on NRG Energy in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They set a sell rating for the company. Morgan Stanley lifted their price objective on NRG Energy from $39.00 to $40.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Thursday, April 20th. Bank of America lifted their price target on NRG Energy from $43.00 to $46.00 in a research note on Thursday, July 20th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets lifted their price target on NRG Energy from $45.00 to $46.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research note on Wednesday. Two equities 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 companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $44.00. NRG Energy Price Performance NRG stock traded down $0.27 during trading on Friday, hitting $36.67. The stock had a trading volume of 2,382,996 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,534,790. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.00, a current ratio of 1.02 and a quick ratio of 0.92. NRG Energy, Inc. has a twelve month low of $30.25 and a twelve month high of $45.80. The stock has a market capitalization of $8.40 billion, a P/E ratio of -4.15, a PEG ratio of 1.98 and a beta of 1.04. The companys 50-day moving average price is $36.46 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $34.59. NRG Energy (NYSE:NRG Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, August 8th. The utilities provider reported $1.25 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.47 by ($1.22). NRG Energy had a positive return on equity of 25.82% and a negative net margin of 6.75%. The firm had revenue of $6.35 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $7.73 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $0.33 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was down 12.8% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts predict that NRG Energy, Inc. will post 4.66 EPS for the current fiscal year. NRG Energy Increases Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, August 15th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, August 1st will be issued a dividend of $0.3775 per share. This is a boost from NRG Energys previous quarterly dividend of $0.38. This represents a $1.51 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.12%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, July 31st. NRG Energys payout ratio is currently -17.08%. NRG Energy Company Profile (Free Report) NRG Energy, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an integrated power company in the United States. It operates through Texas, East, and West segments. The company is involved in producing and selling electricity and related products and services to approximately residential, commercial, industrial, and wholesale customers. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding NRG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for NRG Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NRG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for NRG Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for NRG Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Investment House LLC lessened its stake in Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) by 2.1% in the first quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 50,790 shares of the companys stock after selling 1,093 shares during the quarter. Eli Lilly and Company makes up approximately 1.4% of Investment House LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 20th biggest position. Investment House LLCs holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $17,442,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of LLY. Norges Bank bought a new stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company in the 4th quarter worth approximately $3,416,206,000. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 102,752.2% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 5,446,026 shares of the companys stock worth $1,992,374,000 after acquiring an additional 5,440,731 shares during the last quarter. Morgan Stanley lifted its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 44.1% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 12,059,204 shares of the companys stock worth $4,411,740,000 after acquiring an additional 3,691,436 shares during the last quarter. Mizuho Markets Americas LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 2,882.6% in the 1st quarter. Mizuho Markets Americas LLC now owns 1,765,702 shares of the companys stock worth $18,090,000 after acquiring an additional 1,706,502 shares during the last quarter. Finally, T. Rowe Price Investment Management Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company in the 4th quarter worth approximately $445,944,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 87.25% of the companys stock. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Eli Lilly and Company Stock Up 1.3 % Shares of Eli Lilly and Company stock traded up $6.94 during trading on Friday, hitting $528.28. The companys stock had a trading volume of 2,512,639 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,075,902. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.63, a quick ratio of 1.02 and a current ratio of 1.13. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $456.86 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $397.27. The company has a market capitalization of $501.49 billion, a PE ratio of 73.42, a P/E/G ratio of 2.06 and a beta of 0.35. Eli Lilly and Company has a 52 week low of $296.32 and a 52 week high of $538.00. Eli Lilly and Company Dividend Announcement Eli Lilly and Company ( NYSE:LLY Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 8th. The company reported $2.11 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.98 by $0.13. The company had revenue of $8.31 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $7.58 billion. Eli Lilly and Company had a net margin of 22.01% and a return on equity of 65.00%. Eli Lilly and Companys quarterly revenue was up 28.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the business earned $1.25 EPS. Equities research analysts predict that Eli Lilly and Company will post 9.93 earnings per share for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 8th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, August 15th will be paid a dividend of $1.13 per share. The ex-dividend date is Monday, August 14th. This represents a $4.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.86%. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio is currently 62.87%. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of research firms recently commented on LLY. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $510.00 to $600.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday. StockNews.com lowered shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report on Monday, June 12th. Barclays upped their price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $500.00 to $590.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday. 22nd Century Group reiterated a maintains rating on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a report on Tuesday, June 27th. Finally, Morgan Stanley upped their price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $560.00 to $617.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has given a hold rating and nineteen have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $517.00. Get Our Latest Stock Report on LLY Insider Buying and Selling at Eli Lilly and Company In other Eli Lilly and Company news, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 204,409 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $523.74, for a total transaction of $107,057,169.66. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 100,823,810 shares in the company, valued at approximately $52,805,462,249.40. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other news, EVP Patrik Jonsson sold 6,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, June 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $429.46, for a total transaction of $2,576,760.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 36,941 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $15,864,681.86. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 204,409 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $523.74, for a total transaction of $107,057,169.66. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 100,823,810 shares in the company, valued at approximately $52,805,462,249.40. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders sold 755,017 shares of company stock worth $357,815,036. 0.13% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Eli Lilly and Company Profile (Free Report) Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. It offers Basaglar, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, insulin lispro protamine, insulin lispro mix 75/25, Humulin, Humulin 70/30, Humulin N, Humulin R, and Humulin U-500 for diabetes; and Jardiance, Trajenta, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LLY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Eli Lilly and Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eli Lilly and Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO Get Free Report) posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday. The company reported $1.26 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.34 by ($0.08), Zacks reports. The business had revenue of $7.93 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $8.44 billion. Novo Nordisk A/S had a net margin of 32.53% and a return on equity of 77.39%. Novo Nordisk A/S updated its FY 2023 guidance to EPS. Novo Nordisk A/S Price Performance Novo Nordisk A/S stock traded down $0.57 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $181.52. The companys stock had a trading volume of 2,119,480 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,443,535. Novo Nordisk A/S has a fifty-two week low of $95.02 and a fifty-two week high of $192.18. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.30, a quick ratio of 0.67 and a current ratio of 0.86. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $160.82 and its 200 day simple moving average is $156.00. The firm has a market capitalization of $407.29 billion, a PE ratio of 47.88, a P/E/G ratio of 1.62 and a beta of 0.46. Get Novo Nordisk A/S alerts: Novo Nordisk A/S shares are set to split on Wednesday, September 20th. The 2-1 split was announced on Wednesday, September 20th. The newly created shares will be issued to shareholders after the market closes on Wednesday, September 20th. Novo Nordisk A/S Cuts Dividend Institutional Inflows and Outflows The firm also recently announced a semi-annual dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, August 29th. Shareholders of record on Monday, August 21st will be issued a $0.8836 dividend. This represents a yield of 0.8%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, August 18th. Novo Nordisk A/Ss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 44.47%. Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC increased its position in Novo Nordisk A/S by 165.3% during the 1st quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 199 shares of the companys stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 124 shares in the last quarter. Worth Asset Management LLC purchased a new stake in Novo Nordisk A/S in the 1st quarter valued at about $32,000. Fortis Capital Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Novo Nordisk A/S in the 4th quarter valued at about $42,000. Resurgent Financial Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Novo Nordisk A/S in the 4th quarter valued at about $123,000. Finally, SRS Capital Advisors Inc. grew its holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S by 9.6% in the 1st quarter. SRS Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 1,060 shares of the companys stock valued at $169,000 after buying an additional 93 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 6.30% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of analysts have weighed in on NVO shares. HSBC initiated coverage on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in a report on Friday, July 14th. They set a buy rating on the stock. DNB Markets downgraded Novo Nordisk A/S from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday. StockNews.com started coverage on Novo Nordisk A/S in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a strong-buy rating for the company. Finally, Credit Suisse Group raised Novo Nordisk A/S from a neutral rating to an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, April 13th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, three have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Novo Nordisk A/S currently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $383.33. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on NVO About Novo Nordisk A/S (Get Free Report) Novo Nordisk A/S, a healthcare company, engages in the research, development, manufacture, and marketing of pharmaceutical products worldwide. It operates in two segments, Diabetes and Obesity care, and Rare Disease. The Diabetes and Obesity care segment provides products in the areas of insulins, GLP-1 and related delivery systems, oral antidiabetic products, obesity, glucagon, needles, and other chronic diseases. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Novo Nordisk A/S Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Novo Nordisk A/S and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wedbush Securities Inc. reduced its stake in Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:CRM Free Report) by 14.0% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 32,406 shares of the CRM providers stock after selling 5,256 shares during the period. Wedbush Securities Inc.s holdings in Salesforce were worth $6,474,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS lifted its position in shares of Salesforce by 0.3% in the 1st quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS now owns 169,525 shares of the CRM providers stock valued at $33,868,000 after acquiring an additional 491 shares in the last quarter. Vestmark Advisory Solutions Inc. lifted its position in Salesforce by 4.2% in the 1st quarter. Vestmark Advisory Solutions Inc. now owns 32,186 shares of the CRM providers stock worth $6,430,000 after buying an additional 1,290 shares in the last quarter. Mondrian Investment Partners LTD boosted its position in Salesforce by 60.5% during the first quarter. Mondrian Investment Partners LTD now owns 1,887 shares of the CRM providers stock valued at $377,000 after purchasing an additional 711 shares during the last quarter. GS Investments Inc. grew its stake in shares of Salesforce by 13.6% in the 1st quarter. GS Investments Inc. now owns 8,733 shares of the CRM providers stock valued at $1,745,000 after buying an additional 1,047 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Blackhawk Capital Partners LLC. acquired a new position in Salesforce in the first quarter worth approximately $1,370,000. Institutional investors own 81.13% of the companys stock. Get Salesforce alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities research analysts have issued reports on the company. Wells Fargo & Company upped their target price on Salesforce from $225.00 to $250.00 in a research report on Tuesday, May 30th. BMO Capital Markets boosted their target price on shares of Salesforce from $245.00 to $255.00 in a research note on Wednesday, July 12th. Morgan Stanley cut shares of Salesforce from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and lifted their target price for the company from $251.00 to $278.00 in a research note on Monday, July 31st. Royal Bank of Canada increased their price target on Salesforce from $225.00 to $240.00 in a research report on Thursday, June 1st. Finally, Evercore ISI lifted their price objective on Salesforce from $230.00 to $240.00 in a research report on Thursday, June 1st. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, fourteen have given a hold rating, twenty-three have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $224.56. Salesforce Stock Up 0.2 % Shares of NYSE:CRM traded up $0.45 during trading on Friday, reaching $208.70. 2,914,460 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 7,306,218. The firm has a market cap of $203.27 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 547.99, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.03 and a beta of 1.20. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $216.55 and a two-hundred day moving average of $197.41. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.16, a current ratio of 1.02 and a quick ratio of 1.02. Salesforce, Inc. has a 1-year low of $126.34 and a 1-year high of $238.22. Salesforce (NYSE:CRM Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, May 31st. The CRM provider reported $1.69 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.61 by $0.08. Salesforce had a net margin of 1.18% and a return on equity of 5.75%. The business had revenue of $8.25 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $8.17 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $0.41 EPS. Research analysts anticipate that Salesforce, Inc. will post 5.27 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insider Buying and Selling at Salesforce In other Salesforce news, CEO Marc Benioff sold 15,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, July 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $234.71, for a total value of $3,520,650.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 16,401,166 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,849,517,671.86. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other news, insider Parker Harris sold 1,250 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $219.27, for a total value of $274,087.50. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 100,309 shares in the company, valued at approximately $21,994,754.43. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CEO Marc Benioff sold 15,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, July 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $234.71, for a total value of $3,520,650.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 16,401,166 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,849,517,671.86. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 1,124,743 shares of company stock valued at $239,966,809 in the last quarter. 3.70% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Salesforce Profile (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. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CRM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:CRM Free Report). 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. Associated Banc Corp raised its position in Target Co. (NYSE:TGT Free Report) by 17.5% during the first quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 62,987 shares of the retailers stock after purchasing an additional 9,393 shares during the quarter. Associated Banc Corps holdings in Target were worth $10,433,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Financial Connections Group Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Target during the 4th quarter worth about $28,000. Red Tortoise LLC acquired a new position in shares of Target during the 4th quarter worth about $34,000. Penserra Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Target during the 4th quarter worth about $35,000. Luken Investment Analytics LLC acquired a new position in Target in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $39,000. Finally, WFA of San Diego LLC acquired a new position in Target in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $40,000. Institutional investors own 79.05% of the companys stock. Get Target alerts: Target Trading Up 0.1 % Target stock traded up $0.13 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $131.05. 3,792,412 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 4,203,953. The firm has a market capitalization of $60.49 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.33, a PEG ratio of 1.05 and a beta of 1.01. Target Co. has a fifty-two week low of $125.08 and a fifty-two week high of $183.89. The company has a quick ratio of 0.18, a current ratio of 0.88 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.38. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $132.56 and its 200-day simple moving average is $151.39. Target Increases Dividend Target ( NYSE:TGT Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, May 17th. The retailer reported $2.05 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.76 by $0.29. The business had revenue of $24.95 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $25.28 billion. Target had a return on equity of 24.49% and a net margin of 2.49%. The firms revenue was up .5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $2.19 EPS. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Target Co. will post 8.04 earnings per share for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Sunday, September 10th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, August 16th will be issued a dividend of $1.10 per share. This represents a $4.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.36%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, August 15th. This is a boost from Targets previous quarterly dividend of $1.08. Targets payout ratio is currently 73.59%. Insider Transactions at Target In other news, CAO Matthew A. Liegel sold 1,459 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, May 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $160.75, for a total transaction of $234,534.25. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now owns 3,748 shares in the company, valued at $602,491. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 0.23% of the companys stock. Analysts Set New Price Targets TGT has been the subject of several recent research reports. StockNews.com cut Target from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, August 3rd. Raymond James cut Target from a strong-buy rating to a market perform rating in a report on Wednesday, July 26th. Barclays decreased their price target on Target from $163.00 to $142.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Friday. Telsey Advisory Group decreased their price target on Target from $185.00 to $165.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Friday. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price target on Target from $165.00 to $135.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday. Sixteen equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Target currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $173.82. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Target Target Company Profile (Free Report) Target Corporation operates as a general merchandise retailer in the United States. The company offers apparel for women, men, boys, girls, toddlers, and infants and newborns, as well as jewelry, accessories, and shoes; and beauty and personal care, baby gear, cleaning, paper products, and pet supplies. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TGT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Target Co. (NYSE:TGT Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Target Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Target and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The GEO Group (NYSE:GEO Get Free Report) updated its FY 2023 earnings guidance on Thursday. The company provided earnings per share (EPS) guidance of $0.76-$0.89 for the period, compared to the consensus estimate of $0.93. The company issued revenue guidance of -. The GEO Group also updated its Q3 2023 guidance to EPS. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities research analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of The GEO Group in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Wedbush boosted their price objective on shares of The GEO Group from $11.00 to $12.50 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday. Get The GEO Group alerts: Get Our Latest Report on The GEO Group The GEO Group Stock Performance NYSE GEO traded down $0.02 on Friday, reaching $7.40. 2,383,372 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 2,200,671. The firm has a market cap of $932.55 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.96, a P/E/G ratio of 0.90 and a beta of 0.71. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $7.31 and a 200-day moving average price of $8.23. The GEO Group has a fifty-two week low of $6.73 and a fifty-two week high of $12.44. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.50, a quick ratio of 1.27 and a current ratio of 1.30. The GEO Group (NYSE:GEO Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, August 9th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.24 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.20 by $0.04. The company had revenue of $593.89 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $588.27 million. The GEO Group had a net margin of 5.63% and a return on equity of 11.65%. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.69 earnings per share. Equities research analysts predict that The GEO Group will post 0.82 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insider Activity at The GEO Group In other The GEO Group news, SVP James H. Black sold 12,837 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, May 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $8.36, for a total value of $107,317.32. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 155,965 shares in the company, valued at $1,303,867.40. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In other The GEO Group news, Director Scott Michael Kernan sold 4,800 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, June 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $7.50, for a total value of $36,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 17,896 shares in the company, valued at $134,220. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, SVP James H. Black sold 12,837 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, May 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $8.36, for a total transaction of $107,317.32. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 155,965 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,303,867.40. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 5.30% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. BlackRock Inc. grew its stake in The GEO Group by 9.1% during the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 19,928,438 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $157,235,000 after acquiring an additional 1,657,703 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its stake in The GEO Group by 2.0% during the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 13,853,097 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $106,668,000 after acquiring an additional 272,627 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp grew its stake in The GEO Group by 0.4% during the 3rd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 4,822,760 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $37,135,000 after acquiring an additional 19,042 shares in the last quarter. Millennium Management LLC grew its stake in The GEO Group by 45.3% during the 4th quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 4,340,088 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $47,524,000 after acquiring an additional 1,352,829 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Two Sigma Advisers LP grew its stake in The GEO Group by 3.1% during the 1st quarter. Two Sigma Advisers LP now owns 2,473,349 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $19,515,000 after acquiring an additional 74,500 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 77.03% of the companys stock. About The GEO Group (Get Free Report) The GEO Group, Inc (NYSE: GEO) is a leading diversified government service provider, specializing in design, financing, development, and support services for secure facilities, processing centers, and community reentry centers in the United States, Australia, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. GEO's diversified services include enhanced in-custody rehabilitation and post-release support through the award-winning GEO Continuum of Care, secure transportation, electronic monitoring, community-based programs, and correctional health and mental health care. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for The GEO Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The GEO Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ingalls & Snyder LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM Free Report) during the first quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund acquired 31,331 shares of the semiconductor companys stock, valued at approximately $2,914,000. Several other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in TSM. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC increased its position in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 41.3% during the first quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 3,616,495 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $336,406,000 after buying an additional 1,056,958 shares during the period. Boston Partners bought a new stake in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $2,376,000. Meiji Yasuda Asset Management Co Ltd. grew its holdings in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 20.8% during the 1st quarter. Meiji Yasuda Asset Management Co Ltd. now owns 5,136 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $478,000 after acquiring an additional 885 shares during the period. Investment House LLC raised its position in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 4.2% in the 1st quarter. Investment House LLC now owns 3,333 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $310,000 after acquiring an additional 133 shares in the last quarter. Finally, GMT Capital Corp purchased a new position in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $7,432,000. 16.41% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing alerts: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Stock Down 3.0 % NYSE:TSM traded down $2.81 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $91.99. 10,658,398 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 9,565,041. The company has a current ratio of 2.29, a quick ratio of 2.04 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $100.70 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $93.97. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited has a 1 year low of $59.43 and a 1 year high of $110.69. The stock has a market capitalization of $477.10 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.18, a P/E/G ratio of 3.29 and a beta of 1.06. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Cuts Dividend Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing ( NYSE:TSM Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 20th. The semiconductor company reported $1.14 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.07 by $0.07. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing had a return on equity of 32.82% and a net margin of 43.31%. The firm had revenue of $15.68 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $15.52 billion. Analysts predict that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited will post 4.83 earnings per share for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 11th. Investors of record on Friday, December 15th will be issued a $0.4724 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 14th. This represents a $1.89 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.05%. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings payout ratio is currently 22.94%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on the company. Susquehanna upped their price target on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $128.00 to $135.00 and gave the stock a positive rating in a research note on Friday, July 14th. Needham & Company LLC reduced their target price on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $118.00 to $115.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, July 21st. Finally, StockNews.com lowered shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, July 21st. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $108.33. Get Our Latest Analysis on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Profile (Free Report) Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, packages, tests, and sells integrated circuits and other semiconductor devices in Taiwan, China, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Japan, the United States, and internationally. It provides complementary metal oxide silicon wafer fabrication processes to manufacture logic, mixed-signal, radio frequency, and embedded memory semiconductors. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TSM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Alaska Wealth Advisors acquired a new position in iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF (NYSEARCA:IEUR Free Report) during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm acquired 2,632 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $138,000. Several other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. US Bancorp DE raised its stake in iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF by 6.8% during the 1st quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 62,259 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,261,000 after purchasing an additional 3,944 shares during the period. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd bought a new stake in iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $313,000. Barings LLC increased its stake in iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF by 473.7% in the 1st quarter. Barings LLC now owns 61,707 shares of the companys stock worth $3,232,000 after acquiring an additional 50,951 shares during the last quarter. Palisade Capital Management LP increased its stake in iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF by 22.6% in the 1st quarter. Palisade Capital Management LP now owns 7,157 shares of the companys stock worth $375,000 after acquiring an additional 1,321 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Americana Partners LLC bought a new stake in iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF in the 1st quarter worth approximately $4,833,000. Get iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF alerts: iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF Stock Performance NYSEARCA:IEUR traded down $0.44 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $52.59. The stock had a trading volume of 716,953 shares, compared to its average volume of 727,514. iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF has a 52 week low of $38.54 and a 52 week high of $54.81. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $52.69 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $52.53. The stock has a market capitalization of $4.27 billion, a PE ratio of 12.11 and a beta of 0.95. About iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF The iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF (IEUR) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI Europe IMI index, a market-cap-weighted index of developed European securities. IEUR was launched on Jun 10, 2014 and is managed by BlackRock. See Also Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Associated Banc Corp cut its stake in Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO Free Report) by 5.5% during the 1st quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 63,458 shares of the companys stock after selling 3,699 shares during the quarter. Associated Banc Corps holdings in Altria Group were worth $2,831,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Sei Investments Co. boosted its holdings in Altria Group by 1.6% in the first quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 404,894 shares of the companys stock valued at $21,248,000 after purchasing an additional 6,324 shares during the last quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Altria Group by 5.2% in the first quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 18,647 shares of the companys stock valued at $974,000 after acquiring an additional 929 shares in the last quarter. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P bought a new position in Altria Group during the 1st quarter valued at $25,000. Mackenzie Financial Corp increased its position in shares of Altria Group by 3.4% in the 1st quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 2,711,773 shares of the companys stock worth $141,690,000 after purchasing an additional 89,334 shares during the last quarter. Finally, First Western Trust Bank acquired a new stake in shares of Altria Group in the 1st quarter valued at about $498,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 58.38% of the companys stock. Get Altria Group alerts: Altria Group Stock Down 0.4 % Shares of NYSE:MO opened at $43.73 on Friday. The companys 50-day moving average price is $44.93 and its 200 day moving average price is $45.56. The company has a market cap of $77.60 billion, a PE ratio of 11.48, a P/E/G ratio of 2.35 and a beta of 0.59. Altria Group, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $40.35 and a fifty-two week high of $51.57. Altria Group Dividend Announcement Altria Group ( NYSE:MO Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, August 1st. The company reported $1.31 EPS for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $1.31. Altria Group had a negative return on equity of 225.61% and a net margin of 27.40%. The firm had revenue of $5.44 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.43 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $1.26 EPS. The firms revenue was up 1.2% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Altria Group, Inc. will post 4.99 EPS for the current year. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, July 10th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, June 15th were paid a dividend of $0.94 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, June 14th. This represents a $3.76 annualized dividend and a yield of 8.60%. Altria Groups payout ratio is 98.69%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several analysts have issued reports on MO shares. Citigroup cut their price objective on Altria Group from $49.50 to $47.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, April 17th. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Altria Group from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 4th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Altria Group presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $46.00. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Altria Group Altria Group Profile (Free Report) Altria Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells smokeable and oral tobacco products in the United States. The company provides cigarettes primarily under the Marlboro brand; cigars and pipe tobacco principally under the Black & Mild brand; moist smokeless tobacco products and snus products under the Copenhagen, Skoal, Red Seal, and Husky brands; and on! oral nicotine pouches. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Altria Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Altria Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. AR Asset Management Inc. boosted its position in shares of Bank of Hawaii Co. (NYSE:BOH Free Report) by 2.8% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 63,240 shares of the banks stock after purchasing an additional 1,740 shares during the quarter. AR Asset Management Inc.s holdings in Bank of Hawaii were worth $3,294,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Several other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of BOH. Eagle Bay Advisors LLC increased its holdings in Bank of Hawaii by 5,563.6% during the 1st quarter. Eagle Bay Advisors LLC now owns 623 shares of the banks stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 612 shares during the period. Bessemer Group Inc. increased its holdings in Bank of Hawaii by 160.9% during the 4th quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 647 shares of the banks stock worth $50,000 after purchasing an additional 399 shares during the period. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC bought a new stake in Bank of Hawaii during the 1st quarter valued at $51,000. Covestor Ltd boosted its position in Bank of Hawaii by 72.4% during the 1st quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 707 shares of the banks stock valued at $59,000 after acquiring an additional 297 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Point72 Hong Kong Ltd boosted its position in Bank of Hawaii by 27.9% during the 1st quarter. Point72 Hong Kong Ltd now owns 710 shares of the banks stock valued at $60,000 after acquiring an additional 155 shares in the last quarter. 73.72% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Bank of Hawaii alerts: Bank of Hawaii Price Performance NYSE:BOH opened at $56.13 on Friday. Bank of Hawaii Co. has a 12 month low of $30.83 and a 12 month high of $85.45. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $48.50 and a two-hundred day moving average of $53.76. The company has a current ratio of 0.73, a quick ratio of 0.73 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.49. The firm has a market cap of $2.23 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.14, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.75 and a beta of 1.03. Bank of Hawaii Announces Dividend Bank of Hawaii ( NYSE:BOH Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Monday, July 24th. The bank reported $1.12 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.11 by $0.01. The business had revenue of $243.01 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $170.52 million. Bank of Hawaii had a return on equity of 18.03% and a net margin of 23.76%. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $1.38 earnings per share. On average, analysts expect that Bank of Hawaii Co. will post 4.01 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 15th. Investors of record on Thursday, August 31st will be given a $0.70 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, August 30th. This represents a $2.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.99%. Bank of Hawaiis payout ratio is 55.56%. Insider Buying and Selling In other Bank of Hawaii news, Director Robert W. Wo, Jr. acquired 6,500 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 1st. The stock was bought at an average cost of $39.85 per share, for a total transaction of $259,025.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 42,539 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,695,179.15. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. 2.11% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of research firms have recently weighed in on BOH. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods cut Bank of Hawaii from a market perform rating to an underperform rating and set a $47.00 price objective for the company. in a research report on Tuesday, July 25th. StockNews.com upgraded Bank of Hawaii to a sell rating in a research note on Wednesday, May 31st. Odeon Capital Group started coverage on Bank of Hawaii in a research note on Wednesday, June 7th. They issued a sell rating and a $31.00 target price for the company. Finally, Piper Sandler raised their target price on Bank of Hawaii from $45.00 to $60.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 25th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and three have assigned a hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Bank of Hawaii has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $52.80. View Our Latest Analysis on Bank of Hawaii Bank of Hawaii Company Profile (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. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BOH? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Bank of Hawaii Co. (NYSE:BOH Free Report). 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. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Argo Group International (NYSE:ARGO Free Report) in a research report report published on Friday. The firm issued a hold rating on the stock. Separately, TheStreet raised shares of Argo Group International from a d+ rating to a c- rating in a research note on Friday, May 26th. Get Argo Group International alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on Argo Group International Argo Group International Price Performance Institutional Investors Weigh In On Argo Group International ARGO stock opened at $29.69 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $1.04 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -4.76 and a beta of 1.00. The company has a quick ratio of 0.65, a current ratio of 0.65 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36. Argo Group International has a 12-month low of $19.00 and a 12-month high of $30.13. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $29.70 and its 200 day simple moving average is $29.52. Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. BlackRock Inc. increased its position in shares of Argo Group International by 3.7% during the second quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 2,699,377 shares of the companys stock worth $79,929,000 after acquiring an additional 95,867 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC increased its position in shares of Argo Group International by 2.5% during the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 653,083 shares of the companys stock worth $19,338,000 after acquiring an additional 15,911 shares in the last quarter. PenderFund Capital Management Ltd. grew its position in Argo Group International by 59.3% in the 2nd quarter. PenderFund Capital Management Ltd. now owns 32,140 shares of the companys stock worth $1,261,000 after purchasing an additional 11,970 shares in the last quarter. Northern Trust Corp grew its position in Argo Group International by 2.4% in the 2nd quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 370,550 shares of the companys stock worth $10,972,000 after purchasing an additional 8,581 shares in the last quarter. Finally, ExodusPoint Capital Management LP bought a new stake in Argo Group International in the 2nd quarter worth about $822,000. Argo Group International Company Profile (Get Free Report) Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. underwrites specialty insurance and reinsurance products in the property and casualty markets. The company operates in two segments, U.S. Operations and International Operations. It offers primary and excess specialty casualty, general liability, commercial multi-peril, and workers compensation, as well as product, environmental, and auto liability insurance products; management liability, transaction liability, and errors and omissions liability insurance; primary and excess property, inland marine, and auto physical damage insurance; and surety, animal mortality, and ocean marine insurance products. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Argo Group International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Argo Group International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Avante Corp. (CVE:XX Get Free Report) shares crossed below its 50 day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 50 day moving average of C$1.04 and traded as low as C$0.95. Avante shares last traded at C$0.99, with a volume of 6,000 shares trading hands. Avante Trading Up 3.0 % The businesss 50-day moving average price is C$1.04 and its 200 day moving average price is C$0.98. The company has a market cap of C$27.02 million, a P/E ratio of -5.67 and a beta of 1.50. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.19, a quick ratio of 2.77 and a current ratio of 2.80. About Avante (Get Free Report) Avante Corp., through its subsidiaries, provides security services to residential clients in Canada. The company offers protective services, including guarding, patrol and rapid response, intelligent perimeter protection, secure transport, and international security travel advisory and transport; and electronic security services comprising home security services, such as system design, access control, and video and systems installation and services. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Avante Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Avante and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Axalta Coating Systems Ltd. (NYSE:AXTA Get Free Report) SVP Jacqueline Scanlan sold 17,008 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, August 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $29.48, for a total transaction of $501,395.84. Following the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 4,001 shares in the company, valued at approximately $117,949.48. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Axalta Coating Systems Stock Performance Shares of AXTA stock opened at $28.24 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $6.26 billion, a P/E ratio of 27.68, a P/E/G ratio of 1.79 and a beta of 1.45. Axalta Coating Systems Ltd. has a 12-month low of $20.66 and a 12-month high of $33.68. The businesss 50 day moving average is $31.83 and its two-hundred day moving average is $30.56. The company has a current ratio of 2.02, a quick ratio of 1.45 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.09. Get Axalta Coating Systems alerts: Axalta Coating Systems (NYSE:AXTA Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, August 2nd. The specialty chemicals company reported $0.35 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.39 by ($0.04). The business had revenue of $1.29 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.34 billion. Axalta Coating Systems had a net margin of 4.50% and a return on equity of 21.28%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 4.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $0.41 EPS. Analysts expect that Axalta Coating Systems Ltd. will post 1.46 EPS for the current fiscal year. Institutional Trading of Axalta Coating Systems Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of AXTA. BlackRock Inc. boosted its holdings in Axalta Coating Systems by 65.4% in the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 25,806,208 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $781,670,000 after buying an additional 10,208,408 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its position in shares of Axalta Coating Systems by 1.4% during the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 20,744,832 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $436,886,000 after purchasing an additional 284,713 shares in the last quarter. Boston Partners raised its stake in Axalta Coating Systems by 4.7% in the 4th quarter. Boston Partners now owns 17,892,171 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $458,445,000 after purchasing an additional 803,925 shares during the last quarter. Barrow Hanley Mewhinney & Strauss LLC lifted its holdings in Axalta Coating Systems by 1.2% in the 1st quarter. Barrow Hanley Mewhinney & Strauss LLC now owns 16,650,010 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $504,329,000 after purchasing an additional 203,083 shares in the last quarter. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted its stake in Axalta Coating Systems by 32.9% during the 4th quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 11,883,465 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $302,672,000 after purchasing an additional 2,944,248 shares during the last quarter. A number of brokerages have recently weighed in on AXTA. Mizuho dropped their price objective on shares of Axalta Coating Systems from $37.00 to $36.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, August 3rd. Bank of America increased their price objective on Axalta Coating Systems from $36.00 to $37.00 in a report on Wednesday, July 5th. Citigroup started coverage on Axalta Coating Systems in a report on Tuesday, June 13th. They set a buy rating and a $37.00 target price for the company. Credit Suisse Group upped their target price on Axalta Coating Systems from $29.00 to $31.00 and gave the company an underperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 2nd. Finally, Seaport Res Ptn reissued a buy rating on shares of Axalta Coating Systems in a research report on Monday, May 8th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating and eleven have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $33.24. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Axalta Coating Systems About Axalta Coating Systems (Get Free Report) Axalta Coating Systems Ltd., through its subsidiaries, manufactures, markets, and distributes high-performance coatings systems in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and Latin America. It operates through two segments, Performance Coatings and Mobility Coatings. The company offers water and solvent-borne products and systems to repair damaged vehicles for independent body shops, multi-shop operators, and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) dealership body shops. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Axalta Coating Systems Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Axalta Coating Systems and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. China, Thailand see prospering cooperation on green technology innovation 16:05, August 12, 2023 By Yang Yi ( People's Daily The Green Technology Bank Bangkok Center, located in an innovation and entrepreneurship cluster near Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, was recently inaugurated. The vibrant, energetic cluster exactly reflects the thriving China-Thailand cooperation on green technology innovation in recent years. As the Green Technology Bank's first overseas branch, and cooperating with the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Innovation Cooperation Center (Bangkok), the Thailand-based Green Technology Bank Bangkok Center strives to serve the entire ASEAN. It builds a bridge of international cooperation to better transfer and translate advanced and applicable green technologies. "Many Chinese companies new to Thailand are unfamiliar with local laws and unclear on registration processes. We provide professional services to quickly get them up to speed," said Jiang Biao, director of the CAS Innovation Cooperation Center (Bangkok). A delegation from Thailand's Ramathibodi Hospital visits an exhibition hall of the Ruijin Hospital in Shanghai. (Photo courtesy of the Green Technology Bank Bangkok Center) According to him, the Green Technology Bank Bangkok Center has been on a tight schedule these days, with many Chinese sci-tech firms coming for cooperation, hoping to implement advanced technologies in Thailand. In recent years, China-Thailand cooperation on green technology innovation has made continuous progress, and many advanced technologies have already benefited the Thai people. In March 2020, to combat COVID-19, Thailand's Siam Cement Group urgently procured a batch of high-end Chinese medical imaging equipment through the CAS Innovation Cooperation Center (Bangkok) and donated them to the Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University. This greatly enhanced the efficiency of the hospital's clinical diagnosis. This April, a delegation from the Ramathibodi Hospital visited Shanghai institutions that had previously extended a helping hand, including United Imaging Healthcare. The first domestically produced proton therapy system left a deep impression on the Thai side. "This year we will accelerate the application of proton therapy at the Ramathibodi Hospital to further reduce equipment and medical costs for local hospitals, and provide patients with cost-effective medical services," said Jiang. Photo shows display boards at the Green Technology Bank Bangkok Center. (Photo/Li Yuanxin) In November 2022, a deal for building Thailand's first 5G-enabled smart autonomous driving mining project was signed in Bangkok. According to the deal, five Chinese and Thai companies will leverage 5G, artificial intelligence, autonomous driving, cloud computing, new energy batteries and more to make a mine of Siam Cement Group in Saraburi Province greener, smarter, more efficient, and safer. "This is the first overseas smart green mining project built by Chinese companies. It will form a complete closed-loop unmanned solution for the mining industrial chain from construction to production," Jiang explained. This will effectively lower safety risks, enhance productivity, and reduce energy consumption, he added. Thailand is the world's largest natural rubber producer and exporter, but it has long relied on traditional manual tapping. Tappers always have to get up at 4:00 or 5:00 AM every day to work, which is arduous but inefficient. "To improve productivity, we are promoting unmanned automated tapping machines and building solar panel canopies to utilize clean energy and reduce electricity costs," said Jiang. The Green Lake 2x30 MW floating photovoltaic project was connected to the grid in April this year. Constructed by China Energy Engineering Corporation and located in Thailand's Prachinburi 304 Industrial Park, it is the largest floating photovoltaic project in Thailand. (Photo/Chu Xinyan) The Green Technology Expo 2023 will be held in Bangkok this November. Themed "Towards the Transition to Newer, Cleaner, Sustained Evergreen Technology," it will exhibit the latest green tech innovations around the world. As a main organizer, the CAS Innovation Cooperation Center (Bangkok) is actively preparing for the expo. "In recent years Thailand has strongly supported new energy vehicle development. Some Chinese automakers have confirmed their participation in the expo. Companies from ASEAN countries like Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia, and Malaysia have also expressed interest," said Gao Kun, deputy director of the center. Recently, the expo's second press conference was held in Shanghai, helping Chinese firms reach the Thai market and promoting in-depth China-Thailand exchange on green and low-carbon development as well as energy-conserving technologies. (Web editor: Zhao Tong, Hongyu) by Alexander Rubinstein and Kit Klarenberg Since the overthrow of Nigers U.S.-friendly government, West African nations of the ECOWAS bloc have threatened an invasion of their neighbour. Before leading the charge for intervention, ECOWAS chair Bola Tinubu spent years laundering millions for heroin dealers in Chicago, and has since been ensnared in numerous corruption scandals. Hours after Nigers Western-backed leader was detained by the countrys presidential guard on July 28, Nigerian President and chair of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Bola Tinubu leapt into action, warning that the group of nations will not tolerate any situation that incapacitates the democratically-elected government. As the Chairperson of ECOWAS I state without equivocation that Nigeria stands firmly with the elected government in Niger. Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State Banquet hosted by President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, France, June 2023 [Source: x.com] Two days later, ECOWAS imposed severe sanctions on Niger, and the bloc issued a stark ultimatum: if the newly-inaugurated junta wont reinstall the ousted president in a weeks time, the groups pro-Western African governments willby military means, if necessary. On Saturday, July 6one day before the deadlineECOWAS leaders approved a plan to invade the country, with the ominous caveat that they are not going to tell the coup plotters when and where we are going to strike. If ECOWAS gets its way, member states Benin, Cabo Verde, Cote dIvoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Senegal and Togo will be pressured to send their soldiers to invade Niger. These developments have thrust the typically-overlooked West African country of Niger into the Western media spotlight. But if hostilities break out, it wouldnt just be one single impoverished African state in the crosshairs. Neighboring Burkina Faso, Mali and Guinea, which are also governed by military administrations that recently seized power by force, have all warned that any attack on Niger will be viewed as an attack on them too. If their ECOWAS rivals make the first move, the nations which mainstream media have dubbed Africas coup belt have pledged to unleash their military forces as wellan announcement which should end any illusions that restoring the countrys previous president would be a painless process. Leading the pro-Western coalition is the president of its most powerful country, Nigeria: Bola Tinubu. One of Nigerias wealthiest men, the source of the scandal-plagued presidents fortune remains unclear. Documents reviewed by The Grayzone reveal Tinubu as a longtime U.S. asset who was named as an accomplice in a massive drug running operation that saw him launder millions on behalf of a heroin-dealing relative. Bola Tinubus career marred by drug trafficking, corruption allegations For over 30 years, Bola Tinubu has been a major force in Nigerias political scene and the countrys economy, with local nicknames ranging from the Mother of the Market to the Godfather of Lagos and the Lion of Bourdillon. But his power inside Nigeria went largely unnoticed by international audiences until 2023, when he became ECOWAS chair after winning the presidency in an election closely tracked by the U.S. government. As president, Tinubu quickly instituted a regime of economic reforms backed by the U.S.-controlled International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. Over the course of Tinubus political career in Nigeria, the African operator has cultivated a close relationship with the U.S. embassy. According to a slew of classified State Department cables released by WikiLeaks, American officials relied heavily on Tinubus assessments of the domestic political landscape. The ECOWAS chairs early life is shrouded in mystery, and even his exact age is unknown. Nearly every detail of Tinubus personal historyprior to his appearance in Chicago on a student visais in dispute, including his legal birth name. Records from Chicago State University show that Tinubu received a degree in Business Administration in 1979. In the following years, media reports indicate that Tinubu was employed in some capacity at a number of major U.S.-based multinationals, including Mobil Oil Nigeria, consulting firm Deloitte, and GTE, which was the largest communication and utilities company in the U.S. at the time. Of the few details about the Nigerian Presidents early exploits which can be confirmed, many are derived from a 1993 court docket naming Tinubu as an accomplice in a massive midwestern drug smuggling operation. As journalist David Hundeyin has detailed, court documents from the U.S. District Courts Northern District of Illinois make it clear that Tinubu amassed a small fortune laundering money for a heroin-trafficking relative in Chicago, and that U.S. government officials ultimately seized well over a million dollars from various bank accounts registered under the current Nigerian presidents name. A 1993 report by IRS Special Agent Kevin Moss explained that there is probable cause to believe that funds in certain bank accounts controlled by Bola Tinubu represent proceeds of drug trafficking; therefore these funds are forfeitable to the United States. In the documents, Moss describes an extremely close working relationship between the future Nigerian president and two Nigerian heroin dealers named Abiodun Olasuyi Agbele and Adegboyega Mueez Akande, the latter of whom was listed as Tinubus cousin on an application for a vehicle loan. According to bank employees, when Bola Tinubu came to First Heritage Bank in December 1989 to open the accounts, he was introduced to them by Adegboyega Mueez Akande, who at that time maintained an account at the bank. Whats more, bank records indicate that Bola Tinubu also opened a joint checking account in his name and the name of his wife, Oluremi Tinubu, who had previously opened a joint bank account also at this bank with Audrey Akande, the wife of Adegboyega Mueez Akande, Moss explained. In several of the applications, the addresses used by Tinubu exactly matched those previously used by Akande. According to bank records Tinubu opened an individual money market account and a NOW account at First Heritage Bank in December 1989, the special agent noted. In the application, Tinubu stated that his address was 7504 South Stewart, Chicago, Illinois the same address used previously by Akande. Bank records disclosed that five days after the account was opened, on January 4, 1990, $80,000 was deposited into the NOW account at First Heritage Bank by wire transfer through First Chicago from Banc One Houston, the report continues. According to the IRS, the money was sent by Akande. But the Nigerian presidents financial dealings with the heroin traffickers went even further, according to the IRS special agent. He wrote that Citibank records documented two additional corporate accounts held in the name of Compass Finance and Investment Company, Ltd. which were controlled by Bola Tinubu. When Bola Tinubu opened these accounts, he provided a memorandum of association and articles of association which identified Mueez Adegboyega Akande and Abiodun Olasuyi Agbele as directors of Compass Finance and Investment Company, Ltd., Moss wrote. In the end, Tinubu somehow managed to deposit over $660,000 in his First Heritage Bank account in 1990, and more than $1.2 million the next yearall while claiming to take home just $2,400 a month from his position at Mobil Oil Nigeria. As the investigation into the money laundering scheme began to gain traction, Tinubu left the U.S. and returned to Nigeria. Ultimately, Moss was able to speak to Tinubu by telephone on a number of occasions, and the special agent reported that the future president initially acknowledged his personal and financial dealings with the pair of drug traffickers. But in late January of 1992, Tinubu advised agents investigating this matter that he had no business association or financial relationship with Abele or Akande, Moss wrote. This information contradicted his prior statements on January 13, 1992, when he advised law enforcement officers that the money used to open the account at First Heritage Bank had come from Akande. Back in Nigeria, Tinubu had already begun to transition into the political arena. By 1992, hed been elected to the Senate, and in 1999 he became the Governor of Lagos State, a position he retained until 2007. At some point in his tenure, Tinubu established a relationship with the U.S. Embassy which would last for years to come, according to a trove of diplomatic cables released by Wikileaks. But even his State Department allies couldnt help noticing Tinubus penchant for dishonesty. One particularly noteworthy cable pointed out that the politician was known to play fast and loose with the facts and has been caught in the past embellishing his educational achievements. In the end, however, Tinubus usefulness seemed to outweigh his casual relationship with the truth, and the future Nigerian president went on to provide American officials with a near-continuous assessment of the political situation in his country. One typically intimate meeting with Tinubu ended with the U.S. ambassador to Nigeria commenting: as always, we found his take on the national political scene to be insightful. When the cables came to light in 2011, many Nigerians were shocked at the candor with which their elected officials spoke to Washingtons envoys. The willingness of our elites to divulge unsolicited information about the nation to U.S. officials betrays an infantile thirst for a paternal dictatorship, Nigerian-American professor and columnist Farooq Kperogi wrote. Though Tinubu appeared to have escaped justice for his alleged role in a heroin trafficking conspiracy, accusations of corruption would continue to dog the ECOWAS chair throughout his political career in Nigeria. Since leaving office as governor of Lagos in 2007, Tinubu picked every subsequent winning candidate, according to German broadcaster DW, which noted earlier this year that the tycoon is believed to be one of Nigerias richest politicians but the source of his wealth is unknown. In recent years, clues about the origins of the fortune amassed by one of Africas leading political players have begun to come to light. In 2009, Tinubu came under investigation by the Metropolitan Police of London, who were probing allegations that the politician had pooled money with two other Nigerian governors to create a front company known as the African Development Fund Incorporation. Investigators alleged the unusual business arrangement was actually a joint effort to illegally acquire shares of ECONET, a telecommunications firm founded by US intelligence asset and Gates Foundation trustee Strive Masiyiwa. But attempts to probe the legitimacy of the transactions in question were sidelined when the Nigerian federal government stonewalled the British investigation, which ultimately concluded without a single arrest. To this day, Nigerian authorities have yet to release the evidence requested by UK authorities. In 2011, Tinubu was tried before the Code of Conduct Tribunal in Nigeria for illegally operating 16 foreign bank accounts. Eager to avoid the embarrassment hed previously suffered when being photographed in court, the ECOWAS chair reportedly refused to take his place at the dock in a judicial hearing. But the unwelcome attention appears to have done little to rein in the politicians extravagant taste, and Tinubu once again found himself embroiled in a corruption scandal following an investigation into the luxurious 7,000-square foot mansion where the Nigerian president stays when receiving medical care in London. According to Nigerian outlet Premium Times, the massive villa in Londons exclusive Westminster borough was picked up for a song by Tinubus son, who somehow managed to purchase the property at a discount of approximately $10 million from a wealthy fugitiveeven though the sellers assets, including the mansion in question, had been frozen by a Nigerian court. Photos published on social media in 2017 show Tinubu posing inside the villa alongside Nigerias president at the time, Muhammadu Buhari. The current and previous president worked closely for decades, and Tinubu has publicly claimed sole credit for Buharis presidency while campaigning. If it were not for me standing before you leading the army, saying Buhari, go ahead, were behind you, he could never have become the president, he told supporters at a rally last year. But the suspicious confluence of money and influence didnt end with the mysterious mansion in London. During Nigerias 2019 general election, footage of armored trucks entering Tinubus residence went viral on social media, and the incident was widely seen as proof that the politician was engaged in a fraudulent vote-buying scheme. But Tinubu remained defiant, telling reporters, I keep money wherever I want. Excuse me, is it my money or government money? he asked. If I dont represent any agency of government and I have money to spend, if I have money, if I like, I give it to the people free of charge, he insisted. This January, the official explanation for the episode evolved again when one of his partys representatives told a Nigerian TV station that the armored trucks in question had simply missed [their] way and arrived at the wrong address. Asked why Tinubu had seemingly admitted to dispensing cash to the public, the partys organizing secretary in Lagos offered the bemused presenters an equally improbable explanation: he said that jokingly. ECOWAS as a neocolonial weapon While ECOWAS was officially founded via the Treaty of Lagos in 1975, its official history notes the blocs origins date back to the creation of the CFA Franc in 1945, which consolidated Frances West African empire into a single-currency union. Publicly, the move was described as a benevolent attempt to shield these colonies from the consequences of the French francs sharp devaluation in 1945, following the creation of the U.S.-dominated Bretton Woods system. As the French finance minister said at the time: In a show of her generosity and selflessness, metropolitan France, wishing not to impose on her faraway daughters the consequences of her own poverty, is setting different exchange rates for their currency. In reality, the introduction of the CFA Franc meant that Paris was able to maintain highly unequal trading relationships with its African colonies, at a time when its economy was ravaged by World War II and its overseas empire was rapidly disintegrating. The currency made it cheap for member states to import from France and vice versa, but prohibitively expensive for them to export anything anywhere else. This forced dependency in Francophone West Africa created a captive market for the French, and by extension the rest of Europe. That dynamic, which has stunted regional economic development for decades, persists to this day. The CFA Francs continued dominance ensures West African states remain under the economic and political control of France. Those African nations are powerless to enact meaningful policy changes, as they lack control over their own monetary policy. That the currency features so prominently in the authorized history of ECOWAS is instructive, because the bloc has long-been criticized as an extension of French imperialism. It was not for nothing that in 1960, then-French President Charles de Gaulle made membership of the CFA Franc a precondition for decolonization in Africa. Though ECOWAS is theoretically meant to maximize member states collective bargaining power by fostering interstate economic and political cooperation, such harmonization makes it easier for former imperial powers like France to exploit and enfeeble their constituent countries. The bloc imposes a strict, Western-approved legal and financial framework upon its members, and any state deviating from these rules is harshly punished. In January 2022, ECOWAS imposed strict sanctions on Mali, prompting thousands to take to the streets in support of the military government that seized power in January the previous year. The new governments efforts to purge the country of malign foreign influence saw a complete ban on French media imposed, a decision which was slammed by the UN but cheered by average Malians. ECOWAS applied similar measures to Burkina Faso in response to a September 2022 military coup, which saw Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba removed after just eight months in power. Though Damiba himself seized via military coup, there was little condemnation from Western officials and few suggestions that ECOWAS impose sanctionsperhaps due to the ousted leaders pro-Western orientation and status as a graduate of multiple elite U.S. military and State Department training courses. Since 1990, ECOWAS has waged seven separate conflicts in West Africa, in order to protect the Wests preferred despots across the region. Meanwhile, between 1960 and 2020, Paris launched 50 separate overt interventions in Africa. Figures for clandestine activities conducted during this time are unavailable, but the countrys fingerprints are plastered all over multiple rigged elections, coups, and assassinations that have sustained compliant, corrupt governments in power throughout the continent. As President Jacques Chirac remarked in 2008, without Africa, France will slide down into the rank of a third [world] power. This perspective was reaffirmed in a 2013 French Senate report, Africa is Our Future. Indeed, the mere existence of anti-imperialist governments anywhere in the region is intolerable to Paris. Luckily for the French elite, compromised figures like Bola Tinubu are still on hand to do their dirty work for them. Source: The Grayzone. Click here to read the original Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) had its target price lifted by Bank of America from $500.00 to $600.00 in a research report report published on Wednesday morning, FlyOnTheWall reports. Other equities research analysts also recently issued reports about the stock. Citigroup raised their target price on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $360.00 to $525.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 26th. Jefferies Financial Group upgraded shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a hold rating to a buy rating and increased their price target for the company from $408.00 to $615.00 in a research report on Tuesday. Guggenheim reduced their price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $395.00 to $392.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, April 11th. SVB Securities increased their price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $410.00 to $458.00 in a research report on Monday, May 1st. Finally, 22nd Century Group reiterated a maintains rating on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Tuesday, June 27th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has given a hold rating and nineteen have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $517.00. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on Eli Lilly and Company Eli Lilly and Company Price Performance Shares of NYSE:LLY opened at $528.28 on Wednesday. Eli Lilly and Company has a twelve month low of $296.32 and a twelve month high of $538.00. The firm has a market capitalization of $501.49 billion, a PE ratio of 73.47, a P/E/G ratio of 2.05 and a beta of 0.35. The company has a quick ratio of 1.02, a current ratio of 1.13 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.63. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $458.58 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $398.56. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 8th. The company reported $2.11 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.98 by $0.13. The firm had revenue of $8.31 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $7.58 billion. Eli Lilly and Company had a net margin of 22.01% and a return on equity of 65.00%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 28.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $1.25 earnings per share. Equities analysts forecast that Eli Lilly and Company will post 9.91 EPS for the current year. Eli Lilly and Company Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 8th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, August 15th will be given a dividend of $1.13 per share. This represents a $4.52 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.86%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, August 14th. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio is currently 62.87%. Insider Buying and Selling at Eli Lilly and Company In other Eli Lilly and Company news, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 600 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, May 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $435.29, for a total transaction of $261,174.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer now owns 5,978 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,602,163.62. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. In other news, EVP Patrik Jonsson sold 6,000 shares of Eli Lilly and Company stock in a transaction dated Thursday, June 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $429.46, for a total value of $2,576,760.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 36,941 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $15,864,681.86. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 600 shares of Eli Lilly and Company stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $435.29, for a total value of $261,174.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 5,978 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,602,163.62. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 755,017 shares of company stock valued at $357,815,036. 0.13% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Eli Lilly and Company Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Silicon Valley Capital Partners purchased a new position in Eli Lilly and Company in the 1st quarter worth about $25,000. Y.D. More Investments Ltd purchased a new position in Eli Lilly and Company in the 4th quarter worth about $26,000. Bogart Wealth LLC raised its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 193.3% in the 1st quarter. Bogart Wealth LLC now owns 88 shares of the companys stock worth $30,000 after buying an additional 58 shares during the last quarter. Laffer Tengler Investments purchased a new position in Eli Lilly and Company in the 1st quarter worth about $33,000. Finally, Raleigh Capital Management Inc. raised its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 156.4% in the 1st quarter. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. now owns 100 shares of the companys stock worth $34,000 after buying an additional 61 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 87.25% of the companys stock. Eli Lilly and Company Company Profile (Get Free Report) Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. It offers Basaglar, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, insulin lispro protamine, insulin lispro mix 75/25, Humulin, Humulin 70/30, Humulin N, Humulin R, and Humulin U-500 for diabetes; and Jardiance, Trajenta, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Eli Lilly and Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eli Lilly and Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp cut its stake in shares of AutoZone, Inc. (NYSE:AZO Free Report) by 3.4% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 145,779 shares of the companys stock after selling 5,140 shares during the quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp owned 0.79% of AutoZone worth $358,346,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. RB Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in AutoZone during the 1st quarter worth approximately $274,000. Fairfield Bush & CO. bought a new stake in shares of AutoZone in the 1st quarter valued at about $57,000. Roundview Capital LLC grew its position in shares of AutoZone by 8.1% in the 1st quarter. Roundview Capital LLC now owns 426 shares of the companys stock valued at $871,000 after buying an additional 32 shares during the last quarter. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC grew its holdings in AutoZone by 31.7% during the 1st quarter. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC now owns 237 shares of the companys stock worth $485,000 after acquiring an additional 57 shares during the period. Finally, Sei Investments Co. lifted its stake in shares of AutoZone by 24.4% in the 1st quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 12,966 shares of the companys stock valued at $26,331,000 after purchasing an additional 2,545 shares during the period. 98.36% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get AutoZone alerts: AutoZone Stock Performance Shares of AZO opened at $2,483.83 on Friday. The business has a 50-day moving average of $2,462.36 and a 200 day moving average of $2,503.54. AutoZone, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $2,050.21 and a fifty-two week high of $2,750.00. The firm has a market cap of $45.11 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.60, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.51 and a beta of 0.67. Insider Buying and Selling at AutoZone AutoZone ( NYSE:AZO Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, May 23rd. The company reported $34.12 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $30.84 by $3.28. The business had revenue of $4.09 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.12 billion. AutoZone had a negative return on equity of 62.38% and a net margin of 14.45%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 11.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $29.03 EPS. As a group, research analysts predict that AutoZone, Inc. will post 130.32 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. In other AutoZone news, VP Charles Pleas III sold 4,200 shares of AutoZone stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, July 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $2,546.55, for a total transaction of $10,695,510.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now owns 3,425 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $8,721,933.75. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. In related news, VP Domingo Hurtado sold 90 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, May 31st. The stock was 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 owns 275 shares in the company, valued at approximately $653,534.75. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, VP Charles Pleas III sold 4,200 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, July 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $2,546.55, for a total value of $10,695,510.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now owns 3,425 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $8,721,933.75. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 8,535 shares of company stock valued at $21,414,854 in the last quarter. 2.59% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Analyst Ratings Changes AZO has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. The Goldman Sachs Group reduced their price objective on shares of AutoZone from $2,899.00 to $2,840.00 in a report on Tuesday, May 23rd. Raymond James increased their price objective on AutoZone from $2,650.00 to $2,850.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, April 19th. UBS Group raised AutoZone from a neutral rating to a buy rating and lifted their target price for the company from $2,800.00 to $2,900.00 in a research report on Friday, June 16th. Wedbush increased their price target on AutoZone from $2,600.00 to $2,750.00 in a research report on Monday, May 22nd. Finally, StockNews.com started coverage on AutoZone in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They set a buy rating on the stock. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eighteen have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $2,716.00. View Our Latest Analysis on AutoZone 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. Featured 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. BlackRock MuniHoldings New York Quality Fund, Inc. (NYSE:MHN Get Free Report) announced a monthly dividend on Tuesday, August 1st, Wall Street Journal reports. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, August 15th will be given a dividend of 0.0335 per share by the financial services provider on Friday, September 1st. This represents a $0.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.98%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, August 14th. BlackRock MuniHoldings New York Quality Fund Price Performance NYSE MHN opened at $10.10 on Friday. BlackRock MuniHoldings New York Quality Fund has a 12-month low of $9.16 and a 12-month high of $11.44. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $10.33 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $10.41. Get BlackRock MuniHoldings New York Quality Fund alerts: Institutional Investors Weigh In On BlackRock MuniHoldings New York Quality Fund Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of MHN. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC increased its stake in shares of BlackRock MuniHoldings New York Quality Fund by 7.0% in the first quarter. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC now owns 30,177 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $387,000 after buying an additional 1,974 shares during the period. Bank of Montreal Can bought a new stake in BlackRock MuniHoldings New York Quality Fund in the first quarter valued at approximately $177,000. Guggenheim Capital LLC raised its holdings in BlackRock MuniHoldings New York Quality Fund by 9.3% during the 1st quarter. Guggenheim Capital LLC now owns 425,784 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $5,459,000 after purchasing an additional 36,335 shares during the last quarter. LPL Financial LLC lifted its position in shares of BlackRock MuniHoldings New York Quality Fund by 34.6% in the 2nd quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 15,564 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $171,000 after purchasing an additional 4,000 shares during the period. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada boosted its position in BlackRock MuniHoldings New York Quality Fund by 13.4% during the third quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 121,607 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,192,000 after acquiring an additional 14,401 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 22.34% of the companys stock. About BlackRock MuniHoldings New York Quality Fund BlackRock MuniHoldings New York Quality Fund, Inc is a closed ended fixed income mutual fund launched by BlackRock, Inc It is managed by BlackRock Advisors, LLC. The fund invests in fixed income markets. It invests primarily in investment grade New York municipal obligations exempt from federal income taxes and New York State and New York City personal income taxes. Read More Receive News & Ratings for BlackRock MuniHoldings New York Quality Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BlackRock MuniHoldings New York Quality Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Centamin plc (LON:CEY Get Free Report) passed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of GBX 75.59 ($0.97) and traded as high as GBX 91.62 ($1.17). Centamin shares last traded at GBX 90.90 ($1.16), with a volume of 2,364,193 shares trading hands. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Separately, Berenberg Bank restated a buy rating and issued a GBX 145 ($1.85) price target on shares of Centamin in a report on Tuesday, June 27th. Get Centamin alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on CEY Centamin Stock Performance Centamin Cuts Dividend The company has a current ratio of 3.13, a quick ratio of 2.09 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.42. The company has a market capitalization of 1.06 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 1,834.00, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of -1.53 and a beta of 0.47. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of GBX 93.20 and a 200-day simple moving average of GBX 75.50. The firm also recently declared a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 29th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, August 31st will be paid a $0.02 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, August 31st. This represents a dividend yield of 1.66%. Centamins payout ratio is 8,000.00%. Insider Activity at Centamin In other news, insider Martin Horgan sold 174,976 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, June 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of GBX 99 ($1.27), for a total transaction of 173,226.24 ($221,375.39). Company insiders own 0.18% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Centamin An institutional investor recently bought a new position in Centamin stock. OLD Mission Capital LLC bought a new position in Centamin plc (LON:CEY Free Report) during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor bought 31,143 shares of the mining companys stock, valued at approximately $579,000. OLD Mission Capital LLC owned about 6.23% of Centamin at the end of the most recent reporting period. Institutional investors own 76.39% of the companys stock. Centamin Company Profile (Get Free Report) Centamin plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the exploration, mining, and development of precious metals in Egypt, Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Jersey, the United Kingdom, and Australia. It explores for gold deposits. The company principal asset is the Sukari Gold Mine project, which covers an area of approximately 160 square kilometers located in the Eastern Desert of Egypt. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Centamin Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Centamin and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Badger Infrastructure Solutions (OTCMKTS:BADFF Free Report) had its price objective boosted by CIBC from C$33.00 to C$35.00 in a research note published on Tuesday morning, FlyOnTheWall reports. Other research analysts have also recently issued reports about the company. Scotiabank upped their price objective on Badger Infrastructure Solutions from C$33.50 to C$37.50 in a research report on Tuesday. Stifel Nicolaus reduced their target price on Badger Infrastructure Solutions from C$49.00 to C$47.50 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, July 18th. Get Badger Infrastructure Solutions alerts: Read Our Latest Report on BADFF Badger Infrastructure Solutions Stock Up 0.2 % About Badger Infrastructure Solutions OTCMKTS:BADFF opened at $26.04 on Tuesday. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $21.84 and a 200-day simple moving average of $22.30. Badger Infrastructure Solutions has a 1 year low of $17.72 and a 1 year high of $26.04. (Get Free Report) Badger Infrastructure Solutions Ltd. provides non-destructive excavating and related services in Canada and the United States. Its Badger Hydrovac technology uses a pressurized water stream to liquefy the soil cover, which is then removed with a vacuum system and deposited into a storage tank. The company offers daylighting services for visual confirmation of buried lines, directional drilling test holes, sacrificial anode installation, pipeline and utility crossings, and subsurface utility engineering test holes applications; and debris removal services for frac tank clean-outs, road and box culvert clean-outs, pipe-rammed casing clean-outs, ballast and filter media removal, and inside structures and buildings material removal. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Badger Infrastructure Solutions Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Badger Infrastructure Solutions and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Teradata (NYSE:TDC Free Report) had its price objective raised by Citigroup from $55.00 to $62.00 in a report released on Wednesday morning, Benzinga reports. Citigroup currently has a buy rating on the technology companys stock. A number of other brokerages have also recently issued reports on TDC. Barclays decreased their target price on Teradata from $47.00 to $46.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday. Guggenheim upgraded shares of Teradata from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $62.00 price target for the company in a research note on Monday, May 1st. TheStreet upgraded shares of Teradata from a c rating to a b- rating in a research note on Thursday, May 4th. StockNews.com cut shares of Teradata from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report on Monday, August 7th. Finally, Northland Securities assumed coverage on Teradata in a report on Tuesday, May 2nd. They set an outperform rating and a $63.00 price target on the stock. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Teradata has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $54.00. Get Teradata alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Teradata Teradata Stock Down 0.6 % Teradata stock opened at $44.93 on Wednesday. The stock has a market cap of $4.49 billion, a PE ratio of 78.83, a P/E/G ratio of 2.57 and a beta of 0.96. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.58, a current ratio of 0.97 and a quick ratio of 1.00. The stocks fifty day moving average is $52.68 and its two-hundred day moving average is $44.66. Teradata has a 1-year low of $28.65 and a 1-year high of $57.73. Teradata (NYSE:TDC Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Monday, August 7th. The technology company reported $0.48 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.45 by $0.03. Teradata had a net margin of 3.21% and a return on equity of 32.47%. The company had revenue of $462.00 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $445.09 million. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $0.03 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 7.4% on a year-over-year basis. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Teradata will post 1 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insider Transactions at Teradata In related news, Director Michael P. Gianoni sold 29,053 shares of Teradata stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $51.57, for a total transaction of $1,498,263.21. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 38,107 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,965,177.99. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other Teradata news, Director Michael P. Gianoni sold 29,053 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, June 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $51.57, for a total transaction of $1,498,263.21. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 38,107 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,965,177.99. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Stephen Mcmillan sold 12,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, June 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $49.00, for a total transaction of $612,500.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 532,997 shares of the companys stock, valued at $26,116,853. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 0.92% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Teradata Several institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Private Advisor Group LLC purchased a new stake in Teradata in the first quarter valued at approximately $231,000. Natixis Advisors L.P. increased its holdings in shares of Teradata by 46.7% during the 1st quarter. Natixis Advisors L.P. now owns 21,282 shares of the technology companys stock worth $1,049,000 after buying an additional 6,779 shares during the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can boosted its holdings in Teradata by 21.1% in the first quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 10,977 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $546,000 after acquiring an additional 1,916 shares during the last quarter. Rhumbline Advisers grew its position in Teradata by 0.3% during the first quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 302,170 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $14,894,000 after acquiring an additional 947 shares during the period. Finally, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS increased its stake in Teradata by 10.5% during the first quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS now owns 39,764 shares of the technology companys stock worth $1,960,000 after acquiring an additional 3,791 shares during the last quarter. 88.89% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Teradata (Get Free Report) Teradata Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides a connected multi-cloud data platform for enterprise analytics. The company offers Teradata Vantage, a data platform that allows companies to leverage their data across an enterprise, as well as connects various sources of data to drive ecosystem simplification and support customers on their journey to the cloud through an integrated migration. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Teradata Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Teradata and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Model N (NYSE:MODN Free Report) had its price target decreased by Craig Hallum from $38.00 to $33.00 in a report issued on Wednesday, FlyOnTheWall reports. A number of other analysts have also recently commented on the company. StockNews.com upgraded Model N from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Monday, August 7th. JMP Securities cut their target price on Model N from $48.00 to $44.00 in a research report on Wednesday, May 10th. Robert W. Baird cut their target price on Model N from $40.00 to $35.00 in a research report on Wednesday. Needham & Company LLC cut their target price on Model N from $47.00 to $37.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada began coverage on Model N in a research report on Thursday, April 27th. They set a sector perform rating and a $35.00 target price on the stock. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $39.30. Get Model N alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on Model N Model N Stock Up 0.1 % Model N stock opened at $29.04 on Wednesday. Model N has a 1-year low of $27.19 and a 1-year high of $43.18. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.70, a quick ratio of 3.70 and a current ratio of 4.13. The stocks fifty day moving average is $33.63 and its two-hundred day moving average is $33.50. Model N (NYSE:MODN Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, May 9th. The software maker reported ($0.05) earnings per share for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of ($0.05). Model N had a negative return on equity of 1.58% and a negative net margin of 17.51%. The company had revenue of $62.60 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $59.41 million. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Model N will post -0.12 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insider Buying and Selling at Model N In other Model N news, Director Kimberly Decarlis sold 1,000 shares of Model N stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $28.32, for a total value of $28,320.00. Following the sale, the director now owns 13,105 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $371,133.60. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In other Model N news, Director Kimberly Decarlis sold 1,000 shares of Model N stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $28.32, for a total value of $28,320.00. Following the sale, the director now owns 13,105 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $371,133.60. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, insider Suresh Kannan sold 5,844 shares of Model N stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $28.63, for a total value of $167,313.72. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 167,214 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,787,336.82. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 39,837 shares of company stock valued at $1,191,429. 2.30% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Model N Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of MODN. Fred Alger Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Model N during the 4th quarter worth approximately $31,799,000. Millennium Management LLC raised its position in shares of Model N by 1,414.7% during the 4th quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 702,471 shares of the software makers stock worth $28,492,000 after purchasing an additional 656,093 shares during the last quarter. Ranger Investment Management L.P. raised its position in shares of Model N by 193.8% during the 1st quarter. Ranger Investment Management L.P. now owns 647,676 shares of the software makers stock worth $21,678,000 after purchasing an additional 427,201 shares during the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. raised its holdings in Model N by 13.2% in the 3rd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 2,949,847 shares of the software makers stock valued at $100,973,000 after acquiring an additional 343,775 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Artisan Partners Limited Partnership raised its holdings in Model N by 13.4% in the 2nd quarter. Artisan Partners Limited Partnership now owns 2,888,255 shares of the software makers stock valued at $102,129,000 after acquiring an additional 340,964 shares during the last quarter. Model N Company Profile (Get Free Report) Model N, Inc provides cloud revenue management solutions for life sciences and high-tech companies. The company offers Global Pricing Management, which minimizes price erosion of products; Global Tender Management that enhances revenue by enabling segmentation and targeting, optimal bid pricing, and post-award tracking; Provider Management, which minimizes rebate overpayments; Payer Management that minimizes revenue leakage and noncompliance of complex contracts; Government Pricing, which optimizes revenue, and reduces the risk of fines and other penalties; and Medicaid that enhances compliance with regulatory requirements and payments of rebate claims on a timely basis and at correct rates for government Medicaid programs, as well as Validata, State Pricing Transparency Management, Advanced Membership Management, and Intelligence Cloud. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Model N Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Model N and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. CS Disco (NYSE:LAW Get Free Report)s stock had its buy rating reissued by stock analysts at Needham & Company LLC in a research report issued to clients and investors on Thursday, Benzinga reports. They currently have a $15.00 price target on the stock. Needham & Company LLCs price objective would suggest a potential upside of 48.81% from the companys previous close. Separately, Stifel Nicolaus decreased their price target on CS Disco from $10.00 to $8.00 in a research note on Thursday, May 11th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, CS Disco presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $11.38. Get CS Disco alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on LAW CS Disco Trading Down 5.3 % NYSE:LAW opened at $10.08 on Thursday. The companys 50-day moving average is $8.67 and its two-hundred day moving average is $7.49. CS Disco has a 1-year low of $5.27 and a 1-year high of $16.64. CS Disco (NYSE:LAW Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, May 10th. The company reported ($0.32) EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($0.35) by $0.03. The firm had revenue of $33.13 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $32.05 million. CS Disco had a negative return on equity of 32.29% and a negative net margin of 55.07%. Equities research analysts predict that CS Disco will post -1.11 EPS for the current year. Institutional Investors Weigh In On CS Disco Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in LAW. Ensign Peak Advisors Inc purchased a new position in CS Disco in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $32,000. Quantbot Technologies LP purchased a new position in CS Disco in the first quarter valued at $33,000. Venturi Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in CS Disco during the 1st quarter worth $33,000. Barclays PLC increased its holdings in CS Disco by 67.6% during the 4th quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 6,054 shares of the companys stock worth $38,000 after purchasing an additional 2,442 shares during the period. Finally, Point72 Hong Kong Ltd acquired a new stake in CS Disco in the 1st quarter valued at about $39,000. 52.94% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. CS Disco Company Profile (Get Free Report) CS Disco, Inc provides cloud-native and artificial intelligence-powered legal solutions for ediscovery, legal document review, and case management for enterprises, law firms, legal services providers, and governments. The company offers DISCO Ediscovery, a solution that automates ediscovery process and saves legal departments from manual tasks associated with collecting, processing, enriching, searching, reviewing, analyzing, producing, and using enterprise data that is at issue in legal matters. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for CS Disco Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CS Disco and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. First National Bank Alaska (OTCMKTS:FBAK Get Free Report)s share price crossed below its two hundred day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a two hundred day moving average of $206.14 and traded as low as $194.00. First National Bank Alaska shares last traded at $195.00, with a volume of 40 shares changing hands. First National Bank Alaska Stock Performance The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $195.44 and a 200-day simple moving average of $205.79. The firm has a market cap of $616.57 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.63 and a beta of 0.28. Get First National Bank Alaska alerts: First National Bank Alaska (OTCMKTS:FBAK Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Monday, July 31st. The financial services provider reported $4.57 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The business had revenue of $43.66 million for the quarter. First National Bank Alaska Cuts Dividend About First National Bank Alaska The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 1st will be given a $3.20 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, August 31st. This represents a $12.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 6.58%. First National Bank Alaskas payout ratio is presently 69.95%. (Get Free Report) First National Bank Alaska, a commercial bank, provides various banking products and services for business, industry, and individual customers primarily in Alaska. The company offers savings and checking accounts; money market deposits and safe deposit services; certificates of deposit; individual retirement accounts; and personal, home equity, and construction loans, as well as loans for stability and growth. Read More Receive News & Ratings for First National Bank Alaska Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for First National Bank Alaska and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fresnillo (OTCMKTS:FNLPF Free Report) had its price target decreased by Royal Bank of Canada from GBX 690 ($8.82) to GBX 625 ($7.99) in a research report sent to investors on Tuesday, FlyOnTheWall reports. Several other analysts also recently commented on FNLPF. UBS Group upgraded shares of Fresnillo from a sell rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, April 18th. Barclays lifted their price target on shares of Fresnillo from GBX 525 ($6.71) to GBX 650 ($8.31) in a research note on Thursday, August 3rd. Berenberg Bank lowered their price objective on shares of Fresnillo from GBX 700 ($8.95) to GBX 670 ($8.56) in a research report on Friday, July 7th. Morgan Stanley reduced their price target on shares of Fresnillo from GBX 620 ($7.92) to GBX 590 ($7.54) in a report on Friday, July 28th. Finally, Credit Suisse Group reduced their price objective on shares of Fresnillo from GBX 620 ($7.92) to GBX 580 ($7.41) in a research note on Wednesday, August 2nd. Get Fresnillo alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on Fresnillo Fresnillo Trading Up 0.4 % Fresnillo Company Profile Shares of FNLPF stock opened at $6.93 on Tuesday. Fresnillo has a 12-month low of $6.88 and a 12-month high of $11.95. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.22, a quick ratio of 2.10 and a current ratio of 2.82. The firms 50 day moving average is $7.92 and its 200 day moving average is $8.79. (Get Free Report) Fresnillo plc mines, develops, and produces non-ferrous minerals in Mexico. It operates through seven segments: Fresnillo, Saucito, Cienega, Herradura, Noche Buena, San Julian, and Juanicipio. The company primarily explores for silver, gold, lead, and zinc concentrates. Its projects include the Fresnillo silver mine located in the state of Zacatecas; Saucito silver mine situated in the state of Zacatecas; Cienega gold mine located in the state of Durango; Herradura gold mine situated in the state of Sonora; Noche Buena gold mine located in the state of Sonora; San Julian silver-gold mine situated on the border of Chihuahua/Durango states; and Juanicipio mine located in the state of Zacatecas. Featured Stories 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. Russia has lost a lot of soldiers in Ukraine and is reluctant to release data on how many of its soldiers have died in Ukraine. In September 2022 Russia reported they had lost 5,937 soldiers. Since then, there have been no official announcements of losses. This was unpopular with the families of soldiers killed in Ukraine. This led to Russian families organizing a mothers and wives council, to identify and tabulate the Russian soldiers killed. The government would not provide such information but did send some of the bodies back home. This sort of thing had support from local governments, but the national government considered such information a state secret and tried to suppress local efforts to identify the dead. Since late 2022 the Russian army has been on the defensive or retreating in Ukraine. Keeping track of dead Russian soldiers and notifying families was not a high priority. When the representatives of the mothers and wives council went to Moscow in late 2022 to personally pressure the Ministry of Defense for cooperation in identifying the dead and letting families know the status of their missing loved ones, the government refused and forced the group to disband or face prosecution as foreign agents. The state-controlled media would not report any of this and Internet-based groups that reported on the war were warned to stay away from the issue of Russian losses or face prosecution. Despite the government hostility to the casualties issue, groups inside and outside Russia continued to compile data on Russians killed in Ukraine. By June 10th 2023, Russian reporters compiled a list of 27,423 Russian dead. A month later the number grew to 47,000. Officially, the government considered Russian soldiers who died in Ukraine as heros. Unofficially, the government threatened those who sought to identify the dead, be they families or independent organizations. The government seeks to mobilize another 100,000 additional Russian soldiers, and all this reporting of Russian dead did not help those mobilization plans. Most Russians believed the wives and mothers groups but were unwilling to go public with that support because of government opposition and threats. Historically, Russia did not provide much, if any information to families of soldiers killed in war. Russian soldiers were not issued identification discs that could be worn around the neck and removed if the soldier was killed to identify the dead. If a Russian soldier went off to war and didnt return it was assumed they had died heroically defending the motherland. More recently the government provided financial support for wives and children of dead soldiers but was reluctant to reveal total losses. In Russia, the truth about losses in Ukraine has become another casualty of the war. General Electric (NYSE:GE Get Free Report) had its target price raised by analysts at Morgan Stanley from $122.00 to $125.00 in a research note issued on Thursday, Marketbeat reports. The firm currently has an overweight rating on the conglomerates stock. Morgan Stanleys target price would suggest a potential upside of 9.08% from the stocks previous close. A number of other brokerages also recently issued reports on GE. Bank of America increased their price target on shares of General Electric from $108.00 to $120.00 in a report on Thursday, July 6th. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price objective on shares of General Electric from $100.00 to $105.00 in a report on Monday, July 10th. Jefferies Financial Group increased their price objective on shares of General Electric from $120.00 to $130.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, July 17th. Oppenheimer downgraded shares of General Electric from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a report on Monday, July 31st. Finally, Barclays increased their price objective on shares of General Electric from $125.00 to $131.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, July 25th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $118.67. Get General Electric alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on General Electric General Electric Stock Up 0.9 % NYSE:GE opened at $114.60 on Thursday. The companys fifty day moving average price is $109.40 and its 200-day moving average price is $98.40. General Electric has a 1-year low of $48.06 and a 1-year high of $117.96. The firm has a market capitalization of $124.73 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.59, a PEG ratio of 6.95 and a beta of 1.28. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61, a current ratio of 1.25 and a quick ratio of 0.90. General Electric (NYSE:GE Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 25th. The conglomerate reported $0.68 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.46 by $0.22. General Electric had a net margin of 13.32% and a return on equity of 9.30%. The firm had revenue of $15.85 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $14.76 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $0.78 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was up 18.6% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that General Electric will post 2.33 EPS for the current year. Insider Buying and Selling In other General Electric news, SVP Michael J. Holston sold 112,614 shares of General Electric stock in a transaction dated Thursday, July 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $115.20, for a total transaction of $12,973,132.80. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 57,923 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,672,729.60. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In other General Electric news, SVP Michael J. Holston sold 112,614 shares of General Electric stock in a transaction dated Thursday, July 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $115.20, for a total transaction of $12,973,132.80. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 57,923 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,672,729.60. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, SVP Michael J. Holston sold 58,292 shares of General Electric stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $104.68, for a total transaction of $6,102,006.56. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 70,537 shares in the company, valued at $7,383,813.16. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.67% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On General Electric Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Kathmere Capital Management LLC raised its stake in shares of General Electric by 12.8% in the 1st quarter. Kathmere Capital Management LLC now owns 3,197 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $306,000 after acquiring an additional 363 shares during the period. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. raised its stake in shares of General Electric by 16.4% in the 4th quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 512,099 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $42,908,000 after acquiring an additional 72,120 shares during the period. Ignite Planners LLC raised its stake in shares of General Electric by 9.8% in the 1st quarter. Ignite Planners LLC now owns 3,431 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $324,000 after acquiring an additional 305 shares during the period. Cullen Frost Bankers Inc. raised its stake in shares of General Electric by 21.5% in the 1st quarter. Cullen Frost Bankers Inc. now owns 18,698 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $1,788,000 after acquiring an additional 3,314 shares during the period. Finally, Dupont Capital Management Corp raised its stake in shares of General Electric by 152.5% in the 1st quarter. Dupont Capital Management Corp now owns 7,960 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $761,000 after acquiring an additional 4,808 shares during the period. 74.75% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. 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 Articles 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. Grupo Aval Acciones y Valores S.A. (NYSE:AVAL Get Free Report) saw a large increase in short interest in the month of July. As of July 31st, there was short interest totalling 144,100 shares, an increase of 301.4% from the July 15th total of 35,900 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 80,700 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 1.8 days. Grupo Aval Acciones y Valores Stock Down 0.8 % NYSE AVAL traded down $0.02 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $2.62. 108,469 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 93,253. The firm has a market cap of $3.11 billion, a PE ratio of 10.48 and a beta of 1.22. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.90, a current ratio of 1.01 and a quick ratio of 1.01. Grupo Aval Acciones y Valores has a 52-week low of $1.96 and a 52-week high of $3.64. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $2.46 and a 200 day simple moving average of $2.40. Get Grupo Aval Acciones y Valores alerts: Grupo Aval Acciones y Valores (NYSE:AVAL Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, May 17th. The bank reported $0.08 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.09 by ($0.01). The firm had revenue of $662.21 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $826.54 million. Grupo Aval Acciones y Valores had a net margin of 4.63% and a return on equity of 6.99%. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Grupo Aval Acciones y Valores will post 0.31 EPS for the current fiscal year. Grupo Aval Acciones y Valores Cuts Dividend Institutional Trading of Grupo Aval Acciones y Valores The company also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, July 12th. Shareholders of record on Monday, July 3rd were paid a dividend of $0.0145 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, June 30th. This represents a yield of 7.48%. Grupo Aval Acciones y Valoress dividend payout ratio is currently 68.00%. Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Inspire Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Grupo Aval Acciones y Valores by 36.7% in the second quarter. Inspire Advisors LLC now owns 41,191 shares of the banks stock worth $96,000 after acquiring an additional 11,064 shares during the period. First Trust Direct Indexing L.P. grew its stake in shares of Grupo Aval Acciones y Valores by 12.2% in the second quarter. First Trust Direct Indexing L.P. now owns 122,688 shares of the banks stock worth $285,000 after acquiring an additional 13,389 shares during the period. First Affirmative Financial Network bought a new stake in shares of Grupo Aval Acciones y Valores in the second quarter worth approximately $58,000. Foster Group Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Grupo Aval Acciones y Valores in the second quarter worth approximately $25,000. Finally, BlackRock Inc. grew its stake in shares of Grupo Aval Acciones y Valores by 36.7% in the first quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 467,705 shares of the banks stock worth $1,094,000 after acquiring an additional 125,523 shares during the period. 0.25% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Separately, TheStreet raised shares of Grupo Aval Acciones y Valores from a d+ rating to a c- rating in a research report on Tuesday, June 20th. Get Our Latest Analysis on Grupo Aval Acciones y Valores About Grupo Aval Acciones y Valores (Get Free Report) Grupo Aval Acciones y Valores SA provides a range of financial services and products to public and private sector customers in Colombia and Central America. It offers traditional deposit services and products, including checking accounts, savings accounts, time deposits, and other deposits. The company also provides commercial loans comprising general purpose loans, working capital loans, leases, loans funded by development banks, corporate credit cards, and overdraft loans; consumer loans, such as payroll loans, personal loans, automobile and other vehicle loans, credit cards, overdrafts, leases, and general purpose loans; and microcredit and mortgage loans. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Grupo Aval Acciones y Valores Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Grupo Aval Acciones y Valores and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Avista Co. (NYSE:AVA Get Free Report) VP David J. Meyer sold 1,050 shares of Avista stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $36.90, for a total transaction of $38,745.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now owns 5,727 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $211,326.30. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Avista Stock Down 0.0 % Shares of NYSE:AVA opened at $36.33 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $2.78 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.82, a PEG ratio of 2.47 and a beta of 0.49. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $39.17 and its 200-day simple moving average is $41.10. The company has a quick ratio of 0.76, a current ratio of 0.97 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.08. Avista Co. has a fifty-two week low of $35.72 and a fifty-two week high of $45.28. Get Avista alerts: Avista (NYSE:AVA Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 2nd. The utilities provider reported $0.23 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.15 by $0.08. The business had revenue of $379.94 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $398.20 million. Avista had a return on equity of 6.18% and a net margin of 8.38%. During the same period last year, the firm earned $0.16 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts predict that Avista Co. will post 2.32 earnings per share for the current year. Avista Dividend Announcement Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 15th. Investors of record on Friday, August 18th will be issued a $0.46 dividend. This represents a $1.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.06%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, August 17th. Avistas dividend payout ratio is currently 95.34%. Several equities research analysts have recently weighed in on AVA shares. StockNews.com raised Avista from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, August 3rd. Guggenheim dropped their price target on shares of Avista from $35.00 to $33.00 in a research note on Friday, July 7th. Finally, Mizuho reduced their price objective on shares of Avista from $38.00 to $36.00 in a research report on Wednesday. Read Our Latest Research Report on AVA Institutional Investors Weigh In On Avista Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. D.A. Davidson & CO. raised its position in shares of Avista by 3.8% during the 1st quarter. D.A. Davidson & CO. now owns 6,983 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $315,000 after purchasing an additional 254 shares during the last quarter. Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. NY raised its position in shares of Avista by 6.1% during the 4th quarter. Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. NY now owns 4,559 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $202,000 after purchasing an additional 263 shares during the last quarter. Metropolitan Life Insurance Co NY raised its position in shares of Avista by 6.1% during the 4th quarter. Metropolitan Life Insurance Co NY now owns 4,559 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $202,000 after purchasing an additional 263 shares during the last quarter. American International Group Inc. raised its position in shares of Avista by 0.7% during the 2nd quarter. American International Group Inc. now owns 40,555 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $1,593,000 after purchasing an additional 271 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Captrust Financial Advisors raised its position in shares of Avista by 2.8% during the 2nd quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 10,050 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $437,000 after purchasing an additional 271 shares during the last quarter. 89.15% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Avista (Get Free Report) Avista Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an electric and natural gas utility company. It operates in two segments, Avista Utilities and AEL&P. The Avista Utilities segment provides electric distribution and transmission, and natural gas distribution services in parts of eastern Washington and northern Idaho; and natural gas distribution services in parts of northeastern and southwestern Oregon, as well as generates electricity in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and Montana. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Avista Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Avista and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nuburu, Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:BURU Get Free Report) major shareholder David Seldin sold 15,001 shares of Nuburu stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, August 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $0.71, for a total transaction of $10,650.71. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 12,120 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $8,605.20. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Large shareholders that own at least 10% of a companys stock are required to disclose their transactions with the SEC. David Seldin also recently made the following trade(s): Get Nuburu alerts: On Friday, August 11th, David Seldin sold 2,400 shares of Nuburu stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $0.69, for a total transaction of $1,656.00. On Wednesday, August 9th, David Seldin sold 35,824 shares of Nuburu stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $0.68, for a total transaction of $24,360.32. On Thursday, June 22nd, David Seldin sold 53 shares of Nuburu stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $0.72, for a total transaction of $38.16. On Friday, June 16th, David Seldin sold 8,551 shares of Nuburu stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $0.71, for a total transaction of $6,071.21. On Wednesday, June 14th, David Seldin sold 8,552 shares of Nuburu stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $0.74, for a total transaction of $6,328.48. Nuburu Price Performance NYSEAMERICAN BURU opened at $0.60 on Friday. Nuburu, Inc. has a one year low of $0.45 and a one year high of $14.00. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Nuburu ( NYSEAMERICAN:BURU Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, May 11th. The company reported ($0.19) EPS for the quarter. The business had revenue of $0.47 million for the quarter. A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in BURU. Two Sigma Securities LLC acquired a new position in Nuburu during the first quarter worth about $37,000. Barclays PLC purchased a new stake in shares of Nuburu in the first quarter valued at about $48,000. HighTower Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Nuburu in the first quarter valued at about $49,000. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Nuburu during the first quarter valued at approximately $86,000. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Nuburu during the first quarter valued at approximately $228,000. 9.34% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Nuburu Company Profile (Get Free Report) Nuburu, Inc develops high power precision blue light engine lasers for the metal processing and 3D printing industries worldwide. The company offers Nuburu AO and NUBURU BL series lasers. Its products have applications in battery, e-mobility, consumer electronics, and 3D printing metal systems. Nuburu, Inc is headquartered in Centennial, Colorado. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Nuburu Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nuburu and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Integral Health Asset Management LLC purchased a new stake in Laboratory Co. of America Holdings (NYSE:LH Free Report) in the first quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund purchased 20,000 shares of the medical research companys stock, valued at approximately $4,588,000. Several other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of LH. Zions Bancorporation N.A. lifted its stake in Laboratory Co. of America by 45.6% during the 4th quarter. Zions Bancorporation N.A. now owns 131 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $31,000 after acquiring an additional 41 shares in the last quarter. Neuberger Berman Group LLC lifted its holdings in Laboratory Co. of America by 0.6% during the 4th quarter. Neuberger Berman Group LLC now owns 7,834 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $1,845,000 after buying an additional 48 shares in the last quarter. Quantinno Capital Management LP boosted its position in Laboratory Co. of America by 0.8% in the 4th quarter. Quantinno Capital Management LP now owns 6,558 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $1,544,000 after buying an additional 49 shares during the period. Van ECK Associates Corp increased its position in shares of Laboratory Co. of America by 0.9% during the first quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 5,298 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $1,215,000 after acquiring an additional 49 shares during the period. Finally, Allworth Financial LP boosted its holdings in Laboratory Co. of America by 23.2% in the first quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 271 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $62,000 after purchasing an additional 51 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 87.75% of the companys stock. Get Laboratory Co. of America alerts: Laboratory Co. of America Trading Up 1.9 % Shares of Laboratory Co. of America stock opened at $218.00 on Friday. Laboratory Co. of America Holdings has a fifty-two week low of $166.93 and a fifty-two week high of $222.33. The businesss fifty day moving average is $220.53 and its two-hundred day moving average is $227.60. The company has a quick ratio of 2.12, a current ratio of 2.35 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.58. The firm has a market cap of $19.31 billion, a PE ratio of 23.52 and a beta of 1.07. Laboratory Co. of America Dividend Announcement Laboratory Co. of America ( NYSE:LH Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly 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 net margin of 5.89% and a return on equity of 14.62%. The business had revenue of $3.03 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.77 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $4.96 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was up 3.8% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts anticipate that Laboratory Co. of America Holdings will post 13.69 earnings per share for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 8th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, August 8th will be issued a dividend of $0.72 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, August 7th. This represents a $2.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.32%. Laboratory Co. of Americas payout ratio is 31.07%. Insider Buying and Selling In other Laboratory Co. of America news, Director Kerrii B. Anderson sold 5,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $211.57, for a total transaction of $1,057,850.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 15,275 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,231,731.75. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. In other Laboratory Co. of America news, EVP Der Vaart Sandra D. Van sold 212 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $240.00, for a total transaction of $50,880.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 7,605 shares in the company, valued at $1,825,200. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, Director Kerrii B. Anderson sold 5,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $211.57, for a total value of $1,057,850.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 15,275 shares in the company, valued at $3,231,731.75. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders have sold 11,012 shares of company stock valued at $2,366,598. 0.65% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of research analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft decreased their price target on shares of Laboratory Co. of America from $265.00 to $240.00 in a research note on Wednesday, April 26th. Robert W. Baird cut their price target on shares of Laboratory Co. of America from $255.00 to $251.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, July 31st. Citigroup decreased their price objective on Laboratory Co. of America from $260.00 to $235.00 in a research report on Wednesday, April 26th. Truist Financial cut their price target on Laboratory Co. of America from $275.00 to $270.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Friday, July 28th. Finally, Morgan Stanley lowered their price objective on shares of Laboratory Co. of America from $285.00 to $260.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, August 3rd. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $254.25. Get Our Latest Analysis on LH About Laboratory Co. of America (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. Featured Articles 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. Integral Health Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Boston Scientific Co. (NYSE:BSX Free Report) in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor purchased 152,000 shares of the medical equipment providers stock, valued at approximately $7,605,000. Boston Scientific accounts for about 1.5% of Integral Health Asset Management LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 28th largest position. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in BSX. International Assets Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in Boston Scientific in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $54,000. Acadian Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in Boston Scientific in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $35,000. Prudential PLC acquired a new position in Boston Scientific in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $1,076,000. Cetera Investment Advisers increased its position in shares of Boston Scientific by 24.0% during the first quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 28,793 shares of the medical equipment providers stock worth $1,275,000 after buying an additional 5,581 shares during the period. Finally, Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Boston Scientific during the first quarter worth $230,000. Institutional investors own 92.20% of the companys stock. Get Boston Scientific alerts: Boston Scientific Trading Up 0.4 % Boston Scientific stock opened at $51.04 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46, a quick ratio of 0.80 and a current ratio of 1.29. The stock has a market cap of $74.73 billion, a P/E ratio of 85.07, a PEG ratio of 1.99 and a beta of 0.79. The firms fifty day moving average price is $52.45 and its 200-day moving average price is $50.58. Boston Scientific Co. has a fifty-two week low of $37.74 and a fifty-two week high of $54.74. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Boston Scientific ( NYSE:BSX Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Thursday, July 27th. The medical equipment provider reported $0.53 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.49 by $0.04. The company had revenue of $3.60 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.50 billion. Boston Scientific had a return on equity of 15.16% and a net margin of 6.81%. Boston Scientifics quarterly revenue was up 10.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.44 EPS. Equities research analysts forecast that Boston Scientific Co. will post 1.99 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Several equities research analysts have recently weighed in on BSX shares. Royal Bank of Canada increased their price objective on shares of Boston Scientific from $56.00 to $58.00 in a research report on Wednesday, July 12th. Raymond James increased their price objective on shares of Boston Scientific from $60.00 to $61.00 in a research report on Friday, July 28th. 22nd Century Group restated an initiates rating on shares of Boston Scientific in a report on Friday, June 30th. Oppenheimer raised their price target on shares of Boston Scientific from $58.00 to $59.00 in a report on Friday, July 28th. Finally, Robert W. Baird started coverage on shares of Boston Scientific in a research note on Tuesday, July 18th. They issued an outperform rating and a $59.00 price objective on the stock. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, fourteen have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $58.35. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on BSX Insider Buying and Selling In related news, EVP Wendy Carruthers sold 11,671 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $52.85, for a total value of $616,812.35. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 67,584 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,571,814.40. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. In other Boston Scientific news, EVP Wendy Carruthers sold 11,671 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $52.85, for a total value of $616,812.35. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 67,584 shares in the company, valued at $3,571,814.40. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, EVP Arthur C. Butcher sold 6,697 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, June 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $53.80, for a total value of $360,298.60. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 17,453 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $938,971.40. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 93,378 shares of company stock worth $4,993,445 in the last quarter. 0.71% of the stock is owned by insiders. Boston Scientific Profile (Free Report) Boston Scientific Corporation develops, manufactures, and markets medical devices for use in various interventional medical specialties worldwide. It operates through MedSurg and Cardiovascular segments. The company offers devices to diagnose and treat gastrointestinal and pulmonary conditions; devices to treat various urological and pelvic conditions; implantable cardioverter and implantable cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators; pacemakers and implantable cardiac resynchronization therapy pacemakers; and remote patient management systems. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BSX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Boston Scientific Co. (NYSE:BSX Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Boston Scientific Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Boston Scientific and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Samalin Investment Counsel LLC grew its stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (BATS:EFV Free Report) by 10.2% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 11,224 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 1,042 shares during the period. Samalin Investment Counsel LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF were worth $545,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in EFV. Coastal Investment Advisors Inc. grew its holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 66.5% during the 4th quarter. Coastal Investment Advisors Inc. now owns 536 shares of the companys stock worth $25,000 after acquiring an additional 214 shares in the last quarter. Tompkins Financial Corp boosted its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 66.1% in the 1st quarter. Tompkins Financial Corp now owns 553 shares of the companys stock valued at $27,000 after buying an additional 220 shares during the period. Howe & Rusling Inc. acquired a new position in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF in the 4th quarter valued at about $32,000. Central Bank & Trust Co. acquired a new position in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF in the 1st quarter valued at about $34,000. Finally, Barclays PLC acquired a new position in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF in the 4th quarter valued at about $41,000. Get iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF alerts: iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF Stock Performance BATS EFV opened at $49.71 on Friday. iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF has a one year low of $49.15 and a one year high of $59.57. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $49.36 and a 200-day simple moving average of $49.11. The firm has a market capitalization of $16.70 billion, a PE ratio of 9.51 and a beta of 0.84. iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF Company Profile iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares MSCI EAFE Value Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the MSCI EAFE Value Index. The Index is a subset of the MSCI EAFE Index and constituents of the Index include securities from Europe, Australasia (Australia and Asia), and the Far East. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Edgemoor Investment Advisors Inc. lessened its holdings in Jacobs Solutions Inc. (NYSE:J Free Report) by 1.2% during the 1st quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 29,590 shares of the companys stock after selling 365 shares during the period. Edgemoor Investment Advisors Inc.s holdings in Jacobs Solutions were worth $3,477,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other large investors have also modified their holdings of the business. Huntington National Bank lifted its stake in shares of Jacobs Solutions by 6.1% in the 4th quarter. Huntington National Bank now owns 1,503 shares of the companys stock valued at $180,000 after purchasing an additional 87 shares during the last quarter. Vahanian & Associates Financial Planning Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Jacobs Solutions by 5.4% in the 1st quarter. Vahanian & Associates Financial Planning Inc. now owns 1,770 shares of the companys stock valued at $208,000 after purchasing an additional 90 shares during the last quarter. Toroso Investments LLC lifted its stake in shares of Jacobs Solutions by 4.1% in the 4th quarter. Toroso Investments LLC now owns 2,381 shares of the companys stock valued at $286,000 after purchasing an additional 93 shares during the last quarter. Aspire Private Capital LLC acquired a new position in Jacobs Solutions during the 1st quarter worth about $11,398,470,000. Finally, Klingman & Associates LLC lifted its stake in Jacobs Solutions by 3.4% during the 4th quarter. Klingman & Associates LLC now owns 2,975 shares of the companys stock worth $357,000 after acquiring an additional 99 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 85.11% of the companys stock. Get Jacobs Solutions alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research firms recently issued reports on J. StockNews.com began coverage on Jacobs Solutions in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They set a buy rating on the stock. Robert W. Baird increased their target price on Jacobs Solutions from $135.00 to $150.00 in a research note on Wednesday. Credit Suisse Group decreased their target price on Jacobs Solutions from $153.00 to $151.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday. Royal Bank of Canada increased their target price on Jacobs Solutions from $152.00 to $157.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday. Finally, Sanford C. Bernstein decreased their target price on Jacobs Solutions from $165.00 to $150.00 in a research note on Wednesday, May 10th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Jacobs Solutions presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $149.00. Insider Transactions at Jacobs Solutions In other Jacobs Solutions news, insider Steven J. Demetriou sold 6,666 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $115.20, for a total value of $767,923.20. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 601,290 shares in the company, valued at $69,268,608. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other news, CFO Kevin C. Berryman sold 1,500 shares of Jacobs Solutions stock in a transaction dated Monday, July 31st. The stock was sold at an average price of $125.30, for a total transaction of $187,950.00. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 249,132 shares in the company, valued at $31,216,239.60. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, insider Steven J. Demetriou sold 6,666 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $115.20, for a total value of $767,923.20. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 601,290 shares of the companys stock, valued at $69,268,608. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders sold 22,998 shares of company stock valued at $2,714,356. 1.00% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Jacobs Solutions Stock Down 0.2 % J stock traded down $0.24 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $136.46. The company had a trading volume of 409,767 shares, compared to its average volume of 571,676. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.48, a quick ratio of 1.53 and a current ratio of 1.46. The company has a market capitalization of $17.18 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.53, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.84 and a beta of 0.84. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $121.97 and a 200 day simple moving average of $118.94. Jacobs Solutions Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $106.78 and a fifty-two week high of $137.45. Jacobs Solutions (NYSE:J Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 8th. The company reported $1.82 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $1.82. The company had revenue of $4.19 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.07 billion. Jacobs Solutions had a return on equity of 14.30% and a net margin of 4.65%. Jacobs Solutionss revenue for the quarter was up 9.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $1.86 EPS. Analysts forecast that Jacobs Solutions Inc. will post 7.34 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Jacobs Solutions Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 25th. Shareholders of record on Friday, July 28th will be issued a dividend of $0.26 per share. This represents a $1.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.76%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, July 27th. Jacobs Solutionss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 17.93%. Jacobs Solutions Company Profile (Free Report) Jacobs Solutions Inc provides consulting, technical, scientific, and project delivery services for the government and private sectors in the United States, Europe, Canada, India, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Mexico, the Middle East, and Africa. It operates through three segments: Critical Mission Solutions, People & Places Solutions, and PA Consulting. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding J? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Jacobs Solutions Inc. (NYSE:J Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Jacobs Solutions Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Jacobs Solutions and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. JFG Wealth Management LLC increased its position in iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:IWF Free Report) by 21.6% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 1,527 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after buying an additional 271 shares during the quarter. iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF accounts for approximately 0.1% of JFG Wealth Management LLCs holdings, making the stock its 17th biggest holding. JFG Wealth Management LLCs holdings in iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF were worth $373,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC increased its position in iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF by 145,777.6% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 223,496,182 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $47,881,822,000 after purchasing an additional 223,342,974 shares during the period. Bank of America Corp DE increased its position in iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF by 9.1% during the 4th quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 38,134,434 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $8,169,921,000 after purchasing an additional 3,186,645 shares during the period. Polen Capital Management LLC increased its position in iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF by 329.8% during the 4th quarter. Polen Capital Management LLC now owns 2,537,512 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $543,637,000 after purchasing an additional 1,947,087 shares during the period. CI Private Wealth LLC purchased a new position in iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF during the 4th quarter valued at $227,744,000. Finally, Morgan Stanley increased its position in iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF by 6.2% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 22,099,282 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $4,734,550,000 after purchasing an additional 1,283,522 shares during the period. Get iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF alerts: iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF Price Performance iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF stock traded down $1.15 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $273.26. 985,499 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,435,873. iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF has a 52-week low of $202.05 and a 52-week high of $286.96. The firm has a market capitalization of $69.71 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.14 and a beta of 1.08. The firms 50 day moving average price is $274.63 and its 200 day moving average price is $252.44. iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF Profile iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment returns that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Russell 1000 Growth Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of equity securities of Russell 1000 index issuers with relatively higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IWF? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:IWF Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. KCM Investment Advisors LLC grew its holdings in Occidental Petroleum Co. (NYSE:OXY Free Report) by 57.8% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 12,956 shares of the oil and gas producers stock after buying an additional 4,748 shares during the quarter. KCM Investment Advisors LLCs holdings in Occidental Petroleum were worth $809,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Glenview Trust co lifted its stake in shares of Occidental Petroleum by 14.4% in the 1st quarter. Glenview Trust co now owns 4,773 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $298,000 after purchasing an additional 600 shares during the period. Roundview Capital LLC purchased a new position in Occidental Petroleum during the first quarter valued at $1,005,000. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd purchased a new position in Occidental Petroleum during the first quarter valued at $2,527,000. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A. raised its stake in Occidental Petroleum by 83.3% during the first quarter. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A. now owns 41,913 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $2,623,000 after buying an additional 19,041 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Schwartz Investment Counsel Inc. purchased a new position in Occidental Petroleum during the first quarter valued at $9,364,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 78.31% of the companys stock. Get Occidental Petroleum alerts: Occidental Petroleum Stock Performance Shares of OXY opened at $65.84 on Friday. The business has a fifty day moving average of $60.15 and a 200 day moving average of $60.80. Occidental Petroleum Co. has a one year low of $55.51 and a one year high of $77.13. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.96, a current ratio of 1.00 and a quick ratio of 0.73. The firm has a market capitalization of $58.25 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.18, a PEG ratio of 0.77 and a beta of 1.76. Occidental Petroleum Announces Dividend Occidental Petroleum ( NYSE:OXY Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 2nd. The oil and gas producer reported $0.68 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.70 by ($0.02). Occidental Petroleum had a net margin of 21.36% and a return on equity of 31.59%. The business had revenue of $6.73 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6.92 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $3.16 earnings per share. Occidental Petroleums revenue was down 37.3% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Occidental Petroleum Co. will post 3.78 EPS for the current year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, October 13th. Investors of record on Friday, September 8th will be given a $0.18 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, September 7th. This represents a $0.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.09%. Occidental Petroleums dividend payout ratio is currently 12.22%. Insider Buying and Selling In other news, major shareholder Berkshire Hathaway Inc bought 260,769 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, June 28th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $57.02 per share, for a total transaction of $14,869,048.38. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 224,129,192 shares of the companys stock, valued at $12,779,846,527.84. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Over the last three months, insiders have bought 5,667,087 shares of company stock worth $330,044,523. Corporate insiders own 0.31% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research analysts have issued reports on the company. Stephens lowered their price objective on Occidental Petroleum from $72.00 to $69.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, July 18th. Mizuho reduced their target price on Occidental Petroleum from $79.00 to $67.00 in a report on Friday, May 19th. 51job reissued a maintains rating on shares of Occidental Petroleum in a report on Tuesday, June 13th. Piper Sandler lifted their target price on Occidental Petroleum from $61.00 to $62.00 in a report on Tuesday, June 13th. Finally, UBS Group started coverage on Occidental Petroleum in a report on Wednesday, April 19th. They issued a neutral rating and a $68.00 target price for the company. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have assigned a hold rating, eight have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $69.56. Read Our Latest Analysis on OXY Occidental Petroleum Company Profile (Free Report) Occidental Petroleum Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of oil and gas properties in the United States, the Middle East, North Africa, and Latin America. It operates through three segments: Oil and Gas, Chemical, and Midstream and Marketing. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Occidental Petroleum Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Occidental Petroleum and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. President Tinubu has been in office since March 2023 and concentrated on his pledges to reduce corruption in the Nigerian government. One of his first acts was to order an audit of the central bank to be followed by an audit of the federal payroll. The current economic crisis has made endemic and epidemic corruption more visible. This is very visible in the oil production industry, which has greatly inflated costs because of corruption. Higher oil prices are canceled by declines in production caused by criminals and corruption. Corruption inflates the cost of everything and reduces the quality of work done by the government, especially when it comes to infrastructure. Nnamdi Azikiwe, who served as president from 1963 to 1966, was one of the key people working to obtain independence for Nigeria from British colonial rule. What is now Nigeria was a collection of separate kingdoms and tribal territories that Britain got involved with after it outlawed slavery in 1807 and began a decades-long campaign to suppress the slave trade between African tribes and the Americas. Slavery was an ancient custom in most of Africa but American and European demand for more slaves led to more powerful tribes attacking weaker tribes to capture them as slaves for sale to American and European slave traders. In 1861 Britain took control of some portions of the Nigerian coast to deal with persistent slaving by inland tribes. Twenty years later Britain had control over more territory and installed a colonial government. This led to Nigerian nationalism and talented men like Nnamdi Azikiwe, to work for independence. When the 1960s Igbo rebellion broke out he advised the Igbo government for a few years before switching back to the Nigerian government. After independence the biggest problem was corruption fed by the growing oil wealth coming from the oil fields in the south (the Niger River Delta). It was later calculated that about a trillion dollars of oil income was stolen between the 1960s and the present. Back in 2004, Islamic terrorist violence in the northeast appeared and created some lasting problems. There are still millions of refugees plus substantial economic damage in the northeast (Borno State), where it all began. There seems to be no end in sight because of corruption, but more competent leadership in the security forces reduced the violence. All this was caused by a local group of Taliban wannabes calling themselves Boko Haram. Their activity in the capital of Borno State grew for a decade until in 2014 it seemed unstoppable. It took over a year for the government to finally muster sufficient military strength to cripple but not destroy Boko Haram. This did not get much media attention outside Africa, even though in 2014 Boko Haram killed more people than ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) did in Syria and Iraq. The main reason for Boko Haram gains in 2014 and 2015 was corruption in the army, which severely crippled effective counterterror efforts. By itself Boko Haram was too small to have much impact on a national scale but the inability to deal with this problem put a spotlight on the corruption that has hobbled all progress in Nigeria for decades. A new president (a former general who is Moslem) was elected in early 2015 and made progress in changing the armys corrupt culture, but that is still a work in progress even though he was reelected in early 2019. More bad news was expected because of too many tribal feuds and too much corruption creating growing unrest throughout the country, which led to reduced oil income and further disputes over that, etc. This is especially bad down south in the oil producing region (the Niger River Delta). Violence against oil facilities continues. Worse, local politicians and business leaders had taken over the oil theft business. Northern Moslems want more control over the federal government and the oil money. In northern and central Nigeria there is increasing violence as nomadic Moslem herders move south and clash with largely Christian farmers over land use and water supplies. For the last few years these tribal feuds have killed more people than Boko Haram. The situation is still capable of sliding into regional civil wars, over money and political power. Corruption and ethnic/tribal/religious rivalries threaten to trigger, at worse, another civil war and, at least more street violence and public anger. August 10, 2023: In the northeast (Borno state) soldiers ambushed a group of armed Boko Haram members on a frequently used rural trail. Two of the Boko Haram men were killed and others fled, leaving behind their weapons and munitions. August 5, 2023: The Nigerian Senate rejected president Tinubus request to send Nigerian troops into Niger to remove the recently installed military government. The Senate leaders believe the best way to intervene is with an ECOWAS force, which will take time to organize. In the south (Port Harcourt), seven kilometers off the coast, an airstrike destroyed three boats carrying stolen oil. The air force also found and attacked a crude refinery set up by the oil thieves. These crude rural refineries produce cut-rate fuels for rural customers. These illegal refineries are easy to spot from the air and, when they are located, the army moves in via road or the navy via boat to shut them down. Sometimes the air force carries out an airstrike if speed is of the essence. The illegal refining business is so lucrative that losing several refineries every month or so is an affordable cost for a full time refining operation. The refinery personnel usually escape and build another crude refinery. The outlaws are armed, although they rarely fight back against the military raids. July 26, 2023: In neighboring Niger there was a military coup. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the president of Nigeria and chairman of ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African states) warned the Niger coup leaders to restore the elected government. If that did not happen, Tinubu was prepared to organize and send an intervention force to restore the Niger government. Nigeria and ECOWAS have organized several peacekeeping operations and creating one for Niger was no idle threat. Nigerian armed forces have 135,000 troops on active duty while Niger has only 13,000. Nigeria spends over $3 billion on defense each year compared to $237 million for Niger. The Nigerian army has over a hundred tanks and more than 15,000 other armored vehicles compared to 728 armored vehicles in Niger. The Nigerian Air Force has 144 combat aircraft, including jets and helicopters. Niger has 16 military aircraft. The Niger coup leaders did not immediately reply to the Nigerian demands. Nigeria would most likely provide the bulk of the troops for an ECOWAS peacekeeping effort in Niger. Manchester Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in San Juan Basin Royalty Trust (NYSE:SJT Free Report) during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund acquired 6,000 shares of the oil and gas producers stock, valued at approximately $63,000. A number of other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in SJT. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. boosted its holdings in San Juan Basin Royalty Trust by 41.2% in the 1st quarter. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. now owns 17,454 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $135,000 after purchasing an additional 5,093 shares in the last quarter. US Bancorp DE purchased a new stake in San Juan Basin Royalty Trust in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $35,000. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. boosted its holdings in San Juan Basin Royalty Trust by 10.8% in the 1st quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 23,748 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $208,000 after purchasing an additional 2,307 shares in the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. boosted its holdings in San Juan Basin Royalty Trust by 423.1% in the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 8,976 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $79,000 after purchasing an additional 7,260 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Mariner LLC purchased a new stake in shares of San Juan Basin Royalty Trust during the 1st quarter worth approximately $298,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 14.89% of the companys stock. Get San Juan Basin Royalty Trust alerts: San Juan Basin Royalty Trust Price Performance Shares of NYSE:SJT opened at $7.56 on Friday. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $7.64 and its 200-day simple moving average is $8.95. San Juan Basin Royalty Trust has a 12 month low of $6.64 and a 12 month high of $15.43. San Juan Basin Royalty Trust Cuts Dividend San Juan Basin Royalty Trust ( NYSE:SJT Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Monday, May 15th. The oil and gas producer reported $0.77 EPS for the quarter. The business had revenue of $36.45 million 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 business also recently announced a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, August 14th. Investors of record on Monday, July 31st will be paid a $0.0102 dividend. This represents a $0.12 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.62%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, July 28th. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Separately, StockNews.com assumed coverage on San Juan Basin Royalty Trust in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating on the stock. View Our Latest Stock Report on SJT About San Juan Basin Royalty Trust (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. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SJT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for San Juan Basin Royalty Trust (NYSE:SJT Free Report). 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. Meiji Yasuda Asset Management Co Ltd. increased its stake in ABM Industries Incorporated (NYSE:ABM Free Report) by 8.5% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 92,345 shares of the business services providers stock after acquiring an additional 7,254 shares during the quarter. Meiji Yasuda Asset Management Co Ltd. owned about 0.14% of ABM Industries worth $4,150,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. purchased a new stake in ABM Industries in the 1st quarter valued at about $284,000. Bank of Montreal Can grew its stake in ABM Industries by 2.2% during the first quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 21,837 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $1,000,000 after acquiring an additional 473 shares in the last quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC grew its position in ABM Industries by 53.8% during the first quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 35,527 shares of the business services providers stock worth $1,636,000 after buying an additional 12,425 shares in the last quarter. Rhumbline Advisers grew its position in ABM Industries by 2.2% during the first quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 193,026 shares of the business services providers stock worth $8,887,000 after buying an additional 4,196 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Great West Life Assurance Co. Can grew its stake in ABM Industries by 2.1% in the 1st quarter. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can now owns 60,453 shares of the business services providers stock worth $2,860,000 after buying an additional 1,246 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 93.66% of the companys stock. Get ABM Industries alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at ABM Industries In other ABM Industries news, CEO Scott B. Salmirs sold 14,983 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, June 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $45.44, for a total transaction of $680,827.52. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 350,391 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $15,921,767.04. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. 0.85% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. ABM Industries Price Performance Shares of ABM Industries stock opened at $46.13 on Friday. ABM Industries Incorporated has a 52-week low of $37.68 and a 52-week high of $50.20. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.05 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.69 and a beta of 1.07. The company has a fifty day moving average of $43.83 and a 200-day moving average of $44.58. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.76, a quick ratio of 1.53 and a current ratio of 1.53. ABM Industries (NYSE:ABM Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, June 6th. The business services provider reported $0.90 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.86 by $0.04. The company had revenue of $1.98 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2 billion. ABM Industries had a net margin of 2.47% and a return on equity of 13.63%. The firms revenue was up 4.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $0.89 EPS. Equities research analysts expect that ABM Industries Incorporated will post 3.5 EPS for the current year. ABM Industries Announces Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, August 7th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, July 6th were given a dividend of $0.22 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, July 5th. This represents a $0.88 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.91%. ABM Industriess payout ratio is currently 29.93%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades ABM has been the subject of a number of research reports. UBS Group initiated coverage on shares of ABM Industries in a research note on Wednesday, May 31st. They issued a neutral rating and a $48.00 price target for the company. StockNews.com cut ABM Industries from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, July 8th. View Our Latest Stock Report on ABM About ABM Industries (Free Report) ABM Industries Incorporated, through its subsidiaries, engages in the provision of integrated facility, infrastructure, and mobility solutions in the United States and internationally. The company operates through Business & Industry, Manufacturing & Distribution, Education, Aviation, and Technical Solutions segments. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ABM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for ABM Industries Incorporated (NYSE:ABM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for ABM Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ABM Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Model N, Inc. (NYSE:MODN Get Free Report) has earned an average rating of Moderate Buy from the six ratings firms that are presently covering the company, MarketBeat.com reports. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and four have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 12-month target price among brokers that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $39.30. MODN has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Royal Bank of Canada initiated coverage on Model N in a research report on Thursday, April 27th. They set a sector perform rating and a $35.00 price objective for the company. StockNews.com upgraded Model N from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Monday, August 7th. Needham & Company LLC cut their price objective on Model N from $47.00 to $37.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday. Craig Hallum cut their price objective on Model N from $38.00 to $33.00 in a research report on Wednesday. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group dropped their price target on Model N from $40.00 to $36.00 in a research report on Tuesday. Get Model N alerts: Get Our Latest Report on Model N Model N Trading Up 0.1 % Shares of Model N stock opened at $29.04 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $1.12 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -25.47 and a beta of 0.69. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $33.63 and a 200-day moving average price of $33.50. The company has a quick ratio of 3.70, a current ratio of 4.13 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.70. Model N has a twelve month low of $27.19 and a twelve month high of $43.18. Model N (NYSE:MODN Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, May 9th. The software maker reported ($0.05) earnings per share for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of ($0.05). The firm had revenue of $62.60 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $59.41 million. Model N had a negative return on equity of 1.58% and a negative net margin of 17.51%. Equities research analysts anticipate that Model N will post -0.12 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insider Buying and Selling at Model N In other Model N news, Director Kimberly Decarlis sold 1,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $28.32, for a total transaction of $28,320.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 13,105 shares in the company, valued at $371,133.60. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. In other Model N news, Director Kimberly Decarlis sold 1,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $28.32, for a total transaction of $28,320.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 13,105 shares in the company, valued at $371,133.60. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, CRO Christopher Lyon sold 6,400 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $28.63, for a total value of $183,232.00. Following the transaction, the executive now owns 146,959 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,207,436.17. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 39,837 shares of company stock worth $1,191,429 over the last 90 days. Company insiders own 2.30% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of Model N Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Conestoga Capital Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of Model N by 0.5% during the first quarter. Conestoga Capital Advisors LLC now owns 3,792,154 shares of the software makers stock valued at $126,923,000 after acquiring an additional 19,242 shares in the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. raised its stake in Model N by 13.2% in the third quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 2,949,847 shares of the software makers stock worth $100,973,000 after buying an additional 343,775 shares in the last quarter. Artisan Partners Limited Partnership raised its stake in Model N by 13.4% in the second quarter. Artisan Partners Limited Partnership now owns 2,888,255 shares of the software makers stock worth $102,129,000 after buying an additional 340,964 shares in the last quarter. First Light Asset Management LLC raised its stake in Model N by 6.2% in the first quarter. First Light Asset Management LLC now owns 2,707,143 shares of the software makers stock worth $72,822,000 after buying an additional 159,213 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Clearbridge Investments LLC raised its stake in Model N by 0.4% in the second quarter. Clearbridge Investments LLC now owns 2,523,261 shares of the software makers stock worth $89,223,000 after buying an additional 8,950 shares in the last quarter. About Model N (Get Free Report Model N, Inc provides cloud revenue management solutions for life sciences and high-tech companies. The company offers Global Pricing Management, which minimizes price erosion of products; Global Tender Management that enhances revenue by enabling segmentation and targeting, optimal bid pricing, and post-award tracking; Provider Management, which minimizes rebate overpayments; Payer Management that minimizes revenue leakage and noncompliance of complex contracts; Government Pricing, which optimizes revenue, and reduces the risk of fines and other penalties; and Medicaid that enhances compliance with regulatory requirements and payments of rebate claims on a timely basis and at correct rates for government Medicaid programs, as well as Validata, State Pricing Transparency Management, Advanced Membership Management, and Intelligence Cloud. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Model N Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Model N and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Motco boosted its holdings in Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE:ICE Free Report) by 1.4% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 80,536 shares of the financial services providers stock after purchasing an additional 1,117 shares during the period. Motcos holdings in Intercontinental Exchange were worth $8,399,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A number of other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Arcus Capital Partners LLC grew its position in Intercontinental Exchange by 19,400.0% in the first quarter. Arcus Capital Partners LLC now owns 8,385 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $874,000 after purchasing an additional 8,342 shares in the last quarter. Nicolet Advisory Services LLC grew its position in shares of Intercontinental Exchange by 23.6% in the 1st quarter. Nicolet Advisory Services LLC now owns 4,970 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $538,000 after acquiring an additional 949 shares during the period. Column Capital Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of Intercontinental Exchange by 21.5% in the 1st quarter. Column Capital Advisors LLC now owns 904 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $94,000 after acquiring an additional 160 shares during the period. Fidelis Capital Partners LLC bought a new position in shares of Intercontinental Exchange in the 1st quarter valued at about $297,000. Finally, AdvisorShares Investments LLC grew its position in shares of Intercontinental Exchange by 43.7% in the 1st quarter. AdvisorShares Investments LLC now owns 17,947 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,872,000 after acquiring an additional 5,460 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 87.28% of the companys stock. Get Intercontinental Exchange alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of brokerages have recently commented on ICE. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lifted their price objective on shares of Intercontinental Exchange from $125.00 to $126.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, August 4th. Rosenblatt Securities reissued a buy rating and issued a $168.00 price objective on shares of Intercontinental Exchange in a research report on Friday, August 4th. Barclays cut their target price on shares of Intercontinental Exchange from $128.00 to $122.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Friday, August 4th. UBS Group raised their target price on shares of Intercontinental Exchange from $130.00 to $135.00 in a research note on Friday, May 5th. Finally, Citigroup upgraded shares of Intercontinental Exchange from a neutral rating to a buy rating and raised their target price for the stock from $117.00 to $130.00 in a research note on Friday, August 4th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, six have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Intercontinental Exchange presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $131.91. Insider Activity In other news, CEO Jeffrey C. Sprecher sold 85,461 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $107.89, for a total value of $9,220,387.29. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 1,188,085 shares in the company, valued at approximately $128,182,490.65. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. In related news, SVP Douglas Foley sold 1,600 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $108.48, for a total transaction of $173,568.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 19,881 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,156,690.88. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CEO Jeffrey C. Sprecher sold 85,461 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $107.89, for a total transaction of $9,220,387.29. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 1,188,085 shares of the companys stock, valued at $128,182,490.65. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders sold 97,978 shares of company stock worth $10,606,289. 1.10% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Intercontinental Exchange Stock Performance Intercontinental Exchange stock traded down $0.81 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $113.99. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,484,657 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,346,833. Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. has a 1-year low of $88.60 and a 1-year high of $117.85. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.76, a current ratio of 1.10 and a quick ratio of 1.10. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $113.15 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $108.03. The company has a market cap of $63.87 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 37.87, a PEG ratio of 2.30 and a beta of 0.94. Intercontinental Exchange (NYSE:ICE Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 3rd. The financial services provider reported $1.43 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.37 by $0.06. The business had revenue of $1.90 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.89 billion. Intercontinental Exchange had a net margin of 17.64% and a return on equity of 13.11%. The businesss revenue was up 4.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $1.32 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. will post 5.65 earnings per share for the current year. Intercontinental Exchange Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 29th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 15th will be given a $0.42 dividend. This represents a $1.68 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.47%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, September 14th. Intercontinental Exchanges payout ratio is presently 55.81%. Intercontinental Exchange Company Profile (Free Report) Intercontinental Exchange, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the provision of market infrastructure, data services, and technology solutions for financial institutions, corporations, and government entities in the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Singapore, India, Abu Dhabi, Israel, and Canada. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ICE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE:ICE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Intercontinental Exchange Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Intercontinental Exchange and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nicolet Advisory Services LLC lifted its position in The Charles Schwab Co. (NYSE:SCHW Free Report) by 144.4% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 9,795 shares of the financial services providers stock after buying an additional 5,788 shares during the period. Nicolet Advisory Services LLCs holdings in Charles Schwab were worth $483,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in SCHW. Vontobel Holding Ltd. lifted its position in Charles Schwab by 7.5% during the first quarter. Vontobel Holding Ltd. now owns 20,822 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,847,000 after purchasing an additional 1,452 shares in the last quarter. Moors & Cabot Inc. raised its stake in shares of Charles Schwab by 4.3% in the first quarter. Moors & Cabot Inc. now owns 6,263 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $528,000 after buying an additional 259 shares during the period. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Charles Schwab by 25.4% during the 1st quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 13,064 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,101,000 after buying an additional 2,648 shares in the last quarter. Brighton Jones LLC grew its stake in shares of Charles Schwab by 7.5% during the 1st quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 3,807 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $321,000 after acquiring an additional 267 shares during the period. Finally, Covestor Ltd increased its holdings in Charles Schwab by 16.6% in the 1st quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 1,239 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $104,000 after acquiring an additional 176 shares in the last quarter. 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 77,640 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $51.76, for a total value of $4,018,646.40. Following the completion of the sale, the chairman now directly owns 59,771,278 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,093,761,349.28. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other news, Chairman Charles R. Schwab sold 77,640 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $51.76, for a total transaction of $4,018,646.40. Following the sale, the chairman now owns 59,771,278 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,093,761,349.28. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, Chairman Charles R. Schwab sold 75,760 shares of the firms 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 sale, the chairman now directly owns 59,672,778 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,974,207,014.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 225,447 shares of company stock valued at $13,866,915 over the last three months. 6.60% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research firms have weighed in on SCHW. Bank of America upped their price target on shares of Charles Schwab from $46.00 to $53.00 in a research report on Thursday, June 15th. StockNews.com lowered shares of Charles Schwab from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Friday, August 4th. Morgan Stanley upped their price target on shares of Charles Schwab from $68.00 to $71.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Friday, July 28th. The Goldman Sachs Group upped their price target on shares of Charles Schwab from $71.00 to $80.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, July 20th. Finally, Wolfe Research decreased their price target on shares of Charles Schwab from $62.00 to $60.00 in a research note on Monday, June 26th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and thirteen have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Charles Schwab presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $72.09. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on SCHW Charles Schwab Trading Down 0.7 % Shares of NYSE SCHW traded down $0.46 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $64.08. The company had a trading volume of 6,573,186 shares, compared to its average volume of 11,250,463. The businesss 50-day moving average is $59.61 and its 200-day moving average is $60.84. The company has a current ratio of 0.39, a quick ratio of 0.38 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.80. The stock has a market cap of $113.44 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.68, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.71 and a beta of 0.91. The Charles Schwab Co. has a 52 week low of $45.00 and a 52 week high of $86.63. Charles Schwab (NYSE:SCHW Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly 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 net margin of 33.15% and a return on equity of 27.54%. The firm had revenue of $4.66 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.61 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $0.97 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 8.6% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts expect that The Charles Schwab Co. will post 3.28 earnings per share for the current year. Charles Schwab Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 25th. Investors of record on Friday, August 11th will be paid a $0.25 dividend. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.56%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, August 10th. Charles Schwabs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 29.15%. Charles Schwab Company Profile (Free Report) The Charles Schwab Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a savings and loan holding company that provides wealth management, securities brokerage, banking, asset management, custody, and financial advisory services. The company operates in two segments, Investor Services and Advisor Services. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Charles Schwab Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Charles Schwab and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nomad Foods (NYSE:NOMD Get Free Report) updated its FY23 earnings guidance on Wednesday. The company provided EPS guidance of 1.54-1.57 for the period, compared to the consensus EPS estimate of $1.53. Analyst Ratings Changes Several brokerages have recently weighed in on NOMD. StockNews.com downgraded Nomad Foods from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, June 14th. Citigroup reduced their price target on Nomad Foods from $25.00 to $23.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Thursday. Barclays increased their price target on Nomad Foods from $21.00 to $22.00 in a report on Friday, May 12th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft increased their price target on Nomad Foods from $21.00 to $24.00 in a report on Thursday, May 11th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $22.33. Get Nomad Foods alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on Nomad Foods Nomad Foods Trading Up 0.4 % NOMD opened at $18.08 on Friday. The stocks fifty day moving average is $17.72 and its two-hundred day moving average is $17.97. The company has a market capitalization of $3.15 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.46 and a beta of 0.74. Nomad Foods has a 52 week low of $12.50 and a 52 week high of $19.82. The company has a quick ratio of 0.71, a current ratio of 1.21 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.81. Nomad Foods (NYSE:NOMD Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, May 10th. The company reported $0.49 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.41 by $0.08. Nomad Foods had a return on equity of 11.21% and a net margin of 6.88%. The business had revenue of $831.55 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $811.47 million. Analysts forecast that Nomad Foods will post 1.71 earnings per share for the current year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Lazard Asset Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Nomad Foods by 117.5% in the 4th quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 1,897 shares of the companys stock valued at $32,000 after acquiring an additional 1,025 shares during the period. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC purchased a new position in shares of Nomad Foods in the 3rd quarter valued at $66,000. State of Wyoming increased its holdings in shares of Nomad Foods by 18.0% in the 4th quarter. State of Wyoming now owns 9,221 shares of the companys stock valued at $159,000 after acquiring an additional 1,404 shares during the period. American Trust purchased a new position in shares of Nomad Foods in the 4th quarter valued at $191,000. Finally, Quantbot Technologies LP purchased a new position in shares of Nomad Foods in the 2nd quarter valued at $229,000. 77.71% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Nomad Foods Company Profile (Get Free Report) Nomad Foods Limited manufactures, markets, and distributes a range of frozen food products in the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, France, Sweden, Austria, Norway, Spain, Serbia, Croatia, Switzerland, and rest of Europe. The company offers frozen fish products, including fish fingers, coated fish, and natural fish; ready to cook vegetable products, such as peas and spinach; and frozen poultry and meat products comprising nuggets, grills, and burgers. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Nomad Foods Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nomad Foods and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nuveen Credit Strategies Income Fund (NYSE:JQC Get Free Report) announced a monthly dividend on Tuesday, August 1st, Zacks reports. Investors of record on Tuesday, August 15th will be paid a dividend of 0.047 per share by the investment management company on Friday, September 1st. This represents a $0.56 annualized dividend and a yield of 11.02%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, August 14th. Nuveen Credit Strategies Income Fund has decreased its dividend by an average of 24.3% per year over the last three years and has increased its dividend annually for the last 1 consecutive years. Get Nuveen Credit Strategies Income Fund alerts: Nuveen Credit Strategies Income Fund Trading Down 0.4 % Shares of JQC stock opened at $5.12 on Friday. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $5.02 and its 200 day simple moving average is $5.09. Nuveen Credit Strategies Income Fund has a one year low of $4.83 and a one year high of $5.68. Institutional Trading of Nuveen Credit Strategies Income Fund About Nuveen Credit Strategies Income Fund Institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Bank of America Corp DE boosted its holdings in Nuveen Credit Strategies Income Fund by 46.5% in the first quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 204,785 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $1,266,000 after acquiring an additional 64,998 shares during the last quarter. Chicago Partners Investment Group LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Nuveen Credit Strategies Income Fund by 121.4% during the 1st quarter. Chicago Partners Investment Group LLC now owns 31,000 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $166,000 after buying an additional 17,000 shares in the last quarter. Advisors Asset Management Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Nuveen Credit Strategies Income Fund by 126.1% during the 1st quarter. Advisors Asset Management Inc. now owns 488,858 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $3,021,000 after buying an additional 272,660 shares in the last quarter. Beacon Pointe Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Nuveen Credit Strategies Income Fund during the 1st quarter worth approximately $892,000. Finally, Guggenheim Capital LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Nuveen Credit Strategies Income Fund by 103.0% during the 1st quarter. Guggenheim Capital LLC now owns 779,274 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $4,816,000 after buying an additional 395,442 shares in the last quarter. (Get Free Report) Nuveen Credit Strategies Income Fund is a closed-ended balanced mutual fund launched by Nuveen Investments, Inc The fund is managed by Symphony Asset Management, LLC. It invests in the fixed income and public equity markets of the United States. The fund invests in senior secured and second lien loans, preferred securities, convertible securities and related instruments. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Nuveen Credit Strategies Income Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nuveen Credit Strategies Income Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Parker-Hannifin Co. (NYSE:PH Get Free Report) Director Linda S. Harty sold 1,487 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, August 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $424.28, for a total value of $630,904.36. Following the transaction, the director now owns 4,344 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,843,072.32. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Parker-Hannifin Price Performance Shares of NYSE PH opened at $416.51 on Friday. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $387.29 and its 200 day moving average price is $351.09. The firm has a market cap of $53.48 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.80, a P/E/G ratio of 1.59 and a beta of 1.52. Parker-Hannifin Co. has a 52 week low of $235.69 and a 52 week high of $428.16. The company has a quick ratio of 0.51, a current ratio of 0.88 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.85. Get Parker-Hannifin alerts: Parker-Hannifin (NYSE:PH Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, August 3rd. The industrial products company reported $6.08 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $5.48 by $0.60. The firm had revenue of $5.10 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.01 billion. Parker-Hannifin had a return on equity of 29.26% and a net margin of 10.93%. Parker-Hannifins revenue for the quarter was up 21.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $5.16 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Parker-Hannifin Co. will post 22.51 earnings per share for the current year. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Parker-Hannifin Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. SageView Advisory Group LLC boosted its position in Parker-Hannifin by 18.0% in the second quarter. SageView Advisory Group LLC now owns 722 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $282,000 after buying an additional 110 shares during the last quarter. BRITISH COLUMBIA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT Corp boosted its position in Parker-Hannifin by 78.0% in the 2nd quarter. BRITISH COLUMBIA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT Corp now owns 81,765 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $31,892,000 after purchasing an additional 35,832 shares in the last quarter. Regal Investment Advisors LLC boosted its position in Parker-Hannifin by 2.7% in the 2nd quarter. Regal Investment Advisors LLC now owns 1,161 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $453,000 after purchasing an additional 30 shares in the last quarter. Pinebridge Investments L.P. boosted its position in Parker-Hannifin by 976.9% in the 2nd quarter. Pinebridge Investments L.P. now owns 4,609 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,798,000 after purchasing an additional 4,181 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Avalon Global Asset Management LLC boosted its position in Parker-Hannifin by 81.0% in the 2nd quarter. Avalon Global Asset Management LLC now owns 18,100 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $7,060,000 after purchasing an additional 8,100 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 81.62% of the companys stock. Several equities analysts have recently commented on PH shares. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price target on Parker-Hannifin from $380.00 to $425.00 in a research note on Monday, July 10th. StockNews.com upgraded Parker-Hannifin from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Thursday. Barclays lifted their target price on Parker-Hannifin from $425.00 to $470.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, August 4th. BMO Capital Markets lifted their target price on Parker-Hannifin from $390.00 to $405.00 in a research note on Tuesday, May 9th. Finally, Citigroup lifted their target price on Parker-Hannifin from $370.00 to $425.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 18th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Parker-Hannifin currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $434.57. View Our Latest Analysis on Parker-Hannifin About Parker-Hannifin (Get Free Report) Parker-Hannifin Corporation manufactures and sells motion and control technologies and systems for various mobile, industrial, and aerospace markets worldwide. The company operates through two segments, Diversified Industrial and Aerospace Systems. The Diversified Industrial segment offers sealing, shielding, thermal products and systems, adhesives, coatings, and noise vibration and harshness solutions; filters, systems, and diagnostics solutions to monitor and remove contaminants from fuel, air, oil, water, and other liquids and gases; connectors, which control, transmit, and contain fluid; control solutions for extreme corrosion resistance, temperatures, pressures, and precise flow; and hydraulic, pneumatic, and electromechanical components and systems for builders and users of mobile and industrial machinery and equipment. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Parker-Hannifin Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Parker-Hannifin and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. PNM Resources, Inc. (NYSE:PNM Get Free Report)s stock price hit a new 52-week low during mid-day trading on Thursday . The company traded as low as $44.02 and last traded at $44.09, with a volume of 118476 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $44.38. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research firms have weighed in on PNM. StockNews.com cut shares of PNM Resources from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, May 24th. Siebert Williams Shank upgraded PNM Resources from a hold rating to a buy rating and boosted their price objective for the stock from $53.00 to $55.00 in a research note on Tuesday, May 16th. Get PNM Resources alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on PNM PNM Resources Price Performance The firm has a market capitalization of $3.78 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.91, a PEG ratio of 3.61 and a beta of 0.41. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $45.48 and its 200 day moving average price is $47.36. The company has a quick ratio of 0.24, a current ratio of 0.37 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.70. PNM Resources (NYSE:PNM Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Friday, August 4th. The utilities provider reported $0.55 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.56 by ($0.01). PNM Resources had a return on equity of 10.31% and a net margin of 10.26%. The company had revenue of $477.20 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $446.75 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $0.57 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 4.5% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts expect that PNM Resources, Inc. will post 2.71 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. PNM Resources Cuts Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 25th. Investors of record on Friday, August 11th will be issued a $0.3675 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, August 10th. This represents a $1.47 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.34%. PNM Resourcess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 53.07%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On PNM Resources A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. BlackRock Inc. raised its position in PNM Resources by 0.6% in the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 11,097,571 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $540,230,000 after purchasing an additional 68,064 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its holdings in PNM Resources by 1.1% during the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 9,045,025 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $413,629,000 after buying an additional 99,734 shares during the last quarter. PSquared Asset Management AG increased its holdings in shares of PNM Resources by 227.4% in the 1st quarter. PSquared Asset Management AG now owns 4,094,600 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $199,325,000 after acquiring an additional 2,844,000 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp raised its position in shares of PNM Resources by 1.5% during the 1st quarter. State Street Corp now owns 3,373,488 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $164,221,000 after acquiring an additional 49,528 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in PNM Resources by 5.4% in the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 1,723,447 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $77,727,000 after purchasing an additional 87,724 shares in the last quarter. 87.78% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About PNM Resources (Get Free Report) PNM Resources, Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides electricity and electric services in the United States. It operates through Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) and Texas-New Mexico Power Company (TNMP) segments. The PNM segment engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity. See Also Receive News & Ratings for PNM Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for PNM Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Primo Water (NYSE:PRMW Get Free Report) issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday. The company reported $0.22 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.20 by $0.02, reports. The business had revenue of $593.30 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $586.22 million. Primo Water had a net margin of 3.81% and a return on equity of 7.96%. Primo Water updated its Q3 2023 guidance to EPS and its FY 2023 guidance to EPS. Primo Water Stock Performance Primo Water stock traded down $0.02 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $15.15. 1,443,778 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,109,607. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.03, a quick ratio of 0.60 and a current ratio of 0.75. Primo Water has a 52-week low of $12.27 and a 52-week high of $16.47. The stock has a market cap of $2.41 billion, a P/E ratio of 28.06 and a beta of 1.05. The firms 50 day moving average is $13.42 and its 200 day moving average is $14.05. Get Primo Water alerts: Primo Water Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, September 7th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, August 24th will be given a dividend of $0.08 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, August 23rd. This represents a $0.32 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.11%. Primo Waters payout ratio is currently 59.26%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several analysts recently commented on PRMW shares. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Primo Water from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 1st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price target on shares of Primo Water from $18.00 to $20.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday. Finally, TD Securities upped their price target on shares of Primo Water from $24.00 to $25.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $20.33. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Primo Water Hedge Funds Weigh In On Primo Water Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. MetLife Investment Management LLC grew its stake in Primo Water by 66.7% in the 1st quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 84,056 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,198,000 after acquiring an additional 33,637 shares during the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. grew its stake in Primo Water by 0.6% in the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 7,991,282 shares of the companys stock valued at $113,877,000 after acquiring an additional 48,820 shares during the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP grew its stake in Primo Water by 4.2% in the 1st quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 978,452 shares of the companys stock valued at $13,943,000 after acquiring an additional 39,817 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its stake in Primo Water by 2.7% in the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 10,471,388 shares of the companys stock valued at $149,217,000 after acquiring an additional 280,207 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Mackenzie Financial Corp grew its stake in Primo Water by 374.8% in the 1st quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 293,554 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,186,000 after acquiring an additional 231,727 shares during the last quarter. 82.98% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Primo Water Company Profile (Get Free Report) Primo Water Corporation provides pure-play water solutions for residential and commercial customers. It offers bottled water, water dispensers, purified bottled water, self-service refill drinking water, premium spring, mineral water, sparkling and flavored water, filtration equipment, and coffee. The company offers its products under the Primo, Alhambra, Crystal Rock, Mountain Valley, Deep Rock, Hinckley Springs, Crystal Springs, Kentwood Springs, Mount Olympus, Pureflo, Sierra Springs, Sparkletts, and Renu brands in the United States; Canadian Springs, Labrador Source, and Amazon Springs brands in Canada; and Decantae, Eden, Eden Springs, Chateaud'eau, and Mey Eden brands in Europe and Israel. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Primo Water Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Primo Water and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Protalix BioTherapeutics (NYSEAMERICAN:PLX Free Report) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note released on Wednesday morning. Separately, TheStreet upgraded Protalix BioTherapeutics from a d- rating to a c- rating in a research report on Monday. Get Protalix BioTherapeutics alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on PLX Protalix BioTherapeutics Stock Performance Shares of PLX stock opened at $1.92 on Wednesday. Protalix BioTherapeutics has a 1 year low of $1.00 and a 1 year high of $3.55. The firm has a market cap of $125.61 million, a PE ratio of -6.40 and a beta of 1.35. The firms fifty day moving average price is $2.07. The company has a current ratio of 1.76, a quick ratio of 1.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 28.04. Protalix BioTherapeutics (NYSEAMERICAN:PLX Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Monday, August 7th. The company reported $0.21 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of ($0.04) by $0.25. The firm had revenue of $35.08 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10.22 million. During the same quarter last year, the business posted ($0.15) earnings per share. Equities research analysts predict that Protalix BioTherapeutics will post 0.12 earnings per share for the current year. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Protalix BioTherapeutics Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Barclays PLC grew its holdings in shares of Protalix BioTherapeutics by 561.5% in the 2nd quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 13,230 shares of the companys stock worth $26,000 after acquiring an additional 11,230 shares during the last quarter. Lido Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Protalix BioTherapeutics in the first quarter worth $33,000. Aptus Capital Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Protalix BioTherapeutics in the first quarter worth $34,000. Two Sigma Securities LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Protalix BioTherapeutics in the first quarter worth $44,000. Finally, American International Group Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Protalix BioTherapeutics in the second quarter worth $54,000. 4.48% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Protalix BioTherapeutics (Get Free Report) Protalix BioTherapeutics, Inc, a biopharmaceutical company, engages in the development, production, and commercialization of recombinant therapeutic proteins based on its proprietary ProCellEx plant cell-based protein expression system in the United States, Australia, Canada, Israel, Brazil, Russia, Turkey, and internationally. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Protalix BioTherapeutics Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Protalix BioTherapeutics and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO Get Free Report) shares gapped down before the market opened on Thursday . The stock had previously closed at $63.70, but opened at $61.85. Rio Tinto Group shares last traded at $62.15, with a volume of 497,453 shares trading hands. Analyst Ratings Changes RIO has been the topic of a number of research reports. Liberum Capital raised Rio Tinto Group from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, July 6th. Citigroup raised Rio Tinto Group from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, June 8th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised Rio Tinto Group from an underweight rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, May 15th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on Rio Tinto Group in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised Rio Tinto Group from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Monday, June 5th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating, seven have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $72.00. Get Rio Tinto Group alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on RIO Rio Tinto Group Stock Performance Rio Tinto Group Increases Dividend The company has a current ratio of 1.99, a quick ratio of 1.37 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.25. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $65.22 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $67.09. The firm also recently disclosed a semi-annual dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, September 21st. Investors of record on Friday, August 11th will be issued a dividend of $1.77 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, August 10th. This represents a yield of 6%. This is a boost from Rio Tinto Groups previous semi-annual dividend of $1.10. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Rio Tinto Group Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Strengthening Families & Communities LLC boosted its holdings in Rio Tinto Group by 350.0% during the 1st quarter. Strengthening Families & Communities LLC now owns 225 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $3,442,000 after acquiring an additional 175 shares during the period. Householder Group Estate & Retirement Specialist LLC purchased a new position in Rio Tinto Group during the 1st quarter valued at $27,000. Allworth Financial LP boosted its holdings in Rio Tinto Group by 66.8% during the 2nd quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 397 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $25,000 after acquiring an additional 159 shares during the period. CNB Bank purchased a new position in Rio Tinto Group during the 4th quarter valued at $28,000. Finally, First Manhattan Co. lifted its holdings in shares of Rio Tinto Group by 555.4% in the 4th quarter. First Manhattan Co. now owns 426 shares of the mining companys stock worth $30,000 after buying an additional 361 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 10.44% of the companys stock. 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. Read More 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. China Shenhua Energy Company Limited (OTCMKTS:CSUAY Get Free Report) saw a large growth in short interest in July. As of July 31st, there was short interest totalling 27,900 shares, a growth of 322.7% from the July 15th total of 6,600 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 36,300 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.8 days. China Shenhua Energy Trading Down 1.9 % OTCMKTS CSUAY traded down $0.22 on Friday, hitting $11.41. 17,014 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 18,347. China Shenhua Energy has a fifty-two week low of $10.45 and a fifty-two week high of $14.47. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $12.26 and a 200-day moving average price of $12.60. Get China Shenhua Energy alerts: China Shenhua Energy Cuts Dividend The firm also recently declared a dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, August 31st. Investors of record on Friday, June 23rd will be issued a $1.2628 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, June 22nd. This represents a yield of 9.39%. China Shenhua Energys payout ratio is 56.25%. About China Shenhua Energy China Shenhua Energy Company Limited, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the production and sale of coal and power; railway, port, and shipping transportation; and coal-to-olefins businesses in the People's Republic of China and internationally. It operates through six segments: Coal, Power Generation, Railway, Port, Shipping, and Coal Chemical. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for China Shenhua Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for China Shenhua Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Whitecap Resources Inc. (OTCMKTS:SPGYF Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large decline in short interest in July. As of July 31st, there was short interest totalling 6,659,800 shares, a decline of 30.2% from the July 15th total of 9,541,800 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 87,900 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 75.8 days. Whitecap Resources Stock Up 0.6 % SPGYF traded up $0.05 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $8.30. The companys stock had a trading volume of 26,662 shares, compared to its average volume of 77,356. Whitecap Resources has a 52 week low of $5.83 and a 52 week high of $8.67. The companys 50-day moving average is $7.39 and its 200-day moving average is $7.60. Get Whitecap Resources alerts: Whitecap Resources Increases Dividend The firm also recently declared a dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, August 15th. Investors of record on Monday, July 31st will be paid a $0.0368 dividend. This represents a yield of 5.82%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, July 28th. This is a boost from Whitecap Resourcess previous dividend of $0.04. Whitecap Resourcess dividend payout ratio is 47.33%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research firms have commented on SPGYF. Royal Bank of Canada boosted their target price on Whitecap Resources from C$13.00 to C$14.00 in a research note on Thursday, July 27th. National Bank Financial upped their price objective on Whitecap Resources from C$15.50 to C$16.50 in a research note on Tuesday, April 18th. Stifel Nicolaus dropped their price objective on Whitecap Resources from C$14.00 to C$13.00 in a research note on Friday, July 14th. Finally, Barclays dropped their price objective on Whitecap Resources from C$14.00 to C$13.00 in a research note on Friday, June 30th. View Our Latest Analysis on Whitecap Resources About Whitecap Resources (Get Free Report) Whitecap Resources Inc, an oil and gas company, focuses on the acquisition, development, and production of oil and gas assets in Western Canada. The company's primary areas of focus of its development programs are in Northern Alberta and British Columbia, Central Alberta, and Saskatchewan. Whitecap Resources Inc is headquartered in Calgary, Canada. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Whitecap Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Whitecap Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Epic Trust Investment Advisors LLC reduced its position in Sprott Physical Gold Trust (NYSEARCA:PHYS Free Report) by 8.3% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 10,139 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 920 shares during the period. Epic Trust Investment Advisors LLCs holdings in Sprott Physical Gold Trust were worth $157,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Several other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its holdings in Sprott Physical Gold Trust by 236.2% in the 1st quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 13,877 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $213,000 after acquiring an additional 9,750 shares in the last quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. increased its holdings in Sprott Physical Gold Trust by 22.1% in the 1st quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. now owns 298,570 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $4,589,000 after acquiring an additional 54,138 shares in the last quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. increased its holdings in Sprott Physical Gold Trust by 57.0% in the 1st quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. now owns 225,211 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $3,461,000 after acquiring an additional 81,739 shares in the last quarter. Mather Group LLC. purchased a new stake in Sprott Physical Gold Trust in the 1st quarter worth $569,000. Finally, Equitable Holdings Inc. purchased a new stake in Sprott Physical Gold Trust in the 1st quarter worth $816,000. Get Sprott Physical Gold Trust alerts: Sprott Physical Gold Trust Stock Up 0.1 % Sprott Physical Gold Trust stock opened at $14.92 on Friday. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $15.11 and a 200-day simple moving average of $15.11. Sprott Physical Gold Trust has a 52-week low of $12.48 and a 52-week high of $16.10. Sprott Physical Gold Trust Profile Sprott Physical Gold Trust operates as a closed-end investment trust, which engages in investing and holding all of its assets in physical gold bullion. Its investment objective is to provide a secure, convenient, and exchange-traded investment alternative for investors through investing primarily in long-term holdings of unencumbered, fully allocated, physical gold bullion and will not speculate with regard to short-term changes in gold prices. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Sprott Physical Gold Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sprott Physical Gold Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. S&T Bank PA acquired a new stake in shares of Devon Energy Co. (NYSE:DVN Free Report) in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm acquired 177,132 shares of the energy companys stock, valued at approximately $8,965,000. Devon Energy makes up about 1.6% of S&T Bank PAs investment portfolio, making the stock its 26th largest position. Several other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in the business. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC boosted its position in shares of Devon Energy by 21.0% during the 1st quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 28,016 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $1,418,000 after purchasing an additional 4,859 shares in the last quarter. Woodmont Investment Counsel LLC purchased a new stake in Devon Energy during the first quarter valued at about $267,000. Fidelis Capital Partners LLC lifted its stake in Devon Energy by 36.4% during the first quarter. Fidelis Capital Partners LLC now owns 33,500 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $1,687,000 after buying an additional 8,944 shares in the last quarter. Griffin Asset Management Inc. lifted its stake in Devon Energy by 35.5% during the first quarter. Griffin Asset Management Inc. now owns 4,958 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $251,000 after buying an additional 1,300 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS lifted its stake in Devon Energy by 0.3% during the first quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS now owns 110,818 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $5,608,000 after buying an additional 320 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 71.00% of the companys stock. Get Devon Energy alerts: Devon Energy Stock Performance Shares of Devon Energy stock traded down $0.35 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $50.41. The company had a trading volume of 9,473,108 shares, compared to its average volume of 8,599,020. The stock has a market cap of $32.30 billion, a PE ratio of 6.90, a P/E/G ratio of 0.18 and a beta of 2.32. Devon Energy Co. has a 1-year low of $44.03 and a 1-year high of $78.82. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $50.03 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $52.09. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.55, a current ratio of 0.98 and a quick ratio of 0.90. Devon Energy Cuts Dividend Devon Energy ( NYSE:DVN Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, August 1st. The energy company reported $1.18 EPS for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $1.18. The firm had revenue of $3.45 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.26 billion. Devon Energy had a return on equity of 37.89% and a net margin of 28.10%. Devon Energys quarterly revenue was down 38.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the business earned $2.59 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts predict that Devon Energy Co. will post 5.49 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 29th. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 15th will be issued a dividend of $0.49 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, September 14th. This represents a $1.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.89%. Devon Energys payout ratio is presently 10.94%. Analysts Set New Price Targets DVN has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. Morgan Stanley upped their price objective on shares of Devon Energy from $49.00 to $50.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 18th. Sanford C. Bernstein reduced their price target on shares of Devon Energy from $71.00 to $64.00 in a research report on Wednesday, May 17th. Mizuho reduced their price target on shares of Devon Energy from $71.00 to $65.00 in a research report on Friday, May 19th. Royal Bank of Canada reduced their price target on shares of Devon Energy from $63.00 to $60.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, July 13th. Finally, StockNews.com lowered shares of Devon Energy from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Wednesday, May 17th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating, nine have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $65.53. View Our Latest Research Report on DVN Insider Activity at Devon Energy In related news, EVP Dennis C. Cameron sold 7,870 shares of Devon Energy stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $51.13, for a total value of $402,393.10. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 210,548 shares of the companys stock, valued at $10,765,319.24. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. 0.63% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. About Devon Energy (Free Report) Devon Energy Corporation, an independent energy company, explores for, develops, and produces oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids in the United States. It operates in Delaware, Anadarko, Williston, Eagle Ford, and Powder River Basin. The company was incorporated in 1971 and is headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DVN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Devon Energy Co. (NYSE:DVN Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Devon Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Devon Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Research analysts at StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of PolyMet Mining (NYSEAMERICAN:PLM Get Free Report) (TSE:POM) in a report released on Thursday. The brokerage set a hold rating on the basic materials companys stock. PolyMet Mining Stock Performance PLM stock opened at $2.09 on Thursday. PolyMet Mining has a 1 year low of $0.75 and a 1 year high of $3.43. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $2.04 and a 200-day simple moving average of $2.48. The firm has a market cap of $406.38 million, a P/E ratio of -6.71 and a beta of 0.33. Get PolyMet Mining alerts: PolyMet Mining (NYSEAMERICAN:PLM Get Free Report) (TSE:POM) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, May 11th. The basic materials company reported ($0.05) earnings per share for the quarter. Institutional Investors Weigh In On PolyMet Mining PolyMet Mining Company Profile Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. HighMark Wealth Management LLC grew its stake in PolyMet Mining by 64.3% during the 4th quarter. HighMark Wealth Management LLC now owns 84,285 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $223,000 after purchasing an additional 33,000 shares in the last quarter. UBS Group AG lifted its holdings in PolyMet Mining by 111.9% during the 4th quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 22,687 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $60,000 after buying an additional 11,983 shares during the last quarter. Millennium Management LLC lifted its holdings in PolyMet Mining by 73.1% during the 4th quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 21,608 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $57,000 after buying an additional 9,123 shares during the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its holdings in PolyMet Mining by 27.4% during the 4th quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 19,904 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $53,000 after buying an additional 4,279 shares during the last quarter. Finally, BNP Paribas Arbitrage SNC bought a new position in PolyMet Mining during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $39,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 4.99% of the companys stock. (Get Free Report) PolyMet Mining Corp., through its subsidiary, Poly Met Mining, Inc, engages in the exploration and development of natural resource properties. Its primary mineral property is the NorthMet project, a polymetallic project that hosts copper, nickel, cobalt, platinum, palladium, gold, and silver mineralization covering an area of approximately 5,980 acres located in northeastern Minnesota, the United States. See Also Receive News & Ratings for PolyMet Mining Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for PolyMet Mining and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com lowered shares of Black Hills (NYSE:BKH Free Report) from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note issued to investors on Friday morning. A number of other equities analysts also recently commented on the stock. Mizuho reduced their price objective on shares of Black Hills from $60.00 to $56.00 in a research note on Wednesday. Wells Fargo & Company cut their target price on shares of Black Hills from $66.00 to $62.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Friday, August 4th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and four have given a hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $66.29. Get Black Hills alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Black Hills Black Hills Price Performance Shares of NYSE BKH opened at $58.14 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $3.90 billion, a PE ratio of 15.59, a PEG ratio of 7.13 and a beta of 0.58. The company has a current ratio of 0.82, a quick ratio of 0.68 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.24. Black Hills has a 1-year low of $56.60 and a 1-year high of $79.78. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $60.32 and a 200 day moving average price of $62.87. Black Hills (NYSE:BKH Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 2nd. The utilities provider reported $0.35 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.38 by ($0.03). Black Hills had a return on equity of 7.85% and a net margin of 9.46%. The business had revenue of $411.30 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $552.13 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $0.52 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was down 12.9% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts predict that Black Hills will post 3.73 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Black Hills Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 18th will be given a dividend of $0.625 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, August 17th. This represents a $2.50 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.30%. Black Hillss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 67.02%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Black Hills A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Ontario Teachers Pension Plan Board raised its position in shares of Black Hills by 43.8% in the second quarter. Ontario Teachers Pension Plan Board now owns 54,046 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $3,257,000 after buying an additional 16,465 shares in the last quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC acquired a new position in Black Hills during the second quarter valued at approximately $7,442,000. Ameritas Investment Partners Inc. raised its position in Black Hills by 0.9% during the second quarter. Ameritas Investment Partners Inc. now owns 43,261 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $2,607,000 after purchasing an additional 392 shares in the last quarter. Hotchkis & Wiley Capital Management LLC raised its position in Black Hills by 15.3% during the second quarter. Hotchkis & Wiley Capital Management LLC now owns 174,965 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $10,543,000 after purchasing an additional 23,170 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Campbell & CO Investment Adviser LLC acquired a new position in Black Hills during the second quarter valued at approximately $563,000. 86.24% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Black Hills Company Profile (Get Free Report) Black Hills Corporation, through its subsidiaries, operates as an electric and natural gas utility company in the United States. It operates in two segments, Electric Utilities and Gas Utilities. The Electric Utilities segment generates, transmits, and distributes electricity to approximately 220,000 electric utility customers in Colorado, Montana, South Dakota, and Wyoming; and owns and operates 1,482 megawatts of generation capacity and 9,024 miles of electric transmission and distribution lines. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Black Hills Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Black Hills and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TransAlta (TSE:TA Free Report) (NYSE:TAC) had its price objective upped by National Bankshares from C$14.00 to C$15.00 in a research note published on Tuesday, BayStreet.CA reports. They currently have an outperform rating on the stock. TA has been the subject of a number of other reports. Scotiabank upped their target price on shares of TransAlta from C$16.00 to C$17.00 in a report on Monday, May 8th. CIBC raised their target price on shares of TransAlta from C$17.00 to C$17.50 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, July 21st. Finally, CSFB raised their target price on shares of TransAlta from C$17.00 to C$18.50 in a research note on Tuesday, May 16th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, six have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, TransAlta presently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus price target of C$17.06. Get TransAlta alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on TA TransAlta Trading Down 1.5 % TransAlta Announces Dividend TSE:TA opened at C$13.76 on Tuesday. TransAlta has a one year low of C$10.52 and a one year high of C$13.97. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 195.84, a current ratio of 1.51 and a quick ratio of 0.62. The companys 50-day simple moving average is C$12.98 and its 200 day simple moving average is C$12.42. The firm has a market capitalization of C$3.62 billion, a P/E ratio of 32.98, a PEG ratio of -0.07 and a beta of 1.05. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Sunday, October 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 1st will be paid a dividend of $0.055 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, August 31st. This represents a $0.22 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.60%. TransAltas payout ratio is 52.38%. About TransAlta (Get Free Report) TransAlta Corporation engages in the development, production, and sale of electric energy. It operates through Hydro, Wind and Solar, Gas, Energy Transition, and Energy Marketing segments. The Hydro segment has a net ownership interest of approximately 922 megawatts (MW) of owned hydro electrical-generating capacity located in Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for TransAlta Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TransAlta and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Trulieve Cannabis (OTCMKTS:TCNNF Get Free Report) had its price objective reduced by equities researchers at Needham & Company LLC from $10.00 to $9.00 in a research note issued to investors on Thursday, Benzinga reports. The brokerage presently has a buy rating on the stock. Needham & Company LLCs price objective suggests a potential upside of 122.22% from the stocks previous close. Other research analysts have also issued research reports about the stock. Alliance Global Partners lowered their target price on shares of Trulieve Cannabis from C$24.00 to C$16.00 in a research note on Thursday, May 11th. Stifel Nicolaus reduced their price target on shares of Trulieve Cannabis from C$20.00 to C$8.00 in a research report on Monday, July 31st. Get Trulieve Cannabis alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Trulieve Cannabis Trulieve Cannabis Stock Down 2.2 % About Trulieve Cannabis Shares of TCNNF stock opened at $4.05 on Thursday. The company has a 50-day moving average of $4.18 and a two-hundred day moving average of $5.13. Trulieve Cannabis has a 1-year low of $3.73 and a 1-year high of $16.11. (Get Free Report) Trulieve Cannabis Corp., together with its subsidiaries, operates as a medical cannabis company. The company cultivates and produces products in-house and distributes its products to Trulieve branded stores (dispensaries) in Florida, as well as through home delivery. It produces flowers, edibles, vaporizer cartridge, concentrates, topicals, capsules, tinctures, dissolvable powders, and nasal sprays under the Avenue, Cultivar Collection, Muse, Modern Flower, Alchemy, Momenta, Sweet Talk, Co2lors, Loveli, and Roll One brands. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Trulieve Cannabis Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Trulieve Cannabis and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Twilio (NYSE:TWLO Free Report) had its target price hoisted by The Goldman Sachs Group from $53.00 to $67.00 in a report issued on Wednesday morning, Benzinga reports. The Goldman Sachs Group currently has a neutral rating on the technology companys stock. A number of other analysts have also weighed in on the stock. Stifel Nicolaus decreased their target price on shares of Twilio from $75.00 to $50.00 in a report on Wednesday, May 10th. Sanford C. Bernstein increased their price objective on Twilio from $58.00 to $68.00 in a research report on Wednesday. Barclays lifted their price objective on Twilio from $50.00 to $60.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Wednesday. Oppenheimer decreased their target price on Twilio from $85.00 to $75.00 in a research note on Wednesday, May 10th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada downgraded Twilio from a sector perform rating to an underperform rating and dropped their price target for the company from $55.00 to $50.00 in a research report on Monday, July 24th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, fourteen have issued a hold rating and eight have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Twilio presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $71.84. Get Twilio alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on TWLO Twilio Stock Performance NYSE:TWLO opened at $61.94 on Wednesday. Twilio has a 52-week low of $41.00 and a 52-week high of $88.60. The businesss fifty day moving average is $64.22 and its 200 day moving average is $61.82. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.10, a quick ratio of 6.16 and a current ratio of 6.14. The firm has a market cap of $11.39 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -9.36 and a beta of 1.38. Twilio (NYSE:TWLO Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, May 9th. The technology company reported ($0.37) earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of ($0.58) by $0.21. Twilio had a negative return on equity of 4.85% and a negative net margin of 30.11%. The firm had revenue of $1.01 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $999.82 million. Research analysts predict that Twilio will post -1.52 EPS for the current year. Insider Activity at Twilio In other Twilio news, insider Dana Wagner sold 1,977 shares of Twilio stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $45.49, for a total value of $89,933.73. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 157,506 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,164,947.94. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In other Twilio news, insider Dana Wagner sold 1,977 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, May 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $45.49, for a total value of $89,933.73. Following the sale, the insider now owns 157,506 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,164,947.94. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, CFO Aidan Viggiano sold 1,172 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $45.44, for a total transaction of $53,255.68. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 212,897 shares in the company, valued at approximately $9,674,039.68. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 34,024 shares of company stock worth $2,132,369 in the last ninety days. 4.20% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Twilio Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Twilio by 18.7% during the first quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 692 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $114,000 after acquiring an additional 109 shares in the last quarter. Global Wealth Management Investment Advisory Inc. increased its position in Twilio by 8.3% during the 1st quarter. Global Wealth Management Investment Advisory Inc. now owns 1,729 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $285,000 after purchasing an additional 133 shares during the period. Level Four Advisory Services LLC raised its holdings in Twilio by 0.3% in the 2nd quarter. Level Four Advisory Services LLC now owns 64,025 shares of the technology companys stock worth $4,073,000 after purchasing an additional 166 shares in the last quarter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. lifted its position in shares of Twilio by 3.4% in the 2nd quarter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 5,186 shares of the technology companys stock worth $330,000 after purchasing an additional 170 shares during the period. Finally, Covestor Ltd boosted its stake in shares of Twilio by 419.5% during the 1st quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 213 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $35,000 after purchasing an additional 172 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 77.29% of the companys stock. Twilio Company Profile (Get Free Report) Twilio Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides software and communications solutions in the United States and internationally. The company operates cloud communications platform that enables developers to build, scale, and operate customer engagement within software applications. Its customer engagement platform provides a set of application programming interfaces that enable developers to embed voice, messaging, and email interactions into their customer-facing applications. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Twilio Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Twilio and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wintrust Investments LLC lowered its holdings in Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD Free Report) by 0.5% during the first quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 73,382 shares of the consumer goods makers stock after selling 350 shares during the period. Wintrust Investments LLCs holdings in Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV were worth $4,897,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the business. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC increased its holdings in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV by 95,900.0% in the 1st quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 1,920 shares of the consumer goods makers stock valued at $128,000 after acquiring an additional 1,918 shares during the last quarter. AdvisorShares Investments LLC boosted its position in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV by 260.4% in the 1st quarter. AdvisorShares Investments LLC now owns 6,228 shares of the consumer goods makers stock valued at $416,000 after purchasing an additional 4,500 shares during the period. US Bancorp DE boosted its position in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV by 2.0% in the 1st quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 139,339 shares of the consumer goods makers stock valued at $9,298,000 after purchasing an additional 2,723 shares during the period. Glenview Trust co boosted its position in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV by 0.8% in the 1st quarter. Glenview Trust co now owns 27,329 shares of the consumer goods makers stock valued at $1,824,000 after purchasing an additional 212 shares during the period. Finally, Clearstead Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV in the 1st quarter valued at about $32,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 5.53% of the companys stock. Get Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of analysts recently issued reports on the company. StockNews.com cut Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday. Evercore ISI decreased their target price on Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV from $80.00 to $70.00 in a research report on Thursday, June 8th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, June 22nd. Morgan Stanley raised Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and increased their price objective for the stock from $64.00 to $68.50 in a research report on Thursday, July 20th. Finally, HSBC cut Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, May 10th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $67.06. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV Price Performance Shares of BUD traded down $0.54 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $56.30. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,709,396 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,445,391. The company has a current ratio of 0.64, a quick ratio of 0.43 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.88. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $56.87 and a 200 day simple moving average of $59.79. The firm has a market capitalization of $97.80 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.16, a P/E/G ratio of 1.72 and a beta of 1.25. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV has a 1-year low of $44.51 and a 1-year high of $67.09. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 2nd. The consumer goods maker reported $0.72 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.68 by $0.04. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV had a return on equity of 14.69% and a net margin of 10.59%. The business had revenue of $15.12 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $15.33 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $0.73 EPS. Analysts predict that Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV will post 3.05 EPS for the current fiscal year. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV Profile (Free Report) Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV produces, distributes, markets, and sells beer and beverages. It offers a portfolio of approximately 500 beer brands, which primarily include Budweiser, Corona, and Stella Artois; Beck's, Hoegaarden, Leffe, and Michelob Ultra; and Aguila, Antarctica, Bud Light, Brahma, Cass, Castle, Castle Lite, Cristal, Harbin, Jupiler, Modelo Especial, Quilmes, Victoria, Sedrin, and Skol brands. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BUD? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Although the Daily Squib has debunked huma-constructed organised religions already, the eventual announcement and final reveal of extraterrestrial beings will compound the effect of malaise on the thousands of years of mass hypnosis and trickery upon the population of earth. Professor Julius Tinnefoyle from Oxford University is adamant that aliens will change the perception of all man-made religions, as well as give humans the understanding of their Promethean origins. The great prophets spoken of in religious books may have actually been aliens from outer space masquerading as humans. They were not messengers from God, but could have simply been extraterrestrial beings. Alternatively, and more likely, these were books simply written by men. For example, after the fall of the Roman Empire, and the Roman gods, there was a purge of paganism to restore order across Europe. There needed to be a new religion with a new focus, messiah and god. Christianity was thus born, and the new level of control over the European population was inserted into every facet of life. As a control system, it was the most powerful mind control exercise ever constructed, and it worked for thousands of years. Christianity even surpassed royalty, thus creating an even more powerful weaponised form of control that even monarchs had to obey. I have just adjusted my tin foil hat, and the wires sticking out of it go nowhere. Yes, you may be thinking I am not sane, or rational, however please bear with me on this supposition. We are not alone, and have not been alone for some time. It is possible the ancient Egyptians and Mayans/Incas knew about the extraterrestrials. There is plenty of evidence in their art and discoveries like the Nazca Lines of Peru. We will need to prepare the devout, blindly religious people of the earth that their religions are man-made. It may take a number of years, but it can be accomplished. What we have is generational indoctrination to deal with, and this is the hardest type of indoctrination to break. The process will also need sensitivity. One cannot simply say to these people who have blind faith that Jesus probably did not exist, or if he did exist, he was just a normal human like everyone else. There has to be small, tiny steps to slowly reveal the truth to these people. Churches and such are institutional behemoths and are entrenched in our societal system. These beautiful buildings provide comfort to billions of people worldwide, however at the end of the day, they are still just physical buildings created and constructed by men, much like the religious books were made by men. Can you function as a human being without organised religion? Of course, you can, however much you may believe without question that your particular religion is the ultimate truth and word of some supernatural being, if you are presented with clear facts and clear scientific analysis, as well as proof that your religion is a mere man-made myth, then eventually you may come around to the realisation of what the universe knows. It is with empathy and the sincerest behest of kindness that we must treat our religious brothers and sisters. It is also our great hope that once the advanced technological mechanics of the extraterrestrials are revealed, there will be less war. The weapons that will be unveiled will be far superior to any human weapon, therefore it will be futile to even think of creating conflict against the holders of this technology. Where the multiple religions have divided humanity and created untold conflict and misery, it is possible that the extraterrestrial beings and their technology could unite humanity for the good. MATSAPHA - Some women working in Matsapha and surrounding areas, have alleged that they are being forced into sex work. Matsapha is the hub of activity in Eswatini, where most textile firms and industries are geographically located. With the demand of cheaper and affordable accommodation, some people have invested in property business to meet that demand; however, some women have alleged that it was no longer safe for them to rent the so called cheaper accommodation in some locations around Matsapa. Eswatini News spoke to some textile workers, who preferred to remain anonymous. They disclosed that they were no longer staying in Matsapha after they were allegedly threatened with assault by a group of women. Threatened I was on my way back from work one evening when I was approached by a group of women who told me to join them when they go out at night for sex work. I told them that I was not interested but one of them threatened to deal with me because I thought I was better than them. I immediately looked for alternative accommodation at Ngwane Park just to escape from them as I realised that they meant what they said, narrated one of the textile workers. Meanwhile, another textile worker revealed that many girls and women had been involuntarily forced to join the group of sex workers in Matsapha. Many of my colleagues are already sex workers as they have been bullied by these women into joining them. If they refused to join them, some of them had their houses mysteriously broken into, she further alleged. Another sex worker, who agreed to speak to Eswatini News on condition of anonymity, said that it was true that some of them were bullied into joining the team of sex workers. I was new in Matsapha and fresh from school when I arrived to seek employment at one of the textile companies. Immediately when I found a job, I was approached by a group of women who issued a lot of threats in the event I refused to join them after hours. Today I am a sex worker by night and a textile worker by day, revealed the woman. It has been reliably gathered that some alleged sex workers are already advertising their services in other locations in Matsapha. Eswatini News happened to come across some papers with contacts and the list of service which, however, cannot be repeated, along the streets of Matsapha. TPCC president A. Revanth Reddy speaking at the Thiragabadam-Tarimikodadam', a praja court programme launched by the TPCC against the BRS government at the Gandhi Ideology Centre in Bowenpally, on Saturday. (Image: K. Durga Rao) Hyderabad: TPCC president A. Revanth Reddy said that the Congress gave Telangana by giving importance to people's interests while overlooking its political interests. The Congress will organise meetings in 12,000 villages and 3,000 divisions, he said. Speaking at the Thiragabadam-Tarimikodadam, a praja court programme launched by the TPCC against the BRS government at the Gandhi Ideology Centre in Bowenpally, on Saturday, he said, "The peoples court has been a long tradition in the country. We will release a charge sheet on their failures." Prior to the commencement of the programme, the meeting paid homage to the balladeer Gaddar and Siasat managing editor Zaheeruddin Ali Khan. " Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao used the sentiments of youth to fulfill his political ends, Revanth Reddy said. The Congress will organise meetings in 12,000 villages and 3,000 divisions. Around 10,000 leaders and cadre will fan out to the nooks and corners of the state to reach out to the people. The chargesheet and post cards will be delivered to 75 lakh households across the state. The party has designed a missed call campaign on 7661 899 899, where people need to call the number to join up. AICC in-charge of Telangana Manikrao Thakre said, "We will take forward the agenda of Gaddar who was with the poor. The people have understood that Rao only works for his family and he is using the money earned from projects to expand his partys footprint beyond Telangana." "Society has been left directionless. We will fulfill what the people want," said CLP leader Bhatti Vikramarka. Earlier in an informal chat with the media, Revanth Reddy said, "After highlighting the failures of the BRS for one month, we will launch a campaign on what all we intend to do. We will institute Gaddar awards on the lines of Nandi awards. There is nothing wrong in installing Gadddar statue on Tank Bund as he worked for the region for 55 years." The party released a campaign video that highlights the failed promises of the BRS and BJP. Prof. Kancha Ilaiah is acting as a judge for the process and will deliver a judgment." Supreme Court of India (PTI) New Delhi: Voicing concern over the recent incidents of firing in Delhi courts, the Supreme Court has underlined the need for a security plan, including stationing of permanent Court Security Units (CSU), in each judicial complex across the country. It said such incidents pose significant risks to the safety of not only judges but lawyers, court staff, litigants and the general public, and issued a raft of directions for strengthening security on court premises. The apex court said on Friday preserving the sanctity of a court as a space where justice is administered and the rule of law upheld is non-negotiable. A bench of Justices S Ravindra Bhat and Dipankar Datta said it is critical that judicial institutions take comprehensive steps to safeguard the well-being of all stakeholders. "Would not hope for the litigants who visit the temples of justice dwindle, if the very halls of justice lack the shield of security? How can the litigants secure justice for them when those entrusted to render justice are themselves insecure? "It is appalling that court premises in the national capital itself, in the past year or so, have witnessed at least three major incidents of gunfire. Preserving the sanctity of a court as a space where justice is administered and the rule of law upheld being non-negotiable, it is critical that judicial institutions take comprehensive steps to safeguard the well-being of all stakeholders," it said. Several court complexes in Delhi have witnessed gun violence in recent times. In July this year, a firing incident was reported in Tis Hazari court after heated arguments between two groups of lawyers. An incident of firing occurred in April in the Rohini court complex following an altercation between lawyers and their clients. In the same month, a woman was shot at by a lawyer in the Saket court premises. Notorious gangster Jitender Gogi was shot dead by two assailants in Rohini court complex in September 2021. His killers were shot dead on the premises by the Delhi police. The top court said it is conscious of the fact that lapses in court security have often occurred despite having modern security measures in place including CCTV cameras. "This is indicative of the fact that systemic measures are necessary to maintain the faith of all stakeholders in the judicial system. To our mind, mere installation of CCTV cameras may not be enough and something more is required in public interest to check activities which compromise the safety and security of all stakeholders of the justice delivery system, particularly in court complexes. "However, this does not undermine the importance of immediate measures that need to be carried out by the relevant authorities to address immediate issues while the wheels of long-term solutions are set in motion," the bench said. The apex court said there ought to be in place a security plan prepared by the high courts in consultation with the principal secretaries, the home departments of each state government and the directors general of police of states/union territories or the commissioners of police. "The security plan may include proposal for setting up of permanent Court Security Unit(s) in each complex, indicating the strength and source of drawing of manpower including armed/ unarmed personnel and supervisory officer(s) for each such unit, the minimum term and mode of deployment of such manpower, list of duties and additional financial benefits for such manpower, as may be offered to secure their willingness to serve in such Units," it said. The apex court said there should be special modules for training and sensitising such personnel in matters of court security. The schematics of CCTV camera installation will have to be laid down on a district-wise basis where the respective state governments should provide the requisite funds for the execution of such a plan in a timely manner, the bench said. "We emphasize that the installation of CCTV cameras should be an integral part of the construction project of courts, and therefore should be prioritised. "Further, upon the finalisation of the security plan, the High Courts may entrust the responsibility of installation and maintenance of the CCTV cameras with the concerned District and Sessions Judges for a more realistic analysis of local requirements," the bench said. The Supreme Court said adequate personnel be deployed to secure the entry and exit points of court complexes. "In this regard, the courts may consider putting in place security measures such as deployment of adequate police personnel, security stickers for vehicles, frisking, metal detectors, baggage scanners, court-specific entry passes, and biometric devices to enhance overall security. Other security measures may include regulating the use of court premises as thoroughfares, if necessary, even by way of total prohibition. BJP state president and Union minister G. Kishan Reddy receiving complaints from applicants for 2BHK houses at the party's 'maha dharna' at Dharma Chowk in Hyderabad (Deepak Deshpande/DC) HYDERABAD: The BJP will not let go of the BRS governments failures to build and distribute houses for the poor, Union minister and party state unit president G. Kishan Reddy declared on Saturday. He accused the BRS leaders of demanding 30 per cent kickbacks. He said, "The BRS runs a 30 per cent government. Its leaders take a 30 per cent cut in every scheme as in every Dalit Bandhu beneficiary paying Rs 3 lakh to the local party leaders. Anyone who wants to start something must pay up this amount to the BRS leadership. And the time has come for this 30 per cent government to be thrown out." Kishan Reddy said that the party would hold protests at the mandal level on August 18, followed by protests at the district collectorates on August 23 and 24. "A protest meeting will be held in Hyderabad on September 4 that will come as an eyeopener to KCR," Kishan Reddy said. "Now that KCR failed in giving two bedroom houses, he started a new drama of giving Rs 3 lakh to families that have a piece of land to build their houses. This too is yet another scheme to cheat people," Kishan Reddy said. "It is not just on the housing front. The BRS government has been a total failure on education and health fronts. Telangana, which was formed on the martyrdom of 1,200 people, is now the prisoner of the Kalvakuntla family. There is corruption everywhere, be it the various projects, schemes. And they pushed Telangana into deep debt of around Rs 7 lakh crore," he said. He said the BRS government followed the ideals of the Nizam, was friends with descendants of Razakars, and such a government needed to be taught a lesson. As long as Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao and the Kalvakuntla government were in place, the poor would not get houses, or anything else. People have tried Congress in the past and now the BRS, he said. "Give the BJP a chance and our party will provide a good, responsive and responsible government under the guidance and overall leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A government without corruption and one that will work only for the people and not for a family or party leaders." Kishan Reddy was leading the BJPs maha dharna at Indira Park on the issue of two bedroom houses. He was accompanied by senior state party leaders, including Huzurabad MLA Etala Rajendar, Nizamabad MP Dharmapuri Arvind, former legislators N.V.S.S. Prabhakar, Ch Ramachandra Reddy, N. Ramchander Rao. Adviser to government (public affairs) Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy. (Photo: Facebook) VIJAYAWADA: YSRC general-secretary and adviser to government Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy on Saturday called on ruling party legislators, in-charges of assembly constituencies, party district presidents and coordinators to weed out bogus voters from the Election Commission of Indias voters list. He pointed out that Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy himself has ordered party workers and leaders to weed out bogus votes, particularly when voters list is being amended by the ECI through door-to-door surveys. Ramakrishna Reddy said YSRC leaders should focus on booth-wise voters lists and weed out bogus votes with the help of booth-level workers. In this context, he pointed out that more than 60 lakh stolen votes had been used by the Chandrababu Naidu regime. He underlined that bogus votes will be a crucial issue during the forthcoming elections. At the same time, the government adviser asked booth-level workers to ensure that the names of all new voters, who have attained the age of 18 years, are enrolled in the voters list. The YSRC general-secretary emphasised that the ruling party leaders must also refute the venomous propaganda by opposition parties against the Jagan Mohan Reddy government. At the same time, they must also spread information about the state governments welfare and development programmes into the masses. He maintained that no matter the many conspiracies, YSRC's victory is assured in the forthcoming elections. He asked party ranks to work towards increasing the party's victory margin in every constituency. MBABANE - Government and the Bahai Faith Mission are allegedly embroiled in a conflict over the schools account management. It is alleged that despite the fact that Bahai Primary School have been in existence since 1988 and the high school since 1997, there have been no school committees. It is further alleged that both primary and high school parents are made to pay school fees in one joint account, something that did not sit well with the ministry of Education and Training. Initially, it was after some parents engaged and reported the matter to the ministry. It is said that the ministry then engaged the Bahai school Board over the litany of complaints, which were brought to its attention. Disclosed Well-placed sources have disclosed to Eswatini News that the Bahai school Board was then invited by the ministry to deliberate on the concerns raised by the parents and also to see to it that it was amicably resolved. Moreover, the Hhohho Regional Educational Officer (REO), Tamar LaNgwenya, confirmed that the ministry took the matter up with the sschool Board after the concerns were raised. REO LaNgwenya further confirmed that it was agreed during a meeting between the ministry and the board that by July 31, the account issue would be resolved. Due to the ministrys policies, an auditor was sent but then he couldnt access the account as it was agreed. The school board agreed to open another account and the job of the auditor was to check and separate the money belonging to the primary and that of the high school. Hiring the auditor would make the job easier, the REO said. The schools grantee, when interviewed by Eswatini News, confirmed that the board had been engaged by the ministry over the audit and account of the schools. The problem is that these things need an authorisation by the board and it was not possible that it is done speedily as the ministry anticipated. We are not in a clash with the ministry, however, engagements over this matter are still in progression, the grantee pointed out. The school Board, after being engaged by the ministry, then wrote a long letter to the parents of both schools. Notified In the letter that was seen by this publications reporter, the school Board, through the Grantee, Thoko Ngubeni, notified the parents that it had recently had some meetings with officials from the Ministry of Education. They have made us aware that there are a few parents who have complained to them about the management of finances at the schools; we are not sure what exactly they are concerned about, but we have decided to nonetheless provide you with what we hope will be relevant and reassuring. On teacher remuneration, parents should firstly realise that we are not a fully supported government school. Only a percentage of teachers receive salaries from the government, some 28 out of 50. We also have been required to pay for textbooks, stationary and school furniture, etc, provisions that are supplied to fully fledged government schools, reads the letter written to the parents. In addition, the school informed the parents that it hires teachers who are paid through school fees and that this had partially been the case because the government had a freeze on additional posts, or so they were told, and require a 45/1 student to teacher ratio before allocating a post for a teacher. At the Bahai schools, we have tried to keep the student to teacher ratio low to offer more quality education and adequate attention to students. Teachers as well are given a top-up, to motivate and value their contributions with the expectation that they will give their utmost dedication to getting the best out of every student. The results have hopefully been a testimony to that. Results In addition, the Board meets every year with head teachers when the results come out and goes over them carefully to analyse where improvements can be put into practice and lessons learned, further reads the letter. The school Board further pointed out that so to maintain a harmonious environment, the formulae for teacher remunerations are the same for government teachers and those hired directly by the school. In this way, there is no discrimination among them. Government salary scales are applied and the same measures for all teachers are used for rewarding top-ups, explained the school Board in the letter. Delta Air Lines, Inc. (NYSE:DAL Get Free Report) EVP Steven M. Sear sold 12,129 shares of Delta Air Lines stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, August 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $45.52, for a total value of $552,112.08. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 85,708 shares in the company, valued at $3,901,428.16. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Delta Air Lines Stock Performance NYSE DAL opened at $44.16 on Friday. Delta Air Lines, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $27.20 and a fifty-two week high of $49.81. The stock has a market cap of $28.41 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.52, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.18 and a beta of 1.30. The business has a fifty day moving average of $44.79 and a 200-day moving average of $38.98. The company has a quick ratio of 0.41, a current ratio of 0.46 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.24. Get Delta Air Lines alerts: Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 13th. The transportation company reported $2.68 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.40 by $0.28. Delta Air Lines had a return on equity of 59.56% and a net margin of 5.36%. The company had revenue of $15.58 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $14.44 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $1.44 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 12.7% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts predict that Delta Air Lines, Inc. will post 6.67 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Delta Air Lines Cuts Dividend Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, August 7th. Stockholders of record on Monday, July 17th were issued a $0.10 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, July 14th. This represents a $0.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.91%. Delta Air Liness dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 8.62%. Several research analysts have weighed in on the company. Raymond James lifted their target price on Delta Air Lines from $57.00 to $58.00 and gave the company a strong-buy rating in a research note on Friday, July 14th. TheStreet upgraded Delta Air Lines from a c rating to a b rating in a research note on Thursday, July 13th. Wolfe Research lifted their price target on Delta Air Lines from $51.00 to $54.00 in a research note on Friday, July 14th. Morgan Stanley lifted their price target on Delta Air Lines from $70.00 to $77.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, July 14th. Finally, 22nd Century Group restated a maintains rating on shares of Delta Air Lines in a research note on Wednesday, June 28th. Thirteen investment analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Delta Air Lines has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $56.88. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on DAL Hedge Funds Weigh In On Delta Air Lines Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its stake in Delta Air Lines by 1.9% in the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 68,234,306 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $2,700,032,000 after purchasing an additional 1,267,578 shares during the last quarter. Capital World Investors increased its stake in Delta Air Lines by 3.9% in the second quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 26,563,427 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $1,262,825,000 after purchasing an additional 995,107 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp increased its stake in Delta Air Lines by 2.8% in the first quarter. State Street Corp now owns 21,652,643 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $756,110,000 after purchasing an additional 579,727 shares during the last quarter. Capital International Investors increased its stake in Delta Air Lines by 399.7% in the second quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 19,665,620 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $934,904,000 after purchasing an additional 15,729,876 shares during the last quarter. Finally, FMR LLC increased its stake in Delta Air Lines by 30.4% in the first quarter. FMR LLC now owns 14,779,351 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $516,095,000 after purchasing an additional 3,445,953 shares during the last quarter. 68.35% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Delta Air Lines Company Profile (Get Free Report) Delta Air Lines, Inc provides scheduled air transportation for passengers and cargo in the United States and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Airline and Refinery. Its domestic network centered on core hubs in Atlanta, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Detroit, and Salt Lake City, as well as coastal hub positions in Boston, Los Angeles, New York-LaGuardia, New York-JFK, and Seattle; and international network centered on hubs and market presence in Amsterdam, Mexico City, London-Heathrow, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, and Seoul-Incheon. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Delta Air Lines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Delta Air Lines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. PICTURED ABOVE: Derry students Brid Peoples, Dylan Copland, Leo Griffiths and Maeve McHugh are pictured with Dr. Erin Hinson, Study USA Student Support Advisor, Richard Leeman, Skills Division, Department for the Economy, Northern Ireland, and Claire Hamilton, Study USA Programme Manager, British Council, Northern Ireland. A number of Derry students are heading off on the adventure of a lifetime this month after being accepted onto a US Scholarship programme. They are among 56 students from across Northern Ireland on the prestigious Study USA programme, which enables students to study business or STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) related subjects in American colleges, across 22 States, helping to develop their career prospects when they return to Northern Ireland. The British Council, which is the UKs international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations, manages Study USA on behalf of the Department for the Economy and since its formation in 1994, the initiative has sent over 2000 students from Northern Ireland to all four corners of the United States. Brid Peoples from the village of Claudy and Maeve McHugh, from Magherafelt, both study Law at Queens University Belfast. Brid will spend her year at the University of Indianapolis, Indiana; while Maeve is off to Carroll University in Wisconsin. Also taking part are North West Regional College students Dylan Copland and Leo Griffiths, who are both heading to Illinois. Dylan, from Drumahoe, currently studies Film and Television Production and will enrol at Monmouth College, while Derry student Leo, a Software Development student, is heading to McKendree University. Dylan said: Study USA is an amazing opportunity and to be one out of 56 students from the colleges and universities in Northern Ireland is fantastic. I applied to the programme as I wanted to build on my employability and independence away from home, as well as build up a level of knowledge within the business sector. Through the programme, I hope to gain valuable essential skills and qualities from the variety of classes I will attend, in order to bring new life and growth into Northern Ireland's economy, all while promoting Northern Ireland in good light to my peers. Applications for Study USA for 2024-25 will open in September 2023. To find out more about the programme, and eligibility criteria visit: nireland.britishcouncil.org/opportunities/study-usa MBABANE Caught between a rock and a hard place. Civil servants have to decide between completely resigning from employment or continue working while pursuing their political dreams. In the past, as soon as nominees were chosen, civil servants would be allowed to take leave of absence after being nominated. This allowed them to have time to campaign for their political positions such as bucopho, indvuna yenkhundla or even Member of Parliament (MP). Ordered This was the case in the previous general elections, including in 2018. This year, the country is to hold the much-anticipated national exercise again and in about two weeks, nominees will take part in the first phase of elections, known as primary elections. This will then be followed by secondary elections. Eswatinis elections are different from how those of many countries, where individual candidates are selected based on parties they represent. However, constitutionally, Eswatini does not allow political parties during elections and candidates are elected based on individual merit, first at their chiefdom level. Unlike in the past, this time around, all civil servants have been ordered to be at work and are not allowed to take leave of absence. Under leave of absence, civil servants are not paid salaries but this time, the government has not stopped the salaries and instead ordered the civil servants to continue working. Displeasure This is contained in a memo dated July 28, 2023, issued by the Ministry of Public Service. Some civil servants have been left furious with these developments, while others are said not to be aware that they are not suppose to be away from work while campaigning for the political positions. The Principal Secretary (PS) in the ministry, Sipho Tsabedze, confirmed the memo, pointing out that it applied to all civil servants. This was after he was contacted following concerns from civil servants, who expressed displeasure that they were not allowed to take leave of absence by the relevant authorities in the various work stations. Tsabedze said all the civil servants who had been nominated were affected by this memo. He said this was because they were still getting paid and for that reason needed to be at work. Nominated The PS stated that civil servants who were nominated to stand in the 2023 General Elections were expected to be at work until they won the elections. He said constitutionally, only politicians who were civil servants were allowed to take absence of leave. Tsabedze said for now, the nominees were not politicians and that if they were civil servants, they did not qualify for leave of absence until the time they won the elections and also made their oaths to serve. He said winning the elections was not just enough but that they should also make the required oath to serve. Smeared For now, they are like a woman who has not been smeared with red okra. Even if lobola is paid for one, she is not a wife until the red okra is smeared, said Tsabedze. He also added that for now, the nominees were still gambling as they could win, or may not do so. Tsabedze also revealed that even the outgoing politicians such as MPs, tindvuna tetinkhundla and bucopho were still getting paid. He said it would be unfair to say that civil servants, who wanted to stand for elections, should go on leave of absence and not get paid when the other outgoing politicians were still getting paid. He revealed that the only time their salaries would be stopped was if they had won the elections and reached the stages where they made oath to serve the country. For now, they are not politicians, said Tsabedze adding that they were still ordinary civil servants. Some civil servants are of the view that this would work to their advantage. They said this was because some of them were able to apply for leave and still be able to earn their salaries. Campaigning In the past, it meant that you had to lose your salary while campaigning, one said. He also said it would give an equal advantage for others who did not have enough money for campaigning and relied purely on their salaries. Also, some of the police officers said they did not mind being at work because they knew that their duty called for them to work 24 hours a day. We can be called at any time just like it was during the unrest, said a police officer. It was also gathered that even the warders were called yesterday to be informed of the situation. This is according to some warders who were nominated for elections. The Public Relations Officer (PRO) for His Majestys Correctional Services (HMCS) could not be reached for comment. Louth nursing home residents will participate in a special national music performance to mark Nursing Homes Week 2023. The Music Speaks broadcast, to take place Monday 21st August, will encompass performances from over 100 nursing home residents from over 30 nursing homes. Featuring from Co Louth will be a group of residents from Sunhill Nursing Home, Termonfeckin, who will perform Whatever Will Be, Will Be (Que sera, sera). Also, to feature will be solo performances from Sunhill residents Elizabeth Woods, singing Pal of Cradle Days, and Patrick Lennon, singing Mona Lisa. Nursing homes in Co Louth and across the country will be hosting music-themed celebrations Monday 21st to Sunday 27th August to mark Nursing Homes Week 2023. The Music Speaks performance will be broadcast to over 400 nursing homes with 25,000 residents across the country and available for the broader public to watch via NHI.ie. It features renditions of classics such as Danny Boy, Molly Malone, When Irish Eyes Are Smiling, Cant Help Falling in Love, You Are My Sunshine, Que Sera, Sera, intertwined with performances by residents of different instruments, including piano, accordion, bodhran. The Music Speaks performance is a highlight of the broader online Music Speaks festival which will mark the national celebration of nursing home care. The Music Speaks festival will include performances from Mobile Music Machine with Niamh Kavanagh, Sive, Ross Scanlon performs John McCormack, John Spillane. Further, performances from the Irish Traditional Music Archive will be opened up to nursing home residents and an online discussion will be hosted discussing the impact of music on nursing home residents. Tadhg Daly, Nursing Homes Ireland CEO states: We are thrilled to have brought together a very special performance of nursing home residents to mark Nursing Homes Week 2023 and our Music Speaks festival. Nursing homes are home to truly very special people, who are tremendous characters and have a rich legacy in song and music. "Our Music Speaks performance encompasses one resident who is 100 years of age playing accordion, a 98-year-old delivering an excellent piano solo, a 95-year old singing Boys from the County Armagh. Residents love to sing and perform and the Music Speaks extravaganza honours the talents of the very special people in our society who are nursing home residents. Music fulfils an absolutely integral role in nursing home care, providing comfort to residents, stimulating memories, bringing them together, and it gives great joy and happiness. The festival we have created is truly unique, bringing residents together for a very special range of performances and events over the course of a week. "It will feature outstanding performers who supported nursing home residents during Covid19, a trip down memory lane for residents via the Irish Traditional Music Archive, and a discussion on the impact of music in our nursing homes. We wish residents and staff a very happy Nursing Homes Week 2023. Visit NHI.ie for further information. Residents of Maui County are returning to communities left in ruins after wildfires killed at least 80 people. Maui County raised the number of confirmed deaths to 80 in a statement at 9pm on Friday. Governor Josh Green had warned the death toll would likely rise as search and rescue operations continue. Authorities set a curfew from 10pm until 6am on Saturday. The recoverys going to be extraordinarily complicated, but we do want people to get back to their homes and just do what they can to assess safely, because its pretty dangerous, Mr Green told Hawaii News Now. Anthony Garcia assessed the devastation as he stood under Lahainas banyan tree landmark, now charred, and swept twisted branches into neat piles next to another heap filled with dead animals including cats, roosters and other birds killed by the smoke and flames. If I dont do something, Ill go nuts, said Mr Garcia, who lost everything he owned. Im losing my faith in God. Mr Garcia and other residents were faced with catastrophic destruction resulting from the wildfires that tore through parts of Maui this week and were still not fully contained by Friday night. A new wildfire on Friday evening triggered the evacuation of Kaanapali in West Maui, a community north-east of the area that burned earlier, but crews were able to extinguish the fire before 8.30pm, authorities said. Attorney general Anne Lopez announced plans to conduct a comprehensive review of decision-making and standing policies affecting the response to the deadly wildfires. My Department is committed to understanding the decisions that were made before and during the wildfires and to sharing with the public the results of this review, Ms Lopez said. Attorney General Lopez announces the initiation of a comprehensive review of decision-making concerning Hawaii wildfireshttps://t.co/zVPsHg0FFO Hawaii AG Anne E. Lopez (@AtghIgov) August 12, 2023 Dogs have been deployed to help in the search for bodies, Maui County mayor Richard Bissen Jr said. The wildfires are the states deadliest natural disaster in decades, surpassing a 1960 tsunami that killed 61 people. An even deadlier tsunami in 1946, which killed more than 150 on the Big Island, prompted development of a territory-wide emergency system with sirens that are tested monthly. Many fire survivors said they did not hear any sirens or receive a warning giving them enough time to prepare, realising they were in danger only when they saw flames or heard explosions. There was no warning, said Lynn Robinson, who lost her home. Hawaii emergency management records do not indicate warning sirens sounded before people had to run for their lives. Officials sent alerts to mobile phones, televisions and radio stations, but widespread power and cellular outages may have limited their reach. Fuelled by a dry summer and strong winds from a passing hurricane, at least three wildfires erupted on Maui, racing through parched brush covering the island. The most serious blaze swept into Lahaina on Tuesday and left a grid of gray rubble wedged between the blue ocean and lush green slopes. Associated Press journalists found the devastation included nearly every building on Front Street, the heart of historic Lahaina and the economic hub of Maui. There was an eerie traffic jam of charred cars that did not escape the inferno as surviving roosters meandered through the ashes. Palm trees were torched, boats in the harbour were scorched and the stench of burning lingered. It hit so quick, it was incredible, Kyle Scharnhorst said as he surveyed his damaged apartment complex. Summer and Gilles Gerling sought to salvage keepsakes from the ashes of their home. All they could find was the piggy bank Summer Gerlings father gave her as a child, their daughters jade bracelet and watches they gifted each other for their wedding. Their wedding rings were gone. They described their fear as the strong wind whipped the smoke and flames closer, but said they were happy to have made it out alive with their two children. Safety was the main concern. These are all material things, Gilles Gerling said. The wildfire is already projected to be the second-costliest disaster in Hawaii history, behind only Hurricane Iniki in 1992, according to disaster and risk modelling firm Karen Clark & Company. The fire is the deadliest in the US since the 2018 Camp Fire in California, which killed at least 85 people and destroyed the town of Paradise. The danger on Maui was well known. Maui Countys hazard mitigation plan updated in 2020 identified Lahaina and other West Maui communities as having frequent wildfires and several buildings at risk. The report also noted West Maui had the islands second-highest rate of households without a vehicle and the highest rate of non-English speakers. 2:30pm Update on the Maui Fires. For more information on how to help go to: https://t.co/tI37h4hIkx pic.twitter.com/qIUAbIGOgr Governor Josh Green (@GovJoshGreenMD) August 12, 2023 This may limit the populations ability to receive, understand and take expedient action during hazard events, the plan stated. Mauis firefighting efforts may have been hampered by limited staff and equipment. Bobby Lee, president of the Hawaii Firefighters Association, said there are a maximum of 65 county firefighters working at any given time with responsibility for three islands: Maui, Molokai and Lanai. The department has about 13 fire engines and two ladder trucks, but no off-road vehicles to thoroughly attack brush fires before they reach roads or populated areas, he said. Maui water officials warned Kula and Lahaina residents not to drink running water, which may be contaminated even after boiling, and to only take short, lukewarm showers in well-ventilated rooms to avoid possible chemical vapour exposure. The Bahrain Institute for Pearls and Gemstones (Danat) recently held a training programme designed for 18 students of the AlMabarrah AlKhalifia Foundation in the kingdom. The programme, centered around the fundamental knowledge of pearls and gemstones, was aimed at equipping these young individuals with comprehensive insights into pearl-related aspects, including extraction and examination methodologies. It encompassed both hands-on practical sessions and insightful theoretical modules, delving into an array of engaging subjects. This year's training was conducted by Bader Al Shaibani, a former participant of the programme who now works with the Foundation. His involvement underscores the programme's efficacy and its ability to drive progress among its beneficiaries in the realm of jewellery and gemstones. The topics covered a rich spectrum, ranging from the historical significance of natural pearls to the intricacies of gemstone manufacturing and finishing techniques. Furthermore, the training also touched upon vital areas such as marketing strategies, sales approaches, and the latest trends and advancements within the dynamic pearl industry. According to Danat, this is the second training programme of this kind for AlMabarrah AlKhalifia Foundations students, following an earlier one held last summer. "This initiative is a manifestation of the institute's dedication to nurturing emerging talents within the pearl and gemstone sector," remarked its CEO Noora Jamsheer. "The programme aligns with the broader goal of the national plan for the revival of the pearl sector in Bahrain, aiming to empower young enthusiasts and facilitate their contribution to the industry. Its overarching aim is to provide exceptional prospects for individuals aspiring to excel in this pivotal domain, enabling them to fulfill their career aspirations through active participation in the institute's array of programs and training modules," she stated. Jamsheer pointed out that the remarkable outcomes achieved through the previous programme conducted by the Institute for AlMabarrah AlKhalifias students earlier this year served as a compelling catalyst for Danat to evolve and reinitiate the programme. "The aim is to fortify its capacity to engage a greater number of Bahraini youth within the pearl sector," she said, adding that nurturing young talents stands as a cornerstone of the Institute's strategic framework, designed to foster national expertise in the Bahraini pearl industry and elevate the kingdom's global standing in pearl extraction, trade, and examination. Distinguished by its departure from conventional training approaches, this program takes a progressive leap by embracing innovative and interactive learning methodologies. "Specifically, the programme delved into an insightful exploration of the historical evolution of the pearl industry over centuries, highlighting its cultural and economic significance within the kingdom," explained Jamsheer. "Furthermore, it meticulously examined strategies for industry sustainability and growth, emphasizing the need to preserve its historical value and importance," she stated. "Modern techniques employed in Bahrain for cultivating pearls were also a pivotal focus, alongside a comprehensive study of the pearl and gemstone market. The programme rigorously addressed understanding consumer behaviors, trends, and preferences, as well as their specific requirements for examination and evaluation services," she added.-TradeArabia News Service Edge, a leading advanced technology and defence groups, said it has signed a strategic agreement with Turbomachine, one of Brazils foremost turbine engine developers, that will see both companies co-operate on the development of engines to complement its aerospace capabilities. Turbomachine specialises in research, innovation, and engineering and development of gas turbine engines and plasma assisted combustion solutions in the aerospace domain. The agreement will see Edge and Turbomachine work closely together on the development of engines, including turbofan and propellant fan, for Edges portfolio of UAVs and missiles, said a statement from Edge. The signing, which was witnessed by members of Edge and Turbomachines senior management, and Vice Admiral Marco Antonio Ismael Trovao de Oliveira of the Brazilian Navy, took place at Turbomachines headquarters in the city of Sao Jose dos Campos. The visit to Turbomachine was part of an ongoing high-level Edge delegation visit to Brazil, where the Emirati group has been meeting local dignitaries and major Brazilian industry players and partners. These visits enable Edge to pave the way for greater collaboration on knowlEdge exchange, R&D co-operation, and the co-development of advanced defence systems, among others, it added. Addressing the gathering, Vice Admiral Trovao de Oliveira said: "This is another example of a valuable international partnership built on trust, common values, knowledge sharing, and a common goal of pushing the boundaries of innovation to develop advanced technological solutions, for the benefit of all involved." Hamad Al Marar, President of Edges Missiles and Weapons cluster, pointed out that the partnership with Turbomachine marks a significant step towards advancing its technological capabilities and strengthening the commitment to innovation in the aerospace and defence sectors. "Together, we look forward to developing gas turbine engines and plasma assisted combustion solutions which will increase the power and performance of Edges portfolio of UAVs and missiles," he added. Turbomachine CEO and Founder Alberto Carlos Pereira Filho said: "Our collaboration with Edge Group highlights our capabilities and the performance and effectiveness of our engine solutions." "Partnering with Edge in the innovative development of UAV and missile turbines sets a path for great achievements in the future," he added-TradeArabia News Service Propaganda won't eliminate harms of Japan's nuke wastewater discharge plan 16:16, August 12, 2023 By Zhong Sheng ( People's Daily The legitimacy, legality and safety of Japan's plan to dump nuclear-contaminated water into the sea have been constantly questioned globally. Protests in Japan and its neighboring countries are emerging one after another, and opposing voices from the rest of the international community have never ceased. The Japanese side should have seriously responded to international concerns and made every effort to deal with the nuclear-contaminated water in a science-based, safe and transparent manner. However, it is only whitewashing the issue and attempting to create the false impression that discharging nuclear-contaminated water into the sea is safe and harmless through aggressively launching public relations campaigns domestically and abroad. This only exposes its disregard for the global marine environment and public health, and the country's selfishness. Japan's push for the discharge plan has been accompanied by meticulous public relations maneuvers from the very beginning. Japan's Reconstruction Agency, established in 2012 to advance reconstruction in disaster-hit areas, allocates special public relations budgets every year to convince people that the impacts from the Fukushima nuclear accident have been eliminated. On April 13, 2021, the same day when the Japanese government unilaterally decided to discharge nuclear-contaminated water into the sea, the Reconstruction Agency published propaganda posters and videos on its website, attempting to gain favor by packaging radioactive elements that cannot be removed from the nuclear contaminated water as mascots. This move drew severe dissatisfaction domestically and internationally. Fukushima residents angrily pointed out that this propaganda was completely disconnected from the stark reality facing Fukushima. As a result, the Reconstruction Agency eventually had to withdraw the related merchandise. Over the past two years, instead of learning lessons, Japan has continued its propaganda campaigns to convince the public of the so-called safety of the nuclear-contaminated water. Many Japanese newspapers, TV stations and other media outlets have advertised for the so-called safety of the contaminated water, drowning out public concerns and opposition. The Japanese government frequently refers to the water treated by the Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS) but still containing high levels of radioactive nuclides as "processed water," in an attempt to downplay its hazardous nature and potential risks. The Japanese government has also set up an 80-billion-yen ($556.22 million) fund to "compensate" fishing businesses in areas affected by the discharge, trying to pacify opposition with so-called "compensation fees." This is further evidence of Japan's attempts to cover up the dangers of dumping the contaminated water into the ocean. Japan has also stepped up public relations efforts targeting specific countries, international organizations and groups, attempting to gain endorsement for its discharge plan. At a G7 climate, energy and environment ministerial meeting held this April, Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry Koichi Hagiuda claimed that steady progress on decommissioning Fukushima, including discharging the contaminated water, would be welcomed. Steffi Lemke, Germany's Minister for the environment, nature conservation, nuclear safety and consumer protection immediately rebutted that Germany could not welcome the release of the treated water. Japan has also attempted to find excuses to justify the discharge plan on occasions like the NATO Summit, the ASEAN-plus ministerials, the Eastern Caribbean Ministerial Meeting on Fisheries and Sustainable Use of Living Marine Resources and so on. Whether domestically or internationally, Japan's efforts have been used in the wrong place. Concerned parties strongly oppose Japan's plan to discharge the contaminated water into the ocean, and demand that Japan halt the plan, engage in sincere communication with all stakeholders including neighboring countries, responsibly dispose of the water, and accept strict international supervision. But so far, Japan has only stubbornly pushed forward with the ocean discharge plan without thoroughly examining other options or seriously addressing international concerns, which disappoints the global community with its selfishness. Japan's public relations maneuvers cannot eliminate domestic and international concerns about dumping the nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean. Japanese fishermen have repeatedly voiced their opposition recently. South Korean opposition parties have also sent letters expressing concerns and objections of the South Korean public. Protests have been staged in front of Japanese embassies and consulates in the Philippines, New York, Sydney and elsewhere, demanding Japan to halt the discharge plan. People did so because they know the plan, once implemented, would impose unpredictable nuclear contamination risks on the international community. Dumping nuclear-contaminated water into the oceans is a reckless gamble that endangers humanity. Japan should face international concerns, fulfill its moral responsibilities and obligations under international law, and find an appropriate solution for the contaminated water. The country must not unilaterally initiate the ocean discharge before addressing the international community's concerns over the legitimacy of the discharge plan, the reliability of data, the efficacy of the treatment system and the uncertainty of environmental impact. (Zhong Sheng is a pen name often used by People's Daily to express its views on foreign policy and international affairs.) (Web editor: Zhao Tong, Hongyu) Dubai, Aug 12 (UNI) The committee of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expressed its support for the efforts to enhance cooperation between ASEAN and the UAE, the official news agency WAM reported Friday. It comes as the committee held a meeting in UAE's capital Abu Dhabi to celebrate the 56th anniversary of ASEAN's establishment, which falls on Aug. 8, said the WAM. At the meeting, the committee highlighted the importance of ties between ASEAN and the UAE, which has become a sectoral dialogue partner of the bloc since August 2022. Ambassadors and other diplomats of ASEAN member states in the UAE attended the meeting and expressed their readiness to work closely to strengthen the solidarity of the ASEAN community in the Gulf country, the report added. ASEAN was established in 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand, with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration by the founding members of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. UNI/XINHUA AKS0800 A number of Cork pet owners are going to heartbreaking lengths to cure their four-legged friends with some even considering overseas treatment to give them the best chance possible. Suzanne Kelly, from Sunbeam Veterinary Hospital, opened up about how one individual enquired about accessing radiotherapy for their seriously ill dog abroad. While the renowned veterinary surgeon said that exploring overseas treatment for animals is still relatively rare, animal lovers are taking every measure they can to save their beloved pets. There are currently just two veterinary oncologists operating in Ireland who offer guidance to vets across Ireland linked to the administration of chemotherapy. While more Cork dogs than ever are enduring chemotherapy, Suzanne explained that the UK is the nearest port of call for animal radiotherapy. People are going for a really high standard of care even if it comes at a significant cost, Ms Kelly told The Echo. She described the treatment options available to dogs with a cancer diagnosis. There are two types of chemo. One is curative where youre looking to cure the animal and are hoping they will go into remission. The other type is palliative which involves striving for a better quality of life for the animal and keeping them comfortable. What we dont want is to have the animal living out its last months having IV lines put in and going through constant chemo. Its with a view to ideally curing them. Veterinary surgeon Suzanne Kelly spoke of the great lengths people are going to in order to give their dogs a fighting chance against cancer. The renowned vet explained that when it comes to chemotherapy, dogs experience significantly fewer side effects than humans. They dont have the same side effects, she said. Vomiting is a symptom but we give them an injection so its honestly not something we see. Chemo for dogs isnt the same type of suffering as it is for humans. We wouldnt do it if it was. The side effects, Suzanne explained, are often invisible to the naked eye. Sometimes youll get things like suppressed bone marrow. You know that their white blood cell count has dropped considerably. However, the animal might not necessarily be showing any signs of that. Externally, they might be completely fine. The same can be said for animal radiotherapy, although this is only available in the UK. We do get clients going to the UK for radiotherapy as well. This is rare but there are some who will go to save their life. She described some of the chemotherapy options available to dogs. People are desperate to save their pets. They love them because they are part of the family. There are various types of chemo. Some of the more popular chemo comes in a tablet. The owners can give them to the pet themselves at home. Other times chemotherapy will be put in through an IV line. It really all depends on what were treating. Ms Kelly stressed that veterinary surgeons have an ethical duty to ensure animals do not suffer unnecessarily. Its not the same as it is with human medicine because we dont want to prolong life at all costs. With veterinary medicine we have the option of euthanasia to prevent an animal needlessly suffering. Its difficult when owners have to make a decision about when its time to let an animal go. Luckily, the people who come to me are sensible and will only do what is in the best interests of the animal. I dont think its right to do something just because we can. I went to a conference a couple of weeks ago in Dublin where they were talking about kidney transplants for cats. To me, thats morally wrong because youre taking a kidney from a healthy cat. Theres an initiative in the US that sees a kidney taken from a cat in a shelter to donate to another cat. The owner of the kidney recipient cat then has to adopt the shelter cat. This means that they now have two cats who are both kidney compromised. Cats dont like just having a new cat in their house and it can result in a lot of stress for them. Luckily, this isnt happening here and I hope that it never will. For me its just a step too far. A decent quality of life is among Suzannes top priorities for animals in her care. Youll be under the guidance of an oncologist, which there are two of in Ireland. They would either administer the chemo or give us guidance on how to proceed. Its not just about keeping the pet alive. There are few people who want to have their pet just lying on the couch. They want them out chasing birds, going for walks and experiencing a proper quality of life. Irish pet owners are very compassionate. I cant think of a situation where they have wanted to keep going with treatment when it was time. Housing is the number one concern for business interests in Cork, Sinn Feins Enterprise, Trade and Employment spokesperson has said. Louise OReilly TD, told The Echo that at every meeting she held during a visit to Cork this week she was told that the housing crisis was the number one issue of those involved in business here. The Dublin Fingal deputy said that balanced regional development would be a priority for Sinn Fein in government, and the party would increase investment in the IDA. We have always put aside in our alternative budget money for additional funding for the IDA, and the reason weve done that is because the IDA are really good at what they do and we want them to do more of it, she said. Ms OReilly said IDA had achieved great success in Cork, especially in the pharmaceutical sector, but needed more resources to bring in further foreign direct investment. I was in San Francisco recently and I met with the IDA there in Ireland House and they tell me, Can you give us more money, we can do more work. And were happy to put that budget aside to make the investment, because we do need that balanced regional development, over-reliance on Dublin and over-reliance on the east coast doesnt make for balance, it doesnt make for an affordable housing, it doesnt make for sustainable development, Ms OReilly said. If you talk to the IDA, if you talk to Enterprise Ireland, talk to Chambers, you talk to IBEC, you talk to family business owners, all of those people, they will tell you the same thing. If people don't have somewhere to live, then were at nothing in terms of growth and development, because there are businesses now that are losing orders and not growing because they cannot find somewhere affordable for the people who we need to do that work to live, she said. In the ecosystem of business, housing has now risen to the top of the agenda. Ms OReilly said that at a session she had held with Chambers, and IBEC and others, the submissions were all about housing, it was like This is our number one issue. The IDA can do all the good work it does, it can bring in all those good jobs, but if people dont have anywhere to live, were at nothing, she said. A University College Cork (UCC) professor who is a member of a group that advises the Health Minister on covid has expressed fears that Government measures arent going far enough to address a surge in cases. Professor of physical chemistry, John Wenger, is among members of the Covid-19 Advisory Group, which also includes other Cork experts the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland president, Prof Mary Horgan, and senior lecturer in biochemistry, Dr Anne Moore. Prof Wengers concerns relate to the spread of a new covid variant known as Eris, and a number of PCR-confirmed cases recorded over the last two weeks. He has advocated the wearing of masks, particularly the high-quality respiratory masks. There have been 66 PCR-confirmed cases of covid in Cork over the past 14 days up to and including Monday, August 7. This contrasts with 216 in Dublin, 93 in Limerick, and 97 in Kerry in the same period. Prof Wenger referred to oversights in the Governments previous winter plan. Many of the things that I would like to have seen introduced were not, he said. There was a winter plan... which included improved measures on ventilation and air filtration but little was implemented. My concern is that the effort just wasnt put into improving ventilation and air filtration in places like hospitals and nursing homes which should be our focus, said Prof Wenger. I still think thats relevant today. This is difficult and sometimes expensive to do but we are talking about peoples health. Its important that we do the right thing and invest and make sure that places are safe, not only for patients, but for staff too. If healthcare staff become sick we could find ourselves in an even worse situation. He said he hopes this year can be different. John Wenger is Professor of Chemistry As regards the group and its recommendations, some of these were implemented but others werent. This is also about implementing change and recommendations and I dont think that was done last Christmas. I sincerely hope this year is different. He described the recent covid surge as unsurprising. Im not surprised really, because the virus is constantly evolving and there are new variants which are both highly infectious and escaping the protection of vaccines or previous infections. We are always going to have new variants. Until we get a vaccine that can block transmission we are going to keep on playing this game and that is the real problem. WEATHER The Cork man said that much of the spread could be down to the recent weather. The weather has been so poor recently that people are spending more time indoors doing other things. A lot of people are visiting the cinema to see films like Oppenheimer which means they are socialising in crowds. He is calling for the reintroduction of some protective measures to contain the spread. I think this is especially important now as we approach the start of the school year. Its vital that we step up measures to prevent and control the spread of the virus. These measures include the wearing of masks, particularly the high-quality respiratory masks associated with healthcare settings. Fresh reminders are now being issued to the public concerning covid-19 safety measures. A spokesperson for the HSE recently told The Echo that the new variant is more transmissible than previous circulating variants. There is currently no evidence of increased clinical severity of infection, but people are still advised to follow covid-19 prevention measures, they added. The spokesperson said there have been waves of increased covid-19 activity every few months since the start of 2022 but that, to date, waves during the summer period have generally been of lower magnitude than those in the winter period. The number of patients in ICU that had covid-19 infection did increase slightly during July, but remains overall low. A 20-year-old woman was the subject of fraud when she transferred 7,400 to someone she believed was the landlord of a property, but later found the home was never for rent, gardai have said. An Garda Siochana has issued a warning over student accommodation fraud amid an anticipated spike from August to October. In the case of the 20-year-old, gardai said she travelled to the Netherlands to obtain keys for the rented property there, but the landlord failed to meet her, ignored phone calls, and ultimately blocked her number. She subsequently learned the property was never up for rent, gardai said. In another case, a 30-year-old man viewed a digital letting agency and was sent what he believed was a contract via email, which he signed, and paid 4,000 for a property in Dublin. The lease was agreed to start on July 1 2023. When the man went to the property, there was nobody there and he was unable to contact the landlord. Elsewhere, a 25-year-old woman transferred 1,200 over Revolut for a first months rent after responding to an advertisement regarding an apartment but no keys were ever provided. Gardai also released details of a case study regarding a 28-year-old woman looking for a seasonal rental who contacted an agent with a UK number via Whatsapp. The agent requested a deposit of 1,236 which was transferred to a bank with a French international bank account number. The woman was then unable to make further contact with the agent. A 21-year-old woman posted on Facebook that she was seeking student accommodation in Cork and received correspondence from a third party about what she believed was a suitable apartment. The agent requested a deposit of 800 to secure the accommodation. Since making the transfer, she has not received keys to the apartment or any correspondence from the agent. All these incidents were reported to gardai in July this year. Gardai said while there was a 38% increase in accommodation fraud in 2022 compared to 2021, there has been a slight decrease (8%) in fraud reports to the end of June this year. Approximately one third of all accommodation fraud occurs during August and September, with over 50% of victims of accommodation fraud aged under 25. Approximately 55% of victims of accommodation fraud are female and around half of the incidents occur in Dublin. 2M STOLEN Gardai said around 2m has been stolen in accommodation fraud in last five years. They warn that typically forms of fraud include when the fraudster claims to be out of the country and cannot show the renter the property unless they pay a deposit. Gardai said fraudsters can also be living in the property when they show a number of people the home, get a deposit from several parties and disappear with the money. Often the transaction appears normal until the renter finds that the property does not exist, is already occupied, or the keys do not work, and the landlord has disappeared. Gardai also warned that reservation fraud occurs when a person pays for a hotel/guesthouse room and subsequently discovers that the transaction was fraudulent, for example, the property does not exist, or staff at the property have no record of the booking. The Garda National Economic Crime Bureau has issued advice and warning signs when looking for rented accommodation. Warning signs include when payment is demanded before signing the lease or when a renter is asked to pay cash, cryptocurrency, or money via a non-bank transfer. Gardai advised renters never to agree to rent a property without first having the opportunity to view it, to ensure that the keys work, and they have proper contact details for the landlord/agent which would ideally be registered with the Residential Tenancies Board. A CORK TD has called on Cork City Council to publish any and all reports the council may have commissioned on council-owned social housing flat complexes. Thomas Gould, Sinn Fein TD for Cork North Central, said a 2022 email to party colleague, councillor Eolan Ryng, proved the existence of unpublished reports into council flats across the city. Mr Gould made his remarks after Niall O Donnabhain, director of services at the city councils housing directorate, wrote this week to councillors assuring them that the council executives top priority was resolving issues related to local authority housing at Noonans Road and surrounding areas. Mr O Donnabhains letter came after The Echo published last week details from an unpublished Cork City Council draft report on the Noonans Road and St Finbarrs Road flats. The unpublished draft report on the flats, dating from December 2022, had found major structural defects in the flats, and recommended in the strongest terms the complete demolition of the buildings. Writing this week to councillors, Mr O Donnabhain stressed that it was determined that, while structural issues exist that would impact on the implementation of any retrofit programme, the buildings at Noonans Road, St Finbarrs Road, Fort Street, and Dean Street are not unsafe. Mr Gould said an email sent to Mr Ryng last year established that the council had further unpublished reports on its flat complexes. That email, seen by The Echo, is dated August 9, 2022, and relates to an assessment of balconies on council flats. In October 2021, Mr Ryng submitted a motion to Cork City Council calling for an immediate safety inspection of the verandas of the flats at Clashduv Road, Sycamore Place, and Togher Road. The following summer he received a mail from a member of the housing executive saying: We have completed a comprehensive survey/assessment of our balconies across the city, initiated by the issues with the balconies at Clashduv Road. Works are obviously required but it was important to be clear on the nature of same. There is no doubt it needs to be done and that we have a duty of care to do so and will seek to do so as soon as we can. Mr Gould said the email was proof of further reports into council flats. A spokesperson for Cork City Council said: These reports are often unit-specific and element-specific and, therefore, the publication of all such reports would be impractical and inappropriate where they relate to tenants individual homes or issues. 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. Jakarta, Indonesia, frequently ranks as one of the most polluted cities in the world, and was recently named the most polluted city on the planet by Swiss air quality technology company IQAir. Authorities in Indonesia are blaming the air pollution issues in the city of more than 11 million on a combination of vehicle emissions and weather patterns, specifically the current dry season. For the past few months, residents of Jakarta have been greeted each morning by a combination of gray skies and a blanket of dense smoke, reported The Associated Press. In June, July and August, there is invariably an escalation in air pollution in Jakarta due to the dry air, said senior environment and forestry official Sigit Reliantoro at a press conference, as AFP reported. Reliantoro said the high pollution levels from June to August were caused by seasonal wind changes. I have to wear a mask all the time. Both my body and my face are suffering, Anggy Violita, a 32-year-old officer worker in Jakarta, told AFP in another report. Last week my entire family was sick for a week and the doctor told me I should stay indoors. Data from the countrys Ministry of Environment and Forestry said transportation produces 44 percent of the air pollution, while 31 percent comes from industry, reported The Associated Press. Many of the vehicles in Jakarta, particularly motorcycles, are highly polluting and inefficient, and maintenance standards are rarely enforced. Public transportation in the metropolitan area of 30 million is lacking, so heavy traffic produces a constant stream of pollution. President of Indonesia Joko Widodo, along with six other officials, was charged with neglecting the right of citizens to clean air in 2021. The court ordered that the poor air quality in Jakarta be improved, but health issues related to the citys air pollution continue to escalate. It is increased compared to 2022. And it is almost the same condition we found in 2019 and 2018, before the COVID-19 pandemic, said Dwi Oktavia, head of disease prevention and control at the Jakarta Health Agency, as Reuters reported. [W]e should actively be using public transportation and bicycles. Indonesia has promised to be carbon neutral by 2050 and to stop the construction of new coal-fired power plants this year, reported AFP. However, one of the largest coal-fired power plants in Southeast Asia, Javas Suralaya, is being expanded by the Indonesian government. There are 10 coal-fired plants operating within 100 kilometers of Jakarta, according to Greenpeace Indonesia, and they probably dont help the citys pollution issue. As one solution to Jakartas air quality problem, some of the citys industrial and economic operations are scheduled to be moved to Nusantara, Borneo, which is being planned as the countrys new capital city. Srinagar, Aug 12 (UNI) National Conference President and Member of Parliament Dr Farooq Abdullah on Saturday said India and Pakistan must show sincerity to start a dialogue to resolve all issues. Talking to media persons in Srinagar on Saturday Farooq said that dialogue is the only way forward for both India and Pakistan to resolve all issues amicably. I want to make clear that cosmetic measures will yield no results, he said and added unless both countries show sincerity till then it is all a spectacle. You are watching that the terrorism is there.. bullets are being fired and soldiers and people are still getting killed, he said and added if peace has really prevailed in Jammu and Kashmir why such incidents are still happening. The former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir said that all issues could be settled through dialogue. You see what war did to Ukrainenothing happened to America..Europe is falling apart economically. Who is getting killed, the people of Ukraine only, he added. Both India and Pakistan should understand that the only way forward is through dialogue. When we can talk to China a number of times on certain stages, why not with Pakistan, he questioned. He said open the borders so that we could see the other part of Kashmir which is lying with Pakistan. UNI QAB BM The article is based on the authors personal engagement and the experience with the Aragalaya movement. A version of this article was presented on a panel titled, System Collapse: Debt Crisis and the Sri Lankan Uprising at Colgate University in November 2022. The author would like to express sincere thanks to Vidarshana Kannangara, Jude Fernando, Allegra Giovanni, Dan Burgdorf and the anonymous reviewer for their valuable comments on the earlier versions of this article. Kyiv, Aug 12 (UNI) The Ukrainian military is strengthening a second line of defense in the Rivne Region near the border with Belarus, filling it with traps against infantry and vehicles as well as planting mines near the Rivne nuclear power plant, Ukrainian media reported on Saturday. There is no visible threat from Belarus at the moment, but the density of minefields is being increased to be ready for any development, the Channel 5 broadcaster reported. On February 21, senior Belarusian defense official Valery Revenko said a large group of Ukrainian troops had been deployed close to the Belarusian-Ukrainian border, threatening to escalate the situation to border clashes. In November 2022, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said he had no plans to send Belarusian troops to Ukraine. UNI/XINHUA XC SY AKS1531 The Kashmir Valley comprises of 10 districts, as registered by the Census of India 2011, namely Pulwama, Anantnag, Shopian, and Kulgam of south Kashmir, Srinagar, and Budgam of central Kashmir and Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora, and Ganderbal of north Kashmir. The census reported that the total population in the Valley, on the basis of the place of enumeration, was 68,88,475 persons with a sex ratio of 901. At the same time, it also reported that a total of 11,46,368 persons were in-migrants in the Valley whose last residence was within India. If we consider in-migrants as a part of total population in the Valley, then it indicates that about 16.64% were in-migrants including both Muslims and non-Muslims. About 77% of them were Muslims, 20% Hindus, and 3% Sikhs. However, Muslim in-migrants find Kashmir a preferable place as compared to non-Muslims. The in-migrants are mostly from poor regions and many belong to lower caste groups like Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes (Haque 2014). The results provided by Census 2011 show a lot of variation in the pattern of in-migration and in-migrant workers in different districts of the Valley. Table 1 shows that migration is dominated by female in-migrants in the Kashmir Valley and most of them are from rural areas. The primary survey also highlighted that rural migration dominates in the Kashmir Valley with about 90% migrants coming from rural areas and only about 10% from urban areas. However, the results vary in the case of malefemale ratio. About 92% migrants were males and only 8% were females. The difference may be because many migrants were mostly interviewed at work site locations where they usually assemble to find work, whereas female in-migrants do not assemble at such locations. They directly contact the employers and households to find work. Also, when males get work, they contact their females through mobile or personally and inform them to reach the work location. Table 1 also shows that the largest in-migration has taken place in Srinagar, accounting for about 17%, while Shopian district shows the least number of in-migrants (4.41%). Srinagar is the only city/urban area in the Valley and receives in-migrants mostly from urban areas comprising primarily females. Most of the rural in-migrants were found in Anantnag comprising mostly female workers (76.11%). Similarly, all the districts of the Valley, except Srinagar, have been dominated by the inflow of rural in-migrants. In both rural and urban category of in-migrants, females dominate (more than 50% in all districts). Most of the urban in-migrants have dominance in Srinagar due to its urbanised character while, as in all other districts, rural in-migrants dominate with females forming the majority. The difference between Srinagar and other rural districts can be easily understood. Urban in-migrants prefer to migrate towards cities or urban areas, whereas the rural ones, especially women workers, are migrating towards rural areas. It is clearly rural to rural and urban to urban stream of migration. This article is in continuation with the series of Letters that have been previous published in EPW with respect to ChatGPT and other similar artificial intelligence (AI) platforms and the concerns associated with them on discourses like research and plagiarism. In this article, the possible implications of AI platforms like ChatGPT on intellectual property rights are discussed through an argument based on why the use of such AI platforms is not being justified through the traditional notions of copyright law in India. ChatGPT is used here to make the arguments about its intersection with Indian intellectual property law for the ease of readers understanding. However, it could be reasonably argued that the arguments shall apply to all AI platforms with a similar programming and functions like ChatGPT. Nuh district in the Mewat region of Haryana has reported prolonged clashes and violence since the end of July. The aftermath of this violence quickly spread to other parts of the state as well, causing serious damage to human lives and widespread destruction of public and private property. The violence was triggered due to a procession led by the hardliners in Nuh district. As has become a regular practice in certain religious processions in contemporary India, provocative songs were played and incendiary slogans chanted, because of which clashes broke out between two religious groups in the area. The ripples of this communal violence could be observed in nearby Gurugram as well. Research on communal violence has repeatedly demonstrated that such instances are hardly ever spontaneous in nature. In fact, communal violence in India forms a part of a larger political strategy to sustain religious polarisation among different communities and reap political dividends out of it. Although hard-line organisations and faceless mobs are directly involved in the perpetuation of violence, the role of the government and state agencies cannot be overlooked in this regard. Foreign exchange strategists at Rabobank have downgraded their outlook for the Japanese Yen (JPY) against the US Dollar (USD), with a three-month view pegging the USD/JPY at 145. At the time of writing, the US Dollar to Yen exchange rate is trading at 144.963 with markets settled for the weekend. This three-month prediction would mark a 0.069% increase in value for USD/JPY investors. Over a longer-term view, expectations indicate a rally for the Japanese Yen (JPY), with the pair possibly touching 140 in nine months and 135 by the year's end. This prediction is driven largely by a potential easing in the Federal Reserve's monetary policy. "We have revised down our forecasts for the JPY. We now see USD/JPY at 145 on a 3-month view," says Jane Foley, Senior FX Strategist at Rabobank. Then "recovering to USD/JPY140 and USD/JPY 135 in 9 and 12 months respectively on the back of expectations of softer Fed policy." Another focal point is the BoJ's recent policy adjustments in July. Foley's analysis suggests that the market's subsequent moves since then indicate a possibility of the BoJ maintaining its dovish stance. "The messages contained within the BoJs July policy adjustment have not been easy to decipher," says Foley. "Since early August USD/JPY has been pushing higher," she adds, hinting at the market's perception of BoJ's unchanged dovish position. Shedding light on Governor Uedas comments on currency volatility, Foley highlights that these remarks were pivotal in understanding the July policy direction. She emphasises the weight of the Governor's acknowledgment of currency volatility as a factor in BoJ's decision-making. "Given Governor Uedas acknowledgment that currency volatility was a consideration in its July policy decision, the market could be testing whether the BoJ will be forced to allow more upside movement in 10 yr yields," says Foley. This suggests an underlying tension, where the market is potentially probing the BoJ's boundaries on yield movements. The Japanese economic data's recent softness further reinforces the argument of the BoJ retaining its accommodative monetary stance for the foreseeable future. The strategist details that weaker economic data may serve as an impetus for the central bank to sustain its supportive policies. "This weeks softer-than-expected Japanese economic data support the view that the BoJ [Bank of Japan] will maintain accommodative policy settings for some time," Foley explains. A significant portion of the analysis is dedicated to understanding the BoJ's Yield Curve Control (YCC) and its recent tweaks. Foley offers a nuanced take on the YCC, painting it as a potentially beneficial tool during financial crises but one that carries associated risks if misapplied. Highlighting the uncertainties surrounding the YCC policy, Foley illustrates, "most commentators would agree that yield curve control is a policy that has uses within a crisis." Delving deeper into the market's response to the recent adjustments, she states, "In December 2022, the BoJ announced a surprise tweak to its YCC policy... The market, however, had difficulty absorbing why a rise in the cap was not, according to the BoJ, a tightening in policy." Rabobank's forecast also underscores the intricate interplay between the Japanese Yen's exchange rate dynamics and the central bank's policy directives. With the yen witnessing considerable depreciation, Foley zeroes in on the broader market sentiment during this period. "There was speculation in the market that the Japanese government was concerned about the drop in the value of the JPY," she says. Bringing focus to the unexpected policy shifts, she points out, "Last Decembers tweak thus came as a surprise to BoJ watchers." With the Yen's path intricately tied to the BoJ's moves, market watchers will undoubtedly keep a keen eye on the central bank's next steps. According to UK economists at Pantheon Macroeconomics, the UK trade deficit should continue to narrow, therefore limiting Pound Sterling's vulnerability in the run-up to the UK General Election in 2024. The recent forecast provides a deep dive into the current state of the UK's trade deficit, its ramifications on the Pound Sterling (GBP), and the overarching economic landscape. With a data-driven approach, the economists analyse how the trade deficit dynamics have been unfolding and what we can expect moving forward. "The trade deficit narrowed to 4.8B in June, from an upwardly-revised 7.7B in May, though that was slightly above the consensus, 4.1B," says Gabriella Dickens, Senior U.K. Economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics. A closer examination of the data reveals that this decline isn't just a result of falling prices, as the deficit has narrowed in real terms as well. However, a somewhat alarming insight showed that UK exporters seem to be getting a diminished role in global supply chains. "The real data show that U.K. exporters are slowly being cut out of global supply chains; goods exports, excluding erratics, still were a whopping 9% below their 2018 level in June," Dickens notes. The trade deficit's improvement is primarily attributed to a decrease in imports during June, reversing the upward trajectory seen in May. "The trade deficit narrowed again in June, as the jump in imports in May reversed," says Dickens. Expanding on the specifics, she adds, "Import values dropped back to 71.7B in June, from 74.0B in May, driven largely by a 2.5B decline in imports of oil and other fuels, as lower energy prices started to feed through." While imports receded, goods exports remained relatively stable. There was a notable recovery in exports related to machinery and transport equipment. The UK economist attributes this to "the ongoing improvement in supply chains." Projecting into the UK economic future, Dickens remains optimistic about the trade deficit's trajectory. Despite potential challenges arising from slower growth in major global economies like the U.S. and China, as well as the ever-present Brexit uncertainties, the trade balance is expected to continue improving. This optimistic outlook is grounded in the anticipated continued decline of import prices, propelled by a combination of falling energy prices and a robust sterling. "Import priceswhich have fallen by 12.6% since Septemberlikely will continue to drop more quickly than export prices," Dickens explains. Offering a future perspective, the economist lays down specific projections. "Accordingly, we expect the trade deficit to equal 55B this year and about 40B in 2024, well below last years 86.6B," Dickens states. This improvement, she believes, will cushion the sterling from overseas investor confidence swings, especially in the lead-up to the next general election. The overarching narrative is supported with charts, which Dickens references. Overall deficit's reduction in June - Source: Pantheon Macroeconomics The first chart showcases the overall deficit's reduction in June, with the trade in fuels deficit seeing a marked decline. "The first chart shows that the overall deficit narrowed in June, largely reflecting a drop in the trade in fuels deficit," she says. However, the second chart brings into sharp focus the ongoing challenges faced by the UK's export volumes, which have yet to return to pre-pandemic levels, a trend Dickens attributes to Brexit's lingering impact. "The second chart shows that goods export volumes still are struggling to return to pre-Covid levels, thanks to Brexit." UPDATE, AUG. 20: The pre-evacuation warning in place for the Niarada Fire has been lifted and residents are allowed to bring livestock back home. All pre-evacuation warnings for Elmo and Big Arm have been lifted and operations are switching from active suppression to repairing the impacts of the efforts used to stop the fires which once threatened nearly 400 homes in the Elmo and Big Arm area, according to the CSKT Division of Fire. The Niarada Fire is reportedly getting closer to containment, and that the Mill Pocket is 100% contained. UPDATE, AUG. 19: A community meeting with updates on the Big Knife Fire is being held at the Arlee Community Center at 34086 Pow Wow Rd. on Monday, Aug. 21 at 7:00 pm. Big Knife Fire - 7,152 acres, 7% contained Fire activity on the Big Knife Fire was milder than predicted. On the north edge of the fire, along S. Canal Road crews are continuing to mitigate hazards by removing snags inside the fire perimeter at least a tree length from the line. Crews patrolling the area observed the fire backing down into the bottom of the Gold Creek drainage. On the south end of the fire in the Agency Creek drainage, crews are continuing to patrol and monitor fire activity. On the east side of the fire near Jocko Lookout, crews will continue monitoring the pumps and sprinkler systems and monitoring the fire growth in the primitive area. Niarada - 20,365 acres, 90% contained Crews were fighting against high winds, with the eastern portion of the Niarada Fire closest to elmo seeing the bulk of the effort as crews worked to cool lingering heat source utilizing some of the four miles of hose lays that have been installed in the area. These efforts will be ongoing for the next several days. Mill Pocket 1,869 acres, 95% contained Crews on the Mill Pocket Fire are working on suppression repair and minimal mop up. UPDATE, AUG. 18 AT 3:37 PM: Due to fire conditions near the East Fork Fire, the Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino has issued a mandatory evacuation for residents and visitors in the following areas: North of mile marker 142 on Highway 93 to mile marker 157.9 -- Lincoln/Flathead County line Residents of Good Creek Road, and those who access Good Creek west to the Lincoln County line All pre-evacuation notices issued Aug. 17 are still in effect including in Olney. UPDATE Aug. 18, 9:34 a.m. The Lincoln County Emergency Management Agency (LCEMA) is alerting power service through the Lincoln Electric Cooperative (LEC) may be affected by the East Fork Fire. The following is a Facebook post by LCEMA: Alert: Evacuation warning notices have been issued by Lincoln County Sheriff's Office to residents in the Striker area of Lincoln County that may be impacted by the East Fork Fire. Additionally, LCEMA has been made aware of changing fire conditions that could affect the Northeast area of Lincoln County with power service through Lincoln Electric Cooperative, Inc. (LEC). Informational: The USFS Incident Management Team on the North Fork fire communicated that they have established an advanced action point for the East Fork Fire. If fire activity reaches that advanced action point, LEC and Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) will be placed on standby. At that time, LCEMA will initiate a CodeRED notification to all residents in the potentially impacted area. In addition, LEC will send automated calls to members to be prepared for the POTENTIAL of a system-wide outage. The Length of the possible outage would be based on fire conditions and damage assessments. If an extended outage is anticipated, LCEMA will work to coordinate sheltering and support to critical facilities. Both Lincoln Electric and BPA have NO plans to de-energize any of their facilities, UNLESS they receive a specific request to do so by incident command in the interest of safety. Action: Evacuation Warning (Yellow) begins when there is a possibility of a need to evacuate. During this phase, contacts and briefings with area residents is completed. Movement of persons requiring Access and Functional Needs or extraordinary care, large mobile property and livestock (if feasible) is recommended. Be prepared for the POTENTIAL of an area power outage. Sign up for CodeRED to get immediate emergency information notification: https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/en-US/BFD8675274C8 LCEMA is working with the USFS, IMT, partners and monitoring this situation. updated information will go out as it becomes available. Check back by going to https://www.facebook.com/LC.EMA.MT Lincoln Electric Cooperative https://www.facebook.com/lincolnelectriccooperative U.S. Forest Service - Kootenai National Forest https://www.facebook.com/kootenainf A closure order is still in effect for roads in the vicinity of the East Fork Fire. To view, please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/kootenai/alerts-notices/ For updated East Fork Fire information, please visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident.../mtknf-east-fork-fire... UPDATE Aug. 17, 8 PM: East Fork Fire Due to hot, dry, and windy conditions the fire has grown to 2,600 acres overnight and throughout the day. Pre-evacuation orders have been set in place because of the possibility the fire has of spreading, this order allows time for residents to make plans for their homes, family, livestock, and pets in the event of an evacuation. The pre-evacuation area includes Highway 93 north beginning at Mile Marker 142 north to Flathead/Lincoln County line. Crossroads and affected addresses can be found on the Flathead County Website. This is not a mandatory evacuation order but in the event of a mandatory evacuation, local Sheriff's Office personnel will conduct door-to-door notifications of residents in the affected area. Evacuation notices will also be announced/published on radio, tv, online, social media, and through our Emergency Notification System, Code Red. UPDATE, AUG. 17: A CSKT Type 3 Incident Management Team, headed by Rob Berney, has taken command of the Niarada and Mill Pocket fires as the Northern Rockies team has timed out. On the Big Knife Fire, Brad Bergmans Incident Management Team 8 assumed command. Big Knife Fire - 6,275 acres, 7% contained On the southwest edge of the fire, crews are assessing the fires progress as it moves down the slopes to control lines. Firefighters are preparing canal roads for better access and removing vegetation around power poles. On the south end of the fire in the Agency Creek drainage, crews will patrol and monitor fire activity. With pumps and hoses in place, they will continue to work on hotspots within the perimeter. Crews will be monitoring the pumps and sprinkler systems installed to protect infrastructure on the east side of the fire as well as Jocko Lookout which has water systems in place as well as a fire-resistant wrap around the base. Niarada Fire - 20,365 acres, 85% contained The Niarada Fire remained relatively quiet Wednesday as crews continued to focus on building line as direct as possible along the fires eastern edge closest to Elmo and mopping up from previous firing operations. Crews continue to assess and patrol and mop up (cool areas containing heat) around much of the remaining fire perimeter. Suppression repair work has begun in these areas, including pulling in dozer line berms and blading roads. Structure protection crews remain outside Elmo near Big Arm, testing sprinkler systems and pumps while working with landowners on additional vegetation management around structures. Mill Pocket - 2,135 acres, 90% contained The majority of the Mill Pocket Fire is in mop-up status as crews work to ensure the fires edge are cool and pose little to no threat to containment. UPDATE, AUG. 16: Fire activity greatly increased in the Big Knife Fire Tuesday, whereas, the Niarada and Mill Pocket fires remained relatively quiet. Big Knife Fire The Big Knife Fire is sized at approximately 6,106 acres, 1,154-acre increase from Monday, and is 7% contained. The fire moved east up to the drainage toward the Tribal Primitive Area and away from Jocko, Francis and Arlee. According to CSKT Division of Fire's Facebook post, the persisting hot and dry weather with increased winds is expected to produce more smoke and fire growth Wednesday. Crews are monitoring the fire's progress as it shifts down to the control lines near the southwest edge, according to CSKT Division of Fire's Facebook post. Firefighters are getting canal roads ready to improve access and clearing out vegetation around power poles. The Craig Angency Hotshot Crew went direct along the fire's edge on the south side of the fire in the Agency Creek drainage. They will keep working up canyone and tie into scree slopes with pumps and hose set up. There are pumps and sprinkler systems to protect infrastructure east of the fire and at Jocko Lookout--which also has fire-resistant wrap around the base. Niarada Fire The Niarada Fire is burning 20,370 acres and is 81% contained as of Wednesday morning. Fire activity kept fairly quiet Tuesday--crews were still building a line as direct as possible to the fire's eastern edge nearest to Elmo. The smoke increase is likely interior pockets of vegetation burn out due to increased temperatures and drier weather, according to CSKT Division of Fire's Facebook post. Crews are still assessing, patrolling and mopping up the remaining fire perimeter. Crews have started suppression repair work in these areas. There are still structure protection crews outside Elmo near Big Arm. Mill Pocket Fire The Mill Pocket Fire is burning 2,135 acres and is 89% contained. The Mill Pocket Fire is still in mop-up status, and crews are working to make sure the fire's edge stays cool and no danger to containment. CSKT Division of Fire's Facebook post said there is still some heat in steep scree slopes on the northwestern side--firefighters are still putting out hotspots by dropping water via helicopter where necessary. CSKT Division of Fire says the following in its Facebook post in regard to closures, evacuation statuses and fire restrictions: "Several areas near the base of the mountains west of the Big Knife Fire remain in PRE-EVACUATION WARNING by order of the Lake County Sheriff. See the map for those locations in yellow (Jocko, Canal, Francis). In the Tribal Primitive Area, Belmore Slough and Burnt Cabin Roads are closed. Near the Niarada Fire, the Lake County Sheriffs Office has a PRE-EVACUATION WARNING in place for the area that includes Alexander Road, Early Dawn Road, Spring Lane Road, Walking Horse Lane, Windward Heights Road, Wildhorse View, Buffalo Bridge Road, Saddle Drive, Island Butte Lane, Bridle Path, Ten Deuce Way, Cliffview Drive, and Ricketts Road. The remainder of the town of Elmo is in READY status. A PRE-EVACUATION WARNING means you may be in your home. However, as there still is a risk from both fires, those in this status should not bring back evacuated livestock until the area is downgraded to READY status. A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in effect around both fire areas. Do not fly unmanned aircraft (drones) near the fire areas, as that is hazardous for pilots, and the firefighters on the ground who rely on aircraft support. Remember, if you fly, we cant! Stage 2 fire restrictions are in place across the Flathead Indian Reservation. No campfires are allowed, no smoking outside of vehicles, no operating combustible engines from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m., no operating vehicles off designated roads and trails. Residents and visitors are encouraged to visit www.MTFireInfo.org for more fire information across Montana." UPDATE, AUG. 15: Fire crews are continuing to battle the Big Knife, Niarada and Mill Pocket fires in northwest Montana Tuesday. A release from Northern Rockies Team 3 said the Big Knife fire, located 5 miles east of Arlee, is 4,952 acres large and 7% contained Tuesday. The Niarada Fire, located near Elmo, located 12 miles west of Elmo, is 20,365 acres large and 81% contained Friday. The Mill Pocket Fire, located 3 miles west of Highway 28, is 2,135 acres large and 89% contained. Big Knife Fire Big Knife fire activity grew amid increasing temperatures and lower humidity levels. Helicopters used water to check the fire's edge on the north side in the Gold Creek drainage. Crews will keep requesting aircraft for water drops, reconnaissance flights and sling loads. Crews are monitoring fire progress on the southwest if it moves down the slopes to control lines. To improve egress, crews are preparing canal roads and clearing vegetation near power poles. The Craig Mountain Interagency Hotshot Crew (CMIHC) started to finish hazard tree mitigation and looked for opportunities to go direct on the south end of the fire in the Agency Creek drainage, according to the release from Northern Rockies Team 3. CMIHC set up pumps and hoses to several key scree slopes and will keep working the fire's edge. Sprinkler systems and pumps are set up around several spots of infrastructure and the Jocko lookout east of the fire--the lookout is covered in fire-resistant wrap. Niarada Fire Smoke is expected to increase as interior pockets of vegetation burnout due to increasing temperatures and drier weather. Northern Rockies Team 3 said in the release strategic firing operations were effective for the Niarada fire Monday--firefighters burned approximately 50 acres to establish indirect lines on the south side. Although the firing operations create a considerable amount of smoke, they cut the longevity of the fire and reduce long-term damaging impacts, according to the release. Crews are still assessing, patroling and mopping up a lot of the remaining fire perimeter. Structure protection crews are testing sprinkler systems and pumps and collaborating with property owners on further vegetation management around structures outside Elmo toward Big Arm. Mill Pocket Fire On the Mill Pocket fire, a lot of the perimeter that's still there is in mop-up and patrol status. There's still seat in steep scree slopes, and firefighters are still cooling hotspots with water drops on the northwestern side. An excavator is pulling in dozer lines to help with suppression repair, and the equipment is used to overturn bigger stumps to reduce remaining heat. UPDATE, AUG. 14: The following is a Facebook post by CSKT Division of Fire in regard to the Niarada Fire: "Fire personnel will be using tactical firing operations on the southeast corner of the Niarada Fire this afternoon. The objective of this operation is to clean up unburned fuels between the fire perimeter and containment lines. Removing available fuel reduces the chances of a wind driven fire crossing existing containment lines. Tactical firing operations or burn outs are one tool often implemented in the suppression of a wildfire. This technique is the coordinated and intentional application of fire to secure otherwise inaccessible portions of line, clean up portions of line where fuels were not fully consumed or attempt to steer the main fire away from communities, critical infrastructure or other values at risk. Managers implement firing only after opportunities for a more direct approach have been thoroughly explored. Before any firing operations are conducted, there are extensive preparations made to ensure the greatest possibility for success such as brushing back roads, building handline or mechanical line or ensuring natural features such as rivers, creeks or rock screes are sufficient to secure the fires edge. After all prep work is completed and personnel are in place, firefighters will only engage in firing operations if weather conditions are in their favor. While these operations can put substantial smoke in the air, they ultimately reduce the duration of the fire and long-term harmful impacts. Firing operations result in low to moderate intensity fire effects and often mimic the positive impact of natural fire on the landscape." UPDATE, AUG. 13: Fire managers with the Incident Management Team, BIA, and CSKT are having extensive conversations about long-term planning for the Big Knife Fire. The CSKT Division of Fire reports the weather is getting hotter and drier, which will increase fire activity. Discussions include balancing protecting homes, infrastructure, and cultural resources, with the risk to firefighters and the likelihood of success. The following is information on the actions made against the Big Knife Fire from the CSKT Division of Fire: Helicopters have been doing water drops to minimize the fire's spread into Gold Creek on the northern perimeter. Crews have completed a fuel break along the Jocko Canyon Road and line preparation and vegetation reduction along the Jocko S Canal Road. Equipment operators and crews finished control lines along the fire's southwestern edge to Agency Creek. Firefighters are monitoring the fire in these areas and are prepared to act if the fire moves down toward the lines. On the south side, firefighters are working to keep the fire north of Agency Creek. Helicopters have dropped water to cool the edge, and sawyers have been cutting down hazard trees to allow safe access. Additional crews will be inserted in this area to finish hazard tree mitigation and evaluate opportunities for digging handline and going direct on the fires edge. To the east of the fire, crews finished installing sprinkler systems and pumps around several pieces of infrastructure and the Jocko Lookout. The lookout has been covered with a fire-resistant wrap. Fire managers are discussing the next steps for this area, balancing the benefits of fire on the landscape, the risk to firefighters and pilots, and the values threatened. On the Niarada Fire, crews have worked hard to reach containment around a large portion of the fire perimeter the past two weeks. According to the CSKT Division of Fire, the following is being done: Along the southeastern and southwestern sides, crews continue to work directly along the fires edge to eliminate heat and build firelines. Several Type 1 Interagency Hotshot Crews have been improving firelines and preparing for a strategic firing operation on the southwest side. This operation will be done during favorable conditions to secure portions of the indirect line where its unsafe for firefighters to go direct. Fire managers planned to implement other firing operations, but those operations have been deemed unnecessary because the weather moderated fire behavior which allowed crews to go direct. Structure protection crews continue to work outside Elmo toward Big Arm, testing sprinkler systems and pumps while working with landowners on additional vegetation management around structures. Containment of the Mill Pocket Fire continues to increase. Much of the remaining perimeter is in mop-up and patrol status. However, heat remains in steep scree slopes on the northwestern side. Helicopters continue to drop water as needed, and crews are mopping up hot spots where they can access them. UPDATE, AUG. 12: Crews on the Niarada Fire are pushing hard toward containment, and much of the fire's northern and western perimeter is now in mop-up and patrol status, according to the CSKT Division of Fire. Crews will continue progressing along the eastern and southeastern fire perimeter, building more direct lines and working off the fire's black edge. Some indirect line will remain the only viable option around the fire's southerly perimeter, where terrain is treacherous and fuels are heavy. An update from CSKT Division of Fire says strategic firing operations will likely be necessary during favorable conditions to secure those portions of indirect line. Specialized crews of skilled sawyers continued cutting fire-killed snags (dead-standing trees) south of Highway 28, enabling safe access for hand crews to previously hazardous areas. Structure protection crews continue to work outside Elmo towards Big Arm. Due to current conditions and progress, a night shift is no longer deemed necessary, however, it could be reinstated if conditions change. Much of the Mill Pocket Fire is in mop-up and patrol status, and helicopters are still dropping water while crews work along the fires northwestern perimeter near Mill Creek. On the Big Knife Fire, a warming and drying trend resulted in smoldering fuels in lower to mid-elevations burning more actively again. Aircraft were used to drop water on hot spots in the Agency Creek, Jocko Canyon, and Big Knife Creek drainages Friday. Line preparation and vegetation reduction has been completed along Jocko Canyon/Canal Road. Equipment operators and crews completed control lines along the fire's southwestern edge to Agency Creek. They will continue working southward if the fire moves in that direction, CSKT Division of Fire reports. On the fire's eastern side, crews began performing structure and point protection measures in South Fork Jocko River. Some measures included strategically wrapping Jocko Lookout and placing pumps and sprinklers around other resource values at risk. A specialized assessment team continues evaluating the long-term potential fire growth of the Big Knife Fire. UPDATE, AUG. 11: Crews are continuing to battle the Big Knife, Niarada and Mill Pocket fires Friday burning in the Mission Valley. Big Knife Fire The Big Knife Fire currently sized at an estimated 4,952 acres and is 5% contained. CSKT said in a release even with the recent precipitation, the Big Knife Fire is anticipated to warm and dry over the course of the upcoming days. With that, fire managers are examining its possible long-term fire increase due to fire seasons historically lasting through fall. Heavy equipment operators are still tying road prisms to constructed firelines along the southwestern perimeter. Crews are mopping up the edge of a strategic firing operation they managed last week to keep the fire north of Agency Creek, CSKT said in the release. Aircraft are helping as long as conditions allow them, and helicopters dropped water on hot spots in the Agency Creek drainage. Niarada Fire The Niarada Fire, burning west of Elmo, is currently 20,365 acres big and is 47% contained as of Friday. CSKT said in their release fire crews battling the Niarada Fire took advantage of the recent rainfall Wednesday. Expert sawyers are cutting down dead trees south of Highway 28 to allow hand crews to work directly along the eastern and southeaster edge where they possibly can. Firefighters are preparing lines in locations of the Niarada Fire that may require strategic firing operations later on. CSKT said in the release crews will begin the strategic firing operations once conditions improve. Structure protection crews are still working outside Elmo towards Big Arm, and a night crew is monitoring the fluctuating conditions and the fire. Crews are continuing mop-up on the north perimeter near the Cromwell Creek Road and looking at areas of unburned vegetation west of the line to decipher if it is concerning for containment. Mill Pocket Fire The Mill Pocket Fire, burning 3 miles west of Highway 28, is currently 2,135 acres big and is 51% contained. CSKT said in their release the Mill Pocket Fire is in mop-up and patrol status, but crews are still battling the fire in the northwestern perimeter--mopping hot spots where they can in the steep scree slopes. Helicopters are still providing support to crews and dropping water to put out hot spots win dangerous or inaccessible areas. CSKT said the following in their release in regard to closures and evacuation status: "The Lake County Sheriff has placed several areas near the base of the mountains west of the Big Knife Fire in PRE-EVACUATION status. See the map for those locations in yellow (Jocko, Canal, Francis). In the Tribal Primitive Area, Belmore Slough and Burnt Cabin Roads are closed. The Lake County Sheriffs Office is downgrading those in EVACUATION status near the Niarada Fire in Lake County to a PRE-EVACUATION WARNING. This area includes Alexander Road, Early Dawn Road, Spring Lane Road, Walking Horse Lane, Windward Heights Road, Wildhorse View, Buffalo Bridge Road, Saddle Drive, Island Butte Lane, Bridle Path, Ten Deuce Way, Cliffview Drive, and Ricketts Road. A PRE-EVACUATION WARNING means you may return to your home. However, as there is still a potential threat from the Niarada Fire, please do not bring back evacuated livestock until the area is downgraded to READY status. The remainder of the town of Elmo is in READY status. A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in effect around both fire areas. Do not fly unmanned aircraft (drones) near the fire areas, as that is hazardous for pilots, and the firefighters on the ground who rely on aircraft support. Remember, if you fly, we cant! Use extreme caution when driving on Highway 28. Firefighters and equipment are still working in the area. FIRE RESTRICTIONS Stage 2 fire restrictions are in place across the Flathead Indian Reservation. No campfires are allowed, no smoking outside of vehicles, no operating combustible engines between 1PM-1AM, no operating vehicles off designated roads and trails. Residents and visitors are encouraged to visit www.MTFireInfo.org for more fire information across Montana." UPDATE, AUG. 9: A community meeting is being held Wednesday night at the Elmo Community Center starting at 6:00 pm for the Big Knife, Niarada and Mill Pocket fires. If you cant make it, the meeting will be live-streamed via the CSKT Division of Fire Facebook page. Another meeting will also be held Thursday, Aug. 10 at the Arlee Community Center at 6:00 pm. As of Wednesday, the Northern Rockies Team 3 reports the Big Knife Fire is 4,864 acres large and 5% contained; the Niarada Fire is 20,365 acres large and 25% contained; and the Mill Pocket fire is 2,135 acres large and 51% contained. So far, four structures have been lost to these fires. several areas near the base of the mountains west of the Big Knife Fire in pre-evacuation status by the Lake County Sheriffs Office. Those evacuated due to the Niarada Fire in Lake County have been allowed to go home and are now in pre-evacuation warning status. This area includes Alexander Road, Early Dawn Road, Spring Lane Road, Walking Horse Lane, Windward Heights Road, Wildhorse View, Buffalo Bridge Road, Saddle Drive, Island Butte Lane, Bridle Path, Ten Deuce Way, Cliffview Drive, and Ricketts Road. UPDATE, AUG. 7 The Flathead County Sheriff's Office has announced they are lifting the evacuation notice on the Niarada Fire from Browns Meadow Pass to Highway 28; this includes Kofford Ridge Road and Battle Butte Road. They also said in a press release they are lifting the pre-evacuation warning for Mill Pocket Fire, Hubbart Damn Rd/NF-544 from the intersection of Crossover Road South to Highway 28. Keep in mind,t he decisions to lift or expand evacuation areas is made based on current or predicted fire conditions. Flathead CSO says they are thankful for the cooler weather and higher humidity this past weekend to help with fighting the fire. UPDATE, AUG. 6: The Lake County Facebook reports the Red Cross at Polson High School is moving into standby at this time. Evacuations are still in place at this time. UPDATE, AUG. 6: The 12,700-acre Middle Ridge fire is now 51% contained as of Sunday morning. CSKT Division of Fire reports smoke may be visible interior of the fire containment line where the fire is still smoldering. The Holmes Creek Fire is 45 acres large and 0% contained. The Mercer Fire, which was burning about a mile and a half from Evaro, is 2 acres large and 100% contained. People are being reminded of Stage 2 Fire restrictions in place across the Flathead Indian Reservation, which restricts campfires, smoking outside of vehicles, operating combustible engines between 1:00 pm and 1:00 am and operating vehicles off designated roads. UPDATE, AUG. 5 The CSKT Division of Fire reports the Niarada Fire was extremely active Friday on the south and southeast sides. It is reported to be 17,024 acres large. About 150 residents were evacuated due to the fire by the Lake County Sheriff's Office. In the Tribal Primitive Area, Belmore Slough and Burnt Cabin Roads are closed. The following residences near the Niarada are under evacuation status: Alexander RoadEarly Dawn Road, Spring Lane Road, Walking Horse Lane, Windward Heights Road, Wildhorse View, Buffalo Bridge Road, Saddle Drive, Island Butte Lane, Bridle Path, Ten Deuce Way, Cliffview Drive, and Ricketts Road. The remainder of the town of Elmo is in ready status. The Flathead County Sheriffs Office has issued a pre-evacuation warning for Hubbart Dam Rd/NF-544 from the intersection of Crossover Rd South to Hwy 28. Crews working the Big Knife Fire continue to try to flank the fire, implement structure protection measures along Canal Road and the fires western edge, and monitor the southwest edge. The Big Knife Fire is 4,636 acres large according to the CSKT Division of Fire. Several areas near the base of the mountains west of the Big Knife Fire are in pre-evacuation status as of Saturday. In the Tribal Primitive Area, Belmore Slough and Burnt Cabin Roads are closed. UPDATE, AUG. 4 The Lake County Sheriffs Office is evacuating residents south of Highway 93 from Alexander Lane to Walking Horse Lane. This includes the following roads: Alexander Lane Early Dawn Road Spring Lane Road Walking Horse Lane Windward Heights Road Wildhorse View Buffalo Bridge Road Saddle Drive Island Butte Lane Bridle Path Ten Deuce Way Cliffview Drive Ricketts Road If you were evacuated due to the fire, Red Cross has opened a shelter in Polson. The shelter is located at the Polson High School, 1712 2nd St. W, and will provide a safe place to stay, meals, and access to community resources. UPDATE, AUG. 4: More accurate mapping has the Middle Ridge Fire sized at 12,700 acres and 25% containment Friday morning. The Communication Butte Fire is 1,423 acres and is now 100% contained with crews continuing to monitor the area. No containment is reported on the Holmes Creek Fire east of Polson, which is estimated at 41 acres large. Smoke jumpers and heli-repellers are working the fire with air support from a type 1 helicopter dropping water with buckets. The CSKT Division of Fire reports fire resources from the CSKT division have been successfully responding to new fires as well as continued mop-up along the Middle Ridge and Communication Butte fires. UPDATE, AUG. 4: The Niarada and Big Knife fires increased in size overnight Thursday. The Niarada Fire is an estimated 14,816 acres with 0% containment Friday morning. The Big Knife Fire is an estimated 4,412 acres with 0% containment Friday morning. UPDATE, AUG. 3: A community meeting regarding the Big Knife, Niarada, and Mill Pocket fires is being held Thursday at 6:00 pm in Arlee at the Arlee Community Center, 34086 Pow Wow Rd. If you cant make the meeting, it will be broadcast live on the CSKT Division of Fire Facebook. A second meeting will also be held on Friday, Aug. 4 at 6:00 pm in Elmo at the Elmo Community Center, 47088 Cemetery Rd. Depending on internet connectivity, the meeting will either be streamed live like the Arlee meeting, or recorded and posted to Facebook afterwards. As of Thursday morning, the Big Knife Fire is 2,710 acres large and 0% contained. The CSKT Division of Fire reports the fire was active Wednesday ,with a spot fire south of Big Knife Creek burning eastward into the South Fork Jocko Tribal Primitive Areas. Strategic firing operations may be necessary to prevent spread to the west toward the valley and aircraft are helping crews as conditions allow. The Niarada Fire is reported to be 10,400 acres large and is 0% contained. This fire was also reported to be active Wednesday, spreading both to the northeast and southeast. Crews, heavy equipment, engines, helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft continue to work the fire, building firelines from safe anchor points and protecting structures in the area. Weather is anticipated to be hot and dry through Friday ,with the potential for thunderstorms and light precipitation by late weekend. The CSKT Division of Fire shared the following closure information: The Lake County Sheriff has several areas near the base of the mountains west of the Big Knife Fire in pre-evacuation status. In the Tribal Primitive Area, Belmore Slough and Burnt Cabin Roads are closed. Near the Niarada Fire, the Lake County Sheriff has placed the Walking Horse Lane area is in pre-evacuation status, and the town of Elmo is in ready status. The Flathead County Sheriffs Office has issued a pre-evacuation warning for Hubbart Dam Rd/NF-544 from the intersection of Crossover Rd South to Hwy 28. A mandatory evacuation remains in place from the top of the Pass on Browns Meadow Road South to Hwy 28, Nirada. This mandatory evacuation also includes Kofford Ridge Rd. Use extreme caution when driving on Highway 28. Visibility is very poor, and the speed limit has been reduced to 45 miles-per-hour. UPDATE, AUG. 2: The CSKT Division of Fire shared that favorable weather conditions and terrain have allowed for firefighters to make great progress across the Communication Butte and Middle Ridge fires. Both fires have a secured line around them. The Middle Ridge Fire is estimated at 13,000 acres, 20% containment. After making a hard push Tuesday, firefighters were able to hold the fire at Tower Rd., and crews have been working to secure line around the fire using dozers and firing operations for the past several evenings, to create containment. Mop-up on the Middle Ridge Fire will begin Wednesday, with crews putting out any hot spots along the entire fire line. The Communication Butte Fire is estimated at 1,423 acres, 30% containment. Crews made progress putting in a containment line. Mop-up will begin along the entire fire line, starting on the east and west side of the river, 10 to 30 feet interior, firefighters will put out any hot-spots within the secure line. Six engines and staff are assigned to the fire and will also be available if any new starts occur. On the Holmes Creek Fire, no containment is reported and the fire is estimated to be 36 acres. Single-engine air tankers were used to drop water on it throughout Tuesday. Stage 2 fire restrictions are in place across the Flathead Indian Reservation. No campfires are allowed, no smoking outside of vehicles, no operating combustible engines between 1:00 pm to 1:00 am, no operating vehicles off designated roads and trails UPDATE, AUG 2: The Big Knife Fire is burning 2,000 acres with containment remaining at 0% Wednesday morning. Evacuation warning is in place for those who live in Jacko Canyon and other nearby areas. For the more updated information on wildfires in Montana, visit mtfireinfo.org. The following is a Facebook post by CSKT Division of Fire: More crews and equipment have arrived on the reservation in support of fire suppression efforts and more. Many of the fires have seen extreme growth with the low fuels moisture and high temperatures. A Complex Incident Management Team will arrive tonight to take command of multiple fires, bringing more support staff for the increase in fire resources arriving. Mapping of the fires has been postponed because of limited visibility from smoke. Fire restrictions are in place with no campfires allowed within the boundaries of the reservation. #NiaradaFire Eleven miles west of Elmo, MT, estimated to be over 5,000 acres. Smokejumpers, a 20 person crew, single-engine air tankers, helicopters and heavy equipment have been responding to this fire. The fire is burning in very steep and rugged terrain heading north and east. Winds coming from the west/southwest continue to push the fire north/northeast. The fire had four single-engine air tankers, very large air tanker, five large air tankers, supporting ground resources all day. #BigKnifeFire - East of Arlee, MT, 1,991 acres. Over 100 fire fighters and overhead have made progress on a containment line on the western edge. This line is holding well. A Complex Incident Management Team will assume command of this fire Aug. 2. #MiddleRidgeFire - Southwest of Sloans Bridge, estimated over 10,970 acres. Fire fighters and heavy equipment with limited air support have managed to put in containment line and secure the south end of the fire in the area of Little Bitteroot Road. The north end of the fire is the most active and the priority focus today. #CommunicationButteFire - North of Dixon, Mont. in Ferry Basin, approximately 1,500 acres. The fire is burning in grass and timber, crews have made a lot of progress putting in containment lines today. The terrain is very steep and difficult to access. It did jump the Flathead River last night. Some air support. #MillPocketFire West of Niarada, 600 acres. Dozers are assigned and it has been receiving air support. The fire is progressing east and has moved to the canal. Evacuation Information Currently there are NO new evacuations, evacuations in Moiese community have been lifted, Browns Meadows in Flathead County is still under evacuation orders. The public is encouraged to be prepared if they are asked to leave by emergency responders. Fire Restrictions No campfires are allowed, no smoking outside of vehicles, no operating combustible engines between 1pm-1am, no operating vehicles off designated roads and trails. Re-Opened The Bison Range is open with regular operating hours. Highway 28 is open with speed restrictions. Advising the public to be prepared for potential stops and long wait times. UPDATE: Monday at 1:22 p.m. Firefighters are continuing to battle the multiple fires in the Mission Valley area Monday. Communication Butte Fire The Communication Butte Fire is burning an estimated 400 acres north of Dixon in Ferry Basin. CSKT Division of Fire said in a Facebook post the terrain is very steep and hard to access. Firefighters and aircraft will resume examining and engaging the fire where they can safely, CSKT Division of Fire said. Niarada Fire The Niarada Fire is now sized at 5,000 acres west of Elmo. The Niarada Fire crossed Highway 28 Sunday and largely drifted northeast. Fire crews and equipment are working on the fire with air support, weather dependent, CSKT said via Facebook. Middlge Ridge Fire The Middlge Ridge Fire, located west of Sloans bridge and Ronan, is burning an estimated 7,000 acres, according to CSKT's Facebook post. Big Knife Fire The Big Knife Fire, located east of Arlee, was showing severe fire behavior Sunday night, according to CSKT's Facebook post. The Big Knife Fire is burning an estimated 3,000 acres. CSKT Division of Fire said crews are centering their attention on securing the line on the west edge of the fire near homes and are making good progress. Mill Pocket Fire The Mill Pocket Fire, located west of the Niarada Fire, is burning an estimated 100 acres. UPDATE AT 5:00 PM: The CSKT Division of Fire announced that due to the Communication Butte Fire, the Bison Range is temporarily closed. As of Sunday afternoon, the fire is about 255 acres and is being driven toward the Flathead River by wind. The Middle Ridge Fire southwest of Sloans Bridge is over 500 acres as of Sunday morning. The Niarada Fire crossed the highway Sunday afternoon and is estimated at about 200 acres. RONAN, Mont. - Multiple fires were ignited following a lightning storm that passed through Mission Valley and surrounding areas Sunday morning. The biggest fire, named Middle Ridge, is about 500 acres large and two air tankers are responding with six water tenders and six skidgens. North of Dixon in Ferry Basin, the Communication Butte fire is about 100 acres large and is burning in grass and timber with a 20 person crew responding. The Niarada Fire is 11 miles west of Elmo and is about five acres large. Four single-engine air tankers, one helicopter for air support, three fire boss single-engine air tankers and eight smoke jumpers are responding. All three fires are burning in steep terrain. As of Sunday morning no structures are threatened and no evacuations have been ordered. People who are in the area are advised to be aware of emergency vehicles on roads as well as very dry grasses. Donald Trump has been warned not to intimidate witnesses ahead of his trial on criminal charges of allegedly plotting to overturn the 2020 US election. Donald Trump has been warned not to intimidate witnesses ahead of his trial on criminal charges of allegedly plotting to overturn the 2020 US election The former US president, 77, was arraigned for a record third time on 1 August and has pled not guilty to four charges against him related to the 6 January Capitol riot and his alleged bid to stay in power. Lawyers for Trump and federal prosecutors appeared in a federal courtroom on Friday (11.08.23) morning to discuss what restrictions could be imposed before his trial, where he was slapped with restrictions on what he could say before the proceedings. US District Judge Tanya Chutkan warned Trumps team: Even arguably ambiguous statements by the parties or their counsel if they can be reasonably interpreted to intimidate witnesses or to prejudice potential jurors can threaten the process. I caution you and your client to take special care in your public statements about this case. I will take whatever measures are necessary to safeguard the integrity of these proceedings. She added: The defendant and defense counsel shall not disclose Sensitive Materials or their contents directly or indirectly to any person or entity other than persons employed to assist in the defense, persons who are interviewed as potential witnesses, counsel for potential witnesses, and other persons to whom the court may authorize disclosure. The judge also ruled the protective order will only apply to sensitive materials and not all discovery in the case as the government had requested. She said: Mr Trump, like every American, has a First Amendment right to free speech. But that right is not absolute. Trump, who is the front-runner in the 2024 Republican presidential nomination race, could face a combined maximum sentence of 55 years in prison if hes found guilty. The trial is still months away and it has been proposed jury selection starts in December so a trial could get underway just after the new year. Trump claimed hes being persecuted after he pled not guilty to the criminal charges against him. He remains free on the condition that he does not communicate with witnesses in the case. The scandal-plagued former leaders four counts in connection to his involvement in the events of January 6, 2021, include conspiracy to defraud the American government and obstruct the electoral count for trying to overturn the 2020 election. A 45-page indictment states the former Apprentice judge was determined to remain in power despite having lost his leadership. Trump has denied his involvement in the events of 6 January that saw his supporters storm the Capitol Building in Washington D.C., leaving five people dead and others injured. He is also currently facing federal charges in Florida stemming from his mishandling of classified docs after he left office. Trump made history in April when he became the first US president to be charged with a crime after leaving office, when the Manhattan district attorneys office indicted him on charges related to hush money payments he made prior to the 2016 election. Jaime King's estranged husband Kyle Newman is concerned that Jaime "plans to abduct our minor children". Jaime King's estranged husband Kyle Newman claims he is worried that 'Jaime plans to abduct our minor children' The 47-year-old filmmaker has filed a court order objecting to actress Jaime's request to take their sons James, nine, and Leo, seven, to Vietnam for a vacation, claiming he is worried she will remain there with the kids. According to legal documents obtained by The Blast, he said in a court filing: "I cannot agree for Jaime to take our children to Vietnam on vacation after school starts Vietnam is a non-Hague Convention Child Abduction Treaty country. "I am concerned that Jaime will remain there. There is a court order, which we heavily negotiated, that does not allow for either of us to take the children to a non-Hague Treaty country. "Jaime has already attempted to intercept our childrens passports without my knowledge or consent, which concerns me that Jaime plans to abduct our minor children. "Vietnam is not a signatory to the Hague Convention. Based on Jaimes conduct historically and over the last 6 months, I have a reasonable fear that she will refuse to return the children to me after their trip. "Jaime was dishonest with me from the start regarding her intentions to travel with our children to Vietnam, and I do not consent to it." In his court filing, Kyle also made shocking claims about Jaime drinking around the children, in violation of their current custody order. According to The Blast, he allegedly wrote in the documents: "Jaime has repeatedly and blatantly violated multiple court orders, including child custody orders (preventing her from being intoxicated while the children are in her custody by repeatedly testing as inebriated with SoberLink, even in the morning while she had custody of the children)." Back in 2020, Kyle filed legal documents requesting primary physical custody of the two boys. In his original filing, Kyle wrote: "I have been the children's primary caretaker since their birth and the children have spent the large majority of 2020 in my sole custody." Jaime's representative denied his claims that he was the primary caretaker and the actress later filed for divorce from Kyle to bring their 12-year marriage to an end. She also denied allegations she had a drug problem, and accused Kyle of attempting to sabotage her career. According to Us Weekly, she wrote in her filing: In February of 2020, [Kyle] attempted to wreak havoc with my professional life. [He] called at least one of the executives on 'Black Summer after midnight demanding information about me. [He] had a third party call various people who worked on the show demanding that some action be taken before I killed myself with drugs or alcohol. No one on set believed that I had an issue, because I did not (and do not.) In fact, I was on set on time every day, and always professional. The 'Hart of Dixie' actress also claimed to have been a victim of verbal and emotional abuse during her marriage. Sydney Sweeney says the controversy that erupted over the birthday party she threw for her mums 60th was full of misinterpretations. Sydney Sweeney says the controversy that erupted over the birthday party she threw for her mums 60th was full of misinterpretations The 26-year-old Euphoria actress ended up being slammed online over the bash for her mother Lisa Mudd as photos of the celebration showed guests in what appeared to be Blue Lives Matter garb and MAGA-styled red caps later revealed to read Make Sixty Great Again. Sydney told Variety, in an interview conducted before the Hollywood actors strike: There were so many misinterpretations. The people in the pictures werent even my family. The people who brought the things that people were upset about were actually my moms friends from LA who have kids that are walking outside in the Pride parade, and they thought it would be funny to wear because they were coming to Idaho. She also revealed her dad Steven Sweeney wasnt at the gathering. Sydney told the magazine she has to constantly think about what she says in interviews so it isnt taken out of context. She added: When we have a two-hour conversation and theres six quotes in it, its so hard to have the context behind what were speaking about, and how were saying it to each other. Sydney also revealed she tries to get her uncle to stop talking about news around her, adding: Ill see my uncle comment on things and Im like, You gotta stop. But its so hard, because I grew up in a small town, and they dont get the business of it all. Sydney also told Variety she feels a responsibility to show her parents their sacrifices for her career were worth it. The actress was supported throughout her acting dreams and endless auditions by her mum and dad, who divorced and filed for bankruptcy as she was chasing her career ambitions. She said: My parents sacrificed so much to support my dream, and they lost so much during it. I just felt a responsibility to show them that it was worth it. When asked if the sacrifices her parents made contribute to their family crises, she replied: Ill never know. I think as a kid, as the eldest, I feel a responsibility. Theyll say no, or theyll say yes, depending on what fight it is. But Ill always feel responsible. But thats OK. Tarsem Singh Dhandwar's cinematic creation, presented in both Punjabi and English languages, marks his initial foray into an Indian setting. The film draws inspiration from a true story, depicting the ardent journey of a young couple determined to overcome all odds to be united. See Also: Radhika Madan On Her Film Kacchey Limbu Getting Premiered At The Toronto International Film Festival The impending arrival of the Toronto International Film Festival brings with it the chance to collectively revel in a wide array of cinematic adventures, as it consistently does. Renowned for thrusting exceptional cinematic works into the limelight, the festival boasts an impressive selection of Indian films this year, intensifying our anticipation even further.Here are all the Indian creations that have secured a spot in the festival's lineup, spanning from September 7 to 17:Gala PresentationsFeaturing Bhumi Pednekar, Shehnaz Gill, and Pradhuman Singh Mall, the movie delves into the journey of Kanika Kapoor, a woman in her thirties, as she navigates the pursuit of genuine love and fulfilment.CentrepieceTaking place in rural India in 2001, Kiran Rao's second directorial endeavour unfolds as a comedic tale involving two young brides caught in a web of mistaken identities. The film features Pratibha Ranta and Nitanshi Goel in lead roles.TIFF DocsAnand Patwardhan, a documentary filmmaker, presents a poignant depiction of his parents, exploring the intricate connection between their lives and India's struggle for independence.Midnight MadnessIn the cinematic narrative directed by Nikhil Nagesh Bhat and brought to life through the production efforts of Karan Johar, Guneet Monga, Achin Jain, and Apoorva Mehta, a train en route to New Delhi transforms into a battleground. Here, a duo of commandos engage in a fierce confrontation against a marauding horde of bandits. The cast includes Lakshya Lalwani, Tanya Maniktala, and Raghav Juyal.DiscoveryIn Jayant Digambar Somalkar's inaugural full-length film, the narrative revolves around a young woman's struggle for autonomy within a patriarchal society that strongly advocates for arranged marriages as the sole choice.Platform If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now! Submit Independence Day 2023: As India prepares to celebrate its 77th Independence Day on August 15, what better way to honour the spirit of the nation than by indulging in some gripping and inspiring patriotic web series? These shows not only showcase the struggle and sacrifices that led to India's freedom but also highlight the relentless spirit of its people. Here are our top picks that you can binge-watch and celebrate Azadi. The Forgotten Army, Azaadi Ke Liye, Amazon Prime Video The Forgotten Army-Azaadi Ke Liye takes viewers on a journey through the lesser-known chapters of India's fight for freedom. Directed by Kabir Khan, the series depicts the real-life events of the Azad Hind Fauj, led by Indian nationalist Subhas Chandra Bose. The show shines because of its historical accuracy and emotional depth. It also provides a captivating look at the sacrifices made by the soldiers who fought for India's independence. India's Best Dancer 3: Here's What To Expect From Independence Day 'Azaadi Ki Kahani' Special Episode Bose: Dead/Alive, Alt Balaji, MX Player Starring Rajkummar Rao in the titular role, Bose: Dead/Alive delves into the enigmatic life of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The show explores Bose's determination, leadership, and role in India's freedom struggle. The narrative keeps viewers hooked as it uncovers various facets of Bose's life, making it a must-watch for history enthusiasts. Avrodh: The Siege Within, SonyLIV Avrodh: The Siege Within is a gripping series that delves into the surgical strikes carried out by the Indian army in response to the Uri terrorist attacks of 2016. The show captures the planning, execution, and challenges faced by the soldiers and officials involved in the mission. The show focuses on India's strong response to terrorism and is a tribute to the dedication and valour of the armed forces. State of Siege: 26/11, ZZee5 State of Siege: 26/11 recreates the horrific events of the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks and the bravery displayed by India's security forces during the crisis. The series captures the intensity of the situation, paying tribute to the heroes who fought valiantly to protect the nation. The show is a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who defend India against external threats. The Family Man, Amazon Prime Video While not exclusively a patriotic series, The Family Man weaves patriotism into its narrative. The show follows an undercover intelligence officer juggling his demanding job with his family life. It also showcases the sacrifices made by individuals in the intelligence community to ensure the safety and security of India. The series, with its two seasons, is a mix of action, emotion, and patriotic moments. It provides a nuanced perspective on modern-day patriotism. Independence Day 2023: 6 Powerful Hindi Patriotic Songs That Celebrate The Spirit Of Freedom So, this Independence Day, enjoy some time indulging in these five Indian patriotic web series that embody the spirit of our nation's journey till date. From forgotten heroes to modern challenges, they rekindle patriotism and remind us that the essence of independence lives on. Nelson Dilipkumar Opens Up About Superstar Title Controversy: Jailer Director Nelson Dilipkumar has spoken for the first time about the Superstar title controversy. Did Rajinikanth & Nelson Attacked Vijay On Purpose? Superstar Rajinikanth's movie Jailer released on Augut 10th. Earlier, there were allegations that some of the lines in the Hukum song, which was featured in the film Jailer, were written purposely to attack Vijay. It was said that the Crow Vulture story told by Rajini at the audio launch was also aimed at Vijay. This led to a controversy over who will be the next superstar. Director Nelson Dilip Kumar has responded to this now after receiving amazing respone for the film. He said, "How can you say that with Vijay. No chance for that. Some people spread it on purpose. If they wear a red shirt, they will say something with it. If they wear a purple band, they will say something with it. Vijay sir has been in the film industry for 30 years. Rajini sir has been around for almost 50 years. Both have so much experience. They both have seen a lot. Rajinikanth is a good gentleman. Rajinikanth sir is not the kind of person who speaks indirectly to anyone. You should listen his speeches to understand it. Rajinikanth Sent Hearts And Kisses To Nelson On WhatsApp Some things connect to some people and become more personal to us. Actor Vijay sir is such a person for me. Actor Vijay sir follows everything I do. I will also update him. Actor Vijay Sir holds Rajini sir at a height beyond how others thinks he is. He talks about Rajini sir a lot. He will always ask me 'How is Rajini Sir? How does he act? How do you feel when you talk to him?' He will ask about many such things. He always has a special focus on Rajini sir. There will be a separate concern. Jailer movie is celebrated in a big way and it is evident from the people's comments. Rajini sir sent me hearts and kisses on WhatsApp after hearing the results of the film." He spoke. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / August 11, 2023 / Ximen Mining Corp. (TSXV:XIM)(FRA:1XMA)(OTCQB:XXMMF) (the "Company" or "Ximen") announces that it has closed the first tranche of the private placement previously announced on August 3, 2023. The first tranche consisted of 8,000,000 units for gross proceeds of $480,000. The private placement consisted of units at a price of $0.06 per unit. Each Unit consists of one common share and one transferable common share purchase warrant. Each whole warrant will entitle the holder to purchase, for a period of 60 months from the date of issue, one additional common share of the Issuer at an exercise price of $0.08 per share. The term of the warrants may be accelerated in the event that the issuer's shares trade at or above a price of $0.10 cents per share for a period of 10 consecutive days. In such case of accelerated warrants, the issuer may give notice, in writing or by way of news release, to the subscribers that the warrants will expire 20 days from the date of providing such notice. All securities issued in connection with the placement closing will be subject to a hold period expiring on December 12, 2023. The net proceeds from the Offering will be used by the Company for exploration expenses on the Company's British Columbia mineral properties and general working capital. The closing of the private placement financing is subject to final TSX-V approval. There were no finders fees payable on this placement. On behalf of the Board of Directors, "Christopher R. Anderson" Christopher R. Anderson, President, CEO and Director 604 488-3900 Investor Relations: 604-488-3900, ir@XimenMiningCorp.com About Ximen Mining Corp. Ximen Mining Corp. owns 100% interest in three of its precious metal projects located in southern BC. Ximen's two Gold projects The Amelia Gold Mine and The Brett Epithermal Gold Project. Ximen also owns the Treasure Mountain Silver Project adjacent to the past producing Huldra Silver Mine. Currently, the Treasure Mountain Silver Project is under a option agreement. The option partner is making annual staged cash and stocks payments as well as funding the development of the project. The company has also acquired control of the Kenville Gold mine near Nelson British Columbia which comes with surface and underground rights, buildings and equipment. This press release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address future exploration drilling, exploration activities and events or developments that the Company expects, are forward looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include exploitation and exploration successes, continued availability of financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. The reader is urged to refer to the Company's reports, publicly available through the Canadian Securities Administrators' System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR) at www.sedar.com for a more complete discussion of such risk factors and their potential effects. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any state in the United States in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. 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 SOURCE: Ximen Mining Corp. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/773891/Ximen-Mining-Closes-First-Tranche-of-Financing Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - August 11, 2023) - Bluesky Digital Assets Corp., (CSE: BTC) (OTCQB: BTCWF), ("Bluesky" or the "Corporation") announced today that it had entered into, and that it had completed, several debt settlement agreements. The Corporation settled an aggregate of $296,625.00 CAD of secured debt owed to creditors via the issuance of an aggregate 5,932,500 Common Shares. The debt settlement will assist the Corporation in preserving its cash for working capital and to further advance its AI endeavors. With the completion of this debt settlement, the Corporation has a very minimal amount of debt on its balance sheet. About Bluesky Digital Assets Corp. Bluesky Digital Assets Corp, is building a high value digital enterprise. Bluesky in its startup phase, mined digital currencies such as Bitcoin and Ether and developed value-added technology services for the digital currency market, such as proprietary technology solutions. Offering a complete ecosystem of value-creation, Bluesky has invested appropriate portions of its previous digital currency mining profits back into its operations. A percentage of the profit was invested in the development of a proprietary Artificial Intelligence ("AI") based Blockchain technology. Overall, Bluesky takes an approach that enables the Corporation to scale, and respond to changing conditions, within the still-emerging Blockchain industry. The Corporation is poised to capture value in successive phases as this industry continues to change, evolve, and scale. For more information please visit Bluesky at: www.blueskydigitalassets.com or www.blueskyintel.com. Please also follow us on LinkedIn at: www.linkedin.com/company/bluesky-digital-assets/. For further information please contact: Mr. Ben Gelfand CEO & Director Bluesky Digital Assets Corp. T: (416) 363-3833 E: ben.gelfand@blueskydigitalassets.com Mr. Frank Kordy Secretary & Director Bluesky Digital Assets Corp. T: (647) 466-4037 E: frank.kordy@blueskydigitalassets.com Forward-Looking Statements Information set forth in this news release may involve forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. The forward- looking statements contained herein are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements included in this document are made as of the date of this document and the Corporation disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities legislation. Although management believes that the expectations represented in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described herein and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such. Neither 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. We seek safe harbor. - 30 - To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/176980 Artemis Gold is currently building one of Canada's largest gold mines, and hardly anyone is noticing. At the same time, the company will have low costs and high cash flows. The share offers a moderate valuation and thus potential for long-term investors. Barely any presence on the World Wide Web Judging by its weak presence on YouTube or its low follower count on the well-known U.S. investor portal Seeking Alpha as a benchmark, Artemis Gold ($5.40 CAD | ARTG) is virtually non-existent. The company would have deserved more attention, because it is currently building one of Canada's largest gold mines. In addition, the stock market value amounts to one billion Canadian dollars. The price potential on a 12 to 18 month horizon is above average. Management is looking for a new task Artemis Gold is - similar to SilverCrest Metals, Integra Resources or i-80 Gold - one of those successful spin-outs that were created as a "waste product" of a company takeover. The story is actually always the same: A junior mining company is swallowed up by a larger competitor. This usually leaves "leftovers" to be exploited. One of these "leftovers" is the often high-caliber management, well supplied with money but unemployed. Like a goldfish eating a shark In the case of Artemis, here's how it went down: gold producer Atlantic Gold, active in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia, was swallowed by St Barbara in the summer of 2019 for $802 million. Management subsequently formed Artemis Gold, with Steven Dean as chairman and CEO. Prior to the IPO in late September 2019, there was a $32.6 million private placement. Then, in August 2020, something happened that looked to most observers like a goldfish eating a shark: Artemis Gold bought the Blackwater project in the province of British Columbia from New Gold - a mid-tier but relatively highly leveraged gold producer - for $190 million in cash, $15 million in treasury shares and an 8% gold stream. With 8.2 million ounces of gold reserves and well advanced in the permitting process, Blackwater is a "world-class project." There was one small problem, however: according to an old feasibility study, the mine is expected to cost $2 billion to build. Peter Arendas, commenting on the acquisition from New Gold's perspective in 2020 on Seeking Alpha, put it this way, "Without question, this project is beyond New Gold's capabilities. ... Den vollstandigen Artikel lesen ... Listing: TSX (Toronto Stock Exchange) Symbol:XFS, XFS.U, XFI, XFC, XFF, XFA, XCLR, XULR, XDLR TORONTO, Aug. 11, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited ("BlackRock Canada"), an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc. ("BlackRock") (NYSE:BLK) announced plans today to terminate the following funds (collectively, the "Terminating Funds"), based on an ongoing process to review its product lineup and meet the evolving needs of Canadian investors. Each Terminating Fund will terminate on or about the applicable termination date set out below (with respect to a Terminating Fund, its "Termination Date"). Terminating Fund Name Ticker Termination Date iShares MSCI Multifactor USA Index ETF XFS/ XFS.U October 24, 2023 iShares MSCI Multifactor EAFE Index ETF XFI October 24, 2023 iShares MSCI Multifactor Canada Index ETF XFC October 24, 2023 iShares MSCI Multifactor EAFE Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XFF October 30, 2023 iShares MSCI Multifactor USA Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XFA October 30, 2023 iShares ESG MSCI Canada Leaders Index ETF XCLR October 24, 2023 iShares ESG MSCI USA Leaders Index ETF XULR October 24, 2023 iShares ESG MSCI EAFE Leaders Index ETF XDLR October 24, 2023 BlackRock Canada expects that the units of each of the Terminating Funds will cease trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange (the "TSX") and be delisted from the TSX on or about October 17, 2023. The distribution reinvestment plan for each Terminating Fund will be terminated on or about September 15, 2023. In connection with the termination, the assets of each Terminating Fund will be liquidated. As a Terminating Fund's portfolio assets may be sold for cash prior to the applicable Termination Date, such Terminating Fund may accordingly deviate from its investment objectives and strategies. As soon as practicable following the applicable Termination Date for a Terminating Fund, the liquidation proceeds will be distributed, after paying or providing for all liabilities and obligations of such Terminating Fund, pro rata among unitholders of record of such Terminating Fund on the applicable Termination Date for such Terminating Fund. Following the termination and distributions described above with respect to a Terminating Fund, such Terminating Fund will be dissolved. BlackRock Canada will issue an additional press release on or about each Termination Date confirming final details of the terminations. About BlackRock BlackRock's purpose is to help more and more people experience financial well-being. As a fiduciary to investors and a leading provider of financial technology, we help millions of people build savings that serve them throughout their lives by making investing easier and more affordable. For additional information on BlackRock, please visit www.blackrock.com/corporate. About iShares iShares unlocks opportunity across markets to meet the evolving needs of investors. With more than twenty years of experience, a global line-up of 1300+ exchange traded funds (ETFs) and US$3.21 trillion in assets under management as of June 30, 2023, iShares continues to drive progress for the financial industry. iShares funds are powered by the expert portfolio and risk management of BlackRock. iShares ETFs are managed by BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investing in iShares ETFs. Please read the relevant prospectus before investing. The funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. Tax, investment and all other decisions should be made, as appropriate, only with guidance from a qualified professional. Contact for Media: Reem Jazar Email: reem.jazar@blackrock.com TORONTO, Aug. 11, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nexus Industrial REIT (the "REIT") (TSX: NXR.UN) announced today its results for the quarter ended June 30, 2023. Highlights July 4 - acquired a 141,534 square foot industrial property located in Burlington, Ontario for $48.4 million. June 15 - acquired a 304,323 square foot industrial property located in London, Ontario for a contractual purchase price of $56.4 million. $24.3 million of the purchase price was settled through the issuance of 2,359,978 Class B LP Units at a deemed price per unit of $10.30. June 5 - acquired an 18-acre parcel of land in St. Thomas, Ontario, for $4.5 million. The parcel acquired is adjacent to another property owned by the REIT. June 5 - sold an industrial property located in Kamloops, British Columbia for $4.2 million. June 1 - acquired a 191,878 square feet industrial property located in Laval, Quebec for $64.7 million. April 26 - sold a retail property located in Victoriaville, Quebec for $41.6 million. April 21 - acquired a 264,600 square foot industrial property located in London, Ontario for $36.0 million. NOI from industrial properties anticipated to increase to approximately 91% for Q3 as a result of these transactions. Occupancy of 97% at June 30, 2023 was consistent with 97% at March 31, 2023 and June 30, 2022. Q2 2023 net operating income of $27.6 million increased by $3.7 million or 15.3% as compared to Q2 2022 net operating income of $24.0 million and by $1.9 million or 7.4% as compared to Q1 2023 net operating income of $25.7 million. The disposal of an industrial and four retail properties since 2022 reduced NOI by $0.9 million and the REIT received a termination fee of $0.2 million from a tenant at one of the REIT's office properties. Q2 2023 Same Property NOI ( 1) of $23.1 million increased by $0.9 million or 4.3% as compared to Q2 2022, primarily driven by rental steps, CPI increases and new and renewal lease lift. of $23.1 million increased by $0.9 million or 4.3% as compared to Q2 2022, primarily driven by rental steps, CPI increases and new and renewal lease lift. Q2 2023 Normalized FFO ( 1) per unit of $0.196 as compared to $0.187 for Q1 2023 and $0.203 for Q2 2022. per unit of $0.196 as compared to $0.187 for Q1 2023 and $0.203 for Q2 2022. Q2 2023 Normalized AFFO ( 1) per unit of $0.165 as compared to $0.159 for Q1 2023 and $0.177 for Q2 2022. per unit of $0.165 as compared to $0.159 for Q1 2023 and $0.177 for Q2 2022. Q2 2023 Normalized AFFO payout ratio ( 1) of 97.3%, as compared to 100.7% for Q1 2023 and 90.3% for Q2 2022. of 97.3%, as compared to 100.7% for Q1 2023 and 90.3% for Q2 2022. NAV ( 1) per unit of $12.49 at June 30, 2023 as compared to $12.13 at March 31, 2023 and $12.41 at June 30, 2022. per unit of $12.49 at June 30, 2023 as compared to $12.13 at March 31, 2023 and $12.41 at June 30, 2022. Debt to Total Assets of 48.0% at June 30, 2023; $88.6 million undrawn on the REIT's lines of credit and $568.6 million unencumbered asset pool. Management of the REIT will host a conference call on Monday August 14th at 1PM EST to review results and operations. (1) Non-IFRS Financial Measure "During the quarter, we continued with the high grading of our portfolio, acquiring two industrial properties in London, Ontario totaling 568,923 square feet, and a 191,878 square foot industrial property in Laval, Quebec," commented Kelly Hanczyk, the REIT's Chief Executive Officer. "On July 4th, we acquired a 141,534 square foot industrial property in Burlington, Ontario. The Burlington and Laval properties are brand new construction class A buildings with embedded annual rental steps averaging just over 4%. Market rents for one of the London properties acquired are 175% higher than in place rents with the lease expiring in 2025. We also completed the sale of our Victoriaville, Quebec retail property in the quarter, which will push our industrial weighting by NOI to over 90% for Q3. Our Same Property NOI increased by 4.3% or $0.9 million as compared to Q2 2022. While we will be very selective in evaluating further acquisition opportunities going forward, we are progressing well with our high-yielding development projects, having broken ground at two sites. Also in the quarter, we acquired an 18-acre parcel of land in St. Thomas, Ontario, adjacent to another property we own, and we have signed an expansion agreement with our existing tenant to construct an additional 70,000 sq. ft. of GLA. These projects are expected to deliver very attractive yields and to generate sizeable NAV, FFO and AFFO growth." Summary of Results (In thousands of Canadian dollars, except per unit amounts) Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30, 2023 2022 2023 2022 Financial Results $ $ $ $ Property revenues 38,419 34,142 75,895 65,841 Net operating income (NOI) 27,689 23,962 53,417 45,986 Net income 77,222 79,640 80,939 97,704 Financial Highlights Funds from operations (FFO) (1) 16,775 15,700 33,223 30,424 Normalized FFO (1) (2) 17,266 16,027 33,717 30,905 Adjusted funds from operations (AFFO) (1) 14,100 13,621 28,048 26,299 Normalized AFFO (1) (2) 14,591 13,948 28,542 26,780 Same Property NOI (1) 23,125 22,189 39,617 37,915 Distributions declared (3) 14,192 12,598 28,234 25,010 Weighted average units outstanding (000s) - basic (4) 88,310 78,842 88,027 78,204 Weighted average units outstanding (000s) - diluted (4) 88,412 79,001 88,129 78,410 Per unit amounts: Distributions per unit - basic (3) (4) 0.161 0.160 0.321 0.320 FFO per unit - basic (1) (4) 0.190 0.199 0.377 0.389 Normalized FFO per unit - basic (1) (2) (4) 0.196 0.203 0.383 0.395 AFFO per unit - basic (1) (4) 0.160 0.173 0.319 0.336 Normalized AFFO per unit - basic (1) (2) (4) 0.165 0.177 0.324 0.342 NAV per unit (1) 12.49 12.41 12.49 12.41 Normalized AFFO payout ratio - basic (1) (2) (3) 97.3% 90.3% 98.9% 93.4% Debt to total assets ratio 48.0% 46.0% 48.0% 46.0% Estimated spread between industrial portfolio market and in-place rents 24.4% N/A 24.4% N/A (1) Non-IFRS Financial Measure (2) See Appendix A - Non-IFRS Financial Measures (3) Includes distributions payable to holders of Class B LP Units which are accounted for as interest expense in the condensed consolidated interim financial statements. (4) Weighted average number of units includes the Class B LP Units. Non-IFRS Measures Included in the tables above and elsewhere in this news release are non-IFRS financial measures that should not be construed as an alternative to net income / loss, cash from operating activities or other measures of financial performance calculated in accordance with IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures as reported by other issuers. Certain additional disclosures for these non-IFRS financial measures have been incorporated by reference and can be found on page 3 in the REIT's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the three six-month ended June 30, 2023, available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the REIT's website under Investor Relations. See Appendix A of this earnings release for a reconciliation of the non-IFRS financial measures to the primary financial statement measures. NOI Q2 2023 NOI of $27.7 million was $3.7 million higher than Q2 2022 NOI of $24.0 million. Acquisitions completed subsequent to April 1, 2022 generated $3.2 million of incremental NOI in Q2 2023 as compared to Q2 2022. Q2 2023 Same Property NOI increased $0.9 million as compared to Q2 2022, primarily driven by rental steps and CPI increases at certain of the REIT's industrial properties as well as new and renewal lease lift. Higher straight-line rents contributed $0.4 million to the increase over Q2 2022, driven primarily by newly acquired properties with steps in rent. The REIT received a total of $0.2 million of termination fees from two office tenants in the quarter. The disposals of one small industrial and four retail properties between April 2022 and June 30, 2023 reduced NOI by $0.9 million as compared to Q2 2022. Fair value adjustment of investment properties The REIT recorded a fair value adjustment of investment properties of $33.0 million for Q2 2023, which reflects $39.2 million of fair value gains related to the adjustment of stabilized NOI to market rates net of capitalization rate expansion for those properties where market rents exceeded in-place rents (of which approximately $37 million of net gains were recorded in the Ontario industrial portfolio and $14 million in the Quebec industrial portfolio), $4.4 million of fair value gains related to the remeasurement of Class B LP Units issued as part of the acquisition of an industrial property in London, Ontario, partially offset by $5.3 million of fair value losses related to transaction costs and mark to market adjustments on mortgages assumed in connection with acquisitions completed during the quarter, $5.1 million of capital expenditures fair valued to zero, and $1.5 million of fair value losses relating to revaluation adjustments to investment properties prior to disposition. Earnings Call Management of the REIT will host a conference call at 1:00 PM Eastern Standard Time on Monday, August 14, 2023 to review the financial results and operations. To participate in the conference call, please dial 416-915-3239 or 1-800-319-4610 (toll free in Canada and the US) at least five minutes prior to the start time and ask to join the Nexus Industrial REIT conference call. A recording of the conference call will be available until September 14, 2023. To access the recording, please dial 604-674-8052 or 1-855-669-9658 (toll free in Canada and the US) and enter access code 0271. August and September 2023 Distributions The REIT will make a cash distribution in the amount of $0.05333 per unit, representing $0.64 per unit on an annualized basis, payable September 15, 2023, to unitholders of record as of August 31, 2023. The REIT will also make a cash distribution in the amount of $0.05333 per unit, representing $0.64 per unit on an annualized basis, payable October 16, 2023 to unitholders of record as of September 29, 2023. The REIT's distribution reinvestment plan ("DRIP") entitles eligible unitholders to elect to receive all, or a portion of the cash distributions of the REIT reinvested in units of the REIT. Eligible unitholders who so elect will receive a bonus distribution of units equal to 4% of each distribution that was reinvested by them under the DRIP. About Nexus Industrial REIT Nexus is a growth-oriented real estate investment trust focused on increasing unitholder value through the acquisition of industrial properties located in primary and secondary markets in Canada, and the ownership and management of its portfolio of properties. The REIT currently owns a portfolio of 115 properties (including two properties held for development in which the REIT has an 80% interest) comprising approximately 12.1 million square feet of gross leasable area. The REIT has approximately 68,193,000 Units issued and outstanding. Additionally, there are Class B LP Units of subsidiary limited partnerships of Nexus issued and outstanding, which are convertible into approximately 22,220,000 Units. Forward Looking Statements Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking statements which reflect the REIT's current expectations and projections about future results. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "estimates", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the REIT to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Actual results and developments are likely to differ, and may differ materially, from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this news release. Such forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions that may prove to be incorrect. While the REIT anticipates that subsequent events and developments may cause its views to change, the REIT specifically disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements except as required by applicable law. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the REIT's views as of any date subsequent to the date of this news release. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The factors identified above are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors that could affect the REIT. For further information please contact: Kelly C. Hanczyk, CEO at (416) 906-2379 or Rob Chiasson, CFO at (416) 613-1262. APPENDIX A - NON-IFRS FINANCIAL MEASURES (In thousands of Canadian dollars, except per unit amounts) Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30, 2023 2022 Change 2023 2022 Change FFO $ $ $ $ $ $ Net income 77,222 79,640 (2,418 ) 80,939 97,704 (16,765 ) Adjustments: Loss on disposal of investment properties 807 - 807 807 - 807 Fair value adjustment of investment properties (33,031 ) 4,548 (37,579 ) (30,316 ) 2,623 (32,939 ) Fair value adjustment of Class B LP Units (25,129 ) (64,346 ) 39,217 (22,521 ) (60,654 ) 38,133 Fair value adjustment of unit options - (550 ) 550 - (408 ) 408 Fair value adjustment of restricted share units (130 ) (287 ) 157 (121 ) (245 ) 124 Fair value adjustment of derivative financial instruments (6,400 ) (7,399 ) 999 (2,571 ) (15,866 ) 13,295 Adjustments for equity accounted joint venture(1) (158 ) 548 (706 ) (70 ) 244 (314 ) Distributions on Class B LP Units expensed 3,303 3,323 (20 ) 6,481 6,528 (47 ) Amortization of tenant incentives and leasing costs 285 211 74 581 476 105 Lease principal payments (17 ) (11 ) (6 ) (32 ) (24 ) (8 ) Amortization of right-of-use assets 23 23 - 46 46 - Funds from operations (FFO) 16,775 15,700 1,075 33,223 30,424 2,799 Weighted average units outstanding (000s) - basic(4) 88,310 78,842 9,468 88,027 78,204 9,823 FFO per unit - basic 0.190 0.199 (0.009 ) 0.377 0.389 (0.012 ) FFO 16,775 15,700 1,075 33,223 30,424 2,799 Add: Vendor rent obligation(2) 691 728 (37 ) 1,295 1,283 12 Less: Other income(2) (200 ) (401 ) 201 (801 ) (802 ) 1 Normalized FFO 17,266 16,027 1,239 33,717 30,905 2,812 Weighted average units outstanding (000s) Basic(4) 88,310 78,842 9,486 88,027 78,204 9,823 Normalized FFO per unit - basic 0.196 0.203 (0.007 ) 0.383 0.395 (0.012 ) (In thousands of Canadian dollars, except per unit amounts) Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30, 2023 2022 Change 2023 2022 Change AFFO $ $ $ $ $ $ FFO 16,775 15,700 1,075 33,223 30,424 2,799 Adjustments: Straight-line adjustments ground lease and rent (1,125 ) (829 ) (296 ) (2,225 ) (1,625 ) (600 ) Capital reserve(3) (1,550 ) (1,250 ) (300 ) (2,950 ) (2,500 ) (450 ) Adjusted funds from operations (AFFO) 14,100 13,621 479 28,048 26,299 1,749 Weighted average units outstanding (000s) - basic(4) 88,310 78,842 9,468 88,027 78,204 9,823 AFFO per unit - basic 0.160 0.173 (0.013 ) 0.319 0.336 (0.017 ) AFFO 14,100 13,621 479 28,048 26,299 1,749 Add: Vendor rent obligation (2) 691 728 (37 ) 1,295 1,283 12 Less: Other income (2) (200 ) (401 ) 201 (801 ) (802 ) 1 Normalized AFFO 14,591 13,948 643 28,542 26,780 1,762 Weighted average units outstanding (000s) - basic (4) 88,310 78,842 9,468 88,027 78,204 9,823 Normalized AFFO per unit - basic 0.165 0.177 (0.012 ) 0.324 0.342 (0.018 ) (1) Adjustment for equity accounted joint venture relates to a fair value adjustment of swaps in place at the joint venture to swap floating rate bankers' acceptance rates to a fixed rate and fair value adjustment of the joint venture investment property. (2) Normalized FFO and Normalized AFFO include adjustments for vendor rent obligation amount related to the REIT's Richmond, BC property, which are payable from the vendor of the property until the buildout of the property is complete and all tenants are occupying and paying rent. The vendor rent obligation amount is not included in NOI for accounting, but the estimated total amount of vendor rent obligation is recorded in other income. Normalized FFO and Normalized AFFO exclude estimated future vendor rent obligation amounts included in other income in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income and include the scheduled quarterly rents receivable in the form of vendor rent obligation. (3) Capital reserve includes maintenance capital expenditures, tenant incentives and leasing costs. Reserve amounts are established with reference to building condition reports, appraisals, and internal estimates of tenant renewal, tenant incentives and leasing costs. The REIT believes that a reserve is more appropriate given the fluctuating nature of these expenditures. (4) Weighted average number of units includes the Class B LP Units. Biryani as we know is a celebratory dish in India. But its origin is still a mystery. There are many theories about the origin of biriyani in India. Some believe that the dish originated in Persia and the Mughals brought it to India, while others believe that it originated in south India. It was developed in the Mughal royal kitchen to feed the undernourished Mughal soldiers. Regardless of its origins, it has become the royal cuisine of India that never fails to impress. According to BBC reports, the lazy scholars are quick to opine that it was the genius of Indian people who transformed the Cinderella of Central Asian pilaf into the sparkling biryani, but it is difficult to buy this thesis. There can be little doubt that biryani originated in Iran. Even the name biryani can be traced to the original Persian birinj biriyan literally, fried rice. So, how did the hero biriyani arrive in India? The report further says that, one theory suggests that biryani was brought to India by the Mughals, who ruled over the Indian subcontinent. According to this theory, the Mughals, known for their love of food, brought biryani to India from Persia. The word biryani is derived from the Persian word birian, which means fried before cooking. This theory is supported by the fact that the Mughals were great patrons of Persian cuisine and often incorporated Persian ingredients and cooking techniques into their food. Another theory suggests that biryani originated in South India, where it was known as Oon Soru or one-pot meal. According to this theory, biryani was a dish created by the Muslim rulers of the South Indian kingdoms. The dish was then adopted by the Mughals, who introduced it to North Indian cuisine. Various theories published on biriyani suggest that there is enough historical evidence of biryani being consumed in India and beyond. In the 16th century, the Portuguese traveler Duarte Barbosa wrote about a rice dish prepared with meat, spices, and saffron in India. This dish, which he called biriani, is believed to be an early version of biryani, says a report. Biryani is more than just a word; its an emotion for us, embodying royalty and nobility. It is an integral part of every occasion, festival, and celebration. Our love for biryani is so strong that 186 biryanis were delivered every min in 2022. Sidhant Kalra, Managing Director and CEO says, Biryani has travelled from one state to another, acquiring different flavours from every region. Theres a unique flavour of every type of Biryani you try be it Hyderabadi, Lucknowi or from Purani Dilli, each place has added its unique spices, culture, and heart to the dish. Even the biryani we serve at Khan Chacha has evolved so much. It is inspired from the age-old layering technique of Hyderabad and the beautiful blend of flavours of old Delhi biriyani. Chef Ankur Gulati, Executive Chef The Claridges, Delhi says, Biryani is more than just a dish; it is a delicacy and a cultural symbol. Biryani evokes a sense of home and belonging, reminding people of their roots and cherished memories with family and loved ones. In essence, biryani is not just any other dish; it is a desi dish that holds deep sentimental value. Biryani is Indias complete one pot meal. While pulao is typically served as a side dish or part of a meal alongside gravy-based vegetables or dals, biryani is a complete meal in itself. It is generally served with mirch ka saalan and chutney, adds Chef Ankur Gulati. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Bill, 2023, which will replace the Indian Penal Code (IPC) of 1860, has a provision for prosecuting those who marry a woman by deceitful means. This specific provision on marrying after suppressing identity is being seen by some as targeting interfaith marriages which take place under false identities. While introducing the BNS Bill in Lok Sabha on Friday (11 August), Union home minister Amit Shah said the proposed laws stringently deal with matters related to crimes against women. Crime against women and many social problems faced by them have been addressed in this Bill. For the first time, intercourse with women under the false promise of marriage, employment, promotion and false identity will amount to a crime, he said, as per news agency PTI. What does Section 69 of the BNS Bill say about sex under false pretence of marriage or via deceitful means? Lets take a closer look. Punishment for sex using deceitful means Under the proposed legislation, sex by employing deceitful means or false promises of marriage can attract up to 10 years of jail term. Section 69 of the new Bill states: Whoever, by deceitful means or making by promise to marry to a woman without any intention of fulfilling the same, and has sexual intercourse with her, such sexual intercourse not amounting to the offence of rape, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years and shall also be liable to fine. Deceitful means will consist of the false promise of employment or promotion, inducement or marriage after suppressing identity. According to LiveLaw, IPC did not have a specific clause for matters related to sexual intercourse based on a false promise of marriage. Such cases were usually dealt with via Section 90 of the IPC, which deems consent obtained through misconception of fact invalid. The accused could then be prosecuted under Section 375 which pertains to the offence of rape, noted LiveLaw. ALSO READ: Capital punishment, lynching, sedition: How criminal laws could change Legal expert speaks Speaking to PTI, senior criminal lawyer Shilpi Jain said that this provision was much-needed as such cases were open to interpretation earlier. Women are being exploited in our country by men who have sex with them after promising them marriage and its an offence if men at the time of making the promise had no intention to marry, she said. On some considering the specific provision about marrying after suppressing identity as a target on interfaith marriages, Jain said that would be open to interpretation. Far-right Hindutva groups have a conspiracy theory of love jihad that claims Muslim men lure Hindu women into romantic relationships under false pretences to convert them to Islam. The senior lawyer, however, objected to bringing false promises of employment or promotion in this provision. Promise to marry cannot be equated with promise of employment/ promotion because promise of marriage is based on love, trust, while promise of employment/ promotion are benefits which women are accepting in return for sex. Its a relationship of mutual benefit. Jain told PTI that when a woman is aware that she is getting into a sexual relationship for employment or promotion, then it is not under deceitful or false promise. Other crimes The BNS Bill does not have a provision for adultery. This comes as the Supreme Court struck down the colonial-era Section 497 of the IPC, which criminalised adultery, in 2018. Rape is defined under Section 63 of the proposed BNS Bill. Marital rape has still not been criminalised under the proposed legislation. Exception 2 to Section 63 of the Bill states: Sexual intercourse or sexual acts by a man with his own wife, the wife not being under eighteen years of age, is not rape. #WATCH | Union Home Minister Amit Shah speaks on Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, 2023; The Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, 2023 and The Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita Bill in Lok Sabha. He says, From 1860 to 2023, the countrys criminal justice system functioned as per the laws made pic.twitter.com/TIcoeaXvjG ANI (@ANI) August 11, 2023 The offence of rape of a minor could lead to the death penalty under the new Bill. Where a woman under eighteen years of age is raped by one or more persons constituting a group or acting in furtherance of a common intention, each of those persons shall be deemed to have committed the offence of rape and shall be punished with imprisonment for life, which shall mean imprisonment for the remainder of that persons natural life, and with fine, or with death. The Centre has proposed a punishment of 20 years or life imprisonment for gang rape. The new Bill says, Where a woman is raped by one or more persons constituting a group or acting in furtherance of a common intention, each of those persons shall be deemed to have committed the offence of rape and shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than twenty years, but which may extend to life which shall mean imprisonment for the remainder of that persons natural life, and with fine. With inputs from agencies This khadi is not just a piece of cloth but also a weapon for those with self-respect, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on National Handloom Day on 7 August, urging people to adopt swadeshi. The reminder could not come at a better time. August is the month that celebrates India and all things Indians. And khadi, the handspun fabric which was such an integral part of our freedom struggle, should be cherished. For more than seven decades, the Indian flag that fluttered atop our government buildings and heritage structures has been made from khadi. During the freedom struggle, khadi was not just a textile but a non-violent tool picked by Mahatma Gandhi. As India celebrates 76 years of Independence, heres a brief history of khadi and its place in the worlds fastest-growing economy. Gandhis tryst with khadi The name khadi comes from the word khaddar (meaning handspun in the subcontinent) and is part of Indias ancient handmade textile traditions that date back to 400 BC, according to the Greek historian Herodotus. By the late 17th Century, Indian fabrics were a rage in Europe. Soon they became the Wests envy and were banned by the British and French to reduce competition, according to an article in Vogue. They were lost in time. But Gandhi brought the attention back to Indian textiles. Khadi, which is handwoven from handspun cotton, silk, or wool yarn, has now become synonymous with him. When the Father of the Nation was leading the fight to boycott foreign clothes, he turned to hand-woven khadi. Consume what you can produce, he believed. The production of home-spun was the way forward, according to him. It was in 1915 that Gandhi started his movement for khadi, hoping it would make the poor in the villages self-reliant and at the same time create employment. He considered spinning the wheel and producing home-spun cloth as the way to the economic liberation of the masses. It was the first step to ending dependency on the West, abandoning the use of foreign raw materials and becoming self-dependent yes, atmanirbhar, as PM Modi says today. The Mahatma realised early on that unemployment was plaguing India and saw the Khadi movement as an opportunity to create employment. During the dry season when farmers are idle, he thought spinning could keep them occupied and it required no capital. He also believed that the khadi industry could tap the potential of women and make them a part of Indias freedom struggle. I swear by this form of swadeshi (khadi) because through it I can provide work to the semi-starved, semi-employed women of India. My idea is to get these women to spin yarn, and to clothe the people of India with khadi which will take the impoverished women out of it, he said. For him khadi was not just a cloth, he referred to it as a Livery of Freedom. In an article in The Hindu in 2010, Ragini Nayak, a former national general secretary of the National Students Union of India, wrote that Gandhiji emphasised that khadi should be worn with values which are inseparable to it. According to him, The message of the spinning wheel is much wider than its circumference. Its message is one of simplicity, service of mankind, living so as not to hurt others, creating an indissoluble bond between the rich and the poor, capital and labour, the prince and the peasant. Interestingly, on 22 September 1921, Gandhi gave up his often khadi-made Gujarat attire and swapped it for a loin cloth. In a third-class train compartment when we has travelling from Madras (Chennai) to Madurai, when he pleaded for khadi, peasants told him, We are too poor to buy khadi. He was wearing his vest, cap and full dhoti. It prompted the leader to change the way he dresses. All the alterations I have made in my course of life have been effected by momentous occasions and they have been made after such a deep deliberation that I have hardly had to regret them. And I did them, as I could not help doing them. Such a radical alteration in my dress I effected in Madurai, he said. However, he did not want everyone to follow him. He wrote in the newspaper Navajivan: I do not want either my co-workers or readers to adopt the loincloth. But I do wish that they should thoroughly realise the meaning of the boycott of foreign cloth and put forth their best effort to get it boycotted and to get khadi manufactured. I do wish that they may understand that swadeshi means everything. Khadi made the Swadeshi movement of 1905-06 possible. Patriotic Indians moved away from British textiles and products; spontaneous bonfires were seen across the country in which silks and laces from England were thrown. Years later, in May 1915, Gandhi launched the Khadi movement from the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. As hundreds and thousands of Indians started weaving their cloth, the mills of Lancashire, the cotton manufacturing hub of England, from where India was flooded with English goods, had to shut shop. The fabric took the freedom movement to the masses and the villages. The charkha became a symbol of nationalism so much so that the original design of the tricolour featured the spinning wheel, as suggested by Gandhi. Read all our Independence Day special here I-Day 2023: A look back at the gritty women who fought during the freedom struggle How Indias freedom struggle influenced political movements across the world Independence Day: What is the Meri Mati Mera Desh campaign announced by PM Narendra Modi? Independence Day 2023: For India, Moon is not enough as ISRO has many more big plans for future Khadi in post-Independent India The Khadi movement led to the creation of one of the biggest cooperatives in the world. The Indian government institutionalised the khadi industry by establishing the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) through an Act of Parliament in 1957. It aimed at providing employment and creating more opportunities in rural India. The KVIC supplied raw materials to producers, promoted research in production techniques, ensure quality control of products and promoted their sales and marketing. But under Nehru, the focus was on industrial and mechanical production and khadi along with Indian handloom took a backseat. The countrys textile policy did not back handlooms even when it provided the second-largest source of rural employment after agriculture. Decades after independence, the powerloom sector saw a boom. Synthetic fabrics entered the market further hurting handloom weavers and by the 1980s polyester became popular. Khadi became nothing more than a uniform of sorts of politicians. Even today, powerlooms account for 60 per cent of cloth production in the country, while the share of handlooms is 15 per cent, reports Scroll, quoting the textile ministry reports. Also read: Responsible Fashion: How PM Narendra Modi is promoting sustainability through his sartorial choices Khadi back in the spotlight The Modi-led government, with its vision for Atmanarbhar Bharat, put the focus back on Indian handloom. A year after the PM came to power, the National Handloom Day was established with the first celebration taking place on 7 August 2015. The date was picked as a tribute to the Swadeshi movement, which started on 7 August 1905 and promoted indigenous industries. After independence, much importance was not given to strengthening the cloth industry (Khadi), which was so strong during the last centurythe situation was that it was left to diepeople who wore Khadi were looked upon with inferiority complex, PM Modi said. But he is aiming to change that now. In the past nine years, khadi has found a place for itself in the fashion industry with brands like the Aditya Birla Group and Raymond launching their collection of khadi wear. Models dressed in the fabric are walking the ramp as designers are innovating with the fabric. In the past 9 years, Khadi production has increased by three times and sales of khadi clothes also increased by 5 times. The handloom business turnover has increased from around Rs 30,000 crore to over Rs 1,30,000 crore and the demand for Khadi clothes increasing in foreign countries, Modi said at this years National Handloom Day. Seventy-six after independence, khadi is cool again. And we might have yet another man from Gujarat to thank. With inputs from agencies Daron Acemoglu, Gary Anderson, David Beede, Catherine Buffington, et. al., in VoxEU: Rapid advances across a number of technologies, including generative AI, cloud computing and robotics, have raised the hope that productivity growth in the US and other industrialised countries can accelerate. They have also intensified public worries about job displacement and inequality. Naturally, the macroeconomic effects of any technology will depend on the degree of its adoption. Labour market impacts may additionally depend on whether advanced technologies are being used for automation, displacing workers from the tasks they used to perform, or for other purposes, such as increasing the productivity of workers in tasks they are already performing or creating new tasks for them. Despite much enthusiasm about these new technologies, many commentators are concerned that their adoption has been slow and uneven. Lack of systematic data on adoption patterns and how new technologies are being used in workplaces has been a major roadblock on developing a holistic picture of whether and how these technologies will impact the economy. A small literature has used various sources of data on adoption of robotics technology (e.g. Acemoglu et al. 2020, Bonfiglioli et al. 2020, Koch et al. 2021), there are some recent European technology surveys, such as those studied in Genz et al. (2021) for Germany and Calvino et al. (2022) for Italy. But data on cloud computing, AI and other software systems have been more scant, especially in the US. More here. India has asked its nationals to leave Niger as soon as possible amid a coup in the West African nation. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued an advisory on Friday (11 August) asking Indian citizens to reconsider their travel plans to Nigers capital, Niamey. Two weeks ago, Nigers military ousted and imprisoned the elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, leading to global criticism. This was the seventh coup in West and Central Africa in three years. What did MEA say? What is going on in Niger? Lets take a closer look. MEA issues advisory At a press briefing on Friday, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that about 250 Indians are in Niger. In light of the prevailing situation, Indian nationals whose presence is not essential are advised to leave the country as soon as possible, he said. Bagchi also pointed out that the airspace has been closed in coup-hit Niger. When departing through a land border, utmost precautions may be taken to ensure safety and security. Those who may be planning travel to Niger in the coming days are also similarly advised to reconsider their travel plans until the situation normalises, ANI quoted him as saying. #WATCH | MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi says, Government of India is closely monitoring ongoing developments in Niger. In light of the prevailing situation, Indian nationals whose presence is not essential are advised to leave the country as soon as possible. They may bear in pic.twitter.com/vjqzqxdyY2 ANI (@ANI) August 11, 2023 Bagchi also urged nationals who have not registered with the Indian Embassy in Niamey to do so at the earliest. He also shared an emergency contact (+227 9975 9975) of the Indian embassy there for any assistance. MEA is requesting those who have not registered their names to the Indian Embassy to register themselves. Indian Embassy in Niamey is in touch with the Indian communities and we have been told that they are safe, the spokesperson added. Niger coup Niger is engulfed in political chaos after General Abdourahmane Tchiani seized power on 26 July, overthrowing president Bazoum. General Tchiani, backed by powerful army generals, declared himself the head of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland, the military junta set up after his takeover. The coup, the fourth since the countrys independence in 1960, has been condemned by the United Nations, European Union and the African Union. Niger, a major uranium producer, is a key Western ally in the fight against the deadly Islamist insurgency that plagues the poverty-stricken Sahel region of West Africa, noted Reuters. The military takeover in Niger, which was a colony of France until 1960, has evoked a widespread anti-French sentiment in the country, as per BBC. Paris has been accused of unfairly benefiting from Nigers natural resources even as most of the West African nations civilians remain impoverished, according to the British broadcaster. Civil society or trade unions have also sometimes organised street protests calling for the withdrawal of the French army from Niger, reported The Guardian. Some of these demonstrators are also seen waving Russian flags. The United States, France, Germany and Italy have deployed troops in Niger to stave off local affiliates of al Qaeda and Islamic State in the Sahel region, as per Reuters. M62, a civil society umbrella organisation in Niger, is among those spreading anti-French sentiment and the notion that the backing of Russian troops through the Wagner Group, a private mercenary company, can help the West African country in its fight against terrorism, reported The Guardian. This local activist group has also put its weight behind the recent military coup. According to BBC, Russia has developed close ties with Nigers neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso, two other former French colonies which were recently hit by military coups. Western powers are worried about the junta in Niger following Malis footsteps by removing Western troops and allowing in mercenaries from Russias Wagner Group. This pro-Russian belief seems to have received a boost since the coup in Niger. It was with the advent of the [General] Tchiani coup that I started sewing flags. Especially for Russia. People come to buy a lot of it because they use it to support our soldiers who have taken power, Ibrahim Souleymane, a tailor in Niamey, told BBC. Some people have also shown support for the new military rulers, with thousands gathering on Friday in the capital in favour of the coup. As per Reuters, while one demonstrators placard read: Long live Russia, anothers said, Down with France. Down with ECOWAS a reference to the Economic Community of West African States. Will ECOWAS intervene in Niger? West African leaders convened a meeting on Thursday, saying they support dialogue a step back from the earlier unpopular threat of intervening military in Niger to restore democracy. We prioritise diplomatic negotiations and dialogue as the bedrock of our approach, Nigerian president Bola Tinubu, chairing an emergency summit of the ECOWAS in Abuja said, as per AFP. It is our duty to exhaust all avenues to ensure a swift return to constitutional governance in Niger, Tinubu added. Junta members in Niger told US Under Secretary of State Victoria Nuland this week that Bazoum would die if the regional 15-nation security bloc intervened militarily, reported Associated Press (AP). African Union, the European Union, the United States and the United Nations have said they are concerned about Bazoums detention conditions, who is reportedly confined with his family in a dark basement of his presidential compound. Marie-Roger Biloa, a West Africa analyst told BBC that a military invasion by ECOWAS in coup-hit Niger is up for negation. The military option will prove to be very delicate, and there are many voices against it. Even former prime ministers, former dignitaries of Niger are saying: Please, please dont launch a military attack against our country. That will be terrible for the population, Biloa added. ECOWAS has already cut off financial transactions, electricity supplies and closed its land borders for Niger following the military takeover. People have started stocking up on food supplies in fear of an invasion, reported The Guardian. With inputs from agencies Security has been tightened across Assam after militant outfits ULFA (Independent) and NSCN/GPRN have called for boycotting Independence Day celebrations. We have been carrying out all regular security measures, including area domination and naka checking. The measures are being made foolproof to ensure no disruption in the celebrations, a senior police officer, on condition of anonymity, told PTI. On the militant groups calling for boycott and bandh, the officer said, These outfits are known to call for such bandhs. But we are not taking any chances and are ensuring that no subversive activity is undertaken by any nefarious element. While the central celebration will take place in Guwahati where Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma will hoist the National Flag, similar programmes are scheduled across the state with the participation of other ministers and top officials. The police officer said security on the celebration grounds has especially been reviewed and all measures are being taken to ensure peaceful celebration. Earlier on August 12, an emailed statement by the ULFA(I) had asked people of Assam, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh to boycott the Independence Day celebration on August 15. ULFA(I) and NSCN/GPRN have also called for a bandh from midnight of August 15 till 6 pm that day, keeping emergency services, media services and religious activities outside the purview of the general strike. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered FIRs against four Indians who had allegedly committed financial fraud in Abu Dhabi and escaped from there to evade the conviction given by the courts there, officials said Saturday. The central probe agency has booked Arun Kumar Madhu Sudan, Vinod Vasudevan, Sanjoy Kumar Dutta and Mety Eslave Joseph in four separate cases on the request of Abu Dhabi authorities routed through External Affairs Ministry to the CBI, they said. In 2000, India and the UAE signed a bilateral extradition treaty which states, the nationals of the contracting states shall not be extradited to the other contracting state provided that the requested state shall submit the case to its competent authorities for prosecution if the act committed is considered as an offence under the laws of both contracting states. The CBI will locally prosecute the accused and will inform the UAE about the outcome through the ministry, they said. It is alleged that Madhu Sudan is wanted for financial fraud of AED 253,629 while Vasudevan is being looked out for fraud of AED 148,2697 whereas Datta is facing charges of embezzlement to the tune of Rs 3,20,000 and Joseph AED 279,500, the agency alleged. The accused have been convicted by the courts in Abu Dhabi in absentia. President Droupadi Murmu has given her assent to the Delhi Services Act (Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Bill) and Data Protection Act, effectively making them into laws. On Monday, the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) received a major blow after Rajya Sabha passed the Delhi Ordinance Bill that has now become an act and will give the Centre power over the affairs of the national capital including official appointments. Meanwhile, the bill had already passed in the Lok Sabha on August 3 where the BJP is in majority. Along with the Delhi Services Act and Data Protection Act, the President has also approved the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill and the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill. Government of India issues gazette notification for the Digital Personal Data Protection Act after it receives the assent of the President pic.twitter.com/tMt2LbhAfe ANI (@ANI) August 12, 2023 The Delhi Ordinance Bill had witnessed a division of votes in the upper house of the parliament with the ruling coalition government bagging the support of 131 members while 102 MPs voted against the bill. The bill will give the central government autonomy over transfer and disciplinary proceedings against bureaucrats from Delhi. Earlier, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had said, This ordinance refers to the order of the Supreme Court which says parliament has the right to make laws on any issue related to the National Capital Territory of Delhi. There are provisions in the Constitution that allow the centre to make laws for Delhi, while defending the bill in Lok Sabha. Meanwhile, Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) aims to make entities like internet companies, mobile apps, and business houses more accountable and answerable about the collection, storage and processing of the data of citizens as part of the Right to Privacy. India is gearing up to celebrate its 76th Independence Day on 15 August 2023. The struggle for independence was not just a hard-fought one but the country has been making remarkable strides in various fields since it attained freedom. India has seen advancements in several fields including technology, space exploration, healthcare and education. Several development schemes by the government have also made the country enhance its position in the world. Heres a look at Indias achievements post-Independence Five-year plan prioritising scientific research In 1950, India took a significant step towards progress by establishing the Planning Commission. The commissions primary focus was to strategize and drive advancements across critical sectors including science, technology, infrastructure, and education. With a visionary approach, it advocated for the enhancement of national laboratories and the creation of new research institutes, laying the foundation for the nations comprehensive development. Pioneering Research Institutes: A Path to Excellence As a result of the Planning Commissions recommendations, India witnessed the establishment of renowned institutions like the National Physical Laboratory, National Chemical Laboratory, and Central Electrochemical Research Institute. These centers of excellence became pivotal in nurturing scientific innovation and fostering a culture of exploration. Aryabhata: Indias Leap into Space The year 1975 marked a significant milestone for India with the launch of its first satellite, Aryabhata, designed by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). Engineered to delve into areas of agronomy, X-ray astronomy, and solar physics, Aryabhata ushered in a new era of space exploration for the nation. This achievement paved the way for subsequent breakthroughs in the field. Agni Missiles: Empowering National Security Indias scientific prowess extended to strategic defence with the successful testing of the Agni missile in 1989. This marked the beginning of a series of advancements in missile technology, leading to the creation and successful testing of various operational Agni missile systems. These developments bolstered the countrys national security and showcased its technological capabilities on the global stage. Unveiling DNA Fingerprinting: A Milestone in Genetics In 1988, a monumental achievement was unlocked by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB) the development of DNA fingerprinting technology. This pioneering feat positioned India as only the third country in the world to possess its own exclusive DNA fingerprinting technology, showcasing the nations cutting-edge contributions to the realm of genetics. Pokhran-II: Harnessing Nuclear Potential Indias technological journey included a significant moment in 1998 when the nation successfully conducted five nuclear bomb tests in the underground site of Pokhran, Rajasthan. In recognition of this accomplishment, the day was designated as National Technology Day. This event not only showcased Indias nuclear capabilities but also underscored its commitment to technological advancements with global implications. Chandrayaan-1: Indias Lunar Odyssey The year 2008 witnessed a historic achievement as Indias first lunar mission, Chandrayaan-1, embarked on its voyage to the moon from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. This mission delivered invaluable insights into lunar geology, chemistry, and mineralogy, elevating Indias space agency, ISRO, to a position of prominence in the global space community. Eliminating Polio: A Public Health Triumph Indias pursuit of excellence extended beyond scientific frontiers to public health. Overcoming substantial challenges, the country achieved a remarkable feat by eradicating polio within two decades. From nearly 60 per cent of global polio cases, India emerged as a shining example of successful vaccination campaigns, a testament to effective governance and the resilience of its healthcare system. Mangalyaan: Indias Martian Triumph In 2013, India etched its name in history with the launch of the Mars Orbiter Mission, affectionately known as Mangalyaan. This mission marked Indias maiden interplanetary endeavour and provided invaluable insights into Mars topography, atmosphere, and mineral composition. Beyond its scientific significance, Mangalyaans cost-effective approach earned global recognition. COVID Research: A Resilient Response Amid the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Indias scientific community rallied to the forefront. The nations scientists and researchers emerged as trailblazers, successfully developing effective vaccines and positioning India as a leader in vaccine production and export. This monumental achievement underscored the countrys resilience and dedication to global public health. Economic Reforms: Catalyst for Global Influence The trailblazing path to prominence was ignited through strategic economic reforms during the 1990s. This visionary approach sparked an influx of foreign investments and a surge in international trade, positioning India as a pivotal player among the worlds swiftest expanding economies. Healthcare and Education: Pillars of Progress At the heart of Indias progress lies the evolution of its healthcare and education sectors. Nurturing an environment of well-being and knowledge dissemination, the countrys commitment to these realms has been pivotal in steering its development trajectory. Revolutionising Healthcare: The National Health Missions Impact A pivotal milestone emerged in the realm of healthcare with the advent of the National Health Mission. This transformative initiative has heralded the expansion of healthcare services accessibility, resulting in significant reductions in maternal and child mortality rates. Indias dedication to healthier lives underscores its commitment to holistic advancement. Empowering Minds: The Right to Education Acts Influence A beacon of progress in education was lit with the enactment of the Right to Education Act. A catalyst for enhanced social and intellectual mobility, this act has led to a surge in school enrollments and literacy rates across the nation. This surge in knowledge is a testament to Indias resolute commitment to cultivating informed and empowered citizens. Each year, India celebrates its Independence Day on 15 August. This year, the country will mark its 76th Independence Day and preparations are afoot with Indian Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar flagging off the Har Ghar Tiranga motorcycle rally on Friday in New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged citizens to take part in the tricolour campaign from 13 to 15 August. As the day calls for celebration, it also reminds us of freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for Indias freedom. Just like Independence Day brings all Indians together, another national celebration that comes at the beginning of each year is a day to mark solidarity, Republic Day. While both days celebrate India, theres a fundamental difference between the 15th of August and the 26th of January. Independence Day marks the day when India gained independence from British rule on August 15, 1947. On this day, Indias first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, hoisted the Indian national flag at the Red Fort in Delhi, signalling the end of British control and the beginning of Indias sovereign existence as a free nation. Independence Day is celebrated with patriotic fervour, flag-hoisting ceremonies, parades, cultural programs, and various events across the country. Meanwhile, Republic Day celebrates the adoption of the Constitution of India and the countrys transition from a British Dominion to a Republic on January 26, 1950. On this day, the Constitution of India came into effect, officially making India a sovereign, democratic, and republic nation. The Constitution outlines the fundamental rights and duties of Indian citizens, the structure of government, and the principles that guide the nation. Republic Day is also marked by grand celebrations, including a parade in the capital city of New Delhi, showcasing Indias military strength, cultural diversity, and achievements. The President of India takes the salute during the parade, and the event is attended by various dignitaries and foreign leaders. In summary, while both Indian Independence Day and Indian Republic Day are important national celebrations, they commemorate different milestones in Indias history. Independence Day signifies the end of British colonial rule and the birth of an independent nation, whereas Republic Day commemorates the adoption of the Constitution and the establishment of India as a republic with its own governing principles. India has deployed a squadron of upgraded MiG-29 fighter jets at the Srinagar air base to tackle threats from both the Pakistani and Chinese front. The Tridents squadron, which is now also known as the Defender of the North, has replaced the MiG-21 squadron at the Srinagar air base which has traditionally been responsible for taking care of the threat from Pakistan. #WATCH | J&K: MiG-29 fighter aircraft deployed in Srinagar replacing the MiG-21 fighter jets at the base. pic.twitter.com/xwCJl28ad4 ANI (@ANI) August 12, 2023 Srinagar lies in the centre of Kashmir valley and its elevation is higher than plains. It is strategically better to place an aircraft with a higher weight-to-thrust ratio and less response time due to proximity to the border and is equipped with better avionics and long-range missiles. The MiG-29 fulfils all these criteria due to which we are capable of taking in the enemies on both fronts, Indian Air Force pilot Squadron Leader Vipul Sharma told ANI. #WATCH | Srinagar lies in the centre of Kashmir valley and its elevation is higher than plains. It is strategically better to place an aircraft with a higher weight-to-thrust ratio and less response time due to proximity to the border and is equipped with better avionics and pic.twitter.com/eq7vVgTpyA ANI (@ANI) August 12, 2023 The MiG 29s have multiple advantages over the MiG-21s which were able to successfully defend the area of their responsibility in the Kashmir valley for many years and also managed to strike down an F-16 in 2019 post Balakot air strikes on Pakistani terrorist camps on their mainland. The MiG-29 has also been equipped with very long-range air-to-air missiles and air-to-ground weaponry after the upgrades and has also been armed with lethal weaponry making use of the emergency procurement powers given to armed forces by the government. The fighter aircraft have also been provided with the capability to jam the enemy aircrafts capabilities during times of conflict, officials said. Another pilot Squadron Leader Shivam Rana said the upgraded aircraft can operate at night with night vision goggles and has a longer range due to air-to-air refuelling capability. We have also included the air-to-ground armament which was not there earlier. The biggest capability of the aircraft are the pilots which are handpicked by the Indian Air Force to serve on these aircraft, he said. Another pilot Squadron Leader Shivam Rana said the upgraded aircraft can operate at night with night vision goggles and has a longer range due to air-to-air refuelling capability. We have also included the air-to-ground armament which was not there earlier. The biggest pic.twitter.com/W6IxcfClMQ ANI (@ANI) August 12, 2023 The MiG-29s moved to the Srinagar air base in January this year and have flown extensively in the Kashmir valley along with the Ladakh sector where they would be one of the first to respond in case of any air space violation attempts by the Chinese. The MiG-29s were the first aircraft to have been deployed in the Ladakh sector for tacking the threat from the Chinese side after the Galwan clash of 2020 and have thwarted multiple such attempts since then. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India has a strict policy against corruption during the G20 Anti-Corruption Ministerial Meeting on Saturday. The meeting was held in Kolkata and was attended by PM Modi virtually. India has a strict policy of zero tolerance against corruption, PM Modi said while underlining that India is leveraging technology and e-governance to create a transparent and accountable ecosystem. He further referred to the writings of Tagore and cautioned against greed as it prevents us from realizing the truth. He also touched upon the ancient Indian Upanishads that strive for Ma Gridha, which translates to let there be no greed. Building a robust anti-corruption architecture! Deliberations of the #G20 Anti-Corruption Ministers Meeting commenced with a video message by Prime Minister @narendramodi and a special address by Union Minister @DrJitendraSingh. The anti-corruption Ministers and delegates have pic.twitter.com/GDCY1q3mIP G20 India (@g20org) August 12, 2023 Modi said that the brunt of corruption is faced by the poor and marginalised communities. It affects resource utilization, distorts markets, impacts service delivery and ultimately diminishes peoples quality of life, he added. The need to combat corruption to achieve this goal and said that it is the sacred duty of the government towards its people, he continued. India is making efforts to plug the leaks and gaps in welfare schemes and government projects. Hundreds of million people in India have received direct benefit transfers into their bank accounts amounting to more than 360 billion dollars and helping save over 33 billion dollars, PM Modi said. Our government e-Marketplace, or GeM portal, has brought greater transparency in government procurement, he added. The prime minister also mentioned the enactment of the Economic Offenders Act in 2018 under which the Indian government is aggressively pursuing economic offenders and informed about the recovery of assets worth over 1.8 billion dollars from economic offenders and fugitives. He also spoke about the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) which has helped attach the assets of offenders worth more than USD 12 billion since 2014. With inputs from ANI Two teams from the Indian Air Forces Garud Special Forces have been deployed to the Kashmir valley to conduct counter-terrorism activities along with specialist operations in the Eastern Ladakh sector. These skilled Garud special forces operatives have successfully executed several missions in the Kashmir valley, honing their expertise in counter-terrorism operations. Highly trained for conducting operations in hilly areas and urban terrain, the Garud Special Forces of IAF were initially deployed in the valley in 2007 and 2209 and redeployed in 2017, the Commanding Officer of a Garud unit told ANI in an exclusive interaction. The forces were also deployed during the 2017 China-India border standoff or Doklam standoff, he said. Doklam is an area between India, Bhutan and China. The Doklam plateau issue rose to the limelight in 2017 when under the CCPs leadership, Chinese troops with construction vehicles and road-building equipment, began extending an existing road southward in Doklam. Speaking to ANI, a commander of the Garud Special Force said, Garud Forces have undertaken various operations in the valley and they have also achieved a lot of success by eliminating a number of terrorists. At present, there are two teams that are deployed here along with the Indian Army. The Special Forces commander recalled that the special forces were deployed in the valley in 2007 and 2009. Thereafter, they were redeployed in 2017, he said. We have got much success due to our rigorous training. We have also lost three Garuds in these operations also, he said. The commander added the special forces have been awarded one Ashok Chakra, five Shaurya Chakra and four Gallantry awards. The forces are also conducting operations in hilly areas and Urban terrain. We have also been deployed in higher reaches as well, he said. On the role of Garunds during the stand-off on the Eastern front and on the Northern Borders as well, he said, Garunds are continuously deployed there since the 2017 ChinaIndia border standoff. With inputs from ANI. Prakash Javadekar, a senior BJP leader, has called for a thorough investigation by central agencies into accusations of corruption charges over the alleged financial dealings between Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayans daughter Veena Vijayans firm and a Kochi-based minerals company. Highlighting the claim that the companys owner provided a substantial sum of Rs 96 crore to leaders affiliated with various political parties, which encompasses both the reigning CPI(M) as well as the opposing UDF, he pointed out that this situation is particularly intriguing due to its connection to corruption. Its a fraud. As a result, all agencies that investigate fraud should investigate (this case). That is my demand, Javadekar, who is in Thrissur, told PTI. The senior BJP leader, who is the partys Kerala in-charge, claimed that the people have lost faith in the probe by the state government agencies and alleged that its all whitewash. The senior BJP leaders statement came days after the party claimed that Vijayan could face an investigation on corruption charges over the alleged indictment of his daughter Veenas firm for receiving Rs 1.7 crore from Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL) without providing any service. Javadekar, in a post on social media platform X (formerly twitter), said on Saturday that not only the ruling LDF but also the opposition Congress-led UDF were involved in corruption in the southern state. Referring to the alleged financial dealings of the UDF leaders with the Kochi-based firm, he said, Yet another skeleton has tumbled out of the cupboard of Kerala CM, UDF & LDF. Its a curious case of corruption where the owner of the company which has given 96 crores to various politicians & bureaucrats, has accepted that he has paid the money. One recipient is CMs Daughter Veena who has received 1.7 crore for doing nothing. More absurd is the support of Congress to the scam, he tweeted. Javadekar attacked Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the State Assembly V D Satheesan for his reported remarks that to take money from business houses for running political activities is normal. Mr. Satheeshan, let me remind you that politicians collect funds for the party and deposit in party accounts, not in private accounts. This money was paid to overlook the violations done by the company in pollution and other matters. This is open and shut case of corruption. This must be enquired by serious fraud agencies, he tweeted. The BJP has said the New Delhi bench of the Income Tax Interim Settlement Board recently ruled that the money was given considering the relationship with a prominent person. The party has said Veena and her company, Exalogic Solutions, had agreed to supply CMRL with IT, marketing consulting, and software services. However, the income tax examination discovered that no services were provided. Referring to various allegations against the Chief Minister and his office, including the SNC Lavalin case, gold smuggling case and Life Mission scam, Javadekar alleged it is not a government led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist), but a dispensation of the Corruption Party of India. He alleged that the anti-corruption agencies of the state government have failed to properly investigate various serious corruption charges against the Chief Ministers Office (CMO). Strongly defending Veena, the CPI(M) has claimed that Vijayans daughter had not done anything illegal and all the dealings of her IT firm were transparent. Party leaders said the money laundering allegation on part of her financial transactions with a private minerals company would not stand as all the dealings were through banks. As the news report snowballed into a political row, the BJP attacked Chief Minister Vijayan and urged him to break his silence over the allegations cropping up against his daughter. The Congress, however, went soft on the matter, prompting the BJP to question the grand old party for not raising it in the just concluded Assembly session. Leader of Opposition in the Assembly V D Satheesan rejected the criticism by saying that even if the opposition had given a notice for an adjournment over the issue, the CM would not have replied. With PTI inputs. Allison Parshall in Quanta: Optimization problems can be tricky, but they make the world work better. These kinds of questions, which strive for the best way of doing something, are absolutely everywhere. Your phones GPS calculates the shortest route to your destination. Travel websites search for the cheapest combination of flights that matches your itinerary. And machine learning applications, which learn by analyzing patterns in data, try to present the most accurate and humanlike answers to any given question. For simple optimization problems, finding the best solution is just a matter of arithmetic. But the real-world questions that interest mathematicians and scientists are rarely simple. In 1847, the French mathematician Augustin-Louis Cauchy was working on a suitably complicated example astronomical calculations when he pioneered a common method of optimization now known as gradient descent. Most machine learning programs today rely heavily on the technique, and other fields also use it to analyze data and solve engineering problems. Mathematicians have been perfecting gradient descent for over 150 years, but last month, a study proved that a basic assumption about the technique may be wrong. There were just several times where I was surprised, [like] my intuition is broken, said Ben Grimmer, an applied mathematician at Johns Hopkins University and the studys sole author. His counterintuitive results showed that gradient descent can work nearly three times faster if it breaks a long-accepted rule for how to find the best answer for a given question. More here. Ahead of Independence Day, Delhi Polices Special Cell has arrested a 32-year-old man and seized 21 pistols from him, officials said on Saturday. Lal Singh Chadhar, a resident of Sagar in Madhya Pradesh, used to supply illegal weapons in Delhi-NCR after procuring them from Burhanpur in his home state, they said. Police got information on 4 August that Chadhar was coming near Gandhi Museum on Ring Road to deliver a consignment to one of his contacts, Special Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) HGS Dhaliwal said. A trap was laid and at around 3.20 pm, Chadhar was apprehended and 21 pistols of .32 bore were seized from him, Dhaliwal said. Chadhar started supplying illegal weapons in Delhi-NCR after coming in contact with one Rajesh Pyasi of Sagar who operated an illegal arms syndicate, the officer said. To buy the weapons, he borrowed money from a friend and mortgaged his wifes jewellery as he was expecting to make a good profit, police said, adding that he procured a pistol for Rs 7,000 and sold it for around Rs 30,000. With inputs from PTI In a shocking case, a 30-year-old man has been arrested by the police for allegedly stabbing his colleague to death in a dispute over Rs 500 in Navi Mumbai. A senior police official said that investigations into this matter revealed that the victim worked in the area near the railway station and lived there with a colleague, he said. The victim Vickey Chindaliya (27), a scrap collector, was found dead near Panvel railway station on August 8, inspector Anjum Bhagwan of the Panvel City police station told PTI. Based on several leads and CCTV footage from the scene, the police zeroed in on the victims colleague Sachin Shinde and nabbed him from his hometown in Aurangabad district on Thursday, the official said. On interrogation, Shinde revealed that the victim owed him Rs 500 and the duo argued over it while consuming alcohol on the day of the murder, he said. The accused allegedly stabbed the victim to death and fled the scene, the official said. According to the data compiled by a think tank shows that during the monsoon session of the parliament, Lok Sabha functioned for only 43 per cent of its scheduled time and Rajya Sabha 55 per cent but legislative activity remained high with 23 bills being passed, According to data compiled by PRS Legislative Research, the lower house had 17 sittings, which lasted for about 44 hours and 15 minutes. The debate on the no-confidence motion lasted for 19 hours and 59 minutes, and 60 members participated in the discussion. The motion was negated through voice vote. Twenty-three bills were passed during the session, which include The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, The Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, and The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, among others. Most bills were passed with little scrutiny. Around 56 per cent of the bills introduced in this session were passed by both houses. On an average, a bill introduced in this session was passed within eight days. For example, bills expanding the discretionary powers of the LG in Delhi, allowing for mining of strategic minerals like lithium, and regulating personal data were passed by Parliament within seven days of introduction. The Anusandhan National Research Foundation Bill, 2023 was passed within five days of introduction, said PRS. Out of the bills introduced, three have been referred to committees. In this Lok Sabha, 17 percent bills have been referred to committees. This is lower as compared to the last three Lok Sabhas. Of the 23 bills passed in this session, seven have been examined by standing committees, PRS said. Among the bills, the longest discussion was held on the Delhi services bill, which was discussed for around four hours, 54 minutes in Lok Sabha and around eight hours in Rajya Sabha, followed by the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, which was discussed for 56 minutes in Lok Sabha and for over one hour in Rajya Sabha. The Forest Conservation (Amendment) Bill was discussed for 38 minutes in Lok Sabha, and for one hour 41 minutes in Rajya Sabha; the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill took 23 minutes in Lok Sabha and 35 minutes in Rajya Sabha, and the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill was deliberated upon for 19 minutes in the Lower House, and one hour, 34 minutes in the Upper House. Nine bills, including the IIM (Amendment) Bill, 2023 and Inter-Services Organisation Bill 2023, were passed within 20 minutes in Lok Sabha. The bills to create the National Nursing and Midwifery Commission and the National Dental Commission were discussed and passed together in Lok Sabha within three minutes. The CGST and IGST amendment bills were passed together within two minutes in Lok Sabha. Rajya Sabha passed 10 bills in three consecutive days. With inputs from PTI. Groups connected to the Taliban and Al-Qaeda, including Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan, are said to have transferred NATO-calibre weapons to ISIL-K, as per a UN report. This transfer has raised alarm among member states regarding the spread of military equipment not only within Afghanistan but also across neighbouring nations after the Talibans 2021 takeover. The 17th report from the Secretary-General, focusing on the threat presented by ISIL (Daesh) to global peace and security, highlights the ongoing concern among UN member states about the proliferation of weaponry in Afghanistan, the Middle East, and Africa. Of particular concern is the access that Daesh and its local associates have gained to small arms, light weapons, improvised explosive devices, and unmanned aircraft systems, as noted in the report. With the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan, member states expressed concern over the proliferation of large quantities of weapons and other military equipment within Afghanistan and into neighbouring states, the report issued here this week said. Regional Member States reported that North Atlantic Treaty Organisation-calibre weapons typically associated with the former Afghan National Defence and Security Forces were being transferred to ISIL-K by groups affiliated with the Taliban and Al-Qaeda, such as Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement, also known as the Turkistan Islamic Party (ETIM/TIP). In the core conflict zone, Daesh has reportedly transitioned to producing fewer, simpler and smaller improvised explosive devices and to now using suicide vests only as a last resort, to avoid the loss of operatives. There are reports that Daesh has created a so-called Industry Committee within its structures to explore new avenues for advancement in weaponry, such as improvised explosive devices and increased payloads for drones, the report said. The report added that member states assessed ISIL-K as being the most serious terrorist threat in Afghanistan and the wider region. The group has reportedly increased its operational capabilities inside Afghanistan, with fighters and family members estimated at 4,000 to 6,000 individuals. Sanaullah Ghafari (alias Shahab al-Muhajir) is viewed by some member states as the most ambitious leader of ISIL-K. One Member State reported that Ghafari was killed in Afghanistan in June. That remains to be confirmed, the report said, adding that Mawlawi Rajab is the leader of external operations for ISIL-K. It said ISIL-K is becoming more sophisticated in its attacks against both the Taliban and international targets. The group was reportedly focused on a strategy of carrying out high-profile attacks to undermine the Talibans ability to provide security. Overall, ISIL-K attacks demonstrated strong operational capability involving reconnoitre, coordination, communication, planning and execution, the report said, adding that according to some Member States, attacks against high-profile Taliban figures in Balkh, Badakhshan and Baghlan Provinces raised ISIL-K morale and boosted recruitment. Some Member States reported that ETIM/TIP had developed links in Afghanistan with ISIL-K, with the two groups jointly publishing propaganda posters and some ETIM/TIP members joining ISIL-K operations. One member state assessed that some elements of Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent were ready to either join or collaborate with ISIL-K, the report said. The report was prepared by the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team pursuant to resolutions 1526 (2004) and 2253 (2015) concerning ISIL (Daesh), Al-Qaida and the Taliban and associated individuals and entities, the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate and the Office of Counter-Terrorism, in close collaboration with other United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact entities. It noted that United Nations entities continued to support and cooperate with Member States in their efforts to prevent and counter-terrorism, with a particular focus on conflict zones and neighbouring regions where the threat posed by Daesh remained high during the reporting period. On behalf of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001) concerning counter-terrorism (Counter-Terrorism Committee), and on the basis of the recommendations contained in the Delhi Declaration on countering the use of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes, adopted by the Committee during its special meeting held in New Delhi in October 2022. On October 28-29 last year, the Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC), chaired by India in 2022, organised the Special Meeting in New Delhi and Mumbai on the overarching theme of Countering the use of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes. As an outcome of the special meeting, the Committee adopted the pioneer document Delhi Declaration on countering the use of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes. With inputs from PTI. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khans interim bail was dismissed by an Anti-Terrorism Court in Pakistan in seven cases on Thursday, reported The News International on Saturday. The News International also reported that the seven cases also include the Lahore Corps commanders house attack, for want of prosecution. The report added that the Special Prosecutor, Farhad Ali Shah, argued before the court that there was no scope in the law to accept the exemption applications of the convicted accused. He implored the court to reject the interim bail of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman. On the other hand, Imran Khans counsel argued that his client was in jail and the court should summon him as he wanted to appear before the court. As per The News International, the court responded that even when Khan was free, he did not comply with the courts orders. Barrister Salman Safdar, who had been excused from attending the hearing, requested more time to argue his request for an exemption from attending. The court refused to grant the PTI chairman an exemption from appearing and dismissed his bail application, reported The News International. An accountability court in Islamabad on Thursday cancelled the interim bail of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in connection with the National Crime Agency (NCA) 190 million pounds scandal, ARY News reported on Thursday. Meanwhile, a Pakistan district and sessions court on August 5, sentenced PTI Chairman Imran Khan to three years in prison in the Toshakhana case i.e. for illegally selling state gifts and he has been disqualified from politics for a period of five years, local media reported. The PTI Chairman was arrested from his Zaman Park residence in Lahore soon after being convicted in the Toshakhana case. The court also imposed a fine of Pakistani Rupees (PKR) 100,000 on Imran Khan, Geo News reported. Khan, who has expressed his disappointment over being in jail and said that he doesnt want to stay there, Pakistan-based Geo News reported. While speaking to his lawyers in the Attock jail, Imran Khan said, Take me out of here; I dont want to remain in jail, according to the officials. The PTI Chairman Imran Khan also stated that he remains holed up inside his prison cell in distressing conditions, as per the sources. With inputs from ANI. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to make a visit to Madhya Pradesh on Saturday afternoon. During his visit, he will ceremoniously lay the cornerstone for a temple honoring the esteemed social reformer Sant Ravidas in Sagar district, with an estimated cost of Rs 100 crore. Additionally, the Prime Minister will inaugurate significant infrastructure initiatives within the rail and road sectors, collectively valued at more than Rs 4000 crores. https://t.co/nQlv5DAeQe Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 11, 2023 Sant Shiromani Gurudev Shri Ravidas ji Memorial will be constructed in an area of more than 11.25 acres and at a cost of more than Rs. 100 crores. The magnificent memorial will have an impressive art museum and gallery to showcase the life, philosophy and teachings of Sant Shiromani Gurudev Shri Ravidas ji. It will also have facilities for devotees visiting the memorial like Bhakt Niwas, Bhojanalay etc, an official statement issued by Prime Minister office said. According to officials, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan had in February this year announced plans to build Sant Ravidas Temple and his memorial in Badtuma in Sagar district. The temple will be built in Nagar style. An interpretation museum will also be constructed to showcase work and personality of Sant Ravidas. Four galleries will be made in the museum, in which Bhakti Marg, contribution to the Nirgun Panth, philosophy of the saint Ravidas and his literature, details of harmony will also be there. At around 2:15 PM, PM Modi will reach Sagar district, where he will perform Bhoomi Poojan at Sant Shiromani Gurudev Shri Ravidas ji Memorial Sthal. At around 3:15 PM, Prime Minister will participate in a public programme at Dhana where he will lay the foundation stone for Sant Shiromani Gurudev Shri Ravidas ji Memorial, PMO said in its release. During the programme, Prime Minister will dedicate to the nation and lay the foundation stone of rail and road sector projects worth more than Rs 4000 crores. He will also dedicate the doubling of the Kota-Bina rail route which has been developed at a cost of more than Rs 2475 crores. The project, which has been built at an estimated cost of more than Rs 2475 crores, passes through Kota and Baran districts in Rajasthan, and Guna, Ashoknagar and Sagar districts in Madhya Pradesh. The additional rail line will increase capacity for better mobility and will help improve train speed along the route, PMO release said. PM Modi will also lay the foundation stone of two road projects to be developed at a cost of more than Rs 1580 crores. These include a four-laning road project connecting Morikori Vidisha Hinotiya and a road project that will connect Hinotiya to Mehluwa, it added. The State is set to go to Assembly polls later this year. With inputs from ANI Terming the centres efforts to promote border tourism or holding rallies in Jammu and Kashmir as only a tamasha, National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Saturday said that India and Pakistan hold talks with honesty on the Kashmir issue to resolve disputes. The hearts of both the countries should be pure. There has been enough show-off, the Srinagar MP told reporters here when asked whether the situation in Kashmir had changed as border tourism is being promoted and Tiranga rallies are being organised across the valley. India and Pakistan should talk with pure intentions as wars do not resolve anything, Abdullah said. Till both the countries do not talk with honesty over the Kashmir issue, all this is a show-off (and) this tamasha will go on till then. It will happen every year but the issue will remain there, he said. Raising questions over the governments claims of normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir, the NC president asked if there is peace in Jammu and Kashmir, then why is there terrorism, why are bullets being fired, and soldiers and people getting killed? If there is peace in reality, then why is this happening? Thats because they (Pakistan) think it has not been resolved yet. Who will make them understand that only talks will resolve issues, Abdullah asked. One can see in Ukraine what war does, he said. Europe is getting destroyed economically. Who is getting killed? It is the people of Ukraine. What will they achieve? Would it change the borders? So, both the countries (India and Pakistan) should keep in mind that nothing will be achieved by war and only talks will resolve issues, like they (Indian government) are talking to China. There have been 18 rounds of talks and talks have taken place at the foreign minister level as well, he said. Asked about the Jammu and Kashmir administration promoting border tourism at many places near the Line of Control (LoC), Abdullah said, We want that borders should be opened so that we will also see the part (of Kashmir) which is under them (Pakistan). Then, we will accept that there is true peace. With PTI inputs. The Uttar Pradesh government has signed a contract with a private company to organize approximately 5,000 special accommodations for the upcoming Maha Kumbh event in Prayagraj in 2025. As per the announcement, these lodgings will encompass a variety of options, including homestays, bed and breakfast facilities, and paying guest units. These accommodations are planned to be distributed across significant urban centres and notable sites all across the state. The Directorate of Tourism entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Luzern Ventures Private Limited (OGA) on Friday, they said. This MoU is a significant step towards realising our commitment to enhancing the tourism landscape of Uttar Pradesh. By combining our expertise with OGA, we are sure to create a diverse range of accommodation options that reflect the cultural vibrancy of our state, said Tourism Director Prakhar Mishra. Another tourism department official said the MoU, spanning five years, solidifies their collaborative efforts to establish and manage a diverse range of accommodations. There will be a special focus on arranging around 5,000 accommodations in Prayagraj and its nearby areas considering the massive footfall expected during the Maha Kumbh Fair 2025, the official said. To create a hospitable and enriching environment for the tourists and travellers, the official further said the MoU reflects a shared vision between the Directorate of Tourism and OGA to provide a seamless, comfortable and culturally immersive stay for the visitors. By focusing on enhancing the accommodation offerings, this partnership seeks to elevate the overall tourism experience within Uttar Pradesh, the official added. With PTI inputs. Three former Service Chiefs General Manoj Naravane (Retd), Admiral Karambir Singh (Retd) and Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria (Retd) are visiting Taiwan to speak and participate in a security dialogue at the Ketagalan Forum, a Security event focused on the Indo-Pacific which is hosted by Taiwans Foreign Ministry. Admiral Karambir Singh is the Chairman of the National Maritime Foundation which is an independent and autonomous think-tank, its intellectual and organisational development is supported by the Ministry of Defence and the Indian Navy. Apart from the three former Service Chiefs, Major General RPS Bhadauria (Retd) presently the Director of Centre for Strategic Studies & Simulation (CS3) at United Service Institution of India (USI), Indias oldest think tank, also attended the dialogue. Incidentally, the USI has MoUs with a large number of think tanks and Institutes across the globe, including Taiwans Institute for National Defence and Security Research (INDSR), the Cross-Strait Interflow Prospect Foundation, and the Chinese Council for Advanced Political Studies (CAPS). On 8 August President Tsai Ing-wen spoke at the opening of the Ketagalan Forum: 2023 Indo-Pacific Security Dialogue. She stated that maintaining the rules-based order is imperative to our regions stability and prosperity. The President said that Taiwan has dedicated itself to being part of the democratic alliance that works to prevent authoritarian expansionism while tackling issues such as climate change, emerging diseases, and terrorism. She also pointed out that Taiwans high-tech sector, especially with its leading edge in semiconductors, will be crucial to creating a secure global supply chain. One China Policy India was among the first countries to recognise communist China in 1949. In 2003, then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee declared Indias support to One China policy and stated that there is one China and its one China policy remains unaltered. One China is basically the framework guiding relations between China, Taiwan, and the United States, thereby making it a triangular relationship amongst the four key players; China, USA and the two political parties of Taiwan; KMT and DPP. The four stakeholders converge on the phrase there is only one China in the world, but have differed substantially on the related components of the One-China question. The PRC aims at complete unification with Taiwan, with some analysts predicting it to be as early as 2030, especially under the assertive leadership of Chairman Xi Jinpings Chinese Dream of attaining wealth, power, and modernisation for China as a whole. Given the value that China places on unification with Taiwan and its increasing military capabilities and coercion, there are analysts who believe there is a significant probability that China will use force against Taiwan at some point of time. Post the Ukrainian conflict this issue has also been in the spotlight with Admiral Lee His-min a former Chief of General Staff saying that; Taiwan is not ready to deter, let alone fend off a Chinese invasion, at least not using the same tactics and systems as before. The US government follows the One China Policy, interpreted, based on informal and formal institutions that serve as the basis for US-China relations and US-Taiwan relations. KMT continues to profess that the 1992 Consensus (in the sense of one China, differing interpretations) is the best policy for cross-Strait relations. While DPP, the ruling dispensation in Taiwan is well known for its pro-independence and anti-One China leanings. The current President Tsai, following her 2020 re-election, was emphatic during one of her interviews that we are an independent country already and that younger Taiwanese are pretty used to the idea that we have a separate identity, and we are a country of our own. Taiwans relations with China have deteriorated significantly since President Tsai Ing-Wen assumed office, as indicated by an increase in hostile rhetoric and Chinese military activities near Taiwans airspace, including increased frequency and scale of Chinese military exercises near Taiwan, to which Taiwan has been objecting. Chinese maritime exercises around Taiwan have become routine, while Chinese patrols and selective discriminatory measures against Taiwanese firms present elevated risk of cargo and marine transport disruption. Chinas Belligerence Continues While India recognised One China policy, a reciprocation in form of One India policy (The phrase One India Policy was first articulated by Late Sushma Swaraj, the then EAM, during discussion with her Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi during latters visit to India in June 2014) from the Chinese side has ever been absent. China expected India to recognise Tibet as an integral part of China and accept the One China policy and India did so without reservation. To the disappointment of India, China has continued to refer to Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and Arunachal Pradesh as disputed territories. China has always disregarded the sovereignty of India through its stance on Jammu and Kashmir and Aksai Chin, Arunachal Pradesh, denial and issue of stapled visas to certain Indian citizens and number of skirmishes on the LAC in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. China has also been silent over Pakistans support to terrorism and had blocked Indias bid in the UNSC to declare Masood Azhar as international terrorist as well as supporting Pakistan in The Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The latest such act was criticising Indias abolition of Art 370 that withdrew the special status granted to the Indian state of J&K. India naturally feels wronged by the Chinese stand on its core concerns questioning Indias territorial sovereignty, border transgressions, Chinas aggressive posturing in Indias neighbourhood, lack of support for Indias stand against terrorism and Chinas persistent opposition to Indias global aspirations entry into NSG and permanent membership of the UNSC. Further, there is an increasing collusivity with Pakistan that is manifesting itself in multiple ways right from developing infrastructure; the CPEC through a disputed area to military support. India Taiwan Relations The relations between the two countries actually took off after 2010 with Chinas stand on visa to residents of J&K and Arunachal, proving to be a turning point. Since then, numerous delegations from both countries have visited each other, with Taiwans New Southbound Policy gearing for more engagement. Economic cooperation in areas of trade, investment and industry between India and Taiwan has been very close in recent years. From 1.19 billion USD in 200102 to 7.5 billion USD in 2018-19, the two-way trade has increased manifold since the onset of the twenty-first century. India ranks as Taiwans 14th largest export destination and 18th largest source of imports. Trade has thrived due to the good relations between the two countries. In a concerted effort to expand Taiwans presence across the Indo-Pacific, President Tsai Ing-wen introduced the New Southbound Policy (NSP) in 2016. The NSP builds on the Go South policies of previous administrations, and continues Taiwans efforts to find a solution to the perennial problem of how to balance its economic interests which depend on relations with China with its security interests which do not. The NSP takes a people-centric approach. The flagship foreign policy of President Tsai Ing-Wen, the NSP expands the scope of countries covered in the Go South Policy, which was in practice under former Presidents Lee Teng-hui and Chen Shui-bian. Through the policy, Taiwan has extended engagement with Australia, New Zealand, India, and its five South Asian neighbours. The NSP is a national strategy that seeks to reposition Taiwans role in Asia, by providing a unique framework that encourages multi-layered linkages with these countries that include India. The importance of India lies in the fact that it is a key player in the Indo-Pacific Order, and Indias support may strengthen Taiwans positioning in the region. As India is elevating ties with the US, Japan, and Australia, it is logical for Taiwan to build on these Indo-Pacific commonalities and connections and engage with India. There is no doubt that Indias role at both global and regional levels is likely to grow further. Greater collaboration between India and Taiwan under the NSP framework is mutually beneficial. Taiwan Trade Thrives but Security Interests Dominate In 2021, PRC accounted for 42 per cent of Taiwans total exports, by value, amounting to USD 188.91 billion. Machinery, instruments, plastic, rubbers and chemical products have been the major commodities exported by Taiwan in the past five years. The annual value of Taiwans investments in mainland China reached US$ 5.86 billion in 2021, meanwhile, the mainlands investment on the Island comprised just US$ 116.24 million in 2021. Incidentally, the Taiwanese semiconductor industry, including IC manufacturing, design, and packing, forms a major part of Taiwans IT industry. Due to its strong capabilities in OEM wafer manufacturing and a complete industry supply chain, Taiwan has been able to dominate the global marketplace. Taiwanese Companies account for 50 per cent of the world market, with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) the biggest player in the foundry market. There is a view that Taiwans interdependence with the Chinese economy is eroding its special status as Taiwans economy is getting increasingly entangled with Mainland China. While on the other hand, tensions between the two countries are escalating as is visible in the increased military and political pressure being put by Beijing, especially after Senator Nancy Pelosis visit in 2022. Further there has been an increased violation of territorial sovereignty by Peoples Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and Air Force (PLAAF) as they have conducted many combined manoeuvres in the airspace and waters surrounding Taiwan. Presently, the US is seen to be acting as a balancer between China and Taiwan in ensuring peace and stability in Taiwans Strait. Under President Biden the US-Taiwan ties have deepened and the arms-sales have increased as also the high-level interactions. Indias Stance In a written response to a question in the Rajya Sabha in 2021, the Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan said, Indias policy on Taiwan is clear and consistent. The Government facilitates and promotes interactions in areas of trade, investment, tourism, culture, education and other such people-to-people exchanges. India needs to carefully balance its strategic interests and regional dynamics. Indias stance aims at protecting its sovereignty, maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific, and fostering economic growth. It is thus crucial for India to engage with Taiwan while avoiding unnecessary provocations that could escalate tensions with China. By pursuing a nuanced approach that combines economic cooperation, strategic partnerships, and principled support for democratic values, India can position itself as a responsible regional power while navigating the complexities of its relationship with China and other key stakeholders in the Indo-Pacific region. Ultimately, Indias modified approach towards the One China policy should be guided by its long-term national interests and a commitment to maintaining a free, open, and rules-based order in the region. Conclusion There is no doubt that Indias stance regarding Taiwan, must ensure that its interests are protected, Chinese expansionism is contained and a level playing field is created in economic co-operation and trade deficit with China and some leverage is available in negotiations with China. India need not completely abandon its One China Policy but should adopt a dual-track policy that would involve continuing to engage with China in areas of mutual interest and concern while also enhancing relations with Taiwan based on areas of mutual benefit and complementarity. The security concerns for both countries which emanate from China is one of the areas of convergence and hence there is a need for each side to understand one another, the visit of the three former Service Chiefs should be viewed in this context. The author is a retired Major General of the Indian Army. 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. Editors note: This piece is the final part of a two-part series on the Niger crisis. ********* In Part one of this article was on what is going on in Africa, in the context of the recent coup in Niger and the war in Ukraine, I had looked at Africas colonial and post-colonial history with the West, mainly with France and the US. The Western colonists never really left Africa. So it is hardly surprising that as the 21st century version of the Great Game is played out in the continent, many Africans are suspicious of the West, and Russia and China have found fertile ground to spread their influence. The Russian Gambit The Soviet Union had supported liberation struggles across Africa and post their independence, had built strong ties with some of these young countries through aid in cash and kind. Of course, the Soviets did not do it out of innate altruism. Their Africa policy was a strategy it used in the Cold War being fought all over the planet. After the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, Russia spent years struggling to get its house back in order and had little time for faraway Africa. But about two decades ago, once he had established himself as the unchallengeable supreme leader, Vladimir Putin turned his gaze south-west. He craved to restore to Russia the global great power status that his country had once enjoyed. He used generous aid in cash and kind and leveraged African memories of Western colonialism. In a few cases where this did not work, he got governments overthrown, just as the West had been doing. Today, Russia is Africas largest arms supplier, accounting for 44 per cent of all arms bought by the continent between 2017 and 2021. These are just the official government figures. Because Putin has not stopped with selling weapons. Russias lethal human force is present on the ground across west and central Africa, either officially or via its mercenary army the Wagner Group, helping favoured governments fight insurgencies and assisting military coups where it suits Russiafor instance in Mali and Burkina Faso, which stand behind the new regime in Niger. Putin has been helped by the Wests botched military missions to end jihadi terrorism in Africa. The violence has in fact been escalating. Russias Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was always a frequent visitor to Africa and he has stepped up the frequency since the Ukraine war began. Russia is also pushing nuclear technology in the continent to expand its influence. It is building a state-of-the art nuclear plant in Egypt that will have four reactors at a project cost of $28.75 billion. It has signed memoranda of understanding or agreements with several other countries. In fact, it has found more potential buyers after the war in Ukraine introduced a heavy dose of uncertainty in world energy markets at a time when demand for electricity in Africa is rising sharply. It is obvious from Africas stance on the war that Putin has been able to achieve at least some of his aims. Not a single African nation has joined the Wests sanctions against Russia and many of them have refused to support United Nations resolutions condemning Russia. Chinese Checkers China aims to become the worlds leading superpower by 2049. As Xi Jinping articulated the vision at the National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party in October last yearby mid-century, China wants to lead the world in terms of composite national strength and international influence. Africa, with its extraordinary natural wealth, is key to achieving that target. Unlike the US and Russia, China has neither used its military strength nor is there any proof that it has intervened in the domestic politics of any African country. Instead, it has used its economic power to woo the continent. It is already Africas largest trading partnerin 2021, China-Africa trade was worth $254 billion, more than thrice the value of US-Africa trade. Beijing has pursued its Belt and Road Initiative aggressively in Africa. Its stated purpose is to help the continent bridge the massive infrastructure gap it faces. According to the US Department of Defence, one out of every three major infrastructure projects in Africa is now built by Chinese state-owned enterprises, and one out of every five is financed by a Chinese bank. Time will tell whether this will lead some African countries into a debt trap like it happened with Sri Lanka, but it is clear that China reaps huge benefits from these projects. If an expensive project built with cheap loans from China fails, and the country cannot pay back the loans, China takes control of the assets, which gives it great strategic advantage. If the project turns out to be profitable, China gains from lucrative maintenance contracts that were part of the deal, which may run for up to 99 years. In either case, Beijing gets access to Africas mineral wealth, especially uranium and rare metals which could play an extremely crucial role in coming years. China has faced allegations of debt-trap diplomacy, that it is interested only in Africas natural resources, that it wants to buy up as much of Africas arable land as it can, that it employs Chinese rather than local labour, and that Chinese companies provide sub-standard services and products, undersell and weaken local competitors. China rejects all these charges and a majority of Africans appear to have a positive view of Beijing. A 2020 survey by the research network Afrobarometer across 18 countries found that more people saw Chinas economic and political influence as positive, ahead of the US, Russia and United Nations agencies. After all, they can see that roads and bridges are being built and there is a sense that the West-led model of development, based on fostering democratic institutions and free market economic policies, did not help them much. And Beijing stays absolutely mum on political issues in Africa other than motherhood statements that peace should prevail and all humanity should work towards a harmonious global order. What is unsaid, obviously, is that it should be in harmony with Chinese characteristics. China has also eagerly participated in United Nations peacekeeping missions in Africa, with funds and troops. Between 1989 and 2020, over 40,000 Chinese peacekeepers served on 24 UN missions, mainly in Africa, far more than the combined contribution of personnel by the other four permanent members on the UN Security Councilthe US, Russia, France and Britain. The number for Russia, of course, does not include its Wagner Group peacekeepers. Ukraine, Geopolitics and Gas The war in Ukraine speeded events up in Africa. After Russia cut its natural gas supplies to European Union countries and then mysterious explosions crippled the giant Nord Stream pipelines, Europe scrambled to find alternate sources. Among the projects it has tried to fast track is the Trans-Saharan gas pipeline. The project had made very slow progress over the last two decades, but in June last year, energy ministers from Algeria, Nigeria and Niger met and agreed to accelerate the work. When completed, the pipeline is expected to carry 30 billion cubic metres of gas per year from the three countries to Europe. With a length of 4,128 km, the pipeline will link Warri in Nigeria to the Hassi RMel gas hub in Algeria, passing through Niger. Gas is expected to start flowing to Europe by the end of the year. But the Niger coup puts the project in jeopardy. The new Putin-backed regime will hardly be interested in making life easier for Europe, which is locked in a proxy war with Russia with no end in sight yet. The government has already announced that it will slash exports of uranium and other commodities to France. This gas supply is vital to the West, where citizens and industries are already reeling under energy price hikes. Many European leaders have seen their popularity plummeting and would certainly be worried about losing the next election. According to the most recent polls, only 31 per cent of Germans approve of Chancellor Olaf Scholzs job performance, and the figure for French president Emmanuel Macron is 33 per cent, though it has risen from an all-time low of 26 per cent in April. In Britain, 65 per cent have an unfavourable view of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Yet, all of them, under US guidance, have pushed themselves into a position on the Ukrainian war from which it will be very hard to step back. By flatly refusing any negotiated settlement with Russia, they have left themselves no room to manoeuvre and no incentive for Putin to not attack the West wherever he can and in whichever manner he can. The uncertainty over the Trans-Sahara gas pipeline only adds to their problems. Knife Edge Right now, Africa sits on the edge of a knife as the latest theatre in a global conflict, which is what the Ukraine war essentially isa war that could reshape geopolitical power equations. At a local level, across Africa, a volatile political situation will enthuse the jihadists to push their infernal agenda further. At the same time, if the West relies on its same old strategy of financial blackmail and military forcesomething that has not worked so well in the past, it will only make the other side even more determined to not yield. Both sides will try to draw in as many countries as possible into the conflict that can lead to an endless war in Africa, which is the last thing the world needs. Some Cassandras have been warning for some time that the Ukraine war could lead to World War Three and suddenly they dont seem like deluded doomsayers any more. The war has already made it amply clear to anyone who has bothered to pay attention that the West considers itself to be morally superior to the rest of humanity, an assumption that says more about its historical fantasies than about anything else. Especially when much of the West is staring at economic decline and deep social turmoil. Latest official data indicate that the Chinese economy may be struggling on many fronts. There is also the growing apprehension that China may try to distract its citizens from their economic troubles by attacking Taiwan. That could trigger a military response from the US-led West. No one can tell how it all will turn out, but right now, the world does appear to be a far more dangerous place than one would have imagined even two years ago. India will need to play its cards with extreme care and caution. The writer is a former editor of Financial Express, and founder-editor of Open and Swarajya magazines. 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. Farzana Shaikh in Time: Few will have missed the bitter irony of a court ruling against Pakistans former Prime Minister, Imran Khan, who was found guilty of corruption, sentenced to three years in prison, and barred from contesting elections for five years. For however his legacy is judged in years to come, Khan will be remembered above all for his single-minded crusade to root out corruption from the political fabric of Pakistan. The ruling against Khan was not unexpected. Since his removal from office following a no-confidence motion in April 2022, as well as his increasingly confrontational posture with the military (which he blamed for his downfall), many believed it was only a matter of time before Khan lost his freedom completely. With Pakistans ruling coalition imminently poised to step down and make way for a caretaker government, Khans incarceration was seen as the last bit of unfinished business ahead of general elections. These should be held within 90 days but could come as late as Spring 2024, following a decision on August 5, 2023 by the Council of Common Interests (responsible for overseeing relations between Pakistans federating units) to approve the demarcation of new constituencies based on the latest census dataa skillful maneuvering tactic by Pakistans all-powerful military, which is desperate to use the time to dampen Khans soaring popularity. More here. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that the BJP governments focus has always been the welfare of the poor and the empowerment of every section of society. Speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony for Sant Shiromani Gurudev Shri Ravidas Memorial in Madhya Pradeshs Sagar district, PM Modi said, Our governments focus is on the welfare of the poor and empowerment of every section of societyToday, be it Dalit, Backward or Tribal, our government is giving them due respect and giving them new opportunities. #WATCH | Sagar, Madhya Pradesh: PM Narendra Modi says, Our govts focus is on the welfare of the poor and empowerment of every section of societyToday, be it Dalit, Backward or Tribal, our government is giving them due respect and giving them new opportunities pic.twitter.com/H6RPPdB7P1 ANI (@ANI) August 12, 2023 Recalling how India was able to recover from the COVID pandemic better than other nations, Modi said, During the Covid pandemic, I decided that I will not let the poor sleep hungry. I dont need to find books to understand your pain. #WATCH | Sagar, Madhya Pradesh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, During the Covid pandemic, I have decided that I will not let the poor sleep hungry. I dont need to find books to understand your pain. We started Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana and provided free pic.twitter.com/7iqtANLFzM ANI (@ANI) August 12, 2023 He added, We started Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana and provided free ration to more than 80 crore people and today the whole world is appreciating our efforts. Earlier today, the prime minister performed Bhoomi Poojan at Sant Shiromani Gurudev Shri Ravidas Memorial Sthal in Madhya Pradeshs Sagar district. He also paid floral tribute to the bust of the social reformer Sant Ravidas. Sant Shiromani Gurudev Shri Ravidas ji Memorial will be constructed in an area of more than 11.25 acres and at a cost of over Rs 100 crores here. With inputs from agencies Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has affirmed his participation in the upcoming G20 summit scheduled to take place in New Delhi next month. Albanese will be among the leaders of G-20 nations who are scheduled to attend the G-20 summit under Indias presidency in New Delhi this September. The G20 stands as the foremost platform for international economic collaboration. During the summit, leaders will prioritise the task of steering the global economy towards robust, sustainable, and resilient growth, as indicated in a statement released by the office of the Australian Prime Minister. Deepening Australias engagement with Southeast Asia is a key priority for my Government. Our futures are intertwined so its essential that we work together to achieve a peaceful, stable and prosperous region, a press statement from the Australian Prime Ministers office said quoting Albanese. It is more important than ever that Australia works closely with international partners, including through multilateral economic forums like the G20, to address shared challenges and opportunities, Albanese said. Australia is invested in and committed to the Indo-Pacific to enhance growth and prosperity, stability and respect for sovereignty and lasting peace, he said. Albanese said that Australia is proud to be hosting a Special Summit to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the ASEAN-Australia Dialogue Relations in 2024. I look forward to welcoming ASEAN leaders to Australia in March next year, he said. Albanese will travel to Indonesia, the Philippines and India in September to meet with regional leaders to discuss global challenges and advance Australias economic, security and climate agenda. The Australian Prime Minister will attend the 3rd Annual ASEAN-Australia Summit and the 18th East Asia Summit in Jakarta from September 67. Australias close partnership with ASEAN and its members is critical to achieving mutual prosperity, security and peace in the region. As part of the Australian Governments upgrade of relationships with countries of Southeast Asia, Albanese will travel to Manila, the first Australian Prime Minister to undertake a bilateral visit to the Philippines since the year 2003. The Prime Ministers meeting on September 8 with Philippines President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr will focus on strengthening cooperation on defence and maritime security, development and education. Our partnership with the Philippines is built on close defence and security cooperation, increasing economic relations and warm personal ties, including through the vibrant Filipino-Australian community. I look forward to visiting Manila to meet with President Marcos and affirm our partnership, Albanese said. India assumed the G20 presidency on December 1, 2022. With inputs from ANI President Joe Bidens son Hunter Biden may be headed for a criminal trial, U.S. Special Counsel David Weiss said shortly after promotion into that role on Friday, in a sign that courtroom drama could play an outsized role in the 2024 presidential election. A potential trial raises the possibility of an unprecedented spectacle in US history: The son of a sitting president facing criminal charges while his father campaigns for re-election, likely against Republican Donald Trump, who faces at least three upcoming criminal trials of his own. Republicans in the House of Representatives are also threatening an impeachment inquiry into unproven claims that President Biden benefited from his 54-year-old sons business ventures. Weiss, who has been investigating Hunter Biden since 2019, filed misdemeanor criminal tax and gun charges in June, but a federal judge refused to accept a proposed plea deal. Weiss said in a court filing on Friday that talks between the two sides have since broken down. The Government now believes that the case will not resolve short of a trial, he wrote. The filing came moments after US Attorney General Merrick Garland elevated Weiss to special counsel status, giving him additional authority and independence to pursue the investigation. Hunter Biden in July pleaded not guilty to charges of failing to pay taxes on more than $1.5 million in income in 2017 and 2018 despite owing more than $100,000. He did not enter a plea in a separate case where he is charged with unlawfully owning a firearm while using illegal drugs, which is a felony. Trump appointee Weiss was originally appointed to his position as US Attorney for Delaware by Trump and was allowed to stay on during the Biden administration. As a special counsel, Weiss will be free from day-to-day supervision from the Justice Department and file charges anywhere in the United States. Garland can overrule his proposed actions but must notify Congress if he does so. Weiss said he might bring different charges against Hunter Biden in Washington or California, where the alleged criminal conduct took place. A lawyer for Hunter Biden said he expected Weiss not to bend to political pressures. Whether in Delaware, Washington, DC or anywhere else, we expect a fair resolution not infected by politics and well do what is necessary on behalf of Mr. Biden to achieve that, lawyer Chris Clark said in a statement. Weiss will produce a report when his work is done, Garland said, and the Justice Department will make as much of it public as possible. The appointment of Mr. Weiss reinforces for the American people the departments commitment to both independence and accountability in particularly sensitive matters, Garland told a press conference. Republicans have accused the elder Biden of profiting from his sons business ventures in Ukraine and China, though they have yet to produce any evidence of wrongdoing. House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy said in July that the chamber might launch an impeachment inquiry in the autumn. The White House declined to comment. Biden officials have previously dismissed Republican allegations as insane conspiracy theories and have said that Biden did not participate in his sons business affairs. Hunter Biden has worked as a lobbyist, lawyer, consultant and investment banker and has said he has struggled with alcoholism and crack cocaine use. Republicans said Weiss lacked credibility to continue the investigation. If Weiss negotiated the sweetheart deal that couldnt get approved, how can he be trusted as a Special Counsel? McCarthy said. Weiss is the third special counsel appointed by Garland to investigate politically sensitive matters. One of those, Jack Smith, has filed criminal charges against Trump in two separate cases, while another, Robert Hur, is probing whether Biden mishandled classified documents after he left office as vice president. In previous administrations, special counsels have investigated the outing of a CIA agent and Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Hunter Biden has been a focus of several Republican congressional committees. One former associate told the House Oversight Committee that Hunter gave an impression that he emphasized his family ties while he was doing business in Ukraine nearly a decade ago, while his father was vice president. That witness, Devon Archer, said Hunter spoke with his father daily but said the conversations did not involve business dealings. Trump also has frequently mentioned the younger Biden in an attempt to tar his father as the two gear up for a possible rematch in the 2024 presidential election. His spokesperson Stephen Cheung said Weiss should quickly conclude that Biden and his son should face the required consequences. A June Reuters/Ipsos poll found half of Americans, including 75 per cent of Republicans and 33 per cent of Democrats, believed the younger Biden received preferential treatment from Weiss. But most said that would not affect their vote next year. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for an ambush in eastern Syria that killed and wounded dozens of soldiers as opposition activists said the death toll rose Saturday to at least 33 as some of the wounded succumbed to their injuries. The attack is among the deadliest to be carried out this year by the extremists. IS sleeper cells still carry deadly attacks despite their defeat in Syria in 2019. The group once controlled large parts of Syria and Iraq where they declared a caliphate in 2014. The Friday night statement said IS fighters ambushed two army trucks in the eastern province of Deir el-Zour using different kinds of weapons. IS claimed that 40 members of the Syrian military were killed and 10 were wounded. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the death toll reached 33 Saturday. Another activist collective that covers news in eastern Syria put the death toll at 35 adding that all of the dead were members of the Syrian armys 17th Division. The Observatory said the toll could rise further as some of the soldiers are in critical condition. Let the whole world know that our allegiance to our leaders is practised with deeds and not words and our Jihad is going on until Doomsday, IS said. In one of their deadliest recent attacks, IS sleeper cells attacked workers collecting truffles near the central town of Sukhna in February, killing at least 53 people mostly workers but also some Syrian government security forces. Last week, IS announced the death in Syria of its little-known leader, Abu al-Hussein al-Husseini al-Qurayshi who had headed the extremist organization since November and named his successor. He was the fourth leader to be killed since its founder, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, was killed in 2019 by U.S. troops in northwest Syria. Amidst the anticipation of heavy rain and strong winds brought about by tropical storm Khanun, North Koreans have been instructed to take all necessary actions to safeguard the portraits representing the Kim dynasty. The official newspaper of the Korean Workers Party, Rodong Sinmun, emphasised the importance of ensuring the safety of propaganda portraits of the current leader, Kim Jong-un, his father, Kim Jong-il, and his grandfather, Kim Il-sung. The publication also called upon citizens to protect the numerous statues, mosaics, murals, and monuments dedicated to the Kim dynasty, which has governed North Korea since its establishment in 1948. The directive to protect portraits of the Kim dynasty serves as a reminder of the regimes emphasis on symbolism to reinforce its authority. Images of Kim Jong-il and Kim Il-sung are prominently displayed in every household and workplace across the nation, and individuals can face severe consequences, including execution, for inadvertently damaging them. Tropical storm Khanun, having made landfall on the Korean peninsula, was projected to move into North Korea the following day. South Korea has already witnessed floods and landslides caused by the tropical storm, leading to evacuations and casualties. North Koreas state-run KCNA reported that all sectors and units in the country were actively engaged in addressing the abnormal climate conditions, including issuing warnings about strong winds, downpours, tidal waves, and sea disturbances. With inputs from agencies Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif that the name of the caretaker premier would be finalised by Saturday, as the countrys president wrote to him and the opposition leader to propose a suitable person for appointment by August 12. Prime Minister Sharif told journalists in Islamabad that he and opposition leader Raja Riaz would finalise the name by Saturday and the former coalition parties would also be taken on board for political consultations. Coalition partners will be taken into confidence over the matter before taking a final decision, he said. Sharif said the Constitution provided eight days for the appointment of the caretaker premier after the dissolution of the National Assembly (NA), the lower house of Parliament. According to the Constitution, the premier and the outgoing opposition leader in the NA have three days to decide the name of the interim prime minister. In case the two fail to agree on a name, the matter would be referred to a parliamentary committee. If the committee fails to make any decision, then the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) will have two days to choose the caretaker prime minister from the list of names shared with the commission. Prime Minister Sharif organised a dinner for his coalition partners and used the occasion for consultation on the issue of the caretaker prime minister. Separately, President Arif Alvi wrote a letter to the prime minister and leader of the opposition to remind them that under Article 224A, they are supposed to propose a name for an interim prime minister within three days of the dissolution of the National Assembly. As provided in Article 224 (1A) of the Constitution of Pakistan, the Prime Minister and leader of the Opposition in the outgoing National Assembly may propose a suitable person for the appointment of care-taker Prime Minister not later than 12th August, said President Alvi in the letter. Sharif and Riaz held the first meeting on Thursday, a day after the premature dissolution of the National Assembly, and agreed to meet again on Friday for further consultations. The Pakistan Peoples Party has proposed the names of former diplomat Jalil Abbas Jilani and former chief justice of Pakistan Tassaduq Hussain Jilani while Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) put forward the name of Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has kept its cards close to the chest, keeping everyone guessing about its candidate. One of the reasons for the delay in deciding the name of the head of the interim set-up is believed to be the PML-Ns desire to see its own man in office, the Dawn newspaper reported. Some in political circles believe that Prime Minister Sharif wants to stay in office till August 14 so he could attend the flag-hoisting ceremony on Independence Day, after which a caretaker premier will take an oath. A senior leader of the PML-N told the newspaper that Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani was one of the strongest candidates. The Senate chairman can be the dark horse, he said while referring to Defence Minister Khawaja Asif who had first used the term dark horse. Other possible contenders are Jilal Abbas Jilani, former finance ministers Hafeez Sheikh and Ishaq Dar, former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, ex-principal secretary Fawad Hassan Fawad, ex-justice Tassaduq Jilani, Abdullah Hussain Haroon, Pir Pagaro, and Makhdoom Mehmood Ahmed. Senator Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar has been picked as caretaker Prime Minister. After much deliberation, Pakistan decided that Senator Kakar, a lawmaker from Balochistan, would be the caretaker PM as their final round of consultation concluded on Saturday. Speaking to the media after the meeting, opposition leader Raja Riaz said, We decided that the interim prime minister would be from a smaller province. This decision came after President Arif Alvi dissolved the National Assembly after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif forwarded a summary to him for dissolution of the lower house of the Parliament. Before the meeting, President Alvi wrote a letter to the PM, reminding him and the opposition leader to suggest a suitable person for the interim premier by 12 August (Saturday). In a letter to both PM Shehbaz and Riaz, the president informed them that under Article 224A they are supposed to propose a name for interim prime minister within three days of the dissolution of the National Assembly. As per the countrys Constitution, if the prime minister and the opposition leader fail to agree on the name within three days, the matter goes to the parliamentary committee for the appointment of a caretaker PM. As per the law, the premier and the opposition leader will send their respective preferences for the coveted post to the parliamentary delegation. The parliamentary committee will then have to finalise the name of the caretaker prime minister within three days. However, if the committee also fails to reach a consensus on the name, then the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) will pick the caretaker prime minister within two days from the names proposed by the opposition and the government. With inputs from ANI Amid concerns surrounding Japans forthcoming release of treated nuclear wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear power plant, a significant number of South Koreans took to the streets of their capital on Saturday. The demonstrators demanded that Tokyo abandon the proposed plans and voiced their frustration towards Seoul for supporting the discharge, despite alleged concerns about food safety. The protest held on Saturday marks the latest in a series of ongoing demonstrations that have persisted for weeks. These protests began following the approval of the Japanese discharge plans by the International Atomic Energy Agency back in July. The agency asserted that the process adheres to international safety standards and would result in minimal environmental and health repercussions. The safety of the wastewater release strategy has also received backing from the administration of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. In recent months, President Yoon has been actively working to mend the strained relations with the United States, their ally, as the threat of North Korean nuclear activities continues to grow. The Japanese government has said the wastewater release is set to start this summer, but it has not confirmed a specific date. Wearing raincoats and holding signs that read, We oppose the disposal of Fukushimas contaminated water, and, No radioactive material is safe for the sea, the demonstrators marched in light rain through the streets of downtown Seoul. The rallies were proceeding peacefully and there were no immediate reports of clashes or injuries. South Korea has been trying to calm peoples fears of food contamination and environmental risks ahead of the release of Fukushimas wastewater, including expanding radiation tests on seafood at the countrys major fish markets and even testing sand from its southern and western beaches. None of the tests have so far triggered safety concerns, Jeon Jae-woo, an official at the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, said during a briefing on Friday. Park Ku-yeon, first vice minister of the Office for Government Policy Coordination, said South Korea was hoping to wrap up working-level consultations with Japan next week over allowing South Korean experts to participate in the monitoring of the release process. Liberal opposition lawmakers controlling the countrys National Assembly have accused Yoons government of putting peoples health at risk while trying to improve bilateral ties. The Democratic Party said this week that it plans to file a complaint with the United Nations Human Rights Council to highlight what it says are perils posed by the release of Fukushimas wastewater and question whether the IAEA properly reviewed the risks before greenlighting the discharge plans. The party also urged Yoon to reverse his position and use a trilateral summit later this month with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and US President Joe Biden to state Seouls opposition to the wastewater release. The safety of Fukushimas wastewater has been a sensitive issue for years between the US allies. South Korea and Japan have been working in recent months to repair relations long strained over wartime historical grievances to address shared concerns such as the North Korean nuclear threat and Chinas assertive foreign policy. A massive earthquake and tsunami in 2011 destroyed the Fukushima plants cooling systems, causing three reactors to melt and contaminate their cooling water. Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, which operates the facility, has been collecting, filtering, and storing the water in hundreds of tanks, which will reach their capacity in early 2024. Japan first announced plans to discharge the treated water into the sea in 2018, saying the water will be further diluted by seawater before being released in a carefully controlled process that will take decades to complete. The water is being treated with whats called an Advanced Liquid Processing System, which is designed to reduce the amounts of more than 60 selected radionuclides releasable levels except for tritium, which officials say is safe for humans if consumed in small amounts. Junichi Matsumoto, the corporate officer in charge of treated water management for TEPCO, pledged in a news conference last month to conduct careful sampling and analysis of the water to make sure its release is safely carried out by IAEA standards. William Lai, the vice president of Taiwan, departed for the United States on Saturday for a sensitive trip that China has denounced and that Taiwanese officials fear may lead to increased Chinese military operations near the democratically-run island. Lai, who is expected to win Taiwans presidential election in January, will ostensibly only stop in America for transit on his trip to and from Paraguay to attend that countrys presidents inauguration. Beijing has reacted angrily to what it perceives as yet another indication of U.S. support for Taiwan, which it says is sovereign Chinese territory. Taipei and Washington argue that such stopovers are common and are not justification for China to engage in provocative behaviour. According to Taiwanese officials, China is likely to begin military exercises in the vicinity of Taiwan the next week as a pretext for using Lais visits to the US to terrify voters before of an election next year and instill a fear of war in them. Lai briefly mentioned the American portion of his journey when speaking to media at Taiwans largest international airport in Taoyuan, saying he was first headed to New York. He declared that he would utilise the trip to Paraguay to meet with delegations from allies and to conduct self-confident talks with other nations in addition to strengthening ties with that nation. He didnt specify anyone. This will let the international community understand that Taiwan is a country that adheres to democracy, freedom and human rights, and actively participates in international affairs, Lai added. It will also let the world know about our various efforts to maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, he said. Lai visited Honduras last year to attend the countrys presidential inauguration, and while there, she spoke briefly but meaningfully with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris. Who might be travelling to Paraguay next week has not yet been disclosed by the United States. Lai, who has previously identified himself as a practical worker for Taiwan independence, is particularly despised by Beijing. However, Lai has emphasised numerous times throughout the election campaign that he does not wish to alter the current situation. On the social media site X, formerly known as Twitter, Lai posted in English before departing that he was excited to meet with US friends in transit and that he was travelling to Paraguay, one of only 13 nations that still retain diplomatic ties with Taipei. Laura Rosenberger, chair of the Virginia-based American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), a U.S. government-run non-profit that carries out unofficial relations with Taiwan, responded on X that AIT was looking forward to welcoming him during his transit en route to Paraguay. Neither Taiwan nor the United States has given exact details about his U.S. schedule, and both are aiming to keep that part low key, according to officials briefed on the trip. Lai is to return from Paraguay via San Francisco and is due back in Taiwan on Friday, according to the official schedule for the trip published on Saturday, which does not mention the U.S. legs. The Paraguay part of the trip is also important given Chinas increasing efforts to take Taiwans remaining allies. Honduras, once a stalwart Taiwanese partner, switched relations to China in March. (With agency inputs) Taiwans Vice President, William Lai, is embarking on a trip to the United States on Saturday, a move that China has strongly criticised. This trip has raised concerns among Taiwanese officials who worry it might lead to increased Chinese military maneuvers in the region surrounding the democratically governed island. Lai, a leading contender in the upcoming January elections for Taiwans presidency, is officially scheduled for transit layovers in the United States, while en route to and from Paraguay, where he will attend the presidential inauguration. While both Taipei and Washington assert that these layovers are routine and not intended to incite China, Beijings reaction has been one of displeasure, interpreting them as yet another indication of US backing for Taiwan. China regards Taiwan as its sovereign territory and finds such gestures provocative. China is likely to launch military drills next week near Taiwan, using Lais stopovers in the United States as a pretext to intimidate voters ahead of a next years election and make them fear war, Taiwanese officials said. Beijing particularly dislikes Lai, who has in the past described himself as a practical worker for Taiwan independence. Lai has, however, repeatedly said during the election campaign he does not seek to change the status quo. Lai, who goes first to New York, published a short video on his social media accounts late on Friday about his trip, mentioning only the Paraguay part, the country being one of just 13 to maintain formal ties with Taipei, reported Reuters. He showed off what he will be taking with him, including the gift of a Garmin solar-powered GPS bike computer for Paraguays new president, Santiago Pena, as well as neck cushions and baggage tags emblazoned with words including Team Taiwan in English and Taiwan, your backer in Chinese. I hope, by serving as President Tsai Ing-wens special envoy to Paraguay to participate in the inauguration ceremony of the new president, to convey the blessings of the people of Taiwan, he said. Neither Taiwan nor the United States have given exact details about his US schedule. The US State Department told Reuters that, consistent with past transits, Lai would meet the chair of the Virginia-based American Institute in Taiwan, a U.S. government-run non-profit that carries out unofficial relations with Taiwan. Lai, scheduled to speak to reporters at Taiwans main international airport on Saturday afternoon before leaving, is to return from Paraguay via San Francisco. The Paraguay leg of the trip is also important given Chinas increasing efforts to take Taiwans remaining allies. Honduras, once a stalwart Taiwanese partner, switched relations to China in March. Lai went to Honduras last year for the inauguration of its president and had a brief though symbolic chat while there with US Vice President Kamala Harris. With inputs from agencies According to local officials, some beaches in the Ukrainian Black Sea city of Odesa are now officially open for swimming for the first time since the beginning of the Russian invasion, however swimming is still prohibited while there are air raid warnings. Following the invasion in February of last year, Odesa, the largest port and naval facility in Ukraine, was frequently targeted by missile and drone attacks, and the sea was strewn with hundreds of sea mines. The coast was shut down for the protection of the locals and following cases of explosives exploding on beaches. According to Odesa Governor Oleh Kiper on the messaging app Telegram, the decision to reopen the beaches was reached jointly by the citys civilian and military authorities. He said the beaches would be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Oleksandr, a lifeguard and a former diver who gave only his first name, said that an anti-mine net was placed in between two piers to prevent swimmers encountering shallow-water mines. The net will stop them. And they (mines) will also be visible from the shore under such weather conditions. Emergency workers will be notified, they will come to handle it, he said. The opening of the beaches has been a welcome respite from the war for people swimming and sunbathing. I have been dreaming of going to the beach and inhaling salty air. We have been missing it a lot. But safety is a top priority, said Svitlana, a resident of the Odesa region. (With agency inputs) The Biden administration has announced a rare instance of cooperation between the worlds two largest economies, stating that the US and China will approve twice the number of passenger flights currently permitted for air carriers to fly between the two nations. The US Transportation Department (USDOT) said it would will increase the number of Chinese passenger flights allowed to fly to the US to 18 weekly round-trips on 1 September and increase that to 24 per week starting 29 October, up from the current 12. It said the Chinese government will agree to the same increase for American carriers, confirming a decision reported earlier by Reuters. The agreement between Beijing and Washington, which have sparred on many fronts, comes after China on Thursday lifted pandemic-era restrictions on group tours for more countries, including key markets such as the US, Japan, South Korea and Australia. USDOT said the first tranche of flights was approved to start 1 September to meet an anticipated increase in demand around the start of the academic year. Sources said US airlines are not expected to immediately take advantage of all 18 weekly flights. The Chinese Embassy in Washington referred questions about specifics to authorities in China, but said direct flights are essential for increasing mutual visits between Chinese and American peoples. We hope that the restoration of more flights will do good to the flow of people and trade between the two countries. After Secretary of State Antony Blinkens June trip to the China, consistent engagement by USDOT and the State Department with Chinese officials made this important step forward possible, USDOT added. Our overriding goal is an improved environment wherein the carriers of both parties are able to exercise fully their bilateral rights to maintain a competitive balance and fair and equal opportunity among U.S. and Chinese air carriers, USDOT said in its approval order on Friday. Air China (601111.SS) said in a filing with USDOT on Thursday that it was seeking permission to add a new weekly flight between Beijing and Los Angeles. China Eastern (600115.SS), Xiamen Airlines and China Southern (600029.SS) also fly scheduled service to the US, while United Airlines, American Airlines (AAL.O) and Delta Airlines (DAL.N) currently operate passenger flights to China. United said on Friday it will expand flights between the two countries under the agreement, resuming flights to Beijing and reintroducing its daily service to Shanghai. Airlines for America, an industry trade group, said it supports the gradual reopening of US-China air services commiserate with increases in passenger demand over time. Todays modified Order ensures fair and equal opportunity for U.S. airlines to compete in the marketplace. The 24 weekly flights are still a fraction of the more than 150 round-trip flights allowed by each side before restrictions were imposed in early 2020 due to the COVID-pandemic. On 3 May, USDOT said it would allow Chinese airlines to increase US passenger services to 12 weekly round-trips, equal to the number of flights Beijing has permitted for American carriers. Previously, only eight weekly flights by Chinese carriers were allowed. US carriers have noted that they cannot fly over Russian airspace to China, which makes some routes much longer. Reuters reported in June Chinese airlines were avoiding flying over Russian airspace in newly approved flights to and from the US but still using Russian airspace for other flights. With inputs from agencies Meta, the parent company of Instagram, has introduced new ways for users to share content with friends and interact with creators on Instagram through music, photos, and reels. Photo Carousels with Music Instagram now allows users to add music to their photo carousels, enhancing the storytelling experience. This feature builds on the earlier introduction of music for feed photos and enables users to express emotions and elevate their carousels. Collaborative Creations with Friends Another noteworthy addition is the introduction of collaborative opportunities on Instagram. By introducing Collaborations, users can now invite up to three friends to collaboratively author feed posts, carousels, or reels. Once the invitation is accepted, the resulting content will be shared with the combined audiences of all collaborators, finding a place on each participants profile grid. This collaborative feature extends to both private and public accounts, promoting inclusivity. Private account holders can initiate collaborative posts or reels by inviting collaborators who follow them. Engaging with Creators and Artists Instagram has also introduced the Add Yours sticker feature to encourage interaction with creators and artists. This feature empowers creators to invite their followers to participate in entertaining prompts or challenges through Reels. From the pool of submissions, creators can handpick their favorite entries, celebrating the creativity of their fanbase. The Add Yours prompts offer an opportunity for anyone to craft their own rendition of a prompt and potentially gain recognition from the original creator. If a creator selects a users reel as a favorite, the user will receive a notification. Public accounts will enable others on Instagram to view these submissions by tapping on the Add Yours sticker. Expanding the Musical Horizon on Instagram Looking ahead, Instagram is set to expand its musical offerings. Over the upcoming weeks, the platform plans to introduce its music library to more countries, allowing a broader audience to engage with music-enhanced content. Moreover, Instagram has joined forces with Spotify in Mexico and Brazil to introduce a Reels Music Chart featuring 50 of the most popular songs from Instagram Reels. Announcing the updates, Meta posted: The Delhi High Court has made a significant ruling that denies Google the safe harbor protection provided by the Information Technology Act, 2000. The court also held that Google can be held liable for trademark infringement when using trademarks as keywords in its Ads Programme. Google appealed against a prior ruling in which it was deemed responsible for ensuring that keywords used in its Ads Programme did not infringe trademarks. The court held that Googles activities couldnt be shielded under Section 79 of the Information Technology Act, 2000. The case was initiated by DRS Logistics against Google India, Google LLC, and Just Dial. DRS Logistics sought to prevent the use of its registered trademark AGARWAL PACKERS & MOVES or DRS LOGISTICS as keywords, meta tags, or trademarks. Courts Verdict The division bench, composed of Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice Amit Mahajan, supported the previous ruling. They determined that Google actively participates in its Ads Programme and isnt just a passive intermediary. The bench acknowledged that Googles involvement in suggesting keywords for higher click rates contradicts the notion that Google is a mere facilitator. The court also clarified that while using trademarks as keywords isnt inherently detrimental to their reputation, if such usage leads to confusion, dilution, or compromise of the trademarks integrity, it could be deemed an infringement. Googles Response In response to the verdict, Google expressed satisfaction with the Delhi High Courts decision. The company highlighted its adherence to a policy that prevents advertisers from using trademarked terms in ad-text except in specific situations, like for resellers and informational sites. Google stressed its commitment to complying with local laws and stated that it investigates reported trademark usage in ad-text, promptly removing offending ads and blocking advertisers from referencing the trademark in the future. On the announcement, Division Bench of Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice Amit Mahajan, said: Its hard to believe that Google can claim immunity under Section 79 of the IT Act for trademark infringement through its use of trademarks as keywords in its Ads Programme. Google is not a mere bystander, but rather operates an advertising business over which it has extensive control. Commenting on the court ruling, Google said: As an organization, we adhere to all local regulations. Our goal is for users to have confidence in the advertisements on our platform, so we work tirelessly to ensure that ads are transparent and truthful, providing the information necessary for users to make informed choices. Source China calls for revisiting spirit of Treaty of Peace and Friendship Between China and Japan Xinhua) 16:25, August 12, 2023 BEIJING, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson on Saturday said it is hoped that Japan will work with China to take the 45th anniversary of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship Between China and Japan as an opportunity to revisit the spirit of the treaty, recommit to the consensus in the treaty, and jointly build a China-Japan relationship that can meet the requirements of the new era. Saturday marks the 45th anniversary of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship Between China and Japan. "Forty-five years ago, China and Japan concluded the Treaty of Peace and Friendship Between China and Japan," the spokesperson said when answering a relevant query, adding that the Treaty codifies the commitment of China and Japan to peace, friendship and cooperation and establishes the ever-lasting principles and direction for bilateral interaction that prove to be as relevant as ever. In the past 45 years, China-Japan relations have come a long way, bringing tangible benefits to the two peoples and contributing to the prosperity and stability of the region and beyond, the spokesperson added. "The relations between our two countries are at a critical stage of improvement and growth," said the spokesperson. It is hoped that Japan will work with China to take the 45th anniversary of the treaty as an opportunity to revisit the spirit of the treaty, recommit to the consensus in the treaty, uphold the political foundation, enhance mutually beneficial cooperation, remove distractions and barriers and jointly build a China-Japan relationship that can meet the requirements of the new era, the spokesperson added. (Web editor: Zhao Tong, Hongyu) Elon Musk vs. Mark Zuckerberg Cage Fight Unfolds in Italy News oi -Kabir Jain Prepare for an intriguing showdown as two of the tech world's giants, Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, gear up for an unprecedented fight that seems to borrow a page from the history books of ancient Rome. In an unexpected twist, this clash of tech titans will be broadcasted live on Meta and X platforms, with the backdrop resembling the grandeur of ancient Rome. Elon Musk, the daring entrepreneur renowned for his audacious endeavors, is taking this contest beyond the ordinary. On X (formerly known as Twitter), Musk revealed that the entire event presentation will exude the essence of ancient Rome. A departure from the contemporary, this approach ensures that viewers will be transported back in time to an era of gladiatorial duels and monumental arenas. Foundations Stepping into the Arena In a move that sets this event apart, it's not the UFC that will be managing this extraordinary spectacle. Musk and Zuckerberg have chosen to hand over the reins to their respective foundations. Support from Italy Elon Musk's venture into this Romanesque spectacle was ignited by conversations with Italy's Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, and Minister of Culture, Gennaro Sangiuliano. The Italian leaders voiced their endorsement for this unconventional event. The fight will be managed by my and Zucks foundations (not UFC). Livestream will be on this platform and Meta. Everything in camera frame will be ancient Rome, so nothing modern at all. I spoke to the PM of Italy and Minister of Culture. They have agreed on an epic location. Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 11, 2023 Beyond the glitz and glamour, this face-off is tied to a noble cause. Musk's commitment to veterans shines through as he directs all proceeds from the event toward supporting veterans. Musk's Health Update Elon Musk's transparency also takes center stage as he provides an update on his health. While his C5/C6 fusion remains stable, he candidly shares a concern about his right shoulder blade rubbing against his ribs. I spent 3 hours in an MRI machine on Monday. Bottom line is that my C5/C6 fusion is solid, so not an issue. However, there is a problem with my right shoulder blade rubbing against my ribs, which requires minor surgery. Recovery will only take a few months. Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 11, 2023 This minor setback necessitates a minor surgical intervention, with an estimated recovery period of a few months. Zuckerberg's Enthusiastic Response Mark Zuckerberg, known for his resilience, responded to Musk's challenge with enthusiasm. Through his social media posts, Zuckerberg hinted at his eagerness to take part in this high-stakes encounter. How It Started This epic face-off traces its beginnings back to a lighthearted exchange between Musk and Zuckerberg. The sparks flew when Musk, in response to news about Meta's Threads launch, playfully suggested a cage match with the words, "I'm ready for a cage match if he is, lol." This seemingly innocuous banter evolved into an epic narrative of tech giants gearing up for a showdown that transcends conventional business rivalries. 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 Ao Zagorskiy Optiko-Mekhanicheskiy Zavod Moscow region, Sergiev Posad, Red Army Avenue, 212 V. Zagorsk, a town just northeast Moscow, is famous for its monastery and churches. ZOMZ JSC is a modern innovative enterprise, a leading developer and manufacturer of optical and optoelectronic devices for law enforcement agencies, industry and healthcare. JSC "ZOMZ" (Zagorsk Optical and Mechanical Plant) is a legendary enterprise of the Russian optical industry. Since 1935, it has been manufacturing observation equipment, medical ophthalmological equipment, laboratory instruments, and more recently, dosimetric equipment and safety equipment. The Zagorsk Optical and Mechanical Plant is part of the Shvabe holding of the Rostec State Corporation and, in addition to civilian products, develops and manufactures optical and optoelectronic devices for law enforcement agencies. In particular, the enterprise produced optical equipment for the 275th aircraft repair plant in the Krasnodar Territory, which services military aircraft. It also supplied the National Guard with optical sights, night vision sights, binoculars and other equipment. Russia's Emergency Situations Ministry said on 10 August 2023 that 12 people were missing following an explosion at or near an optical-mechanical plant in the city of Sergiyev Posad that killed at least one person and injured dozens more. Video of the blast showed a [non-nuclear] mushroom cloud of smoke rising into the sky. Five of the 50 or so people confirmed injured were said to be in intensive care at a local hospital in the area, which is about 70 kilometers outside the capital, Moscow. Russian authorities said an explosion occurred in a pyrotechnics warehouse leased to a company called Piro-Ross. They say the warehouse is located on the premises of the Zagorsk Optical and Mechanical Plant, Early eyewitness reports identified the location of the blast as the optical plant. The Russian Federal Investigative Committee announced a search of the Piro-Ross offices and the detention of Piro-Ross's technical director in connection with a criminal case launched into the incident. A Piro-Ross employee identified as Sergei Chankayev told media the day of the explosion that the blast didn't happen at the warehouse but in a neighboring building where no explosives were stored. He also suggested a sound thought to be that of a drone was heard before the explosion. An unexplained fire damaged the same Zagorsk plant in June 2022. Ukrainian officials have generally avoided publicly confirming any role in suspected drone or other operations that strike across the countries' internationally recognized border. Defence Express reported that Russian sources reported that the Zagorsk Optical-Mechanical Plant was involved in the development of a new strategic bomber codenamed Poslannik since 2019. This bomber is better known as PAK DA, which stands for prospective aviation complex for long-range aviation, and it has also been referenced as Izdelie 80. This facility holds a contract valued at 69 million rubles for the execution of a research and design component under the codename Poslannik-10EP/L, with the work scheduled to be completed by 2027. OAO Zagorsk Optical and Mechanical Plant is a leading domestic enterprise in the field of development and production of optoelectronic systems for the navy. OJSC ZOMZ, as part of the Russian optoelectronic holding OJSC Shvabe, is part of the Russian Technologies State Corporation. The enterprise has a license for the development and production of military equipment. Pleasant sales staff, with a huge selection of devices in different directions. The exterior and interior of the premises are reminiscent of the past. It's like a time machine transports you to the 90s. Even the access system still consists of pieces of paper of the old format with a bunch of seals from different departments. At the same time, measurements are also traceable. It is very pleasant that the management tries to develop the enterprise and strives to make it more modern. The main activities of Shvabe are the development and mass production of optical and laser systems and complexes, modern optical materials and technologies, high-tech medical equipment, aerospace monitoring systems and remote sensing of the Earth, instruments for scientific research, energy-saving lighting technology, nanomechanics, as well as other high-tech products. The range of products manufactured at the enterprises of the holding exceeds 6,500 units. Shvabe has unique technologies in the field of development and production of optical materials, acousto-optics, low-temperature optics, high-energy lasers, as well as in the processing of large-sized astronomical optics. Main products: Equipment for detecting and determining the parameters of laser radiation from enemy high-precision weapon systems for determining coordinates with subsequent aiming of opposing weapons at the target. Observation instruments: waterproof marine binoculars, binoculars with image stabilization, wide-angle prism binoculars, combined day-night binoculars, thermal imaging sights, pancratic sights, thermal imaging systems. Medical equipment for equipping medical institutions of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation: slit lamps, hand and head ophthalmoscopes, monobinoscopes, visual field analyzers, dioptrimeters. JSC "ZOMZ" is ready in the shortest possible time to develop in the interests of the Russian Navy high-quality devices for radiation, chemical and biological reconnaissance, as well as environmental monitoring devices. Today JSC "ZOMZ" has a significant production, design, scientific, technical and innovation potential. Decades of experience, ongoing research and development work allow us to quickly respond to market challenges and best meet customer needs. JSC "ZOMZ" is open for cooperation in the field of development of optical-electronic systems of the Russian Navy. "Zagorsk Optical and Mechanical Plant" (ZOMZ) in Soviet times was called the brainchild of the second five-year plan. Its construction began in 1935 - at a significant time, when the Dnieper Hydroelectric Power Plant and Magnitka, the Gorky Automobile and Stalingrad Tractor Plants were just put into operation. The country, which embarked on the path of industrialization, really needed various devices. Without waiting for the production buildings to rise, the first factory workshops were located within the walls of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra. Almost 80 years ago, the territory occupied by the current ZOMZ was the outskirts of a small provincial town. But how quickly the places frozen in centuries-old slumber were changing. In April 1936, the plant had already produced its first products. Their samples were carried by the workers of the enterprise at the May Day demonstration. The steep rise of creative work was interrupted by the war. In the fall of 1941, ZOMZ was evacuated to Tomsk. However, already in 1943, the main equipment of the shops returned to their native walls. The entire career path of the twice-ordered team is reflected in the stands of the museum of the history of the plant. More than five thousand exhibits are presented in its seven sections. Products with the ZOMZ brand can be found in many sectors of the national economy, research institutes and laboratories, and medical institutions. Many of the devices are marked with diplomas of exhibitions. Their use in the national economy can significantly improve the quality of products. High-precision products of JSC "ZOMZ" are in great demand in the domestic and international markets. The plant supplies products through its dealers to about seven thousand organizations in the country and more than fifty foreign countries. ZOMZ is one of the main developers and manufacturers of a wide range of observation devices, medical equipment for diagnosing and treating diseases of eye tissues and vessels, fluorographs and X-ray image intensifiers, as well as various photometric devices. ZOMZ is the leading enterprise for the development and serial production of binoculars and monoculars. About 120,000 pieces of these observation devices with a variety of external design, capable of satisfying the most refined taste, are sent to different parts of our country and abroad. These optical devices are made of light alloys, have coated optics and are distinguished by a good combination of basic parameters (magnification, field of view, resolution, etc.). The most popular are binoculars with high magnification - 10x, 12x, 20x. So twenty-fold binoculars have found wide application among climbers, lovers of sea travel, as well as for astronomical purposes. But the theater binoculars of the BGSh have no equal in the world today. The union of optics and electronics led to the creation of a variety of instruments, to the widespread use of optical methods of research and analysis in almost all sectors of the national economy, accurate measurements at a qualitatively new level. This was facilitated by the use of efficient photoelectric receivers, electronic circuits and microprocessor systems, and lasers. The manufacture of complex products is ensured by the widespread introduction into production of the latest achievements in technology, advanced technology, and the professional skills of workers. In 1994, ZOMZ was transformed into an open joint-stock company Zagorsk Optical and Mechanical Plant. The territory occupied by the enterprise is 45 hectares. Production area is 160 thousand m2. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia - Luna 25 Space agency Roscosmos said 19 August 2023 there had been an "abnormal situation" during a manouver involving the Luna-25 space probe. "Today, in accordance with the Luna-25 flight program, at 14:10 Moscow time, an impulse was issued to transfer the station to the pre-landing orbit. During the operation, an emergency situation occurred on board the automatic station, which did not allow the maneuver to be performed with the specified parameters" - said the state corporation Roskosmos. Russia launched its first mission to the moon in nearly 50 years, pitting it in a space race with India, which is also aiming to land a lunar craft this month. The launch of the Luna-25 craft to the moon on 11 August 2023 was Russias first since 1976 when it was part of the Soviet Union and was conducted without assistance from the European Space Agency, which ended cooperation with Russia after its invasion of Ukraine. The launch from the Vostochny Cosmodrome in the Far East took place at 2:10am Moscow time Friday (23:10 GMT Thursday), The automatic station "Luna-25" entered the orbit of a natural satellite of the Earth, the press service of the state corporation "Roscosmos" reported. The report says that the station's engines turned on twice. To enter orbit at 11:57 Moscow time, the corrective braking engine turned on for 243 seconds, and then the soft landing engines worked for 76 seconds. For the first time in the modern history of Russia, an automatic station was launched into the orbit of an artificial satellite of the Moon at 12:03 Moscow time, Roscosmos said, noting that all Luna-25 systems are operating normally, communication with the station is stable. Earlier, the state corporation said that information about the state of the Luna-25 systems would be sent to Earth during the entire mission in real time. For Russia, a successful mission to the Moon would show that despite its turbulent past and the Western sanctions, which have really impacted Russias space development, the country is capable of conducting major space missions, ournalist Daniel Hawkins said. It would show that it can do so with equipment that is effectively made in Russia Russias own brand to compete at an international level, he said. Russias most recent space landing missions in 2016 and 2011 ended up failing. Discussion of the integrated concept of the general program of the Moon research took place on November 28, 2018. Then the terms of the program of mastering a celestial body, which is calculated until 2040, were designated. It involves the creation of a super-heavy launch vehicle by 2028. Russia is also going to deploy a habitable base and build an observatory. This proposal was addressed to the Roskosmos state corporation and the Russian Academy of Sciences by the Lavochkin NPO. Roscosmos promised to unveil its lunar exploration plans by spring 2019. The last time Russian instruments landed on the Moons surface was way back in Soviet-tinged 1976. Russia wants to start sending parts of the Russian segment of the ISS to the Moon; these will be used to build a lunar orbital base in the following decade, where regular flights aboard new spacecraft will be made. As the general director of Roskosmos Dmitry Rogozin reported, in 2021 a landing station Luna-25 will be sent to the Moon, in 2023 the Luna-26 orbiter will be sent, and a year later the landing station Luna-27 will be sent. Luna-25 will search for water ice at the south pole of the Earth satellite, and will also test soft landing technologies. The Luna-26 orbiter, in turn, must map and remotely study the surface of the Earths satellite, and the Luna-27 landing station will take soil samples at the south pole of the Moon to study. In 2027, the Luna-28 station is planned to be sent to the Moon to return cryogenic soil samples from the south pole of the Earths natural satellite to Earth, and Luna-29 with a moon rover in 2028. Russian space agency Roscosmos said it had scheduled the launch of the Luna-25 lander for the early hours of 11 August 2023. The launch was initially scheduled for August 2022, then delayed to July 2023, and now is being held up yet again due to the final cycle of ground control infrastructure tests. Roscosmos stated that In order to achieve the required reliability of the mission, it is necessary to take additional measures that will ensure the stable operation of ground controls at the stages of carrying out corrections and landing on the surface. With the lunar mission, Russia's first since 1976, Moscow is seeking to restart and build on the Soviet Union's pioneering space program. The launch is the first mission of Moscow's new lunar project and comes as President Vladimir Putin looks to strengthen cooperation in space with China after ties with the West broke down following the start of Moscow's offensive in Ukraine last year. Luna 25 was scheduled to launch no earlier than 10 August 2023 at 23:10 UTC from Vostochny Cosmodrome. Launch will be on a Soyuz-2 Fregat into Earth orbit. It will fire the Fregat again to go into a lunar transfer orbit and from lunar orbit it will drop down to the surface. Landing will be in the region of the lunar south pole, the main landing site is at 69.545 S, 43.544 E, north of Boguslavsky crater. The reserve landing site is at 68.773 S and 21.21 E, southwest of Manzini crater. Both coordinate points are centers of 15 x 30 km landing ellipses. The lander is expected to operate on the lunar surface, studying surface regolith and exospheric dust and particles, for one year. Engineers assembled a Soyuz rocket at the Vostochny cosmodrome in the Russian Far East for the launch of the lander, Roscosmos said. "The Luna-25 will have to practise soft landing, take and analyse soil samples and conduct long-term scientific research," Roscosmos said in a statement. The four-legged lander, which weighs around 800 kilograms (1,750 pounds), is expected to touch down in the region of the lunar south pole. By contrast, most previous Moon landings have occurred near the lunar equator. The spacecraft is expected to reach the Moon around five days after launch. When Luna-25 lands on the Moon, it will image the terrain with a European Pilot-D camera built specifically for landing. The data collected by this camera will be used to prepare for ESAs next challenge: landing on the Moon with high-precision and avoiding hazards using European technology. Two years after Luna-25, the Luna-26 orbiter will be sent to lunar orbit for remote scientific measurements and as a possible communications relay for the next lander mission. It will transmit data back to ground stations on Earth, including ESAs ground station network. Luna 25, also designated the Luna-Glob-Lander, had two primary scientific objectives of the mission: to study composition of the polar regolith, and to study the plasma and dust components of the lunar polar exosphere. The lander has a four-legged base containing the landing rockets and propellant tanks, an upper compartment holds the solar panels, communication equipment, on-board computers, and most of the science apparatus. Dry mass is about 800 kg, and it is expected to have roughly 950 kg of propellant at launch. The lander has a 1.6 meter-long Lunar Robotic Arm (LRA, or Lunar Manipulator Complex) to remove and collect the surface regolith to depths of 20 to 30 cm. The LRA is equipped with a scoop (175 cubic cm volume) and a sample acquisition tool, a 4.7 cm long tube with an internal diameter of 1.25 cm. The arm has four degrees of freedom / rotations: azimuthal, shoulder, elbow, and wrist/scoop. Total mass of the LRA is 5.5 kg, it uses 30 W nominal, and 50 W maximum power. There are eight science instruments. ADRON-LR is a gamma-ray and neutron spectrometer to study the surface regolith. ARIES-L detects charged particles and neutrals in the polar exosphere. LIS-TV-RPM, an infra-red spectrometer, measures surface water and OH and is mounted on the LRA. The LASMA-LR mass spectrometer will measure composition of regolith samples (1 - 2 cubic cm) from the LRA using laser ablation. The PML detector will study dust in the polar exosphere. STS-L is a panoramic and local imaging system. THERMO-L will study the regolith thermal properties, and the lander will also carry a laser retroreflector panel. Data transmission rates back to Earth are planned to be 4 Mbits/sec. The Institute for Space Research [IKI] of the Russian Academy of Sciences prepared an interview with the Scientific Director of the Institute, Scientific Director of the first stage (research by automatic stations) of the Russian lunar program, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Lev Zeleny about the prehistory of the Luna-25 mission and its main goals. "One of the reasons for today's "hype" around the Moon is the possible extraction of lunar resources, primarily rare earth metals associated with metallic meteorites that collided with the Moon during its evolution. And in the second place - the reserves of water ice at the poles. And here the data of the Russian scientific device LEND played a key role . "In general, there were quite a few experiments that were aimed at finding water on the Moon. Probably, every scientific group that was involved in them considers itself the author of these discoveries, but in any case, Russian scientists played a very important role in this discovery. "Thanks to the data from the LEND instrument, which has been operating near the Moon since 2009 (on board the NASA Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter ), back in 2010 we formulated the current concept of studying the polar Moon. "No one was talking about such a program then. We in Russia were then slowly preparing the Luna-Globe lunar project. This work was carried out by the Institute of Geochemistry and Analytical Chemistry. V. I. Vernadsky of the Russian Academy of Sciences (GEOKHI), and its task was to study the internal structure of the Moon using penetrators. Penetrators are impact probes that were supposed to penetrate the lunar soil at three or four points at high speed. It was planned that seismic sensors would be installed in the penetrators, which would transmit data to Earth through repeaters. As a result, it would be possible to obtain information about the size of the core of the Moon, which is very important for understanding the history of its origin. In general, this would certainly be a very important experiment for fundamental science. "A small "lyrical digression". Actually, it was GEOKHI that has always been the leader of lunar research. At the IKI, the Moon did not attract much attention - the main ones were studies of the atmospheres and the plasma environment of the planets. "But during the development of these stations, the question arose of who could actually manufacture these penetrators? It turned out that there were no such organizations in Russia in the 1990s. Connected Japan. Japanese penetrators even went as far as testing, but it turned out that they are far from withstand the shock load of 300-400 g, which occurs when it collides with the lunar surface. Then English specialists also unsuccessfully joined in, I even saw a special rail installation for testing such devices, but as a result, by the end of the 2000s, work on the Luna-Glob project, unfortunately, came to a standstill. "But just at that time, we received data from our LEND neutron telescope, which, as a result of a tough competition, we managed to install on the American lunar apparatus Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter . Yes, before that there was data on the presence of water, thanks to the first Indian lunar mission Chandrayaan 1 , but Russian specialists received a more or less detailed map of the distribution of water ice. Moreover, it was shown that water exists not only in "cold traps" - constantly shaded places inside polar craters (which, in principle, is quite expected), but also outside them. Then it caused a lot of controversy, what processes can create such a distribution? "But as a result, we realized that starting with the study of the Moon, we can think about its future exploration - and the presence of water ice will have to play a key role here. At that time, we very promptly proposed a new lunar program - the program for the study of the polar moon, received the support of the country's leadership, and, approximately in 2011-2012. started working on it. From the academic study of the structure of the Moon in the interests, as they say, of fundamental science, they moved on to the practical study of the reserves of lunar water. "Then the flight of the station was scheduled for approximately 20162017. I didnt like this index Glob - coffin, and I am proud that I came up with a numbering option that continues the Soviet series of stations for studying our natural satellite. The station began to be called "Luna-25", although due to inertia in the contracts it is still called "Luna-Glob". "Luna-25 is planned to be the first spacecraft in the new series. The development of the following vehicles has already been underway as part of the Luna-Resource program. Luna 26 is an artificial satellite of the Moon. Luna-27 is a more complex landing station with a drilling rig. Luna-28 is supposed to deliver soil, but not like the Soviet Lunas, but with the preservation of volatile components, including water ice. If we take a soil sample, as the Soviet Lunas did, then the water, if it is there, will simply evaporate at zero ambient pressure on the Moon, and we will not understand whether it was there or not." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Westford USA, Aug. 11, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to SkyQuest's latest global research of the Healthcare Insurance market , digital transformation, telemedicine adoption, value-based care models, increased focus on preventive care, the rise of consumer-driven healthcare, integration of artificial intelligence and data analytics, growing demand for customized insurance plans, the emergence of health tech startups, consolidation and mergers in the insurance industry, regulatory changes and reforms are the market trends promoting the growth. Browse in-depth TOC on "Healthcare Insurance Market" Pages - 242 Tables - 92 Figures 74 Get a sample copy of this report: https://www.skyquestt.com/sample-request/healthcare-insurance-market Health insurance is a type of insurance that covers the cost of medical expenses. It is a contract between an insurance company and an individual, where the insurance company agrees to pay for certain medical expenses in exchange for a monthly premium. Prominent Players in Healthcare Insurance Market UnitedHealthcare Aetna Cigna Blue Cross Blue Shield Humana Oscar Health Kaiser Permanente AmeriHealth Caritas Health Care Service Corporation WellCare Health Plans Guardian Life Insurance Company of America Principal Financial Group MetLife New York Life Insurance Company Prudential Financial XL Group Assurant The Hartford Browse summary of the report and Complete Table of Contents (ToC): https://www.skyquestt.com/report/healthcare-insurance-market Family Coverage Demand to Grow Substantially in the Forecast Period Family coverage dominated the global market owing to its high access and affordability. Insurance providers often negotiate with healthcare providers, hospitals, and pharmacies to secure better rates and terms for their family insurance plans. This leverage can result in cost savings and better coverage options for group policyholders. Individual Insurance is the Leading Application Segment In terms of application, individual insurance is the leading segment due to the personal coverage. In addition, individual insurance plans offer consumers the freedom to choose from a range of coverage options, networks, and insurers. This choice and control over their healthcare coverage align with the preferences of individuals who desire customization and flexibility in their insurance plans. North America is the leading Market Due to the High Healthcare Expenditures Region-wise, North America is one of the largest growing markets with a large population, high healthcare expenditures, well-established private insurance systems, and government programs like Medicare and Medicaid. The United States has a highly developed private health insurance market, with a significant portion of the population covered under employer-sponsored group insurance plans. A recent report thoroughly analyzes the major players operating within the Healthcare Insurance market. This comprehensive evaluation has considered several crucial factors, such as collaborations, mergers, innovative business policies, and strategies, providing invaluable insights into the key trends and breakthroughs in the market. Additionally, the report has carefully scrutinized the market share of the top segments and presented a detailed geographic analysis. Finally, the report has highlighted the major players in the industry and their ongoing endeavors to develop innovative solutions that cater to the ever-increasing demand for Healthcare Insurance. Key Developments in Healthcare Insurance Market UnitedHealth Group (UNH) acquired Optum (OPT) in January 2023. This acquisition created the largest health care company in the world, with over $280 billion in annual revenue. UnitedHealth Group will now be able to offer a wider range of health care services to its customers, from insurance to pharmacy to care delivery. Humana (HUM) acquired Kindred Healthcare (KIND) in March 2023. This acquisition will allow Humana to expand its presence in the post-acute care market. Kindred Healthcare owns and operates a network of hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and nursing homes. This acquisition will give Humana a larger share of the market for post-acute care services. Speak to Analyst for your custom requirements: https://www.skyquestt.com/speak-with-analyst/healthcare-insurance-market Key Questions Answered in Healthcare Insurance Market Report What specific growth drivers are projected to impact the market during the forecast period? Can you 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 might these differences shape the market's future growth? Related Reports in SkyQuests Library: UK Health Insurance Market Global Reinsurance Market Global Car Insurance Market Global Cyber Insurance Market Global Livestock Insurance 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 New York, NY , Aug. 12, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In the fast-moving world that embraces revolutionary strides, the adoption of the blockchain as well as Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been a stupendous advance towards wider technological acquisitions. Onschain, the worlds first platform that has been a result of the integration of blockchain and AI, the two pioneering technologies, marks a milestone in the space. Onschains groundbreaking invention of amalgamating blockchain technology with Artificial Intelligence, focuses mainly on a decentralized, transparent, and safe ecosystem. While Onschains decentralized system is not only built by AI but also monitored by it, the term decentralized becomes the most reliable and promising as there is no human interference. While merging the most secure and unclouded blockchain technology and the capable AI, Onschain aims at building an ideal platform that facilitates real-time data-based decisions, guaranteeing efficiency and accuracy. The novel concept of the integration of these creative technologies sets a precursor for the future that excludes any human intervention, especially in tech-related areas. By incorporating AI technology into the blockchain ecosystem, Onschain looks forward to introducing a more appreciable digital asset management system. The reports and analysis that surround Onschain also appreciate the companys novel standards and growing opportunities, utilizing AI and blockchain technologies. In addition, the leading crypto exchange Binance has also shared its interest in Onschain, by opening a blank chart page for the Onschain project. The level of automation that Onschain targets and implements was impossible in the previous centuries when everything was under human control. However, with the clutch on AI, Onschains blockchain ecosystem has made it a reality. The advancements make transactions easier and more secure, improving user experience. In addition, the possibility of threats such as hacks or breaches is minimal under the monitoring of AI. About Us Onschain is a platform that shapes the future of blockchain technology by integrating it with effective and capable information technology. The novel project intends to bring a promising ecosystem that assures transparency and security. Disclaimer: There is no offer to sell, no solicitation of an offer to buy, and no recommendation of any security or any other product or service in this article. This is not investment advice. Please do your own research. Media Contact Name: Berry Rivera Email: info@onschain.com Location: New York, United States Company: Onschain Vancouver, August 11, 2023 - Centurion Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: CTN) ("Centurion", or the "Company") wishes to report that its private placement financing is being extended by up to 30 days. As previously announced, the Company is arranging a non-brokered private placement financing for up to $750,000 priced at $0.02. Up to $600,000 will consist of a Unit offering comprising one common share and one-half share purchase warrant. Each full warrant shall have a term of 24 months commencing on the Closing Date and shall entitle the holder to purchase one common share at a price of $0.05 during the first year and $0.10 during the second year. Up to $150,000 will consist of a Flow-through share only. A minimum of 25% of the proceeds from the financing shall be used for property payments and furthering exploration activities on the Project, up to 15% for non-arm's length payments and 10% for corporate communications. The balance shall be used for working capital and general corporate activities. Centurion has received commitments for approximately 50% of the total financing to date. Closing will be subject to TSX-V approval, and any shares issued will be subject to a four-month hold period. Casa Berardi West Gold Project: Centurion executed a previously announced Option Agreement to acquire a 100% interest in the Casa Berardi West Gold Project (the "Project"). The Project consists of 3 claim groups comprising a total of 4,700 hectares, strategically located northeast of Cochrane, Ontario, Canada in the mineral endowed central north Abitibi greenstone belt. Highlights: Historical exploration includes more than 70 RC drill holes returning encouraging results that include 18 samples greater than 1,000 ppb (1 g/t) gold and the highest returning 38,000 ppb (38g/t) gold; Situated along structural corridors hosting world-class discoveries, operating mines, and significant past-producing operations; Located near historical production from Normetal Mines as well as currently active, Amex Exploration Inc. which is undertaking one of the largest drilling programs in Canada on its Perron project. (Amex Exploration Highlights Accomplishments From 2022 And Reviews Exploration Plans for 2023); Excellent access and infrastructure. An NI 43-101 Technical Report outlining the Project's historical activities has been completed and can be found on the Company's website. Project overview link (Casa Berardi West - Centurion Minerals Ltd.) Centurion has received conditional approval from the TSXV for this property transaction and subject final approval, immediate exploration efforts will be focused on: (i) compilation of all historical data; (ii) ground geophysics over priority targets; and (iii) an initial drill program covering identified targets. Qualified Person Mike Kilbourne, P. Geo, an independent qualified person as defined in National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed, and approved the technical contents of this news release on behalf of the Company. About Centurion Minerals Ltd. Centurion Minerals Ltd. is a Canadian-based company with a focus on mineral asset exploration and development in the Americas. Centurion has executed an Option Agreement enabling it to earn a 100% interest in the Casa Berardi West Gold Project which is located in the prolific gold-producing, greenstone belt of the central Abitibi Subprovince of north-eastern Ontario. The Agreement has received conditional Exchange approval. "David G. Tafel" President and CEO For Further Information Contact: David Tafel 604-484-2161 Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or "occur". This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forwardlooking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding discussions of future plans, estimates and forecasts and statements as to management's expectations and intentions with respect to, among other things, the timing of final approval of the Project; the timing, terms and completion of any proposed private placement; the expected use of proceeds from the financing; the Company's undertaking of initial exploration on the Project; and the Company's intention to exercise its option to purchase a 100% interest in the Project. These forwardlooking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, that the Company will not receive final approval on the Property acquisition; that the Company will not obtain the requisite approvals, to complete the proposed private placement; the inability of the Company to raise capital on acceptable terms, or at all; unanticipated costs; adverse changes in legislation; that the Company will not undertake initial exploration on the Project within the timeframe anticipated or at all; market uncertainty; that the Company's operations, business, personnel or financial condition is adversely impacted by COVID-19 or the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe; and the risk that Company is not able to exercise its option to purchase a 100% interest in the Project. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation; that the Company will receive all requisite approvals on the Property acquisition, and the proposed private placement; that the Company will be able to raise capital on acceptable terms; that the Company will undertake exploration on the Project, as anticipated; that the Company will retain the key personnel required to complete its business objectives; that there will be no adverse changes in legislation; and that the Company will have the resources required to exercise its option to acquire the Project. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement or forward-looking information disclosed herein, except in accordance with applicable laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/176997 Vancouver, August 11, 2023 - Eureka Lithium Corp. (CSE:ERKA) (OTC:SCMCF) (FWB:S580) ("Eureka" or the "Company"), announces an renewal 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 marketing services beginning Aug 12th, 2023 and to be provided until Sept 30th, 2023 or until budget exhaustion. MIC will utilize their online programs with the aim of increasing investor awareness and interest in the company through various online platforms and methods of engagement in consideration of EUR 200,000. 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 will not receive any shares of the Company as compensation. The Company also announces that it has engaged DMA Group ("DMA"), (Address: Box 1378, 821 Derksen, Vanderhoof, BC, V0J 3A0; email: dmckayassociates@hotmail.com) and its' principal Doug McKay, to provide investor relations services. DMA will provide a full suite of investor relations services to the Company including but not limited to strategic messaging, investor targeting and outreach as well as corporate communication services. DMA has been engaged for a twelve-month term at a rate of $7,500 per month. DMA does not have any prior relationship with the Company and will not receive any shares of the Company as compensation. The Company also announces it has engaged James Berard ("Berard"), (Address: 616-188 Keefer St, Vancouver, BC, V6A 0E3; email: james_berard@hotmail.com) to provide investor relations services. Berard will provide a full suite of investor relations services to the Company including but not limited to strategic messaging, investor targeting and outreach as well as corporate communication services for the Company. Berard has been engaged for a 3-month term at a rate of $4,000 per month. The Company will also grant Berard 50,000 incentive stock options exercisable at a price of $1.01 until August 1st, 2028. Berard, an arm's length service provider does not have any prior relationship with the Company. About Eureka Lithium Corp. Eureka Lithium Corp. is the largest lithium-focused landowner in the northern third of Quebec, known as the Nunavik region, with 100% ownership of three projects comprising 1,408 sq. km in the emerging Raglan West, Raglan South, and New Leaf Lithium Camps. These claims were acquired from legendary prospector Shawn Ryan and are located in a region that hosts two operating nickel mines with deep-sea port access. Contact information: Jeffrey Wilson: Chief Executive Officer E-mail: jwilson@eurekalithiumcorp.com Forward Looking Statements: This news release may include forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements within, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required under the applicable laws. FOR CANADIAN DISSEMIATION ONLY Copyright (c) 2023 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. Integrate accountability mechanism in AfCFTA implementation GDCA Mohammed Fugu Business News Aug - 12 - 2023 , 06:11 A civil society organisation has called for the integration of social accountability and transparency mechanisms in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) strategy to ensure its effective implementation. The Executive Director of Ghana Developing Communities Association (GDCA), Osman Abdel Rahaman, who made the call, said although AfCFTA provided a bigger platform for the nation's economic growth, realising those gains required transparency, accountability and active involvement of all stakeholders. AfCFTA offers access to an expanded market of more than 1.3 billion consumers across the continent. He also emphasised the need for continuous investment in capacity building of local government institutions and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to enable them to engage effectively in the intra-African trade. Event Alhaji Abdel Rahaman was speaking at a press conference to commemorate this years Africa Decentralisation and Local Development Day (ADD) in Tamale last Thursday. The celebration was on the theme: Accelerating the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). It highlighted pertinent issues and also created awareness and understanding of AfCFTA's provisions and the opportunities the trading bloc presented for businesses, especially SMEs and member countries citizens. The ADD day is commemorated by AU member states on August 10 every year. Decentralisation Alhaji Abdel Rahaman further said most trade policy initiatives often remained at the continental and national levels without being decentralised at the local levels, a development which, he said, had been affecting the effective implementation of such policies. He, therefore, called for increased awareness creation of AfCFTA among SMEs at the local level as they were the pivot of the intervention and added that a decentralised approach of the massive potential of AfCFTA will lead to unparalleled socio-economic growth of the country and the broader African continent. ECOWAS and coup in Niger - What lessons? International News Aug - 12 - 2023 , 07:32 Niger's junta, last Tuesday rejected the latest diplomatic mission from African countries aimed at restoring constitutional order after a July 26 coup, resisting pressure from the United States and the United Nations to come to the negotiating table. Heads of state from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which had earlier discussed the possibility of military intervention as a last resort. had to back down from that threat. Amidst uncertainties as to what holds in the future, General Abdourahmane Tchiani, who ousted the democratically elected President of that country, Mohamed Bazoum, seems to be encouraged by the success of fellow coup leaders in Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea. Much as he is turning away regional and international blocs from meeting him to discuss any issues related to the coup and the need to reinstate Mr Bazoum to power, he is being extremely cautious by avoiding public gatherings. For instance, he was not at the huge rally the junta organised in Niger's capital Niamey last Sunday. Reports monitored across all media say he has only appeared on TV on three occasions since the coup and has spoken twice once to present himself as Niger's new leader and once to make an Independence Day address. To some, the General does not even know where the crisis is going next. But his junta has announced the appointment of a prime minister, former Finance Minister and African Development Bank official Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeini signalling its ambitions to establish a prolonged political transition. The move is obviously strategic because the Prime Minister is a known civilian who is likely to be embraced by the regional bloc and signal that the military is not interested in holding on to power for the sake of it, but will allow a civilian to run the state of affairs in a manner that benefits the country as a whole and not a few elites. ECOWAS tested again Meanwhile, the developments in Niger ignite the debate about whether ECOWAS really has what it takes to move in to restore democratically elected governments that have been overthrown through the barrel of a gun. The sub-regional bloc threatened the coup leaders in Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea but those threats seem to be on paper. It must be noted that aside from risking the lives of soldiers from the individual countries in the bloc in an attempt to oust a coup leader who has the full backing of that countrys military, there is also the bigger picture of funding. This is a region plagued with poverty and economic challenges with most, if not all member states, under an International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme as part of measures to manage their huge debts and restore lost economic confidence. The individual countries within the sub-region are also not well equipped with the kind of sophisticated military weapons and equipment needed to overpower the military of another country without needless bloodshed. Lessons Coups, of course, can never be hailed as an alternative to a democratically elected government. Coups, from history, have been proven to be counterproductive to any economic transformation, particularly in Africa, because the leaders of that coup eventually entrench themselves and become worse than the same democratically elected governments they overthrow. The leaders also abuse the rights of their fellow citizens and become power-drunk to an extent, as they stifle press freedom. On the flip side, there is evidence all over about leaders who come to power democratically but engage in nepotism, embezzlement of state funds, cronyism, and mismanagement and blatantly refuse to be accountable to the same people who elected them. The worst part is when the democratically elected governments attempt to change the same constitution that brought them to power to favour them at the expense of their political opponents. For instance, it is common on the continent to see leaders change their countrys constitutions to extend their tenure in office from two terms to three against the will of the people. These and more have been the major triggers of coups in the subregion and until that stops, it will be difficult for ECOWAS to maintain its position as one against coups. For coups to stop, ECOWAS leaders must be bold enough to warn their colleagues about the consequences of their actions and inactions. While the coup-makers should not be allowed to have their way, the reverse is also true; so that in the end, the masses will be the beneficiaries and not a minute few. For now, the world is watching to see whether ECOWAS, to whose good governance and democracy protocol Niger is a signatory, will really launch a military intervention, as it has threatened to do later in the weeks to come to first demonstrate its resolve or permanently buck down on that threat and opt for peaceful negotiations with the coup leaders. There are also questions about whether ECOWAS will wait for sanctions to gradually do their work in ratcheting up pressure on the junta, particularly as there is significant political opposition to the military option in Nigeria, the present ECOWAS chair, and some other ECOWAS states. Way forward For now, ECOWAS must continue to mount pressure on the coup leaders and make themselves unpredictable as to the next steps meant to restore democratic rule. While it engages the West for military and financial support, there is the need for the regional bloc to find ways to rally the support of the people of Niger to reject the coup leaders, and, giving their ousted president another chance to prove himself. The stakes are high but it will only take tact, transparency and frank negotiations to achieve the intended results. Arresting declining education standards:Modern early years centre established in Atorkor Jemima Achivors Education Aug - 12 - 2023 , 10:56 The Dufia of Atorkor in the Anloga District of the Volta Region, Togbi Akumey Geli-Adjorlolo III, has expressed concern about the declining standard of education in the area. The chief pointed out that the situation could have far-reaching consequences for the youth's future prospects and the overall growth of the Atorkor community. Togbi Geli made his concern known during a two-pronged event to mark the ninth Speech and Prize Giving Day of the Atorkor Basic School to acknowledge and reward hard work, as well as the commissioning of an early years centre for the school. He stated that the importance of education as a foundation for the development and prosperity of the community could not be overemphasised and, therefore, called for collaborative efforts between local authorities, educators, parents and students to address the issue promptly. Foundation To deal with the decline in education, the Atorkor Development Foundation (ADF), in collaboration with the Royal Masonic School for Girls (RMSG), UK, has established the Atorkor Early Years Education Centre (AEYEC) to serve as an institution aimed at providing a solid foundation in education for pre-school and school-going children in Atorkor. The AEYEC would also serve as a well-resourced centre that offers comprehensive educational, medical and social support to the enrolled children. This includes medical assessments, educational plans tailored to individual needs and the involvement of parents as active partners in their children's education. The project is envisaged to become a model school for the community and district by extension. The Dufia of Atorkor acknowledged the enormous investments made by the ADF and its partners over the years in terms of materials and resources and also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the RMSG, UK, for their unwavering support to the school. He stated that over the years, the RMSG, UK, had generously donated educational materials, including books and computers to improve learning in the school while sponsoring female students from the community, enabling them to access quality education. The first phase of the early years centre. Early years education Speaking on the theme for the occasion, Early Years Education: The Foundation for Quality, Progressive and Successful Education, the District Director of Education, Yvonne Akpene Ame-Bruce, said it was regrettable that in the past, Early Childhood Education (ECE) had not received the attention it deserved. She, however, added that presently, ECE was gaining the recognition it merited for its pivotal role in laying a strong foundation for learners. "Early Childhood Education not only prepares children for primary school but also caters to their holistic development - addressing their physical, social, emotional and intellectual needs to ensure their overall well-being," she said. She stated that the AEYEC would not only serve as a model school but also as an in-service training centre for early childhood educators in the Anloga District. Challenges persist Presenting the school report at the ceremony, the Head Teacher of the school, Seth Kodowu Gadagbui, said the school's staffing of 18 teachers handling a population of 581 students seemed normal, but the "lack of classroom compounded with congestion made instruction quite difficult." He said teachers' efforts at the end of teaching did not show in the performance of the pupils, as many of the classes were combined, which failed to engender class control. He expressed gratitude to the ADF and its partners for their consistent assistance to the school and appealed for further upgrades of the Kindergarten department and the provision of computers, printers, a photocopier and a projector to fully operate the school's Information Technology laboratory. Mr Gadagbui also appealed for the rehabilitation and expansion of existing structures of the school for more classrooms. He appealed for a Pre-Technical Skills instructor for students at the junior high school level. The ceremony saw several awardees rewarded for their hard work and dedication. Lets support persons with disabilities to realise potential GES Linda Sah Education Aug - 12 - 2023 , 11:36 The Head of Guidance and Counseling Unit of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Gifty Sekyi-Bremansu, has called on stakeholders in the education sector to fully support persons with disabilities (PWDs) in society to enable them to maximise and realise their full potentials in life. That, she said, was because the societal stigma of disability was a major barrier to people with disabilities, thereby preventing them from getting the support they needed to succeed in their daily lives. The stigma is so widespread that many people with disabilities feel isolated, uncomfortable or even ashamed of their abilities. There is strength in disability, she said. Mrs Sekyi-Bremansu said this yesterday at the Adwinsas Children Show as part of the 20th Ghana International Book Fair in Accra. Dubbed Disability is not Inability , the event was held to create awareness of abilities and capabilities of the disabled and sensitise the public that there was no disability in any child. The show also saw the launch of a book titled Wings for Legs by Naomi Adjei which had the braille version for the blind, especially, for them to be able to read the books. We believe that all children have abilities in different ways. It is the society that has the erroneous perception that disability is inability, Mrs Sekyi-Bremansu said. Harnessing Potential In harnessing the potentials of children with disabilities, Mrs Sekyi-Bremansu urged the public to desist from discrimination and stigmatisation, and that members should provide the needed psychosocial support for the disabled individuals in the society in order for them to thrive and function effectively in the society. She also appealed to civil society organisations, community based organisations, faith based organisations and traditional authorities to provide the necessary support in terms of moral vision and infrastructural needs of disabled individuals in the society. All Inclusiveness The CEO of Adwinsa Publication, Kwaku Oppong-Amponsah, said the theme was also to promote the all-inclusiveness of all children regardless of the challenges they faced to create the environment where the disabled would feel safe and included in the involvement of the society. We dont have to leave them out, especially in the development of books and in our society. We dont have to let them look down on themselves and we also dont have to look down on them, he said. Mr Oppong-Amponsah urged the government and various stakeholders to aid in publishing more braille version books so that the blind would also be able to read. The Founder of Clicks Africa Foundation and President of Inclusion Ghana, Mary Amoah Kuffuor, appealed to book writers to minimise and eliminate instances of stereotyping distanced persons in their content creation. Let us be advocates for the vulnerable .We have seen the evidence of what persons with disability can do, she said. Mrs Kuffuor said that individuals with disability had something to offer the society if they were given the right support and opportunity. Let us all help build an inclusive society, she said. Collaborations The Chief Executive Officer of the National Council on persons with Disability, Esther Gyamfi, commended Adwinsa Publications Ghana Limited for the initiative, and for including learners with disability in the publishing space since disability was part of human diversity. She said that there was a need to collaborate with state agencies and the private sector to ensure that the Nations agenda for inclusive sustainable development was achieved. 39 Builsa North artisans receive GH93,776 start-up equipment Gilbert Mawuli Agbey Aug - 12 - 2023 , 11:48 A major challenge often faced by ambitious youth who venture into skills training is how to acquire start-up equipment to begin their various trades after successfully completing years of training. After graduating from the training, some of them who are able to receive support from their parents and other family relations are able to acquire their start-up tools for their respective businesses. Some who do not get the needed support are often left to their fate, while others due to lack of support to acquire the basic equipment often fail to utilise the skills gained and venture into other enterprises. Addressing challenge As a major step to address this challenge confronting the youth, the Builsa North Municipal Assembly in the Upper East Region has presented 18 sewing machines, 12 hair dryers and nine sets of luxury hair washing facilities worth GH93,776 to 39 hairdressers and seamstresses. The beneficiaries include six persons with disability (PWD). The support was given under the auspices of the support for self-employable skills which form part of the government and the municipal assemblys Local Economic Development (LED) agenda. It was sourced from the assemblys share of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), as the assembly recognises LED as a strategy to fully harness the economic potential of the area for job creation, improvement of livelihoods and poverty reduction. Commitment At a ceremony to present the equipment to the beneficiaries, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the area, Vida Anaab, said the support was in line with the governments commitment to support the youth to obtain employable skills. She noted that the support to the youth would help reduce the high youth unemployment in the area. She explained that the assembly recognised the capacity and ability of local economic development in transforming the local potential in the area, hence the support to the beneficiary artisans to either start their own businesses or boost their already established businesses. She disclosed that the assembly had resolved to offer similar support to other youth in various fields such as masonry, welding, electricals, carpentry, tiling, motor repairs, among others, in the next two years. She said in order to transform the economy from consumption to production, we must prioritise and encourage the youth to refocus on skills acquisition, which has self-employable capacity, instead of pursuing academic programmes which have limited job opportunities. Ms Anaab urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the items received to achieve the purposes for which they had been presented and desist from allowing the equipment to lie idle in their homes. She said that with the provision of the equipment, they did not have any excuse to remain idle but rather set up their own small-scale businesses to earn income to better their standard of living and to train others. Further, she entreated those who were yet to receive their share of the items to remain patient and exercise restraint as it would get to their turn. Other support She added that as part of the Ghana Safety Net Project in 2022, 313 people were supported with GH446,256.74 to improve their various income generation activities, indicating that 98 youth entrepreneurs had been trained under various entrepreneurial modules under phases one and two. Further, she pointed out that the third phase of the training was currently ongoing with 23 youth benefiting from it, and added that the assembly intended to complete the abandoned Sandema market for use by the traders. The Director-General of the Ghana Maritime Authority, Thomas Alonsi, while addressing the event, said the presentation of the equipment to the beneficiary artisans was a proof of the governments resolve to support the youth to establish their own firms to improve their lives. He added that since the assumption of office of President Akufo-Addo a number of initiatives and interventions had been rolled out to equip the youth to engage in income generating activities. He said I wish to entreat you to effectively and efficiently utilise this equipment to contribute to the progress of the informal sector in the municipality and to transform your lives as well. One of the beneficiaries, Gladys Gariba, a hairdresser, said hitherto she struggled to wash the hair of her clients due to the equipment she used but with the new equipment received both herself and her clients would be comfortable with the service rendered to them. On behalf of her colleagues, she expressed gratitude to the municipal assembly for coming to their aid, with a promise that they would put them to good use to achieve the intended purposes. Women in mining: the challenges, opportunities and way forward -A conversation with Georgette Barnes Sakyi-Addo Timothy Ngnenbe Aug - 12 - 2023 , 10:15 Ghana is endowed with abundant mineral resources such as gold, bauxite, manganese, and lately, iron ore and lithium. Although the mining sector has been the major anchor for the local economy, there are concerns about the extent to which citizens have participated or benefitted from the mining value chain. There are even graver concerns about how the mining ecosystem accommodates women. A fortnight ago, the Daily Graphics Timothy Ngnenbe (TN) attended a three-day workshop in the Goree Island in Senegal on prevention and management of conflicts related to resource extraction in West Africa. The workshop was organised by the Goree Institute, Centre for Democracy, Development and Culture in Africa (Goree Institute) from July 26 to 28, this year for selected journalists and civil society organisations (CSOs) for three mineral-rich Anglophone West African countries Ghana, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. Timothy Ngnenbe (TN), a journalist with the Daily Graphic, sat with one of the participants, Georgette Barnes Sakyi-Addo (GBS), to explore the challenges confronting women in Ghanas mining value chain and the opportunities that could be explored to improve the situation. Georgette Sakyi-Addo is the founder and Executive Director of Georgette Barnes Limited. She is also co-founder and president of Women in Mining Gh, former President of the Association of Women in Mining Africa (AWIMA) and co-founder of Accra Mining Network. The multilingual mining industry executive has received recognition by Forbes Afrique as one of Africas 100 most influential women in 2023. Georgette Sakyi-Addo speaking at the Goree Institute in Senegal Timothy Ngnenbe (TN): You have been in the mining industry for almost 30 years now. How did you venture into mining? How far have you travelled in this industry? Georgette Barnes Sakyi-Addo (GBS): I started off in advertising and communications before joining a minerals exploration company around 1994, and I have never left the sector. I worked with four companies, including some in Francophone countries, and learnt on the job. With one Australian consulting company, I worked for about 10 years and that actually set the stage for me. I founded my own company in 2009, Georgette Barnes Limited (GBL), a mine support service company. GBL represents international industry brands. We supply geological, exploration, drilling and mining consumables. We also offer exploration and maintenance services. In the core yard, we do the core storage systems, core markers, the rollers, racks and cutting machines. We also supply drilling fluids and drill muds for the drilling companies, and we have introduced the 3GSM drill and blast software to the industry. TN: What kept you going in this male-dominated industry? GBS: For me it is just an industry I work in, just like any other job. When I was working with the various mining companies earlier in my career, I made a conscious effort to learn on the job. I supported the technical team, got involved in all aspects of the business and that made me to fully understand the industry. What I do now with my own company is a combination of the experiences I gathered along the way, in addition to my own modest acumen as well as industry-specific short courses, including surface mining, mining engineering and mining law and policy. TN: From all indications, you have found your feet in large-scale mining. GBS: GBL and I are well-known and established in the industry, but I still have a long way to go. My team and I are striving to achieve more in a complex industry. It is tough; West Africa is not an easy region to work in. There are lots of structural and regulatory barriers, but we keep moving on. TN: What is your assessment of womens participation in the mining industry, especially the large-scale sector? GBS: Working in exploration, I noticed that there were not many women in the industry; I was often the lone female in meetings and conferences and I thought I could do something about it, and that is what led me to start WIM. In the small-scale sector, however, I came across many women in my travels in Tarkwa, Obuasi and other mining areas. There are low barriers of entry into the artisanal mining labour force, so at that level you find a lot of women. But in the large-scale mining sector, only about 12 per cent are women, and this is even after many years of working at it. TN: Why dont we have many women in the large-scale mining supply value chain? GBS: The mining industry is a highly specialised one; it relies on specific technical skills to deliver quality output which you must adhere to. As a result, establishing takes time because you have to build a pipeline of talent, and that begins from encouraging girls to take up Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects and join their male counterparts into technical education, and so on. Currently, the University of Mines and Technology has an affirmative action enrolment programme for females. An initiative like that is what is needed in other institutions to build that pipeline. Georgette Sakyi-Addo speaking at the Goree Institute in Senegal TN: For women that have found themselves in the mining industry, what challenges do they face? GBS: A recent extensive research WIM-Gh undertook, with funding from Ford Foundation, brought up challenges women face in the mining industry, including workplace harassment and discriminatory practices. A number of respondents said they were passed over for promotions. Retaining women in the sector is difficult because historically mines were designed for men; but now women are gradually getting recruited so it is a work in progress. A lot of the large-scale mines now have policies in place with specific targets for specialised departments to work on diversity and inclusion. TN: What is WIM doing to improve the situation of women in the mining industry? GBS: It was in an effort to address issues affecting women that a conversation started in 2013 with other women on the need to think together and address them. In 2015, we decided to formalise our meetings, so we registered Women in Mining, Ghana (WIM). The main purpose was to serve as an advocacy body for all women working in the mining sector (Industry, Academia and Government) by offering training, mentorship, networking and research. Several global research reports have established that having women on boards, for instance, improves workplace culture, introduces innovation and diversity of thought, and eventually increases the bottom line. Its in the interest of mining companies to create more space for women in every aspect of the industry. TN: What are the low hanging fruits that women can take advantage of? GBS: We need to encourage more professional women to take up employment opportunities in the mining industry. Boardrooms and the C-Suites need to be diversified to reflect the real world, and the companies will be the better for it. I must add that, thankfully, most of the large-scale mines now have diversity and inclusion policies, with targets they are striving to achieve in order to address the imbalance. But, for emphasis, a long-term sustainable approach is one that ensures that a talent pipeline of females is created and nurtured for the industry. TN: This was an exhaustive conversation. Im so grateful to you for your time. GBSA: Thank you Timothy for the opportunity. Man, 33, sentenced to death for offering son as sacrifice GNA Aug - 12 - 2023 , 16:08 An Accra High Court has sentenced to death a 33-year-old man for throwing his two-year-old son into the sea at Akuma Village, Accra, as a sacrifice in his bid to become rich. This is after a seven-member jury unanimously returned a verdict of guilty on Prince Acquaye, aka Juu, a food vendor, facing a charge of murder. Ghanas Parliament repealed the death penalty days ago, but the new law will apply to new cases, not those pending. The prosecution said Abigail Nyumor, the complainant, was also a food vendor and the convicts girlfriend. It said they lived together with the deceased, who was their only son. The prosecution said in February 2021, the convict told the complainant not to get worried should something happened to their son because they were going to be rich very soon. The prosecution said on April 20, 2021, at about 1200 noon, the victim, now deceased, asked the convict to give him money to buy groundnuts. It said the convict offered the victim GHC5.00 and the same day, lured the victim to the seaside and threw him into the sea while the complainant was taking a nap. The prosecution said the complainant was later awoken by some neighbours, who informed her that the convict had thrown the victim into the sea. It said the convict was arrested and the victim rescued and sent to the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, but he died the next day. The prosecution said preliminary investigations indicated that the convict was initiated into occultism and asked to make a sacrifice. The prosecution said the convict chose his son for the sacrifice by throwing him into the cliff at Akuma Village, which is 33 feet above sea level. Sam George responds to US Ambassador's LGBTQI comments, affirms Ghana's values & investment climate Kweku Zurek Aug - 12 - 2023 , 15:36 The Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, Samuel Nartey George has taken to social media to address comments made by the US Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, during the US-Ghana Business Summit. In a Facebook post, George expressed his surprise at Ambassador Palmer's concerns that Ghana's stance on LGBTQI rights might deter American investors. The MP's response came after videos of Ambassador Palmer's comments circulated online, sparking conversations both locally and internationally. George's post tackled the issue head-on, raising critical questions about the alignment of values in international business partnerships. "I have seen videos of your comments at the US-Ghana Business Summit. You have expressed fears that investors from the US would not find Ghana attractive if we as Ghanaians uphold our values and reject the depravity of LGBTQI. I find that really surprising," the MP wrote in his post. He questioned whether American investors would genuinely be seeking partnerships in a country devoid of values, pointing out that integrity and shared values were often fundamental criteria in forming business collaborations. Drawing a parallel with Ghana's intolerance of religious extremism, George raised the question of whether this stance had deterred American investors, indicating that such concerns were unjustified. "Let me reassure you and the U.S. Embassy Ghana that Ghana remains welcoming and open to American investors as a stable, viable democracy. We welcome investors who value the principles of integrity and respect the cultural values of their partners," George affirmed in his post. The MP went on to explain that Ghana's intended legislation regarding LGBTQI issues was not dissimilar to American laws in certain states. He highlighted the compatibility of Ghana's stance with that of the US Supreme Court, emphasizing that there was common ground on the matter. In closing, he extended a message of optimism and collaboration, raising a toast to a prosperous business relationship between the United States and Ghana. The US Department of Energy (DOE) will award up to $1.2 billion to advance the development of two commercial-scale direct air capture facilities in Texas and Louisiana. These projectsthe first of this scale in the United Statesrepresent the initial selections from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law-funded Regional Direct Air Capture (DAC) Hubs program, which aims to kickstart a nationwide network of large-scale carbon removal sites to address legacy carbon dioxide pollution and complement rapid emissions reductions. Together, these projects are expected to remove more than 2 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year from the atmospherean amount equivalent to the annual emissions from roughly 445,000 gasoline-powered cars. The investmentthe largest in engineered carbon removal yetwill eventually remove more than 250 times more carbon dioxide than the largest DAC facility currently operating. Selected projects include: Project Cypress (Calcasieu Parish, LA): Battelle, in coordination with Climeworks Corporation and Heirloom Carbon Technologies, Inc., aims to capture more than 1 million metric tons of existing CO 2 from the atmosphere each year and store it permanently deep underground. This hub intends to rely on Gulf Coast Sequestration for offtake and geologic storage of captured atmospheric CO 2 . South Texas DAC Hub (Kleberg County, TX): 1PointFive, a subsidiary of Occidental, and its partners, Carbon Engineering Ltd. and Worley, seek to develop and demonstrate a DAC facility designed to remove up to 1 million metric tons of CO 2 annually with an associated saline geologic CO 2 storage site. Potential Future DAC Hub Studies. To assess the viability of future DAC Hub demonstrations, DOE also announced 19 additional projects selected for award negotiations that will support earlier stages of project development, including feasibility assessments and front-end engineering and design (FEED) studies. Fourteen projects will enable early-stage efforts to explore the feasibility of a potential DAC Hub location, ownership structure, and business model. Five projects will perform FEED studies that establish and define technical requirements focused on project scope, schedule, and costs to reduce risk during later project phases. DOE intends to issue additional funding opportunity announcement in the coming years to fully implement the Regional DAC Hubs mandate from Congress. Selection for award negotiations is not a commitment by DOE to issue an award or provide funding. Before funding is issued, DOE and the applicants will undergo a negotiation process, and DOE may cancel negotiations and rescind the selection for any reason during that time. Carbon Negative Shot Pilots. DOE also announced its intent to publish a series of funding opportunities for projects and prizes focused on supporting the development and commercialization of a suite of carbon dioxide removal technologies. These efforts will collectively support the Carbon Negative Shot, part of DOEs larger Energy Earthshots Initiative and the US governments first major effort to help spur innovation and position U.S. enterprises as leaders in research, manufacturing, and deployment in the carbon dioxide removal industry. The Earthshot sets a goal to remove CO 2 from the atmosphere and store it at meaningful scales for less than $100 per net metric ton of CO 2 -equivalent within the decade. The DOE Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED), in collaboration with the DOE Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM), manages the Regional DAC Hubs Program and will provide project management oversight for the DAC Hubs projects selected to demonstrate the capture, processing, delivery, and storage or end-use of captured carbon as well as community benefit plans and environmental safety. Rio Tinto and the Simfer joint venture (Simfer) reached an important milestone by concluding key agreements with the Republic of Guinea (West Africa) and Winning Consortium Simandou (WCS) on the trans-Guinean infrastructure for the world class Simandou iron ore project. Simandou is home to the last known, largest and richest untapped high-grade iron ore deposit in the world. Simandous mining concession is divided into 4 blocks. Rio Tinto Simfera joint venture between Rio Tinto, Chalco Iron Ore Holdings (CIOH), and the Government of the Republic of Guineawill develop blocks 3 and 4, known as the Simandou project. Aerial view of Simandou project. The Co-Development Convention with the Republic of Guinea and associated agreements adjusting Simfer and WCSs existing mine conventions create the legal framework for the co-development of more than 600 kilometers of new multi-use rail together with port facilities that will be used to export iron ore from the Simandou mining concessions in the southeast of the country. With these agreements we have reached an important milestone towards full sanction of the Simandou project, bringing together the complementary strengths and expertise of Rio Tinto and our partners, the Government of Guinea and Winning Consortium Simandou, for the infrastructure that will unlock this world class resource. Simandou, the worlds largest known undeveloped supply of high-grade, low-impurity iron ore, will strengthen Rio Tintos portfolio by complementing our existing Pilbara and Iron Ore Company of Canada products. Rio Tinto Executive Committee lead for Guinea and Copper Chief Executive Bold Baatar The infrastructure capacity and associated cost will be shared equally between Simfer (blocks 3 and 4 of the Simandou project), and WCS, which is developing blocks 1 and 2. China Baowu Steel Group has also previously entered into a term sheet agreement with WCS that may see it partner in the WCS scope for blocks 1 and 2 of the Simandou mining concession and the infrastructure joint venture. The Co-Development Convention requires ratification by the Guinean State. It is also subject to a number of conditions, including the Guinean States approval of the final feasibility study for the project. Negotiations continue between the partners to finalise the investment agreements and related shareholders agreements which underpin the co-development. A further announcement will be made when appropriate concerning these agreements. Critical path works continue to be progressed by the partners to ensure progress is maximized during the 2023-24 dry season. The Simfer joint venture comprises Simfer S.A., the holder of Simandou South Blocks 3 & 4, which is owned by the Government of Guinea (15%) and Simfer Jersey Limited (85%). In turn, Simfer Jersey Limited is a joint venture between the Rio Tinto Group (53%) and Chalco Iron Ore Holdings (47%)a Chinalco-led joint venture of leading Chinese SOEs (Chinalco (75%), Baowu (20%), China Rail Construction Corporation (2.5%) and China Harbour Engineering Company (2.5%). WCS is a consortium between Winning International Group (49.99%), Weiqiao Aluminium (part of the China Hongqiao Group) (49.99%) and United Mining Suppliers (0.0002%). In December 2022, Human Rights Watch noted that Simandous deposits, which contain enough iron ore to build more than 500,000 Eiffel Towers, have for years remained untapped due to corruption allegations, disputes over ownership, Guineas political instability, and the areas remote and difficult terrain. The organization further noted that The mining companies developing Simandou have promised to respect strong human rights and environmental standards, but their track record in Guinea means that the project deserves the closest possible scrutiny. Xiaomi is cooking up one heck of a launch event for August 14. If rumors are to be believed, the Chinese giant will be unveiling the new Mix Fold 3, the Redmi K60 Ultra, a Pro variant of the Band 8 wearable and a massive 14-inch, 2-in-1 Pad 6 Max 14 Android tablet. Xiaomi Pad 6 Max 14 posters Xiaomi has now shared a few more promo images for the tablet, revealing more of the device's specs. As was previously known and the name suggests, the Pad 6 Max 14 will have a massive 14-inch, 144Hz LCD - 62% bigger than the 11-inch panels on the Pad 6 and Pad 6 Pro. The Pad 6 Max will be powered by a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip with a massive heat-dissipating vapor chamber of 15839mm. There will be a massive 10,000 mAh battery powering the tablet, reportedly with support for 67W fast charging and an impressive 33W reverse charging, so you can use the Pad 6 Max 14 as a decent power bank. Xiaomi is also flaunting the Surge G1 battery management chip, which is meant to preserve battery health for longer. Xiaomi Pad 6 Max 14 posters Last but not least, the Xiaomi Pad 6 Max 14 will apparently have an eight-speaker system. This should make it great for multimedia consumption. With its massive 14-inch display and built-in features like a four-way split screen, the tablet also sounds great as a PC replacement. There is no word on pricing and availability yet. Source You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Dr. Roseann Jones has been appointed Dean of the School of Business and Public Administration, according to a press release from the University of Guam. Dr. Jones has held the position in an interim capacity since November 2022. She is a tenured professor of economics at the University of Guam, specializing in development economics, with subspecialty research in health care and environmental policy. She also served as Business Administration Division Chair. Dr. Jones leadership at SBPA comes at the right time as we continue to innovate and be responsive to the changing demands in our evolving workforce and island, said UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez. Dr. Jones said SBPA will rise to the demand for degrees and programs that students, the island community, and islands in the Western Pacific region are seeking. She also aims for SBPA to connect with more businesses to create more internship opportunities for students who would bring skills as strategic thinkers and problem-solvers along with their academic knowledge. There are also plans to broaden professional certificate programs at SBPA to improve and update the knowledge and skills of those who are already in the workforce. Dr. Jones earned a Ph.D. in economics and regional planning from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Jones also holds a Master of Arts degree in City and Regional Planning and a Master of Government Administration from the Samuel Fels Center of Government at the University of Pennsylvania. Haiti - News : Zapping... Reprisals and terror in Onaville Friday August 11, 2023, following the death of 8 members of the gang who fell under the bullets of the National Police of Haiti (PNH) https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-40231-icihaiti-pnh-8-gang-members-mortally-wounded.html the Canaan gang led by Jeff, in retaliation sowed terror in Onaville and surrounding areas. At least ten houses were burnt down. Bandit haunts destroyed On Thursday, August 10, UDMO agents stationed in Gonaives carried out an intervention at La Croix Perisse where the "Kokorat San Ras" gang operates. They destroyed several haunts of this gang which kidnaps and rapes women and girls and hijacks goods trucks on the RN#1. Malaria : mass distribution of mosquito nets As part of the grants awarded by "The Global Fund" to Haiti for malaria https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-39426-haiti-news-zapping.html and https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40070-haiti-news-zapping.html , the Ministry of Public Health launched on August 10 the mass distribution campaign of mosquito nets. The support of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP - Haiti) is to guarantee an efficient system of supply, transport, storage and distribution of more than 750,000 mosquito nets in 5 departments of the country including the South and the Grand'Anse where more than 70% of malaria cases have been recorded. Communal development plans Friday August 11, 2023, as part of the Government's decentralization plan to strengthen local governance, Ricard Pierre, Minister of Planning, presented the municipal development plans to the heads of 4 municipalities in the West department. Breeding : Distribution of thousands of poultry Thanks to the support of the Delegation of the European Union in Haiti, the project "Resilient Agriculture and Sustainable School Food in the department of Grand'Anse" has enabled the distribution of 8,283 poultry to 1,500 vulnerable households for the revival of livestock farming in the region. 20% of buildings bought by Haitians in the DR (2023) Of a total of 160 buildings bought by foreigners since January 2023 in the neighboring Republic, 33 buildings (20.6%) were bought by Haitians according to the Dominican authorities. HL/ HaitiLibre Coming to Blowing Rock this week? Be sure to stop by Edgewood Cottage to enjoy the works of Morgan McCarver, ceramics/porcelain artist, and our first husband and wife artist team this summer, Samuel and Ashly Burr, collaborative acrylics, oil and watercolor. Bold color and thoughtful emotion are common threads in Samuel and Ashlys collaborative paintings. Using colors and themes of the four distinct seasons, they hope to impart a sense of safety and solace with works inspired by old world simplicity. Having lived and traveled in Africa, Asia and Europe, their ideas of artistic accomplishment and how to get there were redefined. Come meet this husband and wife artist team as they create each painting together. www.theburrnest.com Morgan McCarver works with porcelain and her work is inspired by Victorian American women. Because women have historically been compared to delicate flowers, Morgan reinterprets that symbolism by allowing porcelain wildflower imagery to represent a womans inner strength. She applies her drawings as transfers, similar to a seamstress overlaying patterns and designs on a dress form. In 2020, Morgan was named the youngest artist to reach finalist status in the 701 Center for Contemporary Art prize. Her singular art can be found in various galleries in North and South Carolina. www.morganmccarver.com We are happy to welcome Morgan back to the High Country and welcome you as well to enjoy Morgan and the Burrs work at Edgewood Cottage from August 14 through August 20. For a full schedule of artists at Edgewood, please see artistsatedgewood.org. Courtesy of Edgewood Cottage. Share this: Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Reddit Pocket Virtually a month after Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe assured Prime Minister Narendra Modi that his country will be sensitive to security and strategic concerns of India, a Chinese marine research vessel, Shi Yan 6, is expected to dock at Colombo and Hambantota deep sea ports late October and stay till November 2023. As of now, Sri Lanka government is still to give clearance to the maritime research vessel. Chinese maritime research vessel Shi Yan 6 to visit Colombo and Hambantota ports to do survey of Sri Lankan EEZ in end October. Already PLA warship Hai Yang 24 Hao with a crew of 138 with Commander Jin Xin as captain is currently docked at Colombo port for what has been described as a formal port call. The warship is expected to sail out of Colombo today with Sri Lankan papers quoting their own foreign ministry as saying that India was sanguine with formal port calls by PLA vessels but not with survey-research vessels. According to reports from Colombo, the 3999 ton Shi Yan 6, based in Guangzhou, is currently in South China Sea and moving towards the south. It is learnt that scientists of Sri Lankas National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency aka NARA will embark on Shi Yan 6 to conduct survey of the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the island nation and in the south Indian Ocean. The vessel will be docking at both Colombo and Hambantota ports and carrying out surveys for nearly a month with one part of survey being without Sri Lankan Scientists. While South Block is tight-lipped about the development, it is learnt that India has taken up the issue at the highest diplomatic levels and it is now up to Wickremesinghe government to address Indian concerns. Last August, Chinese ballistic missile tracker Yuan Wang 5 docked at Hambantota port, leased to Beijing for 99 years when Wickremesinghe was the Prime Minister under Rajapaksa regime, despite India raising serious concerns about the survey ship. With the PLA Navy expanding rapidly and having open global ambitions, the larger question is how long will the Modi government allow countries in the Indian sub-continent remain impervious to Indias strategic interests. The question is particularly pertinent to those countries with whom India has stood up for in thick and thinfrom humanitarian disaster, vaccine supply to economic support. Even though China provided high interest aid for white elephant projects during the past Beijing friendly Rajapaksa regime, Sri Lanka hosting Chinese research vessels shows that it is rather apathetic or indifferent to New Delhis concerns. It is now an open secret that China is mapping the Indo-Pacific for future nuclear submarine operations to counter the QUAD and other ASEAN powers. Over the years, Chinese research vessels are entering the Indian Ocean through Ombi-Wetar straits in Indonesia and proceeding towards the South Indian Ocean via the 90 degree ridge. The sea route via Malacca, Sunda and Lombok straits is not viable for submarines as they have to surface, thus giving away their location. This is not the case if the sub-surface combatant goes through Ombi-Wetar straits. The mapping of ocean floor, salinity content and sub-surface temperatures in the Indian Ocean is part of the larger strategic exercise to check the potency and accuracy of submarine fired missiles in equatorial waters. Due to the difference between the surface and sub-surface temperatures, a phenomenon called lateral inversion occurs in equatorial waters, making it nearly impossible to detect attack submarines in deep waters and the only option available is to detect nuclear reactor noise. While the Indian Navys diesel attack submarines pose a serious challenge to any Chinese vessel in the Indian Ocean as unlike the nuclear submarine, the diesel engine can be shut down and make it impossible for the enemy to detect the Indian sub-surface vessel. However, the Indian Navy knows that it is only a matter of time when PLA vessels will start long range patrols in the south Indian Ocean using carrier strike force. The survey of south Indian Ocean waters is also to chart new sea routes away from Indian dominance and faster access to Beijings client states on Africas eastern and western seaboard. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Dear Reader, PREMIUM Margins I am in the Hindustani Prachar Sabha Library in Mumbai. It is a rainy afternoon, and I am browsing through a quaint collection of books. Inside carefully stored in glass-enclosed bookshelves, is a treasure trove of old manuscripts some from the 1500s, translations of the Upanishads, beautiful folios of calligraphic art with gold paint. But what takes my breath away, are the newspapers sepia-coloured newsprint sheets bound in volumes. They have political columns and advertisements that exhort Indians to give up using imported cloth and use swadeshi instead. Everywhere is a fierce patriotism ablaze with the fire of idealism. Copy of Young India at the Hindi Prachar Sabha Library, Mumbai It is evening by the time I emerge from the library, with a bittersweet hangover of history hobbling my head. I decide to turn to geography to mark the celebrations of India's 77th Independence Day next week, scouring my collection of recent reads to pick up five books. Each of these five traverses India's margin lands, telling little-known stories of India's borders and of the forgotten lands in between. Book 1 of 5 Marginlands National Geographic explorer, environmental photographer & writer Arati Kumar- Rao spent ten years writing Marginlands. She travels from the drought-ridden sands of the Thar Desert to the flood-prone plains of the Farakka Barrage area in West Bengal, the heights of Ladakh and the coast of Kerala and the Tigerlands of the Sunderbans tiger, telling stories of lands and people. Her prose flows, its richly reflective and no-nonsense, all at the same time. Marginlands is a work of art with beautiful black and white sketches that accompany the copy - Totally recommended. Book 2 of 5 Midnight Borders Midnights Borders is journalist Suchitra Vijayans 9000 km journey along Indias borders. Reading this book brought home to me, how little I know about our country and especially its margins. The book is full of little anecdotes, with the history of people along these borders and the author records their many miseries and frustrations. It feels sad, yet it also feels like a book that is important for us to read. Book 3 of 5 Surface "In a way, Kohima was what I had expected, as taut with violence, anger and bitterness as everyone had said it would be. Two parallel governments held sway there" says the newspaperman narrator, in Siddhartha Debs Surface, set in the tumultuous and insurgency-struck Northeast areas of Manipur and Nagaland. This novel is the story of a reporters search for a young woman, accused of being a pornstar and captured by militants. I found this book mesmerizing; Deb has been a journalist, he knows the terrain well and his writing is evocative, invoking both the surface and all the layers beneath the surface. It is written in 2005 but feels like it could be today. Book 4 of 5 The Far Field The Far Field is a fast-paced and immersive story of a young girl who has a difficult relationship with her mother and then must travel to Kashmir to resolve this. Here she comes face to face with militancy and the Indian Army and realises how little she knows about this emotionally charged situation. She meets Kashmiri people living under constant military scrutiny, even as she searches for meaning in her own life. I couldnt put the book down, it grappled with real issues even though it did feel primarily crafted for a Western audience. Book 5 of 5 The Hungry Tide Pia, a young Indian American, travels to the Sunderbans, where a beleaguered people brave man-eating tigers and crocodiles to eke out a meagre living. Pia dives into this maze of mangrove islands to study river dolphins, taking along with a fisherman and a translator. But the trio gets drawn unawares into powerful political undercurrents in this haunting story of The Hungry Tide. Thats all for this week. And if you are taking time off, and travelling over the Independence Day holidays, and looking for more reading, here are five fast-paced books for your airplane reads. Until next week, Happy Reading. Sonya Dutta Choudhury is a Mumbai-based journalist and the founder of Sonyas Book Box, a bespoke book service. Each week, she brings you specially curated books to give you an immersive understanding of people and places. If you have any reading recommendations or suggestions, write to her at sonyasbookbox@gmail.com The views expressed are personal Embrace independence with quality journalism Save on HT + The Economist subscription Subscribe Now Already Subscribed? Sign In In order to graduate with a higher degree, such as a master's or doctoral degree, students must often complete a dissertation. Dissertation writing is an essential component of many college and university programmes. A dissertation is a lengthy piece of writing that serves as a student's way of proving their comprehension of a certain subject or presenting an argument for a particular viewpoint. It is frequently used as a capstone project for a higher degree programme and normally contains an introduction, literature review, methods, findings, and conclusion sections. Finding a trustworthy and dependable writing service may be useful for people who need help with their writing. Writing a dissertation in the UK can be challenging and time-consuming for many students. Many dissertation writing services are available to students who need aid with their writing. By handling the dissertation writing for them, these services can relieve students of some of the stress and time-consuming work so they can concentrate on more crucial duties. Today's technologically evolved world makes it simple for students to locate and hire a dissertation writing service online. But in order to guarantee that they are receiving high-quality work, it is critical for students to be informed of the dangers involved with using writing services and to pick a renowned and reliable provider. In terms of college paper writing in general, it is an essential component of many programmes at colleges and universities, and students are frequently asked to finish various assignments and projects throughout their academic careers. Students who require writing assistance may find it helpful to find a professional and trustworthy writing service because many students find it challenging and time-consuming to write university and college assignments. Students who require assistance with their writing might find a wide variety of writing services online. These services help students target other crucial duties or chores while saving them time and stress by writing their papers. Home of Dissertations: Unmatched Dissertation Writing Services Tailored to Your Academic Journey! Unmatched Dissertation Writing Services Tailored to Your Academic Journey! Research My Assignment: Crafting Success, One Assignment at a Time Crafting Success, One Assignment at a Time Bibric-TheLawTeacher: Excel in Your Studies with Premier Law Essay Writing Services! Excel in Your Studies with Premier Law Essay Writing Services! O'Connor-PhDLawWriters: Expert Law Essay Writing Services for Academic Excellence! Expert Law Essay Writing Services for Academic Excellence! Nursing Essay Assignment: Empowering Your Healing Touch with Expert Nursing Essay Writing Solutions! Empowering Your Healing Touch with Expert Nursing Essay Writing Solutions! SPSS-Tutor: Authorising Your Statistical Journey - Harness the Power of SPSS with Top-tier Help Writing Services! In essence, modernised services like the ones listed above have evolved to help all types of students with just a few button clicks, thanks to the growth of technology. Now that you are aware of the various avenues available to students, you can learn in detail about each of these service providers in the following sections. Six best dissertation writing services in the UK Home of Dissertations: Home of Dissertations: Home of Dissertations is a reputed dissertation help provider with its corporate headquarters in the UK. The company is renowned for assisting students in completing their writing work.The company claims on its website to have a staff of writers who can provide excellent academic content for a range of subjects and academic levels. The company has a team of talented writers who are all native English speakers, and they offer a wide range of writing services like thesis writing, dissertation writing, and research paper writing. Home of Dissertations is known for producing high-quality work, and they ensure that all papers presented are of the highest standards. Students can use the service by placing orders for the dissertation online and providing detailed directions. The writing service will begin working on the dissertation after assigning a qualified writer. The author will finish the dissertation by the due date and give it to the student. These are some of its additional characteristics: 1. Pricing: Home of Dissertations has several different pricing choices to accommodate various budgets. Thanks to the website's large choice of payment alternatives, customers can easily pay using their preferred way. 2. Customised Writing: Home of Dissertations provides bespoke writing services so students can ask for help with particular topics or parts of their dissertations. 3. Free revision facility: Free revisions are available from the Home of Dissertations for ten days after the student receives the dissertation to ensure they are happy with the work. 4. Confidentiality Policy: Home of Dissertations guarantees the confidentiality of all information given by students and prohibits sharing that information with outside parties. 5. Customer service: Home of Dissertations has a devoted customer service team to address any queries or worries students may have during the procedure. They claim to offer support at all hours of the day and night and that this wonderful service is accessible through live chat, WhatsApp, email, and social media. Their website also goes over and above to explicitly mention that their work is guaranteed to be original and that you may access free dissertation and essay topics there to get inspiration and ideas for your subjects. The first step in the procedure is picking the topic that interests you. You will then receive a variety of free topic recommendations from the website. Additionally, the company promises that the student's essay won't ever be resold on the website to another customer. Many students assessment of Home of Dissertations praised it for its short turnaround time and excellent writing. The students claimed that with the help of the Home of Dissertations experts, they could complete their dissertation on time and receive a high grade. Research My Assignment Research My Assignment: The UK-based company Research My Assignment offers affordable assignment help for the students. The company's professional team of writers, all native English speakers, offers a wide range of writing services, such as producing theses, dissertations, and essay papers. Research My Assignment prides itself on sticking to strict deadlines, and for students who require their papers right away, they provide a same-day delivery alternative. Additionally, the firm offers 24/7 support and may be contacted at 2032395555, via email, or by chatting with a live representative. Students can use the service by ordering dissertations online and providing specific instructions for their work. The writing service will then assign the task to a qualified writer, who will go to work on the dissertation and complete it in time for the student to submit it. The organisation also guarantees that the dissertation will be original, that all information will be kept confidential and secure, and that the work will be flawlessly formatted and constructed. These assertions appeal to students who want to do well in university, college, or degree-related courses. The business also maintains a blog that interested readers are welcome to visit and learn more about papers, dissertation topics, and other related issues more broadly in education. The fact that the company introduced an area to their website devoted to samples, where a curious student may check for samples the company has completed for other students, is another fantastic thing the company has done. It might give the student much thought and a good perspective on the many paper writing services available. In a review by a student, Research My Assignment was lauded for its quick response time and superior writing quality. The student claimed that with the aid of the Research My Assignment staff, he was able to complete his legal dissertation on time and obtained a good score. The student added that the costs were far lower than other writing services he had previously utilised. For users and consumers to better comprehend the reviews previously made by other students, a large number of testimonials are published on their websites. Bibric-TheLawTeacher:Bibric-TheLawTeacher is a reputable London-based company that offerslaw assignment help. The business offers a wide range of writing services, such as dissertation, thesis, and research paper writing, and its team of skilled writers is made up entirely of native English speakers. The dedication of Bibric-TheLawTeacher to customer satisfaction is one of its distinguishing qualities. Students who are dissatisfied with their work can get their money back. The company's offerings include but are not limited to creating a dissertation from scratch, editing and/or proofreading, creating multiple-choice questions, paraphrasing and/or rewriting, and problem-solving exercises. The business operates similarly to the others in that students can order dissertations online and give detailed directions for their work. Once a skilled writer has been assigned the order, the writing service will start working on the dissertation. The dissertation will be completed and handed to the student by the deadline. The website's 'How it Works' section provides details on this. The business informs students that they should take a break after ordering and let Bibric: TheLawTeacher take care of the work because they are aware of how difficult university work has become in recent years. Additionally, the company guarantees to email the student to let them know that the paper has been completed. As a result, Bibric: The Law Teacher offers a fantastic feature that allows users to pay for their services in part for the creation of dissertation papers. Students struggling financially might not be able to afford the services' high upfront cost. They, therefore, greatly benefit from this. Features similar to those of Bibric-TheLawTeacher were also present. These suitable choices include a blog, a website dedicated to past work samples, and comments provided by other students who have participated in the programme. According to a student's evaluation of Bibric-TheLawTeacher, the company is praised for its excellent writing and customer support. The student claimed that with the help of the Bibric-The Law Teacher team, she could finish her dissertation on time and receive a good grade. The student continued by mentioning how accommodating the customer support team was in answering any questions or concerns she had along the way. O'Connor-PhDLawWriters O'Connor-PhDLawWriters: Exceptional law essay help are what O'Connor-PhDLawWriters excels in offering at competitive prices. The company provides a range of writing services, including research papers, dissertations, and thesis writing, and its talented writing staff is exclusively composed of native English speakers. The commitment to client satisfaction is among O'Connor-PhDLawWriters' standout characteristics. Students may receive a refund if they are unhappy with their assignments. Like other services, students can order dissertations online and provide specific instructions for their work. The writing service will begin working on the dissertation after a qualified writer has been assigned to the project. The dissertation will be finished and handed to the student by the due date. Once the student has selected the deadline and the type of service, the website will be better able to calculate the overall amount that the student will need to pay in addition to the particular kind of service that the student requires. Additionally, the website offers unlimited post-delivery modifications for the paper as well as a blog page. But it doesn't seem like the website has a page with samples so students can see past work produced using the system. The website also has a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page so that interested readers can learn more about the ordering process, how to handle an order, and other important information linked to the website and services that the website provides. O'Connor-PhDLawWriters was praised in a student evaluation for its affordable prices and top-notch work. The student claimed that they were able to complete their dissertation on time and received an excellent grade thanks to the help of the O'Connor-PhDLawWriters staff. The student continued by saying that the customer support representatives were very flexible in answering any questions or concerns they had along the way. Nursing Essay Assignment Nursing Essay Assignment:For students who require help with their academic writing projects, Nursing Essay Assignment has long been the top provider of nursing assignment help . The business works with a group of gifted authors who are all native English speakers and hold academic degrees from UK-based universities. They offer a variety of writing services, including the preparation of dissertations, theses, and research papers. Nursing Essay Assignment is distinguished by its commitment to meeting deadlines and guaranteeing the timely delivery of all works. For more information on how the service operates, see the company's page devoted to that subject. Students can order dissertations online and give detailed directions for their work. A capable writer will subsequently be assigned to the order by the writing agency to complete the dissertation. The student can then communicate with the assigned writer about the student's dissertation to ensure everything is proceeding as planned. The student is then given access to make adjustments when the writer submits the assignment by the predetermined deadline. The organisation has a page for samples, a blog, a FAQ page, and student testimonials, among other things, just like the other writing services. In a review by a student, Nursing Essay Assignment was lauded for its quick response time and superior writing quality. The student stated that with the Nursing Essay Assignment team's assistance, they could submit their dissertation on time and obtain a good score. The student added that the customer service staff was very accommodating in addressing any queries or worries they had at any point in the process. The student may also enquire about special offers, coupons, and other promotional materials related to the writing service. SPSS-Tutor SPSS-Tutor: Numerous students and businesses have benefited from the experienced staff of SPSS-Tutor since its inception in 2007. They offer a wide range of SPSS help services and support for all dissertation-related tasks from a quantitative and qualitative standpoint. From the prospectus to the discussion chapter, they support students in a pertinent manner by offering their services and utilising their experience. They offer dissertation editing services and deliver excellent results thanks to their qualified workforce. Your complete happiness is the primary goal of the SPSS tutor in helping you accomplish your goals. Their experts always assist and point you in the proper direction. Their experts can help you identify a topic for your dissertation and conduct quantitative or qualitative research. They can also help you edit your PowerPoint slides to ensure that the essential findings of your study are presented. To ensure high success and competency rates, they appreciate their employees' relationships with their clients and uphold transparency. Use their 'contact us' link to contact their professionals and request help with your SPSS project. FAQ Q1. What exactly is a dissertation? The completion of a dissertation, which is a substantial written effort, is typically required for a master's or doctoral degree. A dissertation is often intended to show how well a student has understood a certain subject or to support a particular viewpoint. Usually, it has an introduction, a section on the literature, followed by sections on the techniques, the results, and the conclusion. Depending on the school or college, the topic, and the degree the student is pursuing, a dissertation could be anywhere from 8,000 to 15000 words long, or even longer. Q2. What is the goal of writing a dissertation? Students can demonstrate their understanding of a subject or make a case for a particular point of view by writing a dissertation. A student must present a dissertation, which is frequently a substantial written piece of work, in order to be eligible to acquire a higher degree, such as a master's or doctoral degree. It is meant to be the students capstone project, demonstrating their understanding of the subject and their ability to conduct independent research and write a substantial, well-written report. It is frequently required for higher degree programmes in academic fields such as humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Dissertation writing aims to offer fresh information or viewpoints on a particular subject of study. A dissertation is intended to be a thorough and in-depth investigation of a certain topic, and it frequently includes an introduction, literature review, methodology, results, and conclusion section. Q3. Can a dissertation be written in a month? A dissertation may theoretically be finished in a month, but it would undoubtedly take a lot of work and late nights. A dissertation's completion time may vary greatly depending on the project's particular requirements and the amount of required research and writing. In general, it is advised to start working on a dissertation as soon as possible and to allow plenty of time for the research and writing processes. This is because the student may encounter challenges that they had not anticipated or did not anticipate when they first started writing the dissertation, such as limitations on the data collection process, among other things. Q4. Can I hire a writer to complete my dissertation? It is conceivable for students to hire a professional to write their dissertation. Still, they must be informed of the dangers and possible repercussions before doing so. Students who struggle with academic writing or do not have the time or resources to complete the job on their own may find it helpful to hire someone to write their dissertation. Students should know the dangers and drawbacks before hiring a professional to write their dissertation. To ensure no plagiarism is included in the dissertation before submission, the student can upload it to a website that checks for plagiarism. Conclusion In conclusion, many students find writing a dissertation challenging, but selecting a reliable writing service can greatly raise the calibre of the final product. Any of the top 6 dissertation writing services reviewed in this piece can be considered by students who need writing assistance, especially UK students. These companies take great pride in offering knowledgeable authors, various writing services, and a commitment to customer satisfaction. The best dissertation writing service for a particular student will ultimately rely on their particular needs and preferences, but all of the companies on this list are committed to providing outstanding writing and exceptional customer service. 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. Adani Ports said it appointed MSKA & Associates as the statutory auditors of the company, effective Aug. 12. The logo of the Adani Group is seen on the facade of its Corporate House on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, India.(REUTERS) The move comes after Adani Ports voted at a board meeting Saturday to accept the resignation of Deloitte Haskins & Sells LLP. The appointment is effective until the date of the companys next annual general meeting to be held in 2024, Adani said in a regulatory filing. The Indian unit of Deloitte in May raised concerns over transactions between Adani Ports and three entities that Adani said were unrelated parties. The auditor said at the time it couldnt verify Adanis claims and couldnt determine if the business was fully compliant with local laws. Bloomberg News reported Friday that Deloitte planned to resign. Deloitte Haskins & Sells said in a letter dated Aug. 12 that its tendering its resignation as statutory auditors because we are not statutory auditors of a substantial number of other Adani Group of companies. The auditor's resignation has brought fresh scrutiny of the financial management at Adani Group, led by Indian billionaire Gautam Adani. The group has denied Hindenburg's allegations made around alleged improper use of tax havens and other business dealings. Commenting for the first time on the matter, Adani Ports said in a statement that in meetings with its leadership, Deloitte indicated concern over a lack of a wider audit role as auditors of other listed Adani companies. However it was conveyed to the auditor it was not within the remit of Adani Ports to recommend such appointments as other entities are "completely independent", the company said. "The Audit Committee (of Adani Ports) was of the view that the grounds advanced by Deloitte for resignation as Statutory Auditor were not convincing or sufficient to warrant such a move," Gopal Krishna Pillai, Chairman of the Audit Committee of Adani Ports, said in the statement. "Deloitte was not willing to continue as ... auditor and, therefore, it was agreed to amicably end the client-auditor contractual relationship," he said. FTX co-founder Sam Bankman-Fried was taken into custody after a federal judge said he would revoke his bail less than two months before his scheduled fraud trial. Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange FTX, arrives at court as lawyers push to persuade the judge overseeing his fraud case not to jail him ahead of trial, at a courthouse in New York, U.S.(REUTERS) US District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan made the order at a hearing in Manhattan on Friday afternoon. Bankman-Fried immediately was placed in handcuffs as his mother cried in the gallery. Prosecutors had asked the judge to revoke Bankman-Frieds $250 million bail package after accusing him of leaking documents in an attempt to discredit Caroline Ellison, the former chief executive officer of Alameda Research who will likely be a key government witness. A gag order is not a workable solution longer term particularly with someone who has shown a willingness and a desire to risk crossing the line in an effort to get right up to it no matter where the line is, Kaplan said. Bankman-Frieds lawyers had fought efforts to place the 31-year-old in custody, stating he was exercising his first amendment rights in talking to a New York Times journalist. When Bankman-Frieds lawyer, Mark Cohen, argued that his client didnt intend to tamper with witnesses, Kaplan asked him about a scenario where two guys walk into a store and say to somebody this is an awful nice store and it would be a shame if it burned to the ground. Bankman-Fried has been under house arrest at his parents home in Palo Alto, California, since last December. Kaplan refused a request by Bankman-Frieds lawyer to delay the order. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON RK Swamy Limited, a leading marketing services provider company, has filed the draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) with Securities and Exchange Board of India on Saturday. The company which first gained popularity as an advertisement agency, offers creative, media, data analytics and market research services solutions. As the company filed DRHP with SEBI for an initial public offering as per Mint report, here are five things you need to know: 1. The company's IPO consists of fresh issue of up to 215 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) of up to 8.7 million equity shares. 2. The offer for sale comprises 1,788,093 equity shares by chairperson Srinivasan L Swamy, up to 1,788,093 by Narasimhan Krishnaswamy, 4,445,714 equity shares by Evanston Pioneer Fund L.P. as well as 678,100 shares by Prem Marketing Ventures LLP. 3. The company will utilise the funds raised from IPO for funding the working capital, while the funding of capital expenditure to be incurred for setting up a digital video content production studio. The company's IPO consists of fresh issue of up to 215 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) of up to 8.7 million equity shares(iStock Files) 4. According to the draft papers, the company wishes to utilise the funds for information technology infrastrucure development along with that of subsidiaries Hansa Research and Hansa Customer Equity. 4. The IPO's book running lead managers are SBI Capital Markets Limited, IIFL Securities Limited and Motilal Oswal Investment Advisors Limited 5. The RK Swamy Hansa Group has 15 year track record in the field of Data Analytics and Marketing Technology, according to the DRHP. 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 Srivari Spice and Foods Limited, a manufacturer of wheat flour and spices with presence in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, will allot its Initial Public Offering (IPO) share on Monday, i.e August 14. Those willing to check their allotment status can do so by logging on to Bigshare Services Pvt Ltd's portal. The IPO was open for subscription from August 7 to 9. Srivari Spices and Food Ltd's IPO will be listed on August 18.(Representative Photo) The refund process for those who were not allotted shares will begin on August 16. The investors who were allotted shares will receive them in their demat accounts on August 17. The IPO listing will take place on August 18. How to check allotment status To check allotment status, log on to the website of IPO registrar Bigshare Services Pvt Ltd, by clicking here. After the website homepage loads, select "Srivari Spices and Foods IPO" in company name section. Now, select Application No/CAF No or Beneficiary ID or PAN Number and fill the number asked for. Click on Search'. You will get to know the allotment status of the IPO you have applied for. Grey Market Premium today According to topsharebrokers.com website, the share of Srivari Spices was trading at 28 in the grey market, less than Friday's GMP of 30. A grey market is basically an official stock and applications market where the investors trade for shares or applications before they are officially launched for trading in the stock exchange. The company's fresh issue size is up to 21.42 lakh equity shares at a face value of 10 each. The net proceeds from the IPO will be utilized to fund working capital requirements and general corporate purpose. The issue closes on August 9th, 2023. The IPO's Book Running Lead Manager is GYR Capital Advisors Private Limited and the registrar is Bigshare Services Private Limited. Rathi Narayan Das, Chairman & Whole - Time Director, Srivari Spices and Foods Limited said in a statement,'' Our mission is to supply organic and quality products to our customers. Currently we are supplying in and around Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, and the IPO funding will enable us to expand our reach and provide us the working capital to grow our business more effectively increasing our market share. Srivari Spices and Food Limited was incorporated in 2019 and has a major presence in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. It started its business with manufacturing of Turmeric, Chilli and coriander powder and within four years, it expanded its product mix to various spices and manufacturing Chakki Aata. 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 In good news for frequent commuters, Bengaluru city is expected to get the second corridor of the long impending suburban rail project ready in just over two years, according to Karnataka Minister for Infrastructure Development MB Patil. The Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project needs 157 acres of railway land and officials are working on acquiring the same. The minister set a deadline and said work on the 25-kilometre long corridor between Benniganahalli and Chikkabanavara will be completed with the next 26 months, news agency PTI reported. The BSRP project which runs parallel to the existing South-Western Railway lines has its challenges. However, these will be resolved to ensure completion of the project within 26 months. Officials have been instructed to work towards completing the works related to all four corridors by 2026. Even if it gets delayed due to some unforeseen reasons the project would be ready by 2028, Patil said, while speaking to reporters on Friday. READ | Tejasvi Surya suggests the extension of Bengaluru suburban rail project to Tumakuru, Ramanagara and Chikkaballapur "So far, 10 to 15 per cent of work has been achieved related to corridor-2 and ground works will be over in the next 10 months. The ongoing RUB (Railway Under Bridge) at Shampura will also be completed by then," he added. In total, the Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project needs 157 acres of railway land and officials are working on acquiring the same, Patil said. K-RIDE, the Rail Infrastructure Development Company of Karnataka, will need government land, defence land, railway land as well as private land for the project. Around five acres of private land has been acquired, which will be used to lay tracks, apart from which, government-owned land of about 2.7 acres has also been acquired, Patil said. Officials are also working on clearing existing encroachments on the railway land, he added. READ | Bengaluru suburban rail project to be extended to Kolar, Mysuru and Gauribidanur K-RIDE needs defence land of around 7.38 acres in areas of Jalahalli, Nagawara, and CQAE near Yeswanthpur. Permissions have been obtained by defence authorities for these locations, the minister stated. After completing Corridor-2, works related to Corridor-3 between Bengaluru and Devanahalli Airport and Corridor-4 between Kengeri and Whitefield will be taken up, Patil said. There is also a proposal to extend the project to Chikkaballapura, Mysuru, Magadi, Tumakuru, Gowribidanuru, Kolar, and Hosur, which if approved, would expand the project from 149 km to 452 km. Tenders have been invited to construct 12 stations under EPC mode (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) along the stretch of corridor 2 and the tender process will be finalised on August 31. The tender process for civil works of corridor-4 is over and bidders will be awarded the works soon. Supply of the first batch of 10 trains will begin in October 2025, Patil added. (With PTI inputs) The Karnataka State Contractors Association on Friday claimed that there is no question of corruption relating to award of and clearance of bills for public civil contracts in the state, as all the works have been stopped since the new government assumed office in May. The Karnataka government has appointed a judge to investigate public works carried out by contractors during the previous BJP government. (HT FILE) The Association's President D Kempanna said no contractor has spoken about corruption with him. ALSO READ | TN to go to Supreme Court for Cauvery water as Karnataka reduces release to 8,000 Cusecs We will not call them (Congress) honest either now or in future. What is happening with us now is that no work has been taking place for the past three months. Corruption will happen only if work happens. Whether they (Congress) are 'Satya Harishchandra' or not will be known only if work has taken place. Here, no work has happened, he pointed out. Kempanna said the Karnataka government has appointed a judge to investigate public works carried out by contractors during the previous BJP government. Accordingly, the contractors have prepared documents. ALSO READ | Clearing bills when investigations are on is not right,' Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Siddaramaiah was sworn in as chief minister on May 20 after the Congress was swept to power in the Assembly elections. The CM on Friday said his government has ordered an investigation into the alleged scams that have taken place during the previous BJP government and it is not proper to release payments of the civil contractors pending bills till the probe is completed. He said that the state government has ordered a judicial inquiry led by retired high court judge Justice B Veerappa. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The officer in charge and three others of the Bamitha police station in Madhya Pradeshs Chhatarpur district were suspended following the custodial death of a loot accused. (Representative Photo) The family members of the deceased, identified as Rajbahadur Singh, 21, a resident of Bamitha, have alleged that he was beaten up by the police officers and died in police custody. On Friday, they staged a protest and demanded a criminal case against police station in-charge Parshuram Dabar and sub-divisional officer Manmohan Singh Baghel. Following the incident, police station in-charge Dabar and three others were been suspended, informed Chhatarpur superintendent of police (SP) Amit Sanghi. The SP added that an inquiry into the matter has also been ordered. Singh was an accused in nine different cases of theft. He was arrested by Bamitha police on July 25 and was remanded for 10 days. He was jailed on August 5 where his condition deteriorated and he was referred to Gwalior Medical College where he died while undergoing treatment on Thursday, SP Sanghi said. Rajbahadur informed us that he was thrashed brutally by the police to force him to confess the crime. Rajbahadur had Asthama, but police didnt listen to him, deceased brother Brijendra Singh said. Meanwhile, despite repeated attempts, Dabar and Baghel could not be contacted for comments. A month after Chandigarh Police arrested a 48-year-old man, wanted for kidnapping and raping a minor girl since 1999, his female accomplice has also landed in police net after 24 years. Accused of helping the main accused, Hari Chand, rape the 15-year-old girl, the woman was declared a proclaimed offender in April 2000. (Getty Images) The woman, identified as Veerwati, 52, of Uttar Pradesh (UP) was arrested from Hoshiarpur, Punjab, on Friday by the PO and Summons Staff of Chandigarh Police. Accused of helping the main accused, Hari Chand, rape the 15-year-old girl, she was declared a proclaimed offender (PO) in April 2000. The woman was arrested from the forest area near the water stream of VPO Kakru, Garhshankar, Hoshiarpur, said Hari Om Sharma, inspector and in-charge, PO and Summons staff. The main accused, Hari Chand, also hailing from UP, was arrested in July for raping the minor girl on December 6, 1999, in Manimajra. Police said the accused had been living as a Pathi at a gurdwara in UP. In another case, the PO cell arrested Lovely Sharma of LIC Colony, Mundi Kharar, Mohali, in connection with an attempt to murder case registered at the Sector 36 police station on September 29, 2019. Lovely had allegedly attacked a Home Guards volunteer Naresh Kumar with an iron rod in Sector 35 and had been evading arrest since then. Police have arrested a henchman of Bambiha gang in connection with the June 15 firing outside a club in Sector 5. A total number of five people have now been arrested in the case. Police have arrested a henchman of Bambiha gang in connection with the June 15 firing outside a club in Panchkula. (HT File) The accused arrested is identified as Dilbar, 18, of Naraingarh. He was arrested after being brought on protection warrants from Punjab. The accused was produced before the court and sent to a six-day police remand. Police have already arrested Karan Kumar of Naraingarh, Ambala, Manbir Singh of Barwala, Gaurav of Mauli Jagran and Dikshant of Raipur Rani. Probe officials said investigation so far indicates that the shots were fired on the directions of gangster Bhuppi Rana, who is associated with slain gangster Davinder Bambiha, days after the club management received extortion threats. Jatinder Kumar, the manager of The Escape Club, a microbrewery, had lodged a complaint with the police on June 15, stating that at 11.08 pm, two motorcycle-borne men fired multiple shots in the clubs parking lot before speeding away. No one was injured in the incident. Police had recovered two shells from the spot. Kumar had told the police that they had been receiving extortion calls since May 29 for 30 lakh from an international number. The last threat message was received on June 2. Subsequently, a case under Sections 286 (negligent conduct with respect to explosive substance) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code and relevant sections of the Arms Act was registered at the Sector-5 police station. Dilbar has three more cases including one for murder registered against him in Mohali, Kurukshetra and Naraingarh. Police have taken permission to handcuff the accused who will now be questioned in connection to the threat calls received by different club owners in Panchkula. Two nabbed with country-made pistols in Sec-45 Chandigarh Police, meanwhile, arrested a 21-year-old and apprehended a 17-year-old juvenile after recovering two country-made pistols and three live cartridges from them. The accused, Abhiyash, is wanted in at least seven cases. He also has a social media account where he would post about his criminal activities. A crime branch team on Thursday received a tip-off that two boys involved in various cases including kidnapping, murder and robbery were roaming around with weapons in Sector 45. Acting upon the information, the team nabbed the bike-borne duo. Police said Abhilash heads a gang comprising 10 to 12 members. They demand money from shoppers and small guest houses in tricity in exchange for protection and rob the people who refuse to comply. During investigation, Abhilash told police he had recently fired a gunshot at a cab driver in Mohali as well. A case under Arms Act was registered at the Sector 34 police station. The minor has been sent to a juvenile home. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A suspected cattle smuggler was arrested after a brief encounter with police on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway near Mahu village in Haryanas Nuh district on Saturday, officials said. Cattle smuggler held after encounter with police in Haryanas Nuh The police recovered 21 cows from the vehicle of Taufiq, who suffered a bullet wound in the exchange, they said. The encounter occurred when Taufiq opened fire at a police team chasing his vehicle around 2 am. Taufiq was injured when the police retaliated, they added. His accomplice, however, managed to escape. The police said a case has been registered in the matter. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON China's iron ore imports up 6.9 pct in first seven months Xinhua) 16:26, August 12, 2023 BEIJING, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- China's imports of iron ore registered steady growth in the first seven months of 2023, data from the General Administration of Customs showed. During the period, China imported a total of 669 million tonnes of iron ore, up 6.9 percent from the same period last year, according to the data. In the January-July period, the average price of imported iron ore stood at 785.6 yuan (about 109.77 U.S. dollars), down 5.1 percent from a year earlier. (Web editor: Zhao Tong, Hongyu) It was a common enough shrub spotted in some villages around Panipat, and generally speaking, in the lowlands and foothills of India, Pakistan and southeastern Afghanistan. The scientific community had not studied this humble shrub carefully. The roots of the neglect lay in the fact that classical botanists preferred to study plants of charming mountains and salubrious climes. The flora of the hot and dusty plains received cursory attention. All that changed when curiosity came knocking at the door of this shrub a decade back in the guise of an inquisitive teacher of botany at the local IB College, Nidhan Singh, in whose heart were the stirrings of empathy and a natural affinity for the neglected flora of his native place. From Panipat, a new species for the world. (PHOTO: NIDHAN SINGH) It was a kind of love or curiosity at first sight. There was something different about this Panipat shrub. It was a perennial one whereas other shrub species of the Atriplex genus would appear in the monsoons and disappear. I consulted my peer group and examined Atriplex specimens curated at national botanical collections. This particular shrub was either clubbed with another species of Atriplex genus, i.e. A. crassifolia, or just left hanging in the air as one of the Atriplex species. But I was not satisfied, the shrubs visible differences from other Atriplex species kept nagging my mind. I finally consulted Dr. Alexander Sukhorukov from Moscow State University (MSU), regarded as a world authority on Chenopodiaceae and Amaranthaceae clades. Dr. Sukhorukov was intrigued enough and he visited Panipat in November 2022. We examined this shrub in the field followed by herbarium studies and molecular analysis under his guidance. My hunch was proven correct, associate professor Nidhan Singh told this writer. The shrub was indeed a species new to science and as befitting its exclusive identity recently got its own nameplate: Atriplex pseudotatarica Sukhorukov & Nidhan Singh. The discovery was certified by the research papers acceptance in the peer-reviewed botanical journal, PhytoKeys, under the title, A new species of Atriplex (Amaranthaceae) from the Indian subcontinent, and authored by Sukhorukov, Singh, Maria Kushunina (MSU), Maxim A. Zaika (MSU) and Alexander N. Sennikov (University of Helsinki). What is remarkable is that more than being a taxonomist or a field botanist, Singh is essentially a teacher. But he possessed an attribute critical to the furtherance of knowledge a scientific temper that relies on curiosity, dissenting views and intellectual courage to persist against received mainstream/peer wisdom. Crow hoards fish and (below) conceals it with grass. (PHOTOS: PARVEEN NAIN) Amazing crow of the Sukhna The House crow is a fabled avian on account of its intelligence, equally well-regarded in science for that attribute as well serving as a useful scavenger in human-littered landscapes. If keen naturalists seek to observe crow behaviour in spots more hospitable than stinking garbage dumps there is no better habitat than the entrancing environs of the Sukhna lake. Here, crows breed on the mesmerising colonnade of Kachnar trees, dispose of human food remnants and make the most of dead, vulnerable fish. Wildlife photographer Parveen Nain harbours a sharp eye for the crow-fish interaction. Earlier, his photograph of a crow eating a strange-looking fish on the banks of the Sukhna emphatically confirmed the existence of the alien Amazonian Sailfin catfish in the Sukhna (having been dumped surreptitiously by aquarium owners in the lake) and was published in these columns. Last week, Nain caught the clever crow in another amazing act. Not amazing for a crow, but for us humans as we are not so cognisant of their time-tested behaviours. This crow had picked a dead fish and when none of his/her comrade seemed to be keeping a watch (except the roving Nain eye!), the bird inserted the fish into a cleft in the lakes lawns and then covered the hoarded stuff with grass tufts! The crow, as is known to avian scientists, was storing food for later use. When needed, crows accurately locate the spot where they had cached food earlier. Other creatures such as squirrels, jays and magpies also cache food to secure it from others and to use it later, such as impending adverse weather. vjswild2@gmail.com It is an invitation to a function on August 15, the Independence Day of India. But what puzzles one is the picture accompanying it. One would have thought that such an event would be illustrated by the unfurling of the tri-colour. But the picture here is of a train on fire and desolate forlorn refugees sitting by the path and some survivors moving in carts with sorrow writ large on their faces. The caption of the event baffles one further. It reads Pachtava Divas (Day of Penitence) and comes from the progressive organisation of the city: Kendri Guru Singh Sabha. Pachtava Divas envisaged by Kendri Punjabi Guru Singh Sabha. (HT Photo) Gurpreet Singh, spokesperson of the Sabha, elaborates that it is part of their effort as a community to express remorse for the communal excesses committed during the Partition riots. Six years ago, we wrote a letter of apology to the religious organisations in Pakistan saying that we as Sikhs were guilty of violence against innocent and Muslim neighbours and our religion does not allow us to attack unarmed persons, Singh explains. The Sabha has since been organising a lecture series every year on Independence Day. The cover of San Santali an anthology of poems by Amarjit Chandan with a cover painting by SL Prashar. (HT) Train to Pakistan For families uprooted from one side to the other, what existed for the generation that was born after the great divide was silence on what had happened with a view to spare the young from gory tales. And what comes to my mind is that we are on the platform of the Amritsar railway station all set to take the train to Pakistan. Immigration officers sit on tables with files, papers and passports scattered before them. The year is 1959 and I am all of four years old, dark and skinny, clutching onto my mothers hand half-excited and half-afraid about my first train journey to a place my mother called her Pindi. Suddenly a sight scares me stiff. A ghostly figure covered from top to toe with a meshed window covering the eye space. What is this? My mother did not understand me until I pointed to the figure in black. My mother laughed and said, She is a lady! Then she took me to meet her and I shook hands with what I thought was an apparition. It took me many years to realise that the Indian side of Punjab had been so cleansed that children born in Chandigarh had not seen a burqa. Of course, I did know of a country called Pakistan, which had somehow belonged to my mother. My aunt, uncle and sister still lived there, but we could not meet them. Their photograph was placed on the table and my mother often listened to Radio Pakistan. Ever since I was a precocious child of two plus, my mother would dress me and send me with the babysitter saying, Go take a walk to Pakistan where your aunt lives. Not too far from our home in Chandigarh was a makeshift sub-consulate of Pakistan in a Barrister Colony home with a green flag with a crescent moon and a star in white. I would look at it and return home and report, I am back from Pakistan, I thought it was a game that my mother played with me about her imagined country. Storyteller Sadat Hasan Manto, a chronicler of Partition. (HT) Other side of silence It took me many more visits across the barbed wire over the years with my mother to know of the inter-community massacre and loot of all kinds. The first to break the silence were the poets and the storytellers on what freedom from Colonial rule had brought for the Indian people. Amrita Pritams ode to Waris Shah remains the first dirge to the largest Partition in the world, with the Radcliffe Line running amok cutting one country into two. The happenings were so horrific that silence became the only shield from the madness. But there writers who had borne it on their souls told the inhuman stories of humans with Urdu writer Sadat Hasan Manto leading the way with Toba Tek Singh, Khol Do and many others, which were eye-openers on what atrocities could be committed on the other in the name of religion of othering that raises its ugly head some 76 years later, far away from Punjab in the state of Manipur in independent India. In fact, even the historians and political scientists of the time were baffled into silence. Later many historians used the fiction of those times to get to the fact. Later feminist writers like Urvashi Butalia, Kamla Bhasin, Ritu Menon and others collected oral histories on the lives of women who were among the worst sufferers of the battle being fought on their bodies and souls. Punjabi poet Amarjit Chandan who edited a collection of poems in a book titled San Santali says: In September 2012, newspapers in east Punjab were awash with pictures of Mohammad Khursheed Khan, the then attorney general of Pakistan. He could be seen cleaning shoes of devotees of the Golden Temple Amritsar to atone for the killings of innocent Sikhs in Peshawar, in present-day Pakistan. Chandan adds: It is time for Punjabis to atone for the sins of 1947. nirudutt@gmail.com SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Sadar Police booked a Faridkot-based doctor for hiding the death of his parents, who were also government doctors, and withdrawing their pension from their bank accounts. According to the police, the accused has drawn 6 lakh from the accounts of his parents till November 2021, which the department used to send as pension. HT Image The accused has been identified as Dr Bhupinder Pal Singh Khangura of Balvir Basti of Faridkot. The FIR has been lodged following the statement of Surjit Singh of Dhalia village of Jagraon. In his complaint, Surjit stated that Dr Khanguras parents were doctors. His mother Dr Ranjit Kaur retired from Medical College, Faridkot. She died on February 27, 2019. After her death, the department kept sending her pension in account of her husband Dr Harjit Singh. The complainant added that Dr Harjit Singh had died on May 20, 2021. Instead of informing the department about his death, the accused kept on withdrawing the pension from their bank accounts. Inspector Gurpreet Singh, SHO at police station Sadar, said that the complainant filed a complaint on June 9. The police lodged the FIR after investigating the matter for two months. An FIR under Section 420 of the IPC has been lodged against the accused. A hunt is on for his arrest. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Police have arrested a domestic help for stealing the car of a resident of Sector 42-B in Chandigarh. Police arrested a domestic help for stealing the car of a resident of Sector 42-B in Chandigarh. (HT File) The accused, Veeru, alias Ajay, 39, of Muradabad, Uttar Pradesh, used to work at the complainants house. As per police, complainant Parvej Garg said his silver Maruti Ignis Car was stolen by his domestic help. It had 1.17 lakh, some jewellery and 348 foreign currency notes, including British pounds, Canadian dollars and US dollars. At first, the police went to the accuseds village in UP but he was not there. Later, he was arrested from Rasalpur village near Lucknow while driving the stolen car. An official said the car was recovered along with the stolen cash, foreign currency, and gold and silver jewellery items. During the interrogation, it came to fore that the accused was using a false name and had even manipulated his Aadhaar card to hide his original identity. The accused was presented in court on Friday and police have taken him on one-day police remand to further verify why he changed his identity before he started working in Chandigarh. A case of theft under Indian Penal Code was registered at the Sector 36 police station. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Enforcement Directorate has started interrogating former Central Bureau of Investigation judge Sudhir Parmar in a money laundering case linked to a corruption case registered by the Haryana anti-corruption bureau (ACB) against him and an additional session judge-rank judicial officer. Suspended CBI judge Sudhir Parmar, who was arrested on Thursday, was sent to six-day ED custody by a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Chandigarh on Friday. (HT File) Parmar, who was arrested on Thursday, was sent to six-day ED custody by a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Chandigarh on Friday, soon after he was produced before it after his arrest in the money laundering case. Parmar, suspended on April 27, after being booked on April 17, has been accused of alleged favouritism in his treatment of real estate developers Roop Bansal and his brother Basant Bansal of M3M and Lalit Goyal of IREO Group, according to an FIR filed by the ACB. The Bansal brothers, Goyal and nephew of a judicial officer, Ajay Parmar, were also arrested by the ED earlier. The ED had started PMLA investigations after registering an enforcement case information report (ECIR) on June 13. The ECIR was based on the April 17 first information report (FIR) registered by ACB under sections 7, 8, 11, and 13 of the Prevention of Corruption Act and section 120-B of the Indian Penal Code for offences relating to a public servant being bribed, a public servant taking undue advantage, criminal misconduct by a public servant, and criminal conspiracy. The ACB FIR, on the basis of which the ED also registered the ECIR, was lodged on the basis of reliable source information, WhatsApp chats, and audio recordings of the accused, which allegedly disclosed instances of grave misconduct, abuse of official position, and demand and acceptance of undue advantage from the accused in cases pending in Parmars court. According to ED officials, the ACB FIR stated that as per reliable information, instances of grave misconduct, abuse of official position, and demand and acceptance of undue advantage and bribe from the accused persons in the cases pending in his court were observed (in the judge case). Haryana chief minister (CM) Manohar Lal Khattar on Saturday increased the ambit of beneficiaries for Ayushman Bharat Yojana, to include those having an annual income of up to 3 lakh per annum. Until now, only those with an annual income of 1.8 lakh per annum were covered under the scheme. Haryana chief minister (CM) Manohar Lal Khattar addressing people during a Jan Samwad (public outreach programme) in Radaur sub-division in Yamunanagar on Saturday. (HT Photo) Khattar made the announcement during his Jan Samwad (public outreach programme) in Radaur sub-division in Yamunanagar. The CM said the government will open the portal for enrolment in the scheme from August 15. Beneficiary families will be able to avail of the benefits by depositing a sum of 1,500. Over 30 lakh families of the state are already benefiting from the scheme, now eight lakh more families will join, he added. Ayushman Bharat Yojana is the Centres flagship scheme being implemented by the National Health Authority (NHA), which provides health cover of 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation Khattar is set to chair Jan Samwad in Bakana, Damla and Alahar villages of Radaur today. Later in the day, he will also have an online Vishesh Charcha with the beneficiaries of PM Awas Yojana. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Busting a betting racket, the CIA staff 1 of Ludhiana police commissionerate arrested two persons and recovered 24 lakh in cash, 212-gram gold jewellery, five debit cards, and a Toyota Fortuner SUV from their possession. HT Image The arrested accused have been identified as Sanjeev Kumar alias Gola of Sector 33 Chandigarh Road, and Mahinder Singh alias Nanna of Mohar Singh Nagar. Inspector Kulwant Singh, in-charge CIA-1, said the police arrested the accused following a tip-off. The accused were accepting bets and were involved in gambling following which the team conducted a raid and arrested them. The team recovered 24 lakh in cash, 212gm gold jewellery and five debit cards from their possession. The police also seized the SUV. The police said that the accused were earlier also booked in a similar case. However, they are being questioned and more people involved with them will be traced. A case under Sections 13A, 3 and 67 of Gambling Act, 294-A, 420 of the IPC and 7(3) of Lottery Act has been registered against the accused at Division number 7 police station. Jalandhar resident held for liquor smuggling The CIA staff 2 police of Police Commissionerate Ludhiana arrested a Jalandhar resident for liquor smuggling. The police recovered 75 cartons of illicit liquor smuggled from Chandigarh. The accused has been identified as Sonu of Jalandhar. Inspector Beant Juneja, in-charge at CIA staff 2, stated that the police arrested the accused from Focal Point area following a tip-off. The accused was coming to Ludhiana from Chandigarh side in a car when the police stopped him for checking. When frisked the police recovered 75 cartons of illicit liquor from the car. A case under sections 61, 1 and 14 of the Excise Act has been lodged against the accused at Focal Point police station. The inspector added that the accused is a driver. More important information has been expected from the accused during questioning. 3 snatchers held, 10 mobile phones recovered The Focal Point Police arrested three accused for snatchings and recovered 10 mobile phones, a bike and sharp-edged weapons from their possession. The arrested accused have been identified as Pardeep Kumar of Kanganwal, Babu Kumar of Sahnewal and Satpal Singh alias Kaka of Sundar Nagar Chowk. Inspector Amandeep Singh Brar, SHO at police station Focal Point stated that the police arrested the accused following a tip-off. He added that the accused had robbed a man Tarun Kumar of Jagdish Colony on August 7 of his mobile phone after injuring him. A case under sections 378-B and 34 of IPC has been lodged against the accused. Satpal Singh alias Kaka is already facing a trial in at least 8 cases of snatching and theft. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON In a significant breakthrough, the Sahnewal police foiled a major drug smuggling attempt after a local courier company found narcotics hidden inside packages destined for foreign countries. HT Image On scanning the boxes scheduled for international delivery, the courier company found illegal drugs concealed among clothes in two separate parcels. Immediately recognising the gravity of the situation, the company informed the Sahnewal police. Inspector Inderjit Singh Boparai, station house officer (SHO) at Sahnewal police station, authorised the opening of the suspicious courier boxes. The search yielded 435 gm of opium in one box and 250 gm in the other, both hidden among garments. Mayank Chauhan, the supervisor of the courier company in Dhandhari Kalan, had reported the contents of the parcels. One box was dispatched by Gurjot Singh from Sunam, Sangrur, with intended recipient Prabhjot Singh in Brampton, Canada. The second box originated from Sarabjeet Singh in Kapurthala and was supposed to be delivered to Balwinder Singh Multani in the US. The Sahnewal police have registered two separate FIRs against Gurjot Singh and Sarabjeet Singh under Sections 18, 61 and 85 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The authorities are currently engaged in tracing and apprehending the suspects. Subsequently, the involvement of Prabhjot Singh and Balwinder Singh, the intended recipients of the smuggled goods, will also be thoroughly investigated. The police have advised all courier companies and individuals to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities promptly. They have requested the publics cooperation in curbing the menace of drug smuggling, which poses a significant threat to society. Earlier on March 28, the city police had filed a case after 74 gm opium was recovered from a package bearing a US address at a courier company. The contraband was hidden between clothes in the packet. While scanning the package, the courier company employees found something fishy and informed the police. When the police opened the packet, they found 74 gm opium wrapped in three jackets and some other clothes. On March 24, the Ludhiana rural police had arrested a local drug peddler for smuggling contraband to foreign countries through courier service using fake documents. The police had recovered 200 gm of opium and a car from the accused identified as Kirpaljit Singh alias Vicky of Hans Kalan village. Punjab health and family welfare minister Dr Balbir Singh on Saturday informed that chief minister Bhagwant Mann will dedicate 76 Aam Aadmi Clinics to the people on August 14. Punjab health and family welfare minister Dr Balbir Singh on Saturday informed that chief minister Bhagwant Mann will dedicate 76 Aam Aadmi Clinics to the people on August 14. (HT File) Following the success of Aam Aadmi Clinics, chief minister Bhagwant Mann will dedicate another 76 Aam Aadmi Clinics to the people of the state on August 14, to mark the 76th Independence Day, taking the total number of operational clinics to 659, he said. Dr Singh said over 44 lakh patients have benefitted from these clinics, and over 20 lakh patients have undergone free tests. Addressing a press conference here, the health minister said CM Mann had dedicated 75 AACs to the people of the state to mark the 75th Independence Day last year, and their numbers have now increased to 583 in the state. Out of these 583, 180 AACs are located in the urban areas while 403 are located in rural areas, the minister said. He informed that as many as 80 types of medicines and 38 diagnostics tests are available free of cost for the patients at these clinics. More than 20 lakh free tests and medicines of approximately 30.25 crore have been provided to the patients during the last year, he added. Recounting the other significant achievements in the health sector, the health minister said that the state government has appointed 300 house surgeons to strengthen the emergency services at district and sub-divisional hospitals, while, 200 Post PG students have been bonded by the department of medical research & education to serve as contractual medical officers with the state health department. This initiative is intended to ensure the availability of specialist services at secondary health facilities, he said. He said that to overcome the shortage of specialist doctors at various district hospitals in the state, a total of 85 Diplomate of National Board (DNB) seats have been approved in the 14 districts. Meanwhile, the health minister said that the state Government is all set to commence yet another initiative under which the health teams will check blood pressure, sugar, body mass index (BMI) and basic metabolic rate of all the 3 crore Punjabis for early detection of disease. Around 1 lakh people will be diagnosed under the pilot project, which will be started from Patiala, he said. The Punjab and Haryana high court has vacated the stay on trial court proceedings in a corruption case involving Punjab deputy superintendent of police (DSP) Raka Ghirra. Ghirra was recruited as an inspector in the Punjab Police in 2001 and promoted as DSP in 2007. (HT Photo) In 2011, Ghirra was arrested by CBI from her residence at Sector 15, Chandigarh, for allegedly accepting a bribe of 1 lakh from a realtor to settle his case. Ghirra was recruited as an inspector in the Punjab Police in 2001 and promoted as DSP in 2007. At the time of the corruption case, she was a DSP in Mohali. During the raids, CBI had also seized a large quantity of arms and ammunition, including a .32-bore German revolver and a double-barrel gun, along with multiple cartridges. She was acquitted in the arms seizure case in 2019. Acting on her plea seeking quashing of challan presented by CBI, the high court in 2018 had stayed the proceedings. CBI had been pressing for vacation of the stay. In 2020, a special CBI court in Chandigarh, where trial is underway, had forwarded an application moved by the agency, regarding the resumption of trial to high court. During the resumed hearing on August 2, CBIs counsel submitted that the FIR is from 2011 and the stay was operating since 2018. Ghirras lawyer requested for an adjournment. The court, while posting the matter for February 28, 2024, said,It is clarified that the interim order was only operating till 01.08.2023. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Residents of Sector 24, especially those from the C and D categories housing clerical staff and government school and college teachers, have been calling for attention towards the poor conditions of the houses which they say are in immediate need of repairs Chandigarh engineering department officials inspected the dilapidated houses in Sector 24 recently. (HT File) The recent monsoon fury worsened their woes, with complaints of cracked ceilings, leaks, damp walls, malfunctioning kitchens and bathrooms being commonplace. Sector 24 is the citys only sector with just government houses. While the category A and B houses are allotted to IAS officers, high court judges and lawyers, PGIMER employees, and to the officers of UT administration and municipal corporation, those in the C and D categories are allotted to clerical staff, superintendents, teachers of government schools and colleges, and other government staff. Sharing his ordeal, Sheshpal, a resident, said, The houses are old and lack maintenance. The category C and D houses are totally ignored by the administration. Every monsoon, we live in misery with leaking roofs, damp walls and smelly washrooms. Echoing the sentiment, Anita Sharma, another resident, said, Despite repeated complaints, the administration pays no heed towards our demands. Repair of ceiling is our first priority as due to leakage, our furniture gets damaged. Washrooms and kitchens need repair too. Area councillor Saurabh Joshi, who visited the houses on Friday to take stock of the situation, said, These government houses are managed by the UT administrations engineering department. But as the complaints about the worried state of the government quarters were pouring in abundance, I had called upon officers of UTs maintenance department and went on a door-to-door visit to those houses. The houses need immediate repair due to broken ceiling, walls and flooring. People have to cover their roofs with tarpaulin sheets, so as to safeguard their broken ceilings from leakage, in case it rains again, he added. Joshi added that UT administration officers had accompanied him to the inspection and have assured him that an estimate of repair of houses will be made and begin repairs work soon. UT chief engineer CB Ojha, meanwhile, said, Our teams have inspected the houses and immediate short term repairs have been made. Also, we have floated tenders for proper repairs of the houses. UT administrator Banwarilal Purohit on Friday handed over 38 appointment letters to new recruits at the Chandigarh Housing Board (CHB) office in Sector 9. UT administrator Banwarilal Purohit handing out appointment letters to recruits at the Chandigarh Housing Board office in Sector 9. (HT Photo) The newly appointed employees will be serving in various positions, including junior engineers, sub-divisional engineers, draftsmen and architects. In his address, Purohit extended congratulations to the new appointees and urged them to approach their work with utmost transparency and dedication. He also encouraged them to shoulder their responsibilities with a positive mindset and to continue their journey of learning and self-development. As we embark upon Azadi Ka Amrit Kaal, you hold the goal of transforming India into a developed nation within the next 25 years. I implore each one of you to invest your wholehearted effort into your tasks, said the administrator. The selection process encompassed comprehensive assessments and examinations, conducted in February 2023. The results of the written tests were announced in May. Subsequently, thorough document verification and biometric authentication were conducted for eligible candidates in June and July. UT adviser Dharam Pal, UT home secretary Nitin Yadav, city mayor Anup Gupta, DGP Praveer Ranjan, CHB CEO Yashpal Garg, deputy commissioner Vinay Partap Singh and CHB chief engineer Rajeev Singla were also present on the occasion. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Delhi Commission For Women (DCW) received more than 0.6 million distress calls between July 2022 and June 2023, while over 92,000 cases of which the highest were related to domestic violence were registered through the helpline during this period, its chairperson Swati Maliwal said on Saturday. Delhi Commission for Women chairperson Swati Maliwal addresses a press conference at DCW office in New Delhi on Saturday. (ANI) The cases registered through the 630,288 calls it received on its toll-free helpline number, 181, also included those related to conflict with neighbours, rape and sexual assault, Prevention of Children Under Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act , kidnapping, cybercrimes, missing, and grievances by senior citizens, Maliwal said during a press conference. Besides, 11,187 of the total distress calls were made for cases outside Delhi, she added. The 181 helpline is a 24x7, toll-free phone number, on which women can register their grievances. The helpline seeks to provide immediate assistance to women in distress through a network of counsellors, supervisors, consultants and experts. If the complainant requires police assistance or ambulance, the call counsellor informs the Police Control Room and arranges a PCR van for her counsellor or if required, sends an ambulance service to the victim. The helpline also provides information about various support services and government schemes and programmes available to women and girls. Last year, the commission received 542,618 such calls, according to officials. However, no separate data was available on the nature of the calls for 2021-22, as officials familiar with the matter said this is the first time that DCW released a comprehensive report. According to this years data shared by DCW, of the total cases, 38,342 cases were of domestic violence, followed by 9,516 cases of conflict with neighbours, 5,895 cases of rape and sexual harassment, 3,647 cases of Pocso, 4,229 cases of kidnapping, and 3,558 cases of cybercrime. The commission also received 1,552 missing complaints, while 3,144 complaints were registered by senior citizens. The highest number of cases were lodged from Narela area ( 2,976) followed by Bhalswa Dairy (1,651), Burari (1,523), Kalyanpuri (1,371) and Jahangirpuri area (1,221), DCW said. We will be sending the report to Delhi police, central and state government. Its a matter of shame the countrys capital is infamous as the rape capital and crime capital of the world. This needs to change. With folded hands, I request the central government to set up a high-level committee. They should call for an urgent meeting under the chairmanship of the home minister. LG, chief minister, police commissioner, and DCW should be part of the meeting. It is important to fix the polices accountability, said Maliwal. Maliwal said that the helpline had received over 4 million calls in the past seven years, and the commission has been working effectively since it was backed by a team on the ground that took cognizance. The moment a woman calls on the helpline, a counsellor attends her call. If a woman is facing trouble in getting an FIR registered, our team goes to the police station and helps in getting the complaint registered, said Maliwal. She added that the commission had also rescued girls from human trafficking after receiving complaints on the helpline.She also said that different agencies should work in tandem to ensure womens safety. Delhi deputy commissioner of police PRO Suman Nalwa said that police were committed towards upholding womens safety and whenever intervention was required, required steps were taken. Nalwa added that Delhi police steps in whenever the commission reaches out to the police control room. Delhi police also has a helpline catering to women which is handled by women officers. We have special police officers who are specially trained to address grievances of women. Whether one wants to talk about domestic violence or understand where and how to file a police complaint, or get any other immediate help, they can reach out to Delhi polices 1091 helpline. The calls are answered by women cops who are specifically trained in women-related laws, said Nalwa. Ranjana Kumari, a social activist and director of the Centre for Social Research, said that the systems were not sensitised to address concerns of women and women were hesitant in reporting domestic violence and other grievances. Domestic violence is much more prevalent in society than the reported cases that we get. All the more women are stepping forward, women are still hesitant since societal stigma continues to weigh them down. They are also deterred by the consequences of reporting since the system is stacked against women. Out of ten such cases, only one woman is likely to report, said Kumari. She added that it was important to analyse how these complaints and cases were eventually dealt with. Its important to analyse how these cases are addressed after they are reported and if justice is guaranteed. We need to see how many women eventually get justice or any kind of support from the commission. Support should not be restricted to counselling alone, said Kumari. A four-member committee will investigate Fridays incident in which at least 28 students of an MCD school in central Delhis Inderpuri fell sick and were hospitalised, officials said on Saturday. The children allegedly fell sick after classes resumed post the mid-day meal break. (Representational image/ HT Archive) Deputy commissioner of Karol Bagh zone on Saturday constituted the committee, which will comprise a zonal superintending engineer and an assistant commissioner from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), along with an official from the Delhi Directorate of Education (DDE) and the district health officer (DHO). The move comes after parents alleged that the children could have fallen sick due to food poisoning after consuming the mid-day meal served at the school. MCD has, however, denied the allegations, and said that the incident took place following a gas leak at a nearby Railways line. Also Read: Dengue cases in Delhi spike amid rain, floods, MCD strike On Friday, police had sent the food samples for testing, the result of which is yet to come. The committee will analyse the entire situation and talk to the children, teachers and doctors before submitting its report regarding why such an incident too place and what was the source that led to children falling sick, said an MCD official, asking not to be named. At least 28 students of classes four and five from Nigam Pratibha Vidyalaya were taken to hospitals on Friday afternoon after they complained of vomiting due to afoul smell in their classrooms. The children allegedly fell sick after classes resumed post the mid-day meal break. While parents alleged that the children became unwell after consuming lunch, MCD officials maintained that only those students from two classrooms on the top floor of the school fell sick, where students had earlier complained of a foul and pungent smell. All students were discharged by Saturday, officials aware of the matter said. A 31-year-old man from Sagar district in Madhya Pradesh was arrested from north Delhi on August 4 with a consignment of 21 illegal pistols, the Delhi Police said on Saturday, adding that he borrowed money from his friends and mortgaged his wifes jewellery to invest in the illegal trade. Police seized a consignment of 21 pistols from the suspect. (Representational image/ HT Archive) Police identified the suspect as Lal Singh Chadhar, a former security guard at a private school in Sagar. This was the first consignment of firearms that Chadhar smuggled into the city but was caught by a team of the special cell last week, police said. Police said that Chadhar was nabbed after a brief scuffle during which his left shoulder got dislocated while trying to flee. He was admitted to a government hospital, where he was given medical attention, and his shoulder was plastered. Also Read: 15 cyber police stations in each district, Delhi HC told Special commissioner of police (special cell) HGS Dhaliwal said that Chadhar was nabbed after the police received information that he procured the firearms from Burhanpur and will reach near Gandhi Museum on Ring Road to deliver the same to one of his clients. Accordingly, a trap was laid under the supervision of deputy commissioner of police Rajiv Ranjan Singh. Chadhar arrived around 3.20pm and was waiting for his contact. The team nabbed him after a scuffle and seized 21 pistols. A case under the relevant sections of law was registered at the special cell police station and Chadhar was arrested, added Dhaliwal. Police said that Chadhar came in contact with one Rajesh Pyasi of Sagar, who was operating a syndicate of illegal pistols in the area. To earn quick money, Chadhar also started selling pistols in the area. Pyasi introduced Chadhar to an illegal arms supplier from Burhanpur in MP. Each recovered pistol was purchased for around 7,000. Chadhar had planned to sell the pistols for 25,000 to 30,000 each. However, he was arrested before the consignment of firearms could be delivered, added the special CP. The sale value of the seized pistols was made out to be around 6 lakh while he invested nearly 2 lakh to procure them from the supplier in Madhya Pradesh. The seizure of firearms happened nearly 10 days before Independence Day for which the city has been put on a high alert. The city police have already intensified their presence at all borders of the city, police added. Schools and other educational institutions in Nuh reopened on Friday, 11 days after a communal clash in the district forced the administration to shut school until the situation normalised. Services of the Haryana State Transport buses were also fully restored on Friday, said officials. Most institutions saw low turnout on Friday as parents are still wary of sending their children to school. (Parveen Kumar/ HT) Internet connectivity in the district, suspended in the wake of the violence, will resume only on August 15. Dhirender Khadgata, deputy commissioner of Nuh, issued an order on Thursday stating that in view of the normal situation in the area, it has been decided to open all educational institutions from August 11. Also Read: Nuh action not ethnic cleansing: Haryana govt tells HC Similarly, services of Haryana State Transport buses are also being fully restored from August 11. Looking at the present situation we have decided to relax the curfew starting Friday. ATMs in the municipal corporation area of Nuh, Tauru, Punhana, Ferozepur Jhirka and Pinangwan and Nagina will remain open between 7am and 3pm, he said. He said curfew will be lifted from 7am to 6pm only on Saturday. Kusum Malik, Nuh foundational literacy and numeracy coordinator, said there are 934 primary schools and high schools in the district and eight colleges, including a private institution. Also Read: Owaisi raises Nuh violence, RPF constable incident at no confidence motion debate Most of the schools had a low turnout on Friday as families are still wary of sending their children to school in the present scenario. We are spreading awareness and sending officials to all villages. We met students on Friday and counselled them, as some of them are still a panicked. The primary wing of most schools was almost empty so we met some families and motivated them to send children from Monday, she said. Malik said schools are preparing for Independence Day celebrations and those who are participating in various programmes had come for their practice sessions. Paramjit Chahal, Nuh district education officer, said schools have reopened but the student attendance was hardly 20% at most schools. We had visited villages and met families and convinced them to send their wards to school so that their midterm syllabus could be completed before half yearly exams. Those who have board exams have already suffered a lot and we do not want them to miss their classes anymore. We are organising extra and special classes for students to complete the syllabus, he said. Mehboob Hussain, a resident of Ferozepur Jhirka, said he dropped both of his daughters, students of class 10 and 12, before time at their school. I waited outside the school till classes got over. I was afraid of sending them but my wife pressed me to do so. Teachers assured us that they would be responsible for the safety of all students. Enough police personnel were also deployed on the stretch and near school to ensure their safety, he said. Fatima Sheikh, a resident of Nagina, said that she did not send her four children to school as the situation is still critical. The curfew is lifted for a limited period, I cannot risk their lives by sending them to school under the present circumstances. Let the situation get back to normal in the district , and we will start sending them. Studies are not more important than their lives, she said. The one hardship that people in Nuh continue to face is the internet shutdown. People say they are finding it hard to pay in cash for transportation and grocery shopping. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Mukesh Kumar, the resident editor of Sudarshan News, was arrested by police in Gurugram over his alleged inflammatory posts on social media related to the communal violence in Nuh and adjoining districts in Haryana. Mukesh Kumar, the resident editor of Sudarshan News. Responding to Kumar's arrest, the TV channel, which had initially alleged he was "abducted" by some goons, termed it an attack on media freedom. The Gurugram Police said he was arrested by the Cyber Crime, East Police Station. Six people were killed in the Nuh communal violence that erupted during a Vishva Hindu Parishad procession on July 31. An FIR was registered against Kumar on August 9 under Sections 153B, 401, 469, and 505 (1) (C) of the IPC and Section 66-C of the IT Act. According to the police, on X (formally Twitter), Kumar alleged a foreign media house has been making calls to the Gurugram Police Commissioner and pressuring her to take action against Hindus over the communal riots. In a statement on Friday, the Gurugram Police rejected Kumar's claims and termed them baseless, false and misleading. An FIR was registered under the relevant section of the IT Act and other sections against the journalist at the Cyber Crime, East Police Station, the police said. What did Mukesh Kumar write? On August 8, Kumar wrote, "The @AJENews (Al Jazeera News Channel) has been making calls to the Gurgaon Police Commissioner and pressuring her to take action against Hindus. And after receiving the call, @DC_Gurugram comes under so much pressure she picks up Hindu activists from anywhere." Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime) Varun Dahiya said on Friday Kumar was arrested and taken to a hospital for his medical examination Mukesh Kumar abducted: Sudarshan News The news channel had earlier claimed that Kumar was abducted from Gurugram. It said he had gone to Mewat to help struggling Hindu activists. It said he was abducted by well-built goons from his car in Sector 17, Gurugram. It issued another statement later, saying it took the Gurugram Police seven hours to issue a press note informing about the arrest. "This arrest is totally illegal and wrong. Sudarshan News stands by Mukesh Kumar ji and considers the arrest an attack on media freedom," it said with the hashtag #ReleaseMukeshKumar. (With inputs from PTI) SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A Border Security Force (BSF) jawan was killed and 16 others injured after a truck carrying the personnel overturned in Rajasthans Jaisalmer district on Saturday, officials said. Border Security Force (Representative Photo) Police said the incident took place as the truck driver lost control of the vehicle near Langtala village under the Shahgarh police station area in Jaisalmer. Police have identified the deceased jawan as SK Dubey. The BSF jawan was returning for duty after completing his vacation post, added police. Police said they have informed the family members of Dubey. His post-mortem will be conducted after their arrival, said police. Upon getting information, police and BSF officials reached the spot. The injured were taken to Jaisalmer, where they are undergoing treatment at Jawahar Hospital. The condition of five jawans is said to be critical, said an official. Meanwhile, BSF officials have refused to comment on the incident. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Saturday trained his guns at Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying that the approach of Modi is turning the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) against him and slowly a revolt can happen against him within his own party. Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot addressed youth resolution programme in Jaipur on Saturday. (ANI Photo) Addressing a youth resolution programme in Jaipur, Gehlot said, Making the country Congress-free will never happen. The Congress is in every house of the country. The condition of their party is getting worse. There is a split in their party. In his party, Modi jis respect is waning. This should be a matter of concern for Modi ji himself. The respect that was earlier among the public has decreased and also Modi jis respect is decreasing in his party. Ask the BJP people what happens in the meetings? What used to happen earlier and what happens now? When there is a meeting of their parliamentary board, what was the atmosphere there before and what happens now? You find out. I would like to tell Modi ji that you understand this... The approach of Modi is turning party against him. Slowly a revolt can happen against you, he added. Also Read | TMC played with blood, says PM Modi; Mamata hits back saying BJPs end is near Gehlot said that the BJP people unnecessarily interfere in the internal affairs of the Congress. He said that he is not concerned whether the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the BJP have good terms with each other and added that he wants the country to remain united. Be it any party or ideology, every citizen of the country should remain united for the love of the country and Mother India, he said. Also Read | PM Modi lays foundation stone of Sant Ravidas Temple in Madhya Pradeshs Sagar Commenting on it, BJP MLA Vasudev Devnani said, Gehlot keeps dreaming, and looking at the infightings in his party, he sees same everywhere. The BJP is a strong party and Modi is not just our leader but of the country. He said the chief minister should be concerned about his house and worry about his behaviour where he is not even respecting Sonia or Rahul Gandhi. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Security and intelligence agencies have been put on alert following a disclosure made by the states anti-terror squad (ATS) that suspected terror operative, Ahmad Raza (24), arrested by it from Moradabad on August 3, had planned a fidayeen (suicide) attack on Independence Day (August 15). Intel alert after ATS reveals terror suspects fidayeen plans on I-Day (Pic for representation) ATS officials said Raza confessed his plan during the 14-day custody remand, that will continue till August 17. The officials said they were still verifying details of the terror plan and added that Raza will be taken to a few places in Jammu and Kashmirs Anantnag and Srinagar where he had taken up firearms training in secret terror camps. UP ATS also shared a detailed press note in which its officials shared that on the direction of Pakistan based Jaish-e-Mohammed terror operative Waleed, Raza had even purchased a US made automatic pistol. The ATS officials said a .32 bore US make pistol along with magazine and six live cartridges, hidden at a secret place near Razas village in Moradabad, had also been recovered. Officials said he will be taken to Saharanpur to procure more information about his nefarious intentions and plans. The ATS said Raza was allegedly influenced by Hizbul Mujahideen poster boy Burhan Wani and Zakir Musa and was in regular touch with a Pakistan-based handler and two Hizbul commanders. He allegedly received firearms training at two places in Jammu and Kashmir in 2022 and recently, during the month of Ramzan, the officials said. Officials said Raza received training in secret terror camps in Jammu and Kashmir with help from Firdaus Ahmad Darr, another terror suspect arrested by ATS from Anantnag on August 4. Darr is also presently in ATS custody 14-days till August 19. ATS officials said Darrs uncle Ghulam Ahmad Darr was also a terrorist and was killed in encounter with Indian Army in 1994. They said he was deeply influenced by his uncle and Hizbul Mujahideens poster boy Zakir Musa. The officials Darr had radicalized Ahmad Raza through his chats and Jihadi contents provided to him on chats and recruited him to Hizbul Mujahideen. They said Darr was in regular touch with Pakistani handler Gazi through different messaging applications and added that Gazi promised Darr to provide a consignment of firearms, ammunitions and explosives to carry out terror activities in the valley and eventually establish the Sharia law in India. ATS officials said Darr was also asked to recruit people across the country for this mission and added that he confessed having undergone firearms training in Hizbul camps. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON MUMBAI: Reiterating that the promise of free housing to encroachersslum dwellersis fundamentally flawed, the Bombay high court on Thursday asserted that it must be ensured that the government policy of rehabilitating them is not abused and there is no wholesale profiteering at public expense. HT Image The division bench of justice Gautam Patel and justice Neela Gokhale made the observations after noticing that in a slum rehabilitation scheme implemented in Andheri East, only 235 original allottees were found in 760 rehabilitation tenements inspected by the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) pursuant to the high court order. The inspection also revealed that 59 tenements were found to be occupied by persons, who claimed to be legal heirs of the original allottees, but the SRA had no record of them. The SRA report says that 90 (rehabilitation) tenements are in occupation of purchasers and 290 tenementsover one third of the total tenementsare in occupation of unauthorised persons, the bench said, adding, It is indeed even more curious that 86 rehabilitation tenements were found locked. This is now a clear and unambiguous record of wholesale trafficking, racketeering and profiteering by individuals at public expense and at the cost of the state government and the SRA, the bench said without referring to the fact that there are restrictions on selling or transferring rehabilitation tenements in slum rehabilitation schemes. The judges believed that this is a typical scenario across the city and urgent measures were necessary to arm SRA as the special planning authority with far more powers to stop this illegal trafficking in rehabilitation tenements provided to slum dwellers free-of-cost and on ownership basis. We have previously expressed as have other division benches that the promise of free housing to encroachers is fundamentally flawed, but if that is a government policy, the very least we must do is to make sure that it is not abused in this fashion and that there is no wholesale profiteering at public expense, the bench asserted. The bench said it did not see any good reason why the state government, which ought to achieve a welfare purpose through implementation of slum rehabilitation schemes, should have its avowed objectives perverted like this and why private greed should be allowed to prevail over public need. To put it bluntly: the state government is being defrauded. The SRA is being cheated. We cannot sit by and let this continue, the bench said and added that it would pass appropriate orders on August 21 when the matter is scheduled for further hearing. The court was hearing two petitions filed by slum dwellers complaining about illegal allotments of the rehabilitation tenements to ineligible people, nonpayment of transit rent to eligible slum dwellers and lack of basic facilities in some of the six rehabilitation buildings like non-functioning lifts and lack of drinking water supply, lack of occupancy certificate for higher floors in one of the buildings where all tenements have been allotted to slum dwellers. MUMBAI: The crime branch has busted a bogus call centre for luring unsuspecting flyers under the pretext of selling cheaper air tickets on Friday, and arrested 12 people from Mittal Commercia at Marol, Andheri. The police on Friday night arrested Mridul Johsi, 45, and his brother Abhishek Alias Anshuman, who is still at large and also arrested eleven more employees including a team leader and a designer who used to design advertisements for the frauds (HT Photo) The call centre was run by a Delhi-based businessman, who was earlier arrested by the police for embezzlement of 16 crores from a co-operative bank and his brother. Unit 8 of the Mumbai crime branch headed by Mahesh Desai and Laxmikant Salunke raided the Marol-based commercial property on Friday night and arrested Mridul Johsi, 45, and his brother Abhishek Alias Anshuman, who is still at large. We also arrested eleven more employees including a team leader and a designer who used to design advertisements for the frauds, said a police officer. They put advertisements on social media offering cheaper plane tickets to get business for the fake call centre. After receiving complaints, the police tracked the fraud and raided the premises. The accused has so far spent over 2 crore on advertisements. They used to either send a confirmation that they obtain for holding the tickets or send fake tickets and take money from the flyers and later block their victims. The complainant used to later realise that the tickets issued to them were fake. Most of their victims were Indians settled in Canada or Indians wanting to go to Canada, said DCP Detection 1, Rajtilak Roshan. They have been running this business since 2020, from Delhi but later relocated the entire team to Mumbai six months ago. Joshi is an engineer who has worked with several corporates, and later, he and his brother Abhishek were involved in the alleged embezzlement of 16 crores from Alwar Urban Cooperative Bank in 2016. Abhishek was also associated with Sangamitra Bank in the city. He had also invited job applications in the name of one Deutsche Group and later purchased credit cards in peoples names, said the police officer. He even tried to purchase Kerala-headquartered Dhanlaxmi Bank. The police alleged that they have information that Abhishek is also associated with a ruling political party in Delhi. A total of 50 Sikh leaders will lead a peaceful protest march towards Chandigarh on August 15, representatives of Qaumi Insaaf Morcha said on Friday. A total of 50 Sikh leaders will lead a peaceful protest march towards Chandigarh on August 15. (HT File) Addressing a press conference at the morchas protest site near YPS Chowk, Mohali, advocate Dilsher Singh said, We had asked the Chandigarh administration to provide a route for the march, but so far we have received nothing. He was accompanied by advocate Amar Singh Chahal; Gurcharan Singh, foster father of terrorist Jagtar Singh Hawara; Pal Singh France and Jaswinder Singh Rajpura. During a meeting on Wednesday, Chandigarh Police officials had told the morcha organisers that they wont be allowed entry in the city. They had also asked the organisers to shift their protest to another site. No question of shifting protest site During the press conference on Friday, the morcha leaders maintained that they will not shift the protest site till some of their demands are met. During the meeting with Punjab and Chandigarh police officials on Wednesday, we had made it clear that if the government tries to evict us forcibly, it will be solely responsible for the fallout. We will end the protest and lift the morcha the same day once the government accedes to our demands, which are completely genuine, said Gurcharan Singh. On August 2, the Punjab and Haryana high court had issued a strict warning to the Punjab and Chandigarh police to remove protesters from YPS Chowk. Deferring the hearing for August 17, the high court had stated that it will not hesitate in issuing directions to remove the protesters by use of force. Since January 7, Sikh activists under the banner of Qaumi Insaaf Morcha have been protesting at YPS Chowk, seeking release of Sikh prisoners lodged in different jails despite completion of their jail sentence, bringing vehicle movement on the major Chandigarh-Mohali route to a complete halt. On February 8, protesters had clashed with police forces at the Sector 52/53 dividing road after being stopped from marching towards Chandigarh, leaving at least 33 cops injured. A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader from Nagpur in Maharashtra, who went missing on August 2, was allegedly killed by her husband in Madhya Pradeshs Jabalpur, police said on Friday. Sana Khan Jabalpurs Gorabazar police on Friday arrested an eatery owner identified as Amit alias Pappu Sahu, who confessed to killing his wife Sana Khan and throwing her body into a river, said police. Khan, a Nagpur resident and BJP minority cell member, went missing after visiting Jabalpur. According to her family, Khans last known location was in Jabalpur, where she had gone to meet Sahu. The BJP leader had married Sahu in a court four months ago, said Kamal Maurya, additional superintendent of police (ASP), Jabalpur. Sana had come to Jabalpur on August 2, but went missing on the same day, said the ASP. The family members of Khan filed a complaint against Sahu, suspecting him to be behind the disappearance of their daughter. Following the complaint, police arrested Sahu, who during the interrogation, confessed to killing Khan. According to the initial investigation, the couple had a fight over a gold chain and money that Khan gifted to Sahu at the time of the court marriage, police said. However, police are further interrogating Sahu and trying to recover the body, said the ASP. Sana Khan had three mobile phones that were missing after the incident. Police are trying to get the call details. Amit Sahu was previously married to a policewoman they were separated, ASP Maurya added. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON LUCKNOW The CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI) in Lucknow has introduced an innovative contraceptive named Levormeloxifene. The breakthrough contraceptive is notably more effective to the human body with its reduced dose and chemical burden compared to existing market options. CSIR-CDRI director Radha Rangarajan. (HT Photo) Levormeloxifene is a modernised version of the 1990s Saheli pill, initially developed by CDRI. Once a staple during the 1990s, Saheli, also known as Chaya under the National Family Planning program, has now evolved into Levormeloxifene. The core objective behind this contraceptives development was to minimise the chemical content, particularly crucial for women in their reproductive phase who predominantly consume such tablets, explained Radha Rangarajan, Director of CSIR-CDRI. Rangarajan elaborated, The compound ormeloxifene within Saheli comprises two enantiomers, dextro-ormeloxifene, and levo-ormeloxifene (levormeloxifene). Extensive preclinical studies have indicated higher efficacy of the levo counterpart, levormeloxifene. Consequently, this research solely focuses on testing the levo model as a contraceptive, thereby reducing the unnecessary use of dextro-ormeloxifene and alleviating women from undue chemical exposure. The development of this groundbreaking contraceptive is the culmination of a decade-long intensive research effort led by a team of scientists, including Wahajul Haq, Vivek Bhosle, Arun Trivedi, Rajesh Jha, Rabi Bhatta, Sharad Sharma, SK Rath and others. Upon successful clinical trials, this contraceptive will bolster family planning initiatives, adding to the existing range of contraceptive services within the Programme. These services encompass Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs), condoms, government-provided Nirodh brand, intra-uterine contraceptive devices (IUCD), female and male sterilization, as well as emergency contraceptive pills (ECP). Notably, Cipla has received approval from the Drugs Controller General of India to conduct Phase-I clinical trials for Levormeoxifene. This investigational drug is a collaborative effort between Cipla and CSIR-CDRI, Lucknow, aimed at developing an oral, non-hormonal contraceptive solution. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Eight foreign nationals, including five Bangladeshi nationals and three Rohingyas, were held at Agartala Railway Station in Tripura on Saturday while they were planning to board an Agartala-Kolkata train. The detainees were forwarded to the court and sent to the judicial custody. (Representative Image) The Bangladeshi nationals were identified as Mohammad Abdul Jalil ( 21), Mohammad Bilal Hussain (20), Abdul Kader ( 32), Mohammad Kauser ( 20) and Mohammad Rasel ( 23) while the Rohingyans were identified as Mohammad Husein ( 23), Radika Begum ( 22) and Zahida Begum ( 19). They were detained by Railway Protection Force and later handed over to the Government Railway Police ( GRP). Officials recovered three fake Aadhaar cards and one PAN card after searching them. In the preliminary interrogation, the Bangladeshi detainees said that they entered India through Sonamura and was planning to leave the state via train in search of work. Also Read | Assam: Dissatisfied over ECIs delimitation, AGP MLA resigns from party posts The Rohingyas are from the Rohingya camp based in Bangladeshs Coxs Bazar while the Bangla nationals are from Bangladeshs Chattogram. A case was taken against them under Section 3 the Passport Act and 14 of the Foreigners Act. The detainees were forwarded to the court and sent to the judicial custody, said assistant inspector general Jyotisman Daschaudhuri. Chief minister Manik Saha recently said that his government is taking stern steps to prevent Rohingya infiltration in India who are using the northeastern state as a corridor. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Lucknow Chief Secretary Durga Shankar Mishra directed the horticulture department on Saturday to present a comprehensive roadmap within 15 days, outlining strategies to increase mango exports by 12-fold in 2024. The primary objective is to bolster the income of farmers across the state. Chief Secretary Durga Shankar Mishra (HT File) Convening a meeting in Lucknow, Mishra urged officials to collaborate with the Indian Institute of Horticulture Research to achieve this goal. He emphasised the urgency of initiating the roadmaps execution within the next two months. Underlining the governments commitment to increasing the income of farmers, he said there is a need to increase the exports of agri-products. Ramping up agri-product exports will not only substantially augment farmers earnings but also contribute to the states GDP growth. This, in turn, aligns with Uttar Pradeshs ambitious target of becoming a $1 trillion economy, he pointed out. Furthermore, Mishra underscored the importance of devising action plans for exporting bananas and diversifying product offerings. He stressed the need to fortify the marketing network. Encouraging entrepreneurial ventures within the agriculture and horticulture sectors, he also urged farmers to embrace innovative, nature-oriented farming techniques. LUCKNOW The Outsourced/Contract Employee Association of King Georges Medical University organised a blood donation drive in collaboration with the Transfusion Medicine Department on Saturday. Numerous employees contributed to the cause. King Georges Medical University (HT File) Led by President Abhimanyu Yadav, Patron Pradip Gangwar, and General Secretary Sujit Kumar, the employees were motivated to participate in the blood donation effort. A total of 50 employees donated their blood. The entire event was coordinated by Professor Tulika Chandra, the head of the Transfusion Medicine Department. The blood donation drive was an integral part of the welcome program for our incoming Vice Chancellor, Prof Soniya Nityanand. This noble initiative ensures that no patient in need of blood or its components goes without, said Gangwar. Chief Medical Superintendent of KGMU, Prof SN Sankhwar, acknowledged the blood donors selfless act by presenting them with certificates of appreciation. The event saw active participation from Sanjay Verma, Pawan Kanaujia, Roshni Singh, Subhash Awasthy, Sandeep Yadav, and Sangeeta. The Meghalaya government has decided to sponsor up to 15 lakh for senior level officers for undertaking the mid-career courses in order to upscale the efficiency of the bureaucracy in the state. Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma. (PTI Photo) Informing this after the Cabinet meeting on Friday, minister Paul Lyngdoh said that the Cabinet took up the item of mid-career sponsored courses for senior level officers belonging to All India Services, Meghalaya Civil Service, Meghalaya Police Service, Forest Service and Finance Service for toning up and upscaling the efficiency of the bureaucracy of the state, which is a very important link between the political executive and the public. He said the government has also decided to encourage and incentivise the officers to continue learning by pursuing courses at various universities, which provide higher degrees and diploma courses. (Such courses) will be undertaken by our officers without any dislocation from work, meaning that they will not be taking any leave in the course of the training. There will be no study leave, they will be in a position to undertake such courses in the weekends or post office hours, he said. The courses identified by the government include MBA for working professionals and Ph.D programme offered by IIM Shillong, Masters in Public Policies, an online course offered by the OP Jindal Global University, professional certificates programmes and data sciences and AI, an online course offered by the Indian Institute of Information Technology, Bangalore and part time Ph.D for working professionals offered by Jindal Global Law Schools. To incentivise these officers, the state government has agreed to the proposal to fund the tuition fees for the programme up to a limit of 15 lakh for which there are conditions tied to it. For example, the officer should have at least 7 years of service left, should undertake the course on a part time basis without any study leave and every year up to 3 officers who gained admission to a course of study approved by the government will be sponsored by the government, Lyngdoh said. The minister informed that the programme will be application based and a committee headed by the chief secretary has been constituted to review and approve the application of such officers. When asked, Lyngdoh further clarified that the sponsor amount will be for each officer and said, The whole idea is we need to upscale the efficiency of our officers. A lot of what the government is trying to do suffers when officers are not qualified enough to understand some of the nitty-gritty of administration. For instance, like noting on files which are not clear, which shows lack of depth of understanding of the officers. So, what do we do in such cases, we have access to an online course like the IIM, so we will take advantage of such courses. He also maintained that the amount which the government is investing is also reimbursable in case the officials concerned fail to complete the course or fail to successfully achieve results. Also stating that the government is not questioning the officers competency, Lyngdoh said, We are not questioning their competence. We are saying that even if you are competent, you should keep reorienting yourselves, you may be so well educated but if you stop reading for the last five years, then you are not as good as five years ago. The minister said that even officers, who do not belong to the cadres like the secretary, joint secretary or deputy secretary, should also undergo regular orientation programmes. Meanwhile, the Cabinet has also approved the draft of the Independence Day speech highlighting the various achievements of the government since it took over. VARANASI Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) chief Omprakash Rajbhar on Saturday asserted that the Samajwadi Party would fail to secure any parliamentary seats in the Purvanchal region. He further affirmed that the SBSP, in alliance with the BJP, is poised to secure a clean sweep of all seats in the Purvanchal region during the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Omprakash Rajbhar (HT Photo) Rajbhar was addressing party workers at the Gond Scheduled Tribe Tribal Seminar, a gathering organised by the SBSP at Ramlila Maidan in Ghazipur. Rajbhar emphasised that SBSPs alliance with SP had played a significant role in the success achieved in Purvanchal during the 2022 state assembly elections. He recalled that SBSP had pledged to make Akhilesh the U.P. CM. However, it could not be fulfilled due to Akhileshs actions, he added. Rajbhar also claimed that if the current situation persists, Akhilesh Yadavs prospects of becoming the CM in the future are bleak. Since forming an alliance with the BJP, there has been a discernible transformation in Uttar Pradeshs political landscape. The upcoming Lok Sabha elections will see candidates blessed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath representing Ballia, Ghazipur Lok Sabha seats, and other parliamentary constituencies in Purvanchal, Rajbhar remarked. Speaking on the upcoming election, Rajbhar said that the BJP-SBSP alliance is poised for victory across all Lok Sabha seats in Purvanchal. He also raised concerns about the administrations failure to issue Scheduled Tribe certificates to the Gond caste in Ghazipur, terming it a grave dereliction of duty by the officials entrusted with this responsibility. Reassuring the Gond caste community, he urged them to assemble in Lucknow with a delegation. He assured them that he would facilitate a direct meeting with the CM to address their concerns. LUCKNOW Security has been intensified in the city leading up to Independence Day on August 15 (Tuesday). Numerous events and programs are scheduled for the big day in the city. Lucknow Police reviewing security arrangement in a shopping mall ahead of the Independence Day on August 15. (HT Photo) On Saturday, several roads and intersections in the city were partially barricaded, with police teams inspecting suspicious vehicles on the streets. Groups of police officers, accompanied by senior officials, were also observed conducting inspection drives in malls and other shopping areas. In anticipation of Independence Day, the Lucknow Police Commissionerate is evaluating the security measures being implemented at various locations, stated Aparna Rajat Kaushik, DCP (Central), on Saturday. An extensive inspection campaign is underway. Furthermore, the Bomb Disposal Squad has been deployed at prominent sites such as malls, shopping complexes, markets, and other public areas with substantial footfall, she added. LUCKNOW A walk-in clinic for stray dogs -- where residents can bring in strays from their locality for administering anti-rabies vaccines and neutering procedures -- is witnessing an increased influx. HSI has performed thousands of neutering procedures on stray dogs. (Sourced) Run by the Lucknow chapter of Humane Society International (HSI) in Indira Nagar, these walk-in facilities for strays, launched in 2021, used to be open only once a week. However, the veterinarians at the clinic are now attending to stray patients more frequently than before. While the services were initially offered on Saturdays, they have expanded to include weekdays as well. Although the number of walk-in stray cases sometimes fluctuates due to weather conditions, there is also an increase on occasions like World Spay Day. Since the initiation of these services in Lucknow and Uttarakhand (the sole locations offering these services) in 2021, the Lucknow clinic has attended to 510 stray dogs up until July 2023, with an average weekly rate of 10 dogs coming in for vaccinations or neutering procedures. The facility is staffed by qualified veterinarians who conduct these procedures. This initiative not only safeguards the health of street dogs but also fosters a sense of responsibility within our neighbourhoods and community members. It effectively addresses the pressing issue of unchecked stray dog populations, said Dr Sanjay Ahir, a veterinarian and senior manager of the dog management program at HSI. Its worth noting that HSI has also performed thousands of neutering procedures on stray dogs in collaboration with the municipal corporation and the department of urban development as part of their Animal Birth Control initiative. Over the past two years, an increasing number of Lucknow residents have been bringing in community dogs to our facility for spay/neuter surgeries. This demonstrates a growing awareness among the citys community members concerning the welfare of street dogs, said Vrushti Mawani, senior manager of community engagement at HSI. Previously, we would keep the dogs for three days after the sterilization or neutering procedure for post-surgery care. However, due to the higher numbers of strays and the convenience for citizens bringing them in, we have had to become more flexible about the days on which we offer walk-in facilities, said Divyanshi Pandey of HSI Lucknow. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The state government on Saturday announced free treatment and screening tests at all 2,418 public hospitals in Maharashtra from August 15. Citizens can complain on toll-free number 104 if the hospitals demand fees for treatment, said officials. Health Minister Tanaji Sawant on August 3 had announced free treatment to patients. (HT PHOTO) Health Minister Tanaji Sawant on August 3 had announced free treatment to patients. On Saturday, the government issued a general resolution stating that registration at the outpatient department(OPD), lab tests and screening tests like ECG, X-ray, and CT scan will be free. OPD patients cannot be asked to get medicines or consumables from outside. In case a medicine is unavailable, it has to be locally purchased and given for free. Even during discharge, indoor patients cannot be charged, stated the resolution. According to officials, over 25.5 million people avail treatment at public hospitals. However, free treatment will not apply to hospitals and medical colleges under medical education department. Dr Radhakishan Pawar, deputy director of health services said, Officials have been asked to start free treatment at district, rural hospitals and primary health care centres. Patients must carry a government-issued identity card for registration. Health commissioner Dheeraj Kumar said, Boards regarding the scheme have been displayed for public awareness. In case of discrepancies, patients can call toll-free number 104. A committee has been formed to look into the complaints. They will conduct a monthly meeting to review the complaints. Dr Nagnath Yempalay district civil surgeon said, From August 15, there will be no window for collecting money at Aundh District Hospital. We will have windows for only registration, dispensing medicines and reports. Currently, patients have to pay for CT Scan and MRI, now these tests will also be free. Staff shortage needs immediate attention While the government announced free treatment at public hospitals, infrastructure at these hospitals also require attention. Most public hospitals are unhygienic, lack new technology and equipment, have insufficient staff, including emergency personnel and expert doctors. Furthermore, there is poor communication between hospital staff and patients, and the quality of service is subpar. As per public health department data, Pune region- which includes Pune, Satara and Solapur district has 160 approved Class posts of administration and specialized doctors. Of these, 80 (50%) posts are vacant. These are posts of experts like ophthalmologists, gynaecologists, psychiatrists, and dermatologists among others. Apart from this, out of the 574 posts of medical officers, 303 posts (53%) are vacant. The shortage of expert doctors and medical officers leads to inconvenience of patients and hampers the quality of service, claimed health activists. Sharad Shetty, a health activist said, These hospitals need experts and these posts must be filled immediately. The infrastructure and medical equipment also need to be upgraded. Pune has two tertiary care hospitals-Aundh District Hospital (ADH) and Regional Mental Hospital (RMH), Yerawada. Both these hospitals are facing staff shortage. Only four of 16 Class 1 posts at RMH are filled. At ADH, of the 19 approved posts, four key positions like ENT, mental health expert and dentist are vacant, said officials. Dr Nagnath Yempalay, district civil surgeon at Aundh District Hospital said, We have hired contractual staff and doctors so that patients dont face any issues. Dr Radhakishan Pawar, deputy director of health services said, We have been following up on the issue with the government. With less staff and large number of patients, quality care cannot be provided to the patients. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren convened a meeting with senior leaders and legislators of the ruling alliance on Saturday to strategise for the Dumri assembly by-election scheduled for September 5, leaders close to the developments said. Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren convened a meeting with leaders of the ruling alliance to strategise for the Dumri by-election The ruling alliance of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Congress and the Rashtriya Janata Dal have fielded JMM candidate Bebi Devi against the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which is yet to announce its nominee. The by-election has been necessitated by the passing of former education minister and senior JMM leader Jagarnath Mahto on April 6. His wife, Bebi Devi, who was recently inducted into Hemants cabinet, will contest on the JMM ticket from Bermo. Party leaders said that she would file her nomination on August 17. The meeting, held at the chief ministers official residence in Ranchi, was attended by Congress Legislature Party leader Alamgir Alam, ministers, including Bebi Devi, and other legislators. In the meeting, we discussed the strategy for the Dumri assembly by-poll. There is no contest. Dumri will mark the first victory of the INDIA alliance in Jharkhand, said rural development minister Alamgir Alam. JMM parliamentarian Vijay Hansda further said that the chief minister assigned different tasks to various leaders for the by-election. Several block presidents were also present at the meeting. He (Soren) reviewed the preparations and assigned different tasks to everyone. It has been decided that we will pay homage to Jagarnath Da by ensuring the victory of our candidate, he said. Meanwhile, the NDA allies, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and All Jharkhand Student Union (Party) or AJSU (P) are also deliberating on a joint candidate. Leaders close to the matter indicate that Sudesh Mahto-led AJSU (P) is likely to field its candidate in alliance with the BJP. Jharkhand BJP president Babulal Marandi and Karamveer Singh, general secretary (organisation), visited Sudesh Mahtos residence on Friday night and discussed the possibility of a joint candidature, the leaders added. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Karnataka Examinations Authority has released Karnataka NEET UG 2023 mock seat allotment result. Candidates who have appeared for the counselling round can check the results through the official site of KEA at kea.kar.nic.in. Karnataka NEET UG 2023 mock seat allotment result out at kea.kar.nic.in, direct link here As per the official notice, after verifying the results, candidates are free to change, reorder, delete and add to their preference of courses/ colleges. Those eligible candidates who have not entered any options for first round can also enter their priority of options if they are interested after the mock allotment results also. Karnataka NEET UG 2023 mock seat allotment result: How to check To check the results, candidates can follow the steps given below. Visit the official site of KEA at kea.kar.nic.in. Click on Karnataka NEET UG 2023 mock seat allotment result link available on the home page. Enter the login details and click on submit. Your 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 final submission of options saved by the candidates will be considered for first round seat allotment for admissions to medical, dental, engineering, architecture, agriculture, veterinary, pharmacy etc and the real seat allotment results will be published on August 16, 2023. For more related details candidates can check the official site of KEA. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Exam and College Guide Top Engineering Colleges in India Click here Click here Top Medical Colleges in India Click here Click here Popular BBA colleges in India Click here Click here Explore Scholarships Click here Click here Top LLB Colleges in India Click here Alia Bhatt shares screen space with actor Gal Gadot in the recently-released Netflix film Heart of Stone. In a recent interview with BBC Asia Network, Alia said that Gal was one of the first few people, who knew about her pregnancy. When asked if she ever thought about quitting the action film due to her pregnancy, Alia Bhatt recalled that Gal was 'extremely caring' towards her. Also read: Alia Bhatt recalls shooting for Heart of Stone during pregnancy Alia Bhatt with her Heart of Stone co-star Gal Gadot at a Netflix event in Brazil earlier this year. Alia confided in Gal about her pregnancy Alia told BBC Asia Network, "I felt very protected and comfortable. You dont really talk about being pregnant until you are way into your first trimester; so I was not telling many people. But I did confide in Gal Gadot, I did confide in my producers and the director (Tom Harper) because they had to know. They were all so lovely and supportive and excited that I never for once doubted it at all." She added, In fact, I remember we were once shooting, I am not going to talk much about it, but it was really hot and Gal was really bothered about my hydration and she was telling me to keep myself hydrated, asking me to drink enough water. Shed say, You need to keep yourself hydrated. So, thats the kind of person she is and she exudes warmth and she is also extremely caring about everybody on her crew and she is wonderful with her actors as well. So yes, I felt too comfortable." Alia welcomed daughter Raha last year Months after marrying actor Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt gave birth to their first child together, Raha Kapoor, in November 2022. The actor, who was recently seen alongside Ranveer Singh in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, shot for Heart of Stone in Europe during her pregnancy last year. In a 2022 interview, Alia had opened up about working in the action film, while pregnant. Speaking with Variety, Alia had said, It was my first Hollywood big English picture experience and I had quite a task at hand because I was shooting for the first time an action movie. But Im also pregnant so there were so many layers for me to deal with. But they made it so seamless and so easy and so comfortable for me. Its something that I will never forget because of how beautifully and how well I was treated. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Veteran actor Shabana Azmi recently joined filmmaker Karan Johar and actor Rani Mukerji in Melbourne, Australia. Taking to Instagram on Saturday, Shabana posted a photo from their recent get-together. They were also joined by Amitabh Bachchan's daughter Shweta Bachchan. (Also Read | Shabana Azmi on Zeenat Amans Instagram presence) Shweta Bachchan, Karan Johar, Shabana Azmi and Rani Mukerji pose for a photo. Shabana with Rani, Karan, Shweta in Australia In the photo, all of them wore black outfits. Shabana wore a black and white outfit while Rani Mukerji opted for a T-shirt and printed oversized jacket and pants. Karan Johar was seen in a suit while Shweta wore a blazer and pants. All of them smiled and posed for the camera in front of them. Sharing the photo, Shabana wrote, In Melbourne post dinner which I joined straight from the airport! Enthu cutlet!!! Fans react to their photos A fan wrote, "@azmishabana18 your enthu cutletness is one of the most wonderful things about you." A comment read, "Cute people." Another person said, "Shabana ji you are just amazing. Thank you for being such a versatile actress. Your performance ok RARKPK is wonderful and will be remembered for years. And now you coming up with one more interesting role in #Ghoomar. Im sure it will be wonderful." "You and Rani ma'am in one frame. I wish you both work on some project soon and we get to see real talent on screen," commented an Instagram user. Rani Mukerji at IFFM At the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, on Friday, Rani Mukerji won the award for best performance in a film - female for Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway. She said at the event, The topic we believed in from the beginning has proved its global impact, emphasising once again that the language of good cinema transcends all boundaries. The film shed light on the challenges faced by young immigrant families in a foreign land, an issue that has been present for years but gained significant attention with the release of Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway." Karan shares post from IFFM Taking to Instagram, Karan also posted his pictures from the event. In one of the photos, he posed with Rani. He captioned the post, "These past few days Ive just been feeling an overwhelming sense of love and gratitude from all around!!! As I found myself on stage last night halfway across the world in Melbourne - I felt grateful for the magic of cinema. Thank you @iffmelbourne for honouring & celebrating my 25 years as a director. Thank you @mitulange, your love & compassion will forever etch a mark on my heart. All my love." Shabana's films Shabana was recently seen in Rocky aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani which starred Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, Dharmendra, and Jaya Bachchan. The movie received a positive response from the audience. She will be seen in R Balki's Ghoomer alongside Abhishek Bachchan, Saiyami Kher, and Angad Bedi. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON It was a bitter moment for theatre artiste RJ Mantra when he recently announced that hes bidding adieu to the iconic play Piya Behrupiya after a successful run of over a decade. The Nautanki-style production, which earned accolades from audiences across the globe, recently concluded. RJ Mantra performed the iconic play Piya Behrupiya for 11 years before it ended. Throughout its journey, the production has seen over 250 shows. From London to America, China to Paris, Korea to Canada, Chile, and many locations in India, Piya Behrupiya has travelled the world. However, as the years passed, everyones schedules grew increasingly demanding, making it challenging to get their availability. So, our director Atul Kumar made the decision to do our one last tour in July, ending the play, shares Mantra, adding that if ever the director decides to start it again, at least I wont be a part of it and Ive conveyed this to him already. The play that took flight in 2012 at the Globe Theatre in London, had recently landed in a controversy when it was invited to have a performance in Russia, however, its director declined the invitation expressing solidarity with the people of Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. Sharing his stance on the matter, the 40-year-old tells us, That was Atuls own ideological concerns, as he thinks we cant perform where the country is an oppressor. But, if you ask me, I believe that art transcends boundaries. Protest theatre has always been prevalent, and dissent against authoritarian regimes has been the core of many theatre groups. Boycotting an entire society because of geopolitical differences is not something I support. Despite the plays conclusion and his decision to step down, Mantra emphasises that his directors stand on the Russia invitation does not reflect his personal beliefs. I have immense respect for Atul and we will still engage in meaningful conversations, regardless of our ideological differences, says Mantra, expressing disappointment at the missed opportunity for Russian audiences to experience Piya Behrupiya, which also starred Geetanjali Kulkarni, Sagar Deshmukh, Mansi Multani. Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri, basking in the success of The Kashmir Files and back with a web series The Kashmir Files Unreported, doesn't mince any words while sharing his thoughts on social media or otherwise. Despite extreme range of reactions to his film, both positive and negative, Vivek is not shy of taking each accusation head-on. He didn't give it back to the critics but went on to sue West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee for calling her film propaganda. Vivek Agnihotri has spoken about his security cover and his legal tussle with Mamata Banerjee. In an interview with Hindustan Times, he happily answered a range of questions, including those related to tweets of people questioning his security cover. Excerpts: Also read: Vivek Agnihotri says he's bankrupt': What I earned from The Kashmir Files, I put into You had sent a multiple page notice to Mamata Banerjee for accusing you of several things. Did anything happen in that matter? Did you really sue her? Of course, I'll keep fighting it. You know these kind of matters take lot of time, defamation and all those. Perhaps I'm the only filmmaker who has ever sued a sitting chief minister. But I want to sue all these people. I did not sue (a journalist's name we don't wish to disclose), because I didn't care, right? Because those kind of people, I can't stop. But the chief minister cannot say something like this. She is the chief minister of Government of India. She is a constitutional position. How can she say the genocide of Hindus in Kashmir is a propaganda? How dare Mamata Banerjee say that? It's very sad. Watch: Vivek Agnihotri On The Kashmir Files Unreported And Controversies Surrounding Him You have been provided with a Y-category security cover. Many on Twitter question you for using taxpayers money for your security. What does taxpayers' money means, taxes taken for these things. Taxes taken to build roads, to make hospitals and to do this. It is my right to life and state has to guarantee my life. It is not that I want security. The central government and the intelligence agencies think that I need security. It is a very sad commentary. It is a shame on our society, our intellectuals and people that somebody who is talking about the victimization of our own people has to be given security. It is like Spielberg making a film on Jewish Holocaust and needs security. Was there an incident that made you fear for your safety? I don't feel anything. It's not about me. The intelligence agencies do that, yes, because of fatwa etc. When there is a fatwa issue, then they give security. When you are hackled, when people attack you from all sides and there is a real perception of threat on you, then they give you security. It is a prison and I do not like it. I cannot go out with my children. You once dropped hints that you have been prevented from making The Delhi Files after The Kashmir Files. Is there any progress there? We announced Delhi Files the day the first lockdown was put in place. We have been researching since 2020 and finally, it's reaching a stage where we can crystalize it and we have started writing the script. Hopefully, we will shoot the film in 2024 and release by the end of that year. When we talk about partition, the only thing that comes to our mind is the partition in Punjab, those trains coming with full of dead bodies. But the real partition, the real inhuman violence took place in Bengal. We are telling the truth of India's partition and how the partition never stopped in this country, it continues. What Gal said about Margot Ahead of the release of her latest Netflix film Heart of Stone, Gal told the outlet, "I adore Margot. She is one of those women who you just want to be friends with... She is so funny, warm, fun and smart and obviously so talented. She brings so much to the table. I would love to do anything with Margot and was very touched [by her comments]. She warmed my heart with everything that she said about me. Im super excited for them, and Im so excited for Barbie. About Barbie Barbie stars Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling as Stereotypical Barbie and Ken. The cast of the film also includes America Ferrera, Simu Liu, Dua Lipa, Emerald Fennell, Issa Rae, Kate McKinnon, Michael Cera and Will Ferrell. The premise reads, After being expelled from the utopian Barbie Land for being less-than-perfect dolls, Barbie and Ken go on a journey of self-discovery to the real world. Meanwhile, Gal Gadot stars in the new Netflix action thriller Heart of Stone, which also marks Alia Bhatt's Hollywood debut. It released on August 11. In an interview with Hindustan Times, Gal talked about working with Alia and said, I don't think Alia needs any word of advice. She comes with such experience, working for over a decade in India. And India, you guys are massive! So she knows how to handle the heat. Breaking into the American market is going to be a smooth, healthy evolution or transition for Alia. I think she's super ready. If she ever needs anything, she's my buddy, she's my sister, she has my number, she has my address. I'm always here for her." SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A new movie by Martin Scorsese is coming, and it's all about a dark part of history involving murder, money, and secrets. The exciting trailer for the film "Killers of the Flower Moon," directed by the famous Oscar winner, came out on July 5th. Lily Gladstone Leonardo DiCaprio in Killers of the Flower Moon (Image credit: Courtesy of Apple TV Plus) This movie is based on a very popular book from 2017 called "Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI," written by David Grann. The book tells a true story involving murders that happened in the past, and it even made it to Time Magazine's list of the best nonfiction books of the year. When will "Killers of the Flower Moon" be released? "Killers of the Flower Moon" will be released in theaters on October 20, 2023, and it will later be available on Apple TV+, although the exact date for that is not mentioned. This movie, made by Paramount Pictures and Apple TV, will have its very first showing at the Cannes Film Festival on May 20. After that, it will have a limited showing in theaters starting on October 6, followed by a wider release later in the same month. Killers of the Flower Moon: What is it about? "Killers of the Flower Moon" is based on the best-selling book by David Grann. Here is the official plot synopsis from Apple: "Killers of the Flower Moon is set in 1920s Oklahoma and depicts the serial murder of members of the oil-wealthy Osage Nation, a string of brutal crimes that came to be known as the Reign of Terror." Martin Scorsese and Eric Roth, known for their work on movies like "Dune" and "Forrest Gump," are credited as the co-writers of the movie's script. The full title of Grann's book is Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI. Is there a trailer for Killers of the Flower Moon? An official trailer for Killers of the Flower Moon was released on July 5, 2023. Check it out below: Ernest Burkhart's Dialogue: There are many, so many hungry wolves can you find the wolves in this picture?Ernest Burkhart reads from a children's book, while scenes from the movie flash by. The film tells a real story about greed, murder, and racism against Native Americans, which has a long history in the United States. Whether you're interested in directors discussing their own creations, recent horror movies, or a documentary about a major video platform, we've gathered all the noteworthy streaming options for this week. We're confident there's something on this list you'll want to watch. New movies coming to streaming this week: Wes Anderson's new film, two new horror movies, and a action-packed one with Gal Gadot. Asteroid City Release Date: Friday, August 11 on Peacock A place called Asteroid City, which looks old-fashioned, is hosting a party for young scientists. But then the kids noticed something much bigger than their projects. And at the same time, both the young scientists and the grown-ups around them are dealing with important moments in their lives. Bait Release Date: Wednesday, August 9 on Hulu Ever imagined experiencing life in a small Cornwall fishing village? "Bait" is the movie that makes that dream come true. It shows what unfolds when the villagers face the challenge of dealing with tourists taking over their community. Bones and All Release Date: Friday, August 11 on VOD Want a unique love story involving cannibals? We've got the perfect movie! "Bones and All" might be different for those new to horror, and a bit mild for horror fans, but it's impressive. The movie beautifully portrays the brutal lives of two cannibals. Despite some caution, it's worth giving a try. Enys Men (Hulu) Release Date: 09 August During the Covid-19 lockdown, British filmmaker Mark Jenkin created a folk horror film called Enys Men. It's about a woman named Mary Woodvine who works with animals on a remote island. Heart of Stone Release Date: 11 August Rachel Stone (played by Gal Gadot) is a spy who pretends to work for MI6 in Britain but is actually part of a bigger group called The Charter. Trouble starts when something important called The Heart is stolen. This puts her in a really tough spot, and she has to work hard to make people trust her again. Red, White & Royal Blue Release Date: Friday, August 11 on Prime Video The film follows an American President's son and a British royal as main characters. At first, the two countries don't get along. Then, something dramatic happens at a fancy event with the British royals, making things worse globally. The movie explores how this affects their relationship and the world. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Release Date: 08 August Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) returns after his first movie in 'Into the Spider-Verse.' This new part shifts from theaters to online. It ponders what comes next when you realize your world is just a small piece of the whole. With Christopher Miller and Phil Lord in charge, they handle the multiverse well. The YouTube Effect Release Date: 08 August Alex Winter, the director known for being Bill S. Preston Esq. in Bill & Ted movies, has made a new documentary. It's called The YouTube Effect. This film talks about how YouTube can be used in really bad ways, like spreading false information. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Stephen Amell, the Arrow star, has joined his fellow actors on the SAG-AFTRA strike line. He was seen on Friday outside the Warner Bros. Discovery building in New York City, wearing a union shirt and holding a sign. Stephen Amell went from criticizing to joining the SAG-AFTRA strike( JOHN NACION/GETTY) This comes after Amell faced criticism in July for his remarks about the strike at Galaxycon. He said he supported his union, but he did not support striking. He also complained about the unions rules that prevent him from promoting his current or past SAG work. I support my union, I do. And I stand with them. I do not support striking. I dont, he said. I think that it is a reductive negotiating tactic. I find the entire thing incredibly frustrating. I think the thinking as it pertains to shows like the show that Im on that premiered last night I think its myopic. His comments angered some of his former Arrowverse colleagues, who took to social media to express their disappointment. Kirk Acevedo, who played Ricardo Diaz on Arrow, tweeted, This f***ing guy. Matt Lescher, who portrayed Eobard Thawne on Legends of Tomorrow and The Flash, wrote, Still waiting on that comprehensive list of totally non-reductive negotiating tactics we get to employ now. Thank god for superheroes! Any second now. The Arrow star later tried to explain his comments in a lengthy Instagram post. He said he supported his union unconditionally and acknowledged that his words could be taken out of context. I understand fundamentally why were here, he wrote. My off the cuff use of the word support is clearly contradictory to my true feelings and my emphatic statement that I stand with my union. Of course I dont like striking. Nobody does. But we have to do what we have to do. The 42-year-old actor added that he was speaking spontaneously for over an hour and that he did not think the issues were simple. He thanked the union leadership for their work and said he understood the strike from an intellectual perspective, but he still found it emotionally frustrating for him and others. He ended his post in the comments section by reaffirming his solidarity with SAG-AFTRA. At least for the foreseeable future, I choose to stand with my union, he wrote. "When you see me on a picket line please dont whip any hard fruit. SAG-AFTRA has been striking since July 14, along with the Writers Guild of America (WGA), which started striking on May 2. ALSO READ| The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 2 Episode 8: Exact release date, time & more The actors are demanding better pay and residuals from the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), as well as more control over artificial intelligence and other issues. Many celebrities have shown their support for the strike by joining the picket lines, such as Mariska Hargitay, Hilary Duff, Francia Raisa, Bryan Cranston, and Jason Sudeikis. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON What Royal Expert said In an interview with The Express, royal expert Robert Jobson said the latest move by royal family indicates King Charles III is allowing the dust to settle. He said, There is zero communication between father and second son, he has made enemies of William and Camilla, even Catherine. If Harry was in any doubt he was out, that website update has left him in no doubt. The move to strip them or technically not allow usage of the Sussex title was right. It wasnt vindictive, just clear, proper ands right - if a little slow, but thats the palace for you and all this new fangled technology. Royal Title removed? Earlier, The Buckingham Palace had issued a statement to the same outlet, "The Royal Family website contains over five thousand pages of information about the life and work of the Royal Family. Following the death of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, content has been revisited and updated periodically. Some content may be out of date until this process is complete." Queen Elizabeth II died at the age of 96, last September. King Charles was crowned at the coronation ceremony that took place at Westminster Abbey earlier this year in May. Harry was present at the ceremony without his wife Meghan Markle, who chose to stay back in the States. At the ceremony, he was placed two rows behind his brother, Prince Williams. A few weeks ago, there were also reports that claimed that Prince Harry and Meghan were keen on renting an apartment near the Kensington Palace, which would mean that they would have to move back to the UK. Meghan and Harry had announced in January 2020 that they would step down as senior working royals. Then onwards, the moved to the US, where they now live with their two children Archie and Lilibet. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Your favourite night-time show, Wheel of Fortune, has announced a shocking change in its presentation. Its co-host, Vanna White who has been its face since its debut in 1983 has been replaced temporarily after her colleague Pat Sajak said Season 41 will officially be his last. Wheel of Fortune co-host Vanna White won't feature on the show temporarily Well, the time has come, Sajak said in a statement to Bloomberg News. Ive decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last. Its been a wonderful ride, and Ill have more to say in the coming months. Many thanks to you all.' Even after American Idol host Ryan Seacrest was named as Sajaks replacement, questions about Whites involvement moving forward remained unanswered. Who will replace Vanna White on Wheel of Fortune? Now there is uncertainty around White's future on the show's upcoming Season 41, including whether she would step in to host or leave altogether. It is being reported that White will definitely miss few upcoming episodes as she negotiates her contract with the producers. Puck News reported Friday that White, 66, apparently got COVID-19 in late July while Wheel was filming its annual Teachers Week, which is scheduled to air in October. As a consequence during the Teachers Week the show called up Teacher of the Year recipient Bridgette Donald-Blue to replace White at the letter board for the weeks worth of episodes and will be replacing Vanna by standing at the letter board during the weeks worth of episodes. The next season of Wheel of Fortune premieres on Monday, September 11, 2023. Whites absence from the show will be her first in nearly 40 years. It also comes at a time when shes reportedly in tense contract negations, hoping to score her first raise in allegedly 18 years. Why will Vanna White miss Wheel of Fortune and will she return? According to reports White renegotiated her salary for Celebrity Wheel of Fortune and the new deal came with a substantial salary increase, after many reports that White was making significantly less than Sajak. TMZ states she now charges up to $100k per episode for Celebrity Wheel of Fortune. Unfortunately, there has not been a decision about whether White will continue on the mothership show, as her contract isnt up until 2024 which is when Sajak exits. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Meghalaya cabinet has approved a proposal to scrap a 500 MW thermal power project after the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Limited (NEEPCO) expressed its interest in green energy, Power Minister AT Mondal said on Saturday. Representative Image(TWITTER/ @projects_today.) The minister said that following the cabinet clearance, an MoU signed with the company will now stand scrapped, though the government will continue to pursue the project with other interested parties in the future to bridge the huge power deficit. The NEEPCO has written to us saying that they don't want to continue with this power project and they want to scrap it, Mondal told PTI. The NEEPCO had told the Meghalaya government they will not invest in thermal projects and they projected themselves as a "green" company, a senior power department official said. On Friday, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma launched the 500 crore CM Solar Mission aimed at minimising the power crisis in this northeastern hill state. "The people-centric CM Solar Mission will be a flagship renewable energy intervention committed to fostering green and clean energy transformation across the state, Sangma had said on Friday. According to the Chief Minister, the government's subsidy will range from 70 per cent for individual households to 50 per cent subsidy for schools, hospitals, hotels, and other commercial entities. With an installed capacity of 378.38 MW, Meghalaya is dependent on hydel-based power projects and the current peak demand for electricity is over 500 MW and it is increasing every year by over 50 MW, a power department official told PTI. Except for the Umiam Hydel Project, all are river power projects and when rainfall decreases, the generation of power also dips, he said. AAP leader Raghav Chadha on Saturday changed his bio on X, formerly Twitter, a day after he was suspended from Rajya Sabha for "gross violation of rules, misconduct, defiant attitude and contemptuous conduct", pending a report by the privileges committee. Chadha has changed his X bio to "Suspended Member of Parliament". AAP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha showing "Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Council of States" (Rajya Sabha) during a press conference. (Photo by Vipin Kumar/ Hindustan Times) His suspension came after Leader of the House Piyush Goyal sought action against the AAP leader for including names of some members of the Upper House without their consent in a proposed select committee for the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023. Chadha had moved an amendment for referring the contentious bill to a select committee consisting of 19 members, including Narhari Amin, S Phangnon Konyak, Sasmit Patra, M Thambidurai and Sudhanshu Trivedi. A few of them including Patra and Trivedi raised objections saying their names were included without their consent. Profile of AAP MP Raghav Chadha on X. In a statement issued on Friday night, Chadha said, "My suspension serves as a stark message from the BJP to today's youth: If you dare to ask questions, we will crush your voice. I was suspended for asking tough questions that left the BJP, the world's largest party, without answers through my speech in Parliament on Delhi Service Bill." "My crime was exposing the BJP's double standards on Delhi's statehood and asking them to follow 'Advani-vaad' and 'Vajpayee-vad'. The fact that a 34-year-old MP showed them a mirror and held them accountable, left them scarred. "The way in which the BJP orchestrated the suspension of Rahul Gandhi from Parliament indicates their willingness to employ similar tactics to suspend and subsequently expel any AAP MP without hesitation," he said. Chadha became the second AAP MP to be suspended from Rajya Sabha during Parliament's Monsoon session. Senior party leader Sanjay Singh was suspended from Rajya Sabha on July 24. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON 'Scared of': PM Modi slams Opposition over Manipur, rakes up Bengal poll violence Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday hit out at the Opposition over the Manipur violence and claimed the Bharatiya Janata Party-led NDA government gave a befitting reply, in the no-confidence motion, to those spreading negativity in the entire nation. Read more Prime Minsiter Narendra Modi AAP's Raghav Chadha changes X (formerly Twitter) bio after suspension from Rajya Sabha AAP leader Raghav Chadha on Saturday changed his bio on X, formerly Twitter, a day after he was suspended from Rajya Sabha for "gross violation of rules, misconduct, defiant attitude and contemptuous conduct", pending a report by the privileges committee. Read more Alia Bhatt reveals Gal Gadot was one of the first to know about her pregnancy: 'I wasn't telling many people' Alia Bhatt shares screen space with actor Gal Gadot in the recently-released Netflix film Heart of Stone. In a recent interview with BBC Asia Network, Alia said that Gal was one of the first few people, who knew about her pregnancy. Read more Rice water or Tandulodaka can rejuvenate skin, treat heavy periods and white discharge; know all benefits When it comes to offering easy and effective solutions to our health problems, the ancient medicinal practice of Ayurveda has always come to the rescue. Rice, one of the staple foods that's almost always available in our kitchen is a storehouse of essential vitamins and minerals. Read more Vedantas Anil Agarwal meets actor Ryan Reynolds, says they share similar values Vedantas Anil Agarwal took to Twitter to share a post about his meeting with actor Ryan Reynolds. In his share, he not only called the Deadpool star everyone's favourite superhero but also added that he and Reynolds share similar values. Read more Virat Kohli breaks internet with 'earnings' clarification after insane ' 11.45 crore/post' Instagram stat goes viral Virat Kohli has issued a clarification on about his social media revenue after it was reported that the former India skipper charges 11.45 crore per Instagram post. Read more SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Four boys were apprehended in Assam's Kokrajhar district for allegedly raping a minor girl and threatening to kill her if she revealed anything, police said on Friday night. Director general of Assam Police Gyanendra Pratap Singh (File) Shared the information on social media, director general of Assam Police Gyanendra Pratap Singh said the mother of the victim had lodged a complaint about the two-month-old incident at Salakati Outpost on Friday afternoon. "Her minor daughter was gang-raped by four persons around two months back at around 3pm on the bank of river Champa while she went to take a bath. She was threatened not to disclose the matter to anyone by the four accused. (But) She disclosed the incident today to her mother," the DGP said. The top cop added that after receiving the complaint, police started investigating the matter and identified the accused. "All four accused have been identified and arrested. They are all reported to be children in conflict with Law (CCL). The age etc is being verified and further lawful action is being taken," Singh tweeted. Since the accused persons are also minors, police said that their identities are being kept secret, Singh added. As per some of the recent judgments of various high courts in the country, the Children in Conflict with Law (CCL) cannot be treated as undertrial prisoners and the benefit of bail cannot be denied as well. The Madhya Pradesh high court in March last year said, "Child in Conflict with Law (CCL) cannot be treated as an undertrial prisoner as contemplated under Section 436-A CrPC. Since the arrest, confinement or apprehension are not contemplated in Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015." A bench of Punjab and Haryana high court this year said when a juvenile is tried as an adult in case of allegation of a heinous crime, the benefit of bail under Section 12 of the Juvenile Justice Act cannot be denied to him. No doubt, the appellant/CCL was directed to be tried like an adult, but still they remain a juvenile in conflict with the law and can never be denied the benefit of Section 12 of the Act, the special bench wrote in its order. The court also stated that if there appear reasonable grounds for believing that the release is likely to bring that person into the association with any known criminal or expose the person to moral, physical or psychological danger or the person release would defeat the ends of justice. Uttar Pradesh legislative assembly on Friday saw banter between chief minister Yogi Adityanath and Samajwadi Party leader Shivpal Yadav after the latter urged for the BJP leader to induct Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party (SBSP) Chief Om Prakash Rajbhar into the cabinet. Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath in the state assembly on Friday. (Deepak Gupta/HT) Honourable chief minister, please quickly administer the oath of office otherwise he will again come to our side, Shivpal Yadav said, evoking laughter in the House. Rajbhar, who was with the NDA in the previous government of Yogi Adityanath, aligned with Akhilesh Yadav ahead of the 2022 assembly elections only to switch sides again this year. Yogi Adityanath couldn't control his laughter at Shivpal's remark but shot back, Farmers would have benefitted if you had taught something to your nephew while in power, referring to Akhilesh Yadav. But the nephew is not ready to listen to you. Shivpal quipped, We taught only then he became an engineer and chief minister of UP. Akhilesh Yadav also joined the banter and said, The chief minister should also be imparted some education. Please take tuition from him. Yogi Adityanath on Friday referred to the duo many times during his speech in the state assembly and said it would be difficult for the six-time "legislator uncle" to return to the House next time. The popular "chacha-bhatija" duo was sitting in the front row of the opposition bench. "Between 2012 and 2017, the people of the state were victimised by the rivalry between the uncle and the nephew. Because the nephew feared that the uncle would become dominant, he withheld financial assistance. This is the reason why eight projects were completed between 2012 and 2017. "Between 2017 and 2022, we have completed 20 projects. The irrigation capacity was 1,95,900 hectares from 2012 to 2017, and between 2017 and 2022, irrigation was expanded to cover 23,17,000 hectares, benefiting 44 lakh farmers," Adityanath said in his hour-long speech on flood and drought situation in the state. The Uttar Pradesh Assembly will see the next polls in 2027. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Tamil Nadu chief minister and DMK chief MK Stalin has said the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi want their political rivals in the Opposition to contest separately because the party can no longer count solely on the image of the PM for victory in the 2024 elections. Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin.(PTI) Speaking to HT in an interview, Stalin also said that the BJP was misusing federal agencies against political opponents, and emphasised that a Uniform Civil Code has no place in a diverse nation such as India. The BJP is very firm that parties opposed to them and their ideology should not unite. The BJP stands to gain the most when we contest as more than one alliance. This is precisely why raids (by ED and CBI) are conducted. The objective of these raids is to intimidate and threaten, Stalin said. The BJP cannot secure victory solely by showcasing his (Modis) countenance. This is precisely why he posed with the leaders of 39 parties... The disparaging remarks towards the Congress, Rahul Gandhi, DMK, and various other opposition parties are [also] a result of this, he said. His comments come at a time when 26 Opposition parties, including the DMK, have formed the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance, or INDIA, to take on the BJP in the next general elections. Stalin said that Modis speech during the no-confidence motion in Parliament on Thursday was akin to a political rally, and that the violence that has torn Manipur apart for more than three months was a result of the ruling partys divisive, hate politics. The BJP government in Manipur knew this would happen there. The Union government also knew. But they underestimated the magnitude of it. Violence is a double-edged sword. The Manipur crisis have become BJPs Frankensteins monster, he said. On Senthil Balaji, a minister in his state cabinet being under investigation, Stalin said the BJP was misusing federal agencies as a form of revenge against political opponents. We do not view these arrests as criminal investigations but as political investigations, he said. The CM reiterated DMKs opposition to UCC, saying it must not be conflated with criminal law. Criminal law pertains to crimes, and the penalties for committing them are uniform for all. There is no objection to this principle. However, UCC delves into customs and practices. In India, people adhere to diverse cultures and traditions...UCC would disrupt the public peace and harmony of India, Stalin said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON New Delhi:The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has a deliberate design to throttle the Oppositions voice, Congress floor leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said on Saturday, days after he was suspended from the Lok Sabha over gross, deliberate and repeated misconduct misconduct. Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury addresses a press conference at AICC headquarters. (Ayush Sharma) After a lengthy debate on the no-confidence motion ended on August 10, the BJP objected to parts of Chowdhurys speech where he compared Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Dhritarashtra and suggested that the PM is Nirav (silent in Bengali) on the Manipur crisis. While the expressions were later expunged, parliamentary affairs minister Pralhad Joshi demanded the Congress floor leaders apology in the House. Later, Joshi said that Chowdhury was suspended as he didnt apologise. The matter has now been referred to the Committee of Privileges for further investigation and Chowdhury will remain suspended from attending parliament proceedings till the committee submits its report. The monsoon session ended on August 11. Reacting to his suspension, Chowdhury maintained that a simple formula could have been to expunge his words but instead the government chose to suspend him from the House. This is a new phenomenon we are experiencing in Parliament. I dont know why one or two words, which were misconstrued by them as offensive, I was suspended. The simple formula is if anything is unparliamentary, they could have expunged, he said. There is a deliberate design by the ruling party to throttle the voice of opposition by using instruments which should not be applied on me. Refusing to apologise for the comments in the House, the Congress leader said: I dont know when my apology was sought for. Why should I apologize? I sought an apology from the President of India as I said something wrong. I cant afford to satiate the thirst of vengeance and retaliation by anyone whosoever it is. It is not my fault. Chowdhury defended his expression nirav (silent) to describe Modi, saying that in Bengali, it is a common word for silence. The BJP is making a mountain out of molehill, he said, claiming that the government is worried about the India grouping and trying to mock the acronym, which stands for Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance. The Congress leader added that he might consider the option of moving the court against his suspension. This is the first time in the history of Parliament that the floor leader of the largest opposition party has been suspended from the House, parliamentary expert Ravindra Garimela said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON With an eye on speedy investigation and trial, the Centre on Friday proposed to set a 90-day deadline for filing a charge sheet, a 60-day time limit on framing of charges, and 30 days for delivery of judgment after the conclusion of the hearing. Union home minister Amit Shah in Lok Sabha (File Photo) The changes have been proposed in the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 bill, which seeks to replace the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973. The bill seeks to cut down on the pendency currently burdening the district judiciary by allowing summary trials to be conducted for offences punishable up to three years and allowing the entire trial, including recording of evidence and cross-examination, in a virtual mode. The proposed law also places a cap on the pronouncement of judgment. After hearing arguments and points of law (if any), the judge shall give a judgment in the case, as soon as possible, within a period of thirty days from the date of completion of arguments, which may for specific reasons extend to a period of sixty days, clause 258 of the bill said. To aid early decision, the judge shall proceed to take all such evidence as may be produced in support of the prosecution, including deposition of any police officer or public servant through audio-video electronic means, it added. Also Read: Sedition gets new name in bill; ambit wider, penalty harsher On trials where offenders or fugitives fail to join the trial, clause 356 said: Notwithstanding anything contained in this Sanhita or in any other law for the time being in force, when a person declared as a proclaimed offender, whether or not charged jointly, has absconded to evade trial and there is no immediate prospect of arresting him, it shall be deemed to operate as a waiver of the right of such person to be present and tried in person, and the court shall, after recording reasons in writing, in the interest of justice, proceed with the trial in the like manner and with like effect as if he was present, under this Sanhita and pronounce the judgment. The new bill is also notable as it introduces the concept of deemed sanction where a public servant or judicial officer/magistrate can be proceeded against for an alleged offence if the authority to grant sanction (Centre in case of central government employee and state government in case of state government employee) fails to decide on sanction within 120 days. This section insulates any prosecution to proceed against a person who is or was a judge or magistrate or a public servant accused of any offence alleged to have been committed while acting or purporting to act in the discharge of their official duty, without sanction being granted by the appropriate government. The bill replacing CrPC introduces a proviso which states, Provided that such government shall decide within 120 days from the date of the receipt of the request for sanction and in case it fails to do so, the sanction shall be deemed to have been accorded by such government. The bill formally provides for registration of a zero first information report (FIR) that can be filed in any part of the country and the same will be transferred to the concerned jurisdictional police station within 15 days of the zero FIR being registered. The new bill also provides for a witness protection system, a much-needed measure to protect witnesses in high-profile crimes. Introducing a new section 398, the bill states, Every state government shall prepare and notify a witness protection scheme for the state to ensure protection of the witnesses. Presently, vulnerable witnesses in criminal cases enjoyed the protection of a Supreme Court order of December 2018 which gave its imprimatur to a witness protection scheme drawn up by the Centre after taking inputs from majority states. The Court had used its extraordinary power under Article 142 to direct all states and union territories to adopt the scheme and set up vulnerable witness deposition complexes near trial courts to enable such witnesses to depose without facing the accused in court. Under the new proposed criminal code, an investigating officer of a crime shall have to mandatorily file the final report (charge sheet) before the Magistrate within 90 days of the filing of the case. The bill further provides the police to seek a further period of 90 days under Section 193 for undertaking further investigation in the case. With a total of 533 provisions, the new Samhita repeals nine provisions of the old Code, introduces nine new sections and makes changes to 107 provisions. A major addition to the new criminal code is section 107 which allows a police officer making an investigation to attach any property, that he has reason to believe, is derived or obtained directly or indirectly as a result of criminal activity or from the commission of any offence as proceeds of crime. So far, proceeds of crime could be found only under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. However, under the new Samhita, proceeds of crime make a maiden entry and gets defined in Section 111 as any property derived or obtained directly or indirectly, by any person as a result of criminal activity (including crime involving currency transfers) or the value of any such property. The new code inserts another new section 105, which provides videography of the process of conducting a search of a place or seizure of any property, article or thing and forwarding the recording to the district magistrate, sub-divisional magistrate or judicial magistrate of first class. If the Court or the Judicial Magistrate has reasons to believe, whether before or after taking evidence, that all or any of such properties are proceeds of crime, the Court or the Magistrate may issue a notice upon such person calling upon him to show cause within 14 days as to why an order of attachment shall not be made, the bill states. Further, if the Court finds the attached or seized properties to be the proceeds of crime, it shall pass an order directing the District Magistrate to rateably distribute such proceeds of crime to the persons who are affected by such crime. In the event, there are no claimants, such proceeds of crime shall stand forfeited to the Government. Former Delhi high court judge RS Sodhi said that if a judge has heard the case and made up his mind, then he must deliver the judgment in time. 90% of my judgments were oral ones where the lawyer was sitting in front of me while I delivered the verdict. The judge must know after hearing the arguments whether he agrees with one party or the other and deliver his judgment. Where is the problem? So therefore as far as I am concerned, I dont know whether the amendment is good or bad, but this is a normal expected procedure from a judge, said the retired judge. Changes to the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) Act were codified into law on Saturday, putting the control of the citys administration in the hands of the Centre. Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Vinai Kumar Saxena along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.(Hindustan Times) The changes kicked into effect as the President gave assent to the GNCTD (Amendment) Bill, 2023, capping for now a raucous political battle for the Capitals control that played out in the Supreme Court, involved political parties in the south of the country, before ultimately being decided in Parliament last week. People aware of the matter said the resolution, while not in the elected governments favour, will clear the way for some crucial pending matters to be resolved. All transfers and postings of officers will now be done by the National Capital Civil Services Authority (NCCSA), which is chaired by chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and has two senior Delhi government bureaucrats as members; the authority takes decisions by majority and the final decision rests with the lieutenant governor. Officials aware of the matter said the last scheduled meeting of the NCCSA on July 28 was postponed by CM Arvind Kejriwal because the Union Cabinet had replaced the Ordinance with a Bill, and the Bill was likely to be tabled in Parliament. Now the CM may be calling the NCCSA meeting immediately because the NCCSA has to consider many important issues. Now that it has become a law, everyone will have to respect the law, said a Delhi government official, adding that the date of the next meeting has not yet been decided. According to officials, the NCCSA has to consider five important matters including, the assignment of departments to several officers recently posted to Delhi from outside, transfer of officers from sensitive departments on completing tenure as per CVC guidelines, disciplinary action against officers who made payments relating to advertisements in favour of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to advertising agencies in violation of Supreme Court guidelines, and disciplinary action against senior Delhi Jal Board officers for demolition of listed heritage monument in Kilokari for the construction of a bungalow for a DJB officer. A second major change that the new law leads to is that appointments in all boards, commissions, and statutory bodies established under Acts passed by Parliament will be done by the central government while the proposals for appointments in boards, commissions, and statutory bodies established by Acts passed by the Delhi assembly will have to be routed through the NCCSA. A second official who asked not to be named said appointments to be made in boards and commissions will be the next point of tussle between the Centre and the Delhi government. The posts of chairperson and other positions are vacant in Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR). Some posts are vacant in Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board, and other bodies are vacant which will now be filled according to the laws (Delhi Services Law). According to the law, the NCCSA will recommend a panel of suitable persons for appointment by the LG if such bodies have been constituted under laws made by the Delhi assembly, said the official. Representatives of the AAP and the Delhi government did not respond to requests for a comment. Earlier all these appointments, including the appointment of the chairperson of the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Authority, were done by the elected government. The control of bureaucrats has been at the core of the Centre and Delhi governments battles in courts as well as outside since 2015 when AAP stormed to power. A May 11 Supreme Court judgement placed the control of services in the hands of the elected government. On May 19, an ordinance by the Union government snatched back the control. The NCCSA is chaired by CM Arvind Kejriwal and has chief secretary as member and principal secretary home as member secretary. The two bureaucrats are appointed by the Centre. The proposed law lays down that the NCCSA can take decisions with a majority which means that the two Centre-appointed bureaucrats can overrule the CM, and in case of a difference of opinion the decision of the LG will be final. An official said in the NCCSA, the chief minister only has the power to approve the convening of the meeting of the services authority. The authority shall meet at such time and place as the member secretary (principal secretary home) may decide with approval of the chairperson as and when so required, the legislation says. The law mentions that secretaries can bring to the notice of the LG decisions of the elected government if they find that they are not in accordance with the provisions of any law. In case the secretary to the council of ministers thinks that the proposal considered and decided by the council of ministers is not as per the provisions of any law, the secretary can bring it to the notice of the LG for taking a decision thereon, said an official. A separate official, however, said that the provision existed earlier as well. The bill also lays down that the opinion of the LG is needed for summoning of the Delhi assembly, prorogation and dissolution. An official aware of the development said that the approval of the LG is currently needed for summoning of the assembly only if the assembly has been prorogued (the ongoing session of the assembly has ended) and also for the dissolution of the assembly. But if the assembly has not been prorogued, the Speaker has the power to convene the assembly session on the request of the Delhi government without taking the opinion of the LG, said the official. No response was available from the LG office on the impact of this. An official in the LG office said that Saxena has approved the proposed portfolio reshuffle in Kejriwals cabinet, and had allocated the portfolios of services and vigilance to minister Atishi as proposed by the CM on August 8. A formal notification of the portfolio change by the General Administration Department was awaited till Saturday evening. Rohtak: A class 10 student was abducted on the way to her school and gang-raped in a village in Rohtak district of Haryana, police said on Saturday, adding that three people have been arrested in the case while a search operation has been launched to nab one more. A class 10 student was abducted on the way to her school and gang-raped in a village in Rohtak district of Haryana According to the complaint lodged by the survivors father, accused Sahil (23), Vikrant (21) knew the girl and abducted her in a car, along with an accomplice, while she was heading to school on Friday morning. The three men raped the girl in a moving car and then took her to the hotel where one of the men raped her again, the complaint said. While Sahil, Vicky have been arrested, the third accused is absconding. Based on the complaint, police have also arrested the owner of the hotel where the crime was committed, identified as Samit (32) , for providing room to three men accompanied by a minor in a school uniform. My daughter was in her school uniform when the three men took her to the hotel. That should have set off the alarm bells for the staff, the survivors father said. After committing the crime, the accused fled the hotel. Later, the hotel staff helped my daughter contact me. The staff also helped her reach a nearby police check post, where we lodged a complaint, he added. Confirming the incident, Sadar police station in-charge Pradeep Dahiya said the girl is undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Rohtak and her medical examination has confirmed rape. The three men have been booked under sections of the Indian Penal Code, along with relevant provisions of the Protection of Children from the Sexual Offences Act, he added. The girl was initially admitted to a civil hospital but was later moved to a private hospital after her family members alleged negligence by doctors. Her condition is still not stable, the survivors father said. The girls family, meanwhile, alleged that a local politician had been shielding the third accused from arrest, but police have dismissed the charge. A team of the child welfare committee also met the survivor at the hospital and counselled her. The police did not inform us about the incident and we came to know about it through the media, an official said on condition of anonymity. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Saturday took a jibe at Narendra Modi ahead of the latter's Madhya Pradesh visit later in the day saying that the prime minister will be making false claims to the people of the state instead of addressing the issues being faced by the locals. Congress senior leader Jairam Ramesh(PTI) "Today the Prime Minister is going to Madhya Pradesh. Compelled by his habit, he will make false claims and show false dreams. But the people of Madhya Pradesh would like the PM to talk about their problems," Ramesh wrote in Hindi on X (formerly Twitter). The Congress MP asked whether the prime minister will address the issues of Mahakal Public Works and Patwari recruitment scams. There have been scams in Mahakal Public Works and Patwari recruitment in Madhya Pradesh. Recently, contractors have made allegations of demanding a 50% commission. Will the PM say anything on these? he added. Referring to the Sidhi urination case and the incident of a man licking the soles of another person's feet after being forced to do so in a moving vehicle in Gwalior, the Congress leader asked if the prime minister would condemn the atrocities being faced by lower caste people in Madhya Pradesh. "Atrocities on Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are at their peak in the state. A few days back a viral video had embarrassed the entire nation. Will the prime minister condemn it, say something about these incidents? Looking at his track record, we hope not. The people of Madhya Pradesh also do not keep any hope from the BJP and the prime minister," he said. Modi is scheduled to visit the poll-bound Madhya Pradesh on Saturday where he will lay the foundation stone for a 100-crore temple dedicated to 14th-century mystic poet and social reformer Sant Ravidas in Sagar district. He will also lay foundation stones for rail and road sector projects worth over 4,000 crore during his visit. He will also dedicate the doubling of the Kota-Bina rail route which has been developed at a cost of more than 2475 crore. This will be Modi's second visit to the BJP-ruled state, where assembly polls are due by the year-end, in just over a month. A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan was found dead in Awantipora town of Jammu and Kashmir after gunshots were heard late last night, police said. The jawan has been identified as Sepoy Ajay Kumar. According to police, the gunshots were heard near Chersoo village in Awantipora at 1.55am, triggering assessment of the area. Inquest proceedings under Section 174 of the Code of Criminal Procedure have been initiated. (Representational image) After assessment a Jawan of F 112 BN CRPF namely Ct Ajay Kumar was found dead in the pool of blood, police said in a statement. The CRPF jawan apparently died by suicide, they added. Inquest proceedings under Section 174 of the Code of Criminal Procedure have been initiated. This is the third reported CRPF jawan's death by suicide in Jammu and Kashmir in the last six months. In February, a CRPF jawan was found dead with gunshot wound in Nowshera area of Rajouri district. The jawan of the 245 Battalion was on duty at Tain Bridge camp in Nowshera. Prima facie, he died by suicide by shooting himself with his service rifle. However, inquest proceedings under Section 174 of the CrPC have been initiated, said a police official. The CRPF also launched an in-house inquiry. In March, another CRPF jawan, who had returned to duty after a leave, died by suicide in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam. According to the CRPF, the jawan, Amar Jyoti R K of 79 Battalion was 'mentally disturbed' and died by shooting himself in the head with his colleague's service rifle. 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 Rahul Gandhi in Wayanad: BJP can disqualify me 50 times, 100 times but Rahul Gandhi in his first public meeting in Wayanad after getting back his Lok Sabha membership said Wayanad is his family and the BJP and the RSS do not understand how families work. Read More Congress leader Rahul Gandhi (ANI) Pakistan: Court dismisses Imran Khan's interim bail in seven cases An Anti-Terrorism Court in Pakistan dismissed interim bails of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan in seven cases on Thursday, reported The News International on Saturday. Read More Want to live longer? Here is the ideal number of daily steps you should aim for Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a common aspiration, and walking emerges as a crucial part of this, supported by multiple studies. Regular walking is acknowledged for its positive impact on health, mitigating risk factors, and enhancing overall well-being. In an age of wearable technology, the concept of tracking daily steps has gained traction. Read More Djokovic's brutal Cincinnati Masters draw, Alcaraz eyes Canadian Open revenge; nine Round 1 blockbusters lined up For the first time since Wimbledon last month, Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic will be part of the same field as the Western & Southern Open draw was revealed on Friday evening with battle for world No.1 title intensifying as the fourth and final Grand Slam of the year, US Open, nears. Read More 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 Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chief Swati Maliwal on Saturday said the commission has received about 40 lakh calls on 181 helpline it runs for women in last seven years, of which, 6.30 lakh calls received between July 2022 and July 2023. Giving out data, based on the number of cases received by DCW, Maliwal raised question on the accountability of Delhi Police and urged the central government to arrange a meeting to discuss the matter. Delhi Commission for Women Chairperson Swati Maliwal(PTI) The commission has also received 92,000 cases and 11,000 of them are from outside Delhi. People come to Delhi's jurisdiction from outside to call 181 so that they could reach us, Maliwal told news agency ANI. There are more that 38,000 cases of domestic violence, over 5,000 rape and sexual assault cases and over 3,500 cases related to POCSO Act, she added. According to DCW data, a total of 38,342 cases related to domestic violence; 9,516 cases of conflicts with neighbours; 5,895 cases of rape and sexual harassment; 4,229 cases of kidnapping; 3,647 cases related violation of POCSO Act and 3,558 cases related to cyber crimes have been received by the commission. Around 38,140 of total cases were reported from women between the age group of 21 and 31. A total of 16,939 cases were related girls between the age group of 11 and 20. Around 20,000 cases reported from the age group of 31 to 40 and 6,686 were from women above 40. Furthermore, there were 3,735 cases received from women of age 60 and above, as far as 40 cases from women above 90 years of age. "I want to convey this to the central government that they call a meeting and invite the police commissioner, Chief Minister, LG, DCW and Union Home Minister since police is directly accountable to them. A meeting needs to be organised to discuss this data," she said. The 181 is a 24X7 hotline operated by the DCW for women in distress. The caller is counselled, and if need be, her grievance is marked to authorities such as Delhi Police, hospitals, and shelter homes for redressal. In most cases, a team of counsellors is dispatched to meet the distressed women to assist them. (With inputs from PTI) Surgical strike should be done in Manipur: BJP ally leader amid row over Rahul Gandhi's Army remark Amid a row over Rahul Gandhi's statement that the Army can contain the situation in Manipur in two days which Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma objected to, NPP leader M Rameshwar Singh said effective actions like a surgical strike should be done in Manipur because there are illegal immigrants in the state. National People's Party is an ally of the BJP in Manipur. Read Here. NPP leader M Rameshwar Singh (File) Bayern Munich confirm record Harry Kane signing as England forward bids emotional farewell to Tottenham - Watch German giants Bayern Munich on Saturday announced the signing of Harry Kane on their official Twitter profile. The Bundesliga champions posted a 22-second video featuring Kane towards the end, minutes after the English forward had himself posted a video message issuing an emotional farewell to Tottenham. Kane joins Bayern Munich in a deal which could hit more than 100 million pounds ($110 million), according to reports. Read Here. Shah Rukh Khan reveals mimicking actors in old handwritten letter: It started with Hema Malini, graduated to Dev Anand Shah Rukh Khan is known for not only for his acting skills, but also for his wit and sense of humour. This has been reiterated by his old handwritten letter. Taking to Reddit recently, a person shared the over-six-page long note written by the actor, when he was in college. Read Here. Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma serve airport fashion goals in stylish casual outfits, fans can't get enough. Watch Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma are undoubtedly one of the most adored celebrity couples. The epitome of couple goals, this dynamic duo is known not only for their great chemistry but also for their stylish looks. Every time they make a public appearance, they effortlessly turn heads with their chic ensembles. On a Friday night, the couple was spotted strolling hand in hand outside the airport. Virat chose a cool and comfortable all-white ensemble, while Anushka opted for a cute t-shirt and denim combo. As we eagerly await their next fashionable outing, let's take some fashion inspiration from this stylish couple. Read Here. Dad Elon Musk shares adorable pic with his sparring partner Lil X The pictures of sweet interactions between parents and their kids often leave people with a warm feeling in their hearts and this photo by Elon Musk is one such example. Posted on Twitter, the image shows the tech billionaire sharing a lighthearted moment with his son Lil X. Read Here. Ananya Panday promotes Dream Girl 2 in yellow saree Actor Ananya Panday recently promoted her upcoming film Dream Giri 2 in an elegant yellow saree. Ananya personified elegance in a beautiful sheer yellow organza saree with shimmery borders teamed with a matching halterneck blouse. Read Here. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A fresh war of words emerged between the Tami Nadu government led by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the central government led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after chief minister M K Stalin on Friday called the Centres three new bills that are set to replace the countrys criminal laws as an audacious attempt of Hindi imposition. Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin. (File Photo) Union education Dharmendra Pradhan while taking to X (formerly Twitter) said that such petty politics could serve Stalins political ambition but it will weaken democracy. Well but, irony is that those who claim to be custodians of Tamil pride are the ones who boycotted Tamil Nadus pridethe sacred Sengol at the inauguration of our new Parliament. India is a civilisational continuum and our linguistic diversity is the core of this continuum. PM @narendramodi and the BJP have always been vociferous about promoting and preserving Indias linguistic diversity, including Tamil. Kashi Tamil Sangamam was one such glowing example. And this causes heartache to those who have a misplaced thought that Indias cultural continuum and literary pride is propriety of a few dynasts, Pradhan said. Criticising the Centre for naming the laws in Hindi, Stalin on his X feed alleged that this was the BJPs audacious bid to supplant Tamil identity with Hindi and that the action reeks of linguistic imperialism. The audacious attempt by the Union BJP Government to tamper with the essence of Indias diversity through a sweeping overhaul - Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Bill - reeks of linguistic imperialism. This is an affront to the very foundation of #INDIAs unity. BJP and Prime Minister Modi have no moral right to even utter the word #Tamil hereafter, Stalin said. Affirming that his party, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), would go on to oppose the laws if introduced, Stalin also started a #StopHindiImposition hashtag. In the crucible of history, Tamil Nadu and DMK have emerged as the vanguards against such oppressive overtones. From the Anti-Hindi agitations to safeguarding our linguistic identity, we have withstood the storm of #HindiImposition before, and we shall do it again, with unyielding determination. The fire of resistance against #HindiColonialism is ablaze once more. The BJPs audacious bid to supplant our identity with Hindi will be opposed resolutely, Stalin said. DMK member of Parliament (MP) P Wilson expressed shock at the Hindi names given to three legislations and mocked how South Indian lawyers would have a hard time to pronounce the names. Maybe the Hon. Union Home Minister has not seen Article 348 of the Constitution of India? Names of Bills & Acts must be in English. This is yet another form of Hindi imposition. South Indian lawyers are going to spend most of the time in courts trying to pronounce these names, Wilson said in a statement. Lawyer and Congress spokesperson Sankjet Yenagi while issuing a reaction over the same wrote on X, MK Stalins statement could be because of earlier scenarios, where the BJP had multiple times tried to impose Hindi on south-Indian people. Introducing the new bills in Parliament, which are set to replace the Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860, the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) 1973, and the Indian Evidence Act, Union home minister Amit Shah on Friday said that it would transform our criminal justice system. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 and Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, 2023 introduced in the Lok Sabha on the last day of the monsoon session include key changes to deal with offences of terrorism, crimes against women, corruption in election processes and acts that are against the State. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON India's interests were often sacrificed because of some ideological reasons, external affairs minister S Jaishankar has said, asserting that the Narendra Modi government always work with the world while putting the country's interests at its core. In an interview with Akashvani, Jaishankar highlighted the shift from the non-alignment era to a more assertive and national interest-driven approach in the present globalized landscape. External affairs minister S Jaishankar. (PTI) Jaishankar acknowledged the historical significance of non-alignment, describing it as a manifestation of India's assertion of independence during a time when its capabilities were limited. He noted that while non-alignment represented a distinctive era in Indian foreign policy, it also came with its limitations. [It] was an era where our capabilities were limited and also where we did not always put our national interest first. Sometimes, we did not get the gains that we could have. But that is in the past, the minister said. Pointing to the challenges faced during the 1990s, a period marked by significant economic reforms, Jaishankar said these reforms necessitated a recalibration of India's foreign policy, recognizing the inextricable link between economic and diplomatic strategies. We not only had to change our economic policy but also our foreign policy because both go together, he said. Jaishankar underscored the nation's enhanced capabilities, self-assuredness, and belief in its capacity to effect substantial global change. Today, we are in a different era - It is an era where we are more capable, more confident, more ambitious, we think we can make a big difference. It is also a time which is more globalised. So that challenges are different, capabilities are different, the goals are different, Jaishankar said. He attributed a significant part of this transformative shift to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra and commended his understanding of India's role on the international stage, his faith in the Indian populace, particularly the youth, and his adeptness in leveraging technology. We are much more active, much more visible. We are shaping the big issues and ideas of our times. We are nationalistic and international at the same time. We are doing more with the world but we always do so with India's interest at the core. Not like in the past where often we put India's interest behind some other country because of some ideological reason, he said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Kolkata: The Kolkata police are investigating a sexual harassment angle in the death of an 18-year-old student, who allegedly jumped off the second-floor balcony of his hostel in Jadavpur University on Wednesday night, officers familiar with the matter said on Saturday. A former university student, identified as Sourav Chowdhury, who did his MSc in Mathematics in 2022, was arrested in connection with the case According to the police, a murder case has been registered based on a complaint lodged by the victims parents, who live in Nadia district. A former university student, identified as Sourav Chowdhury, who did his MSc in Mathematics in 2022, was arrested in connection with the case on Friday. The Alipore court on Saturday sent him to police custody till August 22. Also Read: JEE aspirant dies by suicide in Kota, 20th such case this year: Cops Investigation is going on. We have registered a case under section 302 (murder) and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). One person has been arrested. We are interrogating him. A few others are also being questioned, a senior officer from the detective department of Kolkata police said, adding that a diary has been seized from Room Number 68 of the hostel, where the first-year student lived. The victim and other freshers were being subjected to ragging since Monday in the name of introduction, another officer said, requesting anonymity. Detective department sleuths are investigating if there is a sexual harassment angle in the incident, the officer added. The undergraduate student, a resident of Nadia district, jumped off the second-floor balcony of the main hostel building around 11.45 pm on Wednesday and died while undergoing treatment at a hospital at 3.40 am on Thursday. The victim was found lying naked in a pool of blood. Earlier that evening, he was heard by some other students as saying that he was not homosexual, the officer said. Around 9.30 pm, the victim had called his mother and said he was very afraid and wanted to disclose many things. Later, when his parents called back, he did not respond. A few minutes later he called back, but could not speak as the call was disconnected, the officer said, quoting from the complaint. Sleuths suspect that the phone was snatched from him by Chowdhury, who was present in the hostel that night, the officer added. Police told the court on Saturday that he was directly involved in the ragging incident before the victim allegedly jumped to death. If my son is guilty, he should be punished, Nirup Chowdhury, the father of the accused told reporters. His mother, however, claimed he was being framed. A university student, meanwhile, said sexual harassment and ragging are common on campus, particularly in hostels. Seniors make lewd remarks and one is asked to perform several sexual acts, including stripping and parading nude. Students are also asked to describe their private parts. Not everyone can tolerate such ragging and many students leave the hostel, the student said, declining to be named. Universitys dean of students, Rajat Roy, said he received a call from a student at 10.05 pm on Wednesday, about the alleged ragging of another student. I asked him to inform the hostel-superintendent. At 10.08 pm, I asked the superintendent to check. The next phone call I got was a little after midnight in which the superintendent informed me that a student had fallen from the balcony after which I rushed to the hospital, Roy said. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has initiated an Internal Technical Enquiry (ITE), following an incident of fire outbreak that occurred on Friday at the Quality Control Laboratory and Office, officials said. The ongoing investigation is aimed at focusing on potential quality testing errors in the bitumen that may have triggered the fire. Fire broke out at Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) head office, in Bengaluru on Friday. (ANI) A fire broke out at the Quality Control Lab of the BBMP head office, located at Hudson Circle in Bengaluru, on Friday, that injured at least nine BBMP staff members. An FIR in relation to the incident has been lodged at Halasuru Gate police station, based on a complaint filed by Chief Engineer K Prahlad, under sections 337 (causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others due to negligence) and 338 (causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) of the Indian Penal Code. The police have detained three individuals and are working to determine the exact cause of the blast that led to the fire. Later, on Friday night, Deputy chief minister DK Shivkumar convened a meeting regarding the incident with officials, wherein, the decision to launch an internal probe was taken. Acting upon the instructions by Shivakumar, BBMP chief commissioner Tushar Giri Nath ordered the enquiry into the incident. A technical team consisting of BBMP personnel, police officials, and representatives from the energy department will conduct an independent investigation to ascertain the precise cause of the fire. The investigation aims to examine the testing procedures and determine if there were any discrepancies in the use of Benzene solution, a critical element in bitumen, that may have contributed to the fire. Additionally, the inquiry will scrutinise how the benzene solution might have been improperly handled or disposed of, an official in the know of the development said. A BBMP official stated that the investigation team will explore the possibility that Benzene might have evaporated into the air and after reacting with a spark could have lead to an explosion. Additionally, there are suspicions that incorrect quantities of Benzene solution or improper storage could have led to a potential blast or fire. Properly storing Benzene in a sealed container is critical, as leaving the lid open could elevate the risk of fire. All these aspects are under investigation, as part of the ongoing probe, the official elaborated. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLC Ravikumar demanding an inquiry into the fire incident, alleged that the fire may not have been accidental, as BBMP contractors had levelled corruption allegations against the Congress government. He claimed that someone might have intentionally set the fire to destroy documents at the BBMP head office. However, Jayaram Raipura, BBMP special commissioner (Finance), stated that no documents were damaged in the fire as the records room remained unaffected. Meanwhile, Karnataka Health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on Saturday said that all victims of the fire incident were in stable condition. Everyones condition is stable. Although two people were initially in critical condition, they have now stabilised. We have experts on-site to assess the situation. We will delve into determining responsibility and fault, including any lapses in safety standards by BBMP, or other factors contributing to the fire. Whether the incident was accidental or due to negligence will be carefully investigated. Based on these findings, the government will proceed with necessary actions, said the minister. 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 Mahua Moitra of the Trinamool Congress has warned investors after reports claimed that Deloitte Haskins & Sells LLP, the auditor of billionaire Gautam Adanis ports business, is planning to resign. TMP MP Mahua Moitra and multi-billionaire Gautam Adani. (File pics) Now were waiting for ED, CBI, SFIO to raid Deloitte! How can they refuse to audit Govts most pyaara group. On a more serious note - investors beware, the TMC firebrand MP wrote on X (formally Twitter) sharing a screenshot of a news report by Bloomberg. The Bloomberg report, citing people familiar with the matter, reported that Deloitte Haskins & Sells LLP has communicated to Adani Ports & Special Economic Zone Ltd. its resignation plans and a formal announcement is expected in the coming days. The move may heighten concerns about accounting quality at the Indian conglomerate targeted by short seller Hindenburg Research, the report claimed. The Indian unit of the global accounting giant in May raised concerns over transactions between Adani Ports and three entities that Adani said were unrelated parties. The auditor said at the time it couldnt verify Adanis claims and couldnt determine if the business was fully compliant with local laws. Deloitte, however, said it could not attest to the company's statement as no independent external examination has been done to prove the claims, news agency PTI reported. The planned resignation puts a fresh spotlight on the governance of Adanis empire just days before the Securities and Exchange Board of India is due to submit the results of a probe into Hindenburgs wide-ranging allegations of accounting fraud and market manipulation. Adani has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and a panel appointed by the Supreme Court found no regulatory failure or signs of stock price manipulation. Hindenburg Research report on Adani group Hindenburg Research in its January 24 report that levelled allegations of fraud, stock manipulation, and money laundering against the Adani group, had also flagged inadequate disclosures of related party transactions. Deloitte had stated that the Adani group did not consider it necessary to have an independent external examination of these allegations because of their evaluation and the ongoing investigation by the SEBI. "The evaluation performed by the Group does not constitute sufficient appropriate audit evidence for the purposes of our audit," Deloitte had said in notes to APSEZ financial statement. The six-member expert panel appointed by the Supreme Court in May found no regulatory failure or signs of price manipulation in the Adani Group stocks in its interim report. The transactions flagged by Deloitte included engineering, procurement and construction (PEC) purchase contracts with a subsidiary of a party identified in the Hindenburg report. (With inputs from Bloomberg and PTI) SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The police in Madhya Pradesh's Jabalpur have arrested the husband of local Bharatiya Janata Party leader Sana Khan on the charge of killing her. The accused, identified as Amit Sahu alias Pappu, 37, told the police he murdered Khan over monetary and personal issues, a police official said on Saturday. Bharatiya Janata Party leader Sana Khan and husband Amit Sahu. Who was BJP leader Sana Khan and why was she killed? 1. Amit Sahu told the police that killed Sana Khan, a resident of Nagpur, by hitting her with a stick in his house and later dumped her body in a river in the district. 2. Amit Sahu was arrested from Jabalpur's Gorabazar area on Friday on the charge of killing Sana Khan. 3. "The accused, who runs a 'dhaba' (roadside eatery), said he killed his wife (Khan) by hitting her with a stick in his house and later threw her body into the Hiran river from a bridge near Meregaon village under Belkheda police station limits," additional superintendent of police Kamal Maurya said. The body was yet to be recovered. 4. Sana Khan had reportedly arrived in Jabalpur from Nagpur on August 2 and gone missing thereafter. Despite the efforts of her family members who arrived in Jabalpur to search for her, her whereabouts remained unknown. According to the FIR, Sana Khan had left from Nagpur on a private bus and contacted her mother the next day on reaching Jabalpur. Later she went missing. "The police in Maharashtra's Nagpur had registered a case on August 1 and its team visited Jabalpur on August 4 in search of the woman after the probe revealed that as per her last location, she was at a house in Jabapur," the official said. 5. The Nagpur Police earlier said 34-year-old Sana Khan was the Bharatiya Janata Party's minority cell functionary in the eastern Maharashtra city. 6. According to the police, Sana Khan and Amit Sahu had been having a long-standing dispute over money. Sana Khan had come from Nagpur to Jabalpur to meet Amit Sahu, and during their meeting, a heated argument ensued. Amit Sahu then hit Sana Khan on the head. 7. The accused also revealed the name of his accomplice who was present with him during the offence and a search for that man is going on. The Jabalpur and Nagpur Police jointly carried a search at the house and further action was taken accordingly. 8. Sana Khan's mother Mehrunisha, a resident of Awasthi Nagar in Nagpur, lodged a complaint when her daughter went missing after leaving for Jabalpur on August 1 to meet Amit Sahu, the police said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Jana Sena Party, headed by Tollywood actor Pawan Kalyan, on Saturday released visuals captured by drone camera to show alleged indiscriminate digging of picturesque Rishikonda hills on the shore of the Bay of Bengal in Andhra Pradeshs Visakhapatnam for the construction of camp office of chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy. Tollywood actor and Jana Sena Party leader Pawan Kalyan. (File Photo) The visuals, which went viral on social media, showed how large scale constructions are coming up on the Rishikonda hill, a popular beachside tourist spot after digging of the hillock on all sides. Braving stringent restrictions by police, Pawan Kalyan, along with his party leaders, visited Rishikonda on Friday evening to personally inspect the construction work going on the hill and expressed shock over the destruction of the hillock in violation of environmental rules. The actor wondered why the chief minister had chosen a picturesque tourist spot on the beach side for the construction of his camp office by digging the hill that was protecting the city from natural calamities. Does Jagan need a sea-view to rule the state? Are there not enough government buildings in Visakhapatnam city? the Jana Sena chief asked. He alleged that the chief minister, who was supposed to protect the natural resources and follow the rules, was resorting to their plundering for his comfort. The constructions that are going on at Rishikonda are huge. He is destroying nature. Our attempt is only to tell people how the destruction is taking place here, Kalyan said. He added that the officials themselves had told the court that there were some minor violations of environmental norms at Rishikonda. But when we came here, we noticed that the violations have been going on at a massive scale, the actor said. Senior YSR Congress party leader and state education minister Botsa Satyanarayana lashed out at Kalyan for making baseless allegations against Jagan. The actor, who launched Jana Sena party, after his brother (Chiranjeevi) wound up his party, seems to be under the impression that he would become a big leader by attacking the chief minister, he said. The senior minister said Pawan had no understanding of ground realities. He is only interested in raking up an issue for political gains. Such leaders would be washed away in the wave of Jagan in the coming elections, Satyanarayana said. On August 2, a committee of environmental experts constituted by the Andhra Pradesh high court submitted its report to the court, saying that there were clear violations in the excavations and constructions at Rishikonda hills. Jana Sena Party corporator of Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation PVLN Murthy Yadav, who filed the petition in the high court challenging the constructions on Rishikonda hills, said the committee, in its report, said instead of the permitted area of 9.88 acres, constructions were taken up on 17.96 acres. A division bench, comprising chief justice Dhiraj Singh Thakur and justice AV Sesha Sai, said it would direct the Union ministry of environment and forests to take necessary action based on the report. Since the permission was granted by the Union ministry, it should take the appropriate action, the bench said. The bench ordered that the extent of the land for construction should be as directed by the Supreme Court and the orders of the apex court would be included in the final verdict. Yadav said constructions were being carried out in violation of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) rules. Though it stated that violations had taken place, the Union ministry did not taken any action, he said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Hyderabad: The Jana Sena Party, headed by popular Tollywood actor Pawan Kalyan, on Saturday released visuals captured by drone camera to show alleged indiscriminate digging of Rishikonda hills on the shore of Bay of Bengal in Andhra Pradeshs Visakhapatnam for the construction of camp office of chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy. Jana Sena party chief Pawan Kalyan visited Rushikonda on the second day of his Vaarahi Vijaya Yatra, in Visakhapatnam on Friday. (ANI) The visuals which went viral on social media showed how large scale construction is being done on the Rishikonda hill, a popular beachside tourist spot. Braving the stringent restrictions by the police, Pawan Kalyan, along with his party leaders, visited Rishikonda on Friday evening to personally inspect the construction works going on the hill and expressed shock over the destruction of the hillock being done in violation of environmental rules. Wondering why the chief minister had chosen a popular tourist spot for the construction of his camp office, the Jana Sena chief said, Does Jagan need a sea-view to rule the state? Are there not enough government buildings in Visakhapatnam city? He regretted that the chief minister, who was supposed to protect the natural resources and follow the rules, was resorting to their plundering for his own comfort. The constructions that are going on at Rishikonda are very huge. He is destroying nature. Our attempt is only to tell people how the destruction is taking place here, Pawan Kalyan said. He pointed out that the officials themselves had told the court that there were some minor violations of environmental norms at Rishikonda. But when we came here, we noticed that the violations have been going on at a massive scale, the actor said. Senior YSR Congress party leader and state education minister, Botsa Satyanarayana, lashed out at Pawan Kalyan for making baseless allegations against the chief minister. The actor, who launched Jana Sena party, after his brother [Chiranjeevi] wound up his party, seems to be under the impression that he would become a big leader by attacking the chief minister, he said. The senior minister said Pawan had no understanding of ground realities. He is only interested in raking up an issue for political gains. Such leaders would be washed away in the wave of Jagan in the coming elections, Satyanarayana said. On August 2, a committee of environmental experts constituted by the Andhra Pradesh high court submitted its report to the court, saying that there were clear violations in the excavations and constructions at Rishikonda hills. Jana Sena Party corporator of Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation PVLN Murthy Yadav, who filed the petition in the high court challenging the constructions on Rishikonda hills, said the committee, in its report, said instead of the permitted area of 9.88 acres, constructions were taken up 17.96 acres. A division bench, comprising Chief Justice Dhiraj Singh Thakur and Justice AV Sesha Sai, said it would direct the Union ministry of environment and forests to take necessary action based on the report. Since the permission was granted by the Union ministry, it should take the appropriate action, the bench said. The bench ordered that the extent of the land for construction should be as directed by the Supreme Court and the orders of the apex court would be included in the final verdict. Yadav said constructions were being carried out in violation of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) rules. Though it stated that violations had taken place, the Union ministry had not taken any action, he said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Jama Masjid's Shahi Imam Syed Ahmed Bukhari on Friday expressed concerns over the "storm of hatred" in the country, and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to listen to the 'Mann Ki Baat' of Muslims. Shahi Imam of Delhis Jama Masjid Syed Bukhari.(HT File Photo) Citing recent incidents like the Nuh riots and the killing of four persons by a railway police jawan on a running train, Bukhari suggested in his Friday sermon at the historic mosque that PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah hold dialogue with intellectuals from the community. "I have been compelled to speak due to the existing situation in the country. The situation in the country is worrisome and a storm of hatred is posing grave danger to peace in the country," Bukhari said. "You say your 'Mann Ki Baat' but you also need to listen to the 'Mann Ki Baat' of Muslims. The Muslims are troubled due to the prevailing conditions and worried about their future," Bukhari said, referring to PM Modi's monthly radio programme. The Imam of Jama Masjid alleged the law is proving to be "weak" in dealing with hate and communal violence. "The people of one faith are being openly threatened. Panchayats are being held where boycott calls for Muslims and ending trade and business with them was proclaimed. There are 57 Islamic countries in the world where non-Muslims also live but do not face any threat to their lives or livelihood," Bukhari said. He lamented that the "relationship" between the Hindus and Muslims were "endangered". "Why this hatred in India? Was the freedom won by our ancestors for this day? Will the Hindus and Muslims now live separately?." Bukhari said it's in the hands of the government to control the situation. "I want to say to the prime minister and the home minister to be generous and talk to the Muslim intellectuals. I want to ask you on behalf of the Muslims of the country to talk to us, we are ready," he said. Bukhari suggested the Centre could hold a meeting with the members of Muslim community to "save the country" from the prevailing "storm of hatred". West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday hit out at the union government over the proposed law that excludes the Chief Justice of India (CJI) from the panel to appoint the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs), saying the ruling BJP has bowed down to anarchy. Opposing the bill tabled in the Rajya Sabha earlier this week, Banerjee said that the role of CJI in the 3-member panel to appoint CEC is crucial. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee (File Photo) Amidst calls to bow down to the judiciary, the @BJP4India instead bows to anarchy! the Trinamool Congress supremo wrote on X, formerly Twitter. The CJI's role in the 3-member committee for selecting the CEC is crucial. We strongly oppose replacing the CJI with a cabinet minister in the EC selection, she added. The chief minister claimed that the plan to exclude the CJI from the appointment panel shows discomfort of the BJP which suggests that their vote manipulation could suffer. India must question this blatant disregard for the judiciary! Are they aiming to turn the Judiciary into a minister-run kangaroo court? We pray to the JUDICIARY for INDIA. My lord, save our country! Banerjee added. The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023 seeks to replace the CJI with a cabinet minister as one of the three members of the selection panel to choose the CEC and election commissioners the other two being the prime minister and the leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha. The Congress has already opposed the bill citing veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader L K Advanis 2012 letter to then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for appointments to Constitutional bodies on a bipartisan basis. Advani had proposed a committee comprising the CJI and leaders of the Opposition from both Houses of Parliament to select the CEC and the ECs. Congress Rajya Sabha member Randeep Surjewala said, The bill is an assault on the Constitution, the judiciary and peoples rights to elect their own government in a fair and impartial manner... Manoj Jha of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) said the composition of the selection committee does not bode well for the poll panels independence. I am shocked but not surprised at the manner in which the present dispensation will decimate everything that we thought was according to constitutional propriety or morality, he said outside of Parliament. The government, however, pointed out that it was the Supreme Court that ruled in March that appointments to the poll panel should be made on the advice of a committee comprising the PM, LoP in the Lok Sabha and the CJI until Parliament framed a law on the selection process. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON On the afternoon of July 16, when an Assam Rifles truck carrying food supplies and vegetables for troops reached Kakching in Manipur, hundreds of Meira Paibis (collective of Meitei women) allegedly forced the truck to halt, refused to let it go further, and looted the food. The FIR filed by the Assam Rifles said the women threatened to burn the truck and later fled with around 4000 kg food items meant for its soldiers. Manipur Police have registered a case against the group. HT has seen a copy of the FIR. Ethnic clashes between Kuki and Meities have killed at least 152 in Manipur. (Lal Singh) In Manipur, where ethnic clashes between Kuki and Meities have led to at least 152 deaths and a fragile law and order situation persists with occasional shootouts being reported between the two communities (and also between security forces and armed militia from both sides), security officials on the ground say Meira Paibis are not making things easy -- breaking the law with impunity, and aiding militia. Also Read: Manipur crisis has become BJP's Frankenstein's monster: MK Stalin In response, the Meira Paibis have accused security forces, especially Assam Rifles of bias (in favour of Kukis) and not doing enough to prevent violence in Meitei villages. In different parts of Imphal East and West, the women are on a sit-in protest demanding the removal of Assam Rifles. At public meetings and media interactions, the Meira Paibis have accused Assam Rifles of using excessive forces against women protesters, even helping armed Kuki militia, allegations that have been denied by the force. On August 7, in the backdrop of the protests by the women groups, Assam Rifles (ARs) personnel were replaced with civil police and CRPF at a check post in Moirang between Bishnupur and Kangvai in Manipur. The order, which pertained to only one checkpoint, was issued by the additional director general of police (law and order) and did not cite any reason for the same. AR and paramilitary forces remain posted across the state to restore normalcy. Also Read: On internet ban, court asks Manipur govt to find methods to restore services After reports of the polices order was widely circulated, the Army issued a statement that inimical forces were making desperate, repeated and failed attempts to question the role of the Assam Rifles. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), the Army said that the force was working relentlessly towards saving lives and restoration of peace. Meira Paibis are groups of Meitei women present in every village across the state. In the late 1970s, women groups called Meira Paibis (Women with Torches) started forming at several places to carry out non-violent protests against illicit-liquor, use of drugs and more specifically the imposition of Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, which gives unbridled powers to army and security forces to arrest, detain, even shoot suspected insurgents. They have participated in many notable protests in the state over the years. Every colony in the valley district is informally represented by local women residents, known as the Meira Paibis of that colony. But over the last two months, the groups have been called out by the security forces for allegedly interfering with their operations and aiding rioters. On June 26, the Spear Corps of India army put out a 2 minute 12 second-long video that collated visuals from a number of operations in Manipur and levelled four serious allegations. That the women were: helping rioters flee, interfering in operations, preventing movement of men and material, and digging up the entry to the Assam Rifles camp to cause delays. One security official, who asked not to be named said: Manipur police has registered a case against Assam Rifles personnel for allegedly stopping a police team from crossing the buffer zone while chasing militants on Saturday. But how many FIRs have been registered against Meira Paibis for blocking roads and stopping security forces from going to places where shootouts between groups were reported and deaths could have been prevent by timely intervention. In crucial operations in June and July where lives were lost, the women stopped the forces from intervening. Another security official cited last weeks incident in which the CRPFs Rapid Action Force (RAF) had to use tear gas shells after Meira Paibis pelted stones at the force in Bishnupur. The crackdown started when women in Phougakchao and Kangvai insisted on crossing over the buffer zone and reaching the Kuki villages. That afternoon nearly 12 women were injured. There are viral videos of the women pelting stones. The forces, sent from the Centre and not the state government, are on the ground to ensure that clashes do not break out. Militia are using women as shield and fanning the violence here, said the second officer. The officials cited multiple cases of Meira Paibis breaking the law over the past few weeks. Manipur police have also filed a case against unidentified men and women over the attempted loot of the armoury at the 3rd battalion of the Indian Reserve Battalion in Thoubal on July 4. A man died in the police firing that ensued. To be sure, the FIR does not mention the name of the group and only mentions a mob of men and women. Ningombam Shreema, assistant professor, Nambol L Sanoi College, Manipur, who has interacted extensively with Meira Paibis said, Our state has a long history of human rights abuse by armed forces. In 2004, we had the nude protest by 12 Meira Paibis. In the last three months, RAF has destroyed shops and vandalised parked vehicles without any reason. When houses were burnt and people were being shot in two waves -- May 3rd and May 27(just) before the home ministers visit, the security forces were silent spectators. If one group pelted stones, they do not represent all Meira Paibis. Our women are protesting because the security forces have failed to protect lives. Since May 3, the northeastern state has been gripped by ethnic clashes primarily between the tribal Kukis, who reside mostly in the hill districts, and the majority Meiteis, the dominant community in Imphal valley in which at least 152 people have died and over 50,000 have been displaced. Clashes first broke out on May 3 in Churachandpur town after Kuki groups called for protests against a proposed tweak to the states reservation matrix, granting scheduled tribe (ST) status to the Meitei community. Violence quickly engulfed the state where ethnic fault lines run deep, displacing tens of thousands of people who fled burning homes and neighbourhoods into jungles, often across state borders. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Prawesh Lama Prawesh Lama covers crime, policing, and issues of security in Delhi. Raised in Darjeeling, educated in Mumbai, he also looks at special features on social welfare in the National Capital. ...view detail India has deployed a squadron of upgraded MiG-29 fighter jets at the Srinagar air base to tackle threats from both the Pakistani and Chinese front. The MiG 29s have multiple advantages over the MiG-21s which were able to successfully defend the area of their responsibility in the Kashmir valley for many years.(ANI) Also Read | IAF grounds MiG-21 fleet for safety checks after Rajasthan crash The Tridents squadron which is now also known as the Defender of the North has replaced the MiG-21 squadron at the Srinagar air base which has traditionally been responsible for taking care of the threat from Pakistan. Srinagar lies in the centre of Kashmir valley and its elevation is higher than plains. It is strategically better to place an aircraft with a higher weight-to-thrust ratio and less response time due to proximity to the border and is equipped with better avionics and long-range missiles. The MiG-29 fulfils all these criteria due to which we are capable of taking in the enemies on both fronts, Indian Air Force pilot Squadron Leader Vipul Sharma told ANI. India has deployed a squadron of upgraded MiG-29 fighter jets at the Srinagar air base to tackle threats from both the Pakistani and Chinese front. Also Read | IAF grounds MiG-21 fleet for safety checks after Rajasthan crash The Tridents squadron which is now also known as the Defender of the North has replaced the MiG-21 squadron at the Srinagar air base which has traditionally been responsible for taking care of the threat from Pakistan. Srinagar lies in the centre of Kashmir valley and its elevation is higher than plains. It is strategically better to place an aircraft with a higher weight-to-thrust ratio and less response time due to proximity to the border and is equipped with better avionics and long-range missiles. The MiG-29 fulfils all these criteria due to which we are capable of taking in the enemies on both fronts, Indian Air Force pilot Squadron Leader Vipul Sharma told ANI. |#+| The MiG 29s have multiple advantages over the MiG-21s which were able to successfully defend the area of their responsibility in the Kashmir valley for many years and also managed to strike down an F-16 in 2019 post Balakot air strikes on Pakistani terrorist camps on their mainland. The MiG-29 has also been equipped with very long-range air-to-air missiles and air-to-ground weaponry after the upgrades and has also been armed with lethal weaponry making use of the emergency procurement powers given to armed forces by the government. "The fighter aircraft have also been provided with the capability to jam the enemy aircrafts capabilities during times of conflict", officials said. Another pilot Squadron Leader Shivam Rana said the upgraded aircraft can operate at night with night vision goggles and has a longer range due to air-to-air refuelling capability. We have also included the air-to-ground armament which was not there earlier. The biggest capability of the aircraft are the pilots which are handpicked by the Indian Air Force to serve on these aircraft, he said. The MiG-29s moved to the Srinagar air base in January this year and have flown extensively in the Kashmir valley along with the Ladakh sector where they would be one of the first to respond in case of any air space violation attempts by the Chinese. The MiG-29s were the first aircraft to have been deployed in the Ladakh sector for tacking the threat from the Chinese side after the Galwan clash of 2020 and have thwarted multiple such attempts since then. Bharatiya Janata Party leader Bansuri Swaraj on Saturday hit out at the Aam Aadmi Party government in Delhi and said that it is a 'Jhagdalu' & 'Nikammi' government. She also congratulated the President on the Delhi Services Bill and said that the national capital will now work in accordance with the law. "...Since 2015 the AAP govt made excuses for their inefficiency...It is a 'Jhagdalu' & 'Nikammi' government...I congratulate the President for passing the bill (Delhi Services Bill). Now that the bill is passed, the administration in Delhi will work in accordance with the law..." she said. Bharatiya Janata Party leader Bansuri Swaraj (ANI) The Delhi Services Bill which has now become law is meant to replace the contentious Ordinance on the control of services in the national capital. The bill, granting the central government authority over bureaucrats in the national capital drew stiff resistance from several leaders of opposition parties. The Aam Aadmi Party termed the bill as the most "undemocratic" piece of paper ever tabled in the Parliament. The opposition coalition known as I.N.D.I.A. and the faction led by Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, referred to as BRS, strongly objected to the proposed legislation. Conversely, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) from Odisha and the YSR Congress Party from Andhra Pradesh expressed their backing for the bill. The bill, tabled in the Lok Sabha by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, was passed in the lower house of the Parliament on August 3 and in the upper house on August 7 with 131 votes in favour and 102 votes against it. In the debate centered around the potential infringement of the Supreme Court's ruling on the authority of the Delhi government over services, Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister, voiced his perspective in the Rajya Sabha. He asserted that the proposed bill does not run afoul of the Supreme Court's directive. He pointed out that the Supreme Court's verdict explicitly acknowledges the prerogative of the Parliament to enact legislation pertaining to the National Capital Territory of Delhi. Businessman Robert Vadra, who is also the husband of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, on Saturday hit out at Union minister Smriti Irani for showing a photo of him with industrialist Gautam Adani in Lok Sabha during the no-confidence motion against the Narendra Modi government recently. Businessman Robert Vadra and Union minister Smriti Irani. Manipur has been burning and this minister (Smriti Irani) has to bring up some kind of negative thing about me, who is not even in the Parliament, Vadra told news agency PTI. Vadra's comments came a day after he, in a Facebook post, attacked the BJP leader over her remarks. "Stop being obsessed with me and misusing my name, in parliament," Vadra wrote in his post. Vadra also challenged Irani to provide proof of her accusations that he had close relations with the business tycoon and head of the Adani group. On Saturday, Vadra also asked why Irani didn't reach out to the wrestlers who were protesting against the then Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh over sexual harassment charges against him. I keep away from Parliament. I only comment when the government bring up my name. And I will fight for it because, for the nine-ten years, they always used my name whenever they are cornered. There is nothing to prove against me, he added. He also said the Congress has joined the Opposition alliance 'INDIA' and we will give them (NDA) a good fight in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. When asked about Priyanka Gandhi, Vadra said, "I feel she should be in the Parliament. She has all the qualifications. She would do a great job. I hope that the Congress party accepts and plans better for her." What did Smriti Irani say in Parliament? Showing a photo of Robert Vadra with Gautam Adani, Smriti Irani said, Ye kab se Adani Adani kar rahe hain, toh ab thoda ab main bhi bol doon. Photo mere pass bhi hai...In 1993, the Congress gave space to Adani in the Mundra Port...During the UPA rule, they gave a 72,000 crore loan to Adani. Why was the work of ports in different states given to Adani during the Congress rule? Robert Vadra hits back Taking to social media, Vadra said, "I challenge you to give proof or stop being fake, as you are... Youre incapabilities cant be hidden by pointing fingers at me, remember when you do, the rest of your finders are pointing at you, with many more controversies linked to you and your family." Vadra also shared screenshots of the controversy that had surrounded the restaurant allegedly owned by Irani daughter in Goa. The Congress had raised the issue of Silly Souls restaurant and alleged wrongdoings in connection to the restaurant. "India wants to know about your restaurants in Goa and in 3rd party names in different parts of the country?! Your degrees/educational qualifications & the underlying controversy with it! First you clarify that & then point finger at others.." "Awaiting to see if you will answer on Goa and beyond, clearly if you actually qualified, which I doubt. No disclosure or reply means you are are hiding true facts and are not qualified Shame on you!!" he further wrote in his post. Speech was filled with jokes: Priyanka Gandhi on PM Modi On Friday, Priyanka Gandhi hit out at Narendra Modi over his reply to the no-confidence debate in Lok Sabha, saying that he should have talked about peace efforts in Manipur but his over two-hour-long speech was filled with jokes, sarcasm and irrelevant talk. In his over 130-minute reply in Lok Sabha to the no-confidence brought by opposition parties, Modi on Thursday slammed the opposition alliance INDIA as a collection of arrogant dynasties who will take India back by two centuries as he exuded confidence that people will bless 'garib ka beta' with a record-breaking mandate in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Several opposition parties, including the Congress, had walked out by the time Modi touched on the Manipur issue, accusing him of not speaking on the matter. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched a scathing attack against the opposition over the no-confidence motion that it brought against the Union government in the Lok Sabha, saying that a befitting reply has been given to those spreading negativity. HT Image Only two days ago, we defeated the oppositions no-confidence motion in Parliament and gave a befitting reply to those spreading negativity in the country. The opposition fled midway. They were afraid of voting over the no-confidence motion. Had there been voting it would have unmasked the alliance. They have betrayed the people of Manipur, the PM said. The Opposition had said that it had brought the motion against the government to force the Prime Minister to address the violence in Manipur, where ethnic clashes over the past three months have killed at least 156 people. The debate on the motion began on Tuesday and continued till Thursday, when PM Modi delivered his reply in the Lower House. The government later defeated the motion through a voice-vote after Opposition MPs staged a walkout earlier protesting that the PM had not addressed the issue 90 minutes into his speech. While virtually addressing the Bhartiya Janata Partys Kshetriya Panchayati Raj Parishad in West Bengal, where with BJP national president JP Nadda was in attendance, Modi tried to turn the table on the opposition parties on Manipur. They didnt want a debate on Manipur because they knew that the truth would sting them the most. They were not bothered about the people of Manipur and their sufferings. They sidelined the Manipur issue and gave priority to political debate by bringing a no-confidence motion, Modi said. Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, addressing a meeting organised by the opposition Congress-led UDF alliance in Kalpetta, Wayanad on Saturday, accused the PM of laughing, and having fun and only talking about the issue for two minutes in his over two-hour-long rebuttal. Separately, Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, who was suspended on Thursday from the House , on Saturday said the BJP has a deliberate design to throttle the Oppositions voice. BJP had objected to parts of Chowdhurys speech during the no-confidence debate where he compared Modi to Dhritarashtra and suggested that the PM is Nirav (silent in Bengali) on the Manipur crisis. This is a new phenomenon we have never before experienced in our career in Parliament...This is a deliberate design by the ruling party to throttle the voice of the opposition...This will undermine the spirit of parliamentary democracy, Chowdhury saidat a press conference in New Delhi, adding that he will approach the Supreme Court, if need be. In his speech, Modi also slammed the Trinamool Congress (TMC), which is in power in West Bengal, over poll-related violence during the recently held panchayat elections, when more than 55 people were killed, alleging that TMC has played with blood. Recently panchayat elections were held in the state. The country witnessed how the TMC played with blood (TMC ne khooni khel khela), Modi said in Hindi. Modi went on to allege that the TMC allegedly threatened and stopped BJP candidates from filing nominations and campaigning. They do anything required to ensure that no BJP candidate can file nominations. If at all they filed the nominations candidates were threatened and stopped from campaigning. They even terrorised voters. Goons are given contracts to capture polling booths. Even during counting BJP agents were terrorised and sent out of counting centres, he alleged. The TMC swept the elections securing 51.5% of the votes polled. The BJP bagged 23% votes. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday hit back saying that the Prime Minister has maligned the state. The Prime Minister has maligned West Bengal while addressing a small, religious programme. Had there been violence, neither 2.31 lakh nominations would have been filed nor the BJP, CPI (M) and Congress would have won so many seats. BJP killed 20 TMC workers, Banerjee alleged in a recorded media statement. Banerjee lashed out at Modi on multiple fronts including freezing of funds, demonetisation, role of governers, National Register of Citizens (NRC) and the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). Only six months are left (for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls) and you are sending central agencies to arrest opposition leaders so that you can freely win the polls. You cant fool all the people with communal politics and by threatening them with central agencies, she said. The TMC supremo also attacked Modi over the proposed law that seeks to exclude the Chief Justice of India (CJI) from the panel to appoint the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs). Do you want to hijack EVMs or manipulate the entire election process? We dont accept this INDIA (alliance) will oust you from power. You end is near. We would tolerate for six months, she said. Later in the day, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of temple and memorial dedicated to Saint Ravidas, a social reformer revered among the Dalits at Sagar in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh, where he invoked Ravidas to claim that the opposition was fermenting the ideology of slavery and his government was ending it. Saint Ravidas ji said dependency is the biggest sin and that those who accept it and do not take a stand against it are not loved by anybody. Saint Ravidas ji provided strength to the society to fight oppression, and (Maratha ruler) Chatrapati Shivaji used it as an inspiration to lay the foundations of swarajya (independence). On their ideology, the nation is moving forward with the same spirit of liberation and rejecting the mentality of slavery, the PM said. The PM also said he was inspired by Ravidas to ensure free food for more than 80 million people under Pradhanmantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) during pandemic. Asserting that his governments focus is on the welfare of the poor and empowerment of every section of society, the PM also said many schemes have been launched to improve the lives of Dalits, poor, tribals and women. Matru Vandana Yojana, Mission Indradhanush, Sickle Cell Anaemia elimination, a campaign to free India from Tuberculosis by 2025, Ayushman Card and others schemes have changed the lives of people, said the PM. Attacking the previous governments, Modi said, The schemes used to be introduced under previous governments according to the election season. But we think that the country should stand with Dalit, deprived, backward, tribal women at every stage of life. Let us support their hopes and aspirations. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday addressed G20 Anti-Corruption Ministerial Meeting in Kolkata virtually, stating that India has a strict policy of zero tolerance against corruption. Prime Minister Narendra Modi(PTI) "India has a strict policy of zero tolerance against corruption,"PM Modi said while underlining that India is leveraging technology and e-governance to create a transparent and accountable ecosystem. PM Modi further referred to the writings of Tagore and cautioned against greed as it prevents us from realizing the truth. He also touched upon the ancient Indian Upanishads that strive for Ma Gridha, which translates to let there be no greed. PM Modi further underlined that the highest impact of corruption is borne by the poor and the marginalized. "It affects resource utilization, distorts markets, impacts service delivery and ultimately diminishes people's quality of life," he added. Referring to Kautilya in the Arthashastra, Modi said that it is the government's duty to enhance the State's resources to maximize the welfare of its people. "The need to combat corruption to achieve this goal and said that it is the sacred duty of the government towards its people," he said. He further mentioned that leakages and gaps in welfare schemes and government projects are being plugged in. "Hundreds of million people in India have received direct benefit transfers into their bank accounts amounting to more than 360 billion dollars and helping save over 33 billion dollars,' he added. Our government e-Marketplace, or GeM portal, has brought greater transparency in government procurement, he added. Speaking about the enactment of the Economic Offenders Act in 2018, PM Modi said that the government is aggressively pursuing economic offenders and informed about the recovery of assets worth over 1.8 billion dollars from economic offenders and fugitives. He also spoke about the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) which has helped attach the assets of offenders worth more than USD 12 billion since 2014. Bhopal/Sagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday performed bhoomi pujan and laid the foundation stone for the construction of a temple-cum-memorial of social reformer Saint Ravidas in Sagar district of poll-bound Madhya Pradesh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses at the inauguration and laying the foundation stone of various development projects to nation, in Sagar on Saturday. (PIB) Born in the present-day Varanasi, Sant Ravidas, who was one of the prominent figures of the Bhakti Movement, highlighted the struggles of Dalits and championed the causes of the oppressed using poetry and spirituality. Addressing the public after laying the foundation of the structure, the prime minister said, The memorial is steeped in the spirit of Samrasta (harmony) as the soil from over 20,000 villages and water from more than 300 rivers became part of Sant Ravidas upcoming temple-cum-memorial. The Saint Shiromani Gurudev Shri Ravidas ji Memorial will be constructed at a cost of over 100 crore in Badtuma village. The temple-cum-museum will showcase the teachings of Sant Ravidas and also have residential facilities for the devotees besides a museum, art gallery and other amenities. On the occasion, the prime minister targeted the previous governments for neglecting the oppressed sections of the society and remembering them only during elections. The governments which ruled for decades had failed to provide water to the poor whereas Dalits, underprivileged localities and tribal areas are now getting piped water due to Jal Jeevan Mission, Modi said. Our government is giving due respect to dalits, OBCs and tribals. He added, Schemes used to introduce during the previous governments as per the election season. But we think that the country should stand with dalits, deprived, backward, tribal women at every stage of life. Let us support their hopes and aspirations. Taking about teachings of Sant Ravidas, Modi said, during Mughal era, it was Sant Ravidas ji who was creating awareness and preaching ways to ward off evils of the society. He was raising his voice against malpractices prevalent in the society. Modi, who was on a day-long visit to Madhya Pradesh, which will go to assembly polls later this year, also inaugurated two road projects worth 1,580 crore and the doubling of Kota-Bina rail route developed at a cost of over 2,475 crore. Chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and civil aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, among others, were also present on the occasion. With the construction of the temple-cum-museum of Sant Ravidas, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is eying the 54 dalit-dominating assembly seats including 35 reserved for the Scheduled Caste (SC) and 19 general seats, where the SC voters are a deciding factor. In 2018 assembly polls, the BJP won 18 reserved seats while the Congress bagged the remaining 17. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday hit out at the Opposition over the Manipur violence and claimed the Bharatiya Janata Party-led NDA government gave a befitting reply, in the no-confidence motion, to those spreading negativity in the entire nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi replies on the Motion of No-Confidence in the Lok Sabha in the Monsoon session of Parliament, in New Delhi on Thursday, (PTI) Addressing the BJP's Kshetriya Panchayati Raj Parishad in West Bengal, via video conferencing, Modi said, "We defeated the opposition's no-confidence motion in Parliament and gave a befitting reply to those spreading negativity in the entire nation. The members of the opposition left Parliament mid-way. The truth is that they were scared of voting on the no-confidence motion..." He also slammed the Trinamool Congress over poll-related violence during the West Bengal panchayat election. Modi alleged Mamata Banerjee's TMC of threatening BJP candidates and booth capturing during the Bengal polls. Goons are given contracts in Bengal: PM Modi They do anything required to ensure that no BJP candidate can file nomination... They not only threaten the BJP workers but also the voters. Goons are given contracts to capture booths...This is their way of doing politics in the state Modi said. "Violence has been used as means to threaten the opposition Yet, I congratulate those partymen, who had won recent rural polls in Bengal despite threats," Modi added. The NDA government on Thursday defeated a no-confidence motion in Parliament after a fiery speech by the premier at the climax of a three-day debate. The motion was defeated in a voice vote called by the speaker of the lower house, television images showed, shortly after opposition MPs including Congress party leader Rahul Gandhi walked out of the chamber. Replying to the no-confidence motion in Lok Sabha, Modi said, No-confidence motion has always been lucky for us; this one also will ensure we will return with a record-breaking mandate." There was a need for discussion on important bills aimed at the welfare of people, but the Opposition was interested in politicking," the prime minister had said. Taking a dig at the Congress, the prime minister said the tallest leader in the Opposition ranks not on the list of speakers; it was Amit Shah's magnanimity that he promised time to Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday slammed the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal over poll-related violence during the recently held panchayat elections alleging that the TMC has played with blood. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee. (File Photos) Recently panchayat elections were held in the state. The country witnessed how the TMC played with blood (TMC ne khooni khel khela), Modi said, while virtually addressing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)s Kshetriya Panchayati Raj Parishad in West Bengal. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee hit back saying that the Prime Minister has maligned the state. The Prime Minister, instead of giving some humanitarian message to the people, has maligned West Bengal while addressing a small, religious programme. Had there been violence, neither 2.31 lakh nominations would have been filed nor would the BJP, CPIM and Congress have won so many seats. The BJP killed 20 TMC workers, Banerjee said in a recorded statement. Political clashes erupted in the eastern state soon after the state poll panel announced the dates of the three-tier rural polls on June 8. The opposition claimed that more than 55 persons were killed in poll-related violence, including post-poll clashed. Modi went on to say how the TMC allegedly threatened and stopped BJP candidates from filing nominations and campaigning. They do anything required to ensure that no BJP candidate can file nominations. If at all they filed the nominations, candidates were threatened and stopped from campaigning. They even terrorised voters. Goons are given contracts to capture polling booths. Even during counting, BJP agents were terrorised and sent out of the counting centres, Modi said. While polls were held on July 8, counting was held on July 11. At least 18 persons were allegedly killed on the polling day. The TMC swept the elections securing 51.5% of the votes polled. The BJP bagged 23% votes. Banerjee lashed out at the Prime Minister on multiple fronts including freezing of funds, demonetisation, role of governors, National Register of Citizens (NRC) and the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). Only six months are left (for the Lok Sabha polls) and you are sending central agencies to arrest opposition leaders so that you can freely win the polls. You cant fool all the people with communal politics and by threatening them with central agencies, she said. The TMC supremo also attacked the Prime Minister over the proposed law that seeks to exclude the Chief Justice of India (CJI) from the panel to appoint the chief election commissioner (CEC) and election commissioners (ECs). Do you want to hijack EVMs or manipulate the entire election process? We dont accept this. INDIA will oust you from power. Your end is near. We would tolerate for six months, she said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Prime Minister Narendra Modi will today lay the foundation stone of a temple dedicated to Sant Ravidas in Madhya Pradesh's Sagar district. The prime minister will reach Sagar at around 2.15pm where he will perform 'Bhoomi Poojan' at Sant Shiromani Gurudev Shri Ravidas ji Memorial Sthal. He will also participate in a public programme at Dhana where he will lay the foundation stone for Sant Shiromani Gurudev Shri Ravidas ji Memorial. Representative Image of Sant Ravidas temple and memorial. The Bharatiya Janata Party is expecting up to 2 lakh people to attend the PM's rally and the foundation laying ceremony for the temple dedicated to Sant Ravidas, reported PTI. The programmes will also mark the culmination of the ruling party's ongoing 'Samrasta (harmony) Yatras', seen as an attempt by the saffron outfit to reach out to Dalits ahead of the crucial polls. Calling Madhya Pradesh the centre of India's cultural and spiritual consciousness, chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said he has full faith that the project will prove to be a milestone in popularizing the education and thoughts of Sant Ravidas. All you need to know about Sant Ravidas temple and memorial: Sant Ravidas, a 14th-century mystic poet and social reformer, enjoys a nationwide following, especially among a section of Dalits. The memorial will be constructed in an area of more than 11.25 acres and at a cost of more than Rs. 100 crores. The memorial will have an impressive art museum and gallery to showcase the life, philosophy and teachings of Sant Shiromani Gurudev Shri Ravidas. It will also have Bhakt Niwas, and Bhojanalay among other facilities for devotees visiting the memorial. Some time back, the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government built a 3.5-crore Sant Ravidas Temple in the holy town of Maihar in Satna district. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Puneet Kerehalli, a self-proclaimed cow vigilante and leader of Rashtra Rakshana Pade was arrested by the Bengaluru city crime branch under the Goonda Act, officials said on Saturday. The 35-year-old Kerehalli, residing in Bengaluru, is currently facing a staggering total of 10 cases distributed across various police stations in Karnataka. The decision to invoke the Goonda Act against Kerehalli has been taken due to his recurrent involvement in criminal activities (HT Archives) The decision to invoke the Goonda Act against Kerehalli has been taken due to his recurrent involvement in criminal activities, including instances of extortion perpetrated under the banner of cow vigilantism. His modus operandi primarily targeted individuals engaged in cow slaughter and transportation, disrupting their operations and instilling fear within the business community. According to a statement from the City Crime Branch (CCB), The west division police had issued him a show cause notice previously, as he remained involved in anti-social activities even after being released on bail in a murder case. To prevent his further engagement in anti-social activities, a detention order was issued against him on Friday, and CCB officials executed the order. Police reports have indicated that Kerehallis repeated participation in criminal activities led to his arrest under the Goonda Act. He used to target cow slaughterers and transporters, thereby posing a threat to the business community, causing a disruption of peace, communal harmony, and adversely affecting public order, the statement elaborated. With a total of 10 cases lodged against him, Kerehallis criminal record dates back to 2013. Police reports concerning Kerehalli highlight his alleged involvement in six distinct crimes across the state since 2021, encompassing grave charges such as murder, assault, and criminal intimidation. The most recent incident involves the killing of Idrees Pasha, a 39-year-old cattle transporter, in March this year, allegedly due to an attack by Kerehalli and his associates. A senior police officer confirmed that the west division of Bengaluru initiated proceedings against Kerehalli on June 26, following a comprehensive police report highlighting his connection to multiple cases. Authorities formally requested Kerehallis response regarding his inclusion in the list of individuals under scrutiny for their history of disruptive activities, which subsequently led to his arrest. On June 22, Karnatakas Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, Priyank Kharge, asked law enforcement officials to take decisive action against cow vigilantism and illegal livestock transportation. Kharge emphasized that individuals invoking allegiance to specific groups often remained oblivious to the challenges faced by farmers, and he stressed that those who took the law into their own hands should face appropriate legal consequences. Another case attributed to Kerehalli revolves around his alleged interference in a cattle transportation incident on March 20, within the Electronic City police jurisdiction. Aleemulla Baig, the transporter, lodged a formal complaint detailing how Kerehalli and his associates forcibly halted his vehicle on Hosur Road. Subsequently, Baig and his driver endured a brutal assault, with Kerehallis group employing a stun gun to administer electric shocks. The ordeal lasted for nearly an hour, during which the assailants resorted to verbal abuse and threats, claiming to administer their own form of justice. The Bengaluru police cited yet another case involving Kerehalli, accusing him of attempting to install a religious statue at Begur Lake, despite a court order mandating the conservation of the lakes ecosystem. Reflecting on the Goonda Act, a senior officer explained, A rowdy sheeter is an individual who is placed under constant police supervision and is required to regularly report to police stations to declare their non-involvement in criminal activities. Declaring someone a rowdy sheeter also empowers the police with the authority for preventive custody in case of potential situations. Rahul Gandhi in his first public meeting in Wayanad after getting back his Lok Sabha membership said Wayanad is his family and the BJP and the RSS do not understand how families work. "If someone wants to separate two brothers or a father from his daughter, will their relationship become weaker or stronger? Stronger. They don't understand the more they will try to separate you and me, we will come closer. They think if they disqualify Rahul Gandhi, his relationship with Wayanad will break. No, if you disqualify Rahul Gandhi his relationship with people will only become stronger. You stood by me. BJP must understand that they can disqualify me 50 times, but that will not affect my ties with Wayanad," Rahul Gandhi said. Rahul Gandhi's public address in Wayanad on Saturday. "This is what the BJP does. They divide families. They did the same in Manipur. We will rebuild it. If you have set Manipur on fire in two months, we will rebuild it in five years," Rahul Gandhi said. What is family? That looks after you, protects you, shows you respect. This is what you have done for me. You have protected me, given me love, affection. You can disqualify me 50 times, 100 times but this relationship will only get stronger, Rahul Gandhi added. "India is a family they want to divide. Manipur is a family they wanted to destroy. Thousands and thousands of families have been destroyed by the policies of the BJP. They destroy relationships between people. We bring people together, build families," Rahul Gandhi added. Rahul Gandhi's 'how dare you jibe' to PM Modi: 'You are not a nationalist' Recounting his experience of Manipur, Rahul Gandhi said the BJP killed Manipur, allowed the rape of thousands of women. "As Prime Minister of the country, you are laughing? You spent two minutes talking about the murder of Bharat Mata. How dare you do this? How can you disrespect the idea of India? What have you been doing for the last four months? Why have you not been there? Why haven't you tried to stop the violence? Because you are not a nationalist. Anybody who murders the idea of India cannot be a nationalist.. can not love India," Rahul Gandhi said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Poulomi Ghosh Poulomi Ghosh is a journalist with Hindustan Times, New Delhi. ...view detail Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will embark on a two-day visit to Kerala's Wayanad, his parliamentary constituency, starting on Saturday. This will be his first visit after being reinstated as a member of Parliament in the Lok Sabha following the Supreme Court's stay order on his conviction in the Modi surname' defamation case. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi. (PTI) A warm reception has been planned to welcome Gandhi, news agency ANI reported, quoting Kerala Congress Pradesh Committee working president VT Siddique. There will be a very warm welcome ever hand in the history of Wayanad for Rahul Gandhi, Siddique said. Earlier on Tuesday, Congress general secretary KC Venugopal tweeted about the visit, saying, On 12-13 August, Sh. @RahulGandhi ji will be in his constituency Wayanad! The people of Wayanad are elated that democracy has won, and their voice has returned to Parliament! Rahul ji is not just an MP but a member of their family! In the second week of September, the Congress MP is also likely to embark on a European tour, covering three countries: Belgium, Norway, and France. During this tour, he is scheduled to meet European Union parliamentarians, the Indian diaspora, and university students. Top points on Rahul Gandhi's Wayanad visit: -During his visit to Wayanad, Rahul Gandhi will attend the district party committee meeting on Saturday. When he previously visited Kerala's constituency during his disqualification, he said that taking away the MP tag would not stop him from representing the people of Wayanad in Kerala or intimidate him from raising questions against the Union government. -A day after the Lok Sabha Secretariat issued an order to restore his membership, following the directive of the Supreme Court, Gandhi was re-allotted his former government bungalow. Gandhi had vacated his 12, Tughlaq Lane bungalow in April and moved to his mother Sonia Gandhi's residence in the national capital after his disqualification from the Lok Sabha. Pics | Rahul Gandhi dons Rajasthani outfit during rally after Lok Sabha speech -Gandhi returned to the Lok Sabha on Monday, attended the House proceedings, and delivered his first speech after his membership was reinstated. He spoke about the no-confidence motion his party had moved against the Modi-led central government. The motion, moved by Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi and supported by the Opposition bloc I.N.D.I.A (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) was defeated on Thursday after an address by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. -Following Modi's speech in the Lok Sabha regarding the no-confidence motion on Thursday, Rahul Gandhi criticised him, saying, It is not appropriate for him to laugh and crack jokes in Parliament while Manipur has been on fire for the past four months. -Rahul Gandhi's Lok Sabha membership was revoked after a Surat court in Gujarat convicted him in a 2019 criminal defamation case related to the Modi surname on March 23. After rejections from both the sessions court of Surat and the Gujarat High Court, the Supreme Court stayed his conviction on August 4, stating that the trial judge had failed to explain why he deserved the maximum two-year punishment under the law. The top court held that continuing his disqualification from Parliament would deprive the people of his constituency of proper representation. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Lingamgunta Nirmitha Rao Trainee Content Producer at Hindustan Times Digital Stream. India's regional languages attract me. ...view detail Jaipur Every folk artiste of the state will be provided with 5,000 to buy musical instruments and given a chance to perform in government events for 100 days a year. (PTI) Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot has launched a scheme under which every folk artiste of the state will be provided with 5,000 to buy musical instruments and given a chance to perform in government events for 100 days a year. Inaugurating the scheme, called Lok Kalakar Protsahan Yojana, here on Friday, the chief minister also transferred 5,000 to the bank accounts of around 3,000 folk artistes through DBT (direct benefit transfer). Artists were also given incentive cards, which will make them eligible to perform at the government events. The state government is putting all its effort for the protection and promotion of the states heritage art and culture. A Folk Artiste Welfare Fund worth 100 crore was also created in the state for the same, Gehlot said, emphasising that Rajasthans folk artistes have earned a unique identity on the global stage. The CM said his government during the Covid pandemic transferred 5,500 to the bank accounts of around 3.2 million people, including folk artists and street vendors. The government is always sensitive to the problems of the deprived sections, including folk artists, street vendors, and gig workers. We always try to solve their problems with such beneficiary schemes, said Gehlot. The government has launched a web portal for the registration of the folk artists to create a database. The incentive cards were provided to the people who had already registered their names under this scheme through the portal. Jodhpur Sangeet Natak Akademi was appointed as the nodal agency of the scheme. Some folk artistes showcased their talent at a programme -- Lok Kala and Samajik Suraksha Uthsav-- organised as part of the scheme launch event. The CM also flagged off a folk artistes rally after the inauguration of the scheme. Social activists Aruna Roy and Nikhil Dey, and Rajasthan Sangeet Natak Akademi president Binaka Malu praised the scheme for the fork artistes. State Fair Authority vice president Ramesh Borana, chief secretary Usha Sharma, Padmashree Gulabo Sapera, and Jawahar Kala Kendra additional director general Priyanka Jodhawat were present at the event. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A six-year-old girl was mauled to death by a leopard while she was trekking the Tirumala hills along with her parents along the pedestrian route from Alipiri in Andhra Pradeshs Tirupati district on Friday night, officials said. The girl went missing at around 8pm on Friday and her was found in the bushes near Lord Narasimha Swamy temple in the early hours of Saturday. (Representative Image) The body of the girl, identified as Lakshita, who went missing at around 8pm, was found in the bushes near Lord Narasimha Swamy temple in the early hours of Saturday. Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams divisional forest officer Satish Reddy initially said Lakshita might have been attacked by a wild animal it could be a leopard or a bear going by the deep injuries on her body. However, a post-mortem of the girls body at Sri Venkata Ramana Ruia Hospital at Tirupati, concluded that Lakshita was indeed mauled by a leopard, which had eaten some parts of the body before going back deep into the forests on the hills. We appeal to all the devotees not to trek the path in isolation, but in groups. We have declared the area between the seventh mile up to Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple as a high alert zone and we shall step up security and vigilance in the area. We shall also recommend to the TTD to install closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras, Reddy said. According a senior official from the TTD vigilance and security wing, the girl, along with her parents Dinesh and Sasikala from Pothireddypalem village of Kovvur mandal (block) in Nellore district, suddenly disappeared when she was following her parents on the pedestrian path from the foothills of Alipiri to Tirumala. The parents, who searched for her in vain, complained to the vigilance and security authorities. They, along with the police and forest department authorities, rushed to the area and took up search operations. Early in the morning, some pedestrians noticed the mutilated body of Lakshitha near the temple. After the post-mortem, the body was handed over to the parents, who took her to their village immediately. The incident triggered panic among the devotees, who take to trekking to reach Tirumala. This is for the first time that a leopard has killed a devotee, though there were incidents of leopard attacks on the pilgrims in the past, the V&S official quoted above said. On June 22, a five-year-old boy was attacked by a leopard in a similar manner near the 7th mile along the Alipiri pedestrian route, but he managed to escape after fellow pilgrims raised an alarm. The forest authorities captured the leopard the next day. 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 New Delhi An official said NIA has the mandate to probe cyber-terror attacks on foreign soil and it can quickly get information by coordinating with the law enforcement agencies of other countries. (HT Archives) Probes into cyberattacks on Indias critical and sensitive digital infrastructure, like the assault on the servers of All India Institute of Medical Science by suspected China-backed hackers last year, will be led by a specialised anti- cyber- terrorism unit (ACTU) created within the National Investigation Agency, people familiar with the development said. The ACTU, sanctioned by the home ministry last year and currently in the process of being finalised, will be given all such cases to investigate the role of terrorists or state actors behind the attacks, they said, seeking anonymity. By handing over such sensitive cyberattacks to the NIA, involvement of multiple agencies, which generally causes duplicity of work, can be avoided, an officer said. Besides, NIA has the mandate to probe such cyber-terror attacks on foreign soil and it can quickly get information by coordinating with the law enforcement agencies of other countries. Both China and Pakistan backed hackers always try to target Indias sensitive installations related to space, defence, power grids, banking, communication networks, a second officer said. The NIA through this new unit will employ highly skilled people to detect such cyberattacks and the culprits. In recent times, there have been several strategic cyberattacks on Indias critical establishments. In November, suspected China-backed hackers targeted the servers of AIIMS, Indias foremost health care institution, crippling patients services for days. In April 2022, suspected hackers linked to China had targeted seven power grids hubs in northern India. Two attempts by Chinese hackers were made to target electricity distribution centres near Ladakh, but were not successful... Weve already strengthened our defence system to counter such cyberattacks, power minister RK Singh had said at that time. In October 2019, part of a network in Indias largest civil nuclear facility, the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant in Tamil Nadu, was breached by overseas hackers. There is a growing tendency to strategically target critical information and financial systems, home minister Amit Shah said in July. Such activities are a matter of national concern, as their activities have a direct impact on national security, law and order, and the economy. Indias Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has reported a total of 112,474 cyber security incidents related government organisations and system in 2023 till June, up from 70,798 in the entire year of 2018. In 2022, 192,439 such incidents were reported, according to data shared by CERT-In in Parliament in the monsoon session. To be sure, not all incidents were related to cyberattacks on critical infrastructure. While the National Cyber Security Coordinator under the National Security Council Secretariat coordinates with different agencies at the national level on cybersecurity, CERT-In is designated as the national agency to respond to cyber security incidents. It operates an automated cyber threat exchange platform for proactively collecting, analysing and sharing tailored alerts with organizations across sectors for threat mitigation. Incidents ranging from ransomware attacks, sale of critical personal data, online harassment and child abuse to fake news and misinformation campaigns with toolkits are being carried out by cybercriminals, Shah had said in July. If such crimes and criminals have to be stopped, then we have to think and also act by rising above the conventional geographic boundaries, the home minister had said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON New Delhi The Supreme Court has directed all high courts to tighten security and submit action taken reports in two months on installing CCTVs and boosting digitisation to discourage overcrowding. (HT Archives) Expressing deep concern over incidents of gunfire in courthouses that pose significant risk to judges, litigants, lawyers and judicial staff, the Supreme Court has directed all high courts to tighten security and submit action taken reports in two months on installing CCTVs and boosting digitisation to discourage overcrowding. The order came on a contempt petition filed by litigant Pradyuman Bisht, alleging failure of states to comply with previous orders passed by the top court to install CCTV cameras in district courts, as a result of which three incidents of firing were reported from capitals district courts in recent times. It will hear the matter again on October 12. It is appalling that court premises in the national capital itself, in the past year or so, have witnessed at least three major incidents of gunfire, a bench of justices S Ravindra Bhat and Dipankar Datta said on Friday. Such incidents, that too in court premises, are deeply concerning and pose significant risks to the safety of not only judges but lawyers, court staff, litigants and the general public. Lives of judges, off the court, of late are also not entirely safe and secure, the bench said, pointing to the July 28, 2021, incident in Jharkhand where an additional sessions judge posted at Dhanbad, known to have passed several orders against the mining mafia, was killed in a road accident while out on a morning walk. The top court had taken cognizance of the incident on its own. It is suspected that the incident is not merely a hit and run incident, but there is something more than what meets the eyes, it had said. Since the trial is ongoing, the court refrained from making any further observation. Asking high courts to prepare a security plan to secure courts, the bench said it was critical that judicial institutions take comprehensive steps to safeguard the well-being of all stakeholders, stating that safety and security of stakeholders in the judicial process is non-negotiable. Would not hope for the litigants who visit the temples of justice dwindle, if the very halls of justice lack the shield of security, the court wondered, posing a question how litigants can secure justice for them when those entrusted to render justice are themselves insecure. But with the recent incidents happening in Delhi in courts with modernised security and CCTV cameras in place, the court realised that lapses in court security have occurred, indicating the need to put in place systemic measures to ensure peoples faith in the judicial system is maintained. As a first step, the court asked the high courts to indicate what steps have been put in place to install CCTV cameras, where they are absent, for security within premises and introduce audio-visual facilities to record evidence and testimonies during trial. The bench said, These issues, in the present-day scenario, are indeed serious and have far-reaching consequences. The court asked all high courts to draw out a security plan in consultation with the state home departments and police chiefs of states and union territories and ensure its timely implementation. As part of this plan, it suggested setting up a permanent court security unit in each court complex with dedicated personnel and supervisory officers. The guidelines included steps to secure entry and exit points, sufficient deployment of police, security stickers for vehicles, frisking, metal detectors, baggage scanners, entry passes, and biometric devices. Installation of CCTVs should be an integral part of construction projects of upcoming court buildings and states should provide requisite funds for ensuring their installation. Most recommendations formed part of the suggestions given to court by amicus curiae Sidharth Luthra who highlighted concerns regarding data and privacy. The bench asked high courts to draft necessary guidelines. The court also shared its concerns on having emergency services in place by making available ambulances, medical facilities and firefighting services within court complexes. The high courts were asked to ensure unimpeded access of such vehicles. Another aspect of the order dealt with digitisation of court complexes. We have been apprised that at present, there are many courts which lack facilities to live stream court proceedings as well as facilities to record trials, the bench said. The court asked high courts to examine this issue and implement fresh and innovative ideas such as use of audio visual and videoconferencing facilities for recording of evidence, testimonies so that the possibility of any untoward incident in any court premises is avoided. The court directed that the order be communicated to all chief justices, who will have the discretion to address the concerns by either delegating the task to the respective State Court Management Systems committee or to a specially constituted committee drawing members from various stakeholders including state government, police, bar and registry. The court asked all high courts to submit a preliminary action taken report on the security measures as well as digitisation by October 10 for passing further orders on the next date of hearing. Incidents of firing at court complexes are deeply concerning and pose a significant risk to the safety of judges, court staff and litigants, the Supreme Court said on Friday as it gave a slew of directions for safety and security measures in courts. Supreme Court of India (Representative Photo) The Supreme Court directed all high courts to roll out a security plan for court buildings and submit an action taken report in two months on the installation of CCTVs and digitisation measures to help reduce overcrowding in court complexes. The order came on a contempt petition filed by one Pradyuman Bisht alleging the failure of states to comply with previous orders passed by the top court from time to time to install CCTV cameras in district courts. As many as three incidents of firing were reported from Capitals district courts within the previous years. Stressing the need to prepare a security plan, the bench of justices S Ravindra Bhat and Dipankar Datta said stating that safety and security of stakeholders in the judicial process is non-negotiable. It is appalling that court premises in the national capital itself, in the past year or so, have witnessed at least three major incidents of gunfire. Such incidents, that too in court premises, are deeply concerning and pose significant risks to the safety of not only judges but lawyers, court staff, litigants and the general public, the bench said while keeping the matter for the next hearing on October 12. Expressing anguish and grave concern over multiple instances of firing in court premises in Delhi, the Court said, Would not hope for the litigants who visit the temples of justice dwindle, if the very halls of justice lack the shield of security. With the recent incidents of firing in Delhi courts despite modernised security, the Supreme Court realised that lapses in court security have occurred indicating there is a need to put in place systemic measures to ensure peoples faith in the judicial system is maintained. The Court further flagged the issue of the safety of judges outside courts as it said, Lives of judges, off the court, of late are also not entirely safe and secure, said the apex court while pointing to the July 28, 2021 incident in Jharkhand where an additional sessions judge posted at Dhanbad was killed in a road accident while out on a morning walk. The Court further noted that there were immediate measures that must be carried out to address the issue. As a first step, the apex court directed the high courts to indicate what steps have been put in place to install CCTV cameras, where they are absent, for security within court premises and introduce an audio-visual facility to record evidence and testimonies during the trial. These issues, in the present-day scenario, are indeed serious and have far-reaching consequences, the bench said. The Court further asked all high courts to draw a security plan in consultation with the state home department and police chiefs of states and Union Territories and ensure its timely implementation. As part of this plan, the Court suggested setting up a permanent Court Security Unit with armed/unarmed personnel and a supervisory officer and asked high courts to consider its feasibility, mode of deployment, list of duties and financial benefits for such manpower, and to sensitise them in matters of court security. The guidelines also included steps to secure the entry and exit points of the court complex which require constant vigil with the help of adequate security equipment, sufficient deployment of adequate police personnel, security stickers for vehicles, frisking, metal detectors, baggage scanners, court-specific entry passes, and biometric devices to enhance overall security. Most recommendations formed part of the suggestions given to the Court by amicus curiae Sidharth Luthra who further highlighted concerns regarding data and privacy. The bench asked the respective high courts to draft necessary guidelines in this regard. The Court order also discussed the aspect of various shops and vendors operating within the court premises and the need to ensure there is a strict check on the relevant permissions for them to operate. The Court also shared its concerns about putting emergency services in place by making available ambulances, medical facilities and firefighting services within court complexes. The high courts were asked to ensure unimpeded access to such vehicles which would entail keeping the court complex vicinity free from traffic and parking woes. The Supreme Court further directed that its order be communicated to all chief justices of all high courts who will have the discretion to address the above concerns by either delegating the task to the respective State Court Management Systems committee or a specially constituted committee drawing members from various stakeholders including state government, police, bar and registry. In the past, the Court noted that the court management system committees have largely been dysfunctional. Based on the above guidelines, the Court asked all high courts to submit a preliminary action taken report on the security measures as well as digitisation by October 10 for passing further orders on the next date of hearing. Amid a row over Rahul Gandhi's statement that the Army can contain the situation in Manipur in two days which Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma objected to, NPP leader M Rameshwar Singh said effective actions like a surgical strike should be done in Manipur because there are illegal immigrants in the state. National People's Party is an ally of the BJP in Manipur. NPP leader M Rameshwar Singh said something effective like surgical strike should be done in Manipur. "Had also requested the Union minister that the narrative that some of the agencies are trying to build saying that all the Kuki militants are in the camps now and all the weapons are with them. So the doubt is now coming to the people of Manipur is that where is the fire coming from. Who is firing from the other side? It is clear from the statements made by the Union home minister that there are some illegal immigrants, illegal Kuki militants coming from across the border. And he has been saying that there is an external aggression involved in it. It is important -- not only for Manipur -- that something effective, impactful, like surgical strike, should be done so that the problem is solved for once and all," M Rameshwar Singh said. The statement comes amid a row over Rahul Gandhi's statement that the Indian Army won't take three days to bring the situation in Manipur under control. Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma criticised the comment and said the Army won't be able to do anything as the solution to the Manipur situation has to come from the hearts and not from the bullets. "Is Rahul Gandhi suggesting that Army should open fire on innocent people? The Indian Air Force did the same thing in 1966," Himanta said adding that army deployment will not bring a permanent solution to the Kuki-Meitei crisis in Manipur. BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad said Rahul Gandhi's thinking is not democratic. "He wants the Indian Army to shoot Indians," the BJP MP said. Manipur has been on fire since May after the clash between the Kuki and the Meitei communities spread violence across the state. In July, a video of two Kuki women paraded naked surfaced triggering nationwide outrage. The opposition brought a no-confidence motion against the PM Modi government over the Manipur crisis. As the NDA defeated the motion, PM Modi assured Manipur that the country stands beside Manipur. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Enforcement Directorate on Saturday filed a nearly 3,000-page charge sheet against Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji as part of a continuing money laundering investigation against him and his aides, official sources said. Senthil Balaji(ANI) Principal Sessions Judge S Alli, before whom the 47-year-old DMK politician was produced, remanded him in judicial custody till August 25. The minister, who was arrested by the ED on June 14, will continue to be lodged at the Puzhal central jail in Chennai. The central agency filed the prosecution complaint of about 3,000 pages that included more than 2,000 pages of annexures and 168-170 pages of operational documents, arraigning Balaji as an accused, the sources said. The ED is understood to have brought on record various documents seized, purported cash receipts recovered and the statement of Balaji that was recorded by it over the last few days in the charge sheet. READ | Supreme Court allows ED custody of Tamil Nadu minister Senthil Balaji The court is yet to take cognisance of the complaint (charge sheet) filed under various sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), they said. Judge Alli had on August 7 permitted the ED to take custody of Senthil Balaji for five days for the purpose of interrogation in connection with the case. Since the custody came to an end on Saturday, the ED produced him before the judge. The judge asked Balaji how he was treated by the ED while in its custody and if there was any complaint against the agency. He replied he was treated well by the ED and had no complaint, the sources said. READ | Senthil Balaji sacked for 5 hrs; 'Which lawyer advised Guv,' Opposition attacks The agency is expected to file a supplementary charge sheet later as a number of other people including members of Balaji's family have not deposed before it till now. It had recently said in a statement that Balaji's brother RV Ashok Balaji, his (Ashok's) wife Nirmala and mother-in-law P Lakshmi were sent multiple summons to join the probe and record their statements but they are "yet to appear in person, demonstrating a lack of cooperation with the ongoing investigation". A 2.49-acre land located in Karur, valued at more than 30 crore, belonging to Nirmala was frozen by the ED a few days back in this case. Balaji continues to be a minister without portfolio in Chief Minister M K Stalin-led Tamil Nadu government after he was arrested by the ED on June 14 in the money laundering case linked to an alleged cash-for-jobs scam when he was the transport minister during the previous AIADMK regime. He was in judicial custody from that day onwards till August 7. Following an order of the Supreme Court, the ED had on August 7 filed a petition, seeking custody of Senthil Balaji for five days for the purpose of interrogation in connection with the case and the court granted permission. Originally, alleging that her husband was in illegal custody of the ED, his wife Megala filed a habeas corpus petition (HCP) seeking a direction to the agency to produce her husband before the court and set him at liberty. On July 4, 2023, a division bench delivered a split verdict, with one of the judges--Justice Nisha Bani - allowing her plea while Justice Bharatha Chakravarthy held that the ED has the power to take custody of the accused. Therefore, the matter was referred to a third judge. Justice C V Karthikeyan, who was named as a third judge, had on July 14 upheld the arrest of Senthil Balaji and his subsequent remand in judicial custody. However, he referred the matter to the same division bench to decide the date from which the ED can take custody of the accused. Pointing out that the matter was pending before the Supreme Court, the same division bench had on July 25 closed the HCP. The Supreme Court had dismissed on Monday the petitions filed by Balaji and his wife challenging the Madras HC order upholding his arrest, saying a remand order passed by a judicial officer cannot be contested under the guise of a habeas corpus plea. The agency had earlier claimed that Balaji "misused" his office for illegal gratification and "engineered" a job racket scam in the state transport undertakings during 2014-15 with purported kickbacks paid by candidates through his associates who include his brother R V Ashok Kumar and his personal assistants B Shanmugam and M Karthikeyan. "This led to jobs being awarded at the expense of deserving candidates", the ED had alleged. The ED filed a case of money laundering in September 2021 to probe these allegations and its complaint is based on three Tamil Nadu Police FIRs filed in 2018 and later by some of those who failed to get the promised jobs. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON New Delhi The bill tabled on Friday by the Union government in Parliament to replace the British-era Indian Penal Code (IPC) has proposed to make punishments for crimes against women more stringent, envisaging death penalty as the maximum punishment for the gang rape of a minor, and earmarking as a separate offence the act of tricking a woman into having sexual intercourse under the false pretext of marriage or by offering inducements such as job or promotion. In IPC, the provisions relating to the gang rape of minors are classified under two categories where a survivor is under 12 years of age and where she is less than 16 years old (AP) Under the proposed law, which is meant to replace IPC, the gang rape of a girl under 18 years of age is punishable with imprisonment for life, which means imprisonment for the remainder of that persons natural life, and with a fine, or with death. In IPC, the provisions relating to the gang rape of minors are classified under two categories where a survivor is under 12 years of age and where she is less than 16 years old. For an act of gang-raping a girl under 12, the maximum punishment under IPC is death sentence, but for the crime against a girl between 12 and 16 the maximum punishment is life imprisonment. Doing away with these age subclassifications, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, 2023, lays down that an offence of gang rape against a girl under 18 years of age can fetch capital punishment for all those involved in the crime. The proposed legislation, which Union home minister Amit Shah said will be sent to a parliamentary panel for scrutiny, has also earmarked a distinct offence to penalise acts of beguiling women into a sexual relationship, and makes the offence punishable with a jail term up to 10 years. Section 69 of the bill states: Whoever, by deceitful means or making by promise to marry to a woman without any intention of fulfilling the same, and has sexual intercourse with her, such sexual intercourse not amounting to the offence of rape, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years and shall also be liable to fine. The explanation to this section clarifies that deceitful means shall include the false promise of employment or promotion, inducement or marrying after suppressing identity. The other provisions relating to rape and gang rape have been retained under the new law with the same punishments. Similarly, definitions and punishments for various other offences against women, including sexual harassment, molestation, voyeurism and stalking have remained the same under the 2023 bill. Engrafting the mandate of a 2017 judgment of the Supreme Court, the proposed legislation enhances the minimum age of wife from 15 to 18 years for giving an immunity to husband from a charge of rape. In 2017, the top court interfered with Exception 2 of Section 375 to the extent that it protected husbands from prosecution under the rape charge if the wife was not below 15 years. The Supreme Court read down the exception clause to hold that a wife must not be younger than 18 years, instead of 15 as mentioned under IPC, for the immunity to be valid. The bill also does away with Section 377 of IPC, which made homosexuality an offence punishable up to life term. The move borrows from the Supreme Courts judgment of 2018 by a Constitution bench that decriminalised gay sex between consenting adults. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Uttarakhand government must frame a policy to strictly regulate pony and mule operators on the Char Dham pilgrim trails to ensure better safety, implement a stampede prevention mechanism and prevent cruelty to the animals, the high court has directed. The Uttarakhand high court in Nainital. (HT PHOTO) We are of the view that mere fining of the handlers, or filing cases against them for inflicting cruelty to the animals, is not sufficient to rein in and discipline the erring handlers/ owners of Equines, the court said on Friday. The only effective way, in which cruelty to the equines can be curbed is by blacklisting such handlers/ owners, who are found to be subjecting their Equines to cruelty and maltreatment. Also Read: For mules, Kedarnath haul brings unfettered torture, cruelty We, therefore, direct the State to formulate a scheme/ rules in this regard, and to implement the same strictly as, it is only the fear of being debarred from carrying on their business, that will drive the erring handlers/ owners of Equines, to fall in line, the court added. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Vipin Sanghi and justice Rakesh Thapliyal gave these directions after hearing two public interest litigations filed by animal rights activist Gauri Maulekhi and social activist Ajay Gautam on Thursday. The copy of the order was made available late on Friday. Both the litigations highlighted the pathetic condition of the ponies and mules operating on the Char Dham routes, the cruelty being meted out to them by handlers, and the large number of unregistered operators. The court sought their suggestions and issued a slew of directions. The situation is much improved compared with last years pilgrim season, BVRC Purushottam, animal husbandry secretary, told the court. This year in the first 95 days of the pilgrimage till July 28, 114 equines died on the Kedarnath route, while last year the figure for the same period was 214. Though the number of deaths... may have declined same still appears to be significant, the court observed. We, therefore, direct the State to collect and collate the data, with regard to Equines deaths on the pilgrimage routes and to analyse the reasons for such deaths. An affidavit submitted by the state government said the Uttarakhand Animal Welfare Board has recommended a maximum carrying capacity for Kedarnath at 3,800 equines. Purushottam apprised the court that considering the heavy influx (1,171,747 pilgrims visited Kedarnath in the first 98 days of the Char Yatra this year, compared to 985,763 pilgrims in 2022), over 5,000 equines have been permitted. After Maulekhi pointed out that the actual numbers are far in excess of 5,000, as a large number of unregistered handlers are also deploying their animals illegally, the court ordered the state government to ensure only registered equines and handlers are allowed on the pilgrim routes. The district magistrate of Rudraprayag, where Kedarnath is located, and the other concerned district magistrates must ensure that equines are not deployed on the trails leading to Kedarnath, Yamunotri and Hemkund Sahib between sunset and sunrise so that they are rested before they bear pilgrims and goods again the next day. On the plea of petitioners that the load carrying capacity of small, medium and large equines should be determined and enforced on the trails, Purushottam agreed and told the court that it will be put into action without any delay. The petitioners also suggested that the equines should be made to ply only for one trip in a day, which was agreed upon by the state government The court stated that equines, according to petitioners, should be unsaddled each day, and their physical fitness should be checked after unsaddling to ensure whether they have suffered any wounds. This exercise should be conducted in respect of the equines deployed on all the pilgrimage routes, the court said. On Maulekhis suggestion that the equines should be put to an endurance test once in a season to check for cardiac malfunction, the court said, State should have a system of screening the Equines by competent veterinary doctors and veterinarians, and if the experts feel any particular Equine, or Equines, should be subjected to such Endurance Test before the Equine is permitted to be deployed on the pilgrimage routes. After Maulekhi pointed out that the insurance scheme in respect of equines is being exploited by handlers as equines, which suffer injury, or become disabled, or are malnourished, are subjected to further cruelty to ensure that they die, and their insurance claims mature, the court directed the state government to look into the policy, wit regard to grant of insurance to exclude the possibility of claims, which arise from deaths of Equines caused due to excessive deployment, ill-treatment, malnutrition and neglect of Equines. On Maulekhis suggestion the state should implement a stampede prevention mechanism at regular intervals on the pilgrimage routes, the bench said that it is absolutely necessary, and should be implemented along the pilgrimage routes, to prevent any accident involving large number of people. We, therefore, direct the State to examine the said aspect, and come up with a solution before the next date. The court will again hear the matter on September 20. 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 RJD leader Sarika Paswan on Saturday said Rahul Gandhi gets proposals from Hollywood and Bollywood and it is ridiculous that he would give 'flying kisses' to Union minister Smriti Irani. In videos that are doing rounds on social media, the woman leader said, "Who asked Smriti Irani to catch Rahul Gandhi's flying kiss? Will she be ever able to prove that Rahul Gandhi's air kiss was for her? These are people who spread hatred. They spread hatred over religion, caste and now behaviour." Rahul Gandhi's apparent gesture of a flying kiss in the Lok Sabha became a major issue after women MPs submitted a complaint to the Speaker. "What about Brij Bhushan Singh who touched the chest of women athletes or the BJP leader who urinated on a Dalit person? What about the women being paraded naked in Manipur," Sarika Paswan said. The RJD leader shared one of the interviews given over Rahul Gandhi's flying kiss controversy on her Facebook. Sarika Paswan is the second woman leader from Bihar to speak in favour of Rahul Gandhi over the controversy. Earlier, Bihar Congress leader Neetu Singh said Rahul Gandhi has no dearth of women. "If Rahul Gandhi has to give a flying kiss, he will give it to a young woman. Why will he give a flying kiss to a 50-year-old woman?" Neetu Singh said, drawing flak for her comment. Rahul Gandhi's apparent 'flying kiss' in the Lok Sabha the day he spoke on the no-confidence motion became a major issue after Smriti Irani who spoke immediately after Rahul Gandhi mentioned the gesture in her speech. Objecting to it, Smriti Irani said only a misogynist man can make such a gesture. Over 20 women MPs signed a complaint which was submitted to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla against Rahul Gandhi's 'inappropriate gesture' in the Lok Saha. "I would like to draw your attention towards the incident in the House by Rahul Gandhi, MP from Wayanad, Kerala. The said member has behaved in an indecent manner and making inappropriate gesture towards Smriti Irani, Union Minister and Member of this House while she was addressing the House. We demand stringent action against such behaviour by the Manner, which has not only insulted the dignity women members in the House, it has also brought disrepute and lowered the dignity of this august House," the letter read. Actor-turned-BJP MP Hema Malini who signed the complaint letter, however, said she did not see Rahul Gandhi's gesture. "I did not see that. But some words were not very correct," Hema Malini said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Poulomi Ghosh Poulomi Ghosh is a journalist with Hindustan Times, New Delhi. ...view detail Beneath the turquoise waters of Lake Ohrid, the "Pearl of the Balkans", scientists have uncovered what may be one of Europe's earliest sedentary communities, and are trying to solve the mystery of why it sheltered behind a fortress of defensive spikes. A stretch of the Albanian shore of the lake once hosted a settlement of stilt houses some 8,000 years ago, archaeologists believe, making it the oldest lakeside village in Europe discovered to date. Radiocarbon dating from the site puts it at between 6000 and 5800 BC. The settlement was fortified with defensive spikes, and researchers are still trying to determine the reason for the fortifications. (AFP ) "It is several hundred years older than previously known lake-dwelling sites in the Mediterranean and Alpine regions," said Albert Hafner, a professor of archaeology from Switzerland's University of Bern. "To our knowledge, it is the oldest in Europe," he told AFP. The most ancient other such villages were discovered in the Italian Alps and date to around 5000 BC, said the expert in European Neolithic lake dwellings. Hafner and his team of Swiss and Albanian archaeologists have spent the past four years carrying out excavations at Lin on the Albanian side of Lake Ohrid, which straddles the mountainous border of North Macedonia and Albania. The settlement is believed to have been home to between 200 and 500, with houses built on stilts above the lake's surface or in areas regularly flooded by rising waters. Fortress of spikes And it is slowly revealing some astonishing secrets. During a recent dive, archaeologists uncovered evidence suggesting the settlement was fortified with thousands of spiked planks used as defensive barricades. "To protect themselves in this way, they had to cut down a forest," said Hafner. But why did the villagers need to build such extensive fortifications to defend themselves? Archaeologists are still searching for an answer to the elusive question. Researchers estimate that roughly 100,000 spikes were driven into the bottom of the lake off Lin, with Hafner calling the discovery "a real treasure trove for research". Lake Ohrid is one of the oldest lakes in the world and has been around for more than a million years. Assisted by professional divers, archaeologists have been picking through the bottom of the lake often uncovering fossilised fragments of wood and prized pieces of oak. 'Like a Swiss watch' Analysis of the tree rings helps the team reconstruct the daily life of the area's inhabitants -- providing "valuable insights into the climatic and environmental conditions" from the period, said Albanian archaeologist Adrian Anastasi. "Oak is like a Swiss watch, very precise, like a calendar," said Hafner. "In order to understand the structure of this prehistoric site without damaging it, we are conducting very meticulous research, moving very slowly and very carefully," added Anastasi, who heads the team of Albanian researchers. The lush vegetation at the site makes the work painstaking slow at times. "Building their village on stilts was a complex task, very complicated, very difficult, and it's important to understand why these people made this choice," said Anastasi. For the time being, scientists say it is possible to assume that the village relied on agriculture and domesticated livestock for food. "We found various seeds, plants and the bones of wild and domesticated animals," said Ilir Gjepali, an Albanian archaeology professor working at the site. But it will take another two decades for site to be fully explored and studied and for final conclusions to be drawn. According to Anastasi, each excavation trip yields valuable information, enabling the team to piece together a picture of life along Lake Ohrid's shores thousands of years ago -- from the architecture of the dwellings to the structure of their community. "These are key prehistoric sites that are of interest not only to the region but to the whole of southwest Europe," said Hafner. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL) orchestrated a captivating 'One-Day Cultural Festival' at the Government Girls Higher Secondary School in Amira Kadal on Thursday. The event showcased a vibrant array of artistic performances and drew praise from attendees for its role in nurturing young talent. Dr Yasmeen Ashai, Director of Colleges, graced the occasion as the chief guest. Dr Ashai lauded the JKAACL for orchestrating this grand cultural fest in the district, emphasizing the importance of such initiatives in providing a platform for budding artists to shine. JKAACL hosts a cultural festival in Jammu and Kashmir, praised for nurturing young talent.(ANI photo) "In my opinion, such type of activities should be encouraged as these provide a platform to the young artists to show their talent," Dr Ashai expressed. The festival boasted an impressive line-up of attractions, including enthralling performances of Kashmiri ruff, qawalis, Bacha Nagma, and Damali dance. The event's diverse program also featured a captivating play that enthralled the audience. The students of Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Amira Kadal, showcased their own exceptional talents, leaving the audience in awe. Their performances were met with enthusiastic appreciation, underscoring the impact of such cultural festivals on nurturing young artists. Secretary, JKAACL, Bharat Singh Manhas, in his welcoming speech, highlighted that this festival is part of a series of events aimed at celebrating the rich heritage and culture of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly within the districts where these festivals are hosted. The festival serves as a testament to the Academy's commitment to preserving and promoting the cultural diversity of the region. The event saw the presence of dignitaries, including Dr Jitender Kour, Principal of Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Amira Kadal; Dr Farooq Anwaar, and Naseema Shah, Vice Principal of GHSS, Amira Kadal. Jammu and Kashmir, in the northernmost part of India, holds a diverse cultural fabric. Its art, seen in Pashmina shawls and papier-mache crafts, and its music and dance traditions, such as Sufi music and Rouff dance, embody the region's vibrant heritage. The breathtaking landscape has spurred creativity, while festivals like Baisakhi and Navroz highlight its unity in diversity. The productivity geek in me felt compelled to do a personal time audit recently. The intent was to figure out just how much free time I really have each day. After accounting for work, sleep, time with family and friends, hobbies and factoring in for slack, three hours is what I ended up with, on an average day. PREMIUM Dont be a Doc Ock, twisting yourself into odd shapes as you attempt to over-achieve. This is quite a lot by any yardstick: 15 hours per work week, 60 hours a month, 720 hours or 30 working days a year. I have become quite protective about these hours. Once I started paying attention, I saw how endangered they can be. If I give away minutes to everyone who interrupts with some request, Ill lose them. And time cannot be recovered or reclaimed; its gone forever. Clearly, my next question had to be: What was I going do in these hours available to me? Which led me to a larger question: Does it make sense to plan, or should one just go with the flow? Much of our contemporary literature on the crafting of a good life suggests that following a plan works better. From a philosophical perspective, this is a question that has been debated for centuries. Go with the flow, the philosophers tend to say; after all, it cannot really be controlled. Life will go where life must, no matter how many spreadsheets we create around it. The British writer and philosopher Aldous Huxley, in fact, described his approach as the Law of Reversed Effort. The harder we try with the conscious will to do something, the less we shall succeed. Proficiency and the results of proficiency come only to those who have learned the paradoxical art of doing and not doing, or combining relaxation with activity, of letting go as a person in order that the immanent and transcendent unknown quantity may take hold, he wrote. There is something practical and, well, something divine about this observation. Try going to sleep when frazzled about not being able to sleep. Chances are you cant. That is why people are told to focus on their breathing, meditate by observing their thoughts think about anything, in other words, but sleep. And sleep eventually follows. In much the same way, if one is told not to think about a pink elephant, that is all one can think about. Until one stops trying to follow the instruction, and simply lets the thoughts wander. What makes this practice divine? In large parts of the world, India included, this wisdom is native. One simply accepts that there is a larger power at work in the universe, and surrenders to it. In Taoism the Chinese school of philosophy based on the teachings of Lao Tzu, who lived in the 6th or 7th century BCE this surrender is called wu wei (non-action). As a reed bends in the wind, such surrender is considered an act of wisdom. I used to go with the flow a lot more than I do now. Then, as a young man, I became convinced that to get anywhere of consequence, I needed to live to a plan. That appeared to be a more efficient approach. So, even now, the idea of having no plan for my free time made me edgy. Conversations with elders helped. The contemporary world places a premium on planning. But a line that sits somewhere between going with the flow and planning every moment is what I should aim for, the seniors advised. That is how the world used to be, before the gadgets, apps and alerts. There was room for set goals and room to breathe; room for focus and flexibility. When change arrived, it could be accommodated more easily. I decided to give this a shot. And so, when a friend called as I sat down to write this piece last night, I went with the flow. Can you meet, he asked? I shut my laptop and said I could. It isnt every day you get to head out with someone who knows every bylane in the bustling Mumbai suburb of Jogeshwari. My column was delayed, but eventually got done. Meanwhile, I claimed some of that free time, made precious memories, spent an evening with a friend I rarely see, and ate the best seekh kababs Ive ever eaten in this city. (Charles Assisi is co-founder at Founding Fuel & co-author of The Aadhaar Effect) One of the things I love collecting, as I trawl through the languages of the world in my research for my books, is local equivalents to English phrases. The phrases we call idioms are typically cautionary. Theyre handed down through the generations. And theyre exceptionally universal. Everyone has a version of coals to Newcastle and too many cooks. But each tongue chooses to express these ideas in its own, often eyebrow-raising, culturally informative way. PREMIUM 'The more of our linguistic history we lose, the more nervous I become. As jittery, theyd say in Puerto Rican Spanish, as a crocodile in a wallet factory,' de Boinod says. (Shutterstock) Carrying coals to Newcastle, for instance, in Russian, becomes going to Tula taking his own samovar; in Hungarian, taking water to the Danube; in Spanish, oranges to Valencia, and in German, a phrase that looks further afield: eulen nach Athen tragen (taking owls to Athens). Calling someone out unjustly? Thats the pot calling the kettle black. Or, in French, the hospital that mocks charity; in Korean, dotori kijaegi (comparing the height of acorns); and in Arabic the more parochial the camel that cannot see its own hump. A particularly telling example deals, intriguingly, in languages. In English, we say its all Greek to me. In Spanish and Hungarian, its Chinese. In Polish, its a Turkish sermon. And for the Czechs, a Spanish village. Similarly, too many cooks spoil the broth becomes, in Hindi, zyada jogi math ujaad (too many saints can ruin the monastery). In Mongolian, one hundred goats for sixty billy goats; and in Mandarin, seven hands, eight feet. Swahili advises you not to curse the crocodile before youve crossed the river (so, dont count your chickens before theyre hatched). In Turkish, its dont roll up your trouser legs before you see the stream. In Danish, dont sell the fur before the bear has been shot; and in the Kikuyu language of Kenya, land of the Nyiri Desert, having rain clouds is not the same as having rain. Similarly, the idea behind when pigs fly exists around the world. Many cultures use unlikely animal activity to dismiss hyperbolic statements, and each one chooses its own beast. Theres the Bulgarian in a cuckoo summer; the French quand les poules auront des dents (when hens have teeth), and the Spanish when frogs grow hair. Also represented over and over is the idea of it raining cats and dogs. In Afrikaans, it rains old women with clubs; in Czech, it rains wheelbarrows; in Danish, for some reason, shoemakers apprentices; in Greek, chair legs; and in Persian, like the tail of the horse. Perhaps my favourite clutch of phrases from around the world describes someone whos not very bright. In English, theres the scathing sandwich short of a picnic; in French, he has a spider on the ceiling; in Italy, hes lacking some Fridays; and in the one that gets my personal vote, theres the Dutch he got a blow from the windmill. So many of these ideas no longer exist outside these phrases old women with clubs; village idiots too close to the windmill. Its part of what makes language so precious. The words of our ancestors retain clues to who we once were, and to the uniqueness each of our cultures once represented, in a far-less-homogenous world. The more of that history we lose, the more nervous I become. As jittery, theyd say in Puerto Rican Spanish, as a crocodile in a wallet factory. (Adam Jacot de Boinod was a researcher for the BBC series QI and is the author of The Meaning of Tingo and Other Extraordinary Words from Around the World) China's first international cruise in three years set sail on Friday, heading from Shanghai to Japan in a boost for the country's beleaguered cruise industry following the pandemic, state media reported. China's first international cruise in 3 years sets sail from Shanghai, heads to Japan (Photo by Twitter/PortalCruceros) The Blue Dream Star sailed a day after China opened the way for more international travel by its citizens, lifting pandemic restrictions on group tours for more countries, including key markets such as the United States, Japan, South Korea. The vessel, operated by Shanghai Blue Dream International Cruise Line and carrying more than 1,000 passengers, will sail to Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Kagoshima and Nagasaki in Japan. Thursday's lifting of more travel restrictions by the culture and tourism ministry is seen as a potential boon for international travel industries. Prior to the pandemic, mainland Chinese tourists spent more than any other country's tourists when abroad, clocking up a combined $255 billion in 2019 - with group tours estimated to account for roughly 60% of that. Their absence since the pandemic has led to financial troubles for many tourism-dependent businesses around the globe. Just how much outbound Chinese tourism will bounce back for the latest group of countries remains to be seen. Expectations that demand would come roaring back after China's borders were re-opened have to date been largely unfulfilled. As of July, the number of international flights in and out of China had recovered to only 53% of 2019's levels. When I arrived in India, I felt as bewildered as Aamir Khan in PK. India is a steep learning curve every day, there are answers, and multiple answers to questions. And all are (mostly) correct. You navigate not just the lanes and gullies physically, but through peoples thoughts and words. PREMIUM Bilateral relationships in all areas have grown during, despite and after the pandemic.(Shutterstock) Walking the streets of India, you see a country navigating its own growth story. You see progress being made through Indias ambitious climate targets, the green hydrogen mission and initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance. For the world to succeed in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, India needs to succeed. In that process, I ask myself as the ambassador of a country with 5.5 million people, Norway, how can we contribute to a country with 250 times more population? Norway is a small country up in the Far North with a harsh, cold climate most of the year, very little agricultural land, and a relatively homogeneous population. However, while India may have 10 times more landmass than Norway, the oceans that we control are about the same size as Indias. Norway is a world leader in ocean areas such as sustainable fisheries, offshore petroleum production, aquaculture and shipping, making us meet India on an equal footing when it comes to aiming for a sustainable future. Norway is basically an energy nation; with petroleum and renewables such as hydroelectric power, solar, hydrogen and offshore wind power. Our fragile nature has made us a leader in the circular economy. With these areas of expertise to offer, Norways India Strategy 2030 outlines our work with India, which mainly includes democracy and a rules-based world order, energy, environment and the ocean. We have established the India Norway Blue Economy Task Force and the India Norway Energy Task Force. Our trade figures have doubled. We have cooperated on pilot projects on marine spatial planning in Lakshadweep and Pondicherry. Norway and India are working towards combating single use plastic together. The Norwegian Sovereign Wealth Fund is likely one of Indias largest single foreign investors (around $17.6 billion). Our new Climate Investment Fund has invested 700 crore (974 million NOK) in renewables in India. Our most valued and renowned businesses are operating in India and have made substantial investments. There are now over 120 Norwegian companies operating in India. The Norway India Partnership Initiative on maternal and newborn health has successfully touched millions of lives. Since 2003, Norway has allocated 900 crore (1.2 billion NOK) to 204 research cooperation projects between Norway and India. India is contributing with its own funding. We have an increased digital footprint, and stronger literature cooperation, including Norwegian and smaller Indian languages. We have visited and strengthened our relationship with 21 states and Union Territories of India in the last four years. Bilateral relationships in all areas have grown during, despite and after the pandemic. It has been my honour to attend an India-Nordic Summit and host five ministerial visits from Norway, in addition to a visit from two deputy ministers and one parliamentary committee during my tenure in India. In short, we have been able to combine and develop the best of India and Norway. While there has been tremendous progress on the professional side, India has also left a lasting impression personally. The pride Indians take in their culture and heritage is something to learn from. India is the diverse land of Amar Akbar Anthony; it is the cultural amalgamation of Jodhaa Akbar. It is also the aspiration of Padman and Toilet. But most strikingly, it is the space that Mohan Bhargav in Swades discovers and decides to return to. I will too, even if as a tourist. Hans Jacob Frydenlund is outgoing ambassador of Norway to India. The views expressed are personal Less than a month after the Chandrayaan-3 moon mission took flight, Russia has broken a 47-year hiatus by launching its lunar mission to the south pole on Friday. Notably, NASA has also finalised its crew for the Artemis human moon exploration programme. These programmes from top space powers demonstrate the world's renewed interest in the moon. Upcoming Moon exploration missions(Vostochny Space Center) READ HERE: NASA selects first woman, first Black astronauts for Artemis II lunar flyby Adding to this wave of activity, Japan is gearing up for the launch of the SLIM lander on August 26, merely three days after the anticipated Chandrayaan-3 landing. Here's an overview of the forthcoming lunar exploration programmes set to launch in the next couple of years, according to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). 1. SLIM - JAXA (Japan) Lunar Lander (Launch: August 26, 2023): The Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) aims to demonstrate accurate landing techniques by a small explorer, accelerating Moon and planet study through lighter exploration systems. SLIM is scheduled to launch as a "ride-share" payload with the XRISM mission on an H2A booster from the Tanegashima Space Center in Japan, currently scheduled for August 26 at 00:34:57 UTC (6:04 am7 am IST). 2. Peregrine Mission 1 - NASA CLPS Lunar Lander (Launch: 2023): Aiming to touch down on Sinus Viscositatis, Peregrine Mission 1 seeks to study the lunar exosphere, thermal properties, hydrogen abundance, magnetic fields, radiation environment, and more. Launch of Peregrine Mission 1 is no longer targeted for its planned May 4 date due to anomalies found in tests of the Vulcan Centaur launch vehicle. ALSO READ: Meet Chandrayaan-3's Russian competitor. Launch on Friday, but could reach Moon sooner 3. IM-1 - NASA CLPS Lunar Lander (Launch: 2023): Intuitive Machines 1 (IM-1) plans to place the Nova-C lander on the rim of Malapert A crater. The mission's objectives include studying plume-surface interactions, radio astronomy, space weather interactions, and demonstrating precision landing and communication technologies. 4. Lunar Trailblazer - NASA Lunar Orbiting Small Satellite (Launch: 2023): Lunar Trailblazer's mission is to orbit the Moon, studying lunar water distribution and its relation to geology. Scheduled to launch in November 2023 as part of NASA's SIMPLEx initiative on the PRIME-1 CLPS mission. 5. Prime 1 - NASA CLPS Lunar Lander (Launch: November 2023): Intuitive Machines 2 (IM-2) aims to land the Nova-C lander and a drill near the lunar south pole to demonstrate in-situ resource utilization and measure the volatile content of subsurface samples. 6. Griffin Mission 1 - VIPER - NASA Lunar South Pole Rover (Launch: November 2024): The Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) will search for water ice and volatiles in the lunar south polar region over a 100-day mission. 7. Intuitive Machines 3 - NASA Lunar Lander and Rovers (Launch: 2024): Intuitive Machines 3 (IM-3) will carry NASA payloads to the Reiner Gamma region to understand its magnetic and plasma properties. The mission is scheduled to deploy its rovers and perform surface operations for about 13 Earth days, sending 9.3 GB of data back to Earth each day. 8. Blue Ghost 1 - NASA Lunar Lander (Launch: 2023): Blue Ghost Mission 1 plans to deliver ten payloads to the lunar surface in 2023 to investigate heat flow, plume-surface interactions, and more. 9. Chang'e 6 - CNSA (China) Lunar Sample Return Mission (Launch: 2024): Chang'e 6 is designed to return samples from the lunar south pole, contributing to China's ongoing lunar exploration efforts. Chandrayaan-3 tracker: What is the current status of the Indian moon mission? Chandrayaan-3 has reached even closer to the moons surface. The spacecraft's orbit is reduced to 174 km x 1437 km following a manoeuvre performed on Wednesday. According to Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the next operation is scheduled for August 14, 2023, between 11:30 and 12:30 Hrs. IST. Xi Focus: Xi's inspection trips show key points of China's high-quality development Xinhua) 09:09, August 12, 2023 BEIJING, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- China has set attaining high-quality development as its primary task in building a modern socialist country in all respects. President Xi Jinping once defined high-quality development as "a shift from pursuing growth to pursuing better growth," illustrating the evolution of the country's economic development from rapid expansion to a focus on quality. In addition to engaging in meetings and enacting policies, Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, has pushed forward high-quality development through his inspection tours. Since the start of the year, he has taken several inspection trips across the country, and made stops at tech companies, research institutes, industrial parks and nature reserves -- locations that indicate focal points crucial for achieving high-quality development. SCI-TECH INNOVATION According to Xi, the key to Chinese modernization is the modernization of science and technology. Xi has frequented prominent players in the field of sci-tech innovation on his inspection trips. In April, Xi visited GAC Aion New Energy Automobile Co., Ltd., a new energy vehicle producer in south China's Guangdong Province. The province is regarded as China's high-tech hub and hosts tech giants such as Huawei and Tencent. Xi emphasized that core technologies in key fields should be based on independent research and development, and also demanded further support for small and medium-sized enterprises in their innovation endeavors. During his inspection tour of north China's Hebei Province in May, Xi encouraged sci-tech researchers at an electronics technology research institute to achieve continuous progress in making cutting-edge technology breakthroughs. During a visit to the Purple Mountain Laboratories' comprehensive 6G lab in east China's Jiangsu Province in July, Xi called for pursuing innovation in a down-to-earth manner to bolster China's self-reliance and strength in high-level sci-tech advancements. MODERN INDUSTRIAL SYSTEM China boasts the world's largest and most comprehensive industrial system. It is the leading global producer of over 220 types of industrial products, encompassing all the industrial categories on the United Nations' industrial classification list. A modern industrial system is the material and technological foundation of a modern country, Xi once stressed. The modernization of the industrial system has been another focus for Xi during his inspection trips. On multiple occasions, Xi has inspected local initiatives aiming to promote the green transformation of the energy industry and the development of advanced manufacturing. While inspecting the energy-rich Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in June, Xi said the pursuit of green development is a prerequisite, and it is of utmost importance that Inner Mongolia promotes the transformation and upgrading of traditional energy industries, boosts green energy, and develops itself into a key national energy base. In southwest China's Sichuan Province in July, Xi urged the construction of a new energy system for the complementary development of various energy resources such as water, wind, solar power, hydrogen and natural gas. In the provinces of Guangdong and Jiangsu, Xi called for industrial foundations to be advanced, industrial chains to be modernized, and the growth of strategic emerging industries to be fostered. Xi also stressed that Chinese modernization should not follow the path that leads to the real economy being sidelined, and urged accelerated efforts to develop a modern industrial system supported by the real economy. ECOLOGICAL CONSERVATION At a national conference on ecological and environmental protection last month, Xi underscored the significance of supporting high-quality development with a high-quality ecological environment. He stressed the need to accelerate the advancement of modernization featuring harmony between humanity and nature. Xi is deeply concerned about the ecological conservation and protection of cultural relics in the Yellow River Basin. During his visits to the provinces of Shanxi and Shaanxi in May, Xi said that all provinces and regions within the Yellow River Basin must take the protection of the Yellow River Basin's ecology as the baseline in planning development and promoting high-quality development, and must refrain from doing things that are not conducive to the ecological protection of the Yellow River Basin. While inspecting the country's largest mangrove nature reserve in Guangdong, Xi referred to mangrove forests as national treasures and said they should be protected with as much care as people take to protect their own eyes. In Inner Mongolia, Xi visited an afforestation project site and called for continuous efforts to prevent and control desertification, which he described as a long-term historic mission. Presently, China has the world's largest planted forest area, with its forest coverage rate more than doubling from 12 percent in the early 1980s to 24.02 percent last year. "We should continue to pursue green development, make unremitting efforts across generations to build a beautiful China, and contribute to the preservation of our global village," Xi has said. (Web editor: Zhao Tong, Hongyu) On his 104th birth anniversary, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) paid tribute to the legacy of Dr Vikram Sarabhai, the visionary behind the Indian space programme. Known for founding the Indian space agency in 1962, he assumed the role of its chairman and worked for a token salary of one rupee. Vikram Sarabhai, the newly appointed Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, addressing employees of the Atomic Energy Establishment in 1966.(TIFR ARCHIVES) Sarabhai, a staunch advocate of India's space endeavours, was honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 1966 and posthumously with the Padma Vibhushan in 1972. Let's delve into the details of his remarkable journey: 1. Rooted in a Gandhian Legacy: Born on August 12, 1919, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Dr Vikram Sarabhai emerged as a trailblazer in the realm of space technology and exploration. Raised in the influential Sarabhai family, his father, Ambalal Sarabhai, was a prosperous industrialist with numerous mills in Gujarat. He was also an ardent supporter of Mahatma Gandhi's ideals. 2. Academic Pursuits: Dr Sarabhai's academic voyage began at Gujarat College in Ahmedabad, where he completed his matriculation. He continued his studies at the University of Cambridge, achieving a Tripos in Natural Sciences in 1940. Amidst World War II, he returned to India and joined the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore, engaging in research on cosmic rays under the mentorship of Nobel laureate Sir C. V. Raman. 3. Architect of India's Space Odyssey: At the age of 28, in 1947, he laid the foundation for the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad, a monumental step in his journey as an institution builder. Dr Sarabhai's collaboration with Dr Homi Jehangir Bhabha, widely regarded as the father of India's nuclear science programme, led to the establishment of India's inaugural rocket launching station in Thumba, Kerala. Convinced of the need for a space programme, he advocated, "We do not have the fantasy of competing with the economically advanced nations in the exploration of the moon or the planets or manned space flight. But we are convinced that if we are to play a meaningful role nationally, and in the community of nations, we must be second to none in the application of advanced technologies to the real problems of man and society." ISRO was previously the , set up by the Government of India in 1962, as envisioned by Dr. VikramA Sarabhai. ISRO was formed on August 15, 1969 and superseded INCOSPAR with an expanded role to harness space technology. His efforts resulted in the birth of the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) in 1962. This was superseded by ISRO on August 15,1969. He served as chairman of the space agency from 1963 to 1971. 4. Architect of Institutions: Dr Sarabhai's legacy extends beyond space and science. His contributions led to the creation of prominent institutions: - Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad - Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad - Community Science Centre, Ahmedabad - Darpan Academy for Performing Arts, Ahmedabad (established with his wife, Mrinalini Sarabhai) - Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram - Space Applications Centre, Ahmedabad (formed by merging six institutions/centres initiated by Vikram Sarabhai) - Faster Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR), Kalpakkam - Varaiable Energy Cyclotron Project, Calcutta - Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL), Hyderabad - Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL), Jaduguda, Bihar 5. A Multifaceted Visionary: Dr Sarabhai's interests extended beyond science. He co-founded the Darpan Academy for Performing Arts alongside his wife, Mrinalini Sarabhai. His untimely demise on December 30, 1971, left an enduring impact on India's scientific and technological progress. The peak Bengaluru moment posts that capture attention grabbing incidents from the city often leave people amusingly surprised and this tweet is a perfect addition to that category. Twitter user Nishit Patel took to the microblogging platform to share about his encounter with a Rapido driver that left him astonished. Turns out, when he booked the service of the bike taxi aggregator, his drive arrived not just on any bike but a Royal Enfield Hunter. Man's 'peak Bengaluru moment' post related to a Rapido ride has left people chuckling. (HT File Photo) You won't believe the crazy @peakbengaluru moment I had today! On my way to a Kubernetes meetup, my Rapido captain pulled up on a Royal Enfield Hunter, Patel wrote, expressing his amusement at the entire situation. In the next few lines, he added more about this interaction. Turns out he's a DevOps engineer at a company managing enterprise Kubernetes clusters. Just another day in India's tech capital, he tweeted. Take a look at this post about a Rapido driver arriving on a Royal Enfield: Shared on August 5, the post has received more than 9,200 views. People couldnt keep calm and took to the comments section of the tweet to share their opinions. A few also asked questions and received replies from Patel. How did Twitter users react to a Rapido driver arriving on a Royal Enfield? Did he also join the meetup? asked a Twitter user along with a laughing out loud emoticon. Patel replied, No he didn't, he had some other work. Another joined, Did you ask about his turnover from the side business?. To which, Patel posted, Nah, now I realise I should have asked him. A third added, Omg, that is unbelievable. A fourth expressed, Yeah, I had a similar ride experience. My captain arrived on RE classic 350. A fifth wrote, Nowadays all surprises come from Bengaluru. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Vedantas Anil Agarwal took to Twitter to share a post about his meeting with actor Ryan Reynolds. In his share, he not only called the Deadpool star everyone's favourite superhero but also added that he and Reynolds share similar values. Vedantas Anil Agarwal in a conversation with actor Ryan Reynolds. (Twitter/@AnilAgarwal_Ved) I met everyone's favourite superhero recently. Ryan Reynolds ko kaun nahin janta [Who doesnt know Ryan Reynolds]. I heard a lot about him being one of the nicest people, unse milkar jaana how similar our values are, tweeted Anil Agarwal. In the next few lines, he shared how they both are extremely passionate about child welfare initiatives. I told him how I myself have experienced hunger as a child, and that my dream is that no child in my country should go to bed hungry, the business tycoon added. In the rest of the post, he shared about his conversation with Ryan Reynolds about his companys research on first-of-its kinds millet nutribar. Read the entire post by Anil Agarwal: The tweet was shared on August 11. Since being posted, it has accumulated close to 50,000 views and the numbers are only increasing. People took to the comments section of the post to share varied reactions. Heres how Twitter users reacted to Anil Agarwals post about meeting Ryan Reynolds: It's inspiring to hear about your meeting with Ryan Reynolds and his interest in child welfare initiatives like Nandghar. Your shared commitment to addressing hunger and malnutrition is commendable. Collaborating with philanthropists and leveraging global expertise can indeed bring transformative change to empower women and children, setting a positive example for the world, posted a Twitter user. Love you both, sir, added another. Great going sir and thanks for sharing this, joined a third. Simply wow, wrote a fourth. Floods triggered by heavy monsoon rains in Myanmar have killed five people and displaced about 60,000 since mid-July, an official said Friday. A man looks out from his house in a flooded area following monsoon rains in Bago township, Bago region,(AFP) The director of the ministry of social welfare, relief and resettlement, Lay Shwe Zin Oo, said four children are among the dead. Some parts of southern states of Kayin and Mon remain in critical condition due to heavy rains and rising river water levels, Lay said. The low-lying areas in some townships in the southern Bago and the central Magway regions, as well as the western state of Rakhine, have been inundated by water since Sunday. Initially, some 60,000 people were displaced but 20,000 have since returned to their home areas. About 40,000 are still sheltering in sturdy buildings such as monasteries, pagodas and schools, she said. She said included three children in the state of Mon and a mother and child in Rakhine drowned. The flooding is getting worse this week. But, it is difficult to say whether the current flood situation is the worst for this year because the rainy season has not yet ended, she said over the phone. The state-run Myanma Alinn newspaper said Friday that schools were closed in the flooded areas and some sections of the highway in Bago were under water. In relief camps in Bago, Kayin and Rakhine, authorities were providing food, drinking water, medicines and other essential assistance, the paper said. On Monday, a landslide caused by heavy rain swept away about 61 meters (200 feet) -long section of the major mountain highway linking the Kawkareik and Myawaddy townships in eastern Kayin state, cutting off the busy trading route. There were no report of casualties. Myawaddy is a key trading center on the border with Thailand and state-run media reported it would take a month before traffic could resume. Myanmar experiences extreme weather virtually every year during the monsoon season. In 2008, Cyclone Nargis killed more than 138,000 people. A report published Friday in the state-run Myanma Alinn newspaper said there would be thundershowers for the next week across the country. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Pakistani senator from Balochistan Awami Party Anwaarul Haq Kakar has been named the caretaker prime minister of Pakistan, days after the assembly was dissolved. Kakkar's name as the caretaker PM was announced on Saturday from the Prime Minister's Office. Outgoing PM Shehbaz Sharif and outgoing opposition leader Raja Riaz reached a consensus over Kakar's name in a meeting on Saturday. President Arif Alvi approved Kakar's appointment. Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar is a little known politician who is now going to be the caretaker PM of Pakistan until elections are held. "We first agreed that whoever should be prime minister, he should be from a smaller province so smaller provinces' grievances should be addressed," said Riaz, as quoted by AFP. The assembly was dissolved on August 9 setting the stage for a general election in which former PM Imran Khan will not be able to participate. According to the rules, the election will be held within 90 days after the assembly was dissolved. Pakistan elections are to be held later this year but only after delimitation. New census results have been approved by the outgoing government, which makes it a constitutional obligation to carry out delimitation before elections. The interim PM will have extra power this time as the elections are likely to get delayed as much as by six months because of the delimitation exercise. Who is Anwaarul Haq, Pakistan's caretaker PM? Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar is not a very well-known politician in Pakistan but his province Balochistan holds significance because of insurgency. 2. Though listed as an independent candidate in the Senate, Kakar is from Balochistan Awami Party which is widely considered to be close to the country's powerful military. 3. Anwaarul Haq has been a member of the Senate of Pakistan since March 2018. 4. Anwaar was elected in 2018 as an independent candidate from Balochistan. 5. Anwaarul Haq Kakar undertook the role of parliamentary leader from the Balochistan Awami Party within the Senate. 6. Kakar was the chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development. He was a member of the Business Advisory Committee, Finance and Revenue, Foreign Affairs and Science and Technology. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Poulomi Ghosh Poulomi Ghosh is a journalist with Hindustan Times, New Delhi. ...view detail At least six people died and more than 50 were rescued after a migrant boat trying to cross the Channel from France capsized early on Saturday, local authorities said. A P677 Cormoran Flamant-class patrol vessel of the French Navy sails on Calais' harbour, northern France, during a rescue operation mobilizing French and British resources on August 12, 2023, after six people were killed after a boat carrying migrants heading to Britain sank in the Channel, French maritime officials said. (AFP) Local mayor Franck Dhersin said a vast rescue operation was launched around 6 a.m. (0400 GMT) as dozens of migrant boats tried to make the crossing at the same time. "Several of the boats were facing serious difficulties," he told Reuters. "Near (the coastal town of) Sangatte they unfortunately found dead bodies." The maritime prefecture confirmed that there had been at least six deaths and said search and rescue operations were ongoing. The Channel between France and Britain is one of the world's busiest shipping lanes and currents are strong, making the crossing on small boats dangerous. Human traffickers typically overload rickety dinghies, leaving them barely afloat and at risk of being lashed by the waves as they try to reach British shores. "We saved 54 people, including one woman," said Anne Thorel, a volunteer who was on one of the rescue boats, describing the migrants' frantic efforts to bail water out of their sinking vessel using their shoes. "There were too many of them on the (migrant) boat," she told Reuters by phone as she returned to the shore. Thorel, who shared a picture of migrants on the rescue boat, wrapped in survival blankets, said no one died on the boat she was involved with rescuing. French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne said junior Maritime Affairs Minister Herve Berville would head to Calais, near where one of the migrant boats capsized. "My thoughts are with the victims," she posted on messaging platform X. Britain's coastguard said it sent a lifeboat from Dover to assist with the rescue, along with a coastguard rescue team and ambulance staff. A UK Border Force vessel and two lifeboats rescued all those on board another small boat in the Channel in a separate incident on Saturday, the British coastguard added. UK government figures show that the number of migrant Channel crossings since the start of 2018 exceeded 100,000 this week. The number so far this year stands at nearly 16,000. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's government has spent the week making announcements about its efforts to reduce the number of asylum seekers, hoping to win support from voters as the ruling Conservative Party trails in opinion polls. British interior minister Suella Braverman said her "thoughts and prayers are with those affected by the tragic loss of life" and that her officials had been working with French authorities. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Hunter Biden is facing a criminal investigation into his tax affairs that has been ongoing since 2019. U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland announces the appointment of Special Counsel David Weiss in the ongoing investigation of Hunter Biden, son of U.S. President Joe Biden, during a brief statement at the Justice Department in Washington, U.S., August 11, 2023. REUTERS/Bonnie Cash(REUTERS) The U.S. attorney in charge of the probe, David Weiss, has been appointed as a special counsel by Attorney General Merrick Garland on Friday. Weiss asked for the appointment earlier this week, saying that his investigation has reached a stage where he needs to continue as a special counsel. Weiss, who was appointed by Trump and kept by Biden, has been looking into Hunter Biden and others for several years, according to the order of appointment. The order authorizes him to conduct the ongoing investigation described above, as well as any matters that arose from that investigation or may arise. It also gives him the power to prosecute federal crimes in any federal judicial district arising from the investigation of these matters. The 67-year-old will produce a report at the end of his investigation, which Garland said he would make public in accordance with the law and Justice Department policy. Hunters lawyer, Chris Clark, said in a statement that this appointment does not change their understanding of Weiss authority. He said they have been assured by Weiss and the Department that Weiss had more authority than a special counsel and full authority to negotiate a resolution of his investigation, which has been done. ALSO READ| We dont want to distract, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris skip Maui visit to avoid distraction amid relief efforts For years, both Mr. Weiss and the Department have assured us and the public that Mr. Weiss had more authority than a special counsel and full authority to negotiate a resolution of his investigation which has been done. Whether in Delaware, Washington, D.C. or anywhere else, we expect a fair resolution not infected by politics and well do what is necessary on behalf of Mr. Biden to achieve that, Clark said. The 53-year-old Biden had reached a tentative plea deal with Weiss, but it fell apart recently after a federal judge in Delaware questioned it. The judge asked both sides to submit more briefs and explain why the deal does not grant broad immunity to Biden for his business dealings. Hunter Biden then pleaded not guilty to two misdemeanor charges related to his tax filings. FILE PHOTO: 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/File Photo(REUTERS) On Friday, the prosecutor in the case said that the parties are at an impasse on the plea deal and that a trial is necessary, according to a court filing. Following additional negotiations after the hearing held on July 26, 2023, the parties are at an impasse and are not in agreement on either a plea agreement or a diversion agreement, the Justice Department said in the filing. It said prosecutors asked for Bidens position on Aug. 9 and wanted it by Aug. 11. Bidens lawyers asked for more time until Aug. 14, but the government declined. Biden had not yet given his position, the filing said. As a result, the Government respectfully requests that the Court vacate its briefing order since there is no longer a plea agreement or diversion agreement for the Court to consider, the filing said. The judge in the case ordered Hunter Bidens lawyers to respond by noon on Monday, Aug. 14. The first son has admitted to two tax crimes and avoided prosecution for a gun offense as part of a plea deal with federal prosecutors. The deal was announced by David Weiss, the U.S. attorney for Delaware who was appointed by former President Donald Trump and will continue his investigation as a special counsel. According to Weiss, Hunter Biden failed to pay more than $100,000 in federal income taxes in 2017 and 2018, despite earning millions of dollars from foreign business deals. He also illegally possessed a firearm in 2018 while being addicted to a controlled substance, Weiss said. Hunter Biden faced up to 22 years in prison for the three charges, but he agreed to plead guilty to the tax crimes and enter a pretrial diversion program for the gun offense, which will allow him to avoid a criminal record if he complies with certain conditions. A source familiar with the deal said the Justice Department would recommend probation for the tax crimes, but the final sentence would be decided by a judge. The plea deal sparked criticism from Republicans, who accused the Justice Department of giving preferential treatment to Hunter Biden and covering up his alleged corruption. They also claimed that the appointment of Weiss as a special counsel was a ploy to shield Hunter Biden from congressional scrutiny and public accountability. Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., the chairman of the House Oversight Committee, which is probing Hunter Bidens foreign business dealings, said: Lets be clear what todays move is really about. The Biden Justice Department is trying to stonewall congressional oversight as we have presented evidence to the American people about the Biden familys corruption. ALSO READ| Horrific video from Hawaii's Maui captures residents jumping into ocean to escape: Watch However, Senator Richard Durbin, D-Ill., the leader of the Judiciary Committee, praised Weiss as a distinguished prosecutor and expressed confidence in his independence and professionalism. Durbin said, U.S. Attorney David Weiss is a distinguished prosecutor, and I trust that the Justice Departments professional, nonpartisan approach will carry on as the Special Counsel continues his investigation. A hollow crater bright with wild flowers marks the spot where the little village school used to stand. Another, the former bakery. Today, on the ridge above Verdun in eastern France , buttercups and clover waft in the breeze where shrapnel, blood and ground flesh once scarred the soil. Swallows dart to and fro. During the Battle of Verdun in 1916, the village of Fleury-devant-Douaumont swapped hands over a dozen times, as French and German troops bombarded each other in a pitiless war of attrition to advance the front line. By the end of the battle, one of the bloodiest of the first world war, the French had lost 163,000 men and the Germans 143,000; the front line scarcely budged. PREMIUM Ukrainian servicemen fire a howitzer towards Russian troops at a position near the frontline town of Bakhmut, amid Russias attack, in Donetsk region, Ukraine. (REUTERS) The unimaginable slaughter, in a small place of little renown, came to mark an existential struggle against an imperialist aggressor. In the French mind, Verdun stands for resistance and honour, sacrifice and unity. It was at Verdun in 1984, before the cemetery, that Francois Mitterrand and Helmut Kohl, then French president and German chancellor, held hands in a gesture that became emblematic of Franco-German reconciliation and peace in Europe. Now, over 1,400 miles to the east, another small place of little renown has come to symbolise a modern existential struggle to repel an expansionist invader: Bakhmut. Since August 2022 Vladimir Putins Russia has pounded the Ukrainian town, sending tens of thousands of men to their deaths to try to capture the place, street by street. A former home to 70,000 people has been razed in many parts to rubble. Yesterdays horrors in Verdunthe filth of the trenches, the relentless shelling, the sandbagged bunkersare todays in Bakhmut. Any parallel between Verdun and Bakhmut is of course imprecise. In 1916 the battlefield lay outside the town, in orchards and woods above Verdun; Bakhmut is an urban battle, fought amid blocks of apartment buildings and wide roads. The number of dead in Bakhmut, estimated at perhaps 20,000-30,000, is a fraction of the number that fell by the end of the Battle of Verdun, on December 18th 1916. In the ten months of fighting, 60m shells pounded the ground at Verdun. When it began at 7:15am on February 21st 1916 the German artillery assault shook the villages and fields above Verdun with an incalculable deluge of shells wrote Captain Anatole Castex, a French officer. Louis Barthas, a barrel-maker from the Languedoc region conscripted into the French army, noted thousands of shredded, pulverised corpsesat places where the earth was soaked with blood, swarms of flies swirled and eddied. Yet for all the differences between Verdun and Bakhmut, three points nonetheless link the two battles. One is the raw, muscular nature of the warfare involved, requiring staggering effort for meagre advances. It took the Germans a mere five days to capture the fort at Douaumont, the largest of the defences protecting Verdun. Yet it took four months for German forces to advance the three kilometres from the fort to take Fleury. To this day, the soil around Verdun is filled with unexploded ordnance and the remains of an estimated 80,000 bodies. The forest here is a shroud, says Nicolas Barret, director of the Verdun Memorial. Fleury and other villages flattened during the battle have never been rebuilt. Despite todays precision weaponry, the artillery battle in Bakhmut has been rudimentary, exhausting ammunition supplies and putting factories on a war footing, just as at Verdun. Shelling has forced soldiers into trenches or underground as it did then, underscoring the value of picks and shovels, cover and concealment. The fight for Bakhmut has now lasted even longer than that at Verdun, the longest in the first world war. Its battlefield is a meat grinder, noted Yevgeny Prigozhin, who fed the meat while leading the assault as head of Russias Wagner mercenaries. A second point, as Anthony King at Warwick University points out, is that a small town of little consequence can take on strategic value if it becomes the place where opposing forces concentrate their forces. Initially, Russia put offensive power into taking Bakhmut in the hope of securing roads to the cities of Slovyansk and Kramatorsk. In 1916 Germanys military chief, Erich von Falkenhayn, thought he could take Verdun swiftly with superior artillery, to secure railway lines and distract French forces from the Somme. Both attempts met fierce resistance. At Verdun, as in Bakhmut, each side drew the other into committing vast military resources to avoid slim territorial losses, turning inconsequential towns into places of military significance. All not quiet Above all, each place has acquired a symbolic importance that outweighs its original strategic value. At Verdun, the French were caught ill-prepared. Under Philippe Petains command, they built resistance around the rotation of forces, limiting soldiers time at the front and supplying the effort by road from Bar-le-Duc. They shall not pass became the Verdun battle cry, a defiant call to hold the town, just as President Volodymyr Zelensky called Bakhmut our fortress. What Bakhmut shares with Verdun is the notion of prestige, says Nicolas Czubak, a historian at the Verdun Memorial. The war was not won or lost at Verdun; but the French turned it into an emblem of strength that made retreat unthinkable. The Ukrainians defiant attempt to hold Bakhmut was set back in May when Russian mercenaries claimed to have taken the town. Its symbolic value, though, remains. Russia threw all its force into the capture of Bakhmut. Yet it is no closer to victory in its war against Ukraine. The battle has exposed splits in Russias armed forces. And the Ukrainians still hold a sliver of the town as well as the outskirts; Russian troops are vulnerable inside it. Back at Verdun, the Ukrainians valiant efforts are being followed closely by those who keep alive the memory of the horrors of 1916. As a mark of respect and fellow-feeling, they would like to invite Mr Zelensky to visit, when the time is right. Read more from Charlemagne, our columnist on European politics: Europe has shaken off Putins gas embargo (May 25th) Meet the lefty Europeans who want to shrink the economy (May 18th) Once Russias best friend in the West, Austria is facing trouble (May 11th) Also: How the Charlemagne column got its name 2023, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com A 41-year-old Indian-origin man has been sentenced to nearly four years in prison after pleading guilty to possessing false identity documents and operating an unlicensed money transfer business that led to USD 1.5 million in losses to victims. Authorities said Trivedi was part of an imposter scam that used scare tactics and identity theft to scam innocent victims out of hard-earned money. Vimalkumar Trivedi of Plainfield, Indiana, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison, a statement issued here on Friday said. US District Court Chief Judge Tanya Walton Pratt imposed the sentence and ordered Trivedi's supervision by the US Probation Office for three years following his release from federal prison. Authorities said Trivedi was part of an imposter scam that used scare tactics and identity theft to scam innocent victims out of hard-earned money. According to court documents, from April 2017 through April 2021, Trivedi defrauded multiple victims, including some elderly individuals, into sending cash to various locations, including Indianapolis, through courier services. "Trivedi and his co-conspirators in the US and India masqueraded as federal law enforcement agents and told the victims that their Social Security numbers had been found in connection with criminal activity, often narcotics trafficking. The criminals stated that the victims would be arrested if they did not immediately withdraw large sums of cash and mail it to fictitious individuals," it said. Trivedi tracked the packages of money sent by fraud victims to the fictitious recipients and picked them up at multiple courier locations. In each instance, he used a false identification document in the name of the listed package recipient. In total, Trivedi possessed at least 53 false identification documents, each with his picture but containing different identifying information. He used these false identification documents to pick up at least 122 packages containing USD 901,124 in cash proceeds of the fraud. Trivedi kept USD 60,000 stolen from victims for his use and forwarded the remainder to his associates. Through the investigation, law enforcement agents have identified and confirmed approximately 17 victims, identified around 50 other suspected victims, and identified approximately USD 1.5 million in losses to the victims. "International fraud conspiracies steal from hard-working people using lies, manipulation, and fear," US Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zachary Myers, said. "These vicious crimes often devastate families and individuals victimised by these heartless thieves. The sentence, in this case, demonstrates that fraudsters seeking a quick buck will pay a heavy price for their crimes," Myers added. Special Agent in Charge Welber Hickman of the NCIS Norfolk Field Office said Trivedi's conspirators threatened and scared innocent victims into sending him large sums of money in a vile scheme for which he deserves to be held fully accountable. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Record-breaking Norwegian montaineer Kristin Harila denied the allegations that she and her team climbed over a dying guide to reach the K2 summit in Pakistan in a bid to become the world's fastest climber to climb all the peaks over 8,000 metres. Norwegian climber Kristin Harila, left, and her Nepali sherpa guide Tenjen Sherpa, right, who climbed the world's 14 tallest mountains in record time. (AP) Harila climbed the world's second-highest mountain in July this year. She created a new world record with her Nepali guide Tenjen (Lama) Sherpa as she climbed her 14th highest peak in a little over three months. A porter died during her trek which became a controversy. What happened? The porter, 27-year-old Pakistani national, Mohammed Hassan fell off a ledge, from an extremely narrow path called bottleneck, at the height of around 8,200 metres. Viral videos and photographs on social media showed a group of people walking by Hassan, who died a few hours later. Harila now defended that her team had done everything that they could to help Hassan in such dangerous conditions. It's a tragic accident... here is a father and son and a husband who lost his life that day on K2. I think that's very, very sad that it ended this way, Harila said speaking to BBC. Austrian climbers Wilhelm Steindl and Philip Flamig who were also climbing K2 the day the incident took place have said that the duo recorded drone footage that showed climbers walking over Hassan's body instead of trying to rescue him. Flamig told Austrian media, He is being treated by one person while everyone else is pushing towards the summit. The fact is that there was no organised rescue operation although there were sherpas and mountain guides on site who could have taken action. Speaking to BBC, Steindl said, We saw a guy alive, lying in the traverse in the bottleneck. And people were stepping over him on the way to the summit. And there was no rescue mission. Steindl also visited Hassan's family after descending from the peak. He found out that Hassan, despite lacking adequate experience, took the job as a rope fixer to pay for his diabetic mother's medical bill. K2 is widely known as one of the most difficult peaks in regard to mountaineering, and is the deadliest out of the five highest mountain peaks in the world. Several experts have said that K2's topography is more difficult than Everest's since less of the peak flattens off. It is also prone to rock fall. What Harilla said? Harilla has told media outlets that her team tried to help Hassan but it was not possible for them to lift him back from the narrow route, which was crowded by several climbers. She told BBC that Hassan was not a part of their team and she had not seen him fall off the ledge. She added that her team did not leave him behind once they realised he was hurt. She also said that the company who employed Hassan who was a part of a fixing group who were sent to secure ropes before the climbing groups since he neither had oxygen support nor suitable clothing. She said he was not wearing gloves or a down jacket. She said, We were trying to save him, we did everything we could for many hours... it's a very, very narrow path. How are you going to climb and traverse and carry [a person]? It's not possible. She told The Telegraph, We tried to lift him back up for an hour and a half and my cameraman stayed on for another hour to look after him. At no point was he left alone. Given the conditions, it is hard to see how he could have been saved. He fell on what is probably the most dangerous part of the mountain where the chances of carrying someone off were limited by the narrow trail and poor snow conditions. She told BBC that her team was safe and when she found out that more help was arriving, she decided to move ahead to avoid any overcrowding in the bottleneck. She also added that her cameraman had stayed behind in order to help until he himself ran low on oxygen. She said, It was only when we came back down that we saw Hassan had passed and we were ourselves in no shape to carry his body down. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ??#LOULTIMO Dos decadas despues del bloqueo impuesto por los EE.UU. al Peru para la interdiccion de aeronaves sospechosas por actividades de narcotrafico, hoy el premier @AlbertoOtarolaP, confirmo que ambos paises alcanzaron un virtual acuerdo para levantar dicho veto. pic.twitter.com/NNZGZuYCrL An Anti-Terrorism Court in Pakistan dismissed interim bails of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan in seven cases on Thursday, reported The News International on Saturday. Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan (Reuters) The News International also reported that the seven cases also include the Lahore Corps commander's house attack, for want of prosecution. The report added that the Special Prosecutor, Farhad Ali Shah, argued before the court that there was no scope in the law to accept the exemption applications of the convicted accused. He implored the court to reject the interim bail of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman. On the other hand, Imran Khans counsel argued that his client was in jail and the court should summon him as he wanted to appear before the court. As per The News International, the court responded that even when Khan was free, he did not comply with the courts orders. Barrister Salman Safdar, who had been excused from attending the hearing, requested more time to argue his request for an exemption from attending. The court refused to grant the PTI chairman an exemption from appearing and dismissed his bail application, reported The News International. An accountability court in Islamabad on Thursday cancelled the interim bail of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in connection with the National Crime Agency (NCA) 190 million pounds scandal, ARY News reported on Thursday. Meanwhile, a Pakistan district and sessions court on August 5, sentenced PTI Chairman Imran Khan to three years in prison in the Toshakhana case i.e. for illegally selling state gifts and he has been disqualified from politics for a period of five years, local media reported. The PTI Chairman was arrested from his Zaman Park residence in Lahore soon after being convicted in the Toshakhana case. The court also imposed a fine of Pakistani Rupees (PKR) 100,000 on Imran Khan, Geo News reported. Khan, who has expressed his disappointment over being in jail and said that he doesn't want to stay there, Pakistan-based Geo News reported. While speaking to his lawyers in the Attock jail, Imran Khan said, "Take me out of here; I don't want to remain in jail," according to the officials. The PTI Chairman Imran Khan also stated that he remains holed up inside his prison cell in "distressing" conditions, as per the sources. Taiwan Vice President William Lai leaves on Saturday for a sensitive trip to the United States, which China has condemned and Taiwanese officials fear could prompt more Chinese military activity around the democratically governed island. Taiwan's Vice President William Lai(REUTERS) Lai, the front-runner to become Taiwan's president in elections in January, is officially making only transit stops in the United States on his way to and from Paraguay for the swearing in of its president. Taipei and Washington say such stopovers are routine and no cause for China to take "provocative" actions, but Beijing has reacted with anger at what it sees as a further sign of U.S. support for Taiwan, which it claims as sovereign Chinese territory. China is likely to launch military drills next week near Taiwan, using Lai's stopovers in the United States as a pretext to intimidate voters ahead of a next year's election and make them "fear war", Taiwanese officials say. Beijing particularly dislikes Lai, who has in the past described himself as a "practical worker for Taiwan independence". Lai has, however, repeatedly said during the election campaign he does not seek to change the status quo. Lai, who goes first to New York, wrote in English on social media platform X, formerly called Twitter, he was "excited to meet with US friends in transit" and to be going to Paraguay, one of just 13 countries to maintain formal ties with Taipei. Laura Rosenberger, chair of the Virginia-based American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), a U.S. government-run non-profit that carries out unofficial relations with Taiwan, responded on X that AIT was looking forward to welcoming him "during his transit en route to Paraguay". Neither Taiwan nor the United States have given exact details about his U.S. schedule. Lai's official schedule for Sunday states merely that he is going to Paraguay. Lai, scheduled to speak to reporters at Taiwan's main international airport on Saturday afternoon before leaving, is to return from Paraguay via San Francisco. The Paraguay leg of the trip is also important given China's increasing efforts to take Taiwan's remaining allies. Honduras, once a stalwart Taiwanese partner, switched relations to China in March. Lai went to Honduras last year for the inauguration of its president and had a brief though symbolic chat while there with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday dismissed officials responsible for military conscription in each region of the country, citing corruption allegations that he said could amount to treason. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky(AP) "We are dismissing all regional military commissars," Zelensky said in a post on social media, following a meeting with senior military leadership. "This system should be run by people who know exactly what war is and why cynicism and bribery at a time of war is high treason," he added. Kyiv has been conscripting Ukrainians for assault battalions for its counteroffensive against Russian forces to recapture territory controlled by Moscow's troops. The move reflects Ukraine's efforts to clamp down on graft and corruption as part of sweeping reforms requested by Western institutions like the European Union, which Ukraine hopes to join. "During the inspection of the territorial recruitment centres, law enforcement agencies exposed cases of corruption," the presidency said in a separate statement. It said Ukraine's general mobilisation was a key area in which inspectors had uncovered instances of foul play. These "pose a threat to Ukraine's national security and undermine confidence in state institutions," the statement said. It added that Ukraine's security council recommended that the head of the army select replacements who have battlefield experience and were vetted by Ukraine's intelligence services. The United States and Iran reached a tentative agreement this week that will eventually see five detained Americans in Iran and an unknown number of Iranians imprisoned in the U.S. released from custody after billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets are transferred from banks in South Korea to Qatar. Details of the money transfer, the timing of its completion and the ultimate release of both the American and Iranian prisoners remain unclear.(REUTERS) The complex deal which came together after months of indirect negotiations between U.S. and Iranian officials was announced on Thursday when Iran moved four of the five Americans from prison to house arrest. The fifth American had already been under house arrest. Details of the money transfer, the timing of its completion and the ultimate release of both the American and Iranian prisoners remain unclear. However, U.S. and Iranian officials say they believe the agreement could be complete by mid- to late-September. A look at what is known about the deal. WHATS IN IT? Under the tentative agreement, the U.S. has given its blessing to South Korea to convert frozen Iranian assets held there from the South Korean currency, the won, to euros. That money then would be sent to Qatar, a small, energy-rich nation on the Arabian Peninsula that has been a mediator in the talks. The amount from Seoul could be anywhere from $6 billion to $7 billion, depending on exchange rates. The cash represents money South Korea owed Iran but had not yet paid for oil purchased before the Trump administration imposed sanctions on such transactions in 2019. The U.S. maintains that, once in Qatar, the money will be held in restricted accounts and will only be able to be used for humanitarian goods, such as medicine and food. Those transactions are currently allowed under American sanctions targeting the Islamic Republic over its advancing nuclear program. Some in Iran have disputed the U.S. claim, saying that Tehran will have total control over the funds. Qatar has not commented publicly on how it will monitor the disbursement of the money. In exchange, Iran is to release the five Iranian-Americans held as prisoners in the country. Currently, they are under guard at a hotel in Tehran, according to a U.S.-based lawyer advocating for one of them. WHY WILL IT TAKE SO LONG? Iran does not want the frozen assets in South Korean won, which is less convertible than euros or U.S. dollars. U.S. officials say that while South Korea is on board with the transfer it is concerned that converting $6 or $7 billion in won into other currencies at once will adversely affect its exchange rate and economy. Thus, South Korea is proceeding slowly, converting smaller amounts of the frozen assets for the eventual transfer to the central bank in Qatar. In addition, as the money is transferred, it has to avoid touching the U.S. financial system where it could become subject to American sanctions. So a complicated and time-consuming series of transfers through third-country banks has been arranged. We have worked extensively with the South Koreans on this and theres no impediment to the movement of the account from South Korea to Qatar, U.S. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Friday. In Doha, Qatar's Minister of State Mohammed Abdulaziz al-Khulaifi said, What we have achieved in this agreement reflects the confidence of these parties in the State of Qatar as a neutral mediator and international partner in resolving international disputes by peaceful means. He did not address how the money would be policed. WHO ARE THE DETAINED IRANIAN-AMERICANS? The identities of three of the five prisoners have been made public. It remains unclear who the other two are. The American government has described them as wanting to keep their identities private and Iran has not named them either. The three known are Siamak Namazi, who was detained in 2015 and later sentenced to 10 years in prison on internationally criticized spying charges. Another is Emad Sharghi, a venture capitalist serving a 10-year sentence. The third is Morad Tahbaz, a British-American conservationist of Iranian descent who was arrested in 2018 and also received a 10-year sentence. Those advocating for their release describe them as wrongfully detained and innocent. Iran has used prisoners with Western ties as bargaining chips in negotiations since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. WHY IS THIS DEAL HAPPENING NOW? For Iran, years of American sanctions following former U.S. President Donald Trump's withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers has crushed its already-anemic economy. Previous claims of progress in talks over the frozen assets have provided only short-term boosts to Irans hobbled rial currency. The release of that money, even if only disbursed under strict circumstances, could provide an economic boost. For the U.S., the administration of President Joe Biden has tried to get Iran back into the deal, which fell apart after Trump's 2018 withdrawal. Last year, countries involved in the initial agreement offered Tehran what was described as their last, best roadmap to restore the accord. Iran did not accept it. Still, Iran hawks in Congress and outside critics of the 2015 nuclear deal have criticized the new arrangement. Former Vice President Mike Pence and the ranking Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Sen. Jim Risch, as well as former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, have all compared the money transfer to paying a ransom and said the Biden administration is encouraging Iran to continue taking prisoners. WILL THE U.S. RELEASE IRANIAN PRISONERS HELD IN AMERICA? On Friday, Irans Foreign Ministry made a point of bringing up those prisoners. American officials have declined to comment on who or how many Iranian prisoners might be released in a final agreement. But Iranian media in the past identified several prisoners with cases tied to violations of U.S. export laws and restrictions on doing business with Iran. Those alleged violations include the transfer of money through Venezuela and sales of dual-use equipment that the U.S. says could be used in Irans military and nuclear programs. DOES THIS MEAN IRAN-U.S. TENSIONS ARE EASING? No. Outside of the tensions over the nuclear deal and Iran's atomic ambitions, a series of attacks and ship seizures in the Mideast have been attributed to Tehran since 2019. The Pentagon is considering a plan to put U.S. troops on board to guard commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of all oil shipments pass moving out of the Persian Gulf. A major deployment of U.S. sailors and Marines, alongside F-35s, F-16s and other aircraft, is also underway in the region. Meanwhile, Iran supplies Russia with the bomb-carrying drones Moscow uses to target sites in Ukraine amid its war on Kyiv. VP Kamala Harris said today that she and President Joe Biden will not go to Maui after the wildfires that have killed at least 55 people and left thousands homeless, because they dont want to distract from the rescue efforts, CSPAN reported. FILE PHOTO: U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks with Mongolias Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai at her ceremonial office, in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, on the White House campus in Washington, U.S., August 2, 2023. REUTERS/Kevin Wurm/File Photo(REUTERS) Harris told reporters that they are deeply concerned about the fire that destroyed a historic town and forced many people to escape into the ocean. She said they are sending federal resources to help the victims and the first responders, but they dont want to take away their focus by being there. We dont want to distract from the resources that need to go in to the victims of this tragedy, and of course the needs of the first responders have to be able to focus on that issue and not worry about focusing on us [because] were there, Harris said before flying to Chicago on Air Force Two. We are coordinating federal resources to swiftly get there to support the work in terms of recovery, but to just support the folks on the ground. It is tragic, the VP added. ALSO READ| Maui resident Jason Mamoa 'devastated' after destruction, seeks help Biden declared a federal disaster for the islands on Thursday, CNN said. The federal government also sent food and water for 5,000 people for five days, according to the outlet. A truck carrying supplies for people affected by the West Maui wildfires is stuck in heavy traffic after officials allowed residents and tourists back into the area, in Maalaea, Maui, Hawaii, U.S. August 11, 2023. REUTERS/Marco Garcia(REUTERS) But, the situation is still dire, as officials estimate that at least 1,000 people are still missing, KTVU FOX 2 reported. Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen told the TODAY Show on Friday that the death toll will likely rise, as the current count only includes those found outside of buildings. He said they are waiting for FEMA to search the burned-out structures. The power and communication outages are also making it hard for rescue and relief efforts. Lauren Henrie, a communications consultant for Maui Rescue Mission, told CNN that West Maui is completely cut off from communication and power. We as a local nonprofit are not able to even access anything west of Maalaea. West Maui is completely cut off from communication and power, Henrie said. ALSO READ| Horrific video from Hawaii's Maui captures residents jumping into ocean to escape: Watch We are looking at years, years of recovery here, she added. While Biden and Harris decided not to visit Maui, Oprah Winfrey was seen helping at a relief shelter. The media mogul, who has a residence in Maui, donated supplies and talked with displaced residents at the War Memorial Stadium in Wailuku Thursday. YEREVAN, AUGUST 12, ARMENPRESS. Deputy Minister of Justice Karen Karapetyan has held a meeting with members of NGOs representing the Armenian refugees and forcibly displaced persons from Soviet Azerbaijan, Nakhijevan and Nagorno-Karabakh in 1988-1992, as well as during and after the 2020 war. Karapetyan and the NGO representatives discussed issues related to the legal status of the Armenian refugees and forcibly displaced persons and their right of return, the ministry said in a press release. The purpose of the meeting was to identify the legal issues that the refugees and forcibly displaced persons are currently facing. Issues related to their legal status, housing, compensations, social guarantees, and the right of return were discussed. The NGOs also presented their concerns regarding the processes taking place in the direction of resolving the status. The participants of the meetings were comprehensively briefed on the interstate complaints filed against Azerbaijan, other international legal processes and future steps. The ministry noted the recommendations made by the representatives of the NGOs in order to find solutions within the framework of its jurisdiction. An agreement was reached to continue meetings. 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. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh has responded to the article of the Russian "Kommersant". The article titled Artsakh vs. Karabakh, citing an unnamed source in Russian state structures, informed about a proposal from the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to first open the road through Aghdam and then resume the movement through the Lachin Corridor. August 12, 2023, 09:25 Azerbaijani consistently attempt to sever the deep-rooted ties between Artsakh and Armenia STEPANAKERT, AUGUST 12, ARTSAKHPRESS: The Artsakh Foreign Ministry, in response to media question, has responded to the Kommersant article: - The Republic of Artsakh has consistently maintained a principled stance in addressing the acute humanitarian crisis stemming from the unlawful blockade of the Lachin Corridor by Azerbaijan. This stance is firmly grounded in both the provisions outlined in the Trilateral Statement of 9 November 2020, specifically Article 6 of which clearly defines the operational parameters and regime of the Lachin Corridor, as well as the principles of international humanitarian law. It should be noted that any initiatives which seek to link the use of the Lachin Corridor, and that in a restricted manner, with unrelated matters or alternative routes, including through Aghdam, are essentially attempts to legitimise Azerbaijan's breach of its international commitments concerning the Lachin Corridor and to call into question the Trilateral Statement signed by their country's president on 9 November 2020. This approach, put forward by Azerbaijan, intentionally infringes upon the rights and dignity of the people of Artsakh and stands in contradiction to the norms of international humanitarian law and human rights law. We reiterate that the proposal regarding the use of alternative transportation routes is part of Azerbaijan's policy aimed at exploiting the humanitarian catastrophe it has created and the threat of hunger as a weapon and a means to forcefully subjugate Artsakh and its people. It should be also noted that the proposal from the Azerbaijani side essentially aims to restrict the use of the Lachin Corridor solely for the evacuation of patients in need of medical treatment in Armenia, and possibly for extremely limited imports from Armenia into Artsakh, subject to approval from Baku. By refusing to fully ensure safe and unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions and proposing alternative routes, the Azerbaijani authorities consistently attempt to sever the deep-rooted ties between the people of Artsakh and Armenia, with the intention of depriving them of their identity, self-sufficiency, and developmental opportunities. This initiative also seeks to undermine the concept of the Lachin Corridor, a key element of a comprehensive, fair and dignified conflict resolution. It's worth highlighting that neither the provisions of the Trilateral Statement of 9 November 2020, nor the decisions of the International Court of Justice dated 22 February and 6 July 2023, envision any Azerbaijani presence in the Lachin Corridor or any limitations on the movement of persons, vehicles and cargo in both directions. It is noteworthy that on 28 February 2023, while in Baku, the Russian Foreign Minister confirmed that the establishment of checkpoints in the Lachin Corridor was not envisaged by the Trilateral Statement. Governor Announces Equitable Expansion of Electric Vehicle Rebate Program BOSTON The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced substantial changes to the Massachusetts Offers Rebates for Electric Vehicles Program (MOR-EV Program), which provides rebates for the purchase or lease of light-, medium-, and heavy-duty battery electric and fuel cell electric vehicles (EVs). These changes aim to support greater adoption of EVs in Massachusetts, including new rebate programs for income-qualifying Massachusetts residents. "This significant expansion of the MOR-EV Program will make electric vehicles more affordable and accessible for residents of all income levels," said Governor Maura Healey. "Residents will now be able to get their rebates the day they buy their car, instead of waiting for the funds to come in. And income-eligible folks will now be able to get additional rebates, including for used vehicles. This is a great development in our efforts toward an equitable clean energy transition." In addition to the existing $3,500 rebates for EVs, the new MOR-EV program elements include: The launch of rebates at the point-of-sale with participating dealers; $3500 rebate for used EVs for income-qualifying residents; $1,500 rebate adder for income-qualifying residents called MOR-EV+ that is in addition to the standard rebate for new or used electric vehicles; and Increased rebates for certain light-duty pickup trucks. The MOR-EV+ and MOR-EV Used rebates are retroactive to November 10, 2022 for any income-qualifying residents who purchased new or used EVs on or after that date. "Reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector is critical to meeting our climate goals, and we are excited that our expanded MOR-EV program will provide greater access to electric vehicles for more Massachusetts drivers," said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. "MOR-EV is forward-looking and brings Massachusetts one step closer to phasing out expensive, volatile fossil fuels and transportation pollution that disproportionately impacts environmental justice communities." Through the MOR-EV program administrator, the Center for Sustainable Energy, the Commonwealth has initiated a culturally competent outreach program to more effectively reach Environmental Justice communities, income-qualifying residents, and limited English proficiency residents with targeted information about available electric vehicle rebates. The MOR-EV website includes translation capabilities, with the option to translate into Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, Vietnamese and Chinese. Launched in 2014, the Massachusetts Offers Rebates for Electric Vehicles (MOR-EV) program is an education and rebate program funded by the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) and administered by the Center for Sustainable Energy. The program aims to increase the number of zero emissions vehicles on roadways and reduce Massachusetts transportation sector greenhouse gas emissions. As of July 1, 2023, MOR-EV rebates are for battery electric and fuel cell electric vehicles only. Since June 2014, the MOR-EV Program has issued nearly $72 million in rebates for passenger vehicles, incentivizing the purchase of more than 32,000 electric vehicles as of the end of June 2023. iciHaiti - Port-de-Paix : Towards the construction of a new modern cemetery The Town Hall of Port-de-Paix informs the general public that the municipal council, led by Mayor Josue Alusma, has chosen the public space of the Salin 6th section of Polen Lakon, municipality of Port-de-Paix as a site for public utility. The area of approximately 27,000 m will be used for the construction of the new modern municipal cemetery with more services. Note that the old cemetery can no longer receive new cellars or tombs because it has no more space. The municipal administration is making every effort to complete the new cemetery project in a short period of time. IH/ iciHaiti iciHaiti - Insecurity : A member of the 5 Seconds gang and his wife arrested During a routine check in Dumez, at the entrance to the city of Jacmel, the National Police of Haiti (PNH) arrested Jean Baptiste Johnny (30 years old) from Marbial, a neighborhood of the commune of Jacmel. During his arrest, Jean Baptiste Johnny was on board a minibus, accompanied by his wife Yvena Pierre and had in his possession a firearm, caliber 9mm, equipped with several cartridges. The weapon he held is the property of the PNH and was at the disposal of an administrative employee attacked at his home, in Delmas 33, by three armed individuals, on June 2022. During their first hearing, Jeana's wife admitted that her husband was a member of the "5 seconds" gang, operating at the southern entrance to Port-au-Prince. IH/ iciHaiti Prominent genocide scholars have submitted an open letter to the UN Secretary-General, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Special Adviser of the UN Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide, and Member States of the UN Security Council regarding the potential for genocide in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh). August 12, 2023, 09:46 Prominent genocide experts call on for immediate UN intervention in Artsakh STEPANAKERT, AUGUST 12, ARTSAKHPRESS: Below is the full letter: H.E. Antonio Guterres UN Secretary-General, Mr. Volker Turk UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms. Alice Wairimu Nderitu Special Adviser of the UN Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide, UN Security Council Member States 9 August 2023 We, the undersigned scholars and experts on genocide, are writing to you with an overwhelming sense of urgency and concern about the potential for genocide in the Republic of Artsakh (also known as the Nagorno Karabakh Republic). As scholars deeply engaged in the study of genocide, we bear witness to the horrors of history, rigorously analyze past and present atrocities, working to prevent new genocides from occurring. Presently, we find ourselves profoundly concerned by the emergence of unmistakable warning signs of genocide in Artsakh. The most significant risk factor is the unlawful blockade of the Lachin Corridor, which serves as the vital link connecting Artsakh to Armenia. Since December 2022, the Lachin Corridor, the sole lifeline connecting the Artsakh population to the outside world, has been unlawfully blockaded by Azerbaijani authorities. This distressing situation reached a critical juncture on June 15, 2023, when Azerbaijan sealed off this vital road, subjecting the Republic of Artsakh and its 120,000 residents to a dire state of siege. For the past two months, Artsakh has been forcibly deprived of its ability to access essential supplies such as food, medicine, and other critical goods. Even humanitarian relief efforts conducted by Russian peacekeepers and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) have been obstructed, exacerbating an already grave humanitarian crisis. The escalating humanitarian crisis has prompted the ICRC, the sole international organization with a presence on the ground, to issue a grave alert. In a public statement released on July 25 (https://www.icrc.org/en/document/azerbaijan-armenia-sides-must-reach-humanitarian-consensus-to-ease-suffering), the ICRC unequivocally documented thatThe civilian population is now facing a lack of life-saving medication and essentials like hygiene products and baby formula. Fruits, vegetables, and bread are increasingly scarce and costly, while some other food items such as dairy products, sunflower oil, cereal, fish, and chicken are not available. Furthermore, the Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect has issued an alarming atrocity alert for Nagorno Karabakh(https://www.globalr2p.org/publications/atrocity-alert-no-358/), highlighting the persistent risk of enduring mass atrocity crimes. Considering the aforementioned circumstances and drawing upon additional pertinent information provided by various impartial organizations, human rights organisations, and other relevant stakeholders, we, as experts in the field of genocide studies, hold the view that compelling indicators exist that in the absence of prompt and resolute action, a genocide targeting the ethnic Armenian population of Artsakh is a looming possibility. The prevention of genocide and safeguarding vulnerable populations stand as fundamental obligations of the global community, as underscored by the United Nations Charter and the Genocide Convention of 1948, along with subsequent pledges undertaken by international actors. Guided by these principles, we strongly urge member states and UN bodies to promptly and resolutely step forward, exercising their responsibility to forestall any additional loss of innocent lives and preclude the occurrence of large-scale atrocities. Specifically, we call upon the United Nations to activate its early warning mechanism, as stipulated within its mandates, to expeditiously address the tangible and imminent threat of genocide in Artsakh. We urge a concerted international effort to bring this grave situation to the attention of the UN Security Council. The Security Council should take decisive action to avert the progression of genocide by urgently removing the blockade on the Lachin Corridor, thereby reinstating unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles, and cargo along this life-supporting corridor in both directions. Security Council action should also support of the Provisional Measures order of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) of 22 February 2023 (reaffirmed 6 July 2023), which ordered Azerbaijan to take all measures at its disposal to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions. A Provisional Measures order is binding, and Azerbaijan remains in breach of its international law obligations by not complying with the ICJs order. Furthermore, we urge that the UN establish and send a fact-finding mission to Artsakh for a thorough analysis of data, on-site reporting, and engagement with local communities and organizations to identify and eliminate the consequences of the ongoing crime. The prevention of genocide requires a collective effort, a unified resolve, and unwavering commitment from the international community. We urge the United Nations and its bodies to prioritize the prevention of genocide in Artsakh and take decisive action to protect the lives and dignity of thousands of innocent people. Time is of the essence. We urge you to act swiftly and decisively, guided by the principles of the United Nations and the mandate to protect humanity from the scourge of genocide. Respectfully signed, Melanie O'Brien, Associate Professor of International Law, University of Western Australia; and President of the International Association of Genocide Scholars Henry C. Theriault, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs at Worcester State University, Past President of the International Association of Genocide Scholars (2017-2021) Andrew Woolford, Professor, Head of Department of Sociology and Criminology, University of Manitoba, Past President of the International Association of Genocide Scholars (2015-2017) Israel Charny, Director of the Institute on the Holocaust and Genocide in Jerusalem, Past President of the International Association of Genocide Scholars (2005-2007) Armen Marsoobian, Professor of Philosophy, Southern Connecticut State University, Past First Vice President of the International Association of Genocide Scholars (2019-23) Elisa von Joeden-Forgey, Chair of Department of Holocaust and Genocide Studies, Keene State College, Past First Vice President of the International Association of Genocide Scholars (2015-17) Herve Georgelin, Assistant Professor, Department of Turkish Studies and Modern Asian Studies, National and Capodistrian University of Athens Dr. Vasileios Meichanetsidis, Greek Genocide scholar Get our free weekly email for all the latest cinematic news from our film critic Clarisse Loughrey Get our The Life Cinematic 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 The Life Cinematic email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The group of local hikers who found the body of British actor Julian Sands in Californias Mount Baldy region have spoken about the discovery for the first time. The 65-year-olds remains were discovered in late June more than five months after he failed to return from a hike on 13 January. Coroners recently ruled Sands cause of death as undetermined. An extensive search was launched for Sands, who was an avid hiker, but it was hampered by poor weather conditions that lasted through spring. The hikers told the LA Times that they first discovered a boot, then hiking poles, before stumbling upon the actors remains. It was surreal, Bill Dwyer, one of the hikers, said. They declined media requests out of respect for Sandss family but agreed to speak to the Times in order to educate others about the dangers of hiking and the necessity of proper equipment. He was dressed like a ninja, one of the hikers said, noting that bright colours are encouraged to help hikers stand out to rescuers if they are in trouble. In addition, the hikers noticed that Sands was wearing microspike shoes, not crampons, which would have provided more grip on the steep, icy terrain that the actor was facing. Julian Sands (AFP via Getty Images) I was a little shocked to see the microspikes, Dwyer said. They were just the wrong tools for the job at hand. There was also no sign of a helmet or an ice axe, they said. During the time of Sandss disappearance, much of California had been pounded by severe winter storms, leading to the deaths and disappearances of multiple other hikers. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 6.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 6.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free While Sands had his cellphone, the Mt Baldy region rarely offers hikers signal and those who found him were able to call for help using a GPS device, which Sands did not have. A week before his remains were found, Sandss family released a statement saying they were continuing to keep him in our hearts with bright memories. We are deeply grateful to the search teams and coordinators who have worked tirelessly to find Julian, the statement, issued by the sheriffs department, read. We continue to hold Julian in our hearts with bright memories of him as a wonderful father, husband, explorer, lover of the natural world and the arts, and as an original and collaborative performer. Throughout his life, Sands appeared in more than 150 films and TV series, including several Oscar winners. Julian is wild and never contained by rules or boundaries, a close friend of Sands told The Independent after his disappearance. Hes a Byronesque romantic and an adventurer drawn to the extremes of nature, relishing the freedom of mountains, which he conquers all over the world. He was best known for his role in the 1985 Merchant Ivory romance A Room with a View, opposite Helena Bonham Carter. He is survived by his wife, the writer Evgenia Citkowitz, and their two sons; and another son, Henry, whom he shares with his first wife, journalist and editor Sarah Sands (nee Harvey). Get our free weekly email for all the latest cinematic news from our film critic Clarisse Loughrey Get our The Life Cinematic 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 The Life Cinematic email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A new horror film about Draculas journey to London is being praised by horror masters Stephen King and Guillermo del Toro. Countless directors and writers have shared their interpretations of the legendary character over the years, from Francis Ford Coppola with Bram Stokers Dracula in 1992 to Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat with their 2020 BBC series. Fans of the vampire myth will be excited to learn that the film, The Last Voyage of the Demeter, is an adaptation of the seventh chapter of Bram Stokers 1897 novel, titled Captains Log. It chronicles the fate of the doomed merchant ship the Demeter, on its voyage from the Black Sea port of Varna to Whitby, England. Directed by Andre vredal,The Last Voyage of.the Demeter stars Liam Cunningham, Corey Hawkins, Aisling Franciosi and Oppenheimer actor David Dastmalchian. Javier Botet joins the ranks of actors to have played Dracula alongside Bela Lugosi, Christopher Lee, Gary Oldman and, more recently, Claes Bang. Reviews of the film are now sailing in. Sharing his verdict, Stephen King, the man behind classics including It, The Shining and Carrie, wrote: I was doubtful about THE LAST VOYAGE OF THE DEMETER, but its a throat-ripping good time. It reminded me of the best of the Hammer movies from the Sixties and Seventies. Guillermo del Toro, whose credits include Pans Labyrinth and The Shape of Water, wrote: I enjoyed Last Voyage of the Demeter so much: gorgeous, lavish and savage!! The film currently has a 51 per cent criticss score on Rotten Tomatoes, with a higher audience score of 74 per cent. The Last Voyage of the Demeter (Universal Pictures) The Last Voyage of the Demeter is out now in the US. Other actors in the film include Woody Norman, Chris Walley, Stefan Kapicic and Nicolo Pasetti. There is currently no UK release date. Sign up to Roisin OConnors free weekly newsletter Now Hear This for the inside track on all things music Get our Now Hear This email for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Roisin OConnors email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The 1975 are being asked to pay 2m in damages for allegedly breaking contract terms during a controversial show in Malaysia. Last month, the British bands performance at Good Vibes Festival in Kuala Lumpur was cut short when frontman Matt Healy kissed bassist Ross MacDonald while criticising the countrys anti-LGBT+ laws, under which homosexual acts are illegal. Malaysias government called the band extremely rude, adding that they would not be permitted to perform in the country again. Communications minister Fahmi Fadzil said that the government had called the organisers of the festival, which was then cancelled outright. Future Sounds Asia (FSA), organisers of the festival, alleged that the band had given a pre-show written assurance they would adhere to all local guidelines and regulations and should acknowledge their liability and compensate FSA for damages incurred. FSA claimed that Healy was to blame for the event cancellation due to his abusive language, equipment damage and indecent stage behaviour, and the organisations lawyers confirmed to PA that they are asking for 2,099,154.54 to be paid in compensation. Ticketholders missed out on sets from artists including The Kid Laroi and The Strokes. The claim against The 1975 is essentially for breach of contract, said David Mathew, legal counsel for FSA. They entered into a binding contract with Future Sound Asia to perform and the position of Future Sound Asia, among others, is that this contractual obligation was breached. Further, Mr Healys representative categorically provided a pre-show written assurance that Mr Healy and The 1975s live performance shall adhere to all local guidelines and regulations during their set in Malaysia. Unfortunately, the assurance was ignored. Mr Matthew added: Future Sound Asia is taking action in response to The 1975s breach of contract. Their actions have had repercussions on local artists and small businesses, who relied on the festival for creative opportunities and their livelihoods. In this connection, Future Sound Asia wishes to move forward in a way that will give the Malaysian community affected some closure. 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 Matty Healy kissed bandmate Ross MacDonald in protest against Malaysias anti-LGBT+ laws (Getty Images) The FSA previously said if the final warning is not addressed, then legal proceedings in English courts will begin. Following the incident, the Malaysian Ministry of Communications and Digital said that The 1975 had been blacklisted under a body that oversees foreign artists playing in Malaysia. The 1975 then cancelled two tour dates, at the We the Fest in Jakarta, Indonesia, and at the Taipei Music Centre in Taiwan. The Independent has contacted Healy for comment. Additional reporting by Agencies 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 }} Taiwan vice president William Lai is expected to make a stopover in the US later today on his way to the inauguration ceremony of Paraguays president, spurring fears of a retaliation from China. Mr Lai, who is also the front-runner for the islands presidential elections this January, will stop in New York on 12 August on his way to Paraguay and in San Francisco on 16 August on his way back to Taiwan, his office had announced earlier in the month. Both Taipei and Washington have attempted to downplay the meeting by calling it routine and suggesting there is no cause for China to react in a provocative manner. But Beijing has already responded with anger at what it sees as a further sign of US support for Taiwan, which it claims as a breakaway Chinese province. On Friday Chinas Maritime Safety Administration announced in a notice that it would be conducting military drills in the East China Sea for three days, starting on Saturday. It said no vessels would be allowed to enter the drill area, which is in waters along the coast of its eastern city Ningbo. Responding to the announcement, Taiwans Ministry of National Defense said it would monitor the drill as it urged people to remain calm as China attempts to damage peace and stability. Mr Lai took to social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, saying he was "excited to meet with US friends in transit" and to be going to Paraguay, one of just 13 countries to maintain formal ties with Taipei. Laura Rosenberger, chair of the Virginia-based American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), a US government-run non-profit that carries out unofficial relations with Taiwan, responded on X that AIT was looking forward to welcoming him "during his transit en route to Paraguay". Both sides have so far not disclosed the exact details of his visit. Beijing particularly dislikes Mr Lai, who has in the past described himself as a "practical worker for Taiwan independence". The vice president has, however, repeatedly said during the election campaign he does not seek to change the status quo. Earlier, the vice presidents office had said that the transit arranged for Mr Lai was based on the principles of comfort, safety, convenience and dignity. "This should not create discomfort for other parties or become an excuse to deepen conflict," deputy foreign minister Alexander Yui had said on 2 August. Additional reporting by agencies 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 investigation has been launched into the death of a Pakistani porter near the peak of the worlds most treacherous mountain. Base camp porter Mohammed Hassan, a 27-year-old father of three, slipped and fell off a narrow trail in a particularly dangerous area of K2 known as the bottleneck. It comes following allegations that dozens of climbers eager to reach the summit of K2, the worlds second-highest peak, had walked past the man after he was gravely injured by falling off a ledge. Karrar Haidri, the secretary of the Pakistan Alpine Club, announced that an investigation has been launched into the death of Hassan, who died on 27 July. The investigation is being conducted by officials in the Gilgit-Baltistan region which has jurisdiction over K2, Mr Haidri added. It comes as two other climbers who were on K2 that day, Austrian Wilhelm Steindl and German Philip Flaemig, claim they saw people stepping over the gravely injured man instead of coming to his rescue. The pair had aborted their climb due to difficult weather conditions, but said they reconstructed the events later by reviewing drone footage. Mr Steindl alleged that the porter could have been saved if the other climbers had given up attempts to reach the summit. Anwar Syed, the head of Lela Peak Expedition, the company handling Harilas expedition, said Hassan died about 150m (490ft) below the summit. He said several people tried to help, providing oxygen and warmth, to no avail. Mr Syed said that because of the bottlenecks dangerous conditions, it would not be possible to retrieve Hassans body and hand it to his family. He added that his company had provided money to Hassans family and would continue to help. Norwegian climber Kristin Harila, left, and her Nepali sherpa guide Tenjen Sherpa, right, who climbed the world's 14 tallest mountains in record time (AP) When asked about Hassans apparent lack of equipment, Mr Syed said the expedition company pays money for porters to buy gear, and that Hassan was paid the agreed-upon amount. Mr Flaemig alleged in an interview with the Austrian newspaper Der Standard that Hassan had no high-altitude experience. The German climber added: He wasnt equipped properly. He did not have experience. He was a base camp porter and for the first time was picked to be a high-altitude porter. He wasnt qualified for this. Mr Steindl visited Hassans family and set up a crowd-funding campaign. After three days, donations reached more than 114,000 (98,468) by Saturday. I saw the suffering of the family, Mr Steindl said, the widow told me that her husband did all this so that his children would have a chance in life so that they could go to school. The events overshadowed a record established by Norwegian climber Kristin Harila and her guide Tenjin. By climbing K2 that day, they became the worlds fastest climbers, scaling the worlds 14 highest mountains in 92 days. Norwegian mountaineer details how team tried to save dying porters life after K2 fall (Sky News) In an Instagram post on Friday, Ms Harila wrote that she felt angry at how many people have been blaming others for this tragic death and that no one was at fault. She told Sky News that Hassan had been dangling from a rope, head down, after his fall at the bottleneck, which she described as probably the most dangerous part of K2. After about an hour, her team was able to pull him back onto the trail, Ms Harila added. At some point, she and another person from her team decided to continue to the top while another team member stayed with Hassan, giving him warm water and oxygen from his own mask. Ms Harila said she decided to continue moving toward the summit because her forward-fixing team had also run into difficulties. Asked about Hassans gear, Ms Harila said that he did not wear a down suit and he didnt have gloves, nor did he have oxygen. We didnt see any sign of either a mask or oxygen tank, she said. Criticising those who had shared footage of Hassans body, she wrote on social media: It is extremely insensitive, and shows no respect for those close to Hassan, and for Hassan himself. He was a person who was important to so many people and he should not just be remembered as a person who passed on K2. 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 }} Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his fiancee Lauren Sanchez are pledging $100m towards relief efforts in Maui after a series of devastating wildfires. Jeff and I are heartbroken by whats happening in Maui. We are thinking of all the families that have lost so much and a community that has been left devastated, Ms Sanchez wrote on Instagram on Friday. The immediate needs are important, and so is the longer term rebuilding that will have to happen even after much of the attention has subsided. Jeff and I are creating a Maui Fund and are dedicating $100 million to help Maui get back on its feet now and over the coming years as the continuing needs reveal themselves. Last year, Mr Bezos reportedly bought a 14-acre estate on La Perouse Bay for $78m, just 20 miles south from the damage zone in the recent wildfires. Jeff Bezos (Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images) The Amazon billionaire isnt the only high-profile figure joining in the relief effort. Television mogul Oprah, who has lived part-time on a sprawling estate in Maui for the last 15 years, visited those sheltering at War Memorial Stadium in Maui on Thursday, handing out supplies she had purchased. Im really pleased to have so many people supporting... bringing what they can and doing what they can, she told reporters during her visit. At least 59 people are dead and an estimated 1,000 are missing after fires, strengthened by drought and hurricane winds, tore through Maui earlier this week. One can safely say we do have wildfires every year but weve always been able to contain them, Governor Josh Green told CNN on Friday. Whether the variables are different this time or not, Ive been in Hawaii for 23 years, but I have never seen the convergence of a fire, a hurricane, and gale force winds at the same time near one of our towns. Over 11,000 people have been evacuated as a result of the fires. On Thursday, the Biden administration declared the wildfires, which burned areas across Maui, Hawaii, and Oahu, a major federal disaster, freeing up additional relief resources. On behalf of Powers Library in Moravia and the Powers Library Board, we would like to thank Kinney Drugs in Moravia, Groton Bank Moravia branch, Sierenga Suds in Moravia, and Wegman's in Auburn for their generous donations for our family movie night on July 28th. We always appreciate the support of our local businesses in partnering with us to enhance programs and events in our community, and give everyone an extra reason to come and enjoy our library. The outdoor family movie night has become an annual event that the library director and board enjoy hosting at the library, and we want you to know how much your support is appreciated. Thank you! 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 }} Earlier this week, rapidly moving wildfires knocked out phone service on Maui, preventing the usual local coconut wireless network of neighbours informing each other of the latest news from warning residents on the island they were in danger, according to Hawaii Governor Josh Green. Normally, we would phone cal one another, and through whats often called the coconut wireless, where everyone speaks to everyone else in their community, we would know right away that there was danger, he told CNN on Friday. That communication was cut off by the destruction of essentially 1000 degree heat that was coming down the mountain. According to records from emergency management officials on the island, the states 400 emergency warning sirens didnt trigger as fires sped towards the historic town of Lahaina this week, The Associated Press reports. An aerial image taken on August 10, 2023 shows destroyed homes and buildings burned to the ground in Lahaina in the aftermath of wildfires in western Maui, Hawaii (AFP via Getty Images) The govenor said on Friday hes authorised a full review to ascertain exactly what happened and when with the alert system. Next week, and starting tomorrow, well see a lot more certainty about how many individuals have perished, he added on CNN. [Hawaii] is also rural and the most isolated land mass in the planet, he said, which means you dont have access immediately to poles when you want to get electricity fixed all the time. You dont have access to all of the workforce that you might expect. At least 67 people have died in the Hawaiian wildfires, according to officials. An estimated 1,000 people may be missing, according to the Hawaiian Department of Defense, though they cautioned yesterday that that figure is unconfirmed. Over 11,000 people have been evacuated as a result of the fires. On Thursday, the Biden administration declared the wildfires, which burned areas across Maui, Hawaii, and Oahu, a major federal disaster, freeing up additional relief resources. More than 1,000 structures have been burned in the fires, according to officials. The fires have caused particular damage on Maui, where much of the historic town of Lahiana was burnt to the ground. The disaster is among the worst in state history, with the death toll now greater than the 61 people who died in a 1961 tsunami. Close Wildfire roars through Hawaiis historic Lahaina 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 }} At least 114 people have lost their lives in the devastating Maui wildfires as first responders continue searching for 1,000 missing in the fire-ravaged town. The search to find and identify victims remains painstakingly slow only 10 victims so far killed in the fires have been identified. Hawaii governor Josh Green estimates that 3,000 buildings and homes burned to the ground or were damaged and that losses are nearly $6bn. The head of the Maui Emergency Management Agency resigned on Thursday after officials came under increased scrutiny over the response to the devastating wildfires. Herman Andaya submitted his resignation just one day after he defended his decision of not using outdoor alert sirens before the fires overwhelmed the historic community of Lahaina. Mr Andaya cited unspecified health reasons. Residents are also reporting that investors and realtors are trying to capitalise on the wildfires to purchase land from locals. Were not going to allow it, Mr Green said. 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 }} The number of confirmed deaths from wildfires on the Hawaiian island of Maui has risen to 80, according to officials, and the cost of rebuilding from the devastation has initially been estimated at close to $6bn. The Pacific Disaster Center (PDC) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on Saturday released damage assessment maps of the multiple wildfires in Maui County. According to PDC, as of 11 August 2023, the fire which ripped through the historic coastal town of Lahaina resulted in an estimated total of 2,719 structures exposed; 2,207 structures damaged or destroyed; and 2,170 acres burned. This far exceeds initial reports that 270 structures had been damaged or destroyed. Approximately 86 per cent of buildings exposed to the fire were classified as residential. The total rebuild cost for the popular tourist town is initially projected to be $5.52bn (4.2bn), according to the map and report released this weekend. Elsewhere, in the town of Kula, another 544 structures were damaged and 678 acres burned. The estimated rebuild cost there is $434m (345m), according to the maps. The cause of the fires is still unknown, but dry vegetation and strong winds brought on by Hurricane Dora, a Category 5 storm several hundred miles off the coast, made for the worst possible conditions allowing for the explosive spread of the flames. Survivors say they received no warning of the impending danger, despite Hawaii boasting a state-of-the-art siren alert system. Hawaii emergency management records show no record that the states 400 warning sirens were triggered before Tuesdays wildfires, according to the Associated Press. Residents in Lahaina died as they tried to flee in cars, others were trapped in their homes, and dozens more had to leap into the ocean. A spokesperson for the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency told the AP that alerts were sent to mobile phones, television and radio stations, but downed power and cell phone coverage may have limited their reach. Exposure to Lahaina Fire Maui County, Hawaii, 11 August 2023. (PDC) The wildfires had moved from brush to inhabited areas so quickly that it was impossible to get word to the emergency management agencies responsible for alerts, Maui Fire Department chief Brad Ventura said. County of Maui officials confirmed the number of confirmed fatalities had risen to 80, up from the previous figure of 67. Governor Josh Green had previously warned the death toll would likely rise as search and rescue operations continue. Authorities set a curfew from 10pm until 6am on Saturday. The recoverys going to be extraordinarily complicated, but we do want people to get back to their homes and just do what they can to assess safely because its pretty dangerous, Mr Green told Hawaii News Now. Firefighters continue working to extinguish flare-ups and contain fires in Lahaina, Pulehu, Kihei and Upcountry Maui, according to the latest update from county officials. Police are restricting access into West Maui but one highway remains open for vehicles leaving Lahaina. The historic Lahaina town area remains barricaded, with people warned to stay away due to hazards including toxic particles from areas that continue to smoulder. Cadaver-sniffing dogs were deployed to search for the dead, Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen Jr said. Many hundreds are still unaccounted for and widespread disruption to electricity and cell phone signal are hampering efforts to locate people. Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Independent Climate email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A mudslide caused by torrential rains from tropical storm Khanun has killed at least two people on the outskirts of Xian in western China, as rescuers search for 16 more people missing. Roads, bridges and power supplies have been damaged by the heavy downpour, along with disruption to at least 20 passenger train services. Trains in Shenyang, the biggest city in Chinas north-east, and surrounding Liaoning province were suspended starting on Saturday, as remnants of the powerful storm lashed the region. A state of emergency was also declared in nine municipalities in Russia as authorities ordered evacuations in parts of the countrys Far East flooded in the aftermath of the typhoon. After lashing southern Japan earlier this week, Khanun weakened to a tropical depression as it crossed into North Korea on Friday from South Korea on its way to China. Parts of China suffer heavy rains and flooding every summer, but this year has been unusually severe in some areas, while other regions struggle with drought that is damaging crops. The meteorological bureau of Jilin province predicted heavy rain in seven cities, as it warned that central and southern parts of the province would be more severely hit, reported Xinhua. These areas are likely to see a maximum of 40mm per hour, said the bureau. So far, about 23,000 people have been evacuated from the north-eastern city of Shulan in Jilin province. There were no immediate reports of deaths in the area. A total of 142 people nationwide were killed by flooding, landslides and mountain torrents in July, according to the ministry of emergency management. Flood alerts have also been issued in Heilongjiang Province, as the water levels in six rivers surpassed the flood alarms. Meanwhile, in Russia, at least 32 settlements were cut off while 543 houses and large stretches of roads flooded, according to official estimates. "The water is quickly rising in the riverside parts of the (Spassk-Dalny) city," the Primorye government said, while evacuation efforts were in place in the cities of Ussuriysk and Spassk-Dalny in Primorye. The Spassovka and Kuleshovka rivers cross the territory of Spassk-Dalny, a city of just over 44,000 people. Evacuations were also in place in parts of Ussuriysk, a city of more than 150,000 people about 100km north of Vladivostok, where a dam built to contain floods was breached, officials said. Additional reporting by agencies 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 }} Elsa Pataky has amusingly attempted to lift Chris Hemsworths spirits about entering his 40s. The Spanish model took to Instagram to settle her husbands uneasiness about entering the new stage of his life with a bit of banter. On 11 August, the Australian actor posted a string of selfies of him digging into the two birthday cakes in front of him. His caption read: Thank you for all the birthday wishes! Another lap around sun and still goin strong! I can safely say not a single piece of cake made it through the night. In a single photo posted to Patakys page, the couple could be seen side-by-side with Hemsworth covering his mouth as if he was in shock. Thats exactly the face I made when I turned 40 my love. But dont worry, its gonna be ok, she wrote. Ill be here for you to hold your hand and give you all my beauty secrets even if you look better than ever. Happy birthday. The Fast Five star celebrated her own big milestone last month. While Pataky approached her husband of 13 years with a witty birthday wish, Hemsworth chose to send her a warm message from the heart on her 40th birthday. Next to footage of Pataky blowing out her candles, Hemsworth wrote: Happy birthday to my partner in crime, love you always, heres to many more. Pataky and Hemsworth were first introduced in 2010 and married by December of that year, just three months after making their relationship offical. They tied the knot over the holidays in Australia. Now, the pair share their daughter India, 11, and twin nine-year-old sons Sasha and Tristan. The Thor actor, like many others, has taken a step back from work to join the SAG-AFTRA protests. These are challenging times for so many in our industry and I stand in solidarity with my fellow actors in #SAGAftra who are striking for a better future, he stated in his 19 July Instagram post. 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 woman who exited an American Airlines flight after a tirade about a passenger who she claimed was not real has spoken about the viral incident for the first time. In the viral video, which circulated after the 2 July incident, the woman could be seen screaming at fellow passengers about her reasons for exiting the plane while standing in the aisle of the aircraft. Im telling you, Im getting the f*** off, and theres a reason why Im getting the f*** off, she could be heard yelling as she walked up the plane aisle. And everyone can either believe it or they can not believe it. I dont give two f***s. But I am telling you right now, that motherf***er back there is not real. On Tuesday 7 August, the woman was identified as Tiffany Gomas, a 38-year-old marketing executive who lives in Dallas, Texas, by The New York Post, which reviewed police documents of the incident. According to the outlet, the incident, which took place aboard a flight from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, to Orlando, Florida, and which forced the plane to return to the gate, was reportedly sparked over Gomas missing AirPods. Gomas has now broken her silence over the tirade, with the 38-year-old speaking to the Daily Mail from her $1.6m home in the Lakewood neighbourhood of Dallas. According to Gomas, who Insider reports was listed as the owner of Uppercut Marketing, LLC, an advertising firm, on a since-deleted LinkedIn, her life has been blown up since videos of her profanity-filled plane rant went viral last month. My life has been blown up. Its frightening. Things go viral and everything changes, Gomas told the outlet, adding: No one knows anyone elses story, and no one should judge. No one knows what its like. Gomas also alleged that she has been the subject of intense scrutiny since the incident, with the 38-year-old claiming: Theyre staking out my house. Theyre staking out my neighbours. Theyre going through my mail. She did not specify who she meant. The marketing executive also claimed that so much of whats out there is inaccurate, but declined to elaborate further, according to the Daily Mail. As she was exiting the plane, Gomas told passengers: And you can sit on this plane and you can f***ing die with them or not. Im not going to. The comments prompted concern from flight attendants, who felt the aircraft needed to be rescreened, according to police documents reviewed by The New York Post. The female then started claiming the aircraft was not safe and did not want the aircraft to leave due to her believing it would not make it to its destination, the 2 July complaint states. The other passengers aboard the flight were then forced to exit the plane so they could be screened through security again, The New York Post reported, adding: TSA personnel arrived at the scene to conduct a full rescreening of the aircraft after Gomas comments. The complaint also reportedly states that Gomas was distraught by the time officers arrived at the gate and was attempting to board the plane again. She then reportedly refused to speak to Dallas-Fort Worth Department of Public Safety police. Gomas was allegedly given a verbal criminal trespass notice by the airline manager and told that she was denied boarding and needed to depart the secure area, according to the documents reviewed by the outlet. (TikTok / @knuckelslawncare) However, Gomas continued to try to come back through TSA screening and into the boarding area multiple times, the documents state, noting that she was eventually found sitting on the curb outside the terminal, where she was waiting for an Uber. According to The New York Post, she was given a ticket for criminal trespass notice, which she allegedly refused to sign, and did not show police her ID. The complaint also states that Gomas was never formally arrested or taken into custody. In a statement to The Independent at the time, a spokesperson for American Airlines confirmed the incident had taken place aboard a flight from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, to Orlando, Florida, and that the incident involving the disruptive customer had forced the plane to return to the gate. The flight was met at the gate by local law enforcement and the customer was removed from the flight. Safety and security are our top priorities, and we thank our customers for their understanding and our team members for their professionalism in managing a difficult situation, the airline said. Following the viral tirade, which has been widely circulated on social media, Gomas Instagram was made private and her LinkedIn profile was taken down. The Independent has contacted Gomas and the Dallas-Fort Worth Department of Public Safety office for comment. 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 }} Pope Francis on Saturday strongly condemned the unjustifiable assassination of an Ecuadorian presidential candidate and urged all Ecuadorians to work together for peace. History's first Latin American pope sent a telegram of condolence following the brazen assassination of Fernando Villavicencio at a political rally Wednesday in the capital Quito. The killing of a figure whose life work was fighting crime and corruption has focused global attention on Ecuadors wave of violent deaths and the countrys vulnerability to crime. The Argentine Jesuit pope, who visited Ecuador in 2015 in one of the first trips of his pontificate, said he was praying for Villavicencios family and all Ecuadors people. Likewise, in the face of the suffering caused by unjustifiable violence, which he condemns with all his forces, His Holiness calls on all citizens and political forces to join in a common effort in favor of peace, said the telegram, which was signed by the Vatican secretary of state. Ecuador has detained six Colombian men in connection with the slaying. 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 }} Afghans are getting knockback after knockback as they try to find accommodation two years after fleeing to the UK for safety. It comes after the government began a shameful campaign of evicting thousands of Afghan refugees from hotels across Britain. Volunteer Matt Simmons, who is helping those being evicted, described the massive difficulty in trying to find housing for people in the private rental sector. The RAF veteran, 42 said even arranging a viewing for people is a major hurdle let alone then securing the property. Mr Simmons, who did three tours of Afghanistan, told of making up to 30 phone calls a day to enquire about accommodation on behalf of people and getting just one or two viewings. He also highlighted the concern among people since they were given the deadline to move. Theres definitely a lot of anxiety there and a lot of worry, he said. Theyre (Afghans are) looking for people to turn to, to look for support. Theyre asking themselves why are landlords being so difficult? Its hard, you havent really got an answer for them, other than please dont let your morale drop, keep pushing, keep phoning, you will find one, I promise you. Previous figures showed about 8,000 Afghans were still in hotels almost two years on from their evacuation to the UK, with updated numbers due to be published later this month. In July, the government confirmed Afghan refugees had been given their notice to leave hotels known as bridging accommodation by August 31 and were expected to find other places to stay. Amir Hussein Ibrahimi, 24, has been living in a hotel in Southend-on-Sea after coming to the UK under a government scheme to help those who furthered British values in Afghanistan. Amir Hussein Ibrahimi, 24, was told to find somewhere to live by August 8 (Amir Hussein Ibrahimi) He previously told The Independent he was unable to sleep through worry after being given a deadline of August 8 to find somewhere to live and being turned down by 10 landlords. Last week, the Local Government Association (LGA) said as many as one in five Afghan refugees in some parts of England who have been evicted from hotel accommodation had presented to councils as homeless. Mr Simmons set up the community aid organisation Bridge to Unity in the aftermath of the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan in August 2021. He described the efforts of Afghans and organisations helping them to find places to live, saying: We didnt actually comprehend how difficult it would be. We, as part of a coalition of charities, have been phoning round estate agents and landlords. Afghans in hotels the English speakers have been doing the same. And just getting knockback after knockback, he said. The volunteer said he believes there are a number of issues making the situation difficult, including a general shortage of housing accompanied by high demand, plus a pushback from landlords and agents. He said: Its probably a mix of both a lack of housing and the amount of people going for any particular house in an area. Then, also, the pushback from landlords and agents as well, not really understanding Afghans and that they were evacuated by British forces, by the British government, theyve got a right to work, theyve got indefinite leave to remain. He noted a change in tone, from landlords or estate agents, as soon as you say youre speaking on behalf of somebody from Afghanistan and theyre in a hotel. Mr Simmons, who is based in Hampshire, said Afghans who had supported Britain during the conflict there were owed support now in the UK and lamented a lack of on-the-ground resources in place and the slow nature of the help provided. He said: These people supported British forces. (They had to leave) Because of their links to the British, not being able to return to their country for fear of what might happen to them. I just think we owe it to people really. We owe it to these people to support them. I just wish there were better support networks in place and they could have been there (earlier). It comes after the government began a shameful campaign of evicting thousands of Afghan refugees from hotels across Britain (Getty Images) He said while those with good English skills have been able to move into accommodation reasonably quickly due to being able to negotiate the UK housing market and jobs market easier, others with limited English have been left behind a little bit. He praised government financial help but suggested more practical help has been needed. He said: The offer from the government is very, very generous, but unless youve got the support mechanisms in place, then it kind of all falls apart. Those support mechanisms start in the local authorities and in the hotel. Ben Beadle, chief executive of the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA), said it condemns any instances of racial prejudice or discrimination wherever they may occur. He added: Refugees, as with all renters, are facing the impact of a supply crisis in the rental market, with 20 requests to view each available home to let. The NRLA blamed tax policies intended to reduce the number of available homes to rent and called on ministers to revisit these damaging policies if we are to stand any chance of meeting housing need. They added: To compound matters, many of those Afghan households seeking alternative accommodation are being hit by the ongoing freeze on housing benefit rates. The government has said it understands the difficulties in finding and securing a home in the private rental market but that it is providing extensive support to help guests find their first settled home in the UK. This, it says, is through the Find Your Own Accommodation scheme which involves working with local councils who have been provided with 285 million of funding to support Afghans with their moves. 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 }} Campaigners have branded the deaths of six people an appalling and preventable tragedy following the sinking of a boat carrying migrants in the Channel. The Refugee Council urged the Government to respond with compassion to the incident while Freedom from Torture accused ministers of hostile attitudes towards refugee protection. Opposition MPs said the tragedy highlighted the need for action to prevent dangerous crossings being made. Steve Smith, chief executive of refugee charity Care4Calais, said: This mornings accident in the English Channel, in which six refugees are reported to have died, was an appalling and preventable tragedy. Those who died were not just statistics, but individual people: someones children, someones siblings, and possibly someones parents. We send our deepest sympathies to their friends and families. This terrible loss of life demonstrates yet again the need for a system of safe passage to the UK for refugees. This would enable them to apply for asylum while in France, and then to travel safely to the UK without risking their lives in small boats. It would put the people smugglers out of business overnight. Kolbassia Haoussou, from Freedom from Torture, said: The tragic news of yet more deaths in the Channel, including serious injuries to many others, demonstrates the continued failure of the UK Governments hostile approach to refugee protection. The UK Government has used the demonisation of refugees as a tactic to distract us from their failings, which have left us with a cost-of-living crisis, the NHS on its knees, and public sector strikes. If this Government fails to humanely address this issue, then innocent lives will continue to be lost. Enver Solomon, chief executive of the Refugee Council, said the incident underscores the need for meaningful action to reduce dangerous crossings, and urged the Government to focus on creating an orderly and humane asylum system. We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life in todays sinking of a boat in the English Channel. Our hearts go out to the victims, survivors, and their loved ones. We also thank the rescuers who helped save many lives under harrowing circumstances, he said. He accused the Government of focusing on passing expensive and unworkable legislation and shutting down existing safe ways to get to the UK, adding: There are constructive alternatives we have set out that would create an orderly and humane asylum system. Asli Tatliadim, head of campaigns at Refugee Action, said: Sadly todays tragedy was predictable and inevitable because the Governments hostile deterrent policies are designed to keep people out and not keep people safe. Ministers continue to ignore humane and viable solutions to stop people making dangerous crossings, such as giving people leave to enter the UK to claim asylum. Paul OConnor, head of bargaining at the Public and Commercial Services union, said the Government had blood on its hands, branding its approach a moral disgrace. There is a readily available policy to prevent this tragic loss of life, he said. Unfortunately, our calls on the Government to adopt it have fallen on stony ground. Its clear they have no desire to prevent these dangerous crossings. Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said it is desperately necessary to stop dangerous crossings and the terrible criminal smuggling gangs who profit while lives are lost. Awful news coming from Channel. Another tragedy with yet more lives lost or at risk, she said. Shadow immigration minister Stephen Kinnock said the latest incident was an appalling, deeply shocking tragedy. We must stop these crossings and defeat the criminal people smugglers, he wrote on Twitter. There can be no more headline-chasing gimmicks or madcap schemes that just make everything worse. Natalie Elphicke, Conservative MP for Dover, said the fatal incident reinforced the need for joint patrols in the Channel. Todays tragedy underlines why we must stop the small boats to keep people safe and prevent loss of life in the Channel, she said. These overcrowded and unseaworthy deathtraps should obviously be stopped by the French authorities from leaving the French coast in the first place. The time has come for joint patrols on the French coast and a cross-Channel security zone before any more lives are lost. A UK Government spokesperson said: We are aware of an incident in the Channel. HM Coastguard are working on a co-ordinated response and further information will be provided in due course. Home Secretary Suella Braverman said: My thoughts and prayers are with those affected by the tragic loss of life in the Channel today. I have spoken with our Border Force teams this morning who have been supporting the French authorities in response to this incident. 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 }} As if it were an old dear friend who had passed away, the remnants of the Crooked House attracted bunches of flowers and sympathy messages from well-wishers devastated by the buildings demise. More than 100 people gathered on Tuesday at the rubble of Britains wonkiest pub to mourn its destruction. Built as a farmhouse in 1765, the Crooked House near Dudley, West Midlands, had a quirk that was probably unique and commanded much affection its leaning walls created optical illusions such as pennies and marbles appearing to move uphill along the bar. Local people left flowers and cards at Crooked House remains (Matthew Cooper/PA) So when brewer Marstons closed the pub this year and sold it to a Warwickshire property company for an alternative use, it was no wonder local residents campaigned for its preservation. Historic England received a request for the pub near Himley to be given listed status protection, and thousands of locals signed a petition to retain the building as a pub, which had been listed for sale for 675,000. But before a decision could be made, late on Saturday 5 August less than two weeks after the sale the building became a national cause celebre when it was gutted by fire and reduced to a shell despite the efforts of up to 30 firefighters. Staffordshire Police and fire chiefs launched an investigation into the blaze and the fact that mounds of earth had blocked emergency crews access to the pub. The building was a shell after the fire (PA) People went to look at the destruction (PA) Fans of the house were devastated but worse was to come. Two days later, a mechanical digger moved in to reduce the remaining structure to rubble. The fire and the buildings rapid destruction ignited widespread speculation. And now, the new owners are facing a series of questions, many from detectives who say they are treating the fire as arson, and who have used a specialist sniffer dog to investigate the grounds. More questions will come from South Staffordshire Council, which is investigating whether the demolition was illegal. Before it was destroyed, the pub was well known for being on the wonk (SWNS) The council had agreed to part of the upper level being removed (PA) The council had not agreed to the whole structure being razed. Shortly before the digger arrived, officers visited the site and, according to council leader Roger Lees, agreed on a set of works with the landowners representative to ensure the safety of the building and the site. The agreed course of action included the removal of three elements of the first-floor front elevation only. This was only to avoid the weak parts of the structure from falling. At no point did the council agree the demolition of the whole structure nor was this deemed necessary, Mr Lees added. Aerial view of the shell (PA) The pub had been shored up on one side (PA) He said the demolition of a building should be carried out in accordance with Schedule 2 Part 11 Class B of The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015. Mr Lees said: The steps required by the legislation were not carried out in this case. We have referred these matters to our legal team with a view to taking enforcement action. Over recent months, he added, the council had been speaking to relevant national bodies about how to preserve the important heritage asset. The building was a popular wedding venue (PA) Police themselves are facing questions, too. Dudley North MP Marco Longhi has demanded to know why police did not intervene in the demolition given that officers had been investigating the blaze two days earlier, suggesting the police force had failed to protect the burnt-out shell, which might have needed a forensic examination. But Staffordshire Police acknowledged the depth of anger over what happened, saying: This fire has shocked and upset so many given the albeit not listed cultural importance and heritage of the building. This is not lost on us and a robust investigation using all available information and forensic opportunities is being carried out. Speculation has been further fuelled by the boss of the company that hired out the excavator reportedly saying they delivered the digger a week-a-half ago before the fire. Lyndon Thomas told Construction News he could not be held responsible for what paying customers did with the machinery and that had he known, he would have acted differently. The land where the pub sat is in a remote area, and a wooded public right of way, popular with walkers and families, runs across it. Until about 40 years ago, there was a bluebell wood behind the site, but the land was dug up for clay, together with a quarry to one side. Because of the tilt, verticals were not aligned inside (SWNS) Even walls were not at right angles to the floor (SWNS) Now, its thought the other side is being dug by Himley Environmental, described as a landfill site operator specialising in hazardous waste disposal, which runs the quarry and landfill site next door. The director of ATE Farms, which bought the pub from Marstons, is businesswoman Carly Taylor, 34. Her husband, Adam, 44, is a shareholder and former director of Himley Environmental, and the two companies are registered to the same address in Warwickshire. Himley Environmental has not been answering its telephone this week, and its understood that Mr Taylor declined to comment when approached by journalists at his home in Leicestershire. Himley Environmental is close to the site (Google Maps ) Earlier this year, ATE Farms applied for permission to transform an old quarry site in Leicestershire into a holiday camp. Councillor Phil Atkins, whose Dudley ward backs onto the site, said what had happened to the truly unique building had been a disaster and he would like to see the pub return in some form, possibly as part of a museum or visitor attraction. Recommended New Crooked House investigation as burned out pub demolished without council approval And West Midlands mayor Andy Street called for the inn to be rebuilt brick by brick but not everyone agrees. Yvonne Nock, chairwoman of Himley parish council, told The Independent: My sister tried to paint it but said she couldnt because it wasnt straight. I cant see it could possibly be rebuilt. It was a one-off and cant be replaced. She said it would be very sad if the pub site were dug up alongside the quarry. The Independent has been unable to contact Ms Taylor, but asked Staffordshire Police to respond to Mr Longhis criticism. The force had not responded by the time of publication. A 19-year-old Red Creek resident has been charged with attempted assault on police after intentionally swerving a car at officers during a high-speed chase through Auburn on Friday, the Auburn Police Department said in a news release. The man, and a juvenile in the vehicle with him, were also charged with second-degree assault for a Wednesday incident on Owasco Street in the city. The man, Kevin A. Huntington Jr., was charged with several felonies on Friday after the chase ended that afternoon on McMaster Street, near the Arterial. Huntington was apprehended in the parking lot of Curley's Restaurant, and the juvenile was apprehended after entering the Owasco River at the end of McMaster Street, alongside Auburn Correctional Facility. According to the Cayuga County Sheriff's Office, the chase was initiated by New York State Police in Red Creek. Following reports of a suspicious vehicle on Victory Road in the town of Victory, it was determined the vehicle, a Saturn, had been stolen from Auburn and one of its occupants had been involved in a domestic incident at an address where he forcibly stole property and violated an order of protection, the sheriff's office said in a news release. The vehicle was located after a BOLO, and state police and the sheriff's office pursued it into the city of Auburn. Auburn police became involved in the chase at about 11 a.m. Friday, and officers apprehended the two men after using spike strips. The Saturn could be seen after the chase crashed into bushes near the railroad tracks in the area. Auburn police said Huntington on several occasions "intentionally swerved at APD officers who were attempting to stop them," but reported no serious injuries. Police said Huntington was charged with: Attempted aggravated assault of a police officer with a deadly weapon, a class C felony Second-degree assault with intention to cause physical injury with a weapon, a class D felony Fourth degree criminal possession of stolen property: vehicle except motorcycle, a class E felony Third-degree robbery, a class D felony First-degree criminal contempt: physical contact, a class E felony The juvenile with Huntington was also charged with second-degree assault with intention to cause physical injury with a weapon for the Wednesday incident at 110 Owasco St., which sent a victim to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse with non-life-threatening injuries, Auburn police told The Citizen that day. The Cayuga County District Attorney's Office recommended that Huntington be remanded to Cayuga County Jail. The juvenile was brought to Cayuga County Court on an unrelated state probation warrant and was ordered to be held in a juvenile facility at the Oneida County Jail, Auburn police said. The juvenile is also wanted in Genesee County for a family court violation, and Huntington is also wanted in Wayne County for violating probation. Gallery: Two apprehended after high-speed chase through Auburn 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 suspected gunman was arrested on a beach after allegedly wielding a firearm around a seaside village. Police were called to reports of a man walking around Charmouth, in Bridport, Dorset, brandishing the weapon at 7.42am on Saturday. It is believed at least two people were threatened by the man before armed police swooped on the area and launched a huge search operation. Officers supported by a police helicopter scoured the coastal village and nearby clifftops before arresting a man in his 50s at 9.30am. Dorset Police said a suspected gun was recovered and the man was detained on suspicion of possessing a firearm in a public place. Photographs show a man in camouflage jacket and shorts being led away on Charmouth Beach by six firearms officers and two police officers. Detective Inspector Rhys Griffiths, of County CID, said: This incident sparked a large police and emergency service response and I understand that it will have caused great concern to those members of the public who were in the area at the time. No one was injured during the incident, and we would like to thank the local community for their patience and assistance while we brought this matter to a safe conclusion. I would ask anyone who witnessed this incident and has not yet spoken to officers, to please contact Dorset Police so we can investigate this matter thoroughly. A spokesman for Dorset Police added: We were called at 7.42am by the ambulance service to reports that a man, suspected to be in need of medical treatment, was walking around the village with a gun. The man was subsequently arrested and a suspected firearm was recovered. 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 criminal who brazenly shot a man in broad daylight on a busy north London high street on Friday afternoon is still on the loose, as police appeal for help from the public. Officers were called at 3.12pm to reports of a shooting on Stoke Newington High Street, finding a 23-year-old man with a gunshot wound to his arm. The London Ambulance Service and Londons Air Ambulance also attended the scene and took the victim to hospital. His condition has been assessed as not life-threatening. The Metropolitan Police has not made any arrests so far, but its enquiries are ongoing. The force said it has already spoken to a number of witnesses as well as having recovered CCTV from the area. Detectives are now appealing for other witnesses, or anyone else with information, to come forward and speak with police if they have not already. Describing the crime as brazen, Detective Chief Inspector Iain Wallace, who is leading the investigation, said: "Gun crime has no place on the streets of London and our dedicated team of detectives will do all we can to track down whoever was responsible for this brazen crime. "This shooting happened in a busy area during the middle of the day so I'm certain there will be people who saw what happened who can help with our enquiries. If you can help, please do get in touch." The Met is asking anyone who can help the investigation to call 101, quoting CAD 4206/11Aug. They can also report information online and tweet @MetCC. To remain anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 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 }} An Afghan intelligence analyst who played a key role in helping the British military in Kabul has been threatened with deportation to Rwanda after fleeing to the UK on a small boat. The man, who gathered information to help coalition forces plan operations against the Taliban in Afghanistan, says he was forced to make the dangerous journey because he could not afford to wait for help through official routes following the fall of Kabul. He applied for sanctuary in Britain two years ago under the Ministry of Defences Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (Arap) scheme but has heard nothing. The scheme is open to people who worked with and for the UK government. One British adviser described his work as having a meaningful and positive effect on the UKs national security interests in Afghanistan. Another RAF colleague said his insight undoubtedly furthered the UKs military and national security objectives. The man has now called on Rishi Sunak to give him sanctuary in Britain. Speaking to The Independent from a government hotel in the Midlands, he said: The government pledged that it would help those who have supported British interests in Afghanistan and they havent. They did the initial evacuation but now we have no alternative but to take the Channel way. His Arap application has been supported by two of his RAF supervisors, who worked with him in their roles as advisers, and his case has been raised by his local MP with defence minister James Heappey three times. But in May, the man credited by his supervisors as being a hardworking individual received a notice from the Home Office telling him he was being considered for removal to Rwanda. The man worked in the presidential palace in the Office of the National Security Council (ONSC), a department that was initially funded by the UK and was a hub within the Afghan government for intelligence sharing. Thousands of Afghans were evacuated in August 2021 but many more were left behind (MoD Crown/Getty) Those working inside the unit would provide the Afghan president and British and Nato forces with information needed to plan missions against terrorist threats within Afghanistan. The Afghan analyst worked on strategic communications operations for the Afghan government among other things. One British adviser he worked closely with said he demonstrated personal integrity and professionalism to his Nato colleagues and described him as a talented and hardworking individual who is a likely target for the Taliban. The analyst played a key supporting role for the Afghan government, with the backing of Nato, he added. His education, skills and expertise leave me in no doubt that he can contribute effectively to UK society. One of his Afghan colleagues at the ONSC, who has been accepted under Arap and is now living in a rented flat in the UK with his wife, described their work, saying: We supported the Afghan army but we also shared information with the British and Nato force. If they were planning an attack on the Taliban, or they needed to make a plan, they would need information from a local area. We would use our local sources and intelligence and share it with Britain and Nato. He described the ONSC as a focal point between Afghan and British forces where information for Psyops and counterterror operations would be planned. Sir Nicholas Kay, a former UK ambassador to Afghanistan, told The Independent that the UK should honour our past ties to Afghans who worked in the Office for the National Security Council and should welcome former partners who managed to get to the UK and not deport them. The Court of Appeal ruled in June that the UK governments return agreement with Rwanda was illegal, though Mr Sunak has vowed to challenge the decision in the Supreme Court. Sir Nicholas said: UK links to the ONSC were deep and far-reaching. We helped the ONSC to be an important tool for coordinating cross-government efforts to counter the Taliban. The analyst said he was not able to come to the UK safely, like these refugees who were evacuated during Operation Pitting (AFP/Getty) The UK had a close and strategic partnership with the Afghan Office of the National Security Council over the last two decades. HMG initially funded the entire office, salaries and a new building within the palace complex. We put considerable financial and human resources into the ONSC because it served our strategic interests. Over the years, many of its staff developed close professional and personal ties with the UK. Under the Taliban, I have no doubt that many of them will be at risk because of their previous work with the ONSC and the UK. UK-funded advisers based in the British embassy worked within the ONSC until at least 2019. UK military advisers seconded to Nato worked with the ONSC until 2021. The analyst told The Independent that he had come to the UK because he had family based here, could speak fluent English, and because of his previous work. He said: In the UK I thought I would have a better chance because I already had a case here. I waited and waited to hear from the Arap unit but still heard nothing other than automatic replies. Out of desperation, I had to leave my wife behind in [a third-party country] and I tried to enter the UK through whatever means possible. My wife is not safe there and it is not a friendly country to immigrants. I am scared she will face deportation from there back to Afghanistan. A government spokesperson said: Those who fear persecution should claim asylum in the first safe country they reach and not put their lives at risk by making unnecessary and dangerous journeys to the UK. The number of people risking their lives by making illegal and dangerous Channel crossings is unacceptable. That is why we have introduced legislation which will ensure those arriving in the UK illegally may be detained and promptly removed to their country of origin or a safe third country. We do not routinely comment on individual cases. 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 }} Thousands of Afghans are still waiting to hear if they will be brought to safety in the UK two years after the fall of Kabul despite ministers pledging to slash the backlog to zero within days. Around 18,000 unique applications for Afghans who say they worked alongside British troops are still waiting to be processed under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (Arap). And 3,400 Afghan men, women and children who have already been approved for relocation under the Ministry of Defence scheme remain stranded in the country in the grips of a Taliban crackdown or have been left to languish in hotels in Pakistan. The failure to act flies in the face of the governments 2021 pledge to shift heaven and earth to move people out of Afghanistan, prompting multiple calls for Rishi Sunak to personally intervene. Revenge killings, arrests and disappearances under Afghanistans rulers have left those who worked with the British in fear for their lives, while those stuck in Pakistan are scared to leave their hotels because their visas have started to run out. General Lord Richards, the former chief of defence staff, said the governments lack of action was beyond the pale and he urged the prime minister to sort this out personally. Labour MP and former soldier in Afghanistan Dan Jarvis called on Rishi Sunak to get a grip, get a plan and get these brave men and women to safety, while General Sir John McColl, the armys former deputy supreme allied commander for Europe, said the government seemed to have no plan for how they would relocate these people. He said the governments requirement that Afghans eligible for relocation should find their own accommodation in the UK before they are moved was an extraordinary ask that they know is impossible. General Sir Richard Dannatt, former head of the British Army, said the process of getting entitled people to the UK should be sped up, and Lord Alf Dubs a child refugee who fled the Nazis before the Second World War said it would be a disgrace to ignore people weve promised to help. And the Afghan pilot, who The Independent has been campaigning to get asylum in the UK, called on the government to help those still in danger and trapped abroad. He urged: Do not sacrifice the Afghan soldiers who fought heroically and sincerely against the common enemy for years. Do not leave them. Stick to the covenant you made with them. In an attempt to clear the backlog of applications in time for the end-of-August deadline, decisions made by the Ministry of Defences Arap team have been dramatically sped up, The Independent can reveal. Around 36,000 applications were rejected between the start of the Arap scheme in April 2021 and 21 June this year, figures revealed in response to a parliamentary question show. A former interpreter with the British forces is still stuck in a Pakistan hotel waiting on relocation to the UK (Supplied) But since then, a huge number of rejection letters have been sent out, with the government claiming to have now found over 69,000 applications ineligible an increase of over 32,000 in just over a month. The MoD said it had made huge improvements in our casework processes and systems, adding: We now have over 100 case-work staff and automated processes in place. A total of 141,000 applications have been received since the schemes launch but just 3,527 of those have been granted eligibility, the latest official figures show. Some 255 Afghans who worked with the British Army and are eligible for relocation to the UK are still living in hiding in Afghanistan. Together with their dependent family members, this means a total estimate of 1,950 people are stuck in the Taliban-run country. A further 1,400 people who have been accepted to come to the UK are stuck in British High Commission hotels in Islamabad, Pakistan with only 35 relocated to the UK since 1 December. A further 490 people eligible under the governments scheme for at-risk Afghans, ACRS, are also stuck in Pakistan. One interpreter who is stuck in Pakistan said he was hopeless and waiting on UK help to relocate (Supplied) One former interpreter who was embedded with British troops said the hotel he was stuck in with his family was like prison. He told The Independent: Our Pakistan visas have expired, we cannot go anywhere because of the Pakistani police. Our children have no school or education, we are all jobless and hopeless. The British government make promises but they do not transfer us to the UK. A British Council teacher, who has eligibility under the ACRS scheme, has been waiting in her hotel for seven months. She said: I am in a cramped room with no access to education or health care. I have no job or income and I have a newborn son, whose life is confined to just one bed. Our visas have expired and we cannot go out for fear the police will send us back to Afghanistan. General Sir John McColl said the government had no plan to get Arap-eligible Afghans out of Pakistan (PA) Lord Richards, the former head of the UK armed forces, said: I and many others who had the privilege of serving in Afghanistan alongside our Afghan comrades have been very patient over the last two years, but the confusion and lack of action on the part of government is now beyond the pale and they must resolve this. He added: They must now appoint a single minister to grip this disgraceful situation. The prime minister must sort this out personally. Senior Tory MP Julian Lewis said those who worked with British forces had the strongest possible claim to sanctuary in the UK. The former defence committee chief said: Many are in daily peril, even in Pakistan where the authorities are unsympathetic. They should not be left exposed, in this way, to the revenge of the Taliban. Lord Dubs said: The government has to hurry up and get people it has committed to helping out its not good enough at the moment. We have a responsibility to the people stuck in Afghanistan who are in great danger, and the Afghans in Pakistan in very difficult circumstances too. Lack of housing is no excuse. Mr Jarvis said it would be a shameful act of betrayal to turn our backs now. He added: There are still over 3,000 Afghans people we promised safe passage to the UK left behind in mortal peril. British forces work to evacuate Afghans from Kabul in August 2021 (MoD Crown/Getty) Gen McColl added: These are people who fought alongside us, who have been through the very strict Arap and ACRS tests. These are people who we have a debt to. We have given an undertaking that we will look after them and at the moment we are definitely not doing so. Gen McColl and other military chiefs and politicians wrote to Rishi Sunak in July asking him to work urgently to relocate those eligible to the UK but they have received no response. Veterans minister Johnny Mercer told parliament on 23 March that more details would be provided in due course of how those stuck in Pakistan and other countries would be supported. So far, no plan has been announced. General McColl added: As far as I can tell, there is nobody working on it. Its completely chaotic and what they need is a focus to deliver the plan. Lord Dannatt said he had been told by the MoD that the government was reluctant to bring in more people from Afghanistan and Pakistan until it had cleared the backlog of Afghans in hotels in Britain first. He said: It isnt easy. We have to acknowledge that the government and local authorities have a huge housing problem. The system is struggling. But we have a responsibility. Pressure has to be applied on local authorities to find suitable accommodation. General Sir David Richards called on Rishi Sunak to personally sort out the relocation of Arap-eligible Afghans to the UK (PA) Shadow veterans minister Rachel Hopkins said the Conservatives were failing Afghans who risked their lives helping our armed forces. She added: Two years after the Taliban takeover, its shameful that thousands of Arap applications are still to be processed despite the government promising to clear the backlog by the end of this month. Eligible Afghans have been left in hotels in Pakistan or even remain stuck in Afghanistan. Britains moral duty to assist Afghans is felt most fiercely by UK forces they served alongside. A government spokesperson said that due to pressures on accommodation in the UK, it was not possible to say how long eligible Afghans would have to wait for relocation. They added: The UK has made an ambitious and generous commitment to help at-risk people in Afghanistan and, so far, we have brought around 24,600 people to safety, including thousands of people eligible for our Afghan resettlement schemes. We continue to honour our commitments to bring eligible Afghans to the UK, and we are issuing new visas to people in Afghanistan and other countries for resettlement here. However, it is vital those arriving have somewhere suitable to stay once they are in the UK, so they can start their new life in the UK. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The Home Office is facing mounting pressure over its startling incompetence after asylum seekers had to be evacuated from the Bibby Stockholm barge following the discovery of Legionella bacteria. Conservative backbenchers have accused the department of overseeing a farce after the 39 people who had boarded the vessel were transferred to alternative accommodation on Friday evening. Shadow immigration minister Stephen Kinnock also wrote to his opposite number on Saturday asking what the Home Office knew about the risk of the bacteria being present before moving migrants onto the barge. Department officials are understood to have been told by Dorset Council on Wednesday evening about the discovery of initial results indicating that the bacteria was present, but the transfer of a further six migrants onto the barge still went ahead on Thursday. Government sources said the UK Health Security Agency then told ministers on Thursday that Legionella had been found in the vessels water system and advised them that they needed to remove those six migrants. Former Brexit secretary David Davis said the barge would not serve as a solution to the backlog even without the presence of the bacteria. He told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: The primary thing thats been revealed has been the startling incompetence of the Home Office itself Its really, really hard to understand how, at all layers, this could not be caught early. The senior Conservative MP suggested the problems could be related to management of the department rather than ministerial issues specifically, but added: Even working properly, the Bibby barge would only take effectively one days arrivals. So its not a solution to the problem and all of this is going to go on until the Home Office is able to process these arrivals more quickly. The department said all 39 of those on board had been disembarked as a precautionary measure after samples from the water system showed levels of legionella requiring further investigation. A view of the Bibby Stockholm accommodation barge, which will house up to 500 asylum seekers (PA) The Home Office said no migrants have fallen sick or developed legionnaires disease, which is a serious type of pneumonia, and that they are all being provided with appropriate advice and support. But Tim Loughton said the evacuation was an embarrassment and smacked of incompetence, coming at the end of a week in which the government had planned a series of announcements aimed at promoting its immigration approach. The Tory MP said: This is deeply troubling and rapidly turning into a farce that the Home Office can ill afford. Immigration minister Robert Jenrick has been urged by Mr Kinnock to answer a series of questions about the extremely troubling matter of the evacuation. This whole sorry affair is yet another shambolic example of the chaos, incompetence and confusion that have come to define the way in which this government is dealing with the asylum crisis that it has created, the shadow minister wrote. Why should the British public trust you to deal effectively with this mess when every measure you announce either fails to deliver, never gets off the ground, or just makes everything worse? Mr Kinnock later tweeted: Has anyone seen Suella Braverman? Bibby Stockholm is moored at Portland Port in Dorset (PA Wire) If inhaled, Legionella bacteria can cause legionnaires disease, a type of severe pneumonia. It can grow in man-made water systems, particularly if the plumbing has not been used in months. Public health expert Professor Paul Hunter said the bacteria would have been an obvious risk to test for before moving people onto the barge. He said it was possible those on board could have been exposed to Legionella if they took a shower because this can generate a mist of the bacteria which can be inhaled, although the Home Office has said no one has fallen ill. Certainly if we had had a [hospital] ward that had not been open for a number of weeks and the water was still in the pipes, we would check that before we actually started moving patients into that ward, and this didnt seem to happen. This is very concerning, Prof Hunter told Today. With a stated capacity of more than 500, the government hopes that the use of Bibby Stockholm will help cut the 6m a day currently being spent on hotel bills for asylum seekers awaiting the outcome of their applications. The Home Office has been contacted for fresh comment but a spokesperson said on Friday: The health and welfare of asylum seekers remains of the utmost priority. The Home Office and our contractors are following all protocol and advice from Dorset Councils environmental health team, UK Health Security Agency and Dorset NHS who we are working closely with. 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 }} A seasoned mountain guide and two clients in their 60s were roped together when they died while traversing a treacherous ridge in the Scottish Highlands over the weekend, British media reported Thursday. Police reported the deaths early in the week, but have not identified the victims. The Scottish Sun said Thursday that Dave Fowler, 39, head of West Coast Mountain Guides, was leading the man and woman on the notoriously difficult scramble along Aonach Eagach, which is one of the narrowest ridge crests in Britain. The group failed to return Saturday night and searchers found the bodies early Sunday. No details have been released on where along the ridge they were found or what might have happened. One client was identified by British media as Graham Cox, 60. The name of the 64-year-old woman had not yet been released by authorities. Fowler had been climbing since he was a child in Wales, according to his company's website. It said he climbed around the world, including summiting two different routes on El Capitan in Yosemite National Park and had been guiding in the mountains of Scotland for over a decade. Dave remains passionate about climbing and his infectious thirst for adventure will not be lost on any of our customers who spend time with him in the mountains, the website said. Aonach Eagach is an extremely narrow crest that runs for six miles (10 kilometers) at an altitude of 3,600 feet (1,100 meters). A series of steep rocky pitches and intimidating pinnacles with precipitous drops have to be negotiated up and down with care. The traverse includes some tricky, exposed scrambling, but is accessible to anyone with a head for heights however new to scrambling they are, Fowler's guiding site said. Seven people have now died on the ridge in the past decade, though three deaths at one time is unusual. The route does not require ropes, but photos on guiding sites show clients in helmets wearing climbing harnesses tethered to ropes. In a November posting on his company website, Fowler noted the rock was slippery but said he another man had just completed the journey in 4 1/2 hours half the time it often takes because they were keen to get down before the weather changed. The forecast on Saturday had called for light rain in the Glen Coe area. 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 }} A desperate appeal has been made to a missing 13-year-old schoolgirl, who may have travelled around the UK, to come home. Lily has been missing from the Lampeter area in Wales and police believe she has been extensively using public transport around the Birmingham, Tamworth, Manchester, Liverpool and Blackpool areas. Her most recent journey is believed to be from Liverpool to Blackpool and may have been in the company of a group of people who are also suspected to be teenagers. Lily's family have become increasingly concerned about her wellbeing. Her grandmother Jackie Jones said on behalf of the family: "Everyone is really worried about you, please get in touch and come home, we miss you terribly and love you. Lily's mum Celina told WalesOnline that her concern was increasing by the hour. It was thought her daughter may have been sighted in Tamworth on Thursday afternoon before heading towards Derby. The missing youngster is described as a white female, 5ft 6 in height, with a slight to medium build and has dyed red/copper-coloured hair. She is also believed to be wearing a grey hoodie or gillet or a red coat and white Nike trainers. The family Dyfed-Powys Police are appealing for information that might help find her. If anyone sees Lilly, people are urged to contact their local police force immediately quoting the Dyfed-Powys Police reference DP-20230810-034. 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 }} At least six people have died with others still believed to be missing after a migrant boat capsized in the English Channel. Dozens of people were rescued in an operation involving French and British authorities after a boat struggled in the water on Saturday morning. Accounts from survivors of the shipwreck say at least 65 people took to the sea in the boat that sank, French authorities said in a statement this afternoon. With two migrants still believed to be missing, a large-scale search and rescue operation continues, involving two French aircraft, numerous boats and merchant vessels, the UK Coastguard and a British chartered ship. About 58 people have been rescued, with several brought off lifeboats on stretchers. Six people, one of whom was airlifted to hospital, were recovered in a serious condition but were later pronounced dead. Philippe Sabatier, the deputy public prosecutor of Boulogne, said that the six deceased individuals were believed to be Afghan men and aged in their thirties. He added that those rescued included some children and were mostly from Afghanistan and some were Sudanese. At least 22 people were dropped off at Dover by UK crews while 36 were taken to the port of Calais on a French boat, Frances maritime prefecture of the Channel and the North Sea said. One volunteer told how migrants were using shoes to bail water out of the sinking boat. She told Reuters that there were too many on the boat. Home secretary Suella Braverman said: My thoughts and prayers are with those affected by the tragic loss of life in the Channel today. I have spoken with our Border Force teams this morning who have been supporting the French authorities in response to this incident. Shadow immigration minister Stephen Kinnock said the latest incident was an appalling, deeply shocking tragedy. Notre Dame du Risban, a French lifeboat, enters the port of Calais following a rescue operation after a migrant boat trying to cross the Channel capsized (Reuters) We must stop these crossings and defeat the criminal people smugglers. There can be no more headline-chasing gimmicks or madcap schemes that just make everything worse, he wrote on Twitter. The rescue operation began after information was received from a patrol boat that a migrant boat was sinking off Sangatte, around five miles from the French coast, according to a statement from the maritime prefecture. The mayor of Teteghem, a small community east of Dunkirk, told a French news outlet that migrants had been gathering along the coast in recent days, with train services affected as migrants appeared on the tracks. Enver Solomon, chief executive of the Refugee Council, said the incident underscores the need for meaningful action to reduce dangerous crossings, and urged the government to focus on creating an orderly and humane asylum system. We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life in todays sinking of a boat in the English Channel. Our hearts go out to the victims, survivors, and their loved ones. We also thank the rescuers who helped save many lives under harrowing circumstances, he said. He accused the government of focusing on passing expensive and unworkable legislation and shutting down existing safe ways to get to the UK, adding: There are constructive alternatives we have set out that would create an orderly and humane asylum system. Steve Smith, chief executive of refugee charity Care4Calais, described it as an appalling and preventable tragedy. Those who died were not just statistics, but individual people: someones children, someones siblings, and possibly someones parents. This terrible loss of life demonstrates yet again the need for a system of safe passage to the UK for refugees. Asli Tatliadim, head of campaigns at Refugee Action, said the incident had been predictable and inevitable because the governments hostile deterrent policies are designed to keep people out and not keep people safe. Until the government creates more ways for people to travel to the UK to claim asylum, more people will die trying to reach safety here, she added. Natalie Elphicke, Conservative MP for Dover, said the fatal incident reinforced the need for joint patrols in the Channel. She said: Todays tragedy underlines why we must stop the small boats to keep people safe and prevent loss of life in the Channel. These overcrowded and unseaworthy deathtraps should obviously be stopped by the French authorities from leaving the French coast in the first place. Rescued migrants sit on the Notre Dame du Risban after a migrant boat trying to cross the Channel from France capsized (Reuters) The time has come for joint patrols on the French coast and a cross-Channel security zone before any more lives are lost. A UK government spokesperson said: These deaths are devastating and our thoughts are with the victims families and friends at this time. This incident is sadly another reminder of the extreme dangers of crossing the Channel in small boats and how vital it is that we break the people smugglers business model and stop the boats. At least 50 people are thought to have drowned attempting to cross the Channel since 2018, while others have lost their lives attempting to board lorries and trains in France or walk through the Channel Tunnel. On Thursday, people were rescued from another sinking dinghy that had reached British waters. The RNLI said it pulled several people from the water but believed everyone was accounted for. Thoughts and prayers: Suella Braverman (PA Wire) The previous day, French authorities reported six children suffering from hypothermia had been taken to hospital after their boat went down off the coast near Sangatte. On Saturday morning, two people, including an eight-month-old baby, were killed after their boat sank off the coast of Tunisia, with five others still missing. Meanwhile, the number of migrants crossing the English Channel over the last five-and-a-half years reached more than 100,000 on Thursday, after 755 people crossed the Channel in small boats that day marking the highest daily number so far this year. Some 343 people in six boats were detected crossing the Channel on Friday, according to Home Office figures. It means more than 1,000 made the journey over two days and takes the provisional total for the year so far to more than 16,000. All 39 people moved on to the Bibby Stockholm have now been evacuated (PA Wire) It came as the Home Office came under fire as all asylum seekers were ordered to move off the housing barge Bibby Stockholm after bacteria was found in its water system. All 39 people were evacuated from the barge and will be temporarily placed back in hotels, with a date yet to be confirmed for the migrants to return to the floating accommodation. The department said all 39 of those on board had been disembarked as a precautionary measure after samples from the water system showed levels of Legionella requiring further investigation. The Home Office said no migrants have fallen sick or developed legionnaires disease, which is a serious type of pneumonia, and that they are all being provided with appropriate advice and support. But, after the evacuation, the Home Office was accused of startling incompetence. Bacteria was found in the water system of Bibby Stockholm on Thursday (PA Media) Former Brexit secretary David Davis said the barge would not serve as a solution to the backlog even without the presence of the bacteria. He told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: The primary thing thats been revealed has been the startling incompetence of the Home Office itself Its really, really hard to understand how, at all layers, this could not be caught early. Mr Kinnock also wrote to his opposite number on Saturday asking what the Home Office knew about the risk of the bacteria being present before moving migrants onto the barge. Department officials are understood to have been told by Dorset Council on Wednesday evening about the discovery of initial results indicating that the bacteria was present, but the transfer of a further six migrants onto the barge still went ahead on Thursday. Government sources said the UK Health Security Agency then told ministers on Thursday that Legionella had been found in the vessels water system and advised them that they needed to remove those six migrants. 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 }} An evening at the Proms nearly turned into an evening of brawls at the Royal Albert Hall after a confrontation reportedly broke out over noisy snacks. A performance of Dialogues des Carmelites by Francis Poulenc was blighted by a row which erupted between audience members on Monday evening. The commotion was said to have begun when a man began kicking the seat in front of him and made remarks about two people loudly eating popcorn. Classical music critic and novelist Jessica Duchen told The Times: At the end of the row was a pair of American tourists who were munching on popcorn. I couldnt hear or smell it but behind them was a guy who was unbelievably abusive to them. We thought he might pull a knife on them. The arguing parties were reportedly moved away from one another during the half-time interval. Another concert-goer wrote on Facebook: WTF is the Royal Albert Hall doing selling POPCORN during the Proms? Involved in a near fight at one tonight. Ruined the first half of a superlative evening. Popcorn has been sold at the Royal Albert Hall since 2014, with Ms Duchen saying that she had previously asked another individual to stop eating it on the first night of the Proms in July. The BBC-organised classical music festival is held every summer from mid-July to mid-September and was first organised in 1895. Following the incident, James Ainscough, chief executive of the Royal Albert Hall, told The Times: Weve sold small packets of popcorn, along with crisps and sweets, in our bars since 2014 without protest. There were some words exchanged between two audience members at a Prom on Monday, and both parties then asked to move seats, which was arranged, but the incident seems to have been blown out of proportion on social media. Different people enjoy different shows in different ways, so we always hope audience members will be considerate of those around them and polite when they speak to each other. We will continue to monitor the situation as we want everyone to enjoy this amazing Proms season to the utmost. 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 }} Like his local MP Lee Anderson, John Hill once worked down Nottinghamshires mines. What you got told as a young man was that you swear as much as you want down the pit but you leave that language down there, the 85-year-old said this week. Up top whether youre with your family or in the pub or anywhere else you spoke with civility. What if you didnt? You got labelled what you were: ignorant. Much has been said and written this week after Anderson the Conservative deputy chairman and MP for Ashfield in Nottinghamshire said migrants refusing to live on the Bibby Stockholm barge should f*** off back to France. On social media and across Westminster, opinion appears to be somewhat split. While many have condemned the comments as vulgar and unbecoming of a person in public life Dominic Grieve called them foul plenty of others have welcomed the outburst as a politician speaking with refreshing candour. Anderson was simply expressing the deep frustration of the British public, said immigration minister Robert Jenrick. Yet in Ashfield itself this weekend, there appeared to be a rather more uniform feeling about their MPs latest moment in the national spotlight: embarrassment. The mans not fit to be in parliament, said Hill, a retired lingerie factory owner, great-grandfather and lifelong floating voter. Coming out with that sort of language it reflects badly on all of us here. Its shameful. How can anyone hear that and then think hes anything other than ignorant? Anderson, its worth saying, should not be underestimated as a politician just because as your nana might have said he appears to need his mouth washing out with soap and water. Lee Anderson became an MP in 2019 (PA) A one-time Labour councillor, who went on to be a case worker for former Labour MP Gloria De Piero, Anderson became the first ever Tory MP to win this red-wall seat a former pit area where an Amazon warehouse is now one of the biggest employers at a general election. By tapping into both dissatisfaction that Brexit wasnt getting done and general disillusionment about years of economic decline here, he managed to produce an astonishing 5,733 majority in his 2019 triumph. Mr Anderson took nearly 40 per cent of the vote in Ashfield the 2019 election overturning a very narrow Labour majority as part of the surge of support in the red wall. But polling experts expect him to lose the seat in 2024 if Labours large nation lead holds up. A MRP poll conducted by Opinium at the end of last year had Mr Anderson on course to be one of around 200 MPs set to be ousted. Ashfield itself could be the very definition of what commentators mean when they talk of the red wall. A former mining area, it had returned a Labour MP at every general election since its creation in 1955 before Anderson triumphed here in 2019. Its biggest town, Sutton-in-Ashfield population 48,000 is today dominated by a sprawling shopping centre where well-known value outlets Bonmarche, Heron Frozen Foods, The Works are neighboured by bargain stores, card shops, a Ladbrokes and a pawnbrokers. Outside, empty units are everywhere. Sutton-in-Ashfield is the biggest town in Ashfield and is dominated by a sprawling shopping centre (Alan Heardman/Geograph/CC BY-SA 2.0) His appeal, his supporters say, is in his willingness to say, unvarnished and unapologetically, what others are thinking. Long before his latest discharge, he had made headlines for claiming a healthy meal could be made for 30p (earning him the nickname 30p Lee); for calling for the death penalty to be reintroduced; and for refusing to watch Englands matches at Euro 2020 because the players took the knee in an anti-racism gesture. Yet, if such bon mots have made him a favourite of the Conservative grassroots, there is a sense they may just be wearing a touch thin here in Ashfield. You only ever see him when hes saying something stupid, said Andy Birks, who runs Colledges Butchers in the Idlewells Shopping Centre in Sutton-in-Ashfield. Theres a lot of people round here who probably agree with [the sentiment of] what he said and have probably said the exact same thing themselves but that doesnt mean you want your politicians talking like that. This is someone youre supposed to be able to look up to. Would he vote for him? Ill probably not vote for anyone but I will say this: if someone came in here and started using that language, theyd be told to leave. Or, If my son came out with it, hed be getting a clip round the ear. For Helen-Ann Smith, the comments were further proof that Anderson is all soundbite and no substance. As a councillor on Ashfield District Council and an assistant at a childrens play centre, the 35-year-old is constantly hearing peoples opinions. And on their MP? I think people are asking what hes done in four years, she said. And, other than make all these ridiculous comments, the answer is not much. She herself is a member of the hyper-local Ashfield Independents party, which currently runs the authority. At the local elections, the Tories put Lee Anderson front and centre of all their literature, she said. And theyve now lost all but two seats, which I think says a lot. Her council colleague Matthew Relf agrees. Matthew Relf (Colin Drury) Theres an awful lot of people who feel that politicians are always couching their language and dont speak their mind enough, he said. And I think some people took to Lee because he was very different in that respect. But when you start effing and blinding about a serious matter like this it loses people. Some support remains for Anderson here, it should be said. A local business owner reckoned the MP was simply addressing an issue that many people were angry about. Why cant they [immigrants] stay on that barge anyway? she asked. They came here on dangerous small boats so whats wrong with a safe big boat? She asked not to be named for fear her family might think she was defending fruity language. Tory councillor Dawn Justice also offered support for Anderson. Shed just got back from holiday from France ironically and hadnt heard the outburst so, no, she wouldnt be commenting on that. But, hang on, she would certainly say that he was very popular on the doorstep. Whenever I have been canvassing with him, he always gets a positive response, she said. He connects with voters. Not all of them, though. Back with John Hill, he pondered who he would vote for at the next election. I normally make up my mind a few days before polling day, he said. But I can already tell you it wont be him. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports ESPN Cleveland radio host Tony Grossi caught some attention this weekend and a bit more. Grossi was caught laughing at Cleveland Browns kicker Cade York, an incident uncovered on Twitter. Oh no @TonyGrossi, ESPN Cleveland posted. They included a video of the Browns and York setting up to kick a field goal. The former LSU kicker posted a 75 percent mark on kicks last year, and it doesnt seem like his struggles are going away. York missed another kick on Friday night, a 46-yard attempt, which prompted an animated response from Grossi. Oh my God, Grossi said as he let out a laugh after York missed wide right. Grossi looked in despair as Yorks struggles trickled through into the preseason on Friday night. Its obviously not an ideal situation for him, and its also not the first time that a Cleveland host has gotten attention lately for something related to the Browns. Recently, fellow ESPN Cleveland host Tony Rizzo sounded off after he felt the Browns were being persistently disrespected. Rizzo pointed out that the Cincinnati Bengals had won the AFC North the last two years, so by that logic, it shouldnt be out of the question that Cleveland could win it either. But if the Browns want to compete, well, their kicking game needs to probably get better. Unfortunately, as Grossis reaction suggested, its looking anything but optimistic. [ESPN Cleveland] 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 }} Sir Tony Blairs institute has continued to advise and receive money from the government of Saudi Arabia since the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, it has emerged. The Sunday Times reported the former prime ministers organisation is involved in a multimillion-pound partnership helping with a modernisation drive in the country led by Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. The prince, who is the Gulf states de facto leader, was accused of ordering the assassination of dissident Washington Post journalist Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018. He has denied any involvement and blamed rogue agents. Sir Tonys spokesman confirmed that the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change had continued its involvement in Saudi Arabias Vision 2030, a wide-ranging programme of economic reform devised to boost tourism and reduce reliance on oil, after Khashoggis death. People hold posters of slain Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi (AP) According to a statement, anxieties were initially expressed internally as the institute considered how to proceed with the partnership, which started in 2017, following the killing. But ultimately, Sir Tony was of the view that continued engagement was justified despite the terrible crime, and no staff or board member opposed the decision, the spokesman said. The renewed engagement of the USA and Western nations with Saudi Arabia and Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman illustrates why this decision was correct, a statement said. It comes after the Financial Times reported that Rishi Sunak invited the prince to the UK in the autumn. Downing Street declined to comment at the time. A UK visit would be the latest example of Western countries welcoming the crown prince back into the diplomatic fold after he was frozen out following the murder. Britain is aiming to strengthen its ties with the kingdom despite concerns over its human rights record as it seeks to attract investment from the oil-rich Gulf following Brexit. The FT said details of the trip have not yet been finalised, quoting an official as saying: Its more up to them, given we need them more than they need us. Mr Sunak met Prince Mohammed on the margins of the G20 summit in Bali last November, where the leaders discussed social reforms and civil liberties but not the murder of Khashoggi, No 10 said at the time. US president Joe Biden raised the subject in his own talks over energy and security issues when he met the crown prince last year, indicating that he thought the Saudi leader was responsible for the killing. A statement from Sir Tonys office said that he took the view then and is strongly of the view now that the programme of social and economic change under way in Saudi Arabia is of immense and positive importance to the region and the world the relationship with Saudi Arabia is of critical strategic importance to the West, and that therefore staying engaged there is justified. PA 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 sinking of a small boat in the Channel with the loss of six lives is the latest incident to highlight the Governments attempts to deter migrants from making the perilous crossing. What is the Governments main plan? Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has pledged to stop the crossings and is in the process of bringing in controversial legislation to remove the incentive to make the crossings. The Illegal Migration Act received royal assent last month after much wrangling in the Houses of Parliament. The Government says the new law will mean people who come to the UK illegally will not have a right to stay, and will be liable to be returned either to their home country or relocated to a safe third country. People who arrive illegally will be banned from lawfully re-entering the UK and will not be eligible for settlement or citizenship, except in limited circumstances. What do critics say about the plans? Campaigners have criticised the proposals, warning that they are cruel, inhumane, unworkable, and will not stop people trying to come to the UK to seek asylum. Some have argued that the law strips away long-standing promises the country has made to provide sanctuary and aid to refugees. Why does the Government disagree? Mr Sunak and Home Secretary Suella Braverman insist the Act is paramount to deterring Channel crossings and controlling the number of people arriving and staying in the UK, as well as overhauling elements of the asylum system. Which safe third country will people be sent to? In April 2022, the UK Government announced a multimillion-pound five-year trial with Rwanda which would see some asylum seekers sent to the central African country. They would then either be granted refugee status to stay in Rwanda or they could apply to settle there on other grounds or seek asylum in another safe third country. Why have people not yet been sent to Rwanda? In June, the Court of Appeal overturned a ruling by the High Court that the Rwanda agreement was lawful because of deficiencies in the countrys asylum system which could lead to some claimants being sent back to their home countries where they might face prosecution. The Court of Appeal also ruled that the policy breached Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), although the Government has been given leave to appeal against these rulings in the Supreme Court. What has been the response in the Conservative Party to the ruling? Reports suggest some senior ministers believe the UK should pull out of the ECHR, which is ruled on by the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, to enable the Government to move forward with the Rwanda plan. What else has the Government been doing to stop small boat crossings? In March, the UK announced an unprecedented 478 million package to fund a new detention centre in France and hundreds of extra law enforcement officers on French shores. The package comes on top of the more than 300 million the UK has committed to France in the last decade to help tackle unauthorised migration. It is understood the detention centre, which is expected to be located in Dunkirk, will be run by French officials with the UK contributing 25 million over three years. People detained at the site are to be returned to their home country if safe, or if not, the last country they passed through. The Government has also attempted to show that asylum-seekers will not receive luxurious treatment while waiting for their status to be confirmed by bringing in the use of disused military sites for housing as well as the Bibby Stockholm barge in Portland, Dorset, to accommodate more than 500 men. However, the first arrivals on the barge had to be removed on Friday after traces of Legionella bacteria were found onboard, meaning a further postponement of the already-delayed plan to reduce the reliance on hotels to accommodate migrants. Other measures include a communique with Albania making it more difficult for people to come to the UK from the eastern European country by actions including a joint migration taskforce, with more than 1,000 Albanian nationals already returned. The Government has also set up partnerships with social media companies to remove people-smuggling adverts from websites and action to tackle rogue immigration lawyers reported to have been illegally helping people get around the asylum system. The UK has also agreed a partnership with Turkey to tackle organised immigration gangs and disrupt the supply of boat parts and other materials used as part of illegal migration journeys. 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 eight-month-old baby is among two people killed after a migrant boat capsized off Tunisias Gabes coast. State radio said that a further 13 people were rescued while a search is currently underway for missing migrants. A statement from the coastguard said that the vessel carrying 20 Tunisians went down at 2am and 120 metres away from the beach in Gabes. Two bodies have been recovered, one of a 20-year-old man and the other of an infant, the statement read. It added that authorities in Gabes have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances of this tragedy. According to the International Organisation for Migration, more than 1,800 people have died this year while crossing the Mediterranean Sea in a bid to reach Europe. Tunisia has emerged as a major landing point for migrants and refugees hoping to undertake the perilous journey, which is considered the worlds deadliest route. The coastal city of Sfax, which is located about 80 miles from the Italian island of Lampedusa, has seen a recent surge in migrant crossings, with 41 killed during a shipwreck on Wednesday. It comes after at least six people died in the English Channel after a small boat capsized on Saturday morning. An operation involving French and British authorities rescued dozens of people after receiving reports that a boat was struggling in the water. Rescue efforts continue with two migrants still believed to be missing, with numerous boats and merchant vessels involved in the search. Accounts from survivors of the shipwreck say at least 65 people took to the sea in the boat that sank, French authorities said in a statement this afternoon. Several were carried onto shore on stretchers, with about 58 people rescued from the waters. Six people, one of whom was airlifted to hospital, were recovered in a serious condition but were later pronounced dead. At least 22 people were dropped off at Dover by UK crews while 36 were taken to the port of Calais on a French boat, Frances maritime prefecture of the Channel and the North Sea said. Home secretary Suella Braverman said: My thoughts and prayers are with those affected by the tragic loss of life in the Channel today. I have spoken with our Border Force teams this morning who have been supporting the French authorities in response to this incident. 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 }} Colombian authorities on Friday arrested the father of two of the four Indigenous children who survived a plane crash earlier in June. The four siblings were found alive by Colombian soldiers nearly 40 days after their plane crashed in the Amazon rainforest on 1 May. While the Colombian prosecutors office confirmed the arrest of Manuel Ranoque, they did not give details on the case or the reason for his arrest, but he has previously been the subject of allegations of domestic abuse from the childrens maternal grandfather. We learned of the capture of the father of two Mucutuy minor children and we believe that the prosecutors office has operated within the full framework of the law, said Astrid Eliana Caceres, director of the Colombian Institute for Family Welfare. Father of one-year-old Cristin Neriman Ranoque Mucutuy, four-year-old Tien Noriel Ranoque Mucutuy, and stepfather of 13-year-old Lesly Jacobombaire Mucutuy and nine-year-old Soleiny Jacobombaire Mucutuy, Mr Ranoque has been involved in a legal battle for the custody of the children. The grandfather of the children has accused Mr Ranoque of abusing the mother of the four children, who was travelling on the plane that crashed and died four days later. He alleged that the children would sometimes hide in the forest to escape beatings when Mr Ranoque was drunk. Once, he hit my daughter with a machete, Mr Mucutuy told reporters earlier in June, according to the Associated Press. Another time, Lesly hid in the forest with her siblings for three days to protect them from the beatings when [Mr Ranoque] arrived home with alcohol breath and started hitting them without mercy. Prior to his arrest Mr Ranoque acknowledged to reporters that there had been unspecified problems at home, but dismissed them as private and not gossip for the world. When asked if he had assaulted his wife, he replied: Verbally all of a sudden, yes. Physically, very little, because we did more fight of words." One of the four Indigenous children who were found alive is stretchered out of a plane upon landing at the CATAM military base in Bogota (AFP via Getty Images) The four siblings have been in the custody of Colombias child protection agency since being released from the hospital. The children were travelling with their mother in a Cessna 206 plane to Bogota to meet Mr Ranoque when it crashed on 1 May near the Guaviare province. Their mother Magdalena Mucutuy, as well as the planes pilot, died in the accident. According to El Tiempo, Mr Ranoque, who is related to a local political leader, previously lived in the indigenous reserve of Puerto Sabalo with his family. He had to flee the community on foot after receiving threats from crime groups operating in the area. Mr Ranoque completed his odyssey through the jungle and eventually arrived in Bogota. He reportedly found a job and saved money for a month and a half to afford his familys transport from their remote community to the Colombian capital. The 40-day search for the children captivated Colombia after it emerged that they appeared to have survived the crash. The plane had been on a route between Araracuara in the Amazonas province and San Jose del Guaviare for the first leg of the trip when it disappeared. Manuel Ranoque, in a black and white T-shirt, the father of the two youngest of the four Indigenous children who were found alive after being lost for 40 days (AFP via Getty Images) The plane wasnt found until two weeks later on 16 May in the rainforest, as weather conditions delayed search operations. While the remains of the three adults on the plane were located, the children werent there. For more than a month, the children survived by eating cassava flour and seeds as well as some fruits they found in the rainforest, which they were familiar with as members of the Huitoto Indigenous group. Soldiers in helicopters dropped boxes of food into the jungle, and planes fired off flares at night to illuminate the ground for crews searching around the clock. Rescuers also used speakers to blast a message recorded by the childrens grandmother telling them to stay in one place. The children were finally found on 9 June and transported by helicopter to Bogota and then to a military hospital. Sign up to our free US news bulletin sent straight to your inbox each weekday morning Sign up to our free morning US email news bulletin Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the US Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The mayor and law enforcement officials in Lansing, Michigan are apologising to the family of a 12-year-old Black boy who was wrongfully arrested as a suspected car thief. Viral footage of the boys arrest on 10 August while he was taking out the trash from his home shows a white officer leading the boy through a parking lot with his hands cuffed behind his back. A lawyer representing the family told the Associated Press that the boy was initially approached by an officer with an unholstered gun and was holding it in front of him. The footage shows a man identified as the boys father, Michael Bernard, approaching the officer as the boy is brought to a patrol car and placed in the rear seat. Roughly three minutes into the video, officers remove the cuffs and walk him towards his father. They trauamtised my son, Mr Bernard can be heard saying in the video. The first of a series of statements issued by the Lansing Police Department called the incident an unfortunate misunderstanding. A second statement said the boy was released to his father when eliminated as the accused. Officials said that the boy was wearing the same clothes as a suspect in a vehicle theft investigation. Its unfortunate that incidents like this occur but through communication and sharing of information, we can help people understand the whole story. We understand that something like this has an impact on all parties involved, Lansing police chief Ellery Sosobee said in the statement. As the Chief of Police, I want to apologize that this incident had such an effect on this young man and his family, he added. Im asking for the community to consider all the facts of the situation before making a judgment. A statement from Lansing Mayor Andy Schor said police made a mistake in detaining the wrong person during a vehicle theft investigation. I join Chief Sosebee in offering my apologies to the young man and to his family, he added. Police remain in contact with the boys family and are providing resources and support for any trauma as a result of the incident, according to the mayors office. Our officers do their absolute best to protect Lansing, but in this case a mistake was made and we own it and apologise to those affected, he said. As mayor, I once again offer my sincere apology to this young man. Lawyers for the boys family are exploring all legal options including a potential lawsuit, attorneys Ayanna and Rico Neal said during a virtual press conference. The incident comes as the Detroit Police Department faces heightened scrutiny after a series of wrongful arrests of Black residents who were incorrectly targeted by facial recognition technology. 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 fourth person has turned herself in for her alleged involvement in the now-viral Montgomery riverfront brawl. The Montgomery Police Department announced that 21-year-old Mary Todd was charged with assault in the third degree. She is currently behind bars in the Municipal Jail, the police added. She joins three other men who were arrested following the wild riverfront fight. Its unclear whether she and Allen Todd, a 23-year-old man who turned himself in on Wednesday, are related. Zachary Shipman, 25, also turned himself in on Wednesday night after police asked him and Mr Todd to turn themselves in no later than Tuesday. Richard Roberts, 48, was also held in custody in Selma as of Tuesday. Police have previously said that the three men who were arrested were members of the pontoon boat, which was blocking the Harriott II riverboat from docking in its designated space. Its unclear if Ms Todd was also aboard the craft. After waiting 45 minutes to dock the Harriott II, which was carrying 227 passengers, and many calls over the PA system asking for the pontoon boat owners to move their boat, a senior deckhand approached them and asked them to move their vessel, according to the police chief on Tuesday. However, the pontoon boat owners did not take it well, as a fight broke out, with one of the members of the pontoon boat throwing fists at the deckhand. The brawl only grew from there, including one man hitting people over the head with a folding chair. The captain of the Harriott II said he believes this interaction was racially motivated, but the massive brawl that transpired afterwards was not. Capt Jim Kitrell also noted earlier this week that he has had trouble with the pontoon boat owners in the past, and had considered pressing charges against them years ago, yet was talked out of it. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said on Saturday it is investigating a near collision between a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 and a Cessna Citation business jet in San Diego, the latest in a series of troubling U.S. aviation incidents. The FAA said its preliminary review shows that just before 12 p.m. PDT on Friday, an air traffic controller at San Diego International Airport cleared the Citation to land on a certain runway even though Southwest Airlines Flight 2493 had already been told to taxi onto the same runway and await instructions to depart. The facilitys automated surface surveillance system alerted the controller about the developing situation and the controller directed the Cessna to discontinue landing. A person briefed on the matter said the initial review shows the Cessna passed over the top of the Southwest airplane by about 100 feet. The FAA is sending a team to the facility to investigate. Southwest said on Saturday it is participating in the FAAs review of the incident. Our aircraft departed without event and the flight operated normally, with a safe landing in San Jose as scheduled, the airline said. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating six runway incursion events since January. A similar near-collision incident occurred in February in Austin, Texas, when a FedEx cargo plane and a Southwest Boeing 737 came within about 115 feet (35 meters) in poor visibility conditions. The controller had cleared the FedEx plane to land and the Southwest plane to depart. On Thursday, the NTSB cited the failure of a Lear 60 charter pilot to get a takeoff clearance in a February incident in Boston that resulted in a near-collision with a JetBlue flight. The NTSB said the airport surface detection equipment issued an alert, and the air traffic controller gave go-around instructions to the JetBlue flight. The JetBlue Embraer 190 was just 30 feet (9.1 m) above ground when it broke off the landing close to the point where both runways intersected, the NTSB said, adding the Boston tower told the charter pilot the JetBlue flight passed about 400 feet above them. The King of Jordan approved a bill Saturday to punish online speech deemed harmful to national unity, according to the Jordanian state news agency, legislation that has drawn accusations from human rights groups of a crackdown on free expression in a country where censorship is on the rise. The measure makes certain online posts punishable with months of prison time and fines. These include comments promoting, instigating, aiding, or inciting immorality, demonstrating contempt for religion or undermining national unity. It also punishes those who publish names or pictures of police officers online and outlaws certain methods of maintaining online anonymity. With the approval of King Abdullah II, the bill now becomes law set to take effect one month after it is published in the state newspaper, Al-Rai. The newspaper is expected to publish the law tomorrow. After amending the bill to allow judges to choose between imposing prison time and fines, rather than ordering combined penalties, the Senate passed the bill Tuesday, Jordan's state-run news agency reported. The measure was passed by Jordans lower house of parliament in July. Lawmakers have argued that the measure, which amends a 2015 cybercrime law, is necessary to punish blackmailers and online attackers. But opposition lawmakers and human rights groups caution that the new law will expand state control over social media, hamper free access to information and penalize anti-government speech. A coalition of 14 human rights groups, including Human Rights Watch, has called the law draconian. The groups say vague provisions open the door for Jordans executive branch to punish individuals for exercising their right to freedom of expression, forcing the judges to convict citizens in most cases. The president of Jordans press association also warned the language could infringe upon press freedom and freedom of speech. The measure is the latest in a series of crackdowns on freedom of expression in Jordan, a key U.S. ally seen as an important source of stability in the volatile Middle East. A report by Human Rights Watch in 2022 found that authorities increasingly target protesters and journalists in a systematic campaign to quell peaceful opposition and silence critical voices. All power in Jordan rests with Abdullah II, who appoints and dismisses governments. Parliament is compliant because of a single-vote electoral system that discourages the formation of strong political parties. Abdullah has repeatedly promised to open the political system, but then pulled back due to concerns of losing control to an Islamist surge. Former Vice President Mike Pence said Friday he expected to call out former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis during this months Republican presidential debate for not insisting on a national abortion ban, an issue Pence says requires federal action. My former running mate, the governor of Florida and others are suggesting that the Supreme Court returned the question of abortion to the states," Pence told reporters while touring the Iowa State Fair on Friday. The 2022 Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade stripped away constitutional protections for the procedure. I truly do believe its vitally important that we seize the opportunity at the national level to advance protections for the right to life, and Ill do so as president," he added. This is a really big issue. It will be on the stage in Milwaukee. Pence was referring to the Republican presidential debate scheduled for Aug. 23 in Milwaukee. Pence has recommended federal legislation that would ban abortion nationwide at 15 weeks of pregnancy, a notion fellow Republican presidential candidate Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina has also proposed. Trump's position that the legality of abortion should be determined by states, not the federal government, was sharply rebuked by top abortion opponents, including the Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America group. Trump's three Supreme Court nominees voted with the majority last year to overturn the 49-year-old decision that recognized a federal abortion right. As governor, DeSantis has signed legislation this year banning abortion in Florida at six weeks, but has not pressed for a national ban. That has also drawn criticism from the groups that rebuked Trump. Trump has not said whether he plans to attend the debate in Milwaukee. Republican Senator Ron Johnson amplified a number of Covid-19 conspiracy theories in a Fox Business Network segment bloated with false claims about the disease amid a growing number of hospitalisations and infections. While public health officials are urging Americans to stay up to date with vaccinations, the Wisconsin senator and Fox personality Maria Bartiromo falsely refuted vaccine efficacy and safety while wrongly stating that ivermectin is an approved treatment. The senator also revived baseless conspiracy theories circulated by anti-vaccine influencers like Robert F Kennedy Jr, who has faced ongoing scrutiny for his bogus suggestion that the virus is a biological weapon used to target certain demographics and spare Jewish and Chinese people. This was all pre-planned by an elite group of people, Mr Johnson said on the network on 11 August. Were up against a very powerful group of people We are going down a very dangerous path, but its a path that is being laid out and planned by an elite group of people that want to take total control over our lives, and thats what theyre doing bit by bit. Mr Johnson and Ms Bartiromo also falsely claimed that the US Food and Drug Administration has approved ivermectin to treat Covid-19. In a statement to The Independent, a spokesperson for Mr Johnson said he was referencing that the pandemic response not that the pandemic itself was pre-planned. The statement referenced Event 201, a coronavirus pandemic training exercise from 2019 that conspiracy theorists and Covid sceptics have pointed to as evidence of a global plot and prior knowledge of an outbreak with elites determining a response. The Fox segment followed a recent appeals court hearing in a lawsuit from three doctors who have accused the federal agency of overstepping its authority by telling people not to take ivermectin to treat the disease. A federal judge appointed by Donald Trump dismissed the lawsuit last year. FDA attorneys argued that the agency did not prohibit doctors from prescribing the drug but had issued guidance recommending against its use. Right-wing media falsely interpreted those statements to mean that the agency now is endorsing the drug. Ms Bartiromo also admitted to taking ivermectin which still is not authorised or approved for use in preventing or treating Covid-19 before falsely stating that the FDA says its fine to use. It was hard to find my doctor to finally, you know, address this and prescribe ivermectin, she said. He did, my Covid was gone in a day when I took ivermectin. And now three years later, the FDA says, Oh, yeah, thats fine. Take ivermectin. The FDA has not said that. The segment aired as Covid-related hospitalisations begin to surge across the US, increasing 12.5 per cent over the last week to more than 9,000, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. EG.5, an offshoot of the omicron variant that sparked waves of new infections, has been circulating in the US since April, now accounting for more than 17 per cent of Covid infections, according to the CDC. Last month, Mr Kennedy a prominent anti-vaccine conspiracy theorist who is seeking an extremely long-shot bid for the Democratic nomination for president revived an antisemitic conspiracy that blames Jewish people for the emergence of the disease. He baselessly stated during a press event that there is an argument to be made that the disease is ethnically targeted. The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany Aug 13 The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, 423 N. Beaver St., Flagstaff. 978-774-2911. 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Come join in prayer, fellowship, friendship, come and see! www.epiphanyaz.org, or 978-774-2911 for more info. https://go.evvnt.com/1834278-0. BEACON UU SUNDAY SERVICE: "The Indigenous Circle of Flagstaff with Darrell Marks Aug 13 Beacon Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 510 N. Leroux St., Flagstaff. (928) 779-4492. 10-11 a.m., ALL ARE WELCOME! You BELONG at Beacon - Spiritually open and intentionally inclusive since 1958. Darrell Marks (Dine) from the Indigenous Circle of Flagstaff will be this weeks guest speaker. The Indigenous Circle of Flagstaff (ICF) is an intertribal group of Indigenous people and supporters in Flagstaff who have been meeting since October 2015 to help move the City toward a real and meaningful relationship with the Indigenous Peoples within Flagstaff and Coconino County. ICF is made up of youth, adults, and elders from diverse sectors of the community. Darrell Marks, speaking, with Worship Associate Linda Ochi and music by Pete Garcia IV (vocalist) and Simon Cunningham (accompanist). https://go.evvnt.com/1887834-0. LIVING CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH Aug 13 500 W. Riordan Road, 500 W. Riordan Road, Flagstaff. 928-526-8595. 10-11 a.m., Join Rev. Kurt Fangmeier for the Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost! Elijah finds the presence of God not in earthquake, wind, or fire, but in the sound of sheer silence. When the disciples face a great storm on the sea, they cry out with fear. Jesus says: Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid. Amid the storms of life, we gather to seek the calm presence of Christ that soothes our fears. In comforting words of scripture and in the refreshing bread and cup of the eucharist, God grants us peace and sends us forth to be a sign of Gods presence to others. We will learn more with our First Reading of 1 Kings 19:9-18 (The Lord speaks to Elijah on Mount Horeb), Psalm 85:8-13 (I will listen to what the Lord God is saying) and the Second Reading of Romans 10:5-15 (Hearing and confessing the word of faith) together with the Gospel Matthew 14:22-33 (Jesus walking on the sea). https://go.evvnt.com/1884793-0. PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Aug 13 3430 N. Fourth St., 3430 N. Fourth St., Flagstaff. 928-526-9578. 10-11 a.m., We invite you to join the family of Peace Lutheran Church (LCMS) this Sunday at 10:00am for in person blended service (Combined Liturgical, hymnal based and Praise Worship) with Holy Communion. Pastor William Weiss Jr. (Pastor Bill) will be presiding. The subject of this weeks service is: Why? The Old Testament reading is from Job 38: 4-18 God questions Job. The Epistle reading is from Romans 10: 5-17 Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. The Gospel reading is from Matthew 14: 22-33 Jesus walks on water and rescues sinking Peter. The service will be live streamed on our website (peacelutheranflagstaff.org) and on YouTube. Fellowship and refreshments are available before the worship service beginning 9:15am. https://go.evvnt.com/1882006-0. Unity of Flagstaff Spiritual Center Aug 13 Unity of Flagstaff, 1800 S. Milton Road, Flagstaff. 10:30-11:30 a.m., We are all storytellers, especially when we recall or re-live events in our lives. Would it be a benefit to you and your life to cultivate the ability to quickly and flexibly see a scene accuratelyeither as it is happening or as it has happened, without the charged energy or story that we tell ourselves and others? Join our guest speaker Wayne Benenson this Sunday as we strive to open our minds, hearts and eyes to what's really happening in front of us rather than a made-up story with a limited perspective. Matt Devlin and Steve Huffman with Music. Unity of Flagstaff Spiritual CenterTOOLS not RULES. www.unityofflagstaff.org Live at 1800 S Milton Rd Suite 103, or Livestream youtube.unityofflagstaff.org. https://go.evvnt.com/1890879-0. Flagstaff Federated Community Church Please join us for in person services Sundays at 10 a.m. We are located at 400 W Aspen Ave. on the corner of Aspen and Sitgreaves in Downtown Flagstaff. All are welcome to our services. For more information about Flagstaff Federated Community Church please call our office at 928-774-7383, Mon Thurs 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Church of the Resurrection Sunday Church Services 740 W. University Heights Drive S., 740 W. University Heights Drive S., Flagstaff. 928-853-8522. 10-11:30 a.m., Church of the Resurrection Presbyterian Church in America (PCA): We invite you to join us for worship at 10 a.m. on Sundays at 740 W. University Heights Drive South. Please feel free to contact us for information on our mid-week gatherings and for more information on our church. You can find us at www.cor-pca.org and www.facebook.com/CORFlagstaff or we can be reached at corflagstaff@gmail.com and (928) 699-2715. Leupp Nazarene Church The church, near mile post 13 or Navajo Route 15, has been holding services by teleconferences and doing drive-up meetings. For information, call pastor Farrell Begay at 928-853-5321. Teleconference number: 1-7170275-8940 with access code 3204224#. Services are 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sundays and 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Christian Science Society of Flagstaff 619 W. Birch Ave. Bible Lesson services every Sunday 10-11am (Zoom option: https://zoom.us/j/369812794). Testimony Meetings every Wednesday: 5:30-6:30pm (Zoom option: https://zoom.us/j/971672834). Zoom password: CSS. Former president Donald Trump has again lashed out at Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis on Truth Social, ahead of a week in which it is expected he will be indicted for 2020 election interference in the Atlanta, Georgia area. Returning to themes of attack he has deployed before, he called Ms Willis RACIST and criticised her professional record combating crime in Atlanta. He called the city one of the deadliest communities in the US with gang members roaming the streets, adding that they are treated with kid gloves. Toward the end of the rambling sentence, the former president got to his point, saying he had heard without providing evidence that Ms Willis is using the potential indictment against him as a campaign and fundraising CON JOB. Mr Trump has attacked Ms Willis on numerous occasions with an increasingly desperate tone including a recent baseless allegation of an extramarital affair with a gang member. In response, the district attorney has issued a memorandum to staff about the new lie told about her instructing them not to comment publicly on the matter. The former president rounded out his latest diatribe by yet again describing his 2 January 2021 phone call with Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger as perfect and that it was his duty and right to challenge election fraud as president. Fulton County DA Fani Willis and former president Donald Trump (Getty) Mr Trump wrote in full on his social media platform on Saturday morning: I hear that RACIST Fulton County (Atlanta) District Attorney Phoney Fani Willis, who weakly presides over one of the deadliest communities in the US, with thousands of murderers, violent criminals & gang members roaming the streets while going untried, free, & are treated with kid gloves, is using a potential Indictment of me, and other innocent people, as a campaign and fundraising CON JOB, all based on a PERFECT PHONE CALL, AS PRESIDENT, CHALLENGING ELECTION FRAUD - MY DUTY & RIGHT! In a publicly released recording of the call, Mr Trump attempts to pressure Mr Raffensperger into finding him votes despite there being no evidence of electoral fraud or other issues. The then-president insisted he had won the state but still said he wanted to find 11,780 votes to clear the margin by which Joe Biden had triumphed in the November 2020 election. The call is expected to be just one part of a multi-faceted indictment handed down by the Fulton County grand jury which has heard evidence of the multiple ways in which the former president and his allies attempted to overturn the results of the election. Late on Friday night, Mr Trump broke an unusually prolonged silence on Truth Social in which he had predominantly only reposted videos by sharing his two cents on the naming of David Weiss as special counsel in the Justice Departments investigation of Hunter Biden. Related Prosecutor in Hunter Biden case is given special counsel status by attorney general The former president wrote: David Weiss was picked by the two Democrat Senators from Delaware under Blue Slip. He would not have been picked by me. But I have a great idea. Why dont they use Deranged Jack Smith[?]. Mr Trump continued: Weiss has been investigating Hunter for 4 years, giving him the sweetheart deal of all sweetheart deals. But a brilliant Judge in Delaware saw through it all. Now, I read, the Department of Injustice wants a new Judge and Jurisdiction. But so do I, with far stronger reasons than Hunter & Crooked Joe. MAGA!!! Mr Weiss was nominated to the post of US Attorney for the US District Court for the District of Delaware by Mr Trump. The former president has tried to get his federal election interference case moved out of the District of Columbia and over to West Virginia to what he sees as a chance to get a better jury. Many of the more than 1,000 people charged with crimes relating to the Capitol riot of 6 January 2021 have tried this and all have been denied as their crimes took place in Washington, DC. Republican presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy was more than 40 minutes into a town hall in rural Iowa when a woman in the crowd posed a pointed question. Or perhaps it was a suggestion. I know you want to be president," she said. "But would you consider being Trumps vice president? The query drew light laughter from attendees and a lengthy response from Ramaswamy. (The short answer: No.) It also highlighted the central challenge facing the wealthy entrepreneur, who has risen from little-known newcomer to as high as third in some Republican primary polls since joining the race nearly six months ago. While voters are increasingly interested in Ramaswamy, it's former President Donald Trump who continues to be many conservatives' favorite. With the first Republican primary debate in just over a week and the leadoff Iowa caucus five months away, he is delicately working to convince more voters that he could be their nominee and as much as he says he respects Trump would be a better 2024 candidate and president. The debate will be important, but I think also just continuing on the trajectory weve been on, Ramaswamy said after the town hall held in a cavernous welding company workshed in Vail, Iowa. He returns to Iowa on Saturday for the Iowa State Fair, a rite of passage for presidential candidates. Ramaswamy described the months leading up to the first debate as just the pre-season. So were entering the regular season of this and Im coming in with a running start, he said. "Thats the way I look at it. He says his strategy heading into the debate in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is speak the truth, pointing to a banner emblazoned with the word TRUTH" that serves as his backdrop and has become a campaign theme. The word in all capital letters and a font and that resembles Trump campaign signage is emblazoned on placards, T-shirts and stickers. Ramaswamy says he and others cannot trust the government because the government doesn't tell the truth. It was what motivated him, he says, to travel to the courthouse where Trump was to appear on charges earlier this month to announce he is suing the Justice Department and seeking all records the department has with information about why Trump was indicted. Though such a lawsuit is unlikely to be successful before any GOP primary votes are cast, it was a move that struck a balance between defending Trump and drawing positive attention to his own candidacy, at least among the Republican primary electorate. Thats what this campaign is already all about, speaking the hard truths, the truth that you might speak at the dinner table, but you dont feel free to speak in public, Ramaswamy told the Iowa audience. If he is elected, he said, people will speak those truths again, such as God is real" and reverse racism is racism. Having just turned 38, Ramaswamy is the youngest person to be a major Republican presidential candidate. Born in Ohio to immigrant parents from India, he earned a biology degree from Harvard University and then finished Yale Law School. He made his fortune after starting a biotech company, last year founded an asset management firm and is the author of several books, including Woke, Inc. His books helped Ramaswamy gain exposure in conservative circles, including on Fox News, as a critic of ESG, or looking not just at profit in investments, but also at environmental, social and governance issues, such as a company's policies on climate. He bemoans that the United States has become a place full of victims, and says the country has lost its purpose and its focus on faith, patriotism, hard work and family. On the stump, Ramaswamy is able to wax on issues ranging from digital currency to his stance on Israel, the U.S. Constitution and the civil service rules regarding mass layoffs of federal employees rules he says he understands better than any other candidate. He is proud of not needing a teleprompter, and his mix of policy specifics and smooth delivery has won over some voters. Hes a great orator, he has a keen intellect and a lot of knowledge, said Margarite Goodenow, a retiree from Council Bluffs who said she is so far supporting Ramaswamy over Trump. She described the former president as too toxic a position she held before he was indicted in multiple criminal cases though Goodenow said she will support Trump if he is the nominee. Ramaswamy says he can use his deep knowledge to accomplish what Trump couldn't and his other rivals wouldn't be able to laying off 75% of the federal bureaucracy in his first term, including 50% in year one. Some 20,000 members of the FBI would be let go as he dismantles the agency, he said. The remaining 15,000 frontline agents would go to work for what he says are more effective agencies, such as the U.S. Marshals Service, to focus on crimes such as child sex trafficking. He also said that by March 31, 2025, he would station the military along the U.S.-Mexico border positioned every half-mile to protect against illegal immigration and drugs like fentanyl entering the country. Those proposals all brought cheers during his recent Iowa stops. Kelly and Amy Pieper were among the nearly 200 people hailing from more than eight counties, according to organizers who turned out for the Ramaswamy town hall in in the northwest Iowa community of Vail, which has a population of fewer than 400. They liked that Ramaswamy would carry forward many of Trump's policies, but presents himself as more eloquent and optimistic. He gives you a sense of hope, not all doom and gloom, Kelly Pieper said. Its like hes got Trump ideals but is a more eloquent version. Not this crazy uncle talking, his wife, Amy Pieper, added. Thats what we need. Not everyone is convinced he can pull it off, however, even if Iowa has been known to provide some surprises. For Republicans, Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum lodged an unexpected 2012 victory, though he later lost the GOP primary to Mitt Romney. On the Democratic side, it was then-Sen. Barack Obama whose 2008 defeat of Hillary Clinton threw that nomination battle into question. And in 2020, Pete Buttigieg, whose highest office was mayor of South Bend, Indiana, finished atop the field alongside Sen. Bernie Sanders. Joe Biden later won the nomination and defeated Trump. That has set up the rare presidential race with a former office holder seeking reelection, making Trump a formidable opponent whose rallies attract thousands more people. Trump's closest challenger to be Republicans' nominee so far is Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has consistently polled a distant second, with Ramaswamy trailing. Voters at the Ramaswamy events consistently said they were deciding between the two alternatives to Trump. But like the woman who intimated that Ramaswamy could be Trumps running mate, Andrew Grove has his doubts about whether the first-time candidate can pull it off. His message is on spot. I just dont know if he has the support to take him over the top, over Trump and DeSantis," said Grove, 53. He added that DeSantis is a proven leader" while Ramaswamy has not held public office. Ramaswamy maintains that he is the only candidate in the GOP field who can deliver the landslide victory that the country needs in 2024 something akin to Ronald Reagan's wipeout of his 1984 rival rather than the kind of tight race the nation saw in 2020. He says he is attracting support from young people and new donors that older candidates are not. Of his roughly 70,000 individual donors, he says, 40% of those making small-dollar contributions are giving to a Republican for the first time. As for Trump, Ramaswamy responded to the question of being his running mate by speaking warmly of the former president. Ramaswamy was a hardcore supporter of the president in 2020, he said, adding that they talk from time to time, had dinner together a few years ago and that if he becomes president, Trump probably would be his most useful adviser and mentor. But he says the America First movement belongs not just to Trump but to we the people. And he believes he can be more effective at accomplishing things Trump could not, saying a certain segment of the electorate automatically opposes Trump through no fault of his own, he said. I'm not having that effect on people, Ramaswamy said. He noted another key difference as he made his case to top the ticket. Hes not the same person he was eight years ago, Ramaswamy said of Trump. "I hope certainly and pray that my best days are ahead of me. And I think we might just want a U.S. president whose best days arent behind him. 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 }} Allegations of Ukraines civilians being snatched from their homes and abused in makeshift detention centres go way beyond the actions of rogue Russian soldiers, the UNs special rapporteur on torture has warned. Dr Alice Jill Edwards has written to Russian authorities detailing the accounts she has received of harrowing and widespread human rights abuses by Moscows troops in Ukraine since Vladimir Putins invasion including electrocutions, mock executions and threats of genital mutilation. The 22-page letter serves to put Russia on notice of the extensive war crimes allegations, and in effect triggers Moscows obligations to investigate them, as a party to the UN Convention Against Torture, and International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Plastic ties for torture and a broken chair were pictured inside a basement in Kherson (REUTERS/Anna Voitenko) But a two-month deadline to formally respond to the warning has now passed with Russia failing to do so, while ignoring Dr Edwards requests for a meeting to discuss the allegations, as she prepares to embark on a fact-finding mission in Ukraine. Speaking exclusively to The Independent, Dr Edwards warned that consistencies in the geographically widespread testimonies she has received show not just a pattern, but really state authorisation by Moscow. This is way beyond rogue Russian soldiers, or Russian soldiers believing that this is authorised and acting accordingly, Dr Edwards said, warning that FSB security agents are alleged to have supervised torture practices delegated to lower-rank military officials in at least three detention centres. Her letter warns Moscow that the alleged acts of torture would amount to crimes against humanity if proven to be systematic or widespread, and is co-signed by UN special rapporteurs and working groups on arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial executions, and the use of mercenaries. Reacting to Moscows failure to respond, Dr Edwards said: I am disappointed that Russia has not taken this opportunity to inform me and therefore the whole international community of action they ought to have taken, including to instruct their soldiers not to torture or use other unlawful means, and to launch investigations on the basis of the material presented. Dr Alice Jill Edwards assumed the post of UN special rapporteur on torture last August (UN Human Rights Council screengrab) The Kremlin has consistently denied accusations of war crimes by its troops in Ukraine, where Kyivs prosecutor generals office is reviewing more than 98,000 reports of such allegations, as the war continues to rage. The UN experts allege that Russian troops have been targeting Ukrainian civilians in occupied areas since the invasions outset, particularly veterans, those deemed to be aiding Ukraines armed forces, critics of the war, and local authority officials. Civilians are typically seized without a warrant at their homes or workplaces, by groups of between seven to 15 Russian troops and intelligence officials, but have also been seized in the streets and at Russian military checkpoints, the letter states. Most were allegedly transported blindfolded, with a bag over their heads and threatened, insulted, searched, and beaten. Upon arrival at makeshift detention centres, many were forced to stand outside in freezing temperatures, hands tied, without food and unable to use toilets. Debris lies on the floor of a building used by Russian forces where civilians said they were held and tortured, in Izium (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka) Russian authorities alleged refusal to acknowledge many detentions amounts to enforced disappearances, in what appears a tactic used to spread terror and anguish among local population, the UN says, adding: Many families still do not know the fate and whereabouts of their loved ones. During interrogations primarily geared for obtaining details of Ukraines military strategy, or as punishment for supporting Kyivs forces and [enforcing] loyalty to Russia, torture methods would allegedly include electrocution with stun guns, and beatings, including with iron truncheons and hammers. Detainees also allegedly suffered mock executions, threats of sexual violence, exposure to cold and bright light, and were deprived of food, clothing and medications, with some beaten for self-identifying as Ukrainian. A graveyard of unidentified bodies in Bucha, where Russian troops were accused of summarily executing Ukrainians (Bel Trew/The Independent) In one of four cases highlighted in greater detail, concerning detainees in Kharkiv and Donetsk, an entrepreneur and member of Iziums local self-government body was seized at his home last August and held at a police station for nearly a month, in a tiny cell alongside up to eight others. He was allegedly interrogated four times. In one two-hour session, during which he lost consciousness multiple times, he was electrocuted, had the barrel of a hunting rifle stuck in his mouth, and endured threats to shoot him in the kneecap, cut off his fingers and ears, and pull out his nails. Russian soldiers are then claimed to have ordered him to expose his penis, before putting a knife to it and threatening to cut it off and rape him. Following their detention, many civilians reportedly suffered physical and psychological traumas, including bruises, hematomas, physical wounds, hallucinations, damages to internal organs, fractures and cracks in bones, extreme weight loss, sensory impairment as well as motor losses, strokes or exacerbation of chronic diseases, the letter states. Many require ongoing medical evaluation and treatment, and are facing serious financial constraints as a consequence, the UN experts warn. In remarks to The Independent, Dr Edwards said: At this stage, the consequences for Russias alleged violation of the torture prohibition remain primarily diplomatic and economic, rather than judicial. For this reason, it is important that relevant actors continue to document and collect forensic evidence of these alleged crimes for possible later prosecution, including of all those in the chain of command. 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 }} Russia has vowed revenge after claiming to have shot down Ukrainian missiles targeting a key bridge linking them with the annexed Crimea. Videos on social media appeared to show smoke rising from near Kerch Bridge, an important resupply route for Russian forces. The Kremlin accused Ukraine of terrorism, while also claiming to have thwarted an attack by 20 drones targeting Crimea overnight. Russian foreign spokesperson Maria Zakharova wrote on Telegram: There can be no justification for such barbaric actions and they will not go unanswered. The bridge, which is an important symbol for Russia after it was seized in 2014, was not damaged during the attack, with traffic only briefly halted. An adviser to the appointed governor of the annexed region, Sergei Aksyonov, claimed the smoke was an intentional screen put up by special services to mask the bridge from incoming drones. The bridge is a crucial resupply route for the Russian armed forces (AP) Mr Aksyonov said that two missiles had targeted the bridge and a third rocket was shot down over the Kerch Strait. Russia identified the missiles used as Cold War era S-200s, which were originally designed to destroy enemy aircraft and have been adapted for ground-attack use. While Kiyv has not confirmed the attack, their military has launched at least two other attacks targeting the bridge in recent months, with two people killed last month. Following an explosion on the bridge last October, the route was partially closed for several months and only reopened in February. It has previously been targeted on at least two other occasions (AP) Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has previously said the bridge is a legitimate military target as it continued to supply Russian forces with crucial amenities and ammunition. Understandably, this is a target for us. And a target that is bringing war, not peace, has to be neutralised, he said. The Russia-installed leader of the occupied Donetsk region also claimed a civilian had been killed by cluster munitions used by the Ukrainian forces. Denis Pushilin wrote on Telegram that the civilian was killed in the Petrovsky district and claimed that a further six people, including a 12-year-old girl, were injured. No pictures or evidence were provided by Mr Pushilin to support his claims. Shoppers continue about their business at a market damaged by airstrikes (Reuters) Cluster bombs are banned by over 100 countries and caused controversy last month after the US agreed to provide them to Ukraine. Meanwhile, Ukraines military reported a partial success near Robotyne on the front line in the southern Zaporizhzhia region. They said that their forces had dug in at the point of their advance, and were conducting defensive attacks. Tavria direction, General Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, commander of Ukrainian forces in the south, wrote on Telegram, referring to the southern front. There are liberated territories. The defence forces are working. Its state agency reported that their intelligence personnel had successfully neutralised a Russian Terminator vehicle, a heavy tank support combat vehicle designed for urban warfare. Registration has also begun for ships to use the temporary Black Sea humanitarian corridor, which is aimed to free the ships currently stuck in ports. Ukrainian Navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk said: Registration is now open and the coordinator is already working. Of course, everything will take place under the supervision of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. We are doing everything we can to ensure security. Friends hug each other at Daira Filipovas funeral in Kyiv (AP) Following a day in which Russians launched six rockets, 36 air strikes and fired 32 rocket salvo fire systems towards populated areas and troop positions, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed that children were among the dead and wounded. Shelling of a residential building in Kharkiv, eastern Ukraine, led to the death of a 73-year-old woman, while it was also confirmed that a police officer had died in the Zaporizhzia region. In Kyiv, crowds gathered in Independence Square to commemorate the life of military medic Dariya Filipova, a 32-year-old who was killed during a battle with Russian troops. Pictures showed mourners carrying red roses and carrying photographs during the farewell ceremony, with relatives, comrades and fellow servicemen in attendance. Police in Florida are investigating after divers from a private search company found dozens of vehicles submerged in a lake. Investigators Ken Fleming and Doug Bishop were working on a missing persons cold case when they reported finding 32 cars submerged in a lake near Doral, west of Miami. A video shared by the local police department shows their divers unit working along with the fire service to recover the cars from the bottom of the lake on Tuesday 8 August. Investigators can be seen securing hooks to the sunken vehicles, which were pulled to shore by cranes. Many of the cars are older, dating back to the 1990s, before the commercial areas near the lake were developed, according to reports. It is hard to conceive of any way in which small boats week could have gone any worse. It was meant to be a concerted PR push by the government to focus attention on its campaign to what it likes to call stop the boats. It has, instead, been a many-layered, multi-faceted and non-stop advert for all the myriad ways in which the policy, which is itself a failure as a concept, is nevertheless failing on its own terms, and for which no one but the government is to blame. The week began with much to-ing and fro-ing over how many asylum seekers would be cleared to board the Bibby Stockholm, a barge the government has bought for no reason other than it will attract attention, and which it had hoped to overcrowd with asylum seekers. It had involved one would-be passenger being told to board anyway, despite having tuberculosis, a decision that has been described by a doctor involved in the process as a potential public health catastrophe. And it has ended, on Friday afternoon, with the small number of passengers on board being evacuated after legionella was discovered in the water supply. The worlds third richest person also owns estates in Beverly Hills, Maui and Texas Jeff Bezos is adding a waterfront mansion in Florida to his rapidly expanding real estate empire. The founder of Amazon, and the worlds third-richest person, agreed to pay $68m (62m) for an estate in Indian Creek, a man-made barrier island in the larger Miami area, according to a person with knowledge of the matter. The 2.8-acre three-bedroom property, built in 1965, was previously owned by MTM Star International, a company with ties to Panama. Public records show the sale took place in June, but the identity of the final buyer was undisclosed. Prior to that, the last recorded sale was in 1982 for $1.4m. A representative for Mr Bezos didnt respond to requests for comment. The exclusive Indian Creek is known as Billionaire Bunker and has been home to the likes of Carl Icahn, Tom Brady, Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump. Mr Bezos has amassed multiple homes in recent years, including in Washington DC, a nine-acre Beverly Hills mansion he bought for $165m in 2020 and an estate in Maui. He owns properties in Manhattan and Seattle as well as a 300,000-acre ranch in Texas, where the launch site to Blue Origins New Shepard rocket is based. On This Day In History - August 11th His spending on ultra-expensive items has accelerated since he stepped down as CEO of Amazon in 2021 and after he separated from his wife, MacKenzie Scott. He owns one of the worlds most expensive superyachts, the Koru, which launched this year and cost an estimated $500m to build. His Indian Creek purchase spans almost 9,300sqft, according to property records, and includes a pool. With a $163bn fortune, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Mr Bezos would instantly become Indian Creeks richest inhabitant. The island has about 40 residences, a country club and its own police department. Real estate values have soared there, but also for the high-end Miami area in recent years as the region has drawn some of the worlds wealthiest people. The purchase marks a homecoming for Bezos, who graduated from high-school in Miami, after his Cuba-born stepfather got a job in Florida. His parents own properties in Coral Gables and Miami Beach. He has also been spending time in the area. Bezos attended the Miami Grand Prix party in May and was spotted that weekend with his now-fiancee Lauren Sanchez. Legislation places some responsibility on the visitor to a premises, but the cost of awards has yet to be addressed We are likely to see an increase in the number of cases where liability will need to be tested before the courts. Photo: Getty Images If a child under the supervision of a parent runs on an uneven surface, trips, and falls, is it fair that the owner of the land must pay? If a thief, while entering a premises illegally injures themselves, is it really justice that they receive compensation from the very person they were trying to steal from? As American Prometheus, the biography that inspired Christopher Nolans movie, re-enters the bestseller charts, Kevin Power recommends more reading that illustrates the devastating consequences of the scientists creation The dawn of the nuclear age preceded an actual dawn by half an hour or so. The noiseless flash that accompanied the detonation of the worlds first atomic bomb, at Alamagordo, New Mexico, at 5.29am on July 16, 1945, lit up the desert sky like daylight, then faded into an unearthly purple dusk. My mother used to comment on how much I eat, and now it has switched to the grandkids. How do I put an end to it? Sen. Kyrsten Sinema sat down with city and county leadership at Flagstaff City Hall earlier this week to discuss challenges in wildland firefighting and forest management. With Flagstaff Fire Chief Mark Gaillard on her right and Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett on her left, Sinema opened the discussion with updates on her proposed Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act. In Flagstaff, we know there will always be a robust federal wildland firefighting presence. Low pay and hazardous working conditions, of course, have impacted our ability to recruit and retain a workforce, she said. The new bill, which passed the U.S. Senate Homeland Security Committee with bipartisan support, would ensure the preservation of a pay raise for federal wildland firefighters that was secured in last years bipartisan infrastructure law. After meeting some of the brave wildland firefighters in Arizona, I was able to convince my colleagues to include a specific pay raise so federal wildland firefighters were receiving more competitive wages. That was wonderful. We got it done. The not-wonderful part is that those funds expire September 30th, Sinema said. If the federal government takes no action, on Oct. 1, wildland firefighter wages will revert back to what they were before last year. That wage, Sinema said, isnt enough for anyone to live on. In introducing the Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act, Sinema said she hopes to keep firefighter pay cuts from taking place. I think its gotten more successful over the years ... one thing that Ive been very successful in doing is ensuring that I am getting federal dollars back home to rural Arizona to work on these long-term projects for our communities, Sinema said. The senators bill focuses only on preserving pay increases for the federal firefighting force, but at this weeks roundtable, local leaders pointed out that municipal fire departments and rural fire districts are often the first line of defense when wildfires ignite. Just because they might arrive on the scene of an emergency before federal forces, local leaders pointed out, doesnt mean theyre not equally challenged by short-staffing. It doesnt matter what patch is on your sleeve, everybody is having trouble with recruitment and retention, Flagstaff Fire Department Wildland Fire Battalion Chief Paul Oltrogge told the senator. "That is something we need a solution to. Theres no quick fix. When we lose personnel with experience, we lose an investment. We lose a lot of human and skill-set capital there. We want to keep that and bring that to maturity." Oltrogge said its difficult to offer competitive pay to prevent attrition. These fire departments are the states first responders to wildland incidents. Were very reliant on the existing federal funding. We need assistance in the context of our aging infrastructure and our ability to keep people employed in this beautiful part of our state where its so difficult to live, Gaillard said. The issue of firefighter pay, isnt exactly straightforward. For one thing, the money has to come from somewhere. Fire district spending is heavily regulated, and smaller districts are funded almost exclusively by property taxes. Its not easy for municipal departments or fire districts to provide the kind of competitive wage offerings they would need to recruit new firefighters and retain the ones with experience. Were trying every angle possible. Through the county, through the state, to have sustained revenue so we can pay folks and we can keep them, said Highlands Fire District Chief Todd Miller. On your beautiful drive up here [from Phoenix], pretty much once you leave Anthem it's fire districts that are covering everything in that area. Motor vehicle accidents, initial attack before federal and state partners for wildland response -- anything we can do to have support is one piece of the puzzle. State Forester Thomas Torres said even the important increase in federal firefighter pay can produce complications on the local level. I can tell you that all the great efforts that have been put forward by you and others to increase the pay for firefighters, the feds, its not true for the local districts and state firefighters. Theres some disparity there that is creating stress on the system, Torres said. He added that there is as much as a 15-20% gap between the wages of local and federal firefighters. At every level, recruitment of new firefighters has become a challenge. In the past," Gaillard said, "weve been able to find candidates that spend $10,000 to have the skills and qualifications to begin to apply ... theyre not showing up. Sinema said shes encountered some innovations that might offer a solution for local firefighting forces, and least when it comes to bringing on new people. I was in Yuma last week and we were talking about firefighter recruitment. One of the things they were sharing with me was that theyre partnering with the local community college and actually paying for a 16-week training program, Sinema said. The students in Yumas program are in class part time and are able to work other jobs and earn pay while theyre in the classroom. Gaillard said hes interested in seeing that model applied locally, perhaps through a partnership with Coconino Community College. First, there might need to be support, in the form of funding, to allow local firefighting agencies to make a similar investment. The idea is, how do we get that workforce thats in our local communities to be interested? Were going to have to make a greater investment in getting them ready to serve in those roles. Were going to need some assistance, because in many cases its all we can do to staff trucks while were trying to train new firefighters, Gaillard said. For years the Summit Fire and Medical District has been struggling financially. This year, a fire station was closed due to budgetary constraints. Coconino National Forest deputy fire staff officer True Brown told Sinema there is potential for the closed fire station to be re-purposed for his departments use. Station 33 up Highway 89 ... Summit Fire District had to vote to shut down a fire station just due to funding issues," Brown said. "Unfortunately, that meant a delayed response, having to move resources in that district to another station -- which means longer response times for some members of that community. Fortunately for us, on our side, it provides an opportunity to co-locate at that station. I say that fortunately for us, because a lot of our resources are just effectively sitting on top of each other at some of our work centers, and we are bursting at the seams in a lot of areas. 'Reduce the bureaucracy' The trouble is, theres red tape in the way. Local government, were ready to go, we want our partner to come in as a way to soften the blow of the fact that we had to close a fire station, reduce resources in an area, and what better way than to have federal resources there with us? Gaillard said. [The problem] is funding and its procurement policy. Sinema replied: What Id like my office to be able to do is just help get through the bureaucracy. It sounds like youve got the space available. You have the need for a fire force there. Youve got a fire force, you need space. This should be a no-brainer. This should take two weeks, right? What Id like to do is have my team follow up and be helpful in any way that we can in trying to reduce the bureaucracy. While leveraging money in Washington isnt always easy, Sinema said breaking down bureaucracy should be. Making intergovernmental cooperation more possible, however, can come without a price tag. During the roundtable there was a lot of discussion of how well resources are shared during emergencies. During a catastrophic wildfire, its easier to get funding and work between local, state and federal agencies to fight a fire. We have more authorities in the emergency authority than we do in routine operations. Theres a lot you can do when youre an emergent authority, Coconino County Deputy County Manager Lucinda Andreani told Sinema. Sinemas reply came quickly: Yeah, but the goal is to have fewer emergencies. The cooperative mechanisms that function during devastating wildfires need to be in place for routine fire management, she said. One thing I heard today," she said, "thats really important for me to address -- and that I can do very soon -- is to change the bureaucracy that doesnt allow the federal government agencies that are doing wildland firefighting to coordinate and share resources with local and state fire during times of nonemergency. Theyre allowed to share those resources during emergencies, like fighting fires, but theyre not sharing those resources when theyre doing prescribed burns or when theyre doing mitigation that makes no sense, so Im going to fix that." Northern Arizonas ecosystem is adapted for wildfire. Where fires are suppressed, the landscape becomes ripe for large devastating blazes. As a result, mitigation work and managed or prescribed fire can be introduced to the areas forests, preventing the kinds of fires that threaten life and property. Were going to live with fire one way or another. The question is are we going to try and control that tempo and ease fire across the landscape as intended or are we going to live with catastrophic wildfires? Because its going to be one of the two," Oltrogge said. In January the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advocated for changes to National Ambient Air Quality Standards that Otrogge said might threaten the Arizona wildland managers ability to execute prescribed burn operations. The new rules would put caps on the amount of allowable particulate matter (PM) in the air. It regulates specifically PM10 and PM2.5 particulate matter that is released into the air when gas, diesel fuel or wood is burned. The goal is to reduce emissions overall, but local leaders are concerned about the combustion of fuels in forests and the ways in which prescribed fire might be regulated to prevent PM2.5 and PM10. The conversation that Ive been having with the administration around these two proposed EPA regulations is that places like Arizona are always out of compliance and its not because of man-made activity, Sinema said. "We are out of compliance because we live in an arid environment. We are near Mexico. We have wind patterns that were always dealing with." Sinema said the EPAs proposal is meant to reduce the impact of industry, and might make sense in places like Chicago or Nebraska; it just doesnt make sense in the Mountain West. I think the significance of that is, if we are having difficulty with compliance now, we need to change our environment by introducing fire to it with greater frequency in a way that is actually less obtrusive than fire. Were going to need some help, having people recognize that this is better than just crisis fire, Gaillard said. Sinema said her challenge now is bringing the concerns of rural Arizonans to life on Capitol Hill. She said shell be taking data, photographs and videos from the Flagstaff meeting and a report that will be prepared by Coconino County later this year to demonstrate Arizonas broader needs when it comes to managing fire overall. Some folks on the East Coast just dont have the same understanding of fire or wildlands or really what open forest looks like. ...I try to explain to folks on the East Coast what life is actually like in rural Arizona, Sinema said. Reimagining Dublin: 29 big ideas to make the city a better place to live, work and play From free public transport and 50 to spend in the city to more nightclubs, parks, markets and an underground, we asked Irish creatives, activists, entrepreneurs and thinkers for initiatives to revive our ailing capital What are the initiatives that could improve Dublin for everyone? Illustration: Fuchsia MacAree Nicola Brady, Katie Byrne and Pol O Conghaile Sat 12 Aug 2023 at 03:30 The decay of Dublin: Its a failed place... elderly people are no longer seen. Younger folk are no longer seen. Families are no longer seen Irelands capital is in trouble. Dirt, dereliction, public safety, rental and housing crises, failing nightlife and a leeching of cultural spaces are all dragging it down. But what exactly has gone wrong and what needs to change? The historic Iveagh Markets on Francis Street Tanya Sweeney Sat 12 Aug 2023 at 03:30 Like thousands of other Irish people, a few weeks ago I pulled out my best pink outfit and headed to the cinema to see Barbie. I was excited about the film, as a fan of Greta Gerwig and someone whose favourite toys as a child were super-glamorous women with unattainable body types. I thought it would be fun. I didnt expect to be crying within the first five minutes, and for it to set off a domino effect of emotional turmoil in the weeks that followed. Dublin News Lotto players in one area of Dublin urged to check tickets for unclaimed 61,000 The National Lottery is appealing to Lotto players in the Ballally area of Dublin to check their tickets from earlier this summer. Image Courtesy: wikipedia.org Mumbai: In an effort to enhance transparency, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has introduced stricter disclosure requirements for a specific category of Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs). These requirements entail providing comprehensive information about ownership and economic interests. Furthermore, SEBI has made adjustments to the criteria that determine the eligibility of FPIs. The required information or documents will be provided as specified by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). Furthermore, applicants whose investors contribute 25 percent or more to the corpus and are listed in the Sanctions List by the United Nations (UN) Security Council are not eligible for FPI registration, as stated by the regulator in June. Amendments to the Prevention of Money Laundering (PML) Rules were made in March to establish threshold requirements for identifying Beneficial Owners (BO) in FPIs. The revised thresholds are 10 percent for companies and trusts, and 15 percent for partnerships, unincorporated associations, or bodies of individuals. BOs are individuals who ultimately own or control an FPI and are identified following the guidelines of the PML Rules. SEBI has modified the rules to align FPI eligibility criteria with those specified in the PML rules. These rules apply to entities listed in the Sanctions List issued by the UN Security Council. "A foreign portfolio investor that fulfills the criteria specified by the board from time to time shall provide information or documents in relation to the persons with any ownership, economic interest or control, in the foreign portfolio investor," SEBI said in a notification amending the rules on Thursday. Photo Courtesy: Imran Khan Instagram page Pakistans President Arif Alvi, on the advice of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, on 9 August approved dissolution of Pakistans parliament, thereby paving the way for the holding of fresh general elections in November. Sharifs decision to dissolve parliament came just hours after his predecessor, Imran Khan, was contentiously sentenced to 3 years in prison on corruption charges, a ruling that effectively banned Khan from holding public office for five years. The public mood, however, seems to suggest that Khan would have been a top contender in the upcoming vote if he were not prevented from contesting, and the finger of blame for his tactically timed arrest points directly at the Pakistani military establishment. Khan became the seventh former Prime Minister to be arrested in Pakistan. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was arrested and hanged in 1979, and even the current incumbents brother and 3-time premier Nawaz Sharif has been arrested several times on corruption allegations. If over the past decade an impression was gaining ground that democracy was eventually finding its feet in Pakistan, the events of the past year, which have included the targeting of Khan and the ruthless decimation of his political party the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), have left no one in doubt about the military establishments brutal and vice-like grip over power. The people of Pakistan are being made to pay the price for the spinelessness of the countrys political leadership, while the military establishment is yet again making it clear that peoples votes and voices count for little in its gluttonous and power-obsessed worldview. Imran Khan was arrested from his Zaman Park residence in Lahore by the Punjab police on 5 August, shortly after an Islamabad trial court declared him guilty of corrupt practices in the Toshakhana case and sentenced him to three years in prison. In this case, which is one among more than 150 that have been filed against him, Khan has been accused of misusing his premiership to buy and sell gifts in State possession that were received during visits abroad and were worth more than 140 million Pakistani Rupees ($635,000). Khan was absent from court when Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADSJ) Humayun Dilawar ruled in a short order that The court finds its more than convincing that the complainant (the Election Commission of Pakistan ECP) had provided confidence-inspiring, well-knitted and corroborated evidence, and so the charge against the accused has successfully been proven that the accused has committed offence of corrupt practices by making and publishing false statements/declaration in respect of assets acquired by way of gifts from Toshakhana and disposed of during years 2018-2019 and 2019-2020. He has been found guilty of corrupt practices by hiding the benefits he accrued from the national exchequer wilfully and intentionally. He cheated while providing information of gifts he obtained from Toshakhana which later proved to be false and inaccurate. His dishonesty has been established beyond doubt. The court order added that the PTI chief was convicted under Section 174 (Offence of corrupt practices) of the Election Act, and was accordingly sentenced to three years in prison. After the verdict, Imran Khan technically stands disqualified from holding any public office for five years under Article 63(1)(h) of Pakistans Constitution. The law states that A person shall be disqualified from being elected or chosen as, and from being, a member of the Parliament if he has been, on conviction for any offence involving moral turpitude, sentenced to imprisonment for a term of not less than two years, unless a period of five years has elapsed since his release. Khan, however, has the right to appeal the verdict, which he has already done. Interestingly, Reuters reported that Khans conviction came a day after Pakistans high court had temporarily halted the district court trial. It is not clear why the trial had proceeded despite the high court ruling. The arrest was the latest in a series of blows that have weakened Khans political standing after he fell out with Pakistans powerful military, and his party has since splintered. In a handout issued after its emergency core committee meeting that was hastily convened after Khans arrest, the PTI said it had discussed the future plan of action and legal measures to secure Imrans release. The party called for peaceful protests across the country within the ambit of the law and the Constitution and also appealed to the Supreme Court to hear its review petition against the maintainability of the Toshakhana case. The PTI said it had started acting on Imrans instructions for its organisational and political plan of action, further adding that the entire nation had rejected the session courts verdict. However, unlike when Khan had briefly been detained in May this year and a strong public response, including direct targeting of military infrastructure and symbols, had resulted, the fear generated by the strong-arm retaliation by the Army to the May violence meant that there has been only a limited public response to the PTIs call for protests this time. In a pre-recorded video address released by his party after his arrest, Khan had asked his supporters to protest peacefully. He said, By the time you hear this statement, they will have arrested me. I only have one request, one appeal for you. You must not sit quietly inside your homes. The struggle I am doing is not for my own self, its for my nation, for you. For the future of your children. If you dont stand up for your rights, you will live lives of slaves and slaves dont have a life. In the post, Khan also made reference to the London Plan, a term he uses to refer to an alleged plot between current Army Chief General Asim Munir and Nawaz Sharif, who has been in self-exile in London since 2019, to oust him from politics. Khans deputy and former Foreign Minister, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, who the PTI said would lead the party in Khans absence, said their leader had been denied a fair trial. He asserted in a video address that We have to struggle for his freedom - we have to fight legally and politically and move in a peaceful way in line with Imran Khans directives. Imran Khans lawyer Barrister Gohar Khan expressed disappointment and deemed the courts order a murder of justice. He told the Pakistani daily Dawn the he was very disappointed and disheartened, adding that We werent even given a chance. We werent even allowed to cross (question), to say anything in defence or conduct our arguments. I havent seen this kind of injustice before. PTI lawyer Shoaib Shaheen said at a press conference that their witnesses were not allowed into the court, despite it being a fundamental right to present witnesses. He decried that justice was being bulldozed and buried, and alleged that the PTI was not given a fair trial. Pakistans Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) expressed serious reservations in relation to the legality of the judgment leading to Imrans arrest. In a statement, SCBA President Barrister Abid S. Zuberi and Secretary Muqtedir Akhtar Shabbir said the judgment was issued in blatant violation of the Islamabad High Courts order, in which the trial court judge was asked to re-examine the jurisdiction of the ECPs complaint. It is truly unfortunate that the Court has decided the case in absolute haste and without affording the accused a fair opportunity of hearing and in the absence of the counsel for the accused, which is in blatant violation of the accuseds fundamental rights as enshrined under Articles 4, 9, 10, 10A and 25 of the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the statement read. It added, such a hasty decision is against all settled principles of fairness, natural justice and due process of law and the timing of such a decision appears to be aimed at excluding political leaders from participating in upcoming elections. The statement went on to say That the historical trend of disqualification and ban of popular political leaders by the judiciary is against the principles of democracy and fair trial as enshrined under the Constitution. It is pertinent to remember that the judiciary is the guardian of the Constitution and the fundamental rights enshrined therein; therefore, such judgments will only lower the peoples faith in the judiciary to uphold justice. The Pakistan government insisted that Khans arrest was unrelated to the upcoming elections, but this argument found few takers. Addressing a press conference on the matter in Islamabad, Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said that the arrest had followed a full investigation and proper legal proceedings in a trial court. Let me make it clear that the entire investigation in the case took place over 12 to 13 months, she said, adding that There was no political motive of the government involved behind his arrest. International reactions to Khans arrest have been guarded. A United States (US) State Department spokesperson told Dawn that The cases against Imran Khan and other politicians in Pakistan are an internal matter. We call for the respect of democratic principles and the rule of law in Pakistan, as we do around the world. The United Kingdom (UK) said it was monitoring the situation. A Foreign Office spokesperson said that The UK has a close and longstanding relationship with Pakistan. We support democratic principles and adherence to the rule of law. We are closely monitoring the situation. Khan has repeatedly said the army is targeting him and his party in a bid to keep him out of the elections and prevent him from returning to power. The army has denied the allegation. In May, PTI supporters had retaliated to Khans arrest by attacking military installations. The militarys backlash since then has been merciless. Thousands of PTI supporters have been arrested, with some facing prosecution in military courts. Dozens of PTI politicians, fearing arrest, have quit the party, while others have defected to different factions and condemned Khans behavior. The Washington Post said that voices sympathetic to Khan in the Pakistani media had gone silent or been silenced. While the military has regained control after the violent pro-Khan protests challenged its authority, the Pakistani leadership does not appear to have succeeded in breaking Khans popularity among voters and supporters of his party. Al Jazeera assessed that many in Pakistan felt Khans arrest was the inevitable conclusion to his attempts to go up against Pakistans all-powerful military establishment, which has had a grip on Pakistani politics for decades. All previous Prime Ministers who have tried to take on the military have ended up in prison. It quoted Zahid Hussain, a Pakistani political analyst, as saying that Many of us saw this verdict coming but it still casts a shadow over the upcoming elections. Khan is still the most popular leader in Pakistan and disqualifying him from running will raise questions over the fairness of the polls. Pakistan may now also face weeks of political upheaval that could provide an opening for the countrys military to seize more control while an interim caretaker government takes over. Aqil Shah wrote in Foreign Affairs that Khans distinct brand of politics and popularity may make him a unique threat to the military establishment. He said, Once the armys proxy, he has now gone rogue with a vengeance and is trying to tear apart the militarys institutional integrity by sowing dissension in its ranks against the army chief. The army is also probably concerned that Khan finds his main support base among the traditionally pro-military urban middle classes in Punjab, Pakistans largest province and the heartland of army recruitment. Political analyst Arif Rafiq told the New York Times in June that The primary aim here is to remove Khan from the political process, as hes no longer reliably obedient and has amassed popular support that gives him political capital independent of the military. A Sunday editorial in Dawn aptly suggested that military-backed law-fare may not defeat Khan, but it would certainly harm Pakistans democracy. It said, The fact is that Nawaz Sharif and Benazir Bhutto were not, and Imran Khan will not be rendered irrelevant to Pakistanis over some technical knockout. The fate of a politician rests in the hands of their constituency, and no amount of external interference can change this simple relationship. The experiment was tried in the earlier two cases and failed, and the state seems to be repeating the same mistake, only to weaken a fraying social contract further. Marvin G. Weinbaum, director of the Afghanistan and Pakistan studies program at the Middle East Institute in Washington D.C., similarly wrote, What seems undeniable is that respect for orderly democratic processes in Pakistan has suffered a particularly severe blow over the last 15 tumultuous months. He postulated that for Pakistan, it might be a blow from which it may not recover. Many Pakistanis are today feeling increasingly disenfranchised within their own country, and the grim reality for Pakistan and its people is that Imran Khans arrest will inevitably become yet another step towards widening the rapidly expanding divide between the Pakistani establishment and the people. Earlier this year, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) proposed the Public Lands Rule to bring much needed balance to the agencys management of roughly 245 million acres across the West. Specifically, the proposal would modernize BLMs strategies for managing public lands and increase their focus on conservation, recreation, wildlife, water, and local economies. Currently, 90% of this land is open to oil and gas drilling, cattle grazing, and mining. To be clear, the proposed rule does not remove these multiple uses. Rather, it brings balance to the equation by putting conservation outcomes on equal footing, as directed by the Federal Land Policy & Management Act. In a recent Gallup poll in partnership with the Center for the Future of Arizona, 92% of Arizonans said it was a priority to protect and preserve Arizonas rivers, natural areas, and wildlife. In other words, most Arizonans support the types of outcomes that would be achieved through the proposed Public Lands Rule. So whats the issue? A public comment period followed the announcement of the proposed rule to ascertain the level of support and to address any related questions or concerns. However, in the middle of the public comment period, legislation was introduced to block consideration of the rule altogether. While the BLM is currently assessing comments before making a final decision, and Congress considers the bill, it is important that the public and politicians alike understand how vitally important it is for the BLM and all land management agencies for that matter to protect and restore western ecosystems so that they will be resilient in this era of interconnected crises aridification, catastrophic wildfire, and rampant species loss. As an associate professor at the Northern Arizona University School of Earth & Sustainability, I focus primarily on the protection and restoration of riverine ecosystems. In particular, my research investigates how essential landscape connectivity is for healthy river systems, the ecosystem services they provide, and for climate change adaptation and mitigation. Rivers are enormously important for biodiversity everywhere, but especially in the arid states of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah. Yet, the health of the Colorado and Rio Grande Basins is diminished due to nearly two centuries of mining, dam building, and poorly managed livestock grazing. These pressures are compounded by rising demands on water resources from growing populations and human responses to climate change such as a return to damming and diverting rivers for increased energy and irrigation needs. For example, in the Lower Colorado River Basin, 75% of fish species are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act and in Arizona, 90% of native species are either extinct or endangered. Such losses are worrisome as biodiversity is integral to providing the ecosystem services humans depend on, not to mention the intrinsic value that plants and animals possess. Beyond the species and genetic diversity of biodiversity, ecosystem and landscape diversity are also important for ecosystem resilience. Connected, free-flowing rivers, their riparian zones, and associated wetlands serve as buffers against floods, droughts, and wildfires. Rivers and their riparian areas also offer cultural ecosystem services including sacred sites and recreation activities such as fishing, hunting, bird and wildlife viewing, camping, and boating, among others. Starting in 2021, the U.S. launched a 10-year campaign to protect and restore the lands and waters of the country. In the same year, the International 30X30 agenda to protect and restore at least 30% of the Earths terrestrial, freshwater, and ocean ecosystems by 2030 was launched at the Convention on Biological Diversity. As the integrators of the land and sea, free-flowing rivers are fundamental for the maintenance of interconnected ecosystem services and functions. Therefore, expanding protections on free-flowing rivers is necessary for reaching national and international conservation obligations. As the nations largest land manager, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has a significant role to play in conserving and restoring these crucial freshwater ecosystems. The Public Lands Rule can help in doing just that. Enacting this rule will modernize the agencys approach to managing public lands by appropriately rebalancing its focus on conservation, recreation, wildlife, water, renewable energy production and local economies. It is a vital and significant action that will have lasting benefits for generations through more sustainable resource management. Clearly the majority of Arizonans know communities are only as healthy as the surrounding public lands and waters. Supporting the Public Lands Rule is in the best interest of the people and planet. Representational image on Unsplash Agartala/IBNS: The Bangladesh government has formally unveiled four transit and trans-shipment routes designated for the state of Tripura. This pivotal decision follows a recent bilateral agreement inked between Bangladesh and India, which facilitates the utilization of Chittagong and Mongla ports for the seamless transportation of goods from India, reports Northeast Now. Santana Chakma, Tripura's Minister of Industry and Commerce, conveyed this significant update, expressing her optimism about the prospective advantages. The established routes encompass Chittagong Port Akhaura Agartala, Mongla Port Akhaura Agartala, Chittagong Port Bibirbazar Srimantapur, and Mongla Port Bibirbazar Srimantapur. During a press conference, Minister Chakma emphasized that the accord between Bangladesh and India ushers in fresh avenues for trade in the North-Eastern region. This development enables efficient transportation of commodities from various Indian seaports to other states in the region via Agartala, utilizing the Chittagong and Mongla ports. Anticipated outcomes include heightened trade prospects, bolstered economic growth, and streamlined goods movement, contributing to decreased transportation expenses, she elaborated. In a significant move aimed at curbing the rise of the extremist Khalistan movement and addressing past violent transgressions, UK Security Minister Tom Tugendhat has announced a substantial funding initiative of 95,000 (approximately Rs 1 crore) to bolster the nations capacity to combat pro-Khalistan extremism. This proactive measure underscores the UKs commitment to collaborative efforts in tackling this grave threat. The announcement, which comes in the wake of a meeting between Tom Tugendhat and Indias External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, in New Delhi on August 10th, highlights the shared determination of both countries to effectively address the challenge of pro-Khalistan extremism. The British High Commission in India conveyed the essence of this strategic move, emphasizing that this investment will further enhance the UK governments comprehension of the multifaceted threat posed by pro-Khalistan extremism. The collaboration between the UK and India to counter this menace is already in progress through the Joint-Extremism Task Force. This recent investment not only reinforces the existing efforts but also underscores the growing bilateral partnership between the two nations in tackling security threats head-on. The increasing spate of attacks on Indian missions, consulates, and communities in the UK by separatist pro-Khalistan elements has raised concerns in recent times. This financial infusion demonstrates the UKs resolve to effectively neutralize these threats, highlighting the proactive stance taken by the countrys authorities. The meeting between the UK Minister of State and Indias External Affairs Minister also shed light on the broader partnership opportunities available to both nations. The evolving global landscape provides fertile ground for the development of stronger ties, which can play a pivotal role in addressing security challenges effectively. Tom Tugendhat expressed his commitment to fortifying the collaboration between the UK and India, stating that the partnership enables both nations to confront security threats collaboratively. He emphasized the importance of understanding and combatting extremism in all its forms, underlining his dedication to this joint effort. Tugendhats visit to India also holds significance as he attended the G20 anti-corruption ministerial meeting in Kolkata, held under Indias presidency as the current G20 President. Recognizing the adverse impact of corruption on prosperity, society, and national security, Tugendhats participation in this meeting reflects the UKs determination to contribute to global resilience against this corrosive influence. Further underscoring the collaborative spirit, Tugendhats visit includes discussions at the headquarters of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to address shared challenges related to child sexual exploitation, abuse, and fraud. This comprehensive approach to addressing multiple security concerns reflects the holistic perspective of the UKs efforts in partnership with India. The funding initiative and the visit of the UK Security Minister mark a significant milestone in the fight against pro-Khalistan extremism and related security threats. With this collaborative approach, both countries are taking firm steps toward a more secure and resilient future, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to counter extremism in all its manifestations. (Image and text credit: Khalsavox.com) Image: UN Photo/Mark Garten The United Nations on Friday welcomed the release of five of its security personnel in Yemen who had been held in captivity for more than a year. The men four national staff and a Bangladeshi citizen were abducted in the southern governorate of Abyan on 11 February 2022 after returning from a field mission. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was delighted to learn of their release, noting that available information suggests they all are in good health. Mr. Guterres was profoundly relieved that their ordeal and the anxiety of their families and friends have finally come to an end, his deputy spokesperson, Farhan Haq, said in a statement. The Secretary-General reiterates that kidnapping is an inhumane and unjustifiable crime, and calls for the perpetrators to be held accountable, it said. He also expresses his solidarity with other people still held against their will in Yemen. In good spirits The UN Resident Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen, David Gressly, also welcomed the development. I was extremely pleased to see for myself that the four Yemeni colleagues were in good health when I flew with them to Aden from Mukalla today, he said. Mr. Gressly reported that they all are in good spirits and in contact with their families. He thanked the Government of Yemen and others that helped to secure the staff members release and ensure their health during their lengthy captivity. While the entire UN family in Yemen is relieved that our colleagues are free, we also recall other UN staff are still held against their will in Yemen. We stand in solidarity with them, he added. The UN in Yemen Yemen continues to face a protracted political, humanitarian and developmental crisis after more than eight years of fighting between pro-Government forces, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, and Houthi rebels. More than 21 million people - roughly two-thirds of the population - need support and protection, and the UN and partners are delivering essential humanitarian aid and development assistance. Humanitarians are seeking $4.3 billion to reach 17. 3 million people this year, but the appeal is just over 30 per cent funded. Meanwhile, a UN-led operation to transfer more than a million barrels of crude oil from a decaying supertanker moored off Yemen's Red Sea coast, which began just over two weeks ago, concluded on Friday. The floating, storage and offloading (FSO) vessel Safer has been permanently anchored for more than 30 years. Prior to the escalation of the conflict in 2015, it was used to store and export oil from fields around Marib. The fighting brought production to a halt and the FSO Safer deteriorated significantly in the absence of any servicing or maintenance, sparking fears of a major environmental disaster. Photo Courtesy: Pixabay Taliban authorities have tightened their extreme restrictions on the rights of women and girls and on the media since taking took control of Afghanistan on August 15, 2021, Human Rights Watch said on Thursday. Over the past two years, Taliban authorities have denied women and girls their rights to education, work, movement, and assembly. The Taliban have imposed extensive censorship on the media and access to information, and increased detentions of journalists and other critics. Afghanistan has become one of the worlds worst humanitarian crises, with more than 28 million people two-thirds of the population in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. The United Nations has reported that four million people are acutely malnourished, including 3.2 million children under 5. People in Afghanistan are living a humanitarian and human rights nightmare under Taliban rule, said Fereshta Abbasi, Afghanistan researcher at Human Rights Watch. The Taliban leadership needs to urgently reject their abusive rules and policies, and the international community needs to hold them accountable for the current crises. Together with decades of war, extreme weather events, and widespread unemployment, the main causes of food insecurity since the Taliban takeover have been the harsh restrictions on women and girls rights. The result has been the loss of many jobs, particularly the dismissal of many women from their jobs and bans on women working for humanitarian organizations, except in limited areas. Women and girls are denied access to secondary and higher education. On December 24, 2022, the Taliban announced a ban on women working with all local and international nongovernmental organizations, including the UN, with exemptions for health, nutrition, and education. This has severely harmed womens livelihoods, as it is impossible to determine whether women are receiving assistance if they are not involved in the distribution and monitoring processes. The crisis has disproportionately harmed women and girls, who already have more difficulty getting access to food, health care, and housing. The Talibans misogynist policies show a complete disregard for womens basic rights, Abbasi said. Their policies and restrictions not only harm Afghan women who are activists and rights defenders but ordinary women seeking to live a normal life. Donor countries need to find ways to mitigate the ongoing humanitarian crisis without reinforcing the Talibans repressive policies against women, Human Rights Watch said. The Talibans severe restrictions on local media, include blocking international media broadcasting, have hampered access to information in Afghanistan. No one inside the country can report critical information without fear of arbitrary arrest and detention. Taliban security forces have carried out arbitrary detentions, torture, and summary executions of former security officers and members or supporters of armed resistance groups. Since the Taliban takeover, the Islamist armed group Islamic State of Khorasan Province, the Afghan affiliate of the Islamic State (ISIS), has carried out many attacks on schools and mosques, mostly targeting ethnic Hazara Shia, who receive little security protection or access to medical care and other assistance. Thousands of Afghans who had fled the country remain in limbo in third countries, including Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, and Turkey, in many cases in dire conditions. Governments engaged with Afghanistan have a responsibility to ensure that Afghans at risk of persecution or harm have meaningful access to legal and safety pathways. Governments should fulfill their commitments and resettle these at-risk groups as soon as possible, Human Rights Watch said. The Talibans response to Afghanistans overwhelming humanitarian crisis has been to further crush womens rights and any dissent, Abbasi said. "Governments engaging with the Taliban should press them to urgently reverse course and restore all Afghans fundamental rights while providing vital assistance to the Afghan population. Photo Courtesy: Unsplash Police in Bangladesh have recovered two bodies of newborns from a garbage pile close to Dhaka Universitys Amar Ekushey Hall in the capital city, media reports said on Saturday. The bodies were found in the pile in front of the Anwar Pasha building on Friday night, Bachchu Mia, chief of the Dhaka Medical College police outpost, told bdnews24. The bodies were found wrapped in lungi (a traditional Bangladeshi dress worn by men). The bodies of two dead newborns were recovered after a call came in to [the 999 emergency line. After legal processing, the bodies of the two newborns were brought to the morgue at the Emergency Department at Dhaka Medical College Hospital," Bachchu Mia said. Photo Courtesy: Anwaarul Haq Kakar Twitter page Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) Senator Anwaarul Haq Kakar was named as the interim prime minister of Pakistan on Saturday. According to a press release issued by the Prime Ministers Office, the much-anticipated announcement came after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and outgoing Opposition Leader in the National Assembly (NA) Raja Riaz reached a consensus over Kakars name for the coveted post during a meeting in Islamabad today, reports Dawn News. Subsequently, the two leaders sent an advice regarding Kakars appointment as the caretaker prime minister to President Arif Alvi, who shortly afterwards accorded his assent. President Dr Arif Alvi has approved the appointment of Anwaarul Haque Kakar as caretaker prime minister. The president approved the appointment under Article 224-A of the Constitution, a statement by the Aiwan-e-Sadr was quoted as saying by Dawn News. Kakar has been a member of the Senate of Pakistan since March 2018. He was elected to the Senate of Pakistan as an independent candidate in the general seat from the southwest Balochistan province in the 2018 Pakistani Senate election. Image: Wikimedia Commons Pakistan's Balochistan region recently witnessed protests as people demonstrated against the security forces for carrying out atrocities on civilians. In Turbat city of Kech district, the protesters carried out a rally chanting slogans against an alleged alliance between Islamic terrorists and the military, reports ANI. Baloch Yakjehti Committee organized the protest in the region. They demonstrated against the murder of a young man accused of blasphemy. In a video the protesters were seen chanting the slogan Yeh Jo Mulla-Gardi Hai Is ke Peeche Wardi Hai (The people in army uniform are responsible for atrocities by the Islamic terrorists), reports the news agency. Abdul Rauf, a teacher, who was affiliated with a language centre in Balochistan was accused of committing blasphemy while delivering a lecture. Unidentified men later shot him dead in Turbat. In the movie Heart of Stone, Alia Bhatt appears onscreen alongside actor Gal Gadot. In a recent interview, Alia said that Gal was among the first few individuals to learn of her pregnancy. When questioned if she ever considered leaving the action movie because of her pregnancy, Alia Bhatt recalled that Gal was 'very kind' towards her. Alia/Instagram Alia told BBC Asia Network, "I felt very protected and comfortable. You dont really talk about being pregnant until you are way into your first trimester; so I was not telling many people. But I did confide in Gal Gadot, I did confide in my producers and the director (Tom Harper) because they had to know. They were all so lovely and supportive and excited that I never for once doubted it at all." Twitter She added, In fact, I remember we were once shooting, I am not going to talk much about it, but it was really hot and Gal was really bothered about my hydration and she was telling me to keep myself hydrated, asking me to drink enough water. Shed say, You need to keep yourself hydrated. So, thats the kind of person she is and she exudes warmth and she is also extremely caring about everybody on her crew and she is wonderful with her actors as well. So yes, I felt too comfortable." Twitter Raha Kapoor, their first child together, was born in November 2022, a few months after Alia Bhatt and actor Ranbir Kapoor got married. The actor, who most recently starred in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani with Ranveer Singh, shot for Heart of Stone in Europe last year while expecting her child. Heart Of Stone Alia plays Keya Dhawan, a fiercely bright information technology prodigy who was adopted by an Indian pharma mogul when her parents passed away unexpectedly. She appears in the film alongside Gal Gadot, who plays the lead role. The Tom Harper-directed series follows an intelligence officer for a covert international peacekeeping organization as he attempts to stop a hacker from stealing its most valuable and lethal weapon. The synopsis reads, Rachel Stone is an intelligence operative, the only woman who stands between her powerful global peacekeeping organization and the loss of its most valuable -- and dangerous -- asset. Heart Of Stone is available for streaming on Netflix. (To read more such stories related to movies and shows released on OTTs, keep reading Indiatimes BINGE) This summer in Meghalaya has seen the state plagued with power woes that seemed unending. In May, the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL) had to resort to load-shedding of 8-10 hours in entire state. On Friday, the Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma launched the Rs 500 crore Chief Minister's Solar Mission to minimalise the power deficit. Power cuts up to 10 hours a day in Meghalaya this summer Due to a lack of rainfall in May, the water level at a key dam used to produce hydel electricity was at its lowest. Any hydel power project needs a minimum water level for generating electricity. The minimum water level required for power generation at Umiam is 3,164 feet. In May, the water level at Umiam Dam had gone down to as low as 3,165 feet. As a result, several parts of the state faced power cuts of up to 10 hours daily. The Meghalaya High Court had criticised the state electricity regulatory body, Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL), for the rampant power cuts. It slammed the government, saying electricity is no longer a luxury. BCCL Hearing a PIL, a divisional bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice W Diengdoh had directed the state and Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited to file separate affidavits outlining immediate, short-term, and long-term measures to address the problem. Lack of rainfall leads to reduced hydel power generation The installed hydel power capacity in the state is 378.7 MW, while the harnessed capacity is much less due to the low water levels in the rivers and rainfall deficit. Power Minister A T Mondal said that all power projects in the state are hydel-based, and except for the Umiam project, all are run using river water. When there is less rainfall, the generation of hydel power dips. Umiam dam/ The Sentinel The peak demand in 2020-21 was 365.38 MW, which increased to 403.78 MW next year. It is about 500 MW presently. Aim to ensure 'green progress' for Meghalaya The Solar Mission launched by the CM aims to address power deficits and usher in a new era of resilience, independence and green progress for Meghalaya. At the launch program of the Solar Mission, Sangma said, "The people-centric CM Solar Mission will be a flagship Renewable Energy intervention committed to fostering green and clean energy transformation across the state." Apart from a substantial subsidy, it has back-end bank financing to enable beneficiaries to avail the benefit at minimal investment. The subsidy will range from 70 per cent for individual households to 50 per cent subsidy for schools, hospitals, hotels, and other commercial entities. AFP The state government will initially earmark an investment of Rs 100 crore annually for the solar mission. It intends to attract and invite more partners to diversify the portfolio for funding, including corporate social responsibility, carbon credits or investment by like-minded organisations from across the world. Net metering will be made available for the higher capacity hybrid solar units which can be fed to a local grid and then the national grid. Sangma also announced that LED assembling units will be set up across the state and generate employment opportunities for its youth, besides advancing self-reliance. For more on news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. Telangana Group 2 Hall Ticket 2023: Telangana State Public Service Commission all set to discharge the TSPSC Group 2 Admit Card before 7 days of the TSPSC Group 2 Exam Date on scheduled dates. Candidates download TSPSC Hall Ticket 2023 for Group 2 Written online/disconnected examination. Applicants Telangana State PSC Group 2 Exam Hall Ticket will be accessible online at www.tspsc.gov.in. Guide connects to download Hall Ticket for Group 2 exam is given beneath at the base of this page. Applicants continue checking this article for the most recent news in regard to the Telangana Group 2 Hall Ticket 2023. Candidates can Download the Telangana PSC Group 2 Hall Ticket by entering the Registration Number, Application ID, secret word, and so forth for name savvy call/consent letter read the full article on this page. This enrollment is for selecting Various Group 2 Category Posts. The procedure of determination for this post is composed of examination and execution of the individual meeting. Subsequent to applying for the veterinary aide exam next process is to download the Telangana Group 2 Hall Ticket 2023 and show up in the composed exam with no dithering. Hopefuls, Group 2 Syllabus Pdf Download coordinate connections are accessible soon here. On the off chance that you are qualified for this post at that point apply online frame without sitting tight for the last date. We will illuminate you about the TSPSC Group 2 Exam Call Letter 2023 through this page. Telangana Group 2 Hall Ticket 2023 Download Organization: Telangana State Public Service Commission Type of Exam: Written Examination Total Vacancies: 783 Name of The Vacancies: Group 2 Posts. Website: Official web through which Telangana Group 2 hall tickets can be downloaded is www.tspsc.gov.in New Telangana Group 2 Exam Date & Exam Timings The New Group 2 Telangana exam date 2 and. 3rd November 2023 Telangana Group 2 Admit Card Status: Not Activated (Admit card will be released 7 days before the commencement of the Examination) Telangana Group 2 Selection Procedure/Process: Candidates are selected on the basis of their performance in the Written Examination conducted by the TSPSC Selection board. Telangana Group 2 Exam Syllabus &Pattern: The examination pattern and topics covered in the Exam paper are mentioned below. Candidates can know more about the TSPSC Group 2 Exam Pattern in this section. The pattern for the TSPSC Group 2 2022 has been separated into two stages. In the TSPSC Group 2 Stage I, candidates will have a written test and it is divided into four papers of Paper I, Paper II, Paper III, and Paper IV, each holding 150 marks and making a total of 600 marks. The examination is in trilingual language having an objective multiple choice question OMR sheet. The total time duration for the examination is 2 hours and 30 minutes for each paper. The second stage in the selection process is DV. In the exam pattern, all four papers are given below: Paper I: General Studies and General Abilities Paper II: History, Polity, and Society Paper III: Economy, and Development, in the Context of India and Telangana State Paper IV: Telangana Movement and its State Formation (1945-1970) Telangana Group 2 Exam Results 2023 Check Online/Merit List/Cut-Off Marks: Refer to the Official web to know the details regarding the Merit list and cut-off marks required to Apply for this Telangana Group 2 Notification post. How to Download Telangana Group 2 Exam Hall Ticket 2023 Candidates need to first visit the official web i.e. www.tspsc.gov.in. TSPSC Group 2 Hall Ticket 2023 or its download process. However, I can provide you with a general guide on how to download hall tickets for exams conducted by the Telangana State Public Service Commission (TSPSC). Please note that the actual process may vary, and its important to refer to official sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Heres a general guideline: Visit the Official Website: Go to the official website of the Telangana State Public Service Commission (TSPSC). The website address is likely to be something like www.tspsc.gov.in. Navigate to the Hall Ticket Section: Look for a section on the website that is dedicated to Hall Tickets or Admit Cards. This section may be prominently displayed on the homepage or could be located under the Notifications or Examinations tab. Select the Group 2 Exam: In the Hall Ticket section, find the link related to the TSPSC Group 2 Exam for the year 2023. Click on that link to proceed. Login or Registration: You will likely be required to log in to your account on the TSPSC website. If you have already registered for the exam, use your login credentials (user ID and password) to log in. If you havent registered, you might need to complete the registration process first. Download TSPSC Hall Ticket: Once logged in, you should be able to see a link to download your TSPSC Group 2 Hall Ticket for 2023. Click on that link. Verify and Print: After downloading the hall ticket, carefully review the details mentioned on it, such as your name, photograph, exam date, time, and venue. If everything is accurate, print multiple copies of the hall ticket. Read Instructions: Along with the hall ticket, you may also receive instructions or guidelines for the exam day. Make sure to read and follow these instructions carefully. Contact Helpdesk (if needed): In case you face any technical issues or discrepancies in your hall ticket, there should be a contact or helpdesk information provided on the official TSPSC website. Reach out to them for assistance. Please remember that this is a general guideline, and the actual steps may vary based on the TSPSCs procedures. To get the most accurate and detailed instructions, its important to refer to the official TSPSC website and any official communications they provide regarding the Group 2 exam and hall ticket download process for 2023. Telangana Group 2 Admit Card 2023 Note: We are Providing enough information about Telangana Group 2 Admit Card 2023 in the above section, for making it easier for the readers. For further details, please visit the official site. TSPSC Group 2 Exam Date FAQs How many papers are there in the TSPSC Group 2 exam 2023? There are four papers in Stage I: General Science and General Abilities History, Political Science, Economy and Development, in the context of India and Telangana State, Telangana Movement and its State Formation (1945-1970) Do I need to qualify for both Stages of TSPSC Group 2 for getting the recruitment? Yes, you need to qualify for both stages in order to get selected in the TSPSC Group 2 Exam. Are books for TSPSC Group 2, Stage I, books available for online downloading in PDF? Yes, you need to qualify for both stages in order to get selected in the TSPSC Group 2 Exam What is the TSPSC Group 2 Exam Date for the year 2023? The exam is scheduled for 29th and 30th August 2023 Do all four papers in the TSPSC Group 2 Exam 2023 have the same marking? Yes, all four papers in the TSPSC Group II Exam 2023 have a marking of 150 marks each with a total of 600 marks. What is the last date of the TSPSC Group 2 application? The last date of TSPSC Group 2 application submission is 18 January to 16 February 2023. What is the TSPSC Group 2 New Date? TSPSSC not yet been announced by tspsc on 2 and 3rd November 2023 By Caitlin Johnstone August 11/12, 2023 - Information Clearing House - Arguably the single most egregious display of war propaganda in the 21st century occurred last year, when the entire western political/media class began uniformly bleating the word unprovoked in reference to Russias invasion of Ukraine. On February 23 of last year, the day before the invasion began, the New York Times editorial board wrote that an unprovoked invasion of a sovereign European state is an unprovoked declaration of war on a scale, on a continent and in a century when it was thought to be no longer possible. After the war began, the Biden White House released a statement titled Remarks by President Biden on Russias Unprovoked and Unjustified Attack on Ukraine. Secretary of State Antony Blinken shared Bidens statement on Twitter with the comment Russias premeditated, unprovoked, and unjustified attack on Ukraine blatantly disregards the lives of innocent men, women, and children, Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity, and international law. Russias premeditated, unprovoked, and unjustified attack on Ukraine blatantly disregards the lives of innocent men, women, and children, Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity, and international law. My thoughts are with all Ukrainians. We remain #UnitedWithUkraine. https://t.co/QQsHtr71XC Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) February 25, 2022 In early March of last year, the New York Times editorial board wrote that western sanctions against Russia in retaliation for the invasion have demonstrated that there are consequences for unprovoked wars of aggression. Click Here To Get Our FREE Newsletter In April of last year the New York Times editorial board again repeated this slogan, writing that Putin had ordered an unprovoked war to satisfy his ambitions of empire and the destruction of a neighboring nation. In May of last year the New York Times editorial board reiterated that Ukraine deserves support against Russias unprovoked aggression. According to analyst Jeffrey Sachs, the New York Times used the word unprovoked no fewer than 26 times, in five editorials, 14 opinion columns by NYT writers, and seven guest op-eds. As Jeffrey Sachs explains, the #Ukraine war was provoked by the US in ways that leading US diplomats anticipated for decades, yet Western media claim the war was unprovoked. The NY Times has claimed that the war was unprovoked at least 26 times.https://t.co/ZV0Ty1p5Zs #NATO Dimitri Lascaris (@dimitrilascaris) June 8, 2023 But it wasnt just the Paper of Record singing from the same hymnal as the US government on Ukraine. The Guardian editorial board wrote that Mr Putins unprovoked war against a smaller, democratic neighbour has resulted in 1.7 million people fleeing their homes. The LA Times editorial board wrote that the most conspicuous victims of Russias unprovoked invasion of Ukraine are the people who will lose their lives in defending their country against a brutal (and nuclear-armed) neighbor. The Chicago Tribune editorial board made reference to Putins audacious, unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. The Financial Times editorial board made reference to Putins unprovoked assault on Russias neighbour. The Washington Post editorial board made reference to Moscows disastrous, unprovoked invasion and to Russias unprovoked invasion in two separate pieces. Everywhere you looked, that word was being uncritically regurgitated by the western press. CNN saying Russias unprovoked invasion of Ukraine has devastated the country, killing hundreds of civilians, sparking a humanitarian disaster and resulting in a wave of sanctions from the West. Time babbling about Russias unprovoked invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24. The New Yorker saying Vladimir Putin ordered Russias unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. NBC News saying Russias unprovoked attack on Ukraine began Thursday, after weeks of buildup. CNBC talking about Russias unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. This is just me citing a few of the basically limitless examples I can point to of this war sloganeering throughout the mass media. The western press uphold themselves as impartial arbiters of truth, purporting to be superior to the state media propagandists of nations like Russia and China, and claiming a legitimacy that ordinary people using social media dont have. And yet here they are uncritically parroting the talking points of the US government and taking sides against Russia. Leaving aside the substantive question of whether the war was "unprovoked" or not, it's enormously creepy that they're all using the exact same word as though it was programmed directly into their brains pic.twitter.com/64RqFaQSiw Michael Tracey (@mtracey) February 25, 2023 The western media claim to report the facts, but the way theyve fallen in line behind the unprovoked narrative reveals that their actual job is to frame world events in a way that serves the information interests of their government. Which would be bad enough if that narrative was just a biased framing of a contentious issue, and not the bald-faced lie that it actually is. During an interview last year with the Useful Idiots podcast, Noam Chomsky argued that the reason we keep hearing the western press using the word unprovoked in reference to Russias invasion of Ukraine is because it absolutely was provoked, and they know it. Right now if youre a respectable writer and you want to write in the main journals, you talk about the Russian invasion of Ukraine, you have to call it the unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine, Chomsky said. Its a very interesting phrase; it was never used before. You look back, you look at Iraq, which was totally unprovoked, nobody ever called it the unprovoked invasion of Iraq. In fact I dont know if the term was ever used if it was it was very marginal. Now you look it up on Google, and hundreds of thousands of hits. Every article that comes out has to talk about the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. Why? Because they know perfectly well it was provoked, Chomsky said. That doesnt justify it, but it was massively provoked. Indeed, you can disagree with Russias invasion or believe that Putin overreacted to the situation, but what you cant do is legitimately claim that the invasion was unprovoked. Its just a welldocumented fact that the US and its allies provoked this war in a whole host of ways, from NATO expansion to backing regime change in Kyiv to playing along with aggressions against Donbass separatists to pouring weapons into Ukraine. Theres also an abundance of evidence that the US and its allies sabotaged a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine in the early weeks of the war in order to keep this conflict going as long as possible to hurt Russian interests. The best advice to solve the Russia-Ukraine Conflict was given by John J. Mearsheimer in 2015 which nobody listened. "The West is leading Ukraine down the primrose path and the end result is that Ukraine is going to get wrecked" pic.twitter.com/MW7ce4N6Km May 23, 2023 We know that western actions provoked the war in Ukraine because many western foreign policy experts spent years warning that western actions would provoke a war in Ukraine. Theres footage of John Mearsheimer back in 2015 urgently warning that the west is leading Ukraine down the primrose path, and the end result is that Ukraine is going to get wrecked. And thats exactly how it played out. The reason foreign policy realists like Mearsheimer were able to correctly predict the war in Ukraine is because they held at the forefront of their analysis the fact that great powers will never accept threats from other great powers on their borders. This is a key point to understanding the major conflicts of the 2020s, not just between the US and Russia but between the US and China as well and the US is the one amassing the threats on the borders of its enemies in both instances. The thesis of the war being unprovoked is very strategic, foreign policy analyst Max Abrams recently tweeted in response to my commentary on this subject. It whitewashes the role of NATO expansion, meddling in the Maidan uprisings and siding with far right extremists in the civil war. Not only does it exonerate America but it helps vilify Russia and sell the war as wholly good. The thesis of the war being unprovoked is very strategic. It whitewashes the role of NATO expansion, meddling in the Maidan uprisings & siding with far right extremists in the civil war. Not only does it exonerate America but it helps vilify Russia & sell the war as wholly good. https://t.co/O8yCxw3ZPO Max Abrahms (@MaxAbrahms) August 8, 2023 The reason the mass media have been bleating the word unprovoked in unison with regard to this war is because the mass media are propaganda organs of the US empire. Their repetition of this war propaganda slogan exploits a glitch in human cognition known as the illusory truth effect, which makes it difficult for our minds to tell the difference between the experience of hearing something many times and the experience of hearing something thats true. Just repeatedly inserting the word unprovoked into Ukraine war commentary across the board causes people to assume it must have been launched without provocation, because the illusory truth effect can circumvent reason and logic to insert a narrative into the collective consciousness of our civilization. The fact that all mass media outlets began doing this in unison, against all journalistic training and ethics, shows you just how united the mass media are in service of the US empire. When the need to push a narrative is particularly urgent, the facade of journalistic impartiality and independence drops away, and we see the true face of the most sophisticated propaganda machine that has ever existed. Caitlin's articles are entirely reader-supported, so if you enjoyed this piece please consider sharing it around, liking her on Facebook, following her antics on Twitter, checking out her podcast, throwing some money into her hat on Patreon or Paypal, or buying her book Woke: A Field Guide for Utopia Preppers. New book! Lao Sue And Other Poems, available in paperback or PDF/ebook. - All works co-authored with her husband Tim Foley. https://caitlinjohnstone.com.au Home Search ICH Question Everything! Click Here To Support Information Clearing House Purpose and Intent of this website: By Tom Feeley Reposted from 2002 Tweet This website does not suggest that it contains the "truth". The truth is a combination of all information and all facts relating to a topic. It is therefore unachievable (in my opinion) for anyone to say "I know the truth." If you came to this site in search of "the truth" you will be disappointed. 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The Government of Abia State has placed Ma Chidinma Eluwa, a 106-year-old Akara seller in the State on a monthly stipend for her upkeep. The centenarian who is popular at Owerri road by Isigate area of Umuahia, Abia State capital, was also said to have her business boosted by the State government. According to reports Eluwa, who lost her husband some years ago, is left with just one son, however, the challenges of losing her family did not discourage her from frying the local delicacy for her teeming customers despite her age. On July 29th, 2023 the aged trader was spotted by the Chief of Staff (CoS) to Abia State governor, Caleb Ajagba, at her shop on July 29 while returning from an environmental clean-up inspection on behalf of the Governor. Attracted by the sight of customers that queued up to buy her delicacy, Ajagba on enquiry, was told that the aged woman had been in the business for donkey years. This, instantly made the CoS pencil down her name for special government intervention, after having some interactions with her. The Chief of Staff on return to the government house in Umuahia, recommended his special discovery to the Office of Ifeoma Thomas, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Vulnerable Groups and Poverty Alleviation, which took over the matter after carrying out more investigations about Mama Eluwa s history in Akara frying business. READ ALSO: Edo Govt. Approve Monthly Allowance For Traditional Rulers Mama Eluwa was however invited on 9th of August to the office of the Special Assistant, who then announced some financial interventions and business sustainability plans for her. She was also captured on National Identity Numbers system for a bank account to be opened for her for easy deposit of monthly stipends for the aged but resilient trader. The Abia State government is also planning to boost her business through financial support while plans are on to celebrate her next birthday and longevity. In reaction, Mama Eluwa thanked Governor Alex Otti, Ajagba and Thomas for picking interest in her. While advising the youths to shun crime, focus on their education as well as acquire skills to make society better, she said that the assistance from the Abia State government would make her live more years on earth. On her part, Thomas said, Were going to place her on a monthly stipend and also open a bank account for her. But first of all, we have gotten the Nigerian Identity Management Agency (NIMC) to capture her and her son in the NIMC register, afterwards, we open an account in her name and her brother will be in the custody of the ATM card. With that, we will pay her stipend into the account at the end of every month. Osarodion Ogie, the Secretary to the Edo State Government, in a statement on Friday, said the decision was reached at the Executive Council meeting, held at the Government House, Benin City. Ogie said, The Council resolved that there would be a traditional council in each local government area across the states 18 local councils. In the law, the Oba of Benin remains the permanent chairman of the Edo State Traditional Council of Obas and Chiefs and also the permanent chairman of the Benin Traditional Council. The Benin Traditional Council is the umbrella body of the Edo South Traditional Council. The allowance will enable the traditional rulers in the 18 LGAs to perform their statutory roles, such as ensuring social cohesion and peace, traditional vigilance and harmonious living across various communities. READ ALSO: Well Give Traditional Rulers Constitutional Roles Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas He added, The Edo EXCO re-emphasized that the Omo NOba NEdo Uku Akpolokpolo, the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, remains the permanent chairman of the Edo State Traditional Council of Obas and Chiefs as well as permanent chairman of the umbrella council in Edo South Senatorial District. It also stressed that the budget and funding of the Benin Traditional Council will be completely independent of the financing which goes to all other traditional councils of the various local government areas in the State. The Executive Council noted that with the development, the various traditional rulers across the local government areas will now be able to optimally perform their roles within their domains, working with other relevant stakeholders to maintain peace and order and accelerate grassroots development. The new structure will also help to deepen governance in the grassroots, enable government to connect more with the people, get feedback on their needs, and also identify and support the poorest of the poor in local and hard-to-reach communities across the State. A female staff of Eko Hotel and Suites, identified as Kekwaaru Ngozi Mary, who returned a misplaced $70,000 to a customer in Lagos State, has been granted free Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada. Recall that Mary, discovered a bag containing a huge sum of money, reported the incident to the hotel management. The hotels General Manager, in line with the establishments policy of integrity and transparency, promptly initiated the process of returning the money to its rightful owner. However, Ngozi, during the New Season Prophetic Prayers and Declarations (NSPPD) services testimony segment on Tuesday morning, shared the exciting news of Canada Permanent Residency. According to her, an international organisation, impressed by her display of integrity and proficiency in speaking French, reached out to her following the viral news of her kind gesture. They offered to assist her in obtaining Canadian PR at no cost. She also mentioned the commendation she received from her local government chairman, who expressed surprise at her exceptional integrity and flew her to Port Harcourt, where she was accommodated in one of the biggest hotels. Ngozi added that she was honoured with an ambassador award and has had a building named after her, while she was bestowed with a chieftaincy title in her village. READ MORE: Peter Obi Applauds Staff Of Eko Hotel Who Returned N55m To Customer She said: An International Organisation called me since they know I speak French, they called me because they want to do Canada PR for me for free. My local government chairman flew me down to port harcourt, lodged me in one of the biggest hotels, gave me an ambassador award and named a building after me, in my village they gave me a chieftaincy title. Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has expressed shock and ordered an investigation into the unfortunate collapse of the iconic Zaria Central Mosque. Information Nigeria reports that lives were lost and many others sustained injuries when a Mosque collapsed during an evening prayer session on Friday, in Zaria. Expressing his condolences to the families of the victims, Governor Sani prayed for Gods divine healing and recovery of all those injured in the unfortunate incident. He also thanked the Emir of Zazzau, Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli for the fatherly role he played in rallying his subjects to carry out rescue operations, offer assistance to the injured and console the families of the victims. READ ALSO: How I Rejected N10m, Accepted N20m From Mike Adenuga For Movie Role Chinwetalu Agu Recounts The Governors statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Muhammad Lawal Shehu read, An advance team of senior government officials led by Balarabe Abbas Lawal, the Secretary to the State Government is already in Zaria to assess the situation on ground and attend the Islamic funeral rites of the deceased. According to the statement, the state government also ordered an immediate investigation into the cause of the unfortunate incident. The Zaria Central Mosque, reportedly constructed in the 1830s, has for decades opened its doors to Muslim faithful from all parts of the world. Sani however urged citizens of the State to offer prayers for the departed souls in the incident. Convener of Concerned Nigerians group and public affairs commentator, Deji Adeyanju, has mocked former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai after his reported withdrawal from President Bola Ahmed Tinubus ministerial nomination. Information Nigeria had reported that the Senate withheld El-Rufais confirmation and those of two others, citing security reasons from the Department of State Services. Owing to this, the former Governor was said to have informed Tinubu of his decision to let go of his ministerial slot, suggesting Jafaru Ibrahim Sani, for replacement who had previously served as a commissioner in three key ministries (Local Government, Education, and Environment) during his tenure as Governor. READ ALSO: Niger Republic: We Dont Want Another War, Nigerians Already Fighting Many Pastor Adeboye Adeyanju however said it would make sense if El-Rufai joined Peter Obis Labour Party to contest in 2027. He said the former Federal Capital Territory Minister should contest with Obi, saying a combined ticket of the two would be like a union made in heaven. According to him, he would meet fellow religious bigots the moment he defects to the Labour Party. But it will make a lot of sense if El-Rufai joins Labour Party. He will meet his fellow religious bigot there, and they can both run as presidential and VP candidates in 2027. They will fight their religious war together. Peter/El-Rufai 2027 ticket will be a strong one. A union made in Heaven. They both have bigotry and betrayal running in their DNA, he opined via X on Friday. Immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai has reportedly informed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that he is no longer interested in serving in his cabinet as a minister. It was gathered that the former governor jetted out of the country after withdrawing his interest in ministerial appointment. Recall that El-Rufai was one of only three ministerial nominees that were withheld when the list of 48 nominees was considered last week. READ MORE: Not A Fan Of El-Rufai, He Should Write Undertaking Before Ministerial Confirmation Okupe However, INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that others whose nomination did not receive Senate approval are Abubakar Danladi of Taraba and Stella Okotete of Delta. The senators, however, cleared 45 candidates, including Nyesom Wike, Bello Matawalle, Gboyega Oyetola, and Abubakar Bagudu, amongst others. A source told Daily Trust that El-Rufai was off to Europe, but will be in Egypt first. Premium Times also quoted presidency sources as saying El-Rufai told President Tinubu that he was no longer interested in becoming a minister, but would continue to contribute his quota to the development of Nigeria as a private citizen. He also told the president that he needed time to focus on his doctorate programme at a university in The Netherlands, the online newspaper quoted another source to have said. Lawmaker representing Abia North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to allow the United States of America (USA) and France compel him to launch an invasion against the Niger Republics military junta. This appeal comes after the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) declared immediate standby order against the coupists after a Thursday summit in Abuja, Nigeria. The former Senate majority Chief Whip who expressed his concerns said, both the United States and France want Nigeria to join the war, but the President should ignore their wishes because going to war is not the best option. The United States wants us to go to war. France wants us to go to war. Why dont they put their soldiers and go to war? We will give them the money to fight. Let them go to war on their own. We can not go to war. This war is in our backyard. I plead with the president to listen to the voice of the Senate. The Senate has said no and Im joining the Senate and I join the majority of Nigerians telling President Tinubu not to go to war for the sake of brotherhood and the sake of Africa, Kalu said. According to him, instead of resorting to war, the focus should be on giving the coupists a specific time frame to present a plan outlining how they intend to return to democracy. READ ALSO: Niger Coup Is A Pointer To Leadership Issues In Africa Sam Adeyemi I dont think it is a good idea to go to war. What they should tell the Juntas to do now is to give us a Democratic transition plan for one year, six months or two years to return to democracy, he added. The Senator emphasized that the war has no connection to Nigerians, adding that no Nigerian soldier should lose their life due to this conflict. I dont think any Nigerian soldiers death is good enough to be killed for another country. It is not our war. It is an internal problem of the Niger people. We have nothing to gain, Kalu stated. However, he disclosed that if not going to the war will cost Nigeria her membership in ECOWAS, President Tinubu should be ready to withdraw from the organization. He added that, Nobody should attempt to take us into war. We cannot go to war with Naija at all. If it means pulling out of ECOWAS, Nigeria should pull out of ECOWAS if that is ECOWASs decision. We are a sovereign nation. Nobody can toil with 250 million Nigerians. It is not possible. General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, says Nigerians are already fighting enough battles, hence, the country doesnt need an additional war. Adeboye who said this during the Holy Ghost Service of the 71st Annual Convention encouraged the congregation to pray for Nigeria. Acknowledging that he knows what war looks like, he said, We are already fighting many wars in Nigeria, wars against kidnappers and war against terrorists; there are still places in Nigeria today where people go to bed they are not sure they wont be killed before tomorrow morning. READ ALSO: Budapest 2023: Tobi Amusan Makes Final Entry List We are still fighting wars against some people. If you are a farmer and you plant, to them, what you have planted is food for their cows, and their cows come to eat your harvest, and you complain they kill you. We are still fighting war against hunger, fighting some mysterious wars. Surely we dont want more wars, we want to win the ones we are fighting, and we dont want fresh wars whether within or outside our borders. Information Nigeria reports that the clerics comment is not farfetched from the decision of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to deploy standby military troops to restore constitutional order in Niger Republic. Recall that the military junta defied ECOWAS deadline to reinstate the ousted democratic elected President, Mohamed Bazoum, hence the member states decision. PIERRE, S.D. (AP) A Sioux Falls police officer was justified in shooting a burglary suspect who pointed a gun at the officer last month, South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley says. The suspect, Sean Henry David Kilbourn, survived. This was a tense incident where the suspect, who was on parole, stole a firearm from a homeowner and pointed the loaded handgun at the officer who was responding to a call for assistance, Jackley said in a statement. "Evidence collected at the scene, witness statements, and a review of the video from the body-worn and dashboard cameras indicate that the officer was justified in using lethal force. The incident began July 13 when a homeowner reported a man burglarizing a vehicle in his garage. Kilbourn allegedly stole a 9mm handgun from the vehicle and pointed the gun at the homeowner. Hours later, on July 14, three officers who were at an intersection discussing another matter noticed Kilbourn approaching their location, then suddenly turning and walking the other way. The officers, who noticed that Kilbourn matched the description of the burglary suspect, told him to stop, but he ran. The suspect was found lying on the ground next to a shed. When Kilbourn raised the loaded handgun at the officer, Jackley said, the officer fired multiple rounds, striking Kilbourn once in the left buttock. He was treated at a hospital and released, then arrested on charges of possession of firearm by a former drug offender and violating parole. His criminal record included drug and other convictions, including assaulting a law enforcement officer. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that he is committed to the swift recovery of the economy that achieves the greatest good for the greatest number of people. Tinubu said this Friday at a meeting held at the State House, Abuja, with the Board of Trustees of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Professionals Forum led by former Bauchi State Governor, Malam Isa Yuguda. He reassured Nigerians that no stone would be left unturned in his administrations multifarious efforts to stimulate the economy and make it work for the greatest good of all Nigerians. This economy must recover for the good and greatest number of Nigerians, and we are seriously committed to seeing through a change for the better, he said via a statement by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale. READ ALSO: Niger Republic: Tinubu Eager For War To Disrupt Tribunal Proceedings Najaatu So far, we have taken some baby steps and pushed some aggressive positions, the President told the APC professionals, who had earlier pledged their support for the reforms. According to Tinubu, every effort across sectors would be documented and periodically reviewed for performance verification and public presentation to steadily ensure measured growth and enhanced public enlightenment on policy outcomes. While thanking President Tinubu for his bold interventions on the economy, the former Bauchi State governor said more than two million people have been registered as professionals in different fields since 2018 and stood ready to provide structures for mobilisation and sensitization on government policies. Philadelphia Orchestra music and artistic director Yannick Nezet-Seguin wears a blue union T- shirt in solidarity with his orchestra members Friday during an open rehearsal in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. The musicians, represented by Local 77 of the American Federation of Musicians, are in negotiations for a new contract with the Philadelphia Orchestra and Kimmel Center Inc. Read more Yannick Nezet-Seguin, the Philadelphia Orchestras music and artistic director, wearing a blue union T-shirt, joined his musicians in a show of solidarity Friday during an open rehearsal at the orchestras Saratoga Springs, N.Y., summer residency. The rehearsal of Rachmaninoff at 150, attended by a few hundred people, coincided with contract negotiations between Local 77 of the American Federation of Musicians and the Philadelphia Orchestra and Kimmel Center Inc. The performance was at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. Orchestra music directors usually dont get involved in labor negotiations or make public comments on such disputes, but Nezet-Seguin, who tends to shy away from controversy, wore the same Local 77 shirt as his musicians during the performance. So did piano soloist Bruce Liu, who is also not a union member. The musicians, whose contract expires Sept. 10, say they are seeking comparable compensation with other premier American orchestras. Although they are in the top tier of those orchestras, they say they are last among the nations premier symphony orchestras economically. They want improved retirement benefits, better pay for freelance musicians who play in the orchestra on an as-needed basis, filling of the 15 vacant positions, and improved leave and scheduling protections. Advertisement Philadelphia has one of the greatest orchestras in the world and there is no question that they will continue to be fairly compensated, said Philadelphia Orchestra and Kimmel Center spokeswoman Ashley Berke. We are working in partnership with the musicians negotiating team on a new contract. But union leaders and members say what they have gotten so far isnt enough. The Philadelphia Orchestra is the most recognized musical organization in the world, and its time its musicians are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve, said Ellen Trainer, Local 77 president. Years of pay inequities, slashed benefits and unfair treatment have diminished and jeopardized the people who make every performance possible, including freelance musicians who fill in as substitutes. We know this organization has the ability to provide a fair contract. Dara Morales, orchestra violinist and member of the unions negotiating committee, said the current pay and labor conditions are losing the orchestra talent. Becoming a member of the Philadelphia Orchestra was the highest prize for symphony musicians for decades, Morales said. But now people who want to be treated and compensated fairly no longer jump to play in the Philadelphia Orchestra. They go elsewhere. After 13 years, its taking months for PSERS, the $70 billion Pennsylvania school pension system, to end its fraught relationship with Aon Investments USA, the consultant that tracks its gains and losses. On July 31, PSERS filed a lawsuit against Aon, accusing the firm of breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, and other civil offenses, alleging it committed errors which misled the system to exaggerate its profits for 2011-2020. When the errors were fixed, back in 2021, 100,000 mostly younger, local school employees got an unpleasant surprise: Due to PSERS underperformance, they had to pay an average of $300 a year extra into the pension plan for the next three years. Last fall, trustees agreed to hire another firm, sue Aon, and end Aons current five-year, $3.4 million contract early. In the suit, PSERS demands Aon reimburse at least $8.8 million that PSERS paid for the investigations, defense lawyers, and consultants it had to hire to sort this out. And yet on Aug. 10, Aon staff were back at PSERS board meeting, reporting to PSERS trustees on their latest measurement of PSERS profits and losses. Indeed, PSERS plans to use information Aon compiled in its pending 10-year review that will determine how much teachers will have to pay from 20242027. Advertisement If Aon performed poorly enough to end its contract and warrant a lawsuit, why is it still doing this work for PSERS? A seamless transition Back in June, PSERS hired replacements for Aon. Verus Advisory, another firm helping PSERS manage its investments, agreed to take over Aons role, including the performance calculation that helps decide payroll deductions. But to ensure a seamless transition from Aon to Verus, Aon continues to assist PSERS, including prepping performance data for the upcoming review, said PSERS spokesperson Evelyn Williams. The work will be checked by yet another consultant, Adviser Compliance Associates LLC (ACA), the same firm that checked Aons prior work and failed to find errors. We anticipate that Aons assistance in the areas noted above will be complete later this year, Williams concluded. Aon wont comment on the lawsuit, but has said in legal proceedings that PSERS claims about its work are false. Indeed, Womble Bond Dickinson, one of the law firm whose fees PSERS wants Aon to reimburse, has revisited an internal investigation that was supposed to settle the question of what went wrong last time, after acknowledging conflicts between statements made to different lawyers by senior PSERS staff. Better this time? Assuming this years report, due in December, doesnt have to be revised like the last one, more than 100,000 Pennsylvania school workers hired since 2011 will learn if theyll get a break, trimming half a percentage point from the roughly 8% of their paychecks they are required to contribute to the retirement plan. For teachers making an annual salary of $60,000, that could total $300 a year in savings. Together, school staff pay around $1 billion a year into the retirement plan, through payroll deductions. State and school district taxpayers pay another $5 billion; plus, a varying amount comes from around $70 billion in state funds invested to pay future pensions, depending on how much they make or lose in a year. The states shared-risk pension law is designed to reward, or punish, school employees, when those investments do significantly better or worse than expected. Every three years PSERS and its sister agency for state workers, the State Employees Retirement System, review past investment profits and determine whether public workers hired since 2011 ought to pay more, less, or about the same, toward their pensions, for the next three years. That depends on whether pension investment managers roughly met, significantly beat, or fell badly short of their boards investment return goals. For the past 10 years, PSERS goal is an average of around 7.3%. When PSERS missed its long-term goal last time, teachers hired since 2011 were hit with a half-percent surcharge, boosting their pension payroll deduction to that average 8%. (The most recent hires had to pay a little more a three-quarters of a percent surcharge.) But under provisions of the shared-risk law, if the dozens of state employees and hundreds of outside Wall Street money managers who invest PSERS funds managed to come within one percentage point of the 7.3% target for the past 10 years, the half-percent surcharge will end, and theyll go back to paying around 7.5% for the next three years. On the other hand, if their investment performance comes in lower, teachers and other school staff would keep paying the higher rates. (And if the 10-year average return came in much higher, they could get a further reduction.) What are the chances? The 10-year period PSERS is reviewing ended June 30. PSERS says it wont publish last years results until later this year. But, for the first nine years, the system has reported an average of roughly 7.3% annual returns per year, matching its long-term target. The smaller State Employees Retirement System, which uses a calendar fiscal year (and thereby missed the stock markets rapid rise late this spring), says it averaged 6.8% a year over the 10 years that ended on Dec. 30. Thats below target, but still high enough that state judges, troopers, corrections officers, legislators, state college staff, and other state workers wont have to pay a surcharge for the next three years. Californias CalPERS system, which, like PSERS, includes a range of public and private, U.S. and foreign investments, has already reported its return for fiscal 2023 at a 5.8% return on investments. A similar return for PSERS would cut the contribution rate back to where it was before last times error, saving hundreds of dollars each for thousands of PSERS members. The crash last July caused serious injuries for Jacqueline Kovach, who died from them 10 weeks later. Read more A Doylestown woman was driving high on fentanyl last summer, prosecutors said, when she veered into oncoming traffic in Cheltenham Township, striking another vehicle nearly head-on and killing its driver. Kaitlyn Dilemmo, 32, was charged Friday with homicide by vehicle, reckless driving, DUI and related offenses in the June 2022 crash that caused the death of Jacqueline Kovach, 77, court records show. Dilemmo was released on $100,000 unsecured bail. She did not respond to a request for comment, and there was no indication she had hired an attorney. Kate Delano, a spokesperson for Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele, said the large length of time between the crash and the charges being filed was due, in part, to the detailed process of reconstructing the crash scene. Medical reports were also slow to be submitted, with some only arriving last week, she said. Advertisement Officers who responded to the crash, at the intersection of Cheltenham Avenue and North Fifth Street at the border of Philadelphia and Cheltenham, found Dilemmo lying in the roadway near a heavily damaged Toyota RAV 4, according to the affidavit of probable cause filed in her arrest. She was transported to Jefferson Abington Hospital for treatment, given the extent of her injuries, the affidavit said. Meanwhile, officers found Kovach trapped inside her vehicle, a Subaru Outback, and had to cut into the vehicle to free her. Kovach was taken to Einstein Medical Center in critical condition, the affidavit said. She remained there for 10 weeks, later dying from a seizure, according to her husband, Brian Kovach. The injuries from the crash, he said, left her bedridden and debilitated, unable to eat on her own and requiring frequent visits to a physical rehabilitation facility. When his wife died on Aug. 18, Kovach was by her side, holding her hand, he said Friday. She was an innocent person killed by a speeding bullet, Kovach said. She never did harm to anybody, and always helped everybody. The two, both natives of Western Pennsylvania, met as students at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. Kovach was smitten immediately, he said, and asked her to marry him on their first date. The following 55 years of marriage were filled with countless happy memories, including the births of the couples two children. The couple were both musicians, Brian Kovach a trained pianist, and his wife a talented oboe player. Brian Kovach taught music for many years at the Community College of Philadelphia, while his wife took many freelance gigs, including time with the Old York Road Symphony, with which she recorded an album of American band music. Four days before the crash, Jacqueline Kovach had returned to the Philadelphia area after a trip to visit her son, Gabriel, a French horn player in the Phoenix Symphony, who was recovering from a serious infection, her husband said. She was on her way to an eye doctors appointment when the crash occurred. Witnesses told investigators that Dilemmo was speeding down Cheltenham Avenue when she encountered stopped traffic at a red light, the affidavit said. She veered to the right, driving up and over a concrete barrier in the road and into oncoming traffic. There, she collided with Kovachs Subaru at a high rate of speed, sending both cars spinning, the affidavit said. At the hospital, Dilemmos urine tested positive for fentanyl, and she had seven full and four empty bags of the powerful narcotic among her personal possessions, police said. She was also combative with hospital staff and tried to leave the hospital multiple times, which doctors treating her told investigators was a common sign of fentanyl intoxication. Dilemmos mother later spoke with police and told them she had been in and out of rehab, but believed her daughter had been clean for several weeks. Court records indicate Dilemmo has had several convictions for drug charges and retail theft in both Bucks and Montgomery Counties. For years, Dan Stewart desperately looked for affirming health care to support his transition. Stewart, a transgender man, said finding doctors who were not only equipped to handle his medical needs, but respectful of his identity was no easy task. Stewart recalls jumping from doctor to doctor, and even switching entire clinics. Now as an associate director who oversees health-care equality efforts at the Human Rights Campaign, Stewart helps others in the LGBTQ community navigate care in Philadelphia and elsewhere. But, Stewart said, it hasnt become that much easier over the years. Hospital networks have started creating designations on doctors profile pages that identify providers as LGBTQIA+ friendly, or LGBTQ affirming. The Inquirer looked at Penn Medicine, Temple Health, Jefferson Health, and Cooper University Health Care to figure out what training is required for providers to get this designation and whether the LGBTQ community can trust it. What training is required to get the designation? Penns LGBTQ designation program was created nine years ago. The LGBTQ Treatment Team tag listed on providers bios are completely self-designated, according to Rose Thomas, the director of operations for Penn Medicine Center for Health Equity Advancement and the Program for LGBTQ Health. There is no required training in order for providers to designate themselves as part of the Penn LGBTQ Health Program. Advertisement The health network does offer optional resources for providers who have self-designated as an LGBTQ-affirming provider, including virtual training videos, one-on-one meetings with other affirming providers, and helping the providers better develop their LGBTQ referral pathways. There is not any formal difference in patient-care procedures or protocols for a provider designated as LGBTQ affirming, Thomas said. Thomas said the program is looking into developing a more formalized process that would include required training for the designation. Thomas said she hopes that Penn will move away from the self-designation process by the fall. I think that we recognize that this is not the state that we want to be in, but I think that we are moving toward a more discreet and patient centered way of designating this and Im hopeful that it will just enhance all the good work that we are trying to do here, Thomas said. Temple Health physicians can opt to be labeled as LGBTQ Affirming Doctors. Temple requires those doctors to have at least one hour of continuing medical education credits related to LGBTQ care. The network also requires that providers sign an attestation that they will honor and tell a certifying doctor why they want the designation included on their profile. Jennifer Aldrich, a professor of clinical medicine at Temples Lewis Katz School of Medicine, said Temple is adding more training for those joining the health network, and provides optional shadowing for medical residents who want more training in LGBTQ care. I think that there needs to be a reconciliation and have the administration recognize that this is a big component of our population and we are not being as inclusive as we can be, and then make steps to fix that, and thats what I am working towards, Aldrich said. At Jefferson, providers can self-designate as an LGBTQIA+ affirming and trained provider. Jefferson does not require specific training in order for a provider to add this phrase to their bio page. Todd Levin, medical director of Haddonfield Primary & Specialty Care, an LGBTQ+ Affirming Practice at Jefferson Health, said Jefferson does provide some optional resources, including cultural sensitivity training. Levin added that most designated providers have some training they acquired on their own. The program started in 2021, and Levin said they are working on standardizing the process and he believes asking those interested to self-attest was a good start. But now that were moving along, I think we would like to try to strengthen a little bit and look at the criteria and see what we can do better to enhance the program, Levin said Cooper University Health Care At Cooper, providers can self-designate as a Caring Expert in LGBTQ+ Health, on the Cooper LGBTQ care website. Those who do have a call or meeting with Justin Schweitzer, medical director for LGBTQ+ health and primary care at Cooper Care Alliance, to discuss their training, experience, and goals as an LGBTQ-affirming provider. Schweitzer said he is trying to incorporate more training options for Cooper providers. The hospital also has an LGBTQ+ steering committee that deals with complaints, concerns, or suggestions regarding LGBTQ care services, and works to provide more LGBTQ requirements for those with the designation. Lack of transparency None of the hospital networks websites tell patients that doctors are self-designating as LGBTQ-affirming, without any required training. In Jeffersons case, their website listing LGBTQ-affirming doctors indicates the physicians have indeed received specific training We probably could do more to be sure they are, but in general, if someone self designates that they have this interest, then they probably have had the training and the vast majority, Im sure, have had a training check, but we dont check for that at this point, Levin said. Why is there no formalized training? There are a number of reasons for the lack of formalized training. In some cases, such as Temple, Aldrich said theres a lack of funding, citing times where she has put in money to support LGBTQ training for others from her own pocket. I think that hospital systems need to put their money where their mouth is, Aldrich said. I, as a medical provider, would like to see more robust funding efforts into making sure that what were saying on our own websites is the truth. Penn, Jefferson, and Cooper cited a lack of standardized training on a national scale and a lack of LGBTQ-specific fellowships. Levin said he doesnt see self designations as a risk to patients, but acknowledged Jeffersons choice to not verify training probably will be changing as we move forward. Can the designations be trusted? Stewart said the new trend of hospitals designating some providers as LGBTQIA+ friendly or affirming should be taken at a surface level. He suggested people continue to use LGBTQ support systems and rely on word of mouth to find providers. There can be well-intentioned folks, people who think that they may know how to treat this population, Stewart said. But if you dont really go through any sort of training or substantial training, right, you can really miss out and do a disservice. In June, I completed my first school year as superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia. Leading one of the nations largest public school districts is a tremendous privilege, particularly in Philadelphia. Historians remind me that I stand on the shoulders of great education and political leaders. Students who have attended these public schools have had an indelible impact across the region and country by helping to build the middle class, developing the worlds strongest military, and growing the worlds largest economy during the 20th century. But superintendency today comes with enormous challenges. In recent years, the education sector has faced a variety of hurdles, beyond the increased stress, anxiety, and social-emotional challenges that emerged during the pandemic. Like other large cities, Philadelphia, home of the eighth-largest school district in the nation, has battled generational and systemic poverty and a continued rise in gun violence. It is hard to prepare our students more than 80% of whom identify as students of color to compete globally when they are facing societal barriers that impact their ability to learn and excel. Advertisement Despite these challenges along with years of underfunding we must remain committed to the success of public education. I am a product of public schools, with a resume that reads like a school district jobs board: bus driver, school custodian, teacher, principal, and district administrator. I know firsthand how public schools can serve as the bedrock on which the American dream rests. It is our job to best position our young people for lifelong success. So how did we establish this new vision for Philadelphia public school students? Immediately after the Board of Education hired me on April 1, 2022, we needed to review existing data and seek out additional data on how children are performing. The numbers present a sobering picture: The majority of public school districts in other large cities continue to outperform the School District of Philadelphia across the core areas of mathematics and reading. But the data also presented some signs of resilience. The National Assessment of Educational Progress often referred to as the Nations Report Card sheds light on our resilience in relation to other districts across the country. For example, while students nationwide experienced steep score declines in fourth- and eighth-grade reading and math, Philadelphia students saw no score change from 2019 to 2022, with the exception of declines in fourth-grade math. Given the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on education during this period, we considered this progress worth building on. Our next step was to listen and learn from the people of Philadelphia: what the district does well, what needs improvement, and what they think needs to be prioritized. In my first 100 days, we hosted 90 listening and learning sessions that engaged more than 3,000 educators, school leaders, students, family members, central office and school-based staff, citywide groups, faith leaders, and community-based organizations. We then assembled a transition team to develop recommendations to shape the districts future priorities. All of this work alongside the engagement of more than 200 members of the district community resulted in Accelerate Philly, the School District of Philadelphias new five-year strategic plan with five priority areas and 63 strategic actions, accompanied by supporting research. The district will begin to implement the year one strategies in the 2023-24 school year. For superintendents, time is of the essence. The community wants results now. We cannot teach kids if they are not in school. That is why, during my first year, we also identified and began monthly reporting on four immediate focus areas: student attendance, teacher attendance, dropout rates, and graduation rates, based on new state requirements. We cannot teach kids if they are not in school. So we became laser-focused on tracking student attendance and the dropout rate. We also began monitoring and reporting on teacher attendance, to ensure that children are consistently taught by high-quality teachers, not substitutes. As a result of these efforts, we found that student regular attendance defined as being at school 90% of enrolled days over the year increased from 57% in the previous school year to 60% this year. Teacher regular attendance also defined as showing up 90% of school days increased from 77.3% in the previous school year to 83.6% this year. Student dropouts decreased from 3,917 in the previous school year to 3,652 this year. Obviously, there is still much work to be done. I am eager to continue bringing our key stakeholders to the table as we launch Accelerate Philly and implement this new vision. Tony B. Watlington Sr. is the superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia. He previously served as superintendent of Rowan-Salisbury Schools in North Carolina. Thirteen months after essentially quitting on the city, Mayor Jim Kenney has a rare opportunity to reshape his legacy, the Editorial Board writes. Read more Whither Mayor Jim Kenney? As Kenney plays out his final months in office in relative obscurity, its worth remembering his triumphant first year as mayor in 2016 way back before the pandemic and Donald Trump upended the world. Kenney passed a soda tax despite deep-pocketed opposition, negotiated a fair labor deal with the citys largest blue-collar union, hosted a largely peaceful Democratic National Convention, added 16 miles of bike lanes, and emerged as a champion of reducing inequality and poverty. It was an auspicious start for the longtime City Council member who earmarked the soda tax money for free quality pre-K and to renovate city parks, recreation centers, and libraries. Indeed, Kenneys future appeared bright as he appealed to young progressives, African Americans, liberal elites, and white working-class voters. Advertisement But then Kenney seemed to run out of energy and ideas as the pandemic and gun violence overshadowed his tenure. The low point came last summer when, in a moment of candor following a July Fourth shooting incident, Kenney said he would be happy when he was no longer mayor so he could enjoy some stuff. It seemed as if Kenney had quit on the city. His former Council colleague Maria Quinones Sanchez said he told her that he planned to leave the country after his term. Some called for him to resign. It would be a shame if that one comment came to define Kenneys legacy. READ MORE: Mayor Kenneys lament | Editorial Perhaps the mayor has one last selfless act of public service left in him? Unfortunately, Kenney has frittered away most of the $850,000 in his political action committee, as The Inquirer reported last week. More than half of the money went to pay a handful of consultants, while $24,000 was spent in bars and restaurants. Talk about a wasted opportunity. Its not too late, though. Kenney should use the time and money he has left in his PAC for something more useful than consultants and bar tabs. And we have just the cause that needs dire attention: saving American democracy in the city where it was founded. Kenney is in a rare position to lead a get-out-the-vote effort in Philadelphia in advance of the November 2024 presidential election. The stakes could not be higher, as the election appears headed for a rematch between Joe Biden and Donald Trump. A recent poll showed Biden and Trump locked in a dead heat. The winner will likely be decided by a couple hundred thousand swing voters in a handful of states, just as it was in 2016 and 2020. Just as in the last election, all eyes may be on Pennsylvania. And which way the Keystone State goes will largely be determined by the turnout in Philadelphia and the surrounding suburbs. This is where things get dicey. Voter turnout in Philadelphia has plummeted in recent elections. For those interested in preserving democracy and ensuring Trump, who was indicted for trying to subvert the 2020 election, does not return to the White House, this should be a top priority. Kenney could use his final months as mayor to sound the alarm. He can be a compelling voice when he puts down the script and speaks from the heart. Kenney could also use his convening power to rally political, business, and religious leaders to make the case to increase voter turnout and carry the banner forward once he leaves office. Of course, this should not be all on Kenneys shoulders. Others must heed the call. Were looking at you, Bob Brady. The longtime Democratic Party boss has presided over the drop in turnout with little to say and even less action. Please step up or step aside. More of the same old, same old is not good enough. After all, the likely Republican nominee is out on bail after trying to steal the last presidential election. The fate of the free world hangs in the balance. So do many other important causes from combating climate change, the appointment of federal judges, and the war in Ukraine. The city just went through a hotly contested mayoral primary. Several highly qualified candidates assembled field organizations and raised millions of dollars. Imagine if Kenney could bring them all together to educate and motivate voters. Cherelle Parker, the likely next mayor, could also play a key role once she is in office. This should be an all-hands-on-deck effort. For Kenney, it could reshape his legacy as the mayor who helped save democracy. He could go out with a bang instead of a whimper. How to find LGBTQ-friendly mental health help in Philadelphia Read more Shana Williams became a therapist for a simple reason: As a Black, queer person, she wanted a therapist who understood her experience. At the time, she couldnt find one, so she decided to fill the gap herself. Its important for people to connect with someone who looks like them, Williams said. She now leads the clinical program at The Attic Youth Center, where she continues to build and grow a range of free mental health services available to queer youth. Attic stands out as an essential resource for Philadelphias LGBTQ community both youth and adults for whom affirming and accessible mental health care is not always easy to find. Although queer people are increasingly visible and accepted, health-care providers are not always trained to address their specific needs. Finding queer-positive providers is not the only obstacle. These services can often be expensive, which can make them inaccessible for some. So, how can you find qualified, affordable queer-friendly mental health resources in Philadelphia? Here are some places to start, and advice for finding the right fit for you. READ MORE: How to support trans people in Philly, according to trans people Why its important to find an LGBTQ-affirming therapist If you identify as LGBTQ, there are many misconceptions that can affect your care. That could include why you need help, says Judy Morrissey, a licensed clinical social worker, who is also the director of behavioral health at the Mazzoni Center, an LGBTQ-focused health provider in Center City. [Many people] assume that the issues that the people come in to deal with are gender identity and sexual orientation, Morrissey said. While that certainly may be true sometimes, Morrissey said plenty of queer folks are also just dealing with the everyday challenges that would bring anyone into therapy. In a way, thats an argument that any therapist would be just fine. But Morrissey said its important that you be seen as an individual, with your identities and relationships fully understood and respected. Thats central to Mazzonis work, which offers individual therapy, substance use treatment, and support groups. The therapy itself isnt that different, whats different is our approach, Morrissey said. Its powerful to feel seen and accepted by your provider, Morrissey said, especially if you want to feel comfortable enough to share vulnerable parts of your life. I think its important that folks continue to understand their mental health and find ways to cope, Williams said, a need that has only been amplified by the pandemic. Group support and peer counseling can also be a lifeline, said Chris Bartlett, executive director at William Way LGBT Community Center. For folks who particularly may not either have financial access to a therapist, or for whom the idea of going to a therapist is even troubling, sometimes peer counseling is a good first step, he said. Theres a real need for folks to find either therapeutic support or peer support or group support, he said. Perhaps mental health services are the most important thing we can provide right now. How to find the right resources Finding mental health care is both personal and individual. No matter what type of service you need, its important to make sure you have the right provider before you dive in. Heres Morrisseys advice about finding the right therapist: Have a clear idea of what you need to feel comfortable. That might be a certain counseling style (more guiding versus more directive) or specific environment (individual versus group therapy). Ask questions. Find out about how the therapist practices, what approaches they use, how many queer people theyve treated in the past. There is sometimes a general hesitancy for clients to ask about that, but its something we strongly encourage, said Morrissey. Keep an open mind. Dont write someone off if they dont fit the exact picture of your ideal therapist right away. A lot of growth happens when the person doesnt necessarily look like you or act like you or think like you, Morrissey said. When money is a concern, be direct about costs, and ask about any discounts or sliding scale rates. If youre stuck and cant find the right provider (and have insurance), try contacting your insurance company. There might be a list of therapists who can help make a connection. Or, if you find a provider thats out of your network, reach out to your insurance and ask them what concessions they can make. The member who carries the insurance has a lot more pull, Morrissey said. READ MORE: Nearly 75% of LGBTQ people say COVID-19 has harmed their mental health, poll finds Virtual and telehealth therapy Many of the queer-positive mental health resources in Philadelphia are located in Center City, which make them inconvenient or inaccessible depending on where you live and how easy it is for you to travel. But most services are now available via telehealth because of the pandemic. That eliminates the need to travel for therapy or support groups, since some are available virtually or by phone. Its also made us accessible to folks who may have had mobility issues, Williams said. She expects that even after the pandemic, The Attic will offer some virtual services, especially with its support groups. LGBTQ mental health resources in Philadelphia Heres are some queer-affirming providers in the Philadelphia region to get you started: What they offer: Outpatient mental health services, individual therapy and substance abuse recovery counseling for youth and adults who identify as LGBTQ. How much it costs: Mazzoni accepts private as well as public health insurance plans. If you are uninsured, there is a sliding-scale for services for as little as $30. Virtual services: Yes. 1348 Bainbridge St., 215-563-0652, mazzonicenter.org What they offer: Mental health counseling for LGBTQ youth and young adults up to age 23, as well as their families/caregivers. Support groups tailored to various needs within the queer community, such as healthy relationships, self-esteem, and gender identity. How much it costs: All services at The Attic are free and supported by the organizations grants and donations. Virtual services: Yes. 255 S 16th St., 215-545-4331, atticyouthcenter.org What they offer: Confidential, one-to-one peer counseling. Social support groups for trans people. How much it costs: Counseling services and support groups are free of charge. Virtual services: Due to the pandemic, peer counseling services are available only over the phone, and support groups are being held on Zoom. 1315 Spruce St., 215-732-2220, waygay.org What they offer: Motivational support groups, mental health services, and youth services focused on LGBTQ people of color. How much it costs: All services are free and confidential. Virtual services: Yes. Due to the pandemic, services are being provided virtually or in person by appointment only. 1211 Chestnut St., 215-832-0100, coloursorganization.org What they offer: Outpatient therapy and psychiatric care tailored to the LGBTQ community. How much it costs: Einstein accepts commercial and public insurance, but also offers assistance and a sliding-scale fee for uninsured patients. Virtual services: Yes. Due to the pandemic, mental health services are being offered virtually through telehealth. 5501 Old York Rd. (Einstein Medical Center), 215-420-0989, einstein.edu/pride-program What they offer: A variety of LGBTQ-focused group meetings for people recovering from substance use. How much it costs: Meetings are free to attend. Virtual services: Some meetings are being held in-person in Philadelphia, while others can be accessed by phone or Zoom. Various locations, depending on the group, aasepia.org/?type=lgbtq Private practices Williams also recommended a handful of private practices that are affirming and open to LGBTQ clients: Crisis hotlines If youre dealing with an immediate crisis, you can reach Philadelphias 24/7 behavioral health hotline at 215-686-4420, or the TrevorLifeline for LGBTQ youth at 1-866-488-7386. READ MORE: More Philly tips: Read our most useful stories Expert sources: For-sale sign outside a home in the Frankford section of Philadelphia in December 2021. The average person moving into Philadelphia has more money to spend on a house than a Philadelphian does, according to a Redfin analysis. Read more Philadelphia may be an affordable big city compared to others on the East Coast and across the country a draw for new residents but thats little comfort to locals who have watched prices rise. In the first half of 2022, people looking to move into Philadelphia searched for houses with a maximum price of $588,000 on average, according to the online brokerage Redfins analysis of searches on its website. Locals capped their searches much lower at $422,000. As home prices continue to climb, people moving largely from more expensive cities have an advantage with an average of 39% more to spend. That, in turn, helps push up prices across the market. READ MORE: Low incomes make Philadelphia homes less affordable, Pew study finds Advertisement Philadelphia has the biggest gap between the budgets of out-of-town and local home searchers among the 23 cities that Redfin analyzed. New York, Atlanta, and Dallas have the next-highest gaps. But in New York, for example, budgets overall are higher. People moving to the Big Apple had an average budget of $1.3 million. Thats 31% higher than the average budget of a local. Only Baltimore and San Antonio, Texas, had lower average maximum budgets for out-of-towners than Philadelphia $395,000 and $515,000, respectively. Rising home prices and mortgage rates continue to drive home buyers to look beyond their own cities for more affordable options, said Taylor Marr, Redfins deputy chief economist. READ MORE: Rising mortgage rates mean home buyers now pay hundreds of dollars more per month Someone moving from Los Angeles to Philadelphia may have a higher monthly housing payment than they would have six months ago, but its still much lower than it would be in coastal California, he said in a statement. The market looks different for locals, many of whom are priced out or driven to search in the suburbs for the same reasons. Trey Dodge, a Redfin agent based in Philadelphia, said he has seen home prices rise over the last two years mostly because buyers from outside the city are purchasing high-end properties. Those moving to Philadelphia typically come from more expensive places with higher incomes and have money from selling valuable property, according to Redfin. READ MORE: For New Yorkers, the Philly area is a real bargain Philadelphia has been kind of getting more noticed over the last few years, but I think it took a big step forward after COVID came and more people considered other cities when they started working remotely, Dodge said. Some of his recent buyers have come from San Francisco, Texas, Boston, and Washington, but the majority of his out-of-town buyers are from New York. Some of his clients want to come back to where they or their partners grew up. These buyers want to have a city life, but New York and D.C. that we sit between are just exponentially higher in cost of living, he said. READ MORE: Home buyers may finally see some relief as supply increases and price growth slows And while home prices are growing everywhere, prices in Philadelphia have not grown as much as they have in New York. Philadelphia will continue to draw out-of-town buyers, he said. They can buy a nice big house here, Dodge said, which costs a fraction of what it would in New York. The Philadelphia Inquirer is one of more than 20 news organizations producing Broke in Philly, a collaborative reporting project on solutions to poverty and the citys push toward economic justice. See all of our reporting at brokeinphilly.org. The American Expeditionary Forces https://www.loc.gov/collections/stars-and-stripes/articles-and-essays/a-world-at-war/american-expeditionary-forces/ World War I was the first time in American history that the United States sent soldiers abroad to defend foreign soil. On April 6, 1917, when the United States declared war against Germany, the nation had a standing army of 127,500 officers and soldiers. By the end of the war, four million men had served in the United States Army, with an additional 800,000 in other military service branches. Once war was declared, the army attempted to mobilize the troops very quickly. The fatigued British and French troops, who had been fighting since August 1914, sorely needed the relief offered by the American forces. In May 1917, General John Joseph "Black Jack" Pershing was designated the supreme commander of the American army in France, and the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) were created. Pershing and his staff soon realized how ill-prepared the United States was to transport large numbers of soldiers and necessary equipment to the front, where supplies, rations, equipment, and trained soldiers were all in short supply. Since even the transport ships needed to bring American troops to Europe were scarce, the army pressed into service cruise ships, seized German ships, and borrowed Allied ships to transport American soldiers from New York, New Jersey, and Virginia. The mobilization effort taxed the limits of the American military and required new organizational strategies and command structures to transport great numbers of troops and supplies quickly and efficiently. Although the first American troops arrived in Europe in June 1917, the AEF did not fully participate at the front until October, when the First Division, one of the best-trained divisions of the AEF, entered the trenches at Nancy, France. Pershing wanted an American force that could operate independently of the other Allies, but his vision could not be realized until adequately trained troops with sufficient supplies reached Europe. Training schools in America sent their best men to the front, and Pershing also established facilities in France to train new arrivals for combat. Throughout 1917 and into 1918, American divisions were usually employed to augment French and British units in defending their lines and in staging attacks on German positions. Beginning in May 1918, with the first United States victory at Cantigny, AEF commanders increasingly assumed sole control of American forces in combat. By July 1918, French forces often were assigned to support AEF operations. During the Battle of St. Mihiel, beginning September 12, 1918, Pershing commanded the American First Army, comprising seven divisions and more than 500,000 men, in the largest offensive operation ever undertaken by United States armed forces. This successful offensive was followed by the Battle of Argonne, lasting from September 27 to October 6, 1918, during which Pershing commanded more than one million American and French soldiers. In these two military operations, Allied forces recovered more than two hundred square miles of French territory from the German army. By the time Germany signed the Armistice on November 11, 1918, the American Expeditionary Forces had evolved into a modern, combat-tested army recognized as one of the best in the world. The United States had sustained more than 320,000 casualties in the First World War, including over 53,000 killed in action, over 63,000 non-combat related deaths, mainly due to the influenza pandemic of 1918, and 204,000 wounded.1 In less than two years the United States had established new motorized and combat forces, equipped them with all types of ordnance including machine guns and tanks, and created an entirely new support organization capable of moving supplies thousands of miles in a timely manner. World War I provided the United States with valuable strategic lessons and an officer corps that would become the nucleus for mobilizing and commanding sixteen million American military personnel in World War II. The estimated cost of works on rural roads countrywide is over 5bn, Transport Minister Eamon Ryan told the Dail. He said major cuts to funding for regional and local roads during the post-2008 recession resulted in the build-up of a substantial backlog of work. Replying to Social Democrat TD Catherine Murphy, he said the improvement and maintenance of these roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority. Works are funded from local authorities own resources, supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is a matter for the local authority. Because of the pressures on the regional and local road network, about 90% of available Exchequer grant assistance to local authorities is directed to maintenance and renewal works rather than for new roads or road realignments. The Department assesses any road improvement projects proposed by local authorities for funding consideration on a case-by-case basis. Given the limited funding available for regional and local road improvement works, he said it is important for local authorities to prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility with these requirements in mind. Fianna Fail TD Brendan Smith asked Minister Ryan if he would ensure that much-needed additional funding would be provided for the non-national routes, which vary greatly from village streets to narrow boreens. Deputy Smith said there is an urgent requirement for increased investment due to the very substantial increase in costs that have arisen over the past two years in road maintenance products and construction work. Minister Ryan said the primary focus of investment within the budget available for regional and local roads is on the protection and renewal of the network. The total allocated at the start of this year was 626m compared to 607m in 2022. In recognition of the fact that cost inflation is having a significant impact on the cost of delivering regional and local road annual programmes, he said local authorities were notified last month of a 22.5m supplementary allocation for key road strengthening programmes. There is a perception that forward-thinking women most concentratedly activists are pained, mean, unfunny beings, dedicated to sticking pins in birthday balloons and pointing fingers at vulnerable spaces. That being, when youre on a pedestal, the whole world is below you, to upskirt or otherwise. Activism with a pointed message can easily turn didactic or, worse, smug. Luckily, teacher, author, RTE presenter and broadcaster Emer ONeills personality feels built to withstand this pressure, even as it expands its reach, touching on subjects like reproductive rights and medical misogyny. Her social media presence is a fascinating mixture of high-low (footage of a Dublin protest, calling for an Ireland for All sits beside a news headline stating that a Penneys is due to open in Bray with the caption be still my beating heart) and more recently, pregnancy-related recommendations as well as no-frills children content (ONeill is due to give birth to her third child in September, the younger sibling of Ky and Sunny Rae). Its a glimpse into her mind; one that runs at pace, giving grace to the bad moments as well as the good. While her tone generally veers towards the positive, she commits to truth-telling within both her professional and personal spheres; this extends into her recent hyperemesis gravidarum diagnosis, a period of severe sickness and vomiting that affects roughly 1% of pregnancies. The pain and nausea, according to those who have experienced it, is debilitating, medication is astoundingly expensive, and, to top it all off, patients who seek medical help are regularly not believed. For the first month-and-a-half, I was so sick, she says. I lost nearly two stone, and the only thing I could keep down was Coca-Cola. Eventually, I went into the emergency room on the advice of a friend and was put on fluids and prescribed medication. It blew my mind how Id never heard about this, and how it was only through word-of-mouth that I could find out what to do. When it comes to female medical issues, gaslighting is the immediate phrase connected to it. So many women suffer and say nothing because they havent been believed before. Id never had it before with my other kids so I just thought it was bad morning sickness, even though I couldnt hold down water. From projectile vomiting, too, I came across degrees of incontinence which is embarrassing, but also something we women need to talk about more. Emer O'Neill: When it comes to female medical issues, gaslighting is the immediate phrase connected to it. So many women suffer and say nothing because they havent been believed before. Photograph Moya Nolan ONeill, who is affable, cordial, strong, and undeniably striking, with high cheekbones and almond-shaped eyes is not afraid of speaking up. In January, the 37-year-old walked out of a Tommy Tiernan show because of a racist joke. My daughter told me I shouldnt say this, he prefaced it, before unfurling a string of words that likened black men to gorillas. ONeill felt tight in her seat, constricted by the same invisible boundaries she had grown to recognise as a young, biracial woman; the same kind that pulled her curled hair taut and shouted racial slurs as she shuffled to catch buses or exit classrooms. She was too old for this, she thought. She had had enough and decided to go. She posted about it on Instagram, mentioning how a night that was to be full of fun and laughter turned sour, and how equating zoo animals to Dublin taxi drivers was undeniably offensive. The replies racked up in their thousands, nearly all of them casting blame on ONeill for ruining comedy, doing anything for headlines, and messing with the mans livelihood. Worst thing you can do is apologize (sic) to the recreationally offended, one, ironically offended, post reads. Theyre really making a meal out of this story, another goes. I have a solution for her, never go to another comedy gig! That week, ONeill found out she was pregnant. Seven weeks of extreme hyperemesis-induced sickness followed, as did seven weeks of intense abuse, interrupted by a private phone call from Tiernan himself. We spoke for about an hour, it was a very positive conversation, she says. During that, he realised that he, as a white middle-aged man, has no right to comment on or decide whether something is racist or not because he has no lived experience those were his exact words. I wont ever forget, it was powerful, and I appreciated that a lot and believed him. It takes somebody of integrity to be able to acknowledge when theyve done wrong, but where it kind of fell down for me was that he didnt make a public statement. Because, as I explained to him, it wasnt me that needed an apology. My entire community did. And his followers will never likely know that. Its like when you see those Instagram things, where prominent white influencers give their profile to a person of colour to explain their situation to an audience that wouldnt necessarily usually listen to something like that the aftermath is huge and the possibility for education is bigger. Emer O'Neill with her husband Sean and their children Ky, 9, and Sunny, 3. Photograph Moya Nolan Its a token of ONeills resilience that on top of her own jagged experiences in the public eye, a long-fought battle with depression and anxiety, and her extended journey to become pregnant (it took her and her partner over two years) she still boasts a drive few could dream of. ONeill is the sole Irish ambassador for a programme called Free Being Me, a programme with the Irish Girl Guides to encourage children to love their bodies and the skin they are in. She is also an ambassador for Olympic Federation Irelands Dont Scroll By campaign, seeking to stamp out online bullying and abuse, the knowledge from which she used to help write the Anti Racism CPD professional development course with the Irish National Teachers Organisation. That said, ONeill is familiar, and dare I say not uncomfortable within the boundaries of discomfort. In fact, it leads a number of the anecdotes she unfurls today, the majority of which centre around the reason she does what she does her children. My sons complexion is quite a bit darker than mine, and then my daughter is basically white, she says. So I have two kids that are two completely different colours and are going to have two completely different lives, even though theyre brought up by the same mom and dad in the same household. Emer O'Neill with her husband Sean and their children Ky, 9, and Sunny, 3. Photograph Moya Nolan She takes a deep breath. Like theres this part of me thats so happy for my daughter, that she can pass. Because I know that her life is gonna be that bit easier. And thats so horrible. It makes me want to vomit when I say it out loud, but its the reality of things. It hurts my heart to think of the things that my son already is going through; talking about his skin and hair and how its different and he wants it changed. Recently he was called the N-word and a monkey by a boy online, and he told me he voice recorded it in the bathroom because he was too ashamed to say it to my face and my heart just broke. Eventually, we got to the bottom of it and got in touch with the parents. Its important for my son, for him to see me stick up for him, and for him to know that his thoughts and feelings are relevant and that he has support and that hes not wrong or bad in any way. Its also important that that child is educated and their parents understand the connotations behind the words theyre using. People always ask me when is the best time to discuss racism and diversity and prejudice with their children I always say from the moment theyre born. Because if I cant wait until my child is old enough, others shouldnt either. I could curl up in a ball in my duvet when these things happen, ONeill says three times during our two-hour talk. Which would be far easier. But its not going to help. So I tell myself to fight another day, and thats whats brought me here. Emer O'Neill: "People always ask me when is the best time to discuss racism and diversity and prejudice with their children I always say from the moment theyre born." Photograph Moya Nolan If it is possible, as she insists, to fight another day, and change minds, assumptions, and systemic neglect, maybe we neednt worry quite so much about the future we see for our children. This is the bitter-sweet message hidden in every word ONeill utters: That, in the grand prejudices of today, we should dare to not (like her 2022 TEDxWexford talk says) put anyone in a box. Unless, perhaps, theyre trolls who post cruel, derogatory comments. If you have your work information in your bio, you can be sure Im sharing it, she says. Whether you have live, laugh, love right beside it or not. Its Heritage Week! So perhaps no better time for me to showcase one of my favourite property collections, The Irish Landmark Trust. If youre looking for a dreamy stay in Ireland, this all-Ireland charity offers you over thirty unique accommodations to choose from, and this week I spoke to some of the people behind some of the nations finest escapes. Heritage The mission of the Irish Landmark Trust is to save, share, and sustain Irelands diverse built heritage, according to Suzanne Cantwell, the charitys communication manager. "I think what's really special about our accommodation is that not only do our guests enjoy a great value and a truly memorable break in a gorgeous Irish heritage property but by booking a stay with the Irish Landmark Trust, theyre also helping us to continue our conservation work and give our buildings a sustainable future. Guests can choose from options across the island which include everything from a traditional thatched cottage to a medieval miniature castle. "One of the messages we really want to get across is that our properties truly are all-weather properties. So whether enjoying a roaring fire in one of our houses or watching a storm brew up from the comfort of our preserved lighthouse keepers' houses, they really are the ideal locations to nestle down for a couple of days... whether the weather plays ball or not!, she adds. Gerald Butler, lighthouse keeper at Galley Head Education Education is a keystone of the trusts mission too; each of the properties features a guidebook showcasing the property's conservation story while a property manager welcomes and checks in guests to each location offering a friendly and insightful touch. On my recent stay to Galley Head Lightkeepers House in West Cork, Gerald Butler, a third-generation lighthouse keeper, was the ideal man to do the honours. Its my pride and joy, Gerald told me, as he ushered me around his former home and my base for the night. People can get quite emotional staying in such a spectacular location like Galley Head, he tells me. And whats incredible is how much I really get a sense of how much friends and family have slowed down and connected over the course of their stay here," he adds. We dont offer TVs or WiFi but youd be amazed how much guests appreciate that even children and teenagers! The restored interiors at Galley Head Lighthouse keepers cottages evokes nostalgia-dusted magic Conservation Beyond many of the propertys scenic settings, the accommodations restored interiors also bring some nostalgia-dusted magic for guests. "I source pieces everywhere from auction houses to flea markets and we even receive some wonderful donations to the trust, Jessie Wilkinson, the Landmark Trusts interior consultant tells me. Being a charity, theres always a challenging budget to consider but I grew up myself in a country house in Tipperary where my mother would source everything from second-hand stores to finding treasures in the attic so I really appreciate the process... you could say its in my DNA! "Our properties are beautifully understated which is so crucial to their appeal. From working on our lighthouse properties which can have a more simplified seaside style to a gate lodge where I can work with colour, be it wallpapers or soft furnishings to really make it sing, creating each space is a real joy! New paid leave for people suffering domestic violence has been broadly welcomed by survivors but calls have been made to increase the promised five days of paid leave to 10 days. Ireland will be one of the first countries in Europe to introduce paid domestic abuse leave, which will be formally introduced this autumn, when regulations and guidance being developed by Womens Aid will be published. The Government announced this week that victims will be given five days on full pay through the scheme and they will not have to show any evidence of abuse. Mary McDermot, CEO of Safe Ireland, welcomed the change but said that 10 days of leave would be a more realistic timeframe to allow people in traumatised situations to get appropriate support. We welcome the fact that its a full-pay rate, which not only is of practical help but recognises how changes in finances could alert a perpetrator. Its a welcome protocol to be put in place because it moves the understanding of domestic violence from a highly privatised, individualised understanding of the nature of domestic violence to the reality which is a large-scale social problem." The new form of leave was introduced through the Work Life Balance Act, which was passed earlier this year. Employees will have to disclose the type of leave they are taking to their employer, but do not have to provide any evidence of abuse. An employee can contact the Workplace Relations Commission if the employer does not permit the leave. Ruth Lehane of Yana domestic violence centre in North Cork said that dealing with domestic abuse is time consuming for victims. It often requires multiple court dates, time meeting support services, looking for alternative accommodation, trying to keep any children in the home safe. When youre fearful for your safety you need as much time as possible. You need your workforce behind you and your community behind you. Weve always struggled with women applying for time off for court appearances that can be applying for safety orders or protection orders. It can also be around things like access. I do welcome this and think it will make a huge difference to women." Susan McCruddon, a survivor of domestic abuse, welcomed the news but said that much more needs to be done. She was trapped in a house of horrors for years where she was allegedly both physically and emotionally abused by a man who would threaten to kill her and her family if she left. She was not allowed to work and had no financial autonomy so this leave would not have helped her or others like her, she said. Any change in tackling domestic violence is positive but the whole system needs to change. This is a drop in the ocean of what needs to be done. Mary-Louise Lynch is the founder of SiSi, a collective of women survivors of intimate abuse. She said that the new leave was "a wonderful statement culturally, that were working on it, that domestic abuse is a significant issue". Its a public health issue," she said. If you need time off, the situation has usually escalated you've suffered serious violence or it is a time when theyve decided to move out or seek a barring order and get the perpetrator to move out. It is a very difficult time." "And for coercive control, a person's self-esteem is floored. And having to fill in forms, justify it, get a letter from a doctor to explain it. Theyre hurdles. So it is brilliant that the woman does not need to explain. That there is trust there is hugely significant. "I think this is a very good start for women in crisis situation but there will be a lot of people watching from the side, saying 'what about me?' "This is symbolic that we have domestic violence leave and it shows how far ahead we are. But there is a lot more to do." Independent TD Michael Collins has said that he has no interest in joining the new Farmers Alliance (FA) political party. The West Cork TD told the Irish Examiner that he was not involved in discussions to join the new political party, which was announced in recent days. We never had a sit-around-the-table discussion with them. They might dig out an invitation now at some stage but there were never real serious intent to discuss the set-up of anything as from my side, Mr Collins said. He said that the party appeared to be a group of concerned individuals who were dead right to be concerned, saying that rural Ireland was being hammered left, right, and centre. The Irish Examiner contacted the Farmers Alliance for comment on their establishment, but none was received ahead of publication. However, two founders of the party Helen OSullivan and Liam McLoughlin appeared on Newstalk earlier this week, where they answered questions about the newly established party. Asked if they both intended to run in the upcoming general election, both Ms OSullivan and Mr McLoughlin did not confirm whether or not they would be running. The two founders both said that they had previously been asked, but would need to consider it. However, Mr McLoughlin said that he hoped there would be between 50 and 60 candidates fielded by the party in the next general election. For comparison, in the 2020 General Election, the highest number of candidates run by any political party was Fianna Fail, who ran 84. Fine Gael ran 82, and Sinn Fein ran 42. In recent months, there has been discussion from several rural TDs about establishing a rural political party, with Independent TD for Roscommon-Galway Michael Fitzmaurice spearheading one approach, while the Rural Independents intend on expanding their alliance. New grouping Mr Collins, who currently sits with the Rural Independent grouping of TDs, said that he and his colleagues were planning on forming a new grouping ahead of the local and European elections next year. He said that any new grouping would be slightly different from the current Rural Independents, saying that it was important it represented people from both rural and urban areas. I haven't had any discussions with this group [Farmers Alliance] because we have a strong group being set up at the present moment ourselves, Mr Collins said. We're working on that and that is going to be very much representative of rural and urban Ireland. He cited the Dutch Farmer-Citizen Movement, which swept the provincial elections in the Netherlands earlier this year, gaining 137 seats. The party itself received almost 1.5m votes in the provincial elections, with Mr Collins saying that this was due to the party appealing to both rural and urban voters. Not alone did they sell themselves to the rural people, they sold themselves to the urban people also if they were able to pick up 1.5 million votes. That's the kind of setup I'd like, where rural issues would be very, very important to us, but also theres urban issues too that are not being discussed or being dealt with in this country. Thats where were focused very clearly and if were to be part of any group, it has to have both. Mr Collins hoped that the new group would be announced in the weeks ahead and that discussions were currently ongoing with TDs and councillors about its establishment. Food delivery drivers and bike riders are ubiquitous, particularly in the States cities. The person with the large cube-shaped bag on their back calling to the door with a delivery, drops it, and gets back on his bicycle or motorcycle or electric bike and hurries off for the next delivery. What few of us see are the hazards that these riders must endure, principally the threat of violence and theft. Apart from the threats to personal safety, delivery riders are operating in a twilight economic zone open to all sorts of exploitation. Estimates for the number of delivery drivers working in Dublin, Cork, and a few other cities vary from around 3,000 upwards. Most of these drivers are working at a complete remove from platform apps such as Just Eat, the market leader, Deliveroo, and a few other newer entrants to the market. The platforms are all adamant that they treat their drivers and riders well and are cognisant of the dangers of exploitation. Last week in a lane off Dublins Moore St, delivery riders were coming and going at the Seven Bikes shop, a rental and repair outlet run by a Brazilian brother and sister. The shop is housed in a converted warehouse, all whitewashed walls and corrugated iron roof, but it has the feel of a community hub. There are a number of tall steel racks to accommodate the large bags used by the delivery riders. Tea and coffee and soft furnishings are available for riders taking a break for a quick bite to eat. Riders are effectively in a queue to pick up work. English is a second language here, with everybody usually conversing in Portuguese. Coming and going from streets that can often be threatening and the shop offers a safe space. Leonardo, a young, fit-looking man dressed in black down to the tight beanie on his head, is having a bad week. He sits at a table and relates how two batteries for his electric bike were recently stolen. These cost around 275 each, draining more than a weeks wages. He works six days a week, 11 hours a day, and his average daily pay is around 82. Out of that he has to fork out 100 a week to pay for access to the apps for Just Eat and Deliveroo. That leaves him working for around 6 an hour, just above half the national minimum wage of 11.30. He shrugs about the financial struggle. What choice do I have? I go to work every day at 11am and work until 10pm. I take Sunday off. "I know where I should not go. We have it on WhatsApp when there might be a crowd of young people hanging around anywhere because that means danger. They throw things at us, often eggs but sometimes rocks. People have died but that is how the city is. Asked about the gardai, he smiles and pulls his beanie down over his eyes. They are not there on the streets. They dont see and they dont want to see. Another rider, Alex, also from Brazil, comes into Seven Bikes after tracking down a stolen bicycle. This bike was taken from a secure environment inside an apartment block and he and his colleagues dont know how it happened. But they traced its location through the device and the thieves abandoned it. Alex used to work until 2am or 3am because the roads are safer, less cars, he says. Now, however, the streets arent safer with the threat of violence so he quits around 10pm. Most of the time they throw eggs, he says. If we see a lot of teenagers in one place an alert goes out among the riders to avoid it. Something though its only a couple of them that do it. Leonardo and Alex are both from Brazil and are here under a study visa that allows for 20 hours work a week. This limit, as with all such visas globally, is routinely ignored. The visa does not make provision for self-employment, which excludes these riders from applying directly to Just Eat or Deliveroo for a working contract. Therefore they effectively subcontract from a qualified person, who is anybody from the EU or with a full working visa. This costs anywhere between 50 and 100 a week per app for the rider, an overhead that must be paid before he or she earns a bean. Driven by algorithm - how it works Thereafter, the rider is effectively in a queue to pick up work. He has a map and an alert system which pings to offer him any job about to come available. The rider then has up to a minute 40 seconds with some apps to accept the offer. Algorithm technology allows the platform operator to observe the number of riders waiting for a job. The time can be seen running down a bar across the screen on the app. It turns red for the last 20 seconds or so, indicating to the rider that he better decide fast whether or not he wishes to throw away another three or four euro of whether it is worth his time. There will always be somebody else to grab it. Algorithm technology allows the platform operator to observe the number of riders waiting for a job. Some say that this system is tailor-made for a race to the bottom, but the platform operators constantly claim to be cognisant of the welfare and conditions of the riders. While talking to riders at the Seven Bikes the reporter of this piece saw offers coming in for 3, 3.04, and, an apparent choice offer of 4.68. App prices. In one other instance, the offer was for 1, which was for a run from Harts Corner in Phibsboro up to Griffith Aveune, a distance of around 1km. For these princely sums, the rider must to the restaurant and sometimes wait for up to 10 or 15 minutes until the order is completed and ready to go. More often than not, the restaurateur wont allow the rider to bring his bike inside so he must leave it outside as he goes in, exposing himself to the real possibility of theft. The journey undertaken can then, depending on the destination, be freighted with the threat of violence. At the destination the rider may occasionally have to wait for the recipient to appear. Some of the platforms require the rider to wait up to seven minutes for a response. If one is not received by then the delivery must be photographed and left at the door. All of this might typically take up to half an hour at least and yield in the region of 3 for the rider. During the interview with Alex, one call came through offering him 3.09. He pointed to the screen, showing that the delivery was just short of 3km, which represented a 6km round trip. I wont do it for less than 1 a kilometre, he said. Leonardo says that the very least that needs to be done is a proper minimum price be introduced for each delivery. Why couldnt they just pay at least 6 per minimum for each delivery? he asks. That would not be a lot but it would be a lot for the riders. He says that he cant understand why riders like him are targeted for violence. I deliver for Irish people and for everybody else, he says. We are not doing anything bad. Its good to get peoples food and bring it to them, its a nice service. But we must go to work with this fear and worried about the risk. Its not good. Alex says that the one thing he would like to see change is that all restaurants allow riders to bring in their bikes or otherwise to come out to them with the delivery. This would be less worry about our bikes being stolen. Deliveroo responded with a statement to a series of questions asked by the Irish Examiner. It stated that the company works with around 2,000 self-employed riders in Ireland. The company says it provides face-to-face support to riders and is this year visiting Dublin, Cork, and Galway to engage with riders. Asked whether Deliveroo has a minimum fee per delivery, the response was: Riders in Ireland always earn at least the national minimum wage plus costs for time spent on orders while working with us. In most cases, riders earn significantly more than this. The orders seen by the Irish Examiner being offered to riders would seem to contradict this statement. A price for a job. When asked whether the company is aware that contracts are subcontracted out to other riders who do not have the visa requirements to be self-employed, the response was that all Deliveroo riders must have the right to work in Ireland in order to have an account with the company. Deliveroo takes a zero tolerance approach towards any rider who fails to meet their legal obligations when working with us. Substitution is a legal element of being self-employed, but any substitute must also have the right to work in Ireland. Fiachra O Luain, who founded the English Language Students' Union of Ireland and works with delivery riders says that a public debate is required so that people can see what is at stake for workers in this service industry. These workers are part of the invisible labour market, he says. They have to work all hours just to get by and that of itself is highly dangerous as numerous studies have shown. "There is a correlation between better pay and road safety, for instance. We need to ensure workers here are treated properly as that sets the tone for the future. "People coming in to serve the economy can and should be very positive but to have people going to work full of fear and insecurity is not the way to do it. A job for 1. A statement from Just Eat did address the subcontracting issue. Self-employed independent couriers have the legal right to find a substitute courier. Legally, the courier account-holder is responsible for ensuring their substitute meets the necessary standards to deliver on our network, it stated. Just Eat also said that it constantly engage(s) with couriers through ha number of channels, including regular pulse surveys, emails and offline messaging with courier support. It did not address a question about whether it operates a minimum fee per delivery. An EU Platform Workers Directive has been agreed by the Council of Europe and is now scheduled to go through the European Parliament. The directive has two key features designed to improve the lot of platform workers, the regularisation of their employment status and the use of algorithms for human resource management. It remains to be seen what the final outcome will be but the technology companies have lobbied hard to protect their interests. In the US, the mayor of New York announced last Sunday that delivery riders must now be paid $17.96 (16.40) an hour before tips. The average earnings up until now for such workers was around $11 after tips. The advances in technology have rendered the delivery business as potentially lucrative. The food takeaway and delivery market in this country is estimated to be worth 2.2bn annually. A report published by Just East in June found that on average consumers order a takeaway just under three times a month, spending an average of 46.49. Just Eat, the market leader in Ireland, reported a profit of 14m on turnover of 65m for 2021, the latest year for which figures have been published. The platforms charge restaurants a considerable percentage value of each delivery order for including on the app. One offer seen by the Irish Examiner was for 35% to use the apps delivery riders and drivers or 14% if the restaurant provides its own transport. The advances in technology have rendered the delivery business as potentially lucrative. Adrian Cummins of the Restaurants Association of Ireland says his members often contact him to complain about the level of the commission but there is also considerable business generated though the platforms. They do suit to an extent because its often not viable for restaurants to have their own drivers, when you include insurance and everything else. "You might have 10 or 20 orders for takeaways coming in through somebody like Deliveroo where as you might need 70 or 80 to employ a driver. He does see issues with the manner of employment for drivers are riders. Are they self-employed or not? A line in the sand needs to be drawn on that debate and then we can have a proper structure around it. This is only going to get bigger as the delivery model is now also moving into the grocery market. Chantal de Vitry is in her late 90s now, but today she is likely to recall August 12, 1946, when she and 20 other French girl guides travelling to a holiday camp in Ireland on board an old military plane crashed into a mountain in Wicklow. Mlle de Vitry, the leader of the group, managed to scramble out of the wreckage of the Junker 52 and make her way down the side of Powerscourt waterfall, with broken ribs, to get help. Hours later, she stumbled, drenched through and injured, into the Mount Maulin Hotel, five miles from Enniskerry, as one newspaper reported at the time. By a curious stroke of fortune, it continued, the injured girl was met by a Fraulein Frances Widmen, who could speak French. She was then able to communicate the extraordinary events that had just unfolded. A group of 21 French girl guides had set out in bright sunshine from Le Bourget airport in Paris at around 9am that morning. They had been invited by their Irish counterparts to spend a holiday in Ireland in the aftermath of World War ll. The trip was supposed to be an escape from the trauma of the recent past. Many of those on board had witnessed bombings, wartime shortages and endless air-raid sirens during the war. One of them, a young Jewish woman Lilette Levy-Bruhl, had even been part of the French Resistance. They must have been excited when they set out that morning. It was their first time to fly and their first time abroad. The plane, a German model requisitioned during the war, could seat only 16, but five of its young passengers thought nothing of squatting on the floor. Those in seats were not belted in. Read More Clodagh Finn: The secret lives of our revolutionary grannies The plane was due to land in Dublin around noon, but it lost contact with Ireland during a blinding rainstorm, described as the worst in 20 years. Visibility was nil when the pilot Christian Habez hit Djouce mountain in Co. Wicklow after 1pm. Due to an extraordinary set of circumstances and a large measure of luck all passengers and crew survived the impact. The pilot had no idea where he had landed. He wasnt even sure if he was in Ireland. When Mlle de Vitry made her way down the mountain, covered in cuts and mud, she couldnt pinpoint the location of the plane either, other than to say she had been walking for about five hours. The Hogans, owners of the Mount Maulin Hotel, immediately raised the alarm. Theirs was the only phone for miles around, Suzanne Barnes, author of When our Plane Hit The Mountains, explains, and yet a search-and-rescue operation got under way very quickly. The search party made its way through atrocious conditions, plunging in darkness through waist-high heather and sedge pitted with bog holes to reach the plane, to quote one report. Around midnight, they found the plane with all the girls inside, many of them unconscious or semi-conscious and appearing to be gravely injured. Meantime, Lady Oranmore and Browne had set up a temporary refuge at a ruined stone house above Luggala, known as the Sheepbank House, while army ambulances, the Red Cross and St Johns Ambulance Brigade had assembled to bring the wounded to hospital. The wreckage of the plane in Wicklow in 1946 where the 21 French girl guides were found suffering from serious head injuries, broken limbs to shock. As well as their injuries ranging from serious head injuries and broken limbs to shock all of the passengers and crew were suffering from exposure. One poignant report describes how Lady Oranmore and Browne spent two hours giving little sips of brandy to one injured girl in an attempt to rally her strength. An unnamed reporter from this newspaper also took part in the all-night rescue mission. This is part of the story that appeared on 14 August: As the sun broke through the mountain mist at 7.30 a.m. yesterday, I watched the last of the 22 French girls [there were, in fact, just 21] being placed in an ambulance to be conveyed to St. Michaels Hospital, Dun Laoghaire. "Thus ended twelve hours of herculean work by ambulance workers, army personnel, civilians and Garda. The report also explained how disaster had been averted. The plane landed on soft peaty soil, carpeted thickly with heath, but had it gone fifty yards further it would have crashed into heavy boulders, which would almost certainly have resulted in many deaths. The engines had also been thrown clear of the fuselage by the force of the impact, which meant it had not burst into flames. There was intense media interest in the days and weeks that followed. The press catalogued the presents of chocolate and cigarettes that came from well-wishers as well as the steady progress being made by the injured girl guides and crew. In one newspaper, a report on a shortage of plasma was assessed in terms of the effect it would have on the treatment needed for the girl guides. In late October 1946, the last girl guide Genevieve Betrancourt returned home when several operations on her legs were complete. She remarked that she had spent three months in Ireland but had never once put her foot on the ground. That same sense of humour is evident in footage recorded several years later at a reunion of the girl guides. Genevieve recalled her bewilderment at being wheeled into a room called theatre and seeing capped and gowned people within. She realised it was an operating theatre, rather than a stage, and knew then that she must be in a foreign country. The miraculous survival was remembered and written about locally by Bill Nelson and others, but it was soon largely forgotten nationally. In 2002, Suzanne Barnes, a hillwalker who came across a piece of the wreckage on Djouce mountain, wrote a piece for Sunday Miscellany on RTE. It got such a huge response that she set out to trace the girl guides. She discovered that many of them had never spoken about the crash until they returned to Wicklow in 1998 again on the invitation of the Irish Girl Guides to revisit the scene of the crash. At the launch of 'When Our Plane Hit the Mountain' by Suzanne Barnes in 2005 are (left to right) Catherine de Geyser, Micheline Bourdeauducq, Suzanne, Agnes Laporte, and Lilette Levy-Bruhl While researching her book, Suzanne travelled to Paris, Nantes, Le Havre and Lille and met most of the survivors. For years they hadnt spoken about it but when they got together, they were like schoolgirls again and full of stories. They were an amazing group of women, strong and feisty. They left me gasping. After their initial reunion in 1998, they gathered at regular intervals until covid hit. Chantal de Vitry is now the only surviving girl guide in France but here, Suzanne Barnes, the Hogans, Bill Nelson and others will recall the crash on this anniversary weekend. Over the years, there have been a number of unsuccessful attempts to erect a discreet commemorative plaque on the crash site. Maybe its time to rekindle that campaign now as many hillwalkers are unaware of the incredible events that took place on this day in 1946 and the bravery, fortitude and courage of the girl guides who survived it. Six years have passed since senior counsel Rory Mulcahy delivered a scoping report into alleged corruption in planning in Donegal. The allegations themselves date back over a decade, but a multitude of issues led us to a point where the planning system is under serious scrutiny and there is a report which may condemn, or clear, named individuals which cannot or will not be published. If youre not familiar with the story (most people outside of the North West arent) the basics go something like this. In 2010, a whistleblower named Gerard Convie alleged that were severe irregularities in Donegal County Councils planning department in the early 2000s. The Gerard Convie dossier Mr Convie had presented a dossier of 20 sample cases to the government in 2010, prompting then Green Party environment minister, John Gormley, to launch an independent review. Then Green Party leader and environment minister John Gormley launched an independent review in 2010 after Gerard Convie presented 20 sample cases of corruption. File picture: Niall Carson/PA That review was nixed by Mr Gormleys successor Phil Hogan and an internal review ordered instead. That review concluded there was no evidence of irregularities and questioned Mr Convies motive in making the claims. Mr Convie challenged that review in the High Court. In 2013, the Department of Environment had to withdraw the review, overturn the findings, and apologise to Mr Convie. Senior counsel Rory Mulcahy was appointed in 2015 to conduct a review into the allegations and produced the final document in 2017, which has sat on the desks of three ministers since but has never seen the light of day. Every year, in and around the anniversary of the finalisation of the document, some journalists (with the Irish Examiner and other papers) and some TDs most notably Green TD Patrick Costello and Sinn Feins Eoin O Broin raise the issue, and then it fades away again. For its part, the Department of Housing says the minister, Darragh OBrien, will bring the report to Government in due course. It said careful consideration is being given to the report by Mr Mulcahy and that, as the report was a scoping review, Mr Mulcahy did not form any conclusion as to the truth or otherwise of those allegations in his report, which are unproven. To some, the affair is a quirk. A curio of Irish life or a case of a sole mans railing against city hall. Who knows and who cares? Every year, some journalists and some TDs notably Green TD Patrick Costello, above, and Sinn Fein's Eoin O Broin raise the non-publication of the Mulcahy Report, and then it fades away again. But, to others, it is an example of a deeply Irish sclerosis. The kind of stasis that can grip an entire state when making no decision is always the best call because no decision cant be the wrong decision. Which leads to reports and reviews and quangos galore. Every time there is a problem, or a scandal, or a fiasco, or a Gate, there is a seemingly irresistible urge to kick the can as far down the road as humanly possible because dealing with a problem should be done by someone else at a later date. Governance by good vibes only? Analysis or paralysis? There is a lot to be said for being well-informed, being considered, having all of the facts, especially with the stakes and finances often involved. But there is also a lot to be said for action. And, to be abundantly clear, this is not an anti-civil servant screed by any measure. In fact, this writer wholeheartedly agrees with Eamon Ryan who in April repeated his argument for an expanded civil service. Mr Ryan said: One of the issues is, how long does it take to do things? If we can improve our systems and quicken things up, then you dont need as many public servants. But it takes us about 10 years to get a bus lane and it takes us 20 years to get a rail line built. If we could shorten some of those timelines and make sure that our planning and legal system doesnt require so many hurdles, whereby you have this huge staff tied up, then we can get a better return without having to increase the numbers everywhere. But we do need a larger public service. Some of the Green Party leaders argument is basic common sense as the population grows, so too will demand for public services. But some of it is a question of ambition, about where we want to be and what kind of country we want to build. Good public service... Right now in Ireland, there are few things that the general public would say work well. Passport applications have bounced back from a covid-induced month in the headlines and are turned around quickly now; the standard of care within the health service is fantastic and outcomes are improving; and An Post workers are regularly praised for going above and beyond. ...and not so good But, generally speaking, levels of satisfaction with the apparatus of the State are low. All the while, it seems, navigating Irish officialdom has become either more complex or more onerous as departmental responsibilities are carved out into standalone watchdogs or NGOs or quangos, many of which are hamstrung by their own limited capacity or end up being asked to take on huge workloads without the necessary resources. In adding initials to different sectors, however, the morass seems to grow while the capacity for speedy decision-making does not. The RTE example Take the RTE debacle for example. The future of the broadcaster had been debated and discussed by the Future of Media Commission, whose report was nearly two years in the making. Before the commission could get to grips with its remit, the news broke of top-up payments to Ryan Tubridy and RTEs entire existence, ethos, and funding became a political issue. Now it is subject to three external reports, two Government-ordered, and a forensic accounting overview. The tendering for the expert reviews has not been completed and, when it is, the process is expected to take around six months, meaning that it will be 2024 before any report is sent to Media Minister Catherine Martin, who will have at most a year before the next general election. Does anybody truly believe that RTE will emerge from the last few months an entirely different organisation? Or will the penchant to report, review, and revise mean little more than cosmetic changes due to a frustrated and piecemeal process? Swift action In Ireland, however, we have seen that the State can move fast, can make decisions and rectify mistakes at pace when it needs to. The responses to covid and the early days of the Ukraine war show just what can be done. Speaking to the Irish Examiner this week, Mr Costello said it was bizarre that any government-ordered report would sit on a desk for six years. He said that if the Government was worried about the contents of the document, it should be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions. In short, he was pleading for something to be done, a decision to be made. Because the fate of this report and the kinds of stasis felt across the country are just different names for the same thing. No one injured as shots are fired outside of Buffalo funeral home No one was injured in a shooting outside a Buffalo funeral home Thursday afternoon, Buffalo police said Friday. The shooting happened at about 1:15 p.m. outside Thomas T. Edwards Funeral Home, 995 Genesee St. Two parked vehicles were damaged by the gunfire, police said. No further details about the incident were released. Aaron Besecker House contents auctions are always brimful of appeal so Sheppard's Irish Auction House's offering from Knocksaintlour House, Cashel, Co. Tipperary, and other clients in Durrow next Tuesday, August 15, is bound to be a draw. The top lots are a French Empire-style marble specimen table (5,000-8,000), a French gilt metal marquetry cylinder bureau, a fine Kirman rug and a large 20th-century bronze sculpture of a boy and girl on a bench all estimated at 4,000-6,000. Italy is celebrating the return of 266 antiquities from the United States, including Etruscan vases and ancient Roman coins and mosaics worth tens of millions of euro that were looted and sold to American museums and private collectors. The returned items include artefacts recently seized in New York from a storage unit belonging to British antiquities dealer Robin Symes, officials said. In addition, the haul that arrived in Rome included 65 objects that had been offered by a collector to Houstons Menil Collection, but were declined. The artefacts were displayed during a handing over ceremony at the offices of the Manhattan district attorney (Italian Carabinieri Via AP) The art unit of Italys carabinieri paramilitary police said the owner of the collection spontaneously gave back the items after investigators determined they had come from clandestine excavations of archaeological sites, according to a carabinieri statement. While the carabinieri said the works had been part of the Menil Collection, the museum said they never were. The museum said a collector approached the museum in 2022 about making a gift of the artefacts, but the museum curator directed the collector to the Italian culture minister, who alerted the museum that Italy was claiming the objects. The Menil Collection declined these works from the collector and they have never been part of the museums collection, spokesperson Tommy Napier said. Italy has been on a decades-long campaign to hunt down antiquities that were looted by tombaroli, or tomb raiders, and then sold to private collectors and museums in the US and beyond. The looting operations involved art dealers who sold the items directly or via auctions. The haul included Etruscan vases and ancient Roman coins and mosaics worth tens of millions of euro (Italian Carabinieri Via AP) Some of the items were handed over to Italian authorities on Tuesday at the offices of the Manhattan district attorney, Alvin Bragg. Mr Braggs office said they included an Apulian krater, or vase, dating from 335 BC that was seized in July from a private collection in New York. The vase had been photographed and included in the famous Polaroid archive of dealer Giacomo Medici, who passed it onto Mr Symes, who then laundered the piece through Sothebys London, Mr Braggs office alleged. Other items included two Etruscan tile paintings from Cerveteri, a frequently-looted necropolis site north-west of Rome, that date back to 440 BC. According to Mr Braggs office, the tiles were looted in the 1980s and ended up with Mr Symes, who sold them to noted New York collectors Shelby White and Leon Levy in 1992 for 1.6 million dollars (1.25 million). The artefacts were looted from Italian soil and sold to US museums and private collectors (Italian Carabinieri Via AP) The couple returned the tiles to Mr Symes before 1999 after questions about their illicit origins were raised by multiple scholars, the statement said. The objects remained in Mr Symes New York storage unit until they were seized in March, the statement said. The Italian police art squad said the value of all 266 pieces, on the open market, would come to tens of millions of euro. The Symes items are in addition to 750 pieces that were in the possession of Mr Symes London company, Symes Ltd, which is being liquidated, and Italy put on display on May 31. In May, before Italy reclaimed the initial trove of 750 objects, Mr Symes lawyers, Antonella Anselmo and Giuliano Lemme, said the return was the result of an agreement between the British dealer and the Italian culture ministry following years of complex negotiations and legal proceedings. Under the agreement, hundreds of archaeological finds of great cultural value, which are assumed to have been illegally exported, will return to Italy, where they will be destined for public use, the lawyers said on May 11. The deal also allowed Mr Symes to use proceeds from the sale of some items to satisfy creditors. Police say a new fire burning on the Hawaiian island of Maui has triggered the evacuation of a community north-east of the area that burned earlier this week, killing at least 80 people. The Maui police department said the fire prompted the evacuation of Kaanapali in West Maui on Friday night. The number of confirmed fatalities in the announcement by the County of Maui marked an increase on the previous figure of 67. The town of Lahaina was devastated by the blaze (AP) Officials said the fire is not yet contained. The town Lahaina has been mostly destroyed by the blaze, with many survivors saying they did not receive a warning giving them enough time to flee. Residents of the town have returned to a scene of utter devastation. Hawaiis attorney general Anne Lopez announced plans to conduct a comprehensive review of decision-making and standing policies impacting upon the response to the deadly wildfires. Burnt areas in Lahaina on Maui island (Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources/AP) My Department is committed to understanding the decisions that were made before and during the wildfires and to sharing with the public the results of this review, Ms Lopez said in a statement. The wildfires are the states deadliest natural disaster in decades, surpassing a 1960 tsunami that killed 61 people. An even deadlier tsunami in 1946, which killed more than 150 on the Big Island, prompted the development of a territory-wide emergency system, with sirens that are tested monthly. Many fire survivors said they did not hear any sirens or receive a warning giving them enough time to prepare, realising they were in danger only when they saw the flames or heard explosions. There was no warning, said Lynn Robinson, who lost her home. Hawaii emergency management records do not indicate warning sirens were sounded before people had to run for their lives. Officials sent alerts to mobile phones, televisions and radio stations, but widespread power and mobile phone outages may have limited their reach. State governor Josh Green warned the death toll would likely rise as search and rescue operations continue. Authorities set a curfew from 10pm on Friday until 6am on Saturday (9am on Saturday to 5pm Irish time). Burnt boats in the waters off Lahaina, Hawaii (Rick Bowmer/AP) Mr Green told Hawaii News Now: The recoverys going to be extraordinarily complicated, but we do want people to get back to their homes and just do what they can to assess safely, because its pretty dangerous. Cadaver-sniffing dogs were deployed to search for the dead, Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen Jr said. Fuelled by a dry summer and strong winds from a passing hurricane, at least three wildfires erupted on Maui, racing through parched brush covering the island. The most serious blaze swept into Lahaina on Tuesday and left a grid of grey rubble wedged between the blue ocean and lush green slopes. Hawaii emergency management records show no indication that warning sirens sounded before people ran for their lives (AP) Associated Press journalists found the devastation included nearly every building on Front Street, the heart of historic Lahaina and the economic hub of Maui. The wildfire is already projected to be the second-costliest disaster in Hawaiis history, behind only Hurricane Iniki in 1992, according to disaster and risk modelling firm Karen Clark & Company. The fire is the deadliest in the US since the 2018 Camp Fire in California, which killed at least 85 people and destroyed the town of Paradise. The danger on Maui was well known. Maui Countys hazard mitigation plan updated in 2020 identified Lahaina and other West Maui communities as having frequent wildfires and several buildings at risk. Many people are returning to their home town to find their houses utterly destroyed (AP) The report also noted West Maui had the islands second-highest rate of households without a vehicle and the highest rate of non-English speakers. This may limit the populations ability to receive, understand and take expedient action during hazard events, the plan stated. Mauis firefighting efforts may have been hampered by limited staff and equipment. Bobby Lee, president of the Hawaii Firefighters Association, said there are a maximum of 65 county firefighters working at any given time with responsibility for three islands: Maui, Molokai and Lanai. The department has about 13 fire engines and two ladder trucks, but no off-road vehicles to thoroughly attack brush fires before they reach roads or populated areas, he said. Maui water officials warned Kula and Lahaina residents not to drink running water, which may be contaminated even after boiling, and to only take short, lukewarm showers in well-ventilated rooms to avoid possible chemical vapour exposure. Lahaina resident Riley Curran said he fled his Front Street home after climbing up a neighbouring building to get a better look. He doubts county officials could have done more due to the speed of the onrushing flames. Its not that people didnt try to do anything, Mr Curran said. The fire went from 0 to 100. Mr Curran said he had seen horrendous wildfires growing up in California, but Ive never seen one eat an entire town in four hours. Residents of Maui County are returning to communities left in ruins after wildfires killed at least 80 people. Maui County raised the number of confirmed deaths to 80 in a statement at 9pm on Friday. Governor Josh Green had warned the death toll would likely rise as search and rescue operations continue. Authorities set a curfew from 10pm until 6am on Saturday. The recoverys going to be extraordinarily complicated, but we do want people to get back to their homes and just do what they can to assess safely, because its pretty dangerous, Mr Green told Hawaii News Now. Burnt areas in Lahaina on the island of Maui (Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources via AP) Anthony Garcia assessed the devastation as he stood under Lahainas banyan tree landmark, now charred, and swept twisted branches into neat piles next to another heap filled with dead animals including cats, roosters and other birds killed by the smoke and flames. If I dont do something, Ill go nuts, said Mr Garcia, who lost everything he owned. Im losing my faith in God. Mr Garcia and other residents were faced with catastrophic destruction resulting from the wildfires that tore through parts of Maui this week and were still not fully contained by Friday night. A new wildfire on Friday evening triggered the evacuation of Kaanapali in West Maui, a community north-east of the area that burned earlier, but crews were able to extinguish the fire before 8.30pm, authorities said. Attorney general Anne Lopez announced plans to conduct a comprehensive review of decision-making and standing policies affecting the response to the deadly wildfires. My Department is committed to understanding the decisions that were made before and during the wildfires and to sharing with the public the results of this review, Ms Lopez said. Dogs have been deployed to help in the search for bodies, Maui County mayor Richard Bissen Jr said. The wildfires are the states deadliest natural disaster in decades, surpassing a 1960 tsunami that killed 61 people. An even deadlier tsunami in 1946, which killed more than 150 on the Big Island, prompted development of a territory-wide emergency system with sirens that are tested monthly. Many fire survivors said they did not hear any sirens or receive a warning giving them enough time to prepare, realising they were in danger only when they saw flames or heard explosions. There was no warning, said Lynn Robinson, who lost her home. Hawaii emergency management records do not indicate warning sirens sounded before people had to run for their lives. Officials sent alerts to mobile phones, televisions and radio stations, but widespread power and cellular outages may have limited their reach. Many people are returning to their home town to find their houses utterly destroyed (AP) Fuelled by a dry summer and strong winds from a passing hurricane, at least three wildfires erupted on Maui, racing through parched brush covering the island. The most serious blaze swept into Lahaina on Tuesday and left a grid of gray rubble wedged between the blue ocean and lush green slopes. Associated Press journalists found the devastation included nearly every building on Front Street, the heart of historic Lahaina and the economic hub of Maui. There was an eerie traffic jam of charred cars that did not escape the inferno as surviving roosters meandered through the ashes. Palm trees were torched, boats in the harbour were scorched and the stench of burning lingered. It hit so quick, it was incredible, Kyle Scharnhorst said as he surveyed his damaged apartment complex. Summer and Gilles Gerling sought to salvage keepsakes from the ashes of their home. All they could find was the piggy bank Summer Gerlings father gave her as a child, their daughters jade bracelet and watches they gifted each other for their wedding. Their wedding rings were gone. Burnt areas in Lahaina on Maui island (Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources/AP) They described their fear as the strong wind whipped the smoke and flames closer, but said they were happy to have made it out alive with their two children. Safety was the main concern. These are all material things, Gilles Gerling said. The wildfire is already projected to be the second-costliest disaster in Hawaii history, behind only Hurricane Iniki in 1992, according to disaster and risk modelling firm Karen Clark & Company. The fire is the deadliest in the US since the 2018 Camp Fire in California, which killed at least 85 people and destroyed the town of Paradise. The danger on Maui was well known. Maui Countys hazard mitigation plan updated in 2020 identified Lahaina and other West Maui communities as having frequent wildfires and several buildings at risk. The report also noted West Maui had the islands second-highest rate of households without a vehicle and the highest rate of non-English speakers. This may limit the populations ability to receive, understand and take expedient action during hazard events, the plan stated. Mauis firefighting efforts may have been hampered by limited staff and equipment. Bobby Lee, president of the Hawaii Firefighters Association, said there are a maximum of 65 county firefighters working at any given time with responsibility for three islands: Maui, Molokai and Lanai. The department has about 13 fire engines and two ladder trucks, but no off-road vehicles to thoroughly attack brush fires before they reach roads or populated areas, he said. Maui water officials warned Kula and Lahaina residents not to drink running water, which may be contaminated even after boiling, and to only take short, lukewarm showers in well-ventilated rooms to avoid possible chemical vapour exposure. Another moneymaking scheme Fighting a multi-front war and receiving little foreign investment and tax revenue, the military is desperately short of funds. But it has never been short of wild ideas to extort money from people. This time, it is targeting business owners. A junta announcement in the August 8 issue of military mouthpiece Myawady Daily offers rewards for people who inform on businesses that do not issue receipts with official stamps. Myanmar tax laws require businesses to collect tax from customers and pass it on to township revenue offices. The stamps indicate payment of commercial tax. The regime is offering rewards of 30 percent of the fine for those who inform on restaurants, hotels, guesthouses, and pay television, and 20 percent for informing on handset sellers. Min Aung Hlaings regime has been hit hard by mass boycotts as people refuse to make payments of any kind to the junta following its coup. They have said no to military-linked products and also shunned state lottery Aung Bar Lay, which normally pours billions into government coffers. Recently, the junta boss put the state lottery online, while also requiring online vendors to register in a move to levy tax from them. Rule of lawlessness Still struggling to assert control of the country since the coup two and a half years ago, Min Aung Hlaing summoned hundreds of Union-level officials, ministers and deputy ministers to Naypyitaw on Tuesday, where he vented his anger and frustration on them. Police, general administration departments and legal institutions were singled out as the junta boss gave them an earful about their performance. You have shortcomings, and you need to perform better, he told them. The junta leader has insisted that he only appoints capable people to his cabinet. But, frequent ministerial reshuffles indicate otherwise. Far from performing their primary duty of ensuring law and order, the very law enforcement chiefs chided by Min Aung Hlaing dare not go out alone in public because they are well aware of the peoples loathing for them, and fear they might be harmed. As long as Min Aung Hlaing occupies the Presidential Palace, where he has held cabinet meetings since the coup, he may never have real control over the country. Vientiane invites terror chief Just a little more than one month before it takes over as ASEAN chair from Indonesia, Laos has invited the juntas new defense minister Lieutenant-General Yar Pyae to its capital, Vientiane. Yar Pyae, who now oversees the juntas terror campaign, left Myanmar on Thursday to attend the 8th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Drug Matters in Vientiane. He was accompanied by high-ranking police officers, according to junta media reports. In June, Laos sent a high-level representative to a Thai-sponsored informal meeting on Myanmars crisis as Bangkok pushed to reengage with the junta generals. Laos has also accepted the juntas appointment of former Southeastern Command chief Major-General Myat Thet Oo as its ambassador to Vientiane. Junta boss repeats law and order call at new cabinets 1st meeting For the second time in 10 days, Min Aung Hlaing vented his ire at ethnic armed organizations and Peoples Defense Force groups for disrupting his election plans. Read more: Power shortage blamed on shelved mega-projects Min Aung Hlaings reference to suspended investment schemes like the unpopular China-backed Myitsone Dam has prompted speculation he will seek to revive the controversial project. Read more: Barry Wilkins couldnt lift things heavier than 10 pounds, ride his motorcycle or walk up stairs without breathing heavily when chronic heart failure hit him. I just feel like Im all dead, he told his family doctor. Now, Wilkins, 79, of East Concord, is as active as before his symptoms started. Hes building decks, mowing his lawn and will soon resume riding his motorcycle, thanks to a groundbreaking medical treatment. Wilkins was one of the first patients in Western New York to receive Cardiac Contractility Modulation Therapy, which involves implanting a device similar to a pacemaker that delivers timed electrical pulses to the heart, improving its ability to pump oxygen-rich blood. In March, an electrophysiologist at Mercy Hospital of Buffalo started to perform CCM Therapy procedures with the Impulse Dynamics Optimizer Smart Mini a device approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2019. He has done five procedures so far, including on Wilkins in late June. Electrophysiologists at the Gates Vascular Institute on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus have performed six CCM Therapy procedures since June, when they started using the same Impulse Dynamics device. The procedure reduces hospital readmissions and improves symptoms, said Dr. Vijay Iyer, medical director of cardiology and the Structural Heart Program at Kaleida Health, which runs Gates Vascular. None of the institutes CCM patients have been readmitted, Iyer said. I think its one of the biggest breakthroughs in medicine since I started about 20 years ago, said Dr. Zachary Lill, the electrophysiologist who performed all of the CCM procedures at Mercy Hospital. Wilkins symptoms started in November 2019. He experienced intense shortness of breath and felt very bloated in his legs, so Wilkins and his wife, Pat, went to Mercy Hospital. Medical staff saw him bent over as he waited in the lobby and immediately took him to the emergency room. With each heartbeat, 55% to 70% of the blood in a normal heart gets pumped from the left ventricle into the body. While in the hospital, Wilkins rate called an ejection fraction was 27%. His heart stopped several times. Medical staff persistently woke up Wilkins to keep his heart rate stable. Doctors performed several procedures and were able to treat Wilkins symptoms for the time being. A year later, they returned and got worse. More hospital treatment helped some, but the symptoms kept coming back. He got a pacemaker in 2019 and was prescribed eight to 10 medications that barely improved his condition. His ambition was gone, Pat Wilkins said. He forgets how bad he felt, but I remember because it was just devastating. Quick turnaround A ray of hope came earlier this year, when Lill told Wilkins about CCM therapy. Aortic valve replacement widens heart patients' options Heart specialists in Buffalo and across the country brace for greater demand as word spreads about TAVR effectiveness for most patients including rock legend Mick To qualify for the therapy, heart failure patients must have an ejection fraction between 25% and 45%, as well as symptoms that include shortness of breath, fatigue or chest pain. They also cannot be a candidate for a biventricular pacemaker, which is used to correct an erratic heart rhythm in the lower chambers of the heart. Wilkins checked all boxes. Like Wilkins, other patients Lill performed CCM on exhausted their other options for treatment and saw a decline in their health. Patients can show normal ejection fractions in as little as two hours after the procedure, and largely recover within two weeks. Rodrigue Nadeau, Lills first CCM Therapy patient, was able to come off of dialysis within two weeks. So far, its been pretty astonishing, the doctor said. At both Mercy Hospital and Gates Vascular Institute, there have been no complications for patients so far. The risk for complications is very low, Iyer said. After CCM Therapy is completed, patients still need to stay on various medications as part of their treatment plan after the procedure. For doctors, implanting the CCM device is very similar to a pacemaker. The device is similar in size. Pacemakers have batteries that can last at least five to seven years before needing to be taken out and replaced, far less than the 20-year longevity of the Optimizer Smart Mini. The battery is also rechargeable and only needs about one hour to fully charge. The charger can be put on the chest to externally recharge the CCM device. Wilkins generally handles that task while sleeping. Now that his symptoms are better, he is working on his vintage cars, traveling across the country with his wife and hauling wood pellets on side jobs using his 1986 truck, which will soon clock 3 million miles. He can walk up multiple flights of stairs and lift things heavier than 10 pounds, all without worrying about heart failure symptoms holding him back. Im anxious to see what Im doing a year from now, he said. That will really give [my device] a test. Lasting support Heart failure affects about 6.2 million people in the United States, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Some patients got CCM Therapy in clinical trials as early as 2003 and are still going strong, said Lucas Kneeland, a consultant with Impulse Dynamics. But Lill and Iyer both believe the number of patients who have received the treatment is relatively small and CCM is still considered a newer treatment. There is no data yet on whether, or for how long, CCM therapy can extend life, Iyer said, but the improvement in quality of life already has become clear. Certainly the initial results are very encouraging, he said. The cost to patients is based on insurance coverage. A patient with good coverage may only need a co-pay, Lill said. The biggest limitation of the Smart Mini is that it only treats systolic heart failure, when the heart doesnt pump fast enough to be efficient, causing a low ejection fraction. Impulse Dynamics aims to change that with its national Aim Higher Trial. Research collaborators include Catholic Health and soon the University at Buffalo, said Iyer, who is also chief of cardiovascular medicine at the UB Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. The trial, expected to run through next year, seeks to make a device that can also treat diastolic heart failure, in which the ejection fraction is good but the hearts left ventricle becomes stiff, causing fluid congestion in the heart. Patients and families considering the therapy should consult with a cardiologist to learn if symptoms come mainly from heart failure. We have excellent results, Lill said, but as usual, every individual is different. Today Tropical storm conditions likely. Windy. Some showers early then partly cloudy overnight. Low 71F. Winds S at 25 to 35 mph, becoming NNW and decreasing to 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Tonight Tropical storm conditions likely. Windy. Some showers early then partly cloudy overnight. Low 71F. Winds S at 25 to 35 mph, becoming NNW and decreasing to 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Tomorrow Some clouds in the morning will give way to mainly sunny skies for the afternoon. High 91F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. National Guard troops being sent to the Cheektowaga hotels housing asylum-seekers from New York City will act as a stabilizing presence, Erie County Executive Mark Pononcarz said Saturday, reacting to the arrest Friday of a second migrant on a felony sex charge. But Cheektowaga Police Chief Brian Gould also called for additional funding for overtime pay to increase his departments police presence around the hotels in what he called a very fluid situation. Without providing specifics, Gould alluded to potential interference in the investigation into the alleged sexual abuse and false imprisonment of a 27-year-old Buffalo woman who was providing services to asylum-seekers at a Dingens Street hotel. Poloncarz said DocGo, the company hired by New York City to oversee the transport of asylum-seekers to upstate locations, may have interfered in the Cheektowaga polices investigation of the reported crime Friday. Gould also wants security arrangements at the hotels to be reviewed. Chrissy Casilio, Poloncarzs Republican opponent in the race for county executive, assailed how Poloncarz has handled the influx of asylum-seekers to the county. Rather than spending taxpayer dollars defending migrant sexual predators, a better use of resources would be fighting against New York State and New York City in the courtroom to block this crisis, Casilio said. About 540 asylum-seekers have arrived in Erie County from New York City, where that citys officials are grappling with housing and caring for tens of thousands of migrants. Cheektowaga police on Friday arrested Kindu Jeancy, 22, of the Democratic Republic of Congo, on charges of sex abuse and unlawful imprisonment. He is accused of attacking an employee of Platinum Community Care. Since last year, the organization founded in 2016 has provided services to asylum-seekers in New York City hotels, according to its website. Jeancy was due to be arraigned Saturday evening in Cheektowaga Town Court. An asylum-seeker from Venezuela faces a charge of raping a woman Aug. 2 in a hotel on the 4000 block of Genesee Street in Cheektowaga. A statement from the Erie County District Attorneys Office said that reported rape took place in the presence of a 3-year-old child in what Gould described as a domestic violence incident. Two serious violent crimes are alleged to have occurred in the past two weeks, and they are two too many, Poloncarz said. Our refugee agencies did their best to provide support and assistance. But our communitys trust and good faith has been betrayed. We were assured of the safety, security and proper screening by New York City through DocGo. Clearly that hasnt been done. Poloncarz and Gould called for asylum-seekers to be moved out of a Best Western hotel on Dingens Street, where the attack is alleged to have happened, calling it an unsuitable location to house them, given its proximity to a residential neighborhood. National Guard troops will be stationed at all three Cheektowaga hotels where migrants are housed, Poloncarz said. It will likely take a day or two for them to arrive, he said. Poloncarz said refugee agencies, local workers and others should not and cannot work under the present security conditions. Poloncarz said he demanded that New York City Mayor Eric Adams pause further transportation of asylum-seekers to Erie County until such time we can resolve all security issues. Adams agreed to that pause, Poloncarz said. New York City needs to fix this, Poloncarz said, referring to the security conditions. And I am glad to say that Mayor Adams understands the gravity of the situation and has assured me they will. The other two hotels in Cheektowaga housing migrants are near Buffalo Niagara International Airport. If the asylum-seekers are moved out of the Dingens Street hotel, its not clear where they would go. Poloncarz said it was possible they could be transported back to New York City, or they could be moved to another location in Erie County. Gould, at a Saturday press conference at police headquarters, said having asylum-seekers housed at the Dingens Street hotel is causing not only safety concerns for nearby residents, but also quality of life issues. Gould said the additional funding he wants would go for overtime pay for the police department, to increase police presence in the community around the hotel. The review of security at the hotels is needed to ensure the security guards hired have training to deal with this special population and they are highly experienced. This is not a factory overnight where we need somebody just watching doors. Poloncarz said that DocGo, the company hired by New York City to oversee the transport of asylum-seekers to upstate locations, may have interfered in the Cheektowaga polices investigation of the sex crime reported on Friday. While not mentioning DocGo by name, Gould also alluded to potential interference in the police investigation. Im asking that those working for the companies that are for providing services to understand that all crimes need to be immediately reported to the police, and that any suspects are not questioned, interviewed or guided in any way prior to our police investigations, Gould said. Town Supervisor Diane Benczkowski, who did not attend the press conference, said Cheektowaga is a welcoming community that has taken in hundreds of immigrants in the past five years. However, the town of Cheektowaga residents have had enough, she said. It is not fair to them to take in over 500 asylum seekers within a 60-day period without any advance notice from New York City or input from town leaders and town residents. Cheektowaga residents have been put in danger and these incidents have affected their quality of life. Benczkowski said she supported removing the asylum-seekers from the Dingens Street hotel to a location outside of Cheektowaga. She wants reimbursement to the town for funds spent on police overtime and staffing to cope with the influx of asylum-seekers. And she doesnt want any more migrants coming to Cheektowaga. Michael Jasinski, a Cheektowaga councilmember who is running for town supervisor, said: I personally feel that our police force is doing an outstanding job. I feel that our county executive has zero answers, as he had right along, zero plans. Its a shame, because its not fair to the asylum-seekers and its not fair to the people who live here, he said. Were a land of laws if we followed the laws, none of this would have happened. Brian Nowak, also a town councilmember who is running for supervisor, called the responses outlined by officials Saturday a good start. But I think we need more than just manpower and the National Guard and a new location for the folks at Dingens, he said. We need more answers about the exact conditions inside these hotels. It could be a case where the aid workers are overwhelmed. Any time you put a couple hundred folks in a building like that, its not going to run as smoothly as you intend, he said. More than 1,100 veterans in the immediate Buffalo area have already applied for benefits under a year-old law that extends health and disability coverage to many Iraq and Afghanistan vets exposed to toxic burn pits, as well as Vietnam-era vets exposed to a poisonous defoliant. But veterans advocates and federal lawmakers are urging other veterans to apply before a Monday deadline, lest they lose out on a full years worth of aid. The application deadline had been last Wednesday, but the Department of Veterans Affairs extended the deadline to 11:59 p.m. ET on Monday after veterans complained of receiving error messages when trying to file online last week. Sen. Kirsten E. Gillibrand, a New York Democrat who helped lead the fight to pass the bill expanding the veterans benefits, said the VA did the right thing in extending the deadline. These extra days mean that even more toxic-exposed vets have the opportunity to claim the benefits they deserve, and I encourage everyone eligible to apply, Gillibrand said. Veterans will still be able to apply after the Monday deadline, but if they do so, they will lose out on their chance at getting retroactive benefits covering the first full year since Congress passed the PACT Act. That legislation expands health and disability benefits to Gulf, Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans exposed to toxins released from wartime burn pits. The largest expansion of veterans benefits in decades, the PACT Act means a great deal to veterans like Kevin Kozlowski of Rochester, a guest of Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer a New York Democrat and another key backer of the legislation at President Bidens State of the Union address earlier this year. When I got back from Iraq, I started noticing my breathing was getting bad and soon my symptoms grew worse and included migraines and gastrointestinal issues, Kozlowski said before Bidens speech. Finally, I was diagnosed with COPD and asthma and was told its due to burn pit exposure and the toxins that I was exposed to in Iraq. Kozlowski, an Army veteran, applied for and got PACT Act benefits and now helps other veterans to apply. The new law also expands federal coverage for Vietnam-era vets exposed to Agent Orange. While the VA has long covered many health conditions linked to that deadly defoliant, the PACT Act expands coverage to those suffering from hypertension and other additional ailments. Joe Pasek of the City of Tonawanda, who serves on the board of Chapter 77 of the Vietnam Veterans of America, urged veterans of his era to apply for benefits, and said he was glad that federal officials were doing the same. Its great that the government and the VA is encouraging veterans to sign up because otherwise they would be paying for health care out of their own pockets, Pasek said. VA statistics show that as of July 15, 1,161 veterans from New Yorks 26th Congressional District which includes much of metro Buffalo had already applied for benefits under the new law. In New Yorks 23rd District, which stretches from Buffalos eastern and southern suburbs all the way to Chemung County, 1,705 veterans had applied. And in New Yorks 24th District which stretches from eastern Niagara County all the way to Watertown, excluding most of metro Rochester 1,745 had applied. Most of those veterans are likely to qualify for benefits, too. Donna Mallia, director of the Buffalo office of the Veterans Benefits Administration, said that 79.6% of the PACT Act claims received locally and processed so far had been approved. Some veterans are worried that applying for PACT Act benefits will impact their current VA benefits, but the truth is that if a veteran files a claim, there is a 97% chance that their benefits will either increase or stay the same, Mallia said. Mallia said 2,858 veterans from New Yorks 31 westernmost counties had already been approved for benefits under the PACT Act, with other applications still pending. Veterans have been waiting far too long for this, said Mallia, who added: We implore veterans to please apply for this benefit. Rep. Brian Higgins, a Buffalo Democrat who represents the 26th Congressional District, agreed. Veterans who bravely defended this nation, putting their lives and health on the line, have too often been made to jump through hoops to get the care and benefits they deserve, Higgins said. That changes with the PACT Act. Thanks to this common-sense law, thousands of Western New York veterans will be eligible to receive quality VA care. We encourage them to apply. Wrong-way driver charged after fatal Niagara Thruway collision A wrong-way driver suspected of being intoxicated faces a vehicular manslaughter charge after an early Saturday morning collision on the Niagara Thruway killed a 38-year-old Tonawanda man, according to State Police. The Bureau of Criminal Investigation arrested Guillermo Morales, 52, of Buffalo, on charges of vehicular manslaughter, criminal possession of a controlled substance, aggravated unlicensed operation and additional vehicle and traffic law charges. At 3:06 a.m., troopers responded to the two-vehicle collision on the I-190 southbound lane in Buffalo. Their investigation determined that Morales was driving a 2011 Dodge Ram northbound on the I-190s southbound lane. Morales struck a 2009 Buick traveling southbound head-on, according to a State Police release. The driver of the Buick, Matthew J. Czop, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Morales was in possession of cocaine and showed signs of intoxication, according to police. Morales was taken to Erie County Medical Center for injuries that were not life-threatening. Police arrested Morales at the hospital. His arraignment is pending due to medical treatment. Morales has a prior DWI and two prior DWAI convictions, according to police. The investigation by the State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit and Bureau of Criminal Investigation, assisted by the Erie County District Attorneys Office, remains ongoing. - Patrick Lakamp A roundup of some of the most popular but completely untrue stories and visuals of the week. None of these are legit, even though they were shared widely on social media. The Associated Press checked them out. Here are the facts: ___ No, a Dominion Voting Systems-owned bank didn't give Ron DeSantis $2 million CLAIM: A bank owned by Dominion Voting Systems, Sequoia Capital, donated $2 million to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. THE FACTS: A venture capitalist with Sequoia, a firm that finances emerging companies, contributed $2 million to a political group that is supporting DeSantis' presidential bid. But Dominion does not own Sequoia Capital; it bought the assets of an unrelated company called Sequoia Voting Systems in 2010. Yet social media users are twisting the facts to suggest that DeSantis is being financially supported by Dominion, a company that was at the center of false claims and conspiracy theories surrounding the 2020 election. "Of course Ron DeSantis is now claiming the 2020 election was not stolen," reads one popular tweet on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, referencing DeSantis' recent comments about the last presidential race. "The dude took in a 2 million dollar donation from Sequoia Capital Bank, owned by DOMINION." In reality, a filing with the Federal Election Commission shows that Doug Leone, a venture capitalist at Sequoia Capital, contributed $2 million to Never Back Down a super PAC supporting DeSantis. But Dominion doesn't own Sequoia Capital, a firm that invested in companies such as Apple, Google and Airbnb. "Dominion Voting Systems has no business connection to Sequoia Capital," the company said in a statement to the AP. "Any claims about a business or financial relationship between Dominion Voting Systems and Sequoia Capital are completely false." The claim seems to conflate Sequoia with an unrelated entity: Dominion purchased the assets of a company called Sequoia Voting Systems in 2010. Court records show Sequoia Voting Systems' parent company filed for bankruptcy that year. Associated Press writer Angelo Fichera in New Jersey contributed this report. ___ A viral Facebook hoax is falsely claiming that a serial killer is on the loose in various US cities CLAIM: A mug shot circulating on social media shows a serial killer who is currently on the loose and is abducting women after hitting their cars with his truck. THE FACTS: This is a viral hoax that has spread in Indiana, Texas, Pennsylvania, Alabama and elsewhere in the U.S. The mug shot is of Jose Gilberto Rodriguez, a man accused of killing three people over four days in the Houston area in 2018 but he has been in a detention facility awaiting trial since then and remains behind bars, officials in Harris County, Texas, confirmed this week. "There's a serial killer or abductor who is currently hunting in Putnam, my friend was almost taken by him," reads a post that appeared in a Putnam, Indiana-area Facebook group, along with Rodriguez's mug shot. "He drives a truck with led lights and hits Cars of women alone and once they pull over he takes them. Multiple disappearances. If you are in the area and you are hit by a truck with led lights keep driving and call the cops. Please Stay safe." Tom Sutherlin, chief deputy at the Putnam County Sheriff's Department, said that he is not aware of any active investigations of a serial killer in the area or of someone who is a danger to the community. A reverse image search of the mug shot shows it matches one that appeared in news articles about Rodriguez's arrest in July 2018. John Donnelly, a spokesperson for the Harris County District Attorney's office, confirmed to the AP that Rodriguez is the man in the booking photo circulating online. Senior Deputy Thomas Gilliland, a public information officer at the Harris County Sheriff's Office, said Rodriguez is being held in an area detention facility while awaiting trial. The Amarillo Police Department in Texas said in a Facebook post that the posts with Rodriguez's mug shot spreading online are part of a scam that is meant to "cause panic and alarm." As the AP reported, Rodriguez is accused of killing three people in Houston over a period of four days in July 2018 a 62-year-old woman found dead at her home, as well as 28-year-old and a 57-year-old who worked at two different mattress stores. He was arrested the same month, after he violated his parole prior to the fatal shootings. His trial is scheduled to begin on Jan. 22, 2024, Donnelly said. Associated Press writer Melissa Goldin in New York contributed this report. ___ Video of Biden on MSNBC was altered to make it appear like he struggled to speak for a full minute CLAIM: Video shows President Joe Biden struggling to speak for a whole minute as he stumbles over his words in an interview with Nicolle Wallace on MSNBC. THE FACTS: Footage of a 20-minute interview with Biden on the network in June has been edited down to only show moments where Biden briefly faltered in his speech. Biden gave a rare televised interview to MSNBC's "Deadline: White House" in June, where he discussed topics including the Supreme Court and his reelection campaign. But over a month later, social media users are sharing an altered clip from the appearance that makes it appear that the president spoke incoherently for more than a minute. The clip, circulating on Instagram, shows Wallace introducing Biden, and the president then appears to fumble in his response, failing to complete his thoughts and a full sentence. "I just find it. I don't know how to express it," Biden says, before various clips of him stuttering on words such as "I" and "and," interspersed by footage of Wallace nodding. However, the video is not an accurate depiction of the interview. The full interview, which can be seen on MSNBC's YouTube channel, doesn't show Biden struggling to speak for a minute straight. The video takes sections of the far longer interview where Biden who has been fighting a stutter since childhood trips over or repeats a word, and strings these moments into one short clip. MSNBC did not respond to the AP's request for comment. Associated Press writer Karena Phan in Los Angeles contributed this report. ___ Video of a beach party in Kyiv is being used to raise doubt around the war in Ukraine CLAIM: A video showing a beach club in Kyiv proves the war in Ukraine is "fake." THE FACTS: The video does show partygoers at a beach club in Kyiv, but it doesn't prove the war is fictitious. The front line of the war is in the eastern part of the country, far from Ukraine's capital city. But that has not spared the Kyiv, which has regularly been attacked by Russia with missiles and drones. Social media users are sharing the video of young people partying by a pool to downplay the impact of Russia's invasion. "The war in Ukraine is FAKE," reads a post sharing the video on the platform X, formerly known as Twitter. The video was originally posted Sunday on TikTok by a user who confirmed to the AP that he took the video but did not provide his full name. He also posted on X when he realized his video was being used to misrepresent the situation around the war. "I am the original author that made this video on my TikTok page and I am only showing that people in Ukraine can live a normal life thanks to all the air defense systems that we have received from USA, Germany etc," reads the post on X. He also posted a new video on TikTok, saying he wanted to show that in times of war people can still live and have the "ability to enjoy life." The original video was taken at Fifty Beach Club in Kyiv. Multiple Instagram accounts that shared photos and tagged the club match the location of the pool in the video. While removed from the worst of the fighting, Kyiv has not been spared. For example, Ukrainian officials said their air defenses shot down 20 Iranian-made drones launched by Russia mostly at the Kyiv region in July. Wreckage fell on four districts of the capital, wounding two people and destroying several homes. In May, Russia launched dozens of drones and missiles at the city almost every night, forcing residents to spend the night in shelters. Other cities have come under attack as well. Russian ballistic missiles slammed into an apartment complex and a university building in President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's hometown on July 31, killing six people and wounding 75 others as the blasts trapped residents beneath rubble, Ukrainian officials said. The dead included a 10-year-old girl and her mother, according to Zelenskyy. Closer to the fighting, Ukrainian authorities on Thursday ordered a mandatory evacuation of nearly 12,000 civilians from 37 towns and villages in the eastern Kharkiv region, which is more than 400 kilometers away from Kyiv. The U.S. has sent money to Ukraine, and this Thursday the AP reported that Biden plans to ask Congress to provide more than $13 billion in emergency aid to the country to help sustain its ongoing counteroffensive. Karena Phan ___ AUSTIN, Texas (AP) A 3-year-old child riding one of Texas migrant buses died while on the way to Chicago, officials said Friday, the first time the state has announced a death since it began shuttling thousands of migrants from the U.S.-Mexico border last year. Texas authorities confirmed a childs death in a statement Friday but did not say where the child was from or why they became ill. The Illinois Department of Public Health said the child was 3 years old and died Thursday in Marion County, in the southern part of that state. Every loss of life is a tragedy, the Texas Division of Emergency Management said in a statement. Once the child presented with health concerns, the bus pulled over and security personnel on board called 9-1-1 for emergency attention. Texas has bused more than 30,000 migrants to Democratic-controlled cities across the U.S. since last year as part of Republican Gov. Greg Abbotts sprawling mission on the border, called Operation Lone Star. The operation has come under a burst of new scrutiny in recent months over additional hard-line measures the governor has authorized in the name of deterring migrants from crossing from Mexico. The Biden administration is suing Texas over wrecking ball-sized buoys placed on the Rio Grande this summer, saying the water barrier poses environmental and humanitarian concerns. Texas has also begun separating some migrant families on the border in what marks a shift by state police, who have previously said that families should stay together. Abbott spokesperson Renae Eze referred questions Friday night about the child's death to the state's emergency management agency, which has operated the bus program since it launched in 2022. The child received treatment from paramedics and later died at a hospital, according to the agency. The bus departed from the Texas border city of Brownsville. All passengers had their temperature taken and were asked if they had any medical conditions, according to Texas' emergency management agency, which did not immediately respond to requests for more details Friday night. Illinois officials said in a statement they were working with health officials, state police and federal authorities to the fullest extent possible to get answers in this tragic situation. U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, a Democrat whose district includes the Texas border, said Friday night that he had not been briefed on details of the child's death. Still, he criticized Abbott, saying the governor should be working more with the federal government on border security. "You cant use the migrants as political pawns. You still got to be accountable to taking care of them, especially if youre transporting kids, Cullear said. Besides Chicago, Texas has also sent buses to Washington, New York, Philadelphia, Denver and Los Angeles. On Thursday, Abbott freshly touted the bus program on Twitter, posting, We will continue busing migrants to sanctuary cities until Biden does his job & secures the border. Under Texas' bus program, the state says migrants sign consent waivers and agree on the destinations where they're headed. Texas officials say the buses are stocked with food and water and that migrants are allowed to get off early at stops before the destination city. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called the buses a despicable stunt by Abbott after 42 people, including some children, were dropped off in the city in June. At least four migrant children have died this year in federal custody. That includes an 8-year-old girl from Panama who died in May and had arrived with a heart condition and sickle cell anemia. Last month, an independent report found that Border Patrol does not have protocols for assessing medical needs of children with preexisting conditions. Associated Press writer Valerie Gonzalez in McAllen, Texas, contributed to this report. RFE/RL ) 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 countrys 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 countrys 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, Irans water crisis has entered a critical phase, environmental expert Shirin Hakim told RFE/RL in written comments. Water scarcity, and Tehrans 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 Irans 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 Councils GeoEconomics Center. Mass Exodus? Irans 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 Irans 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. Article continues after bonus IC video Al Jazeera English: Iran drought: Residents flee villages as water shortages set in 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 Irans 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 Irans 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. Reddit Email 78 Shares By Paul Rogers, University of Bradford | (The Conversation) For most of Israels 75-year history, its closest ally has been the United States, prepared to use its UN security council veto and invariably willing to encourage military collaboration as well as providing plenty of direct aid. But that relationship is highly stressed at present, mainly down to the Netanyahu governments determination to curb the power of the judiciary, especially the Supreme Court, in favour of more power for the Knesset. As Time magazine put it recently: The sources of Bidens grievances are manifold. Since reclaiming power, Netanyahu has formed a hard-right coalition filled with ultraconservative and ultra-Orthodox voices. They have moved quickly to expand Israels settlement presence in the West Bank gobbling up land that Palestinians see as their own and making the conditions near-impossible for an independent state to ever emerge there. The White Houses worries go beyond Israels current domestic instability, even with the weekly mass public protests against the judicial changes which the US president, Joe Biden, cautioned the Israeli government not to pursue. They also concern the security of the occupied West Bank, where an increase in violence has been manifest over the past couple of years, mainly down to greater numbers of Jewish settlers with deep religious convictions. They now number more than half a million across the West Bank, with many seeing it as their God-given land. Meanwhile, the existing Palestinian population experiences more and more limitations, with security controlled by Israeli forces. Extremists among the settlers persistently harass and disrupt Palestinian life, including attacks on villagers. All too often, Israeli security forces just stand by, even in the face of direct violence. The Biden administration rarely says much, but there has been a change in its overall attitude, shown by the recent celebration of Israels 75th anniversary. It was the relatively moderate if largely ceremonial president, Isaac Herzog, who was invited to Washington to address the US Congress in July, rather than the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. Terror on the West Bank Far more pointed was the use of the term terrorism against Israel by the state department in response to the killing of a young Palestinian, 19-year old Qusai Jamal Maatan, near Ramallah by settlers on August 4. Article continues after bonus IC video The New Arabs: Israeli extremist suspected of killing Palestinian teen is released The Israeli agriculture minister, Avi Dichter, tried to dismiss this as a misinformed comment. But the state department confirmed the specific use of the term. Behind all of this is a major problem for the Israelis in securing the West Bank for the Jewish settlers. With Netanyahus government dependent for its very survival on backing from ultra-Orthodox and ideologically nationalist politicians in the Knesset, the settlers have to be afforded all the protection they require. But the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) is deeply reluctant to occupy even small areas of territory because of the determined opposition they would face from Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) and other paramilitary groups. Over the past two decades the IDF has learnt the hard way to do everything it can to avoid frontline troops being in close contact with Palestinian populations for any length of time. In a rare event on July 3, the IDF forced entry into the Palestinian refugee camp in Jenin, a tightly packed district with 17,000 people crammed into a few streets and alleyways. But this involved a brigade-sized force of well over 1,000 elite troops backed up by Shin Bet intelligence agents, Magav border police, armed drones, helicopter gunships, armoured personnel carriers and armoured bulldozers. The entire operation of combing the camp for explosive device production workshops and other paramilitary sites linked to PIJ was compressed into just 48 hours of intensive activity. In the process, 13 Palestinians and one Israeli soldier were killed and scores of Palestinians were taken into custody. This raid was most likely prompted by a well-organised PIJ ambush of an Israeli army patrol near Jenin in June, when five armoured personnel carriers were damaged. A subsequent IDF rescue operation required a substantial ground force backed up by AH-64 Apache helicopters using air-to-ground missiles and took nine hours to complete. Security and settlers Why is there such a problem? Most analysts had come to the view that Israel had sufficient forces needed to ensure its own security whether in southern Lebanon, Gaza or the West Bank. The reason goes back over two decades with the IDF finding that, first in southern Lebanon and then especially in Gaza, ground troops facing highly motivated and well trained paramilitary opponents fighting on their own home ground took unacceptably high casualties. The largest IDF operation in Gaza of recent years was the seven-week Operation Protective Edge back in 2014 to suppress rocket fire into Israel and destroy underground facilities. The elite Golani Brigade led the way, but took heavy casualties with 13 killed and 50 injured on the first day alone. IDF deaths over the seven weeks were 64, with 469 injured. These were tiny compared with over 2,000 Palestinians killed and about 10,000 injured, mostly civilians, but still unacceptably high for the Israelis. Since then, Israel has opted more for remote war using missiles, bombs and artillery together with anti-rocket technologies, together with selective assassination raids by Special Forces. The West Bank was relatively easy to control before the expansion in Jewish settlements, albeit appallingly difficult for Palestinians. Many settlers live close to Palestinian towns and villages and are afforded protection by the Israeli government which is controlled by ultra-right parties sympathetic to the settler movement. Such has been the change in Israeli politics that even if parliamentary control slips away from the likes of Netanyahu, that will not end the problem. The settlers will remain, they are well armed and utterly convinced that they are right. Netanyahu and the religious right have unleashed a new force and it may be that some in the Biden administration recognise the implications of this and do not like what they see. Paul Rogers, Professor of Peace Studies, University of Bradford This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Reddit Email 112 Shares ( Middle East Monitor ) The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) published a report yesterday expressing deep concern about the Israeli illegal settlers forceful seizure of Palestinian Territories, which has resulted in the displacement of 500 Palestinians from seven different communities. There are entire Palestinian communities being wiped off the map, a shameful legacy of unrelenting violence, intimidation and harassment perpetuated by Israeli settlers and, in some cases, encouraged by Israeli authorities, said Ana Povrzenic, NRCs Country Director for Palestine. She added, The rapid establishment of settlement outposts and takeover of Palestinian land is choking Palestinian communities, destroying their livelihoods and putting Palestinian lives at risk. Palestinians have no choice but to flee, leaving behind their homes, schools and jobs. The NRC report highlighted the forcible displacement of a dozen Palestinian families, totalling 89 Palestinians, including 39 children, from Ras At-Tin village, based east of Ramallah. The communitys grazing pastures were seized by Israeli settlers, who also built a vineyard on the stolen land near an Israeli military base. Since the beginning of this year, the Occupied West Bank has been witnessing frequent raids and attacks by illegal Jewish settlers under the protection of Israeli forces. Residents of Ras At-Tin pack their belongings as they flee due to settler violence. Photo: BTselem At least 208 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire this year, including 36 children a rate of nearly one fatality per day, reported the Middle East Eye. Moreover, around 60 Palestinian communities in the Occupied West Bank face an increased threat of being forcibly displaced due to escalating violence by Israeli settlers and soldiers, the expansion of settlements and Israels racist policies and actions, including its unlawful planning and zoning regime, the NGO warned. Without holding Israel accountable, more and more Palestinian communities will be forcibly transferred, warned Povrzenic. How many more Ras At-Tins must there be before the international community acts? All of Israels settlements, including so-called settlement outposts, as well as the exclusively Jewish settlers who live in them, are illegal under international law. Via Middle East Monitor Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 11, 2023) - CARLYLE COMMODITIES CORP. (CSE: CCC) (FSE: BJ4) (OTCQB: CCCFF) ("Carlyle" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it intends to complete a non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") of up to 12,000,000 units ("Units") at a price of $0.085 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $1,020,000. Each Unit will consist of one common share in capital of the corporation (a "Common Share") and one common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share at a price of $0.15 per Common Share for a period of 36 months from the date of issuance. The securities offered pursuant to the Offering will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months and a day from the date of issuance. The Company may pay a finder's fee on a portion of the gross proceeds of the Offering. The Offering remains subject to regulatory approval and the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE"). The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering for advancement of its Newton Project and for general working capital. About Carlyle Carlyle is a mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral resource properties. Carlyle owns 100% of the Newton Project in the Clinton Mining Division of BC and is listed on the CSE under the ticker "CCC", on the OTCQB Market under the ticker "CCCFF", and on the Frankfurt Exchange under the ticker "BJ4". ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF CARLYLE COMMODITIES CORP. "Morgan Good" Morgan Good President and Chief Executive Officer For more information regarding this news release, please contact: Morgan Good, CEO and Director T: 604-715-4751 E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. W: www.carlylecommodities.com Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or "occur". This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forwardlooking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding the terms of the Offering, the anticipated closing date of the Offering and the anticipated use of proceeds of the Offering. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied certain material assumptions, including without limitation, that the Company will complete the Offering in the anticipated timeframe and use the proceeds of the Offering as currently anticipated. These forwardlooking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, that the Company will not receive the required regulatory approvals or approval from the CSE in connection with the Offering, that the Offering will not close on the anticipated date and that the Company will not use the proceeds of the Offering as currently anticipated. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. We seek safe harbor. Sparking intriguing interest from viewers, "Moving" gained attention after the sci-fi action K-drama was officially released on Disney+. The long wait is over for fans to see the star-studded series and the masterpiece based on the webtoon. Heledm by "Kingdom" season 2 director Park In Je and penned by Kang Full, who also wrote the webcomic Moving," stars Han Hyo Joo, Lee Jung Ha, Go Yoon Jung, Jo In Sung, Ryu Seung Ryong, and more. It depicts the story of a group of high school students who possess unique superhuman powers. Interestingly, they inherited this from their parents. As they try to navigate the world and live as normally as possible, their parents try their hardest to protect them from being exploited by the dark forces, who are keen on eliminating people who harbor such incredible powers. Officially premiered on August 9, the first 7 episodes of "Moving" were released, giving the viewers an overview of what to expect in the upcoming episodes. As the fans wait for "Moving" episode 8, which will air on August 16, here are the unexpected cameos seen in the newest sci-fi action K-drama. Kwak Sun Young Appeared in episode Moving," episode 5, Kwak Sun Young takes on the role of Hwang Ji Hee, Jang Hee Soo's mother, played by Go Yoon Jung. At a young age, Hee Soo lost her mother due to a car accident. Because of her regenerating powers, she was able to survive the incident, but not her mother. Kwak Sun Young is best known as Lee Ik Sun; she is Jo Jung Suk's sister and Ju Kyung Ho's secret girlfriend in "Hospital Playlist." She also played senior talent manager Chu Je In in "Behind Every Star." Kim Joon Another "Hospital Playlist" cast member, child actor Kim Joon, played Cha Tae Hyun's younger version, Jeon Gye Do. He appeared in Moving," episode 6, highlighting how Gye Do discovered his ability to create electricity. Interestingly, viewers saw the notiable resemblance between Kim Joon and Cha Tae Hyun. On the other hand, the child star gained popularity playing Lee Woo Ju in the hit medical K-drama and played Jo Jung Suk's son. Shim Dal Gi Viewers might recognize Shim Dal Gi in "Our Blues" when she played the young Lee Jung Eun. in addition, she also appeared in the hit Netflix series "Juvenile Justice" as one of the young deliquents, Seo Yu Ri. In Moving," Shim Dal Gi took on the role of Shin Hye Won, a former classmate of Jang Hee Soo who was bullied by her classmate after finding out that she came from a wealthy family. In the sci-fi mystery K-drama, Hye Won was also the reason why Hee Soo was kicked out of the school. It was after she got fed up witnessing how a group of students bullied Hye Won just because she was rich. For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news, keep your tabs open here at KDramaStars. KDramaStars owns this article Written by Geca Wills President Joe Biden, who had staunchly opposed sending F-16s to Ukraine, in May reversed course and backed the idea of providing training to Ukrainian troops to pilot the jets. Harald Tittel/picture alliance via Getty Images Ukraine has long called on Western allies to supply F-16 jets to aid in resisting Russian attacks. While allies including the US have agreed to provide the jets, pilot training has been delayed. Ukrainian troops won't be ready to fly the jets until next summer due to the delays, WaPo reported. After over a year of pleading with Western allies to provide F-16 jets to aid their resistance against Russian combatants, Ukrainian troops are facing new delays in pilot training that will prevent them from utilizing the specialized planes. President Joe Biden, who had staunchly opposed sending F-16s to Ukraine, in May reversed course and backed the idea of training Ukrainian troops to pilot the jets. Insider previously reported the UK and Netherlands formed an "international coalition" to procure the jets, and the US authorized its allies to send the F-16s and help train pilots. The Washington Post reported Denmark and the Netherlands volunteered to lead the training effort, promising to get Ukrainian pilots in the skies by September but the training has since been pushed back multiple times. The delays in training mean that Ukrainian pilots will be unable to use F-16s provided by allies until next summer, the outlet reported unless another training pathway is provided. A US official told WaPo the Biden administration would bring Ukrainian aviators to the United States for training only if European capacity is insufficient to meet demand. Trained pilots with F-16s "would be a massive improvement on what the Ukrainian fighter pilots are flying today" and would come with upgradeable features that Kyiv's current jets don't have, Insider previously reported Justin Bronk, a professor at the Royal Norwegian Air Force Academy, said. Ukraine's long-awaited counteroffensive has been dramatically hindered due to allies delaying the delivery of F-16s and essential pilot training, as the country faces a significant capability gap compared to Russian pilots and artillery capabilities, Insider previously reported. Representatives for Ukraine's Ministry of Defense did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment. Read the original article on Business Insider Delegates meet as an underwater video of a shark is projected on a wall at the International Marine Protected Areas Congress in Vancouver in a file photo from February. An unusually high number of great white sharks found dead on Canadian beaches over the past year is a sign the population is growing, says a shark biologist. The family of Mildred Rickert wishes to thank the many people who cared for Mildred and for the kindness shown to the family after her passing. We are especially thankful to Dr. Chander, Dr. Pekny and the staff at Columbus Community Hospital. We appreciate and thank those who assisted at her funeral including Gass Haney Funeral Home, the organist, the soloist, the pallbearers, food preparers and Pastor Burma who provided such a comforting message. Gods blessing to you all. New data released today shows that efforts to increase the population of the corncrake in the west and north of Ireland appear to be paying off. The latest survey from the National Parks and Wildlife Service shows an increase of 35% in the corncrake population in the past five years. The numbers of corncrakes recorded in the core breeding areas of Donegal, Mayo and Galway have increased by 15% since 2022. Corncrakes are shy and secretive farmland birds. Their distinctive call is a feature of the north and west coasts of Ireland. The corncrake is listed on the Red list of Conservation Concern, given significant decreases in both numbers and range in Ireland and other European countries. Since 2021, the Corncrake/Traonach LIFE Project, a five-year project funded through the EU and co-ordinated by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has been working on a number of measures to prevent the decline of the corncrake. Data about the corncrake population is gathered on an annual basis. Responding to the survey findings, Minister for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD, said: Its fantastic to see that biodiversity action for the iconic corncrake is working. The increase from 161 to 218 birds in just five years is remarkable and a testament to the hard work and commitment of so many, not least the farmers and communities at the heart of the effort. This demonstrates that the collaborative approach being championed by the Corncrake LIFE team and the NPWS Corncrake Conservation Programme is not only effective, but welcomed. While the future of the birds is not yet secure, my commitment to continue the conservation efforts beyond the term of the LIFE project, and the strong collaboration between NPWS and the new Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine ACRES Cooperation projects, will help to ensure this legacy continues in the longer term. As this project has shown, the NPWS is committed to working in cooperation with landowners across our protected area network to deliver for both people and nature. Corncrake conservation measures involve pre-emptive planning with farmers in the breeding areas primarily on the north and west coast, as well as reactive measures where birds establish in new locations. Data from the project shows a number of measures which are effective in improving the birds habitat. For example, the creation of large patches of nettles or crops for them to hide in and delaying grass mowing into mid-August enable them to raise broods of chicks in safety. Studies show that mowing fields from the centreout rather than from the outside- in can reduce chick mortality by up to 60%. Agricultural contractors are key as they have the skills and knowledge to ensure that the birds are not harmed during harvesting time. Targeted grants and schemes can act as incentives for the farming community to protect the birds and give them a chance to rear their young. As the birds spread their wings into new areas around Ireland, the NPWS and the LIFE project are working together to ensure that supports are widely available to the farming community. New developments include a corncrake habitat scorecard to inform a results based scheme for farmers operated by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Ciaran Reaney who co-ordinates the NPWS Corncrake Conservation Programme said We are now seeing the birds expand their range into new areas in Sligo and Kerry as well as areas outside the core LIFE project sites. This is great news and even better that NPWS has the supports in place to grow the success of the LIFE project work and make potential actions for the birds available to more farmers. This summer we had a corncrake on the Aran Islands in Co. Galway for the first time in over 25 years and the farmers on the island couldnt have been more helpful. I think people have a real gra for the corncrake and want to hear it back in our landscape. Dr. John Carey who manages the Corncrake LIFE project and oversees the NPWS Corncrake Programme said: Factors such as predation risk management, knowledge exchange events with advisors and farmers, and building good relationships with local communities have been really important. For many years corncrake conservation was launched into action when birds arrived home in April, but now our team works year round thanks to funding from the NPWS and the EU-LIFE programme. This means we have stronger and more consistent relationships with farmers and communities. Communication on the ground is excellent, with our field staff, farmers and contractors operating in close cooperation at all times. Its a well-oiled machine, and can only get better with more resourcing. Conservation of farmland birds like corncrake needs to mirror farming practices- and farming is all year round. The NPWS has now committed to ensuring the positive actions of the Corncrake LIFE project can continue when the project comes to its conclusion at the end of 2025. Niall O'Donnchu, Director General, National Parks and Wildlife Service said: The Corncrake LIFE project is an inspiring and successful model for the delivery of conservation measures and community engagement with farmers and landowners. In 2022, the NPWS made a commitment to the long-term delivery of these actions and we will be fully supporting the continuation of the Corncrake LIFE project post-2025. The project will be incorporated into the NPWS Corncrake programme, funded through NPWS Nature Conservation and led by a dedicated team. What we are now seeing is the development of an excellent example of a systemic and integrated approach to conservation measures as part of the Irelands delivery of its obligations under the EU Nature Directives. Dr. John Carey says the project has gone from strength to strength: Between the LIFE project and the NPWS conservation measures programme there are now over 250 farmers and landowners managing close to 1500 hectare of lands for corncrakes. A huge debt of gratitude has to go out to all the farmers, advisors, contractors and members of the local communities who work with us across Donegal, Sligo, Mayo, Galway and Kerry. This success really belongs to them, and they deserve it having put in such a monumental effort. Hopefully 2024 will see even more birds return home to the west of Ireland and the remarkable call of the corncrake continue to be a part of the sound of the summer. Its a sorry state of affairs that nascent businesses in Kilkenny are being endangered by the actions of a number of juveniles who seem to be able to do whatever they want, with few consequences. In this case, a small group of youths are putting themselves and others at risk of injury by their brash and thoughtless behaviour. Jumping off Johns Bridge into the river may seem harmless enough, but if it is endangering other river users swimmers, boats , tourists its time to get serious about putting a stop to it. A watersports activity hub was planned for this section of river. Now, we have businesses there disrupted to the point where one has decided to relocate entirely. Tourists are being subjected to obscenity and abuse. It is really not a good look. There have also been numerous reports in recent weeks of outrageous activity in the city centre careening around at high speed on bikes, weaving in and out of pedestrians and vehicle traffic, putting themselves and others at risk, including older people. What is it going to take to halt all of this loutish carry-on? There is currently a big spotlight on Dublin, with numerous incidents involving violent and thuggish behaviour by youngsters, in some cases leading to serious injury. It has lead to the capital city making headlines around the world for all the wrong reasons. Thankfully, we have not seen the same level of lawlessness in Kilkenny, but if this intimidating and frankly obnoxious behaviour is allowed to continue unchecked, what is its logical progression? Already it is hurting city centre businesses, and distressing people. Visitors to the city look on in utter astonishment at what is happening around them. Kilkenny has a reputation as one of the worlds friendliest cities and with good reason. But this carry-on is not doing anything to enhance that reputation, and if it is allowed to continue, we will all suffer for it. Its time for a new approach. ABOVE: Philip Cushen, Paddy Morgan and Miriam Cushen sorting the new fleeces. The shirt youre wearing, or your favourite pair of jeans - do you know where they came from? Not just the shop, but the individual strands used to make the material that was conjured into a piece of clothing? Remarkably, there is a family business in Kilkenny where not only can you buy textiles that are woven on the premises, but now you can visit some of the sheep the wool came from, just a few miles down the road! The stars of this new development are a herd of Galway Sheep. A heritage Irish breed, they are a protected breed and Irelands only indigenous breed, but remain in small numbers in this country. They are a specialised wool breed, not favoured by the changing farming business that has focussed on food supply for many years. The Galway Sheeps thick, high quality wool is perfect for processing into yarns and textiles. At Cushendale Woolen Mill it has long been the wool of choice. In the past Miriam Cushen and her husband Trevor Ging have travelled all over Ireland to visit Galway Sheep herds, choosing the wool by hand and forming friendships with their farmer-suppliers. However, until now there hasnt been a local herd of the special sheep. That changed this year, when friend and local farmer Paddy Morgan fulfilled his own dream of owning a herd of Galway Sheep. Introduced to one of their suppliers by Cushendale, Paddy - like all Galway sheep farmers - was impressed and enamoured by the docile friendly sheep and last year brought some of the breed to his farm on the outskirts of Graignamanagh where they sheep settled in and are enjoying their new home at Dalton Farm, in the shade of Brandon Hill. It's almost an industry standard for service stations to offer food of some sort -- from pizza and hot dogs to packaged sandwiches and pints of ice cream. Recently, Pump and Pantry decided to take that idea a step further and expand their Columbus location with three new "concepts" or partnerships in the former Off-Campus location at 3208 42nd St. Brandon Beck, senior director of marketing and category management at Pump and Pantry's parent company, Bosselman Administrative Services, said this will be the first location in Nebraska to have all three concepts added in at the same time. "Basically, this is our latest offering we're putting in all our new Pump and Pantry locations. Columbus is the first market with all three: the ice cream concept called Scoops, Quiznos and Cinnabon," Beck said. Kyle Hamilton, senior director of franchise operation in the Northern United States for Quiznos, said that, after years of being dormant following the company's bankruptcy filing in 2014, it's trying to start things up again, and interest is growing. That's one big benefit of the partnership, Hamilton added. "From the franchise perspective, it gives us the ability to grow and when we partner with a company like Pump and Pantry we're able to scale faster," Hamilton said. "That's the interesting thing is the buzz. I've talked to at least 15 people a day about it." Beck said this is part of the toasted sandwich company's efforts to come back in Nebraska and the U.S. at large. A partnership with Pump and Pantry drives traffic to both locations and combines them in the one building. "Quiznos is the same Quiznos you remember from the late '90s and early 2000s, the original toasted subs," Beck said. "I've met with corporate folks from the Rigo group in Denver, the private equity firm that bought them about a year ago, they're revitalizing the brand, they're in growth mode right now, very interested in partnering across locations in Nebraska." Nick Warneke, district manager for Pump and Pantry, said that the Quiznos partnership started with a Pump and Pantry with a single Quiznos operating in it. When the company saw how Quiznos had stuck around at that location, lightbulbs went off in multiple heads about the companies working together. "There was that Quiznos and that's kind of what kicked the conversation off. We have stores with chicken, whether it's Chester's or Krispy Krunchy Chicken, but this is a direction the company's really interested in," Warneke said. Scoops, the hand-scooped ice cream concept, Beck said, aims to help establish Pump and Pantry as a destination, somewhere people seek out rather than just stopping on their way somewhere else. He and his family frequent the Scoops in the Pump and Pantry near them fairly often, he said. "The location in Kearney does very well, people are travelling some distance and we're a convenience store," Beck said. "We really wanted to put in offerings that we knew were traffic drivers, things people were willing to go out of their way for, that was the strategy behind getting some of these concepts into the locations." Warneke said that, with Scoops having 70 flavors in their repertoire, with 20 or so circulating in stores at a time, the hope is that people stop in seeking out their specialty flavors since hand-scooped ice cream is hard to find as it is. "It makes us a destination instead of just a convenience store, people will come here because they want hand-scooped ice cream, they'll go out of their way to come here," Warneke said. Cinnabon also joins the fray, making 13 locations at Pump and Pantries across Nebraska. Beck said that, while Columbus' Cinnabon is opening later in the fall, they hope it sees the same kind of traffic they expect for the other concepts. With the next closest Cinnabon being in Grand Island, the central location made Columbus a good place to set up shop. Scoops opened on Aug. 7 with Quiznos shortly after. Scoops has a special promotion going on for the month of August for Pump and Pantry's Pumped Up Rewards members that for every eight scoops of ice cream, the ninth is free, Beck said. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. What began as mild interest in a former retirement home on 15th Street in 2019 has manifested into a wider platform for the Columbus Rescue Mission to help more people. Executive Director Nathan Joslin says it was an act of God. "The way the whole thing came about, it's almost like God scooped it up and dropped it in our lap," Joslin said. "The way we've looked at it is that God in his providence is giving us what we need to reach the growing needs of the community as it continues to grow and change." When the mission initially started looking at the space years ago, Joslin said, the cost was too much for them, but the space they were in was getting cramped and, after waiting a little longer, things fell into place where they could make an offer. "We had moved on from thinking about this because it was so much money but we had a board member who was off the board at the time called and said we really needed to think about this building." They put an offer in on the building, which had suffered from some damage due to a lack of winterization, but after several months, their offer went through and they were able to get to work. Plumbing was a big feature, Joslin said, as they added seven showers, as well as roof repairs and a completely new set of kitchen appliances. Nebraska Presbyterian Foundation donated $25,000 to the mission to get new freezers and ovens. Another donor came along later that saved them quite a bit of trouble and money as well. Community support, Joslin said, has been very good. "I was looking at an auction and was getting ready to bid on cafeteria tables and I got a call from a lady who said I have these cafeteria tables and some table from an old Runza, would you be interested? I was like, I'm literally looking at (buying some) right now and there's been so many things like that have taken place as we've gone through this process. The renovation, Joslin said, was largely possible due to a fellow named Jim Hackney, who had experience with all the electrical, drafting and plumbing aspects needed to bring the building to where they needed it to be. Hackney said his involvement was divinely inspired. "I did the floorplan, we had to remove all the existing fire sprinkler system, added walls, took walls out, took doors out," Hackney said. "God called me. All the old jobs I had in the past led me to do this, That's the best way I can say it, everything was leading to this." The biggest issue they had to work with, Hackney said, was definitely the sprinkler system. The sprinkler system had burst due to a lack of winterization, causing the basement to flood and at one point, Hackney said, water to flow out of one of the doors. Thankfully, they were able to repair these issues. On Aug. 11, the mission held an open house from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to show off the new space and by 11:45, there was a line down the block of cars, and supplies for the free burgers and hot dogs they provided were dwindling. Community support, Joslin said, has been incredible. "I can't tell you the number of people I've talked to who, when they heard we were buying this, said 'I've been praying for you to get that place, that would be perfect for you,'" Joslin said. "With the amount of people who've been here today, I'm floored. The biggest additions are the chapel area, computer labs where occupants can take classes or apply for jobs, multiple added restrooms and a higher occupancy rate. The facility will accommodate up to 75 people when all is said and done, as opposed to the former 20-25. The new facility can accommodate families and women as well once that wing is complete. There will also be a garage full of clothes and household items for those in need once everything is fully settled. Chaplain Dave Porter said the community response is encouraging, as there is a sort of fear of the unknown associated with homelessness. When people think of homeless populations, he said, they tend to think of places like skid row in Los Angeles, where the homeless population is as big as the entire population of Grand Island. "They see all those scenarios, big cities, we're not like that. Being a smaller community like Columbus, we can really give some help because people need a life-changing encounter with the true and living God and if the heart doesn't change, nothing changes," Porter said. 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. Weather Alert ...EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM CDT THURSDAY... * WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values of 105 to 115 degrees. * WHERE...Portions of south central, southwest, and west central Illinois. Portions of central, east central, northeast, and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...Until 10 PM CDT Thursday. The heat may last into Friday for some areas. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1. && Middle and high school students from Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, and Colorado immersed themselves in music during Wayne State Colleges annual Summer Music Camp held July 31 through Aug. 3 on campus. It is the first Summer Music Camp that Wayne State has held in its newly renovated Peterson Fine Arts Building. Music campers were some of the first musicians to perform in the new band and choir rehearsal rooms, as well as the newly remodeled Ramsey Theatre. Wayne State faculty and students provided learning opportunities in band, choir, conducting, film music, jazz, mariachi, musical theatre, piano, sight singing, ukulele, and world drumming. Campers also participated in individual instrument or voice lessons. The week culminated with a concert finale featuring the choir, concert band, jazz band, ukulele ensemble, and world drumming. The four-day camp offered a campus living experience and social activities such as a talent show, games, lip sync battle, and scavenger hunt. Wayne State music students assisting with the camp included Libby Aschoff of David City. Area summer music camp participants included: Clarks: Lylla Sabata, PJ Sabata. Genoa: Mckenzie King. St. Edward: Jocelin Gallardo-Bernal, Arlette Irineo. Silver Creek: Ava Martinez. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of American Shared Hospital Services (NYSEAMERICAN:AMS Free Report) in a research note issued to investors on Friday morning. The firm issued a hold rating on the stock. Separately, TheStreet cut shares of American Shared Hospital Services from a c- rating to a d+ rating in a report on Monday, May 1st. Get American Shared Hospital Services alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on AMS American Shared Hospital Services Price Performance American Shared Hospital Services stock opened at $2.57 on Friday. American Shared Hospital Services has a 12 month low of $2.48 and a 12 month high of $3.75. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $2.63 and its 200 day simple moving average is $2.86. The company has a market cap of $15.96 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.85 and a beta of 0.71. The company has a current ratio of 3.72, a quick ratio of 3.72 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.45. American Shared Hospital Services (NYSEAMERICAN:AMS Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, May 12th. The company reported $0.03 earnings per share for the quarter. The company had revenue of $4.93 million during the quarter. American Shared Hospital Services had a net margin of 6.29% and a return on equity of 4.88%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of large investors have recently modified their holdings of AMS. Renaissance Technologies LLC increased its holdings in American Shared Hospital Services by 26.3% in the 3rd quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 19,321 shares of the companys stock valued at $50,000 after acquiring an additional 4,021 shares during the last quarter. Canton Hathaway LLC increased its holdings in American Shared Hospital Services by 50.0% in the 1st quarter. Canton Hathaway LLC now owns 30,000 shares of the companys stock valued at $84,000 after acquiring an additional 10,000 shares during the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP increased its holdings in American Shared Hospital Services by 3.9% in the 4th quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 158,681 shares of the companys stock valued at $465,000 after acquiring an additional 5,899 shares during the last quarter. Finally, CI Private Wealth LLC bought a new stake in American Shared Hospital Services in the 4th quarter valued at $470,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 17.70% of the companys stock. American Shared Hospital Services Company Profile (Get Free Report) American Shared Hospital Services provides radiosurgery and radiation therapy equipment to health care providers. The company offers radiosurgery equipment for the Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery, a non-invasive procedure to treat malignant and benign brain tumors, and arteriovenous malformations, as well as for trigeminal neuralgia. Read More Receive News & Ratings for American Shared Hospital Services Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for American Shared Hospital Services and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Coupang, Inc. (NYSE:CPNG Get Free Report) have earned an average rating of Hold from the eight ratings firms that are currently covering the company, Marketbeat.com reports. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, three have given a hold recommendation and four have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 1-year price target among brokers that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $22.40. CPNG has been the subject of a number of research reports. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft cut Coupang from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $20.00 price objective for the company. in a report on Wednesday. Mizuho increased their target price on Coupang from $20.00 to $22.00 in a report on Wednesday. Barclays increased their target price on Coupang from $22.00 to $24.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday. TheStreet upgraded Coupang from a d rating to a c- rating in a report on Tuesday. Finally, Bank of America increased their target price on Coupang from $19.00 to $22.00 in a report on Thursday. Get Coupang alerts: View Our Latest Report on Coupang Insiders Place Their Bets Institutional Inflows and Outflows In other Coupang news, Director Greenoaks Capital Partners Llc sold 2,000,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $15.61, for a total value of $31,220,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 68,651,928 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,071,656,596.08. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link . In other news, Director Pedro Franceschi sold 7,143 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $15.99, for a total value of $114,216.57. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 21,428 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $342,633.72. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink . Also, Director Greenoaks Capital Partners Llc sold 2,000,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $15.61, for a total value of $31,220,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 68,651,928 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,071,656,596.08. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . In the last 90 days, insiders sold 2,337,078 shares of company stock worth $36,626,905. 14.90% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. GSA Capital Partners LLP bought a new position in shares of Coupang in the 4th quarter worth approximately $252,000. Prospera Financial Services Inc increased its position in Coupang by 56.5% during the 4th quarter. Prospera Financial Services Inc now owns 25,185 shares of the companys stock valued at $370,000 after buying an additional 9,092 shares in the last quarter. BNP PARIBAS ASSET MANAGEMENT Holding S.A. increased its position in Coupang by 10.1% during the 1st quarter. BNP PARIBAS ASSET MANAGEMENT Holding S.A. now owns 19,593 shares of the companys stock valued at $313,000 after buying an additional 1,793 shares in the last quarter. Royal London Asset Management Ltd. increased its position in Coupang by 76.8% during the 4th quarter. Royal London Asset Management Ltd. now owns 346,395 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,094,000 after buying an additional 150,497 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Angeles Wealth Management LLC increased its position in Coupang by 54.2% during the 4th quarter. Angeles Wealth Management LLC now owns 55,340 shares of the companys stock valued at $814,000 after buying an additional 19,449 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 69.55% of the companys stock. Coupang Price Performance CPNG opened at $19.32 on Friday. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $17.29 and a 200-day moving average price of $16.20. Coupang has a 12-month low of $12.66 and a 12-month high of $21.31. The company has a current ratio of 1.18, a quick ratio of 0.86 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.20. The stock has a market capitalization of $34.37 billion, a P/E ratio of 80.50 and a beta of 1.42. Coupang (NYSE:CPNG Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, August 8th. The company reported $0.08 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.05 by $0.03. Coupang had a return on equity of 18.00% and a net margin of 1.94%. The firm had revenue of $5.84 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.70 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned ($0.04) EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 15.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts predict that Coupang will post 0.25 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Coupang Company Profile (Get Free Report Coupang, Inc, together with its subsidiaries owns and operates in e-commerce business through its mobile applications and Internet websites primarily in South Korea. The company operates through two segments, Product Commerce and Developing Offerings. It sells various products and services in the categories of home goods and decor products, apparel, beauty products, fresh food and groceries, sporting goods, electronics, and everyday consumables, as well as travel, and restaurant order and delivery services. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Coupang Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Coupang and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. EnerSys (NYSE:ENS Get Free Report) issued an update on its second quarter 2024 earnings guidance on Thursday morning. The company provided earnings per share guidance of $1.77-$1.87 for the period, compared to the consensus earnings per share estimate of $1.80. The company issued revenue guidance of -. EnerSys Stock Up 4.1 % ENS traded up $3.76 during trading on Friday, hitting $94.70. 883,413 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 233,711. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $106.35 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $92.75. The company has a current ratio of 2.64, a quick ratio of 1.53 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65. EnerSys has a 12-month low of $56.72 and a 12-month high of $113.34. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.88 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.53, a PEG ratio of 0.96 and a beta of 1.34. Get EnerSys alerts: EnerSys (NYSE:ENS Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 9th. The industrial products company reported $1.89 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.80 by $0.09. The firm had revenue of $908.60 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $968.70 million. EnerSys had a return on equity of 16.61% and a net margin of 5.69%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 1.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business posted $1.15 EPS. Analysts predict that EnerSys will post 7.66 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. EnerSys Increases Dividend Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 29th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 15th will be given a dividend of $0.225 per share. This is an increase from EnerSyss previous quarterly dividend of $0.18. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, September 14th. This represents a $0.90 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.95%. EnerSyss payout ratio is presently 13.70%. A number of brokerages have recently issued reports on ENS. CL King assumed coverage on shares of EnerSys in a research note on Friday, July 14th. They issued a buy rating and a $137.00 price objective for the company. BTIG Research increased their price target on EnerSys from $100.00 to $125.00 in a research note on Friday, June 16th. Oppenheimer lowered their price objective on EnerSys from $119.00 to $117.00 in a research report on Friday. Finally, StockNews.com assumed coverage on EnerSys in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a strong-buy rating for the company. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on ENS Insider Buying and Selling In related news, insider Andrew M. Zogby sold 10,537 shares of EnerSys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, June 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $104.21, for a total transaction of $1,098,060.77. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 20,495 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,135,783.95. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. 1.90% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On EnerSys Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Captrust Financial Advisors lifted its position in shares of EnerSys by 6.1% in the 2nd quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 2,928 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $173,000 after purchasing an additional 168 shares during the period. Cim Investment Management Inc. lifted its position in shares of EnerSys by 3.6% in the 1st quarter. Cim Investment Management Inc. now owns 6,559 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $570,000 after purchasing an additional 226 shares during the period. FMR LLC lifted its position in shares of EnerSys by 1.0% in the 1st quarter. FMR LLC now owns 25,873 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $2,248,000 after purchasing an additional 250 shares during the period. Covestor Ltd lifted its position in shares of EnerSys by 58.2% in the 1st quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 930 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $69,000 after purchasing an additional 342 shares during the period. Finally, Advisor Group Holdings Inc. lifted its position in shares of EnerSys by 3.3% in the 4th quarter. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. now owns 13,186 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $974,000 after purchasing an additional 423 shares during the period. 94.17% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About EnerSys (Get Free Report) EnerSys provides various stored energy solutions for industrial applications worldwide. It operates in three segments: Energy Systems, Motive Power, and Specialty. The company offers uninterruptible power systems applications for computer and computer-controlled systems, as well as telecommunications systems; switchgear and electrical control systems used in industrial facilities and electric utilities, large-scale energy storage, and energy pipelines; integrated power solutions and services to broadband, telecom, renewable, and industrial customers; and thermally managed cabinets and enclosures for electronic equipment and batteries. Read More Receive News & Ratings for EnerSys Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for EnerSys and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ServiceNow, Inc. (NYSE:NOW Get Free Report) General Counsel Russell S. Elmer sold 1,223 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $546.99, for a total transaction of $668,968.77. Following the sale, the general counsel now directly owns 4,136 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,262,350.64. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. ServiceNow Trading Up 0.5 % Shares of ServiceNow stock opened at $557.52 on Friday. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $561.96 and a 200-day simple moving average of $495.41. ServiceNow, Inc. has a 12-month low of $337.00 and a 12-month high of $614.36. The company has a current ratio of 1.14, a quick ratio of 1.14 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21. The stock has a market cap of $113.59 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 80.33, a PEG ratio of 5.61 and a beta of 1.02. Get ServiceNow alerts: Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich lifted its stake in shares of ServiceNow by 96,156.9% in the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 23,469,361 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $13,189,077,000 after acquiring an additional 23,444,979 shares during the period. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD increased its holdings in ServiceNow by 5.2% during the 4th quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 14,835,423 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $5,760,149,000 after acquiring an additional 727,494 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp increased its holdings in ServiceNow by 1.8% during the 1st quarter. State Street Corp now owns 8,082,154 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $3,755,904,000 after acquiring an additional 141,744 shares in the last quarter. Morgan Stanley increased its holdings in ServiceNow by 4.3% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 7,071,786 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $2,745,763,000 after acquiring an additional 288,522 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Polen Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in ServiceNow by 12.6% during the 4th quarter. Polen Capital Management LLC now owns 4,452,974 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $1,728,956,000 after acquiring an additional 499,675 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 86.72% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research firms recently weighed in on NOW. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft boosted their price target on shares of ServiceNow from $525.00 to $545.00 in a research report on Thursday, April 27th. TheStreet upgraded shares of ServiceNow from a c+ rating to a b rating in a report on Wednesday, July 26th. Oppenheimer boosted their target price on shares of ServiceNow from $500.00 to $640.00 in a report on Thursday, July 20th. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of ServiceNow in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company boosted their target price on shares of ServiceNow from $625.00 to $650.00 in a report on Thursday, July 27th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twenty-nine have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, ServiceNow has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $589.48. Get Our Latest Analysis on NOW ServiceNow Company Profile (Get Free Report) ServiceNow, Inc provides enterprise cloud computing solutions that defines, structures, consolidates, manages, and automates services for enterprises worldwide. The company operates the Now platform for workflow automation, artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotic process automation, process mining, performance analytics, electronic service catalogs and portals, configuration management systems, data benchmarking, encryption, and collaboration and development tools. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for ServiceNow Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ServiceNow and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Toyota Industries Co. (OTCMKTS:TYIDY Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant decrease in short interest during the month of July. As of July 31st, there was short interest totalling 700 shares, a decrease of 61.1% from the July 15th total of 1,800 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 9,700 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.1 days. Toyota Industries Stock Performance Shares of TYIDY stock opened at $70.79 on Friday. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $71.14 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $62.40. Toyota Industries has a one year low of $46.83 and a one year high of $75.02. Get Toyota Industries alerts: About Toyota Industries (Get Free Report) Featured Articles Toyota Industries Corporation manufactures and sells textile machinery, materials handling equipment, automobiles, and automobile parts in Japan and internationally. The company operates through Automobile, Materials Handling Equipment, and Textile Machinery segments. It provides vehicles; gasoline and diesel engines for automobiles and industrial equipment; turbochargers and foundry parts; car air-conditioning compressors; car electronics comprising DC-DC converters, rear inverters, on-board chargers, DC-AC inverters, and charging and discharging systems; batteries; and stamping dies, including automotive and lift truck stamping dies. Receive News & Ratings for Toyota Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Toyota Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC acquired a new stake in shares of iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:IWO Free Report) during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm acquired 100,561 shares of the exchange traded funds stock, valued at approximately $22,810,000. iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF accounts for 0.7% of Tower Research Capital LLC TRCs portfolio, making the stock its 11th biggest position. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC owned about 0.24% of iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in IWO. Stegner Investment Associates Inc. boosted its holdings in iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF by 2.5% during the first quarter. Stegner Investment Associates Inc. now owns 1,836 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $416,000 after buying an additional 44 shares in the last quarter. HM Payson & Co. boosted its stake in iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF by 2.1% in the 4th quarter. HM Payson & Co. now owns 2,223 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $477,000 after purchasing an additional 46 shares during the period. Clear Investment Research LLC boosted its stake in iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF by 3.2% in the 1st quarter. Clear Investment Research LLC now owns 1,501 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $340,000 after purchasing an additional 46 shares during the period. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its stake in iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF by 2.9% in the 4th quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,762 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $378,000 after purchasing an additional 50 shares during the period. Finally, National Bank of Canada FI boosted its stake in iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF by 30.3% in the 1st quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 215 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $49,000 after purchasing an additional 50 shares during the period. Get iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF alerts: iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF Price Performance iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF stock traded up $0.31 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $240.84. The stock had a trading volume of 470,887 shares, compared to its average volume of 422,298. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $243.21 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $233.24. iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF has a twelve month low of $201.72 and a twelve month high of $255.10. The firm has a market cap of $10.03 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.55 and a beta of 1.15. About iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF (the Fund) is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the Russell 2000 Growth Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of the small-capitalization growth sector of the United States equity market. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IWO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:IWO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin, left, holds talks with Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, center, at the African country's presidential office, Aug. 11. Courtesy of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Korea's top diplomat has held talks with Zambia's president over supply chain cooperation for key minerals and other issues, the foreign ministry in Seoul said Saturday. Foreign Minister Park Jin met with Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema on Friday (local time) in the capital of Lusaka and stressed that cooperation between the two countries over the supply chains of cobalt, copper and other key minerals used for electric vehicle batteries will bring about mutual benefits, according to his office. Minister Park also drummed up support for Seoul's bid to host the 2030 World Expo, and asked the Zambian president to participate in the Korea-Africa summit slated to be held here next year. Park is on an overseas trip that includes visits to Ethiopia, Rwanda and the United Arab Emirates. Park's multination trip comes as Seoul is ramping up diplomatic efforts to enlist international support for its bid to host the expo in its southeastern city of Busan. The host nation is slated to be selected in November. Park is the first Korean foreign minister to visit Zambia since diplomatic ties between the two nations were established in 1990. (Yonhap) April Lamb captured this image, A pumpkin for my pumpkin. It was one of two winners in the overall category of the 2023 Indiana Agriculture photo contest. 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. Carol Keller with Columbus Noon Rotary delivers school supplies to the Simon House on Aug. 1. Each summers, Rotary club members donate school supplies which are taken to the Simon House to be distributed in early August to students in need of supplies. If you're interested in submitting a Letter to the Editor, click here. Submit For Rob Bowman, its all about balance. After about 30 years of business in central Pennsylvania, the Charter Homes & Neighborhoods president appreciates the value of farmland and agriculture in a community. Its this appreciation that prompts him to preserve it in the developments he creates, including at Grange, a neighborhood to be constructed in Middlesex Township. The neighborhood will sit on 167 acres off of Army Heritage Drive on a former dairy farm owned by the Stover family. Of these, 45 acres will consist of preserved land that will include features like the farms original house and a silo. When designing a neighborhood, we respect the story of the land and what came before, Bowman said in a news release. By restoring important historical structures and preserving spaces and natural features, Grange will be yet another special Charter destination where generations can thrive. He believes the name Grange, which means a country house with farm buildings, captures the feel of what a family farm is all about and speaks to the preserved space. We always pick a name that best represents what makes the neighborhood unique, he said. Charter Homes & Neighborhoods has introduced two other developments to Cumberland County: Tattersall in Upper Allen Township and Arcona in Lower Allen Township, as well as neighborhoods in Pittsburgh and Susquehanna Township. Long Grange plans Bowman anticipates construction on Grange to begin in January and estimates the first residents could move in late next summer, although the completion of the neighborhood could take a decade or more. The first phase, called the Homestead, will include 48 modern homes in addition to the silo and renovated farmhouse. A four-acre area called the Meadow will feature gathering space, wild flowers and pollinator houses while the Grove will feature trees planted by the first generations of the Stover Family. In addition to preserved farmland, the neighborhood will feature Crossroads, a retail space that will house local businesses. As the neighborhood gets developed, we are going to be looking for opportunities to find small locally owned businesses that want to find a second location or a third location, and make them part of the neighborhood, Bowman said. Grange will also feature Terrapark, a natural playground, fire pits and trails for walking, hiking and biking where residents can spend time outdoors on their own or with others. Balance through story Bowman believes its Charter Homes & Neighborhoods focus on preservation that sets the organization apart from other developers. The entity operates under both a housing and a farmland mentality as opposed to an either/or approach. This balance is achieved through defining what Bowman calls the story of the land. Charter Homes & Neighborhoods staff members discover this story by walking the property and talking with people associated with it, examining elements like the lands history, previous uses, existing structures, natural features and other relevant information, he said. We believe every property has its own story, and so we spend a tremendous amount of time discerning that, Bowman said. Granges story lies in part with the Stover familys dairy farm. Stover family representative Ann Shughart said dairy farming has played a role in the familys legacy in the Carlisle area for four generations, including with her daughter, who founded Destiny Dairy Bar, which will be next to Grange. With this exciting new chapter, our family is grateful that through Charters vision, many more generations of families to follow will get to enjoy this extraordinary land as we have, she said. Bowman said one of the challenges associated with finding a balance between farmland preservation and development is abiding by municipal rules such as zoning and land use, some of which were established more than 100 years ago. Middlesex Township, among other local municipalities, is beginning conversations within the community to rethink some of those rules and help provide more opportunities to balance development and preservation, he said. Meeting a need In addition to preserving a portion of the land it occupies, Grange will also help meet housing needs in Cumberland County. Bowman said Charter Homes & Neighborhoods selected the area because the Cumberland Valley is a very desirable place for people to live. According to data from the Pennsylvania State Data Center, Cumberland County remained the fastest growing county in the state based on percent change from 2020 to 2022. Middlesex Township, in particular, drew Bowmans attention because of ongoing zoning and land use conversations. For example, he said a more traditional way of thinking would be to put all of one type of housing in one place and all of another type of housing elsewhere. Grange includes plans for mixed housing streets where people of various ages and life stages can live along the same road. Whether youre looking to move down or live on one floor, whether youre looking to make your first home purchase [or] whether youre looking to go from a smaller home to a larger home range, well be able to accommodate everybodys range of housing, Bowman said. He said many communities have neighborhoods that people want to be a part of. At Charter we get up every morning and go to work every day thinking about how we can create places that really endear themselves to people, Bowman said. And thats what were shooting for with Grange. A preview event for interested homebuyers will be held at Grange Oct. 21 and anyone interested in attending can register at online at LifeAGrange.com. Photos: A look at Stover Farms and Destiny Dairy Bar in Middlesex Township Authorities removed an inactive controlled explosive found at a construction site in Charlottesville on Long Street Friday. The explosive removed from the property at 315 Long St. was likely a product of the construction work itself, as they are often used in controlled demolitions, Police Chief Michael Kochis told The Daily Progress. We do not suspect any type of criminal wrongdoing, Kochis said. The Long Street bypass was blocked off for a short time Friday, police said in a statement. The device was removed with the assistance of local and federal partners, Kochis said, as the city police department does not have the capacity or expertise to address incidents such as these. There is no threat or traffic impact on local businesses or residents, the police department said in its statement. Kochis said that is unclear whether the explosive is related to the ongoing construction or previous work at the site. Were going to look back and see what other construction was in the area over the years, he said. Validating your browser . . . Please turn JavaScript on and reload the page. Please enable cookies and reload the page. This may take up to 5 seconds Event ID: 525970018657515557715512454837797725442 Validating your browser . . . Please turn JavaScript on and reload the page. Please enable cookies and reload the page. This may take up to 5 seconds Event ID: 1812858818933604234410286255538668700281 Validating your browser . . . Please turn JavaScript on and reload the page. Please enable cookies and reload the page. This may take up to 5 seconds Event ID: 36485156696868862742924107609639653120 Validating your browser . . . 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This may take up to 5 seconds Event ID: 154578927363267578386550834314499867452 Saturday is the six-year anniversary of the deadly Aug. 12 that shook Charlottesville. While the city is not hosting anything formal to mark the day, locals have organized a few unofficial events on their own. Aug. 12, 2017, made Charlottesville synonymous with White nationalism after an avowed neo-Nazi plowed his car through a crowd during the Unite the Right rally-turned-riot in downtown Charlottesville. James Fields of Ohio, the driver of the car, was there with hundreds of others to protest the removal of the citys Confederate monuments. He killed anti-racist counterprotester Heather Heyer. Fields pleaded guilty to federal hate crimes charges and is serving a life sentence in federal prison in Springfield, Missouri. Two others died that day. Virginia State Police troopers Jay Cullen and Berke M.M. Bates. Cullen and Bates were in a helicopter assisting public safety resources with the ongoing situation in Charlottesville, according to a police statement at the time. They lost control of the helicopter, which then crashed. They both died at the scene. Six years later, the Charlottesville Clergy Collective will hold a forum at the Carver Recreation Center at 2p.m. Saturday. The event, billed as Moving Beyond August 12 Together, is described as an opportunity for open discussion about how the city has progressed since the events of that day. Whats our August 12 story? a flyer for the event asks. How do we look back at the events of that date in 2017 and how can the people and resources of Charlottesvilles faith communities contribute to the next chapter in racial justice work? Pastor Michael Cheuk is the volunteer coordinator for the collective. He told The Daily Progress that more than 150 people from across many different faiths including atheists have RSVPd to the event. It will begin with a three-minute video about the history of the statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee and why people advocated for it to be taken down. Then six people from the collective who contributed chapters to a book, Standing Up to Hate: The Charlottesville Clergy Collective and the Lessons from August 12, will speak about their experiences on Aug. 12, 2017. Attendees will then have the opportunity to speak about how they experienced that day, giving people who were not living in Charlottesville at the time a chance to listen to the stories of the people who did. They may have heard about what has gone on but they might not have had the opportunity to listen to peoples stories first hand, Cheuk said. We dont want to assume everyone in the room was there on August 12. While the first portion of the forum will reflect on the past, the second portion will look toward the future. The attendees will be split into small groups to discuss what individuals and congregations might be able to offer to meet specific needs of the community in the fight for racial justice and equity. Our hopes is to be able to clarify the kind of resources we have in that very room and hopefully break down congregational silos and create partnerships that could take place as result of that access and knowledge of the work that ministries and people are already doing, Cheuk said. Afterwards, the collective will compile that information and ask for peoples contact details in order to connect individuals and congregations. Its a way to look forward and not just look back on what happened in 2017, Cheuk said. UVa described the forum as an opportunity for the greater community to reflect on the six-year anniversary of the tragedy. School President Jim Ryan wrote on Twitter that the event will be a great way to mark the anniversary and look to the future. We came to realize that as August 12 comes around in past years, people understandably dont want to necessarily commemorate it because it was such a heinous day, but to just acknowledge it, Cheuk said. We really felt it was important not just to look back but also say, Hey, what have we been doing and what are we doing and what can we do to actually make a concrete difference so that August 12 is not just a day that forever lives in infamy in Charlottesville but a pivot point to use something horrible to help create something more beautiful." While UVa does not any official event planned for the day, it said it did plan to ring the bells on Friday just as it did Aug. 11 last year in remembrance of those who lost their lives during those events six years ago, a spokesperson for the university told The Daily Progress. As we approach the anniversary of August 11-12 this week, we remember the lives lost and the damage done six years ago. But we also remember the resilience and resolute spirit of the UVA and Charlottesville communities as we came together for healing and renewal, Ryan wrote on Twitter. The city does not have anything planned for the day. The City is not sponsoring anything itself directly, but we are a sponsor of the Soul of Cville event that is occurring this weekend, city spokesman David Dillehunt told The Daily Progress. The family-friendly festival at Ix Art Park will be held from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Billed as a celebration of Black culture and excellence, Soul of Cville will feature a teen fashion show, youth art exhibit, music, roller skating and the announcement of a winner of the Lets Intentionally Thrive scholarship. Soul of Cville is a full weekend of amazing black intellectual energy revealed through creative artistic performances and community collaboration, Sabrina Feggans, a member of the festivals committee, wrote on its website. This partnership represents a shared commitment to celebrating diversity, supporting black excellence, and nurturing the creative spirit that thrives within our community, committee member Lisa Capraro added. The event, aims to unite people from all backgrounds and walks of life to commemorate art, culture, and the spirit of community in Charlottesville, Capraro wrote on the website. The city of Charlottesville announced Friday afternoon that the Fourth Street crossing on the Downtown Mall, where Heyer was struck and killed in 2017 would be closed from 8 a.m to 8 p.m. Saturday "in memorial of the events of August 2017." Validating your browser . . . Please turn JavaScript on and reload the page. Please enable cookies and reload the page. This may take up to 5 seconds Event ID: 1182140224254730904712573791187066553436 Validating your browser . . . Please turn JavaScript on and reload the page. Please enable cookies and reload the page. This may take up to 5 seconds Event ID: 47818725300539974766178974096067635360 Validating your browser . . . Please turn JavaScript on and reload the page. Please enable cookies and reload the page. This may take up to 5 seconds Event ID: 157549555928684380688599186699356228355 Validating your browser . . . Please turn JavaScript on and reload the page. Please enable cookies and reload the page. This may take up to 5 seconds Event ID: 158846835875219285391915834284126009500 Validating your browser . . . Please turn JavaScript on and reload the page. Please enable cookies and reload the page. This may take up to 5 seconds Event ID: 934239745256604654714820392003673769212 Validating your browser . . . Please turn JavaScript on and reload the page. Please enable cookies and reload the page. This may take up to 5 seconds Event ID: 123349994858274322112818957346532369558 Validating your browser . . . Please turn JavaScript on and reload the page. Please enable cookies and reload the page. This may take up to 5 seconds Event ID: 841126064037598079316160396899497074084 Validating your browser . . . Please turn JavaScript on and reload the page. Please enable cookies and reload the page. This may take up to 5 seconds Event ID: 859223777373026236518198578918214297045 Validating your browser . . . Please turn JavaScript on and reload the page. Please enable cookies and reload the page. This may take up to 5 seconds Event ID: 958988942711670032014474990076311951952 Validating your browser . . . Please turn JavaScript on and reload the page. Please enable cookies and reload the page. This may take up to 5 seconds Event ID: 16645597169485109879058543872738263970 A new internet provider will soon be in Albany, but residents are upset over the construction, citing gripes with communication, safety and workers who unexpectedly have entered their property. In June, the utility franchise with Ziply Fiber came before the City Council to give notice it was bringing fiber optic internet service to the city. Some councilors expressed support over the franchise, because more internet providers mean more options for residents. It creates competition and creates opportunities for people to make a choice, Mayor Alex Johnson II said in the June 28 council meeting. The franchise agreement gives access to the citys right of way. But since construction started, residents have called police, voiced their concerns at City Hall and took to Facebook. Now, the internet company has terminated the subcontractor responsible for the construction in Albany. Meanwhile in Lebanon, a franchise agreement with Ziply Fiber was approved Wednesday, Aug. 9. Communication Im concerned that I wasnt informed, Shay Brunson told city councilors at their Monday, Aug. 7 work session. Brunson is a middle school language arts teacher in Albany. She said there was no knock, no door hanger, no letter or any other form of communication to let her know that workers would be on her property. Her son was at a nearby friends house when two workers came into the backyard while they were home alone. It was a scary experience, said 12-year-old Mikey Brunson. The workers only knocked on the door after they had gone in the backyard, he said. Shay Brunson wasnt aware of the work on her yard until she came home to a dirt pile and a metal rod poking out of her grass. She informed the police because she thought it was vandalism, she said in an interview after the council meeting. Im very disturbed by the fact that a company is welcome to come into our town and start making changes and enter properties without any notification, and I would like to see that rectified and my yard fixed, she said. Others took to Facebook to express their ire over workers not identifying themselves or explaining the work they were doing. Some property owners acknowledged calling the police on workers. Although the city posted notices on its Facebook page, many residents were unaware of the construction and said the company never reached out to them personally through any means. The company he works for needs to provide company ID. It would save homeowners, the police and their workers a lot of trouble and time, Mary Lloyd said on Facebook. According to a representative of Kirkland, Washington-based Ziply, there are three types of notifications that go out to residents: letters sent by mail, flyers hung on residents doors and a knock on the door. Sometimes people arent home to receive the knock on the door or dont check their mailbox, Ryan Luckin, vice president of marketing, said. The city gave the company permission to work on public right of way and sometimes people dont realize they have city easements on their property, he said. Safety On Tuesday Aug. 8, subcontractors doing work for Ziply struck a gas line in a Marion Street neighborhood. After the incident, the subcontracted company was terminated, according to Luckin. Joel Dahl, owner of Dahld Up Construction, was taken aback when he saw a man on top of an unmarked van with no harness or equipment. It was a safety concern, he said. When he approached the worker, there were no business cards or any information to indicate who he was, he said. People should have a right to know who people are when they are working in your neighborhood, Dahl said. Safety is also on Shay Brunson's mind. She is concerned for children who may be home when the workers arrive at properties unannounced, like what happened with her son's friend. The workers' safety is also in jeopardy, she added, because they are confronted by people trying to defend themselves. Shay Brunson is both unhappy with the city and Ziply for not communicating, she said. After voicing her concerns Monday, she said she feels heard but is still unhappy. Learning that 10 feet of her property is considered an easement that workers have a right to access was upsetting. Then there's the issue with the metal rod in her yard. It's like a stake, to which cable will be used to shore up the nearby utility pole as more equipment is attached to it. Now Shay Brunson worries about people tripping because many kids walk through or play in her yard, she said. She also wonders how much weight the poles can withstand, adding that the city should have done its due diligence to ensure they could bear the weight of the added Ziply cables, she said. One pole across the street from her property is already leaning, she added. The poles are not city property, said Matt Harrington, communications officer for the city. Most of them are owned by Pacific Power. Utility pole owners can submit applications to attach equipment which are approved before the construction process begins, Luckin said. Before approving a pole attachment, Pacific Power conducts a pre-inspection of the pole and, if necessary, cost estimates to reconfigure attachments or replace poles. The inspector will determine feasibility of attachments with safety in mind, according to a utility spokesperson. "PacifiCorp does not permit applicants to reinforce PacifiCorp owned poles, nor is it Pacific Powers business practice to do so. If a pole is lacking in strength, height, or is otherwise deteriorated, Pacific Power will replace it," Pacific Power Communications Officer Simon Gutierrez said. I feel like they (Ziply) disrespected the whole city of Albany, Brunson said. Going forward With the company is waiting on pole attachment permits, construction is expected to finish in Albany by the end of September, Luckin said. Meanwhile, in Lebanon, construction of fiber optic internet is only just beginning after approval of a franchise agreement with Ziply Fiber awarded just this week. I would have told my friends in Lebanon to speak out against this, Brunson said. Brunson hopes that the franchise in Albany can be revoked. Even though the subcontractor was fired, more needs to be more done, she said. 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. Brunson wants a fence added to her yard to mitigate safety issues that Ziply is adding by putting the rods and cables in her yard, she said. If it were up to me i wouldnt let them back into the city, she said. Validating your browser . . . Please turn JavaScript on and reload the page. Please enable cookies and reload the page. This may take up to 5 seconds Event ID: 110355440504685515179626842656354405150 Mexico is set to inaugurate its army-operated airline, Mexicana, in September. However, it has been clarified that the flight attendants on these flights will not be members of the armed forces, AP reports. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's administration has extended the army's jurisdiction to encompass various sectors, including trains, law enforcement, tourism, and infrastructure initiatives. Notably, a ferry line serving Isla Marias islands, designated for tourists, is managed by navy personnel. Meanwhile, the Defense Department disclosed that the Mexico army-run airline has signed a contract to lease ten Boeing 737-800 jets from the manufacturer, and these aircraft will be operated by the manufacturer's pilots and cabin crew. Initially, Defense Secretary Luis Cresencio Sandoval inaccurately stated the contract's value with Boeing at $4 billion, later rectifying it to 4 billion pesos, equivalent to approximately $235 million. Sandoval mentioned that the airline is contemplating around 20 possible routes connecting Mexico City to major and mid-sized Mexican cities, including those with limited existing services and popular tourist destinations such as Cancun. Sandoval assured ticket prices would be 18% to 20% cheaper than private competitors. However, the airline's profitability remains uncertain. If unprofitable, government subsidies may be necessary for its operation. READ MORE: Mexico President Will Spend $385 Million To End Dispute with US Company Mexico Army-Run Airline Mexicana Named "Mexicana," the airline's nomenclature pays homage to a partly state-owned carrier that declared bankruptcy in 2010 and eventually ceased operations. The 8,500 former employees of the defunct Mexicana, who hold allegiances with President Lopez Obrador, will receive nearly $50 million from the administration for the commercial rights to the old airline's brand and certain deteriorated properties, according to Market Screener. Analysts have noted that this sum significantly surpasses market value. The inception of this new airline amalgamates Lopez Obrador's preference for state-owned entities and his strong reliance on the armed forces, which he perceives as a bastion of integrity and a deterrent against corruption. A military-led enterprise supervises the newly constructed Felipe Angeles airport, designated Mexico City's third airport. It is simultaneously working on a new airport in Tulum, a Caribbean coast resort. Beyond augmenting activity at the underutilized Felipe Angeles airport, the army-managed Mexicana airline appears to be positioned to provide flights that align with the president's Maya Train tourism project. This train service is designed to link beach resorts and archaeological sites on the Yucatan Peninsula. The army has established a subsidiary to manage the Mexico army-run airline, Mexicana, even though it lacks experience in commercial flight operations. Lopez Obrador has hinted that the new airline could potentially fulfill one of the traditional roles of state-owned carriers-serving less lucrative routes to provincial airports. This concept could, however, potentially clash with existing regulations prohibiting airlines from controlling Mexican airports and vice versa. Guacamaya Hacking Group Leaks Mexico Army-Run Airline Proposal in 2022 The Guacamaya hacking group divulged information about the airline proposal in 2022 after infiltrating Serena's internal communications, resulting in a massive breach of emails, per Mexico Daily News. The airline's feasibility has been questioned due to initial projected operational costs ranging from 1 billion to 1.8 billion pesos (approximately US$50-90 million). Additionally, running an airline and an airport concurrently is legally restricted, though this might be circumvented by a presidential decree. Concerns also persist regarding passengers' willingness to fly with a military-administered airline, given the armed forces' history of aviation accidents resulting in fatalities. President Lopez Obrador said that Sedena will manage the Chetumal, Palenque, and Campeche airports, while the Navy (Semar) will oversee the Ciudad del Carmen airport. Furthermore, he also said that the presidential plane, which President Lopez Obrador has struggled to sell, will be integrated into the new airline's operations, adding that the plane would be used to reward airline staff and their families. Criticism has been directed at President Lopez Obrador for his significant reliance on the military for public security and the construction of pivotal infrastructure ventures. READ MORE: Mexico: Top 5 Tourist Spots This is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Bert Hoover WATCH: Mexican government seeks to relaunch Mexicana Airlines - From CGTN America After weeks of captivity, American nurse Alix Dorsainvil and her daughter have finally been released a few weeks after they were kidnapped in Haiti. This was confirmed by the aid organization that she is part of, El Roi Haiti. The New Hampshire woman was doing volunteer work for the group when armed men stormed her place of work just outside of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and dragged her and her daughter away. She is also the wife of El Roi Haiti founder Sandro Dorsainvil. She and her daughter were confirmed "not harmed" and also "healthy." The American nurse was kidnapped last July 27, and she spent over a week at the hands of a Haitian gang that was asking for a million dollars in ransom in exchange for her release. Gangs in Haiti often target locals for a kidnap-for-ransom scheme but have lately found that foreigners like Dorsainvil may turn a bigger profit for them. "It is with a heart of gratitude and immense joy that we at El Roi Haiti confirm the safe release of our staff member and friend, Alix Dorsainvil, and her child who were held hostage in Port au Prince," the organization stated in its blog post. CBS News noted that it is unclear why the American citizen and her daughter were released, if the group paid the ransom, or if the family will flee Haiti and return to the US. The US State Department has also remained silent on the kidnappers' demands. US Government Worked 'Behind the Scenes' To Secure Kidnapped American Nurse's Release While details of the New Hampshire-born nurse's release are still unclear, El Roi Haiti expressed gratitude to US authorities for working "tirelessly behind the scenes." The non-profit organization also thanked a faith-based global security ministry for providing consultants that helped lead to Alix Dorsainvil and her daughter's release. READ MORE: Haiti Kidnapping: Protests Erupt, Demand Release of Kidnapped American Nurse Alix Dorsainvil and Daughter Haitian gangs often seek up to a million US dollars to free kidnapped individuals. However, Pierre Esperance, executive director of the National Human Rights Defense Network in Haiti, told the Associated Press that other gangs often ask for $100,000 but will accept just a $10,000 payment. Esperance added that some gangs also demand a second or third ransom before releasing someone. It was noted that over 530 people have been kidnapped since January. Details of American Nurse's Kidnapping in Haiti Surface As Dorsainvil was released, Haitian law enforcement revealed that after being abducted from her clinic, the kidnappers used her cell phone to call her husband, Sandro Dorsainvil. The phone was then pinged to an area not far from where the mother and daughter pair were kidnapped. According to the New York Post, the place where the phone was pinged from an area controlled by the Canaan Gang, which has been responsible for several kidnappings in the area. For the American nurse's release, they were reportedly asking $1 million. Following Dorsainvil's release, the US State Department released a statement, saying, "We have no greater priority than the safety and security of US citizens overseas." It added, "As you can imagine, these individuals have been through a very difficult ordeal, both physically and mentally." READ MORE: Haiti Gang Burns Courthouse This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: Alix Dorsainvil and her child freed and confirmed safe after being kidnapped in Haiti - ANC News US District Judge Tanya Chutkan told off Donald Trump and his lawyers regarding his recent rants online about the 2020 election case. This came after Special Counsel Jack Smith asked the judge for a protective order after Trump targeted him, the judge, and potential star witness Mike Pence in his online attacks. Judge Chutkan did agree with Trump attorneys and granted the limited protective order that they requested, but she also gave them a stern warning, stressing that Trump was subject to the court's rules as a defendant even though he is running for president in 2024. She then warned Trump and her lawyers that the trial is not in the court of public opinion but in her courtroom, saying, "Your client's defense is supposed to happen in this courtroom, not on the internet." She also warned that if anybody makes any more "inflammatory" statements about the case, she will be treating the case more urgently and move more quickly to trial to prevent the contamination of the jury pool. She also noted that "arguably ambiguous statements" could be construed as intimidation or harassment, in reference to Trump's recent attacks on his former VP, Mike Pence. "I will take whatever measures are necessary to safeguard the integrity of the case," she told both sides. "Mr. Trump, like every American, has a First Amendment right to free speech. But that right is not absolute," she added. Friday Trial Centered on Protective Order Vs. Donald Trump The Friday hearing, in particular, was spurred when Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, "IF YOU GO AFTER ME, I'M COMING AFTER YOU!" before going on all-caps rants against Judge Chutkan, Jack Smith, Georgia DA Fani Willis, and Mike Pence. Smith immediately asked for a protective order, but the Trump legal team countered this, arguing that this would restrict the former president's First Amendment rights. However, NBC News pointed out that as a general practice, the rights of defendants are usually restricted as the trial goes on. READ MORE: Donald Trump 2020 Election Scandal: Jack Smith Wants January 2024 Trial Date and Ex-POTUS Goes on Massive Rant The judge did side with Trump on this one but still pointed out that the protective order will only apply to "sensitive" materials, not all discovery, which was what prosecutors were requesting. She then told Trump attorneys that warning and said their client should avoid creating a "carnival atmosphere" around the case. Despite Trump threatening that he will not abide by any protective order, his attorneys promised that judge that "President Trump will scrupulously abide by his conditions of release." This includes not harassing or intimidating witnesses. Jack Smith Secures Warrant To Search Donald Trump's Twitter Account During the 2020 election period, Donald Trump spent most of his time blasting opponents on Twitter, now known as X. However, the e Department obtained an order to probe X, as they now have a warrant to take a look at Trump's Twitter page. Trump was not informed of the search as the former president has shown that he is willing to destroy evidence, as shown in his classified documents case, which Jack Smith is also investigating. According to The Hill, Trump still blasted the search, though, claiming that the Justice Department made it "a point not to let me know about this major 'hit' on my civil rights." READ MORE: Former Donald Trump Lawyer Admits To Making 'False' Statement on 2020 Election This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: Judge: Donald Trump must respond to request for protective order by Monday - ABC News Numerous residents who managed to escape the devastating Maui wildfire that swept through the Hawaiian island have expressed concern over the lack of official warnings regarding the blazes, resulting in numerous casualties and widespread destruction. Tiare Abraham, one such resident, recounted to CBS News that they had to rely on their judgment to navigate the situation. She shared, "We kind of just figured it out on our own. I realized when it was time to go when the smoke was so dark, we could not see anything outside." The Maui wildfire death toll has now climbed to at least 67, as reported by Maui County Officials on Friday. However, the number of casualties is expected to rise further as search and rescue efforts continue. Governor Josh Green cautioned that the ongoing operations will likely reveal additional fatalities. Amid the ongoing crisis, some residents have been allowed to return to the ravaged historic town of Lahaina to assess their properties. Nonetheless, the affected region has enforced a daily curfew from 10 pm to 6 am. Evacuations and damage assessments are still underway, with over 1,000 homes and structures confirmed to be damaged or destroyed, including historic establishments. Additional personnel are arriving on the island to bolster response efforts, including a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) search and rescue team equipped with cadaver dogs. READ NEXT: Maui Wildfire: Search and Rescue Continue As Death Toll Rises Maui Wildfire Warning: Hawaii Gov Says It's Too Early to Determine If Emergency Siren System Failed Hawaii Governor Josh Green had refrained from making definitive statements about the functionality of Maui's emergency siren system before the wildfires struck. Green emphasized the complexities in assessing the situation due to the remote location and equipment destruction caused by the fires, according to NBC News. He stated, "It's too early for me to tell. Much of the equipment was destroyed by fire, and it's a very remote place... We would never diminish any kind of responsibility." The rapid onset of the wildfires caught residents off guard, partly attributed to the impact of 80 mph winds caused by the remnants of Hurricane Dora. These powerful winds disrupted telecommunications and plunged the island into darkness. In addition to the fires, firefighting personnel simultaneously battled three other blazes. Governor Green expressed hesitancy in assigning blame for the situation, highlighting the unprecedented challenges posed by the combination of extreme weather conditions and the changing climate. He remarked, "I'm very reluctant to blame anyone," adding that they are dealing with the extreme changes, global warming, the drying of their land, and then when the storm passed to the south of Hawaii, that was the hurricane that sent the winds that boosted the wildfire. Some Challenges Maui County Faces During Emergencies Maui County had anticipated the wildfire risk, as indicated by its hazard mitigation plan, last updated in 2020, AP reports. The plan singled out Lahaina and other West Maui communities due to their vulnerability to frequent wildfires and many structures susceptible to wildfire damage. Moreover, the plan highlighted the limited vehicle ownership and prevalence of non-English speakers in the West Maui, potentially hindering effective communication and rapid response during emergencies. The firefighting efforts in Maui encountered obstacles, with a modest staff size being a notable constraint. Bobby Lee, president of the Hawaii Firefighters Association, noted that the county's firefighting personnel number a maximum of 65, covering three islands: Maui, Molokai, and Lanai. With 13 fire engines and two ladder trucks at their disposal, the absence of off-road vehicles limits their ability to combat brush fires before they reach populated areas or roadways. The Maui wildfire is on track to become the second-most expensive disaster in Hawaii's history, following Hurricane Iniki in 1992. The calculations conducted by Karen Clark & Company, a notable firm specializing in disaster and risk modeling, indicate this projection. READ MORE: California: 4.3 Magnitude Quake Hits Parkfield This is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Bert Hoover WATCH: Maui Wildfires: More than 50 killed, unknown amount of people missing - From CBS Chicago FTX founder Sam Banman-Fried is going to prison. This is because of witness tampering in relation to the FTX collapse and the fall of his crypto empire. According to CNBC, the judge sided with federal prosecutors and revoked his bail over alleged witness tampering. This means he will remain in custody in New York before his trial begins on October 2. "My conclusion is there is probable cause to believe the defendant tried to tamper with witnesses at least twice," said Judge Lewis Kaplan, the same judge overseeing Donald Trump's rape case in New York. Bankman-Fried is appealing the decision. Prosecutors requested that the FTX founder be remanded to a jail in Putnam, New York after he was able to access a laptop with internet for defense preparation. He was supposed to be sent to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, which has limited internet access for prisoners. The prison is near the courthouse where the case is being heard. After he was arrested last December and extradited back to the US, SBF has been out on a $250 million bail package. It requires him to remain at his parents' home in Palo Alto, California. However, he may have broken the bail conditions when he intimidated his ex-girlfriend, a potential witness against him. Sam Bankman-Fried Ex-Girlfriend Is Cooperating With Authorities Regarding FTX Collapse Prosecutors asked that SBF be detained after he sent over 100 emails to the media and made over 1,000 phone calls to members of the press. However, the biggest violation that the disgraced crypto bro did was leak the diary of his ex-girlfriend, Caroline Ellison, who is cooperating with authorities in the case. The New York Post noted that Judge Kaplan ruled that there is probable cause to believe that SBF tried to "tamper with witnesses at least twice" since he was arrested last December. Kaplan then rejected his lawyers' appeal for an immediate stay. READ MORE: YouTuber Logan Paul Issues Apology Regarding CryptoZoo Scheme Ellison served as the chief executive of Bankman-Fried's failed crypto hedge fund, Alameda Research. She is expected to become the prosecution's star witness in the case. The former hedge fund executive pleaded guilty to federal charges late last year. Judge Kaplan stated in his ruling that SBF's release of her love letters and diary to the media was designed to "hurt" and "discredit" a witness. FTX Collapse Explained Unlike his ex-girlfriend, Sam Bankman-Fried previously pleaded not guilty to allegedly misusing billions in FTX customer funds to fund his lavish lifestyle and make risky business decisions. FTX is short for "Futures Exchange," and it became one of the biggest crypto trading platforms in the world. It was even praised by regulators and market watchers as one of the most transparent crypto operations. However, SBF's lifestyle soon led to its downfall. According to USA Today, many believe that the implosion began when FTX's sister company Alameda Research, had a balance sheet filled with FTX's own cryptocurrency, FTT. More details of shady dealings about FTX soon followed, with Changpeng Zhao, the founder of Binance, announcing that his company would offload all of its remaining FTX tokens "due to recent revelations that have came to light." When Binance started withdrawing, it created a domino effect where investors started withdrawing. More and more shady dealings then came to light as it emerged that FTX transferred $10 billion to Alameda Research. Soon, the company went bankrupt, and FTX founder SBF was arrested. READ MORE: Donald Trump NFTs Crash in Value by 80% After Just 2 Weeks This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: Judge revokes bail for FTX's Bankman-Fried sending him to jail - NBC News The recently unveiled Brazil Growth Acceleration Plan envisions investments of 1.7 trillion reais ($347.5 billion) aimed at fostering sustainable development through a blend of public-private partnerships, alongside a robust ecological transition agenda, according to government officials, per Reuters. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who returned to office in January with a pledge to revitalize economic prosperity and prioritize sustainable practices, has hailed this initiative as a cornerstone of his presidency. At the launch event in Rio de Janeiro, Lula declared, "My third term as president starts today. Growth will be correct, fast, and sustainable." The plan's estimated impact includes creating 4 million jobs, with the bulk of investments, approximately $264 billion, projected to be deployed by the conclusion of Lula's term in 2026. However, the proportion sourced from public funds was not explicitly detailed. Lula's supporters have likened this endeavor to President Joe Biden's efforts to stimulate the U.S. economy through substantial investments in infrastructure and clean energy. Although the proposal shares the name of Lula's 2007 Growth Acceleration Plan (PAC), the current iteration focuses on greener development, complementing traditional infrastructure investment. The funding strategy involves a combination of federal funds, concessions, and public-private partnerships to support a range of projects spanning transportation, sanitation, and ecological transition. An official statement reveals that $220 billion will stem from public funds, accompanied by an additional $125 billion from the private sector. The government's plan outlines that 371 billion reais, equivalent to 22% of the total, will be contributed by the federal government, while state-owned enterprises such as Petrobras (PETR4.SA), a major oil company, will inject 343 billion reais. Energy transition projects will receive a substantial allocation of $110 billion. READ NEXT: Brazil Amazon Summit Brazil Growth Acceleration Plan Does Not Include Budget for Paving BR-319 Notably, the Brazil Growth Acceleration Plan will not impede the government's commitment to eliminate Brazil's budget deficit by 2024, as Finance Minister Fernando Haddad reassured. All public investments within the plan will adhere to spending limits defined by a new fiscal framework currently being finalized by Brazil's congress. However, the PAC does not incorporate funding for the paving of the BR-319 highway, which traverses ecologically pristine portions of the Amazon rainforest, despite the Bolsonaro government's intention to proceed with the project. Environmentalists caution that this initiative could lead to irreversible damage, according to Bloomberg. Haddad explained that the ecological aspect of the plan is centered on establishing a regulated carbon credit market, issuing sustainable sovereign bonds, and reconfiguring a climate fund to mitigate emissions. He stated, "We'll accelerate growth in our country and help stop the degradation of our planet." Previous Brazil Growth Acceleration Plan Handled by Ex-President Dilma Rousseff Faces Woes The preceding Brazil Growth Acceleration Plan, administered during Lula's tenure and continued under former President Dilma Rousseff, led to significant public investments, including highways, bridges, hydroelectric projects, refineries, and transmission lines, Bloomberg Linea reports. However, a number of projects managed by large local infrastructure companies became embroiled in corruption investigations, contributing to Operation Car Wash, a far-reaching corruption probe that led to the incarceration of numerous business and political leaders, including Lula, temporarily. Certain projects also faced criticism for their environmental impact. For instance, the PAC program supported the construction of oil refineries, such as a major petrochemical complex in Rio de Janeiro, and the Belo Monte dam, a hydroelectric project in the Amazon rainforest, which elicited strong opposition from Indigenous communities and environmentalists. The legacy of the prior program's challenges, including corruption inquiries and environmental concerns, may pose obstacles to the new plan. The investigations led several involved companies into bankruptcy, ultimately disrupting an era of extensive public investment. As a result, the government will need to navigate significant projects without the participation of major contractors that were involved in the past. READ MORE: Mexico: Army-Run Airline, Mexicana, To Operate in September This is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Bert Hoover WATCH: Brazil's economic boom: Insights from Adrian Zdunczyk | World Today - From TVP World The Elon Musk Vs. Mark Zuckerberg fight is officially happening, says the CEO of X (formerly Twitter) and Tesla. However, the UFC will not be overseeing it. Instead, Musk says it will go down in Rome, Italy, at one of the most iconic stadiums ever built, the Coliseum. Musk had been hinting that his showdown with Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg will be happening at Rome's Colosseum. The Daily Mail noted that the X CEO has been tweeting about "Gladiator" lately. Of course, the Coliseum was built by the Romans for gladiatorial games where combatants fought to the death for the enjoyment of Rome's citizens. "The fight will be managed by my and Zuck's foundations (not UFC)," said Musk, who added that the fight will not just be streamed live via X, but also several Meta platforms. "Livestream will be on this platform and Meta. Everything in camera frame will be ancient Rome, so nothing modern at all," he tweeted. The Tesla and Space X CEO also claimed that he already spoke with the prime minister of Italy and its Minister of Culture, and they have "agreed on an epic location." Musk also promised that "everything done will pay respect to the past and present of Italy." It Was the Italian Government That Offered for Elon Musk Vs. Mark Zuckerberg Fight To Happen in Rome While an epic location would be quite fitting for the fight, it was allegedly the government of Italy that reached out to make the fight happen at the Coliseum, according to TMZ Sports. Specifically, it was the Ministry of Culture's Office that reportedly reached out to Mark Zuckerberg about staging their fight at Rome's most historic ruin. Sources with knowledge of the deal stated that this "could be the biggest fight in the history of the world in the most fabled fight theater in history." READ NEXT: Elon Musk Vs. Mark Zuckerberg Cage Fight Update: Tesla CEO Says Fight Will Be Livestreamed on X Zuckerberg's people then passed the message on to UFC President Dana White, who then contacted the minister of the deal. While the UFC will not be involved, Dana White has been helping in making things happen. The Ministry of Culture of Italy noted, "There has been no formal contact from the ministry nor any written document, even if the news appears tasty it is unfounded." The Elon Musk Vs. Mark Zuckerberg Fight Tale of the Tape The fight will be for charity, and all the proceeds in this "Battle of the Billionaires" will go to veterans. Te venue, the Coliseum, used to hold 2,000 spectators in its heyday. However, it could now only fit hundreds of people as most of the iconic structure is ruins. As for the fighters, Mark Zuckerberg is much younger, only 39 years old. The American Facebook founder is practicing Brazilian Jiujitsu, though, but loses out against his South African opponent in height and weight. While Musk is 5"11, Zucc is only 5"7. Musk is heavier, too, weighing in at 178 lbs. while the Meta CEO is only 154 lbs. Musk has also been training a lot as of late, with legendary MMA fighter Georges St. Pierre training him, according to Bleacher Report. However, Zuckerberg himself has been winning plenty of Brazilian Jiujitsu tournaments as of late and may win if it does go to the mat. READ MORE: X: Hateful Tweets Are on the Rise, but Elon Musk Wants To Sue the Researchers Who Found Out This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: Latest on Musk-Zuckerberg Fight Negotiations, Italy Offers Colosseum | TMZ Now A closed-door school board meeting lies at the center of multiple ethics complaints filed earlier this year by a GAPS administrator. Assistant Superintendent Lisa Harlan, who's currently on administrative leave, filed the complaints against the entire school board as well as a specific member over allegations that the board met improperly behind closed doors, called an executive session, in February. The ethics cases add to a list of complaints and now a potential lawsuit Harlan has lodged against the school district. An improper meeting? Harlan filed a complaint with the Oregon Government Ethics Commission on March 2, alleging school board members broke state rules during a Feb. 27 closed-door meeting. Her problem with the meeting: The board reviewed a list of contract renewals and extensions for GAPS teachers, an out-of-bounds topic for executive sessions, according to her reading of state guidelines. Harlan further alleged the board approved the contract extensions at the following school board meeting without giving the public access to the list. Minutes taken from the Feb. 27 meeting show the board did vote to approve those extensions. Additionally, the meeting agenda shows an executive session was scheduled beforehand to consider the hiring of a "public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent." That topic is fair game under Oregon's executive session law. But what the board was actually doing reviewing teacher contracts doesn't fit that particular bill, according to a preliminary report of Harlan's complaint written by commission investigator Hillary Murrieta. The school district's attorney admits as much. GAPS attorney Paul Dakopolos said district staff mistakenly cited the wrong provision in Oregon's executive session law when drafting the Feb. 27 agenda, according to Murrieta's report. He could not be reached for comment. Dakopolos told Murrieta, in a written response to the complaint, that staff should have cited a provision in the law that allows executive sessions to be held "to consider information or records that are exempt from public inspection." In this case, Dakopolos said the list of teachers, which Superintendent Andy Gardner recommended the board approve for contract extensions, was considered a confidential document under a separate Oregon statute. Dakopolos also said that list was provided to the public, and board members had acted in good faith. In her report, however, Murrieta questioned whether the list could be considered confidential, and recommended the ethics commission investigate the matter further, which they voted to do on June 2. The complaint against the board was divided into five separate cases for each school board member, including Roger Nyquist, who wasn't at the meeting. His case was quickly dismissed. But four other complaints against then-board members Eric Aguinaga and Michael Thompson, along with current board members Brad Wilson and Pete Morse, remain under investigation. The commission has 180 days from the day it opens an investigation to wrap up a case. Conflict of interest? Harlan filed an additional ethics complaint against school board member Morse on Feb. 27. She alleges Morse didn't declare a conflict of interest when he voted to approve those contract extensions for GAPS teachers, including his wife's. Harlan alleged Morse benefited financially from the vote. The commission is also investigating that compliant. In an email response to the commission investigator, Morse said his actions were covered by the "class exemption" of a state rule regarding conflicts of interest. That part of the statute holds that any action taken by person in their capacity as a public official isn't a potential conflict of interest if it affects a group of people to the same degree as themselves or a relative. In this case, Morse cited GAPS teachers as the specific group or "class." Morse, in his response to the complaint, said his wife was one of 533 district employee contracts the superintendent presented to the board for renewal, and that no one on the list was discussed in detail at the meeting. Murrieta, who was also tasked with reviewing these allegations, presented her preliminary report on the complaint to commissioners on June 2, recommending an investigation. While the commission followed her recommendation, the body's chair, Amber Hollister, appeared receptive to Morse's defense. "This seems like a pretty clear instance of a class exemption," Hollister said, according to an audio transcript of the meeting. "I'm not sure it's worth the commission's resources to investigate further." Morse, who attended the meeting virtually, told commissioners he felt confident he was protected by the class exception, but added that if he "had thought about it," he would have recused himself from the vote "just to make it easy." He also questioned Harlan's intent behind the complaint. "The person who's bringing this complaint is the assistant superintendent. And unfortunately, I think what she was trying to achieve through this is whistle-blower status," Morse alleged. Morse did not respond to an email request for an interview, and it's unclear what exactly he was meant by "whistle blower status." Harlan's contract Harlan has suggested previously to Mid-Valley Media that the ethics complaints she filed against the school board could have influenced the superintendent's recommendation to the board's later in March not to renew her own contract with the district. The district then put Harlan on administrative leave in April following a workplace complaint. She declined to be interviewed for this article. 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. Harlan filed a tort notice against GAPS last month, claiming the district's move to sever ties was retaliation for reports she made about gender bias and a hostile work environment at the end of 2022, in addition to the ethics complaints she filed this spring. Authorities have released the names of the three people killed in a bus crash on a Pennsylvania interstate near the commonwealths capital city. The Dauphin County coroners office said Friday that Kadiatou Barry, 21, of Cincinnati, died in the crash that occurred shortly before midnight Sunday north of Harrisburg on Interstate 81, but did not disclose her cause of death. The office had previously announced that 39-year-old Alioune Diop of the Bronx, New York, and 26-year-old Serigne Ndiaye, whose residence is unknown, died of multiple traumatic injuries. State police have said the bus, carrying up to 50 people and heading from New York to Ohio, was traveling south on I-81 during heavy rain. It was in the right lane on a right-hand curve when it left the road, struck an embankment, turned onto its right side and hit a sport utility vehicle that had stopped in traffic in the right lane, police said. Those killed on the bus operated by the Super Lucky Tour Company of Boston were declared dead at the scene, while other passengers suffered injuries that ranged from minor to severe. The occupants of the SUV were taken to a hospital with moderate injuries. Peter Chan, the bus company manager, said in a phone interview Monday that he was very sorry to hear about the accident but had no further information because he hadnt been able to talk to the driver, who was hospitalized after the crash. The crash was one of two this past week on I-81 in Pennsylvania that left a total of eight people dead. Overnight Wednesday into Thursday, an RVs front-left tire blew out, causing it to cross the grassy median into the northbound lane and collide head-on with a tractor-trailer. All occupants of both vehicles died in the crash, state police said. Four of the dead were members of a Lower Swatara Township family: Donald, Kimberly, Miranda and Dane Molander were traveling south on I-81 in the RV that was towing an enclosed trailer, state police said. The familys French bulldog named Rue also died in the crash. A GoFundMe online fundraiser has been started to help with funeral arrangements for the Molander family. James Shade, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was driving the tandem tractor-trailer north on I-81. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Citizens should know what issues their school boards, borough councils and other government agencies plan to deliberate and/or vote on at public meetings. Call this commonsense requirement what it is: the law in Pennsylvania. Since 2021 the Sunshine Act, or state open-meetings law, requires that a government agency make its meeting agenda available at least 24 hours in advance of a public meeting. The agency must post the agenda on its publicly accessible internet website, if it has one, as well as at the agency office and at the location of the meeting. In addition, copies of the agenda must be made available to individuals in attendance at the meeting. The public must get a heads-up from government on road repairs, contract agreements, tax hikes, budget proceedings, environmental matters affecting health and safety, and other pending issues so individuals can be fully informed, attend meetings on topics that concern them, and participate in the decision-making process. Once the agenda has been finalized and posted for the public, according to Act 65, the agency may not take official action on any item that is not listed on the agenda except in emergency situations or on insignificant matters that create neither a contract nor involve expending funds. The Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association is concerned that agencies have begun to rely on the exceptions provision to address significant and controversial issues, which does not allow for meaningful public comment. Examples where local government has improperly moved forward include: Upper Mount Bethel Township in Northampton County, which approved an indemnity agreement with a developer seeking to build a 5.8-million-square-foot industrial park for manufacturers that opponents believe would harm the rural character of the township. Bucks County, where the water and sewer authority voted to enter exclusive talks to sell its wastewater system for $1.1 billion before formally soliciting public feedback on the proposal. The exceptions provision is the subject of an appeal before the Commonwealth Court. A school board director for Lehigh Valleys Parkland School District initially filed a suit after the board voted in 2021 to approve a collective bargaining agreement with the teachers union that was not listed on the agenda in advance of the meeting. As a result of the vote, the agreement, in part, provided teachers with 2.9% annual raises as part of a three-year contract. Former board member Jarrett Coleman said at a subsequent board meeting that he did not object to teachers getting higher pay, but rather to the lack of transparency by the board. He argued in Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas that because the board did not put the contract on its agenda in advance of the meeting it violated the Sunshine Act. The court dismissed the suit; Coleman, who is a freshman state senator serving parts of Lehigh and Bucks counties, is appealing. Because the outcome of the case has statewide implications for the news media industry and public access to information, PNA has filed an amicus brief in support of Colemans position. We make the argument that Parklands eleventh-hour move to act on a big contract with wide-ranging implications for teachers and taxpayers ventured far from both the intent and spirit of the law. Furthermore, the lower courts holding would make the advance-agenda requirement utterly ineffectual, which decries the public policy behind its passage. Government agencies must be limited in taking action on issues added to an agenda at the last moment or risk abuse to government transparency and accountability. State Sen. Patrick Stefano of Fayette County sponsored the legislation after he learned that a school board in his district added an unexpected vote on a new superintendent to a board agenda. A lot of people were interested in the superintendent issue, and the board voted on it at a meeting where no one was there, he said. That should never happen. PNA and its members agree. That is why our organization supported and advocated for Stefanos efforts, which won unanimous approval in both legislative chambers. It is also why we call out those who threaten to limit or withhold the information essential to robust public participation. The health of our democracy depends upon it. William M. Cotter is president and CEO of the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association. Approaching one month after disastrous flooding the weekend of July 15 closed roads, damaged homes and cut power to thousands, Warren County got some good news Friday. President Joe Biden approved a federal Major Disaster Declaration for the damage in Warren County requested by New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy with support from U.S. Rep. Thomas Kean Jr., a Republican representing the states 7th Congressional District. Murphy, a second-term Democrat, said the critical aid will provide millions of dollars in relief for local governments, U.S. Small Business Administration loans for homeowners and funding to help mitigate future hazards. Thank you @potus for approving our @FEMA Major Disaster Declaration following disastrous storms in Warren County. This critical aid will provide millions in relief for local governments, @SBA_newjersey disaster loans for homeowners, & funding to help mitigate future hazards. Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) August 11, 2023 Federal funding is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storm and flooding in Warren County, the White House said in a statement Friday evening, announcing Robert Little III of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) would coordinate federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide. Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments, the statement continued. Warren County alone met the statewide threshold of $16.5 million in damage to public property making New Jersey eligible for the public assistance from FEMA, officials said. As of Wednesday, the countys public property damage estimate was $18.5 million from the torrential rains and their aftermath, county spokesman Art Charlton said. Northampton County across the Delaware River in Pennsylvania also applied for a federal disaster declaration due to damage from the July 15 weekend storms, with public property damage topping $10 million by Aug. 1. Officials were grouping together Northampton and Bucks counties in an effort to meet the statewide threshold of $23 million in damage that triggers a presidential disaster declaration to provide federal financial assistance. In Bucks, seven people died in flash flooding that weekend last month. For husband and wife Kelly Canfield and Mike Sliker in Warren Countys White Township, good news has been hard to come by. In the blink of an eye, our lives changed, Canfield told NJ Advance Media on Friday. Canfield was visiting their older daughter, Isabel, in Wildwood when daughter Rylee, about to turn 17, called before dawn that Sunday morning, July 16. Rylee and Sliker were awoken about 4 a.m. by a loud crash and looked outside to see water and mud from the mountainside behind their home of 19 years cascading into their yard. Both were able to escape uninjured and get their pet cats and guinea pigs to safety. Sliker forced open the gate against the rush of the flood and got them out in his Jeep. A month later, the family is still staying with Canfields mother in Hackettstown. Rylee is about to start the school year in the Belvidere School District, and the family has to figure out how to get her there after the storm destroyed the 2007 Dodge Charger she and Sliker had fixed up as her first car. The New Jersey Department of Transportation removed much of the debris that buried their yard, as they restored a stretch of Route 46 next to the familys home left un-passable by the landslide down the mountain, according to Canfield. The work required building a mile-long access road to restore a berm on land along the road owned by the state Department of Environmental Protection. Route 46 reopened July 30. Canfield said their homeowners insurance isnt covering the landslide damage, and that they arent sure they want to take on any loans possible through the federal aid. Theyre hoping for the state to buy them out through the Blue Acres flood-mitigation program, but that isnt a sure thing. In the meantime, the family with friends are working to clear their once-finished basement of debris so a structural engineer can see if the home is sound enough to restore. A GoFundMe online fundraiser started by a family friend has raised over $13,000 for the family, but the projects cost is projected well into six figures. Black mold has already started to spread, the whole house will need to rewired by an electrician and the septic system is likely shot, among the problems the family faces, according to Canfield. The family of husband and wife Mike Sliker and Kelly Canfield with friends are working to clear flood debris from the once-finished basement of their Route 46 home so a structural engineer can see if the home is sound enough to restore at a cost projected well into six figures, following damage from a landslide the weekend of July 15, 2023.Courtesy photos | For lehighvalleylive.com Beyond the federal aid announced Friday, it appears very unlikely Warren County will meet the threshold for individual assistance for private property homeowners through FEMA, according to the governors office. That is based on a formula that takes into account a number of factors. FEMA has told the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management that as of last week, the county had not met the technical requirements for individual assistance though officials urge homeowners with damage to report their damage to local emergency management officials and via a state portal set up through the state OEM at nj.gov/njoem, the Murphy Administration said. Anecdotally, the only times New Jersey has been approved for federal individual assistance in recent history were Superstorm Sandy in 2012 that destroyed thousands of homes, caused 70 deaths and a massive shock to the states economy with unemployment across large portions of the state, and leveled massive damages to statewide infrastructure and critical facilities and in 2021 after Tropical Storm Ida left hundreds of homes destroyed, 30 people dead and widespread damages to public facilities, according to the governors office. Prior to Fridays disaster declaration, and since FEMAs creation in 1979, New Jersey had seen 57 federally declared disasters 26 of which included Warren County, according to Keans office. Even as the flooding recovery continues nearly one month later, extreme weather has continued to plague the region this summer. Tornadoes touched down the evening of last Monday, Aug. 7, in Allentown and Bethlehem and in Hunterdon Countys Holland Township. Two more tornadoes struck New Jersey on Thursday, in Burlington and Gloucester counties. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. Laois Beekeepers want to spread the gospel and get more people into the hobby that can play a big part he helping the environment at upcoming events on the grounds of the Electric Picnic. The Dunamaise Beekeepers are holding open events in August the show people what's involved and how to get started. The club says there will be an observation hive with glass walls through which visitors will be able to see the Queen and the bees at work. All of the bees in Dunamaise's hives are native Irish honey bees. There will also be a virtual hive set-up for demonstration purposes as well as examples of the different kinds of honey made. Dunamaise Beekeepers say there are passionate about ensuring the survival and flourishing of the native bee. "This is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about both the ancient craft of beekeeping and the bees themselves. Stradbally Hall is a proud member of Historic Houses of Ireland," they say. The open days take place on Sunday, August 13th, and Sunday, August 20th, from 11.00 am to 5.00 pm, at the Fergal Dineen Apiary at Stradbally Hall, Co. Laois. Ford Explorer EV Fords Explorer SUV was always a substantial vehicle. This new EV model looks even more imposing and made its first appearance in Dublin last week at the Digital Hub on Dublins Thomas street. We will not see it here for sale until early 2024 but this new Explorer EV promises much in terms of digital connectivity. Futuristic styling, a host of gadgets, including a 7-speaker sound system with sound bar, massage seats, and the ability to fast charge to 80% in 25 minutes should make it an interesting newcomer. Prices and full specification will be announced later this year and the new Ford Explorer will be available to order in the last quarter of this year. Mazda3 I have always liked the Mazda3. It is a well designed hatchback that is beautifully built and really feels a cut above the other Japanese rivals Now Mazda have given the 3 some mid life cycle upgrades including some great new colours, improved safety equipment and a better infotainment system. The central screen is improved, there are new USB-C ports, the steering wheel controls have been redesigned and cabin controls have been re arranged for better ergonomics. It all makes a good car even better and while the individual changes may seem minor enough they do combine to improve the ownership and driving experience. Better connectivity with wireless versions of Apple Car Play and Android Auto improves the on board experience and improved navigation functions mean easier navigation even when there is a poor GPS signal. The upgraded Mazda3 is Wirth a closer look! Mercedes CLE Mercedes have decided to discontinue the C-Class Coupe and E-Class Coupe and now they have effectively both been replaced by one new Coupe the new CLE. Three models will be available later this year, a CLE 220, CLE 300 and CE450 with a mix of four and six cylinder power trains as well as mild hybrid petrol and diesel units. Inside, tech-focused features include a 312mm fully digital instrument cluster and a 302mm central touchscreen display, angled towards the driver. New electronic architecture delivers fast 5G data transmission. Seats designed for the CLE covered with sustainably-processed, vegetable-tanned leather are heated with four-way lumbar support as standard. Its flat-bottomed steering wheel is wrapped in leather. Billed as the most intelligent coupe with the star, its many occupant and driver comfort features include the latest third-generation MBUX infotainment system with a new level of personalisation, automated convenience functions, and third-party apps download. Voice assistance can be accessed via its Hey Mercedes command function. Other features include a 17-speaker surround-sound system, remote start, proximity lock/unlock, hands-free boot access, numerous driver-assistance systems, and mood-soothing interior ambient lighting in 64 colour choices. No prices yet but for those looking for a stylish coupe from the Mercedes stable this new car promises to deliver. More on the above models when I get to road test them at launch. Three men were taken to hospital following an assault in an area of Dublin popular with tourists. Gardai said they received a report of the incident which happened on Fownes Street Upper, at around 10.05pm on Friday. This is in the Temple Bar area which is popular with visitors and tourists for the array of pubs and restaurants. Three men aged in their 20s were conveyed to St Jamess Hospital for treatment of injuries sustained as a result of this incident, a Garda spokesperson said. Louise OReilly TD condemns Temple Bar assaults Dubliners, those who call this city home, tourists and Gardai, all deserve to be safe in our capital city but are being failed by Fine Gael@loreillysf https://t.co/aHymMWhkiV pic.twitter.com/Gou9VGN4zf Sinn Fein (@sinnfeinireland) August 12, 2023 Investigations are ongoing. Sinn Fein TD Louise OReilly said those taken to hospital were tourists. She described the incident in Temple Bar as deeply shocking and totally unacceptable. My thoughts are with the three people receiving hospital treatment for their injuries and I wish them a speedy recovery, she said. Dubliners, those who call this city home, tourists and Gardai, all deserve to be safe in our capital city. Ms OReilly said her party has outlined proposals to tackle crime in Dublin. A sticking-plaster approach to policing our capital city will not cut it we need real reform to keep communities safe, she said. Politicians have welcomed the granting of planning permission for a 92-bed community nursing unit in Athy. The 20m project will involve the demolition of five prefab single storey wings attached to the original St Vincent's Hospital on Woodstock Street which is a protected structure. The former workhouse section of the complex was built in 1843. The total demolition area is approximately 4,150 square metres. The phased construction of a new two storey 92 bed community nursing unit will include two single-storey dementia wards with a total area of approximately 7,056 square metres. Phase One will comprise the two-storey 48-bed unit to the rear of the site of 3,010m2. Phase Two of the development consists of 1 and 2 storey building elements linked to Phase One containing 44 bedroom units and associated courtyards. Sinn Fein TD Patricia Ryan, the party's spokesperson for Older People, said she is delighted to see the development receiving planning permission. Ms Ryan said: Having visited this facility in Athy recently, it will be fantastic for the people of Athy and surrounding areas. "The staff in St Vincent's hospital do incredible work in looking after our older people." Kildare South based Senator Fiona OLoughlin has welcomed the granting of planning permission for the new 92 bed hospital at St Vincents in Athy. Senator OLoughlin said: "St Vincents Athy is a key service to our community and one that I passionately advocate for within the Oireachtas. I helped ensure that an allocation of 900,000 was made available to St Vincents in Athy under the Health 2022 Capital Plan. This is an allocation I had worked closely with Minister Stephen Donnelly to secure. This is a huge step forward and I will be continuing to advocate on behalf of our community to ensure that we see adequate and top class healthcare provision in Athy. Senator O'Loughlin concluded by saying: St Vincent[s provide great care and give great service to our community and our loved ones. This planning approval will help them continue to do so into the future. The Services Industrial Professional and Technical Union (SIPTU) National retained firefighter Committee has confirmed that union members will escalate their strike action. Explaining their stance, SIPTU's Public Administration and Community Division Organiser, Karan O'Loughlin said: "It has been nine weeks since this industrial action commenced and the silence from the Government has been astonishing. "It has abandoned the retained fire service, leaving fire fighters at the side of the road in an effort to break their dispute. "This strategy will not work: the men and women of the retained service are steadfast in their belief that the service will collapse if adequate measures are not taken to address the current recruitment and retention crisis and this dispute will continue until this happens. " She continued: "Today, the National Retained Fire Fighter Committee agreed that we would inform the management that, as of 8am on Saturday, August 12, all stations will go dark and will have no internal communications other than life saving information. "If this does not encourage management back to the table then on Saturday, August 19, an additional one station will close each week in each county. "Stations around the country are already closed fifty per cent of the time because of the refusal by management to agree adequate cover arrangements with fire fighters, and because many of them dont have enough staff to respond to calls." "This situation will now escalate," she concluded. SIPTU Local Authority Sector Organiser, Brendan OBrien, also said: "While members are angry at the lack of respect and support for the service shown by management and politicians, they are buoyed by the support they are receiving from the people in their own communities. "This anger had transformed itself now into determination to ensure that this dispute delivers for the new recruits that are needed and for the future of the service." Two years since the Taliban returned to power in Kabul, international organisation World Vision is declaring a new Sustained Humanitarian Response in Afghanistan. World Vision Ireland CEO, Gillian Barnett says: International support for Afghans in the greatest need has fallen off a cliff, but we are committed to stay and deliver for Afghanistans children. Many are literally starving: they must have our support to fulfil their most basic needs and secure their most fundamental right: to life itself. World Vision Afghanistan National Director Asuntha Charles says: While the international focus has been on egregious human rights violations, particularly affecting women and girls, the number of those in need of humanitarian assistance has increased from 24.4 to 29.2 million people. Millions of Afghans will face crisis levels of food insecurity this year. This is the result of decades of conflict, the proliferating impacts of climate change, and a highly dysfunctional economy following international disengagement. Meanwhile, international support for Afghanistan has plummeted Gillian Barnett added: The Taliban authorities have increasingly constrained the work of organisations, but even if their edicts were reversed today, the resources provided by the international community fall desperately short of what is needed. Nevertheless, in the first half of this year alone, World Vision Afghanistan reached 1,160,914 of the most at-risk Afghans in western Afghanistan, including 557,160 children. Their work included health and nutrition provision, support for WASH (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene), protection of vulnerable children and adults, and educational support. World Vision, the worlds largest child-focused development organisation, is active in over 100 countries. World Vision began emergency relief operations in Afghanistan in 2001, addressing humanitarian needs of children and their families affected by conflict and natural disaster. Over 22 years later, World Vision Afghanistan continues to partner with communities to provide humanitarian response alongside early recovery, resilience, and development initiatives in the western provinces of Herat, Ghor, Badghis and Faryab. World Vision Afghanistan programming prioritizes maternal and child health, nutrition, WASH (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene), livelihood and food security, education, child protection and multi-purpose cash programming. World Vision works in collaboration with communities holistically to respond, comprehensively meet basic needs, and promote recovery, resilience and community development. The Gum Litter Taskforce (GLT) took to the streets of Leitrim on Thursday of this week as part of its summer roadshow. The interactive roadshow works with local authorities and communities across the country to carry out fun and engaging education and awareness initiatives that demonstrate the proper means of gum disposal and raise awareness of the environmental and fiscal impacts of gum litter. Now in its sixteenth year, the campaign is a collaboration between Food Drink Ireland, the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, the chewing gum industry and local authorities. Research published recently to coincide with the National Launch of the 2023 GLT Campaign revealed that 87% of people now report proper gum disposal, versus 49% when the campaign began in 2007 an increase of 77.5%, demonstrating the positive impact the campaign has had on attitudes towards gum litter. Peer pressure was found to be the key contributor to this shift in attitudes, followed by knowledge of the 150 fine. However, work remains to be done to further reduce this figure, as still only 46% of people can claim to have never dropped gum on the ground, demonstrating the continued importance of the awareness and behavioural change campaign. Welcoming the roadshow to Ballinamore, Cllr Justin Warnock, Cathaoirleach Leitrim County Council said: "We are delighted to welcome back the Gum Litter Taskforce to Leitrim. The Roadshow is a fantastic way to show people about the sustainable impacts of responsibly disposing of gum litter and changing their disposal behaviours. This GLT campaign has seen a visible reduction of gum litter on our streets since it first began, and the Roadshow is an important reminder to the whole community that we must continue to reduce our litter and protect our local environment." Speaking at the launch of this years roadshow, Minister Ossian Smyth welcomed the latest research and the return of the GLT campaign for the second year of its fifth cycle: The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications is proud to play a part in this important initiative. Each cycle of the campaign has delivered demonstrable progress in reducing gum litter on our streets, showing the impact that cross-collaborative initiatives such as this one can have. I look forward to continuing with our good work with industry and local authorities to build on the continued success of the GLT campaign to ultimately eradicate gum litter. Gum Litter Taskforce Project Manager, Jonathan McDade of Food Drink Ireland, also welcomed the return of the campaign, and praised its success to date: We are delighted to have launched the 2023 Gum Litter Taskforce campaign with the support of the Minister Ossian Smyth and the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications. Each year of the campaign has delivered significant improvements, and we look forward to continuing our education and local authority engagements nationwide over the coming months. We remain committed to making gum litter on the streets of Ireland a problem of the past. Corporate Affairs Specialist at Mars Ireland, Anne Sheeran, also welcomed the announcement: Mars Ireland has been a proud partner of the Gum Litter Taskforce for the past 16 years. We are delighted to have kicked off the 2023 campaign with the support of the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications. We look forward to engaging with local authorities and students across the country to highlight positive environmental messages around proper gum disposal. Leitrim hurler and member of the Gaelic Players Association (GPA), Joe Murray, is urging people to become charitable All-Stars for a great local cause this summer and go Up the Hill for Jack and Jill. Going Up the Hill for Jack and Jill is easy! Simply identify a local hill or mountain to suit your fitness and ability, and invite your family, friends, neighbours, or colleagues to join in the fun. Each 18 registration fee will help fund one hour of in-home nursing care and end-of-life support for children with highly complex and life-limiting medical conditions, up to the age of six years. There are families in communities across the country being cared for right now by the Jack and Jill Childrens Foundation, including families in Leitrim. In fact, a total of 18 families have been supported by Jack and Jill in Leitrim since the charitys foundation in 1997. 2023 will be the ninth annual Up the Hill for Jack and Jill, supported this year by the global healthcare company, Abbott. Organisers are hoping to raise over 75,000 for Jack and Jills vital services equivalent to 4,167 hours of in-home nursing care and respite support which is a lifeline for over 400 families currently availing of the service across the country. Three Simple Steps to Go Up the Hill for Jack and Jill! Step 1 On your Marks! Register your Up the Hill fundraiser at www.jackandjill.ie for just 18 per adult participating Step 2 Get Set! Organise your Up the Hill fundraising event and rally family, friends, neighbours and colleagues to team up with you, or to lend their support, by making a donation Step 3 Go! Take aim at a local hill, choose a day and time to suit, grab your eco-friendly #UptheHill23 banner, and Go! Joe said: Jack and Jill is a gift of time for so many families who face very tough challenges in their home life. These families have a massive amount of resilience, but they need, and deserve, a break to enable them to recharge and face the next challenge. As a proud member of the Gaelic Players Association, Im inviting our wonderful community of players and supporters to go Up the Hill with Jack and Jill, and the GPA, this summer, as we support these inspiring families who just need a helping hand every once in a while, from their Jack and Jill nurse. According to Carmel Doyle, CEO of the Jack and Jill Childrens Foundation, going Up the Hill for Jack and Jill is a really valuable way to support the uphill challenge faced by Jack and Jill families in their daily lives. We are delighted to have the support of Joe Murray in encouraging people to go the extra mile for this years Up the Hill for Jack and Jill campaign. As with the GAA, Jack and Jill is all about community. We know there is no care like home care for a Jack and Jill child, and we want to do everything that we can to support parents in caring for their child at home in their communities, where they belong. Every 18 raised helps to provide one hour of in-home nursing care and it really is a lifeline to so many families who face an uphill challenge every day. I hope people will come together for our extra-special Jack and Jill children to show them how much they care and to help make parents feel a little less isolated and alone in raising a child with highly complex medical needs. Partnering with the Jack and Jill Childrens Foundations Up the Hill 2023 campaign is Abbott. For Conor Murphy, a site director with Abbott, the partnership reflects a shared commitment to helping local communities. Abbott are proud to be partnering with Jack and Jill and supporting their Up the Hill campaign. We have been inspired by Jack and Jills commitment to providing compassionate care to children and their families right across Ireland. We are excited to contribute to their vital work once again this year. For more information or to register for Up the Hill for Jack and Jill 2023, visit www.jackandjill.ie, email info@jackandjill.ie or call 045 894538. Follow on social media at: Facebook @JackandJillFoundation Twitter @JackandJillCF Instagram @JackandJillCF LinkedIn @The Jack and Jill Children's Foundation #SupportLocal #DonateLocal #CommunityMatters #UptheHill23 The National Office of Clinical Audit (NOCA) is pleased to announce that Sligo University Hospital (SUH), which is part of the Saolta Hospital Group, has become the 18th hospital in Ireland to roll out the Irish National Orthopaedic Register (INOR). The aim of this initiative is to monitor and improve the quality of care for individuals receiving joint replacement surgery in Ireland. INOR is a secure, web-based, real-time system which provides a national electronic register of patients receiving joint replacement surgery in Ireland. Elective orthopaedic hip and knee replacement records will now be available nationally in a central register for the first time. The register will collate information from Sligo and will support early detection of implant performance and improve the efficiency of the recall and review process. Mr John Kelly, Clinical Lead for the INOR Project in Sligo University Hospital said: The INOR is a great development for SUH. Sligo is now at the forefront of Arthroplasty use in Ireland and this leverages emerging technology and infrastructure to enable better surgical outcomes for our patients. Following patient consent, the INOR will collect information electronically at pre-operative, surgical and post-operative assessment stages, from patients who are undergoing joint replacement surgery. This will in turn support early detection of implant performance and improve patient experience with their implant over a longer time. Mr James Cashman, National Clinical Lead for INOR welcomed the introduction of INOR to Sligo University Hospital. He highlighted the important contribution INOR makes to audit and good clinical governance, as well as allowing us to expedite notifying patients in the unlikely event of an implant recall occurring. Over the past three months, much work was undertaken by the local SUH implementation team for INOR in conjunction with the INOR national team to ensure implementation readiness across all relevant areas of Sligo University Hospital. Grainne McCann, General Manager of Sligo University Hospital welcomed the implementation, saying We are pleased to formally become part of this national register so that we can continuously monitor and improve services we provide to our patient, ensuring quality standards of care within our services. INOR went live in May 2016 and is managed by NOCA, in conjunction with the HSE Office of the Chief Information Officer and clinically supported by Irish Institute of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon (IITOS). Roll-out of INOR to the remaining public elective orthopaedic surgery sites is underway and will be completed by early 2023. Implementations of the private hospital are also under way. The Annual John Joe McGirl Commemoration will take place on this coming Saturday, August 19. This event is one of the highlights of Ballinamore Festival Week and the crowds who gather in the town look forward to participation in the parade from the John McGahern Square to the McGirl monument at the Island Theatre (Amharclann an Oileain). This year will mark the 35th anniversary of his death in December 1988. The John Joe McGirl Monument in Ballinamore. The address will be delivered by Ruairi O Murchu, Sinn Fein TD for Louth, and the parade will once again be led by the rousing music of the Mountain Road Pipe Band from Teemore, Co Fermanagh. John Joe McGirl was a legendary republican, known and respected far beyond the boundaries of Co Leitrim. He suffered greatly in pursuit of his ideal of a united and free Ireland and spent many years in various prisons, from the Curragh in the 1940s to Long Kesh in the 1970s. He was also a TD and a County Councillor and represented all of the people with honour and pride. Some years after his death, a fitting monument, designed by renowned artist, Robert Ballagh, was erected at the end of the Main Street in Ballinamore. This is now part of the artistic and cultural heritage of the town. The parade starts at 8.00pm from the Square on this Saturday, August 19. Fortunately, with McGirls Bar now open again, there will be an Irish night with music and song in McGirls, immediately after the commemoration. In the case of inclement weather, the commemoration will be held in the Community Hall. Beidh failte roimh chuile duine a ghlacann pairt sa chomoradh stairiuil seo. Guatemalan authorities said Friday, August 11, they are looking for four French tourists, including a six-year-old child, who have gone missing in the northern jungle near the border with Mexico and Belize. The family, including two women and a man, was last seen on Wednesday in the Tikal National Park, the Guatemalan Tourism Institute said on social media. The alert has also been sent to the diplomatic corps in the country. The Tikal park houses Guatemala's main Mayan archeological site, comprising pyramids and temples. It is more than 500 kilometers (310 miles) from the capital, in the remote province of Peten, where drug trafficking gangs are known to operate. A country plagued by organized crime In early January 2022, a 53-year-old German tourist was found dead in the same park, two days after having been reported missing. He had separated from the group with whom he was visiting the site to explore different paths of the archaeological park before disappearing. Also in the same park, in 2001, several tourists were attacked by hooded gunmen who killed a park ranger trying to defend them. A Honduran tourist living in the United States was raped. Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes In Guatemala's dry corridor, 'without help, we wouldn't be able to eat' Guatemala, a country of almost 18 million inhabitants, is plagued by 36 years of civil war, organized crime and corruption. The country is one of the most violent on the continent, with a homicide rate of 17.3 per 100,000 inhabitants by the end of 2022, according to the UN, half of which is attributed to criminal gangs and drug trafficking. Central America's largest economy remains one of the continent's most unequal countries, with a poverty rate of 59.3%, according to the World Bank. Guatemala welcomed a peak of some 2.5 million foreign tourists in 2019, leaving revenue of nearly $1.3 billion. Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes For migrants, 'the border with the United States starts in Guatemala' Roxanne Tahbaz holds a photo of her father Morad Tahbaz, imprisoned in Iran. London, April 13, 2022. STEFAN ROUSSEAU / AP After two years of negotiations, Tehran and Washington have reached an agreement for the release of five Iranian-Americans detained in Iran. On Thursday, August 10, the White House confirmed that the five prisoners had left the notorious Evin prison, in the north of Tehran, and had been placed under house arrest with a view to their release. They are Siamak Namazi, Emad Sharghi, Morad Tahbaz and two other Iranian-Americans whose identities have not yet been disclosed. The information was confirmed by the Foreign Ministry in Tehran. The previous day, Iranian diplomatic chief Hossein Amir Abdollahian had acknowledged that negotiations were being conducted with Washington, via other countries, notably the Sultanate of Oman. According to the New York Times, the five Iranian-American detainees will finally be allowed to leave Iran in exchange for Tehran's recovery of around $6 billion (5.5 billion) in Iranian oil revenues, blocked in South Korea as a result of US sanctions against the Islamic Republic. The agreement stipulates that these financial assets are to be used solely for humanitarian purposes. In return, Washington will also release an as yet unknown number of Iranians detained in the US for circumventing the country's sanctions. The official IRNA news agency reported the unfreezing of $10 billion (9.1 billion), corresponding to Iranian assets blocked in South Korea, and also in Iraq. The same source said that the Iranian funds in South Korea would be transferred to a bank in Switzerland, where they would be exchanged for euros, before being sent to Qatar. Only at the end of this process, which could take several weeks, will Iran allow the five Iranian-American detainees to leave the country. Bargaining chips On August 10, US State Department officials met with the five detainees in Tehran, confirming their release from the Evin prison. "My belief is that this is the beginning of the end of their nightmare and the nightmare their families have gone through," said Secretary of State Antony Blinken at a press conference in Washington. The agreement for their release comes as the US and Iran remain unable, for the time being, to reach an agreement to salvage the Iran nuclear deal that former US president Donald Trump unilaterally abandoned in 2018. The West and human rights organizations regularly accuse Iran of arresting foreign citizens or Iranians holding other nationalities (Tehran does not recognize dual nationality for its citizens) and using them as bargaining chips in its negotiations with other countries. In May, Iran released Belgian aid worker Olivier Vandecasteele, arrested in February 2022. He was exchanged in Oman by Brussels for Assadolah Assadi, an Iranian diplomat sentenced to 20 years imprisonment in Belgium for organizing an attack, eventually aborted, against the Iranian opposition in a northeastern Paris suburb in June 2018. The Iranian authorities rejected these accusations and stressed the independence of the Iranian judiciary. You have 30.55% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only. OpenAI's ChatGPT became the fastest-growing app in history after its launch in November 2022. Since its launch, it created both excitement and alarm to replace human in jobs. Now a report by Analytics India Magazine has stated that the company might go bankrupt by the end of 2024. As per the report, when OpenAI applied for a trademark on GPT, it was seen as the downfall for the company and was also predicted that many users would eventually stop using the technology. The report also showed data where ChatGPT website witnessed a user decline in the month of June and July as compared to May. On 3 August, SimilarWeb said that the ChatGPT traffic dipped for the second month in a row. A 9.6 percent drop was seen in the month of July while June recorded 9.7 percent decline. Speaking of users, July saw a 12 percent decline with 1.5 billion users as compared to June's 1.7 billion users. The report also cited a user on X which said a major reason for this decline could be API cannibalisation wherein most companies have been prohibiting their employees from using it for work. However, are free to use the API to integrate the large language model (LLM) into other workflows. Another reason as stated by Analytics India Magazine could be Mark Zuckerbergs Meta which recently unveiled its Llama 2 chatbot. Microsoft appointed as Metas preferred partner on Llama 2, will be available through the Windows operating system. Metas Llama 2 has made its product open source which means that the original code is freely available, allowing it to be researched and modified. Also read: ChatGPT Plus subscription introduced: All you need to know on price and features Media reports have also stated that the OpenAI spends roughly $700,000 per day to run ChatGPT. As per Analytics India Magazine, Microsoft and other recent investors are covering these costs out of their own pockets, which could eventually drain them if it does not see profits soon. Earlier in May, the company's losses doubled to $540 million since it started developing the Ai chatbot. Moreover, for 2023, the company has projected an annual revenue of $200 million and expects to reach $1 billion in 2024. This looks blur as the losses are only mounting, the report said. Another reason could be persistent Graphics processing unit (GPU) shortage. Altman had pointed out that the lack of GPUs on the market affected the company's capacity to improve and develop new models. Earlier on 3 August, media reports had also stated that the company had filed for trademark application for 'GPT-5' which further indicates that the company wants to keep on training models. Given these facts, OpenAI might find itself in a situation where declaring bankruptcy by the end of 2024 becomes necessary unless it quickly finds more funds, the report said. Earlier on 19 July, Bloomberg had reported that Apple is working on its own artificial intelligence powered chatbot that could challenge those of OpenAI and others, however, the company has yet to devise a clear strategy for releasing the technology to consumers. Elon Musk too, had claims claims his new AI company xAI is better than Google and OpenAI in understanding the universe. He had criticized OpenAI for being controlled by Microsoft. Musk is training xAI to be 'maximally curious' and align with human values. Musk has been critical of OpenAI, a company he helped co-found in 2015. The billionaire claimed that OpenAI is training AI to be woke" and that the company was effectively controlled by Microsoft." Meanwhile, in June, Chief Executive Sam Altman had said that the Microsoft-backed OpenAI has no plans to go public any time soon. "When we develop super intelligence, we are likely to make some decisions that most investors would look at very strangely," Altman said as reported by Reuters. "I don't want to be sued by ... public market, Wall Street etc, so no, not that interested," he said in response to a question on whether he will take OpenAI public. The company has so far raised $10 billion from Microsoft at a valuation of almost $30 billion as it invests more on building computing capacity. The company started off as a non-profit organisation but later created a hybrid "capped-profit" company, that allowed it to raise external funds with a promise that the original non-profit operation still benefits. Taiwan-based Foxconn has revealed plans to increase their investment in India by another $400 million. Apple's biggest supplier is likely to use its upcoming Kongarkalan facility for the manufacture of AirPods and other digital accesories. The company had laid the foundation for a new electronics manufacturing facility in May this year as part of its USD 500 million investment in Karnataka "FIT Singapore's proposal to make a capital injection of US$ 400,000,000 to Chang Yi Interconnect Technology (India) Private Limited, which is held by FIT Singapore as to 99.99 per cent of the capital stock," FIT Hon Teng informed the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on Friday. Moving so fast, Telangana! Another US$400M is coming," wrote Foxconn India representative V Lee on social media. Our friendship with Foxconn Group remains steadfast, each of us delivering on mutual commitments. With total infusement of $550m (adding previous $150m), FIT is poised to deliver on its promises in Telangana. This once again proves Telangana Speed," came the response from Telangana Minister for IT and Industries KT Rama Rao. Foxconn Technology Group chairman Young Liu and senior officials had met Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao earlier this year. The electronics major reportedly plans to make casing components for iPhones at a new Karnataka facility with $350 million in investment that will generate 12,000 jobs. A Reuters report quoting sources had also indicated in March that Foxconn had won an order to make AirPods for Apple and plans to build a factory in India to produce the wireless earphones. (With inputs from agencies) A Sudarshan News editor Mukesh Kumar was arrested by police over his alleged inflammatory posts on social media related to the communal violence in Nuh and the adjoining districts of Haryana that took six lives after a Vishva Hindu Parishad procession was attacked on July 31, an official said. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Kumar alleged that a foreign media house has been making calls to the Gurugram Police Commissioner and pressuring her to take action against Hindus over the communal riots, according to a report published by the news agency PTI. The TV channel termed the arrest of Mukesh Kumar an attack on media freedom. Initially, it alleged that the channel's resident editor was abducted by some goons. "He (Mukesh Kumar) had gone to Mewat to help "struggling" Hindu activists. He was abducted by "well-built goons" from his car in Sector 17, Gurugram," the channel said on X. Later, it issued another statement saying it took the Gurugram Police seven hours to issue a press note informing about the arrest, as per PTI reports. "This arrest is totally illegal and wrong. Sudarshan News stands by Mukesh Kumar ji and considers the arrest an attack on media freedom," it said with the hashtag #ReleaseMukeshKumar. Meanwhile, the Gurugram Police on Friday termed Kumar's post baseless, false, and misleading. An FIR has also been registered under the relevant sections of IT Act against the journalist at the Cyber Crime, East Police Station, PTI reported. The @AJENews (Al Jazeera News Channel) has been making calls to the Gurgaon Police Commissioner and pressuring her to take action against Hindus. And after receiving the call, @DC_Gurugram comes under so much pressure she picks up Hindu activists from anywhere," Kumar wrote in a post on August 8. Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime) Varun Dahiya on Friday said that the journalist was arrested and taken to a hospital for his medical examination. (With PTI inputs) FTX co-founder Sam Bankman-Fried is in custody after a federal judge said that the embattled crypto mogul likely tried to tamper with two witnesses while on bail. US District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan revoked the 31-year-olds bail following a hearing in Manhattan on Friday. Bankman-Fried took off his jacket, tie and shoelaces, and was immediately placed in handcuffs as marshals escorted him out of the courtroom. His mother cried in the public gallery and was comforted by Bankman-Frieds father. Kaplan said Bankman-Fried had likely intended to influence two witnesses former Alameda Research Chief Executive Officer Caroline Ellison and the former FTX general counsel and to have them back off" and hedge their cooperation" with the government. A defendants speech is not protected to the extent that it is intended to bring about a crime," Kaplan said. The former FTX chief executive officers lawyers immediately filed a notice of appeal over the bail decision, but lost an application to stay Kaplans order. Metropolitan Detention Center That meant Bankman-Fried would remain in jail while his legal team fought to overturn the revocation in the 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals. He will be taken to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn from the courthouse, according to a person familiar with the process. The MDC is the main federal prison in New York for defendants awaiting trial, previously including the likes of British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell. It is unclear how long Bankman-Fried will stay at the MDC with prosecutors suggesting he could potentially be moved to the Putnam County Correctional Facility in upstate New York. Prosecutors had asked the judge to revoke Bankman-Frieds $250 million bail package after accusing him of leaking documents in an attempt to discredit Ellison, who will likely be a key government witness. Prosecutors had previously raised issues with Bankman-Frieds behavior in January, after he messaged the former FTX general counsel on an encrypted app, suggesting they vet things with each other." Bankman-Frieds message to the former general counsel was an attempt to have both men sing out of the same hymn book" and an attempt at witness tampering," Kaplan said. After signing off on an interim gag order last month, the judge found a permanent gag order wasnt a workable solution longer term particularly with someone who has shown a willingness and a desire to risk crossing the line in an effort to get right up to it no matter where the line is." The latest fight over Bankman-Frieds bail was sparked by a New York Times story last month. The article quoted excerpts of diary notes made by Ellison on Google Docs. Ellison and Bankman-Fried had previously been in a relationship. The notes were extremely personal and intimate," Kaplan said, and not something anyone in a relationship would want shared with anybody, let alone with the New York Times. Prosecutors allege Bankman-Fried accessed the documents through his own Google Drive and then showed them to the Times reporter. In arguing against detaining his client, lawyer Mark Cohen had pointed to the need for Bankman-Fried to adequately prepare for his upcoming trial a task that would be difficult from inside the MDC. Prosecutor Danielle Sassoon said the government had spoken to the Putnam County Correctional Facility, about two hours north of New York City, where Bankman-Fried could use a laptop for internet access and to review legal materials. Two Guys When Cohen argued that Bankman-Fried didnt intend to tamper with witnesses, Kaplan asked about a scenario where two guys walk into a store and say to somebody this is an awful nice store and it would be a shame if it burned to the ground." Bankman-Fried has been under house arrest at his parents home in Palo Alto, California, since last December, after he was arrested in the Bahamas. He is accused of orchestrating a multibillion dollar, yearslong fraud at FTX and Alameda Research, both of which collapsed last November. He has pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him. While his time behind bars has been minimal, Bankman-Fried did spend several days inside the notorious Fox Hill jail in the Bahamas before consenting to extradition to the United States. He spent one night in custody in the US before he was released on bail. This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed. In India, fresh graduate jobseekers often witness a huge transition from classroom education to the professional workforce due to differences in knowledge gained during graduation and skills required by the industry. The data released by India's Graduate Skill Index 2023 revealed that only 53% of Indian graduates are employable in the non-technical job sector. It also said that 57% of Indian graduate jobseekers are employable from Tier 3 colleges, while 51% are from Tier 2 colleges and 53% from Tier 1 colleges, India's Graduate Skill Index 2023 added. Additionally, it is pertinent to note that graduates from top colleges have a significantly higher probability of securing employment upon graduation in comparison to average colleges. This disparity in employment rates can be attributed to several factors including the quality of education, the reputation of the institution, and others. Professor Supriya Pattanayak, Vice Chancellor at Centurion University of Technology and Management in Odisha said a gap between the knowledge imparted at most institutions and the industry expectations from freshers cannot be dismissed while asserting that the universities need to partner with industry players to ensure that students get hands-on industry-centric training. At Centurion University, we enable learning through a parallel model, covering fundamental steps such as product designing, development, patent, publication, production, and commercialization, aspects that are crucial for technical as well as non-technical job roles," she told LiveMint. The founder of AVSAR, Navneet Singh, believes that the lack of employability among graduates occurs due to the traditional education system's emphasis on theoretical knowledge rather than practical skills, which leaves graduates ill-prepared for the real world. He suggested that collaboration with industry is essential to ensure the skills required for non-technical roles among graduates. Internships and collaborations between industry and academic institutes can provide invaluable hands-on experience, thus contributing to India's capacity and job readiness," Singh said. In addition, Aditya Joshi, CEO of OpalForce also seemed to be of the same opinion about the employment gap among fresh graduates from different colleges, leading to challenges for those seeking non-technical job roles. The problem lies in our educational system that often prioritizes theoretical knowledge over practical application. Graduates find themselves lacking hands-on experience and industry-specific skills, leading to limited employability prospects," Joshi told us. To address this issue, a paradigm shift in curriculum design is necessary by infusing real-world projects, internships, and industry collaborations to empower students with the experiential learning needed to excel in diverse job roles, he added. CBP Srivastava, an Educationist and President of the Centre for Applied Research in Governance in Delhi recalled that the new education policy introduced by the Indian government intends to implant learning skills allowing the students to cross the subject barriers and learn how to use their knowledge. Its a fact that fresh graduates are really good at understanding technical skills in the era of the fourth Industrial Revolution but unfortunately most of them are unable to utilize such skills in the socio-economic milieu," Srivastava said. Madhya Pradesh Assembly Elections 2023: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone of a 100-crore temple dedicated to social reformer Sant Ravidas in the Sagar district where he will also address a public meeting. Notably, this will be PM Modi's second visit in just over a month to poll-bound Madhya Pradesh. Speaking to PTI, MP Cooperative and Public Services Minister Arvind Bhadoria said, Modiji will arrive in Khajuraho from New Delhi and take a helicopter to reach the Badtuma area in Sagar district around 2 pm to lay the foundation stone for a temple (dedicated to Sant Ravidas) and a museum coming up at a cost 100 crore." After this, PM Modi will reach the venue of the public meeting near the Dhana airstrip, about 20 km from Badtuma, said Bhadoria, who is also the guardian minister of Sagar district located in north-east Madhya Pradesh. It is pertinent to note that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is expecting up to 2 lakh people to attend the PM's rally and the foundation laying ceremony for the temple dedicated to Sant Ravidas, who enjoys a nationwide following, especially among a section of Dalits. The two programs will also mark the culmination of the ruling party's ongoing Samrasta (harmony) Yatras, an attempt to reach out to Dalits ahead of the assembly elections. "Five such yatras started from different parts of the state on July 25. The participants are bringing a handful of soil from 53,000 villages and water from 315 water bodies, including sacred rivers. The yatra will reach Sagar on August 11 evening," Bhadoria told PTI. Madhya Pradesh has 35 assembly seats, of the total 230, reserved for Scheduled Castes, and of these, the BJP won 18 in the last elections, while the Congress bagged 17. The saffron party is making attempts to strengthen its base among Dalits. In the 2018 assembly polls, the BJP won 15 seats in Bundelkhand, while the Congress had to contend with 9. One seat each went to the Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party. In Sagar district, which has eight seats, the BJP won six and the Congress two in 2018. (With PTI inputs) The Rashtriya Hindu Parishan Bharat has announced a reward worth 10 lakh to anyone who can slap or spit on Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar for hurting the sentiments of people with his portrayal of Lord Shiva's messenger in Oh My God 2 (OMG 2), said the outfit's president Govind Parashar as quoted by The Print. The Hindu organizations also burnt Akshay Kumar's effigies and the film's posters on Thursday in Agra. It said that the outfit will not call off a demonstration against the actor's role of Lord Shiva's messenger in OMG 2 before theatres. In the film, Akshay Kumar as Bholenath's messenger was seen standing with dreadlocks to boot, buying kachodis, and taking a bath in the dirty pond. Parashar objected to the scene, saying that it is tarnishing the image of the god. As per reports by The Print, the Hindu outfit also demanded the ban on OMG 2 by the censor board and the central government of India. The president even warned of further protests if their demands are not fulfilled. Helmed by Amit Rai, 'OMG 2' has been under the radar ever since the makers unveiled the film's posters and teaser. Several reports claimed that the film was put on hold by the censor board as the committee wanted to be extra cautious due to the film's religious theme. But later, the film was passed by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The censor board gave an A (Adults Only) certificate to the film, which also stars Akshay Kumar. In the film, Akshay will be seen essaying the role of Lord Shiva's messenger. Akshay Kumar and Pankaj Tripathi's OMG2 hit the big screens on August 11. 'OMG 2' is a sequel to Paresh Rawal and Akshay Kumar-starrer 'OMG: Oh my God'. Film critic Taran Adarsh called OMG 2 'Courageous', and added, "Akshay Kumar is in terrific form, Pankaj Tripathi delivers his career-best act, Yami Gautam is fantastic and Pawan Malhotra excels. OMG 2 has some unforgettable moments, especially the courtroom sequences, but tends to get talk-heavy at times". Another trade analyst Girish Johar has a similar opinion regarding OMG 2. Johar said, OMG 2 has a very different kind of audience, and the film has also had little promotions (owing to censor troubles, and OMG 2 being a smaller film). As per Johar, OMG 2 may earn between 5 -10 crore on its opening day. The Customs department has arrested a man from the Mumbai international airport for allegedly trying to smuggle diamonds worth 1.49 crore out of the country by hiding them in tea powder pouches kept in his luggage, officials said. The 30-year-old accused, Mukkim Raza Ashraf Mansuri, was arrested on August 9 by the Air Intelligence Unit of the Customs department when he was about to fly to Dubai, a Customs official said. "Mansuri, a resident of Null Bazar area in south Mumbai, was arrested at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. He was about to travel to Dubai in a private airliner flight. Also read: 'Isi gham mein aur piyo': People express disappointment after Delhi custom officials destroy 1,200 liquor bottles During the checking of his hand baggage, a suspicious packet of a major tea brand was found," he said. When the packet was opened, 34 diamonds kept in eight small pouches of a branded tea powder were found, the official said. Also read: Funds worth 215 crore frozen: US targets Indian diamond sellers over alleged Russia connection: Report "The diamonds weighed 1,559.68 carats and were worth 1.49 crore," he said. During his interrogation, it came to light that Mansuri was promised 5,000 for smuggling the diamonds out of the country, the official said, adding that he has been arrested under the Customs Act. In June Delhi's customs officials had carried out the destruction of 1,289 units of liquor bottles and 51.68 kg of drugs at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI). According to the Customs official, the collection of liquor bottles from various brands was associated with either lost property or confiscated goods. The officials mentioned, "Delhi Airport Customs disposed of 1289 units of liquor bottles of different brands pertaining to Lost Property/Detained goods at Terminal-3, IGI Airport, New Delhi over the period April 2020 to December 2022, by destruction on 19.06.2023." The mutual fund market in India is on the rise in the last five years. It is expected to thrive further with the addition of new players like Mukesh Ambani's Jio Financial Services, Nithin Kamath's Zerodha AMC, and Samir Arora's Helios Capital. Zerodha AMC Nithin Kamath's broking firm Zerodha has received final approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) to set up an asset management company, its founder and CEO Nithin Kamath said on Friday. "We just received the final approval for the @ZerodhaAMC we are building in partnership with @smallcaseHQ. Our motivation to start a mutual fund was twofold. The first was that the biggest challenge and opportunity for Indian markets is the shallow participation. Even after all the growth over the last 3 years, we only have maybe 6-8 crore unique mutual fund and equity investors put together. The second was that if we had to bring in the next ten million investors, they needed simple products they could understand, and mutual funds were a perfect instrument. We aim to be index-only and create simple funds and ETFs that all investors can understand and invest in for all their goals." Kamath announced on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter. Jio Financial Services Mukesh Ambanis Jio Financial Services (JFSL) recently joined hands with one of the worlds largest asset managers, BlackRock. Jio Financial Services Limited (JFS) and BlackRock announced an agreement to form Jio BlackRock, a 50:50 joint venture that combines the respective strengths and trusted brands of BlackRock and JFS to deliver tech-enabled access to affordable, innovative investment solutions for millions of investors in India. However, exact details of what Jio BlackRock plans to do are still not available. Together, the partnership will introduce a new player to the Indian market with a unique combination of scope, scale, and resources. JFS and BlackRock are targeting an initial investment of US$150 million each in the joint venture", as per a press release. Helios Capital Helios Capital has received capital markets regulator Sebi's approval to launch a mutual fund business. "I am very pleased to share that Sebi has granted Helios Capital in-principle approval to sponsor Helios Mutual Fund. We deeply respect this approval & will work hard to offer mutual funds for retail investors, focusing on performance & service," Samir Arora, the main founder and fund manager at Helios Capital, announced on X platform. Prime Minister Narendra Modi , on August 12, minced no words as he derided the Opposition's recent "ghamandiya" (arrogant) alliance, accusing them of cowardice during a no-confidence motion. This motion, aimed at questioning his leadership , faced a crushing defeat in the Lok Sabha last week. Addressing the Kshetriya Panchayati Raj Parishad in West Bengal via video conference, Modi recounted the dramatic events in Parliament, claiming that the Opposition abandoned their own motion midway, unable to face the prospect of a vote. "The truth is that the opposition got scared of voting on no-confidence motion. Had there been voting, the 'ghamandiya' alliance would have been exposed," ANI quoted PM Modi as saying. The no-confidence motion, spearheaded by the opposition, was tabled on July 26. Throughout the ensuing three-day debate, tensions flared between the ruling and Opposition factions, particularly around issues like the Manipur violence. In a surprising turn of events, members of the Opposition parties staged a walkout while PM Modi addressed the Lok Sabha in response to the no-confidence motion. The move was seen by many as a tacit admission of defeat. "A few days ago, I had the opportunity to interact with representatives of 'Sthaniya Swaraj' in Haryana and today you all have assembled in West Bengal. As our national president (JP Nadda) said, no matter how busy I am, I find time for my party," PM Modi added PM Modi lauded his government's efforts to empower local governance through Panchayati Raj and underscored the allocation of over 2 lakh crore, three times more than the previous administration, for Panchayati Raj bodies. (With ANI inputs) ABOUT THE AUTHOR Sounak Mukhopadhyay Sounak Mukhopadhyay, who also goes by the name Sounak Mukherjee, has been producing digital news since 2012. He's worked for the International Business Times, The Inquisitr, and Moneycontrol in the past. He's also contributed to Free Press Journal and TheRichest with feature articles. He covers news for a wide range of subjects including business, finance, economy, politics and social media. Before working with digital news publications, he worked as a freelance content writer. Read more from this author Haryana government has extended the suspension of internet and SMS services in Nuh district of the state till August, describing the situation there as 'critical and tense'. The suspension of internet services in Nuh district had earlier been extended till August 8 and then till August 11. "Whereas it has been brought to my notice by Deputy Commissioner Nuh that the law and order situation has been reviewed and the conditions are still critical and tense in the district," the order passed by Haryana's Home Secretary read. "I am of the considered view that there is a clear potential for disruption of public utilities, damage to public assets and amenities and disturbance of public law and order in district Nuh on account of misuse of the internet services by way of the spread of inflammatory material and false rumours, which are being/could be transmitted and circulated to the public through social media/ messaging services on mobile internet service, SMS services and other dongle services," Haryana Home Secretary was quoted by ANI as saying. Television Anchor arrested over inflammatory posts: Earlier on 11 August, a Sudharshan News editor Mukesh Kumar was arrested over his alleged inflammatory posts on social media related to the communal violence in Nuh and adjoining districts in Haryana, PTI reported. Following the arrest of Mukesh Kumar, the TV channel termed it as an attack on media freedom and had initially alleged he was 'abducted' by some goons. Though police said he was arrested by the Cyber Crime, East Police Station. Nuh district had witnessed widespread violence after communal clashes had erupted on July 31 after a Vishva Hindu Parishad procession was attacked. Nuh SP Narender Bijarnia has said that 59 FIRs have been registered in the district in connection with the Braj Mandal violence case while 218 people have been arrested, reported PTI. Meanwhile, a total of 393 people have been arrested while 118 have been taken into preventive detention in connection with communal clashes in Haryana. Moreover, 160 FIRs have been registered in Nuh, Gurugram, Faridabad, Palwal, Rewari, Panipat, Bhiwani, and Hisar, Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij said in a statement on Friday. (With inputs from agencies) India on 12 August has deployed MiG-29 fighter aircraft in Srinagar replacing the MiG-21 fighter jets at the base to tackle threats from both the Pakistani and Chinese front, news agency ANI has stated The Tridents squadron, also known as the Defender of the North has replaced the MiG-21 squadron at the Srinagar air base which has traditionally been responsible for taking care of the threat from border nations. The MiG-29s were moved to the Srinagar air base in January this year and have flown extensively in the Kashmir valley along with the Ladakh sector where they would be one of the first to respond in case of any air space violation attempts by the Chinese. The MiG-29s were also the 1st aircraft to have been deployed in the Ladakh sector for tacking the threat from the Chinese side after the Galwan clash of 2020 and have thwarted multiple such attempts since then. While speaking to news agency ANI, Indian Air Force pilot Squadron Leader Vipul Sharma, said, Srinagar lies in the centre of Kashmir valley and its elevation is higher than plains. It is strategically better to place an aircraft with a higher weight-to-thrust ratio and less response time due to proximity to the border and is equipped with better avionics and long-range missiles. The MiG-29 fulfils all these criteria due to which we are capable of taking in the enemies on both fronts." Another pilot Squadron Leader Shivam Rana said the upgraded aircraft can operate at night with night vision goggles and has a longer range due to air-to-air refuelling capability. We have also included the air-to-ground armament which was not there earlier. The biggest capability of the aircraft are the pilots which are handpicked by the Indian Air Force to serve on these aircraft," he added. MiG-29 vs MiG-21 -The MiG 29s have multiple advantages over the MiG-21s which were able to successfully defend the area of their responsibility in the Kashmir valley for many years and also managed to strike down an F-16 in 2019 post Balakot air strikes on Pakistani terrorist camps on their mainland. -The MiG-29 has been equipped with very long-range air-to-air missiles and air-to-ground weaponry after the upgrades. -The upgraded MiG-29 aircraft can operate at night with night vision goggles and has a longer range due to air-to-air refuelling capability. -It has also been armed with lethal weaponry making use of the emergency procurement powers given to armed forces by the government. -Earlier in May, Indian Air Force (IAF) had grounded the entire fleet of MiG-21 fighter aircraft till the checks were carried out and investigations into the reasons behind the crash over Rajasthan where three people lost their lives in the crash when a MiG-21 Bison aircraft airborne from the Suratgarh air base crashed over Hanumangarh in a village on May 8. -Later in July, it was also reported that India will ground all its Soviet-era Russian fighter jets, the MiG-21, by 2025. -In the last 20 months, 6 MiG-21s have been lost in crashes in which five pilots have lost their lives. Once formed the backbone of the IAF fleet, the MiG-21 is a Soviet-era single-engine multirole fighter/ground attack aircraft. (With inputs from ANI) NEW DELHI: In a display of naval collaboration, two Indian naval ships, INS Visakhapatnam and INS Trikand, coordinated a bilateral Naval Maritime Partnership Exercise with the UAE Navy at Port Rashid, Dubai on August 8, the Ministry of Defence said. After two days of detailed planning, the two navies conducted the bilateral maritime partnership exercise, aimed to enhance the interoperability and synergy between the two navies by cross-training on tactics, techniques and procedures while developing stronger professional bonds. During his visit, Rear Admiral McCarty met Brigadier Abdullah Farj Al Mehairbi, the Deputy Commander of UAE Naval Forces at Abu Dhabi Naval Command. They agreed on increasing the interaction between the two navies in order to jointly tackle the common challenges of piracy, smuggling, human trafficking, enhance maritime security and undertake joint humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, should the need arise. The admiral also called on Sunjay Sudhir, the Ambassador of India to the UAE and updated him on the scope and conduct of the exercise and the road map of navy-to-navy cooperation between India and UAE. The ambassador highlighted that the presence of these two ships for the naval exercise is an indication of our growing defence relations with UAE guided by the comprehensive strategic partnership between our countries. INS Visakhapatnam, commanded by Captain Ashok Rao, is one of the largest operational destroyers in the Indian Navy and is a completely indigenous warship made by Mazagon Docks Limited. INS Trikand, commanded by Captain Pramod G Thomas, is an advanced stealth frigate commissioned in 2013. The ship is a contemporary warship with state-of-the-art technology incorporated in every facet of its design to make her stable, stealthier, fast and formidable. Google Doodle is celebrating Thailand's Mother's Day 2023 with a special illustration today. The day marks the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit and is an opportunity for Thais to express their deep love and appreciation for their mothers. Happy Mother's Day! Click todays Doodle to browse some animal family throwback pics with mom over the years!" the search giant wrote on the special occasion. Queen Sirikit is a symbol of motherhood and maternal care for all Thai people. The occasion is celebrated by decorating streets and marketplaces with colourful decorations and lights, while children across the country enjoy a special meal with their mothers and present them with jasmine garlands. Google Doodle cherished different aspects of the beautiful relationship of a mother with her children with the help of animal family throwback picks. These images are the testimony, that a mother's affection for her child is not just a human thing, but can also be seen in other creatures like elephants, snakes, birds, etc. The animated images of the throwback photos show fun and joy on the face of animals like a mother hen, octopus, and lion, an emotion that can be empathised by anyone seeing those images. Google Doodle is also celebrating the 95th birthday of South African activist Fatima Meer. Meer who was born on 12th August 1928 helped found many organizations that aimed at improving the quality of life in South Africa. She and the Mandela family were good friends, and Nelson trusted her writing so much that he asked her to write his first official biography, Higher than Hope (1990). Meer received the Vishwa Gurjari Award for Contribution to Human Rights in 1994 and The Order of Luthuli in Silver in 2017 as tributes to her memory and legacy. Meanwhile, the search giant is also celebrating the An Australian journalist who was detained in China in August 2020 on charges of espionage has written a letter back home describing her conditions in the Chinese prison. The letter which Cheng Lei calls a "love letter to 25 million people" was dictated to the consular staff during a visit and was released by Lei's partner, reported Reuters. Lei worked a business television anchor for Chinese state television before being arrested in August 2020 for allegedly sharing state secrets with a foreign country. The arrest came had come soon after former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison had called for an independent inquiry into the origins of coronavirus and the arrest of Lei was seen as a move by the Chinese regime to put pressure on Australia, reported Bloomberg. I miss the sweet encounters of wildlife in Australia, the seasalt whirling in my ear, the sand between my toes," the letter by Cheng Lei read. I miss the sun. In my cell, the sunlight shines through the window but I can stand in it for only 10 hours a year," Lei added. The former journalist closed the letter saying, Most of all I miss my children.". This is the first public statement by Lei since her arrest in 2020. Relations between Australia and China have warmed up since Anthony Albanese-led Labor government was elected to power in 2022. Chinese establishment has removed some of the punitive measures it had earlier introduced and it is speculated that the warmth in bilateral ties could result in Cheng's possible return to Australia. Australia PM Albanese could accept an offer to visit China later this year after the country removed restrictions on Australian Barley, reported Reuters. The Australian Prime Minister has also reacted to Cheng's statement saying her statement was very moving and shows her passion for her country of Australia. Albanese noted that the timing of his visit is not transactional but the issue of Cheng Lei's detention should be resolved. "I believe it is clearly the case that Cheng Lei, who now has had three years in detention, this issue should be resolved," Albanese said "Visits and engagement and dialogue should not be transactional. Visits and dialogue are something that in themselves are constructive." PM Albanese was quoted as saying by ABC News Australia. (With inputs from agencies) The UK announced additional funding to "tackle pro-Khalistan extremism on Friday amid growing security concerns. India has repeatedly urged UK to take action against extremist and radical elements - especially in the wake of attacks against the Indian High Commission in London earlier this year. The fund of around 1 crore was announced following a meeting between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and UK Security Minister Tom Tugendhat in Delhi. The 95,000 pound investment is intended to enhance the government's understanding of the threat posed by "pro-Khalistan extremism", complementing the joint work already underway between the UK and India through the joint-extremism task force. New Delhi has batted for the UK government to ensure security of its diplomatic premises and its personnel. "The issue of securityis an ongoing conversation that we have with the UK side, on steps that we feel that UK government and all host governments must take to protect our diplomatic premises, security of our personnel," MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said during a briefing. Tugendhat began a three-day visit to India on Thursday to bolster bilateral cooperation on security initiatives. He will also attend the third G20 Anti-Corruption Ministerial Meeting in Kolkata on Saturday. ALSO READ: Supply chain resilience, resource partnerships key for India-Latin America ties With Independence Day looming, Bagchi also touched upon threats by the pro-Khalistani elements in London. He however refused to comment on the newly announced fund, dubbing it an internal matter. "In the context of 15th August, we always have additional measures that we request. But in this case, in some cases, we have seen some threats, but I don't want to discuss security measures per seCertainly, we have been emphasising the need for the UK side to take action against extremist and radical elements, particularly those who are inciting violence and posing a security threat," Bagchi added. A deeper partnership between our two nations means we can more effectively tackle the security threats we both face. Im committed to working together to enhance our understanding of and capabilities against extremism, whatever form it takes," Tugendhat had said earlier in the day. (With inputs from agencies) Congress leader and former law minister Kapil Sibal, on Saturday, took to Twitter, to express his concern about the new bills introduced by Amit Shah in Lok Sabha on Friday. The bills aim to replace the existent British-era laws of Indian Penal Code, CrPC and Indian Evidence law. Kapil Sibal on his X, formerly known as Twitter, post flagged the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, which seeks to replace the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC). Sibal said that the bill allows the use of "draconian police powers for political ends". The former law minister further said the government's agenda behind bringing such laws is to "silence opponents". In an overhaul of criminal laws, the Centre on Friday introduced in Lok Sabha three bills to replace the IPC, Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) and Indian Evidence Act, proposing, among other things, repeal of the sedition law and introducing a new provision with a wider definition of the offence. Union Home Minister Amit Shah introduced the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Bill, 2023; Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) Bill, 2023 to replace the CrPC; and Bharatiya Sakshya (BS) Bill, 2023 that will replace the Indian Evidence Act. In a tweet, Rajya Sabha MP Sibal said, "Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (2023) (BNS) allows for using draconian police powers for political ends." "BNS: Allows for police custody from 15 up to 60 or 90 days. New offences for prosecuting persons who threaten the security of state (redefined). Agenda: To silence opponents," he said. The BNS Bill provides for several changes in the existing provisions including that of defamation and attempt to commit suicide and expands the scope of offences against women pertaining to sexual intercourse by employing "deceitful means". Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Saturday said the Centre should not brag about repealing the sedition law as it is currently using legislations, which are scarier than what the British brought, against its political opponents. President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday gave her nod to four bills for them to become law. The bills include the contentious Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, and the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, according to media report. Despite severe opposition the Delhi Ordinance Bill and the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill were passed in Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha by voice vote. The Monsoon Session of the Parliament concluded on Friday. The legislations that become operational are: The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023; The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Act, 2023; The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023; The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Act, 2023; The Indian Institutes of Management (Amendment) Act, 2023; The National Dental Commission Act, 2023 and The Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2023. The Delhi Ordinance Bill got President Murmu's nod to become law on Saturday, NDTV reported. The Delhi services bill that gives the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government the charge of the national capital's bureaucracy had received severe opposition from the INDIA bloc. The bill also overrules a Supreme Court decision that noted, after a eight year battle, that the elected Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal led government would take charge of the bureaucracy. Union Home Minister Amit Shah had defended the bill in the parliament and said the bill was necessary to curb the corruption of the Kejriwal government'. He had also cited the first prime minister of India Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and said that the latter was opposed to granting complete statehood to Delhi. Notably, opposition MPs had walked out of the parliament when the Delhi ordinance Bill was put to vote. The Bill was passed after a division in which 131 MPs voted in favour of the legislation and 102 against it. The second, the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill was passed in the Parliament amid loud sloganeering by the Opposition MPs over Manipur ethnic violence. The Bill includes a provision to impose up to 250 crore penalty for data breaches as it seeks to curb misuse of individuals' data by online platforms. The Opposition had stated that the bill would give the Prime Minster Narendra Modi-led central government the status of being surveillant. They also argued that the bill could have serious implication on the fundamental right to privacy of Indian residents. The third, the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Act enables digital birth certificates - thereby making it the only conclusive age proof and can be used as a single document for numerous purposes. This digital birth certificate will now be valid document for admission to educational institutions, for issuance of driving license, registration of marriage, and appointment to a government job. The fourth, the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act seeks to promote ease of business by decriminalising minor offences through amendments in 183 provisions of 42 Acts. The Act converts several fines to penalties, meaning that court prosecution is not necessary to administer punishments. It also removes imprisonment as a punishment for many offences, reported NDTV. Pakistan on Saturday chose a care-taker Prime Minister to take the troubled country through the upcoming elections. Anwaar-ul-haq Kakar, a little known first time senator from Baluchistan was granted the crown as the care-taker Prime Minister of Pakistan. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif dissolved the parliament last week as its five-year term came to an end. Usually, such a step is a formality and a general election would typically have to be held within 90 days. Kakar was confirmed by President Arif Alvi as the choice of the outgoing coalition government, led by Shehbaz Sharif, and opposition leader Raja Riaz Ahmad. Pakistan has been wracked by political and economic instability for months, with Imran Khan, the country's most popular politician in jail. Notably, Kakar 's constituency Baluchistan is the least populated and least developed province among the four but the largest in area. Here are ten things to know about Anwaar-ul-haq Kakar -Anwaar-ul-haq Kakar was chosen following a second round of meetings between incumbent Prime Minister Shabaz Sharif and opposition leader Raja Riaz. -Kakar is comparatively new in the political field. He has represented the Baluschistan province in the senate since 2018 as an independent candidate -Kakar co-launched a new political party Balochistan Awami Party (BAP). It has faced allegation of having support of The Establishment but they have denied any involvement in politics. -Kakar, 52, will lead Pakistan through to general and provincial elections due by November -Beside political activism, Kakar is also involved with various think-tanks formulating Pakistan's foreign policy. -Kakar is fluent in Pashto, Urdu, Persian, English, Balochi, and Brahvi. -Kakar also dons an academic hat. He is on the visiting faculty of Command and Staff College, Quetta and National Defence University, Islamabad where Kakar delivers lecture on International Relations. -Anwar ul Haq belongs to Kakar tribe of Pashtuns who are primarily scattered across Northern Balochistan. -Kakar is a little known first time senator in Pakistan -Political analyst Hasan Askari Rizvi told media outlet AFP that Kakar "has a limited political career and not much weight in Pakistani politics", but that could work in his favour. (With agency inputs) Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has arrived in Coimbatore and is all set to visit his parliamentary constituency Wayanad on Saturday for the first time after getting reinstated as a Lok Sabha MP. Rahul Gandhi's Lok Sabha membership was restored on 4 August after which he was free to attend Parliament sessions. Supreme Court had stayed Rahul Gandhi's conviction in defamation case linked to Modi surname remarks and subsequently his membership was restored. Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee Working President VT Siddique had confirmed on Tuesday that Rahul Gandhi will visit Kerala's Wayanad on 12 August. Speaking to ANI, Siddique said "Rahul Gandhi will be coming to Wayanad on August 12. We are going to arrange a warm reception for him and the preparations have already started. There is a district Congress Committee meeting tomorrow. Rahul Gandhi will be present for it on August 12 and 13". There will be a very warm welcome ever hand in the history of Wayanad for Rahul Gandhi," the Kerala Congress leader added. Will Rahul Gandhi get his Tughlaq Lane bungalow back? Rahul Gandhi has been re-alloted the 12, Tughlaq Lane bungalow, as per party sources quoted by ANI. Rahul Gandhi has got an official confirmation from the Estate office for the allotment of a bungalow to him as an MP in Delhi," ANI quoted Congress sources as saying. After Rahul Gandhi, was disqualified from Lok Sabha following his conviction in a defamation case, was asked to vacate the 12, Tughlaq Lane bungalow earlier in April this year. I have no problem even if it has been snatched away from me. This house was given to me by the people of India. I will stay with the former Congress president (Sonia Gandhi) at 10, Janpath for some time and then find some other way" Rahul Gandhi had said in April this year. According to the rules, a Member of Parliament is entitled to avail a bungalow without payment of charges to the supply of water upto 400kl per annum and electricity upto 50,000 units. The allotment of residence is made by the Accommodation Sub-Commitee of the House of Lok Sabha. The Perseid meteor shower will be seen on 12 August as the Earth passes through the dustiest debris of comet Swift-Tuttles trails. If youve got nice clear weather and a good dark sky, you go out just before dawn and youll see a Perseid per minute or so," said NASA meteor scientist Bill Cooke as reported quoted by Associated Press. As per NASA, the Perseid meteor shower will have the best view in the Northern Hemisphere. The Perseid meteor shower is often considered to be the best meteor shower of the year due to its high rates and pleasant late-summer temperatures, NASA states. As per NASA, the Perseid meteor shower is the only meteor shower to delay a Space Shuttle launch. Giving one such example, it said that in 1993, NASA STS-51 launch was delayed due to concerns about the Perseid meteor shower activity. An extremely heavy meteor shower was forecasted and as per NASA, a spacecraft in Earth orbit could be damaged by even a piece of the debris. What are the Perseids? The Perseids are one of the biggest meteor showers. It occurs every year in the late summer. Meteor showers happen when the Earth moves through fields of debris floating around in space. The Perseids come from comet Swift-Tuttle which is a big ball of ice and rock that sheds pieces of dusty debris as it orbits around the sun. When the earth passes by, those debris These captured in our atmosphere and ignite, producing the streaking lights. Because the meteors' courses seem to begin from this location in the sky, the Perseid meteor shower is named after the constellation Perseus. When and how to watch Perseid meteor shower? Bill Cooke, who leads NASAs Meteoroid Environment Office said, People in the US can reasonably expect to see around 40 Perseids in the hour just before dawn on the peak nights. Thats about one every couple of minutes, which is not bad." He added that this can be visible in the country side away from cities and suburbs. As NASA states, the brighter skies of suburban areas greatly reduce the rates, with 10 or fewer expected in an hour. The shower this year is already active, but the main event will be this weekend, when the shower reaches its peak from Saturday night into Sunday morning. Starting around 11 pm local time Saturday, a few meteors will start to show up, maybe one every 15 minutes, Cooke has estimated. Further adding, he said, "Theyll keep picking up the pace until before dawn on Sunday, when youll see meteors appear all over the place," he said. The Perseid meteor shower can be best seen in the Northern Hemisphere. For that, a clear sky, darkness is needed. (With inputs from Associated Press and NASA) More than two decades after Germany was famously called the sick man of the euro" by The Economist magazine, investors must wonder if the countrys industrial heart is once again critically weak. This week brought more dismal German economic data: Industrial production fell 1.5% in June from the previous month, worse than analysts expected. Though figures released on Friday showed a rise in exports, the volume of goods Germany sends abroad is still close to lows plumbed in the 2009 global financial crisis. German gross domestic product has clocked three quarters of negative or zero growth , making the country the worst performer among major eurozone nations since 2019. Previously it was the top performer. How long this slowcession" lasts is a crucial question for picking stocks in Europe. Despite the recent economic reversal, the DAX has been by far the best equity index in the eurozone over 20 years, returning almost 360%. By comparison, investing in long-stagnant Italy yielded a paltry 140% return. German industrial output has been in decline since 2018, when global vehicle sales fell for the first time in almost a decade. A postpandemic rebalancing of spending toward services has made the situation worse. Growth in China, the fourth-largest market for German exporters, has slowed. On Thursday, shares in Siemens the largest industrial firm in Europefell 5% after it cited these two factors as the cause of a fall in orders during the second quarter. Some of the grit that has gotten into the German economic machine might be hard to dislodge . Chinese carmakers have turned from partners into fierce competitors as Volkswagen , BMW and Mercedes-Benz play catch-up in electric-vehicle technology. It isnt just China that is seeking to substitute imports for domestic products; the Biden administration is copying Beijings playbook. There is also energy. At the same time as German industry has lost Russia as its main source of cheap gas, Berlin has closed the countrys last three nuclear power plants. Angst has gripped German officials and executives in an echo of worries voiced at the start of the millennium, when unemployment surged and globalization ravaged factories. Back then, the response was a policy package that prioritized international competitiveness, incentivizing the creation of low-pay minijobs." The government embraced fiscal austerity and nudged unions to push for wage restraint. The result was a 20-year decline in unemployment and a current-account surplus that reached an eye-watering 8% of GDP even as the U.S. ran huge deficits. Many economists praised German labor flexibility and fiscal austerity. Conversely, critics pointed out that surpluses made most households worse off, and that Germanys factory-job losses were just as large as Americas. Politics aside, it was largely a fortuitous jump in foreign demand that drove growth, allowing the nation to solidify gains in industries where it already had an advantage. Over the last 20 years, Germany always had an external sugar daddy: China, the eurozone and then the U.S.," said Carsten Brzeski , chief economist at ING. The flaw in this model was that it outsourced economic policy, leading to problematic dependencies on geopolitical rivals. It also fostered an excessive focus on old winners at the expense of new digital technologies and renewable energy. Bearish investors are right that it will take years to rectify these problems, particularly given the complexity of consensus-based German politics. Yet the German export-led model also got a lot right. As in China or South Korea, it channeled demand toward higher-productivity, higher-wage firms. Unlike in the U.S., German manufacturing became more complex. That allowed the countrys industrial base to survive better than in other Western countries. In a world where nations are scrambling to reshore industries, Germany already has them. The readiest answer to its growth challenge isnt to turn away from manufacturing but to double down by taking a page from Chinese and now U.S. industrial policy. The German government is already doing this with semiconductors as part of the European Chips Act. Back in June, it signed off on 10 billion euros (around $11 billion) in subsidies for American chip maker Intel to build two plants, and earlier this week it committed 5 billion to help Taiwans TSMC set up a factory with local partners like Infineon . A similar approach is needed to upgrade the countrys power generation and transmission and accelerate the transformation of carmakers and other industrial incumbents. Long-term energy guarantees could stem cost swings in the meantime. Given its political influence over the European Union, it seems hard to imagine that the blocs green-economy push could somehow leave Germany in a less dominant position . Historically, this is one patient that always leaves the hospital. Write to Jon Sindreu at jon.sindreu@wsj.com BYD, Chinas largest electric vehicle maker, has called on the countrys auto manufacturers to unite and demolish their Western rivals. The companys founder, Wang Chuanfu, made the declaration after BYD delivered its five millionth electric vehicle. He said that the time has come for Chinese brands to take the lead in the global electric vehicle market. Chuanfus comments have been seen as a challenge to Western car companies, which have been slow to invest in electric vehicles. He said that Chinese companies have a number of advantages over their Western counterparts, including government support, access to raw materials, and a large domestic market. Chinese brands have a real opportunity to become global leaders in the electric vehicle market, Chuanfu said. We need to unite and work together to achieve this goal. Chuanfus comments come at a time when the global electric vehicle market is growing rapidly. Sales of electric vehicles are expected to reach 20 million by 2025, and China is expected to be the largest market. Western car companies are facing increasing competition from Chinese electric vehicle makers. BYD is now the worlds top electric car maker, and other Chinese companies, such as Geely and NIO, are also making major investments in electric vehicles. Western car companies need to wake up to the threat from China, said Andy Palmer, former chief executive of Aston Martin. Chinese brands are well-funded, have government support, and are producing high-quality electric vehicles at a lower cost. Palmer said that Western car companies need to invest more in electric vehicles and develop their own battery technology. He also said that governments need to provide incentives for consumers to buy electric vehicles. The future of the automotive industry is electric, Palmer said. Western car companies need to act now or they will be left behind. The challenge from Chinas electric vehicle makers is a wake-up call for Western car companies. If they dont act soon, they could lose their dominance of the global automotive market. Shayne Heffernan Thailand is a Southeast Asian country with a population of over 70 million people. It is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary government. The capital city is Bangkok. Thailand has a long history of trade and commerce. It was a major trading hub in the region for centuries. In recent years, Thailand has become a major player in the global economy. It is a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the World Trade Organization (WTO). Thailand has a strong export-oriented economy. Its main exports are electronics, machinery, and automobiles. It is also a major exporter of agricultural products, such as rice, rubber, and sugar. Thailand has a growing middle class and a young population. This has led to increased consumption and investment. The country is also a major tourist destination. Thailand is a stable and relatively prosperous country. It has a low debt-to-GDP ratio and a positive current account balance. The government is committed to economic development and has implemented a number of reforms to improve the business environment. As a result of these factors, Thailand is seen as a rising economic powerhouse in Southeast Asia. It is well-positioned to take advantage of the growing global economy. Here are some of the specific ways in which Thailand is important to the global economy: Thailand is a major exporter of agricultural products. It is the worlds second-largest exporter of rice and a major exporter of rubber, sugar, and maize. It is the worlds second-largest exporter of rice and a major exporter of rubber, sugar, and maize. Thailand is a major producer of electronics. It is the worlds leading producer of hard disk drives and a major producer of computers, televisions, and mobile phones. It is the worlds leading producer of hard disk drives and a major producer of computers, televisions, and mobile phones. Thailand is a major tourist destination. It is the most visited country in Southeast Asia, with over 30 million tourists visiting each year. It is the most visited country in Southeast Asia, with over 30 million tourists visiting each year. Thailand is a major financial center. It is the second-largest stock exchange in Southeast Asia and a major center for foreign investment. Thailand is a key player in the global economy and is likely to continue to grow in importance in the years to come. Shayne Heffernan Thailand is indeed a nation of opportunities. It is a developing country with a growing economy, and it offers a number of advantages for businesses and individuals alike. Here are some of the reasons why Thailand is a nation of opportunities: A young and growing population: Thailand has a young population with a median age of 37 years old. This means that there is a large pool of potential workers available, and the country is well-positioned to benefit from demographic trends. Thailand has a young population with a median age of 37 years old. This means that there is a large pool of potential workers available, and the country is well-positioned to benefit from demographic trends. A growing economy: Thailands economy has been growing steadily for many years, and it is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. This growth is being driven by a number of factors, including tourism, manufacturing, and exports. Thailands economy has been growing steadily for many years, and it is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. This growth is being driven by a number of factors, including tourism, manufacturing, and exports. A favorable business environment: Thailand has a relatively favorable business environment, with low corporate taxes and a relatively stable political system. This makes it an attractive destination for businesses looking to expand into Asia. Thailand has a relatively favorable business environment, with low corporate taxes and a relatively stable political system. This makes it an attractive destination for businesses looking to expand into Asia. A strong tourism industry: Thailand is a popular tourist destination, and it is expected to remain so in the coming years. This provides opportunities for businesses in the tourism sector, such as hotels, restaurants, and tour operators. Thailand is a popular tourist destination, and it is expected to remain so in the coming years. This provides opportunities for businesses in the tourism sector, such as hotels, restaurants, and tour operators. A vibrant culture: Thailand has a rich and vibrant culture, which makes it an attractive place to live and work. There is a strong sense of community in Thailand, and the people are generally friendly and welcoming. Here are some specific examples of opportunities in Thailand: Tourism: Thailand is a popular tourist destination, and the tourism industry is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. This provides opportunities for businesses in the tourism sector, such as hotels, restaurants, and tour operators. Thailand is a popular tourist destination, and the tourism industry is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. This provides opportunities for businesses in the tourism sector, such as hotels, restaurants, and tour operators. Manufacturing: Thailand is a major manufacturing hub, and it is home to a number of multinational corporations. This provides opportunities for businesses in the manufacturing sector, such as electronics, textiles, and food processing. Thailand is a major manufacturing hub, and it is home to a number of multinational corporations. This provides opportunities for businesses in the manufacturing sector, such as electronics, textiles, and food processing. Agriculture: Thailand is a major agricultural producer, and it is the worlds leading exporter of rice. This provides opportunities for businesses in the agriculture sector, such as food processing, fertilizer production, and agricultural machinery. Thailand is a major agricultural producer, and it is the worlds leading exporter of rice. This provides opportunities for businesses in the agriculture sector, such as food processing, fertilizer production, and agricultural machinery. Education: Thailand is a rapidly growing economy, and there is a growing demand for skilled workers. This provides opportunities for businesses in the education sector, such as universities, language schools, and vocational training centers. Thailand is a rapidly growing economy, and there is a growing demand for skilled workers. This provides opportunities for businesses in the education sector, such as universities, language schools, and vocational training centers. Healthcare: Thailand has a strong healthcare system, and it is becoming a regional hub for medical tourism. This provides opportunities for businesses in the healthcare sector, such as hospitals, clinics, and medical tourism agencies. If you are looking for opportunities, Thailand is a great place to start. The country has a lot to offer businesses and individuals alike, and the opportunities are only going to grow in the coming years. Shayne Heffernan Chinas Ministry of Commerce (MOC) issued a report on the World Trade Organization (WTO) compliance of the United States for the first time on Friday. The report reviewed U.S. performance on following WTO rules, and expressed concerns over U.S. policy measures that undermine the multilateral trading rules, impose unilateral sanctions, manipulate double standards in industrial policies, and disturb global industrial and supply chains. The concerns cover 11 areas, including tariff and non-tariff barriers, industrial subsidies, agricultural subsidies, trade remedies, standards and technical regulations, trade in services and intellectual property rights. The United States has not only selectively implemented WTO rulings, but has also blocked appointments of new Appellate Body members, which led to the paralysis of the Appellate Body. The United States has a long history of taking unilateral measures against other members under the guise of so-called national security, human rights and forced technology transfer, and has also coerced others into abiding by its diplomatic policies and illegitimate demands, the report said. In addition, the United States has implemented exclusive and discriminatory subsidy policies, and has disrupted other countries industrial development through means like export control, the report added. It has instigated decoupling and fragmenting industrial and supply chains, tried to utilize unilateral tariff measures to force re-shoring of industrial chains, established U.S.-centered industrial and supply chains through massive subsidies, and promoted near-shoring and friend-shoring based on so-called values, the report said. As the worlds largest economy and an important founder and principal beneficiary of the multilateral trading system, the United States should have set a good example by abiding by the rules, honoring its commitments, and upholding the authority and efficacy of the multilateral trading system, according to the report. China will, as always, maintain close communication and cooperation with all parties, fully and deeply participate in the reform of the WTO, and work together to promote the multilateral trading system to play a bigger role in global economic governance, said the MOC. Shayne Heffernan If you do not have a current print subscription to the Lodi News-Sentinel, but want to view unlimited articles for the month, please choose this option. This year the Tullamore Show will be held on Sunday August 13 where the Forestry and Sustainable Living will be one of the major attractions. It will showcase all facets of Irelands rapidly developing farm forestry and renewable energy sectors. With hi-tech machines, and an array of outdoor exhibits, the Forestry and Energy section is not to be missed in Tullamore. Many Companies and Organisations will be present within the Forest & Energy section of the Tullamore show 2023. The Tullamore Show is Irelands largest agricultural one day event. With its location on an all-weather site, the show will provide a spectacular country living showcase with over 700 trade stands and displays. The Forest & Sustainable Living section is a dedicated section within the Show to promote and mainstream Forest & Energy with other Agricultural enterprises. The Forestry and Sustainable Living Section, with its wide range of attractions for all the family, has proven a major success in previous shows. As the private forest industry grows and develops, it is providing an ever increasing role in the provision of sustainable agriculture and combating climate change. The opportunities provided by a farm forestry enterprise to enhance family farm income particularly through new tree planting, afforestation, forestry thinning and wood energy will be highlighted at the Tullamore Show. Renewable energy is an important phrase these days. This year the show will be well served from many companies displaying solar panels, boiler systems and efficient firewood stoves among others. There is something here for all home owners. The Teagasc Forest Development Department stand will be within the Forest and Sustainable Living Section .Teagasc Forest advisers and researchers will be on hand to assist on all tree planting and forestry inquires. It is a great opportunity to avail of comprehensive and up to date information on forestry and renewable energy as well as picking up a free forestry information pack and there will be a competition for children and adults on the stand so please visit. The Teagasc Forestry Development Department invite all to share in this experience on August 13 A visit to the Forestry and Energy Section in Tullamore will provide an excellent opportunity to meet key players from the forestry sector. With all aspects of the forest industry covered in the Forest & Sustainable Living at the Tullamore Show 2019, this is an opportunity not to be missed to avail of free, comprehensive and up to date information on forestry and wood energy our growing sustainable natural resource. See you all on August 13! For further information please contact Liam Kelly, Teagasc Forestry Development Officer (087 9090495) or visit www.teagasc.ie/forestry Remember those serious Meltdown and Spectre CPU flaws from about five years ago? Well, Intels in hot water again with another serious vulnerability that affects years worth of processors. Known as Downfall, the vulnerability exploits a flaw in the AVX vector extensions of every Intel CPU from the Skylake generation onward until we get to the more recent 12th-gen Alder Lake processors. Macs with these processors started appearing in late 2015 with the 21.5-inch iMac, and just about every Intel-based Macdesktop or laptopsince that time is on the list of affected processors. Apple switched to its own chips in 2020 rather than using the newer 12th- and 13th-gen Intel processors (though those arent affected by the flaw anyway). What is Downfall? Researcher Daniel Moghimi, who discovered the flaw, created a microsite about it and described it this way: Downfall attacks target a critical weakness found in billions of modern processors used in personal and cloud computers. This vulnerability, identified as CVE-2022-40982, enables a user to access and steal data from other users who share the same computer. For instance, a malicious app obtained from an app store could use the Downfall attack to steal sensitive information like passwords, encryption keys, and private data such as banking details, personal emails, and messages. Similarly, in cloud computing environments, a malicious customer could exploit the Downfall vulnerability to steal data and credentials from other customers who share the same cloud computer. In short, the flaw exploits the way a particular Gather instruction (part of the vector instructions in these Intel processors) is executed to access data in RAM that the program shouldnt usually have any access to. PCWold has more info on this flaw. Thats bad. Real bad. The vulnerability was first revealed to Intel last summer, but only just now published in order to give Intel time to work on a fix. Intel has just begun releasing microcode for its processors to mitigate the issue, which users would get in the form of updates from their hardware vendors. The Intel Downfall logo. Downfall.page Are any Macs affected? At this point, its unclear whether Macs are affected. Nearly every Mac from the Skylake generation onward (starting in late 2015) that has an Intel CPU inside uses a processor that is on Intels list of affected products. If you have an Intel-based Mac from 2016 or later (or the iMac released in late 2015), your CPU is almost certainly affected. But Macs are sort of unique. Intel Macs used custom motherboards and firmware, some even have the T2 processor that manages a lot of stuff. It doesnt seem as though any of this would necessarily prevent an attack using the Downfall vulnerability, but its hard to know until we get confirmation from Apple. weve reached out for clarification and will update this article if someone responds. Its worth noting that the Skylake generation was the main impetus for Apple turning to its own silicon for the Mac, according to a 2020 interview with Ex-Intel principal engineer, Francois Piednoel. Piednoel claims that Apple quality assurance of Skylake was more than a problem, and Apple became the number one filer of problems in the architecture. So its very possible that Apple took extraordinary steps to mitigate any potential issues with the chip, such as this Downfall flaw. We can find no reference to CVE-2022-40982 on the Apple Security Releases site, but it was only just published, so even if there was a fix it wouldnt have referenced it by name or CVE ID. Odds are, if Intel is only just now releasing microcode to mitigate this problem, Apple has not yet incorporated it into a macOS update. Is there a fix? The latest version firmware update contains a new microcode located in platform flash designated by firmware interface table (FIT) entry point to mitigate the potential issues with the flaw. However, some users have reported significant performance issues, and Intel itself admits that Heavily optimized applications that rely on vectorization and gather instructions to achieve the highest performance may see an impact with the GDS mitigation update. To our knowledge, Apple hasnt applied the mitigation to any of its Intel Macs. What should you do next? If you have a Mac made in late 2015 or later, you might be affected, but theres not much to do but wait. Apple will push out a macOS update to update the processor microcode, if necessary, or implement any other necessary mitigations. If you have a Mac that uses Apple Silicon (an M1 or M2-based processor), you have nothing to worry about. When macOS Sonoma arrives in the fall, it will still support some Intel Macs, including the iMac from 2019 and 2020, the iMac Pro, the MacBook Air from 2018 and 2020, the MacBook Pro from 2018, 2019, and 2020, the 2019 Mac Pro, and the Mac Mini from 2018. Some older Intel Macs will also get periodic security updates. As always, its a good idea to only use software from trusted sources. That utility you downloaded from a website you never heard of before carries far more risk of malware than the latest release from a known entity like Microsoft or Google, or something from the Mac App Store. Macworld has several guides to help, including a guide on whether or not you need antivirus software, a list of Mac viruses, malware, and trojans, and if you want more protection, take a look at our roundup of the best Mac antivirus software. 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. China Coast Guard should behave in WPS, AFP warns China is now preaching calm and urging the Philippines to engage it in new discussions over issues in the West Philippine Sea after tensions were inflamed following a new water-cannon attack of its coast guard against local ships on a resupply mission to a PH military outpost at Ayungin Shoal. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who is currently touring Singapore and Malaysia, on Saturday said Manila should work with Beijing to seek an effective way to defuse tensions in the South China Sea, the official Xinhua news agency said on Saturday. In another report, diplomatic sources told CNN Philippines that China has taken note of the strong statements of Philippine officials after the water cannon incident near Ayungin Shoal last Aug. 5. Chinese officials also submitted a concept paper that indicates the internal understanding of the two countries in handling the WPS issue, the CNN report added. But the Armed Forces of the Philippines warned the China Coast Guard operating in the West Philippine Sea to behave and that Beijing would be blamed for all the consequences that would arise from hostile acts in the area. The Philippines is ready to defend its position should China resort to forcefully removing the BRP Sierra Madre moored at Ayungin Shoal, AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar said. He clarified that while such a scenario is purely speculative, the Philippine military of course, we will resist. Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela also said at the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City that if the AFP request them to provide escort, we will deploy vessels that will support the supply mission. Tarriela said PCG Commandant Admiral Artemio Abu is willing to deploy additional vessels to support the resupply mission, and if it need be to deploy a 97-meter vessel that would also be an option. China has repeatedly expressed its willingness to resolve differences with the Philippines through bilateral dialogue, hoping that Manila would abide by a consensus reached in the past, Xinhua reported Wang as saying. China said its position on Ayungin Shoal, or Second Thomas Shoal, remains clear and consistent. We urge the Philippines to stop unilateral actions pending any agreement, the CNN source added. Prof. Renato de Castro, a political analyst from De La Salle University, said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has raised the countrys preparations for the ongoing tensions in the WPS. Castro hailed the Presidents whole-of-nation approach in dealing with external threats, but to develop a stronger maritime capability, the administration should build up the AFP and PCG, and encourage more local shipbuilding. In the same forum in QC, another political analyst said the Philippines should pursue a peaceful way to resolve its territorial dispute with China. Dr. Froilan Calilung, University of Santo Tomas political science professor, said that with the current situation in the WPS, an actual shooting war might be imminent. The US, Canada, Japan, and Australiaall treaty allies of the Philippinesand the European Union have decried the event, restating their support for the 2016 arbitral ruling favoring the Philippines. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) is delighted to extend an exclusive invitation to customers seeking to dress up or personalize their Honda vehicles. Avail huge savings of up to 88% offered on select Honda Genuine Accessories until August 31, 2023. Customers can enjoy peace of mind and value for money as Honda Genuine Accessories have been carefully designed by a dedicated team of accessory engineers to ensure quality, durability, and functionality. Meticulously crafted, Honda Genuine Accessories seamlessly integrate with Honda vehicles, offering a harmonious fusion of style and performance. Designed to complement the vehicles structure and safety systems, Honda Genuine Accessories are fashioned from premium materials and have successfully passed Hondas global quality assurance standards. Interested customers may visit any of HCPIs 37 dealerships nationwide to know more about Honda Genuine Accessories. Customers may also check availability through HCPIs website www.hondaphil.com and Lazmall Flagship store. To provide its customers with better convenience and low maintenance cost throughout vehicle ownership, Honda is requiring only two periodic maintenance visits annually, or every 6 months or 10,000 kilometers, whichever comes first. Learn more about the maintenance schedule of your Honda, as well as the estimated cost of service visits, parts checking and replacement guide, and more at https://www.hondaphil.com/maintenance. Keep your vehicle in pristine condition! Know the recommended standard cost for your vehicles periodic maintenance through the recently launched Periodic Maintenance Cost Calculator at https://hondaphil.com/pm-cost-calculator. Head to www.hondaphil.com or visit the nearest Honda Cars dealership to know more about the Honda Genuine Accessories, and all the latest offers from Honda. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Innovative Ways Companies Attract and Retain Customers in the Digital Age In today's fast-paced and highly competitive digital world, companies across various sectors must continually evolve and adopt innovative strategies to attract and retain their customers. By leveraging technology, embracing new techniques, and understanding consumer behaviour, these businesses can engage diverse audiences, drive sales, and foster brand loyalty. In this article, we will delve deeper into several unique methods employed by different industries, providing an expansive analysis of personalisation, gamification, customer support, social media marketing, content marketing, and experiential marketing, along with numerous examples demonstrating their effectiveness in real-world scenarios. Personalisation and Customisation The use of data-driven techniques for personalising marketing efforts and customer experiences has exploded in recent years. By tracking consumer preferences through analytics and algorithms, businesses can create tailored offers and recommendations, leading to increased satisfaction and higher conversion rates. Offering customisable products that cater to individual needs also makes customers feel valued and unique. Besides Amazon and Netflix, other companies such as Spotify and Stitch Fix have also embraced personalisation in e-commerce. By analysing users' listening habits and song preferences, Spotify curates personalised playlists that cater to each listener's tastes. In the case of Stitch Fix, the company uses customer preferences, style quizzes, and feedback to customise clothing subscription boxes tailored to each client's style and needs. Personalisation in E-Commerce Companies like Amazon use browsing and buying patterns to present relevant product recommendations that contribute to customer satisfaction and encourage repeat visits. Another example is Netflix, whose personalised recommendations encourage viewers to spend more time watching content, thereby increasing loyalty to the platform. Customisable Products Nike is well-known for offering customisable shoe designs, strengthening the feeling of individuality and brand connection. Similarly, companies like Coca-Cola have experimented with personalisation, such as their "Share a Coke" campaign, featuring people's names on labels, which resonated with customers and increased sales. Another example of companies offering customisable products is Apple, allowing customers to engrave personalised messages on devices such as iPads and iPods. Similarly, Etsy has built a marketplace where independent creators provide tailor-made and customised items, catering to customers looking for unique and personalised products. Gamification Techniques Gamification has transformed mundane tasks into enjoyable and engaging experiences, driving users to invest time in a company's platform or application. Many businesses, ranging from fitness apps to employee training programs and e-commerce platforms, incorporate game-like elements to enhance user engagement and improve brand loyalty. Fitness App Gamification Fitness apps like Fitbit and MyFitnessPal use reward systems, challenges, and social competition to motivate users to achieve fitness goals. Duolingo, a language learning app, also relies on gamification to encourage users to complete lessons and maintain their learning streaks. Cashback Bonuses in the iGaming Industry The popular Cashback bonus is a prime example of a gamification technique employed by online gambling companies. This type of incentive rewards players with a percentage of their losses as cashback, encouraging continued play on the platform. One such website providing valuable information about cashback bonuses in the Australian online gambling scene offers detailed insights, empowering potential players to make informed decisions about choosing the right platform. Besides online gambling, cashback bonuses have also been implemented in other sectors, such as credit cards and retail shopping, for customer retention. Rakuten, a renowned shopping platform, offers cashback to shoppers on various partner sites, thus maintaining customer loyalty and enticing users to continue shopping through their platform to maximise rewards. Social Media and Influencer Marketing Leveraging social media and influencers has proven effective in reaching large, targeted audiences. By partnering with influencers resonating with their target demographic, businesses create authentic and relatable content that fosters trust and brand recognition. Influencer Collaborations Working with influencers, brands such as Glossier and Daniel Wellington have amassed a dedicated following and established a strong online presence. Through influencer partnerships and user-generated content, these brands have inspired a community that actively engages and advocates for their products. Morphe Cosmetics has also capitalised on influencer marketing by partnering with prominent beauty influencers like James Charles and Jaclyn Hill to create exclusive makeup collections. These collaborations have helped the brand reach a larger audience and establish itself as a major player in the beauty industry. Utilising Social Media Platforms Other fast-food chains like Taco Bell and Burger King have followed Wendy's example in utilising social media platforms, especially Twitter, to develop a unique, witty, and relatable online presence. Engaging with their audience through clever retweets and replies increases brand visibility and credibility among consumers. Exceptional Customer Support Top-notch customer support is crucial for retaining customers and building brand loyalty. Many successful companies invest in various support channels, such as live chat, social media, and dedicated hotlines, to ensure that every customer can find a convenient method of communication. These efforts demonstrate a company's commitment to addressing customer concerns proactively. Embracing Omni-Channel Support Zappos and Apple have set a high standard when it comes to customer support by offering seamless omni-channel experiences. Online retailers like ASOS have also focused on providing customer assistance through multiple channels, such as email, live chat, and social media, ensuring that customers receive prompt and efficient support. Companies like Warby Parker, an online eyewear retailer, provide omni-channel support by offering a seamless transition from online to offline services. Customers can try on glasses virtually using AR technologies, and then visit a brick-and-mortar store for an in-person fitting and purchase if needed, demonstrating a commitment to customer satisfaction. Proactive Support and Customer Success ConvertKit, an email marketing platform, places significant emphasis on customer success by providing extensive resources such as blogs, webinars, and live workshops aimed at helping customers improve their business processes. Ensuring user success not only fosters customer loyalty but also positively impacts the company's reputation and client retention rate. Content Marketing Creating high-quality, engaging content allows businesses to showcase expertise and connect with their target audience. By providing valuable information, companies can establish themselves as industry authorities, driving traffic to their digital platforms and building long-lasting relationships with potential customers. Blogging and Long-Form Content Companies like HubSpot and Moz have excelled in providing informative, well-researched articles and long-form content that educate and engage their readers. This approach has helped establish them as thought leaders in their respective industries, attracting and retaining customers. Another example of companies excelling in content marketing is Backlinko, an SEO consultancy firm. The company shares in-depth guides and case studies on digital marketing and SEO, attracting a loyal following of readers and clients that look for evidence-based approaches and strategies. Podcasts and Webinars TED Talks have extended their reach beyond the stage by launching podcasts and webinars that dive deeper into various topics, showcasing thought leaders and fostering public discussion. These audio-visual formats complement TED's primary content, drawing in new audiences while keeping existing followers engaged. Experiential Marketing Providing immersive experiences that connect customers with brands on a personal level is another innovative way to attract and retain brand loyalty. By developing memorable interactions, companies can create emotional bonds with their audience, resulting in long-lasting relationships. Pop-Up Shops and Events Brands such as Glossier and IKEA often host pop-up shops and interactive events, allowing customers to experience their products and services firsthand in engaging, innovative settings. These experiences leave lasting impressions, driving brand recognition and loyalty. The Museum of Ice Cream is an excellent example of experiential marketing. Its interactive installations, such as a sprinkle pool and edible exhibits, provide a memorable and playful experience that goes beyond a simple marketing campaign, thereby generating significant social media buzz and word-of-mouth promotion. Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality Companies like Google have started integrating AR into their search results, enabling users to visualise three-dimensional models of objects like animals and furniture items in their surroundings. This enhancement to search results offers greater relevancy and usefulness to users and can increase customer engagement with Google's services. Embracing Innovation for Customer Engagement and Loyalty In conclusion, staying ahead in the ever-changing digital landscape requires constant adaptation and innovation from companies to attract and retain customers effectively. By embracing and implementing various strategies such as personalisation, gamification, exceptional customer service, social media marketing, content marketing, and experiential marketing, businesses can set themselves apart from their competitors, create robust brand identities, and foster strong, lasting relationships with their customers. Adapting to the shifting digital terrain and prioritising customer-centred approaches will undoubtedly prove vital in ensuring the long-term success and prosperity of contemporary businesses. By Sumeet Manhas 2023 Copyright Sumeet Manhas - All Rights Reserved Disclaimer: The above is a matter of opinion provided for general information purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. Information and analysis above are derived from sources and utilising methods believed to be reliable, but we cannot accept responsibility for any losses you may incur as a result of this analysis. Individuals should consult with their personal financial advisors. 2005-2022 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication. Local businesses parked along the main path of the Bolton Fair, but one smaller booth featured different offerings of one particular insects work: honey. Run by John and Nancy Thomas from North Brookfield, the table for Hens & Hives Farm provided fairgoers with a diverse sampling of honey, some including honeycombs while small cups held creamed honey. Thomas and Nancy said there was previously a beekeeper at the fair but following a vacancy, they were asked to attend. Thomas said this was their seventh or eighth year at the Bolton Fair. The Bolton Fair opens to visitors on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023. Ryan Mancini, MassLive. Its interesting from this end of the table how little they know about bees, Thomas said. Some people think these are bumblebees, some people think theyre yellowjackets and some people dont know theres a difference. But this is good because this is a give-and-take if they cant ask questions, and we have pamphlets we hand out. The beekeeping business runs in the family, Thomas added. Read more: How to get discount tickets to 2023 Bolton Fair Ive always liked bees, he said. Two of my uncles on different sides of my family have bees. When I was a little kid, I was impressed. The Bolton Fair opens to visitors on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023. Ryan Mancini, MassLive. The craft carries on through his work with Nancy. Thomas said all of his local honey is made in Massachusetts, with bees foraging within a three-mile radius. This leads to various flavors of honey, from the simpler, traditional honey to honey made from nectar from Buckwheat, giving it a brown, molasses appearance. The Bolton Fair opens to visitors on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023. Ryan Mancini, MassLive. They also offer honey made from nectar found in orange blossoms. The sweet taste is not offensive, but pleasant. The couple uses raw honey. According to their website, it doesnt spoil and it doesnt need to be pasteurized, is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral and contains these natural enzymes that are also essential for human digestion. The Bolton Fair opens to visitors on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023. Ryan Mancini, MassLive. Honey is precious indeed, their website goes on to say. The bees manage to make a surplus of honey, more than what they need to survive the winter. It is this surplus that we harvest while making sure that each colony has ample supplies until the next spring. For all the time they are around bees, stings are inevitable. Thomas said they get stung frequently but have not developed any allergies. I used to be scared to death of bees, Nancy laughed. But (making honey has) helped. To learn more about Hens & Hives Farms, visit their website at the link here. From coming face-to-face with an elephant to a lion and its cubs, and all the creatures in-between, Xtina Parks eye for Africas wildlife is commemorated in the release of a new book, ROAM. Parks is an American photographer, filmmaker, conservationist, and founder of ROAM A Xtina Parks Gallery in Williamstown, whose work has been showcased worldwide. After standing tall along Route 2 in Charlemont for the last 49 years, a large statue of a Native American known as Big Indian is moving onto new pastures. Owners of the Hi-Way Cafe and Western Motel, Alan and Beth Hilburn, announced on Facebook that the giant Native American statute is bound for their establishment in Vinita, Oklahoma, after nearly five decades outside of the Native and Himalayan Views souvenir shop. The move follows years of discussions between the stores ownership, the local Native American community and the Charlemont Historical Commission over its portrayal of racial stereotypes, according to The Greenfield Recorder. The statue will find its new home outside of the restaurant along Route 66 in Oklahoma. Bob Pollack, a representative for Native and Himalayan Views, could not be reached by phone on Saturday. A petition from September 22, 2022, circulated online seeking to remove Big Indian from outside of Native and Himalayan Views. The caricature images found at Native and Himalayan Views continue to invisibilize hundreds of sovereign Nations and cultures and glorify the settler colonial action of westward expansion and manifest destiny as a way to dehumanize and erase Indigenous Peoples, wrote Thomantha Sylvester, who started the petition. Native People need to regain control over the representation of our own identities. The petition gathered 1,336 signatures. The owners of Hi-Way Cafe described how much the statue means to them in their announcement. As a proud Delaware and Cherokee tribal member it is an incredible honor to be able to bring him to Oklahoma where he can call the Western Motel and Hi-Way Cafe home, the statement read. The statues origins trace back to the 1960s and 70s when a Pennsylvania sculptor named Rodman Shutt crafted large statues coined as muffler men. They were intended to be roadside attractions for businesses and were made of fiberglass. Some reached as tall as 25 feet. The owners of the Hi-Way Cafe had a message for Massachusetts residents who were fond of Big Indian. We know you have grown up bringing your families to visit the Big Indian. Our hope is that you will continue to do that by visiting him in northeastern Oklahoma, the cafe owners wrote. It was the end of a shopping era for many in Massachusetts. Many families who visited Cape Cod ended up stopping at the thatched-roof Christmas Tree Shops and its nearby windmill just after crossing the Cape Cod Canal on the Sagamore Bridge. It was a rite of passage. Saturday, that era ended with the closing of the remaining Christmas Trees Shops chain of retail stores nationwide. With everything in the store for sale and marked down 50 to 90 percent off, surely crowds of rabid shoppers would push their way into the front doors as they opened, grabbing and fighting over the last remnants of what little merchandise remained. Or, not so much. Lauren Judson, of Longmeadow, was the first to arrive at the last day of sales at the Holyoke Crossing location. She pulled in at about 8:25 a.m., 35 minutes before the store opened. Im surprised I am the only person here right now, she said, scanning the empty parking lot. I came early because you never know if you are going to find a long line. Judson said she agreed to buy a particular item for her mother. My mother really wanted something that doesnt get marked down until today and shes away, she said. Plus, I am curious to see what is left. According to employees, a liquidation company has had control of the Christmas Tree Shops for the past six weeks or so. The companys management declined to speak with The Republican. Lymaris Torres and her son, Yevian, arrived looking for a bargain. We are here shopping for the stuff thats going for really cheap, Yevian spoke for his mom. She really liked shopping at the Christmas Tree Shops, Yevian said. Most of our furniture came from here, he said. Kristen Oliveira drove out from Ludlow to shop on the last day. She was not a habitual customer but remembers shopping with her family. I have a lot of memories of the shop when it was inside the mall, and shopping with my mother and grandmother when I was younger, she said. So, I just had to come out for the last day. The original Christmas Trees Shops location in Holyoke was in the nearby Holyoke Mall. However, in 2003, the former Bed Bath and Beyond retail chain bought out the founding family. With Bed Bath and Beyonds demise and the closure of its store in the Holyoke Crossing plaza, the company moved the Christmas Tree Shops there. The original shop on Route 6A in Cape Cod was closed in 2007. In 2020 Bed, Bath and Beyond sold the Christmas Tree Shops to Handil Holding, a private company. The new owners tried to change the branding of the Christmas Trees Shops by rechristening the chain as CTS. In May 2023, following the collapse of its former parent company, Bed, Bath and Beyond, CTS filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to restructure. However, after a loan payment was missed, the company changed its bankruptcy to Chapter 7 and began liquidating. Pat Obuchowski and her husband Anthony drove from Chicopee just to see what was left in the store. I shopped here regularly, Pat said, and since this is the last day, we thought we would see what they had left. I loved the Christmas Trees shops. I will really miss it. Doreen and Dave Langevin, of Easthampton, pulled into the parking lot just after 9 a.m. They came to see if there were any bargains. I bought all my decorations here, Doreen said. Dave reflected that this closure may be the beginning of a downturn. This is the sign of the times, he said. It is just going to get worse. Elena and Damian Martinez stumbled on the Christmas Tree Shops closing after they stopped at the nearby Petco for dog food. I didnt know it was the last day, Elena said. We were just coming to buy dog food and we wondered if it was still here. Whats left in there? Not a lot, actually. Katharine Pacella and James Benson took advantage of the lack of merchandise and bought fixtures from the store, plastic shipping pallets to be specific. We are going to use them to make a ground-level deck, Katharine said. I dont know if I can talk about this without crying, Denise Deslaurier said when asked about the shops last day. I have been coming here since I was a little kid and then I worked here stocking on one of the first overnight crews. And, whenever we went to Cape Cod we would always go to the Christmas Trees Shops. I have been shopping here since I was a child. Deslaurier said the familiar began to fade away during the COVID pandemic. What she remembered of the Christmas Tree Shops wasnt there anymore. After COVID it wasnt the same when they moved here (to Holyoke Crossing). They switched owners and they couldnt buy anything. We didnt stop coming but we didnt see as much as we used to see. They used to have a lot of different things from different places, very unique crafty things from the past. But they didnt have it anymore. A Massachusetts man has pleaded guilty to sending threats two years ago to Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs when she was the secretary of state, the U.S. Justice Department said Friday. James Clark, 38, entered a guilty plea to one count of sending a communication containing a bomb threat to an election official, according to a news release. The FBI arrested Clark last year over online threats he made in February 2021. According to prosecutors, Clark, of Falmouth, Massachusetts, sent a message through an online form maintained by the Secretary of States election department. He warned Hobbs she had to resign by Tuesday Feb. 16 by 9 a.m. or the explosive device impacted in her personal space will be detonated. He also was accused of doing Internet searches of Hobbs name with phrases like how to kill and address. Clarks threat was one of countless threats made against Hobbs for her role in certifying the 2020 presidential election, which then-Republican President Donald Trump contended without evidence was stolen. Democrat Joe Biden was declared the winner in Arizona. Clark will be sentenced on Oct. 26. He faces up to five years in prison. The Justice Department says this case is an example of sweeping efforts by an election threats task force. An Indiana man appeared in federal court on Friday for an indictment in connection with a telephone threat made to a municipal clerk in Michigan following the 2020 presidential election. In a statement, Attorney General Merrick Garland said Americans who run the voting system should not fear doing their jobs. As this case demonstrates, the Justice Department is investigating and prosecuting violations of federal law against election officials and election workers, Garland said. Parents are potentially harming their children's health by not signing them up to receive the HPV vaccine, which protects against cancer in both males and females. That is the opinion of Martin Clynes, Emeritus Professor of Biotechnology in Dublin City University, who has spent his life researching cancer cells and how they develop in the body. The HPV vaccine is currently available free of charge to all second level students to protect against cervical cancer in women as well as other cancers. The free school-based vaccination programme started in 2010 but uptake of the vaccine slowed around 2016 when some parents established lobby groups because of concerns raised about the vaccine's safety. The current uptake is at 76 percent for the first dose and 65 percent for the second dose. Last year the scheme was extended to women under 25 years of age following a campaign from Bernie and Larry Brennan, parents of the late Laura Brennan who campaigned for higher uptake of the HPV vaccine before her death from cervical cancer in 2019, aged 26. Despite the European Medicines Agency (EMA) dismissing any long-term effects caused by the vaccine, Prof Clynes believes that the uptake is not as good as it should be. Speaking to The Mayo News ahead of a talk he gave on cancer as part of the Feile Chill Damhnait festival on Achill last Wednesday evening, Prof Clynes said parents should get their children to take the vaccine. Scare stories I think the cervical vaccine has been very safe and you are not doing any service to your children by not signing up. There have been irrational scare stories that it caused debilitating diseases in certain children but statistically that did not hold up. In general it is very safe and in general the basis of objections havent been well based. Usually by the time they get to Ireland the vaccines have been very well tested, he said. Prof Clynes explained the treatment for cervical cancer is not as advanced as other cancers and the benefits of having the vaccine in both girls and boys outweigh any risks. It is protective against cervical cancer and the earlier they get immunisation the better so their early teens is ideal. The same virus is involved in mouth cancer in men and immunisation of boys at the same age is a good idea to protect them and to protect their sexual partners. I don't think the uptake has been great in boys and you don't hear much about it. Certainly cervical cancer is not pleasant and it would not be as advanced as breast cancer for having specific treatments. Generally with a vaccine it occurs on a phased basis with the first vaccination and then boosters. There is always a small number of people who react badly but it is the same who have a terrible reaction to a bee sting. Most of us would be okay but if a child is like that you get a warning with the first vaccination and it would be reasonable not to proceed, he said. MORE - See an in depth interview with Professor Clynes in this week's Mayo News on page 17. THE tales, triumphs and tragedies of one of Mayos most famous and historic families has been recalled in a newly-launched book. The Irish Merchant of Alicante by Kilkelly native Michael Gerard recalls the history of the Moores of Moorehall, who once a magnificent estate by the shores of Lough Carra. As well as being one of the wealthiest families in Connacht, the Moores made an enormous contribution to Irish social, literary and political life over the course of 200 years. The book derives its name from George Moore, a Catholic descendant of the landed English gentry who fled to Spain during the Penal Laws, where he made his fortune as a wine merchant. Moore built his renowned family home, Moorehall House, on Muckloon Hill by Lough Carra in 1795. The house and surrounding land was later sold to Coillte and is now owned by Mayo County Council. Michael Gerards book recalls the familys history from his extensive research into the family, as well using dialogue among real-life characters in the book. These include John Moore, who fought the British alongside General Humbert before being proclaimed the first President of Connacht in 1798. His brother George Henry Moore provided desperately needed food for his starving tenants during The Great Famine, while George Augusts Moore distinguished himself as one of the greatest authors of his time. Colonel Senator Maurice Moore was a former British solider who turned to the cause of Irish freedom after being 'disgusted' by the actions of his fellow soldiers during the Boer War. Also included are historical figures such as Katherine de Kilkelly and Louisa Browne, whose rivalry is a central focus in the book. 'A national treasure' MICHAEL Gerard, who has spent 38 years living in South Carolina, said he was inspired to write the book after a chance visit to Moorehall which 'struck a chord' with him. "I was enchanted from the moment we went there. I thought this was very interesting," said Michael, who described Moorehall as 'a national treasure'. "The Moore family deserve a huge amount of credit for all they've done for Ireland and all they've done for this are. My fervent hope for this book is it will inspire enough interest among the ordinary people and among the politicians and the powers-that-be that Moorehall will have more money spent on it, be upgraded and restored at least partially so it can be enjoyed more by the people, because it is a national treasure, not just a Mayo treasure." Author Michael Gerard pictured speaking at the launch of his latest book 'The Irish Merchant of Alicante' Cllr Al McDonnell, Cathaoirleach of Castlebar Municipal District and a life-long resident of Moorehall, described the book as 'a most magnificent publication'. Cllr McDonnell officially launched the book at a well-attended event at CJs Ranch in Claremorris on Thursday. "This book encompasses all that's relevant about the Moores. It is the most comprehensive account of the Moore history and of Moorehall ever written," said Cllr McDonnell. "It is one of the best books I have read for a long, long time," the Fianna Fail councillor added. McEwen Mining Inc. reported an adjusted net loss of $13 million, or 27 cents per share, and a consolidated net loss of $21.6 million in the second quarter, citing lower grades and recovery times at the Gold Bar Mine in Nevada that are expected to improve in the second half of the year. The outlook for the second half of the year is significantly better, Rob McEwen, chairman and chief owner of Toronto-based McEwen Mining, said in the second-quarter earnings call. He said in the report that this year started with operational challenges at both Gold Bar and San Jose. San Jose appears to have turned the corner, and we are confident that the plan in place for Gold Bar will do the same. The adjusted loss measuring the companys 100% owned precious metals business, compares with an adjusted net adjusted loss of $1.9 million, or 4 cents per share, in the second quarter of last year, and McEwen Mining stated the consolidated loss of $21.6 million, or 46 cents per share, compared with a loss of $12.5 million, or 26 cents per share in the 2022 quarter. The consolidated loss was driven by an investment of $28.5 million in the Los Azules copper project in Argentina to complete the drilling program and publish an updated preliminary economic assessment, according to the earnings report. The story of Los Azules keeps getting better and better, McEwen said. With strong financing, an updated preliminary economic assessment showing robust economics, unparalleled partners in Rio Tinto (through Nuton) and Stellantis, and potentially game-changing copper leaching technology, we could see Los Azules provide a model for how the mine of the future should look. The preliminary economic assessment shows a mineral resource estimate of 10.9 billion pounds of copper, with the potential for an average annual rate of copper cathode production of 401 million pounds during the first five years of operation and 322 million pounds a year over the 27-year mine life. Our biggest single asset with the greatest near-term potential to increase our share value is our 52% owned subsidiary McEwen Copper, McEwen said. McEwen Mining owns 52% of McEwen Copper Inc., which holds a 100% interest in Los Azules and the Elder Creek exploration project in Nevada. McEwen Mining stated that six exploration drill holes have been completed at the Elder Creek Project operated by Kennecott Exploration Co., a subsidiary of Rio Tinto. Kennecott has the option to earn a 60% interest in Elder Creek from McEwen Mining by investing $18 million over a maximum of seven years. Operating mines that include the Fox Complex in Canada, San Jose in Argentina and Gold Bar produced 28,700 ounces of gold and 571,210 ounces of silver in the second quarter, or 35,700 gold equivalent ounces. They produced 27,600 ounces of gold and 704,600 ounces of silver in the 2022 quarter. Gold Bar produced 7,900 gold equivalent ounces in the quarter, up from 5,100 ounces in the 2022 quarter, and McEwen Mining stated that despite historic difficulties at the mine in Eureka County, it is confident in the plan to ramp up gold production. The ramp-up would lower costs and increase profitability. Gold Bar will mine 25% higher grades in the second half of the year by prioritizing from the Pick open pit, which also allows for a 33% lower strip ratio and faster leaching recoveries, according to the earnings report. Based on the plan, McEwen expects Gold Bar to meet its production guidance of 42,000 to 48,000 gold equivalent ounces this year. Two drills will be active in the second half of the year, with one drill outside the mining area testing the Wall Fault, which the company said it believes is a primary feeder fault for mineralization at Gold Bar. Chief Operating Officer William Shaver said in the earnings call that the goal of the exploration drilling at Gold Bar is two or three-fold. First, were drilling the perimeters for ore that will be mined in the relatively near future next year or the year after. The second part is finding more ore we can mine in the future. He said the company also is trying to better understand strip ratios and separate any carbonaceous ore from oxide ore. Additionally, Shaver said that deeper drilling is kind of exploring for perhaps some elephants similar to properties north of us, referring to Nevada Gold Mines Cortez gold mine and gold projects in Lander and Eureka County. He also said recent drilling at the closed Atlas Mine owned by McEwen didnt turn out as positive as we hoped. The all-in sustaining costs at Gold Bar in the second quarter were $2,585 per ounce, compared with $2,108 per ounce in the 2022 quarter, and McEwen said the higher costs during the 2023 quarter included additional costs associated with expansion of the heap leach pad that is expected to be completed in the third quarter. The Fox Complex produced 10,400 gold equivalent ounces in the second quarter, down from 11,200 ounces in the 2022 quarter, and the San Jose Mine produced 10,500 ounces of gold and 569,740 ounces of silver for McEwens 49% share, compared with 11,100 ounces of gold and 704,600 ounces of silver in last years quarter. McEwen reported that the team at San Jose has been quick to respond to difficulties in the first quarter that resulted in an increase in production and lower costs. The mine is expected to produce 66,000 to 74,000 gold equivalent ounces for McEwens share. Tourists ride a Hop-on Hop-off cruise boat along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. (Photo: AFP/VNA) Thai deputy government spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has streamlined the application for a tourist visa, decreasing the number of supporting documents and processing time to seven working days from 14. Ratchada said that inbound foreign tourists to the Southeast Asian country increased as expected, even during the off-season, as the Thai government attaches importance to the facilitation of tourists and promotional activities. According to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Thailand welcomed 15.89 million tourist arrivals from January to early August, earning over 663 billion baht (about 18.92 billion USD) in revenue from foreign visitors. The country is on course to meet the whole-year foreign tourist target of 25 million, according to the ministry, compared with 11.15 million in 2022. Tourism a key driver of Thailand's economic growth accounts for about 12% of the country's GDP./. Vietnams exports to the North European markets during the 2020-2022 period grow 14.7% each year. (Photo: VNA) Through the EVFTA, which has been put in place since August 1, 2020, Vietnam has also stepped up on-spot export, the official told the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)s correspondents in Europe. Given global economic uncertainties, the trade deal has helped ease adverse impacts on the national economy, she said, noting that it will, fore sure, prove effective in the long term. Thuy cited statistics from Northern European countries showing Vietnams exports to the markets during the 2020-2022 period grew 14.7% each year. However, she said, the revenue has yet to meet expectations as the countries import goods from Vietnam through others in Europe like Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, France and Poland. The official suggested Vietnamese firms observe rules of origin and other stringent environmental and technical regulations if they want to benefit from tax incentives and gain a firm foothold in Northern Europe and the EU at large. She also pointed out that there have been no direct flights, and cooperation in seaports and airports between Vietnam and North European countries yet, which has hindered their trading. Danish toy maker LEGO invests over 1.3 billion USD to build a factory in Vietnam last year. (Photo: VNA) According to the trade counselor, Vietnam is attractive to enterprises in the EU and Northern Europe thanks to its large market of 100 million people, growing middle class and young workforce, along with the governments strong commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Businesses from Northern Europe have begun to show interest in investing in Vietnam, with Denmark emerging as a new investor, she said, taking the example of Danish toy maker LEGO that invested over 1.3 billion USD to build a factory in the Southeast Asian nation last year. Besides, the enterprises are tending to relocate to Vietnam to optimise incentives from the EVFTA when they conduct exports to the EU, the official added. Thuy affirmed that the Vietnamese Trade Office in Sweden and Northern Europe always accompany businesses, helping them bring into full play opportunities generated by the deal./. WASHINGTON -- After nearly three weeks of appealing to the United States and other allies for help restoring Nigers president to power, friends and supporters of the democratically elected leader are making a simpler plea: Save his life. President Mohamed Bazoum, leader of the last remaining Western-allied democracy across a vast stretch of Africas Sahara and Sahel, sits confined with his family in an unlit basement of his presidential compound, cut off from resupplies of food and from electricity and cooking gas by the junta that overthrew him, Niger's ambassador to the United States told The Associated Press. They are killing him, said the ambassador, Mamadou Kiari Liman-Tinguiri, a close associate who maintains daily calls with the detained leader. The two have been colleagues for three decades, since the now 63-year-old president was a young philosophy instructor, a teachers union leader, and a democracy advocate noted for his eloquence. The plan of the head of the junta is to starve him to death," Liman-Tinguiri told the AP in one of his first interviews since mutinous troops allegedly cut off food deliveries to the president, his wife and his 20-year-old son almost a week ago. This is inhuman, and the world should not tolerate that, the ambassador said. It cannot be tolerated in 2023. On Saturday, the presidents captors allowed a doctor to visit the family for the first time, and brought some food, a presidential adviser told the AP. The adviser, who was not authorized to speak publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity, declined to give details. Bazoum sits in the dark basement, the ambassador said. He answers the phone when a call comes in that he knows to be his friend or someone else he wants to speak to. The beleaguered president and his ambassador, whom junta members have declared out of a job, talk one or more times a day. Bazoum has not been seen out in public since July 26, when military vehicles blocked the gates to the presidential palace and security forces announced they were taking power. It is not possible to independently determine the president's circumstances. The United States, United Nations and others have expressed repeated concern for what they called Bazoum's deteriorating conditions in detention, and warned the junta they would hold it responsible for the well-being of Bazoum and his family. Separately, Human Rights Watch said Friday it had spoken directly to the detained president and to others in his circle, and received some similar accounts of mistreatment. However, an activist who supports Niger's new military rulers in its communications said the reports of the president's dire state were false. Insa Garba Saidou said he was in contact with some junta members but did not say how he had knowledge of the president's lot. Bazoum was lucky he was not taken anywhere, Saidou said. He was left in his palace with his phone. Those who did that dont intend to hurt Bazoum. Niger's military coup and the plight of its ousted leader have drawn global attention -- but not because that kind of turmoil is unusual for West Africa. Niger alone has had about a half-dozen military takeovers since independence in 1960. Niger leaders have suffered in coups before, most notably when a military-installed leader was shot down in 1999 by the same presidential guard unit that instigated the current coup. Niger's return to reflexive armed takeovers by disgruntled troops is reverberating in the U.S. and internationally for two key reasons. One is because Bazoum came to power in a rare democratic presidential election in the Africa's unstable Sahara and Sahel, in the only peaceful, democratic transfer of power that Niger has managed. The United States alone has invested close to $1 billion in Niger in recent years to support its democracy and deliver aid, in addition to building national forces capable of holding off north and west Africa's al-Qaida- and Islamic State-allied armed groups. The U.S.-backed counterterror presence is the second key reason that Niger's coup is resonating. Americans have a 1,100-strong security presence and have built bases in Niger's capital and far north into its main outposts to counter West Africa's armed jihadist groups. The Biden administration has yet to call what has happened in Niger a coup, citing laws that would obligate the U.S. to cut many of its military partnerships with the country. Niger's region is dominated by military or military-aligned governments and a growing number of them have entered security partnerships with Russia's Wagner mercenary groups. The soldiers who ousted Bazoum have announced a ruling structure but said little publicly about their plans. U.S. Under Secretary of State Victoria Nuland met with Niger's junta members in the capital this week but called them unreceptive to her demands to restore Niger's democracy. They were quite firm about how they want to proceed, and it is not in support of the constitution of Niger, Nuland told reporters after. The junta also told Nuland that Bazoum would die if the regional ECOWAS security bloc intervened militarily to restore democracy, U.S. officials told the AP. Late this week, the ambassador shrugged that threat off, saying the junta is already on track to kill Bazoum by trapping his family and him with little more than a shrinking supply of dried rice and no means to cook it. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has spoken several times with the detained president and expressed concern for his and his family's safety. The U.S. says it has cut some aid to the government and paused military cooperation. Blinken has expressed broad support for ECOWAS, whose diplomatic efforts have been spurned by the Niger junta and which has warned of military force as a last resort. Blinken said in a statement Friday he was particularly dismayed that Niger's mutinous soldiers had refused to release Bazoum's family as a goodwill gesture. He gave no details. While the junta adviser Saidou denied that the junta threatened to kill Bazoum if ECOWAS invaded, he said Bazoum's death would be inevitable if that happened. Even if the high officers of the junta wont touch Bazoum, if one gun is shot at one of Nigers borders in order to reinstate Bazoum, Im sure that there will be soldiers who will put an end to his life," he said. Bazoum told Human Rights Watch that family members and friends who brought food were being turned away, and that the junta had refused treatment for his young son, who has a heart condition. Bazoum and his undetained allies want regional partners, the U.S. and others to intervene. With Bazoum vulnerable in captivity, neither he nor the ambassadors specify what they want the U.S. and other allies to do. Bazoum is a member of Niger's tiny minority of nomadic Arabs, in a country of varying cultures rich in tradition. Despite his political career, Bazoum has retained his people's devotion to livestock, keeping camels that he dotes on, Liman-Tinguiri said. For all his deprivations, the ambassador said, Bazoum remains in good spirits. He is a man who is mentally very strong, he said. Hes a man of faith. ___ Associated Press writer Sam Mednick contributed from Niamey, Niger. The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower was in a battle in the Mediterranean Sea without ever leaving the pier at Naval Station Norfolk. The carrier had been teleported into the 6th Fleet area of responsibility as part of the Navy and Marine Corps Large Scale Exercise 2023. The live, virtual, constructive exercise uses real-world intelligence as part of a simulated scenario, putting 25,000 sailors and Marines on a road to war in which they interact with each other and adversaries in a cyber battlespace -- little different than a multiplayer video game. We would execute this much akin to if we were underway in the 6th Fleet AOR today, and as a matter of fact, the Gerald R. Ford is underway right now in the 6th Fleet AOR and we can literally see their tracks as we are in the virtual environment next to them, said Rear Adm. Marc Miguez, commander of Carrier Strike Group Two, while aboard the Eisenhower on Friday. The goal of the exercise, which began Aug. 9 and will run through the 18th, is to improve the services cohesiveness, test new technology, identify gaps in capabilities and put pressure on military members from the deck plate to the highest level of leadership. We have a responsibility to duty to be able to respond globally to threats and vulnerabilities, to peer adversaries and competitors, Adm. Daryl Caudle, commander of Fleet Forces, said in a media roundtable Friday. And the only way you get great at that is by practicing that and you have got to practice it at the highest levels. The exercise is following a very aggressive percolating event that will eventually turn into kinetic warfare, Caudle said. Simultaneously, opportunistic second and third parties will try to take advantage with the hope that the U.S. has its eye off the ball a bit and doesnt have the capacity to deter those other opportunistic events going on. Large Scale Exercise is a demonstrative way to let put the world on notice that were watching it all. And we are able to, with our global force, operate anywhere in the world, and be a force for good there. This is only the second Large Scale Exercise; the first was in 2021. It spans 50 commands across the Atlantic, Pacific and Mediterranean, including six carrier strike groups, three amphibious readiness groups, 25 submarines and ships live and 50 virtually. Three Hampton Roads-based carrier strike groups are participating: the Eisenhower, George H.W. Bush and Harry S. Truman. The Naval Warfare Development Center at Naval Station Norfolk is serving as the hub of the exercise, controlling the scenario and simulated adversaries, and replicating decisions that would be made by higher headquarters and combatant commands, such as the secretary of Defense. More than a dozen retired flag or general officers are representing combatant commands to simulate decisions the most senior of defense leadership might make during a time of war. Adm. James Foggo III and Adm. Scott Swift are among them. Obviously, we have a limited number of things -- ships, aircraft, people -- and theres going to be tugging and pulling as the scenario progresses, Foggo said. Somebodys got to sit back in Washington and balance that out and say, Well I cant give you more of that. This, Foggo explained, creates healthy tension. We are stressing the force, Foggo said. Theres just not enough stuff to go around. So, somebodys going to get what they need here. Somebody else here may have to wait a little bit. But where are the priorities? Where is todays battle? Roughly 150 miles from Norfolk, dozens of Marines from Combat Logistics Regiment 2 were feeling the stress. They have been camped out in Oak Grove, North Carolina, since Aug. 6, reacting to simulated challenges, as well as realities of the real world while acting as an arming and refueling point. The fuel tanks havent been used, so when we tried to fill them with fuel, we noticed something like leaks, either from dry-rotted hoses or cracked pipes -- stuff that we are not able to identify unless theres fuel in the tank itself, said Sgt. Nicolas Casson, a bulk fuel specialist, serving as the forward arming and refueling point officer in charge. Capt. Jason Motycka, a pilot training officer acting as site lead for Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 464, said the austere environment has also presented challenges in operating and maintaining the aircraft. We have had some some maintenance challenges, but the Marines responded extremely well. We have integrated with other units to get the support we needed to fix our aircraft to continue to operate. So overall, weve responded the way we wanted to, Motycka said. Meanwhile, back at Fleet Forces headquarters in Norfolk, Caudle meets with Adm. Stuart Munsch, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe, and Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, daily to synchronize operations across the globe, discussing their challenges, what can and cant be solve independently and what resources require more coordination. For the first time, the three four-star generals, with Caudle in person and Munsch and Paparo appearing via video conference, met with media Friday to discuss how they are being stressed. The scenario is already stressing that our unified command plan carves up the world into areas of responsibility for our combatant commanders to operate forces to conduct warfare if called upon in certain geographic areas, Caudle said. Of course, our adversaries and competitors understand this perfectly well. And so it is in their best interest to see if theres a soft underbelly there and work those seams to understand whether or not we are well coordinated to handle cross flow and coordination. On a global scale, coordinating forces across operational areas during even a simulated war is the most challenging part. We are very cutting edge out here and watching whats going on in the world and very quickly adopting the behaviors we see and the performance we see in technology, Munsch said. I cant go into the specifics there. But its something as recent as what I was briefed on this morning is folded in to the exercise this afternoon. In a watch room lined aboard the Eisenhower, crew are standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week to participate in Large Scale Exercise 2023 virtually -- about a dozen screens hang from the steel walls, showing a map of the 6th Fleet area of responsibility. Its probably one of the most dynamic and most stressing situations that we put our watchstanders through and our air crew through, where we actually simulate in the training environment, us being shot at by threat aircraft, threat ships, and threat of land based -- we call them cruise missile defense threats -- that we could incur if we go into a combat operation once we deploy, Miguez said. The Large Scale Exercise, he said, gives the crew more opportunities to hone their reps and sets prior to their next deployment. The Eisenhower is scheduled to deploy later this year. My mantra with all my worker commanders is nothing is stable, Miguez said. Every time we go into an environment, the weather could be different, the adversary could change, we could have a bad intel that we think were rock solid on. And then all of a sudden, were in a crisis situation. We do prudent planning all the time. But there are occasions where we get thrown a curveball, and it is how we deal with it. Thats why we thats why we are in here doing this right now, so we are prepared for the unknowns. WASHINGTON -- The Pentagon is developing plans to restructure the National Guard in Washington, D.C., in a move to address problems highlighted by the chaotic response to the Jan. 6 riot and safety breaches during the 2020 protests over the murder of George Floyd, The Associated Press has learned. The changes under discussion would transfer the District of Columbia's aviation units, which came under sharp criticism during the protests when a helicopter flew dangerously low over a crowd. In exchange, the district would get more military police, which is often the citys most significant need, as it grapples with crowd control and large public events. Several current and former officials familiar with the talks spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations. They said no final decisions have been made. A key sticking point is who would be in control of the D.C. Guard -- a politically divisive question that gets to the heart of what has been an ongoing, turbulent issue. Across the country, governors control their National Guard units and can make decisions on deploying them to local disasters and other needs. But D.C. is not a state, so the president is in charge but gives that authority to the defense secretary, who generally delegates it to the Army secretary. According to officials, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is weighing two options: maintaining the current system or handing control to U.S. Northern Command, which is in charge of homeland defense. Senior officials have argued in favor of Northern Command, which would take control out of the hands of political appointees in Washington who may be at odds with the D.C. government, and giving it to nonpartisan military commanders who already oversee homeland defense. Others, however, believe the decision-making should remain at the Pentagon, mirroring the civilian control that governors have on their troops. The overall goal, officials said, is not to decrease the size of the districts Guard, but reform it and ensure it has the units, equipment and training to do the missions it routinely faces. The proposal to shift the aviation forces is largely an Army decision. It would move the D.C. Air Guard wing and its aircraft to the Maryland Guard, and the Army aviation unit, with its helicopters, to Virginias Guard. An Army official added that a review of the D.C. Guard examined its ability to provide rapid response, mission command and coordination with other forces when needed over the past four years. The review, which led to the recommendations, involved the District Guard and Army leaders. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowsers office did not respond to a request for comment Friday on the proposed changes. But Bowser and other local officials have long claimed that the mayors office should have sole authority to deploy the local guard, arguing that the D.C. mayor has the responsibilities of any governor without the extra authorities or tools. When faced with a potential security event, the mayor of D.C. has to go to the Pentagon -- usually the Army secretary -- to request National Guard assistance. That was true during the violent protests in the city over the killing of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer in 2020, and later as an angry mob stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in an effort to overturn the election of Joe Biden as president. As the Jan. 6 riot was unfolding, city leaders were making frantic calls to Army leaders, asking them to send Guard troops to the Capitol where police and security were being overrun. City leaders complained heatedly about delays in the response as the Pentagon considered Bowsers National Guard request. City police ended up reinforcing the Capitol Police. Army leaders, in response, said the district was demanding help but not providing the details and information necessary to determine what forces were needed and how they would be used. Army officials were concerned about taking the Guard troops who were arrayed around the city doing traffic duty and sending them into a riot, because they were not prepared and didnt have appropriate gear. And they criticized the city for repeatedly insisting it would not need security help when asked by federal authorities in the days leading up to Jan. 6. The swirling confusion spurred congressional hearings and accusations that political considerations influenced the Trump administrations response to the unrest in the Democratic-majority city. Defense officials rejected those charges, and blamed the city. Within the Pentagon, however, there are broader concerns that D.C. is too quick to seek National Guard troops to augment law enforcement shortfalls in the city that should be handled by police. In recent days, a city council member suggested the D.C. Guard might be needed to help battle spiking local crime. The restructuring is an effort to smooth out the process and avoid communications problems if another crisis erupts. An Army investigation in April 2021 sharply criticized the D.C. Guard, saying troops lacked clear guidance and didnt fully understand how to use helicopters appropriately during the civil unrest in June 2020. The probe was triggered by widespread objections, including from Congress, after one of the D.C. Guard helicopters hovered low enough over protesters near the Capitol One Arena to create a deafening noise and spray protesters with rotor wash. There were also concerns that the Guard used a medivac helicopter -- with medical markings -- to make such a show of force against the crowds gathered to protest Floyd's death. The report found that the use of medical helicopters was appropriate because it was an emergency, but the episode raised worries among defense leaders about the need for improved planning, training and oversight of the D.C. Guard's use of aviation and calls for a stricter approval process. _____ -- Associated Press writer Ashraf Khalil contributed to this report. About 20 years ago, doctors could handle cases in which newborns were at least one kg. The National Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology on January 3 announced that its doctors had successfully nurtured a 500-gram premature baby weighing only 500 grams at 25 weeks' gestation. Dr. Le Minh Trac, Director of the hospitals Centre for Neonatal Care and Treatment, said that premature and low-weight newborns are at high risk of feeding difficulties and being susceptible to infection. Doctors have successfully applied strategies to raise extremely low birth weight babies such as intubation from the beginning, early massage, and early feeding. The baby was fed breast milk from the beginning and completely gastrointestinal on day 12. In the 40th day, the baby got pneumonia, however, after that, he got better. Illustrative photo (Photo: laodong.vn) With the efforts of the centres doctors and nurses, the baby thrived spectacularly. Overcoming all difficulties, on January 3, the baby was 97 days old (equivalent to 38 weeks' gestation), weighing 2 kilos. The baby could breathe air on his own and smile spontaneously. He also had a good sucking reflex. The success is a result of very strict care of pregnant women and newborns by obstetricians and pediatricians at the National Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Earlier, in September 2021, the hospital made a record when saving an infant weighing just 400 grams. Now, the survival rate among premature infants with the weight of 1-1.5 kg reaches nearly 90% while those with the weight of less than 1 kg have a survial rate of nearly 30%. In February this year, doctors at the Hanoi Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology saved a newborn who weighed only 400 grams after 27 weeks' gestation. According to doctors, the baby faced the risk of asphyxiation in the delivery room and respiratory failure after birth. After 20 minutes of intensive resuscitation, the baby's beige skin was pinker, and the baby had reflexes of limbs and opened her eyes. The baby was put on a ventilator and transferred to an incubator. After nearly four months, thanks to intensive treatment and nurturing, the baby was 2.1 kg and was returned to her mother. Another 400-gram premature baby was born at Bach Mai Hospital on August 3, 2022, in 22 weeks and four days of pregnancy. She was the most premature and smallest baby that has been saved in Vietnam. According to the hospital, the infant was raised in an incubator for three months and four days. After that, she was transferred to intensive care room. At that time, a US expert examined her and was surprised that her brain was developing normally despite she was born very prematurely. Doctors at different departments in Bach Mai Hospital joined hands to save and raise her successfully. Ten years ago, Vietnam's obstetrics and gynecology marked a milestone when it successfully saved a premature baby weighing 500 grams. The number of successful cases has increased year by year. The survival rate of premature babies under one kilo increased from 18% to 40% in 2011. In the US which has the most advanced neonatal care techniques, the premature birth rate of infants weighing 500 grams is 41%, while the rate at Vietnams National Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology is 31%./. The Mets announced four roster moves in between games of their double-header with the Braves today, including the news that outfielder Abraham Almonte has been designated for assignment. Right-hander Denyi Reyes was optioned to Triple-A, while righty Tyson Miller was called up from Triple-A and outfielder Tim Locastro was reinstated from the 60-day injured list. Almonte signed a minor league deal with New York during the offseason, but he didnt make his 2023 debut until four days ago, after the Mets selected his contract to the active roster. With his appearance in the first game of the Atlanta double-header, Almontes tenure with the Mets could be over after four games, and one hit over 12 plate appearances. The four-game cup of coffee at least ensured an 11th consecutive MLB season for Almonte, an Immaculate Grid favorite who has seen action with eight different Major League clubs. The switch-hitter has a career .235/.302/.374 slash line over 1371 PA, as Almonte is known most for his outfield versatility than his prowess at the plate, though his glovework has allowed him to find backup or part-time roles for over a decade. Assuming he clears waivers, Almonte has the right to elect free agency in the event an outright assignment, since he has been outrighed before in his career. The Mets could also choose to release Almonte entirely, if they prefer to use younger players down the stretch rather than keep a veteran around at Triple-A. Locastro returns after undergoing thumb surgery in May, and his thumb injury occurred during a rehab assignment when Locastro was already on the injured list recovering from back spasms. The lengthy absence has limited Locastro to just 11 games, and he looks to get some outfield work while the Mets try to fill the void left by deadline trades and Starling Martes IL stint. GRANT, MI - Police in Newaygo are looking for the publics help in locating an unusual fugitive. A brightly colored peacock is on the run and was spotted in the southern part of Newaygo County. On Saturday, Aug. 12, the Newaygo County Sheriffs Office posted on social media about a wandering peacock that was spotted in the Grant area. If you live in the Grant area and are missing a peacock we would love to reunite you with your bird, said the sheriffs office in the post. The peacock was spotted around East 120th and South Walnut. If the bird is yours, or you know who the owner of the escaped avian might be, contact Sgt. Tim Bailey at 231-689-5288. If you happen to ever stumble across a peacock, there are certain steps you can take to ensure the colorful visitor remains safe. The Peacock Information Center recommends calling around the area to see who it might belong to, calling a local animal rescue or animal control, or even reaching out to someone who raises poultry. Click here for more lost and found peacock information and tips from the organization. Read more from MLive Perseid meteor shower watch party planned for West Michigans Veen Observatory Warby Parker opening first trendy eyewear location in Grand Rapids Mans body found in wooded area in West Michigan Thousands of fish die in West Michigan creek after fertilizer misapplied, state says Leader of defunded West Michigan library optimistic voters will approve millage after new policy BAY CITY, MI - When you have over 90 flavors of ice cream to pick from, how do you choose? There is an opportunity to browse through them all at The Farm at Apple Acres, located at 2282 E. Salzburg Rd. Owners Melissa and Matt Borowski said they do their best to choose flavors that differ from one another, so it doesnt get too repetitive. They offer ice cream from nine different vendors, most of them Michigan-based, such as Hudsonville, Ashbys and Mooville. The farm and outdoor seating pair perfectly with the ice cream to make it a complete experience for a family treat night. You can get your ice cream and go outside and just relax for a half hour, 10 minutes, whatever it might be, Melissa Borowski said. The ability to let your kids run off some energy, go look at the animals, feed the animals, you know, things that people dont get to do at home. Melissa and Matt Borowski bought the farm in 2020. They make their own waffle cones every day, continue to add different flavors of doughnuts and offer Michigan-based products for purchase. They said the ice cream is their main attraction at the farm. They expect to go through 3,000 gallons of ice cream this season. They also offer sundaes, banana splits, malts, floats, ice cream nachos, milkshakes and pup cups as the farm is pet friendly. There are four sizes to choose from in a cup or cone, and customers can pick two different flavors with the three larger sizes. There is also a flight option to try four different flavors. Melissa Borowski said they aim for families to be able to come to the farm and make it a returning place for years. Were big family people and thats the way we want it to stay here, Melissa Borowski said. As for the farm, Matt Borowski said it was a working apple farm back in the 60s but hasnt been for at least 20 years. They have Lashes the cow, a horse, three goats, several chickens, ducks and four rabbits for families to be able to visit with or feed. Melissa Borowski said they will be hosting their first annual craft show on Saturday, Aug. 19. It begins at 2 p.m. through 7 p.m. and offers handmade crafts from 20 different local vendors. The Farm at Apple Acres is open 4 p.m. - 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 2 p.m. - 9 p.m. Friday-Sunday. They will close at 8 p.m. in September. View their Facebook page to learn more. 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. Would you like MLive to feature your favorite restaurant in Michigans Best Local Eats? Send the details, including business name, address and best menu item, to Kaytie Boomer at kboomer@mlive.com. Read more on MLive: Michigans Best Local Eats: Authentic jerk chicken from Frankenmuths Flavor Michigans Best Local Eats: ONe eighteen brings flavors of the sea to Midland Michigans Best Local Eats: The Othersides charcuterie stuffed jumbo pretzel Michigans Best Local Eats: Midlands Winner Winner chicken sandwich Michigans Best Local Eats: Matts Rocking Grinder from The Wanigan Eatery & Pub Michigans Best Local Eats: Moo and Cluck sandwich from Midlands Amazing Deli Michigans Best Local Eats: Hot Turkey plate from Purtells Restaurant & Ice Cream Shoppe Michigans Best Local Eats: Fried ribs from Saginaw Waffle Hut food truck Michigans Best Local Eats: South End Polka Bites from Barneys Bar & Grill MANISTEE, MI Three people were injured after their boat crashed into a pier in Manistee early Friday morning. Rescuers were dispatched at 5:26 a.m. Friday, Aug. 11, to reports of a boat colliding with the pier at the First Street Beach in Manistee, according to a Facebook post by the City of Manistee. When authorities arrived at the scene, they found the boat resting on top of the pier, city officials said. Three people were aboard the boat, all reporting non-life-threatening injuries from the crash. The three occupants were safely removed from the boat and taken by ambulance to Munson Manistee Hospital to be treated for their injuries, the city said. The crash remains under investigation by the Manistee Police Department. Investigators do not believe alcohol was a factor in the collision, according to the post. Manistee police were assisted at the scene by the Manistee City Fire Department and the U.S. Coast Guard Manistee Station. More on MLive: Saginaw man shot, killed by state troopers in armed stand-off Police looking for owner of runaway peacock in West Michigan Antiques, toys and more found at Michigans longest garage sale Michigans craft breweries do an amazing job naming some of their rockstar beers, from lagers to stouts and everything in between. Now a statewide dog rescue group is once again tapping these beer aficionados to bring their best creative game to name their newest batch of 12 puppies. This playful dozen is now thriving in a Hearts of Hope foster care home, where their malnourished mom is also getting some special attention. Theyve become the new Brew Crew, kicking off a special kind of fundraiser in which the states breweries are invited to sponsor and name a puppy before its adopted into a forever home. Its similar to a naming-rights fundraiser Hearts of Hope last held in 2017, which included taking the puppies on brewery visits. Hearts of Hope recently rescued a senior mom and 12 puppies from one of our shelter partners. With so many puppies to name, we thought it would be a great time to bring back the Hearts of Hope Brew Crew, said Janelle McFarlane, president and founder of Hearts of Hope. The organization works with animal shelters across Michigan and in other states to bring dogs into its local foster network, where they are cared for in peoples homes and socialized in local communities. Once they are ready for adoption, Hearts of Hope matches them with an applicant. In the last few years, the nonprofit has helped more than 3,000 puppies and adult dogs find new homes. This batch of a dozen puppies recently came into Hearts of Hopes care. Because the mother is older and very underweight, she needed some special attention to help her as she worked to care for her pups. Because of the size of this tail-wagging group, McFarlane thought it was time to bring back the Brew Crew idea. Two local breweries have jumped in so far: Railtown Brewing Co. in Dutton and Latitude 42 Brewing Co. in Kalamazoo. This time around there will be two sponsorship levels, she said. Breweries, its first come, first serve! Once we receive your sponsor donation, well assign you a pup and youll send us your chosen name and your logo by by August 20th. Limit 2 pups per sponsor. This mother dog and her 12 puppies are part of Hearts of Hope's latest Brew Crew challenge. Sponsorship Levels $300 - includes naming rights and your logo on social media advertising $500 - includes naming rights, your logo on the groups website, social media advertising, and a meet & greet with your Brew Crew Pups All proceeds will go directly to the rescue dogs care, McFarlane said. For more information, contact the group at rescueofhope@gmail.com Donations can be made to the Hearts of Hope website via PayPal, Venmo, or credit card at https://rescueofhope.com/donate/ LANSING, MI -- A 12-year-old Black child was traumatized when misidentified as a possible auto theft suspect and handcuffed by Lansing police, an attorney for his family said. But police, in responding to a viral TikTok video showing much of the youths brief detainment, called the incident an unfortunate misunderstanding. Lansing Police Chief Ellery Sosebee, in a Lansing police Facebook post, offered an apology Friday, Aug. 11 that this incident had such an effect on this young man and his family. Tashawn Bernard, 12, had just taken trash to a Dumpster outside his familys Lansing address on Thursday, Aug. 10. He was approached by a white Lansing police officer, who had unholstered his handgun, and was soon after handcuffed. The video shows Tashawns father, Michael Bernard, come outside and begin to speak with police while clearly upset. He can be seen shaking his hands, placing them on his head and being animated. An officer places Tashawn in the back of a police cruiser, but police only minutes later confirm he is not the person sought. Officers remove the handcuffs and release him to his father. Police, in a statement, said Tashawn was wearing clothes similar to a person seen running from a reported car theft on West Jolly Road. The person, described as wearing neon shorts and a white shirt, ran into the apartment complex where Tashawn lived. Tashawn also was wearing neon shorts and a light-colored shirt. An officer detained him. Soon after, another officer who had been at the car theft scene was able to verify Tashawn was not the suspect. Im asking for the community to consider all the facts of the situation before making a judgment, Sosebee wrote in the statement. The relationship with our community has been and will continue to be a top priority for the Lansing Police Department. But Rico Neal, an attorney representing the Bernard family, said the incident was traumatized by the incident. Tashawn does not want to go outside anymore. He doesnt want to go outside to take the trash out. He doesnt want to go outside to even get the mail, Neal said. Neal and co-counsel Ayanna Neal said police should have known Tashawn wasnt the person sought because he was wearing a gray shirt, not a white shirt as outlined in the suspect description. There is a big difference between a white shirt and a gray shirt, Rico Neal said. Neal suggested the incident is another example of questionable behavior by police toward Black men and youth across the nation. This type of behavior by the police has to stop, he said. More from MLive Boy killed in West Michigan hit-and-run described as shining light as funeral service set Mondays storm is another widespread, whole state of Michigan weather-maker On Saturday morning, Russian invaders launched an airstrike on Orikhiv, Zaporizhia region, because of which a police officer was killed, 12 people were injured, including four policemen, Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said. "In the morning, the enemy hit Orikhiv with a guided air bomb. Because of the strike, a police officer was killed. 12 people were injured, including four police officers. The deceased is a 31-year-old police captain. My condolences to the family of the deceased," Klymenko wrote on Telegram. The minister also said that several of the wounded were in serious condition. Doctors and paramedics are now fighting for their lives. ANN ARBOR, MI - The story of Robert Oppenheimer, the man behind the atomic bombs Manhattan Project, is most known to take place at the Trinity test site in Los Alamos, New Mexico. However, Oppenheimer had a handful of connections to Ann Arbor and University of Michigan. The links are to his academic career in the 1930s, one of his collaborators and the birthplace of his lover Jean Tatlock. Oppenheimer fostered many of the connections that would assist him in the creation of the atomic bomb in the early 1930s at the Summer Symposia in Theoretical Physics at the Ann Arbor public university. The symposia, according to university historian James Tobin in 2010, was the summer home to renowned scientists such as Denmarks Niels Bohr and Italys Enrico Fermi. Oppenheimer, prior to his focus on nuclear physics, lectured on the General Quantum Theory of Transitions at the university in 1931. Bohrs work on the atomic structure and Fermis on radiation decay contributed to the theory that led to the creation of the atomic bomb. Oppenheimer was in town with them through 1934, according to Tobin. In addition, Oppenheimer discussed nuclear physics in the early 1960s at the university. The recordings can be heard in Bentley Historical Library files. He also can be seen on video discussing disarmament, civil defense and the future of science in a 1961 or 1962 press conference in Ann Arbor. I think the only appropriate comment on that is to pray for it or its equivalent, he said in the conference on disarmament. Under his leadership, the Manhattan Project produced two bombs that killed more than 200,000 people in the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, according to the University of California-Los Angeles Asian American Studies Center. Dr. J. Robert Oppenheimer, creator of the atom bomb, is shown at his study in Princeton University's Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton, N.J., Dec. 15, 1957. The Biden administration has reversed a decades-old decision to revoke the security clearance of Oppenheimer, the physicist called the father of the atomic bomb for his leading role in World War IIs Manhattan Project. (AP Photo/John Rooney, File)AP Another connection came with Tatlock, born in Ann Arbor on Feb. 21, 1914. Her father J.S.P. Tatlock was an acclaimed English professor at the university with expertise in Old English and literature by such writers as Geoffrey Chaucer. Tatlock and Oppenheimer began their romance in 1936 while he taught at University of California-Berkeley. She introduced him to leftist and Communist politics, and during the countrys anti-Communist Red Scare those associations were used against him during the 1954 hearing that revoked his security clearance. Tatlock and Oppenheimer did not marry, and he married Katherine Kitty Puening in 1940. Tatlock died by suicide in 1944. One Ann Arbor connection to Oppenheimer endures to this day. The home of Kenneth Case, one of Oppenheimers colleagues in Los Alamos on the Manhattan Project, still sits in the Barton Village neighborhood north of Ann Arbor. Case is credited with calculating the yield of the first atomic bomb tested at the Trinity site, according to National Academy of Sciences memoir. He estimated that the bomb was the equivalent of exploding 15 to 20 kilotons of TNT. Case worked as a physics professor at University of Michigan from 1951 to the late 1960s, producing publications that explored experimental physics such as the gyromagnetic ratio of the free electron, the academy states. Cases house was built off Barton North Drive in 1953 by architect Thomas Tanner, according to a 1996 history of the house by historian Lloyd Baldwin. As a physicist, Dr. Case was deeply interested in matter, and especially matter in motion. His house is expressive of this, Baldwin writes. Visually the house is not static. The window placement, the brick skin, and the roofline give a sense of constant but gentle movement. Case left Ann Arbor for Rockefeller University in New York City in the late 1960s. He died in 2006. Oppenheimer has now earned a new level of international recognition with the Christopher Nolan-directed movie Oppenheimer released this summer. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Ann Arbor daily newsletter. Read more from The Ann Arbor News: No major grading issues at University of Michigan during strike, accreditor says 1800s Ann Arbor life depicted in Concordia University oil painting gallery Check out the lightly salted, buttery popcorn buckets at the Michigan Theater GENESEE COUNTY, MI As Elvis Presley played over the speakers right behind his head at the Back to the Bricks tune-up party in Flushing, Renee DeLeon Aloyo tinkered with a flag on his orange 1962 Ford Galaxie 500. The flag was off-white likely from years of hanging on Aloyos passenger side mirror. On the flag was the famous photo of Marilyn Monroe stepping over a subway grate, taken by Sam Shaw in 1954, with the year of her birth and death underneath. In fact, the entire car had rememorates of Monroe. A Back to the Bricks poster redesigned with Monroe front and center was mounted on the grill and Aloyo had the car named Marilyns Car. Thats because she passed away in 62, Aloyo, of Birch Run, said at the Aug. 8 tune-up party. (Its) a 62 in memory of her. Years ago, Aloyo asked a friend to photoshop Monroe next to the car. He stuck it with the title in a frame and carries it in his glove compartment whenever he drives -- typically its to events like Back to the Bricks -- but hes also shown off his car all over the country. I always hit Frankenmuth, Ive been there four or five times, Aloyo said. Hes done his best to keep everything as close to original as possible. Its an original engine, Aloyo said. When he bought it, Aloyo had the vehicle taken apart, cleaned and then put back together. He wanted something simple and classic. No chrome, no nothing, no fancy stuff. Just the way its supposed to be, " Aloyo said. And so was she, I mean Marilyn Monroe, she didnt want anything fancy. Aloyo says the year of the car sparked the idea, but he also had something else to confess. Of course, I liked her, Aloyo said. 34 1 / 34 Car Enthusiasts tune-up for Back to the Bricks Want more Flint-area news? Bookmark the local Flint news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Flint daily newsletter. Read more at The Flint Journal: Michigan village sends off hometown hero in style ahead of NASCAR MIS race Cosplayers steal show at Really Cool Comic Con Car enthusiasts tune-up ahead of Back to the Bricks main event week GRAND RAPIDS, MI Calder Plaza was decorated with flags of every African country on Saturday afternoon while visitors took in the fourth-annual Glimpse of Africa Festival that included a flag ceremony and parade. Children and teenagers made up the majority of the performers during the festival. The crowd was invited to be part of the festivities and many dressed in their favorite traditional African apparel. Fridah Kanini, founder and CEO of the Glimpse of Africa Festival, said kicking off the day with the flag ceremony and inviting people in is the epitome of what the festival stands for: the integration of African culture to their everyday culture in West Michigan. Its really beautiful to see everyone come together as a community and for them to be able to educate this community about Africa, the beauty of our flag and the beauty of who we are as a community of immigrants and refugees living in Western Michigan, Kanini said. Throughout the weekend, visitors can participate in fashion shows, African dances, enjoy cultural food and shop African vendors from around the area. Aita Wellington, one of the flag bearers for the ceremony, brought her two sons, a five-year-old and seven-year-old, to carry the flag with her to teach them a little bit about part of their culture: Senegal. Senegalese immigrant and Kalamazoo resident Aita Wellington shows off her culture during the flag ceremony. Wellington is a Senegalese immigrant who has lived in Kalamazoo for the past 20 years, meeting immigrants through her job. She believes this festival fosters that community visibility. Having the festival not only fosters visibility and inclusion because we should let the community know that we are a vibrant part of the community, but also that we want you all to be part of it, Wellington said. Africa is very welcoming and we love people, so to have a festival and showcase our art, our music, our flag and our food is pretty awesome. Wellington said that the festival is her opportunity to share her national pride with not only fellow African community members, but creating that opportunity for her sons to understand their identity. Perris Waithakim, owner of Perris African Jewelry, has been at every Glimpse of Africa Festival, selling her earrings, necklaces, clothes and even streetwear T-shirts with slogans like Africa is not a country! on the front. Owners of Perris African Jewelry, Perris Waithakim and Mirabel Umenei, pose in front of their Kenyan jewelry and creations. Waithakim said showcasing her Kenyan culture through jewelry and art, sparking conversations with the community around her, as well as supporting local artists was the main inspiration behind joining the festival. To me, I feel like this festival is just to bring people together for us, specifically bringing people together for supporting small businesses, Waithakim said. Waithakim said the most exciting part for almost everyone at the festival is the food, which featured Ethiopian and Jamaican cuisine. However, Kanini cant pick just one thing she loves about the festival she started in 2019. My favorite part is the celebration of the culture, but its also the food vendors, the art vendors and the beauty of all of this: the visibility of the African community, Kanini said. The festival continues from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 13 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. More from MLive: Kent County launching $58M affordable housing loan program Maui wildfires cause Michigan college students to evacuate culinary internship City of Grand Rapids to borrow up to $12M to redevelop downtown riverfront park Michigans History Teacher of the Year wants students to push back against racist mythology JACKSON COUNTY, MI A new CEO and president has been chosen to lead the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and Experience Jackson. The Jackson Chamber Board of Directors has selected Ryan Tarrant to lead the chamber and Experience Jackson the countys tourism bureau - after a search firm conducted a national search to find its next leader. Tarrants served as chief operating officer at Business Leaders for Michigan, with five previous years as president and CEO of Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, officials said. The BACC was able to add hundreds of new members and secure public funding throughout his leadership, officials said. Related: Ryan Tarrant announces resignation from Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Tarrant also previously served as chief of staff to U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar, R-Midland, Rep. Dave Camp, R-Midland, and the Michigan Bankers Association. Tarrant is excited to join the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and Experience Jackson team, he said. He and his wife, Sheril, have been impressed with the countys public spaces, business community and people, he added. He will officially start his new position in Jackson on Tuesday, Sept. 5, officials said. I look forward to working with the team, our members and community stakeholders to grow Jacksons opportunities for business, tourism, and a diverse talent base, Tarrant said. Tarrant will replace Craig Hatch, who took over the position in 2020. Hatch departed from the position for another job opportunity in April, Board Chair Mollie Bolton wrote in an email. Hatch previously replaced Mindy Bradish-Orta, who held the seat since 2007. Related: It becomes part of you, departing chamber of commerce leader says of Jackson Ryan comes to us with depth of leadership and advocacy experience, Bolton said. We are pleased to welcome Ryan to live, work and play in Jackson and look forward to working alongside him. Want more Jackson-area news? Bookmark the local Jackson news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Jackson daily. More from the Jackson Citizen Patriot: $6.2M renovations underway at historic Michigan Theatre of Jackson Michigan NASCAR race boasts best attendance since 2015 Sweet corn season is at its peak. Heres where to get yours in Jackson County From elephant ears to popcorn, check out these 5 local food vendors at the Jackson County Fair Homer football preview: Offensive line provides the power for Trojans SOUTH HAVEN, MI--Things got messy on Saturday afternoon as competitors sank their faces into blueberry pies during the pie eating contest of the 60th installment of the National Blueberry Festival. You could smell blueberries along the Black River as dozens of children and adults cycled through the pie-eating tent and raced to see who could finish the fastest on Aug. 12. The contest for kids ages 6-12 was free. Adults then had their opportunity later in the afternoon for an entrance fee of $25, with proceeds going to help fund the festival. READ MORE: National Blueberry Festival to bring fruit lovers to Lake Michigan shore The free festival, which began Thursday, Aug. 10, attracts visitors from across the country, with family-friendly activities running through Sunday afternoon. A complete schedule of events is available here. Sunday features pancake breakfasts, the South Haven Chamber of Commerce craft fair and the Blueberry Central Market. Held the second weekend of August every year, the festival strives to recognize, appreciate and celebrate the cultural and economic significance of blueberries, blueberry production and agritourism in the region, according to the festival website. Van Buren County, home to South Haven, lays claim to being the nations most prolific producer of highbush blueberries. Michigan as a whole produces upward of 100 million pounds each year. Michigans blueberry industry in Southwest Michigan is accelerated by blueberry soils, naturally acidic low areas with a shallow water table, according to Van Buren County. For more information, visit blueberryfestival.com or download the festival app. Looking for more to do along Michigans Great Lakes? Check out MLives Lakeshore Travel series. Also on MLive: Tour a Michigan restaurant that spans 5 colorful Victorian buildings from 1800s 5 breweries to try near this Lake Michigan beach town Kalamazoos oldest bar turns 105: Trust me, were a dive bar. Ruth Adjei 12.08.2023 LISTEN It's the dawning of a new era for gospel's latest queen, Ruth Adjei after successfully bagging a nomination as the Female Vocalist of The Year at the 2023 Ghana Music Awards UK. It came as not much of a surprise and a met expectation as the 'Matchless Father' hitmaker swept the length and breadth of the country since its release. Reacting to the overwhelming news of her nomination, Ruth Adjei said "I'm truly thankful to God. the board of the Ghana Music Awards UK and all key industry players who found me worthy of these nominations." "I'm eternally grateful also to my family, friends, management team, fans, loved ones, the Church of Pentecost, and everyone who has supported the Ruth Music ministries and brand from day one," she stated. The awards, organized by Alordia Promotions and West Coast UK, was created to recognise and honour the accomplishments of Ghanaian musicians and to promote Ghanaian music on the global music scene. The nominees were announced in a variety of categories, including Best Male Artist, Best Female Artist, Best Highlife Artist, Best Afrobeats Artist, Best Song of the Year, Artiste Of The Year, and UK-based Best Gospel Song. GMA-UK's Head of Events, Kwesi Ernest, said the awards were created to give Ghanaian artistes access to a global marketplace where they can collaborate with other international artistes, learn about music trends, sell their music, and gain other advantages. How can the world go free for Jesus Christ, who did not commit any sin or crime to bear such a heavy cross? If Mahama, the former Ghanaian leader, wasn't good and was torturing Ghanaians with whips, then we must admit that Akufo Addo did not come to make life better for ordinary Ghanaians as promised, but rather to enhance their punishment by chastising them with scorpions. I consider Akufo Addo as nothing more than a ruthless, corrupt, and wicked individual. The hypocrisy in Ghana is out of control, and it is now bringing the country and its people down, all, because Ghanaians and the media have failed to make Akufo Addo, understand the harm he has done to the country and its people, even though when Mahama was in power, despite how Ghana was best in everything, including its flourishing economy, the entire country rose against him, demanding his resignation and his head on a platter. I doubt Mahama would be alive today if he had wrecked Ghana like Akufo Addo. Akufo Addo is a purely evil man, who has nothing to do with God, which is why he has failed at everything, including the Pagan Cathedral. Why should Ghanaians continue to support such a terrible, selfish, and tribalistic leader like Akufo Addo who has no ambitions for the country? Why should Ghanaians continue to support a leader that spent so much money to bring down about 8 banks rather than little money to save them? Why should Ghanaians put up with a president who demolished an entire hospital block serving the people of La-Teshie-Nungua and never replaced it after promising them a modern facility? How can Ghanaians accept a president who has been implicated in the murder by the confessed murderer? Since the violent death of the NPP politician, J. B. Danquah- Edu, Akufo Addo has never mentioned his name or even encouraged his case to be probed, owing to his involvement in the crime. When political assassination occurs in Ghana, the cases quickly go cold because the authorities fail to pursue them, since they are all politically motivated. Even though Akufo Addo swore to protect the public purse, his voracious hunger for corruption has consumed all of Ghana's flesh, leaving the downtrodden masses battling over the bones of leftovers. I know the president is a liar, a fraud, and a thief, and I know his lack of knowledge would damage Ghana, which is one of the reasons I wrote on February 28, 2020, "Which Is Easier To Say, Akufo Addo Is Corrupt Or A Thief?" I'm not sure why it took so long for the majority of Ghanaians to realize this. Okay, let's agree that Mahama wasn't perfect, but should Ghanaians entertain a president who swore on his office to fight illegal mining and later turned out to be one of the country's strongest pillars behind illegal mining, which has ruined all of the country's streams, eco-systems, and environment, leading to a slew of water-borne diseases and deformities? Why should Ghanaians entertain a president who has been exposed by Al Jazeera for illegal gold trading that has cost the country millions of dollars? So far, what I have seen is that since Akufo Addo has given lucrative positions to all those who rose against Mahama during his era, demonstrating and requesting his resignation, including pastors, lawyers, journalists, and the current relative, Ken Ofori-Atta, the finance minister, he has had it very easy and is enjoying peace because they can't do to him what they did to Mahama. However, in this world, whatever a man sows, he will reap, therefore; Akufo Addo will face limitless Karma. The strong force of tribalism appears to want Ghanaians to forget Akufo Addo's misdeeds after the same force buried Kwame Nkrumah and John Mahama's achievements in Ghana's political history; nonetheless, I am here to remind them. Which sort of president will be permitted by a country after dispatching security forces to assault a woman at gunpoint to seize damning evidence to cover up an extramarital affair he had with the lady? Controlling massive corruption in Akufo Addo's government has proved futile since Akufo Addo is filthy-corrupt. Both the living, Paul Adom-Otchere, Gabby Otchere-Darko, Ken Ofori-Atta, Eugene Arhin, Charles Bissue, Cecilia Dapaah, Kissi Agyebeng, and the dead, Kwadwo Owusu-Afriyie, alias Sir John, are corrupt. The government has lost billions of dollars as a result of the Bank of Ghana printing of currency without the authorization of Parliament, which was begun by Akufo Addo and his vice president, Bawumia, the so-called economist. Akufo Addo criticized Mahama for taxing Ghanaians too much and vowed to lower it; nevertheless, it has shown that he has imposed new taxes, including the COVID tax, despite his government stealing a substantial portion of the COVID revenues. So, as intelligent Ghanaians, why do you continue to criticize Mahama while refusing to speak out against the person who is destroying Ghana right in front of your eyes? Meanwhile, the finance minister claims that the state lacks funds, necessitating the need to torture Ghanaians, particularly pensioners, through debt restructuring to secure an IMF deal. The NPP government has been accused of taking significant sums of public money to keep in their homes to buy votes in the 2024 elections; nevertheless, this will not happen. First and foremost, the country's misery and indignation will not allow it, and the opposition will be especially cautious to prevent it. Finally, even if they are successful in distributing money to the people, they will repeat what happened in Assin North, where the people will enjoy their money and vote out the NPP since its a worthless political party. French judges on Friday gave the all clear for an environmental action group to continue its activities after the government banned it for encouraging sabotage and damage to property. Les Soulevements de la Terre (SLT) was shut down in June following a on Friday, saying that it was not clear that the group had provoked violence. SLT was shut down in June following a government decree which cited its involvement in protests that resulted in clashes with police. Interior minister Gerald Darmanin accused SLT of inciting violence and sabotage at some 20 protests against large infrastructure projects in France. He said it had played a major role in planning, spreading and legitimising violent methods of operation. Darmanin, one of Emmanuel Macron's most trusted ministers, invoked public security legislation designed to contain extremism, which allows the government to dissolve groups causing armed demonstrations or violent acts at against persons or property. French opposition MPs and non-government organisations immediately criticised Darmanin's move. "The judges consider that there is serious doubt over the qualification of provocation of violent acts against persons and property, as defined by the dissolution decree," France's Council of State said in a statement on Friday. Welcoming the decision, Olivier Faure, the boss of the Socialist party, said: "The Conseil d'Etat has reminded the government that public freedoms and the rule of law are not subject to its whim." Marine Tondelier, the national secretary of the environmentalist political party Europe Ecology The Greens (EELV), added on social media: "The government has now been disavowed by the courts in its attempt to dissolve the SLT. "It would do better to tackle the problem of dwindling water resources rather than the messengers. The courts have played their role as a bulwark." During a court hearing on Tuesday, SLT's lawyers had rejected the accusations of violence. They called for the decree to be suspended so that activists could regain their freedom of speech and assembly while they await the appeals trial. "There is also a more global emergency," SLT spokesperson Basile Dutertre told the court. "We've lived the hottest month of our history, and water resources are at a lowest." Pascale Leglise, representing the interior ministry, said the group's methods of direct action that encourage the destruction of private goods were grounds enough for the state to shut down the group. The Chief of Banvim Manguli in the Tamale Metropolis, Naa Alhassan Abdul Rahman has lauded the outgone 2022-2023 DASA leadership of the Tamale Technical University for a remarkable achievement. According to him, the past executives have left an indelible mark at the University, Tamale Technical Institute and the youth front. Speaking as a guest speaker at the University DASA handing-over ceremony, Chief Alhassan said the immediate past executives have been able to command the restructuring of the Kintampo waterfalls. I am aware most recently the DASA board and executives held it's maiden DASA Excellence Awards/Miss DASA which was initiated to motivate Students and also to curb illicit drug abuse on campus and to foster a campaign for a positive change.DASA has also Donated dustbins to ensure proper sanitation and a clean society in and outside the University," he stated. He said the programs and the conduct of the old DASA executives led by chief Nurudeen attracted prominent chiefs and technocrats to the University, this he advised the new executives to maintain the status quo or move further. The patron of the Association in the University, Professor Abdul-Razak Abubakari said the outgone leadership proved him wrong by working to his admiration and the entire University. Since my several years stay in this school, I have never seen a formidable and hardworking DASA group than this batch, am not saying the previous DASA didn't work but this particular group have done very well," he added. Read Mangul-lana's Full Speech Below: SPEECH BY NYAB BANVIM MANGULI-LANA ALHASSAN ABDUL RAHAMAN AS GUEST SPEAKER AT THE DASA HANDING-OVER CEREMONY AT THE TAMALE TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY. Mr.Chairman,Vice Chancellor Tamale Technical University,the registrar and Management of the Tamale Tamale Technical University,the Patron of the Dagbong Students Association(DASA) Tamale Technical University Chapter,the DASA Chief,the DASA President and the entire DASA Executives,Naa Yab Gukpenaa representatives, Nyab Yani Duli-Lana(Chief Sheikh Tamakloe)Nyab Choggu-Naa,Nyab Kpalisilana,Nyab Kintampo Dagbambinaa,Nyab Wurishenaa,invited Guests,the media,students,ladies and Gentlemen. Mr.Chairman it is a great honour to be part of this DASA handing ceremony of this University as Guest speaker,the Tamale University formerly know as Tamale Polytechnic(T.Poly) has over decades ago immensely contributed to the growth and development of the human resource of this country which have played a significant lead role in the transformational agenda and growth of Ghana's economy. Mr.Chairman,Ladies and Gentlemen,this achievements couldn't have been possible without the contributions of the Dagbong Students Association(DASA) and some prominent proud Dagomba's who are at key leadership and management positions in this university and that is worth commending. Friends of the media,ladies and Gentlemen,let me at this juncture commend the enormous and tremendous projects undertaken by the Outgoing DASA Chief,the President and all the executives which has been executed excellently. I am aware most recently the DASA board and executives held it's maiden DASA Excellence Awards/Miss DASA which was initiated to motivate Students and also to curb illicit drug abuse on campus and to foster a campaign for a positive change. Mr.Chairman,Ladies and Gentlemen I'm also told DASA Supported the ongoing construction of the new Gbewaa Palace in Yendi an example worth emulating. They also held a well organized Damba festival which draw the attention of prominent persons in society including the Gukpegu Zosimli Naa, Ife Bell. Ladies and gentlemen as part of efforts to maintain Peace,Unity and co-existance on campus,DASA also held it's maiden Quran Recitation for the University and the Tamale Technical Institute. They have also petition for the redevelopment of the Kintempo Waterfalls which Currently major works is being done at the waterfalls. They have also Donated some clothes to members and some selected groups in Tamale. DASA has also Donated dustbins to ensure proper sanitation and a clean society in and outside the University. They are also repositioning and branding the phase of DASA in Ghana for future. Lastly and most recently,they have made an appeal to cooperate bodies and the chief of Kintampo to help reduce the water and infrastructure challenges on campus. Mr.Chairman,the media, ladies and gentlemen with all this and many more that I think we must be appaulded Let's's give them a big hand of appauls. Ti Paya !!! THE FIGHT AGAINST ILLICIT DRUGS AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE Mr.Chairman, DASA Chief,DASA Patron,DASA Executives,fiends of the media,ladies and gentlemen,let me at this point emphasis that,it is a known fact that most of our youth in the Northern part of Ghana are engage in drug and substance which affects their lives and hampers the growth of their future. Most of them are known for consumption of tramadol,Wee,cocaine and many other substances. The big Question is how can the Youth develop their future if they are addicted to this drugs and substances? Ladies and gentlemen,recently some Youth taskforce comprising the Aboabo and Poloyafong areas was been launched to clamped down on the use of illict drugs and substances,various traditional leaders and Chiefs including the overlord of Dagbong,Ndan Yan-Naa Abukari have endorsed their work and we must all support the efforts. Let me also use opportunity to call on all the Youth groups in Dagbong to collaborate with their Community Chiefs,Zaachi's and Nachin-nanima to fight against the illicit drugs and substance. Mr.Chairman,the media,ladies and gentlemen,let it be on record that the fight against the drug and substance abuse by the taskforce can not be sustainable and achievable if they fail to collaborate and work peacefully with the Regional Security Council(REGSEC) especially the Ghana Police Service. This is a team work affair. THE ROLE OF THE YOUTH IN THE SUSTAINANCE OF PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT Mr.Chairman,ladies and Gentlemen,Peace is essential commodity in every society and must be cherished by all but the Youth in this part of the country has significant role to the sustainance of peace. Dagbong has enjoyed relative peace after the implementation of the Otumfuo Mediation Committee. Ndan Yan-Naa Abukari II and his elders have laid solid and sustainable for the growth and development of Dagbong which we must all support to chatter the path for peaceful coexistance among all and sundry in and around Dagbong and beyond. We can't afford to loose this precious peace we have enjoyed over the years and that is not achievable if tribal,religious,ethnical,Chieftaincy related gates and groups continue to use ill violence words and statements against each other on verbal, social media and other platforms. Let me also call on our security agencies,Dagbong Chiefs and the Youth to work to foster and maintain peaceful coexistance among each other to support the growth of Dagbong. YOUTH FOR CARRER GUIDANCE Mr.Chairman,the Patron DASA,DASA Executives,the media,ladies and gentlemen,it is appropriate for our youth to guide their future for their growth and development. Our youth must have mentors who will also help build their future carrers whether you want to be an Engineer,Doctor,Teacher,Journalist,Nurse,Farmer etc they must be guided and supported. The Youth must also take advantage of the numerous Guidance,Mentors and Counselling training workshops to help build their aspirations,Visions and future dreams. Let's support our Youth development through guidance and mentoring that will foster the future prospects. The Youth is our future and must be supported. Finally,let me say that i was supported,guided and mentored that is why today i am a proud educationist,traditional ruler of the Banvim Manguli Community. Long Live DASA !!! Long Live Dagbong !!! Long Live Northern Region !!! Long Live Ghana !!! 12.08.2023 LISTEN A member of the communication team of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fred Agbenyo has wants traditional rulers to play active role in partisan politics. He questioned why traditional leaders, who play major roles in the growth of their communities, shouldnt be allowed to participate actively in politics. A chief is prohibited from engaging in active party politics, according to Article 276 Clause One of the 1992 Constitution, and any chief running for office must renounce his stool or skin. This he said when politicians are at odds with each other, chiefs are expected to act as arbitrators. We also removed the clauses that allow chiefs to participate in our type of politics, partisan politics. It is through the partisan politics that government leaders are elected. So, if we allow the chiefs to participate some of the chiefs may find themselves on the right side of the government in power, others may find themselves on the wrong side of the government in power, Fred Agbenyo told Kwaku Owusu Adjei(Patoo) on Adwenekasa on Accra-based Original FM 91.9. Fred Agbenyo has said it is about time the country considered amendment of the law which bars chiefs and traditional leaders from actively engaging in partisan politics. According to him, times have changed and traditional rulers like any other Ghanaians have the right to engage in politics. Watch Full Video Here: No casualties because of missile attack on Kryvy Rih - regional administration head According to preliminary information, the Russians attacked Kryvy Rih with a ballistic missile, because of the attack there were no casualties, head of Dnipropetrovsk Regional Military Administration Serhiy Lysak reports. "A missile attack on Kryvy Rih. Preliminary, ballistics. The main thing is no casualties. All details are being specified now," Lysak wrote on Telegram on Saturday. Thousands of Niger coup supporters took to the streets on Friday to protest against plans by West African nations to deploy a military force to the country, as a key regional meeting on a possible intervention was scrapped. ECOWAS had approved a "standby force" to reinstate elected President Mohamed Bazoum, with the EU's top diplomat expressing concern about his conditions in detention since he was ousted by members of his guard on July 26. Chiefs of staff from member states of the West African bloc had been set to attend a meeting on Saturday in Ghana's capital Accra, regional military sources had said on Friday. But they later said the meeting had been suspended indefinitely for "technical reasons". The sources said the meeting was originally set up to inform the organisation's leaders about "the best options" for activating and deploying the standby force. Many protesters brandished Russian and Niger flags. By - (AFP) ECOWAS has yet to provide details on the force or a timetable for action, and the leaders have emphasised they still want a peaceful solution. The last-minute cancellation came as thousands of coup supporters rallied near a French military base in Niger on Friday. Protesters near the base on the outskirts of the capital Niamey shouted "Down with France, down with ECOWAS". Niger's new leaders have accused former colonial power France, a close Bazoum ally, of being behind the hardline ECOWAS stance against the coup. Many protesters brandished Russian and Niger flags and shouted their support for the country's new strongman, General Abdourahamane Tiani. Some shouted their support for the country's new strongman, General Abdourahamane Tiani. By - (AFP) "We are going to make the French leave! ECOWAS isn't independent, it's being manipulated by France," said one demonstrator, Aziz Rabeh Ali, a member of a students' union. France has around 1,500 troops in Niger as part of a force battling an eight-year jihadist insurgency. It is facing growing hostility across the Sahel, withdrawing its anti-jihadist forces from neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso last year after falling out with military governments that ousted elected leaders. Niger's new leaders scrapped defence agreements with France last week, while a hostile protest outside the French embassy in Niamey on July 30 prompted Paris to evacuate its citizens. Fears for Bazoum The European Union and the African Union joined others in sounding the alarm for Bazoum on Friday. "Bazoum and his family, according to the latest information, have been deprived of food, electricity and medical care for several days," said EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell. UN rights chief Volker Turk said Bazoum's reported detention conditions "could amount to inhuman and degrading treatment, in violation of international human rights law". There is increasing concern over the conditions in which deposed president Mohamed Bazoum is being held. By Issouf SANOGO (AFP/File) The AU said "such treatment of a democratically elected president" was "unacceptable". German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock warned that the "coup plotters must face harsh consequences should anything happen" to Bazoum or his family. Top US diplomat Antony Blinken said he was "dismayed" by the military's refusal to release Bazoum's family as a "demonstration of goodwill". A source close to Bazoum said: "He's OK, but the conditions are very difficult". The coup leaders had threatened to assault him in the event of military intervention, the source added. Coup problems: West Africa's regional bloc, ECOWAS. By Nalini LEPETIT-CHELLA (AFP) Human Rights Watch said it had spoken to Bazoum earlier this week. The 63-year-old described the treatment of himself, his wife and their 20-year-old son as "inhuman and cruel", HRW said. "I'm not allowed to receive my family members (or) my friends who have been bringing food and other supplies to us," the group quoted him as saying. "My son is sick, has a serious heart condition, and needs to see a doctor," he was quoted as saying. "They've refused to let him get medical treatment." Under pressure to stem a cascade of coups among its members, ECOWAS had previously issued a seven-day ultimatum to the coup leaders to return Bazoum to power. But the generals defied the deadline, which expired on Sunday without any action being taken. The coup leaders have since named a new government, which met for the first time on Friday. Troubled region Since 1990, the 15-country bloc has intervened in six of its members at times of civil war, insurrection or political turmoil. But the possibility of intervention in deeply fragile Niger has sparked debate within its ranks and warnings from neighbouring Algeria as well as from Russia. Moscow, whose influence in the region has grown, said a military solution "could lead to a protracted confrontation" in Niger and "a sharp destabilisation" across the Sahel. The president of ECOWAS member Cape Verde, Jose Maria Neves, spoke out against a military intervention on Friday and said his country was unlikely to participate in such a campaign. Military-ruled ECOWAS nations Mali and Burkina Faso have warned an intervention would be a "declaration of war" on their countries. General Salifou Mody, Niger's new defence minister, made a brief visit to Mali on Friday, according to a Malian presidential adviser speaking on condition of anonymity. The coup is Niger's fifth since the landlocked country gained independence from France in 1960. Like Mali and Burkina Faso, the country is struggling with a brutal jihadist insurgency that has claimed thousands of lives, forced many people from their homes and undermined faith in government. 12.08.2023 LISTEN Once again, I believe the Almighty has given Ghana an opportunity to show leadership. This Saturday, 12th August, the military chiefs of ECOWAS will once again meet, although this time they will meet in Ghana. I did not find this news mentioned on Ghanaian news outlets. It was in nearby Nigeria, specifically in their newspaper called The Guardian (Article title: Niger crisis: ECOWAS military chiefs to meet on Saturday) that I saw it being reported that the ECOWAS military chiefs will meet in this time in Accra, Ghana, and not in Abuja, Nigeria. So then, why is this a great thing? We should note, and quite deliberately, that among the major ECOWAS countries not currently embroiled in a coup detat, Ghana, is the ONLY major West African nation that has so far withheld hawkish participation in the media, in the form of military engagement with our neighbours Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali! I speak particularly in reference to our president, Nana Akuffo-Addo. We know that Ghana and its leader have withheld hawkish participation in regard to the military option for a number of reasons. First, back on 8th August, when Agence France Press (i.e., AFP) reported names for countries prepared to send thousands of troops to Niger alongside Nigeria, they mentioned Cote dIvoire, Senegal, and Benin. Ghana was conspicuously absent in this lineup! Of course, apart from Nigeria, we all know that Ghana is the next major English-speaking country in West Africa. That is a fact, so the very awesome lack of Ghana showing up in that list at the time it was given, was significant. Second, seeing Cote dIvoire (another major West African country besides Nigeria and Ghana) in this list was no accident. The Ivorian president, Alassane Ouattara, appears to be quite gung-ho to send his troops to die in Niger. This is so, as at the just ended meeting (10th August) of ECOWAS heads of state, president Alassane Ouattara was quoted on Reuters as saying, "We do not accept, we will not accept coups d'etat. These putschists must go. If they don't let Bazoum out to be able to exercise his mandate, I think we should move ahead and get them out. Clearly, the Ivorian president appears to have little to no qualms in going to Mali to fight (and kill) his sisters and his brothers (the Dioula peoples of Cote dIvoire and Mali are the same Mande peoples), even as Burkina Faso was the nation that sheltered Alassane Ouattara, and from where he staged his violent 2011 comeback into power, under the aegis of French military power. Third, it would also appear that the Nigerian president, Bola Tinubu, is doubling down on still having the military option open, even where Muslim and Christian leaders (including cardinals and bishops), members of his own senate especially opposition parties, and members of the international community are all very actively calling for restraint to further explore diplomacy. In fact, the only diplomatic door so far opened by the very commendable efforts of president Tinubus colleage, Lamido Sanusi Lamido, former Emir of Kano, current Khalifa of the Tijaniyya Sufi (spiritual) order of Nigeria, and who was ALSO the former governor of the central bank of Nigeria, was when this eminent fellow on his own initiative personally travelled to Niger to meet with general Abdourahmane Tiani, leader of the Nigerien junta. Prior to Lamido Sanusis Niger visit, general Tiani refused to meet anyone else except for his own men as well as allies from Mali and from Burkina Faso, so this door that opened was a huge deal indeed. Fourth, contrary to positions expressed by stalwarts of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) party (leaders such as general secretary Asiedu Nketia) asserting to the effect that that Ghanas president has agreed to send Ghanaian soldiers as part of the ECOWAS standby force to die in Niger (so far, this assertion appears not to be true, judging from the AFP reportage of 8th August stated above) and also taking into account comments from prominent NDC MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa cautioning that there appears have been no parliamentary discussion yet on the military issue, as I suppose has happened in Nigeria (the lack of discussion at parliament appears to be true, as far as I know, but as we see in Nigeria, the president has still decided to have the military option despite parliamentary admonishment), in my view the signs have been very clear, that Nana Akuffo Addo, unlike his colleagues president Alassane Ouattara, whose position I have cited in a quote above, and president Bola Tinubu, who said at the recent, second ECOWAS heads of state meeting at Abuja (10th August), that (and I quote from Reuters), No option is taken off the table, saying that, even after Lamido Sanusi just managed to by himself open the door, where even the Americans and ECOWAS delegations failed, president Akuffo Addo has managed to keep a calm and cool head, witnessing and observing the happenings among his colleagues but not committing, because I believe unlike the others our president has decided NOT to join the ECOWAS standby force in the same ways as the leaders of Nigeria, Cote dIvoire, Senegal, and Benin have done. Why is that? It is quite simple, my fellow sisters and brothers. In my opinion, our president understands the risks involved in further upsetting the peace and stability of the West African region by endorsing offensive military adventurism in Niger. The situation we are faced with in Niger is much more dangerous than what we here in West Africa witnessed at the beginning of 2017 when Senegal sent troops into the Gambia as a measure to remove Yahya Jammeh from office after he lost the election. It is also of a lower priority than having each country protect itself and the sub-region from jihadists. President Akuffo-Addo understands that maintaining peace and security is a precondition to subsequently promoting national, regional and continental economic prosperity, through organs such as AfCFTA. It is precisely what he stated recently on 7th August when he received the Medal of Merit in Leadership Award from the Africa Bar Association (an Award akin to the Mo Ibrahim Award for leadership, but much better, and more meaningful, in my opinion) held in South Africa. The Award acknowledged and celebrated our president for good governance, for achieving the rank of a true African Statesman, and for having forged a legacy worthy of emulation. At this event, our president stated his views in these words: [W]ith the relevant investment, we will be able to sustain economic growth, and create the job opportunities that the youth of our continent so desperately need. [That] will mean more opportunities for growth for small businesses and the potential to lift some 30 million out of extreme poverty. Additionally, a successful AfCFTA will mean that Africas industrial exports will be diversified We in West Africa, are currently preoccupied with the need to free the Region from the terrorist insurgency that has engulfed Mali, Burkina Faso, parts of Niger and Nigeria and threatening the peace and stability of the coastal nations In other words, the message our president gave to the world, to NDC, to NPP, and to the various peoples of Ghana, is that as leader of our country, he has decided in the main to focus Ghanas military efforts on securing our borders from terrorist incursions by jihadists, those whose activities are a real threat to the peace and stability of countries in the region, the very peace and stability that serves as a fundamental prerequisite for greater economic growth and prosperity of African peoples. Best scenario, from where I stand, is to sequester our brothers and sisters there, to sort themselves out while focusing on promoting present and future chances for greater peace and stability in our region, as our Ghanaian president Nana Akuffo Addo so adeptly opined in his acceptance speech. Further escalation on the part of the remnant ECOWAS body will only lead to a long, drawn out conflict, which will then inevitably bring in the West (US-NATO, etc.), the East (Russia, China and their allies) and MUCH MORE of those unwanted third-party Islamist fundamentalist jihadist groups such as Boko Haram, AlQaida in the Magrab (AQIM), Ansar Dine, Jama'at al Nusra (the worst of them all), Ansaroul Islam, Movement for Unity and Jihad in West Africa, Masina Liberation Front (FLM), and all the other opportunist jihadists. They initially managed to break into our West African sub-region in greater numbers, taking up positions as well as building networks for arms to wreak terror as a result of the 'Arab Spring' and in particular resulting from the demise of Gaddafi and Libya, a war largely encouraged to its conclusion by the US and their NATO/Western allies. What in my view ECOWAS leaders as a group could have done when they still had the chance, but have now entirely lost that opportunity, was to first show respect to those who have now unfortunately taken power in Niger. The first step could have been to seek the safe return of the deposed president, his family and his co-workers. There should have been a negotiation there, to for instance repatriate him to Nigeria. Next could have been a side-by-side working plan toward progressing from the coup detat state to some form of transition or joint government, or whatever, that may even have included now ex-president Bazoum, who is rather eating dry rice at the present time, and whose life is now being held at ransom. The junta has just this past day threatened to kill Bazoum, should ECOWAS military forces invade Niger, as reported in Francophone news outlets. Killing Bazoum before ECOWAS military forces arrive to rescue him is a zero sum game, since the effort at trying to reinstate the deposed president will then amount to nil. Instead, ECOWAS (and in particular, president Tinubus leadership) have chosen to assume (in the main) the harder line, of threats of military invasion, causing the junta and their allies first to escalate into a new unified super state within West Africa (something reminiscent of Russia-China, and which conglomerations have also not happened since the Cold War), and next for the junta in Niger to triple down, eliminating further possibilities for easier negotiations, and simultaneously advancing their government by assigning new posts. So, where at the beginning it was quite a difficult situation, it is now at a stage where it is a ten to fifteen times more difficult one. And then ECOWAS sends the military standby force in (which they surely will, in the end). Guess what. Odds are, the situation then will become intractable at the very least. So, with ECOWAS military chiefs of staff changing strategy to instead come to Accra rather than Abuja, we HOPE this move from Nigeria to Ghana is not an approach to encourage (with peer pressure) our Ghanaian military corps, seemingly neutral in the matter, following the wisdom of our president (and perhaps of some at his cabinet such as the Minister of Defence), to rather join this military standby force led by Nigeria. There is nothing in it for Ghana (and a lot in it for Nigeria, business-wise), and for the party in government, especially at a time when elections are just around the corner for us here in Ghana, it is going to be a disastrous move for NPP. On the contrary, as our president so adeptly opined in his acceptance speech, Ghana has everything to gain by instead focusing on maintaining and on upholding peace and stability, first within our own country, and second within the region. We do this by strengthening our borders against incursions from jihadists, in a purely defensive capacity. It is what the late former Ghanaian president John Evans Atta Mills once termed di wo fie asm, in regard to Cote dIvoires March 2011 political instability and subsequent takeover. We also do this by simultaneously supporting diplomatic overtures that support and promote peace and stability in the West African sub-region and elsewhere in Africa. Rather, we also hope that the military chiefs are coming to Ghana for inspiration. Ghana has a long track record of setting an example to emulate, in fact throughout all of Africa. This is why it is great that the ECOWAS military chiefs of staff are coming to Accra this weekend. We hope you find some inspiration to salvage the situation while you still can. It is in fact still salvageable. We hope you do not put undue pressure on Ghanas military brass if they have already decided to, or have the good mind to stay out of a potential disaster that will surely result from a joint ECOWAS military adventure in Niger. 12.08.2023 LISTEN The narrative is gradually shifting among African leaders, prompting them to re-evaluate their positions on human rights, particularly concerning sexual orientation. Basically, the cultural argument has been a cornerstone for those advocating against LGBTQ rights. They claim that homosexuality is alien to African traditions and could lead to moral decay. Some even go as far as to suggest that displeasing the gods of the land with such practices could bring unprecedented plagues upon the continent. However, a glaring contradiction emerges when we consider Africa's relationship with international institutions. Many African nations rely on financial aid from bodies like the World Bank, IMF, and various governments. These entities champion the principles of human rights, equality, and respect for all. Ironically, while Africa often points fingers at the West for its challenges, it doesn't hesitate to seek their assistance, despite its vast resources. The continent's political systems, marred by corruption and underdevelopment, have left it in a state of impoverishment. In this age of technological convergence, where the world is becoming a global village, it's baffling that some leaders still hide behind outdated cultural norms as a moral compass. It's disheartening to see these leaders cling to traditions that haven't fostered our liberation or enlightenment. Historically, Africa was associated with harsh cultural practices, such as human sacrifices and the oppressive traditions of trokosi and widowhood rites. While some of these practices persist, it was largely the influence of Western education that initiated their decline. Now, as the LGBTQ issue gains global attention, many African leaders act as if their cultural values are under siege. They propagate the notion that only heterosexual relationships align with African values, insinuating that the continent should isolate itself from the evolving global norms. Africa must recognize that it cannot revert to the past in a world that's rapidly globalizing. Soon, global powers and industry leaders will set the standards of acceptability, influencing the flow of resources and power dynamics. African leaders must adapt or risk being left behind. Instead of focusing on divisive issues like anti-LGBTQ sentiments, leaders should prioritize uplifting the continent from its challenges. The question remains: Will opposing LGBTQ rights truly restore Africa's glory? With a myriad of pressing issues at hand and leaders seemingly indifferent, it's perplexing to see energy channelled against a minority group that, in many ways, wields more influence than the continent itself. It is high time African leaders prioritize the genuine welfare of their people over outdated prejudices. The path forward is one of unity, progress, and inclusivity. Isaac Ofori Human Rights Advocate BA, MA, MPhil Governance and Leadership Expert Professor Enoch Opoku Antwi has told the former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources Cecilia Abena Dapaah to open up on the source of her money. In the view of Prof Antwi, if she speaks, it will stop all the speculations being made about the source of her wealth. Come out and tell us the source of the money to stop the speculation, he said on the Key Points on TV3 Saturday, August 12. The OSP confirmed finding a total of $590,000 and GH2.73 million at Cecilia Dapaah's residence in Abelemkpe, a suburb of Accra. This follows a search conducted by officers from the Office. This was confirmed in a writ filed at an Accra High Court by the OSP on Tuesday, August 8. The case has been moved to be heard on Thursday, August 17. In the writ sighted by 3news.com, the OSP indicated that the search was initiated in accordance with LI2374 after rife reports pointed to some monies still stashed in the home of the former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources. The reports started pouring in after she lodged a complaint at the police over some stolen money from her home. On 24 July 2023, the OSP placed the respondent under arrest on charges of corruption and corruption-related offences. The OSP subsequently conducted searches in three(3) residential properties associated with the respondent at Cantonments, Abelemkpe and Tesano in Accra. It said it found $590,000 and GH2,730,000 at the Abelemkpe residence. Authorised officers of the OSP seized the discovered cash sums on reasonable grounds that they were suspected tainted property in accordance with section 32(1) of Act 959 as it was necessary to exercise the power of seizure to prevent concealment of the cash sums. It also said as part of overarching investigations into the matter, a freezing order against bank accounts and investments of Madam Abena Dapaah was issued in accordance with section 38(1) of Act 959 and regulation 19(1) of LI 2374. The accounts and investments are at Prudential Bank Limited and Societe Generale Ghana. 3news.com The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) must be prompt in the investigations on the matter of resigned Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources Cecilia Abena Dapaah to enable everybody to make a determination on the matter. To him, the issues involving Madam Dapaah touch on corruption, poor governance structure, and also the general conduct of all public officers. The OSP must bring skills and alacrity to the investigation so we can come to make a determination, he said on the Key Points on TV3 Saturday, August 12. He added, This matter is beyond merely criminal prosecution, it touches on corruption, governance, and conduct of public officers. The OSP confirmed finding a total of $590,000 and GH2.73 million at Cecilia Dapaah's residence in Abelemkpe, a suburb of Accra. This follows a search conducted by officers from the Office. This was confirmed in a writ filed at an Accra High Court by the OSP on Tuesday, August 8. The case has been moved to be heard on Thursday, August 17. In the writ sighted by 3news.com, the OSP indicated that the search was initiated in accordance with LI2374 after rife reports pointed to some monies still stashed in the home of the former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources. The reports started pouring in after she lodged a complaint at the police over some stolen money from her home. On 24 July 2023, the OSP placed the respondent under arrest on charges of corruption and corruption-related offences. The OSP subsequently conducted searches in three(3) residential properties associated with the respondent at Cantonments, Abelemkpe and Tesano in Accra. It said it found $590,000 and GH2,730,000 at the Abelemkpe residence. Authorised officers of the OSP seized the discovered cash sums on reasonable grounds that they were suspected tainted property in accordance with section 32(1) of Act 959 as it was necessary to exercise the power of seizure to prevent concealment of the cash sums. It also said as part of overarching investigations into the matter, a freezing order against bank accounts and investments of Madam Abena Dapaah was issued in accordance with section 38(1) of Act 959 and regulation 19(1) of LI 2374. The accounts and investments are at Prudential Bank Limited and Societe Generale Ghana. 3news.com South Dayi Member of Parliament Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor has accused Attorney-General Godfred Dame of massaging the facts of the case involving the resigned Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources Cecilia Abena Dapaah who kept large amounts of dollars and Cedis in her home. He said the alleged conduct of the Attorney-General was unacceptable and unethical. The Attorney-General concocted facts by varying the figures downward, Dafeamekpor said on the Key Points on TV3 Saturday, August 12. He put out facts that vary from the original facts, he added. This is Unacceptable and unethical. The Attorney-General asked the Police to investigate the ownership of the US$200,000 and 300,000 stolen from the home of Cecilia Abena Dapaah. This was after the A-G said Madam Abena Dapaah did not mention the owner of the cash. The A-G in its advice on the money stolen from Madam Dapaah said that [She] stated in her initial complaint that $800,000 belonged to her deceased brother and GHC300,000 of contribution towards her mother's funeral contained in a box and a bag respectively were stolen. This is confirmed by Henry Osei Kwabena who told the police on 4th July 2023, that he brought the box of money to her sister for safekeeping. This notwithstanding, it is important for the police to conduct independent investigations into these assertions to ascertain the following: i. The true ownership of the amount of US$800,000. ii. The source(s) from which the established owner of the amount of US$800,000 acquired the money. iii. Whether the accused actually stole the full amount of US$800,000 from the house of the complainants. A-G'S ADVICE ON CECILIA DAPAAH'S STOLEN CASH Cecilia Dapaah did not indicate who the amounts of $200,000 and 300,000 stolen from the room belonged to. The $200,000 and $800,000 have been lumped together in one count on the charge sheet as belonging to Cecilia Dapaah. The total of all the sums retrieved from the accused together with the value of properties acquired does not appear to amount to the sum reported by the complainants as having been stolen. It is important for the police to conduct investigations into: i. The ownership of the US$200,000 and 300,000. ii. The source(s) from which the established owner(s) of the amounts of US$200,000 and 300,000, acquired the money. iii. Broaden the investigations on money laundering and other financial crimes to cover the complainants. In a tweet reacting to this, Mr Kwakye Ofosu said Our very partisan Attorney-General is clearly on an NPP damage limitation exercise in the Cecelia Dapaah cashgate scandal. His advice to the Police makes for funny reading. 3news.com A massive "resource for infrastructure" deal between China and the Democratic Republic of Congo has been criticised by Kinshasa as immensely favourable to its Chinese partners. President Felix Tschisekedi was in Beijing in May to rebalance the contract. Three months later, Congolese civil society groups are upset over what they call a lack of transparency over the ongoing negotiations. It is unacceptable that we should have given that many advantages while the country is getting nothing in return, said Jules Alingete Key, the state auditor of the Congolese finance inspection. He is referring to an agreement signed between China and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in 2008, which is being re-negotiated upon the Congolese government's request to reflect a fairer re-balancing of profits. The Sino-Congolais des Mines (Sicomines) agreement, a resource for infrastructure deal, is a sort of barter deal struck between the DRC and China where the latter is allowed to mine cobalt, copper and other minerals in exchange for infrastructure investments in the country. Labelled the deal of the century, it is the largest contract China has undertaken with an African partner. In return for infrastructure development from hospitals to roads to the tune of 3 billion dollars, the Chinese partners were granted mining access to deposits of cobalt and copper, valued at some 93 billion dollars, around Kolwezi in the south-eastern DRC. The DRC has the world's largest reserves of cobalt, an essential component used for electric cars. Sicomines consists of a 68 percent stake for the Group of Chinese Enterprises (GEC) and 32 percent for Gecamines, the Congolese national mining company. The deal was signed under Joseph Kabila's presidency and raised concerns among civil society organisations and international financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Kabila's intention was to bring investment into DRC without increasing its foreign debt. After President Etienne Tshisekedi was elected, he decided in May 2021 to completely reassess the Sicomines Agreement. Damning state audit On 15 February 2023, Jules Alingete Key, the head of the Congolese Inspection generale des finances (IGF), published an audit report showing that over the past 15 years only 822 million dollars was actually spent in investment development as opposed to the 3 billion dollars promised. The way this accord has been crafted is akin to an unacceptable economic colonisation. So, reparations are in order, Key said. We demand of Sicomines that it gives, in 2023, at least one billion dollars to its Congolese partners to settle the delays in infrastructure investments agreed in the contract. China's embassy in Kinshasa dismissed the audit report, claiming that it did not correspond to reality. It added that the joint-venture is a win-win partnership. Sicomines also voiced objections to the contents of the report. For his first official visit to China in May 2023, Tshisekedi tabled reviewing the Sicomines accord to be more favourable to Congo's interests. For DRC, renegotiating the contract involves boosting its Sicomines shares from 32 percent to 70 percent and reducing China's from 68 percent to 30 percent. We demand that the infrastructure works be undertaken equally by both Congolese and Chinese companies. It is unacceptable that all the works are given to Chinese companies which overcharge and pocket significant profits, said Key. DRC intends to ask for compensation. The minerals extracted by Sicomines are sold at half-price to Chinese companies which are also Sicomines shareholders. So, that resulted in a loss of 7 billion dollars for Gecamines, the Congolese partner of the deal, Key added. Opaque negotiations But the Congolese civil society is not satisfied with the progress made so far. They [the government] is in this commission with their Chinese counterparts, negotiating for the past three months. But, the Congolese people has no idea what is being discussed, nor what will come out of it, said Florimond Muteba, the head of Odep, a Congolese NGO which investigates public finance. Muteba told RFI's Pascal Mulegwa in Kinshasa that the politicians who negotiated the contract in 2008 bear a responsibility towards its disastrous outcome. There was a president involved, a prime minister, ministers as well. They should be sued and pay for the wrongs done to the Congolese people, he said. How much done In its audit, Key pointed out that the 822 million dollars attributed to infrastructure development by Sicomines has been largely inflated and does not reflect what has been accomplished on the ground. He gives as example Kinshasa's Cinquentenaire hospital and the 114 million dollars spent for its renovation. But that would mean an investment of 200 thousand dollars per bed, said the Asadho human rights association. Ten million dollars was earmarked to build the Bukavu stadium in Nyatende. The state audit said that, in effect, 3 million dollars was spent on the stadium which, today, is still under construction when it should have been ready in 2019. The airports of Goma and Bukavu have never been renovated. The hydro-electric dams of Kakobola and Ketende were never built. And of the 3,656 kilometres of roads promised, only 536 kilometres were constructed. An adviser to Congolese ministry of Finance told the Global Witness advocacy organisation in 2011 that DRC was in a very weak bargaining position when the deal was negotiated, like a sick man. People inevitably make mistakes, no matter how hard they try. However, recognizing our faults is difficult, so we occasionally stand on our own instead of facing the truth. The biggest problem facing humanity has been how to apologize or accept faults. Why is this so? People who try to avoid taking responsibility and don't want to own up to their mistakes only make things worse for themselves since they keep making the same mistakes over and over without any room for progress or change. According to a study, the frequent admitting of mistakes makes one feel better than denying responsibility. Scientists have found that people, who refuse to accept responsibility for their errors, suffer self-esteem, loss of authority, and loss of control over the situation than others who do. Some people don't ever repent because they feel that doing so would be like ceding control to someone else or showing their weakness and failure. One of Bob Marley's most memorable quotations on the subject of being afraid to take responsibility for mistakes Being rude to people is the worst aspect of a person's life or character, but pride and arrogance prevent them from saying "I'm sorry," instead tend to deny that they are wrong and find justifications for their rudeness. Your refusal to accept responsibility when you are mistaken demonstrates a lack of confidence. As was already mentioned, those who vehemently maintain their delusions genuinely feel like proclaiming their weakness; as a result, they continue to act the same despite their blunders. This is the main issue in African politics, including that of my own Ghana. Even though corruption scandals reveal that the government has been stealing from the people, they never apologize because they believe it would harm the political party. Such behavior cannot be tolerated since it contributes to Africa's agony by fostering unemployment and poverty and impeding the development of improved facilities for the oppressed masses. Refusing to accept responsibility for mistakes is more common among people with low self-esteem. The recognition of another person's mistake feels humiliating to them. They reject criticism from others, demonstrating in every aspect of their look that they are confident in themselves and that everything is going according to plan. This behavior is simply an effort to avoid looking foolish, as insecure people often go to great lengths to fool those around them into thinking they are firm. Weak people never apologize or acknowledge their mistakes; a prime example of this is the present crop of politicians who are tearing the country apart. Strong people, on the other hand, readily admit their errors and are willing to do whatever it takes to fix them. Even when everyone around them recognizes that their point of view is incorrect, people who wish to appear strong will still defend it. This is one of the reasons I keep stating that the government that excuses its wrongdoing is the most dangerous. People who can't handle failure, notably politicians, sometimes refuse to apologize because they fear their adversaries will make fun of them. If African leaders dare to apologize to the populace, they will be pardoned. For instance, how much will it cost Akufo Addo to apologize to Ghanaians for introducing new taxes after accusing Mahama of doing so? Instead, he will blame COVID and the Russia-Ukraine war since he is so arrogantly conceited and haughty. As the world changes quickly, it is also having an impact on developing nations. This should serve as a lesson to African leaders about the need to be transparent to build good relationships with the populace because the inability to admit mistakes, similar to the fear of losing, becomes a barrier to communication with the people. Therefore; saying Ive made a mistake or I'm sorry is nothing to be ashamed of because it might inspire someone to make better choices to help others. Jimmy Cliff, the legendary reggae star from Jamaica, sings about the hollowness of foolish pride. People who enjoy being cruel are sometimes so proud of themselves that they find it difficult or impossible to acknowledge their errors. They focus on their resolve and work to uphold the appearance of someone proud and resolute, but this is typically simply a front for an inferiority complex. In the end, even your closest friends and family members may decide to distance themselves from you because they are hurt and affected by your ego and arrogance. Good politicians have to challenge their assumptions and consider other viewpoints to learn to acknowledge when they are mistaken. Critical thinking skills will only be advantageous to them as times and circumstances change. People who refuse to accept responsibility for their mistakes or who place blame on those around them are what we see in Ghanas politics today. Dr. Steve Manteaw, Co-Chair of the Ghana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (GHEITI) and Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG) has further challenged journalists and news editors to prioritise issues and matters relating to promoting transparency and accountability in Ghanas multi-billion oil and mining sectors. According to him, ever since Ghana commenced oil exploration in the year 2010, the media has done some very good scrutiny in ensuring accountability, prudent revenue monitoring, and helping to harness the full benefits of the extractive sector in the best interest of host oil and gas as well as mining communities and the country at large. The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) sets a global standard for transparency in oil, gas, and mining which Ghana is a member country. He, however, called for more efforts on the part of the Ghana media to prioritise and further intensify discussions and national discourse on EITI matters. The EITI aims to promote transparency and accountability in the extractive sector. The media plays a crucial role in EITI by acting as a watchdog, reporting on issues related to natural resource extraction, revenue management, and governance. We need more efforts from the media to help raise awareness, expose corruption, and hold governments and companies accountable for their actions, he said. Dr. Steve Manteaw was addressing a two-day Technical Workshop for journalists and editors at the Hill Palace Hotel in Aburi, in the Eastern region, which was focused on discussing the 2020 GHEITI Reports For The Mining And Oil/Gas Sectors. The main object of the technical workshop was to build the capacities of members of IFEJ and the editors on the key issues in the reports in particular, and the extractive sector in general with a view to promoting accurate reportage. The reports are in conformity with the 2019 EITI Standard that go beyond the mere reconciliation of payments and receipts, to include contextual information such as the summary description of the legal framework and fiscal regime, the sectors contribution to the economy, production and export data, state participation in the extractive industries, revenue allocations, sustainability of revenues, license registers and license allocation, and several other requirements of the Standard. The media workshop brought together members of the Institute of Financial and Economic Journalists (IFEJ) and a cross-section of editors from print and electronic media as well as online journalists to discuss the said reports. It was organized by the Ministry of Finance/Ghana EITI in collaboration with the German Development Cooperation (GIZ). This workshop comes on the back of the successful launch of the 2020 Ghana EITI reports for the mining and oil/gas sector held at the Airport West Hotel, Accra in June 2023. Dr. Steve Manteaw added We also urge the media to encourage public participation and contribute to informed discussions about the management of natural resources and their economic impacts. EITI offers several benefits for host mining and oil extractive communities. It promotes transparency and accountability in the management of natural resources, leading to increased public trust and reduced corruption. He continued that the EITI can also enhance revenue management, ensuring that communities receive their fair share of profits and what they duly deserve. By involving stakeholders in decision-making processes, EITI fosters better communication and cooperation between governments, companies, and communities, ultimately leading to more sustainable development and improved social and environmental standards. It aims to ensure that the revenue generated from these resources benefits the citizens of resource-rich countries. EITI encourages governments, companies, and civil society to collaborate in disclosing and verifying information about extractive industry revenues and payments. This transparency can help prevent corruption, promote good governance, and foster sustainable development. President of Imani Africa, Franklin Cudjoe is calling for the people responsible for the Bank of Ghanas 2022 GH60.8 billion losses to be surcharged in attempts to recoup the money. Mr. Cudjoe castigated the Central Bank for being irresponsible and shirking its mandate which he said accounted for the losses. If you are suggesting to us that because you supported the government and so the loss should be taken, then you are simply saying that your fundamental duty as an independent arbiter in disputes among government institutions should be thrown to the dogs. He told Selorm Adonoo on The Big Issue on Citi TV that it is standard practice to surcharge individuals responsible for financial infractions in an audit and so it will be prudent for the conversation about the resignation of the Central Banks governor and his deputies to also gravitate toward surcharging them and any other person responsible for the losses. The auditors were quite clear about the mandate of the Bank and as to why all these infractions are coming out tells me one thing, that the right procedures were not adopted by the central bank and if that is the case, why are we running around to get a solution? What I know is that if you are audited as an independent organization and certain infractions are found, you are surcharged, so my point is, are we not supposed to be looking at that direction as well? This should go beyond calls that people should resign, I think we must also find out if some surcharging will be done because this is substantial money. -citinewsroom Russia is importing components circumventing sanctions, and is increasing the production of long-range weapons, head of the President's Office of Ukraine Andriy Yermak said on Telegram. "The big problem is that Russia is getting imported components circumventing sanctions, increasing the production of long-range weapons in order to further destroy Ukrainian infrastructure," Yermak said after his fifth meeting with representatives of foreign diplomatic institutions. He said that during the meeting the issue of energy security was considered, the item on which is included in the Ukrainian Peace Formula in order to prevent the use of energy as a weapon, as the aggressor country is doing at the moment. "The Kremlin began to put pressure on Europe by increasing energy prices six times since the start of the war in Ukraine, but Ukraine has done everything to break dependence on Russian energy resources, broke the plans of the Russian Federation," Yermak stressed. He noted that the aggressor country continues to attack the Ukrainian energy system, as it plans to create a humanitarian catastrophe by depriving millions of Ukrainians of access to basic resources during the winter. Acting Director General of the Geological Survey Authority (GSSA) Issac Mwinbelle, has said the Ridge location of the new head office of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) is safe from earthquakes and tremors than the current location. He explained that the current location which is at the High Street near James Town in Accra, is prone to tremors and earthquakes therefore it was prudent for the Bank to have acted swiftly to forestal any disaster. Speaking to the state broadcaster, the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) in an interview on their GBC Radio network, Thursday, August 10, he said Generally, the coastal parts of Ghana, most specifically the eastern part which is Accra are earthquake-prone zone and these earthquakes occur as a result of the fault line. The coastal part of Ghana has a number of fault lines that pass through the area but the prominent one which has fault lines for the period produced some substantial earth tremors and earthquakes are the fault lines that are within the Krokrobite, Weija, and the Dansoman area. Most of the earthquakes that have occurred over the period are a result of the movement along the fault line. The latest one which was on the 10th of March this year, if you look at the epic center it was close to James Town, meaning that it is moving towards the current location of the Bank of Ghana. There are fault zone in these areas but they have not produced any substantial earth tremor it doesn't mean that there cannot be an earth tremor along those fault lines and for that if the Bank of Ghana is being proactive by doing an assessment to find out whether the current location is suitable for a central bank or not, I think it is a plus for them because they must ensure the safety of the Bank, the safety of the staff as well as the safety of whatever is contained there. Asked how safe is the new location from possible earthquakes, Mr Mwinbelle answered If you look at the earthquakes that have occurred, they have always occurred off the coastline that is into the sea, and by approximation Ridge is much further away from the coastline which is from offshore than the current location [of the Bank of Ghana] which is the High Street area. In terms of lateral placement the Ridge location might be much safer when it comes to earth tremors because the closer the structure is to the epic centre the more devastating that it would cause as compared to when it is further away from the epic center, we may likely experience much lower devastation on the structure. The central bank itself earlier explained in a statement on Wednesday, August 9 that a structural integrity assessment conducted by the BoG revealed that the current BoG Head Office building, built by the Nkrumah Government in the early 1960s, is no longer fit for purpose and could not stand any major earth tremors. The outcome of the structural integrity work was that the main building does not satisfy the full complement of excess strength required for a building to be considered safe for usage. This means that in the case of a worst-case gravity and wind loading scenario, for example, unusually strong wind, the building may be significantly affected. The building also does not have the required strength to withstand the expected imposed significant earthquake loads that would be expected to occur in the Accra area. Based on the above, and looking at the strategic objective of positioning Ghana as the financial hub of the sub-region, with prospects of a potential Headquarters for a future regional Central Bank. The Board and Management of the Bank considered a new Head Office building as the most important priority project to support the operational efficiency of the Bank, and also position the Bank of Ghana in a very good position to be the host of the regional Central Bank as we currently host the West African Monetary Institute (WAMI) of the sub-region. This statement came on the back of the revelation by the Minority Leader Dr Cassiel Ato Forson that the BoG was spending $250 million to put up a new head office at time the Bank is in financial difficulties. Dr Forson accused the Governor of printing money to finance this project because the BoG has no money. The Bank of Ghana does not have money but spending $250million for a new head office, which means he is printing additional money to finance this project, Dr Forson said. He further gave the Governor and his two deputies up to 21 days starting Tuesday, August 8 to resign after indicating that the governor just prints cash to support the government's spending. We have to get this Governor out and let us have a new Governor. If we allow him to stay in the office, we will set bad precedence for future managers to do the same, he said at a press conference in Accra on Tuesday, August 8. Dr Forson stressed, He has messed us so much that we cannot wait to see his back. We demand the immediate resignation of the Governor and his deputies within 21 days. We will march to occupy the central bank to save the Bank of Ghana if he fails to reign. The March will ensure accountability, he said. -3news.com Mr Samuel Asare Akuamoah, a Deputy Chair in charge of Operations, National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), has charged African leaders to critically examine their reigns to help minimise occurrence of coup d'etats on the continent. That, he said, was also necessary to understand the root causes of the rampant coup d'etats on the continent, identify the justifications to find solutions to them. Mr Akuamoah made the call in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, after the Commission received an eight-member Delegation from the Namibian African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), in Accra. Mr Samuel Asare Akuamoah, Deputy Chair in charge of Operations, NCCE The delegation was led by Mr Lineekela J. Mboti, Chief Executive Officer, Namibian APRM. The purpose of the visit was to understudy how the NCCE discharged its civic education mandate. At least, four democratically elected governments including Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea, have been toppled by military juntas since 2021, with the latest one happening in Niger. On July 26, 2023, presidential guards ousted the elected President Mohamed Bazoum, suspended the country's constitution, and installed General Abdourahmane Tchiani as Head of State. Mr Akuamoah said it was extremely sad that the continent continued to witness coups after years of efforts to promote democratic principles in Africa. We have encountered coups in the sub-region and at the point that we think that we have closed the chapter on one, and another one happens again, he said. The latest coup, he said, was an opportunity for us to also do a self-introspection to ask ourselves about the causes and to see the justifications and make sure that we address them, we take the bull by the horn. Our people cannot compromise on their mandates, that is critical. And so, how do we cede the mandate of the people to government and when we get the mandate, how do we account for the mandate? Im sure if we are able to account for the mandate that we are given, it will tone down the challenges that confront us, he added. Mr Akuamoah, who is also a member of the Governing Board of the APRM, urged calm among the warring factions as well as regional blocks, including the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union, to avoid a spillover of the conflict. We should apply cool heads to the solution and ensure that democracy predominate, we shouldn't allow what is happening in Niger to have a spillover effect, Mr Akuamoah said. He also indicated that Ghana was concerned about activities of violent extremist groups within the sub region which have destabilised nations. As a result, he said, the country was currently implementing a number of projects to educate community members about the presence of such terrorist groups to curtail any possible attack. We are at the cross-roads, but we know that the kind of resilience that we have built over the years is going to carry us through, Mr Akuamoah added. Mr Mboti, the leader of the Namibian Delegation, urged democratically elected African leaders to improve governance on the continent to curtail the coup d'etats. Mr Lineekela J. Mboti, Chief Executive Officer, Namibian APRM. He said it was regrettable that Africa had failed to silence the gun by the set date of 2020, urging other African countries to ensure that the situation in West Africa did not become a model for the rest of the continent. In that regard, it's going to be unfortunate, uncalled for. At the end of the day, it's women and children that suffer and we have gone through that, and we do not want to go back, he added. GNA Niger's detained president was seen by his doctor on Saturday, his entourage said, amid mounting concern for his condition, while West Africa's regional bloc scrapped a crisis meeting on the coup that deposed him. Mohamed Bazoum, 63, was toppled on July 26 by his presidential guard, which has since held him and his family at his official residence in the capital Niamey. The European Union, the African Union and the United Nations joined others in sounding the alarm for Bazoum on Friday after reports described worsening detention conditions. Bazoum "had a visit by his doctor today", a member of his entourage told AFP, adding the physician had also brought food for Bazoum, his wife and son. "He's fine, given the situation," the source added. Human Rights Watch said it spoke with Bazoum earlier this week. The ousted leader described the treatment of himself, his wife and their unwell 20-year-old son as "inhuman and cruel", HRW said. Nigerien soldiers stand guard as supporters of the coup rally. By - (AFP) "I'm not allowed to receive my family members (or) my friends who have been bringing food and other supplies to us," the group quoted him as saying. "My son is sick, has a serious heart condition, and needs to see a doctor," he was quoted as saying. "They've refused to let him get medical treatment." UN rights chief Volker Turk on Friday said Bazoum's reported detention conditions "could amount to inhuman and degrading treatment, in violation of international human rights law". Top US diplomat Antony Blinken said he was "dismayed" by the military's refusal to release Bazoum's family as a "demonstration of goodwill". CNN reported last week that Bazoum was being kept isolated and forced to eat dry rice and pasta by those who overthrew him. Crisis meeting suspended West African leaders deferred a crisis meeting due in Ghana's capital Accra on Saturday after approving the deployment of a "standby force to restore constitutional order" in Niger as soon as possible. Chiefs of staff from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) indefinitely suspended the gathering for "technical reasons". Sources said the meeting was originally set up to inform the organisation's leaders about "the best options" for activating and deploying the standby force. Economic Community of West African States. By Nalini LEPETIT-CHELLA (AFP) "The military option seriously envisaged by ECOWAS is not a war against Niger and its people but a police operation against hostage takers and their accomplices," Niger's Foreign Minister Hassoumi Massaoudou said on Saturday. ECOWAS is determined to stop the sixth military takeover in the region in just three years. It has severed financial transactions and electricity supplies and closed borders with landlocked Niger, blocking much-needed imports to one of the world's poorest countries. ECOWAS had previously issued a seven-day ultimatum to the coup leaders to return Bazoum to power, but the generals defied the deadline, which expired on Sunday without any action being taken. The coup leaders have since named a new government, which met for the first time on Friday. 'Down with ECOWAS' Thousands of coup supporters rallied in Niamey on Friday to protest against the ECOWAS plan to send troops. Protesters gathered near a French military base on the outskirts of Niamey shouting "Down with France, down with ECOWAS". Some shouted their support for the country's new strongman, General Abdourahamane Tiani. By - (AFP) Niger's new leaders have accused former colonial power France, a close Bazoum ally, of being behind the hardline ECOWAS stance. Many protesters brandished Russian and Niger flags and shouted their support for the country's new strongman, General Abdourahamane Tiani. "We are going to make the French leave! ECOWAS isn't independent, it's being manipulated by France," said one demonstrator, Aziz Rabeh Ali. France has around 1,500 troops in Niger as part of a force battling an eight-year jihadist insurgency. It is facing growing hostility across the Sahel, withdrawing its anti-jihadist forces from neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso last year after falling out with military governments that ousted elected leaders. Niger's new leaders scrapped defence agreements with France last week, while a hostile protest outside the French embassy in Niamey on July 30 prompted Paris to evacuate its citizens. Hollard Ghana has picked CSR Leadership Award at Ghana Insurance Awards for Remarkable Turnaround of Al-Waleed Basic Comprehensive School. Hollard Ghana, the countrys favourite insurance group made-up of Hollard Insurance and Hollard Life, has been honoured with the prestigious Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Leadership Award at the Ghana Insurance Awards for its outstanding Al-Waleed Basic Comprehensive School transformation. The ceremony held last week recognised Hollard Ghanas exceptional commitment to CSR and its impactful efforts in renovating the school for the benefit of the community. The renovated school now boasts structural refurbishments of the roof, ceiling, floors, windows, and doors. Hollard Ghana also revamped the toilets and library, created a sick bay, and painted the block of four classrooms and the dining hall. The courtyard was beautified with AstroTurf, creating a conducive and safe environment for the children in preschool at a cost of over GHS250,000. The staff, fondly called Hollardites, played an active role in the Al-Waleed CSR project. They volunteered to paint the school and raised funds to stock the library and sick bay. The result was a remarkable transformation, restoring the almost-dead facility to rival any modern Montessori school. Commenting on the essence of the recognition, Cynthia Ofori-Dwumfuo, the Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Affairs, Hollard Ghana, described the win as a testament to the insurance companys aim to treat everyone with care and dignity. Our commitment to innovation extends beyond the insurance products we offer. We believe in fostering positive change by creating lasting impacts in the communities in which we operate. This win indicates the groups unwavering dedication to empowering future generations. Our purpose of enabling better futures drives our CSR efforts to create a sustainable future for the communities. Receiving this honour is evidence of the dedication of our team in bringing about positive change in the lives of the children at Al-Waleed Basic Comprehensive School. The school is among several CSR projects Hollard Ghana has embarked on to achieve exceptional, sustainable, and inclusive growth in Ghana. Some of these projects are our flagship thought leadership initiative H.Insured, a Streetwise Finance Literacy series all about insurance, events and a column in the BFT written by Hollardites. The H.Insured platform seeks to demystify insurance by taking insurance to the people in a jargon-free conversation and supporting public institutions like the Police Service and Ambulance Service, to mention a few, she added. The Al-Waleed Basic Comprehensive School was constructed in 2005 with support from Prince Al-Waleed of Saudi and Former President of Ghana, John Agyekum Kuffour, had experienced a significant decline over the years due to a lack of maintenance funding. The schools kindergarten block was in disrepair and unsafe for preschool children between the ages of 2 to 5 years. About Hollard Ghana The country's favourite insurance group is Hollard Ghana, with subsidiaries Hollard Insurance and Hollard Life Assurance. The group combines its deep local knowledge of the market with the world-class expertise of an international insurance brand. With feet firmly planted on Ghanaian soil but Headquartered in South Africa, Hollard delivers innovative insurance solutions customised to the unique risks Ghanaians face. Hollard was previously Metropolitan Insurance which operated in Ghana for over 25 years. Hollard Life was birthed in 2018 as a subsidiary. The company offers various life insurance products, including funeral, home, travel, motor, business, personal accident, savings and investments, group life insurance and employee plans, and more. Beyond various nationwide office branches and Hollard 2U franchise shops, Ghanaians can find Hollard Life at Shell Fuel Station Welcome Shops, Melcom stores and online at www.hollard.com.gh, www.melcom.com/hollard-insurance and www.jumia.com.gh for all their insurance needs. 12.08.2023 LISTEN Mr Timothy Gyamfi Mensah, a 74-year-old retired Educationist, who allegedly tied a 9-year-old boy to an orange tree at Akaa in the Oti Region, has surrendered himself to the Jasikan Police. He came out from his hideout in Kumasi and reported to the Police on Wednesday, August 9, 2023. Mr Gyamfi, in a viral video on social media about a week ago, was said to have tied the victim with a nylon rope for stealing two oranges without permission. The Police had since rescued the victim and mounted a search for the Educationist to assist in investigations. Mr Gyamfi, who was accompanied to the police station by Nana Oppong Kyekyeku IV, the Chief of Akaa, Nana Agyedu Asiedu, Chief of Atonkor, Nana Nkansa of Atonkor, Mr Entwi Baikaa, a native of Akaa, among others, was granted bail after his statement was taken. Mr Baikaa, a Government Appointee at the Jasikan Municipal Assembly and Acting Assemblyman for the Akaa Electoral Area, in a phone interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), disclosed that two other children, who were eyewitnesses to the incident were also interrogated. He said the accused person had been tasked to bring three other children from the town to the Police station on Monday, August 14 for interrogation. GNA Member of Parliament (MP) for the Ablekuma Central Constituency, Hon. Abdul-Latif Dan, on Wednesday August 9, 2023 paid a working visit to the Spare Parts Dealers Association of Abossey Okai and also familiarize himself with the new executives of the Association. He congratulated the newly elected executives and pledged to support the association in their activities. He took the opportunity to highlight few interventions he initiated within the Abossey Okai electoral area, notable among them is the asphalting of fan milk to citi light road; fixing of streetlights in selected areas and educational support to some of the youth within the community. With a warm reception, the chairman of the association, Mr. Henry Okyere Jnr on behalf of the leadership thanked the member of Parliament for his visit. He also appealed to him to initiate more of such engagements and pledged the association's collaboration in bringing development to the area. As a sign of appreciation, Hon. Abdul-Latif Dan donated ten (10) dust bins, twenty (20) street lights and a cash amount of Two Thousand Ghana Cedis (GHc 2,000) to support activities of the association. The chairman of the association and his team were grateful to the member of Parliament for his kind gesture. Present at the function were the NDC constituency executives, party members and some opinion leaders. As part of the visit, Hon. Abdul-Latif Dan took some time to exchange pleasantries with shop owners and businesses in Abossey and assured them of working for their interest in Parliament . The MP was cheered by people of Abossey Okai who were excited seeing their Member of Parliament interact with the constituents . Source: Communication Bureau NDC Ablekuma Central 12.08.2023 LISTEN In my previous Modern Ghana article posted 2022, Possible Mental Health Issues in Ghana Governance, the focus was Black/African generational mental health issues, and traumatic events throughout history that have had a negative impact on Black peoples psyche-- from white European invasions and destruction of Black civilizations to European dominated chattel enslavement of Black aboriginals on the continent of Northern America, Continental Africans, including Black Birding in the Pacific (and other forms of slavery)-- to past and present day, white European dominated nations efforts to benefit themselves by further heightening tribalism and igniting internal conflicts between resource rich African nations. Black self-hating and self-destructive behaviors, brought about by traumas during capturing and chattel enslavement of Africans as described in Dr. Joy DeGruys lectures and writings. An area of Africa known as the Republic of Ghana (which I repatriated to in 2011), a baby nation, 66 years old, with an estimated 31 million people-- has been suffering since the overthrow of its first prime minister and president Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. Nkrumah, a Pan Africanist and socialist, determined efforts were to gain independence from white Europeans and their monarchs; to decolonize what was then called the Gold Coast (Europeans nicknamed the slave hub); and to a redevelop and lead a self-sufficient Republic of Ghana, not to continue to throw the nation into the arms of its European colonial oppressors. Nevertheless, the 1966 coup detat of President Nkrumah based on lies and deceit was a success, and Ghana never could fully gain independence, especially when Emmanuel Kotoka, an arrogant alcoholic, and narcissistic National Liberation Council (NLC) meticulously devised the overthrow via negative propaganda and with the aid of resource hungry Euro-colonialists in the backdrop. Treasonous against another African-- Kotoka and his NLC, as irrational and wreckless as yesterdays J. B. Danquah, and coonery equal to present day former Milwaukee Sheriff David Clarke; nonetheless, upon their overthrow of Nkrumah the NLC turned to seek assistance from former chattel enslavers and some of the same colonialists who were members of the 1884/85 Berlin Conference-- signs of a history of serious mental health issues. In addition products of the coup were such persons as Busia and several tribalism-minded politicians and crass military rulers in their undiplomatic efforts and crab-in-a-barrel mentality; they wrestled for democratic leadership positions or the presidential seat, which was not in the upliftment of Ghana, but for government positions, money, status, and class (which it has been said, class cannot be boughtyou either have it or you dont). Many involved in the coup were/are not competent enough nor even qualified to play a role in the political scheme of thingsbut did; and this is what much of the major political parties National Democratic Congress (NDC), and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) were founded upon (and scripted by white neo-colonialists systems) -- and both have been playing musical chairs with the presidential seat ever since. Most of the NDC and NPP political officials have mostly been accomplishing corruption, begging for numerous loans from here again, some of the same former enslavers and neocolonialists, and stood by witnessed airbus scandals, Karadeniz power ship kickbacks; later, illegal Galamsey and polluting of waters, poor education system and children sitting on bricks in classrooms, pregnant women laying on hospital floors, a useless so called mosquito pit cathedral, constant drama from President Addo and Serwaa Broni, and Kan DaPaah lurid affair and blue pajamas to Cecilia Dapaahs cash and bank accounts saga, being listed as a HIPC, a decline of Ghanas Cedi...and on and on. This is not just signs of incompetence, but again, serious mental health issues in Ghana governance. I recommend Ghanaians, who have not-- try and critically think beyond the two major political parties, because there may be other politicians who are not suffering mentally as others; more so, many Ghanaians must come to understand their vote is neither to be taken for granted nor stolen. Also, I advise more conscious African Diasporans (members of the Sixth Region of Africa) who are repatriating to take an active role in Ghana/Africas political schemedemand to vote and be counted, and help educate and secure Africa. As you research-- look closely at the patterns of governance of the NDC and NPP, and one should also see these major political parties basically consists of certain tribes, a few families and cronies many of whom steeped in mental health disorders, i.e. Stockholm Syndromeromanticizing white supremacist businessmen, including grinning, begging and bowing to Euro-colonialists monarchs, in addition behaving in an extreme survivalists mode, vicious opportunists-- psyches that of aggressive goats fighting to mount. The Change Now needed in Ghana/Africa is a psychological healing, reconciliation within Ghana, continental Africa and the African Diaspora, an Black/African-centered education system learning the world is ours, and an allegiance to redeveloping Ghana/Africa. #FixTheCountry #ForwardEver References: SeeBlack Psychology-- Dr, Joy DeGruy; Dr. Naim Akbar Dr. Chancellor Williams, The Destruction of Black Civilizations Kwame Nkrumah, The Autobiography of Kwame Nkrumah Kwame Nkrumah, Dark Days in Ghana Dr. K. Makeda Muhammad is a Repatriate a returnee to Africa via Ghana in 2011. Dr. Makedas field of study is Black Studies; she is an author, educator, recipient of Ghanas Education Community (EDUCOM) Award, Pan Africanist, Africana Womanist (C. Hudson Weems), community activist, and social media freedom fighter A delegation from Namibia has called on the leadership of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) to understudy Ghana's implementation of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) and its civic education in order to replicate them in their country. The eight-member delegation which was led by Mr Lineekela J. Mboti, Chief Executive Officer, Namibian African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), included Wilfried I. Emvula, Chair, National Governing Council of Namibia, Hildegard Kuzatjike, Jecinta Matergu, both from the Office of the Prime Minister, Namibia. The rest are Festus Hangula and Alfons Witbeen from APRM and Anna Shratika and Wilhencia Uiras from the National Planning Commission of Namibia. The meeting formed part of a four-day working visit by the delegation to Ghana. Discussions at the meeting focused on Ghanas implementation of the APRM programme, benefits, challenges, civic education in Ghana and how the Commission collaborated with other institutions, including civil society organisations to achieve mandated goals. Apart from the NCCE, the delegation also had a number of engagement with other state institutions including the National Governing Council of the APRM-Ghana, the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Mr Samuel Asare Akuamoah, a Deputy Chair in charge of Operations, who received the delegation, described the visit as a unique one considering Ghanas close and long standing relationship with Namibia. He said as an institution, the NCCE played critical role in Ghanas APRM as the Commission hosted the district oversight committees of the APRM. He noted that since the establishment of the Commission, it had been influential in sustaining the country's constitution for over three decades, emphasising the importance of collaboration with key institutions. On regional security, Mr Akuamoah, who is also a member of the Governing Board of the APRM, raised concern about the growing insecurity on the continent, particularly in the West African sub region. He charged regional leaders to do more to address challenges of the people to minimise the occurrence of coup d'etats. Im sure if we are able to account for the mandate that we are given, will tone down the challenges that confront us, he said. Dr Imurana Mohammed, Director of Programmes, NCCE, said the constitution mandated the Commission to create awareness and sustain it. That, he said, the Commission did through the implementation of various programmes. For instance, he said, the Commission was currently implementing two programmes; the Preventing Electoral Violence and Providing Security to the Northern Border Regions of Ghana (NORPREVSEC) and Preventing and Containing Violent Extremism (PCVE) Project, to educate communities particularly within the border areas, to create awareness of the presence of violent extremist groups to curtail any possible attack . Mr Mboti, Leader of the Delegation, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, said as a young member of the APRM, it was important that it engaged experienced countries who had implemented the programme for years in order to learn from them. We are in the process of mainstreaming the APRM processes in our country, in our governance system and therefore, we thought we should come to Ghana because you are a founding member for the APRM and we wanted to understand the challenges you have encountered in the implementation of the APRM in the country, he said. Mr Lineekela J. Mboti, Chief Executive Officer, Namibian African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) He described their mission to Ghana as a productive one, adding that they would try their best to make the APRM-Namibia a success story. The APRM is a voluntary arrangement among African States to assess and review governance and development at Head of State peer level. It was founded in 2003 as a self-monitoring mechanism to promote political stability, economic integration, growth and development at the African Union. Namibia joined the APRM in 2017. GNA GW&K Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of RBC Bearings Incorporated (NYSE:RBC Free Report) in the first quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor acquired 674,686 shares of the industrial products companys stock, valued at approximately $157,019,000. RBC Bearings comprises 1.5% of GW&K Investment Management LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its biggest position. GW&K Investment Management LLC owned approximately 2.32% of RBC Bearings as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in RBC. Conestoga Capital Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in RBC Bearings in the first quarter valued at about $158,312,000. Durable Capital Partners LP increased its holdings in shares of RBC Bearings by 28.2% in the first quarter. Durable Capital Partners LP now owns 1,604,993 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $311,176,000 after purchasing an additional 353,074 shares during the period. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC acquired a new position in shares of RBC Bearings in the first quarter valued at about $77,517,000. American Capital Management Inc. acquired a new position in shares of RBC Bearings in the first quarter valued at about $48,534,000. Finally, Raymond James & Associates acquired a new position in shares of RBC Bearings in the first quarter valued at about $36,664,000. Get RBC Bearings alerts: RBC Bearings Trading Up 1.9 % NYSE RBC traded up $4.24 on Friday, reaching $229.31. 103,873 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 196,625. RBC Bearings Incorporated has a fifty-two week low of $195.18 and a fifty-two week high of $264.94. The stock has a market capitalization of $6.66 billion, a P/E ratio of 42.66, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.88 and a beta of 1.42. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $216.82 and its 200 day moving average price is $223.15. The company has a current ratio of 2.96, a quick ratio of 1.05 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52. Analysts Set New Price Targets RBC Bearings ( NYSE:RBC Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, May 19th. The industrial products company reported $2.06 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.80 by $0.26. RBC Bearings had a net margin of 11.93% and a return on equity of 9.51%. The firm had revenue of $394.42 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $379.84 million. Analysts forecast that RBC Bearings Incorporated will post 7.9 earnings per share for the current year. RBC has been the topic of a number of research reports. Morgan Stanley increased their price objective on RBC Bearings from $286.00 to $294.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday. Royal Bank of Canada raised RBC Bearings from a neutral rating to an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday. Wells Fargo & Company raised their target price on RBC Bearings from $225.00 to $235.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Monday. Alembic Global Advisors raised RBC Bearings from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and set a $267.00 price objective on the stock in a report on Wednesday. Finally, Truist Financial raised their price objective on RBC Bearings from $265.00 to $275.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $259.33. Check Out Our Latest Report on RBC Bearings Insider Buying and Selling In other RBC Bearings news, Director Michael H. Ambrose sold 400 shares of RBC Bearings stock in a transaction on Wednesday, July 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $220.00, for a total value of $88,000.00. Following the sale, the director now owns 6,800 shares in the company, valued at $1,496,000. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. 2.90% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. RBC Bearings Company Profile (Free Report) RBC Bearings Incorporated manufactures and markets engineered precision bearings and components in the United States and internationally. It operates through two segments, Aerospace/Defense and Industrial. The company produces plain bearings with self-lubricating or metal-to-metal designs, including rod end bearings, spherical plain bearings, and journal bearings; roller bearings, such as tapered roller bearings, needle roller bearings, and needle bearing track rollers and cam followers, which are anti-friction products that are used in industrial applications and military aircraft platforms; and ball bearings include high precision aerospace, airframe control, thin section, and industrial ball bearings that utilize high precision ball elements to reduce friction in high-speed applications. Read More Receive News & Ratings for RBC Bearings Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for RBC Bearings and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. (TSE:BAM Get Free Report) (NYSE:BAM) crossed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Wednesday following a better than expected earnings announcement. The stock has a 200-day moving average of C$43.79 and traded as high as C$45.40. Brookfield Asset Management shares last traded at C$44.99, with a volume of 1,107,060 shares. The company reported C$0.38 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of C$0.42 by C($0.04). The company had revenue of C$1.32 billion during the quarter. Get Brookfield Asset Management alerts: Brookfield Asset Management Cuts Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 29th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, August 31st will be issued a dividend of $0.424 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, August 30th. This represents a $1.70 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.59%. Brookfield Asset Managements dividend payout ratio is presently 24.29%. Insider Transactions at Brookfield Asset Management Brookfield Asset Management Stock Up 0.7 % In other news, Director Brian William Kingston sold 150,000 shares of Brookfield Asset Management stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, June 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$33.86, for a total value of C$5,079,000.00. Insiders own 7.65% of the companys stock. The company has a current ratio of 2.51, a quick ratio of 0.95 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.81. The stock has a 50-day moving average of C$43.45 and a 200-day moving average of C$43.81. The firm has a market cap of C$19.50 billion and a price-to-earnings ratio of 6.71. Brookfield Asset Management Company Profile (Get 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. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Brookfield Asset Management Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brookfield Asset Management and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. IAEA Director Rafael Mariano Grossi assured that a team of experts would closely monitor the process of transition of power unit No. 6 of Zaporizhia NPP to the "hot shutdown" mode, according to a report on the IAEA website. "The IAEA team on the site will closely monitor the operations for the transition between the shutdown states of Units 4 and 6," it said on its website. "ZNPP will place Unit 4 into cold shutdown to determine the precise cause of the water leak that has been detected and to conduct maintenance to repair the affected steam generator. There was no radiological release to the environment. At the same time, over the next three days, ZNPP will move Unit 6 to hot shutdown to continue steam production on site," it says. "Unit 6 has been in cold shutdown since April 21, to enable inspection and maintenance of the safety systems The other units at ZNPP remain in cold shutdown," according to the document. "On Thursday, the 750kV Dniprovska power line disconnected twice These disconnections of the 750 kV power line mean that ZNPP has had to rely on its only remaining off-site power line, the 330 kV backup line, to supply the electricity that is required, for example, to perform safety functions such as pumping cooling water for the plant. There was no total loss of off-site power to the site and there was no need to use the emergency diesel generators," the report says. "On August 8, the team visited the Unit 2 main control room, emergency control room and other safety-related rooms. They did not observe any mines or unusual objects in these areas. However, in the turbine hall of Unit 2, the team noted the presence of a number of military trucks parked in an area reserved for vehicle maintenance," the IAEA said. GW&K Investment Management LLC boosted its holdings in Eagle Materials Inc. (NYSE:EXP Free Report) by 1.2% in the 1st quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 450,710 shares of the construction companys stock after acquiring an additional 5,150 shares during the quarter. GW&K Investment Management LLCs holdings in Eagle Materials were worth $66,142,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. Point72 Middle East FZE purchased a new position in Eagle Materials during the 4th quarter worth $31,000. Global Retirement Partners LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Eagle Materials by 681.5% in the 1st quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC now owns 211 shares of the construction companys stock worth $32,000 after buying an additional 184 shares during the last quarter. Byrne Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Eagle Materials in the 1st quarter worth about $34,000. Harbor Investment Advisory LLC purchased a new position in shares of Eagle Materials in the 1st quarter worth about $34,000. Finally, Parallel Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Eagle Materials by 372.7% in the 1st quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 312 shares of the construction companys stock worth $46,000 after buying an additional 246 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 92.84% of the companys stock. Get Eagle Materials alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities analysts recently weighed in on the stock. DA Davidson boosted their price target on shares of Eagle Materials from $140.00 to $175.00 in a report on Monday, May 22nd. Stephens boosted their price target on shares of Eagle Materials from $190.00 to $230.00 in a report on Wednesday, July 26th. Jefferies Financial Group boosted their price target on shares of Eagle Materials from $195.00 to $226.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, July 13th. Truist Financial boosted their price target on shares of Eagle Materials from $195.00 to $220.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, July 31st. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus boosted their price objective on Eagle Materials from $195.00 to $205.00 in a research note on Friday, July 14th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has issued a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $198.80. Eagle Materials Price Performance Shares of EXP traded down $0.90 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $183.57. 170,682 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 305,311. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $180.30 and a 200-day moving average of $158.69. Eagle Materials Inc. has a one year low of $101.98 and a one year high of $194.05. The firm has a market cap of $6.50 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.01 and a beta of 1.33. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.92, a current ratio of 2.68 and a quick ratio of 1.36. Eagle Materials (NYSE:EXP Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 27th. The construction company reported $3.55 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.54 by $0.01. Eagle Materials had a return on equity of 40.68% and a net margin of 21.82%. The firm had revenue of $601.50 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $603.11 million. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $2.82 earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 7.1% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Eagle Materials Inc. will post 13.89 EPS for the current fiscal year. Eagle Materials Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, October 16th. Investors of record on Friday, September 15th will be given a $0.25 dividend. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.54%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, September 14th. Eagle Materialss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 7.63%. Insider Buying and Selling In other Eagle Materials news, SVP William R. Devlin sold 4,914 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $168.30, for a total value of $827,026.20. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now owns 26,269 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,421,072.70. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. In other Eagle Materials news, EVP Matt Newby sold 4,246 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, June 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $166.59, for a total value of $707,341.14. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 21,819 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,634,827.21. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, SVP William R. Devlin sold 4,914 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $168.30, for a total value of $827,026.20. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 26,269 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,421,072.70. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 46,939 shares of company stock worth $7,804,980. Insiders own 1.70% of the companys stock. Eagle Materials Profile (Free Report) Eagle Materials Inc, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells heavy construction materials and light building materials in the United States. It operates in four segments: Cement, Concrete and Aggregates, Gypsum Wallboard, and Recycled Paperboard. The company engages in the mining of limestone for the manufacture, production, distribution, and sale of Portland cement; grinding and sale of slag; and mining of gypsum for the manufacture and sale of gypsum wallboards used to finish the interior walls and ceilings in residential, commercial, and industrial structures. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EXP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Eagle Materials Inc. (NYSE:EXP Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Eagle Materials Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eagle Materials and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. IP Group Plc (LON:IPO Get Free Report) passed above its two hundred day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a two hundred day moving average of GBX 58.02 ($0.74) and traded as high as GBX 62 ($0.79). IP Group shares last traded at GBX 60.20 ($0.77), with a volume of 731,463 shares changing hands. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Separately, Berenberg Bank restated a buy rating and issued a GBX 133 ($1.70) price objective on shares of IP Group in a report on Wednesday, August 2nd. Get IP Group alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on IP Group IP Group Trading Down 1.8 % IP Group Cuts Dividend The companys fifty day simple moving average is GBX 56.51 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is GBX 58.04. The company has a quick ratio of 8.59, a current ratio of 12.57 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 7.40. The company has a market capitalization of 621.92 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -181.21 and a beta of 1.29. The company also recently announced a dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 4th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, August 10th will be issued a GBX 0.51 ($0.01) dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, August 10th. This represents a yield of 0.85%. IP Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently -303.03%. About IP Group (Get Free Report) IP Group Plc is a private equity and venture capital firm specializing in seed/startup, early venture, emerging growth, mature, mid venture, late venture, incubation, mezzanine in growth capital companies. It prefers to invest in energy, materials, healthcare, information technology, communication services, utilities, life sciences, deeptech, cleantech, chemicals, science and innovation companies. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for IP Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for IP Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wedbush Securities Inc. lifted its holdings in The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG Free Report) by 32.8% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 89,030 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 21,981 shares during the period. Procter & Gamble comprises 0.7% of Wedbush Securities Inc.s holdings, making the stock its 21st biggest holding. Wedbush Securities Inc.s holdings in Procter & Gamble were worth $13,238,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the business. Tevis Investment Management increased its stake in Procter & Gamble by 0.5% in the 1st 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 grew its position in shares of Procter & Gamble by 1.9% in the 1st quarter. Eagle Strategies LLC now owns 3,526 shares of the companys stock worth $524,000 after buying an additional 65 shares during the last quarter. WealthTrust Asset Management LLC grew its position in shares of Procter & Gamble by 3.4% in the 1st quarter. WealthTrust Asset Management LLC now owns 1,990 shares of the companys stock worth $296,000 after buying an additional 65 shares during the last quarter. Keystone Wealth Services LLC boosted its position in shares of Procter & Gamble by 2.7% during the first quarter. Keystone Wealth Services LLC now owns 2,562 shares of the companys stock valued at $381,000 after purchasing an additional 67 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Steigerwald Gordon & Koch Inc. boosted its position in shares of Procter & Gamble by 0.7% during the first quarter. Steigerwald Gordon & Koch Inc. now owns 9,953 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,480,000 after purchasing an additional 67 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 64.65% of the companys stock. Get Procter & Gamble alerts: Procter & Gamble Price Performance Shares of Procter & Gamble stock traded up $0.91 during trading on Friday, reaching $157.02. The companys stock had a trading volume of 3,860,765 shares, compared to its average volume of 6,425,377. The company has a quick ratio of 0.44, a current ratio of 0.63 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.53. The Procter & Gamble Company has a 12-month low of $122.18 and a 12-month high of $158.38. The company has a market capitalization of $370.14 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.46, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.90 and a beta of 0.42. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $150.76 and a 200-day moving average price of $147.79. Procter & Gamble Dividend Announcement Procter & Gamble ( NYSE:PG Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, July 28th. The company reported $1.37 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.32 by $0.05. Procter & Gamble had a return on equity of 32.88% and a net margin of 17.87%. The firm had revenue of $20.60 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $20.01 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $1.21 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was up 5.6% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that The Procter & Gamble Company will post 6.39 EPS for the current year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, August 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, July 21st will be issued a dividend of $0.9407 per share. This represents a $3.76 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.40%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, July 20th. Procter & Gambles dividend payout ratio is presently 63.73%. Analyst Ratings Changes Several research firms recently weighed in on PG. StockNews.com upgraded Procter & Gamble from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 25th. Evercore ISI lifted their price objective on Procter & Gamble from $160.00 to $170.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, April 24th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price objective on Procter & Gamble from $164.00 to $172.00 in a research report on Friday, July 28th. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price objective on Procter & Gamble from $165.00 to $170.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, July 31st. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upped their price objective on Procter & Gamble from $170.00 to $173.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, July 31st. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Procter & Gamble has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $164.82. Read Our Latest Stock Report on PG Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, insider Balaji Purushothaman sold 12,629 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $157.19, for a total value of $1,985,152.51. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 13,051 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,051,486.69. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other Procter & Gamble news, CEO Ma. Fatima Francisco sold 8,387 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $156.87, for a total value of $1,315,668.69. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 962 shares of the companys stock, valued at $150,908.94. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, insider Balaji Purushothaman sold 12,629 shares of Procter & Gamble stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $157.19, for a total value of $1,985,152.51. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 13,051 shares in the company, valued at $2,051,486.69. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 54,038 shares of company stock valued at $8,460,839 in the last quarter. 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. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Procter & Gamble Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Procter & Gamble and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Kellner Capital LLC purchased a new position in shares of First Horizon Co. (NYSE:FHN Free Report) in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor purchased 191,260 shares of the financial services providers stock, valued at approximately $3,401,000. First Horizon comprises about 4.7% of Kellner Capital LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 10th largest position. Several other hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of FHN. Soros Fund Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of First Horizon during the 4th quarter worth about $209,132,000. Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of First Horizon during the 4th quarter worth about $133,345,000. Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebec acquired a new position in shares of First Horizon during the 4th quarter worth about $44,982,000. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. raised its position in shares of First Horizon by 62.6% during the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 4,302,681 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $101,070,000 after purchasing an additional 1,657,018 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings Inc. acquired a new position in shares of First Horizon during the 4th quarter worth about $38,389,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 78.79% of the companys stock. Get First Horizon alerts: First Horizon Stock Up 1.0 % First Horizon stock opened at $13.59 on Friday. First Horizon Co. has a fifty-two week low of $8.99 and a fifty-two week high of $24.92. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14, a quick ratio of 0.93 and a current ratio of 0.94. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $12.31 and a 200 day moving average price of $16.08. The company has a market capitalization of $7.59 billion, a PE ratio of 7.19, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.71 and a beta of 0.94. First Horizon Dividend Announcement First Horizon ( NYSE:FHN Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, July 19th. The financial services provider reported $0.39 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.38 by $0.01. First Horizon had a net margin of 24.64% and a return on equity of 13.44%. The firm had revenue of $1.42 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $820.19 million. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $0.34 EPS. Research analysts expect that First Horizon Co. will post 1.49 earnings per share for the current year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, October 2nd. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 15th will be paid a $0.15 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, September 14th. This represents a $0.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.42%. First Horizons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 31.75%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research firms have weighed in on FHN. Raymond James raised shares of First Horizon from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $13.00 target price on the stock in a research note on Thursday, July 6th. StockNews.com lowered shares of First Horizon from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Saturday, May 13th. Robert W. Baird began coverage on shares of First Horizon in a research note on Tuesday, July 18th. They issued a neutral rating and a $14.00 target price on the stock. TheStreet lowered shares of First Horizon from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a research note on Thursday, June 1st. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group raised shares of First Horizon from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, May 24th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have issued a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, First Horizon has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $15.42. Read Our Latest Stock Report on First Horizon Insiders Place Their Bets In other First Horizon news, Director William H. Fenstermaker purchased 10,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, June 7th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $11.62 per share, for a total transaction of $116,200.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director now directly owns 256,312 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,978,345.44. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Insiders own 1.55% of the companys stock. First Horizon Company Profile (Free Report) First Horizon Corporation operates as the bank holding company for First Horizon Bank that provides various financial services. The company operates through three segments: Regional Banking, Specialty Banking, and Corporate. It offers general banking services for consumers, businesses, financial institutions, and governments. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding FHN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for First Horizon Co. (NYSE:FHN Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for First Horizon Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for First Horizon and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Alaska Wealth Advisors decreased its position in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:IJR Free Report) by 17.4% in the first quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 180,147 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 37,861 shares during the period. iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF accounts for about 2.9% of Alaska Wealth Advisors investment portfolio, making the stock its 12th biggest holding. Alaska Wealth Advisors holdings in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF were worth $17,420,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Bbjs Financial Advisors LLC purchased a new position in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF during the 4th quarter valued at about $28,000. Princeton Global Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Pacifica Partners Inc. lifted its position in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 133.1% in the 1st quarter. Pacifica Partners Inc. now owns 345 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $32,000 after buying an additional 197 shares in the last quarter. Blue Bell Private Wealth Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 201.9% during the 4th quarter. Blue Bell Private Wealth Management LLC now owns 471 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $45,000 after buying an additional 315 shares during the period. Finally, Stonebridge Capital Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 354.9% during the 1st quarter. Stonebridge Capital Advisors LLC now owns 414 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $45,000 after acquiring an additional 323 shares in the last quarter. Get iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF alerts: iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF Stock Performance Shares of NYSEARCA IJR traded down $0.09 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $102.03. The company had a trading volume of 2,665,122 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,995,953. The stock has a market capitalization of $71.27 billion, a PE ratio of 12.11 and a beta of 1.15. iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF has a twelve month low of $86.40 and a twelve month high of $108.24. The stocks 50 day moving average is $100.67 and its 200-day moving average is $98.51. About iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF 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. BetterLife Pharma (OTCMKTS:BETRF Get Free Report) and Acerus Pharmaceuticals (OTCMKTS:TRLPF Get Free Report) are both small-cap medical companies, but which is the better investment? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their dividends, profitability, valuation, analyst recommendations, earnings, risk and institutional ownership. Institutional and Insider Ownership 0.0% of Acerus Pharmaceuticals shares are held by institutional investors. 34.8% of BetterLife Pharma shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Get BetterLife Pharma alerts: Analyst Ratings This is a summary of recent ratings for BetterLife Pharma and Acerus Pharmaceuticals, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score BetterLife Pharma 0 0 0 0 N/A Acerus Pharmaceuticals 0 0 0 0 N/A Profitability This table compares BetterLife Pharma and Acerus Pharmaceuticals net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets BetterLife Pharma N/A N/A -1,794.23% Acerus Pharmaceuticals -254.66% -346.72% -94.54% Volatility and Risk BetterLife Pharma has a beta of 1.42, meaning that its stock price is 42% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Acerus Pharmaceuticals has a beta of 2.6, meaning that its stock price is 160% more volatile than the S&P 500. Valuation & Earnings This table compares BetterLife Pharma and Acerus Pharmaceuticals revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio BetterLife Pharma N/A N/A -$6.90 million ($0.06) -0.93 Acerus Pharmaceuticals $7.38 million 7.71 -$18.79 million ($0.08) -2.75 BetterLife Pharma has higher earnings, but lower revenue than Acerus Pharmaceuticals. Acerus Pharmaceuticals is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than BetterLife Pharma, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Summary BetterLife Pharma beats Acerus Pharmaceuticals on 6 of the 10 factors compared between the two stocks. About BetterLife Pharma (Get Free Report) BetterLife Pharma Inc., a biotechnology company, engages in the development and commercialization of compounds for the treatment of mental disorders in Canada. It is also involved in refining and developing drug candidates from a set of complementary interferon-based technologies that have the potential to engage the immune system to fight virus infections. The company's products pipeline includes BETR-001 for the treatment of major depressive disorder, anxiety, and neuropathic pain and other neuro-psychiatric and neurological disorders; and BETR-002 to treat benzodiazepine dependency, anxiety, and neurodegenerative disorders. It is also developing MM-003, which has completed Phase II clinical trials for treatment of COVID-19 and other respiratory viral infections; and MM-001, a topical cream for local intravaginal use to treat HPV-induced cervical intraepithelial neoplasia that has completed Phase II clinical trials. The company was formerly known as Pivot Pharmaceuticals Inc. and changed its name to BetterLife Pharma Inc. in December 2019. BetterLife Pharma Inc. was incorporated in 2002 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. About Acerus Pharmaceuticals (Get Free Report) Acerus Pharmaceuticals Corporation, a specialty pharmaceutical company, focuses on the development, manufacture, marketing, and distribution of pharmaceutical products for men's and women's health. The company offers Natesto, a nasal gel for testosterone replacement therapy in adult males diagnosed with hypogonadism; Estrace, an oral tablet for the symptomatic relief of menopausal symptoms; and UriVarx, a natural health product that helps reduce symptoms of hyperactive bladder, such as daytime urinary frequency, urgency, and nocturia. It also engages in developing Lidbree, a short acting lidocaine formulation delivered through a proprietary device into the vaginal mucosal tissue; Stendra, a PDE5 inhibitor for the treatment of erectile dysfunction; Elegant vaginal moisturizer, which provides comfort to women suffering from vaginal dryness; and Elegant pH, a pH balanced vaginal product; Gynoflor, an ultra-low dose vaginal estrogen combined with a probiotic for the treatment of vaginal atrophy, restoration of vaginal flora, and treatment of certain vaginal infections; and Tefina, a clinical stage product for women with female sexual dysfunction. Acerus Pharmaceuticals Corporation sells products through its salesforce in Canada; and through a network of licensed distributors in the United States and internationally. The company was formerly known as Trimel Pharmaceuticals Corporation and changed its name to Acerus Pharmaceuticals Corporation in September 2015. Acerus Pharmaceuticals Corporation was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in Mississauga, Canada. Receive News & Ratings for BetterLife Pharma Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BetterLife Pharma and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Associated Banc Corp lifted its stake in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEARCA:VWO Free Report) by 0.8% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 65,957 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after buying an additional 539 shares during the period. Associated Banc Corps holdings in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF were worth $2,665,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of VWO. Thomasville National Bank boosted its stake in shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 3.6% during the 1st quarter. Thomasville National Bank now owns 7,120 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $288,000 after acquiring an additional 250 shares during the period. Albion Financial Group UT grew its holdings in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 39.5% in the 4th quarter. Albion Financial Group UT now owns 907 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $35,000 after buying an additional 257 shares in the last quarter. Atlas Brown Inc. increased its position in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 5.0% during the 1st quarter. Atlas Brown Inc. now owns 5,563 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $225,000 after buying an additional 263 shares during the period. Arbor Trust Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 1.0% during the first quarter. Arbor Trust Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 27,335 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,104,000 after buying an additional 280 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Phillips Financial Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 0.9% in the first quarter. Phillips Financial Management LLC now owns 33,244 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,343,000 after acquiring an additional 283 shares during the period. Get Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF alerts: Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF Stock Performance VWO stock opened at $40.83 on Friday. Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF has a 52 week low of $34.88 and a 52 week high of $43.22. The company has a market capitalization of $73.09 billion, a PE ratio of 10.00 and a beta of 0.69. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $41.32 and its 200 day simple moving average is $40.67. Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF Company Profile The Fund seeks to track the performance of the FTSE Emerging Markets All Cap China A Inclusion Index, that measures the return of stocks issued by companies located in emerging market countries. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund (NYSE:MPA Get Free Report) announced a monthly dividend on Tuesday, August 1st, Wall Street Journal reports. Investors of record on Tuesday, August 15th will be given a dividend of 0.034 per share by the investment management company on Friday, September 1st. This represents a $0.41 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.64%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, August 14th. BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund Trading Down 0.7 % NYSE:MPA opened at $11.22 on Friday. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $11.63 and its 200 day simple moving average is $11.49. BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund has a twelve month low of $10.17 and a twelve month high of $14.50. Get BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund alerts: Insider Activity at BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund In other BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund news, major shareholder Saba Capital Management, L.P. bought 4,091 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, June 26th. The shares were purchased at an average price of $11.65 per share, for a total transaction of $47,660.15. Following the acquisition, the insider now owns 1,403,948 shares in the company, valued at approximately $16,355,994.20. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Insiders have purchased a total of 70,027 shares of company stock worth $814,889 over the last quarter. Corporate insiders own 1.00% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund About BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of MPA. Logan Stone Capital LLC bought a new stake in shares of BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund during the 4th quarter valued at $1,568,000. Rivernorth Capital Management LLC raised its position in shares of BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund by 124.7% in the 1st quarter. Rivernorth Capital Management LLC now owns 43,036 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $562,000 after purchasing an additional 23,887 shares during the last quarter. Morgan Stanley raised its position in shares of BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund by 13.1% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 183,674 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $2,022,000 after purchasing an additional 21,333 shares during the last quarter. Bank of America Corp DE raised its position in shares of BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund by 11.3% in the 1st quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 203,004 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $2,649,000 after purchasing an additional 20,656 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Susquehanna International Group LLP purchased a new position in shares of BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund in the 1st quarter worth about $186,000. Institutional investors own 22.33% of the companys stock. (Get Free Report) BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund is a closed ended fixed income mutual fund launched by BlackRock, Inc It is managed by BlackRock Advisors, LLC. The fund invests in fixed income markets. It invests primarily in long-term investment grade municipal obligations exempt from federal income taxes and Pennsylvania income taxes. Read More Receive News & Ratings for BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. British American Tobacco p.l.c. (OTCMKTS:BTAFF Get Free Report) saw a large growth in short interest during the month of July. As of July 31st, there was short interest totalling 582,800 shares, a growth of 121.2% from the July 15th total of 263,500 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 15,700 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 37.1 days. British American Tobacco Price Performance OTCMKTS BTAFF traded down $1.63 on Friday, reaching $32.15. The companys stock had a trading volume of 6,717 shares, compared to its average volume of 5,933. British American Tobacco has a twelve month low of $31.72 and a twelve month high of $43.21. The firms 50 day moving average is $33.30 and its two-hundred day moving average is $35.24. Get British American Tobacco alerts: British American Tobacco Company Profile (Get Free Report) Further Reading British American Tobacco p.l.c. engages in the provision of tobacco and nicotine products to consumers worldwide. It offers vapour, tobacco heating, and modern oral nicotine products; combustible cigarettes; and traditional oral products, such as snus and moist snuff. The company offers its products under the Vuse, glo, Velo, Grizzly, Kodiak, Dunhill, Kent, Lucky Strike, Pall Mall, Rothmans, Camel, Natural American Spirit, Newport, Vogue, Viceroy, Kool, Peter Stuyvesant, Craven A, State Express 555 and Shuang Xi brands. Receive News & Ratings for British American Tobacco Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for British American Tobacco and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Broadridge Financial Solutions (NYSE:BR Free Report) had its price objective upped by DA Davidson from $160.00 to $164.00 in a research report report published on Wednesday, MarketBeat reports. They currently have a neutral rating on the business services providers stock. BR has been the topic of a number of other reports. Royal Bank of Canada initiated coverage on shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions in a research report on Monday, April 24th. They set an outperform rating and a $169.00 target price on the stock. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $170.00. Get Broadridge Financial Solutions alerts: View Our Latest Report on BR Broadridge Financial Solutions Stock Performance NYSE BR opened at $181.91 on Wednesday. The stock has a market cap of $21.49 billion, a P/E ratio of 34.39 and a beta of 1.02. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $164.62 and its 200 day simple moving average is $152.31. Broadridge Financial Solutions has a twelve month low of $131.35 and a twelve month high of $183.33. The company has a quick ratio of 1.35, a current ratio of 0.58 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.00. Broadridge Financial Solutions (NYSE:BR Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 8th. The business services provider reported $3.21 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.10 by $0.11. The firm had revenue of $1.84 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.87 billion. Broadridge Financial Solutions had a net margin of 10.40% and a return on equity of 42.09%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 6.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $2.65 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts forecast that Broadridge Financial Solutions will post 7.65 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Broadridge Financial Solutions Increases Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 5th. Investors of record on Friday, September 15th will be paid a dividend of $0.80 per share. This represents a $3.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.76%. This is an increase from Broadridge Financial Solutionss previous quarterly dividend of $0.73. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, September 14th. Broadridge Financial Solutionss payout ratio is 54.82%. Insider Buying and Selling In other Broadridge Financial Solutions news, SVP Robert Schifellite sold 26,109 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $179.27, for a total value of $4,680,560.43. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now owns 48,082 shares of the companys stock, valued at $8,619,660.14. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other Broadridge Financial Solutions news, SVP Robert Schifellite sold 26,109 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $179.27, for a total value of $4,680,560.43. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now owns 48,082 shares of the companys stock, valued at $8,619,660.14. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, President Christopher John Perry sold 10,118 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $180.57, for a total transaction of $1,827,007.26. Following the completion of the sale, the president now directly owns 69,365 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $12,525,238.05. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 47,179 shares of company stock valued at $8,158,444 over the last ninety days. Insiders own 1.60% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Broadridge Financial Solutions Several large investors have recently made changes to their positions in BR. American Century Companies Inc. increased its position in shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions by 10.7% during the first quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 8,155 shares of the business services providers stock worth $1,270,000 after acquiring an additional 788 shares in the last quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS increased its position in shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions by 6.8% during the first quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS now owns 15,625 shares of the business services providers stock worth $2,433,000 after acquiring an additional 992 shares in the last quarter. Raymond James Trust N.A. boosted its holdings in Broadridge Financial Solutions by 126.2% during the first quarter. Raymond James Trust N.A. now owns 3,384 shares of the business services providers stock worth $527,000 after purchasing an additional 1,888 shares during the last quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board boosted its holdings in Broadridge Financial Solutions by 1,851.9% during the first quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board now owns 527 shares of the business services providers stock worth $82,000 after purchasing an additional 500 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Allianz Asset Management GmbH boosted its holdings in Broadridge Financial Solutions by 13.2% during the first quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH now owns 12,722 shares of the business services providers stock worth $1,981,000 after purchasing an additional 1,487 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 89.05% of the companys stock. About Broadridge Financial Solutions (Get Free Report) Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc provides investor communications and technology-driven solutions for the financial services industry. The company's Investor Communication Solutions segment processes and distributes proxy materials to investors in equity securities and mutual funds, as well as facilitates related vote processing services; and distributes regulatory reports, class action, and corporate action/reorganization event information, as well as tax reporting solutions. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Broadridge Financial Solutions Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Broadridge Financial Solutions and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ukraine, having announced on August 8 temporary corridors for merchant ships going to or from the Black Sea ports of Ukraine, has already opened registration for passage by them, said Dmytro Pletenchuk, the spokesman for the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. "Now registration is already open, the coordinator is already working," he said on the air of the national telethon on Saturday. Pletenchuk specified that so far the results of these measures could not be disclosed by the Navy. He noted that the decision to open these sea lanes was approved after Russia's withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative. According to him, ship owners and captains of ships have been warned that the danger exists, both the danger of opposition from the Russian fleet, and the mine threat, which remains at a high level in the Black Sea. "Of course, everything will take place under the supervision of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. We are doing everything possible that depends on us to ensure security," Pletenchuk emphasized. He pointed out that the main objectives of the adopted decisions are to overcome the international humanitarian crisis and the opportunity for ship owners and companies to finally take back their merchant ships, which have been in humanitarian captivity since the beginning of full-scale Russian armed aggression. As reported, these routes have already been proposed by Ukraine in an appeal to the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The Council of the International Maritime Organization has recognized Ukraine's right to free commercial navigation, which is guaranteed by international maritime law. The IMO called on Russia to comply with international conventions and stop threats to merchant shipping in the Black Sea. Broadridge Financial Solutions (NYSE:BR Free Report) had its price target hoisted by Royal Bank of Canada from $169.00 to $190.00 in a report published on Wednesday, Marketbeat.com reports. They currently have an outperform rating on the business services providers stock. Several other research analysts have also recently issued reports on BR. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating for the company. DA Davidson upped their target price on shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions from $160.00 to $164.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $170.00. Get Broadridge Financial Solutions alerts: Read Our Latest Report on Broadridge Financial Solutions Broadridge Financial Solutions Stock Up 1.4 % NYSE BR traded up $2.55 on Wednesday, hitting $181.91. 514,869 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 549,651. The company has a quick ratio of 1.35, a current ratio of 0.58 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.00. Broadridge Financial Solutions has a fifty-two week low of $131.35 and a fifty-two week high of $183.33. The company has a market cap of $21.49 billion, a PE ratio of 34.39 and a beta of 1.02. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $164.62 and a 200-day moving average price of $152.31. Broadridge Financial Solutions (NYSE:BR Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 8th. The business services provider reported $3.21 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.10 by $0.11. Broadridge Financial Solutions had a net margin of 10.40% and a return on equity of 42.09%. The company had revenue of $1.84 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.87 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $2.65 EPS. The firms revenue was up 6.7% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Broadridge Financial Solutions will post 7.65 EPS for the current fiscal year. Broadridge Financial Solutions Increases Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 5th. Investors of record on Friday, September 15th will be given a $0.80 dividend. This is an increase from Broadridge Financial Solutionss previous quarterly dividend of $0.73. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, September 14th. This represents a $3.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.76%. Broadridge Financial Solutionss dividend payout ratio is 54.82%. Insider Activity at Broadridge Financial Solutions In related news, SVP Robert Schifellite sold 26,109 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $179.27, for a total value of $4,680,560.43. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now owns 48,082 shares in the company, valued at approximately $8,619,660.14. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other Broadridge Financial Solutions news, Director Leslie A. Brun sold 6,900 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $148.98, for a total transaction of $1,027,962.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 59,916 shares in the company, valued at approximately $8,926,285.68. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, SVP Robert Schifellite sold 26,109 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $179.27, for a total transaction of $4,680,560.43. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 48,082 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $8,619,660.14. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 47,179 shares of company stock worth $8,158,444 in the last 90 days. 1.60% of the stock is owned by insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Broadridge Financial Solutions A number of large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Money Concepts Capital Corp increased its holdings in shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions by 400.0% in the 4th quarter. Money Concepts Capital Corp now owns 195 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $26,000 after purchasing an additional 156 shares in the last quarter. Resurgent Financial Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions in the 4th quarter valued at about $27,000. Larson Financial Group LLC increased its holdings in shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions by 56.4% in the 2nd quarter. Larson Financial Group LLC now owns 183 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $30,000 after purchasing an additional 66 shares in the last quarter. Thompson Siegel & Walmsley LLC increased its holdings in shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions by 730.0% in the 4th quarter. Thompson Siegel & Walmsley LLC now owns 249 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $33,000 after purchasing an additional 219 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Edmond DE Rothschild Holding S.A. purchased a new position in shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions in the 4th quarter valued at about $38,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 89.05% of the companys stock. Broadridge Financial Solutions Company Profile (Get Free Report) Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc provides investor communications and technology-driven solutions for the financial services industry. The company's Investor Communication Solutions segment processes and distributes proxy materials to investors in equity securities and mutual funds, as well as facilitates related vote processing services; and distributes regulatory reports, class action, and corporate action/reorganization event information, as well as tax reporting solutions. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Broadridge Financial Solutions Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Broadridge Financial Solutions and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. CACI International (NYSE:CACI Free Report) had its price objective raised by Truist Financial from $345.00 to $385.00 in a report issued on Friday, Marketbeat Ratings reports. The firm currently has a buy rating on the information technology services providers stock. A number of other research analysts also recently issued reports on the company. TD Cowen upped their price objective on CACI International from $360.00 to $382.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday. 888 restated a maintains rating on shares of CACI International in a research note on Friday, April 28th. Raymond James upped their price objective on CACI International from $340.00 to $370.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday. Jefferies Financial Group raised CACI International from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $405.00 price target on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, July 12th. Finally, StockNews.com initiated coverage on CACI International in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a buy rating on the stock. Eight research analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of $371.13. Get CACI International alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on CACI International CACI International Stock Up 0.2 % CACI International stock traded up $0.76 during trading on Friday, hitting $343.87. 159,767 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 116,006. The businesss 50 day moving average is $338.68 and its 200 day moving average is $312.85. CACI International has a 52 week low of $245.32 and a 52 week high of $359.33. The company has a market capitalization of $7.84 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.90, a PEG ratio of 2.19 and a beta of 0.99. The company has a current ratio of 1.22, a quick ratio of 1.23 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51. CACI International (NYSE:CACI Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 9th. The information technology services provider reported $5.30 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $4.85 by $0.45. The firm had revenue of $1.70 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.73 billion. CACI International had a return on equity of 13.87% and a net margin of 5.74%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 3.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $4.54 EPS. Analysts predict that CACI International will post 19.53 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, Director Gregory G. Johnson sold 150 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, June 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $320.30, for a total transaction of $48,045.00. Following the sale, the director now owns 5,958 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,908,347.40. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. 1.23% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On CACI International Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Dark Forest Capital Management LP increased its position in shares of CACI International by 262.5% during the 4th quarter. Dark Forest Capital Management LP now owns 87 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $26,000 after purchasing an additional 63 shares during the last quarter. ST Germain D J Co. Inc. bought a new position in shares of CACI International during the 4th quarter valued at about $36,000. Van ECK Associates Corp bought a new position in shares of CACI International during the 1st quarter valued at about $39,000. GPS Wealth Strategies Group LLC bought a new position in shares of CACI International during the 1st quarter valued at about $49,000. Finally, Quent Capital LLC grew its position in CACI International by 33.0% during the 1st quarter. Quent Capital LLC now owns 234 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $69,000 after acquiring an additional 58 shares during the last quarter. 89.34% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. About CACI International (Get Free Report) CACI International Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides expertise and technology to enterprise and mission customers in support of national security missions and government modernization/transformation in the intelligence, defense, and federal civilian sectors. It operates in two segments, Domestic Operations and International Operations. Read More Receive News & Ratings for CACI International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CACI International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Canadian Natural Resources Limited (TSE:CNQ Get Free Report) (NYSE:CNQ) have received an average rating of Moderate Buy from the nine brokerages that are currently covering the stock, MarketBeat.com reports. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating on the company. The average 12-month price target among brokerages that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is C$89.35. A number of research analysts have recently issued reports on CNQ shares. Desjardins dropped their price target on shares of Canadian Natural Resources from C$97.00 to C$95.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, July 25th. National Bank Financial dropped their price target on shares of Canadian Natural Resources from C$105.00 to C$93.00 in a research note on Thursday, June 29th. Evercore boosted their price target on shares of Canadian Natural Resources from C$88.00 to C$90.00 and gave the stock an in-line rating in a research note on Friday, August 4th. National Bankshares lowered shares of Canadian Natural Resources from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating and dropped their price target for the stock from C$93.00 to C$90.00 in a research note on Friday, August 4th. Finally, UBS Group set a C$90.00 price target on shares of Canadian Natural Resources and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 12th. Get Canadian Natural Resources alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on CNQ Canadian Natural Resources Price Performance Canadian Natural Resources Dividend Announcement Shares of TSE:CNQ opened at C$83.22 on Friday. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of C$75.82 and a 200-day simple moving average of C$76.91. Canadian Natural Resources has a one year low of C$61.23 and a one year high of C$84.25. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 35.40, a quick ratio of 0.54 and a current ratio of 0.69. The stock has a market capitalization of C$90.71 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.76, a PEG ratio of 0.53 and a beta of 2.04. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 5th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 15th will be given a $0.90 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, September 14th. This represents a $3.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.33%. Canadian Natural Resourcess dividend payout ratio is presently 42.30%. Insider Activity In other news, Director Stephen W. Laut sold 5,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, July 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$72.78, for a total value of C$363,895.00. Company insiders own 2.22% of the companys stock. Canadian Natural Resources Company Profile (Get Free Report Canadian Natural Resources Limited acquires, explores for, develops, produces, markets, and sells crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids (NGLs). The company offers light and medium crude oil, primary heavy crude oil, Pelican Lake heavy crude oil, bitumen (thermal oil), and synthetic crude oil (SCO). Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Canadian Natural Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Canadian Natural Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Capitec Bank Holdings Limited (OTCMKTS:CKHGY Get Free Report) was the target of a significant decline in short interest during the month of July. As of July 31st, there was short interest totalling 300 shares, a decline of 50.0% from the July 15th total of 600 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 3,800 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.1 days. Capitec Bank Price Performance Shares of Capitec Bank stock traded down $0.73 during trading on Friday, hitting $47.26. 23,331 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 12,535. The firms fifty day moving average price is $44.31 and its 200 day moving average price is $46.90. Capitec Bank has a 1-year low of $34.09 and a 1-year high of $52.86. Get Capitec Bank alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Separately, JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded Capitec Bank from a neutral rating to an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, June 20th. About Capitec Bank (Get Free Report) Capitec Bank Holdings Limited, through its subsidiaries, provides various banking products and services in South Africa. The company operates through three segments: Retail Bank, Business Bank, and Insurance. It offers transactional banking services; fixed and tax-free savings, and call and notice deposits; term loans, credit facilities, mortgage loans, overdrafts, instalment sales and leases, credit and debit cards, and access facilities; rental finance; payment services; merchant services; and value-added services, as well as credit and life insurance products. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Capitec Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Capitec Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Chubu Electric Power Company, Incorporated (OTCMKTS:CHUEF Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large increase in short interest during the month of July. As of July 31st, there was short interest totalling 364,600 shares, an increase of 60.9% from the July 15th total of 226,600 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 0 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently days. Chubu Electric Power Stock Performance CHUEF stock remained flat at $11.84 on Friday. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $11.85 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $10.90. Chubu Electric Power has a twelve month low of $8.08 and a twelve month high of $12.35. Get Chubu Electric Power alerts: About Chubu Electric Power (Get Free Report) Featured Stories Chubu Electric Power Company, Incorporated, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the generation, transmission, distribution, and retail of electricity in Japan and internationally. The company operates through three segments: JERA, Power Grid, and Miraiz. It generates electricity through geothermal, nuclear, hydroelectric, wind, biomass, and solar sources. Receive News & Ratings for Chubu Electric Power Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chubu Electric Power and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Everest Group (NYSE:EG Free Report) had its price objective increased by Citigroup from $406.00 to $408.00 in a research report sent to investors on Wednesday, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Citigroup currently has a buy rating on the stock. A number of other research analysts have also weighed in on EG. Raymond James raised shares of Everest Group from an outperform rating to a strong-buy rating and raised their price objective for the company from $420.00 to $450.00 in a research note on Friday, July 7th. Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an overweight rating and issued a $429.00 price objective on shares of Everest Group in a research note on Tuesday, August 1st. Get Everest Group alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on EG Everest Group Price Performance Shares of NYSE EG opened at $356.02 on Wednesday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.33, a current ratio of 0.37 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.28. The firm has a market cap of $15.45 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.86, a PEG ratio of 0.26 and a beta of 0.61. Everest Group has a twelve month low of $244.57 and a twelve month high of $394.99. Everest Group (NYSE:EG Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 26th. The company reported $15.21 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $11.10 by $4.11. The business had revenue of $3.65 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.61 billion. Everest Group had a net margin of 9.14% and a return on equity of 14.92%. During the same period last year, the company posted $9.79 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Everest Group will post 46.11 EPS for the current fiscal year. Everest Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) Everest 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. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Everest Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Everest Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Column Capital Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF (BATS:ESML Free Report) during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor purchased 2,704 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $92,000. A number of other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in ESML. GPS Wealth Strategies Group LLC acquired a new stake in iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF during the 1st quarter worth $32,000. JPMorgan Chase & Co. acquired a new stake in iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF during the 1st quarter worth $116,000. US Bancorp DE raised its stake in iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF by 94.2% during the 1st quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 4,414 shares of the companys stock worth $168,000 after buying an additional 2,141 shares during the period. Pinnacle Wealth Management Advisory Group LLC acquired a new stake in iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF during the 4th quarter worth $200,000. Finally, Morton Brown Family Wealth LLC raised its stake in iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF by 118.4% during the 1st quarter. Morton Brown Family Wealth LLC now owns 6,112 shares of the companys stock worth $208,000 after buying an additional 3,313 shares during the period. Get iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF alerts: iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF Stock Up 0.1 % iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF stock traded up $0.03 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $36.10. 207,793 shares of the companys stock were exchanged. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $35.83 and a 200 day moving average price of $34.82. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.39 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.69 and a beta of 1.14. About iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF The iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF (ESML) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in small-cap stocks. The fund tracks an index of US small-cap companies with high environmental, social, and governance factor scores as determined by MSCI. ESML was launched on Apr 10, 2018 and is managed by BlackRock. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ESML? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF (BATS:ESML Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Corebridge Financial (NYSE:CRBG Get Free Report) is one of 43 public companies in the Life insurance industry, but how does it compare to its competitors? We will compare Corebridge Financial to similar businesses based on the strength of its institutional ownership, risk, profitability, dividends, analyst recommendations, valuation and earnings. Valuation & Earnings This table compares Corebridge Financial and its competitors revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Get Corebridge Financial alerts: Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Corebridge Financial $18.02 billion $8.15 billion 5.65 Corebridge Financial Competitors $20.06 billion $1.24 billion 19.32 Corebridge Financials competitors have higher revenue, but lower earnings than Corebridge Financial. Corebridge Financial 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. Institutional & Insider Ownership Profitability 22.6% of Corebridge Financial shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 50.5% of shares of all Life insurance companies are held by institutional investors. 0.1% of Corebridge Financial shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 13.1% of shares of all Life insurance companies are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. This table compares Corebridge Financial and its competitors net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Corebridge Financial 9.99% 21.70% 0.62% Corebridge Financial Competitors 5.66% 9.14% 0.94% Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of current recommendations and price targets for Corebridge Financial and its competitors, as provided by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Corebridge Financial 0 4 9 0 2.69 Corebridge Financial Competitors 317 1999 1857 70 2.40 Corebridge Financial currently has a consensus target price of $23.75, indicating a potential upside of 29.68%. As a group, Life insurance companies have a potential upside of 196.86%. Given Corebridge Financials competitors higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Corebridge Financial has less favorable growth aspects than its competitors. Dividends Corebridge Financial pays an annual dividend of $0.92 per share and has a dividend yield of 5.0%. Corebridge Financial pays out 28.4% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, Life insurance companies pay a dividend yield of 1.7% and pay out 32.5% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Corebridge Financial is clearly a better dividend stock than its competitors, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio. About Corebridge Financial (Get Free Report) Corebridge Financial, Inc. provides retirement solutions and insurance products in the United States. It operates through Individual Retirement, Group Retirement, Life Insurance, and Institutional Markets segments. The Individual Retirement segment provides fixed annuities, fixed index annuities, variable annuities and retail mutual funds. The Group Retirement segment offers record-keeping services, plan administration and compliance services, and financial planning and advisory solutions to employer-defined contribution plans and their participants, as well as proprietary and non-proprietary annuities, advisory services, and brokerage products. The Life Insurance segment offers term life and universal life insurance in the United States, as well as issues individual life, whole life, and group life insurance in the United Kingdom; and distributes medical insurance in Ireland. The Institutional Markets segment provides stable value wraps, structured settlement and pension risk transfer annuities, corporate and bank owned life insurance, private placement variable universal life and annuities products, and guaranteed investment contracts. The company was formerly known as SAFG Retirement Services, Inc. The company was incorporated in 1998 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas. Corebridge Financial, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of American International Group, Inc. Receive News & Ratings for Corebridge Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Corebridge Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) had its target price increased by JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $510.00 to $600.00 in a report published on Wednesday, Marketbeat reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. currently has an overweight rating on the stock. Several other equities analysts have also weighed in on the company. 3M reaffirmed a maintains rating on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research note on Friday, April 28th. Citigroup lifted their price objective on Eli Lilly and Company from $360.00 to $525.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 26th. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price objective on Eli Lilly and Company from $500.00 to $615.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday. HSBC started coverage on Eli Lilly and Company in a research note on Friday, July 14th. They issued a buy rating and a $560.00 price objective on the stock. Finally, Bank of America lifted their price objective on Eli Lilly and Company from $500.00 to $600.00 in a research note on Wednesday. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has assigned a hold rating and nineteen have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $517.00. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on LLY Eli Lilly and Company Stock Up 1.3 % Shares of NYSE:LLY opened at $528.28 on Wednesday. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $458.58 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $398.56. The company has a current ratio of 1.13, a quick ratio of 1.02 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.63. Eli Lilly and Company has a 12-month low of $296.32 and a 12-month high of $538.00. The firm has a market cap of $501.49 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 73.47, a PEG ratio of 2.05 and a beta of 0.35. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 8th. The company reported $2.11 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.98 by $0.13. Eli Lilly and Company had a return on equity of 65.00% and a net margin of 22.01%. The firm had revenue of $8.31 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $7.58 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $1.25 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was up 28.1% on a year-over-year basis. On average, research analysts forecast that Eli Lilly and Company will post 9.91 EPS for the current year. Eli Lilly and Company Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 8th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, August 15th will be issued a $1.13 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, August 14th. This represents a $4.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.86%. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 62.87%. Insider Activity In other news, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 600 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $435.29, for a total value of $261,174.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 5,978 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,602,163.62. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. In related news, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 204,409 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $523.74, for a total transaction of $107,057,169.66. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 100,823,810 shares in the company, valued at approximately $52,805,462,249.40. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 600 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $435.29, for a total value of $261,174.00. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer now owns 5,978 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,602,163.62. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders sold 755,017 shares of company stock worth $357,815,036. 0.13% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in LLY. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich boosted its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 533,336.4% during the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 19,059,681 shares of the companys stock worth $8,938,609,000 after acquiring an additional 19,056,108 shares during the period. Norges Bank acquired a new position in Eli Lilly and Company during the 4th quarter worth $3,416,206,000. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC boosted its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 102,752.2% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 5,446,026 shares of the companys stock worth $1,992,374,000 after acquiring an additional 5,440,731 shares during the period. Morgan Stanley boosted its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 44.1% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 12,059,204 shares of the companys stock worth $4,411,740,000 after acquiring an additional 3,691,436 shares during the period. Finally, Envestnet Asset Management Inc. raised its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 316.9% in the 1st quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 2,434,073 shares of the companys stock worth $217,569,000 after buying an additional 1,850,187 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 87.25% of the companys stock. Eli Lilly and Company Company Profile (Get Free Report) Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. It offers Basaglar, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, insulin lispro protamine, insulin lispro mix 75/25, Humulin, Humulin 70/30, Humulin N, Humulin R, and Humulin U-500 for diabetes; and Jardiance, Trajenta, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Eli Lilly and Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eli Lilly and Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. FIBRA Prologis (OTCMKTS:FBBPF Get Free Report) saw a significant drop in short interest in the month of July. As of July 31st, there was short interest totalling 188,400 shares, a drop of 33.6% from the July 15th total of 283,800 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 6,000 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 31.4 days. Analyst Ratings Changes Separately, Scotiabank raised shares of FIBRA Prologis from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, May 25th. Get FIBRA Prologis alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on FBBPF FIBRA Prologis Stock Performance FIBRA Prologis Company Profile Shares of OTCMKTS FBBPF traded down $0.04 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $3.51. 6,086 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 5,187. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $3.66 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $3.52. FIBRA Prologis has a 1-year low of $2.24 and a 1-year high of $3.97. (Get Free Report) FIBRA Prologis is a leading owner and operator of Class-A industrial real estate in Mexico. As of March 31, 2023, FIBRA Prologis was comprised of 225 logistics and manufacturing facilities in six industrial markets in Mexico totaling 43.6 million square feet (4.0 million square meters) of gross leasable area. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for FIBRA Prologis Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for FIBRA Prologis and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Greece has become the 14th country that joined the G7 Vilnius Declaration in support of Ukraine, head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak said. "Thanks to the people and government of Greece, which became the 14th country that joined the G7 Vilnius Declaration in support of Ukraine. The number of states that are ready to participate in ensuring Ukraine's ability to defend itself and prevent a recurrence of aggression is expanding. We are working. More good news ahead," Yermak tweeted on Saturday. Foster & Motley Inc. raised its position in Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (NYSE:VSH Free Report) by 6.8% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 133,532 shares of the semiconductor companys stock after buying an additional 8,560 shares during the quarter. Foster & Motley Inc. owned about 0.10% of Vishay Intertechnology worth $3,020,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Laffer Tengler Investments bought a new stake in Vishay Intertechnology in the 4th quarter valued at about $161,000. Pacer Advisors Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Vishay Intertechnology during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $624,000. Watershed Asset Management L.L.C. boosted its holdings in Vishay Intertechnology by 6.8% in the 1st quarter. Watershed Asset Management L.L.C. now owns 12,439 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $281,000 after buying an additional 791 shares during the period. Natixis Advisors L.P. grew its stake in Vishay Intertechnology by 2.7% in the 4th quarter. Natixis Advisors L.P. now owns 53,798 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $1,160,000 after buying an additional 1,412 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Teacher Retirement System of Texas raised its holdings in Vishay Intertechnology by 6.0% during the 4th quarter. Teacher Retirement System of Texas now owns 102,881 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $2,219,000 after acquiring an additional 5,863 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 85.06% of the companys stock. Get Vishay Intertechnology alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Separately, StockNews.com upgraded Vishay Intertechnology from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, May 11th. Vishay Intertechnology Trading Up 0.5 % Shares of VSH opened at $26.61 on Friday. Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. has a twelve month low of $17.63 and a twelve month high of $30.10. The stock has a market cap of $3.72 billion, a PE ratio of 8.99 and a beta of 1.29. The company has a quick ratio of 2.20, a current ratio of 3.16 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $28.12 and its 200-day moving average price is $24.40. Vishay Intertechnology (NYSE:VSH Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, August 9th. The semiconductor company reported $0.68 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.63 by $0.05. The business had revenue of $892.10 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $879.80 million. Vishay Intertechnology had a net margin of 11.84% and a return on equity of 21.16%. Vishay Intertechnologys revenue was up 3.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $0.82 EPS. On average, equities analysts forecast that Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. will post 2.41 EPS for the current fiscal year. Vishay Intertechnology Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, June 29th. Stockholders of record on Friday, June 16th were given a dividend of $0.10 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, June 15th. This represents a $0.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.50%. Vishay Intertechnologys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 13.51%. Vishay Intertechnology Profile (Free Report) Vishay Intertechnology, Inc manufactures and sells discrete semiconductors and passive electronic components in Asia, Europe, and the Americas. It operates in six segments: Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors (MOSFETs), Diodes, Optoelectronic Components, Resistors, Inductors, and Capacitors. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding VSH? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (NYSE:VSH Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Vishay Intertechnology Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vishay Intertechnology and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Griffin Asset Management Inc. bought a new stake in Brookfield Renewable Co. (NYSE:BEPC Free Report) during the 1st quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm bought 8,990 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $314,000. Other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Raymond James & Associates boosted its holdings in shares of Brookfield Renewable by 30.7% during the 1st quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 90,746 shares of the companys stock worth $3,975,000 after buying an additional 21,313 shares in the last quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp raised its position in shares of Brookfield Renewable by 1.3% during the first quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 417,541 shares of the companys stock worth $18,288,000 after purchasing an additional 5,254 shares during the period. American Century Companies Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Brookfield Renewable during the first quarter worth approximately $261,000. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp raised its position in shares of Brookfield Renewable by 154.7% during the first quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp now owns 3,601 shares of the companys stock worth $158,000 after purchasing an additional 2,187 shares during the period. Finally, Citigroup Inc. raised its position in shares of Brookfield Renewable by 33.4% during the first quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 33,511 shares of the companys stock worth $1,464,000 after purchasing an additional 8,391 shares during the period. 66.04% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Brookfield Renewable alerts: Brookfield Renewable Stock Up 0.4 % Shares of NYSE:BEPC opened at $29.23 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.34, a current ratio of 0.39 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.77. Brookfield Renewable Co. has a twelve month low of $27.19 and a twelve month high of $42.45. The stocks 50 day moving average is $31.76 and its 200-day moving average is $32.00. Brookfield Renewable Dividend Announcement Brookfield Renewable Profile The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 29th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, August 31st will be given a dividend of $0.338 per share. This represents a $1.35 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.63%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, August 30th. Brookfield Renewables payout ratio is -225.00%. (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. Featured Articles 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. GW&K Investment Management LLC increased its holdings in Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) by 0.2% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 839,971 shares of the financial services providers stock after purchasing an additional 1,983 shares during the quarter. GW&K Investment Management LLCs holdings in Wells Fargo & Company were worth $31,398,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Several other large investors also recently modified their holdings of WFC. Defender Capital LLC. bought a new stake in Wells Fargo & Company during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $246,000. Fairfield Bush & CO. purchased a new stake in Wells Fargo & Company during the 1st quarter valued at $124,000. Dakota Wealth Management purchased a new stake in Wells Fargo & Company during the 1st quarter valued at $222,000. Candriam Luxembourg S.C.A. raised its stake in Wells Fargo & Company by 0.3% during the 1st quarter. Candriam Luxembourg S.C.A. now owns 273,936 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $13,274,000 after buying an additional 770 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Zions Bancorporation N.A. raised its stake in Wells Fargo & Company by 24.5% during the 1st quarter. Zions Bancorporation N.A. now owns 9,630 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $467,000 after buying an additional 1,895 shares during the last quarter. 72.11% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Wells Fargo & Company alerts: Wells Fargo & Company Stock Performance Shares of Wells Fargo & Company stock opened at $43.73 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 0.84, a quick ratio of 0.83 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.05. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $43.46 and its 200-day moving average price is $42.38. The firm has a market cap of $164.08 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.93, a P/E/G ratio of 0.88 and a beta of 1.13. Wells Fargo & Company has a 12 month low of $35.25 and a 12 month high of $48.84. Wells Fargo & Company Increases Dividend Wells Fargo & Company ( NYSE:WFC Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Friday, July 14th. The financial services provider reported $1.25 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.16 by $0.09. The company had revenue of $20.53 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $20.11 billion. Wells Fargo & Company had a net margin of 16.18% and a return on equity of 11.15%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 20.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $0.74 EPS. On average, equities research analysts expect that Wells Fargo & Company will post 4.86 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 1st. Investors of record on Friday, August 4th will be paid a $0.35 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, August 3rd. This is a boost from Wells Fargo & Companys previous quarterly dividend of $0.30. This represents a $1.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.20%. Wells Fargo & Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 35.00%. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of brokerages have recently issued reports on WFC. Morgan Stanley boosted their price objective on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $49.00 to $52.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 1st. Piper Sandler boosted their target price on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $43.00 to $45.00 in a report on Monday, July 17th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods increased their price target on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $44.00 to $46.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Monday, April 17th. Citigroup boosted their price objective on Wells Fargo & Company from $50.00 to $52.00 in a research note on Sunday, July 16th. Finally, VNET Group reiterated a maintains rating on shares of Wells Fargo & Company in a report on Monday, June 26th. Eight research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eight have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $48.62. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on WFC About Wells Fargo & Company (Free Report) Wells Fargo & Company, a diversified financial services company, provides banking, investment, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance products and services in the United States and internationally. It operates through four segments: Consumer Banking and Lending; Commercial Banking; Corporate and Investment Banking; and Wealth and Investment Management. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WFC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC Free Report). 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. Shares of Hengan International Group Company Limited (OTCMKTS:HEGIY Get Free Report) traded up 2% on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $19.86 and last traded at $19.84. 3,284 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 63% from the average session volume of 8,984 shares. The stock had previously closed at $19.45. Hengan International Group Stock Performance The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $20.68 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $22.25. Get Hengan International Group alerts: Hengan International Group Cuts Dividend The company also recently declared a dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, June 20th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, May 24th were paid a $0.4584 dividend. This represents a dividend yield of 4.02%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, May 23rd. About Hengan International Group Hengan International Group Company Limited, an investment holding company, manufactures, distributes, and sells personal hygiene products in the People's Republic of China and internationally. The company offers pocket handkerchiefs, box and soft tissue papers, kitchen towels/papers, toilet rolls, first-aid products, enema, garbage and food bags, preservation papers, table cloths and disposable toilet brush, sanitary napkins, pantiliners, overnight pants, wet tissues, maternal and child care products, adult and baby diapers, and cleansing products. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Hengan International Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hengan International Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hims & Hers Health (NYSE:HIMS Get Free Report) had its target price cut by Truist Financial from $12.00 to $10.00 in a research report issued on Wednesday, MarketBeat Ratings reports. The firm currently has a hold rating on the stock. Truist Financials price objective would indicate a potential upside of 38.79% from the companys current price. Several other research analysts have also recently issued reports on HIMS. Robert W. Baird initiated coverage on shares of Hims & Hers Health in a report on Tuesday, April 11th. They set a neutral rating and a $10.00 price target for the company. Tigress Financial increased their price target on shares of Hims & Hers Health from $12.00 to $14.00 in a report on Thursday, June 15th. Bank of America increased their price target on shares of Hims & Hers Health from $13.50 to $15.00 in a report on Tuesday, May 9th. Piper Sandler cut their price target on shares of Hims & Hers Health from $11.00 to $10.00 in a report on Tuesday. Finally, Guggenheim increased their target price on shares of Hims & Hers Health from $15.00 to $18.00 in a report on Thursday, April 27th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $11.75. Get Hims & Hers Health alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on HIMS Hims & Hers Health Trading Up 0.2 % Shares of HIMS stock traded up $0.01 on Wednesday, reaching $7.21. 2,419,019 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 3,248,387. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $8.60 and its 200 day moving average price is $9.38. Hims & Hers Health has a twelve month low of $4.01 and a twelve month high of $12.34. The company has a market capitalization of $1.51 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -32.66 and a beta of 0.48. Hims & Hers Health (NYSE:HIMS Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Monday, August 7th. The company reported ($0.03) EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($0.06) by $0.03. Hims & Hers Health had a negative net margin of 6.61% and a negative return on equity of 14.97%. The business had revenue of $207.91 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $204.95 million. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned ($0.10) earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 83.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts forecast that Hims & Hers Health will post -0.19 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Activity In related news, insider Soleil Boughton sold 85,729 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $9.01, for a total transaction of $772,418.29. Following the sale, the insider now owns 168,089 shares in the company, valued at $1,514,481.89. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other Hims & Hers Health news, COO Melissa Baird sold 9,133 shares of Hims & Hers Health stock in a transaction on Monday, June 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $8.89, for a total value of $81,192.37. Following the transaction, the chief operating officer now owns 426,412 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,790,802.68. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, insider Soleil Boughton sold 85,729 shares of Hims & Hers Health stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $9.01, for a total transaction of $772,418.29. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 168,089 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,514,481.89. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 279,724 shares of company stock worth $2,509,967 over the last ninety days. 31.63% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Hims & Hers Health A number of hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Baird Financial Group Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Hims & Hers Health in the 2nd quarter valued at $349,000. Credit Suisse AG raised its stake in shares of Hims & Hers Health by 23.7% in the 2nd quarter. Credit Suisse AG now owns 128,258 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,206,000 after acquiring an additional 24,568 shares during the period. BlackRock Inc. raised its stake in shares of Hims & Hers Health by 11.1% in the 2nd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 9,929,061 shares of the companys stock valued at $93,333,000 after acquiring an additional 991,959 shares during the period. Campbell & CO Investment Adviser LLC purchased a new position in shares of Hims & Hers Health in the 2nd quarter valued at $206,000. Finally, State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System raised its stake in shares of Hims & Hers Health by 115.7% in the 2nd quarter. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System now owns 34,700 shares of the companys stock valued at $326,000 after acquiring an additional 18,610 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 63.39% of the companys stock. Hims & Hers Health Company Profile (Get Free Report) Hims & Hers Health, Inc operates a telehealth platform that connects consumers to licensed healthcare professionals. The company offers a range of health and wellness products and services available to purchase on its websites and mobile application directly by customers. It also provides prescription medication on a recurring basis and ongoing care from healthcare providers; and over-the-counter drug and device products, cosmetics, and supplement products, primarily focusing on wellness, sexual health and wellness, skincare, and hair care. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Hims & Hers Health Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hims & Hers Health and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Hudsons Bay Co (OTCMKTS:HBAYF Get Free Report) crossed below its fifty day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a fifty day moving average of $8.19 and traded as low as $8.19. Hudsons Bay shares last traded at $8.19, with a volume of 2,900 shares. Hudsons Bay Stock Down 0.2 % The businesss 50 day moving average price is $8.19 and its 200 day moving average price is $8.19. About Hudsons Bay (Get Free Report) Hudson's Bay Company owns and operates department stores in Canada and the United States. Its stores offers fashion apparels, accessories, cosmetics, and home products. The company operates its stores under the Hudson's Bay, Lord & Taylor, Saks Fifth Avenue, Saks OFF 5TH, Find @ Lord & Taylor, Home Outfitters, Galeria Kaufhof, Galeria INNO, and Sportarena names. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Hudson's Bay Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hudson's Bay and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. United Parcel Service (NYSE:UPS Free Report) had its price objective lifted by JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $181.00 to $186.00 in a research report sent to investors on Wednesday morning, Benzinga reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. currently has a neutral rating on the transportation companys stock. UPS has been the topic of several other reports. Susquehanna lowered their target price on United Parcel Service from $180.00 to $173.00 in a research report on Wednesday, April 26th. Loop Capital cut United Parcel Service from a buy rating to a hold rating and lowered their price objective for the company from $210.00 to $195.00 in a research report on Wednesday. Barclays increased their target price on shares of United Parcel Service from $172.00 to $180.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Tuesday. BMO Capital Markets lifted their price target on shares of United Parcel Service from $180.00 to $190.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a report on Wednesday. Finally, Raymond James dropped their price target on shares of United Parcel Service from $207.00 to $205.00 in a research report on Wednesday, April 26th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have assigned a hold rating, seven have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $189.54. Get United Parcel Service alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on United Parcel Service United Parcel Service Price Performance Shares of NYSE:UPS opened at $176.62 on Wednesday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.34, a current ratio of 1.32 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.97. The stock has a market capitalization of $151.70 billion, a PE ratio of 15.32, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.80 and a beta of 1.07. The firms 50 day moving average price is $179.63 and its 200-day moving average price is $181.30. United Parcel Service has a twelve month low of $154.87 and a twelve month high of $209.39. United Parcel Service (NYSE:UPS Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, August 8th. The transportation company reported $2.54 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.49 by $0.05. United Parcel Service had a net margin of 10.41% and a return on equity of 51.28%. The business had revenue of $22.10 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $23.04 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $3.29 earnings per share. The firms revenue was down 10.9% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts expect that United Parcel Service will post 10.02 EPS for the current year. United Parcel Service Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, August 31st. Stockholders of record on Monday, August 14th will be issued a dividend of $1.62 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 11th. This represents a $6.48 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.67%. United Parcel Services dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 56.20%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On United Parcel Service Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Pacific Center for Financial Services bought a new position in shares of United Parcel Service in the 1st quarter valued at about $25,000. Worth Asset Management LLC purchased a new stake in United Parcel Service during the first quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Carolina Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of United Parcel Service by 216.0% in the 2nd quarter. Carolina Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 158 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $28,000 after purchasing an additional 108 shares during the last quarter. Y.D. More Investments Ltd purchased a new position in shares of United Parcel Service in the 4th quarter worth approximately $29,000. Finally, Carderock Capital Management Inc. bought a new position in shares of United Parcel Service during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $32,000. Institutional investors own 58.94% of the companys stock. About United Parcel Service (Get Free Report) United Parcel Service, Inc, a package delivery company, provides transportation and delivery, distribution, contract logistics, ocean freight, airfreight, customs brokerage, and insurance services. It operates through two segments, U.S. Domestic Package and International Package. The U.S. Domestic Package segment offers time-definite delivery of letters, documents, small packages, and palletized freight through air and ground services in the United States. See Also Receive News & Ratings for United Parcel Service Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for United Parcel Service and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. KCM Investment Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. (NYSE:IPG Free Report) by 8.9% during the 1st quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 40,950 shares of the business services providers stock after buying an additional 3,336 shares during the period. KCM Investment Advisors LLCs holdings in Interpublic Group of Companies were worth $1,525,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. increased its stake in Interpublic Group of Companies by 14.5% in the 1st quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 23,035 shares of the business services providers stock worth $817,000 after acquiring an additional 2,915 shares during the last quarter. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC bought a new stake in Interpublic Group of Companies in the 1st quarter worth approximately $243,000. Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan Trust Fund bought a new stake in Interpublic Group of Companies in the 1st quarter worth approximately $133,000. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS increased its stake in Interpublic Group of Companies by 6.6% in the 1st quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS now owns 52,667 shares of the business services providers stock worth $1,867,000 after acquiring an additional 3,244 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Yousif Capital Management LLC increased its stake in Interpublic Group of Companies by 1.0% in the 1st quarter. Yousif Capital Management LLC now owns 63,184 shares of the business services providers stock worth $2,240,000 after acquiring an additional 595 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 98.45% of the companys stock. Get Interpublic Group of Companies alerts: Interpublic Group of Companies Price Performance IPG opened at $33.13 on Friday. The business has a fifty day moving average of $37.37 and a 200 day moving average of $36.81. The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. has a 52-week low of $25.14 and a 52-week high of $40.95. The company has a quick ratio of 1.03, a current ratio of 1.03 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.78. The stock has a market cap of $12.75 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.75, a PEG ratio of 1.56 and a beta of 1.10. Interpublic Group of Companies Announces Dividend Interpublic Group of Companies ( NYSE:IPG Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, July 21st. The business services provider reported $0.74 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.61 by $0.13. Interpublic Group of Companies had a return on equity of 29.72% and a net margin of 8.70%. The company had revenue of $2.67 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.39 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $0.63 EPS. Interpublic Group of Companiess revenue was up 12.3% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. will post 3.05 EPS for the current year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 15th. Investors of record on Friday, September 1st will be issued a dividend of $0.31 per share. This represents a $1.24 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.74%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, August 31st. Interpublic Group of Companiess payout ratio is currently 51.45%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research firms have issued reports on IPG. Wells Fargo & Company downgraded Interpublic Group of Companies from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and reduced their price objective for the stock from $43.00 to $33.00 in a research note on Monday, July 24th. Barclays cut their target price on Interpublic Group of Companies from $42.00 to $40.00 in a research report on Friday, April 28th. Citigroup cut their target price on Interpublic Group of Companies from $45.00 to $43.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, July 24th. Morgan Stanley cut their target price on Interpublic Group of Companies from $42.00 to $38.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, July 24th. Finally, StockNews.com raised Interpublic Group of Companies from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, August 5th. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Interpublic Group of Companies has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $39.00. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Interpublic Group of Companies About Interpublic Group of Companies (Free Report) The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc provides advertising and marketing services worldwide. It operates in three segments: Media, Data & Engagement Solutions, Integrated Advertising & Creativity Led Solutions, and Specialized Communications & Experiential Solutions. The Media, Data & Engagement Solutions segment provides media and communications services, digital services and products, advertising and marketing technology, e-commerce services, data management and analytics, strategic consulting, and digital brand experience under the IPG Mediabrands, UM, Initiative, Kinesso, Acxiom, Huge, MRM, and R/GA brand names. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IPG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. (NYSE:IPG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Interpublic Group of Companies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Interpublic Group of Companies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. KCM Investment Advisors LLC reduced its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report) by 61.4% in the first quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 6,168 shares of the companys stock after selling 9,825 shares during the period. KCM Investment Advisors LLCs holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $600,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Manchester Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in Philip Morris International by 130.1% during the first quarter. Manchester Capital Management LLC now owns 11,734 shares of the companys stock worth $1,141,000 after purchasing an additional 6,634 shares during the last quarter. Hosking Partners LLP boosted its holdings in Philip Morris International by 44.5% during the first quarter. Hosking Partners LLP now owns 162,904 shares of the companys stock worth $15,842,000 after purchasing an additional 50,157 shares during the last quarter. Altshuler Shaham Ltd purchased a new position in Philip Morris International during the first quarter worth about $40,000. Glenview Trust co boosted its holdings in Philip Morris International by 2.7% during the first quarter. Glenview Trust co now owns 74,771 shares of the companys stock worth $7,271,000 after purchasing an additional 1,952 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Convergence Investment Partners LLC boosted its holdings in Philip Morris International by 1.6% during the first quarter. Convergence Investment Partners LLC now owns 20,014 shares of the companys stock worth $1,946,000 after purchasing an additional 315 shares during the last quarter. 77.43% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Philip Morris International alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades PM has been the subject of several research analyst reports. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Philip Morris International in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating for the company. Citigroup upgraded Philip Morris International from a neutral rating to a buy rating and increased their price target for the stock from $109.00 to $117.00 in a research note on Tuesday, June 20th. Finally, 22nd Century Group reaffirmed a reiterates rating on shares of Philip Morris International in a report on Tuesday, June 27th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and eight have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Philip Morris International has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $111.40. Philip Morris International Price Performance PM opened at $96.16 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $149.27 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.60, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.02 and a beta of 0.69. Philip Morris International Inc. has a one year low of $82.85 and a one year high of $105.62. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $96.65 and a 200-day moving average price of $97.29. Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, July 20th. The company reported $1.60 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.50 by $0.10. Philip Morris International had a negative return on equity of 127.84% and a net margin of 11.63%. The business had revenue of $8.97 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $8.76 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $1.48 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 14.5% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts expect that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 6.21 earnings per share for the current year. Philip Morris International Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, July 11th. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 23rd were issued a $1.27 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, June 22nd. This represents a $5.08 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.28%. Philip Morris Internationals payout ratio is currently 98.26%. About Philip Morris International (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. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Philip Morris International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Philip Morris International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. KCM Investment Advisors LLC lessened its stake in Emerson Electric Co. (NYSE:EMR Free Report) by 8.2% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 15,943 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 1,423 shares during the quarter. KCM Investment Advisors LLCs holdings in Emerson Electric were worth $1,389,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. MAI Capital Management lifted its holdings in shares of Emerson Electric by 10.1% in the 4th quarter. MAI Capital Management now owns 21,486 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $2,064,000 after buying an additional 1,972 shares during the period. Trust Co. of Vermont lifted its holdings in shares of Emerson Electric by 4.5% in the 1st quarter. Trust Co. of Vermont now owns 88,517 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $7,713,000 after buying an additional 3,786 shares during the period. Heritage Wealth Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Emerson Electric by 116.7% in the 4th quarter. Heritage Wealth Management LLC now owns 754 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $72,000 after buying an additional 406 shares during the period. Equitable Trust Co. raised its holdings in Emerson Electric by 4.5% in the 4th quarter. Equitable Trust Co. now owns 4,393 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $422,000 after purchasing an additional 191 shares during the period. Finally, Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC boosted its position in Emerson Electric by 74.9% during the first quarter. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC now owns 19,200 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,673,000 after purchasing an additional 8,225 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 75.63% of the companys stock. Get Emerson Electric alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of brokerages have issued reports on EMR. Wells Fargo & Company upgraded Emerson Electric from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and increased their price target for the stock from $90.00 to $105.00 in a research report on Thursday, April 20th. Mizuho increased their price target on Emerson Electric from $90.00 to $95.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, August 3rd. 888 reiterated a buy rating on shares of Emerson Electric in a research report on Thursday, May 4th. Stephens reiterated an overweight rating and set a $120.00 price target on shares of Emerson Electric in a research report on Monday, August 7th. Finally, StockNews.com upgraded Emerson Electric from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, August 3rd. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have given 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 $102.24. Emerson Electric Trading Up 0.3 % Shares of NYSE EMR opened at $95.76 on Friday. Emerson Electric Co. has a twelve month low of $72.40 and a twelve month high of $99.65. The company has a current ratio of 2.38, a quick ratio of 2.07 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $90.12 and a 200-day simple moving average of $86.31. The stock has a market capitalization of $54.73 billion, a PE ratio of 4.19, a PEG ratio of 2.24 and a beta of 1.41. Emerson Electric (NYSE:EMR Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, August 2nd. The industrial products company reported $1.29 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.09 by $0.20. Emerson Electric had a return on equity of 14.27% and a net margin of 80.41%. The firm had revenue of $3.95 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.89 billion. On average, equities analysts forecast that Emerson Electric Co. will post 4.44 earnings per share for the current year. Emerson Electric Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 11th. Investors of record on Friday, August 11th will be paid a dividend of $0.52 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, August 10th. This represents a $2.08 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.17%. Emerson Electrics payout ratio is 9.09%. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, VP Lisa Flavin sold 48,718 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, June 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $89.65, for a total transaction of $4,367,568.70. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 51,748 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,639,208.20. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. 0.33% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Emerson Electric Company Profile (Free Report) Emerson Electric Co, a technology and engineering company, provides various solutions for customers in industrial, commercial, and consumer markets in the Americas, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. The company operates through Automation Solutions, AspenTech, and Commercial & Residential Solutions segments. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Emerson Electric Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Emerson Electric and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 12. The Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) is carrying out appropriate work to determine the requirements and conditions for the opening of currency exchange offices, the Central Bank of Azerbaijan told Trend. The requirements for issuing a license for currency exchange activities are determined by the law of the Republic of Azerbaijan "On currency regulation" and regulatory acts of the CBA. The CBA was recommended to approve regulatory acts within a six-month period in connection with amendments to the law by the decree of the President of Azerbaijan dated 01.08.2023. Additional information on the minimum amount of the authorized (joint) capital, as well as on the amount of the part of the authorized (joint) capital that is subject to increase, will be provided after the approval of the relevant rules. Moreover, the CBA will also provide additional information on the amount of collateral and other requirements for each second and subsequent object in respect of which the person who has received a license for exchange activities carries out this activity will be provided after the approval of the relevant rules. In addition, the CBA announced that the opening of currency exchange offices by individuals without creating a legal entity that, in accordance with article 13-1 of the law, resident (non-resident) legal entities can apply to the CBA to obtain a license for currency exchange activities. Furthermore, only banks and their branches, as well as branches and offices of Azerpost LLC currently have the right to currency exchange activities. According to the amendments to the law "On currency regulation", individuals and legal entities will also be allowed to open currency exchange offices. Those wishing to exchange currency at bank branches, in some cases, are forced to stand in line. Tourists coming to Azerbaijan also experience difficulties with currency exchange, especially on weekends. It is expected that after the opening of new currency exchange offices, these problems will be solved. Manchester Capital Management LLC cut its position in shares of Cloudflare, Inc. (NYSE:NET Free Report) by 75.4% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 780 shares of the companys stock after selling 2,397 shares during the period. Manchester Capital Management LLCs holdings in Cloudflare were worth $48,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of NET. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. increased its stake in shares of Cloudflare by 48.6% during the 1st quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 8,903 shares of the companys stock worth $1,066,000 after purchasing an additional 2,912 shares during the last quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Cloudflare during the 1st quarter worth about $1,950,000. Synovus Financial Corp bought a new stake in shares of Cloudflare during the 1st quarter worth about $439,000. Cibc World Market Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Cloudflare by 16.8% during the 1st quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. now owns 21,811 shares of the companys stock worth $2,611,000 after buying an additional 3,140 shares during the period. Finally, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP boosted its holdings in shares of Cloudflare by 10.8% during the 1st quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 181,514 shares of the companys stock worth $21,732,000 after buying an additional 17,681 shares during the period. 74.38% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Cloudflare alerts: Cloudflare Price Performance NET stock opened at $63.64 on Friday. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $66.30 and a 200 day simple moving average of $60.65. The stock has a market cap of $21.27 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -94.98 and a beta of 0.93. Cloudflare, Inc. has a 1 year low of $37.37 and a 1 year high of $80.32. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.00, a current ratio of 3.84 and a quick ratio of 3.84. Insider Buying and Selling Analysts Set New Price Targets In related news, General Counsel Douglas James Kramer sold 3,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $67.47, for a total transaction of $202,410.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the general counsel now directly owns 160,495 shares in the company, valued at approximately $10,828,597.65. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website . In related news, General Counsel Douglas James Kramer sold 3,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $67.47, for a total transaction of $202,410.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the general counsel now directly owns 160,495 shares in the company, valued at approximately $10,828,597.65. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website . Also, Director Scott D. Sandell sold 20,307 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $65.26, for a total transaction of $1,325,234.82. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 6,325 shares of the companys stock, valued at $412,769.50. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Insiders sold a total of 610,897 shares of company stock worth $39,301,422 in the last three months. 14.80% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Several brokerages recently commented on NET. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their target price on shares of Cloudflare from $54.00 to $71.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Monday, July 31st. TD Cowen lifted their target price on shares of Cloudflare from $70.00 to $80.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Friday, August 4th. Stifel Nicolaus reduced their target price on shares of Cloudflare from $65.00 to $55.00 in a report on Friday, April 28th. JMP Securities lifted their target price on shares of Cloudflare from $60.00 to $75.00 in a report on Thursday, July 13th. Finally, UBS Group assumed coverage on shares of Cloudflare in a report on Monday, June 5th. They set a sell rating and a $55.00 target price for the company. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have given a hold rating and eleven have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $66.16. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Cloudflare About Cloudflare (Free Report) CloudFlare, Inc operates as a cloud services provider that delivers a range of services to businesses worldwide. The company provides an integrated cloud-based security solution to secure a range of combination of platforms, including public cloud, private cloud, on-premise, software-as-a-service applications, and IoT devices; and website and application security products comprising web application firewall, bot management, distributed denial of service, API gateways, SSL/TLS encryption, secure origin connection, and rate limiting products. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding NET? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Cloudflare, Inc. (NYSE:NET Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Cloudflare Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cloudflare and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Credit Suisse Group reiterated their neutral rating on shares of Markforged (NYSE:MKFG Free Report) in a research note issued to investors on Friday morning, Benzinga reports. Credit Suisse Group currently has a $1.70 target price on the stock. Markforged Price Performance Shares of MKFG traded down $0.12 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $1.41. 1,690,982 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,974,553. Markforged has a 52 week low of $0.71 and a 52 week high of $3.21. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $1.34 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $1.16. Get Markforged alerts: Markforged (NYSE:MKFG Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, May 11th. The company reported ($0.07) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of ($0.08) by $0.01. Markforged had a negative return on equity of 21.77% and a negative net margin of 68.68%. The company had revenue of $24.09 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $22.17 million. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Markforged will post -0.26 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Transactions at Markforged Institutional Investors Weigh In On Markforged In related news, CEO Shai Terem acquired 100,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 22nd. The stock was bought at an average cost of $0.97 per share, for a total transaction of $97,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 2,234,842 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,167,796.74. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website . In other Markforged news, CFO Assaf Zipori bought 50,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, May 24th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $1.03 per share, with a total value of $51,500.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the chief financial officer now directly owns 368,996 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $380,065.88. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink . Also, CEO Shai Terem bought 100,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 22nd. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $0.97 per share, with a total value of $97,000.00. Following the purchase, the chief executive officer now directly owns 2,234,842 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,167,796.74. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here . 43.50% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in MKFG. Swiss National Bank grew its stake in Markforged by 7.8% in the first quarter. Swiss National Bank now owns 109,800 shares of the companys stock valued at $438,000 after acquiring an additional 7,900 shares during the period. Citigroup Inc. grew its stake in Markforged by 2,796.0% in the first quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 24,732 shares of the companys stock valued at $99,000 after acquiring an additional 23,878 shares during the period. BlackRock Inc. grew its stake in Markforged by 5.3% in the first quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 1,026,881 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,097,000 after acquiring an additional 51,611 shares during the period. Sei Investments Co. acquired a new stake in Markforged in the first quarter valued at approximately $34,000. Finally, Vanguard Group Inc. grew its stake in Markforged by 334.3% in the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 4,236,319 shares of the companys stock valued at $16,902,000 after acquiring an additional 3,260,928 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 55.98% of the companys stock. Markforged Company Profile (Get Free Report) Markforged Holding Corporation produces and sells 3D printers, materials, software, and other related services worldwide. It offers desktop, industrial, and metal 3D printers; and composite, continuous fiber, and metal parts, as well as advanced 3D printing software. The company serves customers in aerospace, military and defense, industrial automation, space exploration, healthcare, and automotive industries. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Markforged Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Markforged and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Martin & Co. Inc. TN trimmed its position in The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA Free Report) by 2.6% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 5,369 shares of the aircraft producers stock after selling 143 shares during the period. Martin & Co. Inc. TNs holdings in Boeing were worth $1,141,000 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 BA. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC grew its position in Boeing by 109,667.8% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 16,055,730 shares of the aircraft producers stock valued at $3,058,456,000 after buying an additional 16,041,103 shares during the last quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Boeing by 734.7% during the 1st quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC now owns 4,359,740 shares of the aircraft producers stock worth $926,140,000 after purchasing an additional 3,837,422 shares in the last quarter. Morgan Stanley boosted its position in shares of Boeing by 11.7% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 8,321,871 shares of the aircraft producers stock worth $1,585,234,000 after purchasing an additional 872,795 shares in the last quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Boeing during the 1st quarter worth $135,429,000. Finally, Toronto Dominion Bank boosted its position in shares of Boeing by 13,008.8% during the 4th quarter. Toronto Dominion Bank now owns 686,246 shares of the aircraft producers stock worth $130,646,000 after purchasing an additional 681,011 shares in the last quarter. 60.22% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Boeing alerts: Insider Activity In related news, Director Steven M. Mollenkopf acquired 850 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, July 31st. The stock was bought at an average price of $237.00 per share, with a total value of $201,450.00. Following the purchase, the director now directly owns 3,767 shares in the company, valued at approximately $892,779. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other news, Director Steven M. Mollenkopf bought 850 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, July 31st. The stock was acquired at an average price of $237.00 per share, for a total transaction of $201,450.00. Following the acquisition, the director now owns 3,767 shares of the companys stock, valued at $892,779. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, CEO Theodore Colbert III sold 8,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $238.37, for a total value of $2,026,145.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 59,255 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $14,124,614.35. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 0.15% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities research analysts have commented on BA shares. 888 restated a maintains rating on shares of Boeing in a research report on Thursday, April 27th. Citigroup boosted their target price on shares of Boeing from $248.00 to $285.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, July 28th. StockNews.com raised Boeing from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, June 26th. Jefferies Financial Group lifted their price target on Boeing from $250.00 to $275.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, July 31st. Finally, Northcoast Research raised Boeing from a sell rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 1st. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $244.07. Get Our Latest Report on BA Boeing Trading Down 1.1 % Shares of NYSE BA traded down $2.54 on Friday, reaching $235.72. 2,652,074 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 6,242,596. The Boeing Company has a fifty-two week low of $120.99 and a fifty-two week high of $243.10. The company has a 50 day moving average of $219.14 and a 200 day moving average of $211.01. Boeing (NYSE:BA Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 26th. The aircraft producer reported ($0.82) EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($0.99) by $0.17. The company had revenue of $19.75 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $18.59 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned ($0.37) EPS. The companys revenue was up 18.4% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities analysts predict that The Boeing Company will post -1.87 earnings per share for the current year. Boeing Company Profile (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. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA Free Report). 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. Martin & Co. Inc. TN cut its holdings in shares of Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C Free Report) by 1.8% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 20,431 shares of the companys stock after selling 382 shares during the period. Martin & Co. Inc. TNs holdings in Citigroup were worth $958,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Bell Investment Advisors Inc boosted its position in shares of Citigroup by 72.1% in the 4th quarter. Bell Investment Advisors Inc now owns 604 shares of the companys stock worth $27,000 after buying an additional 253 shares in the last quarter. Grey Fox Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Citigroup in the 4th quarter valued at about $33,000. Heritage Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in Citigroup by 140.1% in the 4th quarter. Heritage Wealth Management LLC now owns 862 shares of the companys stock valued at $39,000 after purchasing an additional 503 shares during the last quarter. New Hampshire Trust acquired a new position in Citigroup in the 4th quarter valued at about $45,000. Finally, Arlington Partners LLC raised its stake in Citigroup by 81.5% in the 1st quarter. Arlington Partners LLC now owns 991 shares of the companys stock valued at $46,000 after purchasing an additional 445 shares during the last quarter. 69.39% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Citigroup alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades C has been the subject of several analyst reports. Wells Fargo & Company cut their target price on shares of Citigroup from $65.00 to $60.00 in a research note on Wednesday, June 28th. Credit Suisse Group cut their target price on shares of Citigroup from $54.00 to $50.00 in a research note on Wednesday, May 24th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Citigroup in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Piper Sandler dropped their price objective on shares of Citigroup from $53.00 to $50.00 in a research note on Monday, July 17th. Finally, Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an underweight rating and set a $45.00 price objective on shares of Citigroup in a research note on Tuesday, July 18th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have given a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $53.73. Citigroup Stock Up 0.5 % Shares of Citigroup stock traded up $0.23 on Friday, hitting $44.57. 11,973,166 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 18,083,904. The stock has a market cap of $86.77 billion, a P/E ratio of 7.06, a PEG ratio of 1.74 and a beta of 1.55. The company has a quick ratio of 0.95, a current ratio of 0.95 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.45. The firms 50-day moving average is $46.83 and its 200 day moving average is $47.56. Citigroup Inc. has a 52-week low of $40.01 and a 52-week high of $54.56. Citigroup (NYSE:C Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Friday, July 14th. The company reported $1.33 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.31 by $0.02. Citigroup had a return on equity of 6.80% and a net margin of 10.24%. The firm had revenue of $19.44 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $19.34 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $2.30 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 1.0% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts anticipate that Citigroup Inc. will post 5.75 earnings per share for the current year. Citigroup Increases Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 25th. Investors of record on Monday, August 7th will be given a $0.53 dividend. This is a positive change from Citigroups previous quarterly dividend of $0.51. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 4th. This represents a $2.12 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.76%. Citigroups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 33.60%. Citigroup Profile (Free Report) Citigroup Inc, a diversified financial services holding company, provides various financial products and services to consumers, corporations, governments, and institutions in North America, Latin America, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. It operates through three segments: Institutional Clients Group (ICG), Personal Banking and Wealth Management (PBWM), and Legacy Franchises. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding C? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Citigroup Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Citigroup and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mather Group LLC. lifted its position in Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY Free Report) by 158.5% in the first quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 25,772 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after purchasing an additional 15,803 shares during the period. Mather Group LLC.s holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb were worth $1,786,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other large investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Dakota Wealth Management purchased a new stake in Bristol-Myers Squibb during the first quarter worth $332,000. Covestor Ltd lifted its holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 111.5% during the first quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 2,052 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $150,000 after buying an additional 1,082 shares during the period. NewEdge Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 53.2% during the first quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 165,336 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $12,075,000 after buying an additional 57,444 shares during the period. Ergoteles LLC purchased a new stake in Bristol-Myers Squibb during the first quarter worth $1,997,000. Finally, Mackenzie Financial Corp lifted its holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 25.1% during the first quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 338,563 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $24,725,000 after buying an additional 68,018 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 74.57% of the companys stock. Get Bristol-Myers Squibb alerts: Bristol-Myers Squibb Price Performance Shares of BMY opened at $61.23 on Friday. The businesss 50-day moving average is $63.43 and its two-hundred day moving average is $67.08. The company has a market capitalization of $127.92 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.28, a P/E/G ratio of 1.62 and a beta of 0.42. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.08, a quick ratio of 1.28 and a current ratio of 1.39. Bristol-Myers Squibb has a fifty-two week low of $59.71 and a fifty-two week high of $81.43. Bristol-Myers Squibb Dividend Announcement Bristol-Myers Squibb ( NYSE:BMY Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, July 27th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $1.75 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.99 by ($0.24). Bristol-Myers Squibb had a return on equity of 50.51% and a net margin of 17.62%. The firm had revenue of $11.23 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $11.81 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $1.93 earnings per share. The companys revenue was down 5.6% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts predict that Bristol-Myers Squibb will post 7.47 earnings per share for the current year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, August 1st. Investors of record on Friday, July 7th were paid a $0.57 dividend. This represents a $2.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.72%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, July 6th. Bristol-Myers Squibbs dividend payout ratio is presently 60.64%. Insider Activity at Bristol-Myers Squibb In related news, EVP Robert M. Plenge sold 732 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $61.14, for a total value of $44,754.48. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 6,584 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $402,545.76. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. 0.09% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several brokerages have recently commented on BMY. Credit Suisse Group decreased their price objective on Bristol-Myers Squibb from $72.00 to $66.00 in a report on Wednesday, July 12th. Morgan Stanley reiterated an underweight rating and set a $59.00 price objective on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a report on Wednesday, July 19th. HSBC began coverage on Bristol-Myers Squibb in a report on Friday, July 14th. They set a reduce rating and a $56.00 price objective for the company. SVB Leerink reiterated a market perform rating on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a report on Monday, July 10th. Finally, Barclays decreased their price objective on Bristol-Myers Squibb from $64.00 to $62.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Friday, July 28th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have assigned a hold rating, six have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $71.14. View Our Latest Research Report on Bristol-Myers Squibb Bristol-Myers Squibb Profile (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. See Also 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. Meiji Yasuda Asset Management Co Ltd. acquired a new stake in shares of Flowers Foods, Inc. (NYSE:FLO Free Report) in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm acquired 363,813 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $9,972,000. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in FLO. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its stake in shares of Flowers Foods by 2.2% in the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 19,913,247 shares of the companys stock valued at $491,657,000 after buying an additional 426,547 shares in the last quarter. Wellington Shields Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Flowers Foods by 2,563.0% in the 4th quarter. Wellington Shields Capital Management LLC now owns 14,174,952 shares of the companys stock valued at $407,388,000 after buying an additional 13,642,655 shares during the period. Wellington Shields & Co. LLC boosted its position in Flowers Foods by 3,245.4% during the 4th quarter. Wellington Shields & Co. LLC now owns 6,849,098 shares of the companys stock worth $196,843,000 after acquiring an additional 6,644,368 shares during the last quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC boosted its position in Flowers Foods by 8.1% during the 1st quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 5,999,785 shares of the companys stock worth $154,254,000 after acquiring an additional 450,441 shares during the last quarter. Finally, State Street Corp boosted its stake in shares of Flowers Foods by 4.5% during the 1st quarter. State Street Corp now owns 5,595,570 shares of the companys stock worth $143,862,000 after buying an additional 243,369 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 81.27% of the companys stock. Get Flowers Foods alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities research analysts have issued reports on the stock. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Flowers Foods from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft decreased their price target on shares of Flowers Foods from $26.00 to $24.00 in a report on Monday, May 22nd. Finally, Stephens restated an equal weight rating and set a $25.00 target price on shares of Flowers Foods in a research report on Friday. Flowers Foods Stock Up 4.3 % FLO stock traded up $1.06 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $25.83. The stock had a trading volume of 3,548,276 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,995,791. Flowers Foods, Inc. has a 52-week low of $23.87 and a 52-week high of $30.16. The business has a 50-day moving average of $24.71 and a two-hundred day moving average of $26.45. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.73, a current ratio of 1.32 and a quick ratio of 0.98. The firm has a market cap of $5.47 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.83 and a beta of 0.41. Flowers Foods (NYSE:FLO Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 10th. The company reported $0.33 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.28 by $0.05. Flowers Foods had a return on equity of 17.95% and a net margin of 4.35%. The company had revenue of $1.23 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.20 billion. During the same period last year, the business posted $0.31 EPS. Flowers Foodss quarterly revenue was up 8.8% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Flowers Foods, Inc. will post 1.2 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Flowers Foods Increases Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, June 22nd. Investors of record on Thursday, June 8th were paid a $0.23 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, June 7th. This is a positive change from Flowers Foodss previous quarterly dividend of $0.22. This represents a $0.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.56%. Flowers Foodss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 92.00%. Insider Activity at Flowers Foods In other news, insider H Mark Courtney sold 14,272 shares of Flowers Foods stock in a transaction on Wednesday, June 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $24.39, for a total value of $348,094.08. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 41,488 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,011,892.32. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Insiders own 11.49% of the companys stock. About Flowers Foods (Free Report) Flowers Foods, Inc produces and markets packaged bakery food products in the United States. Its principal products include fresh breads, buns, rolls, snack cakes, and tortillas, as well as frozen breads and rolls under the Nature's Own, Dave's Killer Bread, Wonder, Canyon Bakehouse, Mrs. Freshley's, and Tastykake brand names. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding FLO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Flowers Foods, Inc. (NYSE:FLO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Flowers Foods Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Flowers Foods and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Meiji Yasuda Asset Management Co Ltd. lessened its stake in shares of Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:AFL Free Report) by 39.3% during the 1st quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 120,766 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 78,232 shares during the period. Meiji Yasuda Asset Management Co Ltd.s holdings in Aflac were worth $7,792,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the stock. AdvisorShares Investments LLC raised its holdings in Aflac by 44.0% during the first quarter. AdvisorShares Investments LLC now owns 26,311 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,698,000 after acquiring an additional 8,035 shares in the last quarter. Unigestion Holding SA raised its holdings in Aflac by 647.6% during the first quarter. Unigestion Holding SA now owns 77,708 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $4,996,000 after acquiring an additional 67,313 shares in the last quarter. Foster & Motley Inc. raised its holdings in Aflac by 10.5% during the first quarter. Foster & Motley Inc. now owns 100,600 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $6,491,000 after acquiring an additional 9,532 shares in the last quarter. Manchester Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in Aflac in the first quarter valued at approximately $159,000. Finally, Hanlon Investment Management Inc. raised its stake in Aflac by 24.2% in the first quarter. Hanlon Investment Management Inc. now owns 5,064 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $327,000 after buying an additional 988 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 66.56% of the companys stock. Get Aflac alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several research firms have issued reports on AFL. Bank of America upped their price objective on Aflac from $79.00 to $86.00 in a research note on Wednesday, August 2nd. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Aflac in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. VNET Group reaffirmed a maintains rating on shares of Aflac in a research report on Thursday, April 27th. Truist Financial upped their target price on Aflac from $70.00 to $80.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, August 3rd. Finally, 58.com reaffirmed a reiterates rating on shares of Aflac in a research report on Friday, June 9th. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $75.40. Aflac Stock Performance Shares of Aflac stock traded up $0.74 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $76.45. 1,658,902 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,480,651. Aflac Incorporated has a 12 month low of $56.03 and a 12 month high of $78.43. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $70.73 and a 200 day simple moving average of $68.25. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35, a quick ratio of 0.07 and a current ratio of 0.07. The company has a market capitalization of $45.42 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.21, a P/E/G ratio of 2.33 and a beta of 0.94. Aflac Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 1st. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, August 23rd will be given a dividend of $0.42 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, August 22nd. This represents a $1.68 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.20%. Aflacs dividend payout ratio is currently 22.46%. Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, insider Virgil Raynard Miller sold 2,626 shares of Aflac stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $77.08, for a total value of $202,412.08. Following the sale, the insider now owns 2,181 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $168,111.48. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In related news, insider Virgil Raynard Miller sold 2,626 shares of Aflac stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $77.08, for a total value of $202,412.08. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 2,181 shares in the company, valued at approximately $168,111.48. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, Director Joseph L. Moskowitz sold 13,471 shares of Aflac stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $67.27, for a total transaction of $906,194.17. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 27,570 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,854,633.90. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 32,637 shares of company stock valued at $2,360,201 in the last 90 days. 0.90% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. About Aflac (Free Report) Aflac Incorporated, through its subsidiaries, provides supplemental health and life insurance products. It operates in two segments, Aflac Japan and Aflac U.S. The Aflac Japan segment offers cancer, medical, nursing care, work leave, GIFT, and whole and term life insurance products, as well as WAYS and child endowment plans under saving type insurance products in Japan. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AFL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:AFL Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Aflac Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Aflac and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Realty Income (NYSE:O Get Free Report) had its price objective dropped by investment analysts at Mizuho from $65.00 to $61.00 in a report issued on Thursday, FlyOnTheWall reports. Mizuhos target price points to a potential upside of 4.07% from the stocks previous close. Several other brokerages have also recently weighed in on O. Scotiabank upgraded Realty Income from a sector perform rating to a sector outperform rating and set a $69.00 price objective on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, April 12th. Stifel Nicolaus raised their target price on Realty Income from $71.00 to $71.25 in a research report on Thursday, May 4th. StockNews.com lowered Realty Income from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Thursday, August 3rd. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada decreased their price objective on Realty Income from $68.00 to $67.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Friday, August 4th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Realty Income has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $68.89. Get Realty Income alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on O Realty Income Price Performance Institutional Trading of Realty Income Shares of O opened at $58.62 on Thursday. Realty Income has a 12-month low of $55.50 and a 12-month high of $75.11. The businesss fifty day moving average is $60.61 and its 200 day moving average is $62.20. The company has a quick ratio of 1.56, a current ratio of 1.56 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.63. The stock has a market cap of $41.55 billion, a P/E ratio of 43.74, a P/E/G ratio of 2.95 and a beta of 0.78. Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Woodmont Investment Counsel LLC lifted its position in Realty Income by 18.0% in the 4th quarter. Woodmont Investment Counsel LLC now owns 4,100 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $260,000 after buying an additional 625 shares during the last quarter. Prime Capital Investment Advisors LLC lifted its position in Realty Income by 36.6% in the 1st quarter. Prime Capital Investment Advisors LLC now owns 24,046 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,523,000 after buying an additional 6,439 shares during the last quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC lifted its position in Realty Income by 40.9% in the 4th quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 227,362 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $14,424,000 after buying an additional 65,976 shares during the last quarter. Arete Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Realty Income in the 4th quarter worth approximately $801,959,940,000. Finally, Everence Capital Management Inc. lifted its position in Realty Income by 112.1% in the 4th quarter. Everence Capital Management Inc. now owns 20,130 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,277,000 after buying an additional 10,640 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 80.52% of the companys stock. About Realty Income (Get Free Report) Realty Income, The Monthly Dividend Company, is an S&P 500 company and member of the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats index. We invest in people and places to deliver dependable monthly dividends that increase over time. The company is structured as a real estate investment trust ("REIT"), and its monthly dividends are supported by the cash flow from over 13,100 real estate properties primarily owned under long-term net lease agreements with commercial clients. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Realty Income Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Realty Income and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Motco trimmed its stake in Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE:TMO Free Report) by 0.3% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 19,241 shares of the medical research companys stock after selling 56 shares during the period. Thermo Fisher Scientific accounts for approximately 0.8% of Motcos holdings, making the stock its 28th largest position. Motcos holdings in Thermo Fisher Scientific were worth $11,090,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of TMO. Morgan Stanley increased its stake in Thermo Fisher Scientific by 17.7% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 11,730,063 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $6,459,629,000 after buying an additional 1,764,312 shares in the last quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD increased its stake in Thermo Fisher Scientific by 1.8% in the 4th quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 9,123,657 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $5,024,306,000 after buying an additional 161,344 shares in the last quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC increased its stake in Thermo Fisher Scientific by 104,536.8% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 8,355,245 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $4,601,150,000 after buying an additional 8,347,260 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC increased its stake in Thermo Fisher Scientific by 1.8% in the 4th quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 6,879,351 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $3,780,655,000 after buying an additional 123,256 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Norges Bank purchased a new stake in Thermo Fisher Scientific in the 4th quarter worth $3,105,677,000. 96.33% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Thermo Fisher Scientific alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research analysts have commented on the stock. Morgan Stanley dropped their price objective on shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific from $670.00 to $620.00 in a report on Thursday, April 27th. Robert W. Baird dropped their price objective on shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific from $664.00 to $625.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Thursday, July 27th. Royal Bank of Canada increased their price objective on shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific from $662.00 to $698.00 in a report on Thursday, July 27th. Raymond James increased their price objective on shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific from $595.00 to $630.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday, July 28th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific from $660.00 to $670.00 in a report on Thursday, July 27th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and eleven 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 price target of $633.50. Thermo Fisher Scientific Trading Down 0.6 % Shares of NYSE:TMO traded down $3.50 during trading on Friday, reaching $543.78. The companys stock had a trading volume of 925,104 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,708,958. The company has a current ratio of 1.42, a quick ratio of 1.02 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67. The stock has a market capitalization of $209.87 billion, a PE ratio of 37.17, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.58 and a beta of 0.77. Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. has a 12 month low of $475.77 and a 12 month high of $609.85. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $533.53 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $547.23. Thermo Fisher Scientific (NYSE:TMO Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 26th. The medical research company reported $5.15 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $5.43 by ($0.28). The firm had revenue of $10.69 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.99 billion. Thermo Fisher Scientific had a return on equity of 18.59% and a net margin of 13.14%. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 2.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $5.51 EPS. On average, research analysts predict that Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. will post 22.37 EPS for the current fiscal year. Thermo Fisher Scientific Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, October 13th. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 15th will be paid a $0.35 dividend. This represents a $1.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.26%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, September 14th. Thermo Fisher Scientifics payout ratio is currently 9.57%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Thermo Fisher Scientific news, CEO Marc N. Casper sold 1,600 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $550.60, for a total value of $880,960.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 135,330 shares of the companys stock, valued at $74,512,698. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other news, CFO Stephen Williamson sold 14,100 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $550.00, for a total transaction of $7,755,000.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 27,393 shares of the companys stock, valued at $15,066,150. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Marc N. Casper sold 1,600 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $550.60, for a total transaction of $880,960.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 135,330 shares in the company, valued at $74,512,698. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 25,700 shares of company stock valued at $14,125,960 over the last 90 days. Insiders own 0.32% of the companys stock. Thermo Fisher Scientific Company Profile (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. Murphy Oil Co. (NYSE:MUR Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant drop in short interest during the month of July. As of July 31st, there was short interest totalling 4,180,000 shares, a drop of 34.3% from the July 15th total of 6,360,000 shares. Currently, 2.8% of the shares of the company are short sold. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 1,730,000 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 2.4 days. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of brokerages recently weighed in on MUR. Piper Sandler dropped their price objective on Murphy Oil from $59.00 to $51.00 in a report on Tuesday, June 13th. Mizuho cut their price target on shares of Murphy Oil from $50.00 to $48.00 in a report on Friday, May 19th. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Murphy Oil in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Morgan Stanley upped their target price on shares of Murphy Oil from $43.00 to $44.00 in a research report on Monday, May 15th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price target on shares of Murphy Oil from $40.00 to $44.00 in a research report on Friday, August 4th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $46.90. Get Murphy Oil alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on Murphy Oil Insider Buying and Selling Institutional Investors Weigh In On Murphy Oil In other news, Director Robert Madison Murphy sold 100,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $43.30, for a total transaction of $4,330,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 1,499,831 shares in the company, valued at $64,942,682.30. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website . In other news, Director Robert Madison Murphy sold 100,000 shares of Murphy Oil stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $43.30, for a total value of $4,330,000.00. Following the sale, the director now owns 1,499,831 shares of the companys stock, valued at $64,942,682.30. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink . Also, CFO Thomas J. Mireles sold 14,500 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, May 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $35.14, for a total transaction of $509,530.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 58,372 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,051,192.08. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Insiders have sold a total of 124,500 shares of company stock valued at $5,269,030 over the last quarter. 5.92% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Headlands Technologies LLC purchased a new stake in Murphy Oil in the first quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Toronto Dominion Bank purchased a new stake in shares of Murphy Oil during the 4th quarter valued at $30,000. Belpointe Asset Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Murphy Oil by 68.2% during the 1st quarter. Belpointe Asset Management LLC now owns 900 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $33,000 after buying an additional 365 shares during the last quarter. Quent Capital LLC increased its holdings in shares of Murphy Oil by 70.5% during the 2nd quarter. Quent Capital LLC now owns 885 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $34,000 after buying an additional 366 shares during the last quarter. Finally, CoreCap Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Murphy Oil in the 4th quarter worth $48,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 77.02% of the companys stock. Murphy Oil Price Performance NYSE:MUR traded up $0.26 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $44.08. 1,597,560 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,697,755. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.34, a current ratio of 0.84 and a quick ratio of 0.78. The firms 50-day moving average is $40.06 and its 200-day moving average is $38.71. The stock has a market cap of $6.88 billion, a P/E ratio of 6.83 and a beta of 2.38. Murphy Oil has a 1-year low of $31.90 and a 1-year high of $51.28. Murphy Oil (NYSE:MUR Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 3rd. The oil and gas producer reported $0.79 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.74 by $0.05. Murphy Oil had a return on equity of 15.09% and a net margin of 25.86%. The business had revenue of $814.60 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $779.77 million. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $1.93 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 26.0% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts expect that Murphy Oil will post 4.38 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Murphy Oil Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 1st. Shareholders of record on Monday, August 14th will be issued a $0.275 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 11th. This represents a $1.10 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.50%. Murphy Oils dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 17.03%. Murphy Oil Company Profile (Get Free Report) Murphy Oil Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an oil and natural gas exploration and production company in the United States, Canada, and internationally. It explores for and produces crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids. The company was formerly known as Murphy Corporation and changed its name to Murphy Oil Corporation in 1964. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Murphy Oil Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Murphy Oil and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 12. Western Azerbaijan Community has condemned biased statements of Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib, Trend reports. According to the community, statements of the minister about the need to "end the blockade", made on August 12, are far from reality. The community called on Belgium not to succumb to Armenia's manipulative politics, to avoid showing a selective approach to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries, and to refrain from meddling in Azerbaijan's domestic affairs. "We remind the Belgian foreign minister that there is no territorial entity named 'Nagorno-Karabakh' within Azerbaijan's territory," the community said. The community also called upon Lahbib to raise the issue of the return of Western Azerbaijanis to Armenia during upcoming contacts with her Armenian counterpart, including the announced visit to the region. In order to prevent the transportation of manpower, ammunition, mines, as well as other military equipment from Armenia for illegal Armenian armed groups on the territory of Azerbaijan (which weren't withdrawn contrary to the trilateral statement of November 10, 2020 signed by Azerbaijani, Armenian and Russian leaders following the second Karabakh war), and as an adequate response to the unilateral establishment of a border checkpoint by Armenia on the border with Azerbaijan on April 22, 2023, at the entrance to the Lachin-Khankendi road contrary to the trilateral statement of November 10, 2020, on April 23 this year, the units of the State Border Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan set up a border checkpoint in its sovereign territories, on the border with Armenia, at the beginning of the Lachin-Khankendi road. Despite the fact that Azerbaijan ensured the passage of Armenian residents, representatives of ICRC and the Russian peacekeeping contingent (temporarily stationed in Azerbaijan under the trilateral statement) through the border crossing, the Armenian side spread false allegations about the alleged "tense humanitarian situation" in the region in order to continue its illegal activities in Azerbaijani territories. At the same time, the Armenian side committed provocations, such as shelling Azerbaijani border guards on June 15, an attempt at smuggling, sending trucks to the territory of Azerbaijan on July 26 without permission. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS decreased its stake in NiSource Inc. (NYSE:NI Free Report) by 3.6% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 689,114 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 25,998 shares during the period. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS owned 0.17% of NiSource worth $19,268,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in NI. Private Advisor Group LLC increased its position in NiSource by 16.3% in the 1st quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC now owns 18,625 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $593,000 after acquiring an additional 2,614 shares during the period. MetLife Investment Management LLC increased its position in NiSource by 23.1% in the 1st quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 106,827 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $3,397,000 after acquiring an additional 20,064 shares during the period. Cibc World Market Inc. increased its position in NiSource by 66.2% in the 1st quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. now owns 146,548 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $4,660,000 after acquiring an additional 58,398 shares during the period. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP increased its position in NiSource by 29.7% in the 1st quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 1,952,676 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $62,093,000 after acquiring an additional 447,102 shares during the period. Finally, Vontobel Holding Ltd. acquired a new stake in NiSource in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $472,000. Institutional investors own 93.18% of the companys stock. Get NiSource alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several analysts recently commented on NI shares. Bank of America lowered their target price on NiSource from $32.00 to $31.00 in a research report on Thursday, June 22nd. UBS Group upgraded NiSource from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $31.00 price target on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, June 6th. Evercore ISI lowered their price target on NiSource from $31.00 to $30.00 in a research report on Wednesday, June 21st. StockNews.com started coverage on NiSource in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Finally, BMO Capital Markets lowered their price target on NiSource from $31.00 to $30.00 in a research report on Wednesday, June 21st. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $30.00. Insider Transactions at NiSource In other news, EVP William Jr. Jefferson sold 4,875 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, August 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $26.80, for a total value of $130,650.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 30,905 shares of the companys stock, valued at $828,254. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In related news, EVP Donald Eugene Brown sold 14,000 shares of NiSource stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $26.64, for a total transaction of $372,960.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 187,278 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,989,085.92. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, EVP William Jr. Jefferson sold 4,875 shares of NiSource stock in a transaction on Friday, August 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $26.80, for a total value of $130,650.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 30,905 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $828,254. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.24% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. NiSource Stock Performance Shares of NYSE NI opened at $26.83 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.34, a current ratio of 0.45 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.71. The stock has a market capitalization of $11.09 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.63, a PEG ratio of 2.43 and a beta of 0.47. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $27.40 and its 200 day simple moving average is $27.56. NiSource Inc. has a 52-week low of $23.78 and a 52-week high of $31.87. NiSource (NYSE:NI Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, August 2nd. The utilities provider reported $0.11 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.13 by ($0.02). The company had revenue of $1.09 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.16 billion. NiSource had a return on equity of 10.90% and a net margin of 12.00%. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.12 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that NiSource Inc. will post 1.57 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. NiSource Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, November 20th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, October 31st will be given a $0.25 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, October 30th. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.73%. NiSources dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 69.44%. NiSource Company Profile (Free Report) NiSource Inc, an energy holding company, operates as a regulated natural gas and electric utility company in the United States. It operates through two segments, Gas Distribution Operations and Electric Operations. The company distributes natural gas to approximately 859,000 customers in northern Indiana, as well as approximately 2.4 million residential, commercial, and industrial customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Kentucky, and Maryland. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for NiSource Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for NiSource and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nomad Foods (NYSE:NOMD Get Free Report) issued an update on its FY 2023 earnings guidance on Thursday morning. The company provided earnings per share (EPS) guidance of $1.68-$1.71 for the period, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.70. The company issued revenue guidance of -. Nomad Foods Stock Up 0.4 % NOMD traded up $0.07 during trading on Friday, hitting $18.08. The stock had a trading volume of 287,755 shares, compared to its average volume of 576,694. The company has a market capitalization of $3.15 billion, a PE ratio of 14.44 and a beta of 0.74. Nomad Foods has a twelve month low of $12.50 and a twelve month high of $19.82. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.81, a quick ratio of 0.71 and a current ratio of 1.21. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $17.72 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $17.97. Get Nomad Foods alerts: Nomad Foods (NYSE:NOMD Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, May 10th. The company reported $0.49 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.41 by $0.08. The company had revenue of $831.55 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $811.47 million. Nomad Foods had a net margin of 6.88% and a return on equity of 11.37%. On average, research analysts predict that Nomad Foods will post 1.71 earnings per share for the current year. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of research analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Barclays boosted their target price on shares of Nomad Foods from $21.00 to $22.00 in a research report on Friday, May 12th. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Nomad Foods from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, June 14th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft boosted their target price on shares of Nomad Foods from $21.00 to $24.00 in a research report on Thursday, May 11th. Finally, Citigroup cut their price objective on shares of Nomad Foods from $25.00 to $23.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Thursday. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Nomad Foods presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $22.33. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on NOMD Hedge Funds Weigh In On Nomad Foods Several large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Lazard Asset Management LLC increased its stake in Nomad Foods by 117.5% during the 4th quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 1,897 shares of the companys stock worth $32,000 after buying an additional 1,025 shares during the period. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC purchased a new stake in Nomad Foods during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $66,000. State of Wyoming increased its stake in Nomad Foods by 18.0% during the 4th quarter. State of Wyoming now owns 9,221 shares of the companys stock worth $159,000 after buying an additional 1,404 shares during the period. Baird Financial Group Inc. purchased a new stake in Nomad Foods during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $175,000. Finally, American Trust purchased a new stake in shares of Nomad Foods in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $191,000. 77.71% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Nomad Foods Company Profile (Get Free Report) Nomad Foods Limited manufactures, markets, and distributes a range of frozen food products in the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, France, Sweden, Austria, Norway, Spain, Serbia, Croatia, Switzerland, and rest of Europe. The company offers frozen fish products, including fish fingers, coated fish, and natural fish; ready to cook vegetable products, such as peas and spinach; and frozen poultry and meat products comprising nuggets, grills, and burgers. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Nomad Foods Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nomad Foods and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:RNR Get Free Report) have been given a consensus rating of Hold by the five analysts that are covering the company, MarketBeat.com reports. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, one has assigned a hold recommendation and three have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 1 year price target among brokerages that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $221.40. Several equities analysts have weighed in on the stock. Jefferies Financial Group raised shares of RenaissanceRe from a hold rating to a buy rating and lifted their price target for the company from $234.00 to $238.00 in a report on Thursday, May 25th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of RenaissanceRe in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating for the company. BMO Capital Markets raised RenaissanceRe from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and raised their price target for the company from $198.00 to $216.00 in a report on Tuesday, July 11th. Morgan Stanley initiated coverage on RenaissanceRe in a research note on Tuesday, June 20th. They issued an equal weight rating and a $222.00 price objective for the company. Finally, TheStreet downgraded RenaissanceRe from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a research note on Thursday, June 8th. Get RenaissanceRe alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on RNR Insider Activity at RenaissanceRe Institutional Inflows and Outflows In related news, CEO Kevin Odonnell purchased 13,020 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, May 26th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $192.00 per share, for a total transaction of $2,499,840.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the chief executive officer now owns 296,025 shares in the company, valued at approximately $56,836,800. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink . 1.30% of the stock is owned by company insiders. A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. purchased a new stake in shares of RenaissanceRe during the 2nd quarter worth $26,000. Financial Management Professionals Inc. bought a new position in RenaissanceRe in the first quarter worth about $29,000. First Horizon Advisors Inc. raised its holdings in RenaissanceRe by 205.9% in the second quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. now owns 156 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 105 shares in the last quarter. Quarry LP purchased a new stake in shares of RenaissanceRe during the first quarter valued at about $32,000. Finally, TCI Wealth Advisors Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of RenaissanceRe by 73.4% in the 1st quarter. TCI Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 163 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $33,000 after buying an additional 69 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 93.15% of the companys stock. RenaissanceRe Price Performance Shares of RNR opened at $184.47 on Monday. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $191.24 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $199.37. The firm has a market cap of $9.44 billion, a PE ratio of 23.06 and a beta of 0.42. The company has a current ratio of 1.41, a quick ratio of 1.41 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.28. RenaissanceRe has a 1-year low of $128.00 and a 1-year high of $223.80. RenaissanceRe (NYSE:RNR Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 25th. The insurance provider reported $8.79 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $7.58 by $1.21. RenaissanceRe had a return on equity of 14.22% and a net margin of 5.60%. The business had revenue of $2.20 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.96 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $5.51 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 17.8% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts anticipate that RenaissanceRe will post 25.47 EPS for the current year. RenaissanceRe Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 29th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 15th will be paid a dividend of $0.38 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, September 14th. This represents a $1.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.82%. RenaissanceRes dividend payout ratio is 19.00%. About RenaissanceRe (Get Free Report RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, provides reinsurance and insurance products in the United States and internationally. The company operates through Property, and Casualty and Specialty segments. The Property segment writes property catastrophe excess of loss reinsurance and excess of loss reinsurance to insure insurance and reinsurance companies against natural and man-made catastrophes, including hurricanes, earthquakes, typhoons, and tsunamis, as well as winter storms, freezes, floods, fires, windstorms, tornadoes, explosions, and acts of terrorism; and other property class of products, such as proportional reinsurance, property per risk, property reinsurance, binding facilities, and regional U.S. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for RenaissanceRe Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for RenaissanceRe and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Savers Value Village (NYSE:SVV Get Free Report) released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday. The company reported $0.22 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.17 by $0.05, Briefing.com reports. The business had revenue of $379.10 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $375.11 million. Savers Value Villages quarterly revenue was up 4.0% compared to the same quarter last year. Savers Value Village updated its FY 2023 guidance to EPS. Savers Value Village Trading Up 9.0 % Shares of SVV opened at $25.73 on Friday. Savers Value Village has a 12-month low of $21.50 and a 12-month high of $26.43. Get Savers Value Village alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research firms recently weighed in on SVV. JPMorgan Chase & Co. began coverage on shares of Savers Value Village in a report on Monday, July 24th. They set an overweight rating for the company. Guggenheim began coverage on shares of Savers Value Village in a research note on Monday, July 24th. They set a buy rating and a $28.00 price objective on the stock. Piper Sandler began coverage on shares of Savers Value Village in a research note on Monday, July 24th. They set an overweight rating and a $30.00 price objective on the stock. UBS Group started coverage on shares of Savers Value Village in a research note on Monday, July 24th. They set a buy rating and a $29.00 price objective on the stock. Finally, CIBC started coverage on shares of Savers Value Village in a research report on Tuesday, July 25th. They issued an outperform rating and a $27.00 price target on the stock. Eight investment analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $28.43. Insider Transactions at Savers Value Village In other Savers Value Village news, major shareholder Ares Management Llc sold 6,885,415 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, July 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $16.79, for a total value of $115,606,117.85. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 134,659,188 shares in the company, valued at $2,260,927,766.52. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A hedge fund recently bought a new stake in Savers Value Village stock. BlackRock Inc. bought a new position in Savers Value Village, Inc. (NYSE:SVV Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm bought 500,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $11,850,000. BlackRock Inc. owned 0.31% of Savers Value Village at the end of the most recent reporting period. About Savers Value Village (Get Free Report) Savers Value Village, Inc sells second-hand merchandise in retail stores in the United States, Canada, and Australia. It operates stores under the Savers, Value Village, Village des Valeurs, Unique, and 2nd Avenue banners. The company purchases secondhand textiles, including clothing, bedding, and bath items; shoes; accessories; housewares; books; and other goods from non-profit partners, then processes, selects, prices, merchandises, and sells them in its stores. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Savers Value Village Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Savers Value Village and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sudzucker AG (OTCMKTS:SUEZY Get Free Report) was the target of a large decrease in short interest during the month of July. As of July 31st, there was short interest totalling 100 shares, a decrease of 50.0% from the July 15th total of 200 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 100 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 1.0 days. Sudzucker Price Performance OTCMKTS SUEZY remained flat at C$9.58 during trading hours on Friday. Sudzucker has a one year low of C$9.58 and a one year high of C$9.58. The companys 50 day moving average is C$8.22 and its two-hundred day moving average is C$7.52. Get Sudzucker alerts: Sudzucker Increases Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, August 2nd. Investors of record on Monday, July 17th were paid a dividend of $0.2465 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, July 14th. This is an increase from Sudzuckers previous dividend of $0.13. Sudzuckers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently -714.89%. Sudzucker Company Profile Sudzucker AG produces and sells sugar products in Germany, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and internationally. It operates through five segments: Sugar, Special Products, CropEnergies, Starch, and Fruit. The Sugar segment produces and sells sugar, sugar specialty products, glucose syrup, and animal feed to food industry, retailers, and agriculture markets, as well as offers by-products of sugar. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Sudzucker Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sudzucker and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SM Energy (NYSE:SM Get Free Report) has been given an average recommendation of Hold by the eleven brokerages that are currently covering the stock, Marketbeat reports. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, six have issued a hold recommendation and four have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average 12-month target price among analysts that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $39.80. SM has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. Raymond James increased their price target on SM Energy from $41.00 to $45.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Monday, July 24th. Mizuho lifted their price objective on shares of SM Energy from $33.00 to $41.00 in a report on Tuesday, July 11th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on SM Energy in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada dropped their price objective on SM Energy from $43.00 to $41.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, July 13th. Finally, TheStreet raised SM Energy from a c+ rating to a b- rating in a research note on Monday, July 10th. Get SM Energy alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on SM Insiders Place Their Bets Institutional Investors Weigh In On SM Energy In related news, CAO Patrick A. Lytle sold 6,494 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, August 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $38.46, for a total value of $249,759.24. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now owns 10,098 shares in the company, valued at $388,369.08. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website . Corporate insiders own 1.40% of the companys stock. A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. First Horizon Advisors Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of SM Energy during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Fifth Third Bancorp increased its stake in shares of SM Energy by 154.5% during the 2nd quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp now owns 840 shares of the energy companys stock worth $27,000 after purchasing an additional 510 shares in the last quarter. Signaturefd LLC increased its stake in shares of SM Energy by 173.1% during the 4th quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 893 shares of the energy companys stock worth $31,000 after purchasing an additional 566 shares in the last quarter. UMB Bank n.a. increased its stake in shares of SM Energy by 114.3% during the 2nd quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 1,018 shares of the energy companys stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 543 shares in the last quarter. Finally, IFP Advisors Inc increased its stake in shares of SM Energy by 152.6% during the 4th quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 1,526 shares of the energy companys stock worth $40,000 after purchasing an additional 922 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 89.10% of the companys stock. SM Energy Stock Performance SM Energy stock opened at $39.77 on Monday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.20, a current ratio of 1.20 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.48. The company has a market capitalization of $4.72 billion, a P/E ratio of 4.50 and a beta of 4.39. The stocks 50 day moving average is $32.71 and its 200 day moving average is $30.28. SM Energy has a twelve month low of $24.66 and a twelve month high of $48.55. SM Energy (NYSE:SM Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 2nd. The energy company reported $1.28 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.02 by $0.26. SM Energy had a return on equity of 22.48% and a net margin of 41.36%. The firm had revenue of $550.75 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $555.46 million. On average, equities research analysts predict that SM Energy will post 5.37 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. SM Energy Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a semi-annual dividend, which was paid on Monday, August 7th. Shareholders of record on Friday, July 21st were issued a dividend of $0.15 per share. This represents a dividend yield of 1%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, July 20th. SM Energys payout ratio is 6.80%. SM Energy Company Profile (Get Free Report SM Energy Company, an independent energy company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of oil, gas, and natural gas liquids in the state of Texas. It also has working interests in oil and gas producing wells in the Midland Basin and South Texas. The company was formerly known as St. See Also Receive News & Ratings for SM Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SM Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SSAB AB (publ) (OTCMKTS:SSAAF Get Free Report) saw a large decline in short interest in the month of July. As of July 31st, there was short interest totalling 13,400 shares, a decline of 53.5% from the July 15th total of 28,800 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 1,400 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 9.6 days. SSAB AB (publ) Price Performance Shares of OTCMKTS SSAAF remained flat at $6.31 during trading on Friday. SSAB AB has a twelve month low of $4.25 and a twelve month high of $7.96. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $6.94 and a 200 day moving average price of $6.93. Get SSAB AB (publ) alerts: SSAB AB (publ) Company Profile (Get Free Report) Recommended Stories SSAB AB (publ) produces and sells steel products in Sweden, Finland, Rest of Europe, the United States, and internationally. It operates through five segments: SSAB Special Steels, SSAB Europe, SSAB Americas, Tibnor, and Ruukki Construction. The SSAB Special Steels segment offers quenched and tempered steels, and advanced high-strength steel products. Receive News & Ratings for SSAB AB (publ) Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SSAB AB (publ) and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Taylor Wimpey plc (LON:TW Get Free Report) crossed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of GBX 116.59 ($1.49) and traded as high as GBX 118.75 ($1.52). Taylor Wimpey shares last traded at GBX 117.90 ($1.51), with a volume of 10,514,790 shares. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities analysts recently commented on TW shares. Jefferies Financial Group lowered their price target on shares of Taylor Wimpey from GBX 154 ($1.97) to GBX 141 ($1.80) and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, June 22nd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price target on shares of Taylor Wimpey from GBX 130 ($1.66) to GBX 94 ($1.20) and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, July 4th. Finally, Berenberg Bank raised their target price on shares of Taylor Wimpey from GBX 111 ($1.42) to GBX 122 ($1.56) and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Friday, May 12th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Taylor Wimpey has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of GBX 121.33 ($1.55). Get Taylor Wimpey alerts: Get Our Latest Research Report on TW Taylor Wimpey Stock Up 1.2 % Taylor Wimpey Increases Dividend The stock has a market cap of 4.21 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 663.33, a P/E/G ratio of -0.99 and a beta of 1.77. The company has a current ratio of 4.71, a quick ratio of 0.71 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.57. The stocks 50-day moving average price is GBX 110.36 and its 200-day moving average price is GBX 116.65. The business also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, November 17th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, October 12th will be paid a GBX 4.79 ($0.06) dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, October 12th. This represents a dividend yield of 4.2%. This is a positive change from Taylor Wimpeys previous dividend of $4.78. Taylor Wimpeys payout ratio is currently 5,000.00%. Insider Activity In related news, insider Mark Castle acquired 1,559 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, May 17th. The stock was bought at an average price of GBX 126 ($1.61) per share, for a total transaction of 1,964.34 ($2,510.34). 0.91% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Taylor Wimpey Company Profile (Get Free Report) Taylor Wimpey plc operates a residential developer in the United Kingdom and Spain. It builds and delivers various homes and communities. Taylor Wimpey plc was incorporated in 1935 and is based in High Wycombe, the United Kingdom. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Taylor Wimpey Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Taylor Wimpey and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TELUS (TSE:T Free Report) (NYSE:TU) had its price objective cut by TD Securities from C$30.00 to C$29.00 in a report published on Tuesday morning, BayStreet.CA reports. They currently have a buy rating on the stock. Other equities analysts have also recently issued research reports about the company. National Bankshares reduced their price target on TELUS from C$30.00 to C$28.00 in a report on Friday, July 14th. Scotiabank reduced their target price on TELUS from C$31.00 to C$29.50 in a report on Wednesday, May 31st. CIBC cut their price target on TELUS from C$31.00 to C$29.00 in a report on Monday, July 17th. BMO Capital Markets lowered their price objective on TELUS from C$33.00 to C$29.00 in a research report on Monday, July 17th. Finally, UBS Group lowered their price target on TELUS from C$28.00 to C$27.00 in a research report on Friday, July 14th. Get TELUS alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on T TELUS Stock Down 0.3 % TELUS Announces Dividend TELUS stock opened at C$23.78 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 154.63, a quick ratio of 0.52 and a current ratio of 0.63. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is C$24.86 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is C$26.65. The company has a market cap of C$34.48 billion, a PE ratio of 23.37, a PEG ratio of 1.82 and a beta of 0.70. TELUS has a fifty-two week low of C$22.28 and a fifty-two week high of C$30.77. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, October 2nd. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 8th will be paid a dividend of $0.364 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, September 7th. This represents a $1.46 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 6.12%. TELUSs dividend payout ratio is presently 142.16%. About TELUS (Get Free Report) TELUS Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides a range of telecommunications and information technology products and services in Canada. It operates through Technology Solutions and Digitally-Led Customer Experiences segments. The Technology Solutions segment offers a range of telecommunications products and services; network services; mobile technologies equipment; data services, such as internet protocol; television; hosting, managed information technology, and cloud-based services; software, data management, and data analytics-driven smart food-chain and consumer goods technologies; home and business security; healthcare software and technology solutions; and voice and other telecommunications services. See Also Receive News & Ratings for TELUS Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TELUS and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Tortoise Investment Management LLC boosted its holdings in iShares S&P 100 ETF (NYSEARCA:OEF Free Report) by 29.8% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 9,360 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 2,150 shares during the quarter. Tortoise Investment Management LLCs holdings in iShares S&P 100 ETF were worth $1,751,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the business. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised its position in iShares S&P 100 ETF by 24.5% in the 4th quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 2,225,289 shares of the companys stock worth $379,568,000 after buying an additional 438,061 shares during the last quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp increased its position in shares of iShares S&P 100 ETF by 2.3% during the 1st quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp now owns 1,974,614 shares of the companys stock valued at $369,332,000 after purchasing an additional 43,570 shares during the last quarter. Ieq Capital LLC increased its position in shares of iShares S&P 100 ETF by 0.4% during the 4th quarter. Ieq Capital LLC now owns 963,408 shares of the companys stock valued at $164,328,000 after purchasing an additional 4,117 shares during the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. increased its position in shares of iShares S&P 100 ETF by 3.3% during the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 850,004 shares of the companys stock valued at $177,243,000 after purchasing an additional 27,030 shares during the last quarter. Finally, UBS Group AG increased its position in shares of iShares S&P 100 ETF by 0.8% during the 1st quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 681,570 shares of the companys stock valued at $142,121,000 after purchasing an additional 5,555 shares during the last quarter. Get iShares S&P 100 ETF alerts: iShares S&P 100 ETF Stock Performance Shares of NYSEARCA OEF traded down $0.12 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $208.07. 129,826 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 228,405. iShares S&P 100 ETF has a 1 year low of $157.57 and a 1 year high of $214.79. The stock has a market capitalization of $8.37 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.54 and a beta of 0.99. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $206.91 and a 200 day moving average of $192.85. iShares S&P 100 ETF Company Profile iShares S&P 100 ETF, formerly iShares S&P 100 Index Fund (the Fund), is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the S&P 100 Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of the large-capitalization sector of the United States equity market and consists of blue chip stocks from diverse industries in the S&P 500 Index. See Also Receive News & Ratings for iShares S&P 100 ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares S&P 100 ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 12. Changes have been made to the staff of the Supervisory Board of Azerbaijan Railways CJSC, Trend reports. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a relevant decree in this regard. According to the decree, in part one of the decree of the President of Azerbaijan dated March 30, 2021 No. 2552 "On approval of the composition of the Supervisory Board of Azerbaijan Railways CJSC" (Collected Legislation of the Republic of Azerbaijan, 2021, No. 3, Article 257; 2022, No. 5, Article 534) the words "Emil Majidov - Advisor to the Minister of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan" are replaced by the words "Jafar Babayev - Deputy Head of the State Service for Antimonopoly Policy and Supervision of the Consumer Market under the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan". Tower Research Capital LLC TRC grew its position in shares of Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report) by 67.2% during the first quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 55,151 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 22,173 shares during the quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRCs holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $5,363,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Nicolet Advisory Services LLC lifted its holdings in Philip Morris International by 14.7% during the 1st quarter. Nicolet Advisory Services LLC now owns 9,687 shares of the companys stock worth $959,000 after buying an additional 1,245 shares during the period. Cohen Investment Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 6.7% in the first quarter. Cohen Investment Advisors LLC now owns 6,050 shares of the companys stock worth $588,000 after acquiring an additional 380 shares during the period. Fidelis Capital Partners LLC acquired a new stake in Philip Morris International during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $283,000. Boston Partners increased its position in Philip Morris International by 0.7% during the 1st quarter. Boston Partners now owns 269,214 shares of the companys stock valued at $26,187,000 after purchasing an additional 1,769 shares during the period. Finally, ING Groep NV raised its holdings in Philip Morris International by 66.7% during the 1st quarter. ING Groep NV now owns 1,023,403 shares of the companys stock worth $99,526,000 after purchasing an additional 409,324 shares during the last quarter. 77.43% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Philip Morris International alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several equities analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Citigroup upgraded shares of Philip Morris International from a neutral rating to a buy rating and boosted their target price for the company from $109.00 to $117.00 in a report on Tuesday, June 20th. StockNews.com started coverage on Philip Morris International in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Finally, 22nd Century Group reiterated a reiterates rating on shares of Philip Morris International in a report on Tuesday, June 27th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $111.40. Philip Morris International Stock Down 0.7 % NYSE:PM traded down $0.68 on Friday, hitting $96.16. The stock had a trading volume of 2,642,287 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,884,911. Philip Morris International Inc. has a 52 week low of $82.85 and a 52 week high of $105.62. The businesss fifty day moving average is $96.65 and its 200 day moving average is $97.29. The company has a market cap of $149.27 billion, a PE ratio of 18.60, a P/E/G ratio of 2.02 and a beta of 0.69. Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, July 20th. The company reported $1.60 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.50 by $0.10. Philip Morris International had a negative return on equity of 127.84% and a net margin of 11.63%. The company had revenue of $8.97 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $8.76 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $1.48 earnings per share. Philip Morris Internationals revenue for the quarter was up 14.5% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts predict that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 6.21 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Philip Morris International Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, July 11th. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 23rd were issued a dividend of $1.27 per share. This represents a $5.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.28%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, June 22nd. Philip Morris Internationals dividend payout ratio is currently 98.26%. 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. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Philip Morris International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Philip Morris International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Tsingtao Brewery Company Limited (OTCMKTS:TSGTF Get Free Report) was the target of a large increase in short interest during the month of July. As of July 31st, there was short interest totalling 11,000 shares, an increase of 57.1% from the July 15th total of 7,000 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 500 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 22.0 days. Tsingtao Brewery Stock Performance Tsingtao Brewery stock opened at $9.02 on Friday. Tsingtao Brewery has a 12-month low of $6.78 and a 12-month high of $10.89. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $8.80 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $9.56. Get Tsingtao Brewery alerts: Tsingtao Brewery Company Profile (Get Free Report) Read More Tsingtao Brewery Company Limited, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the production, distribution, wholesale, and retail sale of beer products worldwide. It operates through seven segments: Shandong Region; South China Region; North China Region; East China Region; Southeast China Region; Hong Kong, Macau and Other Overseas Region; and Finance Company. Receive News & Ratings for Tsingtao Brewery Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Tsingtao Brewery and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Twilio (NYSE:TWLO Free Report) had its price target decreased by Piper Sandler from $71.00 to $68.00 in a research note published on Wednesday, FlyOnTheWall reports. Other equities analysts also recently issued research reports about the company. Royal Bank of Canada downgraded Twilio from a sector perform rating to an underperform rating and reduced their price objective for the stock from $55.00 to $50.00 in a research report on Monday, July 24th. Oppenheimer dropped their price objective on shares of Twilio from $85.00 to $75.00 in a report on Wednesday, May 10th. Stifel Nicolaus reduced their target price on shares of Twilio from $75.00 to $50.00 in a research note on Wednesday, May 10th. The Goldman Sachs Group cut shares of Twilio from a buy rating to a neutral rating and dropped their price target for the company from $90.00 to $53.00 in a research note on Thursday, May 11th. Finally, Barclays raised their price target on shares of Twilio from $50.00 to $60.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Wednesday. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, fourteen have given a hold rating and eight have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $71.84. Get Twilio alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on TWLO Twilio Price Performance Shares of NYSE TWLO opened at $61.94 on Wednesday. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $64.22 and a 200-day simple moving average of $61.82. The company has a quick ratio of 6.16, a current ratio of 6.14 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.10. The stock has a market capitalization of $11.39 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -9.36 and a beta of 1.38. Twilio has a 52 week low of $41.00 and a 52 week high of $88.60. Twilio (NYSE:TWLO Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, May 9th. The technology company reported ($0.37) earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of ($0.58) by $0.21. The business had revenue of $1.01 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $999.82 million. Twilio had a negative net margin of 30.11% and a negative return on equity of 4.85%. On average, equities analysts predict that Twilio will post -1.52 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insider Transactions at Twilio In related news, CFO Aidan Viggiano sold 8,456 shares of Twilio stock in a transaction on Friday, June 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $63.43, for a total value of $536,364.08. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 204,441 shares in the company, valued at $12,967,692.63. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In other Twilio news, insider Elena A. Donio sold 6,485 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $67.07, for a total value of $434,948.95. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 425,177 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $28,516,621.39. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CFO Aidan Viggiano sold 8,456 shares of Twilio stock in a transaction on Friday, June 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $63.43, for a total transaction of $536,364.08. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 204,441 shares of the companys stock, valued at $12,967,692.63. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders have sold 34,024 shares of company stock valued at $2,132,369. 4.20% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Twilio Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Twilio by 25.6% in the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 13,121,939 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $2,162,627,000 after acquiring an additional 2,678,049 shares during the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. boosted its holdings in Twilio by 2.3% in the first quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 11,519,294 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $767,531,000 after purchasing an additional 256,578 shares in the last quarter. FMR LLC increased its stake in Twilio by 28.2% in the first quarter. FMR LLC now owns 9,589,225 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $638,930,000 after purchasing an additional 2,109,091 shares during the last quarter. Generation Investment Management LLP raised its holdings in Twilio by 3.7% during the first quarter. Generation Investment Management LLP now owns 7,556,873 shares of the technology companys stock worth $503,514,000 after purchasing an additional 270,533 shares in the last quarter. Finally, ARK Investment Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Twilio by 12.6% during the 2nd quarter. ARK Investment Management LLC now owns 7,038,184 shares of the technology companys stock worth $447,769,000 after buying an additional 788,183 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 77.29% of the companys stock. Twilio Company Profile (Get Free Report) Twilio Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides software and communications solutions in the United States and internationally. The company operates cloud communications platform that enables developers to build, scale, and operate customer engagement within software applications. Its customer engagement platform provides a set of application programming interfaces that enable developers to embed voice, messaging, and email interactions into their customer-facing applications. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Twilio Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Twilio and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Unigestion Holding SA acquired a new position in shares of IDEX Co. (NYSE:IEX Free Report) during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor acquired 2,979 shares of the industrial products companys stock, valued at approximately $676,000. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust raised its stake in shares of IDEX by 120.3% during the 1st quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 141 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $27,000 after purchasing an additional 77 shares in the last quarter. Clearstead Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of IDEX by 910.7% during the 1st quarter. Clearstead Advisors LLC now owns 283 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $65,000 after purchasing an additional 255 shares in the last quarter. Harvest Fund Management Co. Ltd bought a new stake in shares of IDEX during the 4th quarter worth approximately $66,000. Covington Capital Management raised its stake in shares of IDEX by 120.7% during the 3rd quarter. Covington Capital Management now owns 331 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $66,000 after purchasing an additional 181 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Fred Alger Management LLC raised its stake in shares of IDEX by 345.3% during the 4th quarter. Fred Alger Management LLC now owns 383 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $87,000 after purchasing an additional 297 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 95.61% of the companys stock. Get IDEX alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research analysts recently weighed in on the company. Robert W. Baird decreased their target price on IDEX from $255.00 to $230.00 in a report on Friday, April 28th. Citigroup boosted their target price on IDEX from $243.00 to $255.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, July 28th. Oppenheimer reissued an outperform rating and set a $245.00 target price on shares of IDEX in a report on Monday, July 31st. Stifel Nicolaus upped their price objective on IDEX from $214.00 to $220.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, July 19th. Finally, StockNews.com cut IDEX from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, July 28th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, IDEX presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $235.73. IDEX Stock Up 0.9 % Shares of NYSE IEX opened at $223.41 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.45, a quick ratio of 2.07 and a current ratio of 3.06. IDEX Co. has a 52 week low of $195.27 and a 52 week high of $246.23. The stock has a market capitalization of $16.89 billion, a P/E ratio of 28.90, a PEG ratio of 2.31 and a beta of 0.99. The stocks fifty day moving average is $212.98 and its 200 day moving average is $216.68. IDEX (NYSE:IEX Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 26th. The industrial products company reported $2.18 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.11 by $0.07. The business had revenue of $846.20 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $852.28 million. IDEX had a return on equity of 20.69% and a net margin of 17.65%. IDEXs revenue was up 6.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm posted $2.02 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts forecast that IDEX Co. will post 7.98 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. IDEX Announces Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, July 28th. Investors of record on Friday, July 14th were paid a $0.64 dividend. This represents a $2.56 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.15%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, July 13th. IDEXs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 33.12%. IDEX Company Profile (Free Report) IDEX Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides applied solutions worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Fluid & Metering Technologies (FMT), Health & Science Technologies (HST), and Fire & Safety/Diversified Products (FSDP). The FMT segment designs, produces, and distributes positive displacement pumps, valves, small volume provers, flow meters, injectors, and other fluid-handling pump modules and systems, as well as flow monitoring and other services for the food, chemical, general industrial, water and wastewater, agricultural, and energy industries. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IEX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for IDEX Co. (NYSE:IEX Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for IDEX Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for IDEX and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ventas (NYSE:VTR Free Report) had its price objective decreased by Royal Bank of Canada from $54.00 to $53.00 in a research note published on Wednesday morning, Benzinga reports. Royal Bank of Canada currently has an outperform rating on the real estate investment trusts stock. A number of other research analysts have also weighed in on the company. Wells Fargo & Company began coverage on Ventas in a report on Wednesday, April 19th. They set an overweight rating and a $50.00 target price for the company. Barclays dropped their target price on Ventas from $57.00 to $55.00 in a research report on Tuesday, April 25th. StockNews.com upgraded Ventas from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, August 4th. Raymond James upgraded Ventas from an outperform rating to a strong-buy rating and set a $55.00 price objective for the company in a research report on Friday, June 23rd. Finally, Mizuho decreased their target price on Ventas from $60.00 to $53.00 in a report on Tuesday, May 30th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, four have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $52.45. Get Ventas alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on VTR Ventas Stock Down 1.7 % Ventas Dividend Announcement NYSE:VTR traded down $0.75 during trading hours on Wednesday, hitting $42.81. 3,258,249 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 2,234,660. The company has a quick ratio of 0.63, a current ratio of 0.20 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.33. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $47.00 and its 200-day simple moving average is $46.82. Ventas has a one year low of $35.33 and a one year high of $53.15. The company has a market cap of $17.23 billion, a PE ratio of 225.68, a PEG ratio of 2.11 and a beta of 1.21. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, July 13th. Stockholders of record on Monday, July 3rd were given a dividend of $0.45 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, June 30th. This represents a $1.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.20%. Ventass payout ratio is currently 947.37%. Insider Activity In other news, Director Walter C. Rakowich sold 1,242 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $42.57, for a total transaction of $52,871.94. Following the transaction, the director now owns 24,528 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,044,156.96. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 1.30% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Ventas Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Fairfield Bush & CO. acquired a new position in Ventas during the 1st quarter valued at about $41,000. US Bancorp DE increased its position in Ventas by 21.1% during the 1st quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 13,542 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $837,000 after buying an additional 2,356 shares in the last quarter. Panagora Asset Management Inc. increased its position in Ventas by 90.0% during the 1st quarter. Panagora Asset Management Inc. now owns 20,191 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,247,000 after buying an additional 9,563 shares in the last quarter. Raymond James Trust N.A. acquired a new position in Ventas during the 1st quarter valued at about $271,000. Finally, Vontobel Holding Ltd. increased its holdings in shares of Ventas by 6.0% in the first quarter. Vontobel Holding Ltd. now owns 14,712 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $924,000 after purchasing an additional 835 shares during the period. 92.87% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Ventas (Get Free Report) Ventas Inc, an S&P 500 company, operates at the intersection of two large and dynamic industries healthcare and real estate. Fueled by powerful demographic demand from growth in the aging population, Ventas owns a diversified portfolio of over 1,200 properties in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Ventas Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ventas and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wedbush Securities Inc. decreased its position in Edwards Lifesciences Co. (NYSE:EW Free Report) by 10.9% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 23,847 shares of the medical research companys stock after selling 2,930 shares during the period. Wedbush Securities Inc.s holdings in Edwards Lifesciences were worth $1,973,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of Edwards Lifesciences by 11.4% during the 1st quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 9,181 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $1,081,000 after purchasing an additional 941 shares during the period. Zions Bancorporation N.A. boosted its position in shares of Edwards Lifesciences by 34.7% during the 1st quarter. Zions Bancorporation N.A. now owns 1,738 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $204,000 after purchasing an additional 448 shares during the period. Covestor Ltd boosted its position in shares of Edwards Lifesciences by 18.2% during the 1st quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 1,223 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $144,000 after purchasing an additional 188 shares during the period. Mather Group LLC. boosted its position in shares of Edwards Lifesciences by 53.5% during the 1st quarter. Mather Group LLC. now owns 7,182 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $846,000 after purchasing an additional 2,503 shares during the period. Finally, Mackenzie Financial Corp boosted its position in shares of Edwards Lifesciences by 3.1% during the 1st quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 655,567 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $77,173,000 after purchasing an additional 19,798 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 79.78% of the companys stock. Get Edwards Lifesciences alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities analysts recently weighed in on EW shares. Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an overweight rating and set a $102.00 price objective on shares of Edwards Lifesciences in a research report on Friday, July 14th. 58.com reiterated a reiterates rating on shares of Edwards Lifesciences in a report on Tuesday, June 27th. Wells Fargo & Company increased their target price on shares of Edwards Lifesciences from $78.00 to $90.00 in a report on Thursday, April 27th. Stifel Nicolaus increased their target price on shares of Edwards Lifesciences from $75.00 to $87.00 in a report on Monday, April 24th. Finally, StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Edwards Lifesciences in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a buy rating on the stock. One 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 stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $92.68. Edwards Lifesciences Trading Up 1.4 % NYSE EW opened at $79.41 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.09, a current ratio of 3.15 and a quick ratio of 2.30. The firms fifty day moving average price is $88.03 and its 200 day moving average price is $84.25. The company has a market capitalization of $48.27 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 35.14, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.23 and a beta of 1.02. Edwards Lifesciences Co. has a 12 month low of $67.13 and a 12 month high of $105.45. 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, topping the consensus estimate of $0.65 by $0.01. Edwards Lifesciences had a net margin of 24.56% and a return on equity of 25.43%. The company had revenue of $1.53 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.51 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $0.63 EPS. Edwards Lifesciencess revenue for the quarter was up 11.4% on a year-over-year basis. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Edwards Lifesciences Co. will post 2.55 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Edwards Lifesciences news, CFO Scott B. Ullem sold 7,255 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, June 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $93.27, for a total transaction of $676,673.85. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 19,248 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,795,260.96. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other news, insider Larry L. Wood sold 6,421 shares of Edwards Lifesciences stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, May 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $84.23, for a total value of $540,840.83. Following the sale, the insider now owns 213,794 shares of the companys stock, valued at $18,007,868.62. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, CFO Scott B. Ullem sold 7,255 shares of Edwards Lifesciences stock in a transaction dated Friday, June 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $93.27, for a total transaction of $676,673.85. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 19,248 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,795,260.96. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders have sold 148,104 shares of company stock valued at $12,763,159. Insiders own 1.29% of the companys stock. Edwards Lifesciences Profile (Free Report) Edwards Lifesciences Corporation provides products and technologies for structural heart disease, and critical care and surgical monitoring in the United States, Europe, Japan, and internationally. It offers transcatheter heart valve replacement products for the minimally invasive replacement of heart valves; and transcatheter heart valve repair and replacement products to treat mitral and tricuspid valve diseases. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EW? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Edwards Lifesciences Co. (NYSE:EW Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Edwards Lifesciences Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Edwards Lifesciences and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of WidePoint (NYSEAMERICAN:WYY Free Report) in a research report report published on Tuesday. The firm issued a sell rating on the technology companys stock. WidePoint Stock Performance Shares of WYY stock opened at $1.80 on Tuesday. The firms 50 day moving average is $1.87 and its 200-day moving average is $1.93. WidePoint has a 1 year low of $1.70 and a 1 year high of $3.05. The firm has a market capitalization of $15.72 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -1.03 and a beta of 1.04. Get WidePoint alerts: WidePoint (NYSEAMERICAN:WYY Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Monday, May 15th. The technology company reported ($0.11) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. WidePoint had a negative net margin of 16.03% and a positive return on equity of 2.98%. The business had revenue of $25.27 million during the quarter. Institutional Inflows and Outflows WidePoint Company Profile Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. EA Series Trust acquired a new position in shares of WidePoint during the 2nd quarter worth about $35,000. Summit Financial Strategies Inc. increased its stake in shares of WidePoint by 49.8% during the 2nd quarter. Summit Financial Strategies Inc. now owns 36,487 shares of the technology companys stock worth $68,000 after purchasing an additional 12,125 shares during the last quarter. Susquehanna International Group LLP bought a new stake in shares of WidePoint during the 1st quarter worth about $25,000. Channel Wealth LLC bought a new stake in shares of WidePoint during the 1st quarter worth about $40,000. Finally, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP boosted its holdings in shares of WidePoint by 27.5% during the 4th quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 43,483 shares of the technology companys stock worth $79,000 after buying an additional 9,377 shares during the period. 11.85% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. (Get Free Report) 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. Recommended Stories 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. Australia on Saturday announced that its Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will attend the G20 summit in Delhi on September 9 and 10. The Australian prime ministers visit to India will be part of his three-nation tour. The other two countries that he will be visiting are Indonesia and the Philippines. From September 9-10, the Prime Minister will attend the G20 Leaders Summit in New Delhi, the Australian government said in a statement. From September 9-10, the Prime Minister will attend the G20 Leaders Summit in New Delhi, the Australian government said in a statement. It said G20 is the worlds pre-eminent forum for global economic cooperation and the leaders will focus on navigating the global economy back to strong, sustainable and resilient growth. It is more important than ever that Australia works closely with international partners, including through multilateral economic forums like the G20, to address shared challenges and opportunities, Albanese said. It is more important than ever that Australia works closely with international partners, including through multilateral economic forums like the G20, to address shared challenges and opportunities, Albanese said. Australia is invested in and committed to the Indo-Pacific to enhance growth and prosperity, stability and respect for sovereignty and lasting peace, he said. The G20 or Group of 20 is an intergovernmental forum of the worlds major developed and developing economies. The G20 or Group of 20 is an intergovernmental forum of the worlds major developed and developing economies. The members represent around 85 per cent of the global GDP, over 75 per cent of the global trade and about two-thirds of the world population. The grouping comprises Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the UK, the US and the European Union. The grouping comprises Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the UK, the US and the European Union. HDFC Bank's head, Sashidhar Jagdishan, on August 11 highlighted funding as a concern for the bank following the accomplished $40 billion merger with its parent company. "As you know, the risks of the merger is the funding part of it," Jagdishan said to shareholders of the foremost private sector bank during its inaugural annual general meeting subsequent to the merger's implementation on July 1st. It can be noted that the bank has not been fully successful in getting all the forbearance it had sought from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on the liabilities front. The RBI refused to provide any exemptions on Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) and Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) requirements on the deposits that come from HDFC, which was a deposit-taking entity. Additionally, questions were raised about the likely impact on HDFC Bank with respect to the RBI's move to put an incremental CRR of 10 percent on deposit accretions in all the scheduled commercial banks after May. Jagdishan exuded confidence that the bank will be able to surmount the funding challenge, pointing out that the board, senior leadership and staff are cognizant of the work at hand. The Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director said the merger, and the timing, made sense because of the advantages that it offers, and added that the staff is "excited" to take on the funding challenge. "I think time will tell but we're extremely confident at the way that we have grown over the last 10 years, there is no reason why we will not be able to surmount the challenges and even grab the opportunity to grow similarly over the next many years," he said. The bank has sought shareholders' approval to raise up to Rs 50,000 crore from bond issuances going ahead and will be active on this front as part of its liabilities management, Jagdishan said. Merger with HDFC is all set to impact the Net Interest Margins (NIMs) of the bank because of the higher proportion of the low-interest yielding housing loans which get added, Jagdishan said, adding that the same will be visible from the results for the September quarter itself. However, the housing loans also present advantages in terms of better repayment ratios which lower the credit costs on such advances, Jagdishan said. The bank, which has always reported NIMs between 4-4.4 percent range, is confident of getting the profitability or the returns back to historical levels in up to 18 months, he said. "It's been always a philosophy that we will not compromise growth for profitability," Jagdishan said. Amid some issues of misbehaviour by staff being flagged on social media, including a loud shouting by a senior employee to a subordinate for not meeting business targets, Jagdishan said employees' satisfaction and organisational culture are priorities for the bank management and the board. He also promised to publish employee satisfaction survey results along with the annual report from next year. More than 7 percent of the bank's overall spending is towards technology, Jagdishan said. He, however, said that more security features may lead to some inconvenience. Meanwhile, the bank's Non-Executive Chairman Atanu Chakraborty said erstwhile HDFC's Chairman Deepak Parekh cannot join the board of the bank because of a RBI policy not allowing directors above 75 years of age. Key executives Renu Karnad and Keki Mistry have joined the bank's board. Jagdishan said a request for approval has been made to the RBI for inducting erstwhile HDFC's Chief Financial Officer V Srinivasa Ranjan to the board. The bank scrip closed 1.05 percent down at Rs 1,619.05 a piece on the BSE on Friday as against a 0.56 percent correction on the benchmark. (With inputs from PTI) 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 BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 12. As part of the next stage of the Great Return, on August 12, 22 families consisting of 106 people were met in the village of Agali, who were resettled from Baku to the Agali vilage of Zangilan district, Trend reports. Residents in the "smart village" were met by employees of the special representation of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan of the Jabrayil, Gubadli and Zangilan districts, which are part of the East Zangezur economic region. Then the heads of families of the Agali residents were given the keys to their houses. Thus, until today, a permanent settlement in the Aghali village has been provided for 108 families - 526 people. The majority of resettled former internally displaced persons are mostly citizens living in the most difficult conditions. The resettled families will be provided with jobs in accordance with their professional qualifications and skills. They will work in various government agencies, catering facilities, construction companies, garment factories and other places. All infrastructure conditions have been created for the resettled population - a public service center, a school, a kindergarten, a bank, a post office, catering facilities and other facilities. Moneycontrol revisits the investing philosophy of late Rakesh Jhunjhunwala on his first death anniversary The biggest red flag in a company is a promoter who does not want to delegate, according to the late Rakesh Jhunjhunwala. In a talk given in 2013 to the students of FLAME University, the Big Bull of India said that investors should look carefully at the promoters and management of the company. If the promoter signs off on anything, with his ego getting in the way (then that should set off an alarm), he said. Later expanding on the importance of having the right people at the helm, he said, You must check if the management is a wealth creator or a profit creator, the difference is very, very important. Management quality was among the seven factorsothers being addressable opportunity, competitive ability, scalability, operating leverage, management quality and valuationthat an investor should consider, according to him. Jhunjhunwala, who passed away in August 2022 from a cardiac arrest, had a few rules in investing and they leaned pretty heavily on the qualitative aspects of a company. You must look at the drivers of earnings and valuation, rather than the earnings and valuation by themselves, he said. Also Read: Bull in the English pub: How Rakesh Jhunjhunwala unwound after a long day Look at what is driving the profits, rather than trying to predict the profits, he elaborated, adding that qualitative analysis was far more important than quantitative analysis. Some of the quantitative parameters to check, according to him, included dividend payouts, return ratios (RoI+ RoE), cashflows (OCF+FCF), which he said are key to identify a value accretive company. Another of his investing fundas was to look at the bigger picture. Make it (investing) an act of wisdom, not an act of intelligence, he elaborated. Jhunjhunwala related an incident to elaborate another lesson he had to impart on investing. It was from one of his days at Geoffreys bar, where people heckled him for stock tips. Usually he shooed such requests away, wanting to relax with a drink. But one time, he did give a tip for a stock that was trading at Rs 70, when the person asked how far it would go. Jhunjhunwala said it may go to Rs 150 in three or four years and the person was unimpressed. I told him, heres the address to Racecourse Road, replied Jhunjhunwala. To the students, he added, If I make 18 percent from my portfolio, I think I am a king. If I make 25 percent, I think I am an emperor expect a realistic return (from investing), balance greed and fear. He asked students never to forget the four-letter word: R-I-S-K. He said that investors need to be both disciplined and flexible. For the first, have a game plan. For the second, remember that investing is always in the realm of possibilities. Jhunjhunwala warned against being contrarian for the sake of it. But, at the same time, he asked them not to rule out contrarian views entirely. As he had said, be flexible. In the end, he insisted that they have conviction and be patient. Your patience may be tested but your conviction will be rewarded, he said. "I do not want to do Seva, I want 30 chartered accountants working for me," said the billionaire investor late Rakesh Jhunjhunwala in an interview with CNBC-TV18 in 2010. One of Indias most cherished stock market experts, Jhunjhunwala, who was also a chartered accountant, passed away last year on August 14. His determination was always reflected in his work. During the interview, Jhunjhunwalas brother Raju Jhunjhunwala, who was also a practising chartered accountant, spoke about his brother (Rakesh). When he had asked Jhunjhunwala to join him, he replied saying Raju, you are a practising CA so you are used to doing Seva of other people. And our dad is in the income tax department so he is used to getting Seva done. I do not want to do that." The passion-driven stock market maestro instead wanted 30 chartered accountants to work for him. I want to become an industrialist," said Jhunjhunwala. He also quoted that: I have learnt in life that when you start seeing a horizon, you feel how difficult and distant it is. But when you come to that horizon, you realise how many more there are." Jhunjhunwala explained how one should build life step by step. He has followed the same approach always, but with mitigated risks. Despite having achieved so much, the Indian billionaire said in the interview, held on his 50th birthday, that "Time has humbled me. You dont know where time can take you. You must always respect and appreciate another person s point of view." Jhunjhunwala had not imagined that he would achieve what he has achieved when he had started out. Indias growth story is now a well-established fact and is being recognized globally. In a world of slowing economic growth rates, India is climbing up the ranks and is all set to achieve $5 trillion GDP size in the coming years. As a retail investor you might be wondering how can you also be a part of Indias incredible growth story. One way of achieving the objective is through equity investments in high quality small cap companies that offer strong growth potential. Lets find out how Max Life Nifty Smallcap Quality Index Fund (SFIN: ULIF02702/08/23NIFTYSMALL104), the industrys first small-cap index fund, can tap into Indias growth story, by replicating an Index that has provided CAGR returns in excess of 22% over a 10-year period (past performance does not guarantee future returns). But first the basics - why do small cap stocks make sense in the current situation. What are Small Cap Stocks and Whats the Reason for their Growth Potential? As per SEBIs definition, the listed stocks in India can be divided into 3 key categories when ranked as per their free-float market capitalization*: Large Cap Stocks: Rank 1st to 100th (Total companies 100) Midcap Stocks: Rank 101st to 250th (Total companies 150) Smallcap stocks: Rank 251st onwards (Total companies 4813) *As per SEBI circular no. SEBI/HO/IMD/DF3/CIR/P/2017/114 dated 6th October 2017 As you can see, the small-cap stock universe is significantly larger than the other two categories combined in terms of number of companies and there-in lies an opportunity to generate outstanding returns. In fact, data published by AMFI (Association of Mutual Funds in India) on 30th June 2023 shows that 9 small-cap stocks were elevated to mid-cap category which means that the market cap of these companies has increased considerably which translates to high returns for investors. Another factor to consider are the key sectors in which these small-cap companies operate. Heres a snapshot: KEY SECTORS Defense Chemicals Railways Logistics Infrastructure Electronics Building Material T&D Equipment Medical Equipment Industrial Products Auto ancillaries Packaging Drone Manufacturing Textiles Water supply Trading Pipes Sugar Fertilizers Small Finance Bank Capital Market Intermediaries Construction Shipping E-learning As you can see from above list, on one hand small-cap companies operate in well-known segments like infrastructure, electronics, sugar, textiles, fertilizers and on the other hand, they are also present in niche segments with high growth potential like e-learning, drone manufacturing, railways and Defence. Such opportunity for diversification is definitely not easy to come by. Why Opt for Index Investing for Smallcap Stocks? If you are a market veteran who understands terms like bottom-up investing, alpha, beta, candle-stick patterns, inverted yield curve and so on, selecting a multi-bagger stock might not be too difficult. However, not all retail investors are so knowledgeable and thats why many opt for actively managed funds, where a fund manager along with a team of analysts decides which stocks to buy, sell or hold. Passive investments attempt to replicate the performance of the index they are tracking. They invest in exactly the same stocks as the index and maintain the exact same weight that each stock has on the index. This would eliminate key non-systemic risks like active stock picking and portfolio rebalancing by the fund manager. In passive investing, portfolio rebalancing does occur but only on a bi-annual basis at the time of index rebalancing. The goal is to generate the same returns as the benchmark. One example of such passive investment is an index fund that mimics the performance of its chosen index. Some of the key benefits of passive investments over actively managed funds include: No Fund manager bias as there is no active stock picking Low fund management fees Low churning of the portfolio due to minimal portfolio adjustments and buying/selling of stocks Higher transparency as portfolio is a replica of the index being tracked Algorithm based stock picking that reduces possible errors due to manual intervention As a result of the above benefits, Index investing makes more sense for small caps than trying to pick individual small-cap stocks from a universe of close to 5000 companies. The next logical step here would be to choose a specific small cap index that provides potentially high long-term returns and our answer is the Nifty Smallcap 250 Quality 50 Index. Heres why. What is the Nifty Smallcap250 Quality 50 Index? There are a number of well-known small-cap indices in India that are used as benchmarks by different small-cap funds. Some of these indices are the Nifty Smallcap 50, Nifty Smallcap 100, Nifty Smallcap 250, etc. These broad-based indices are created based on a single parameter the free-float market cap of listed stocks. For example, the Nifty Smallcap 250 Index consists of NSE listed stocks that are ranked 251st to 500th based on their free-float market capitalization. The Nifty Smallcap250 Quality 50 Index, is a strategy index that selects 50 high quality stocks from the list of Nifty Smallcap 250 Index companies based on some key quality parameters like: Profitability (return on equity) Earnings Growth (earnings per share variability over a 5-year period) Debt levels (financial leverage) There are also some key exclusion criteria that are considered companies with promoter share greater 20% and those without futures and options trades are not considered for inclusion. So, only 50 small-cap stocks with the highest quality scores based on the above parameters are featured on this index. Below are the top 10 stocks featured on the index and their individual weight as of 31st July 2023: Companys name Weight (%) Indian Energy Exchange Ltd. 4.40 Castrol India Ltd. 4.22 Sonata Software Ltd. 4.11 Central Depository Services (India) Ltd. 3.82 KEI Industries Ltd. 2.94 National Aluminium Co. Ltd. 2.89 Redington Ltd. 2.77 J.B. Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Ltd. 2.63 Carborundum Universal Ltd. 2.61 Sanofi India Ltd. 2.61 As you can see from above table, these stocks are from various sectors, which indicates that the index is well-diversified. Heres a closer look at the various sectors that are featured on the Nifty Smallcap 250 Quality 50 Index and their individual weights as of 31st July 2023: Sector Weight (%) Capital Goods 19.89 Information Technology 12.74 Financial Services 11.84 Oil, Gas & Consumer Goods 8.95 Chemicals 8.71 Fast-moving Consumer Goods 8.52 Healthcare 7.68 Consumer Durables 6.47 Services 5.86 Construction 3.83 Metals & Mining 2.89 Textiles 2.61 So an index fund that replicates this index will be diversified across multiple sectors allowing investors to benefit from the growth of various sections of the economy. To understand why this particular small-cap index makes more sense than a broad-based index for those interested in participating in Indias growth story, lets take a closer look at the historical returns data. What are the historical returns offered by Nifty Smallcap 250 Quality 50 Index? *CAGR returns shown above are as of 28 July 2023 The above graph is based on the returns comparison of leading indices as shown below: Indices 3-year Returns* 5-year Returns* 10-year Returns* Nifty 50 21.1% 11.6% 13.1% Nifty Midcap 100 33.6% 16.0% 20.5% Nifty Smallcap 250 37.5% 13.6% 19.1% Nifty Smallcap 100 33.6% 16.0% 20.5% Nifty Smallcap 250 Quality 50 38.6% 16.1% 22.4% *CAGR returns as of 28 July 2023 While past performance does not guarantee future returns, you can see from the above that the Nifty Smallcap 250 Quality 50 Index has outperformed its peers over both the previous 5 year and 10 year periods. This indicates the high long-term growth potential of the small-cap stocks featured on this index. This historical 22% CAGR of the index over a 10-year period would have grown investors wealth manifold. To put this another way, a one-time investment of Rs. 100 made in 2013 would be worth Rs. 730 in July 2023. So as a result of the 22% 10 year CAGR achieved by the index, you would have received over 7X returns in 10 years! This is significantly higher than the growth delivered by any other small-cap index during the same period. Why should you consider investing in Max Life Nifty Smallcap Quality Index Fund? The primary reason to consider investing in the Max Life Nifty Smallcap Quality Index Fund through Max Life Insurance plans is that it offers a unique investment opportunity which combines the benefits of small-cap investments and low-cost index investing with life cover in a single package. You should also consider the below features of the scheme: Fund objective The objective of the fund is to invest in a basket of stocks drawn from the constituents of NSE Smallcap 250 Quality 50 index. The fund will invest in the companies of the above index with similar weights as the index and generate returns as closely as possible, subject to tracking error. Where will the Fund Invest? Max Life Nifty Smallcap Quality Index Fund follows a passive investment approach and invests only in high quality small-cap stocks that are part of Nifty Smallcap250 Quality 50 Index Fund. This will provide investors with exposure to small-cap companies with high long-term growth potential in a cost-effective manner. The fund management charge of this scheme is 1%, which is lower than many comparable investments. Key Benefits of Investing in Max Life Nifty Smallcap Quality Index Fund No fund manager bias The adoption of passive investing ensures that investment decisions are not impacted by individual fund manager biases or opinions, resulting in a more objective investment approach. Life Cover By investing in the Nifty Smallcap Quality Fund through Max Life Insurance plans, you get a life cover of up to 20x the annual premium amount you pay to maintain your investment in the scheme. So, this way the fund combines the benefit of low cost high-growth investment with life cover benefit in a single package. Low-cost investing The fund features a low fund management charge or FMC of 1% which is lower that FMC charged by many other currently available small-cap funds. This make it a cost-effective way to invest in small-cap companies and get higher net returns in the long-term. Multiple Tax Benefits You get tax benefit when investing in Max Life Nifty Smallcap Quality 50 Index Fund and also at maturity. The investments made in this fund provide tax deduction as per Section 80C (cumulative Rs.1.5 lakh/financial year), while the returns received at maturity are also exempt from the capital gains tax, as per Section 10(10D) of the Income Tax Act, 1961. It must be noted that 10(10D) provisions are applicable if the investment units are held for a period of 5 years or longer and if annual premium payment is up to Rs. 2.5 lakh. ULIP Disclaimers: In a Unit-Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP) risks in the investment portfolio are borne by the policyholder. THIS ARTICLE IS NOT WRITTEN BY MC EDITORIAL. Geojit's report on Agri Picks Private weather forecaster Skymet expects the monsoon rainfall over the country to slip into negative territory in the coming days as the impact of El Nino will be felt during Aug-Sep. The axis of the monsoon trough has shifted to the foothills of the Himalayas leading to break monsoon conditions," the weather agency said. According to official IMD data, rainfall since Jun 1 over the country stands normal at 528.9 mm for the period, and the surplus has been wiped out. Rainfall was 7% above-normal in the country last week. "There is no indication of any significant development over the Arabian Sea or the Bay of Bengal. This is a matter of concern for many states of Northwest Central and South Peninsula," Skymet said. Skymet said that positive Indian Ocean Dipole conditions are expected during the second half of August and September, which are likely to reduce the harsh impact of El Nino to some extent. However, there are possibilities that monsoon may end with below-normal rainfall, it further said. Production of crude palm oil in Malaysia rose 11.2% on month to 1.61 mln tn in July, according to data from the Malaysian Palm Oil Board.In July, exports of palm oil rose 15.5% on month to 1.35 mln tn, while those of biodiesel jumped 30% on month to 16,801 tn, the data showed. Palm oil is also used to make biofuel. Total stocks of palm oil in Indonesia were up 0.7% on month at 1.73 mln tn as of June-end, the highest since February. Malaysia is the world's second-largest producer of crude palm oil after Indonesia, and India is the largest importer of edible oils. The Centre's foodgrain stocks with Food Corp of India were down 4% on year at 52.3 mln tn as of Aug 1. Compared to the previous month, the food grain stocks were down 6%.Wheat stocks registered an increase of 5.2% on year, but were down 7% on month at 28.0 mln tn as of Aug 1, according to data from Food Corp of India. Rice stocks in godowns operated by the FCI fell 13% on year to 24.3 mln tn. On a monthly basis, rice stocks fell 4%.The government has procured 26.2 mln tn of wheat in the 2023-24 (Apr-Mar) rabi marketing season, up from last year's procurement of 18.8 mln tn. According to FCI, the government has procured 56.8 mln tn of rice in the 2022-23 kharif marketing season. The government has decided to offload an additional 5 mln tn of wheat and 2.5 mln tn of rice through the open market sales scheme in 2023-24. The government said it has adequate stocks of wheat and rice as of now, and the stocks will be enough even after releasing it under open market sales. "The government has adequate stocks of wheat and rice. We have 8.7 mln tn of surplus wheat and 20 mln tn surplus rice," FCI Chairman Ashok Meena said. For the upcoming 2023-24 kharif marketing season, the government has increased the minimum support price of paddy grade-A and paddy common varieties by 143 rupees per 100 kg to 2,203 rupees and 2,183 rupees, respectively. The government has set the minimum support price of wheat this rabi season at 2,125 rupees per 100 kg, up from 2,015 rupees in the last season. 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. 11082023 - comm South African Veterinary Wildlife Specialist Dr Adrian S.W. Tordiffe provided veterinary support from the South African side during the planning phase early in 2020. He was responsible for clinical aspects primarily, compiling the disease risk analysis - of the translocation of the African cheetahs to Kuno National Park and once the cheetahs were in India, he continued to offer advice on their veterinary care. Dr Tordiffe, veterinary wildlife specialist, is director, Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital (University of Pretoria, South Africa), and editor, Journal of the South African Veterinary Association. He holds a Masters degree (M.Sc) in African mammalogy and Ph. D. in biochemistry. In an exclusive interview, Dr Tordiffe talks about the death of the African cheetahs and what lies ahead for the global cheetah population. With the death of nine cheetahs in Kuno National Park, there is a lot of talk about this experiment. Could this have been handled better? Of the nine deaths, six of the translocated cheetahs have died in India, the other three deaths are cubs that were born there. So, 14 of the 20 translocated cheetahs are still alive. Some mortalities were expected with a project of this nature. In similar projects in Africa (such as the reintroduction of cheetahs to the Zambezi Delta in Mozambique and the reintroduction project in Zambia) the mortality rate is around 50% within the first year. However, in the case of the African projects, both the post-release monitoring of the animals and the provision of dedicated veterinary support are usually very limited. With the Indian reintroduction project, we planned for intensive post-release monitoring and dedicated veterinary support on the ground in Kuno National Park. The mortality rate should have been far lower than what it has turned out to be, especially since most of the deaths occurred within the fenced management camps which offer a far higher degree of control and monitoring. What went wrong? I think the main factors responsible for the deaths are: 1) The relative inexperience of the Indian veterinarians and monitoring teams - this was to be expected because very few vets or monitors in India have ever dealt with cheetahs before, but we were confident that with the support of the team of international veterinarians and experts this problem could be overcome with good communication and training. Unfortunately, most of the international vets and experts were sidelined soon after the cheetahs were settled in India and their advice was largely ignored... the day-to-day management of the cheetahs in Kuno was taken over by a park manager who has no formal scientific training. The cause of deaths has been attributed to starvation, maggot infestation. As a veterinary wildlife specialist, what's your advice for the caretaking/survival of the remaining cheetahs? What needs to be done immediately? When the second male cheetah was found dead from myiasis on the morning of July 14, I alerted the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the managers at Kuno to the fact that all the other cheetahs were at risk. Fortunately, they listened and took action in capturing and examining all the cheetahs that had already been released into free-ranging conditions. Dr Mike Toft (an experienced wildlife vet from South Africa) was dispatched to Kuno to assist with the recapture of the cheetahs. He was in Kuno from July 18-24 and his skills were crucial in the capture and treatment of these very wild animals. The cheetahs with skin wounds were treated with long-acting antiparasitics and antibiotics and I expect they will all make a full recovery. These animals just need time to adapt to the environmental conditions in India and during this adaptation period, they do need veterinary support. It is thus crucial that the most experienced vets are allocated to the project and that the involvement of international vets and experts, with years of experience in cheetah health, is prioritized. You had earlier stated that "multiple deaths occurring in a short space of time is not unusual in the sense that its the high-risk period. Once things stabilise, that will plateau. You think the worst is over for the Kuno cheetahs? I think we have been through the most difficult phase of the project. A few more deaths may occur, but these should be isolated events. Is survival always a big challenge in the translocation of big cats/mammals? Yes, as mentioned earlier, cheetahs are particularly difficult to reintroduce into large, unfenced environments. While the animals are adapting to the new conditions and trying to find suitable territories in an unfamiliar environment, the risks remain high. A year or two after the animals adapt and settle down, things should improve. How were the cheetahs handpicked for translocation? What was the process? The cheetahs that came from South Africa were selected on the following criteria: 1) They had to be wild individuals that were not totally habituated to humans - the hope was that they would avoid human settlements in India and that this would reduce the chances of human-wildlife conflict. In hindsight, choosing very wild individuals created a problem in that the animals are very skittish and difficult to monitor after they are released in India. 2) The cheetahs should have been exposed to other large predators like lions or leopards. 3) They needed to be relatively young and in good health. With less than 8,000 cheetah population globally, what's their future? Most populations of cheetahs in Africa (except in South Africa) and the small population of cheetahs in Iran are in decline. Cheetahs currently only occupy less than 9 percent of their historic range. We cannot just continue to use old conservation strategies that don't work and somehow expect a different outcome for these animals. The reintroduction of cheetahs into India offers some hope for the range expansion and conservation of the species. Despite the cheetahs deaths, India still offers a safer habitat for these animals than most places in Africa. If this project fails, there will be very few viable options for the conservation of cheetahs and it is likely that in 50 years from now they will only find safety in small, fenced reserves in South Africa. Note to readers: Healing Space is a weekly series that helps you dive into your mental health and take charge of your wellbeing through practical DIY self-care methods. The Food and Drug Administration of the United States (US FDA) approved the first ever pill for post-partum depression a week ago. It is said to be quick acting and is prescribed over a short duration, a period of about two weeks, and will come as a relief to many - the worldwide prevalence among women is thought to be 18.6 percent. As a first pill for the condition, it will probably stand to be improved; however, the focus on post-partum depression itself is welcome. The bestselling South Korean novel Kim Ji-Young: Born 1982, by Cho Nam-Joo (also a Netflix film), is a portrayal of life with depression after the birth of a child, and the casual everyday sexism that makes it so hard to carry on. After she gives up her career, the protagonist Ji-Young is treated and taunted as a freeloader, someone who lives off her husband. She is expected to deal with it and quietly support and participate in all family events regardless of how she is feeling. The novel was a great influence on the feminist movement and the #MeToo movement in South Korea, largely known to be a conservative society. The book and its picturization became popular worldwide, including in India, since it is a condition common to women world-over. A systematic review and study of research on all postpartum cases in India over 16 years was published in 2017, and found that in 38 studies citing 20,043 women, 22 percent of women faced postpartum depression, most within two weeks of delivery. The study further categorized three kinds of postpartum depression: blues, psychosis and depression. Psychoses tends to be more severe, may occur up to four weeks after giving birth, and may require hospitalization. Blues is more common and is generally resolved with reassurance and support. Depression can be chronic or recurrent, and can affect the mother-child or other-partner relationship long-term. Children of mothers with postpartum depression have greater cognitive, behavioural and interpersonal problems compared with the children of non-depressed mothers, the study stated, also noting that as India is facing a decline in maternal mortality, there will be an increased focus on maternal health and mental health, going forward. In India, typically young mothers are not guided towards therapy by the family. Mothers can feel overwhelmed, may be slow to bond with the child, have associated feelings of guilt, feel disconnected from their partners. Hormones can feel out of whack, they may face spells of crying, mood swings, hunger pangs, feel unattractive or bloated, like they have lost their body shape, their careers, freedom, and will never return to that phase of their youth again, they can feel anxiety and overwhelmed by the new responsibilities, lose appetite and sleep in varying degrees of severity. While blues pass within two weeks, depression that lasts longer does need treatment by a certified mental-health provider. Women who are depressed may have recurring thoughts of self-harm or harm to the baby and need urgent attention. Many withdraw from society, connections and face hopelessness and extreme loss of self-worth. Some may face hallucinations, panic attacks, paranoia or feel confused and lost. The primary function that the pill is serving by coming into existence, whether it proves effective in the long-term or not, is that it is indicating that postpartum conditions are not in your head, are not imagined, a character flaw, or an abdication of responsibility, but a clinically diagnoseable condition that requires attention and care. Even if the pill does nothing beyond offer a placebo effect, the fact that it is able to bring this into the public view is itself a relief of sorts for mothers, especially in countries like India where mental health considerations are not taken seriously, or worse, used as an excuse to label the women as emotional, overacting, dysfunctional or mad. Incidentally, fathers can face paternal postpartum depression too. Feeling anxiety about their roles, their financial abilities, and the responsibilities may feel overwhelming and elicit inadequate responses from them. In such cases couples counselling is recommended. Understanding the symptoms, the duration to expect them to linger, and how to support each other, can go a long way to alleviate the stress. Young mothers who face depression still have the basic work of tending to the baby, especially when there is an unequally divided workload at home. Thus, they also tend to be sleep-deprived, nutritionally deprived, and overburdened by the household chores or looking after other children in the home, or attending to the needs of elders and partners, if they are not adequately supported. This complicates the situation further. Relieving the burden on women to fend for themselves, their households, partners, families, children and their own mental health is a vital first step in the battle against postpartum depression. Seek a mental health care practitioners help if you are a new mother who: * finds everyday basic tasks difficult to get on with * has recurring thoughts of self-harm or harm to others, including the baby * is unable to communicate the kind of support you need * are facing a problem bonding with or looking after your baby * are in a phase of anxiety, stress, low mood, loss of self-worth that doesnt seem to go even after two weeks. The Board of Directors of FIT Hon Teng Ltd (Foxconn) has approved a $400 million investment in Telangana, as confirmed by Foxconn India representative V Lee. Foxconn is a key supplier for Apple. FIT Hon Teng's disclosure to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on August 11 outlined the plan to invest $400 million in Chang Yi Interconnect Technology (India) Private Limited, held by FIT Singapore. V Lee shared the update on social media, celebrating Telangana's progress and the incoming investment. Reacting to V Lee's post, Telangana Minister for IT and Industries KT Rama Rao tweeted on August 12 saying the fresh investment proposal is in addition to the already committed $150 million earlier. "Our friendship with Foxconn Group remains steadfast, each of us delivering on mutual commitments. With total infusement of $550m (adding previous $150m), FIT is poised to deliver on its promises in Telangana. This once again proves Telangana Speed," Rama Rao tweeted on X. Electronics major Foxconn Interconnect Technology in May laid the foundation for a new electronics manufacturing facility in Telangana as part of its $500 million investment in the state. The proposed electronics manufacturing facility at Kongara Kalan near here is a milestone for the Taiwanese firm's global expansion strategy diversifying its global manufacturing base, a press release had earlier said. The proposed facility will serve as a hub for Foxconn Interconnect Technology's operations in Telangana allowing the firm to expand its production capacity, it said. Earlier this year, Foxconn Technology Group chairman Young Liu along with his senior officials met Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao here. (with agency inputs) 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 Beneficiaries of various Central government schemes from Uttarakhand will be among the 1,700 people invited from across the country as special guests to the Independence Day celebrations at Red Fort on August 15. The 1,700 special guests invited to listen to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Independence Day address live include people connected to various flagship programmes such as Jal Jeevan Mission, PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojna, Amrit Sarovar Yojna and Central Vista project, according to an official release here. The initiative to invite people from all walks of life to be a part of the celebrations has been taken by the government in line with its 'Jan Bhagidari' vision, it said. During the visit, the special guests will get an opportunity to visit the National War Memorial and the Pradhan Mantri Sangrahalaya in New Delhi. Dinesh Chandra Tripathi from a village in Nainital who is among the invitees from Uttarakhand, said it was a proud moment for him to be invited as a special guest to witness the Independence Day celebrations. Tripathi runs a Farmer Producer Organisation with 521 farmers. Another FPO beneficiary, Bharat Singh Rautela from Jhala village in Uttarkashi district expressed a similar sentiment. PTI ALM ALM NSD NSD 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 Delhi government has launched a 10-month framework to engage educational institutions to foster climate leadership among youth through the "Delhi Youth for Climate Summit" that was held on August 10 and 11, officials said on Friday. The programme seeks to go beyond theoretical knowledge, trying to inspire educational institutions to translate their learnings into practical action. The programme seeks to go beyond theoretical knowledge, trying to inspire educational institutions to translate their learnings into practical action. On the first day, participants engaged with experts spanning the policymaking and research domains, delving into the multifaceted aspects of climate change impacts. Day two facilitated breakout groups consisting of Eco-Club convenors and college representatives to collaboratively brainstorm ways to revitalise these clubs in colleges, a statement by the Delhi government said. The two-day summit featured expert sessions addressing themes such as climate change impacts, climate finance, and the catalytic role of Eco-Clubs to equip educational institutions with the tools and knowledge to champion sustainability and foster climate leadership. The two-day summit featured expert sessions addressing themes such as climate change impacts, climate finance, and the catalytic role of Eco-Clubs to equip educational institutions with the tools and knowledge to champion sustainability and foster climate leadership. The summit accentuates the significance of integrating air quality education and environmental consciousness into educational curricula. By providing a global perspective on air pollution and its far-reaching impacts, educational institutions will gain a deeper understanding of climate change and its consequences, Delhi government advisor Reena Gupta said. She said the event underscores the role institutions play in nurturing a culture of sustainability, preparing students to tackle diverse environmental challenges proactively. It encourages the adoption of sustainable practices like waste reduction, energy conservation, and the promotion of green infrastructure through active eco-projects in their respective colleges, she added. She said the event underscores the role institutions play in nurturing a culture of sustainability, preparing students to tackle diverse environmental challenges proactively. It encourages the adoption of sustainable practices like waste reduction, energy conservation, and the promotion of green infrastructure through active eco-projects in their respective colleges, she added. All doctors must prescribe generic drugs, failing which they will be penalised and even their license to practice may also be suspended for a period, according to the new regulations issued by the National Medical Commission. The National Medical Commission (NMC) in its 'Regulations relating to Professional Conduct of Registered Medical Practitioners" also asked doctors to avoid prescribing branded generic drugs. Even though doctors are currently required to prescribe generic drugs only, there are no penal provisions mentioned in the regulations issued in 2002 by the Indian Medical Council. The NMC regulations notified on August 2, stated that India's out-of-pocket spending on medications accounts for a major proportion of public spending on healthcare. "Generic medicines are 30 to 80 per cent cheaper than branded drugs. Hence, prescribing generic medicines may overtly bring down healthcare costs and improve access to quality care," it said. Under the generic medicine and prescription guidelines of the regulations, the NMC defined generic medicines as a "drug product that is comparable to brand/reference listed product in dosage form, strength, route of administration, quality and performance characteristics, and intended use". On the other hand, a branded generic drug is one which has come off patent and is manufactured by drug companies and sold under different companies' brand names. These drugs may be less costly than the branded patent version but costlier than the bulk-manufactured generic version of the drug. There is less regulatory control over the prices of branded generic drugs. "Every RMP (registered medical practitioner) should prescribe drugs using generic names written legibly and prescribe drugs rationally, avoiding unnecessary medications and irrational fixed-dose combination tablets," the regulation stated. In case of violations, a doctor may be given a warning to be more careful about the regulations or instructed to attend a workshop or academic programme on ethics, personal and social relations and/or professional training. On repeated violations, the doctor's license to practice may be suspended for a particular period, the regulations said. The NMC said prescriptions should be legible and preferably written in all caps to avoid misinterpretation. As far as possible, prescriptions should be typed and printed to avoid errors, it said. A template has also been provided by the NMC that may be used for writing prescriptions rationally. Medical practitioners should prescribe only those generic medicines available in the market and accessible to patients. They should also advocate for hospitals and local pharmacies to stock generic drugs, the NMC regulation stated. They should encourage patients to purchase drugs from Jan Aushadhi Kendras and other generic pharmacy outlets, educate medical students and the public about the equivalence of generic medicine with their branded counterparts and should actively participate in programs related to promotion and access to generic medicines, it added. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 13. Azerbaijan is ready to provide Ukraine with equipment for demining, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky said in his video message, Trend reports. "Azerbaijan is ready to provide a new humanitarian package, including demining equipment. Demining is one of the important areas of our cooperation with our partners. Ukraine needs supplies of this equipment from its partners," Zelensky said. The President of Ukraine noted that at present, a total of 174,000 square kilometers of territory are at risk due to mines and unexploded ordnance. "Our experts in the field discover new explosive munitions every day. We need more mine-clearing equipment, vehicles and specialized drones to clear them in a more proactive and safer manner. We are grateful to all the countries that have helped us in this area," he added. Earlier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan reported that the country would send one mine clearance vehicle to Ukraine. Meanwhile, in 2022, Azerbaijan provided humanitarian assistance worth more than $17.6 million to Ukraine. According to the decree dated July 17, 2023, $7.6 million were allocated from the Azerbaijani side to the Energy Ministry for the purchase and shipment of electrical equipment in order to provide humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Saturday said it has filed a charge sheet against a former Bihar Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) executive engineer and his family members in a disproportionate assets case. A special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Patna took cognisance of the prosecution complaint filed against former executive engineer of PHED, Samastipur Sanjay Kumar Singh, his wife Pushpa Singh, sons Abhishek Ashish and Anunay Ashish, and father Ambika Prasad Singh on August 10, the ED said in a statement. The agency said it has also requested the court to allow confiscation of the assets of the accused worth Rs 1.48 crore that was attached by it in March 2022. While working at different posts as an engineer in the PHED, the ED said, Sanjay Kumar amassed disproportionate assets worth about Rs 1.83 crore during the period from July 15, 1987 to September 4, 2013 in his name and in the name of his family members (wife, sons and father). The disproportionate assets amounting to Rs 1.83 crore have been acquired through corrupt and illegal means, by abusing his position as a public servant in violation of various sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, it alleged. The ED case stems from a charge sheet filed by the Economic Offences Unit (EOU) of the Bihar government against the accused. Five immovable assets, including four plots and a flat, nine bank accounts with deposits worth Rs 48.26 lakh, and five insurance polices valued at Rs 7.69 lakh were earlier attached by the ED as part of this investigation. USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal has stressed unlocking the vast potential of Indias maritime sector, saying the countrys strategic location and commitment to sustainable practices present unparalleled opportunities. Hosting foreign heads of missions and officials here on Friday evening, Sonowal underlined that India stands at the cusp of a maritime revolution. The event was organised ahead of the Global Maritime India Summit 2023, scheduled to be held in Delhi on October 17-19. Sonowal stressed unlocking investment opportunities in Indias maritime sector.India stands at the cusp of a maritime revolution. Our strategic location, technological advancements, and commitment to sustainable practices present unparalleled opportunities. Countries partnering with India in this sector will contribute to global growth and be part of a responsible and progressive maritime future, he said. The minister also shared his vision for environment-friendly shipping solutions. Diplomats and representatives of nearly 40 countries including ambassadors and high commissioners, deputy high commissioners, trade commissioners and other diplomats attended the meeting. Among the countries that participated were Egypt, Singapore, Vietnam, Armenia, the US, Germany, Finland, Norway, the Netherlands, Canada, Russia and Georgia. On the occasion, T K Ramachandran, Secretary, Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, provided an overview of the Global Maritime India Summit and reinforced Indias commitment to sustainable maritime solutions. The Global Maritime India Summit is a premier maritime sector-focused event to bring together pivotal figures from the industry to explore opportunities, understand challenges and stimulate investment within Indias maritime sector.Building upon the legacy of its preceding editions, this third instalment aims to unveil broader prospects for domestic and international maritime stakeholders and investors. 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 Karnataka Minister N S Boseraju on August 12 said a state-level research foundation will be formed to conduct research and development in startups and industries. Speaking at the valedictory session of the Indian StartUp Festival-2023 at Sathya Sai Village here, Boseraju said it is imperative for constant research and development in the field of science and technology that is fundamental to the startup ecosystem. "Our government is taking all necessary steps to create an enabling atmosphere including scientific temperament in the process of learning. We have also focused on protecting ecology and environment as well as ensure a robust economy," said the minister, who holds the Science and Technology and Minor Irrigation departments. Stating that Bengaluru is rightly described as the startup capital of the country, Boseraju said the government has created an enabling atmosphere in terms of infrastructure because of which a number of startup industries are coming up in a big way. "In this respect, research and development is very important. In an effort to provide R&D to the industries, Karnataka Research Foundation is being established. Individuals, industry experts can provide their know-how to the proposed KSRF," the minister explained. 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 Here is a collection of the most important stories this evening: RK Swamy files for IPO, first by an integrated marketing services group RK Swamy Limited, the largest Indian majority-owned integrated marketing services provider offering a single-window solution for creative,a media, data analytics and market research services, has filed its draft red herring prospectus with market regulator SEBI. The initial public offering of the firm, which gained popularity as an ad agency, comprises a fresh issue of aggregating up to Rs 215 crore and an offer for sale of up to 8,700,000 equity shares by selling shareholders. Read more Apple supplier Foxconn hikes investment proposal in Telangana to $550 million The Board of Directors of FIT Hon Teng Ltd (Foxconn) has approved a $400 million investment in Telangana, as confirmed by Foxconn India representative V Lee. Foxconn is a key supplier for Apple. FIT Hon Teng's disclosure to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on August 11 outlined the plan to invest $400 million in Chang Yi Interconnect Technology (India) Private Limited, held by FIT Singapore. V Lee shared the update on social media, celebrating Telangana's progress and the incoming investment. Read more Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar to be Pakistan's caretaker PM Senator Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar was on August 12 picked as Pakistan's caretaker Prime Minister to govern the cash-strapped country and oversee general elections later this year. Outgoing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Leader of Opposition Raja Riaz finalised his name after two rounds of deliberations over the matter. Read more HDFC Bank CEO warns of post-merger funding risk, says net interest margins to be hit HDFC Bank's head, Sashidhar Jagdishan, on August 11 highlighted funding as a concern for the bank following the accomplished $40 billion merger with its parent company. Read more Nepal ready to supply tomatoes to India; seeks easier access to market Nepal is ready to export tomatoes to India in bulk on a long-term basis to quell the skyrocketing prices but has sought easy access to the market and other necessary facilities. Read more Crompton Greaves Q1 Results: Net profit down 9% to Rs 115 crore Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd. on August 12 reported consolidated net profit at Rs 115 crore for the June quarter of FY24, registering a decline of 9 percent from Rs 125.95 crore in the same quarter of the previous financial year. Read more More than 70 smallcaps gain 10-31% even as market fall continues Indian equity market lost further ground as benchmark indices witnessed selling in the third consecutive week ended August 11 post hawkish RBI commentary with no rate cut signal by this year-end and imposing Incremental Cash Reserve Ratio (ICRR) and rising inflation forecast hurt the market sentiment. Read more A four-member committee has been constituted to probe the case of 28 children falling sick at a municipal school in west Delhi's Naraina after allegedly inhaling noxious fumes following a suspected "gas leak" incident nearby. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi, in a statement, said the panel comprises a "zonal superintending engineer, assistant commissioner, DDE and DHO". "Deputy Commissioner the Karol Bagh zone has constituted a four-member committee to look into the incident of school children falling sick yesterday," it said. The 28 students were hospitalised on August 11 with two of them requiring oxygen support, officials said. Nineteen students were sent to the RML Hospital, 14 of whom were discharged on August 11, and five on August 12 while nine were sent to Acharya Bhikshu Hospital, all of whom were discharged after medical aid on August 11. A senior police officer had said that a case was registered under sections 284 (negligent conduct with respect to poisonous substance), 336 (act endangering life or personal safety of others) and 337 (causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) of the Indian Penal Code against unidentified people. PTI KND RHL 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 Security has been upped across Assam as militant outfits ULFA (Independent) and NSCN/GPRN have called for boycotting Independence Day celebrations, police said. A senior police officer, on condition of anonymity, told PTI, "We have been carrying out all regular security measures, including area domination and naka checking. The measures are being made foolproof to ensure no disruption in the celebrations." On the militant groups calling for boycott and bandh, the officer said, "These outfits are known to call for such bandhs. But we are not taking any chances and are ensuring that no subversive activity is undertaken by any nefarious element." While the central celebration will take place in Guwahati where Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma will hoist the National Flag, similar programmes are scheduled across the state with participation of other ministers and top officials. The police officer said security on the celebration grounds has especially been reviewed and all measures are being taken to ensure peaceful celebration. Earlier on August 12, an emailed statement by the ULFA(I) had asked people of Assam, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh to 'boycott' Independence Day celebration on August 15. ULFA(I) and NSCN/GPRN have also called for a bandh from midnight of August 15 till 6 pm that day, keeping emergency services, media services and religious activities outside the purview of the general strike. PTI SSG ACD USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Union Minister and BJP president in Telangana G Kishan Reddy on August 12 slammed the BRS government for allegedly not fulfilling its election promise of constructing double bedroom houses for poor. As long as the BRS government remained in power, the poor in Telangana won't get houses under the housing scheme for poor, he said. Addressing a 'Maha Dharna' organised by the BJP here to mount pressure on the state government for construction of double bedroom houses, he said the BRS (then TRS) had promised construction of houses before the 2014 elections. However, the party is now saying that the government would provide funds if the poor wants to construct houses in their own plot, Reddy, who is Union Tourism Minister, charged. Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao and his government are not sincere in providing houses to poor, he alleged. The BRS government has laid foundation stones for housing in about 100 places in Hyderabad, but the government is now hiding those stone plaques in 'Pragati Bhavan', the CM's camp office-cum-official residence, for fear of public anger and the opposition, he said. The KCR government needs to go if the poor in Telangana have to get housing, he said. "As long as this Kalvkakunta family (of CM KCR) remains in power, the poor in Telangana won't get houses," Reddy said. BJP MLA Eatala Rajender and several other party leaders attended the protest. PTI SJR SJR SS 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 Uttar Pradesh government has signed an agreement with a private firm for arranging around 5,000 special accommodations during the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj in 2025, officials said on August 12. The accommodations would include homestays, bed and breakfast establishments, and paying guest units across major towns and prominent locations throughout the state, they said. The Directorate of Tourism entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Luzern Ventures Private Limited (OGA) on August 11, they said. "This MoU is a significant step towards realising our commitment to enhancing the tourism landscape of Uttar Pradesh. By combining our expertise with OGA, we are sure to create a diverse range of accommodation options that reflect the cultural vibrancy of our state," said Tourism Director Prakhar Mishra. Another tourism department official said the MoU, spanning five years, solidifies their collaborative efforts to establish and manage a diverse range of accommodations. "There will be a special focus on arranging around 5,000 accommodations in Prayagraj and its nearby areas considering the massive footfall expected during the Maha Kumbh Fair 2025," the official said. To create a hospitable and enriching environment for the tourists and travellers, the official further said the MoU reflects a shared vision between the Directorate of Tourism and OGA to provide a seamless, comfortable and "culturally immersive stay for the visitors". By focusing on enhancing the accommodation offerings, this partnership seeks to elevate the overall tourism experience within Uttar Pradesh, the official added. PTI KIS AS RHL RHL 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 What would Raja Ravi Varma make of Jaipur Watch Companys (JWC) Raja Ravi Varma collection if he were alive today? The artist would have loved the idea, says Sachin Kaluskar. He was not just a painter, but also an astute businessman. He was a big brand himself, says the Vadodara-based art entrepreneur who owns one of the largest collections of Varmas oleographs in the country. Several of the artists popular works adorn either the limited-edition collections dials or the inner surface of the sapphire crystal, with the miniaturization, kind of, buffing their ubiquity. The collections release couldn't have come at a better time. This year marks the 175th birth anniversary of the artist-entrepreneur whose works, from paintings of deities and studio-style portraits of kings and noblemen, to the lithographs that he printed at his eponymous press democratized art and massively influenced popular culture. Like the brands other watch lines, the Ravi Varma watch is not intended to be someones first watch, says Gaurav Mehta, who founded JWC in 2013. This is never going to be a persons first watch. I see this being bought by people who love Indian art, who love products made in India, a watch collector who is probably looking for something different in his collection, says Mehta who ploughed a lonely furrow building Indias first microwatch brand for most of the last decade. JWC debuted with watches with rare coins from the colonial era as dials and its lines include watches with engravings, pichwai art, and, among others, hand-painted watches. The company, which is funded by startup accelerator Marwari Catalysts and Dexter Angels, reported a turnover of Rs 4.5 crore last year. JWCs flagship store is located in Jaipurs upscale C-Scheme; it also has a boutique in New Delhi, and Mehta says he will soon be opening stores at the Rambagh Palace in Jaipur and Koregaon Park in Pune. Online retail has always worked well for us, but sales at our brick-and-mortar stores have been a revelation, says Mehta who discloses that next project will be a take on Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso. Art-inspired watches Art has often inspired watchmakers and featured on the dials of watches from a variety of brands. You could choose, for instance, from Swatchs recently launched Art Journey series that celebrates the work of Roy Lichtenstein, Rene Magritte, Sandro Botticelli, and Katsushika Hokusai, or maybe consider Vacheron Constantins Metiers D Art collection that uses miniature enamel paintings among other highly intricate decorative techniques. Mehta says there was no question of using handpainted dials for the Raja Ravi Varma collection, because who can paint like Ravi Varma did? Besides, JWC already had handpainted watches in its range with its pichwai art collection as well as watches that featured divine, and abstract images. I was clear that the collection had to have the artists original work. So we imported a special machine from Japan that allows us to recreate his oleographs with colours and tones similar to the original on the watch face, says Mehta who used high-resolution digital images sourced from Kaluskar for the watches and tied up with the Kilimanoor Palace Art Trust, which is managed by the artists descendant, Rama Varma Thampuran. (Ravi Varma was born into an aristocratic family in Kilimanoor, in Kerala, in 1848.) Each 40mm watch, which is powered by a Miyota movement, carries a certificate of authenticity signed by Rama Varma Thampuran. The watches use either a disc or a traditional three-hand set-up to tell the time and the crown is set with a sapphire stone. The strap is made of nylon with a synthetic leather base. Prices start at Rs 65,000. The collection uses about 14 Ravi Varma paintings, but if we had to pick one it would be the Radha in the Moonlight. Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra on Saturday said his wife Priyanka Gandhi has all the qualifications to be in Parliament and she should be there. He expressed hope the Congress party would plan for her Lok Sabha entry. "I feel she (Priyanka Gandhi) should be in Parliament. She should be in Lok Sabha for sure. She has all the qualifications for it. She would be very good in Parliament and she deserves to be there. I hope that the Congress party accepts and plans better for her," he told PTI. Vadra also hit out at Union minister Smriti Irani for linking his name with business tycoon Gautam Adani while speaking in Parliament. During a debate on the no-confidence motion in Parliament, Irani had displayed a picture of Vadra with Adani. Vadra said he keeps away from politics and discusses it only when the ruling party brings up his name. "We have a picture of our very own prime minister sitting in Adani's plane. Why should not we ask questions about that and what Rahul (Gandhi) has been asking and why these questions are not answered. "I will speak to fight for my name because if there is anything they say they have to prove it. I challenge them that if they are going to take my name and 'you are going to bring my photograph, please show me something that I have done with Mr Adani and if there is any wrongdoing I will deal with it and if not, they have to apologise and will have to take it back'," he said. Vadra said champion women wrestlers were protesting in Delhi for their rights, but Irani as the union minister for women and child welfare never went to meet them and hear out their grievances. "I did not see Smriti Irani meet them and take up their issues. Manipur has been burning and this minister (Smriti Irani) has to bring up some kind of negative thing about me. I am not even in Parliament," he said. "Since this government came to power, they always come up with anything against me whenever they are cornered and they want to digress from real issues... but they have never been able to prove anything against me," he said. On the opposition alliance, he said, the Congress has joined the 'INDIA' bloc and it will give them (NDA) a good fight in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 12. In accordance with the instruction of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, the return of former internally displaced persons to the restored Aghali village continue, Trend reports. At this stage, another 22 families (106 people) moved to the Aghali village. The resettled families will settle in the houses where they once lived in Aghali village, which were restored or rebuilt on the basis of instructions from the head of state after the end of the Armenian occupation. Aghali residents thanked President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva for their comprehensive care, expressed gratitude to the valiant Azerbaijani army, which liberated the lands from occupation. Thus, until today, a permanent settlement in the Aghali village has been provided for 108 families - 526 people. Airports, on most days, can be the busiest location in any city around the world. Under such circumstances, passenger convenience becomes a key priority for authorities to ensure they have a peaceful experience while waiting for their flight to arrive and take-off. In some cases, however, a passenger's behavior can ruin the experience for others waiting at airports. In a recent incident, a man shared how a passenger occupied his seat at Abu Dhabi airport despite his family informing him that the seat had been taken. "At the Priority Pass Lounge in Abu Dhabi, I got off my seat to grab a drink. A fellow countryman walks in, takes my seat despite my family telling him that its taken and while there are other available seats. "Then he goes on to talk loudly with someone over the phone, spilling food all over the couch and rug, clapping occasionally to get food off his fingers," the man wrote on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday. The man further revealed how the passenger ate his food and left the "trash" behind and walked away while he and his children watched on. "Banging his cutlery for no reason whatsoever, he finishes his meal, then leaves the trash behind and walks away. My kids and other travelers are watching him, disgusted. "The gentleman seems to be working in finance as he was talking to someone over the phone in industry language," he said. Calling the incident "a disgusting sight", the person urged others to not have in a similar manner. "This is a disgusting sight and while people will find me critical of it, its a sad reality that fans stereotyping Indians. Be whoever you want to be, Dont be this wanker," he wrote. The man's post saw many responses, with many criticising the passenger for his behavior. "Oh yes! As Indians get ahead of themselves in wealth, you'll see a lot more of these people with bad manners. Like the Arabs of 70s and Chinese of the 90s!," one user wrote. "This is gross. People like them create a bad name for the rest of us. And this is in priority pass lounge. Imagine how the likes of him in regular places. They are a disgrace. It may be a good idea to expose his face," another user wrote. Also read: Vistara customer accuses crew member of stealing something valuable: my heart AR Rahman, who was set to perform in his hometown of Chennai on Saturday, decided to reschedule the concert to another date due to the persistent rain in the Tamil Nadu capital. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the 56-year-old music composer said that the concert would be rescheduled to the "nearest possible date". "My Dearest Friends Owing to adverse weather conditions and persistent rains, it is only made advisable for the health and safety of my beloved fans and friends to reschedule the concert to the nearest best date, with the guidance of the statutory authorities. More details on the new date will follow soon!EPI," Rahman wrote on Twitter. My Dearest Friends Owing to adverse weather conditions and persistent rains, it is only made advisable for the health and safety of my beloved fans and friends to reschedule the concert to the nearest best date, with the guidance of the statutory authorities. More details on pic.twitter.com/HRAyqo5y0n A.R.Rahman (@arrahman) August 12, 2023 Earlier in the day, Rahman had tweeted asking the public in Chennai to arrive at the venue early and had expressed excitement in meeting all of them. Dear friends attending the Chennai concert tonight, Im excited to see you all after so long! We request you to leave early and secure your seats early to have a memorable concert experience. #MarakkumaNenjam A.R.Rahman (@arrahman) August 12, 2023 Rahman's decision to reschedule the concert left many fans disappointed. "I'm already half way through the concert. sheer disappointment," one user wrote. All the way from Rajapalayam and now returning back sadly waiting for the next rescheduled date.. pic.twitter.com/yKNyxHFYlf Dhanus kumar (@editor_dhanus) August 12, 2023 We are returning with disappointment sir! Hoping to see you back soon pic.twitter.com/jLSbp04DV4 Sudhar (@Dir_Sudhar) August 12, 2023 The concert was slated to be held on Saturday from 7-11:30 pm at Panaiyur, but rains in the area meant that the concert could not go ahead and had to be rescheduled. Also read: 'Speak in Tamil, not Hindi': AR Rahman tells wife at award function in Chennai. Watch An Indian-American doctor has been arrested in the US for allegedly masturbating in front of a teenaged girl on a flight. Sudipta Mohanty, 33, was arrested Thursday and accused of performing the lewd act on a Hawaiian Airlines flight from Honolulu to Boston in May 2022, according to CNBC. Mohanty was travelling to Boston with a female companion. They were seated next to the 14-year-old girl who later complained about the doctors behaviour. According to charging documents, the unnamed girl was flying to Boston with her grandparents who were sitting across the aisle. About halfway through the journey, she noticed that Mohanty had spread a blanket over himself and his leg was bouncing up and down. She soon observed that the blanket was no longer covering Mohanty and that he had unzipped his pants. He masturbated until ejaculation, according to the filing. When Mohanty, an internal medicine doctor at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, went to the washroom, the girl moved to an empty seat. She said she felt disgusted and very uncomfortable. The 14-year-old told her grandparents about the incident after landing, who then notified authorities. When Mohanty was questioned by two FBI agents at his house, he appeared to be visibly nervous. His hands and voice trembled, per the FBI officers report. The doctor denied the allegations, saying: I have no recollection of that. Mohanty has been charged with one count of lewd, indecent and obscene acts while in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States. He appeared at federal court on Thursday and has been released on bail with the stipulation that he stay away from people under 18 and any places where they might gather. A spokesperson for Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center told Boston.com that Mohanty is on leave and not currently practicing at BIDMC, while acknowledging that the hospital is aware of the allegations against him. International Youth Day is celebrated on August 12th each year to raise awareness about the challenges and issues faced by young people around the world, as well as to promote their potential. Youngsters make up a significant demographic group whose health, mindset and education can help shape the future of our planet. The United Nations designated International Youth Day as an opportunity to highlight various themes and topics that are relevant to young people, such as education, employment, mental health, human rights, civic engagement, and social inclusion. History of International Youth Day The history of International Youth Day (IYD) dates back to the year 1999 when the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) endorsed a recommendation made by the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth that August 12 be declared International Youth Day. The United Nations General Assembly officially declared August 12 as Youth Day in 1999. Since then, this day has been used to raise awareness about the challenges faced by the youth and ways of overcoming them, as well as to highlight the achievements of young people. The first International Youth Day was celebrated on August 12, 2000. Over the years, it has been celebrated with seminars, workshops and campaigns directed towards the youth. Significance International Youth Day has played an important role in highlighting the importance of investing in the youth population. Young people can be the catalyst for positive global change if they are given the right kind of tools, ideas and education, if their achievements are recognised and encouraged, and if they are given the space and security to grow. Theme for International Youth Day 2023 Each year, the day is centered around a specific theme that highlights a particular aspect of youth development, such as education, mental health, employment, gender equality etc. The theme for International Youth Day 2023 is Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World. According to the United Nations website, green skills are knowledge, abilities, values and attitudes needed to live in, develop and support a sustainable and resource-efficient society. IYD 2023 will focus on ways in which todays youth can inculcate and use green skills to facilitate environmentally sustainable decisions in work and in life. These are strange times, my dear, the influential Iranian poet Ahmad Shamlou wrote in 1979. Those words still ring true, given the unfolding impact of climate change, authoritarianism, and sectarian conflicts. How should novelists address current times, and how soon is too soon to write fiction about them? Salman Rushdie, for one, has spoken about how writing up against the moment is excitingly dangerous. This was in the context of The Golden House, his 2017 novel in which a Trump-like character, a victorious green-haired cartoon king, prepares to occupy the White House. Certainly, the inclusion of contemporary events can give a novel a topical sheen but equally, it can make it seem dated. Others prefer to wait and watch. Tolstoys War and Peace, set during the period of the Napoleonic Wars, was published about half a century after those events. Then, theres the Zhou Enlai approach: in an apocryphal tale from 1972, when the Chinese Premier was asked about the influence of the French Revolution, he is supposed to have replied: Too early to tell. Sometimes, the present can be too overwhelming for writers of fiction to process. In 1961, Philip Roth wrote that the American writer had his hands full in trying to understand and describe much of his countrys reality. It stupefies, it sickens, it infuriates and finally it is even a kind of embarrassment to one's own meagre imagination. Reality is outdoing our talents, he went on, and the culture tosses up figures almost daily that are the envy of any novelist. Little did he know what was lying in wait. For the writer who decides to dive into the zeitgeist, one challenge is to make the reader viscerally aware of individual circumstances without being overly ideological. A recent notable example is Anjum Hasans Historys Angel, about the predicament of a section of Muslims in north India today though even here, to paraphrase Roth, the actuality is outdoing the narrative. Some find that a better approach is to come at the material obliquely, with parables and overarching metaphors. Look at Orwells influential Animal Farm, which critiqued the cult of Stalin, or Camuss The Plague, widely considered to be an allegory of the Nazi occupation of France. Satire is often a part of such work, and in some cases it is dominant. Evelyn Waughs Vile Bodies, to mention just one, took aim at the bright young things of 1920s London, a generation seen as shallow, flippant, and devoted to partygoing. Most such satires owe a debt to Jonathan Swifts 18th-century Gullivers Travels and A Modest Proposal, both of which were published a few years apart. Turning to history for potent parallels is another tactic. Arthur Millers play, The Crucible, which dramatized the 1692 Salem witch trials, was an allegory for 1950s McCarthyism during which the United States government went after people accused of being communist. Audiences understand all too well, wrote Christopher Bigsby about the play, that the breaking of charity is no less a truth of their own lives than it is an account of historical processes. While some look backwards, others look forwards with SF and fantasy. On the burning issue of climate change, for example, there is Kim Stanley Robinsons The Ministry for the Future and earlier, Octavia Butlers Parable of the Sower. Arguably, works like these communicate the ramifications of global warming better than realistic, present-day approaches. Similarly, dystopian narratives can be forceful reminders of current attitudes. Margaret Atwoods The Handmaids Tale is evidently a commentary on the dangers of religious extremism and the importance of women's rights. And Naomi Aldermans The Power inverts current notions of oppression, power, and gender hierarchy. Sometimes, rushing to write realistically about contemporary events can create work that seems undigested. Take the many Covid-19 short stories and novels on the shelves, for instance. A similar situation arose with novels of 9/11 and its aftermath, from Jonathan Safran Foers Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close to John Updikes awful Terrorist. Writer Valeria Luiselli, who edited a recent volume of prizewinning stories that contained some pandemic fiction, offers a different perspective. She says it makes sense to think of such work as a type of literary archaeology. In her view, the first novels written during the pandemic are a kind of primary-source archive that later might be built on. Be it as a coping mechanism, a source of inspiration and empathy, or an artistic impulse that cant be denied, fiction about the present time can serve a valuable purpose. The best of them, in the words of Guy Davenport, articulate forces to make them intelligible. The question of whether it is too soon or not becomes inconsequential if the work stands the test of time. Bollywood actor Rani Mukerji recently revealed that she suffered a miscarriage five months into pregnancy in 2020, a Business Today report said. The 45-year-old actor, who is at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, revealed that she did not wish to speak about the experience while promoting her last release, "Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway" since she felt she might have come across as someone who was speaking about a personal experience in a bid to promote the movie. "So, it was around the year when COVID-19 struck. It was 2020. I got pregnant with my second baby at the end of 2020 and I unfortunately lost my baby five months into my pregnancy. "Maybe this is the first time I am making this revelation because in todays world every aspect of your life is discussed publicly, and becomes an agenda for talking about your film to get more eyeballs. Obviously, I didnt speak about this when I was promoting the film because it would have come across as me trying to speak about a personal experience that would propel the film," Mukerji said. The actor further said that about 10 days after the miscarriage, she got a call from producer Nikkhil Advani, who spoke to her about the story of "Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway". "After I lost my baby, Nikkhil (Advani) would have called me probably like 10 days later. He told me about the story and I kind of immediately not that I had to have the loss of a child to feel the emotion but sometimes there is a film in the right time of what you are going through personally to be able for you to connect with it instantly," she said. In 2013, Mukerji married producer-director Aditya Chopra and the couple became parents to a baby girl, who was named Adira, in 2015. China sent navy ships and a large group of fighter jets toward Taiwan, continuing its military pressure on the island, Taiwan's defense ministry said Thursday. China claims self-ruled Taiwan as its own territory and has regularly sent flights toward the island in reaction to the islands political activities. In the past year, it has also sent navy vessels as well as drones to circle the waters near the island. Taiwans defense ministry said the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army sent 33 warplanes and 6 navy vessels between 6 a.m. Wednesday to 6 a.m. Thursday. The J-10 and J-16 fighter jets flew across the midline and to the southwest of Taiwan. The ministry said in an earlier statement Wednesday that Taiwans military tracked five of the ships as they sailed in coordination with the flights of the fighter jets. The ministry said it used land-based missile systems to track the aircraft, 10 of which crossed the midline of the Taiwan Strait, an unofficial boundary that had been considered a buffer between the island and mainland. In response to escalating Chinese military pressure, Taiwan has been buying weapons and fighter jets to shore up its defenses. In July, the U.S. announced a $345 million package of sales to Taiwan that will include portable air defense systems, intelligence and surveillance capabilities, firearms and missiles. 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 he Enforcement Directorate on Saturday filed a nearly 3,000-page charge sheet against Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji as part of a continuing money laundering investigation against him and his aides, official sources said. Principal Sessions Judge S Alli, before whom the 47-year-old DMK politician was produced, remanded him in judicial custody till August 25. The minister, who was arrested by the ED on June 14, will continue to be lodged at the Puzhal central jail in Chennai. The central agency filed the prosecution complaint of about 3,000 pages that included more than 2,000 pages of annexures and 168-170 pages of operational documents, arraigning Balaji as an accused, the sources said. The ED is understood to have brought on record various documents seized, purported cash receipts recovered and the statement of Balaji that was recorded by it over the last few days in the charge sheet. The court is yet to take cognisance of the complaint (charge sheet) filed under various sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), they said. Judge Alli had on August 7 permitted the ED to take custody of Senthil Balaji for five days for the purpose of interrogation in connection with the case. Since the custody came to an end on Saturday, the ED produced him before the judge. The judge asked Balaji how he was treated by the ED while in its custody and if there was any complaint against the agency. He replied he was treated well by the ED and had no complaint, the sources said. The agency is expected to file a supplementary charge sheet later as a number of other people including members of Balaji's family have not deposed before it till now. It had recently said in a statement that Balaji's brother RV Ashok Balaji, his (Ashok's) wife Nirmala and mother-in-law P Lakshmi were sent multiple summons to join the probe and record their statements but they are "yet to appear in person, demonstrating a lack of cooperation with the ongoing investigation". A 2.49-acre land located in Karur, valued at more than Rs 30 crore, belonging to Nirmala was frozen by the ED a few days back in this case. Balaji continues to be a minister without portfolio in Chief Minister M K Stalin-led Tamil Nadu government after he was arrested by the ED on June 14 in the money laundering case linked to an alleged cash-for-jobs scam when he was the transport minister during the previous AIADMK regime. He was in judicial custody from that day onwards till August 7. Following an order of the Supreme Court, the ED had on August 7 filed a petition, seeking custody of Senthil Balaji for five days for the purpose of interrogation in connection with the case and the court granted permission. Originally, alleging that her husband was in illegal custody of the ED, his wife Megala filed a habeas corpus petition (HCP) seeking a direction to the agency to produce her husband before the court and set him at liberty. On July 4, 2023, a division bench delivered a split verdict, with one of the judges--Justice Nisha Bani - allowing her plea while Justice Bharatha Chakravarthy held that the ED has the power to take custody of the accused. Therefore, the matter was referred to a third judge. Justice C V Karthikeyan, who was named as a third judge, had on July 14 upheld the arrest of Senthil Balaji and his subsequent remand in judicial custody. However, he referred the matter to the same division bench to decide the date from which the ED can take custody of the accused. Pointing out that the matter was pending before the Supreme Court, the same division bench had on July 25 closed the HCP. The Supreme Court had dismissed on Monday the petitions filed by Balaji and his wife challenging the Madras HC order upholding his arrest, saying a remand order passed by a judicial officer cannot be contested under the guise of a habeas corpus plea. The agency had earlier claimed that Balaji "misused" his office for illegal gratification and "engineered" a job racket scam in the state transport undertakings during 2014-15 with purported kickbacks paid by candidates through his associates who include his brother R V Ashok Kumar and his personal assistants B Shanmugam and M Karthikeyan. "This led to jobs being awarded at the expense of deserving candidates", the ED had alleged. The ED filed a case of money laundering in September 2021 to probe these allegations and its complaint is based on three Tamil Nadu Police FIRs filed in 2018 and later by some of those who failed to get the promised jobs. Australia-listed investment firm GQG Partners added more shares of Nvidia Corp in the second quarter, ending June with $5.9 billion invested in the chipmaker, according to regulatory filings on Friday. Shares in Nvidia are up roughly 180% year to date and reached $1 trillion in market capitalization, amid excitement over advancements in artificial intelligence. In the beginning of June, Chief Investment Officer Rajiv Jain told Reuters he had been meaningfully increasing the firms position in Nvidia, as he believed the stock had room for more gains. GQG held 13.9 million shares of Nvidia at the end of June, or 5.7 million more than it did on March 31. The firm also built a new position in Amazon.com Inc of roughly $2 billion, besides increasing existing positions in some of the other so-called magnificent seven megacap stocks: Alphabet Inc, Apple Inc and Microsoft Corp. Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based GQG, manages $108 billion in assets. 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 BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 12. This long-awaited day has finally come, a resident of the village of Aghali in the Zangilan district, Valida Samedova said, Trend reports. "I am returning to the village with three children and five grandchildren. I am very glad, we have been waiting for this day for so long," she said. Another group of residents returned to the village of Aghali, Zangilan district, liberated from occupation on August 12. At this stage, 22 more families (106 people) moved to the village of Aghali. The return of families to Aghali village has been going on full scale. Following the end of the second Karabakh war, Azerbaijan started to re-settle the families to the village, amid the ongoing renovations there. In particular, In July 2022, the citizens were resettled to the village of Aghali, built on the basis of the concept of a "smart village" in the Zangilan district. Two months before that, on May 27, the opening ceremony of the first stage of the smart village project took place in Aghali. Modern urban planning standards have been applied in the village, including "smart" street lighting, construction of warm and cold-resistant ecological houses, household waste management, installation of solar panels, etc. In order to ensure access to public services and improve the well-being of people in the village, the services of "ASAN", "DOST", the Agency for the Development of Small and Medium-sized Businesses (KOBIA), the State Center for Agrarian Development function in the village. There is also a school, kindergarten, medical center, catering facilities. As many as 200 houses have been built in Aghali. Their energy needs are met exclusively by alternative energy sources designed for more comfortable and safe living. With the relocation of the first group of residents to the village of Aghali on July 19 2022, implementation of the resettlement process, carried out in four stages, was launched. At the first stage, more than 40 families were relocated to Aghali. August 12, 2023 The Bidens' Case Will Keep On Giving The judicial case against Hunter Biden will stay alive. That increases the possibility that Joe Biden will have to answer questions about his own corrupt dealings related to Hunter Biden's businesses. On July 28 a crooked plea deal for Hunter Biden was nixed by a court. As I explained it: Yesterday Delaware US District Judge Maryellen Noreika nixed a plea deal negotiated between Hunter Biden attorney Chris Clark and the prosecutor team from Joe Biden's Department of Justice. Hunter Biden is accused of two tax misdemeanors and wrongdoing in a gun case. The deal was constructed in an unusual way that would have given Hunter Biden immunity over additional accusations of not having registered as a foreign agent under the FARA law. The tax and gun cases were split and the judge would have only been given judicial oversight over the tax issue plea while the immunity part was hidden in the gun case plea deal, a diversion agreement, where the judicial oversight would have stayed with the prosecutor. The wide ranging immunity part would thus have been hidden from the public. ... The results of the dirty deal would have been very generous for Hunter but the judge didn't fall for the trick. ... The deal the prosecutors had agreed to was very unusual and smelled of influence from above. ... The prosecutors should be fired for offering an unprecedented sweetheart deal to the son of the sitting president and for trying to trick the court into agreeing with it. The court sent the prosecutor and Hunter's lawyer back home to renegotiate the plea deal. However, this week the prosecutor, one David C. Weiss, wrote back to the court that the negotiations have failed and that he intends to indict Hunter Biden. At the same time Attorney General Merrick B. Garland has elevated Weiss to the status of special counsel. That is claimed to make him more independent. It also allows him to move the case from the local court and to indict Biden in different states: The prosecutor, David C. Weiss, has since 2018 investigated a wide array of accusations involving Mr. Bidens business and personal life, including his foreign dealings, drug use and finances. But as special counsel, Mr. Weiss, who is also the U.S. attorney in Delaware, can pursue charges in any jurisdiction he chooses without seeking the cooperation of local federal prosecutors. The big question is why Garland allows the same prosecutor who tried to push an obviously crooked plea deal through a court to continue with the case. Sure, Weiss already knows the case. But the crimes Hunter committed are not that complicate. It would not take many weeks for a different prosecutor to learn of all the issues. Another question is why Weiss, 5 years after taking up the case, now made the request to become a special council: The investigation appeared to be near an end in recent months when Mr. Biden agreed to plead guilty to two tax misdemeanors in a deal that would also have allowed him to avoid prosecution on a gun charge. Mr. Weiss, who has been roundly criticized by Republicans over the terms of the deal, asked Mr. Garland on Tuesday to be named special counsel. I have found no source which gave an explanation for Weiss taking this step. A special council is usually used for protection from 'undue political influence' by, for example, the attorney general. But it can also be used to hide things that otherwise would have to be done in the open. That the same prosecutor who tried to hide that he would give immunity to Hunter Biden has taken this step smells of another attempt to come to some other murky deal that will keeps Hunter out of jail and his father in office. But there have also been whistle-blowers who had said that Weiss had previously asked for special council power but that the request had been rejected by the Justice Department. Weiss had denied that: Attorneys for Gary Shapley, a criminal investigator-turned-whistleblower, questioned the credibility of U.S. Attorney David Weiss after his appointment as special counsel Friday in the yearslong investigation into Hunter Biden. Jason Foster pointed to his client Shapley, a veteran IRS agent, testifying to Congress in May that Weiss had once asked for special counsel status in the case and was rejected. Weiss in subsequent letters to Congress denied that, saying he had been "granted ultimate authority" on "where, when, and whether to file charges" in the case. Foster said the appointment of Weiss was "odd because both Mr. Weiss and [Attorney General Merrick] Garland had been saying for a long time that he didn't need special counsel authority." So what has changed that made Weiss take this step and what is its purpose? We do not (yet) know the answers to that. But the fact that the whole issue is kept alive makes Biden's reelection campaign more difficult: President Biden faces the prospect that his reelection campaign will unfold at the same time his son faces trial, possibly in a federal courthouse a few blocks from the White House. The legal proceedings could weigh on the president politically, and the fact that the case involves his surviving son one with a history of drug and alcohol addiction, one he speaks with almost every day, one most of his advisers avoid discussing with him is also likely to weigh on him personally. The problem for Biden senior is much bigger than described above. It is by now known that Joe Biden was intimately involved in the deals his son Hunter Biden did with foreign companies. He had dinner with Hunter Biden's customers and phoned in to meetings with them. The deals were only possible because Hunter Biden's customers expected that Joe Biden would, when necessary, intervene for them. He surely did so in the case of the gas company Burisma in Ukraine. Burisma hired Hunter Biden for a gross amount of money. When the prosecutor general of Ukraine started to confiscate houses and cars from Mykola Zlochevsky, the owner of Burisma, Joe Biden intervened. He halted a $1 billion loan guarantee that Ukraine was supposed to get and pressed for the prosecutor general to get fired. That promptly happened. A few years later Zlochevsky case was quietly buried. We also know from Hunter Biden's laptop that he has paid his father's bills while getting money from Burisma. Joe Biden has thereby directly and personally profited from using his political power for crooked dealings. That the Hunter Biden case stays open guarantees that all these little 'details' will see more and more public light. That increases the chance that Biden's corruption will finally lead to his impeachment. Posted by b on August 12, 2023 at 17:07 UTC | Permalink Comments next page next page BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 12. There is nothing better than returning to native land, a resident of the village of Aghali in the Zangilan district, Ilgar Mammadov said, Trend reports. "Our family consists of four people. My parents have been living in the village of Aghali for more than a year and I visited them here. Now I have also moved here," he said. Another group of residents returned to the village of Aghali, Zangilan district, liberated from occupation on August 12. At this stage, 22 more families (106 people) moved to the village of Aghali. The return of families to Aghali village has been going on full scale. Following the end of the second Karabakh war, Azerbaijan started to re-settle the families to the village, amid the ongoing renovations there. In particular, In July 2022, the citizens were resettled to the village of Aghali, built on the basis of the concept of a "smart village" in the Zangilan district. Two months before that, on May 27, the opening ceremony of the first stage of the smart village project took place in Aghali. Modern urban planning standards have been applied in the village, including "smart" street lighting, construction of warm and cold-resistant ecological houses, household waste management, installation of solar panels, etc. In order to ensure access to public services and improve the well-being of people in the village, the services of "ASAN", "DOST", the Agency for the Development of Small and Medium-sized Businesses (KOBIA), the State Center for Agrarian Development function in the village. There is also a school, kindergarten, medical center, catering facilities. As many as 200 houses have been built in Aghali. Their energy needs are met exclusively by alternative energy sources designed for more comfortable and safe living. With the relocation of the first group of residents to the village of Aghali on July 19 2022, implementation of the resettlement process, carried out in four stages, was launched. At the first stage, more than 40 families were relocated to Aghali. U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks with Mongolias Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai at her ceremonial office, in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, on the White House campus in Washington, U.S., August 2, 2023. REUTERS/Kevin Wurm/File Photo Russian businessman, co-founder of Alfa-Group Mikhail Fridman attends a conference of the Israeli foundation Keren Hayesod in Moscow, Russia, September 17, 2019. Pavel Golovkin/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 12. We return with tears of joy to our native lands liberated from the Armenian occupation, a resident of Azerbaijan's Aghali village in the Zangilan district, Raya Mammadova said, Trend reports. "We are grateful for the return to our native lands to President Ilham Aliyev, our martyrs and veterans who gave us this joy. We have been longing for our native land for many years, and we are happy to come here today. I can't express my joy in words. I left Zangilan with my sons, and now I already have grandchildren. I'm coming back here with them," she said. Another group of residents returned to the village of Aghali, Zangilan district, liberated from occupation on August 12. At this stage, 22 more families (106 people) moved to the village of Aghali. The return of families to Aghali village has been going on full scale. Following the end of the second Karabakh war, Azerbaijan started to re-settle the families to the village, amid the ongoing renovations there. In particular, the citizens were resettled to the village of Aghali, built on the basis of the concept of a "smart village" in the Zangilan district in July 2022. Two months before that, on May 27, the opening ceremony of the first stage of the smart village project took place in Aghali. Modern urban planning standards have been applied in the village, including "smart" street lighting, construction of warm and cold-resistant ecological houses, household waste management, installation of solar panels, etc. In order to ensure access to public services and improve the well-being of people in the village, the services of "ASAN", "DOST", the Agency for the Development of Small and Medium-sized Businesses (KOBIA), the State Center for Agrarian Development function in the village. There is also a school, kindergarten, medical center, catering facilities. As many as 200 houses have been built in Aghali. Their energy needs are met exclusively by alternative energy sources designed for more comfortable and safe living. With the relocation of the first group of residents to the village of Aghali on July 19 2022, implementation of the resettlement process, carried out in four stages, was launched. At the first stage, more than 40 families were relocated to Aghali. 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 Details added, first published at 12:19 BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 12. According to the training plan of the Azerbaijani Land Forces for 2023, orienteering competitions were held among the servicemen, the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan said in a statement, Trend reports. First, the memory of the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev, and Shehids (Martyrs), who sacrificed their lives for the independence and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, was honored with observing a minute of silence. The National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan was performed. The teams involved in the competition tested their ability to determine the direction in the area using a compass and a map. The participants were active during the fulfillment of tasks on identifying control points and detecting targets on the map within the specified distance and time. The servicemen also took part in the individual competition. The members of the board of referees of the Land Forces determined the winners of the competition based on the results of the competitions. According to the decision of the referees, the "Hadrut" team won the cup of the competition. The Baku and Kalbajar teams took the second and third places respectively. The winners were awarded with honorary certificates, cups and medals. In general, the participants who showed the best individual results during the competition involved eight teams consisting of 32 military personnel, will represent the Land Forces in the orienteering competition to be held in the Azerbaijan Army. Brazils police allege Bolsonaro got money from $70,000 sale of luxury jewelry gifts View Photo BRASILIA, Brazil (AP) Brazils federal police on Friday alleged former President Jair Bolsonaro received cash from the nearly $70,000 sale of two luxury watches he received as gifts from Saudi Arabia while in office, posing another potential blow for the embattled far-right leader. Earlier in the day, officers raided the homes and offices of several people purportedly involved in the case, including a four-star army general. Bolsonaro has denied any wrongdoing involving the gifts. A Federal Police officer said the force is seeking authoriziation to access the personal banking and financial information of Bolsonaro. The officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the investigation, said the Federal Police had asked for help from the FBI. Bolsonaros lawyers said in a statement that he would authorize Brazils judiciary to have access to his banking records. President Bolsonaro has never embezzled or misplaced any public assets, it said. The case adds to the legal jeopardy facing Bolsonaro for activities while he was president. He is also being investigated in relation to a rampage by his supporters in the national capital after he left office as well as acts during the presidential election campaign he lost last fall. Brazil requires its citizens arriving by plane from abroad to declare goods worth more than $1,000 and, for any amount above that exemption, pay a tax equal to 50% of their value. The jewelry would have been exempt from tax had it been a gift from Saudi Arabia to Brazil, but would not have been Bolsonaros to keep. The amounts obtained from these sales were transformed into cash and then became personal assets of the former president through middle people and without entering the formal banking system, Federal Police contend, according to an order issued by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes. The judge said police believe the strategy of the suspects was hiding the origin, location and ownership of these amounts. According to the investigation, Bolsonaros aide, Lt. Col. Mauro Cid, in June 2022 sold to a store in the U.S. a Rolex watch and a Patek Philippe watch given as a gift by the government of Saudi Arabia in 2019 for a total of $68,000, the judges order said. The money was allegedly transferred to the bank account of Cids father the same day. In March 2023, when investigations were already underway and the Federal Police requested Bolsonaro return two sets of jewelry gifts, his lawyer, Frederick Wassef, repurchased the Rolex watch in Miami and turned it over to Brazilian authorities in April, the order said. Both Wassef and Cids father were targets of the search and seizure warrants issued Friday, along with a close adviser to Bolsonaro responsible for returning the sets of jewelry. Earlier this year, Bolsonaro was ruled ineligible to run for office until 2030 after a panel of judges ruled he abused his power and cast unfounded doubts on the countrys electronic voting system. He also is facing trial in several other cases that could put him behind bars. One of the investigations revolves around Cids arrest in May for allegedly falsifying COVID-19 vaccine cards for his own family and Bolsonaros family during the pandemic. By CARLA BRIDI and MAURICIO SAVARESE Associated Press California Governor Gavin Newsom seal View Photo Sacramento, CA Governor Gavin Newsom has taken action in response to the deadly wildfires in Hawaii by deploying resources and urban search and rescue personnel to aid in emergency operations within the most heavily affected areas. Governor Newsom, in collaboration with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, has instructed the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) to dispatch 11 members from Californias Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) Task Forces. Their primary focus will be on assisting in recovery operations and conducting search efforts to locate survivors. Additionally, state personnel from Cal OES with expertise in urban search and rescue and mass fatality management have been dispatched to Hawaii. Governor Newsom conveyed, California stands in solidarity with the people of Maui and the entire Hawaiian population in the face of these devastating wildfires that have resulted in loss of life and extensive damage, including the historic town of Lahaina. Californians have firsthand experience with the destructive impact of climate change-fueled wildfires, which have the potential to erase entire communities and centuries of invaluable history and heritage. Our state is providing resources to assist our Pacific neighbors during this challenging period. This deployment is an extension of Californias broad-ranging initiatives to provide aid to other states during times of crisis. In the current year, California has already dispatched firefighters, specialists in disaster recovery, and other personnel to Oregon, New Mexico, and Montana. In 2021, California sent fire engines to assist Oregon during the Bootleg Fire and deployed Specialized Urban Search and Rescue Resources teams to Florida following the collapse of the Surfside condo building. 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. How Vivek Ramaswamy is pushing delicately to win over Trump supporters View Photo VAIL, Iowa (AP) Republican presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy was more than 40 minutes into a town hall in rural Iowa when a woman in the crowd posed a pointed question. Or perhaps it was a suggestion. I know you want to be president, she said. But would you consider being Trumps vice president? The query drew light laughter from attendees and a lengthy response from Ramaswamy. (The short answer: No.) It also highlighted the central challenge facing the wealthy entrepreneur, who has risen from little-known newcomer to as high as third in some Republican primary polls since joining the race nearly six months ago. While voters are increasingly interested in Ramaswamy, its former President Donald Trump who continues to be many conservatives favorite. With the first Republican primary debate in just over a week and the leadoff Iowa caucus five months away, he is delicately working to convince more voters that he could be their nominee and as much as he says he respects Trump would be a better 2024 candidate and president. The debate will be important, but I think also just continuing on the trajectory weve been on, Ramaswamy said after the town hall held in a cavernous welding company workshed in Vail, Iowa. He returns to Iowa on Saturday for the Iowa State Fair, a rite of passage for presidential candidates. Ramaswamy described the months leading up to the first debate as just the pre-season. So were entering the regular season of this and Im coming in with a running start, he said. Thats the way I look at it. He says his strategy heading into the debate in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is speak the truth, pointing to a banner emblazoned with the word TRUTH that serves as his backdrop and has become a campaign theme. The word in all capital letters and a font and that resembles Trump campaign signage is emblazoned on placards, T-shirts and stickers. Ramaswamy says he and others cannot trust the government because the government doesnt tell the truth. It was what motivated him, he says, to travel to the courthouse where Trump was to appear on charges earlier this month to announce he is suing the Justice Department and seeking all records the department has with information about why Trump was indicted. Though such a lawsuit is unlikely to be successful before any GOP primary votes are cast, it was a move that struck a balance between defending Trump and drawing positive attention to his own candidacy, at least among the Republican primary electorate. Thats what this campaign is already all about, speaking the hard truths, the truth that you might speak at the dinner table, but you dont feel free to speak in public, Ramaswamy told the Iowa audience. If he is elected, he said, people will speak those truths again, such as God is real and reverse racism is racism. Having just turned 38, Ramaswamy is the youngest person to be a major Republican presidential candidate. Born in Ohio to immigrant parents from India, he earned a biology degree from Harvard University and then finished Yale Law School. He made his fortune after starting a biotech company, last year founded an asset management firm and is the author of several books, including Woke, Inc. His books helped Ramaswamy gain exposure in conservative circles, including on Fox News, as a critic of ESG, or looking not just at profit in investments, but also at environmental, social and governance issues, such as a companys policies on climate. He bemoans that the United States has become a place full of victims, and says the country has lost its purpose and its focus on faith, patriotism, hard work and family. On the stump, Ramaswamy is able to wax on issues ranging from digital currency to his stance on Israel, the U.S. Constitution and the civil service rules regarding mass layoffs of federal employees rules he says he understands better than any other candidate. He is proud of not needing a teleprompter, and his mix of policy specifics and smooth delivery has won over some voters. Hes a great orator, he has a keen intellect and a lot of knowledge, said Margarite Goodenow, a retiree from Council Bluffs who said she is so far supporting Ramaswamy over Trump. She described the former president as too toxic a position she held before he was indicted in multiple criminal cases though Goodenow said she will support Trump if he is the nominee. Ramaswamy says he can use his deep knowledge to accomplish what Trump couldnt and his other rivals wouldnt be able to laying off 75% of the federal bureaucracy in his first term, including 50% in year one. Some 20,000 members of the FBI would be let go as he dismantles the agency, he said. The remaining 15,000 frontline agents would go to work for what he says are more effective agencies, such as the U.S. Marshals Service, to focus on crimes such as child sex trafficking. He also said that by March 31, 2025, he would station the military along the U.S.-Mexico border positioned every half-mile to protect against illegal immigration and drugs like fentanyl entering the country. Those proposals all brought cheers during his recent Iowa stops. Kelly and Amy Pieper were among the nearly 200 people hailing from more than eight counties, according to organizers who turned out for the Ramaswamy town hall in in the northwest Iowa community of Vail, which has a population of fewer than 400. They liked that Ramaswamy would carry forward many of Trumps policies, but presents himself as more eloquent and optimistic. He gives you a sense of hope, not all doom and gloom, Kelly Pieper said. Its like hes got Trump ideals but is a more eloquent version. Not this crazy uncle talking, his wife, Amy Pieper, added. Thats what we need. Not everyone is convinced he can pull it off, however, even if Iowa has been known to provide some surprises. For Republicans, Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum lodged an unexpected 2012 victory, though he later lost the GOP primary to Mitt Romney. On the Democratic side, it was then-Sen. Barack Obama whose 2008 defeat of Hillary Clinton threw that nomination battle into question. And in 2020, Pete Buttigieg, whose highest office was mayor of South Bend, Indiana, finished atop the field alongside Sen. Bernie Sanders. Joe Biden later won the nomination and defeated Trump. That has set up the rare presidential race with a former office holder seeking reelection, making Trump a formidable opponent whose rallies attract thousands more people. Trumps closest challenger to be Republicans nominee so far is Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has consistently polled a distant second, with Ramaswamy trailing. Voters at the Ramaswamy events consistently said they were deciding between the two alternatives to Trump. But like the woman who intimated that Ramaswamy could be Trumps running mate, Andrew Grove has his doubts about whether the first-time candidate can pull it off. His message is on spot. I just dont know if he has the support to take him over the top, over Trump and DeSantis, said Grove, 53. He added that DeSantis is a proven leader while Ramaswamy has not held public office. Ramaswamy maintains that he is the only candidate in the GOP field who can deliver the landslide victory that the country needs in 2024 something akin to Ronald Reagans wipeout of his 1984 rival rather than the kind of tight race the nation saw in 2020. He says he is attracting support from young people and new donors that older candidates are not. Of his roughly 70,000 individual donors, he says, 40% of those making small-dollar contributions are giving to a Republican for the first time. As for Trump, Ramaswamy responded to the question of being his running mate by speaking warmly of the former president. Ramaswamy was a hardcore supporter of the president in 2020, he said, adding that they talk from time to time, had dinner together a few years ago and that if he becomes president, Trump probably would be his most useful adviser and mentor. But he says the America First movement belongs not just to Trump but to we the people. And he believes he can be more effective at accomplishing things Trump could not, saying a certain segment of the electorate automatically opposes Trump through no fault of his own, he said. Im not having that effect on people, Ramaswamy said. He noted another key difference as he made his case to top the ticket. Hes not the same person he was eight years ago, Ramaswamy said of Trump. I hope certainly and pray that my best days are ahead of me. And I think we might just want a U.S. president whose best days arent behind him. By SARA BURNETT Associated Press Pence signals debate plan to attack Trump and DeSantis for not pushing national abortion ban View Photo DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) Former Vice President Mike Pence said Friday he expected to call out former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis during this months Republican presidential debate for not insisting on a national abortion ban, an issue Pence says requires federal action. My former running mate, the governor of Florida and others are suggesting that the Supreme Court returned the question of abortion to the states, Pence told reporters while touring the Iowa State Fair on Friday. The 2022 Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade stripped away constitutional protections for the procedure. I truly do believe its vitally important that we seize the opportunity at the national level to advance protections for the right to life, and Ill do so as president, he added. This is a really big issue. It will be on the stage in Milwaukee. Pence was referring to the Republican presidential debate scheduled for Aug. 23 in Milwaukee. Pence has recommended federal legislation that would ban abortion nationwide at 15 weeks of pregnancy, a notion fellow Republican presidential candidate Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina has also proposed. Trumps position that the legality of abortion should be determined by states, not the federal government, was sharply rebuked by top abortion opponents, including the Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America group. Trumps three Supreme Court nominees voted with the majority last year to overturn the 49-year-old decision that recognized a federal abortion right. As governor, DeSantis has signed legislation this year banning abortion in Florida at six weeks, but has not pressed for a national ban. That has also drawn criticism from the groups that rebuked Trump. Trump has not said whether he plans to attend the debate in Milwaukee. By THOMAS BEAUMONT Associated Press A 22-year-old Binga man was on Tuesday arrested after he was found in possession of unlicensed firearms. The Zimbabwe Republic Police via their Twitter account confirmed the arrest of Madodana Muleya (22) in connection with a case of possession of unlicensed firearms which occurred on 8 August 2023. The detectives acted on received information and intercepted the suspect at a bar at Manjolo Business Centre Binga. Searches were conducted leading to the recovery of one Blow f929 millimeter firearm with a magazine loaded with three rounds, one EKOL FIRAT Compact 9mm firearm loaded with a magazine of seven rounds, nine loose rounds, two 110ml teargas injectors, a pair of handcuffs and a sjambok made of an electric cable which were in the suspects black and brown satchel, reads the tweet. Breaking News via Email ACCORDING to Sihle Ncube (43) a mother of three, from Matopo village in Matabeleland South province, she grew up believing that wearing a red dress on a rainy day would subject her to being struck by lightning. Ncube recalls the day her grandmother scolded and thrashed her after she wore a red dress on a rainy day. I recall the day when l received a thorough hiding from my grandmother on a rainy day as punishment for wearing red clothes and this was because she suspected the red clothes subjected me to being struck by lightning, recounted Ncube. Ncube said red cloths were also not allowed to be tied on trees as they were believed to have resulted in poor rains. I remember there was a time when there were poor rains in our area and this affected us a lot until our fathers performed a rain making ceremony after it was discovered that there were a number of red cloths in the forest and that they were the ones that had caused these poor rains, recalled Ncube. Ncube, however, encouraged the youth to uphold these cultural beliefs saying they were key in ensuring their safety. In these modern times the youth believe that African practices are outdated and inapplicable in modern times but these beliefs preserved us and ensured that we were safe, said Ncube. It is clear from Ncubes thoughts that these myths which have been around for centuries are still surprisingly popular today. Many of these myths are very loosely based on some truths, but in general are either a simple misunderstanding of events, coincidence, or just stories created to spread controversy and create some sensation. In some cultures tying red cloths on trees is not allowed as they are believed to cause poor rains. A traditionalist David Mhabhinyane Ngwenya popularly known as Khulu Ngwenya said tying of red cloths on trees was a threat to livelihoods. Red cloths on trees are a danger and a threat to the lives of people especially during the rainy season. A number of people have been struck by lightning while taking shelter under these trees being tied with a red cloth, said Khulu Ngwenya. Khulu Ngwenya said red cloths were also sacred as they are synonymous with war. The danger of red cloths is that they symbolise wars in the African tradition, it is actually a taboo to see them in the bushes because they stop the rain, said Khulu Ngwenya. A pastor from Ekukhanyeni Apostolic Church, Oscar Beta concurred with Khulu Ngwenya saying there was a need to ban people from using red cloths in forests. There is a need to ban the use of red cloths during the rainy season because they disrupt the atmosphere and make it difficult for the rain to fall. If we go back to the African tradition red cloths are not used in rain making ceremonies and this is because they symbolise war. I believe that during the rainy season churches must be asked to remove their red cloth from the bushes, said Beta. Zimbabwe National Traditional Healers Association (Zinatha) vice president Abson Moyo said they had tried engaging different religious groups to stop tying red cloths on trees but to no avail. We have tried engaging a number of people in dealing with the issue of tying red cloths on trees but given the different beliefs held by people, we have not been able to solve the problem. In our African tradition a number of cloths have different meanings, the problem is not on the red cloth but the danger is on tying them on trees as it disrupts the rain, said Moyo. However, a scientist, Cosmas Shumba believed the issue of forbidding people from tying red cloths on trees was just a myth that was introduced to conserve the environment Scientifically, this assumption is not valid because poor rains are as a result of climate change that is caused by the emission of gases that lead to global warming. The cutting down of trees has also resulted in reports where a number of people have been struck by lightning as they are the only tallest objects that remain in an area, said Shumba. Shumba said the issue of red cloths was just like the other myths which were coined or used in ensuring that animals do not become extinct. A number of people believe in such myths because Africans are naturally superstitious and this is part of our way of life that we learnt from our forefathers and that is being passed from generation to generation. This is why this myth of tying red cloths on trees has been associated with poor rains. This myth just like others like the belief that if one eats their totem that one will either fall sick or the offender will lose all the teeth. This was made to ensure that animals do not go extinct and ensure that people conserve the environment, said Shumba. Red cloths are used in many religions especially in African traditional religion they symbolise different spirit mediums who are regarded as fighters and hunters while in some Christian religions they are associated with demonic spirits. BMetro Breaking News via Email Yves here. It is gratifying to see that in the UK, there is at least a semblance of a discussion about what to do about rising inequality, and particularly the way the rich keep getting richer. But like Richard Murphy, we have long been skeptical of a wealth tax as an effective means to achieve that end. We did a long-form treatment when the idea was hot due to both Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren presenting wealth tax plans as part of their 2020 campaigns. Some key points are that the super-rich hold a high proportion of their wealth in assets that are legitimately hard to value and reasonable people really do, pretty often, have large difference as to what they might be worth. Another was the one made by Murphy below: a wealth tax would be very costly to administer. If you want to go this route, an inheritance tax can go just as hard at wealth over time at much less cost due to less frequent money-gathering efforts. And to underscore these reservations: the US has not won a valuation dispute in a large estate case since around 1980. So even with the better approach of trying to pluck more feathers but less often, the results are not very good. By Richard Murphy, a chartered accountant and a political economist. He has been described by the Guardian newspaper as an anti-poverty campaigner and tax expert. He is Professor of Practice in International Political Economy at City University, London and Director of Tax Research UK. He is a non-executive director of Cambridge Econometrics. He is a member of the Progressive Economy Forum. Originally published at Tax Research UK I am aware that my old friend, Howard Reed, has produced the data for the TUCs proposed new wealth tax. As the TUC say: The TUC has called for a national conversation on taxing wealth, as it publishes new analysis today (Friday) which shows a modest wealth tax on the richest 140,000 individuals which is around 0.3% of the UK population could deliver a 10.4 bn boost for the public purse. The analysis sets out options for taxing the small number of individuals with wealth over 3 million, 5 million and 10 million, excluding pensions. The TUC says these options are illustrative examples of what a wealth tax could look like, using Spains existing policy as a potential model. Its time for a national conversation I certainly agree with the last point. That is why I have spent much of the summer, so far, working on proposals to collect more tax from those with wealth and high incomes. Sixteen proposals have now been drafted. I think there are eight more still to come, although that number might still grow a bit. As the TUC says on their proposal: The TUC says it is publishing the analysis to kickstart a conversation about tax with the TUC general secretary Paul Nowak declaring now is the time to start a national conversation about taxing wealth. According to analysis commissioned by the TUC, conducted by Landman Economics, cumulative one-off wealth tax (excluding pensions wealth) on: A wealth threshold of 3 million with a marginal tax rate of 1.7% would yield 2.7 billion (with the tax payable on wealth above 3 million by 142,000 individuals or 0.27% of adults in the UK) A further wealth threshold of 5 million with a marginal tax rate of 2.1% would yield an additional 3.2 billion (with the tax payable on wealth above 5 million by 48,000 individuals or 0.09% of adults in the UK) A further wealth threshold of 10 million with a marginal tax rate of 3.5 % would yield an additional 4.6 billion (with the tax payable on wealth above 10 million by 17,000 individuals or 0.02% of adults in the UK). Together this could raise more than 10 billion for the exchequer. I am very familiar with the data that Howard used to prepare these estimates. I am also using it. And, based on it, Howards proposals make sense. My concerns are threefold, at least. First, I think this would be an immensely difficult tax to administer, assess and collect. Valuation disputes would drag on for years and be immensely costly. This is not an efficient way to raise additional tax in that case. Second, there are vastly easier ways to find 10 billion, or much more. Simply introduce tiered interest payments on central bank reserve accounts as I proposed this week and I suspect the revenue saving might be three times that from this proposed wealth tax over the next three years, with very little effort expended. Alternatively, just remove the inheritance tax exemption on residual sums in pension funds when a person dies and considerable sums might be available. Pension pots of over 1 million have a value of at least 1,323 billion as I also showed this week. Bring even part of that sum within the scope of inheritance tax and vastly more than 10 billion a year might be raised. I am not saying Howard and the TUC are wrong. I am saying that this conversation on tax needs to focus on what is most efficiently done. I dont think that suggests that a wealth tax is appropriate. Musicians who play the Tootsies Circuit the collection of Lower Broadway bars owned or co-owned by Steve Smith, including Tootsies Orchid Lounge, Kid Rocks Big Ass Honky Tonk & Rock N Roll Steakhouse, Rippys and Honky Tonk Central are pushing back on a new contract that they say they have been asked to sign in the past month. The one-page contract, which they say comes from an organization called Honky Tonk School, requires artists to pay 10 percent of their Tootsies Circuit base pay to Honky Tonk School, as well as 10 percent of all other performing earnings. In exchange, theyre supposed to get booked for three to five weekly shows at the bars, plus social media support, ongoing vocal lessons and more. Honky Tonk School is a project started by Scott Collier and Smiths brother John Taylor to develop and mentor up-and-coming artists and book them at company bars. The contract, which has a number of typos and confusing grammar choices, had been rumored for several months. Its impending arrival caused concern for musicians who were unclear on what would be required of them and how they would pay the additional expense, says Sasha McVeigh, an advocate for downtown musicians, administrator of an industry Facebook group, and a musician who used to play on the Tootsies Circuit and now plays elsewhere. Artists on the Tootsies Circuit receive base pay that, they say, runs between $200 and $400, based on the time of day and the stage they play. That pay is divided between members of the band, as are tips, which can be substantial on weekend nights. By comparison, musicians report that other Broadway venues pay $100 to $200 or more per person not per band for a four-hour shift. However, they say tips at those spots tend to be lower because there is less passing of the hat (or bucket) for tips. Musicians report they are paid by check the night of the performance, which they then cash in at the bar and divide among band members. The 10 percent of base pay is then submitted via Venmo. A look at the Honky Tonk School Nashville Venmo account shows a number of artists regularly submitting 10 percent after their shows. Some players, who spoke to the Scene on the condition of anonymity, say that they were told the contract had been dissolved this week, just days after it was posted in an industry Facebook group and on Reddit. They were not provided with written confirmation of dissolution, an alternative contract, details on future 10-percent payments, or refunds of the payments already rendered. Some were told that the 10 percent only applied to artists with less than two years tenure playing on the Tootsies Circuit; others were told it only applied to bigger-name acts. Others had not heard that the contract has been dissolved. Neither Collier nor Taylor was available for interviews with the Scene. We've trained them from A to Z, Taylor told The Tennessean in a July story about music on Lower Broadway. We tell them which songs to sing, what to do, and how to do it. Artists are concerned about their ability to make a living. They report that, despite being independent contractors rather than employees, they have been prohibited from playing at other venues that compete with the Tootsies Circuit. One artist quit his other jobs after signing the contract, with the understanding that his band would have five to six shows per week on the Tootsies Circuit. He says hes only been scheduled for two per week, and is wondering how to make ends meet since he cannot play other venues. He is considering not paying the 10 percent fee this week while he sees how things shake out. Other musicians are contributing 10 percent of their income from shows played elsewhere to Honky Tonk School. McVeigh says the contract is unreasonable and the burden on the musicians too high particularly as the high caliber of musicians is what made Lower Broad a tourist destination. McVeigh has helped negotiate discounted downtown parking rates for musicians who are carrying instruments to the honky-tonks as one way to help reduce expenses for those playing these gigs. I have credited Tootsies with helping me get my foot in the door, says McVeigh. I have mad respect for the brand. But it doesnt need to be run like this. Ecuador declares 60-day state of emergency following ASSASSINATION of presidential candidate Outgoing Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso has declared a state of emergency and arrested at least six individuals due to the assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio. Villavicencio, 59, was a conservative and former member of Ecuador's National Assembly. During his tenure, he was a vocal critic of corruption and organized crime. He was assassinated on Wednesday, Aug. 9, while walking to his car from a campaign rally in the capital of Quito. Nine other people were injured during the assassination, including three police officers and a candidate for the National Assembly. A suspected gunman also died of wounds sustained during a brief exchange of gunfire with the Ecuadorian police. During his tenure as a legislator and when he was a journalist, Villavicencio had railed relentlessly against graft and corruption. He also pledged to take the fight directly to Ecuador's drug gangs if elected president. In response to the assassination, Lasso declared a 60-day nationwide state of emergency to bring down the levels of drug-fueled violence in the country. The declaration curtails certain civil liberties such as freedom of movement and assembly. "The armed forces as of this moment are mobilized throughout the national territory to guarantee the security of citizens, the tranquility of the country and the free and democratic elections of Aug. 20," said Lasso. Villavicencio's rivals for the presidential election have all suspended their campaigns following the assassination. Lasso, who described the assassination as a "political crime," also declared three days of national mourning and said the Aug. 20 election will proceed as planned. "We aren't going to hand over power and the democratic institutions to organized crime," said Lasso. "The elections aren't going to be suspended." The presidential candidates are set to resume campaigning sometime after the national period of mourning. Suspects are Colombians part of drug trafficking crime gang Authorities claim that the six suspects arrested right after the assassination are Colombians who are part of a drug trafficking criminal organization. A high-ranking police official noted that some of the Colombian suspects already had criminal records in Ecuador and had also committed crimes in Colombia, where the trade in cocaine continues to flourish. (Related: Cocaine-producing giant Colombia seeks to DECRIMINALIZE the drug.) "They are part of organized crime," said the official. "They are connected to drug trafficking and other crimes." Ecuadorian authorities are currently pursuing the "intellectual authors" of the assassination. The involvement of Colombian nationals has drawn comparisons to the 2021 assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise, whose home was invaded by a group including at least 26 Colombians and two Haitian-Americans, killing him and injuring his wife. Villavicencio's death has also drawn comparisons to the 1989 assassination of Colombian presidential candidate Luis Carlos Galan, who had drawn the ire of notorious drug kingpin Pablo Escobar after he campaigned on pledges to extradite drug traffickers to the United States. Escobar's henchmen, in cooperation with corrupt security officials, later assassinated Galan. Days before his assassination, Villavicencio made multiple references to a criminal organization known as Los Choneros, a drug trafficking organization with origins dating back to the late 1990s in the coastal city of Manta. Los Choneros is regarded as one of the most powerful criminal organizations in Ecuador and is known to work with the extremely powerful Mexican Sinaloa Cartel to traffic cocaine to the United States. It is still unclear whether Los Choneros was responsible for the assassination. At least one other group known as Los Lobos (The Wolves) has posted a video on Twitter with masked members claiming responsibility for the killing. Another video posted by unmasked Los Lobos members refuted this first statement and claimed that the gang was not involved. In one of his last interviews, he accused authorities of not doing enough to deal with the recent crime wave gripping Ecuador. Villavicencio even spoke of threats made against him personally by a criminal nicknamed Fito. The man reportedly sent intimidating messages to him. "If I continue mentioning Fito and Los Choneros, they will break me," he said. But Villavicencio refused to be blackmailed. "Here I am, I am showing my face, I am not afraid of them." In his last speech, mere minutes before his assassination, Antonio Lopez, Villavicencio's campaign director, recalled the candidate telling his supporters that he was proud to be hated by criminals. Villavicencio then reiterated his promise to go after criminals and said that if elected he would give gangs 90 days to hand over all of their weapons before he goes after them. "Democracy has been gunned down and the fight against corruption has been mutilated," said Lopez. "His biggest fight was to combat the narcopolitics." Watch this short clip featuring the moment when Ecuadorian presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio was assassinated. This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Japanese police to test AI-enhanced surveillance systems to better protect VIPs after Abe assassination, Kishida bomb attack. Radical LEFT-WING CULT plots in a private online chatroom to MURDER COPS. UN report: Cocaine smuggling and production increase amid growing demand for illicit substances. Mexican drug cartel caught with military-grade ROCKET LAUNCHERS the same weapons being sent to Ukraine. Medvedev calls for "physical elimination" of Zelensky following failed assassination attempt on Putin. Sources include: WSJ.com AlJazeera.com English.ElPais.com Reuters.com Brighteon.com Elderly man struggling with mobility issues who was caring for his blind adult son shot and killed during FBI raid on home Unlike Kathy Griffins infamous act of holding a decapitated head of Donald Trump dripping with fake blood, past threats against President Trumps life did not culminate in fatal home raids. In a startling turn of events, 75-year-old Craig Deleeuw Robertson, described as an elderly Utah resident, was fatally shot during an early morning FBI raid on Wednesday. Weighing around 300 lbs and grappling with substantial health obstacles that hindered his mobility, Robertson became the unfortunate victim. The FBI swiftly confirmed the incident, revealing that specialized agents were executing arrest and search warrants at a Provo residence, with the deadly shooting occurring at approximately 6:15 am. (Article by Amy Mek republished from RairFoundation.com) The primary focus of this operation revolved around investigating online threats, particularly those aimed at President Joe Biden and other prominent figures. Despite Robertsons apparent disabilities, the FBI classified these online threats as credible. This classification gains notable significance compared to previous cases where symbolic threats were not met with lethal force. Notably, incidents involving Kathy Griffins controversial photograph holding a decapitated head resembling President Trump, and a 2017 Shakespeare in the Park production depicting a staged stabbing of a look-alike of President Trump, did not result in FBI raids and fatal outcomes. Kathy Griffin Shakespeare in the Park production depicting a staged stabbing of a look-alike of President Trump Details emerged from court documents obtained by Fox 13, unveiling Robertsons explicit online threats aimed at causing harm to President Biden during his visit to Utah. Robertson allegedly wrote in a post displaying bold black letters on a pink and purple swirly background, I hear Biden is coming to Utah. Digging out my old Ghillie suit and cleaning the dust off the M24 sniper rifle. President Bidens imminent arrival in Salt Lake City on Wednesday afternoon added urgency to the unfolding situation. Robertsons menacing online behavior extended beyond the President. In March, he reportedly targeted New York County District Attorney Alvin Bragg, overseeing the criminal investigation into former President Donald Trump. In a post, he declared, Ill be waiting in the courthouse parking garage with my suppressed Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm to smoke a radical fool prosecutor that should never have been elected. While conducting surveillance on Robertsons home on March 19, a special agent attempted to speak with Robertson about his posts, according to Fox13. Robertson replied, I said it was a dream! and told the agent to return with a warrant. FBI officials have maintained a veil of secrecy around the exact circumstances that led to the tragic shooting. However, they have assured that a comprehensive incident review is underway within the departments Inspection Division. Offering a glimpse into Robertsons character and life circumstances, Travis Lee Clark, who personally knew and served as the churchs secretary, shared insights. Essentially, he was nearly 80 years old, weighed 300 lbs, and battled significant health constraints that rendered him reliant on a cane and limited his mobility. He even resorted to driving a short distance to church to avoid walking. He cared for his disabled, blind adult son until recently, showcasing his compassionate nature. A cheerful presence, he was known for quick jokes and smiles, serving as our financial clerk for nearly a decade, Clark recounted. A widower since some time ago, Robertson was an active attendee of the Pioneer 2nd Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Provo, Utah, Clark added. Contrary to any perception of him as a credible threat, he was a frail elderly man who vented his frustrations on social media. A good-hearted individual who cherished woodworking and gun collecting, he dedicated himself to his disabled adult son until only a few weeks prior, Clark emphasized. Photographs of Craig Deleeuw Robertson, as attested by acquaintance Travis Lee Clark, are estimated to be between 10 to 15 years old. Another man who characterized himself as a friend of Robertson for over four decades conveyed his profound shock over the unfolding events to FOX 13 News. He was the type of person who would go to great lengths to assist anyone. He possessed an incredible nature. Firm in his faith and brimming with love, he radiated warmth. Our bond has been that of brothers for many years, Steve Terry shared with FOX 13 News. Terry expressed disbelief at the tragic turn of events. The things that have been circulating about him in the media are not correct. Craig would do anything to help people, he said. As the investigation continues, the community grapples with the sudden loss of a man cherished for his warmth, devotion to his son, and contributions to the church. President Bidens visit to Salt Lake City proceeded without disruption. Nevertheless, the incident ignited discourse on online threats, mental health, and the appropriate actions of law enforcement agencies. Full details of the incident remain concealed, awaiting the conclusion of the FBIs Inspection Divisions review. Read more at: RairFoundation.com WHY ONLY NOW? FDA rules that doctors can now prescribe ivermectin for COVID-19 In a rare pivot from its previous stance , the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suddenly declared that it is now okay for doctors in the United States to prescribe ivermectin as a remedy for patients suffering from the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19). Ashley Cheung Honold, a Department of Justice (DoJ) lawyer representing the FDA, announced during oral arguments at an August 8 hearing in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit that the FDA now "explicitly recognizes that doctors do have the authority to prescribe ivermectin to treat COVID." This is an about-face from what the FDA did all during the "pandemic" by not only banning the prescription of ivermectin for COVID but also going after doctors who dared to defy the corrupt federal agency's do-not-prescribe orders. At one point, the FDA even mocked the public for believing in ivermectin, falsely claiming that it is just "horse paste" for horses and livestock. The FDA must have forgotten during the scamdemic maybe it was the COVID brain fog? that the agency approved ivermectin for human use back in the 1990s. "You are not a horse," the FDA tweeted on Aug. 21, 2021, when X was still called Twitter. "You are not a cow. Seriously, y'all. Stop it." Nobody trusts the FDA anymore; the agency is a really bad JOKE The case was brought before the courts by three separate doctors who allege the FDA unlawfully interfered with their medical practices simply because they prescribed ivermectin to some of their patients who benefitted from the safe and effective generic drug. In 2022, a federal judge dismissed the initial case, prompting the plaintiffs to file an appeal. "The fundamental issue in this case is straightforward," said Jared Kelson, representing the doctors, to the appeals court. "After the FDA approves the human drug for sale, does it then have the authority to interfere with how that drug is used within the doctor-patient relationship? The answer is no." Besides the mocking tweet from 2021, the FDA also lied at a later date to the public by falsely claiming that ivermectin "isn't authorized to treat COVID-19," even though off-label drug use is common with all sorts of other FDA-approved drugs. "FDA made these statements in response to multiple reports of consumers being hospitalized after self-medicating with ivermectin intended for horses, which is available for purchase over the counter without the need for prescription," Honold tried to claim in the FDA's defense. Honold further tried to rewrite history by claiming that the FDA never required anyone to do anything or not do anything when it comes to taking ivermectin for COVID remember, though, that ivermectin is only available in the U.S. with a doctor's prescription. "What about when it said, 'No, stop it'?" Circuit Judge Jennifer Walker Elrod snapped back to Honold's ridiculous claims of defense towards the FDA. "Why isn't that a command? If you were in English class, they would say that was a command." Judge Elrod truly deserves commendation for using logic to deconstruct Honold's phony arguments and claims, which clearly do not pass muster. The FDA directly interfered with U.S. physicians and their legal right to practice medicine as they best see fit, and the corrupt federal agency needs to be held accountable for its crimes against humanity. Hilariously, Honold responded back to Judge Elrod that when the FDA made these direct commands, they were "merely quips" and supposedly not intended to be taken seriously. "In some contexts, those words could be construed as a command," Honold further tried to state. "But in this context, where FDA was simply using these words in the context of a quippy tweet meant to share its informational article, those statements do not rise to the level of a command." More related news coverage can be found at FDA.news. Sources for this article include: NaturalNews.com TheEpochTimes.com Kim Iversen warns gene-edited mosquitoes could be used for mass vaccination WITHOUT CONSENT In a trial study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), researchers looked at how genetically modified (GM) mosquitoes could be used to vaccinate humans against malaria. Details of the study, which was conducted by researchers from the University of Washington led by Dr. Sean Murphy, were published in the journal Science Translational Medicine. Kim Iversen, host of "The Kim Iversen Show," is skeptical about the real purpose of these GM mosquitoes because they could easily be used to vaccinate people without their consent. For the study, scientists genetically altered the malaria-causing Plasmodium falciparum parasite by removing several genes to create a "minor version of malaria" that can't cause sickness in humans. They exposed as many as 200 mosquitoes to the parasite before allowing the insects to bite each volunteer three to five times over a 30-day period. The scientists said this would be enough to stimulate the production of antibodies that could last up to six months. Murphy and his fellow researchers reported that they decided to use mosquitoes instead of syringes to save cost. They also claimed that they had no plans to use the technology to mass vaccinate millions of people without their knowledge. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "infections caused by P. falciparum are the most likely to progress to severe, potentially fatal forms" of malaria. Recorded adverse reactions in trial participants were allegedly "what one would expect after getting bit by hundreds of mosquitoes and nothing more." But one of the trial participants named Carolina Reid said her entire forearm "swelled and blistered." Despite the study's mixed results, the researchers insist that the results support the "further development of genetically attenuated sporozoites as potential malaria vaccines." The researchers explained that they used live mosquitoes instead of a vaccine that could be delivered via a syringe because "the use of live insects made sense" since the P. falciparum parasite quickly matures inside the mosquito. They added that the process of developing a version of the parasite that could be delivered via a syringe was "costly and time-consuming." On the other hand, they think that the unusual approach they used can contribute to the development of a "substantially more effective" malaria vaccine. As of writing, only one malaria vaccine is in use. The RTS,S vaccine produced by GlaxoSmithKline was approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) in October 2021. However, the RTS,S vaccine only has an efficacy rate of 30 to 40 percent. Dr. Kirsten Lyke, a vaccine researcher at the University of Maryland, said the use of a genetically modified live parasite as a vaccine is "a total game changer." Sanaria, a company funded in part by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), is closely tied to the research. The scientists who conducted the trial used a gene-editing technology heavily promoted by Bill Gates. (Related: CLAIM: Malaria outbreak may have been caused by Bill Gates project that released GMO mosquitoes in Florida last year.) Invasive method could be used for something suspicious Iversen has voiced her skepticism, warning that it's highly likely that the invasive method could be used for something suspicious. She wanted to know what exactly the research is going to be used for, such as the government potentially buying a batch of genetically modified mosquitoes and releasing it to an unwitting population. The host also had questions about the mosquitoes, which could easily get inside crates and be shipped around the world and to various locations. Lyke led the Phase 1 trials for the Pfizer/BioNTech Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine. She also served as co-investigator for Moderna's and Novavax's COVID-19 vaccine trials. According to Iversen, the public should be wary because Lyke, a COVID-19 researcher, thinks the mosquito vaccine study is a "great" idea. Iversen also hoped that the GM mosquitoes did not escape from the study into the wild, which could be hard for the scientists to track and confirm. "If some mosquitoes were unaccounted for, how would the researchers know if they didn't escape from the lab?" Iversen asked. She also warned that the potential escape of the mosquitoes is a scenario similar to the COVID-19 lab leak in Wuhan. Visit BioTech.news for more articles about genetically modified mosquitoes and other dangerous experiments. Watch the video below to learn more about Bill Gates' mosquito depopulation plan. This video is from the InfoWars channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: CLAIM: CIA funded secret mosquito experiment in India in the '70s. Educator Peggy Hall blasts plan to release BILLIONS of lab-bred mosquitoes in Hawaii. GMO mosquitoes now secretly VACCINATING people without their consent. Sources include: ChildrensHealthDefense.org 1 ChildrensHealthDefense.org 2 Brighteon.com NASA and private companies to launch BUSINESS on the MOON within the next decade The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is preparing to send astronauts back to the moon on its Artemis Missions within the next decade. But it's not for another scientific mission it's for business this time. The Artemis missions aim to establish a sustained human presence on the moon, paving the way for future extraplanetary colonization and resource utilization. With a potential market value of over $100 billion, the moon is poised to become a hub of economic activity and commerce. "Definitely the moon is going to be a big business," stated Prachi Kawade, a senior analyst at NSR, a space market research and consulting firm. NASA's ambitious endeavor has caught the attention of private companies. For instance, Elon Musk's SpaceX has emerged as a frontrunner in the race to develop the human landing system (HLS), a space transportation that will bring astronauts from the moon's orbit to the lunar surface. Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin, another prominent player, recently secured a $3.4 billion contract to develop the Artemis V human lunar launcher. The New Glenn mega-rocket of Blue Origin is set to play a pivotal role in future lunar missions. Astrobotic Technology and Intuitive Machines lead the development of uncrewed robotic landers to establish cost-effective transportation of goods and services to the moon. Lockheed Martin, in partnership with General Motors, is crafting battery-powered lunar rovers to outperform their prototypes from the Apollo era. The tech giant Nokia is on a mission to bring 4G internet connectivity to the moon by 2024 to provide a lifeline for lunar missions. Furthermore, the Artemis missions plan "in-situ resource utilization" to the moon. Meaning to say, the project intends to mine and exploit lunar resources on the moon or on Earth. "We want to leave behind a wake of commercial activity and commerce and more routine living and working in space," Steve Creech, acting deputy associate administrator for the Artemis campaign, told Insider. Regolith, or moon dust, could be mined for helium-3, a rare particle that holds promise for clean energy generation on Earth. Meanwhile, the moon's water caches near its poles could be extracted and converted into fuel, enabling longer lunar missions and serving as a refueling station for journeys to Mars. Lunar Outpost, a space-tech firm, has secured $12 million in seed investment to develop lunar rovers and technologies for this mission. US and its allies are racing to the moon against China The lunar market is not without geopolitical implications. The U.S. and its allies are not only competing for lunar resources and business opportunities, but also for strategic dominance in outer space. They aim to establish a presence on the moon ahead of China. "Money isn't the only drive pushing the U.S. and its allies to bring businesses to the moon. There are strong political incentives to get there before China," noted renowned space analyst Rosseau. This sentiment was echoed by Bill Nelson, the current administrator of NASA. "It is a fact: We're in a space race." (Related: Space running out of space: Experts warn space race could lead to war on Earth.) "It is true that we better watch out that they don't get to a place on the moon under the guise of scientific research," Nelson warned. "And it is not beyond the realm of possibility that they say, 'Keep out, we're here, this is our territory.'" The rivalry between the U.S. and China has stemmed from both nations aggressively pursuing lunar exploration programs, including plans to land people on the moon. "It might seem like space is big, but the specific orbits that we are most interested in get filled up fast," said Laura Forczyk, executive director of the Atlanta-based space consultancy Astralytical. In the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 signed by 110 countries, space should be used for the benefit of all humanity and prohibited any single nation from claiming or occupying celestial bodies. Similarly, the Artemis Accords of 2020, a collaborative framework drawn up by NASA and endorsed by over 24 space-faring nations, sought to promote peaceful and transparent space exploration through non-binding multilateral agreements. But China, which has been absent from this pact, charted an independent course to the moon and sought stronger partnerships with space agencies in Russia, Latin America and Central Asia. So experts warn that the intensifying race for space dominance could lead to war on Earth. Follow Space.news for more news about the ongoing space race. Watch this video that talks about how space is becoming weaponized. This video is from the Airtv International channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: MOON HARVEST: Researchers successfully harvest crops from Mars and Moon soil simulants developed by NASA. NASAs first black astronaut to orbit the moon pulls political race card using poem: Whitey on the moon. China to begin construction of LUNAR BASE using moon soil. China could claim parts of the moon, NASA head warns. NASA plans to MINE THE MOON by early 2030s, says rocket scientist. Sources include: MSN.com DailyStar.co.uk NBCNews.com Americans beware: Roving gangs of 13-17-year olds (guess the race) are killing elderly people The next time you feel a surge of outrage over a crime, and a choir of liberals joins in to shield the bad guy with the excuse, But hes only 15, kindly remember that roving gangs of teens are actively killing elderly people all over the country. Thats what recently happened in Philadelphia, another liberal-run city thats turned into a cesspool of hopelessness and soaring crime. A 15-year-old, along with several of his friends, attempted to carjack a couple, and ended up murdering a 50-year-old man in cold blood. (Article republished from Revolver.news) The suspects name is Rasheed Banks, and he was just captured. Phila. Police homicide fugitive Rasheed Banks Jr. has been arrested by the New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force and @USMS_Philly in Camden, New Jersey. Banks was wanted for the July 12th carjacking and murder of a 50-year-old man at 12th and Porter in South Phila. pic.twitter.com/KvCnVyF2BF U.S. Marshals Service Philadelphia (@USMS_Philly) August 7, 2023 Lately, theres been a growing number of reports about these teens engaging in acts of assault, robbery, and even homicide. And its important to note that their targets arent solely limited to older Americans. In Jacksonville, a 12-year-old beat his own brother to death. In Michigan, a high school honor-roll student was murdered by 13 and 14-year-olds in a carjacking. These teen-related crimes have become an epidemic, so what on earth is going on? Washingtonian: Carjackings in the District have surged since the pandemic, in particular incidents that involve teens. This has led to a sense of fear among some DC residents. Ive been to too many meetings where people are concerned about public safety, Mayor Bowser said at a February press conference on the rise in youth-involved carjackings. Regarding carjackings, she said, The fear and anxiety I hear in our residents, I havent heard in a little bit. And while the data does reflect a rise in carjackingsthe DC polices online carjacking dashboard suggests that incidents have nearly tripled since 2019some criminal justice experts urge caution when interpreting these numbers, saying that they dont represent an out-of-control spiral in youth crime. Neither, they say, do the data paint a holistic picture of the grief and community underinvestment that are causing young people to act out. The truth is, were a society that glorifies criminals and condemns police and good Samaritans. What were witnessing right now in America is the rise of the thug. As independent journalist Mike Cernovich points out, remaining vigilant is crucial at all times. Its essential to remember that appearances can be deceiving, and youth doesnt always equal innocence and kindness. The presence of these roaming gangs is a real concern. 15 years old. Remember that during the next media psyop. When a man defends himself or others, the agitprop is, He was only 15! Roaming gangs of 13-17 year olds are killing elderly people. Stay smart. https://t.co/zokn3qrhom Cernovich (@Cernovich) August 7, 2023 Thankfully, as we mentioned earlier, this pint-sized murderer was captured by U.S. Marshals. ABC 6 Rasheed Banks Jr. was captured by U.S. Marshals in Camden, New Jersey on Monday, according to investigators. He was wanted for the July 12 murder of 50-year-old Michael Salerno, who was gunned down on 12th and Porter streets. Investigators say Salerno was shot when three males were trying to carjack his vehicle. A female friend was inside the car. The offenders approached the vehicle, and the offenders were aggressive and violent from the start, said Lt. Hamilton Marshmond last month. While trying to stop them, Salerno was shot once in the head. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Salerno was not inside the vehicle at the time of the carjacking, police said. It appears the suspects may have been looking for a target. Police say they were circling the neighborhood in a Red Kia Soul with out-of-state plates. Theres a concerning trend of teenage mob attacks, whether its on individuals in public spaces or inside stores where robbery and looting occur. Shocking video shows the moment a group of 60 rampaging teens loot and vandalize a Walgreens store in Philadelphia before fleeing into the night on July Fourth pic.twitter.com/dgiRYjpLmA Blanche Victoria (@tammytabby) July 10, 2019 The Summer of Wildin' Teens running amok in NYC, Chicago, and Oakland Street takeovers elsewhere, including smaller towns What's the MAIN reason for this chaos? pic.twitter.com/WRinZMwEhZ Free Your Fam (@FreeYourFam) August 7, 2023 Unfortunately, the situation doesnt seem likely to improve, especially with misguided leaders like the progressive bozo currently at the helm in Chicago. The citys new mayor appears more concerned about offending criminals than prosecuting them. The New York Post: Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson reportedly snapped at a reporter for calling young rioters a mob, insisting they were just large gatherings and that labeling the riots mob actions was inappropriate. Thats not appropriate, the newly minted mayor said in response to a reporters question about trends like mob actions the city has endured. Were not talking about mob actions. I didnt say that, Johnson barked back. These large gatherings its important that we speak of these dynamics in an appropriate way. Hundreds of rioters flooded Chicagos South Loop late Sunday, when teens took over the area for the second time in just a few days and looted a local convenience store, Fox News Digital reported. The wisest approach to this nightmarish situation is to remain vigilant and avoid writing someone off as innocent just because theyre young. Theres a concerning trend of demonic behavior among American teenagers right now, so its crucial to stay on guard, for yourself and your family. Read more at: Revolver.news Russian electronic warfare systems are successfully disabling sophisticated US-supplied Ukrainian weapons Reports coming out of Ukraine note that Russia is disabling "sophisticated" Kyiv's Western-supplied missiles , rendering them useless on the battlefield. Bryan Clark, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute think tank, said Russian electronic warfare capabilities used to be inferior compared to their Ukrainian opponents, largely because they could not keep up with their troops on the ground. "Russian systems are largely unwieldy, vehicle-borne systems that are designed to be on the defensive," said Clark. "And as a result, their electronic warfare systems weren't very agile, they weren't very fast and they weren't very numerous." (Related: Former Pentagon officer David Pyne says Russia's capability in electronic warfare is unparalleled.) But Clark noted that Russia may have learned from its earlier mistakes. Instead of using large bulky radar and electronics jamming equipment that can easily be spotted and destroyed by drone strikes and artillery, Russian forces are now relying on hundreds of smaller and more mobile electronic warfare equipment deployed all along the front line. "This is a war of technologies," said Col. Ivan Pavlenko, chief of the Ukrainian General Staff's electronic and cyber warfare department. Pavlenko admitted that Russian systems are reducing the efficiency and accuracy of the Western weapons Ukraine has been receiving. This has led to a change of tactics within the Ukrainian forces, who are now focusing on targeting Russian electronic warfare systems. "Before we strike with a precision-guided munition, we have to provide intelligence," he said. "Is there any suppression in that area? If that area is affected by a jamming signal, we have to find the jammer and destroy it, and only then use this weapon." Russian GPS jamming equipment preventing Ukraine from conducting accurate missile strikes Over the course of Russia's special military operation, Ukrainian capabilities have been developing thanks in no small part to the immense amount of military equipment sent to the nation by the United States and other Western nations. Ukraine has reportedly been relying more and more on Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs), a very cost-effective system that can convert unguided bombs into missiles that can be guided by GPS systems. These bombs can be launched by air to hit targets up to 45 miles away. Ukrainian forces hoped that these weapons could help in the latest counteroffensive against Russian forces. While Russian forces aren't able to prevent the launching of JDAMs, their electronic warfare systems are successfully affecting the trajectory of these missiles by drawing out their GPS guidance signals from satellites. One widely used Russian jamming system, the R-330Zh Zhitel, a truck-mounted electronic warfare system, is able to jam GPS and satellite signals with 100 megahertz to two gigahertz wavebands. "Zhitel can jam a GPS signal within 30 kilometers [18.6 miles] of the jammer," noted Clark. "For weapons like JDAM bombs, which use just a GPS receiver to guide it to the target, that's sufficient to lose its geolocation and go off target." Targeted wavebands from the Zhitel can also significantly hinder the accuracy of the guided rockets fired by the American-made M142 HIMARS multiple rocket systems. Russian investment into counter-GPS technologies is part of the country's massive electronic warfare campaign to disrupt Ukrainian radio communications and drone operations, preventing Kyiv from bringing to bear the vast arsenal of sophisticated Western-supplied weapons systems at its disposal. Clark said Ukraine has been attempting to develop countermeasures against Russian jamming, including reprogramming weapons. This in turn spurs Russian forces to develop their own counter-measures. Clark described it as an intense competition of "move and counter-move" playing out all over the front lines. "The problem may well be the sheer power of the jamming signal that can be brought to bear," said Thomas Withington, a researcher for the United Kingdom's Royal United Services Institute. He added that his institute's estimates believe there may now be at least one major Russian electronic warfare system within 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) of the front line. Such extended coverage is reportedly leading to up to 10,000 Ukrainian drones lost per month. "If you're losing in electronic warfare, your forces will turn into a 19th-century army," noted Yaroslav Kalinin, chief executive for Infozahyst, a company that manufactures electronic warfare systems for Ukraine. "You will be 10 steps behind your enemy." Learn more about the different weapons being used in the conflict in Ukraine at WeaponsTechnology.news. Watch this video from "The New Atlas" discussing the failures of Ukraine's so-called counteroffensive. This video is from the channel The Prisoner on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Pentagon report: Huge amount of U.S. military aid to Ukraine has been stolen by criminal organizations and arms traffickers. All those armored fighting vehicles the U.S. sent to Ukraine? One third of them have already been destroyed by Russia. U.K. facility where cutting-edge missiles are manufactured goes on STRIKE, leaving Ukraine without promised weaponry. Biden sends cluster bombs to Ukraine, contradicting his admin's past statement that use of such weapons is a WAR CRIME. France promises to supply Ukraine with long-range cruise missiles, putting a target on itself for Russia's nuclear weapons. Sources include: BusinessInsider.com BBC.com Military.com TheDefensePost.com Brighteon.com Seattle mayor demands FEWER WHITE MEN in citys police department, leaked memo reveals Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell wanted fewer White men and individuals with "military bearing" among the ranks of the Seattle Police Department (SPD), according to a leaked memo. The memo dated March 23 was penned by Ben Dalgetty, a digital strategy lead from the mayor's office overseeing the SPD's marketing efforts. He put Harrell's wishes in writing through the memo, asking for "less" images and videos of "officers who are White [and] male" and "officers with military bearing." Dalgetty instead asked for more "officers of color," those of "different genders" and "younger" police officers. According to a source within the SPD, the memo was part of a larger effort to hire fewer police officers who are White and are military veterans. However, it caused a stir among the ranks of law enforcement within the Emerald City. The source who spoke on the condition of anonymity said: "I thought, 'Are you kidding me? You put this in writing?'" "It shows not only a lack of respect for officers, but a lack of respect for the military. They have no understanding of someone willing to put their lives on the line for their fellow man. They don't have respect." In July 2022, Harrell announced his recruitment and retention plan. Alongside his commitment to hire 500 cops by 2027, the mayor promised an SPD with "diverse racial and immigration backgrounds." The endeavor called for a "new kind of officer," which led to a shift in its recruitment strategy at the cost of hiring fewer White men and military veterans. According to KTTH 770, the SPD lost 61 officers through June 30 of this year and only recruited 41. Despite this, the mayor's office focused the police department's recruitment efforts to exclusively reach Black, Hispanic and Asian residents. Under Dalgetty's purview, staff members at SPD's human resources section planned to advertise with media outlets whose market focuses on each of those ethnicities. (Related: Police "reform" laws will FORCE cops to have "racial quotas" for detaining a certain number of Asians, whites and women.) Dalgetty edits memo following backlash Following reports that the memo raised significant concerns within the SPD, Dalgetty proceeded to edit the memo effectively destroying a record that the city was obliged to maintain for public disclosure. In one edit, Dalgetty removed language asking for fewer images and video of white men. In another edit, he removed references to officers with military bearing. Finally, Dalgetty removed this explanation: "This doesn't mean no officers who are white or male or only young officers of color, but guidelines to shift the proportions of our photo/video collateral to more of some things and less of others." According to the police source, the memo revealed how little Dalgetty and his team understood about police recruiting. The tipster said: "This was not their area of expertise and they didn't understand the police department or what it took to recruit police officers." While the leaked memo pertained to marketing materials, it could bite back Emerald City should anyone make a legal claim of discrimination. Labor and employment attorney Joshua Brittingham said the memo "focuses on images for marketing purposes" and could protect the SPD from legal liability. "Employment laws prohibit refusing to hire, terminating or discriminating against any person in wages or in other terms or conditions of employment based on race and veteran/military status," he stressed. "In the event of such discrimination for example, an officer demoted or fired because he was White or a veteran the memo might be used as evidence to demonstrate illegal discriminatory intent." Seattle Police Officers Guild President Mike Solan denounced the memo's wording. "When politics is intentionally inserted into the public safety policing conversation, we all lose," he noted. "This is flat-out discrimination, period. It is an affront to decency, reasonableness and further divides our communities." Visit AntiWhite.news for more stories about discrimination against Whites. Watch this Next News Network report about SPOG President Mike Solan warning of police defunding efforts. This video is from the RealNewsChannel.com channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: The Smithsonian denounces "dominant white culture," its rugged individualism, the family unit, the scientific method, and the value of hard work. Seattle holds white re-education seminar where employees are forced to admit their "complicity in the system of white supremacy." BIASED: Mainstream media disproportionately covers cases involving white cops shooting black suspects, study shows. WHITE PEOPLE: The only race you can legally discriminate against in the USA. Media agrees: Blame White people for five Black cops beating Tyre Nichols. Sources include: MyNorthwest.com Brighteon.com As Iraq continues to face the challenges of the water crisis, the United Nations has warned that it could affect other countries in the region. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk paid a four-day visit to the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, the oil-rich southern city of Basra, and Irbil in the northern semi-autonomous Kurdish region. Basra, where the two rivers meet, has been severely hit by the water crisis, with regions that were previously fertile becoming deserts and water purifying facilities forced to shut down due to increased salinity. The UN official underscored that Iraq is one of the world's most vulnerable countries to climate change and that what is happening in the country is a "climate emergency" that has to be addressed, not just for the country but for the world. "What is happening here is a window into a future that is now coming for other parts of the world - if we continue to fail in our responsibility to take preventive and mitigating action against climate change," Turk said in a press statement. Read Also: 4-Year Extreme Drought Crisis in Iraq Destroys Fish Farms Toxic mix Turk blamed the country's climate crisis on a "toxic mix" of global warming and drought, poor water management, violence, and "oil industry excesses." He spoke of decades of draining marshlands in the country's south, saying restoration would be difficult, especially given the country's high temperatures. He is concerned that this will exacerbate climate displacement and migration. The government has disclosed that Iraq's water reserves are at their "lowest". "Current water reserves in Iraq are the lowest in the history of the country, and is 50 percent of last year," Khaled al-Shamali, spokesman of the Iraqi ministry of water resources, said in an interview. Shamali also said that the amount of water flowing into Iraq through the Tigris and Euphrates rivers is lower than the amount being released by the retention dams on both rivers. The Mosul dam on the Tigris River receives 275 cubic meters of water per second (mcps) but releases 400 mcps, while the Haditha dam on the Euphrates River releases 200 mcps but only receives a flow of 153 mcps. The ministry earlier announced that Iraq's water reserves have plummeted to seven billion cubic meters, down from 60 billion cubic meters in 2020. According to Shamali, the country's water reserves are currently five billion cubic meters. Crackdown on unauthorized fish farm The government has implemented a crackdown on the illegal fish farms in the country. The ministry said almost half of Iraq's estimated 5,000 "unlicensed" fish farms have been closed, although authorities still allow movable fish tanks immersed in waterways. They justified this action by claiming that they "increase the water surface susceptible to evaporation," cause seepage into the soil, and contribute to "environmental pollution." The president of the Iraqi Association of Fish Farmers, Ayad al-Talibi, said he accepted the closure of unlicensed ponds but questioned whether the water saved was "properly used." Iraq used to produce about one million metric tons of fish per year before the May crackdown, but Talibi told national television Al-Ikhbariya that output has now dropped to 190,000 metric tons. Related Article: Making Waves: Exploring the Impacts of the Global Water Crisis Through Film Related Video: BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 12. The price of Azeri LT CIF Augusta brand totaled $91.4 per barrel on August 11, increasing by $0.21 compared to the previous price, Trend reports, referring to the source from the country's oil and gas market. Azeri LT FOB Ceyhan brand currently costs $90.46 per barrel, which is $0.22 more than the previous price. In addition, Azerbaijan sells its URALS oil through the Baku-Novorossiysk pipeline from the Russian Black Sea port of Novorossiysk. URALS cost $74.1 a barrel when shipped from the port, a decrease of $0.1 from the previous price. Meanwhile, the price of a barrel of Brent Dated oil produced in the North Sea rose by $0.16 from the previous day on August 11 to $88.43 per barrel. (1 USD = 1.7 AZN on August 12, 2023) Russian wildfires have engulfed swathes of land in the republic of Sakha, the country's largest and coldest region, according to local authorities. About 100 wildfires have spread across the region, as well as in Moscow, near Russian President Vladimir Putin's home. Authorities add the combined affected area of the blaze is around half the size of the country of Luxembourg. Scientists have blamed human-induced climate change to be behind the raging fires. In recent years, significant warming has been reported across Russia's Arctic regions. This year alone, other parts of the country, including in the Urals Mountains, were ravaged by wildfires damaging homes and causing evacuations. Some environmental activists claim that these flames could also be man-made. Russian Wildfires In a post on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, work is underway to quell "51 fires per 105,000 hectares" in Sakha as of Monday, August 7, according to a cited report of Russia's Ministry of Ecology, Nature Management and Forestry. The video was taken by the region's Ministry of Emergency Situations' main directorate. 51 105 . . , :https://t.co/U3yyfHmEn6 : ()/ pic.twitter.com/xPCBYMwf6N (@tass_agency) August 7, 2023 The X post shows a video where firefighters are tackling the blaze in a forest area, where smoke is hovering above it. Amid the catastrophe, there were no immediate reports of fatalities linked to the Russian wildfires. Meanwhile, the fire in Moscow struck a warehouse, just four miles from President Putin's official home. The Moscow fire has spread to more than 21,500 square feet in Odintsovo, located west of Moscow. As mentioned earlier, this is not the first time that fires broke out in Russia this year. In May, massive wildfires also killed at least four people in the Ural Mountains. Also Read: Extreme Drought Forces Spain to Impose Strict Water Restrictions Russian Climate Policy Not even some of the cold Russian forests are spared from the global impact of the current climate crisis, ranging from global sea level rise due to melting glaciers to worsening extreme weather events. According to the organization Climate Chance, Russia's climate policy is under fire as forest fires are depleting carbon sinks. This comes as the Russian government and non-state actors, in recent years, have implemented policies to mitigate the growing wildfire threat. Although Russia has engaged in reforms surrounding wildfire mitigation efforts, extending to local governments, the country is facing a gradual depletion of the net absorption capacity of its forests until the year 2040 due to various reasons, including aging trees. Global Warming For decades, climate scientists have warned that global warming can trigger increased frequency and intensity of wildfires. Countries in tropical and subtropical regions are at risk, wherein high temperatures and humid conditions greatly contribute to fire weather conditions. According to the National Weather Service, fire weather is a parameter used by meteorologists to determine conditions that are favorable to fire growth and spread. Some of these parameters include wind speed and direction and soil moisture. The risk of wildfire threat increases as the planet continues to warm due to greenhouse emissions and fossil fuel burning, scientists have warned. Related Article: Maui Wildfire Death Toll Now at 53, Expected To Rise Three of Red Hats chief enterprise Linux competitors are banding together to create an alternative to Red Hat-based software, after the company made changes to its terms of use earlier this summer, making it more difficult to access its source code. Oracle, SUSE, and CIQ, in a joint statement issued Thursday, said that the new Open Enterprise Linux Association will encourage the development of Linux distributions compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux by providing free access to source code. With OpenELA, CIQ, Oracle and SUSE join forces with the open source community to ensure a stable and resilient future for both upstream and downstream communities to leverage Enterprise Linux, said CIQ CEO Gregory Kurtzer, in the statement. At the heart of the new organization is a disagreement over the way Red Hat, long the dominant force in enterprise Linux, provides access to its source code. For years, the company supported the development of a Red Hat Enterprise Linux clone called CentOS, with the idea of providing a free alternative for testing and development purposes, given that paid support would be unnecessary for that purpose. However, increasingly, users began to implement CentOS instead of RHEL in production environments as well, with other companies, including CIQ, springing up to provide enterprise support. Accordingly, Red Hat stopped supporting CentOS in its previous form two years ago, in favor of an alternative called CentOS Stream. That, however, is an upstream distribution, meaning that its updated much more frequently, making it less suitable for production work. And earlier this summer, Red Hat made its source code less accessible, restricting access to paying Red Hat customers and obscuring some details of the way the code is put together to create the final distribution. According to Tony Iams, a research vice president at Gartner, the loss of those details and the tightening of access to the source code threw the downstream ecosystem into disarray, making it far more difficult for the likes of CIQ to provide RHEL-based alternatives. The details are important, he said. Some people say that Red Hat is closing access to their source code, but thats not true. What theyre not showing is how its packaged, exactly how its organized and assembled specifically to deliver the RHEL distro. The bottom line is that this makes it very difficult to replicate RHEL. The real question, according to Iams, is whether the OpenELA group can create a RHEL alternative with a sufficiently high level of compatibility whether it can be bug compatible, or a nearly exact replication of RHEL. It isnt simply a matter of creating compatibility across APIs. If that can be done, said Iams, the group could put serious pressure on Red Hat to revert back to the old way of providing its source code. You need to create the same code with the same behavior, he said. Which was the value that CentOS provided. When asked for comment on OpenELA, Red Hat sent a statement attributed to Mike McGrath, vice president of Core Platforms, which said in part, "We have always welcomed on-going contributions to the broader Linux community, whether personally motivated or from companies like Oracle and SUSE, that actually move enterprise-level Linux forward rather than replacing one logo with another. S Lalitha By Express News Service BENGALURU: A week-long junket organised by a cement company for its top dealers from Bengaluru to Bangkok ended on a sour note as one of them was caught trying to smuggle gold. Apart from this Raichur native who tried to smuggle 619g of gold, two Malaysians were also caught in the early hours of Friday for smuggling gold chains weighing nearly 2 kg. The worth of total seizures is valued at nearly Rs 1.57 crore, said officials. All three have been booked under Section 110 of the Customs Act. An official said that the first seizure was made from the 60-strong group sent to Bangkok by a Maharashtra-based concern when they arrived at Terminal 1 by Thai Airways International (TG 235) at 11.35 PM. When asked about the large number, it was revealed that the largely male group were dealers who were rewarded for meeting their targets. Above-average performers were allowed to bring a family member along. Based on behavioural profiling of the group, we identified a few. Physical frisking was done post-midnight. A passenger was found wearing a thick, silver-coloured Kada weighing 419g on his arm, well concealed by his shirt as well as a jacket. When we used a hard stone on it, the colour turned golden which meant he had coated it with Rhodium. It was 24-carat gold (crude gold) which is banned in India. He was also found in possession of a crude gold chain in his hand baggage weighing 170g, the official said. The items are totally worth Rs 37 lakh. The second interception occurred on a flight from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which arrived by 11.50 PM. We found a 37-year-old lady and her male accomplice (24 years) both Malaysian nationals opting for the Green Channel (nothing to declare). We found it odd that they were walking together but split immediately when they neared the Customs zone, another official said. They were found to be wearing a gold chain each which totally weighed 1.3 kg. It was almost like a dog belt around their necks. They also had two crude gold chains in their handbags. The total gold seized from the duo weighed 1.99 kg and is valued at Rs 1.19 crore. BENGALURU: A week-long junket organised by a cement company for its top dealers from Bengaluru to Bangkok ended on a sour note as one of them was caught trying to smuggle gold. Apart from this Raichur native who tried to smuggle 619g of gold, two Malaysians were also caught in the early hours of Friday for smuggling gold chains weighing nearly 2 kg. The worth of total seizures is valued at nearly Rs 1.57 crore, said officials. All three have been booked under Section 110 of the Customs Act. An official said that the first seizure was made from the 60-strong group sent to Bangkok by a Maharashtra-based concern when they arrived at Terminal 1 by Thai Airways International (TG 235) at 11.35 PM. When asked about the large number, it was revealed that the largely male group were dealers who were rewarded for meeting their targets. Above-average performers were allowed to bring a family member along.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Based on behavioural profiling of the group, we identified a few. Physical frisking was done post-midnight. A passenger was found wearing a thick, silver-coloured Kada weighing 419g on his arm, well concealed by his shirt as well as a jacket. When we used a hard stone on it, the colour turned golden which meant he had coated it with Rhodium. It was 24-carat gold (crude gold) which is banned in India. He was also found in possession of a crude gold chain in his hand baggage weighing 170g, the official said. The items are totally worth Rs 37 lakh. The second interception occurred on a flight from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which arrived by 11.50 PM. We found a 37-year-old lady and her male accomplice (24 years) both Malaysian nationals opting for the Green Channel (nothing to declare). We found it odd that they were walking together but split immediately when they neared the Customs zone, another official said. They were found to be wearing a gold chain each which totally weighed 1.3 kg. It was almost like a dog belt around their necks. They also had two crude gold chains in their handbags. The total gold seized from the duo weighed 1.99 kg and is valued at Rs 1.19 crore. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, August 12. Kazakhstan and the Abu Dhabi Ports are working on creating the shortest direct route for delivering Kazakhstani export goods to the markets of the Persian Gulf countries, the Middle East, Pakistan, India, and the East African coast, Trend reports. This initiative was discussed at the meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan Serik Zhumangarin and Head of Simatech Shipping & Forwarding (part of DP World Group) Davood Tafti. Thus, such an opportunity could be provided by launching a joint venture. The main goal is to transport agricultural products from the Kazakhstani port of Kuryk to the Persian Gulf countries through the ports of Amirabad and Bandar Abbas in Iran. This new route could open unprecedented opportunities for Kazakhstani exporters. Meanwhile, during the meeting, the sides also covered shipping routes through the Caspian Sea to Iran and transit to the Persian Gulf countries. Simatech Shipping & Forwarding has already acquired ships and plans to expand its fleet further. The key ports will be Kuryk in Kazakhstan and Jebel Ali in the UAE. This collaboration aims to facilitate rapid trade across Iran in 2-3 days. In April 2023, an agreement was signed during the visit of the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan to Iran to develop transportation between the ports of Kuryk and Amirabad, including the construction of grain terminals. Simatech Shipping & Forwarding is a leading maritime management company in the Persian Gulf, with a significant fleet and involvement in shipping goods from Iran to Arab countries, India, Africa, and China, along with commercial ports and terminals in the Arab nations. Jaison Wilson By Express News Service NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court allowed an accused of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) case to travel abroad for his son's admission stating that even if a person is an accused who is facing trial, he should not be denied to enjoy his special moments in life. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma observed that it is not disputed that the petitioner has travelled abroad on about 20 occasions in the past with the court's permission and never misused the liberty and returned to the country in time while setting aside a trial court order which denied his foreign trip. The high court said the admission of a child whether in school or a college/University is a moment the parent and the child cherish forever while allowing petitioner Parvin Juneja to go to Canada where his son has to be admitted to the Schulich School of Business, York University. "It is a feeling of togetherness by the mere presence of each other, which is expected by each child and parent while achieving such a milestone. Even if a person is accused and is facing trial, he should not ordinarily be denied these special moments of small pleasures in life. To observe and hold that the son may not need the support of the father for his admission to the University being grown up, will ignore a very crucial fact of practical life that a child is a child forever for a parent and should be permitted if circumstances so warrant when he is entering into a new life in another new country and pursuing a journey of higher studies," the court stated in the order. The respondent (Enforcement Directorate) has not disputed the genuineness of the documents placed on record regarding the admission of the son of the petitioner to the York University of Canada and that he has deposited the requisite part payment towards the same, the court held. The single-bench further said it will not deny this moment of togetherness to the family at the time of his admission to a University of his choice. NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court allowed an accused of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) case to travel abroad for his son's admission stating that even if a person is an accused who is facing trial, he should not be denied to enjoy his special moments in life. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma observed that it is not disputed that the petitioner has travelled abroad on about 20 occasions in the past with the court's permission and never misused the liberty and returned to the country in time while setting aside a trial court order which denied his foreign trip. The high court said the admission of a child whether in school or a college/University is a moment the parent and the child cherish forever while allowing petitioner Parvin Juneja to go to Canada where his son has to be admitted to the Schulich School of Business, York University.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "It is a feeling of togetherness by the mere presence of each other, which is expected by each child and parent while achieving such a milestone. Even if a person is accused and is facing trial, he should not ordinarily be denied these special moments of small pleasures in life. To observe and hold that the son may not need the support of the father for his admission to the University being grown up, will ignore a very crucial fact of practical life that a child is a child forever for a parent and should be permitted if circumstances so warrant when he is entering into a new life in another new country and pursuing a journey of higher studies," the court stated in the order. The respondent (Enforcement Directorate) has not disputed the genuineness of the documents placed on record regarding the admission of the son of the petitioner to the York University of Canada and that he has deposited the requisite part payment towards the same, the court held. The single-bench further said it will not deny this moment of togetherness to the family at the time of his admission to a University of his choice. By PTI NEW DELHI: Delhi Commission For Women's 181 helpline received more than 6.30 lakh calls between July 2022 and June 2023, its chief Swati Maliwal said on Saturday. Addressing a press conference here, Maliwal said 92,004 "unique cases" like domestic violence, conflict with neighbours, rape and sexual assault, POCSO, kidnapping and cyber crimes were registered through the helpline during the period. We have released the annual data of DCWs women helpline 181. In the data, we have informed that the DCW 181 helpline received over 40 lakh calls in the last 7 years. Last year itself, we received 6,30,000 calls, she said. VIDEO | We have released the annual data of DCWs women helpline 181. In the data, we have informed that the DCW 181 helpline received over over 40 lakh calls in the last 7 years. Last year itself, we received 6,30,000 calls, says Delhi Commission for Women chairperson pic.twitter.com/V8PQsGM3fA Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 12, 2023 Maliwal said the helpline is backed by a support team on the ground. The 181 is a 24X7 hotline operated by the DCW for women in distress. The caller is counselled, and if need be, her grievance is marked to authorities such as Delhi Police, hospitals, and shelter homes for redressal. In most cases, a team of counsellors is dispatched to meet the distressed women to assist them. NEW DELHI: Delhi Commission For Women's 181 helpline received more than 6.30 lakh calls between July 2022 and June 2023, its chief Swati Maliwal said on Saturday. Addressing a press conference here, Maliwal said 92,004 "unique cases" like domestic violence, conflict with neighbours, rape and sexual assault, POCSO, kidnapping and cyber crimes were registered through the helpline during the period. We have released the annual data of DCWs women helpline 181. In the data, we have informed that the DCW 181 helpline received over 40 lakh calls in the last 7 years. Last year itself, we received 6,30,000 calls, she said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); VIDEO | We have released the annual data of DCWs women helpline 181. In the data, we have informed that the DCW 181 helpline received over over 40 lakh calls in the last 7 years. Last year itself, we received 6,30,000 calls, says Delhi Commission for Women chairperson pic.twitter.com/V8PQsGM3fA Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 12, 2023 Maliwal said the helpline is backed by a support team on the ground. The 181 is a 24X7 hotline operated by the DCW for women in distress. The caller is counselled, and if need be, her grievance is marked to authorities such as Delhi Police, hospitals, and shelter homes for redressal. In most cases, a team of counsellors is dispatched to meet the distressed women to assist them. Ashish Srivastava By Express News Service NEW DELHI: AIIMS, which has emerged as a brand for the premier medical institute and research body, is facing a grave shortage of teaching faculty. As many as 347 faculty positions in the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) remain unfilled which accounts for over 28 per cent of such sanctioned posts. The situation is grimmer in overall faculty strength across 20 old and new AIIMS situated countrywide. As per the data, the cumulative vacant positions at all 20 Institute of National Importance swell up to 40 per cent. The information was shared by Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in response to a query raised in Rajya Sabha by Congress MP Jyotsna Charandas Mahant. According to the data, about 5,527 faculty positions in all AIIMS have been sanctioned, of which, 2,161 are vacant currently. AIIMS, New Delhi is leading the list of such institutes. Notably, in April this year, AIIMS, New Delhi Director M Srinivas launched 'Mission Recruitment to fill up vacancies across departments and disciplines in the top medical institute with the objective to bring down the unfilled posts to near zero by September this year. No data was shared about his many such vacancies were filled under this initiative. Meanwhile, listing the measures the Union Health Ministry has taken to improve the shortage of faculty, the minister stated that the upper age limit for direct recruitment against the posts of Professor and Additional Professor has been raised from 50 years to 58 years. "Contractual engagement of retired faculty of Government Medical Colleges/Institutes up to 70 years of age has been allowed," he added in his reply. Mandaviya also informed the House that centralized recruitment for Nursing cadres has been implemented. Besides, he also pointed out that the status of recruitment in various AIIMS is monitored at the level of the Ministry. Additionally, Mandaviya's reply revealed that under Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), the setting up of 150 bedded critical care block has been approved in seven AIIMS at Delhi, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Jodhpur, Patna, Raipur and Rishikesh. Institute Sanctioned Strength Vacancy AIIMS Delhi 1207 347 AIIMS Kalyani 259 151 AIIMS Madurai 183 141 AIIMS Raipur 305 115 AIIMS Rajkot 183 111 AIIMS Bhopal 305 109 AIIMS Guwahati 183 100 NEW DELHI: AIIMS, which has emerged as a brand for the premier medical institute and research body, is facing a grave shortage of teaching faculty. As many as 347 faculty positions in the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) remain unfilled which accounts for over 28 per cent of such sanctioned posts. The situation is grimmer in overall faculty strength across 20 old and new AIIMS situated countrywide. As per the data, the cumulative vacant positions at all 20 Institute of National Importance swell up to 40 per cent.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The information was shared by Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in response to a query raised in Rajya Sabha by Congress MP Jyotsna Charandas Mahant. According to the data, about 5,527 faculty positions in all AIIMS have been sanctioned, of which, 2,161 are vacant currently. AIIMS, New Delhi is leading the list of such institutes. Notably, in April this year, AIIMS, New Delhi Director M Srinivas launched 'Mission Recruitment to fill up vacancies across departments and disciplines in the top medical institute with the objective to bring down the unfilled posts to near zero by September this year. No data was shared about his many such vacancies were filled under this initiative. Meanwhile, listing the measures the Union Health Ministry has taken to improve the shortage of faculty, the minister stated that the upper age limit for direct recruitment against the posts of Professor and Additional Professor has been raised from 50 years to 58 years. "Contractual engagement of retired faculty of Government Medical Colleges/Institutes up to 70 years of age has been allowed," he added in his reply. Mandaviya also informed the House that centralized recruitment for Nursing cadres has been implemented. Besides, he also pointed out that the status of recruitment in various AIIMS is monitored at the level of the Ministry. Additionally, Mandaviya's reply revealed that under Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), the setting up of 150 bedded critical care block has been approved in seven AIIMS at Delhi, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Jodhpur, Patna, Raipur and Rishikesh. Institute Sanctioned Strength Vacancy AIIMS Delhi 1207 347 AIIMS Kalyani 259 151 AIIMS Madurai 183 141 AIIMS Raipur 305 115 AIIMS Rajkot 183 111 AIIMS Bhopal 305 109 AIIMS Guwahati 183 100 Rajesh Asnani By Express News Service JAIPUR: Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has been displaying a more aggressive side as the state assembly draws closer. During a party meeting, Gehlot targeted several senior leaders, including two ministers and one former minister from his cabinet. The reason for his sudden aggression towards his own party leaders is currently under speculation within political circles. Sources reveal that during the meeting, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Pratap Singh Khachariawas advocated for an assertive strategy in the forthcoming assembly elections. Chief Minister Gehlot responded sharply, "I am well aware of your assertiveness, often veering off-topic when you speak. It is Venugopal ji who tolerates your approach. If the decision was mine, I would not hesitate to take action." He further stated, "If I were in Venugopal's place, I would have quickly addressed issues of indiscipline within a day." As these words reverberated in the room, a palpable sense of solemnity enveloped the gathering. Political analysts say Gehlot's anger stems from unwarranted statements made by Khachariawas in the case of Jaipur Heritage Mayor Munesh Gurjar. In a similar vein, Gehlot also got upset when Raghu Sharma voiced concerns about potential electoral losses due to caste-based census. Expressing his dissatisfaction, CM Gehlot retorted, "The stance on the caste-based census is not mine alone; it is the party's national standpoint. Rahul Gandhi articulated this in Karnataka consistently. If you feel strongly about it, go to Delhi and address Rahul Gandhi directly. The creation of the Kekri district should have uplifted your spirits, yet your discontent persists." Raghuveer Meena, an AICC member, was also in the line of fire during the meeting. Meena had raised objections to the Chief Minister's announcement of OBC reservations during a visit to the religious site of Mangarh Dham, a few days ago. CM Gehlot rebuked Meena, stating, "Do you consider yourself more knowledgeable than me? Your words lack forethought." This intervention appeared to calm Raghuveer Meena's stance. Rajya Sabha MP Neeraj Dangi was also not exempt from the Chief Minister's critical appraisal. CM Gehlot remarked, "Despite three consecutive losses in assembly elections, you were still sent to Rajya Sabha by the party's high command. It is time to secure at least one victory and contribute to the party's success. work hard to garner support across the entire state." The topic of the alleged attempts to topple the government was also raised during the meeting, with Chief Minister Gehlot asserting that the BJP made three unsuccessful bids to destabilise the government, with the involvement of some of their colleagues. Political experts are speculating about the reasons behind Gehlot's display of anger and what precipitated his strong words during the Political Affairs Committee meeting. Some speculate that the formation of a committee from Delhi, coupled with the summoning of the meeting, has irked the Chief Minister. Others contend that the Congress high command seeks to incorporate Sachin Pilot in the Rajasthan election campaign, a move Gehlot is reportedly unprepared for. Alternatively, experts suggest that Chief Minister Gehlot is frustrated with the lack of discipline and apathetic attitudes among party leaders. Many also believe that after the settlement of former Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot, who had been a headache for Gehlot for a long time, Gehlot has started cracking down on other senior leaders of the party as well. Raghu Sharma and Pratap Singh had increased their political stature in state politics in the last few years and were successful in establishing direct contact with Congress's high command. Gehlot gave a message to them with his strong stance that he will continue to dominate in the coming elections. Alternatively, experts suggest that Chief Minister Gehlot, intensely engaged in strategizing a return to power, is frustrated with the lack of discipline, apathetic attitudes and frivolous rhetoric among party leaders. This perhaps underscores his intent to convey that leaders displaying indiscipline or those with a tenuous grip on their constituencies should anticipate the possibility of being denied party tickets. After the strategy session, Gehlot also announced that this time the Congress will fight the Rajasthan elections on the same model as the party fought in Karnataka. This meeting was convened on Friday by Senior Observer Madhusudan Mistry and Observer Shashikant Senthil, with Lok Sabha in charge and Political Affairs Committee members gathering in the PCC war room. This assembly, presided over by KC Venugopal, saw the participation of 35 members, including Rajasthan in-charge Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and several prominent leaders in Rajasthan including Gehlot and Pilot both. JAIPUR: Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has been displaying a more aggressive side as the state assembly draws closer. During a party meeting, Gehlot targeted several senior leaders, including two ministers and one former minister from his cabinet. The reason for his sudden aggression towards his own party leaders is currently under speculation within political circles. Sources reveal that during the meeting, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Pratap Singh Khachariawas advocated for an assertive strategy in the forthcoming assembly elections. Chief Minister Gehlot responded sharply, "I am well aware of your assertiveness, often veering off-topic when you speak. It is Venugopal ji who tolerates your approach. If the decision was mine, I would not hesitate to take action."googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); He further stated, "If I were in Venugopal's place, I would have quickly addressed issues of indiscipline within a day." As these words reverberated in the room, a palpable sense of solemnity enveloped the gathering. Political analysts say Gehlot's anger stems from unwarranted statements made by Khachariawas in the case of Jaipur Heritage Mayor Munesh Gurjar. In a similar vein, Gehlot also got upset when Raghu Sharma voiced concerns about potential electoral losses due to caste-based census. Expressing his dissatisfaction, CM Gehlot retorted, "The stance on the caste-based census is not mine alone; it is the party's national standpoint. Rahul Gandhi articulated this in Karnataka consistently. If you feel strongly about it, go to Delhi and address Rahul Gandhi directly. The creation of the Kekri district should have uplifted your spirits, yet your discontent persists." Raghuveer Meena, an AICC member, was also in the line of fire during the meeting. Meena had raised objections to the Chief Minister's announcement of OBC reservations during a visit to the religious site of Mangarh Dham, a few days ago. CM Gehlot rebuked Meena, stating, "Do you consider yourself more knowledgeable than me? Your words lack forethought." This intervention appeared to calm Raghuveer Meena's stance. Rajya Sabha MP Neeraj Dangi was also not exempt from the Chief Minister's critical appraisal. CM Gehlot remarked, "Despite three consecutive losses in assembly elections, you were still sent to Rajya Sabha by the party's high command. It is time to secure at least one victory and contribute to the party's success. work hard to garner support across the entire state." The topic of the alleged attempts to topple the government was also raised during the meeting, with Chief Minister Gehlot asserting that the BJP made three unsuccessful bids to destabilise the government, with the involvement of some of their colleagues. Political experts are speculating about the reasons behind Gehlot's display of anger and what precipitated his strong words during the Political Affairs Committee meeting. Some speculate that the formation of a committee from Delhi, coupled with the summoning of the meeting, has irked the Chief Minister. Others contend that the Congress high command seeks to incorporate Sachin Pilot in the Rajasthan election campaign, a move Gehlot is reportedly unprepared for. Alternatively, experts suggest that Chief Minister Gehlot is frustrated with the lack of discipline and apathetic attitudes among party leaders. Many also believe that after the settlement of former Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot, who had been a headache for Gehlot for a long time, Gehlot has started cracking down on other senior leaders of the party as well. Raghu Sharma and Pratap Singh had increased their political stature in state politics in the last few years and were successful in establishing direct contact with Congress's high command. Gehlot gave a message to them with his strong stance that he will continue to dominate in the coming elections. Alternatively, experts suggest that Chief Minister Gehlot, intensely engaged in strategizing a return to power, is frustrated with the lack of discipline, apathetic attitudes and frivolous rhetoric among party leaders. This perhaps underscores his intent to convey that leaders displaying indiscipline or those with a tenuous grip on their constituencies should anticipate the possibility of being denied party tickets. After the strategy session, Gehlot also announced that this time the Congress will fight the Rajasthan elections on the same model as the party fought in Karnataka. This meeting was convened on Friday by Senior Observer Madhusudan Mistry and Observer Shashikant Senthil, with Lok Sabha in charge and Political Affairs Committee members gathering in the PCC war room. This assembly, presided over by KC Venugopal, saw the participation of 35 members, including Rajasthan in-charge Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and several prominent leaders in Rajasthan including Gehlot and Pilot both. Deepa Sinha By Online Desk Responding to a query on whether the Centre was able to double farmers income by 2022 as promised, agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar said the scheme has "yielded remarkable results." Responding to a question by MPs in Rajya Sabha on Friday, Tomar listed out 18 schemes that the Centre has implemented to double farmers' income by 2022. Prime Minister Modi had, in 2016, pledged to double farmers' income by 2022. "Implementation of these schemes has yielded remarkable results towards augmenting the income of the farmers," Tomar told MPs P Santhosh Kumar and MP Kumar Ketkar. However, Tomar did not directly answer the question of whether farmers' income actually doubled or not. Tomar instead said that as a part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has released a book, which contains a compilation of success stories of 75,000 farmers who have increased their income by more than two times. CPI leader P Santhosh Kumar and MP Kumar Ketkar asked the agricultural ministry to state the current status of an initiative undertaken by the central govt for doubling farmers' income, whether the objectives were fulfilled and if not, what were the reasons for it. "The govt has constituted an Inter-Ministerial Committee in April 2016 to examine issues relating to 'Doubling of Farmer's Income (DFI)' and recommend strategies to achieve the same. The final report submitted by the Committee in 2018 recommendations seven sources of income growth," the minister said. These include an increase in crop productivity and livestock productivity; reduction in the cost of production; increase in cropping intensity; diversification to high-value agriculture; remunerative prices on farmers produce and a shift of surplus manpower from farm to non-farm occupations, he added. Responding to a query on whether the Centre was able to double farmers income by 2022 as promised, agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar said the scheme has "yielded remarkable results." Responding to a question by MPs in Rajya Sabha on Friday, Tomar listed out 18 schemes that the Centre has implemented to double farmers' income by 2022. Prime Minister Modi had, in 2016, pledged to double farmers' income by 2022. "Implementation of these schemes has yielded remarkable results towards augmenting the income of the farmers," Tomar told MPs P Santhosh Kumar and MP Kumar Ketkar.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); However, Tomar did not directly answer the question of whether farmers' income actually doubled or not. Tomar instead said that as a part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has released a book, which contains a compilation of success stories of 75,000 farmers who have increased their income by more than two times. CPI leader P Santhosh Kumar and MP Kumar Ketkar asked the agricultural ministry to state the current status of an initiative undertaken by the central govt for doubling farmers' income, whether the objectives were fulfilled and if not, what were the reasons for it. "The govt has constituted an Inter-Ministerial Committee in April 2016 to examine issues relating to 'Doubling of Farmer's Income (DFI)' and recommend strategies to achieve the same. The final report submitted by the Committee in 2018 recommendations seven sources of income growth," the minister said. These include an increase in crop productivity and livestock productivity; reduction in the cost of production; increase in cropping intensity; diversification to high-value agriculture; remunerative prices on farmers produce and a shift of surplus manpower from farm to non-farm occupations, he added. By Express News Service NEW DELHI: The National Medical Commission (NMC) has directed all doctors to prescribe generic drugs failing which they will be penalised. Their license to practice too could be suspended if they indulge in repeated violations. Even though doctors are currently required to only prescribe generic drugs, this is the first time, the NMC has introduced penal provisions. The NMC in its 'Regulations relating to Professional Conduct of Registered Medical Practitioners' also asked doctors to avoid prescribing branded generic drugs. Notified on August 2, the NMC regulations said India's out-of-pocket spending on medications accounts for a major proportion of public spending on healthcare. "Generic medicines are 30 to 80 per cent cheaper than branded drugs. Hence, prescribing generic medicines may overtly bring down healthcare costs and improve access to quality care," it said. Under the generic medicine and prescription guidelines of the regulations, the NMC defined generic medicines as a "drug product that is comparable to brand/reference listed product in dosage form, strength, route of administration, quality and performance characteristics, and intended use". ALSO READ | 'Weakened' Drugs and Cosmetics Act raises alarm among health experts While a branded generic drug is one which has come off patent and is manufactured by drug companies and sold under different companies' brand names. These drugs may be less costly than the branded patent version but costlier than the bulk-manufactured generic version of the drug. There is less regulatory control over the prices of branded generic drugs. "Every RMP (registered medical practitioner) should prescribe drugs using generic names written legibly and prescribe drugs rationally, avoiding unnecessary medications and irrational fixed-dose combination tablets," the regulation said. In case of violations, a doctor may be given a warning to be more careful about the regulations or instructed to attend a workshop or academic programme on ethics, personal and social relations and/or professional training. On repeated violations, the doctor's license to practice may be suspended for a particular period, the regulations said. The NMC also said prescriptions should be legible and preferably written in all caps to avoid misinterpretation. As far as possible, prescriptions should be typed and printed to avoid errors. A template has also been provided by the NMC that may be used for writing prescriptions rationally by doctors. Medical practitioners should prescribe only those generic medicines available in the market and accessible to patients. They should also advocate for hospitals and local pharmacies to stock generic drugs, the NMC regulation stated. The regulation also said that doctors should encourage patients to purchase drugs from Jan Aushadhi Kendras and other generic pharmacy outlets, educate medical students and the public about the equivalence of generic medicine with their branded counterparts, and should actively participate in programs related to promotion and access to generic medicines. NEW DELHI: The National Medical Commission (NMC) has directed all doctors to prescribe generic drugs failing which they will be penalised. Their license to practice too could be suspended if they indulge in repeated violations. Even though doctors are currently required to only prescribe generic drugs, this is the first time, the NMC has introduced penal provisions. The NMC in its 'Regulations relating to Professional Conduct of Registered Medical Practitioners' also asked doctors to avoid prescribing branded generic drugs.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Notified on August 2, the NMC regulations said India's out-of-pocket spending on medications accounts for a major proportion of public spending on healthcare. "Generic medicines are 30 to 80 per cent cheaper than branded drugs. Hence, prescribing generic medicines may overtly bring down healthcare costs and improve access to quality care," it said. Under the generic medicine and prescription guidelines of the regulations, the NMC defined generic medicines as a "drug product that is comparable to brand/reference listed product in dosage form, strength, route of administration, quality and performance characteristics, and intended use". ALSO READ | 'Weakened' Drugs and Cosmetics Act raises alarm among health experts While a branded generic drug is one which has come off patent and is manufactured by drug companies and sold under different companies' brand names. These drugs may be less costly than the branded patent version but costlier than the bulk-manufactured generic version of the drug. There is less regulatory control over the prices of branded generic drugs. "Every RMP (registered medical practitioner) should prescribe drugs using generic names written legibly and prescribe drugs rationally, avoiding unnecessary medications and irrational fixed-dose combination tablets," the regulation said. In case of violations, a doctor may be given a warning to be more careful about the regulations or instructed to attend a workshop or academic programme on ethics, personal and social relations and/or professional training. On repeated violations, the doctor's license to practice may be suspended for a particular period, the regulations said. The NMC also said prescriptions should be legible and preferably written in all caps to avoid misinterpretation. As far as possible, prescriptions should be typed and printed to avoid errors. A template has also been provided by the NMC that may be used for writing prescriptions rationally by doctors. Medical practitioners should prescribe only those generic medicines available in the market and accessible to patients. They should also advocate for hospitals and local pharmacies to stock generic drugs, the NMC regulation stated. The regulation also said that doctors should encourage patients to purchase drugs from Jan Aushadhi Kendras and other generic pharmacy outlets, educate medical students and the public about the equivalence of generic medicine with their branded counterparts, and should actively participate in programs related to promotion and access to generic medicines. Yeshi Seli By Express News Service NEW DELHI: As the countdown for the upcoming G20 Summit in Delhi in September begins, it has been made clear that it will be an in-person summit only and no hybrid mode will be offered. While most leaders are expected to attend the summit that will be held on September 9 and 10, the two leaders whose confirmations are most awaited are Russian President, Vladimir Putin and Chinese Premier, Xi Jinping. "The G20 Summit will be an in-person summit and there will be no offering of a hybrid mode. This means that any leader who may not be able to make it will not be offered a window to speak virtually," said a source. President Putins attendance in particular is of great interest. "With the challenges President Putin is facing on home turf after the suspected coup attempt by Wagner and the flak he gets from the West due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, chances of his arriving in person are not very strong. Hypothetically, if he decides not to come in person and sends Russias Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov (just like in Bali last year) it will only be Lavrov who would be allowed to speak and a be a part of the deliberations, the source said. India is not a signatory of the International Criminal Court (ICC) so there is no threat of President Putin being arrested if he does decide to come for the Summit, unlike the upcoming BRICS Summit in Johannesburg. The BRICS Summit, however, has gone on a hybrid mode as President Putin will be taking part virtually. ALSO READ | Advisories asking people to stay indoors likely as countdown to G20 Summit begins in Delhi Arrangements have been made for all the leaders of member countries and the invitees. Advance teams from most of the member countries have already visited Delhi and recced the facilities that would be utilised during the Summit -- from hotel accommodations, security, transportation and the facilities at the venue of the summit. Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, on Saturday confirmed his participation at the summit. He is the first leader to do so. "It is more important than ever that Australia works closely with international partners, including through multilateral economic forums like the G20, to address shared challenges and opportunities. Australia is invested in and committed to the Indo-Pacific to enhance growth and prosperity, stability and respect for sovereignty and lasting peace," said PM Albanese. He will also travel to Indonesia and the Phillippines before coming to Delhi. "The G20 is the world's preeminent forum for global economic cooperation. Leaders will focus on navigating the global economy back to strong, sustainable and resilient growth," said a readout from PM Albanese's office. The G20 is a group of 19 countries (Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, UK, US) and the European Union. These nations represent 85 per cent of the global GDP and 75 per cent of the global trade and two-thirds of the population. The invited nations include Egypt, Mauritius, Oman, Singapore, Bangladesh, UAE, Netherlands, Nigeria and Spain. International organisations like UN, IMF, WHO, WB, WTO, ILO, FSB, OECD, AU, ASEAN are also among those invited. NEW DELHI: As the countdown for the upcoming G20 Summit in Delhi in September begins, it has been made clear that it will be an in-person summit only and no hybrid mode will be offered. While most leaders are expected to attend the summit that will be held on September 9 and 10, the two leaders whose confirmations are most awaited are Russian President, Vladimir Putin and Chinese Premier, Xi Jinping. "The G20 Summit will be an in-person summit and there will be no offering of a hybrid mode. This means that any leader who may not be able to make it will not be offered a window to speak virtually," said a source.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); President Putins attendance in particular is of great interest. "With the challenges President Putin is facing on home turf after the suspected coup attempt by Wagner and the flak he gets from the West due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, chances of his arriving in person are not very strong. Hypothetically, if he decides not to come in person and sends Russias Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov (just like in Bali last year) it will only be Lavrov who would be allowed to speak and a be a part of the deliberations, the source said. India is not a signatory of the International Criminal Court (ICC) so there is no threat of President Putin being arrested if he does decide to come for the Summit, unlike the upcoming BRICS Summit in Johannesburg. The BRICS Summit, however, has gone on a hybrid mode as President Putin will be taking part virtually. ALSO READ | Advisories asking people to stay indoors likely as countdown to G20 Summit begins in Delhi Arrangements have been made for all the leaders of member countries and the invitees. Advance teams from most of the member countries have already visited Delhi and recced the facilities that would be utilised during the Summit -- from hotel accommodations, security, transportation and the facilities at the venue of the summit. Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, on Saturday confirmed his participation at the summit. He is the first leader to do so. "It is more important than ever that Australia works closely with international partners, including through multilateral economic forums like the G20, to address shared challenges and opportunities. Australia is invested in and committed to the Indo-Pacific to enhance growth and prosperity, stability and respect for sovereignty and lasting peace," said PM Albanese. He will also travel to Indonesia and the Phillippines before coming to Delhi. "The G20 is the world's preeminent forum for global economic cooperation. Leaders will focus on navigating the global economy back to strong, sustainable and resilient growth," said a readout from PM Albanese's office. The G20 is a group of 19 countries (Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, UK, US) and the European Union. These nations represent 85 per cent of the global GDP and 75 per cent of the global trade and two-thirds of the population. The invited nations include Egypt, Mauritius, Oman, Singapore, Bangladesh, UAE, Netherlands, Nigeria and Spain. International organisations like UN, IMF, WHO, WB, WTO, ILO, FSB, OECD, AU, ASEAN are also among those invited. By PTI NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has pulled up the Uttar Pradesh government over the killing of former Lok Sabha member Atiq Ahmad and his brother Ashraf in police custody in Prayagraj on April 15, observing "someone is complicit". It has also sought a status report from the state government on 183 "police encounters" that have taken place since 2017. According to the state police, 183 people have been killed in numerous police encounters since the Yogi Adityanath government assumed office in March 2017. Yogi's detractors have often claimed many of them were staged. A bench of Justices S Ravindra Bhat and Aravind Kumar directed the UP government on Friday to file an affidavit within six weeks giving the details of these encounters, the status of the investigation, the charge sheets filed and the status of the trial. "There were 5 to 10 people guarding him (Atiq). How can someone just come and shoot? How does this happen? Someone is complicit," the bench observed. It also issued notice to the UP government on a plea by Aisha Noori, sister of gangster-politician Ahmad, seeking direction for a comprehensive probe into the killing of her brothers. The top court, however, rejected the request of PIL petitioner Vishal Tiwari for the institution of an independent judicial commission of enquiry to go into the police encounters and the role of the men in uniform in these, saying the state government has already formed such a commission. The apex court had earlier agreed to hear the pleas, including the one filed by Aisha Noori, seeking the constitution of a commission of enquiry chaired by a retired apex court judge into the "extra-judicial" killing of her brothers. Ahmad (60) and Ashraf were shot dead at point-blank range by three men posing as journalists in the middle of a media interaction while police personnel were escorting them to a medical college for examination on April 15. The entire shooting was captured live on national television. In an affidavit filed in the top court, the Uttar Pradesh government said the state is "leaving no stone unturned in ensuring a thorough, impartial and timely investigation" into the deaths of Ahmad and Ashraf. It said the status report contained in the affidavit deals with an enquiry into the April 15 incident, steps taken in relation to the deaths of Mohd Asad Khan, son of Ahmad, and Mohd Ghulam on April 13, and also the measures initiated to implement the recommendations of the Justice B S Chauhan Commission. Former apex court judge Justice Chauhan headed the commission that probed the encounter killing of gangster Vikas Dubey in 2020. Dubey and his men had ambushed and killed eight policemen at his native Bikru village in Kanpur district in July 2020. He was arrested in Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh and was being brought back in Uttar Pradesh police's custody when he allegedly tried to escape and was shot dead. Doubts were raised about the genuineness of the police encounter. The status report gave the details about the steps taken to implement the recommendations of the Justice Chauhan Commission, which had concluded that the police version of the deaths of Dubey and his associates in retaliatory firing incidents in the days following his encounter killing could not be doubted. It said there has been an overhaul of manpower reform and a total of 10,877 posts at various levels have been created in the police department from April 11, 2021, till date. "Further, action on requisitioning of 1,12,177 posts of various cadres is also under progress," it said. The status report said the police department has also undergone a modernisation, following the purchase of prison vans, drones, postmortem kits and various other vehicles. ALSO READ | Emergence of mysterious letters create a buzz after Atiq-Ashraf killing It said the number of forensic science laboratories has increased from eight to 12 with new facilities having been established in Kannauj, Aligarh, Gonda and Bareilly. The process of setting up FSLs in six more cities -- Basti, Mirzapur, Azamgarh, Banda, Ayodhya and Saharanpur -- is also underway. While hearing Tiwari's plea on April 28, the top court had questioned the Uttar Pradesh government why Ahmad and Ashraf, a former MLA, were paraded before the media while being taken to a hospital for a medical checkup in police custody. The counsel appearing for Uttar Pradesh had told the court the state has constituted a three-member commission of inquiry to probe the incident. A special investigation team (SIT) of Uttar Pradesh Police is also investigating the case, the counsel had said. NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has pulled up the Uttar Pradesh government over the killing of former Lok Sabha member Atiq Ahmad and his brother Ashraf in police custody in Prayagraj on April 15, observing "someone is complicit". It has also sought a status report from the state government on 183 "police encounters" that have taken place since 2017. According to the state police, 183 people have been killed in numerous police encounters since the Yogi Adityanath government assumed office in March 2017. Yogi's detractors have often claimed many of them were staged.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); A bench of Justices S Ravindra Bhat and Aravind Kumar directed the UP government on Friday to file an affidavit within six weeks giving the details of these encounters, the status of the investigation, the charge sheets filed and the status of the trial. "There were 5 to 10 people guarding him (Atiq). How can someone just come and shoot? How does this happen? Someone is complicit," the bench observed. It also issued notice to the UP government on a plea by Aisha Noori, sister of gangster-politician Ahmad, seeking direction for a comprehensive probe into the killing of her brothers. The top court, however, rejected the request of PIL petitioner Vishal Tiwari for the institution of an independent judicial commission of enquiry to go into the police encounters and the role of the men in uniform in these, saying the state government has already formed such a commission. The apex court had earlier agreed to hear the pleas, including the one filed by Aisha Noori, seeking the constitution of a commission of enquiry chaired by a retired apex court judge into the "extra-judicial" killing of her brothers. Ahmad (60) and Ashraf were shot dead at point-blank range by three men posing as journalists in the middle of a media interaction while police personnel were escorting them to a medical college for examination on April 15. The entire shooting was captured live on national television. In an affidavit filed in the top court, the Uttar Pradesh government said the state is "leaving no stone unturned in ensuring a thorough, impartial and timely investigation" into the deaths of Ahmad and Ashraf. It said the status report contained in the affidavit deals with an enquiry into the April 15 incident, steps taken in relation to the deaths of Mohd Asad Khan, son of Ahmad, and Mohd Ghulam on April 13, and also the measures initiated to implement the recommendations of the Justice B S Chauhan Commission. Former apex court judge Justice Chauhan headed the commission that probed the encounter killing of gangster Vikas Dubey in 2020. Dubey and his men had ambushed and killed eight policemen at his native Bikru village in Kanpur district in July 2020. He was arrested in Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh and was being brought back in Uttar Pradesh police's custody when he allegedly tried to escape and was shot dead. Doubts were raised about the genuineness of the police encounter. The status report gave the details about the steps taken to implement the recommendations of the Justice Chauhan Commission, which had concluded that the police version of the deaths of Dubey and his associates in retaliatory firing incidents in the days following his encounter killing could not be doubted. It said there has been an overhaul of manpower reform and a total of 10,877 posts at various levels have been created in the police department from April 11, 2021, till date. "Further, action on requisitioning of 1,12,177 posts of various cadres is also under progress," it said. The status report said the police department has also undergone a modernisation, following the purchase of prison vans, drones, postmortem kits and various other vehicles. ALSO READ | Emergence of mysterious letters create a buzz after Atiq-Ashraf killing It said the number of forensic science laboratories has increased from eight to 12 with new facilities having been established in Kannauj, Aligarh, Gonda and Bareilly. The process of setting up FSLs in six more cities -- Basti, Mirzapur, Azamgarh, Banda, Ayodhya and Saharanpur -- is also underway. While hearing Tiwari's plea on April 28, the top court had questioned the Uttar Pradesh government why Ahmad and Ashraf, a former MLA, were paraded before the media while being taken to a hospital for a medical checkup in police custody. The counsel appearing for Uttar Pradesh had told the court the state has constituted a three-member commission of inquiry to probe the incident. A special investigation team (SIT) of Uttar Pradesh Police is also investigating the case, the counsel had said. Amit S Upadhye By Express News Service HUBBALLI: The country's only BIS-certified national flag-making unit in Hubballi aims to do a business of Rs 1.75 crore by the end of this year's Independence Day. This is the second consecutive year that the unit is making more than Rs 1.5 crore after the Union Government announced the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign last year on the occasion of 75 years of independence. Officials at the Karnataka Khadi Gramodyoga Samyukta Sangha, which manages the khadi produce and the National Flag-making unit in Bengeri of Hubballi, said that the unit has sold flags of various sizes worth Rs 1.10 crore between April 2023 and July 2023. "Due to Har Ghar Tiranga, our business has improved in the last two years. The Hubballi unit gets orders from across the country during Republic Day and Independence Day. The Tricolour fluttering on important buildings in India such as the Rashtrapati Bhavan, Red Fort and Parliament are knitted in our Hubballi unit. Our National Flag at Indian embassies across the world were also made here," explained an official from the Khadi Federation. FROM OUR ARCHIVES | Har Ghar Tiranga: Not a single weaver got orders for national flags, says leader of AP Chenetha Karmika Sangham The official explained that flags of different sizes are prepared at the Hubballi unit throughout the year. The Bengeri khadi unit has maximum numbers of women workers who work on stitching, ironing and packing of the National Flags. The orders and sales increase during the national festival. After the government made it compulsory to use khadi flags at all gram panchayats and other government offices, the demand for khadi flags has increased, said the official. "It is important that the organisations and educational institutions celebrating Independence Day and Republic Day use National Flag made of khadi flag. Khadi is a symbol of India's freedom struggle and gives employment to thousands of women in North Karnataka. For instance, the khadi material for the national flags is prepared in small Khadi units in Bagalkot and later they are stitched and packed in Hubballi," the official added. HUBBALLI: The country's only BIS-certified national flag-making unit in Hubballi aims to do a business of Rs 1.75 crore by the end of this year's Independence Day. This is the second consecutive year that the unit is making more than Rs 1.5 crore after the Union Government announced the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign last year on the occasion of 75 years of independence. Officials at the Karnataka Khadi Gramodyoga Samyukta Sangha, which manages the khadi produce and the National Flag-making unit in Bengeri of Hubballi, said that the unit has sold flags of various sizes worth Rs 1.10 crore between April 2023 and July 2023.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "Due to Har Ghar Tiranga, our business has improved in the last two years. The Hubballi unit gets orders from across the country during Republic Day and Independence Day. The Tricolour fluttering on important buildings in India such as the Rashtrapati Bhavan, Red Fort and Parliament are knitted in our Hubballi unit. Our National Flag at Indian embassies across the world were also made here," explained an official from the Khadi Federation. FROM OUR ARCHIVES | Har Ghar Tiranga: Not a single weaver got orders for national flags, says leader of AP Chenetha Karmika Sangham The official explained that flags of different sizes are prepared at the Hubballi unit throughout the year. The Bengeri khadi unit has maximum numbers of women workers who work on stitching, ironing and packing of the National Flags. The orders and sales increase during the national festival. After the government made it compulsory to use khadi flags at all gram panchayats and other government offices, the demand for khadi flags has increased, said the official. "It is important that the organisations and educational institutions celebrating Independence Day and Republic Day use National Flag made of khadi flag. Khadi is a symbol of India's freedom struggle and gives employment to thousands of women in North Karnataka. For instance, the khadi material for the national flags is prepared in small Khadi units in Bagalkot and later they are stitched and packed in Hubballi," the official added. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, August 12. Kazakhstan considers the possibility to attract Chinese investors for the development of agriculture in the country, the Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Trade and Integration Serik Zhumangarin said on Facebook, Trend reports. Zhumangarin announced his planned visit to Shenzhen, Jinan, Beijing, and Urumqi to study the neighboring country's experience. According to him, the primary goal of this visit is to attract investors for agricultural development of Kazakhstan. The official emphasized China's valuable expertise in water conservation technologies, which could be highly beneficial for Kazakhstan in terms of more efficient water resource utilization in agriculture. The minister also noted that Kazakhstan has sufficient water but lacks sufficient efforts for its preservation. He also shared his plans to discuss various matters with the head of the Union of Agrarian Scientists of Kazakhstan. Under the guidance of the Ministry of Agriculture, a roadmap project has already been developed for the efficient use of water in agriculture for the period 2023-2026. The document encompasses numerous projects, such as creating reservoirs for collecting and storing meltwater, reconstructing and modernizing interstate channels in Kazakhstan, improving the system for accounting water from neighboring countries, implementing state support measures, diversifying cultivation areas, adopting modern water accounting systems and water-saving technologies, as well as other measures. Since 2005, the gross inflow of Chinese investments in Kazakhstan has reached $23.2 billion, making China the fourth largest investor in the Kazakh economy after the Netherlands, the US, and Switzerland. By PTI PORBANDAR: Police on Saturday detained a Muslim cleric in Porbandar city of Gujarat after an audio clip in which he allegedly insulted the national flag went viral on social media, an official said Saturday. The accused, identified as Wasid Raza, was detained by the Kirtimandir police here after a first information report (FIR) was registered against him on Friday, Superintendent of Police (SP) Bhagirathsinh Jadeja said. He was booked on the charge of insulting the national flag and promoting enmity among groups, he said. "In January this year, the accused, who is a Maulvi of Nagina Masjid in Porbandar, was asked in his WhatsApp group whether Muslims should unfurl and salute the national flag and sing the national anthem," Jadeja said. "In his reply given in an audio format, he said that people from the Muslim community can unfurl the national flag but not salute it. On whether Muslims should sing the national anthem, he said they should not do so because of certain words used in the anthem," the police officer said. The cleric is an admin of the WhatsApp group called Bahar-e-Shariat, wherein he was asked his opinion on the national flag and national anthem. An audio clip of the same formed the basis of the FIR registered at the Kirtimandir police station, Jadeja said. He was booked under sections 153, 153A, 153B (wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot) and 505 and 505A (circulate statement, rumour, to promote enmity) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) as well as provisions of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, he said. PORBANDAR: Police on Saturday detained a Muslim cleric in Porbandar city of Gujarat after an audio clip in which he allegedly insulted the national flag went viral on social media, an official said Saturday. The accused, identified as Wasid Raza, was detained by the Kirtimandir police here after a first information report (FIR) was registered against him on Friday, Superintendent of Police (SP) Bhagirathsinh Jadeja said. He was booked on the charge of insulting the national flag and promoting enmity among groups, he said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "In January this year, the accused, who is a Maulvi of Nagina Masjid in Porbandar, was asked in his WhatsApp group whether Muslims should unfurl and salute the national flag and sing the national anthem," Jadeja said. "In his reply given in an audio format, he said that people from the Muslim community can unfurl the national flag but not salute it. On whether Muslims should sing the national anthem, he said they should not do so because of certain words used in the anthem," the police officer said. The cleric is an admin of the WhatsApp group called Bahar-e-Shariat, wherein he was asked his opinion on the national flag and national anthem. An audio clip of the same formed the basis of the FIR registered at the Kirtimandir police station, Jadeja said. He was booked under sections 153, 153A, 153B (wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot) and 505 and 505A (circulate statement, rumour, to promote enmity) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) as well as provisions of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, he said. By PTI KOHIMA: A number of women tribal organisations in Nagaland on Saturday held a protest rally here and demanded severe punishment of rapists and those who paraded disrobed women in the ongoing Manipur turmoil. Condemning the killing of people, and burning of houses and religious places in Manipur, they called for immediate intervention by the Centre in restoring peace and normalcy in the state. They held banners and placards, some of which read 'We condemn parading of women and gang rape', 'Stand up for women's rights', 'Stop the violence, start the healing', 'We want peace in Manipur', 'Rape is a punishable crime' and 'No mercy, Hang the rapists'. The women organisations who convened at the PHQ junction here were from the Angami, Ao, Chakhesang, Lotha, Pochury, Rengma, Sema and Zeliang tribes of Nagaland and were supported by Central Nagaland Women Association (CNWA). "A candlelight rally or punishment will not help to stop rapes. There should be a strict rule to punish rapists. They should be killed, hanged or burnt alive. They should be treated the way they are treating women. New and stricter rules have to be made to check the rape menace in the country in general," CNWA president Atoli Sema told reporters on the sidelines of the programme. ALSO READ | Another Manipuri woman alleges gang-rape; incident dates to May 3 Speaking on the occasion, their leaders said the organisations stood together with the women of Manipur in their sufferings "in the brutal hands of unthinking savage criminals". They said the groups were also with others who suffered and continue to endure abuse and violence in silence. "We are ashamed that we were helpless when such heinous crimes are committed (against women). We are sorry that the society has failed you (the oppressed women of Manipur)," they said. ALSO READ | Manipur reports fresh violence, 15 houses torched, one person shot A special prayer was held for the victims and their families and for the restoration of peace in Manipur. KOHIMA: A number of women tribal organisations in Nagaland on Saturday held a protest rally here and demanded severe punishment of rapists and those who paraded disrobed women in the ongoing Manipur turmoil. Condemning the killing of people, and burning of houses and religious places in Manipur, they called for immediate intervention by the Centre in restoring peace and normalcy in the state. They held banners and placards, some of which read 'We condemn parading of women and gang rape', 'Stand up for women's rights', 'Stop the violence, start the healing', 'We want peace in Manipur', 'Rape is a punishable crime' and 'No mercy, Hang the rapists'.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The women organisations who convened at the PHQ junction here were from the Angami, Ao, Chakhesang, Lotha, Pochury, Rengma, Sema and Zeliang tribes of Nagaland and were supported by Central Nagaland Women Association (CNWA). "A candlelight rally or punishment will not help to stop rapes. There should be a strict rule to punish rapists. They should be killed, hanged or burnt alive. They should be treated the way they are treating women. New and stricter rules have to be made to check the rape menace in the country in general," CNWA president Atoli Sema told reporters on the sidelines of the programme. ALSO READ | Another Manipuri woman alleges gang-rape; incident dates to May 3 Speaking on the occasion, their leaders said the organisations stood together with the women of Manipur in their sufferings "in the brutal hands of unthinking savage criminals". They said the groups were also with others who suffered and continue to endure abuse and violence in silence. "We are ashamed that we were helpless when such heinous crimes are committed (against women). We are sorry that the society has failed you (the oppressed women of Manipur)," they said. ALSO READ | Manipur reports fresh violence, 15 houses torched, one person shot A special prayer was held for the victims and their families and for the restoration of peace in Manipur. Mukesh Ranjan By Express News Service RANCHI: In a major decision, the State Cabinet on Friday gave its approval to the proposal of including Other Backward Castes (OBC) and Extremely Backward Castes (EBC) in the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) category in the districts where there is no provision of reservation for those two sections of society. According to Cabinet Secretary Vandana Dadel, people belonging to OBC and EBC will now be able to apply under the EWS category for recruitments being done in their districts. The seven districts are Lohardaga, Gumla, Simdega, West Singhbhum, Dumka, Latehar and Khunti. Given the fact that these seven districts are primarily dominated by ST population, a decision was taken to end the quota for OBC and EBC in those places. There is zero per cent reservation for the OBC and EBC in these districts. For such places where there is no reservation for OBC and EBC, candidates may apply under EWS quota till further orders, said Cabinet Secretary Vandana Dadel. Notably, the State Cabinet last year gave its nod to a proposal for granting 77 per cent reservation in state government jobs for the members of the SC, ST, backward classes, OBC and economically weaker sections. Local people of the SC community will now get reservation of 12%, ST 28%, extremely Backward Class 15%, OBC 12%, and economically weaker section, barring those from other reserved categories, 10%. People belonging to OBC and EBC in these seven districts had been demanding for a long time to include them in the EWS category. In another major decision, the State Cabinet approved Rs 20 crore as seed money to run the Jharkhand State Open University. The amount will be released during the next five years. In addition to that, the State Cabinet also gave its approval for the proposal of providing Chana (Gram) Daal for Rs 1 per kg to ration card beneficiaries. The State Cabinet on Friday gave its approval for a total of 30 proposals. RANCHI: In a major decision, the State Cabinet on Friday gave its approval to the proposal of including Other Backward Castes (OBC) and Extremely Backward Castes (EBC) in the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) category in the districts where there is no provision of reservation for those two sections of society. According to Cabinet Secretary Vandana Dadel, people belonging to OBC and EBC will now be able to apply under the EWS category for recruitments being done in their districts. The seven districts are Lohardaga, Gumla, Simdega, West Singhbhum, Dumka, Latehar and Khunti.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Given the fact that these seven districts are primarily dominated by ST population, a decision was taken to end the quota for OBC and EBC in those places. There is zero per cent reservation for the OBC and EBC in these districts. For such places where there is no reservation for OBC and EBC, candidates may apply under EWS quota till further orders, said Cabinet Secretary Vandana Dadel. Notably, the State Cabinet last year gave its nod to a proposal for granting 77 per cent reservation in state government jobs for the members of the SC, ST, backward classes, OBC and economically weaker sections. Local people of the SC community will now get reservation of 12%, ST 28%, extremely Backward Class 15%, OBC 12%, and economically weaker section, barring those from other reserved categories, 10%. People belonging to OBC and EBC in these seven districts had been demanding for a long time to include them in the EWS category. In another major decision, the State Cabinet approved Rs 20 crore as seed money to run the Jharkhand State Open University. The amount will be released during the next five years. In addition to that, the State Cabinet also gave its approval for the proposal of providing Chana (Gram) Daal for Rs 1 per kg to ration card beneficiaries. The State Cabinet on Friday gave its approval for a total of 30 proposals. Pranab Mondal By Express News Service KOLKATA: The mysterious death of a first-year student of Jadavpur University triggered a political slugfest between the ruling TMC and principal opposition BJP on Friday as both held each other responsible for the tragedy. While Bengal BJP chief Sukanta Majumdar alleged that the state government has failed to curb ragging in the campuses, education minister Bratya Basu retaliated, saying that the university functions under the direct control of Governor C V Ananda Bose. JU incident proves that the West Bengal government has failed to establish true governance in education sector @MamataOfficial has failed to eradicate a heinous crime like ragging Shame on WB government My deepest condolences with the family of Swapnodeep Kundu, Majumdar tweeted. Basu, on the other hand, said, BJP is now finding faults with the state government in every unfortunate occurrence in the state. As I am tweeting this and if a leaf falls from a tree, it will be the lacuna of state government according to them! The BJP state president, in his hurry to blame us, has forgotten that the Jadavpur University is under the direct control of the Governor! So, it is his failure and in turn the failure of his political masters in controlling this deplorable incident! During the tenure of previous governor Jagdeep Dhankhar, the Bengal Assembly had passed a Bill replacing the governor by the chief minister as the chancellor of all state-run universities but the move could not be implemented as an Act as the Raj Bhavan is yet to give its assent. Swapnodeep, a resident of Bagula in Nadia who took admission at the university on August 3, on Wednesday night was found lying naked on the ground in front of the building that houses his hostel room on the second floor. He was rushed to a private hospital, where he died of his injuries. Swapnodeeps mother said that she had received a call after her son attended the first classes on Wednesday expressing his excitement. But he made another call to his mother on Thursday and expressed his fear. He requested to take him back home, said Swapnodeeps uncle Arup Kundu. Shortly after Swapnodeeps parents lodged a complaint with the police alleging that he was a victim of ragging in the hostel, the university authorities swung into action on Friday. First-year students were segregated from senior students in a separate building. Spoke to his mother Swapnodeep, a resident of Bagula in Nadia who took admission at the university on August 3, on Wednesday night was found lying naked on the ground in front of the building that houses his hostel room on the second floor. He was rushed to a private hospital where he died of his injuries. His mother had got a call from him, asking for help. He requested to take him back home. KOLKATA: The mysterious death of a first-year student of Jadavpur University triggered a political slugfest between the ruling TMC and principal opposition BJP on Friday as both held each other responsible for the tragedy. While Bengal BJP chief Sukanta Majumdar alleged that the state government has failed to curb ragging in the campuses, education minister Bratya Basu retaliated, saying that the university functions under the direct control of Governor C V Ananda Bose. JU incident proves that the West Bengal government has failed to establish true governance in education sector @MamataOfficial has failed to eradicate a heinous crime like ragging Shame on WB government My deepest condolences with the family of Swapnodeep Kundu, Majumdar tweeted.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Basu, on the other hand, said, BJP is now finding faults with the state government in every unfortunate occurrence in the state. As I am tweeting this and if a leaf falls from a tree, it will be the lacuna of state government according to them! The BJP state president, in his hurry to blame us, has forgotten that the Jadavpur University is under the direct control of the Governor! So, it is his failure and in turn the failure of his political masters in controlling this deplorable incident! During the tenure of previous governor Jagdeep Dhankhar, the Bengal Assembly had passed a Bill replacing the governor by the chief minister as the chancellor of all state-run universities but the move could not be implemented as an Act as the Raj Bhavan is yet to give its assent. Swapnodeep, a resident of Bagula in Nadia who took admission at the university on August 3, on Wednesday night was found lying naked on the ground in front of the building that houses his hostel room on the second floor. He was rushed to a private hospital, where he died of his injuries. Swapnodeeps mother said that she had received a call after her son attended the first classes on Wednesday expressing his excitement. But he made another call to his mother on Thursday and expressed his fear. He requested to take him back home, said Swapnodeeps uncle Arup Kundu. Shortly after Swapnodeeps parents lodged a complaint with the police alleging that he was a victim of ragging in the hostel, the university authorities swung into action on Friday. First-year students were segregated from senior students in a separate building. Spoke to his mother Swapnodeep, a resident of Bagula in Nadia who took admission at the university on August 3, on Wednesday night was found lying naked on the ground in front of the building that houses his hostel room on the second floor. He was rushed to a private hospital where he died of his injuries. His mother had got a call from him, asking for help. He requested to take him back home. Namita Bajpai By Express News Service LUCKNOW: Invoking poets and authors including Dushyant Kumar, Mahakavi Tulsidas and Ram Kumar Verma, UP CM Yogi Adityanath on Friday took potshots at Leader of Opposition Akhilesh Yadav in the Assembly on the concluding day of the monsoon session. He said that the Lok Sabha debate of Thursday had decided NDA victory in 2024 elections and the BJP government would come back to power in UP in 2027 as well as 2032 Assembly elections. Our government will repeat, not just in 2024 at the Centre, but also in 2027 and 2032 in UP. It appears that the mandate given by the people in 2014, 2017, 2019 and 2022 was not just like that. In 2024 also, they will not be able to open the account and the double-engine government will be repeated, he said. The CM, in a lighter vein, advised SP leader and Akhilesh Yadavs uncle Shivpal to decide his future course of action in time instead of repenting later. Reading out a couplet of Dushyant Kumar to substantiate his claim, he said: Tumhare paanv ke neeche koi zamin nahi, aur kamal yeh hai ki tumhe yakin nahi (You are totally uprooted but you are not ready to accept this truth). Adityanath claimed that Akhilesh could never feel the pain of the deprived, downtrodden and farmer community as he had not been in those shoes ever. Those who are born with a silver spoon will never understand the problems of farmers, poor, dalits and backwards, instead the efforts made by them for their own self is known to the entire state and the country, the CM said highlighting his governments welfare of farmers since 2017. The SP chief questioned the Adityanath government over farmers, youth, price rise and unemployment during his speech in the House. Taking a jibe at Akhilesh, Yogi said that in his one-hour-long speech, the SP president only mentioned water logging issues in Gorakhpur. Gorakhpur has been Adityanaths bastion and he is an MLA from Gorakhpur Sadar constituency. Stressing that rainfall in the state had not been proper and the situation has not been favourable for the farmers this year, the CM said half of the state was facing the drought due to scanty rainfall while in western UP, the farmer was facing flood fury. Many crops have been damaged as a result of flooding in Himalayan rivers. Assessment of damage is going on. We are committed to giving maximum facilities to farmers and compensation to those affected by adverse weather conditions. The officials and ministers are visiting the affected areas, he said. LUCKNOW: Invoking poets and authors including Dushyant Kumar, Mahakavi Tulsidas and Ram Kumar Verma, UP CM Yogi Adityanath on Friday took potshots at Leader of Opposition Akhilesh Yadav in the Assembly on the concluding day of the monsoon session. He said that the Lok Sabha debate of Thursday had decided NDA victory in 2024 elections and the BJP government would come back to power in UP in 2027 as well as 2032 Assembly elections. Our government will repeat, not just in 2024 at the Centre, but also in 2027 and 2032 in UP. It appears that the mandate given by the people in 2014, 2017, 2019 and 2022 was not just like that. In 2024 also, they will not be able to open the account and the double-engine government will be repeated, he said. The CM, in a lighter vein, advised SP leader and Akhilesh Yadavs uncle Shivpal to decide his future course of action in time instead of repenting later.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Reading out a couplet of Dushyant Kumar to substantiate his claim, he said: Tumhare paanv ke neeche koi zamin nahi, aur kamal yeh hai ki tumhe yakin nahi (You are totally uprooted but you are not ready to accept this truth). Adityanath claimed that Akhilesh could never feel the pain of the deprived, downtrodden and farmer community as he had not been in those shoes ever. Those who are born with a silver spoon will never understand the problems of farmers, poor, dalits and backwards, instead the efforts made by them for their own self is known to the entire state and the country, the CM said highlighting his governments welfare of farmers since 2017. The SP chief questioned the Adityanath government over farmers, youth, price rise and unemployment during his speech in the House. Taking a jibe at Akhilesh, Yogi said that in his one-hour-long speech, the SP president only mentioned water logging issues in Gorakhpur. Gorakhpur has been Adityanaths bastion and he is an MLA from Gorakhpur Sadar constituency. Stressing that rainfall in the state had not been proper and the situation has not been favourable for the farmers this year, the CM said half of the state was facing the drought due to scanty rainfall while in western UP, the farmer was facing flood fury. Many crops have been damaged as a result of flooding in Himalayan rivers. Assessment of damage is going on. We are committed to giving maximum facilities to farmers and compensation to those affected by adverse weather conditions. The officials and ministers are visiting the affected areas, he said. Sudhir Suryawanshi By Express News Service MUMBAI: Supreme Court granted two-month medical bail to former Maharashtra cabinet minister and NCP MLA Nawab Malik in a money laundering case. The interim order was passed by a division bench of Justice Aniruddha Bose and Justice Bela M Trivedi. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appeared for Nawab, who was behind bars since February 2022. The Enforcement Directorate arrested Nawab Malik on February 23 last year in connection with a money laundering case linked to fugitive underworld don Dawood Ibrahim and his aides. Both factions of the NCP celebrated the release of Nawab Malik by bursting crackers and distributing sweets at their respective party offices in Mumbai. NCP leader and Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule welcomed the Supreme Court order and called it a good order. She said Malik is not guilty but he was framed and arrested due to political reasons but he will come out unscathed. We have faith in judiciary and he will be free soon, Sule added. MUMBAI: Supreme Court granted two-month medical bail to former Maharashtra cabinet minister and NCP MLA Nawab Malik in a money laundering case. The interim order was passed by a division bench of Justice Aniruddha Bose and Justice Bela M Trivedi. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appeared for Nawab, who was behind bars since February 2022. The Enforcement Directorate arrested Nawab Malik on February 23 last year in connection with a money laundering case linked to fugitive underworld don Dawood Ibrahim and his aides. Both factions of the NCP celebrated the release of Nawab Malik by bursting crackers and distributing sweets at their respective party offices in Mumbai. NCP leader and Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule welcomed the Supreme Court order and called it a good order. She said Malik is not guilty but he was framed and arrested due to political reasons but he will come out unscathed. We have faith in judiciary and he will be free soon, Sule added. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Shruti Kakkar and Harpreet Bajwa By Express News Service NEW DELHI/CHANDIGARH: Stressing that calls to boycott a particular community are not acceptable, the Supreme Court on Friday mooted the idea of setting up district-wise committees to look into hate speech. The SC asked the Centre to consider its suggestion to put in place an inbuilt mechanism to check hate speech and come back with the governments views by August 18. "There has to be harmony and comity between the communities. All the communities are responsible. The problem of hate speech is not good and nobody can accept it," the bench observed. A bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and S V N Bhati suggested that the DGPs of states can be asked to form such panels, comprising 3-4 police officers. "We can ask the DGP to constitute a committee of three or four officers nominated by him who will receive and peruse all materials from station house officers and take a call if the material is authentic and issue appropriate directions to the concerned police officer. At the SHO level and police level, the police need to be sensitised," the bench said. The SC was hearing a plea over alleged hate speeches targeting a particular community in Haryana, Delhi, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. The court directed these states to file a status report by next Friday. Meanwhile, the Haryana government, on Friday, told the Punjab and Haryana High Court that the demolition drive in violence-hit Nuh was not ethnic cleansing as suggested by the HC. It said the authorities followed due process of law. On Monday, the HC had halted the demolition drive in Nuh, questioning if it was to drive out a particular community from the district. On Friday, when the matter came up before it, the division bench of Justices Arun Palli and Jagmohan Bansal said it should be heard by another bench led by the chief justice and referred the matter to it. Talking to reporters, Haryanas additional advocate general Deepak Sabharwal said the demolition drive can now resume as there is no stay. NEW DELHI/CHANDIGARH: Stressing that calls to boycott a particular community are not acceptable, the Supreme Court on Friday mooted the idea of setting up district-wise committees to look into hate speech. The SC asked the Centre to consider its suggestion to put in place an inbuilt mechanism to check hate speech and come back with the governments views by August 18. "There has to be harmony and comity between the communities. All the communities are responsible. The problem of hate speech is not good and nobody can accept it," the bench observed. A bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and S V N Bhati suggested that the DGPs of states can be asked to form such panels, comprising 3-4 police officers. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "We can ask the DGP to constitute a committee of three or four officers nominated by him who will receive and peruse all materials from station house officers and take a call if the material is authentic and issue appropriate directions to the concerned police officer. At the SHO level and police level, the police need to be sensitised," the bench said. The SC was hearing a plea over alleged hate speeches targeting a particular community in Haryana, Delhi, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. The court directed these states to file a status report by next Friday. Meanwhile, the Haryana government, on Friday, told the Punjab and Haryana High Court that the demolition drive in violence-hit Nuh was not ethnic cleansing as suggested by the HC. It said the authorities followed due process of law. On Monday, the HC had halted the demolition drive in Nuh, questioning if it was to drive out a particular community from the district. On Friday, when the matter came up before it, the division bench of Justices Arun Palli and Jagmohan Bansal said it should be heard by another bench led by the chief justice and referred the matter to it. Talking to reporters, Haryanas additional advocate general Deepak Sabharwal said the demolition drive can now resume as there is no stay. Sudhir Suryawanshi By Express News Service MUMBAI: A cold war has surfaced between Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his deputy Ajit Pawar over the appointments of guardian ministers. A guardian minister refers to a designated MLA (member of the legislative assembly) in a state government who is assigned the responsibility for overseeing the development of a particular district. The guardian minister is also the ex-officio chairperson of the District Planning Committee (DPC), which is responsible for addressing issues of common interest between local government bodies and municipalities. State Congress chief Nana Patole said Ajit is "eyeing the chair" of his boss Shinde. "The deputies Ajit Pawar and Devendra Fadnavis are working as super chief ministers, confusing the bureaucrats. The chaos in the present government can explode any day," said Patole. Patole said in the BJP-led government, 15 districts are yet to get guardian ministers. One minister is the guardian minister for six districts. CM Shinde recently issued a notification asking newly inducted NCP ministers to do the flag hoisting on August 15 at district collectorates. However, the Ajit Pawar faction expressed displeasure because they expected their appointment as guardian ministers of their own districts would conduct flag hoisting in their districts. MUMBAI: A cold war has surfaced between Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his deputy Ajit Pawar over the appointments of guardian ministers. A guardian minister refers to a designated MLA (member of the legislative assembly) in a state government who is assigned the responsibility for overseeing the development of a particular district. The guardian minister is also the ex-officio chairperson of the District Planning Committee (DPC), which is responsible for addressing issues of common interest between local government bodies and municipalities.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); State Congress chief Nana Patole said Ajit is "eyeing the chair" of his boss Shinde. "The deputies Ajit Pawar and Devendra Fadnavis are working as super chief ministers, confusing the bureaucrats. The chaos in the present government can explode any day," said Patole. Patole said in the BJP-led government, 15 districts are yet to get guardian ministers. One minister is the guardian minister for six districts. CM Shinde recently issued a notification asking newly inducted NCP ministers to do the flag hoisting on August 15 at district collectorates. However, the Ajit Pawar faction expressed displeasure because they expected their appointment as guardian ministers of their own districts would conduct flag hoisting in their districts. Yeshi Seli By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Britain has announced new funding of GBP 95,000 (around Rs 1 crore) to tackle pro-Khalistani extremism that has threatened to damage Indian missions and its employees in the United Kingdom. The announcement was made during Britains Security Minister Tom Tugendhat, who is in India to bolster cooperation on security initiatives. He met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday. A deeper partnership between our nations means we can more effectively tackle the security threats we both face. I am committed to working together to enhance our understanding of and capabilities against extremism whatever form it takes, Tugendhat said. The latest funding will enhance the British governments understanding of the threat posed by pro-Khalistani extremism, complementing the joint work already underway between the UK and India through the Joint Extremism Task Force, Tugendhat said after meeting Jaishankar. The Indian High Commission in London was vandalised by pro-Khalistani supporters earlier this year, prompting Indias strong reaction. We discussed how India and the UK could make their partnership more contemporary and productive. The current global scenario offers many opportunities to develop our ties, said Jaishankar after meeting the British minister. The living bridge between India and the UK reflects our deep and enduring friendship. As the worlds oldest and largest democracies, we have many shared opportunities to make the world a safer and more prosperous place, Tugendhat said. Corruption also harms our prosperity, damages our society and threatens our national security. I am delighted to be attending the G20 anti-corruption ministerial meeting in Kolkata (August 12), presided over by India, to continue strengthening global resilience and cracking down on its corrosive influence, said the UK Minister. Minister Tugendhat also visited the Central Bureau of Investigation office to discuss joint challenges posed by child sexual exploitation and abuse, and fraud and also met the Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. The UK Government recently launched a Fraud Strategy, which includes a new National Fraud Squad that will work with local forces, international partners including the CBI and the UK intelligence community to ensure that fraud cells are shut down. NEW DELHI: Britain has announced new funding of GBP 95,000 (around Rs 1 crore) to tackle pro-Khalistani extremism that has threatened to damage Indian missions and its employees in the United Kingdom. The announcement was made during Britains Security Minister Tom Tugendhat, who is in India to bolster cooperation on security initiatives. He met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday. A deeper partnership between our nations means we can more effectively tackle the security threats we both face. I am committed to working together to enhance our understanding of and capabilities against extremism whatever form it takes, Tugendhat said. The latest funding will enhance the British governments understanding of the threat posed by pro-Khalistani extremism, complementing the joint work already underway between the UK and India through the Joint Extremism Task Force, Tugendhat said after meeting Jaishankar.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The Indian High Commission in London was vandalised by pro-Khalistani supporters earlier this year, prompting Indias strong reaction. We discussed how India and the UK could make their partnership more contemporary and productive. The current global scenario offers many opportunities to develop our ties, said Jaishankar after meeting the British minister. The living bridge between India and the UK reflects our deep and enduring friendship. As the worlds oldest and largest democracies, we have many shared opportunities to make the world a safer and more prosperous place, Tugendhat said. Corruption also harms our prosperity, damages our society and threatens our national security. I am delighted to be attending the G20 anti-corruption ministerial meeting in Kolkata (August 12), presided over by India, to continue strengthening global resilience and cracking down on its corrosive influence, said the UK Minister. Minister Tugendhat also visited the Central Bureau of Investigation office to discuss joint challenges posed by child sexual exploitation and abuse, and fraud and also met the Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. The UK Government recently launched a Fraud Strategy, which includes a new National Fraud Squad that will work with local forces, international partners including the CBI and the UK intelligence community to ensure that fraud cells are shut down. R Shivakumar By Express News Service CHENNAI: A Chennai court on Saturday ordered the judicial custody of Tamil Nadu Minister V Senthil Balaji till August 25, 2023, after the custodial interrogation in connection with a money laundering case by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) ended. Principal Sessions Court judge S Alli ordered the Minister to be remanded to judicial custody till Aug. 25 when he was produced before the court by the ED. The court had granted five days of custodial interrogation of the Minister to ED on Aug. 7 following an order of the Supreme Court, which had also ruled in favour of the powers of the Central agency to take an accused for custodial interrogation while disapproving the contention of the arrested leaders side that the agency is not vested with such power as per the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). He was arrested by ED on June 14 on the charges of receiving tainted money through the cash-for-job scam. Complaining of chest pain on the day of arrest, he was admitted at the Govt Multi-Specialty Hospital at Omandurar Estate where he was diagnosed with heart blocks. He was then shifted to a private hospital for bypass surgery following an order from a division bench of the Madras High Court based on a habeas corpus petition. Later, Senthil Balaji was locked up at the Puzhal Central Prison before being handed to ED for custodial interrogations. ALSO READ | Despite being in thick of controversy, Senthil Balaji rose and rose until ED came knocking The division bench delivered a split verdict on the legality of his arrest and the powers of the ED to take him into custody for interrogation. A third judge, for whom the matter was referred to, had also favoured the ED on the question of powers for taking an accused into custody. The Supreme Court upheld this verdict and ordered granting five-day custody for ED for interrogations. CHENNAI: A Chennai court on Saturday ordered the judicial custody of Tamil Nadu Minister V Senthil Balaji till August 25, 2023, after the custodial interrogation in connection with a money laundering case by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) ended. Principal Sessions Court judge S Alli ordered the Minister to be remanded to judicial custody till Aug. 25 when he was produced before the court by the ED. The court had granted five days of custodial interrogation of the Minister to ED on Aug. 7 following an order of the Supreme Court, which had also ruled in favour of the powers of the Central agency to take an accused for custodial interrogation while disapproving the contention of the arrested leaders side that the agency is not vested with such power as per the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); He was arrested by ED on June 14 on the charges of receiving tainted money through the cash-for-job scam. Complaining of chest pain on the day of arrest, he was admitted at the Govt Multi-Specialty Hospital at Omandurar Estate where he was diagnosed with heart blocks. He was then shifted to a private hospital for bypass surgery following an order from a division bench of the Madras High Court based on a habeas corpus petition. Later, Senthil Balaji was locked up at the Puzhal Central Prison before being handed to ED for custodial interrogations. ALSO READ | Despite being in thick of controversy, Senthil Balaji rose and rose until ED came knocking The division bench delivered a split verdict on the legality of his arrest and the powers of the ED to take him into custody for interrogation. A third judge, for whom the matter was referred to, had also favoured the ED on the question of powers for taking an accused into custody. The Supreme Court upheld this verdict and ordered granting five-day custody for ED for interrogations. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 12. Bilateral economic relations between Germany and Kyrgyzstan have great potential for further development, a source at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Bishkek told Trend. "On its official visit to Kyrgyzstan, President Steinmeier was accompanied by a high-ranking business delegation. The Presidents official visit to Kyrgyzstan underlines the close and trusting bilateral relations between the two countries," the embassy representative said. For instance, according to the source, German companies have a great deal of know-how in the field of renewable energy, such as solar and hydropower. In this regard, successful joint projects are possible in the future. "Climate change is a concern for Kyrgyzstan and Germany alike. As a high mountain country covered in snow and ice in many areas, Kyrgyzstan is trying to do everything it can to prevent its glaciers from melting. Germany and Kyrgyzstan are close partners in the fight against climate change and would like to expand their cooperation in the field of renewable energies," the source added. As the embassy noted, President Japarov and President Steinmeier had an extensive and frank exchange on Kyrgyz-German relations, which were celebrating their thirtieth anniversary in 2022. "Germany and Kyrgyzstan agreed to further strengthen bilateral relations, deepen economic ties, defend the rules-based international order, continue the common fight against climate change and build upon the close and trusting cooperation on a variety of fields. In times of geopolitical realignment, it is very important for Germany to revitalise its partnerships with countries outside Europe. It was particularly important for President Steinmeier to come to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Germany wants more and closer partnership with the countries of Central Asia," the source concluded. By Associated Press VAIL: Republican presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy was more than 40 minutes into a town hall in rural Iowa when a woman in the crowd posed a pointed question. Or perhaps it was a suggestion. "I know you want to be president," she said. "But would you consider being Trump's vice president?" The query drew light laughter from attendees and a lengthy response from Ramaswamy. (The short answer: No.) It also highlighted the central challenge facing the wealthy entrepreneur, who has risen from a little-known newcomer to as high as third in some Republican primary polls since joining the race nearly six months ago. While voters are increasingly interested in Ramaswamy, it's former President Donald Trump who continues to be many conservatives' favourite. With the first Republican primary debate in just over a week and the leadoff Iowa caucus five months away, he is delicately working to convince more voters that he could be their nominee and as much as he says he respects Trump would be a better 2024 candidate and president. "The debate will be important, but I think also just continuing on the trajectory we've been on," Ramaswamy said after the town hall held in a cavernous welding company workshed in Vail, Iowa. He returns to Iowa on Saturday for the Iowa State Fair, a rite of passage for presidential candidates. Ramaswamy described the months leading up to the first debate as "just the pre-season." "So we're entering the regular season of this and I'm coming in with a running start," he said. "That's the way I look at it." He says his strategy heading into the debate in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is "speak the truth," pointing to a banner emblazoned with the word "TRUTH" that serves as his backdrop and has become a campaign theme. The word in all capital letters and a font and that resembles Trump campaign signage is emblazoned on placards, T-shirts and stickers. Ramaswamy says he and others cannot trust the government because the government doesn't tell the truth. It was what motivated him, he says, to travel to the courthouse where Trump was to appear on charges earlier this month to announce he is suing the Justice Department and seeking all records the department has with information about why Trump was indicted. Though such a lawsuit is unlikely to be successful before any GOP primary votes are cast, it was a move that struck a balance between defending Trump and drawing positive attention to his own candidacy, at least among the Republican primary electorate. "That's what this campaign is already all about, speaking the hard truths, the truth that you might speak at the dinner table, but you don't feel free to speak in public," Ramaswamy told the Iowa audience. If he is elected, he said, people will speak those truths again, such as "God is real" and "reverse racism is racism." Having just turned 38, Ramaswamy is the youngest person to be a major Republican presidential candidate. Born in Ohio to immigrant parents from India, he earned a biology degree from Harvard University and then finished Yale Law School. He made his fortune after starting a biotech company, last year founded an asset management firm and is the author of several books, including "Woke, Inc." His books helped Ramaswamy gain exposure in conservative circles, including on Fox News, as a critic of "ESG," or looking not just at profit in investments, but also at environmental, social and governance issues, such as a company's policies on climate. He bemoans that the United States has become a place full of "victims," and says the country has lost its purpose and its focus on faith, patriotism, hard work and family. On the stump, Ramaswamy is able to wax on issues ranging from digital currency to his stance on Israel, the U.S. Constitution and the civil service rules regarding mass layoffs of federal employees rules he says he understands better than any other candidate. He is proud of not needing a teleprompter, and his mix of policy specifics and smooth delivery has won over some voters. "He's a great orator, he has a keen intellect and a lot of knowledge," said Margarite Goodenow, a retiree from Council Bluffs who said she is so far supporting Ramaswamy over Trump. She described the former president as "too toxic" a position she held before he was indicted in multiple criminal cases though Goodenow said she will support Trump if he is the nominee. Ramaswamy says he can use his deep knowledge to accomplish what Trump couldn't and his other rivals wouldn't be able to laying off 75 per cent of the federal "bureaucracy" in his first term, including 50 per cent in year one. Some 20,000 members of the FBI would be let go as he dismantles the agency, he said. The remaining 15,000 frontline agents would go to work for what he says are more effective agencies, such as the U.S. Marshals Service, to focus on crimes such as child sex trafficking. He also said that by March 31, 2025, he would station the military along the U.S.-Mexico border positioned every half-mile to protect against illegal immigration and drugs like fentanyl entering the country. Those proposals all brought cheers during his recent Iowa stops. Kelly and Amy Pieper were among the nearly 200 people hailing from more than eight counties, according to organizers who turned out for the Ramaswamy town hall in the northwest Iowa community of Vail, which has a population of fewer than 400. They liked that Ramaswamy would carry forward many of Trump's policies, but presents himself as more eloquent and optimistic. "He gives you a sense of hope, not all doom and gloom," Kelly Pieper said. "It's like he's got Trump ideals but is a more eloquent version. Not this crazy uncle talking," his wife, Amy Pieper, added. "That's what we need." Not everyone is convinced he can pull it off, however, even if Iowa has been known to provide some surprises. For Republicans, Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum lodged an unexpected 2012 victory, though he later lost the GOP primary to Mitt Romney. On the Democratic side, it was then-Sen. Barack Obama whose 2008 defeat of Hillary Clinton threw that nomination battle into question. And in 2020, Pete Buttigieg, whose highest office was mayor of South Bend, Indiana, finished atop the field alongside Sen. Bernie Sanders. Joe Biden later won the nomination and defeated Trump. That has set up the rare presidential race with a former officeholder seeking reelection, making Trump a formidable opponent whose rallies attract thousands more people. Trump's closest challenger to be Republicans' nominee so far is Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has consistently polled a distant second, with Ramaswamy trailing. Voters at the Ramaswamy events consistently said they were deciding between the two alternatives to Trump. But like the woman who intimated that Ramaswamy could be Trump's running mate, Andrew Grove has his doubts about whether the first-time candidate can pull it off. "His message is on spot. I just don't know if he has the support to take him over the top, over Trump and DeSantis," said Grove, 53. He added that DeSantis is "a proven leader" while Ramaswamy has not held public office. Ramaswamy maintains that he is the only candidate in the GOP field who can deliver the landslide victory that the country needs in 2024 something akin to Ronald Reagan's wipeout of his 1984 rival rather than the kind of tight race the nation saw in 2020. He says he is attracting support from young people and new donors that older candidates are not. Of his roughly 70,000 individual donors, he says, 40 per cent of those making small-dollar contributions are giving to a Republican for the first time. As for Trump, Ramaswamy responded to the question of being his running mate by speaking warmly of the former president. Ramaswamy was a "hardcore" supporter of the president in 2020, he said, adding that they talk "from time to time," had dinner together a few years ago and that if he becomes president, Trump probably would be his most useful adviser and mentor. But he says the America First movement belongs not just to Trump but to "we the people." And he believes he can be more effective at accomplishing things Trump could not, saying a certain segment of the electorate automatically opposes Trump through no fault of his own, he said. "I'm not having that effect on people," Ramaswamy said. He noted another key difference as he made his case to top the ticket. "He's not the same person he was eight years ago," Ramaswamy said of Trump. "I hope certainly and pray that my best days are ahead of me. And I think we might just want a U.S. president whose best days aren't behind him." VAIL: Republican presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy was more than 40 minutes into a town hall in rural Iowa when a woman in the crowd posed a pointed question. Or perhaps it was a suggestion. "I know you want to be president," she said. "But would you consider being Trump's vice president?" The query drew light laughter from attendees and a lengthy response from Ramaswamy. (The short answer: No.) It also highlighted the central challenge facing the wealthy entrepreneur, who has risen from a little-known newcomer to as high as third in some Republican primary polls since joining the race nearly six months ago. While voters are increasingly interested in Ramaswamy, it's former President Donald Trump who continues to be many conservatives' favourite.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); With the first Republican primary debate in just over a week and the leadoff Iowa caucus five months away, he is delicately working to convince more voters that he could be their nominee and as much as he says he respects Trump would be a better 2024 candidate and president. "The debate will be important, but I think also just continuing on the trajectory we've been on," Ramaswamy said after the town hall held in a cavernous welding company workshed in Vail, Iowa. He returns to Iowa on Saturday for the Iowa State Fair, a rite of passage for presidential candidates. Ramaswamy described the months leading up to the first debate as "just the pre-season." "So we're entering the regular season of this and I'm coming in with a running start," he said. "That's the way I look at it." He says his strategy heading into the debate in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is "speak the truth," pointing to a banner emblazoned with the word "TRUTH" that serves as his backdrop and has become a campaign theme. The word in all capital letters and a font and that resembles Trump campaign signage is emblazoned on placards, T-shirts and stickers. Ramaswamy says he and others cannot trust the government because the government doesn't tell the truth. It was what motivated him, he says, to travel to the courthouse where Trump was to appear on charges earlier this month to announce he is suing the Justice Department and seeking all records the department has with information about why Trump was indicted. Though such a lawsuit is unlikely to be successful before any GOP primary votes are cast, it was a move that struck a balance between defending Trump and drawing positive attention to his own candidacy, at least among the Republican primary electorate. "That's what this campaign is already all about, speaking the hard truths, the truth that you might speak at the dinner table, but you don't feel free to speak in public," Ramaswamy told the Iowa audience. If he is elected, he said, people will speak those truths again, such as "God is real" and "reverse racism is racism." Having just turned 38, Ramaswamy is the youngest person to be a major Republican presidential candidate. Born in Ohio to immigrant parents from India, he earned a biology degree from Harvard University and then finished Yale Law School. He made his fortune after starting a biotech company, last year founded an asset management firm and is the author of several books, including "Woke, Inc." His books helped Ramaswamy gain exposure in conservative circles, including on Fox News, as a critic of "ESG," or looking not just at profit in investments, but also at environmental, social and governance issues, such as a company's policies on climate. He bemoans that the United States has become a place full of "victims," and says the country has lost its purpose and its focus on faith, patriotism, hard work and family. On the stump, Ramaswamy is able to wax on issues ranging from digital currency to his stance on Israel, the U.S. Constitution and the civil service rules regarding mass layoffs of federal employees rules he says he understands better than any other candidate. He is proud of not needing a teleprompter, and his mix of policy specifics and smooth delivery has won over some voters. "He's a great orator, he has a keen intellect and a lot of knowledge," said Margarite Goodenow, a retiree from Council Bluffs who said she is so far supporting Ramaswamy over Trump. She described the former president as "too toxic" a position she held before he was indicted in multiple criminal cases though Goodenow said she will support Trump if he is the nominee. Ramaswamy says he can use his deep knowledge to accomplish what Trump couldn't and his other rivals wouldn't be able to laying off 75 per cent of the federal "bureaucracy" in his first term, including 50 per cent in year one. Some 20,000 members of the FBI would be let go as he dismantles the agency, he said. The remaining 15,000 frontline agents would go to work for what he says are more effective agencies, such as the U.S. Marshals Service, to focus on crimes such as child sex trafficking. He also said that by March 31, 2025, he would station the military along the U.S.-Mexico border positioned every half-mile to protect against illegal immigration and drugs like fentanyl entering the country. Those proposals all brought cheers during his recent Iowa stops. Kelly and Amy Pieper were among the nearly 200 people hailing from more than eight counties, according to organizers who turned out for the Ramaswamy town hall in the northwest Iowa community of Vail, which has a population of fewer than 400. They liked that Ramaswamy would carry forward many of Trump's policies, but presents himself as more eloquent and optimistic. "He gives you a sense of hope, not all doom and gloom," Kelly Pieper said. "It's like he's got Trump ideals but is a more eloquent version. Not this crazy uncle talking," his wife, Amy Pieper, added. "That's what we need." Not everyone is convinced he can pull it off, however, even if Iowa has been known to provide some surprises. For Republicans, Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum lodged an unexpected 2012 victory, though he later lost the GOP primary to Mitt Romney. On the Democratic side, it was then-Sen. Barack Obama whose 2008 defeat of Hillary Clinton threw that nomination battle into question. And in 2020, Pete Buttigieg, whose highest office was mayor of South Bend, Indiana, finished atop the field alongside Sen. Bernie Sanders. Joe Biden later won the nomination and defeated Trump. That has set up the rare presidential race with a former officeholder seeking reelection, making Trump a formidable opponent whose rallies attract thousands more people. Trump's closest challenger to be Republicans' nominee so far is Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has consistently polled a distant second, with Ramaswamy trailing. Voters at the Ramaswamy events consistently said they were deciding between the two alternatives to Trump. But like the woman who intimated that Ramaswamy could be Trump's running mate, Andrew Grove has his doubts about whether the first-time candidate can pull it off. "His message is on spot. I just don't know if he has the support to take him over the top, over Trump and DeSantis," said Grove, 53. He added that DeSantis is "a proven leader" while Ramaswamy has not held public office. Ramaswamy maintains that he is the only candidate in the GOP field who can deliver the landslide victory that the country needs in 2024 something akin to Ronald Reagan's wipeout of his 1984 rival rather than the kind of tight race the nation saw in 2020. He says he is attracting support from young people and new donors that older candidates are not. Of his roughly 70,000 individual donors, he says, 40 per cent of those making small-dollar contributions are giving to a Republican for the first time. As for Trump, Ramaswamy responded to the question of being his running mate by speaking warmly of the former president. Ramaswamy was a "hardcore" supporter of the president in 2020, he said, adding that they talk "from time to time," had dinner together a few years ago and that if he becomes president, Trump probably would be his most useful adviser and mentor. But he says the America First movement belongs not just to Trump but to "we the people." And he believes he can be more effective at accomplishing things Trump could not, saying a certain segment of the electorate automatically opposes Trump through no fault of his own, he said. "I'm not having that effect on people," Ramaswamy said. He noted another key difference as he made his case to top the ticket. "He's not the same person he was eight years ago," Ramaswamy said of Trump. "I hope certainly and pray that my best days are ahead of me. And I think we might just want a U.S. president whose best days aren't behind him." Jitendra Choubey By NEW DELHI: Parliament recently passed the contentious Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2021, which the government said would promote commercialisation of Indian medicine systems, cultivation of wild medicinal plants and draw foreign investment in the sector. However, critics fear it could open the gates for exploitation of bio-resources. The Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill was first introduced in December 2021 in the Lok Sabha and subsequently referred to a 21-member Joint Parliamentary Committee. Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupendra Yadav said the amendments intend to mitigate the climate change crisis under the Paris Climate Accord 2015. The new amendment will promote ease of doing business, support research and cooperation while mitigating the triple crisis of climate change, desertification and loss of biological resources, Yadav assured Parliament. However, a closer look at the amendments suggests they could lead to rampant exploitation of bio-resources, spur bio-piracy and undermine the rights of its conservators or holders. Background Enacting the biological diversity law in India had its context. In the early 1990s, India had been the target of bio-piracy scientific colonialism as Indian products like neem, turmeric, tamarind, Basmati and Darjeeling tea were patented by foreign firms for commercial exploitation. Many underdeveloped countries were under similar attack from big corporations. In June 1992, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was negotiated and signed by nations at the UN Conference on Environment and Development's Earth Summit at Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. The Convention for the first time recognised the important contribution of indigenous people in conservation and sustainable use of bio-resources through their traditional knowledge, practices and innovations. Equitable sharing of benefits with such people arising out of utilisation of their traditional knowledge, practices and innovations was also agreed upon. The Convention came into force on December 29, 1993. India became a party to it in 1994. At present, there are 175 parties to this Convention. After that, India enacted the Biodiversity Act 2002 to protect various aspects of biodiversity, including the conservation of habitats, land races, folk varieties and cultivars, domesticated stocks and breeds of animals, micro-organisms, and the accumulation of knowledge related to the areas biological diversity. Under the Act, a National Biodiversity Authority was constituted, which formed as many as 2.77 lakh Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) to prepare a legal document, the Peoples Biodiversity Register (PBR), which would be a comprehensive account of local bio-resources along with related traditional knowledge and practices of the concerned area. As of now, BMCs have prepared around 2.67 lakh PBRs. New amendments The 2002 Act has been successful in protecting Indias bio-resources. But later, the government felt the need to bring foreign investment and innovation into the sector, so they amended the Act. The amendments mostly address the concern of the pharma industry and traditional medicine practitioners using bio-resources. But experts argue the amendments reduce the 'say' of the locals, introduce ambiguities in different sections and replace tough punishments with penalties, which may not be sufficient deterrents for the violators. The amendments treat foreign-controlled companies registered in India as Indian companies and give them access to biological resources and associated knowledge. They also facilitate easier patents involving biological resources obtained from India. Furthermore, they weaken the 'say' of local communities in benefit-sharing though they are conservers of biodiversity or creators or holders of traditional knowledge. Another amendment removes the benefit-sharing mechanism from research, bio-survey, bio-utilisation and practitioners of traditional medicines from the benefit mechanism. Furthermore, the amendment decriminalises offences and makes them punishable with a penalty. Earlier, the crimes were punishable by up to five years in jail and a fine, which is now replaced with a penalty. The penalty is between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 50 lakh, and in case of continuing contravention, there may be an additional penalty of up to `1 crore. Also, the penalty decisions will be subject to an inquiry instead of a judicial process. NEW DELHI: Parliament recently passed the contentious Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2021, which the government said would promote commercialisation of Indian medicine systems, cultivation of wild medicinal plants and draw foreign investment in the sector. However, critics fear it could open the gates for exploitation of bio-resources. The Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill was first introduced in December 2021 in the Lok Sabha and subsequently referred to a 21-member Joint Parliamentary Committee. Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupendra Yadav said the amendments intend to mitigate the climate change crisis under the Paris Climate Accord 2015. The new amendment will promote ease of doing business, support research and cooperation while mitigating the triple crisis of climate change, desertification and loss of biological resources, Yadav assured Parliament.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); However, a closer look at the amendments suggests they could lead to rampant exploitation of bio-resources, spur bio-piracy and undermine the rights of its conservators or holders. Background Enacting the biological diversity law in India had its context. In the early 1990s, India had been the target of bio-piracy scientific colonialism as Indian products like neem, turmeric, tamarind, Basmati and Darjeeling tea were patented by foreign firms for commercial exploitation. Many underdeveloped countries were under similar attack from big corporations. In June 1992, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was negotiated and signed by nations at the UN Conference on Environment and Development's Earth Summit at Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. The Convention for the first time recognised the important contribution of indigenous people in conservation and sustainable use of bio-resources through their traditional knowledge, practices and innovations. Equitable sharing of benefits with such people arising out of utilisation of their traditional knowledge, practices and innovations was also agreed upon. The Convention came into force on December 29, 1993. India became a party to it in 1994. At present, there are 175 parties to this Convention. After that, India enacted the Biodiversity Act 2002 to protect various aspects of biodiversity, including the conservation of habitats, land races, folk varieties and cultivars, domesticated stocks and breeds of animals, micro-organisms, and the accumulation of knowledge related to the areas biological diversity. Under the Act, a National Biodiversity Authority was constituted, which formed as many as 2.77 lakh Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) to prepare a legal document, the Peoples Biodiversity Register (PBR), which would be a comprehensive account of local bio-resources along with related traditional knowledge and practices of the concerned area. As of now, BMCs have prepared around 2.67 lakh PBRs. New amendments The 2002 Act has been successful in protecting Indias bio-resources. But later, the government felt the need to bring foreign investment and innovation into the sector, so they amended the Act. The amendments mostly address the concern of the pharma industry and traditional medicine practitioners using bio-resources. But experts argue the amendments reduce the 'say' of the locals, introduce ambiguities in different sections and replace tough punishments with penalties, which may not be sufficient deterrents for the violators. The amendments treat foreign-controlled companies registered in India as Indian companies and give them access to biological resources and associated knowledge. They also facilitate easier patents involving biological resources obtained from India. Furthermore, they weaken the 'say' of local communities in benefit-sharing though they are conservers of biodiversity or creators or holders of traditional knowledge. Another amendment removes the benefit-sharing mechanism from research, bio-survey, bio-utilisation and practitioners of traditional medicines from the benefit mechanism. Furthermore, the amendment decriminalises offences and makes them punishable with a penalty. Earlier, the crimes were punishable by up to five years in jail and a fine, which is now replaced with a penalty. The penalty is between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 50 lakh, and in case of continuing contravention, there may be an additional penalty of up to `1 crore. Also, the penalty decisions will be subject to an inquiry instead of a judicial process. Vivek Bhoomi By Express News Service Urban flooding has become a common occurrence in cities big and small across the country. It is undeniable that Nature's response to man-made destruction of water bodies has had a devastating impact on the people living in the low-lying areas. Though environmental activists have been raising alarm over various issues like pollution, encroachment and dumping of waste inside water bodies for decades, justice has somehow become elusive. For activists like Dr Lubna Sarwath, who has been relentlessly fighting the Telangana government in courts for protecting water bodies, it is her effort more than the results that will drive change. A daughter of Hyderabad, Lubna had left her managerial position at Punjab National Bank to pursue a PhD in Islamic Economics in Indonesia. Her thesis on the theory of unity of knowledge had laid the foundation for her work on lakes, economy, environment, and ethics through education. She had significantly questioned how war and industries were ignored in the Copenhagen Summit in 2009. Her most notable work has been on protecting Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar, the twin reservoirs built by the Nizam, after the devastating floods of 1908 in Hyderabad. The reservoirs became the protective shield for the twin-cities against flooding, and also a drinking water source. As per GO 111 issued in 1996 which the present State government has decided to repeal, construction and polluting industries in 84 villages in the catchment areas of the two reservoirs has been prohibited. It is a deceit to the people, a pack of lies being spread by the government that the land value of the farmers will increase benefiting them. It is only the land value that they seek. Unfortunately the people living in those villages are not educated about GO 111. Agriculture, horticulture and floriculture are permitted in those villages, and there is an explicit mention in it that these activities need to be encouraged. Farmers should have been incentivised but it didnt happen, she says. It is a wonderful irrigation system where Musi river flows from Ananthagiri Hills 690 metres above sea level, to the twin reservoirs located at 600 metres, supplying water to Hyderabad located at 550 metres, all through gravity. They could have expanded the system, as this area has been receiving excess rainfall. They neither harvested water, nor have they tried to restore the existing capacity of the reservoirs, which have been mostly encroached upon, she adds. She has been warning on the streets and in the court that repeal of GO 111 will have a devastating impact on Hyderabad, but the State government has been dismissing it as propaganda. She filed a public interest litigation against the state government for issuing an order in 2022, for spending Rs 7,000 crore for setting-up sewage treatment plants (STP) in the lakes, reservoirs and tanks across the city. It is a myth that STPs will be beneficial. They not only occupy space inside the full tank level of water bodies, but are also energy guzzlers which will put a huge burden on the state exchequer, she claims, reminding of the JICA (Japanese International Cooperation Agency) project which was taken up with Rs 360 crore for the Himayath Sagar Catchment Improvement Project, where huge sewage pipes, interception and diversion structures were built and STPs installed, which she claims has done nothing to improve the condition of the reservoir. Diversion is not the solution to pollution. It needs to be handled at the vicinity from where it originates, she asserts. She suggests decentralisation in solid and liquid waste segregation, composting, reuse and disposal at the ward and village levels, using multiple alternative methods like using dry latrines, twin-pit system, bio-toilets, Finland methodology of dry and wet waste segregation and other technologies, which are already in use. I have been telling the government to have a research and development wing so that they can be abreast with the demands and they can take the opinions from the society, she emphasises. She has filed more than a dozen cases in the courts for protecting the water bodies. Though a court judgment preventing the dewatering of Hussain Sagar lake went in her favour, she points out that the issue remains unresolved. Most of her other cases have been reserved for order. No closure yet. The judiciary is culpable, if the city faces drought or drowning, she says, citing a reply from a court on her request for information on the cases related to water bodies. She was told that the courts didnt have the manpower to give the required information. Whatever good that you are doing, the reward is that you are able to do it, she quotes from the holy Quran, when asked how she feels about some of her efforts not achieving the desired results either legally or politically. Lubna had contested from the Hyderabad Lok Sabha segment in 2014, Karwan assembly constituency in 2018 and also for the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation election for Asif Nagar division. She has been approached by various political parties in the past, and has held posts in the Socialist Party (India) and Aam Aadmi Party. She is also the state president of the Water Resources Council and the Womens India Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Urban flooding has become a common occurrence in cities big and small across the country. It is undeniable that Nature's response to man-made destruction of water bodies has had a devastating impact on the people living in the low-lying areas. Though environmental activists have been raising alarm over various issues like pollution, encroachment and dumping of waste inside water bodies for decades, justice has somehow become elusive. For activists like Dr Lubna Sarwath, who has been relentlessly fighting the Telangana government in courts for protecting water bodies, it is her effort more than the results that will drive change. A daughter of Hyderabad, Lubna had left her managerial position at Punjab National Bank to pursue a PhD in Islamic Economics in Indonesia. Her thesis on the theory of unity of knowledge had laid the foundation for her work on lakes, economy, environment, and ethics through education. She had significantly questioned how war and industries were ignored in the Copenhagen Summit in 2009.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Her most notable work has been on protecting Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar, the twin reservoirs built by the Nizam, after the devastating floods of 1908 in Hyderabad. The reservoirs became the protective shield for the twin-cities against flooding, and also a drinking water source. As per GO 111 issued in 1996 which the present State government has decided to repeal, construction and polluting industries in 84 villages in the catchment areas of the two reservoirs has been prohibited. It is a deceit to the people, a pack of lies being spread by the government that the land value of the farmers will increase benefiting them. It is only the land value that they seek. Unfortunately the people living in those villages are not educated about GO 111. Agriculture, horticulture and floriculture are permitted in those villages, and there is an explicit mention in it that these activities need to be encouraged. Farmers should have been incentivised but it didnt happen, she says. It is a wonderful irrigation system where Musi river flows from Ananthagiri Hills 690 metres above sea level, to the twin reservoirs located at 600 metres, supplying water to Hyderabad located at 550 metres, all through gravity. They could have expanded the system, as this area has been receiving excess rainfall. They neither harvested water, nor have they tried to restore the existing capacity of the reservoirs, which have been mostly encroached upon, she adds. She has been warning on the streets and in the court that repeal of GO 111 will have a devastating impact on Hyderabad, but the State government has been dismissing it as propaganda. She filed a public interest litigation against the state government for issuing an order in 2022, for spending Rs 7,000 crore for setting-up sewage treatment plants (STP) in the lakes, reservoirs and tanks across the city. It is a myth that STPs will be beneficial. They not only occupy space inside the full tank level of water bodies, but are also energy guzzlers which will put a huge burden on the state exchequer, she claims, reminding of the JICA (Japanese International Cooperation Agency) project which was taken up with Rs 360 crore for the Himayath Sagar Catchment Improvement Project, where huge sewage pipes, interception and diversion structures were built and STPs installed, which she claims has done nothing to improve the condition of the reservoir. Diversion is not the solution to pollution. It needs to be handled at the vicinity from where it originates, she asserts. She suggests decentralisation in solid and liquid waste segregation, composting, reuse and disposal at the ward and village levels, using multiple alternative methods like using dry latrines, twin-pit system, bio-toilets, Finland methodology of dry and wet waste segregation and other technologies, which are already in use. I have been telling the government to have a research and development wing so that they can be abreast with the demands and they can take the opinions from the society, she emphasises. She has filed more than a dozen cases in the courts for protecting the water bodies. Though a court judgment preventing the dewatering of Hussain Sagar lake went in her favour, she points out that the issue remains unresolved. Most of her other cases have been reserved for order. No closure yet. The judiciary is culpable, if the city faces drought or drowning, she says, citing a reply from a court on her request for information on the cases related to water bodies. She was told that the courts didnt have the manpower to give the required information. Whatever good that you are doing, the reward is that you are able to do it, she quotes from the holy Quran, when asked how she feels about some of her efforts not achieving the desired results either legally or politically. Lubna had contested from the Hyderabad Lok Sabha segment in 2014, Karwan assembly constituency in 2018 and also for the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation election for Asif Nagar division. She has been approached by various political parties in the past, and has held posts in the Socialist Party (India) and Aam Aadmi Party. She is also the state president of the Water Resources Council and the Womens India Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Australia's High Commissioner Designate Philip Green arrives in India Green, who was most recently Australia's ambassador to Germany, succeeds Barry O'Farrell.Green welcomed the entire High Commission team to his home for afternoon tea, the commission informed further."Australia's High Commissioner-Designate Philip Green has arrived in India with his wife Prof Susan Marks. He welcomed the entire High Commission team to his home for an afternoon tea. Welcome Philip!," the Australian High Commission wrote on Twitter."You are welcome in India, Philip and Susan," the Australian Commission wrote in Hindi.Last month in June, Australia announced the appointment of Green as the country's next High Commissioner to India.Australia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Penny Wong announced this in an official media release.As per the release, Green is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and was most recently Australia's Ambassador to Germany.He has previously served overseas as Australia's High Commissioner to Singapore, South Africa, and Kenya.According to Wong, the Australia-India relationship has never been closer, the two countries share perspectives, challenges, and democratic heritage.Wong said that Australia and India are working together through the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and as Quad partners, to promote a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, where sovereignty is respected.The Australian Foreign Minister further said, "Along with our deepening defence and security cooperation, Australia and India have a mutually beneficial economic partnership, which will expand as we work towards finalising an ambitious Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement."(ANI | Posted on 11 August 2023, 1692589193 162O158O95O214) UK Security Minister in India to attend G20 Anti-Corruption Meeting "Corruption also harms our prosperity, damages our society and threatens our national security. I am delighted to be attending the G20 Anti-Corruption Ministerial meeting, presided over by India, to continue strengthening global resilience and cracking down on its corrosive influence," he added further.Before travelling to Kolkata for the G20 Anti-Corruption Ministerial, which will take place on 12 August, Minister Tugendhat will visit the Central Bureau of Investigation to discuss joint challenges posed by child sexual exploitation and abuse, and fraud. He will also meet with the Indian National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval.The UK Government recently launched a Fraud Strategy, which includes a new National Fraud Squad that will work with local forces, international partners including the CBI and the UK Intelligence Community, to ensure that callous fraud cells are shut down.At the G20, Minister Tugendhat will emphasise the UK's unwavering commitment to fighting corruption, which undermines national security and global prosperity.The G20 discussion will complement work already underway by the UK Government to deliver a new UK Anti-Corruption Strategy.During a meeting with India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, in New Delhi on Thursday, Minister Tugendhat announced new funding to enhance the UK's capability to tackle Pro-Khalistan Extremism.The 95,000-pound investment will enhance the government's understanding of the threat posed by Pro-Khalistan Extremism, complementing the joint work already underway between the UK and India through the Joint-Extremism Task Force.Security Minister, Tom Tugendhat said, "The living bridge between India and the UK reflects our deep and enduring friendship. As the world's oldest and largest democracies, we have many shared opportunities to make the world a safer and more prosperous place.""A deeper partnership between our two nations means we can more effectively tackle the security threats we both face. I'm committed to working together to enhance our understanding of and capabilities against extremism, whatever form it takes," he added.British High Commissioner to India Alex Ellis said, "The unique connection between our people brings both huge opportunities and security challenges. Through mechanisms like the Joint Extremism Task Force we are acting jointly on countering threats, including pro-Khalistan extremism, as well as on migration, to keep our people safe.""Our migration and mobility relationship is a pillar of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which also includes ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific and tackling the biggest challenges facing the world around climate and health. This is a partnership for now, including India's G20 Presidency, and for the future," he added.(ANI | Posted on 11 August 2023, 1692589193 172O70O247O93) Assam govt to install ropeway at Kamakhya temple In a video posted on X on Thursday, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the state government is striving toward a "new horizon" for the Kamakhya temple, which is visited by a large number of devotees from home and abroad annually.An extensive study has already conducted by the state government to run the ropeway service from Kamakhya railway station to the temple.Sarma said that the ropeway will reduce travel time for pilgrims and guests arriving by train by 5560 per cent and also increase tourist potential.With a capacity of carrying 1,000 people per hour, the ropeway will operate in each direction.It will traverse the distance to Nilachal hills within seven minutes.The state government has set a deadline of June 2026 to compete the ropeway.Notably, in line with the Kashi-Vishwanath Temple Corridor in Varanasi, the Assam government also intends to build a corridor at the Kamakhya temple.According to a senior government officer, the total amount of open space surrounding the temple will grow from the current 3,000 sq.feet to roughly 100,000 sq.feet, distributed over three levels.The official stated that the access corridor's average width would rise from its present width of 8 to 10 feet to roughly 27 to 30 feet.The six major temples in Nilachal, which are currently hidden from the general public's gaze, will be brought back to their former splendour.A holding capacity of between 8,000 and 10,000 pilgrims will also be created as part of the project to lessen the pressure during the Ambubachi Mela and other significant festivals.(IANS | Posted on 11 August 2023, 1692589194 162O158O94O59) Sai Ganga Panakeia's Innovative Path to Redefining Healthcare Garners Great Recognition during the India Startup Festival 2024 Under the visionary leadership of Dr Ravishankar Polisetty, the company is gaining international recognition for its transformative initiatives aimed at bridging gaps in healthcare access and quality.Sai Ganga Panakeia's strategic vision has propelled it to the forefront of innovation, inventing Docture Poly and its achievements have been acknowledged with the esteemed "Distinguished Startup and Most Valuable Product for Rural Empowerment" award. This recognition underscores the dedication and collaborative spirit that define the SGP's team.The company's approach focuses on leveraging cutting-edge technologies to address significant challenges in the healthcare landscape. Dr Polisetty's leadership and commitment to redefining the industry have resonated with both investors and experts alike."Our journey is driven by the belief that innovation can reshape healthcare for the better. This award reflects our team's unwavering dedication to this cause, our aim is to create a healthcare ecosystem that empowers individuals and communities, regardless of their location or resources. This recognition motivates us to push the boundaries even further " Dr. Ravishankar Polisetty Said.Docture Poly is not merely a digital doctor assistant and a great health product but transformative solutions that promise to shape the future of healthcare. This innovative spirit was highlighted during the award presentation, where investors acknowledged the company's potential to bridge existing gaps.The company's achievements and strategic initiatives reflect a collective commitment to innovation, accessibility, and positive change in healthcare. As Docture Poly's reputation grows on a global scale, its transformative endeavours are set to bridge healthcare disparities and create a lasting impact.Docture PolyDocture Poly is a pioneering healthcare company guided by the visionary leadership of Dr Ravishankar Polisetty. With a focus on innovative solutions and a commitment to accessible healthcare, the company's initiatives have been recognized with the "Distinguished Startup and Most Valuable Product for Rural Empowerment" award. Docture Poly is committed to revolutionizing the healthcare landscape, making a difference on a global scale.. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)(ANI | Posted on 11 August 2023, 1692589194 172O69O150O83) Vipul Shah, Prem Parija visit National War Memorial to pay homage to real-life commandos Shah is all set to redefine the statement of entertainment with the Commando web series, co-produced by Aashin A Shah, by launching newcomer, Prem Parija, into the spotlight in Commando OTT.Making the release of this much-awaited series a worthwhile event, the two are visited the National War Memorial, Delhi to give a tribute to Real life commandos.As the director-producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah along with the lead actor Prem Parija and the team will be present at the grand launch event, the media will also grace their presence.The show also stars Adah Sharma, Amit Sial, Tigmanshu Dhulia and Mukesh Chhabra in pivotal roles.The series reunites Adah and Vipul Amrutlal Shah after their last successful venture of 'The Kerala Story'. Vipul has helmed the series.The series is touted to bring forth the tale of valour, patriotism, high-octane action and the journey of the titular character.It also stars Vaibhav Tatwawadi, Shreya Singh Chaudhry, Amit Sial, Tigmanshu Dhulia, Mukesh Chhabra and Ishteyak Khan.The 'Commando' franchise started in 2013 with 'Commando A One Man Army' which starred Vidyut Jammwal in the titular role. Over the years, the franchise has become a favourite of the enthusiasts of the action genre,Produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah's Sunshine Pictures, directed and created by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, and co-produced by Aashin A Shah, the commando web series is now streaming only on Disney+ Hotstar.(IANS | Posted on 11 August 2023, 1692589194 172O70O242O23) Canadian Open: Murray withdraws ahead of Sinner clash due to abdominal injury After spending nearly five hours on the court across his opening wins against Lorenzo Sonego and Max Purcell, the Briton was set to face Sinner but he pulled out."I have an issue with my abdominal (muscles) so unfortunately I'm not going to be able to play this evening. I'm really sorry," Murray said, addressing the stadium crowd."I feel like I've let you down. I've rarely been in this situation in my career and I feel terrible," he added.It is just Murray's seventh time conceding a walkover in his long career. A three-time champion at the ATP Masters 1000 in Canada (2009, 2010, 2015), the 36-year-old was especially upset given that this might be his last appearance in Toronto.He was seeking his first quarterfinal at the event since his 2015 title run, and his first Masters quarter-final since he won the Paris crown in 2016."I don't know, this might be my last time playing here as well. So to finish like this feels rubbish," Murray said before thanking the Canadian fans for their support over the years. He also took time to sign autographs before leaving the court.The 36-year-old Murray is up four places to No.36 in the ATP Live Rankings behind his two wins this week -- his highest mark since 2018 -- and is hopeful for a speedy recovery with Cincinnati and the US Open around the corner."I had a very similar issue last year in Stuttgart before Wimbledon, which forced me to miss the Queen's Club tournament. I was able to play Wimbledon. It took me about 10-12 days before I was feeling good again," he recalled."This is not as bad as that but obviously the danger if you compete and play is you could make it worse. I'll need to see how it develops over the coming days and hopefully feel better in a few days," he added.Courtesy of the walkover, Sinner advanced to face Gael Monfils in Friday's quarterfinals and moved ahead of Andrey Rublev into fifth in the ATP Live Race To Turin.(IANS | Posted on 11 August 2023, 1692589195 172O70O243O43) India continues to grapple with demand-supply gap in organ donations World Organ Donation Day is observed every year on August 13 to encourage people to become an organ donor and to clear up misconceptions about organ donation.In February, the Health Ministry noted that India, for the first time, achieved more than 15,000 transplants in a year (2022). There was an annual increase of 27 per cent in transplant numbers.Yet there is a persistent scarcity of organs, which is also costing precious lives, say health experts.Speaking to IANS, Dr. L K Jha, Director and Senior Consultant - Nephrology and Kidney Transplant at Dharamshila Narayana Superspeciality Hospital Delhi, emphasised the importance of recognising the potential of organ donation from brain-dead individuals, capable of saving multiple lives.India faces the lowest rate of organ donation worldwide, with a mere 0.1 per cent of the population donating their organs after death, in stark contrast to 70-80 per cent of people in Western countries who pledge to do so."India loses around 2 lakh kidneys and other vital organs annually, underscoring the need for collective efforts to increase cadaver donations. If we properly harvest even 5-10 per cent of all brain deaths for organ donation, it could render the need for living donors obsolete," Dr Jha said."Tragically, lakhs of lives are lost every year due to the non-availability of organs, with approximately two lakh people succumbing to liver disease and thousands of patients due to heart disease," Dr. Sumit Gahlawat, Senior Consultant - Urology and Renal Transplant, Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Gurugram, told IANS.In the post-Covid era, there has been a notable resurgence in transplant activities. However, societal reservations remain a significant obstacle, hindering organ donation and transplant initiatives.Among the 15,000 transplants performed in 2022, kidney transplants accounted for a lion's share of 11,423 procedures. This number pales in comparison to an estimated 200,000 cases of renal failure each year.Similar patterns can be observed in liver, heart, and pancreatic transplants, where demand far exceeds supply. While there has been some progress in harvesting organs from deceased donors, with the average number of transplants per donor increasing from 2.43 in 2016 to 3.05 in 2022, it is still insufficient.For instance, only 250 patients received heart transplants, a striking contrast to the estimated requirement of 50,000. With over 200,000 Indians in need of organ transplants annually, the current situation demands a unified national policy to address the critical issue effectively."Out of the 12,387 organs harvested in 2021, which included kidneys, livers, hearts, lungs, and pancreas, only 14 per cent were procured from deceased donors. The current situation demands urgent action as the country grapples with an organ famine," Dr. Sumit Gahlawat, Senior Consultant - Urology and Renal Transplant, Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Gurugram, told IANS."Essentially, we need to focus on cadaveric donation - a generous act of donating organs, such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, and pancreas, from individuals who are declared brain-dead. The transplantation of these vital organs has the potential to save up to nine lives. To address the substantial annual demand for organ transplants, it is imperative for India to actively promote and streamline the process of cadaveric donations," added Dr. Prashant Jain, Sr. Consultant and Head of the Department of General Urology & Andrology, Indian Spinal Injuries Centre (ISIC), New Delhi.The experts collectively called for a nationwide effort to increase cadaver donations, highlighting the potential to bridge the demand-supply gap and save countless lives. They also emphasised the need for public awareness campaigns, education, and policy initiatives to address the organ famine and ensure that the life-saving gift of organ donation reaches those in dire need.(IANS | Posted on 11 August 2023, 1692589195 172O70O243O67) Formidium Opens State-Of-The-Art Workspace at the GIFT City in Ahmedabad, India The new office is located at STPI, 9th Floor, GIFT One Tower, GIFT City, Gandhinagar-382355, 12km from Ahmedabad International Airport.GIFT City presents an unprecedented ecosystem for crucial economic activities, offering globally benchmarked regulations, taxation, policies, and more. GIFT City is being developed with world-class facilities and as a prominent business district catering to global and domestic enterprises, and a preferred destination for Financial Services and IT/ITes companies in India.Formidium's facilities at the GIFT City will give its Ahmedabad-based staff the resources to continue to innovate and deliver its clients premier services through pioneering technologies. The new workspace features a spacious, modern, and comfortable layout. Beyond the space itself, the new office is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, top-notch connectivity, and cutting-edge technology. The combination of a human-focused workspace and up-to-date technological resources gives the Ahmedabad-based staff everything they need to support Formidium's mission."We're overjoyed, proud, and absolutely thrilled to announce the opening of our brand-new, dynamic, office at the GIFT City in Ahmedabad! This isn't just an office, it's a launchpad for ambitions, creativity, and a hub for collaboration. We've curated this new office to cultivate a thriving culture of innovation and productivity. The extraordinary GIFT City space is purpose-built to inspire unmatched energy and enthusiasm! As a global leader in fund technology and third-party fund administration, the new office further strengthens our position to cater to the evolving needs of the financial industry." said Manish Sudrania, Co-Founder of Formidium.Formidium Corp. is a global investment fund administration services and technology provider headquartered in Downers Grove, IL . Formidium has developed its proprietary technology for fund accounting and for Investor onboarding . Formidium also offers a Marketplace for alternative investments to HNWIs, Family Offices, and other Institutional Allocators.Formidium's operations and technology are SOC 1, SOC 2, and SOC 3 audited, ISO27001 certified, and supported by over 2 million hours of R&D and a global staff of 900.Learn more about Formidium at www.formidium.comFormidium Corp.633 Rogers St, Suite 106Downers Grove, IL 60515(ANI | Posted on 11 August 2023, 1692589195 172O70O246O62) India in touch with German authorities in baby Ariha Shah case: MEA At the weekly media briefing on Friday, MEA reiterated its stand on the case over the girl's cultural rights and her rights as an Indian citizen and added that the ministry will continue to press the German authorities for the early return of the child to India."As we had mentioned earlier, we continue to remain engaged with German authorities on this case. Let me reiterate that we believe that the child who's currently in foster care, as you mentioned, is being denied her cultural rights and her rights as an Indian citizen. We will continue to press the German authorities for the early return of the child to India", said MEA.Earlier this morning, Dhara Shah, mother of Ariha Shah, an Indian baby in German foster care, held a demonstration on Friday at Jantar Mantar demanding that German authorities allow Ariha to celebrate Independence Day with the Indian Community in Germany in order to protect her cultural rights.Ariha's family says they will go to the German embassy and request the German Ambassador that since the Indian Independence Day is around the corner, Ariha should be allowed to celebrate the Independence Day of her country.Dhara said that it is her cultural right and it needs to be preserved."We will go to the German embassy. We will request the German ambassador that the 15th of August is coming and every Indian has the right to celebrate it. We will ask him to let Ariha celebrate Indian independence day. She should not be deprived of her cultural identity," Dhara Shah said while speaking to ANI.(ANI | Posted on 11 August 2023, 1692589196 162O158O86O136) People who are fed with silver spoon won't understand pain of farmers: CM Yogi hits out at opposition Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said, "I was listening to the speech of the opposition. After that, I realized that the mandate in 2014, 2017, 2019 and 2022 by the people wasn't without a reason. Opposition isn't aware of the ground issues. People who are fed with a silver spoon won't understand the pain of poor, farmers and Dalits."Uttar Pradesh CM said that if the Samajwadi Party had taken care of the farmers during their period, farmers would not have died by suicide.CM Yogi said, "Those who are fond of gold and silver will not be able to understand the problem of the farmer. This year half of the state is affected by drought. Less than normal rainfall was received in many places. Even then the condition of UP is better compared to many other states."UP is the first place in the country where 86 per cent of the land is irrigated by canals and tube wells, CM Yogi said.The CM further said, "UP has 11 per cent of the country's agricultural land. While 16 per cent of the population is in this state, 20 per cent of the country's food production is in UP. Farmers in UP have left no stone unturned to increase their farm product and the government is trying to give full support to the farmers. The government is also trying to provide relief to those farmers who have suffered due to droughts."CM Yogi Adityanath also spoke on encephalitis and said, "Samajwadi Party got the opportunity to work as the ruling party four times in Uttar Pradesh. What did you do all this time? You found no solution for the same. I am proud to tell you that in our first tenure itself we have eradicated encephalitis."(ANI | Posted on 11 August 2023, 1692589196 172O70O242O211) Times Pride Fest leaves behind a Legacy of Dialogue and Collaboration for LGBTQ+ Equality New Delhi, August 11 As the Pride month came to a close, so did the Times Pride Fest 2023 after a fruitful run.The Times Pride Fest was a campaign that aimed at shedding light on the discrimination and injustices that are still faced by the LGBTQ+ community in India and what business owners, as well as individuals, can do to commit themselves to the cause of LGBTQ+ equality with a special onus on workplace inclusivity and DEI initiatives.The campaign was a collaborative effort between businesses such as P&G India, Godrej Capital, Senco Gold & Diamond, and The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group who have been frontrunners in the struggle to achieve workplace equality.As a part of the initiative, a conclave session was held at The Lalit, Mumbai wherein various supporters and members of the LGBTQ+ community were invited to engage in an insightful discussion regarding the current state of LGBTQ+ rights in India, their personal stories of how they overcame the odds against them and measures that could be taken to ensure fair workplace practices. Addressing the panel were dignitaries such as Ankur Bhagat - Vice President & Chief Supply Chain officer, Procter & Gamble, Ruhie Pande - CHRO - Godrej Capital, Akshay Tyagi - Head DEI The LaliT Group, Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil - Chairman Lakshya Trust, Shobhna S. Kumar from Queer ink & Maya Awasthy - Tweet India.Org.https//youtu.be/E55uUN7fU_cConveying his support, Ankur Bhagat, Chief Supply Chain Officer at P&G India shared, "P&G's GABLE program fosters an inclusive global network empowering LGBTQ+ employees and allies to bring their authentic selves to work. It starts with a foundation of inclusive policies and meaningful interventions. The company transformed its comprehensive financial and medical benefits into a fully inclusive and equality-based program extending to partners of our LGBTQ+ colleagues, including medical coverage, emergency financial assistance, fixed allowances, relocation support, childcare benefits, as well as the recently introduced Infertility Treatment Support policy. With this, P&G reaffirms its commitment to supporting diverse gender identities, sexual orientations, and family structures. Genuine care drives our commitment of inclusion for LGBTQ+ community, inside and outside P&G."Expressing the commitment Godrej Capital has to DE&I, CHRO at Godrej Capital, Ruhie Pandey shared, "Creating a truly inclusive workplace environment means more than putting up rainbow flags and banners. It requires a genuine commitment to cultivating a culture of belonging, where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves to work without fear of prejudice or discrimination. We must actively challenge biases and dismantle systemic barriers that may hinder the progress of LGBTQ+ individuals. At Godrej Capital, we endeavor to provide LGBTQ+ employees with equal opportunities for professional growth and advancement. Internship programs, capability-building initiatives, mentoring, and employee resource groups are vital ways in which we seek to empower individuals to thrive in their careers while fostering a sense of community and support."Senco Gold & Diamond, a key partner in this initiative, shared their perspective on the event stating, "We believe in the power of unity, equality, and acceptance. Pride Fest 2023 provides a platform to amplify these values and advocate for the rights and well-being of the LGBTQ++ community." This dynamic discussion was broadcasted on the Times Now channel on 1st July.Urging businesses to do their part in ensuring LGBTQ+ equality, Keshav Suri, the Executive Director of the LaLit Suri Hospitality Group and LGBTQ+ rights activist, said, "My only request to a lot of people from the business community is that please make Diversity, Equity and Inclusion a part of the DNA of your company; please bring it up in every conversation if possible, please make sure ESG and sustainability are key words and inclusion should be at the top of your list, Sensitize your teams. Please let people wear their sexuality on their sleeves with a badge of pride."Another part of the campaign were the "Samvaad" press meets in the major metropolitan cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore. The objective of Samvaad, as the name suggests, is to facilitate meaningful and constructive dialogue by inviting various prominent voices from the LGBTQ+ community to share their perspectives and dispel the prejudices that still persist in society.Kicking off in Delhi on 26th June, Samvaad called upon community representatives such as Harish Iyer, Rudrani Chhetri, Akshay Tyagi, Ruhie Pande, amongst others. The talks struck a chord with the audience as Nirbhaya" and "Juhie" shared their journey from having to overcome great odds and prejudices to now being employed as professionals in the LaLit Group. The Bengaluru chapter of Samvaad was held on 28th June and invited numerous known faces of the LBTQ+ community including activist Akkai Padamshali, drag artists Zeeshan and Beyonce, Ruhie Pandey, Madhav Kothari and Deepti Kapil, Marketing Manager at The Lalit Ashok Bengaluru. The Samvaad meets reached their crescendo in Mumbai on 30th June as it was graced by renowned figures such as actor Palash Dutta; trans-rights activist and researcher Nishtha Nishant; Marketing & Communications Manager at LaLiT Mumbai, Vishal Dudeja, as well as Inder & Ashish, a prominent duo of LGBTQ+ activists along with Ankur Bhagat and Ruhie Pandey.The initiative was widely admired and gained a lot of traction as it was featured on the social media pages of Bombay Times, Delhi Times, and Bangalore Times. ET Panache hailed the campaign for setting a "new benchmark for LGBTQ+ inclusivity in Indian workplaces" in its coverage of the Pride Fest on 14th July. Furthermore, a Coffee table Book is soon going to be published showcasing members of the community and their inspiring stories giving them the much-deserved spotlight and representation in mainstream media.Instrumental to the event's success was the Lalit Suri Hospitality group, which not only participated in the Conclave and Press Meets but also hosted them; as well as the Keshav Suri Foundation which acted as a knowledge partner to the initiative.In all, the Times Pride Fest, through its efforts of providing a nation-wide platform to LGBTQ+ voices, is leaving behind a legacy of collaboration and acceptance in order to create a better and just tomorrow.(ANI | Posted on 11 August 2023, 1692589196 172O69O150O211) Manipal Hospitals launches new specialised day-care centre for chemotherapy The centre offers advanced facilities and aims to revolutionise cancer care by providing patients with a relaxed treatment setting, and direct access to renowned and experienced doctors.The day-care centre is also equipped with a dedicated cytotoxic drug mixing room for the safety of the patients and healthcare workers.Dr Poonam Patil, Consultant - Medical Oncology, said, "The day-care centre is designed and structured based on the convenience of the doctors, enhancing the patient experience and lesser hospital stays. The centre will offer all essential services including chemotherapy, all targeted immunotherapies and all comprehensive cancer care."Day-care centre for chemotherapy patients is a novel concept that offers patients the convenience of returning home on the same day of their infusion. In this day-care centre, patients do not need to use a hospital bed for their treatment; instead, they have the option to be comfortably seated on a private couch, or in a shared lounge area. The centre has a well stock of IV set with covering, Bard port and Power Port for Chemoport and cooling caps to reduce the hair fall while doing the chemotherapy infusions.The centre has the capacity to perform 50-55 chemotherapies at a time, with doctors and the staff monitoring the vitals of the patients. On a weekly basis Manipal Hospital, Old Airport Road perform 360-370 chemotherapies and monthly covering 870 - 900 depending on the urgency of the treatment. Being a comprehensive and specialised day-care chemotherapy centre, they go with 360-degree approach prioritizing the safety and well-being of patients.The new day-care centre for chemotherapy is strategically placed close to the outpatient department . This ensures that the patient does not have to move around too much within the hospital for relevant treatment and meetings with doctors. It will also reduce the risk of the patient falling prey to hospital-acquired diseases by maintaining a safe environment for cancer patients, who suffer from compromised immune systems. The centre also has a dedicated cytotoxic drug mixing room specially designed to prevent spillages and contamination during the preparation of chemotherapy drugs. The mixing room provides a controlled environment equipped with specialised safety measures, minimising exposure to hazardous drugs, accidental spillage or contamination, and the risk of airborne exposure.On this occasion, Dr Amit Rauthan, HOD & Consultant - Medical Oncology, Manipal Hospital, Old Airport Road, Bengaluru, said, "We strive to make the healthcare journey of patients more accessible and seamless, providing them with the care they need in a comfortable and safe environment. Our day-care centre is equipped with cutting-edge facilities for patients undergoing chemotherapy, and the dedicated mixing room ensures the highest standards of safety and infection control.""My heartfelt gratitude to our extraordinary team of doctors, nurses, and support staff, who have worked tirelessly to make this day-care centre a reality. Their expertise and dedication, combined with state-of-the-art medical technologies, will ensure that our patients receive the highest quality care in a safe environment."The day-care centre will be led by experienced doctors, supported by a highly trained team of nurses and personnel with years of experience in oncology care. Manipal Hospitals remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing cancer care and improving patient outcomes. The launch of this new daycare unit for chemotherapy is a significant milestone in its journey to provide compassionate, accessible, and cutting-edge oncology services to the community.For more information, please visit https//www.manipalhospitals.com/Photo https//mma.prnewswire.com/media/2184094/Manipal_Hospitals_Chemo_Unit.jpgPhoto https//mma.prnewswire.com/media/2184095/Manipal_Hospitals_Centre.jpg(ANI | Posted on 11 August 2023, 1692589197 172O70O246O94) UAE expresses solidarity with US, offers condolences over victims of wildfires in Hawaii In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its sincere condolences and sympathy to the US government and people, and to the families of the victims, as well as its wishes for a speedy recovery for all the injured.(ANI | Posted on 11 August 2023, 1692589197 172O70O250O134) Nykaa's net profit down 27% to Rs 3.3cr, revenue up 24% in Q1 FSN E-Commerce Ventures, the parent company of Nykaa, had posted a net profit of Rs 4.55 crore in the year-ago period.Nykaa's revenue from the operations was Rs 1,421.8 crore for the first quarter, as compared to Rs 1,148.4 crore for the corresponding period a year ago which was a growth of 24 per cent.Nykaa's stock ended at Rs 146.25, up Rs 0.5 or 0.34 per cent on the BSE ahead of the earnings report.The company's total expenses went up 22 per cent to Rs 1,418.8 crore during the June quarter, compared to Rs 1,148 crore in the last year period.Nykaa's gross merchandise volume (GMV) grew 24 per cent YoY to Rs 2,667.8 crore.In FY23, Nykaa's revenue from operations stood at Rs 5,143.8 crore, demonstrating a strong growth of 36 per cent YoY, and the company achieved EBITDA at Rs 256 crore, demonstrating a 57 per cent growth YoY."Over the last two financial years, and further to the IPO, our revenue from operations grew from Rs 2,440 crore in FY21 to Rs 5,143 crore in FY23 and EBITDA expanded from Rs 156 crore to Rs 256 crore in the same period," the company said in its earnings report.Falguni Nayar, Executive Chairperson, MD, and CEO, Nykaa said that with steady improvements of over 40 per cent and 60 per cent 2-year growth in beauty and fashion platform conversions, "our investments towards building the right technology stack as well as customer-first shopping experiences are paying off"."This strong step-function growth also comes on the back of improvements across personalization capabilities, breadth and depth of product portfolio, UI UX enhancements, marketing optimisations and quality of in-bound visit traffic," she mentioned.Last week, reports surfaced that Nayar will also lead the marketing department of the company after the exit of six executives, including the marketing head.Since April, the company has witnessed a series of resignations which include chief marketing officer Shalini Raghavan, forcing Nayar to spearhead the key department.(IANS | Posted on 11 August 2023, 1692589197 162O158O111O118) Government advises Indians to leave Niger as soon as possible An advisory issued by the External Affairs Ministry said that "India is closely monitoring ongoing developments in Niger. In light of the prevailing situation, Indian nationals whose presence is not essential are advised to leave the country as soon as possible".They may bear in mind that air space is currently closed. When departing through a land border, utmost precautions may be taken to ensure safety and security, it said further.The advisory further stated that those who may be planning travel to Niger in the coming days are also similarly advised to reconsider their travel plans until the situation normalises.The government has also advised Indian nationals who have not registered with the Indian Embassy in Niamey, to do so expeditiously.(IANS | Posted on 11 August 2023, 1692589198 172O70O250O219) CAG report reveals challenges in UDAN scheme implementation; only 52% of awarded routes commenced operations Out of the 371 commenced routes, only 112 routes (30 per cent) successfully completed the full concession period of three years.The CAG report also highlighted that among these 112 routes, only 54 routes (seven percent of the awarded routes) connecting 17 RCS Airports managed to sustain operations beyond the three-year concession period, as of March 2023.Under UDAN, airlines were invited to propose connectivity to underserved/unserved airports in October 2016 for the first time.The report noted "Up to March 2021, three rounds of bidding for UDAN 1, 2, and 3 were completed and are included in the scope of this audit. In the first round of bidding, proposals for 132 RCS routes were received and awarded, connecting 45 underserved/unserved airports."In the second round, 228 fixed-wing routes and 83 heliport routes connecting 30 unserved/underserved airports and 31 heliports were awarded. During the third round of bidding, 305 fixed-wing routes and 26 water aerodrome routes connecting 23 underserved/unserved airports and 10 water aerodromes were awarded," the report said.The CAG report found that while the response to the scheme was positive -- passenger travel on RCS routes increased from 2.63 lakh in 2017-18 to 24.97 lakh in 2022-23 -- implementation improvements were necessary based on audit observations.The report presented 16 recommendations to enhance the scheme's implementation in the future.The report recommended devising a suitable mechanism to assess route feasibility for sustainable long-term operations and identifying unserved/underserved airports, taking into account factors such as stage length, alternative transportation options, terrain, socioeconomic conditions, and tourism potential.It also pointed out that the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Airport Authority of India did not undertake an exercise to identify potentially eligible heliports."Most of the heliports identified for operations based on helicopter operators' proposals either remained unutilised/underutilised or saw discontinued RCS operations," stated the audit report.Regarding the collection and remittance mechanism of the Regional Air Connectivity Fund (RCF) levy, the audit report criticised the absence of clear rules.It suggested the ministry establish a monitoring mechanism to ensure collected RCF levy from passengers does not exceed the amount to be remitted to the government or become a profit source for airlines.Additionally, the report pointed out delays in remitting dues by airline operators and recommended introducing penalties for such delays according to the Draft Standard Operating Procedure.The report also highlighted significant delays in the revival/development of identified RCS airports, despite budgetary support sanctioned by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs in March 2017."Out of the 116 airports/heliports/water aerodromes where expenditure was incurred, operations commenced at only 71 (61 per cent), while operations could not begin or were discontinued at 83 airports/heliports/water aerodromes despite an expenditure of Rs 1,089 crore," the report noted.(IANS | Posted on 11 August 2023, 1692589198 172O70O251O22) Padma award winning physicist Bikash Sinha passes away A former director of of Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics and Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre, Sinha was suffering with various age-related ailments for quite some and was admitted at the hospital for the last couple of weeks, his family members said.He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2001 and Padma Bhusan in 2010.In her condolence message, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee described Sinha as an illustrious son of Bengal in the field of knowledge. "Saddened to know about the untimely demise of the great scientist Bikash Sinha. An illustrious son of Bengal, this talented nuclear physicist made us proud by his contributions to not only the world of knowledge but also the on-going public life. We could confer on him our highest state award 'Banga Bibhushan' in 2022, and his personal presence on the dais inspired us. We could give him 'Rabindra Smriti Puraskar' too in 2022. I convey my sincerest condolences to his family, friends, students, and admirers," she said.Bangabibhushan is an award introduced by the Chief Minister for acclaimed personalities from various field in the state on lines of the Padma awards.Sinha was a specialist in nuclear physics, high energy physics and early universe cosmology. He led the first representing team from India in the European Organisation for Nuclear Research in Geneva.(IANS | Posted on 12 August 2023, 1692589198 172O70O242O13) Delhi Govt to conduct an 'energy audit' of its buildings, offices, streetlights The primary objective of this energy audit is to pinpoint areas of excessive energy use and devise strategies to manage and control it, informed Power Minister Atishi.Regarding the energy audits of government buildings and street lights across the national capital, Atishi said, "The Kejriwal government is committed to conserving every unit of electricity. To achieve this, an energy audit will be conducted of all government buildings under the Delhi government."It is to be noted that the government will get an energy audit done of all its buildings with a sanctioned load of 500 kilowatts and above, by a certified energy auditor from the Bureau of Energy Efficiency ."This process involves measuring the actual energy consumption of various devices and appliances within the buildings, comparing it with the estimated minimum energy required for the processes, and then identifying economically and technically feasible methods to achieve energy savings," she added.She also highlighted that the audit will provide recommendations for optimizing energy usage, resulting in both energy and cost savings in electricity bills.The Power Minister further emphasized, "It is said that saving one unit of energy at the user end is equivalent to two units generated at the power plant. The energy-saving measures derived from these audits will help stabilize Delhi's overall power demand. Moreover, energy audits will not only propose ways to minimize energy consumption in government buildings but will also alleviate the financial burden on the exchequer. Additionally, this initiative will contribute to reducing CO2 emissions."Atishi added that the Delhi Government's power department has made the 'energy audit' of government buildings a priority under its mission@2023 and is working on it in mission mode.According to a government release, in addition to government buildings, the Delhi government intends to conduct energy audits for its streetlights. Currently, streetlight maintenance in Delhi is primarily handled by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, the New Delhi Municipal Council, and the Public Works Department .MCD has successfully replaced approximately 6.06 lakh streetlights with LED lights. In the southern district, MCD has collaborated with EESL to replace around 3 lakh streetlights with energy-efficient LEDs, out of the total 92000 maintained by PWD, 22500 have already been replaced. The process of replacing the remaining streetlights is ongoing, the release added.The Power Minister highlighted that the Kejriwal government's proactive stance toward energy conservation and efficiency, as evidenced by these comprehensive energy audits, represents a significant stride toward a greener and more sustainable future for Delhi."By identifying energy wastage areas and implementing effective measures, this initiative not only underscores a commitment to responsible governance but also constitutes a crucial step in easing the strain on resources and mitigating environmental impact", she added.(ANI | Posted on 12 August 2023, 1692589199 162O158O94O151) India came forward to help during tough times, says Sri Lankan Finance Minister Semasinghe said, "India played a major role in Sri Lanka's recovery process and stabilization process. And I'm sure will play a major role in the growth of the economy, too. So we are thankful to the government of India as well as to the Indian people because India stepped in during the most crucial period of economic crisis. And I'm sure Indians also could be happy that Sri Lanka has recovered."Semasinghe while appreciating the support of India in difficult times said that "India helped us to get a good rating from IMF and that told the world that Srilanka is back in business."He added, "Past 3 months were extremely difficult for us. There was food shortage fuel shortage, Electricity cuts etc... After the EFF was approved this changed drastically. We are happy to say that we engage positively with our mutual creditors. We are happy that we have recovered and we are well on the positive roadmap of recovery and soon we will start growing."The Sri Lankan Minister also explained the present situation in the country and said that the new anti-corruption law has been introduced, a new budget office of parliament is opened, and a new central bank act which will keep the central bank from any interference is also being introduced.He also mentioned the role of the tourism sector in regaining economic stability in the country and said that our tourism is growing and we still think that our full capacity is not being utilised fully for tourism, India is our first priority.He further added, "We want to prioritise our few sectors for investment, Energy sector is one the most prominent sectors, Renewable energy is also a key sector, PM Modi and President Vikarmshinghe discussed this in their recent meeting. We are open to the whole world. We have learnt a lot from our crisis and we are sure that there won't be any issue with our debt".Referring to the import restrictions on Sri Lanka said, "Now as we are establishing, and our reserves are getting better we are relaxing our import restrictions and we expect that by the end of September, all the import restrictions will be done away except the automobile."Last Year, India extended aid worth USD 3.9 billion to help Sri Lanka sustain itself in the face of the acute economic and financial crisis and meet its immediate needs such as medicines, cooking gas, oil and food items, Sri Lanka-based news publication News 19 reported.In February 2022, India in order to help Sri Lanka overcome its fuel shortage, signed an agreement for the supply of petroleum products worth USD 500 million from the Indian Oil Company through a credit line.This was expanded by an additional USD 200 million worth of petroleum products in April 2022.India's EXIM bank and State Bank of India, for the import of essential commodities, extended export credit facilities worth USD 1,500 million to Sri Lanka. India also concluded a USD 400 million agreement with Sri Lanka to help preserve the country's forex reserves.A USD 1 billion credit line for essential goods, a USD 500 million credit line for fuel, and a USD 55 million credit line for fertiliser have been extended to Sri Lanka, News 19 reported.India has been helping Sri Lanka with donations out of goodwill and humanitarian assistance. India will supply Sri Lankan Transport Department with a fleet of 500 buses. A total of 75 buses were handed over to Sri Lanka by India's High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Bagalay.According to News 19, India's support to Sri Lanka is in line with its 'Neighbourhood First' policy under which India prioritises the security and development of its neighbours.(ANI | Posted on 12 August 2023, 1692589199 162O158O94O163) Ahead of Independence Day, Vipul Shah pays homage to real-life commandos at National War Memorial Speaking to ANI, Shah said, "The commandos of our country or the person who is in uniform is a true hero and the stories of such heroes should be spread to the people. Even if it is fictional it should be presented and with this thought, we started 'Commando'. And now we are bringing their stories in the form of a web show. I think it is our good fortune that we can create these stories and take them to the people."Prem Parija, who essays the lead role in the series, was also present along with Shah at the National War Memorial.'Commando' series sees Prem Parija sharing screen space with Adah Sharma, Vaibhav Tatwawadi, Shreya Singh Chaudhry, Amit Tigmanshu Dhulia, Sial, Mukesh Chhabra and Ishteyak Khan in pivotal roles.On being asked about his experience working with Adah, Prem said, "It feels like she is my childhood friend. She is extremely funny. It did not feel like I have worked with her for the first time."The Commando web series is currently streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.(ANI | Posted on 12 August 2023, 1692589199 172O71O246O27) UP government stands with farmers, will not let them suffer: CM Yogi During the session, the Chief Minister said, "The state government stands with the farmers, and no farmer will suffer any losses. Our government has already disbursed compensation to 4500 affected farmers in the first phase."Uttar Pradesh's situation is better than many statesChief Minister Yogi stated that the monsoon usually enters Uttar Pradesh between June 15 and 20, however, this year's overall rainfall cannot be termed favorable, excluding the initial rainfall. He mentioned that the state government has already held meetings to formulate its strategy to deal with the flood situation.The Chief Minister mentioned that the flood situation in the Himalayan rivers has caused damage to several crops. He said that orders for assessment have been issued. "Despite this, Uttar Pradesh's condition is comparatively better than many other states in the country", he said.Yogi Adityanath further stated that 88 percent of the crops have been sown. He mentioned that efforts have been made in the first phase to provide compensation to 4,500 farmers affected by floods and drought.He further asserted that the government provided around Rs 60 crore in compensation to 61,320 farmers in 2017-18. He further continued that Rs 212 crore were given to 3,84,113 farmers in 2018-19 while Rs 64.32 crore were provided in 2019-20. Similarly, Rs 120 crore were given in 2020-21, Rs 475 crore were given in 2021-22, and Rs 427 crore in 2022-23 were provided to the farmers as compensation.27 thousand dry ration kits were distributed this yearCM Yogi said that besides floods and drought, the state government has taken many other steps. He said that there was flooding in western UP, but more than 40 districts experienced drought this time.He mentioned that the Irrigation and power corporations worked at their level in many places, and nodal officers and responsible ministers visited districts. He informed that the state government worked for the relief of flood-affected people."In 2017, when I visited flood-affected people in Sitapur and Lakhimpur for the first time, I found out that they were being given 'dry bread.' The money for disaster relief used to be mismanaged", he added.The Chief Minister said that the state government decided to prepare relief kits, including 10 kg of rice, 10 kg of wheat flour, 10 kg of potatoes, lentils, salt, matchsticks, spices, and kerosene, for the victims. He mentioned that dignity kits for women were also made available.The CM mentioned that this year, 26,964 dry ration kits were provided to flood-affected people, and 2,550 dignity kits were also given. He said that 909 flood shelters were set up, and fodder was arranged for animals. Furthermore, medical camps, vaccinations for animals, and extra boats were arranged in the affected areas. The Chief Minister said that the administration's actions and the involvement of public representatives led to a sense of satisfaction among the public.The Chief Minister stated that in the state, 403 mm of rainfall is considered normal, but in recent years, it has been observed that the irregularity in the weather cycle affects the farmers the most. "Out of the expected 403 mm of rainfall, only 303 mm of rainfall has occurred so far this year," he added.(ANI | Posted on 12 August 2023, 1692589200 172O70O242O127) Study links brain neurons with autism disorder Autism spectrum disorder is a neurological condition that affects the way people perceive and interact with others, leading to challenges in social communication and behaviour.The term "spectrum" emphasises the broad range of symptoms and severity, and includes autism, Asperger's syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder and an unspecified form of pervasive developmental disorder.The study, published in the Nature Neuroscience journal, found an abnormal imbalance of excitatory neurons in the forebrain of people with the disorder, depending on their head size."This organoid technology allowed us to recreate the brain development alteration that happened in the patients when they were in the uterus, which is believed to be the time when autism spectrum disorder originates," said Alexej Abyzov, a genomic researcher in the Department of Quantitative Health Sciences at the Mayo Clinic Center.For the study, the scientists first created miniature 3D brain-like models, called organoids.The pea-sized clusters of cells began as skin cells from people with autism spectrum disorder. The skin cells were placed in a culture dish and "reprogrammed" back into a stem-cell-like state, called induced pluripotent stem cells. These so-called master cells can be coaxed to develop into any cell in the body, including brain cells.Next, the scientists used a special technology called single-cell RNA sequencing to study the gene expression patterns of individual brain cells. In all, they examined 664,272 brain cells at three different stages of brain development. The scientists also discovered that the neuron imbalance stemmed from changes in the activity of certain genes known as "transcription factors", which play a crucial role in directing the development of cells during the initial stages of brain formation."Autism is mostly a genetic disease. Our goal is to be able to determine the risk of autism spectrum disorder and possibly prevent it in an unborn child using prenatal genetic testing. However, this would require detailed knowledge of how brain regulation gets derailed during development. There are many aspects in which organoids could help in this direction," said Dr. Abyzov.(IANS | Posted on 12 August 2023, 1692589200 172O70O250O134) Will withstand storm of Hindi imposition, says Stalin on Centre's push for new criminal laws In a social media post, Stalin, who also heads the ruling DMK, termed it an "audacious attempt" by the BJP-led government to tamper with the essence of India's diversity through a sweeping overhaul with the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Bill to replace the IPC, the CrPC, and the Indian Evidence Act, respectively - "reeking of linguistic imperialism"."This is an affront to the very foundation of India's unity. BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have no moral right to even utter the word of Tamil language hereafter," he said.Stalin maintained that in the crucible of history, Tamil Nadu and the DMK have emerged as the vanguards against such oppressive overtones."From the anti-Hindi agitations to safeguarding our linguistic identity, we have withstood the storm of Hindi imposition before, and we shall do it again, with unyielding determination."The fire of resistance against Hindi colonialism is ablaze once more. The BJP's audacious bid to supplant our identity with Hindi will be opposed resolutely," he asserted.Stalin has also started the hashtag 'StopHindiImposition'.(IANS | Posted on 12 August 2023, 1692589200 162O158O95O69) 'New UK visa rules deter foreign students from working till studies completed', Govt tells Parl This became applicable from July 17, 2023 onwards, the government said, adding that the new visa rules will affect students from all nations.External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said in an oral response to a question by Trinamool Congress MP Sougata Ray in Lok Sabha that from January 1, 2024 onwards, international students will not be able to bring dependents unless they are on postgraduate courses, currently designated as research programmes.In 2022, the number of Indian students (excluding dependents) who have gone to the UK for studies was 1,39,539, the minister further said."The new visa rules will affect students from all the countries. The government of India remains closely engaged with British authorities on all issues relating to further strengthening of people to people ties and the movement of young Indian students and professionals," Jaishankar said.Ray had sought to know whether the government has taken note that UK has changed its visa rules for students from abroad, which would impact millions of Indian students who undertake part time work to meet their expenses abroad while studying.(IANS | Posted on 12 August 2023, 1692589201 172O71O246O51) BISHKEK, Tajikistan, August 12. The total trade turnover between Tajikistan and Japan amounted to $108.5 million in 2022, Trend reports. According to Tajikistan's Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, this was stated during the meeting between Minister Zavqi Zavqizoda and the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Yumi Yoshikawa. It was noted at the meeting that bilateral trade between Tajikistan and Japan increased in the first half of 2023 by 1.7 times compared to the same period last year. Nevertheless, the exact amount of turnover is not named. During the meeting, the governments of Tajikistan and Japan signed memoranda under the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) Program. These agreements will allow Japan to dispatch experienced specialists, including doctors, engineers, technologists, programmers, designers, and others, to priority socio-economic sectors in Tajikistan. This valuable expertise will be provided to Tajikistan free of charge. The discussion during the meeting also covered topics related to expanding bilateral trade cooperation. The two nations explored avenues for increasing financing for Tajikistan's priority projects by establishing joint industrial enterprises using cutting-edge Japanese technologies in free economic zones, exporting eco-friendly products from Tajikistan, and establishing logistical centers. UN welcomes release of five kidnapped staff members in Yemen UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was delighted to learn of the release, his Deputy Spokesman Farhan Haq said on Friday, adding that "available information suggests that all five colleagues are in good health".The UN Chief was profoundly relieved that their ordeal and the anxiety of their families and friends have finally come to an end, Haq said in a statement."The Secretary-General reiterates that kidnapping is an inhumane and unjustifiable crime and calls for the perpetrators to be held accountable," the Deputy Spokesman added."He also expresses his solidarity with other people still held against their will in Yemen."David Gressly, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen, also welcomed the development, Xinhua news agency reported.In a statement, he thanked the government of Yemen and all others that helped secure the release of the five UN personnel and contributed to ensuring their health during such a long time in captivity."While the entire UN family in Yemen is relieved that our colleagues are free, we also recall other UN staff are still held against their will in Yemen. We stand in solidarity with them," Gressly said.int/khz(IANS | Posted on 12 August 2023, 1692589201 172O70O247O101) Measles death toll in South Sudan state hits 61 Elijah Nyuon Kuoyuot, the health surveillance officer in Rubkona County, said on Friday that the latest deaths have been recorded in Rubkona and Koch counties, and in Bentiu internally displaced persons camp where some of the returnees and refugees who fled ongoing conflict in neighbouring Sudan are being hosted."Measles death cases have rapidly increased due to congestion in the reception centres and in internally displaced persons camps in Bentiu," Kuoyuot told Xinhua in an interview over the phone.The Unity State Ministry of Health initially confirmed 40 measles deaths and more than 800 admitted cases of measles in July alone, Xinhua news agency reported.Kuoyuot said they fear for the worst amid daily new arrivals of returnees and refugees across the border with Sudan."As I am talking now some death cases are not being reported to health facilities, so we are encouraging mothers and caretakers to immediately report any suspected case of measles disease to any nearest health facility," he added.(IANS | Posted on 12 August 2023, 1692589201 172O70O242O72) Sunny paaji is killing it: Salman Khan congratulates Sunny Deol, 'Gadar 2' team Taking to Instagram, the 'Tiger Zinda Hai' actor shared Sunny Deol's poster and wrote, "Dhai kilo ka haath equals chalis cr ki opening. Sunny paaji is killing it. Congrats to the entire team of Gadar 2."https//www.instagram.com/p/Cvz1tYSIyB5/With amazing performances and powerful dialogues, and the iconic hand pump, the film showcased Tara Singh and Sakeena's legacy, set amidst the tumultuous 'Crush India Movement' of 1971 and Tara Singh going all the way to Pakistan to save his kid, Charan Jeet Singh from the Pakistani Army.Helmed by Anil Sharma, the film stars Sunny Deol, Ameesha Patel and Utkarsh Sharma in the lead roles. Before releasing the official teaser online, the makers of the film attached the teaser with 'Gadar Ek Prem Katha' which was re-released in the theatres on June 9.Talking about the film, actor Sunny Deol earlier said, "Gadar 2 carries forward the legacy of its iconic first part. It's a blessing to be able to bring back one of India's most loved family film. At its heart the film would always be an inspiring epic story of love, courage and patriotism. Hope the world welcomes Tara and Sakina again with open arms."Adding to this Ameesha Patel said, "Gadar Ek Prem Katha was re-released on my birthday and my biggest gift was the love we received from our fans. We felt how strongly the film has been engraved in the hearts of the audiences. The teaser of Gadar 2 starts a new chapter in the story of Tara and Sakeena and we truly hope we fulfill the expectations of our fans, once again."The Anil Sharma-directed romantic-action drama set during the Partition of India, created history at the box office when it was released in 2001. The flick starred the late Amrish Puri in a pivotal role. The film mainly revolves around Tara Singh, a Sikh truck driver from Amritsar, who falls in love with Sakina, a Muslim girl hailing from a political family in Lahore, Pakistan.Director Anil Sharma said, "We are excited about bringing back a story that epitomizes patriotism, intense action, a heartwarming father-son bond, and a love story that transcends all boundaries."Meanwhile, Salman is busy hosting 'Bigg Boss OTT', which is streaming on Jio Cinema.Recently, on the Weekend Ka Vaar, Salman shared how his fans are his biggest strength and they keep motivating him to come back on Bigg Boss sets.He said, "My fans are my biggest achievement and pride! I am what I am because of them. Yes, I lose my cool on the show and sometimes even walk out but I always come back only and only for my fans who patiently wait for my Weekend ka Vaar".Salman's 'Bigg Boss' hosting avatar has definitely booked a special place in his fans' hearts. Over the years, he has formed a special connection with not just 'BB' avid watchers but also with the contestants.On the acting front, he will be next seen in his much-awaited 'Tiger 3'.'Tiger 3', the third part of the Tiger franchise, is being directed by Maneesh Sharma. The film will release in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu this Diwali. The upcoming actioner stars Emraan Hashmi as the antagonist. Katrina is also a part of the film.Reportedly, Shah Rukh Khan has a cameo in the film. The official announcement is awaited.(ANI | Posted on 12 August 2023, 1692589202 172O70O247O171) 1984 anti-Sikh riots: Tytler appears through video conferencing in view of safety concerns He was allowed to appear through VC yesterday. He has been charge-sheeted by the CBI in the Pul Bangash Sikh riots case.On the last hearing on August 5, there was a huge protest was organised by the people of the Sikh community against Jagdish Tytler. Thereafter, he through his counsel had requested to appear through VC.Jagdish Tytler appeared through VC before the court of Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Vidhi Gupta Anand.His counsel Manu Sharma sought two weeks' time for scrutiny of documents filed by the CBI along with the supplementary charge.The court said that two weeks is a long time. It is a special MP/MLA court to expedite the cases. You complete the scrutiny within a week.The court has listed the matter for further hearing on August 21.The court also rejected the submissions of lawyers for victims that Tytler should appear physically.The court that the High Court has already permitted appearance through VC. He can appear through VC until his physical presence is required.On August 5, Tytler had appeared before the court against the summons issued by the court after taking Cognizance of the supplementary charge sheet.A day earlier, he was granted anticipatory bail on August 4 by the sessions court after hearing his bail application. The CBI filed the supplementary charge sheet on May 20.This case is connected with the killing of three persons in the Pul Bangash area on November 1, 1984.The Central Bureau of Investigation on May 20 filed charge sheet against Tytler in the case related to anti-Sikh riots in 1984 following the assassination of the then Prime Minister of India, on 31 October 1984.Congress leader Jagdish Tytler, then Member of Parliament has been named as accused in the chargesheet.In a statement, CBI mentioned that the agency had registered the instant case in November 2005 on an incident wherein Gurudwara Pul Bangash at Azad Market, Bara Hindu Rao, Delhi was set on fire by a mob and three persons namely Sardar Thakur Singh, Badal Singh and Gurcharan Singh were burnt to death on 1 November 1984 near Gurudwara Pul Bangash.Justice Nanavati Commission of Inquiry was set up in the year 2000 by the Government of India to enquire into the incidents of anti-Sikh riots of the year 1984 in Delhi.After consideration of the Commission's report, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued directions to CBI to investigate the case against the then Member of Parliament and others.During the CBI investigation, evidence came on record that on November 1, 1984, the said accused allegedly instigated, incited and provoked the mob assembled at Gurudwara Pul Bangash at Azad Market, Delhi which resulted in the burning of Gurudwara Pul Bangash and killing of three Sikh persons by the mob, apart from burning and looting of shops.(ANI | Posted on 12 August 2023, 1692589202 162O158O94O239) Union Minister Sonowal holds meeting with officials from over 40 countries; highlights India's maritime potential The meeting, with participation from more than 40 countries, including 21 Ambassadors, High Commissioners, Deputy High Commissioners, Trade Commissioners, and 23 other diplomats, underscored the global interest in the upcoming Global Maritime India Summit 2023 .As per the Ministry of Ports Shipping and Waterways, the Ambassador's Meet witnessed participation from diverse regions, including Africa, ASEAN, and the CIS. Among the prominent attendees were Ambassadors, Deputy High Commissioners, Charge d'affaires, and other diplomats from countries such as the USA, Argentina, Germany, Canada, Australia, Finland, Norway, Netherlands, Russia, Malaysia, Qatar, Maldives, Georgia, and the Commonwealth of Independent Countries countries each representing their nation's commitment to maritime collaboration.Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, in his address, emphasised India's vast potential in the maritime sector and stated, "In this era of globalization, the maritime sector has emerged as a leading light of economic growth, facilitating the movement of goods, services and ideas across borders.""India's ports and waterways have undergone transformational changes, becoming facilitators of trade on a global scale. Our Flagship Initiative "Sagarmala", launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, seeks to integrate our ports with industrial and logistical corridors, further enhancing connectivity and operational efficiency," he added.Sonowal stressed upon unlocking the investment opportunities in India's maritime sector, noting India's policy of 100% FDI through automatic routes for projects related to the construction and maintenance of ports and harbours.The Minister informed that Public Private Privatization has played a pivotal role and currently PPP terminals are handling around 50% of cargo at major ports.On the occasion, T K Ramachandran, Secretary, Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, highlighted the major achievements of India's Maritime Sector and emphasized its potential along with the road map for further investments.He also provided an overview of GMIS 2023, scheduled from October 17 to 19, 2023, at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi and reinforced India's commitment to sustainable maritime solutions.The event follows the launch of the Curtain Raiser of the 3rd Global Maritime India Summit in Mumbai last month which garnered huge attention from the maritime community from across the globe.GMIS 2023 is a premier maritime sector focussed event to bring together pivotal figures from the industry to explore opportunities, understand challenges, and stimulate investment within India's maritime sector. Building upon the legacy of its preceding editions, this third instalment aims to unveil broader prospects for domestic and international maritime stakeholders and investors.Ready to make its presence felt on the global stage and spotlight India's maritime industry, the Maritime India Summit has now evolved to the 'Global' Maritime India Summit this year. The summit is slated for October 17 to 19, 2023, at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, with FICCI as the exclusive industry partner.(ANI | Posted on 12 August 2023, 1692589202 162O158O111O203) Study sheds more light on key link to autism spectrum disorder The findings of the study were published in Nature Neuroscience.The team found an abnormal imbalance of excitatory neurons in the forebrain of people with the disorder, depending on their head size."This organoid technology allowed us to recreate the brain development alteration that happened in the patients when they were in the uterus, which is believed to be the time when autism spectrum disorder originates," says Alexej Abyzov, PhD, a genomic researcher in the Department of Quantitative Health Sciences at the Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine. Dr. Abyzov is a senior author of the study.Autism spectrum disorder is a neurological condition that affects the way people perceive and interact with others, leading to challenges in social communication and behavior. The term "spectrum" emphasizes the broad range of symptoms and severity, and includes autism, Asperger's syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder and an unspecified form of pervasive developmental disorder.Nearly 1 in 36 children in the U.S. has been identified with autism spectrum disorder, according to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control's Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network.For the study, the scientists first created miniature 3D brain-like models, called organoids. The pea-sized clusters of cells began as skin cells from people with autism spectrum disorder. The skin cells were placed in a culture dish and "reprogrammed" back into a stem-cell-like state, called induced pluripotent stem cells. These so-called master cells can be coaxed to develop into any cell in the body, including brain cells.Next, the scientists used a special technology called single-cell RNA sequencing to study the gene expression patterns of individual brain cells. In all, they examined 664,272 brain cells at three different stages of brain development.The scientists also discovered that the neuron imbalance stemmed from changes in the activity of certain genes known as "transcription factors," which play a crucial role in directing the development of cells during the initial stages of brain formation.This study builds on 13 years of published studies on autism spectrum disorder by Dr. Abyzov and his collaborators, including Flora Vaccarino, M.D., a neuroscientist at Yale University. In one pioneering study, they showed molecular differences in organoids between people with autism and those without and implicated the deregulation of a specific transcription factor called FOXG1 as an underlying cause of the disorder."Autism is mostly a genetic disease. Our goal is to be able to determine the risk of autism spectrum disorder and possibly prevent it in an unborn child using prenatal genetic testing. However, this would require detailed knowledge of how brain regulation gets derailed during development. There are many aspects in which organoids could help in this direction," said Dr. Abyzov.(ANI | Posted on 12 August 2023, 1692589203 162O158O94O59) Humanitarians in Sudan negotiate their way into hard-hit area of Khartoum: UN "This (Friday) morning, trucks carrying some 460 tons of supplies from the World Food Programme (WFP) reached Jabal Awlia in greater Khartoum, one of the areas hardest hit by the fighting," the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Friday.The convoy was facilitated by OCHA, which engaged with the parties to the conflict to ensure that the trucks could safely reach their destination, Xinhua news agency reported.Since late May, WFP has assisted more than 150,000 people in the greater Khartoum area, the humanitarians said.The agency continues to scale up assistance to people fleeing Sudan's capital to neighbouring states such as Northern and River Nile states.The humanitarians pointed out that WFP delivered food assistance in West Darfur State last week to around 15,400 people.The office said western Darfur region also has proved very challenging because of the fighting, which broke out on April 15 between two military factions."Once again, we appeal to all parties to provide safe and unconditional humanitarian access to all parts of Sudan, including other hard-to-reach areas such as South Kordofan, and to all parts of Darfur, in particular North Darfur," OCHA added.int/khz(IANS | Posted on 12 August 2023, 1692589203 172O70O247O180) Firefighters continue to battle wildfires with 55 killed in Hawaii's Maui The Maui County said on Friday in a press statement that firefighters continued working to extinguish flare-ups and contain fires in Lahaina, Pulehu/Kihei and Upcountry Maui on the island.Two additional fatalities were confirmed Thursday night amid the active Lahaina fire, bringing the death toll to 55 people. Officials warned the death toll could grow even higher, Xinhua news agency reported.The firefighting effort was bolstered by 21 firefighters from the Honolulu Fire Department, seven supervisory personnel and four vehicles, said the county, adding that a nine-member search-and-rescue team also arrived on the island.Twenty-five buses operating a shuttle service on Thursday transported more than 1,200 visitors to Kahului Airport, the main airport of Maui. A total of 14,900 visitors left on flights departing Maui on Thursday, according to the county.Officials said that six emergency shelters are open on the island. Food, water, supplies and clothing were distributed to residents on Friday at the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, and a limited supply of baby products were also be given out.Hawaii Governor Josh Green said it "was likely the largest natural disaster in Hawaii state history" and it's going to take a great deal of time to recover from this.Deadly wildfires have nearly completely destroyed the historic town of Lahaina, a popular tourist spot and once the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii.In a video speech released on Thursday at the scene in Lahaina, Green said that "over a thousand buildings" had likely been destroyed.US President Joe Biden on Thursday approved a major disaster declaration for Hawaii.int/khz(IANS | Posted on 12 August 2023, 1692589203 172O70O242O13) 33 girl students approach Kerala HC against 'discriminatory' hostel curfew The girls are upset over the fact that while the entry timing for women to enter the hostel is 6.30 p.m., the curfew of boys to enter their hostel is 9 p.m.Since they felt that the differences in the curfew timings was not fair, the girls have now approached the legal system by pointing out a 2019 Kerala government order stating that the entry time for women in college hostels affiliated with the state universities, has been fixed at 9.30 p.m.The court has posted the case for hearing on August 18 after the counsel representing the college sought time to file a response.(IANS | Posted on 12 August 2023, 1692589203 162O158O94O128) Bezos, Sanchez announce $100 mn fund to help Hawaii recover from wildfire The Hawaii wildfires have reached a grim milestone as the death toll rose to 67, making it the deadliest natural disaster in the state's history.In an Instagram post late on Friday, Sanchez wrote that they "are creating a Maui Fund and are dedicating $100 million to help Maui get back on its feet now and over the coming years as the continuing needs reveal themselves"."Jeff and I are heartbroken by what's happening in Maui. We are thinking of all the families that have lost so much and a community that has been left devastated. The immediate needs are important, and so is the longer term rebuilding that will have to happen - even after much of the attention has subsided," she added.According to earlier reports, Bezos purchased a 14-acre estate on La Perouse Bay for an estimated $78 million last year. The bay is less than 20 miles south of fires in South Maui.In May, Bezos, 59, and Sanchez, 53, got engaged and threw engagement parties. They started dating in 2018 and reportedly went public with their relationship after the Amazon billionaire divorced his first wife MacKenzie Scott in 2019.Meanwhile, West Maui, where Lahaina is located, is still without power and water. Search crews are still in the area looking for wildfire victims.More than 1,000 buildings had been destroyed in Lahaina, a coastal town with a rich history that attracts some two million tourists a year.Wildfires on Hawaii's Maui island and Big Island began on Tuesday night. The cause is still not known but once lit, hurricane winds and dry weather helped fuel the flames.na/prw(IANS | Posted on 12 August 2023, 1692589204 172O70O242O207) BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 12. After mediating the recent exchange of prisoners between Iran and the US, Qatar expressed hope that the two sides will return to the JCPOA, Trend reports. Qatar hopes that the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on Iran's nuclear program will be reinstated and that the US will return to the plan, said Qatar's Minister of State Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi. The minister noted that Qatar played a key role in the recent agreement between Iran and the US regarding the exchange of prisoners and the unblocking of Iran's frozen assets abroad. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi added that Doha believes in resolving disputes through negotiations. "Before the agreement between Iran and the US, Qatari officials made many visits to Washington and Tehran," he said. On August 10, US National Security Council spokesman Adrian Watson said that the US confirms the release of 5 US citizens illegally detained in Iran and that they are under house arrest. On the same day Iran's mission to the UN confirmed the release of US citizens from Tehran's Evin prison and announced that the release of the prisoners was mediated by a third country and the parties agreed on the mutual release of 5 prisoners. Under this agreement, it is planned to remove Iran's assets frozen in South Korea and transfer them to Qatar. It is reported that Irans $7 billion of assets have been frozen in Qatar. On May 8, 2018, the US announced its withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) between Iran and the 5+1 group (Russia, China, the UK, France, the US, and Germany) and imposed new sanctions against Iran as of November 2018. Over the past period, the sanctions affected Iranian oil exports and more than 700 banks, companies, and individuals. The sanctions have resulted in the freezing of Iranian assets abroad. --- Follow the author on Twitter:@BaghishovElnur Google hails Delhi HC verdict on ads trademark policy In a statement, the company said that specifically on its ads trademarks policy, "we have a clear and stated policy that does not allow advertisers to use trademarked terms in the ad-text of an ad, except in certain pro-consumer and legal scenarios, such as resellers and informational sites"."As a company, we comply with all local laws," it added.Google said that it investigates any reported use of a trademarked term in the adtext and takes prompt action to not only remove such ads but block that same advertiser from referencing the trademark in their ads in the future.The company responded after the Delhi High Court determined this week that Google cannot claim safe harbour protection under the Information Technology Act, 2000, or be exempt from liability for trademark infringement when using a trademark as a keyword in its ads programme.A bench comprising of Justices Vibhu Bakhru and Amit Mahajan also acknowledged that the ads programme functions as a commercial venture by Google and consequently, employing a trademark as a keyword in advertisements for products or services constitutes the utilisation of the trademark in advertising according to Section 29(6) of the Trademarks Act.Nonetheless, the court clarified that employing these trademarks as keywords wouldn't amount to infringement if there is no confusion, dilution, or compromise of the trademark's integrity.On the subject of safe harbour and Google's liability under Section 79 of the Information Technology Act, the court emphasised that the tech giant is an active participant, not a passive intermediary, in its ads programme.Google said that it wants users to trust the ads on its platform, "so we strive to ensure ads are clear and honest, and provide the information that users need to make informed decisions".(IANS | Posted on 12 August 2023, 1692589204 162O158O111O234) I-Day special: Top 10 patriotic films to binge-watch and celebrate August 15, marked a dramatic shift in the course of the entire world where India, which had been drained to the last drop, stripped of nearly all its wealth and historical and civilasational glory was born anew, at the stroke of midnight 77 years ago in 1947.To celebrate India's 77th Independence Day, here are some of the best movies that audiences can watch which celebrate the patriotic passion of the whole nation and dive into history of both pre-Independent and post-Independent India1. '1971' This historical war drama directed by Amrit Sagar starring Manoj Bajpayee, Ravi Kishan, Piyush Mishra Manav Kaul, Deepak Dobriyal, Chittaranjan Giri, Kumud Mishra and Vivek Mishra released in 2007 is a forgotten Bollywood classic. The film tells the story of the Indian Prisoners Of War (POW) from the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.It is a well-documented fact that the Pakistan surrender during the '71 war was the biggest post World War 2 surrender with over 93,000 Pakistani POWs taken captive by the Indian Army, but over 58 Indian POWs were also taken by the Pakistani Army. While India returned the Pakistani POWs in 1973, Pakistan never returned the Indian soldiers who were last confirmed alive in 1988.2. ' RRR' The 2022 S.S Rajamouli directed Telugu historical fiction epic drama starring Ram Charan, NTR Junior, Ajay Devgn, Shriya Saran, Alia Bhatt, Samuthirakini, Ray Stevenson, Alison Doody and Olivia Morris gained universal acclaim. The movie tells a fictional tale of two real life Indian freedom fighters, Alluri Sitarama Raju and Komaram Bheem.While these two freedom fighters who fought in the Telugu speaking states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana respectively never met in real life, the movie in full 'Inglorious Bastards' style fashion presents a historical fiction where the two met up, became best friends and fought together to free India from British hands. The movie received universal acclaim and greatly gave a boost to the name of Indian cinema worldwide.3. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose The Forgotten Hero A Hindi language biopic directed by acclaimed filmmaker Shyam Benegal, the film starring Sachin Khedkar, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Rajit Kapur, Divya Dutta and Arif Zakaria, the movie tells the story of the legendary Indian leader Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.An independent film, the movie dives deep into Bose' history, covering the time when he left the Congress Party, detailing his personal life and how he eventually went on to form the Indian National Army or the Azad Hind Fauj.It also showcases his meeting with Adolf Hitler and the assistance given to the INA by the Imperial Japanese Army during World War 2, and the battles they fought against the British Indian Army in the forests of Burma (Myanmar) to his eventual 'death' in 1945, which to date is a mystery.4. 'The Legend of Bhagat Singh' This 2002 Bollywood biopic directed by Rajkumar Santoshi starring Ajay Devgan, Sushant Singh, D. Santosh, Akhilendra Mishra and Amrita Rao tells the story of the legendary Indian revolutionary Bhagat Singh. The movie with great attention to historical detail focuses on the life of Bhagat Singh and how he became disillusioned with Gandhi's ahimsa policy. Inspired by the Communist movement of Soviet Russia, Bhagat Singh joined the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association under the leadership of Chandra Shekhar Azad.The movie also tells the stories of his comrades Sukhdev, Rajguru, Chandra Shekhar Azad, Batukeshwar Dutta and Jatindra Nath Das and how they exploded bombs in the British Legislative Assembly, assassinated John Saunders and their 65-day hunger strike which led to the death of Jatin Das.The movie culminates with the death of Chandra Shekhar Azad who shot himself as he refused to be taken alive, and to the eventual hangings of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru.5. 'Sardar Udham' This 2021 historical biopic directed by Shoojit Sircar starring Vicky Kaushal, Amol Parashar, Shawn Scott, Stephen Hogan and Andrew Hill tells the story of the great Udham Singh and how he assassinated Michael O' Dwyer who had ordered General Reginald Dyer to commit the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre in Amritsar in 1919The movie tells a grim and dark tale of how Udham Singh escaped from India via Afghanistan eventually reaching the USSR and asking them for help, which the Soviet Union had refused. After that Udham Singh goes to London, first asking help from the IRA which doesn't go well as the IRA was also incapacitated, and proceeds to track O'Dwyer's every movement for seven years alone after being expelled by the HSRA before killing him in 1940 as justice for the massacre.The movie also captures in grim detail how Udham Singh remained traumatised by the massacre, and graphically depicted the killings of everyone to how Udham Singh and his partners aided the remaining survivors, as the horror changed him forever, making him a new man who idiolised his friend and guru Bhagat Singh above everyone else.6. 'Lakshya' This 2004 Bollywood war film directed by Farhan Akhtar needs little introduction. Telling the story of the 1999 Kargil War, the movie stars Hritikh Roshan, Priety Zinta, Amitabh Bachchan, Om Puri, Amrish Puri, Boman Irani, Lillete Dubey and Aditya Srivastava tells the story of how the 3rd battalion of the Punjab Regiment and the Jammu Kashmir Rifles captured Peak 5179 in the Battle of Tiger Hill, as well as guarding the National Highway in Ladakh and securing all key strategic points. The movie, while a moderate box office success, remains a cult classic and a favourite among audiences today.7. 'Border' The 1997 war-drama Bollywood classic written, produced and directed by J.P Dutt is a timeless classic. Starring Sunny Deol, Jackie Shroff, Sunil Shetty, Akshay Khanna, Rakhie Gulzar, Pooja Bhatt, Puneet Issar, Sudhesh Berry and Kulbhushan Kharbhanda tells the story of the legendary Battle of Longewala in the 1971 India-Pakistan War. The film fictionalises the events of the war, and tells how a contingent of 120 soldiers faced off against 3,000 Pakistani soldiers armed with 40 tanks and won the battle. The movie, remembered for its iconic songs, dialogues and acting was a blockbuster, and to date remains a classic.8. 'Sajjan Singh Rangroot' This Punjabi historical war film released in 2018 by director Pankaj Batra tells the story of the Sikh Regiment of the British Indian Army and their untold fight in World War 1 where they took the fight to the Western Front, defeating hordes of German soldiers. The movie which stars Diljit Dosanjh, Jagjeet Sandhu, , Yograj Singh, Sunanda Sharma and Jagjeet Sandhu was a massive success at the box office and was renowned for its visuals as well as direction and storytelling, particularly for telling the forgotten story of the bravery of Sikh soldiers and their contributions in the First War.9. 'Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy' Telling the another relatively unknown story, this Telugu film directed by Surender Reddy is a historical fiction movie set in 1857 and much like 'RRR' takes a spin on history, taking inspiration from the life of the great Andhra freedom fighter Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy and his fight against the East India Company during the great revolt or the First War of Indian Independence.The movie stars several big South Indian names such as Charanjeevi, Nayanthara, Sudeep, Tammana Bhatia, Vijay Sethupati and Jagapathi Babu and while not a big commercial success received great acclaim for its direction, acting and storytelling.10. 'Gadar Ek Prem Katha' When talking about patriotic films, 'Gadar' is a movie that can never be ignored. This 2001 Bollywood classic directed by Anil Sharma starring Sunny Deol, Ameesha Patel, Amrish Puri and Lilette Dubey is an icon that burns with patriotic passion. Telling a romantic drama set during the bloody events of the Partition of India, the movie tells the story of Tara Singh who marries a Pakistani Muslim woman called Sakeena Ali, making her his wife while tensions are at an all time high between Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims.The movie goes back into the days of pre-Partition India where Tara Singh and Sakeena Ali recall their old dreams and how the Partition destroyed so much. Later, Tara Singh later goes to Pakistan, and for the sake of his love is willing to convert to Islam to marry her, but refuses to demean his country chanting 'Hindustan Zindabad' and kills people for daring to disrespect his motherland.(IANS | Posted on 12 August 2023, 1692589205 172O71O246O145) Panch Pran Pledge ceremonies held in several J-K districts to make India a developed country in 25 yearsA A "Panch Pran Pledge" ceremony was observed in Pulwama and the main function was held at DPL Pulwama. Moreover, a plantation drive was organised in all police establishments across the district. The main plantation drive was held at District Police Lines Pulwama, launched by SSP Pulwama Mohd Yousuf-JKPS.In Sopore, the "Panch Pran Pledge" ceremony across the police district Sopore was observed. The main function was held at DPO Sopore where SSP Sopore Shabir Nawab-JKPS read out the pledge. After the pledge, SSP Sopore also briefed the officers/officials and explained the meaning as well as the purpose of the pledge of Panch Pran, with a focus to make India a developed country, eliminating the mentality of slavery, being proud of our rich heritage, uphold unity and solidarity, fulfil duties as citizens, and respect those who protect the nation.In Ganderbal, Police held 'Panch Pran Pledge' ceremony in all police establishments across the district. The main Pledge ceremony was observed at DPL Ganderbal. On the directions of SSP Ganderbal Nikhil Borkar-IPS, DySP Hqrs Ganderbal administered the Pledge to officers and Jawans.In Srinagar, police organized Tiranga rallies and hoisting of National Flag ceremonies at different police establishments/units across the district.Last year outlining "Panch Pran" from the ramparts of Red Fort on the 76th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 15, 2022 called upon citizens to take a resolve to make India a developed country in the next 25 years and called for efforts to rid the country of corruption, nepotism and family bias.(ANI | Posted on 12 August 2023, 1692589205 162O158O86O216) India deploys MiG-29 fighter jets squadron at Srinagar to handle threats from enemies on both fronts The Tridents squadron which is now also known as the 'Defender of the North' has replaced the MiG-21 squadron at the Srinagar air base which has traditionally been responsible for taking care of the threat from Pakistan."Srinagar lies in the centre of Kashmir valley and its elevation is higher than plains. It is strategically better to place an aircraft with a higher weight-to-thrust ratio and less response time due to proximity to the border and is equipped with better avionics and long-range missiles. The MiG-29 fulfils all these criteria due to which we are capable of taking in the enemies on both fronts," Indian Air Force pilot Squadron Leader Vipul Sharma told ANI.The MiG 29s have multiple advantages over the MiG-21s which were able to successfully defend the area of their responsibility in the Kashmir valley for many years and also managed to strike down an F-16 in 2019 post Balakot air strikes on Pakistani terrorist camps on their mainland.The MiG-29 has also been equipped with very long-range air-to-air missiles and air-to-ground weaponry after the upgrades and has also been armed with lethal weaponry making use of the emergency procurement powers given to armed forces by the government."The fighter aircraft have also been provided with the capability to jam the enemy aircraft's capabilities during times of conflict", officials said.Another pilot Squadron Leader Shivam Rana said the upgraded aircraft can operate at night with night vision goggles and has a longer range due to air-to-air refuelling capability."We have also included the air-to-ground armament which was not there earlier. The biggest capability of the aircraft are the pilots which are handpicked by the Indian Air Force to serve on these aircraft," he said.The MiG-29s moved to the Srinagar air base in January this year and have flown extensively in the Kashmir valley along with the Ladakh sector where they would be one of the first to respond in case of any air space violation attempts by the Chinese.The MiG-29s were the first aircraft to have been deployed in the Ladakh sector for tacking the threat from the Chinese side after the Galwan clash of 2020 and have thwarted multiple such attempts since then.(ANI | Posted on 12 August 2023, 1692589205 162O158O110O254) Tricolour brunch, Rs 1,947 discount, patriotic platter: Chennai star hotels gears up for I-Day One property offers a discount of Rs 1,947 on their salon/spa services signifying the year - 1947- when India got Independence from the Britishers.At ITC's luxury property ITC Grand Chola's grand facade will be adorned with the tricolour, radiantly illuminating the spirit of the occasion.At the hotel lobby the guests will be greeted by an intricately crafted rangoli that embodies the essence of Independence Day celebration. While that is for the eyes, melodies of traditional instrumental flute music, creating an ambiance of nostalgia and patriotism and themed sweets will be offered for the ears and the taste buds, said an official.On the food side, ITC Grand Chola has planned the Independence Day buffet that includes favourites from every corner of the country and soft beverages at Rs 2,500 plus taxes.Celebrating freedom and food sovereignty, Feathers Hotel will offer tricolour brunch with a spread of different regional cuisines with names like WalahBagh Mix Veg Poriyal, Kargin Tomato Rasam, Tiranga Rice Station, Jalia Wali Baag Ki TawaSubzi and others for Rs 2,500/per person.The Look Salon and Amrtam Spa at the Crowne Plaza hotel offers a discount of Rs 1,947 for guests, who spend over Rs 8,000 for this Independence Day.India got its Independence in the year 1947 on Aug 15.(IANS | Posted on 12 August 2023, 1692589206 172O70O250O246) 'I never compromise on my commitment to fitness,' says Arjun Bijlani as he works out on sets Arjun is currently seen as the lead in the romantic drama 'Pyaar Ka Pehla Adhyaya ShivShakti'.During a break on the sets of the show, Arjun seizes the opportunity to stretch and do core exercises.Also, after the wrap-up, he goes to the gym daily and does strength and functional training, continuously pushes his boundaries to stay in top form.Talking about the same, Arjun said "Life on set can be fast-paced and demanding, leaving little time for other things like exercise and entertainment. However, I never compromise on my commitment to fitness. I manage time in some or the other way.""In fact, I do my stretching and focus on core workouts during short breaks on the 'Pyaar Ka Pehla Adhyaya ShivShakti' set. With an unwavering determination, you'll find me not just rehearsing lines, but doing pushups and core exercises, sculpting both my character and my physique during my breaks," said Arjun.Further elaborating on his fitness routine, the 40-year-old actor said "Once shooting is done, I head to the gym and engage in strength and functional training, pushing my boundaries on-set and beyond to stay fit and fine. I've also transformed some bits of the sets into a mini gym, ensuring that regardless of time constraints, I can continue to work on myself and stay dedicated to a healthy lifestyle."'Pyaar Ka Pehla Adhyaya ShivShakti' explores the healing power of love in a contemporary take on the Shiv-Shakti dynamic.Produced by Studio LSD Productions, the show stars Arjun as Shiv and Nikki Sharma as Shakti. In the upcoming episodes it will be interesting for viewers to witness how Shiv will save Shakti from the goons in the marketx while she steps out to get medicines for her tauji.'Pyaar Ka Pehla Adhyaya ShivShakti' airs on Zee TV.(IANS | Posted on 12 August 2023, 1692589206 172O70O247O93) NIM moderation, funding challenge for HDFC Bank Addressing the HDFC Bank shareholders at the annual general meeting (AGM) on Friday, Sashidhar Jagdishan, MD and CEO said, the second quarter of FY24 will see NIM moderating owing to HDFC (housing loan company that was recently merged with the bank) had lower spreads.On the positive side, the loan repayments are good in the case of housing loans hence the credit costs will be lower for the bank, he added.According to him, the HDFC Bank has been reporting NIM between 44.4 per cent and the moderation will be seen in the second quarter results.Jagdishan said only few customers of the bank have availed home loans from HDFC and there is immense potential to tap this segment.The bank has got the shareholder's approval for raising Rs 50,000 crore from bond issue.It should be noted that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has refused HDFC Bank exemptions from cash reserve ratio (CRR) and statutory liquidity ratio (SLR) and the deposits that came from HDFC as part of the merger.With the RBI's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has imposed Incremental CRR (ICRR) of 10 per cent on deposits received by banks between May 19-July 28 with would suck up funds further.(IANS | Posted on 12 August 2023, 1692589206 172O70O251O185) State government trying to host National Games in 2025 or 2027: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma "We have already written a letter to the Indian Olympic Association to allot 2025 National Games or 2027 National Games, so that we can host the National Games magnificently. Simultaneously we are also improving our sports infrastructure. So let us see how things develop," Sarma said at Amingaon, North Guwahati during the inauguration of the Badminton Association of India National Centre of Excellence.The Assam Chief Minister, who is also the President of the BAI, inaugurated the state-of-the-art National Centre of Excellence for Badminton at Amingaon in Guwahati.The MoU was signed between BAI and the Government of Assam, unfolding a historic chapter for India sports during the launch event, as per BAI Media. The grand inauguration ceremony was attended by Sarma, Olympics champion badminton legend Taufik Hidayat, chief coach of Indian team Pullela Gopichand, members of the historic Thomas Cup-winning Indian team, Minister of Sports and Youth Welfare, Assam, Nandita Gorlosa, Dalipkumar Seth, President, Sunrise Group of Companies, Vivek Dewangan, CMD, REC and Vikram Dhar, Managing Director, Sunrise Sports along with key BAI officials.The National Centre of Excellence boasts of an impressive array of world-class facilities, including the remarkable 16 courts designed to meet the rigorous training needs of 60 athletes in phase 1. In addition, the centre features a 4,000 sq ft gymnasium with modern fitness equipment, a 60-bed hostel for players, a dedicated 2,000 sq ft physiotherapy centre to ensure the athletes receive the utmost care and support to maintain their peak performance.Renowned international badminton coaches Indonesia's Mulyo Handoyo, who will be looking into the development of singles players, former All England champion Russia's Ivan Sozonov and Korea's Park Tae-Sang will be spearheading a strong coaching panel along with a string of Indian coaches, who will also be trained and developed to meet the global standards.Spread across a humongous area of 40,000 square feet with cutting-edge facilities, the centre comes as a significant milestone for Indian badminton as it redefines badminton training and also empowers the country's glorious future in the sport.He also laid the foundation of Amingaon Sports Complex involving a financial outlay of Rs 320 crore at Amingaon.Giving a snapshot of all activities that the government has proposed for the infrastructure development of sports in the state, Sarma said that the existing Nehru Stadium will be renovated with all state-of-the-art facilities."Rs 500 crore will be involved in the renovation exercise with 50 thousand seat capacity. Moreover, another stadium will be constructed in Chandrapur. An Olympic standard swimming pool is being built at Amingaon. Once completed the pool will provide excellent Olympic-standard swimming facilities to the players," Sarma said.(ANI | Posted on 12 August 2023, 1692589207 162O158O111O166) Stephen Amell joins WGA, SAG-AFTRA strikes weeks after criticising them The 'Arrow' star was spotted alongside his wife Cassandra Jean Amell in Manhattan on Friday, holding a picket sign and wearing a SAG-AFTRA Strong T-shirt. The actor had been heavily criticised for his comments against the strikers, as he had labeled it an "ineffective negotiation strategy".Since then though, Amell seems to have changed his stance, whether due to the high criticism he received or just a change of mind his unknown. As reported by Variety, the actor clarifying his stance said "I support my union, I do. And I stand with them. I do not support striking. I don't. I think that it is a reductive negotiating tactic," he said."I find the entire thing incredibly frustrating. I think the thinking as it pertains to shows - like the show that I'm on that premiered last night - I think it's myopic."After he critcised the strikes in July, Amell took to Instagram for damage control, writing "I'm an actor and I was speaking extemporaneously for over an hour. I emote, but I certainly don't think these issues are simple. Our leadership has an incredibly complicated job and I am grateful for all that they do.""Despite some of my terrible early acting work, I assure you, I'm not a robot. From an intellectual perspective, I understand why we are striking, but that doesn't mean it isn't emotionally frustrating on many levels for all involved."He concluded by writing "I'm simply sad that we don't have a chance to celebrate a show that all of us figuratively, and I literally, broke my back for At least for the foreseeable future, I choose to stand with my union. When you see me on a picket line please don't whip any hard fruit."But his other 'Arrow' partners were on the opposite end of the spectrum from the very beginning as they had fully supported the strikes, and had actively joined the picketing lines.The protest was organised by the DC superhero show's executive producer Marc Guggenheim, which saw a reunion of show stars including Katie Cassidy, Willa Holland, Katrina Law, Brandon Routh, Caity Lotz as well as Juliana Harkavy and showrunners including Beth Schwartz and Wendy Mericle as well as fellow writer-producers Caroline Dries among others.The strikes have been going on for over 100 days now as neither party is backing down or willing to negotiate anymore. Throughout the summer, writers and actors have been protesting the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers for better wages, among other aspects of their new contracts, and have been picketing outside numerous Hollywood studios.(IANS | Posted on 12 August 2023, 1692589207 172O70O242O13) Exclusion of AIUDF from INDIA gives BJP an advantage in Assam The joint opposition forum included Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi's Raijor Dol, former All Assam Students Union (AASU) leader Lurinjyoti Gogoi's Asom Jatiya Parishad (AJP), and others.But it lacks a prominent player in Assam politics -- All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF).Initially, the Trinamool Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) were also not given a place in the opposition forum.But after the annoucement of the INDIA bloc, the situation changed to a great extent and both Trinamool Congress and AAP are now constituents of the joint opposition forum.But, Badruddin Ajmal's AIUDF is still yet to be included.Assam has a good number of Muslim voters with more than 30 per cent of the people in the state belonging to the minority community.The role of AIUDF is important in the political landscape of Assam.Since its founding in 2005, the party has played a significant role in Assam politics. It won 18 seats in the 2011 Assembly election, making them the main opposition party in the state. The number of seats decreased to 13 in 2016, although the AIUDF managed to gain 16 seats in the 2021 Assembly elections.Later, after leaving the party, one of its MLAs was re-elected on a BJP ticket.In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the AIUDF took three of Assam's 14 MP seats. In the general elections of 2019, the vote tally dropped, and only Ajmal was able to capture the party stronghold of Dhubri.To oust the BJP from power in Assam, the Congress and AIUDF had formed a broad coalition ahead of the 2021 Assembly elections. The combination secured more than 40 members in the 126-member Legislative Assembly, but it fell short of the required majority.After a snag in Rajya Sabha elections over cross-voting in favor of a BJP candidate, the relationship between the two parties further deteriorated, and Congress rejected the alliance.Assam Congress president Bhupen Borah has been adamant in not taking the AIUDF along with them."We forged an alliance with Ajmal's party in the last Assembly polsl. But what we could see was that AIUDF leaders were constantly delivering a series of provocative statements that, in turn, helped the BJP consolidate Hindu votes", Borah said."The saffron camp was trying their best to do polarisation, however, they had looked to be a failure in achieving their target. It was AIUDF leaders' statements that tremendously aided the BJP to swing the result in their favour."Meanwhile, the AIUDF has claimed a number of times that the fight against the BJP would fail if they are not included in the alliance.AIUDF general secretary Aminul Islam said "At present, Assam has nearly 40 per cent of the Muslim population. Congress has lost its base among many communities. So, they want to bank on the Muslim votes. But minority people have full faith in Badruddin Ajmal and they will vote for the AIUDF only."Reacting to this, senior Congress MLA Debabrata Saikia said "The AIUDF leaders are misleading the people. They cannot win any seats in the 2024 general elections."Although Assam Congress has been trying to undermine Ajmal, the fact is that among the Muslim voters, AIUDF still holds a good grip.Moreover, in half a dozen seats, Muslim votes would play an important role in determining the winner.It is pretty evident that any division in the minority votes would help the BJP to increase their tally. Therefore, the exclusion of AIUDF from "INDIA" is undoubtedly an advantage to the saffron camp.(IANS | Posted on 12 August 2023, 1692589207 172O71O246O127) BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 10. From January to July 2023, cargo movement through the Baku International Sea Trade Port grew by 14 percent (500,000 tons), from 3.6 million tons to 4.1 million tons, Head of the Department of Strategic Planning and Development of the Baku International Sea Trade Port Khudayar Hasanli told Trend. He also claims that the transshipment of wheeled vehicles (TIR) has grown from 28,000 to 29,000. "I'd like to point out that the turnover of wheeled vehicles between Turkey and Central Asia is 120,000 TIR." Approximately 25 percent of this equipment now flows via Azerbaijani territory. We hope to increase this figure to 50 percent, or 60,000 wheeled vehicles. The turnover of wheeled vehicles is just 20,000 TIR between Turkey and Uzbekistan. "We believe it is critical to transfer wheeled vehicles between these countries via our territory," he said. From January to July 2023, Hasanli observed a reduction in container transshipment of 9,285 TEU, from 33,008 TEU containers to 23,723. "This decrease comes against the backdrop of a significant reduction in freight costs in China." "I want to emphasize that this is a short-term phenomenon, and we anticipate an increase in container traffic by the end of this year in comparison to previous years," he said. According to the head of the Baku Port Department, there was also a drop at the bulk cargo terminal during the 2023 reporting period. "From January to July, the bulk cargo terminal handled 588 tons, compared to 732 tons during the same period last year." In addition, like with container transshipment, we anticipate an increase in bulk cargo transshipment towards the end of the year," he stated. 5 riveting audio series for Independence Day Here's a curated list of audio series on Pocket FM that will make this Independence Day truly unforgettable.Surya Zinda HaiEnter the gritty world of 'Surya Zinda Hai,' an audio series that unfolds in a town tainted by corruption. Meet Ex-Major Surya Shukla, a relentless force on a mission to dismantle the web of deceit. Against India's mighty power players, Surya vows an unwavering fight, ready to stake everything, even his life, for justice. Tune in to the pulse-pounding saga, exclusively on Pocket FM.Shanti VeerEmbark on a gripping journey with Shanti Veer, an audio series that follows Indian army officer Ranveer Singh Negi's audacious international peacekeeping mission. Amidst unconventional challenges and adversaries, Ranveer strives to defend borders and lives. But his unyielding resolve faces the ultimate test. Can he conquer intricate obstacles, securing peace and forging a safer world? The globe watches, entranced by Ranveer's heroic odyssey. Dive into the saga, exclusively on Pocket FM.Boss Se Netaji TakStep into the era of WWII with Boss Se Netaji Tak, an audio series that chronicles Subhash Chandra Bose's extraordinary journey to secure India's freedom. Forging unexpected alliances, he became Netaji, leading the Indian National Army from Nazi Germany. This unique blend of history and imagination pays tribute to Bose's legacy. Relive the past by tuning into the riveting saga, exclusively on Pocket FM.Hui Teri DeewaniDive into the captivating world of Hui Teri Deewani, an audio series on Pocket FM that weaves the enthralling tale of Mahikaa and Major Ayaan. Set against a backdrop of mystery and danger, their paths collide, sparking an undeniable bond that transcends their fates. As secrets from Mahikaa's enigmatic past merge with Ayaan's unwavering duty, their journey explores love, sacrifice, and the pursuit of truth. Amidst unrelenting challenges and imminent danger, their connection becomes a testament to resilience, showcasing the enduring strength of love in the face of life's uncertainties.My Commando WifeStep into the enchanting narrative of My Commando Wife, as Aarohi's life takes a breathtaking turn after a bomb blast catapults her a millennium into the past. With futuristic technology, her soul finds a new vessel, leading to a remarkable encounter with Vihaan Singh, an unyielding army chief with an unexpected bias. As their fates converge, questions arise about Aarohi's survival and the mysterious currents of time. This tale of improbable connections and time-bending turns unravels, weaving love and destiny across the ages. Experience the magic of My Commando Wife, available exclusively on Pocket FM.(IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in)ianslife/ tb(IANS | Posted on 12 August 2023, 1692589208 172O69O150O83) Download Now The News-Gazette mobile app brings you the latest local breaking news, updates, and more. Read the News-Gazette on your mobile device just as it appears in print. As he begins his eighth year as chancellor, Robert Jones weighs in on a bigger Big Ten, the future of NIL, the mascot debate and what's next for the state's flagship university during an extensive conversation with our Luke Taylor. How should others make decisions for pediatric patients? For decades, there has been debate in academic literature about the ethical principles that govern medical decision-making for children. In response to this, a group of leading scholars in pediatric ethics participated in a June 2022 symposium, "Best Interests and Beyond: Standards of Decision Making in Pediatrics," at Saint Louis University. Over the course of three days, the 17 scholars debated one question in the context of U.S. pediatric care, what moral precepts ought to guide parents and clinicians in medical decision-making for children? A group of leading scholars participated in a June 2022 symposium, "Best Interests and Beyond: Standards of Decision Making in Pediatrics," at Saint Louis University. Submitted photo. The symposium and further discussions led to six recommendations for pediatric decision-making. Those findings, "Pediatric Decision Making: Consensus Recommendations," appeared in Pediatrics on Aug. 9. Erica K. Salter, Ph.D., associate professor of health care ethics and pediatrics at Saint Louis University, is the paper's lead author. Johan Bester, M.B.Ch.B, Ph.D., associate dean for pre-clerkship curriculum at Saint Louis University School of Medicine and Lou Vinarscik, an M.D./Ph.D. student in health care ethics, also contributed to the work. Bester is an associate professor in family and community medicine and health care ethics at SLU. The American Academy of Pediatrics offers four standards for pediatric decision-making the Best Interest Standard, Diekema's Harm Principle, Ross's Constrained Parental Authority and Shared Family Centered Decision Making. This constellation of principles often confused pediatric clinicians about the ethical norms of decision-making, especially when parents and physicians disagree about a particular course of action. The recommendations from the SLU symposium aim to provide a unified set of decision-making principles that will be more accessible and applicable for clinicians, parents and legal guardians for children from infancy to primary school. This work brought together experts in pediatric ethics who have defended different points of view and who have different backgrounds and perspectives. The stand-out feature of this work is that they could identify points of consensus regarding which moral precepts are fundamental to medical decision-making for children. The fact that this group of distinguished pediatric ethicists, in particular, was able to reach consensus about these six recommendations represents an important step forward in pediatric ethics." Erica K. Salter, Ph.D., associate professor of health care ethics and pediatrics at Saint Louis University Recommendations Parents should be presumed to have wide, but not unlimited, discretion to make health care decisions for their children. Parents should protect and promote the health interests of their children while balancing practical constraints and/or other important obligations and interests. A clinician's primary responsibility is to protect and promote their pediatric patients' health interests. Clinicians' recommendations should be informed by professional judgment and the best available evidence. To respect children and promote their well-being, clinicians and parents should inform pediatric patients of salient information and invite their perspective to the degree that it is developmentally appropriate. In addition to fulfilling state-mandated reporting requirements, clinicians should seek state intervention when all less-restrictive alternatives have failed and a parental decision places the child at significant risk of serious imminent harm or fails to meet the child's basic interests. Clinicians and parents should strive to collaborate in a shared decision-making process to promote the child's interest. "With these recommendations, we hope that pediatric providers feel better equipped to engage in decision-making with parents and patients, especially when there may be disagreement. It can be very distressing when providers and parents disagree about what treatment option is best for a given child, but differences of opinion are not uncommon and should sometimes be expected," said Salter. "The recommendations demonstrate that parents and physicians come to the decision-making table with different sets of priorities because they play different roles in the decision-making process. Pediatric providers can now engage in those discussions with a better sense of their role and its ethical justification." This work will help practicing clinicians and bioethicists to make decisions for children grounded in shared moral values. These principles will also help with teaching of pediatric ethics, and with guiding academic work in the field of pediatric ethics. The authors say further evaluation is needed to determine if these principles apply to newborn babies, teenagers and wards of the state or if modifications are needed for those patient populations. Sponsors of the symposium include the Harvey and Bernice Jones Chair in Pediatrics at Arkansas Children's Hospital, the Gnaegi Center for Health Care Ethics, Saint Louis University's Mellon Award, Saint Louis Children's Hospital and SSM Health. When COVID-19 presented the world with the greatest health challenge in modern history, it was biomedical scientists who stepped up to develop diagnostic testing and vaccines to slow the spread of the disease. But how did these in-demand scientists fare psychologically and in their careers amid pandemic pressures such as juggling child and/or elder care with work? Until now, that hasn't been measured. A new Northwestern Medicine study is the first to measure resilience in biomedical scientists during the pandemic. The findings highlight the consequences of the pandemic for women scientists of all career stages who experienced greater household responsibilities while facing social pressure to advance their careers. Of the 635 biomedical scientists surveyed between Oct. 1 and Nov 30, 2020, 61% reported experiencing a career or professional setback during the pandemic. A high measure of resiliency was often associated with a professional setback, the study found. Seemingly, resiliency did not pay off for many. The study will be published Aug. 9 in JAMA Network Open. "Our data show that you can be as resilient as you want, but there are certain structural factors, such as gender or child care, that can hinder your professional advancement," said corresponding author Nicole Woitowich, executive director of the Northwestern University Clinical and Translational Sciences (NUCATS) Institute at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine who was formally trained as a biomedical scientist. Scientists were expected to persevere in achieving professional goals, expectations and milestones despite facing disparate professional and personal challenges, said Woitowich, who also is a research assistant professor of medical social sciences at Feinberg. We had originally hypothesized that resilient scientists would be less likely to experience setbacks during the pandemic -; so these results surprised us." Nicole Woitowich, Executive Director, Northwestern University Clinical and Translational Sciences (NUCATS) Institute at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine The scientists collected data from biomedical scientists who had received funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and/or were members of the National Postdoctoral Association. Participants self-reported demographic information including gender, race and ethnicity. Fifty-eight percent of respondents reported being female, 40% reported being male and 1% preferred not to say. Survey respondents answered yes, no or unsure to the question, "Have you experienced career or professional setbacks as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic?" They also completed the 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, a test that measures resilience or how well one is equipped to bounce back after stressful events, tragedy or trauma. 'Resilience building is having a moment' "Resilience building is having a moment in medicine right now, and while I think it supports beneficial coping skills, it might not sufficiently counteract sociocultural and contextual pressures arising from gender disparities within the biomedical workforce," Woitowich said. The scientists hope one outcome of this research will be an increase of focused strategies to support the professional advancement of women and gender-minority scientists, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. Other Northwestern co-authors include Christine V. Wood and Lutfiyya N. Muhammad. The highest number of foreign students in Germany are from India with over 42,000 students, a 25 per cent rise within a year, German Ambassador to India Philipp Ackermann said on Thursday. Great! 42,000+ Indian students in Germany, 25 % more within one year. India now no. 1 group of foreign students in Germany, much faster than expected! Germany is popular among Indian students and Indian students are popular in Germany, I hear from professors very often, Ackermann wrote on X platform. In an effort to keep up with the growing number of Indian students wanting to move to Germany on a student visa, the German Embassys Academic Evaluation Centre had in April announced that it would replace the mandate for paper-printed certificates with digital certificates. With the goal of accelerating processing times and making it easier for applicants to apply to a greater number of German universities, APS India is pleased to announce that starting from next week, paper printed certificates will be replaced, the centre had said. India and Germany had in December last year signed an agreement on comprehensive migration and mobility partnership, facilitating two-way movement of students, professionals and researchers, and also address the challenges of illegal migration. This agreement has specific provisions to facilitate mobility and employment opportunities for fostering exchange of skills and talents within both countries. These include an academic evaluation centre in New Delhi, eighteen months extended residence permits to students, three thousand jobseeker visas annually, liberalised short stay multiple entry visas and streamlined readmission procedures. The University of Mumbai will start the registration process for MU LLM CET 2023 today, August 12. Candidates can submit their applications for the LLM Common Entrance Test at mu.ac.in for admission to the LLM (two years) programme for the academic year 20232024. The registration window will conclude on August 21. On August 31, the admission exam will be conducted during a single shift from 1 PM to 5 PM. The question paper will be offered in both English and Marathi languages. Candidates must have finished an LLB programme in order to be eligible, while individuals who are enrolled in a three- or five-year LLB programmes last semester from the University of Mumbai or any other recognised university are welcome to apply. Mumbai University LLM Entrance Examination 2023: How to Apply The students can follow these steps to apply for the entrance examination. Step 1 - Visit the MU official website forms.epravesh.com/ mumbaiuniversitylaw Step 2 - Register using a valid email id and name and by answering the security question. Step 3 - Login in with your credentials generated and add details like name, parents name, nationality, etc. Step 4 - Upload the documents including caste certificate, passport-size photograph and required mark sheets. Step 5 - Make payment of application fees and download the application form. Mumbai University LLM Results 2023 Mumbai University LLM Entrance Examination 2023: Application Fees Candidates who fall under the general category must pay an admission fee of Rs 650 (Non-refundable), while those who fall under the SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and VJ/DT-NT categories must pay Rs 350 (Non-refundable). Online payment will be accepted for the LLM CET exam fee. The results will be released by Mumbai University likely in a few days following the entrance exam. By entering their registration number and password, candidates will be able to view their results. The Mumbai University LLM result will provide significant data, including the candidates marks, overall rank, category rank, and qualification status. Candidates from the general category must score 40 points to pass the exam, while those from the reserved categories must receive 30 points. Constitutional law, jurisprudence, tort law, criminal law, contract law, administrative law, human rights law, family law, and company law will all be covered in the exam. At least 500 students, including Indians, have been left in limbo after a college in Canadas Ontario province revoked their admission offers a month before the start of school, according to a media report on Thursday. Some of the students were already in Canada when they were informed their offers had been withdrawn, CBC News reported. Some 500 international students recently received an email from Northern College in Ontario informing them that their admission offers for this coming school year had been revoked, the report said. Among the students was Ashley, who had already paid her registration fees and booked her flight from Punjab to Toronto when she found out just over a week ago that she was no longer accepted to Ontarios Northern College. It was very heartbreaking for me. It had a huge impact on my lifestyle, the report quoted Ashley as saying. Ashley, who doesnt have a last name, received her acceptance letter in February to study healthcare administration at Scarboroughs Pures College of Technology, which is an affiliate of Northern College. She had already applied for a student visa, quit her job in healthcare and booked a one-way ticket to Toronto. Now, instead of packing her bags, Ashley will remain in India while scrambling for a solution. It was not a normal process for us as international students who have used all the savings that we have had, she said. Pures College said it was ready, willing and able to accept all international students who received letters of admission, but that its affiliate, Northern College, decided against doing so. As a private college in partnership with a public college, Pures said it doesnt have the authority to make final decisions on the admissions process. Northern College says the problem was caused by Canada approving more visas for international students than expected. Students will be refunded or transferred to different schools, the college said. But some could still be on the hook for cancelled flights and accommodation. This isnt the first time international students have been left in limbo by a Toronto school. Last May, hundreds of students said their enrollment was unilaterally suspended by Alpha College of Business and Technology, an affiliate of St. Lawrence College in Ontario. Meanwhile, Jaspreet Singh, president of the International Sikh Student Association and a member of the World Sikh Organisation, says these situations are indicative of a bigger problem. The system is exploiting students, he said, adding that situations like these arent uncommon in Canada. The same thing is happening every yearevery semester, CBS News quoted Singh as saying. An international student is granted permission to study in Canada based on their acceptance to a designated learning institution. International students must present their acceptance letter upon arrival to clear immigration and receive a permit to stay in the country to complete their education. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has granted Category-1 University status to the University of Delhi. This action is part of the UGCs initiative to offer autonomy to high-performing universities in accordance with the University Grants Commission (Categorisation of Universities for Grant of Graded Autonomy) Regulations, 2018. The highest category outlined by the 2018 laws is Category-1, which provides institutions with the greatest level of autonomy. The University of Delhis petition for this recognition was thoroughly considered by the commission and granted in its 571st meeting on July 25. This promotion to Category-1 rank brings with it a slew of advantages mentioned in Clause 4 of the UGC Regulations. The university is now qualified for these benefits, recognising its dedication to excellence in education and research. Category-1 Autonomy Status: Advantages According to Careers360, a category-1 university may initiate a new curriculum or skill course, establish off-campus locations, establish research parks or innovation centres, and engage foreign professors without the approval of the UGC. Such universities may also admit more foreign students than domestic students and are free to fix and charge fees from foreign students without restriction reports add. Without the approval of the UGC, these universities can also start open and remote learning courses and work with international institutions. According to the commission, a university is designated as a Category-1 institution with autonomy if the following conditions are met: -The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) has granted the university accreditation with a score of 3.51 or higher. -The university has acquired a comparable accreditation grade or score from a reputable accreditation organisation that the UGC has appointed. -The university has been listed among the top 500 in prestigious world rankings such as Times Higher Education and QS rating. -The NAAC score for Delhi University is 3.25, and it is placed 407 in the QS World University Rankings 2024, reports claim. However, a group of Delhi University professors is adamantly opposed to the proposal. Few university educators are also concerned that more autonomy will lead to the launch and proliferation of self-financing courses. This issue has gathered pace and is being discussed in the universitys current academic council meeting. Shark Tank India has introduced audiences to various CEOs and business moguls, among whom Namita Thapar stood out due to her charming personality and interactions with fellow sharks and contestants. Recently, the entrepreneur was in Delhi where she caught up with Lenskart founder Peyush Bansal. Peyush and his wife Nidhi Mittal hosted dinner for Namita at their home. For the occasion, Namita showed elegance in an off-shoulder dress while Peyush sported a stylish blue outfit and his wife, Nidhi looked stunning in a black dress. Sharing the happy picture, Namita wrote, We fight for deals, give each other hell but we know when to let our hair down & chill. Thank you, Peyush Bansal & Nidhi Mittal for a lovely dinner in Delhi. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Namita Thapar (@namitathapar) The reunion of Shark Tank India panellists Namita Thapar and Peyush Bansal created excitement among social media users, who showered love on the duo. Namitas post garnered numerous comments, including from her fellow shark, Vineeta Singh, who referred to all three as her Favourites. On the other hand, some individuals on social media suggested that Namita Thapar should consider meeting ex-Shark Ashneer Grover, who also resides in Delhi. Namita Thapar keeps her fans informed about her Shark Tank deals and meetings with her fellow Sharks. She also shares a close bond with Boat founder Aman Gupta and in May, she paid a visit to his office in Delhi. The CEO of Emcure Pharmaceuticals fell in love the vibe and culture of Amans office, as she shared her experience on her Instagram. She wrote, Visited Boat office, 5 floors at Hauz Khas Village, what a vibe, what a fantastic culture created by Aman & team. Innovative, fresh, youthful with brilliant products for me to test & try & needless to say Aman & I always always have a blast as we are truly ek hi thali ke chatte batte in every sense. https://www.instagram.com/p/CstdwA9IpOq/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Apart from Namita Thapar, Ashneer Grover, Aman Gupta, and Peyush Bansal, Shark Tank India also featured Anupam Mittal, Ghazal Alagh, Vineeta Singh, and Amit Jain as panellists. The first season of the show was hosted by Rannvijay Singha, while the comedian Rahul Dua took over the hosting duty in season 2. Bihars Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and son of Lalu Prasad Yadav, Tej Pratap Yadav took to Twitter on Saturday to extend his support for YouTuber Elvish Yadav on Bigg Boss OTT 2. As the reality show is headed towards its finale on Monday, Tej Pratap Yadav asked his followers to vote for Elvish. Elvish Yadav entered the show nearly four weeks ago as a wildcard contestant. Tej captioned the image, Support #Elvishyadav #voteforelvish #ElvishIsTheBoss @ElvishYadav @BiggBoss." Elvishs fans took over the posts comments section with his catchphrase Systummmmm". Bigg Boss fans and house guests alike were surprised to discover that Elvish behaved sweetly in the house and didnt pick any fights unless prompted, unlike his avatar on YouTube. His camaraderie with Abhishek Malhan and Manisha Rani quickly won over the audience, who voted for him to reach the finale. Before Elvish entered the house, most fans of the show were quick to presume that YouTuber Abhishek Malhan or Fukra Insaan, brother of popular YouTuber Triggered Insaan, will be the winner of the show. However, Elvishs entry proved to challenge this easy claim, with fans now divided over whom to support. In a recent episode of Bigg Boss OTT 2, Abhishek Malhan was heard saying that he cannot consider Elvish the shows winner due to the short span of his journey. He said he believed that the contestants who were a part of the show since the first day had it tough because they were yet to figure out everyones personalities. Many contestants on the show like Pooja Bhatt and Avinash Sachdev opposed this statement. The shows host, Salman Khan also told Abhishek that he was incorrect in his thinking. Salman said that as a wildcard, Elvish had to make a place for himself in already established relationships and divert fans to himself. The finale of Bigg Boss OTT 2 will air on Monday, August 14. Elvish Yadav, Abhishek Malhan, Manisha Rani, Pooja Bhatt and Bebika Dhurve are the top five contestants of the show. YouTubers Abhishek Malhan and Elvish Yadav knew each other professionally but became close friends in the Bigg Boss OTT 2 house. They are touted as one anothers strongest competitors by many contestants in the house. While the two remain friends inside the house, their fans have taken to social media to create a rivalry between them as the shows finale nears. Recently, an advertisement for Abhishek appeared in Times Square, New York. Elvishs fans said that it was a copy of an advertisement that had appeared for Elvish earlier at the iconic location. While Elvishs advertisement appeared on August 6, Abhisheks advertisement appeared on August 12. One fan of Elvish wrote, Mubarak ho bhai Aab to TUM LOG BHI Systumm ko follow karne lage .. Ye Jeet hai Elvis and Systumm army ki. Rahna hai to Systumm ke niche rahna hoga." Another one tweeted, " editing pakdi gyi u r very hosiyar bro aise kaun bhikh mangta hai." Next Level Promotion, Saystummm Hangggg Kar Diya Times Square New York Mein, WE LOVE YOU ELVISH #ElvishYadav #ElvishArmy pic.twitter.com/jfvobgyQoV Narendra Modi fan (@narendramodi177) August 6, 2023 In a recent episode, Abhishek accused Elvish of engaging in negative PR against him outside the show. However, Elvish said denied this claim, saying that if he had wanted any rivalry between the two, he would never have become his close friend. An ETimes report quoted Abhishek as saying, I got to know from someone that you and your team are doing negative PR against me outside. However, I want to see things from my eyes before I believe it." Elvish responded, You have been with me from the start, do you think I can do something like this?" Elvish later confided in co-contestant Jiya Shankar saying, I didnt feel this bad in the show until now. How can he think that Im capable of something so low? Its very hurtful." Jiya advised him to directly express his feelings to Abhishek, due to their brother-like bond. The two YouTubers later hashed the issue, not letting it affect their friendship. However, their fans continue to often pit the two against each other. The finale of Bigg Boss OTT 2, hosted by Salman Khan will air on August 14. Bebika Dhurve, Manisha Rani, Pooja Bhatt, Abhishek Malhan and Elvish Yadav are the top five contestants on the show. Bigg Boss OTT alum and choreographer Nishant Bhatt will choreograph the contestants dance performances for the special finale episode. So far, 48 body fragments have been found at the site of the explosion on the territory of the Zagorsk Optical and Mechanical Plant in Sergiev Posad, Moscow Region, Russia, which occurred on 8 August. They are likely to belong to the bodies of 10 people. At least 80 other people were injured. ADVERTISIMENT The explosion was so powerful that most of the victims had their limbs blown off. This was reported by the Russian Telegram channel Baza. The rubble is still being cleared. The death toll is expected to rise to at least 15. According to the RIA Novosti propaganda outlet, citing the Russian Health Ministry, 15 people have been hospitalised. In addition, 8 people are reported missing. According to the Russian media, the explosion is now being investigated as a violation of industrial safety, sabotage or a drone strike. According to the latter version, investigators believe that the drone could have hit a truck with gunpowder that arrived at the Zagorsk Optical and Mechanical Plant and provoked a large-scale explosion. According to the official version, the explosion occurred at a pyrotechnics warehouse owned by Piro-Ross due to a "human factor". However, a video was posted online showing objects scattered across the plant after the explosion. One of them looked less like pyrotechnics and more like a 122mm shell. ADVERTISIMENT Later, a second shell was found near the plant that exploded in Sergiev Posad. Four buildings on the plant's territory were completely destroyed, another six buildings were partially destroyed, and 14 buildings were damaged. Official media insist on the "pyrotechnics" version of the incident. ADVERTISIMENT As a reminder, Zagorsk Optical and Mechanical Plant JSC (ZOMP, part of the Schwabe holding of Rostec State Corporation) is a "leading developer and manufacturer of optical and optoelectronic devices for law enforcement agencies, industry and healthcare". As OBOZREVATEL previously reported: - The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine said that the attacks on Moscow, which have become more frequent recently, are a consequence of Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine and a kind of 'God's punishment'. They argue that Russia's power has been significantly overestimated by the international community, and that the Russian army is not even close to being the "second army of the world"; ADVERTISIMENT - a Russian woman decided to loot the site of an explosion in the Moscow region and take a mosquito net that had fallen out of the windows of a house as a result of the impact. Residents of the house noticed the suspicious woman and prevented her from taking what was not hers. Only verified information is available on our Obozrevatel Telegram channel, Threads and Viber. Don't fall for fakes! Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said Dalits, OBCs and tribals are getting due respect from his government whereas previous rulers neglected these sections and remembered them only during elections. He also alleged the erstwhile governments failed to provide water to the poor whereas Dalit bastis, underprivileged localities, and tribal areas are now getting piped water due to Jal Jeevan Mission under his government. The prime minister addressed a public programme at Dhana in Sagar district of Madhya Pradesh after performing bhoomi pujan and laying the foundation stone for the construction of Rs 100 crore-worth temple-cum-memorial of social reformer and mystic poet Sant Ravidas at Badtuma village. Modi bowed down before the idol of Sant Ravidas with folded hands after laying the foundation stone. He also inspected the miniature model of the upcoming memorial-cum-temple at this function. Today I laid the foundation stone of Sant Ravidas memorial here and I am certain that Sant Ravidasji will definitely bless me to come here again and inaugurate the memorial and museum too after its construction in about a year-and-a-half years, the prime minister said. Interestingly, Madhya Pradesh is going to polls at this year-end while general elections are due in next May. Notably, the mystic saint-poet of the Bhakti movement is venerated as a spiritual teacher in parts of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana who taught removal of social divisions of caste and gender. The prime minister said Sant Ravidas who was born during the Mughal period marked by instability, excesses, and atrocities, created an awakening against social evils. The governments which ruled for decades had failed to provide water to the poor whereas Dalits, underprivileged localities and tribal areas are now getting piped water due to Jal Jeevan Mission," Modi said and accused the previous governments of neglecting these sections and remembering them only during elections. Our government giving due respect to Dalits, OBCs and tribals," he said and added that the Centre is working concertedly for the benefit of the poor, providing education to tribals, and mid-day meals to children. He also mentioned about the Sukanya Samruddhi Yojana for girls, scholarships for SC/ ST students, Mudra Loan scheme for Dalits and tribals youths among other measures undertaken by his government. Today, people term the Ayushman card as the Modi card. Health-related bills up to Rs 5 lakh for the poor are being paid by this son of you, the prime minister said. Modi said the soil from thousands of villages and water from more than 300 rivers became part of Sant Ravidas upcoming temple-cum-memorial by the Samarsta Yatras taken out for social harmony in MP. These programmes in Sagar district marked the culmination of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Partys ongoing Samrasta (harmony) Yatras, which were started from five places in the state on July 25. At Dhana, Modi dedicated to the nation the doubling of the Bina-Kota railway line project besides laying the foundation for various road projects. Recalling the COVID-19 period, the prime minister said he had decided that no one should sleep empty stomach during the coronavirus outbreak. He said the free ration scheme for the poor during the Coronavirus period is being lauded by the world. At the time of the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, the world came to a standstill. There were concerns over the survival of Dalits, tribals, and the poor in India. There were worries about how these sections would be able to survive. Then I decided that whatever happens, I will not let my poor brothers and sisters sleep empty stomach, he added. Today the country is moving forward with the resolve of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas". In the next 25 years of Amrit Kal, its our responsibility to carry forward heritage and learn lessons from the past, the prime minister said. He said houses are being constructed (under PMAY) to ensure that the poor have a roof over their heads. Today, the people belonging to the SC and ST society are standing on their own feet, becoming self-reliant. Most of the beneficiaries of Mudra Yojana are from SC-ST society, he said. Modi said a campaign is being run by the government to help 7 crore brothers and sisters in the country get rid of sickle cell anaemia. Work is also on to make the country TB-free by 2025, the PM said, adding that most of the Dalit, deprived and poor families are victims of these diseases. According to officials, the temple-cum-memorial dedicated to Sant Ravidas will be spread over 11 acres of land. The structure will showcase the teachings of Sant Ravidas and also have residential facilities for the devotees besides a museum, art gallery, and other amenities. Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) Chief Swati Maliwal has said that the commissions 181 helpline received more than 6.30 lakh calls between July 2022 and July 2023. During the period, 92,004 unique cases such as domestic violence, conflict with neighbours, rape and sexual assault, POCSO, kidnapping and cyber crimes were registered, Maliwal said during a press conference. According to data shared by the DCW, among the cases received, domestic violence ranked the highest with 38,342 cases, followed by 9,516 cases of conflicts with neighbours; 5,895 rape and sexual harassment cases; 3,647 POCSO cases; 4,229 kidnapping; and and 3,558 cyber crimes. The highest number of domestic violence cases were reported from Kalyanpuri with 769 cases, followed by Burari with 709 cases, Ranhola with 685 cases, Bhalswa Dairy with 673 cases, and Narela with 590 cases. DCW also received 1,552 missing person complaints, 2,278 cases of dowry harassment, 790 cases of medical negligence, 156 cases related to sex trafficking, 40 cases of trafficking, 69 cases of child marriage, 67 cases of sexual harassment in the workplace, 66 cases of child labour, 63 cases related to illegal liquor and drugs, and 54 cases of honor killing. Approximately 38,140 cases of the reported cases were from women aged 21 to 31, followed by 20,058 cases from the age group of 31 to 40, 16,939 cases from the age group of 11 to 20, and 6,686 cases from the age group of 41 to 50. The Commission also received around 3,735 cases from women aged 60 and above, including 40 cases from women above the age of 90. The helpline is backed by an on-ground support team, Maliwal added. The 181 is a 24*7 hotline run by the DCW for women in distress. Anyone who calls is given counselling and if required, their complaint is marked to concerned authorities, like Delhi Police, hospitals, and shelter homes reparation. In majority of the cases, a team of counsellors is deployed to meet the distressed women and assist them. (With inputs from PTI and IANS) The Enforcement Directorate on Saturday filed a nearly 3,000-page charge sheet against Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji as part of a continuing money laundering investigation against him and his aides, official sources said. Principal Sessions Judge S Alli, before whom the 47-year-old DMK politician was produced, remanded him in judicial custody till August 25. The minister, who was arrested by the ED on June 14, will continue to be lodged at the Puzhal central jail in Chennai. The central agency filed the prosecution complaint of about 3,000 pages that included more than 2,000 pages of annexures and 168-170 pages of operational documents, arraigning Balaji as an accused, the sources said. The ED is understood to have brought on record various documents seized, purported cash receipts recovered and the statement of Balaji that was recorded by it over the last few days in the charge sheet. The court is yet to take cognisance of the complaint (charge sheet) filed under various sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), they said. Judge Alli had on August 7 permitted the ED to take custody of Senthil Balaji for five days for the purpose of interrogation in connection with the case. Since the custody came to an end on Saturday, the ED produced him before the judge. The judge asked Balaji how he was treated by the ED while in its custody and if there was any complaint against the agency. He replied he was treated well by the ED and had no complaint, the sources said. The agency is expected to file a supplementary charge sheet later as a number of other people including members of Balajis family have not deposed before it till now. It had recently said in a statement that Balajis brother RV Ashok Balaji, his (Ashoks) wife Nirmala and mother-in-law P Lakshmi were sent multiple summons to join the probe and record their statements but they are yet to appear in person, demonstrating a lack of cooperation with the ongoing investigation". A 2.49-acre land located in Karur, valued at more than Rs 30 crore, belonging to Nirmala was frozen by the ED a few days back in this case. Balaji continues to be a minister without portfolio in Chief Minister M K Stalin-led Tamil Nadu government after he was arrested by the ED on June 14 in the money laundering case linked to an alleged cash-for-jobs scam when he was the transport minister during the previous AIADMK regime. He was in judicial custody from that day onwards till August 7. Following an order of the Supreme Court, the ED had on August 7 filed a petition, seeking custody of Senthil Balaji for five days for the purpose of interrogation in connection with the case and the court granted permission. Originally, alleging that her husband was in illegal custody of the ED, his wife Megala filed a habeas corpus petition (HCP) seeking a direction to the agency to produce her husband before the court and set him at liberty. On July 4, 2023, a division bench delivered a split verdict, with one of the judges-Justice Nisha Bani - allowing her plea while Justice Bharatha Chakravarthy held that the ED has the power to take custody of the accused. Therefore, the matter was referred to a third judge. Justice CV Karthikeyan, who was named as a third judge, had on July 14 upheld the arrest of Senthil Balaji and his subsequent remand in judicial custody. However, he referred the matter to the same division bench to decide the date from which the ED can take custody of the accused. Pointing out that the matter was pending before the Supreme Court, the same division bench had on July 25 closed the HCP. The Supreme Court had dismissed on Monday the petitions filed by Balaji and his wife challenging the Madras HC order upholding his arrest, saying a remand order passed by a judicial officer cannot be contested under the guise of a habeas corpus plea. The agency had earlier claimed that Balaji misused" his office for illegal gratification and engineered" a job racket scam in the state transport undertakings during 2014-15 with purported kickbacks paid by candidates through his associates who include his brother RV Ashok Kumar and his personal assistants B Shanmugam and M Karthikeyan. This led to jobs being awarded at the expense of deserving candidates", the ED had alleged. The ED filed a case of money laundering in September 2021 to probe these allegations and its complaint is based on three Tamil Nadu Police FIRs filed in 2018 and later by some of those who failed to get the promised jobs. The emergence of a new coronavirus variant, Omicron EG.5.1 casually named Eris has sparked fresh worries around the globe, but it has proved ineffective in India despite its presence since April, said Covid panel chief Dr NK Arora. In July, the World Health Organization classified the mutant virus as a variant under monitoring after the US and UK reported a surge in new infections leading to hospitalisations. But Dr Arora, the head of National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) the apex panel taking critical decisions on the use and deployment of coronavirus vaccines in India said the epidemiology of these countries is different from ours. Dr Arora told News18 that the central government is planning to expand the sewage surveillance mechanism, mimicking the polio elimination strategy, by covering high-risk areas in more than 50 cities. Calling it one of the next scientific frontiers, he said the new plan will not only focus on coronavirus detection but include tuberculosis, sepsis and several other resistant as well as novel pathogens. Epidemiology, immune status of Indians different from other countries We must remember that epidemiology plays a crucial role in deciding the course of the pathogen. Our population has been repeatedly naturally infected and exposed to several variants, Dr Arora said, while adding, the response to these variants depends upon the immune status of the population as well. He said after October 2021, India has not observed any variant that led to an uptick in infection-linked hospitalisations. India found Eris in April, which shows how sensitive our INSACOG surveillance system is; it picked the new variant much before others, said Dr Arora, who is also co-chair of the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Consortium (INSACOG). Following polio model, sewage surveillance set to go up On the Centres plan to expand the sewage surveillance mechanism to the next level, the expert said the INSACOG had started surveillance of sewage water at 19 different sites in over 15 states. It is an interesting tool for future prediction of pandemics and is capable of detecting outbreaks much before the actual spells, he said. Dr Arora further said this system has been used extensively for the elimination of polio from India, where more than 50 cities were under surveillance. It covered all high-risk areas, he said. A plan on similar lines is being readied where sewage surveillance mechanisms will be expanded to cover the detection of novel pathogens. He added: It will include tuberculosis, sepsis, and resistant bacteria among other novel pathogens. It will be one of our next scientific frontiers under the global One health approach." India deployed a squadron of enhanced MiG-29 fighter jets at the Srinagar air base to handle threats from both the Pakistani and Chinese fronts. The MiG-21 squadron at the Srinagar base has been replaced by the Tridents squadron, also called the Defender of the North. The Srinagar base has been responsible for tackling threats from Pakistan. As Srinagar lies in the centre of the valley, its altitude is higher than plains, so it is better to place an aircraft with a higher weight-to-thrust ratio and lower response time considering the proximity to the border, said Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot Squadron Leader Vipul Sharma. It is also equipped with better better avionics and long-range missiles. The MiG-29 fulfils all these criteria due to which we are capable of taking in the enemies on both fronts," he added. The MiG-29 has several benefits over MiG-21 aircraft. The MiG-21 has been successfully defending the area of their responsibility in Kashmir. It was also successful in striking down an F-16 in 2019 after the Balakot air strikes on Pakistani terrorists camps. #WATCH | J&K: MiG-29 fighter aircraft deployed in Srinagar replacing the MiG-21 fighter jets at the base. pic.twitter.com/xwCJl28ad4 ANI (@ANI) August 12, 2023 The MiG-29 is armed with lethal ammunition making use of the emergency access powers the government has given to the armed forces. After the improvements, the aircraft is also equipped with very long-range air-to-air missiles and air-to-ground arms. The aircraft can jam the enemy aircrafts capabilities during a dispute, officials said. The fighter jets can operate at night as they has been enhanced with night vision goggles, said another pilot Squadron Leader Shivam Rana. MiG-29 has a longer range because of its capacity of air-to-air refuelling. Rana said that previously the aircraft did not have the air-to-ground weaponry, but it has been added now. The biggest capability of the aircraft are the pilots which are handpicked by the IAF to serve on these aircraft," he added. The MiG-29 aircrafts were moved to Srinagar in January this year. The MiG-29s have flown thoroughly in the valley of Kashmir and also along the Ladakh sector where they will be the first responders in case of an air space violation by the Chinese. The MiG-29s were the first aircrafts to have been posted in the Ladakh region for handling any threats from China after the 2020 Galwan clash. The aircrafts have also impeded several such attempts since. (With inputs from ANI) Parents beware! There could be suspicious individuals lurking outside your childrens schools who may actually be drug dealers, looking to convert these youngsters into possible consumers of banned substances. Police in Bengaluru have seen a steep rise in the consumption of drugs, especially by young school children and college students and have been conducting drives to create awareness among teachers, parents, and the children themselves. There are a number of factors that contribute to drug use among young people, including peer pressure, curiosity, and mental health issues. Drug dealers often target young people because they are more vulnerable to addiction. Rise in Consumption Among Kids, Say Cops Bengaluru police commissioner B Dayananda told News18 in an exclusive interview that while they have been cracking down on drug peddlers and their supply chain, they have also observed a sharp rise in seizures, indicating a spike in consumption. The number of arrests have also increased. Our police department has been creating awareness among schoolchildren and college-going students. We have noted that the usage of illegal drugs has begun spreading among children and there has been a significant increase in the numbers, he said. He explained that while shops selling tobacco are banned within 100 meters of educational institutions, they still find that drugs like cannabis somehow find their way into the hands of these young children and young adults (between the ages of 18-25). In some of our raids, we have found that cannabis is being sold near educational institutions. We are booking cases and also making the institutions management aware of such suspicious activities. Cannabis is usually sold in the form of cigarettes and we have seen youngsters getting attracted to such drugs, he said. Dayananda emphasised that the aim of the police is not to stigmatise or alienate drug users, but to help them get unhooked. Our approach is such that it is not us versus drug users, but us versus drug lords, the city police commissioner said. Mangaluru Seizure A recent incident in Mangaluru, where two shopkeepers were found selling chocolates laced with ganja, highlights the issue. The police team found a combined total of 120 kilograms of the laced chocolates. But how did this get detected? Parents found that their children were constantly demanding a special chocolate named Bang which was priced at Rs 20 per piece. Sudden behavioural changes in the children and the need to eat those chocolates at regular intervals raised a red flag. A group of parents then approached the Mangaluru Police which resulted in the raids and the recovery. Addicted or Not? How to Detect How do you determine whether a person is showing signs of addiction? Doctors say parents need to look out for abrupt changes in the childs behaviour, mood swings, increased anger, increased secretiveness, and a sudden decline in school grades. Dr Jayant Mahadevan, a de-addiction specialist and assistant professor at the Centre for Addiction Medicine, NIMHANS, says that they have been seeing an uptick in certain substances, particularly among young adults. Some of the drugs like opioids, injecting drug use, and some of the party drugs like MDMA and amphetamine are on the rise, he said. He points out that their de-addiction center has not seen a huge increase in cases among young school children, but that it may take parents much longer to bring their children to the hospital. The first signals are usually picked up by people who are closer to the community and they come into hospitals only when the people develop significant issues related to it. That may be the reason why we have not seen an increase in cases at NIMHANS yet, Dr Jayant told News18. The de-addiction specialist said NIMHANS has been seeing an increase in patients who were over-using a drug called Tapentadol or Tidol. It is a pharmaceutical opioid that is often used by young people, especially those studying in high school or pre-university. Cannabis has been around and we have not noticed any sudden increase in cases of late, Dr Jayant said. Wheres the party, tonight? Lets shift focus to adult users as well. The Bengaluru police commissioner said the city being a global destination with several educational institutions, multinational and IT companies sees not only changing lifestyles but an increased consumption of party drugs like MDMA, Ecstasy, Yaba, Amphetamine, and Methaqualone. We are actively tracking their procurement and suppliers to ensure we nip them in the bud. But for this, we would need peoples participation to help trace the drug suppliers and their network, appealed Dayananda. 333% Spike in Value of Seizures in 3 Years According to government data accessed by News18, the consumption of synthetic drugs has seen a sharp increase, and the value of the seizure of drugs has increased by a whopping 333 per cent between 2020 and 2023. The value of drugs has also seen a sharp increase, from around Rs 21 crore (exact figure: Rs 21,38,56,550) in 2022 to Rs 93 crore (exact figure: Rs 92,70,84,840) in 2023. This is attributed to the increase in consumption of high-value drugs such as MDMA, Ecstasy, and Amphetamine. In Bengaluru, the quantum of MDMA seized jumped from 2.571 kg in 2020 to 12.266 kg in 2023, with an estimated market value of over Rs 12 crore. During the same period, the quantity of cocaine seized decreased from 1.91 kg in 2020 to 3.038 kg in 2023. However, the market value of the seized cocaine saw a sharp spike, from Rs 25 lakh in 2020 to over Rs 3 crore in 2023 and Rs 3.51 crore in the first half of 2023, according to data from the Bengaluru city police. Seizures of non-synthetic drugs such as marijuana have increased marginally, but the value of these products has seen an increase. In 2020, 3870.911 kg of marijuana was seized, with a value of over Rs 17.35 crore. In 2023, 4060.192 kg of marijuana was seized, with a value of over Rs 17.35 crore. The police say that they have made a concerted and relentless effort to crack down on drug trafficking, but the flow of banned substances remains a problem. With the availability of options such as buying drugs on the dark web and other incognito platforms, it is a challenge to police the free flow of drugs. However, law enforcement has been able to seize large quantities of drugs that would otherwise have been distributed to youngsters. Observing that there has to be harmony and comity between communities, the Supreme Court on Friday mooted a committee constituted by the Director General of Police (DGP) of Haryana to go into the cases registered in the wake of the recent communal riots in the state that claimed six lives. The top court was hearing a plea over alleged blatant hate speeches calling for killing members of a particular community and their social and economic boycott at rallies in different states, including Haryana. A bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and SVN Bhatti asked Additional Solicitor General K M Nataraj, appearing for the Centre, to seek instructions and inform it about the proposed committee by August 18. There has to be some harmony and comity between the communities and all the communities are responsible. I do not know if this has been exaggerated but the problem of hate speech is not good and nobody can accept it." We can ask the DGP to constitute a committee of three or four officers nominated by him who will receive and peruse all materials from station house officers and take a call if the material is authentic and issue appropriate directions to the concerned police officer. At SHO level and police level, the police needs to be sensitised," the bench said. The top court also directed journalist Shaheen Abdullah, who is the petitioner in the case, to collate all material, including videos, and submit to the nodal officers appointed in each state in pursuance of its October 21, 2022 judgement. During the hearing, Nataraj submitted the Union of India is also against hate speeches which must be checked totally. He acknowledged the mechanism to tackle hate speeches is not working in some places. At the outset, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Abdullah, submitted that people needed to be protected against hate speeches and this kind of vitriol cannot go on". When the bench asked Sibal about the idea mooted by it for setting up a committee, the senior lawyer said, My problem is when someone threatens shopkeepers to throw out Muslims in the next two days, this committee is not going to help," Sibal said police keep on saying that FIR has been registered but the offenders are never arrested or prosecuted. The problem is not the registration of FIRs, but what progress is made? They do not arrest anybody, nor do they prosecute anybody. Nothing happens after the FIRs are lodged," Sibal said. The matter will now be heard on August 18. The application filed by Abdullah has referred to the August 2 order of the apex court which said, We hope and trust that the state governments and police will ensure that no hate speeches irrespective of the identity are made against any community and there is no physical violence or damage to the properties." Observing that hate speeches vitiate the atmosphere, the top court had said wherever required, adequate police force or paramilitary force would be deployed and the authorities, including police, will use CCTV cameras installed or record/make video recording in all sensitive areas. The application said despite the apex courts order, over 27 rallies were organised in various states in the aftermath of the communal clashes in Haryanas Nuh and hate speeches were made. Despite the aforementioned order, more than 27 rallies have been organised across various states where blatant hate speeches calling for the killing and social and economic boycott of Muslims have been openly delivered," it said. The application contains a table showing some of the rallies that took place between August 1, 2023 and August 7 with relevant video links. In a video that surfaced on social media on August 2, 2023 a procession by the amhast Hindu Samaj can be seen walking through a neighbourhood in Hisar, Haryana in the presence of police officials issuing warnings to residents/shopkeepers that if they continue to employ/keep any Muslims after 2 days then their shops will be boycotted," it said. The petitioner has sought directions to the Commissioner of Police, Delhi and Director General of Police of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana and other authorities to take adequate action and ensure such rallies are not allowed. The top court had passed the August 2 order after senior advocate C U Singh, appearing for Abdullah, said 23 demonstrations were announced by Hindu Right groups Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal in various parts of the National Capital Region (NCR) over Haryana clashes. Six people, including two home guards and a cleric, were killed in the communal clashes that first erupted in Nuh when a Vishva Hindu Parishad procession was attacked by mobs. The communal clashes later spread to Gurugram and some other places close to the national capital. In an unfortunate incident, a BSF jawan was killed while 13 others were injured after a truck carrying security personnel overturned in Rajasthans Jaisalmer district on Saturday, police said. According to PTI, the accident took place in an area under the Shahgarh police station area of Jaisalmer. While the BSF Jawan SK Dubey died on the spot in the mishap, the injured were taken to Jaisalmer City where they are undergoing treatment at Jawahar Hospital, the police official added. Detailing about the mishap, Priyanka Kumawat, Deputy Superintendent of Police Jaisalmer said that the truck was carrying 16 BSF Personnel when the accident occurred. #WATCH | Rajasthan: Priyanka Kumawat, Deputy Superintendent of Police Jaisalmer says, "A truck belonging to BSF's Battalion 149, was going to the border. It met with an accident near Langtala village, a total of 16 BSF personnel were travelling in the truck, out of which 13 got pic.twitter.com/HAmMhHXY8n ANI (@ANI) August 12, 2023 A truck belonging to BSFs Battalion 149, was going to the border. It met with an accident near Langtala village, a total of 16 BSF personnel were travelling in the truck, out of which 13 got injured and one died. The injured are being treated at the government hospital. All of them are stable. The reason behind the accident will be investigated," Kumawar told ANI. Earlier in the day, Union Home Minister Amit Shah laid the foundation stone for a BSF mooring place and the e-inauguration of other projects at Koteshwar in Gujarats Kutch He also said that the government understands the adverse situation in which Border Security Force (BSF) jawans work to secure the nations frontiers and will ensure budgetary allocations to give them better facilities. He further added that the BSF is the only Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) that specialises in securing land, water and air and works in diverse geographical conditions to ensure the security of the country from external forces. (With PTI inputs) The government has introduced multiple changes to revamp the criminal justice system, including adding new provisions for mob lynching, tweaking bail rules for under-trial prisoners and fixing accountability in hit-and-run cases. As Indias justice system looks at an overhaul, News18 takes a look at the 10 big changes and their impact: OLD Vs NEW The Bhartiya Nagrik Surkasha Sanhita will have 533 sections instead of 478 sections of CrPC. Meanwhile, 160 sections have been amended and nine new sections have been added apart from repealing nine sections. The Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita will have 356 sections in place of 511 sections of IPC. A total of 175 sections have been amended, while eight new sections have been added and 22 sections have been repealed/deleted. The Bhartiya Sakshya Adhiniyam will have 170 sections in place of the original 167 sections. A total of 23 sections have been amended, one new added and five sections have been repealed/deleted. NEW PROVISION FOR MOB LYNCHING A new provision has been included for crimes related to murder on the basis of race, caste, community etc. for which a provision of minimum seven years imprisonment, life imprisonment or death penalty has been made. As per the new provision for snatching, severe injury leading to almost incapacitation or permanent disability will attract more stringent punishment. There is also a provision for minimum seven to 10 years of imprisonment for those who get crimes committed through children this fine was very low earlier, ranging between Rs 10 and Rs 500. The fines and punishments for various offences have now been rationalised in the new Code. CRIMES AGAINST WOMEN A new offence has been included for making sexual relationships on the basis of false promise of marriage, employment and promotion or fake disclosure of identity etc punishable. The government has also introduced a provision of 20 years of imprisonment or life imprisonment in all cases of gang rape. However, in the case of the girls below 18 years of age, a provision has been made for life imprisonment or death penalty. CONFISCATION OF PROPERTY LINKED TO THE PROCEEDS OF CRIME A new section has been added regarding attachment and confiscation of property related to the proceeds of crime. The investigating police officer can make an application to the court to take cognizance that the property has been obtained as a result of criminal activities. This type of property can be confiscated by the court, if the person holding the property fails to give concrete explanation regarding its presence. TRIAL IN ABSENTIA A new provision for trial in the absence of the proclaimed offender has been included. This means the case will continue till judgment. Absconding accused, including those who have fled abroad after wiping off public money, will face trial and will be punished even if they refused to join the investigation or process of justice. SEARCH AND SEIZURE The government is aiming to achieve a conviction rate above 90 per cent and has introduced mandatory use of forensics in all states/UTs. The use of forensic experts will be mandatory in all cases of offences punishable with imprisonment of seven years or more. The necessary infrastructure in states/UTs will be created within five years. ZERO & e-FIRs This will ensure convenience for citizens who want to file Zero FIR outside the limits of that police station but within the state. Provisions have also been added for e-FIR. The state government shall designate a police officer in every district and in every police station who shall give notice of the arrest of any person. Police officers will inform the victim of the progress of the investigation within 90 days, including through digital means. SEXUAL VIOLENCE In case of sexual violence, the statement of the victim will be recorded by a woman judicial magistrate. It will also be desirable to record the statement of the victim in the presence of a lady police officer at her residence. While recording such statement, the parent or guardian of the victim may be present. Where the government wants to withdraw the prosecution in cases of imprisonment of 7 years or more, the aggrieved party will be given an opportunity of being heard. SIMPLIFICATION OF PROCEDURES The government is claiming that procedures will be simplified. In cases where the punishment is up to three years (earlier two years), the Magistrate may, for reasons to be recorded in writing, conduct a summary trial in such cases. After filing of chargesheet, if further investigation is required, it will be completed in 90 days. Any extension of time beyond 90 days will be granted only with the permission of the court. In case of warrant, a provision has been made that a time limit of 60 days has been prescribed from the date of first hearing for framing of charge by the court. The accused person can appeal for release within a period of 60 days from the date of notice of framing of charge. After the conclusion of arguments, the judge shall give a decision as soon as possible within a period of 30 days, which may be extended up to a period of 60 days for specific reasons. A maximum of two adjournments can be granted by the court after hearing the objections of the other party and for specific reasons to be recorded in writing. FIRST-TIME OFFENDER & UNDER-TRIAL PRISONER According to the Bill introduced by the government, first-time offenders can be released early. A person who is a first-time offender and has served one-third of the imprisonment will be released on bail by court. Where the under-trial prisoner has completed half or one third of the term, the Jail Superintendent shall forthwith make an application in writing to the court. Remission will not be considered to an under-trial prisoner sentenced to life imprisonment or death sentence. The US has emerged as the top contributor of foreign tourists to India for the second year running, with Bangladesh, the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada following respectively in the top five for 2022. A little over 61.19 lakh foreign tourists visited India in 2022, a growth of 305.4% over the same January-December period in 2021. In 2019, a record 10.93 million foreign tourists had arrived in India, the highest number before Covid-19 brought global travel to a grinding halt in 2020. The Union Tourism Ministrys statistics are based on provisional data provided by the Bureau of Immigration, which reveals that just three countries the US, Bangladesh and the UK constituted over 50% of Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in India during the previous year. A total of 13,73,817 tourists, accounting for 22.19% of the FTAs, originated from the US. Bangladesh followed closely with 12,55,960 visitors, representing 20.29% of the FTAs. The UK contributed 6,17,768 tourists, constituting 9.98% of the total arrivals. Australia and Canada secured the fourth and fifth positions, contributing 5.96% and 4.48%, respectively to the FTAs. Sri Lanka, Nepal, Germany, Singapore, and Malaysia ranked from sixth to 10th. Overall, these 10 nations collectively contributed approximately 74% of the total FTAs in 2022. In 2021, the US reclaimed its position as the leading source of foreign tourists to India, marking a return to the top spot after five years during which Bangladesh topped the charts. However, data for the first six months of the current calendar year shows Bangladesh once again surpassing the US to reclaim the top spot. Between January and June this year, Indias neighbour holds a 23.5% share, followed by the US (18.1%) and the UK (9.2%). Experts attribute Bangladeshs ascendancy on Indias tourism landscape to the lack of consulates for several European nations. Consequently, citizens of Bangladesh are compelled to journey to India for visa processing. Additionally, a significant number of Bangladeshis seek medical treatment in India, further adding up to their travel numbers. Except for Bhutanese and Nepalese citizens directly traveling to India, all foreign nationals, including children, need a visa to travel to India. In 2013, the US was followed by the UK, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Russia as the top FTA sources. A decade earlier, in 2003, the UK topped the charts, while the US came second, followed by Sri Lanka, Canada, and France, respectively. Any change in the FTA landscape of a country also reflects the state of the host countrys diplomatic relationship with the tourist-sending nation, in addition to people-to-people contacts and business relationships. In terms of the timing of foreign guest arrivals, the month of December is the peak time when overseas tourists prefer to explore India. However, according to the data, January has been observed as a quieter month on the countrys tourism calendar. According to provisional estimates, the countrys foreign exchange earnings from tourism witnessed a remarkable 92.4% increase, reaching US$ 16.93 billion in 2022, compared to just US$ 8.8 billion in 2021. However, the earnings for 2022 still remain 45% below the 2019 earnings of US$ 30.72 billion. Among the preferred entry routes for foreign tourist arrivals into India, Delhi airport held the top position with a 31.21% share. Mumbai airport came in second with a 14.70% share, followed by the land border check post at Haridaspur in West Bengal at number three with a 9.47% share. Located around 200km northeast of Kolkata, this is the main point through which Bangladeshi citizens cross over to the Indian side. Chennai and Bangalore airports held the fourth and fifth positions, respectively, with a share of 9.24% and 6.36% of FTAs. Prime Minister Narendra Modis home state Gujarat was the top choice for foreign tourists last year, with 1.78 million (20.70%) visiting the western state. Gujarat is famous for attractions such as Gir National Park, the Statue of Unity, Dwarka, the Shri Somnath Temple, the Rann of Kutch, and numerous festivals, including the renowned International Kite Festival, Navaratri Kankaria Carnival, Navaratri celebrations, and Kutch Rannotsav. According to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, the state has also been safer for foreign tourists. In 2021, the latest year for which state-wise comparable data is available, only one case of crime against foreigners was reported, with a 100% charge-sheeting rate. In comparison, the national capital Delhi registered 27 cases, while Tamil Nadu had 16. Kerala and Telangana each reported 15 cases in 2021, as per the NCRB record. Maharashtra, with estimated 1.51 million (17.60%) FTAs, came second, while West Bengal (12.08%), Delhi (9.50%), and Uttar Pradesh (7.56%) ranked as the third, fourth, and fifth states to host foreign guests last year. In 2021, Punjab had the highest number of FTAs (29.2%), followed by Maharashtra, Delhi, Karnataka, and Kerala, respectively. During the last financial year until February, Agras Taj Mahal, with 3.28 lakh foreign footfall, reclaimed the top position among the list of most-visited centrally protected ticketed ASI monuments. In the previous fiscal year, monuments in Mamallapuram, a Tamil Nadu town classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site, had surpassed the Taj Mahal in terms of the number of foreign visitors. While the quoted FTA and foreign exchange numbers above may seem impressive in isolation, the actual scenario reveals that India has been underperforming on a global scale. Despite boasting of a diverse, rich, and vibrant cultural landscape, along with a wealth of historical heritage and a variety of ecologies, terrains, and natural beauty spots, India has not achieved significant success in attracting foreign tourists. According to records from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Indias share of the global total tourist arrivals was a mere 2% in 2021, and the country ranked 14th with just a 1.64% share in international tourism receipts. This is not an encouraging sign for the worlds most populous nation. On the World Economic Forums Travel and Tourism Development Index 2021, India ranked 54th (down from 34th in 2019). Efforts are indeed being made to fully leverage Indias tourism potential. Theme-based tourism circuits, such as wellness tourism, culinary tourism, rural and eco-tourism, among others, are being actively promoted. The e-Visa system has been further liberalised, accompanied by a substantial reduction in visa fee. Measures are being taken to enhance law and order, while the GST on hotels has been lowered to enhance Indias competitiveness. A significant number of tourism sites and facilities are undergoing upgrades to meet international standards. The countrys connectivity has improved considerably, thanks to RCS Udan. A 247 toll-free Multi-Lingual Tourist Helpline is now available to assist tourists. India has the potential to excel in wellness tourism, given its competitive advantage of affordable tertiary healthcare combined with a commendable standard of medical services. In addition to contributing to foreign exchange earnings, the tourism sector significantly fuels employment, holding a substantial 12.66% share of jobs in India during 2021-22. When we think of sharks, the first thing that comes to mind is their sharp teeth they use to tear prey into pieces rather than chew it like humans. However, scientists have recently discovered a species of shark that seems to prefer to chew food thoroughly as well. ADVERTISIMENT According to Live Science, Australian researchers spotted a marine predator whose molars are similar in structure to human teeth. It uses them to crush rather than tear its prey. The new species is called the painted hornshark (Heterodontus marshallae). It belongs to the Heterodontiformes genus of sharks with different teeth. They are distinguished from other fish of this superorder by their unique body shape and small horns protruding above the eyes. According to Australian National Fish Collection (ANFC) ichthyologist Helen O'Neill, the genus resembles fossils of long-extinct sharks because of similar morphology, including spines. Scientists have also been able to establish that they are not related to each other. ADVERTISIMENT The study of the discovered species was released in the Diversity journal on July 12. According to the published data, the recently described species is found only in the waters of northwestern Australia. These sharks swim at a depth of 125-230 meters from the surface, which is quite deep. Painted hornsharks have several rows of teeth arranged in a very large jaw compared to the size of the skull. This structure allows them to bite through shelled prey such as mollusks and crustaceans. According to ANFC senior curator and study co-author Will White, the teeth of all horned sharks are very similar to each other, i.e. their jaws contain several types of teeth. The front ones are sharper and the angular ones are designed differently. "This group evolved to crush prey with a heavy shell using their molars," White explained. ADVERTISIMENT Researchers surveyed the environment near the bottom at Gascoyne Marine Park in Western Australia in November 2022. They managed to capture an H. marshallae adult male. His body length was about 53 centimeters from the tip of his snout to his tail fin. Compared to other horned sharks living off the coast of Australia, he was characterized by a striped pattern on the body. Zebra sharks have similar spots. However, this species is found in shallow waters and can be found near Indonesia or Japan. H. marshallae prefer deeper water and are found near Australia. Scientists had managed to examine six specimens and eggshells of the new species before last year's expedition. They were stored in museum collections across Australia and were in the classification stage. The discovery of a live male allowed the work to be finalized. ADVERTISIMENT "We have a female specimen in our collection, but the one we collected during the trip is a male," O'Neil shared. Scientists prefer to use males in the study of shark holotypes because they have claspers, i.e. external reproductive organs that have different structures in different species. Earlier OBOZREVATEL spoke about a new kind of poisonous snakes found in Australia. They are characterized by extreme speed. Subscribe to OBOZREVATEL channels in Telegram and Viber to be aware of the latest events. Heavy rains on Saturday wreaked havoc in numerous areas of Himachal Pradesh, resulting in floods, landslides, and the closure of over 300 roads. In Uttarakhand, at least five people, including three pilgrims from Gujarat, died after being buried under debris from a landslide on the Kedarnath Yatra route in Rudraprayag district. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) in its bulletin forecasted heavy to very heavy rainfall to persist over Uttarakhand for the next five days and over Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, Sub Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim for the next two days. It also predicted extremely heavy downpours in Uttarakhand on Sunday and Monday. Isolated instances of heavy to very heavy rainfall were anticipated in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam and Meghalaya on Saturday with a decrease in intensity afterward. Rainfall activity is expected to be subdued in the remaining parts of the country over the next 4-5 days, followed by a likely revival of active monsoon conditions thereafter, it added. Heres All You Need to Know About Weather Updates: In the early hours, a Himachal Roadways Transport Corporation (HRTC) bus met with an accident near Kango on the Mandi-Shimla highway in Mandi district, resulting in twelve passengers sustaining injuries due to the caving-in of the road, as confirmed by officials. The passengers narrowly avoided a more serious incident as the bus came to a halt on the sunken portion of the road, preventing it from rolling into a khud, according to reports. Continuous heavy rainfall led to road collapses, building failures, landslides, and rising water levels in rivers and streams in Himachal Pradesh. DGP Sanjay Kundu instructed district superintendents of police to remain vigilant and advise hospitals to be prepared, according to a statement released on Saturday. Landslides disrupted travel in Kullu-Manali, as the Mandi-Kullu National Highway between Mandi and Pandoh was blocked. Swollen waters from Suketi Khud inundated areas along its banks and roads, even entering houses in Balh valley in Mandi, causing several alternative routes to be obstructed. A fresh landslide at Chakki Mor resulted in the temporary closure of the Shimla-Kalka National Highway, with partial reopening for light vehicles later in the day. Despite some relief, multiple landslides and fog continued to impede traffic. Officials reported the closure of 302 roads across the state. The road to Sri Nainadevi temple was blocked by a landslide, prompting the redirection of visitors to an alternative route for temple access. In Solan districts Nalagarh area, heavy rainfall triggered a major landslide, causing the collapse of four rooms within the 600-year-old Nalagarh Fort on Friday night. The fort, originally built by Raja Bikram Chand of the Chand dynasty in 1421 AD, has been transformed into a resort by the former royal family. Shimla MeT office has issued an orange alert of heavy to very rainfall on Sunday and a yellow warning of heavy rain on Monday. As of now, 255 individuals have lost their lives in rain-related incidents and road accidents in Himachal Pradesh during the current Monsoon season since June 24, as indicated by data from the state emergency operation center. In Uttarakhands rain-hit Kotdwar area, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami conducted an on-site assessment. The visit included the site of a recent landslide where a man had gone missing a few days earlier, as well as the inspection of several bridges that were impaired, cutting off a large population from the rest of the state. Dhami instructed Pauri District Magistrate Ashish Chauhan to oversee the restoration of the bridge in Gadighati that had sustained damage. He also assessed the alternative bridge spanning the Malan River, which serves as a connection between Kotdwar and Bhabar. The Chief Minister said that the governments primary focus is to restore normalcy in the rain-impacted state and promptly extend assistance and relief to the affected people. Subsequently, a comprehensive evaluation of the disasters impact across different regions will be conducted, and necessary improvements in arrangements will be addressed, he added Five people were in a car when a landslide struck Tarsali in the Phata region along the Kedarnath Yatra route in Rudraprayag district on Thursday night. However, due to a pause in the ceaseless rain, their bodies were retrieved on Friday. Among the deceased were three pilgrims from Gujarat and one from Haridwar. Police are currently working to identify the fifth victim. The Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for heavy rainfall in six districts of the state on Friday, followed by a red alert for the subsequent three days. The Dehradun Meteorological Center has placed Tehri, Dehradun, Pauri, Champawat, Nainital, and Udham Singh Nagar districts under an orange alert for Friday, extending to a red alert from August 12 to 14. The center has urged the administration to exercise necessary precautions when disseminating warnings. As per details provided by the State Emergency Operation Center, the ongoing monsoon has resulted in 58 fatalities and 37 injuries across multiple incidents. Additionally, 19 individuals are reported missing in Uttarakhand. East India: Widespread light to moderate rainfall with isolated heavy rainfall is expected over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim from August 12 to 14, Gangetic West Bengal on 12, 13 and 16, Bihar on 12 and 13, Odisha on 15 and 16, and Jharkhand on August 16. Also, anticipate isolated very heavy rainfall over Sub-Himalaya West Bengal and Sikkim on 12 and 13, the IMD said. Widespread light to moderate rainfall with isolated heavy rainfall is expected over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim from August 12 to 14, Gangetic West Bengal on 12, 13 and 16, Bihar on 12 and 13, Odisha on 15 and 16, and Jharkhand on August 16. Also, anticipate isolated very heavy rainfall over Sub-Himalaya West Bengal and Sikkim on 12 and 13, the IMD said. Northeast India: Fairly widespread light to moderate rainfall with isolated heavy rainfall is predicted over Arunachal Pradesh and Assam and Meghalaya from August 12 to 16 and over Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura on 12, 15 and 16. Isolated very heavy rainfall over Arunachal Pradesh and Assam and Meghalaya on August 12. Fairly widespread light to moderate rainfall with isolated heavy rainfall is predicted over Arunachal Pradesh and Assam and Meghalaya from August 12 to 16 and over Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura on 12, 15 and 16. Isolated very heavy rainfall over Arunachal Pradesh and Assam and Meghalaya on August 12. Central, West and South India: Scattered light to moderate rainfall with isolated heavy rainfall is likely over Tamil Nadu on August 12. Subdued rainfall activity is likely over the remaining parts of these regions in the next 7 days. (With inputs from PTI) Read more Weather LIVE Updates: After record-breaking rainfall in the month of July, the monsoon system has hit a lull in most parts of the country. However, heavy downpours continue in some northern states including Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. Heavy to very heavy showers are also likely in Bihar, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya during the next five days, but rainfall activity over the rest of the country is likely to be subdued during the next week before a revival of active monsoon conditions thereafter, according to India Meteorological Department (IMD). IMD has issued red alerts in most of the districts of Uttarakhand till August 14. As per the weather agencys Dehradun Center, an alert has been issued for Tehri, Dehradun, Pauri, Champawat, Nainital and Udham Singh Nagar districts. So far, five people, including three pilgrims from Gujarat, died after being buried under the debris of a landslide, triggered by heavy rainfall, on the Kedarnath Yatra route in Rudraprayag district. Normal life has been badly affected in the state due to incessant rains. Traffic on the Chandigarh-Manali national highway between Mandi and Kullu was also blocked on Friday following massive landslides in Himachal Pradesh owing to overnight heavy rainfall. In its bulletin, IMD said theres also a possibility of isolated heavy rainfall over Himachal Pradesh for the next few days. Additionally, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and parts of Uttar Pradesh also could experience rainfall till Sunday. In contrast, the rest of northwest India can expect subdued rainfall activity over the next seven days, the weather agency said, In east India, theres a prediction of light to moderate fairly widespread rainfall with isolated heavy rainfall activity from Friday to Sunday. This is likely over areas like Bihar, sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim. Gangetic West Bengal is expected to experience such activity on Saturday and Sunday, and Jharkhand on Saturday and Sunday as well, said the IMD. Bihar, sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim might also have isolated very heavy rainfall on Saturday. In Northeast India, theres a forecast of light to moderate fairly widespread rainfall, including isolated heavy rainfall activity till August 15. This is likely over Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya. Moreover, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura can expect this on Friday, Saturday, and August 15. Arunachal Pradesh and Assam & Meghalaya might experience isolated very heavy rainfall on Friday and Saturday, the IMD predicted. In central, west, and south India, subdued rainfall activity is expected with isolated heavy rainfall activity over coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, Rayalaseema, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal, as well as Kerala and Mahe for seven days. Coastal Andhra Pradesh can anticipate hot and humid weather over the next two days. Experience culinary delight in Delhis newest restaurants! From the aromatic spices of North Indian cuisine to global flavors, these establishments offer a gastronomic adventure. Indulge in exquisite dishes crafted by talented chefs, combining tradition with innovation. With chic ambiances and attentive service, these restaurants provide the perfect setting for memorable dining experiences. Whether you crave authentic street food or gourmet fine dining, Delhis fresh culinary destinations promise to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. Explore the vibrant food scene of the city through these exciting new venues that showcase Delhis rich gastronomic diversity. Akra High Energy Restobar View this post on Instagram A post shared by AKRA (@akradelhi_) Located in the vibrant South Delhi, Akra High Energy Restobar offers a unique fusion of a lively ambiance to celebrate creativity, music, and the joy of life and have a relaxing dining experience. With eclectic decor, dynamic lighting, and cutting-edge sound system set the stage for artists to perform, creators to exhibit their work, and musicians to captivate the crowd with their tunes, the restobar is an ideal hub for the artistic community, providing a welcoming space for local talent to flourish. Enjoy a delectable cuisine, sip on expertly crafted cocktails and experience the magic of talented artists and performers in an atmosphere pulsating with positive energy. With Akra High Energy Restobar, indulge in a dining experience that touches all 11 senses, leaving you with lasting memories and a desire to return for more. Erawaan: The Claridges - New Delhi View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Claridges New Delhi (@theclaridgesnewdelhi) The Claridges, New Delhi unveils Erawaan which is a fine dining restaurant that presents an exquisite culinary experience through its authentic Thai cuisine. The ambiance is luxurious, warm and inviting. The eclectic, chef-special menu features an array of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options including- Grilled Tiger Prawn Pla-Goong, Pork Belly, Steamed Seafood Souffle Hor Mok Talay, Lamb Shank Kaeng Singhol, a selection of gourmet fish preparations, Confit Duck Leg, Warm Lotus Stem, Bean Curd Tao Hoo Hoong and a range of noodles and curries made with the finest quality ingredients. Sunset Story - The Westin Gurgaon View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Westin Gurgaon (@westingurgaon) The Westin Gurgaon New Delhi has recently opened the doors to Sunset Story, a one-of-a-kind luxurious rooftop experience in Delhi NCR. The all-new rooftop lounge and bar offers bespoke food & beverage philosophy with world-renowned global cuisine as well as artisanal curated cocktails by the expert in-house mixologist. The architecture of Sunset Story has been inspired by hues of the sunset. Some of the signature dishes on the menu include delicacies such as Scampi Brioche, Mutton Pepper Fry, Five Spice Prawns, Spicy Mapo Tofu and the Jalapeno Garlic Naan. The cocktail menu, vastly inspired by myriad shades of the sunset includes signatures such as Sunset Martini and Rooftop Affair. Sharabi Kukkad - New Delhi Sharabi Kukkad, a new restaurant/takeaway has recently launched in New Delhi, offering a rich taste of North India and Chinese cuisine, brought together in one restaurant. The restaurant serves the flavours of both cultures to create a menu of delectable dishes that will excite local foodies taste buds. Chef Deep Chand Dobriyal, With his extensive knowledge and passion for the industry, Chef has created a menu introducing alcohol-infused dishes like Sharabi Dal and Sharabi Kukkad. The menu also features dishes exclusive to the restaurant, such as Sharabi Kukkad, Sharabi Daal, Mushroom Galouti, Soya Kurkure, Dhabe Da Chicken Tikka, Paneer Khatta Pyaz, and Khatte Baingan ki Biryani. Dhilli At Oberoi - New Delhi View this post on Instagram A post shared by Oberoi Hotels & Resorts (@oberoihotels) The restaurant embarks on an exquisite culinary journey of Chef Vineet Bhatia. The menu at the restaurant is re-interpretation of recipes from the diverse regions of Delhi. The menu is made with creativity and with unique twist. The restaurant is beautifully designed with embossed gold amaltas pattern and illustrations of seeral monuments in Delh. The restaurant has popular foods ranging from Chatak Chenna Chaat, Almond Kofta, Tawa Boti Kabab, Doi Mach, Shahi Tukda. The restaurant provides private dining room for upto six guests. Fort City Brewing, Hauz Khas Main Market Beer fans in Delhi have a new place to hang out, with this new brew house and restaurant in Hauz Khas. With a vast menu featuring burgers and sandwiches, Indian appetisers, pasta, and dessertsthere are plenty of options for all foodies. Actor Dulquer Salmaan believes he needs to grow beyond the romantic hero" image and let the maturity he has attained with age reflect in his choice of roles. Dulquer has starred in romance dramas such as Mani Ratnams Tamil hit OK Kanmani and Sita Ramam (Telugu) and The Zoya Factor" in Hindi in his career of over ten years. The actor, who turned 37 last month, said in the next decade of his life he would like to explore action as a genre. I have realised that (in) this next decade of my life I cant survive as a romantic hero. I am turning 40 now, it is time to kick a**. I dont want to be boxed into any genre or anything. I want to keep pushing myself and anything that scares me is where I want to be," Dulquer told PTI in an interview. His upcoming Malayalam film King on Kotha", in which he plays an alcoholic gangster, is his first major release as an action hero. Dulquer said the Abhilash Joshiy-directed movie will be a surprise for the audience. I have never been known to do action, it is very difficult. There are four-five fights in this movie, but it is also interesting to be in that zone in terms of look and character," he added. The actor, son of Malayalam cinema veteran Mammootty, is making his streaming debut with the Netflix series Guns & Gulaabs" from The Family Man" duo Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK. The series premieres on Netflix on August 18. Dulquer said it was an instant yes for him when he was offered the show as he wanted to work with Raj & DK and explore the long format of storytelling. I love Raj & DKs work and the stuff they do. Also, I have been curious about series format as an actor, in long format you explore the characters more in detail. I just wanted to understand it," he said. The 1990s set Hindi series follows the story of a lovestruck mechanic Paana Tipu (Rajkummar), a reluctant heir to a ruling gang Chhota Ganchi (Adarsh Gourav), an honest officer-turned-agent-of-chaos Arjun Verma (Dulquer), and a killer called 4-cut Atmaram (Gulshan Devaiah). He said he loved the world of Guns & Gulaabs and its unpredictable characters. I didnt realise how absurd all this was going to be until we started shooting. The role of Arjun is interesting because he gives an outsider perspective into Gulabganj. Im playing someone older, he has a family, has a grown-up daughter, he is romantic, he loves film music, at the same time he has got this mystery about it. All the characters are unpredictable. There are twists and turns. So, it was an instant yes," he added. Filming the series was a trip down memory lane for Dulquer, who calls the 1990s the most impressionable" decade in his life. The 90s era is still fresh in our minds. So, that familiarity helped (with the show). Like, if anything we were doing on set seemed current or today, like we have it in ourselves. We all know that so well, he said. Guns & Gulaabs" also features TJ Bhanu, Shreya Dhanwanthary, Pooja A Gor and the late Satish Kaushik. Konkona Sen Sharma, a versatile actress, and director, has left an indelible mark in both Hindi and Bengali cinema. With a career spanning over four decades since her debut as a child artist at the tender age of four, she continues to captivate audiences with her unique charm. Born in Kolkata in 1979 to renowned filmmaker Aparna Sen and writer-journalist Mukul Sharma, Konkona shares a close and affectionate bond with her mother. Recently, Konkona shared a captivating aspect of her upbringing. Her mother, Aparna Sen, curiously kept her away from mainstream Hindi and Bengali films during her formative years. While a few movies like Mr. India and Masoom slipped through the cracks, Konkona was not allowed to indulge in popular American soap operas like The Bold and the Beautiful or Santa Barbara either. Ramayan and Mahabharat, the iconic Indian epics, were also on the no-watch list. Her mother, Aparna Sen, insisted that before watching any adaptations, Konkona should delve into the original stories first. This approach, she believed, nurtured her imagination and creativity. Watch the interview here: Konkona reflected that her mothers unique approach broadened her worldview and nurtured an appreciation for diverse narratives and art forms. Even in literature, Aparna Sen encouraged her to explore beyond Indian books, developing a sense of exploration from a young age. Konkona acknowledged that this nurturing environment allowed her to grow with independence and self-assurance. She further said that her unique parenting approach was not just limited to films. Even in day-to-day life, her mother treated her as an adult. While talking to Anupama Chopra during the Film Companion interview, Konkona said I was just a kid. Even then, the way she conducted her life and brought me up I was always given a certain space and agency of my own. So that, I think, helped me a lot. At the work front, Konkona appeared in the 2023 Hindi action thriller Kuttey. The premier of Netflixs dark comedy series Soup, where she stars alongside Manoj Bajpayee, is awaited. Recently, Konkona grabbed the headlines with her directing a segment titled The Mirror in the anthology film Lust Stories 2. She was praised for her bring a realistic, taboo, and layered story on screen. Aparna Sen, a distinguished director herself, recently premiered The Rapist, a film starring Konkona and Arjun Rampal, at the 26th Busan International Film Festival. The movie garnered exceptional praise, marking another milestone in both Konkona and Aparna Sens remarkable careers. Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Vijay Deverakondas upcoming movie Kushis release date is inching closer. The makers recently dropped a trailer of the film which has garnered positive response from the masses. Late Friday, the female lead of the film also shared a glimpse of the audiences reaction on Instagram while also thanking fans for showering love on her latest project. In a video story posted by Samantha, the trailer of Kushi can be seen playing on a big screen with massive hoots and cheers from the crowd filling the background. The cheering only doubles when Vijay Deverakonda makes his romantic appearance in the clip. If that wasnt enough, loud whistling noises could also be heard displaying the crowds affection and excitement toward the forthcoming film. So much love. Cannot wait to see you all in theaters on September 1st," Samantha captioned the video alongside a red heart emoticon. Take a look at it here: It was on Wednesday when the approximately 3-minute-long trailer made its way on the internet leaving fans utterly delighted. The visuals opened with Vijays scenic entry in the snow-clad landscape of Kashmir. It appears that a real explosion brings the protagonists together as Vijay instantly falls in love with Samantha upon setting eyes on her. The male lead doesnt waste time to pursue his ladylove and the duo marry one another despite facing family opposition. Things seem all lovey-dovey initially, but the couple soon gets embroiled in a plethora of misunderstandings and regular fights. Their edgy relationship takes a turn for the worse when they begin to slam doors in each others faces. In one scene, Samantha explains shes grown scared of her husband who only chooses to scream at her. If the trailer is anything to go by, Kushi will narrate the journey of the young couple as they begin to overcome odd circumstances to keep their love safe after marriage. Directed by Shiva Nirvana, Kushi is bankrolled under the banner of Mythri Movie Makers. Besides Samantha and Vijay, the movie features Sachin Khedekar, Rahul Ramakrishna, Murali Sharma, and Vennela Kishore in crucial roles. The romantic comedy set to arrive in theatres on September 1, will be released in multiple languages including Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi. Punjabi heartthrob, Sonam Bajwas Instagram handle is a treat for her fans. She often shares her stunning pictures online, leaving netizens completely impressed. Not only that, Sonam Is also a brilliant actress who has proven herself through hits like Guddiyan Patole and Ardab Mutiyaran. Once again, the gorgeous actress gave a glimpse of her glam persona and that too on a lazy weekend. Taking to her Instagram handle on Saturday, Sonam Bajwa shared a couple of pictures that showed her looking stunning in an olive-toned midi dress, as she lounged on a chair and struck poses amid lush-green surroundings. Her dress gelled seamlessly with her bronze make-up and the verdant background. She wrote in the caption, Nemophile". Check it out: Fans were once again floored to see Sonam Bajwa channeling her hotness in a stunning dress. One of them wrote, How elegant ." Another one commented, Very super lovely ." Someone else said, Im no organ donor but Id be happy to give you my heart ." A fan also stated, Beauty and the nature in one frame ." Another one complimented, Sonam maam ek hi dil h hamre pass..kitni baar uss pr kabza krogi..?? ." Sonam Bajwa recently spoke about the pretty face tag that was given to her and how she changed that perception about her. In an interview with Siddarth Kannan, Sonam Bajwa shared, I want to do a lot as an actor, I have not been offered that kind of scripts. If I look back at my journey, a lot of people thought She is just a pretty face, she cannot even act. Industry people felt that and said that. With all my heart I prayed and asked god to give me that one film which will shift peoples focus from how I look to how I perform and that happened. I did Guddiyan Patole, Ardab Mutiyaran in 2019. Both the films were commercially successful and people appreciated my work. They were female-centric films. It changed the course of cinema in Punjab and then I got the respect as an actor, which I really wanted. She added, From there, I have a lot to do. With time people get to know about your real self. Because I dont have any agenda that I want to show off this or that. I want to do acting all my life. Kooburati kitne time tak rahegi (How long will beauty last?). In our industry, on women, the clock is ticking a lot faster than men." On the work front, Sonam participated in the Femina Miss India contest in 2012. She started her acting career in 2013 with the Punjabi film Best Of Luck. She played the leading female role in the 2014 film Punjab 1984 and won the PTC Punjabi Film Awards for Best Actress in 2020 for Ardab Mutiyaran. She has also appeared in the Tamil romantic comedy Kappal in 2014. The actress had joined Akshay Kumar, Disha Patani, Mouni Roy, and Nora Fatehi for The Entertainers tour in the US. Next, she was featured in Carry On Jatta 3 with Gippy Grewal. The film was directed by Smeep Kang and produced by Humble Motion Pictures. It was a sequel to the Carry On Jatta 2 and also starred Gurpreet Ghuggi, Binnu Dhillon, Nasir Chinyoti, Jaswinder Bhalla among others. Sunny Leone has been a part of the Indian film industry for over a decade now. The former Bigg Boss contestant who is attributed to memorable performances in films like Jism 2, Jackpot, Ragini MMS 2, Ek Paheli Leela and Madhura Raja to name a few. Sunny Leone has been known to be an iconic face behind songs like Baby Doll, Laila Main Laila and Trippy. Adding another feather to her cap, Sunny Leone headlined Anurag Kashyaps Kennedy, that opened to a 7-minute standing ovation at Cannes and now is all set to premiere at Indian Film Festival Of Melbourne. In an exclusive interview with News18 Showsha, Sunny Leone talked about her Cannes experience, collaborating with Anurag Kashyap, her thoughts on whether the industry has underutilized her talent and more. First Cannes and now Melbourne, how does it feel to represent the country on such prestigious platforms? It feels absolutely, unbelievably amazing to not only represent the film industry but also India. I think that its so great. I love this country. I have always said it that I love it here and I never want to leave. So, for me, this is just a big bonus to be able to represent it in such a positive, meaningful way. What was going through your mind during the standing ovation at Cannes? I was feeling so many things. First of all, I didnt even know that people stand up and clap for you after your film. They kept clapping and clapping and it got louder and longer. Its overwhelming that 2,500 people are on their feet, clapping for you and are happy for you and you feel all that energy in the room. And with every passing minute, you get more emotional. You cant help but cry and get teary-eyed. I have such a small part compared to Rahul Bhat and Anurag Kashyap who gave blood, sweat and tears to this film, I know what I was feeling but I cant imagine what they were feeling. We were all so proud of it and everybody who worked on the film. And when we left that theatre and we walked down, then I saw Daniel (Weber, husband) crying, and it was me, Daniel and Anurag Kashyap hugging each other and Daniel was just so happy and thankful. He is a huge part of my journey and has been through all the struggle. How was Anurag Kashyap different from all the other directors youve worked with? Everybody is very different but with Anurag Kashyap, your first thought is you are working with somebody who is very accomplished and it was very big for me because those opportunities are very few and far between. I was so happy to work with him. I tried to be the best listener on the sets and I tried to listen to every single, repeated information that he would give me and then try to give my best. Because when you work for somebody on that level, all you want to do is to make them happy and proud and make them feel like they made the right choice. He is really happy with my work and he is very proud, so mission accomplished for me! Working with him on sets is amazing. He is kind and he explains things very nicely. Were you able to channel your full potential as an actor in Kennedy? I dont understand the concept of full potential, because I think we are always learning and that there are so many things that we need to learn. I do believe that because of his sensibility of film-making and the characters and everything that he wanted, it was a lot easier to be very clear. There was no confusion, there was no doubt about how Charlie is or how Charlie is supposed to act and how she is supposed to walk, talk and the laugh she has. And how that pain of what she is going through translates to each scene or each dialogue. In that way, its amazing to work with somebody like Anurag Kashyap where everything is clear. So unlocking potential becomes easier when someone lets you also breathe and you are able to take in every information. Do you feel the entertainment industry underutilized your acting talent? As an actor who is not from here, you have to prove yourself and sometimes its easier for some people and sometimes its more difficult, sometimes it also takes longer. This is just the way my life is, it takes longer me to prove myself and it takes longer to get to somewhere because I have to constantly try and prove that Hey I am still here, I want to work and I think everything comes at the correct time in life and I have to tell myself that. And you have to go through certain things to be able to move on to the next, because you learn from them. So even though the films that didnt do well, I am not going to say no to anything because this is my chance. I dont have any guidance and I have to work, I have to earn a living for my family. I want to establish myself in this industry and the only way to do that is to not wait for that perfect project. It was to say yes to most of the things that came my way, that seemed reasonable. And within those bad choices and some good choices, Kennedy came to me because Anurag Kashyap told me that he didnt watch any of my films but he had watched my interviews. So if I hadnt made those weird films or the films that didnt do well, I wouldnt have done the interview and he would have never heard of me. So everything happens for a reason. Will Anil Sharmas period drama Gadar 2 become the second all-time Bollywood blockbuster of the year after Siddharth Anands action thriller Pathaan? That is highly possible. Advance bookings for the Sunny Deol-Ameesha Patel starrer have been excellent, and any guesswork about theatrical traffic during the first weekend can misfire badly. A couple of weeks ago, few would have anticipated such a phenomenal response to Gadar 2. But, while much will depend on the initial feedback of the viewers, a lot has to go wrong for the film to become anything but a huge success. In fact, nobody will be surprised if it becomes the biggest hit of Deols long career. Why has Gadar 2 given rise to so much excitement among the masses? Circa 2001. Gadar: Ek Prem Katha, Gadar 2s prequel, had hit the marquee. Also directed by Sharma and starring Deol and Patel as Tara Singh and Sakina, the plot is set during the eventful days of the Partition of India. A well-brewed entertainer, which does not pretend to be subtle, the film has a love story between the protagonists, larger-than-life action sequences, a generous portion of melodrama, and good music composed by the under-rated Uttam Singh. The masses fell in love with Tara, a simple Sikh man who falls in love, sings and becomes a battering ram if necessary, and Sakina, a doe-eyed woman from an aristocratic Muslim family. The unlikely couple took the viewers breath away. Gadar: Ek Prem Katha has its share of flaws. Although the story takes us back to a nightmarish period characterised by uncertainties, unrest and countless tragedies, it makes no visible attempt to be realistic for the most part. But the viewers in 2001 loved what they saw. Nothing else mattered. Circa 2023. The initial response to Gadar 2 is a reminder that Tara and Sakina live on in the viewers memory. Twenty-two years have gone by after the prequels release. Deol is in his mid-60s, but the usually fastidious social media has not indulged in criticising the actor for appearing as the hero in a big-budget film. That is definitely because Deol and Patel play a much older couple in the sequel that unfolds in 1971. The film aims at capitalising on Gadars popularity for sure. Although the music has been composed by Mithoon, for instance, the soundtrack incorporates Main Nikla Gaddi Leke and Udd Jaa Kale Kavva, both pop classics from the prequel. Gadar 2 is a direct sequel, but Amit Rais satirical comedy OMG 2 a standalone sequel to OMG Oh My God! (2012), Umesh Shuklas film of the same genre. The film stars Akshay Kumar as a messenger of God (changed from God following the CBFC modification), Pankaj Tripathi as a devotee of Lord Shiva whose son gets into trouble in school for immoral conduct, and Yami Gautam as a lawyer in the three principal roles. OMG 2, which revolves around the importance of sexual education, is a crucial film for Kumar after his series of recent failures. The film has had an ordinary start at the ticket counters, hardly surprising because the Gadar 2 juggernaut has been impossible to counter in the last few days. The encouraging news for OMG 2 is that initial reports are good, and more positive feedback in the first couple of days after release can result in a commercial verdict of the kind Kumar badly needs. Bollywood producers have been assailed by a lot of bad news in recent times. But, Abhishek Pathaks crime thriller Drishyam 2 (2022) starring Ajay Devgn, Akshaye Khanna and Tabu, the remake of Jeethu Josephs Malayalam film (2021) of the same title, was a big success. The story of Drishyam 2 revolves around a family that gets into trouble after the elder daughter commits an accidental murder. It is the direct sequel to Nishikant Kamats crime thriller Drishyam (2015), also a remake of Josephs Malayalam film (2013) of the same title. The Hindi version of Drishyam was a critically acclaimed commercial success. It popularity resulted in curiosity about the next twist in the plot. The viewers interest in the sequel, in other words, was inevitable. Like OMG 2, Anees Bazmees comedy horror film Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 (2022) starring Tabu, Kartik Aaryan and Kiara Advani is a standalone sequel to Priyadarshans Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007). BB2 was a blockbuster, partly because the film managed to live up to the expectations of those who had watched its prequel and loved it thoroughly. Viewers, who watch a sequel to a successful film, expect a new offering that is as good, or better, than its predecessor. OMG 2 and Gadar 2 will face the same challenge, although the latter will have what the former will not: a less critical average viewer. The recent return of Rahul Gandhi, a prominent figure in the Indian political landscape, following the intervention of the Supreme Court, has undoubtedly marked a significant turning point in the realm of politics. As a Member of Parliament, (MP) one would expect him to have the privilege of representing his constituency within the Parliament. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that his conduct as a public figure, particularly in his choice of words, has been severely criticised by the highest court. In a dramatic turn of events, following a stay in his sentence by the Supreme Court, the Lok Sabha wasted no time reinstating his membership, allowing him to once again partake in the crucial house proceedings. This development has undoubtedly sparked widespread intrigue and speculation among political circles. With the much-anticipated return of Gandhi to Parliament, it is imperative to acknowledge the critical challenges that lie ahead for the Opposition political parties and the Congress. The crux of the matter lies in the persistent endeavour to frame the discourse as a battle between Rahul Gandhi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In the bustling political landscape of the INDIA bloc, it would be an oversimplification to assume that every political party unequivocally endorses Gandhis ascension to the central stage. Once again, the sycophants within the Congress are clamouring for their beloved leader to take charge. In a remarkable display of political camaraderie, the Opposition parties exhibited an unprecedented level of unity during the highly contentious National Capital Services Bill debate. Regardless of ones personal stance on their ideologies and policies, it is undeniable that the display of power within such a short span of time since the alliances inception is praiseworthy. In the realm of political discourse, the incessant reiteration of the Rahul Gandhi versus Prime Minister Modi narrative has the potential to undermine the strength of the alliance. Speech Full of Failed Rhetoric The much-anticipated return of Rahul Gandhi has sent ripples of jubilation across the Opposition political landscape, with a flurry of videos capturing the exuberant scenes of sweet distribution flooding social media platforms. In a recent political spectacle, the no-confidence motion provided a golden opportunity for the Opposition political parties to make their voices heard. Notably, the presence of Gandhi added an intriguing dimension to the proceedings. In a display that left many observers underwhelmed, Gandhis address was replete with rhetorical flourishes, devoid of substantive evidence, and marked by unsuccessful endeavours to evoke an emotional response. The speech in question was undeniably centred around the speaker himself, highlighting a recurring issue that both INDIA and the Congress party will inevitably confront, unless they adopt resolute measures to break free from the shackles of Gandhi centrism. He began by discussing his experiences on the Bharat Jodo Yatra and his visit to Manipur. He then launched a series of rhetorical jabs at the BJP, saying, They have murdered India in Manipur, among other things. During Rahul Gandhis speech on the motion of no-confidence, the Opposition had a crucial opportunity to pose substantive queries. One cannot help but recognise the limited worldview of the Gandhis, which has unfortunately resulted in a missed opportunity to hold the government accountable. It is worth highlighting that Gandhi, in his speech, notably refrained from posing any inquiries regarding the administrative landscape of the region, the political trajectory of the state, the governments ongoing initiatives, or the inadequacies of the state apparatus in addressing the prevailing unrest. The Opposition political parties will also need to exercise caution since, after the alliance is formed, it is the coalitions duty to ensure that its leadersor at the very least, its senior leadersraise important questions and do not skirt around the subject of pressing matters. Kharges Balancing Act Shouldnt Be Undermined Mallikarjun Kharge, the partys non-Gandhi president, is the only positive and decisive development in terms of leadership for the Congress over the past few decades. With the ascension of Kharge to the position of President within the party, a newfound sense of accountability has taken root, permeating the very fabric of the Congress. This development has ushered in a delicate balancing act, as the party strives to navigate the intricate web of political dynamics. Without a shadow of a doubt, it is evident that numerous issues continue to persist within its political landscape. One such concern that has garnered significant attention is the non-election of the Congress Working Committee, among others. In the realm of Indian politics, a delicate balancing act has emerged, with Mallikarjun Kharge assuming the responsibility of overseeing the organisation while Rahul Gandhi diligently toils to fortify the partys image. This astute manoeuvring, undoubtedly, was a much-needed step in the right direction. Should the spotlight once again shift to Rahul Gandhi, the delicate equilibrium that has been painstakingly maintained will undoubtedly be disrupted. After Kharge was elected president of the Congress party, he made some extremely important choices, such as taking control of the Chhattisgarh crisis by appointing TS Singh Deo as deputy chief minister. The relationship between CM Bhupesh Baghel and Deo has been strengthened as a result. In a display of remarkable leadership, he also assumed command of the Rajasthan crisis, effectively steering the situation towards resolution. In a surprising turn of events, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and senior leader Sachin Pilot have finally put their differences aside and agreed to a truce. This development comes after weeks of intense political drama and speculation surrounding the rift within the Rajasthan Congress party. The resolution of this internal conflict is undoubtedly a significant milestone for the party, as it paves the way for a much-needed sense of unity and stability. In a strategic move that has not gone unnoticed, it is worth noting that Kharge has emerged as a key figure in orchestrating the inclusion of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar as a pivotal member of the Opposition alliance. In a fascinating turn of events, it has come to light that Congress insiders are attributing the decision to join forces with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on the services bill and for the Opposition alliance to none other than Kharge himself. This revelation holds significant weight, as it sheds light on the inner workings and decision-making processes within the Congress. The party is experiencing a series of positive changes that are worth noting. It is also important to recognise that under the leadership of Mallikarjun Kharge, the Congress won elections in Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh. Currently, the party enjoys a political advantage in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan as well. Now, if Rahul Gandhi-centred discourse reemerges, this balancing act will be over, as Gandhis will make decisions with well-known outcomes. In the recent past, the Gandhis party won few elections and, more importantly, made calamitous decisions, such as changing the chief minister of Punjab just before the elections. Can Rahul Make Opposition Win? The resounding joy and celebration exhibited by the Opposition political factions upon the glorious return of Rahul Gandhi to the Lok Sabha was undeniably remarkable. There is little room for doubt that the joy we currently experience will swiftly dissipate if the Congress decides to thrust him into the forefront as the face of the Opposition. In the realm of Indian politics, it becomes imperative to duly recognise the reservations voiced by parties such as the AAP, the Trinamool Congress, the Samajwadi Party, and various others. These parties have consistently expressed their concerns regarding the leadership of Gandhi within the Opposition. In the current scenario, it is imperative to acknowledge that Rahul Gandhis ability to secure victory for the Opposition alliance in the upcoming elections is questionable. In the realm of politics, it is imperative to assess the track record of individuals before entrusting them with crucial responsibilities. This notion holds true for those who have repeatedly failed to secure victory for their own political party in successive elections. It stands to reason that Gandhi may not possess the necessary acumen to contribute meaningfully to an alliances aspirations for success. Undeniably, his significance as a prominent figure within the INDIA alliance cannot be overlooked. It is imperative that he assume pivotal roles in addressing pertinent matters and shaping the alliances trajectory moving forward. The Congress partys morale has been reinforced by Rahul Gandhis return, so he should focus on improving the partys image rather than rebranding himself. In this regard, the Bharat Jodo Yatra was an excellent beginning. Gandhi must now concentrate on the organisation, work on the concrete messages the Congress wishes to emphasise and collaborate with Kharge for the alliance. The author is a visiting faculty of journalism, a political columnist, and a doctoral research scholar. He tweets at @sayantan_gh. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. One of the most popular and desirable travel destinations is Rome. Tourists visit Italy all year round, so it's not cheap. And yet, there are subtleties that can help you save a lot of money and visit Rome on a budget - from secret ways to beat the queues at the Vatican to cheap accommodation in the centre of the Eternal City. ADVERTISIMENT Cheap flights to Rome at a bargain price There are direct flights from the UK to Rome, operated by Ryanair and Easyjet, for example. You can save a lot of money if you buy tickets in advance. To find the most favourable options, we recommend using the following comparison services: Momomdo; Kayak; Skyscanner and others. The majority of flights from the UK arrive at Fiumicino or Ciampino airports, so you should plan your route to your destination. Ryanair operates flights from Manchester and Stansted, and Easyjet from Bristol, Luton, etc. Ciampino airport is not very conveniently located compared to Leonardo da Vinci, but this justifies the more favourable airfares, although the bus service is not so developed. How to visit Roman attractions on the cheap If you plan to see as many sights and attractions as possible, you should buy a Roma Pass. This special ticket, valid for 48 or 72 hours (32 and 52 euros respectively), allows you to use public transport in Rome for free and also provides the following benefits ADVERTISIMENT discounts on exhibitions and special events; free access to P.Stop toilets; queue-free passes (especially for the Colosseum); a special system for booking entrances to museums or archaeological sites. To maximise your savings, you should include the attractions with the most expensive entrance fees in your Roma Pass. For example, a ticket to the Borghese Gallery costs 20 euros, to the Forum - 12 euros, and a bus pass will cost 18 euros for three days. There is also a more expensive option - the Omnia Vatican & Rome card for 113 euros. However, it allows you to visit the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel, unlike the Roma Pass, and is valid for 72 hours. Beat the queue to the Vatican or the Colosseum This is easy to do if you book your tickets online in advance. It's worth noting that there is a minimal fee (about 1-2 euros), but it's better to pay a little extra and save a few hours of waiting in line. Especially if the weather conditions are not good at all. ADVERTISIMENT Colosseum The former gladiatorial arena, which is more than 2000 years old, attracts many tourists to Rome. Of course, this creates long queues at the entrance. To get around them, buy a ticket online for an additional 2. It also provides free entry to the atmospheric ruins of buildings built by Julius Caesar and the Roman Forum. Vatican City The queue to the Sistine Chapel can last three hours or more. By paying 21 euros instead of 18 at the entrance, this not entirely pleasant process can be legally avoided. We also recommend paying attention to the dress code. Entrance to Vatican museums is prohibited in shorts and with bare shoulders. Another way to save time is to use Google's handy Popular Times feature, which allows you to track the approximate number of people at a particular attraction, thus understanding how long you will have to queue and what time it is best to visit the planned attraction. ADVERTISIMENT The most popular free locations to visit in Rome The Italian capital offers not only expensive museums. There are many completely free locations with an equally interesting history, where you won't spend a single euro or pound. Trevi Fountain. An extremely beautiful decorative structure, against the background of which we advise you to take a few photos. Don't forget to take a coin with you to throw it into the water and come back here at least once! Spanish staircase. This romantic architectural monument is located in the historic centre. In good weather, you can enjoy reading a book on the stairs or just sit and think about how beautiful the world is! Caravaggio's paintings hidden in various churches. In particular, the masterpieces of the Renaissance artist are preserved in the Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo or the Church of St Louis of France. Of course, the largest collection of paintings is located in the Borghese Gallery, which costs 20 euros to enter. Pantheon. The famous building is worth seeing. After contemplation, you can walk to Piazza Nova and, if you wish, taste the famous Italian ice cream while enjoying it by the fountains. Walking through the ancient Roman streets. The small size of the city makes it ideal for wandering around in search of real historical or cultural gems. Quartiere Coppede, Trastevere Alley, Villa Borghese... Have a picnic in a beautiful park or enjoy a cool dip by the many fountains. Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary. A large number of cats roam the ruins of ancient buildings. However, the animals are fed and well-groomed, as they are taken care of by volunteers. Admission is free, but you can donate any comfortable amount if you wish. An audience with the Pope. Every Wednesday, the head of the Catholic environment arrives in Rome. The audience begins in St Peter's Square at 10:30. You can book free tickets on the official website on Tuesday. Open-air concerts and cinema. Throughout the summer and September, the Estate Romana programme hosts a variety of events, most of which are free of charge. These can be dances, concerts, theatre performances, and much more. The keyhole of the Knights of Malta in Piazza Cavalleri di Malta. Climbing the Aventine's Hill, you can see the dome of St Peter's. Of course, you will have to stand in line, because many people want to know what is hidden behind the mysterious keyhole. Vatican City. Entrance to the city is free, as well as to St Peter's Basilica. Even if religion is not your thing, it will be fascinating to walk around this unique city full of mysteries, extraordinary architecture and works of art. There are almost a thousand religious buildings in Rome, and some of the churches are truly unique and unsurpassed. In addition, you can find free walking tours of the streets of the Italian city on the Internet - day or evening. The main thing is to book a place in advance to enjoy the history of experienced and professional guides. Food for the price of a drink "Aperitivo" usually lasts from 18:00 to 21:00 and depends on the establishment. Many bars in Rome offer drinks accompanied by a free variety of snacks or even a full buffet with pizza, meat, cheeses, olives, sometimes even homemade pasta. Yes, drinks are more expensive (about 10 euros), but by paying this amount, you can enjoy unlimited aperitifs. This is much cheaper than paying for a full dinner. ADVERTISIMENT Among the most popular establishments offering Aperitivo are the following: Momart Cafe, located near Piazza Bologna; Rec23 (Piazza dell'Emporio); Freni e Frizione (Trastevere). Some bars offer an unlimited number of visits. Foodies can also save money in Rome It's impossible to imagine Rome without delicious food, Italian ice cream and soft drinks. Unfortunately, catering establishments are quite expensive, especially when it comes to the most popular locations among tourists. However, there is always a way out. True gourmets can save a considerable amount of money by having a picnic in a picturesque park or even in their hotel room. Rome has an exceptional number of open-air markets where you can buy local products such as cheese, salami or other sausages, olives, wine, fragrant bread, fruit and much more. Be sure to check out Testaccio and Trionfale near the Vatican, two of the best and biggest markers in the capital. ADVERTISIMENT Free water in budget Rome An unobvious but very effective way to save money while walking is to have a reusable bottle. There are drinking water fountains (nasoni) all over the city. To quickly find the nearest one, use the Rome Water Finder app. Unfortunately, free water is not often available in restaurants. Usually, waiters offer mineral water (sparkling or still), for which you will need to pay. Drink your coffee standing up You can save about four euros if you don't sit at a table when ordering an espresso. It is better to drink aromatic Roman coffee at the bar. Thus, a hot drink will cost about three times cheaper. For example, an espresso costs 1.5 at the bar, and you will pay 4-5 at a table. The difference in price is most noticeable in the centre or near the most prominent attractions. ADVERTISIMENT Public transport without borders for 7 per day At metro stations, tobacconists and newsagents, you can buy a travel card and choose the most suitable option for you. The Atac metro and bus network offers single journeys for 1.5, regardless of the duration of the journey. The ticket is valid for 100 minutes from the moment it is stamped. If you need to use public transport more than once, you should buy a 24-hour pass for 7, which is valid on all Rome buses and subways. Tickets are also available for two or three days (12.5 and 18 respectively). For those who plan to spend a week's holiday in Rome, there are 7-day travel passes. The cost of such a ticket is 24 euros, and it will pay off if you make at least 16 trips. If you have purchased a Roma Pass, you will not need a travel card in this case, as all public transport is free. For convenience, we recommend installing the free ProBus Rome app, available for Android and iPhone. It helps you plan routes, track buses and departure times, and find the nearest bus stops. Rome's expensive museums are free - but on certain days Until recently, any public museum was free to visit on the first Sunday of every month. However, this promotion has now been replaced by specific days throughout the year for a particular institution. On the website of each museum, you can find detailed information about free admission. Unfortunately, this opportunity to save money is in great demand, especially when it comes to the most popular locations. ADVERTISIMENT For example, the following museums offer free admission on the following days: 9 May and 5 June - Colosseum; the second Wednesday of the month and some Sundays - the Borghese Gallery, which houses the unsurpassed works of Raphael, Caravaggio and other artists; the last Sunday of each month - the Vatican museums, including the Sistine Chapel. If you don't want to fight for free admission, try visiting less popular attractions. It can be the National Museum of Castel Sant'Angelo, which is especially interesting for fans of Dan Brown's work. The writer talks about this place in the famous novel Angels and Demons. We also recommend a walk near the ruins of the Baths of Caracalla. Forget about taxis from the airport if you want to travel on a budget Planes from the UK most often arrive at Leonardo da Vinci or Ciampino airports. A taxi from these locations to the city centre will cost between 30 and 50 euros, so public transport is a good alternative for transfer. ADVERTISIMENT Bus. Buses run regularly from the airports to Termini Station. A one-way ticket costs 5.8 and a return ticket costs 9. Train. There is a direct express train from Leonardo da Vinci Airport. Departures are every 15 minutes and the ticket costs 14. The train from Ciampino costs only 1.5 and takes 15 minutes. However, first you need to take a bus to the railway station of the same name. To avoid being left without a seat, it is better to book your trip in advance. Budget Rome: accommodation As a rule, when travelling, the lion's share of expenses falls on apartment rentals. The main tip for saving money is to book in advance. To find accommodation, we recommend using Airbnb, Booking.com, TravelRepublic or other services. These are the best ways to review and compare options and find the most favourable one, paying special attention to the location. Relatively budget hotels located in the city centre include the following: The Classic Roman GuestHouse Collection - located very close to the Spanish Steps and the famous Trevi Fountain; Hotel Azzura - offers beautifully furnished rooms with air conditioning and breakfast included in the price. Consider not only hotels but also hostels. You can rent a decent and tidy room for around 25-30. If you're travelling in a group, the best way to save money is to rent an apartment or a large room using a trusted website like Airbnb. ADVERTISIMENT Take care of your health in advance The GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) and EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) are must-haves that allow you to receive free treatment on a par with locals. The policies reimburse expenses or allow you to pay for medical care in public hospitals at the price set for Italian citizens. Protect your flight and hotel Some companies offer favourable deals for bundled bookings. For example, you can get significant discounts if you pay for your accommodation and flight ticket on the same website. It is a common practice that if you make one transaction when booking several items, you can get ATOL for free - financial and legal protection that helps protect yourself in case of service failure or, for example, company bankruptcy. You should also make sure you have travel insurance. This policy, which can be purchased quite cheaply, will help you get compensation in the event of unforeseen circumstances - illness, injury, etc. ADVERTISIMENT Should I pay in pounds or euros? Always choose the local currency, as this will save you money on conversion. In addition, the exchange rates at local ATMs or shops are often not favourable to customers. Most debit cards have a 3% fee that is added to the exchange. To avoid overpaying, we recommend ordering a special payment instrument for such trips. You can choose both credit and debit cards. The most common options are as follows: debit card from Chase Bank - a virtual payment instrument with cashback and no fees for spending abroad; Barclaycard Rewards credit card - provides cashback of 0.25% for spending around the world, and if you pay off the accrued interest on time every month, you can avoid a commission (25.9% per annum). The main thing is to apply in advance, because depending on the bank, you will have to wait from one to three weeks. ADVERTISIMENT Control roaming UK mobile phone companies have been banned from charging customers extra if they use the internet or phone within the European Union. However, some firms, such as Vodafone, are imposing restrictions on new users who sign up after 2021. Thus, charging from 2 to 3 per day of roaming. While Virgin Media O2 does not introduce an additional fee for this service. In any case, if available, it is better to use free Wi-Fi and monitor mobile traffic. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders in Madhya Pradesh warned of action against Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra over her social media post, in which she accused the saffron party-led government in the state of indulging in corruption. Terming her allegation as false, MP Home Minister Narottam Mishra sought a proof from the Congress leader to support her charge, warning that options were otherwise open before the state government and the BJP for action. State BJP chief V D Sharma warned of legal action against the Congress leader, accusing her of citing a fake letter in her social media post to level the allegation. The state Congress, however, said it would prove that the BJP-led government is corrupt and also accused the ruling party of creating political terror". On Friday, Priyanka Gandhi claimed on X, formerly known as Twitter, that a union of contractors from Madhya Pradesh has written a letter to the Chief Justice of the High Court, complaining that they receive payment only after paying 50 per cent commission. The corrupt BJP government in Karnataka used to collect 40% commission. In Madhya Pradesh, BJP has gone ahead by breaking its own record of corruption. People of Karnataka ousted the 40% commission government, now the people of Madhya Pradesh will remove the 50% commission government from power," she alleged in the post. Responding to her allegation, Mishra said that in Madhya Pradesh, the Congress was playing politics with a disgusting mentality" without any issue. State Congress leaders first got Rahul Gandhi to lie and now got Priyanka Gandhi to make a false tweet. Priyanka ji, give proof of your tweets, otherwise we have all options open for action," the minister warned. He said that Priyanka Gandhi should reveal the name of the person or contractor who wrote the letter to the high court chief justice that she mentioned in her social media post. Talking to reporters, state BJP chief Sharma accused the Congress of being power hungry and desperate to be at the helm by peddling lies. This is a conspiracy and BJP will take action for this tweet under cyber crimeShe will have to tell from where did she get this letter. You (Priyanka Gandhi) misled not only Madhya Pradesh, but the country on the basis of a fake letter," he said. Congress leadership will have to give an answer on this. We will take legal action in this regard," he added. K K Mishra, MP Congress media departments chairman, said his party would prove that the BJP government is corrupt. The BJP should accept the reality, but the ruling party has been creating political terrorIt is adopting unconstitutional means. We will prove that the government is corrupt," he said. Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh are due in November this year. The BJP on Saturday asked Rahul Gandhi if he expected the armed forces to resort to shooting at Indians in violence-hit Manipur and claimed the Congress leader does not have any trace of democratic thought in his mind. Noting that Gandhi had claimed that armed forces can restore peace in the state within two days if allowed, BJP leader and former Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad wondered if he wanted what his grandmother and then Prime minister Indira Gandhi had done by ordering the Air Force to drop bombs in Aizawl in 1966. Congress has said the Air Force was then used to target armed militant groups. Prasad asked, Does Rahul Gandhi expect armed forces to fire upon Indians in Manipur where there is tension? Or should harmony be spread there and efforts be made to bring people together?" He noted that there is a lot of tension in the state between two groups (Meitis and Kukis) and accused Gandhi of delivering an inciting speech in Parliament. Though some of his controversial references were expunged in Lok Sabha, Gandhi reiterated his allegation at a press conference against the government that its politics had led to the murder" of Bharat Mata in Manipur. He neither understands the country nor its politics, Prasad said, asking Rahul Gandhi not to use such shameful and irresponsible language. The BJP leader referred to the killings of Sikhs in the 1984 communal violence and the Nellie massacre in 1983 to ask how Gandhi will describe them. It is the Congress which divided the country, he alleged. Taking a swipe at Gandhi, Prasad said the former Congress chief owes his position to his family name and not to his abilities. He should not exhibit his incapabilities to the country every day, the BJP leader said. He also accused the opposition of behaving in an utterly irresponsible" manner during the Monsoon session of Parliament by disrupting it frequently. The BJP leader back at the Congress and its Leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury for their criticism of his suspension from the House. Chowdhury constantly disrupted Prime Minister Narendra Modis reply during the debate on the no-confidence motion, Prasad said and noted his reference to a fugitive to target the prime minister. Modi spoke on Manipur and the northeast region for nearly 30 minutes, he said, rejecting the criticism that the prime minister did not speak much on the matter. Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke for over an hour on the Manipur issue, he added. The Opposition first demanded that Modi should speak, when he spoke they disrupted him and then walked out. They are now alleging that they are not allowed to speak, Prasad said, accusing them of hypocrisy. If the Opposition conducts itself in such a manner, the government will surely press ahead with the passage of bills and will not stop work because of its disruptions, he said. To a question about Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalins accusation of Hindi imposition by the Centre after Shah introduced three bills to replace the IPC, CrPC and the Indian Evidence Act, Prasad mentioned Hindustan Petroleum, Bharat Petroleum and Bharatiya Rail to say that many such Indian entities are functioning in the southern state. Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday introduced the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, 2023; Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita Bill, 2023; and Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, 2023, that will replace the Indian Penal Code, 1860, Criminal Procedure Act, 1898, and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 respectively. Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said the government understands the adverse situation in which Border Security Force (BSF) jawans work to secure the nations frontiers and will ensure budgetary allocations to give them better facilities. Shah was at Koteshwar in Gujarats Kutch to lay the foundation stone for a BSF mooring place and for the e-inauguration of other projects. He said the BSF is the only Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) that specialises in securing land, water and air and works in diverse geographical conditions to ensure the security of the country from external forces. Dont think the government does not have an idea of the adverse situation in which you work. When I visit (Harami Nala), I will certainly be informed about this once more, said Shah before heading for Harami Nala, a creek area that separates India and Pakistan in the Kutch district, as part of his Sundays visit. He assured the BSF jawans that whatever budget is required to be allocated for your convenience will be done by us in the coming days. This will increase their convenience as well as the security of the region, he added. Shah said that he is able to sleep peacefully at night because BSF jawans remain alert 365 days, 24 hours to secure the countrys borders. Among all CAPFs, BSF is the only one that specialises in securing land, water and also has an air wing. Like the Indian Army, BSF has the capacity to secure all three areas, he said. BSF is given the responsibility to safeguard borders in regions where temperatures range from -43 to +43 degrees Celsius, and they remain vigilant to secure areas along Sundarbans (in the east) and Harami Nala, Shah said. The Union minister said that after Indias partition, the BSF was given the responsibility of securing the countrys borders along Pakistan and Bangladesh. Coastal security is most important for the country. Located along the coast of Gujarat are many important institutions, nuclear stations, missile launch areas, research centres, industries and ports. Their 365-day, 24-hour security is vital, he said. Shah said the country salutes more than 1,900 jawans who have sacrificed their lives for the country, and the Narendra Modi government has also taken steps for the security of their family members. You are securing the border of the country, so Modiji has left no stone unturned to ensure the security of your family members, he said. The home minister also mentioned Ayushman CAPF Cards with 24,000 linked hospitals and 13,000 new houses as some of the facilities for them. Earlier in the day, Shah laid the foundation stone for leading fertiliser cooperative major IFFCOs nano DAP (liquid) plant at Kandla in Kutch district. The Union Home and cooperation minister said India needs a new green revolution under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to show the path of natural farming to the world and lead the way for the prosperity of farmers. Shah said 2 lakh bottles of 500 ml liquid will be produced per day at the plant, which will reduce the countrys dependency on imported fertilisers and save Rs 10,000 crore subsidy on fertilisers. Delhi Lt Governor VK Saxena has accepted the chief ministers recommendation to transfer the charge of Vigilance and Services departments to minister, Atishi Marlena, officials said on Saturday. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had on August 8 made the recommendation. The departments were earlier handled by Delhi Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj. Formal notification of the reshuffle by the General Administration (GAD) was awaited, they said. The proposal of the chief minister to allocate the portfolios of Services and Vigilance departments to Atishi Marlena was received at the LG office on August 8, officials at Raj Niwas said. At that time, Section 3A of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023 excluding Entry 41 of the State List from the legislative domain of Delhi Assembly was in vogue," the LG wrote in a file noting. However, Section 3A of the Ordinance was omitted from the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023 when it was introduced in Parliament, said the LGs noting. The reshuffle proposal was approved by the LG after the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Act 2023 was notified on Saturday, read the file noting. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday slammed the Opposition over their criticism of the government in handling violence in Manipur and claimed those parties dont care about the pain and suffering of people, and all do is politics. Addressing the Kshetriya Panchayati Raj Parishad of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in West Bengal, via video conferencing, PM Modi also hit out at leaders of Opposition parties for walking out of Parliament during his speech on the no-confidence motion in Lok Sabha. The whole country has seen the Opposition running away from the House. It is unfortunate that these people betrayed the people of Manipur so much," he said. The Prime Minister further said that before the commencement of the session, Home Minister Amit Shah had written a letter to all Opposition political parties saying that he wanted to discuss the Manipur issue. He (Shah) said that it was necessary to have a detailed discussion on Manipur alone. But what actually happened, you all can see. The opposition didnt allow it to happen!" PM Modi added. He further asserted that had there been a discussion on such a sensitive subject, the people of Manipur would have felt relievedsome solutions would have emerged to address that issue." But the Opposition people did not want to discuss it as they knew that the truth of Manipur was going to sting them the most. They dont care about the pain and suffering of people, all they care about is politics. This was the reason that they chose to avoid the discussion and rather gave priority to political debates by moving the No-Confidence Motion," PM Modi added. Further criticizing the Opposition, the Prime Minister noted that the government won the no-confidence motion and asked BJP workers to make the public aware of every aspect of truth". With blessings of 140 crore Indians, we defeated the No-Confidence of the opposition in the Parliamentwe also responded to their negativity. The situation was such that the people of the Opposition left the House in the middle of the discussionthey ran away. They may disrupt the House, but all of us BJP workers and public representatives have to go among the public and make people aware of every aspect of the truth, he said. PM Modi also slammed the ruling Trinamool Congress party in West Bengal for violence during recently concluded panchayat elections in the state. Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani has definitely struck a chord with audiences as it served as a classic example of a Karan Johar masterpiece. The movie stars Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh. Being a Karan Johar film, the movie includes larger-than-life sets, dramatic locations and of course a mesmerising soundtrack. If you have keenly watched the movie, you must have noticed the extravagant Randhawa house. The lavish white bungalow spreads across several acres and it is said to be situated in west Delhi in the film. However, what if someone tells you that this stunning property is located in Noida? Hard to believe? Dont worry, we have some facts for you. Also Read: Man Performs Bizarre Stunts in Delhi Metro Leaving People Perplexed, Video Goes Viral According to social media personality Kamiya Jani the house, which looks like the Capitol Building in the US, is in Noida and it belonged to real estate tycoon Manoj Gaur of the Gaurs Group. Taking to Instagram, she did a tour of the house, showing the interiors and walking in the outdoors of the bungalow. The lavish interiors and the breathtaking outdoors literally made me feel like I am in the Karan Johar movie! read the caption. Here, have a look for yourself: Since being uploaded, the video has gone viral and many are shocked on knowing the actual location of this property. Also Read: Let Us Take A Moment And Salute This Biker For Saving Mama Cow Stuck In Mud Meanwhile, earlier, , a Twitter post which went viral talked about the stereotypical depiction of Bengalis in the movie. The tweet is in reference to the character of Alias Bengali mother. The role has been played by Churni Ganguly. Twitter user Gabbar elaborates on how she has been depicted as an English speaking Bong intellectual. So she says Global Positioning System in place of GPS. Thats how we know she is an intellectual She doesnt go to the kitchen, but embarks on a trip to it, read the tweet. Around the globe, the allure of alcohol draws in many, with evenings spent at taverns becoming a favoured pastime for countless individuals. This seemingly harmless trend, however, often spirals into addiction in various nations. Today, we delve into an eye-opening revelation that sheds light on a country where ordinary citizens are pouring a staggering amount - Rs 66 lakh - solely into alcohol consumption. The implications of this recent study are nothing short of astonishing. Taking centre stage in this report is the European nation of Belarus, a place where alcohol consumption has reached unprecedented heights. On average, each consumes a mind-boggling 178 wine bottles or roughly 17.5 litres of alcohol per year. To put things in perspective, Indias per capita alcohol consumption in 2016 stood at a modest 5.7 litres. The spotlight now shifts to another country - Britain. In 2020, alcohol consumption in India reached approximately five billion litres and is projected to increase to around 6.21 billion litres by 2024 and it occupies 103rd rank in the world. According to a comprehensive study conducted by Alcohol Change UK, the lifetime expenditure on alcohol for every British drinker is a jaw-dropping 62,899, equivalent to around Rs 66.28 lakh. This astounding figure has prompted both surprise and introspection, as people start to question the cumulative impact of their drinking habits. One individual, a 41-year-old woman, was particularly struck by these revelations. As she pondered over the reports findings, she began to examine her history of alcohol consumption. To her astonishment, she discovered that over the past 15 years, her spending on alcohol amounted to an astonishing 57,000, roughly Rs 60 lakh. Her story resonates with many. Like countless others, her initiation into alcohol consumption began during her teenage years, pooling funds with friends to afford budget-friendly cider bottles. However, as time went on, her relationship with alcohol evolved, and her consumption escalated during her twenties. Whats remarkable about this womans narrative is her candid admission of how she maximized deals such as two-for-one drink offers at the student bar, effectively spending less than 20 per night. Initially, her drinking was confined to three days a week, a habit that ultimately snowballed into daily indulgence. The financial impact was undeniable - her alcohol expenses often exceeded what she allocated for groceries. Her dedication to drinking even led to missed classes due to lingering hangovers. Intriguingly, her story isnt unique. This pattern of behaviour, characterized by frequent parties and social gatherings centred around alcohol, has become a norm among British youth. Some individuals go to the extent of befriending wealthier acquaintances to sustain their drinking habits. Astonishingly, a significant portion of the alcohol consumed in the country is not even domestically produced. While Italy leads the pack in wine production, followed by Spain and France, these nations d not exhibit the same level of consumption as the British. Airport lounges offer a relaxing time before boarding a long and tiring flight, but encountering an unacceptable situation in these premium spaces can quickly ruin the experience. One such incident grabbed attention online when a Twitter user named Hims shared an encounter with an unruly passenger who left a mess behind. Adding to the frustrated Twitter user, the man seemed to lack basic etiquette after he occupied a seat that was already taken, even after being informed by the Hims family. This, despite other seats being available in the lounge. At the Priority Pass Lounge in Abu Dhabi, I got off my seat to grab a drink. A fellow countryman walks in, takes my seat despite my family telling him that its taken and while there are other available seats, the Twitter user wrote. He explained that this particular passenger then went on to talk loudly over the phone, spilt food all over the couch and rug and clapped occasionally to get food off his fingers. Banging his cutlery for no reason whatsoever, he finishes his meal, then leaves the trash behind and walks away. My kids and other travellers are watching him, disgusted, the Twitter user wrote. The gentleman seems to be working in finance as he was talking to someone over the phone in industry language. This is a disgusting sight and while people will find me critical of it, its a f***ing sad reality that fans stereotyping Indians. Be whoever you want to be, dont be this w***er, Hims added. Along with a long note, the Twitter user shared a series of pictures showcasing the food left behind by the man. At the Priority Pass Lounge in Abu Dhabi, I got off my seat to grab a drink. A fellow countryman walks in, takes my seat despite my family telling him that its taken and while there are other available seats. Then he goes on to talk loudly with someone over the phone, pic.twitter.com/nexSMikXhO Hims (@maveinlux) August 10, 2023 Social media users also expressed their hatred over the passengers disrespectful act. A person found the behaviour objectionable, asserting that people like them destroy the reputation of the entire community. This is gross. People like them create a bad name for the rest of us. And this is in priority pass lounge. Imagine how the likes of him in regular places. They are a disgrace. It may be a good idea to expose his face. Kalpana Jaggi (@kalpanajaggi) August 10, 2023 A user shared a similar experience where another passenger changed his clothes in the lounge itself, despite the availability of a bathroom. I had a similar guy In the Singapore lounge in delhi who started changing his clothes in front of me in spite of lounge having a loo He told me to mind my own business and afterwards left the place with so much dirt ! mamta Nigam !!! (@mamtan14) August 10, 2023 A user highlighted that citizens represent their country whenever they travel abroad and feel that incidents like these can negatively impact a countrys image and reputation. The citizens of any country should realise that when they go abroad they are the brand ambassadors of their country.These kinds of Incidents hurt your country's image & in today's World it's all about image & narrative which drives a country's future !! ( , ) (@sush_cooldude) August 11, 2023 Since the post was shared on August 11, it has received more than 54,000 views. Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) Senator Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar was on Saturday appointed the interim prime minister of Pakistan and will guide the cash-trapped country until the forthcoming elections. The announcement came on the concluding day of deliberations between outgoing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Leader of the Opposition in the dissolved National Assembly, Raja Riaz Ahmad, as per an announcement from the Prime Ministers Office. The prime minister and leader of the opposition jointly signed the advice (to appoint Kakar) and it was sent to the president," read the PMO statement. Raja Riaz Ahmad said, We first agreed that whoever should be prime minister, he should be from a smaller province so smaller provinces grievances should be addressed." Speaking to the media, he said, I proposed this name, and the PM has given his approval to it Both the PM and I have endorsed the summary." He further said that Kakars inauguration is scheduled for Sunday. Riaz further stated that there was no conversation regarding the caretaker cabinet during todays meeting with PM Shehbaz. Heres all we know about Pakistans new interim Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar Kakar (52) hails from the Balochistan province and belongs to the ethnic Pashtun community. He is associated with the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), a party known for its proximity to the influential establishment of the nation. In 2018, Kakar secured a Senate seat and has since been an active politician. He served as the chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, while also contributing as a member of the Business Advisory Committee, Finance and Revenue, Foreign Affairs and Science and Technology. He has also served as the spokesperson of the Balochistan provincial government prior to his election to the upper house. Born in 1971 in the Muslim Bagh area of Qila Saifullah district in Balochistan, he holds a Masters degree in Political Science and Sociology and is an alumnus of the University of Balochistan. According to the Centre for Strategic and Contemporary Research (CSCR) Kakar is proficient in English, Urdu, Persian, Pushto, Balochi and Brahvi languages. President Arif Alvi has sanctioned Kakars appointment as the interim prime minister in accordance with Article 224(1A) of the Constitution. As per the provisions of Article 224(1A), the president, in consultation with the outgoing prime minister and the leader of the opposition in the previous National Assembly, which is the lower house of Parliament, designates the caretaker prime minister. Following its dissolution on August 9, the national assembly had until Saturday to reach a consensus between the prime minister and the leader of the opposition regarding the appointment of an interim premier. The general elections are likely to take place within a span of 90 days. However, the election commission might extend this timeline if it undertakes delimitation based on a new census. Kakar is anticipated to be sworn in on Sunday, subsequently forming his interim cabinet to govern the nation during this period. (With inputs from PTI) Australia works closely with international partners, including through multilateral economic forums like the G20, to address shared challenges and opportunities Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will attend the G20 Leaders Summit in New Delhi, the office of the Australian Prime Minister confirmed on Friday. It is more important than ever that Australia works closely with international partners, including through multilateral economic forums like the G20, to address shared challenges and opportunities, the Australian Prime Minister Albanese said. The G20 is the worlds preeminent forum for global economic cooperation. Leaders will focus on navigating the global economy back to strong, sustainable and resilient growth, Albanese said. He will also travel to Indonesia and the Philippines. He will attend the 3rd Annual ASEAN-Australia Summit and the 18th East Asia Summit in Jakarta. The summit will be held on September 6-7. Australias close partnership with ASEAN and its members is critical to achieving mutual prosperity, security and peace in our region, Albanese said. He will also hold discussions on Australias economic, security and climate agenda with Indonesia and other ASEAN member states. This is the first time since 2003 that an Australian Prime Minister is travelling to Manila. Albanese will meet his Filipino counterpart Ferdinand R Marcos Jr on September 8 and both leaders will discuss how to strengthen cooperation on defence and maritime security, development and education between Canberra and Manila. Our partnership with the Philippines is built on close defence and security cooperation, increasing economic relations and warm personal ties, including through the vibrant Filipino-Australian community. I look forward to visiting Manila to meet with President Marcos and affirm our partnership, Albanese said. Albanese highlighted that his governments key priority is to ensure deep engagement between Australia and Southeast Asia. Our futures are intertwined so its essential that we work together to achieve a peaceful, stable and prosperous region, Albanese said. Albanese also invited ASEAN leaders to Australia for the 50th Anniversary of ASEAN-Australia Dialogue Relations next year. Australia is proud to be hosting a Special Summit to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of ASEAN-Australia Dialogue Relations in 2024. I look forward to welcoming ASEAN leaders to Australia in March next year, the Australian Prime Minister said. Australia is invested in and committed to the Indo-Pacific to enhance growth and prosperity, stability and respect for sovereignty and lasting peace, he further added. One of the most important components of a safe holiday is insurance. You should read the rules and insured events carefully to avoid unforeseen expenses if you need medical care. ADVERTISIMENT Australian Blake Gibbs was forced to pay $370,000 for his treatment on the island of Bali in Indonesia after a scooter accident, 9News reports. The man did not read the fine print, which stated that he had to pay an additional $7 to the principal amount of the policy for insurance while riding a motorcycle. Gibbs, from Adelaide, had an accident while visiting the Indonesian island of Lombongan with two friends. During a scooter tour, he crashed into a wall and suffered multiple skull fractures. He was brought to the hospital, where they did everything possible to save him. After treatment, the clinic issued a bill of $370,000, but the insurance company refused to pay because Gibbs' package did not cover any accidents involving a scooter or motorcycle. ADVERTISIMENT The victim's mother repeatedly contacted the insurance company, as they would not allow her son to return home to Australia without paying the bill. She gave several comments to the media asking for help. "They tell you to buy insurance, you buy it and expect it to really protect you, but it doesn't," the mother told 9News. The insurance company nevertheless decided to pay the money to the Balinese hospital with the expectation that the Gibbs family would recover the money. Now Blake is back home, but he has a long rehabilitation ahead of him. ADVERTISIMENT The man's mother urged him to read everything written in the insurance contract from beginning to end. Otherwise, your dream holiday can turn into a tragedy and you will be left with huge debts. The woman pleads: "Please check your insurance documents carefully before you leave the country." Earlier, OBOZREVATEL wrote about the mistakes that should not be made during your first trip to Thailand. The authorities and laws in the country are very strict for both residents and tourists. Only verified information is available on our Obozrevatel Telegram channel, Threads and Viber. Don't fall for fakes! Senator Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar was on Saturday chosen as Pakistans caretaker Prime Minister to govern the cash-strapped country ahead of the crucial general elections later this year. He was picked for the post by the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly Raja Riaz. Kakar, a lawmaker belonging to Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), will lead a caretaker government until a fresh election is held. President Arif Alvi approved his appointment as the caretaker prime minister under Article 224(1A) of the Constitution. The president signed the advice soon after it was dispatched for his approval. Dissident Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Riaz informed the media of the development outside the residence of the Prime Minister. The revelation was made shortly after the leader of the opposition and the outgoing prime minister Shehbaz Sharif held a final round of consultations. Sharif earlier told state-run Radio Pakistan that the name of the head of the interim set-up would be finalised by Saturday. Following the meeting, Riaz said that he and the outgoing prime minister decided that the interim prime minister should be from a smaller province. We had earlier thought that the caretaker PM should be someone from a smaller province. We reached a consensus that Anwarul Haq Kakar will be the caretaker PM. I had given this name and the PM has consented to this name," Riaz was quoted as saying by the Dawn. Kakar will take oath as interim Prime Minister on August 13. People familiar with the developments told the news outlet that the delay in the caretaker prime ministers names announcement was due to Riazs insistence that his candidate be picked from the list instead of those suggested by the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N). The people mentioned above also said that Sharifs elder brother Nawaz Sharif - who has been pulling the strings from London - wanted former finance minister Ishaq Dar to be picked as caretaker premier. His second choice was former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi. Sharif was also facing pressure from President Alvi who on Friday instructed the now outgoing prime minister to appoint a caretaker prime minister within 24 hours. Sharif recommended the dissolution of the National Assembly on August 9, three days before the mandated term, therefore, according to the Constitution, the next general elections will be held in 90 days. The polls are expected to be delayed for a couple of months as new census results have been approved by the outgoing government, which makes it a constitutional obligation to carry out delimitation before elections. (with inputs from PTI) Hunter Biden, son of US President Joe Biden, will be investigated by a special counsel who will be bestowed with additional powers, the US attorney general Merrick Garland said. David Weiss, the federal prosecutor, who filed criminal charges in the case has been elevated for the role. Hunter Bidens plea deal on tax and gun charges collapsed earlier in August. The Republicans have pressed the Biden administration for a probe into Hunter Bidens business dealings. Garland announced on Friday that the move was made after a request by Weiss. Weiss will now have extra resources at his disposal to probe and bring further charges beyond the state of Delaware. Garland said the special counsel would produce a report when it is completed and the US Justice Department will try to make much of it available to the public. The appointment of Mr Weiss reinforces for the American people the departments commitment to both independence and accountability in particularly sensitive matters, Garland was quoted as saying by the BBC. Hunter Bidens legal team led by Chris Clark also issued a statement where he said: We are confident when all of these manoeuvrings are at an end my client will have resolution and will be moving on with his life successfully. Weiss, a Trump appointee, was picked to become the US attorney in Delaware in 2018. Soon after his appointment, he launched a probe into the allegations of criminal conduct by Hunter Biden. Hunter was charged with two tax offences for not paying income taxes in 2017 and 2018. He earned $1.5 million according to the US Attorneys Office in Delaware. He also faces charges of allegedly possessing a firearm while being addicted and being under the influence of illegal drugs. The plea deal Hunter Biden previously reached with prosecutors to plead guilty to the tax charges and admit the gun offence to avoid a prison deal was quashed by a US court. The judge, Maryellen Noreika, dismissed the deal due to non standard terms" and the unusual" nature of the proposed resolution, the BBC said in its report. Weiss said that he and his team expects the case to go to trial and more serious charges could be filed against Hunter Biden in Washington DC or California. The Republicans want to use Hunter Biden as a tool to hurt his fathers reelection bid and want to charge both father and son alleging that the US President profited from sons business dealings in Ukraine and China. The death toll has risen to 80 as a result of the wildfires that decimated parts of the island of Maui this past week, officials in Hawaii said Friday. The number of confirmed fatalities in the 9 p.m. announcement by the County of Maui increased from the previous figure of 67. Gov. Josh Green had previously warned the death toll would likely rise as search and rescue operations continue. Authorities set a curfew from 10 p.m. until 6 a.m. Saturday. The recoverys going to be extraordinarily complicated, but we do want people to get back to their homes and just do what they can to assess safely, because its pretty dangerous, Green told Hawaii News Now. Cadaver-sniffing dogs were deployed to search for the dead, Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen Jr. said. Blackened hulks of burned-out cars, the pavement streaked with melted and then rehardened chrome. Block after block of flattened homes and businesses. Incinerated telephone poles and elevator shafts rising from ashy lots where apartment buildings once stood. A truck bed full of glass bottles, warped into surreal shapes by the furious heat. Anthony Garcia assessed the devastation as he stood under Lahainas iconic banyan tree, now charred, and swept twisted branches into neat piles next to another heap filled with dead animals: cats, roosters and other birds killed by the smoke and flames. Somehow it made sense in a world turned upside-down. If I dont do something, Ill go nuts, said Garcia, who lost everything he owned. Im losing my faith in God. Garcia and other residents were faced with widespread destruction as they took stock of their shattered homes and lives Friday resulting from the wildfires that tore through parts of Maui this week and were still short of full containment. A new fire Friday evening triggered the evacuation of Kaanapali in West Maui, a community northeast of the area that burned earlier, the Maui Police Department announced on social media. The fire, which was completely extinguished before 8:30 p.m., occurred in an area where a county fueling station was set up to distribute about 3,000 gallons (11,356 liters) of gasoline and 500 gallons (1,892 liters) of diesel fuel for about 400 waiting vehicles. Fuel would not be distributed on Saturday, the county said in a statement. Attorney General Anne Lopez announced plans to conduct a comprehensive review of decision-making and standing policies impacting the response to the deadly wildfires. My Department is committed to understanding the decisions that were made before and during the wildfires and to sharing with the public the results of this review, Lopez said in a statement. The wildfires are the states deadliest natural disaster in decades, surpassing a 1960 tsunami that killed 61 people. An even deadlier tsunami in 1946, which killed more than 150 on the Big Island, prompted development of a territory-wide emergency system with sirens that are tested monthly. Many fire survivors said they didnt hear any sirens or receive a warning giving them enough time to prepare, realizing they were in danger only when they saw flames or heard explosions. There was no warning," said Lynn Robinson, who lost her home. Hawaii emergency management records do no indicate warning sirens sounded before people had to run for their lives. Officials sent alerts to mobile phones, televisions and radio stations, but widespread power and cellular outages may have limited their reach. Fueled by a dry summer and strong winds from a passing hurricane, at least three wildfires erupted on Maui, racing through parched brush covering the island. The most serious blaze swept into Lahaina on Tuesday and left a grid of gray rubble wedged between the blue ocean and lush green slopes. Associated Press journalists found the devastation included nearly every building on Front Street, the heart of historic Lahaina and the economic hub of Maui. There was an eerie traffic jam of charred cars that didnt escape the inferno as surviving roosters meandered through the ashes. Skeletal remains of buildings bowed under roofs that pancaked in the blaze. Palm trees were torched, boats in the harbor were scorched and the stench of burning lingered. It hit so quick, it was incredible, Kyle Scharnhorst said as he surveyed his damaged apartment complex. Summer and Gilles Gerling sought to salvage keepsakes from the ashes of their home. All they could find was the piggy bank Summer Gerlings father gave her as a child, their daughters jade bracelet and watches they gifted each other for their wedding. Their wedding rings were gone. They described their fear as the strong wind whipped the smoke and flames closer, but said they were happy to have made it out alive with their two children. Safety was the main concern. These are all material things, Gilles Gerling said. The wildfire is already projected to be the second-costliest disaster in Hawaii history, behind only Hurricane Iniki in 1992, according to disaster and risk modeling firm Karen Clark & Company. The fire is the deadliest in the U.S. since the 2018 Camp Fire in California, which killed at least 85 people and destroyed the town of Paradise. The danger on Maui was well known. Maui Countys hazard mitigation plan updated in 2020 identified Lahaina and other West Maui communities as having frequent wildfires and several buildings at risk. The report also noted West Maui had the islands second-highest rate of households without a vehicle and the highest rate of non-English speakers. This may limit the populations ability to receive, understand and take expedient action during hazard events, the plan stated. Mauis firefighting efforts may have been hampered by limited staff and equipment. Bobby Lee, president of the Hawaii Firefighters Association, said there are a maximum of 65 county firefighters working at any given time with responsibility for three islands: Maui, Molokai and Lanai. The department has about 13 fire engines and two ladder trucks, but no off-road vehicles to thoroughly attack brush fires before they reach roads or populated areas, he said. Maui water officials warned Kula and Lahaina residents not to drink running water, which may be contaminated even after boiling, and to only take short, lukewarm showers in well-ventilated rooms to avoid possible chemical vapor exposure. Andrew Whelton, a Purdue University engineering professor whose team assisted with the Camp Fire and Colorados 2021 Marshall Fire, said showering in water potentially containing hazardous waste levels of benzene is not advisable and a do-not-use order would be appropriate until analysis is complete. Lahaina resident Lana Vierra, who filled out FEMA assistance forms Friday at a relatives house, fled Tuesday and was eager to return, despite knowing the home where she raised five children and treasured items like baby pictures and yearbooks were gone. To actually stand there on your burnt grounds and get your wheels turning on how to move forward I think it will give families that peace," she said. Riley Curran said he fled his Front Street home after climbing up a neighboring building to get a better look. He doubts county officials could have done more due to the speed of the onrushing flames. Its not that people didnt try to do anything," Curran said. The fire went from 0 to 100. Curran had seen horrendous wildfires growing up in California, but Ive never seen one eat an entire town in four hours. Famous Norwegian mountaineer Kristin Harila denied accusations that she and her team climbed over an injured guide during her attempt to set a new world record while climbing the worlds second-highest mountain K2. K2, which lies in the Karakoram Range, is a difficult and dangerous climb compared to other mountains, including Mount Everest. Social media videos showed the porter, named Mohammed Hassan, lying injured as had fallen off a ledge and a group walking by him. Hassan died a few hours later. Climbers crossing the most dangerous part of K2; The Bottleneck & the laying man in black & yellow dawn suit is reportedly Muhammad Hassan from Tissar Skardu, who died there and 130 climbers crossed over his body on ascent & descent. This is gift of commercial climbing #Climbing pic.twitter.com/m7J22AvqtJ The Northerner (@northerner_the) August 5, 2023 Harila, however, told the BBC that she and her team did everything they could to help Hassan. Harila was attempting to secure a world record and become the fastest climber to scale all peaks above 8,000m, the BBC report said. The incident happened on July 27 after Hassan fell from a very narrow path known as a bottleneck. People who shared the video on social media show several climbers crossing Hassans body which lay lifeless, in a yellow and black mountaineering down suit. Philip Flamig and Wilhelm Steindl, from Austria, took to social media and shared pictures of the incident. They showed other mountaineers climbing over Hassans body. Other people from the mountaineering community as well as social media users of X, formerly Twitter, highlighted that mountaineering and climbing have now become commercial with very little regard for human life. I was really shocked. And I was really sad. I started to cry about the situation that people just passed him and there was no rescue mission, Steindl was quoted as saying by the BBC. He said one person was treating Hassan while others were headed towards the summit in a heated, competitive summit rush", according to Austrian newspaper Der Standard. Harila took to Instagram to defend her actions and stop misinformation and alleged hate coming her way. She also spoke to outlets BBC and Sky News. She denied accusations that Hassan was left to die. We were trying to save him, we did everything we could for many hours, Harila told the BBC. Harila also pointed out that Hassan was not dressed properly for the climb and his stomach was exposed to snow and appeared not to have an oxygen supply. She also said that the company that employed Hassan has questions to answer but also said that said no one was to blame for his death. Harila also told news outlets that her team tried for around 90 minutes to fasten a rope to him and administer oxygen and hot water to him but they stopped because of an avalanche that went off next to them. How are you going to climb and traverse and carry a person? Its not possible. We were trying to save him, we did everything we could for many hours its a very, very narrow path, Harila was quoted as saying by the BBC. A judge from Southern California who is accused of killing his wife during a drunken rage texted his staff informing them that he committed a murder and he will not be showing up for work. He told them he would be behind bars for the crime he has committed. I just lost it. I just shot my wife. I wont be in tomorrow. I will be in custody. Im so sorry, the 72-year-old judge Jeffrey Ferguson of Orange County Superior Court told his courtroom colleagues after shooting his wife, 65-year-old Sheryl, inside their home in Anaheim Hills last week. The couple reportedly went for dinner on August 3 and started arguing with each other. The argument continued once they returned to their home, the court filing said, according to a report by the New York Post. The New York Post said that his wife amid the argument asked her husband to point a real gun at her. Why dont you point a real gun at me?, Sheryl Ferguson reportedly said. Her husband then whipped out a pistol from his ankle holster and shot her in the chest. Their adult son then called 9-1-1 and reported the shooting. Ferguson himself also called 9-1-1 but did not provide details and did not answer the dispatcher when asked if he was the gunman, the report said. Oh, man I cant believe I did this, Ferguson said when officers arrived at the scene and later told them he committed the crime. Investigators told the New York Post that they found 47 weapons and more than 26,000 rounds of ammunition inside the couples home and all of them, barring one rifle, were legally owned. The judge was taken into custody but freed one day after his legal team posted a $1 million bail. However, Orange County prosecutors want new bail conditions and want him to wear an ankle monitor and possess no alcohol or firearms ahead of his arraignment on September 1. Fergusons legal team claimed that the death of Sheryl Ferguson was an accident and nothing more. Jeffrey and Sheryl have been married for 27 years. Jeffrey has been a judge since 2015 and has been handling criminal cases in the Orange County city of Fullerton, the New York Post said. A high-powered delegation of US members of Congress will visit Delhi next week with United States congressman Ro Khanna leading it. Khanna, who recently met representatives of a coalition of Indian-American organisations including Hindus for Human Rights, the Indian-American Muslim Council, and India Civil Watch International in Washington, reportedly expressed his desire to protect minority rights in India. Speaking exclusively with CNN-News18 from Mumbai, he said, Its a historic delegation. Were so excited that we are gonna be at the Red Fort with the Prime Minister celebrating Indias independence. And for me, it has personal meaning as my grandfather as you know was part of the freedom movement. He was jailed for many years. And to see that moment is wonderful." Khanna underscored the significance of Prime Minister Narendra Modis recent visit to the US and the growing cooperation between both nations in various arenas. He (Modi) was in the United States. And it was a very successful partnership between the United States and India. There is increasing cooperation on defence. Thats why we are here in Mumbai with the Western Naval CommandOn technology, on the economyTheres cultural cooperation. We are excited we are gonna be meeting Amitabh Bachchan. We met Anupam Kher," said the US congressman. Of course, he added, it all has to be ultimately rooted in the values of democracy, openness of the press, pluralism, and minority rights. But Im very, very bullish on the United States-India partnership. I have always been clear that the India-United States relationship has to be grounded on pluralism. It has to be grounded on minority rights. We have to condemn violence against any religious institutions. And we will continue to speak out for those values," he said. Speaking on the recent US ban on several Chinese companies, he emphasised on the need to be prudent. We invented semiconductor technology. We cant be giving the advanced designs, the advanced tools to China that they could then use that technology to build their navy, build their military. As it is, China has the leading amount of ships. So those are prudent export controls to make sure the more sensitive technology doesnt get to China. But Im very excited about the United States and Indias defence. We are doing a joint military exercise at Malabar. We are doing joint exercises with the navy, he said. When questioned about recent Khalistani protests in the US, Khanna appeared guarded. India is a sovereign country and I recognise the sovereignty of India, he said. On being pushed further, he added that the United States doesnt recognise any of these separatist movements. Asked about his India itinerary, Khanna said, We are meeting the head of the Western Naval Command. Thats very important for protection in the Arabian Sea. We are seeing military exercises. We are seeing Anand Mahindra, leaders of Reliance, leaders at IIT. And the highlight, of course, Amitabh Bachchan, who is an icon still around the world. And Anupam Kher whom we had the opportunity to meet and who is helping so many actors. Russian troops have become more active in the Kupiansk area. The occupants are trying to advance in the Kharkiv Region to pull back Ukrainian troops deployed in other parts of the front. ADVERTISIMENT Ukraine has strengthened its defense in the Kupiansk direction in response. This is the subject of a new analytical publication by the US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Russia has intensified terror in the Kupiansk direction in the past few weeks. According to analysts, Russian troops are intensifying their offensive in the Kharkiv region to pull back Ukrainian troops engaged in more operationally important parts of the front. The Ukrainian Armed Forces responded to the intensification of the invaders in the Kharkiv region by strengthening their defenses, the speaker of the Eastern Group of Forces Serhiy Cherevaty said. According to analysts, this may indicate that the Russian command's calculations were justified to a certain extent and the occupants managed to pull additional Ukrainian forces to the area. ADVERTISIMENT The Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine Anna Maliar said that the Russian troops are trying to break through the defense of the AFU in Kupiansk direction a few days ago. The enemy has formed an offensive group and is trying to move forward. It is unsuccessful by far. A mandatory evacuation in the Kupiansk district of the Kharkiv region began on August 10. The civilian population from 37 frontline settlements will be moved to safer regions of Ukraine. The reason for such a decision was the intensification of shelling of villages and towns, as well as the security situation in the region. Only verified information from us in Telegram channel Obozrevatel and Viber . Do not fall for fakes! A mother of three kids usually has her hands full, and 35-year-old Elisabeth Anderson-Sierra is no exception. But as the Guinness World Record holder for largest breast milk donation, she also spends much of her time attached to a breast pump. Based in Aloha, Oregon, Anderson-Sierra donated an astounding 1,600 liters of her breast milk between February 2015 and June 2018. That's equivalent to 800 2-liter bottles of Coke, and it's just part of what she's pumped over a nine-year period. She estimates she has donated 350,000 ounces of milk over the years, and that it's been used by premature babies in neonatal units worldwide. For anyone who finds her productivity amazing, Anderson-Sierra agrees. "The overall [total] kind of blows my mind," she tells KGW . Her staggering output is the result of a condition called hyperlactation syndrome. "My body creates a significant amount of the hormone called prolactin, which drives milk production," Anderson-Sierra explains, per USA Today. Doctors told her a double mastectomy was likely her best treatment option; she elected instead to double down on production, using the disorder to her advantage. She says she spends as many as five hours a day pumping almost two gallons of milk. Over that nine-year period, she says she has spent 958 days pumping. In an "as told to" essay for Insider, Anderson-Sierra elaborated on her motivations for putting her lactation disorder to good use, saying, "You can't donate blood when you're pregnant, and I wanted to help other mamas who'd given birth and were struggling to give their babies breast milk." But she admitted the commitment is tough enough to reconsider the possibility of getting a mastectomy, saying, "I feel like I've exhausted the other medical routes. It's hard to wrap my head around, though. If I do have the surgery, it will be a while after I've stopped nursing [her son] Benjamin. In the meantime, I'll keep donating my milk." (Read more breastfeeding stories.) Russia thwarted an attack by 20 Ukrainian drones targeting Moscow-annexed Crimea overnight, the Russian Defense Ministry said Saturday. Fourteen drones were shot down by Russian air defenses and a further six were jammed electronically, the ministry said in a Telegram post. No casualties or damage were reported, per the AP . Kyiv officials neither confirmed nor denied Ukraine's involvement in the attacks. The overnight attacks followed three consecutive days of drone attacks on the Russian capital of Moscow. Firing drones at Russia, after more than 17 months of war, has little apparent military value for Ukraine, but the strategy has served to unsettle Russians and bring home to them the conflict's consequences. Drone attacks have increased in recent weeks both on Moscow and on Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014a move that most of the world considered illegal. Elsewhere, Russia claimed Saturday it had regained control of the village of Urozhaine in Ukraine's easternmost Luhansk region in an overnight counterattack. A 73-year-old woman was killed early Saturday morning in Russian shelling of Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv region, according to regional Gov. Oleh Syniehubov. Ihor Klymenko, Ukraine's internal affairs minister, said a police officer was killed and 12 people wounded when a guided Russian aerial bomb hit the city of Orikhiv in Ukraine's partially occupied southern Zaporizhzhia region. Four of the wounded were also police officers, he said. Local officials said explosions rang out Saturday morning in the central Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's hometown, but that there were no known casualties. On Ukraine's Black Sea coast, the city of Odesa opened several beaches for the first time since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Odesa Gov. Oleh Kiper said that six beaches were open, but he stressed that accessing beaches during air raid alerts was forbidden. The strategic port and key hub for exporting grain has been subject to repeated missile and drone attacksparticularly since Moscow canceled a landmark grain deal last month amid Kyiv's grinding efforts to retake its occupied territorieswhile Russian mines have regularly washed up on the city's beaches. (Read more Russia-Ukraine war stories.) A 3-year-old traveling on a bus of asylum-seekers headed from Texas to Chicago died before reaching that destination. ABC News reports that confirmation of the child's death came via a spokesperson for the Illinois Department of Public Health, who noted the agency is working with local and state law enforcement, as well as federal authorities, "to the fullest extent possible to get answers in this tragic situation." Citing the Chicago Tribune, the Texas Tribune reports that the child died on Thursday as the bus approached Chicago. Per the Texas Division of Emergency Management, the bus pulled over as soon as it became clear the child's health was going south, and an ambulance was alerted. According to a statement cited by ABC, the parents had to communicate with paramedics through "bilingual security personnel." The child was brought to a nearby hospital, where they died. There's been no word on the child's gender or nationality, or what illness they'd suffered from. The Texas agency says that all of the passengers on the bus had been processed by US Customs and Border Protection and the city of Brownsville, which the AP notes was the city the bus had originally departed from. TDEM says that the screening at the border had included a medical checkup and that the passengers' temperatures had been taken before the trip. "Each bus is stocked with food and water, which are distributed on board," according to an agency statement. State officials also say that the passengers in this case were willingly traveling to Chicago and had signed consent paperwork. The AP reports that more than 30,000 migrants have been bused out of Texas to Democratic-run cities across the US since April 2022, when the busing program was launched as part of Gov. Greg Abbott's Operation Lone Star. Close to 5,000 migrants have been bused to Chicago alone this year, Abbott recently announced. Abbott himself hasn't commented on the death of the 3-year-old, but on Thursday he posted on X, formerly known as Twitter: "We will continue busing migrants to sanctuary cities until Biden does his job & secures the border." Democratic US Rep. Henry Cuellar, who represents a Texas district abutting the border with Mexico, put Abbott on blast over the development. "You can't use the migrants as political pawns," Cuellar said, per the AP. "You still got to be accountable to taking care of them, especially if you're transporting kids." (Read more migrants stories.) Police officers and sheriff's deputies raided the offices of a Kansas newspaper on Friday, taking computers and cellphones, apparently in response to a confidential source providing documents to the paper's staff. The officers seized "everything we have," said Eric Meyer, owner and publisher of the Marion County Record . The message of the raid was clear, Meyer said, per the Kansas Reflector : "Mind your own business or we're going to step on you." With the equipment gone, Meyer said he's not sure how the weekly's staff will be able to send the next edition to press on Tuesday night. The Record had received information about Kari Newell, a restaurant owner, having been convicted of drunken driving and continuing to drive without a license. Its reporters were expelled from a public session with Republican US Rep. Jake LaTurner, though he had invited them, by Newell last week, which the Record published a story about here. The officers brought a search warrant with them for the raid, which involved the City of Marion's entire police force, but it seems to be in violation of federal lawwhich requires law enforcement officers to subpoena materials, not just seize them. The magistrate judge who signed the warrant did not answer a request by the Reflector for comment. Nor did the police chief immediately respond to a request by Courthouse News Service. Police went to Meyer's home at the same time with the warrant, which lists allegations of identity theft and unlawful use of a computer. The executive director of the Kansas Press Association said the police raid is unprecedented in the state. "An attack on a newspaper office through an illegal search is not just an infringement on the rights of journalists but an assault on the very foundation of democracy and the public's right to know," Emily Bradbury said. "This cannot be allowed to stand." Meyer, whose journalism career has included nearly a half-century at the Milwaukee Journal and the University of Illinois, said he's never heard of such a raid. "It's going to have a chilling effect on us even tackling issues," he said, and "a chilling effect on people giving us information." (Read more journalism stories.) The Pentagon is developing plans to restructure the National Guard in Washington, DC, in a move to address problems highlighted by the chaotic response to the Jan. 6 riot and safety breaches during the 2020 protests over the murder of George Floyd, the AP reports. The changes under discussion would transfer the District of Columbia's aviation units, which came under sharp criticism during the protests when a helicopter flew dangerously low over a crowd. In exchange, the District would get more military police, which is often the city's most significant need, as it grapples with crowd control and large public events. A key sticking point is who would be in control of the DC Guarda politically divisive question that gets to the heart of what has been a turbulent issue. Across the country, governors control their National Guard units and can make decisions on deploying them to local disasters and other needs. But DC is not a state, so the president is in charge but gives that authority to the defense secretary, who generally delegates it to the Army secretary. Several current and former officials familiar with the talks spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations. They said no final decisions have been made. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is weighing two options, officials said: maintaining the current system or handing control to US Northern Command, which is in charge of homeland defense. Senior officials have argued in favor of Northern Command, which would take control out of the hands of political appointees in Washington who may be at odds with the DC government, and giving it to nonpartisan military commanders who already oversee homeland defense. Others believe the decision-making should remain at the Pentagon, mirroring the civilian control that governors have on their troops, per the AP. The overall goal, officials said, is not to decrease the size of the District's Guard, but make changes to ensure it has the units, equipment and training to do the missions it routinely faces. DC Mayor Muriel Bowser and other local officials have long argued that the mayor's office should have sole authority to deploy the local guard, saying the DC mayor has the responsibilities of any governor without the extra authorities or tools. When faced with a potential security event, the mayor has to go to the Pentagon to request National Guard assistance. That was true during the violent protests over the killing of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer in 2020, and later as a mob stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in an effort to overturn the election of Joe Biden as president. City leaders complained heatedly about delays in the Jan. 6 response as the Pentagon considered Bowser's National Guard request. City police ended up reinforcing Capitol Police. (Read more Washington, DC stories.) Sorry! This content is not available in your region In Kerch, for the second time on 12 August, explosions were heard near the Crimean Bridge. Eyewitnesses report at least eight explosions. ADVERTISIMENT Traffic across the bridge is again blocked, according to Crimean and Russian publics. The occupiers reported another, the third missile shot down in a day. Crimean publics, followed by Russian propagandists, started reporting about the explosions near the Crimean bridge around 3pm. While Russian propagandists reported two explosions, local residents claimed that there were at least eight. Russian air defence systems can be heard in Kerch. The invaders also put up a "smoke screen" again. ADVERTISIMENT ADVERTISIMENT Already at 15:19, the occupiers' appointed "head of the government of Crimea" Sergei Aksyonov reported on another "success" of Russian air defence. Unlike the first "round" of today's attack, when he claimed two allegedly downed missiles, this time the spokesman limited himself to one. "Another enemy missile was shot down over the Kerch Strait. Thanks to our air defence forces for their high professionalism and vigilance!" - said the traitor. ADVERTISIMENT At the same time, as already mentioned, local residents spoke of at least eight explosions. The Russian Ministry of Defence stated that the explosions were allegedly related to an attack by the 'Kyiv regime' with an S-200 missile converted into a strike version. They made a similar statement during the first wave of explosions. "On 12 August, at approximately 15.00, the Kyiv regime made a new attempt to launch a terrorist attack on the Crimean bridge with an S-200 anti-aircraft guided missile converted into a strike version. The Ukrainian missile was detected and shot down in midair by Russian air defence systems. There was no damage or casualties," the occupiers said. ADVERTISIMENT The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the aggressor state has already issued threats against Ukraine. "The Crimean bridge is a purely civilian infrastructure facility, and attacks on it are unacceptable. There can be no justification for such barbaric actions, and they will not go unanswered," said Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova. Pro-Russian Crimeans and tourists from the Russian Federation are so proud of the "Russian air defence" that they boast about it in their photos and videos. "What's this? These are the coordinates of the air defence complex," noted the Crimean wind channel. Occupants detain a man for "filming air defence operations" ADVERTISIMENT After 16 hours, the occupiers announced the resumption of traffic across the Crimean Bridge. We would like to remind you that around 1pm on 12 August, explosions were heard in Kerch. Then, according to Aksyonov, two missiles were allegedly shot down. According to him, the bridge was not damaged. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on our Obozrevatel Telegram channel, Threads and Viber. Don't fall for fakes! On Dec. 24, 2007, Sergej Michauds platoon was hit by an improvised explosive device as they were driving through the streets of west Baghdad in a Humvee convoy. Michaud served on three tours in Iraq during his 9-year enlistment in the U.S. Army from 2003-2012. He found out hed be awarded the Purple Heart as he was laying in his hospital bed at the Baghdad international Airport Clinic. Michaud currently serves as the manager of the Central Processing Facility for the Department of Human Services-Military Personnel Division, U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz, at Kleber Kaserne in Kaiserslautern, Germany. Fairbanks, AK (99701) Today Periods of rain. Low 49F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch.. Tonight Periods of rain. Low 49F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch. A shrinking population, fewer foreign students, falling government support and greater overseas opportunities pose serious challenges for tertiary education in Japan. Japanese universities are slipping down the rankings of the world's top academic institutions, with many struggling to secure research funding. Fewer international students are choosing Japan for their education, and the number of doctoral students is also falling. In many cases, Japanese universities are being overtaken by rivals in China, South Korea and Singapore. Population slumping There are a total of 780 universities, colleges and vocational schools in Japan, with 2.93 million students enrolled as of 2022. The total number of students has been virtually unchanged for the last decade, but is likely to start declining in the near future. There were 2.05 million 18-year-olds in Japan in 1992 but a mere 1.12 million in 2022. Just as worrying as a shrinking pool of potential students is the reputation of Japanese universities on the world stage. ...continue reading More than 30 military clashes between the Defense Forces and Russian occupation troops took place on the front in Ukraine over the past 24 hours. Our defenders continue to hold back the invaders' offensive in the Bakhmut, Avdiivka, Kupiansk, Marinka and Shakhtar directions. ADVERTISIMENT The counter-offensive of the Ukrainian forces continues in Melitopol and Berdiansk directions. This is stated in the morning summary of the General Staff of the AFU on Facebook on August 12. Russian shelling and the situation on the frontline The Russian Federation carried out another air strike with Iranian Shahed-136/131 kamikaze UAVs on Ukraine at night. Information about the consequences of this terrorist attack is being specified. The Russian occupants also carried out 5 missile, 31 air and 49 MLRS strikes on the positions of our troops and settlements during the day. Unfortunately, as a result of the Russian terrorist attacks, there are dead and wounded among the civilian population, including children. Residential houses and other civilian infrastructure have been destroyed. The enemy fired mortars and artillery at more than 20 settlements in the Siversk and Slobozhansk directions, including Klyusy in Chernihiv region; Seredyna-Buda, Miropillia, Uhroidy in Sumy region and Okyp, Veterynarne, Strilka, Hatyshche, Vovchanski Khutory and Okhrymivka in Kharkiv region. ADVERTISIMENT The enemy conducted unsuccessful offensive actions in the area of Synkivka and Ivanivka, Kharkiv region in the Kupiansk direction. The enemy launched air strikes in the areas of Kyslivka and Pervomaiske in the Kharkiv region. More than 15 settlements, including Kupiansk, Shyikivka in Chernihiv region and Proletarske in Kharkiv region, were subjected to artillery and mortar shelling by the enemy. The enemy launched air strikes in the areas of Nevske, Bilohorivka in the Luhansk region and Vesele, Zaliznianske and Klishchiivka in the Donetsk region in the Lyman direction. More than 25 settlements were subjected to enemy artillery shelling, including Nevske, Dibrova and Bilohorivka in the Luansk region and Siversk, Verkhniokamianka, Spirne, Vyimka, Rozdolivka in the Donetsk region. The enemy conducted unsuccessful offensive actions in the areas of Bohdanivka, Klischiivka and Bila Hora in the Donetsk region. More than 20 settlements, including Chasiv Yar, Bila Hora, Oleksandro-Shultyne, Toretsk, Zalizne and New York in the Donetsk region were hit by enemy artillery shelling. ADVERTISIMENT Our defenders continue to hold back the Russian troops' offensive near Avdiivka, Donetsk region in the Avdiivka direction under dense fire. More than 10 settlements, including Novobakhmutovka, Stepne, Avdiivka, Pivnichne, Pervomaiske and Nevelske in the Donetsk region, were subjected to artillery shelling. The defense forces continue to hold back the offensive of the Russian troops near the town of Marinka in the Donetsk region in the Marinka direction. The enemy launched air strikes in the areas of Krasnohorivka, Marinka, and Novomykhailivka in the Donetsk region. More than 10 settlements, including Krasnohorivka, Marinka, Maksimilianivka, Paraskoviivka, Novomykhailivka and Yelizavetivka in the Donetsk region, were subjected to artillery shelling. The enemy made unsuccessful attempts to restore the lost position in the area of Urozhaine, Donetsk region in the Shakhtar direction. The enemy launched an air strike near Staromaiorske, Donetsk region. Vodiane, Uhledar, Bohoyavlinka, Prechistovka, Zolotaya Niva and Blagodatnoye in Donetsk region were subjected to artillery shelling. ADVERTISIMENT The enemy launched air strikes in the areas of Novodanylivka and Orikhiv in the Zaporizhzhia region. More than 20 settlements, including Lobkove, Piatyhatky, Kamianske and Plavni in the Zaporizhzhia region, were subjected to artillery shelling. More than 25 settlements were subjected to artillery shelling, among them Beryslav, Tokarivka, Antonivka, Komyshany, Kizomys in the Kherson region and the city of Kherson; Kutsurub, Ochakiv in the Mykolaiv region in the Kherson direction. Losses of the occupants in the war for 24 hours Aviation of the defense forces made 1 strike on the area of concentration of personnel, weapons and military equipment of the enemy. Our defenders destroyed 4 reconnaissance UAVs of operational-tactical level. Units of rocket troops and artillery destroyed 1 Strela anti-aircraft missile system of the enemy during the day as well. ADVERTISIMENT According to the General Staff, the occupants continue to use civilian educational institutions of the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine for their own purposes. In particular, a school building in the locality of Pivdenne in Luhansk Region is being used for military purposes. Currently, residents are not allowed to enter the institution. At the same time, the Russians have set up a hospital for their occupation troops on the territory of a kindergarten located in the northern part of the city of Tokmak, Zaporizhzhia. ADVERTISIMENT The news is being updated. , Aug 13 ( News On Japan ) - Many Japanese people moved to the Philippines before World War II and engaged in activities such as hemp cultivation. At its peak, there were 30,000 Japanese immigrants. Many of them married local Filipino women, formed families, and established communities in various regions. However, with the start of the war between Japan and the United States, Japanese residents in the Philippines were coerced into cooperating with the Japanese military. Teruaki Carlos (92) lost his mother, siblings, and his elder brother was executed on suspicion of being a spy by the Japanese military. His other brother was killed by Filipino guerrillas. After the war, second-generation Japanese residents faced further hardships. Amidst strong anti-Japanese sentiments, they had to live discreetly, and due to the provision that children belonged to their fathers' nationality, they ended up living as "stateless" individuals. Although this reality remained largely unknown for a long time, the second-generation individuals, now elderly, have begun to demand the "restoration of Japanese nationality." However, due to factors like lost documents in the war, gathering "evidence" of parent-child relationships remains challenging. For the Morine sisters living on a small island in the Philippines, progress has been made in the restoration of their Japanese nationality. Records were found of their father traveling from Okinawa to the Philippines. If they can locate relatives and acquaintances to testify, it will become significant evidence for applying for nationality restoration in Japanese courts, TV Asahi reports. Ukrainian troops made a tactically significant advance in the western part of the Zaporizhzhia region over the past 24 hours on August 11. They are now on the northern outskirts of the village of Robotyno. The Russian occupiers are forced to redeploy their personnel in this area. Thus, their defenses may weaken. ADVERTISIMENT This is stated in the analysis of the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW). It is noted that counter-offensive operations of the Defense Forces continue in three directions of the front: Bakhmut, Berdiansk (the area of the border between Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions) and Melitopol (west of Zaporizhzhia region). Analysts noted that geolocation footage released on August 11 confirms that Ukrainian forces have reached the northern edge of the village of Robotyno, 10 kilometers south of Orikhiv in the western Zaporizhzhya region, although the permanence and extent of these positions are now unclear. Ukrainian operations have been aimed at weakening Russian defenses in this area over the past week. ADVERTISIMENT Geolocation footage published on August 11 shows Ukrainian forces advancing toward Urozhaine, which is 9 kilometers south of Velyka Novosilka along the Donetsk-Zaporizhzhia region border. Russian military bloggers claimed that Ukrainian forces pushed back Russian forces to the settlement on August 10 and 11. Analysts are convinced that the Defense Forces' counteroffensive is likely forcing the Russian military to redeploy its personnel in the western part of the Zaporizhzhia region, indicating that the Ukrainian actions could weaken the Russian defenses significantly. To reinforce this section of the front, units of the 7th Guards Airborne Division (VDV), which are now engaged in fierce fighting near Robotyne, have been redeployed from the left bank of the Kherson region. Units of the Vostok Akhmat battalion, controlled by Chechen head Ramzan Kadyrov, have also arrived there. ADVERTISIMENT The transfer of these units to this area is the first explicit introduction of new Russian formations. The main forces here have been units of the 42nd Motorized Rifle Division, the 58th General Army (Southern Military District) with elements of the 22nd and 45th Independent Guards (Main Directorate of the Russian General Staff), as well as the 810th Marine Brigade (Black Sea Fleet) since the beginning of the Ukrainian counter-offensive. At the same time, there is no rotation for the main Russian forces with the arrival of reinforcements. "The lack of Russian operational reserves means that Russian commanders will have to make additional lateral redeployments if they want to reinforce certain sections of the front in the future," ISW said. ADVERTISIMENT As reported by OBOZREVATEL: - The Pentagon assessed the tactics of the AFU offensive, calling the Ukrainian defenders being able to drive the occupiers into the defense a miracle, "given the state of the Ukrainian army at the time of the invasion." A representative of the US Defense Ministry assured that the USA intends to support Ukraine in the future so that it could regain its territories; - The Ukrainian Defense Ministry reported that the occupants in the east concentrated their efforts in the Kupiansk direction, unsuccessfully trying to break through the defenses and enter Kupiansk. The AFU continue their offensive in Melitopol and Berdiansk directions in the south, they had partial success in the direction of Urozhaine, Pryutne and Verbove. Only verified information from us in Telegram-channel Obozrevatel and in Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Former Big Brother Naija housemate, Tacha Akide has lambasted the BBNaija All Stars housemate, Seyi Awolowo for advising Frodd not to inform other housemates that his wife gave birth. Recall that Frodds wife welcomed their baby girl on Friday. Frodd and his wife, Chioma had announced that they were expecting a child shortly before he joined the reality show. However, after Big Brother informed Frodd of the good news at the Diary session, he informed Seyi who congratulated him. In his emotional state, he wanted to inform Angel but Seyi advised him not to. Seyi had said, Dont tell them. Reacting, Tacha in a tweet said Seyi is evil-spirited. Just see person wey Dey call me evil spirit. This man just became a father. Its good news he should fu*king share it, you evil-spirited grandson, she added. The military high command has frowned on comments requesting the Armed Forces to interfere in the democratic process of the country. Recent allegations of poor welfare among troops across the services had prompted the comment online. However, the Defence Headquarters in a statement on Friday night by the Director, Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau described the request as wicked and unpatriotic. It partly read, The Defence Headquarters frown at a report being circulated online about welfare issues in the Armed Forces of Nigeria. The reports call on the military to interfere in our democracy is highly unpatriotic, wicked, and an attempt to distract the Armed Forces of Nigeria from performing its constitutional responsibilities. He added that the DHQ does not joke with the welfare of its personnel, warning that the military should not be instigated against the system of government in place in the country. Gusau stressed that the military was happy and better under a democratic system of government. He said, While the leadership of the AFN gives priority to the welfare of its personnel, however, we detest any attempt by any individual or group to instigate the law-abiding Armed Forces of Nigeria to embark on any unconstitutional change of government in our country. We wish to state unequivocally that the military is happy and better under democracy and will not get involved in any act to sabotage the hard-earned democracy in our country. He said the military under the leadership of Chief Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa is loyal to the president and the constitution of Nigeria. The AFN under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, General CG Musa is determined to ensure complete subordination of the Armed Forces to constitutional authority under His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not be distracted from its roles that are well defined in the 1999 constitution (as amended), the statement added. Elon Musk said Friday that his much-hyped cage fight with Mark Zuckerberg would take place in Italy, as authorities there confirmed talks about hosting a great charity event. While any showdown between the two tech titans has yet to be officially confirmed, Musk said on his X social media platform formerly known as Twitter that arrangements were advancing. I spoke to the PM of Italy and Minister of Culture, Musk wrote, referring to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. They have agreed on an epic location. Meta chief Zuckerberg responded on his Threads social network, posting a photo of himself shirtless and pinning down an opponent in his backyard octagon. A martial arts enthusiast who has taken part in jiujitsu competitions, Zuckerberg said, I love this sport and Ive been ready to fight since the day Elon challenged me. If he ever agrees on an actual date, youll hear it from me. Until then, please assume anything he says has not been agreed on. Italian Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano confirmed speaking to Musk about how to organize a great charity event evoking history but said any match will not be held in Rome. Musk apparently hopes the fight would take place in the ancient Colosseum, a UNESCO World Heritage site, posting about the idea in late June. In a statement, Sangiuliano said any event with Musk would raise a huge sum, many millions of euros, (that) will be donated to two important Italian pediatric hospitals. It will also be an opportunity to promote our history and our archaeological, artistic and cultural heritage on a global scale, he said. Musk meanwhile said everything done will pay respect to the past and present of Italy and that proceeds will go to veterans. He said the cage match would be managed by foundations run by himself and Zuckerberg and not by UFC, the Las Vegas-based mixed martial arts promoter. UFC boss Dana White, still seeking participation in the event, told Mike Tysons podcast this week that he believed the fight would generate $1 billion in revenue. Zuckerberg said in his Threads post that he would want to work with a professional organization such as the UFC to create a line-up that spotlights elite athletes in the sport. The two tech tycoons, who have occasionally jousted from afar, became direct competitors after Zuckerbergs Meta launched its Twitter-like Threads platform in early July. In a slightly frivolous aside, Musk later Friday posted a phrase in Latin that translates as it is delightful to play the fool occasionally. Musk did not mention a date for the proposed fight, but said he may need to undergo minor surgery to resolve a problem with my right shoulder blade rubbing against my ribs. Recovery will only take a few months, he added. The worlds richest person has a titanium plate holding two vertebrae together but said Friday it is currently not an issue. Public affairs commentator, Deji Adeyanju, has mocked former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai after his reported withdrawal from President Bola Ahmed Tinubus ministerial nomination. Recall that the Senate had withheld El-Rufais confirmation and those of two others, citing security reports from the Department of State Services. As a result, El-Rufai was said to have informed President Tinubu of his decision to let go of his ministerial slot, suggesting a replacement. Reacting, Adeyanju said it would make sense if El-Rufai joined Peter Obis Labour Party to contest in 2027. He said the former FCT Minister should contest with Obi, saying a combined ticket of the two would be like a union made in heaven. According to him, he would meet fellow religious bigots the moment he defects to the Labour Party. But it will make a lot of sense if elRufai joins Labour Party. He will meet his fellow religious bigot there, and they can both run as presidential and VP candidates in 2027. They will fight their religious war together. Peter/El-Rufai 2027 ticket will be a strong one. A union made in Heaven. They both have bigotry and betrayal running in their DNA, he tweeted on Friday. The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has described the collapse of parts of the Zaria Central Mosque which led to the death of some persons as disheartening and devastating. Speaker Abbas, who represents Zaria Federal Constituency of Kaduna State, said he received the news of the unfortunate incident with shock, saying he was pained by the death and injury sustained in the mishap. In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, the Speaker said his heart bleeds saying this is the most heartrending news he had received in recent times. Speaker Abbas Teejay who expressed sadness and sorrow over the loss of lives, prayed for the repose of their souls and quick rocery to the injured. He said, My heart bleeds over the unfortunate incident that happened at the Zaria Central Mosque on Friday, August 11, 2023, during the Asr prayer, when parts of the mosque collapsed, leading to the death of some of my constituents. It is disheartening and devastating that people who went to worship Allah lost their lives in that manner. I pray that Allah (SWT) will grant them eternal rest and reward them with Jannatul Firdaus. My thoughts and prayers are with their families and those that sustained injuries during the incident. I send my heartfelt condolences to the Emir of Zazzau, His Royal Highness, Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, my constituents the people of Zaria and indeed the entire people of Kaduna State as well as the Kaduna State Government over the unfortunate incident. I pray that Allah (SWT) gives the families of those that lost their lives the fortitude to bear the losses and for the quick recovery of those that sustained injuries during the incident. He urged the relevant authorities in Kaduna State to investigate the circumstances that led to the collapse of the parts of the Zaria Central Mosque with a view to forestalling future occurrences anywhere in the state. Russian terrorists shelled the Kupiansk-Vuzlovyi settlement in the Kupiansk district of the Kharkiv region on the morning of August 12. As a result of the attack, a 73-year-old woman was killed. ADVERTISIMENT This was reported by the Head of the Kharkiv RMA Oleh Synehubov in his Telegram. According to him, a residential house was damaged. It is noted that the dead woman was on the street near her home. Emergency services are working on the site. As the RMA head noted, several settlements in Bohodukhiv, Kharkiv, Chuhuiv, Izium and Kupiansk districts were shelled at night, including Kupiansk, Petropavlivka, Novoosynove, Strilka, Vovchanski Khutory, Cherneshchyna and others. The Russians fired artillery, mortars and other weapons. The shelling damaged residential houses and outbuildings. ADVERTISIMENT Sinehubov reminded about a mandatory evacuation of the population from settlements that are located near the front line in the Kupiansk district of the Kharkiv region. 63 residents (9 children among them) have been evacuated to safer places. Evacuation takes place in a planned manner, along certain safe routes ADVERTISIMENT 523 children remain in Kypianks. RMA is thinking about their mandatory evacuation. About 12 thousand people live in the city and nearby settlements. As reported by OBOZREVATEL: - The Russians hit the settlement of Yelizavetivka in the Pokrovsky district of Donetsk region on August 11. As a result, a 70-year-old woman was killed; - Russian occupants attacked Ukrainian police officers from a drone in Beryslav, Kherson region on the same day. Two law enforcers were injured. Only verified information from us in Telegram channel Obozrevatel and in Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Russia has issued a warning to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) over planned military intervention in the ongoing political tension in Niger Republic. Russia warned that such action could escalate the criss. Leaders of ECOWAS member states on Thursday, resolved to deploy a standby force in a bid to restore constitutional democracy to Niger and reinstate ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. ECOWAS chairperson, President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria, made it clear that no option is off the table, including the use of force as a last resort. Russia, however, says a military solution could lead to a protracted confrontation. We believe that a military solution to the crisis in Niger could lead to a protracted confrontation in that African country, and to a sharp destabilisation of the situation in the Sahara-Sahel region as a whole, the Russian foreign ministry said. Omoniyi Boluwatife, a graduate of nursing science at Lead City University, has been found dead after leaving a nightclub in Ibadan, Oyo state capital. Boluwatife was said to have visited Copacapana Lounge on Wednesday night. Her lifeless body was, however, discovered on the street the following morning with her stomach reportedly cut open and her womb removed. She was said to have been killed on the same day of her induction into the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria. God have mercy! How careful can we be??! Viewer discretion is advised!!!! https://t.co/PK8MsVSX2G pic.twitter.com/7uwRU6Gyaw Peace Ighodaro (@peace_igho) August 10, 2023 And I saw her mummy just came for her nursing induction they celebrated Iremide (@adewoyeangel) August 10, 2023 In a statement via Instagram, the management of the nightclub said the incident did not happen within their premise. The club authorities said the police have commenced an investigation, adding that they expect justice to be served. It saddens our heart to hear about the tragic events that happened to some customers after leaving our facility, the statement reads. However, as a nightclub, we cannot take responsibility for incidents that occur outside our premises. Although our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. It is important to clarify that the incident did not happen in our facility and neither was anyone trailed from our facility. The appropriate authority are on top of the situation and we believe that justice will be served at the end of their investigation. Attempts to reach Adewale Osifeso, the Oyo police public relations officer, to speak on the matter proved abortive. Calls and messages put to his telephone number were unanswered as of the time of this report. The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has reacted to reports that he consults some demons at Redemption camp before mounting the altar to preach and prophesy to his members. Adeboye on Friday said his attention was drawn to some publications on the internet where some so-called prophets, clerics and groups of persons made the allegation. Addressing the allegation at the ongoing August Holy Ghost convention, Adeboye urged the congregation to pray that he dies before sunrise if he is guilty. He said he would not mind people spreading such rumours but while he was praying for the convention, it occurred to him that even some of his members may have believed the rumours spreading like wildfire. In a bid to end the rumours, the fiery cleric said, I want you to say this prayer, If Pastor Adeboye has any links with any demonic powers, let him die before the sun rises. But if he is using your power, multiply the powers by seven folds. he added. Senator Abdul Ningi says some lawmakers have gotten N2m as recess allowance even though he is yet to see his own. In a recent video clip, Senate President Godswill Akpabio was heard telling the Senators to expect a token to enable them to enjoy their recess. In order to enable all of us to enjoy our holidays, a token has been sent to our various accounts by the Clerk of the National Assembly, Akpabio said just as the lawmakers finished the ministerial screening. Expectedly, the comment, which the lawmaker later withdrew, has caused debates online. Days after Akpabios remark, Senator Ningi of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) confirmed that some lawmakers have gotten an allowance as earlier hinted. Nothing has come to my account yet. I heard that some people got N2m but for me, nothing yet. Hopefully [I would get], when they tidy up things, he said on Channels Televisions Politics Today Friday. He, however, faulted Senator Akpabios comment, describing it as unprecedented. Some of these things, if they happen, you dont broadcast it the way he did, the lawmaker added. I think it is a huge embarrassment to the Senate President as a person and to the institution of the National Assembly. The Senate President should have gone further to say what the allowances are for. How did he come about the allowances? Who gave the allowances? Is it part of the remuneration? Senator Ningi admitted that people are bitter about the comment and he finds it difficult to take just like many Nigerians. I dont know what N2m would do for a holiday. I find it very difficult to understand what this money is for, the Bauchi Central lawmaker noted. According to him, when the senators return to work, they need to know what the money is for since the lawmakers do not get recess allowance. A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dele Momodu, has faulted President Bola Tinubus ministerial team. Momodu said Tinubus ministerial list was worst than his predecessor, ex-President Muhammadu Buharis team. This was as he disclosed that some of Tinubus ministers are unknown unlike what was obtainable in the past. He disclosed this while featuring on the latest edition of a Podcast, Mic On. Momodu noted that former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai was an original version of himself when he was a minister under PDP. According to Momodu: Every leader has what it takes to be a good resident if he has good advisers and listens to them. Its just like a journalist without corrections, he will always carry fake news. For any leader to succeed, he must look at his team and what Im seeing now is worst than Buharis team. What I expected was a star-studded cabinet, I like to recall myself with sweet memories of Ibrahim Babangidas cabinet in those days. We remember them till today, most of the people appointed now, I dont know them. Under Babangida, I remember Akinyele, Bolaji Akinyemi, Bolasodun Ajibola, Tai Solarin, Wole Soyinka. You cant say that today, somebody is on her way to screen you remove her, thats disgraceful, it means you didnt do your due diligence before appointing people. In the days of Okonjo-Iweala, Ezekwesili, Nubu Ribadu, original El-Rufai when he was a minister under PDP was original El-Rufai. United Nations, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has expressed concern over the deteriorating conditions in which the Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum, his wife and his son have been detained. UN Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, Mr Farhan Haq, said this at a news conference in New York on Friday. President Bazoum and his family are believed to be living without electricity, water, food or medicine, according to media reports. The democratically elected leader has been detained since soldiers seized power on July 26. Further to what the Secretary-General has said about his concerns for President Mohamed Bazoum of Niger, he is extremely concerned about their rapidly deteriorating conditions. He said he had received credible reports that the conditions of detention could amount to inhuman and degrading treatment, in violation of international human rights law. And he added that those responsible for the detention of the president must ensure the full respect and protection of his human rights and of all others being held, Haq said. On Thursday, the secretary-general, Antonio Guterres, reiterated his concern for the health and safety of the president and his family. He once again called for his immediate and unconditional release and reinstatement as head of state. Guterres was also alarmed over continuing reports about the arrest of several members of the government and urgently called for their unconditional release. According to him, the UN supports mediation efforts by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) towards restoring constitutional order in Niger. A federal court judge has dismissed a lawsuit against Mountain Lake school officials in which a parent said his son had been discriminated against for being white. The case revolved around high school officials in the Morris County town informing students about anti-racism and white privilege shortly after the 2020 murder of George Floyd. In a suit filed in June 2022, the father, identified in court papers only as B.L., said school officials engaged in a campaign of open racial discrimination, forced a racial political ideology onto its students, and created a hostile educational environment for its students. Since February 2022, life has been upside down for Hanna Yedemska and her family. Yedemska was as a dentist back home in Ukraine when Russia invaded. She and her twins a boy and a girl fled the country for New Jersey, where her mother lives. Abducted by My Teacher: The Elizabeth Thomas Story is airing for the first time on Lifetime on Saturday, Aug. 12 at 8 p.m. You can watch the film on Philo (free trial). The Lifetime original movie tells the story of Tennessee native Elizabeth Thomas, who, at the age of 15, was abducted by her high school teacher Tad Cummins, causing a nationwide manhunt. Eventually, the two were discovered in a cabin in northern California. Thomas is played by Summer Howell, while Cummins is played by Michael Fishman. Heres the information youll need to watch a free live stream of Abducted by My Teacher: The Elizabeth Thomas Story online without cable. How to watch Abducted by My Teacher: The Elizabeth Thomas Story without cable If youre a cord-cutter or dont have cable, you can live stream Abducted by My Teacher: The Elizabeth Thomas Story on Philo (free trial) or DIRECTV Stream (free trial). When is Abducted by My Teacher: The Elizabeth Thomas Story on? Abducted by My Teacher: The Elizabeth Thomas Story premiered on Saturday, Aug. 12 at 8 p.m. on Lifetime. What channel is Lifetime? You can use the channel finder on your providers website to locate it: Verizon Fios, AT&T U-verse, Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum/Charter, Optimum/Altice, DIRECTV, Dish. How to watch Abducted by My Teacher: The Elizabeth Thomas Story online on-demand If you missed Abducted by My Teacher: The Elizabeth Thomas Story or want to watch the movie online when it becomes available, check out Philo (free trial) or DIRECTV Stream (free trial). What is Abducted by My Teacher: The Elizabeth Thomas Story about? According to the official Lifetime website: Elizabeth Thomas (Summer Howell) was just a 15-year-old high schooler who wanted to make friends when she caught the eye of Tad Cummins (Michael Fishman), a trusted, beloved and married high school teacher. Making her feel safe and loved, he groomed Elizabeth for months, and ultimately coerced her to go on the run with him after another student reported seeing him kiss Elizabeth. Heres a look at Abducted: The Carlina White Story, a true stolen-at-birth story, courtesy of the Lifetime official YouTube channel: Related stories about streaming TV services What is Sling TV and how does it work? Price, channels, live streaming info The best streaming services for live TV in 2023: Prices, features, free trials The best VPNs of 2023, according to reviews What is Philo? Price, TV channels, how to get a free trial How to watch Yellowstone, the hottest show on TV right now Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Joseph Rejent covers TV, writing about live television, streaming services and cord-cutting. He can be reached at jrejent@njadvancemedia.com. The Ukrainian authorities have made a promise to Western partners regarding German Taurus long-range missiles and US ATACMS missiles if they are handed over to the Defense Forces. Kyiv has promised that these weapons will be used only within our country. ADVERTISIMENT This was announced by the Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba on Friday, August 11 on Twitter. He urged partners not to delay in supplying the Ukrainian army with these missiles. He noted that the greater the range of missiles, the sooner the war started by the aggressor country Russia will end in Ukraine. "Long-range missiles turned out to be decisive. That is why Taurus and ATACMS are essential for Ukraine's success. We ask our partners to provide them as soon as possible. Both will be used exclusively inside our borders. The longer the range of the missile, the shorter the war," the Ukrainian minister wrote. ADVERTISIMENT As we know, Germany is still hesitant to transfer Taurus missiles with a range of up to 500 km to Ukraine, fearing that the Defense Forces may use them to strike Russian territory. The United States has the same fear regarding ATACMS missiles. Spiegel reported that the German government is considering supplying Taurus to Ukraine the day before. However, Berlin is against these weapons hitting Russian territory. Thus, the missiles may be specially modified. The publication suggested that Scholz will not approve the delivery of these missiles until he is sure that they will not be able to attack the aggressor country. As for ATACMS, The New York Times reported that the White House was continuing a "quiet debate" over whether to transfer them to Ukraine in July. The topic gained new urgency after France announced that it would transfer its counterpart to the British Storm Shadow SCALP missiles at the NATO summit in Vilnius. The administration of US President Joe Biden is still hesitant to take such a step. ADVERTISIMENT As is known, the range of ATACMS is from 165 to 310 km depending on the modification. As reported by OBOZREVATEL, members of the U.S. Congress support the transfer of ATACMS long-range missiles for multiple rocket launchers to Ukraine. They can reach a distance of 300 kilometers, which means that the AFU will be able to hit the Crimean Bridge and military facilities on the occupied peninsula. Only verified information from us in Telegram-channel Obozrevatel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! 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. The administration of US President Joe Biden has said that it is ready to ask Congress to allocate additional funds to help Ukraine if necessary. The volume of the new White House request for further support for Kyiv is justified by calculations. ADVERTISIMENT This was stated by the coordinator of the US National Security Council John Kirby at a briefing on Friday, August 11, Ukrinform reports. The US official said that it is difficult to predict how long the war started by Russia will last. He added that it would be irresponsible on Washington's part not to do everything possible to assess Ukraine's needs in the first quarter of the next fiscal year (after September 30, 2023) and submit a corresponding request to Congress. The administration had asked Congress for more than $20 billion in aid for Ukraine the day before. That amount is based on careful calculations. However, if it proves insufficient, the government will make efforts to secure additional funding. "We will not hesitate to go to Congress again if we feel we need to do so and ask for more after the first quarter or if we need to make changes to what we have already requested," Kirby added. ADVERTISIMENT Earlier US media wrote that Biden is asking Congress to provide Ukraine with more than $13 billion in emergency defense aid. The White House also asks to allocate an additional $8 billion in humanitarian aid by the end of the year. As reported by OBOZREVATEL, the United States announced the provision of a new package of military aid to Ukraine for $400 million at the end of July. It included additional ammunition for Patriot, NASAMS and HIMARS systems, as well as 32 Stryker armored personnel carriers. Only verified information from us in Telegram-channel Obozrevatel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! In the 20 years hes worked in kitchens, chef Gagah Alamsyah has cooked American food, Japanese cuisine, Italian and even German food at Jagerhaus, the former French Quarter schnitzel ratskeller. With the February opening of Island Bistro in Kenner, the eastern Java native is finally getting a place for food from his home country. Island Bistro is the first Indonesian restaurant in the New Orleans area, tucked away in a Kenner strip mall on Veterans Memorial Boulevard. Even when I went to culinary school for three years (in Java), we focused on international food, not our own countrys cuisine, Alamsyah says. Island Bistro Where 2401 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Kenner, (504) 667-3237; islandbistronola.com When lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat. How Dine-in Check it out Indonesian dishes from across the diverse nation The notion of having an Indonesian restaurant started with owner Elis Herman, with support from her husband and partner, Charles Wang. The only way I could eat really good Indonesian food was when my mom cooked for me, or if I was traveling to cities like L.A. or Philly, says Herman, who hails from Sumatra. Herman met Wang, a restaurant consultant, when she was working in hospitality in Pensacola, Florida. The pair married in 2004 and eventually moved to New Orleans. This is my dream, Herman says. I gave my moms recipes to chef Gagah. I want to show people what my countrys food is like. Alamsyah refined the popular dishes while maintaining Indonesian flavors. The restaurant quickly became a magnet for the Indonesian community in Kenner, Metairie and Slidell, as well as guests traveling from Biloxi, Mississippi, and Lafayette for the bold, well-seasoned flavors from dishes like beef rendang and coconut rice. Indonesian cuisine is shot through with spice and aromatics. The diverse country is made up of more than 17,000 islands and many different cultures and flavors. Generally, the cuisine is anchored by rice and rice noodles, informed by centuries of influences from traders traveling from India, the Middle East and East Asia. Religion informs some regional tastes, like an avoidance of beef in Hindu-influenced Bali and pork in places with large Islamic populations, like Sumatra. Island Bistro offers a variety of regional dishes. Our food has so much in common with other cultures, but we do our own particular version, says the chef, who grinds his own spices and curry blends. One popular starter is lumpia, a fried spring roll filled with shrimp, jicama, snap beans and shredded carrots. Roti canai is a flaky, rolled crepe-like bread, also popular in Malaysia, served with a potato-studded curry for dipping. Satay padeng, a west Sumatran favorite, is a grilled skewer of tender beef tongue thats been marinated overnight and has a tangy, soy flavor. Coconut rice is Indonesias national comfort food. Alamsyahs version of nasi uduk is habit-forming, and a range of dishes are served with rice steeped in coconut milk and aromatic spices. There is a spicy Indonesian-style deviled egg, peanuts stir fried with anchovies, fried tempeh, and tofu served with diced carrots, cucumbers and onions. Beef rendang is a slow-cooked, flavorful stew. Chef Hieu Than returns to the kitchen on Aug. 14 for Little Mao BBQ series at Mister Mao Hieu Than told us about the Little Mao BBQ, taking a break from professional kitchens, and what the restaurant industry needs right now. Fried chicken, called ayam goreng serundeng, has a caramelized crunchy coating fragrant with fried coconut and lime. Grilled pompano is treated to Balinese seasonings, with sambal pepper sauce on the side. A cornerstone of Indonesian cuisine, sambal is a spicy paste made with red or green chilis and flavored in myriad ways, with ingredients from fish sauce to lime, shallots or sweet soy sauce. Kew tiau goreng is a popular street-food dish made with flat rice noodles stir fried with vegetables, a protein of choice, Asian greens, plenty of garlic, and sweet soy sauce. Drunken noodles are a kissing cousin to the Thai version. For the less adventurous, theres a wagyu burger, a veal chop and seared scallops. Wang intends to apply for an alcohol license, but its not in place yet, and bringing your own is not permitted. In the meantime, there is sweet jasmine tea and an array of cold drinks. The compact dessert lists highlight is es cendol, or iced green jelly, a cooling dessert made with pearls of green pandan infused with rice flour and served with chilled coconut milk, shaved ice and palm sugar. Chef Alamsyah is thrilled to be cooking the food he grew up with. We are teaching our guests about Indonesian food, and they really love it, he says. Hieu Than was influenced by his grandmothers cooking, both in his native Vietnam and here in New Orleans. He eventually became interested in fine dining and worked at Gautreaus under chef Sue Zemanick. In 2015, he opened Kin as a fine dining restaurant and later pivoted to focus on ramen. He closed the restaurant during the pandemic. On Monday, Aug. 14, he is participating in the Little Mao BBQ series at Mister Mao. He and chef/owner Sophina Uong will prepare a special menu. The series continues through August. For more information, visit mistermaonola.com. Gambit: What will you do at the Little Mao BBQ dinner? Hieu Than: I want to do something that would remind me of my two grandmothers, one of whom is still with us. The one who passed basically babysat me when I was a child in Vietnam. She had these really red teeth. Stained that way. Thats the result of years of chewing betel leaves. Theres a dish that she made. Its a very common dish where they would take ground beef and some spices a bunch of warm spices like clove, anise, cardamom, a tiny bit of cinnamon and roll it in some betel leaves and grill it and serve it with a dipping sauce. It varies from region to region. The flavors are simple. I am going to use lamb instead of beef. Ill add some wine-soaked sultanas, and maybe some chopped up nuts. I am going to do something with sesame seeds. For me, its the nostalgia and being able to make food my grandmother made. Its to remember how we are connected to people and how we feed people. The other dish I am thinking about doing is fried catfish nuggets and chicken oysters. I want it to be a play on how things get lost in translation when were naming things. A chicken oyster is a little muscle thats right above the hip. Its a tiny little nugget thats so delicious. There are only two of them on each chicken. So itll take a whole farm just to do this. The dish is just fried catfish nuggets and chicken oysters. It sounds simple, but there are a couple of layers of things that I want to do to it. Itll be served with a caramelized fish sauce. The fried part is because my other grandmother. When she and my grandfather came to America, they started a grocery store business, which turned into a fried chicken business. Shes been frying chicken and all kinds of food for easily 40 years now. When I came to America, I switched from the foods my paternal grandmother made in Vietnam to staying at my grandmothers corner store after school. That was good old fried Southern food. Its still open. There are two locations of Manchu, and we have a place on the West Bank called Golden Wings. In Vietnam, we grill a lot. If something wasnt boiled or steamed, it was grilled. There wasnt a lot of frying. It might have been about the cost of oil. We had an old wood burning stove. You wouldnt want to try to fry over that. Gambit: Do you miss working in restaurants? Than: When I sold the restaurant, I decided I was going to take a break. Everybody keeps asking me have I have watched The Bear, but I havent even watched it. I have serious PTSD. My son is 5. I want to just be a dad. The itch to cook is always there. I miss being in the kitchen and working with a kitchen family. I have turned down most of the invitations to do pop-ups because I am focused on being a dad. If I cook in a kitchen, I want it to be meaningful and with people I enjoy being around. Id like if the industry could start figuring out how to make it sustainable. Once we figure that out, I might be tempted to come back and open a restaurant. Right now its in flux. Nigel Pais and Kenny Truong created The Nori Guys pop-up to serve 'sushi tacos' Nigel Pais and Kenny Truong told us about entering the restaurant business, starting The Nori Guys and their upcoming events. Gambit: What does the restaurant industry need? Than: I want to see the next generation that comes up have the room and the space to do what they want to do. I met Sophina through industry things. I really like what shes doing. Shes opened up the space and made it possible for some cooks to earn a little more money or highlight pop-ups that one day may become brick and mortars. If we as a city want to feed into our culinary assets, we need to invest in some of these new talents that arent necessarily getting the press or airtime they deserve. For her to make her platform and space accessible to people is what makes our culinary community so beautiful, and I think thats what we need to nourish the future of our food culture here. What shes doing needs to happen all across the city. Give people a space and a platform. I work for a wholesale food distribution company now. A lot of these chefs are some of my clients. Its a good way to see them all the time. I went into it wanting to understand in the post-pandemic era why food costs so much. Now I am on the other side, and it is frightening. When you talk about moving away from commodity goods, the cost amplifies. Thats the balance as a chef or business owner looking at the quality and cost of what youre bringing in and how much it costs on the bottom line. Does the diner understand that that is an ethically sourced food product? This is an animal that was allowed to range. Its hard. When we got into farm-to-table, it was really romanticized. But we didnt educate people on economically how it affects our industry. When youre pushing for farm-to-table, youre pushing for paying your farmers more. Youre pushing for a tomato costing more. The context to Mac Phipps music didnt really matter to St. Tammany Parish prosecutors in 2001. Without forensic evidence to tie Phipps to the crime he was accused of, prosecutors turned to the 22-year-old New Orleans rappers music to paint him as capable of murdering 19-year-old Barron Victor Jr. at a Slidell club in February 2000. And the use of his lyrics in court ultimately influenced the jury members decisions, the jury foreman told The Huffington Post in 2015. At the end of the trial, Phipps was convicted by a split jury of manslaughter and sentenced to 30 years in prison despite numerous discrepancies from the start and facts that would later come to light, leading to clemency for Phipps and his release from prison in 2021. Recent changes to Louisiana law, though, aim to protect artists from having their works used against them in criminal cases in the manner Phipps lyrics were once used against him. On Aug. 1, the Restoring Artistic Protection (RAP) Act went into effect, changing parts of state law to prevent creative or artistic expression from being used to establish a defendants character in court. Louisiana is the second state in the country to pass this kind of legislation, following California. When I was in prison, I was like, if theres anything that I can do, Im going to do whatever I can do to stop what happened to me from happening to anyone else, says Phipps, who has spent much of the last year sharing his story and advocating for legislation like the RAP Act. Theres much more work to be done, we have a long ways to go, but this was a great step forward. Creative or artistic expression, according to the RAP Act, can mean any form of art, including music, dance, performance art, and film. Murder ballads have been often cited as examples of now protected speech no one would really believe that Johnny Cash shot a man in Reno, right? But like many things in the American criminal justice system, the majority of cases where an artists words were used against them have involved young Black and Latino men and most of those cases involve hip-hop. Phipps, who was then signed to No Limit Records, had been arrested for the 2000 killing of Victor. But without physical evidence, prosecutors relied on Phipps lyrics and witnesses several of whom later said authorities bullied them to point the finger at the New Orleans rapper to establish his character. Despite the fact Phipps had no criminal record, prosecutors argued that because he wrote violent lyrics, then it must be possible he killed Victor. During his trial, they took verses from his songs Shell Shocked and Murda, Murda, Kill, Kill which was influenced by the military movies Phipps grew up watching with his father, a Vietnam veteran out of context and combined lyrics in a misleading fashion in order to paint Phipps as capable of first-degree murder Phipps always asserted his innocence, and evidence has come out over the years to support him. In 2021, Gov. John Bel Edwards granted clemency, and Phipps returned home to New Orleans. Along with Phipps case, there have been other high-profile examples in Louisiana where rap lyrics have been used during a trial, including No Limits rapper C-Murder and Baton Rouge-born rapper Boosie. And last year, Atlanta rappers Young Thug, Gunna and other members of their Young Stoner Life collective were arrested in a Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) case where lyrics were cited in the grand jury indictment. But while those cases caught headlines, amateur and up-and-coming rappers are most impacted by the practice, according to the book Rap on Trial: Race, Lyrics and Guilt in America by Erik Nielson and Andrea L. Dennis. Through their research, Nielson and Dennis have identified around 500 cases from across the country where rap lyrics were used in court and they acknowledge in "Rap on Trial that there are many more cases to be found. One of the earliest cases they found was from 1991, when Derek Foster was arrested by Chicago police for allegedly transporting drugs in suitcases. Foster denied he knew about the drugs in the suitcases, but at trial, prosecutors turned to the rap lyrics he had written in a notebook to say Foster had knowledge of drug terms failing to acknowledge he could have picked up the terms through popular culture. He was convicted of possession with intent to distribute. Another example cited by Nielson and Dennis in Rap on Trial was the 2012 trial of Alex Medina, a 14-year-old aspiring rapper in Ventura, California. Medina had been charged as an adult for first-degree murder, and during his trial, prosecutors asserted that violent lyrics he had written as well as recordings were "autobiographical journals. It didnt matter that the lyrics were written in verse and were clearly inspired by well-known rappers or werent even written by Medina (he had copied down lyrics to some of his favorite songs, which were then charactered erroneously as his own), Nielson and Dennis write. They were presented to the jury as confessions of pervious acts. Medina was ultimately convicted and sentenced to 25 to life. The use of artistic expression in court has become increasingly controversial, and legislators in a number of states and at the federal level have been considering changes similar to California and Louisiana. The bill to change Louisianas law was filed during the 2023 regular session by state Rep. Tanner Magee, R-Houma, with support from state Rep. Alonzo Knox, D-New Orleans. It passed both the state House and Senate with bipartisan support. Its about the First Amendment; its about protecting free speech, says Reid Wick about the bills bipartisan draw. A New Orleans-based musician, Wick is a membership and industry relations representative with The Recording Academy and worked with Phipps and his wife, Angelique Phipps, to advocate for the bill. National representatives of The Recording Academy, the Warner Music Group, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other organizations also pushed for the changes. It sounds really simple, and it is simple: Were just trying to protect the creators right to create art, Wick says. The RAP Act amends the states Code of Evidence to include creative or artistic expression as not admissible in a criminal trial to prove the character of a person. There are exceptions, though: Artistic expression can be used to establish proof of motive, intent and knowledge when its directly related to the crime the defendant is accused of committing. The final act signed by Edwards also is not as strong as the original House Bill 475, which included language prohibiting the use of any artistic expression unless the prosecution could prove before a judge that it was relevant to the specific crime at hand by clearing several criteria. The new changes also put the burden on the accused to provide reasonable notice to the prosecution in advance of trial asserting that the evidence is creative or artistic expression. Only time will tell if and how the changes will protect artists in court, but Phipps, Wick and other advocates feel its an important step forward. For me, the next step is to get this passed on the federal level, Phipps says. I want to make sure this art cant be used to judge your character. I want the same protections and the same benefit of the doubt that artists in other industries get. "If we do nothing and continue the current trend, then math dictates we will continue to lose officers," NOLA Coalition organizer Michael Hecht said. "At some point, the officer numbers will simply collapse because it won't be safe to serve." Interim New Orleans Police Superintendent Michelle Woodfork touted a 20% decrease in violent crime in New Orleans in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same period last year, saying her efforts to transform the department during her first 100 days as fill-in chief has yielded dividends. Even without a hurricane in the 12 months that ended June 30, Louisiana led the country in people dispaced by natural disasters. New U.S. Census Bureau data suggests about 223,000 Louisiana adults had been forced out of their homes at some point in the year. Here are the Top 5 states by percent of population: Louisiana -- 8.3% 8.3% Florida -- 5% 5% Oklahoma -- 5% 5% Arkansas -- 3.9% 3.9% Mississippi -- 3.8%. The national figure was 1.6%. The last major hurricane to strike Louisiana was Ida, on Aug. 29, 2021. It remains the sixth-costliest hurricane in U.S. history. Poland has responded to the statement by self-proclaimed Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko about his intention to improve relations between the two countries. They noted that there is a simple way to do this. ADVERTISIMENT This was stated by Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Pawel Jablonski in a commentary to RMF FM. He stressed that the Belarusian authorities must stop attacks on the border and release political prisoners, including Poles. "If Belarus wants to have good relations with Poland, the way to do so is very simple. Stop the attacks on our border, release Andrzej Poczobut and other prisoners - more than 1,000 people are held in Belarusian prisons," Yablonski said. According to the Deputy Minister, such a decision can only be made by the current Belarusian authorities. "We do not have and have never had hostile intentions towards Belarus. We do not intend to maintain bad relations with Belarus. On the contrary, we would like them to be as good as possible, but it is the Belarusian authorities who behave the way they do, and they are fully responsible for the fact that we have bad relations. Belarus is simply a country that is hostile to Poland," he added. ADVERTISIMENT Earlier, Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko unexpectedly announced that he had instructed to "improve relations" with Poland, which he had previously accused of preparing aggression. He said that Belarus and Poland are neighbours, and "neighbours are not chosen, they are from God". As reported earlier, Russian militants from the Wagner PMC located in Belarus imitated arriving at the Peschatka road checkpoint in the Brest region on the border with Poland. As a reminder, the Belarusian Armed Forces have begun command and staff exercises at the Gozhsky training ground in the Grodno region of Belarus. It is located in close proximity to the border with Lithuania and Poland, i.e. not far from the territory of the so-called Suwalki corridor. Only verified information is available on our Obozrevatel Telegram channel, Threads and Viber. Don't fall for fakes! GARY An upcoming photo exhibition at Indiana University Northwest is celebrating figures in Northwest Indianas art community. "Seeing is Believing NOW" is being hosted in the Gallery for Contemporary Art in the Savannah Center from Monday through Oct. 6. The exhibition showcases photo portraits of nearly 200 different people involved in the arts throughout the Region. The exhibit was put together by photographer and art curator Linda Dorman and her partner, artist Tom Torlumeke. The two lead the art programming and engagement team at IUN. They put together the original "Seeing is Believing" project in 2002 to commemorate the opening of their Uncle Freddys Gallery in downtown Hammond. The gallery featured photos taken by Dorman of artists, collectors, educators, patrons and art enthusiasts across Northwest Indiana. Last year, Dorman and Torluemke decided to put together an updated version of the exhibit to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Uncle Freddys opening. Throughout the fall, they reached out to art organizations and artist groups for recommendations of subjects for the new project and later hosted several photo sessions throughout the region. The updated exhibit features the original series of portraits from 2002 on the right side of the gallery and the new series on the left. Dorman said this updated version recognizes a new generation of contributors to the local art community. Each set has 100 portraits, with 12 people featured in both the original and updated project. A reception for the new exhibit will be held from 6-8:30 p.m. Sept. 14, which will be open to the public. It will feature live music, refreshments and artists' groups and art organizations for attendees to learn more about art offerings in Northwest Indiana. Commemorative posters will also be sold. Proceeds will go towards the teen art boards of South Shore Arts, Chesterton Art Center and The Lubeznik Center for the Arts. The pair will also give a free talk to students and community members at 1 p.m. on Sept. 26 in the gallery. Dorman hopes the exhibit will bring people together and show there is room for everyone in the art community They dont have to be an artist to feel included, she said. According to Dorman, the photo portraits will later be donated to the Calumet Regional Archives, located at IUN. PHOTOS: Gary Public Transportation Corporation electric bus unveiling The Northwest Indiana Womens Leadership and Innovation Summit will bring together diverse women leaders from across the Region. Purdue Northwest will host the annual event, which will feature presentations and panel discussions on subjects like leadership, innovation, networking and personal empowerment. The Leadership Institute and Society of Innovators at Purdue University Northwest are staging the summit that's aimed at mid-level managers, top contributors and other high-potential employees. It aims to groom professionals suited for leadership roles or interested in personal development, as well as executives looking to hone their leadership skills. Leadership is highly valued for both business and personal success, and strong leadership skills are important now more than ever, said Sheila Matias, executive director of the Leadership Institute at PNW. Todays ever-changing landscape also relies heavily on innovation. The summit will encourage attendees to rethink their commitment to innovation and help them blend their leadership with innovation to foster robust and agile problem-solving at all levels." The 2023 Northwest Indiana Womens Leadership and Innovation Summit will take place at 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 14 at the James B. Dworkin Student Services and Activities Complex at PNWs Westville branch campus at 1401 S. U.S. 421 in Westville. The doors will open at 8:30 a.m. and brunch will deserved at 10:30 a.m. Sponsors include BP, Centier Bank, Albanese Confectionary Group, Buns Soap Box, Cleveland-Cliffs and Legacy Foundation. The event will feature more than 20 speakers, including NBC 5 Chicago Political Reporter Mary Ann Ahern, College of Business Dean Rachel Clapp-Smith, Psychology Professor Amanda D. Zelechoski and Carnessa "CarnessaThePoetess" Carnes, an "entrepreneur, content creator, artist, poetess, author, influencer and all-around dope chick." Chelsea Whittington, founder and CEO of C WHITT PR, will emcee. Jane Thomas, an associate professor of Human Resource Management and Organizational Behavior at Purdue University Northwest, will lead a "SHE-Suite Leadership" panel on why many senior women have been quitting. It will also feature Jen Trowbridge, president and CEO of Northwest Indiana Community Action, and Tiffani Davis, vice president and manager of client experience at Centier Bank. PNW Leadership Institute Leadership Assistant Director Mekisha Richardson will lead the "She is an Agent of Change" panel on empowering the next generation of black women leaders. It will include Future Cycle Breakers Executive Director and Founder Charita Lucas, I&D Squared Consulting President and Owner Angie Nelson Deuitch, IronWorkz President and CEO Faith Spencer and Community Investment Fund of Indiana Regional Business Development Officer Chareice White. The Leadership Institute at PNW Executive Director Sheila Matias will moderate the "She Changes the Narrative" panel on how women are heavily underrepresented in many sectors and how to build better support systems. It will include StoryBolt Co-Founder and CEO Nassim Abdi, ArcBest Logistics Account Manager Alexandrea Horton, Edgewater Health President and CEO Danita Johnson and Konrady Plastics CEO Leah Konrady. Improvisational Teacher Artists Arlieta Hall, Casey Navarro and Rachael Mason will lead the keynote experience which will aim to "enhance your core communication skills that inspire collaboration, active listening and openness to new ideas, and leave equipped to even more effectively influence the way you lead your work and people." For more information or to register, visit pnw.edu/womens-summit or email leadershipinstitute@pnw.edu. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, Jane Goodall started attributing personalities to the chimpanzees she followed in Gombe National Park in what is now Tanzania. In her descriptions, some were more playful or aggressive, affectionate or nurturing. Many scientists at the time were horrified, she recalled. Considered an amateur she didnt yet have her Ph.D. they contended she was inventing personality traits for animals. Dr. Goodall, now 83, said in a phone interview on Monday from her home in England that scientists thought I was guilty of the worst kind of anthropomorphism. But time has borne out her insights. Chimpanzees in the wild have personalities similar to those in captivity, and both strongly overlap with traits that are familiar in humans, a new study published in Scientific Data confirms. The outcome of the trial came as a shock to many in publishing, who have watched the number of big firms dwindle to five, even as those five Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Macmillan, Hachette and Simon & Schuster got larger by buying small and midsize publishing houses. Many feared that the further reduction in the number of big publishing houses to four would leave authors and literary agents with fewer buyers for their books, and would make it even harder for smaller publishers to compete. Many were especially wary of Penguin Random House already by far the largest publisher in the United States getting even bigger by absorbing a rival. Penguin Random House has about 100 imprints; together they publish more than 2,000 titles a year. The merger would have given it Simon & Schusters approximately 50 imprints, as well as the companys vast and valuable backlist of older titles. As it turned out, the Justice Department and the judge who heard the case had similar concerns and blocked the deal, an outcome that some authors and industry organizations celebrated as a necessary check on consolidation. The market is already too consolidated, said Mary Rasenberger, chief executive of the Authors Guild, an advocacy group for writers that opposed the purchase. A healthy publishing ecosystem is one that has many publishers with different tastes and interests and degrees of risk theyre willing to assume. This extends a period of uncertainty at Simon & Schuster, but it is one they are in a good position to navigate. The companys recent performance has been strong, even as the results have sagged at other major publishers. Its profits for the first nine months of the year were up 29 percent compared to the same time last year, putting it on its way to a having a record-breaking year. Under Mr. Kaplan, the foundation provided the money to save Carnegie Hall in the 1960s when no one else seemed interested. It also created Westbeth, the artists housing complex in Lower Manhattan that became the model for the rehabilitation of industrial buildings everywhere. Under Ms. Davidson, the foundation laid the groundwork, and provided much of the money, for the Gracie Mansion Conservancy, formed to renovate and preserve the mayors residence. Ms. Davidson, who could often be seen picketing to save an endangered landmark building, focused the fund on issues related to the citys architecture, design and quality of life. She also established programs to support the arts, civil liberties and human rights, as well as the conservation of natural resources and rural preservation in upstate New York. I always thought we were different because we did not just write checks, we stepped in and got involved, she told The New York Times in 1997 when the fund celebrated its 50th year of providing grants. Throughout her tenure, she preferred making relatively small grants, some as little as $1,000 but generally in the tens of thousands. We didnt give huge amounts of money, she said. To us the point was to use money strategically, to get causes off the ground. W. Jason Morgan, who in 1967 developed the theory of plate tectonics a framework that revolutionized the study of earthquakes, volcanoes and the slow, steady shift of the continents across the earths mantle died on July 31 at his home in Natick, Mass. He was 87. His children, Jason and Michele Morgan, confirmed the death. The notion that the earths surface moved was not new when Professor Morgan, who taught at Princeton University, first presented his theory at a meeting of the American Geophysical Union in Washington in April 1967. People had long noticed, for example, that the northeastern edge of South America seemed to match the notch along Africas western coast, and wondered if they had once fit together like puzzle pieces. By the mid-20th century, researchers had made significant steps forward in studying the movement of the earths surface, including the discovery that stretches of the sea floor were spreading apart. But the idea, called continental drift, remained highly debated into the 1960s, and no one had come up with a way to synthesize it all into a grand, testable framework. Professor Morgan had initially planned to discuss underwater trenches at the Geophysical Union meeting. But after reading a paper about fracture zones vast scars across the ocean floor that offer evidence of past distortions in the earths surface he changed his mind. A Southern California judge accused of killing his wife texted his court clerk and bailiff admitting to the killing, prosecutors said on Friday as they charged him with murder and weapon possession. The judge, Jeffrey Ferguson, 72, of Orange County Superior Court, was arrested on Aug. 3 after police officers found his wife, Sheryl Ferguson, 65, dead from a gunshot wound inside the couples home in Anaheim, Calif. On Friday, prosecutors charged Judge Ferguson with murder, personal discharge of a firearm causing great bodily injury and death, and personal use of a firearm, according to a criminal complaint. According to Californias Constitution, a judge who is charged with a felony is disqualified from acting as a judge. A judge convicted of a felony will lead to the judges removal from office. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has deployed teams, including search dogs, to Maui and Oahu to help local officials with search-and-rescue missions, emergency communications, logistics and coordination. In an operations update on Friday, FEMA, the U.S. governments arm for disaster preparation, response, relief and recovery, said it planned to distribute five days worth of meals, water, cots, blankets and other shelter supplies enough for 5,000 people from a prestocked warehouse in Hawaii. The federal response will be closely watched as FEMA helps state and local officials with rescue and recovery missions to the devastating wildfires. The agency has been criticized in the past for its responses to major disasters, like Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans in 2005 and Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico in 2017. In many cases, the criticism centered around accusations that it was not adequately prepared or slow to respond. At least a few Maui residents have questioned why the agency was not already present after the fires. The agency did not respond to multiple requests for comment on its current efforts in Maui on Friday. The News The Illinois Supreme Court on Friday upheld the states ban on certain high-powered guns, including AR-15-style rifles, a major victory for supporters of gun limits in the state. Why It Matters: A sweeping law restricting firearms cleared a major challenge. The legislation, which Gov. J.B. Pritzker, a Democrat, signed into law in January, is the broadest set of gun restrictions in the Midwest. The ban garnered wide support among Democratic legislators, who control the state legislature, after a mass shooting in Highland Park, Ill., in 2022, when a gunman killed seven people and wounded dozens more with a high-powered rifle at a Fourth of July parade. Once the law was passed, Illinois became one of 10 states with some form of what advocates call an assault weapons ban, according to the Giffords Law Center, which supports gun restrictions. Residents of Illinois are no longer allowed to purchase many types of semiautomatic weapons, including AR-15-style rifles, though exceptions were carved out for retired and current police and military personnel and prison wardens. People who already own weapons that are now banned were given a deadline to register them with the Illinois State Police. Illinois residents who wish to own a firearm are already required to be licensed by the State Police. Dan Caulkins, a Republican state representative, led a group of gun owners who argued that the ban violated a State Constitution requirement that laws apply equally to all people. On Friday, the Illinois Supreme Court voted 4 to 3 to keep the law in place, finding that it did not violate the Constitutions equal protection clause by creating exemptions for law enforcement professionals and people who already own banned weapons. The equal protection clause does not forbid the legislature from drawing distinctions in legislation among different categories of people as long as the legislature does not draw those distinctions based on criteria wholly unrelated to the legislations purpose, the court ruled. A 3-year-old child died while traveling on a bus chartered by the state of Texas as it transported asylum seekers from the border city of Brownsville to Chicago as part of Gov. Greg Abbotts program to send migrants from Texas to Democratic-run cities in other states, officials said. The childs parents were also on the bus when the child began showing symptoms of an illness, including a fever and diarrhea, before losing consciousness, according to Representative Joaquin Castro, a Democratic congressman from San Antonio whose office was briefed on the death. The Texas Department of Emergency Management, which runs Mr. Abbotts busing program, confirmed the childs death in a statement and said that every passenger on the bus had been processed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and that, before the migrants boarded the bus, their temperatures had been checked and they had been asked if they needed medical assistance. Following this check, prior to boarding, no passenger presented with a fever or medical concerns, the statement said, without specifying when the death had taken place. A spokesman did not respond to requests for additional information, including the timing of the death, the nature of the illness, the name or sex of the child or the country of origin of the family. They thought it was over, that they could put it in the rearview mirror. All that Hunter Biden had to do was show up in a courtroom, answer a few questions, sign some paperwork and that would be it. Not that the Republicans would let it go, but any real danger would be past. Except that it did not work out that way. The criminal investigation that President Bidens advisers believed was all but done has instead been given new life with the collapse of the plea agreement and the appointment of a special counsel who now might bring the presidents son to trial. What had been a painful but relatively contained political scandal that animated mainly partisans on the right could now extend for months just as the president is gearing up for his re-election campaign. This time, the questions about Hunter Bidens conduct may be harder for the White House to dismiss as politically motivated. They may even break out of the conservative echo chamber to the general public, which has largely not paid much attention until now. It remained unclear whether Hunter Biden faces criminal exposure beyond the tax and gun charges lodged against him by David C. Weiss, the prosecutor first appointed in 2018 to investigate him by President Donald J. Trumps attorney general. It may be that Attorney General Merrick B. Garlands decision to designate Mr. Weiss a special counsel with more independence to run the inquiry means that there is still more potential legal peril stemming from Hunter Bidens business dealings with foreign firms. The Supreme Court announced on Thursday that it would pause a bankruptcy deal for Purdue Pharma that would give billions of dollars to those harmed by the opioid epidemic in exchange for shielding members of the wealthy Sackler family from additional opioid-related lawsuits. The settlement involving Purdue, the maker of the prescription painkiller OxyContin, touches on one of the countrys largest public health crises. The court put the case on its docket and is slated to hear oral arguments in December. Experts say the decision may also have important consequences for other cases that use the bankruptcy system to settle claims of mass injuries. Heres what you need to know about the courts decision: Why did the Supreme Court decide to weigh in? Its rare for the Supreme Court to agree to hear a bankruptcy court dispute, experts say, especially one dealing with a settlement agreement in a mass-injury case. One of the main reasons few such cases make it to the court is that all parties are under pressure to settle. Litigating all the way to the highest court in the nation is a costly and time-consuming proposition. In the Purdue case, it was the U.S. Trustee Program, a watchdog office within the Justice Department, that petitioned the Supreme Court to review the deal. Keith Waldrop, whose first poetry collection was a finalist for a National Book Award in 1969 and who won the award 40 years later with his Transcendental Studies: A Trilogy, died on July 27. He was 90. Brown University, where he taught for more than 40 years, posted news of his death. It did not say where he died or state the cause. Professor Waldrop was far more than a poet. He was a well-regarded translator of French poetry and prose, as well as an artist whose collages were exhibited in solo and group shows. He also ran a small press with his wife, the poet Rosmarie Waldrop. As a poet, he had dozens of published volumes to his credit. His poetry, as the Brown posting put it, was infused with an emotional and intellectual undercurrent that could astonish the reader in its capacity to bridge disparate thought with, if not logic, then perhaps something deeper, richer. When I received a wedding invitation from my friends Jiyeon Kim and Olof Norlander this year, I knew exactly where I would pick up their wedding present: the bank. The two had already married in Uppsala, Sweden, where they live, but Ms. Kims father wanted the newlyweds to have a second ceremony in Changwon, South Korea, where he had spent years attending the weddings of his friends and colleagues children. As is tradition, he gave the marrying couples envelopes of cash known in Korean as chug-ui-geum, or congratulatory money. Having a wedding in South Korea would allow him not only to share the joyous occasion with his family and friends, but also to offset the costs of the event with reciprocated cash gifts from attendees. We cant deny that the surplus in money was one of the good outcomes of the wedding, said Ms. Kim, 32, who held her second ceremony in May. I feel somehow / That it isnt going to last, Philip Larkin wrote in Going, Going, his lament for the English countryside that development would soon cover everything green and pleasant on his isle: And that will be England gone, The shadows, the meadows, the lanes, The guildhalls, the carved choirs. Therell be books; it will linger on In galleries; but all that remains For us will be concrete and tyres. Larkin wrote these words in 1972. On the basis of a trip through England and Scotland in the summer of 2023, I can report that his fears were premature. British conservatism, of which Larkin was an eccentric representative, has always had a stronger conservationist streak than its American cousin. And the greener sort of Toryism can take pride in the landscape of its island home: the greenbelts encircling the major cities, the compact and ancient-looking towns, the country lanes still made for carriages, even if youre allowed to squeeze a minivan through. Unfortunately this preservation has a stink of embalmment about it. At a time when Europe as a whole looks stagnant relative to the United States, Britain has joined Italy as the continents sickest patient: its living standards falling well behind its neighbors, its economy stuck in a 15-year torpor, and its public services, including the vaunted National Health Service, in a condition of generally acknowledged decay. The Conservative Party, in power for most of this period, is often blamed for backing post-financial crisis austerity and lurching into Brexit. But the deeper problem is the Tories imprisonment by a dispositional rather than ideological conservatism the fact that their base is older, propertied and seemingly content to preserve Larkins beloved landscape by making it impossible to build or develop anywhere. To the Editor: Re What if Were the Bad Guys Here?, by David Brooks (column, Aug. 4): I am sick and tired of people like Mr. Brooks telling me that I am the problem or the bad guy because I am educated (and no, I was not educated at an Ivy League school, and neither of my parents finished high school) to justify the fact that 35 percent of the population are fervent supporters of Donald Trump, no matter what he says or does. Moreover, Mr. Trump is also part of the elite, but his supporters simply ignore this. This is not because he identifies with them in any way (as a golden-haired billionaire living in a mansion), but because Fox, Newsmax, and other right-wing TV and radio media outlets, right-wing militias and Trump puppet politicians in Congress essentially brainwashed them with their daily dose of propaganda about how the left wing socialists and communists, elites, the woke, etc., are all conspiring to take their country and only Donald Trump can stop them. In my opinion, this is the biggest problem, Mr. Brooks, not educated Americans who as you correctly state are are earnest, kind and public spirited. So, lets not beat ourselves up because the other side has been completely brainwashed, does not accept facts, scientific and otherwise, is obsessed with conspiracies and lives in a right-wing echo chamber. It is one of those strange accidents of history that the best film ever made about the Roman Catholic Church was directed by a Jewish agnostic. The career of William Friedkin, who died on Monday at 87, spanned seven decades, but to the end of his life, his best-known picture remained The Exorcist, a horror movie from 1973 about a demonically possessed girl whose mother enlists two Catholic priests to save her. Despite the fact that Mr. Friedkin repeatedly acknowledged the essentially religious nature of the film, The Exorcist continues to be regarded, like his other signature movie, The French Connection, as a genre picture a very well-crafted one, to be sure rather than what it really is: an art film premised on the idea that the claims the Catholic Church makes for itself are true not in some loose metaphorical sense but literally. When it came out, The Exorcist didnt just shock audiences with lurid scenes of projectile vomiting and spinning heads. It also forced them to acknowledge a tension, most acutely felt in the Catholic Church but omnipresent in Western society, that had grown between two rival conceptions of religion. Is religion an expression of a transcendent moral and metaphysical order? Or is it just another way of pursuing ideals of compassion and social justice, which is how many liberal theologians have popularly conceived it since at least the mid-1960s? The Exorcist came down on the side of tradition. After the conclusion in 1965 of the Second Vatican Council, from which the vernacularization of the liturgy and other changes in Catholic discipline emerged, the church experienced a deepening crisis: a decline in its moral authority, a collapse in vocations and Mass attendance, and a widespread rejection of the supernatural, even by clergy, in favor of a more sociological understanding of the faith. His four major groups consisted of native-born whites, total whites, foreign-born whites and Negroes, explains the historian Nell Irvin Painter in The History of White People. Within these groups, Brigham differentiated between the above-average foreigners and the below-average foreigners. Turks and Greeks just barely improved on the foreign-born average, while men from Russia, Italy and Poland ranked at the bottom with the Negro draft. Northwestern Europeans topped the chart. It was the traditional Anglo-American race hierarchy, illustrated with the charts, graphs and calculations that elevated the claim from everyday, casual prejudice to an objective account of society. And it served its intended purpose: to naturalize inequality of status and resources in an era defined by its yawning gaps between haves and have-nots. It should come as no surprise to learn, as Adam Cohen notes in Imbeciles: The Supreme Court, American Eugenics, and the Sterilization of Carrie Buck, that John D. Rockefeller Jr., the worlds wealthiest man, funded scientific research into how what he called the defective human could be bred out of the population. Or that, as Edwin Black explains in War Against the Weak: Eugenics and Americas Campaign to Create a Master Race, eugenicists drew from almost unlimited corporate philanthropy to establish the biological rationales for persecution of the so-called unfit. I mention all of this as context for Richard Hanania, a rising star among conservative writers and intellectuals. For years before appearing in the pages of newspapers and publications like this one, Hanania wrote articles for white supremacist publications under a pseudonym. According to a recent investigation by Christopher Mathias of HuffPost, Hanania: expressed support for eugenics and the forced sterilization of low IQ people, who he argued were most often Black. He opposed miscegenation and race mixing. And once, while arguing that Black people cannot govern themselves, he cited the neo-Nazi author of The Turner Diaries, the infamous novel that celebrates a future race war. Hanania no longer writes for those publications. And though he may claim otherwise, it doesnt appear that his views have changed much. He still makes explicitly racist statements and arguments, now under his own name. I dont have much hope that well solve crime in any meaningful way, he wrote on the platform formerly known as Twitter this year. It would require a revolution in our culture or form of government. We need more policing, incarceration, and surveillance of black people. Blacks wont appreciate it, whites dont have the stomach for it. Responding to the killing of a homeless Black man on the New York City subway, Hanania wrote, These people are animals, whether theyre harassing people in subways or walking around in suits. Hanania sees his claims as uncomfortable truths. The reason Im the target of a cancellation effort is because left-wing journalists dislike anyone acknowledging statistical differences between races, he recently wrote. But his supposedly transgressive views are little more than the warmed-over dogmas of the long-dead ideologues who believed in the scientific truth of race hierarchy. Of course, those men, their peers and their followers lost their appetite for that talk in the wake of the Holocaust, when the world got a firsthand look at the catastrophic consequences of state-sponsored racism, eugenicism and antisemitism. It was shortly after 4 p.m. on a sweltering, sunny Thursday Aug. 14, 2003 when the power went out in eight states across the Northeast and Midwest. Sara Hasson was in her bridal suite at a Hyatt hotel in Greenwich, Conn., getting her hair blown out. Dustin Schell was celebrating at a bar after witnessing his friends ceremony at City Hall in Manhattan. Dr. Kelvin Chan was running last-minute errands in preparation for his wedding in Toronto the next day. And Dr. Dvasha Stollman was in the middle of putting on her poofy, tulle-layered white gown in New Rochelle, N.Y. I had no idea what was going on, Dr. Stollman said. I thought that they were flipping the lights to get all the chandeliers on. To keep her calm, Dr. Stollmans friends avoided telling her just how serious the situation was: They were in the midst of what would become the largest blackout in American history, extending into Canada. Many sunscreen ingredients that have appeared in foreign-made sunscreens for decades, favored by consumers for their ease of use, are still awaiting approval by the F.D.A. The ultraviolet-filtering compounds amiloxate, enzacamene and octyl triazone, for instance, have all been stuck in the F.D.A. regulatory pipeline since at least 2003. In November 2014, President Barack Obama signed the Sunscreen Innovation Act into law. The legislation gave the F.D.A. five years to approve or deny the use of new sunscreen ingredients, including several that had been under review since 2002. In 2019, the F.D.A. reaffirmed the safety of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide in mineral sunscreens and asked manufacturers for more information on 12 other ingredients. They said you can continue to market products and utilize these but we want to see more data, said Thomas F. Myers, executive vice president for legal and regulatory affairs at the Personal Care Products Council, a trade group representing companies that make cosmetics and personal care products. As long as the F.D.A. continues to defer a final decision on a product, Mr. Myers said, it remains eligible for use on the market. In 2020, the CARES Act included a change in the approval process for over-the-counter drugs. Under the new procedure, the F.D.A. asked for more information from manufacturers on new sunscreen filters, essentially kicking the can or bottle back over to them but not flat-out denying approval. The 14 chemicals moved up from 2019 to 2020 to satisfy the CARES Act are the chemicals allowed for use now. In a statement, the F.D.A. said it was committed to helping facilitate the marketing of sunscreen products that include additional over-the-counter sunscreen active ingredients. It continued, To do so, the F.D.A. relies on industry to submit the data needed to make safety and effectiveness determinations for these ingredients. Tom Jones, who wrote the book and lyrics for a modest musical called The Fantasticks that opened in 1960 in Greenwich Village and ran for an astonishing 42 years, propelled in part by its wistful opening song, Try to Remember, died on Friday at his home in Sharon, Conn. He was 95. His son Michael said the cause was cancer. Mr. Jones and his frequent collaborator, Harvey Schmidt, first worked together when they were students at the University of Texas Mr. Jones in the drama departments directing program, Mr. Schmidt studying art but indulging his musical inclinations on the side. They kept in touch after graduating, writing songs together by mail after they were drafted during the Korean War. Mr. Jones got out first and tried his luck in New York, failing to find work as a director but writing for the revues being staged by the impresario Julius Monk and fiddling with a musical with another composer, John Donald Robb. Mr. Jones and Mr. Robb called that show, which was loosely based on a comedy by the French playwright Edmond Rostand, Joy Comes to Deadhorse, and in 1956 they staged it at the University of New Mexico, where Mr. Robb was a dean. It was a big-cast production that included a small squadron of dancers. Here are the meanings of the least-found words that were used in (mostly) recent Times articles. 1. quiddity the defining essence of something, or a trivial quirk: A Splendid Intelligence is the first biography of a writer who is mainly known among the other writers who revere her, serving as a solid (if stolid) resource and accessible introduction. Ample quotations from Hardwick allow her restless quiddity to come through. The Critic Elizabeth Hardwick Was Very Tough on Biographies. Now Heres One of Her. (Nov. 3, 2021) 2. ennead a group of nine, sometimes referring to a set of nine Egyptian deities: Past the Hall of Offerings and the so-called Hall of the Ennead, there is the innermost sanctuary of the temple, where a daily ritual involved sealing the rooms double doors so that the worshiper could stand in total darkness. Journey to Abdyos and Dendera (Feb. 24, 1985) 3. galangal an earthy, citrusy spice often used in Southeast Asian cuisine: On a recent weekend, Ms. Yee-Lakhani put her smoked char siu and brisket into puffy baos, and seared homemade sausages seasoned with galangal and lemongrass. In Search of the California Barbecue Tradition (July 20, 2021) 4. leadenly dully or heavily: Desplechins movie was bumped partly to make room for more commercial French films like Dheepan and for two female directors: Maiwenns monotonous soap, My King, and Valerie Donzelli s Marguerite & Julien, an incest romance in a leadenly whimsical Wes Anderson key. At Cannes Film Festival, Good Sometimes Isnt Enough (May 22, 2015) 5. hangnail loose skin near a fingernail: Hall gives all this short shrift, describing climate change as a hangnail, not a hangman (for whom, one wants to ask), and focusing on the villainy of lawyers and regulators and hippies. The Dystopia We Fear Is Keeping Us From the Utopia We Deserve (Jan. 8, 2023) 6. nabob a particularly wealthy or prominent person: Of course, the constancy of Plancks constant hasnt quelled anti-metric sentiment if anything, it has only fueled suspicions that the metric system amounts to a bunch of elitist nabobs bent on crushing the ordinary persons (literal) rule of thumb. A History of Humanity in Cubits, Fathoms and Feet (Nov. 9, 2022) 7. unguent a sticky substance, often used as an ointment: Some archaeologists have argued that the main role of the cones, which have been featured on tomb walls from the Eighteenth Dynasty around 1550 B.C.E through the time of Cleopatra, was to act as perfumed unguents. Head Cones in Ancient Egyptian Graves Cap Archaeological Debate (Dec. 11, 2019) 8. landlady a woman who rents property to others: In Dinorwig, a former slate-mining town in Wales that is popular with visitors, a schoolteacher told The Guardian that her family was evicted by a landlady who admitted that she could make four times as much by renting their home to tourists. The English Countryside Is a Place of Profound Inequality (July 29, 2023) 9. tutti performed by everyone, together: And in moving from dry orchestral ruffling to powerful tutti riffing, this section of unEarth also recalled the Factory movement of her Fire in my mouth (2019), which the Philharmonic premiered and memorably recorded. Review: Julia Wolfes unEarth Is Crowded Out by Multimedia (June 2, 2023) 10. koan a statement whose paradoxical nature is meant to be contemplated: Rui Zhe Goh, a graduate student in cognitive science and philosophy at Johns Hopkins University and one of the scientists involved in the study, described a koan that he likes: Silence is the experience of time passing. He said he interprets that to mean that silence is an auditory experience of pure time. Silence Is a Sound You Hear, Study Suggests (July 10, 2023) The list of the weeks easiest words: Ms. Razonable, whose mother is Native Hawaiian and who grew up on the islands, said this week had given her second thoughts about a long-term career in hospitality. She enjoys and appreciates her job, she said, but has bristled at the behavior of some tourists while so many locals are suffering. Theres literally homes being burned to the foundation, that level, and youre complaining that we cant get you seated early, she said. We prioritize tourism over locals way too much. Native Hawaiians, like Indigenous communities around the country, have deep connections with lands and the natural world. Ms. Razonable said that the fires were evidence that were not listening to the land, were not heeding the signs, and this is the result. Ms. Razonable said she was hopeful that Hawaii would be able to find a more sustainable balance between managing tourism and protecting local communities. She hopes tourists can be more respectful of Hawaiian culture and learn to view locals as people, not servants. There used to be a saying that when you come to Maui, it changes you, said Ms. Engledow, who recently moved to Oregon after 50 years in Hawaii, partly for a lower cost of living. Now people come with so much money, they try to change Maui. Emily Cochrane and Kyveli Diener contributed reporting. When he was elected district attorney in Nueces County in 2016, Mark A. Gonzalez stood out even among a growing class of progressive Democratic prosecutors: a former criminal defense attorney with tattoos across his body, including one reading Not Guilty, whose name appeared in a Texas state police database of registered gang members. Once deemed the most unlikely D.A. in America, Mr. Gonzalez was one of the first prosecutors in Texas to encourage police to ticket people, rather than arrest them, for a range of minor offenses. He made his office friendlier to defense lawyers. And he won re-election. Now, Mr. Gonzalez is facing a sudden and unexpectedly serious challenge: a trial next month to remove him from office over allegations of gross carelessness and gross ignorance of his duties, the result of a petition filed by a conservative activist and backed by the county attorney, a Republican. The removal effort is one front in an expanding campaign by conservatives across the country to limit the power of Democratic prosecutors who have promised to reform the criminal justice system, or else to oust the prosecutors altogether. Caison Robinson, 14, had just met up with a younger neighbor on their quiet street after finishing his chores when a gunman in a white car rolled up and fired a torrent of bullets in an instant. Mom, Ive been shot! he recalled crying, as his mother bolted barefoot out of their house in northwest Las Vegas. I didnt think I was going to make it, for how much blood was under me, Caison said. The Las Vegas police say the shooting in May was carried out with a pistol rigged with a small and illegal device known as a switch. Switches can transform semiautomatic handguns, which typically require a trigger pull for each shot, into fully automatic machine guns that fire dozens of bullets with one tug. By the time the assailant in Las Vegas sped away, Caison, a soft-spoken teenager who loves video games, lay on the pavement with five gunshot wounds. His friend, a 12-year-old girl, was struck once in the leg. For President Biden and his party, the appointment of a special counsel on Friday in the investigation into Hunter Biden was hardly a welcome development. A blossoming criminal inquiry focused on the presidents son is a high-risk proposition that comes with the dangers of an election-year trial and investigations that could balloon beyond the tax and gun charges the younger Mr. Biden already faces. Yet many Democrats were sanguine about a dark moment in a summer of cautiously bright news for their president. In interviews, more than a dozen Democratic officials, operatives and pollsters said Hunter Bidens legal problems were less worrisome than their other concerns about the president: his age, his low approval ratings and Americans lack of confidence in an improving economy. Part of their sense of calm stems from a version of the what-aboutism often adopted by Republicans since Donald J. Trumps rise: Mr. Bidens son is under investigation, Democrats say, but across the aisle, the G.O.P. front-runner has actually been criminally indicted three times. I find it hard to imagine that anyone concerned about political corruption would turn to Donald Trump to address the problem of political corruption, said Representative Jamie Raskin of Maryland, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, which has been investigating Hunter Biden since Republicans took control of the chamber. Since Mr. Weiss announced a proposed plea deal in June with Mr. Biden an agreement that would have allowed him to avoid jail time on tax and gun charges but has since fallen apart Republicans in Congress have sharply criticized the government, accusing the Justice Department of leniency with the presidents son as they conduct their own investigations in an effort to tie his overseas business dealings to the president. House Republicans have also brought forth two I.R.S. agents who worked on Mr. Weisss investigation and claimed there had been political interference. One allegation made by the I.R.S. agents was that Mr. Weiss had sought to bring charges against Hunter Biden in Washington and California but had been rebuffed by prosecutors in those jurisdictions who declined to partner with him. The order appointing Mr. Weiss to special counsel authorizes him to bring charges in any jurisdiction. Alyssa DaCunha, a co-chair of the congressional investigations practice at the law firm WilmerHale, said she believed House Republicans investigations and their criticisms of the proposed plea deal had caught the attention of the Justice Department. Theres a real need to make sure that whatever charging decisions are made are very, very well supported and the department can really stand behind them, Ms. DaCunha said. It seems like this will extend the life of the investigation, and so there are lots of ways in which this is going to complicate the narrative for Democrats moving forward and give the Republicans lots of leverage. Some House Republicans close to Mr. Trump acknowledged they were pleased with the announcement of the special counsel. For Mr. Trump, in particular, it provided him with the investigation he has long desired to be able to depict the Biden family as corrupt, even as Hunter Bidens alleged crimes are significantly less severe than the charges Mr. Trump is facing. The crowd cheered. The pork was charred. And then someone shouted at former President Donald J. Trump, asking him to identify his biggest challenger in the 2024 Republican primary. Dont see him, Mr. Trump replied. Mr. Trump signaled that he was looking past his leading rival, Ron DeSantis, on Saturday, as the two candidates converged at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. But his campaign team took every opportunity to needle the Florida governor. Though the two candidates never crossed paths, Mr. Trumps appearance was scheduled to coincide with Mr. DeSantiss visit. Mr. Trump engineered a boisterous arrival, which included his private plane buzzing overhead, as Mr. DeSantis finished flipping pork chops. And Mr. Trump brought with him a bevy of Florida House members who had endorsed him over their own governor. It was a rare moment of side-by-side comparison for Mr. Trump and his main opponent, and the mob of supporters following Mr. Trumps every move underscored his superior standing. Mr. Trump leads Mr. DeSantis by an average of more than 30 percentage points nationally, though his margin is slightly smaller in Iowa a gap that his rivals hope will narrow, as the criminal cases against him proceed. The first contest in 2024 is widely seen as the best opportunity to slow Mr. Trumps march to the nomination. Vice President Lai Ching-te of Taiwan rose to prominence as a pugnacious opponent of Beijings claims over the island. But now, as a leading candidate in Taiwans presidential race, he is likely to present a more muted persona when he visits the United States starting Saturday. Expect restraint, not rousing speeches, Taiwanese officials and scholars say. Nonetheless, his stops in New York and San Francisco will be closely watched in Taiwan, in Beijing and in Washington for clues to how he might handle crucial relations with the United States and China as president, a top issue in Taiwans intense presidential race. And his visit, however low-key, is also likely to prompt an escalation of Chinese military flights and naval maneuvers near Taiwan, bringing into focus the risks of real conflict over its future. Even without such special political events, theres actually been quite a high level of harassment of Taiwan by Peoples Liberation Army planes this year, said Shu Hsiao-huang, a researcher at Taiwans Institute for National Defense and Security Research, a government-funded body in Taipei. The Peoples Liberation Army would never let a major foreign policy event like this slip by. Mr. Lai, 63, a former doctor who uses the name William, emerged from a wing of his Democratic Progressive Party that has pressed Taiwans aspirations for fully exercising sovereignty, and he has previously called himself a pragmatic worker for Taiwanese independence. [Read: Its Our Central Park: Uproar Rises Over Location of New Toronto Homes] Mr. Fords position about the Greenbelts future has undergone several shifts. When he was running in 2018 to lead the Ontario Progressive Conservatives, a video surfaced of him telling supporters at a fund-raising event that after speaking with developers, he planned to open the area to housing construction if his party took power. After that prompted widespread criticism, Mr. Ford dropped the idea, saying: The people have spoken we wont touch the Greenbelt. Very simple. Then late last year, Mr. Fords government cited Torontos housing shortage and an influx of newcomers from sharply rising immigration to announce that parts of the Greenbelt would indeed lose their untouchable status as part of his previously announced promise to build 1.5 million homes over a decade. Mr. Fords political opponents suggested that his position was less related to the housing shortage than to his close ties to real estate developers. Those concerns multiplied after the Toronto Star and The Narwhal reported that a substantial portion of the 7,400 acres being removed from the Greenbelt belonged to developers who are generous donors to the Progressive Conservatives. And some of those developers had bought the land after Mr. Ford took office, according to the report. When Mr. Ford moved from municipal to provincial politics, he was immediately favored by developers. After their companies were barred from making political donations during the 2018 election, they became major backers of a group called Ontario Proud that ran an aggressive, largely online campaign attacking Mr. Fords opponents. Years ago, when her sister was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, Mahire Turk sought divine intervention. She trekked to a shrine atop a hill overlooking the Bosporus, sat under an ornate dome close to the grave of a Sufi master who died nearly 400 years ago and prayed intensely for her sister to beat the disease. After chemotherapy, her sister was declared cancer free and is now expecting a baby, said Ms. Turk, 40, who works in a pharmaceutical warehouse. So to this day, when worries cloud her mind, Ms. Turk, like many of her compatriots in this ancient, sprawling city of 16 million, visits one of its many shrines to long-dead religious figures to seek a spiritual boost. After months of inching through minefields, villages and open steppes in grueling combat, Ukrainian forces are making somewhat bigger advances along two major lines of attack, according to analysts, Ukrainian officials and Russian military bloggers. Although Ukraine has not advanced more than 10 to 12 miles on either vector of attack, its gains are important in that it is compelling Moscow to divert forces from other parts of the front line, military analysts say. The Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank, called the advances tactically significant, saying Moscows redeployment would most likely further weaken Russian defensive lines in aggregate, creating opportunities for any Ukrainian breakthrough to be potentially decisive. The Ukrainian military launched the counteroffensive this summer amid high hopes of duplicating its stunning sweep through the Kharkiv region in September. But those hopes were dashed amid heavy losses, causing commanders to change strategy from head-on assaults to a war of attrition, content to make steady, little gains while conserving resources and degrading those of the Russians. And even as Ukrainian soldiers battle in trenches and on the field, the campaign to sever Russian supply lines continues, with Ukrainian missiles and drones targeting sites far from the front lines. But Mr. Pashinsky had ties to the arms business and, perhaps as important, he knew how to operate in a scrum, undaunted by red tape. In government, that had made him the source of scandal. During wartime, it made him invaluable. He answered the call. Eighteen months later, a New York Times investigation found, a company tied to Mr. Pashinsky has become the biggest private arms supplier in Ukraine. It buys and sells grenades, artillery shells and rockets through a trans-European network of middlemen. The company, Ukrainian Armored Technology, reported its best year ever last year, with sales totaling more than $350 million, up from $2.8 million the year before the war. And Mr. Pashinsky is once again under investigation, with the Ukrainian authorities scrutinizing Ukrainian Armored Technologys pricing and his financial relationships with procurement officials and companies abroad, said two officials familiar with the matter. This month, investigators with the intelligence service searched the offices of a state-owned company, looking for evidence against Ukrainian Armored Technology, according to government officials with knowledge of the search. Most of those who spoke about the investigation did so on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the ongoing inquiry. Mr. Pashinsky and the arms network he built highlight a little-discussed aspect of Ukraines war strategy. In the name of rushing weapons to the front line, leaders have resurrected figures from Ukraines rough-and-tumble past and undone, at least temporarily, years of anticorruption policies. Government officials stopped blacklisting suppliers who had ripped off the military, and they abandoned many public-disclosure rules intended to reveal self-dealing. The pageantry of an Irish Summer with hot days freedom, the matches and all the other activities and events that go with it, is surely a glorious time, before settling down to school, work routine, and the weather that is part of other times of year. That is why we cherish these final days, which are often the loveliest of the year. The FBD National Livestock and Tullamore Show is often seen as a great coming together of town and country before we turn to other things. What does it mean to so many people? Firstly, there is hardly an Irish person who does not have a relation from the land. The enormous diversity of events, people and activities ensure that you will see not only the best stock and crops in the country, but in the world. All will look and wonder at what is to be seen, and marvel at the dedication and ability of those who produce them. The sheer magnitude of the event, a 600 acre temporary city, 1000 classes, competitions, demonstrations, arts and crafts, magnificent horses, wonderful dogs, forestry and fashion, sheep shearing, vintage and inventions with the band from An Garda Siochana, as well as music and dancing all being co-ordinated by a handful of administration staff led by Show Secretary, Chelsey Cox McDonald provides an astonishing days activities. On the day also are amusements and activities for children of all ages as well as commercial outlets and a big screen to cover national events. A 25 person executive let by Chairman Joseph Molloy are the leaders of each section of the Show. These are ably assisted by a 500 strong team of volunteers to steward person, the gates, organise the traffic, parking, and associated works. All those people work for their love of country life and place. Special mention must be made of the small team who lay out the grounds and make sure there is a place for everyone and everything. Their work is surly a marvel of what can be done with a green field in a couple if weeks. The farming organisations will all be there to hear the cares and concerns of those who dont often get a chance to air their voices. Tullamore show and the National Livestock shows are fortunate to have F.B.D Insurance as their main sponsors and are grateful to them and to all the other sponsors who make the shows possible. Farming is now a solitary occupation. Gone are the days when happy gangs assembled to save the hay, turf or harvest. Perhaps for just this one day some of that atmosphere, wit and wisdom of other times can be experienced. It is also inspiring to observe the sturdy independent country folk, who despite the vicissitudes of weather, the fluctuating fortunes of farming, regulations and some regulators, survive by doing their own thing anyway and will continue. There is a place for everyone at the shows, even those who wish to stroll or sit on the grass and observe the great and the famous in our society who come to mix and mingle with the rest of us. People like Larry G or Michael O, who, despite being mega stars of the business world, are yet farmers at heart or Anna May from the show's sister organisation, a true legend of our time. To all who made this great event what it is and those who continue to make it better, their reward is that we will have a day to remember of pageantry, adventure and fun that is a day in the country, when this day is done. See you all at the show on Sunday! MARKING its eighth year at the Tullamore Show 2023 the popular Farm Safety Live is set to bring interactive demonstrations on safe quad bike driving to event visitors. With quad/ATV training becoming mandatory in November 2023 FRS Training, Health & Safety Authority (HSA) and FBD Insurance will be placing this important work vehicle front and centre of their collaborative Farm Safety Live event on the 13th of August in Tullamore. Organisers of the show are lending their support that will bring live demonstrations throughout the day at stand L100. In addition to the quad bike, tractor and livestock safety demonstrations will also be running in a bid to give practical safety tips that can be easily applied back on the farm to make everyday operations safer. Over the last 10 years (2013 2022) there have been 10 fatalities in agriculture involving quad bikes. With the highest number of fatalities on Irish farms coming from vehicles (45%) of which 53% were tractors and 12% were quads these are two of the main safety focuses with regard to vehicles on the day. As cattle account for 18% of fatalities the event will also demonstrate the safe handling of livestock in an engaging way. The new quad bike regulations that become mandatory in November 2023 include the introduction of compulsory helmet wearing and training for operators and visitors can find out all the information they need to know to get compliant at the event. We all need to do our bit to keep farming as safely as possible and attending Farm Safety Live is a great way to keep informed. Ciaran Roche, Risk Manager with FBD Insurance invites all attendees at the Tullamore Show to come and view the demonstrations at the Farm Safety Live arena. He said; We are particularly pleased to be shining a spotlight on safe use of quad bikes this year. We hope that this will provide farmers with useful information in advance of the impending legislation around quad bike use. Changing our usual way of doing things can be challenging, but we must always be conscious that farming is a tough and demanding occupation with plenty of workplace hazards. Its time to review our farming practices and to stop taking risks. Pat Griffin, Senior Inspector for Farm Safety with the HSA stated that; All farms rely on tractors, quads and other vehicles to carry out work on the farm, but the operation of these vehicles continue to lead to fatal and serious injury. Visiting the Farm Safety Live stand hosted by FRS/FBD/HSA will give you critical information on the risks you face in the operation of these vehicles and show you how these incidents can be prevented on your farm. Peter Slattery, Manager with FRS Training said; We welcome the forthcoming regulations for quad bikes which will see all users requiring formal training in a bid to improve the safe use of these vehicles on farms and other work environments. At Farm Safety Live, we will highlight the need for safety in an engaging way by giving safety tips to people working with quad bikes, tractors and livestock. Joe Molloy, Chairman with the Tullamore Show said; Tullamore Show executive is delighted to have the Farm Safety Live demos at the show this year and to highlight the importance of farm safety messages to our visitors. This year with the focus on quad bikes and chances to win some prizes we are sure it will be a great draw for all. Valuable life lessons can be taught in the show ring! That was the observation by the special guest at this year's launch of the Tullamore Show and FBD National Livestock Show, the respected Irish Farmers Journal journalist and beef expert, Adam Woods who spoke about the importance of shows to farmers and the entire rural economy. Said the speaker: Valuable life lessons can be taught in the show ring. Hard work in getting your animal to the show including preparation on everything from paperwork to the show box, learning how to turn your animal out well, learning how to turn yourself out well, learning how to accept defeat and bite your tongue even when you know deep down that the judge is wrong. Most of all lifelong friendships are made on the show circuit. But everything must change, and agriculture and Irish agriculture is and will undergo huge changes in the years ahead. Our 25% reduction in GHG emissions is a huge task and one that will require all our industry, farmers, and stakeholders to work together. Climate change is here, its not going away, and everybody must do their bit in achieving our 2030 climate change targets. The large attendance was also told that the Tullamore Show and the FBD National Livestock Show 2023 promises to live up to its unofficial motto and be bigger and better than ever. That's according to broadcaster Clare O'Brien who acted as Masters of Ceremonies at the show's annual sponsors night and schedule launch in the Bridge House Hotel last May. Ms O'Brien praised the volunteers on the Tullamore Show Executive and the various sub-committees whose hard work made the annual agricultural extravaganza possible. The show takes place on the traditional second Sunday of August (13) on the Butterfield Estate at Blueball. As always there are new attractions in this year's show said Ms O'Brien who revealed that a number of new classes had been added to the programme. In the sheep section alone there will be classes for a whopping 18 different breeds, outlined the broadcaster. The show boasts a total prize fund of 175,000. Show Chairman, Joe Molloy extended a special welcome to the sponsors whose generous support made the event possible to stage every year. He also welcomed representatives of Offaly County Council, including Cllr Neil Feighery, whose support was also invaluable to ensuring the show's continued success. Mr Molloy also extended his gratitude to the show's main sponsors, Irish insurance company, FBD and other bodies including Teagasc and Bord Bia for their support. A highlight of this coming August's show will be the Sustainable Livestock Village (See article on page 34). This is a platform to highlight the range of practices that farmers can implement to reduce CO2 while positively affecting farm margins and profitability. The village will also highlight supports available to farmers to implement best practice, said Mr Molloy. The Boora based farmer recalled that last year's show had been the biggest since the event was revived in 1991 with the largest ever attendance. Also in attendance was the Offaly Rose, Allie Leahy from Kinnitty. Pat Gilligan, head of sales with FBD for the Midland region, said his company had a very strong relationship with Tullamore Show. It represents a highlight of our association with farming, he stressed. Mr Gilligan said the event was the highlight of the annual calendar for many people. He added: has always been, and continues to be, a showcase for Irelands livestock industry and is a wonderful reflection of all that is positive within Irelands livestock and farming sector. This Sundays Tullamore Show and FBD National Livestock Show is an opportunity for farmers to take a much-needed break from what has been a very difficult summer for farming. That's according to IFA President Tim Cullinan who commented: Farmers all across Ireland have had to deal with a number of setbacks this summer, with the weather in particular playing havoc with the cereal harvest and silage making. Farmers have had little chance to take time out from the farm so the opportunity for farmers to attend what is an excellent showcase of the best of Irish farming is a chance to focus on the many positive aspects of the sector, Tim Cullinan said. The IFA will be using the show as an opportunity to highlight the pressing concerns farmers now have given the difficulties 2023 has presented and how the upcoming Budget 2024 can help address some of those challenges, the IFA President said. What will be on show this Sunday is a testament to the passion, commitment and investment of farmers who take great pride in what they produce, he said. IFA will be present at the Tullamore Show and FBD National Livestock Show this Sunday, August 13th, at the location L58-59. A number of IFA committee chairs, regional and policy executives will be available to discuss any queries you may have. IFA & Bord Gais Solar will also be present on the day to provide all the necessary information for those interested in installing solar on their farm. Bengaluru Suburban Rail Corridor-2 Work Will Be Completed In 26 Months, Says MB Patil Bengaluru oi-PTI Karnataka Infrastructure Development Minister M B Patil on Friday said the work on the Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project corridor-2 between Benniganahalli and Chikkabanavara (25.01 km) will be completed within the set deadline of the next 26 months. The Minister spoke to reporters after inspecting the progress of work along with Energy Minister K J George and K-RIDE officials. He also visited Lingarapuram, Shampura, Hebbal and Yeshawantpur. ''The BSRP project which runs parallel to the existing South-Western Railway lines has its challenges. However, these will be resolved to ensure completion of the project within 26 months,'' Patil said. Woman Scams Auto Driver Of Rs 23,400 In Bengaluru By Showing Fake Payment Receipt The Minister said the officials have been instructed to work towards completing the works related to all four corridors by 2026. Even if it gets delayed due to some unforeseen reasons the project would be ready by 2028, he added. According to him, the BSRP requires 157 acres of Railway land. He further said existing encroachments and structures on Railway land are being removed. Private land of about 5.11 acres required for laying of tracks has been acquired. Government land of about 2.72 acres has been acquired out of the total 7.73 acres. Patil said Defence land of about 7.38 acres is required at three locations Jalahalli, Nagawara, and CQAE near Yeswanthpur. Working permission and in-principle approval has been obtained for these three locations from Defence Authorities. Physical possession is yet to be handed over to KRIDE, Patil explained. ''So far, 10 to 15 per cent of work has been achieved related to corridor-2 and ground works will be over in the next 10 months. The ongoing RUB (Railway Under Bridge) at Shampura will also be completed by then,'' the minister explained. After completing Corridor-2, works related to Corridor-3 between Bengaluru and Devanahalli Airport and Corridor-4 between Kengeri and Whitefield will be taken up, Patil said. He said a proposal has been sent to extend the BSRP to Chikkaballapura, Mysuru, Magadi, Tumakuru, Gowribidanuru, Kolara, and Hosuru. If this gets approved the BSRP would expand to a length of 452 km. Approval has been sought from Railways Department to conduct a pre-feasibility study regarding this. Spandana Vijay Raghavendra Cremated In Bengaluru As Fans, Friends Bid Adieu To Actor Tenders have been invited to construct 12 stations under EPC mode (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) along the stretch of corridor 2 and the tender process will be finalised on August 31, Patil said. The tender process for civil works of corridor-4 is over and bidders will be awarded the works soon. Supply of the first batch of 10 trains will begin in October. 2025, he added. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, August 12, 2023, 11:11 [IST] Will PM Modi Address The Nation From Red Fort Next Year? Here's What Times Now ETG Survey Says Assam BJP Leader Commits Suicide After Intimate Photos Go Viral India oi-Sushmita Halder A woman leader of BJP Kisan Morcha on Friday allegedly committed suicide at her Guwahati residence after her intimate photos with another party leader were exposed. The deceased has been identified as 44-year-old Indrani Tahbildar. She was vice president of the Chamber of Commerce and also treasurer of the BJP Kisan Morcha. The ruling party on Saturday expelled one of its members from party membership after his name cropped up in connection with the alleged suicide. The sources revealed the deceased had taken an overdose of sleeping pills, leading to her death. "The police are investigating the incident. It was considered an unnatural death and a probe has been launched. However, until now, we have not received any such complaints regarding the leaking of intimate pictures of the deceased with another person. But we are looking into every angle," DCP of Central Guwahati Dipak Choudhury was quoted as saying. Reportedly, Tahbildar got involved in an extramarital affair with another BJP leader who was staying at her house as a tenant and some of the pictures of the alleged couple leaked online recently. As per a media report, people familiar with the matter said Tahbilda had told some of her colleagues that someone was trying to blackmail her with the intimate pictures. Her colleagues have also accused an invitee member of BJP Kisan Morcha identified as Anurag Chaliha of abetting the alleged suicide. Tahbildar's body has been taken to the Guwahati Medical College and Hospital for post-mortem. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Sunday, August 13, 2023, 0:30 [IST] In major infrastructural milestone, PM to lay foundation stone for the National Institute for One Health BJP Leader Sana Khan Murder: Husband Arrested, Body Still Missing India oi-Madhuri Adnal After the mysterious disappearance of Nagpur's BJP leader, Sana Khan, 10 days ago, her husband, Amit Sahu, was apprehended on Friday for her murder in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, as confirmed by the police. Amit Sahu admitted to the crimes and was taken into custody alongside another individual from the Ghora Bazar area of Jabalpur by a Nagpur Police team. As per police reports, Sahu confessed to disposing of Khan's body by casting it into a river. Despite this admission, authorities have not yet been able to recover the victim's remains. 26 Charred To Death As Bus Catches Fire on Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway Sana Khan, an active member of the BJP minority cell from Nagpur, vanished after a visit to Jabalpur. Her family disclosed that her last known location on August 1 was in Jabalpur, where she had intended to meet with Sahu. Departing Nagpur on a private bus, she contacted her mother the following day upon reaching Jabalpur. However, she subsequently disappeared. The Nagpur police team responsible for the arrests has now returned to Maharashtra and is set to present the detainees before a local court today. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, August 12, 2023, 9:57 [IST] Up to the Parliament, not the courtCentre on Uniform Civil Code Central Govt Gains More Control Over Officials In Delhi, Data Protection Act Becomes Law India oi-Madhuri Adnal President Droupadi Murmu has given her consent to four bills that were approved during the monsoon session of Parliament. These bills comprise the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, and the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill. Dealing a blow to both the Arvind Kejriwal government and opposition unity, the Rajya Sabha had earlier passed a bill pertaining to Delhi government officials, encompassing appointments and transfers. This bill grants more authority to the Central government over matters in the national capital. During a voting division in the Upper House of Parliament, the ruling coalition secured the support of 131 members, while 102 MPs voted against the bill. This legislation seeks to establish an authority for the transfer and disciplinary proceedings concerning bureaucrats from the Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar, Lakshadweep, Daman and Diu, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli (Civil) Services (DANICS) cadre. Centre's Bill On Poll Officers' Appointment Without CJI's Input Set to Trigger Fresh Face-off The bill had already been passed on August 3 by the Lok Sabha, where the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) holds the majority. The bill's passage in Parliament can be interpreted as the initial setback for the newly formed coalition of 26 opposition parties, including the Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Trinamool Congress, DMK, and Sharad Pawar's NCP. The opposition had aimed to defeat the bill in the Rajya Sabha, where the BJP-led NDA lacks a majority. However, parties such as YSCRP and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) came to the rescue of the ruling coalition. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, August 12, 2023, 12:52 [IST] It's a painful moment: West Bengal Guvs car blocked at Jadavpur University for second day in row Ex-Student Held In Connection With Death Of Jadavpur University Student India oi-PTI A former Jadavpur University student, who continued staying at the main hostel, was arrested for his alleged involvement in ragging an 18-year-old undergraduate student Swapnadip Kundu who fell to his death in a suspected suicide case, a police officer said. Police identified the ex-student as Sourabh Chowdhury, who did his MSc in Mathematics in 2022. Chowdhury was arrested after Swapnadip's father lodged an FIR against him, police said. ''Swapnadip's father Ramprasad Kundu in his police complaint mentioned the names of a few boarders of that hostel claiming that they were responsible for his son's death. Accordingly, a case under section 302/34 IPC has been started, the officer said. Jadavpur University Pro-Vice Chancellor found dead at home Swapnadip, a resident of Bagula in Nadia district, fell from the second-floor balcony of the main hostel building around 11.45 pm on Wednesday and died while undergoing treatment at a hospital at 3.40 am on Thursday, according to police. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, August 12, 2023, 10:01 [IST] Explained: Mercedes SUV Crash Sparks Outrage, Protests In Goa India oi-Madhuri Adnal A recent incident involving a Mercedes SUV has garnered widespread attention and ignited outrage in both Mumbai and Goa. The incident occurred two days ago and involved a 45-year-old businessman, Shripad alias Paresh Sinai Sawardekar, who was allegedly responsible for crashing the Mercedes SUV into multiple vehicles, resulting in the tragic deaths of three individuals and causing injuries to several others. The accident took place near the Banastari bridge, approximately 15 km from Panaji, Goa. The deceased have been identified as Suresh Fadte, 58, and Bhavna Fadte, 52, from Divar; and Arup Karmakar, 26, from Bhandora. Those injured in the accident are Shankar Halarnkar, 67, Vanita Bhandari, 21, and Raj Majgaonkar, 27. Arrest and Legal Proceedings: Following the accident, Shripad Sawardekar was taken into custody by the police. A medical examination conducted shortly after the accident confirmed that he was intoxicated at the time. Subsequently, the accused was charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Motor Vehicles Act, highlighting charges related to rash driving, drunk driving, and culpable homicide. The seriousness of the incident led to the swift arrest of the accused, prompting legal actions to be taken against him. Court Decision and Observations: A significant development in the case was the court's decision to dismiss the bail application filed by Shripad Sawardekar. The Sessions Court in Goa presiding over the case emphasized that the accused had been driving under the influence of alcohol, leading to negligent and reckless behavior that resulted in the fatal accident. The court also stressed that the ongoing investigation was in its early stages and required additional time to ensure a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding the incident. 6-Hour Travel Time Between Mumbai And Goa: A Reality Soon Public Outrage and Protests: The incident has triggered widespread public outrage and condemnation, both in Mumbai and Goa. The locals of Divar, where the deceased couple was from, have been protesting against the police for not arresting the car owner, Meghana Sawardekar. They allege that she was driving the car at the time of the accident and that the police are protecting her because she is wealthy. However, the police have denied these allegations and said that they are still investigating the accident. They have assured the locals that they will take action against anyone found guilty. Calls for Timely Justice: Protesters and concerned citizens are emphasizing the need for a fair and transparent investigation that holds all responsible parties accountable. There is a widespread call for justice to be served promptly and effectively, ensuring that those responsible for the accident are held liable for their actions. The protests and demand for accountability reflect the public's commitment to ensuring a just resolution and preventing such tragic incidents from recurring in the future. Urfi Javed Alleges Harassment, Eve Teasing By Drunk Men On Mumbai-Goa Flight Injured Victims and Medical Updates: As a result of the accident, several individuals sustained injuries and were treated at the Goa Medical College and Hospital. Among these victims, Shankar Halarnkar, aged 67, required surgery for neck injuries sustained during the accident. Another victim, Vanita Bhandari, aged 21, suffered multiple fractures but is reportedly in stable condition. Raj Majgaonkar, 27, who sustained a forehead injury, is expected to be discharged from the hospital shortly. As the investigation continues, the public remains vigilant, advocating for a fair and thorough resolution to the tragic incident. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, August 12, 2023, 9:44 [IST] Four Minors Arrested In Assam For Alleged Rape, Threats In Kokrajhar Case India oi-Madhuri Adnal Four boys have been arrested in Assam's Kokrajhar district on allegations of raping a minor girl and issuing death threats to dissuade her from disclosing the incident, as announced by the police on Friday night. Director General of Assam Police, Gyanendra Pratap Singh, shared the information via social media, revealing that the victim's mother had filed a complaint regarding the incident that occurred two months prior, at the Salakati Outpost on Friday afternoon. The DGP explained, "Around two months ago, her minor daughter was subjected to gang rape by four individuals at approximately 3 pm on the banks of the Champa River while she was bathing. The accused threatened her to keep the matter confidential. However, she disclosed the incident to her mother today." MLA Mevani completes legal formalities in Kokrajhar, to leave for Gujarat According to Singh, following the complaint, law enforcement initiated an investigation and successfully identified and apprehended all four accused individuals. "The four accused have been identified and taken into custody. They are all individuals in conflict with the law who are minors. Their ages and other particulars are being verified, and appropriate legal measures are being undertaken," Singh stated on Twitter. Given that the accused are also minors, their identities are being safeguarded by the police, Singh added. Drawing upon recent rulings from various high courts across the country, the police highlighted that Children in Conflict with Law (CCL) cannot be treated as undertrial prisoners, and the right to seek bail cannot be denied. The Madhya Pradesh High Court stated in March of the previous year, "A Child in Conflict with Law (CCL) cannot be treated as an undertrial prisoner under Section 436-A of the CrPC. Arrest, confinement, or apprehension are not envisaged under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015." In a recent judgment, the Punjab and Haryana High Court emphasized that even if a juvenile is being tried as an adult for serious crimes, they are still considered a juvenile in conflict with the law and are entitled to the benefits of Section 12 of the Juvenile Justice Act, which pertains to bail. Kokrajhar attack: NIA files supplementary chargesheet "While the appellant/CCL was indeed ordered to be tried as an adult, they remain a juvenile in conflict with the law and must not be deprived of the advantages of Section 12 of the Act," the special bench affirmed in its ruling. The court also noted that bail may only be denied if reasonable grounds exist to believe that releasing the individual could lead to association with known criminals or expose them to moral, physical, or psychological risks, or if releasing them would undermine the interests of justice. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, August 12, 2023, 9:25 [IST] Unfulfilled Promise: Family Of Cook Who Refused To Poison Mahatma Gandhi Yet To Receive Land Promised By Prez 'He Will Hoist The Flag At Home': Mallikarjun Kharge Reacts To PM's Red Fort Comment Independence Day 2023: Around 1,800 Special Guests Including PM-KISAN Beneficiaries To Attend India oi-PTI The government has invited around 1,800 special guests, including beneficiaries of the PM-KISAN scheme, from across the country to attend the Independence Day flag hoisting ceremony by the Prime Minister at Red Fort on August 15. As India completes 75 years of Independence this year, sarpanches of 'Vibrant Villages', teachers, nurses, farmers, fishermen, labourers involved in building the Central Vista project and khadi sector workers have been invited, among others. ''Around 1,800 special guests from all over India will be attending the Independence Day Flag hoisting by the Prime Minister of India at the Red Fort on 15th August this year,'' the Union Agriculture Ministry said in a statement. Border Roads Organisation workers and those who helped and worked for the Amrit Sarovar Projects and Har Ghar Jal Yojana Projects have been invited along with their spouses to attend the Independence Day celebrations in New Delhi this year. Two beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme (PM-KISAN) from Maharashtra will witness the Independence Day celebrations at the historic Red Fort, Delhi on August 15, 2023 as special guests. Independence Day 2023: Section 144 Imposed Around Red Fort, Rajghat Fifty beneficiaries of the scheme, along with their families, are among around 1,800 persons who have been invited to listen to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the nation from Red Fort. The initiative to invite people from all walks of life, across India, and be a part of the celebrations has been taken by the government in line with its vision of 'Jan Bhagidari'. PM-KISAN, a Central Sector Scheme, aims at providing financial assistance to all cultivable landholding farmer families across the country, subject to certain exclusion criteria. Under the scheme, an amount of Rs 6,000 is transferred annually in three equal instalments of Rs 2,000 directly into the Aadhaar Seeded bank accounts of the farmers. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, August 12, 2023, 11:18 [IST] Independence Day 2023: Check Traffic Advisory Before You Travel In Delhi-NCR India oi-Madhuri Adnal Ahead of Independence Day 2023, Noida Police has released a traffic advisory for commuters plying between Delhi and Noida. The advisory aims to ensure the seamless flow of vehicles between the two cities during the Independence Day celebrations in the nearby districts. As per the advisory, heavy, medium, and light commercial vehicles will be restricted from entering the national capital starting from 10 pm on August 12 until August 12, and again from 10 pm on August 14 until August 15. During this period, several routes in both Noida and Delhi will be closed, prompting Noida Police to recommend alternate routes for commuters to reach their destinations. The following are the suggested routes that travelers can consider to reach their intended places: Independence Day 2023: Around 1,800 Special Guests Including PM-KISAN Beneficiaries To Attend Noida Traffic Police Advisory: Recommended Alternate Routes For vehicles traveling from Noida's Chilla Border to Delhi or other states via the national capital, it is advisable to take the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway after executing a U-turn at the Chilla Red Light. This maneuver will help in avoiding inconveniences caused by detours. When utilizing the Delhi-Noida-Delhi (DND) flyover, vehicles can perform a U-turn at the toll booth and transition to the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway via the Eastern Peripheral Expressway. A diversion will be in place before an underpass near the Yamuna River for vehicles journeying from the Kalindi Kunj-Yamuna border to Delhi or other states via the national capital. These vehicles can opt for the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway, followed by the Eastern Peripheral Expressway, to reach their desired destinations. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, August 12, 2023, 13:07 [IST] India's New Fighter Jet Squadron In Srinagar To Deter Pakistan, China India oi-Madhuri Adnal India has strategically positioned an upgraded squadron of MiG-29 fighter jets at the Srinagar air base to address potential threats from both Pakistan and China. The newly designated 'Defender of the North' squadron, formerly known as Tridents, has taken over from the MiG-21 squadron at Srinagar, historically responsible for guarding against Pakistani threats. The significance of Srinagar's location in the heart of the Kashmir valley, coupled with its higher elevation, prompted the deployment of aircraft possessing a higher weight-to-thrust ratio, quicker response time, advanced avionics, and long-range missiles. Squadron Leader Vipul Sharma of the Indian Air Force highlighted the MiG-29's fulfillment of these criteria, enabling them to effectively counter threats on both fronts. Compared to the previously deployed MiG-21s, the MiG-29s offer multiple advantages. While the MiG-21s successfully safeguarded the Kashmir valley for years, including the downing of an F-16 in 2019 following the Balakot air strikes, the upgraded MiG-29s feature extended capabilities. These include enhanced avionics, long-range air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, and potent weaponry, acquired through the armed forces' emergency procurement powers. The MiG-29s possess the ability to disrupt enemy aircraft's capabilities through jamming during conflicts, enhancing their defensive prowess. Additionally, these aircraft can conduct night operations with night vision goggles and boast an extended range due to air-to-air refueling. IAF Grounds MiG-21 Fighter Aircraft Fleet Following Crash In Rajasthan Squadron Leader Shivam Rana emphasized the aircraft's enhanced capabilities, particularly their integration of air-to-ground armament, previously absent. The selection of exceptional pilots by the Indian Air Force further contributes to the aircraft's effectiveness. Deployed to the Srinagar air base in January, the MiG-29s have been actively patrolling the Kashmir valley and the Ladakh sector. In the event of airspace violation attempts by China, these jets are primed to respond swiftly. Notably, the MiG-29s were the first aircraft stationed in the Ladakh sector following the 2020 Galwan clash to counter Chinese threats, successfully thwarting multiple such attempts since then. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, August 12, 2023, 10:35 [IST] PM Modi Erased N And Put P Instead, P For 'Pettiness, Peeve': Cong Slams Nehru Memorial Name Change PM Should Be Held Accountable For 'Scams' Pointed Out By CAG: Congress Will PM Modi Address The Nation From Red Fort Next Year? Here's What Times Now ETG Survey Says Develop Every Village, Tehsil, District To Make India Developed By 2047: PM Modi At BJP's Meet Listen to Mann Ki Baat Of Muslims: Jama Masjid Shahi Imam To PM Modi India oi-Madhuri Adnal Expressing deep concern about the growing animosity towards Muslims in the country and recent incidents of violence in Haryana's Nuh, Syed Ahmed Bukhari, the Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid, urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday to engage with the "Mann Ki Baat" of the community. Pointing out the series of violent episodes targeting Muslims, Bukhari advised both PM Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to initiate dialogues with influential leaders from the Muslim community. In light of the unsettling state of the country, Bukhari stated, "I feel compelled to speak out. The spreading of hatred among citizens poses a significant threat to our nation's peace and harmony." Chennai Cop Claims Hindus Will Rule India, Muslims, Christians Can Go To Pakistan; Gets Suspended Drawing a parallel with PM Modi's monthly radio program, Bukhari emphasized, "You express your 'Mann Ki Baat,' but you must also lend an ear to the 'Mann Ki Baat' of Muslims." He further elaborated, "The present state of affairs in our nation has left Muslims deeply perturbed, and the community is concerned about its future." Bukhari stressed that the existing legal framework isn't sufficient to address the issues of hatred and communal conflicts. In reference to instances where Panchayats called for the boycotting of Muslims following the violence in Nuh, Bukhari pointed out that people of a particular faith are facing open threats. "The harmony between Hindus and Muslims is at risk," he cautioned, emphasizing that the government has the capability to manage the current situation. Don't Call Muslims and Christians Minorities, Will Hit You With Sandals: Seeman Bukhari affirmed that the Muslim community is prepared for discussions to counteract the growing sentiment of hatred and division and to work towards preserving the nation's unity. Regarding the Nuh violence, clashes between Hindus and Muslims erupted in Haryana's Nuh following an attack on the VHP-led Brij Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra. The violence, which began on July 31, subsequently spread to other parts of Haryana, including Gurgaon and Faridabad. Tragically, the clashes led to the loss of six lives and left around 50 others injured. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, August 12, 2023, 10:07 [IST] Bittu Bajrangi Had No Relation With Bajrang Dal: VHP Distances Itself From Arrested Cow Vigilante Mobile Internet Ban: Manipur HC Asks State Govt To Find Ways To Restore Services India oi-PTI The Manipur High Court has asked the state government to find ways to provide mobile internet services to people. The court was hearing a batch of pleas filed by various parties seeking restoration of mobile internet services which were blocked after violence broke out in the state on May 3. A bench of Justice Ahanthem Bimol Singh and Justice A Guneshwar Sharma on Friday directed, ''...state authorities, specially, the home department should consider for devising mechanism/methods for providing internet services through mobile phones by whitelisting the mobile numbers on case to case basis and in a phase-wise manner." It also added, "Accordingly, the state authorities are directed to consider this aspect and to submit a report on the next date.'' During the hearing, the state's counsel submitted that the Manipur government had, earlier, issued necessary orders lifting the ban on providing internet through broadband services (ILL & FTTH) in a liberalised manner. Rahul Gandhi Slams PM Modi In LS Over Manipur Violence The counsel said this "was subject to fulfilment of certain safeguards/terms and conditions and as of now, many citizens have availed such internet services." Counsel for the petitioners submitted that since there has been no data leakage through the whitelisted mobile phones, the high court can pass appropriate orders directing the state to whitelist all mobile phones in a gradual manner. The counsel said authorities have conducted physical trials about revoking the mobile internet ban by whitelisting certain mobile numbers. As per the report submitted by service providers, there is no data leakage to any other numbers which are not whitelisted, the counsel added. An indefinite Mobile internet ban has been in force in Manipur since May 3 after violence broke out in the state. The court will again hear the matter on August 31. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, August 12, 2023, 13:25 [IST] Gujarat assembly polls 2022: PM Modi, Kejriwal to address rallies in Surat in last leg of campaign Robbers Loot Rs 14 Lakh From A Bank In Surat In Broad Daylight India oi-Sushmita Halder A shocking incident in Gujarat's Surat took the internet by storm. Five robbers looted a bank in broad daylight on Friday and escaped with Rs 14 lakh cash. The robbers arrived on motorcycles and kept their helmets on during the robbery at the Bank of Maharashtra branch. The incident took place at around 11 am. Armed with weapons, the robbers carried out the bank heist in broad daylight and then fled the scene. The CCTV footage inside and outside the bank captured the robbers in action. According to the CCTV footage, the robbers can be seen arriving on two motorcycles at the Bank of Maharashtra branch to carry out the robbery. The footage inside the bank shows the robbers entering the building and then immediately pulling out their pistols and pointing them at the bank employees as well as the customers. Before the bank personnel could react, the robbers, showed them the weapons and instructed them to put the money from the bank's counters into their bags. All the bank customers and employees are then ushered into a room by the robbers. Throughout this ordeal, the bank staff and customers are herded into a separate room. Shortly after, all five robbers manage to escape with nearly Rs 14 lakh in cash from the bank, leaving the bank employees and customers in a state of shock. Later, the police arrived at the scene along with the top officials of the Surat Police Department. The Surat Police issued a red alert, initiating a city-wide search. Checkpoints and roadblocks are set up across the city, and extensive use of CCTV and mobile surveillance has been employed to track down the culprits. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, August 12, 2023, 23:46 [IST] SC Grants Interim Bail To Former Maharashtra Minister Nawab Malik India oi-Sushmita Halder Former Maharashtra Minister Nawab Malik who was arrested over a money laundering case in 2022, has been granted an interim bail by the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court on Friday granted interim bail to Malik for two months on medical grounds. Malik had moved the Supreme Court against the Bombay High Court's July 13 order denying him bail on medical grounds in the case being probed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). A bench of justices Aniruddha Bose and Bela M Trivedi noted that Malik is in the hospital for kidney disease and other ailments. "We are passing the order strictly on medical conditions and have not entered into the merits of the case," the bench said. "We are passing the order strictly on medical conditions and have not entered into the merits of the case," the bench said. The ED had arrested Malik in February 2022 in a case allegedly linked to the activities of fugitive gangster Dawood Ibrahim and his associates. NCP leader Nawab Malik's son booked in alleged visa fraud case The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader is in judicial custody and currently undergoing treatment in a private hospital in Mumbai. Malik had sought relief from the HC, claiming he was suffering from a chronic kidney disease apart from various other ailments. He also sought bail on merit. The high court had said it will hear his plea seeking bail on merit after two weeks. The ED's case against Malik is based on an FIR filed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) against Dawood Ibrahim, a designated global terrorist and a key accused in the 1993 Mumbai serial bomb blasts, and his associates under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Sudarshan News Editor Arrested Over Post On Nuh Violence India oi-PTI A Sudarshan News editor has been arrested by police here over his alleged inflammatory posts on social media related to the communal violence in Nuh and adjoining districts in Haryana, an official said. The TV channel termed the arrest of Mukesh Kumar, its resident editor, an attack on media freedom and had initially alleged he was ''abducted'' by some goons. Police said he was arrested by the Cyber Crime, East Police Station. Six people have been killed in the communal violence which erupted in Nuh on July 31 after a Vishva Hindu Parishad procession was attacked. Police said that in a post on X, called Twitter till recently, Kumar alleged a foreign media house has been making calls to the Gurugram Police Commissioner and pressuring her to take action against Hindus over the communal riots. In a statement on Friday, the Gurugram Police termed Kumar's post baseless, false and misleading. They said an FIR was registered under relevant section of the IT Act and other sections against the journalist at the Cyber Crime, East Police Station. In his post on August 8, Kumar wrote, ''The @AJENews (Al Jazeera News Channel) has been making calls to the Gurgaon Police Commissioner and pressuring her to take action against Hindus. And after receiving the call, @DC_Gurugram comes under so much pressure she picks up Hindu activists from anywhere.'' Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime) Varun Dahiya said on Friday Kumar was arrested and taken to a hospital for his medical examination The Sudarshan News had earlier claimed in an X post that its resident editor Kumar has been ''abducted'' from Gurugram. The channel said he had gone to Mewat to help ''struggling'' Hindu activists. It said he was abducted by ''well-built goons'' from his car in Sector 17, Gurugram. Nuh Violence: Haryana Deputy CM Blames 'Lack Of Assessment' By Administration It issued another statement later, saying it took the Gurugram Police seven hours to issue a press note informing about the arrest. ''This arrest is totally illegal and wrong. Sudarshan News stands by Mukesh Kumar ji and considers the arrest an attack on media freedom,'' it said with the hashtag #ReleaseMukeshKumar. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, August 12, 2023, 11:27 [IST] Shah Slams Oppn Alliance INDIA, Says Nothing Will Happen By Change In Name TN Minister Senthil Balaji's Judicial Custody Extended Till Aug 25 India oi-Sushmita Halder Tamil Nadu Minister V Senthil Balaji who has been arrested over a money laundering case, has been produced before a sessions court on Saturday by the Enforcement Directorate. Principal Sessions Judge S Alli remanded him to judicial custody till August 25. Earlier on August 7, the judge had permitted the ED to take custody of Senthil Balaji for 5 days for interrogation in connection with the case. Balaji was arrested in June in connection with a cash-for-jobs scam while being Transport minister in the earlier AIADMK regime. The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed Tamil Nadu Minister Senthil Balaji's plea challenging the custody by the Enforcement Directorate in the money laundering case. The Court allowed the Directorate of Enforcement to have Balaji's custody till August 12 in connection with the cash-for-jobs scam. A Bench comprising Justices AS Bopanna and MM Sundresh dismissed the petitions filed by Balaji and his wife Megala challenging the Madras High Court's judgment which held that the Enforcement Directorate was entitled to take Balaji into police custody. The Court also rejected their pleas that the ED's arrest was illegal. The Court held that writ of habeas corpus was not maintainable against the arrest by the ED. The order of remand cannot be challenged in a habeas corpcorpus petition. If there is any violation of the procedure for arrest prescribed in Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, then action The 2-judge bench also referred the judgment in Anupam Kulkarni, which held that police custody is not permissible beyond first 15 days of remand, to larger bench for reconsideration. Justice Sundresh read out the operative portion of the judgment, which was reserved on August 2. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, August 12, 2023, 17:16 [IST] Unfulfilled Promise: Family Of Cook Who Refused To Poison Mahatma Gandhi Yet To Receive Land Promised By Prez Yogi Govt Cancels Sunday Holiday In Uttar Pradesh Schools For This Reason India oi-Sushmita Halder The Yogi government has announced that basic and secondary schools of the state will remain open on Sunday (August 13) to celebrate Har Ghar Tiranga and Meri Mati Mera Desh programs under the Azaadi ka Amrit Mahotsav scheme. Special mid-day meals will be provided to all the students. The Yogi-led government has fixed the date-wise outline of the Har Ghar Tiranga and Meri Mati Mera Desh programs in schools. According to this, a poetry recitation competition will be organized for students in all the schools on August 13. Due to the public holiday, the government has given instructions to ensure special mid-day meal arrangements for all the children of the schools. The Director General of School Education and Director Mid-Day Meal Authority Vijay Kiran Anand has issued an order in this regard. In the order issued to all Basic Education Officers, it has been said that as part of the closing ceremony of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav scheme, programs under the 'Meri Mati Mera Desh' campaign will be organized in all gram panchayats, nagar panchayats, and local urban bodies from August 9 to 15, in compliance with the guidelines. As per the instructions received from the government, various programs will also be organized in schools on August 13. The received order from the Uttar Pradesh government state that photographs of all daily events in schools will be uploaded on the departmental portal. In addition to this, the district-wise number of teachers and students involved in the program should also be made available to the concerned nodal officer of the directorate. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Sunday, August 13, 2023, 1:03 [IST] Imran Khan Can Be Poisoned In Attock Jail, Says Wife Bushra Bushra Bibi's Diary Leaked: Did Imran Khan's Reliance On His Wife's Advice Lead To His Downfall? International oi-Madhuri Adnal A purported diary attributed to Bushra Bibi, the wife of former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan, has surfaced, causing a significant stir within Pakistan's political landscape. The emergence of this diary, allegedly containing directives and guidance attributed to Bushra for her husband, has triggered a fervent debate about the extent of her involvement in shaping the political decisions of the deposed premier. Excerpts from the diary have rapidly circulated across television channels and social media platforms, garnering widespread attention. The entries claim that Bushra played a pivotal role in advising and influencing Imran's political strategies, including matters concerning the judiciary, military, and governance. This is shocking! Imran Khan did everything Bushra Bibi asked him to do according to his secret diary. He believed in superstition, the reason why they ended up ruining the country with their sick decisions. This delusional man is NOT fit for anything!pic.twitter.com/CYkM1oimar Saad Kaiser (@TheSaadKaiser) August 11, 2023 The alleged diary entries depict Bushra as an active driver of PTI's political maneuvers. It is suggested that she offered counsel to Imran, advocating for pressure to be applied on various state institutions such as the judiciary and the armed forces. The diary purportedly outlines strategies for rallies, protests, and public statements designed to exert pressure on the government and establishment. Imran Khan, Wife Bushra Bibi Summoned Over 'Illegal' Marriage One striking assertion within the diary revolves around a specific prayer that Imran was reportedly instructed to recite, along with precise wording that carried a tone of defiance. This has sparked questions regarding the interplay between spiritual beliefs and political activities. Additionally, the diary entries imply that Bushra played a substantial role in instilling the notion of a political revolution within Imran's mindset. Allegedly, she encouraged him to be prepared for drastic actions, even suggesting the possibility of city-wide shutdowns if deemed necessary. The diary also hints at Bushra's involvement in shaping legal strategies, offering questions for PTI lawyers to pose in court. These questions reportedly revolved around issues such as the government's stability and the alleged motivations of those seeking to destabilize Pakistan. Critics of the diary's authenticity argue that it might be a deliberate effort to tarnish Imran's reputation and undermine PTI's credibility. Supporters of PTI and Imran question the timing and source of these allegations, implying that they could be politically motivated to weaken the party's standing. Meanwhile, prominent anchor, analyst, and journalist Javed Chaudhry has come forward to assert that the widely-discussed viral diary does indeed belong to Bushra. Javed, who claims to have personally examined the diary, shared astonishing insights about its origin and content during a telephonic conversation with an anchorperson from Express News. According to Javed's account, the diary in question was seized from Bushra during a police raid at Zaman Park - Imran's residence in Lahore - on August 5th. Javed states that he himself saw the diary, describing it as a green diary with "2020" inscribed on the cover. He explains that the diary was initially presented as a gift to Imran from a friendly nation and was subsequently given to Bushra. Who is Bushra Maneka? Pakistan star Imran Khan who waits to marry for the third time The diary's contents reportedly encompass a range of instructions and directives, spanning from party management strategies to Imran's daily routine. Javed reveals that the diary includes detailed specifics like Imran's morning meals, water consumption times, and even the recommended timing for consuming milk late at night. The journalist discloses that the diary contains prescribed prayers and supplications for various parts of the day. Javed continues by sharing that the diary provides explicit instructions regarding the incorporation of specific voluntary prayers alongside the obligatory ones, as well as the recitation of particular prayers. Furthermore, Javed mentions that the diary encompasses passport numbers and guidelines for Imran's speeches and press conferences. He suggests that the diary paints a picture of Bushra wielding significant influence over the party's decision-making mechanisms. Javed highlights that the entries even offer guidance on how Imran should address specific questions and subjects during public appearances. Pak's Top Election Body Bars Imran Khan From Politics For 5 Years Interestingly, Javed reveals that the diary contains instructions to respond vigorously if governor's rule is imposed in Punjab, advocating for a nationwide shutdown. The contents suggest applying immense pressure on the judiciary to avoid unfavorable rulings, and specific engagement instructions are outlined for lawyers, including mentions of Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial. Regarding the diary's credibility, Javed points out that the writing style aligns with Bushra's other writings, and personal information documented in the diary could potentially be cross-referenced for verification. He implies that even the listed bank account numbers might be subject to validation. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, August 12, 2023, 12:18 [IST] Elon Musk's Cage Fight With Zuckerberg Will Be Livestreamed On Meta, Venue: Italy International oi-Madhuri Adnal Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, never fails to keep us guessing. He recently hinted that his proposed cage match with Mark Zuckerberg, the co-founder of Meta, might just happen in Italy. In a series of posts on X (formerly known as Twitter), Musk revealed that he's been in communication with Italy's prime minister and minister of culture to discuss the possibility of hosting the event. "The fight will be organized through our foundations, not UFC. The live stream will be available on this platform as well as Meta. The entire scene within the camera frame will reflect ancient Rome, embracing a completely non-modern atmosphere. I've conversed with Italy's Prime Minister and Minister of Culture, and we've agreed upon an awe-inspiring location. Every aspect of this endeavor will pay homage to Italy's rich past and vibrant present. And all proceeds will be dedicated to supporting veterans," Musk wrote. However, despite Musk's recent assertion that the cage match will be set in "ancient Rome," Gennaro Sangiuliano, Italy's Minister of Culture, stated that such an event won't be held in Rome, as reported by Variety. Twitter Payouts: Now, Elon Musk's 'X' Lowers Minimum Ad Impressions Requirements For Creators To 5 Million "I had a lengthy and friendly conversation with Elon Musk," Sangiuliano stated in a released statement (translated by Google). "We discussed our shared passion for the history of ancient Rome. We are contemplating how to organize a significant charitable and historical reenactment event, while fully respecting and safeguarding the sites. But it won't take place in Rome." Sangiuliano had previously mentioned that a Musk-Zuck fight couldn't be hosted at Rome's Colosseum due to ongoing maintenance. It's worth noting that these tech moguls agreed to a "cage match" showdown back in late June. It all started with a tweet from Musk, expressing his openness to a cage match with Zuckerberg, who happens to be trained in jiujitsu. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, August 12, 2023, 12:42 [IST] FTX Founder Sam Bankman-Fried Jailed For Witness Tampering In Crypto Case International oi-PTI FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried left a federal courtroom in handcuffs Friday after a judge revoked his bail after concluding that the fallen cryptocurrency wiz had repeatedly tried to influence witnesses against him. Bankman-Fried looked down at his hands as Judge Lewis A Kaplan explained at length why he believed the California man had repeatedly pushed the boundaries of his $250 million bail package to a point that Kaplan could no longer ensure the protection of the community, including prosecutors' witnesses, unless the 31-year-old was behind bars. At the conclusion of the hearing, Bankman-Fried took off his suit jacket and tie and turned his watch and other personal belongings over to his lawyers. The clanging of handcuffs could be heard as his hands were cuffed in front of him. He was then led out of the courtroom by US marshals. It was a spectacular fall for a man once viewed by many as a savvy crypto visionary who had testified before Congress and hired celebrities including Larry David, Tom Brady and Stephen Curry to promote his businesses. Actor Julian Sands Died While Hiking on California Mountain Kaplan said there was probable cause to believe Bankman-Fried had tried to "tamper with witnesses at least twice" since his December arrest, most recently by showing a journalist the private writings of a former girlfriend and key witness against him and in January when he reached out to FTX's general counsel with an encrypted communication. The judge said he concluded there was a probability that Bankman-Fried had tried to influence both anticipated trial witnesses "and quite likely others whose names we don't even know" to get them to "back off, to have them hedge their cooperation with the government." Bankman-Fried's lawyers insisted that their client's motives were innocent and he shouldn't be jailed for trying to protect his reputation against a barrage of unfavourable news stories. Attorney Mark Cohen asked the judge to suspend his incarceration order for an immediate appeal, but Kaplan rejected the request. Within an hour, defence lawyers had filed a notice of appeal. Bankman-Fried had been under house arrest at his parents' home in Palo Alto, California, since his December extradition from the Bahamas on charges that he defrauded investors in his businesses and illegally diverted millions of dollars' worth of cryptocurrency from customers using his FTX exchange. His bail package severely restricted his internet and phone usage. The judge noted that the strict rules did not stop him from reaching out in January to a top FTX lawyer, saying he "would really love to reconnect and see if there's a way for us to have a constructive relationship, use each other as resources when possible, or at least vet things with each other." At a February hearing, Kaplan said the communication "suggests to me that maybe he has committed or attempted to commit a federal felony while on release." On Friday, Kaplan said he was rejecting defence claims that the communication was benign. Instead, he said, it seems to be an invitation for the FTX general counsel "to get together with Bankman-Fried" so that their recollections "are on the same page." Two weeks ago, prosecutors surprised Bankman-Fried's attorneys by demanding his incarceration, saying he violated those rules by showing The New York Times the private writings of Caroline Ellison, his former girlfriend and the ex-CEO of Alameda Research, a cryptocurrency trading hedge fund that was one of his businesses. Prosecutors maintained he was trying to sully her reputation and influence prospective jurors who might be summoned for his October trial by sharing deep thoughts about her job and the romantic relationship she had with Bankman-Fried. California Senate committee passes bill to end caste discrimination The judge said Friday that the excerpts of Ellison's communications that Bankman-Fried had shared with a reporter were the kinds of things that somebody who'd been in a relationship with somebody "would be very unlikely to share with anybody, lest The New York Times, except to hurt, discredit, and frighten the subject of the material." Ellison pleaded guilty in December to criminal charges carrying a potential penalty of 110 years in prison. She has agreed to testify against Bankman-Fried as part of a deal that could lead to a more lenient sentence. Bankman-Fried's lawyers argued he probably failed in a quest to defend his reputation because the article cast Ellison in a sympathetic light. They also said prosecutors exaggerated the role Bankman-Fried had in the article. They said prosecutors were trying to get their client locked up by offering evidence consisting of ''innuendo, speculation, and scant facts.'' Since prosecutors made their detention request, Kaplan had imposed a gag order barring public comments by people participating in the trial, including Bankman-Fried. David McCraw, a lawyer for the Times, had written to the judge, noting the First Amendment implications of any blanket gag order, as well as public interest in Ellison and her cryptocurrency trading firm. Ellison confessed to a central role in a scheme defrauding investors of billions of dollars that went undetected, McCraw said. ''It is not surprising that the public wants to know more about who she is and what she did and that news organisations would seek to provide to the public timely, pertinent, and fairly reported information about her, as The Times did in its story," McCraw said. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, August 12, 2023, 9:15 [IST] Maui Wildfire Claims 67 Lives, Most Deadly Disaster in Hawaii History International oi-Madhuri Adnal The death toll in Maui surged to 67 individuals as authorities confirmed an additional 12 casualties stemming from an immense blaze that transformed significant portions of a centuries-old town into a nightmarish scene of ash-covered debris. As per an online statement from Maui County officials, firefighters were still engaged in combatting the fire, which had not yet been fully contained. Concurrently, residents of Lahaina were being granted permission to return to their homes for the first time, with the intent of assessing the extent of the destruction. These wildfires represent the most lethal natural disaster in the state in many years, surpassing the death toll of a 1960 tsunami that claimed 61 lives. The territory-wide emergency system, including the monthly sounding of sirens for readiness testing, was instituted in response to a more devastating tsunami in 1946 that killed over 150 people on the Big Island. Europe joins fight against Canada wildfire smoke Recommended Video Hawaii Maui Wildfires: Maps and images reveal Maui devastation as death toll nears 70| Oneindia News However, many survivors of the fire stated in interviews that they were neither alerted by sirens nor given sufficient warning to prepare. They only recognized the danger when flames were visible or when nearby explosions were audible. According to records from Hawaii's emergency management, there is no evidence that warning sirens were sounded prior to the need for people to flee for their safety. Instead, officials disseminated alerts via mobile phones, televisions, and radio stations, but extensive power and cellular outages likely limited their effectiveness. Governor Josh Green cautioned that the death toll was likely to climb as search and rescue operations persisted. He also informed that Lahaina residents would be allowed to return on Friday to inspect their properties and that people would be permitted to venture out for water and essential services. Authorities had established a curfew from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Saturday. Green conveyed to Hawaii News Now, "The recovery process will be immensely intricate, but our priority is to facilitate residents returning to their homes to evaluate the situation safely, as the circumstances are quite hazardous." Fueled by a dry summer and strong winds from a passing hurricane, at least three wildfires erupted on Maui throughout the week, swiftly advancing through the parched vegetation covering the island. The most severe of these fires engulfed Lahaina on Tuesday, leaving it in ruins between the ocean and verdant slopes. Structures stood as skeletal remnants, their roofs collapsed from the inferno. Palm trees were charred, and the harbor's boats were scorched, with the scent of burning permeating the air. According to calculations by Karen Clark & Company, a prominent disaster and risk modeling firm, the wildfire is projected to become the second-costliest disaster in Hawaii's history, trailing only Hurricane Iniki in 1992. California wildfire forces thousands to evacuate In terms of casualties, this wildfire is the most deadly in the United States since the Camp Fire of 2018 in California, which claimed the lives of at least 85 individuals and devastated the town of Paradise. The vulnerability of Lahaina to wildfires has long been recognized. Maui County's hazard mitigation plan, last revised in 2020, identified Lahaina and other communities in West Maui as areas prone to frequent wildfires, with numerous buildings at risk of fire-related damage. The report also highlighted that West Maui had the second-highest proportion of households without a vehicle on the island and the highest percentage of residents who were non-English speakers. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, August 12, 2023, 9:07 [IST] Former US senator Jon Kyl appointed as the temporary successor to late John McCain Christchurch horror: Australian teen who broke egg on politicians head advises people not to do it Who Is Anwaar-Ul-Haq Kakar? Pakistan Senator Named Caretaker PM Ahead Of Elections International oi-Madhuri Adnal Senator Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, a representative from Balochistan, has been appointed as the interim Prime Minister of Pakistan, according to an official statement from the Prime Minister's Office as reported by Geo News. The announcement comes at a time when a consensus reached between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and outgoing Opposition Leader in the National Assembly (NA), Raja Riaz, regarding the selection of Anwaarul Haq Kakar for the prestigious position in a meeting held today. In a press release issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), it was stated that PM Shehbaz and Riaz have jointly recommended Kakar's appointment as the caretaker prime minister to President Alvi. Confirming the decision during a media briefing outside the Prime Minister's House after the meeting with PM Shehbaz, Riaz stated,"We had previously agreed that the caretaker PM should be someone from a smaller province and a non-controversial figure. Our goal was to address the feeling of deprivation in smaller provinces. We have now come to a mutual agreement that Anwaarul Haq Kakar will assume the role of caretaker PM." "I had proposed this name, and the PM has accepted it... We both have endorsed the summary," he informed reporters, adding that Kakar will take the oath as the head of the interim administration tomorrow (Sunday). Who is Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar? Anwaarul Haq Kakar was elected as an independent senator from Balochistan in 2018, securing a six-year term that is set to conclude in March 2024. Concurrently, he held the position of Chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, in addition to being a member of various committees including Business Advisory, Finance and Revenue, Foreign Affairs, and Science and Technology. Kakar also served as the parliamentary leader for the Balochistan Awami Party, which was established in 2018, within the Senate. For a significant span of five years, Kakar led in this capacity. However, a mere five months ago, the party opted for new leadership, resulting in his replacement. The president said that any sacked army recruitment officers not being investigated should head to the front to fight for Ukraine. Russia has not reported any casualties or any damages in the alleged drone strikes. Meanwhile, Lithuania has urged Germany to speed up its deployment of troops in the Baltic country. Follow DW for more. The military junta which took power in Niger warned on July 31 that France might militarily intervene with authorization from.. Eurasia Review 03 Aug 2023 The Russian invasion of Ukrainenow in its 16th monthhas been described by the United Nations as violations of both the UN charter and the territorial integrity of a sovereign nation. But it has also triggered the concept of self-defence: you hit me, and Ill hit back. A new survey by the Peace Research Institute... Russian missiles struck a hotel in the Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia, leaving one deceased and 16 injured, including four minors, according to Ukrainian officials. President Joe Biden attends exclusive fundraiser in Park City's gated community The presidential motorcade rolled into Park City Thursday--soon after President Joe Biden finished remarks at the VA ... (Image by YouTube, Channel: KUTV 2 News Salt Lake City) Details DMCA Announcement of President Biden at a campaign stop in Park City, Utah week of August 6, 2023 It seems the campaign for the presidency in the US next year has started to heat up with President Biden-who earlier this year said he'd run for reelection-lambasting China's leaders as "bad folks", [1] from remarks he made at a fundraiser in Park City, Utah this week. Biden called Chinese President Xi Jinping's government as being in "trouble." That Beijing's economy was a "ticking time bomb". Telling reporters about China at the event, Biden said, "They got some problems. That's not good because when bad folks have problems, they do bad things. They have the highest unemployment rate going with fewer people of working age than retirement age". He referred to Xi's Belt and Road Initiative as a "debt and noose" regarding the loans China provides to cooperating nations. He also made claims China's economic growth was at 2%. Where Biden got his information from doesn't make sense as China's economy is certainly not in trouble and the BRI is attracting many developing countries in the world not only in Asia, but also in Africa and Latin America. As to the donors at this fundraiser they had to pay at least $3,000 to attend. The hosts paid $100,000 while guests who contributed at least $50,000 could speak with Biden and get a picture taken with him. Donors who paid $10,000 to $15,000 could only get a photo with the prez. Getting back to Biden's comments on China how they were intended to improve relations with that country is simply baffling. Maybe at this early stage of the campaign season Biden was trying to outdo Trump who despite his myriad of legal troubles is likely to be the Repubs nominee next year. And if Biden's remarks at this early fundraising event is any indication of what's to come this presidential primary season beginning in January it ought to be a doozy. It's amazing what the American people have to endure every four years with the presidential candidates trying to outduel one another as they pander to voters during each state's primary. Then on to the debates where the pundits will declare who won the encounter then finally the election. As we know these presidential campaigns will cost hundreds of millions dominated as they are with big corporate and dark money completely corrupting the electoral process. It's no accident the peoples interests are ignored in favor of the big money crowd that underwrite the campaigns. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). In a series of lectures, the late Pulitzer Prize winner Toni Morrison speaks of "extending" the American literary canon. Rather than limiting or omitting literary works written by black writers, and effort is underway to ban any literary production that has to do with black existence in the US. Just when more Americans began to read slave narratives, among the first literary production of a nation dependent on the enslavement of blacks, novels and poetry as well as critical theory written by Black Americans, that proverbial door of opportunity is closing. Why? Is it yet again the rising fear, expressed by white nationalists and white supremacists, that when it comes to "Black Matters," white America should be very afraid? In this nation profession to be a beacon of democracy, what is at stake if the freedom to extend the study of American Literature isn't stymied by those intent on realizing a fascist dictatorship here in the US? I worry that this seemingly "small" population of fascist-minded Americans is more likely a vanguard for a larger percentage of Americans, including liberals who don't want to see the opportunities of their progeny diminished by the inclusion of black people. This vanguard has made its presence known in the American literary canon, a literature that has always been about the study about the white self and its encounter with blackness. In her lecture entitled, "Black Matters," Morrison begins a discussion on how writers of literature "imagine others". As an aspect of her task as a writer, she is drawn to the ways "all writers do this", that is, imagining another human being or another people. Specifically, she asks, "What prompts and makes possible this process of entering what one is estranged from"? What prompts white American writers, if I may speak plainly, to imagine the presence of blacks in their novels? How much of one's "social grounding" is transformed "into aspects of language"? Because there is either a black presence or an absence, a deliberate, absence. There's a marginalizing or silencing, a sacrifice of the black presence for the sake of maintaining the perception of white supremacy. Persevering, in fact, a contradiction rather than a reality that suggests otherwise. And, yet, thinking about claims by literary historians and critics that the American canon "is free of uninformed, and unshaped by the four-hundred-year-old presence of, first, Africans and then African-Americans in the United States," she hears something ringing hollow. Africans and then African Americans "shaped the body politics, the Constitution, and the entire history of the culture." And yet, this presence, according to this hollow claim, has "no significant place or consequence in the origin and development of that culture's literature"? If this is the case, then why the fuss today, in 2023? Why all the frenzy to ban as many books as possible, books having anything to do with slavery, black people, black trans? Why all the draconian policies hearkening back to Jim Crow legislation? Why the rush to rid, state by state, school board by school board, "woke" thinking? Why the insinuation that to be "woke" is to be evil? The contemplation of a black presence must have touched a nerve! Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). "When you have the facts on your side, pound the facts, when you have the law on your side, pound the law, and when you have neither, pound the table." (Image by Los Angeles County Office of Education) Details DMCA The staff at the Los Angeles Office of Education (LACOE) has been in a position before where they have recommended action against the North Valley Military Institute (NVMI) only to have the unelected representatives on the Board ignore their decisions. They, therefore, know that they have to be meticulous in their findings in making the current recommendation to revoke the school's charter. The result is a wide-ranging indictment of incompetence and wrongdoing that will be considered at a meeting on Tuesday, August 8. The final vote to revoke is scheduled to be taken a week later. Instead of admitting their errors and pleading for forgiveness, the school's "Superintendent," Mark Ryan, is attacking the regulatory actions of both the LACOE staff and the Board as "illegal and immoral". Ryan has manipulated the system for so long that he has forgotten that he agreed to be regulated by the agency when he asked them to overturn the LAUSD's decision to reject NVMI's charter renewal. Before the NVMI Board's meeting on August 6, 2023, I sent them the following letter begging them to put the interests of the students first: Dear NVMI Board of Trustees: In the military, discipline is essential as when rules are not observed precisely, armies are "incapable of uniting for a collaborative defense [and are] eager only for plundering and chaos." This tenet applies to officers and soldiers; "all must equally obey those who have a superior rank, and to whom they are subordinate for the service." As a charter school that claims to use the military as its model, NVMI expects its students to submit to its authority and has even argued with its authorizers that it had the right to violate the education code and the Constitution to compel students to comply with its rules regarding patriotism. However, the school's leadership has repeatedly shown insubordination to LACOE, the LAUSD, and the LACCD. These are the school's superiors and under military culture demand deference. The staff at LACOE is not perfect and NVMI's leadership has every right to avail itself of legal remedies to dispute decisions that it does not agree with. However, the tenets of military discipline require that you "obey first before you complain". This body has repeatedly failed to ensure that the Superintendent fulfilled the school's obligations as set forth by LACOE. This meeting provides an example as the agenda was released days after the deadline set by LACOE staff. The Superintendent can ignore military discipline, and the facts, by acting like a petulant child complaining about "the illegal and immoral effort by LACOE's Charter Office and Board to revoke the NVMI charter", but this does not change reality. The fact is that LACOE's published rules require that "the charter must secure a facility 60 days prior to the start of school and provide LACOE with a signed lease agreement by July 3, 2023, for the 2023-2024 school year." When this Board directed Ryan to reject the LAUSD's PROP-39 offer, it set the school up to violate this requirement. This alone is grounds for revocation. As you carry out your responsibilities today, I implore you to remember that your obligation is to the students, not the Superintendent. In a system of checks and balances, this Board is not supposed to be a rubber stamp, yet how many of your votes were unanimous? Were you fulfilling your legal and moral obligations when you voted in the past to adopt budgets or proposed rental agreements that were not yet finalized? One of the things on the agenda today is a request for you to delay the start of the school year even though it will not align with most other publicly financed schools in the area. What will this mean for the students who you are responsible for if LACOE follows through with the revocation? As these students start new schools, they will already be behind, decreasing their chances of success. This school prides itself on serving students facing severe obstacles. Without an orderly transition, many of these children will fall through the cracks. Don't you owe it to them to ensure that they begin the school year in a stable environment? Whatever your thoughts about NVMI's program, the reality is that the school is failing operationally. The plans for next year have been quickly cobbled together and the finances are a mess. Student outcomes are substandard. Even if you miraculously survive the current revocation threat, the ongoing FCMAT audit and IRS investigation of the ERC request pose near-term threats. The budget depends on a grant that requires a letter from LACOE stating that you are in "good standing". Given the evidence presented in favor of revocation, do you think that your authorizers are likely to issue this letter? For the good of the children, I implore you to take the necessary steps to begin an orderly transition to new schools. Inform families that the school is shutting down and invite other school operators to meet with parents. Direct your remaining Special Education staff to assist parents with setting up IEPs with their new schools. It is the moral thing to do. Sincerely, Carl Petersen Carl Petersen is a parent advocate for public education, particularly for students with special education needs, who serves as the Education Chair for the Northridge East Neighborhood Council. As a Green Party candidate in LAUSD's District 2 School Board race, he was endorsed by Network for Public Education (NPE) Action. Dr. Diane Ravitch has called him "a valiant fighter for public schools in Los Angeles." For links to his blogs, please visit www.ChangeTheLAUSD.com. Opinions are his own. "This speech is going to be long" - Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho Breakfast and socializing at Gloria Monina Grand Park (Image by Carl J. Petersen) Details DMCA If there was any doubt why some refer to LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho as "Mr. Hollywood," the 2023-24 Opening of Schools Address put it to rest. Following several student performances highlighting the breadth of talent in the District, a booming Awards-show Voice brought Carvalho to the stage using phrases like "Outstanding Educator." It was clear that modesty was not in his toolbox. Like last year's presentation at the Microsoft Theater, the address was a highly polished affair. While, thankfully, the smoke machine was left behind, loud music that was meant to be inspiring and slickly produced videos punctuated Carvalho's Tony Robbins-inspired performance. He paced the stage wearing his hidden wireless mike, dropping celebrity names like Dr. Dre, Snoop Dog, and Taylor Swift along with random pop-culture references. While it looked like the speech was being delivered from memory, the teleprompters could have just been hidden better than they were last year. It would not have been surprising if he had dropped to the floor to do one-armed pushups or copied some other stunt from past Oscar ceremonies. Maybe next year he will figure out a way to skydive into the festivities. LAUSD administrators file into the Walt Disney Concert Hall (Image by Carl J. Petersen) Details DMCA At points in the presentation, I began to suspect that the flash, like the Superintendent's designer suits, is masking his insecurities. It was clear that his ego is still bruised from the Los Angeles Times' negative coverage of his unilateral decision to decimate the Primary Promise literacy and numeracy program. Twice during the presentation, Carvalho found it necessary to call out the reporter, Howard Blume, by name; the first to draw attention to the presentation's length and then to emphasize the point where he would detail the goals for the year. What Carvalho did not do was ease the fears of those who had opposed his attack on Primary Promise. He could have used this opportunity to assure his opponents that he had heard their concerns and specified steps that would be taken to ensure that students who had benefited from the program would not be left to fall behind again. What is a pep rally without a marching band? (Image by Carl J. Petersen) Details DMCA For as long as the presentation was, there was little in the way of details. Last year's hack of the district's computers, the failed "Acceleration Days" and the elimination of programs that serve children with severe Special Education needs were all ignored. Carvalho was also silent about the $6 million contract he negotiated with the Florida Department of Education, even as he called out Ron DeSantis and other Republican governors for their attacks on public education, academic independence, and personal freedoms. Equally perplexing was the superintendent's bragging about the labor agreements signed in the past year and how they improved employees' lives in a city with a cost of living that is often prohibitive for the lowest-paid workers. This rewriting of history ignored the price paid by students to reach these agreements. If the Superintendent had negotiated in good faith before UTLA and SEIU 99 were forced to strike, then children would not have needlessly missed time in the classroom. The lack of agreement with CSEA, which after the SEIU agreement represents the LAUSD's lowest-paid workers, was also not mentioned. Also largely missing from the speech was how he would improve the delivery of services to approximately 13.6% of LAUSD students with Special Education needs. As an improvement over last year's presentation, Carvalho did at least mention SPED and IEPs several times. Unfortunately, this was only in the context of how overarching programs would also benefit those with Special Education needs. The only specific goal detailed was an effort to improve the time it takes to perform assessments. This is an essential step in ensuring that the District is in compliance with the law but identifying children with disabilities is useless if they are not receiving the services that they need. The presentation did highlight where the LAUSD has succeeded in living up to the ideal that all students matter. According to the Superintendent, representatives of the District were on hand to meet migrants that have been used as political pawns by Texas Governor Greg Abbott. These children are now enrolled in LAUSD schools, ensuring that they will get the education they need to achieve the American Dream envisioned by their parents. Carvalho also revealed that Narcan has been used 30 times to revive overdose victims on LAUSD campuses. This validates the decision to quickly roll out this medication to all schools after the overdose death of a student after she received fentanyl from a student at a co-located charter school. Unfortunately, the Superintendent did not address the safety concerns of PROP-39 co-locations that this case highlighted. By far, the best line of the presentation was the superintendent's admission that the "best ideas come from the Community." Unfortunately, in a morning that was all about him, there was no room for that voice to come through. Instead of the flash, what the community needs is for him to take off his suit jacket, roll up his sleeves and meet his constituents in the field where the work is really done. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Author Bruce Lerro, Founder and Organizer Socialist Planning Beyond Capitalism Orientation In human life it is clear that we are external nature - we have an affinity with other life forms like primates as real, objective beings. However, we also have an internal nature - a psychology - of mental states, goals, imagination and sexual urges that is internal to us. We know from cosmologists that the natural world goes all the way back to subatomic particles. But how far back does internal nature go? Nine Ways of Understanding the Body-Mind Problem Descartes' mind-body dualism In the history of philosophy, David Skrbina tells us there are usually six possible modes of interaction between bodies and minds. For purposes of this article, I've added three more. Perhaps the most famous is Descartes' answer depicted as mind-body dualism. Here the mind and the body (or nature) are thought of as two different substances (thought and extension) that interact through the pineal gland. Each substance is subject to its own laws. Epiphenomenalism and eliminative materialism Epiphenomenalists such as Santayana or the behaviorists are primarily focused on body or nature. Bodies affect mind, but minds do not affect bodies. Mind is the result of the interaction between the brain and the body. By not being a physical entity the mind has no causal power. It is like a shadow on a wall. Eliminative materialism (or mechanical materialism) takes the body-nature emphasis to an extreme. People like Patricia and Paul Churchland, along with W.V.O Quine, argue that there are only bodies. Mind is an illusion. This philosophy is also called physicalism. Idealism and neutral monism Idealists like Plato say that the world is primarily spiritual and matter is a derivative and less real. Spiritual, eternal forms are the archetypes of the world while matter is understood as an inferior copy. The idealist theory of mind holds that mind is really a soul that is distinct from the body and has nothing to do with the brain. The next theory of the mind-body problem is neutral monism. The two extremes of eliminative materialism and idealism are challenged by a third contender. In the hands of first, Spinoza and then Ernest Mach, nature (or the body) and mind are two sides of the same coin. They are the creatures of a third substance which is beyond nature and mind which Spinoza called substance, Hylozoic monism and pre-established harmony While physicalists claim that everything is made of matter, hypozoic monists claim that all of what exists is life. They might strive to discover the properties of life that may be found in parts of the world that are considered inanimate. Ernest Haeckel, Fredrick Paulsen and David Bohm were all representatives. But to say all nature is life that does not mean that all of life has mind or psyche. Many forms of life exist without nervous systems that are self-maintaining and self-creative without having any psyche at all. Neither are any of these forms conscious. Much of the natural order is self-regulating without any conscious regulation. Even with human beings, much of our thinking is unconscious and part of the ancestorial brain with no reflection at all. Leibniz had what was to me the strangest system of mind-body interaction which he called preestablished harmony. The universe consisted of an infinite number of monads (the lowest unit of possible organization). A monad is windowless and is like a living atom. All monads are active and conscious, but they vary in clarity and distinctiveness. Each monad had a final cause or purpose. Leibniz believed that monads do not influence each other. There is a correspondence between each monad's perceptual state and the conditions of the external world (nature or the body). However, those perceptions can only mirror external events. Neither can cause the other. Pantheism and emergent evolution As opposed to materialism, idealism or neutral monism in its starting points all agree that the psyche or the mind is a late development in evolution. Even idealists will say that the soul is given to humanity by God late in His creation. Pantheism opposes all this and states that the mind, soul or spirit goes all the way back in nature - including molecules and subatomic particles. Animists seem to be a kind of pluralist pantheist. They have a more specific claim about the internal structure of matter. Animists claim that not only that every piece of matter has a soul or psyche but that these souls have intentions including rocks, rivers and wind. Animists and pantheists claim that the mind is embedded in nature, right from the beginning. In emergent evolution, nature undergoes a series of quantitative and qualitative changes. As a result of qualitative change, new levels emerge and mind is added at a certain level of complexity. In emergent evolution the effects of something can be more than the cause as genuine novelty appears. Past a level of complexity, the shear creativity of matter produces new things. While initially the body in the form of the brain impacts the mind, the mind can reciprocally react back on nature or the body. Higher stages, while more complex than lower levels, are still dependent on it. Neopagan Marxism Marxian materialists believe the world is composed primarily of matter and that mind is a late development in evolution. The materialist theory of mind has at least two basic assumptions: The mind is limited to humans and perhaps higher animals. The mind is somehow dependent on the physical substrate of the human brain. Materialists usually draw the line where mind emerges with the arrival of a central nervous system. As dialectical materialists we understand the mind as an emergent property of matter. As with emergent evolutionists there can be more in the effect than there is in the cause. However, emergent evolutionists say that cosmic evolution can be divided into matter, life and mind. For us the levels are matter, life and society. Societies are what provide for the material conditions (along with the brain) for mind to emerge. For us the brain and the mind are distinct. You need a brain to have a mind but mind is a product of a new layer of nature, society. Without societies there are no minds. What is My Claim? We agree with pantheists and animists that nature has an internality far back in cosmic evolution. However, my claim is that pantheists' claim about internality being composed of minds, spirits and consciousness is coming at internality at too high a level of complexity. Internality is present in more primitive forms such as experience, memory, irritability, circular feedback, metabolism, attraction-aversion and tension between community and individual and in holons. These existed long before consciousness, mental life or psyches emerged in evolution. Why should you care? As materialists we are in no great rush to tack on consciousness, mentality and psyche into nature to make it respectable. Matter already has a respectability in the form of self-creation and self-maintenance long before mind consciousness or psyche existed. We sympathize with pantheist views because they see nature as self-regulating and in no need of any extra-cosmic buttinskies. However, we reject their claim that mind goes all the way back or down to subatomic particles. As for animism, Marxist Neopagans feel sympathy that the animists claim every object has soul and intention, because it makes nature creative with purpose rather than being the passive creatures of an all-powerful God. However, we question the existence of souls or that rocks and rivers have intentions. What is Pantheism? What is the difference between saying "God is in everything" and "everything is God?" Since most every Christians will imagine God as bodiless, unworldly and spiritual, to say "God is in everything" seems to mean that even disguising body products such as phlegm or feces is somehow spiritual. But if you say everything is God, you are starting with nature as it is immediately, without any prettying up, including phlegm, feces, and decay just as they are materially and elevating it to the spiritual. This kind of God is simply the king of matter and not very noble at all. In pantheism God is identical with all that exists and no more. So pantheism is simply an ontological claim about the relationship between nature and God. Now there are two ways of dividing the pantheistic universe. One is to say pantheism is swallowed as a single whole, a kind of king of matter. The other is a kind of riot of pluralistic panpsychism where there are infinite individual centers of psyche-matter. This seems indistinguishable from animism. As David Skrbina writes in his book Panpsychism in the West all things, however defined, possess some mind-like, noetic quality. It says nothing specific about what the nature of what mind is. Neither does it insist on the specific proportionate relationship between matter and mind. It rejects drawing the line where mind begins. It argues for a theory of continuity non-emergence. There can be nothing in the effect that is not in the cause. This makes it both the opposite of both emergence and physicalism. To many scientists of the early 20th century, panpsychism was uncomfortably close to the recently discredited theory of vitalism. Virtually all contemporary naturalistic theories of mind are forms of emergentism. They argue that mind is a rare and unique phenomenon that arises under only highly specialized circumstances. David Skrbina argues there are at least four reasons for studying the relevance of Panpsychism today: It offers resolutions to the mind-body problem that dualism and physicalism find intractable. It has important ethical consequences, specifically a compassion for nature that comes with ecological values. It brings into sharp relief both Descartes mind-body dualism and the physicalism of Hobbes. Panpsychism is the most under-analyzed philosophical position in Western philosophy. The last systematic study was performed hundred years ago. Do We Need to Say Internal Life is Mind, Mentality, Spirituality and Conscious? When we speak as pantheists what is inside of matter is claimed to be Mind Mental Spiritual Conscious Soul-like As I stated in my claim, I think this is coming at internality at too high a level of complexity. This is called the pathetic fallacy. When hard scientists argued that all biological or social phenomenon were "nothing but" chemical or physical processes they were called reductionists. Conversely, when philosophers or sociologists claim that physical phenomenon are really about consciousness or mental phenomenon they commit the pathetic fallacy. As dialectical materialists we say mind is a property of matter at a very high level of evolution. In fact, the mind is the property of the brain after the brain has been humanized. To claim that all of matter has mind ignores a long history of matter without mind. The same thing is true for consciousness. The word consciousness comes from the Greeks meaning "together knowledge". Consciousness, at least self-reflective consciousness, is the product of human societies. Other animals may be aware, but since they don't pool their knowledge, they are not self-conscious. Other animals have mental life where thoughts, feelings and intentions, much of mental life, is not conscious. Lastly, to say that matter is spiritual implies taking an otherworldly dimension into the bargain and one with laws that usually go beyond nature. If it didn't, we would have no need to call anything spiritual. Why Does Inanimate Nature Seem to Lack Internality Skrbina says there are at least four reasons why inanimate objects appear devoid of mind: a) inactivity and inertness; b) lack of freedom and initiative; c) no clear distinction between parts and wholes; and d) lack of purpose. Process philosopher Hartshorne says mechanism and materialism assume that inanimate matter is; a) dead; b) blind; c) uncreative; and d) insentient. Forms of Internality Without Mind, Consciousness, Mental Life or Soul Panexperientialism What is experience? As a result of the impact of external nature we are changed so that some adjustment has been made internally. This does not require consciousness, mental life or the existence of souls or spirits. For example, when I go out running in the morning the result is that physiologically I feel more lively and relaxed. It requires no consciousness or mental life to have that experience. Panexperientialism means all matter experiences. This term was coined by David Ray Griffin, deriving from Whitehead and Hartshorne. Memory Humans record experiences through morphological changes in the brain. Ancient documents such as fossils, rocks and even planetary fragments can be dated with reasonable precision because of the permanent, cumulative record of all things acquired. William James says the whole sea and the whole tree are registers of what has happened to them. Bergson elaborated the philosophy of memory as the decisive factor in a graded transition from matter to mind. Bergson wrote in his first book, Matter and Memory in 1896, of a continuum from matter to life. As Skrbina points out, duration implies time, and in the realm of life this implies memory. Memory grows with the complexity of the organism. Humans have the most memory and memory dwindles as nature becomes more primitive. The most primitive matter has perception without memory. There are both novelty and stability in all aspects of nature. Stability is an aspect of memory. Irritability Even in the most primitive forms matter does not passively react in a completely predictable and mechanical way. They become irritable, twisting and turning in unpredictable ways to get away from the initial irritant. This needn't involve any consciousness, mental life or purpose. Circular feedback (Bateson) Gregory Bateson was very aware of the importance of concepts of energy, feedback and information anticipating later development in chaos theory and nonlinear dynamics. Quoting Skrbina, Bateson was adamant that it was the circular feedback system itself that was important as an elementary cybernetic system and its messages. Cybernetic feedback systems pervade nature at all levels of organization from molecular to galactic, anywhere that parts intersect and persist. The exception for him are the fundamental atomic particles because they are without parts and lack the dynamic feedback interrelationships. More complicated systems are more worthy of being called mental systems. Interacting with parts is only a necessary condition of mind, not a sufficient condition. Chalmers agrees with Bateson and concludes that it is reasonable to assign experience an even consciousness to a simple feedback system like a thermostat. Metabolism Another characteristic of internal life without bringing up souls, minds or consciousness into the picture is the self-motion of organisms in their ability to learn; their ability to maintain themselves by feedback; repair themselves; elimination of waste; and self-replenishment through the search for resources. Attraction-aversion (love and strife) As far back as Empedocles there was a tension between attraction and aversion, or more poetically between love and strife. Hartshorne assessed that pure sympathy would destroy individuality by merging all into one. On the other hand, pure antipathy would not allow for any structure or knowledge at all. All of nature is driven by attraction and aversion. Chardin writes that the universe is driven by forces moving away from the center to the periphery (centrifugal forces stretching out) and centripetal forces moving from the periphery to the center. Individual vs community Beginning at the more complex end of mammalian levels of evolution, there is tension between individuals and communities as laid out in primate social life between individual and group selection. Of course this carries through the entirety of social evolution. Holons As Koestler points out in his books The Ghost in the Machine and Janus, virtually every part of nature is both self-assertive in expressing relative autonomy and at the same time must participate in a larger system in which it is a part. Koestler claims this tension goes all the way back in nature. He calls this whole/parts holons. The Place of Process Philosophers in Panpsychism For one thing, process philosophy understands time as an ontological category. It understands space, not as a container of matter but in a dialectical relationship with time on one hand, and matter on the other. As many of you know, the new physics has challenged mechanical descriptions of physical reality when we reach the subatomic level. Because human consciousness is involved in determining whether subatomic matter is a wave or a participle, this new physics created some fissures for process philosophy and panpsychism to nestle into them. The standard view of process philosophy after Whitehead is that atoms, molecules and cells are included among the sentient. Leibniz, along with Whitehead, Hartshorne and Griffin deny consciousness to inanimate material objects but grant it cells and molecules. Hartshorne openly advocated for panpsychism and was the first western philosopher to extensively employ the term panpsychism. Hartshorne made some interesting distinctions between matter as an aggregate and matter as individuals. Matter as Individuals vs Matter as an Aggregate Contrary to popular understanding of animism, in process philosophy tables, rocks and houses do not have consciousness. This is because they are mechanical, predictable and display no unified action. They do not have experience and they have no minds. They are a collection of inorganic objects. On the contrary, from single-celled organisms up to humanity, they have a consciousness because they are individuals with an organic unity, even the atoms from quantum theory. Individuals have spontaneity and are unpredictable. They display unified action or purpose. Individuals have experience. They are like Koestler's holons. They are a both a part of a larger system and a whole to a smaller system. All aggregates, even though composed of sentient atoms, molecules and cells are not in themselves sentient. Hartshorne criticizes science for treating objects in nature only as aggregates, not as individuals. The problem that Hartshorne had to explain was why such things as rocks and tables, though composed individual monads, lost their individuality and became aggregates. Skrbina points out that Whitehead names four types of aggregates: non-living which is dominated by the average vegetable grade - coordinated individuality and the average animal grade aggregates which contain both individual organisms and aggregates such as herds human grade aggregates such as crowds of individuals A living aggregate is clearly different from a non-living aggregate but there is no explanation as to how they are different. Skrbina claims that moving into the 21st century there are five varieties of panpsychism: quantum mechanics - imitated by Haldane in the 1930s and elaborated by Bohm information theory, Bateson and Chalmers process philosophy - Whitehead, Hartshorne, Griffin part-whole hierarchy - Cardano, Koestler, Wilber nonlinear dynamics - Peirce and Skrbina The Greeks Had the Right Idea: There is no Independent Psyche in Ancient Greece In his book True to the Earth, Kadmus writes that in archaic Greece the psyche was not the ultimate organizing principle of the body. The psyche and the body are engaged in a complex partnership rather than a division between chaotic matter on the one hand (the body) and order on the other (psyche). To separate the psyche from the body is to treat the body as an object, which the psyche puts in motion. Kadmus writes that psyche should best be understood as a body within a body. He says what is really going on in nature is the transformation of bodies, rather than the transmigration of souls. This is the transformation from one process to another, whether it be into grains of wheat or waves on the sea. All bodies live but saying they live does not mean all bodies and minds are self-reflexive consciousnessunless we are talking about the most complex forms of evolution on this planet. To focus on the mind and self-consciousness as the foundation of life or natural existence is to engage in a specific kind of anthropomorphic projection backward in time when neither mind nor self-consciousness existed. Most living bodies do not have a psyche. A focusing psyche in the body does not necessarily mean being conscious Being aware is something we and our bodies act and do, rather than something that we have or are . The process of paying attention only gets turned into an abstract entity or a property with the development of writing which pushes us to turn to turn verbs and action words into timeless nouns. After all, we act, speak and think only in moments of breakdown. Then we reflect in such a way as to become conscious of these things when there is a problem. To capture the high pagan view of the cosmos, we must resist the urge to turn the action of focusing on something into having awareness. Any time contemporary animism or panpsychism tries to bring in consciousness as the governing force of nature we have fallen into Anthropomorphism and commit the pathetic fallacy. Conclusion The article begins by describing nine ways of understanding the body-mind problem including philosophical dualism; epiphenomenalism; physicalism (eliminative materialism); idealism; the preestablished harmony; neutral monism; hylozoic monism; pantheism of Whitehead, Hartshorne and Griffin; and the emergent evolution. Lastly, I briefly include the dialectical materialism of Marx and Engels because this is the philosophy of Neopagan Marxism. After brief descriptions of each I spend more time discussing pantheism, since this is a common philosophy of Neopagans. The purpose of this article is to say that as Neopagan Marxists with an orientation towards process philosophy, we don't need to attribute mind, consciousness, souls, or mental life into the cosmos from the beginning in order to make an immanent nature self-maintaining and self-creative. We say that internality in nature is present all the way back in nature in pan experience: in memory; irritability; circular feedback; metabolism; attraction-aversion; tension between community and individual; and in holons. Minds, souls and spirits, whether pagans believe in them or not, are emergent properties of human beings at a very high level of evolutionary complexity. Dear Annie: I am finding it hard to co-parent with my daughters father because of his betrayal. While we were together, he married his ex-girlfriend behind my back so that she could gain citizenship into this country. I only found out because I did the unthinkable and went through his phone after noticing some weird behavior. I know that was wrong, but he had no intention of telling me what he had done and planned on living a double life (his own words). Shortly after discovering this information, I found out I was pregnant. While it would have been easier to terminate the pregnancy, I had always wanted another child, so I made the decision to see my pregnancy through. We now have a beautiful baby girl. I thought I could be strong enough to co-parent, but I am finding it difficult to do so with someone whose actions I am grieving from and who makes poor decisions. Not only did he marry her behind my back, but he is now NOT going to see their marriage through and is dating someone else 10 years older than him. I personally do not like the idea of having different people around my daughter as this is not something I will be exposing her to on my end. Any advice? -- Protective Parent Dear Protective Parent: Your daughters well-being and safety are of the utmost importance, and it sounds like when shes around her father, those things are in jeopardy. If you truly feel you cannot trust him to care for or keep her best interest in mind, you might consider what options you have for officially obtaining full custody. I dont doubt that her father could be a positive presence in her life at some point, but until he wants to change, make the effort, and prioritize her, he is a disaster -- nothing more than an unpredictable stressor to you both. Despite the difficulties youve described, you are selflessly raising and protecting your daughter. Dont lose sight of the amazing job youre doing. Dear Annie: Ive noticed that in many of your responses, you recommended seeking marriage counseling. I wanted to tell you that people in abusive relationships should not get couples counseling together, as there is a power imbalance and abusers can use therapy against the abused partner. If the therapist is not aware of the abuse, the whole therapeutic process can be compromised. As written on the website for the National Domestic Violence Hotline, We at The Hotline do not encourage anyone in an abusive relationship to seek counseling with their partner. Abuse is not a relationship problem. I would urge your readers who may be in abusive relationships to seek individual counseling to help him decide how to proceed. -- Counseling Student Dear Counseling Student: Thank you for sharing this information. Readers can learn more at thehotline.org/resources. Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com. COPYRIGHT 2023 CREATORS.COM Culmination Brewing, once one of Portlands most promising young breweries, is bringing in a Portland-area small-business consultant in an effort to keep the struggling business from closing down. Steven Shomler, founder of the brand and business consultancy Spark to Bonfire, has been hired by the owners of the Northeast Portland brewpub that has seen its fortunes reverse since the start of the pandemic. A week ago, the teetering state of the brewery came to light, as co-founder Tomas Sluiter said the company was in deep financial straits and was circling the drain. Culmination board secretary George Spady told The Oregonian/OregonLive that the company was on the block and would stay open until sold. Mark Hush who is Culminations CEO, a third primary shareholder and a board member confirmed Shomlers new role in a phone call with The Oregonian/OregonLive. Its a fact we brought Steven on board, Hush said. Its been a tumultuous ride, and we know that Culmination is a cherished brand in Portland and worth saving. Were grateful to have him. Hush said he and Spady earlier this week asked Shomler to be the face of the company, to handle social media and help us reach out and build the community back. In an interview, Shomler was asked if he can save Culmination. I believe we can, but its not just me, he said. We have an incredible front of house staff. The brew team is amazing, and Culmination has a legion of fans. Its an iconic Portland brewery. I think its a brewery worth saving, and were not going down without a fight. Shomlers connection to Culmination dates to before it even opened in 2014. Also a travel and culinary author, he heard about what Culmination co-founder and master brewer Tomas Sluiter was building in the Kerns neighborhood. Shomler was so intrigued and impressed he made the startup a focus of one chapter in his book, Portland Beer Stories: Behind the Scenes with the Citys Craft Brewers. Shomler, whose background also includes a decade in the nonprofit world and a decade in corporate banking before he struck out on his own, helped the Culmination team get started with its branding, marketing, events and social media. He said he got reinvolved with Culmination because I read an Oregonian article that things were pretty bad at Culmination, and it surprised me. So he reached out to Hush, who in turn asked him for his help. Now that Ive seen behind the veil, that article was hitting the right notes, Shomler said. I dont like to have Pyrrhic victories. I dont like to fight something thats not going to make it. Will it? I dont know, but I very much think it can. Shomler said he couldnt disclose Culminations financial situation or specifics about his plan for the brewery. But he said significant changes have been made since Tuesday, when he began working with Hush on day-to-day decisions at the brewery. Im going to keep making more changes, he said. We have three hurdles to get through: August and September, and if were open Oct. 1, were going to have a party for the public. Then we have to get through Dec. 31. If were open Jan. 1, well have a party in January. Then we have issues we have to get through in March, and if were open April 1, then were probably golden, and well have a party in April. He said the hurdles are similar to those that have sunk other breweries recently, including rising costs and slumping sales after the pandemic. Without going into detail, he said challenges unrelated to finance also were greatly hindering Culmination. Those are the things Im tackling first. He said the changes he sees as necessary come down to business basics. You need some good marketing, you need some good branding, you need what I call celebrating the good things, he said. Theres some backend business decisions that need to be made. Theres some things that Ive already done. Sluiter, who had always been the face of the brand, said disagreements within the board prompted him to resign his board position within the past year, and his involvement with the brewery has waned since. And morale among the staff has suffered as the brewery slid into difficulty, Shomler confirmed. Sluiter, interviewed last week as rumors of Culminations struggles began to percolate, said the brewery was hit hard by the pandemic and never fully recovered. He said that was complicated by strife with its previous distributor, Columbia Distributing, which he said cut back on its commitment to craft breweries. That, he said, caused a precipitous drop in can sales essentially Culminations lifeline during COVID-19. Jesse Ferber, Columbias chief strategy officer, disagreed with Sluiters assessment. We got the brand in 2018, and we grew their can business over 20% over the three years we had them, Ferber said in a phone interview. Then the pandemic hit. A lot of brewers pivoted and started focusing on off-premise, groceries and convenience stores. Tomas was focused on the on-premise and making eclectic beers, he said. They were really good, but we had to shift our business to keep breweries alive. The ability to pivot was what saved a lot of these breweries during the pandemic, and a lot of the portfolios grew. The craft brewing industry is struggling overall, Ferber said, with sales down for half of the top 30 breweries in Oregon this year. And Portland hasnt been spared, with seven breweries announcing closure or sale this summer. Its convenient to blame the distributor, but other brewery partners for Columbia have grown their business and are doing well, he said. Its frustrating this one didnt work out. Sluiter said that in hindsight he questions Culminations decision to sign on with its current distributor, Running Man Distributing, which is smaller and doesnt have the scale to get us back to where we were. Phil Birnbaum, Running Mans owner, said he was surprised by Culminations struggles, as its always been a strong brand. We are an admittedly small distributor, but in the year and a half since weve been selling them, theyve always been a really strong, fast-moving brewery for us. Asked about Culminations distribution struggles, Shomler said, That was before my time, I wasnt around then. But he said he will do whatever he can to partner with Running Man and help make their life easier. While Spady last week said the company was for sale, Shomler said he was unaware of any official listing. Since I read that article, I have not seen Culmination listed for sale anywhere, he said. Theres been no social media posting that its for sale. Theres nothing put on the website saying its for sale. Im not aware of a business broker whos listing it for sale. Im sure if someone stepped forward and said, Hey, I have a boatload of money, Ill give it to you, Im sure that some people would take it, he said. But I am here to help the brewery survive. Me banging the drum to find a seller has not been on my to-do list. Asked what Culminations biggest challenge is, Shomler replied, Theres a lot of plates spinning that are about to fall off and crack. There are some financial challenges, morale was an issue. If I was an employee, I would definitely feel the weight of some of the things financial and other issues they were being buffeted with. But, he said, increasing sales fixes things, and theres things we can do. His plan has reinspired Hush to keep fighting for Culmination Brewing. Weve spent months cutting things to the bone and finding efficiencies, and the last step is to hope that the community rallies behind us, Hush said. We think Stevens the right person to make that happen. Were excited and confident that hes going to be able to save this company. We havent been this excited in months and months. Andre Meunier; reach me at ameunier@oregonian.com or 503-221-8488; and sign up for my weekly newsletter Oregon Brews and News, and follow me on Instagram, where Im @oregonianbeerguy. The 2021 case of two Portland patrol officers who fired 15 times at the fleeing driver of a stolen truck once again highlights the Police Bureaus lack of accountability for officers and supervisors who violate policy, U.S. Justice Department lawyers say in their latest report. The officers fired at a moving vehicle and one officer fired over the head of the other. Both are contrary to police directives and training, the Justice Department lawyers said. Supervisors also failed to have the officers justify each bullet fired as required, they noted. Applying policies uniformly and holding people accountable for violating policies is a continuing challenge for the City and PPB, their report said. The lawyers filed their review in court this week as they prepare to return Monday before U.S. District Judge Michael H. Simon along with attorneys for the city, police union and community groups for a status hearing on Portlands 2014 settlement agreement on police use of force. The settlement called for widespread changes to use-of-force and Taser policies as well as a restructuring of police crisis intervention services and quicker investigations into alleged police misconduct. The Justice Department has found the Police Bureau has met about three-quarters of the settlements provisions as city and federal lawyers have continued mediation over the future appointment of an independent monitor to oversee the required reforms. The Police Bureau stands by its own assessment of the 2021 non-fatal shooting that wounded the thief of the stolen AAA roadside assistance pickup. Police found the shooting was within bureau policy and didnt discipline either officer. The shooting was thoroughly reviewed by the city attorneys office, investigated by internal affairs and reviewed by both the training division and the Police Review Board, said police spokesperson Lt. Nathan Sheppard. All layers of review had access to the evidence in its entirety, and concluded there was no violation of law or policy, he said by email. 15 SHOTS ON DEAD-END STREET The Sept. 12, 2021, police shooting followed the theft of the truck from downtown Portland. As an employee for AAA was taking out a spare tire from a customers car, a man got into the pickup and drove off, according to court records. The truck had been left running with the key in the ignition. With the help of the American Automobile Association and a police plane, officers tracked the stolen truck speeding through Portland into Washington and back to the city, where they cornered it on a dead-end residential street in Northwest Portland shortly after 2:30 a.m. The truck first backed up onto a lawn in the 8300 block of Northwest Ash Street in an effort to get away and then drove in an arc around the front of two stopped police cars. Thats when two officers fired 14 rounds between them, with one officer firing over the head of another officer who was down range from him, according to the report. After the truck crashed into a stone wall in front of a home and stopped, the officers radioed to emergency dispatchers: Shots fired. After a pause, one officer fired a 15th bullet at the stopped truck, according to the report. Shooting multiple rounds at a moving vehicle, some over the head of another officer, and shooting at a stopped vehicle that posed no apparent threat raised questions to us that PPB did not address, Justice Department lawyers wrote in the report. When questioned by a Justice Department policing expert and lawyers, city representatives responded that the Police Bureaus prohibition on shooting at vehicles applied only to those fleeing from police, the report said. The citys explanation confounded Justice Department lawyers. First, nowhere does the bureau policy say that, they noted. And second, the driver of the stolen AAA truck was trying to elude police once cornered, they said. When the shooting was presented to the Police Review Board, police didnt play the full video captured from a residents security camera that showed the encounter. The board includes a rotating panel of police supervisors and citizen representatives who review internal investigations into police use of force. A representative from the citys Independent Police Review office also is on the board. The Police Bureau played the video for the board without the audio and stopped it before the questionable 15th gunshot, according to the Justice Department. The bureau policy was clear, they said: Officers shall not shoot at a moving or fleeing vehicle unless an immediate risk of death or serious physical injury to the officer or others exists. Officers also are prohibited from putting themselves in the path of a moving vehicle in a way that makes them clearly vulnerable to getting hit. The Justice Department also highlighted the bureau policy that says officers should know that shooting at a moving vehicle presents unique challenges, including the danger of bullets flying past their target and hurting someone not immediately visible. CROSSFIRE Moments after the gunfire, a nearby resident came out of their front door and walked toward their driveway and the police cars. Officers screamed at the person to get back inside immediately. Officers can be heard instructing emergency dispatchers by radio to tell people in the neighborhood to remain inside, according to the security video. Andreas Julian Pavel Boinay, then 27, was shot twice in the right arm and arrested, according to court records. He told police he had stolen the truck after ingesting fentanyl, according to court records. He said he didnt want to return to jail so he tried to get away. Boinay was not armed and didnt fire any shots, according to court and police reports. He was sentenced in March 2022 to a year and three months in prison, plus five years of probation for unauthorized use of a vehicle, fleeing and attempting to elude police and recklessly endangering others. Justice Department lawyers said police justified the shooting by saying the truck was moving toward officers, but the lawyers said their review of the video didnt show that. They said the bureau didnt evaluate the last round fired or assess the crossfire that could have killed the down-range officer. We conveyed our concerns to the City, but the City did not conduct any further investigation of the incident or reassessment of the findings, their report said. The federal lawyers said no one in the chain of command ensured officers could explain each round fired, in contrast to Police Chief Chuck Lovells public assurances to do so. Other issues highlighted in the Justice Departments report: -Body-worn camera status: The Justice Department planned to observe officer training on use of body cameras and the bureaus new policy this month. Officers from Central Precinct and members of the Focused Intervention Team who focus on gun violence will be the first to wear cameras in a 60-day trial. In April, the City Council adopted a negotiated body camera policy for police, ending a nearly decadelong impasse and allowing the nations largest municipal police agency lacking the technology to now outfit some officers with the equipment. According to City Attorney Robert Taylor, about 170 sworn officers and supervisors from Central Precinct and the Focused Intervention Team , as well as detectives, forensic evidence criminalists, records staff and internal affairs investigators were to be trained for the pilot this past week. They were trained on how to use the cameras and how to review and handle the video evidence. The bureau also has worked on upgrades at Central Precinct to allow for greater network speed, new computer equipment and docking equipment to support the technology, according to the city attorney. Training for the rest of the bureaus staff is scheduled to start in late September and continue through the end of the year. -- Controversial training slides: The report blasted the city for not doing a more comprehensive inquiry into why it hadnt provided Rapid Response Team crowd control training slides to the Justice Department for review as required in the settlement. A police lieutenant discovered the derogatory slide with a meme that urged beating demonstrators derided as dirty hippies while going over crowd control training materials for discovery in a pending civil lawsuit filed against the city. Mayor Ted Wheeler ultimately made the slide public amid a promise to launch an investigation. A police sergeant eventually received a 10-day suspension. The city didnt hold anyone accountable for not first turning over the slide presentation to federal lawyers. The bureau could not hold anyone accountable because it hadnt provided sufficient notice about the requirement that training materials for police specialized units had to be shared with the Justice Department, according to the city. Justice Department lawyers disagreed, saying the settlement was clear. The Police Bureau had a court-ordered obligation to provide the teams training materials to the federal agency for review. -- Maxine Bernstein Email mbernstein@oregonian.com; 503-221-8212 Follow on Twitter @maxoregonian Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe One of the last times Marcus Sanders talked to his sister, she was with a friend from her days in respiratory therapy school who was helping her as she recovered from spinal surgery. Thank you for taking care of my sister, Sanders said on the phone call. No problem at all, Jamon Fritsch replied, according to Sanders. Fritsch is now in jail, accused of murdering and dismembering Kara Taylor, 49, leaving her brother and the rest of her family in shock, unable to understand why shes dead and how someone could do what Fritsch is accused of doing. Fritsch, 47, has confessed to the killing, a Clackamas County deputy district attorney said at Fritschs arraignment this week. But Taylors family still cannot bury Taylor, because her body has not been found. Id like to lay her to rest. Right now shes sitting out in a landfill or somewhere, Sanders said. And it kills me. It hurts. Kara Taylor's family mourns her death, even as they wait for authorities to find her body. The man accused of killing her, Jamon Fritsch, has admitted to dismembering her, prosecutors said. Taylor is seen in this picture with her husband Dennis Taylor. Photo courtesy of family. The Oregon City Police Department declined to provide information about the case, except to say they havent yet found Taylors remains, more than two weeks since she was last seen. Meanwhile, Fritschs brother, Karl Fritsch, said the two havent talked for 16 years but that he wasnt fully surprised at the arrest. He said Jamon Fritsch suffered from mental illness though his older brother may not have ever been formally diagnosed. Now, Karl Fritsch said, hes thinking about how to break the news of the arrest to their parents. I feel bad for the family [of Taylor], because no one deserves that, he said. Taylors husband and brother described her as a helpful, joyful and selfless woman. When Sanders 16-month-old child died from a seizure in 2005, Taylor spent more than a month cooking and shopping for her brother and sister-in-law, to make their lives just a little bit easier while they grieved. She laughed all the time and loved to tell jokes and stories. She loved togetherness, Sanders said. She loved spending time with people. Taylor was a traveling respiratory therapist and was working at a Hermiston hospital when she met her husband Dennis Taylor during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. They worked together for months, trying to keep people alive. They started dating and, six months after they met, Dennis Taylor proposed. She was just a happy-go-lucky person and enjoyed a lot of the same things that I enjoyed, Dennis Taylor told The Oregonian/OregonLive. We just enjoyed being together. Kara Taylor was a devoted mother to her 22-year-old daughter, whose autism requires near-constant care. Photo courtesy of family. Dennis Taylor said he was particularly impressed, and touched, to see how devoted Kara Taylor was to her daughter, Nicole Wood. He said Wood, 22, has severe autism, cannot speak and requires 24-hour one-on-one care. But Dennis and Kara Taylors marriage soon broke down, in part because of Kara Taylors struggles with drug and alcohol addiction, Dennis Taylor claimed in court. Dennis Taylor filed for a divorce and a restraining order against her in June, less than a year after they married. At times, Kara struggled to find an inner sense of worth and belonging, Dennis Taylor said. And then when we separated, it was hard on both of us. Kara Taylor moved out of their Pasco, Washington, home in June, and in the months that followed moved among friends houses in Oregon. In July, Sanders talked briefly with his sister to learn Jamon Fritsch was helping out Taylor, who was recovering from surgery and unemployed at the time. Later that month, Sanders called to tell her that their oldest brother, Randall Sanders, would soon have a room in his Bellingham house for her to stay in, but that it wouldnt be ready for three days. She didnt give him a decision over the phone, but Randall Sanders later said that she had decided to move in with Jamon Fritsch, in Oregon City. He opened up his door before we did, Sanders said. Taylor was last seen July 25 at the house she shared with Fritsch and William Wilkie, another friend from respiratory therapy school in Renton, Wash. Two days later, Fritsch reported that she had gone missing. Citing suspicious circumstances, police raided the house last Saturday and found evidence indicating Taylor had died by homicidal violence, Oregon City police said. Police arrested Fritsch on Monday charging him with second-degree murder and abuse of a corpse. During their investigation, police learned that Fritsch had purchased zip ties, tarps, a saw blade, a black tote and large bags after Taylor had gone missing but before he called police, Clackamas County Deputy District Attorney Sarah Dumont said at Fritschs arraignment. The FBI found blood in his bathroom, bath tub, bedroom and on a saw. The Oregon City house Kara Taylor was staying in when she went missing. Jamon Fritsch is accused of killing her. A roommate put up a sign encouraging people to leave flowers in Taylors memory. Fedor Zarkhin/The Oregonian Fritsch admitted to killing and dismembering Taylor and distributing her body in different garbage collection areas, Dumont said. The defendant described himself as a danger, Dumont said. He is a danger to the community. Dennis Taylor said every minute of every day since he learned Kara Taylor was dead has been a struggle for him and the family. Its heartbreaking, he said. To not know why this happened is even more heartbreaking. Fedor Zarkhin Office: 503-294-7674; Cell: 971-373-2905; fzarkhin@oregonian.com The San Francisco Giants host the Texas Rangers tonight in a matchup of teams with postseason dreams, but it might be tough to see on regular TV. This game gets underway on Friday, August 11 at 7 p.m. PT/10 p.m. ET (9 p.m. CT) with with a FREE live broadcast on Apple TV+ (free trial). You can watch this Giants vs. Rangers game live for FREE with Apple TV+ (free trial), or see more streaming options below. Scott Alexander will be on the mound for the Giants while Jon Gray will be the starter on the bump for the Rangers to kick things off tonight. LATEST LINE, POINT SPREAD AND BETTING ODDS Moneyline: SFG: +105 | TEX: -115 Point spread: SFG: +1.5 | TEX: -1.5 Over/Under: 8.5 Check the latest sports betting offers, promo codes for this weeks MLB games HOW TO WATCH What: The San Francisco Giants take on the Texas Rangers in a regular season MLB matchup. Where: Oracle Park | San Francisco, California When: 7 p.m. PT/10 p.m. ET (6 p.m. CT) on Friday, August 11 TV channel: Apple TV+ How to watch live stream online: You can watch this game live for FREE with Apple TV+ (free trial, then just $6.99/month and you can cancel anytime). More information on how to stream live TV, sports events and movies on the cheap: What is Philo? The cheapest live TV streaming service: Cost, what it includes How to watch DAZN on your TV: What is it, what does it cost and include? Boxing fights, MMA and more How to watch ESPN+ on TV: What is it, what does it cost and include? A worker was grievously wounded Friday afternoon after he was somehow speared and completely run through by a crowbar-type tool while working at the citys main auto repair garage, authorities said. The man was impaled in the abdomen by a long wrecking bar while working at the City Fleet office and maintenance shop on North Kerby Avenue, Portland Fire & Rescue officials said. A heat wave harboring a high chance of multiple 100 degree days is on its way to the Willamette Valley and other parts of Oregon. It will bring more challenges for the states firefighters. The Oregon Department of Forestry said fire danger levels will increase to extreme on protected lands in Clackamas and Marion counties. The National Weather Service has issued fire weather watches in several areas across the state, including the northern Cascade Range foothills and Mount Hood National Forest west of Cascade Crest. The heat wave is expected to last through Wednesday, bringing temperatures as high as 105 degrees in some areas. Oregon firefighters are still battling several large wildfires, including the Bedrock and Salmon fires in the Willamette National Forest east of Eugene. Fire crews have held the Bedrock fire at 15% containment Saturday, and it has burned over 16,000 acres since the blaze sparked on July 22. The Salmon fire is 45% contained at 135 acres, officials said. The Lane County Sheriffs Office issued Level 1 (be ready) evacuation orders for areas north and east of Oakridge. Residents can check evacuation areas on the Lane County website. The Lookout fire northeast of the other two blazes in the Willamette National Forest burned around 40 acres as of Friday and is 0% contained. Fire activity picked up Friday afternoon and it continued to spread into the evening. Officials ask people to check the Lane County website for information, as increased temperatures and winds could contribute to unpredictable fire growth. Around 350 firefighters are battling the 220 acre Wiley Creek fire six miles southeast of Sweet Home as of Saturday morning. The blaze is roughly 15% contained, fire officials said. Firefighters are working to mop up lingering hotspots and remove any debris that would fuel the fire further. This work has been planned in anticipation of a drastic change in weather beginning early Sunday morning and continuing into next week, the Oregon Department of Forestry said in a statement. Winds of up to 30 miles per hour are expected in the area. Level 2 (be set) and Level 1 (be ready) evacuations are in effect in the area. Residents can check evacuation orders with the Linn County fire map. Oregons largest wildfire, the Flat fire two miles southeast of Agness, is 52% contained. The fire has burned almost 34,000 acres of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. Officials said forecast weather changes will likely increase fire activity. Agness may reach temperatures as high as 105 degrees or higher from Monday through Wednesday, officials said. Level 1 (be set) evacuation orders are in effect near the fire. Those near a wildfire can receive emergency alerts by downloading the Everbridge mobile app, or texting their ZIP code to 888777. WILDFIRE TRACKER Austin De Dios; adedios@oregonian.com; @austindedios; 503-319-9744 Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe Washington, DC, US (PANA) - US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken has reiterated his country's continued dedication to finding a peaceful resolution to the crisis in Niger that ensures the West African country "can remain a strong partner in security and development in the region" The Polish Ministry of Defence (MoD) will establish a military task force for training and defence purposes near its border with Belarus, the defence minister has said. Mariusz Blaszczak made the announcement on Saturday when he visited Jarylowka in the Podlaskie province, where a temporary camp for Polish troops is positioned on the border with Belarus. "There is no doubt the Polish border is under threat. We are witnessing an ongoing pressure on the Polish border, attempts by migrants to cross the border illegally, encouraged by the Belarusian regime... cooperating with the Kremlin... in order to destabilise our country," Blaszczak argued. He said that Poland was deploying around 4,000 troops to support the Border Guard in an effort to seal the border with Belarus as part of the operation codenamed 'Gryf.' "But I also decided to set up a military task force as part of the operation codenamed 'Rengaw' near the border with Belarus," Blaszczak announced. "The nature of this military task force is of a training and defence character," he added. The aim of the operation is to train the Polish Army soldiers in the Podlaskie province, near the border, as well as "to constitute reserves in the event of a deterioration of the situation on the Polish-Belarusian border," Blaszczak said. "Let's remember this when we hear Kremlin propaganda that the Polish Army is being built-up at the border with Belarus. It is indeed being built-up, but in order to deter the aggressor, strengthen the border and ensure security," he added. On Thursday, Polish MoD said it will ultimately increase the presence of troops on the Polish-Belarusian border to 10,000 soldiers, with 4,000 of them to support the Border Guard, and the remaining 6,000 to be on stand-by. There are already around 2,000 troops stationed on the border along with hundreds of police and Border Guard officers. Increasing the number of troops on the border with Belarus is due to growing tensions in the area, first caused by a wave of migrants trying to cross into Poland from Belarus, and more recently by a spate of attacks with stones, bricks and other projectiles from the Belarusian side against Polish officers patrolling the area. Poland has also been concerned about the presence of the Russia-linked Wagner mercenaries in Belarus and a Polish airspace violation incident by Belarusian helicopters. There are also mounting fears that the Belarusian authorities could try to push migrants across the frontier once again in a repeat of the 2021 migration crisis that saw hundreds of people trying to force their way into Poland. (PAP) mr/jch Photo: (Photo : Vitaliy Zalishchyker on Unsplash) Witnessing your child display harsh behavior towards animals can be concerning and puzzling for parents. This behavior may leave you wondering why your child is acting this way and what steps you should take to address it. What To Do When Your Child Is Harsh to Animals In this article, we'll delve into the reasons behind such behavior and provide effective parenting strategies backed by experts and reputable sources to guide you in fostering empathy and compassion in your child. Understanding the Behavior Childhood is a time of rapid emotional and cognitive development, during which children are learning to navigate their feelings and interactions with the world around them. Harsh behavior towards animals might stem from a lack of empathy or understanding of the impact of their actions. Dr. Kimberly Renk, a professor of psychology, explains that children may not fully grasp the concept of empathy until around age seven, which can lead to instances of cruelty. Empathy and Compassion Education Education plays a crucial role in helping children develop empathy and compassion for animals. Dr. Gail Melson, a developmental psychologist, emphasizes that children often see animals as less complex beings and may not comprehend their emotions. Teaching them about animals' feelings and needs is essential. Share age-appropriate resources, books, and videos that highlight the importance of treating animals with kindness. Positive Reinforcement and Modeling Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool for shaping behavior. When your child displays empathy and kindness towards animals, acknowledge and praise their actions. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, positive reinforcement enhances the likelihood of repeated positive behaviors. Additionally, parents serve as role models. Display empathy and respect for animals in your own interactions to provide a clear example for your child. Read Also: Animal Cruelty: Man With 108 Dogs Banned From Owning Pets Supervised Interactions and Boundaries Supervising your child's interactions with animals ensures their safety and helps them learn proper behavior. Dr. Deborah L. Rhode, a professor of law, emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and guiding children in appropriate ways to interact with animals. Teach your child gentle touch and respectful behavior, highlighting the importance of treating animals with care. Addressing Attitudes and Emotions Engage in open conversations with your child to understand their attitudes and emotions towards animals. Encourage them to express their thoughts and feelings, creating a safe space for dialogue. Dr. Jeanne Segal, a psychologist, suggests that discussing how animals might feel in various situations can help children develop empathy. Seeking Guidance If your child's harsh behavior towards animals persists or escalates, seeking professional guidance can be beneficial. A child psychologist or counselor can help uncover any underlying emotional issues and provide tailored strategies to address them. The American Psychological Association highlights the importance of early intervention to ensure healthy emotional development. Nurturing Empathy for a Brighter Future Addressing your child's harsh behavior towards animals is a vital step in nurturing their empathy and compassion. By understanding the reasons behind such behavior, educating your child, modeling empathy, and providing positive reinforcement, you can guide them towards kinder interactions with animals. Remember that every child is unique, and change takes time. With your guidance and support, your child can develop the empathy and compassion needed for a brighter and more compassionate future. Related Article: Adopting A Vegan Diet For Your Child, The Benefits Of Going Vegan Photo: (Photo : OLIVIER DOULIERY / Getty Images) A deeply concerning trend has come to light as a comprehensive study spanning over a decade reveals a distressing doubling of suicide rates among adolescents in the United States. The study, conducted by researchers from Florida Atlantic University's Schmidt College of Medicine, underscores the urgent need for parental awareness and intervention to protect the mental well-being of their teenage children. A Startling Surge in Adolescent Suicides The findings of the study, recently published in the Annals of Pediatrics and Child Health, have ignited alarm bells across the nation. Between the years 2008 and 2018, suicide rates among adolescents aged 13 to 14 doubled, marking an alarming departure from the declining trend witnessed in the preceding years from 1999 to 2007. This dramatic increase in suicide rates has catapulted suicide into a disheartening position as the primary cause of death for teenagers in the 13-14 age group. Exploring Contributing Factors: Social Media and School Stress In unraveling the complex web of factors driving this disconcerting phenomenon, the study points to the potentially detrimental role of social media and the relentless pressures of academia. The surge in adolescent suicides coincides with the meteoric rise of social media platforms such as Reddit, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace. However, by 2018, Instagram and Snapchat had taken the lead in terms of teen engagement. Experts have long voiced concerns about the impact of social media on adolescent mental health, with incessant comparison, cyberbullying, and unrealistic standards taking a toll on their well-being. Moreover, the study unveiled another critical contributor: school-related stress. Suicides occurred most frequently between September and May, peaking on Mondays and weekdays. This unsettling trend strongly suggests a connection between the pressures of academic life and the escalating suicide rates. Parents are encouraged to engage in open dialogue with their adolescents, creating a supportive environment to address school-related stressors and foster coping mechanisms. Read Also: Teen Mental Health 101: Parent's Guide to Providing Essential Support Firearms Accessibility and Regional Disparities The study also shed light on the correlation between the accessibility of firearms and adolescent suicide rates, particularly in rural areas. Firearms were used in a significant percentage of suicides, with their prevalence being more pronounced in rural regions. This highlights the pressing need for responsible firearm ownership and the implementation of safety measures, especially in households with teenagers. Furthermore, the study delved into regional disparities, revealing uniform and substantial increases in suicide rates across all four U.S. Census regions: the Northeast, Midwest, South, and West. The prevalence of teen suicides was notably higher in non-metropolitan areas and rural regions. This insight emphasizes the nationwide nature of the crisis and underscores the importance of a collective effort to address this critical issue. As the distressing statistics lay bare the magnitude of the crisis, parents are urged to take proactive steps to safeguard the mental well-being of their adolescents. Initiating open conversations about the challenges posed by social media, school stress, and firearm accessibility is paramount. Additionally, staying attuned to the emotional well-being of teenagers, fostering a supportive environment, and seeking professional help when needed can make a significant difference in averting this concerning trend. The findings of this study serve as a stark reminder that adolescence is a vulnerable phase, and parental engagement is pivotal in shaping the mental health of the future generation. By understanding the contributing factors and working collectively to address them, parents can play a pivotal role in reversing this distressing trend and nurturing a brighter future for their teenagers. Related Article: Top 10 Science-Based Recommendations for Parents To Help Teens Use Social Media Safely Photo: (Photo : John Moore / Getty Images) The Texas Migrant Bus Program faces intense scrutiny after a devastating incident in which a 3-year-old child died while on a journey to Chicago. This heart-wrenching event has ignited concerns about the safety and conditions of the program, prompting a closer examination of the measures in place to protect the vulnerable passengers it transports. Texas Migrant Bus Claims the Life of a 3-Year-Old In a grim turn of events, a 3-year-old child tragically passed away on a Texas migrant bus en route to Chicago. Texas authorities confirmed the child's death, underscoring the seriousness of the incident. The specifics of the child's origin and the circumstances leading to the illness have yet to be disclosed, but this unfortunate event marks a somber milestone since the initiation of the Texas Migrant Bus Program. The Texas Migrant Bus Program, launched in 2022, has been at the center of a nationwide debate surrounding immigration policies and border control. This initiative, spearheaded by Republican Governor Greg Abbott, aimed to shuttle migrants from the U.S.-Mexico border to various cities across the United States. However, the recent tragic death of a 3-year-old passenger has thrown the program's operations and safety measures into question. Read Also: Georgia Family Files Lawsuit After Doctor's Alleged Excessive Force Leads to Baby's Decapitation Calls for Reevaluation and Accountability As news of the child's heartbreaking passing spreads, calls for a comprehensive reevaluation of the Texas Migrant Bus Program have intensified. Concerned voices are demanding increased transparency, improved safety protocols, and accountability for ensuring the well-being of passengers, especially young children. The incident has ignited discussions about the role of government agencies and their responsibility in safeguarding the lives of those in their care. Governor Abbott's office has directed inquiries about the incident to the state's emergency management agency, which oversees the Texas Migrant Bus Program. The child received immediate medical attention from paramedics, but unfortunately, their condition deteriorated, leading to their untimely demise. The bus, originating from the border city of Brownsville in Texas, reportedly conducted health screenings on all passengers, including temperature checks and inquiries about potential medical issues. The Illinois Department of Public Health confirmed that the child, just 3 years old, passed away in Marion County, Illinois. While details surrounding the incident remain undisclosed, Illinois officials are collaborating with health agencies, state law enforcement, and federal authorities to gather information and shed light on the tragic situation. The Texas Migrant Bus Program has been both praised for its efforts to relocate migrants to different cities and criticized for its potential risks, especially for young passengers. Beyond Chicago, the program has dispatched buses to destinations including Washington, New York, Philadelphia, Denver, and Los Angeles. Governor Abbott's recent tweet reaffirming his commitment to the program underscores the complexities surrounding immigration policies. As the nation mourns the loss of a 3-year-old life, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges inherent in immigration policies and their human impact. Investigations are ongoing, and the tragic event has sparked a vital dialogue about the need for comprehensive reforms to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals, regardless of their age or circumstances. Related Article: Viral TikTok Video Reveals Mistaken Detention of 12-Year-Old Black Boy in Michigan Car Theft Case The electronic transfer levy (E-Levy) accrued GH455.58 million for the first half of this year, missing its target by 53.64 per cent. This is against a target of GH982.85 million, representing a shortfall of GH527.27 million of the half-year target of expected collection. Due to the low performance, the government has revised the revenue target for the levy from the projected GH2.2 billion to GH1.1 billion in the Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review. From the revenue side, data sourced from the fiscal policy review showed lower-than-targeted outcomes for some of the major tax components which some economists have categorised into nuisance taxes and for that reason need to be scrapped. Two economists, Professor Peter Quartey, who is the Director of the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) of the University of Ghana, and a Senior Economic Analyst at the Natural Resource Governance Institute, Dr Alex Ampaabeng, in separate interviews, proposed that E-levy should be replaced with a broader electronic commerce and a digital service tax. Prof. Quartey told the Daily Graphic after ISSERs review of the 2023 Mid-year Budget Review that most of the taxes, including E-Levy, had outlived their purposes. He explained that since the taxes did not yield the expected revenue, they fell into the category of nuisance taxes and must be scrapped. For instance, National Fiscal Stabilisation Levy underperformed in terms of its annual target by 56.7 per cent while COVID-19 Health Levy dropped by 17.8 per cent. E-Levy also missed its target by more than half in the period between January and June this year. It is obvious that the levy is not yielding the desired results, Prof. Quartey said. Comprehensive tax component The Director of ISSER underlined the need for the E-Levy to be replaced with a more comprehensive tax that could capture all business transactions on the Internet. He explained that the E-Levy was not performing because its focus was narrow and should rather be converted into what he called an e-commerce tax to capture more transactions in the electronic space. With an increased scope, coupled with a reduced rate, I think it will encourage compliance because it would be cheaper for more Ghanaians to contribute to support the governments growth agenda, Prof. Quartey posited. He said that most Ghanaians were evading the levy because of the high rate, limited education and loopholes associated with its structure. Prof. Quartey added that a cheaper and well structured e-commerce levy would rope in more people who had to pay but were not doing so. Digital efficiencies For his part, Dr Ampaabeng said it was time for the governments policies to be heavy on tax reforms to create the platform to further enhance digital administrative efficiencies with regard to revenue collections. Consequently, he stated that the government and its revenue mobilising agency must consider reviewing the tax structure with a special focus on digital taxation and e-commerce operations in order to generate enough revenue to bridge the anticipated revenue shortfall at the end of the year. For the multinational tech giants, I will go for a low digital service tax (DST) on gross turnover for a start. For example, there should be between three and six per cent tax on their gross receipts, Dr Ampaabeng said. With this, we can capture the revenue from Facebook, Youtube, TikTok, among other platforms, he explained. He said the recently introduced Value Added Tax (VAT) on Meta transactions was a good step but it should go beyond that and rather tax the gains of the company. Source: graphic.com.gh Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The CEO of aYo Intermediaries Ghana (aYo Ghana), Francis Gota has been adjudged Top Transformational Business Leader of the Year 2023 at the 3rd National Governance and Business Leadership Awards (NGBLA). The award comes exactly one week after aYo Ghana, a subsidiary of MTN Ghana and the leading mobile microinsurance company in the country, walked away with three top awards at the Ghana Insurance Awards 2023. The three awards were Mobile Insurance Company of the Year, Emerging Brand of the Year and Promising Intermediaries Company of the Year. The laurels aYo picked at the Ghana Insurance Awards explains why the CEO, Francis Gota emerged as the Transformation Business Leader of the Year at the NGBLA a week later. A citation that came with the award read that it was in recognition of "your remarkable merit and achievements in business transformation for national development." Francis has for the past five years led aYo to deepen insurance penetration in Ghana by coverage. The company is single-handed responsible for over 8.2 million Ghanaians having and using microinsurance products, which constitutes over 25% of the country's population. Whereas the 8.2 million are persons who directly own policies with aYo, the benefits of those policies extend to an additional two million plus dependents of the original policyholders. Over the five-year period, aYo has paid out at least GHS14 million to more than 40,000 beneficiaries across the country. The company is driven by a passion to achieve most of the United National Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly ensuring poverty alleviation through financial inclusion, using affordable, easily accessible, relevant and usable microinsurance as a vehicle. The four products are Send with Care (on MTN mobile money), Recharge with Care (using MTN airtime as premium), Recharge with Care Annual Cover and the most recent one called Family Cover. The NGBLA Awards celebrated leaders across various sectors of the Ghanaian economy, encompassing Energy, Finance, Manufacturing, Trade, Transport, Education, Agri-business, logistics, and telecommunications, among others. The event also highlighted the significant contributions of social entrepreneurs and individuals dedicated to making a positive impact on others through their charitable causes. The National Governance & Business Leadership Awards is a distinguished, C-level high-impact, economic development and strategic leadership awards program, created by the Governance & Business Boardroom, which aims to champion and celebrate good corporate governance, outstanding leadership, economic empowerment, and job creation in Ghana. The event recognizes and honours top CEOs, Board chairs, procurement leaders, HR leaders, business executives, companies, and organizations that exemplify excellence in their respective fields. The criteria for selecting the Transformation Business Leader at the National Governance and Business Leadership Awards were rigorous, encompassing Visionary Leadership, Strategic Planning, Innovation and Creativity, Financial Performance, Corporate Social Responsibility, Industry Impact, and Personal Integrity. 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 US and UN are concerned about the health and safety of Niger's elected President Mohamed Bazoum, who has spent more than two weeks under house arrest. "We are greatly worried about his health and his personal safety and the personal safety of his family," a US state department spokesman said. The Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) had given Niger's coup leaders until Sunday to stand down. Ecowas leaders are meeting in Nigeria to decide what to do next. Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu, who is chairing the summit, said diplomatic negotiations with the junta in Niger will form the "bedrock" of efforts to restore the democratically elected government. Ahead of the meeting, Muslim clerics from northern Nigeria, which shares a long border with Niger, have urged President Tinubu against using force to oust the coup leaders. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was concerned about the reportedly "deplorable living conditions" Mr Bazoum and his family were in. Earlier, his party said they were being detained under "cruel" and "inhumane" conditions, Reuters news agency reported. Mr Bazoum was deposed on 26 July. Since then, a military junta has ruled Niger while Mr Bazoum has been kept in the presidential palace. Members of the junta have made no comment about the ousted leader's condition. On Tuesday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Mr Bazoum and assured him of the US's ongoing support, Washington said. US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller added: "As time goes on, as he's held in isolation, it's a situation that is of growing concern to us." Mr Bazoum's political party, PNDS-Tarayya, claimed in a statement that Mr Bazoum and his family had no access to running water, electricity, fresh goods or doctors. The statement echoed previous comments made by Niger's elected prime minister Ouhoumoudou Mahamadou, who has said Mr Bazoum was being held with his wife and son without electricity or water. 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 North East Regional Minister, Yidana Zakaria has expressed gratitude to the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for his swift intervention for repair works to start on the damaged Gbanni-Tinguri road and bridge following devastating floods. A heavy downpour, lasting many hours on Wednesday, caused serious havoc in parts of the North East Region including the collapse of the Gbanni-Tinguri bridge on the Walewale-Nalerigu road. Following the disturbing incident which has left many stranded, Vice President Dr. Bawumia swiftly intervened, getting officials of NADMO and the Ministry of Roads to visit the affected place and immediately start the process of repairing the bridge and the road to restore normal service, the North East Regional Minister revealed. Deputy Minister of Roads, Stephen Jalula and the Chief Director of the Ministry, Dr. Abass Awolu visited the affected area on Thursday to assess the extent of damage and repair works are scheduled to to start immediately. First, a bailey bridge will be erected across the river away from the existing damaged road to provide temporary relief and concurrently, the Ministey of Roads will start construction of a bigger culvert across the road to replace the damaged one. The Regional Minister, relieved by the swiftness of the Ministry of Road's visit to address the problem, has commended Dr. Bawumia. "I want to commend the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, for his concern and swift intervention. He got officials of the Ministey of Roads to visit here immediately to assess the situation, and the process of bringing relief begins.' The Regional Minister also confirmed officials of NADMO have been at the scene and are mobilizing relief items to affected persons and households. 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 The bodies of 23 Rohingyas who were fleeing Myanmar's Rakhine state have been recovered after their boat sank. Thirty others are still missing, while eight people are reported to have survived the mishap. The survivors said they were trying to reach Malaysia when their boat carrying more than 50 passengers foundered and was abandoned by its crew on Sunday. Every year thousands of Rohingyas attempt the perilous sea journey to Malaysia or Indonesia. They are escaping persecution in Myanmar and overcrowded refugee camps in Bangladesh. Those who died this week include 13 women and 10 men, all Rohingya Muslims, a rescue team told BBC Burmese. The Muslim Rohingyas are an ethnic minority in predominantly Buddhist Myanmar. Many of them fled to Bangladesh in 2017 to escape a campaign of genocide launched by the Burmese military. Those remaining in Myanmar too have been trying to flee since the military coup in 2021. Read Full Story .... HERE >>> : 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 In a significant stride towards bridging the digital gender gap, Vodafone Ghana opened its doors to 100 young girls from the Bono East, Bono, and Ahafo regions, hosting them at its headquarters in Accra for the National Girls-in-ICT Open Day. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation, the initiative aligns seamlessly with Vodafone Ghanas core values of diversity and inclusion. The girls, aged between 10 and 15, were treated to an engaging and informative day, filled with hands-on experiences that offered a glimpse into the diverse world of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Activities ranged from a mentorship workshop to practical sessions on Cybersecurity, Robotics, Networking, Solutions Development, and Digital Transformation. The mentoring sessions were led by the Vodafone Ghana Women in Technology team, providing key and basic information about the different aspects of technology. They also provided valuable insights and inspiration in engaging sessions to encourage the girls to take up STEM learning. Juliana Ametoworgo, an Radio Frequency Plan & Performance Specialist at Vodafone Ghana and one of the facilitators, said, "I found these mentoring sessions truly inspiring. Personally, I was very impressed with their interest and knowledge in technology, and I am confident with the right guidance these girls will be leading the technology space in the near future." One of the enthusiastic participants, 13-year-old Yaa Awhenepa Osei, a student of Nkoranza Methodist Senior High School, expressed her gratitude to the Ministry of Communication and Digitalization and Vodafone Ghana. She said, This programme has boosted my initiative, interest, and confidence in pursing ICT. Commenting on the significance on the event, Patricia Obo-Nai, CEO of Vodafone Ghana, said "This initiative is a stepping stone towards a future where young women see no boundaries in the ICT sector. By opening our doors and sharing our knowledge, we're not just educating these girls about technology; we're inspiring them to envision a world where they are the innovators, leaders, and change-makers. At Vodafone Ghana, we believe in the power of diversity, and we're committed to nurturing the next generation of female tech leaders." The event showcased the potential within the ICT industry and laid the groundwork for nurturing a new generation of female tech leaders. By providing these young girls with the tools, knowledge, and inspiration they need, Vodafone Ghana has reinforced its dedication to closing the digital gender gap and igniting a passion for technology and innovation. 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 losses the Central Bank has incurred are unprecedented and it will take us years to recover. The Bank of Ghana over-exposed itself to the government, says a senior lecturer at the University of Ghana Business School, Prof. Godwin Alufar Bokpin. In an interview on Peace FM's morning show 'Kokrokoo', he stated that the losses suffered by the BoG have limited their ability to perform their duties with moral authority in the financial market. The big elephant in the room The Professor of Finance blamed the government for the current state of the BoG, stating that Ghana's problem is mainly governance and not economics or finance. The government is the big elephant in the room. This is what they have done to the Central Bank . . . and we said it long ago that a time will come when we will say how the Central Bank together with the government messed up our financial system. This is the result. What we are seeing on the books of the Central Bank is a true reflection of what this economy has gone through . . . Im not sure the Governor of the Bank Of Ghana is happy having this on his CV, Prof Bokpin told Kwami Sefa Kayi. None Holy According to Prof Bokpin, the Central Bank's problems predate the current administration and both major political parties share responsibility. Between the two main political parties (NDC, NPP) theres none holy, no not one. He said BoG situation should lead us to a national conversation that helps insulate certain national institutions from political capture". According to the Economist and Professor of Finance, we could have minimized this whole thing; it was very clear that government needed to cut wasteful expenditure and you would have protected the balance sheet of the Central Bank, because it got to a time the Central Bank had to make a difficult decision: they either allow the regime to collapse and the economy developing into a full-blown crisis or they will compromise their integrity, operational independence to sustain the government on its balance sheet. The result of that is the losses we are counting right now. 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 When the U.S. Supreme Court made its June 2022 ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson, it ended the right to an abortion that had been protected by the federal government for 50 years. The decision set off a wave of reactions in the states based largely on the political makeup of each state. On the one-year anniversary of Dobbs, the League of Women Voters did a report on its effect throughout the country. According to the organization, 25 states now have bans in effect. These range from banning all abortions from the moment of conception to prohibiting abortion after 12 to 24 weeks. Some of the most severe restrictions include civil and criminal liability for doctors who perform abortions and for those who assist abortions in any way. Most of these prohibitions arose in conservative red states. Democrats, on the other hand, decry the erosion of womens rights and raise the specter that the Dobbs decision is the precursor to continued assaults on gay rights, voting rights and other fundamental freedoms that we once took for granted. In some blue states like New York, California, and Michigan, the legislatures moved quickly to enshrine abortion rights in laws that codified the provisions of Roe v. Wade. The question is: where does America stand on the reversal of Roe v. Wade. When the political posturing of the left and right is put aside, what do voters really want? The Associated Press reported recently that the numbers havent changed. Before and following the Dobbs decision, about 62% of Americans believe that abortions should be available in at least some circumstances, with some restrictions later in a pregnancy. In other words, America wants a return to Roe v. Wade and views the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision as an unwanted intrusion into the lives of women facing one of the most traumatic decisions of their lives. Even in states thought to be bastions of conservatism, voters have come out in large numbers to assert their support for womens rights. Kansas was the first state to act on a statewide ballot initiative that would have denied women the constitutional right to an abortion. This first test of Dobbs resulted in an overwhelming rejection of the decision. In Kentucky and four other states, abortion rights advocates won strong victories and rejected abortion restrictions overwhelmingly. The consensus of political observers and pollsters on the 2022 midterm elections is that Democrats performed better than expected because they were on the right side of the abortion issue. In fact, since the U.S. Supreme Court rendered its decision in the Dobbs case, defenders of womens rights have won an impressive string of victories in high-profile elections throughout the country. This past week, voters in Ohio rejected a ballot initiative that would have raised the percentage of vote necessary to adopt a constitutional amendment from 50% to 60%. This supermajority was concocted to make it harder for advocates to secure protection of womens rights in an anticipated fall ballot question. The Republican Party initiative didnt fool anyone. Voters came out in record numbers and rejected the new constitutional hurdle by a wide majority. Democratic pollster Celinda Lake said: There had been some question about whether abortion had waned as a motivator it certainly has not this is a road map for 2024. Its a road map to how we energize our voters. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) is in a tight race for reelection but is breathing a little easier these days. The referendum showed that his Republican opponents are on the wrong side of a potent political issue. He and Democrats in similar key races can look to Ohio as they plan their campaigns. Bryan Phipps celebrates the defeat of Issue 1 during an election night party at the Columbus Fire Fighters Local 67 on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023 in Columbus, Ohio. (Adam Cairns/The Columbus Dispatch via AP)AP Republicans might attempt to reassess their own strategies regarding the Dobbs decision and the path forward. It might be too late. Their party dug in early on a strict anti-abortion posture and they will be hard-pressed to distance themselves from that stance. Meanwhile, Democrats and their allies are off and running on the issue of womens rights and will capitalize on it in next years campaigns. The issue of abortion rights is powerful and vital to voters in both parties. It is the Democrats who have the most potent political position on the matter and it will be a mainstay of many of campaigns from the state house to the White House. Mark S. Singel is a former lieutenant governor and acting governor of Pennsylvania. More: New Trump indictment brings clarity to some voters | Mark S. Singel Primary results suggest GOP extreme rhetoric has put Dems on solid (middle) ground | Mark S. Singel When I was a kid, we had a book called Animals Nobody Loves, in which the author, Ronald Rood, introduced readers to natures most misunderstood and maligned creatures such as rats, snakes, spiders and bats. Personally, I can handle snakes and spiders. Im much less forgiving when it comes to rats, thanks to several up-close experiences with them when I raised rabbits in 4-H. And bats? Im fine if theyre up in the sky, eating insects and staying out of my house. However, Im nowhere close to the level of folks like Garrett Harris, who spend their nights setting up nets to trap bats to learn more about them and their health and well-being, which has a dramatic impact on humans. On July 6, Harris and environmental education specialist Mindy Wilt collaborated for an informal bat study project at Little Buffalo State Park. About 20 people, including several children, attended. One family came all the way from York County. Bats can be divided into two groups, Wilt said insect-eating and fruit-eating with the latter being larger. Insect eaters All of the bats in Pennsylvania are insect-eating bats, she said. We have nine species that occur in Pennsylvania regularly, and then theres two or three species that kind of transits through. Three of the nine migrate, Wilt explained as she briefly discussed the types of bats. In the eaves of the pavilion where the group gathered, a big brown bat waited for dusk to fall. The largest species in Pennsylvania is a migratory creature called the hoary bat that has a wingspan of about 15 inches. Its weight, though, is about the same as two pennies. It gets its name because of the coloration of its fur, she said. It has this beautiful kind of tri-colored gold, silver and black markings on it. Migratory bats are called tree bats because thats where they prefer to roost. They might snuggle under the bark of a shag bark hickory or find a cozy spot within the boughs of a tall tree, where they are concealed from predators like owls. Eastern red bats are tree bats. Males and females have different colored red fur but both have white-furred shoulders. The last type of migratory bat is a silver haired bat. It has a patch of thick fur near the tail and is known for flying slower than other species in Pennsylvania. The other six species hibernate in caves, caverns, barns or, unfortunately for owners, houses. Some of our bats, like big brown bats and little brown bats, they dont mind people too much. They can get used to the hustle and commotion of everyday life. They dont mind resting in structures that we make, Wilt said. Bats in Pennsylvania consume only insects and are integral parts of the ecosystem for that reason. They can eat anywhere from 25 to 100 percent of their body weight, Harris said. Multiply that by a couple thousand bats in an area and thats pretty significant. Overall, researchers say one bat can consume 1,200 insects, like mosquitoes, in a night. To make the number of insects consumed even more obvious, Wilt shared a story that occurred in Austin, Texas, in the early 1980s when the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge was renovated. Suddenly it became home to lots of Mexican free-tailed bats, and soon the public was worried. They were scared that they were going to get bit, they thought the incidents of rabies would go up, they worried about other diseases. They wanted to redo the bridge and change it to displace these bats. HANGING OUT A big brown bat is unbothered by the people below it as it rests under the roof of a pavilion at Little Buffalo State Park, Newport. (Photo by Becky Lock) Bat Conservation International stepped in to help. The agency undertook an intensive educational campaign to change public opinion. Their biologist did some studies. They estimated that that colony of bats was eating about 10,000 to 20,000 pounds of insects every single night. Thats about the weight of two to three elephants. Thats a lot of insects, Wilt said. Many of those insects are detrimental to humans and crops. Many of the insects theyre eating are mosquitoes, gnats and nocturnal flies. Theyre eating a lot of our crop-damaging insects. Theyre actually doing us a whole lot of good, she added. Now, the bridge hosts the largest urban bat colony in the world, estimated at 1.5 million bats, according to a webpage of the Texas Public Works Department. Female Mexican free-tailed bats use the site as a maternity colony and raise about 750,000 pups each. Austin benefits in other ways, other than having fewer insect pests. The bridge has become an international tourist attraction, bringing in 140,000 people who contribute as much as $10 million to Austins economy every year. People gather on the bridge or take boat tours below to watch the columns of emerging bats. Devastating fungus Bats are mammals, meaning they are covered with hair or fur, give birth to live young, nurse and produce milk for them. Like other mammals, they can contract rabies, but the disease that is taking a particularly heavy toll on their populations is white-nose syndrome. White-nose syndrome is a fungus that attacks the skin of bats, Wilt said. The fungus doesnt kill the bat outright, but it interferes with its lifecycle in such a way that it leads to death. It wakes bats up from hibernation. It speeds up their metabolism because they have to shiver to wake themselves up; that uses up their fat reserves, she said. (They) cant fatten up like a bear or groundhog. (A bat) has to be able to rely on the very little body fat it has to go into hibernation. And if it wakes up in January because its got an itchy fungus on its face theres probably not going to be too many bugs flying around, Wilt said. That means colonies of bats have been starving to death over the winter since the fungus began appearing in the United States in 2006. Weve seen extreme population declines in several of our smaller species of bats, including the long-eared bat, the Indiana bat, the small-footed bat, and the little brown bat, she added. None of these bat species have gone extinct, yet. (But) this disease is spreading across the U.S. The fungus spreads as bats move into different cave systems and it can spread on the literal heels of human explorers as they visit caves and caverns. Wilt advised people who explore caves to follow the rules and stay in designated areas. Bats are struggling as it is, she said, and we want to do everything we can to help them. Theyre really not (creatures) to be feared but ones to be looked after and protected, Wilt said. Bats of Pennsylvania Big brown bat. Large compared to most bat species, the big brown has a wingspan of 12 inches. It is Pennsylvanias most common bat and tends to fly in a nearly straight course, snatching up junebugs, stinkbugs, leafhoppers and beetles. Little brown bat has hairless, black wings. Despite its name, it has no connection to the big brown bat. Tri-colored bat gets its name from the gray, brown and black bands on its back and its blonde chest. It formerly was known as the eastern pipistrelle and the pygmy bat. Northern long-eared bat is named for its long, pointed ears. They are known for plucking their prey off of surfaces instead of catching them in flight. The northern long-eared bats population has decreased by 99 percent due to white nose syndrome. Small-footed bat is one of the smallest North American bat species and has a short head and black face, with golden brown fur. They are known for their abnormally small hind feet. Indiana bat is very similar to the little brown bat; however, Indiana bats, which are highly endangered in Pennsylvania, have a pinkish cast to their fur. Hoary bat is the largest bat of the Eastern forests but uncommon. Red bats rarely roost in buildings or caves but instead prefer trees or hedgerows. Silver-haired bat has blackish-brown fur tipped in white. Researcher uses mist net to catch bats Stretched across one of the trails at Little Buffalo State Park, the mist net intended to capture bats looked delicate as it swayed in the breeze under the darkening sky. Usually made of nylon or polyester mesh, the loose strands create a pocket when a bat or bird hits it, entangling the creature. Mist netting is one of three ways scientists use to study bats, said Garrett Harris. It just looks like a big volleyball net thats stacked up about 24 foot high (and) stretched out across their flight pathway, he said. Thats where we think bats are most likely going to be flying through the night. A flight pathway, like a deer trail, is an already established zone that the bats are familiar with and generally use often. BAT MAN Garrett Harris examines a mist net strung on a trail at Little Buffalo State Park. (Photo by Becky Lock) With the mist net and the corridor were trying to catch them off-guard, Harris said. They can sense these nets with their echolocation. They wont interpret it as a hard substance (more like) a cobweb. Getting caught in such a net doesnt hurt the bat, he added, but researchers must be quick to check the net often to prevent undue stress to the animals. Gloves are essential when removing the bats, which will be examined and their species noted. We take various measurements of the forearm, the ear to the foot; determine if its a boy or a girl; all kinds of stuff, Harris said, adding that reports can be sent to the state Game Commission and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Another way that you can survey bats is acoustically. Each bat species has a signature, distinctive call frequency. Based on how high it is, the intensity and the shape of it, you can reasonably tell what kind of species it is, he added. The specialized, ultrasonic microphones can record sounds from 18 kilohertz to 160 kilohertz. Most humans can only hear 18-19 kilohertz, Harris said, adding that smaller bat species emit higher frequencies in the 40-60 kilohertz range. The third survey method is visually. Researchers can watch a cave or structure and count the number of bats that emerge. Infrared video recording can estimate the same. Wilt used a microphone that picked up some of the clicking noises made by bats flying over the pavilion. At the net set up at the trail, at least one bat was captured during the night. We dont use any pesticides here at the park, Wilt said. We have lots of birds, lots of insects, and its becoming a nice little haven for bats. Bat facts: Vampire bats have an anti-coagulant in their saliva that researchers use in clotting medications to help patients survive heart disease. Bats dont age like other animals of similar size. A mouse lives only three to five years without predators. A bat can live 30 or more. They rely on their hearing. Bats are not actually blind. Its been said that our insectivorous bats have vision thats kind of similar to us. The cones and rod numbers in their eyes, the ability to see colors and shades of black and white is fairly similar to our vision, not quite the same, but at nighttime were not blind. We can see shadows and general shapes. Bats are able to maneuver around big objects by using a little bit of their eyesight. Source: Environmental Education Specialist Mindy Wilt, Little Buffalo State Park A helicopter carrying a water bucket flies past a pyrocumulus cloud, also known as a fire cloud, produced by the Lytton Creek wildfire burning in the mountains above Lytton, B.C., on Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021. A British Columbia Supreme Court justice has refused to certify a class-action lawsuit linked to the wildfire that destroyed the village of Lytton in 2021, but the ruling also allows for an amended claim, potentially keeping the lawsuit alive.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck "We have to give money to the people who make weapons? That's absurd," said Henry Sokolski, executive director of the Washington-based Nonproliferation Policy Education Center. "If there isn't a clear rule that prevents nuclear power providers from importing fuel from Russia -- and it's cheaper to get it from there -- why wouldn't they do it?" The dependence on Russian nuclear products -- used mostly to fuel civilian reactors -- leaves the U.S. and its allies open to energy shortages if Russian President Vladimir Putin were to cut off supplies. The challenge is likely to grow more intense as those nations seek to boost production of emissions-free electricity to combat climate change. The sales, which are legal and unsanctioned, have raised alarms from nonproliferation experts and elected officials who say the imports are helping to bankroll the development of Moscow's nuclear arsenal and are complicating efforts to curtail Russia's war-making abilities. The U.S. and its European allies are importing vast amounts of nuclear fuel and compounds from Russia, providing Moscow with hundreds of millions of dollars in badly needed revenue as it wages war on Ukraine. Russia sold about $1.7 billion in nuclear products to firms in the U.S. and Europe, according to trade data and experts. The purchases occurred as the West has leveled stiff sanctions on Moscow over its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, blocking imports of such Russian staples as oil, gas, vodka and caviar. The West has been reluctant to target Russia's nuclear exports, however, because they play key roles in keeping reactors humming. Russia supplied the U.S. nuclear industry with about 12 percent of its uranium last year, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Europe reported getting about 17 percent of its uranium in 2022 from Russia. Reliance on nuclear power is expected to grow as nations embrace alternatives to fossil fuels. Nuclear power plants produce no emissions, though experts warn that nuclear energy comes with the risk of reactor meltdowns and the challenge of how to safely store radioactive waste. There are about 60 reactors under construction around the world -- 300 more are in the planning stages. Many of the 30 countries generating nuclear energy in some 440 plants are importing radioactive materials from Russia's state-owned energy corporation Rosatom and its subsidiaries. Rosatom leads the world in uranium enrichment, and it is ranked third in uranium production and fuel fabrication, according to its 2022 annual report. Rosatom, which says it is building 33 new reactors in 10 counties, and its subsidiaries exported around $2.2 billion worth of nuclear energy-related goods and materials last year, according to trade data analyzed by the Royal United Service Institute, a London think tank. The institute said that figure is likely much larger because it is difficult to track such exports. Rosatom CEO Alexei Likhachyov told the Russian newspaper Izvestia the company's foreign business should total $200 billion over the next decade. That lucrative civilian business provides critical funds for Rosatom's other major responsibility: designing and producing Russia's atomic arsenal, experts say. Ukrainian officials have pleaded with world leaders to sanction Rosatom to cut off one of Moscow's last significant funding streams and to punish Putin for launching the invasion. Nuclear energy advocates say the U.S. and some European countries would face difficulty in cutting off imports of Russian nuclear products. The U.S. nuclear energy industry, which largely outsources its fuel, produces about 20 percent of U.S. electricity. The reasons for reliance on Russia go back decades. The U.S. uranium industry took a beating following a 1993 nonproliferation deal that resulted in the importation of inexpensive weapons-grade uranium from Russia, experts say. The downturn accelerated after a worldwide drop in demand for nuclear fuel following the 2011 meltdown of three reactors at Japan's Fukushima Daiichi power plant. American nuclear plants purchased 5 percent of their uranium from domestic suppliers in 2021, the last year for which official U.S. production data are available, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The largest source of uranium for such plants was Kazakhstan, which contributed about 35 percent of the supply. A close Russian ally, Kazakhstan is the world's largest producer of uranium. Europe is in a bind largely because it has 19 Russian-designed reactors in five countries that are fully dependent on Russian nuclear fuel. France also has a long history of relying on Russian-enriched uranium. In a report published in March, Greenpeace, citing the United Nations' Comtrade database, showed that French imports of enriched uranium from Russia increased from 110 tons in 2021 to 312 tons in 2022. Some European nations are taking steps to wean themselves off Russian uranium. Early in the Ukraine conflict, Sweden refused to purchase Russian nuclear fuel. Finland, which relies on Russian power at two out of its five reactors, scrapped a trouble-ridden deal with Rosatom to build a new nuclear power plant. Despite the challenges, experts believe political pressure and questions about Russia's ability to cut off supplies will eventually spur much of Europe to abandon Rosatom. "Based on apparent prospects [of diversification of fuel supplies], it would be fair to say that Rosatom has lost the European market," said Vladimir Slivyak, co-chair of the Russian environmental group Ecodefense. Lachlan Morton may still wear the EF Education-EasyPost pink of his WorldTour squad, but the 31-year-old is most definitely on his own program. Ever since the team launched its 'alt tour' in 2019, Morton has been racing on dirt more than the road, and he has the freedom to not race, too. He's completed the Tour de France as a one-stage bikepacking trip, set an unofficial fastest known time on the Colorado Trail, and ridden from Munich to the Ukraine border to raise money for refugees. Yet, the Aussie's love of racing hasn't died entirely, and there is one event high on his bucket list of 'wants to win.' That's the Leadville Trail 100 MTB race, which kicks off in Colorado Saturday. Morton has finished second and third in Leadville before and hopes that 2023 is the year for the top step. He's got a two-time champion and seemingly unbeatable competition in Keegan Swenson to upset, but his prep has never been so dialed. Nor, he thinks, has his bike. Morton's brand new Cannondale Scalpel HT Hi-MOD Ultimate is the ultimate ... Leadville bike. Admittedly tweaked for this race and this race alone, Morton's rig may be fugly but it works for him. "I think this race is somewhere between a mountain bike race and a road race so its just to get a bit more of an efficient position," he says. "Its a little bit more aero. Its not really about the aero though, its about getting your body in a position thats more efficient." Morton's spent the last few months tweaking the position, racing the bike in two gravel races in East Africa. He's come up with some pretty unique geometry, including a 640mm bar with a 145mm adjustable stem slammed to an alarming 70 degrees. It's as close to the same reach as drop bars without being drop bars. "It feels pretty similar to a road bike, which is nice," Morton says. Name: Lachlan Morton // EF Education-EasyPost Age: 31 Hometown: Port Macquarie, New South Wales, Australia Height: 180cm Weight: "between 60 and 65kg" Instagram: @lachlanmorton Alexandru Marcu didnt make it through the opening flight yesterday. His second bullet today on Day 1b of the 888poker LIVE Bucharest Main Event went far better thanks to the ultimate cooler. Marcu beat former chip leader Tips4All with aces over kings in a more than 400,000-chip pot to take the overall tournament chip lead with 486,000. Right behind him is Andrii Zaika, another who had to reenter today after busting yesterday, who won a massive pot with a straight against Frankie Chan on the last hand of the night to move into second place with 449,500. 888poker Ambassador Ian Simpson flew into Bucharest overnight from Newcastle and took his seat at the same table as fellow team member Nick Eastwood. Simpson dropped down to 50,000 at one point during the day but then won a three-way all in with kings before busting Eastwood with ace-king over tens, finishing with 312,000 and a top-five stack. Day 1b Top 10 Chip Counts Rank Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Alexandru Marcu Romania 486,000 122 2 Andrii Zaika Ukraine 449,500 112 3 Sebastian Ionita Romania 327,000 82 4 Ian Simpson United Kingdom 312,000 78 5 Iulian Andrei Bleau Romania 294,500 74 6 Sorin Flutur Romania 248,000 62 7 Andrei Wauters Romania 245,000 61 8 Valentin Cristea Romania 233,500 58 9 Mert Tozlu Turkey 219,500 55 10 Raoul Iancovici Romania 203,500 51 Valentin Cristea (233,500), Patrick Bueno (183,000), who finished third in this event last year, and Mihai Manole (97,000) were also among the 15 players who made it through Day 1b. Those who werent as fortunate include 2022 888poker LIVE Madrid champion Abel Aspas. The 15 surviving players will join the 23 who made it through Day 1a for Day 2 on August 13. There is still a Day 1c flight tomorrow at 5 p.m. local time, and a turbo Day 1d flight. Unlimited reentries are still available until the start of Day 2. Day 1b drew 42 more entries into the event, creating a combined field of 94 players through the first two flights. PokerNews will be back inside the Poker Room Bucharest tomorrow for Day 1c as another crop of hopefuls try to chase down Marcus chip lead and book their ticket for Day 2. The final day of the 2023 Merit Poker Retro Series $2,200 Warm-Up has come to an end at the Merit Crystal Cove Hotel and Casino and Hadi Khadra is the champion after a deal was made during three-handed play. Khadra takes the top prize while Turkey's Murat Cakir finishes second and Greece's Orestis Kanakopoulos finishes third. Nicolas Chouity and Huseyin Kaba rounded out the top five after a day that started with the final 25 players. The tournament drew 809 entries and the final 25 returned for their piece of the $1,488,560 prize pool. 2023 Merit Retro Poker Series $2,200 Warmup Place Player Country Prize (USD) 1 Hadi Khadra Lebanon $264,400 2 Murat Cakir Turkey $194,700 3 Orestis Kanakopoulos Greece $119,700 4 Nicolas Chouity Lebanon $88,600 5 Huseyin Kaba Turkey $66,200 6 Giorgiy Skhulukhiya Georgia $53,600 7 Abulmuhsin Aydin France $44,300 8 Alain Hajj Lebanon $35,200 9 Afshin Taheri Iran $26,500 Merit Poker Retro Series Warmup Final Table Winners Reaction It feels great honestly, Khadra said in a post-win interview with Merit Poker. After four days of endless playing, mental instability, and all these days it feels good to win it. I played well and made very good decisions. I am glad to where I got to where I am now. The turning point of the endgame came when Khadra bluffed Cakir with a big river bet. In the late stages a big hand came between myself and Cakir and I bluffed him with king-jack offsuit. It got me a lot of big blinds and gave me the confidence and momentum to get me through it. Khadra will go home with the top prize and take a well-deserved break. The first thing Im going to do is not play poker. Go spend time with my girlfriend and my mother. Go on vacation and do everything and relax. Take my head above the clouds for a month or two and get back at it. Day 4 Highlights Day 4 started with 25 players and and Nicolas Chouity came in as the chip leader after Day 3. The live-streamed final table of nine was reached after about six hours of play when Or Nezer hit the rail in tenth place for $19,500. Afshin Taheri was the first to go in final table play when his suited ace-king was out-flopped by Cakirs suited queen-nine. The suited ace-king was also trouble for Alain Hajj, who got it all in against the suited ace-eight of Kaba and the pocket threes of Khadra. The board ran out for three hearts and Kaba had the right suit to make a flush for a double, while Khadras pocket threes has both players covered and they were good enough to eliminate Hajj in eighth place. Shortly after Hajj hit the payout window it was Abulmuhsin Aydin that followed with the seventh place finish. Aydin went in with ace-ten on a board with two sevens, but Giorgiy Skhulukhiya had the seven and Aydin couldnt catch up. While other players were busting out, Cakir was making his move to the top of the chip counts. He picked up pocket aces and made quads against Chouity, but Chouity had very little with which he could offer value. Kaba also stayed alive when he made his move with pocket jacks against the ace-king of Skhulukhiya. The flop brought a king but the river was a jack to keep Kaba in contention. Skhulukhiya was next to go in sixth place when he got it in with king-queen against the ace-ten of Cakir. The board ran out with no help and the final five turned towards the home stretch. Moments later, Kaba bowed out in fifth with jack-ten after Kanakopoulos held him off with king-nine. The final four players battled through a break but the short stack Chouity couldnt spin it up before he hit the rail in fourth. Chouitys elimination was another pot for Khadra in a late push that saw him take a big lead. Moments into three-handed play, Cakir suggested a deal and the players stopped the clock to talk about it. After a short discussion, the tournament ended and Khadra was declared the champion. Be sure to keep it with the PokerNews team as coverage of the $10,500 High Roller has already kicked off. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy accused President Biden of obstruction after the Department of Justice named a special counsel for the Hunter Biden case, just as Republicans wanted. McCarthy tweeted: This action by Bidens DOJ cannot be used to obstruct congressional investigations or whitewash the Biden family corruption. If Weiss negotiated the sweetheart deal that couldnt get approved, how can he be trusted as a Special Counsel? House Republicans will continue to pursue Kevin McCarthy (@SpeakerMcCarthy) August 11, 2023 McCarthy and House Republicans demanded the special counsel. They claimed President Biden was obstructing their investigation by somehow stopping the DOJ from appointing a special counsel. (There is no evidence that Biden has had anything to do with the investigation into his son.) David Weiss, the US Attorney investigating Hunter Biden, asks to be named special counsel. Attorney General Garland agrees, and now Speaker McCarthy thinks that by giving Republicans what they wanted, the DOJ has been manipulated by President Biden. Does this make any sense at all? No, until you realize that the only thing House Republicans are interested in is election-year theater. Without an obstruction charge, the House Republican impeachment resolution looks pretty thin. Although, with Joe Biden involved in drugs and prostitution, one might think they could make a solid case minus the minor detail that octogenarian Biden isnt involved in drugs and prostitution. Give House Republicans what they want, and they complain, dont give House Republicans what they want, and they complain. It never stops. Speaker McCarthy has a real problem. The Special Counsel undercuts their argument for impeaching President Biden. McCarthy knows that he doesnt have the votes to impeach Biden, and even making his members vote on impeachment could be a deathblow to the Republican House majority. McCarthy is trying to hang on to power by using some angry sounding that make no sense, as he sweats bullets and watches speakership face extinction. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print House Oversight Committee Ranking Member Rep. Jamie Raskin called out the baseless Republican complaints about the Hunter Biden special counsel. Rep. Raskin said in a statement provided to PoliticusUSA: I take Attorney General Garlands decision to grant U.S. Attorney Weisss request for special counsel status to be more evidence of the Department of Justices continuing commitment to independence and transparency. Once again, we see that it is Trump-appointed U.S. Attorney Weiss who has essential and ultimate authority over this matter. It was Trumps Attorney General, William Barr, who entrusted Mr. Weiss with the investigation of Hunter Biden. The probe began under the Trump Administration and Attorney General Barr explained, in December 2020, that he saw no need to grant Weiss special counsel status. President Biden asked Mr. Weiss to remain as U.S. Attorney to continue this investigation. As Mr. Weiss himself has repeatedly stated, he was assured that he would be granted authority to file charges in other districts if necessary. It appears U.S. Attorney Weiss now intends to bring charges outside the District of Delaware. On Tuesday, for the first time, U.S. Attorney Weiss asked to be appointed special counsel, and his request was granted by Attorney General Garland. U.S. Attorney Weiss has made clear to Congress that he has always had ultimate authority over this investigation, including responsibility for deciding where, when and whether to file charges. Todays announcement by the Attorney General is more evidence of the truth of his statement. However, rather than allowing Mr. Weiss to continue the investigation free from political interference, House Republicans have rushed to distort evidence in order to promote shopworn conspiracy theories and recycle baseless accusations. The special counsel appointment takes the wind out of one of the main GOP conspiracy theories that Joe Biden is interfering with the DOJ investigation into his son. Republicans clamored for a Hunter Biden special counsel. They got it, and now they are complaining some more. The problem that Weiss presents for Republicans is that he is also going to find that President Biden has done nothing wrong. President Biden hasnt weaponized the DOJ. They are investigating his son. The Hunter Biden special counsel debunks the theory behind Jim Jordans Weaponization of Government subcommittee. Hunter Biden is not a government official or employee, and the investigation by David Weiss might be a death blow to the GOPs Joe Biden conspiracy theories. It is said that the January 1979 cover of Artforum magazine was a sign that the photographic medium had definitively conquered the art world. It showed one of the characteristic still lifes of Jan Groover (Plainfield, New Jersey, 1943 Montpon-Menesterol, France, 2012). That was the first time that a photograph had served as the main attraction in a specialized art magazine. The cover image formed part of the American artists best-known series, Kitchen Still Lifes. Its voluptuous colors were as impressive as its prices, critic Andy Grunberg observed in The New York Times. The famous cover was preceded by an exhibition at New Yorks Sonnabend Gallery, where the seductive and timeless still life works composed of plants, vegetables and whichever utensils the author found at hand in the kitchen marked a significant turning point in the career of this photographer. Groover was always haunted by the wild concept that you could change space which you can, she said. A decade later, a retrospective at MoMA consolidated her prestige. That is why she always argued that her work had nothing to do with a theme or a subject, but rather with the relationship among the different elements that compose it and the spaces that remain between them. That is where its force comes from: colors, lines, textures, and forms take precedence over meaning or content. Nevertheless, despite the authors intentions, Groovers work is so powerful in evoking the sensations of the everyday world we share that it inevitably drags one into the unsuspected recesses of the imagination, where one believes one can perceive meanings that one does not see. Untitled (ca. 1978-1979). Photo Elysee. Archives of Jan Groover. Jan Groover Untitled (ca. 1975). Photo Elysee. Archives of Jan Groover. Jan Groover Untitled (Mel Bochner) (1980). Photo Elysee. Achives of Jan Groover. Jan Groover Untitled (1985). Photo Elysee. Archives of Jan Groover. Jan Groover Untitled (1980). Photo Elysee. Archives of Jan Groover. Jan Groover Untitled (ca. 1989). Photo Elysee. Archives of Jan Groover. Jan Groover Untitled (ca. 1982). Photo Elysee. Archives of Jan Groover. Jan Groover Untitled (ca. 1981). Photo Elysee. Archives of Jan Groover. Jan Groover Untitled (ca. 1981). Photo Elysee. Archives of Jan Groover. Jan Groover Untitled (Dorothea Rockburne) (1980). Photo Elysee. Archives of Jan Groover. Jan Groover Untitled (ca. 1987-1988). Photo Elysee. Archives of Jan Groover. Jan Groover Untitled (ca. 1978). Photo Elysee. Archives of Jan Groover. Jan Groover Although the artist was widely recognized in the United States John Szarkoswki described her as one of the most interesting and accomplished artists of her time and resided in France during the last years of her life, her work has remained little known in Europe. Fortunately, in 2017, painter and critic Bruce Boice, the late photographers husband, made a donation to Switzerlands leading photography museum, Photo Elysee, prompting a re-evaluation of the work of an artist who spent her life reinventing herself. The Jan Groover: Laboratory of Forms exhibit began there, and it can now be seen in the Kutxa Kultur Artegunea, Tabakalera Building, in San Sebastian, Spain. Through a selection of more than 150 photographs and some objects, the exhibition immerses the viewer in a universe with powerful echoes of the rigor and neatness of Giorgio Morandi, the metaphysical landscapes of De Chirico, the majesty of Fra Angelico and other Renaissance artists to whom Groover continually turned for inspiration; the formalist perfectionism of Edward Weston also influenced her work. Although Groovers artistic beginnings were in abstract painting, in the early seventies she threw herself fully into photography. I pretended I was a painter, for a while. Almost as soon as I got out of school I started photographing photographing the history of photography, repeating lots of things. I was still pretending I was a painter, that way I could relax and make photographs, even make stupid photographs, and it didnt matter, the artist recalled. Then one day I had the thought that I didnt want to have to make everything up, so I quit painting. Then I found out that you have to make everything up anyway. Thus, years later, the author succeeded in incessantly transforming reality through photography, manipulating it to her liking, says Tatyana Franck, the co-curator of the exhibition with Emilie Delcambre Hirsch. Composition, through which she explores notions of perspective and scale, is fundamental to her work. Groover seems to paint with objects. She does in photographs what people have traditionally expected paintings to do. She deals with space, Boice emphasizes in the documentary Jan Groover: Tilting at Space. The exhibition opens with the polyptychs with which she originally appeared on the photography scene in the 1970s. Inspired by Renaissance paintings and using that format, she demonstrated her interest in the tradition of creating images, as well as her inclination toward the conceptual currents of the time. They include photographs of cars passing by the same place, taken from exactly the same point, and facades of houses that very closely resemble each other. Most of the images are untitled. They seem to allude to questions of time, distance and movement the same ones that inspired Eadweard Muybridge, another influence on the artists work and refer to the photographic mediums inherent ambiguity. Only a New Bauhaus experimenter would claim to be photographing something that doesnt exist. If we cant fashion stories out of Miss Groovers art, we can at least note shifts in ambience and atmosphere that speak volumes, wrote critic William Zimmer. Untitled (ca. 1981). Photo Elysee. Jan Groover Archives Jan Groover In the late 1970s, Groover discovered the platinum-palladium process, a technique that would open new paths in her career. The artist not only put it into practice to explore the still-life genre but also employed it in landscapes, portraits and nudes. Many friends and relatives posed for her, either outdoors or in the intimacy of her studio. She explored bodies in the same way she would explore fruits and vegetables in one of her still lifes, notes Delcambre Hirsch. Fragments of bodies were depersonalized and acquired the quality of an object. After all, everything is geometry. Carefully constructed and controlled, photography was a matter of space and form for the artist. Jans problem with collectors, critics and photographic experts is that she denies meaning; and what everyone seems to want is meaning, Boice writes in a text included in the show catalog. A beautiful day and a beautiful landscape have no meaning. An old-fashioned toy or gun found at a flea market is not about guns or violence; it simply points to something else inside a photograph, as a finger in a Renaissance painting would point to something inside the canvas [...] But everyone wants meanings [...] How else can a powerful visual experience be explained or considered? Jans photographs were never about meaning, only about the thrill of seeing something. Jan Groover: Laboratory of Forms. Kutxa Kultur Artegunea. Kutxa Foundation. Tabakalera Building. San Sebastian, Spain. Open until November 12th. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Ashton Rickard, 14, has had an exceptionally tumultuous summer, and the evening of Aug. 11 may have included one of the highlights. Hundreds of neighbors, family members and other well-wishers pooled their resources and laid down a soundtrack for her benefit. The South Aiken High School student, largely known as the victim of a June 7 shooting at the Walmart on Whiskey Road, was the beneficiary of a five-hour musical fundraiser, with a heavy dose of rock and roll peppered with donations that totaled at least $3,052, all under the roof of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5877. "That's the kind of community that we live in, and I'm very happy to be a part of it," said Charles Ihloff, the post's commander. "It went extremely well. We are still, like, in shock." Ashton, whose parents are Tony and Ashley Rickard, was invited into the spotlight on occasion and also stepped aside for a few minutes to share some thoughts and lessons learned from the past two months, which have included medical treatment focused mainly on her stomach and right wrist, struck by a .45 round. "I'm doing good," she said. "I'm getting back to normal." She fought back tears while trying to describe her reaction to community support. "Just to see everyone come together just to help me, it's crazy." "My family and God," she said, have gotten her through the experience. "Prayer does things things you don't know it can do. I'm thankful for that." She also offered some insight. "Be grateful for what you have, because you don't know when you could lose it." Ihloff expressed thanks ("I can't say enough") for the bands and recalled passing the donation along to a happily surprised Rickard family member after the event. George Deweese, also representing Post 5877, estimated attendance at "north of 150 people." Keeping the decibels up and encouraging generosity were bands Tara Lane, Traces of Our Youth, ROKS and Wire Road, in that order, dipping into creations made famous by such performers as The Cars, Led Zeppelin, George Michael, Otis Redding, Bad Company, Charlie Daniels Band, Green Day, Johnny Cash and Kool and the Gang. The overall package included a variety of welcome surprises, such as the donation of 10 pizzas from New Ellenton restaurant JDubbz. Other boosters included Midway Grill, Airport Stop and Shop, Brandi's Sweet Treats, Daybreak Lawn Service, Jagged Edge Hair Salon and Hair by KZ. Ashton's parents also shared their response to the Aug. 11 gathering and other shows of support. "It's overwhelming, really, honestly, just to know that even the people that you don't know, in addition to your family and friends, just care that much about their community and what happens around them," said Ashley, Ashton's mom. "She doesn't want what happened to her to define her. She definitely is more of an overcomer of what she's been through and has had a very good attitude on just being positive about how things are going to be in the future ... The things that are affecting her right now, she knows, hopefully most of these are just going to be scars and a story to tell whenever she feels that she's ready to tell the story," she said. Tony, Ashley's dad, added, "We haven't been able to say 'thank you' to everybody, but we thank everybody." He noted that Wire Road, one of the fundraiser's performing groups, reached out to the family via Facebook with an offer of help "probably within three weeks" of the shooting. "They were pretty key and they made all of it happen. They set up everything. They've been great, great, great to us, trying to set up this benefit." Helping run the show for Wire Road was Patience Stone, fiancee of band member Louis James. Stone recalled hearing of the shooting that changed Ashton's life. "I saw it on the news, and honestly, right as we saw it, my daughter and my granddaughter had left Walmart like two minutes prior to that happening," she said. "We called to make sure ... my granddaughter was OK." The next steps were to check with other bands to see if they might be ready, willing and able to perform in a benefit for Ashton and then to see if the VFW post could provide a venue. James, whose background includes similar band-based benefits, gave a thumbs-up review to the event as a whole, including the VFW leaders. "They stood there and did everything they said they were going to do, and more, so God bless them, because they were all on the same page," he said. A Charleston luxury car dealer has sold off its only two coastal North Carolina locations to a big wheel in the industry. Penske Automotive Group Inc., owned by Roger Penske, announced Aug. 11 that it has acquired BMW of Wilmington and Porsche Wilmington from Baker Motor Co. Financial terms of the sales were not disclosed. Bloomfield, Mich.-based Penske Automotive estimated that the new acquisitions are expected to generate annual revenue of about $140 million. "The greater Wilmington ... area is a growing market, and we look forward to continuing these dealerships' legacy of exceptional performance under the guidance of ... Baker Motor," Penske said in written statement. "We welcome the associates ... to the Penske Automotive Group team." The billionaire transportation services and motorsports mogul also noted that the Wilmington showrooms and service sites have earned top honors from their brands, with BMW and Porsche designating them as a center of excellence and a premier dealer, respectively. Penske Automotive is a publicly traded company with dealerships and 27,000 employees in six countries in North America, Europe and Asia. It's one of four businesses under the Penske Corp. umbrella, which includes NASCAR and IndyCar Series racing teams. The newly sold North Carolina dealerships were the first and only acquisitions outside the Lowcountry for Baker Motor owner Tommy Baker, who founded the company in 1988 on Morrison Drive on the upper peninsula. The Charleston native bought the predecessor to BMW of Wilmington and its service operations eight years ago next week. He followed up that acquisition in March 2017 with the purchase of Porsche of Fayetteville. Baker then relocated the business about 100 miles to the coast, where he built a new showroom. The sales to Penske Automotive leave him with four dealership locations: Baker Motor Co. of Charleston, Baker Cadillac of Charleston, Mercedes-Benz of Mount Pleasant and Mercedes-Benz Van Center in Summerville. They represent more than a dozen manufacturers, including GMC, Buick, Alfa Romeo, Infiniti, Maserati, Land Rover and Jaguar, as well as their namesake nameplates. A historic building that for nearly two centuries has housed a variety of businesses on a prominent corner of downtown Charleston is under new ownership, less than six years after its previous sale. The two-story commercial property at 167 East Bay St. changed hands late last month for $8.4 million, according to public land records. The seller was an affiliate of The Arden Co. The Atlanta-based firm had owned it since September 2017, when it paid $6.65 million for the 13,210-square-foot structure. The buyer is PD East LLC, an affiliate of Pearce Development, which is a Charleston-based real estate investment firm that sold a future timeshare site fronting Market and East Bay streets for $16.45 million about six months ago. The company did not respond to requests for comment this week. The newly acquired property is at the northwest corner of Queen Street and less than two blocks south of the City Market. It's been a restaurant for more than two decades, starting with Cypress, which opened in 2001 and closed in 2017. It was then leased to the owners of Tradd's, which turned out the lights after less than a year. The space is now occupied by Galpao Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse, which opened in early 2020. It did not respond to a request for comment. The building dates to the mid-1830s and has ties to the namesake of the Roper hospital system in Charleston, according to historical archives. Before its most recent turn catering to the retail end of the food business, it was home to several wholesale grocers, such as J. Knobeloch Commission Merchant, which advertised sales of flour and "all kinds of country produce" in the mid-1850s. George C. Birlant & Co., which is still selling antiques on King Street after 101 years, staged its furniture auctions at 167 East Bay during the Great Depression. Among other businesses that set up shop in parts of the property was Heyward Supply Co., which sold goods to the boating and commercial fishing industry in the 1950s. Other tenants have included the publisher of a pro-secessionist German-language newspaper, a liquor store, a cigar warehouse and an art gallery. It also served as the offices for a real estate firm, at least two architectural practices and Merrill Lynch. In the late 1980s, the Taiwanese shipping line Evergreen Marine bought the building for a U.S. regional headquarters location a block away from the S.C. State Ports Authority's offices. The property was sold again in 1999, starting its next chapter as a downtown dining destination. The structure sits between two of the most prominent luxury hospitality developments underway on the lower peninsula: The Cooper hotel next to Waterfront Park on Concord Street and a Four Seasons-flagged property that a firm backed by billionaire Bill Gates is seeking approval to build at Meeting Street and Horlbeck Alley. An Ohio developer with a presence in the Lowcountry plans to build a large multifamily project on a recently purchased tract in a developing area of North Charleston near Interstate 26. Lifestyle Communities is looking to build 454 apartments on a 27.5-acre parcel off Ingleside Boulevard in the Ingleside development off U.S. Highway 78. The Columbus-based company bought the property for $10.84 million from Weber USA Corp. affiliate Otto-Lilienthal Strasse Associates, according to Charleston County land records. "With a nod to modern coastal architecture, and inspired by urban planned communities, LC Ingleside will provide residents with a diverse range of apartment homes and an exceptional living experience," according to a company statement. The mixed-used development also will include an on-site dining venue called The Goat Bar and Restaurant, volleyball and pickleball courts, a pool bar with cabanas, fitness and wellness offerings, and an on-site coffee shop called Morning Ritual. Elsewhere in the area, the company is developing the nine-story, 293-unit LC Charleston at Line apartments near the base of the I-26 off-ramp at Meeting Street. An opening date has not been announced. Changing hands A North Charleston health care property is now under new ownership. Lowcountry-based Skytree Ventures LLC recently paid Global Medical REIT of Maryland $10.1 million for the 26,256-square-foot Charleston Cancer Center at 2910 Tricom St., according to JLL Capital Markets, which represented the seller and procured the buyer. 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! The two-story, renovated building near the 321-bed Trident Medical Center includes specialty treatment equipment, computed tomography imaging, a lab and an area on the second floor for clinical studies personnel. Originally built in 2002, the building last changed hands in 2021 for $7 million. The Charleston Cancer Center had all the investment merits to attract investors from the institutional to private capital and our collective team was able to drive a multitude of offers across the investor spectrum despite the broader market headwinds, said Brannon Knott, JLL's managing director. NC project A Charleston-based contractor recently completed construction of a massive industrial building near Charlotte. Frampton Construction Co. built the 876,587-square-foot facility at Delta Industrial Park in Gastonia, off Interstate 85. Trinity Capital Advisors was the developer. The cross-dock building is constructed of concrete tilt walls and structural steel, with a 40-foot clear height, 180 dock positions and four drive-in doors. The facility also includes a fire water tank with a capacity of 138,000 gallons and a 64-foot retaining wall with 10,000 segmental blocks. Work on the site began in November 2021 and was completed in June. LEXINGTON A man who died Aug. 9, after sheriff's deputies used a Taser on him, was identified as 32-year-old Bernice Smith of Aiken. Officials with the Lexington County Sheriff's Department claimed Smith ran away from them out of a store in the Red Bank area, a growing cluster of shopping and residential communities located west of Columbia and just south of Lexington. Deputies said they apprehended Smith using a Taser around 1:30 p.m. after he entered a nearby wooded area. It is unclear how many times or for how long deputies used a Taser on Smith. Afterwards, he "began showing signs of medical distress" while being walked back to the patrol vehicle in handcuffs, according to Sheriff Jay Koon. The Sheriff's Department has not released the exact location of the incident. Koon said deputies "knew (Smith) had an outstanding arrest warrant for shoplifting" when they encountered him at the store in Red Bank, and that Smith ran away when deputies mentioned this to him. He also claimed a Taser was used because Smith didn't comply with verbal commands when deputies apprehended him. Once back at their patrol vehicle, deputies removed the handcuffs as Smith became unresponsive. Lexington County Emergency Medical Services then transported him to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. "Work is already underway to confirm what happened in this situation and what caused the man's death," Koon said in a statement on Aug. 9, adding that the State Law Enforcement Division is leading the investigation into the incident. An autopsy was scheduled for Aug. 11 at the Medical University of Charleston, according to Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher. Insects seem to be the main pest at the Possums counter this week. Armyworms, chinch bugs, fleas, roaches (hey, it is Charleston, they like the worlds best city also) and mosquitoes have been attacking our Lowcountry homes and yards. Read moreSummer pests at the gate A job counselor for the S.C. Commission for the Blind says the agency made her quit this spring after her bosses subjected her to the same sort of discrimination the agency was created to prevent. Amy Hatten, a former vocational rehabilitative counselor who is legally blind, told The Post and Courier that her bosses worked to fire her after she raised concerns about safety and accessibility at the commission's new offices at 1483 Tobias Gadson Blvd. in West Ashley. Specifically, she said the commission's relocation forced her to walk a treacherous path to the office from a bus stop that served as her main nexus for getting to work. The dispute is now the focus of an equal employment opportunity complaint. The question center to the complaint is whether the commission tried to provide reasonable accommodations for her after she discovered she had no safe path to work at the commission's new Charleston office. Leading up to the episode, the commission struggled for a year to find its new office. State documents indicate the Lowcountry's hot real estate market, safety concerns at some considered sites and the peninsula's own longstanding issues with accessible roads and sidewalks delayed and complicated the search. Hatten, 37, said the March relocation to Tobias Gadson from Sam Rittenberg Boulevard prompted her to quit that month after failed negotiations with managers. The commission shuttered its Sam Rittenberg location in October 2021. Flooding led to mold and mold led to hazardous air, moving Charleston employees into remote work. The commission announced the new location in November after signing a lease for the $97,000 a-year office space about three times the amount of its last lease. She said her bosses refused her suggestions for accommodations, particularly allowing her to work remotely for the entire work week as she had done for the past year. "We're supposed to give people the means to be employed," said Hatten. "The commission is supposed to help the community become less dependent not more." Mark Gamble, spokesman for the commission, said the agency couldn't talk about Hatten's experience because it involves a personnel dispute and potential litigation. But Matthew Daughtery, operations director for the commission, insisted the agency took great pains to find an appropriate location, and the Tobias Gadson office offered the best option in terms of accessibility. "I think we have really gone above and beyond to address issues there," said Gamble. Hatten scoped out the new office after learning of the upcoming move. She depended on public transportation to get to work from her home two miles away. But the new office had no sidewalk access from the nearest bus stop. She had to walk around the shoulder of the road as traffic sped by, navigating a route lined with a muddy drainage ditch, tall grass, fire ants and other hazards. The trek took her an hour each way. She showed The Post and Courier the route she took. After waiting 45 minutes to take a three-minute bus ride, Hatten stepped off at the bus stop across from the commission's new office. The bus dropped her off onto the grass. She then needed to cross a drainage ditch to reach a narrow sidewalk. The ditch was empty and muddy. She then walked two and a half blocks north to cross at the nearest signaled crosswalk at Ashley River Road. Another bus is closer to the office but would require extending her commute by 30 minutes just to step off the bus on the correct side of the road. Michelle Scott, president of the Charleston chapter of the National Federation of the Blind, also walked the route with Hatten. Scott said she was floored by Hatten's story and what she experienced on the walk to the commission's office, almost tripping and falling a few times. "This was not very considerate," said Scott, who also has a visual disability. "It doesn't seem like they considered us at all." Hatten requested that the commission provide her with training on how to navigate this new environment so she could preserve her independence. The commission assigned her a certified orientation instructor. The instructor told Hatten she had no safe path to work from either bus stop along Tobias Gadson, according to the complaint she shared with The Post and Courier. Hatten has experience with unsafe roads: someone ran her over when they backed into her on an unmarked crosswalk when she was 34 and living in Wisconsin. She submitted documentation about the area's accessibility and requested the commission make reasonable accommodations for her. In Hatten's case, she asked her local human resources director to allow her to continue to do her job from home as she had for the last year or provide transportation assistance. One of the suggestions for transportation assistance was to ask the commission to compensate her for taking Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority's paratransit services, she said. Hatten said she made $45,000 while working for the commission. Forcing her to shell out money to take paratransit services would amount to a pay cut, she said. She said she was also reluctant to take paratransit because it's been unreliable in her experience and takes away a piece of her independence. Hatten said her job duties focused on preparing and supporting people with low vision to find and maintain employment. In her job, she helped the commission's clients with everything from reviewing resumes to working on interviewing skills and knowing their employment rights as someone with a disability. The commission was formed in the mid-1960s with the mission of providing quality job training and support, independent living services and promoting employment, social and economic independence. Hatten said she was the only employee in her office who is blind. Hatten resigned effective March 31, according to her complaint, saying she was "constructively discharged" for asking for accommodations. "I would have stayed but risking my life every day is not what I wanted to do," said Hatten. The experience from when the commission announced its relocation in November and starting a new job left her feeling like some of her independence was taken from her. Hatten filed her complaint with the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission and the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in April. The EEOC process is often the first step before someone files an employment lawsuit when it comes to issues related to disability discrimination conflicts in the workplace, said Allan Holmes, a longtime employment attorney in Charleston. The commission and Hatten could find a resolution in mediation with the EEOC. The EEOC could also finish its investigation and decide in favor of the state or Hatten, handing down punitive measures to the state if they violated Hatten's rights. Another possibility is that the EEOC process could languish, prompting Hatten to drop the complaint and take the commission to court. Discharging the complaint amounts to starting from scratch, Holmes said. Finding a new office was 'a bear' Daughtery, the commission's operations director, said the agency consulted with blind and low-vision employees, as well as the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired South Carolina, as it searched for a new location. It went through three rounds of requesting site proposals before selecting Tobias Gadson. "This was a bear. Finding a location in Charleston isnt easy as you know," he said. "We had crazy stuff happen." Leasing documents for the Tobias Gadson office show that the commission required the landlord to make improvements to its offices and lobby for its clients before it moved in March. And officials noted the new location has better access to bus stops than the previous location offered. Gamble said the commission sought feedback from an internal advisory group of employees with low vision after it signed the lease. That group did not raise concerns about the new location, he said. Hatten was on that advisory group, but she said the information shared with employees was limited. It was only after she tried to get to work that she realized how treacherous the route really was, she said. Charleston has long been a place where people with disabilities struggle for equity in accessing city services and being able to live a fulfilling and independent life, said Janet Schumacher, the city's coordinator for the American with Disabilities Act. The area where the commission moved is a known trouble spot, said Schumacher. "It needs to be changed, obviously," said Schumacher. Gamble said the commission has been actively working to seek long-term improvements to the area and upgrade access. In the end, improving accessibility will fall to the South Carolina Department of Transportation, which owns the road. Kelly Moore, SCDOT director of engagement, said the state is working with Charleston County this year to try and plan to use funds from the transportation sales tax program to extend the sidewalk along the commission's new home in Charleston. ISLE OF PALMS Four months after gunfire on the beach injured five people, police say they have charged an 18-year-old man from Charleston on a handful of charges in the April 7 shooting. On Aug. 11, Davion Bobby DelShawn Singleton was arrested by Charleston police. He faces five counts of attempted murder, two gun charges, and a count of possession of a stolen vehicle. The sound of gunfire peppered the air around 5:30 p.m. April 7 after several fights had broken out on Front Beach behind the Sea Cabins condominiums, police said. Hundreds of people, mostly teens participating in "senior skip day," ended up on the barrier island. Several officers were already on the beach, attempting to arrest those involved in the melee, when the shots rang out. Videos posted on social media showed the chaotic scene next to a pier belonging to Sea Cabins. Nine pops sounded in one video before it cut off as the crowd dispersed and the person filming fled. In another, emergency sirens scream in the background as a skirmish broke out among about a dozen people. One person is thrown to the ground and kicked in the stomach. Another person punches the back of someones head. The people dispersed as two police officers run in, tackling at least one person to the sand. Isle of Palms police said they ultimately released those involved in the fight and officers ran toward the gun fire, where they found the five injured victims. One was a 28-year-old woman, who police said was a bystander. The other victims were all boys, ages 15 to 17, who were released from the hospital the next day. All were expected to recover. Initially, officials reported six people were injured, but the total was corrected days later after it was determined that one of the victims was counted twice when the ambulance taking them to the hospital crashed on the IOP Connector. Two people were arrested in Isle of Palms following the shooting, though its still unclear if they were involved. A 16-year-old boy and an 18-year-old man were charged with weapons offenses. They were detained by police 30 minutes and 1 hours after the shooting, respectively, according to incident reports released by the police department April 10. On April 21, another 18-year-old man was charged with a gun offense, though it was again unclear what role, if any, he had in the shooting. Sgt. Matthew Storen, spokesman for the island police, said detectives identified Singleton through a review of body camera footage that also matched social media photos and videos. About three weeks after the shooting, the Isle of Palms City Council approved nearly $270,000 for its Police Department to buy additional equipment and hire additional staff to patrol the barrier islands beaches. Since then, the department had added more cameras to cover more of the 50 access points along seven miles of beaches, a paddy wagon to more easily transport mass arrests, a K9 unit, and doubled its allotted number of beach service officers. A 22-year-old man was arrested this month on allegations he raped a woman in 2020 in his dorm room while they were both students at the College of Charleston. The victim came forward to law enforcement on June 23 of this year. She provided authorities with corroborating text messages and a physical exam from the day of the assault documenting injuries consistent with rape, according to college police reports. The College of Charleston's Department of Public Safety arrested Miguel J. Gutierrez Aug. 1 on charges of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and kidnapping. Officers booked Gutierrez into the Charleston County jail, where he was released the same day on a combined $150,000 surety bond, records show. Gutierrez was in his first year at the College of Charleston at the time of the alleged assault, according to college spokesman Ron Menchaca, who confirmed the defendant did not return to school after his freshman year. More than 1 in 4 undergraduate women experience a nonconsensual sexual encounter in college, according to a 2019 survey of students on 33 college campuses across the country. The survey, which was conducted by The Association of American Universities, found that most students who said they had been victimized do not report that assault to any campus resources or to local police. The College of Charleston spokesman said the victim provided information to the College's Office of Victim Services at the time of the assault but declined to name her attacker or speak to law enforcement. Menchaca said Victim Services provides information to survivors about available resources but does not force survivors to report an incident to law enforcement. "The role of Victim Services is to serve as an advocate, to ensure that survivors have information that can help them make choices based on their needs, provide intervention that is discreet and does not identify information the survivor wants to keep private," Menchaca said. "The College takes a survivor-centric approach that allows the survivor to direct the process and next steps. It is not uncommon for survivors of these types of incidents to delay taking any kind of formal action requiring law enforcement. That can sometimes occur weeks, months or years later." Gutierrez left the college due to financial reasons and has remained in the Charleston area, according to his attorney, V. Joseph Cannarella, of Savage Law Firm. "It is too premature to comment on the facts of the case at this time. We do acknowledge the recent report to law enforcement alleges an incident took place over three years ago involving Mr. Gutierrez," the attorney said. "I would like to remind the public that Mr. Gutierrez is innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law." Gutierrez is accused of sexually assaulting a woman in the early hours of Jan. 11, 2020, according to a police incident report and arrest affidavit. Gutierrez sent text messages to the woman after midnight inviting her to his dorm room, according to an incident report. When she arrived, she observed the suspect seemed "weird" with "glazed eyes." They had consensual intercourse, the report states, but the woman said he began hurting her and ignored her pleas to stop and screams of pain. An affidavit describes that the defendant used his height and weight advantage to pin her against his wall and bed. Afterward, the woman's roommates escorted her to Medical University Hospital, where she had an exam that documented 16 injuries to her body consistent with the described attack, according to the affidavits. The hospital subsequently shared the report and photographs with the College of Charleston Department of Public Safety at the victim's request. Investigators also interviewed two of her roommates, who corroborated parts of the victim's statements, according to incident reports. One of the roommates said the victim was so distraught she could barely speak when she returned to their room. The victim told police that she did not want to involve law enforcement at the time, according to an incident report. She said she blocked the defendant on social media and has not been in contact with him since. There were 10 reported rapes on the College of Charlestons campus in 2020, though one was determined unfounded, according to the colleges annual security report. NORTH CHARLESTON City Council approved salary increases for police officers to ensure the agency remains competitive and attracts more certified officers. However, some city leaders don't think the increase is enough. "We're always evaluating salaries," said North Charleston Police Chief Greg Gomes. "We want to make sure that we're competitive with other police agencies, not only the Lowcountry, but across the state." At the Aug. 10 meeting, council unanimously approved a budget adjustment to allocate $1.7 million for police salaries. These funds were already available due to more income than expected in the fiscal year, said Mayor Keith Summey, so there is no increase for taxpayers. All certified police officers will receive a $5,600 raise starting in September. The starting salary for a certified North Charleston police officer is now $56,078. Officers who are not certified receive a $50,478 starting salary until they become certified, which takes about a year, Gomes said. Officers of all ranks through captain will also receive a pay increase, including $5,200 for corporals, $5,000 for sergeants, $4,000 for lieutenants and $3,000 for captains. The department has about 350 officers, spokesman Harve Jacobs said. Summey said the department was losing police officers who were going to other municipalities or counties with higher pay. In April 2022, the department paid officers the highest in the state after a $2,000 salary increase for all full-time city employees. But nearby agencies have also increased salaries recently. "It's become this continual setting the bar higher," said Gomes. For officers with an associate's degree, Mount Pleasant Police Department's starting salary is $55,500 and Charleston Police Department's salary starts at $59,300. In Moncks Corner, a town of nearly 13,000 people, certified officers' starting salary is $55,600. In December, Charleston County Sheriff's Office increased the starting pay for uncertified deputies from from $39,832 to $49,400. In the early 2000s, North Charleston struggled to keep up with nearby departments the starting salary for a police officer was around $23,000, about $5,000 less than nearby agencies, The Post and Courier reported. At the time, the department saw an average of 35 officers a year leave for other agencies where the pay was better, forcing North Charleston to try novel approaches to recruitment such as posting job ads in Great Britain. Ten years ago, the starting salary for an uncertified officer was $36,400 and increased steadily each year, according to data from the Police Department. In 2022, the starting salary without certification was $48,074 nearly $2,400 less than what it is now. "The question is, is this enough?" Councilman Ron Brinson said at the meeting. "Is it enough to just be competitive or should we be really letting folks know that we give public safety, and especially law enforcement, a high priority in our city?" As the third-largest city in the state, North Charleston's policing population is over 200,000 people per day due to visitors and people commuting into the city, Gomes said. The city also sees a significant amount of violent crime. In 2021, there were 1,289 violent crime reports compared to 505 reports in Charleston for the same year. Gomes said it's important for the department to attract the best officers to serve North Charleston residents and businesses, and pay and benefits play a significant role in that. Gomes said it is likely he will have to approach council in about a year to discuss a more aggressive approach to salary increases, but he said the council's quick action sends a positive message to officers in the department. "It's going to show our police officers that are here that the mayor, City Council is invested in them and they're committed to making sure that they're well-compensated and they're appreciated. And it's also going to give this ability to attract new police officers," Gomes said. Gomes, who became police chief in May after former Chief Reggie Burgess retired, said he is continuing on the trajectory that Burgess and department staff previously set, while implementing any necessary changes to improve the department. Iran has transferred five Iranian-Americans from prison to house arrest in exchange for billions of dollars frozen in South Korea, U.S. and Iranian officials said Thursday, in a deal that comes after months of heightened tensions between the two countries. Iranian officials at the United Nations confirmed the terms to The Associated Press, saying that the prisoner transfer marks a significant initial step in the implementation of this agreement. Iran also acknowledged that the deal involved $6 billion to $7 billion that were frozen as a result of sanctions. The U.N. mission said the money would be transferred to Qatar before being sent on to Iran if the agreement goes through. The final transfer of the money and the ultimate release of the five detainees is expected in the next month or so due to the complicated nature of the financial transactions, officials said. The deal unfolded amid a major American military buildup in the Persian Gulf, with the possibility of U.S. troops boarding and guarding commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of all oil shipments pass. The agreement is bound to open U.S. President Joe Bidens administration to fresh criticism from Republicans and others that it is helping boost the Iranian economy at a time when Iran poses a growing threat to U.S. troops and Mideast allies. U.S.-based lawyer Jared Genser, who represents one of the prisoners, said the five will likely be held at a hotel under guard. While I hope this will be the first step to their ultimate release, this is at best the beginning of the end and nothing more. But there are simply no guarantees about what happens from here, Genser said. Neda Sharghi, whose brother, Emad Sharghi, is among the prisoners, said her family has faith in the work that President Biden and government officials have undertaken to bring our families home, she said in a statement. Adrienne Watson, a spokesperson for the White Houses National Security Council, described the negotiations for the release as ongoing and delicate. While this is an encouraging step, these U.S. citizens ... should have never been detained in the first place, she said in a statement. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said the Americans must be allowed to depart Iran and reunite with their loved ones as soon as possible. It remains unclear how many Iranian-Americans are held by Tehran, which does not recognize dual citizenship. Three of the prisoners were identified as Siamak Namazi, who was detained in 2015 and later sentenced to 10 years in prison on internationally criticized spying charges; Sharghi, a venture capitalist sentenced to 10 years; and Morad Tahbaz, a British-American conservationist of Iranian descent who was arrested in 2018 and also received a 10-year sentence. The fourth and fifth prisoners were not named. Iran, meanwhile, has said it seeks the release of Iranian prisoners held in the U.S. American officials declined to comment on who or how many Iranian prisoners might be released in a final agreement. But Iranian media in the past identified several prisoners with cases tied to violations of U.S. export laws and restrictions on doing business with Iran. The alleged violations include the transfer of money through Venezuela and sales of dual-use equipment that the U.S. alleges could be used in Irans military and nuclear programs. Iran has been enriching uranium and stockpiling it as part of its advancing nuclear program. The deal hinges on the frozen assets in South Korea. Already, Tehran seized a South Korean oil tanker amid the dispute and threatened further retaliation this month. Definitely Iran will not remain silent, and we have many options that could harm the Koreans, and we will certainly use them, said Fadahossein Maleki, a member of Irans parliament who sits on its influential national security and foreign policy committee. Iran and the U.S. have a history of prisoner swaps dating back to the 1979 U.S. Embassy takeover and hostage crisis following the Islamic Revolution. The most recent major exchange between the two countries happened in 2016, when Iran came to a deal with world powers to restrict its nuclear program in return for an easing of sanctions. Four American captives, including Washington Post journalist Jason Rezaian, flew home from Iran, and several Iranians in the United States won their freedom. That same day, the Obama administration airlifted $400 million in cash to Tehran. Iran has received international criticism over its targeting of dual nationals amid tensions with the wider world. A United Nations panel has described an emerging pattern involving the arbitrary deprivation of liberty of dual nationals. The West accuses Iran of using foreign prisoners as bargaining chips, an allegation Tehran rejects. Negotiations over a major prisoner swap faltered after President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew America from the nuclear deal in 2018. From the following year on, a series of attacks and ship seizures attributed to Iran have raised tensions. President Joe Biden entered office with hopes of restarting the deal, but diplomatic negotiations on the accord have been stalled for a year. Biden will face re-election in November 2024, potentially against Trump. Those in the U.S. long critical of diplomacy with Iran began questioning the deal immediately. Though none of the money frozen in South Korea will enter the U.S. financial system on its way to accounts in Qatar, the release is being done with American approval and is bound to draw disapproval from the GOP. Paying $6 billion in ransom payments means the regime will only take more hostages, said Mark Dubowitz of the Washington-based Foundation for Defense of Democracies, which led criticism of the Iran nuclear deal. This has become a lucrative means of international extortion for Irans supreme leader. That troop buildup may insulate Biden from criticism from Gulf Arab nations in the Persian Gulf, which rely on American security guarantees. The U.S. also is negotiating with Saudi Arabia over potentially recognizing Israel diplomatically, a deal that may involve further guarantees about military support against Iran. Thats even as Riyadh reached a detente with Iran in March after years of tensions. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The longtime chief of staff for the late U.S. Sen. Strom Thurmond, and in some circles known as the "101st Senator" for his role in supporting the aging South Carolina politician, is being remembered as a humble servant and good man by some of those who befriended him over the years. Robert J. Duke Short has died at age 89. As a friend and also as chief of staff to U.S. Senator Strom Thurmond, Duke Short made an indelible impression on the lives of leaders and citizens all across his beloved South Carolina and his country, Gov. Henry McMaster tweeted Aug. 11. He was a good man. Thurmond appointed Short as his top aide in 1988, and it was a position he served until the oldest- and longest-serving senator at that time in U.S. history retired in 2003. He had spent 48 years in the chamber, with Short alongside him running the office and more for the final 15. The former South Carolina governor and one-time presidential candidate died later that year at age 100. He was a remarkable man who led an amazing life, Short wrote in his book titled "The Centennial Senator: True Stories of Strom Thurmond from the People Who Knew Him Best" that was released in 2006. "He was one of my closest friends, and in many ways he was a father figure to me. So I wanted to create something of which he would have been proud," Short wrote. We all have our shortcomings, and Senator Thurmond certainly had his. But I refused to write a critical or insider-tells-all book. Thurmond in 1948 ran for U.S. president on the Dixiecrat States Rights Party and its platform championing segregation. He later called the Supreme Courts decision in the Brown v. Board of Education case which included the earlier legal case out of South Carolina called Briggs v. Elliott a clear abuse of judicial power for integrating public schools. As a U.S. senator in 1957, he filibustered for more than 24 hours in opposition to a federal civil rights bill. He also voted against the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which passed and prohibited discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin. In 1971, Thurmond became the first member of the Southern congressional delegation to hire a Black aide Thomas Moss, who worked on Thurmonds staff for 30 years. Thurmond started to vote to appoint African Americans to federal judge positions, including to a military appeals court for the first time in South Carolina. He also voted in favor of the nomination of Clarence Thomas to the U.S. Supreme Court. He later supported making Martin Luther King Jr.s birthday a federal holiday. Shortly after his death, it became publicly known for the first time that Thurmond had fathered a daughter when he was 22 with a teenage servant working in his familys home in Edgefield. For his work and influence behind the scenes as Thurmonds chief of staff, particularly in those final years, Roll Call named Short one of the 50 most-powerful staffers in Congress. In 2003, Passport LLC, hired Short to head its lobbying efforts in Washington. The company was founded by his son, Robert "Bo" Short. "Short, affectionately known in the halls of the Capitol as 'Duke,' was the man who held Thurmonds office together in the waning years of the lawmakers career," a press released announcing the hire stated. "Short was often referred to as the 101st Senator ... because he performed so many duties for Thurmond as his health declined." A native of Moultrie, Ga., Short graduated from North Georgia College, according to biographical information included in a South Carolina Senate resolution honoring him this year. U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman, a York County Republican, also recognized Short calling him the epitome of the American success story on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives on March 23, Shorts 89th birthday, according to the Congressional Record. Robert J. "Duke" Short has set the gold standard for his years of dedicated service and commitment which will long be remembered, Norman said that day, and for that we all join in saying thank you, and wish him a happy birthday. Following news of his passing, Norman tweeted that he was deeply saddened. He was a humble servant of our great state & nation, and a beloved friend to so many, Norman wrote. Rest in peace, Duke. Short worked as an industrial engineer and became a chiropractor before joining the Army. He became a second lieutenant in the 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division. Thurmond also had served in the 82nd Airborne during World War II, including at the Battle of Normandy in the D-Day operation. Following his military service, Short served in the U.S. Treasury Department, first as a special agent in the agencys Intelligence Division and later as part of its Organized Crime Strike Force serving as one of the first Sky Marshals, the Senate resolution stated. In the early 1970s, Short became national chief of investigations for the Federal Protective Services and then began his work with the U.S. Senate in 1974. He was a senior investigator for the Senate Subcommittee on Internal Security and later staff director and chief investigator for the Senate Judiciary Committee, which Thurmond chaired for six years, until 1987. The next year, the Republican senator hired Short as his chief of staff. In 1992, Short married Denise Dee Powers a woman who Thurmond called the Queen of the Senate, he wrote in the acknowledgements in his 2006 book. She was one of his dearest friends during the last fifteen years of his life, Short wrote. Not many people know how Dee looked after him, cooked his dinners, and even did his laundry. More information will be added to the article as it becomes available. SUMMERVILLE The Town Council has postponed the vote to remove the Dorchester County human services building from the Midtown Tax Increment Financing district. Councilman Terry Jenkins said the vote was pushed back because some intergovernmental agreement terms between the town and the county need to be sorted out before a vote is taken. Were not at odds with each other in any way, Jenkins said. It's just that our attorneys and our bond attorneys have got to get this worked out before we can vote on something thats viable for both sides. Jenkins said this doesnt necessarily mean the council has already decided to remove the property at 500 N. Main St.; its just procedural and a matter of getting the legal side of things right. The hope is for it to be all sorted out by the Sept. 14 meeting, he said. The postponement comes after several Summerville residents have raised concerns with both the county and town councils about the planned sale and redevelopment of the property. Many residents want to preserve this building, which used to be the Dorchester County Hospital from 1937 to 1975 and is located in Summervilles Historic District. Numerous veterans have also spoken up with worries about the future of the Veterans Memorial on site if the county sells the property. Nothing has been finalized yet, but the County Council has had discussions of expanding the memorial to become a civic park. If the property is removed from the TIF district, the county will enter a fee-in-lieu of taxes agreement with the future owner. With a FILOT, the future owner wouldnt have to pay any property taxes but would instead pay a flat rate to the county for a period of time. Dickie Miler, a mayoral candidate, is a vocal opponent of the planned sale and redevelopment. He proposed that the town buy the property from the county in order to preserve it. Town stakeholders can decide ourselves what is best for that very important corner of this magnificent town, Miler said. If you did it right, if we really did it right, we will have something all of us can be proud of and something we can all rejoice in not just for the day, but for generations to come. Heyward Hutson, president of the Summerville Preservation Society, agreed with Milers suggestion. He added that repurposing the building, like what was done with the old Summerville High School which now serves as the Dorchester District Two office is possible. That property does not belong to County Council. It does not belong to Town Council. It belongs to us: the stakeholders and citizens of Summerville in Dorchester County, Hutson said. Diane Frankenberger, owner of People, Places and Quilts, was the only one to speak in favor of the development. She said she looked through the plans on the countys website and doesnt think its being done irresponsibly. I am against unbridled growth, she said. But I dont happen to feel whats being proposed at 500 N. Main constitutes that. Even for a lot of us who were flabbergasted by Richland County legislators impudent effort to execute a do-over on a judicial appointment without bothering to take a vote didnt really think Master-in-Equity Joseph Stricklands argument held water. Yes, it was almost certainly illegal for the county legislative delegations chairman, Rep. Leon Howard, to unilaterally reopen the nominating process so Judge Strickland wouldnt be the only candidate for the equity court judgeship hes held since 1989; but that was curable by meeting and taking a vote, which the delegation did after the judge sued. The idea that the S.C. Legislature could have written a law that relegated legislators role in a judicial appointment to a ministerial duty, as the lawsuit alleged, seemed ridiculous. Laughable. Thats because we didnt count the shalls. One of the five justices who ruled unanimously in Judge Stricklands favor Thursday apparently did. And in so doing transformed a long-shot argument into a slam dunk. The meaning of 'shall' The lawsuit relies on a law that requires the Judicial Merit Selection Commission to screen candidates for master-in-equity positions and give a list of qualified candidates to the county legislative delegation, which, the law says, shall then submit the name of a candidate to the Governor for consideration for appointment. Judge Strickland argued that shall means must, and since he was the only candidate, the delegation had no choice but to move his reappointment along. But while the court routinely agrees that shall means must, there are in fact circumstances you dont want me to get into where it doesnt, and most of the Richland County legislators argued that this was one of them, because it had always been recognized that the delegation has discretionary authority over who will serve in that office. And if you understand how the Legislature runs South Carolina, its hard to disagree. Until you start counting. The paragraph that includes the shall then submit, Chief Justice Don Beatty wrote for the court, also contains four additional "shalls": Candidates shall submit an application; the merit commission shall submit its report on the candidates to the delegation; nothing shall prevent the governor from rejecting the nominee, in which case the delegation shall submit another name. The legislators who oppose Judge Strickland urge this Court to construe as permissive only the third 'shall' in section 2-19-110 out of the five usages of that word in this section essentially asking this Court to substitute the word may for shall in that one instance. Which would be the very definition of a court writing law instead of interpreting it. Frankly, thats enough. But wait, theres more. Our judicial counter didnt stop tallying at Section 2-19-110. He did a shall search of the entire chapter of the code dealing with the election of judges and justices. And found 62 occurrences in addition to the one lawmakers wanted the court to reinterpret. 'Utter chaos' Chapter 19 of Title 2 uses the term 'shall' to direct the General Assembly; the JMSC, its Chairman, and committees; county legislative delegations; and candidates for office to act or refrain from acting in a multitude of ways for the purpose of efficiently filling judicial offices," the court wrote. "For Opposing Respondents to prevail, this Court must either cherry-pick the third 'shall' in section 2-19-110 and construe the term as 'may' (while leaving the other sixty-two references to 'shall' intact, with its customary meaning) or hold the legislature intended its use of 'shall' throughout Chapter 19 of Title 2 as permissive. The first option is a self-evident nonstarter, and the second option would lead to utter chaos. Turning all the "shalls" into "mays," the court wrote, would mean the delegation could refuse indefinitely to submit a name to the governor and the merit commission could refuse to give the delegation the names of qualified candidates or even announce that vacancies exist. Title 2 is replete with examples, but these three are sufficient to show that interpreting 'shall' as permissive would lead to absurdities and total dysfunction in the process, a result the legislature surely did not intend. Now, its important to note that this isnt the final word for Judge Strickland. Gov. Henry McMaster still has the option of rejecting him, and Rep. Howard told Columbias State newspaper that he would inform the governor that the delegation had rejected Judge Strickland, and urge him to do likewise. I doubt the governor wants to do that, but I also doubt he wants to infuriate the legislators who control all the appointments in his home county. So I'm not making any predictions. Regardless of Mr. McMasters decision, its easy to see this opinion as yet another example of an arrogant and sloppy Legislature being careless with how it writes the law, assuming the court it controls will give it cover. And it's tempting to see it as the court signaling it's ready to reprise its role as a check on the Legislature's lawlessness. Both interpretations are possible; neither seems likely. The decision actually isnt as far-reaching as it first appears, because it's based on an already-rare alignment of the sun and the moon and the stars that will never occur again now that lawmakers have been put on notice: A county delegation only loses its discretion when there's a single candidate. And thats a problem only when the delegation doesnt like that candidate. So a delegation would only get itself in this fix if it failed to recruit a candidate it liked or if it didnt have sense enough to recruit someone who could clear screening. Or as is alleged to have happened in this case if the delegation sours on the candidate after filing closes but before screening is complete. As for standing up to the Legislature, it's pretty hard, once you count them, to ignore those other 62 "shalls." Besides, it's not that politically risky in South Carolina for the court to body slam a divided delegation whose members are all Democrats. Click here for more opinion content from The Post and Courier. FLORENCE Florence County will see a new manufacturer come in the form of Crown Cork and Seal USA Inc. The company makes metal cans for beverages, food and aerosol packaging and has operations worldwide. It also provides transportation packaging. The company plans to create 29 full-time jobs and invest more than $20 million, according to documents from Florence County Council. The company was formerly known as Project Mimosa. Its identity was disclosed was disclosed on the agenda for the Aug. 17 council meeting. Crown has locations in Darlington, Spartanburg, Greer, Cheraw and Latta. It did not respond immediately to a request for comment. Crown Cork's parent company is Tampa, Fla.-based Crown Holdings, which reported $12.9 billion in sales last year. It has 200 other locations in 40 countries. The company most recently expanded in Germany with the acquisition of a beverage can and end manufacturing plant, according to statement on the companys website. Crown Cork and Seal Company, Inc. is among defendants in a substantial number of lawsuits filed throughout the U.S. by persons alleging bodily injury as a result of exposure to asbestos, according to the quarterly filing. The claims are related to a U.S. company Crown purchased a majority share of stocks in, and merged with in 1963. Gregg Robinson, chief executive officer of the Florence County Economic Development Partnership, would not comment Aug. 11 about the company coming to Florence and the lawsuits. Multiple states, including South Carolina, have laws that limit asbestos-related liabilities of companies that have merged with other companies. The law in South Carolina is called the Successor Asbestos-Related Liability Fairness Act passed in 2006. The law limits liabilities to the fair market value of the total gross assets of the company that originally incurred the liabilities before merging with another company. The limit is determined at the time of the merger or consolidation. Companies are not responsible for any liabilities that go over this limit. HEMINGWAY Town Council passed its budget with an increase in taxes and the water and sewer rates during its Aug. 10 meeting. The budget, with a general fund of $806,000, included the second-consecutive tax hike. Prior to last year, taxes hadnt been raised in 10 years. The tax increase this year, which town administrator William Freeman said was bigger than last years, would add about $25 to $30 to a property tax bill for a home valued at $100,000. The water and sewer rate hadnt been raised since 2017. The increase, which Freeman said is smaller than the 2017 raise, would add $2.80 to someones water bill at the monthly minimum of 2,000 gallons a month. A persons monthly water and sewer service charge for someone in Hemingway last year was around $31.70, according to data from the South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority. The increase comes as the price of running the towns water and sewer operations increases. Freeman said the town spent $38,000 in chemicals for the system last year. So far this year, its spent $82,000. The best thing I can say about what weve done this past year is weve been very cautious in how we spend, Freeman said. Weve just proven that we can operate on a little bit less. Weve done away with some frivolous things. Freeman told the Kingstree News in a July 26 story that all decreased line items on the budget went toward the vehicle operations and water system chemicals. Freeman said the increase came from the ever increasing price of gas. The average price for a gallon of gas in Williamsburg County, where Hemingway is located, is $3.53, according to data from the American Automobile Association. This is higher than the state average price of $3.50. The increase in water and sewer rates comes as Hemingway nears the completion of a $2.2 million mega sewer project that aims to renew all of the towns sewer lines. Freeman said the whole system would be updated by 2027. The funds come from a grant from the South Carolina Infrastructure Investment Program. South Carolina is one of the most dangerous states in the nation for pedestrians, and fatality rates are only getting higher. Experts blame the problem on a combination of changing driver trends and poor design. What's less apparent is how to address the issues. Read moreWhy are so many pedestrians dying on South Carolina roads? It's been a busy six months for Republican Nikki Haley. She launched her 2024 presidential campaign, turned a sexist attack into a beer koozie, suggested that President Joe Biden will die in office if he's reelected, and invited Disney World to relocate to South Carolina. She's called for mental competency tests for America's aging politicians, gotten dinged for overstating her initial fundraising haul, toured an oil rig, visited the U.S.-Mexico border, questioned Donald Trump's handling of China, and urged compassion around abortion. And, to her credit, she's hit the campaign trail harder than anyone else, hosting 36 events in Iowa and 45 in New Hampshire since her campaign launch in mid-February. With the exception of former President Trump, Haley has been in the race longer than any other GOP contender. Yet six months into her presidential bid, what does Haley have to show for her efforts? Nationally, her polling average has barely budged, going from 3.8 percent support when she kicked off her candidacy to 3.4 percent today. In the two leadoff states of Iowa and New Hampshire, she's stuck in the low single-digits, polling in fifth and seventh place, respectively. She's watched fellow South Carolinian Tim Scott, who entered the race three months behind her, rise to third place in Iowa. Meanwhile, she's polling behind Vivek Ramaswamy. In New Hampshire, she's tied at 4.3 percent with North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and Ramaswamy. And in her home state of South Carolina, she's in double-digits but still trailing Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for support. Haley brushes off the numbers, saying that the race will start to shift after Labor Day and that this moment is an all-too-familiar refrain in her own political story. "I was 'Nikki Who?' I had 3 percent in the polls. I had the least amount of money, and I worked South Carolina like no one else and won," Haley said recently in New Hampshire, recounting dynamics from her 2010 race for governor that now echo her current underdog position in the 2024 race for the White House. Haley's allies insist that history will repeat itself. They claim she's right on pace to prove everyone wrong, again. Mark Harris, the lead strategist for the pro-Haley super PAC Stand for America, wrote in a July 19 memo that Haley is well-positioned as she enters the next phase of the campaign and the first debate on Aug. 23 in Milwaukee. "It has long been our view that this will be the time for Nikkis campaign to grow and it is when our effort will really launch in full," Harris wrote in the same memo where he also stressed, "From day one, we've had a clear plan to help Nikki win the presidency." Others aren't so sure. The stagnant digits are sowing doubts about whether Haley is a savvy underdog playing the long game, or whether she's a candidate who has failed to read the room. "She's not running a conservative enough campaign to win Iowa, and not running a maverick enough campaign to win New Hampshire," said Buzz Jacobs, state director of John McCains 2008 South Carolina campaign. He later helped run U.S. Sen. Marco Rubios 2016 presidential campaign in the Palmetto State, where he saw firsthand how Trump transformed GOP presidential politics. Jacobs said he sees three major factions within the Republican Party today: a populist wing, or the MAGA crowd; the ultra-conservative right, largely made up of evangelical Christians; and moderates who are more focused on fiscal issues, like addressing the national debt. But in his assessment, Haley's message has not yet picked a clear lane. "She cant go on like this forever," said Fergus Cullen, a former chairman of the New Hampshire Republican Party who became an early and vocal member of the "Never Trump" movement. New Hampshire, the "Live Free or Die" state which hosts the first-in-the-nation primary for Republicans, is steeped in presidential lore. It's where John McCain turned his political fortunes around in 2008, and where Jimmy Carter found success when the rest of the country didn't even know his name. It's also where Haley is spending a lot of her time and hawking clever "NH loves NH" campaign merchandise designed to engender support among Granite Staters. On paper, the small state is one where someone like Haley could turn her own race around by shaking hands, holding town halls, kissing babies, and eating at enough diners. But Cullen, who has attended two of Haley's campaign events in the state, said that the 2024 contest will demand more contrast alongside the expected retail politics. "Shes doing the work like a candidate in a pre-Trump era wouldve done. But the challenge is its not a pre-Trump era," he said. "Its a post-Trump and current Trump era, and things have changed. I dont see what shes doing as making her stand out from the rest of the field." Like others seeking the Republican nomination, Haley is trying to appeal to a GOP primary electorate that, so far, seems deeply uninterested in a Trump alternative. Even as the former president faces unprecedented civil and criminal indictments, his durability among the GOP faithful remains firmly intact. Take his most recent appearance in Haley's home state of South Carolina, where Trump received a minutes-long standing ovation when he took the stage at the Silver Elephant Dinner in Columbia. State party leaders later said it was the biggest showing in the event's 56-year history. Haley's campaign is undeterred. "While other campaigns are spending like drunken sailors, our campaign is built for the long haul and fueled by grassroots conservatives in all 50 states," said Ken Farnaso, a Haley spokesman. "As Nikki pounds the pavement in New Hampshire, Iowa, and South Carolina, voters are rallying behind her call for a strong and proud America. They know she will take on the bullies at home and abroad." In a Trump-dominated primary, Haleys campaign approach of saving cash and waiting for an opening is probably the best strategy, said Beth Hansen, who managed former Ohio Gov. John Kasichs 2016 presidential primary campaign. And in a day of mega-rallies and Twitter campaign launches, she said Haley's bet on old-school retail politicking still works. Kasich basically lived in New Hampshire for six months before coming in second there, ahead of many candidates with better funding, name recognition and poll numbers nationally. "You've got to get yourself a little bus. You've got to drive yourself around," Hansen said. Meanwhile in Iowa, there is a question about when Haley will see a return on her years of political investment in the leadoff caucus state. In 2021, she received a standing ovation when she headlined the Lincoln Dinner, which is the Iowa Republican Partys most prominent gathering. In 2022, Haley returned to the Hawkeye State, where she sought to be a significant player in the midterm elections. That cycle, she lent her endorsement to six Iowa candidates, a pledge of support that included a lot of face time with voters and donors. It included at least one instance where she flipped pork burgers at a Sioux City fundraiser. All of them won. Linda Upmeyer, the co-chair of the Republican Party of Iowa, said Haley's early and sustained interest in the state will serve her well. No one, she said, is calling her "Nikki Who?" "The people that are engaging for the caucuses, they know exactly who she is," said Upmeyer, who has pledged neutrality as a state party leader. So why isn't she doing better in the Hawkeye State? It's a constant struggle to stand out in a crowded field. "DeSantis is new," Upmeyer said, after urging Haley and others to continue doubling down on making sure they have volunteers in every county and are themselves making it a point to visit all of the state's 99 counties. "He's got a lot of hype. People are interested in meeting him and maybe theyve already met Ambassador Haley, and now they want to meet DeSantis, now they want to meet Tim Scott." According to Tim Hagle, a political science professor at the University of Iowa, Haley's next challenge is introducing herself to everyday Iowans, not just the political class. "You've got to dig deeper than just the political activists, and have folks get to know them," Hagle said. "That's why you go to all 99 counties. That's why you show up at the Iowa State Fair." Haley is taking those political traditions seriously. "If you want to know the sign of a leader. Look at how they campaign," she said last month. "Look at how hard they work to get the job before you have to figure out what theyre going to be in the job." According to a schedule released by her campaign, Haley embarked on a three-day barnstorm at the Iowa State Fair this weekend. Among other things, she participated in a live podcast, panel discussions, the Des Moines Register's Political Soapbox, and even played some fair games alongside Sen. Joni Ernst. "Nikki doesnt let anything get her down, and the harder it gets the better Nikki performs," said Katon Dawson, a former chair of the South Carolina Republican Party who is backing Haleys bid. Only time will tell if all of this effort will be enough to win the GOP nomination. China beefs up efforts in flood relief, reconstruction Xinhua) 09:13, August 12, 2023 This aerial photo taken on Aug. 9, 2023 shows a worker operating machinery to repair a road leading to Shangzhuang Village of Sanpo Town, Laishui County, north China's Hebei Province. (Xinhua/Yang Shiyao) BEIJING, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese authorities have intensified flood relief and reconstruction efforts, working tirelessly to swiftly restore normalcy to the lives and production of flood-affected regions. China on Friday earmarked 1.46 billion yuan (about 204 million U.S. dollars) to provide relief to people severely affected by recent floods and ensure their basic needs are met, according to the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Emergency Management. The funds will be allocated to five provincial-level regions: Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Heilongjiang and Jilin. Together with the funds already allocated, the central government has earmarked a total of 7.74 billion yuan for flood control and relief since the beginning of this year's flood season. Local governments can channel these funds toward disaster relief, immediate emergency response, revitalizing agricultural production, and restoring damaged water conservancy facilities and other essential infrastructure. In response to the ongoing flood season, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment has called for heightened vigilance in monitoring and safeguarding drinking water sources to guarantee the continued safety of drinking water for all. Torrential rainstorms and floods have wreaked havoc in north and northeast China in recent days, killing 29 people in Hebei Province as of Thursday. In the face of the unfolding emergency, China's state-owned enterprises have sprung into action to support rescue operations, dispatching rescue workers, equipment and vehicles. Their efforts have helped reinforce river embankments, repair roads, relocate residents, and restore power and communications facilities. The China Development Bank said Friday that it had issued emergency loans of 865 million yuan to support post-disaster reconstruction in flood-hit areas. (Web editor: Zhao Tong, Hongyu) While it somewhat lacked in structure, a good time was had by everyone in the live chat section of the big Warren Mosler vs Bob Murphy debat... The president of the Venezuelan National Assembly, Jorge Rodriguez, former Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard, Venezuelan opposition negotiator Gerardo Blyde and Norwegian diplomat Dan Nylander, during the table set up in Mexico in 2021. Opinion articles written in the style of their author." These texts are to be based on verified facts and must be respectful towards people, even though their actions may be criticized. shall feature, along with the author's name (regardless of their greater or lesser renown), a footer stating their office, academic title, political affiliation (if any) and main occupation, or the occupation related to the topic being assessed Two years after a formal dialogue began between the Venezuelan government and opposition, many are starting to ask how much longer before these negotiations will reach a comprehensive solution. But there is another, more urgent question: how can talks succeed unless there is a clear plan to support the partial accords that have already been reached in the process? Hopes for a negotiated solution in Venezuela were high in August 2021, when representatives of the government of Nicolas Maduro and Venezuelan opposition met in Mexico City. There they signed a broad agreement to begin negotiations that would, in the words of the signers, establish clear rules of political and social coexistence, with absolute respect for the National Constitution. The process was designed to help the parties reach a series of partial agreements that would, ultimately, build momentum towards a comprehensive accord to restore Venezuelas democracy. After over a year of quiet dialogue, the parties reached a significant milestone on November 26, 2022. Once more, they arrived in Mexico City and signed a partial agreement that would divert money frozen abroad by U.S. sanctions to a fund that would be administered by the United Nations. These funds would go to prioritizing health care, malnutrition, and restoring basic infrastructure all of which are urgent needs contributing to a migration crisis that has already forced over 7 million Venezuelans to flee their homes. This agreement was hailed as historic, and received widespread media attention at the time. And for good reason. If implemented, this fund would amount to a major boost to UN humanitarian efforts in Venezuela. The UN is asking for $720 million in assistance in 2023, of which just 18%, or $130 million, of that funding has been pledged which means there are still millions of Venezuelans in need of assistance. Over eight months later, however, this fund is still not up and running. The humanitarian agreement, meant to be the low-hanging fruit in a series of escalating agreements ahead of presidential elections set for 2024, has instead been stalled by a combination of factors. After the agreement was signed, the U.S. government took six months to assure the UN that the fund could exist within the U.S. financial system, and to minimize the risk that creditors could seize it over legal claims against Venezuelan government debt. This dealt a blow to the deals implementation, and raised questions about its future. But in May 2023, U.S. diplomats finally provided assurances to the UN that the agreements implementation could proceed giving the deal a green light. Since then, the main obstacle to implementation has been UN bureaucracy. The organization is understandably concerned about the reputational risk of implementing a program that has drawn comparisons to the controversial Oil for Food Program in Iraq a program that was rife with mismanagement and corruption. However, UN transparency standards have improved significantly since the 1990s. Given these advancements, and in light of both parties agreement to move forward under the UN framework, there is no excuse for delay. Postponing the implementation of the humanitarian agreement only serves the interest of the Maduro government, which has used the delay to try to bolster its narrative that sanctions, and not years of mismanagement and corruption, are the sole reason for Venezuelas economic collapse. This is the main finding in a new report published by the Atlantic Councils Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center (AALAC), in which we provide five key recommendations for U.S. policymakers and UN diplomats to support the humanitarian agreement. First, it is essential to recognize that the fund does not need to exist for sanctioned money to be diverted to the UN humanitarian response. There are large quantities of money in frozen assets held at financial institutions across the world that could be transferred to UN agencies efficiently and securely, even before the fund is set up. The United States can and should make clear that it stands ready to do so, placing the ball in Maduros court. There is also a need for clearer engagement with multiple stakeholders involved, including with Venezuelan political actors, countries in which sanctioned funds are being frozen, and associated financial institutions, so that there are clear expectations for how to proceed. Support for the agreement, and the details of its implementation, should be communicated clearly. In parallel, the UN should be encouraged to build off its success in managing multi-donor trust funds (MDTF) over the last thirty years. While the Venezuelan humanitarian agreement is not without risk, the UN has built the necessary systems to manage pooled financing mechanisms with transparency and accountability. The UNs Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office currently manages nearly 100 pooled financing mechanisms, representing over 95 percent of all funds channeled through UN-administered programs. This expertise should be leveraged to ensure that this historic opportunity is not wasted. Additionally, the United States should ensure that creditors valid legal claims to repayment do not prevent assistance for the Venezuelan people. Some creditors have already stated that they will not make claims to the Social Fund, a positive gesture that should be applauded. Ultimately, creditors valid claims should be addressed but kept separate from efforts to resolve the humanitarian crisis. Finally, the US and international allies should commit to a coordinated messaging strategy. The July meeting of EU and Latin American diplomats with Venezuelan negotiators in Brussels, and the conference on Venezuela in Bogota in April, demonstrate that when the international community is on the same page it can send a powerful message in support of negotiations. The truth is that it makes sense that the window for dialogue cannot be left open forever. Maduro should understand that he faces significant costs if he gets up from the table, and the U.S. and its allies should stand ready to increase the pressure if needed. But by the same token, ongoing negotiations efforts should be given every opportunity to succeed. Failing to implement this humanitarian accord would not only mean less support for suffering Venezuelans, it would ultimately place the future of the Mexico City process in jeopardy. For the sake of all those committed to a peaceful, democratic solution in Venezuela, the fate of the humanitarian accord cannot be left in the air. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition On Independence Day last month, Western District Louisiana federal district judge Terry Doughty preliminarily enjoined the Biden administration from continuing its censorship regime in place. Judge Doughtys 155-page memorandum is posted online here. Judge Doughtys preliminary injunction is posted here. I anticipated the interlocutory appellate proceedings in Walk away, Joe. The governments appeal of Judge Doughtys preliminary injunction came before a three-judge panel of the Fifth Circuit for oral argument this past Thursday. Matt Taibbi was there and has posted an excellent report on it in the subscribers-only Racket News post In Landmark Censorship Case, Judges Grill the Feds. I have posted YouTube audio of the oral argument below. In case YouTube takes it down, one can also find it in MP3 format posted by the Fifth Circuit and accessible via the Courts site here. Taibbi quotes Judge Jennifer Walker Elrod: What appears to be in the record are these irate messages from time to time from high ranking government officials that say, you didnt do this yet, she said. Its like Jump! and How High? Taibbi has no doubt that the oral argument didnt go well for the government but remains cautious about the outcome. Having listened to the recording of the oral argument, I would throw caution to the wind and predict that the government is going to lose this appeal in substance (check out, for example, Judge Don Willett homing in on the governments argument around 15:00). Bonus guess: Judge Elrod will write the opinion. Department of Justice appellate attorney Daniel Tenny represented the government in the oral argument and was up first. Former Missouri Solicitor General John Sauer responded on behalf of the state plaintiffs at 32:30. Current Missouri Solicitor General Joshua Divine supplemented Sauers argument on the issue of state standing at 1:04:00. Tenny undertook his rebuttal at about 1:13:00. Tenny did better in rebuttal than in his opening argument. As Taibbi observes, John Sauer is a powerful advocate. If one enjoys the give and take of oral argument or aspires to do it better, one can listen and learn from Sauer. He is a master of the form. I would like him to slow down a little, but I am in awe of his ability. Attorney General Merrick Garland announced the appointment of United States Attorney David Weiss as special counsel in the investigation of Hunter Biden yesterday. The Department of Justice has posted Garlands statement here. Why Weiss? That is a difficult question to answer honestly in public. Indeed, Garland took no questions ignoring a reporter who asked why Weiss had been elevated to special counsel if he had ultimate authority to prosecute, as Garland claimed in sworn congressional testimony earlier this year. Weiss is special. On that we can agree: Weiss is the prosecutor whose plea deal with Hunter Biden failed to pass muster with Judge Maryellen Noreika, the federal judge presiding over the case. These agreements are not straightforward and they contain some atypical provisions, Judge Noreika observed. Weiss is the prosecutor whom IRS whistleblowers have just called out for abetting the suppression of of the investigation and lying about his authority to Congress, among other things. Weiss is the prosecutor who has spent five years on the investigation and never gotten around to seeking an indictment of Hunter Biden as the clock has ticked to bar the most serious tax felonies Bidens has committed. Weiss is a United States Attorney and therefore ineligible for special counsel appointment under the applicable regulations. Given his disqualifications, one might reasonably infer that Weisss appointment is a pretext to assure that the cover-up continues that minimal harm befalls Hunter Biden and that no roads lead to Joe Biden. Its good to know we have a law-abiding administration to restore regular order. The first thought that occurred to me upon learning of Weisss appointment was what a farce. That is also the label that Andrew McCarthy affixes to it. However, it isnt funny and it does not promise a happy ending. PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-12 15:24:15 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 907 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 RADNOR, PA / ACCESSWIRE / August 12, 2023 / The law firm of Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP( www.ktmc.com) informs investors that a securities class action lawsuit has been filed against Bausch Health Companies Inc. ("Bausch") (NYSE:BHC). The action charges Bausch with violations of the federal securities laws, including omissions and fraudulent misrepresentations relating to the company's business, operations, and prospects. As a result of Bausch's materially misleading statements and omissions to the public, Bausch's investors have suffered significant losses.CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR BAUSCH LOSSES. YOU CAN ALSO CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINK OR COPY AND PASTE IN YOUR BROWSER: https://www.ktmc.com/new-cases/bausch-health-companies-inc?utm_source=PR&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=bhc&mktm=r CANNOT VIEW THIS VIDEO? PLEASE CLICK HERELEAD PLAINTIFF DEADLINE:SEPTEMBER 25, 2023CLASS PERIOD: AUGUST 6, 2020 THROUGH MAY 3, 2023CONTACT AN ATTORNEY TO DISCUSS YOUR RIGHTS:Jonathan Naji, Esq. at (484) 270-1453 or via email at info@ ktmc.com Kessler Topaz is one of the world's foremost advocates in protecting the public against corporate fraud and other wrongdoing. Our securities fraud litigators are regularly recognized as leaders in the field individually and our firm is both feared and respected among the defense bar and the insurance bar. We are proud to have recovered billions of dollars for our clients and the classes of shareholders we represent.BAUSCH'S ALLEGED MISCONDUCTBausch is a pharmaceutical company known for its majority ownership of Bausch + Lomb Corporation (B+L). In 2016, Bausch was forced to replace its senior management and attempt to rebuild its reputation after it was revealed that it had engaged in one of the most egregious cases of securities fraud in U.S. history. Among other things, Bausch was forced to restate its financial statements, enter into a settlement with the SEC, and settle a class action with investors for a payment of more than $1.1 billion. The class action lawsuit, however, did not resolve all of Bausch's investors' claims as a number of "Opt-Out Plaintiffs", consisting of numerous institutional and professional investors, proceeded with their claims after the settlement. According to the complaint, the potential damages at issue from the Opt-Out Plaintiffs equals approximately $4.2 billion.The Class Period begins on August 6, 2020, when Bausch announced a plan to spinoff B+L as a separate company in order to reduce Bausch's debt. When the spinoff was announced, Bausch knew they faced substantial risk from the Opt-Out Plaintiffs. Bausch also knew that spinning-off B+L would leave Bausch with significant debt and the loss of the cashflow B+L had historically generated.On May 5, 2022, B+L effected the spinoff and began trading as an independent company under the ticker "BLCO" on the NYSE. Throughout the Class Period, Defendants repeatedly described the B+L spinoff as an attempt to reduce Bausch's debt and said the spinoff was in the best interest of Bausch shareholders. The spinoff was actually an attempt to shield valuable assets from the Opt-Out Plaintiffs that ultimately operated to the detriment of ordinary Bausch shareholders.On May 4, 2023, Bausch released its first quarter 2023 financial results, revealing negative earnings, indicating further delay of its B+L spinoff share distribution, which had been originally scheduled for May 2022. Analysts claimed that the probability of a distribution was now less than 50% and unlikely to occur in the near term. Following this news, Bausch's stock price fell $1.51, or 25.3%, to close at $5.89 per share on May 4, 2023.WHAT CAN I DO?Bausch investors may, no later than September 25, 2023, move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff for the class, through Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLPor other counsel, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP encourages Bausch investors who have suffered significant losses to contact the firm directly to acquire more information. The class action complaint against Bausch, Kelk v. Bausch Health Companies, et al., Case No. 23-cv-03996, is filed in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey before the Honorable Zahid Nisar Quraishi.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE CASEWHO CAN BE A LEAD PLAINTIFF?A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of all class members in directing the litigation. The lead plaintiff is usually the investor or small group of investors who have the largest financial interest and who are also adequate and typical of the proposed class of investors. The lead plaintiff selects counsel to represent the lead plaintiff and the class and these attorneys, if approved by the court, are lead or class counsel. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision of whether or not to serve as a lead plaintiff.ABOUT KESSLER TOPAZ MELTZER & CHECK, LLPKessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP prosecutes class actions in state and federal courts throughout the country and around the world. The firm has developed a global reputation for excellence and has recovered billions of dollars for victims of fraud and other corporate misconduct. All of our work is driven by a common goal: to protect investors, consumers, employees and others from fraud, abuse, misconduct and negligence by businesses and fiduciaries. The complaint in this action was not filed by Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP. For more information about Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP please visit www.ktmc.com CONTACT:Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLPJonathan Naji, Esq.280 King of Prussia RoadRadnor, PA 19087(484) 270-1453info@ ktmc.com SOURCE: Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-12 19:30:57 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 557 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / August 12, 2023 / Aspiring finance students have a remarkable opportunity to pursue their dreams and positively impact the finance industry as the Joseph Schnaier Scholarship for Finance Students selects its scholarship recipient. Esteemed businessman, entrepreneur, and finance professional, Joseph Schnaier, established this scholarship to support ambitious individuals seeking a finance degree at a university in the United States. High school students with plans to pursue a finance degree in college were also eligible to apply.The scholarship recipient has been selected through an essay competition hosted on the Joseph Schnaier Scholarship website https://josephschnaierscholarship.com/joseph-schnaier-scholarship/ . As part of the application process, candidates were required to submit a creative essay of under 1000 words, addressing the thought-provoking question:"Describe a problem in the finance industry today and how you would change it for the better as a finance professional." Eligible candidates included current business students at universities with a dedication to becoming finance professionals in the United States. Additionally, high school students with aspirations of pursuing a finance degree at a university were encouraged to apply for this prestigious scholarship.Joseph Schnaier, an accomplished finance professional with a remarkable career, has been the driving force behind this initiative. Since 2014, he has served as the President and CEO of Wantickets, where he oversees all day-to-day operations within the company. Joseph's finance journey began in 1996 when he ventured into entrepreneurship and investment banking on Wall Street. Over the years, he has garnered immense respect as a well-regarded leader in the industry. Notably, Joseph co-founded two successful companies, Friedman Schnaier & Associates, an investment company, and DOD Marketing Corp, an e-commerce and marketing firm, both of which were later acquired by other businesses. His extensive experience also includes working as a Senior Vice President of Investments at Meyers and Associates, where he advised growth companies on various financial and strategic aspects, including debt and equity offerings, mergers, and acquisitions.Reflecting on the inspiration behind the scholarship, Joseph Schnaier said, "I believe in the potential of young minds to reshape the finance industry positively. This scholarship aims to support and encourage aspiring finance professionals to envision solutions to critical challenges faced by the industry and contribute to its advancement." The Joseph Schnaier Scholarship has awarded $1,000 as a one-time grant to the chosen essay competition winner, helping them kickstart their journey toward a successful finance career. The winner has been selected, and the announcement was made on June 15, 2023.For more information about the scholarship and future opportunities, interested candidates can visit the official Joseph Schnaier Scholarship website https://josephschnaierscholarship.com/ . The website contains comprehensive details about the scholarship, including eligibility criteria and the application process.About Joseph Schnaier: Joseph Schnaier is a distinguished businessman, entrepreneur, and finance professional. As the President and CEO of Wantickets since 2014, he oversees all operations within the company. With a career spanning several decades, Joseph has garnered a reputation for his leadership skills and industry expertise. Throughout his journey, he co-founded two successful companies, Friedman Schnaier & Associates and DOD Marketing Corp, both of which were later acquired by other businesses. Joseph's commitment to fostering the next generation of finance professionals led to the establishment of the Joseph Schnaier Scholarship for Finance Students.Contact Info:Spokesperson: Joseph SchnaierOrganization: Joseph Schnaier ScholarshipWebsite: https://josephschnaierscholarship.com Email: apply@ josephschnaierscholarship.com SOURCE: Joseph Schnaier Scholarship The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) turned in a higher net profit for 2022, achieved amid a sharp deterioration in the credit quality of its risk assets. The banks financial records showed that failure to keep its relationship with the Nigerian government at arms length, as the banking industry regulator, put its credibility in danger. Credit loss expense for the banking regulator increased to N875.2 billion from N498.2 billion a year earlier, according to its recently released audited earnings report. Its lending to the government constituted as much as 74 per cent of the loans and receivables that contributed N610 billion of both the total impairment loss and credit loss expenses for the year. In a report of their findings that accompanied the document, independent auditors Ernst & Young and KPMG jointly highlighted the banks impaired loans as the key audit matter of their scrutiny. The impairment of loans and advances is considered a key audit matter due to the significance of the amount, and the level of subjectivity, uncertainty and complexity involved in estimating the key assumptions that impact the recoverability of the loans and advances, they wrote. Reckless Lending The central banks lending to the Nigerian government through short-term overdrafts known as Ways and Means had ballooned 30 times over to N23.2 trillion between 2015 when former President Muhammadu Buhari took office to the end of last year. That defies the law allowing not more than 5 per cent of the governments preceding years revenue to be advanced and requiring that the credit be repaid in the same year of borrowing. As at 31 December 2022, the Bank had advanced a total of 23.18 trillion to the Federal Government which exceeded the statutory limit by 22.9 trillion, the CBN itself admitted in the document. An eleventh-hour move by the Buhari administration to regularise the borrowing gained legislative approval early May, setting in motion the process for converting the advance into a long-tenor bond repayable in 40 years. The overdraft will shoot up Nigerias current debt by half to around N69 trillion when the process is completed. The capital market does not have the capacity to absorb 22.7 trillion worth of debt, Bloomberg quoted Adetilewa Adebajo, the chief executive of the consultancy firm CFG Advisory as saying in a report in May. It is surprising the Senate is violating the law, he added. Godwin Emefiele, under whose watch the malfeasance happened, has been taken into custody by the State Security Service, the governments secret police, on the order of Bola Tinubu, who was inaugurated as president in May. He now faces charges involving possessing firearms without being licensed. The financials of the CBN has been shrouded in secrecy for years, the last time it issued its annual report being 2015, until Thursday when it published a seven-year backlog of earnings reports. To bring its activities to light, President Tinubu hired a one-time CEO of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN) Jim Obazee as the special investigator to undertake a forensic audit of its books. According to the 2022 financials, the CBN borrowed N3.1 trillion ($7 billion) and N230 billion ($500 million) from big global lenders JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs, summing up to a balance of N3.3 trillion ($7.5 billion) in 2021. The terms of the securities lending arrangement allow the two lenders to hold the CBNs securities, pledged as collateral, in exchange for the cash it received from the lenders. Under interest income for the year, the bank vaguely included N1.9 trillion as interest receivable from the Nigerian government on the overdraft facility in question without further details of how it arrived at the figure. Its profit after tax stood at N103.9 billion relative to N75.1 billion one year prior. Total assets were up 9.5 per cent at N60 trillion. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Kingswill: Operations in Secrecy This is the second part of this report. You can read the first part here. James, George, and Obi have common tales of urban poverty. Aware of the near impossibility for many young Nigerians to earn a decent wage and the pressure to keep up with global consumerism, operators of surrogacy in Nigeria go for the jugular of vulnerable women, like the ones seated clutching their appointment cards like regular visitors to a hospital. However, I observed that all of them were hiding their cards, especially to conceal the front part. I wondered why since they were inside the clinic and everyone was there for the same purpose. We have been told not to expose the name of the clinic because it is on the card. Even when we are here or outside, we are used to hiding it, James explained. You also know that it is not appropriate for people to see our cards so they wont start asking questions about why were visiting a hospital or thereabouts. Obi corroborated the explanation. She said she usually took permission from work whenever she needed to visit the clinic, not wanting anyone to know what she was doing and exposing the appointment card might jeopardise her chances. Asked how she would cope with work when she needs to stay in the hospital for multiple days at the point of the egg retrieval, Obi said I will take a sick leave and take a picture of myself on the hospital bed. I am sure my boss will even give me money to pay my hospital bills. Her statement made me wonder if truly her salary was not sufficient for her, or if she was just interested in doing what others were doing. The appointment cards were also used as wallets to pay the donors. The nurses would enter the small room, collect cards from people depending on their appointment stage, and return the cards with money. After opening the cards, the women were usually seen calculating how much they had collected so far as transportation costs and how much more to expect. After a lot of zooming in and out on the appointment cards, my spy camera revealed the name of the clinic as Kingswill. Spotlighting Kingswill Clinic A public search on the Corporate Affairs Commissions website revealed that Kingswill Specialist Hospital Limited was registered in July 2017 as a Private Company Limited by Shares with registration number 1424787. However, the online search showed the status as inactive and the purpose of operation as NIL. I checked through the organisations website on 20 May and it indicated that they offer IVF as a service. When I checked the website again on 7 July to extract more details, the website had been suspended by its hosting platform due to non-renewal. On the other hand, the hospital does not have the logo of the Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA), the agency saddled with the responsibility of monitoring both private and public health facilities to ensure registration and accreditation of all health facilities in Lagos State, and to ensure their operations are in line with ethical standards. Speaking with Yemisi Koya, the chairperson of HEFAMAA, she explained that whichever hospital where you do not see a logo of HEFAMAA, that means that facility is not registered by HEFAMAA, please do not go there. If there is anyone that has HEFAMAAs logo but is involved in illegitimacy, please report to HEFAMAA, she added. Speaking about malpractices in facilities registered under HEFAMAA, Mrs Koya said: The law empowers HEFAMAA to conduct at least two facility visits per year, and we did engage the collaboration of stakeholders; franchise organisations to expand our reach to meet the mandate of the regulation. Through this regular check by HEFAMAA and the franchise organisations, the agency is able to beam its search light on illegal health facilities and stop its operations. In the same vein, Abiola Idowu, the Executive Secretary of HEFAMAA, said the agency was also counting on intelligence sharing from members of the public who might be aware of baby factories in the name of fertility clinics or fertility clinics operating illegally. We regulate fertility clinics, they fall under the Artificial Reproductory Therapy (ART) facilities and it is part of HEFAMAAS regulatory oversight, so we set out standards for them. If we find any facility that is not operating according to the guidelines or is not registered, we will sanction them. I will enjoin the public if they see any facility that is running as a baby factory, they should let us know. If they see any facility without our logo or without our certificate pasted at their entrance, they should report to HEFAMAA, she added. However, when I presented my findings and the name and address of Kingswill Specialist Hospital to HEFAMAA, the monitoring unit of the agency confirmed that the facility is registered with HEFAMAA and is up to date with its annual renewal payment as of last year. Mrs Idowu, however, noted that my findings would be passed to the ART Committee, which is under the board of HEFAMAA, to conduct necessary investigations. Immediately we got your message, we are checking their registration for this year, and if there is any deficit. We have also kicked off our investigation, whatever the outcome is, we will let you know, she said. While Kingswill Hospital might be run by professionals and accredited by HEFAMAA, its mode of engagement with innocent young women as oocyte donors and surrogates, and without proper enlightenment, is unethical. When I contacted the hospital, officially, for comments about the unethical practices and lack of informed consent for donors, the receiver who sounded unsettled after I explained the purpose of the call asked me to call back in five minutes. When I did, the line became unreachable. I sent a text message and received feedback the next day, from a different number, but with the hospitals signature. I was assured that an appointment would be scheduled and I could speak with the hospital management. But I did not get any feedback after many follow-up texts and calls. On the third day when I reached out, another woman picked up the call (on the new number) and said I would be contacted. However, I have not received any feedback as of the time of this report. My turn: No enlightenment for donors, poor attitudes of medical personnel It was already past 3 p.m. and there were just six of us in the room, including my friends and Obi. The nurse who had been hostile and shouting at every provocation became calm and told me she was assisting me because they dont take new intakes on Saturdays. She asked me to use the bathroom after which I would see the doctor. She asked if my friends were egg donors, but I said no, that one of them was pregnant and she wanted to give it out. She corroborated what the agent told me via chat some minutes earlier, as the agent had offered to link my friend up with someone else in Anambra who would adopt the foetus. After our conversation, the nurse hurriedly directed me into a room to meet the doctor and told me to beg the doctor to attend to me, because the doctor was not obliged to attend to first-timers on a Saturday. I wasnt sure of what to say or ask at that point so I remarked that I am on my period. She said that was okay and that I should proceed to meet the doctor. I entered the small testing room where I was supposed to meet the doctor, but I didnt see anyone and I thought I had missed my way. I stepped out of the room, opening another exit door that linked to the hospitals lobby. I saw a couple entering through the main door, it was obvious they were seeking one of the services of the fertility clinic. While wandering and trying to identify the doctors office, I was hushed and directed by the other nurses and asked to go back to the testing room I came from. I went back into the room which had a small bed, a trans-vaginal ultrasound scanner, a table and a few items placed in the wardrobe section. After waiting for about 10 minutes, a female doctor, beautiful, fair and petite came in. She did not ask too many questions, but also verified if I was menstruating and if I had given birth before, both to which I said Yes. She placed a mackintosh on the bed and asked me to lie down for a test and to remove my underwear. I reminded her that I was on my period and asked about what she wanted to do. She told me she wanted to test me. I asked a lot of questions, but she was not interested. All she wanted to do was to conduct the vaginal scan to ascertain if I was okay, could proceed with other blood tests and begin treatment. To do the vagina scan, she would insert the ultrasound probe (transducer), covered with a condom, into my vagina. I genuinely tried to do the vaginal scan, but I couldnt imagine the procedure. On the other hand, the doctor was not sure why a lady who had supposedly given birth before would be cringing all because of a vagina scan. I gave her the excuse that I was menstruating and I found it irritating that she wants to do the scan. Obviously displeased, she shouted at me, saying I should be the one to complain that youre on your period. If youre not ready, I will walk you out and never come back here. She told me if I ever came back, she would be the one to attend to me, and she would need to conduct a vagina scan on me during my menstruation. She thought I was one of the desperate women who dared not complain whenever nurses or doctors treated them badly. I wondered why the doctors or the nurses wouldnt take the time to enlighten a surrogate or donor about the steps they were taking. I believe they were only interested in making money and not in the welfare of innocent young women. I left the room. Of course, I was not interested in going back to the hospital. As I got back into the room where the women were, the doctor came in to complain to the others and the nurses about my bad attitude and how I was not ready. The people in the room could not fathom why I declined. I also do not know why, but I guess I was not mentally prepared for it. I was not ready to go through any form of psychological trauma after the vagina scan. My experience in the room confirmed that surrogates or egg donors were not informed about the life-altering decisions they were taking and they were definitely ignorant about the long-term consequences and health risks involved. Simbiat Bakare, a sexual and reproductive health rights advocate, decried Kingswill Hospitals approach and that of any other fertility clinics that do such. Mrs Bakare described surrogacy as another form of organ trafficking and modern-day slavery. It is harvesting (poor and young) womens eggs and wombs. In some instances, it is the usage of both of a woman and, in other instances, it is getting the eggs and renting the womb from multiple sources. It is deeply disturbing to think that sometimes multiple strange womens bodies are used to produce babies for wealthy couples or all the reproductive facilities of one woman are used to give a child to a richer person. Because for a fact, we know most of the women used as surrogacy mothers and egg donors are young women in need of financial assistance. The SRH advocate added that like prostitution, its an institution taking advantage of the most vulnerable set of women in society either due to their lack of access to credible information, money, naivety, or a combination of all. Although some may argue that surrogacy can be altruistic, it doesnt change the fact that its deeply unethical and like all forms of organ trafficking, it must be stopped. Having a baby is not a human right. It might be a desire or a want, but its not a right. Human Cost: Health and Emotional Consequences There are short and long terms physical risks and complications faced by surrogates and donors. These include psychological and emotional toll on participants in surrogacy arrangements as well as lack of post-surrogacy care and support for the women involved. According to Public Health Post, Egg donors have reported long-term effects, including aggressive breast cancer, loss of fertility, and fatal colon cancer, sometimes occurring just a few years after donation. Without any family history of these illnesses, they suspect their egg donation as the cause. However, without scientific research, no one can confirm or deny a causal association between the medical procedure of egg donation and any reported long-term effect. Regarding the emotional consequences, Dayo Odukoya, the founder of Parah Family Foundation, an NGO that creates awareness among couples going through infertility challenges, said some of the measures that fertility clinics and surrogate agencies take to cut off ties between the surrogate mothers and babies, include delivery through Caesarean section. They dont allow the surrogate mothers to see the baby after being taken out through Caesarean section. They dont want the woman to hear the first cry of that baby or breastfeed the baby at all. This is to avoid any form of bond between mother and child. Mrs Odukoya thereafter noted that these terms are usually known by both parties and should prepare the donors before getting started. However, James didnt have all the information to help her make an informed decision prior to her first surrogacy contract, although she didnt seem keen on knowing too much as she was in it all for the money. According to her, experience is the best teacher. She believed she was better prepared for her second surrogacy contract, which might possibly be her last, but also she was unsure. I have a child before which I delivered through natural birth. This is my second surrogate process and if I deliver through CS, I might not be able to do another one. I also want to give birth later in the future and I dont want to ruin my chances, James added with so much uncertainty. George wasnt worried about any health complications. According to her, You have to take a break for about two or three months before another egg donation so that the eggs can be many before the donation. This is the second part of this report. You can read the first part here. The concluding part will focus on ambiguous laws and illegitimate practices leading to health risks and emotional trauma for surrogates and donors. Editors Note: All the names of the donors in this story are not real names, to protect the identity of the women. This report was supported by the Wole Soyinka Center for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) under its Report Women! Female Reporters Leadership Programme (FRLP), champion building edition. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Movie Title: Jagun Jagun Release Date: 10 August 2023 Director: Tope Adebayo and Adebayo Tijjani. Runtime: 2 hours, 14 minutes Cast: Adebayo Salami, Dele Odule, Yinka Quadri, Muyiwa Ademola, Odunlade Adekola, Fathia Balogun, Lateef Adedimeji, and Femi Adebayo Its hard not to notice a pattern while reflecting on the number of Nigerian films released annually. It is in the sense that, among the hundreds of movies showcased yearly, there is always one that positions itself as a significant contender for the best movie of the year. In addition to its stellar casting and production design, such a film delivers excellently on a crucial part of filmmaking: storytelling. Although it seems too early to confer a film with such accolades in 2023, without a doubt, Jagun Jagun ticks off most of the boxes on the requirements of a good Nollywood flick. Produced by Femi Adebayo, Jagun Jagun tells the story of a warlord, Ogunjimi, feared by the people within and outside his community. However, the arrival of a young man reveals his insecurities, as he fears that his authority may soon be displaced. The trailer and teaser materials for Jagun Jagun were enough to spark national raves and anticipation among viewers. The two-minute trailer promised viewers an epic action experience that would keep them on the edges of their seats. Judging by the films number one position on Netflix Nigerias trending list and its 4th position on Netflix UKs trending list, its safe to say that it delivers to a certain extent. Jagun Jagun lays a precedent for what Nollywood producers should consider if they decide to produce an epic film. The Tope Adebayo and Adebayo Tijani co-directed film takes the execution of stunts, production designs, and acting performances to a whole new level, immersing viewers in a fictional world where they most likely dont want to leave after two hours and fourteen minutes. However, the film is somewhat off the radar regarding flaws, as it solidifies the argument that more attention needs to be paid to visual effects and editing. The Plot Before you continue reading, kindly beware of spoilers ahead. Gbotija (Lateef Adedimeji) is a young warrior who arrives at a warrior training camp to get trained and avenge his fathers death. Upon arriving, he realises that he may have bargained more than he asked because a ruthless leader, Ogunjimi (Femi Adebayo) is at the helm of camp affairs. After many training sessions, Gbotija is sent out to fight in a war. Things go south as the warriors on the battlefield are primarily young and inexperienced. Angered by the decision of the group leaders to hide away while the war was being waged, Ogunjimi sends out a spiritual assassin, Agemo, and punishes the absent officials by depriving them of food and freedom. Another warrior, Wehinwo (Adeoye Adeyemi Elesho), goes against Ogunjimis command and gives food to the officials, leading to his death. News of his demise reaches home, infuriating his fiancee, who consults with a herbalist to kill Ogunjimis wife (Fathia Balogun). Fortunately, Gbotija saves her, thus earning respect among other group members. Gbotijas popularity soon reaches the ears of Ogunjimi, who becomes jealous and decides to kill two birds with one stone. After a high-ranking officer, Gbogunmi (Ibrahim Yekini Itele), in his group rejects his command, he proposes that Gbotija fights to the death with Gboogunmi. Gbotija later experiences a bitter win. With the promise of a promotion, Gbotija undergoes several challenges. On his final challenge, he realises that hes being played. It leads to a confrontation with Ogunjimi, where only one can come out alive. The Good Jagun Jagun boasts a good script. One can quickly tell that several thoughts, editing, and reviews went into the scripting as every event and scene contributed to the films endgame. It was refreshing to watch a movie mostly void of irrelevant scenes that would leave viewers wondering, What was that for? The twists and turns were another favourite part of the script, as many were unpredictable. Even when it was obvious that Gbotimi would eventually betray Ogunjimi, viewers were in the dark about how such an event would happen. The films cinematography is top-notch. With several fighting scenes, the film had a high chance of having different sloppy camera angles, but the directors found a way to make things work, which is quite impressive. Dont even get us started on production design; the commitment to building an entire set that evokes the ancient era is truly an A-lister move. Diving into acting performances, many of the actors delivered. It is unsurprising, as the film contains many famous young and veteran actors. However, actors like Lateef Adedimeji shine bright as the protagonist, balancing the scale of a compassionate and fierce warrior. Femi Adebayo doesnt miss the acting mark either, as he incites fear both in the minds of his characters and viewers. Stunts are also a significant element of the show. It was pretty emotional to watch a Nigerian film that did not cut away from fight scenes but showed professionals engaging in a well-choreographed action scene. The Bad Firstly, the editing and visual effects. Although, understandably, the Nigerian film industry is slowly incorporating special effects into movies, the use of a few in Jagun Jagun comes off as undone. A good example is the first scene where Ogunjim chops off a mans hand; one could quickly tell that it was fake as there was a disparity between the hand and background. In terms of editing, the texts come under fire. Many transitions felt seamless, while a few appeared as cut and join. Secondly, what happened to Ogunjimi? Characters kept referring to Ogunjimi as a fearsome and ruthless warlord, but viewers were stripped of the opportunity to witness his fury until the end. It would have been great to watch Ogunjimi fight in wars, punishing his enemies ruthlessly. Lastly, as cliche as it may sound, it would have been more realistic for the writer not to initially bestow Gbotija with so much spiritual power. He could have been portrayed as weak but developed a strong personality. It provides a solid character motive that drives his action. Final Verdict Watch it. Even though Jagun Jagun bears similarities to films like King of Thieves and Orisa, it raises the bar for Nigerian epic movies. Jagun Jagun is streaming on Netflix. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has explained why it suspended its nationwide strike more than two weeks after it commenced. The president of NARD, Emeka Orji, who confirmed the development to PREMIUM TIMES on Saturday, said the association decided to suspend the strike due to significant moves by the federal government to address its demands. Mr Orji said the National Executive Council (NEC) of NARD met and concluded its in the best interest to give the government two weeks to meet their demands. He said: We also observed that the federal government has approved the 2023 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), and has started work on the circular on one-for-one replacement, he said. The circular on one-for-one replacement is a very important demand because we believe it would address the severe manpower shortage but from what we have seen, it would take another two weeks for government to finalise it. He said all resident doctors are directed to resume 8 a.m. on Saturday, noting that there will be a review of progress made in two weeks Doctors strike The members of NARD embarked on industrial action on 26 July following the failure of the Nigerian government to meet their demands. The doctors are demanding, among other issues, 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. ALSO READ: Nigerian resident doctors suspend strike The doctors also want the immediate massive recruitment of clinical staff in the hospitals and the 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. PREMIUM TIMES reported how the strike disrupted health services in health facilities in some major parts of the country. The resident doctors comprise the bulk of medical personnel in Nigerias tertiary hospitals; hence health activities are mostly crippled when they are on strike. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Nigerien faithfuls gather for a mass prayer at the great mosque in the capital Niamey, Niger, on August 11, 2023. Tensions are escalating between Nigers new military regime and the West African regional bloc that has ordered the deployment of troops to restore Nigers flailing democracy. The ECOWAS bloc said on Thursday it had directed a standby force to restore constitutional order in Niger after its Sunday deadline to reinstate ousted President Mohamed Bazoum expired. Hours earlier, two Western officials told The Associated Press that Nigers junta had told a top U.S. diplomat they would kill Bazoum if neighboring countries attempted any military intervention to restore his rule. Its unclear when or where the force will deploy and which countries from the 15-member bloc would contribute to it. Conflict experts say it would likely comprise some 5,000 troops led by Nigeria and could be ready within weeks. After the ECOWAS meeting, neighboring Ivory Coasts president, Alassane Ouattara, said his country would take part in the military operation, along with Nigeria and Benin. Ivory Coast will provide a battalion and has made all the financial arrangements ... We are determined to install Bazoum in his position. Our objective is peace and stability in the sub-region, Ouattara said on state television. Niger, an impoverished country of some 25 million people, was seen as one of the last hopes for Western nations to partner with in beating back a jihadi insurgency linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group thats ravaged the region. France and the United States have more than 2,500 military personnel in Niger and together with other European partners had poured hundreds of millions of dollars into propping up its military. The junta responsible for spearheading the coup, led by Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, has exploited anti-French sentiment among the population to shore up its support. Nigeriens in the capital, Niamey, on Friday said ECOWAS isnt in touch with the reality on the ground and shouldnt intervene. It is our business, not theirs. They dont even know the reason why the coup happened in Niger, said Achirou Harouna Albassi, a resident. Bazoum was not abiding by the will of the people, he said. Hundreds of people marched toward the French military base in Niamey on Friday waving Russian flags and screaming Down with France. Many were young, including children, all chanting that the French should go. Also Friday, the African Union expressed strong support for ECOWAS decision and called on the junta to urgently halt the escalation with the regional organization. It also called for the immediate release of Bazoum. An African Union meeting to discuss the situation in Niger expected on Saturday was postponed. On Thursday night after the summit, Frances foreign ministry said it supported all conclusions adopted. U.S Secretary of State Antony Blinken said his country appreciated the determination of ECOWAS to explore all options for the peaceful resolution of the crisis and would hold the junta accountable for the safety and security of President Bazoum. However, he did not specify whether the U.S. supported the deployment of troops. The mutinous soldiers that ousted Bazoum more than two weeks ago have entrenched themselves in power, appear closed to dialogue, and have refused to release the president. Representatives of the junta told U.S. Under Secretary of State Victoria Nuland of the threat to Bazoums life during her visit to the country this week, a Western military official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation. A U.S. official confirmed that account, also speaking on condition of anonymity, because the official was not authorized to speak to the media. The threat to kill Bazoum is grim, said Alexander Thurston, assistant professor of political science at the University of Cincinnati. There have been unwritten rules until now about how overthrown presidents will be treated, and violence against Bazoum would evoke some of the worst coups of the past, he said. Human Rights Watch said Friday that it had spoken to Bazoum, who said that his 20-year-old son was sick with a serious heart condition and has been refused access to a doctor. The president said he hasnt had electricity for nearly 10 days and isnt allowed to see family, friends or bring supplies into the house. Its unclear if the threat on Bazoums life would change ECOWAS decision to intervene military. It might give them pause, or push the parties closer to dialogue, but the situation has entered uncharted territory, analysts say. An ECOWAS invasion to restore constitutional order into a country of Nigers size and population would be unprecedented, said Nate Allen, an associate professor at the Africa Center for Strategic Studies. Niger has a fairly large and well-trained army that, if it actively resisted an invasion, could pose significant problems for ECOWAS. This would be a very large and significant undertaking, he said. While the region oscillates between mediation and preparing for war, Nigeriens are suffering the impact of harsh economic and travel sanctions imposed by ECOWAS. Before the coup, more than 4 million Nigeriens were reliant on humanitarian assistance and the situation could become more dire, said Louise Aubin, the U.N. resident coordinator in Niger. The situation is alarming. ... Well see an exponential rise and more people needing more humanitarian assistance, she said, adding that the closure of land and air borders makes it hard to bring aid into the country and its unclear how long the current stock will last. Aid groups are battling restrictions on multiple fronts. ECOWAS sanctions have banned the movement of goods between Niger and member countries, making it hard to bring in materials. The World Food Program has some 30 trucks stuck at the Benin border, unable to cross. Humanitarians are also trying to navigate restrictions within the country, as the junta has closed the airspace, making it hard to get clearance to fly the humanitarian planes that transport goods and personnel to hard-hit areas. Flights are cleared on a case-by-case basis and theres irregular access to fuel, which disrupts aid operations, Aubin said. The U.N. has asked ECOWAS to make exceptions to the sanctions and is speaking to Nigers foreign ministry about doing the same within the country. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ahmed Audi, approved the deployment of Olusola Odumosu as the new commandant of the corps in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. The spokesperson of the NSCDC, Babawale Afolabi, stated this in a statement on Friday. Mr Afolabi said the redeployment was aimed at repositioning NSCDC in FCT command for more effective service delivery. Mr Odumosu takes over from Peter Maigari, who is embarking on a strategic course at the National Security Institute for the next one year, the statement disclosed. Announcing Mr Odumosus deployment at the corps headquarters in Abuja, the spokesperson quoted Mr Audi as directing that both the handing and taking over between the outgoing and incoming commandants should be concluded latest by Tuesday, 15 August, 2023. Mr Audi lauded Mr Odumosu for his absolute commitment and display of professionalism in his duty, adding that the latter demonstrated the virtues of hardwork, tenacity, dedication and loyalty. Until his deployment as FCT commandant, Mr Odumosu was the director of public relations of the NSCDC. Mr Odumosu also held the first ever strategic communication workshop (STRACOMM 2022) for all zonal commanders, State Commandants and public relations officers in all the corps formations which paved the way for more strategic, innovative service delivery and partnerships with both local and international media. Odumosu pledges transformation In his response, Mr Odumosu promised to remain committed to the ideals and vision of the Commandant General in transforming, repositioning and driving the Corps to an enviable height. Odumosu reiterated that with the support of the corps leadership, he is ready to move the FCT command forward by breaking new grounds through unwavering commitment to the accomplishment of NSCDCs mandate in the Federal Capital Territorry, the statement added. The new FCT commandant of the NSCDC is a Fellow of the National Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), as well as the International Institute of Public Relations, London, UK, among others. Meanwhile, the commandant general has approved the appointment of Mr Afolabi, a chief superintendent of corps (CSC) as the new director of Public Relations (DPR) for the NSCDC. Mr Audi was said to have tasked the new spokesman to work hard like his predecessor and consolidate on his legacies. Read the full statement below: PRESS RELEASE In responses, kindly quote: AAA.03/CPRU/NHQ/ABJ/VOL 03/08 Date: 11TH AUGUST, 2023 Head of News. NSCDC CG DEPLOYS ODUMOSU AS NEW FCT COMMANDANT. In a bid to rejig, revamp, restructure and reposition the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), FCT Command for more effective service delivery, the Commandant General (CG) of the Corps, Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, has announced the redeployment of the service spokesperson, Commandant Olusola Odumosu as the new helmsman for the FCT Command. Announcing his deployment at the Corps National Headquarters in Abuja, the CG directed that both the handing and taking over between the outgoing and incoming Commandants should be concluded latest by Tuesday, 15th August, 2023. Commandant Odumosu takes over from Commandant Peter Maigari, who has been nominated and thus proceeding on a strategic course at the National Security Institute for the next one year. Dr Audi commended Odumosu for his absolute commitment and display of professionalism in his duty. He extolled the virtues of hardwork, tenacity, dedication and loyalty exhibited by him while working at the National headquarters. The CG informed that his tenure as Director of Public Relations of the Corps witnessed a lot of innovations that strengthens the Corps image with a corresponding increase in the level of social acceptability nationwide. Odumosu also held the first ever strategic communication workshop (STRACOMM 2022) for all Zonal Commanders, State Commandants and Public Relations Officers in all the Corps formations which paved the way for more strategic, innovative service delivery and partnerships with both local and international media. Responding, the new FCT Commandant, thanked the CG for counting him worthy of providing leadership for the FCT Command at this time. He assured that he would remain steadfast, hardworking, resolute and committed to the ideals and vision of the CG in transforming, repositioning and driving the Corps to an enviable height. Odumosu reiterated that with the support of the Corps leadership, he is ready to move the FCT Command forward by breaking new grounds through unwavering commitment to the accomplishment of NSCDCs mandate in the Federal Capital Territorry. The new FCT Commandant, Olusola Odumosu is a Fellow of the National Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), as well as the International Institute of Public Relations, London, UK, among others. The CG has approved the appointment of Chief Superintendent of Corps (CSC) Babawale Zaid Afolabi as the new Director of Public Relations (DPR) for the Corps. He charged the new spokesman to work hard like his predecessor and consolidate on the legacies set by him in order to raise the bar of performance and transformation of the Public Relations Unit at the NSCDC National Headquarters and all formations nationwide. Signed: CSC Babawale Zaid Afolabi Director Public Relations NSCDC NHQ, Abuja. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print President Bola Tinubu has thrown his weight behind the Heritage Voyage of Return initiative aimed at reuniting Afro-descendants with their African roots. He said the programme will not only re-awaken the historical awareness of society by bringing back memories of what happened many years ago but will also create economic benefits. The president spoke when he received a delegation from Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, along with the initiators of the project, in an audience on Friday in Abuja. Reconnecting Afro-Brazilians with their African roots will be an iconic project that will rekindle our past and light up the spirit of our ancestors. It will re-awaken memories of what happened many years ago. And it is a good thing that this is coming now at a time when we are working on expanding the frontiers of freedom and democracy in Africa, President Tinubu said. While thanking Mr Soyinka for supporting the initiative and for his commitment and patriotism over the years, the president emphasised that the project would also come with economic benefits that must be leveraged, noting that, this is an important project that must be pursued. Speaking earlier, Wale Adeniran, a professor, who led the delegation, said the history of the project dated back to when the Lagos Black Heritage Festival began. Because this is an identical project, the initiators of the Heritage Voyage of Return discussed the plan with Professor Soyinka, who also endorsed it, he said. Mr Adeniran described the Heritage Voyage of Return as a historic maritime journey that will begin in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, making stops at various African nations and terminating in Lagos. He said the team had come to seek Mr Tinubus endorsement and for him to formally invite the Afro-descendants from Brazil home. Other members of the delegation are Carolina Maira Morais, a Brazilian, and Ajoyemi Olabisi Osunleye, a Nigerian. Ms Morais noted that there are around 126 million Afro-descendants in Brazil, stating that the project would be integrating the two nations, Nigeria, the largest black population and the leading economy in Africa, and Brazil, a giant of South America. There are many African traditional families in Brazil. But no African country has gone to Brazil to identify and connect with them, she said. She stated that Brazilian President Lula da Silva is planning to visit Nigeria and has a special heart for Africa, while also describing Mr Soyinka as a hero and icon in Brazil. Ajuri Ngelale Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity) August 12, 2023 Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 25 February 25 election, Peter Obi, has congratulated a former governor of Edo State, John Odigie Oyegun on his 84th birthday anniversary. Mr Obi, in a tweet, Saturday, also commended Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki for establishing an institution in his honour. My Family and I join other Nigerians to celebrate a most distinguished Nigerian, Chief John Odigie Oyegun, on his 84th birthday. We equally thank the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency Mr. Godwin Obaseki, for honouring Chief Oyegun with the establishment of the John Odigie-Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA) being commissioned today he said in a statement by his media office on Saturday. Mr Obi said that Mr Oyegun, a former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is a committed and patriotic Nigerian. With an Economics degree in 1963 and joining the Federal Civil Service, he devoted his life and career to a better Nigeria rising to the position of a Federal Permanent Secretary in 1975 at the age of 36, he said. The former Anambra State governor recalled that Mr Oyegun served in the Cabinet Office, Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Internal Affairs, and Ministry of Commerce and Industry. In assessing Nigerias poor performance in key governance indicators such as rule of law, regulatory quality, government effectiveness, voice, and accountability, Mr Obi noted that the establishment and commissioning of JOOPSA are most auspicious, and naming it after Mr Oyegun is most deserving. He added, With the socio-economic growth and development of a society determined largely by the effective formulation and execution of government policies, providing the required training to our civil servants with selfless and accountable leaders like Chief Oyegun as a role model is most commendable and in line with our demand for a New Nigeria that we see as possible. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print President Bola Tinubu says he is profoundly saddened by the news of the passing of Nigerias Ambassador to France, Kayode Laro. He extended his deepest condolences to Mr Laros family, the diplomatic community, as well as the government and people of Kwara State. The president said he recognised the late envoys tireless dedication in fostering mutually-beneficial diplomatic ties between Nigeria and France during his tenure, noting the commitment to diplomacy and the impactful role he played in ensuring the success of his visit to France in June this year, which was his first foreign trip following his assumption of office. Having devoted himself fully to his duties during 35 illustrious years in service as a Nigerian diplomat, spanning from 1983 to 2018, President Tinubu remembers Mr Laros profound grasp of geo-political intricacies and how he aptly harnessed his wealth of skill and experience in multilateral diplomacy to advance worldwide peace, security, and development. READ ALSO: The president affirmed that the appointment of the Fellow of the National Defence College as an ambassador in July 2020 to represent Nigeria in France was in recognition of his widely respected expertise and dedication. Our nation has lost an exemplary diplomat. I will always hold cherished memories of my interactions with him during my attendance at the New Global Financial Pact Summit in France this June. His unwavering dedication and strong sense of duty left an indelible mark. May his legacy continue to inspire us to strive for a more harmonious and prosperous world, the president said. President Tinubu prayed that Almighty God will continue to console Mr Laros family, friends, and colleagues while granting eternal rest to the departed soul. Ajuri Ngelale Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity) August 12, 2023 Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print More than two weeks after it embarked on nationwide industrial action over unmet demands, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has asked its members to resume work by 8 a.m on Saturday (today). The associations President, Emeka Orji, confirmed the development to this newspaper on Saturday morning. Mr Orji said the doctors will review progress made in two weeks. We just suspended the strike. Work to resume 8 a.m. on Saturday, he said. We will review progress in two weeks. Doctors strike The members of NARD embarked on an industrial action on 26 July following the failure of the Nigerian government to meet their demands. The doctors demands, among many others, include 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 the 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. PREMIUM TIMES reported how the strike disrupted health services in health facilities in some major parts of the country. The resident doctors comprise the bulk of medical personnel in Nigerias tertiary hospitals; hence health activities are mostly crippled when they are on strike Aborted protest The striking doctors had earlier planned to commence a daily peaceful protest, starting from Wednesday, if the government failed to meet their demands. The decision followed the directive by the Nigerian government to the management of federal tertiary hospitals to commence the enforcement of the no work, no pay policy against the striking doctors. The doctors however suspended the planned protest after a closed-door meeting with principal officers of the Senate on Tuesday. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to creating meaningful opportunities for Nigerian youth. He made the fresh commitment on the occasion of the 2023 International Youth Day (IYD). From job creation, education and skills development to digital innovation, financial technology, and youth participation in governance, President Tinubu emphasized that youth empowerment is a fundamental pillar of all reform actions being implemented across sectors, in order to create an environment where Nigerian youth can thrive and contribute to the growth and development of the nation. The president acknowledged the growing interest and impact of many young Nigerians in technology-related fields the world over and vows to honour his campaign commitment of generating one million new jobs in the digital economy for their upliftment and national economic development more broadly. He said he strongly believes in the principle, to whom much is given, much is expected, and remains undeterred in his focus on delivery. As agents of change, President Tinubu urged the youth to champion national progress, unity and collective prosperity for all citizens of our beloved country. READ ALSO: In tandem with the theme of this years event: Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World, the president implored young Nigerians to spearhead efforts aimed at achieving the highest quality of sustainable development, which will shape the future in conformity with his agenda of expanding green job opportunities and advocating for renewable energy solutions as an integral part of Nigerias current and future energy mix. The president assured the younger generation that his administration will consistently engage with and listen to them with a view to implementing their important and forward-looking feedback. Highlighting his commitment to active listening and engagement, President Tinubu noted that the enactment of the Student Loan Act and the provision of buses to the Student Bodies of all Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education nationwide stand out as tangible examples of his administrations responsiveness. The president heartily extended his best wishes to all Nigerian Youth on the joyous International Youth Day celebration. Ajuri Ngelale Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity) August 12, 2023 Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Listen to the podcast here: Titi: On todays episode, we are moving from discussing development issues to politics. As you are all aware, President Bola Tinubu has nominated his cabinet members and their names were sent to the Senate for screening. This will be the crux of our conversation today. I will be having a conversation with Abdulqudus Ogundapo, Premium Times correspondent covering the Senate. He will share in about 30 minutes the major highlights of things that occured at the seven day ministerial screening. Titi: There were reports of ministerial nominees who had issues with their educational qualifications. Did the Senate notice this? If yes, how was it handled? Abdulqudus: First, a total of 48 persons were nominated for screening but 45 were confirmed and three others were rejected as a result of security clearance. Yes, there are some of the nominees who had questionable educational certificates that were tendered for the screening alongside their Curriculum Vitae. Premium Times had reported some of the discrepancies in some of the nominees certificates. You are aware of the NYSC saga we reported on Tunji Ojo, the nominee from Ondo State and Hannatu Musawa from Katsina State. So, we can say that there are discrepancies but nobody knows the criteria the Senate used in confirming those that were passed. I believe the Senate has a criteria for screening nominations from the President but the issue is that the criteria are usually politicised. But in answering your question, yes the nominees submitted their document to the Senate but the discrepancies were not spotlighted by them. Titi: How would you rate the relationship of the executive and the legislature with regards to the screening process? Abdulqudus: I want you to understand that the current president we have in Nigeria is a politician who knows how to make his way around whatever he wants. President Bola Tinubu singlehandedly picked Godswill Akpabio as the Senate president and of course the Senate president would never go against the wishes of his principal. READ MORE: We can all attest to it when Festus Keyamo appeared before the Senate for screening. After Senators raised a motion to suspend nomination of Keyamo, the Senate president immediately rushed to the villa to meet President Tinubu. I think at the meeting, the President mandated Keyamo to apologise to the Senate which he later did and explained how the federal government under former President Buhari expended the N52 billion Special Public Works Programme of the federal government in 2020. Titi: Did the 10th Senate maintain its tradition of bow and go for some ministers as done in previous assemblies? Abdulqudus: Yes, the Senate maintained the tradition of taking a bow for former lawmakers whether in the house of representatives or the senate. Even former governors were not scrutinised Titi: What were the controversial moments at the screening? Abdulqudus: Firstly, when Nyesome Wike, former Rivers state Governor, appeared before the Senate for screening, people were surprised because of his earlier outburst that he will never become a minister. The second was when Tunji Bosun , a ministerial nominee appeared before the Senate. He was grilled on his old tweet saying he didnt appreciate having a Nigerian Passport. It was an embarrassing moment for him because Senators were really questioning him on the tweet but he had to apologise and said he tweeted in anger. The nominee from Benue, Joseph Utsev was also grilled after the Senators discovered age discrepancies in his certificate. In his CV, it appeared that he was born in 1980 and finished secondary school in 1989. It was Senator Abba Moro that later explained that the discrepancy was as a result of typographical error. Titi: It was your first time covering a ministerial screening. How was your experience like? Abdulqudus: It was really nice covering the screening. It gave me an idea about who our leaders are. Asides from that, it was very stressful because I would get home late in the night like 11pm and wake up early in the morning. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print President Mohamed Bazoums son, Salem, is critically ill, ECOWAS leaders were told at their meeting on Thursday, according to an official present at the meeting. The West African leaders were told that Salem had lost about 10 kilograms since he was detained alongside his father following the 26 July coup in Niger. ECOWAS and other international organisations and countries have demanded the release of Messrs Bazoum and Salem, as well as all the civilians detained by the junta in the aftermath of the Niger coup. On Friday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in a phone call with former Nigerien President Mohamed Issoufou, expressed his grave concern at the continued detention under deteriorating conditions of President Bazoum and his family, according to a US statement. The Secretary shared that he is particularly dismayed by the refusal of those who seized power in Niger to release Bazoums family members as a demonstration of goodwill. Mr Bazoum has been held in the presidential palace in Niamey since 26 July alongside his wife Hadiza and Salem. Mr Bazoums daughter, Zazia Bazoum, told UK Guardian that her family is living in a very difficult situation. She said her parents had lost five kilograms each and her brother 10. ECOWAS felt humiliated by the actions of the junta towards the Abdulsalami Abubakar-led delegation, reiterating during the meeting that it was an insult to the bloc and Abdulsalami Abubakar, a former Nigerian military head of state, the source told this newspaper. PREMIUM TIMES had reported how the junta leaders prevented the ECOWAS delegation, led by Mr Abubakar, from leaving the Niger airport and meeting with the coup leaders or Mr Bazoum. At the Thursday meeting, Senegal, Cote dIvoire and others called for the deployment of force in Niger to restore constitutional rule. President Alassane Ouattara reportedly told the heads of state at the closed-door meeting that his government was ready to mobilise $150 million to support the troops deployment. He later told journalists in Abuja when he was leaving the meeting that he considered Mr Bazoums detention an act of terrorism which ECOWAS cannot allow to continue. We do not accept, we will not accept coup detat and I think these putschists must go if they dont let Bazoum out to be able to exercise his mandate. I think we should move ahead and get them out, Mr Ouattara said. The ECOWAS Heads of State at the end of the closed-door meeting vowed to use force to dislodge the junta in Niger if it remains recalcitrant. As part of their decisions, the ECOWAS leaders directed the committee of the chief of defence staff to activate the ECOWAS standby force with all its elements immediately. The defence chiefs will meet to finalise plans on how to proceed with the deployment, the source said, adding that things will be clearer by the new week. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print If ECOWAS must go into Niger in the name of wanting to restore constitutional order, so be it but let the body do so without any Nigerian troop Let the French and their Francophone allies in our subregion, with American intelligence and logistical support, do the job on their own and leave us out of it It is only if our nation is attacked or our sovereignty violated that we should get into the fray. We worked hard, took many bullets and took great risks to put this government in place and we not only have a big stake in it but we must also ensure that it succeeds. Apart from our unalloyed loyalty, unflinching support and commitment to assisting him in weathering every storm and stabilising the country, there is only one thing we owe the President and that is to always tell him the plain truth. Today that truth is that the pending attack on Niger Republic is unpopular at home and, if unleashed, would be a monumental error. If ECOWAS must go into Niger in the name of wanting to restore constitutional order, so be it but let the body do so without any Nigerian troop. Let the French and their Francophone allies in our subregion, with American intelligence and logistical support, do the job on their own and leave us out of it. It is only if our nation is attacked or our sovereignty violated that we should get into the fray. Outside of that and until then, we should use only diplomatic means to setttle the issue and not allow ourselves to be drawn into an unecessary and bloody regional war, the end of which no one knows. To the Ivory Coasts President Alassane Outarra, who has said that this is not a Nigeria versus Niger conflict but rather an ECOWAS versus Niger one, I respectfully ask the following questions: Who will contribute 90% of the troops and foot almost all the bills of this force? Is it not Nigeria? Whose military hardware and assets will be deployed, mobilised and utilised more than any other? Is it not Nigeria? Who shares its Northern border with Niger and whose northern civilian population are bound to suffer the most hardship, the greatest degree of collateral damage, the highest number of casualties and accommodate the highest number of displaced people and refugees? Is it not Nigeria? We have trod this path before and we know where it ended. We cannot be fooled again. If any force is deployed and Nigeria opts to participate in this, we will pay more than all the other ECOWAS nations put together in terms of the loss of civilian and military lives and in blood and treasure. Apart from that the ECOWAS force and its military capability is nothing without Nigeria and our troops. To say that this would be an ECOWAS versus Niger war, as opposed to a de facto Nigeria versus Niger one, is misleading and disingenuous. Such a war would be fought, prosecuted and won primarily by Nigerian forces, even though there may be a sprinkling of a few others just for show and for the record. All the French and Cote Divorien sophistry, propaganda and delusion in the world cannot change that. If and when the whole thing goes down and we get involved militarily, you can bet your bottom dollar that it wont just be a Nigeria versus Niger war but also end up being a Nigeria versus Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso and Wagner one. Worse still, involvement in such a military conflict may tear our country apart along ethnic, regional and religious lines. This must be avoided at all costs. As I wrote elsewhere, outside of any diplomatic initiative, let the French clean up their own self-inflicted mess and fight for their hegemonist and parasitic neo-colonial interests and uranium supplies in Niger and let us stay out of our poor and beleaguered neighbours internal affairs. To add to this complex mix, the wife of General Abdourahman Tchiani, the head of the military junta in Niger, is actually a Nigerian from Kangiwa in Kebbi State, whilst his Emir, the Emir of Dosso in Niger, owes allegience and pays homage to the Emir of Argungu in Nigeria. That is how connected our two countries are. The truth is that there is hardly any family in the core North that does not have relatives from and in Niger. Can they be expected to sit by idly and applaud us whilst we kill their brothers and sisters across the border for no just cause, even when our nation has not been attacked and our territorial integrity has not been violated? Methinks not! As I wrote elsewhere, outside of any diplomatic initiative, let the French clean up their own self-inflicted mess and fight for their hegemonist and parasitic neo-colonial interests and uranium supplies in Niger and let us stay out of our poor and beleaguered neighbours internal affairs. On a final note, permit me to share the following exchange. On hearing of my stiff opposition to deploying our troops into Niger, my dear friend Umaru Farouk offered the following rationalisation to me. He wrote, the decision to place the troops on standby force is to force the junta to comply with the charter of demands from the regional and other international institutions via diplomatic channels. Also to actionably deploy the troops in case of any future coup attempt anywhere in the territory of ECOWAS. My response to him was as follows. You and I know that this threat of the use of force will not work and that it will not result in their stepping down. It will rather harden their hearts and eventually lead to a military conflict. You do not place your armed forces on alert unless you intend to deploy. It is only a question of time. Methinks that it is a very bad step, it is ill-timed and it is ill-advised. It is bad for our country, bad for our people and bad for our government. Finally, as regards your suggestion that the force can be used and deployed in case of any future coup anywhere in ECOWAS I ask, why should Nigeria be the policeman of the West African sub-region? Why should we be used to protect oftentimes corrupt, dictatorial and illegitimate civilian sit-tight rulers and puppet regimes in other parts of West Africa? Out of all the leaders in the 15 countries that make up the ECOWAS sub-region, I can only vouch for the legitimacy, integrity and democratic credentials of the Presidents of Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, Senegal, Sierra Leonne and Liberia. If anyone really wants to know what the French do to their Francophone subjects through the auspices of their pliant and servile local democratically-elected African leaders, they should listen to the explosive and utterly outstanding speech, delivered just over a year ago, by the beautiful, passionate and fiery Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, who lambasted President Emmanuel Macron of France and the French people for enslaving, persecuting and cruelly exploiting the people of Africa. I cannot vouch for ANY of the others and I have little respect for them. In any case dont we have enough problems of our own? Let others deal with their internal issues and let us deal with ours. Nigerian blood must never be spilt or shed for the sake of some of these Francophone rulers who have sold their souls to the devil and their people to France and who have been turned into errand boys and grovelling slaves by their former colonial masters. For example, is it President Paul Biya of the Cameroons, who has been in power in that country for the last 41 years, that our soldiers should protect and die for? Is it President Faure Eyadema of Togo who, in classic North Korean-style, is operating and nurturing a system of dynastic rule in his nation and who, between him and his late father Gnassibe Eyadema, have ruled their country for the past 61 years? Is it President Alassane Ouattara of Cote DIvore who is prepared to do ANYTHING for the French, who suppresses and persecutes his opponents and who had his predecessor in office, President Laurent Gbagbo, bundled off to the International Court at the Hague at the behest of their former colonial masters simply because he dared to question the legitimacy and sought to break the yoke of French domination and bondage and restore the self-respect and dignity of his people by coming up with the noble and patriotic concept of Ivoritie (meaning Ivorians first). If anyone really wants to know what the French do to their Francophone subjects through the auspices of their pliant and servile local democratically-elected African leaders, they should listen to the explosive and utterly outstanding speech, delivered just over a year ago, by the beautiful, passionate and fiery Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, who lambasted President Emmanuel Macron of France and the French people for enslaving, persecuting and cruelly exploiting the people of Africa. Are these the sort of leaders we should protect and vouch for and are we supposed to send our soldiers to die in order to perpetuate French hegemony in these nations? Surely not! Unless our country is attacked I do not see any sense in using our military for anything outside our shores other than for peace-keeping. May God open our eyes and guide our leaders before it is too late. Femi Fani-Kayode is a former federal minister and erstwhile Director of Special Media Projects, Special Media Operations and New Media of the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The threat of the mighty United States of America, USA, on Tuesday, 7 August to invade little Niger Republic is not for its love of democracy, Nigeriens or Africans. It is basically in the nature of hawks to circle the sky looking for prey, especially chicks. There were American and French troops in Niger before the coup because it is in the nature of black vultures, not only to target and kill small live animals, but also to have the patience to wait and devour carcases. So, the 26 July military coup in Niger Republic is a pretext. The USA Acting Deputy Secretary, Victoria Nuland, in threatening to invade Niger, declared in the usual American arrogant manner: So well be watching the situation, but we understand our legal responsibilities and I explained those very clearly to the guys (the new Nigerien leaders) who were responsible for this and that it is not our desire to go there, but they may push us to that point, and we asked them to be prudent in that regard and to hear our offer to try to work with them to solve this diplomatically and return to constitutional order. When the USA brags it has legal responsibilities, I ask: under what law, convention or agreement? Does it intend to engineer another bogus United Nations Resolution under which along with its Western allies, they destroyed Iraq, turning it into a basket case? Does it intend as it did with the birds of prey of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, NATO, to invade Niger as it did Libya under Ghadaffi, turning one of the richest and most promising African countries into a another basket case? The Western actions in Libya were so destructive that it resulted in the free flow of arms and terrorists into West Africa. They so dislocated Libya that, today, a dozen years later, that country remains a failed state with rival governments in Tripoli, Tobruk, Sirte and Benghazi where the Libyan-American Field Marshall Khalifa Haftar holds sway. If the USA were truly opposed to coups, then it wont be a supporter of the coup plotter in Chad, General Mehmet Deby or his older coup plotter in Egypt, General Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. No! If the USA were for democracy and against coups, it would not have overthrown democratically elected Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh of Iran in 1953 and imposed a monarch, Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi, in his place. The Americans would not have overthrown elected Presidents Jacobo Arbenz of Guatemala in 1954 and Salvador Allende on 11 September, 1973. If the American establishment were for elected leaders, it would not have teamed up with Belgium and the United Kingdom to overthrow newly elected Congo Democratic Republic Prime Minister, Patrice Lumumba, in January 1961 who they subsequently captured and executed on 17 January, 1961. If in deed the USA were for human rights, freedom or democracy, it would not have been the greatest supporter of apartheid South Africa. It would not have designated African freedom fighters like Walter Sisulu, Oliver Thambo and Joe Slovo as terrorists. It is to the eternal shame of the USA that despite Nelson Mandela spending 27 years in apartheid prison, leading South Africa to freedom and serving as the first democratically elected President of his country, America continued to officially designate him a terrorist! In fact, it was not until July 2008 President George W. Bush signed a bill into law removing Mandela and other African National Congress, ANC, leaders from the list of persons the USA categorise as people who engage in terrorist or criminal activities. If the USA were opposed to colonialism, it would not continue to colonise Puerto Rico for 125 years now after seizing that country from colonial Spain on 18 October, 1898. With America illegally occupying their homeland, Puerto Ricans are not allowed any voting representation in the American Federal Government. As I write, where African Americans, American Indians and migrants can vote in midterm or American presidential elections, Puerto Ricans have no such right. If the USA were law abiding, it would not, like bandits, have seized by force, Mexican territories, including New Mexico, California, Nevada, Utah and parts of Kansas, Wyoming and Oklahoma. If it were peace loving, it would not have invaded Mexico 10 times and Southern American countries over 70 times! The countries so invaded include Haiti from 1915 to 1934, Guatemala in 1954, Cuba at the Bay of Pigs in 1961, Dominican Republic in 1965 and Grenada in 1983. The Americans invaded Nicaragua so many times that I am not sure either side continued counting. This includes the USA occupation of that country from 1912 to 1933 and its 1980 and 1984 invasions. The USA rape of Nicaragua was so routine and criminal that even a private American physician and lawyer called William Walker raised a private army in 1855 to invade Nicaragua. In July 1856, Walker declared himself President of Nicaragua and his illegal regime was recognised by USA under President Franklin Pierce as the legitimate government of Nicaragua! Given the US backing of his terrorist regime, Walker re-introduced slave trade and threatened the re-colonisation of some Central American countries. The USA did not call its citizen to order; it was a coalition of Latin American countries led by Costa Rica that defeated the Walker mercenaries and forced him to resign as Nicaraguan President on 1 May, 1857. When the Vietnamese defeated the French colonialists in the historic Battle of Dien Bien Phu which raged from 13 March to 7 May, 1954, and declared independence, the USA was enraged. It thought it was a bad precedence for a Third World people to roundly defeat a Western power. It was a battle in which the Vietnamese lost over 3,000 men and the French lost over 8,000 men with 10,300 soldiers taken prisoner. The US in March, 1965 invaded Vietnam to reverse the Vietnamese independence and allegedly, to stop the country going socialist. The USA invaded Afghanistan in 2001 following the 9/11 attack, and was forced into a disgraceful and disorganised withdrawal in August 2021 which the Washington Post of 10 August, 2022 headlined, Two weeks of chaos: A timeline of the US pull out of Afghanistan. If the USA claims it is supporting Ukraine because it believes every country should have a right to sovereignty, why does it want to invade Niger; that it has no right to sovereignty? The USA threat of invading Niger is not in the interest of the African people. An African saying advises that we should first chase away the hawk before reverting to the chick. Let us first protect Niger from vultures before using diplomacy to address the coup question. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Survivors of a shipwreck sleep at a warehouse at the port in Kalamata town, about 240 kilometers (150 miles) southwest of Athens, on June 14, 2023. Nearly two months after a dilapidated fishing trawler crammed with people heading from Libya to Italy sank in the central Mediterranean, killing hundreds, relatives are still frantically searching for their loved ones among the missing and the dead. Many questions remain about Greek authorities response and exactly how and why the boat, carrying an estimated 500 to 750 people mostly from Pakistan, Syria and Egypt, capsized and sank in the early hours of June 14 in what became one of the deadliest migrant shipwrecks in the Mediterranean. Only 104 people were pulled from the sea alive all men and boys. Eighty-two bodies, only one of them a woman, were recovered. The rest, including women and children, sank in one of the deepest parts of the Mediterranean. With depths of around 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) in that area, any recovery of the vessel or its victims are all but impossible. Identifying the dead and determining exactly who was on board is a slow, meticulous, heart-wrenching process. By Aug. 7, around 40 of the recovered bodies were identified through a painstaking process combining DNA analysis, dental records, fingerprints and interviews with survivors and relatives, police Lt. Col. Pantelis Themelis, commander of Greeces Disaster Victim Identification Team, told The Associated Press. The task is complicated by a lack of information on who was on the boat, and by the fact that many were from countries where, due to war and civil turmoil, relatives are struggling to provide DNA samples. For some, the lack of a body to bury means they hold out hope, however improbable, that their loved one is somehow still alive. In my heart I feel that my son is alive, by Gods grace, and I dont believe even 1% that my son is dead, said Mohamad Diab, whose 21-year-old son Abdulrahman has been missing since the trawler sank. I dont even think about this. In his nearly two-month quest for his son, Diab has all but exhausted his options. He provided a DNA sample through the International Commission on Missing Persons, sent relatives to Greece, and spends hours on his phone, making calls and watching and re-watching videos of survivors on social media. The housepainter from an impoverished Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon on the outskirts of Beirut clings to a single, tenuous discovery: A brief moment in a video of the immediate aftermath of the sinking, when a man resembling his son is carried into a hospital in the southern Greek city of Kalamata. Although inquiries at the hospital and with Greek authorities drew a blank, Diab insists his son might be in a coma, or imprisoned and unable to contact his family. But all injured survivors have long since been released from hospital, and the nine survivors arrested as suspected smugglers are all Egyptians. Abdulrahman Diabs name is not among them. The thought of having lost his eldest son is unbearable. So Diab clings desperately to the hope that somehow, somewhere, Abdulrahman is out there, still breathing, still alive. My faith in God is great, he said. In Athens, the members of the Disaster Victim Identification Team continue the slow process of piecing together the identities of the bodies. The team is still receiving DNA test results from prospective relatives abroad, Themelis said. And a telephone hotline in six languages set up after the disaster will remain operational for at least another two months, although calls now are few and far between. An international mass-casualty event requires a good investigative procedure that is time-consuming, with persistence and patience, to be able to collect information on missing people, said Themelis. This is fundamental. Who really were the people who might have been on the ship? His team, set up in 2018, draws on staff from a variety of services as needed, including the fire department, coroners, translators and the police. It was this team that was called in to identify the remains of more than 50 people killed in the Feb. 28 railway disaster in central Greece. DVI work, Themelis said, is humanitarian. It is separate from anything else and has no job other than the humanitarian work of the identification of disaster victims. Pakistan has already sent hundreds of DNA test results to help in the identification process, Themelis said. In countries where interviews with close relatives and DNA collection were problematic, that role was being carried out by the Red Cross and Red Crescent. For Diab, a positive DNA match would mean all hope is lost for Abdulrahman, who grew up with his three younger brothers in Lebanons infamous Shatila camp for Palestinian refugees on the outskirts of Beirut, a cramped urban enclave with narrow alleys and crackling power lines overhead. As a teenager he helped his father paint houses, but work dried up after Lebanon sank into a major financial crisis in 2019. Relatives and friends, including Abdulrahmans uncle who runs a supermarket in Germany, took the risk to travel to Europe. Eventually, he decided to follow them, arranging flights to Egypt and then Libya, and the risky voyage across the Mediterranean, using a network of smugglers and middlemen. Mohamad Diab sold his belongings and borrowed money to raise the $7,000 in smuggling fees, hoping for a better future for his son. He never thought the journey could be fatal. And for as long as he has no confirmation that it was, he can still cling to the belief that Abdulrahman will one day come home. I still have hope, I will not lose hope until I see his body, Diab said. I still have hope that I will see him and hear his voice. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition NEW ORLEANS, Aug. 11, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until September 26, 2023 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T), if they purchased the Company's securities between March 1, 2020 and July 26, 2023, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. Get Help AT&T investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-t-2/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options. About the Lawsuit AT&T and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws. The alleged false and misleading statements and omissions include, but are not limited to, that: (i) the Company owns lead-wrapped cables nationwide that are highly toxic and harmful to Company employees and non-employees alike; (ii) the hazards caused by the lead cables pose not only health risks to employees and the public, but also potentially significant risks to the Company from litigation, regulatory measures, and reputational harm; and (iii) as a result, AT&T's statements about its business, operations, and prospects, were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. The case is Brazinsky v. AT&T Inc., et al., No. 23-cv-04064. About ClaimsFiler ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations. To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com. SOURCE ClaimsFiler NEW ORLEANS, Aug. 11, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until September 11, 2023 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Baxter International Inc. (NYSE: BAX), if they purchased the Company's securities between May 12, 2022 and February 8, 2023, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Get Help Baxter investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-bax-4/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options. About the Lawsuit Baxter and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws. On February 9, 2023, pre-market, the Company announced its Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year 2002 earnings results, disclosing that, despite its prior assurances, the problems with its supply chain and the resulting effect on its operations was not under control, that it did not meet its earnings guidance for the year, and that earnings guidance going forward would have to be lowered for the first quarter of 2023. On this news, shares of Baxter fell from $45.68 per share to $41.01 per share, on unusually heavy trading volume. The case is Kelley v. Baxter International, Inc., et al., No. 23-cv-04497. About ClaimsFiler ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations. To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com. SOURCE ClaimsFiler DUBLIN, Aug. 11, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Dental Chair Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product, By Type (Ceiling-Mounted Design, Dental-Chair Mounted Design), By Application (Examination, Surgery), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global dental chair market size is expected to reach USD 1.48 billion by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 5.7% The market growth can be attributed to the increasing awareness and prevalence of oral diseases and the consequent increase in the demand for dental care facilities. Development in infrastructure and improving access of low- and middle-income groups to dental facilities can further boost the market. According to the Global Oral Health Status Report 2022, published by the World Health Organization, approximately two billion people across the globe are suffering from caries of permanent teeth and 514 million children are suffering from caries of primary teeth. Moreover, one billion people worldwide are suffering from severe gum disease which is also a major cause of total tooth loss. The bad oral habits of people such as tobacco consumption and poor hygiene maintenance are contributing to the rising prevalence of these diseases. The technological advancements in the dental chair industry are also contributing to their growing demand. The addition of innovative features such as touch screens is making these chairs more comfortable than others. In addition, mobile independent chairs can help in increasing patients' access to oral healthcare facilities. Such innovations can further increase the adoption rate of dental chairs and boost market growth. The negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was also observed in this market. Several restrictions imposed by governments across countries limited people's movement and their visits to hospitals decreased significantly. However, the market witnessed a recovery as restrictions were eased. Dental Chair Market Report Highlights Based on product, the power dental chair segment accounted for the largest revenue share of 63.1% in 2022 and it is also expected to register the fastest CAGR of 5.9% over the forecast period. This growth can be attributed to technological advancements and the increasing emphasis of dentists on providing their patients with maximum comfort Based on type, the ceiling-mounted segment accounted for the largest revenue share of 39.7% in 2022, owing to its easy-to-maintain attribute and effectiveness Based on application, the examination segment dominated the market with a share of 28.4% in 2022 owing to increasing awareness regarding oral hygiene In 2022, North America dominated the market with a revenue share of 38.1%, owing to the use of advanced technology and increased consumer knowledge. On the other hand, Asia Pacific is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period due to the increasing prevalence of oral diseases Competitive Landscape Austin Dental Equipment Company Midmark Craftmaster Contour Equipment, Inc. Xo CARE A/S Sirona Henry Schein , Inc. , Inc. Danaher Corporation PLANMECA OY Patterson Dental Supply, Inc. Straumann Key Topics Covered: Chapter 1. Methodology and Scope Chapter 2. Executive Summary 2.1. Market Outlook 2.2. Segment Outlook 2.3. Competitive Insights Chapter 3. Dental Chair Market Variables, Trends & Scope 3.1. Market Lineage Outlook 3.1.1. Parent market outlook 3.1.2. Related/ancillary market outlook 3.2. Penetration & Growth Prospect Mapping 3.3. Industry Value Chain Analysis 3.3.1. Reimbursement framework 3.4. Market Dynamics 3.4.1. Market driver analysis 3.4.2. Market restraint analysis 3.5. Dental Chair Market Analysis Tools 3.5.1. Industry Analysis - Porter's 3.5.2. PESTEL Analysis Chapter 4. Dental Chair: Product Estimates & Trend Analysis 4.1. Dental Chair Market: Key Takeaways 4.2. Dental Chair Market: Movement & Market Share Analysis, 2022 & 2030 4.3. Powered dental chair 4.4. Non-powered dental chair Chapter 5. Dental Chair: Type Estimates & Trend Analysis 5.1. Dental Chair Market: Key Takeaways 5.2. Dental Chair Market: Movement & Market Share Analysis, 2022 & 2030 5.3. Ceiling-mounted design 5.4. Mobile-Independent Design 5.5. Dental-chair mounted design Chapter 6. Dental Chair: Application Estimates & Trend Analysis 6.1. Dental Chair Market: Key Takeaways 6.2. Dental Chair Market: Movement & Market Share Analysis, 2022 & 2030 6.3. Examination 6.4. Surgery 6.5. Orthodontics Chapter 7. Dental Chair Market: Regional Estimates & Trend Analysis 7.1. Regional Outlook 7.2. Dental Chair Market by Region: Key Marketplace Takeaway For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/k40fqm 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, Aug. 11, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Disposable Face Masks Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Protective Masks, Dust Masks, Non-woven Masks), By Application (Industrial, Personal), By Distribution Channel, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global disposable face masks market size is expected to reach USD 2.99 billion by 2030 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 1.9% from 2023 to 2030 The COVID-19 pandemic, rapid industrialization, rising pollution levels, and growing awareness among users regarding health protection are the factors expected to propel the need for disposable face protectors over the projected period. Asia Pacific is expected to remain one of the prominent regional markets owing to the growing industrial sector in emerging economies including China and India. Furthermore, supportive government initiatives to protect the health of the working and non-working classes in the above-mentioned countries are driving the product demand in the near future. Moreover, the increase in air pollution, fast-paced growth of the healthcare industry, large consumer base, increasing consumer consciousness, and the growing presence of a number of disposable face mask manufacturers in the region are driving the growth of the market in the region. Furthermore, the implementation of various safety norms for workers' safety in developed economies including the U.S. and Germany is expected to remain a key trend in the market. The industry is highly competitive in terms of product variation and pricing. Key players are focusing on inventing disposable masks that will enable users with better ventilation, filtration, water-proof, and other benefits. Rising consumer demand for innovative, high filtration efficiency, and application-specific masks is expected to open new opportunities for the key players over the next few years. The introduction of special respiratory disposable masks is a key trend in the market, enabling manufacturers to customize the products accordingly to meet customer specifications. Disposable Face Masks Market Report Highlights The protective mask segment is expected to expand at a significant pace from 2023 to 2030 owing to rapid industrialization and increasing initiatives to protect health on a global level The industrial application segment is expected to garner a huge market share owing to stringent regulations regarding worker safety, particularly in the healthcare industry Growth of the Asia Pacific segment is backed by increased awareness regarding health and personal hygiene, along with rising spending on healthcare facilities segment is backed by increased awareness regarding health and personal hygiene, along with rising spending on healthcare facilities Product innovations, along with the establishment of strategic business partnerships with the distributors, are expected to remain favorable factors for market growth over the next few years Key Topics Covered: Chapter 1. Methodology and Scope Chapter 2. Executive Summary 2.1. Market Outlook 2.2. Segmental Outlook 2.3. Competitive Insights Chapter 3. Disposable Face Masks Market Variables, Trends & Scope 3.1. Market Lineage Outlook 3.2. Industry Value Chain Analysis 3.2.1. Sales/Retail Channel Analysis 3.2.2. Profit Margin Analysis 3.3. Market Dynamics 3.4. Industry Analysis - Porter's 3.5. Market Entry Strategies Chapter 4. Consumer Behavior Analysis 4.1. Consumer Trends and Preferences 4.2. Factors Affecting Buying Decision 4.3. Consumer Product Adoption 4.4. Observations & Recommendations Chapter 5. Disposable Face Masks Market: Product Estimates & Trend Analysis 5.1. Product Movement Analysis & Market Share, 2022 & 2030 5.2. Protective masks 5.3. Dust masks 5.4. Non-woven masks Chapter 6. Disposable Face Masks Market: Application Estimates & Trend Analysis 6.1. Application Movement Analysis & Market Share, 2022 & 2030 6.2. Industrial 6.3. Personal Chapter 7. Disposable Face Masks Market: Distribution Channel Estimates & Trend Analysis 7.1. Distribution Channel Movement Analysis & Market Share, 2022 & 2030 7.2. Online 7.3. Offline Chapter 8. Disposable Face Masks Market: Regional Estimates & Trend Analysis 8.1. Regional Movement Analysis & Market Share, 2022 & 2030 Chapter 9. Competitive Analysis 9.1. Key global players, recent developments & their impact on the industry 9.2. Key Company/Competition Categorization (Key innovators, Market leaders, Emerging players) 9.3. Vendor Landscape 9.3.1. Key company market share analysis, 2022 Chapter 10. Company Profiles Honeywell International Inc. 3M Moldex-Metric, Inc. Kimberly-Clark Corporation Uvex group Kowa American Corporation SAS Safety Corp. The Gerson Companies, Inc. DACH JIANGSU TEYIN IMP. & EXP. CO., LTD. For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/d9ncul 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 In the Colombian town of Lorica, the community is still trying to assimilate the death of Edwin Miguel Arrieta Arteaga, the 44-year-old plastic surgeon who was murdered and dismembered in Thailand. Arrieta grew up in the Cascajal neighborhood, a modest area located a few blocks from the market square of Lorica, where the clamor of street vendors mixes with the smell of fish and the incessant traffic of motorcycles. As a boy, he lived with his parents a radio and television restorer and a school teacher who instilled in him Catholic values. He spent his last years of high school at Normal Superior Santa Teresita, a school founded in Lorica by missionary nuns of that congregation. Since he was a child, he had two dreams: to be a doctor and to see the world, says Darling Arrieta, the surgeons older sister. Arrieta began his studies at the Metropolitan University of Barranquilla, a five-hour drive from Lorica, a town of 112,000 residents. While the course was very demanding, he did not give up, and he graduated around 2000. Arrieta then went to Buenos Aires, Argentina, to specialize as a plastic, aesthetic and reconstructive surgeon as postgraduate studies at the University of Buenos Aires were less expensive than in Colombia. This was how Arrieta began to carve out his path in the lucrative business of cosmetic surgery that considered him as one of the most esteemed professionals in the Caribbean. After living another year in Argentina, he returned to Monteria, the capital of the department of Cordoba, which was just an hour from Lorica. From in Monteria, he had more room to grow. He opened a cosmetic surgery office, and also worked in three clinics as a reconstructive surgeon, correcting scars from traffic accidents, burns and gunshot wounds. As his private practice grew, he left one of those jobs to serve the countless patients who came from other cities in the country and the world in search of cosmetic surgery. After building up a large number of clients from Chile, he decided to practice cosmetic surgery in Chile, where he had certified his degree from Buenos Aires. At the start of 2022, he began to spend every second fortnight of the month in the country. Friends of Health Foundation, a medical center where Edwin worked in Monteria (Colombia). Diego Cuevas The anesthesiologist Silvio Suarez, who worked with Arrieta almost every day in the operating rooms of the Friends of Health Foundation, remembers his dedication to the profession. He was dedicated to his patients, a perfectionist in what he did. He was happy, spontaneous and fun, says Suarez. After becoming a prominent surgeon, Arrieta moved to the El Recreo neighborhood of Monteria, the most exclusive in the city. Filled with luxury houses, his neighbors were families with political and economic power. He also had a vacation cabin in Covenas, a nearby resort town on the Caribbean. Arrieta was a polo player and set an alarm every day to say the chaplet of Divine Mercy with a rosary at 3 p.m. The 44-year-old Colombian doctor never forgot about his family. He was the pillar of the family. They trusted him with both big and small decisions. Arrieta often traveled to Lorica. He went to the simple house where he grew up and spent his time with family. When he was away, he called his parents several times a day. That was why they were so concerned when he fell silent from Thailand on August 3. Their fears turned to dismay when it was revealed that he had been murdered by Spaniard Daniel Sancho, the son of actor Rodolfo Sancho. Nohemi Ballesteros, a neighbor and friend of the family, says that Arrieta always looked after his parents, who were elderly and had health problems. Whenever he arrived, the first thing he did was go and see them. In the morning, he would say to his mother: Mom, how did you sleep? Here I am. When she was going to bed: Mother, Im going to bed now, you can go to sleep now without worrying. There are children that do not take this into account. When someone gives everything to their family, thats the way it is with others, and thats the way Dr. Edwin was, says Ballesteros, who works at a hairdressers in Lorica. Arrieta also went out of his way for his friends. Those closest to him remember that when he would run, not walk to see them; he liked celebrations and playing host. He was very sociable, very friendly, says his sister. Traveling made him feel alive. He kept track of the countries he had visited he had traveled to Italy, Turkey, North Africa and those that he was yet to see. Before leaving one destination, he was thinking about the next. He was a dreamer who wanted to travel the world. He worked to travel, says one of his close friends. One of his dreams was to go to Scandinavia and see the Arctic. Darling, Edwin's sister, holds a photograph of her brother. Diego Cuevas Before his trip to Thailand, which was his first time in that country according to his family, the surgeon said that he was going to meet Spanish friends. He did not specifically mention Daniel Sancho. Indeed, his relatives in Colombia had never heard about him. Suarez, the anesthesiologist, says that Arrieta was reserved about his private life and was happy about the trip. He was going to learn about new cultures, new ways of seeing life, which was what interested him, says Suarez. Arrieta had said that he was planning to go live in Spain because they lived well in that country. He went there around five times in the last 10 months. He said that he was working on getting his documents validated, and that he had plans to set up businesses in Madrid, adds Suarez. First the investigation, then the repatriation Edwin Arrietas relatives are waiting for his remains to be repatriated. They do not want the process to affect the collection of evidence in the Southeast Asian country. The familys lawyer, Miguel Gonzalez Sanchez, has said that the trial must take place in Thailand, without Sancho who confessed to the murder being extradited to Spain. The crime occurred there, so we dont see the need for it to be transferred. Extradition would go against the rights of the victims. We believe that Thailand is an impartial territory and would give more guarantees, he says, adding that they are awaiting an official report on the money, reportedly $80,000, and the victims belongings that were found at the hotel where he was staying. In addition to mourning their friend, Arrietas friends and family have also called for justice. Edwin is not here to defend himself. We are all raising our voices for justice to be done. We are asking for the case not to be forgotten, for Colombia and the entire world to continue to show solidarity, says Viviana Ordosgoitia, one of his best friends. We are asking for justice for my friend and for there to be no fame or influence peddling. We are calling for justice for Edwin and for the person responsible to pay a sentence in Thailand, adds another friend. The streets of Lorica, the town where the doctor was born. Diego Cuevas The doctors family is not seeking the death penalty as punishment, but they do want a sentence that will serve as an example. Only God can take away and give life. No human being has the right to take the life of another, no matter how much evil they have done. We want justice to be done, but we believe in divine justice, says Darling Arrieta, dressed in mourning for her brother. She is grieving with her parents in the Lorica home where the renowned surgeon grew up. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif., Aug. 11, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- To address the growing need for health care professionals in the region, Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) and University of La Verne are collaborating to create a brand-new resource: the IEHP Health Career Academy. Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) and University of La Verne are partnering to create a brand-new resource: the IEHP Health Career Academy. The academy's mission is to address the growing need for health care professionals in the region. The not-for-profit health plan has committed $1.5 million to launch the academy under the University of La Verne Randall Lewis Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Social Impact a pillar of the university's emerging education and innovation corridor located off D Street, between North Sultana and North Plum avenues in Ontario. The academy's goal is to fill critical workforce needs and retain talent to address health disparities within one of the fastest-growing population regions in the country. Funding will support the creation of certification for three critical frontline career fields: nursing assistants, medical assistants and central service technicians. The first program cohorts are expected to launch late spring 2024. "This seed funding will support and enhance the great work University of La Verne is already doing to educate the next generation of frontline health care workers," said Jarrod McNaughton, IEHP's chief executive officer. "The new IEHP Health Career Academy will help to bolster the emerging workforce for the future of health care in the Inland Empire." The academy complements and aligns with the vision for the corridor, which will include programs that focus on entrepreneurship, law, public service, health equity, community well-being and educational advancement in historically underserved communities, according to the university. "The new IEHP Health Career Academy will help address the critical shortage of frontline health care workers and accelerate professional training and certification in new and emerging subdisciplines requiring technological and interdisciplinary expertise in addressing patient and community challenges," said University of La Verne President Devorah Lieberman. One highlight of the new academy will be the Earn-to-Learn program, which provides students the opportunity to pursue necessary field certification while working in related entry-level positions and earning experience and pay. This model is a "practical way of alleviating a burden by providing a more financially inclusive and accessible education," according to both entities. Participants can also receive entrepreneurial skills in the healthcare industry to support related start-up businesses, officials said. About IEHP With a mission to heal and inspire the human spirit, Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) is one of the top 10 largest Medicaid health plans, the largest not-for-profit Medicare-Medicaid plan in the country and for the third year in a row, certified as A Great Place To Work. In its 27th year, IEHP supports more than 1.6 million Riverside and San Bernardino County residents enrolled in Medicaid or IEHP DualChoice (those with both Medi-Cal and Medicare). Today, IEHP has a growing network of 7,000 providers and 3,000 team members who are fully committed to the vision: We will not rest until our communities enjoy optimal care and vibrant health. To learn more, visit iehp.org. About University of LaVerne The University of La Verne is a nonprofit comprehensive institution offering a wide-range of liberal arts and professional programs incorporating the same core values it was founded on in 1891 - lifelong learning, ethical reasoning, civic and community engagement, and diversity and inclusivity. With more than 70 percent of students from underrepresented groups, the federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution is among the most diverse small private universities in the nation. The Southern California-based university has five colleges and offers classes at the historic La Verne campus, through regional campuses, and online. The University of La Verne is nationally recognized and consistently holds rankings on the U.S. News & World Report National University, Best Value Schools, Top Performers on Social Mobility, and Best Online Programs lists. SOURCE Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 11, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- IRA Capital ("IRA"), a leading private equity firm, has announced the recent relocation of its offices in Irvine to accommodate the company's continued growth. IRA relocated to a newly constructed contemporary office totaling approximately 15,000 SF at 3121 Michelson Drive in Park Place-Irvine from its previous location of 6,000 SF at the Irvine Concourse. IRA's new office marks another milestone for the company as it continues to grow and enhance its capabilities at a pivotal juncture in the capital markets. IRA's office is strategically located minutes from Orange County's John Wayne Airport and Newport Beach's Fashion Island. The new office is also caddy-corner to the 150,000 SF, 9-acre project (at Michelson and Jamboree) that IRA acquired in 2021. Also, one mile from the new office is the 25-acre parcel known as Von Karman Creative Campus, which IRA acquired earlier this year. Given IRA's substantial local investment in Irvine and the potential redevelopment of these projects, the company wanted to invest in a special place not only for its employees, but also as a gathering hub for its partners and the local business community. Considering IRA's focus in the healthcare real estate markets, IRA will be hosting a private event at its offices next month to provide insights on the local and healthcare markets. Guest speakers will include Farrah Khan, the Mayor of the City of Irvine, who will be shedding additional light on the current development environment and discussing opportunities for growth and innovation. Also speaking will be Chad Lefteris, the CEO of UCI Health, which is in the process of constructing a $1.3 Billion, 144-bed hospital/medical complex just down the street from IRA's offices. "We are excited to announce the opening of our new office in Irvine, CA," said Mohannad Malas, IRA Capital Co-Founder, Managing Partner. "This expansion is a reflection of our dedication to delivering exceptional investment opportunities and value to our stakeholders. The continued growth deepens IRA's relationships, fosters collaboration, promotes innovation, and better serves the unique needs of the community." IRA's new office space also comes at a time when the company recently announced the launch of its flagship $500 Million healthcare real estate fund, which will be targeting medical properties and senior housing assets across the United States. About IRA Capital IRA Capital is a Southern-California based private equity firm founded in 2010 by partners Amer Kasm, Samir Patel, Jay Gangwal, Amer Malas, and Mohannad Malas. IRA invests capital for its own account and on behalf of its co-investment partners, which include pension funds, institutions, and family offices. Headquartered in Irvine California, IRA has acquired over seven million square feet of property in 30 states, with a total capitalization greater than $3 Billion. For more information, please visit www.IRAcapital.com. For more information, please contact: Danielle Ball, IRA Capital Corporate Communications/ 949.258.7411 SOURCE IRA Capital 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 Kiev, Aug 12 : Ukraine and the UK started initial working-level negotiations on a bilateral agreement on security commitments, the Ukrainian presidential press service said. Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian President's Office, said on Friday that bilateral commitments for Ukraine will be an element of strengthening common security in the Euro-Atlantic region. Britain became the second country to start talks with Ukraine on security commitments, Xinhua news agency reported. On August 3, Ukraine launched talks on security guarantees with the US. Baghdad, Aug 12 : Three people, including a senior member of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), were killed in a Turkish drone strike in Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, the region's counter-terrorism service said in a statement. A Turkish drone attacked a vehicle on a main road near the town of Penjwen in Sulaymaniyah province, east of the Kurdistan region, at 3:30 p.m. local time, killing a senior member of the PKK, a militant, and the driver of the vehicle, it noted on Friday. The Turkish forces frequently carry out ground operations, airstrikes, and artillery bombardments in northern Iraq against the PKK, especially in the Qandil Mountains, the main base of the group, Xinhua news agency reported. The PKK, listed as a terrorist organisation by Turkey, the US, and the EU, has been rebelling against the Turkish government for more than three decades. United Nations, Aug 12 : UN humanitarians in Sudan said they negotiated the way for colleagues to deliver relief into an extremely challenging area of the capital city Khartoum. "This (Friday) morning, trucks carrying some 460 tons of supplies from the World Food Programme (WFP) reached Jabal Awlia in greater Khartoum, one of the areas hardest hit by the fighting," the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Friday. The convoy was facilitated by OCHA, which engaged with the parties to the conflict to ensure that the trucks could safely reach their destination, Xinhua news agency reported. Since late May, WFP has assisted more than 150,000 people in the greater Khartoum area, the humanitarians said. The agency continues to scale up assistance to people fleeing Sudan's capital to neighbouring states such as Northern and River Nile states. The humanitarians pointed out that WFP delivered food assistance in West Darfur State last week to around 15,400 people. The office said western Darfur region also has proved very challenging because of the fighting, which broke out on April 15 between two military factions. "Once again, we appeal to all parties to provide safe and unconditional humanitarian access to all parts of Sudan, including other hard-to-reach areas such as South Kordofan, and to all parts of Darfur, in particular North Darfur," OCHA added. Khartoum, Aug 12 : The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have announced that it had killed 26 members of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in clashes near the city of El-Obeid in North Kordofan State, about 330 km southwest of capital Khartoum. The SAF said on Friday in a statement that its special forces launched an attack on RSF militants in the Farajallah district near El-Obeid, killing 26 of them and destroying two combat vehicles, Xinhua news agency reported. Eyewitnesses told Xinhua that SAF's air force continued to bombard RSF strongholds south of Khartoum and in the adjacent city of Omdurman. The Darfur Bar Association announced on Friday that five civilians were killed in clashes between the SAF and the RSF in Sudan's southwestern South Darfur State. The association said in a statement that the civilians were killed on Thursday evening in an exchange of artillery bombardment between the two sides in Nyala, the capital of South Darfur state. The association called for an immediate end to the ongoing war to spare the country further loss of lives and destruction. Sudan has been witnessing deadly clashes between the SAF and the RSF in Khartoum and other areas since April 15, resulting in at least 3,000 deaths and more than 6,000 injuries, according to figures released by the Sudanese Health Ministry. Washington, Aug 12 : A US federal judge has warned former President Donald Trump against making "inflammatory" statements which could taint the jury pool ahead of his 2024 trial for conspiring to overturn the result of the 2020 election. At the 90-minute hearing on Friday in Washington D.C., US District Judge Tanya Chuktan noted that while Trump's rights as a criminal defendant would be protected, his First Amendment right to free speech was "not absolute", CNN reported. "In a criminal case such as this one, the defendant's free speech is subject to the rules," she said. "He is a criminal defendant. He is going to have restrictions like every single other defendant. The fact that the defendant is engaged in a political campaign is not going to allow him any greater or lesser latitude than any defendant in a criminal case." Judge Tanya Chuktan closed the hearing with a promise that the case would advance like any normal proceeding in the criminal justice system, but warned that the more "inflammatory" statements were made by a party, the quicker she would need to move toward a trial to preserve a fair jury. "It is a bedrock principle of the judicial process in this country," she said, while quoting precedent, "that legal trials are not like elections, to be won through the use of the meeting hall, the radio and the newspaper", CNN reported. "This case is no exception," she said. What Trump can reveal publicly is one of several battles being fought between his legal team and federal prosecutors, the BBC reported. The former President is already subject to a protective order in a separate upcoming New York case about alleged hush money payments to former adult film actress Stormy Daniels. His legal team also agreed to similar conditions in another case related to his alleged mishandling of classified documents. Trump pleaded not guilty to four criminal charges related to his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election last week, and the judge cautioned his lawyers about any public statements by their client that could possibly intimidate of witnesses. Yangon, Aug 12 : Myanmar's Department of Disaster Management said that more than 45,000 people were currently in relief shelters across the country due to floods triggered by surging river levels amid intense rainfall. A Department official told Xinhuanews agency on Friday that five people, including three from Mon State and two from Rakhine State, have died. The regions and states affected by the natural disasters during the monsoon season included Kachin, Kayin, Bago, Magway, Mon and Rakhine, she said. The Department has established 109 shelters throughout the country to aid flood victims. The majority of the shelters are located in Mon, Kayin and Rakhine states as well as in Bago Region, it said. Rakhine has already evacuated more than 10,000 people from 2,146 households to shelters due to flooding and rising river levels, state media reported. In Kayin, six out of seven townships have been inundated, leading to the relocation of over 18,000 residents from their homes to shelters. Heavy rains also caused landslides in Kayin State, resulting in the collapse of a section of the Myawaddy-Kawkareik Asia Road on Monday. The incident obstructed transportation on the route, rendering it impassable for vehicles. Furthermore, parts of a crucial road connecting Kayin State's capital Hpa-an and Mon's capital Mawlamyine were also inundated on Thursday, local media reported. Additionally, flooding forced the closure of 12 primary schools in Kyaikmaraw township in Mon. In Bago Region, 12,461 people from 2,973 households were forced to relocate to shelters as continuous heavy rains caused severe flooding. A resident of Bago, told Xinhua on Friday that "the ground floor of my house remained submerged, with water reaching chest height in my yard". U Hla Tun, a director from the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology, told Xinhua on Friday: "Rainfalls were high in recent days. The recent heavy rainfall is one of the reasons that caused rivers overflowing." The weather department reported that the water levels of several rivers, including Sittaung, Bago and Thanlwin rivers, remained above their danger levels on Thursday afternoon. It also issued a warning for residents living near riverbanks or low-lying areas in Bago Region's Madauk town and Bago township, Kayin's Hpa-an township to remain vigilant about potential flood risks. According to the weather agency's latest 10-day forecast issued on Friday, river levels in various parts of the country, including the Ayeyarwady and Chindwin, are expected to rise until August 20. Manuel Ranoque arrives at the Military Hospital to visit the children in Bogota, on June 11, 2023. RAUL ARBOLEDA (AFP) Colombian police arrested on Friday Manuel Ranoque, the father of the indigenous children who made headlines in June for surviving a plane crash and 40 days on their own in the Amazon jungle. Thats according to the Attorney Generals Office, which added that the arrest, requested by a prosecutor and approved by a judge, was carried out in Bogota. The agency has been very secretive in the case and refused to provide more information until Ranoque is brought to justice, but it has been reported that the father is accused of sexual abuse. After the children were rescued from the jungle, their maternal family began to publicly denounce Ranoque for sexual abuse and domestic violence. The Colombian Family Welfare Institute (ICBF) has custody of the four minors: Lesly Mucutuy, 13, Soleiny Mucutuy, nine, Tien Noriel Ronoque Mucutuy, four, and Cristin Neriman Ranoque Mucutuy, who turned one while they were lost in the jungle. Ranoque is the stepfather of the two oldest girls and the father of the youngest two. The director of the ICBF, Astrid Caceres, said Friday that the siblings were doing well and were moving forward with their activities to rejoin the educational system. The children are still in the process of establishing their rights. We are not going to expose them to any other exercise. Their history and their personal lives are their own, she said. The mother of the four children, Magdalena Mucutuy, died in the plane crash that they survived. On May 1, she and her children boarded an aircraft that covered the Araracuara (Caqueta) San Jose del Guaviare route, a jungle area of the Amazon with limited transportation options, where trips in precarious small planes are common. The family were going to Bogota to meet Ranoque, who had fled from the indigenous reservation where he was governor after reporting threats from the Carolina Ramirez Front, one of the dissident groups of the now defunct FARC guerrillas. After the plane crash, the children were forced to survive on farina (a cassava flour) found in the luggage of one of the deceased, fruits from the jungle, and a package of emergency supplies dropped by the military. Ranoque, along with military personnel and indigenous volunteers, took part in the operation to rescue the children. But when the children were finally found in June, complaints began to be made against Ranoque and the bad relationship he had with the childrens maternal grandparents. There were rumors that the little ones had hid from the rescue teams because they feared that their father would beat them for getting lost in the jungle. When the minors left the Military Hospital in Bogota, the ICBF decided to take charge of them while it investigated complaints of ill-treatment against Ranoque. The father denied his guilt and demanded that the state hand over custody to him as soon as possible. They are my children, not the presidents, he told this newspaper in July. The maternal grandparents, Narciso Mucutuy and Maria Fatima Valencia, claimed that Ranoque hit their daughter and mistreated their grandchildren. The grandparents have been fighting for weeks for custody of the four children. Not only against Ranoque, but also against Andres, Magdalenas first husband and the father of her two eldest daughters. Now people with vested interest are surfacing. Since my daughter divorced him [Andres], we havent heard from him. Now he suddenly appears, the grandmother said in July. When they give [the children] to me, I will take them to the Amazon, she said, when asked about her plans. The ICBF, which was studying the complaints, did not let Ranoque see the two older girls during the weeks they spent at the Bogota Military Hospital. At that time, the institute was assessing various options for the childrens future. Guaranteeing the rights of the Mucutuy children requires a reasonable period of time that allows us to protect their integrity, until the family environment is safe for their growth, declared Caceres in July. The Colombian government has created a trust to manage the money that children can receive for telling their story. Producers from around the world, including several from Hollywood, have made offers to get the rights to their story, but for now they remain in limbo. Ranoque, for his part, filed a million-dollar lawsuit a few weeks ago against Avianline Charterss company, the owner of the plane that crashed. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition London, Aug 12 : A UK court began hearing the case of two Indian-origin brothers, aged one and 10 years, who were killed when men involved in high speed racing along a busy road careered into their family's car in 2019. Sanjay Singh and his infant brother Pawanveer died on the spot on March 14, 2019 when the BMW driven by their mother was struck by a speeding Audi S3 whose driver then fled the scene. Police arrested Mohammed Sullaiman Khan and Hamza Shahid, 36, who were allegedly involved in a 'spontaneous race' before Khan's Audi A3 smashed into the BMW, BirminghamLive reported. "It was the blue Audi that collided with the mother's car. We say that the drivers of both cars are responsible," prosecutor Robert Price, opening the case at Wolverhampton Crown Court earlier this week, said. Mother Arathi Nahar, who was behind the wheels, told the court that she had 'no chance' of avoiding the deadly collision as her car was 'propelled' onto the pavement and hurtled into metal railings. Witnesses described spotting two men dangerously racing 'bumper to bumper' moments before the impact, with one describing the pair as driving 'erratically like lunatics', the news website reported. The court heard that Nahar was travelling back home with elder son Sanjay in the front passenger seat and younger son -- due to celebrate his second birthday just nine days before he died -- sitting at the back of the white BMW. "It was an act of sheer madness," Nahar, who was seriously injured in the crash, told the court. A police investigation later established the Audi was racing at 92mph and Shahid's Bentley at 72mph just 110m just before the crash. Mohammed Sullaiman Khan is said to have fled the scene 'quickly' after the collision. "He did not stay around to see how the passengers in the car were. He did not call for any emergency assistance for them. His priority was himself and his pressing need to get away from that scene and avoid responsibility for what he had done," prosecutor Price told the court. To pervert the course of justice, jurors heard how a 'false report' was made to police, suggesting a burglar who had stolen the Audi was to blame for the crash. Shahid denied two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and one count of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. The court heard that Khan previously admitted the same charges but denied conspiracy to pervert the course of justice. Three others, who were also arrested in connection with the case, also denied conspiracy to pervert the course of justice. --IANS mi/ksk Kutch, Aug 12 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah's one-day visit to the border district of Kutch in Gujarat is packed with engagements on Saturday. The minister's itinerary reflects a keen interest in both industrial development and border security in the region. Starting the day, Shah will perform traditional ground-breaking ceremonies and lay foundation stone for the IFFCO Nano DAP (liquid) plant at the IFFCO Kandla Nano DAP unit in Gandhidham. This ceremony marks the official commencement of construction for this important agricultural facility. Later, at 2 p.m., the focus will shift to national security as the Union Home Minister lay the foundation stone for the Border Security Force (BSF)'s mooring place at the coastal pilgrim place Koteshwar. This development will enhance the coastal defence capabilities in the region. Shah will then explore Harami Nala at 3:00 pm, a notorious area right at the Indo-Pak coastal border near Sir Creek. For this, he will board the Border Out Post Gopal at Koteshwar, allowing him to gain firsthand insight into this sensitive and strategic location. Capping off the day, at 6 p.m., Shah will attend an event at Bhuj jail to mark the Amrit Mahotsav of Aazadi. The programme, titled 'Transformation@75', is aimed at commemorating the country's 75 years of Independence reflecting on the journey so far and envisioning the path forward. Kolkata, Aug 12 : Besides celebrating Independence Day on August 15, the BJP state unit in West Bengal this year will also observe "Partition Horror Day" to remind people of the atrocities committed during the partition. "An instruction has been sent to preferably observe Partition Horror Day on August 15 and if not, when it can be observed on any day between August 13-15," a state committee member of the BJP said. According to the member, while gaining independence from the British rule was a joyous occasion for all Indians, the event is painful for some, especially those who witnessed and were victims of the partition. "Since Bengal, along with Punjab, were the worst affected because of the partition, our party leadership has decided to observe this 'Partition Horror Day' in a parallel manner this time." Political observers have opined that this move of the BJP was in lines with the saffron camp's traditional strategy of holding the Congress responsible for the partition of the country. The Prime Minister himself at times had been vocal about the plight of people becoming victims of the partition. According to the state committee member, there was no reason to believe this initiative as a political move by our party. "We want the present generation to be aware of both sides of the independence and partition since both these developments are insuperable. Unless we learn lessons out of it, the same dark days might return," he added. The state's ruling Trinamool Congress,however, described the move as an attempt to create further divisions among people. "Such things do not suit a political force that always resorts to communal divisions for the sake of politics," said Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha member Santanu Sen. Guwahati, August 12 : A BJP woman leader in Assam has allegedly committed suicide after some intimate pictures of her with another senior party politician went viral on social media. The incident took place on Friday night in Guwahati's Bamunimaidam area. The deceased has been identified as Indrani Tahbildar, a prominent member of the state BJP. Tahbildar held the Chamber of Commerce's vice president position and she was also treasured of the Kisan Morcha. According to sources, Tahbildar got involved in an extramarital affair with another BJP leader who used to stay at her house as a tenant. Some of the pictures of the alleged couple leaked online recently. It has been alleged that the woman BJP leader took the extreme step following her intimate pictures being made public. Speaking to IANS, DCP of central Guwahati Dipak Choudhury said:" The police are investigating the incident. It was considered an unnatural death and a probe has been launched. However, until now, we have not received any such complaints regarding the leaking of intimate pictures of the deceased with another person. But we are looking into every angle." Tahbildar's body has been sent to the Guwahati Medical College and Hospital for post-mortem. --IANS tdr/ksk New York, Aug 12 : An Indian-American doctor has been arrested for an alleged indecent act and exposing himself within the view of a 14-year-old girl seated next to him onboard a flight from Honolulu to Boston in May 2022. Sudipta Mohanty, 33, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of lewd, indecent and obscene acts while in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the US. An internal medicine and primary care doctor with a practice in Boston, Mohanty was arrested on Thursday and was released on conditions following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston, the US Attorney's Office in Massachusetts said. "Everyone, especially children, has the absolute right to not be exposed to lewd conduct when they are traveling," said Acting US Attorney Joshua S Levy. "If you engage in the type of illicit behaviour alleged here, you will be caught and held accountable wherever it happens." According to the charging documents, Mohanty was a passenger aboard a Hawaiian Airlines Flight enroute from Honolulu to Boston with a female companion on May 27, 2022. He was allegedly seated next to a 14-year-old minor travelling with her grandparents, who were seated nearby. About half-way through the flight, the minor allegedly observed that Mohanty had covered himself with a blanket up to his neck and that Mohanty's leg was bouncing up and down. Shortly thereafter, the minor observed that the blanket was on the floor, no longer covering Mohanty, and that Mohanty was masturbating. The minor moved herself to an empty seat in a different row for the remainder of the flight. After arriving in Boston, the minor informed members of her family about the incident and law enforcement was notified. "What Dr Mohanty is accused of doing in front of a 14-year-old girl is reprehensible," said Christopher DiMenna, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. "Today's arrest should make it crystal clear that the FBI takes crimes aboard aircraft seriously, everything from sexual misconduct as alleged in this case, to assault, interfering with the flight crew, and theft. If you've been the victim of a crime aboard an aircraft or have witnessed one take place, we ask you to report it to both your flight crew and the FBI," DiMenna said in a statement. The charge of lewd, indecent and obscene acts while in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the US provides for a sentence of up to 90 days in prison, up to one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $5,000. --IANS mi/ksk Rahul arrives in Coimbatore to rousing welcome. Image Source: IANS News Chennai, Aug 12 : Congress MP Rahul Gandhi arrived in Coimbatore on Saturday to a rousing welcome. Senior Tamil Nadu Congress leaders, Coimbatore district party members and workers were present in large numbers at the airport receive Rahul Gandhi. The Coimbatore visit comes as part of his trip to his Lok Sabha constituency of Wayanad in Kerala. His visit to Wayanad will be the first after the Supreme Court stayed his conviction in a criminal defamation case over his remarks on the aModia surname that he made in Karnataka. Rahul Gandhias status as a parliamentarian was reinstated by the Lok Sabha speaker on Monday after the Supreme Court stay. He has already left for Wayanadand will be there on Saturday and Sunday. --IANS aal/ksk Nepal in a fix to hold census in disputed territories with India. Image Source: IANS News Kathmandu, August 12 : India's Line of Credit (LOC) spending on various projects in Nepal has crossed the $1.65 billion mark. The figure was released on Friday during the 10th India-Nepal LOC Review Meeting held in Kathmandu. The government of India's LOC portfolio is more than $30 billion and is spread across more than 60 partner countries, said a statement issued by the Embassy of India in Kathmandu. In Nepal, it includes four LOCs: $100 million, $250 million, $550 million and 750 million, totaling $1.65 billion. The projects funded under the LOC are dedicated towards infrastructure development as prioritised by government of Nepal, the statement said, adding that so far the LOCs have financed more than 40 road projects (1,105 km completed), six projects in hydropower and transmission lines, and several others in housing and reconstruction. India is the largest development partner of Nepal as well as trading partner. Major chunks of the Indian LOC go for cross-border power transmission lines. Power transmission infrastructure in Nepal has been augmented with major line of credit projects, such as Koshi Corridor (220 kV), Modi Lekhnath (132 kV), Solu Corridor (132 kV) and the Dhalkebar-Bhittamod (400 kV) projects. "As of now, upto 452 MW of power export is being carried out through the Dhalkebar-Bhittamod 400 kV line. The government of India has also agreed to fund Bheri Corridor, Nijgadh-Inaruwa and Gandak Nepalgunj Transmission lines and associated substations under Indian LOC at an estimated cost of $ 679.8 million," the statement added. Both sides appreciated the strong cooperation in the India-Nepal Developmental Partnership, including through the LOCs extended to Nepal and reviewed the progress of projects which are at various stages of implementation. From the Indian side, the meeting was led by Ajay Kumar, Joint Secretary, (Development Partnership Administration-I), Ministry of External Affairs; and other officials from the Embassy of India and the EXIM Bank. From Nepal side, the meeting was led by Shreekrishna Nepal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Finance, government of Nepal (GoN), and included officials from several departments involved in the execution of projects under the Indian LOC. The Indian delegation also visited the sites of some road projects funded under the LOC. Guwahati, August 12 : An Assam Police constable died during a preparation exercise for the upcoming Independence Day celebrations in Guwahati, officials said on Saturday. The deceased identified as Kukil Dutta, a native of Lakhimpur posted under the Assam Police Radio Organisation (APRO) in Tezpur. According to police, during a police drill in the city's Khanapara area, Dutta started feeling unwell and suddenly collapsed. He was rushed to the hospital, but doctors declared him dead on arrival. Prasanta Bhuyan, IGP, Law and Order, Assam Police, told IANS: "He was ill and later died. We are yet to receive the autopsy report. Once it comes, we can give further details about his illness." The victim's mortal remains were sent to Lakhimpur where his last rites were performed. --IANS tdr/ksk Kolkata, Aug 12 : Investigating officials of the Kolkata Police have got definite clues of the deceased Jadavpur University (JU) fresher, Swapnadip Kundu of being subjected to psychological ragging. On late night, a former M.Sc. student of mathematics, Sourav Chowdhury was arrested in connection to the crime. According to information, not only did Chowdhry masterminded the psychological ragging but he also had a final say in the accommodation arrangement at the student's hostel from the balcony of which the victim fell on August 10 and died. A question also arises on the monitoring of the university authorities on how a former student could be responsible for hostel related administrative operations. City police sources said that as per different versions form the witnesses, including some hostel residents, the victim was unnecessarily asked to repeatedly face an "introduction session" by the accused and some of his associates. Police doubt that during such unauthorised sessions the victim probably faced certain questions which made him upset thoroughly. The police are ruling out the possibilities of the victim being questioned about his sexual orientations considering the reports that the night before his death he was constantly telling his hostel-mates that he was not a gay. Leading city-based queer rights activist and counselor, Sonali Roy said that facing questions about one's sexual orientation, can be at times an extremely upsetting factor for an individual. "It is unfortunate that a student of iconic Jadavpur University had to face such a thing if it is true," said Roy, an alumni in comparative literature of Jadavpur University. Besides the routine police enquiry, the JU authorities have also decided to conduct its own investigation in the matter. A committee consisting of university teachers from various departments along with representatives from the different students' councils has been constituted for that purpose. The committee headed by the science department dean of JU Subinoy Chakraborty is supposed to complete the internal probe within 15 days and submit a report to the university authorities. Chennai, Aug 12 : Even as seven intermediate caste students have been apprehended on the charges of physically assaulting a Dalit student and his sister, the situation in Nanguneri in Tamil Nadu's Tirunelvelli district remains tense. The mother of the two Dalit children has sought police protection as she fears a major attack from the intermediate caste members. The Tiruneveli police is on high alert and have beefed up the number of cops in the district. In 2021, in South Tamil Nadu, including Madurai and Tirunelveli districts, Dalits and intermediate caste members were killed. The killings were in "response" to old killings and rivalry between the two groups. The mother complained to the police that the intermediate caste students used to take money from her child and forced him to buy food items and even tobacco for them. On complaint of the Dalit student's family, school authorities scolded the intermediate caste students. Irked by this, the intermediate caste students went to his home and brutally attacked the Dalit student. His sister who tried to intervene was also attacked. Police have apprehended seven intermediate caste students under various Sections, including the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The assassination of Ecuadorian presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio on Wednesday afternoon in Quito has highlighted the scope of the criminal network that has gripped Ecuador, causing the countrys worst security crisis in recent history. Behind the attack was a perfect storm of violence, drug trafficking and security failures. With authorities failing to address the crisis, armed groups with links to the Mexican cartels have gained a foothold in the country, where Colombia hitmen also have built a presence as evidenced by the murder of Villavicencio. The Prosecutors Office reported Thursday that six suspects, all Colombian nationals, had been arrested in connection with the assassination. On Friday, the police said that four of the six suspects were at the crime scene. Another was killed in an ambush with security forces. According to the police, at least two of the arrested suspected were responsible for firing six shots into the car carrying Villavicencio, who was attacked at 6:15 p.m. local time after leaving a rally. The vehicle, provided by the state, was not armored, even though authorities had warned the candidate that he had a 97% probability of being attacked. According to the forensic report, Villavicencio died from the impact of a bullet to the head. Following the arrest of the Colombian citizens, sources from the investigation explained to EL PAIS that two of them had followed Villavicencio that day. The suspects were recorded by the security cameras of some of the shops located near the crime scene, in the financial center of Quito, but they were not picked up by the politicians bodyguards. The suspected shooter, who died shortly after the attack, was seen hanging around the area, dressed in a T-shirt from Villavicencios political party, Movimiento Construye (Build Ecuador Movement), and waiting for the candidate to leave the event at the school. The suspects left the scene of the crime on motorcycles, then dropped the bikes a few blocks away and escaped in a vehicle in which two other suspects were waiting for them. Before being murdered, the 59-year-old politician and journalist by profession had denounced threats from a criminal known as Fito, the leader of Los Choneros, a drug gang, especially active on the coast, which works with Mexicos Sinaloa Cartel. The wake for Villavicencio was held on Friday in private. Not even close relatives such as his mother could attend, reported the Spanish news agency EFE. After the wake, a discreet caravan accompanied the coffin to the Monteolivo cemetery, in the north of Quito. My dad took on all the corruption of the country, but I see that he is not alone, that he has many beautiful people here with him, one of his daughters, Tamia Villavicencio, told the media at the entrance to the cemetery. The six suspects arrested in relation to the murder of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio. RS Police are also investigating Fabricio Colon Pico, the main micro-trafficker in Quito, who has nearly 30 legal proceedings against him for different crimes related to drug trafficking, robbery, extortion, organized crime and possession of weapons. The suspect, 44, is still at large. Pico, considered one of the most bloodthirsty criminals in Ecuador, has a criminal history that dates back to the 1990s. He is accused of managing the drug trafficking in and around Quito. To do this, police say he has set up a structure that recruits criminals to carry out all kinds of crimes, such as robbery, extortion, small-scale trafficking and hits. This organization also operates as the armed wing of the criminal group Los Lobos, the second-largest criminal gang in Ecuador, which, according to investigators, has ties to Mexicos Jalisco New Generation Cartel. The groups operations center is in Cotopaxi prison in Latacunga, located one hour from the Ecuadorian capital. Investigators have yet to determine if someone hired Colon Pico to assassinate Fernando Villavicencio. Ecuadors Prosecutors Office, meanwhile, has formalized the charges against the six suspects, while a judge confirmed they would be sent to pretrial detention. The autopsy protocol indicates that the victim received long-distance shots, while the ballistic report determined that the 2-23 caliber shells match one of the rifles found in the raids [of the suspects homes], said prosecutors. A pivotal territory The arrest of the Colombian suspects and the presence of Mexican cartels in Ecuador complicates the investigation and underscores the complexity of the criminal network in the region. No country in the world handles such a high proportion of tons of cocaine per inhabitant as Ecuador. In the last 15 years, the country in a key position between South Americas two major coca leaf producers, Colombia and Peru, and the world has become a logistics platform for large transnational criminal organizations. Given the complexity of the investigation into the murder of Villavicencio, Ecuadorian authorities have requested the help of the FBI. As reported by the president, Guillermo Lasso, the country is awaiting a team from the U.S. agency to support the investigations. The U.S. government has opted for caution and avoided reaching any conclusions as to who as to blame. White House spokesperson John Kirby stressed that the investigation was active and referred to the official information provided by Quito. The Colombian government is also collaborating. Colombias Foreign Ministry told EL PAIS that the Colombian consulate in Quito was waiting yesterday to receive more information about the six suspect. For now, the authorities have confirmed that they are men from different regions of Colombia, and that three of them have a criminal record in the country. Adey Fernando Garcia Garcia, who was born in Timbiqui in 1987, appears in at least two criminal proceedings. In 2009, he was sentenced to three years and four months in prison for theft and illegal possession of weapons, and was imprisoned until 2011. In November 2018, another court in Cali sentenced him to 10 years in prison for aggravated homicide and illegal possession of weapons. Fernando Villavicencio's coffin is taken to a cemetery in Quito. KAREN TORO (REUTERS) Jules Osmin Castano Alzate was arrested in 2015 in Caqueta for drug trafficking, and sentenced to six years in prison. He was released on parole in August 2017. Andres Manuel Mosquera Ortiz is facing criminal proceedings in a court in Cali. The remaining three suspects were not on the radar of Colombias judicial authorities. It is known that Jhon Gregore Ramirez registered to vote at the consulate in Quito, which indicates that he has been living in Ecuador for some time. With reporting from Pablo Ferri. New Delhi, Aug 12 : The Alliance of Digital India Foundation (ADIF) on Saturday hailed Delhi High Court's decision on Google infringing upon trademark rights, terming it "a significant blow to Google". The court issued a directive on Friday, compelling the tech giant to take decisive action against advertisements that infringe upon trademark rights. "This development is set against the backdrop of a trademark infringement case filed by DRS Logistics, where the company raised concerns about competitors using its trademark 'Agarwal Movers and Packers' as keywords in Google searches. This practice allegedly led to the prominent display of competitors' websites in search results for the trademark," said the ADIF. Before 2004, Google's trademark usage policy restricted trademarks from being used within a sponsored ad's text. Google's policy also restricted using keywords that were protected under a trademark if the owner of that trademark requested it. "However, Google reduced the restrictions under the policy, which allowed Google to push trademarks as keywords, even if the trademark owner objected. Doing so though risked litigation against Google, Google moved forward as it generates higher revenue coming in as a result of the change in policy," said the alliance which has some of the top homegrown startups as its members. The court observed that Google's assertion of being a mere intermediary lacked credibility. "The court pointed out that Google not only benefited significantly from keyword sales but also actively suggested keywords to advertisers, including competitors' trademarks. Google's Keyword Planner Tool was cited as evidence of this practice, enabling businesses to gain insights into their rivals' trademark usage," according to the ADIF. The court further noted that there appeared to be a prima facie encouragement from Google for advertisers to exploit keywords associated with trademarks to target their ads. "This stance raised doubts about Google's entitlement to intermediary exemptions. Ultimately, the division bench upheld the previous single-judge ruling, directing Google to undertake investigations and remove any ads found to infringe upon another entity's trademark rights," according to the ADIF. It further stated that this ruling coincides with previous regulatory actions, including the Competition Commission of India's (CCI) decision in the Google Lagaan case and the scrutiny of Android bundling. Meanwhile, Google on Saturday said it is pleased with the Delhi HC verdict which held that the company's ads trademark policy is in compliance with the Indian Trademarks Act (TM Act) and does not amount to infringement of trademarks, unless the resulting ad upon review is held to mislead users as to the source of origin of the ad. In a statement, the company said that specifically on its ads trademarks policy, "we have a clear and stated policy that does not allow advertisers to use trademarked terms in the ad-text of an ad, except in certain pro-consumer and legal scenarios, such as resellers and informational sites". "As a company, we comply with all local laws," it added. --IANS na/ksk New Delhi, Aug 12 : The Delhi Police's Special Cell has arrested an inter-state arms trafficker and recovered 21 illegal pistols which were meant to be supplied to criminals in the National Capital and its peripherals, an official said on Saturday. The accused was identified as Lal Singh Chadhar, a resident of Sagar in Madhya Pradesh. According to police, specific information was received on August 4, that Singh, who is supplying illegal weapons in Delhi and NCR after procuring the same from Burhanpur, MP, is on his way to Delhi and would come opposite Gandhi Museum, Ring Road, Delhi, to deliver a huge consignment of weapons to one of his contacts. "Accordingly, a trap was laid and he was apprehended after a brief scuffle. From his possession, 21 pistols of .32 bore were recovered," said Special Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) HGS Dhaliwal. During interrogation, it was revealed that around five years ago, he came into contact with one Rajesh Pyasi, who was running a syndicate selling illegal pistols in the Sagar city area. "To earn quick money, he also started selling pistols in the area. It was Rajesh Pyasi who introduced Chadhar to an illegal arms supplier from Burhanpur. To get the recently recovered consignment of pistols, he borrowed money from his friend and also mortgaged the ornaments of his wife, as it was a huge cache of pistols and he would get a handsome profit from selling the weapons," said the Special CP. "He was purchasing pistols at a rate of Rs 7,000 per pistol and selling them at a rate of Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000. An investigation is underway to find out the forward and backward linkages of this arms trafficking syndicate," the official added. 'Bigg Boss OTT 2': Ayushman Khurrana, Ananya Pandey, Tony Kakkar and Asees Kaur to be seen on finale. Image Source: IANS News Mumbai, Aug 12 : The grand finale is all set to take place and it will be a star-studded one as personalities like Ayushman Khurrana, Ananya Pandey, Tony Kakkar and Asees Kaur will be seen attending the event. In the lead-up to the finale, Tony Kakkar and Asees Kaur are set to captivate the audience with their electrifying performances. Their presence will add a musical celebration to the house, making it a memorable experience for both the contestants and viewers. That's not all! Ayushmann and Ananya won't just be making an appearance; if rumors are to be believed, they will also be unveiling a song from their upcoming movie, 'Dream Girl', and encouraging everyone to dance along. With Ayushmann's charm and Ananya's uniqueness, the grand finale will be both captivating and competitive, promising an extraordinary show. The contestants on the grand finale fighting for the trophy include Pooja Bhatt, Elvish Yadav, Abhishek Malhan, Bebika Dhurve and Manisha Rani. The 'Bigg Boss OTT 2' airs on Jio Cinema. Latest updates on Bigg Boss OTT 2 New Delhi, Aug 12 : Two days after being suspended from Lok Sabha, Leader of Congress in the Lower House Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Saturday dubbed his suspension "a deliberate design by the ruling party to throttle the voice of the opposition." Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters, the Congress leader said: "It is a new phenomenon we have never before experienced during our career in Parliament. As it has been issued by the Speaker Lok Sabha, I cannot disobey his order or direction or anything whatsoever. But very steadfastly and with all command, I said that I did not have a remote objective to disparage or tarnish anyone whosoever in the Parliament." Chowdhury explained that if anything is termed unparliamentary then the Speaker has the right to delete or expunge it. "But I don't know why for one or two words which were misunderstood by them as offensive, they may protest the Speaker according to the permission of the rules and procedures in the rule book and got those words expunged. But what I have experienced is that there is a deliberate design by the ruling party to throttle the voice of the opposition by resorting to various unfavoury instruments which should not be applied on me," the Congress Lok Sabha MP said. He said that I have been hanged and thereafter I will have to face the trial. "It is a very cruel situation, first of all I have to be hanged and then I have to go for the trial. Then again, I with all respect to the command of the House that I cannot contradict the direction of the Chair but if I find that this kind of situation could be resolved by court. I may try also," the Congress leader said, adding that because otherwise the essence of the Indian parliament will be done away. "So naturally it is cruel and very precarious and as well as the retrogressive steps being taken by the government itself. So this kind of retrogressive steps will certainly undermine the spirit of Parliamentary democracy," Chowdhury said. Taking a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his criticism of the INDIA alliance, Chowdhury said, "Why is Modiji opposed to the word INDIA?There is no difference between India and Bharat." He also said that the Prime Minister has already launched several schemes titled Startup India and many others. Chowdhury was suspended from the House on Thursday for making objectionable comments on the Prime Minister in his speech during the no-confidence motion discussion. Soon after Prime Minister Narendra Modi had finished his speech in the no-confidence motion debate on Thursday, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi moved a resolution for Chowdhury's suspension with no one present in the Opposition Benches accusing him of "disturbing" the House. The resolution was passed by a voice vote. Kolkata, Aug 12 : In response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi 's scathing attack at the ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal over the "bloodbath" in the recent panchayat polls in the state, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday said that he does not have the "moral right" to speak on issues like violence and corruption. "The Prime Minister has spoken about panchayat poll violence in West Bengal. It was actually planned and unleashed by the state unit of BJP. The BJ-backed goons killed about 17 persons during the rural civic body polls. The Prime Minister should first learn political courtesy before saying such things. He has no moral right to speak about violence in West Bengal at a time when he is unable to control the situation in Manipur," the Chief Minister said in a video message released after the Prime Minister's virtual address at the eastern regional Panchayati Raj workshop organised by the saffron camp in the state. Banerjee also said that that addressing the issue of corruption does not suit the Prime Minister at a time when he himself is in the midst of corruption. "The Prime Minister is speaking against corruption but unable to take action against the corrupt leaders in his own party. From the PM Care Fund to the Rafale deal, there had been corruption everywhere. Even the demonetisation and attempt to privatise public sector units in the country are not above question," she said. She went on to say that the Prime Minister should not take the common people for granted and think of them as fools. "The demonetisation was done to serve the interest of BJP. No national interest was involved behind the demonetization decision. If you want to start somewhere you should start with cleaning up your own party. Why are you not taking action against your own party leaders who are involved in terrorsing the commons and harassing the women? Why are you not taking action against those who are involved in Manipur violence," the Chief Minister queried. During his virtual address,the Prime Minister accused the Trinamool Congress of "playing with blood" in the rural civic body polls. "The entire country has witnessed this game of blood by Trinamool Congress, where not just the BJP supporters and leaders but also the common voters became the onslaught of violence unleashed by Trinamool Congress. "Despite the massive violence unleashed by the ruling party activists, the BJP candidates had won a number of seats in the panchayat polls. Even after the polls are over, our winning candidates continue to face the onslaughts of the ruling party activists," Modi added. New Delhi, Aug 12 : In a recent order, the Supreme Court has directed the state governments to timely provide funds for installation of CCTV cameras in district courts complexes. A bench comprising Justices S. Ravindra Bhat and Dipankar Datta noted that it is appalling that court premises in the national capital itself have witnessed at least three major incidents of gunfire. The top court said that it is critical that judicial institutions take comprehensive steps to safeguard the well-being of all stakeholders. "Such incidents, that too in court premises, are deeply concerning and pose significant risks to the safety of not only judges but lawyers, court staff, litigants and the general public," it said. "Would not hope for the litigants who visit the temples of justice dwindle, if the very halls of justice lack the shield of security? How can the litigants secure justice for them when those entrusted to render justice are themselves insecure?" the bench asked in its order. The Supreme Court emphasised that the installation of CCTV cameras should be an integral part of the construction project of courts. In the set of new guidelines, it said that security measures at entry-exit points within court complexes should be secured by constant monitoring. It asked the state governments to ensure that emergency measures like ambulances, medical facilities and firefighting services are immediately available within court complexes. It directed timely implementation of security plan at the district level courts, including courts in outlying areas. The security plan proposes for setting up of permanent Court Security Units in each complex, like strength of armed or unarmed personnel, etc. The Supreme Court was considering a contempt proceeding which alleged non-compliance of its earlier directions relating to installation of CCTV cameras in court complexes. In July 2021, an Additional Sessions Judge posted at Dhanbad in Jharkhand was crushed to death allegedly by an auto-rickshaw while taking a morning walk. The apex court sought a preliminary action-taken reports through the High Courts by October 10. London, Aug 12 : British pop band 1975 got themselves in a controversy in Malaysia, as the country's organiser of 'Malaysia's Good Vibes Festival' is seeking over $2 million in damages from the group after frontman Matty Healy protested on-stage against the country's anti-LGBTQ+ laws, resulting in the cancellation of the event. According to Variety, the cancellation resulted in numerous bands and small businesses on the bill, which included both local artists and global acts such as the Strokes refusing to participate. A legal counsel for 'Future Sound Asia', which is the agency behind Malaysia's Good Vibes Festival, issued a letter addressing a "breach of contract" by 1975 which stated that the band due to violating the contract must provide compensation for the agency's losses after the cancellation of the annual, three-day event. According to a letter which was issued on August 8, 1975 have only a few days to pay the compensation. The exact amount of days is unknown as the band refused to comment on this issue. Future Sound Asia attorney David Matthew told Variety: "They entered into a binding contract with Future Sound Asia to perform and the position of Future Sound Asia, among others, is that this contractual obligation was breached." He added: "Further, Mr Healy's representative categorically provided a pre-show written assurance that Mr Healy and 1975's live performance 'shall adhere to all local guidelines and regulations' during their set in Malaysia. Unfortunately, the assurance was ignored." "Due to their breach of protocol, 1975's actions have had repercussions on local artists and small businesses, who relied on the festival for creative opportunities and their livelihoods." Malaysia, though generally a lot more liberal than other Islamic countries towards many matters when it comes to art and music has little tolerance for LGBTQ+ themes. As such they have very strict laws against this trend, including prohibition of the Rainbow flag which symbolises the message of LGBTQ+, inclusivity, representation and diversity as well as recognition of every colour, sex, sexual affinity etc. The country's strictness towards LGBTQ+ is well documented as there have been frequent hate crimes against gays, lesbians and transgender couples. The 1975 performed in the country's capital city, Kuala Lumpur, on July 21, where Healy addressed the country's views on same-sex marriage, deriding their laws saying he had "made a mistake" by agreeing to perform in the country. "I don't see the f***** pointa of inviting the 1975 to a country and then telling us who we can have sex with," Healy said before cutting the concert, a headlining slot at Good Vibes Festival, short. "I'm sorry if that offends you, and you're religiousa but your government are a bunch of f***** ra"a". I don't care anymore. If you push, Iam gonna push back. I'm not in the f***** mood." After making his point, Healy kissed his male bandmate a" bassist Ross MacDonald a" on stage, resulting in the group getting banned from performing in Malaysia. This resulted in the entire festival getting canceled with the band being charged a hefty amount for their transgression and breach of contract. Patna, Aug 12 : Two people were killed in two separate murder incidents in Patna's Paliganj subdivision on Saturday. The first murder incident took place in Kalyanpur village when a dead body was recovered in the agricultural field. The deceased was identified as Saurav Kumar. Kumar had gone for an evening walk but did not return home. His dead body was recovered having multiple stab wounds. The family members have registered an FIR in Paliganj police station. The second murder incident also appeared under the Paliganj police station where a dead body of a 50 years-old was found near Shiv temple. Police have recovered both the dead bodies and sent them for postmortem. Police are investigating both the cases. Chennai, Aug 12 : The Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), the opposition grouping that is taking on the BJP led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), is on a strong footing in Tamil Nadu. The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) led alliance with the Congress, Indian Union Muslim League, Communist parties CPI-M and CPI, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and other political parties has an edge in Tamil Nadu and this will be reflected in the cohesion in the INDIA front of the opposition. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the DMK led front including the Congress won 38 out of the 39 seats in Tamil Nadu. The front has since come to power in the state in 2021 and with several pro people progammes including ,aMakkale Thedi Maruthavuma (Health at doorstep), aNan Muthalvana ( Skill outreach ), the government led by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has won favour among the people of the state. The breakfast scheme for school students inaugurated by Stalin in Madurai has become a major hit and has now spread to all the districts of the state. The principal opposition party, the AIADMK has split with its senior most leader and former chief minister, O. Panneerselvam (OPS) being expelled from the party. The AIADMK is now in the control of another former chief minister, Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) and has clearly announced that there would not be any truce with OPS and his close associates. The former aide of Jayalalithaa, V.K. Sasikala is out of the party and so is her nephew ,TTV Dhinakaran who has floated his own political outfit, Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam. Interestingly, OPS, V.K. Sasikala and TTV Dhinakaran are all from the powerful Thevar community of South Tamil Nadu and the estrangement of these leaders would definitely lead to the community voting against the AIADMK. While the trio has not had any formal arrangement with the DMK till now, the possibility of the community backlash against the AIADMK is looming large. Palaniswami is from the powerful Gounder community of Western Tamil Nadu but the community has a miniscule presence in South Tamil Nadu and this would also be another factor why the AIADMK will perform poorly in the districts of Tirunelveli, Kanniyakumari, Theni, Madurai, Sivagangai, Ramanathapuram, Karur, Thoothukudi and the Nilgiris. Even though the BJP is trying to make a mark in the state's politics with its state president, K. Annamalai, an IPS officer turned politician, taking on the DMK and Stalin making corruption allegations, the party has still not got a connect with the people of the state. The alliance of the AIADMK with the BJP can hence backfire for the former as the people here have a strong Dravidian ideology and have still not accepted the politics of Hindutva and Sanatana Dharma practiced by the BJP, even though the party has four MLAs in the state assembly. The INDIA alliance has a strong presence in the state with the DMK, Congress, CPI-M, CPI, VCK and the IUML accounting for various sections of the people. The Dalits, which are a major factor in Tamil Nadu, are represented by the VCK and the party is strongly with the DMK. The Muslim community, which has a formidable strength in Tamil Nadu, is represented by the moderate Indian Union Muslim League which unlike the Popular Front and other rabble rousing Islmaists is a time tested political party without any aggressive postures. With the Muslim League and the VCK representing two of the major voting populace and with the innate strength of the Congress and the DMK, the INDIA front is comfortably placed in Tamil Nadu. Stalin, after Karunanidhi, MGR and Jayalalithaa is slowly emerging as an icon in Tamil Nadu politics which cannot be claimed by his predecessors from the AIADMK, Panneerselvam and Palaniswami. This image of Stalin is acting as a gelling factor for the INDIA front and he is the rallying point for the opposition front in the state. Stalin as Chief Minister has communicated with the Tamil diaspora and has also brought investments from his two foreign trips. The Tamil Nadu government is also conducting a Global Investment Meet on January 7 and 8 in 2024 just months before the Lok Sabha elections. The state is expecting participation from 100 countries and good investments. The INDIA front will be highlighting this during the run-up to the 2024 general elections. In Tamil Nadu, the INDIA front is strong and the NDA at present does not look to be a match for it given the split in the AIADMK and the largely secular voting by the Tamil populace. (INDIA PACKAGE) Alliance most likely to run up against seat-sharing speed breaker in UP. Image Source: IANS News Lucknow, Aug 11 : Seat sharing is all set to emerge as a major roadblock in the opposition alliance in Uttar Pradesh. The Samajwadi Party, which is the main opposition party in Uttar Pradesh, is supremely confident of its performance in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in 2024 and it will not like to part with seats to allies, except for a token sharing. However, the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), which has been an SP ally, has already demanded 12 seats. RLD state unit chief Ramashish Rai said, "The party did not gain much by giving up seats for the sake of its alliance with the Samajwadi Party. Western UP is RLD's stronghold and the 12 seats that we want to contest are Kairana, Muzaffarnagar, Bijnor, Nagina, Amroha, Meerut, Bulandshahr, Aligarh, Hathras, Fatehpur Sikri, Mathura and Baghpat." Samajwadi Party sources, however, said the party leadership will give only five seats to the RLD, which may not be acceptable to the latter. The RLD is in an upbeat mood following its good show in the 2022 Assembly polls when it won eight seats and then bagged another in a bypoll, taking its tally to nine. The alliance between the RLD and the SP is further strained following reports that RLD was keen on a tie-up with the Congress for 2024 polls -- an alliance that Akhilesh is not too keen on, but is 'tolerating' the Congress only under pressure from other opposition parties. The inclusion of Congress in the alliance in Uttar Pradesh will undoubtedly lead to more pressure on SP for seat sharing. While Congress leaders claim that they would want a minimum of 15 seats, including Rae Bareli and Amethi, but SP is in no mood to part with this number of seats. The Congress leadership in Delhi and Lucknow are yet to open channels of communication with the I.N.D.I.A members in the state. In this situation, member parties of the opposition alliance have, so far, avoided even discussing seat sharing though they may not be able to put it off for much longer since the general elections are only a few months away. "Seat sharing is going to be a major roadblock among non-BJP parties in Uttar Pradesh. The Samajawdai Party will have to show greater generosity in the Lok Sabha polls and if Akhilesh does not do so, the alliance may not bear fruit in UP which sends 80 members to the Lok Sabha," said R.K. Singh, a senior political analyst. Apart from RLD and Congress, smaller parties like Apna Dal (Kamerawadi) will also seek their pound of flesh in the alliance. Rumors of the Virgins miracle spread like wildfire at World Youth Day (WYD). The annual event, which took place this August in Lisbon, Portugal, drew hundreds of thousands of Catholics to the capital city to see Pope Francis. In an audio message that circulated from cell phone to cell phone in a matter of hours, a girl named Jimena, a 16-year-old Opus Dei member from Madrid, shared her testimony: This morning I woke up like Ive woken up for the past two and a half years: with super blurry vision, just horrible. I went to Mass with my friends, all of us attending WYD. I was super nervous, and after taking communion I started to cry, a lot, because it was the last day of the novena, and I wanted to be cured. I asked God to please help me. And when I opened my eyes, I could see perfectly. The miracle came, Jimena said, after she had prayed for nine days to Our Lady of the Snows and had taken communion at the Sanctuary of Fatima, a holy shrine located 74.6 miles (120 kilometers) from the Portuguese capital. Her story prompted the president of the Spanish Episcopal Conference (CEE), Cardinal Juan Jose Omella, to declare it a miracle hours later during a press conference. This is a major event for the girl, he said We could call it miracle: I couldnt see, now I do. Well leave it to the doctors to explain the rest. But for her, shell be returning home able to see. So praise God. For Omella, Jimenas story may constitute a miracle, but for the Catholic Church an authority on the supernatural the teenagers story does not qualify the event for such a divine designation on its own. As an institution that promotes concepts like the resurrection of the dead and the Holy Trinity, a belief in miracles has been central to the Church for centuries, but there are specific protocols for determining whether something does or does not constitute one. The process, of course, exists outside of any scientific or rational system of verification, but the Church maintains strict standards nonetheless: of the 8,000 miracle healings reported by the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes in France in the last 165 years, for example, only 70 have been deemed official miracles by ecclesiastical authorities. The Vatican has a procedure for certifying what is, and what is not, a miracle. The process is enshrined in a pontifical law that regulates the cause of canonization of a Servant of God that is, the steps required to proclaim someone blessed or a saint. To achieve this, a person must be deceased and must have performed either one miracle, to be beatified, or two miracles, to be canonized, and this pontifical constitution also regulates how the miracles themselves are certified, explains Javier Lopez Goicoechea, a canonist and professor in Ecclesiastical Law at the Complutense University of Madrid. The pontifical norms he describes were first instituted by the Church during the Middle Ages, and have been modified over the centuries by successive popes. The most recent reform was in 2016, when Pope Francis limited the number of miracle verification requests a person can make to three. The seven criteria for certifying a miracle The spectrum of types of miracle healings is broad, ranging from the resurrection of someone who has died, to regaining the use of a leg, to healing conditions like blindness or cancer. But according to papal norms, to qualify as miracles, a case must meet seven specific requirements as defined by the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, the department of the Vatican in charge of carrying out the assessment. The parameters are as follows: the illness must be incurable, or have a very poor prognosis; it must be witnessed and documented by medical authorities; it must be organic, meaning that psychological, psychiatric, or other mental conditions do not qualify; the patient must not have received any treatment that might account for the recovery; the healing must be sudden and immediate; there must be a full recovery of all vital functions, not merely a regression of symptoms; and, finally, the cure must be lasting and definitive. Jimenas case, for example, does not pass the test. The 95% blindness she had suffered for two years which was so bad, by her account, that she had been forced to learn Braille is known as an accommodative spasm, an eye ailment normally caused by stress that can disappear with treatment, or on its own. Sources from the Spanish Episcopal Conference, who echo Omellas statement that we should listen to what the doctors say, confirm that it is unlikely any investigation will be opened into Jimenas miracle. In any case, as Lopez Goicoechea explains, the certification of miracles is always tied to a process of beatification, and the vast majority of alleged healings by the Virgin are rarely certified. The process, when initiated, can last from several years to several centuries, and begins with the diocese where the alleged miracle occurred. The bishop decides either ex officio or because an individual or an institution has requested it whether to open a process of canonization and, with it, the certification of reported miracles. If the decision is to move forward, the bishop then appoints a postulator (this can be a natural person or a juridical one, like a congregation), who is in charge of gathering detailed information about the candidates life and the alleged miraculous healings: documentary evidence as well as interviews with eyewitnesses and other people with relevant testimony, such as doctors who attended to the healed person. The bishop must also commission two medical reports, provided by two specialists of his own choosing. All this documentation is then sent to the Vatican. At the Vatican, a group of seven specialists doctors and other experts review the reports and formulate a scientific opinion. First, each expert individually drafts a diagnosis and then presents it to his or her colleagues. After some discussion, the group writes a report summarizing the conclusions of each doctors assessment. Then, they take a vote: if it has a qualified majority (at least five of the seven experts, or four of six), the case is classified as a miracle and is then sent to a commission of theologians who ratify the decision. We should note that the medical specialists chosen for these commissions are all in-house, says Lopez Goicoechea. For example, in the case of the miracles of Jose Maria de Escriva [saint and founder of Opus Dei], the committee members were from the Clinica de Navarra, that is, from Opus Dei. They are not independent or critical of the process. The canonist is convinced that if the cases from 50, 100 or 200 years ago were to be scrutinized by a modern medical review, 99% of the alleged miracles would have reasonable medical explanations. But the current Church is not going to retract those decisions, he says. Instead, what they do is stop talking about the cases, hoping they will fall into oblivion. For Lopez Goicoechea, a case like Jimenas reflects a larger conflict between two visions of Catholicism: one led by Pope Francis, who supports a rational and critical faith, and another, which still follows the model of John Paul II, clinging to these kinds of supernatural interventions. The notion that a sick person should seek help at a shrine seems to me like a very dangerous idea, Lopez Goicoechea says. Even more so after what we went through with the pandemic, with the anti-vaccine people. Because this is basically along those same lines. The Vaticans cut Lopez Goicoechea points out another issue that prevents the Church from identifying an objective cause of miracles: money. The price to beatify someone is currently 17,000 ($18,640) (with another thousand euros tacked on per additional miracle), according to the fee rates published by the Vatican, the institution that profits. A decade ago, as part of the Vatican leaks scandal known as Vatileaks, however, several Italian media outlets reported that the total cost in some cases (including the price of hiring experts, lawyers, etc.) could run as much as half a million euros. The reports prompted Pope Francis to establish new monetary regulations for the process in 2016, including a rule that payments must be made by bank transfer. Lourdes is another example of the big business of miracles. The French sanctuary which extends over 55 hectares, includes 28 places of worship, and has 320 employees welcomes more than three million worshippers a year and is the second most visited Catholic site after the Vatican, according to data published on its website. Everything there is focused on the alleged healing power of the Virgin. When you are sick: believe in the impossible... one of the slogans on the shrines website reads. The Marian sanctuary also maintains an on-site medical office to authenticate (with a similar process as the Vaticans) the reports of miracle healing from pilgrims who travel to the shrine in search of cures. The presence of this office, as Lopez Goicoechea explains, is unusual. Theres an understanding that by offering this, the shrine has a status that attracts more worshipers, he says. This influx of pilgrims has economic benefits for the Church as well: a candle costs 7.50 ($8.20), a medallion is 6.30 ($6.90), and a replica carving of the Virgin runs almost 80 ($87.70), according to the institutions online store. This marketing extends to unofficial stores throughout the town where the sanctuary is located. Among other items, these businesses offer for 25 ($27.40) a liter bottles of holy water with alleged healing powers. And then, of course, there are the usual profits made from what worshippers spend on lodging, food and other services. Troubled by this proliferation of money-making ventures, in 2019, the Pope decided to intervene and sent a delegate to the sanctuary to emphasize the importance of the spiritual over the temptations of the business and financial aspect, and to promote the popular devotion that is the traditional purpose of the sanctuaries. Lopez Goicoechea says that Pope Francis actions are aimed at suppressing the superstition and quackery that surrounds many of these supposed miracles and Marian apparitions, which closely resemble the practices of evangelical religions, where miraculous healings by priests during Eucharistic celebrations are common. Another issue is the false hope that many of the faithful may feel, thinking that, if they pray to a saint or to the Virgin, they will be healed, he says. As well as the disappointment of wondering why, if they are good Christians, they have not been granted a miracle while others who are not as faithful have. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition New Delhi, Aug 12 : As President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Bill 2023, experts on Saturday said that upcoming rules under the new law will empower Indian users about how Big Tech can or cannot use their data. The long-awaited bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on August 7 and by the Rajya Sabha on August 9. As the data protection law has now been enacted, the government will soon begin the rule-making process. "The Act aims to concretise the efforts that Big Tech, and data fiduciaries in general, must now undertake towards respecting the users' privacy rights and control over their personal data. This will now entail transparently informing the users about the specific purposes of data processing, while also obtaining clear and precise user consent that may be later withdrawn," said Harsh Walia, Partner at Khaitan & Co. The users may also request erasure of their data. Moreover, the principle of data minimisation will require collection of only that personal data which is necessary for the specified purpose. "Simultaneously, the government may prohibit cross-border data transfers to certain notified geographies, and stricter rules for data security measures are also expected. Most importantly, the law also bolsters the overall grievance and adjudication process, and imposes heavy penalties for contraventions by data fiduciaries," Walia noted. According to experts, the success of the data protection law will be determined by when and how new rules are made and how effectively they are implemented. "It is also necessary to understand what will be the status of the old IT rules till the new rules are made. Also, we need to see how effective will be the practical mechanism for redressal of common people's grievances as per India's new law on foreign tech companies," Virag Gupta, Supreme Court lawyer and cyber law expert, told IANS. With the ban on illegal data business, according to the new law, if tax is collected from the data business, then both the society and the economy will be strengthened, Gupta stressed. Patna, Aug 12 : Unidentified men robbed a gold merchant of cash and jewellery worth Rs one lakh at gunpoint in Jagdishpur village in Bihar's Buxar district, police said on Saturday. The incident occurred late on Friday night when the merchant, who was returning home on a bike after closing his shop, was intercepted by accused and looted. The faces of the accused were covered with towel, as per description provided by the victim. A manhunt has been launched to nab the victims. Kolkata, Aug 12 : With every passing day, it is becoming evident that there is no chance of the opposition Indian National Development Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) taking a concrete shape in the context of West Bengal.. The development over the week that just passed, made things even more evident that the concept of ruling Trinamool Congress, CPI(M)- led Left Front and Congress coming together in the same platform is a utopian concept in West Bengal's perspective. On one hand, the CPI(M) in the recently concluded central committee meeting had made it clear that it will remain immune from the INDIA concept in West Bengal. The central committee was virtually compelled to take a decision on such lines as the representatives in the committee from West Bengal updated the leadership over the growing grievance among the grassroots level party workers in the state over the presence of party's general secretary Sitaram Yechury on the same dais and same frame with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at the INDIA alliance meetings in Patna and Bengaluru. The very next day, the Chief Minister also gave some clear indications on the same lines as she accused CPI(M) and Congress of maintaining double standards at state and national levels on this INDIA alliance issue. She also said that while at the national level an attempt is on to forge an grand anti- BJP alliance, Congress and CPI(M) in West Bengal is having a clandestine understanding in West Bengal against Trinamool Congress. "They should be ashamed of themselves. There should be a minimum political honesty. Every party should follow a definite line of political ideology. If they continue with this strategy then I will also be forced to say that Trinamool Congress is also against Congress and BJP in West Bengal," Banerjee said on Thursday. Meanwhile, the state Congress president and five-time party Lok Sabha member Adhir Ranjan Chwdhury continued with his scathing attacks against the Trinamool Congress and the Chief minister of the ruling party's onslaught against the leaders and workers of the opposition parties. The state leadership of both CPI(M) and Congress continue to describe Trinamool Congress as an indirect beneficiary of the BJP. The saffron leadership in the state, especially the Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly Suvendu Adhikari, has continued with his call to grassroots-level Congress and CPI(M) workers to either join BJP or develop an independent forum against ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal. Political observers and analysts believe that the concept of INDIA alliance giving a shape in West Bengal was impractical since the beginning and that impractical situation is becoming evident with every passing day. While the CPI(M) being traditionally the arch political rival of Trinamool Congress can never have a seat sharing agreement with the latter and that too at a time when the party has started witnessing the revival of their traditional vote bank. Just keeping the sentiments of the grassroots level party workers and continuing dedicated vote bank, feel observers, CPI(M) leadership can even speak in a milder note about Trinamool Congress. As regards to Congress, a seat sharing agreement with Trinamool Congress will mean that it will be able to contest only from two seats of Malda (South) and Berhampore, where there are sitting Congress MPs. On the other hand, a seat sharing agreement with the CPI(M) will keep Congress in a better bargaining shape ending up with at least seven seats. Moreover, since Trinamool Congress was formed by breaking away from Congress and considering the massive bloodbath in the recently concluded panchayat polls in the state, an understanding with the state's ruling party can have a negative impact on the continuing dedicated vote bank of the country's oldest national party. As regards Trinamool Congress, feel political observers, since West Bengal is the only stronghold state for it the leadership would like to contest from at least 40 out of the 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state sacrificing a maximum two seats for Congress, there too the seat sharing equation does not sound practical. Islamabad, August 12 : Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, a lawmaker belonging to Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) has been selected as caretaker Prime Minister, a statement from the the Prime Minister's Office said on Saturday. The decision comes after the second round of consultations between Shehbaz Sharif and Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly, Raja Riaz, and a summary to this effect has been approved by President Arif Alvi under Article 224 1A, Geo News reported. Speaking to the media after the meeting, Riaz said: "We have decided that the interim prime minister would be from a smaller province." He said that Kakar's name was suggested by him, which was approved. The development came after President Alvi wrote to Sharif, reminding him and the opposition leader to suggest a "suitable person" for the interim premier's post by August 12. In a letter sent to both Sharif and Riaz, the President informed them that under Article 224A, they are supposed to propose a name for interim prime minister within three days of the dissolution of the National Assembly, Geo News reported. Kakar was elected to the Senate in 2018 and has been a very active politician. He has also served as the spokesperson of the provincial government prior to his election to the Upper House. "Though he has been involved in politics, Kakar is widely regarded as a great intellectual in the country," senior anchorperson Hamid Mir told Geo News. Mir said that the BAP lawmaker belongs to the Kakar tribe of Pashtun ethnicity, so he represents both Pashtuns and Balochs, Geo News reported. "The Senator also enjoys good ties with the mainstream political parties, including PML-N and PPP." Ahmedabad, Aug 12 : The toll in Bavla-Bagodara highway accident in Ahmedabad has risen to 12 after two more injured people succumbed to injuries while undergoing treatment at Civil Hospital. The fatal accident took place after a Tata Ace SCV, commonly known as Chota Hathi, was returning from Chotila temple, rammed into the backside of the immobilised truck. Among the victims were five women, three children, and two adults while over seven people had also sustained injuries in the horrifying incident. The Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also expressed condolences over the tragic loss of lives and announced compensation for the affected families. The compensation includes Rs 2 lakh for the families of each of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for those injured. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has also conveyed his grief over the tragic incident, assuring that all necessary measures would be taken to support the victims and their families. Local authorities were quick to respond, with emergency services rushing to the site of the accident to provide immediate assistance. The injured were transported to Civil Hospital, where medical teams are working tirelessly to ensure their recovery. The highway remained closed for several hours as investigators examined the scene to determine the cause of the accident. Preliminary reports suggest that the stationary truck was not adequately marked, leading to the collision. New Delhi, Aug 12 : French flavours combined with grace The Chambers, the top business club in India, presented a Rendezvous with Chef Maxime Gilbert at the Taj Mahal in New Delhi. Chef Gilbert provided the guests of Taj with an epicurean evening of Culinary Chronicles with complex and elegant delights by bringing in his renowned 2 Michelin starred restaurant Ecriture. Chef Maxime Gilbert began his adventure with Ecriture by Le Comptoir in September 2016 after growing up in France, where food is seen as an essential component of culture. At this culinary destination in Hong Kong where Western artistry melds harmoniously with Eastern ideas, his vision of French food today comes to life. Chef Gilbert crafts dishes that ooze simplicity, grace, and a natural sophistication that plays with power and lightness by deftly fusing traditional techniques and great Japanese ingredients. The luxurious setting of The Chambers provided the perfect backdrop for the meticulously crafted and visually stunning dishes that adorned the curated menu. Each course was a masterpiece in its own right, designed to tantalize the senses and leave a lasting impression. The menu featured a delectable array of culinary delights, including Passion Fruit Mushroom Custard, Jelly, Coffee, Uni paired with Chardonnay; Caviar Tart Scalops, Celeriac, Beurre Blanc paired with Prosecco; Lamb Loin and Shoulder, Bigornaux, Lemon Sabayon paired with Pinot Noir, Moulin de Gassac; Zucchini Tart Citrus, Safron, Black Truffel, Beurre Blanc paired with Prosecco, Brut, Zonin; White Asparagus Peach, Brittany Curry with Pinot Noir Rose, Black Tower; and in dessert Sourdough Texture, Croutons, Praline and Gourmandises Madeleine, Salted Caramel. Commenting on his visit, Chef Maxime Gilbert expressed, "The journey from my kitchen at Ecriture to The Chambers has been a thrilling exploration of flavours, creativity and cultural connections. The opportunity to share my passion for French cuisine and artistry with the discerning patrons of Taj Mahal, New Delhi has been truly inspiring. Witnessing the guests' genuine admiration for the intricate flavours, textures and stories behind each dish serves as a powerful reminder of the universal language that food speaks." Commenting on the Rendezvous, Chef Arun Sundararaj, Director of Culinary Operations - Taj Mahal, New Delhi, said. "At Taj Mahal, New Delhi, we believe in crafting experiences that transcend the ordinary, and this event was no exception. Collaborating with Chef Maxime to bring the exquisite flavours of France to our esteemed guests at The Chambers was an absolute honour. We eagerly look forward to offering our guests with more of these bespoke experiences that celebrate the art of fine dining." As part of the Rendezvous series presented by The Chambers, Chef Maxime Gilbert will be bringing his next showcase to Taj Bengal, Kolkata on August 12, 2023. (IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in) --IANS ianslife/ tb Sant Ravidas will bless me to inaugurate his temple, says PM Modi (Lead). Image Source: IANS News Bhopal, Aug 12 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Sant Ravidas will give him an opportunity to inaugurate the temple for which he laid the foundation stone in Madhya pradesh Sagar district on Saturday. PM Modi said the construction of the temple would be completed within next one and half years and he would come back to Sagar to inaugurate it. "Sant Ravidas mujhe fir se aane ka ashirvad dene wale hain," (Sant Ravidas is going to bless me to inaugurate this temple) he added. Modi was indirectly referring to the upcoming Lok Sabha elections slated for next year as he tried to give a message to the BJP. "It is the double happiness that I have laid the foundation stone of a temple of Sant Ravidas. And with the blessing of Sant Ravidas, I am saying very confidently that I will inaugurate this temple when it will be completed in next one and a half year," Modi said. Modi said his government is providing ample opportunities to the people of Dalit community. "I have started Mudra Yojana for Dalit people. Standup Yojana was launched for ST/SC and so far Rs. 8000 crore has been given to the poor people to make their future better," he said. He said that the Centre is establishing as many as 701 'Eklavya' schools in tribal dominated areas across the country. The Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan along with his cabinet ministers and union ministers Virendra Khateek, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Prahald Patel were also present on the occasion. The priests and a large number of BJP workers from different parts of the state also attended the event. New Delhi, Aug 12 : Cybersecurity firm CloudSEK has reported that the Parivahan website suffered a data breach, leading to the leak of its source code and user data on the Dark Web. CloudSEK claimed that the breach exposed the source code of the Integrated Road Accident Database (iRAD) website, an initiative by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). The breach, discovered on August 2, involved sharing the code on an underground cybercrime forum, potentially compromising sensitive information and security infrastructure. "CloudSEK has notified the MoRTH about the breach. The firm urges immediate action to secure the iRAD website and safeguard sensitive user data," the firm said. Detailed analysis of the leaked source code by CloudSEK uncovered alarming issues. "We discovered sensitive assets embedded within the code, including hostnames, database names, and passwords. The usernames and passwords found in the source code were quite simple and susceptible to brute-force attacks when there's local access to the server," stated the cybersecurity firm. The source code references sms.gov.in, a NIC SMS Gateway used by government departments to send SMS to Indian nationals. The embedded URL in the source code includes fields for usernames and passwords, which if exploited, might give unauthorized individuals the ability to send messages to recipients, CloudSEK noted. The same threat actor, after exposing the source code, shared a sample dataset of 10,000 user records from a vulnerable API endpoint of the iRAD website on August 7. This data breach was achieved through an SQL injection, underscoring significant vulnerabilities. The leaked dataset contains sensitive information such as user IDs, names, emails, mobile numbers, and passwords. Upon verification, some mobile numbers and names from the sample dataset matched via Truecaller. The dataset also included email IDs and clear text passwords of government officials, according to CloudSEK. Bablu Kumar, Cyber Intelligence Analyst at CloudSEK, explained: "The extraction of source code and an SQL injection wield a power that extends far beyond the surface. These breaches are not mere data breaches; they are gateways to understanding the very essence of a website's business logic. The threat is not limited to the data lost today; it encompasses the potential for more profound impacts, opening doors to realms of sensitive information that we cannot foresee." Islamabad, Aug 12 : As Pakistan inches towards a political transition through the upcoming general elections, the ruling coalition government carries with it a severe burden of bad performance during its 16-months tenure. However, one party whose political strategy and performance while being in the government benefited its future political course is the Pakistan People Party (PPP) and its leader and former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. Bilawal's first taste of the power started with his appointment as the country's youngest Foreign Minister. Bilawal and his party leadership kept a strong control over relevant government ministries like Foreign Affairs and Climate Change, two of the main quarters for global engagements, connections, meetings and addressing issues. During his time as the Foreign Minister, Bilawal made extensive foreign trips in an effort to not only do some damage control Pakistan had faced with specially with the western and European countries, but to also build his image while representing the nation's foreign policy and expressing his readiness to make adjustments in resetting ties with the global powers. PPP has since the past kept a stronghold on its power centre of Sindh province and further strengthened its roots in Balochistan as well during the 16 months. This was done at a time when Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), which were strong holds of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, respectively, remained in the midst of political deterioration. Punjab, the country's largest in terms of political representation in the National Assembly, became a battleground between the two parties. The deterioration in Punjab opened avenues for PPP to make headways into the province since many PTI breakaway leaders joined the PPP and vowed to contest the next elections under their electoral ticket. The PPP's smart political strategies have certainly brought them to front as the winners in the ongoing political uncertainty, showcasing them as a more suitable, trustable and sustainable political party for future politics, making their leader Bilawal Bhutto as even more favourable to become the next Prime Minister of the country. "PPP has been very smart in its politics. It has kept itself aligned with PDM (Pakistan Democratic Movement) yet has maintained its individuality as a political force. It has refrained from confrontational politics and made full use of the breach created by PMLN and PTI to extend its outreach into Punjab and KP," said political analyst Waseem Shamsi. "Bilawal has been a new Foreign Minister, but his performance has been impressive. His visit to Goa, his statements in the US defending Pakistan and its position on Afghanistan and Iran and his diplomatic campaigning during the devastating floods, has been very good." The PPP leader's recent visit to Ghotki, Sindh where he promised interest-free loans and land ownership rights to the locals affected by the floods, certainly hit the right notes as far as gaining support of the masses is concerned and will certainly be the driving force of his and his party's election manifesto going forward. It would not be wrong to say that Bilawal s going to be one of the front line contenders to lead the country and his party may become the one to form the next coalition government. Islamabad, Aug 12 : After leading a 13-party coalition government for some 16 months, former Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stepped down on August 10 and dissolved the National Assembly, paving the way for the general elections to be held in the next 90 days. While his government's performance card has almost nothing to present as credentials to voters, there are still some factors that might help him return to power. Shehbaz Sharif had assumed office on April 11, 2022 after ousting his predecessor Imran Khan through a no-confidence vote, which was tailored via political maneuvering of the then opposition parties that formed the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) coalition. Shehbaz Sharif emerged as a statesman, whose premiership was a result of a mutual agreement between major political parties, including Pakistan People Party (PPP). As chief of the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N), he maintained that his elder brother and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif would return to the country soon and take the position of premier after the next general elections slated to take place later this year. "Nawaz Sharif will return to Pakistan in the coming weeks and will be leading the party's election campaign. He will become Pakistan's next Prime Minister," Shehbaz Sharif had said in a recent interview. However, ongoing developments in the country also seem to suggest that Shehbaz might also end up becoming a Prime Ministerial candidate as well. In a major decision, the Supreme Court struck down the Supreme Court (Review of Judgments and Orders) Act 2023, which expands the scope of review petition, terming is unconstitutional. Under the legislation passed by the National Assembly, Nawaz Sharif will be able to file a review petition in cases against him, including the case of "assets beyond means", in which, he was found guilty by the apex court and was disqualified for life from politics along with a 10-year jail term. This would have also paved the way for Nawaz Sharif to revoke his disqualification and contest the upcoming elections as a Prime Ministerial candidate. However with the Supreme Court verdict, announced a day after the National Assembly was dissolved on August 9, all openings for Nawaz Sharif to revoke his disqualification has shut down, paving the way for Shehbaz Sharif to become the front line contender from the PML-N. The other major aspect is that after ousting Imran Khan from power and almost dismantling his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party following the anti-establishment May 9 riots, the PML-N seeks to regain its political mileage in its former stronghold and country's largest province, Punjab. Another indication is that the next general elections will not be a battle between arch rivals but a contest based on a mutual understating of seat adjustment, a result of which would lead to a formation of another coalition government. The PML-N is eyeing such a probability and would see Pakistan People Party (PPP) as its main competition in Punjab. Keeping in view the major aspects and more importantly the bleak chances of Nawaz Sharif's return to contest the polls, a road to premiership for Shehbaz Sharif seems to be showing the rights way towards the power throne. Taiwan's Vice President William Lai waves at Taoyuan International Airport before his departure to the United States for a stopover in New York on his way to Paraguay, in Taoyuan, Taiwan August 12, 2023. Taiwans vice president left Saturday on a trip to Paraguay to reinforce relations with his governments last diplomatic partner in South America at a time when China is stepping up efforts to isolate the self-ruled island democracy. William Lais trip includes stops in San Francisco and New York City, which Beijing criticized Washington for allowing. The mainlands ruling Communist Party claims Taiwan as part of its territory and says it has no right to conduct foreign relations. Lai was due to attend the inauguration of Paraguayan President-elect Santiago Pena on Tuesday. Lai said he would meet officials of other governments so that the international society understands Taiwan is a country that persists in its democracy, human rights and freedom and actively takes part in international affairs. Paraguay is part of a dwindling group of 12 governments that have diplomatic relations with Taiwan. They are mostly small, poor countries in Africa and the Caribbean. Taiwan lost a partner this year when Honduras switched official recognition to Beijing. Taiwan and China have been ruled separately since a civil war that ended in 1949. They both claim sovereignty over each others territory and refuse to have relations with governments that recognize the other side. Chinas vastly larger economy and population mean most governments have official relations with Beijing, though many, including the United States, maintain informal relations with Taiwan. Pena visited Taiwan in July and told President Tsai Ing-wen his country would stand with the people of Taiwan during his five-year term. Chinese leader Xi Jinpings government has stepped up efforts to intimidate Taiwan by flying fighter jets and bombers near the island and firing missiles into the sea. Some American and European politicians have responded by flying to Taiwan in a show of support. Taiwanese officials usually stop in the United States en route to and from Latin America and meet with U.S. officials, which irritates Beijing. The Taiwanese government gave no indication Lai was due to meet American officials. Lai was scheduled to have lunch Sunday in New York City with Taiwanese living there before leaving for Paraguay. En route home, he planned to stop in San Francisco for a dinner with Taiwanese there. The Chinese foreign ministry said earlier it would monitor developments and was ready to take resolute and forceful measures to defend its national sovereignty and territorial integrity. China launched war games around Taiwan in April after Tsai met House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in Los Angeles while traveling home from Central America. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Mumbai, Aug 12 : August 15 is just around the corner, the highly popular drama series 'Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai' will don the hues of patriotism in its new upcoming episodes, as the drama explores a compelling new narrative arc which will mix in comedy with tension, suspense and high stakes emotionality. Actress Shubhangi Atre a.k.a Angoori Bhabi talking about the new special said: "In Modern Colony, residents are pooling money for the upcoming August 15 celebration. However, trouble arises when Kuljeet Kulta's henchmen apprehend Saxena (Saanand Verma) and bring him to Kulta. Saxena hands over a document revealing that the landowner of Modern Colony." Diving further into detail about the plot threads, she said: "Sarkunda has sold the land to Kulta, necessitating the evacuation of their homes. This revelation leaves everyone distressed. Tiwari (Rohitashv Gour) and Vibhuti (Aasif Sheikh) attempt to reason with Kulta, urging him not to evict them." "Despite their efforts, Kulta remains unyielding. Faced with the prospect of leaving the colony, most residents avoid legal battles. However, they concoct a plan to ensnare Sarkunda," the actress added. "The strategy involves sending Angoori to extract the truth from him while intoxicated. Angoori successfully elicits the truth from Sarkunda, acquires the key, and sends Tiwari and Vibhuti to retrieve the crucial document." This new special packs in a lot of new familial trouble, bringing elements of great tension and scheming to reveal hidden truths as each character has their own card to play, but there can be only one winner. To win this tricky game of life, one must pack in their own ace in the hole. But who has the card which is needed to win, and struggle to keep what is theirs. 'Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai' packing in drama, tension, comedy, suspense has received great acclaim. Independence Day special of the show will air on &TV at 10:30 p.m. Bhopal, Aug 12 : The alleged 'commission' controversy has also hit poll-bound Madhya Pradesh where both the Congress and BJP have accused each other of taking 'commissions' from the contractors. Congress leader Arun Yadav posted a letter on his social media account claiming that a Gwalior-based contractor has written to Madhya Pradesh High Court and has alleged that after completing the government project, he has been forced to pay 50 per cent commission to reclaim his payment. Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi, who is leading the party's poll campaign in Madhya Pradesh, also wrote a long note on her social media account. "The Union of Contractors in Madhya Pradesh has written a letter to the Chief Justice of the High Court complaining that payment is received only after paying 50 per cent commission in the state," read Priyanka's message. She further pointed out that the BJP government in Karnataka used to collect 40 per cent commission and that: "In Madhya Pradesh, BJP has gone ahead by breaking its own record of corruption. The people of Karnataka ousted the government with 40 per cent commission, now the people of Madhya Pradesh will remove the BJP government with 50 per cent commission from power." MP BJP unit Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, State Home Minister Narottam Mishra and the party's head for MP unit V. D. Sharma attacked Congress saying that the controversial letter is 'fake'.D. Sharma warned of action against Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi over her allegations. MP Home Minister Narottam Mishra also responded to the allegations and accused Congress of playing politics "with a disgusting mentality" without any issue. "This is a conspiracy and BJP will take action for this tweet under cybercrime...She will have to tell from where did she get this letter. You (Priyanka Gandhi) misled not only Madhya Pradesh, but the country on the basis of a fake letter," V. D. Sharma said. "Congress leadership will have to give an answer on this. We will take legal action in this regard." Chandigarh, Aug 12 : Commemorating 76 years of Independence, Gurjot Singh Kaler, a senior police officer in Punjab, scaled and unfurled the tricolour on the top of Mount Elbrus -- the highest and most prominent peak in Russia and Europe. Kaler, a professionally-trained mountaineer, was adjudged the best mountaineer during his Basic Mountaineering Course (BMC) at the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM) at Uttarkashi in Uttarakhand. His recent feat is noteworthy considering that the Caucasus' tallest mountain, Mount Elbrus, is 5,642 metres (18,510 feet) above sea level. There were four others in Kaler's team, which reached the top of Mount Elbrus on August 11 at 7 a.m. after battling heavy snowstorms, thunderstorms and atmospheric lightning. Mount Elbrus is covered in snow through out around and is home to 22 glaciers that feed three rivers -- Baksan, Malka and Kuban. Elbrus is part of the Caucasus mountain range, near the Georgian border in the south of Russia. The Caucasus technically sits in Asia and Europe, although most geographers place it in Europe. It's a mountain range that spans two continents. Committed to the spirit of combating climate change and global warming, the mission of Mount Elbrus was dedicated by Kaler to exhort the world community to preserve the environment and create awareness about depleting forest reserves across the planet and melting of glaciers. "It took five days to successfully do the summit after acclimatisation hikes to Mount Cheget and Pastukhov Rocks. The weather was very turbulent on the day of the summit and there was a lot of lightning and thunderstorms which made the climb very difficult," Kaler told IANS over phone. At one point, it looked impossible but the sheer willpower, perseverance and determination served him in good stead throughout the adventurous expedition. "It is only in tough circumstances that we can test the real toughness of mind," he said. Kaler has become the first Punjab Police officer to scale Mount Elbrus. Earlier, he had successfully climbed the summit of the highest mountain in the African Continent -- Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. The daredevil officer had also performed a skydive from 15,000 feet during the Covid pandemic to serve as a heartfelt tribute of bravery and courage to the corona warriors who had sacrificed their lives during the pandemic. He's currently handling the charge of AIG (Excise and Taxation) and was awarded with the Chief Minister's Medal for outstanding devotion to duty in January 2023. He was also conferred with the Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh Raj Yuva Puraskar by the government of Punjab in March 2023 for his fight against drug abuse in Punjab and for promoting the culture of sports. Kaler feels that his efforts in terms of climbing Mount Ebrus will go a long way in awakening the world community to join hands for combating climate change. He admits that global warming and climate change is a grim reality of "our times and every region on earth is impacted by our actions". "Even the recent ghastly floods in Punjab and Himachal can be attributed to lack of ecological balance and disregard to the Mother Earth. Therefore, it's very important to understand the precarious situation through which the entire humanity is passing through right now and take concerted actions before its too late. "Rather, the truth is that we are already quite late in combating global climate change and if we continue to ignore the warnings of Mother Nature, a day will come when everything will be simply lost forever," Kaler added. (Vishal Gulati can be contacted at gulatiians@gmail.com) Kolkata, Aug 12 : A local court in Kolkata on Saturday remanded till August 22 a former student of Jadhavpur University on the charges of murdering first year student of the varsity. Sourav Chowdhary, who completed his post-graduation in Maths from the varsity, was arrested late Friday evening on the charges of killing Swapnadip Kundu. Although the public prosecutor sought his police custody till August 25, the court allowed it till August 22. Chowdhary was named in the FIR filed by the victim's father Ramprasad Kundu in which he described the former JU student as the key accused behind the ragging that happened at the student's hostel balcony off which the victim had fallen on August 10 and died. Chowdhary is reported to have a major say in accommodation arrangements at the student's hostel. The night before Swapnadip's body was recovered from front of the hostel, he appeared very restless and constantly said that he is not a "gay", investigating officials said on the information provided by hostel-mates of the victim. The victim's shy approach towards the female students prompted the offenders to label him as a "gay", the officials added. The night before he even called up his parents who stayed at Nadia and narrated to them about the ragging he was undergoing. Besides the routine police inquiry, the JU authorities have also decided to conduct internal inquiry into the matter. A committee consisting of the university teachers from various departments along with representatives from the different students' councils has been constituted for that purpose. The said committee, headed by the science department dean of JU Subinoy Chakraborty, is supposed to complete the internal probe within 15 days and submit a report to the university authorities. San Francisco, Aug 12 : Japanese automotive giant Toyota has recalled around 1,68,000 recently manufactured vehicles in the US over a potential fire risk. The recall involves certain 2022 and 2023 model-year Toyota Tundra and Tundra Hybrid vehicles. "The subject vehicles are equipped with a plastic fuel tube which could move and rub against a brake line and develop a fuel leak. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could increase the risk of fire," Toyota said in a recall notice. "For all involved vehicles, Toyota dealers will replace the fuel tube with an improved part and additional clamps at no cost to customers," it added. Moreover, the automaker said that it is "currently preparing the remedy parts for this recall". Customers will receive free installation of protective materials and a clamp on the fuel tube as a temporary measure until the final remedy parts are available. Toyota said that it will notify affected owners about this issue by early October 2023. Last year, eight automakers, including Toyota voluntarily recalled more than 1,00,000 vehicles to fix faulty components. The eight firms -- Toyota, Kia, Ford Sales and Service Korea, Volkswagen Group Korea, Jaguar Land Rover Korea, BMW Korea, Dasan Heavy Industries Co and Motostar Korea -- recalled a total of 1,02,169 units of 52 different models, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said in a statement. The problems that prompted the recall include a faulty assistant heating system in Kia's Sorento SUV, a faulty transmission system in Ford's Fusion sedan and software problems in the Audi A6 Premium 45 TFSI quattro sedan imported by Volkswagen Group Korea. New Delhi, Aug 12 : A day after the government introduced three bills which completely overhaul the British-era Indian criminal laws, the Indian Penal Code (1860), Code of Criminal Procedure (1898), and the Indian Evidence Act (1872), Congress leader Manish Tewari on Saturday said that these need to be examined critically and provision by provision in the light of judicial pronouncements interpreting them. Tewari, who is a Lok Sabha MP and party's national spokesperson in a tweet said, "The Indian Penal Code was notified in 1860, Indian Evidence Act in 1872 Criminal Procedure Code (CRPC) in 1898. The CRPC was amended in 1908 and 1973. Some of these acts, especially CrPC has state Amendments given that law and order is a state subject." The Congress leader, who is also a former union minister said: "Each provision in each of these enactments has been extensively litigated over the past 150-100 years and the interpretation of each provision has been settled by judicial pronouncements by the Privy Council , Federal Court, Supreme Court , various High Courts and in some cases even by subordinate courts." "The three new bills introduced by Amit Shah and referred to the Standing Committee of Home Affairs need to be examined critically provision by provision in the light of judicial pronouncements interpreting them," Tewari said. He said: "It therefore is imperative that a Joint Committee of Parliament consisting of lawyers, retired judges, former police officials or civil servants, jurists, members active in human, women and civil rights movements should be constituted by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar to examine all these three bills very very critically. These bills have serious implications on the Fundamental rights enshrined in Part -III of the Constitution of India especially the Golden Triangle of rights Article -14, 19 and 21." His remarks came a day after Shah introduced the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, 2023 which seeks to replace the IPC, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita Bill which seeks to replace the CrPC and the Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, 2023 which seeks to replace the Indian Evidence Act, in Lok Sabha on the last day of the monsoon session. Referring the three bills for consideration of the Parliamentary standing committee on home affairs, Shah said that the earlier laws strengthened the British rule, while the proposed laws will protect the right of the citizens and give speedy justice to the people. A new offence on acts of secession, armed rebellion, subversive activities, separatist activities or endangering sovereignty or unity and integrity of India has been added in the revised laws. The sedition law 'has been repealed', the Home Minister said. The word 'sedition' is not in the proposed law. It is replaced by Section 150 for acts endangering sovereignty, unity and integrity of India. Rahul Gandhi gets rousing welcome on his first visit to Wayanad after being reinstated. Image Source: IANS News Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 12 : Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Saturday got a rousing welcome in his Wayanad constituency in Kerala after Supreme Court reinstated his membership in the Lok Sabha, after a court in Gujarat convicted him in a criminal defamation case. Thousands of people were eagerly waiting to see and hear him as this was his first visit to his constituency. In his speech, Rahul Gandhi slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his handling of Manipur crisis. "Modi is not a nationalist and that is why he has not visited Manipur. No nationalist will ever do what Modi is doing to Manipur. We will bring back love to Manipur. It is this fight that the Congress and Modi is having," he said. "They (BJP) are free to disqualify me not once but 50 or 100 times, but they just cannot separate me from you because that's the love and affection you have bestowed upon me. We will work together even if we are from different political parties as I love and respect the people of Wayanad," Rahul Gandhi said. "Even though I am happy to be back but I am sad that Oommen Chandy is not here with us. He was one leader who gave love to all and we will all miss him," Rahul Gandhi said. He also distributed keys of new homes to nine families which were constructed by MP funds. New Delhi, Aug 12 : Delhi High Court has upheld the Union Ministry's Department of Personnel and Training's decision to reject the appointment proposal for Dr. J Thulaseedhara Kurup as the director of the National School of Drama (NSD). A bench of Justice Chandra Dhari Singh stated that there were valid reasons for the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) to decline Kurup's candidacy. Justice Singh said that after reviewing the case comprehensively, including original files presented by the Ministry of Culture, the court found no grounds to interfere with the decision dated January 29, 2022. "...considering the entirety of the matter, the facts, circumstances, submissions, objections, the contents of the impugned order and, most importantly, the contents of the original files as placed before this Court by Ms. Anjana, Under Secretary, Ministry of Culture, this Court does not find any reason to interfere with the impugned order dated 29th January 2022. There were adequate reasons for the ACC for not accepting the proposal for consideration of the petitioner's candidature for the post of Director at respondent no. 3/NSD," the court observed. The judge dismissed Kurup's plea against the ministry's decision and said that sufficient reasons were provided for the non-approval of Kurup's candidature. Kurup had applied for the director's post in 2018 and later discovered, through an Right to Information (RTI) application, that he had ranked first in merit. Despite this, his appointment was denied, leading him to file petitions. However, the court said that the ACC's role is not judicial and that there was no obligation to provide explicit reasons for the decision. "...apart from the position settled by the Hon'ble Supreme Court, the fact remains that in the instant case, the ACC was informed about all the relevant factors and considerations necessary for deciding the case of the petitioner. There were sufficient reasons recorded in the detailed note placed before the ACC by the Ministry of Culture. Therefore, this Court does not find any force in the arguments advanced on behalf of the petitioner that there were no justifiable reasons for non-approval of the petitioner's candidature," the court said. Justice Singh stated that the decision-making process was adequately deliberated upon, with relevant factors considered, and the court found no gross illegality in the committee's decision. The court noted that administrative decisions need not be scrutinised as long as the principles of natural justice are upheld. "...the Courts need not interfere in administrative decision making so long as the principles of natural justice are observed and there is no gross illegality in the decision made by a Committee making decisions regarding services," the court noted. Apple takes on SpaceX with its Emergency SOS on iPhones. Image Source: IANS News San Francisco, Aug 12 : The iPhone 14's Emergency SOS via Satellite feature helped save a family in Maui (an island in Hawaii, US) that was caught in a wildfire spreading across the region. Michael Miraflor, a user on X (formerly Twitter) said that five people related to his brother's girlfriend were caught in a vehicle in Maui after the wildfires surrounded them. There was no cell service available at their location, so they used Emergency SOS to communicate with first responders. "My brother's girlfriend's cousin and his family were caught in their vehicle in Maui while the wildfires suddenly erupted around them. No cell service, so Apple Emergency SOS was the only way they could get in contact with first responders. Literally saved their lives," he wrote. Miraflor also shared a screenshot of the entire Emergency SOS text chain, showing the local fire department and dispatchers in action. The family was found at the Outlets of Maui, a shopping mall in Lahaina near the fires. In the text thread, the family's current location was transmitted to the dispatcher, and they were able to communicate that they are surrounded by fire with no visibility and no way out due to blocked roads. Firefighters were able to reach the family and safely evacuate them within 30 minutes because of the Emergency SOS via Satellite feature. Last month, the Emergency SOS via satellite feature on the iPhone helped to save two tourists who got lost in the mountains of Italy. During an outing in the Apennine Mountains, the hikers got lost in an area without a cellphone signal, reports AppleInsider. Luckily, they had an iPhone 14 which provided them the option to call for help via a satellite text message. They were then rescued by the local fire department. Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 12 : After a media report surfaced earlier this week about a Kochi-based mining company allegedly paying money to Veena Vijayan, the daughter of Pinarayi Vijayan, Union minister V. Muraleedharan for the second straight day slammed the Kerala Chief Minister and his son-in-law P.A. Mohammed Riyas, also a state minister. On Wednesday, a news item had appeared in Malayala Manorama, a leading vernacular daily, on the alleged payment reportedly received by CM's daughter Veena Vijayan from CMRL, a mining company. The report said that CMRL paid Veena and her IT firm Exalogic a sum of Rs 1.72 crore during 2017-2020 for IT services rendered.The report said that the Income Tax Appellate Board, while examining the tax returns of CMRL, stumbled upon payments made to Veena and her IT firm. It was also found based on the information provided by a few CMRL officials that no services were rendered by her firm to the company. Muraleedharan, the Union Minister of State for External Affairs, said on Saturday that both Vijayan and Riyas are silent and neither have spoken a word on this blatant corrupt practice. "Riyas is a person who is known for reacting on issues at the drop of a hat, but after this revelation against his wife, he has gone silent. And where is Vijayan, who is often projected as 'Captain', a man with two hearts... Why is he silent," asked Muraleedharan. First-time Congress legislator Mathew Kuzhalnadan too had raised concerns on Friday about the credibility of the Income Tax (I-T) returns of Veena Vijayan. Kuzhalnadan claimed that the money received by Veena doesn't reflect in her I-T returns or in that of her husband's. "Even the CPI-M has said that she collected the money for the services rendered by her company. If that is the case, why is it missing from the I-T returns," Kuzhalnadan asked. Meanwhile, CPI-M state secretary M.V. Govindan on Saturday lost his cool when the media quizzed him on this issue. He slammed the media for attacking Vijayan and his family for 'vested' interests, claiming that there was nothing wrong in the services which Veena and her firm provided to CMRL. A police officer searches a man in Soyapango, El Salvador. Salvador Melendez (AP) Henry Joya was arrested on April 19, 2022. It was approximately 10 p.m. and he was asleep. The police dragged him out of his house in Colonia Luz, in the municipality of San Salvador, and five months later his family, having not heard anything from him, discovered that he was dead. The state of emergency declared in El Salvador by President Nayib Bukele swallowed Joya alive and then spat his corpse into a common grave in the cemetery of La Bermeja. But before that technically and according to human rights organizations he was a subject of forced disappearance. Joya was arrested for alleged links to El Salvadors criminal gangs and transferred to the Mariona jail, where prison authorities provided his family with information about his welfare: he suffered from a mental disability that caused him to forget many things. However, at the beginning of July, after two months of detention, Joyas family stopped receiving news. He no longer appeared on the list of prisoners held at Mariona. Jesus Joya began to search for his brother in other jails while his family approached other government institutions to seek information about his whereabouts, all without success. Then Jesus had a fateful premonition: to make inquiries at the Institute of Legal Medicine (IML). The forensic experts there showed the family a series of photographs of corpses and among them was the face of Henry, a man described by his neighbors in Colonia Luz as helpful and someone who did not get into trouble. The discovery was made on September 19, but Jesus was stunned when he was told that his brother had been buried in the mass grave 73 days earlier. Joyas body was exhumed in October and, according to the report issued by the IML, he died from pulmonary edema. However, a witness who shared a cell with him in the Mariona penitentiary center told the family that he had been subjected to severe beatings by the guards and that he died as a result, documents a report that the Due Process Foundation, along with five other Salvadoran organizations, presented to the Committee on Enforced Disappearances and the United Nations Working Group on Enforced Disappearances. Three patterns of disappearances Henry Joyas case falls into one of three patterns of forced disappearances that the report prepared by the Due Process Foundation identifies under El Salvadors emergency regime, a controversial measure Bukele enforced in March 2022 and with which he claims to have neutralized gang violence in Central Americas smallest country. The state of emergency has also suspended constitutional guarantees for El Salvadors citizens and has sent over 70,000 people to prison. Although the government links all those detentions to the countrys powerful gangs, human rights organizations have reported 5,490 direct victims from outside the sphere of criminal structures. The figures published by NGOs indicate that there were 13,581 violations up to the end of July. The most-highlighted is arbitrary detention, at 95%. However, now the phenomenon of short-term forced disappearances has been added to the list. The three patterns of disappearance have elements in common: people are captured by the police or the military enforcing the state of emergency. They are arrested in public places, in the presence of witnesses. Their relatives then go to the police to request information, where it is denied that a detention has occurred and the whereabouts of the detainee are not revealed. The first pattern A highlights that, after several weeks or months relatives receive some information that allows them to find the detained person in a penitentiary center. In pattern B, after several weeks or months, and despite the insistence of relatives and the filing of habeas corpus, the relatives have no news of the detained person. This seems to be the most frequent pattern according to the complaints received by the organizations subscribing to this document, the report states. Lastly, there is pattern C, which applies to the case of Henry Joya: They are, likewise, people captured by the police or military, in application of the state of exception, and it is officially recognized that the person has been sent to a penitentiary center. Subsequently, the family has no other official information or communication with the detained person, and after several months of searching again for their loved one, they find out through the Institute of Legal Medicine or private individuals, such as a funeral company, that their relative died in the prison. Many of these people are buried in mass graves before their relatives learn of their death, the report states. At the end of July last year, the government-controlled parliament approved transitory provisions and reforms to the Law against Organized Crime to increase the penalties for gang leaders and allow for mass trials. These mass hearings of up to 900 detainees were designed to prosecute entire criminal structures. In addition, the law regulating drug-related activities and juvenile criminal legislation has been reformed in inquisitorial ways, the report submitted to the United Nations states. These reforms make it easier for any person anonymously accused of committing a crime to remain in unofficial provisional detention for an unlimited period of time, to be convicted with flawed evidence, with reference witnesses, among others, facilitating the abusive use of the emergency regime, states the Due Process Foundation. Armed with these legal tools, police and military have carried out massive and indiscriminate detentions of people [...] This situation is aggravated by the practice and/or de facto policy of the police and prison authorities of denying any information about the status of detained persons to their relatives or defenders, continues the report. Nor is there an immediate registry of persons detained, nor judicial control of the arrests. Most of them are young people in a situation of poverty and vulnerability, accused of the crime of illicit association, the legal wording of which is so broad that it allows and facilitates the apprehension of people without any basis. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition New Delhi, Aug 12 : Two men, involved in more than 50 cases including murder, attempt to murder, snatching, arms act among others, were nabbed in Delhi, police said on Saturday. The accused were identified as Dharmender alias Rinku a.k.a Manish and Amit a.k.a Anda, both residents of Gokulpuri in Delhi. According to police, on Thursday in the early hours, a PCR call regarding burglary in a School at Ganga Vihar was received in Gokalpuri police station after which a police team reached at the spot and found the cash counter of the school was ransacked and some cash and documents were found stolen. During the probe, the police team analysed the CCTV footage and accordingly, sources were deployed to gather local intelligence. "On the basis of collected information, the suspects were identified and accordingly, a raid was conducted in which Dharmender and Amit were nabbed from the area near Sanjay Colony," said the Deputy Commissioner of Police (northeast) Joy Tirkey. On interrogation, it was found that both are 'Bad Characters' of Gokulpuri area and previously involved in more than 50 cases of murder, attempt to murder, snatching, robbery, theft and arms act. "They confessed to their crime and disclosed that they committed the crime to earn easy money so as to fulfill their addiction to drugs and alcohol. Further efforts are being made to trace their possible involvement in other cases also," the DCP added. New Delhi, Aug 12 : Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a charge sheet against Tamil Nadu's arrested Minister V. Senthil Balaji in the cash for job case. The ED arrested Balaji on June 14 and is presently lodged in judicial custody. The ED has said that during the investigation, it was revealed that a substantial parcel of land admeasuring 2.49 Acre located at Salem Bypass Road, Andankovil, Karur was acquired by P Lakshmi (mother-in-law of RV Ashok Balaji, alleged accused in the matter) from Anuradha Ramesh for a mere Rs 10 lakhs, as against the landas true value amounting to more than 30 crore. However, while scrutinising the income source of P Lakshmi, it was revealed that she lacked any credible means of income and her assertion of selling old jewellery to secure Rs. 10 lakhs for the land purchase were proven to be fictitious. Subsequently, this plot of land was gifted to her daughter Nirmala, wife of Ashok Kumar, the brother of Senthil Balaji. Upon further investigation, it was disclosed that the remaining sum required for the land acquisition was paid in cash to Anuradha Ramesh. This cash, in turn, was employed by Anuradha Ramesh to procure another piece of land in the same vicinity. Considering these developments, the said property has been placed under a freeze order in accordance with section 17(1-A) of PMLA. The ED initiated investigation on the basis of three FIRs registered and charge-sheet filed by the Central Crime Branch (CCB), Chennai, in the 'Cash for Jobs Scam arraying V Senthil Balaji as the main accused. V Senthil Balaji in collaboration with his brother RV Ashok Kumar, and his Personal Assistants B Shanmugam and M Karthikeyan, gave jobs in lieu of cash. This led to jobs being awarded at the expense of deserving candidates. Aizawl, Aug 12 : Mizoram Chief Minister and President of the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF), Zoramthanga, said on Saturday that the party's support to the BJP-led NDA is only issue-based. While the MNF, one of NDA's oldest allies, is yet to pull out from the BJP-led alliance, it did support the no-confidence motion moved in the Lok Sabha by the grand opposition alliance INDIA criticising both the Centre and state government over the "wrong handling of the Manipur crisis". Addressing party workers here, Zoramthanga said the lone MNF Lok Sabha member from Mizoram -- C. Lalrosanga -- supported the opposition's no-confidence motion as the party is dissatisfied with the Centre's handling of the Manipur issue. "We supported the NDA as we cannot be a part of the Congress-led alliance. However, our support to the NDA is only issue-based and we would oppose the alliance if and when it goes against the interests of the Mizo people as a whole," the veteran politician clarified. Stating that the MNF initially opposed the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), but later supported it after Mizoram was exempted from its purview, the Mizoram Chief Minister announced that the party MPs in both the Houses of the Parliament will oppose the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) if it is introduced for legislation. The Chief Minister said that the MNF government defied the Centre's order to deport Myanmarese refugees to their country and allowed them to take shelter in the state. Around 35,000 Myanmar nationals, including children and women, have taken shelter in Mizoram since February 2021 after the Myanmar military, following a coup, took over the governance there. The Mizoram government had sought Rs 10 crore from the Centre as humanitarian assistance to provide relief to the Myanmar refugees, but the Central government sanctioned only Rs 3 crore, he said. "There are no other political parties like the MNF which dares to go against PM Modi," Zoramthanga pointed out. Zoramthanga, however, had recently said that his party is yet to decide on pulling out of the BJP-led NDA. The Chief Minister, his Cabinet colleagues and MNF MLAs had participated in the 'Solidarity March' organised by the NGOs' Coordination Committee in Mizoram on July 25 to express solidarity for the Kuki-Zo tribals, affected by the violence in Manipur. The 40-member Mizoram Assembly will go to the polls towards the end of this year. New Delhi, Aug 12 : Saudi Arabia, important though it is as a major oil producer, has no real credentials to promote peace in Ukraine. The issues involved in the Ukrainian conflict are no doubt energy related but not to Saudi Arabia's role in oil politics. It is Europe's dependence on Russian energy that has been a strategic geopolitical element in the Ukraine crisis, apart from security issues for Russia flowing from NATO's eastward expansion. Saudi Arabia plays a powerful role in the Islamic world, but the Ukraine conflict has no Islamic dimension, though the Ukrainian leadership is now seeking to give it a religious twist by raising the issue of the Crimean Tatars, a subject of more relevance to Turkish sentiments than those of Saudi Arabia, which has also shown unconcern about the Uighur issue. Saudi Arabia has had historically very close ties with the US, but America's politics in Arab world, the end of its reliance on oil from this region, and the general belief that US stakes in the region have diminished, not to mention President Biden's denunciation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Sultan's role in the Khashoggi affair, have incited Saudi Arabia to build other partnerships, be it with China or Russia (within OPEC in particular). Yet, Saudi defence dependence on the US is huge and the US has major bases in the region. Having snubbed Biden when he approached the Crown Prince to increase oil production to prevent a major spike in energy prices following Europe's decision to end oil supplies from Russia, this Saudi initiative on Ukraine seems to be a mollifying balancing act. It is also one of raising the Saudi profile regionally and internationally in line with the country's new ambitions under the modernizer Crown Prince. The non-western world largely sees the Ukraine conflict as a European one, much to the political frustration of US and Europe. Their pitch is that Russia's "unprovoked" aggression against Ukraine concerns the entire international community, as it involves the violation of sovereignty of an independent country and is a blatant breach of the UN Charter. The rhetoric is that if Russia is allowed to get away with its aggression, other countries with aggressive intentions would be encouraged to follow its path against weaker neighbours. The detachment of the Global South from this core western narrative, the unwillingness of many to impose sanctions, Russia's success in holding the recent Africa summit, India's unwillingness to condemn Russian aggression and become a major buyer of Russian oil, Brazil's equivocation, are seen by the West as its diplomatic failure, requiring more efforts on its part to reach out more purposefully to the developing countries. The earlier conference on the Ukrainian peace plan was held in June this year in Denmark, a European NATO member, with 15 countries participating, including the G 7, the EU and some from the Global South including India, Brazil, South Africa, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. The US was represented by its National Security Adviser, Jake Sullivan. China, though invited did not attend. No statement emerged from that meeting. Saudi Arabia seems to have been persuaded to hold the next meeting. 40 countries attended, with the Saudi National Security Adviser as convener. US NSA Sullivan attended again, testifying to the strong diplomatic push by the US to draw the Global South into discussing peace in Ukraine. The West's goal seems to be to signal that Russia was beginning to lose support from developing countries with the continuation of the conflict because of its consequences for them by way of food, fertiliser and energy shortages and price hikes. The US and Europe would also have in mind that many key countries of the Global South are seeking to become members of BRICS, a Russia-China dominated group focused increasingly on multipolarity and one that would provide these countries an alternative to the West dominated world. This would make it all the more important for the West to engage them diplomatically more assiduously. This time China attended the meeting. With Russia not being invited to the Saudi meeting (it could not be invited in any case to Denmark as a NATO member and party to sanctions on Russia), the whole exercise seemed more concerned about one side gaining diplomatic advantage rather than a genuine search for a real peace breakthrough. For the West, the stated purpose of Danish and the Saudi meetings is to promote a consensus around Ukraine's 10- point peace plan, with working groups working on parts of it, leading eventually to a peace summit. To believe that a peace plan can be developed without Russia being a part of the process and its views and concerns taken into account, is illusionary. Russia has already rejected the Ukrainian peace plan as unrealistic. It is a maximalist plan based on the restoration of Ukrainian territorial integrity, withdrawal of Russian troops and restoration of Ukraine's state borders with Russia, and establishment of a special tribunal to prosecute Russia's war crimes. Such a peace plan can be imposed only on a defeated country. Other parts of the plan such as restoring security at Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant raises the question about the real source of this security threat. Protecting and ensuring Ukraine's grain exports to the world's poorest nations raises questions about the reasons why the grain accord has collapsed, why the major beneficiaries of these grain exports have not been the developing countries, as also why Russia's own grain exports have been hampered if the concern has been to ensure adequate supplies to the world's poorest nations. Why should a "peace plan" have a focus on price restrictions on Russian energy sources, which means endorsing sanctions on Russia. The Ukrainian plan talks of building a security architecture in the Euro-Atlantic space, including guarantees for Ukraine, even though the source of the conflict is the failure to adhere to the OSCE endorsed principle of indivisible security in Europe and Russia's known security concerns over NATO expansion, shows a disconnect with deep rooted problem of creating an inclusive European security architecture. The Ukraine's presidential chief of staff characterising the Saudi Arabia meeting as "huge blow to Russia" and noting that only the Ukrainian peace formula was discussed (but admitting that on some points there was lack of agreement amongst participants) suggests, again, an approach of scoring points rather than genuine attempts to score a breakthrough. This approach to peace that does not meet the concerns of all parties to the conflict cannot succeed. Saudi Arabia's statement on the meeting has no substance, mostly confined to listing the countries which participated and noting they had agreed on the importance of continuing consultations to pave the way for peace. It is not surprising that Russia's Foreign Ministry has dismissed the Ukraine peace plan as not aimed at finding a negotiated and diplomatic solution to the crisis and constituting "a senseless ultimatum to Russia". Its statement notes that no meetings on the Ukraine crisis add any value without Russia's participation or regard for its interests. For Russia a settlement would require that Ukraine's western sponsors stop inundating the armed forces of Ukraine with weapons, confirm Ukraine's neutral, non-bloc and nuclear-free status, and recognise the new territorial realities, followed by Ukraine's demilitarisation and de-nazification etc. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov believes that the Saudi Arabia meeting was "a reflection of the West's attempt to continue futile, doomed efforts" to mobilise the Global South behind Zelensky's position. Russia hopes that its BRICS allies and other partners who attended the meeting will share their assessments with it in keeping with the existing agreements. The West has projected China's presence at the Saudi meeting as a diplomatic success that denotes some dilution of its support for Russia. This seems to have prompted the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to speak to Foreign Minister Lavrov to remove any such misapprehension. China is also playing a balancing act in attending the meeting in Saudi Arabia with which it has developed close ties, with an eye also on the international stage where it seeks to project itself as a peace maker after its success in overseeing the reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran. It had proposed a Ukraine peace plan of its own, with its special envoy visiting both Kiev and Moscow to promote it, but without success. India has attended both the Danish and Saudi meetings in pursuance of its position that a solution to the conflict lies in recourse to dialogue and diplomacy and to draw attention at these forums on the deleterious consequences of the conflict on developing countries. At the Saudi Arabia meeting the Indian National Security Adviser made the point that the whole world and especially the Global South was bearing the brunt of the situation, and that India's approach had been and always would. be to promote dialogue and diplomacy. He noted that several peace proposals had been currently put forward, with each having some positive points but none that was acceptable to both sides. He rightly noted that the key question that needed to be addressed in the meeting he attended was whether a solution that was acceptable to all relevant stakeholders could be found. He affirmed that India would remain an active and willing partner to find a lasting and comprehensive solution. For India, too, its presence at the Saudi Arabia meeting was a balancing act. It was a bow to the US which had pushed hard for this meeting, as also to Ukraine with which we have no bilateral quarrel, while making sure that its position at the meeting did not send any negative signal to Moscow, with its focus remaining on advocating dialogue and diplomacy and on alleviating the negative consequences of the conflict for the Global South. India's G 20 presidency, with the G 20 summit in the offing, required this balancing act. --IANS (The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative New Delhi, Aug 12 : Shamil Saquib Nachan, who was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday, has been sent to agency's custody till August 18. He was produced before a special PMLA court. The NIA sought custodial remand. The court allowed the move. Nachan was arrested for his alleged active involvement in promoting terrorist activities of the designated foreign terrorist organisation. This was the sixth arrest made by the counter terrorism agency in the case. "The accused, Shamil Saquib Nachan, a resident of Padgha, Thane, was found involved in the fabrication, training and testing of improvised explosive devices (IED) for commission of terrorist acts. He had been working in collaboration with five other accused, identified as Zulfikar Ali Barodawala, Mohammed Imran Khan, Mohammed Yunus Saki, Simab Nasiruddin Kazi and Abdul Kadir Pathan, alongwith some other suspects," the NIA said in a statement. The agency said Imran Khan and Mohammed Yunus Saki, were members of the aSufa terrorist ganga and were absconding. They were declared amost wanteda in a case relating to recovery of explosives from a car in Rajasthan in April 2022. "These members of an ISIS sleeper module, including Shamil, were operating from a house in Kondhwa, Pune, where they had assembled IEDs and also organised and participated in bomb training and making workshop last year. They had also carried out a controlled explosion at this location to test an IED fabricated by them," the NIA said. It said, "ISIS Pune module case on August 3, 2023, have shown that the accused had plans to commit terrorist acts with the aim to disturb peace and communal harmony of the country. They had planned to wage a war against the Government of India in furtherance of the ISIS agenda." Gurugram, Aug 12 : The police in Haryana have nabbed a member of a gang of cow smugglers after an encounter near Mahu village at Ferozepur Jhirka in the early hours of Saturday in Nuh, the police said. A police officer said that the gang hailed from Utawar village in Palwal district. According to the police, on a tip-off on Friday night, a police team led by DSP Satish Vats intercepted a truck on the Delhi-Mumbai expressway carrying 21 cows. The accused persons allegedly opened fire at the police, and one of the accused, Taufiq, was shot in the knee and rushed to Nalhad Medical College in Nuh after the police retaliated, while his accomplice fled. The police said Taufiq would be arrested after he is discharged from the hospital. A truck has also been seized. "We are conducting raids to nab the absconding accused. One of the accused was injured in cross-firing," a senior police officer said. Patna, Aug 12 : JD-U President Lalan Singh on Saturday slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for 'misleading' people over AIIMS Darbhanga. Sharing a video post on his official twitter handle he asked PM Modi to take the correct information from Union Health Ministry and said that AIIMS Darbhanga is open for common people. "Bihar government has allocated land in Darbhanga for the construction of AIIMS. The state government also allocated Rs 250 crore for filling clay at the earmarked site but your government is not ready to build AIIMS," Singh said in his tweet. New Delhi: Congress Party leader Jairam Ramesh addresses during a press conference at Aicc Headquarter in New Delhi on Monday, Feb. 20, 2023. (Photo: Anupam Gautam/IANS). Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, Aug 12 : Congress on Saturday said that not allowing two BJP MPs to speak in parliament over the violence in their own state is not only unfortunate but an insult to the entire Manipur as well. "BJP MP from Manipur was not allowed to speak in Parliament even after requesting. This is not only unfortunate but an insult to the entire Manipur. "The divisive politics of the BJP first set fire to Manipur. When violence broke out, he was left to fend for himself. Still violence continues. It is shameful for the BJP to stop its own MP from Manipur and Minister of State for External Affairs from speaking at such a time," Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh in a tweet said. The House of Minister of State for External Affairs and Education Rajkumar Ranjan Singh and one more BJP MP from Manipur was not allowed to speak on the violence in Parliament. New Delhi, Aug 12 : The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Delhi Police has apprehended a driver who allegedly seized properties worth Rs 10 crore that belonged to a 90-year-old deceased doctor in South Delhi's Greater Kailash-I area, an official said on Saturday. The accused was identified as Rohit Chaudhary. As per the police, a complaint was lodged by a 59-year-old Bindu Sharma, asserting that her uncle, Lt. Krishan Gopal Dua, had been murdered in a premeditated manner. "The alleged individuals, namely Sunil Chaudhary in collaboration with Rohit Choudhary, Prince Chaudhry, and others, committed calculated fraud, cheating, and forgery to acquire properties worth crores of rupees that belonged to Dua," mentioned Deputy Commissioner of Police (EOW) Surendra Chaudhary. In 2017, her uncle had hired Prince as his caretaker, who later introduced his brother, Rohit Choudhary, as a driver. "Due to age-related ailments, her uncle had been completely bedridden since 2015. Soon after Dua's demise, his servant Prince Choudhary produced a photocopy of the GPA (General Power of Attorney) of the property in Greater Kailash-1, in favor of Rohit Choudhary and Prince Choudhary. This document was allegedly executed at the Sub-Registrar Office in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh," stated the DCP. Subsequently, Rohit and Prince sold the property to their father, Ravinder Choudhary, and the sale deed was executed on May 22, 2019, at the Registration Authority in Hauz Khas, for an amount of Rs. 1.10 crores," clarified the DCP. It has also been alleged that the accused individuals had established a fake account at ICICI Bank, Modi Nagar, Ghaziabad, UP, in Dua's name. According to the police, taking advantage of Dua's advanced age, the accused forged a GPA and a will, while also opening a joint bank account at the ICICI bank in Modinagar, Ghaziabad, UP, using the deceased's forged signature. "They transferred the deceased's property to their father, Ravinder Kumar, and an associate named Sunil Chaudhary," explained the DCP. Rohit Chaudhary was apprehended on August 2, while efforts are underway to apprehend the other accused individuals. Bhopal, Aug 12 : Alok Sharma, former Bhopal Mayor and Vice President of Madhya Pradesh BJP, has sparked a political controversy with his speech wherein he allegedly appealed to Muslim voters not to exercise their franchise if they do not vote for the saffron party. Sharma made this alleged remark while addressing a convention of BJP workers at Jaora in Ratlam district. A purported video has gone viral on social media, in which Sharma could be seen asking the public to turn off their phone cameras before starting his speech. "I want to appeal to our Muslim brothers of Jaora that if you don't want to vote for the BJP, then don't. But, I request you to not go for voting at all in that case. You must know and whole-heartedly accept the fact that the house you are living in has been granted to you under the Prime Minister's housing scheme. Shivraj Singh Chouhan even built Haj House in MP," Sharma could be heard saying in the video. He added, "Chief Ministers like Digvijaya Singh, Kamal Nath or Motilal Vora never allowed the Haj House to be built, but Shivraj Singh Chouhan did." Taking strong objection to the alleged remark made by Sharma, state Congress spokesperson Abbas Hafeez accused him of threatening the minority community. Hafeez has also written to the Minority Commission to draw its attention to Sharma's controversial comment. In his letter addressed to Iqbal Singh Lalpura, the Chairman of National Commission for Minorities, Hafeez termed Sharma's remark as highly objectionable and sought action against the BJP leader. "Alok Sharma's remark clearly indicates that the BJP is attempting to create fear among the people from the minority community. Therefore, the Minority Commission should initiate action against Sharma," Hafeez said. IANS tried to contact Sharma but did not receive any response from the latter till the time of filing of this report. The first humans in Europe experienced a climate change that could have killed them. The ancestors of modern humans were already living in the Italian and Iberian peninsulas between 1.2 and 1.4 million years ago, as remains found in the archaeological site of Atapuerca, in the north of Spain, can attest. But their possible descendants the Homo antecessor, also found at the site near the city of Burgos took nearly half-a-million years to emerge. This raises the question: what happened in between? Today, a paleoclimatic study has discovered an extreme cold event that possibly changed the climate and the environment all those years ago. It was so severe that it may have been what caused the human species to disappear from European soil. The climate of the Iberian Peninsula, when the ancestors of modern humans arrived, was Mediterranean. More Mediterranean than now, clarifies Juan Luis Arsuaga, co-director of the Atapuerca site. Those hominins didnt yet know about fire, nor did they need to master the technology of treating animal skins to combat the cold. Its also believed that the fat balance in the bodies of these early settlers also wasnt the most suitable for a cold climate. Hence, they must have had a rough time when, 1.1 million years ago, a new ice age advanced one that completely covered the British Isles, the English Channel and almost all of Europe with ice. As would happen later with the Neanderthals (and with us sapiens), Southern Europe must have been the last refuge. But, according to a study now published in the journal Science, that glaciation had such an extreme cold peak that it modified the climate and environment in the surrounding areas. According to the articles authors, the cold should have wiped out those first Europeans. The clues in this story of climate extermination begin in the Tagus River and end at the bottom of the ocean. About 120 miles off the coast of Portugal, southwest of Lisbon, is a location known to scientists as U1385. Several sediment cores have been extracted from the seabed, which have written the climatic history of the last 2.5 million years. In its different layers, there are fossils of foraminifera marine organisms with a shell that are key to studying the past. The composition of these seashells can explain what the water was like when they were formed. For example, theyve served to show how the asteroid or meteorite that wiped out the dinosaurs long ago acidified the sea. In this recent publication, researchers reveal that, during this particular glaciation, the waters of the Atlantic slowed down, with a decline in the so-called Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) a set of currents that modifies the climate of the Northern Hemisphere. The most obvious consequence of this ocean slowdown, due to the contribution of Arctic freshwater and the advance of ice, was the drop in sea temperatures. How much exactly it dropped is detailed by Joan Grimalt, a researcher at the Institute for Environmental Diagnosis and Water Studies (IDAEA-CSIC) and co-author of the paper in Science. The average temperature of the water at this latitude is 19 Celsius at our time. During that event, it went down to 5 or 6 degrees Celsius, when, in other glaciations, it went down to 10 degrees Celsius, Grimalt notes. Theres no means to measure the inland temperature. But, while its not mathematical, in general, a drop of one degree at sea corresponds to a drop of three degrees on land, Grimalt adds. From a hot Mediterranean climate, in the Iberian Peninsula, we went to one like that of Siberia. And that, in addition to the extreme cold, translates into less availability of fruits and animals to feed on, the scientist concludes. Shells, pollen and supercomputing In the nuclei of that seabed, there is also pollen from terrestrial plants. This confirms what Grimalt said. The first author of the study is Vasiliki Margari, from University College London. Margari is an expert in palynology the part of botany dedicated to the study of pollen and spores. She explains how the vegetable grains got there: it was the Tagus River, not the wind, that carried them to the sea. From the analysis of this pollen, Margari deduces that the vegetation changed radically: the glaciation, which lasted thousands of years, caused a decline in trees and the advance of steppe plants. The presence of steppe pollen on the seabed increased by 45%. During the extreme cold event of 1.1 million years ago, [there was] a great expansion of steppe plants; temperate trees and heaths almost disappeared, Margari explains. This extreme event lasted 4,000 years. Previously, it hadnt been possible to connect this climatic cooling with the destiny of the first settlers of Europe. This has now finally been done with the help of supercomputing. Axel Timmermann a researcher at the National University of Pusan (South Korea) and co-author of the study explains it in a video distributed to the media: To quantify the [colds] impact on human occupation, we ran a comprehensive climate model and [examined a] habitat model human in our Aleph supercomputer. The results of these computational experiments are clear: early humans in Europe could not have survived this extreme glaciation and the associated large drop in net primary productivity and vegetation. The results of this work would fit with the absence of human remains or stone tools in Europe in the hundreds of thousands of years after that period of climate change. The thesis is that, only a long time later, the Homo antecessor found in Atapuerca was part of a new wave of human ancestors who recolonized Europe. They already had a mastery of fire and knew how to take advantage of animal skins. As they were better adapted to the cold, they could survive. However, Juan Luis Arsuaga one of the most knowledgeable paleoanthropologists when it comes to this part of human evolution questions the main conclusions of this work. Marine witnesses are of great importance, but terrestrial records are needed. We didnt see arctic flora and fauna until the last ice age (which started about 110,000 years ago and ended about 10,000 years ago). The Iberian Peninsula never froze, nor was there permafrost until this glaciation, he affirms. The fact that theres no record of human fossils and their stone utensils in the period between the first known settlers of Iberia and Homo antecessor doesnt necessarily mean that there was no one living in Europe in that intervening period. It may be that we just havent found evidence of their presence yet. So then, what happened in that period after the extreme cold event? We dont know, Arsuaga admits. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Chandigarh, Aug 12 : Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Badal on Saturday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement acknowledging the guilt of Operation Bluestar as an outrageous attack on the holiest Sikh shrine, Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib, and the highest seat of Sikh religio-political authority, Sri Akal Takht Sahib. "There is no reason whatsoever left now for the government of India not to tender an unconditional apology to the Khalsa Panth for this most tragic outrage against the Guru's abode," Badal tweeted. "Therefore, I call upon the Prime Minister to follow up his honest statement about the army assault on Sri Harmandir Sahib in June 1984 with the only obvious and logical next step placing on record an unconditional apology of the Govt of India to the Great Guru Sahiban and to their most sacred religious shrine and seat of our spiritual and temporal authority, as well as to the entire Sikh quom. "This will go a long way in putting an emotional closure to the deep and still festering wounds of the Sikh masses and in restoring the age-old bonds between two principal communities in Punjab and the country. "This in turn will strengthen the atmosphere of peace and communal harmony across the country. It will also be a major step towards removing the dark blot from the country's image and also restore faith and confidence in the minds of the minorities in the country, especially the patriotic Sikh community, the Akali Dal chief said. Badal called upon leaders of all political parties to join the PM in this initiative and not play politics over it. "I especially urge AAP Convener Arvind Kejriwal to come forward to offer this apology as a member of the opposition alliance of which the perpetrator of the horrendous and inhuman crimes of 1984 is a major component. "Kejriwal's party now rules Punjab and he has therefore a special moral responsibility in this regards," Badal added. --IANS vg/dan New Delhi, Aug 12 : The Delhi High Court has granted permission to an accused in a money laundering case to travel abroad for 15 days in order to assist his son's admission to a university in Canada. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma pointed out the significance of the special moments shared between parents and children during important milestones like education. The court said that a person facing trial should not be deprived of such moments, acknowledging the strong emotional bond between a parent and child. The accused, Parvin Juneja, was seeking permission to travel to Canada, Norway, and London for his son's admission, as well as for leisure and business purposes. The trial court had initially denied the request due to lack of evidence and past instances of filing forged documents. However, Justice Sharma noted that Juneja had previously been granted permission to travel abroad around 20 times without violating any conditions. The high court took into consideration Juneja's record of adhering to travel conditions in the past and his prompt return to India after each trip. Hence, the court granted him permission to travel to Canada for his son's admission while advising him to apply to the trial court for further permissions related to leisure and business commitments. The court observed the need to balance personal liberty with conditions aimed at ensuring a person's presence for trial proceedings. Islamabad, Aug 12 : The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on Saturday nominated former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif as its candidate for the premier's post, media reports said. During a press briefing at the Prime Minister's House, PML-N chief Shehbaz Sharif stated that the amendments to the Election Act have cleared Nawaz Sharif of any disqualification, removing any obstacles to his return, Express Tribune reported "In my capacity as the party President, I have nominated Nawaz Sharif as PML-N's prime ministerial candidate," said Shehbaz Sharif, the younger brother of Nawaz Sharif. He emphasised that the final decision on the date of general elections rests with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), adding that his party wanted to conduct the polls as soon as possible, Express Tribune reported. Speaking at the press briefing, PML-N leader Ishaq Dar said that Nawaz Sharif's disqualification period ended on July 26. In an interview earlier this week, Shehbaz Sharif had stated the Nawaz Sharif is set to return to Pakistan from London in September and will face his pending court cases. In an interview with a private television channel, he had said that after the caretaker government was formed, he would go to London to discuss "plan" for his return with his brother. The former premier said that Nawaz Sharif would lead the election campaign of his party and would be the next Prime Minister for the fourth time if PML-N wins the next election, Express Tribune reported. Nawaz Sharif, who was convicted by an accountability court before the 2018 general elections in graft cases, went to London to receive medical treatment in 2019, and has been staying there since then. Last month, Nawaz Sharif had gone to Dubai where he met Pakistani politicians. His arrival in the Gulf emirate generated a debate in the media about his possible return to Pakistan. Trinamool ministers will soon have to conduct Cabinet meeting behind bars: Nadda. Image Source: IANS News Kolkata, Aug 12 : The ministers in the Trinamool Congress-ruled cabinet in West Bengal will soon have to conduct its meetings behind the bars because of their involvement in financial corruption, BJP President J.P. Nadda said here on Saturday. Taking a dig at Mamata Banerjee on the corruption issue, Nadda said that no amount of evidence against her Cabinet colleagues will satisfy the Chief Minister. "What more proof does the Chief Minister want? Former state Education Minister Partha Chatterjee is behind the bars. Ultimately, all those involved in matters of corruption will have to land up in jail. "Very soon the current state Cabinet will hold its meetings behind the bars," Nadda said at an event in Kolkata where he met the BJP candidates in the recently-concluded panchayat elections, and the victims of violence and bloodbath during the polls. The BJP chief also said that the current regime is destroying the rich heritage of West Bengal in multiple areas. "Bengal had an made immense contribution to the freedom movement. But today the same Bengal is in trouble. The democratic system has collapsed in the state. The manner in which Trinamool is driving the state, it is turning towards a complete Jungle Raj," he said. According to Nadda, only a BJP-ruled government can provide a pro-poor government just as Prime Minister Narendra Modi has done in case of India. "While the Prime Minister is strengthening the democratic system of the country, Mamata Banerjee is destroying the democratic set up in West Bengal," he said. Nadda also said that he is confident of his party winning at least 35 out of the 42 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal in next year's general elections. The Trinamool leadership, meanwhile, said that first Nadda should talk about the law and order situation in the states ruled by BJP before commenting on the situation in West Bengal. Washington, Aug 12 : The US district Judge Tanya Chutkan has told former President Donald Trump that his right to free speech regarding on January 6, 2020 events is not absolute. She also slapped a protective order on Trump from disclosing any sensitive information on the event pre-trial. Chutkan had also earlier warned Trump not to make any inflammatory speeches before the trial. She is setting the limits on how the former president can handle the evidence prosecutors will turn over to him from time to time during the trial. Chutkan, appointed by former president Barack Obama, is known to be tough and she kicked off the hearing Friday at the DC federal courthouse saying that Trump's rights as a criminal defendant would be protected. She said that however adding his recourse to free speech under the first amendment to the constitution was not absolute. Judges are appointed at random in the US judicial system and not on the basis of partisan politics. "In a criminal case such as this one, the defendant's free speech is subject to the rules," she said. She closed the hearing assuring that the Trump case would advance like any other normal proceeding in the criminal justice system with the warning that any" inflammatory" statements by any party, the faster she would be compelled to hold the trial to preserve a fair jury. "It is a bedrock principle of the judicial process in this country," she said, while quoting a precedent, "those legal trials are not like elections, to be won through the use of the meeting hall, the radio and the newspaper." "This case is no exception," she said as her counterpart in the Georgia case Judge of Fulton County Robert C I McBurney had chided Trumps legal counsels not to bring up any false evidence that may prejudice the election interference case in which the former president has already been indicted by a federal jury in DC on four counts of felony including attempts to conspire and plot an overthrow the 2020 election verdict riding roughshod over the voters rights and thereby subverting democracy. An Obama appointee and former public defender who has overseen several cases regarding the events of January 6, 2021, Chutkan has spoken out in a non partisan manner on the January 6 Capitos Hills insurrection and on what harm it caused to American democracy. Chutkan slammed a protective order on Trump prohibiting him from publicly disclosing sensitive information in the case. Trump pleaded not guilty to four criminal charges related to his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election last week, and the judge cautioned lawyers for Trump, who did not attend the hearing, about any public statements by their client that could possibly intimidate witnesses. Whether or not Trump's public statements are covered by the protective order that's issued, she said, if they result in the intimidation of a witness or the obstruction of justice, I will be scrutinising them very carefully. Trump's lawyer John Lauro said: "President Trump will scrupulously abide by his conditions of release. "Later on, Chutkan said that "even ambiguous statements from either party or counsel can threaten the process, CNN reported." Her order defines sensitive information as grand jury secrets, including subpoenaed information and witness testimony; transcripts and recordings of witness interviews done by investigators outside of the grand jury; evidence obtained through court-approved searches; and sealed orders related to the investigation. The evidence Trump cannot share publicly also includes material from other government agencies, such as the Secret Service. New Delhi, Aug 12 : The 73rd pilgrimage train, organised under the 'Mukhyamantri Teerth-Yatra Yojna' by the Kejriwal government, set out from Delhi on Saturday. There were 780 senior citizens onboard who embarked on the journey to Shri Dwarkadhish. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal handed over travel tickets and kits to the participants. As part of the Teerth-Yatra Yojna, an evening of soulful devotion comprising Bhajan 'Sandhya' was organised at the Tyagraj Stadium. The CM met with each pilgrim and sought their blessings. Kejriwal congratulated the pilgrims, at Tyagraj Stadium, on commencing their journey to the Shri Dwarkadhish for their 'Teerth Yatra'. "We started this 'Teerth Yatra' scheme 2-3 years ago. When we used to go amongst the people, we saw that there are a lot many people who don't have money for the pilgrimage. In the Hindu Dharma, it's said that it's a ritual to do at least one pilgrimage. For these people who donat have enough with resources, this scheme provides them an opportunity to do at least one pilgrimage in their lifetime. There are many people who have enough resources but they cannot go on their own, they don't have any support. So, Delhi Government has initiated the scheme which helps them to take a young one who can look after them", Kejriwal said. Kejriwal further assured pilgrims of more pilgrimage opportunities to nearby pilgrimage sites via luxury buses. So far 72 trains have been sent carrying 71,000 pilgrims under the scheme. "I want to send each elderly citizen of Delhi for the pilgrimage who is older than 60 years, I want to make sure that everyone has completed one round of the Teerth Yatra and then will start round two. But, due to the shortage of trains we are not able to do this as quick as we want to. We have asked for trains from the Central Government and they have granted us as much as they could but still, that is not enough. We will try to cover the pilgrimages near Delhi by Luxury Buses. At least till Ayodhya Ji we can arrange buses for the Teerth Yatra, we'll ensure luxury, Air Conditioned buses with due requisites so that pilgrims can travel to near pilgrimage sites such as Haridwar, Rishikesh, Mathura Vrindavan, Ayodhya, etc," Kejriwal said. Patna August 12 : In a shocking incident, a 25-year-old nurse was stabbed to death in Patna's Kankarbagh area, the police said on Saturday. The incident took place at around 4 p.m. on Saturday. The victim has been identified as Soni Kumari, a native of Purnea district, who was associated with the Jay Prabha Medanta Super Speciality Hospital in Patna. "Preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was attacked by a person known to her. As per the CCTV footage, the victim was walking with the accused when the latter stabbed her before fleeing from the spot. The reason behind the murder is yet to be ascertained," said Kamya Mishra, ASP of Patna Sadar. "The victim was badly injured in the attack and was immediately rushed to the hospital by the passersby where she died during treatment," Mishra said. The dead has been sent to the PMCH mortuary for post-mortem and the family members have been informed about the incident. To recall, a nurse at a private nursing home in Bihar's Motihari was found dead in an ambulance under mysterious circumstances in Muzaffarpur on Friday.The mother of the deceased has accused five persons, including a doctor of the nursing home, of raping her daughter before killing her. Imphal, Aug 12 : Amid the ethnic violence in Manipur, an apex body of seven militant outfits in Manipur on Saturday gave a call to boycott Independence Day programmes, besides calling for a 17-hour general shutdown on August 15. In a statement, CorCom, an apex body of banned outlawed groups, said that the political status of Manipur declined abruptly with the "Indian annexation of Manipur on October 15 1949 by which sovereign Manipur was reduced to just a Chief Commissioner's Province". "From Part 'C' State in 1950, Manipur was crafted into a Union Territory in 1956. Not only did the Indian colonial rule promulgate the notorious AFSPA, and several other draconian laws in the whole of Manipur, it continued to play a divisive policy among the several ethnic groups intermittently, which has now resulted into wanton ethnic clashes." The statement said that the illegal Manipur Merger Agreement, 1949 wiped out the sovereign history of Manipur that led to the "imposition of August 15 celebration among the ethnic groups of Manipur". "Now, the time has come for all the ethnic groups inhabiting Manipur since time immemorial to stand up as 'Manipur People' to resist this colonial regime and pave the way for the scientific political development of our oppressed people towards exercising their inalienable right to self-determination. "The present ethnic impasse resulted due to India's use of 'Hate Game and Hate Crime' as a part of Proxy War of the counter-insurgency operation. All the struggling and oppressed indigenous people of Manipur should now realise the Indian colonial policy of killing two birds with one stone and the impossibility of the restoration of the lost sovereignty of Manipur within the framework of the colonial Constitution of India under the guise of any peace talk," the statement stated. The militant outfit under the CorCom included Kangleipak Communist Party, Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup, People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (Prepak), Prepak-Pro, Revolutionary People's Front, People's Liberation Army and United National Liberation Front. Patna, Aug 12 : Protests erupted in a government school in West Champaran district of Bihar after a guest teacher allegedly attempted to molest a class 10th girl student. The alleged incident took place last Sunday (August 6). The accused guest teacher has been identified as Shahil Kaushar. The accused had asked the girl student to come for registration of scholarship on Sunday. The accused tried to grab the victim, however, she managed to escape. Following the incident, the victim was disturbed and it was only after her teachers and parent's counseling that the victim revealed her ordeal. Soon after the teachers, parents and other villagers protested against the accused and tried to arrest the accused. However, the accused was not present in the school on Saturday and had managed to escape. The protesting teachers and parents also alleged that the principal of the school helped him flee from the school. "We have arrested the principal for questioning. The main accused is at large. He will be put behind bars soon," said Ramashray Yadav, SHO of Shikarpur police station. Bhuj, Aug 12 : Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said that the Border Security Force (BSF) has the capability to secure both the land as well as the water borders of the country. "BSF is the only force among all Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) that possesses expertise in securing both land and water borders, and even has its own air wing," Shah said while laying the foundation stone for the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative's (IFFCO) new Nano fertiliser plant in Bhuj. He said that like the Indian Army, BSF has the capability, strength, and courage to protect the water, land and sky of the country. Shah is on two-day visit to Gujarat where he will be attending several inauguration events and ceremonies across the state. Talking about IFFCO's new Nano fertiliser plant, Shah said it will be ready to facilitate the smooth maintenance of all the Border Security Force's (BSF) water wing vessels, stretching from Harami Nala in the western region to the entire water border of Gujarat. The construction, costing Rs 257 crore, will encompass an administrative building, canteen, officers' mess, training centre, parade ground, and a workshop. This comprehensive facility will support the maintenance and upkeep of over 450 water vessels employed in vigilance operations in the area. He also inaugurated a vital 28 km-long Chidyamode-BR Bet Link Road and an outpost tower at the 1164 pillar along Harami Nala during his visit. Designed to ensure both operational and logistic support to the BSF personnel on the border, the link road will play a crucial role in the region. In addition to the road, the 9.5-meter tall outpost pillar, fitted with cutting-edge cameras, will provide an enhanced surveillance capability, allowing for detection of even the slightest cross-border movement, even under challenging conditions. Shah said that the strategic importance of seven such outpost towers for bolstering security along this border. Shah acknowledged that over 1,900 BSF jawans have laid down their lives for the nation's security. He also highlighted the arrangements made in Nadabet, the site of a border viewing point inaugurated by him last year. "This location serves as a place where citizens can learn about the history of the BSF and pay online tribute to the fallen soldiers," Shah said. Acwa Power, a Saudi-listed company and the world's largest private water desalination company, the first mover into green hydrogen, and a leader in energy transition, has successfully installed the first wind turbine for its 500MW Bash wind farm project, located in the Bukhara region of Uzbekistan. The wind turbine generator (WTG) manufactured by Envision is the largest of its kind in Central Asia with a capacity of 6.5MW. The installation of the wind turbine and generator was carried out by engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor China Energy Engineering Corporation (CEEC). CEEC was awarded the EPC contract for each of the 500MW wind farms in Bash and Dzhankeldy on December 7, 2022. On its key achievement, Acwa Powers Chief Portfolio Management Officer Kashif Rana said: "The successful installation of the first turbine on the Bash wind farm is just one of the many milestones that we are excited to mark on this project. Most importantly, the steady progress takes us closer to supporting and contributing to Uzbekistans long-term ambitions to increase the share of renewables in their energy mix." "When complete in the first quarter of 2025, the Bash wind farm will include 79 wind turbine generators (WTG) and is expected to generate more than 1,650 GWh of electricity annually and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 750 tonnes per year," he added. Acwa Power has sealed a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with the JSC National Electric Grid of Uzbekistan for the project. The top utility project developer boasts an impressive portfolio of 10 projects in Uzbekistan, with a combined investment value of $7.5 billion. Its continued investments and partnerships underline its dedication to the sustainable development of Uzbekistan's energy landscape, promoting economic growth, and advancing the country's renewable energy goals.-TradeArabia News Service A male mouse courts a female in a laboratory. Bettina Wernisch/VetMed Vienna Its often said that the brain is the most important sexual organ of the human being. Now, a group of neurologists from Stanford University has extended this maxim to mice. Their study, published in the journal Cell, claims to have detected the brain circuit that is activated in male mice when they detect the presence of a female, awakening sexual desire and inducing mating and the satisfaction derived from it. It is the neural route that a stimulus follows until it becomes an instinct. Until recently, the brain was perceived as an impossible tangle of neurons, but in the last decade, scientists have begun to unravel this web, precisely locating the neural circuits that drive different incentives. That is what has happened now with the sexual drive of male mice. It was known that this drive was approximately located in the preoptic hypothalamus, but this experiment honed in even further. The experiment detected the particular neural circuit of desire, and more importantly, offered scientists the ability to plug or unplug it at will. [If we unplug it] the males simply wont mate, even if they recognize the female, Nirao Shah, professor of psychiatry and neurobiology and lead author of the study, explains in a telephone conversation. But, if we activate those cells, they will start to mate again, even after ejaculation. This detail is especially significant. Most male mammals after ejaculation enter a period in which they have no sexual desire. This is known as the refractory period. In the case of mice, it lasts about five days, but when this neural circuit is stimulated, it practically disappears and lasts just one second. Thats a reduction of more than 400,000, says Shah, which tells us that these neurons direct the sexual drive in a very powerful way. Viagra for the mind The Stanford teams findings may open the door to creating drugs that work as a male desire switch in humans. There are reasons to think that the mice findings could be translated to humans. This part of the mouse brain has an anatomical analogue in our brain, says Shah, so it is very likely that there is a similar set of cells in this region of the human brain that regulate male sexual behavior. This hypothetical drug, which would still require years of research, would be different from Viagra. [Viagra] acts on the blood vessels in the penis and this is how it causes an erection, but it doesnt seem to affect libido per se, explains Shah. A possible neural drug would not affect the physical mechanisms of erection, but rather the cerebral ones. It would be a Viagra for the mind, a pill capable of mitigating a hyperactive sex drive or enhancing a low one. Desire in a pill. One of the advantages of having fine-tuned the route of male desire so precisely was that the researchers were able to activate the circuit without causing side effects. In most of the previous experiments, if male sexual behavior was regulated, this ultimately ended up affecting aggression, Shah explains. But the brain cells that we have identified in this study do not. The study also identified the mechanisms of sexual pleasure. We know that the act of mating must be rewarding for mice, as they engage in it repeatedly, even when exposed to danger. And we believe that we have identified at least one of these mechanisms in the study, says the neurobiologist. This neural circuit triggers a reward system, which makes the mice want more. It was always thought that there was a pleasure center for sex somewhere in the brain. But defining or characterizing these cells has been very difficult, explains Shah. During the experiment, the mice were given the chance to switch on the sex neural circuit at will: by going to a specific area of the cage, it was automatically activated. When the mice figured out the mechanism, they returned to that spot over and over again. Up to 200 times in a few minutes, explains Shah. These discoveries open the door to better understanding the mechanisms of male sexual pleasure. But its just a first step in a broader investigation. Shahs group is trying to figure out the equivalent circuitry in females, which he acknowledges could take a few years. In addition to possible pharmacological applications, these findings could help to better understand the innate differences between males and females and the forces that drive human sexuality. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Agartala, Aug 12 : The three main opposition parties in Tripura -- CPI-M, Congress and Tipra Motha Party (TMP) -- on Saturday held a joint meeting and discussed how to fight the September 5 bypolls to two Assembly seats in the state jointly against the ruling BJP. The leader of opposition and senior TMP leader Animesh Debbarma said that Saturday's meeting was a preliminary discussion, and further discussions between the three parties will be held again after the parties discuss within their respective forum. Debbarma said that in the February 16 Assembly polls, the BJP secured 40 per cent votes but it retained power, while the opposition parties got 60 per cent votes. "In the September 5 by-elections, we want to prevent the opposition vote division," the tribal leader told the media. CPI-M state secretary Jitendra Choudhury, senior Left leaders Manik Dey and Ratan Bhowmik, Congress MLAs Sudip Roy Barman and Gopal Chandra Roy and state Congress President Asish Kumar Saha were present at the meeting. The ruling BJP also held a meeting to finalise its strategy to contest the bypolls.Chief Minister Manik Saha, state BJP President Rajib Bhattacharjee and senior party leaders were present at the meeting. The by-election in Dhanpur Assembly seat was necessitated after Union minister Pratima Bhoumik resigned from the Assembly days after her election from the seat as a BJP nominee. The Muslim-dominated Boxanagar Assembly seat fell vacant after the death of sitting CPI-M MLA Samsul Haque, who passed away on July 19 after a cardiac attack. Patna, Aug 13 : After Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for lying over the construction of AIIMS in Darbhanga, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya claimed that the Central government is ready to build an AIIMS in Darbhanga but it must provide suitable land for its construction. Mandaviya also wrote a letter to Tejashwi Yadav saying: "The Narendra Modi government "does not do "politics on development, we do the politics of development"." "On September 19, 2019, the Narendra Modi government had given the permission to build AIIMS in Darbhanga. On November 3, 2021, Bihar government had allotted the land but when the Mahagathbandhan government came into power in Bihar, it had changed the location in 2023," the Union Health Minister said in his letter. "You (Tejashwi Yadav) should return from politics and allocate land to us. We are ready to construct AIIMS in Darbhanga. Our intention is clear," he added. Earlier, Prime Minister Modi in his video statement said that AIIMS Darbhanga is open for common man due to which the people of surrounding areas would not have to travel thousands of kilometre for treatment. Following his statement, Tejashwi Yadav and JD-U National President Lalan Singh targetted Prime Minister Modi for telling lies publically. Tejashwi Yadav also uploaded a letter which he wrote to Mandaviya in June this year, asking him to construct the AIIMS in Darbhanga. He also uploaded a video statement on social media, saying Modi is lying to the people of the country. "I want to appeal to the PM to take proper information from the authorities. It is not a good thing that PM Narendra Modi would tell lies. There is no AIIMS open in Darbhanga. CM Nitish Kumar is making efforts in this matter and allocated land worth Rs 151 crore. Due to pressure from the BJP, it was not sanctioned. BJP was involved in stopping the construction of AIIMS Darbhanga," Yadav said. JD-U National President also slammed PM Modi for misleading the people of Bihar and the country. While sharing a video post on his official Twitter account, Lalan Singh asked the Prime Minister to take the right information from the Union Health Ministry. "The Bihar government has allocated land in Darbhanga for the construction of AIIMS. The state government also allocated Rs 250 crore for filling clay at the earmarked site but your (Central) government is not ready to build AIIMS," Singh said in his tweet. "The motive of the Narendra Modi government is to dangle one AIIMS in Bihar and the Prime Minister is saying AIIMS has opened now. Wah Re Jumlebaaj Sarkar," he added. New Delhi: Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra addresses during 'Bharat Bachao' Rally organised by the party against BJP's governance at Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi on Dec 14, 2019. . Image Source: IANS News Bhopal, Aug 13 : Several Congress leaders, including party's National General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Madhya Pradesh Congress Chief Kamal Nath, have been booked under IPC Sections 420 and 469 on the complaint of BJP's Indore legal cell convenor Nimesh Pathak for falsely accusing the Madhya Pradesh government of indulging in "50 per cent commission" scam. The FIR lodged by the BJP leader in Indore on Saturday night alleging that the Congress leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, party's National General Secretary (Communications) Jairam Ramesh and Kamal Nath, have made identical posts on the social media platform. Earlier on Saturday, the BJP leaders had submitted complaints to police in various cities of poll-bound Madhya Pradesh, including state capital Bhopal, Indore and Rewa. The saffron party leaders lodged FIRs against senior Congress leaders for allegedly making "untrue" social media posts based on a "fake letter" to defame the BJP and the state government. The state BJP leaders, including Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Home Minister Narottam Mishra and State party Chief V.D. Sharma have said that the Congress's accusations which are based on a "fake letter" are part of a pre-planned agenda to defame the BJP and state government. The BJP leaders have alleged that the Congress leaders since Friday, have through identical posts, been falsely accusing the Madhya Pradesh government of indulging in "50 per cent commission" scam. The Congress leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Kamal Nath, while using news reports in a section of media, had posted on the social media platform that a union of contractors from Madhya Pradesh has written a letter to the Chief Justice of the High Court, complaining that they receive payment only after paying 50 per cent commission. "The corrupt BJP government in Karnataka used to collect 40 per cent commission. In Madhya Pradesh, BJP has gone ahead by breaking its own record of corruption. People of Karnataka ousted the 40 per cent commission government, now the people of Madhya Pradesh will remove the 50 per cent commission government from power," the Congress leaders alleged. The BJP leaders claimed that they have checked in Gwalior about the concerned letter which is being quoted on the social media. "Neither the address from which the alleged letter has been mailed, nor the sender (Gyanendra Awasthi) and nor the association under whose name it has been sent, actually exist on the ground. This clearly establishes that the letter is fake. We'll definitely take legal action in the matter," State BJP President V. D. Sharma said. However, not ready to be cowed down by the ruling BJP leaders' warning of legal action, State Congress' media wing Head K. K. Mishra said, "We are not afraid of legal action or arrest. I welcome the police to arrest us even after midnight, but we'll continue to expose rampant corruption under the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh. On the one hand Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his party are giving the slogan "Bhrashtachar Bharat Chhodo", but on the other hand, he is silent about rampant corruption in BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh." Philadelphia, Aug 13 : One person is dead and several others remain missing after an apparent house explosion in western Pennsylvania that destroyed several homes, officials said as quoted by media reports. Three people were also injured in the incident, officials added on Saturday. Police received a 911 call reporting a house explosion and house fire at around 10:22 a.m. on Saturday, Allegheny County officials said as quoted by ABC News report. One house appears to have exploded, with two others becoming engulfed in flames, according to Allegheny County spokesperson Amie Downs. Three structures have been destroyed and at least a dozen more are damaged, including with windows blown out. Debris was scattered over lawns and the street in the area, ABC News reported. First responders found people trapped under debris, Downs said. Three people were transported to local hospitals, she said. One person has been confirmed dead, according to Steve Imbarlina, the assistant chief of Fire/EMS at Allegheny County Emergency Services. "Several people" remain unaccounted for, though it's unclear how many at this time because first responders are not yet sure who was home at the time of the explosion, Imbarlina said. "Currently first responders are searching right now to try to locate those folks," he added. The cause of the fire is under investigation, Imbarlina said. Police are investigating the incident, he added. The incident occurred in the borough of Plum, in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area. Video captured at the scene showed several homes on fire in the community of Rustic Ridge, ABC News reported. The borough of Plum urged people to stay away from Rustic Ridge in the immediate aftermath of the explosion. Crews were working on extinguishing nearby structures and securing gas lines, Downs said. Eighteen fire departments responded to the scene, which remains active. Allegheny County Emergency Management officials and the Allegheny County Fire Marshals are at the scene as well. Plum is located about 18 miles east of Pittsburgh. Dubai, Aug 13 : The UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani discussed over phone bilateral relations and ways to strengthen cooperation. In the phone conversation, the two leaders on Saturday reviewed current areas of cooperation between the two countries and explored opportunities to further enhance cooperation, UAE's official news agency WAM reported. They also exchanged views on a number of regional and international issues, and reiterated their shared interest in promoting stability and cooperation in the region in order to promote development and prosperity, the report noted as quoted by Xinhua news agency report. 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SQQ - Siauliai International Airport IATA Code and EYSA - Siauliai International Airport ICAO code 22 Experts Talk Innovative Partnerships & Housing Affordability in Metro Atlanta ATLANTA, Aug. 11, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- On August 10, 2023, the Council for Quality Growth, through the Quality Growth Institute, hosted The 2023 INTERSECTION Quality Development Conference at the City Springs Studio Theatre. Mayor Rusty Paul opened the conference with a warm welcome to the City of Sandy Springs. Over 300 Council for Quality Growth members, elected officials, government staff, and development industry professionals gathered for the 3rd annual event. The 2023 theme "Collaborate & Compete" convened 22 expert speakers to share stories, unwrap critical issues, and discuss opportunities as they relate to collaboration between public and private entities and housing affordability in the metro Atlanta region. On the backend of an economically trying pandemic, a region with a dependence on commercial property taxes has great opportunity to lean into public-private partnerships that create housing inventory that is affordable and attainable for the talent of continued investment. The Council for Quality Growth is a convener of private investors and public policy makers, advocating for regulations that support smart growth in the region. "The INTERSECTION Conference is about bringing these groups together," said Rob Ross, 2023 Council Chairman and Senior Vice President of Kimley-Horn, "and to get them talking about ways to collaborate towards higher quality development in metro Atlanta. The best way for us to learn is from each other." This annual event serves as the Council's platform to educate both sides of development with outside approaches, best practices, and lessons learned. Doug Hooker, CEO of the Atlanta Connector Park and former ARC Executive Director, guided these conversations as emcee of the full conference. Jonathan Tower, Founder & Manager Partner of Arctaris Impact Investors delivered the opening keynote address on "Expanding Your Community's Fiscal Health Toolkit." Tower flew from Boston to highlight the need for office to residential conversion in metro Atlanta. According to Tower, Atlanta's over-reliance on tax revenues from commercial properties could prove problematic with the expected decline in property values. "Atlanta's problem might be bigger," said Tower, "but so is it's opportunity." He outlined his toolkit of ways local governments can mitigate what is typically a costly conversion, including modernizing zoning, eliminating risk with feasibility studies, providing anchor tenants, and creating tax abatement and direct subsidy programs. Arctaris Impact Investors is the largest impact-focused manager of opportunity zones nationally. Three public-private partnership case studies showcased the important role collaboration plays in our region's economic development. Greg Voetsch with I-3 Partners shared his private equity model for funding municipal projects, most recently with the Clayton County School District. Brian Johnson, City Manager of Peachtree Corners and Tiana McNeil with T-Mobile shared the partnership they've leaned on to create the very unique Curiosity Lab, and Centennial Yards' Brian McGowan and Invest Atlanta's Dr. Eloisa Klementich shared all their progress in redeveloping The Gulch. Tony Perez, Senior Associate at Opticos Design delivered the second keynote, "An Objective Approach to Housing." His California-based firm consults with local governments on form-based zoning to create sustainable communities. Perez presented the spectrum of housing choices available, reporting a growing realization that the vast amount of land dedicated to single family housing could be better utilized. "You can add housing without changing much about the community," Perez said, comparing the varying levels of density that can be allowed from small changes to a zoning ordinance. He provided a look into what other states, regions, and local governments elsewhere are doing to creativity provide housing products that fit into existing communities. These include implementing Objective Design Standards (ODS), making Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) "by-right" for property owners, and writing zoning codes that better allow for the implementation of missing middle housing. Mike Carnathan, Manager of Research & Analytics at the Atlanta Regional Commission, provided a look at regional housing data and numbers, further highlighting the need for housing that is affordable. Matt Bedsole, Director of Atlanta's Housing Innovation Lab, gave an overview of the Dickens Administration's effort to deliver 20,000 affordable housing units in the next 8 years. Bedsole was joined by Sarah Kirsch, Managing Director of Housing Funds at the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, and Dr. Eloisa Klementich, President & CEO of Invest Atlanta, to detail the recent announcement of $300 million in affordable housing funds and the importance of partnerships to continue to provide capital and deliver affordable housing. Two affordable housing panels followed, the first of which discussed some of the challenges faced when funding affordable housing projects and the opportunities presented from finding the right partners and properties. Alan Ferguson, President & CEO of Atlanta Habitat for Humanity moderated this conversation between Sharon Guest, Owner and Manager of Radiant Development Partners, Ashani O'Mard, Senior Vice President of Strategic Housing Investments for the Atlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership, and Richard Taylor, Managing Partner at ARRC Capital Partners. The final panel, moderated by Parker Poe's Shaun Adams, explored built environments and reimaging spaces to include deliverable housing products. Marjy Stagmeier, Founder of TriStar Real Estate Investment, Lejla Prljaca, Executive Director of the Gwinnett Housing Corporation, Booker Washington, Founder and CEO of South Park Cottages in College Park, and Mayor Vince Williams of the City of Union City joined this conversation, each presenting their unique approach to housing projects, including microhomes, education-based housing developments, and reinvesting in extended stays. This panel showed how the right housing in the right place can have lasting impacts on communities, including reduced crime and transiency and increased home ownership and generational wealth. In 2023, housing continues to be pushed to the forefront of development woes, and the Council is working daily to support our local governments making critical regulatory decisions to provide homes for their communities. With proactive leadership in local governments and willing investors, our region will continue to thrive. The INTERSECTION Conference is a product the Quality Growth Institute, the education arm of the Council for Quality Growth and an established 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in the state of Georgia. More information can be found at http://www.councilforqualitygrowth.org/INTERSECTION. View and download the conference program here: https://www.councilforqualitygrowth.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/INTERSECTION-2023-Program-Final.pdf A full recording of the program, presentation slides, and a photo gallery will be posted to the Council for Quality Growth's website in the coming days. Please direct all media inquiries to Kathryn Jones at [email protected]. About The INTERSECTION Quality Development Conference: The INTERSECTION is the Council for Quality Growth's Quality Development Conference that annually convenes the public and private sectors for an in-depth discussion of critical issues to our region and how we compare to national trends. The INTERSECTION was developed as a means of education and information for our members, partners, and other industry professionals, with a sharp focus on the most relevant trends and issues affecting the growth and development industry from year to year. The INTERSECTION Conference is a product the Quality Growth Institute, the education arm of the Council for Quality Growth and an established 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in the state of Georgia. https://www.councilforqualitygrowth.org/INTERSECTION About the Council for Quality Growth: The Council for Quality Growth is a trade organization that works to ensure continued growth and economic success for generations to come by providing advocacy, information, and education to its members. For 38 years, the Council has been committed to the mission of promoting balanced and responsible growth and is proactively involved in the formulation of policy and legislation critical to the growth and development industry. The Council addresses, head-on, strategic economic planning, infrastructure needs, and tough quality-of-life issues throughout the metro Atlanta region and state. http://www.councilforqualitygrowth.org Media Contact John Casey, HL Strategy, 404-502-2736, john@hlstrategy.com SOURCE Council for Quality Growth An aerial image taken on August 10, 2023, shows destroyed homes and buildings burned to the ground in Lahaina in the aftermath of wildfires in western Maui, Hawaii. Hawaii emergency management records show no indication that warning sirens sounded before people ran for their lives from wildfires on Maui that killed at least 55 people and wiped out a historic town. Instead, officials sent alerts to mobile phones, televisions and radio stations but widespread power and cellular outages may have limited their reach. Hawaii boasts what the state describes as the largest integrated outdoor all-hazard public safety warning system in the world, with about 400 sirens positioned across the island chain to alert people to various natural disasters and other threats. But many survivors said in interviews Thursday that they didnt hear any sirens or receive a warning that gave them enough time to prepare, and only realized they were in danger when they saw flames or heard explosions nearby. The wildfires are the states deadliest natural disaster since a 1960 tsunami that killed 61 people. Gov. Josh Green warned that the death toll would likely rise as search and rescue operations continue. Cadaver-sniffing dogs were brought in Friday to assist the search for the remains of people killed by the inferno, said Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen Jr. Thomas Leonard, a 70-year-old retired mailman from centuries-old Lahaina, didnt know about the fire until he smelled smoke. Power and cellphone service had both gone out earlier Tuesday, leaving the town with no real-time information about the danger. He tried to leave in his Jeep, but had to abandon the vehicle and run to the shore when cars nearby began exploding. He hid behind a seawall for hours, the wind blowing hot ash and cinders over him. Firefighters eventually arrived and escorted Leonard and other survivors through the flames to safety. Fueled by a dry summer and strong winds from a passing hurricane, at least three wildfires erupted on Maui this week, racing through parched brush covering the island. The most serious one left Lahaina a grid of gray, ashen rubble, wedged between the blue ocean and lush green slopes. Skeletal remains of buildings bowed under roofs that pancaked in the blaze. Palm trees were torched, boats in the harbor were scorched and the stench of burning lingered. Without a doubt, it feels like a bomb was dropped on Lahaina, the governor said after walking the ruins of the town Thursday morning with the mayor. Firefighters managed to build perimeters around most of the Lahaina fire and another near the resort-filled area of Kihei, but they were still not fully contained as of Thursday afternoon. Hawaii Emergency Management Agency spokesperson Adam Weintraub told The Associated Press that the departments records dont show that Mauis warning sirens were triggered on Tuesday, when the Lahaina fire began. Instead, the county used emergency alerts sent to mobile phones, televisions and radio stations, Weintraub said. Its not clear if those alerts were sent before outages cut off most communication to Lahaina. Across the island, in fact, 911, landline and cellular service have failed at times. Maui Fire Department Chief Brad Ventura said the fire moved so quickly from brush to neighborhoods that it was impossible to get messages to the emergency management agencies responsible for alerts. What we experienced was such a fast-moving fire through the ... initial neighborhood that caught fire they were basically self-evacuating with fairly little notice, Ventura said. The blaze is the deadliest U.S. wildfire since the 2018 Camp Fire in California, which killed at least 85 people and laid waste to the town of Paradise. Lahainas wildfire risk was well known. Maui Countys hazard mitigation plan, last updated in 2020, identified Lahaina and other West Maui communities as having frequent wildfires and a large number of buildings at risk of wildfire damage. The report also noted that West Maui had the islands second-highest rate of households without a vehicle and the highest rate of non-English speakers. This may limit the populations ability to receive, understand and take expedient action during hazard events, the plan noted. Mauis firefighting efforts may also have been hampered by a small staff, said Bobby Lee, the president of the Hawaii Firefighters Association. There are a maximum of 65 firefighters working at any given time in Maui County, and they are responsible for fighting fires on three islands Maui, Molokai and Lanai he said. Those crews have about 13 fire engines and two ladder trucks, but the department does not have any off-road vehicles, he said. That means fire crews cant attack brush fires thoroughly before they reach roads or populated areas. High winds caused by Hurricane Dora made this weeks task especially difficult. Youre basically dealing with trying to fight a blowtorch, Lee said. Mandatory evacuation orders were in place for Lahaina residents, Bissen noted, while tourists in hotels were told to shelter in place so that emergency vehicles could get into the area. The mayor said downed power poles added to the chaos as people attempted to flee Lahaina, by cutting off two important roads out of town, including one to the airport. That left only one narrow, winding highway. Marlon Vasquez, a 31-year-old cook from Guatemala who came to the U.S. in January 2022, said that when he heard fire alarms, it was already too late to flee in his car. I opened the door, and the fire was almost on top of us, he said from an evacuation center at a gymnasium. We ran and ran. We ran almost the whole night and into the next day, because the fire didnt stop. Vasquez and his brother Eduardo escaped via roads that were clogged with vehicles. The smoke was so toxic that he vomited. He said hes not sure his roommates and neighbors made it to safety. Chelsey Vierra said Thursday that she didnt know if her great-grandmother, Louise Abihai, managed to escape her senior living facility, which witnesses saw erupt in flames. She doesnt have a phone. Shes 97 years old, Vierra said. She can walk. She is strong. Relatives were monitoring shelter lists and calling the hospital. We dont know who to ask about where she went, said Vierra, who fled the flames. President Joe Biden declared a major disaster on Maui on Thursday and promised to streamline requests for assistance to the island. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Mary Abigail Dodge (18331896), known by the pen name Gail Hamilton, was hailed in a national newspaper after her death as the most brilliant woman of her generation. Author of numerous essays and more than 25 books on religion, politics, travel, rural life, and the rights of women, Hamilton also played a key role in the evolution of publishing when she sued her publisher, James T. Fields (of the house Ticknor & Fields), for underpaying her. With the issue of how writers are valued and paid still raging today, the legal battle waged by this writer is a reminder of how little things have changed. At 23, Hamilton had an essay run in National Era, an abolitionist magazine edited by Gamaliel Bailey, best known as the editor of Uncle Toms Cabin. She began to write regularly for him, and he invited her to move to Washington, D.C., to be governess for his children. While this arrangement would be considered inappropriate today, it afforded Hamilton opportunities to rub elbows with politicians and thought leaders that fed her writing. (Later in her career, however, she was a vocal critic of paternalist publishers.) In her essays and books, Hamilton urged women not to conform to societal expectations and instead become what she called androgynous, by which she meant they should develop the side of themselves she felt most resembled men, giving up any tendency to remain ignorant of, or above, worldly, commercial dealings. She felt that womens spiritual and artistic tendencies should be tamped down in favor of male decisiveness and firmer attitudes. She especially advised this for women writers, saying, a certain prejudice against female writers still lives. It is fine, subtle, impalpable, but real. Her assessment that women writers werent treated as equal to men was confirmed when she discovered that her publisher, whether by accident or design, had cheated her out of her royalties. Fields published Hamiltons first book in 1862 and subsequently published seven more. Theirs was a friendly relationship until 1867, when Hamilton learned that most beginning authors received a 10% royalty, while she received only 6% and 7%. For her subsequent books, Fields had convinced her to accept 15 per copy. When they sold for $1.50 each, the arrangement was fair, but as the price of her books rose, her earnings didnt. Hamilton and Fields had no written contract, merely a congenial relationship that benefitted the publisher more than the author. When she approached him about the discrepancy, instead of acknowledging the error, he dismissed her complaint, calling her aggressive and unwomanly. Hamilton pursued legal arbitration, gathering a sizable amount of data from other publishers and authors in an attempt to prove that the entire royalty system was arbitrary and capricious. Nathaniel Hawthornes widow shared that at the start of her husbands career, he had received 15% from Fields but was later knocked down to 10%. Other authors received 20%, while Harriet Beecher Stowe received a full 50% of the profits from her highly successful books. It galled Hamilton that writers seemed grateful to accept whatever rates publishers chose for them. Hamilton successfully warned writers to be wary of the supposed benevolence of the gentlemens business. Though she worked with a lawyer, Hamilton presented her own case in the hearing and petitioned for the 10% she had never received, plus an additional 7%, and legal expenses of $3,000. In their ruling, the arbitrators determined that neither party had intended to defraud the othera decision that treated the two parties as equals, when clearly they were not. Hamilton was awarded only $1,250, not even half of her legal costs. Though defeated in court, she continued to publish with other houses, and in 1870, she self-published a novel that contained a thinly veiled account of her legal fight titled A Battle of the Books. It received mixed reviews, including some scathing ones, and although it sold moderately well, she still lost money on it. But the literary community took notice, and the veneer of gentlemen publishers was forever tarnished. Hamilton successfully warned writers to be wary of the supposed benevolence of the gentlemens business. Her case made it obvious that authors assigned too much importance to publishers reputations and not enough to their own financial interests. In Hamiltons opinion, a writers relationship to his or her publisher was too much like that of a submissive wife in a traditional marriage. An independent, self-defined woman, she refused any such constraining roles. Her outspoken, principled stand on this matter still offers an important reminder and model for writers today. Virginia Pye is the author of The Literary Undoing of Victoria Swann (Regal House, Oct.) Its a momentous and consequential time in the publishing industry. The promise of generative AI is being realized in new and remarkable ways, offering the potential to significantly transform our workflows, business models, and the products we offer to readers. Yet the technology is still nascent, and the path forward is still being paved. As someone on the front lines of the technology revolution in publishing, Ive become a firm believer in the promise of generative AI. Its applications are vast and diverse, while its potential to disrupt the industry is simultaneously immense. In my work, I have seen firsthand how generative AI can be harnessed for many uses. It is not a theoretical tool confined to academic research; it is an operational tool and is here now. By illuminating the promises and pitfalls of generative AI from my perspective, I hope to foster a deeper understanding of this powerful technology and its potential to revolutionize our industry. For me, generative AI has been instrumental in tasks that previously demanded hours of effort. Its helped me create engaging and targeted marketing copy in a fraction of the time than before, allowing me to customize and iterate on messaging manually in ways that would be nearly impossible without AI assistance. Further, AI has proven to be remarkably adept at generating book metadata, streamlining a process that can be tedious yet crucial to book discovery and sales. Other applications of AI Ive tried have included deciphering long strings of customer service emails, first-cut analysis of content and supply chain vendor contracts, extraction of rights grants and royalty terms in contracts, cleaning up extracted text for creating e-books, identifying competitive titles, and identifying potential DEI issues in manuscripts. For most of these applications, what was once an hours-long task prone to human error can now be completed much more quickly and accurately. While these applications of AI have been invaluable, they are not without challenges. Harnessing the power of AI in publishing, it turns out, isnt as simple as plug and play. It requires thought, effort, and an understanding of the technology, its application, and the industry. The prompts to accomplish tasks often require significant iteration, and the results need careful review and editing by humans. For me, one of the most exciting applications of AI has been extracting contract terms. Generative AI, equipped with a knack for pattern recognition, can sift through dense legalese, identifying and extracting key terms with impressive accuracy. When examining royalty agreements, term duration, and types of rights granted, each element is often buried within a thicket of legal jargon that can be time-consuming to decipher. Generative AI can be trained to identify these specific terms, significantly reducing time spent on contract review to populate royalty or title management systems. A typical challenge faced by production editors everywhere is extracting text from documents in formats such as PDF or, even worse, from scans of printed pages. The extraction process often results in dirty copy with incorrect character encoding, misplaced line breaks, or missing sections. The standard process often uses third-party vendors to take additional steps to clean up the text and render it suitable for further use. Ive employed generative AI to replace this entire process. The application can even highlight the corrected elements for a quick review. Incorporating AI isnt just about enhancing the operational elements of publishing. Its equally valuable for data analysis. Using OpenAIs Code Inspector, Ive delved deeply into the wealth of market and logistics data publishing operations generate daily. One critical aspect of education publishing, particularly during peak seasons, is the analysis of delivery times. By feeding logistics data into the AI model, I uncovered trends and identified bottlenecks affecting delivery times. The AI model deftly handled large datasets, offering insights that could have taken people days or weeks to arrive at. It was still important to know what to look for and to create the right visualizations to demonstrate the issues, but the basic number crunching took only a few minutes. Watching the tool try various approaches, reach dead ends, and try something else until a suitable result was produced was breathtaking. Powerful but not infallible These examples underscore an essential truth about generative AIs role in publishing: its power is immense, but it is not infallible. AI tools are capable of remarkable feats, but their output needs to be treated with discernment and care. Take the example of finding competitive titles. This seems like a straightforward way to use generative AI, but it still requires a sound understanding of the industry and its data. In an email exchange with Thad McIlroy, a frequent contributor to Publishers Weekly and a longtime colleague, he noted, I think we state that AI will be good at finding comps without understanding what that means. The traditional method of finding comps is superficial, almost to the extent of being worthless. What do we want from a comp? It intersects with recommendation engines. We want to identify the top book(s) matching the stylistic/content profile of the manuscript we plan to publish. Thats a tall task... and sidesteps the near-insurmountable challenge of ingesting in-copyright titles into a comp database. Thad is absolutely correct. By processing vast data, AI can generate lists of potential comp titles given only a phrase or two as input. In my case, it generated a list of reasonable-sounding comps... that didnt actually exist! To be fair, the developers behind AI systems, such as OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, acknowledge this caveat. Theyve added warnings to AI outputs, noting that generated titles are illustrative of what to look for rather than a definitive list of existing books. In my work, I have seen firsthand how generative AI can be harnessed for many uses. It is not a theoretical tool confined to academic research; it is an operational tool and is here now. Even with AIs capability to analyze data and generate insights, the onus is on the user to ask the right questions and to know what to look for in the answers, which underlines the ongoing importance of human involvement in the application of AI. While AI provided the tools, I had to direct its focus and interpret the results. While this might initially seem like a limitation, it can also be a strength. It reinforces the role of AI as an enabler rather than a replacer of human activity. It helps us become more efficient and informed, enabling us to handle tasks at a scale and speed that wouldnt be possible otherwise. Yet it doesnt diminish the value of industry knowledge and human judgment; it highlights the importance of these elements in harnessing AIs full potential. Truly scalable enterprise applications strive for predictability, consistency, and accuracyyou dont want your financial systems to be inventing the data on which your company operates. While generative AI hasnt yet achieved this level of accuracy, developers continue to work on eliminating the uncertainty associated with the factual and formatting accuracy of the answers returned by the AI. Their goal is to remove much of the routine busy work, thus enabling human creativity and judgment to shine through. OpenAI continues to release features to assist with this. For example, its developers recently introduced a feature to make the data returned from API calls more systematic and predictable. But theres still a long way to go. Early examples There are many promising applications of generative AI underway in publishing. For example, PanOpen Education has incorporated AI into its courseware platform. The AI acts as a tutor, assisting students, helping them with misunderstandings, and allowing class time to be used for deeper discussions. As the president of PanOpen, Brian Jacobs, aptly puts it, Generative AI is helping to realize the long-held dream of person-centric learning, of breaking finally with a factory model of education. In this sense, we see such tools as empowering educators and learners in ways that would be unimaginable without them. And far from supplanting the educators creativity, AI can be an extraordinary enabler of it in new forms. Similarly, Gutenberg Technology is using AI to enhance the accessibility of content created with its authoring tools. Gutenberg uses AI for accessibility remediation (an issue for all publishers), standards alignment, and test item generation (educational publishers). The president of Gutenberg Technology, Gjergj Demiraj, says, Our incorporation of AI is about precision and consistency, providing significant benefits to authors and publishers. It helps us ensure that publishers content aligns with standards and is accessible to all, without curtailing the creative vision of their authors. These examples underline how companies are making headway in marrying AI with human creativity and judgment to provide a more efficient, accurate, and innovative platform. There are many other possible applications of AI in publishing, including title development, sales, marketing, and, of course, operational and financial functions. As we stand on the cusp of this transformative journey, staying informed and engaged is crucial. Lets not shy away from the opportunities generative AI offers, but instead lean into the learning curve. Experiment with AI tools, involve them in your projects, and explore their potential. Participate in discussions about the ethical use of AI, its limitations and its promises. Most importantly, consider how we can shape this technology to serve our industry, our readers, and our shared future. The role of AI in publishing is not a question of if but of when and how. Its up to us to ensure that how aligns with our highest aspirations and ideals. Ken Brooks is the founder of the consulting firm Treadwell Media Group and is a founding partner of Publishing Technology Partners. He has served as chief content officer at Wiley and COO at Macmillan Learning. The headlines this week underscore how the movement to ban books has entered a difficult new phase, as librarians, educators, and book vendors struggle with how to comply with new laws and policies seeking to censor allegedly "sexually explicit" books. As we reported this week for Publishers Weekly, publishers and authors are balking at a request from the nation's largest distributor of books to schools for help rating their own titles to comply with Texas's new book rating law, HB 900. Set to go into effect on September 1, HB 900 certainly puts vendors in a bind: it requires them to review and rate the thousands of books sold into schools for sexual content. But as one publishing executive told PW on background this week, aiding vendors in rating their books would make them "complicit" in an act of censorship. Make no mistake, an upcoming August 18 hearing in an Austin court now looms as one of the most important in recent publishing history. At the hearing, Judge Alan D. Albright will hear arguments for a preliminary injunction blocking HB 900 from taking effect. The motion argues that the "delegation of government authority to regulate speech to private entities or individuals, such as the establishment of rating systems," is unconstitutional. But if HB 900 is allowed to take effect on September 1 as scheduled, the impact will likely be felt beyond Texas, freedom to read advocates warn, likely serving as a green light for similar "book rating'"bills in other states. In Florida, Click Orlando reports on the effort now underway to screen books in libraries and schools for sexual content, as required by the recently passed HB 1069. I think we have over a million books that have been or are in the process of being reviewed," Orange County Public Schools Superintendent Maria Vazquez told reporters. "Theyre not going to be able to finish (in time for the school year). Imagine how many books. Its an extensive review, and we want to make sure were doing the job correctly. Also in Florida, NorthEscambia.com reports on efforts to screen books for sexual content. "The libraries are not closed, Superintendent Keith Leonard told reporters. "There will be a limited selection for them to either read or check out. People just need to be patient with us... Its unfortunate this is where we are. But in todays time thats what we have to do and well continue to do it. The Tallahassee Democrat has a piece on how the attacks on the freedom to read are moving from Florida schools to public libraries. The shift from the school library to the public library is very much underway, Jonathan Friedman, director of free expression and education programs at PEN America, told reporters. Its not so much a shift. Its like an expansion of the target. Its not so much a shift. Its like an expansion of the target. In Alabama, the local Fauquier Times reports on three local high school lists of books deemed sexually explicit, which, under new rules, means that parents will be notified when their students check the books out, and can prohibit the checkout if they wish. "Books flagged at all three schools include bestselling and award-winning novels such as Looking for Alaska by John Green; The Perks of Being a Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky; A Thousand Splendid Suns, by Khalid Hosseini; and the poetry collection Milk and Honey, by Rupi Kaur," the report notes. NPR reports on the ongoing confusion in Missouri as librarians attempt to comply with Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft's new rule banning allegedly obscene content from libraries. "Jason Kuhl, CEO of the St. Charles City-County Library district, said most of the issues the rule addresses have been in place in public libraries for years," the report notes. 'I'm going to quote another library director here: This is a solution in search of a problem, Kuhl said. NPR also has a report on how efforts to attack librarians, like Louisiana librarian Amanda Jones (who is featured in the piece) is exacting a heavy toll from librarians, some of whom are leaving the profession. "Many who have fled for friendlier turf, or quit the field altogether, have done so at great personal cost, uprooting their families, for example, or forgoing benefit," the report states. "That was the case for one librarian in Texas who asked not to be identified, for fear of provoking exactly the kind of backlash she was trying to escape. She had always hoped to work until she was eligible for her maximum retirement package, but opted instead to leave significant money on the table, because, she says, she just couldn't take it anymore. 'It was a dark cloud over me all the time,' she sighs. 'To feel like an enemy, a groomer, and all these things, it just made me feel sick all the time.' Giving up her job, and letting go of what she considered her calling, however, caused her a whole other level of pain." The Indianapolis Star has a report on author John Green's reaction to his bestselling book The Fault in Our Stars being among the books pulled from the Hamilton East Public Library's teen shelves in light of a new "age appropriate" access policy. "This is ludicrous," Green tweeted Wednesday. "It is about teenagers and I wrote it for teenagers. Teenagers are not harmed by reading TFIOS,'" the report states. "At the direction of the library board, staff members have been going through all books in the teen section for the past several months and moving those that run afoul of board policy. The policy targets language about "sexuality and reproduction, profanity and criminal acts." The Guardian has a piece on Democracy Forward, the nonprofit advocacy group that is part of a coalition that successfully sued to block Act 372, Arkansas's "harmful to minors" from taking effect last month. The far right has been strategic about trying to organize groups such as Moms for Liberty, formed to provide an appearance that there is an organic movement sprouting across the country, that people are really concerned about children being able to access books, about freedom of expression and whats being taught in schools," Skye Perryman, president and chief executive of Democracy Forward, told the Guardian's Martin Pengelly. "And what we see time and again is that those voices do not represent a majority of people, and that they are part of a network that is coordinated to try to create issues, in order to be able to roll back progress and roll back our basic freedoms, including the freedom to read and the ability of communities to thrive." ALA president Emily Drabinksi gave an interview to NBC News in the wake of the Montana State Library Commission's decision to pull out of ALA over a nearly two year-old since deleted tweet. It allows Wyoming Rep. John Bear the space to say ALA "is full of Marxists" who "promote books that 'create a sexualized child' at an earlier age but fails to probe those statements in any way. Withdrawing from the ALA will actually hurt libraries and librarians in Montana. Maybe at least ask about that? Over at Book Riot Kelly Jensen starts her weekly censorship news roundup by questioning the impact of Brave Books and Kirk Cameron's "nationwide storytime" held in libraries on August 5, concluding that the rather quiet day "furthers the reality that these events are not what people are clamoring for." As expected, a proposed judgment has been filed this afternoon in the copyright infringement case over the Internet Archive's scanning and lending of library books. Among its provisions: a declaration that the IA's scanning and lending is copyright infringement; an injunction prohibiting infringing activity; and a confidential monetary settlement. In a statement, the Association of American Publishers said it hopes "the extensive analysis of the Court and serious nature of the stipulated judgment will discourage other actors who refuse to account to copyright owners and the law. The proposed judgment, once approved by the court, means the Internet Archive can now appeal, which it vowed to do in a statement. "We believe that the judge made errors of law and fact in the decision, and we will appeal." We'll have more on the proposed judgment on the PW site next week. Library Journal has announced Hallie Rich as its new editor-in-chief. "Rich brings more than 20 years of experience as a communications professional to the role, spending the past decade working at the intersection of libraries and media as a member of the executive team at Cuyahoga County Public Library," the LJ release reads. Through my work at one of the nations best large public library systems and engagement in national library advocacy efforts, I have had the opportunity to witness and experience the many ways that libraries and library professionals change lives," Rich said, in a statement. "I want to bring more of those stories forward and to help shape the conversations that place a library lens on our changing society." And finally this week, PEN America has published an interesting report on what it calls "toxic literary culture," calling on publishers to to avoid self-censorship in the form of canceling books, often due to social media blowback. "In researching this report, PEN America examined 16 cases of author, publisher, or estate withdrawals of books between 2021 and 2023, with the most recent occurring in June 2023. None of these books were withdrawn based on any allegation of containing factual disinformation, nor the glorification of violence, or plagiarized passages. Their content or author was simply deemed offensive," the report notes. Some of the objections (that the books pulled are "harmful, dangerous, or hateful" especially to children) mirror the rhetoric that has led to pulling books from school and library shelves in Florida, Texas, and elsewhere, the report notes. "In major publishing houses, staffers have increasingly expressed opposition to specific book contracts with writers whom they allege to be promoting forms of harm, in some cases going so far as to demand that contracts be nullified," the report points, adding that the imperative to 'jealously guard' the freedom to read is a principle that stretches beyond adherence to the First Amendment and beyond vigilance against government interference. This guardianship also requires a stalwart defense of the right of authors to write books that others may find offensiveand the right of publishers to publish them, and of readers to choose to read them." 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. California regulators on Thursday approved an expansion that will allow two rival robotaxi services to operate throughout San Francisco at all hours, despite safety worries spurred by recurring problems with unexpected stops and other erratic behavior that resulted in unmanned vehicles blocking traffic, including emergency vehicles. The states Public Utilities Commission voted to approve rival services from Cruise and Waymo to operate around-the-clock service. It will make San Francisco first major U.S. city with two fleets of driverless vehicles competing for passengers against ride-hailing and taxi services dependent on humans to operate the cars. It is a distinction that San Francisco officials didnt want, largely because of the headaches that Cruise and Waymo have been causing in the city while testing their robotaxis on a restricted basis during the past year. But it ended in a major victory for Cruise a subsidiary of General Motors and Waymo a spinoff from a secret project at Google after spending years and billions of dollars honing a technology that they believe will revolutionize transportation. Both companies view approval of their San Francisco expansions as a major springboard to launching similar services in other congested cities that would benefit from a technology that they contend will be more reliable, convenient and cheaper than ride-hailing and taxi services reliant on human drivers. We cant wait for more San Franciscans to experience the mobility, safety, sustainability and accessibility benefits of full autonomy for themselves all at the touch of a button, Waymo co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana said in a blog post. During five-and-half hours of public comments at Thursdays meeting, many speakers derided the robotaxis as annoying nuisances at best and dangerous menaces at worst. Others vented their frustration about San Francisco being transformed into a tech playground and the equivalent of an ant farm for haphazard experimentation. Supporters of the robotaxis also stepped up to passionately defend the technology as a leap forward that will keep San Francisco on the cutting edge of technology, while helping more disabled people who are unable to drive to get around town and reducing the risks posed by drunk driving. One speaker predicted that unleashing the robotaxis would create a tourist attraction that could become as popular as rides on the fabled cable cars that have been navigating the citys streets for 150 years. Waymo says there is so much interest in its robotaxis that it has already built up a waiting list of more than 100,000 people vying to take a driverless ride through the streets of San Francisco. The rising fears about the safety of the robotaxis had come into sharper focus during a preliminary hearing Monday that included a sobering appearance by San Francisco Fire Department Chief Jeanine Nicholson, who warned regulators that the robotaxis had been repeatedly undermining firefighters ability to respond to emergencies. . They are still not ready for prime time because of the way they have impacted our operations, Nicholson said during a four-hour hearing held Monday in advance of Thursdays pivotal vote. To underscore her point, Nicholson cited 55 written reports of the robotaxis interfering with emergency responses. She said she is worried the problems will get worse if Cruise and Waymo are allowed to operate their services wherever and whenever they want in San Francisco raising the risk of their disruptions resulting in injury, death or the loss of property that could have been saved. The Public Utilities Commission still decided to approve the expansion by a 3-1 vote. Although the panel consists of five commissioners, only four voted on the proposed robotaxi expansion. Commissioner Karen Douglas was absent from Thursdays hearing for an undisclosed reason. Both Cruise and Waymo cited their unblemished safety records as proof their robotaxis are less dangerous than vehicles operated by people who can be distracted, intoxicated or just lousy drivers. Cruise has been currently testing 300 robotaxis during the day when it can only give rides for free, and 100 robotaxis at night when it has been allowed to charge for rides in less congested parts of San Francisco for the past 14 months. Waymo has been operating about 100 of the 250 robotaxis it has available to give free rides to volunteers and employees throughout San Francisco. But the proposed San Francisco expansion has been facing increasingly staunch resistance, prompting regulators to postpone two previously scheduled votes on the issue in June and July. In a May 31 letter urging state regulators to continue to restrict the operations of Cruise and Waymo, San Francisco transportation officials asserted the driverless vehicles rely on a developmental technology that is not ready for unconstrainted commercial deployment. In a June 22 letter, the president of the union for San Francisco police officers warned of potentially dire consequences if Cruise and Waymo are allowed to expand throughout the city. Tracy McCray, the union president, cited a robotaxi obstructing emergency vehicles responding to a recent mass shooting that injured nine people as a chilling example of how the technology could imperil the public. While we all applaud advancements in technology, we must not be in such a rush that we forget the human element and the effects such technology unchecked can cause in dangerous situations, McCray wrote. Delays of even seconds in our line of work can be a matter of life or death. Unless Cruise and Waymo are able to fix the problems that have been cropping up in their robotaxis, the San Francisco expansion could turn out to be a pyrrhic victory, warned Nico Larco, who has been tracking the progress of autonomous vehicles as director of the University of Oregons Urbanism Next Center. There is a real public sentiment risk here, Larco said. If they dont figure some of these things out, there will be growing frustration from the general public. And its tough to bring that back and put the genie back in the bottle. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Property details: INVESTMENT PROPERTYCIBOLA COUNTY, NEW MEXICOI own a nice 10 acre lot in the Tierra Verde private community in Cibola County, New Mexico. This area is called the Land of Fire and Ice because of its volcanic landscape and ice caves. The property is in an excellent location with close access to Highway 53, about 30 miles southwest of Grants, New Mexico. Its west of Albuquerque, New Mexico, off Interstate 40. Local pick up for this sale is not necessary despite it saying so in the shipping ... Price: $ 5 Seller State of Residence: Illinois Type: Homesite, Lot Zip/Postal Code: 87321 Zoning: Residential City: Ramah State/Province: New Mexico Location: 873**, Ramah, New Mexico You will be redirected to eBay Nearby New Mexico The Enforcement Directorate on Saturday filed a nearly 3,000-page charge sheet against Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji as part of a continuing money laundering investigation against him and his aides, official sources said. IMAGE: Tamil Nadu CM M K Stalin meets state minister V Senthil Balaji who is admitted to Omandurar government hospital in Chennai, on June 14, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo Principal Sessions Judge S Alli, before whom the 47-year-old Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam politician was produced, remanded him in judicial custody till August 25. The minister, who was arrested by the ED on June 14, will continue to be lodged at the Puzhal central jail in Chennai. The central agency filed the prosecution complaint of about 3,000 pages that included more than 2,000 pages of annexures and 168-170 pages of operational documents, arraigning Balaji as an accused, the sources said. The ED is understood to have brought on record various documents seized, purported cash receipts recovered and the statement of Balaji that was recorded by it over the last few days in the charge sheet. The court is yet to take cognisance of the complaint (charge sheet) filed under various sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), they said. Judge Alli had on August 7 permitted the ED to take custody of Senthil Balaji for five days for the purpose of interrogation in connection with the case. Since the custody came to an end on Saturday, the ED produced him before the judge. The judge asked Balaji how he was treated by the ED while in its custody and if there was any complaint against the agency. He replied he was treated well by the ED and had no complaint, the sources said. The agency is expected to file a supplementary charge sheet later as a number of other people including members of Balaji's family have not deposed before it till now. It had recently said in a statement that Balaji's brother RV Ashok Balaji, his (Ashok's) wife Nirmala and mother-in-law P Lakshmi were sent multiple summons to join the probe and record their statements but they are 'yet to appear in person, demonstrating a lack of cooperation with the ongoing investigation'. A 2.49-acre land located in Karur, valued at more than Rs 30 crore, belonging to Nirmala was frozen by the ED a few days back in this case. Balaji continues to be a minister without portfolio in Chief Minister M K Stalin-led Tamil Nadu government after he was arrested by the ED on June 14 in the money laundering case linked to an alleged cash-for-jobs scam when he was the transport minister during the previous All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam regime. He was in judicial custody from that day onwards till August 7. Following an order of the Supreme Court, the ED had on August 7 filed a petition, seeking custody of Senthil Balaji for five days for the purpose of interrogation in connection with the case and the court granted permission. Originally, alleging that her husband was in illegal custody of the ED, his wife Megala filed a habeas corpus petition (HCP) seeking a direction to the agency to produce her husband before the court and set him at liberty. On July 4, 2023, a division bench delivered a split verdict, with one of the judges--Justice Nisha Bani - allowing her plea while Justice Bharatha Chakravarthy held that the ED has the power to take custody of the accused. Therefore, the matter was referred to a third judge. Justice C V Karthikeyan, who was named as a third judge, had on July 14 upheld the arrest of Senthil Balaji and his subsequent remand in judicial custody. However, he referred the matter to the same division bench to decide the date from which the ED can take custody of the accused. Pointing out that the matter was pending before the Supreme Court, the same division bench had on July 25 closed the HCP. The Supreme Court had dismissed on Monday the petitions filed by Balaji and his wife challenging the Madras HC order upholding his arrest, saying a remand order passed by a judicial officer cannot be contested under the guise of a habeas corpus plea. The agency had earlier claimed that Balaji 'misused' his office for illegal gratification and 'engineered' a job racket scam in the state transport undertakings during 2014-15 with purported kickbacks paid by candidates through his associates who include his brother R V Ashok Kumar and his personal assistants B Shanmugam and M Karthikeyan. 'This led to jobs being awarded at the expense of deserving candidates,' the ED had alleged. The ED filed a case of money laundering in September 2021 to probe these allegations and its complaint is based on three Tamil Nadu Police FIRs filed in 2018 and later by some of those who failed to get the promised jobs. India is set to press for early disengagement of troops from the remaining friction points in eastern Ladakh at a fresh round of high-level military talks with China on August 14, people familiar with the matter said on Saturday. IMAGE: Indian Army formations including the T-90 and T-72 tanks and BMP infantry combat vehicles carry out drills in Eastern Ladakh to cross the Indus River and attacks in enemy positions, on Saturday. Photograph: ANI Photo The 19th round of Corps Commander level dialogue is taking place around four months after the last edition of the military talks were held to ease tensions in the region. The Indian delegation at the talks are going to seek completion of the disengagement process in the remaining friction points at the earliest, said one of the persons cited above. 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. In the 18th round of the military dialogue that was held on April 23, the Indian side strongly pressed for resolving the lingering issues at Depsang and Demchok. The fresh round of talks is set to take place at Chushul-Moldo border meeting point on the Indian side, the sources said. The Indian delegation at the dialogue is likely to be headed by Lt Gen Rashim Bali, the Commander of the Leh-headquartered 14 Corps. The Chinese team is expected to be led by the commander of the South Xinjiang Military District. Last month, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke on the need to stabilise bilateral relations at a dinner during the G-20 summit in Bali last year. On July 24, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi on the sidelines of a meeting of the five-nation grouping BRICS in Johannesburg. 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. India has been maintaining that its ties with China cannot be normal unless there is peace in the border areas. The eastern Ladakh border standoff erupted on May 5, 2020, following a violent clash in the Pangong lake area. 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. As a result of a series of military and diplomatic talks, the two sides completed the disengagement process in 2021 on the north and south banks of the Pangong lake and in the Gogra area. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched a blistering attack on the opposition parties, accusing them of 'running away' from Lok Sabha during a debate on the no-confidence motion, and said his government has countered the 'negativity being spread' by them across the country. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses at the inauguration and laying the foundation stone of various development projects to nation, in Sagar on August 12, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo He also accused the opposition of 'not being serious' about the discussion on Manipur as 'it would have hurt them the most'. Modi said an opportunity to find solutions through debates in Parliament could not be utilised as the opposition parties 'prioritised their politics over people's welfare'. In an apparent reference to the PM's allegation, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee claimed that the Centre has 'not taken any action against those involved in unleashing atrocities in Manipur'. The prime minister, who virtually addressed the Panchayati Raj Parishad in West Bengal, criticised the ruling Trinamool Congress for using 'terror and threats' to intimidate the opposition parties in the state during the rural polls last month but acting as 'champions of democracy'. "Only two days back, we had defeated the opposition's no-confidence motion in Parliament. We had also defeated the negativity being spread by them. The whole country has seen the opposition running away from the House. Unfortunately, they betrayed the people of Manipur," he said. The no-confidence motion against the Modi government was defeated through a voice vote in the Lok Sabha on Thursday after opposition MPs staged a walkout. A no-confidence motion is a formal proposal moved by a member against the government in Lok Sabha under Rule 198 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the lower House of Parliament. Before the commencement of the session, the government had written a letter to the opposition parties, saying that the Centre wanted to discuss the Manipur issue, PM Modi said. "But what happened, you all have seen. The opposition didn't allow it to happen. Had there been a discussion on such a sensitive subject, the people of Manipur would have felt relieved. Some solutions would have emerged to address that issue. "But the opposition parties did not want to discuss it as they knew that the truth of Manipur would sting them the most," PM Modi said at the BJP event. He also alleged that the opposition parties 'were not serious' about any discussion and 'just wanted to do politics' over the Manipur issue. "They don't care about pain and suffering of the people. All they care about is politics. That was why they chose to avoid the discussion and prioritised political debates by moving the no-confidence motion," he said. Banerjee, however, claimed that the Bharatiya Janata Party government at the Centre 'has not taken any action against those involved in atrocities in the northeastern state'. Notably, more than 160 people have lost their lives, and several hundred have been injured since the ethnic clashes broke out in Manipur on May 3, after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. Tribals -- Nagas and Kukis -- constitute little over 40 per cent and reside in the hill districts. Claiming that the central government had defeated the no-confidence motion of the opposition parties in Parliament with the 'blessings of 140 crore Indians', Modi also urged BJP workers to unmask them before the people of the country. "The opposition might disrupt the proceedings of the House, but BJP workers and representatives must unmask them before the masses," he said. "The faith of people inspires me and boosts my confidence and vigour," he said, referring to the defeat of the no-confidence motion in Parliament. PM Modi claimed that 'those who act as champions of democracy and question EVM' at the drop of a hat had 'undermined' the democratic process in Bengal. Hitting out at the Congress' decade-old slogan 'Garibi hatao' (eliminate poverty), the prime minister said, "In reality, they have done nothing to remove poverty and uplift the living conditions of the poor people of the country." "In our country, for the last 50 years, slogans were given 'Garibi Hatao'. But those who gave this slogan could not remove poverty. The question is that the work which could not be done in five decades, how has the BJP done it in such a short time? We have taken steps for the overall development of the poor in the country," he said. He listed various projects for the development of eastern India and northeastern India. KYODO NEWS - Aug 12, 2023 - 21:33 | All, World The death toll from wildfires on Hawaii's Maui Island has risen to 80, the local government said Friday, making the blaze the deadliest natural disaster in Hawaii since it became a U.S. state in 1959. Firefighters continued to battle flare-ups in the major tourist area of Lahaina, Pulehu and Upcountry Maui. As of Friday afternoon, the fires in Lahaina were 85 percent contained, according to the county government of Maui. The fires have become the deadliest natural disaster in the state's history, surpassing a tsunami disaster in 1960 that struck Hawaii Island, killing 61 people. Maui's warning sirens may not have been activated when the fires began on Tuesday and started approaching residential areas, according to local officials. About 1,000 people are still unaccounted for, according to U.S. media reports. Related coverage: Death toll in Hawaii wildfire rises to 55, national disaster declared At least 36 killed as Hawaii wildfires continue raging Hitachi driverless passenger railway opens in Honolulu, first in U.S. The Supreme Court Collegium headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud has reiterated its recommendation to transfer Justice Sudhir Singh from the Patna high court to the Punjab and Haryana high court. The Collegium had proposed Justice Singh's transfer on August 3 for "better administration of justice". The Collegium, which also comprises Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Sanjiv Khanna, B R Gavai and Surya Kant, had considered Justice Singh's representation dated August 8 in its August 10 meeting. "In the said representation, he requested that before taking a final decision regarding his transfer to the High Court of Punjab and Haryana, the facts submitted by him in his letter may be considered. "He also stated that any decision in the matter of transfer shall be binding on him. The Collegium after taking note of the submissions made by him in the said representation resolved to defer the proposal for his transfer for the time being," the Collegium said in a resolution. It said that in terms of the Memorandum of Procedure, it consulted the judges of the Supreme Court who, being conversant with the affairs of the High Court of Judicature at Patna, are in a position to offer views on the proposed transfer. "We also consulted the Chief Justices of the High Court of Judicature at Patna and the High Court of Punjab and Haryana. "In view of the above, the Collegium resolves to reiterate its recommendation dated August 3, 2023, to transfer him (Justice Singh) to the High Court of Punjab and Haryana," the resolution stated. The Supreme Court has pulled up the Uttar Pradesh government over the killing of former Lok Sabha member Atiq Ahmad and his brother Ashraf in police custody in Prayagraj on April 15, observing "someone is complicit". IMAGE: Gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf Ahmed being escorted to a hospital by police for a medical checkup before they were shot dead in Prayagraj on April 15, 2023. Photograph: PTI Photo It has also sought a status report from the state government on 183 "police encounters" that have taken place since 2017. According to the state police, 183 people have been killed in numerous police encounters since the Yogi Adityanath government assumed office in March 2017. Yogi's detractors have often claimed many of them were staged. A bench of Justices S Ravindra Bhat and Aravind Kumar directed the UP government on Friday to file an affidavit within six weeks giving the details of these encounters, the status of investigation, charge sheets filed and the status of trial. "There were 5 to 10 people guarding him (Atiq)How can someone just come and shoot? How does this happen? Someone is complicit," the bench observed. It also issued notice to the UP government on a plea by Aisha Noori, sister of gangster-politician Ahmad, seeking a direction for a comprehensive probe into the killing of her brothers. The top court, however, rejected the request of PIL petitioner Vishal Tiwari for institution of an independent judicial commission of enquiry to go into the police encounters and the role of the men in uniform in these, saying the state government has already formed such a commission. The apex court had earlier agreed to hear the pleas, including the one filed by Aisha Noori, seeking constitution of a commission of enquiry chaired by a retired apex court judge into the "extra-judicial" killing of her brothers. Ahmad (60) and Ashraf were shot dead at point-blank range by three men posing as journalists in the middle of a media interaction while police personnel were escorting them to a medical college for examination on April 15. The entire shooting was captured live on national television. In an affidavit filed in the top court, the Uttar Pradesh government said the state is "leaving no stone unturned in ensuring a thorough, impartial and timely investigation" into the deaths of Ahmad and Ashraf. It said the status report contained in the affidavit deals with enquiry into the April 15 incident, steps taken in relation to the deaths of Mohd Asad Khan, son of Ahmad, and Mohd Ghulam on April 13, and also the measures initiated to implement the recommendations of the Justice B S Chauhan Commission. Former apex court judge Justice Chauhan headed the commission that probed the encounter killing of gangster Vikas Dubey in 2020. Dubey and his men had ambushed and killed eight policemen at his native Bikru village in Kanpur district in July 2020. He was arrested in Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh and was being brought back in Uttar Pradesh police's custody when he allegedly tried to escape and was shot dead. Doubts were raised about the genuineness of the police encounter. The status report gave the details about the steps taken to implement the recommendations of the Justice Chauhan commission, which had concluded that the police version of the deaths of Dubey and his associates in retaliatory firing incidents in the days following his encounter killing could not be doubted. It said there has been an overhaul of manpower reform and a total of 10,877 posts at various levels have been created in the police department from April 11, 2021 till date. "Further, action on requisitioning of 1,12,177 posts of various cadres is also under progress," it said. The status report said the police department has also undergone a modernisation, following purchase of prison vans, drones, postmortem kits and various other vehicles. It said the number of forensic science laboratories has increased from eight to 12 with new facilities having been established in Kannauj, Aligarh, Gonda and Bareilly. The process of setting up FSLs in six more cities -- Basti, Mirzapur, Azamgarh, Banda, Ayodhya and Saharanpur -- is also underway. While hearing Tiwari's plea on April 28, the top court had questioned the Uttar Pradesh government why Ahmad and Ashraf, a former MLA, were paraded before media while being taken to a hospital for a medical checkup in police custody. The counsel appearing for Uttar Pradesh had told the court the state has constituted a three-member commission of inquiry to probe the incident. A special investigation team (SIT) of Uttar Pradesh Police is also investigating the case, the counsel had said. President Droupadi Murmu rarely smiles the way she does in this picture. The First Citizen has had a difficult life -- her husband and sons died a year or two after each other -- and she was helped to recover from the tragic setbacks by spiritual assistance from the Brahma Kumaris. But hearing a legend whose amazing songs she must surely have heard when growing up in Rairangpur brought a warm smile to the President's face. At Friday's 'Rising India - She Shakti' event, which acknowledged, honoured and celebrated women achievers in New Delhi, the Rashtrapati, who turned 65 on June 20, must have astonished to see the ageless verve of a lady 25 years older. Asha Bhosle, the last of the nation's singing legends, turns 90 on September 8, and will celebrate that chronological milestone with a concert in Dubai. IMAGE: President Murmu enjoys Asha Bhosle sing. Photograph: ANI Photo Photographs curated by Anant Salvi/Rediff.com Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com BRATTLEBORO A new program is set to prepare new members of all types of boards to lead their communities and know what roles are right for them. KYODO NEWS - Aug 12, 2023 - 13:03 | All, Japan, World A British court has ruled that one of three men detained over his alleged involvement in a 2015 jewelry robbery at a luxury store in central Tokyo will not be extradited to Japan, citing concerns over the country's human rights record. Friday's decision not to extradite Joe Chappell, who is currently on bail, was based on the grounds that the Japanese authorities could not provide "sufficient assurances" that he would be treated in compliance with the European Convention on Human Rights. The three men -- Chappell, Daniel Kelly and Kaine Wright -- left Japan two days after the heist, which netted 106 million yen ($731,000) worth of jewelry. They were put on an international wanted list by Japanese police through Interpol. Chappell's defense team has expressed concerns that if extradited, he might be made to confess under duress. Japan has argued that police interrogations in principle are recorded. At a hearing earlier this year, British authorities asked the Japanese government to ensure his detention complies with the convention, particularly on provisions regarding prohibition of torture and the right to a fair trial. Japan currently only has extradition treaties with the United States and South Korea. In the absence of an extradition treaty, the country where a crime was committed usually asks a suspect's home country to prosecute. The three are suspected of taking 46 pieces of jewelry, including rings and pendants after punching a male security guard and breaking display cases at a Harry Winston store in the Omotesando Hills commercial complex in Shibuya Ward on the night of Nov. 20, 2015. The court has yet to rule on whether to extradite the other two, Kelly and Wright. Japanese authorities have 14 days to appeal the decision, and another hearing will take place later this month to determine whether the case will continue. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has deployed an upgraded squadron of MiG-29 fulcrum fighter jets at the Srinagar air base. The squadron, now known as the 'Defender of the North,' has replaced the MiG-21 No 223 squadron, also known as the Tridents, that traditionally guarded against threats from Pakistan. This shift underscores India's preparedness to counter threats emanating from both the Pakistani and Chinese fronts."Srinagar lies in the centre of the Kashmir valley, and its elevated terrain demands aircraft with higher weight-to-thrust ratios and swift response times. The MiG-29 fulfils these criteria, equipping us to address challenges from both adversaries," explained IAF Squadron Leader Vipul Sharma. As per reports, the MiG-29 jets have undergone significant upgrades, gaining several advantages over the older MiG-21 aircraft that successfully defended the region for many years. Notably, the MiG-29s have been armed with advanced long-range air-to-air missiles and air-to-ground weaponry following emergency procurement powers granted by the government. "The fighter aircraft have also been provided with the capability to jam the enemy aircraft's capabilities during times of conflict," revealed IAF officials. Moreover, the aircraft have been equipped with night vision capabilities and air-to-air refuelling, extending their range and operational flexibility. The pilots selected to serve on these advanced aircraft are described as a significant asset by Squadron Leader Shivam Rana. As per Ministry of Defence, "The last legacy MiG-29 platforms flew back in 2019 before they were upgraded to UPG standards. PTO Nagpur, Ministry of Defense tweeted, '28 Sep, 28 Sqn tarmac buzzed with roars of the last 02 Legacy MiG-29. Aircraft took off & carried out a flypast over Ojhar to mark the end of an era. Aircraft were received at 11 Base Repair Depot IAF for upgrade & OH. To mark the historic event, Air Cmde SV Borade AOC handed over the souvenir plaque to CO. Photo Credit: PRO Nagpur, Ministry of Defence The deployment of MiG-29s to the Srinagar air base started last year, actively patrolling the Kashmir valley and the Ladakh sector. Their presence in these key areas ensures swift responses to any airspace violations or attempted incursions by neighbouring forces. Interestingly, MiG-29s were the first aircraft deployed to the Ladakh sector, even to the Thoise airbase, after the Galwan clash of 2020 to address the Chinese threat. According to reports, they have deterred several similar attempts ever since. The IAF has also stationed its indigenous Light Combat Aircraft Tejas in Jammu and Kashmir to gain valuable experience flying in the challenging terrain of the union territory, which shares borders with both Pakistan and China. "The LCA fleet's relocation to forward bases allows our pilots to gain experience in navigating valleys and conducting various operations," noted defence officials. The IAF has already operationalized squadrons with different versions of the Tejas, and a contract has been signed for the delivery of 83 Mark1A variants in the coming years. Light Combat Aircraft Tejas Mk1 | Photo Credit: ANI The deployment of the MiG-29 UPGs and Tejas is related to the fact that IAF has commenced the phased retirement of its ageing MiG-21 'Bison' fighter squadrons. This initiative comes as part of the force's efforts to modernise and enhance its combat capabilities. The retirement process involves replacing these squadrons with more advanced aircraft, primarily the MiG-29s, as well as incorporating newer platforms like the Rafale and Tejas. In doing so, the IAF retired its existing four MiG-21 Bison fighter squadrons last year, with the first one being the MiG-29 squadron in Srinagar. North remembers insignia.| Image: IAF The Bison squadron of Srinagar, called the 51 Swordarms Squadron of MiG-21s, had played a major role in thwarting the Pakistan Air Forces retaliation a day after the IAFs pre-dawn airstrikes on the Jaish-e-Mohammed facility at Balakot on February 26, 2019. Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman, then a Wing Commander, was awarded a Vir Chakra for shooting down an F-16, while his MiG-21 also went down during the aerial skirmish on that day. (With inputs from ANI) A day after she was rearrested, a Nepalese woman undertrial was sentenced to 20 years rigorous imprisonment by a local court for smuggling 1,440 grams of charas into India. Anuska alias Akriti Budathoki (25) had escaped from the judicial lockup in Pithoragarh on August 6, along with one of her accomplices, was re-arrested by the police from Tarigaon area of Thal on August 9. Special Sessions Judge of Pithoragarh district Shankar Raj imposed a fine of Rs 1.5 lakh on Budhakoti and said that in case of non-payment of the fine, she would have to undergo an additional imprisonment of five years. District Government Advocate (Crime) Pramod Pant said that the woman has been sentenced under the NDPS Act. The Sashastra Seema Bal had arrested the woman on the Indo-Nepal border bridge in Dharchula on April 6, 2021 for possessing 1,440 grams of charas. Eighteen-year-old Anita, a Hindu refugee from Pakistan, points to a mound of bricks -- once a part of her home but now a reminder of the devastation caused by the Yamuna's floodwater that submerged large swathes of Delhi last month. While the floodwater has since receded, the Hindu refugees from Pakistan living near the riverbank in Manju Ka Tila continue to reel from the financial and health burden it caused. Unable to afford immediate repairs, many of these refugees continue to live in their damaged homes -- some with collapsed walls and broken doors. Many of them are bedridden after hurting themselves in the rush to evacuate to safety. "The walls collapsed and the doors broke and we have to live with that. Our financial condition is such that we cannot immediately get the broken doors repaired," Anita told PTI. Following heavy rain in its upper catchment areas, the Yamuna in Delhi flowed above the danger level -- smashing the all-time record set 45 years ago by a significant margin. The ferocious river turned the national capital's roads into rushing streams, parks into watery labyrinths, and homes and shelters into submerged realms, severely disrupting daily life. However, despite bearing the brunt of the devastating floods, nobody came forward to assist them, Anita alleged. "Some of them provided cooked meals for barely a day or two. Some others provided ration that would last one or two days," she said. For the past 10 years, the family has been living in the area that is still devoid of basic facilities. "... Most households still use 'mud chulha (clay stoves)' to cook. If the administration did not bother about us earlier, why will they be bothered now?," Anita asked. Kanhaiya, another Pakitsani refugee living in Majnu ka Tila for the past eight years, said six members of his family were injured while evacuating to safety during the floods. He claimed they received no assistance when the floodwater entered their home. "Six of my family members were injured during the floods. My wife fractured her legs and my six-year-old nephew broke his hand. Nobody provided any help. We are selling off carts and some other belongings to manage financially," Kanhaiya told PTI. Kanhaiya's wife, Pooja, who fractured her legs while crossing a road during the floods, remains bedridden. "I still cannot walk, it will take me another month to recover. Our entire house went under the water and most of our belongings were washed away. The administration provided no help," Pooja said. The floods bore devastating consequences for people living on the riverbank with more than 27,000 evacuated from their homes. The losses incurred in terms of property, businesses and earnings have run into crores of rupees. Meera, another Hindu refugee from Pakistan, said, "The water had receded but our woes remain. Most of our belongings were washed away. Nobody helped us evacuate, it was only the policemen who came and screamed -- 'Floods are coming, go away from here'." "We were living in a nearby school. We are still affected financially. We were anyway devoid of several basic facilities and now the floods have added to those woes," she told PTI. Meera said it will take at least a month to recover from the damage. "There was no electricity, no drinking water for two weeks. We used to visit the nearby gurudwara to get drinking water. Some politicians visited us and provided cooked meals a time or two for a day. Some came and provided ration for two to three days," she added. Dharamveer Solanki, considered to be the pradhan (chief) of the community, said at least 200 families were affected by the floods. "The administration provided minimal help. Some of them provided cooked meals and some ration for a day or two," Solanki told PTI. He said the lack of Indian citizenship is the biggest hurdle in front of them. "When BJP MP Manoj Tiwari visited the area, he also assured help with our citizenship before 2024. That is one of our biggest problems and we have been seeking it (citizenship) for more than a decade," he added. The Delhi government has formed a three-member committee of experienced engineers to suggest ways to prevent the recurrence of floods in the city, according to officials. The committee will serve an advisory purpose, suggesting long- and short-term steps to prevent flood situations in the future, said an irrigation and flood control department officer. Australias Department of Defence could be fined AUD1.5 million after they failed to train their personnel after two soldiers were mauled by a crocodile. The announcement by the federal governments workplace watchdog, Comcare, comes on August 11. Australias Department of Defence has been charged under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, reported the Guardian. Aussie Department of Defence might be fined According to the allegations, the defence has failed to offer a safe workplace by implementing policies prohibiting personnel from entering crocodile-infested waters. They have also not conducted risk assessments and failed to provide detailed safety briefings about the dangers of crocodiles. According to the Guardian, if the Australian Defence Department is found guilty, then they could be fined a maximum of AUD 1.5 million. Meanwhile, according to the spokesperson of the defence, the department has been grateful who were involved in the rescue mission but would not be making any comment while the matter was before the courts. The safety of our people is paramount in all activities and critical to our mission of defending Australia and its national interests, said the spokesperson in a statement on Friday. Crocodile incident in North Queensland The incident took place in August 2021 Darwin-based army soldiers were transporting a landing craft from Darwin to Townsville for maintenance, as per the Comcare. The order was allegedly given to the soldiers, a man in his 20s and a man in his early 30s, who went fishing at the Cape York Peninsula community of Portland Road in an inflatable defence boat, called a Zodiac. The coastal fishing village is about 750km north of Cairns and is known as crocodile territory. While sharing the details of the incident the federal governments workplace watchdog shared that the boat was docked and the soldiers began swimming. Moments later, the man in his 20s was dragged underwater and mauled by a 2.5-metre saltwater crocodile. While the other allegedly fought off the crocodile. However, the two men managed to get on the boat, reported the Guardian. In this horrifying incident, both men had suffered significant injuries, including bite and claw wounds, according to Comcare. Australia on Saturday announced that its Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will attend the G20 summit in Delhi on September 9 and 10. The Australian prime minister's visit to India will be part of his three-nation tour. The other two countries that he will be visiting are Indonesia and the Philippines. "From September 9-10, the Prime Minister will attend the G20 Leaders' Summit in New Delhi," the Australian government said in a statement. It said G20 is the world's pre-eminent forum for global economic cooperation and the leaders will focus on navigating the global economy back to strong, sustainable and resilient growth. "It is more important than ever that Australia works closely with international partners, including through multilateral economic forums like the G20, to address shared challenges and opportunities," Albanese said. "Australia is invested in and committed to the Indo-Pacific to enhance growth and prosperity, stability and respect for sovereignty and lasting peace," he said. The G20 or Group of 20 is an intergovernmental forum of the world's major developed and developing economies. The members represent around 85 per cent of the global GDP, over 75 per cent of the global trade and about two-thirds of the world population. The grouping comprises Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the UK, the US and the European Union. Pakistans National Assembly dissolved on August 9, just few days before its tenure ended, paving the way for a caretaker government set up to assume office, until the next general elections. However, who will be the caretaker PM of the country is still being kept under wraps. The concept of a caretaker or an interim Prime Minister is not novel in Pakistan. The country has been politically unstable ever since its inception and it is the reason why not a single Prime Minister in the country has completed his or her full term in office. In the past, Pakistan has witnessed seven caretaker Prime Ministers, the first being appointed in 1990. It is usually preferred that the position is given to a neutral actor since it is the interim Prime Ministers responsibility to ensure a smooth transition after the election. The constitution of Pakistan bestows only limited and certain powers to the caretaker Prime Minister. However, one of the responsibilities is to hold impartial and fair elections in the country. As Pakistan gears up to receive its next caretaker Prime Minister, heres a look at seven people who have assumed the office in the past. A look at past caretaker Prime Ministers in Pakistan Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi (August-November 1990) - Jatoi, who was the leader of the opposition at the time of his appointment, became the first caretaker prime minister of Pakistan in 1990. According to Geo News, he was appointed by then-president Ghulam Ishaq Khan. Jatoi was appointed after the dissolution of the National Assembly, resulting in the removal of then-Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. The Pakistani politician handed over his reign to Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif in just a few months. - Jatoi, who was the leader of the opposition at the time of his appointment, became the first caretaker prime minister of Pakistan in 1990. According to Geo News, he was appointed by then-president Ghulam Ishaq Khan. Jatoi was appointed after the dissolution of the National Assembly, resulting in the removal of then-Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. The Pakistani politician handed over his reign to Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif in just a few months. Balakh Sher Mazari (April-May 1993) - Mazar was placed in office just three years after the country held the general election of 1990. Ishaq Khan once again ordered the dissolution of the countrys National Assembly prematurely by ousting Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. However, Mazaris reign only lasted for a month. He was later succeeded by Nawaz Sharif himself after the PML-N supremo won the July 1993 elections. - Mazar was placed in office just three years after the country held the general election of 1990. Ishaq Khan once again ordered the dissolution of the countrys National Assembly prematurely by ousting Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. However, Mazaris reign only lasted for a month. He was later succeeded by Nawaz Sharif himself after the PML-N supremo won the July 1993 elections. Moinuddin Ahmed Qureshi (July-October 1993) - Pakistani-American economist Moeenuddin Ahmed Qureshi assumed the office of the caretaker Prime Minister after both Nawaz and President Ishaq Khan tendered resignation in an army-brokered agreement. According to Geo News, Qureshi jointly oversaw the 1993 polls with the Pakistan army which eventually led to the return of Benazir Bhutto and her PPP. - Pakistani-American economist Moeenuddin Ahmed Qureshi assumed the office of the caretaker Prime Minister after both Nawaz and President Ishaq Khan tendered resignation in an army-brokered agreement. According to Geo News, Qureshi jointly oversaw the 1993 polls with the Pakistan army which eventually led to the return of Benazir Bhutto and her PPP. Malik Meraj Khalid (November 1996-February 1997) - Then speaker of the National Assembly Malik Meraj Khalid took charge as caretaker Prime Minister after Benazir was ousted again due to corruption charges. Khalid served the office for nearly three months and was succeeded by Nawaz Sharif who won the 1997 parliamentary elections. - Then speaker of the National Assembly Malik Meraj Khalid took charge as caretaker Prime Minister after Benazir was ousted again due to corruption charges. Khalid served the office for nearly three months and was succeeded by Nawaz Sharif who won the 1997 parliamentary elections. Muhammad Mian Soomro (November 2007-March 2008) - Pakistan saw a decade-long army rule under the draconian reign of General (retd) Pervez Musharraf. Soomro was ordered by Musharraf to assume office in 2007 after the PML-Q-led government completed its term. Soomro eventually transferred the power to Yousaf Raza Gillani who won the 2008 general election, marking the formal end of Musharrafs reign. - Pakistan saw a decade-long army rule under the draconian reign of General (retd) Pervez Musharraf. Soomro was ordered by Musharraf to assume office in 2007 after the PML-Q-led government completed its term. Soomro eventually transferred the power to Yousaf Raza Gillani who won the 2008 general election, marking the formal end of Musharrafs reign. Mir Hazar Khan Khoso (March-June 2013) - Khoso was appointed after the PML-N-led NA dissolved in 2013 under the reign of Prime Minister Raja Parvez Ashraf. The Pakistani politicians appointment was crucial since this was the first time the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) made the appointment under Article 224A. The ECP stepped in after the Prime Minister and then-leader of the opposition failed to reach a consensus on one candidate. Khoso transferred the power to Nawaz who won the 2013 general election. - Khoso was appointed after the PML-N-led NA dissolved in 2013 under the reign of Prime Minister Raja Parvez Ashraf. The Pakistani politicians appointment was crucial since this was the first time the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) made the appointment under Article 224A. The ECP stepped in after the Prime Minister and then-leader of the opposition failed to reach a consensus on one candidate. Khoso transferred the power to Nawaz who won the 2013 general election. Nasir-ul-Mulk (June-Aug 2018) - Former chief justice Nasir-ul-Mulk became the seventh caretaker PM in 2018, after the end of the constitutional term of then Prime Minister Khaqan Abbasi. He handed over the power to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan after he witnessed a landslide victory in the 2018 General elections. Amid the ongoing economic crisis and political turmoil, the office of the caretaker Prime Minister has become more crucial than ever before. Last Month, the countrys National Assembly introduced an amendment enabling the interim Prime Minister to take decisions of national importance. With the prospects of Pakistan General elections getting pushed to next year, it will be interesting to see who will take charge of the struggling nation. KYODO NEWS - Aug 12, 2023 - 20:08 | World, All, Japan China has told Japan its blanket radiation testing on seafood imports from the neighboring country introduced last month is "a necessary measure" to protect its consumers, according to sources familiar with the bilateral relationship. The testing is believed to have been adopted to pressure Tokyo over its plan to begin releasing treated radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea, possibly from late August. Beijing has communicated through diplomatic channels its practice of detaining seafood imports from Japan at customs for up to a month before clearance. Meanwhile, Tokyo has expressed renewed concerns about this procedure, urging for "appropriate" customs processes, according to the sources. In addition to seafood, other food and beverage items, including rice, from Japan have faced delays at Chinese customs following the introduction of blanket testing. The two Asian neighbors have had several rounds of consultations over the across-the-board testing of seafood items at Chinese customs, with Beijing claiming it "needs to prevent imports of radiation-contaminated Japanese food products," the sources said. In those sessions, China did not elaborate on concrete steps taken by customs authorities regarding food imports other than marine products, they added. China has prohibited food imports from Fukushima and nine other Japanese prefectures since a devastating earthquake and tsunami in 2011 triggered a major accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant. If the water discharge begins, Beijing could further tighten controls on food imports from Japan. The International Atomic Energy Agency concluded in a report submitted to the Japanese government in July that the planned Fukushima water release aligns with global safety standards and will have "a negligible radiological impact on people and the environment." However, China has contended that the IAEA did not adequately represent the perspectives of the participating experts in their review and remains opposed to the planned water discharge. Related coverage: Chinese local authorities seized food imported from Japan: report Tritium at 13 China monitoring points above Fukushima water level Seafood import controls in China vex Japan eateries, dealers The authenticity of the purported text of a secret diplomatic cable, detailing a meeting held last year between Pakistans then-ambassador to the US and senior State Department officials, seems to have become a massive bone of contention, a media report said on Saturday. While Pakistans Foreign Office has refrained from commenting on the leaks, an artfully diplomatic comment by US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller during a recent briefing has piqued interest in the question of the purported leaks provenance. US-based news outlet The Intercept, which earlier this week reproduced what it claimed was the cipher in question, said in its report that the document was provided to it by an anonymous source in the Pakistani military who said that they had no ties to Imran Khan or Khans party. However, many people mostly Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party chief Imran Khans critics insist that the leak could only have come from the PTI. Khan, 70, is currently serving a three-year jail term after he was sentenced by a court in a corruption case last week. The purported cipher (secret diplomatic cable) contained an account of a meeting between US State Department officials, including Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu, and Pakistani envoy Asad Majeed Khan last year. Even the outgoing foreign minister, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, believes that the document published by The Intercept was inauthentic. Pointing to the timing of the purported leak, he told the Dawn newspaper that the military did not even have access to the diplomatic cable. The Foreign Office follows a very strict protocol and shares such cables only with the prime minister, the foreign minister, the head of the countrys spy agency, and a few others, Bhutto-Zardari said, adding that all cables are then returned to the Foreign Office. Bhutto-Zardari also echoed the suspicions voiced by this cabinet colleague outgoing interior minister Rana Sanaullah saying that only one copy of the cable had gone missing, the one given to the then PM (Imran Khan), who even told the media he lost it. So, either the leak is fake, or it came from (Imran). Perhaps, Khan said to his supporters that if I go to jail, leak this cable to claim I went to jail because America wanted it. And if it came from him, then its a clear violation of the Official Secrets Act and he should be tried for it. Bhutto-Zardari also noted that the publishers had not shown anything so far to authenticate the purported leak. Anything can be typed up on a piece of paper. No one can say what was there in the telegram and what was not. Without authentication, it does not have any value. It should be verified first, he said. According to Miller, It is not in any way the US government expressing a preference on who the leadership of Pakistan ought to be. During a briefing held after the publication of The Intercept story, when a journalist asked whether the spokesperson was saying that the substance of this report was accurate, but it did not represent US views, Miller responded with: Close-ish. Describing the close-ish comment as a diplomatic term of art, the journalist asked him what it meant. Ill explain what I mean by that, which is I cannot speak to the veracity of this document. What I can say (is that) even if those comments were hundred per cent accurate as reported, which I do not know them to be they do not in any way show a representative of the State Department taking a position on who the leadership ought to be, Miller said. In a thread on X (formerly Twitter), George Mason University associate professor Ahsan I. Butt also notes that the cipher does not suggest the US was pushing for regime change, only that it would be happy/happier when it happened. There is a significant difference between those positions. In addition, Pakistans former ambassador to the US, Husain Haqqani, also tweeted: How does a US diplomat telling a Pakistani diplomat that my government does not like your prime minister & relations might improve once he goes, constitute pressure to remove him? [And] what is the threat? Even Michael Kugelman, the Wilson Centres outspoken Pakistan scholar, noted that the document merely proves whats already been reported: The US said ties with Pakistan would improve if Khan lost power. As for the PTIs claim that Washington orchestrated last years no-confidence vote that ousted Khan, Bhutto-Zardari told Dawn: On January 5, 2022, we discussed the long march and the vote of no confidence at our central executive committee. I announced the planned vote at my long march (held between February 25 and March 7), and on March 8 we moved the no-confidence motion. He said the plan to table the no-trust vote had already been made public and was discussed in the Pakistani media long before Donald Lu met Ambassador Asad Majeed Khan. So, it could not have been a conspiracy, as it was already public knowledge, he added. Khan was ousted by the National Assembly after he lost a vote of no confidence in April 2022, a development he alleged that Washington got involved in after he visited Moscow and met Russian President Vladimir Putin. Asked if the leaked cable could influence voters in the forthcoming elections, the outgoing foreign minister said: Those who trust this narrative will vote for it. Those who do not, they will not. The leaked document, he said, could give the PTI narrative a second wind before it dies down again. "While the text of the cable the veracity of which has not been denied either by the US or Pakistani authorities does not strengthen the PTIs narrative that a grand conspiracy was hatched to dislodge it from power, it does speak of the massive power imbalance between Washington and Islamabad, with the former using a tone more suited to an imperial overlord threatening his vassals," the Dawn newspaper said in an editorial. A well-known Norwegian mountaineer, Kristin Harila has refuted allegations that her crew intentionally walked over an assistant (Sherpa) who was dying while ascending K2, one of the world's tallest peaks, to break a record. Harila claimed that she has been receiving "hatred" and has even received death threats because of "misinformation" about her. She has claimed that she has completed the fastest ascent of all of the worlds 14 highest mountains. She finished the round in three months and one day, whereas the previous record held by Nirmal Nims Purja was three months and five days. Kristin Harila, a former professional skier, concluded her final summit K2 in Pakistan. It is the worlds second-highest mountain after setting out to climb all 14 peaks above 8,000 metres in less than four months. Harila denies allegations of stepping on dying Sherpa While climbing the K2 a local helper who was part of a team ahead of them, slipped a few metres from a narrow ledge, became tangled in ropes and later died on the mountain. The video of the incident has emerged where one can witness climbers appearing to step over the high porter, named 27-year-old father-of-three Muhammad Hassan, from Pakistan. Taking to Instagram, the mountaineer has denied the allegations and wrote, " There is a lot to say about all that happened on K2, and it unfortunately doesn't all fit in one social media caption. So I have written it all in the photos above." (Photo of Muhammad Hassan) In the series of photos, she explained how she and her team tried to save Hassan. She also denied it and was furious over how people have been blaming her for such an unfortunate incident. She wrote, "I am angry at how many people have been blaming others for this tragic accident," Further she added, " This was no one's fault, you cannot comment when you do not understand the situation, and sending death threats is never okay." Other controversy over Kristin's expedition Harilas efforts have been criticised and have been part of the controversy. The increasingly heavy use of helicopters in the Himalayas has drawn criticism for environmental reasons and for undermining employment opportunities in mountain communities. The prominent sherpa Mingma G has lambasted Harila's ascent of Manaslu, the worlds eighth highest mountain at 8,163 meters, for her teams apparent heavy reliance on helicopters to stock camps on the mountain before her successful ascent. Mingma G's criticism comes during an interview with ExplorersWeb, which has long campaigned for more transparency in how claimed polar and high mountain records are described, reported the Guardian. During the interview, Mingma G said, " This video is from yesterday. The helicopter is dropping rope, oxygen, and sherpas to Camp 2 on Manaslu. They [sherpas] will open the route from camp 2 to camp 1." Further, she added, "A new model of climbing is developing in Nepal. It was exactly [the same] on Annapurna too. [Sherpas] dropped at camp 3 and opened downward." "This will ruin the image of the Himalayas and the prestige of the sherpa, added Mingma G. When Osprey was asked about the use of helicopters on Manaslu, they defended the practice and said that it has become " very common practice". Kristin flew only to base camp. Flying equipment to higher camps is being done for many expeditions. This is to ensure the safety of sherpas, the team explained. Five United Nations staff members who were kidnapped in Yemen 18 months ago by an al-Qaida affiliate have walked free, UN officials said Friday. David Gressly, the UN humanitarian coordinator in Yemen, said the five men -- four Yemenis and one from Bangladesh were in good health, good spirits ... but they went through a very difficult period of isolation. The five were freed after lengthy negotiations that included officials from Oman, UN deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said. Gressly, who spoke to UN reporters after flying with the four Yemenis to the country's southern port city of Aden, said: I can confirm that the hostage-takers were al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula. Also known as AQAP, the group has been active in southern Yemen for years and is considered one of the global al-Qaida network's most dangerous branches. It has attempted to carry out attacks on the US mainland. This is a threat that remains here in in Yemen and remains actually an increasing threat, Gressly said of al-Qaida. In February 2022, suspected al-Qaida militants abducted five UN staff members in southern Yemen's Abyan province, Yemeni officials told The Associated Press at the time. In a statement earlier Friday, the UN's Haq named the freed men as Akm Sufiul Anam; Mazen Bawazir; Bakeel al-Mahdi; Mohammed al-Mulaiki; and Khaled Mokhtar Sheikh. All worked for the UN Department of Security and Safety, he said. Sufiul Anam, a retired Bangladeshi lieutenant colonel who was the department's field coordinator, told a news conference after arriving at Dhaka airport Wednesday that he never thought he'd return home after a horrifying experience in Yemen's hills and desert at the hands of terrorists. There was a fear of death every day; it cannot be expressed in words; it is seen in films only, Sufiul Anam said, according to Bangladeshi newspaper Prothom-alo. I was blindfolded all the time. The terrorists changed my location 18 times and kept me at 10 places. Fortunately, they did not torture me. Bangladesh's National Security Intelligence Director Imrul Mahmud was quoted by the newspaper as saying it was a long process to free him: The kidnappers had demanded $3 million in ransom, but we did not need to pay any money. Gressly said the United Nations never pays ransom, which is one reason the UN staffers may have been held for so long. Three Yemeni security officials and a tribal leader also said that al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula was behind the kidnapping in Abyan province. Sufiul Anam said they were kidnapped as they were returning to Aden from the village of Mudiyah after a field mission. The Yemeni security officials and tribal leader said that after a series of fraught negotiations mediated by tribal leaders, a ransom was paid to the al-Qaida militant group and the UN employees were subsequently released. The three security officials spoke on condition of anonymity, as they were not briefed to speak with journalists. The tribal leader requested anonymity out of fear of reprisals. UN deputy spokesman Haq responded to their statements that a ransom was paid reiterating: "The U.N. does not pay ransoms and we do not encourage other parties to pay ransom." No further details about the alleged payment were provided, and the security sources did not specify which body or individual presented the random funds. A spokesman for the Saudi-led coalition, which backs Yemen's internationally recognised government in its war against Iran-backed Houthi rebels, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the issue of the ransom. The AP was unable to reconcile the account of the Yemenis with Gressly's and Haq's statements on the UN's no-ransom position. Gressly told reporters he did not want to give details about the staff members' captivity. They're extremely pleased to be back here in Aden," he said. "I think now's the time for us, simply to celebrate their return, to give them time to get back with their families. There's a lot that will have to be processed in the days and weeks to come for them, he said. "This is a very difficult situation to for anybody to live through, but they seem to have come through in remarkable condition. Kidnappings are frequent in Yemen, an impoverished nation where armed tribesmen and militants take hostages to swap for prisoners or cash. War has ravaged the country since 2014, when Houthi rebels seized the country's capital, Sanaa, and much of the north, and forced the government into exile. A Saudi-led coalition that included the United Arab Emirates intervened the following year to try to restore Yemen's internationally recognized government to power. Al-Qaida has since exploited the conflict to cement its presence in the country. North Korea's authoritarian leader Kim Jong Un has fired his top military generals as he called on the country's armed forces to boost weapons and demonstrate combat readiness for the preparation of an "offensive" war, state-run Korean Central News Agency reported. Kim sacked Gen. Pak Su Il, chief of the General Staff during the meeting of the ruling Workers' Party central military commission. In place of Gen. Pak Su Il, Kim appointed Vice Marshal Ri Yong Gil, who currently serves as Pyongyang's defense minister. During the meeting of the ruling Workers' Party, authoritarian President Kim Jong Un was seen "dismissing, transferring to other posts or newly appointing some leading commanding officers," according to KCNA. Kim asks military to 'further stepping up the war preparations' North Korean leaders also analysed the "hostile" situation on the Korean Peninsula as South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol hosted the United Nations Command (UNC or UN Command) on the territory. Kim called for "further stepping up the war preparations of the [Korean People's Army] in an offensive way," according to sources. He also ordered North Korea's "munitions industrial establishments to push ahead with the mass-production of various weapons and equipment in real earnest." Kim asked North Korea's military to "actively [conduct] actual war drills to efficiently operate newly deployed latest weapons and equipment to ensure that they would display the maximum effect in combat." North Korean Defense officials agreed to expand the frontline operations of combat units as Kim pointed to the Seoul area on a map while addressing the meeting, according to the footage aired by North Korean state TV. They also discussed plans for the preparation of the major military parade to mark the 75th anniversary of the country's founding that falls on Sept. 9. The development comes just days after Pyongyang unveiled its enormous Hwasong-17 and solid-fuel Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) with the potential to reach the US, as well as the attack drones at a military parade to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War. The event was attended by Russia's Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chinese ruling party official Li Hongzhong as Kim stood on the balcony overlooking Kim Il Sung Square, which is named after his grandfather, the founder of North Korea. The parade involved the ceremonial flights of newly developed military surveillance and attack drones and most powerful nuclear-capable missiles. North Korea's defense meeting comes ahead of the annual US-South Korea joint military exercise, Ulchi Freedom Shield, which will begin later this month. South Korea's President Yoon Suk-yeol touts the combined exercises with the US in his effort to bolster the deterrence against the North's belligerent nuclear-capable missile launches. A funeral was held for Ye Naung Tun, who was killed by a crocodile July 27, 2023, in the village of Baw Ga Wa Di, Myanmar. Ko Min was making his way across a creek near his home where he regularly goes to catch crabs when he suddenly felt himself grabbed and pulled under water. At first I thought Id been hit by a log until I touched it and realized that it was a crocodile, said the 20-year-old from Myanmars Ayeyarwaddy region. It dragged me deep into the water and rolled me over and over, before smashing me against the riverbed. Recounting the attack of just over a year ago, Ko Min said that he could barely swim because he was wearing boots and clothing, but managed to fight off the crocodile and escape. I was able to hit it with the crab hammer I had in my hands and run away up onto the shore, he said. Ko Min was taken by fellow residents of Bogale townships Baw Ga Wa Di village to nearby Ka Don Ka Ni Village District Hospital, where he was treated for severe wounds to his thigh and pelvis. Doctors told the young man he was lucky to survive. The incident highlights the dangers associated with settlement expansion in southwestern Myanmar, where people and wild animals are coming into increasing contact with one another in their search for food. Others have been less fortunate in attacks that residents of Bogale township say are increasingly common as endangered fresh and saltwater crocodiles of up to 5.5 meters (18 feet) in length spread out from their habitat in the Mein Ma Hla Kyun Wildlife Sanctuary some 30 kilometers (18 miles) downstream and villagers expand their farmland. The 500-square-kilometer (190-square-mile) protected area is an mangrove-covered island that is home to diverse wildlife situated in the Ayeyarwaddy Delta, where the Bogale River empties out into the Andaman Sea. At least two people from Baw Ga Wa Di village have died in crocodile attacks in the last year alone, while others say they have had to fight for their lives to escape the encounters. Call for authorities to act Khin Pa Pa Hlaing said her husband, Ye Naung Tun, was killed by a large crocodile while removing a fishing net from the water near their village on July 27. The 29-year-old has a four-year-old daughter and became a father for a second time, just a month ago. Khin Pa Pa Hlaing told RFA that local officials have done nothing to help her family since Ye Naung Tun died, but she said she isnt interested in financial assistance. What I want is for them to catch and kill the crocodile that killed my husband that will satisfy me, she said. I don't want these crocodiles swimming free. I don't want to hear of other people who met the same fate as my family, nor do I want to experience it again I dont want anybody to suffer like me. A 13-year-old girl from Baw Ga Wa Di named Sapal Aye was also killed in a crocodile attack in the past year. U Myint, a member of Sapal Ayes family, told RFA the young girl was a good student who was attacked while fetching water from the river to wash her clothes and to cook. Authorities provided Sapal Ayes family 300,000 kyats (US$142) in compensation for her death. In the coastal villages of Bogale township, people are killed every year in crocodile attacks. In addition to the two Baw Ga Wa Di villagers in the past year, a child from the village was killed by a crocodile four years ago, prompting authorities to put up signs warning residents not to enter the water. Nonetheless, a man from Baw Ga Wa Di named Thant Zaw Oo was attacked by a crocodile in the past year, while residents of nearby Hlay Lone Kwe village have had to be hospitalized recently due to crocodile attacks. Fresh and saltwater crocodiles are protected by Myanmars Forestry Department, and killing them is prohibited. A wild crocodile lies on a stream bank in a village in Bogale, Myanmar, Feb. 2023. Credit: Citizen journalist Out of respect for the ban, Baw Ga Wa Di Village Chief Soe Khaing has called on officials to act. He said that while he informed local police about Ye Naung Tuns death, they did not inform the Forestry Department about the incident. The people are afraid that they will have to go to jail if they [take action to] defend themselves against the crocodiles, he said. Even though [authorities] have put up a sign warning villagers not to go into the water, the people will starve if they dont. We use the water to earn a living. What we want is for the authorities to drive the crocodiles away. Attempts by RFA to contact Ayeyarwady Region Social Affairs Minister Maung Maung Than for this report regarding the conservation of crocodiles in Bogale township went unanswered. Need for buffer zones, awareness A high-ranking official with the Environmental Conservation Department told RFA that incidents involving crocodiles and humans in Bogale township are on the rise because village populations are growing and inhabitants are clearing the mangrove forests and swamp land to farm. As a consequence, crocodiles have fewer places to live and their need for food has grown as well, said the official, who spoke to RFA on condition of anonymity, citing security concerns. An undeveloped country like Myanmar cannot sufficiently create space for animals to safely coexist with people, as in developed countries, so incidents like these continue to occur. The official said that while the crocodiles involved in attacks were likely looking for food, they dont intend to eat people. He called for an expansion of conservation areas for the crocodiles, as well as buffer zones that people cannot enter and an increase in awareness efforts. An expert working on wildlife conservation in Myanmar noted that because crocodiles are protected, their number will only increase, creating a need for blocking off areas from human access beyond the Mein Ma Hla Kyun Wildlife Sanctuary. Everyone knows that Mein Ma Hla Island is a crocodile area, but we cant refer to that alone as the crocodile area, said the expert, who also declined to be named. We need to include a wider scope of land to account for all possible encounters. In the meantime, Ye Naung Tuns wife, Khin Pa Pa Hlaing, said that villagers will still need to go into the water to fish, despite the danger of crocodiles. We have to go into the water to earn a living there is no other way. How else can we survive? she said. My husband even lost his life to provide for me. Translated by Myo Min Aung. Edited by Joshua Lipes and Matthew Reed. Crimea is facing a shortage of gasoline after Ukraine last month bombed the only bridge connecting the Russian-controlled peninsula to Russia. Gasoline stations in Crimea have at times run out of the oil product over the past month, residents have told RFE/RL. 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. One of the leading gasoline chains in Criema sent clients a text message last week urging them to stock up on the product amid concerns about a shortfall, residents said. Russia, one of the worlds largest produces of oil products, has been supplying the peninsula with gasoline and other oil products via rail across the $4 billion Crimean bridge opened in 2018. Ukraines armed forces on July 17 struck the bridge for the second time since Russia launched its full-scale invasion last year. The strike forced Russia to halt oil product shipments by rail. The bridge has become a key Ukrainian target as it tries to drive Russian forces from its territory, including Crimea. Russia annexed Crimea in 2014. Oil products are now delivered via a slow ferry crossing that can only take place during the day. Local residents have taken to social media to complain about the lack of gasoline. There is no 95 [octane] for the third day in a row, especially at Atan [gasoline station chain], one resident posted on a Sevastopol community page on Vkontake, a Russian social network. Following the July 17 bombing, Russian-installed Governor Mikhail Razvozhaev tried to calm residents, assuring them there wont be a deficit and said there was no need to stock up. Misha, whats up with gasoline? one resident wrote last week under Razvozhaevs Telegram channel, using the diminutive form of the governors first name in a sign of their displeasure. Do tankers only ship [Russian oil products] overseas?" Some residents said gasoline can be found if you look for it. If some cases you need a ration card to fill up. There is no gasoline at some gas stations. But there are plenty of those where it is sold freely. So you can find it when you need to fill up. I've filled up a full tank, and I only drive when its important business, one resident told RFE/RL. There is gasoline, but you need a ration card. When I hear this, I feel that we have stepped 35 years into the past when you could only get sausage with a ration card, Nadezhda Golovanova wrote on a Sevastopol social media page, referring to food deficits during the Perestroika years. WATCH: A section of the Crimea bridge was damaged by a deadly explosion last month. Moscow said two people were killed and a child was injured in the blast that it blamed on Ukrainian maritime drones. Ukraine has sought to make life in Crimea untenable for Russia in an attempt to regain control of the peninsula. With the receipt of new Western weapons and the development of indigenous ones, including drones, it has been making progress with that goal. Kyiv has stepped up its targeting of Crimea in recent months and is also trying to cut off the land bridge from Russia to Crimea through the Donesk region with its latest counteroffensive. Ukraine has recently hit two bridges connecting Crimea to Ukrainian territory under Russian control. Ukrainian military officials say the situation with supplies for residents will only get worse as Russia will need to prioritize deliveries to its military on Crimea. Oleksandr Khmelevskiy, an independent expert, told RFE/RL that this could lead to social unrest, putting pressure on Moscow. If the economic situation deteriorates significantly, support for the war from the population will decrease significantly. The further it goes, the more difficult it will be to explain to the population what Russia is fighting for, what this war was required for, he said. A polytechnic school in Russias Tatarstan, a region some 900 kilometers east of Moscow, is using manufacturing facilities that are part of a nearby special economic zone to assemble Iranian attack drones and are increasingly turning to underage students as laborers, many of whom often work in exploitative conditions. The revelations at Alabuga Polytechnic University raise troubling implications about the lengths that Russian authorities are going to in order to boost the war effort and how the advanced Iranian weaponry -- which is increasingly used to bombard Ukrainian cities and has only recently begun to be manufactured inside Russia -- could contribute to escalating tensions and rising civilian casualties. The use of underage students as drone factory workers and the details of the manufacturing facilities were first reported by Russian independent media outlets Protokol and Razvorot, which published a series of investigations in July. Since then, RFE/RLs Idel.Realities has spoken with students who describe grueling working conditions and interviewed dozens of parents whose children have been enrolled at Alabuga Polytechnic University -- some as young at 15 -- who say that their children were forced to work exceedingly long hours, often without proper breaks or meals, and under hostile conditions that have deeply affected their mental health. My son enrolled and 2 1/2 months later he called for me to take him away, Zhanna, who asked to be identified only by her first name to protect against reprisals for speaking about the operation, told RFE/RL. He said to me on the phone, Come and get me or Ill die, so I picked him up immediately. Zhanna, who asked that her underage sons name also not be used, says that she sent him from Nizhny Novgorod to study at Alabuga Polytechnic University in 2022 because of its reputation as a leading technical institution inside Russia. The school offered students -- often between the ages of 15-18 -- an opportunity to get vocational training as part of a dual program that combines a classroom education with practical work experience. Students were also promised an opportunity to work and earn a locally competitive salary of up to 70,000 rubles ($700) a month as part of the work experience program that could further their career growth. 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. But, instead, those enrolled were encouraged and in some cases pressured into working at the drone facility, where the salaries of the mostly underage laborers are contingent on meeting tough production quotas. This is a textbook definition of what constitutes exploitation, Sergei Podsytnik, an investigative journalist at Protokol who worked on the series of reports, told RFE/RL. [Students] assemble drones, with the work taking priority over their studies. The pressure to fulfill these quotas has allegedly led to strenuous back-to-back days -- with some shifts lasting up to 15 hours -- with little time for sleep or adequate sustenance. Overtime work is often unpaid, further highlighting potential labor violations. Exhausted students also reported not always meeting their quotas, which led to them not earning the salary initially promised by the school. Many students came from disadvantaged backgrounds and relied on their earnings to cover costs for tuition, room, and board and would send the remainder home. Other parents, such as Marina, said she decided to take her daughter out of the program when she discovered that she was working in apparent unsafe conditions and that staff from the school had instructed students not to tell their parents about the drone assembly work. This was the last straw for me, Marina, who also asked for her identity to be concealed, told RFE/RL. This is a dangerous production process that involves dangerous chemicals. They also forbid the kids from telling everything to their parents. RFE/RL sent multiple requests for comment to various staff and administrators at Alabuga Polytechnic University but received no replies. Making Iranian Drones In Russia The complicated and concerning dynamic at Alabuga Polytechnic University stems from growing military cooperation between Iran and Russia that has accelerated since Moscows full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Iran has said it provided drones to Russia before the start of the war, but not since. However, U.S. intelligence officials have warned for months of continued deliveries and deepening cooperation between Moscow and Tehran, saying the two sides were exploring how to set up a manufacturing plant for Iranian drones inside Russia. According to The Wall Street Journal, an Iranian delegation visited Yelabuga in Tatarstan on January 5, touring a potential site for such a factory at the Alabuga special economic zone close to Alabuga Polytechnic University. U.S. officials released satellite images in April of the plant being built. Russia already possesses an array of unarmed aerial vehicles, or UAVs, which are used mainly for surveillance and artillery spotting, but has turned increasingly to Tehran for attack drones. After being forced to abandon Ukrainian territory that its troops captured in the early stretches of the war, Moscow shifted to a strategy of relentless air assaults on Ukrainian cities. These attacks often rely on a combination of cruise missiles and self-detonating drones packed with explosives to knock out electricity and running water for the civilian population in Ukraine. So far, Iran has provided Russia mostly with so-called "suicide" drones, known as the Shahed-136, that contain a modest amount of explosives that can detonate when the drones crash into targets, military experts say. In acquiring its own domestic assembly line, Russia could dramatically increase its stockpile of the relatively inexpensive but highly destructive weapons systems. WATCH: Russia has resorted to using Shahed-136 drones from Iran in its war on Ukraine. Ukraine says it's already downed many of the drones, which work by slamming into their intended target, laden with explosives. Ordinary Ukrainians say they can already recognize the sound of the drones, which use two-stroke engines like lawnmowers or motorbikes. Iran has denied supplying the drones to Russia. The arrangement also offers substantial economic and political benefits for Iran, which has sought to portray itself as neutral in the Ukraine war. The appearance of Iranian-made drones over Ukrainian cities, however, has triggered threats of new economic sanctions from the West. The United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom have also all issued rules in recent months designed to cut off the flow of drone components to Russia and Iran. The Washington Post reported in November 2022, citing unnamed U.S. intelligence officials, that the agreement to deliver Iranian drone schematics and materials for manufacture in Russia resulted from Iranian leaders believing that the arrangement would allow Tehran to avert new sanctions. Foreign Recruitment And Patriotic Education Alabuga Polytechnic University is formally not a college. All of its students are officially enrolled at nearby Yelabuga Polytechnic College, with the Alabuga institution existing on paper as a specialized program for students looking to break into high-tech industries. Currently, about 1,000 students are studying at Alabuga Polytechnic University, with several hundred of them -- most of whom are between the ages of 15 and 17 -- involved in assembling the Iranian drones. In addition to the work on the drones, there are other signs that point to blurred lines in Russia between the education system and the countrys military amid the war in Ukraine. According to current and former Alabuga Polytechnic University students, team-building and organized extracurricular activities through the school often take on a patriotic character that may be designed to expose students to official government narratives of international events or echo talking points from state television. Organized paintball games have become a mainstay for students, especially first-year arrivals, in which they are encouraged to compete against one another and then play together against more experienced outside players. Teachers and administration officials regularly refer to paintball as being part of a patriotic education needed to complement the technical aspect of their studies. In one instance, a group of new students competed in paintball as Soviet soldiers against outside players who were dressed as troops from Nazi Germany in a capture-the-flag competition meant to simulate the World War II battle of Stalingrad. According to one student, the Nazi flag contained the compass symbol used by the NATO military alliance instead of the swastika used by Nazi Germany. Other instances of political teachings from staff are more direct. In a recording obtained by RFE/RL from June 16, a senior administrator can be heard telling the teenagers that NATO launched a hybrid war against Russia back in 2011 and that it has slowly become more overt. The man then goes on to tell students that their hard work and exceeding long days at the drone factory are part of a nationwide struggle against the West and that their patriotism will be rewarded. Several students and parents identified the man in the recording as Timur Shagivaleev, the director-general of the special economic zone where Alabuga Polytechnic University and the drone factory operate. Shagivaleev did not respond to RFE/RLs request for comment. The man in the recording then goes on to tell students not to take holidays and to continue working even if it's mom's birthday, before ending his speech with, Long live our great country. WATCH: Amid a new wave of Russian drone attacks on Ukraine, analysts in Kyiv are gaining useful intelligence from a collection of downed Russian aerial weapons. They have been studying the remains of Iranian Shahed drones and Russian Kinzhal missiles, among others. Multiple current and former students told RFE/RL that students who work in the drone factory are often praised by staff, while those who have refused or asked to be reassigned due to the high workload are often publicly shamed. In some instances -- according to recordings heard by RFE/RL -- staff even encourage students to bully others who are not deemed patriotic enough. According to Protokol and Razvorots investigations, Alabuga Polytechnic University has also turned toward recruiting foreign students to enroll. The majority of them come from African countries, but also from Central Asia and Azerbaijan, where they are promised world class salaries as part of the dual-track world experience program. However, these foreign students are then given low-skill and menial tasks around the campus and the special economic zone, such as janitorial work, and are also paid lower salaries than initially promised. Written by Reid Standish based on reporting by RFE/RLs Idel.Realities At least two people were killed in Russian military strikes in Ukraine on August 12 as Moscow said Ukraine had sent drones to attack Crimea and fired missiles at the bridge connecting the peninsula to Russia. Russian troops carried out six missile and 36 air strikes on Ukrainian positions and settlements during the day on August 12, the General Staff of the Ukrainian military said. There also were 32 attacks from rocket salvo systems and 33 combat clashes at the front, according to the General Staff's evening report. A police officer was killed and 12 people injured, including four police officers, in Russian air strikes on Orihiv, a town in the southern region of Zaporizhzhya, local officials said. Three Iranian-made Shahed drones were shot down over Zaporizhzhya overnight, the Ukrainian military said. 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. Elsewhere, a 73-year-old woman died in an August 12 Russian military strike on a southern district of Kupyansk, Kharkiv regional Governor Oleh Synyehubov said. The General Staff's summary said Russian forces conducted "unsuccessful offensive actions" near Kupyansk and other towns and cities in the Kharkiv region. The report also reported unsuccessful attempts by Russian troops to advance near the Bakhmut area of the Donetsk region and said Ukrainian defense forces continue to hold back a Russian offensive near Avdiyivka and Maryinka. Ukrainian forces continue their own offensive operations in the Melitopol and Berdyansk areas, the General Staff said, citing "partial success" in a central area of the Zaporizhzhya region. In the city of Donetsk, Russia-installed Mayor Aleksei Kulemzin said a man was killed in the Petrovsky district as a result of shelling by Ukrainian armed forces. Kulemzin said on Telegram that the man, born in 1986, was killed when a Ukrainian shell hit the kitchen of a house. The claims could not be independently verified by RFE/RL. Local officials reported explosions early on August 12 in the central Ukrainian city of Kryviy Rih, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiys hometown, but said that there were no known casualties. Meanwhile, the Russian Defense Ministry said on August 12 that Ukraine had tried unsuccessfully to strike the Crimean Bridge with S-200 rockets. Moscow condemned the attacks. Russian-installed Crimean leader Sergei Aksyonov said that two rockets had been downed by anti-aircraft defenses near the bridge, which has come under repeated attack by Ukraine since last year. Video circulating on social media appeared to show smoke rising from the bridge. Traffic on the bridge has been stopped. "The Ukrainian missile was detected in a timely manner and was intercepted in the air by Russian air-defense systems. No damage or casualties were reported," the Defense Ministry said. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova vowed to avenge the attacks. "There can be no justification for such barbaric actions and they will not go unanswered," Zakharova said on Telegram. The Ukrainian side did not comment, but Ukraine's Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) published a video purportedly showing the operations of seaborne drones over the last three months. "We continue to destroy the Moscow invaders on the ground, in the air, and on the water! Glory to Ukraine!" the HUR said on Telegram. The video ends with the phrase, "This is our sea." Earlier, the Russian Defense Ministry claimed its forces had destroyed what it described as 20 Ukrainian drones launched onto the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia seized control of in 2014. The reported overnight attacks followed three consecutive days of drone attacks on the Russian capital, Moscow. Drone attacks on Russian-controlled territories in Ukraine and deep inside Russia have increased since a drone was destroyed over the Kremlin in early May. WATCH: RFE/RL has found documentary evidence that Russia is attacking Ukraine with cruise missiles that Kyiv handed over to Moscow in the 1990s. On August 11, Zelenskiy announced the dismissal of all the heads of regional conscription centers, part of his crackdown on corruption since the outbreak of Russia's war in Ukraine more than 17 months ago. The step was taken after Ukrainian security services presented details of 112 criminal cases against draft board officials suspected of taking bribes and engaging in corrupt practices. Zelenskiy said in a Telegram post that the jobs should instead go to war veterans, including those with injuries. Elsewhere, authorities in Ukraines Black Sea port city of Odesa have announced they are opening six beaches for swimming for the first time since the start of Russias full-scale invasion in February 2022. Swimming will be banned during air raid alerts, local officials added on August 12. Odesa has been targeted by Russian missiles and drones. The surrounding sea has also been mined by Russia. With reporting from Reuters and AP KYODO NEWS - Aug 12, 2023 - 18:00 | World, All, Japan Japan and China on Saturday quietly marked the 45th anniversary of the signing of a bilateral treaty of peace and friendship, with no official celebratory events amid tensions over Tokyo's plan to release treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the sea. Bilateral relations have been strained over the planned start of Fukushima water discharge possibly from later this month as well as former Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso's recent visit to Taiwan and territorial and trade disputes. The friendship treaty was signed in 1978, six years after the two countries normalized diplomatic ties, and took effect on Oct. 23 that year. The Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement Saturday bilateral relations have "come a long way, bringing tangible benefits to the two peoples and contributing to the prosperity and stability of the region and beyond" over the past 45 years. Noting that Sino-Japanese relations are "at a critical stage of improvement and growth," Beijing called on Tokyo to take the anniversary as an opportunity to "enhance mutually beneficial cooperation, remove distractions and barriers and jointly build" a relationship that can meet the requirements of the new era. The statement is believed to be a counter to U.S. efforts to keep China in check together with its allies including Japan amid an intensifying rivalry between the world's two largest economies. Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi said Tuesday it is important for the two Asian countries to "maintain forward-looking momentum and keep dialogue" so as to build constructive and stable bilateral relations. The accord stipulates that the two countries will develop bilateral relations based on the principles of "mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit and peaceful coexistence." It also says the two countries "in their mutual relations (shall) settle all disputes by peaceful means and shall refrain from the use or threat of force" and that "neither of them should seek hegemony" in the Asia-Pacific or any other region. Despite continued tensions, there have been signs that bilateral relations are improving. China said Thursday it has approved the resumption of Japan-bound group tours for its citizens, lifting restrictions introduced in January 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Beijing has also notified Tokyo that it is positive about holding a summit between Premier Li Qiang and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on the sidelines of an international meeting next month, diplomatic sources said Wednesday. A researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences stressed the importance of continuing people-to-people exchanges between the two Asian neighbors despite political challenges, saying it will "help dispel misunderstandings and prejudice." The Global Times, a tabloid affiliated with China's ruling Communist Party, said "the key lies in Japan taking more practical actions to gain the trust of China." It noted that "the harm done by Japan's conduct over the past two years to China-Japan relations, particularly the damage to mutual trust, is too severe." Related coverage: Biden signs order to curb U.S. investment in China tech companies China positive about summit with Japan PM Kishida in September: sources U.S. says 3-way summit with Japan, S. Korea to be "historic" Get new posts by email: Subscribe KYODO NEWS - Aug 12, 2023 - 10:40 | World, All The value of China's imports of Russian nuclear materials for use at power plants hit a record $490 million in 2022, the highest figure since comparable customs data became available in 2015, with the need to fuel a new fast-breeder reactor in southeastern China possibly behind the increase. The nuclear materials imported from Russia include uranium and plutonium. In the September-December period of 2022, Russia shipped 25 tons of nuclear fuel for the CFR-600 fast reactor, according to data from a British think tank and U.S. media reports. The CFR-600's two units are expected to begin operation later this year and in 2026, respectively. Since fast-breeder reactors can produce high-purity plutonium that can be diverted to nuclear weapons through fuel reprocessing, Russia-China cooperation in this area amid Beijing's move to bolster its nuclear arsenal has raised international concerns. An expert in nuclear power generation said once the CFR-600, located in the Fujian Province county of Xiapu, becomes fully operational, it could produce 200 to 300 kilograms of high-purity plutonium per year -- an amount that could be used to create some 100 to 200 nuclear warheads. China is projected to increase the number of nuclear warheads in its military stockpile from the current level of about 400 to 1,500 in 2035. The Royal United Services Institute, the British think tank, has pointed out that Western sanctions on Russia related to its invasion of Ukraine have had a limited impact on its nuclear power industry, enabling Moscow to continue supplying nuclear materials to countries such as Hungary, Turkey and India as well as China. During a Group of Seven summit in Hiroshima, western Japan, in May, leaders expressed worries over China's "accelerating build-up of its nuclear arsenal without transparency nor meaningful dialogue," saying it poses "a concern to global and regional stability." Yuki Kobayashi, a research fellow at Japan's Sasakawa Peace Foundation, said China stresses the need to generate power through the fast-breeder reactor project as part of its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but the lack of transparency in its nuclear policy fuels concerns. Tatsujiro Suzuki, a Nagasaki University professor well versed in nuclear disarmament, urged Beijing to release information to the International Atomic Energy Agency on how it controls nuclear materials, although as a nuclear power, China is not obliged to report to the IAEA the size of its plutonium stockpile. The Asian country last did so in 2016. Related coverage: U.N. to hold open session on North Korea rights abuses next week FOCUS: Expert warns nuclear proliferation could "spiral" out of control China, Russia warships sail though strait between Hokkaido, Sakhalin Diamonds Seized at Mumbai Airport Further Investigation in the matter is Underway MUMBAI: In a major development, Mumbai Air Customs apprehended an Indian national bound for Dubai, unearthing a significant stash of natural and lab-made diamonds, valued at a staggering Rs 1.49 crore. The apprehension took place on Wednesday, and the accused individual has been remanded to judicial custody pending further investigation. Customs officials revealed that the seized diamonds, totaling an impressive 1559.6 carats, were ingeniously concealed within innocent-looking tea leaf packets. This ingenious smuggling technique underscores the lengths to which illicit traders will go to evade detection. Authorities are diligently working to uncover the full extent of the operation, as the investigation is ongoing. Advertisement This incident follows another recent discovery by Cochin Customs officials, who uncovered gold worth approximately Rs 85 lakh ingeniously hidden in the lavatory of an IndiGo Airlines aircraft. The gold, cleverly disguised as a paste, was concealed in two unclaimed bags. The total weight of the concealed gold was recorded at a substantial 1,709 grams. "Cochin Customs authorities acted based on information provided by vigilant IndiGo Airlines staff, leading to the recovery of two unclaimed packages containing gold in paste form from the rear toilet of flight 6E1404 originating from AUH," stated a spokesperson from the Cochin Customs department. The investigation into this matter is progressing diligently, with officials committed to tracing the origins and intended destination of the concealed gold. Jaya Prada Court also ordered Jaya Prada to pay a fine of Rs 5,000 as part of the verdict CHENNAI: The Renowned actress-turned-politician, Jaya Prada, has been handed a six-month prison sentence by a Chennai court in connection with a case related to her theater in Royapettah. The court also ordered her to pay a fine of 5,000 rupees as part of the verdict. The legal proceedings stemmed from a petition filed by employees of Jaya Prada's theater, which was under the management of her business partners, namely Ram Kumar and Raja Babu. The theater had purportedly failed to provide Employee State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) benefits to its employees, leading all affected workers to seek legal redress. Advertisement Despite Jaya Prada's efforts to have the case dismissed and her assurance to compensate her employees fully, the counsel representing the Employee State Insurance Corporation opposed her plea. Consequently, the court proceeded with the trial. In a significant development, the court has now sentenced Jaya Prada, along with three other individuals associated with the theater, to a six-month term of imprisonment. Additionally, they have all been directed to pay a fine amounting to Rs 5,000. However, it's important to note that Jaya Prada has yet to be arrested in connection with this case. President of India- Droupadi Murmu This Marks a Significant Shift in the Governance Structure of Delhi NEW-DELHI: In a Significant Development, President Droupadi Murmu has given her approval to the Delhi Services Bill, officially transforming it into law. The Government of India's notification has conveyed the implementation of the 'Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Act 2023.' The bill, which had previously garnered parliamentary approval on August 7, marks a significant shift in the governance structure of Delhi. The Crucial legislative amendment, known as the 'Delhi National Capital Territory of Delhi Governance Amendment Bill 2023,' received affirmative votes in both houses of Parliament. The Rajya Sabha, the upper house, approved the bill with 131 votes in favor, opposing 102 votes. The Lok Sabha, the lower house, had passed the bill on August 3, setting the stage for this pivotal legislative change. Advertisement This Newly enacted legislation, titled the 'National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Act, 2023,' is set to come into effect from May 19, 2023. Among its provisions, the amendment introduces key modifications to section 2(e) of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991. This amendment formally defines the term "Lieutenant Governor" as the Administrator appointed under Article 239 of the Constitution for the National Capital Territory of Delhi, appointed by the President to serve as Lieutenant Governor. A Significant aspect of this bill is the proposal to centralize certain actions, including the suspension and investigation of officials within the national capital, under the control of the Central government. The bill's introduction into Parliament on August 1 was met with vigorous discussions and debates, as opposition parties expressed their concerns. The backdrop of the ongoing upheaval surrounding the Manipur violence added to the intense parliamentary discourse. Despite opposition from various quarters, the bill ultimately secured the necessary parliamentary support to be enacted into law. Treatment of Injured Police have affirmed their commitment to taking appropriate action in the matter AMRITSAR: Violent Clash broke out between rival gangs at Amritsar Central Jail, leaving a trail of injuries. Security personnel swiftly intervened, successfully separating the warring groups. Six prisoners sustained injuries requiring immediate medical attention. Three more injured individuals were later admitted to Guru Nanak Dev Hospital during the night. The Jail Administration has remained tight-lipped about the incident, raising questions about the handling of the situation. Sources indicate that the roots of this clash lay in a longstanding rivalry between the two groups. Under the cover of darkness, the adversaries managed to fashion weapons using materials readily available within the jail premises. The ensuing altercation prompted the swift response of security guards who managed to prevent further escalation. Advertisement The Police have affirmed their commitment to taking appropriate action, awaiting both the formal complaint from the jail administration and the statements of the injured. Presently, the injured individuals are receiving medical care at Guru Nanak Dev Hospital, and their statements will be recorded once their conditions stabilize. The victims of the violent clash have been identified as Gurbej Singh, also known as Bhija, hailing from Chautala police station Sadar Tarn Taran, along with Rahul and Chawinda Devi, residents of village Bharat. A perplexing aspect of this incident is the recent police search operation conducted within the jail premises just a week prior. Mohalla Clinic in Punjab Newly Inaugurated Clinics will have a Robust Digital Infrastructure: Health Minister CHANDIGARH: The Punjab government is set to unveil an additional 76 mohalla clinics across the state on August 14, supplementing the existing 75 Aam Aadmi clinics. The clinics, inaugurated by Chief Minister Punjab Bhagwant Mann, will provide essential healthcare services to a staggering 44 lakh people. Cabinet Minister Dr. Balbir Singh, addressing a press conference, shared that out of the total 583 Aam Aadmi clinics, 403 are located in rural villages, while 180 are situated in urban areas. The Minister Dr. Balbir Singh revealed that these Aam Aadmi clinics have already provided medical treatment to more than 44 lakh individuals. The clinics have conducted over 20 lakh medical tests, including 38 different types of diagnostic examinations. Notably, these clinics have distributed over 30 crore medicines, providing invaluable healthcare support to the people of Punjab. Impressively, the Punjab government has borne the cost of these services, ensuring that the burden does not fall on the public. Advertisement In a significant stride towards digital healthcare, Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh shared that the newly inaugurated clinics will have a robust digital infrastructure. This includes three types of digital records accessible to doctors, registrars, and pharmacists, ensuring comprehensive and efficient healthcare management. Furthermore, as part of a comprehensive emergency service improvement initiative, 550 house surgeons will be on round-the-clock duty. Their honorarium has been increased from Rs 30,000 to Rs 70,000, resulting in enhanced medical services, even during challenging times like floods. Addressing the critical issue of employment for MD-MS postgraduate doctors, Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh stated that the Punjab government will now provide 100% job placement for these doctors, aligning with court conditions. This new initiative aims to rectify a situation where postgraduate doctors were left without jobs or bond enforcement for fifteen years. Advertisement Dr. Balbir Singh expressed confidence in bridging the shortage of specialist doctors in hospitals within the next two years. The focus extends to upgrading infrastructure, equipment, and manpower across secondary and tertiary care facilities, including hospitals, district hospitals, sub-division hospitals, and community health centers. Notably, Several crucial projects are underway to enhance healthcare services in the region. A trauma center with a budget of 233 crores is being established at Government Medical College, Patiala. The project also involves increasing postgraduate seats in Patiala and Amritsar by 25 each, resulting in a total of 200 additional seats over the existing 1650. This will contribute to increasing the total government seats from 850 to 1050. Dr. Balbir Singh highlighted the holistic approach to healthcare being implemented in Punjab. Initiatives include the launch of a neurosurgery clinic, the introduction of the PETCT-Scan and Nuclear Medicine department at Amritsar Cancer Hospital, and the expansion of medical colleges with new beds at Kapurthala and Hoshiarpur. Advertisement Underlining the emphasis on prevention, Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh announced a scheme called "Prevention of Diseases." This initiative aims to reach 25,000 people through a thousand camps, leveraging the expertise of 281 trend yoga experts. This ambitious program positions Punjab as a trailblazer in the field of preventive healthcare. Additionally, notable progress has been made under the "Every Friday Dengue Te War" scheme. Addressing various diseases, including dengue, chikungunya, malaria, and lifestyle disorders such as BP, diabetes, obesity, and cancer, yoga has been a pivotal component. A Pilot project is slated to begin in Patiala, involving basic tests for BP and diabetes on one lakh people. The program's ultimate objective is to expand to three crore residents of Punjab, with collaboration between government and private doctors. Mosque State's Emergency Management Agency reported that 23 People Sustained Injuries ABUJA: A Solemn Atmosphere enveloped Zaria city in Kaduna state, Nigeria, as a heart-wrenching incident unfolded during Friday prayers, resulting in the tragic loss of seven lives. Officials from Kaduna State in North-West Nigeria provided the distressing details, highlighting the severity of the catastrophe that struck the 'Zaria Central Mosque,' a site frequented by hundreds for their weekly congregational prayers. The collapse of a section of the historic 'Jamia Central Mosque' took place, catching the worshippers unawares. As the faithful gathered within the mosque's hallowed walls for Friday prayers, an unexpected calamity unfolded. The resulting debris tragically claimed the lives of seven individuals, sending shockwaves through the community. Advertisement In addition to the lives lost, the state's emergency management agency reported that 23 people sustained injuries during the incident. Swift action by firefighters ensured that the injured were promptly transported to hospitals for medical attention. The exact cause of the collapse is under investigation, with authorities keen on understanding the factors leading to this tragic occurrence. The 'Jamia Central Mosque' has a storied past, with its origins tracing back to 1830. For generations, it has been a place of worship and spiritual solace for the local community. However, the unfortunate incident during Friday prayers shattered the tranquility that usually pervades the mosque, casting a pall of sadness over the entire region. In response to this heartrending event, Kaduna Governor Uba Sani has taken swift action, ordering an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the mosque's collapse. Based on XFC concept, Mitsubishi X-Force looks radical and futuristic in its design and boasts high-riding 222mm ground clearance We all know Mitsubishi for its rugged SUVs. India saw the launch of Outlander, Montero, Pajero and Pajero Sport. That said, a combination of unfavourable factors resulted in a drain in Mitsubishis popularity in India. Now that other darlings of the past like Fiat could make a comeback in India, should Mitsubishi consider it too? If it does, the new X-Force compact SUV could be the best bet. This is a 4.3m long SUV that would potentially rival the likes of Creta, Seltos, Grand Vitara, Hyryder, Taigun, Kushaq, Astor and upcoming vehicles like Honda Elevate and Citroen C3 Aircross. Lets take a look at what it offers. Mitsubishi X-Force Debuts If this design looks familiar, it is because Mitsubishi X-Force is the production version of XFC concept that debuted last year. This is a handsome machine with a lot of aggression and road presence. It has a proper upright SUV stance and proportions that lends an appealing perspective. It has Dynamic Shield design language. The large grill at front with a three-diamond logo looks classic Mitsubishi. T-shaped LED DRL signatures look interesting and there are sleek LED headlights with horizontal positioning. Chunky faux skid plates and body cladding lend a tough appearance. There are fog lamps in the lower bumper as well. 18 alloys look interesting and the overall side profile looks starkly similar to Kia Seltos. Even the windscreen angle, and A-pillar shape remind me of Seltos too. Rear pays tribute to the XFC concept and adapts its stylish LED tail light signature too. On the inside, reminiscence to Kia Seltos (pre-facelift model) is even more evident. Especially with the housing that holds both the infotainment screen and instrument screen. Instrument screen is in a recess further inside this housing, and looks like an evolved version of Cretas instrument screen. Were talking about a large 8 main display, flanked by two semi-circular readouts on either end. Features and Engine Specs Main infotainment screen is a 12.3 horizontal unit and features a few touch-sensitive shortcut buttons below. There is dual-zone climate control and has physical buttons and toggles. There are rear AC vents, an 8-speaker sound system with tweeters and woofers from Yamaha, fabric-clad dashboard and more. The SUV stance for Mitsubishi X-Force compact SUV is thanks to 222 mm ground clearance, a 21-degree approach and 35-degree departure angles. It measures 4390mm long, 1810mm wide, 1660mm tall and has a 2650mm wheelbase. There is a sole 1.5L 4-cylinder petrol engine with 103 bhp and 141 Nm of torque, mated to a CVT. Starting price in Indonesia is IDR 382.5 million which roughly translates to Rs. 20.70 lakh. We might not want this product at this price. But with local manufacturing and competitive pricing, Mitsubishi X-Force could be the right step for re-launching the brand in India. By Kent E. Calder, KYODO NEWS - Aug 12, 2023 - 15:17 | All, World The odds are increasing that America's 2024 presidential election will be a re-run of 2020 -- President Joe Biden vs. former President Donald Trump. In the Republican Party, Trump now leads his nearest challenger, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, by 52-18, while Biden leads Robert Kennedy Jr., maverick son of the late Senator Robert Kennedy, by 63-14. DeSantis, once expected to challenge Trump seriously for the Republican nomination, is rebooting his listless campaign, while other declared Trump rivals have yet to gain traction. Betting polls now assign both Trump and Biden a 60 percent probability of becoming their party's next presidential nominee. Although the prospects now appear strong that Biden and Trump will represent America's two major parties in 2024, the American people in general seem markedly uneasy about that prospect. Indeed, close to half of the electorate would reportedly consider a third-party candidate if the 2024 presidential election becomes a mere re-run of the 2020 Biden-Trump contest. That group of skeptics includes, according to NBC News, 58 percent of Hispanics; 52 percent of African Americans; 57 percent of young voters under 35; 45 percent of Democrats overall; and 34 percent of Republicans. This ambivalence among prospective American voters about a Biden-Trump re-run reflects not only disillusionment with the candidates themselves, but an even broader distancing from the two major parties. Independents (41 percent of the electorate) now significantly outnumber both Republicans (28 percent) and Democrats (28 percent). And the share of such non-aligned voters has been steadily rising -- from 35 percent in 2000. Among younger millennial and Generation Z voters born since around 1980, the share of declared independents is almost half. Broad dissatisfaction with the looming Biden-Trump match-up naturally creates a potential constituency for third parties. These have rarely prospered in American presidential politics, with its structural bias toward a two-party system. Yet their electoral share has been slowly increasing in recent years, and third parties have at times fatefully influenced the balance of power between Democrats and Republicans, due to America's distinctive, state-winner takes all electoral vote system. In 2000 the Green Party, led by Ralph Nader, siphoned votes away from Al Gore in Florida, leaving George W. Bush with a 600-vote victory; in 2016 Jill Stein's Green Party candidacy similarly helped swing key states such as Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania to Trump, leading to Hillary Clinton's defeat. Approaching the 2024 election, the Green Party, with well-known Afro-American activist and university professor Cornell West as a leading candidate, is opposing President Biden's defense and social welfare policies from the left. This is compounding the progressive pressure from Kennedy inside Democratic ranks. The Greens have already gained ballot access for 2024 in 18 states, including Wisconsin and Michigan, major swing states that Biden carried only narrowly in 2020. Additionally, the No Labels NGO, founded in 2010, shows the prospect of possibly also nominating a presidential candidate for 2024. No Labels is supported by an expanding political operation, based on Connecticut Avenue in the heart of Washington, D.C., and backed by senior executives at Loews, Fluor, Freeport LNG, Panera, and other major firms. No Labels held a major New Hampshire rally in late July, keynoted by Democratic Senator Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia) and former Republican governor of Utah Jon Huntsman. Both see more attractive prospects for themselves on the national stage than at home, with Manchin facing a tough Senatorial election fight, and Huntsman having recently lost in an attempted return to the Utah governorship, after a promising presidential primary run in 2012 and a distinguished subsequent diplomatic career. Huntsman served as U.S. Ambassador to Singapore, China, and Russia, under Presidents Bush, Obama, and Trump respectively. Virtually all political indicators suggest that the 2024 presidential race will be a close one between the two major parties, with President Biden currently holding a narrow advantage of less than 1 percentage point if Trump is the Republican nominee. Given the prospective closeness of the 2024 race, and the volatility of an electorate half populated by independent voters with marginal commitment to either the candidates or the parties, what sort of impact might third parties actually have on the election? The Green Party, as in 2000 and 2016, would likely undermine Democratic chances, especially in swing states with large college-student populations, such as Wisconsin. That could make nominating decisions by No Labels crucially important to the ultimate electoral outcome next November. Some conservative commentators, such as Karl Rove, former political advisor to President George W. Bush, have argued that a sufficiently conservative No Labels nominee could build on frustration with Trump inside the Republican Party, and substantially influence election outcomes. Even if a No Labels candidate were not electable, figures such as Manchin or Huntsman could draw significant support away from Trump in the Midwest, Appalachia, and the Intermountain West. No Labels could thus, depending on their candidate, either counter-balance the left-oriented Green Party, thus aiding Biden, or compound the challenge that it poses to the president's re-election. As if third-party challenges were not enough, both Biden and Trump still face undeclared potential dark-horse challenges within their own ranks. Apart from existing declared candidates, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, a wealthy former co-chairman of the Carlyle Group, is thought to be considering a run on the Republican side. And California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a long-time rival of current Vice President Kamala Harris in California politics, is given a 14 percent and rising chance, in national betting polls, of being the Democratic nominee. So a "third way" in presidential politics, beyond Biden and Trump, is being ever more actively debated, amidst broad-based if still quiet disillusionment with the prospects of a 2020 re-run. (Kent E. Calder is the director of the Edwin O. Reischauer Center for East Asian Studies at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies in Washington.) Related coverage: OPINION: Toward a transformative change to a sustainable society OPINION: Japanese female trailblazer in pre-WWII U.S. set valuable example OPINION: Leaders must save nuclear arms control for all our sakes Its taken more than two decades of intermittent highway construction, but motorists now can drive from Interstate 5 in Oceanside all the way to Interstate 15 in Fallbrook along a four-lane split highway with a lifesaving barrier in the middle. The roughly $400 million state Route 76 improvement project has transformed the highway from a once curvy two-lane road clogged by rush-hour traffic and occasionally scarred by head-on collisions to a wider, straighter thoroughfare. On Tuesday morning, state, federal and regional transportation officials will celebrate the completion of the last leg of the project with a dedication ceremony just north of the highway at Pala Road. Advertisement San Diego County Supervisor Ron Roberts, chairman of the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), said Monday the improvement project eases the movement of people and goods throughout our North County communities and demonstrates SANDAGs commitment to enhancing the countys transportation network. Crews recently wrapped up the final five-mile stretch from South Mission Road in Fallbrook to Interstate 15 months ahead of schedule at a cost of $201 million. That phase began in 2013 with the complete reconfiguration of the I-15 interchange. All work that remains is extensive landscaping of the highway using drought-tolerant plants. The entire state Route 76 corridor project was divided into three segments: west, middle and east. The western segment through Oceanside was completed in 1999. The second phase, stretching from Melrose Drive to South Mission Road, was finished in 2012 at a cost of $171 million. Now that it is a bigger roadway, theres more visibility and less curves that people have to deal with, California Highway Patrol Officer Jim Bettencourt said. Hopefully traffic will flow through there much better than on a two-lane road. Bettencourt said the concrete barrier between east and west traffic will prevent head-on collisions and the wider roads and shoulders will improve traffic safety and ease congestion by giving motorists experiencing car trouble room to pull off the road. The highway was first built in the 1930s and over the decades has been the site of several fatal crashes. Bettencourt said it wasnt necessarily because the road was unsafe, but because people would drive too fast, or while they were intoxicated, or would try to unsafely pass slower vehicles by crossing over double-yellow lines. State Route 76 is a vital artery linking coastal North County to inland communities, including Southwest Riverside County. As the population has grown and Indian casinos have proliferated east of Interstate 15 traffic on the two-lane road has skyrocketed. Traffic along the most recently completed five-mile stretch today averages more than 20,000 daily vehicle trips, a number that is expected to more than double by 2030, state transportation officials have said. The ambitious improvement project was a joint effort by the California Department of Transportation and SANDAG, the regions transportation coordinating agency. Funding for the work came from a variety of sources, including the regional TransNet half-cent sales tax, federal funds, developer fees, county transportation fees and contributions from local Native American tribes. The project also included the expansion of the Park & Ride at the intersection of the highway and I-15. The parking lot has doubled in size and now features charging stations for electric vehicles. Designed into the project were a number of environmental features including bioswales, which are landscape elements that remove pollution from surface runoff via a drainage course with gently sloped sides that are filled with vegetation, compost or riprap. Wildlife under crossings and directional fencing have been built into the highway at various key points along the highway to allow wildlife safe passage between areas of natural habitat. Throughout the project, Caltrans has been working closely with the county, which has been buying land and slowly developing a park along the banks of nearby San Luis Rey River. The regional park one day will be 1,700 acres and 9 miles long, beginning in Oceanside and ending near I-15, The dream is to offer active and passive recreational opportunities along 20 miles of trails, while preserving the river corridor. The reconfiguration of the highway required the acquisition of adjoining parcels of land along the route, nearly 1,600 acres in all, before construction began. Some of the land will either become part of the regional park or will buffer it. Highway 76 actually continues as a four-lane highway for another mile and a half east of the interchange. A separate construction project, paid for by the owners of a rock quarry several years ago, paid for that work. jharry.jones@sduniontribune.com; 760/529-4931; Twitter: @jharryjones An exhibit in the Chula Vista Heritage Museum last year included a collection of photos, stories, and artifacts pertaining to the Rohr Aircraft Company and the impact they had on Chula Vista. A new exhibit on Hispanic culture opens this month. The history of Hispanics in South County and beyond will be on display as part of an exhibit that opens this month at the Chula Vista Heritage Museum. Titled Fronterizos: A History of the Spanish-Speaking People of the South Bay, San Diego, the year-long exhibit opens Jan. 27 at the museum, located inside the Civic Center Library. Focusing on the cultural heritage of the majority of residents in the region, the South Bay will be seen within the larger context of Mexican-American history, according to a city of Chula Vista newsletter. Advertisement The exhibit will shed light on the Portola expedition, the first recorded Spanish exploration of present-day California; the immigration to the U.S. during the Mexican Revolution; Hispanics who served in the military; the Chicano Movement; and more. It includes photos and recorded interviews. Barbara Zaragoza, a local historian and the curator of the exhibit, said the display presents little-known aspects of the long history. For our history to not exist for an entire group of people and border culture has been a real shame, Zaragoza said. She added: People will be able to understand themselves and understand the South Bay once they know the history. Zaragoza said she hopes more people share their culture in order to grow the knowledge base. The free exhibit will be open to the public during regular library hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. The exhibit is funded by city and county grants and the Friends of Chula Vista Library, a non-profit that supports the Chula Vista Heritage Museum. Zaragoza will discuss the exhibit before the Jan. 27 grand opening. The chat is scheduled for 2 p.m. A reception from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. will follow, featuring San Diego-based musical group Los Californios, which performs secular Spanish-language songs from 19th century California. For more information on the exhibit, visit chulavistaheritagemuseum.org/fronterizos The kidnapping of Lakeside teen Hannah Anderson following the heinous murders of her mom and little brother and her subsequent rescue from the wilds of Idaho has been made into a movie for the Lifetime cable network thats set to air this weekend. And she and her family are not pleased. Its no wonder the real-life abduction and murder case in August 2013 was made into a movie. It definitely had all the trappings of a TV drama. First there was Hannah, the blonde 16-year-old, who was whisked away by kidnapper - and family friend - Jim DiMaggio. The two had recently returned from a trip to Hollywood where Hannah posted photos of herself posing in what some would say were suggestive short shorts and tank tops. Combined with the selfies the attractive and social-media savvy teen posted, not to mention the shots of her and DiMaggio clowning around, people started to question the nature of the pairs relationship. Hannah said the man she had known for years as Uncle Jim told her he had a crush on her, but more of a family crush like he had feelings as in he wanted nothing bad to happen to me. FILE - This combination of undated file photos provided by the San Diego Sheriffs Department shows James Lee DiMaggio, 40, left, and Hannah Anderson, 16. AP ( / AP) Then there was the fiery and horrific crime scene at his Boulevard home where the bodies of Hannahs mother Christina, little brother Ethan, 8, and the family dog were discovered. Then, of course, there was the good-guys-to-the-rescue ending after horseback riders serendipitously spotted the pair in an area of Idaho called the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness. Hannahs ordeal ended when FBI snipers opened fire on DiMaggio, killing him with six bullets to his head and torso. The movie feeds the speculation that there was something more between the kidnapper and his victim than meets the eye. In the promo for the show, which stars Scott Patterson (of Gilmore Girls" fame) as DiMaggio and 20-year-old Canadian actress Jessica Amlee as Hannah, the network writes: As the dust settled, questions began to emerge about the nature of the relationship between Hannah and her kidnapper... and what really happened? One provocative scene shows Hannah blowing DiMaggio a kiss. Another shows the actress who plays DiMaggio's sister doing a television interview in which she she says that Hannah flirted with DiMaggio and that she "wouldn't put anything past her." According to 10 News, Hannah was not too happy about those scenarios, angrily posting on her Instagram page this week that she never gave her permission for the movie and that the preview alone contained false facts and untrue events. If anyone is gonna tell my story it should be me, the El Capitan High School honor student wrote. Conversation Request Dont miss The Conversation Sign up to receive your daily CONVERSATION newsletter. Submit Hannahs grandmother Sara Britt said says the family had nothing to do with the movie and was surprised to hear about it. You would think that they would have contacted the family and its just a heartbreaking to see that it keeps on going, she said in an interview with Fox 5 News. San Diego County Sheriff Bill Gore stated unequivocally at the time that Hannah, who returned to San Diego days after her rescue amid a media frenzy, was an unwilling participant in her ordeal. There is no doubt in our mind she was definitely a victim here and under extreme duress from the time she was abducted by DiMaggio until she was rescued by the FBI hostage rescue team, Gore told the Union-Tribune. Will that statement be in the movie? Stay tuned. RELATED: Sheriff Gore discusses the Hannah Anderson Rescue A May 31, 2009 handout photo released by Joseph Carnevale shows a sculpture made of traffic barrels by Carnevale in Raleigh, N.C.. Carnevale says he didnt have a grandiose point to make when he chopped up orange-and-white traffic barrels and turned them into a massive statue of a hitchhiking roadside monster. But the North Carolina college student has become a celebrity artist of sorts since city police charged him with possession of stolen goods. And now, the construction company whose barrels he took wants to keep the statue. (AP Photo/Courtesy of Joseph Carnevale) When Joseph Carnevale chopped up three stolen orange and white traffic barrels from a construction site to create a massive sculpture of a roadside monster thumbing a ride, the North Carolina college student said he saw it as a form of street art. Police just saw vandalism. They dismantled the 10-foot barrel monster and arrested Carnevale. Hundreds of online supporters want the charges dropped and the publicity has turned the history major and part-time construction worker into a local celebrity. Advertisement Even the construction company has become a fan, and wants the 21-year-old to create a replica of the figure that led to his arrest on June 10. Its surprising how many people have called attention to it, Carnevale said. The college junior hadnt spent much time planning when he set out the night of May 31 and snatched the barrels from the site near the North Carolina State University campus where he studies. I had the idea in class that morning, and it kind of grew in my head, until it was something I had to do, he said. He went back to his apartment and in an hour and a half returned to the site to assemble the freshly painted pieces before driving away. What emerged was a hulking figure that seemed to extend a thumb, seeking a ride from passing cars. The next morning police dismantled the creation and took the pieces in for evidence while they searched for the perpetrator. Although photos quickly spread on the Internet featuring the barrel monster, it was an N.C. State newspaper article that offered enough clues to lead police to a Web site that identified Carnevale. Police charged him with larceny and destruction of property, both misdemeanors, and hes scheduled to appear in court next month. Carnevale, an Indianapolis native, prides himself on his street art, but said hes most interested in guerrilla photography making art and snapping images from restricted locations. If you can break the rules, and no one knows they were broken in the first place, then theres no point, he said. His apartment walls serve as a canvas, covered in various hues of paint, with images on the walls and doors of sharks, hollow skulls and even Gandhi. His 1997 Volkswagen Jetta is almost completely covered in hot-glued beer bottle caps. Carnevale has made other street art pieces with stolen barrels, including an alligator and caricatures with small arms. Hamlin Associates, the construction company whose barrels were turned into a monster, doesnt want to press charges. Weve had a fair amount of vandalism, but never anyone turn it into art, President Steven Hussey said. I actually thought it was pretty neat. Hussey said the value of the publicity his company has received is well above the $365 cost of the traffic barrels that Carnevale used. Its been positive publicity for us, he said. If wed known hed do that good of a work, wed have given him the barrels. Carnevale said hes weighing Husseys offer to reconstruct the monster for the companys offices in Climax, N.C., possibly for pay. Meanwhile, at least three Facebook support groups have formed to support Carnevale, including Dont Charge Joseph Carnevale, boasting more than 800 members. Police spokeswoman Laura Hourigan said the charges wont be dropped, despite the companys stance. The police department obviously has a job to do, she said. And if someone is going to destroy property, were going to take care of that situation. Hourigan said police are speaking with the District Attorneys office to investigate other street art by Carnevale, though she would not discuss details. Hourigan said Carnevales Web site displayed photos of destroyed property. Carnevale said hes not sure what hell do next, though hes interested in creating a T-Rex sculpture out of barrels. KYODO NEWS - Aug 12, 2023 - 12:56 | All, World U.S. President Joe Biden has described China as a "ticking time bomb" in many areas, citing economic challenges such as high employment and slowing growth, even as his administration seeks to defuse tensions with the Asian power, a White House transcript released Friday showed. "China is in trouble," Biden told a political fundraising event in Utah on Thursday, according to the transcript. "That's not good," he added, "because when bad folks have problems, they do bad things." His remarks came despite Washington holding increased high-level exchanges recently with Beijing after months of heightened tensions, with the two sides exploring a possible summit by the end of this year between Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Biden earlier this week signed an executive order aimed at curbing U.S. investment in a few categories of China's high-tech sector, in yet another step by his administration to prevent Beijing from gaining access to sensitive technologies to modernize its military. At the fundraising event, Biden also said he did not want to "hurt China," expressing hope to build a "rational" bilateral relationship with Xi. During a similar fundraiser in June, Biden called Xi a "dictator," angering China, which called his language "political provocation." The United Nations has announced the successful completion of the ship-to-ship transfer of more than 1 million barrels of oil by a team from SMIT, a unit of Dutch dredging and heavylift company Boskalis, from the decaying FSO Safer tanker off Yemen, thus averting 'a monumental environmental and humanitarian catastrophe.' The FSO Safer was built as a supertanker in 1976 and converted a decade later into what is in effect a floating oil container. It was abandoned off the Red Sea port of Hudaydah in Yemen in 2015 after war broke out. Prior to the conflict, it was used to store and export oil from fields around Marib, but the fighting brought production, as well as maintenance of the vessel, to a halt. With more than one million barrels of oil on board, it was feared the deteriorating FSO Safer, which industry experts dubbed it a 'floating time bomb.' could explode or break apart, causing a major spill. The safe removal of more than a million barrels of oil from the decaying FSO Safer tanker off Yemen, helped avert a worst case scenario oil spill that would have devastated coastal communities and created a crisis in vital Red Sea shipping lanes. Leading up to the transfer of the oil, the salvage team executed several preparatory activities. After the Boskalis multipurpose support vessel Ndeavor arrived at the site of the FSO Safer in late May, the salvage team conducted a thorough inspection of the vessel and its cargo. In addition, various measures were taken to ensure a safe working environment. Preparations were then made to transfer the oil to the Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) purchased by the UN, said the statement from Boskalis. The VLCC was moored alongside the FSO Safer on July 23 with the support from two Smit Lamnalco tugs, and oil screens were installed on the bow and stern between the two tankers as a precautionary measure. Following this mooring operation, oil transfer pipes were connected between the FSO Safer and the VLCC on July 25 and hydraulic pumps were installed to transfer the oil to the VLCC. The UN led a $120 million fundraising effort to secure the decaying ship and buy another tanker to take the recovered oil. It took 18 days to complete the transfer in a stretch of water where naval mines were known to be located. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia had been among the first countries to extend financial grants through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) as part of its efforts with the international community in solving the crisis. On completion of the safe transfer of oil, the Saudi ministry lauded the efforts of the UN Development Programme (UNDP), that had been implementing the operation, as well as other donor countries who raised funds. The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen, David Gressly, who has led UN system-wide efforts on the Safer since September 2021, said today marks a great milestone. "A remarkable global coalition came together under the UN umbrella to prevent the worst-case scenario of a catastrophic oil spill in the Red Sea," said Gressly. "We need to finish the work the UN started. The installation of a CALM buoy to which the replacement vessel will be safely tethered is the next crucial step," he added. The SMIT team has been on-site since late May preparing the Safer for the oil transfer operation, which officially kicked off on July 25. The preparations included inspections, safety measures, and the installation of oil screens and transfer pipes. The transfer was supported by two Smit Lamnalco tugs and hydraulic pumps were installed to facilitate the transfer. Oil was transferred to the replacement vessel Yemen, formerly the Nautica, which the UN secured from Euronav earlier this year. The UN had warned that a major spill would devastate fishing communities on Yemens Red Sea coast and cost estimated at $20 billion to cleanup. Disruptions to shipping through the Bab al-Mandab strait to the Suez Canal could cost billions more in global trade losses every day. "I welcome the news that the transfer of oil from the FSO Safer has been safely concluded today," remarked UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. "The UN-led operation has prevented what could have been an environmental and humanitarian catastrophe on a colossal scale," he added. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said the international community had "defused a floating time bomb and prevented a potentially enormous environmental and health disaster". Boskalis CEO Peter Berdowski said: "With our salvage activities, we have once again averted a potential environmental disaster of unprecedented proportions." "Thanks in part to the efforts of the Dutch Ministry of Ministry of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation and over two years of preparations by Boskalis, we were able to successfully execute this complex operation on behalf of the UN," he added.-TradeArabia News Service TEHRAN, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Deputy Judiciary Chief Kazem Gharibabadi said that a lawsuit has been filed against 107 senior members of the Mujahedin-e Khalq Organization (MKO). Gharibabadi made the remarks in an interview with the Mizan news agency of the Iranian judiciary, which was published on Saturday. He further stated that the MKO members, who have allegedly been responsible for the deaths of thousands of "innocent Iranians," are moving freely between some European countries. The Judiciary official noted that the indictments against them have been submitted to the court, and a public announcement has been issued in major Iranian newspapers. Additionally, the suspects have been informed of the impending trial against them via email. Gharibabadi highlighted that the move is part of Iran's efforts to utilize all its capacities to combat terrorists worldwide. In late July, an Iranian criminal court declared its intention to hold a trial in absentia for more than 100 MKO members, including the group's leader Maryam Rajavi, as reported by the Mizan. The MKO, which Iran designates as a terrorist organization, is currently based in Albania. Photo released by County of Maui on Aug. 10, 2023 shows houses destroyed in a devastating wildfire on Maui Island, Hawaii, the United States. (County of Maui photos/Xinhua) LOS ANGELES, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- Firefighters on Friday continued to battle the devastating wildfires that have killed at least 55 people in Hawaii's Maui Island. The Maui County said in a press release that firefighters continued working to extinguish flare-ups and contain fires in Lahaina, Pulehu/Kihei and Upcountry Maui on the island. Two additional fatalities were confirmed Thursday night amid the active Lahaina fire, bringing the death toll to 55 people. Officials warned the death toll could grow even higher. The firefighting effort was bolstered by 21 firefighters from the Honolulu Fire Department, seven supervisory personnel and four vehicles, said the county, adding that a nine-member search-and-rescue team also arrived on the island. Twenty-five buses operating a shuttle service on Thursday transported more than 1,200 visitors to Kahului Airport, the main airport of Maui. A total of 14,900 visitors left on flights departing Maui on Thursday, according to the county. Officials said that six emergency shelters are open on the island. Food, water, supplies and clothing will be distributed to residents on Friday at the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, and a limited supply of baby products will also be given out. Hawaii Governor Josh Green said it "was likely the largest natural disaster in Hawaii state history" and it's going to take a great deal of time to recover from this. Deadly wildfires have nearly completely destroyed the historic town of Lahaina, a popular tourist spot and once the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii. In a video speech released on Thursday at the scene in Lahaina, Green said that "over a thousand buildings" had likely been destroyed. U.S. President Joe Biden on Thursday approved a major disaster declaration for Hawaii. Photo released by County of Maui on Aug. 10, 2023 shows houses destroyed in a devastating wildfire on Maui Island, Hawaii, the United States. (County of Maui photos/Xinhua) Photo released by County of Maui on Aug. 10, 2023 shows houses destroyed in a devastating wildfire on Maui Island, Hawaii, the United States. (County of Maui photos/Xinhua) Photo released by County of Maui on Aug. 10, 2023 shows houses destroyed in a devastating wildfire on Maui Island, Hawaii, the United States. (County of Maui photos/Xinhua) Photo released by County of Maui on Aug. 10, 2023 shows houses destroyed in a devastating wildfire on Maui Island, Hawaii, the United States. (County of Maui photos/Xinhua) Photo released by County of Maui on Aug. 10, 2023 shows houses destroyed in a devastating wildfire on Maui Island, Hawaii, the United States. (County of Maui photos/Xinhua) Nashville, Tenn,, police are investigating a shooting that injured two children at a public library earlier this week, according to a report by the Tennessean. The incident occurred at the Bordeaux Branch of the Nashville Public Library around 3 p.m. Thursday, the report said. One victim was shot in the foot outside the library, while the other victim was shot inside the library and was found in a bathroom, a Metro Nashville Police Department spokesperson told The Tennessean. The conditions of the victims werent immediately known, the report said. Authorities do not believe the shootings were random and are speculating the shooter is a fellow minor, according to The Tennessean. This appears to be people that knew each other; that possibly had some kind of altercation or disagreement, said Brooke Reese, a public information officer for the Metro Nashville Police Department. This is the second shooting this year in a Tennessee library. A shooting at a Memphis library in February left one person dead and a police officer severely injured. Youve heard it before when eating New York pizza and bagels: Its all about the water. While theres truth behind the statement, its not entirely accurate at least according to Mike Burke, flagship Deninos co-owner and franchise licenser. Burke, stepson of the late Carlo Denino, who introduced the signature crunchy, thin-crust pies to Staten Island in 1951, was recently in Southern California for the grand opening party of the business first West Coast franchise (and first Deninos restaurant outside the New York-New Jersey area). The franchise, co-owned by Burkes longtime friend Gregory Leone and restaurateur Kyle Pieroni, had been in the works for years as the men and their team perfected location, menu and recipes. And, yes, water. 41 1 / 41 Denino's opens franchise in California With the cost of constantly shipping New York City H2O to the Golden State proving prohibitive, the trio decided to use what they had at their disposal. It turns out, you can make good New York-style pizza without the New York tap water. [That assumption about water] is not totally wrong, but the California water we use is good, insisted Burke. Some of the different counties out here, the water isnt good enough. But we found one county, and the pizza came out exactly the same [as our New York City pizzas]. TESTING THE WATERS (FIGURATIVELY AND LITERALLY) Burke, Pieroni and Leone the latter of whom also owns Leones Italian Ices, which is located a mere 30-second walk from the new Deninos franchise even had the water tested and analyzed to make sure it matched up to New York Citys thought-to-be irreplaceable aqua. But the most important test: How pizza dough made with California water would match up to the New York original. We experimented [making the dough with the water from California] and [taste testers] couldnt tell the difference, said Pieroni. That feedback was reassuring for Burke, who wants skeptical Californians and New Yorkers to keep open minds. Its the same [pizza], said Burke. Its the same Deninos. East Coast transplants living in Southern California can attest to Burkes claim, with many telling an Advance/SILive.com reporter who visited the Thousand Oaks location that Deninos pies genuinely tasted like authentic New York pizza, and were a real taste of home. Still dont believe us? Guess youll have to try it out yourself. LAHAINA, Hawaii Survivors witnessed a surreal landscape of flattened homes, blackened hulks of burned-out cars and ashy lots where buildings once stood as they took stock of their shattered lives in the aftermath of a fast-paced wildfire on the Hawaii island of Maui that authorities say killed at least 80 people. Anthony Garcia assessed the devastation as he stood under Lahainas iconic banyan tree, now charred, and swept twisted branches into neat piles next to another heap filled with dead animals: cats, roosters and other birds killed by the smoke and flames. Somehow it made sense in a world turned upside-down. If I dont do something, Ill go nuts, said Garcia, who lost everything he owned. Im losing my faith in God. Garcia and other residents were faced with catastrophic destruction resulting from the wildfires that tore through parts of Maui this week and were still not fully contained Friday night. The destroyed Waiola Church is shown following wildfire, Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, in Lahaina, Hawaii. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)AP Maui County raised the number of confirmed deaths to 80 in a 9 p.m. statement Friday. Gov. Josh Green had warned the death toll would likely rise as search and rescue operations continue. Authorities set a curfew from 10 p.m. until 6 a.m. Saturday. The recoverys going to be extraordinarily complicated, but we do want people to get back to their homes and just do what they can to assess safely, because its pretty dangerous, Green told Hawaii News Now. Cadaver-sniffing dogs were deployed to search for the dead, Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen Jr. said. A new wildfire Friday evening triggered the evacuation of Kaanapali in West Maui, a community northeast of the area that burned earlier, but crews were able to extinguish the fire before 8:30 p.m., authorities said. Attorney General Anne Lopez announced plans to conduct a comprehensive review of decision-making and standing policies impacting the response to the deadly wildfires. My Department is committed to understanding the decisions that were made before and during the wildfires and to sharing with the public the results of this review, Lopez said in a statement. A man walks through wildfire wreckage Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, in Lahaina, Hawaii. Hawaii emergency management records show no indication that warning sirens sounded before people ran for their lives from wildfires on Maui that wiped out a historic town. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)AP The wildfires are the states deadliest natural disaster in decades, surpassing a 1960 tsunami that killed 61 people. An even deadlier tsunami in 1946, which killed more than 150 on the Big Island, prompted development of a territory-wide emergency system with sirens that are tested monthly. Many fire survivors said they didnt hear any sirens or receive a warning giving them enough time to prepare, realizing they were in danger only when they saw flames or heard explosions. There was no warning, said Lynn Robinson, who lost her home. Hawaii emergency management records do not indicate warning sirens sounded before people had to run for their lives. Officials sent alerts to mobile phones, televisions and radio stations, but widespread power and cellular outages may have limited their reach. The hall of historic Waiola Church in Lahaina and nearby Lahaina Hongwanji Mission are engulfed in flames along Wainee Street on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023, in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Matthew Thayer/The Maui News via AP) APAP Fueled by a dry summer and strong winds from a passing hurricane, at least three wildfires erupted on Maui, racing through parched brush covering the island. The most serious blaze swept into Lahaina on Tuesday and left a grid of gray rubble wedged between the blue ocean and lush green slopes. Associated Press journalists found the devastation included nearly every building on Front Street, the heart of historic Lahaina and the economic hub of Maui. There was an eerie traffic jam of charred cars that didnt escape the inferno as surviving roosters meandered through the ashes. Skeletal remains of buildings bowed under roofs that pancaked in the blaze. Palm trees were torched, boats in the harbor were scorched and the stench of burning lingered. It hit so quick, it was incredible, Kyle Scharnhorst said as he surveyed his damaged apartment complex. Summer and Gilles Gerling sought to salvage keepsakes from the ashes of their home. All they could find was the piggy bank Summer Gerlings father gave her as a child, their daughters jade bracelet and watches they gifted each other for their wedding. Their wedding rings were gone. They described their fear as the strong wind whipped the smoke and flames closer, but said they were happy to have made it out alive with their two children. Safety was the main concern. These are all material things, Gilles Gerling said. An aerial image taken on August 10, 2023 shows destroyed homes and buildings burned to the ground in Lahaina in the aftermath of wildfires in western Maui, Hawaii. At least 36 people have died after a fast-moving wildfire turned Lahaina to ashes, officials said August 9, 2023 as visitors asked to leave the island of Maui found themselves stranded at the airport. The fires began burning early August 8, scorching thousands of acres and putting homes, businesses and 35,000 lives at risk on Maui, the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency said in a statement. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP) (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images) The wildfire is already projected to be the second-costliest disaster in Hawaii history, behind only Hurricane Iniki in 1992, according to disaster and risk modeling firm Karen Clark & Company. The fire is the deadliest in the U.S. since the 2018 Camp Fire in California, which killed at least 85 people and destroyed the town of Paradise. The danger on Maui was well known. Maui Countys hazard mitigation plan updated in 2020 identified Lahaina and other West Maui communities as having frequent wildfires and several buildings at risk. The report also noted West Maui had the islands second-highest rate of households without a vehicle and the highest rate of non-English speakers. This may limit the populations ability to receive, understand and take expedient action during hazard events, the plan stated. Mauis firefighting efforts may have been hampered by limited staff and equipment. Bobby Lee, president of the Hawaii Firefighters Association, said there are a maximum of 65 county firefighters working at any given time with responsibility for three islands: Maui, Molokai and Lanai. The department has about 13 fire engines and two ladder trucks, but no off-road vehicles to thoroughly attack brush fires before they reach roads or populated areas, he said. Maui water officials warned Kula and Lahaina residents not to drink running water, which may be contaminated even after boiling, and to only take short, lukewarm showers in well-ventilated rooms to avoid possible chemical vapor exposure. In this photo provided by Tiffany Kidder Winn, burned-out cars sit after a wildfire raged through Lahaina, Hawaii, on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023. The scene at one of Maui's tourist hubs on Thursday looked like a wasteland, with homes and entire blocks reduced to ashes as firefighters as firefighters battled the deadliest blaze in the U.S. in recent years. (Tiffany Kidder Winn via AP) Andrew Whelton, a Purdue University engineering professor whose team assisted with the Camp Fire and Colorados 2021 Marshall Fire, said showering in water potentially containing hazardous waste levels of benzene is not advisable and a do-not-use order would be appropriate until analysis is complete. Lahaina resident Lana Vierra, who filled out FEMA assistance forms Friday at a relatives house, fled Tuesday and was eager to return, despite knowing the home where she raised five children and treasured items like baby pictures and yearbooks were gone. To actually stand there on your burnt grounds and get your wheels turning on how to move forward I think it will give families that peace, she said. Riley Curran said he fled his Front Street home after climbing up a neighboring building to get a better look. He doubts county officials could have done more due to the speed of the onrushing flames. Its not that people didnt try to do anything, Curran said. The fire went from 0 to 100. Curran had seen horrendous wildfires growing up in California, but Ive never seen one eat an entire town in four hours. BEIJING, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- The China Development Bank, one of the country's policy banks, has scaled up its financial support for the ecological protection of the Yellow River, the country's second-longest river. As of Aug. 10, the policy bank has issued medium and long term loans worth 40 billion yuan (about 5.6 billion U.S. dollars) to support the construction of major Yellow River ecological conservation and restoration projects, it said. The projects have focused mainly on comprehensive improvement, the conservation and use of water resources, the prevention and control of natural disasters, and pollution treatment, it said. The bank has pledged to continue to help solve financing difficulties facing the ecological protection of the Yellow River. In the first half of this year, the policy bank issued loans worth 110.2 billion yuan to boost the construction of major water conservancy projects nationwide, data showed last month. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The New York state Office of General Services (OGS) will host 18 surplus vehicle and equipment auctions across the state through the month of November. One will take place on Staten Island on Thursday, Nov. 2, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the Staten Island Developmental Disabilities Services Office at 930 Willowbrook Road. For information about specific items up for auction, and terms of sale, visit ogs.ny.gov/nysstore, email state.surplus@ogs.ny.gov or call 518-457-6335. The 17 other vehicle and equipment auctions will take place: Its not just New Yorkers who think that speed cameras are less about safety and more about ripping off motorists. David Simon, the Baltimore-bred writer and producer who created HBOs iconic The Wire series, got nabbed by a city speed camera in mid-July, as reported by Fast Company. Simons crime? Going 36 mph in a school zone. At 5:40 a.m. In July. On a six-lane commercial roadway, according to Simon. In a posting on X, formerly known as Twitter, Simon slammed New York as an off-brand city. He also threw in the obligatory Yankees Suck. But Simon, who said he was on his way to a SAG-AFTRA demonstration when he got dinged by the speed camera, has a point. And its not that Simon cant afford the $50 ticket he received from the city. Simons right to ask just what schoolchildren are being protected in the early morning hours on a July day. Exactly none is the answer. Remember, the cameras were initially placed in school zones only and were operational for the most part during times when school was in session. But speed cameras are now operational 24/7/365, and on streets that are nowhere near schools. Its a simple formula: Lower the speed limit. Make pretty much every neighborhood a school zone by changing the siting criteria for the cameras. Make money. Speed cameras are supposed to be about public safety. But what theyve really done is criminalize what many of us have always considered safe driving. Going 36 mph along a major roadway in the early morning hours isnt dangerous, even if the default city speed limit is 25 mph. Just because youre driving somewhat above the posted speed limit, as pretty much all of us do all the time, doesnt mean youre driving dangerously. It doesnt mean we should have to pay a penalty. There are of course plenty of motorists who drive dangerously. There are plenty of people who drive way too fast. They need to be policed and they need to be fined and, if necessary, taken off the road. They put lives at risk. But speed cameras, and their accompanying lowered speed limits, make every driver a suspect. We all deserve punishment even when were not driving dangerously. And its working, with millions flowing into city coffers. Not because every motorist is driving way too fast, but because theyre breaking an artificially low speed limit. And the city wants the power to lower the default speed limit to 20 mph. Imagine the increase in revenue from that. Its got less to do with public safety and more to do with easy money, all in the disingenuous name of protecting the children. Its also about demonizing drivers, which is part of a green agenda that would see cars banished from city streets and would see drivers pay a fee for car storage, or what the sane among us call parking. These are the same zealots who call accidents car violence and continue to ignore the fact that distracted driving and failure to yield cause more collisions in New York City than speeding. And they think drivers are the problem. Amid his postings on X about the ticket, the city Department of Transportation told Simon to delete his account. Is that nice? MORE SPEED CAMERA OPINION FROM TOM WROBLESKI Watch out. Heres how NYCs speed cameras could become and even bigger rip-off (opinion) How NYC rigs speed camera system to best rip off motorists (opinion) Speeding is bad. But distracted driving is a far bigger threat (opinion) A roundup of conversations we're having daily on the site. Subscribe to the Reckon Daily for stories centering marginalized communities and speaking to the under-covered issues of the moment. The president of the St. Petersburg, Fla. branch of the NAACP is calling for the removal of the citys fire chief after an anonymous city survey accused him of fostering a hostile work environment for employees of color and women, including not taking concerns of Black firefighters seriously. The allegations were raised against St. Petersburg Fire Rescue Department Chief James D. Large, who has been in his position since 2006. He started his career in the department in 1974. Large has said that the accusations against him are false, according to multiple news reports. It is clear that Fire Chief Large holds a disparaging stereotypical belief and that it hampers his ability to effectively lead the citys fire department, Esther Matthews, the groups president, said at a City Council meeting Thursday, adding that shed submitted a formal letter to Mayor Ken Welch calling for Larges termination. Welch has since placed Large on administrative leave with pay over the weekend as the case remains under review. The mayor also admitted that there have been allegations of bullying leveled against Large. Stories like these are not uncommon at fire departments across the country. According to a 2023 study examining workplace patterns of fire service employees published in the Journal of Student Research, 55 percent of female participants have been or know someone who has been sexually harassed or assaulted by a coworker. Female participants also reported being subjected to harmful work environments. Research conducted by the National Fire Protection Association found that 5 percent of career firefighters were women. Yet, female firefighters have reported feeling unwelcome in some departments, according to a 2017 Drexel University study. Matthews and the St. Petersburg NAACP branch arent the only ones concerned about Larges conduct. She added that others with knowledge of departmental operations have reached out to the branch. The city of St. Petersburg deserves to have leaders who do not have a disdainful attitude towards their employees and also the residents of this city or who harbor views that are in direct conflict with human respect and human dignity, Matthews said. News of Larges misconduct was first reported by the Tampa Bay Times, which spoke with seven active firefighters about their experiences in the department. Each of them described interactions that contributed to a hostile environment that included racist, sexist and homophobic comments. One firefighter said that Large prepared a disciplinary inquiry for her for missing department education during a leave of absence, which she took after suffering a miscarriage. The firefighter said that she was forced to recall the story of her miscarriage to high-ranking officials. Another firefighter accused Large of sexual harassment. City Council members unanimously voted to hold a discussion about a potential management study on the St. Petersburg Fire Rescue Department on Aug. 24. But residents of St. Petersburg remained divided over how to approach Larges employment. At least three active-duty female firefighters spoke highly of him at the meeting during public comment. Angela Munoz, a St. Petersburg firefighter, described a welcoming environment for women in the department. As long as we prove we are willing to work as hard and tirelessly as those around us, they welcome us with open arms, she said. However, concerned residents took issue with the high number of allegations brought against Large. Bruce Nissen is one of those residents. Its obvious that there are several people here who work for the Fire Department who feel very good about it, Nissen said. But its also very clear both from complaints that have been made and from investigations that have been done, that there are definite problems in the Fire Department in St. Petersburg, he continued. Severe enough problems, I think, that in order to make the department work well, the chief needs to step down. 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! As a 17-year-old, the prince worked on a farm at Wagga Wagga, revealing in 2013: You have to let go of a lot of things that you thought were given. You have to adapt to a new environment, and once you return to your home, you will benefit from these experiences. Charles at Timbertop in 1966. Credit: Fairfax Media King Charles III was a 17-year-old when he was dispatched for six months at Geelong Grammars Timbertop campus in the Victorian Alps. He has since described those six months in Australia as by far the best part of his education. He undertook cross-country expeditions in blistering heat, logging 113 kilometres in three days, climbing five peaks along the way, and spending nights freezing in a sleeping bag. While I was here I had the Pommy bits bashed off me, he said years later during a return visit to Australia. On a chilly autumn night, inside a small boiler room at Timbertop campus, a then 14-year-old named Jonathan Jonny Southey had an encounter with the future King that he would never forget. He was smoking a cigarette a big no-no when he was caught by the prince. He said, Southey, you should know better than that. I better confiscate that cigarette, Southey recalled years later to The Age. Southey figured he would soon be admonished by teachers and caned, but revealed the prince had spared him by saying nothing of the encounter. Decades later Charles sent his wayward son Prince Harry to Australia in 2003. In his biography Spare, Prince Harry writes about the joys of mustering cattle in dusty rural Queensland, as he escaped his life in fishbowl Britain. Harry musters cattle on a horse called Guardsman at Tooloombilla in central Queensland. Credit: AP My family believed hard labour is the answer to everything, Harry wrote. This wasnt merely work. Being a jackaroo required stamina, but it also demanded a certain artistry. You had to be a whisperer to animals. You had to be a reader of the skies, and the land. You also had to possess a superior level of horsemanship. Despite planning to spend six months in Australia, the appearance of paparazzi camping out meant his stay was cut short to nine weeks. Time out Down Under was also something his mother Diana, then Lady Spencer, had taken when she was mulling over Charless marriage proposal. The then-Lady Diana Spencer described herself in later life as a lamb to the slaughter. Credit: Bettmann For three weeks during the Australian summer of 1981 she secretly lived in a beach house in sleepy Mollymook, on the NSW South Coast, where local Margie Nyholm ran a fish and chip shop. This very tall girl started coming in and she had a scarf around her hair and big glasses on, Nyholm later told Who magazine. Her mother usually ordered fish and chips. Diana would stand there and look at all the food and then just buy a little fruit-juice box. Shed talk to her mother and her mother said, Darling you must keep your strength up. She was trying to encourage her to eat. After Dianas return to England, she and Charles announced their engagement on February 24, 1981. Zara Phillips met her future husband, rugby player Mike Tindall, at the Manly Wharf Hotel during her gap year travelling around Australia. Denmarks Crown Prince Frederik and Princess Mary, pictured in 2021, with son Prince Christian. Credit: AP And perhaps it wont be long until another of Europes future kings is shipped to our shores. Princess Marys oldest child, Prince Christian, marks his 18th birthday in October. Loading Music, dance and human connection have been the best therapies for Mithrani De Abrew Mahadeva since her dementia diagnosis. I am a rock n roll girl from way back, said Mahadeva, aged in her early 70s. Mithrani De Abrew Mahadeva, who identifies as non-binary, helped launch Australias first specialist pop-up cafe for people with dementia from the LGBTQI community. Credit: Simon Schluter The Melbourne artist, who identifies as non-binary and uses the pronouns she and they, found a group of kindred spirits at last weeks launch of Australias first specialist pop-up cafe for people with dementia from the LGBTQI community. I kept thinking this is such a safe and happy place, said Mahadeva, during the opening of Memory Lane cafe inside the Victorian Pride Centre in St Kilda. It just felt like home. In 1923, patients in Sydneys Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children were mostly suffering from infectious diseases such as polio and diphtheria. While Santa would make an annual visit, their physical treatment was the focus, with all other areas of their lives put on hold once admitted. It was NSWs inspector of schools Martha Simpson, an early Montessori advocate, who realised the citys sick children were missing out on an education, after learning a young patient had taught himself to read in his bed. A scene from the Fred Birks school in 1946. Starting as a reading program facilitated by volunteers, the Fred Birks Activity School formally opened in the grounds of the hospital in 1930 with 16 pupils. One hundred years on from those first steps towards education for sick kids, there are now 10 schools located in hospitals across NSW. Famed for serving drinks from Eskys, the Pickled Possum is one of Sydneys most beloved drinking holes and one of the few late-night venues on the north shore. An artists impression of the proposed boarding house development on the site of the Pickled Possum in Neutral Bay. Credit: Mod Urban But it is facing the wrecking ball after owner Bob Patterson submitted plans to North Sydney Council to revamp the former piano bar in Neutral Bay, which has hosted the likes of Janet Jackson and Chris Hemsworth. It will be replaced by a 78-room boarding house with ground floor commercial and retail space fronting Military Road under the $15.6 million plans submitted to North Sydney Council. Patterson said a bar and function space would be included in the new six-storey short stay development and elements of the Pickled Possum, including the old panelling and bar, will be fitted into the new venue. LUANDA, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Angola which will assume the next presidency of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) will lead the member states in promoting regional security and development, an expert has said. Southern Africa is facing crucial security issues, including instability in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique, and the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Angola could place these matters on the SADC agenda and work toward collaborative solutions to enhance its influence and contribute to regional stability, said Osvaldo Mboco, an expert in international relations at the Technical University of Angola. The 43rd Ordinary SADC Summit of Heads State and Government will be held on Aug. 17 in Luanda, Angola. The regional economic community comprising 16 member states is dedicated to promoting sustainable and equitable economic growth and socio-economic development through cooperation and integration. In a recent interview with Xinhua, Mboco said as one of the main mediatory countries, both politically and militarily, within the SADC, Angola is "one of the states grappling with the task of adjusting conflict resolutions." Additionally, Mboco mentioned the challenge of industrialization as a significant concern faced by the SADC. Persisting asymmetries among its members and a weakened intra-regional trade continue to trouble the region. "Industrialization plays a pivotal role in the dynamic integration of the SADC and in propelling regional development," the expert said. He mentioned Angola's Lobito Corridor, a railway stretching from the Angolan coast to the DRC, will facilitate trade within the region. "The SADC needs to overcome these challenges to achieve the desired development and prosperity," he said. Wayne Haylen (second from right) burns his conscription card with fellow protestors Greg Barker (left) and Barry Robinson in 1966. Credit: James Brennan Fitz: And you certainly got that, as it blew up big in the papers. We at the Herald ran the photo noting you to be the son of a former federal Labor parliamentarian, Les Haylen! What did your father say? WH: He knew all along. He was absolutely supportive of me being active in demonstrations and being one of the leaders in NSW of the anti-conscription movement against Vietnam. Fitz: All right, but I know you had to go to court, so I put this to the defendant again you. Wayne Roger Haylen, formerly of Canterbury Boys High, you were studying law. Conscription had been mandated by the legally elected government of the day. It was effectively the law of the land that you had to go. You were on your way to being a legal practitioner and yet you burn your card in defiance of the very laws that you would be sworn to uphold! WH: Well, there was no serious offence, just of burning your draft card. The only offence was in not showing it to an authorised officer. Fitz: Ah. Thats the loophole! WH: Well, in fact, I got advice after I did it, from Neville Wran and Lionel Murphy. The actual burning of the National Service Certificate was not a serious offence. They said they will fine you, and that is what happened in the end in the local court: it cost 20 bucks. I also asked them, will this stop me being put on the roll of authorised legal practitioners? And they had a look at it and said, in so many words, that according to the precedent it was a personal act, not a criminal act. And they were right on that, too. Fitz: How did you ultimately get out of it? WH: The minister for the army called my godfather, leader of the opposition Arthur Calwell, and said, Tell Wayne we dont want him as hell be too disruptive. Tell him to turn up to the medical and we will fail him. I didnt want to do even that, but my parents convinced me that was the best way, and thats the way it happened. Wayne Haylen, pictured in 2001 after being appointed to the Industrial Court of NSW. Credit: Tom Cliff Fitz: So, youre out. But youre still the infamous war protester who publicly burnt his papers. When we talked on this one time before, you told me you were getting so many white feathers, there must have been a nude chicken somewhere in Sydney! WH: Yes, and that upset me because these people were sending these things to me and making claims about my lack of manhood in not fighting for my nation, but they wouldnt sign their own name. I would have loved to have had a discussion with them, but they were hiding. Fitz: Lets have that discussion now. Let me take their position: Why should I, or my son, brother, father, uncle or friend go off to fight the commies when you stay home? (You lousy bastard!) WH: Because it was a political war, right? Australia wasnt under attack from Vietnam. We went there because the Americans were there. The British had already failed to control Vietnam. The French had already failed. And Australia was only there because prime minister Menzies thought it would be electorally advantageous for the people to understand that were all under threat from communism and that meant you couldnt vote for the Labor Party, who opposed going to the Vietnam War. And I knew through my father that the generals had been consulted, were dubious about being in the war anyway, and had said they didnt want conscripts. Peter Kocan outside North Sydney police station in 1966 after the attempted assassination of opposition leader Arthur Calwell. Wayne Haylen, Calwells Godson, was among those who accosted Kocan after the shooting. Credit: Fairfax Media Fitz: OK, so take me to the night of June 22, 1966. Leader of the opposition Arthur Calwell has just finished a passionate diatribe against the Vietnam War inside Mosman Town Hall. WH: Yes, and Im there, and I thought he was strong, but he had given a hint that he was thinking about a policy compromise that would support sending conscripts overseas. I was angry. So when he got in the car outside, I approached. Seeing me, he wound down the window, heard my angry words, and wound the window up again in my face. I turned away and right on that instant, from out of the shadows, a man brushed past me and fired his sawn-off gun, shattering the window. Fitz: The call goes out: Hes just assassinated Calwell! You are the coward of the county, the draft dodger with enough white feathers over the past three months to fill a pillow. What do you do? WH: I chased after him. Fitz: You chased after a man, into the darkness; a man who has just shot someone. And the bloke still has to use the technical expression a f---ing GUN! Why did you chase such a dangerous man? WH: That was something the police officer asked me. And the answer is: I was angry. I just thought, This is appalling. You dont do this. You dont shoot politicians because of their bloody views. Not in this country. You argue with them, you dont shoot them. So I ran after him and finally grabbed him. He threw a punch that whizzed by my ear, and I got another bloke whos coming across the road to help, and we took him back to the police. Loading Fitz: I presume that the government of premier Sir Robert Askin plastered you in bravery awards. WH: No. I know some Labor people approached Askin and said, These fellows deserve some recognition and bravery award. And he just said, Its all politics and Im not going to do it. So the police commissioner stepped forward and gave us a citizens award for bravery and 50 bucks. Fitz: Good effort. And they said it was that closed window that saved Calwell because it deflected the bullet and he was only hit by flying glass. Is it odd to you that, to that point, there had been three assassination attempts in this land on public figures Governor Phillip copping the spear at Manly in 1790; Prince Alfred being shot at Clontarf in 1868; and Calwell being shot in Mosman in 1966? I mean, only three attempts, and they were all on the mean streets between Mosman and Manly, a matter of miles! WH (laughs): No, I never thought of that. Fitz: So did all those who said you were a coward now say you were a hero? WH: Not really, no. Fitz: Well, at least none of your Vietnam involvement either way hurt your legal career because, after first becoming a QC, you rose to be a judge in the industrial court. But last week, when I talked to Vietnam vet Don Barnby, I gave him the floor on what he wanted to say to the protesters of 50 years ago. I now offer you the chance, your honour, to make your own remarks to the veterans, from the bench, 50 years on. WH: I thought those of you who went were as brave as hell. And I thought it was disgraceful that you were sent to a war like that after accepting the argument that you were fighting communism. By that stage the Chinese werent even in the same room as the Russians about communism and the Vietnamese were even in another room altogether. But, I repeat, I thought you were incredibly brave. What made me most angry is how you were treated upon your return, how the government didnt look after your needs. So many of you came back shockingly drained and in all sorts of bad conditions, mentally and physically. You deserved better. Fitz: Fifty years on, the defence, and the prosecution, rests. Bravo, both of you. Lets have lunch with Don. Ill arrange. WH: Id love that. Lets go to Machiavelli in Clarence Street. Its not far from where medicals were conducted for conscripts. Twitter: @Peter_Fitz *Do you know of an extraordinary story like this? Please email pfitzsimons@smh.com.au Quote of the week School principals are pushing for an urgent review of religious education in NSW public schools, warning scripture classes are disrupting the curriculum and forcing thousands of students to miss out on crucial learning time. Fewer than 15 per cent of pupils at some of Sydneys public high schools attend Special Religious Education (SRE), according to data obtained under freedom of information laws. The NSW Principals Councils, Teachers Federation and P&C Federation are pushing for a review of SRE, which they argue is especially timely given major changes with rollout of the new NSW curriculum. Credit: Joe Armao Strict rules prevent students who opt out of religious classes from being able to learn the curriculum or engage in any formal school activities while the lessons are being held. At Sydney Secondary College Balmain Campus, Cronulla High and Arthur Phillip High, about 13 per cent of eligible students are enrolled in SRE this year. At Camden High, 7 per cent attend. Legally in Australia, we did not have to hand Angus over to [the Peaches]. Even though he was biologically their child, he was legally ours, but the concerning thing is that we also did not have to take him, McCloy said. So If we didnt take him and the Peaches decided they didnt want him, he could have ended up with child services. There needs to be changes to the law not just to protect the intended parents and the surrogates but, as it stands, theres absolutely zero protection in Australia for the child. It was not until last week that Angus was legally a part of the Peaches family the rubber stamp from the NSW Supreme Court took nine months. And even then, the paperwork lists Edwina as his father, and Charlie as his mother, so they must again wait for the documentation to be reissued. I couldnt even take Angus to get his injections because he wasnt on our Medicare card. He is our son, hes biologically our child, but we had to jump through hoops to just do that, Edwina said. And if anything happened to him in the interim, Jen and Ewen had medical power of attorney, and theyve already done so much by bringing him into the world, that shouldnt land on them, hes our child. The women hope that they can achieve change in NSW first, and then will take their campaign to the other states. Jennifer McCloy (left) was the surrogate mother for her close friend Edwina Peach. The experience has spurred them to campaign for a call to action to change the surrogacy laws in Australia, Credit: Dion Georgopoulos The pair will tell their story to the state government this week when they meet NSW Attorney-General Michael Daley, who told The Sun-Herald he was ready to listen. Surrogacy in NSW is regulated by the Surrogacy Act 2010. It was last subjected to statutory review in 2018. A spokesperson for the attorney-general said the laws included the [parties] ability to change their minds about continuing with the arrangement after the birth. The thing in Australia, though, is that you go through all this counselling, as the surrogate and the intended parents, and youve done all this legal work before you get to the point of implanting an embryo, so I dont see why you cant have all the paperwork drawn up, and the moment the child is born, why he cant legally belong to the intended parents from that moment, McCloy said. It is not like adoption; no one goes into a surrogacy arrangement without being clear about who the intended parents are and who the child belongs to. The same view is held by Alice Clarke, who, in 1988, was the first Australian child recognised to have been born via surrogacy. Alice Clarke was the first child recognised to have been born via surrogacy in Australia in 1988. She agrees that surrogacy laws need to change. Credit: Paul Jeffers/ The Age Straight after I was born, they made [surrogacy] explicitly illegal, and they didnt make it legal again in Victoria until I was about 19 and, in NSW, it was a bit earlier, but not much, Clarke said. One of my earliest memories is a bunch of religious people going on TV and saying, Alice Kirkman [maiden name] is a person many believe should never have been born, and that continued for years. Clarke, a freelance journalist, said the biggest problem for surrogates and intended parents was from people from the outside who were not involved in the process and who have likely not faced challenges that precluded them from carrying a child. But the fact is the kids are fine. I have never met an angry surrogate kid or a person who regrets being born using surrogacy, she said. Everyone is entitled to have a child if they want one and things need to change to allow for that and to allow for the ease in transferring [parentage] because that lessens the impact, mentally and financially, on all parties involved. Until 2014, Clarke was against compensated surrogacy, but that changed when she saw the case of baby Gammy. Baby on board: Intended parents Edwina (second from left) and Charlie Peach (right), and surrogate mother Jennifer McCloy and her husband Ewen Hollingsworth. The women are campaigning for change to make surrogacy more accessible in Australia. Gammy and his twin sister were born in 2013 in Thailand via surrogacy, for intended parents from Bunbury in Western Australia. When Gammy was born, he was diagnosed with Down syndrome and left behind with his surrogate, while his genetically healthy sister Pipah, returned to Australia with their intended parents. The case caused international outrage. I realised that people are going to use commercial surrogacy and if we regulate it in Australia, we can make sure there are fewer ways for it to be abused. We can make sure everyone in the process is kept safe, Clarke said. Surrogacy lawyer and former surrogate Sarah Jefford said a cap on compensation could be introduced to reduce the risk of exploitation. In Mexico or Ukraine, where the surrogates are recruited for their reproductive ability only and its usually because they dont have money surrogacy is offered as this really great option to feed your family, but youre in the middle of a war zone, or the healthcare is limited and there are no guarantees for baby or Mum, Jefford said. Whereas if you go to the US, there is money involved and its actually significantly more money but we know that the surrogates are screened mentally and physically and everybody gets independent legal advice. And while money might be part of the motivation, its not the sole motivation, [surrogates] are engaged and informed, and they have decision-making power. Jefford said the laws, as they stood, encouraged blackmarket alternatives. People who go into mines or drive cranes or work on oil rigs, they all take risks with their bodies, but theyre paid and thats regulated. The IVF clinics, the doctors, the lawyers, everyone else is making big bucks except the person who puts her body and health on the line, she said. Monash University PhD candidate Ezra Kneebone, who is researching the needs of surrogates and intended parents in Australia, said some surrogacy laws were based on outdated assumptions on how a surrogate should act and feel, rather than lived experience. This is because, for some, surrogacy is a controversial topic that challenges traditional views on family and motherhood, she said. Kneebone said surrogates were not eligible for Medicare rebates for IVF services, and were frequently left out-of-pocket. The IVF doctors, the lawyers and the counsellors are compensated for their role in the arrangement. I think its only fair for surrogates to receive compensation for the time, effort, risks and pain involved with carrying a pregnancy and giving birth, she said. Kneebone was one of 14 researchers across the fields of law, bioethics, public health, anthropology and medicine who wrote to the Senate Inquiry into Universal Access to Reproductive Healthcare last year to ask that surrogates be able to access Medicare. The academics were heard, and the inquiry recommended the change, but it is yet to be introduced. Both McCloy and Peach realise there is a long road ahead to see the change they believe is needed but say they are committed to the fight. The federal government is under pressure to increase the consumer regulators power to stop companies trapping people in ongoing subscription payments. Subscription trapping occurs when customers face hurdles or difficulties unsubscribing from a service and are forced to keep paying. Forgotten and unused subscriptions are also costing Australia $8 billion annually. Credit: iStock Under the existing legislation, the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission cannot take anything but the most egregious cases to court, and the government has yet to release a regulatory proposal to bring fair trading legislation up to speed with other countries. Consumer Policy Research Centre digital policy director Chandni Gupta said Australian legislation and protections against dishonest subscription models were lacking. David Baker doesnt mind a bit of drama when it comes to a dram. The former high school chemistry teacher left behind a career in education and refinanced his house to make whisky despite never having tried the stuff. No Breaking Bad comments please, the founder of Bakery Hill Distillery laughs. Ive always been absolutely fascinated with chemistry. Since he pioneered Victorias single malt scene by opening the Australian mainlands first distillery in the late 1990s, Baker has produced his whiskies in the shadow of what was coming out of Scotland. With Melbourne set to overtake Sydney as Australias largest city within a decade, Premier Daniel Andrews has warned that Melbourne cannot keep expanding on its fringes by building suburb after suburb. We need to create more housing with the best design standards where people want to live, he recently told The Sunday Age. The push to remove councils from decision-making for medium density housing projects follows suggestions the government will strip local councils of some planning powers. It sets the government on a potential collision course with communities in Melbournes leafy middle suburbs. Premier Daniel Andrews is preparing to reveal Victorias new housing policy. Credit: Luis Enrique Ascui VCAT recently overturned a decision by the City of Stonnington to block a four-storey apartment building in Malvern East after council ignored a recommendation by its own planning officers that the permit be approved. As part of its reasoning, VCAT ruled that Melbourne is now at a critical point, requiring new housing in inner and middle suburbs to tackle an acute housing shortage. The proposal to build 29 two and three-bedroom apartments on Wattletree Road in Malvern East was unanimously rejected at a council meeting last December after councillors sided with residents. There were 37 objections to the development, which is located in a residential area next to a tram line and across the road from Central Park. Many of the objections came from a neighbouring three-storey apartment block. Theres nothing of this height and magnitude in this area, said Mayor Jami Klisaris at the meeting when the proposal was blocked. The design is not in keeping with the area its quite modern, which I think would be a very harsh contrast. However, VCAT member Michael Deidun overturned the council decision in June, stating that the application met Stonnington planning scheme guidelines. Deidun said that the development was an example of the battles being fought over housing in the inner suburbs of Melbourne. VCAT overturned a decision by the City of Stonnington to block a four-storey apartment building on this lot. Credit: Penny Stephens Our city is at a critical point where new housing in inner and middle ring suburbs is required as one means of addressing an acute supply issue, he said. While I appreciate that the housing proposed on the review site will not be affordable, it will nonetheless increase the overall supply of and access to housing in our city. While the objectors argued they represented the surrounding community, Deidun said he also needed to consider those who could not break into the Malvern East housing market in his decision, as well as future generations of Victorians. Loading It is these later sectors of the community that will benefit most from the provision of increased housing supply in this desirable and highly liveable location, he said. Rollo Wright, director of real estate developer firm Roulston, said he felt the proposal had little chance of being approved once nearby residents began raising objections, even though it had the support of the councils planners. Councillors have got that in one ear and on the other hand they need to decide whether to listen to their paid experts, he said. Resident groups have recently stopped developments in Stonnington including a six-storey tower with 80 apartments proposed by Woolworths on Burke Road in Glen Iris. VCAT upheld the councils decision to block those plans. Many residents have time and money to lobby councillors, Wright said. He said the Wattletree Road building would primarily attract older downsizers who were leaving big family homes, freeing those properties up for younger buyers who want to live in the inner suburbs. It all contributes to affordability, its supply and demand, he said. The City of Stonnington defended its decision-making, saying that it had approved 97.4 per cent of planning applications in the past financial year. Council must assess each planning permit application on its merits, the council said in a statement. Loading For apartment developments, this often involves balancing policy that calls for increased density with the protection of residential amenity and character. Planning expert Marcus Spiller, from SGS Economics and Planning, said VCAT should stay out of broader planning policy questions. The policy content in planning I think should be strictly the preserve of elected people, he said. The role of VCAT is to resolve disputes in the interpretation of policy, but not to make policy. When asked about the plan to prevent locals from objecting to developments at council level, a state government spokesperson said there would be announcement about housing in due course. We know theres no more important issue anywhere in the state right now than housing thats why were working hard on a housing package, they said. A key part of the governments plan to tackle Victorias growing pains will be to strip local councils of decision-making powers, particularly those in key development zones close to public transport, such as along the governments flagship Suburban Rail Loop. The push was bolstered by the release of a report by Victorias Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission into developer payments linked to Casey Council. Under the now defunct plan, developers said, most of the market would have progressively moved east to the new open-air site, while stalls with local heritage protection would remain. The owners argue that the market urgently needs to be replaced and say all traders will have to close for two years under the governments proposal, which requires the stalls to stay where they are. The future of the market has become a key community issue. It has been linked to Labors margin in the once-safe seat of Preston being slashed by almost 20 per cent at the state election in November. Thousands of protesters turned out demanding Preston Market continue and pushing for a public acquisition of the site. Credit: Penny Stephens George Kanjere, from Save the Preston Market action group, said while supporters were buoyed by the state governments heritage move, he was waiting to see how the developers interpreted the overlay changes. Darebin Mayor Julie Williams, speaking privately and not on behalf of the council, said the devil would be in the detail of what the heritage listing would achieve. We Are Preston Market spokesperson Chris Legge said the biggest issue for traders was the uncertainty and the clock was ticking. Loading Traders are waiting for October 1, when they hope they will be given new leases until May, rather than notices to vacate for redevelopment or renovation works. Its going to have to be a drastic change to anything theyve looked at in the past, Legge said of the development plans. The process is going to take a lot of time, having to go back to the drawing board. From a traders perspective it means more sitting and waiting and uncertainty. A Salta spokesperson said their focus was on working with the traders. Any prolonged shutdown of the market just hurts the traders and places significant risk to their businesses, he said. We continue to review the minister for plannings decision, with continuity of trade as our primary objective. Amelia, 4, and Violet Spence, 6, show their support at the Save Preston Market Day. Credit: Nicole Precel Kanjere said that if the developers did plan to close the market, the state government should investigate public acquisition something the group and some members of the community had pushed for. If its in the hands of a private developer whos prepared to just close it if they dont achieve their narrow development goals, then thats really unacceptable for the wider community, he said. The market ought to be in public hands But Legge said traders had been told public acquisition was highly unlikely. Loading As much as it is a romantic idealism of public acquisition of the market that would be welcomed by community and traders, with equally open arms, now is not the time for pipe dreams, now is the time for realistic implementable action, he said. Organisers said there were more than 2000 people at the rally on Saturday, while the market owner put the number at 500. Legge said that while he appreciated the support, he questioned holding the rally on a Saturday, the busiest day for traders and customers who needed to find parks. But stallholder Michelle Shen said she was encouraged by the support the community had shown. She said she was equally nervous and hopeful of a positive outcome. We put in a lot of effort here. We work very hard. I know a lot of people have shops for generations, she said. A lot of people, they come to the market every week. Where will they go? Going to the supermarket is not the same. We need the market. We depend on the market, we depend on people who come to the market. Environmental activists have joined forces across Australia to call for a national ban on the logging of native forests, with those in Western Australia joining in at a rally at Parliament House on Saturday. The state is leading the way for the rest of the country, after introducing a ban on logging native forests which will begin from 2024. While logging native forest will be banned in 2024, much of the black cockatoo habitat is already gone, and the pine trees they live in are still being cut down. Credit: Holly Thompson Rally organiser Paddy Cullen said the goal was now to stop native forest logging nationally, and that doing so would contribute 40 per cent to Australias carbon target and greatly reduce extinction rates. We need to do this for our children and every generation to follow. Anthony Albanese has a moment in history to do something great, he said. Only one Victorian Liberal has declared their support for the Indigenous Voice to Parliament, despite the partys MPs being granted a free vote on the issue in this years referendum. Opposition Leader John Pesutto is one of the last Liberal leader holdouts yet to declare his position on the Voice, after his NSW and Western Australia counterparts both revealed how they would vote this week. Jess Wilson is the only member of the Victorian Liberal party room to publicly declare she will vote Yes in the referendum. Credit: Eamon Gallagher The Sunday Age contacted all Victorian Liberal MPs who were yet to state their public position, with just one Kew MP Jess Wilson confirming she would vote Yes in the referendum, which could be held as soon as eight weeks time. Of the 29 MPs in the state Liberal party room, 19 publicly confirmed they would vote No. Dr Dang Nguyen and her family havent had a mortgage for years. After living in a caravan for 18 months with her husband and daughter - a fun lifestyle while travelling but too small for permanent living - she designed two tiny house units that are 9.5 metres long. Dr Dang Nguyen and Peter Wigley in their tiny home. Credit: Danielle Smith Advocates for tiny homes believe living in intentional tiny home communities with shared facilities could be one part of the solution to the affordable housing crisis. Although no substitute for more suburban infill development or apartment blocks near transport links, it could be a piece of the puzzle for some. Her family has been living in their tiny house in northern NSW for two and a half years. The two units cost $240,000 to build and the separation was preferred to a tiny house with an upstairs level. The design allows everyone to have their sense of space and a cosy shared living area when they are all together. DUBAI, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- The committee of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expressed its support for the efforts to enhance cooperation between ASEAN and the UAE, the official news agency WAM reported Friday. It comes as the committee held a meeting in UAE's capital Abu Dhabi to celebrate the 56th anniversary of ASEAN's establishment, which falls on Aug. 8, said the WAM. At the meeting, the committee highlighted the importance of ties between ASEAN and the UAE, which has become a sectoral dialogue partner of the bloc since August 2022. Ambassadors and other diplomats of ASEAN member states in the UAE attended the meeting and expressed their readiness to work closely to strengthen the solidarity of the ASEAN community in the Gulf country, the report added. ASEAN was established in 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand, with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration by the founding members of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Were prepared to do with wine what we did with barley, suspend the application, that will require some action on their part to review their internal application of tariffs, he said. While Australian barley producers were able to find new markets for their grain, wine producers were not as successful and have borne the brunt of Beijings economic coercion. Trade Minister Don Farrell on a trade visit to Beijing in May. Credit: DFAT Both the value and volume of Australian wine exported plummeted after 2020, following a pre-pandemic peak. China was Australias largest wine buyer between 2017 and 2021, but slipped out of the top 10 in 2022 as a result of Chinas 212 per cent tariffs. The total value of Australias wine exports was $1.8 billion in the 12 months to June this year, down from 2019s record high of $2.9 billion. China is the biggest trading partner of both New Zealand and Australia. Before New Zealand embraced its zero-COVID policy, it was exporting more than it was importing. However, since September 2021 the country has been in trade deficit. Loading Australia, by contrast is in trade surplus, with exports to China overwhelmingly iron ore comprising 30 per cent of its total goods shipped overseas. OConnor agreed that it would be devastating for New Zealand if Beijing imposed the same punitive tariffs it slapped on Australia. We wouldnt like to see anything like this happen across the globe, thats why we support the World Trade Organisation and regardless of who conducts any kind of coercion or who breaks any trade rules, we think there should be a good dispute settlement process at the WTO, OConnor said. Australia and New Zealand have looked for new markets in the wake of Chinas trade sanctions. New Zealand, with a population of 5 million, ranks as Australias 10th-largest trading partner, whereas Australia is New Zealands second-largest partner, behind only China. Loading Farrell said he was mindful of partnerships as he showed OConnor around the Clare Valley, following the 40th round of Kiwi-Australia Closer Economic Relations Trade Talks. Its been 40 years, the same number of years Ive been married to my wife, and as Damien pointed out ... you dont want to take anything for granted in the relationship, Farrell said. He said that the Albanese governments strategy of diversifying trading relationships also meant building on existing relationships with current friends. One of the reasons for bringing [OConnor] to the Clare Valley is, so he can experience the magnificent food and wine of this region, and he can go back and talk about that, Farrell said. The things that we do well, the export of food and wine, I think we can do it even better in partnership with the New Zealanders. Diversification leads to Europe OConnor conceded New Zealand had been slower than Australia in opening trade talks with the worlds most populous country, India, but said recent deals struck with the UK and the European Union were a significant start. A deal with the EU has so far eluded Australia. Asked if Australia would accept a New Zealand-style deal offered by Brussels, Farrell said: We think weve got more things to offer the Europeans. Loading He said the abundance of critical minerals that Europe needed to meet its net-zero emissions goals meant Australia hoped to gain greater access to EU markets. The New Zealand agreement was good for New Zealand, as the minister [OConnor] said, but we want a different arrangement with the Europeans, Farrell said. Australia and the EU failed to strike a deal in trade talks last month, and are due to resume negotiations this month. Ive invited [European] Commissioner [for Trade, Valdis] Dombrovskis to come to Australia for another round of negotiations and hopefully, we can do that, Farrell said. Ive been there three times, so its a case now of them giving consideration where the next place for the negotiations will be. European Commission trade spokeswoman Miriam Garcia Ferrer said more was needed before talks would resume. At the last ministerial-level round of talks last month, there were several issues on which the Australian side required further internal consultations, she said. We look forward to engaging with our Australian partners to conclude soon. Hawaiis Attorney-General, Anne Lopez, said her office will be conducting a comprehensive review of decision-making and standing policies surrounding the wildfires. My department is committed to understanding the decisions that were made before and during the wildfires and to sharing with the public the results of this review, she said in a statement on Friday, adding that now is the time to begin this process of understanding. The Associated Press created a timeline of the wildfires, using information from multiple sources including the countys announcements, state and local Emergency Management Alerts and interviews with officials and survivors. Thomas Leonard lies on an air mattress at an evacuation centre at the War Memorial Gymnasium on Thursday after his Lahaina apartment burned down. Credit: AP The timeline shows public updates on the fires were spotty and often vague, and much of the countys attention was focused on another dangerous, larger fire in Upcountry Maui that was threatening neighbourhoods in Kula. It shows no indication that county officials ever activated the regions all-hazard siren system, and reveals other emergency alerts were scarce. In the hours before the wildfires began, however, warnings about high winds were frequent and widely disseminated by the county and other agencies. A hurricane passing far to the south was expected to bring gusts of up to 105 km/h, residents were told on Monday. Loading The Upcountry fire started first, reported not long after midnight on Tuesday, and the first evacuations near Kula followed. The fire near Lahaina started later, around 6.37am on Tuesday. Some homes in Lahainas most inland neighbourhood were evacuated, but by 9.55am the county reported that the fire was fully contained. Still, the announcement included another warning that high winds would remain a concern for the next 24 hours. The power also went out early that morning, leaving several thousand customers in the Lahaina/West Maui region and Upcountry without electricity. Several downed power lines required repair. By 11am, firefighting crews from several towns and the Hawaii Department of Lands had converged on the Upcountry fire, but wind gusts reaching 129km/h made conditions unsafe for helicopters. At 3.20pm, more Upcountry neighbourhoods were evacuated. The Lahaina fire, meanwhile, had escaped containment and forced the closure of the Lahaina Bypass road by 3.30pm. The announcement, however, didnt make it into a county fire update until 4.45pm and didnt show up on the county Facebook page until nearly 5pm, when survivors say flames were surrounding the cars of families trapped downtown. Wildfire damage is shown on Saturday in Lahaina, Hawaii. Credit: AP But while the Lahaina fire was spreading, Maui County and Hawaii Emergency Management Agency officials were making other urgent announcements including a Facebook post about additional evacuations near the Upcountry fire and an announcement that the acting governor had issued an emergency proclamation. In the Upcountry evacuation Facebook post at 3.20pm, Fire Assistant Chief Jeff Giesea shared an ominous warning. The fire can be a mile or more from your house, but in a minute or two, it can be at your house, Giesea said. Mike Cicchino lived below the Lahaina Bypass in one of Lahainas more inland neighbourhoods. He went to his house at 3.30pm and minutes later realised his neighbourhood was quickly being enveloped by flames. Sydney Carney walks through her home, which was destroyed by wildfire, in Lahaina, Hawaii on Friday. Credit: AP He yelled to the neighbour kids to get their mum and leave. He ran inside to collect his wife and the dogs they were watching. Cicchino, along with others in the neighbourhood, then jumped in their cars to leave. He listened for announcements on his car radio, but said there was essentially no information. The governments social media attention turned from Upcountry back to Lahaina at 4.29pm, when Hawaii EMA posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the local Maui EMA had announced an immediate evacuation for an inland subdivision in Lahaina. Residents were directed to shelter at the Lahaina Civic Centre on the north side of town. Just before 5pm, Maui County shared a new Lahaina fire report on Facebook: Flareup forces Lahaina Bypass road closure; shelter in place encouraged. Many were already running from the flames. Lynn Robison evacuated from her apartment near the waterfronts Front Street at 4.33pm. The shells of burned houses and buildings are left after wildfires driven by high winds burned across most of the town in Lahaina, Maui. Credit: Reuters There was no warning. There was absolutely none. Nobody came around. We didnt see a fire truck or anybody, Robison said. Lana Vierra left her neighbourhood less than 2 kilometres away around the same time. Her boyfriend had stopped by and told her hed seen the approaching fire on the drive. He told me straight, People are going to die in this town; you gotta get out, she recalled. There had been no sirens, no alerts on her mobile phone, she said. Loading But access to the main highway the only road leading in and out of Lahaina was cut off by barricades set up by authorities. The roadblocks forced people directly into harms way, funnelling cars onto Front Street. All the locals were pigeonholed into Lahaina in that corner there, and I felt like the county put us into a death trap, Cicchino said. Nathan Baird and his family escaped by driving past a barricade, he told Canadian Broadcaster CBC Radio. Traffic was all over the place. Nobody knew where to go. They were trying to make everybody go up to the Civic Centre and ... it just didnt make sense to me, Baird said. I was so confused. At first, I was like, Why are all these people driving towards the fire? Cicchino and his wife became trapped by walls of flame as Front Street burned. They ran for the ocean, spending hours crouching behind the sea wall or treading water in the choppy waves, depending on which area felt safest as the ever-changing fire raged. At 5.20pm, Maui County shared another Lahaina fire update on Facebook: Evacuations in one subdivision were continuing, but access to the main highway was back open. The US Coast Guards first notification about the fires was when the search and rescue command centre in Honolulu received reports of people in the water near Lahaina at 5.45pm, said Captain Aja Kirksy, commander of Coast Guard Sector Honolulu. The boats were hard to see because of the smoke, but Cicchino and others used mobile phones to flash lights at the vessels, guiding them in. Loading Cicchino helped load children into the Coast Guard boats, and at one point loaned his phone which had been stashed in his wifes waterproof pouch to a member of the guard so they could contact fire crews. He said the rescue took hours, and he and his wife were finally brought out of Lahaina around 1am on Wednesday. Maui County Facebook posts about 8.40pm on Tuesday urged residents in the surrounding area who werent affected by the fires to shelter in place, and said smoke was forcing more road closures. A commenter pointed out the communication problems just before 9pm. You do realise that all communication to Lahaina is cut off and nobody can get in touch with anyone on that side, the commenter wrote. Riley Curran, who fled his Lahaina home after climbing up a neighbouring apartment building to get a better look at the fire, doesnt think there is anything the county could have done. Its not that people didnt try to do anything. Its that it was so fast no one had time to do anything, Curran said. The fire went from 0 to 100. But Cicchino said it all felt like the county wasnt prepared and government agencies werent communicating with each other. I feel like the county really cost a lot of peoples lives and homes that day. I felt like a lot of this could have been prevented if they just thought about this stuff in the morning, and took their precaution, he said. You live in a fire zone. They have a lot of fires. You need to prepare for fires. The all-hazard sirens are tested each month to ensure they are in working order. During the most recent test, on August 1, they malfunctioned in three separate incidents in three counties. Mauis siren tone was too short, so officials repeated the test later that day, successfully. Karl Kim directs the National Disaster Preparedness Training Centre, a University of Hawaii-based organisation that develops training materials to help officials respond to natural disasters. Kim said its too soon to know exactly how the warning and alert system might have saved more lives in Lahaina, and noted that wildfires are often more challenging to manage than volcanic eruptions, tsunamis and even earthquakes because they are more difficult to detect and track over time. Washington: US President Joe Biden could be campaigning for re-election with his son on trial after a criminal probe into Hunter Biden intensified, resulting in the federal Justice Department assigning a special counsel to oversee the case. In a surprise move, US Attorney-General Merrick Garland announced that the prosecutor who charged Hunter over tax and gun crimes last month had been given sweeping new powers to oversee an ongoing investigation into his business dealings, noting the extraordinary circumstances made it a matter of public interest. From left: Merrick Garland, Hunter Biden and Joe Biden. Credit: AP, Reuters The unexpected decision to appoint US Attorney David Weiss as a special counsel fuelled speculation that Hunters woes are becoming a growing liability for his father, who is heading into an election year with mounting questions over any possible links to them. Hunter, 53, pleaded not guilty to tax evasion and illegal gun possession last month after a plea deal he entered into to keep him out of jail unravelled at the last minute. PHILIPSBURG:--- As our young students embark on their educational journey, The Police Force of Sint Maarten emphasizes the paramount importance of road and personal safety. With the official start of the school year, we urge parents, guardians, and bus drivers to actively participate in safeguarding our children. Your input is invaluable in ensuring their well-being during their daily commutes. Responsible driving habits and adherence to traffic regulations are fundamental to creating a safe environment for everyone. We kindly request parents to exercise caution and responsibility while navigating traffic. Let us work together to prevent any incidents that could lead to harm. We also call upon parents who transport their children to school on motorcycles to prioritize safety. Ensure your children are securely transported and avoid carrying more than one child on a motorcycle. As partners in the community, your collective efforts can significantly contribute to the protection of our students. By fostering a culture of safety, we aim to create a learning environment that nurtures growth without compromise. Let us unite in keeping our students safe and ensuring a successful academic year ahead. KPSM Press Release. Sub-Regional Director for the Caribbean of the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) Diane Quarless says Caribbean SIDS (Small Island Developing States) must stop working in silos to tackle development challenges and unlock the full potential of the region. Director Quarless was speaking in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines at a meeting of Caribbean SIDS, where representatives from 16 countries are assessing progress on sustainable development and planning for the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States in 2024. We are not small island states, we are large ocean states. We need to be taking full advantage of the potential and the possibility that we get from the utilization of the resources of the sea. We need to sit down and plan that. When last did we have a meeting that speaks to the potential of the blue economy among ourselves, we need to stop working in silos, thats the next thing. That is one of the things that we need to look at going forward. You don't work at the national level when you can work regionally, you know, or inter-regionally. We all share the same challenges. Presenting excerpts from the Caribbean Regional Synthesis Report, on progress in sustainable development, Director Quarless said Caribbean SIDS must be the ones setting the best practice for the region, We need to lead by example, it is very important. Climate action. What can I say? The need for investment in adaptation and mitigation. The support the need for funding adaptation, loss, and damage, green climate funding to be replenished, the energy transition all the climate adaptation issues that are being discussed in the COP are critical We need to be going green. Director Quarless also touched on other major challenges in Caribbean development including the vulnerability of the tourism-based economy, youth development, education, gender equality, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The countries and territories attending the meeting include Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, British Virgin Islands, Curacao, and Sint Maarten. All these countries are SIDS, which are challenged by the issues of climate change, and small economies while trying to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals SDGs (17 areas for improvement of human and environmental life) by 2030. The UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, Li Jinhua said By fostering regional collaboration and partnerships, Caribbean nations can leverage their collective strength to overcome common challenges and embrace sustainable solutions. The United Nations is committed to supporting these initiatives to improve the livelihoods of SIDS communities and contribute to efforts towards a more resilient and sustainable future. Antigua and Barbuda will host the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States in 2024. The Conference will bring world leaders together to focus on practical and impactful solutions to create a sustainable and safe future for people in SIDS and to deliver concrete actions to address challenges such as the climate crisis, biodiversity, and spiraling debt. Photo taken on April 19, 2021 shows a quantum science experimental satellite model exhibited during the 1st Summit of Jinan National Artificial Intelligence Innovation and Application (JNAIIA) Pilot Zone & the Exposition of Artificial Intelligence Innovation and Application on Yellow River Basin in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province. (Xinhua/Guo Xulei) BEIJING, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- China strives to make frontier breakthroughs in science and technology via the advancing computing power of artificial intelligence (AI) that has seen explosive growth in the country. Scientists and AI developers applauded the revolution of AI-driven scientific research at the two-day AI for Science Summit in Beijing, which started on Thursday. "AI development benefited from science," said Tang Chao, a professor from the Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies (AAIS) at Peking University, at the meeting. "Now, we're looking forward to embracing a stage where AI facilitates scientific progress." AI for Science (AI4Science) can form an interdisciplinary platform and help scientists to solve complicated problems to improve research efficiency and quality, said E Weinan, president of the AI for Science Institute in Beijing. AI4Science demands four pillars of infrastructure -- algorithm models and software, effective measures to represent experimental data, database and knowledge repository, and integrated computing platform, said E. The Ministry of Science and Technology and the National Natural Science Foundation of China jointly kickstarted a project to promote the use of AI in frontier sci-tech research in March. The project will deploy AI models and algorithms in gene research and biology breeding breakthroughs. Also, interdisciplinary research and development teams will be brought together to promote the establishment of an innovation consortium and build international academic exchange platforms to offer solutions to human scientific challenges, including cancer treatment and the climate crisis. E said AI4Science might bring revolutionary changes in new materials, energy, aviation, and pharmaceuticals. Using AI and one of the world's fastest supercomputers, Chinese scientists have already started to engineer otherwise unknown chemicals to be clinically used in the future. With the Tianhe-2 supercomputer in south China's Guangdong Province, scientists and computer experts with Beijing-based AI startup Galixir developed a practical deep-learning toolkit to predict the biosynthetic pathways for natural products, the primary source of clinical drug discovery. Empowered by AI-based algorithms, the computer also offers clinicians tools to discern types of gastric cancer and discover signs of nasopharynx cancer among high-risk populations. The new application scenarios are also a source of opportunities for the AI industry. "Scientists can bring giant advancement to AI when they're solving problems," said Wang Jian, director of Zhejiang Lab. BEIJING, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- China's imports of iron ore registered steady growth in the first seven months of 2023, data from the General Administration of Customs showed. During the period, China imported a total of 669 million tonnes of iron ore, up 6.9 percent from the same period last year, according to the data. In the January-July period, the average price of imported iron ore stood at 785.6 yuan (about 109.77 U.S. dollars), down 5.1 percent from a year earlier. J ason Momoa has warned holidaymakers not to travel to Maui as the Hawaii island continues to deal with the destruction of the wildfires. The native Hawaiian actor has been resharing resources to social media over the past few days to inform his followers about the devastation on the island, where at least 80 people are confirmed to have died. Alongside a video shared on his Instagram which showed the raging fire, the Aquaman star wrote: Maui is not the place to have your vacation right now. Do not travel to Maui. Do not convince yourself that your presence is needed on an island that is suffering this deeply. Mahalo to everyone who has donated and shown aloha to the community in this time of need. In the video post, which the actor reshared from another account, it said: Our community needs time to heal, grieve and restore. That means the less visitors on island taking up critical resources that have become extremely limited the better. The fires, which started on Tuesday, are being fuelled by a dry summer and strong winds from a passing hurricane. They are the deadliest the US has seen since the 2018 Camp Fire in California, which killed at least 85 people and devastated the town of Paradise. Residents of Maui have been asked to return to their communities which have been devastated by the wildfires. Hawaiian Governor Josh Green has warned the death toll would likely rise above 80 as search and rescue operations continue. An F-16 fighter performs during the Breitling Huntington Beach Airshow, in Orange County, California, the United States, on Sept. 30, 2017. (Xinhua/Zhao Hanrong) Language barrier stands as one of the obstacles for the Ukrainians -- all the tech manuals are in English, and all the controls inside the aircraft are in English. WASHINGTON, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- The United States is open to the idea of letting Ukrainian pilots come to the country for trainings on how to operate F-16 fighters, a spokesperson for the U.S. National Security Council (NSC) said Friday. "Our European allies, as I said, are leading the effort. But if the capacity for training in Europe is reached, we are certainly open to doing the training for Ukrainian pilots here in the United States," the NSC's coordinator for strategic communications John Kirby said during a virtual news briefing with members of the press. Kirby stressed that the training is a time-consuming "multi-step process" that ultimately aims to "improve the Ukrainian self-defense and military capabilities for the long term." "It's going to be a while before jets can show up in Ukraine and for them to be integrated into the air fleet, and it's not just a function of the transfer of actual airframes," he said, adding that the provision of F-16s and other fourth generation aircraft also involves "the appropriate training for pilots, as well as setting up all the maintenance logistics and sustainment efforts that go into having modern aircraft like the F-16 in your fleet." Language barrier stands as one of the obstacles for the Ukrainians, according to Kirby. "All the tech manuals are in English, and all the controls inside the aircraft are in English. And so a pilot is going to have at least some basic proficiency in the language to be able to just get in there and fly," he said, adding that trainers from Britain have expressed willingness to help with that. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (R) meets with U.S. President Joe Biden in Kiev, Ukraine, Feb. 20, 2023. (Ukrainian Presidential Office/Handout via Xinhua) The spokesperson's remarks were in response to a reporter who, while asking a question, mentioned what seemed to be complaints from Ukraine about delays in the training that may result in Ukrainian pilots not being able to fly F-16s "until next summer at the earliest," thus constituting "an additional obstacle to them against Russia." U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told CNN's Jake Tapper last month that President Joe Biden "has given a green light" to European allies starting to train Ukrainians on the F-16. "We will allow, permit, support, facilitate, and, in fact, provide the necessary tools for Ukrainians to begin being trained on F-16s as soon as the Europeans are prepared," Sullivan said during CNN's "State of the Union" program that aired on July 16. In May, Biden informed leaders of the Group of Seven nations that the United States would support a joint effort by allies and partners to train Ukrainian pilots on fourth generation aircraft, including F-16s. Made days before Ukraine launched its highly publicized counteroffensive against Russia, Biden's decision was intended to give Ukraine air superiority. In doing so, the president reversed from his long-held hesitation, for fear that arming the Ukrainian Air Force with such advanced capabilities risks escalating Kiev's ongoing conflict with Moscow to a point where it spirals out of control. A third man has been charged in connection with the fatal stabbing of a 22-year-old two years ago. Kai Davis, who was 22 at the time, was knifed in the chest as he got food with a friend and chatted to people leaving Pryzm nightclub in Kingston town centre on August 21, 2021. Oliver Barker-Perez, 24, of Vera Road, SW6, has been convicted with manslaughter and has become the third person to be convicted in connection with the death of Mr Davis. Barker-Perez, had fled the UK following the incident but was extradited back from Spain last November and will be sentenced on October 2. Detective inspector Mike Nolan, the lead investigator, said: Although, Oliver Barker-Perez did not inflict the fatal blow, he was well aware that his friend intended to cause serious harm to Kai Davis. This investigation has taken two years and I am glad that all the people involved in this fatal attack have now been brought to justice. The murder of Kai Davis is another example of the mindless act of knife crime in London, that leaves a trail of devastation for the victims family and friends. A trial a Kingston Crown Court heard that Barker-Perez had provided his top to Ben Myles, who inflicted the fatal stab wound, to conceal his identity. Barker-Perez had accompanied Myles to an alleyway where they collected knives used to stab Mr Davis before the attack. It was the prosecution case that, through his presence with Myles, before and during the fatal confrontation, Barker-Perez encouraged him in his actions and, at the very least, he intended that Myles would cause Mr Davis very serious harm. Joseph Barker was also convicted of manslaughter in connection with Mr Davis death. P olice have launched an investigation after a man was shot in broad daylight on a busy north London street close to a police station. The man was shot on Stoke Newington High Street, close to Stoke Newington Police station, shortly after 3pm on Friday. He suffered a non-life-threatening arm injury in the incident, the Met said on Saturday. Detectives are hunting the gunman and no arrests have been made. The scene of the shooting / StokeyLitFest / Twitter Detective Chief Inspector Iain Wallace, who is leading the investigation, said: Gun crime has no place on the streets of London and our dedicated team of detectives will do all we can to track down whoever was responsible for this brazen crime. This shooting happened in a busy area during the middle of the day so Im certain there will be people who saw what happened who can help with our enquiries. If you can help, please do get in touch. Hackney Police said: Enquiries are being carried out at pace after a man was shot in Stoke Newington High Street shortly after 3pm today. No arrests have been made at this stage, and a scene is in place which will be affecting peoples travel through the area. We are working hard to establish who is responsible and will keep everyone updated as soon as possible - we know this is a hugely concerning incident. The road was closed from Victorian Road, past Stoke Newington Police station, to Kynaston Avenue while police carried out their enquiries. A London Ambulance Spokesperson said they were called to treat a man as a priority in nearby Yorkshire Close. We were called today (August 11) at 3:15pm to reports of a shooting on Yorkshire Close, Hackney, said the spokesperson. We sent a number of resources to the scene, including an advanced paramedic, an incident response officer, an ambulance crew, and a medic in a fast-response car. Our crews treated a man at the scene before taking them to hospital as a priority. Officers authorised a Section 60 covering the whole borough of Hackney until 7.30am Saturday, meaning police can search members of the public for weapons without needing the usual reasonable grounds of suspicion. The enhanced stop and search power is intended to prevent serious violence associated with weapons and can only be authorised by a senior officer. Anyone with information or footage is being asked to contact the Met, quoting CAD4206/11AUG. A t least six people have died and more than 50 were rescued after a boat carrying migrants sank in the Channel. British and French coastguards have been involved in a large-scale operation after the vessel got into difficulty off the coast of Sangatte on Saturday morning. Around 65 people are thought to have boarded the boat with two still feared missing at sea based on the accounts of survivors, Frances Maritime Prefecture of the Channel and the North Sea said. Six were recovered in serious condition, one of whom was flown by helicopter to a Calais hospital and declared dead. An updated statement said the other five, who were taken in by boat, had also died. A passing ship first raised the alarm at around 4.20am that a vessel was sinking near Calais in the early hours of Saturday, the prefecture said. It had been one of several migrant boats that had set off between Friday night and Saturday morning aiming to reach the British coast, according to the French authorities. A French vessel then located a boat using optronic technology and approached to begin rescue operations using a 25-person life raft and a Rigid Inflatable Boat (Rib). In the hours that followed, a French Navy aircraft and helicopter were deployed, assisted by several other French boats along with two British vessels. Some 22 people were rescued and dropped off in Dover, including by a Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) crew and a British chartered ship. HM Coastguard are working on a co-ordinated response and further information will be provided in due course At least 36 survivors were collected by French boats and taken to the port of Calais, as well as the five people who died. Home Secretary Suella Braverman chaired a meeting with Border Force officials later on Saturday morning, describing the incident as a tragic loss of life. She is being updated on latest developments in the operation. A UK Government spokesperson said: These deaths are devastating and our thoughts are with the victims families and friends at this time. This incident is sadly another reminder of the extreme dangers of crossing the Channel in small boats and how vital it is that we break the people smugglers business model and stop the boats. Rescue teams from Folkestone and Langdon Bay along with paramedics from South East Coast Ambulance have also been sent to respond, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said. A French Navy aircraft and helicopter had been deployed, assisted by a number of boats and merchant vessels, a British chartered ship and the UK Coastguard. An investigation has also been opened by the Boulogne prosecutors office. It comes after 755 people crossed the English Channel in small boats on Thursday, the highest daily number so far this year, confirming the total since 2018 has passed 100,000. Some 343 people in six boats were detected crossing the Channel on Friday, according to Home Office figures. It means more than 1,000 made the journey over two days and takes the provisional total for the year so far to more than 16,000. Thursdays figures were recorded as another major search and rescue operation was launched after 17 migrants went overboard and were pulled from the water. The Home Office said they were all taken ashore for medical checks. Campaigners said the incident underscored the need for safe passages into the UK for people seeking refuge. Care4Calais said the incident was an appalling and preventable tragedy while the Refugee Council urged the Government to focus on creating an orderly and humane asylum system. Head of bargaining at the Public and Commercial Services union Paul OConnor said the Government had blood on its hands and showed no desire to prevent the dangerous crossings. Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said it is desperately necessary to stop people making the journey and the terrible criminal smuggling gangs who profit while lives are lost. Natalie Elphicke, Conservative MP for Dover, said the incident reinforced the need for joint patrols in the Channel. She told the PA news agency: Todays tragedy underlines why we must stop the small boats to keep people safe and prevent loss of life in the Channel. These overcrowded and unseaworthy deathtraps should obviously be stopped by the French authorities from leaving the French coast in the first place. The time has come for joint patrols on the French coast and a cross-Channel security zone before any more lives are lost. It comes after the Government came under fire on Friday following the removal asylum seekers on the Bibby Stockholm barge due to the discovery of Legionella bacteria in the water supply. The vessel had been billed as an alternative to housing migrants in expensive hotels but all 39 on board have now been placed in alternative accommodation while health checks are carried out. Senior Conservative MP David Davis said the disembarkment revealed the startling incompetence of the Home Office while fellow Tory backbencher Tim Loughton said it was an embarrassment. The Home Office has said the health and welfare of asylum seekers remains of the utmost priority and that the evacuation was a precautionary measure, with no one on board having fallen sick. A man has been charged with murder after a fatal stabbing in south-east London. Ismaiel Kallon, 20, of Kender Street, Lewisham, was charged with murder on Friday, the Metropolitan Police said. He will appear in custody at Bromley Magistrates Court on Saturday. Julian Ebanks-Ford, 20, was found with stab wounds on Kender Street, at the junction with Queens Road, just before 1am on Friday August 4. He was taken to hospital in a critical condition but died that afternoon. The Met Police added that a post-mortem examination on August 5 confirmed Mr Ebanks-Ford died as a result of a single stab wound. Two other people were arrested in connection with the incident. A 19-year-old man was held on suspicion of murder on August 5 and released on bail. A 19-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder on August 7 and released with no further action. T he Duke of Sussex has played in a polo match in aid of disadvantaged young people affected by HIV/Aids, a move he said was in honour of his mother. Harry saddled up to take part in the sporting event for his charity Sentebale in Singapore on Saturday, with money raised used to support the organisations clubs and camps programme, which provides intensive psychosocial support to young people living with HIV. He played on the Royal Salute Sentebale team against a Singapore Polo Club team captained by the charitys ambassador and his long-time friend, Argentinian polo player Nacho Figueras. Both the duke and Figueras scored as the match ended 7-7. Getty Images for Sentebale Sentebale was founded by the duke and Lesothos Prince Seeiso in 2006 to help the most vulnerable children and young people in southern Africa receive support to lead healthy and productive lives. Harry said: Sentebale has remained a pillar of support in communities across southern Africa for almost two decades, ensuring future generations are well equipped to address the many challenges facing our world. Adaptability and nimbleness have been a defining factor in our work since Prince Seeiso and I founded the charity 17 years ago. Our work has remained rooted in our mission, and in honour of our late mothers we wish to ensure all children and young people in southern Africa are empowered, healthy and able to pursue their ambitions and dreams. Diana, Princess of Wales, pioneered efforts to challenge the stigma around the disease, holding hands and hugging patients with Aids in the 1980s when many still wrongly believed it could be contracted through casual contact. Since 2010, the annual polo cup has raised more than 11 million to support Sentebales work with children and young people affected by poverty, inequality and HIV/Aids in southern Africa. Figueras said: Although Prince Harry and I played on opposing teams this year, we are always united in our support for Sentebale and the life-changing work they do for young people in southern Africa. Its a highlight every year to come together for this incredible charity, and Im grateful to everyone who contributes to their work. R ussia has redeployed elite airborne forces from the Kherson region to Zaporizhzhia where fighting is intensifying, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has said in its latest update. The move is believed to be made to allow troops from Russias 58th Combined Arms Army (CAA) to be given rest and recuperation after been fighting back Ukraininan assaults since June. The units previous chief Major General Ivan Popov was sacked by the Kremlin after calling for his troops to be rested as the Ukrainian counter offensive took its toll, according to the MoD. Meanwhile Russias 70th and 71st rifle units have also been involved in heavy combat in Zaporizhzhia, home of Europes largest nuclear plant and a battle zone wracked by intense attrition the update said. The assessment is that although the arrival of the airborne forces of the VDV will allow those troops to rest, the redeployment will leave Russias lines on the Dnipro river more exposed to attack and crossings by amphibious Ukrainian forces. The update added: Russia has likely redeployed airborne forces units from the Kherson region to Zaporizhzhia oblast. The 58th Combined Arms Army (CAA) has been in combat facing Ukrainian assaults since 4 June 2023. As early as 11 July 2023, the then commander of 58 CAA was sacked, likely partially becuase of his insistence that that elements of his force needed to be relieved. Reports that the 70th and 71st Motor Rifle regiments have faced particularly intense attrition and heavy combat on the front line. there is a realsitic possbility that the arrival of the VDV will finally alow elements of those regiments to be pulled out for rest and recovery. However, the redeployment will likely leave Russias defences near the east bank of the Dnipro River weaker, where they are increasingly harassed by Ukrainian amphibious raid. T wo missiles have been fired at a bridge linking Russia to the annexed Crimean peninsula, the Kremlin has claimed. Pictures on social media show plumes of smoke rising near the Kerch bridge with Russias defence ministry claiming a pair of S-200 missiles were shot down causing no damage. Ukraine has not commented on the alleged attack. Crimeas Moscow-appointed governor, Sergei Aksyonov, reported that Russian air defence had shot down two Ukrainian missiles. The Ukrainian missile was detected in a timely manner and was intercepted in the air by Russian air defence systems. No damage or casualties were reported, the ministry said in a statement. There can be no justification for such barbaric actions and they will not go unanswered, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova wrote on Telegram. Separately, Russian forces destroyed 20 Ukrainian drones launched onto the Crimean Peninsula earlier on Saturday, Russias Defence Ministry said. There have been at least two other attacks targeting the bridge in the past few months. The Kerch bridge was opened in 2018 and enables road and rail travel between Russia and Crimea - Ukrainian territory annexed by Russia in 2014. It is a key resupply route for Russian forces occupying parts of southern Ukraine. The S-200s are Cold War-era surface-to-air weapons originally designed to destroy enemy aircraft that have been adapted for ground-attack use. The 12-mile Kerch Bridge carries heavy significance for Valdimir Putin, both logistically and psychologically, as a key artery for military and civilian supplies. Last week, a Ukrainian sea drone hit a Russian tanker near the bridge, while an attack on the bridge last month killed a couple and seriously wounded their daughter, leaving a section of the road damaged. In October 2022 the bridge was badly damaged after Russia said a truck packed with explosives exploded while crossing. T he United States has returned more than 250 ancient artefacts including sculptures and paintings to Italy. The art unit of Italys police force found the items had been looted and sold to US museums and private collectors in the 1990s. Paintings, pots and sculptures up to 3,000 years old were among the haul. Several of the mosaics alsone are worth tens of millions of euros. The oldest item dates back to the Villanovan age (1000 - 750BC), while other artefacts were from the Etruscan civilisation (800 - 200BC), Magna Graecia (750 - 400BC) and Imperial Rome (27BC - 476AD). The stolen items were sold through a series of dealers with one selection allegedly being offered to the Menil Collection, a museum in Houston, Texas. A spokesperson for the Manil Museum said it had been offered the artefacts as a gift, but instead referred the donor to Italys culture ministry. The ministry said the owner of the collection spontaneously returned the items after police found that they had come from illegal excavations of archaeological sites. Separately, the ministry said that 145 of the returned artefacts had come from a bankruptcy procedure against an English antiques dealer. Italy has long sought to track down antiques and artefacts that have been stolen and sold to private collectors and museums. In September 2022, New York returned $19m (16m) worth of stolen art to Italy, including a marble head of the goddess Athena dated 200BC, worth an estimated $3m alone. TEHRAN, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- The Iranian Space Agency (ISA) on Saturday warned of a significant decline in the water level of the Caspian Sea over the past years, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported. ISA studies based on satellite images demonstrate that during the past years, particularly the last 24 months, the northern part of the Caspian Sea has seen an advancement of the coastline due to a decrease in its water level, while its southern part remains little changed, Tasnim quoted ISA Spokesman Hossein Dalirian as reporting. Dalirian highlighted the water level decline as a "serious and important" issue, which could pose potential environmental challenges to the surrounding littoral states in the coming years. On Friday, Tasnim quoted Iranian environmental official Mojtaba Zoljoudi as saying that the Caspian Sea's ecological balance has naturally experienced sinusoidal fluctuations, while the sea's water level has witnessed an abnormally long period of decline over the past two decades. Zoljoudi said the Caspian Sea's water level decreased by 26 centimeters during the 12-month period to March 2023 and by nearly 2 meters since 1996. The Caspian Sea's water has reached its lowest level in the past 30 years, primarily because the Volga River's water flow into the sea has shrunk, in addition to other natural factors, the Tasnim reported. The coastlines of the Caspian Sea are shared by Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan. A Philippine expert hailed the role of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in promoting the health and well-being of people in countries along the Belt and Road Initiative at a symposium in Fuzhou, east China's Fujian Province on Friday. 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According to IGPF, at the border points nationwide on Friday, nearly 409,700 people, Romanian and foreign citizens, were checked both on the way in and on the way out of Romania, as well as more than 101,300 means of transport. "This is the Saint Mary minibreak and we estimate an increase in traffic at the main border crossing points, especially at the border with Bulgaria and Hungary. Thus, measures have been ordered to supplement the control arteries to full capacity. Also to streamline traffic at Romania's borders, the Border Police are in constant touch with their counterpart in Hungary and Bulgaria in order to arrange common measures to speed up checks. Since traffic participants mainly use PTF Nadlac II and PTF Petea on the border with Hungary, and PTF Giurgiu on the border with Bulgaria, we recommend citizens to also transit through the other existing border points on the border, so as to avoid congestion. We remind you that 12 international border crossing points are operational on the border with Hungary for people, cars and lorries, and 11 border crossing points are operational on the border with Bulgaria," says IGPF. The border police detected 72 illegal acts (44 crimes and 28 misdemeanors) in the areas under their jurisdiction - the crossing points and the green border - committed by both Romanian and foreign citizens, levying about RON 28,300 in fines in the process, in the last 24 hours. Assets of an estimated value of RON 997,300 were impounded. Twenty foreign citizens who did not meet the conditions provided by the law were denied entry. Also on Friday, 15 Romanian citizens were not allowed to leave for various legal reasons. REPER leaders, including co-chair MEP Dragos Pislaru and deputy chair Catalin Tenita, on Saturday attended a flashmob in Bucharest where they drew attention to the fact that Romania has currently one million fewer young people than at the last census, and that youth unemployment has quadrupled in the last year. According to a REPER press statement, the youth organisation of the REPER party - REPER Youth - organised a flashmob in University Square. "I gladly responded to the REPER Youth's invitation to go out with them in the streets to draw attention to the fact that over half of Romania's young people live in the countryside and do not have access to opportunities, about the fact that young people with disabilities are not considered able enough to be fully integrated into society and the fact that in the last decade 100,000 young people have left Romania. As chairman of the Labour and Social Affairs Committee in the European Parliament, youth policies are a priority for me and I made considerable efforts to offer them programmes and projects under which they can be supported and develop. I hope that Romania has the wisdom to celebrate its newer generations with more funds, activities and projects dedicated to them," Pislaru is quoted as saying in the statement. REPER Youth Co-chairs Armand Epurescu and Tana Foarfa, also motivated the street action, according to agerpres.ro. "Today's initiative was aimed at wishing them a sincere 'Happy Youth Day!' to the young people who were in the area in the morning, to see if they resonated with our messages to increase the involvement of young people in politics, to offer more programmes to support mental health among young people, to incorporate sex education in schools and to live in a pro-European Romania." Discover why Eagle Creek Mobile Home Park will be the place you call home! Our beautiful community in high Ridge offers the best of Missouri living. Our community includes brand new manufactured homes, off-street parking, onsite management, and more. Brand new manufactured homes are available for sale starting from $80,000, with down payments starting from $4,000, and monthly payments, including space rent, starting from $1,088/month*. Homes are also available for rent starting from $1,280/month. *On approved credit NEW YORK FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried was charged with directing $40 million in bribes to one or more Chinese officials to unfreeze assets relating to his cryptocurrency business in a newly rewritten indictment unsealed Tuesday. The charge of conspiracy to violate the anti-bribery provisions of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act raises to 13 the number of charges Bankman-Fried faces after he was arrested in the Bahamas in December and brought to the United States soon afterward. The indictment was returned on Monday. The charge also contains language revealing that a fifth arrest was imminent in what U.S. Attorney Damian Williams has repeatedly described as a continuing investigation. That unidentified individual, according to the indictment, participated in the bribery conspiracy with Bankman-Fried and will be arrested in the Southern District of New York." FTX filed for bankruptcy on Nov. 11, when it ran out of money after the equivalent of a bank run on the global cryptocurrency exchange. He has remained free on a $250 million personal recognizance bond that lets him stay with his parents in Palo Alto, California. He has pleaded not guilty to charges that he cheated investors out of billions of dollars before his business collapsed. An arraignment on the rewritten indictment was set for Thursday by U.S. District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan. He also on Tuesday banned Bankman-Fried from communicating with current or former employees of FTX or Alameda Research, its affiliated cryptocurrency hedge fund trading firm. The order also limits Bankman-Fried to one laptop and phone and bans him from encrypted communications or other cellphones, computers or smart devices with internet access. The alleged bribes stemmed from the operation of Alameda Research. The indictment said Chinese law enforcement authorities in early 2021 froze certain Alameda cryptocurrency trading accounts containing about $1 billion in cryptocurrency on two of China's largest cryptocurrency exchanges. Bankman-Fried, 31, understood that the accounts had been frozen by Chinese authorities as part of an ongoing probe of a particular Alameda trading counterparty, the indictment said. After Bankman-Fried failed multiple attempts over several months to unfreeze the accounts through methods including using lawyers to lobby, Bankman-Fried ultimately agreed to direct a multimillion dollar bribe to try to unfreeze the accounts, the indictment said. Among failed attempts, the indictment said Bankman-Fried and others he directed opened new fraudulent accounts on the Chinese exchanges using personal identifying information of several individuals unaffiliated with FTX or Alameda to try to evade freeze orders and move cryptocurrency from frozen accounts to the fraudulent accounts. A portion of the bribe payment of cryptocurrency, then worth about $40 million, was moved from Alameda's main trading account to a private cryptocurrency wallet in November 2021 and the frozen accounts were unfrozen at about the same time, the indictment said. After Bankman-Fried received confirmation that the accounts were unfrozen, he authorized the transfer of additional tens of millions of dollars in cryptocurrency to complete the bribe, according to the indictment. Among those already charged in the case is Carolyn Ellison, Alameda's former chief executive. She has agreed to testify against Bankman-Fried, as have two former FTX executives who have pleaded guilty in cooperation deals with the government. Bankman-Fried's lawyers did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment. Messages for comment were also sent to the Chinese consulate in New York and the Chinese embassy in Washington D.C. Bitcoin and the world of cryptocurrencies, explained Bitcoin and the world of cryptocurrencies, explained What is a cryptocurrency? What is a blockchain? Is there a central authority overseeing cryptocurrencies? How are cryptocurrencies mined? Can bitcoin be used in everyday purchases? Why were cryptocurrencies invented? Who created cryptocurrencies? Why are cryptocurrencies important? How many kinds of cryptocurrency are there? How does Elon Musk fit in with all of this? Productivity and customer experience (CX) is the top priorities for CEOs in the Middle East over the next three years and they expect to benefit from advanced artifical intelligence (AI), according to an IBM Institute for Business Value study. The annual global study, CEO Decision-making in the Age of AI, Act with Intention, provides detailed insights into the attitudes and perspectives of CEOs from around the world. The study, which surveyed 120 CEOs from the Middle East, found that 50% of CEO respondents in the region believe that regulatory factors will continue to significantly impact organisations in the Middle East, with 48% pinpointing technology factors as crucial to shaping the future of their respective entities. At a time when digital acceleration continues to transform the regional and global economic landscape, Middle East CEOs expect to realise significant value from advanced AI. Sixty-one percent of respondents believe AI -- including generative AI, deep learning and machine learning -- will help deliver results in the coming years. 55% of CEOs are looking to cloud computing as an all-important tool to attain positive outcomes, and 51% believe automation will help drive success. Moreover, the newly published report also maps out the range of challenges concerning Middle East CEOs. According to the study, 47% of executives in the region assert that environmental sustainability will be the most pressing challenge of the next few years, with 28% of respondents underlining that diversity and inclusion will present the most pressing issues to contend with. As per the survey, 28% of respondents say market share growth will also be a top challenge of the next three years. Notably, there is a growing awareness among Middle East-based CEOs of the influence of technology on their prospects, with more executives becoming increasingly reliant on technology and data leaders as strategic decision makers. In addition, just shy of three-quarters (73%) of the CEOs surveyed believe chief operations officers will be crucial to their strategic decision-making. Forty-eight percent say Chief Financial Officers will be essential to guiding strategy, while 32% suggest Chief Information Officers will steer the strategic direction of their businesses and organisations. "Generative AI can be a game-changer in driving a new wave of productivity, efficiency, and service quality across industries, reducing barriers to AI adoption," said Saad Toma, General Manager, IBM Middle East and Africa. "To deploy emerging generative AI use cases at scale, CEOs need to assess company requirements in areas such as CRM, HR, modernization, data privacy, security and sustainability." The emergence of generative AI as a business and decision-making tool is a defining moment one where CEOs need to define a clear plan, have the right capabilities in place, and handle disruptions of all shapes and sizes. And they need to do this without slowing down or losing focus of their strategic vision in order to accomplish their objectives and safeguard their futures. - TradeArabia News Service Farmers work at an okra field in Kerawa, Far North region, Cameroon, Aug. 7, 2023. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua) by Arison Tamfu YAOUNDE, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Boukara Abba, a smallholder farmer in Mozogo locality of Cameroon's Far North region, looked happily at his flourishing maize and Okra which he planned to harvest next month. It was a couple of minutes after midday as it drizzled on Abba's approximately three-hectare farm. The 31-year-old is one of several young people who have found fortune in agriculture in the volatile region. Since 2014, a wide area of the region is suffering from the fighting between the terrorist group, Boko Haram, and government forces. Many communities in the region have faced renewed violence in recent months. The armed conflict and worsening humanitarian crises have left the region's agriculture sector struggling as more than half of the displaced persons come from agricultural backgrounds. Some of them were reported to have one meal a day with children and women suffering the most. But thanks to an agricultural program by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the displaced persons are now earning a living through farming. "There was no one to give us seeds before the Red Cross arrived," said Abba who hosts 20 displaced people in his house. So far this year, the ICRC initiative has assisted 26,000 displaced people, returnees and host communities with agricultural inputs and cash to increase their crop production, said ICRC agricultural engineer Nouratou Bouba Hadja. "We assist them with maize, okra, sorghum and cowpea seeds. We give fertilizer to families affected by the conflict and in homes, young people are the most active in the production chain. When we identify a household, it is generally young people who work in the farm," said Hadja who had come to supervise Abba's farming activities. "The objective is to improve agricultural production of these vulnerable families and after the production, they can now eat and sell their products to take care of other needs such as health needs or the education of children. It is a revenue generating activity for these families," she added. For Abba, the agricultural program has lifted young people out of poverty and unemployment. "Everything has changed. Production has increased. As a young man, we were unemployed. Today ICRC came (and helped us) and now we are living our lives," said the father of three. For Gui Daidi who was displaced from Zeleved village, there is never a question that his six children would have to get their hands dirty and learn how to grow their own food. "The ICRC program has helped young people to stay away from crime and trouble. No other job could provide the same security as farming because people will always have to eat so there is always money to be made," said the 57-year-old who now lives in Mozogo with his family. In Kerawa, a locality in the region that shares a porous border with Nigeria and notorious for constant Boko Haram raids, Hadja Cheripou get set to prepare the evening meal. The 57-year-old fled to settle in Kerawa during the heat of the conflict to restart her life. She said that before now, the community leader and some good people in the locality were assisting her and her 13 children with food and other daily needs. Now with the good harvest she got from the seeds and cash assistance, she is able to take care of her family. "My children and I now have enough to eat. Life is better now," she said. "We had nothing. My children and grandchildren now feed well," said 54-year-old Wandala Hoda whose 22 children are now all farmers. The agricultural partnership between the Cameroonian government and ICRC has made farming profitable and "cool" for young people and the region safer, said Simplice Sadou, Far North regional chief of agriculture and rural development. "Since this partnership started two years ago with ICRC, we've had a good quantity of quality seeds that are produced in the region," Sadou said. "Seed industry is very important. We have many young people in the industry and this partnership has increased their capacity and today, in all the zones where the partnership is operational, there is an increase in revenue because of the quality of the seeds," he added. As the world commemorates International Youth Day on Aug. 12, young people affected by the armed conflict in the region now find a sense of purpose in the valuable farming skills they have brought to their new communities. Enditm This photo taken on Aug. 7, 2023 shows a view of Kerawa, Far North region, Cameroon. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua) A family has millet couscous with okra sauce together in Kerawa, Far North region, Cameroon, Aug. 7, 2023. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua) A farmer works at a maize field in Mozogo, Far North region, Cameroon, Aug. 9, 2023. (Photo by Kepseu/Xinhua) Personal iconography rules in the Benton Park West home of sign maker, muralist and artist Phil Jarvis. From the massive mural that covers the facade, throughout the interior peopled with his finished and in-process artworks, his curious collections create an energy in his unconventional home. The commercial property Jarvis purchased in 2008 was built in 1929 to house a busy florist business run by the Kruse family. Vintage photos of the shop and the greenhouse that once filled his backyard hang throughout the space. A relative of the Kruses slipped some through his mail slot. Nearby neighbors gifted him with negatives of the building through the years from a family member who had been a commercial photographer. The photos now hang throughout the space. The cottage-style building with its half-timbered facade, gables, stone arched doorways and tile roof fit one of Jarvis requirements its architecturally interesting. Even after it had been broken into three apartments in the 1970s, the exterior remained intact and unsullied. In 2008 the interiors of the single-level building with its half basement revealed a horse of a different color. The apartments had fallen into disuse and the property had deteriorated. The ceiling was all collapsed when I first moved in here, and it was a rough, rough mess, Jarvis says. The building had an air conditioner the size of a Volkswagen on the roof, he says. Huge, but not very efficient, he says. I had the central heating and air conditioning redone. You can see all the duct work above the kitchen, he says. The unconventional kitchen leads through the center of his fluid living space. Today, a carousel-type horse of many colors stands at the back end of a curved bar Jarvis built. The horse, and the bar, reveal a lot about Jarvis and his creative approach to decor and renovation. I bought the hobby horse for $5 at a garage sale, he says. He transformed the 1960s vintage Wonder hobby horse into a pony worthy of a grand merry-go-round. He painted it in high-style, even giving a leather-look to its saddle. I put a spring on the bottom to make it look like a carousel horse and mounted it on the bar. The bar that surrounds the kitchen, another trompe loeil project, demonstrates Jarvis fondness for repurposing goods and his knowledge of build and materials. We picked up the vintage 1960s kitchen cabinets in Minnesota, he says. They were already that pale yellow color. The bar looks like concrete, but I built it of plywood, then had a guy come to put on the epoxy finish to look like concrete, he says. Rooms arent defined by doors or walls in the entire space except for the bathrooms, but Jarvis inadvertently erected a privacy screen between the kitchen and his bedroom that became a very public view of his life. Someone threw a lot of windows in the alley, so I made a window wall. I wanted to keep the openness, so a glass wall seemed like a good idea, he says. But then I kept hanging things on it concert tickets, paintings, things from my trips abroad, like the Venetian masks, old photos of the house, artwork, things from tattoo parlors Ive done. Ive filled it up, he says. Its kind of like a kitchen junk drawer, except vertical. The bathrooms have doors, but they still hold surprises. Jarvis, ever the trickster, planted a female mannequin in a bowler in one that can stir consternation when guests first encounter her. I got a bunch of female mannequins at a sale in town when someone went out of business, he says. She rules over a sink he dropped into a vintage Maytag washer, a novel vanity whose ringer acts as a towel rack. The new tile work by Jarvis hearkens to the craftsman era with a Home Depot assist for the tiles. He got an assist from his significant other to give potty parity to male mannequins. My girlfriend thought I was being discriminatory, so I had to buy a male mannequin and put him in the other bathroom. And just like that, the man appeared. Phil Jarvis Age 66 Family Jarvis has two grown sons, Brian and Christopher. Brian is classical piano player and a professor of music theory at the University of Texas in El Paso. Christopher teaches middle school in Ocala, Florida. Kay Parish, Jarvis significant other, and her dog, Kali, enjoy walks and spending time with Phil. Neighborhood Benton Park West Occupation Jarvis hand paints signs and murals on windows, walls and ceilings around St. Louis and the world. One of his most recent projects is the bigger-than-life Clydesdale hitch seen from Interstate 55 at the historic Anheuser-Busch brewery. The lead horse stands 30-feet tall. He is a also a specialist in gold leaf lettering and reverse painting on glass. He shows his personal artwork locally at Mad Art Gallery and also sells through his website, PhilJarvispainting.com. If you happened to read Mark Vitterts column in the St. Louis Business Journal on Friday, you are already familiar with the misadventures of three old men on a recent road trip. One of the three is referred to as the General. Thats me. By way of background, Vittert and I have spent the better part of three decades trying to complete the Great Loop. Or maybe its the Great Inner Circle. It involves taking a boat from St. Louis to New York City and from there to Mobile and then back to St. Louis. Most people who do it, do it in a single cruise, and most of them do it on a large boat and have plenty of time in which to do it. Vittert and I have been pecking away at this for about three decades on his 21-foot ski boat. We used to devote about a week every other year. There was no hurry. Weve gone up the Illinois River to Chicago and then down Lake Michigan were too small to go across then up the eastern side and to and across the Straits of Mackinac and down the western shore of Lake Huron to Saginaw Bay and across to the eastern shore and up to the St. Claire River and into Detroit then into Lake Erie and up to Buffalo. From there we caught the Erie Canal (which is mostly a series of rivers) to the Hudson, where we took a right-hand turn to New York City. The path from here to Mobile Bay is confusing. There are many rivers. We sometimes got lost. How can you get lost lost on a river? Its easy. There are no signs. Only instructions that seem simple. Go down the Mississippi and take a left at the Ohio. Well, yeah, but there are lots of rivers pouring into the Mississippi and if youre gabbing with a friend, it is easy to cruise past the Ohio. Trust me. Dont even get me started on the problems from New York City to Mobile. We got lost on Chesapeake Bay. We could not find the Potomac, which is extremely wide at its mouth and does not look like a river. There is just an expanse of water all around and even an experienced navigator like the General can mistake the James River for the Potomac. And then how do you know youre cruising up the wrong river? Shouldnt we be seeing Mount Vernon? Stories upon stories. While Vittert and I were in the boat, Tom Spitzer followed on land with the boat trailer. Wed get together at night. In Vitterts column, Tom was called the Commander. None of us expected this quest to be a Last Adventure. In fact, we used to ask ourselves, What comes next? But something unforeseen happened. We got old. It happened the way Hemingway described a man going bankrupt. Gradually then suddenly. There were health problems. Then COVID. When life resumed, there was a new normal, and it did not involve me leaping from the bow of a pitching boat onto a dock. Maybe crawling onto the dock, rolling onto the dock. Maybe with some assistance. In this spirit, tinged with a little desperation, we planned to make a final assault and complete our last stretch of the Great Circle. Jacksonville to Washington, D.C., is all we had left. Days before we were ready to depart, the boat developed mechanical problems. We conferred. Maybe we can do the boat trip in the spring, we decided, but for now, lets have a road trip and do the journey on land. So we met in Florida Monday morning, rented a car and began meandering toward D.C. Monday night we pulled into Charleston. We had reservations at a Hampton Inn but couldnt find it. None of us are proficient with navigation by cell phone. Were old-school. We drove aimlessly around Charleston, occasionally asking for directions from strangers. Finally, we found the hotel. The parking was at a nearby public garage, but we happened upon a space right to he hotel. A sign said, No parking from 7 a.m to 9 a.m. Well get up early, we decided. Before we headed up to our rooms, Vittert mentioned that the deadline for his weekly column was the next morning. I have no ideas, he said. Youll think of something, I replied with the insouciance of a guy who still had a couple of days before his own deadline. We did not oversleep by much, but Charleston, it turns out, is a very literal town. Seven means seven. When we checked on the car at 7:15, it was gone. The hotel clerk said we werent the first guests to lose a car and she gave us the number of Mr. Sam, who helps people whose cars have been towed. Mr. Sam sent us a driver to take us to the impound lot. There was our rental car resting between a couple of wrecks. One of Vitterts grandfathers, Frank Mack, was an immigrant from Ukraine who ran a junkyard in Edwardsville. That heritage seemed to give Vittert an easy rapport with the folks at the impound lot. The woman who ran the place used to be a waitress. This is better, she said. It was only a small delay and not terribly expensive and it lifted Vitterts spirits. Its a column, he said to me. We spent that night in Williamsburg, Virginia, and then headed for the airport in Washington. Its location seems to be a state secret. What happened to the days when you could follow signs to an airport? We drove around looking for airplanes. Theres one! Theres another! We found the airport with not much time to spare. Vittert dropped Spitzer and me off at the terminal. He was staying in Washington for a couple of days. We went to check in and get boarding passes. Oh no, said Spitzer. I left my wallet in the car. He tried to call Vittert. The person you are trying to reach has not established a voice mail system, said the message. Well, we knew that. I am technologically advanced enough to text a message. Tommy left his wallet in the car, Please call him. I did not want leave a good friend alone in an airport with no wallet, no credit card, nothing. But generals sometimes have to do difficult things. Do you think it was easy for Gen. Douglas MacArthur to leave his troops on Corregidor while he snuck away on a fast boat to Australia? Tommy, youll be fine, I said. If I could, Id wait with you. If I had any cash, Id give you some. Do what you think is right, General, he said. Ive got a column to write tomorrow. I cant miss this flight. He nodded. I got my boarding pass C-60. I gave Spitzer a thumbs-up sign. Ill see you in town, I said and headed to the security line. Shortly before we began boarding, Spitzer showed up. Vittert had come by with his wallet. Whats more, when Spitzer put his information into the machine for a boarding pass, it gave him A-34. Does that seem fair to you? I got my boarding pass first and I got a C. The A-Crowd gets the aisle seats. The Bs gets the window seats. The Cs are stuck with the middle seats. Totally unfair. I tried not to resent Spitzers good fortune. Oh well, I said to myself. Its a column. ST. LOUIS One of Comptroller Darlene Greens top deputies has been demoted and is now on leave, creating another hole in an office already dealing with staff turnover while it works to adopt a new accounting system and keep up with the citys financial transactions. LaTaunia Kenner had been one of Greens two deputy comptrollers, handling the side of the office dealing with public finance and development as well as other duties such as real estate and the citys Amtrak and Greyhound station. She is now listed as Fiscal Operations Support Manager-Real Estate on the comptrollers website. People who spoke to the Post-Dispatch on condition of anonymity for fear of retribution said she is now on leave from the office. It isnt the first time Green has sidelined a top deputy. Kenner got the job after the sudden ouster of James Garavaglia, a veteran employee who rose through the ranks to become deputy comptroller in 2016, a position he held for three years before being escorted out of City Hall by an armed marshal in July 2019. Garavaglia sued in 2020, alleging Green forced him out to make way for Kenner, but a judge dismissed the case last year. In 2016, Green put her chief of staff, longtime employee Elaine Spearman, on forced leave, according to court documents. Spearmans position was later eliminated from the office. Its unclear why Kenners responsibilities were reduced. Kenner could not be reached via an email address and phone number listed for her. Green, in an email response to questions about Kenners status, said she was not obliged to entertain or address what she called rumors. Reminded that her offices page on the citys website no longer lists Kenner as deputy comptroller, Green responded: My quote which is in quotations is an accurate quote. Kenners departure comes as Beverly Fitzsimmons, the offices other deputy comptroller who oversees city accounting duties, prepares to retire. She had been planning to retire but agreed to stay on through the end of the year, according to a person familiar with the matter. Fitzsimmons has worked for city government since 1980. Green has recently lost other employees. Her spokesman left last year and has not been replaced. And two employees who handled duties related to major developments and tax incentives recently retired, contributing to delays redeeming tax incentives agreed to with Union Stations redeveloper. The City Counselors office has now recommended hiring a firm to review the tax incentive financials maintained by Greens office. And Green herself has acknowledged a messy rollout of a new citywide accounting system after an alderman complained at a budget hearing about city contractors waiting months to get paid. She blamed the citys consultant, Accenture, for much of the issue. Kenner had held a relatively high profile role in recent years, helping to finalize the deal to issue the citys half of $210 million in bonds for the ongoing expansion of the downtown convention center. She represented Greens office and chaired a panel made up of officials from the city, St. Louis County and the Convention and Visitors Commission that coordinated the project. Its last meeting, on May 23, was chaired by Kenner. Kenner also represented Green on the St. Louis Municipal Finance Corporation, which oversees many city bond issues. But on July 5, at the Municipal Finance Corporations annual meeting, Kenner, the chair, wasnt there. Green was. Mayor Tishaura O. Jones Director of Operations, Nancy Cross, opened the meeting, saying it was her understanding that Kenner was on leave right now. And as a result, as the vice-chair, Im chairing this meeting, Cross said. Green chimed in: I have sent a written revocation of my designee as required by the bylaws, she said. My representative is hereby revoked immediately. The five-member panel made up of Cross, City Counselor Sheena Hamilton, Aldermanic President Megan Greens chief of staff Jay Nelson, Budget Director Paul Payne and Comptroller Green voted unanimously to elect Comptroller Green as president. The comptroller has resumed her role as president of the fund corporation, Cross said. And I will hand it over to you at this particular moment if you would like, Madame Comptroller. Austin Huguelet of the Post-Dispatch contributed to this report. ALBANY, N.Y. In a scathing ruling last month, a judge said the FBI had used a villain of an informant to manipulate a group of Muslim men into going along with a fictitious plot to destroy military planes and synagogues in New York City's suburbs. She ordered three released from prison, saying the real lead conspirator was the United States. Now, a man convicted in another sting carried out by the same FBI operative says he hopes the ruling will prompt U.S. prosecutors to review the fairness of similar counterterrorism operations carried out in the wake of the 9/11 terror attacks. Hopefully this will be the first step for the Justice Department to review all those cases of conspiracy and entrapment," said Yassin Aref, a former imam who spent 14 years in federal custody in a case involving a business loan made to an Albany pizza shop owner and a made-up story about a Stinger missile. Aref and the shop owner were arrested in 2004 in one of several FBI stings carried out by a paid civilian operative named Shahed Hussain, whose work has been criticized for years by civil liberties groups. Hussain entered the U.S. with his wife and two sons in the 1990s after he was accused of murder falsely, he once testified in his native Pakistan. He settled in the Albany area and was working as a translator when he got caught helping someone get their drivers license illegally. In exchange for leniency, he started working for the FBI. American law enforcement at the time was on a massive hunt for terrorist sleeper cells planning attacks on U.S. soil. Hussain worked with the FBI to approach people suspected of being sympathetic to Islamic militant groups and see if they could be talked into an illegal act. One target was a group of four men from Newburgh, New York, who were arrested in 2009, convicted of plotting deadly antisemitic attacks and sentenced to 25 years in prison. Courts have upheld their convictions, finding they knowingly became eager participants in a plot to plant explosives at a Bronx synagogue. But when three of the four applied for compassionate release, U.S. District Judge Colleen McMahon granted the request, saying the FBI had sent a master manipulator 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. In a ruling July 28, McMahon called them hapless, easily manipulated and penurious petty criminals who had no connection to any terrorist group and had never remotely contemplated violent extremism before they met Hussain. The ruling resonated with defendants and attorneys in a case Hussain helped build in 2004 against two men involved with an Albany mosque, Aref and former pizza shop owner Mohammed Hossain. Posing as a successful businessman, Hussain befriended Hossain, eventually offering to lend him $50,000 for his struggling business. But he also told the pizza parlor owner the money would come from the sale of a shoulder-fired missile, imported from China, to a group that wanted to kill a Pakistani diplomat in New York City. Hossain later said he thought the talk about an attack was a joke and that the missile he was shown was a plumbing supply. For religious reasons, he asked his imam, Aref, to witness the business transaction, much like a notary. Aref and Hossain, now free after serving long prison terms for money laundering, concealing material support for an attack with a weapon of mass destruction and giving material support to a terrorist organization, say they were innocent. I was a businessman taking care of my children, Hossain said. Defense lawyers said they were manipulated to take part in a deal they didnt understand. The government wanted to make me something big, to make me look like danger, said Aref, speaking to the AP from his native Iraq, where he now lives. When the FBI was not able to find real terrorists, he said, then they created one. The FBI declined to comment. Emails seeking comment were sent to the Department of Justice and the regional U.S. attorneys office. At the time of the arrests, then-deputy attorney general James Comey said we are working very, very hard to infiltrate the enemy. After their convictions, then-U.S. Attorney Glenn Suddaby said the pair were prone to support terrorism. But the Albany case became a prime example used by critics who believed the government overreacted in its response to 9/11. In their view, Hussain was not informing on potential terrorists, but pushing people toward illegal behavior. Judge McMahon described Hussain as most unsavory, saying he encouraged his naive targets with rhetoric and a large cash reward. McMahons government-led conspiracy criticism is exactly the argument we were making, said Terence Kindlon, the attorney who represented Aref. Kindlon called it a contrived case tried amid rage over 9/11. Hossain, 68, was released in 2020 and lives in Albany. He no longer has the pizza place, but maintains a handful of rental properties. He said the experience has left him with lingering fears. If I look back and Im thinking about what has happened, he said, it just makes me numb. Photos: 20 years after U.S. invasion, young Iraqis see signs of hope NEW YORK As he gears up for reelection, President Joe Biden is already facing questions about his ability to convince voters that the economy is performing well. Theres skepticism about the 80-year-old presidents ability to manage a second term. On Friday, Biden faced a fresh setback when Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed a special counsel to probe his son Hunter. Bidens challenges pale in comparison with his predecessor, Donald Trump, who is facing three criminal indictments, with additional charges expected soon. Still, the appointment of the special counsel was a reminder of the vulnerabilities facing Biden as he wages another election campaign in a deeply uncertain political climate. There was little immediate sign that Garlands decision meaningfully changed Bidens standing within his party. If anything, it underscored the unprecedented nature of the next election. Rather than a battle of ideas waged on the traditional campaign trail, the next push for the presidency may be shaped by sudden legal twists in courtrooms from Washington to Delaware and Florida. Prior to Trump, this would be a big deal, New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair Ray Buckley said of Fridays announcement. Now, I dont think it means anything. Trump has made everyone so numb to this stuff. Referring to Trumps Make America Great Again slogan, Buckley added, Because of how dismissive MAGA America is to the very real crimes of Trump and his family, it has numbed the minds of swing voters and Democratic voters or activists who would normally be fully engaged and outraged. Polling showed that Democratic voters were not excited about Bidens reelection even before Garlands announcement. Just 47% of Democrats wanted Biden to run again in 2024, according to an AP-NORC poll conducted in April. Democrats enthusiasm for Bidens presidential campaign consistently trailed behind Republicans enthusiasm for Trump: 55% of Republicans said they wanted Trump to run again in the AP-NORC poll. Bidens approval rating in polling by Gallup stood at 41% on average over the last three months. Only Jimmy Carter notched a lower average rating in Gallups polling at this point in his presidency, while ratings for Trump were about the same at 43%. Garland announced Friday that he named David Weiss, the Trump-appointed U.S. attorney in Delaware, as the special counsel in the Hunter Biden investigation. It comes as plea deal talks involving tax and gun charges in the case Weiss already was probing hit an impasse. The appointment of a special counsel ensures that Trump will not stand alone as the only presidential candidate grappling with the fallout of a serious criminal investigation in the midst of the 2024 campaign season. There is no evidence that President Biden himself committed any wrongdoing. Meanwhile, Trump is charged in a plot to undermine democracy for his actions leading up to his supporters Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. He also faces separate charges for refusing to turn over classified documents after leaving the White House and financial crimes in New York related to a hush-money case involving a porn star. Georgia prosecutors are investigating whether Trump broke state laws by interfering in the 2020 election. Still, Republicans were hopeful that the new special counsel may ultimately shift attention away from Trumps baggage while bolstering conservative calls to impeach the Democratic president, a proposal that divided the GOP on Capitol Hill, which long sought evidence linking Hunter Bidens alleged wrongdoings to his father. Rep. James Comer of Kentucky, the Republican chair of the House Oversight Committee, obtained thousands of pages of financial records from members of the Biden family through subpoenas to the Treasury Department and financial institutions as part of a congressional probe. He released a statement Friday accusing Garland of trying to stonewall congressional oversight. Comer vowed to follow the Biden familys money trail. Trump, the overwhelming front-runner in the crowded Republican presidential nomination fight, used the opportunity to put his likely general election opponent on the defensive, referring to the Biden crime family and the Biden cartel. If this special counsel is truly independent even though he failed to bring proper charges after a four year investigation and he appears to be trying to move the case to a more Democrat-friendly venue he will quickly conclude that Joe Biden, his troubled son Hunter, and their enablers, including the media, which colluded with the 51 intelligence officials who knowingly misled the public about Hunters laptop, should face the required consequences, the Trump campaign said. Back in New Hampshire, Buckley acknowledged that voters are not excited about Bidens reelection. But theyre really not excited about Trump, he said. Theres a seriousness around this election. People can say theyre not excited (about Biden). They can say, Oh, he shouldnt run again. But the reality is that hes the only alternative to Trump. Meanwhile, its unclear how closely key voters are paying attention. Democratic strategist Bill Burton suggested the GOPs focus on the presidents son would backfire. From a political standpoint, I think Republicans are stupid to spend so much time talking about the presidents son, he said. People are going to be voting on the economy. Theyre going to be voting on whos tougher on social media companies and national security. A generation ago, nonprofit organizations regularly lobbied for legislation and served as advocates on issues. But according to a recent survey, charities are now far more reluctant to seek to influence lawmakers and other policymakers. The survey, conducted for Independent Sector, a membership organization of nonprofits and grantmakers, found that less than one-third of nonprofits have actively advocated for policy issues or lobbied on specific legislation over the past five years, down from nearly three-quarters of nonprofits in 2000. And even though nonprofits work on a range of issues that are affected by policy choices, such as funding for the arts and science and policies on hot-button issues like abortion and gun control, less than one-third of nonprofits said they were well-versed in how to legally conduct advocacy campaigns and how much lobbying they were permitted to do. Twenty years ago more than half knew the rules, the survey found. The survey, based on questionnaires completed by 2,282 charities, had a margin of error of 2 percentage points. This is a missed opportunity for nonprofits, said Akilah Watkins, president of Independent Sector. We want them to get off the sidelines and to get back on the field. Holding nonprofits back, Watkins said, was a lack of money to hire full-time staff with policy expertise and fear that taking part in debates on policy matters or providing voters with nonpartisan voting guides would put their nonprofit status in jeopardy. Independent Sector plans to conduct studies to dig deeper into the reasons for the decline, but experts said many nonprofits dont have the money to engage in policy debates. And some organizations may fear taking public stances on issues, given the heated political environment. Sticking their necks out could make them targets of political opponents, they said. The Internal Revenue Service forbids nonprofits from dedicating a substantial part of their work to direct lobbying, but they are permitted to spend some of their budgets on influencing policy. Nonprofits are not allowed to rally behind candidates for elected office or political parties, but they can pursue a range of nonpartisan work, including research on important issues, educating voters, and helping get voters to the polls. Nonprofits were more prone to advocate on policy questions if they belonged to national or local coalitions, according to the survey. That was the case with the Urban Indigenous Legacy Initiative in Minnesota. This spring, the coalition pressed lawmakers in St. Paul for money to rehabilitate and replace a long list of buildings, many of which were constructed before World War II, that they used to provide services. By the time the Minnesota legislature gaveled to a close in May, its final budget included $2 million to rehabilitate two emergency shelters operated by nonprofit Ain Dah Yung, $4 million for the Indigenous Peoples Task Force to acquire land for its planned center for arts and wellness, and $300,000 for the New Native Theatre to design a performing-arts space in Minneapolis. In all, projects that the Urban Indigenous Legacy Initiative pushed for secured more than $14 million in state funds. Some of the local coalitions members received training during the 2020 election cycle from a national group, the National Urban Indian Family Coalition in Seattle. The nonprofit provides grants, workshops, and training sessions to a group of 27 nonprofits and coalitions nationally that represent Native Americans. Often, said Janeen Comenote, the groups executive director, nonprofits dont have a clear understanding of how they can advocate at the federal, state, or local levels. But it is necessary for nonprofits, particularly those that rely on government contracts, to have a voice in public affairs. They have a dog in this fight, Comenote said. By the time the Minnesota coalition began its push in the legislature last session, it was a known quantity, said Joe Hobot, president of the American Indian OIC, one of the coalition members. That effort built up political capital with our elected legislators, Hobot said. When we came knocking on their doors, they knew who we were. One of the reasons some nonprofits get the jitters about lobbying is that the rules governing how nonprofits push for policy can be complex. The most common perception among nonprofits is that the tax code is littered with landmines that have to be navigated very carefully in order to avoid blowing yourself up, said Eric Gorovitz, who served in leadership roles at several nonprofits before becoming a principal at the law firm Adler & Colvin. Nonprofits cannot endorse political candidates, but they can educate voters on policy, and they can draft proposed language for legislation, provide research on policy, and serve as witnesses at legislative hearings. What trips up many nonprofits, Gorovitz says, is the Internal Revenue Service guidance that nonprofits risk losing their tax-exempt status if a substantial amount of their activities are attempting to influence legislation. While Gorovitz allowed that the IRS regulations on nonprofit advocacy can be confusing, the guidance provided by the agency, he said, is often misunderstood. It does not mean dont lobby, he said. It means lobby. Its an express invitation in the tax code that says you can lobby. In an era of highly contested policy issues on matters such as health care and climate change, there isnt a shortage of policy choices where nonprofits can have their say. There also is a lot of money at stake, says Heather Iliff, director of Maryland Nonprofits. Her state, like most others, has enjoyed a budget surplus for several years. And federal support, including the $50 billion opioid settlement and the $550 billion set to be disbursed over the next four years from the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, has provided nonprofits with lots of opportunities. Its been a target-rich environment for nonprofit policy advocates, Iliff said. Photos: How a Florida nonprofit is helping veterans overcome PTSD SACRAMENTO, Calif. Melissa Crick was heartbroken this week while watching videos on her phone of people fleeing from a fast-moving wildfire in Hawaii. Sending love and support from Paradise, California, Crick commented on one womans social media post. To Cricks surprise, the woman wrote back. She knew Paradise the small Northern California city in the Sierra Nevada foothills that was mostly destroyed by a wildfire in 2018. The woman told Crick her support meant a lot to her. That was a really heavy moment, Crick told The Associated Press. Lahaina, Hawaii, is a tropical paradise on the northwest coast of Maui. But wildfires ravaging the region have forever linked it to another Paradise, this one in California. The two small towns have the grim distinction of experiencing the deadliest U.S. wildfires in more than a century tragedies that played out in a remarkably similar way. Its not what we want to be remembered for, Crick said. Both blazes started in the overnight hours when its difficult to warn people, and moved quickly, leaving people with very little time to flee. Both places were isolated, with few roads leading in or out. The California fire killed at least 85 people and destroyed more than 18,000 structures. The Hawaii fire has so far killed at least 67 people and destroyed more than 1,000 buildings. Most people would think a place like Paradise located in the forests of wildfire-prone California wouldnt share a lot of similarities with a small town in Hawaii, a state known for its lush landscapes. It immediately triggers, for all of us ... the emotions. Its remembering the fear. Its a tremendous sense of sadness, and you try to push it down. Steve Woody Culleton, a member of the Paradise Town Council who lost his home in the 2018 California fire But the two places have more in common than you would think, especially when it comes to wildfires, said Hugh Safford, a fire and vegetation ecologist at the University of California-Davis. The wildfire risks for both places have been well known for years, especially as a changing climate has ushered in hotter, drier seasons that have made wildfires more intense, he noted. Im not at all surprised that Hawaii has had a fire like this, Safford said. It was just a matter of time. As images filled news reports from Hawaii this week, Paradise was one of the only other places in the U.S. where people truly knew what it was like. It wasnt a good feeling, residents say. It immediately triggers, for all of us ... the emotions. Its remembering the fear, said Steve Woody Culleton, a member of the Paradise Town Council who lost his home in the 2018 fire. Its a tremendous sense of sadness, and you try to push it down. At the Paradise Rotary Club meeting on Wednesday, members acknowledged the Hawaii wildfire with a moment of silence. But they quickly moved on to how they could help. Pam Gray, a Rotary Club member who lost her home in the 2018 fire, said the local club received more than $2.1 million in donations in the weeks after the blaze. The club used the money to hand out gift cards to people and pay for things such as tree removal. Now, Gray said, the club will be looking to return the favor to Hawaii. This whole community of people experienced what we did. If we continue to wallow in it every day, all day, then we cant get better and our community cant get better and we cannot help anyone else, she said. We went through that experience for a reason. And I believe it was to help other people. But others, including Laura Smith, have not felt an urge yet to jump in and help. Smith lost her home and most everything she owned in the 2018 fire. She said it was so overwhelming, it felt like she was living in a lions mouth. My sense is that the folks there just need space to process what just happened to them and to not be overflowing with platitudes with how everything is going to be fine, because it certainly will not be fine for a long time, Smith said. I mean, I am sure that theyll recover. We did. I have. My kids have. But its still a wound that we struggle with sometimes. In Paradise on Wednesday, hundreds of people showed up for a ceremony to celebrate the opening of a new, state-of-the art building at the local high school. The school was one of the few places that did not burn in the 2018 fire, becoming an anchor of sorts for the communitys rebuilding efforts. The school library displayed various yearbooks from past classes, allowing alumni a chance to remember happier times. You know what their life is going to be like. ... You know how hard and how difficult times are going to be. But if they stay with it, there is hope on the other side. It does come together. And our town is coming back. Paradise, California, Mayor Greg Bolin Conversations soon drifted to the Hawaii fire, and then inevitably back to the Paradise fire, said Crick, who attended the event as president of the Paradise Unified School District school board. Crick couldnt help but wonder: Would the survivors of the Hawaii wildfires gather in five years to peruse their own past? What does it look like for their community? she asked. How do we support somebody even more secluded than we were when our fire happened? Mayor Greg Bolin said everyone he spoke to at the Paradise recovery event said their minds were on the victims in Hawaii. You know what their life is going to be like. ... You know how hard and how difficult times are going to be, he said. But if they stay with it, there is hope on the other side. It does come together. And our town is coming back. Read more: Photos show Lahaina before and after wildfire devastation ST. LOUIS (AP) St. Louis-area activists have been fighting for years to get government compensation for people with cancer and other serious illnesses potentially connected to Manhattan Project nuclear contamination. This week marked a major victory, with support coming from the president. Uranium was processed in St. Louis starting at the onset of World War II as America raced to develop nuclear bombs. In July, reporting as part of an ongoing collaboration between The Missouri Independent, the nonprofit newsroom MuckRock and The Associated Press cited thousands of pages of documents indicating decades of nonchalance and indifference for the risks posed by uranium contamination. The government documents were obtained by outside researchers through the Freedom of Information Act and shared with the news organizations. Since the news reports, bipartisan support has emerged to compensate those in St. Louis and elsewhere whose illnesses may be tied to nuclear fallout and contamination. On Wednesday, that support extended to President Joe Biden. Im prepared to help in terms of making sure that those folks are taken care of, Biden said during a visit to New Mexico. Dawn Chapman and Karen Nickel, who lead the activist group Just Moms STL, said theyre optimistic but not letting up. Its a great day, Chapman said. We feel incredible. But we dont take the time to celebrate it. For us, its like we have a strong wind at our back. Now who do we push? We dont let up for a moment. The push for compensation has united politicians with virtually nothing else in common. Republican U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, of Missouri, is an ardent supporter. So is U.S. Rep. Cori Bush, a St. Louis Democrat. Hawley introduced legislation last month to expand an existing compensation program for exposure victims. The Senate endorsed the amendment, but the proposed changes to the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act are not yet included in a House-approved defense bill amid negotiations toward final legislation. St. Louis is far from alone in suffering the effects of the geographically scattered national nuclear program. Advocates 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. Months after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, Mallinckrodt Chemical Co. in St. Louis began processing uranium into a concentrated form that could be further refined elsewhere into the material that made it into weapons. By the late-1940s, the government was trucking nuclear waste from the Mallinckrodt plant to a site near Lambert Airport. It was there that the waste was dumped into Coldwater Creek, contaminating a waterway that was a popular place for kids to play. Just last year, Jana Elementary School, which sits near the creek, was shut down over possible contamination, even though studies conducted by the Army Corps of Engineers found none. In 1966, the Atomic Energy Commission demolished and buried buildings near the airport and moved the waste to another site, contaminating it, too. Documents cited by AP and the other news organizations showed that storage was haphazard and waste was spilled on roads but that mistakes were often ignored. Uranium waste also was illegally dumped in West Lake Landfill, near the airport, in 1973. It's still there. Cleanup in St. Louis County has topped $1 billion, and it's far from over. Meanwhile, uranium was processed in neighboring St. Charles County starting in the 1950s, creating more contamination. The government built a 75-footmound, covered in rock, to serve as a permanent disposal cell, and the area is considered remediated. Some experts are skeptical about the connection between diseases and the contamination. Tim Jorgensen, a professor of radiation medicine at Georgetown University, told the AP in July that the biggest risk factor for cancer is age and that local radiations contribution would be so low as to be hard to detect. Still, in 2019, the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry issued a report that found people who regularly played in Coldwater Creek as children from the 1960s to the 1990s may have a slight increased risk of bone cancer, lung cancer and leukemia. The agency determined that those exposed daily to the creek starting in the 2000s, when cleanup began, could have a small increased risk of lung cancer. Many of those with direct connections to illnesses are far more convinced. Kyle Hedgpeth's young daughter and niece both were diagnosed with cancer in 2020, within a month of each other. Both have since recovered. Hedgpeth's wife and her brother grew up near a creek that flows from the St. Charles County site. He believes they picked up something from exposure to the creek and passed it down to their girls. It seems all too coincidental, Hedgpeth said. I just think there's too many red flags literally putting it in their backyard to ignore it. August 12, 2023: When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 they, and many foreign observers, believed Ukraine would be quickly defeated. That did not happen because Russia and many foreign experts ignored the most common cause of wars throughout modern history. Countries often overestimate their ability to win if they invade. Russia has made this mistake several times in the last few centuries but its a lesson that is rarely accepted and instead ignored. The Russians have lost about 350,000 troops, of whom 100,000 are dead, missing, prisoners or deserters, and Ukrainians casualties are about 200,000 of whom 50,000 are killed, missing and captured. In the case of Ukraine, Russia believed their larger population (140 million versus 40 million Ukrainians) and larger armed forces would guarantee a quick victory. As is customary, that didnt happen. At that point Russia decided to pursue a long-war victory where their larger population and manufacturing capability would be decisive. This was another miscalculation. So far both Russia and Ukraine have lost about the same number of troops. To the Russians this means they can grind down the Ukrainians who will run out of troops before Russia does. This was another miscalculation. After the first year of fighting Ukraine changed its tactic to limit Ukrainian casualties as much as possible. This is particularly the case with the current Ukrainian counteroffensive. Westerners expected progress to be rapid. That means more losses to the attackers. Instead, it uses its superiority in weapons, training and leadership so the Ukrainians are defeating the Russians in many smaller battles, where the Ukrainians make sure they have the advantage before attacking. This takes advantage of the poor morale, leadership and training most Russian troops have. There are some better quality airborne and special operations troops available but these must be used sparingly and carefully. While Russia can conscript or mobilize civilians into the military and send them into combat quickly with minimal training, these troops take heavy casualties. The elite units are volunteers who take a lot longer to train and losses are not easy to replace because it takes up to a year of training. During the first year of fighting Russia used the elite troops recklessly and lost a lot of them. Commanders of these elite units complained that this reckless approach was wasteful and counterproductive in the long run. It took a while for the senior political leaders and the generals who advised them to realize that misuse of elite units would hurt the Russian war effort in the long run. The Ukrainian leadership was more aware of this situation and realized that losses in population were more serious than combat losses. So far about a quarter of the population has left voluntarily, most of them settling down in Poland and making themselves economically useful. Most of these refugees plan to return to Ukraine once it is safe, physically and economically, to do so. The Russians have kidnapped between two and four million Ukrainian civilians, many of them children, and moved them deep into Russia as part of Russias traditional ethnic cleansing policy towards troublesome minorities. About a third of the 44 million Ukrainians in 2021 have left or been kidnapped since the war began. Millions of Russians too have fled Russia since the war began, mostly of military age, and most of those went to nearby Central Asian nations (the Stans) and made themselves economically useful. The Stans were initially unsure if all these Russian political refugees were a good thing, but changed their minds when they saw that the Russians were causing unexpected economic growth. Russia eventually outlawed military age men from leaving the country. Russia needed more troops, and junior officers as well. The problem was that the need for more troops in Ukraine meant too many were being sent into combat with little training and led by equally inexperienced officers. Russia had a long-range plan to overcome that and the Ukrainians had their own plan to make life more difficult for the Russian military. Who is winning is mainly about money and access to lots of modern weapons. The Ukrainians have a big edge here, having received nearly a hundred billion dollars in aid from NATO countries so far. The Ukrainians are resourceful and have developed weapons and military equipment that makes the NATO weapons even more effective. Russia has far less cash for new weapons and cannot match the resourcefulness of the Ukrainians. Thats why Ukraine is able to design and build long range robotic weapons to attack Russian commercial vessels and warships in the Black Sea as well as Russian cities and military targets the Russians thought were too far away to reach. The growing number of attacks on Moscow and Russian military bases far from the Ukrainian border is not good for Russian military or civilian morale. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 11, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Blender Bites Limited. (the Company, Blender Bites or Blender), (CSE: BITE, FWB: JL4, WKN: A3DMEJ), a multi award-winning Canadian company involved in the development and marketing of a line of premium, frozen functional food and beverages, is excited to announce a record number of purchase orders received in the three months from May 2023 to July 2023. Blender Bites is pleased to announce that during the three months from May 2023 to July 2023, the Company has received purchase orders totalling CA$1,869,000. This is a historic record for the value of purchase orders received by the Company in any given period and represents an increase of over 125% in total value of purchase orders compared to the same period in 2022. It also represents a 158% increase in total value of purchase orders received for the three month period of February 2023 to April 2023, demonstrating the growth of the Company. The historic increase over this period can be attributed to initial orders received from its Walmart Canada launch, the beginning of the US roll out, and increased demand in the 1000+ Canadian retail grocery and club stores. The increase does not reflect any orders the Company anticipates receiving once its US expansion is fully implemented in the upcoming months. The Companys management feels that the upward trend for the number of purchase orders received, and subsequently sales revenue, will continue this positive trajectory, as there is great potential still to be realized once the Companys US strategies are implemented. The Companys imminent US expansion is expected to happen at the end of summer, with products launching into some of the largest retail chains in the world, which could lead to even greater increases in purchase orders received. The historic number of purchase orders we received over the last three months speaks to how well the Company has been doing. Not only are our Canadian operations performing well, but the initial launch of our US strategy has been successful. I believe that these numbers will only increase once we implement the full US expansion we have scheduled for the end of summer. I am incredibly excited for the trajectory we are on and where it will go in the future, stated Chelsie Hodge, the Companys CEO and Founder. The Company cautions that the above figures have not been audited and are based upon calculations prepared by management. Actual results may differ from those reported in this release once these figures have been audited, and there can be no guarantee that purchase orders will result in increased sales revenue for the Company. ABOUT BLENDER BITESBlender Bites is a multi award-winning Canadian company involved in the development and marketing of a line of premium, frozen functional food and beverages. Blender Bites products are made with organic ingredients, non-GMO, gluten free, dairy free and soy free. Blender Bites was founded in 2016 and first launched to market in Western Canada in 2017 with a pre-portioned 1-Step Smoothie product that is free of any unnecessary inner plastic packaging. Blender Bites products are now distributed internationally across Canada and the US, are currently sold in over 1000 stores, including Walmart, Sobeys, Loblaws, Safeway, Save on Foods, Real Canadian Superstore, Whole Foods Market, Buy-Low/Nesters, IGA, and Thriftys. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Blender Bites Limited Chelsie Hodge, Chief Executive OfficerEmail [email protected]Telephone 236-521-0626 For further information, contact Blender IR Team at: Email [email protected]Telephone 1-888-997-2055Media Contact [email protected] CAUTIONARY DISCLAIMER STATEMENTThis news release includes certain forward-looking statements under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon several 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, and uncertain capital markets. Readers are cautioned that 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. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Source: Blender Bites Limited DUBAI, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- Air Arabia, a low-cost airline based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), announced on Friday that its second-quarter profit jumped 187 percent year over year to reach 459 million dirhams (about 125 million U.S. dollars). The company's turnover increased by 25 percent to 1.39 billion dirhams in the second quarter from 1.11 billion dirhams in the same period last year, due to strong demand for air travel, UAE's official news agency WAM quoted the company as saying. More than 3.8 million passengers took Air Arabia flights between April and June, registering a year-on-year growth of 37 percent, it said. In the first half of 2023, the airline recorded a net profit of 801 million dirhams, up by 78 percent compared to 451 million dirhams in the same period last year, it noted, adding its half-year turnover recorded a 26 percent year-on-year increase to 2.82 billion dirhams. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohamed Al Thani, chairman of Air Arabia, credited the airline's strong performance to its business model, expanding fleet size and network, as well as its prudent financial and cost control measures, among other factors, the WAM reported. Three new aircraft were added to Air Arabia's fleet between January and June, bringing the total number of its owned and leased aircraft to 71. At the same time, the carrier launched 18 new routes across its seven operating hubs in the UAE, Morocco, Egypt, Armenia, and Pakistan, according to the WAM report. Dubai, UAE, Aug. 12, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Daoversal, a recognized newcomer in the realm of Web3, has recently announced the initiation of a distinct Land Tax Collection scheme and an equity reward mechanism. The rapid selling out of all planets within its Web 3.0 social network ecosystem has garnered Daoversal significant market attention. However, Daoversal has clarified that these Planets are not limited to the digital scope. They have set out to create unmatchable opportunities for the market and pave novel paths for economic growth and social interactions. Daoversal: An All-Encompassing Web3 Platform Catering to Diverse Industries Web 3.0, or the decentralized web, has been paving the way for more secure, private, and open Internet systems. However, the quest for a true Web3 Facebook continues. Here is where Daoversal enters, ready to challenge the dominance of big corporations in the Web3 world and promising a redefined social media experience. Daoversal is a unique platform that brings together all major Web3 activities under one virtual roof. Whether people are scooping up their swanky Decentralized ID (DID), exploring marketplaces, designing personalized avatars, purchasing virtual land parcels, or discovering unique digital Planets, Daoversal caters to all needs. Officially open to the public at 0400 EDT | 1200 GST on 4th August 2023, the Daoversal Planet Subscription is bullish to find more than two-thirds of the Planets snapped up by their anticipating new owners in 2 hours. Subsequently, the remaining Planets were fully taken in the next 48 hours. This rapid take-up rate shows a strong demand in the market for a VR-oriented Social-Fi Ecosystem that is poised to replace the current social media based on the technology revolution transiting from Web 2.5 to Web 3.0, thanks to the upcoming official sales of VisionPro, a wearable VR goggle by Apple Inc. This Virtual Reality craze is slated to storm all major cities throughout the globe end of this year. Daoversals unique blend of social interaction, finance, and space exploration has struck a chord with pioneers and visionaries across the universe. The chance to govern a digital Planet, complete with economic and social dynamics, is an idea whose time has come. Join the Daoversal Universe While the blockchain ecosystem continues to revolutionize by leaps and bounds, Daoversal is not just another tech innovation; it is a promise of a revolution in the Web3 and Social-Fi landscape. As people stand on the cusp of a new digital era, Daoversal beckons everyone to be a part of this pioneering journey. Visit https://daoversal.com and embark on an exciting voyage into the future of Social-Fi. Journey beyond the stars with Daoversal, where the universe is at your fingertips. For more information, please visit Daoversals Website, or follow Twitter, Discord, or email at help-at-daoversal.com Daoversals Official Website: https://daoversal.com/ Telegram Group: https://t.me/wearedaoversal Announcement Channel: https://t.me/daoversalannouncement Twitter: https://twitter.com/daoversal Discord: https://discord.com/channels/978650068448059412/1033192306213388378 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/daoversal/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvWplalWju9oLK1BS4FuoFQ Media Contact Company Name: Daoversal (Metaverse FinTech Ltd) Contact: Jay Lee Email: help-at-daoversal.com Website: https://daoversal.com Source: Daoversal Paid press release content from The Financial Capital. The StreetInsider.com news staff was not involved in its creation. Wisconsin Doctor Scott Kamelle Provides Scholarship Funding for Students Milwaukee, Wisconsin Dr. Scott Kamelle, a distinguished Gynecologic Oncologist and Director of Gyn Oncology at Aurora Healthcare in Milwaukee, proudly unveils the Dr. Scott Kamelle Scholarship for Future Doctors, an esteemed scholarship program designed to empower and inspire the next generation of medical professionals. Investing in the Future of Medicine With a deep-rooted commitment to advancing healthcare and a passion for improving patient outcomes, Dr. Kamelle establishes the Dr. Scott Kamelle Scholarship for Future Doctors as a testament to his unwavering dedication to nurturing aspiring physicians. This prestigious scholarship aims to recognize exceptional academic achievements, foster a genuine commitment to the medical field, and encourage innovative problem-solving skills among aspiring doctors. Empowering Excellence and Impactful Change The Dr. Scott Kamelle Scholarship for Future Doctors goes beyond financial support; it is a platform that celebrates the potential of future doctors to drive transformative change within the medical landscape. Dr. Kamelle firmly believes that by empowering young talent and inspiring visionary thinking, this scholarship can revolutionize healthcare and elevate the standard of patient care. A Message from Dr. Scott Kamelle "As a Gynecologic Oncologist, my career has been dedicated to providing exceptional care to women facing gynecologic cancers. Today, I am thrilled to introduce the Scholarship for Future Doctors, a beacon of hope and opportunity for aspiring medical professionals. Together, we can cultivate a community of compassionate and driven individuals who will leave an indelible mark on the world of medicine." Nurturing Aspirations - Inspiring Transformations The Dr. Scott Kamelle Scholarship for Future Doctors welcomes all eligible students who meet the stringent criteria, regardless of their backgrounds. Emphasizing diversity and inclusivity, this scholarship program aims to foster a dynamic and innovative community of future doctors poised to make a meaningful impact on global healthcare. How to Apply Interested applicants are invited to submit their applications for the Dr. Scott Kamelle Scholarship for Future Doctors via the official website: https://drscottkamellescholarship.com/. The application process requires academic transcripts, a comprehensive resume, the essay response to the prompt, and any relevant supporting documents. The application window closes on [Date], and the selection committee anticipates reviewing a pool of highly qualified and passionate candidates. About Dr. Scott Kamelle Dr. Scott Kamelle, an esteemed Gynecologic Oncologist, serves as the Director of Gyn Oncology at Aurora Healthcare in Milwaukee. His journey began at the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with a minor in Dramatic Art. He pursued his medical degree at Boston University School of Medicine, followed by a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Further specializing in Gynecologic Oncology, he completed a fellowship at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Kamelle has held esteemed positions, including practicing in Chicago and serving as an Associate Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine. His contributions to the field have been acknowledged through numerous awards, including being named a Top Doctor by Milwaukee Magazine and receiving the Faculty Teaching Award. About the Dr. Scott Kamelle Scholarship for Future Doctors: The Dr. Scott Kamelle Scholarship for Future Doctors is an esteemed scholarship program dedicated to empowering and inspiring the next generation of medical professionals. Founded by Dr. Scott Kamelle, a distinguished Gynecologic Oncologist, the scholarship recognizes academic excellence, commitment to medicine, and problem-solving skills among aspiring physicians. With a focus on fostering impactful change and elevating healthcare leadership, this scholarship aims to nurture a community of compassionate and driven individuals poised to make a significant difference in the field of medicine. For more information and to apply, visit https://drscottkamellescholarship.com/. Contact Info: Name: Dr. Scott Kamelle Email: Send Email Organization: Dr. Scott Kamelle Scholarship Website: https://drscottkamellescholarship.com Release ID: 89104713 If there are any errors, inconsistencies, or queries arising from the content contained within this press release that require attention or if you need assistance with a press release takedown, we kindly request that you inform us immediately by contacting [email protected]. Our reliable team will be available to promptly respond within 8 hours, taking proactive measures to rectify any identified issues or providing guidance on the removal process. Ensuring accurate and dependable information is our top priority. BELLINGHAM, Wash. , Aug. 11, 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 Sunset Square in Bellingham, Washington on September 2nd . "We are thrilled to open our store at Sunset Square in Bellingham ," 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 Bellingham community and look forward to serving our customers with the utmost care and dedication." The new Daiso store at Sunset Square encompasses 9,760 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, " Washington 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 101 units in 7 states with more states opening in 2024". On both Saturday, September 2nd and Sunday, September 3rd , the first 100 customers to shop at the Sunset Square 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 Sunset Square Daiso is anchored by neighboring tenant Xfinity and is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m to 9 p.m and Sunday 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. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/daiso-new-store-opening-in-bellingham-washington-301899030.html SOURCE Daiso USA IRVINE, Calif. , Aug. 11, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- IRA Capital ("IRA"), a leading private equity firm, has announced the recent relocation of its offices in Irvine to accommodate the company's continued growth. IRA relocated to a newly constructed contemporary office totaling approximately 15,000 SF at 3121 Michelson Drive in Park Place-Irvine from its previous location of 6,000 SF at the Irvine Concourse. IRA's new office marks another milestone for the company as it continues to grow and enhance its capabilities at a pivotal juncture in the capital markets. IRA's office is strategically located minutes from Orange County's John Wayne Airport and Newport Beach's Fashion Island . The new office is also caddy-corner to the 150,000 SF, 9-acre project (at Michelson and Jamboree) that IRA acquired in 2021. Also, one mile from the new office is the 25-acre parcel known as Von Karman Creative Campus, which IRA acquired earlier this year. Given IRA's substantial local investment in Irvine and the potential redevelopment of these projects, the company wanted to invest in a special place not only for its employees, but also as a gathering hub for its partners and the local business community. Considering IRA's focus in the healthcare real estate markets, IRA will be hosting a private event at its offices next month to provide insights on the local and healthcare markets. Guest speakers will include Farrah Khan , the Mayor of the City of Irvine , who will be shedding additional light on the current development environment and discussing opportunities for growth and innovation. Also speaking will be Chad Lefteris , the CEO of UCI Health, which is in the process of constructing a $1.3 Billion , 144-bed hospital/medical complex just down the street from IRA's offices. "We are excited to announce the opening of our new office in Irvine, CA ," said Mohannad Malas , IRA Capital Co-Founder, Managing Partner. "This expansion is a reflection of our dedication to delivering exceptional investment opportunities and value to our stakeholders. The continued growth deepens IRA's relationships, fosters collaboration, promotes innovation, and better serves the unique needs of the community." IRA's new office space also comes at a time when the company recently announced the launch of its flagship $500 Million healthcare real estate fund, which will be targeting medical properties and senior housing assets across the United States . About IRA Capital IRA Capital is a Southern-California based private equity firm founded in 2010 by partners Amer Kasm , Samir Patel , Jay Gangwal , Amer Malas , and Mohannad Malas . IRA invests capital for its own account and on behalf of its co-investment partners, which include pension funds, institutions, and family offices. Headquartered in Irvine California , IRA has acquired over seven million square feet of property in 30 states, with a total capitalization greater than $3 Billion . For more information, please visit www.IRAcapital.com. For more information, please contact: Danielle Ball , IRA Capital Corporate Communications/ 949.258.7411 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-office-expansion-enables-ira-capital-to-accelerate-growth-301899136.html SOURCE IRA Capital FILE PHOTO: Frederick Wassef, lawyer representing Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro and Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, attends an inauguration ceremony at the Planalto Palace, in Brasilia, Brazil June 17, 2020. Picture taken June 17, 2020. REUTERS/Adriano Mach By Ricardo Brito and Rodrigo Viga Gaier BRASILIA/RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - Brazilian police on Friday raided the addresses of a lawyer to former President Jair Bolsonaro and the family of his jailed personal aide to investigate the alleged sale of jewelry and other presents from Arab governments. The search warrant issued by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes followed police allegations that Bolsonaro's aides used government resources for their personal advantage. A Federal Police statement said those under investigation "are suspected of using the structure of the state to divert high-value assets delivered by foreign authorities to Brazilian representatives on official visits, through the sale of these items abroad." The decision by Moraes, seen by Reuters, said proceeds of the sales were delivered in cash to Bolsonaro via intermediaries. Moraes authorized the police to search the homes or offices of lawyer Frederick Wassef and Mauro Cesar Cid, the father of Bolsonaro's former aide-de-camp Lt Col Mauro Cid, to seize computers, tablets, cameras and data storage media. Wassef did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Friday. A representative for Mauro Cesar Cid could not be reached for comment. The decision by Moraes cites messages obtained by the police in which Mauro Cid, Bolsonaro's former aide, deals with the sale of statues, a palm tree and a gold-plated boat received as gifts during an official visit to Bahrain. Cid has been in jail since May related to a separate investigation into the alleged fraudulent insertion of vaccination data into the records of the former president and his associates. His father was a contemporary of Bolsonaro's in the army and served in the federal government during his presidency. The raids follow an investigation into jewelry worth some $3 million given by the Saudi Arabian government as a presidential gift to Bolsonaro, which he failed to declare. Bolsonaro denies he committed any wrongdoing. The jewelry was returned this year to the state, as ordered by the federal audit court. The police investigation has established that Bolsonaro aides tried to recover the Saudi jewelry given to then-first lady Michelle Bolsonaro after it was seized in October 2021 in Sao Paulo by customs officials, who found the gems in an aide's backpack when he entered Brazil from Riyadh. (Reporting by Ricardo Brito and Maria Carolina Marcelo in Brasiia and Rodrigo Viga Gaier in Rio de Janeiro; Writing by Carolina Pulice; Editing by Anthony Boadle, Brad Haynes and Rosalba O'Brien) FILE PHOTO: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi poses as he meets Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan (not seen) in Ankara, Turkey, July 26, 2023. Stringer/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo SHANGHAI (Reuters) - Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged the Philippines to work with China to seek an effective way to defuse tensions in the South China Sea, the official Xinhua news agency said on Saturday. The comments come amid rising tensions between the two countries over the location of a grounded warship that serves as a military outpost in the South China Sea. The comments were made by Wang during a visit to Singapore and Malaysia which took place on Thursday and Friday, said Xinhua. China has repeatedly expressed its willingness to resolve differences with the Philippines through bilateral dialogue, hoping that the Philippine side would abide by a consensus reached in the past, Xinhua reported Wang as saying. The Philippines intentionally grounded the World War Two-era warship Sierra Madre in 1999 as part of its sovereignty claim to the Second Thomas Shoal, which lies within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and rotates a handful of troops through the ship. The Philippines won an international arbitration award in 2016 against China's claim over almost all of the South China Sea, after a tribunal ruled Beijing's sweeping claim had no legal basis, including at the Second Thomas Shoal. China, which does not recognise the ruling, has built militarised, man-made islands in the South China Sea and its claim of historic sovereignty overlaps with the EEZs of the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia. (Reporting by Engen Tham; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan) SHANGHAI (Reuters) - Yellow smoke blanketed parts of a northern Chinese city after a leak of acidic substances from a warehouse owned by a manufacturer of children products, state-owned China Central Television (CCTV) said on Saturday. The incident took place in Xingtai in Hebei province, and was brought under control by the fire department and others, said CCTV. There were no casualties and the incident is under investigation, CCTV added. Accidents due to gas and chemical explosions are not unusual in China following years of breakneck economic growth. China has stepped up inspections and checks, but industrial and workplace accidents remain common. In June, President Xi Jinping called for a safety overhaul across the country after one of the deadliest gas explosions in years killed 31 in northwest China. Videos of the skies over Xingtai turning yellow were widely shared on Chinese social media, with many expressing concern about the leak. "Was it chlorine? It'd be terrible if it was," one netizen said. ($1 = 7.2367 Chinese yuan renminbi) (Reporting by Engen Tham and Ryan Woo; editing by Miral Fahmy) 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/Kevin Wurm By Jarrett Renshaw and Nandita Bose (Reuters) -The appointment on Friday of a special counsel to investigate Hunter Biden ensures that the criminal probe of the presidents son will cast a long shadow over his fathers reelection campaign. Delaware U.S. Attorney David Weiss' new role as special counsel, announced on Friday, may force President Joe Biden to deal with unpleasant headlines and distract him and his campaign when he would prefer to talk about the economy or signature legislation as he campaigns for the 2024 presidential election, according to senior Democrats. "This will have a sizable impact on the re-elect. They run the risk of constantly getting knocked off message. Every time someone goes before a grand jury or is subpoenaed, the press will keep asking about it. Biden wants to talk economy, guns, national security and he'll be less able to," said a senior Democrat. Democrats also fear that special counsel investigations could grow in scope. "Special counsels always find things they don't expect to find. (The probe of former President Bill) Clinton started as an investigation into a real estate deal he and Hillary did when he was governor and ended with Monica Lewinsky," the senior Democrat said. The Biden campaign did not respond to requests for comment. Hunter Biden in July pleaded not guilty to charges of failing to pay more than $100,000 in taxes owed on over $1.5 million in income in 2017 and 2018. He did not enter a plea in a separate case in which he is charged with unlawfully owning a firearm while using illegal drugs, which is a felony. Top Democrats were hopeful a plea agreement between Hunter Biden and Weiss would have allowed the president to move past his sons legal troubles and relegate the issue to Republican-led congressional investigations. But a federal judge refused to accept a proposed plea deal and Weiss said in a court filing on Friday that talks between the two sides have since broken down. A potential trial raises the possibility of an unprecedented spectacle in U.S. history: The son of a sitting president facing criminal charges while his father campaigns for re-election, likely against Republican Donald Trump, who faces at least three upcoming criminal trials of his own. Republicans have accused the elder Biden of profiting from his son's business ventures in Ukraine and China, though they have yet to produce any evidence of wrongdoing. House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy said in July that the chamber might launch an impeachment inquiry in the autumn. Half of Americans believe Hunter Biden received preferential treatment from prosecutors who tried to reach a plea deal, a Reuters/Ipsos poll in June found before the plea deal fell apart. But most Americans said the Hunter Biden plea deal did not affect their likelihood of voting for Biden next year, the poll found. (Reporting By Jarrett Renshaw and Nandita Bose; Editing by Cynthia Osterman) FILE PHOTO: A 3D printed Telegram logo is placed on a computer motherboard in this illustration taken January 21, 2021. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration ERBIL (Reuters) -Iraq's telecoms ministry said it will lift a ban on the Telegram messaging app on Sunday, which was imposed earlier this week, citing security concerns and data leaks of official state institutions and citizens. The app is widely used in Iraq for messaging but also as a source of news and for sharing content. Some channels contain large amounts of personal data including the names, addresses and family ties of Iraqis. The ministry said in a statement the decision to lift the ban came after "the company that owns the platform responded to the requirements of the security authorities that called on the company to disclose the entities that leaked citizens' data." The company also "expressed its full readiness to communicate with the relevant authorities...," the statement added. In response to Reuters request for comment a member of Telegram's press team said that "posting private data without consent is forbidden by Telegram's terms of service and such content is routinely removed by our moderators." "We can confirm that our moderators took down several channels sharing personal data. However, we can also confirm that no private user data was requested from Telegram and that none has been shared." Last week the ministry said that the company did not respond to its request to close down platforms that leak data of the official state institutions and the personal data of citizens. (Reporting by Amina Ismail ; editing by David Evans) RAMALLAH, West Bank (Reuters) - Palestinian officials welcomed a first Saudi Arabian ambassador on Saturday, they said, in a show of support even as the Gulf kingdom is considering the prospect of establishing formal diplomatic relations with Israel. Saudi Arabia, Islam's birthplace, has championed the Palestinian cause and shunned official ties with Israel but the U.S. is seeking to promote what could be a historic Middle East deal that would include normalising Israeli-Saudi relations. At a ceremony in Jordan, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's diplomatic adviser Majdi al-Khalidi received a copy of the credentials of Ambassador Nayef Al-Sudairi as a non-resident envoy, official Palestinian news agency Wafa said. The move was "an important step that will contribute to further strengthening the strong brotherly relations that bind the two countries and the two brotherly peoples," al-Khalidi said, according to Wafa. Palestinian analyst Talal Okal said the diplomatic appointment was a half-step toward an official Saudi representation office in the occupied West Bank. "It is also a message Saudi Arabia was committed to the rights of the Palestinians in a fully sovereign state," he added. PALESTINIAN CONCERN Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki said last week that Abbas's Western-backed Palestinian Authority is hoping to engage with Saudi Arabia over their concerns about the potential normalisation with Israel. U.S., Israeli and Saudi officials have said any such agreement would be some way off, with complex issues to be resolved, including an escalation in violence in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and the possibility of development of civilian nuclear power by Saudi Arabia. Palestinians are concerned that any agreement may weaken support for their cause in the wider Arab world and undermine their hopes of an independent Palestinian state. Saudi Arabia has quietly accepted the so-called Abraham Accords that have normalised ties between Israel and Gulf states United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. When asked if he would consider concessions to the Palestinians as part of a Saudi deal, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in an NBC interview this month: "The Palestinians should have all the power to govern themselves and none of the powers to threaten us." Members of his hard-right coalition, however, have ruled out any concessions. (Reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi in Gaza, Ali Swafta in Ramallah, Maayan Lubell in Jerusalem, Hatem Maher in Cairo; Writing by Maayan Lubell; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne) This photo taken on July 17, 2023 shows the city view of Cape Town, South Africa. South Africa is the southernmost country in Africa. (Photo by Xabiso Mkhabela/Xinhua) The event's agenda will be topped by efforts toward de-dollarization (reducing the U.S. dollar's hegemony) and the expansion of the bloc, said Correa. GENEVA, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- The 15th BRICS summit, to be held in South Africa this month, is expected to make the global governance system fairer and counterbalance the dominance of Western countries, Carlos Maria Correa, executive director of the South Centre, told Xinhua on Wednesday. The event's agenda will be topped by efforts toward de-dollarization (reducing the U.S. dollar's hegemony) and the expansion of the bloc, said Correa. The BRICS group of major emerging economies -- Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa -- will hold its 15th heads of state and government summit in Johannesburg between Aug. 22 and Aug. 24. The summit will be the first in-person BRICS gathering since the COVID-19 pandemic. Altogether, the BRICS nations account for more than 40 percent of the world population and about 26 percent of the global economy. Photo taken on Sept. 8, 2021 shows models of jets during an exhibition on BRICS New Industrial Revolution held in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province. (Xinhua/Lin Shanchuan) "One key issue for the BRICS to consider is global governance. There is a need to change the current system, which is unfair and asymmetric. In particular, the architecture of the financial system needs a major reform," Correa said. Leaders are also expected to discuss the BRICS group's expansion by adding new members, including the admission criteria and the guiding principles. "Among my hopes is that the current BRICS group considers the incorporation of other countries," Correa said. "This will be very important because it will give volume to the BRICS group." "Of course, major economies, such those of India, Brazil and China, are there, but if other countries can also be incorporated, the political dimension of the BRICS will be improved significantly." People walk on Red Square in Moscow, Russia, on March 10, 2022. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi) So far, over 20 countries have formally applied to become new BRICS members, including Saudi Arabia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Argentina, Indonesia, Egypt and Ethiopia. Correa said although the Group of Seven (G7) and the Group of 20 (G20) "still influence a lot the international developments", the groups are "dominated by developed countries." "But the BRICS play an important role in counterbalancing the G7 and G20. They look for solutions that are aligned with the interests of the other developing countries," he said. Asked how China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has contributed to China-Africa cooperation, Correa said: "There are so many projects that have been realized in the context of this initiative, it is very difficult to highlight just one. The contribution has been immense." File photo taken on May 21, 2016 shows the aerial view of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Each country of the BRICS has its magnificent landmarks, which present its glamour and uniqueness to the whole world. (Xinhua/Wang Weiguang) "The creation of infrastructure in African countries has been extremely important, such as new ports, electricity plants and water supply. This is one of the reasons why South-South cooperation has become so important in the last few years," he said. The South Centre, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, is an intergovernmental organization of developing countries that helps developing countries to combine their efforts and expertise to promote their common interests in the international arena. LIMA (Reuters) - Peru announced an air security agreement with the United States on Saturday in what the government described as a push to stop planes belonging to drug gangs from entering the South American country's airspace. The deal revives a bilateral security cooperation pact with the United States from 20 years ago, according to a government statement, and will permit new intelligence and training support to flow to Peru's air force. It covers upgrades to two dozen helicopters and radar equipment, with the statement also citing "intense collaboration" with the United States, but without disclosing the cost of the security assistance. The U.S. Department of Defense did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The statement cited Peruvian Defense Minister Jorge Chavez, who stressed that airspace interdictions efforts under the agreement will be carried out via non-lethal means. An earlier air security pact between the two countries was suspended two decades ago after Peru's air force shot down a plane it had misidentified, killing two U.S. citizens. (Reporting by Marco Aquino; Additional reporting by Moira Warburton in Washington; Editing by Sandra Maler) (Reuters) - Russia's Foreign Ministry condemned on Saturday what it called Ukraine's "terrorist attack" on the Crimean Bridge, saying it put innocent civilians' lives at risk, and vowed retaliation. "There can be no justification for such barbaric actions and they will not go unanswered," ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a statement on the Telegram messaging app. Earlier, Russia's Defence Ministry said its forces had thwarted a Ukrainian rocket attack on the 12-mile (19 km) bridge, which links Russian-annexed Crimea to Russia across the Kerch Strait. The ministry said Russian forces had also shot down a number of Ukrainian drones targeting the peninsula. (Reporting by Gareth Jones; Editing by Andrew Heavens) By Jeenah Moon and Ben Blanchard NEW YORK (Reuters) -Taiwan Vice President William Lai arrived in New York on Saturday at the start of a sensitive U.S. stopover, which China has condemned and Taiwanese officials fear could prompt more Chinese military activity around the democratically governed island. Lai, the front-runner to become Taiwan's president in elections in January, is officially making only transit stops in the United States on his way to and from Paraguay for the swearing in of its president next week. Lai said that he had arrived in New York, on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. "Happy to arrive at the #BigApple, icon of liberty, democracy & opportunities," Lai posted. "Looking forward to seeing friends & attending transit programs in #NewYork." The China Airlines flight Lai took from Taipei landed at New York's John F. Kennedy Airport shortly after 8:15 p.m. local time (0015 GMT), according to flight tracking app Flightradar24. Neither Taiwan nor the U.S. have given exact details about his U.S. schedule, which both are aiming to keep low key, according to officials briefed on the trip. Laura Rosenberger, chair of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), a U.S. government-run non-profit that carries out unofficial relations with Taiwan, said on X that she would meet Lai in San Francisco. Taipei and Washington call U.S. stopovers by Taiwanese officials routine and no cause for China to take "provocative" actions, but Beijing has reacted with anger at what it sees as a further sign of U.S. support for Taiwan, which it claims as its own. China is likely to launch military drills next week near Taiwan, using Lai's U.S. stopovers as a pretext to intimidate voters ahead of a next year's election and make them "fear war," Taiwanese officials say. Lai, speaking to reporters before leaving Taiwan, made only fleeting mention of the U.S. part of his trip, simply noting he was going to New York first. Lai's U.S. stopover will be the 11th by a Taiwanese vice president, according to the State Department, which calls them routine but "private and unofficial." Washington does not have formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, but is its most important international source of weapons, and the islands contested status is a constant source of friction with Beijing. Paraguay is one of the few remaining countries in the world that retains formal ties with Taiwan. Lai has made one prior U.S. transit as Taiwans vice president, in January 2022 on a trip to Honduras, a then-ally of the island that switched its diplomatic recognition to Beijing in early 2023. Lai said he would use the Paraguay visit not only to deepen ties with that country but also to have "self-confident" exchanges with other countries and meet with delegations from like-minded partners. He did not say who. This would "let the international community understand that Taiwan is a country that adheres to democracy, freedom and human rights, and actively participates in international affairs," Lai added. Lai went to Honduras last year for the inauguration of its president and had a brief though symbolic chat there with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris. The United States has not announced who may be going to Paraguay next week. Three sources told Reuters the Biden administration was eager to keep Lais visit low-profile so as not to stoke tensions before Taiwan's election and to preserve the recent momentum in U.S. engagements with senior Chinese officials. That includes the prospect of a visit to the U.S. by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, which could pave the way for a meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinas leader Xi Jinping this year. Beijing particularly dislikes Lai, who has in the past described himself as a "practical worker for Taiwan independence". Lai has repeatedly said during the election campaign he does not seek to change the status quo. Before leaving, Lai wrote in English on X that he was "excited to meet with US friends in transit" and to be going to Paraguay, one of just 13 countries to maintain formal ties with Taipei. Lai is to return from Paraguay via San Francisco and is due back in Taiwan on Friday, according to the official schedule for the trip published on Saturday, which did not mention the U.S. legs. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard, Fabian Hamcher and Yimou Lee in Taipei, and Michael Martina and David Brunnstrom in Washington; Writing by Ben Blanchard and David Brunnstrom; Editing by William Mallard) FILE PHOTO: Ukrainian service members install a national flag on Snake (Zmiinyi) Island, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues, in Odesa region, Ukraine, in this handout picture released July 7, 2022. Press service of the Ukrainian Armed Forces/Handout (Note: Strong language in paragraph 4) KYIV (Reuters) - Ukrainian border guards placed a new sign on Snake Island this weekend, recalling the early hours of Russia's invasion when a comrade on the strategic Black Sea outcrop used a choice phrase to refuse to surrender to a warship. "The next border sign will be installed in our Ukrainian Crimea after its liberation by the defence forces of Ukraine," a uniformed man said, standing before a post painted blue and yellow like the country's flag, in a video shared on Facebook late on Saturday by the head of the border service, Serhiy Deineko. Tiny Snake Island became synonymous with Ukrainian resistance in the first hours of the Feb. 24, 2022 invasion, when Russian officers on the Black Sea Fleet flagship Moskva radioed Ukrainian guards stationed there and ordered them to surrender or die. One of them radioed back "Russian warship, go fuck yourself." The phrase became a national slogan, depicted on Ukrainian billboards, T-shirts, and eventually a postage stamp. The strategic island overlooks sea lanes to Odesa, Ukraine's main Black Sea port. On April 14, 2022, two Ukrainian missiles struck the Moskva, the biggest warship sunk in combat for 40 years. Russia says one sailor was killed in an accident. Western experts say they believe around half of the crew of about 450 perished at sea. On June 30, Russia abandoned Snake Island after taking heavy losses trying to defend it. It called its withdrawal another "goodwill gesture." Russia still holds swathes of territory in eastern and southern Ukraine. However, Ukraine is pressing ahead with a counteroffensive in which it claimed further progress on Saturday. "Historical justice has been restored," Deineko said in his Facebook post. "Ukraine will definitely win!!!" (Reporting by Maria Starkova in Kyiv and Elaine Monaghan in Washington; Writing by Elaine Monaghan; Editing by Sandra Maler) FILE PHOTO: Exterior view of a heavily damaged apartment after what officials say was a Russian overnight shelling in Kherson, Ukraine August 7, 2023 in this still image obtained from social media video. Telegram/Oleksandr Prokudin via REUTERS T KYIV (Reuters) - An elderly woman and a police officer were killed early Saturday by Russian shelling on a settlement in Kharkiv region in eastern Ukraine and Zaporizhzhia in the south, Ukrainian officials said. "This morning, around 5:10, the enemy fired on Kupiansk-Vuzlovyi village in Kupiansk district. A residential building was damaged. A 73-year-old woman died," Kharkiv governor Oleh Synehubov said on the Telegram messaging app. In a separate attack on Orikhiv town in Zaporizhzhia region, one police officer was killed and 12 people, including four police officers, were injured, interior minister Ihor Klymenko said on Telegram. He said Russian troops used a guided aerial bomb. Reuters could not independently verify the details of the Ukrainian reports. Eastern parts of Kharkiv region and most of Zaporizhzhia region are directly adjacent to the front line, and Ukrainian forces have reported an increase in Russian attacks there in recent weeks. Kharkiv regional authorities earlier this month announced the mandatory evacuation of civilians from settlements closest to the front line in Kupiansk district. Ukrainian authorities said this week that Russia attacked a "civilian infrastructure object" in Zaporizhzhia on Thursday evening. Russia denies deliberately targeting civilians during its invasion of Ukraine, which is now in its 18th month and has resulted in the deaths of thousands of people, the uprooting of millions and the destruction of Ukrainian towns and cities. (Reporting by Pavel Polityuk; Editing by Mark Potter) WASHINGTON After nearly three weeks of appealing to the United States and other allies for help restoring Niger's president to power, friends and supporters of the democratically elected leader are making a simpler plea: Save his life. President Mohamed Bazoum, leader of the last remaining Western-allied democracy across a vast stretch of Africa's Sahara and Sahel, sits confined with his family in an unlit basement of his presidential compound, cut off from resupplies of food and from electricity and cooking gas by the junta that overthrew him, Niger's ambassador to the United States told The Associated Press. "They are killing him," said the ambassador, Mamadou Kiari Liman-Tinguiri, a close associate who maintains daily calls with the detained leader. The two have been colleagues for three decades, since the now 63-year-old president was a young philosophy instructor, a teacher's union leader, and a democracy advocate noted for his eloquence. "The plan of the head of the junta is to starve him to death," Liman-Tinguiri told the AP in one of his first interviews since mutinous troops allegedly cut off food deliveries to the president, his wife and his 20-year-old son almost a week ago. "This is inhuman, and the world should not tolerate that," the ambassador said. "It cannot be tolerated in 2023." Bazoum sits in the dark basement, the ambassador said. He answers the phone when a call comes in that he knows to be his friend or someone else he wants to speak to. The beleaguered president and his ambassador, whom junta members have declared out of a job, talk one or more times a day. Bazoum has not been seen out in public since July 26, when military vehicles blocked the gates to the presidential palace and security forces announced they were taking power. It is not possible to independently determine the president's circumstances. The United States, United Nations and others have expressed repeated concern for what they called Bazoum's deteriorating conditions in detention, and warned the junta they would hold it responsible for the well-being of Bazoum and his family. Separately, Human Rights Watch said Friday it had spoken directly to the detained president and to others in his circle, and received some similar accounts of mistreatment. However, an activist who supports Niger's new military rulers in its communications said the reports of the president's dire state were false. Insa Garba Saidou said he was in contact with some junta members but did not say how he had knowledge of the president's lot. "Bazoum was lucky he was not taken anywhere," Saidou said. "He was left in his palace with his phone. Those who did that don't intend to hurt Bazoum." Niger's military coup and the plight of its ousted leader have drawn global attention but not because that kind of turmoil is unusual for West Africa. Niger alone has had about a half-dozen military takeovers since independence in 1960. Niger leaders have suffered in coups before, most notably when a military-installed leader was shot down in 1999 by the same presidential guard unit that instigated the current coup. Niger's return to reflexive armed takeovers by disgruntled troops is reverberating in the U.S. and internationally for two key reasons. One is because Bazoum came to power in a rare democratic presidential election in the Africa's unstable Sahara and Sahel, in the only peaceful, democratic transfer of power that Niger has managed. The United States alone has invested close to $1 billion in Niger in recent years to support its democracy and deliver aid, in addition to building national forces capable of holding off north and west Africa's al-Qaida- and Islamic State-allied armed groups. The U.S.-backed counterterror presence is the second key reason that Niger's coup is resonating. Americans have a 1,100-strong security presence and have built bases in Niger's capital and far north into its main outposts to counter West Africa's armed jihadist groups. The Biden administration has yet to call what has happened in Niger a coup, citing laws that would obligate the U.S. to cut many of its military partnerships with the country. Niger's region is dominated by military or military-aligned governments and a growing number of them have entered security partnerships with Russia's Wagner mercenary groups. The soldiers who ousted Bazoum have announced a ruling structure but said little publicly about their plans. U.S. Under Secretary of State Victoria Nuland met with Niger's junta members in the capital this week but called them unreceptive to her demands to restore Niger's democracy. "They were quite firm about how they want to proceed, and it is not in support of the constitution of Niger," Nuland told reporters after. The junta also told Nuland that Bazoum would die if the regional ECOWAS security bloc intervened militarily to restore democracy, U.S. officials told the AP. Late this week, the ambassador shrugged that threat off, saying the junta is already on track to kill Bazoum by trapping his family and him with little more than a shrinking supply of dried rice and no means to cook it. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has spoken several times with the detained president and expressed concern for his and his family's safety. The U.S. says it has cut some aid to the government and paused military cooperation. Blinken has expressed broad support for ECOWAS, whose diplomatic efforts have been spurned by the Niger junta and which has warned of military force as a last resort. Blinken said in a statement Friday he was "particularly dismayed" that Niger's mutinous soldiers had refused to release Bazoum's family as a goodwill gesture. He gave no details. While the junta adviser Saidou denied that the junta threatened to kill Bazoum if ECOWAS invaded, he said Bazoum's death would be inevitable if that happened. "Even if the high officers of the junta won't touch Bazoum, if one gun is shot at one of Niger's borders in order to reinstate Bazoum, I'm sure that there will be soldiers who will put an end to his life," he said. Bazoum told Human Rights Watch that family members and friends who brought food were being turned away, and that the junta had refused treatment for his young son, who has a heart condition. Bazoum and his undetained allies want regional partners, the U.S. and others to intervene. With Bazoum vulnerable in captivity, neither he nor the ambassadors specify what they want the U.S. and other allies to do. Bazoum is a member of Niger's tiny minority of nomadic Arabs, in a country of varying cultures rich in tradition. Despite his political career, Bazoum has retained his people's devotion to livestock, keeping camels that he dotes on, Liman-Tinguiri said. For all his deprivations, the ambassador said, Bazoum remains in good spirits. "He is a man who is mentally very strong," he said. "He's a man of faith." Associated Press writer Sam Mednick contributed from Niamey, Niger. QUITO, Ecuador The gang-driven violence afflicting Ecuador over the last two years reached an unprecedented level when a presidential candidate known for speaking up against drug cartels and corruption was shot and killed at a political rally in the South American country's capital. The assassination of Fernando Villavicencio in Quito happened Wednesday, less than two weeks before a special presidential election. He was not a frontrunner, but his killing, which President Guillermo Lasso suggested could be linked to organized crime, furthered a crisis that has already claimed thousands of lives and underscored the deep challenge that the country's next leader will face. Lasso declared three days of national mourning and a state of emergency that involves additional military personnel deployed throughout the country. "Given the loss of a democrat and a fighter, the elections are not suspended; on the contrary, they have to be held, and democracy has to be strengthened," Lasso said Thursday. In his final speech before he was killed, Villavicencio, 59, promised a roaring crowd that he would root out corruption and lock up the country's "thieves." The attorney general's office of Ecuador said one suspect died in custody from wounds sustained in a firefight after the politician's assassination. Various operations carried out in different sectors of Quito resulted in six arrests. Villavicencio had reported receiving multiple death threats, including from affiliates of Mexico's Sinaloa cartel, one of a slew of international organized crime groups that now operate in Ecuador. He said his campaign represented a threat to such groups. "Here I am showing my face. I'm not scared of them," Villavicencio said in a statement before his death, naming detained crime boss Jose Adolfo Macias by his alias "Fito." Villavicencio, one of eight candidates running for president, was the candidate of the Build Ecuador Movement. As drug traffickers have begun to use the country's coastal ports, Ecuadorians have reeled from violence not seen for decades. The sounds of gunfire ring in many major cities as rival gangs battle for control, and gangs have recruited children. Just last month, the mayor of the port city of Manta was shot and killed. On July 26, Lasso declared a state of emergency covering two provinces and the country's prison system in an effort to stem the violence. People waiting for buses Thursday morning in Guayaquil, a port city south of Quito that has been the epicenter of gang violence, expressed shock over the killing of Villavicencio. "It shows that the violence in the country is increasing," pharmacist Leidy Aguirre, 28, said. "Politicians supposedly have more security than citizens and this shows that not even they are safe." Former vice president Otto Sonnenholzner, who also is seeking the presidency, said at a news conference following Wednesday's killing, "We are dying, drowning in a sea of tears and we do not deserve to live like this. We demand that you do something." Videos of the rally on social media appear to show Villavicencio walking out of the event surrounded by guards. The video then shows the candidate getting into a white pickup truck before gunshots are heard, followed by screams and commotion around the truck. The sequence of events was confirmed to The Associated Press by Patricio Zuquilanda, Villavicencio's campaign adviser. Lasso said "the murderers" threw a grenade into the street to cover their flight, but it didn't explode. Police later destroyed the grenade with a controlled explosion, he added. Zuquilanda said the candidate had received at least three death threats before the shooting and reported them to authorities, resulting in one detention. The campaign adviser called on international authorities to take action against the violence, attributing it to rising violence and drug trafficking. "The Ecuadorian people are crying and Ecuador is mortally wounded," he said. "Politics cannot lead to the death of any member of society." Villavicencio was one of the country's most critical voices against corruption, especially during the 2007-2017 government of President Rafael Correa. He was an independent journalist who investigated corruption in previous governments before entering politics as an anti-graft campaigner. Villavicencio filed many judicial complaints against high-ranking members of the Correa government, including against the ex-president himself. He was sentenced to 18 months in prison for defamation over his criticisms of Correa, and fled to Indigenous territory in Ecuador, later receiving asylum in neighboring Peru. Edison Romo, a former military intelligence colonel, said the anti-corruption complaints made Villavicencio "a threat to international criminal organizations." Lasso, a conservative former banker, was elected in 2021 on a business-friendly platform and clashed from the start with the left-leaning majority coalition in the National Assembly. A snap election was called after Lasso dissolved the National Assembly by decree in May, in a move to avoid being impeached over allegations that he failed to intervene to end a faulty contract between the state-owned oil transport company and a private tanker company. Ecuador's constitution includes a provision that allows the president to disband the assembly during a political crisis, but then requires new elections for both the assembly and the presidency. Diana Atamaint, the president of the National Electoral Council, said the election date, Aug. 20, was "unalterable" due to constitutional and legal mandates, as well as electoral activities that have already been approved by the council. The country has faced a series of political upheavals in recent years. Authorities said that at least nine others were injured in the Wednesday shooting, including officers and a congressional candidate, in what they described as a "terrorist act." The killing was met with an outcry by other candidates who demanded action, with presidential front-runner Luisa Gonzalez of the Citizen Revolution party saying "when they touch one of us, they touch all of us." Villavicencio was married and is survived by five children. Garcia-Cano reported from Guayaquil, Ecuador. The wildfires raging on Maui came to the doorstep of an endangered bird center, with staff rushing to extinguish flames before they crept to aviaries housing some of the rarest birds in the world. Early Tuesday morning, Jennifer Pribble, a wildlife care supervisor at the bird sanctuary, and a neighbor saw smoke billowing across the road from the bird center. When the pair noticed the fire had leaped the road, Pribble ran to grab fire extinguishers, hoping to put out the flames before they spread up the grass and to barns with critically endangered birds. The grass was so dry that it could have taken minutes to reach them. There was no way to evacuate the birds in time. In that moment, our instincts kicked in and we knew what we had to do, Pribble said. The goal was to keep the fire from spreading toward the aviaries. Pribble and the neighbor used a hose to further douse the flames before firefighters arrived, according to security footage the center shared with The Washington Post. Firefighters, Pribble added, have been out front keeping the fire at bay so we can continue to focus on the birds. At least 55 people are dead after devastating wildfires ripped through Maui and tore through the historic town of Lahaina, with officials expecting the death toll to rise. Hawaii Gov. Josh Green (D) told reporters at a news conference: Climate change is here, and its affecting the islands. The Maui Bird Conservation Center is home to critically endangered honeycreepers unique to the tropical islands, with melodic names like the palila, kiwikiu and akikiki. The center is run by the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. In the wild, the songbird species are succumbing to an avian form of malaria brought by invasive mosquitoes that are creeping up the islands slopes as the climate warms. There are thought to be only five akikiki left in the wild. At the center, the birds are kept behind mosquito nets. With plans to suppress the mosquito population in the works, the loss of the center and its birds would have been devastating to efforts to restore the populations in the wild. The center also houses some of the last remaining alala, or Hawaiian crows, which are now extinct in the wild. The birds almost vanished for good before scientists discovered that they are capable of using sticks as tools. Conservationists hope to reintroduce the crows to the wild, too, in the coming years. To mitigate against disasters like fires, the zoo alliance keeps members of rare species in different spots - some at the Maui facility and others at a similar sanctuary on Hawaiis Big Island. Bryce Masuda, the groups conservation program manager, said his team doesnt want to keep all of our eggs in one basket. So many trees and branches were knocked down by the winds that other staffers had to use chain saws to get up the road and join Pribble at the bird center, high in the mountains on Maui. Since putting out the fire near the sanctuary, the priority has been to move the birds to barns away from trees that may fall. Theyve just fallen everywhere, said Emily Senninger, a spokeswoman for the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance who is in Maui. The mosquito netting in some of the aviaries has been torn, she added, and needs fixing. A tree fell on one aviary but didnt cause significant structural damage. All of the birds are safe, she added. TAIPEI, Taiwan Taiwan's vice president left Saturday on a trip to Paraguay to reinforce relations with his government's last diplomatic partner in South America at a time when China is stepping up efforts to isolate the self-ruled island democracy. William Lai's trip includes stops in San Francisco and New York City, which Beijing criticized Washington for allowing. The mainland's ruling Communist Party claims Taiwan as part of its territory and says it has no right to conduct foreign relations. Lai was due to attend the inauguration of Paraguayan President-elect Santiago Pena on Tuesday. Lai said he would meet officials of other governments "so that the international society understands Taiwan is a country that persists in its democracy, human rights and freedom and actively takes part in international affairs." Paraguay is part of a dwindling group of 12 governments that have diplomatic relations with Taiwan. They are mostly small, poor countries in Africa and the Caribbean. Taiwan lost a partner this year when Honduras switched official recognition to Beijing. Taiwan and China have been ruled separately since a civil war that ended in 1949. They both claim sovereignty over each other's territory and refuse to have relations with governments that recognize the other side. China's vastly larger economy and population mean most governments have official relations with Beijing, though many, including the United States, maintain informal relations with Taiwan. Pena visited Taiwan in July and told President Tsai Ing-wen his country would "stand with the people of Taiwan" during his five-year term. Chinese leader Xi Jinping's government has stepped up efforts to intimidate Taiwan by flying fighter jets and bombers near the island and firing missiles into the sea. Some American and European politicians have responded by flying to Taiwan in a show of support. Taiwanese officials usually stop in the United States en route to and from Latin America and meet with U.S. officials, which irritates Beijing. The Taiwanese government gave no indication Lai was due to meet American officials. Lai was scheduled to have lunch Sunday in New York City with Taiwanese living there before leaving for Paraguay. En route home, he planned to stop in San Francisco for a dinner with Taiwanese there. The Chinese foreign ministry said earlier it would "monitor developments" and was ready to take "resolute and forceful measures to defend its national sovereignty and territorial integrity." China launched war games around Taiwan in April after Tsai met House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in Los Angeles while traveling home from Central America. YEREVAN, Armenia Armenia called on the U.N. Security Council to hold an emergency meeting on the worsening humanitarian situation in Azerbaijan's Nagorno-Karabakh region, which is mostly populated by Armenians. In his letter to the president of the U.N. Security Council, sent Friday and released by Armenia's Foreign Ministry on Saturday, Armenian U.N. ambassador Mher Margaryan said the people of Nagorno-Karabakh were "on the verge of a full-fledged humanitarian catastrophe." Since December, Azerbaijan has blockaded the only road leading from Armenia to Nagorno-Karabakh, severely restricting the delivery of food, medical supplies and other essentials to the region of about 120,000 people. "The Armenian government asks for the intervention of the U.N. Security Council, as the main body responsible for maintaining international peace and security, to prevent mass atrocities, including war crimes, ethnic cleansing, crimes against humanity and genocide," Margaryan wrote. Armenia's appeal comes after the former chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court warned Tuesday that Azerbaijan is preparing genocide against ethnic Armenians in its Nagorno-Karabakh region and called for the U.N. Security Council to bring the matter before the international tribunal. The report by said Azerbaijan's blockade of the only road leading from Armenia to Nagorno-Karabakh seriously impedes food, medical supplies and other essentials to the region of about 120,000 people. "There is a reasonable basis to believe that a genocide is being committed," Luis Moreno Ocampo wrote in his repor t, noting that a U.N. convention defines genocide as including "deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction." "There are no crematories and there are no machete attacks. Starvation is the invisible genocide weapon. Without immediate dramatic change, this group of Armenians will be destroyed in a few weeks," the report said. Nagorno-Karabakh is a region within Azerbaijan that came under the control of ethnic Armenian forces backed by the Armenian military in separatist fighting that ended in 1994. Armenian forces also took control of substantial territory around the region. Azerbaijan regained control of the surrounding territory in a six-week war with Armenia in 2020. A Russia-brokered armistice that ended the war left the region's capital, Stepanakert, connected to Armenia only by a road known as the Lachin Corridor, along which Russian peacekeeping forces were supposed to ensure free movement. A government representative in Azerbaijan dismissed the report from Ocampo, who was the ICC's first prosecutor, telling The Associated Press it "contains unsubstantiated allegations and accusations." WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland on Friday appointed a special counsel for the probe into Hunter Biden, the son of U.S. President Joe Biden, according to an Associated Press report. David Weiss, the U.S. attorney in Delaware who had already been probing Hunter Biden's financial dealings, was named by Garland as special counsel after plea deal talks in the case broke down, said the report. The appointment of the special counsel is deemed as a significant development from typically cautious Garland, and provides Weiss with independence, authority and budget to pursue the investigation. The U.S. Department of Justice said in a June court filing that Hunter Biden, who has been under investigation by a federal grand jury since 2018, will plead guilty to two misdemeanor counts of failing to pay his 2017 and 2018 taxes on time. However, prosecutors in Delaware announced Friday that the plea deal talks had hit an impasse. Special counsels in the United States are typically appointed to investigate cases where the Justice Department perceives itself as having a conflict or where it's deemed to be in the public interest. JARYLOWKA, Poland Poland's defense minister said Saturday that the country has increased the number of troops protecting its border with Belarus as a deterrent amid "destabilizing" actions by its pro-Russian neighbor. Mariusz Blaszczak met in Jarylowka, in eastern Poland, with some of the troops recently deployed close to the Belarus border. He insisted that the increased military presence is purely a deterrent move, not a hostile act, as Minsk and Moscow are claiming. "There is no doubt that the Belarus regime is cooperating with the Kremlin and that the attacks on the Polish border are intended to destabilize our country," Blaszczak said. Two Belarus military helicopters briefly entered Poland's airspace last week, a move considered by Warsaw to be a deliberate provocation. Also a pro-government group in Belarus recently alleged that Poland's politicians, who support Ukraine in its war against Russia's aggression, were "igniting the fire of war with their actions and rhetoric" and being "driven by the frenzy of chauvinism." Blaszczak said that actions taken by Belarus "pose a threat to our security" and for that reason Poland is building up its "deterrence potential." He said this week that up to 10,000 Polish Army and Territorial Defense troops will be stationed on the border with Belarus, in addition to the usual Border Guards. Some will be in active training and patrolling, others on standby. Poland's conservative ruling party, Law and Justice, will seek an unprecedented third term in parliamentary elections Oct. 15, and amid fierce campaigning it is trying to demonstrate that it is serious about the nation's security. The government has been buying billions of dollars' worth of military equipment and weapons, including from the U.S. and South Korea. Officials in Moscow repeatedly voice groundless allegations that Poland intends on annexing western regions of Ukraine, and analysts say Poland has become the personification of the "collective enemy of Russia" due to its support for Ukraine and because western military equipment sent to Ukraine goes through Poland. The Kremlin's "main goal is to rattle Warsaw to decrease the military support for Ukraine and force Polish politicians to stay silent and fear provocations from Russia and Belarus," Belarusian independent analyst Valery Karbalevich told The Associated Press. "The Kremlin ramps up the hate towards Poland and ups the ante in the hope that the adversary will get scared, pull back or will react in a different way," Karbalevich said. "Moscow very much doesn't like that it is Poland that insists on new sanctions, advocates for Kyiv and actively supports Ukraine's accession to the EU and NATO." Poland is also concerned about the presence in Belarus of Russian-linked mercenaries and about Middle East and African migrants trying to cross illegally from Belarus. Poland and other countries along NATO's eastern flank have accused Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko of taking migrants to the border in an act of "hybrid warfare" aimed at creating instability in the West. Yuras Karmanau in Berlin contributed to this report. WASHINGTON - A few weeks ago, the legal clouds around Hunter Biden were clearing after years of personal and political turmoil. He had arrived at a plea agreement with federal prosecutors, one that would keep him out of jail while putting some of his past misdeeds behind him. He had settled a child support case in Arkansas. He began making regular public appearances with his father. But on Friday afternoon, amid a flurry of court filings and solemn public remarks from Attorney General Merrick Garland, any sense that the legal woes of the president's son were concluding quickly vanished. The plea agreement collapsed, and prosecutors said that "a trial is therefore in order." Garland granted special counsel status to U.S. Attorney David Weiss, signaling that the investigation that recently seemed to be concluding is very much ongoing. The upshot: President Biden faces the prospect that his reelection campaign will unfold at the same time his son faces trial, possibly in a federal courthouse a few blocks from the White House. The legal proceedings could weigh on the president politically, and the fact that the case involves his surviving son - one with a history of drug and alcohol addiction, one he speaks with almost every day, one most of his advisers avoid discussing with him - is also likely to weigh on him personally. Beyond that, Hunter Biden could face trial at a time when Democrats were hoping the focus would be on Donald Trump's own trials and legal problems. The situations are much different: Trump is charged with mishandling classified documents and attempting to overturn the 2020 election, while Hunter Biden faces misdemeanor tax charges and allegations of lying about his drug use when purchasing a gun. Most crucially, Trump is a former president who is seeking a return to the White House, while Hunter Biden is a private citizen. Even so, the developments inject an element of uncertainty into the White House. "On balance, I'm sure that this did not land well at the White House," said David Axelrod, a Democratic consultant who was President Barack Obama's chief strategist. "There are elements of it that complicate things for the Republicans as well, but it's fair to say that nobody on Team Biden is eager for Hunter's case to be extending into the election year." Weiss becomes the second special counsel investigating matters related to Biden and his family. Garland appointed Robert Hur this year to probe the handling of classified documents found at Biden's home and former office. Biden has generally tried to avoid commenting on the ongoing investigation of Hunter Biden, but he has on occasion declared his son's innocence. "My son did nothing wrong," Biden said during a presidential debate in October 2019. "I'm proud of my son," he said during a news conference in December 2020, adding when asked about the likelihood that his son would be cleared in the tax investigation, "I'm confident." As of this May, his feelings had not changed. "My son has done nothing wrong," he told MSNBC. "I trust him. I have faith in him." Biden held no public events Friday, and he did not speak to reporters shouting questions about his son as he walked to Marine One en route to a weekend at his vacation home in Rehoboth Beach, Del. "I don't think he's really in a position to be commenting on all of this. But it's an awkward problem," Axelrod said. "He also, as he's shown, doesn't want to undercut his son. But it's hard to say [Hunter Biden] has done nothing wrong when he's already tried to plead guilty. It's not a helpful situation for him." While Democrats have tried to talk about Hunter Biden as little as possible, Republicans bring him up as often as they can, something that will probably only escalate if the legal case drags on. Several GOP presidential candidates, including those who commented only cautiously about Trump's indictments, went before cameras on Friday to discuss Hunter Biden's case. "The American people deserve answers, and I welcome the appointment," former vice president Mike Pence said at the Iowa State Fair. White House aides have emphasized that Biden has had no role in the investigation of his son and note that Weiss, who was appointed by Trump as U.S. attorney in Delaware, was left in place to continue the investigation. The White House was not told in advance that Garland was naming Weiss a special counsel, according to a White House official. There is certain to be more legal maneuvering, and it is possible that prosecutors will reach a new plea deal with the president's son. But there is little question that Friday's developments undercut the relief Hunter Biden's allies felt in recent weeks. The now-defunct plea agreement had focused on a far narrower slice of Hunter Biden's activity than investigators initially scrutinized in their four-year investigation. The ultimate charges had little to do with Hunter Biden's foreign business deals in countries like Ukraine and China, instead involving poor decisions on taxes and guns. They also had no connection to his father. The tax charges were fairly minor, resulting in misdemeanor charges for two years of not paying taxes, a bill that his attorneys have said he has since paid. The final charge accused Hunter Biden of lying about his drug use at the time of a gun purchase, something he essentially admitted in his memoir. It is unclear whether investigators will now pursue other avenues - special counsel investigations can spiral in many directions - or whether the collapse of the plea deal will simply mean a change in venue and a trial on the same tax charges that were part of the plea agreement. Prosecutors said the proper venue would be in California or D.C., where Hunter Biden was living at the time. Hunter Biden's attorney, Chris Clark, said on Friday that Weiss has had broad authority all along and that giving him special counsel status would not change much. "Whether in Delaware, Washington, D.C., or anywhere else, we expect a fair resolution not infected by politics and we'll do what is necessary on behalf of Mr. Biden to achieve that," Clark said. When the legal clouds appeared to be lifting several weeks ago, Hunter Biden had hopes of becoming a more public presence in his father's presidency and campaign. He had regularly participated in Biden's past campaigns but was largely absent from the 2020 race, as by his own description he was in the throes of a drug addiction. But if he has hopes of regaining his old role as one of his father's advisers, strategists and surrogates, that could be much harder if he faces a trial. This story has been corrected From Alabama to Asia, the scope of senior military officers frozen in place by a dispute between Sen. Tommy Tuberville and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is vast, including not only the incoming leaders of the Joint Chiefs of Staff but generals and admirals focused on China policy, arming Ukraine, and modernizing U.S. combat forces after 20 years of war. Data obtained and verified by The Washington Post reveals that, as of Aug. 12, 301 high-level positions were ensnared in Tuberville's hold. That number is expected to more than double by the end of the year, officials say, unless the impasse, which stems from the Pentagon's abortion policy, is resolved. By year's end, The Pentagon estimates that about three-quarters of the generals and admirals in the Defense Department 650 of 852 will be affected by Tuberville's hold. Each of the Defense Department's five branches of service is affected, as is President Biden's nominee to assume the military's top role, Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr. The prospective heads of the Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps are all in limbo, too, along with each service's No. 2 position. Yet those roles, all based in Washington, represent only a sliver of controversy's global reach. Tuberville, an Alabama Republican, implemented the hold in February to protest Austin's response to last year's Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade, the landmark ruling that for nearly 50 years guaranteed a fundamental right to abortion. The policy provides paid leave and reimburses travel expenses incurred by military personnel who must leave the state where they are assigned because the procedure was banned or otherwise restricted there after the high court ended federal protections. Those in the military, Austin has argued, do not get to choose where they serve and deserve access to reproductive care. Tuberville's view is that federal money should not be used to cover abortion and anything connected to it. His hold is not absolute, but it gums up the usual process in which well-qualified, noncontroversial nominees are approved by the Senate in batches. It's possible to vote on them individually, but doing so would take months, Democrats say. A spokesman for Tuberville, Steven Stafford, said that Republicans and Democrats alike have used holds on both civilian officials and military officers in the past. "The Senate has a right and duty to advise and consent to the President's nominations and to conduct oversight over the Pentagon," Stafford said in an email. For not bringing individual names to the Senate floor for a vote, he said, Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) is to blame. Previous holds have been resolved relatively quickly, however, making this case uniquely troubling and destructive over time, said Peter Feaver, a professor who studies civil-military relations at Duke University. Feaver, a national security official during the presidential administration of George W. Bush, said the nation is now in "rare and uncharted territory" given the sweep and significance of the roles affected. What the data show: Air Force: 98 on hold Air Force generals affected by the hold begin at the very top, where Brown is expected to be elevated this fall to become the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Gen. David Allvin has been nominated to replace Brown at the top of the Air Force. Other frozen nominees include Lt. Gen. Kevin Schneider, who is expected to be promoted to four-star general and become the next commander of Pacific Air Forces, a post central to U.S. policy toward China and North Korea; Lt. Gen. Gregory M. Guillot, slated to be the next four-star general overseeing U.S. Northern Command, central to homeland defense; and Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach, a four-star general expected to take over at Air Combat Command, which directs the service's fleet of fighter aircraft. Army: 91 on hold Among the Army officers affected are Biden's nominees for the service's top two jobs: Gen. Randy George and Gen. James Mingus. Others include Maj. Gen. John W. Brennan Jr., who is expected to be promoted and become the next deputy commander at U.S. Africa Command as it prosecutes an expansive counterterrorism mission on the continent; and Lt. Gen. Laura Potter, who is slated to take over as the director of Army Staff, coordinating work between the service and Austin's office. Marine Corps: 18 on hold Gen. Eric M. Smith, the Marines' assistant commandant, has served as the service's acting chief since early July. It's the first time since 1910 that there has been no Senate-confirmed commandant. Smith's would-be successor, Lt. Gen. Christopher Mahoney also is on hold. So is the presumed next commanding general of Marine forces in Japan, Maj. Gen. Roger Turner, another job vital to the Pentagon's China and North Korea strategies, and the next deputy commandant for plans, policies and operations, Lt. Gen. James "Chip" Bierman. Navy: 86 on hold The Navy's frozen nominees include Adm. Lisa Franchetti, who will make history as the first woman on the Joint Chiefs if confirmed as chief of naval operations. Others on hold include Vice Adm. James Kilby, who is expected to be promoted and replace Franchetti as vice chief of naval operations; Adm. Samuel Paparo, who is slated to become the next commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, a core joint assignment responding directly to the Chinese military; and Vice Adm. Stephen T. Koehler, tapped for promotion and to become the next four-star commander at U.S. Pacific Fleet. Space Force: 8 on hold The Pentagon's smallest and youngest service has fewer nominees caught in the hold, but there are still several significant jobs involved. They include Lt. Gen. Stephen Whiting, nominated to become the next four-star commander of U.S. Space Command, and Lt. Gen. Michael A. Guetlein, tapped to be the next four-star vice chief of space operations. Feaver, the Duke professor, said he was struck by the number of "warfighting" positions affected, notably in the Pacific. Leaving jobs like the chief of Indo-Pacific Command without a confirmed successor, he said, undermines U.S. messaging that it considers Beijing its chief competitor. "This is a gift to China, and it's a gift that keeps giving day in and day out," Feaver said. Feaver said the situation also leaves the United States on less steady footing with allies and partners. Numerous nominees are expected to cultivate strong relationships overseas. Of note: Brig. Gen. Charles D. Bolton, an Air Force officer nominated to become deputy commanding general of Security Assistance Group-Ukraine, an organization established last year in Wiesbaden, Germany, to oversee the flow of weapons to the government in Kyiv as it fights off a Russian invasion. More than a dozen other affected jobs are spread across Europe, the data shows. Katherine L. Kuzminski, a senior fellow with the Center for a New American Security, noted that nearly two dozen affected nominees would have oversight of U.S. military operations in the Pacific, including posts in Hawaii, South Korea and Japan. While the military is struggling through a major recruiting crisis, Navy nominees who would have direct oversight of accessions are directly affected, Kuzminski noted. They include Rear. Adm. Jeffrey J. Czerewko, nominated to be the commander of Naval Education and Training Command, and Navy Capt. Craig T. Mattingly, up for promotion and selected to run Naval Service Training Command. The Washington Post's Kevin Uhrmacher contributed to this report. Ryan Tran, a rising freshman at the University of Southern California, didn't spend his summer packing his bags for college. Instead, he found himself piloting planes. Tran spent eight weeks at the U.S. Navy Summer Flight Academy at Delaware State University, a tuition-free program designed to enhance aviation expertise while promoting diversity within the field. "Flying planes was kind of scary," Tran said. "I thought I wouldn't get it at first, and what surprised me was on the second week of the program, we're already flying planes ourselves." Launched in 2021 by Commander, Naval Air Forces (CNAF), the summer flight academy was created to help broaden representation in naval aviation. The Navy's sponsorship of the program - with an approximate value of $28,000 per student - lets participants attend without imposing financial burdens, officials said. This year, 28 high school juniors and seniors from across the nation participated in the program, of which 25 students graduated with private pilot licenses. The program begins with primary ground school, where students learn concepts about flight skills and aviation. They begin solo flying early in the program in either a Vulcanair V.10 single-engine aircraft or Piper Warrior to boost their number of flight hours and comfortability with the aircraft. After a few solo flights in their second or third week, they must take an official Federal Aviation Administration knowledge exam to earn their pilot license. "The goal of this program is to expose high-performing diverse U.S. students to naval aviation and inspire them to join the profession," said Lt. Olivia Barrau, CNAF Flight Academy program manager. "By giving them hands-on experience with aviation, they prove to themselves and build that confidence to know that they could actually become a naval aviator. They can make this a career; it's possible for them." Guided by instructors, the curriculum comprises 32 hours of classroom aviation lessons and over 40 hours of hands-on flight training - including 17 hours of solo flights. Tran, who had no flying experience, initially felt discouraged by the learning curve. He said one of his instructors in the Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps encouraged him to join the program because of his interest in aviation. However, he said the learning environment of the program enabled him and his fellow participants to recognize their potential. Leland Boxer, a senior at Osbourn Park High School in Manassas, Va., recounted his initial solo flight experience as "a bit of a rush." "The feeling of being the only one in the plane for the first time ever, it's all up to you. There's all the responsibility that falls onto you," Boxer said. "Once you're in the air, you've got to bring the plane down somehow, and it's up to you to make that decision about landing." While aviation had long fascinated Boxer, he initially thought it would be a challenging field to enter. But after he gained flight experience and obtained his pilot's license, he said, the allure has grown. "We see that the solo flight stage is a really critical confidence-building point," Barrau said. "They really have this confidence and this realization that I just flew a plane by myself. I could do this." Reva Jogdand, an incoming senior from Richmond, Tex., has held a passion for aviation since middle school. She flew her first aircraft during her sophomore year of high school. She said her time in at the flight academy has increased her interest in pursuing a career in aviation. "I'm looking towards aerospace and aeronautical engineering, and the camp actually got me more interested in that and maybe even becoming a recreational pilot," said Jogdand. "When you're in the air, you gain like a new perspective which you see everything from like a bird's-eye view." Judge Gerard Jones previously accepted jurisdiction in the case, allowing it to be dealt with at Blanchardstown District Court. A business owner accused of locking a tradesman into a warehouse against his will following an argument has pleaded not guilty to false imprisonment. Mohammad Rashid (63) allegedly locked the door of his premises and kept the worker there after the pair had a disagreement. Mr Rashid, of Eustace Demesne, Naas, Co Kildare, is charged with false imprisonment of the man in the incident at Crag Crescent, Clondalkin Industrial Estate on February 24 last year. Judge Gerard Jones previously accepted jurisdiction in the case, allowing it to be dealt with at Blanchardstown District Court. When it came back before the judge, Mr Rashids solicitor Damien Coffey said the accused was seeking a trial date at the non-jury court. Judge Jones adjourned the case to a date next May for hearing. At the earlier jurisdiction hearing, Garda Sergeant Maria Callaghan said the alleged victim had been at the premises fixing machinery when the owner, the accused, returned and there was a verbal argument between the two. It was alleged that the accused closed the door and locked it, preventing the man from leaving the premises. The alleged victim called 999 and explained that he was being held against his will. Asked the age of the alleged victim, the sergeant said he was not elderly. The judge asked if the man was rescued shortly after. Yes, the gardai arrived at the scene, Sgt Callaghan said. Judge Jones said he was accepting jurisdiction in the case reluctantly after hearing the alleged facts. DAMASCUS, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- The death toll from the Islamic State (IS) attack on a Syrian military bus on early Friday rose to 33, a war monitor reported Saturday. The IS militants attacked the bus in the desert region of al-Mayadeen City in the eastern province of Deir al-Zour before daybreak on Friday, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The UK-based watchdog group said the IS militants planned the ambush and opened fire on the bus with light and medium-sized weapons. The Syrian army was on alert in the desert region, searching for soldiers who had gone missing, while the attackers disappeared into the desert, as reported by the observatory. Meanwhile, video footage believed to have been shot by one of the killed soldiers' mobile phones circulated online, showing the soldiers joyfully singing before the attack. The Syrian military confirmed the incident in a statement without giving the death toll. As the IS has intensified its attacks in the desert region, 420 people, mainly soldiers, have been killed since the beginning of 2023 by the IS in the area, according to the war monitor. The court heard he had flown from Cambodia, and his final destination was Glasgow, with Dublin as a layover. The total value of the tablets found was 2,981. A knuckle-duster was also found in the man's bag. Photo: Getty An aeroplane passenger who brought nearly 3,000 worth of sedative tablets in his luggage was caught during a layover in Dublin Airport and admitted a drugs importation charge, a court heard. Peter Lawlor (43) was returning to Scotland from Cambodia where he had bought the drugs over the counter in bulk for his own use. He also had a knuckle-duster he got for protection while travelling, he said. Judge Bryan Smyth gave him a six-month suspended sentence when he appeared in Dublin District Court yesterday. Lawlor, with an address at Cameron Drive, Ardersier, Inverness, Scotland, pleaded guilty to importation and possession of drugs as well as having the knuckle-duster and a knife as weapons. Garda Sergeant Michelle Lynch said the accused arrived in Dublin Airports Terminal 1 for a connecting flight on April 25 this year when a large number of tablets and weapons were found in his possession. The court heard he had flown from Cambodia, and his final destination was Glasgow, with Dublin as a layover. The total value of the tablets found was 2,981. Lawlor lived in Inverness with his wife, defence barrister Tara McLoughlin said. A knuckle-duster was also found in the man's bag. Photo: Getty He was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to violent things he witnessed in his childhood and a little later, the court heard. Lawlor was on prescription drugs as he was struggling with his mental health, Ms McLoughlin told the court. Judge Smyth said this did not account for the large number of tablets the accused was found with. The court heard Lawlors mother had died, his head was not in a good place and he went to Cambodia. This is what he does when something bad happens; he escapes, Ms McLoughlin said. The accused was able to get the drugs over the counter in Cambodia and bought them in bulk, the court heard. Lawlor was very apologetic for the offences. The judge asked why the accused had a knuckle-duster. Ms McLoughlin said Lawlor had also bought it over there as there were shots being fired and he had it for his own protection. He just forgot about it, when he was returning, she added. Lawlor had no record in Ireland but had prior convictions in Scotland, the court heard. The accused had gone to college and obtained a first in his degree. He had no intention of remaining in Ireland once the case was dealt with and he knew nobody here, Ms McLoughlin said. Judge Smyth said a prison sentence was warranted but he suspended it for two years. A Dublin mother accused of repeatedly kicking an unconscious US tourist in the face during a vicious robbery has been refused bail and sent forward for trial. Sarah Dunne, 31, of no fixed address, was charged with assault causing harm to the tourist from the United States and robbing him on April 27 at Oliver Bond Street, Dublin 8. She appeared at Dublin District Court today to be served with a book of evidence and faced objections to bail. She denies the charges, Judge Ciaran Liddy heard. Garda Eimear Redmond cited the seriousness of the incident and alleged the accused and two others viciously assaulted and took a number of personal items from the injured party, including his bank card, wallet, $100 and his phone. She said attackers could be seen on CCTV footage. Garda Redmond alleged the accused, who denies involvement, can be seen kicking the injured party, as he lay unconscious on the ground, numerous amounts of times. She added, And can be seen hitting him straight into the face leaving a large open laceration over his forehead. Garda Redmond claimed the accused could also be seen going through his pockets. Gardai arrested Ms Dunne 300 metres away while paramedics treated the tourist, who later went to a doctor. He has since left Ireland. The garda agreed with defence counsel Kevin McCrave that the accused mentioned that she had health difficulties. The barrister told Judge Liddy his client had a child, came from a good and supportive family and would obey strict bail terms. However, Judge Liddy declined the bail application. The Director of Public Prosecutions had directed trial on indictment at a higher level with broader sentencing g powers. Judge Liddy granted an order sending Ms Dunne forward for trial in custody to the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, where the case will be listed for mention on October 13. Legal aid was granted. Two of the victims suffered broken noses while one suffered a broken eye socket in the attack 28/07/2023 Dublin, Ireland. Pictured is a Garda car driving down Henry Street today, as Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has announced 10 million in additional funding for garda overtime in Dublin Photograph: Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ie Mannix Flynn who is against the establishment of a Drug injection centre in Dublin City. Picture; Gerry Mooney stephen Termini with his sons Mike and Jesse. Pics of US tourist assaulted Gardai have recovered a significant amount of CCTV of a shocking attack in Dublins Temple Bar during which three tourists suffered horrific injuries, including broken noses and a fractured eye socket. The capital has been described as a place where violence is rife and attacks are the norm following another violent assault this weekend. Three English tourists suffered serious injuries after they were attacked while socialising in Temple Bar on Friday night in what is the latest in a string of concerning attacks on tourists and locals in Dublin city centre in recent weeks. The three young men were set upon in the popular tourist area and suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Sources said two of the victims suffered broken noses while one suffered a broken eye socket in the attack, which took place behind the former Central Bank. While no one had been arrested in connection with the incident as of last night gardai are trawling through CCTV of the incident and are hopeful of making arrests. A Garda spokesperson said: Gardai received a report of an incident of assault that occurred at approximately 10:05pm on Friday, 11th of August 2023 on Fownes Street Upper, Dublin 2. Three men aged in their 20s were conveyed to St Jamess Hospital for treatment of injuries sustained as a result of this incident. Local councillor Mannix Flynn said the latest incident is sadly just one of many happening on Dublins streets. Read more Calls for gardai to patrol city every night after three tourists attacked in Temple Bar I really do wish the people who were assaulted well and want to say to them Im sorry this happened, but the reality is that this is commonplace here. That has been allowed to manifest itself over the last 20 years. Its catastrophic on our streets. There are no consequences. You can do what you like on the streets of Dublin and kick the head off who you like. Violence is rife, attacks are the norm and whats appalling on top of that is there is no response. He said Justice Minister Helen McEntees recent comments that Dublin was safe did not reflect the reality on the ground. The Minister should resign. There is no question about that. The Minister should be commended for the way she has responded to domestic violence but why cant she respond to the catastrophic violence that is taking place on our streets? He said locals in the area are constantly on to him about incidents and said it is happening to locals and tourists alike. People living in the city all their lives are telling me theyre thinking of leaving. Ive had people from Temple Bar onto me saying how theyre looking out the window at people getting the head kicked off them. He said one local resident contacted him about a man being kicked in the head near Temple Bar Square who was unconscious for 20 minutes and, despite passersby calling emergency services, none arrived and the man eventually staggered away. Fridays assault comes after a series of incidents in Dublin City Centre including an attack on Talbot Street which left American tourist Stephen Termini with serious injuries and a brutal attack on Ukrainian actor Oleksandr Hrekov outside the Abbey Theatre. The 69-year-old, who was originally from Glanmire in Cork, was found dead with a gunshot wound to the chest in his home A man accused of the murder of Irish Bishop David O'Connell in Los Angeles has appeared in court. Carlos Medina, of Torrance in LA County, has been charged with one count of murder and a special allegation that he used a firearm in connection to Bishop David O'Connell's murder on February 18. The 69-year-old, who was originally from Glanmire in Cork, was found dead with a gunshot wound to the chest in his home in Hacienda Heights, around 30km east of downtown LA. Medina (61), who was arrested two days after the murder, following a standoff with LA police, allegedly made an initial confession to the murder. He then entered a not-guilty plea at an arraignment hearing in March but faces up to 35 years in prison if convicted. At a preliminary hearing in Los Angeles on Thursday, August 10, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon laid out the forensic evidence against Medina. Investigators contend that Medina shot Bishop O'Connell with a .38 handgun multiple times while the Irish bishop was asleep in bed. Announcing the charges against Medina on February 22, Gascon described Bishop O'Connell's murder as a "brutal act of violence" against a man who "dedicated his life to making our neighbourhoods safer, healthier, and always serving with love and compassion". "Charging Mr Medina will never repair the tremendous harm that was caused by this callous act, but it does take us one step closer to accountability," Gascon said in February. Since his arrest, Medina has been held at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in downtown Los Angeles while his wife, who was Bishop O'Connell's housekeeper, reportedly left the family home and is staying with friends. Bishop O'Connell was known as the Peacemaker for his efforts during the LA riots in 1992 after a jury acquitted four white police officers of charges connected with the severe beating of African-American man Rodney King. The Irish-born bishop was also remembered for his work advocating for immigrants in the United States. More than 5,000 people attended his funeral in February. Ahead of his funeral Pope Francis extended his heartfelt condolences in a special telegram, in which the Pope praised the late bishop for his years of devotion and service. The message was read by Archbishop Jose H. Gomez at a memorial Mass for OConnell in St John Vianney Church, Hacienda Hights and was signed by Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin. Deeply saddened to learn of the untimely and tragic death of Auxiliary Bishop David OConnell, His Holiness Pope Francis sends heartfelt condolences and the assurance of his spiritual closeness to you, the clergy, religious, and lay faithful of the Archdiocese, it read. The pope praised OConnells ministry as a priest and bishop for being marked especially by his profound concern for the poor, immigrants, and those in need, his efforts to uphold the sanctity and dignity of Gods gift of life, and his zeal for fostering solidarity, cooperation, and peace within the local community. Francis also prayed that those honouring OConnells memory will be confirmed in the resolve to reject the ways of violence and overcome evil with good. To those gathered for the Mass of Christian burial and to all who mourn Bishop OConnells loss in the sure hope of the resurrection, the Holy Father cordially imparts his blessing as a pledge of peace and consolation in the Lord, the telegram concluded. The assault took place on Fownes Street Upper just after 10pm last night A garda investigation is underway after three men in their 20s were hospitalised following an assault in Temple Bar on Friday night. It has been reported the three people being treated are tourists. The assault took place on Fownes Street Upper just after 10pm last night and the men were taken to St James Hospital by ambulance for treatment. The extent of their injuries is unknown. Gardai confirmed that no arrests have been made as a result of the incident. Gardai received reports of an incident of assault that occurred at approximately 10:05pm last night, Friday, 11th of August 2023 on Fownes Street Upper, Dublin 2. Three men aged in their 20s were conveyed to St Jamess Hospital for treatment of injuries sustained as a result of this incident. No arrests have been made. Investigations are ongoing, a garda spokesperson said. The teens, who range in age from 15 to 17, are the subject of a public appeal issued by gardai for information UPDATE: Jennifer Halligan, Martin ODonoghue, and Molly McCormack have been found safe and well. Gardai sought the publics help in tracing four teens who were missing in the Louth and Meath areas last week. The teens, who range in age from 15 to 17, are the subject of an appeal issued by gardai for information. Molly McCormack (15) is missing from Drogheda since last Tuesday afternoon. She is described as being approximately 5ft 8 in height, has long brown hair and brown eyes. It is unknown what Molly was wearing when she went missing. Gardai are concerned for Molly's wellbeing. Molly McCormack Anyone with any information on Molly's whereabouts are asked to contact Ashbourne Garda Station on 01 801 0600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station. Another 15 year old, Jennifer Halligan, has been missing from Ratoath in Meath, since Wednesday evening. Jennifer is described as being approximately 4' 11 in height, with a small frame, black hair and green eyes and a nose piercing. It is also unknown what Jennifer was wearing when she went missing. Gardai were also concerned for Jennifer's wellbeing. Anyone with any information on Jennifer's whereabouts are asked to contact Ashbourne Garda Station on 01 801 0600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station. Kristina Simeckova Gardai are also appealing for information on the whereabouts of 17-year-old Kristina Simeckova who is missing from her home in Bellurgan since last Saturday. It's believed she may be in Dublin or Drogheda. Anyone with any information on Kristina's whereabouts are asked to contact Dundalk Garda Station on 042 938 8445, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station. Martin O'Donoghue Gardai are also trying to locate 15-year-old Martin O'Donoghue who was last seen in Julianstown eight days ago, and is believed to have travelled to Cork in recent days. Martin, who was last seen in Julianstown, Drogheda, Co Louth on the evening of Friday 4th August, is described as being approximately 5ft 5 in height, of slim build, dark brown hair and blue eyes. It is unknown what Martin was wearing when he went missing. Martin is known to frequent Cork City, Midleton, Mahon and Little Island areas of Cork and it is believed that Martin may have travelled to Cork in recent days. Gardai are concerned for Martin's wellbeing. Anyone with any information on Martin's whereabouts are asked to contact Ashbourne Garda Station on 01 801 0600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station. "This happens most years and can sometimes be bad enough to impact flights. Irish holidaymakers travelling to the Canaries are being alerted to Saharan dust clouds and extreme temperatures gripping the islands. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the dust is a cloud made up of particulate matter that originates in the Sahara Desert in northern Africa and can be blown over long distances. Air quality can become poor as particulate matter increases in the air. The sky can appear "milkier" or "hazy grey" which could cause flights to be grounded. A spokeswoman from Met Eireann told Independent.ie: The Sahara dust is drifting across to the Canaries due to east to northeasterly breezes from the desert. This could continue for the rest of the weekend, but as the wind turns more northerly and then becomes variable next week it will be less likely. A spokesman from Dublin Airport operator, the DAA, said there had been no disruption to flights. Meanwhile, the Spanish meteorological service, the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has activated red heatwave notices for Fuerteventura, Lanzarote and parts of La Palma, with temperatures of over 40C forecast. These extreme temperatures which are expected to last until at least tomorrow will see daytime temperatures of over 40C and night time temperatures of 30C, leading the regional ministry of health department to issue warnings for a risk to human health. Carlow Weather, Alan O'Reilly warned Irish holidaymakers travelling to the Canary Islands: Calima wind over the Canary Islands and temperatures over 40c in parts. The Saharan dust is causing a haze in the sky but winds not too strong at low levels. "This happens most years and can sometimes be bad enough to impact flights. Mr Bakhurst confirmed that RTE received an invoice from Tubridys representatives in mid-July but the figure paid to him was less than that RTE is paying Ryan Tubridy less than what the presenter sought after being taken off air following revelations of hidden payments to him made by the broadcaster over a number of years. RTEs new Director General, Kevin Bakhurst said RTE is still paying the former Late Late Show host but that both camps couldnt settle on a number. Mr Bakhurst confirmed that RTE received an invoice from Tubridys representatives in mid-July but the figure paid to him was less than that, the Irish Times reported. We didnt reach an agreement so were paying him what we think is reasonable on an interim basis, Mr Bakhurst told the newspaper. Ryan Tubridy is being paid on a radio contract only, following the end of his 14-year tenure as host of the Late Late Show in May. Mr Bakhurst said RTE has resumed negotiations with Tubridy around the conditions of any contract should the broadcaster returned to the airwaves, and Bakhurst admitted Tubridy had asked for more money than RTE is willing to pay. Well, this is always the case in negotiations, alright. Were not offering him more than he wants, he said. This comes as over 200 voluntary exit packages offered to former executives and other staff are being examined in an external probe. RTE could be on the hook for a tax clawback following this external probe, it was revealed on Friday. The terms of a package taken by former chief financial officer Breda OKeeffe will be examined by solicitors McCann Fitzgerald along with payments to all staff offered redundancy and early retirement packages under two schemes. Ms OKeeffes exit package that was agreed with former director general Dee Forbes will be heavily scrutinised. An Oireachtas committee was told the deal was not signed off by every member of the broadcasters former executive. The review, which is already under way, will aim to discover who rubberstamped the senior executives payout, which could be up to 400,000. A key focus of the review is likely to centre on whether individuals should have been offered a redundancy payment if their roles were filled after they left. Director general Kevin Bakhurst told staff that he has asked the review team to report by the end of next month. Without doubt, the British Army saved us that night. A REPUBLICAN has told how he and his nine pals narrowly escaped being gunned down by notorious loyalist assassin The Jackal in revenge for the Kingsmills massacre. The man who is still too afraid to be named revealed that they were saved by British soldiers who happened upon the bogus checkpoint. The men were on their way to hear an IRA veteran give a lecture in November 1978 when their minibus was stopped by a group of armed loyalists led by Robin The Jackal Jackson on the Portadown to Newry road outside Scarva village. The roadblock looked like any other British army checkpoint, as many of the loyalists Jackson included were serving UDR soldiers. The man who spoke to the Sunday World this week said Jackson approached the drivers window. The terror chief recognised the driver the late Lurgan Workers Party politician Tom French and immediately ordered all of the occupants outside. It was a very cold and dark night and as soon as we saw the UDR checkpoint we knew we were in trouble, the witness said. Some of our group had been interned in Long Kesh and they were well known in north Armagh as republicans. Tom, who was driving, was extremely well known and very soon we could hear names mentioned as the UDR men recognised members of our group. They opened the back doors and ordered everyone out. Tom and the others were very concerned, especially after what had happened a few years before at Kingsmills. Suddenly, the senior UDR man we now know to have been Robin Jackson ordered the others to step back and present their weapons. We were convinced we were about to die, but then through the darkness, there was the sound of the rustling of bushes. A team of undercover British soldiers suddenly appeared from nowhere. Then what can only be described as a shouting match took place between Jackson and the senior British officer. The Brit asserted his authority and he let everyone know he was taking full command. Much to Jacksons annoyance, he told us all to get back in the minibus, before saying to Tom: Get this out of here and continue with your journey. Looking back we were within an inch of losing our lives. Without doubt, the British Army saved us that night. Instead of arresting the loyalist gang many of whom were fellow soldiers in the locally recruited Ulster Defence Regiment Jackson and his unit were allowed to go free where they continued to spread terror throughout mid-Ulster with a string of sectarian murders. Its believed that Jackson and his UVF gang had gone out that night with the aim of killing random Catholics but when the minibus appeared, they saw an opportunity to avenge Kingsmills, the notorious massacre of 10 Protestant workmen shot dead by an IRA gang who stopped their minibus. The scene after the Kingsmills massacre A UDR source told us he believed the Scarva incident took place during a time when Jackson who led the mid-Ulster UVF was under surveillance by British special forces, prior to him being forced to resign from the regiment. He said: The location at Scarva was obviously an illegal one set up by Jackson. And the fact that the special forces were on the scene so quickly suggests Jackson and his men were under surveillance. And he added: Those men were very lucky indeed. Robin The Jackal Jackson became the most notorious loyalist terrorist in mid-Ulster. He was involved in several high-profile terrorist atrocities, including the attack on the Miami Showband in 1975 and the Dublin and Monaghan bombings in 1974. Its believed he was personally involved in more than 50 murders. But it later emerged that throughout his time as a leading UVF terrorist, Jackson, who died in 1998, was also a highly placed state agent. Last week we revealed the death of Malachy McPartland, one of the lead IRA hitmen who carried out the Kingsmills massacre. In the last two weeks the number of overdoses in Belfast have sky-rocketed The streets of Belfast have been flooded by several deadly batches of drugs with the serious potential to claim lives. Homeless people living on the streets are being preyed upon by dope dealers who are still selling the drugs that caused 12 known overdoses within one 24-hour period. Some of the overdose victims had to be revived by CPR. Despite knowing that their drugs are dodgy, the dealers are still pushing them onto unsuspecting addicts regardless of the threat to their lives. Money means more to the criminal gangs behind the drug supply on the streets of Belfast. One source who confirmed that the batch responsible for the overdoses was still in circulation, said the PSNI can do nothing to take the dealers off the streets as they are protected by their terrified customers. Some homeless people with addictions refused to speak to Sunday World. A homeless person on the streets of Belfast Others said they were too fearful to speak out on the record, be pictured or talk to the police officers who have appealed to them for help in cracking down on the dealers. The fact that someone could die is not enough to persuade those on the streets to expose the gangs who are flooding the streets with any drug they can get their hands on. Many homeless people sleep in doorways around the city Yeah, the police come around and ask questions but no one talks, why would we? Our lives are miserable enough without pissing off the dealers and their bosses by passing on any information. We shouldnt even be talking to you, said one man who identified himself as Jimmy. If were asked by anyone who you are well say you are from a charity. You can trust no one on these streets, its dog eat dog and the dealers have eyes on the streets. Addicts like me would be willing to shop anyone to score some free drugs, he said. Fentanyl, benzodiazepines and other opiates are in ready supply and are now the drugs of choice among addicts, many who sleep rough in doorways and alleyways. The Sunday World spoke to one homeless woman who confirmed she lived in fear of the dealers who have a reputation for violence. We talk to no one, thats the rules. I dont fancy getting my teeth knocked out or worse by opening my mouth about where the drugs come from, she told us. To be honest I couldnt care because I need them to get my drugs, I need them on the streets not in jail. The police have no chance getting any help from the street people, she said. When asked if they were aware of the bad batch circulating and the possibility it could kill them, she said casually that she would take her chances. Yeah I know (about the bad batch) but what can I do about that? Ill just have to take my chances and hope Im not one of the unlucky ones, the young woman added. No one the Sunday World spoke to would go on the record or agree to have their picture taken. Rab Maginnis, who runs Rabs Homeless Advice Group which has supported addicts and members of the homeless community since 2020, said people were terrified of the dealers. Paul McCusker Picture - Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph He himself was homeless for 27 years with a vast and often terrifying experience of life on the streets of Belfast. Everyone I have asked to speak to you said no, they are not interested and they most definitely would not want to have their pictures taken, Rab told the Sunday World. They are terrified, and I mean terrified, of the dealers so they will keep quiet and to be honest I dont blame them. What is happening on the streets of the city centre at the minute is really worrying. Some other poor person will die because of this batch, thats my fear and its a real fear. Ive sadly seen this before, people overdosing and being found dead on a bench, he said. The images taken by the Sunday World are both depressing and frightening. Men, women, young and old, huddle in doorways surrounded by their only possessions. For many this means a sleeping bag and some cardboard. Some have passed out unconscious, some are obviously high on drugs and the street drinkers many with cuts and bruises booze together, some having vicious arguments. On one Belfast backstreet diners sip cocktails before tucking into a gourmet menu looking out on a doorway where two young men lie slumped comatose. The stark reality that is visible on almost every street surrounding the City Hall supports Independent councillor Paul McCuskers claim that the PSNI have lost the war against drugs. The north Belfast politician, who works with the homeless and addicted, said: This bad batch has caused a lot of concern. We had 12 overdoses in 24 hours last week. These yellow and blues contain quite potent stuff and they are circulating. In terms of the PSNIs war on drugs, its done, theyve lost control. We need to look at services because what we are doing at the moment isnt working, he said. The PSNI said they were aware of the situation and were working hard to keep people safe. BEIJING, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- China on Saturday evening issued an orange alert for mountain torrents. From 8 p.m. Saturday to 8 p.m. Sunday, mountain torrents are highly likely to occur in certain areas of Liaoning and Jilin, northeast provinces of China, according to the orange alert issued by the Ministry of Water Resources and the China Meteorological Administration. The two departments also issued a yellow alert for mountain torrents in eastern parts of Liaoning and southern areas of Jilin. Local authorities are advised to strengthen real-time monitoring and flood warning procedures amid measures to prepare for evacuation. China has a four-tier weather-warning system, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow and blue. The spectacular celebration of music, dance, song, and stories has attracted tens of thousands onto the streets Game of Thrones and Peaky Blinders star Aidan Gillen has been pictured out and about in Mullingar this weekend with pals, the band Cronin, who are performing as part of the Fleadh Cheoil. The band are taking to the stage in Greville and The Annebrook later this evening to entertain some of the estimated 500,000 people who have come together for the annual celebration of traditional Irish music. Fans who cant make it to Mullingar this weekend can tune into Fleadh 2023 on TG4 where they cab expect to see a blend of established music legends and rising stars as they come together to celebrate Irish culture and heritage. Gillen is in town filming a new movie called Trad that he has previously said is about a gang of kids who travel in a van around Ireland, playing traditional Irish music. Cronin is the musical project from Irish brothers Jonathon and Michael Cronin whose album A View From The Next Room is available online. Their sound is described as an invigorating mix of Nick Cave, the Bunnymen and classic guitar music. They were recently pictured visiting Shane MacGowan in hospital as the Pogues legend continues his recovery. His wife Victoria Mary Clarke posted the image on social media from his hospital bed, where The Pogues legend is seen with a yellow tube in his nose. Great to see Cronin, Shane was very happy to see you! Victoria captioned the photo. The Fleadh Cheoil has been taking place in Mullingar since Sunday where the spectacular celebration of music, dance, song, and stories has attracted tens of thousands onto the streets. I'm an Irish girl and I need my fake tan Maura Higgins has revealed how she ruined everything in the Love Island villa with her fake tan that subsequently led to a ban on the beauty product. The former Love Islander put her hands up, saying how her use of fake tan and the mess it made of the sheets meant follow up contestants are not allowed to bring it into the villa. The 32-year-old model and TV star has been opening up about her experiences from behind the scenes when she appeared on the ITV2 competition's 2019 series alongside Molly-Mae Hague and eventual winner Amber Gill. Fellow islander Chloe Burrows had explained that producers had stopped all islanders from bringing in fake tan and eyelash extensions into the villa during the 2021 summer series. Chloe, who was coupled up with Toby Aromolaran and went on to be runner-up in the final, said she was disappointed and surprised by the rules. "I'm fake tan and eyelashes 'til I die and then I went in there and they were like, 'Yeah you're not allowed fake tan because of the bedsheets'," she explained. In an interview with Insider, Maura said she was relieved to have been allowed to take her fake tan inside the villa when she went on the show. "But I've heard they've banned fake tans, and I said to myself, 'Thank God that I did it when I was allowed'," she admitted. "I caused the ban because I ruined everything in that villa and I did not care. I'm an Irish girl and I need my fake tan." But she admitted her guilt that future islanders will no longer enjoy the same freedoms. "It's probably my fault. I'm sorry to everyone else," she added. In other revelations, Maura claimed that producers ended up having to convince her to "get glammed up" every night. "If I had my way I'd be in my pyjamas all day and all night," she declared. Maura made it to the final with professional dancer Curtis Pritchard during her season, with the pair ending up in fourth place. Maura also recently revealed the most disgusting thing she did on Love Island in 2019. Speaking to Page Six, Maura admitted that she got so used to being filmed all the time that she eventually forgot that there were any cameras in the villa at all meaning she was caught saying and doing some filthy, disgusting things. At the beginning when youre new to it, you take off your microphone and you leave it outside the [toilet] door because youre like, I dont want anyone listening to me,' she explained. But after about a week that completely goes out the window. You do not care. I was changing tampons in the dressing room, thats how comfortable you get. The 32-year-old said that she got to explore parts of the villa that she never got to see as a contestant. Obviously, we know that there are so many cameras, but theres [also] so many tech rooms with all the different screens. Theres this room with a massive long table and a massive screen where the execs of the show sit down and watch. I remember going, Oh my god, do you reckon people did this in the UK and watched me because I was disgusting? And they were like, Oh 100pc, they were watching you. You really dont think about that when youre on the show, she added. Last month, Maura Higgins confirmed her new role with Love Island USA with an Instagram post, writing: I'M BACK!!!!!!!!! before adding that she will be bringing you all the behind the scenes gossip live from Fiji for @loveislandusa The programme's official Instagram also shared the news with a photo of Maura in a Jean Paul Gaultier dress alongside a caption reading: This just in Maura Higgins will be your social ambassador this season bringing (sneaking) you the BTS scoop all summer! Fisheries compliance officers from New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, France, and the United States have detected nearly 40 alleged breaches of high seas rules during a major South Pacific patrol. Called Operation Nasse, the fisheries patrol covered a vast area from the Tasman Sea eastwards to the south of the Cook Islands. It wrapped up last month after three weeks at sea and surveillance from the air, with the main aim being to combat Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing throughout the South Pacific Ocean. IUU fishing is estimated to cost the Pacific region millions of dollars in lost revenue each year. This operation was vital to our plan and vision to knock out all forms of illegal fishing, which seriously undermines sustainable fisheries management, threatens food security, and creates an unfair playing field for legitimate commercial fishers, says Fisheries New Zealand's Director of Fisheries Compliance, Steve Ham. Fisheries patrols of this level are a key initiative in detecting illegal fishing because, with eyes on the sea and from the sky, our Fishery Officers can legally gain full access to a vessels catch records and fish holds. Our international team boarded and inspected more than 20 vessels at sea, along with monitoring the movements of 120 other vessels during our air surveillance work. We found 38 alleged breaches many of these were about non-compliant seabird mitigation gear being deployed. Other alleged offences found included incorrect flags being displayed, failure to provide vessel monitoring data, maritime pollution and poor handling of sharks and sting rays. Commander Joint Forces New Zealand Rear Admiral Jim Gilmour says the New Zealand Defence Force worked closely with our international partners deploying vessels, aircraft, and trained personnel alongside Fishery Compliance Officers on various operations to detect and deter IUU fishing. This was the first time the Royal New Zealand Air Forces new Poseidon P-8A aircraft had been deployed on Operation Nasse, with the crew providing valuable information on the activities of fishing vessels during their patrols. IUU fishing destroys livelihoods and the sustainability of fishing resources, and more broadly undermines regional security. It is critical that we continue to protect marine resources from those who believe the rules dont apply to them. Many of the rules are designed to protect not just fish stocks from exploitation but also seabirds and important marine animals, such as shark species and turtles. Operation Nasse is an annual patrol and along with aircraft and vessels from the NZDF, the United States Coast Guard provided a C-130 aircraft, and Australia and France also provided sea patrol vessels. This year also saw Fiji participate for the first time in the international patrol, says Steve. Bringing Pacific Island nations into the forefront of these patrols to gain experience is something we want to continue. Pacific Island nations and their communities stand to lose economically because of illegal fishing on the high seas and we are behind them all the way in supporting frontline port inspections of fishing vessels. The Ministry for Primary Industries works closely with the relevant flag states, and well be referring the 38 alleged breaches of high seas fishery rules to these states for urgent investigation. Historically, flag states have responded and taken action when their vessels have been found to have breached these laws with fines at the more serious end of offending at over USD$1million on one occasion for intentionally misreporting tuna, says Steve. Rotorua councillors are questioning the safety and legality behind a government directive to fluoridate the citys water supply. The decision on whether water should be fluoridated was removed from local government jurisdiction in 2021. Then-director general of health Dr Ashley Bloomfield directed Rotorua Lakes Council in July last year to fluoridate its central and eastern water supplies by April 30 next year. Elected members voted at the beginning of the month to begin implementation of this. This involved infrastructure and design work. But they also asked staff to gather further information from the Ministry of Health on the safety and legality of the directive. At an Infrastructure and Environment Committee meeting on August 2, infrastructure and environmental solutions, deputy chief executive Stavros Michael outlined how the Government would finance the project and the operating cost to the council would be about $160,000 a year. Michael said members of the public held diverse views. Some had expressed concern after reading overseas reports on the impact of fluoridation, which the council put to the ministry. One of these was a United States National Toxicology Program systemic review of fluoride exposure and neurodevelopmental and cognitive effects. The initial response included that while there was some evidence high fluoride concentrations may have an adverse effect on developing brains, there was no convincing evidence of neurological effects at fluoride concentrations achieved by fluoridation of water supplies in Aotearoa New Zealand, a report for the council meeting said. Michael said the directive was legally binding and needed to be in place by April otherwise there would be financial penalties. Non-compliance carried a fine of up to $200,000 and up to $10,000 per day for continuing offences. Councillor Robert Lee noted New Health New Zealand started a judicial review in June challenging the directives. He wanted a suspension on the directive pending the outcome of this. We all should have a right to refuse medication. He wanted the public to be consulted and also wanted to ask the ministry to drop the timeframe requirements. Trevor Maxwell said it was the third time during his time as councillor the topic of fluoridation had been discussed and each time he had voted for it to not be added to the city supply. I said each time it should be a decision for the Ministry of Health and the Government. Rotorua Lakes Councillor Robert Lee. Photo / Laura Smith. Councillor Conan OBrien said he was not happy about supporting going ahead with fluoridation but was a law and order sort of chap. He believed the ministry would advise of any change following the judicial review. He also said it was a difficult topic for councillors to be making decisions on without a background in medicine. Which expert do you believe? Councillor Karen Barker, who chaired the meeting, does have a medical background and said the recent study earlier referred to was robust. The wording ... is particularly strong in the fact there are noticeable links between the levels of fluoride and the IQ of children. If there was doubt it was safe and questions to the ministry were not answered, she said it needed time to investigate further. We cannot guarantee the dose each person receives. We do not know the medical status of each person receiving that water. We do not know the volumes of water each person consumes. She said she was not anti-fluoride but was averse to a situation where it did not know all the impacts. Councillor Lani Kereopa said the medication of the water supply was being forced upon them. She said it breached indigenous rights on self-determination for mana whenua to be able to make decisions for whanau and hapu including for health and well-being. A tax on sugar would work better in improving dental health, she said. Councillor Rawiri Waru said it was plain and simple: Weve been given a directive ... we are obligated to follow through. Michael said community consultation would have been pointless unless the legislation was challenged. Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air. A psychologist says it is all too common that people come into his practice with undiagnosed brain injuries. Michael Hempseed says about half the people who think they have treatment resistant depression, actually have a brain injury that has not been picked up by other health professionals. While there has been far greater awareness about depression over the past 20 years, he says more is needed around brain injuries. Lara Courtenay was a general practitioner before she suffered a head injury in 2021. "I guess it's a bit embarrassing, I was really busy... and I was texting and walking and semi-ran into a tree on my way to work." She did not think too much of it at the time, as she had not lost consciousness or vomited. But she did notice lapses in memory, difficulty looking at screens and tiredness. "Everything was kind of numbed a bit, my senses were a bit numbed. I couldn't cope with bright lights and I couldn't be in noisy environments. I just wanted to sleep and put a pillow on my head." After a couple months Lara's GP friends convinced her to see a concussion specialist, but she said she felt shame over the injury, especially since her struggle was not always obvious to other people. "I think there's a lot of people in society struggling with this that aren't talking about it, a lot. And it's sad, because I think it's damaging people." If she had not been a GP with knowledge of head injuries, she says she would've felt like she was going crazy. "I feel grateful in a way that I knew what I knew, but it was still really hard. If you didn't know what was going on and you weren't getting the right treatment, you're not going to really get better." Michael Hempseed, a psychologist who runs Frontiers of Hope, says that's a reality for many suffering with head injuries who have not been correctly diagnosed. "A lot of people come to us with what they think is treatment resistant depression, so maybe they've tried medication, maybe they've tried therapy and they've found their depression doesn't seem to get any better." About half of these people turn out to have a had a head injury that they never knew about, he says. This lines up with ACC statistics which show nearly 40 per cent of the 35,000 people estimated to suffer a traumatic brain injury each year are not getting it checked by a health provider. Stats from Brain Injury Outcomes New Zealand show nearly half of all of adults who have a traumatic brain injury experience persistent symptoms, meaning it was still affecting them a year or more later. For many of these people it's actually a relief when they are diagnosed, Hempseed says. "They finally have an answer, they finally know what could be going on and there's a lot more understanding." High rates in prison population Toni Foster is a community educator at Headway, a support network for people with brain injuries. She has been looking into research on the link between head injuries and the prison population. A 2019 study which screened South Auckland prisoners found alarmingly high rates of brain Injuries. "Sixty-four percent had sustained at least one traumatic brain injury in their lifetime, and 32 per cent had a history of multiple injuries." This did not necessarily mean head injuries lead to people being imprisoned, but rather Foster said rates of alcohol or drug dependency and antisocial behaviour were high in both groups. But head injuries could have a negative impact on people's experience in prison, and their chances of getting out for good behaviour, she said. "They're probably seen as difficult prisoners. They probably cope less with the stimulation that's around them, the noise the lighting and things like that. So they probably get into more struggles in the prison... and it puts them at more risk of another injury." The Department of Corrections acknowledged that traumatic brain injuries caused a range of cognitive and emotional difficulties for prisoners and said it works with ACC to support those affected. If someone suffers a head injury while in prison, it said inmates were able to access the same health support as they would in the community. 'Like hitting a blank wall': Struggle for long term support. Kevin Alexander says for his head injury, another issue had been getting long term support. While ACC did a good job of treating people whose injuries resolved quickly, he says for those with long term issues the process is difficult to navigate. "When you don't fit inside the box, then they go, 'well we're finishing that', no explanation, no clarification, no rhyme or reason, it's just like hitting a blank wall." ACC deputy chief executive of Service Delivery, Amanda Malu, says it has funded a number of supports and assessments for Alexander, without a significant improvement in his symptoms. She says his recovery has not been straightforward, and she understans how frustrating that would be. Malu says each head injury is different and ACC and concussion services adapt to each patient's needs. The concussion service aims to prevent long term consequences of head injuries by identifying clients at risk and providing them with interventions and education, she says. -Luka Forman/RNZ. Road Science, an innovator in road pavement construction and surfacing, is thrilled to announce the opening of a new, state-of-the-art testing and research and development facility in Tauranga. This expansion marks a significant milestone for the Downer-owned entity as it solidifies its commitment to delivering cutting-edge transport and infrastructure solutions. The new Tauranga building features advanced testing laboratories and research facilities which will better serve growing demand. This investment reflects Road Science's dedication to continuously improve road infrastructure quality and performance, ultimately enhancing safety and efficiency for all road users. Road Science is also delighted to be integrating with Downers National Research and Development laboratory based in Melbourne, Australia; combining the expertise and capabilities of the two facilities. Its fantastic that the Australian laboratory has now become part of the Road Science brand, it further strengthens our position as a market leader in road engineering research and testing across both Australia and New Zealand, says Road Science general manger Doug Carrasco. The new building in Tauranga shows our commitment to supporting innovation and finding solutions to the current and future challenges the roading industry faces. This investment, and the joining of our trans-Tasman capabilities, will also be a significant enabler in the growth and development of our people. Ribbon cutting event with Downers COO Transport & Infrastructure, Murray Robertson, with Downer Kaumatua Gabe Moana. Photo: Salina Galvan Photography. "The opening of the new Tauranga facility and the integration with the Australian laboratory are both remarkable achievements for Road Science, and we are excited about the potential these expansions hold for our customers. The world-class facilities on both sides of the Tasman will enable us to accelerate research, innovation, and development of sustainable road solutions to meet evolving needs," says Downer ANZ Operations for Transport & Infrastructure ecxecutive general manager George Leidig. The expansion will allow Road Science to offer a more extensive range of products and services, including pavement design, asphalt performance testing, binder evaluation, and the development of advanced road surfacing materials. Road Science is committed to environmental responsibility and places great emphasis on sustainable and eco-friendly road solutions. Its Tauranga and Melbourne facilities will play a vital role in developing and certifying eco-conscious road construction materials and techniques. New Road Science laboratory interior. Photo: Salina Galvan Photography. Road Science is grateful for the continued support of its customers, partners, and local communities in New Zealand and Australia. The company looks forward to collaborating with industry stakeholders and driving positive change in the road construction and infrastructure sectors. For more information about Road Science and its services, visit www.roadscience.co.nz. About Road Science: Road Science is a leading provider of road construction and infrastructure solutions with a strong commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence. With a history of delivering high-quality products and services, the company continues to be at the forefront of road engineering advancements. The addition of the Somerton Laboratory in Melbourne complements Road Science's existing capabilities and strengthens its position as a leader in the road construction industry in both New Zealand and Australia. One lucky Lotto player from Hamilton will be celebrating after winning $1 million with Lotto First Division in Satudays live Lotto draw. The winning ticket was sold at Chartwell Lotto in Hamilton. Powerball was not struck on Saturday evening and has rolled over to Wednesday night, where the jackpot will be $37 million. Strike Four also rolled over last night and will be $1 million on Wednesday, meaning it will be a Must Be Won draw. In a Strike Must Be Won draw, if no single ticket wins First Division, the prize pool is added to the next highest division with a winner. 31 Lotto players win Second Division It will be celebrations all round for thirty-one lucky Lotto players after each winning $16,457 with Lotto Second Division in Saturdays live Lotto draw. One lucky player also won Powerball Second Division, taking their total winnings to $53,218. The winning Powerball Second Division tickets was sold at Lucky Lotto Shop in Rotorua. The winning Second Division tickets were sold at the following stores: Store Location MyLotto Whangarei Mobil Constellation Drive Auckland Cockle Bay Four Square Auckland MyLotto (x7) Auckland Om's Grocery Mart Auckland Countdown St Lukes Auckland New World Mt Roskill Auckland Meadowlands Lotto Auckland Caltex Mangere Auckland Pak N Save Ormiston Auckland MyLotto (x2) Hamilton Four Square Paeroa Waikato Countdown Taupo Taupo Lucky Lotto Shop (+PB) Rotorua MyLotto Bay of Plenty Countdown The Valley New Plymouth Pak n Save New Plymouth New Plymouth Countdown Spotswood New Plymouth New World Broadway Palmerston North Four Square Shannon Manawatu-Whanganui Four Square Kena Kena Wellington MyLotto Wellington New World Blenheim Marlborough MyLotto Christchurch City Anyone who bought their ticket from any of the above stores should check their ticket as soon as possible in-store, on MyLotto, or through the MyLotto App. With 100% of Lotto NZs profits supporting thousands of great causes each year, every time you play one of Lotto NZs games, youre a Kiwi helping other Kiwis. Long tailbacks on A-7 motorway in Malaga province after carriageway closed following lorry fire A diversion was put in place on the N-340 as the road was closed to traffic while emergency services tackled the major blaze Europa Press Malaga Compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Telegram A lorry fire on the A-7 motorway earlier today, Saturday 12 August, forced the closure of a section of the road between the municipalities of Torrox and Nerja, in the province of Malaga. Specifically, the major road was closed in the direction of Barcelona from kilometre 941, in Torrox, to 935, in Nerja. Although a diversion was set up on the N-340, the A-7 was already backed up for several kilometres. The Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) reported that the tailback of vehicles was stretching from kilometre 945 to 934, as it passes through the municipalities of Nerja and Torrox. The 112 Andalucia emergency services control room received the first of around 30 emergency calls just before 11am warning about the lorry fire which caused a large column of flames and a plume of smoke. Ampliar Cars with their doors open in the tailback caused by the incident. SUR Members of the Malaga provincial fire brigade from Nerja and Velez-Malaga stations managed to extinguish the flames, together with assistance of the Guardia Civil, Plan Infoca and road maintenance crews. The cause of the lorry fire, which did not cause any personal injury, is still unknown. Ampliar DGT The incident is still causing traffic congestion in the area, where there are up to five kilometres of traffic jams due to vehicles being trapped between the closed area of the A-7 and the detour on the N-340, according to the DGT. BAGHDAD, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- Three people, including a senior member of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), were killed on Friday in a Turkish drone strike in Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, the region's counter-terrorism service said in a statement. A Turkish drone attacked a vehicle on a main road near the town of Penjwen in Sulaymaniyah province, east of the Kurdistan region, at 3:30 p.m. local time (1230 GMT), killing a senior member of the PKK, a militant, and the driver of the vehicle, it noted. The Turkish forces frequently carry out ground operations, airstrikes, and artillery bombardments in northern Iraq against the PKK, especially 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 been rebelling against the Turkish government for more than three decades. Current Print Subscribers will be prompted to either login to their current site user account or to create a new one. A confirmation email will be sent when a new user account is created, which must be confirmed within three days in order to provide uninterrupted online access through your Print Subscription. Once the email address is confirmed please provide your Account Number to activate your Print Subscription Service. Syracuse, N.Y. Central New York is under a tornado watch with storms expected until Saturday night, according to the National Weather Service. The watch comes just days after four tornadoes touched down across the region. A total of 24 counties are under the watch, which lasts until 9 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. The Central New York counties include Onondaga, Oswego, Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Oneida and Seneca. The forecast for Syracuse call for an 80% chance of precipitation with thunderstorms likely after 5 p.m., weather officials said. The storms are expected to be done around 8 p.m. and could bring gusty winds, small hail, and heavy rain. Earlier in the week Central New York basements flooded. Syracuse beat its all time record for rain. Parts of Central New York flooded so badly people were seen kayaking in the streets. Staff writer Rylee Kirk covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, story idea, photo, question or comment? Reach her at 315-396-5961, on Twitter @kirk_rylee, or rkirk@syracuse.com. Mexico, N.Y. An Oswego County teacher has been accused of stealing over $4,000 from work, authorities said. William J. Fisher, 72, of Fulton, who worked for CiTi BOCES in Mexico, did not provide three tutoring sessions to students as he was supposed to, according to a State Police news release. An audit found Fisher falsified his time sheets, paying himself an extra $4,409 between January and September 2022, according to a news release from the state Comptrollers Office. He was arrested Wednesday and charged with third-degree grand larceny, three counts of first-degree falsifying business records, and fourth-degree corrupting the government, troopers said. Fischer was suspended from the district, troopers said. Staff writer Rylee Kirk covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, story idea, photo, question or comment? Reach her at 315-396-5961, on Twitter @kirk_rylee, or rkirk@syracuse.com. Members of the creative team for a new play at Syracuse Stage have become sleuths, seeking authenticity for elements of a local story they are crafting. A passion for documentation led them, along with a several collaborators, to the National Archives at New York City located in the Alexander Hamilton Custom House Aug. 1. There, they found the original letters of Mary Cornelius Winder, a member of the Oneida Nation, who was an early 20th century activist for land rights and sovereignty for indigenous peoples. She is a major focus of Our Words Are Seeds, a play Syracuse Stage has commissioned from Grammy Award winning composer Ty Defoe, who is of the Oneida and Anishinaabe Nations. Our Words Are Seeds is intended to breathe life into Central New Yorks Haudenosaunee history and illuminate the current Land Back Movement by revealing its roots in the advocacy of Winder, who made it her lifes work to hold the United States accountable to the treaties it signed with the Haudenosaunee. Winder was a meticulous researcher and writer who addressed her demands to officials at several layers of government. Joann Yarrow, who will direct the play, said Winders letters are pivotal pieces of that project, which is scheduled to tour in 2024-25. The trove of letters demanded compliance with the 1794 Treaty of Canandaigua that calls for the return of all the land illegally seized from the indigenous nations. Instead of honoring the treaty, the U. S. government had granted back only 32 acres in what are now Madison and Oneida counties. The new play is part of Stages The Backstory Program, an interactive, live, creative exploration of historical figures. These works are designed for middle and high school students who in the current season can see Commanding Space, the story of Annie Easley, who broke gender and color barriers as a rocket scientist at NASA. For our current Backstory project, we asked Ty Defoe to write about local indigenous people, Yarrow said. We wanted to look at our own community, at the historical roots and present lives of indigenous people. In sharing these stories, we wanted to go beyond lip service and land acknowledgements to recognize and honor the importance of the Haudenosaunee. Yarrow said they invited Defoe to come and listen to the community, to talk to young people, to environmental activist Jeanne Shenandoah and to Winders great granddaughter, Michelle Schenandoah, who continues Winders work as a professor of indigenous law at Syracuse University and founder of the nonprofit Rematriation. During his research, Defoe discovered that scholars have quoted Winders letters when writing about issues of sovereignty and land rights. Her letters have also served as documents in court cases throughout the last half of the 20th century. Defoe and others, including Yarrow and Director of Education Kate Laissle, had heard about copies of the letters, but the location of originals was a mystery. Laissle, who says she enjoys a challenge, embraced the mystery. She set out to find the primary documents. Through the bibliography in Laurence M. Hauptmans An Oneida Indian in Foreign Waters, she traced them to the National Archives and began the arduous process of pinpointing their likely location. Finding specific papers among the hundreds of thousands of documents in the archives demands specific details and luck, Laissle said. People at the archives were very helpful, but we had to provide guidance as to where to search. The letters werent simply filed under Winders name. We had to find a likely box that would contain material related to a broader term and time frame. In a process of search and check, a try-this-and-that approach using terms such as land claims, the letters were found. Laissle said the success of the search was the result of collaboration among many people, including descendants of Winder, who knew of the letters but had never seen them. Great-granddaughter Michelle Schenandoah had, during a time when she worked in New York City, even been in the archive building, which also houses the National Museum of the American Indian. Winders letters, concrete and positive evidence of her four-decade activism, give substance and authenticity to Our Words Are Seeds, Yarrow said. The play is fiction, but it has solid roots in fact. It explores the past, present, and future of the protagonist, Shenandoah, who is a two spirit/non-binary teen who uses they/them pronouns, and their great-great-grandmother, Mary Cornelius Winder, who originated the familys practice of writing letters to the United States government demanding land back. Shenandoahs struggles and the struggles of their ancestors intersect as Shenandoah creates a call to action for their generation to protect, defend, and acknowledge the Haudenosaunee Nations, their traditions, and the land shared by all. Artistic Director Bob Hupp describes the ongoing development of Our Words are Seeds as central to the theaters artistic mission, which is to tell stories that inspire audiences to see life beyond their own experiences. To discover these letters in the context of research surrounding Our Words are Seeds illustrates the sometimes unexpected benefit of our artistic work. Its an honor to be given the opportunity to tell the story that unfolds in this play. Hupp said. We are indebted to our community partners and we hope the letters bring renewed focus to important issues, both historic and contemporary. Syracuse, N.Y. An abandoned Syracuse gas station site targeted several years ago for a $6.2 million redevelopment into a mix of offices, stores and housing will instead be the future home of a Splash Car Wash. The Syracuse Planning Commission this week approved a special permit for the drive-thru car wash chains first city location at 1001 E. Brighton Ave., at the intersection with East Seneca Turnpike. BERLIN, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- Germany's trade surplus in the first half (H1) of 2023 more than doubled year-on-year to 98.7 billion euros (108.6 billion U.S. dollars), the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) said Friday. While exports rose by 3.3 percent to 797.8 billion euros in the first six months, the value of goods imported by Europe's largest economy fell by 4.3 percent to 699.1 billion euros, according to Destatis. With a value of 136.5 billion euros, motor vehicles and motor vehicle parts were the country's best-selling product group abroad. According to the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), the country's carmakers increased their H1 exports by 32 percent year-on-year to almost 1.7 million units. Pre-COVID-19 levels, however, will remain "out of reach" this year. Despite a decline in both imports and exports, China remained Germany's most important trading partner in H1, with a total trade volume of 128.8 billion euros, according to the latest official figures. (1 euro = 1.10 U.S. dollar) MrA BHPian Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Madison Posts: 35 Thanked: 42 Times Re: MH registration expiring, car located in Srinagar (Kashmir), owner out of the country Quote: pjbiju Originally Posted by Postal Fee : 50 Renewal of Registration: 5000 (For cars, this was 600 earlier, but has been increased by 5 times now) Smart Card Fee : 200 Vehicle Inspection Fee: 800 (manual inspection) Environment Tax : 3000 (Petrol cars) The above is based on MH, Pune charges last year. The actual amounts may vary from state to state and also may change every year. For changing the current registration from MH to Srinagar, you will have to pay the registration charges as per the rules of the state. It will usually be calculated on a pro-rata basis, assuming 15 years as the normal registered life of the car. I found the following information If you pay the registration charges in Srinagar, you can get a refund for the remaining period from MH. However, the amount of refund may be very small since you will already be into the 13th year this year. Also the agents may charge too much to get it. But you can try the same. I would not know the exact details. However re-registration at the end of the 15 year period would more or less be the same in MH or Srinagar. It would involve the following charges:The above is based on MH, Pune charges last year. The actual amounts may vary from state to state and also may change every year.For changing the current registration from MH to Srinagar, you will have to pay the registration charges as per the rules of the state. It will usually be calculated on a pro-rata basis, assuming 15 years as the normal registered life of the car. I found the following information online . You would be able to find the actual information on the Parivahan site or from an RTO agent.If you pay the registration charges in Srinagar, you can get a refund for the remaining period from MH. However, the amount of refund may be very small since you will already be into the 13th year this year. Also the agents may charge too much to get it. But you can try the same. Quote: aneesh2M Originally Posted by You can contact me if you need a good RTO agent in Pune or if you decide to send the car over to Pune for resale. Also, thank you @Everlearner and @Comrade for the suggestions. Leaning towards getting the NOC from Pune with the help of a good RTO agent, hopefully without having to send the car over there. Should be easy to get it re-registered in Srinagar after that, we also have a bunch of contacts at the RTO office in Srinagar so the main issue will be getting all the required documents from Pune. Thank you, I was worried I might have to pay the entire road tax in Srinagar but based on some online calculator, due to the age of the car it is only around 5k-7k, assuming ex-showroom price is 9.5L. I think I'll contact an RTO agent in Pune and get the NOC required to register it in Srinagar, seems like the cheapest and simplest path(unless I need to send the car to Pune) and we can keep the car for many more years.Thank you, sending you a private message.Also, thank you @Everlearner and @Comrade for the suggestions.Leaning towards getting the NOC from Pune with the help of a good RTO agent, hopefully without having to send the car over there. Should be easy to get it re-registered in Srinagar after that, we also have a bunch of contacts at the RTO office in Srinagar so the main issue will be getting all the required documents from Pune. Newer PCs and laptops shipping with Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10 no longer come with a Certificate of Authenticity attached to the back or bottom of the PC. Instead, PC manufacturers have worked with Microsoft to embed the product key directly into the BIOS or EFI. Freeware Windows One of the most prolific tech moguls now, Sam Bankman-Fried, is going to jail amidst his impending court battles, after having his bail revoked by the Federal District Court judge. This was after various reports about the actions of the tarnished former CEO of FTX against witnesses, reportedly harassing them to turn towards his advantage. Now, his initial privileges of serving his time on house arrest while going on with the proceedings were taken away, with Bankman-Fried to spend time behind bars amidst his trials. SBF is Going to Jail, No More House Arrest (Photo : Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) According to the New York Times report, Sam Bankman-Fried had his bail privileges revoked by the Federal District Court of New York under Judge Lewis A. Kaplan. Because of this, Bankman-Fried gets to spend all his time preparing for his defense in court behind bars, with the 13 criminal charges currently under proceedings. It is known that Bankman-Fried's team has tried to appeal some of the cases by filing a motion to dismiss, but was also dismissed by the courts. Additionally, the Bankman-Fried camp also tried to appeal this incarceration but was also denied by Judge Kaplan says another report. Read Also: FTX Bankman-Fried Denies Leaking Documents to Press Regarding Ex-Girlfriend Sam Bankman-Fried Harasses Witnesses According to Reuters, Sam Bankman-Fried is reportedly harassing witnesses that go testify about the different proceedings of his case. It already happened twice said the report, with the initial one being a former FTX associate and ex-girlfriend, Caroline Ellison, where SBF also threatened to release private writings meant to intimidate her. On the other hand, the court discovered that SBF tampered with witnesses on two occasions. Bankman-Fried is also actively seeking out the media to talk with them and share his side but was given a gag order to block all communications with the press, as per the courts. Sam Bankman-Fried's Court Battles For the past months of Bankman-Fried defending himself against allegations and charges, the former CEO has been staying out in his parents' home waiting for the proceedings to end. However, he was issued a court order and a strict no-internet policy after reports of insider trading allegations, with only his flip phone to use for communication. The FTX founder has pleaded not guilty to various charges that were brought by the court in the plea hearings, including those that were only added later on. Moreover, two signatories from Stanford have signed on Bankman-Fried's bail, which is known to be a whopping $250 million that needs to be paid should he run away. For all the time since his arrest in the Bahamas in late December, until the most recent time when the courts are reviewing the massive charges and documents, Bankman-Fried has stayed at home. After the reports of his inexcusable behavior, it was decided that house arrest is not the right one for him, but incarceration behind steel bars. Related Article: FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried's Bail in Jeopardy Amid Harassment Allegations 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Many workers across the United States are increasingly adopting ChatGPT to streamline routine tasks, defying concerns that have prompted major companies like Microsoft and Google to impose restrictions on its usage. (Photo : NICOLAS MAETERLINCK/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images) Illustration picture shows the ChatGPT artificial intelligence software, which generates human-like conversation, Friday 03 February 2023 in Lierde. Embracing ChatGPT in the Workplace US workers are reportedly embracing ChatGPT to enhance efficiency in handling routine tasks, disregarding the concerns that have led prominent companies like Microsoft and Google to restrict its usage. According to a recent poll from Reuters/Ipsos, on a global scale, businesses are deliberating the most effective ways to leverage the capabilities of ChatGPT. The chatbot program employs generative AI to engage in conversations and address a wide array of prompts. Nevertheless, security firms and corporations have raised valid apprehensions, citing the potential risk of intellectual property and strategic information leaks associated with the technology. Numerous anecdotal instances highlight how individuals leverage ChatGPT for various everyday tasks, such as composing emails, condensing documents, and conducting initial research. Approximately 28% of respondents reported regularly incorporating ChatGPT into their professional activities. Surprisingly, only 22% of participants indicated that their employers explicitly sanctioned the use of such external tools. The survey, which reached 2,625 adults throughout the country, maintained a credibility interval of about two percentage points, demonstrating a high level of precision in its findings. Geo reported that the poll also revealed that 10% of respondents said their employers had explicit policies against the use of external AI tools, while approximately 25% were uncertain about their company's stance on the technology's usage. When questioned about the potential consequences of individual employees utilizing ChatGPT, its developer, OpenAI, chose not to comment. However, it did emphasize a recent blog post that assured corporate partners that their data would only be used to further train the chatbot if they gave consent. Also Read: AI Language Models Like ChatGPT Exhibit Political Biases, New Study Finds Mixed Reactions Since its launch in November, ChatGPT has experienced an unprecedented surge in popularity, earning it the distinction of being the fastest-growing application in history. Its rapid rise has generated a mix of enthusiasm and concern, leading OpenAI to engage in regulatory discussions. Yahoo reported that the company's extensive data collection has attracted scrutiny from privacy watchdogs, sparking debates on the appropriate balance between innovation and safeguarding individual privacy. The generated charts produced by ChatGPT could be reviewed by human assessors from external companies. But it still raising concerns highlighted by researchers about the ability of comparable AI systems to replicate absorbed data from their training, thus, posing a significant threat to proprietary information. According to Ben King, the Vice President of Customer Trust at the corporate security firm Okta, there's a prevailing lack of understanding among individuals regarding the usage of data in the context of generative AI services. "For businesses, this is critical because users don't have a contract with many AIs - because they are a free service - so corporates won't have to run the risk through their usual assessment process," King told Reuters. Related Article: Copyright Issues Are Prevalent in AI Models Like ChatGPT, New Study Claims 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Scientists have unveiled the critical threshold of heat and humidity the human body can endure. 'Wet Bulb Temperature' According to AFP, new research shows the limit, known as the "wet bulb temperature," representing the maximum combination of heat and humidity before sweat no longer evaporates from the skin, leading to heatstroke, organ failure, and death. While this threshold occurs at around 35 degrees Celsius (95 Fahrenheit), recent research suggests it could be even lower. Colin Raymond from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory said the wet bulb limit of human survival has been breached only around a dozen times, primarily in South Asia and the Persian Gulf. Although none of these occurrences extended beyond two hours, they effectively averted widespread mortality events associated with this critical threshold. Nonetheless, specialists stress that fatalities resulting from intense heat are feasible even at less severe levels. Factors such as age, health, and socio-economic circumstances play a role in determining an individual's susceptibility. In Europe last summer, for instance, more than 61,000 fatalities were linked to heat, even in regions where the perilous wet bulb temperature range is seldom attained. Scientists warn that dangerous wet bulb events will become more frequent as global temperatures continue to rise. The frequency of such events has doubled over the last four decades, driven by human-caused climate change. Read Also: Did You Know the Greenhouse Effect Was Discovered 2 Years Earlier Than Most Think? Meet the Woman Before John Tyndall 'Critical Environmental Limit' According to Raymond's research, wet bulb temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius could become common worldwide if global temperatures rise by 2.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. To test the wet bulb limit, researchers at Pennsylvania State University evaluated young, healthy participants in a heat chamber. They found that the "critical environmental limit," where the body can't prevent further core temperature increase, was reached at 30.6 degrees Celsius wet bulb temperature, lower than previously theorized. In the past, El Nino weather patterns have been known to elevate wet bulb temperatures. However, researchers emphasize the strong correlation between wet bulb temperatures and ocean surface temperatures. Notably, the global oceans recently achieved an unprecedented peak temperature, surpassing the previous record established in 2016. Scientists highlight the importance of investigating wet bulb temperatures to comprehend how climate change affects human survival, particularly for susceptible groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals laboring in high-temperature environments. "Extreme heat is increasingly being acknowledged as a serious hazard to human health, through a combination of physiological responses to heat, expressed as dry and wet bulb temperatures, and personal factors," the study's abstract reads. The research emphasizes that using physiological thresholds is a more reliable method to assess health impacts and suggests that wet bulb temperature alone is inadequate to indicate hazardous heat conditions. In related news, NASA JPL unveiled a series of detailed maps showcasing the extent of land-surface temperature variations in Phoenix, Arizona, last July, a month marked by an unprecedented heat wave. The maps depict how urban landscapes, including streets, buildings, and airport runways, retained heat even after sunset, contributing to the persistence of high temperatures. Related Article: CES 2023: Can Crypto and Blockchain Encourage a Greener Future? Here Are a Few Initiatives to Combat Climate Crisis 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. LOS ANGELES, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- Questions have been raised about Hawaii's siren system, which did not sound during the devastating wildfires in the U.S. state's Maui Island on Aug. 3. Many people told media that they received no official warnings about the blazes that have left 67 people dead, many others missing and hundreds of buildings destroyed as of local time Friday noon. Hawaii Emergency Services Administration said on Friday that the warning sirens were not activated "on Maui during the wildfire incident," but alerts were sent by mobile devices, radio and television, and the opt-in resident alert system. Widespread power and signal outages cut off most communication to the stricken area. It was not clear whether the alerts were sent before the island was hit with widespread outages. Many of the survivors from Lahaina, a historic town in Maui County burned down totally by the blaze, told CBS News Friday that they did not hear any sirens and only realized they were in danger when they saw flames or heard explosions nearby. Dustin Kaleiopu, who fled Lahaina with his grandfather, told the outlet that there was not any warning about the fire, and they left with only what they were wearing. Maui Fire Department Chief Brad Ventura said the fire moved so quickly from brush to neighborhoods that it was impossible to get messages to the emergency management agency. But Elizabeth Pickett, co-executive director of the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization, told local news outlet Honolulu Civil Beat that the tragedy was foreseeable. She said a report that she co-authored nearly a decade ago identified an increased wildfire risk to Maui, with Lahaina in an extreme risk area. "Much more could have been done" to prevent or mitigate the disaster, she said. Hawaii's siren system, known as the "All-hazard Statewide Outdoor Warning Siren System," is used to warn residents about emergencies including earthquakes, tsunamis, brush fires, flooding, lava, or terrorist events, according to the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency. The system sounded mistakenly twice in recent years. In 2018, the text message alert system falsely told the whole state to take cover for an incoming ballistic missile that did not exist. In 2019, residents in Oahu and Maui were sent into a brief panic when the outdoor siren system was triggered during a training. In regard to these complains, Hawaii Governor Josh Green said Friday he could not say for certain if Maui's emergency siren system was activated properly ahead of the deadly wildfires. Green told NBC News' Lester Holt on Friday that Lahaina located in a "very remote place" and when the tragedy occurred, Hurricane Dora, as strong as 80 mph (128.75 km per hour), knocked out telecommunications and essentially rendered the island dark. "I'm very reluctant to blame anyone," he said. "We were fighting multiple fires that were being moved. Because of these winds, we're of course, like everyone else, dealing with the extreme changes, global warming, the drying of our land. And then when this storm passed to the south of Hawaii, that was the hurricane -- it sent those winds." "Of course, we would never diminish any kind of responsibility," he said. As we celebrate India's Independence Day, it's an opportune moment to revisit the lesser-known stories that are woven into the tapestry of our struggle for freedom. One such tale is that of Burma's separation from India, a significant event that has often been overshadowed by more prominent historical narratives. Burma, located to the east of India, was an integral part of British India during the colonial era. The region, rich in culture and diversity, played a pivotal role in shaping the history of the subcontinent. However, its journey toward independence followed a distinct path from that of India. The story of Burma's separation begins with the arrival of the British in the 19th century. As part of their imperial expansion, the British gradually established control over different regions of India, including present-day Burma. Over time, Burma became a province of British India, with economic resources being exploited and administrative structures being imposed by the colonial rulers. Despite being under the same colonial yoke, Burma and the rest of India had different cultural, linguistic, and historical contexts. The push for independence began to gain momentum in both regions, but the aspirations and strategies differed due to their unique circumstances. As India's struggle for freedom intensified, Burma too witnessed its own movements and uprisings against British rule. In the aftermath of World War II, when the British Empire was weakened and global sentiments favored decolonization, Burma's quest for self-determination gained traction. The pivotal moment came in 1947 when India was on the cusp of gaining independence. The Indian Independence Act of 1947, which led to the partition of India, also granted Burma the choice to either remain part of the Indian Union or opt for a separate destiny. In a crucial referendum held in 1947, the people of Burma voted for separation from India, heralding their own journey toward independence. On January 4, 1948, Burma officially became an independent nation, marking the end of its colonial past and the beginning of a new chapter in its history. The separation was marked by celebrations, hopes, and dreams of a better future. While India's tryst with destiny was marked by the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and other stalwarts, Burma's struggle had its own heroes. Aung San, a prominent Burmese leader, played a vital role in negotiating with the British and shaping Burma's path to independence. Tragically, he was assassinated before he could witness the realization of his efforts. As we commemorate India's Independence Day, let us also remember the story of Burma's separation from India. While our nations embarked on distinct paths, both shared the common goal of liberation from colonial rule. Burma's journey reminds us that freedom is a universal aspiration, transcending borders and uniting people in their pursuit of a brighter future. In honoring the struggles and sacrifices of both nations, we pay homage to the spirit of independence that continues to inspire generations. Just as India and Burma unfurled their flags of sovereignty, let us remember that freedom is a beacon of hope that shines brightly, guiding us toward progress, unity, and prosperity. One dead and several injured in the fire of an apartment building near Paris Record rating of the GameStar: Mr. Klinge, do you consider Baldur's Gate 3 to be the best computer game ever? God's Tweeter Week: Those You Blocked Will Come Back to You 6 incredible places to go for a picnic less than an hour and a half from Madrid "The number of heat waves will grow": a Russian climatologist on the causes of temperature records in Russia and the world Fire in L'Ile-Saint-Denis: still in shock, residents help each other "Cheems", the dog of the most viral memes on the Internet, dies Superconductor hype: Hoping is ok, but it's not enough Climate: what are the effects and consequences of the El Nino phenomenon? Buying and selling and raising "exotic pets" Curiosity cannot break through the bottom line of the law Have you read the "secret" and heart language in the admission letter? The promulgation of the "830 New Regulations" is about to be two years ago, and "anti-addiction" has achieved positive results With a short lunch break and few places to eat, how to ensure that office workers in the office building eat? The death of 7 people in the wild trip aroused social concern Enjoy the wild fun, please do not ignore the risks Interview with the daughter of "China's last female chief": "We and the reindeer are her children" The misfortune of the heroine Olga Carmona: her father died before the final and she knew it later Decided the World Cup final was informed that the father had died afterwards Faith Kipyegon, queen of the 1,500 meters: "With pregnancy there was a risk of not returning, of disappearing" Olga Carmona celebrates the winning goal and learns of a stroke of fate after the game Li Kyle made his home debut, and the Chinese men's basketball team warmed up before the World Cup Hangzhou Asian Games viewing demand is strong, multi-event tickets are sold out as soon as they go online Look at China in ten dimensions! "Into the new state-owned enterprise The "Clock-in New Coordinates" network interactive communication activity was officially launched "Land-based aquaculture" away from the sea Major telecommunications companies enter the market one after another The South China Expo held at the "Three Forks" in Asia: an important platform for exchanges and cooperation among nearly 40 billion people Delivering the taste of famous restaurants with frozen foods Leave the menu to us Subscribe In the first seven months, China's imports and exports to other BRICS countries reached 7.2 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 38.19%; Former President Trump officially announces that he will not participate in the Republican debate An attempt was made to push a girl down from a train platform in Stockholm Poll: Nearly ninety percent of Japanese are worried that the discharge of nuclear sewage into the sea will damage Japan's image The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has deployed cash-for-work in flood prevention and relief and post-disaster reconstruction After notice now Dalahus in Linghed rehires those who have been laid off Laura Escanes denounces that they have used her image to take her naked in photos manipulated with Artificial Intelligence After the opening of fishing in the South China Sea, seafood enters the market in batches Guangdong Taishan's small sea fish are favored Rubiales kisses Jenni Hermoso on the mouth during the celebration: "I didn't like it" Imani-Lara Lansiquot made a false start at the World Athletics Championships but protested and was still allowed to run Prime Minister Kishida to meet with fishermen's representatives today to seek understanding on the release of treated water In less than an hour: air defense systems shot down three Ukrainian aircraft-type UAVs in the Belgorod region The misfortune of the heroine Olga Carmona: her father died before the final and she knew it later 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. Russian troops target Orikhiv, kill police officer, injure 12 civilians 12 August, 02:30 PM Zaporizhzhya Oblast (Photo:zp.vgorode.ua) Russian invaders launched a guided air bomb on the city of Orikhiv in Zaporizhzhya Oblast in the morning on Aug. 12, Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko reported on Telegram. A 31-year-old police captain was killed in the attack, while another four police employees are among 12 people injured by the Russian attack, Klymenko said. Some of them are in serious condition. Doctors and paramedics have been fighting for their lives, he added. "The police are present even there, where the situation in Ukraine is the worst. They serve and protect people at the cost of their own health and life," the minister wrote. Video of day Paramedics provided people with immediate assistance and took them to hospital, the Interior Ministry said. The Police and Security Service of Ukraine have opened criminal proceedings over Russia's violation of the customs of war (Art. 438(1), (2) of the Criminal Code). 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 Zelenskyys chief-of-staff says 58 states have endorsed Kyiv's peace formula 12 August, 04:56 PM Andriy Yermak (Photo:Office of the President of Ukraine) Fifty-eight countries have already supported the peace formula presented by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak said in a post on his Telegram channel on Aug. 12. "The fifth meeting with representatives of foreign diplomatic missions on the implementation of Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Peace Formula (has been held)," Yermak said. Read also: Negotiations on Ukrainian peace formula begin in Saudi Arabia Already 58 countries are with us (at the previous meeting, there were 43 representatives of states). President Zelenskyy presented his ten-point peace formula at the G20 summit in November 2022. It includes the restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity, the withdrawal of Russian troops, the release of all prisoners, a tribunal for those responsible for military aggression, and security guarantees for Ukraine. Video of day At the end of March, during his address to the Council of Europe, Zelenskyy called for a summit on the peace formula for Ukraine to be held in one of Europes capitals. China, Brazil, the Vatican, and representatives of African countries are also trying to present their own versions of a peace plan for Ukraine. On Feb. 24, 2023, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a "position paper" on resolving the war in Ukraine. It consisted of 12 points, including: a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, the resumption of peace talks, the end of "unilateral sanctions" against Russia, the functioning of the Black Sea grain corridor, safety at nuclear power plants, and the abandonment of nuclear weapons. However, the Chinese position did not include a Russian withdrawal from the parts of Ukraine it has occupied. Meanwhile, on April 30, Catholic Church leader Pope Francis announced that the Vatican would set up a peacekeeping mission to end Russia's war against Ukraine, but the activities of this mission have not yet been made public. On May 10, Brazilian President Lula da Silva announced his willingness to mediate between Ukraine and Russia in peace talks. He stated that he had already discussed this initiative with the leadership of China and the UAE. Earlier, Lula da Silva called on the United States to stop military support for Ukraine. He said the United States and the European Union should "start talking about peace." Read also: Brazil to propose a peace conference to end the war in Ukraine A large majority of Ukrainians want Western military aid to Ukraine to continue, and for talks with Russia to begin only after all Russian troops have been withdrawn from all of Ukrainian territory, including Crimea and the parts of the Donbas Russia invaded in 2014. On May 16, African leaders launched a new initiative for peace in Ukraine. It provides for the start of "negotiations" with Russia, even if the occupation forces do not leave the territory of Ukraine. In early June, a "peacekeeping mission" visited Kyiv and Moscow, which included the presidents of South Africa, Egypt, Zambia, the Republic of Congo, and Uganda. Zelenskyy's administration emphasized that Ukraine is ready to listen to all peace formulas offered by other states, but that only the Ukrainian one can be applied. 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 Africa would not be Africa without the leader and soon King Mzilikazi, Shaka Zulus ex general ushering in the scattering also known as the Mfecane. Mzilikazi, once a high-ranking general in the Zulu army under Shaka Zulu, emerged as a central figure in the turbulent Mfecane period, marked by dispersal and upheaval across southern Africa. Faced with mounting tensions and threats to his leadership, Mzilikazi led a faction of Zulu warriors on a transformative journey, navigating conflicts, alliances, and challenges. This journey culminated in the establishment of the Ndebele Kingdom, a resilient entity with its own cultural attributes and unique identity woven into the intricate historical tapestry of the region. Note on how to pronounce Mzilikazi: m-zuh-lee-KAH-zee and Mfecane: mfuh-KAH-nee. The history of King Shaka Zulu and his former general Mzilikazi Ndebele Kingdom. Shaka Zulu, a visionary military leader, and strategist, played a transformative role in shaping the Zulu Kingdom and its expansion during the early 19th century. His innovative military tactics, disciplined training, and centralized administrative reforms led to the establishment of a powerful and cohesive Zulu state, creating a formidable force. Mzilikazi, once a revered general in Shaka's ranks, departed due to escalating tensions and threats to his leadership position under Shaka's rule. Faced with the choice of subjugation or departure, Mzilikazi opted for the latter, leading a faction of Zulu warriors on a journey known as the Mfecane. He chose the Zulu warriors not only for their martial prowess and loyalty but also as a means to ensure his own survival. In the 1820 Battle of Mhlatuze River, Mzilikazi's forces clashed with the Qwabe, a rival tribe, during his time as a commander in the Zulu army. This battle played a role in his eventual departure from the Zulu Kingdom and catalyzed the great Mfecane. Mzilikazi was an esteemed high-ranking general within King Shaka's Zulu army, who emerged as the catalyst behind the Mfecane, a period marked by dispersion and upheaval, and the founding figure in the establishment of the Ndebele Kingdom. Mzilikazi and the Mfecane marked a pivotal chapter in the intricate tapestry of Southern African history. Originally occupying a high-ranking position within the military ranks of King Shaka Zulu's Zulu Kingdom, Mzilikazi's fortunes took a turn due to a series of complex conflicts and intricate political dynamics. This led him to lead a faction of Zulu warriors on migration and conquest that would profoundly shape the region's trajectory. The exodus of Mzilikazi and his followers, collectively known as the Ndebele people, heralded what historians often call the Mfecanea period characterized by far-reaching upheavals and widespread population displacements across Southern Africa. Their northward movement eventually brought them to encounters that were often complicated, involving discussions, alliances, trade, and, at times, disagreements with many indigenous African groups and kingdoms, such as The Basotho, Batswana, Bapedi, Bakgatla, and Tsonga people. Mzilikazi and his group of Zulu warriors, on the way to establishing the Ndebele homeland, also encountered the Swazi, Xhosa, Zezuru, Karanga, Manyika, Ndau, Korekore, Voortrekkers, and Kalanga people. These groups had their own languages, traditions, and ways of life. Some of these encounters were friendly, while others were tense because of competition for resources and land. Major Battles of the Ndebele during the Mfecane. The 1820 Battle of Mhlatuze River was when Mzilikazi's forces clashed with the Qwabe, a rival group, during his time as a commander in the Zulu army. This battle played a role in his eventual departure from the Zulu Kingdom. Battle of Mhlatuze River in 1826, after he departed from the Zulu Kingdom, Mzilikazi's Ndebele forces engaged in another battle with the Qwabe, solidifying his authority in the region. In the 1836 Battle of Vegkop, Mzilikazi's Ndebele warriors faced off against Voortrekker forces under the leadership of Andries Pretorius. The battle resulted in a Voortrekker victory and established their presence in the area that would become modern-day South Africa. There were many pitched battles against the Zulu from 1837-1838. Mzilikazi's forces clashed with the Zulu under Dingane, Shaka's successor, as he sought to secure his new kingdom and maintain his autonomy. Battles with the Sotho from 1838-1840 Mzilikazi's Ndebele engaged in conflicts with the Sotho people in the region of modern-day Lesotho, further solidifying his control over the area. In the 1840 Battle of Maqongqo, Mzilikazi's Ndebele warriors decisively defeated a Zulu force led by Dingane's general, Sihayo. This victory secured the Ndebele Kingdom's hold on the territory that would later become Zimbabwe. Mzilikazi, from Zulu General to Ndebele Leader. The resounding victory at the 1840 Battle of Maqongqo solidified the Ndebele Kingdom's territory. These encounters shaped the course of the Ndebele Kingdom's development. They contributed to the broader historical narrative of Southern Africa by weaving together a rich tapestry of cultural exchanges, territorial dynamics, and the interplay of diverse societies. Mzilikazi's leadership acumen and strategic prowess enabled him to establish his kingdom in the lands later designated as Zimbabwe. The Ndebele Kingdom emerged as a resilient entity underpinned by formidable military strength, innovative social structures, and distinct cultural attributes. While rooted in certain aspects of Zulu heritage, the Ndebele Kingdom also fostered its own unique identity. Today, the Ndebele are an ethnic group primarily living in present-day Zimbabwe and South Africa. Mzilikazi and the Mfecane, a period of widespread upheaval and migration, brought the Ndebele into encounters with numerous established African cultures, languages, and ancestral traditions along their arduous journey to the establishment of the Ndebele homeland. This dynamic interaction, marked by both cooperation and conflict, played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural tapestry and historical legacy of the Ndebele people, adding layers of complexity to their identity and the broader narrative of Southern Africa. While Mzilikazi and his group were part of the Zulu Kingdom at one point, they evolved into a distinct entity with their own culture, language, and traditions; however, they share certain linguistic and cultural similarities due to their historical connections. Hanna is youthfully buoyant as Rosie who is obliging, occasionally confrontational and has a pithy quote, meme or Kardashianism for every situation. Monument sees modern women wrangling complicated power dynamics with their men: Edith lives in the shadow of her late fathers political legacy and hides her dysfunctional marriage, while Rosie infantilises herself for her controlling boyfriend. Monument sees modern women wrangling complicated power dynamics with their men. Credit: Jodie Hutchinson However, Sheehan misses opportunities to incorporate the inadvertent leaking of politically sensitive information, or to tackle broader socio-political and feminist issues. In the closing scenes, Sheehan introduces a short-lived, negative turn in the relationship that seems contrived and, because this conflict is played so aggressively, the rapid reconciliation seems equally unlikely. If the argument were played less overtly, with suppressed disagreement and suspicion, their rapid appeasement might be more credible. Ediths backstory leaves questions unanswered: the timeline of her elevation to party leader and ensuing election to prime ministership is unclear, and why didnt her minders arrive well before her maiden speech? Despite some shortcomings, Monument is diverting theatre that features fine performances and explores societys expectation for powerful women to be political dynamos and show ponies. Reviewed by Kate Herbert DANCE Escalator Stephanie Lake Company, Abbotsford Convent, until August 19 Escalator is a new showcase featuring short dance works commissioned from a handful of early-career choreographers. This years selection offers a diverse mix, running the gamut from coolly abstract to deeply sensual, politically freighted to queerly mischievous. Luke Currie-Richardson was one of the performers showcased as part of Escalator. Credit: Feras Shaheen Kady Mansour kicks off proceedings with Menstruation the Musical. She begins by pushing herself onto the stage while lying on her back costumed as a tampon. This memorable gambit is followed by a gleefully gimmicky line dance routine to Dolly Partons PMS Blues. Melissa Pham and Jayden Wall, both fresh from performing in Antony Hamiltons excellent 4/4 last week, present a tight, speedy, almost mechanistic duet called Sense Now. Its a work that owes something to Hamiltons affectless high-precision style, while also mapping new trajectories. Luke Currie-Richardson, who recently worked with Marrugeku and Joel Bray, ushers the audience into a dark room to the side of the stage. The smallness of the space and the energy of his performance creates a tension that communicates a powerful feeling of frustration. The strange voluptuousness of Kayla Douglass Hysteria suggests horror and ecstasy, pleasure and pain, violence and longing. This promising piece is performed by Jareen Wee and Sarah McCrorie, both on all fours, their bodies buffeted by unseen forces, hips slowly thrusting, hands exploring. The last of the commissioned works is a low-camp romp created by Harrison Ritchie-Jones, who recently featured in Stephanie Lakes Manifesto. Its not clear what if anything is being parodied in this comic vignette, but it is great fun all the same, with its courtly Elizabethan costumes and athletic brawling. Escalator follows hot on the heels of the Out of Bounds showcase at Temperance Hall last weekend. Taken together, these two events suggest that the contemporary dance scene in Melbourne is finally regaining some of the energy and enthusiasm lost through the pandemic years. Reviewed by Andrew Fuhrmann MUSICAL Guys & Dolls Chapel Off Chapel, until August 19 Antipodes Theatre Companys gender-fluid, body-positive, positively queer reimagining of Guys & Dolls breathes new life into the iconic Broadway musical. Like musicals before it, such as Once and & Juliet, the actors are on stage and interspersed throughout the room as audiences stream in. Angelo Vasilakakos (left), Bugs Baschera and Jahla Black in Guys and Dolls, at Chapel Off Chapel until August 19. Credit: Conceived in the 1950s but set in the 1920s, Guys & Dolls assembles a motley crew of gamblers, gangsters, showgirls and preachers to tell a familiar tale of morality, thwarted love and conflicting desires. Whats more novel is this reprisals spotlighting of trans and non-binary actors and musicians who subvert a binary script with aplomb and pizzazz. With a central storyline not dissimilar to 1999 teen rom-com Shes All That, affable rogue Nathan Detroit (Shannon Foley) makes a $1000 bet with the debonair, perennially lucky gambler Sky Masterson (Javon King) that Nathan believes cant be lost: Sky must take a woman of Nathans choice out for dinner in Havana, Cuba. Nathan chooses missionary Sarah Brown (Maddison Coleman). Hijinks ensue. Willow Sizer and Shannon Foley in Guys and Dolls. Credit: The pulsating energy and relentless hubbub of New York Citys Prohibition-era nightlife are brought to life through marching processions of the superb onstage band and expertly choreographed formations of actors darting around one another as they cartwheel, do the splits, gyrate, and waack a queer disco dance pioneered by African-American and Latinx communities in the 1970s. Under Jonathan Homsey and Carolyn Oois direction, the movements are acrobatic, highly physical and delightfully anachronistic in parts. Scenes when the entire ensemble cast are on stage the prolonged hot and steamy Havana sequence and the illegally conducted, barely silhouetted craps game are highlights. Willow Sizer as Miss Adelaide, Nathans long-suffering fiancee of 14 years and a talented showgirl, is a standout with their faultless nasal twang and emotionally rich, nuanced portrayal of a character traditionally portrayed as a ditz. Angelo Vasilakakos and Bugs Baschera play Nathans weaselly sidekicks Benny Southstreet and Nicely-Nicely Johnson with charming impudence and impeccable comic timing. Kikki Temple oscillates seamlessly between nightclub host and mission leader. Bianca Pardos costuming is androgynous, exemplifying the 1920s New Women of the Weimar Republic who flouted gender and sexuality conventions nary a dress can be spotted. A spirited performance of Sit Down, Youre Rocking the Boat has characters swapping their garments with one another a playful reinterpretation of what it means to rock the boat while a memorable rendition of A Bushel and a Peck has the dancers in farmers overalls instead of slinky outfits. Guys & Dolls remains a play of its time the gender roles are strict and unyielding. But through its non-conformist casting and costuming and cheeky subversion of the original script, this bold reconception of Guys & Dolls emancipates the script from the strictures of its time. Reviewed by Sonia Nair MUSIC Silk, Metal, Wood Musica Viva, Melbourne Recital Centre, August 15 In an unusual east-meets-west program, Musica Viva has brought together two fine cellists with a masterly practitioner of the Japanese koto. Silk, Metal, Wood saw an unusual pairing of instruments. Credit: Annelise Maurer Standing in the western corner, French cellist Jean-Guihen Queyras opened with a cornerstone of the cello literature, Bachs Cello Suite No. 1 in G in which a refined sweetness of tone was put at the service of a broad view of the works various dance-like gestures. Australian koto player Satsuki Odamuras elegant account of Midare by 17th-century composer Yatsuhashi Kengyo projected the resonant, crystalline timbre of Japans national instrument with assurance, nimbly negotiating the rise and fall of the works intricate variations. Bridging this bifurcated selection came a newly commissioned work by young Adelaidean Jakub Jankowski entitled Eclogue, conceived for two cellos, koto and bass koto. Also hailing from Adelaide, up-and-coming cellist James Morley joined Queyras and Odamura in this adventurous score. While the composer says the work represents a range of ideas such as birds and spirals, and the colour green, the frenzied climax suggested dystopian elements. Satsuki Odamura plays the koto. Credit: Annelise Maurer Calm was restored with Letters from a Strangers Childhood, a 1987 work by British folk musician Robin Williamson. Plucking the koto with fingers rather than the traditional picks Odamura brought the various moods of this engaging work to life by harnessing the remarkable resonance of her instrument. Queyras absorbing presentation of Brittens Cello Suite No. 1 alone was worth the price of admission. Intent on telling a story, Queyras never let the multiplicity of technically challenging effects get in the way of musical communication. Rapturous and quirky by turns, the suites nine movements became a vibrant, richly detailed soundscape. Brittens intensity was offset by Offenbachs effervescent Duo for two cellos, Op. 53, sending listeners off with a spring in their step after this curious yet accomplished multicultural encounter. Reviewed by Tony Way THEATRE Escaped Alone What If If Only Melbourne Theatre Company Southbank Theatre, The Sumner, until September 9 This unique double bill of short plays, Escaped Alone and What If If Only, typifies UK playwright Caryl Churchills work over her prolific, six-decade career. Both works, directed by Anne-Louise Sarks, are non-naturalistic, experiment with dramatic form and structure, incorporate eclectic styles and shifts in time and place. They ask probing questions, address disquieting subjects, shock us into awareness and demand our attention. Escaped Alones Helen Morse (left) is the interloper in Caryl Churchills carefully crafted, poetic work. Credit: Pia Johnson In the 45-minute Escaped Alone, the domestic intersects with the global and epic, and the absurd collides with the tragic and horrific. In designer Marg Horwells idyllic garden with blooms peeking from among tall grasses, four older women (Helen Morse, Deidre Rubenstein, Kate Hood, Debra Lawrance), engage in banal, afternoon tea chatter about their ordinary, daily lives. Wiry and birdlike, Helen Morses grim, restrained monologues punctuate Escaped Alone. Credit: Pia Johnson Morses Mrs Jarrett is the outsider, the spectator, an interloper invited into the inner circle of neighbours with a shared history. She is wiry, spare and disconcertingly birdlike, pecking out her occasional, terse contributions to the chit-chat. It is heartening to see four female characters over 70 on stage, and these captivating actors relish the challenge of Churchills carefully crafted, poetic, rhythmic language. Their tightly cued, crisp, often hilarious dialogue ebbs and flows, veering into non sequiturs or song, overlapping and interrupting like old friends conversation. Suddenly and surprisingly, their serene nattering tilts into intense monologues, revealing despair, fears and dark secrets; just as abruptly, it tilts back to the banal. Morses alarmingly grim but restrained monologues punctuate the play. She emerges alone from unnerving total blackout to dispassionately describe a chilling, apocalyptic world of global disease, famine and death that collides with the tranquillity of the neighbourhood garden and the womens tepid chatter. This collision of styles and ideas exemplifies Churchills work. What If If Only, a shorter work of 25 minutes, is the less successful of the two plays, although the first 10 minutes are gripping. Alison Bell in Caryl Churchills What If If Only, at Southbank Theatre until September 9. Credit: Pia Johnson Alison Bell is a woman, known only as S, shattered by grief at the loss of her partner and grasping at any possibility that her late beloved will communicate with her. Her grief is palpable and heart-wrenching. In the first minutes, Bell sits alone, silently eating a boiled egg at her kitchen table, while Paul Jacksons cunningly designed lighting suggests time passing, day shifting into night and into day again and again. However, the impact of this intense, intimate portrait of loneliness and loss is dissipated, then completely lost, when multiple actors enter, representing the womans possible, unlived futures. This splits the focus by crowding the stage with over a dozen actors: some silent, others bombarding her with images of dystopian or utopian futures, damaged worlds or lost dreams. Churchills script does not name characters or specify gender, and the number of actors is at the directors discretion, but fewer actors might crystallise the womans existential predicament thus focusing our attention. Churchills playwriting remains intelligent, innovative, incisive and insightful and her themes resonate with contemporary audiences. Her devotees will be enthralled by these two works, while the uninitiated may leave bemused, but the compelling performances of the leads in both plays are memorable highlights. Reviewed by Kate Herbert MUSIC The Beasts Croxton Bandroom, August 13 The late Tony Cohen was the man behind the mixing desk four decades ago for the recording of Beasts of Bourbons debut album The Axemans Jazz. Cohen recalls that exceptional day, in his book Half Mad, Completely Deaf, as an event, as recording should be, and it was celebrated on Sunday night with an anniversary show that only The Beasts, as theyre now known, could pull off. This is what we used to do 40 years ago, frontman Tex Perkins told the crowd of 900 people, all eager to hear gloriously shambolic, dirty ol renditions of the bands swampy rock, originally recorded in one day at Paradise Studios in Woolloomooloo. The Beasts transported fans back four decades in an anniversary performance. Credit: Martin Philbey Instead, they got covers, and lots of them. And it was magnificent. After a couple of looseners, including later Beasts songs Hard Work Drivin Man and Hard For You, they launched into a spirited version of the Stooges I Need Somebody, dedicated to long-time friend Ron S. Peno, who died on Friday night, aged 68. The Sonics Strychnine, Alice Coopers Im Eighteen, the Gun Clubs Sex Beat, and The Painkillers Drunk On a Train were all rolled out, paving the way for the Beasts unique spin on Creedence Clearwater Revivals Graveyard Train and their own Evil Ruby, both taken from The Axemans Jazz. On this night, The Beasts deliberately transported fans back four decades, back to what it was like to hear the group in full, chaotic flight, cranking the amps, cracking into the drums and paying homage to their own musical heroes. Joining original band members Kim Salmon, James Baker, Boris Sujdovic and Perkins on stage was guitarist Charlie Owen, filling the spot vacated by founding member, the late Spencer P. Jones. James Baker of The Beasts performing at Croxton Bandroom on Sunday. Credit: Martin Philbey Salmon, who also recorded and performed with Peno as The Darling Downs, roared the backing vocals to crowd favourite Dropout and wrung every blazing, heartfelt note from his guitar. Psycho, also from the bands first album, was a typically spooky Beasts version of country singer Leon Paynes song, but it was their own Ten Wheels for Jesus that closed the night in epic style, Perkins howling, guitars wailing and raised to the roof in a rock n roll salute. Reviewed by Marty Boulton MUSIC Dvoraks Serenade Australian Chamber Orchestra, Hamer Hall, August 13 As welcome as sunshine in the depths of a Melbourne winter, Dvoraks justly popular and perennially sunny Serenade for Strings made a heartwarming return in the Australian Chamber Orchestras finely wrought selection of string music predominantly by nationalist composers. ACO perform Dvoraks Serenade at Hamer Hall. Credit: Charlie Kinross By way of contemporary contrast, Entracte by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Caroline Shaw opened the concert with an intelligent and sympathetic exploration of string colours and textures, starting with gently pulsing chords, moving through pizzicato effects and some seemingly wayward harmonic excursions before neatly returning to the initial mood. This arrangement of an original score for string quartet was followed by Richard Tognettis own arrangement of Bartoks String Quartet No.5 for string orchestra. Tognetti is no novice when it comes to such arrangements and his skill and empathy were clearly evident here, particularly in the dimly lit second movement where the players, here as elsewhere, displayed enviable ensemble. The lopsided swagger of the central folk-inspired scherzo came across with infectious enthusiasm, while the energetic outer movements took on a certain cinematic quality, full of momentum and nodding to Bartoks droll humour in the finale. Josef Suks little-known Meditation on the Old Bohemian Chorale St Wenceslas was a most welcome discovery, featuring cameos from Stefanie Farrands viola and providing a perfect vehicle for a luscious collective tone from the orchestra. The ACO put on a superb performance. Credit: Charlie Kinross Such captivating tone also pervaded the Dvorak, where the delicate buoyancy of the Waltz, the rollicking optimism of the Scherzo and the tenderness of the Larghetto all charmed before the vigour of the Finale once again brought forth the incisive, engaging unanimity for which the ACO is famous. Featuring the ACOs expert core playing group, this program was a reminder that beyond all the occasionally distracting marketing hype this orchestra remains a superb, world-leading exponent of the traditional string orchestra repertory. Reviewed by Tony Way MUSIC Inventi Ensemble Melbourne Recital Centre, August 12 Left incomplete at the time of his death in 1750, Bachs Art of Fugue is arguably the greatest attempt to mine the riches of contrapuntal music derived from a single theme. True to their name, the members of the Inventi Ensemble brought enquiring resourcefulness to their efforts both in realising this music (which was created without any designated instrumentation) and to providing a creative conclusion to an unfinished masterpiece. Rather than performing the works entire 14 fugues and four canons, Inventi grouped together eight fugues and one canon into four coherent and neatly contrasting brackets, with helpful explanations provided by flautist Melissa Doecke. Seated in a circle, to emphasise the equality of parts in this music, the ensemble which also comprises oboist Ben Opie, violinist Phoebe Masel, violist Lucas Levin and cellist Gemma Kneale, harnessed the intimate space of Melbourne Recital Centres Primrose Potter Salon. Advertisement Eating outJust open What to expect when the greatest convenience store on earth opens in Newtown Redfern Convenience Store will replicate the ingredients of its cult success in second location. Bianca Hrovat August 13, 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 The owner of Redfern Convenience Store, Hazem Sedda, has spent more than 20 years transforming an unassuming corner store into a community hub, social media sensation and tourist destination. Now, for the first time, hes attempting to replicate his success with a second store set to open August 24 in Newtown. All 5000 of Redfern Convenience Stores products, ranging from Skittles-flavoured fairy floss and scorpion candy to chocolate churros cereal, will be available at the new store at 137 King Street. Redfern Convenience Store rose to social media stardom for its customer-first Instagram account and community support during COVID. James Brickwood The second location, which will retain the moniker Redfern Convenience Store despite being in a different suburb, was a serendipitous purchase for Sedda and his family. It was the same convenience store that first employed Seddas father, Ali Ata, when he moved from Palestine to Australia in 2000. He didnt know anything about Australia, he didnt speak English and he didnt have any work experience, but they gave him a job at that store, Sedda says. Advertisement Seddas father only worked there a few months before opening Redfern Convenience Store in 2001, but the experience left a lasting impression. Dad never stopped telling me how good the Newtown store was. How they could sell more than what I sell, do better than I do, Sedda says. Anything I would do, he would tell me that the Newtown store would do better. He really loved that store. Sedda kept an eye on the progress of the Newtown store, watching as it went from one of Australias top sales outlets to one of its worst. And then, when the store began losing money, Sedda stepped in and bought it. It was my ultimate challenge, he says. Advertisement Sedda announced the expansion plans over Instagram, where his customer portraits and long, heartfelt captions have attracted upwards of 30,000 followers. Many had become aware of Redfern Convenience Store at the height of the COVID pandemic, when Sedda gave out free toilet paper and ensured a steady supply of reasonably priced RAT tests. It remains one of his proudest moments. We were behind the community. Whatever they needed, we did whatever it takes to get it to them, Sedda says. That is when we became an icon of Redfern. The public display of community support created a fan base stretching far beyond Sydney. These followers buy Redfern Convenience Store merchandise (some collecting each new T-shirt as it drops), make frequent online orders, and message Sedda asking him to open additional locations across the country. The Redfern Convenience Store in Newtown will stock more than 5000 products. James Brickwood Advertisement Sedda hopes to recreate a similar customer experience in Newtown, sourcing hard-to-find products from all over the world, appealing to customers nostalgia with lollies from their childhood, and blasting his song, The Greatest Convenience Store on Earth (released in June with Redfern artist Jesse wtf and former X Factor contestant Barry Conrad). People who visit our store dont just come in, buy one thing and leave. On average, they spend between 30 and 45 minutes going through the products we have and enjoying the atmosphere. Its like how sometimes you go to a nice restaurant, not necessarily because of the food, but because you feel good while youre there. Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up A young Victorian doctor has won a wage theft case against Peninsula Health, a victory lawyers say will set a precedent for thousands of junior doctors across Australia fighting for hundreds of millions of dollars in unpaid compensation. Dr Gaby Bolton has been paid thousands of dollars in unpaid wages. The Federal Court on Friday ruled Peninsula Health breached Fair Work legislation by not paying Dr Gaby Bolton for overtime she worked during four rotations as a junior doctor at Frankston Hospital in 2019 and 2020. It really hasnt sunk in yet, but I am hoping it is the beginning of some change, Bolton told this masthead. Bolton, 29, was awarded $8345 as lawyers prepare for a string of class action cases against Australias hospitals over the systemic and widespread underpayment for junior doctors, including some claims of up to $50,000 in unpaid wages. I have very few memories of my parents as a couple, but their stories from before I was born are legendary. Dad was a guitarist in Perths underground music scene in the 1980s. Mum attended gigs with a punk Dad assumed was her boyfriend, until finding out they were brother and sister. There was a shared car to the Red Parrot nightclub. Mum wore a T-shirt covered in cute cartoon animals that, on closer inspection, appeared to be copulating. Laura Woollett is the author of three novels and a collection of short stories. They moved to Sydney in pursuit of Dads dreams of going pro, living with the band in a share-house that Mum refused to clean for fear of being saddled with all the housework. Once, a mouse crawled into the toaster and was incinerated. Another time, Mum worked alongside a beautiful nurse whose body was later found in a paddock. An American record deal came along, but Dad no longer liked the band. In 1987, they headed back west, Dad got a job in mining, Mum got pregnant, and their starving-artist era concluded. My sister K and I were born 18 months apart, at the tail end of the 1980s. Those months made a difference. When Dad accepted a FIFO position with a coal mining company in Kalimantan, Indonesia, K missed him and anticipated his returns, whereas I sometimes forgot who he was. When our parents began to argue in the laundry on Dads visits home, K cried and attempted to make peace, while I enjoyed the extensive collection of toy dinosaurs that Dads mining money had afforded us. At some point they broke up, but it didnt really register. Mum was always there. Dad was sometimes there. I didnt mind. When he brought home his new fiancee in 1996, I was thrilled. Wida was a travel agent from Jakarta, the second-youngest of 11 siblings. In contrast to Mums silver suns, moons and crucifixes, she wore gold hoops and a gold Koran necklace. Her voice was loud, not soft. Her make-up, red lipstick rather than black liquid eyeliner. But both women were petite and dark, with short, stylishly cut hair. I loved them both, unquestioningly. The trial of Bruce Lehrmann for the alleged rape of Brittany Higgins has been a gift to critics of the #MeToo movement. It is a bitter irony, or perhaps bitterly apt, that the trial was aborted last year after a juror brought into the deliberation room an academic paper about the incidence of false complaints of rape. The paper had not been presented in evidence, and jurors are bound to decide their verdict only on evidence led in court. Bruce Lehrmann and Brittany Higgins. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen/Rhett Wyman The discovery of the unauthorised material meant the presiding judge, Justice Lucy McCallum, was forced to declare a mistrial. One imagines there was a lively debate among the jurors about whether Higgins had made up her claim, and how common it was for women to do so. Even within the sanctum of the jury room, it seems the case was a totem for the broader debate around sexual assault. A council in Melbournes inner west has reversed an earlier planning permit denial to give the green light to brewery Moon Dogs proposal to turn Footscrays iconic Franco Cozzo furniture showroom into a multi-level bar and music venue. Maribyrnong City Council in June refused Moon Dogs application, citing risks to vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists alongside amenity impacts on the area. Moon Dog brewery co-founder Karl van Buuren outside the old Franco Cozzo building in Footscray in June. Credit: Justin McManus The initial decision to block the plan for a three-storey brewery with a playground, rooftop bar, and multi-tiered Roman-style fountain was criticised on social media by some locals. Other residents had opposed the development which was planned to cater for up to 900 people due to concerns over parking, traffic and noise. But on Saturday morning the council said in a Facebook post that safety concerns had now been resolved and a planning permit would be issued shortly, subject to approval by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. Childrens wellbeing in particular has suffered after two years of school closures and uncertainty wrought by the pandemic. A Senate inquiry report published last week showed school refusal among struggling or anxious kids is on the rise. Childrens Commissioner Anne Hollands has renewed her call for a dedicated federal minister to co-ordinate policy in that space. But McBride said she believed the current approach in which responsibility is shared between health, education and youth ministers was appropriate. We have a very collaborative and cohesive approach to this, which is I think is what it needs because the levers that can be pulled often sit outside health directly ... were working in very close partnership to make sure we can reliably and consistently provide the support that children and families need, she said. McBride acknowledged Australians young and old had been struggling with mental illness at rising rates. Loading Suicide in particular is an issue that affects every community she visits. Its something that we are very determined to try to turn around ... At the same time, we have to make sure that what we do is evidence-based, that its safe, and that its effective and properly evaluated, she said. The Labor governments report card in mental healthcare has so far been mixed. Its budget investment in the psychologist workforce was welcomed by the sector, as was the creation of two new lived experience peak bodies in January. McBride points out Labor is investing in research as well as opening 61 Head to Health centres for mental health support, strengthening Headspace centres for people under 25, and launching new Kids Hubs for younger children. Theres now 16 [Head to Health clinics] up and running around Australia where you can walk in without an appointment, without a diagnosis, without a referral and get the right kind of support and care, she said. But her governments most controversial decision in mental health was to revert the number of Medicare-subsidised psychology sessions from 20 to 10 a year. While the measure expanded access for thousands more people to enter the system, psychologists say it has left those with complex mental illnesses lacking support. McBride said the government is still looking at that program; its full response to an evaluation is yet to come. But she pointed out that states and territories also had a responsibility to do more for people living with complex mental illnesses such as bipolar, schizophrenia or obsessive compulsive disorder. McBride said she is taking a collaborative approach to suicide prevention, which she described as a subtle shift involving conversations with the ministers responsible for finance, housing and industrial relations about the levers they can pull in their own portfolios. Loading Theres normally three or four contributors [to] distress it could be relationship breakdown, financial security problems, insecure housing, she said. Although suicide is complex and individual, rates of suicide can reflect communities. Carolyn Nikoloski, the chief executive of peak body Mental Health Australia, said she supported that whole-of-government approach. But we also know the mental health service system itself is inadequate right now. Thats where we need government to step up, the myriad issues with the service system have been documented for years, she said. The sector expects a more detailed response from the government about its plans for system reform by the end of the year. When asked how Australians should judge her efforts by the end of this term, McBride said her goal was to see fewer people in crisis, feeling hopeless and ending up in the hospital system. As for whether the government was also aiming to improve out-of-pocket costs, wait lists and regional services? We need to. Thats what the Australian public have trusted us to do, she said. People would always like things to happen sooner, but were working very determinedly towards a better mental health system of care for all Australians. In this piece, we will take a look at the ten best inexpensive stocks to buy right now. If you want to skip our stock market analysis and a discussion of what makes a stock cheap, then head on over to 5 Best Inexpensive Stocks To Buy Right Now. Investing comes in all sorts of flavors and options to suit whatever risk appetite an investor might have. For those that want to grow their money, the market is full of high growth stocks whose prices trade at significantly higher levels than their earnings per share. For those that are unwilling to take risks, value stocks offer a semblance of stability as their share price is mostly in line with earnings which makes the risk of a downturn significantly lower than the high growth companies. One popular way of determining whether a stock is expensive or cheap is the price to earnings ratio. A cheap stock, as intuitive as it might sound otherwise, is not one whose share price is low. Instead, in the financial world, the 'cheapness' of the stock is measured through the ratio of its share price with its earnings. Now, since there are different earnings estimates of a firm, there are different P/E ratios as well. The true value of a company, or the real value, is the one at which its shares trade on the stock market. And its real EPS is the latest reported value in an annual release. The P/E ratio which uses the real values is called the price to current earnings ratio, or the current P/E ratio in short. A P/E ratio that takes into account the firm's latest performance is the trailing P/E ratio that uses the EPS value in the four latest quarters. However, being the busy bees that they are, analysts are busy working their magic with a firm's balance sheet and income statements. These financial reports can be used to project a company's future financial performance, and a derived EPS value from these is an estimate of how well a company can perform in the future. This EPS can also be used with the existing share price, for a ratio officially dubbed as the price to forward earnings or the forward P/E ratio. Story continues Yet, calculating a P/E ratio does not tell anything on its own about whether a firm is expensive or cheap. Instead, this metric is compared with peer values to determine where the firm stands. This bit is necessary since firms belonging in different industries often have wildly different P/E ratios. A firm's earnings are dependent on several factors, and the ratio of its profit to sales is called the profit margin. Companies, such as banks or software companies often have higher profit margins since they do not have to deal with expensive inputs for their products unlike manufacturing or industrial firms. These costs also affect the P/E ratio, and hence, each industry has its own ratios. To understand this principle, consider Aswath Damodaran's collection of P/E ratios of different industries. Capital intensive sectors such as home building, steel manufacturing, and oil and gas exploration and production have current P/E ratios of less than 30. Compare this with the fact that software companies, non-bank financial services, and advertising agencies all have a P/E ratio greater than 100 and you'll understand the need of using peer values in an analysis. Of course, this is not a hard and fast rule when it comes to guessing what a firm's P/E ratio will be. After all, this value also reflects the share price, and for some capital intensive sectors such as aerospace, the market might be valuing the shares sufficiently high enough to cause the P/E ratio to jump. Moving forward to the stock market, it looks like the beast of inflation that has roiled investors might finally be on its way back inside the bottle. Inflation in July came below what analysts were expecting, and to build to this, American consumers seem to be quite optimistic as well. The University of Michigan's consumer survey is a widely used metric to judge what Americans might be expecting for the future. And the survey's latest (and preliminary) results show that the year ahead inflation expectations stand at 3.3% in August to be slightly down from 3.4% in July. For the stock market, August is often a slow month as traders generally choose to enjoy a summer vacation. However, the market does not shut down, and right now, it's looking as if there might be some profit taking going on when it comes to big tech names such as NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA) and Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA). They rank among the best performing stocks this year, but performance in August has been muted as investors remain uncertain about whether the Federal Reserve might finally stop hiking interest rates especially since core inflation is still not below the central bank's preferred 2% reading. Additionally, the damp market sentiment is being influenced by other factors as well, one of which is the equity risk premium. This measures the difference between the earnings yield of the S&P 500 and the yield of a ten year bond. The number shows how much more investors can expect a stock to yield when compared to a bond, and the data for Q2 shows that the figure fell to nearly 4% by Q2 2023 end - its lowest value since the 2008 Great Recession and financial crisis. This concerning figure shows that stocks might be getting overvalued a bit, which can lead to a surprising correction later on. With these details in mind, let's take a look at the best inexpensive stocks to buy right now, out of which the top picks are Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM), JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM), and Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC). 10 Best Inexpensive Stocks To Buy Right Now Supannee Hickman / Shutterstock.com Our Methodology To compile our list of the best inexpensive stocks to buy right now, we made a list of the forty largest companies with a price to trailing earnings ratio of lower than 20 and an average analyst rating of Buy. Then, the number of hedge funds that had bought their shares as of Q1 2023 was determined courtesy of Insider Monkey's database of 943 hedge funds, and the list of top inexpensive stocks to buy right now is as follows. Best Inexpensive Stocks To Buy Right Now 10. Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) Number of Hedge Fund Investors In Q1 2023: 73 Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) is a global pharmaceutical giant. It's struggling to post profits that were similar to those that it had earned during the coronavirus pandemic, and the share price reflects these struggles. During 2023's March quarter, 73 of the 943 hedge funds polled by Insider Monkey had bought Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE)'s shares. Jim Simons' Renaissance Technologies is the largest shareholder among these with an investment of $495 million. Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) joins JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM), Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM), and Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) in our list of the best inexpensive stocks to buy now. 9. Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) Number of Hedge Fund Investors In Q1 2023: 73 Like other petro giants, Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) has also come down from its 2022 highs in 2023 as the global oil supply normalizes. It scored a win in August though when the World Bank's court awarded it $77 million in a decade-long claim against Venezuela. 73 of the 943 hedge funds part of Insider Monkey's March quarter of 2023 research had invested in the company. Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM)'s biggest investor is Rajiv Jain's GQG Partners with a $2.1 billion stake. 8. The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI) Number of Hedge Fund Investors In Q1 2023: 79 The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI) is an insurance provider that serves the needs of customers with several different kinds of coverage plans. It beat analyst EPS estimates for its second quarter and the stock is rated Buy on average. Insider Monkey dug through 943 hedge funds for their first quarter of 2023 investments and discovered that 79 had owned a stake in The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI). Out of these, the firm's largest shareholder is Ken Griffin's Citadel Investment Group since it owns $520 million worth of shares. 7. Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C) Number of Hedge Fund Investors In Q1 2023: 79 Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C) is an American bank that is more than two centuries old. The bank's latest estimate about the S&P 500 index sees it closing the year at 4,600 points. During this year's March quarter, 79 of the 943 hedge funds part of Insider Monkey's database had held a stake in the bank. Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C)'s biggest investor is Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway through owning 55 million shares that are worth $2.5 billion. 6. Elevance Health, Inc. (NYSE:ELV) Number of Hedge Fund Investors In Q1 2023: 81 Elevance Health, Inc. (NYSE:ELV) is another healthcare benefits and insurance firm. The firm's been having a great time in its market these days, as it has beaten analyst EPS estimates in all four of its latest. Perhaps this is also why the shares are rated Strong Buy on average. 81 of the 943 hedge funds part of Insider Monkey's research had invested in the firm during Q1 2023. Elevance Health, Inc. (NYSE:ELV)'s largest stakeholder among these is Andreas Halvorsen's Viking Global with an investment worth $990 million. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM), Elevance Health, Inc. (NYSE:ELV), JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM), and Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) are some inexpensive stocks seeing hedge fund interest. Click to continue reading and see 5 Best Inexpensive Stocks To Buy Right Now. Suggested Articles: Disclosure: None. 10 Best Inexpensive Stocks To Buy Right Now is originally published on Insider Monkey. Singapore/Jakarta: A stand-off between Australian and Indonesian authorities over live exports has taken a twist with officials in Jakarta revealing more cases of the highly contagious lumpy skin disease (LSD) in cattle shipped from Australia. Indonesia has suspended imports from four facilities amid a fear of the virus, which poses a $7.39 billion threat to the Australian economy in production losses. One of the Australian cattle which tested positive to lumpy skin disease after being unloaded in Jakarta. Malaysia last week followed suit by putting a temporary ban on all cattle and buffalo shipments from Australia and quarantining newly arrived livestock. Agriculture Minister Murray Watt has maintained that Australia is free of LSD, with government officials believing 13 cattle detected with the disease after being unloaded in Jakarta between May and July had contracted it in the short time they were in Indonesia or on the vessels that transported them. Kyiv: President Volodymyr Zelensky has broadened his battle against corruption, firing all the heads of Ukraines regional army recruitment centres as the war with Russia enters a critical stage. Zelensky said a state investigation into centres across Ukraine had exposed abuses by officials ranging from illegal enrichment to transporting draft-eligible men across the border despite a wartime ban on them leaving the country. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was elected on an anti-corruption pledge. Credit: Reuters He said 112 criminal cases had been opened in a wide-ranging probe launched after a corruption scandal at a draft office in Odesa region last month. He used harsh rhetoric likely to be welcomed by Ukrainians appalled by cases of wartime corruption. This system should be run by people who know exactly what war is and why cynicism and bribery during war is treason, he said, adding that those fired would be replaced by recent veterans and soldiers wounded at the front. In this article, we will look at the 12 best places to retire in Guatemala. If you wish to skip our detailed analysis on retirement in Guatemala, you may jump to the 5 Best Places to Retire in Guatemala. Economy of Guatemala Guatemala is one of the most populous countries in Central America. Located south of Mexico, the country is home to 17.1 million people. According to USAID, Guatemala is also one of the region's largest and most industrial countries, boasting a large pool of workers, a historically stable economy, and a steady currency. If ten products are being sold in Central America, four must have been made in Guatemala. As of 2020, the country had an annual growth of 3.1% and a Foreign Direct Investment topping more than $900 million. The last two years have further witnessed the economy of Guatemala growing at an average annual growth rate of 3.4%, with real GDP estimated to be $77 billion at the end of 2022. Regarding macroeconomic stability, Guatemala ranks in the top ten amongst Latin America and Caribbean countries, and is also the largest exporter of goods in Central America. Business in Guatemala can be a very prosperous affair, largely due to its advantageous location. Its proximity to Mexico and other Central American countries makes its location quite strategic, reaching 68 million inhabitants, as well as a GDP of $319 billion. As such, a number of organizations have played a key role in enabling economic growth in Guatemala. Citi Guatemala, operating under Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C), is one such banking organization in the country. Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C) Guatemala offers first-class products and services to customers in the Corporate & Investment Banking sector in the country. Besides Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C), the EU and USAID have also been helping the country in its economic development. Retiring to Guatemala Like many other people, Americans are looking to stretch their retirement savings by moving to cheap countries abroad. As such, some of the cheapest countries for retirement include Chile, Portugal, Romania, and Thailand, to name a few. For those who wish to retire to cheap yet safe countries, we have also compiled a list of the cheapest and safest countries for retirement, uncovering Moldova, Indonesia, Mongolia, and Ghana in the process. Story continues While these may be suitable countries for expats to retire to, another blossoming retirement destination these days is Guatemala. There are many pros and cons of living in Guatemala. Pros of living in this Central American country include its pleasant weather, low cost of living, and friendly locals. There is a sizeable expat population in the country, with various groups and clubs to keep busy and socialize. Cons of living in Guatemala are that while medical visits and basic procedures in healthcare can be inexpensive, many surgeries and treatments are on the contrary. Expats caution potential retirees not to cancel their Medicare because they might need it. Moreover, the quality of healthcare varies outside of Guatemala City. Also, the cost of living in Guatemala City is relatively expensive when compared to other places in the country. Another disadvantage of living in Guatemala is that some places in the country are not very safe. US Department of State advises not to travel to places such as San Marcos Department (except San Marcos), Huehuetenango Department (except the city of Huehuetenango), Zone 18 and the city of Villa Nueva. To avoid crimes, gated communities in Guatemala City are a good option for expat retirees. Regardless, even though some parts of the country are unsafe, the entire country isnt. In fact, more and more expat retirees are considering Guatemala as their next retirement destination. For your ease, we have determined the best places to live in Guatemala: 12 Best Places to Retire in Guatemala VanHart/Shutterstock.com Methodology In order to compile the list of best places to retire in Guatemala, we have used 6 (1,2,3,4,5,6) sources. We also relied on forum discussions such as Reddit and Quora from expats retiring in Guatemala to gather their insights and experiences regarding the best places. Each time a source mentioned a place, it was awarded one point. Places were ranked in ascending order from the lowest to the highest scores. For tie-breaking, places with lower costs of living have been placed higher on our list. The cost of living for a single person per month is sourced from the cost of living and nomad list, amongst others. For places where the cost of living isn't discussed, we have assumed it to be the Guatemala average, i.e., $1,036. 12. Flores Insider Monkey Score: 2 Nestled on an island in Lake Peten Itza, Flores is one of the best places to retire in Guatemala. This rainforest-covered, mountainous island is ideal for retirees who wish for a laid-back lifestyle, embracing peace and relaxation. Retirees love to take boat cruises across Lake Peten to view the picturesque scenery and watch a variety of bird species, such as herons, cormorants, kingfishers, and more. Living in Flores also gives its residents the opportunity to visit the ancient Mayan city of Tikal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Exploring Mayan ruins and learning about its heritage can be a fun pastime for those who are interested in history and culture. There are plentiful restaurant choices to choose from as well, from local to international. Overall, the town is nice and clean, full of colorful, brightly painted buildings. Retirees often visit larger cities for modern amenities and high-quality healthcare. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment per month is around $500, and a single expat can manage living here under $1,000. 11. Ciudad Vieja Insider Monkey Score: 2 Ciudad Vieja may not be your typical retirement destination, but a number of reasons may encourage you to call it home. For instance, this town in Guatemala has a certain historical appeal to it, thanks to its historical ruins and colonial architecture. Since it is a small town, retirees can relax and enjoy a laid-back lifestyle here. Small towns also mean closer-knit communities, which is exactly what Ciudad Vieja offers its residents. Situated near the volcanoes of Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango, the town also boasts scenic views that contribute to a pleasant retirement experience. There are cultural events and local markets happening from time to time, offering residents to explore culture and socialize. The small town is generally more affordable than the bigger cities, with the cost of living being lower than the national average. 10. Rio Dulce Insider Monkey Score: 2 Rio Dulce, or Sweet Water, is a blooming retirement destination in Guatemala. This town and stunning river offers striking scenic beauty, from the meandering Rio Dulce River to lush forests and tropical landscapes. The river and Lake Izabal are perfect spots for recreational activities such as kayaking, fishing, boating, etc. Retirees also love the tropical climate here, with warm temperatures year-round. Hundreds of catamaran, yachts, and houseboats are anchored permanently in the marinas, making it a popular spot for sailors and boaters. The town also offers some wellness centers, yoga studios, and other relaxing opportunities. The area has been attracting a growing expatriate community as well. The cost of living is lower than the national average. 9. San Pedro La Laguna Insider Monkey Score: 3 San Pedro La Laguna is a town in Guatemala situated on the southwest shore of Lake Atitlan. It is one of the best places to retire in Guatemala because of its vibrant nightlife, growing expatriate community, and affordability. Retirees enjoy stunning lake views and surrounding volcanoes from the comfort of their homes in a laid-back atmosphere. There are many outdoor activities to indulge in, including birdwatching, kayaking, hiking, and swimming. Since the town is traditionally Mayan, residents also get to experience the traditional culture associated with it. Moreover, it is also affordable as compared to other places. The average cost of living per month is $1,250, with approximately $500 spent on the monthly rent of a one-bedroom apartment. 8. Santa Cruz la Laguna Insider Monkey Score: 3 Santa Cruz la Laguna is situated on the shores of Lake Atitlan, offering a breathtaking panorama of the lake and surrounding volcanoes. Retirees prefer this town due to its tranquil vibe, scenic beauty, and unique blend of natural and cultural elements. Not only do they get to enjoy lakefront views of the water, but they also get a chance to embrace the relaxing environment that comes with it. However, this area can only be reached by boat. Those who are conscious about their wellness should consider retiring to this wellness-oriented village, as it offers numerous wellness and meditation centers, yoga retreats, and similar workshops. The traditional Guatemalan cuisine is a plus here, and so are lakeside restaurants and local eateries. All in all, retiring to Santa Cruz la Laguna can be a relaxing experience. 7. San Marcos la Laguna Insider Monkey Score: 3 San Marcos la Laguna is a village situated on the shores of Lake Atitlan in Guatemala. San Marcos la Laguna has gained itself a place on our list of best places in Guatemala for retirement due to its natural beauty, holistic wellness, and laid-back atmosphere. The lake and surrounding hills are the perfect backdrop for retirees to call home in this village. It is also a hub for holistic wellness, known for its wellness retreats, yoga, and meditation. Diverse recreational opportunities are available such as hiking, kayaking, and nature walks. Retirees may also enroll themselves in a language school to improve their Spanish. A single expat retiree can live under $1,000 a month in San Marcos la Laguna. 6. San Juan La Laguna Insider Monkey Score: 4 Retirees get to enjoy a unique and culturally rich experience when they choose San Juan La Laguna as their retirement home. Sometimes referred to as the chocolate village of Guatemala, San Juan is full of bright colors and art. Colorful murals reflect the town's local culture and showcase creative displays. The community in this town is very well-knit, and retirees are quick to feel at home. The cost of living is based on the Lake Atitlan average of $1,250 per month for a single retiree living here. Click to continue reading and see the 5 Best Places to Retire in Guatemala. Suggested articles: Disclosure: None. 12 Best Places to Retire in Guatemala is originally published on Insider Monkey. Batavia, NY (14020) Today Overcast. Low around 65F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Overcast. Low around 65F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Drew Angerer/Getty Images/TNS Hunter Biden, U.S. President Joe Bidens son, attends the annual Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House on April 10, 2023, in Washington, D.C. Last week, you might have seen that Boat Rocker Media Inc. (TSE:BRMI) released its quarterly result to the market. The early response was not positive, with shares down 5.9% to CA$1.75 in the past week. Revenues came in 81% better than analyst models expected, at CA$156m, although statutory losses ballooned 37% to CA$0.13, which is much worse than what was forecast. The analysts typically update their forecasts at each earnings report, and we can judge from their estimates whether their view of the company has changed or if there are any new concerns to be aware of. We've gathered the most recent statutory forecasts to see whether the analysts have changed their earnings models, following these results. See our latest analysis for Boat Rocker Media Taking into account the latest results, the most recent consensus for Boat Rocker Media from four analysts is for revenues of CA$421.8m in 2023. If met, it would imply a reasonable 5.3% increase on its revenue over the past 12 months. The loss per share is expected to greatly reduce in the near future, narrowing 62% to CA$0.10. Yet prior to the latest earnings, the analysts had been forecasting revenues of CA$395.6m and losses of CA$0.06 per share in 2023. So it's pretty clear the analysts have mixed opinions on Boat Rocker Media even after this update; although they upped their revenue numbers, it came at the cost of a regrettable increase in per-share losses. There was no major change to the consensus price target of CA$4.69, with growing revenues seemingly enough to offset the concern of growing losses. It could also be instructive to look at the range of analyst estimates, to evaluate how different the outlier opinions are from the mean. Currently, the most bullish analyst values Boat Rocker Media at CA$5.00 per share, while the most bearish prices it at CA$4.00. This is a very narrow spread of estimates, implying either that Boat Rocker Media is an easy company to value, or - more likely - the analysts are relying heavily on some key assumptions. Story continues Another way we can view these estimates is in the context of the bigger picture, such as how the forecasts stack up against past performance, and whether forecasts are more or less bullish relative to other companies in the industry. We would highlight that Boat Rocker Media's revenue growth is expected to slow, with the forecast 11% annualised growth rate until the end of 2023 being well below the historical 18% p.a. growth over the last three years. Juxtapose this against the other companies in the industry with analyst coverage, which are forecast to grow their revenues (in aggregate) 11% annually. So it's pretty clear that, while Boat Rocker Media's revenue growth is expected to slow, it's expected to grow roughly in line with the industry. The Bottom Line The most important thing to take away is that the analysts increased their loss per share estimates for next year. There was also an upgrade to revenue estimates, although as we saw earlier, forecast growth is only expected to be about the same as the wider industry. There was no real change to the consensus price target, suggesting that the intrinsic value of the business has not undergone any major changes with the latest estimates. Following on from that line of thought, we think that the long-term prospects of the business are much more relevant than next year's earnings. We have forecasts for Boat Rocker Media going out to 2025, and you can see them free on our platform here. That said, it's still necessary to consider the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 1 warning sign with Boat Rocker Media , and understanding this should be part of your investment process. 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. El Centro Regional Medical Center is over $200 million dollars in debt. Should Imperial County take on their debt so as to keep two hospitals in the Valley? You voted: Shares in Babylon have plunged by more than 99pc since Ali Parsa took the company public in 2021 - Eddie Mulholland The crisis-hit tech company behind the NHS GP at Hand app has laid off hundreds of US employees and hired Wall Street banks to run a firesale as it scrambles to save the business. The Telegraph understands that Babylon Health has called in Bank of America and long-running advisers Citi to try to rescue the business. Deloitte is also advising the company. Babylon laid off hundreds of US-based staff last week as it pulled the plug on its America business, sources said, which employed in excess of 300 people. The health technology company, which works with the NHS, has suffered a share price collapse and was left fighting for survival after a merger deal to rescue the business fell apart last week. A deal to combine Babylon and MindMaze, a Swiss mental health company, was called off. The transaction had been proposed by Albacore, a lender to which Babylon owes more than $300m (236m). Babylon is now facing a cash crunch. Last week, it warned it may not be able to secure enough cash to fund the operations of the groups business. On Friday, it reported it had burned through a further $84m in the three months to June, compared to $113m a year earlier. In the UK, Babylons GP at Hand app is used by the NHS in Fulham, serving 100,000 patients. It is hunting for a buyer for its UK business and is still trying to sell a Califorian private medical practice it owns. Its Babylon app division in the US has closed. Last Monday, the company warned its divisions risked administration in the UK or bankruptcy in the US if they failed to secure a cash injection or find a buyer. It is understood day-to-day operations in Britain continue as normal and a source said it remained in talks with potential investors. Babylon went public in a $4.2bn reverse merger in 2021 as the pandemic drove demand for telemedicine. The deal made its founder, the former Circle Health boss, Ali Parsa, a paper billionaire. Shares have since plunged more than 99pc, however, amid heavy losses. Any rescue will almost certainly see shareholders left with nothing. Last month Per Brilioth, managing director of VNV, a major investor in Babylon, said it had completely written off its stake. Mr Brilioth said the loss was enormously painful and a bullet, a scar that will hurt for a long time. Bank of America, Citi and Deloitte declined to comment. Babylon and Albacore did not respond to requests for comment. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. Bills tabled in LS to replace IPC, CrPC, Evidence Act NEW DELHI, IN A landmark overhaul of colonial-era criminal laws, the Centre on Friday introduced in the Lok Sabha three bills to replace the IPC, CrPC and Indian Evidence Act, proposing among other things repeal of the sedition law and introducing a new provision with a wider definition of the offence. Besides defining terrorism for the first time, the changes aimed at transforming the countrys criminal justice system included provisions for maximum capital punishment for mob lynching, sexual assaults on minors, maximum 20-year imprisonment for all types of gangrape and community service as one of the punishments for first-time petty offences. Union Home Minister Amit Shah introduced the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Bill, 2023; Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) Bill, 2023; and Bharatiya Sakshya (BS) Bill, 2023 that will replace the Indian Penal Code, 1860, Criminal Procedure Act, 1898, and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 respectively. The BNS bill provides for several changes in the existing provisions including that of defamation, attempt to commit suicide and expanded the scope of offence against women pertaining to sexual intercourse by employing deceitful means. Shah said, the changes were done to provide speedy justice and create a legal system that keeps contemporary needs and aspirations of the people. Everyone will get justice in a maximum of three years once the new laws are passed, he added. I can assure the House that these bills will transform our criminal justice system. The aim will not be to punish, it will be to provide justice. Punishment will be given to create a sentiment of stopping crime, Shah said while noting that the laws made by the Britishers were full of signs of slavery aimed at punishing those opposed to their rule. The minister also urged Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to refer the three bills for examination by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs. By replacing them, the new three laws will bring the spirit to protect the rights of the Indian citizens at the centre-stage. The offences against women and children, murder and offences against the State have been given precedence, Shah said, adding that various offences have been made gender-neutral.Sedition law will be completely repealed. This is democracy, everyone has the right to speak, said Shah. Congressmen stage protest outside SP office against caning of NSUI members Staff Reporter Denouncing acts of alleged police brutality committed against members of the National Students Union of India (NSUI), hundreds of Congress leaders and workers, on Friday staged massive protest outside the office of Superintendent of Police. The irate Congressmen demanded registration of First Information Report (FIR) against the responsible police officers and their immediate suspension. They also submitted a memorandum to the SP, demanding justice for the victims of lathi charge. It may be noted that NSUI members, on Thursday staged protest at Rani Durgavati University and the Collectorate against new education policy, rising unemployment, Patwari recruitment scam, student union elections and exam irregularities. To control the irate NSUI members the Police had to resort to cane charge. In the event, some members sustained injuries and were shifted to different hospitals. Protesting against alleged brutal act of Police, Congress leaders said such behavior is detrimental to a healthy democracy. They stressed the need for public servants to uphold their oaths of patriotism and prioritize the welfare of the people, rather than succumbing to the influence of those in power. Congressmen said they would intensify the protest if the guilty officers are not named in FIRs and subsequently suspended within the next three days. They said the Congress party would continue to stand against injustice and urged the administration to take prompt action. Congress leaders said their patience should not be mistaken for weakness. Prominent amongst those participated in the protest were MLA Lakhan Ghanghoria, Vinay Saxena, Jagat Bahadur Singh, Alok Chansoria, Alok Mishra, Saurabh Sharma, Manish Chansoria and others. EC publishes final report on Assam delimitation NEW DELHI, THE Election Commission on Friday published its final report on the delimitation of assembly and parliamentary constituencies in Assam, keeping their total numbers unchanged at 126 and 14, respectively. In its final order, the poll panel has revised the nomenclature of one parliamentary and 19 Assembly constituencies. According to a statement by the poll body, 19 Assembly and two Lok Sabha constituencies have been reserved for Scheduled Tribes (STs). One Lok Sabha and nine assembly constituencies have been reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs). It said more than 1,200 representations were considered before finalising the report. Forty-five per cent of the suggestions and objections received by the panel were addressed in the final order. All Assembly and parliamentary constituencies in the State were delimited (redrawn) based on the 2001 Census. The Census figures of 2001, as published by the census commissioner, have thus alone been considered for this purpose, it noted. One parliamentary and some Assembly constituencies have been given paired names such as Darrang-Udalgiri, Hajo-Sualkuchi, Boko-Chaygaon, Nagaon-Batadraba, Bhowanipur-Sorbhog, Algapur-Katlichera, in view of the demand from members of the public, the poll panel said. Referring to certain salient features of the final report, the Election Commission (EC) said the lowest administrative unit has been taken as village in rural areas and ward in urban areas. Accordingly, village and ward have been kept intact and have not been broken anywhere in the state. SC Assembly seats have increased from eight to nine, and ST assembly seats have gone up from 16 to 19. There has also been an increase of Assembly constituencies in Bodoland districts from 11 to 15. The Commission, comprising Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar and Election Commissioners Anup Chandra Pandey and Arun Goel, held hearings from representatives of political parties, civil society organisations and members of public on the draft delimitation proposal during the public sittings organised in Guwahati in July to provide an opportunity to the people, public representatives, political leaders and other stakeholders to express their views. The public hearings were part of the consultative exercise by the Commission during the process of delimitation. All those who filed suggestions and objections in response to the public notice, were specifically heard. During these three days, the Commission heard over 1,200 representations from 31 districts and held meetings with over 20 political parties, the statement said. Farmers to get Rs 6,000 in Kisan Kalyan Yojana Staff Reporter The Cabinet meeting, chaired by the Chief Minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, held at the Chief Ministers residence on Friday approved the disbursement of Rs 6,000 to eligible farmers under the Chief Ministers Kisan Kalyan Yojana for the financial year 2023-2024. Previously, during the period from April 1 to August 31 and September 1 to March 31, a total of Rs 4,000 was being disbursed in two installments. Now, for the financial year 2023-2024, the disbursement will be in three installments from April 1 to July 31, August 1 to November 30, and December 1 to March 31, totalling Rs 6,000. The Cabinet has also decided to give benefit of the 7th pay scale to gram panchayat secretaries. An additional expenditure of Rs 178.88 crore on this will be met from minor mineral head. The Cabinet approved the construction of 53 CM Rise schools and 19 Kanya Shiksha Parisars with a total cost of Rs 2,491.91 crore. Additionally, the construction of 37 schools under the School Education Department, with a cost of Rs 1,362.91 crore, has been approved. The Tribal Welfare Department has received approval for Rs 540 crore for 16 CM Rise Schools and Rs 589 crore for 19 Kanya Shiksha Parisars. The construction of a Military School in Malanpur, Bhind has been approved, with Rs 100 crores provided by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Budget provisions will be made for furniture and operations of the military school. A new district named Mauganj has been created. After the formation of Mauganj district, Rewa district will have nine tehsils: Huzur, Huzur Nagar, Jaya, Tyonthar, Raipur Karachuliyan, Gudh, Sirmour, Semariya, and Mangawan. New revenue administration sub-divisions named Gulana in Shajapur and Paraspur in Balaghat have been created. Various positions have been approved for the efficient functioning of these subdivisions. The Cabinet has approved the upgrading of the village panchayat of Batiyagadh in Damoh district into a municipal council. The proposal will be sent to the Governor for approval. The Cabinet has given approval for the implementation of the Shakti Sadan Yojana under the Samarthya initiative of the Government of India Mission Shakti, with new criteria for the operation of the scheme in the districts until the 15th Finance Commissions period ends in 2025-26. The Cabinet has taken a decision regarding the transfer of public property in Alirajpur. For the parcel number 1 of Alirajpur Bus Depot located in Ward No. 5 of the Transport Department, measuring 3980.32 square meters, the highest bid amount by bidder H-1 for the return is Rs 2,25,72,000, which is 1.09 times the reserve price of Rs 2.07 crore. It has also been decided to sell it after accepting the offer and upon the full deposit (100%) of the bid amount by bidder H-1. The execution of the contract/registry will be done by the District Collector. Other Decisions: The Cabinet has approved the decision of the School Education Department to provide uniform to students of classes 1 to 8 in Government schools through the self-help groups. India advises its citizens to leave violence-hit Niger as soon as possible NEW DELHI, INDIA on Friday advised its nationals residing in violence-hit Niger to leave that country as soon as possible in view of escalating violence there. At present, around 250 Indians are living in Niger that has witnessed widespread protests and violence following last months coup, according to officials. In an advisory, the Ministry of External Affairs said those who may be planning to travel to Niger should reconsider their plans until the situation normalises. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said at his weekly media briefing that India is closely monitoring the ongoing developments in Niger. In light of the prevailing situation, Indian nationals whose presence is not essential are advised to leave the country as soon as possible, he said. They may bear in mind that air space is currently closed. When departing through a land border, utmost precautions may be taken to ensure safety and security, he added, reading out the advisory. All those Indian nationals who have not registered with the Indian Embassy in Niamey are strongly advised to do so expeditiously, he said. Indian nationals can reach emergency contact in the Embassy of India, Niamey (+ 227 9975) for any assistance, he said. A number of European countries evacuated their citizens from Niger. On July 26, General Abdourahmane Tchiani seized power in Niger overthrowing President Mohamed Bazoum by staging a coup. Issues of South China Sea need to be resolved peacefully, says MEA: REFERRING to the recent incident of water cannon being used at Philippines supply boat by Chinese coast guard ship, India on Friday said that issues in the South China Sea need to be resolved peacefully while urging China and the Philippines to adhere to international laws. Staff Reporter Finally, the worst fears of city police in the missing case of local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sana Khan came true as the prime suspect Amit alias Pappu Sahu confessed to murdering her, who was also his business partner, said the cops. Earlier, a team from Mankapur Police station -- a missing case was registered by Sana's family here -- tracked down Sahu and his associates with the help of their Jabalpur counterparts. The two were picked-up from near XIDAS College in Gora Bazar area. For the past few days, the city was agog with rumours about the fate of Sana Khan. On Friday, as the case headed to its logical conclusion, the speculations came to rest. Sahu was traced to Gora Bazar area, which was also the last location on Sanas mobile handset as was revealed in the probe. Sana, who was the President of BJPs Minority Cell, had informed her mother about her trip to Jabalpur to discuss financial dealings with her partner, Amit Sahu. This was on August 1, but subsequently there was no contact as her phone was switched off. Since then speculations were rife about the reasons behind sudden disappearance of Sana, who was politically well connected in the district. Incidentally, the family of prime accused Amit too is politically well connected and associated with BJP. From day one, Amit was a suspect in the disappearance case, but due to lack of any definite pointers or clues, the cops were not moving ahead. Meanwhile, a team of Mankapur police reached Jabalpur, after Sana's mother registered a case of missing on August 4. Since last five days, the Mankapur teamwas camping in Jabalpur and took help of Gora Bazar Police in investigating the matter. It seemed the local political influence had police dithering about apprehending and grilling Amit. Finally, after getting clearance form higher-ups, the Gora Bazar Police grilled Amit where he cracked and admitted to involvement in the gory crime. Our Jabalpur correspondent adds that Gora Bazar police confronted Amit with the details revealed by his servant, who worked at Amits dabha at Belkhera area. When grilled, Amit spluttered out the crime details. His associate Jitendra Bhujbal has also been picked-up by the cops while search for their third companion is still on. Amit told the cops that Sana arrived by bus to Jabalpur on August 2 and they had a heated quarrel about financial matters. It was reported that Sana had extended Rs 50 lakh to Amit and was demanding it back, over which the two got into an argument. However, police are trying to figure out the exact reason for dispute. Sana, as per Amit, was beaten to death with a cane at the dhaba in Belkhera early morning. Her body was later dumped in Hiran river that is being scoured by cops. After arrest of Amit, he was taken to the river, to locate the spot where the body of Sana was thrown. The cops have also not recovered the murder weapon so far. The body was taken by Amit with his associates in his car to the river. The car was later washed by the servant to wipe out the blood stains. Amit has past criminal record, including involvement in illicit transportation of liquor. He seems to be well connected and hence it took nearly 10-days for Mankapur police to get his custody. The accused duo are likely to be produced before magistrate to seek transit remand. As to rumours about civil marriage between Amit and Sana, the Gora Bazar Police said they were yet to find any evidence about the same. There might be some clarity about the matter in further interrogation of Amit. MP Singh meets Minister Vaishnaw, urges to enhance railway amenities Staff Reporter Member of Parliament Rakesh Singh recently met Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in Delhi and handed over a letter for improving rail passenger amenities and resuming train services halted during the pandemic. During the meeting, MP Singh apprised the Railway Minister of significance of Jabalpur Station in the context of rail transportation in the region. He highlighted vital role of Jabalpur Station as a crucial hub in Mahakoshal region, proposing its transformation into a world-class railway station akin to an airport. MP Singh expressed gratitude for considering approval to upgrade the station. He said Jabalpur serves as a primary railway junction in Central India and is also home to known tourist attraction Bhedaghat. The station caters to a substantial influx of tourists and houses the headquarters of several defence units. Singh said Jabalpur had been operating various train services to different destinations, however, due to pandemic several services had to be temporarily suspended. He stressed the necessity to restart operations of key trains including Jabalpur-Atari Superfast, Jabalpur-Haridwar Superfast, Jabalpur-TEN Express, Katni-Jabalpur-Itarsi Express and Jabalpur-Varanasi Express. He also shed light on importance of Sihora Station within Jabalpur district, a crucial station included in ambitious Amrit Bharat Station initiative. Addressing the Railway Minister, MP Singh reiterated his earlier request to establish a new station at Paharua (Chhapra) under Jabalpur Parliamentary constituency. Narottam Mishra takes a dig at Kamal Nath, calls him Chunavi Hindu Staff Reporter With the Assembly elections scheduled to be held in November-December this year, political activity seems to be intensifying with each passing day. To compete with BJP, Congress has started following the path of soft Hindutva. Home Minister Narottam Mishra on Friday took a dig at Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief Kamal Nath and called him Chunavi Hindu. Mishra made the remark in view of Naths visit scheduled to Ujjain to participate in Baba Mahakals Sawari on August 14. Baba Mahakals sawari is a tradition which is taken out on each Monday in the month of Shravan-Bhado in Ujjain. Nath has been a Member of Parliament for a long time in Madhya Pradesh, remained the CM as well as Union Minister, why didnt he go? There is a problem over the Congress party, therefore he is going now, Mishra said. He further said, He is an electoral Hindu and so called Hindu. Kaath ki Handi Dusari Baar Nahi Chadti (which means a person can be fooled only once, not again and again). The Home Minister further took a jibe at Naths tweet in which he has targeted PM Narendra Modi and said, Nath will not be able to speak that tweet because someone else has tweeted it. Nath has appointed people to tweet on his behalf and they must have tweeted this. Kamal Nath himself will not be able to say this, even after remembering it, he cannot say all this. Actually, Kamal Nath on Friday morning had tweeted in a poetic manner, Everything was in his words, except what was needed. Meaningful talks are done in minutes, not in hours. Answer and Accountability is the responsibility of the peoples representatives in a democracy, not a favour to the public. Those be careful who raise slogans of Sar Tan se Juda Narottam Mishra said on raising slogans (Sar Tan se Juda) separation of head from body in Ratlam this is not Rajasthan, neither is the Congress government here. This is Madhya Pradesh and those who raise such terrorist slogans will come to know its consequences in 24 hours. FIR has been registered. The culprits have been identified, will be in police custody soon and action will be taken against those who have more crimes up to NSA. NATURAL WIN THE Narendra Modi Government registered a natural win when put on the mat by the Opposition through a motion of no-confidence in Parliament. This win, of course, was a foregone conclusion, thanks to the overwhelming numbers Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi has amassed under the banner of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Being about just one-third of the NDA numbers, the Opposition, rechristened as I.N.D.I.A., could not even countenance a victory. Yet, it pushed the Parliament into the motions of a motion of no-confidence against the Modi Government and earned a bad name about which it did not seem bothered. Though the NDA leadership knew the shape of the outcome of the exercise, it did not leave anything to chance and made amazing preparation to confront the Opposition with facts and figures that were meticulously planned and positioned in the entire debate lasting three days. While the speaker after speaker from the ruling benches was vigorous and systematic about what he or she was asked to do, the Opposition benches presented a pathetic picture of chaos and lack of coordination. The three-day debate, however, gave a clear impression that the Opposition was not in the least serious about the motion of no-confidence. That was demonstrated clearly when Congress leader Mr. Rahul Gandhi was in a tearing hurry to wind up his speech on the second day and vanish, without bothering about the details and the negative impact his act would leave on the Opposition unity. On the third day, too, Mr. Rahul Gandhi was missing from the House even as Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi completed nearly two-thirds of his speech. And then in just a few minutes after Mr. Gandhis belated arrival, the Opposition staged a walk out, accusing that the Prime Minister was not speaking on the Manipur situation. It did not have the patience to wit for a little longer to see what the Prime Minister had to say ultimately on Manipur. Obviously, the Opposition was not interested in Manipur statement by Mr. Modi. It appeared that it was interested in heaping insult on the Prime Minister by walking out when he was speaking. But no purpose of any kind seemed to have been served by whatever the Opposition did in those three days, as if it was only playing games that did no damage to the Government. Most speeches by the Opposition members were shallow and purposeless -- leaving behind one big question: Why did the Opposition move the motion of no-confidence in the first place when it did not want even to hear what the Prime Minister had to say? To this question being asked nationally, the Opposition obviously has no answer. It did create the so-called issue of Manipur all right, but had done no homework on the subject to pin the Government down. In sharp contrast, Union Home Minister Mr. Amit Shah had a detailed response to every possible question on Manipur, its past, its present and its future. He and every other speaker from the ruling benches, had all the details mastered and digested -- to be presented with great impact. The similar was the story of Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi. He was fully prepared and had all the details with him to answer any last-minute queries. He did not miss a single chance to hit hard at each and every weak spot in the Opposition attack or its collective conduct -- from times deep in history. In sharp contrast, the Opposition looked like a bunch of wayward men and women who did not know what they wanted and what they were doing. It was only natural for the Government to tide over the challenge of the no-confidence motion. The whole episode exposed how shallow the Opposition is in every aspect. Red Fort getting ready for Independence Day NEW DELHI, GYAN Path in front of the Red Fort in central Delhi will be decked up with flowers and G20 signage and more than 10,000 security personnel will be deployed for the Independence Day celebrations when Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation, officials said on Friday. Around 1,000 cameras with facial recognition and video analytic systems will be installed in and around the fort and at other strategic locations to ensure foolproof security and monitor VVIP movements, police said. Around 70 to 75 couples from every State are among the special invitees to the programme and they will attend it in their traditional dresses. Sarpanches of vibrant villages, nurses, fishermen and labourers engaged in construction of Central Vista are also among special invitees. This year more than 20,000 officials and civilians will take part in the Independence Day celebrations. Gyan Path is being decorated with flowers and G20 signage for the national festival, a senior police officer said. Security has been beefed up across the national capital in view of the 77th Independence Day celebrations on Tuesday with more than 10,000 security personnel to be deployed. The areas surrounding the Red Fort will be demarcated as a no kite flying zone until the programme gets over. Several personnel will be deployed with necessary equipment on strategic locations to intercept kites, police said. During Prime Ministers Independence Day address in 2017, a kite had landed just below the podium. The Prime Minister had, however, continued with his speech unfazed. According to the police, anti-drone systems will be installed at the Red Fort as is convention. All anti-terror measures are being initiated, including installation of air defence guns. Snipers, elite SWAT commandos, kite catchers and sharpshooters will be positioned at strategic locations for the security of the prime minister and other VVIP guests. The Delhi Police has also intensified patrolling and anti-sabotage checks. Hotels, guest houses, parking lots and restaurants are being checked and verification of tenants and servants is being carried out. Meetings are also being held with RWA and MWA members, Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Sagar Singh Kalsi said. About a week ago, an unknown number of Wells Fargo customers were suddenly unable to withdraw money from their bank accounts. Even as it sought to address the issue, which customers first began noticing on Aug. 3, Wells Fargo acknowledged a "limited" number of customers were still having difficulty 24 hours later, leaving some of them unable to withdraw funds for critical needs. For Wells Fargo, it was the second time this year that such a problem had occurred. The bank declined to comment when NBC News reached out for an explanation of the exact cause and scope of the issue. More recently, further investigation found that third-party impostors had created fraudulent accounts at Wells Fargo, for which the bank denied any wrongdoing and said the problem was widespread across the financial services industry. At least one other bank has also left customers scrambling to withdraw their money after an outage of unknown origin. Some depositors with Green Dot Bank, which works with Walmart among other third parties to provide financial services, said they could not get money out of their accounts for days or even weeks. The difficulties that Wells Fargo and Green Dot customers encountered reflect a dramatic increase in complaints about financial service companies in recent years. All categories of complaints have increased since the pandemic, though the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has focused on the increase in complaints about credit-rating firms. In one of those reports, the agency noted that "many consumers did not receive a substantive response to their initial complaints" made to such firms. "These non-substantive responses can increase the total number of complaints when dissatisfied consumers submit a subsequent complaint with the hope that their original issue will be addressed," according to the CFPB report. At the same time, The Associated Press reports that more people have lost more money to scammers than ever before with reported consumer losses to fraud totaling $8.8 billion in 2022, a 30% jump compared with 2021. Story continues Hello? Is anybody there? In general, it has never been more difficult for customers to get a timely response from their financial institutions, experts said. "It's really tough for customers these days," said Ira Rheingold, executive director of the National Association of Consumer Advocates. It's a harsh reality that has only hardened in recent years. Companies are increasingly turning to a business model focused on waiting for customers with issues to go away, said Greg McBride, senior vice president and chief financial analyst at Bankrate. "It's the continual push to cut costs," McBride said. "Customer service is seen as a cost center, as opposed to a revenue enhancer. And companies can get away with it." In a statement, Wells Fargo said it puts customers first. "We take customer complaints very seriously and when issues are raised, we act quickly to resolve them," the company said, adding that the overall volume of customer complaints it received directly was "down considerably since 2019." A Green Dot representative said in a statement that the institution was "focused on completing our technology conversions and working through and resolving any service interruptions as quickly as possible." Even in extreme circumstances in which customers consider taking legal action against their financial institutions, they usually come up against a harsh reality: the forced-arbitration clause, which customers typically sign at the time they open an account. That provision requires customers to submit any dispute they have with the bank to a private arbitrator, who is often selected by the company. Created in 2011 to resolve customer disputes with banking and financial firms, the CFPB can intervene for individuals and groups, but results can take time. The CFPB said that between October 1, 2021, and September 30, 2022, it sent approximately 745,400 customer complaints to companies for review and response, and that companies responded to approximately 99% of them, but it can take a company more than two weeks to respond. Since its inception, the CFPB has sent 4 million complaints to companies on behalf of consumers and obtained $17.5 billion in financial compensation for them, according to July 2023 data from the agency. Rheingold said turning to the news media can also prove effective in getting a response. But these days it is more likely to be a local TV station than a newspaper, whose numbers have dwindled in both size and scope. In general, a good rule of thumb to maximize the odds of a timely response is to become the proverbial squeaky wheel, Rheingold said. "Be loud, be annoyed," he said. "Threaten to move your business or your money." This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Brad Thompson was among those who mourned the loss of Reddings only gay bar when Club 501 closed unexpectedly more than a year ago. Thompson had been going to the downtown bar for years. I loved the 501 because it was so inclusive. I met so many of my favorite people that are still lifelong friends, Thompson told me recently. It was a comfortable place. I felt like I knew everybody. Just everybody was super friendly and open-minded. I sincerely physically had feelings of loss and grief with the loss of 501. It just wasnt the same in Redding without it. Thompson, who lives in Redding, had visions of re-opening Club 501 but it didnt work out. So now hes working to carry on the club's tradition with The Vault, which he calls Reddings gayest bar and nightclub. Thompson and his wife, Laurel Blair, own The Vault. With the help of his landlord, Jamie Lynn, and other contractors, Thompson has been laboring for months to get the bar open. While the address is 1244 California St., the building fronts the corner of Center and Division streets. The building that used to house Club 501, Redding's only gay bar, will open later this year as The Vault, and the owners say it will carry on the tradition of Club 501. I so wish I could open now. I hope its very soon, Thompson said when I asked him for an estimated opening date. Thompson said The Vault will have a dance floor with cocktail tables, a bar, and serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Food will not be served, but customers will be able to bring in their own food. He wants to recreate the Club 501's vibe while putting his own spin on it. Thompson grew up in Vancouver, British Columbia and has lived in Redding for eight years. The Vault will be open Tuesday through Sunday 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. As for the name, Thompson said, The Vault. Its like a safe space, right? Yeah, its inclusive like our little safe space. The latest on old Costco site Well, Redding wont be getting its first Chilis, at least anytime soon. Commercial real estate broker Ken Miller recently told me that the deal to bring Chilis to River Bend Commons shopping center, the new name for the old Costco property on Dana Drive, has fallen through. Story continues It happened about six months ago. Miller didnt specifically know why the deal fell through. But there is some good news. Miller said the spot where Chilis was to go, the corner of Dana Drive and Friendly Road, has a new tenant. Its a restaurant with a drive-thru that he calls a better option. The old Costco Wholesale property on Dana Drive is being repurposed as River Bend Commons shopping center. Because the deal hasnt been officially inked, Miller declined to name the restaurant. Its a more, I would call it a sexier brand, more modern brand. Chilis is a tried-and-true, sit-down restaurant, but its been around for a while, Miller said. Meanwhile, work on River Bend Commons is expected to start in the next couple of months. More: The Buzz: Rancheria part of clean energy project; while jeweler, toy store coming to mall The old Costco store will be repurposed as an At Home, which bills itself as The Home Decor Superstore. There already is an At Home in Chico on East 20th Street. I know At Home is going to be starting their work right away, so that is one you are going to notice first as far activity, Miller said. Miller said they also have a deal for a fast-food restaurant with a drive-thru that he declined to identify. Also coming to the center is Aspen Dental. River Trail inducted into Conservancy Hall of Fame One of the first things that struck me about Redding when I first moved here more than 30 years ago other than the heat, of course was the Sacramento River Trail. Its the centerpiece of Reddings vast trail system and one of the jewels of the North State. Now its a member of an elite club. The Sacramento River Trail and River Rail Trail are the newest inductee to the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Hall of Fame, joining 36 other members. Sign marks the Sacramento River Trail's South Diestelhorst Trailhead. Rails-to-Trails is the nations largest trails advocacy organization. The River Trail and River Rail Trail was among three nominees this year and the duo got 48% of the vote to be inducted. The Hennepin Canal State Trail in Illinois and Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail network in South Carolina were the other two nominees. Brandi Horton, vice president of communications for Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, said the nominees were chosen for the connections they build in the communities they serve. Horton said the River Trail and companion River Rail Trail draw people from around the world and serves as the backbone for a 250-mile trail system. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy will provide the Hall of Fame signs so Redding can celebrate its induction, Horton said. Whats really great about trail users is they make it a mission to ride, walk and experience every Hall of Fame trail in America, Horton said. In a release announcing the news, Redding parks director Kim Niemer said, We are excited to share with the world that the Sacramento River Rail Trail and Trail are indeed Hall of Fame worthy. We are grateful for our many partners who have collaborated on the development and expansion of the trails and our many users and support organizations who make trails better every day. For more information about the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Hall of Fame, go to https://www.railstotrails.org/our-work/trail-promotion/rail-trail-hall-of-fame/. David Benda covers business, development and anything else that comes up for the USA TODAY Network in Redding. He also writes the weekly "Buzz on the Street" column. Hes part of a team of dedicated reporters that investigate wrongdoing, cover breaking news and tell other stories about your community. Reach him on Twitter @DavidBenda_RS or by phone at 1-530-338-8323. To support and sustain this work, please subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: The Buzz: The Vault moving into old Club 501 space in Redding This stunning fully renovated 2 bedroom / 1 Bath is turnkey and move in ready. The unit boasts a modernized open floorplan, natural light throughout, high beamed ceiling, hardwood floors, double exposure to the West and South, quiet tree-lined street, and adjacent to the brand-new Luther Gulick Park. The home features a spacious open floorplan with a large living area, chefs kitchen with top-of-the-line custom made Italian kitchen cabinets, quartz countertops, backsplash, and waterfall island, high-end stainless-steel appliances, large 30-inch sink, under cabinet lights, and a large pull out pantry. This unique apartment has been thoughtfully designed to allow for maximum storage space. There are closets in the entryway foyer, two additional oversized custom Italian closets in the hallways, and custom Italian closets in both bedrooms. The bathroom includes top of the line designer tiles from Italy and top of the line fixtures such as Toto modern toilet and Hans Grohe faucet and shower system. The bathroom includes an Italian bathroom vanity, premium shower doors, and built-in shower niche. Hillman coops have a more intimate feel than their surrounding buildings with security outside the building, a well-equipped fitness center in the complex, laundry room downstairs, 2 private keyed landscaped parks with playgrounds, on-site management and maintenance staff, Cats/Dogs permitted subject to registration (35lbs max weight limit), with easy access to the newly restored Luther Gulick park. Indoor garage parking $225 per month available to shareholders (waitlist may apply), bike room. 5-10 Minute walk to the F/M/J/Z Delancey Essex street subway stop, M14A bus, Essex Market, The Market Line, Trader Joes, CVS, Target, Regal Cinema, The Gutter bowling alley, the East River waterfront and an incredible lively and community driven neighborhood with some of the citys best dining, green markets and parks. Offered by LoHo Realty Inc. 500 Grand Street, #C5A Price: $899,000 Maintenance: $1305.00 Sunday, August 13th from 1:30 2:30 pm See floor plan and more photos here. See a video walkthrough here. For information on 500 Grand Street, #C5A Jacob Goldman Founder, Principal Broker listings@lohorealty.com 212-388-1115 * This is a paid advertisement. 1776 Wealth LLC purchased a new position in Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE:ROK Free Report) during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund purchased 798 shares of the industrial products companys stock, valued at approximately $234,000. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of ROK. Schechter Investment Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in Rockwell Automation by 4.5% during the first quarter. Schechter Investment Advisors LLC now owns 836 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $245,000 after buying an additional 36 shares during the last quarter. Baystate Wealth Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of 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 purchasing an additional 37 shares in the last quarter. ETF Managers Group LLC lifted its holdings in shares of 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 purchasing an additional 38 shares in the last quarter. Aspire Private Capital LLC bought a new position in shares of Rockwell Automation during the 1st quarter valued at about $11,444,550,000. Finally, Kentucky Retirement Systems lifted its holdings in shares of Rockwell Automation by 0.4% during the 4th quarter. Kentucky Retirement Systems now owns 9,076 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $2,338,000 after purchasing an additional 40 shares in the last quarter. 79.28% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Rockwell Automation alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities analysts have recently weighed in on ROK shares. Citigroup lifted their price objective on Rockwell Automation from $334.00 to $375.00 in a report on Monday, July 10th. Sanford C. Bernstein lifted their price objective on shares of Rockwell Automation from $250.00 to $290.00 in a report on Thursday, May 11th. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Rockwell Automation from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 2nd. Bank of America cut their price target on shares of Rockwell Automation from $375.00 to $335.00 in a research report on Wednesday, August 2nd. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective on Rockwell Automation from $260.00 to $290.00 in a report on Monday, July 10th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have given a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $288.24. Insider Transactions at Rockwell Automation In other news, SVP Tessa M. Myers sold 677 shares of Rockwell Automation stock in a transaction on Friday, August 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $301.18, for a total transaction of $203,898.86. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now owns 2,880 shares of the companys stock, valued at $867,398.40. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. In other news, SVP Frank C. Kulaszewicz sold 7,729 shares of Rockwell Automation stock in a transaction on Tuesday, June 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $310.00, for a total transaction of $2,395,990.00. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now owns 13,660 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,234,600. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, SVP Tessa M. Myers sold 677 shares of Rockwell Automation stock in a transaction on Friday, August 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $301.18, for a total value of $203,898.86. Following the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 2,880 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $867,398.40. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 15,338 shares of company stock valued at $4,736,430. 0.64% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Rockwell Automation Stock Performance ROK stock traded down $3.05 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $296.21. 719,348 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 744,136. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.79, a current ratio of 1.12 and a quick ratio of 0.76. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $320.87 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $296.31. Rockwell Automation, Inc. has a one year low of $209.27 and a one year high of $348.52. The firm has a market capitalization of $34.02 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.41, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.05 and a beta of 1.43. Rockwell Automation (NYSE:ROK Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, August 1st. The industrial products company reported $3.01 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $3.19 by ($0.18). Rockwell Automation had a return on equity of 40.33% and a net margin of 16.51%. The company had revenue of $2.24 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.33 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $2.66 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 13.7% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts forecast that Rockwell Automation, Inc. will post 11.92 EPS for the current year. Rockwell Automation Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 11th. Stockholders of record on Monday, August 14th will be issued a dividend of $1.18 per share. This represents a $4.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.59%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 11th. Rockwell Automations dividend payout ratio is currently 38.50%. About Rockwell Automation (Free Report) Rockwell Automation, Inc provides industrial automation and digital transformation solutions in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and Latin America. The company operates through three segments, Intelligent Devices, Software & Control, and Lifecycle Services. Its solutions include hardware and software products and services. Featured Articles 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. Bancolombia S.A. (NYSE:CIB Get Free Report) saw a significant growth in short interest in July. As of July 31st, there was short interest totalling 725,200 shares, a growth of 49.7% from the July 15th total of 484,500 shares. Approximately 0.6% of the companys stock are short sold. Based on an average daily volume of 288,000 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 2.5 days. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities research analysts have commented on CIB shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered Bancolombia from a neutral rating to an underweight rating and set a $30.00 price objective for the company. in a research report on Thursday. The Goldman Sachs Group reduced their price target on shares of Bancolombia from $39.00 to $35.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Friday. TheStreet raised shares of Bancolombia from a c+ rating to a b- rating in a research report on Friday, April 14th. Finally, Bank of America lowered shares of Bancolombia from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, April 27th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Bancolombia currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $30.67. Get Bancolombia alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Bancolombia Bancolombia Stock Performance CIB stock traded down $0.42 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $28.20. The stock had a trading volume of 461,571 shares, compared to its average volume of 271,146. Bancolombia has a 1-year low of $21.55 and a 1-year high of $33.23. The company has a fifty day moving average of $28.21 and a 200 day moving average of $26.74. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, a quick ratio of 1.02 and a current ratio of 1.03. Bancolombia (NYSE:CIB Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, May 10th. The bank reported $1.54 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.46 by $0.08. The business had revenue of $1.54 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.41 billion. Bancolombia had a return on equity of 18.40% and a net margin of 15.60%. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Bancolombia will post 5.47 EPS for the current fiscal year. Bancolombia Increases Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 12th. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 29th will be paid a $0.7727 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, September 28th. This is a boost from Bancolombias previous quarterly dividend of $0.70. This represents a $3.09 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 10.96%. Bancolombias payout ratio is 52.46%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of CIB. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its holdings in Bancolombia by 2.2% in the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 3,993,245 shares of the banks stock worth $97,315,000 after purchasing an additional 84,456 shares in the last quarter. Vontobel Asset Management Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Bancolombia by 12.1% during the 4th quarter. Vontobel Asset Management Inc. now owns 2,521,737 shares of the banks stock worth $71,485,000 after acquiring an additional 271,288 shares in the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Bancolombia by 25.1% during the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 2,227,183 shares of the banks stock worth $95,011,000 after acquiring an additional 446,778 shares in the last quarter. Earnest Partners LLC increased its holdings in shares of Bancolombia by 0.9% during the 2nd quarter. Earnest Partners LLC now owns 2,202,550 shares of the banks stock valued at $58,764,000 after acquiring an additional 19,924 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC raised its stake in shares of Bancolombia by 27.0% in the 2nd quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 1,354,902 shares of the banks stock valued at $36,149,000 after acquiring an additional 287,800 shares in the last quarter. About Bancolombia (Get Free Report) Bancolombia SA provides banking products and services in Colombia, Panama, Puerto Rico, El Salvador, Bermuda, and Guatemala. The company operates through nine segments: Banking Colombia, Banking Panama, Banking El Salvador, Banking Guatemala, Trust, Investment Banking, Brokerage, International Banking, and All Other. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Bancolombia Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bancolombia and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Boliden AB (publ) (OTCMKTS:BDNNY Get Free Report) have earned a consensus rating of Hold from the thirteen ratings firms that are covering the company, MarketBeat.com reports. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell recommendation, eight have given a hold recommendation and three have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 12 month price objective among brokers that have covered the stock in the last year is $368.75. Several equities research analysts have issued reports on BDNNY shares. Sanford C. Bernstein raised shares of Boliden AB (publ) from a market perform rating to an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, July 4th. Barclays raised shares of Boliden AB (publ) from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating in a report on Monday, July 10th. Morgan Stanley raised shares of Boliden AB (publ) from an underweight rating to an equal weight rating in a report on Wednesday, June 21st. DNB Markets lowered shares of Boliden AB (publ) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, June 14th. Finally, Berenberg Bank lowered shares of Boliden AB (publ) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, May 19th. Get Boliden AB (publ) alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Boliden AB (publ) Boliden AB (publ) Price Performance Shares of Boliden AB (publ) stock opened at $54.37 on Friday. The companys fifty day moving average price is $60.00 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $71.16. Boliden AB has a 52-week low of $52.89 and a 52-week high of $92.60. Boliden AB (publ) (OTCMKTS:BDNNY Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 20th. The company reported $0.36 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The business had revenue of $1.75 billion during the quarter. About Boliden AB (publ) (Get Free Report Boliden AB (publ) engages in the exploring, extracting, and processing of base metals and precious metals in Sweden, other Nordic region, Germany, the United Kingdom, the rest of Europe, North America, and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Business Area Mines and Business Area Smelters. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Boliden AB (publ) Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Boliden AB (publ) and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD Get Free Report) have been given a consensus recommendation of Hold by the ten brokerages that are currently covering the company, Marketbeat.com reports. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating on the company. The average 1-year target price among brokerages that have covered the stock in the last year is $67.06. A number of equities research analysts have weighed in on BUD shares. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Thursday, June 22nd. Morgan Stanley raised Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and boosted their price target for the stock from $64.00 to $68.50 in a research note on Thursday, July 20th. HSBC lowered Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, May 10th. StockNews.com lowered Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday. Finally, Evercore ISI decreased their price target on Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV from $80.00 to $70.00 in a research note on Thursday, June 8th. Get Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on BUD Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV Price Performance Shares of BUD opened at $56.30 on Monday. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV has a twelve month low of $44.51 and a twelve month high of $67.09. The stocks 50 day moving average is $56.84 and its two-hundred day moving average is $59.81. The firm has a market capitalization of $97.80 billion, a PE ratio of 18.34, a P/E/G ratio of 1.71 and a beta of 1.25. The company has a current ratio of 0.64, a quick ratio of 0.43 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.88. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 2nd. The consumer goods maker reported $0.72 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.68 by $0.04. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV had a return on equity of 14.69% and a net margin of 10.59%. The company had revenue of $15.12 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $15.33 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $0.73 EPS. Research analysts anticipate that Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV will post 3.05 earnings per share for the current year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of BUD. BOKF NA acquired a new position in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV during the 1st quarter worth approximately $25,000. Castleview Partners LLC raised its holdings in Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV by 105.1% in the 4th quarter. Castleview Partners LLC now owns 445 shares of the consumer goods makers stock valued at $27,000 after acquiring an additional 228 shares during the last quarter. Heritage Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV in the 4th quarter valued at $30,000. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. raised its holdings in Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV by 70.3% in the 1st quarter. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. now owns 499 shares of the consumer goods makers stock valued at $30,000 after acquiring an additional 206 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Bessemer Group Inc. raised its holdings in Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV by 253.0% in the 2nd quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 533 shares of the consumer goods makers stock valued at $30,000 after acquiring an additional 382 shares during the last quarter. 5.53% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV Company Profile (Get Free Report Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV produces, distributes, markets, and sells beer and beverages. It offers a portfolio of approximately 500 beer brands, which primarily include Budweiser, Corona, and Stella Artois; Beck's, Hoegaarden, Leffe, and Michelob Ultra; and Aguila, Antarctica, Bud Light, Brahma, Cass, Castle, Castle Lite, Cristal, Harbin, Jupiler, Modelo Especial, Quilmes, Victoria, Sedrin, and Skol brands. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Canadian Pacific Kansas City (NYSE:CP Free Report) (TSE:CP) had its target price increased by CSFB from $87.00 to $88.00 in a research report released on Wednesday morning, BayStreet.CA reports. The brokerage currently has a neutral rating on the transportation companys stock. Other equities analysts have also recently issued reports about the company. Credit Suisse Group boosted their target price on Canadian Pacific Kansas City from $81.00 to $87.00 in a research note on Wednesday, July 5th. Stifel Nicolaus cut their target price on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City from $78.00 to $75.00 in a research note on Tuesday, April 18th. Argus raised shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $92.00 target price on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, May 16th. Susquehanna lifted their target price on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City from $95.00 to $98.00 and gave the company a positive rating in a research note on Friday, July 28th. Finally, StockNews.com started coverage on Canadian Pacific Kansas City in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Five investment 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 company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $92.00. Get Canadian Pacific Kansas City alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on Canadian Pacific Kansas City Canadian Pacific Kansas City Stock Performance Canadian Pacific Kansas City Increases Dividend Shares of NYSE:CP opened at $81.18 on Wednesday. The company has a market cap of $75.61 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.60, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.81 and a beta of 1.01. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $79.96 and a 200-day moving average price of $78.68. The company has a current ratio of 0.67, a quick ratio of 0.58 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52. Canadian Pacific Kansas City has a 12 month low of $65.17 and a 12 month high of $85.40. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, October 30th. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 29th will be issued a $0.1437 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, September 28th. This is a boost from Canadian Pacific Kansas Citys previous quarterly dividend of $0.14. This represents a $0.57 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.71%. Canadian Pacific Kansas Citys payout ratio is 16.57%. Institutional Trading of Canadian Pacific Kansas City Institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. BerganKDV Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in Canadian Pacific Kansas City by 193.9% during the 1st quarter. BerganKDV Wealth Management LLC now owns 338 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $26,000 after buying an additional 223 shares during the last quarter. Stonebridge Capital Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City by 750.0% during the 4th quarter. Stonebridge Capital Advisors LLC now owns 340 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $25,000 after purchasing an additional 300 shares during the period. BDO Wealth Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City by 928.6% during the 4th quarter. BDO Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 360 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $27,000 after purchasing an additional 325 shares during the period. McIlrath & Eck LLC bought a new stake in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City during the 2nd quarter valued at about $32,000. Finally, Motco bought a new stake in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City during the 1st quarter valued at about $32,000. 65.84% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Canadian Pacific Kansas City (Get 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 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. TransAlta Renewables (TSE:RNW Free Report) had its price target boosted by CIBC from C$13.00 to C$13.50 in a research note released on Tuesday morning, BayStreet.CA reports. CIBC currently has a neutral rating on the stock. Other equities analysts also recently issued reports about the stock. ATB Capital downgraded shares of TransAlta Renewables from a sector perform rating to a tender rating and cut their price target for the company from C$14.00 to C$13.00 in a report on Wednesday, July 12th. Atb Cap Markets downgraded shares of TransAlta Renewables from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating in a report on Sunday, May 7th. Raymond James dropped their target price on shares of TransAlta Renewables from C$15.50 to C$13.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, July 12th. TD Securities upped their target price on shares of TransAlta Renewables from C$12.00 to C$12.50 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Monday, May 8th. Finally, CSFB lowered shares of TransAlta Renewables from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and reduced their target price for the stock from C$14.50 to C$13.00 in a research report on Wednesday, July 12th. Eight equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of C$14.55. Get TransAlta Renewables alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on TransAlta Renewables TransAlta Renewables Price Performance TransAlta Renewables Dividend Announcement Shares of TransAlta Renewables stock opened at C$13.55 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 48.12, a quick ratio of 0.82 and a current ratio of 0.87. The firms 50-day simple moving average is C$12.46 and its 200-day simple moving average is C$12.31. TransAlta Renewables has a twelve month low of C$10.63 and a twelve month high of C$18.17. The firm has a market cap of C$3.62 billion, a P/E ratio of 45.17, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.71 and a beta of 0.71. The company also recently announced a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, August 31st. Shareholders of record on Thursday, August 31st will be issued a $0.0783 dividend. This represents a $0.94 annualized dividend and a yield of 6.93%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, August 14th. TransAlta Renewabless dividend payout ratio is currently 313.33%. TransAlta Renewables Company Profile (Get Free Report) 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. Featured Articles 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. Cutter & CO Brokerage Inc. increased its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) by 735.3% during the first quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 6,941 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 6,110 shares during the quarter. Cutter & CO Brokerage Inc.s holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $2,384,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company in the 4th quarter valued at $3,416,206,000. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 102,752.2% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 5,446,026 shares of the companys stock worth $1,992,374,000 after purchasing an additional 5,440,731 shares during the last quarter. Morgan Stanley raised its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 44.1% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 12,059,204 shares of the companys stock worth $4,411,740,000 after purchasing an additional 3,691,436 shares during the last quarter. Mizuho Markets Americas LLC raised its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 2,882.6% during the 1st quarter. Mizuho Markets Americas LLC now owns 1,765,702 shares of the companys stock worth $18,090,000 after purchasing an additional 1,706,502 shares during the last quarter. Finally, T. Rowe Price Investment Management Inc. bought a new stake in Eli Lilly and Company during the 4th quarter worth about $445,944,000. Institutional investors own 87.25% of the companys stock. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several brokerages have weighed in on LLY. UBS Group boosted their price objective on Eli Lilly and Company from $447.00 to $498.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, May 24th. Credit Suisse Group upped their price target on Eli Lilly and Company from $490.00 to $580.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday. Truist Financial upped their price target on Eli Lilly and Company from $525.00 to $600.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday. Royal Bank of Canada upped their price target on Eli Lilly and Company from $490.00 to $580.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday. Finally, StockNews.com cut Eli Lilly and Company from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research note on Monday, June 12th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has assigned a hold rating and nineteen have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $517.00. Eli Lilly and Company Price Performance NYSE:LLY traded up $6.94 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $528.28. The companys stock had a trading volume of 2,521,105 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,075,902. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $456.86 and a 200-day simple moving average of $397.27. The company has a market capitalization of $501.49 billion, a P/E ratio of 73.42, a PEG ratio of 2.06 and a beta of 0.35. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.63, a current ratio of 1.13 and a quick ratio of 1.02. Eli Lilly and Company has a twelve month low of $296.32 and a twelve month high of $538.00. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 8th. The company reported $2.11 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.98 by $0.13. Eli Lilly and Company had a return on equity of 65.00% and a net margin of 22.01%. The firm had revenue of $8.31 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $7.58 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.25 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 28.1% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts anticipate that Eli Lilly and Company will post 9.93 EPS for the current fiscal year. Eli Lilly and Company Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 8th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, August 15th will be issued a $1.13 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, August 14th. This represents a $4.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.86%. Eli Lilly and Companys payout ratio is currently 62.87%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 600 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $435.29, for a total transaction of $261,174.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now owns 5,978 shares in the company, valued at $2,602,163.62. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In other news, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 194,354 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, May 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $442.62, for a total transaction of $86,024,967.48. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 101,473,810 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $44,914,337,782.20. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 600 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, May 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $435.29, for a total value of $261,174.00. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer now owns 5,978 shares in the company, valued at $2,602,163.62. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders sold 755,017 shares of company stock worth $357,815,036. 0.13% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. About Eli Lilly and Company (Free Report) Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. It offers Basaglar, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, insulin lispro protamine, insulin lispro mix 75/25, Humulin, Humulin 70/30, Humulin N, Humulin R, and Humulin U-500 for diabetes; and Jardiance, Trajenta, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LLY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Eli Lilly and Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eli Lilly and Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Readers hoping to buy Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) for its dividend will need to make their move shortly, as the stock is about to trade ex-dividend. The ex-dividend date is one business day before the record date, which is the cut-off date for shareholders to be present on the company's books to be eligible for a dividend payment. It is important to be aware of the ex-dividend date because any trade on the stock needs to have been settled on or before the record date. This means that investors who purchase Chevron's shares on or after the 17th of August will not receive the dividend, which will be paid on the 11th of September. The company's next dividend payment will be US$1.51 per share, and in the last 12 months, the company paid a total of US$6.04 per share. Looking at the last 12 months of distributions, Chevron has a trailing yield of approximately 3.7% on its current stock price of $164.15. We love seeing companies pay a dividend, but it's also important to be sure that laying the golden eggs isn't going to kill our golden goose! So we need to investigate whether Chevron can afford its dividend, and if the dividend could grow. View our latest analysis for Chevron Dividends are usually paid out of company profits, so if a company pays out more than it earned then its dividend is usually at greater risk of being cut. That's why it's good to see Chevron paying out a modest 37% of its earnings. Yet cash flows are even more important than profits for assessing a dividend, so we need to see if the company generated enough cash to pay its distribution. Fortunately, it paid out only 40% of its free cash flow in the past year. It's positive to see that Chevron's dividend is covered by both profits and cash flow, since this is generally a sign that the dividend is sustainable, and a lower payout ratio usually suggests a greater margin of safety before the dividend gets cut. Click here to see the company's payout ratio, plus analyst estimates of its future dividends. Story continues Have Earnings And Dividends Been Growing? Companies with consistently growing earnings per share generally make the best dividend stocks, as they usually find it easier to grow dividends per share. If business enters a downturn and the dividend is cut, the company could see its value fall precipitously. It's encouraging to see Chevron has grown its earnings rapidly, up 27% a year for the past five years. Chevron is paying out less than half its earnings and cash flow, while simultaneously growing earnings per share at a rapid clip. This is a very favourable combination that can often lead to the dividend multiplying over the long term, if earnings grow and the company pays out a higher percentage of its earnings. Another key way to measure a company's dividend prospects is by measuring its historical rate of dividend growth. Chevron has delivered an average of 5.3% per year annual increase in its dividend, based on the past 10 years of dividend payments. Earnings per share have been growing much quicker than dividends, potentially because Chevron is keeping back more of its profits to grow the business. The Bottom Line Is Chevron an attractive dividend stock, or better left on the shelf? We love that Chevron is growing earnings per share while simultaneously paying out a low percentage of both its earnings and cash flow. These characteristics suggest the company is reinvesting in growing its business, while the conservative payout ratio also implies a reduced risk of the dividend being cut in the future. It's a promising combination that should mark this company worthy of closer attention. While it's tempting to invest in Chevron for the dividends alone, you should always be mindful of the risks involved. Every company has risks, and we've spotted 1 warning sign for Chevron you should know about. A common investing mistake is buying the first interesting stock you see. Here you can find a full list of high-yield dividend stocks. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Morgan Stanley upgraded shares of Despegar.com (NYSE:DESP Free Report) from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating in a report published on Friday, Marketbeat Ratings reports. The brokerage currently has $13.00 price objective on the stock, up from their previous price objective of $6.50. Separately, B. Riley assumed coverage on Despegar.com in a research report on Thursday, June 22nd. They set a buy rating and a $10.00 price objective for the company. Get Despegar.com alerts: Get Our Latest Report on Despegar.com Despegar.com Stock Up 6.0 % DESP opened at $8.60 on Friday. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $7.22 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $6.45. Despegar.com has a one year low of $4.44 and a one year high of $9.22. Despegar.com (NYSE:DESP Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, May 18th. The company reported ($0.10) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.01 by ($0.11). The firm had revenue of $158.71 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $153.13 million. Research analysts anticipate that Despegar.com will post 0.32 EPS for the current year. Institutional Trading of Despegar.com Several institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Russell Investments Group Ltd. boosted its stake in Despegar.com by 2.1% during the 4th quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 100,576 shares of the companys stock valued at $516,000 after purchasing an additional 2,111 shares during the last quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of Despegar.com by 20.0% in the 4th quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 12,947 shares of the companys stock worth $67,000 after buying an additional 2,160 shares during the last quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Despegar.com by 6.7% in the 1st quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 35,320 shares of the companys stock worth $217,000 after buying an additional 2,225 shares during the last quarter. Northern Trust Corp boosted its stake in shares of Despegar.com by 12.2% in the 2nd quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 28,085 shares of the companys stock worth $198,000 after buying an additional 3,044 shares during the last quarter. Finally, BNP Paribas Arbitrage SA purchased a new position in shares of Despegar.com in the 1st quarter worth $38,000. 57.38% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Despegar.com (Get Free Report) Despegar.com, Corp., an online travel company, provides a range of travel and travel-related products to leisure and corporate travelers through its websites and mobile applications in Latin America and the United States. The company operates in two segments, Travel Business and Financial Services Business. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Despegar.com Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Despegar.com and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Edgemoor Investment Advisors Inc. decreased its holdings in Welltower Inc. (NYSE:WELL Free Report) by 5.0% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 19,110 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 1,003 shares during the quarter. Edgemoor Investment Advisors Inc.s holdings in Welltower were worth $1,370,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of WELL. Cresset Asset Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Welltower by 2.5% in the first quarter. Cresset Asset Management LLC now owns 5,044 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $485,000 after acquiring an additional 125 shares during the period. Dai Ichi Life Insurance Company Ltd boosted its position in Welltower by 0.4% during the first quarter. Dai Ichi Life Insurance Company Ltd now owns 33,012 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $3,174,000 after acquiring an additional 125 shares during the last quarter. Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance Co grew its holdings in Welltower by 1.1% during the 1st quarter. Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance Co now owns 11,573 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,113,000 after acquiring an additional 130 shares during the period. Parallel Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Welltower by 8.7% in the 1st quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 1,708 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $122,000 after acquiring an additional 136 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Lido Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Welltower by 2.0% in the 1st quarter. Lido Advisors LLC now owns 7,155 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $687,000 after purchasing an additional 137 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 93.16% of the companys stock. Get Welltower alerts: Welltower Stock Down 0.8 % NYSE:WELL traded down $0.69 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $84.26. 1,872,479 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,683,845. The company has a quick ratio of 3.12, a current ratio of 3.12 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.73. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $81.13 and its 200-day simple moving average is $76.72. Welltower Inc. has a one year low of $56.50 and a one year high of $86.39. The company has a market cap of $43.71 billion, a PE ratio of 366.36, a PEG ratio of 3.05 and a beta of 1.06. Welltower Dividend Announcement Wall Street Analyst Weigh In The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, August 23rd. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, August 15th will be paid a dividend of $0.61 per share. This represents a $2.44 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.90%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, August 14th. Welltowers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 1,060.92%. WELL has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Mizuho reduced their price objective on shares of Welltower from $91.00 to $86.00 in a research report on Tuesday, May 30th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Welltower in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a sell rating for the company. Royal Bank of Canada raised their price objective on shares of Welltower from $82.00 to $87.00 in a research report on Tuesday, May 16th. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective on shares of Welltower from $89.00 to $93.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, August 7th. Finally, Raymond James downgraded shares of Welltower from a strong-buy rating to an outperform rating and lifted their price target for the company from $82.00 to $90.00 in a research report on Friday, June 23rd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has assigned a hold rating and ten have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $82.54. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Welltower About Welltower (Free Report) Welltower Inc (NYSE:WELL), a real estate investment trust ("REIT") and S&P 500 company headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, is driving the transformation of health care infrastructure. Welltower invests with leading seniors housing operators, post-acute providers and health systems to fund the real estate infrastructure needed to scale innovative care delivery models and improve people's wellness and overall health care experience. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WELL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Welltower Inc. (NYSE:WELL Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Welltower Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Welltower and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) had its target price lifted by Barclays from $500.00 to $590.00 in a report issued on Wednesday, Marketbeat reports. The brokerage currently has an overweight rating on the stock. LLY has been the topic of several other research reports. Cantor Fitzgerald raised their price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $550.00 to $630.00 in a report on Tuesday. Wells Fargo & Company raised their target price on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $500.00 to $615.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday. Truist Financial upped their price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $430.00 to $525.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, July 20th. Royal Bank of Canada raised their price objective on Eli Lilly and Company from $490.00 to $580.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their target price on Eli Lilly and Company from $510.00 to $600.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has issued a hold rating and nineteen have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Eli Lilly and Company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $517.00. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on Eli Lilly and Company Eli Lilly and Company Stock Up 1.3 % Shares of NYSE LLY opened at $528.28 on Wednesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $501.49 billion, a PE ratio of 73.47, a P/E/G ratio of 2.05 and a beta of 0.35. The company has a quick ratio of 1.02, a current ratio of 1.13 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.63. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $458.58 and a 200-day moving average of $398.56. Eli Lilly and Company has a 52-week low of $296.32 and a 52-week high of $538.00. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 8th. The company reported $2.11 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.98 by $0.13. The firm had revenue of $8.31 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $7.58 billion. Eli Lilly and Company had a return on equity of 65.00% and a net margin of 22.01%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 28.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $1.25 earnings per share. On average, analysts anticipate that Eli Lilly and Company will post 9.91 EPS for the current year. Eli Lilly and Company Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 8th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, August 15th will be issued a $1.13 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, August 14th. This represents a $4.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.86%. Eli Lilly and Companys payout ratio is presently 62.87%. Insider Activity at Eli Lilly and Company In other Eli Lilly and Company news, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 600 shares of Eli Lilly and Company stock in a transaction on Monday, May 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $435.29, for a total transaction of $261,174.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 5,978 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,602,163.62. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other Eli Lilly and Company news, EVP Patrik Jonsson sold 6,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $429.46, for a total transaction of $2,576,760.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 36,941 shares in the company, valued at approximately $15,864,681.86. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, CAO Donald A. Zakrowski sold 600 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, May 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $435.29, for a total transaction of $261,174.00. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer now owns 5,978 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,602,163.62. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 755,017 shares of company stock valued at $357,815,036 in the last 90 days. 0.13% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Trading of Eli Lilly and Company Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. SageView Advisory Group LLC raised its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 13.4% during the 2nd quarter. SageView Advisory Group LLC now owns 9,377 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,397,000 after acquiring an additional 1,107 shares during the last quarter. BRITISH COLUMBIA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT Corp increased its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 1.2% in the 2nd quarter. BRITISH COLUMBIA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT Corp now owns 73,066 shares of the companys stock valued at $34,266,000 after buying an additional 847 shares in the last quarter. Genus Capital Management Inc. bought a new position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company during the 2nd quarter valued at about $12,305,000. Bryn Mawr Capital Management LLC increased its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 21.2% during the 2nd quarter. Bryn Mawr Capital Management LLC now owns 1,345 shares of the companys stock worth $631,000 after purchasing an additional 235 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Shepherd Financial Partners LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 2.8% in the second quarter. Shepherd Financial Partners LLC now owns 11,343 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,319,000 after buying an additional 306 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 87.25% of the companys stock. About Eli Lilly and Company (Get Free Report) Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. It offers Basaglar, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, insulin lispro protamine, insulin lispro mix 75/25, Humulin, Humulin 70/30, Humulin N, Humulin R, and Humulin U-500 for diabetes; and Jardiance, Trajenta, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Eli Lilly and Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eli Lilly and Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Entrepreneur Universe Bright Group (OTCMKTS:EUBG Get Free Report) shares reached a new 52-week high on Thursday . The company traded as high as $0.33 and last traded at $0.33, with a volume of 11375 shares. The stock had previously closed at $0.33. Entrepreneur Universe Bright Group Stock Performance The company has a fifty day moving average price of $0.24 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $0.22. Entrepreneur Universe Bright Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) Entrepreneur Universe Bright Group, through its subsidiaries, provides digital marketing consultation services in the Hong Kong and People's Republic of China. It offers consulting, sourcing, and marketing services. The company was formerly known as REE International, Inc and changed its name to Entrepreneur Universe Bright Group in April 2020. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Entrepreneur Universe Bright Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Entrepreneur Universe Bright Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ServiceNow, Inc. (NYSE:NOW Get Free Report) CFO Gina Mastantuono sold 966 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $548.49, for a total value of $529,841.34. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 7,971 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,372,013.79. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Gina Mastantuono also recently made the following trade(s): Get ServiceNow alerts: On Monday, July 10th, Gina Mastantuono sold 386 shares of ServiceNow stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $553.00, for a total value of $213,458.00. On Friday, July 7th, Gina Mastantuono sold 759 shares of ServiceNow stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $552.98, for a total value of $419,711.82. On Tuesday, May 30th, Gina Mastantuono sold 2,147 shares of ServiceNow stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $550.00, for a total value of $1,180,850.00. ServiceNow Stock Up 0.5 % Shares of NOW opened at $557.52 on Friday. ServiceNow, Inc. has a 52-week low of $337.00 and a 52-week high of $614.36. The company has a market capitalization of $113.59 billion, a PE ratio of 80.33, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 5.61 and a beta of 1.02. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $561.96 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $495.41. The company has a quick ratio of 1.14, a current ratio of 1.14 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities research analysts recently commented on the company. TheStreet upgraded ServiceNow from a c+ rating to a b rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 26th. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price objective on ServiceNow from $625.00 to $650.00 in a research report on Thursday, July 27th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on ServiceNow in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Barclays lowered their price objective on ServiceNow from $646.00 to $644.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, July 27th. Finally, UBS Group upped their price objective on ServiceNow from $465.00 to $545.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, April 14th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twenty-nine 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 target price of $589.48. Read Our Latest Research Report on NOW Institutional Trading of ServiceNow A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich increased its stake in shares of ServiceNow by 96,156.9% in the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 23,469,361 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $13,189,077,000 after acquiring an additional 23,444,979 shares during the last quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD increased its stake in shares of ServiceNow by 5.2% in the 4th quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 14,835,423 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $5,760,149,000 after acquiring an additional 727,494 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp increased its stake in shares of ServiceNow by 1.8% in the 1st quarter. State Street Corp now owns 8,082,154 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $3,755,904,000 after acquiring an additional 141,744 shares during the last quarter. Morgan Stanley grew its holdings in shares of ServiceNow by 4.3% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 7,071,786 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $2,745,763,000 after purchasing an additional 288,522 shares during the period. Finally, Polen Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of ServiceNow by 12.6% during the 4th quarter. Polen Capital Management LLC now owns 4,452,974 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $1,728,956,000 after purchasing an additional 499,675 shares during the period. 86.72% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. ServiceNow Company Profile (Get Free Report) ServiceNow, Inc provides enterprise cloud computing solutions that defines, structures, consolidates, manages, and automates services for enterprises worldwide. The company operates the Now platform for workflow automation, artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotic process automation, process mining, performance analytics, electronic service catalogs and portals, configuration management systems, data benchmarking, encryption, and collaboration and development tools. Read More Receive News & Ratings for ServiceNow Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ServiceNow and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com cut shares of Omega Healthcare Investors (NYSE:OHI Free Report) from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report published on Tuesday morning. Several other brokerages also recently weighed in on OHI. Mizuho lowered their price target on Omega Healthcare Investors from $32.00 to $31.00 in a report on Tuesday, May 30th. BMO Capital Markets assumed coverage on Omega Healthcare Investors in a report on Thursday, July 27th. They set a market perform rating and a $34.50 target price for the company. Truist Financial lifted their target price on Omega Healthcare Investors from $29.00 to $33.00 in a report on Wednesday, June 21st. Stifel Nicolaus decreased their price target on Omega Healthcare Investors from $36.00 to $33.00 in a report on Wednesday, May 3rd. Finally, Berenberg Bank assumed coverage on Omega Healthcare Investors in a report on Thursday, July 27th. They issued a buy rating for the company. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $31.25. Get Omega Healthcare Investors alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on OHI Omega Healthcare Investors Price Performance Omega Healthcare Investors Dividend Announcement Shares of NYSE OHI opened at $31.55 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.39, a quick ratio of 5.55 and a current ratio of 5.55. The company has a market cap of $7.73 billion, a PE ratio of 30.93 and a beta of 1.00. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $31.30 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $29.08. Omega Healthcare Investors has a fifty-two week low of $25.61 and a fifty-two week high of $33.71. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, August 15th. Stockholders of record on Monday, July 31st will be paid a $0.67 dividend. This represents a $2.68 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 8.49%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, July 28th. Omega Healthcare Investorss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 262.75%. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Omega Healthcare Investors Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of OHI. Toronto Dominion Bank lifted its stake in Omega Healthcare Investors by 1.4% during the 1st quarter. Toronto Dominion Bank now owns 25,313 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $693,000 after acquiring an additional 355 shares in the last quarter. Belpointe Asset Management LLC lifted its stake in Omega Healthcare Investors by 2.5% during the 1st quarter. Belpointe Asset Management LLC now owns 14,406 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $395,000 after acquiring an additional 356 shares in the last quarter. Resources Investment Advisors LLC. lifted its stake in Omega Healthcare Investors by 3.9% during the 4th quarter. Resources Investment Advisors LLC. now owns 9,786 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $274,000 after acquiring an additional 364 shares in the last quarter. Inspire Investing LLC lifted its stake in Omega Healthcare Investors by 3.7% during the 2nd quarter. Inspire Investing LLC now owns 10,320 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $317,000 after acquiring an additional 364 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Global Retirement Partners LLC raised its position in Omega Healthcare Investors by 2.5% in the 2nd quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC now owns 16,431 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $504,000 after purchasing an additional 394 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 66.04% of the companys stock. Omega Healthcare Investors Company Profile (Get Free Report) Omega is a REIT that invests in the long-term healthcare industry, primarily in skilled nursing and assisted living facilities. Its portfolio of assets is operated by a diverse group of healthcare companies, predominantly in a triple-net lease structure. The assets span all regions within the U.S., as well as in the U.K. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Omega Healthcare Investors Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Omega Healthcare Investors and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Morgan Stanley lowered shares of RingCentral (NYSE:RNG Free Report) from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating in a research report sent to investors on Tuesday morning, MarketBeat.com reports. The firm currently has $42.00 price objective on the software makers stock, down from their previous price objective of $49.00. Several other analysts have also commented on the company. UBS Group lifted their price objective on RingCentral from $30.00 to $32.00 in a report on Wednesday, May 10th. Piper Sandler cut their price target on RingCentral from $45.00 to $29.00 in a research note on Wednesday, May 10th. KeyCorp increased their price objective on shares of RingCentral from $45.00 to $54.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, July 21st. Robert W. Baird cut their target price on shares of RingCentral from $45.00 to $32.00 in a research report on Friday, May 12th. Finally, Truist Financial reduced their target price on shares of RingCentral from $55.00 to $45.00 in a report on Thursday, May 11th. Eleven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nine have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $44.00. Get RingCentral alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on RingCentral RingCentral Stock Down 1.8 % RNG opened at $30.49 on Tuesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $2.91 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -4.52, a PEG ratio of 69.92 and a beta of 0.91. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $35.79 and a 200-day moving average price of $33.85. RingCentral has a twelve month low of $25.32 and a twelve month high of $53.88. RingCentral (NYSE:RNG Get Free Report) last posted its 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 business had revenue of $533.69 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $527.66 million. As a group, analysts expect that RingCentral will post -0.04 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Activity In related news, CEO Vladimir Shmunis sold 59,299 shares of the companys 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 completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 507,200 shares in the company, valued at $17,356,384. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. In other RingCentral news, CEO Vladimir Shmunis sold 59,299 shares of RingCentral stock in a transaction on Wednesday, June 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $34.22, for a total value of $2,029,211.78. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 507,200 shares in the company, valued at approximately $17,356,384. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, CAO John H. Marlow sold 9,080 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, May 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $33.31, for a total transaction of $302,454.80. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 313,204 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $10,432,825.24. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 95,276 shares of company stock worth $3,231,069 over the last quarter. Insiders own 6.49% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On RingCentral Several institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Alyeska Investment Group L.P. raised its position in shares of RingCentral by 510.3% during the 4th quarter. Alyeska Investment Group L.P. now owns 1,714,543 shares of the software makers stock valued at $60,695,000 after buying an additional 1,433,595 shares in the last quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC increased its stake in RingCentral by 102.8% during the second quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 1,857,600 shares of the software makers stock worth $60,799,000 after acquiring an additional 941,700 shares during the last quarter. Pictet Asset Management SA raised its position in RingCentral by 25.7% during the first quarter. Pictet Asset Management SA now owns 4,602,025 shares of the software makers stock valued at $141,144,000 after purchasing an additional 940,926 shares during the period. Norges Bank bought a new stake in shares of RingCentral in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $31,316,000. Finally, Sylebra Capital Ltd bought a new stake in shares of RingCentral in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $24,952,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 88.87% of the companys stock. About RingCentral (Get 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. Read More 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. S&CO Inc. lessened its holdings in shares of Bank of America Co. (NYSE:BAC Free Report) by 0.7% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 122,321 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 850 shares during the period. S&CO Inc.s holdings in Bank of America were worth $3,498,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of BAC. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC increased its holdings in Bank of America by 108,111.3% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 193,168,025 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $6,397,725,000 after purchasing an additional 192,989,515 shares during the period. Norges Bank bought a new stake in Bank of America during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $3,436,543,000. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD boosted its position in Bank of America by 22.7% during the 4th quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 127,177,786 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $4,212,128,000 after acquiring an additional 23,532,190 shares in the last quarter. Snider Financial Group boosted its position in Bank of America by 9,477.3% during the 1st quarter. Snider Financial Group now owns 14,448,357 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $5,956,000 after acquiring an additional 14,297,496 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership boosted its position in Bank of America by 3,474.6% during the 1st quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 11,658,881 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $480,579,000 after acquiring an additional 11,332,721 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 67.34% of the companys stock. Get Bank of America alerts: Bank of America Stock Performance Shares of NYSE BAC traded up $0.35 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $31.29. 35,709,867 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 50,990,613. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $29.88 and a two-hundred day moving average of $30.43. The firm has a market capitalization of $248.64 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.99, a PEG ratio of 1.29 and a beta of 1.36. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.12, a quick ratio of 0.83 and a current ratio of 0.83. Bank of America Co. has a one year low of $26.32 and a one year high of $38.60. Bank of America Increases Dividend Bank of America ( NYSE:BAC Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 18th. The financial services provider reported $0.88 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.84 by $0.04. The firm had revenue of $25.20 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $24.98 billion. Bank of America had a return on equity of 12.01% and a net margin of 19.97%. The companys revenue was up 11.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $0.73 EPS. On average, equities analysts forecast that Bank of America Co. will post 3.41 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 29th. Investors of record on Friday, September 1st will be issued a $0.24 dividend. This is a boost from Bank of Americas previous quarterly dividend of $0.22. This represents a $0.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.07%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, August 31st. Bank of Americas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 25.29%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several analysts have weighed in on BAC shares. StockNews.com started coverage on Bank of America in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Morgan Stanley boosted their price target on Bank of America from $32.00 to $33.00 in a research report on Friday, July 7th. Oppenheimer boosted their price target on Bank of America from $44.00 to $47.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, April 19th. Royal Bank of Canada reissued an outperform rating and issued a $35.00 price target on shares of Bank of America in a research report on Friday, June 30th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company dropped their price target on Bank of America from $45.00 to $40.00 in a research report on Thursday, July 6th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating and eight have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $36.26. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on BAC Insider Buying and Selling In related news, insider Dean C. Athanasia sold 77,806 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, July 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $31.48, for a total value of $2,449,332.88. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 353,971 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $11,143,007.08. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In related news, insider James P. Demare sold 75,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $31.53, for a total value of $2,364,750.00. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 185,108 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,836,455.24. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, insider Dean C. Athanasia sold 77,806 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, July 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $31.48, for a total value of $2,449,332.88. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 353,971 shares in the company, valued at $11,143,007.08. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.27% of the stock is owned by insiders. Bank of America Profile (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. Read More 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. Telecom Italia S.p.A. (OTCMKTS:TIIAY Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large decline in short interest in the month of July. As of July 31st, there was short interest totalling 12,500 shares, a decline of 45.2% from the July 15th total of 22,800 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 28,500 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.4 days. Telecom Italia Stock Down 0.5 % TIIAY opened at $2.98 on Friday. Telecom Italia has a one year low of $1.65 and a one year high of $3.48. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $2.79 and its 200-day moving average price is $2.99. Get Telecom Italia alerts: Telecom Italia Company Profile (Get Free Report) Featured Articles Telecom Italia S.p.A., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the provision of fixed and mobile telecommunications services in Italy and internationally. The company operates through Domestic, Brazil, and Other Operations segments. It offers fixed and mobile voice and Internet, and public telephony services, as well as products managed and developed for individuals and families; and voice, data, and Internet services and products, and information and communications technology solutions for small and medium-size enterprises, small offices/home offices, the public sector, large accounts, and enterprises in the fixed and mobile telecommunications markets. Receive News & Ratings for Telecom Italia Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Telecom Italia and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Telia Company AB (publ) (OTCMKTS:TLSNY Get Free Report) saw a significant increase in short interest in July. As of July 31st, there was short interest totalling 90,400 shares, an increase of 168.2% from the July 15th total of 33,700 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 246,300 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.4 days. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities research analysts have recently commented on TLSNY shares. Citigroup raised shares of Telia Company AB (publ) from a sell rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, May 26th. Berenberg Bank cut shares of Telia Company AB (publ) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 1st. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating and one has given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $33.25. Get Telia Company AB (publ) alerts: Read Our Latest Report on Telia Company AB (publ) Telia Company AB (publ) Stock Performance OTCMKTS TLSNY opened at $3.94 on Friday. Telia Company AB has a 1 year low of $3.88 and a 1 year high of $7.32. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.45, a current ratio of 0.95 and a quick ratio of 0.88. The stock has a market capitalization of $7.75 billion, a PE ratio of -5.32, a P/E/G ratio of 0.37 and a beta of 0.28. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $4.38 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $4.84. Telia Company AB (publ) (OTCMKTS:TLSNY Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, July 20th. The technology company reported $0.04 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Telia Company AB (publ) had a negative net margin of 16.39% and a negative return on equity of 19.99%. The business had revenue of $2.21 billion for the quarter. Analysts predict that Telia Company AB will post 0.2 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Telia Company AB (publ) Increases Dividend The company also recently announced a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 18th. Shareholders of record on Monday, July 31st will be paid a $0.0916 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, July 28th. This is a boost from Telia Company AB (publ)s previous dividend of $0.06. Telia Company AB (publ)s dividend payout ratio is currently -33.78%. About Telia Company AB (publ) (Get Free Report) Telia Company AB (publ) provides communication services to businesses, individuals, families, and communities in Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia. It offers mobile, broadband, television, and fixed-line services; and networking, cloud and security, mobility, enterprise mobile network, contact center, managed mobility services, collaboration solutions, enterprise telephony, Internet of Things (IoT), carrier ethernet, dedicated internet access, wavelengths, IP Transit, dark fiber, and colocation solutions. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Telia Company AB (publ) Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Telia Company AB (publ) and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Just because a business does not make any money, does not mean that the stock will go down. For example, although Amazon.com made losses for many years after listing, if you had bought and held the shares since 1999, you would have made a fortune. But while history lauds those rare successes, those that fail are often forgotten; who remembers Pets.com? Given this risk, we thought we'd take a look at whether Proteomics International Laboratories (ASX:PIQ) shareholders should be worried about its cash burn. In this report, we will consider the company's annual negative free cash flow, henceforth referring to it as the 'cash burn'. Let's start with an examination of the business' cash, relative to its cash burn. See our latest analysis for Proteomics International Laboratories When Might Proteomics International Laboratories Run Out Of Money? A company's cash runway is calculated by dividing its cash hoard by its cash burn. When Proteomics International Laboratories last reported its balance sheet in December 2022, it had zero debt and cash worth AU$6.8m. In the last year, its cash burn was AU$5.3m. So it had a cash runway of approximately 15 months from December 2022. Importantly, the one analyst we see covering the stock thinks that Proteomics International Laboratories will reach cashflow breakeven in 2 years. Essentially, that means the company will either reduce its cash burn, or else require more cash. The image below shows how its cash balance has been changing over the last few years. How Is Proteomics International Laboratories' Cash Burn Changing Over Time? In the last year, Proteomics International Laboratories did book revenue of AU$3.6m, but its revenue from operations was less, at just AU$1.3m. Given how low that operating leverage is, we think it's too early to put much weight on the revenue growth, so we'll focus on how the cash burn is changing, instead. Over the last year its cash burn actually increased by a very significant 63%. While this spending increase is no doubt intended to drive growth, if the trend continues the company's cash runway will shrink very quickly. While the past is always worth studying, it is the future that matters most of all. For that reason, it makes a lot of sense to take a look at our analyst forecasts for the company. Story continues How Easily Can Proteomics International Laboratories Raise Cash? Given its cash burn trajectory, Proteomics International Laboratories shareholders may wish to consider how easily it could raise more cash, despite its solid cash runway. 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 comparing a company's annual cash burn to its total market capitalisation, we can estimate roughly how many shares it would have to issue in order to run the company for another year (at the same burn rate). Since it has a market capitalisation of AU$93m, Proteomics International Laboratories' AU$5.3m in cash burn equates to about 5.7% of its market value. That's a low proportion, so we figure the company would be able to raise more cash to fund growth, with a little dilution, or even to simply borrow some money. So, Should We Worry About Proteomics International Laboratories' Cash Burn? Even though its increasing cash burn makes us a little nervous, we are compelled to mention that we thought Proteomics International Laboratories' cash burn relative to its market cap was relatively promising. Shareholders can take heart from the fact that at least one analyst is forecasting it will reach breakeven. Based on the factors mentioned in this article, we think its cash burn situation warrants some attention from shareholders, but we don't think they should be worried. Readers need to have a sound understanding of business risks before investing in a stock, and we've spotted 4 warning signs for Proteomics International Laboratories that potential shareholders should take into account before putting money into a stock. Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking elsewhere. So take a peek at this free list of companies insiders are buying, 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. TBC Bank Group PLC (LON:TBCG Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week high during trading on Thursday . The company traded as high as GBX 2,600 ($33.23) and last traded at GBX 2,580 ($32.97), with a volume of 31272 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at GBX 2,520 ($32.20). TBC Bank Group Stock Up 5.4 % The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of GBX 2,487.24 and a 200 day simple moving average of GBX 2,402.65. The company has a market cap of 1.50 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 500.93, a PEG ratio of 0.80 and a beta of 1.13. TBC Bank Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) TBC Bank Group PLC, through its subsidiaries, provides banking, leasing, brokerage, insurance, and card processing services to corporate and individual customers in Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan. The company operates through Retail; Corporate; and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises segments. It offers mortgage, digital, consumer, car, overdraft, and pawnshop loans; and term deposits, mortgage, credit cards; current, and nominee account services. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for TBC Bank Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TBC Bank Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The Southern Company (NYSE:SO Get Free Report) CEO Stephen E. Kuczynski sold 5,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $69.70, for a total value of $348,500.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 126,284 shares of the companys stock, valued at $8,801,994.80. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Southern Price Performance NYSE:SO opened at $69.50 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.62, a current ratio of 0.83 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.59. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $70.73 and its 200 day moving average price is $69.74. The Southern Company has a 52-week low of $58.85 and a 52-week high of $80.57. The firm has a market cap of $75.79 billion, a P/E ratio of 24.56, a PEG ratio of 4.82 and a beta of 0.50. Get Southern alerts: Southern (NYSE:SO Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 3rd. The utilities provider reported $0.79 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.74 by $0.05. Southern had a net margin of 11.17% and a return on equity of 9.86%. The company had revenue of $5.75 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6.47 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $1.07 EPS. The businesss revenue was down 20.2% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that The Southern Company will post 3.6 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Southern Dividend Announcement Institutional Investors Weigh In On Southern The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, September 6th. Stockholders of record on Monday, August 21st will be paid a dividend of $0.70 per share. This represents a $2.80 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.03%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, August 18th. Southerns dividend payout ratio is presently 98.94%. A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of SO. Prudential PLC lifted its position in shares of Southern by 23.4% in the 1st quarter. Prudential PLC now owns 19,438 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,409,000 after acquiring an additional 3,689 shares in the last quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust grew its holdings in shares of Southern by 33.5% during the first quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 1,727 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $126,000 after buying an additional 433 shares in the last quarter. Covestor Ltd raised its position in Southern by 63.0% during the first quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 1,902 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $138,000 after buying an additional 735 shares during the period. NewEdge Advisors LLC lifted its stake in Southern by 0.4% in the 1st quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 49,925 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $3,621,000 after acquiring an additional 221 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Mackenzie Financial Corp boosted its position in Southern by 35.8% during the 1st quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 907,132 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $65,776,000 after acquiring an additional 239,325 shares during the period. 63.25% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research analysts have recently commented on SO shares. LADENBURG THALM/SH SH assumed coverage on Southern in a research report on Wednesday. They issued a buy rating and a $72.00 target price for the company. Guggenheim lowered their target price on shares of Southern from $79.00 to $77.00 in a research note on Friday, July 7th. Mizuho reduced their price target on shares of Southern from $77.00 to $76.00 in a research report on Tuesday, May 16th. VNET Group reaffirmed a maintains rating on shares of Southern in a report on Friday, April 28th. Finally, StockNews.com lowered shares of Southern from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Friday. Four analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating, six have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $74.07. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Southern About Southern (Get Free Report) The Southern Company, through its subsidiaries, engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity. It operates through three segments: Gas Distribution Operations, Gas Pipeline Investments, and Gas Marketing Services. The company also develops, constructs, acquires, owns, and manages power generation assets, including renewable energy projects and sells electricity in the wholesale market; and distributes natural gas in Illinois, Georgia, Virginia, and Tennessee, as well as provides gas marketing services, gas distribution operations, and gas pipeline investments operations. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Southern Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Southern and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Tokuyama Co. (OTCMKTS:TKYMF Get Free Report) was the target of a significant drop in short interest in July. As of July 31st, there was short interest totalling 88,200 shares, a drop of 54.1% from the July 15th total of 192,200 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 0 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently days. Tokuyama Price Performance Shares of TKYMF opened at $15.10 on Friday. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $15.10 and its 200 day simple moving average is $14.95. Tokuyama has a 1-year low of $13.56 and a 1-year high of $15.10. Get Tokuyama alerts: About Tokuyama (Get Free Report) Recommended Stories Tokuyama Corporation produces and sells various chemical products in Japan. The company operates through six segments: Chemicals, Cement, Electronics Materials, Life Science, Eco Business, and Others. The Chemicals segment offers caustic soda, soda ash, calcium chloride, sodium silicate, vinyl chloride monomer, polyvinyl chloride resin, propylene oxide, chlorinated solvents, and hydrogen. Receive News & Ratings for Tokuyama Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Tokuyama and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. S&CO Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Trane Technologies plc (NYSE:TT Free Report) by 5.4% during the first quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 1,960 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 100 shares during the quarter. S&CO Inc.s holdings in Trane Technologies were worth $360,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other large investors have also modified their holdings of TT. Delta Asset Management LLC TN acquired a new stake in shares of Trane Technologies in the 4th quarter worth about $27,000. Live Oak Investment Partners acquired a new stake in shares of Trane Technologies in the 4th quarter worth about $30,000. 1832 Asset Management L.P. acquired a new stake in shares of Trane Technologies in the 1st quarter worth about $34,000. Ruedi Wealth Management Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Trane Technologies in the 4th quarter worth about $37,000. Finally, BDO Wealth Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of Trane Technologies by 615.6% in the 4th quarter. BDO Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 229 shares of the companys stock worth $38,000 after acquiring an additional 197 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 81.23% of the companys stock. Get Trane Technologies alerts: Trane Technologies Trading Up 0.5 % Shares of Trane Technologies stock traded up $1.03 during trading on Friday, hitting $203.16. The stock had a trading volume of 729,209 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,422,141. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $191.02 and a 200 day simple moving average of $183.31. The company has a market capitalization of $46.40 billion, a PE ratio of 24.92, a P/E/G ratio of 1.77 and a beta of 1.02. The company has a quick ratio of 0.77, a current ratio of 1.19 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.71. Trane Technologies plc has a 1 year low of $139.07 and a 1 year high of $209.17. Trane Technologies Dividend Announcement Trane Technologies ( NYSE:TT Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 2nd. The company reported $2.68 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.56 by $0.12. The business had revenue of $4.71 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.61 billion. Trane Technologies had a net margin of 11.18% and a return on equity of 31.22%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 12.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company posted $2.16 earnings per share. On average, research analysts expect that Trane Technologies plc will post 8.86 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 29th. Investors of record on Friday, September 1st will be issued a dividend of $0.75 per share. This represents a $3.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.48%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, August 31st. Trane Technologiess dividend payout ratio is currently 36.99%. Insider Buying and Selling In other Trane Technologies news, EVP Paul A. Camuti sold 5,000 shares of Trane Technologies stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, July 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $196.00, for a total value of $980,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 89,409 shares in the company, valued at $17,524,164. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. In other Trane Technologies news, CAO Mark Majocha sold 2,202 shares of Trane Technologies stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, July 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $194.28, for a total value of $427,804.56. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 3,797 shares in the company, valued at $737,681.16. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Paul A. Camuti sold 5,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, July 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $196.00, for a total transaction of $980,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 89,409 shares of the companys stock, valued at $17,524,164. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders sold 20,374 shares of company stock worth $4,080,669. 0.39% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth TT has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. Royal Bank of Canada increased their target price on shares of Trane Technologies from $194.00 to $204.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research report on Thursday, August 3rd. Mizuho increased their target price on shares of Trane Technologies from $185.00 to $200.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, August 3rd. 888 reiterated a maintains rating on shares of Trane Technologies in a research report on Thursday, May 4th. The Goldman Sachs Group decreased their target price on shares of Trane Technologies from $203.00 to $178.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Friday, April 14th. Finally, Morgan Stanley increased their target price on shares of Trane Technologies from $210.00 to $231.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, August 3rd. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Trane Technologies has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $194.81. Get Our Latest Stock Report on TT About Trane Technologies (Free Report) Trane Technologies plc, together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, sells, and services of solutions for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, custom, and custom and transport refrigeration in Ireland and internationally. It offers air conditioners, exchangers, and handlers; airside and terminal devices; air sourced heat pumps, auxiliary power units; chillers; coils and condensers; gensets; dehumidifiers; ductless; furnaces; home automation products; humidifiers; indoor air quality assessments and related products; large and light commercial unitary products; refrigerant reclamation products; thermostats/controls; transport heater products; variable refrigerant flow products; and water source heat pumps. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Trane Technologies plc (NYSE:TT Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Trane Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Trane Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. (LON:WPM Get Free Report) announced a dividend on Friday, August 11th, Upcoming.Co.Uk reports. Shareholders of record on Thursday, August 24th will be given a dividend of $0.15 per share on Thursday, September 7th. This represents a yield of 0.34%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, August 24th. The official announcement can be viewed at this link. Wheaton Precious Metals Stock Performance LON:WPM opened at GBX 3,590 ($45.88) on Friday. The firm has a market cap of 16.26 billion, a P/E ratio of 3,386.79 and a beta of 0.46. Wheaton Precious Metals has a fifty-two week low of GBX 2,540 ($32.46) and a fifty-two week high of GBX 4,205.67 ($53.75). The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of GBX 3,442.88 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of GBX 3,639.93. Get Wheaton Precious Metals alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Separately, Berenberg Bank restated a buy rating and set a GBX 4,700 ($60.06) price objective on shares of Wheaton Precious Metals in a research note on Friday, April 28th. Wheaton Precious Metals Company Profile (Get Free Report) Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. primarily sells precious metals in North America, Europe, and South America. It produces and sells gold, silver, palladium, and cobalt deposits. The company was formerly known as Silver Wheaton Corp. and changed its name to Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. in May 10, 2017. Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Wheaton Precious Metals Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Wheaton Precious Metals and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Equitrans Midstream Corp (NYSE:ETRN) stock has been through a roller coaster ride since it was spun out of EQT Corporation in 2018. Equitrans Midstream Corp (NYSE:ETRN) is a mid-stream company with assets based in the Appalachian basin of the United States. The company provides infrastructure and services for gathering and transport of hydrocarbons (mainly natural gas) as well as providing water services to producers in the region. Equitrans was spun out of EQT Corporation (EQT) in November 2018 when EQT separated its upstream and midstream assets to better align with specific classes of investors. Equitrans Midsteam looks like a Good Bet Company's Organizational and Ownership Structure The following diagram shows the Company's organizational and ownership structure : Equitrans Midsteam looks like a Good Bet Geographical Reach and Core Assets The Appalachian Basin covers a vast area of approximately 185,000 square miles, stretching about 1,000 miles from the Northeast to the Southwest. It spans across parts of New York, Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio, West Virginia, and Western Maryland in the northern section, and also reaches into Northwestern Georgia and Northeastern Alabama in the south. The main oil and gas-producing formations in this region include the Marcellus Shale, Utica Shale, and Point Pleasant formation. Equitrans Midstream Corp (NYSE:ETRN) serves its clientele in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio by means of three core assets: the gathering system comprising predominantly high-pressure gathering lines for dry gas; the transmission system, encompassing FERC-regulated interstate pipelines and storage systems; and the water network, primarily consisting of pipelines and facilities supporting well completion and produced water handling. Revenue and Operations The majority of Equitrans' natural gas gathering, transmission, and storage services are rendered through long-term contracts, often featuring firm reservation fees. This contract structure bolsters the stability of the company's cash flows, with approximately 73% of operating revenues derived from firm reservation fees. By concentrating operations primarily in southwestern Pennsylvania, northern West Virginia, and southeastern Ohiohighly productive areas in the Marcellus and Utica Shalesthe company hones its focus on prolific resource development zones. Story continues Mountain Valley Pipeline Equitrans Midstream Corp (NYSE:ETRN) has a roster of significant project undertakings, with the paramount project being the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP). Now being more than 90% complete, this endeavor grappled with regulatory and environmental hurdles, resulting in a gradual progression towards its anticipated conclusion by the year's end. Amidst legal and stakeholder challenges, the intervention of the Biden administration has lent support to the Mountain Valley Pipeline. Recent legislation designates the pipeline as of national importance and sets forth a mandate for permits to be granted by June 2023. Equitrans, operating through a subsidiary, maintains a 48.1% ownership stake and operational responsibility for the pipeline. The project's objectives encompass augmenting Appalachian production and facilitating gas exports overseas. Balance Sheet Overview Following is a snapshot of Equitrans Midstream Corp (NYSE:ETRN) balance sheet as of June 2023. Equitrans Midsteam looks like a Good Bet Equitrans Midstream Corp (NYSE:ETRN) has high leverage mainly due to ongoing capital projects. Debt is high with debt to ebitda 14.4. The company is targeting Long-term target leverage of less than 4.0x (Leverage ratio is ETRN consolidated debt/(adjusted EBITDA + deferred revenue). Cash Flow The company took large write downs in 2019, 2021, 2022 for the delayed MVP project and may be forced to do so again. However the company is generating operating and free cash flow which covers its dividend. Current Annual dividend is $0.60 per common share. Conclusion Equitrans Midstream Corp (NYSE:ETRN)'s investment thesis is centered on its leading footprint in the Appalachian Basin, with a premier gathering, transmission, and water infrastructure positioned to benefit from core development in the Marcellus and Utica Shales. As one of the largest natural gas gatherers in the United States, the company is anchored by over 5 Bcf per day of MVCs(Minimum Volume Commitments) and has commercial alignment with EQT Corp (who holds a minority position in the company), enabling optimized drilling plans and significant midstream capital efficiencies. Equitrans Midstream Corp (NYSE:ETRN) looks to be an interesting stock with great capital appreciation potential. If the company executes as per plan the stock can double from here in three to five years in addition to paying a nice dividend. If not, there is downside but probably not a whole lot. Overall given the solid upside and the limited downside Equitrans looks like a reasonable bet. There is also the chance of a bigger pipeline company acquiring Equitrans. If that happens a price in the thirties could be expected. Note that the stock did trade in the 20s at IPO, so this is not a stretch by any means. The 8 Analysts tracked by Tipranks have a consensus of "hold" on the stock. Morningstar has a 3 -year fair value of $15 on the stock. Meanwhile we are getting a 6.08% dividend yield while we wait for the major projects to get completed. Equitrans Midsteam looks like a Good Bet This article first appeared on GuruFocus. A scheduled meeting of ECOWAS military chiefs for Accra, in Ghana today has been postponed indefinitely. The meeting was expected to fashion out the modalities for activating an ECOWAS standby force to reinstate elected President Mohamed Bazoum of Niger. Bazoum was ousted by soldiers on 26 July. They have since moved to establish a governance structure, along with the appointment of a civilian prime minister. They have also appointed military governors for the countrys regions. Chiefs of staff from member states of the West African bloc were set to attend the meeting in Accra, but they later said the meeting had been suspended indefinitely for technical reasons. Sources said the meeting was originally set up to inform the organisations leaders about the best options for activating and deploying the standby force. A new meeting for the military chiefs is now being scheduled for next week, a spokesperson for regional bloc ECOWAS said on Friday, according to a report by AFP. According to Gbenga Komolafe, The Chief Executive, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, disclosed that the impact of energy transition has made it mandatory for oil sector operators to develop innovative measures to mitigate its effect. He disclosed this at the Energy Year Nigeria 2023 Book Launch and Awards Ceremony in Lagos, according to a statement that he signed. We can also optimise the value chain of our crude oil by developing our domestic refining capacity with multiplying effect on the midstream derivatives. The derivatives include the petrochemical industry, methanol, ammonia production and LPG that will spur the industrial base and improve revenue for economic development," he said. Komolafe noted that Africas industrialisation capacity was weak due to its energy gap and low midstream derivatives and feedstock for industrial development, and that, an economy with low industrialisation is a weak economy. The NUPRC boss stated that, Alternative funding mechanism must be sought and pursued vigorously to assuage the effect of de-funding of fossil fuel. Such mechanisms could include pre-export financing, project financing, oil for service agreements and prioritisation of gas development being the adopted transition fuel. Furthermore, attention must be on ways to increase production at reduced unit cost by leveraging improved drilling techniques, enhancing oil recovery and improving oil recovery methods should be leveraged. Also, he stated that the adoption of advanced technologies was crucial in transforming the upstream sector, improving production and delivering benefits to government and investors. Dr Thon calls for greater environmental protection PHUKET: Well-known marine life environmentalist Dr Thon Thamrongnawasawat has called on officials to do more to protect Thailands coast from environmental disasters, even if only for the sake of preventing massive losses to the tourism industry, following the oil slick that plagued Phukets west coast beaches for the past week. natural-resourcesenvironmentpollutiontourism By The Phuket News Saturday 12 August 2023 09:00 AM The photo of the young turtle that Dr Thon featured with his post online calling for greater environmental protection. Photo: DMCR Officials are still attempting to identify exactly where and when the oil slick originated. Photo: PR Phuket Officials are still attempting to identify exactly where and when the oil slick originated. Photo: PR Phuket Officials are still attempting to identify exactly where and when the oil slick originated. Photo: PR Phuket Officials are still attempting to identify exactly where and when the oil slick originated. Photo: PR Phuket Officials are still attempting to identify exactly where and when the oil slick originated. Photo: PR Phuket Officials are still attempting to identify exactly where and when the oil slick originated. Photo: PR Phuket Dr Thon made his call for greater environmental protection through a post on Facebook that featured a distressing photo of a young turtle being cleaned of oil, which he described as, What hurt me so much and must have hurt my friends who love the sea the most. As far as we know, she is the third turtle to be hit by an oil slick in Phuket, and one is dead, Dr Thon wrote. Since starting to work in the sea until today, almost 40 years, I cant think of any case in Thai waters where turtles have been exposed to this much oil from a slick, he noted. Dr Thon called on all people involved in responding to the oil slick to not pass off the incident as just a pity. Thailand has joined the Convention on Biological Diversity, but what indicators for SDGs [Sustainable Development Goals] do we use? We have also signed up for and participated in many issues related to rare marine animals, but many stranded Thai sea turtles carry garbage with them, whether outside or inside [their bodies], and now they are being afflicted by oil, he added. Know that all parties are trying to find the source of the oil slick in order to pursue the perpetrators to be punished, but knowing who that is is extremely difficult. It was estimated that the incident occurred at a distance of more than 100 kilometres from the coast. With the system we have, how can we tell where the boat went? he posed. Suffice it to say that we still cant take care of the coast. We must keep our little turtles safe from serious pollution in the sea. And if we do not change, coastal tourism worth hundreds of billions [of baht] per year also risks random destruction in the blink of an eye, Dr Thon noted. Various animals and marine ecosystems still rely solely on luck to avoid catastrophic events. We need to invest more to understand and protect the seas. We need to understand the tides and wind waves, and identify risk areas so we can find a way to improve surveillance and have an early warning system, he added. Its not just a pity. Its more than that because we can still do better, he wrote. Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) Deputy Director-General Pornsri Suthanaruk on Tuesday (Aug 8) revealed that more than 4,000 rai of corals in Phuket and Phang Nga are at risk of damage by the oil slick, which she said affected 125 kilometres of coastline along the Andaman seaboard. The oil slick came from the north. It was first observed washing ashore in Phang Nga on Aug 2 and reached Koh Racha Yai, just over 17km south of Phuket, last Sunday (Aug 6), she said. A model of the oil slick determined that the slick originated some 80 to 90 nautical miles west (more likely northwest) of Phuket, Dr Pornsri said. DATA REVIEW Phuket Marine Chief Natchaphong Pranit on Thursday (Aug 9) joined a meeting with representatives of selected agencies in the hope of learning more about the origin of the oil slick. Among the agencies represented were the DMCR, the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNRE) and the Environment and Pollution Control Region 15 branch, which is based in Phuket. The beaches confirmed to have been affected by the oil washing ashore were listed as Khao Lak Beach as well as Khuk Khak Thai Mueang in Phang Nga, then continuing down the west west coast of Phuket to affect Sirinath National Park, Mai Khao Beach, Nai Yang Beach, Kamala Beach, Patong Beach, Karon Beach, Kata Beach and Koh Racha Yai, located south of Phuket. The team reviewed weather models, including factors such as wind, tides and waves, and the number of ships passing through the area where the slick is believed to have originated. All data collected will be forwarded to the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) for further analysis, including tests to confirm the type and composition of the oil, Mr Natchapong said. However, he added that it is expected to take one to two weeks before all the samples and test data will be ready to forward to GISTDA. This is the first time that there has been a joint discussion of such relevant agencies to collect data and create a model to narrow down the tracking of ships that dumped oil into the sea, Mr Natchapong said. All information obtained from existing equipment and any data on ships passing through the area will be delivered to GISTDA to evaluate and use satellite images to ensure we have scientific facts as evidence in prosecuting the offender and for us to continue to take action according to the relevant laws, said Mr. Nachapong. SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Ford's Brazilian unit on Friday said it reached a transfer agreement with the government of Bahia state to give it ownership of a factory complex closed since 2021. The automaker said the agreement will provide it with "compensation in amounts compatible with the market," but did not disclose an amount. Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD has shown interest in the complex, located in the Camacari industrial park. The automaker has since at least mid-2022 been trying to reach a deal with Ford and the Bahia government to acquire the asset. BYD said in a statement that it "continues with the planning to invest in the Camacari industrial park, maintaining the necessary negotiations with the Bahia government." It was not immediately clear whether the industrial unit mentioned by the company involves the Ford area. (Reporting by Alberto Alerigi Jr.; Editing by Sandra Maler) ZUF meets | IMPHAL, Aug 11 : A delegation comprising leaders of Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) under Cessation of Operation (CoO) pact with the Central and the State Government and leaders of kindred tribes (Zeliangrong) called on Chief Interlocutor AK Mishra in the National capital today. The delegation discussed various impending issues with the Chief Interlocutor and deliberated on possible solutions during the meeting which lasted nearly three hours. It may be recalled that ZUF, the Central and the State Governments formally signed the CoO agreement on December 27 last year. UG groups call general strike | IMPHAL, Aug 11: Militant outfits, KCP-MC (Progressive) as well as the National Revolutionary Front Manipur (NRFM) have called general strike on August 15. A press release issued by KCP-MC (Progressive) information and publicity secretary Maheikhomba Meitei said that there would be general strike in Kangleipak from 6 am of August 15 till 11 pm. It also appealed to all the people of Kangleipak to offer lamps/lights on August 14 and pray for peace and unity. The NRFM has also called a general strike in Manipur on 5 am to 5 pm of August 15. A press release issued by NRFM information and publicity secretary Sanajaoba Meitei said that the outfits executive members would observe silence for three minutes at August 14 midnight in solidarity to all the displaced people of all communities who are currently taking shelter at relief camps. It further appealed to all the people to contribute towards safe return of all displaced people to their homes. The militant outfits added that essential services would be exempted from the purview of the general strike. In an abrupt move Governor CV Ananda Bose has asked the state health department to remove the vice-chancellor (VC) of the West Bengal University of Health Sciences (WBUHS). The move is sure to intensify the ongoing tussle between Raj Bhavan and state secretariat, Nabanna on appointment of VCs for temporary periods in different state-run universities. According to sources at Raj Bhaban, Mr Bose who is also the chancellor of all state government universities, has directed Swasthya Bhaban, health department headquarters at Salt Lake, to remove the health university VC Dr Suhrita Pal. Dr Pal has been asked by Raj Bhaban to give clarifications in connection with the process of her appointment within 72 hours after receiving her removal letter, sources said, requesting anonymity. The reason: Dr Pauls appointment as VS was not allegedly made as per the rules of the University Grant Commission (UGC). Earlier, Mr Bose appointed temporary VCs in 11 universities across the state, prompting the state education department to make strong protests against the move. The search committee formed by the state committee to appoint the health university VC did not follow the UGC rules. No UGC representative was there in the committee during the appointment of Dr Pal, its learnt. She has moved the high court challenging the Raj Bhaban directive. Advertisement Hearing on the petition might be held on Monday, a senior administrative official of the health university said. Dr Pal was not available for comment. The education minister, Bratya Basu while reacting to the Governors decision to appoint the temporary VCs had reacted: The government wont give recognitions to the VCs appointed by the Governor in state-run universities. Raj Bhaban has been intervening into higher education affairs in our state and this is unprecedented. Mr Bose had held meetings with VCs of the rest 16 universities soon after the education minister expressed state government stand on appointment of the temporary VCs. Bangla Pokkho, a national organization for the Bengalis, filed a PIL at Calcutta High Court with a complain of illegal entries of candidates from neighbouring states by using fake domicile certificates in the reserved seats for Bengal in the examination of SSC-GD for the post of CAPF constable and rifleman which is under the Home ministry. For the post of CAPF (BSF, CRPF, CISF etc) constable and rifleman, Bengal has 6,000 plus seats reserved for its permanent residents. By using fake domicile and fake caste certificate, candidates from neighbouring states are taking undue advantage to participate in the seats reserved for Bengal. Either they are forging domicile certificates or they are getting the certificate from the SDO office by providing misinformation. Regarding this, Bangla Pokkho has already submitted deputation at regional headquarters of SSC at Nizam Palace, Kolkata along with at CRPF Bhavan. Bangla Pokkho also submitted deputation at Barrackpore SDO office with evidence. The organisation and Bengali candidates have also lodged multiple police complaints at Madhyamgram PS, Haringhata PS and Electronics Complex PS, said sources. The Bengali organization on Friday filed a PIL in the court of Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court. On behalf of Bangla Pokkho Siksha Parisad Sadyasha (central committee member) and organising secretary Koushik Maiti has filed the PIL ( WPA(P)/ 444/2023). Advocate Prasanjit Debnath and Dibyayan Banerjee will plead the case. Advertisement They would appeal for a on the recruitment process for SSC-GD-2022 and the verification of documents, submitted by the candidates and for a CID probe into the operation of fake domicile certificates. Mr Maiti, on the PIL, said, There are a number of fake domicile certificate rackets in operation in Bengal and the CID should investigate them. We will continue our fight against such fake rackets. We request the Chief Justice to look into the matter seriously and stay the recruitment process. Fully funded scholarships for 200 persons with disabilities (PwDs) have been announced. SkillArbitrage, an edtech company, has granted Rs 1 crore in scholarships for its upskilling courses. These courses will help them find jobs both in the domestic private sector as well as remote freelance opportunities in countries like the US, UK and Canada. The candidates, who complete the courses successfully, will be co-certified by National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). Finding a good job has often been a challenge reported by many PwDs candidates since many organisations, even today, hesitate to readily hire them based on their talent and skill sets. The upskill courses are crafted by experts to teach the most in-demand skills in the fields of content writing, finance, compliance, startup generalist, strategic HR, artificial intelligence, accounting and bookkeeping, among others. To qualify for the scholarship, candidates must produce a government-issued disability card or certificate of disability. The scholarship will be offered purely on a first-come-first-served basis for 200 learners with disability. SkillArbitrage is fortunate that we have the resources today to support the PwD community, said Ramanuj Mukherjee, CEO, SkillArbitrage. We have been giving 100 per cent scholarship to all PwD candidates who approached us already. We are now ready to expand the program aggressively and we hope to be able to cater to 200 brilliant minds over the next six months and help them to achieve their dream careers. Raj and DK, the creators of the upcoming streaming show Guns and Gulaabs, have shared that the show has been shot in Uttarakhand, in and around the states capital city Dehradun. The original idea was to shoot the show in Rajs hometown in Andhra Pradesh, much like their earlier production, the horror-comedy Stree. However, the creators made a choice to set the show in north India as they got the texture and the tone suitable for the show in Uttarakhand. Talking about the show, Krishna D.K. of Raj & DK, told IANS, We spent the maximum time looking for the ideal location for this show. It took us almost three months to lock the final location as we went around a lot of locations across the country. Advertisement Guns & Gulaabs, which stars Rajkummar Rao, Gulshan Devaiah and Dulquer Salmaan, is a black comedy show, set in the 1990s and revolves around the drug mafias who take up sinister and unintentionally humorous way to get their share of pie. The reason for being very specific was the story is set in the 1990s so the creators wanted a small town that has that vibe and the texture of a 1990 small town and in a globalised world where cities and towns across the world look similar, it was very tough to crack. Raj chipped in as he said that the challenge was to find geographical windows. He continued, We had to find windows to shoot in a sense, the geographical windows when we had to avoid certain things in the frames like the dish antennas because they were not around in the 1990s. Its only in 2000 that dish antennas made their way into India. We were even tempted to shoot in the location next to my hometown and Andhra Pradesh because our original thought was from there, he added. Guns & Gulaabs is set to stream on Netflix from August 18. A Muslim woman leader of the minority front of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from Nagpur in Maharashtra was allegedly murdered and her body thrown into a river in Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh. The police said on Friday evening that they had rounded up three suspects, including the womans husband and his two accomplices in connection with the case. According to the police, the BJP leader, Sana Khan alias Heena had come to Jabalpur about 11 days ago but had gone missing since. Advertisement Her family members, including her brother, had lodged a complaint about her missing at Nagpur. The family had suspected that Sana might have been murdered. A team of the Nagpur police had come to Jabalpur and launched an investigation with the help of MP Police into the matter and subsequently nabbed one Amit Sahu alias Pappu, whom Sana had reportedly married in court six months ago. Amit owns a dhaba in Jabalpur and lives in the Gorabazar area of the city. The police also nabbed Amits employee Jitendra Gaur and friend Rajendra Singh in connection with the incident. During the probe, Gaur told the police that he had washed blood stains from Amits car a few days ago. On the basis of that information, police nabbed Amit. Police officials said during interrogation, Amit confessed to having bludgeoned Sana to death in his rented apartment at Rajula colony in Jabalpur after the two had a dispute over money and other issues. He, along with his friend Rajendra Singh, then disposed off her body by wrapping it in plastic and throwing it into the Hiran river near Jabalpur. The police are searching for the body on the basis of information provided by the arrested accused. A police team from Maharashtra would take custody of the three accused and take them to Nagpur, where the case was registered at Manakpur police station on the complaint lodged by Sanas family. Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent out a strong message on Saturday that he would again be the prime minister of the country in 2024. Addressing a huge public rally at Dhana in the Sagar district of Madhya Pradesh this afternoon, Modi said, today I laid the foundation stone of the Sant Ravidas Temple here and I am certain that Sant Ravidas will definitely bless me to come again and inaugurate the temples opening too when it gets completed in about an year or two. The PM sat for a yagna and laid the foundation stone for the proposed Sant Ravidas Temple, Art Museum and Memorial spread across an area of 100 acre to be built at a cost of Rs 100 crore at Bartuma in the Sagar district. Advertisement From there, the PM proceeded to Dhana in Sagar where he laid the foundation stones for rail and road projects worth Rs 4,000 crore. Addressing a public rally in Dhana, Modi said he was doubly elated today, as he is a member of the Lok Sabha from Kashi (Banaras), which is also the birthplace of Sant Ravidas. Modi said India is in its Amrit Kaal for the next 25 years and we must pledge to take the country forward and also learn lessons from history. Quoting Sant Ravidas on several occasions during his speech, the PM averred that casteism eats up humanity and accepting slavery and subjugation is a sin. Today the country is moving forward towards development and out of the slave mentality. Our government is committed to free India from poverty and hunger, the PM asserted. Referring to the Covid pandemic, the PM said it threatened the existence and survival of the poor, backwards, SC/ST, dalits and tribals in India the most. Modi said he pledged to not let that happen and not let any poor remain hungry. The PM said the entire world stood up and appreciated the works that the government did in India during the pandemic for the poor and backward classes. Attacking the previous governments, the PM said those governments made projects for the poor only during the election season. Our government has worked concertedly for the benefit of the poor and many projects are being implemented for dalits, poor, SC/ST and tribals, he said. The PM recounted the projects like Ayushman card scheme for the poor, education for tribals, mid-day meal for kids, sukanya yojana for girls, scholarships for SC/ST students, Mudra loan scheme for the SC/ST youth amongst others. Today people call the Ayushman card as the Modi card. Health related bills of up to Rs 5 lakh for the poor are paid by this son of yours, the PM said. More than Rs 8000 crore financial assistance has been provided so far to SC/ST youth to make them self-dependent, he added. He said the government is also ensuring housing for the SC/ST, poor, dalits, tribals and backward classes. The Congress ruled the country for years but did nothing for the uplift of the dalits and poor, Modi charged. Today the dalits, poor and SC/ST are getting equal place in the society, he claimed. Our government is preserving the rich legacy of the SC/ST, dalits and tribals and for the first time they are getting the honour and respect, which they always deserved, Modi asserted. This was Modis seventh visit to election-bound Madhya Pradesh in the past 11 months. Sagar comes under the Bundelkhand region and has a huge number of SC/ST and dalit voters. In the 2018 assembly polls, the BJP had won 18 assembly seats in the region while the Congress got 17 out of the 35 seats reserved for the Scheduled Castes (SC). There are another 19 seats in the region, which have a major influence of dalit voters that account for about 16 per cent of the total voters. The crucial state assembly elections in MP would take place in November this year. Following that, the next Lok Sabha polls would take place in 2024. Stating that the prospects of the BJP under the stewardship pf Narendra Modi are bleak and there is a rift in the party, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot categorically said the prime minister was losing respect not only in public but also in his own party. Aap (Modi) ki jis tarah ki approach hai, aap ki party aap ke khilaf ho rahi haidhire dhire revolt ho sakta hai aapke khilaf (You (Modi) have such an approach, your party (BJP) is turning against youthere may be a gradual revolt against you), Gehlot told the media outside Durgapura Agriculture Research Auditorium after addressing a Yuva Sankalp and its new policy convention. Reacting on Modis statement in the Lok Sabha against the no-confidence motion in which the PM mentioned Parivarvad, Quit India, Gehlot said here on Saturday that it was the Congress that brought democracy and sustained it in the country. Late Mrs Indira Gandhi and late Rajiv Gandhi (both former prime ministers) sacrificed themselves and Mrs Gandhi did not allow Khalistan movement, he added. Advertisement How come you (Modi) are concerned about our vanshvaad (dynasty), we do not care what RSS and BJP are doing with their families. There will be no Congress Mukt Bharat. People in this country liked this Congress family, now they like it, and would not forget it too. Congress survives in every home in this country. People like this parivar very much hence they cast their secret vote, Gehlot said. He then targeted Modi and BJP alleging that this should have been a matter of concern for him (Modi) because the respect he had in public has already diminished. But now, his respect is continuously decreasing in his party as well. Modi does not get respect in BJP meetings. Ask any big leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party what kind of situation has developed in the meetings of his party. You people (the media) know the reality they way things have changed against Modi ji in the recent past, he said. He further said, I would like to tell Narendra Modi that he has achieved prime ministership banking on your OBC background. At least, have respect for the OBCs. We only want the country to remain united. For this, we need the support of all countrymen, irrespective of their party and ideology. Everyone should remain united for patriotism and Mother India, he said. On the situation in violence-ravaged Manipur, the CM said rape and violence against women were happening continuously. More than 100 rape cases have come to the fore. Thousands of FIRs have been registered, but the prime minister laughs away on the issue at Parliament. Modiji mentioned Manipur only for two minutes in his over two-hour long speech. He questioned his apathy towards the hapless women. The Prime Minister should impose the Presidents rule there (Manipur). He has his own governor who could advise him on the matter. But I dont know why Modiji is not taking deterrent steps. In such a situation, people of the country want to know why the prime minister is silent on Manipur, he said. Michael Colglazier spent three decades at Disney, running the entertainment giant's theme park business before joining Virgin Galactic - Paul A. Hebert/Getty Images Friends, family and crew gathered on the runway at Spaceport America in Nevada last Thursday to watch Virgin Galactics VSS Unity glide up through the clear skies 55-miles to the edge of space. The flight carried the youngest woman to have gone to space, 18-year-old Aberdeen University student Anastatia Mayers. Joe Goodwin, the 80-year-old former British Olympian who paid for his spot in 2005, was also on board. It marked the first Virgin Galactic flight to carry tourists, rather than scientists or company crew, into space. Among those watching from the ground was Michael Colglazier, the 56-year-old former Disney executive hired by Sir Richard Branson to turn space into the theme park for the wealthy. Getting amateur astronauts into space is the culmination of a two decade journey for Virgin Galactic and its founder and long-time bankroller Sir Richard Branson. The project has cost billions of dollars to get off the ground and been beset by years of delay and disaster. Colglazier was brought in three years ago to help commercialise the business after it finally escaped its long, difficult development process. Thursdays flight was an incredibly good day, Colglazier told The Sunday Telegraph. Prior to Virgin Galactic, Colglazier spent three decades at Disney culminating in running the companys international theme park business. Virgin Galactic's VSS Unity takes paying customers 55 miles up to the very edge of space - Virgin Galactic/PA From the outside, the appointment seemed unusual. On joining the business in 2020, one analyst joked that Colglazier was taking on a totally new kind of Space Mountain, in reference to the Disneyland roller coaster ride. Colglazier replied: Space Mountain is actually my favourite attraction. Speaking to The Telegraph, Colglaziers vision for Virgin Galactic suggests there is more in common between the two businesses than you may think. The heart of both is keeping tourists happy. We are here to create an experience that carries out over multiple years, and carries on for the rest of your life, he says. Story continues For Colglazier, a Virgin Galactic flight should be about more than just the five minutes of weightlessness tourists enjoy while high above earth. The sweeping, futuristic design for its Spaceport America base demonstrates this ambition. The port offers visitors a panorama of the landing strip and mountains through vast elliptical windows. The whole building extends upwards, like a runway into the sky. The space port was designed by star architect firm Foster + Partners, which helped Apple build its retail stores and created The Gherkin tower in London. Virgin Galactics ultimate goal is to provide powerfully meaningful experiences with a multiyear journey that culminates in a week at our spaceport, Colglazier says. The company has hired several other former Disney executives, including one of its leading imagineers, John Rohde, to work on Virgin Galactics hospitality experience. Astronauts who stay at the spaceport are able to bring several guests or family to the retreat. The company promises all-inclusive, luxury astronaut accommodations, while guests get special tours and trips. After the flight, astronauts are presented with their astronaut wings in a formal ceremony: a badge signifying they have been more than 50 miles into the atmosphere. Customers are also given lifelong membership to a club of former Virgin Galactic passengers who are offered tickets to exclusive events where they can reminisce about space. Space tourists Anastatia Mayers, Keisha Schahaff and Jon Goodwin after their successful space flight - Andres Leighton/AP Photo Colglazier says: We are not here to take you up and down so you can grab a selfie. Ultimately, however, the biggest selling point is seeing the earth from space. You are so much more connected to everything, Mayers, who won a charity competition to secure the $450,000 ticket, said after last weeks flight. You felt part of the universe, a part of earth, I am so starstruck. If Colglazier and Sir Richards bet pays off, Spaceport America could become a kind of Disneyland for the ultra wealthy. A berth on its rockets costs $450,000, putting it in league with other exclusive experiences such as deep sea expeditions to visit the wreck of the Titanic. Virgin Galactic now plans to launch a mission every month. Each trip can hold three tourists and the company currently has a backlog of around 800 budding astronauts, suggesting it has enough demand to run flights for years to come. Sir Richard is not the only one betting on space tourism: Jeff Bezos Blue Origin is also offering to blast the wealthy into orbit. Sir Richard narrowly beat Bezos in the race to put a billionaire in space back in 2021. Since then, Blue Origin has gained ground and completed six crewed tourist missions. However, its New Shepard rocket has been grounded since September last year. Elon Musks SpaceX has offered a handful of charter flights, taking three private flyers into space for $55m in 2022, although it is largely focused on satellite launches and an upcoming Moon mission for NASA. Colglazier says Virgin Galactic is now working on developing a new production line and its next generation spacecraft, the Delta, which will be cheaper and able to fly multiple missions per month. It is hoped the craft will be ready by 2026. The chief executive also has a mission to lift the companys share price, which is down 94pc from its peak two years ago. Colglazier will hope it can defy gravity like Virgin Galactics passengers. I am still up there, Keisha Schahaff, who won a ticket on last weeks flight from a philanthropic auction run by Space for Humanity, said on Thursday night. I am not here yet. It is amazing you can land so smoothly on the runway coming back down from space. It really was the best ride ever. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Madhya Pradesh on Saturday afternoon and will lay foundation stones for Rs 100 crore temple dedicated to social reformer Sant Ravidas in Sagar district. PM Modi will also lay foundation stones for rail and road sector projects worth over Rs 4000 crores during his visit. Sant Shiromani Gurudev Shri Ravidas ji Memorial will be constructed in an area of more than 11.25 acres and at a cost of more than Rs. 100 crores. The magnificent memorial will have an impressive art museum and gallery to showcase the life, philosophy and teachings of Sant Shiromani Gurudev Shri Ravidas ji. It will also have facilities for devotees visiting the memorial like Bhakt Niwas, Bhojanalay etc, an official statement issued by Prime Minister office said. Advertisement According to officials, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan had in February this year announced plans to build Sant Ravidas Temple and his memorial in Badtuma in Sagar district. The temple will be built in Nagar style. An interpretation museum will also be constructed to showcase work and personality of Sant Ravidas. Four galleries will be made in the museum, in which Bhakti Marg, contribution to the Nirgun Panth, philosophy of the saint Ravidas and his literature, details of harmony will also be there. At around 2:15 PM, PM Modi will reach Sagar district, where he will perform Bhoomi Poojan at Sant Shiromani Gurudev Shri Ravidas ji Memorial Sthal. At around 3:15 PM, Prime Minister will participate in a public programme at Dhana where he will lay the foundation stone for Sant Shiromani Gurudev Shri Ravidas ji Memorial, PMO said in its release. During the programme, Prime Minister will dedicate to the nation and lay the foundation stone of rail and road sector projects worth more than Rs 4000 crores. He will also dedicate the doubling of the Kota-Bina rail route which has been developed at a cost of more than Rs 2475 crores. The project, which has been built at an estimated cost of more than Rs 2475 crores, passes through Kota and Baran districts in Rajasthan, and Guna, Ashoknagar and Sagar districts in Madhya Pradesh. The additional rail line will increase capacity for better mobility and will help improve train speed along the route, PMO release said. PM Modi will also lay the foundation stone of two road projects to be developed at a cost of more than Rs 1580 crores. These include a four-laning road project connecting Morikori Vidisha Hinotiya and a road project that will connect Hinotiya to Mehluwa, it added. The State is set to go to Assembly polls later this year. Known for his bold judgments, being pro-poor and strongly supportive of the underprivileged classes, Justice Anang Kumar Patnaik, retired from the Supreme Court in 2014. He served as the Chief Justice of different state high courts like Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Orissa. He was part of the two-judge Bench constituted by former Chief Justice of India (CJI) SH Kapadia for hearing all cases related to the 2G spectrum case. In 2018, he headed the Central Vigilance Commission that conducted the inquiry on former CBI Director Alok Verma. Justice AK Patnaik shared his views in an exclusive interview with Chandrani Banerjee touching upon various topics from the CJI not being part of the panel to elect Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Vigilance Commissioner (VC) to the probity of Supreme Court and High Court Judges. What do you think about the exclusion of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) from the panel that was meant to elect the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners? Advertisement Exclusion is not the right word. He will not be part of the panel any longer. The Supreme Courts March order clearly stated that this arrangement was meant till the time Parliament does not bring in a law. So, this arrangement was interim and not permanent. (The Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal introduced the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023, in the Rajya Sabha in the recent monsoon session. The Supreme Court had given the judgment in March in the absence of a law to regulate the appointments of Chief Election Commissioners). Are you convinced that it will ensure a transparent selection of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Election Commissioners (ECs) and Vigilance Commissioners (VCs)? Yes, absolutely. I personally feel that the Chief Justice of India (CJI) is above board. There should not be any controversy in this regard. The words- removal, excluded are not correct and not used in the right spirit. These decisions should be left to the political class. Before March, there was a selection procedure in place that was followed. Till the Supreme Court ruling came into effect, the Chief Election Commissioner was recommended by the government and approved by the President. Now, the leader of Opposition (LoP) has been brought in, so both the ruling party and the Opposition can express their views on the appointment. I do not think that there is a gap if there is complete representation from both sides. Supreme Court transferred Gujarat Court Judge Justice Hemant Prachchhak to Patna High Court for better administration of justice. Your views? Nothing surprising. Every organisation works on a certain set of rules. Rules are meant to be followed. They have not been made to be broken. If there is no system or rules in any organization, will it function in a result-oriented manner? We have a certain internal system and that is for everyone to follow. If someone takes the liberty to do something otherwise, then there will be measures that would be taken to straighten the system. The transfer of Justice Prachchhak is fair, you would say? If someone is not following the rules of a set system while being a part of it, then there is a problem. If one is not a part of it, then there is no binding on that individual. However, if someone is willingly part of a system, he/ she has to follow it. The judges are supposed to be above board. So, I would say transfer of judges is part of the set process, nothing unusual. There are many instances of Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts being involved in corruption. What is the mechanism check it? There is a proper internal system of checks and balances in place for the Supreme Court and High Court judges. It is not that they are above the law. And they are constantly monitored. So it is not that there is no system. The internal system is constantly at it. Is the internal system of checks and balances enough to monitor the judges? The internal system is good enough. However, every system requires overhauling. The internal system was set up many years ago. Things have changed. New concepts are in place. Technology has turned the world upside down. Now, virtual hearings take place without bags full of papers. So the system should be upgraded as per the need, and it certainly deserves a relook. The relook is not always criticism but it is a healthy practice to save the system. It helps to keep the good of the system intact, while adding the new advantages, making it relevant in the current context. And that helps it to run smoothly. A parliamentary panel recommended that the sitting judges declare their assets. Your views? This is not new. I was an insider. I stayed in the system and I know this recommendation is okay. Again, there is an internal system that asks the judges to declare their assets in detail, that is why I said it is not new. However, I do not see anything wrong in the recommendation. It is okay if the judges have to declare their assets. As I said earlier that an upgrade and relook of the internal system is required. What measures should be taken to speed up the justice delivery system in the country? Things are moving at a good pace. Virtual courts are already functioning. The people handling the system are highly capable and visionary. So there should be more revolutionary steps that we would witness. The digitization of courts is a big step towards speeding up the justice delivery system. A gathering of international dignitaries marked the Ambassadors Meet at Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowals residence on Friday. The meeting, with participation from more than 40 countries, including 21 Ambassadors, High Commissioners, Deputy High Commissioners, Trade Commissioners, and 23 other diplomats, underscored the global interest in the upcoming Global Maritime India Summit 2023 (GMIS 2023) to be held in October in New Delhi. Sonowal, in his address, emphasised Indias vast potential in the maritime sector and stated that In this era of globalization, the maritime sector has emerged as a leading light of economic growth, facilitating the movement of goods, services and ideas across borders. Indias ports and waterways have undergone transformational changes, becoming facilitators of trade on a global scale. Our Flagship Initiative Sagarmala, launched by our Prime Minister Narendra Modi , seeks to integrate our ports with industrial and logistical corridors, further enhancing connectivity and operational efficiency. Advertisement The minister stressed unlocking the investment opportunities in Indias maritime sector, noting Indias policy of 100 per cent FDI through automatic route for projects related to the construction and maintenance of ports and harbours. He informed that Public Private Privatization has played a pivotal role and currently PPP terminals are handling around 50 per cent of cargo at major ports. The Ambassadors Meet witnessed participation from diverse regions, including Africa, ASEAN, and the CIS. Among the prominent attendees were Ambassadors, Deputy High Commissioners, Charge daffaires, and other diplomats from countries such as USA, Argentina, Germany, Canada, Australia, Finland, Norway, Netherland, Russia, Malaysia, Qatar, Maldives, Georgia, and Commonwealth of Independent Countries (CIS) countries each representing their nations commitment to maritime collaboration. Union Minister of State for External Affairs V Muralidharan questioned Kerala chief minister and state PWD Minister Mohammed Riyas over their silence on the findings of the Income Tax Interim Settlement Board (ITISB) a scam involving Veena Vijayan. The ITISB revealed that the CMs daughter received Rs 1.72 crore from Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd. (CMRL) for consultancy service that was never provided. Speaking to media persons in Kollam, Muralidharan said Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Mohammed Riyas, who is son-in-law of the CM, have not yet responded to the masappadi'( monthly payment) received by Veena Vijayan. Advertisement While the CM is maintaining a studied silence, his son-in-law is hiding in a burrow for three days now. The minister, who used to respond to all issues and happenings in the country, is now keeping silent over the allegations that his father-in-law and wife Veena Vijayan received pay-offs from a company, Muralidharan said. Muralidharan said Minister Mohammed Riyas has not yet explained as to why he had not included the money received by his wife in the election affidavit. It has been reported that neither income tax returns filed by Veena Vijayan nor the affidavit submitted by her husband to the Election Commission has a mention of the money received from the CMRL. Meanwhile, BJP Kerala president K Surendran asked why the parties in the INDIA front-(CPI-M-led LDF and Congress -led UDF) put up separate candidates for the Puthuppally bypoll. Stating that these parties associated with the INDIA front have the same stance on all matters related to the Uniform Civil Code, on receiving masappadi and on opposing BJP, Surendran asked why they cannot field a single candidate from the Puthuppally constituency. West Africa, where coups detat in Burkina Faso, Guinea and Mali in the recent past, coming as they did against the backdrop of continuous conflict in the Sahel region where violence has displaced more than 2.5 million people and spread to Benin and Togo, seems headed into a new period of instability. If not arrested, the trend of violence in Africas coastal states could wipe out its economic development gains. But obviously nobody is listening. The latest to join the list of African nations where the armed forces or political figures backed by them have ousted a civilian government is Niger, where a coup was effected on 26 July. It was West Africas seventh in three years. What has the West worried is that while China is well-established on the continent in major countries economic and security domains and seems immune to internal upheavals there, the fast-paced developments in the aftermath of the Niger coup mirror those in Mali and Burkina Faso ~ in that they underline the near-impossibility of sustaining the US-led Wests hard security and geostrategic interests and its slightly less enthusiastic commitment to democracy in various parts of Africa. Washingtons much-vaunted twintrack policy approach to counter China in Africa is premised on pushing a narrative denigrating Beijings mercantilist approach and Moscows so-called dark ops to achieving their strategic aims while simultaneously working towards a new, more flexible regional policy premised on four pillars. These have been defined by the USA as fostering open societies; delivering democratic and security dividends; advancing pandemic recovery and economic opportunities; and supporting conservation, climate adaptation, and an equitable energy transition process. The developments in Niger are likely to have put paid to all that, at least for the foreseeable future. One of the leading experts on global conflict and security, Vanda FelbabBrown, points out that tensions had been simmering between Nigers president, Mohamed Bazoum, and Mr Abdourahamane Omar Tchiani, the head of the presidential guard that conducted the putsch with the backing of the countrys military elite. More interestingly, in keeping with the script of West Africas recent junta takeovers, the putschists justified their move as necessary because of Mr Bazoums inadequate security policies; in fact, asserts Felbab-Brown, the ousted presidents counterterrorism approach and his strong cooperation with the West were improving the security picture. While Western analysts rule out a direct Russian role in the Niger coup, nearly all of them flag the disinformation campaign Moscow has been running in West Africa agitating against France and the USA, accusing both powers of neo-colonialism and polarisation. But the fact is that the so-called propaganda, whether Russian or Chinese, has fallen on receptive ears. Over the past decade and more, Nigers ruling establishment has used brutal and violent tactics against protesters and opponents, to which the West closed its eyes in order to maintain military bases, uranium access, and cooperation to stem the tide of migrants heading to Europe. Going ahead, western powers will likely have to pinch their collective nose too, much as they did in large parts of West Asia, South Asia, and Latin America during the Cold War Advertisement Google Doodle today marks the 95th birthday of Fatima Meer, a significant figure from South Africa. She is a popular writer, artist, scholar, and anti-apartheid activist. Her contributions to human rights and gender equality have left a lasting impact. On this occasion, lets delve into her life story. In 1969, she authored a book named Portrait of Indian South Africans. The proceeds from its sales entirely went to the Gandhi Settlement, which aimed to construct a Gandhi Museum and Clinic. She was a part of a mission that saved 10,000 Indian flood victims along the Umgeni River. Fatima Meers activism: Her support for the Iranian Revolution was steadfast, and she took a stand against Salman Rushdies visit to South Africa in 1998, citing his alleged blasphemy. Fatima Meer actively participated in protests against the oppression of Palestinians and the US-led invasion of Afghanistan. Additionally, she established Jubilee 2000, advocating for the cancellation of Third World debt. Advertisement From 1956 to 1988, she served as a sociology lecturer and staff member at the University of Natal, where she earned the distinction of being the first non-white individual to hold that position. Beyond her homeland, she was a visiting professor at various foreign universities. She also gained recognition as a fellow at the London School of Economics and received three honorary doctorates. In a historic move, Fatima Meer and Kesaveloo Goonam assumed leadership roles in the Natal Indian Congress (NIC) in 1950, becoming the first women to do so. Recognizing the need for unity in the aftermath of racial conflicts between Africans and Indians, Meer played a key role in founding the Durban and District Womens League on October 4, 1952. This organization aimed to foster collaboration between the two communities. In 1950, Fatima Meer married her first cousin, Ismail Meer, a prominent lawyer and anti-apartheid activist. This was a common practice within the Sunni Bhora community she belonged to. Together, their efforts contributed significantly to the fight against apartheid. The Ecuadorian Attorney Generals Office has said that it has charged six Colombians, whom a judge ordered to remain in custody, for their alleged links to the assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio. At their arraignment on Thursday, the Prosecutors Office presented charges against the Colombian citizens, the office said on Friday in a statement. Presented among the charges were evidence reports, eyewitness accounts, the autopsy protocol, ballistic results and security camera videos, among other elements. Advertisement After the armed attack that killed Villavicencio, the six suspects were arrested on Wednesday in their homes in two Quito neighbourhoods, where weapons and three grenades were found, Xinhua news agency reported. The office specified that according to the autopsy protocol, Villavicencio was shot from long distance, while the ballistic report determined that the casings coincide with one of the rifles found in the raids. In addition, a fingerprint was found on a motorcycle abandoned by the defendants, it said, adding that the prosecutions investigation will remain open for 30 days. Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. (NYSE:HE) stock is about to trade ex-dividend in 4 days. The ex-dividend date is one business day before a company's record date, which is the date on which the company determines which shareholders are entitled to receive a dividend. The ex-dividend date is important because any transaction on a stock needs to have been settled before the record date in order to be eligible for a dividend. Meaning, you will need to purchase Hawaiian Electric Industries' shares before the 17th of August to receive the dividend, which will be paid on the 8th of September. The company's next dividend payment will be US$0.36 per share, and in the last 12 months, the company paid a total of US$1.44 per share. Based on the last year's worth of payments, Hawaiian Electric Industries has a trailing yield of 4.4% on the current stock price of $32.4. If you buy this business for its dividend, you should have an idea of whether Hawaiian Electric Industries's dividend is reliable and sustainable. So we need to check whether the dividend payments are covered, and if earnings are growing. See our latest analysis for Hawaiian Electric Industries Dividends are typically paid from company earnings. If a company pays more in dividends than it earned in profit, then the dividend could be unsustainable. Hawaiian Electric Industries paid out more than half (68%) of its earnings last year, which is a regular payout ratio for most companies. Yet cash flows are even more important than profits for assessing a dividend, so we need to see if the company generated enough cash to pay its distribution. Fortunately, it paid out only 49% of its free cash flow in the past year. It's encouraging to see that the dividend is covered by both profit and cash flow. This generally suggests the dividend is sustainable, as long as earnings don't drop precipitously. Click here to see the company's payout ratio, plus analyst estimates of its future dividends. Story continues Have Earnings And Dividends Been Growing? Stocks in companies that generate sustainable earnings growth often make the best dividend prospects, as it is easier to lift the dividend when earnings are rising. If earnings fall far enough, the company could be forced to cut its dividend. This is why it's a relief to see Hawaiian Electric Industries earnings per share are up 6.5% per annum over the last five years. Decent historical earnings per share growth suggests Hawaiian Electric Industries has been effectively growing value for shareholders. However, it's now paying out more than half its earnings as dividends. Therefore it's unlikely that the company will be able to reinvest heavily in its business, which could presage slower growth in the future. The main way most investors will assess a company's dividend prospects is by checking the historical rate of dividend growth. Since the start of our data, 10 years ago, Hawaiian Electric Industries has lifted its dividend by approximately 1.5% a year on average. The Bottom Line From a dividend perspective, should investors buy or avoid Hawaiian Electric Industries? Earnings per share growth has been modest and Hawaiian Electric Industries paid out over half of its profits and less than half of its free cash flow, although both payout ratios are within normal limits. To summarise, Hawaiian Electric Industries looks okay on this analysis, although it doesn't appear a stand-out opportunity. While it's tempting to invest in Hawaiian Electric Industries for the dividends alone, you should always be mindful of the risks involved. Every company has risks, and we've spotted 1 warning sign for Hawaiian Electric Industries you should know about. A common investing mistake is buying the first interesting stock you see. Here you can find a full list of high-yield dividend stocks. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. A local activist in Niger with ties to the military regime says the only way to avoid conflict in the country between mutinous soldiers that ousted the president and regional nations who are threatening an invasion to reinstate him, is to recognize the new regime as the ones in power ERBIL (Reuters) -Iraq's telecoms ministry said it will lift a ban on the Telegram messaging app on Sunday, which was imposed earlier this week, citing security concerns and data leaks of official state institutions and citizens. The app is widely used in Iraq for messaging but also as a source of news and for sharing content. Some channels contain large amounts of personal data including the names, addresses and family ties of Iraqis. The ministry said in a statement the decision to lift the ban came after "the company that owns the platform responded to the requirements of the security authorities that called on the company to disclose the entities that leaked citizens' data." The company also "expressed its full readiness to communicate with the relevant authorities...," the statement added. In response to Reuters request for comment a member of Telegram's press team said that "posting private data without consent is forbidden by Telegram's terms of service and such content is routinely removed by our moderators." "We can confirm that our moderators took down several channels sharing personal data. However, we can also confirm that no private user data was requested from Telegram and that none has been shared." Last week the ministry said that the company did not respond to its request to close down platforms that leak data of the official state institutions and the personal data of citizens. (Reporting by Amina Ismail ; editing by David Evans) The growing concerns surrounding the regulation of e-commerce giants have been a source of debate among Indian policymakers for a few years. Despite efforts to draft a concrete e-commerce policy, a consensus remains elusive both within the country and globally (in WTO). A draft e-commerce policy was first proposed in 2018 and then in 2019, but the sector has changed manifold since then. A new draft must also be in harmony with the ongoing parallel discussion of proposed amendments/revisions in the Consumer Protection (e-commerce) Rules 2020. As India grapples with shaping e-commerce regulations, several challenges demand careful consideration to balance promoting fair competition, protecting consumer interests and inviting long-term capital. Proposed amendments of June 2021 by the Department of Consumer Affairs aimed to address concerns raised by domestic brick-and-mortar retailers about anti-competitive practices, deep discounts, and predatory pricing by e-commerce entities. Small sellers on these platforms also have voiced complaints, alleging preferential treatment given to associate-sellers of the platforms. Many e-commerce entities have opposed the proposed amendments. Analysing deep discounts In the proposed Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, the contentious provision that would restrict market-distorting deep discounts has garnered significant attention. While the intention may be to protect traditional brick-and-mortar retailers, its crucial to reassess its impact on consumers and small businesses. Guarding against anti-dumping practices is important (by using anti-dumping duties to safeguard domestic manufacturing), but curbing fair discounts will stifle the competitive spirit of the market. Healthy competition ensures quality goods at affordable prices, particularly in retail, which ultimately benefits consumers. Moreover, many e-commerce sellers are SMEs and small-scale businesses that rely on these platforms to reach a wider audience and enhance their market scope. Emphasising competitive advantage for e-commerce players benefits these small players, enabling better revenue prospects and improving export competitiveness. Restricting discounts could impede the government's efforts to promote local sellers and MSMEs, hampering their digital accessibility and growth. Contrary to the misconception that e-commerce discounts are killing retail in India, only about 15 per cent of the population consume/buy goods through digital markets, according to a Deloitte India report this year. Instead of restrictive policies, promoting adherence to fair pricing mechanisms and quality standards would help. Additionally, competition-related issues should involve a thorough consultative process with market regulators like the CCI to ensure well-balanced policies. International examples of deep discounting laws like in the EU and Australia can also be looked at, which are market-agnostic and not specifically targeted towards e-commerce or digital markets. The related parties conundrum The ongoing discussions also speak of a clause directing an outright ban on the related parties, which had seen only a considerable restriction in the 2021 draft. Related Parties under the Companies Act 2013 includes any company which is (A) a holding, subsidiary, or an associate company of such company; or (B) a subsidiary of a holding company to which it is also a subsidiary. If logistics tie-ups or logistics operations acting as a subsidiary of the parent e-commerce company is perceived as a related party under the parameter of a possible ban that can potentially dry out the efficient logistics and supply chain operations of the e-commerce entities. The most crucial aspect of any e-commerce operation is the prompt delivery of goods with reliable tracking features and quick and easy returns. Such in-house logistics operations have also helped further last-mile delivery of goods and products. These positive aspects can become limited if e-commerce platforms withdraw control of the supply chain logistics operations. This will not just disrupt the ongoing cycle of timely deliveries but harm consumer interests as well. Approach to regulations According to the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE), the total value of new private sector investment proposals in 2022 saw a rise. That said, the number of proposals has been relatively small. This could mean businesses have resources to invest but are now more focused and selective about investments. Moreover, private investments as a percentage of GDP have declined in the last few years. The underlying issue can be how the companies have been monitored amid the tightened regulatory environment. Ensuring consumer protection is undeniably a crucial responsibility of the government, and any measures aimed at safeguarding consumers would undoubtedly garner industry support. However, there is a growing concern that some of the proposed changes in e-commerce regulations may be overly restrictive and extend beyond consumer protection. If these regulations aim to check the influence of global players, a more transparent approach would be to consider relooking at Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the sector. Finally, the government must exercise caution to avoid excessive interference in the market. While establishing regulatory frameworks is crucial for ensuring fair competition and consumer protection, it should be primarily reserved for times of crisis. As the government pushes its might in the market through initiatives like the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), potential conflicts of interest must also be addressed to ensure a level playing field and foster healthy private-sector competition. Embracing fair competition and fairness for all investors while protecting consumer interests through effective dispute resolution and awareness-building measures can pave the way for a thriving digital economy in India. Dr Srinath Sridharan is an author, policy researcher and corporate adviser The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author's and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK. Madhya Pradesh BJP has filed police complaints against Congress national general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, state Congress chief Kamal Nath and other Congress leaders for sharing a fake letter to make allegations against the BJP government of taking 50 per cent commission from contractors to make payments. Minister Vishvas Sarang led a delegation of BJP leaders to the crime branch office in Bhopal and submitted a complaint seeking FIR against the Congress leaders. In Indore, city BJP president Gaurav Randive led a similar delegation to Sanyongitaganj police station and also made a complaint with the Economic Offences Wing (EOW), seeking registration of cases against the Congress leaders. Speaking in Bhopal, Sarang said, Congress has opened a shop of lies and hatred instead of a Muhabbat ki dukan (shop of love). Today, we have submitted a memorandum to the Crime Branch, located in MP Nagar, demanding registration of FIR against Priyanka Vadra, Kamal Nath and Congress leaders who shared the fake letter on social media." The Congress had launched a synchronized attack from state to national level on the BJP government on Friday, accusing it of huge corruption by collecting 50 per cent commission from petty contractors. It was on the lines of 40 per cent corruption charges raised by Congress against BJP government in Karnataka, where assembly polls were held recently. The allegations in Madhya Pradesh, which has been taken up by partys national general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and general secretary in-charge of communications Jairam Ramesh at the national level, were based on a viral letter that was allegedly written by an Gwalior-based association of petty contractors to the chief justice of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, through its Gwalior bench. The BJP had called the letter fake on the same day while talking to THE WEEK. The letter was first shared by Madhya Pradesh Congress ex-president Arun Yadav on the X platform on Thursday. But Gandhi, Nath and Ramesh did not use the letter facsimile on social media and rather used newspaper cuttings based on the charges of Yadav to tweet the about 50 per cent commission allegations. Meanwhile, THE WEEK could not trace the letter's writer Gyanendra Awasthi or his address (in Gwalior), and even an email sent to the mentioned address bounced back. On Saturday, ahead of the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Sagar, senior BJP leaders in the state launched a counterattack on the Congress warning of legal action against the use of a fake letter, unless evidence to the contrary was given. State BJP president V.D. Sharma said, I have always said that Digvijaya Singh and Kamal Nath are lie-speaking machines. Yesterday, they made a record of speaking lies. They got central leadership including Priyanka Gandhi to make tweets on the basis of a fake letter. This is the true character of the Congress. The Congress leadership will have to reply to this. We will take legal action. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that he got the so-called letter checked by the state intelligence, but they could not track the letter's writer or the address mentioned on the letter. There is no such person, no such address of the organization. The organization and the letter are fake. This is part of Congresss negative strategy and its dangerous intentions. They cannot compete with us on positive aspects and developmental work, so they are resorting to such tactics. Home Minister Narottam Mishra also said, In Madhya Pradesh, the Congress, which is without any issue, is doing politics with a disgusting mentality. State Congress leaders first got Rahul Gandhi to lie and now got Priyanka Gandhi to make false tweets. Priyanka ji, give proof of your tweets, otherwise we have all options open for action. Responding to the BJP's action, Kamal Nath said, There are thousands of cases of corruption against the BJP. How many FIRs will they file? (against Congress). Talking about PM Modis visit to lay the foundation stone of Sant Ravidas temple-cum-memorial in Sagar, Nath said, Now the BJP is remembering everyone and everything including the dalit people (Sant Ravidas being revered by the community). They think that in this way they can distract the people and mislead them. But the people have decided to give a love-filled send-off to Shivraj Singh ji. In a strategic move to counter potential threats from Pakistan and China, India has deployed a squadron of advanced MiG-29 fighter jets at the Srinagar air base. Known as the 'Defender of the North', the squadron replaced the MiG-21 squadron, which has traditionally guarded the borders from Pakistan. "Srinagar lies in the centre of Kashmir valley and its elevation is higher than plains. It is strategically better to place an aircraft with a higher weight-to-thrust ratio and less response time due to proximity to the border and is equipped with better avionics and long-range missiles. The MiG-29 fulfils all these criteria due to which we are capable of taking in the enemies on both fronts," Indian Air Force pilot Squadron Leader Vipul Sharma told ANI. Also, the advanced MiG-29s has the ability to jam enemy aircraft during conflicts and can operate at night with night vision goggles, ANI quoted Squadron Leader Shivam Rana as saying. Their air-to-air refuelling capability extends their range, he added. The MiG-29s were the first aircraft to be deployed in the Ladakh sector to tackle Chinese threats after the Galwan clash of 2020. India to push for troop disengagement in military talks with China Meanwhile, India will once again push for troop disengagement at the Depsang Plains as well as Demchok in eastern Ladakh at the next round of top-level military talks early next week. The 19th round of corps commander-level talks will be held on the Indian side of the Chushul-Moldo border meeting point on August 14. The Indian delegation will be led by 14 Corps commander Lt-General Rashim Bali and include officials from MEA and ITBP. The Chinese side will be headed by the South Xinjiang Military District chief. China is yet to accede to Indias earlier demands for troop disengagement at the Depsang Plains and the Charding Ninglung Nallah (CNN) track junction at Demchok. In connection with the death of first-year student Swapnadip Kundu (18) at Jadavpur University (JU), a former student of the university was arrested and charged with murder on Saturday. The arrest was made after an FIR was registered based on the complaint of Swapnadip's father. He had held the some boys of the main hostel responsible for his son's death. He was a victim of ragging and torture, his father had said. Sourabh Chowdhury, the prime accused in the Swapnadip's death, continued to stay at the boy's hostel in the campus despite completing his post-graduation. Chowdhury had completed his PG in Msc Mathematics from the university in 2022. Reportedly, he was unofficially functioning as the person in charge of the hostel mess committee. "Sourabh promised to help Swapnadip's father. He had said that he could stay as 'guest' of a boarder, for which he took Rs 1,000. He said that a mess committee head, he could ensure a bed, although the university has no 'guest' policy," a source was quoted by Times of India. Meanwhile, the university authorities said that there was no official mess committee head and if money had been taken from the victim then it was "illegal". Sourabh was allotted a room at the hostel with other two students from Economics and Mechanical Engineering department. As part of the investigation, police had questioned several boarders and officials at the university. Swapnadip, a resident of Bagula in Nadia district, fell from a balcony of the main hostel building around 11.45 pm on Wednesday and died while undergoing treatment at a hospital nearby the next day. JU Dean Rajay Ray had said that he received a call late night regarding the incident and the student was immediately rushed to the nearby hospital. Meanwhile, ragging by few hostel seniors was alleged by first-year students. JU had asked the students staying at the main hostel to shift to a new facility temporarily after the incident. Governor C.V. Ananda Bose, who is the chancellor of the university, visited the hostel and assured his family members stern action. According to police officials, the student was mentally distressed after seniors started calling him gay. Reportedly, Swapnadip had repeatedly said that he was not gay before the fatal fall. After the incident, JU had issued a notification on Thursday stating "It is further notified that no passed-out students as well as outsiders are allowed to stay in the hostels with immediate effect. Hostel superintendents are requested to send the names of such passed out students or outsiders, as the case maybe, who does not comply with the said instruction (sic)." Meanwhile, a political war erupted over the death of the student. BJP blamed the state administration for its alleged failure to bring in "true governance" in the education sector, drawing a sharp rebuttal from Education Minister Bratya Basu who asked the opposition party not to politicise the matter. "A loss of a promising flower nipped at its bud is a great loss of Bengal and her society...I also strongly deplore such heinous acts," Basu said in a media post. BJP's Sukanta Majumdar alleged that the TMC-led Mamata Banerjee government failed to eradicate a henious crime like ragging...Shame on WB government. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Thursday lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Manipur violence issue, saying he was cracking jokes and laughing even while replying to the motion of no-confidence brought in by the opposition in the Lok Sabha. Gandhi said the BJP government at the Centre had murdered the idea of India in the northeast state. The Congress leader further alleged that the prime minister spoke for 2 hours and 13 minutes in parliament but spoke about Manipur only two minutes. "There are thousands of people in Manipur who have suffered this. Someone's house has been burnt down, someone's sister has been raped, and someone's brother and parents have been killed. It is as if somebody threw kerosene across Manipur and set it on fire...There is blood everywhere, there is murder everywhere, rape everywhere. That is the situation in Manipur and the Prime Minister spoke for 2 hours and 13 minutes in Parliament but he spoke on Manipur for 2 minutes. He laughed, joked. His cabinet laughed, joked..." Gandhi said while addressing a gathering in his constituency Wayanad. This was Gandhi's maiden visit to Wayanad after his parliament membership was reinstated following a Supreme Court order. "You have destroyed thousands of families. You have allowed the rape of thousands of women. You have allowed the murder of thousands of people. And as Prime Minister of the country, you are laughing?" he asked. Stepping up his attack on Modi, Gandhi said the prime minister cannot be called a 'nationalist' as he has murdered the idea of India. "What have you been doing for the last four months? Why have you not been there? Why have you not tried to stop the violence? Because you are not a nationalist. Anybody who murders the idea of India cannot be a nationalist," he said. The Congress leader further alleged that the government does not want to stop the violence in Manipur even as the Army is capable enough to bring normalcy to the state. "Indian Army can stop this nonsense, drama in two days, but the PM wants Manipur to burn and does not want to extinguish the fire, he said. Recounting the harrowing experiences during his recent visit to Manipur, Gandhi said during his 19 years of political life, he had never come across such a situation. "I've been in politics for 19 years, and I've never experienced what I experienced in Manipur. Somebody's family members have been murdered; somebody's house has been burnt. It is as if somebody threw kerosene on Manipur and set it on fire," he said. While addressing the BJP's Kshetriya Panchayati Raj Parishad in West Bengal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lashed out against Trinamool Congress (TMC) and held the party responsible for the recent panchayat poll violence unleashed in the state. Modi also alleged TMC of threatening BJP candidates and capturing booths during the WB panchayat polls. "They do anything required to ensure that no BJP candidate can file nomination..they not only threaten BJP workers but also the voters. Contracts are given out to capture booths...This is their way of doing politics in the state..." Modi was quoted by ANI. While referring to the Eastern India, Modi emphasised that it has the potential to be the growth engine of the nation. Violence is used as the means to threaten opposition in Bengal, said Modi. He also mentioned about the recent no-confidence motion defeated in the Parliament. Taking a jibe at the opposition, Modi said that the members were scared of voting on the motion. A befitting reply to those spreading negativity in the entire nation, he said on the no-confidence motion. He also said that opposition parties did not want discussion on Manipur in the Parliament. "They just wanted to do politics over it," he said. Murdered Nagpur BJP minority cell functionary Sana Khan's husband who was arrested in connection with her death from Jabalpur's Gorabazar area on Friday revealed the reason behind murdering her. Amit Sahu alias Pappu, a resident of Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, told the police that he murdered his 34-year-old wife over monetary and personal issues, according to an official. Sahu also showed the murder spot to the investigators. The 37-year-old accused revealed that he killed his wife by hitting her with a stick in his house before dumping her corpse in Hiran river from a bridge near Meregaon village, PTI quoted Additional Superintendent of Police Kamal Maurya as saying. Police have launched a search operation in the area, which comes under Belkheda police station limits, to find the victim's body Sahu also revealed the name of his accomplice who helped him murder the woman. Police have a launched a manhunt to find the man. "The police in Maharashtra's Nagpur had registered a case on August 1 and its team visited Jabalpur on August 4 in search of the woman after the probe revealed that as per her last location, she was at a house in Jabalpur," the official said. The deceased BJP leader's mother Mehrunisha filed a police complaint about her missing daughter who travelled to Jabalpur to meet Sahu on August 1. Sahu was booked under IPC sections 364 (kidnapping or abducting in order to murder) and 506 (criminal intimidation), police said. The family members of Sana also accompanied the teams of Jabalpur and Nagpur police during searches at various locations in Jabalpur. -- with PTI inputs FILE - Former U.S. Rep. David Rivera speaks with media outside Miami federal court, in Miami, Dec. 20, 2022. The former Miami congressman who signed a $50 million consulting contract with Venezuelas socialist government not only did no apparent work, but also channeled a large chunk of the money to a yacht company on behalf of a fugitive billionaire, according to new allegations in a civil suit filed Friday, July 28, 2023. (AP Photo/Joshua Goodman, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) MIAMI (AP) A federal judge in Miami on Friday criticized prosecutors for an apparent attempt to undercut a court order and take control of a oceanside condo belonging to a former Republican congressman ahead of a high-profile trial connected to a $50 million consulting contract with Venezuela's socialist government. When David Rivera and an associate were charged last November with money laundering and acting as unregistered foreign agents for President Nicolas Maduro's government, prosecutors obtained a judges order freezing several banking and brokerage accounts as well as Florida properties that they said were the product of some $24 million in ill-gotten gains. Prosecutors also blocked eight more properties belonging to Rivera and his associate in Florida and Georgia that, while unrelated to criminal activity, would likely be seized if the two are found guilty. This month, in a harshly worded ruling, Magistrate Judge Edwin Torres said that the government had no right to take the innocent Florida assets without a conviction. Rather than lift the restraining order, the government then asked the court to reconsider and said that it had since determined that three of the properties including a condo that Rivera and his wife purchased in 2019 for $301,000 in New Smyrna Beach, Florida could also be traced to the defendants' alleged lobbying on behalf of Maduro's government. Judge Darrin Gayles on Friday expressed frustration with the governments change in strategy. This reeks of gamesmanship, said Gayles, who reversed his own sealed order of a week ago granting prosecutors' request that the real estate properties once again be frozen. It seems like the government simply filed this because it lost. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nalina Sombuntham said prosecutors first learned from investigators that the property could be directly tainted by Rivera's consulting work with Venezuela in May or June but didnt alert the court until July 14 a week after Magistrate Judge Edwin Torres issued his 23-page order freeing up the properties. Story continues Gayles, who is overseeing the criminal case, was unimpressed. It seems like youre wasting the courts time," he said. Rivera has been marred by scandals stretching back to his days in Congress from 2011 to 2013. He was arrested late last year on an eight-count criminal indictment alleging that at the start of the Trump administration he was part of a conspiracy to lobby on behalf of Venezuela to lower tensions with the U.S., resolve a legal dispute with a U.S. oil company and end U.S. sanctions against the South American nation all without registering as a foreign agent. As part of that effort, he arranged meetings in Washington, New York and Dallas for allies of Maduro with U.S. lawmakers and a top aide to former President Donald Trump, according to the indictment. To hide the sensitive nature of his work, prosecutors allege Rivera referred to Maduro in chat messages as the bus driver, a congressman as Sombrero and millions of dollars as melons. Court records show Riveras consulting work was closely coordinated with Raul Gorrin, a Venezuelan insider and media tycoon who has himself been sanctioned and indicted in the U.S. on money laundering charges. Part of the more than $20 million that Rivera was alleged to have received from Venezuela was used to pay maintenance on one of Gorrin's yachts, according to prosecutors. Rivera maintains that Gorrin was his attorney in Venezuela and that all of his work was conducted on behalf of PDV USA a Delaware-based affiliate of Venezuelan-owned Citgo and didn't require he register as a foreign agent. The dispute over Rivera's assets has slowed the government's prosecution of the high-profile case. Eight months after being charged, Rivera has yet to be formally arraigned normally a routine procedural step because he said he needs access to the disputed assets to pay his attorneys. Riveras attorneys in filings have accused prosecutors of waging a scorched earth attack against the south Florida GOP stalwart who once shared an apartment in Tallahassee with now Sen. Marco Rubio when both were state lawmakers. They lost, they got caught and they came to this court and it is wrong, David Oscar Markus, an attorney for Riveras co-defendant Esther Nuhfer said. Rivera was triumphant following Fridays hearing, accusing the prosecutors of misconduct. Judge Gayles was more restrained, making no such finding of wrongdoing even as he questioned prosecutors' actions. Todays decision shows that there are still honorable judges in America who will not tolerate misconduct from dishonest government prosecutors, Rivera wrote The Associated Press in a text message. Another victory for truth and justice. The U.S. Attorneys Office in the Southern District of Florida didn't immediately comment. ___ Joshua Goodman on Twitter: @APJoshGoodman US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, on Friday, spoke to former Nigerien president Mahamadou Issoufou and expressed grave concern at the continued detention of the country's current president, Mohamed Bazoum, and his family. "The Secretary assured the former president of the United States' continued dedication to finding a peaceful resolution that ensures Niger can remain a strong partner in security and development in the region," State department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement. West African nations prepare to send troops Meanwhile, tensions continued to escalate between Niger's new military regime and the West African regional bloc that has ordered the deployment of troops to restore Niger's flailing democracy. The ECOWAS bloc had directed a standby force to restore constitutional order in Niger after its Sunday deadline to reinstate Bazoum expired. Hours earlier, two Western officials told The Associated Press that Niger's junta had told a top US diplomat they would kill Bazoum if neighbouring countries attempted any military intervention to restore his rule. It's unclear when or where the force will be deployed and which countries from the 15-member bloc would contribute to it. Conflict experts say it would likely comprise some 5,000 troops led by Nigeria and could be ready within weeks. Niger, an impoverished country of some 25 million people, was seen as one of the last hopes for Western nations to partner with in beating back a jihadi insurgency linked to Al Qaeda and the Islamic State group that has ravaged the region. France and the United States have more than 2,500 military personnel in Niger and together with other European partners had poured hundreds of millions of dollars into propping up its military. The junta responsible for spearheading the coup, led by Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, has exploited anti-French sentiment among the population to shore up its support. (With PTI inputs) Tourists visiting the Eiffel Tower in Paris resumed their tour after a brief break, after French police confirmed that the bomb threat was a false alarm. Visitors were evacuated from the tower and its surroundings as a precautionary measure following a bomb threat. French police and bomb disposal squad combed the premises, including a restaurant located on one of the floors following the threat. AFP reported that visitors were evacuated from both the three floors and the square under the monument shortly after 1.30pm. However, visitors were allowed back after police confirmed it was a hoax threat. Visitors were allowed back about two hours after officials evacuated it due to a bomb threat, Reuters reported. The publication quoting a French police source said, It was a false alarm, people can go back inside." Six people died and over 50 persons were rescued as a migrant boat capsized while trying to cross the English Channel on Saturday. According to reports, the migrant vessel capsized as over a dozen boats tried to make the crossing at the same time. According to reports, over 50 persons were rescued in a joint rescue operation by British and French forces. This morning, a migrant boat capsized off Calais," French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne said on social media. "My thoughts are with the victims. The Maritime Prefecture of the Channel and the North Sea reported about 50 people were rescued. Initial reports indicated that six of those rescued were in critical condition. One individual later died after being transported by helicopter to a Calais hospital, and an update confirmed the deaths of five others who were ferried to shore by boat. The deaths come as Britain's conservative ruling party has sought to stop crossings of small, often unseaworthy, boats with a variety of policies that have come under fire for failing to stem the flow of migrants. UK's Home Secretary Suella Braverman condoled the death. My thoughts and prayers are with those affected by the tragic loss of life in the Channel today. I have spoken with our Border Force teams this morning who have been supporting the French authorities in response to this incident, The Guardian reported quoting Braverman. Anne Thorel, a volunteer who was part of the rescue efforts said they rescued 54 people and there were too many people on the boat. French authorities noted a marked increase in attempted crossings from the coast since Thursday during the onset of milder weather. British authorities said 755 people crossed the channel in small boats Thursday, the highest daily number this year. The Channel between France and Britain is one of the worlds busiest shipping lanes and currents are strong, The Guardian reported. Small boat arrivals are down 15 per cent from the number at this point last year. As of Thursday, 15,826 had been detected in the year to date, compared to 18,600 at this time last year. Last year, five migrants died and four were reported missing while attempting to cross from the northern coast of France. In November 2021, a boat carrying migrants sank, resulting in the deaths of 27 individuals. The search and rescue operation Saturday involved both British and French vessels, triggered by a report from a patrol boat about a migrant vessel in distress near Sangatte. Three French ships, a helicopter, and a plane canvassed the area and two British ships participated in the search. Borne also mentioned that Sea Minister Herv Berville is headed to the site to assist with the situation. The incident is under investigation by the Boulogne prosecutor's office. (With PTI inputs.) Pakistan senator Anwaar-ul-haq Kakar has been named as caretaker prime minister to oversee national elections, the prime minister's office said on Saturday. This makes him the country's eighth caretaker PM. This appointment was finalized during meeting between outgoing premier Shehbaz Sharif and opposition leader Raja Riaz after President Arif Alvi gave the duo an ultimatum to find a "suitable person" for the post by Saturday. President Alvi dissolved the National Assembly, the lower house of Pakistan Parliament, on PM Sharif's advice on August 9. In a letter to both Sharif and Riaz, Alvi said that under Article 224A, they should propose a name for interim PM within three days. Earlier reports said that Sharif allegedly wanted to stay in office till August 14 so he could preside the flag-hoisting ceremony on Independence Day. Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani, former diplomat Jalil Abbas Jilani, former Tassaduq Hussain Jilani, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, former finance ministers Hafeez Sheikh and Ishaq Dar, former PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and ex-Principal secretary Fawad Hassan Fawad were among the names floated by various political parties ahead of the final decision. However, Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party did not reveal its candidate until the last minute and kept everyone guessing. According to Pakistani PMO press release, PM Shehbaz and Riaz have sent an advice regarding Kakars appointment as the caretaker prime minister to President Alvi. We had earlier decided that the caretaker PM should be someone from a smaller province and a non-controversial personality. Our aim was to remove the sense of deprivation in small provinces. We have finally reached a consensus that Anwaarul Haq Kakar will be the caretaker PM, The Dawn newspaper quoted Riaz as saying. Who is Anwaar-ul-haq Kakar? Kakar became a senator in 2018. His six-year term was to end in March 2024. He co-launched a new political party, the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), and is also the parliamentary leader for the BAP within the Senate, Dawn reported. -- with PTI inputs Update: Pakistan senator Anwaar-ul-haq Kakar was named caretaker prime minister on Saturday. Read more about him HERE. Pakistan's outgoing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Opposition leader Raja Riaz are racing against time to pick a caretaker leader to oversee a general election due by November. This comes after President Arif Alvi gave the duo an ultimatum to find a "suitable person" for the post by August 12. The President dissolved the National Assembly, the lower house of Pakistan Parliament, on the PM's advice on August 9. In a letter to both Sharif and Riaz, Alvi said that under Article 224A, they should propose a name for interim PM within three days of the dissolution of the National Assembly. According to sources, Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari told Sharif that his party would accept the premier's nominee for the caretaker slot. One of the reasons for the delay in picking the interim PM is apparently Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party's desire to see its own man in office, the Dawn newspaper reported. According to sources quoted by the local media, Sharif wants to stay in office till August 14 so he could preside the flag-hoisting ceremony on Independence Day. The PML-N has not revealed its candidate and has kept everyone guessing. Sadiq Sanjrani Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani is one of the strongest contender to become interim PM, a senior PML-N told Dawn. He is the country's youngest Chairman of the Senate and first-ever from the Balochistan province. He served as Pakistan's acting President in June-July this year. Jalil Abbas Jilani Jalil Abbas Jilani, a former diplomat, is one of the names proposed by the Pakistan People's Party. He served in Grade 22, the highest attainable rank for a civil servant in Pakistan, since 2010. He became the Foreign Secretary of Pakistan in 2012 and was later appointed as the country's 22nd ambassador to the US in December 2013. He remained in the post till February 2017. Currently, he is a Senior Director at the Centre for Aerospace and Security Studies (CASS) in Rawalpindi. Tassaduq Hussain Jilani Another name put forward by the PPP is Tassaduq Hussain Jilani, who was Pakistant's 21st chief justice from 2013 to 2014. He was appointed as a Lahore High Court judge in 1994 by former PM Benazir Bhutto and later elevated as a Supreme Court judge in 2004 by former PM Shaukat Aziz. In 2018, ousted PM Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf proposed his name for caretaker PM. Kamran Tessori Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) named Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori for the interim PM post. He belongs to a business family, which runs an international gold business, Tessori Gold. He was arrested in 2008 in connection with a real estate scam case. He was earlier accused of using his family money to influence MQM-P's decisions. Other candidates Former finance ministers Hafeez Sheikh and Ishaq Dar, former PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and ex-Principal secretary Fawad Hassan Fawad are among other likely contenders to the interim premier's post. -- with PTI inputs Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], August 12: Dr. Lukesh Patil, a highly esteemed Plastic & Cosmetic Surgeon at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Navi, Mumbai, highlights the exceptional efficacy of SkinTemp Collagen Sheets in treating burns and large abrasions. Dr. Patil emphasizes the benefits of SkinTemp, stating, "Children tolerate the use of SkinTemp very well. I recommend this product for burns and wound care. In India, over a million people are burned each year. Most burn injuries occur in the home or workplace. Burns can be caused by scalding hot liquids, flash flames, chemical burns, electricity and excessive hot objects. Burn injuries can be minor with a need for immediate medical attention or be extreme with permanent physical deformities. Women are typically burned during cooking accidents with open flames and loose clothing. Children can be vulnerable to burn injuries due to curiosity, clumsiness and maltreatment. Abrasions are commonly called scrapes, grazes or road rash. Common abrasions are a result of friction of the skin against a rough hard surface like the ground typically with a fall or some other traumatic accident. As with all wounds proper care and dressings should be used to prevent infections with all abrasions and burns. SkinTemp is a collagen-based wound care dressing that is part of Human BioSciences, Inc flagship products developed by Dr. Manoj Jain and his biomedical research and development team. SkinTemp accelerates the healing process by donating collagen to the wound surface and providing a scaffolding for new tissue to build upon. SkinTemp has become a trusted choice for medical professionals in burn and wound centers, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. Dressing changes are often painful especially with burn injuries where large nerve endings are damaged. Gauze-based products typically require frequent changes and stick to new tissue causing damage and pain on removal. Collagen products are different because they form a non-stick, soft gel-like layer that will not damage fragile new tissue. Collagen can absorb and retain fluid for up to 7 days potentially requiring less frequent care. "We are incredibly honored to receive such high praise from a renowned surgeon like Dr. Lukesh Patil," said Rohan Jain, President of HBS. "This testimonial not only underscores the effectiveness of our product but also highlights the positive impact SkinTemp has on patients with difficult wounds. Our mission is to continue delivering innovative solutions to medical professionals across India." The team at Human BioSciences is dedicated to advancing medical care in India and beyond. SkinTemp Collagen Sheets provides effective and efficient solutions, promoting faster healing, reducing wound care demands, and improving the appearance of scars for people with burn injuries, abrasions and other wound issues. With a commitment to making high-quality products accessible to medical providers throughout India, Human BioSciences is transforming the landscape of wound care and bringing hope to countless patients For supplies and purchasing information, contact: india-info@humanbiosciences.com About Human BioSciences Human Biosciences, Inc. is a global biotechnology company specializing in collagen-based products for wound care management. Dr. Manoj Jain founded HBS in 1990 with Kollagen technology pioneering advanced wound care with native non-hydrolyzed Type -1 bovine collagen in its purest form with three delivery modes with Collatek Collagen Gel, SkinTemp II Collagen Sheets and Medifil II Collagen Particles. HBS continues engineering breakthroughs daily with innovative new product development, manufacturing advancements, and distribution of products globally with facilities in the USA and India. For more information, visit: www.humanbiosciences.com (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 (Maharashtra) [India], August 12: India will be celebrating its 77th Independence Day on 15th August 2023, marking 76 years of freedom. The theme for this years celebration is Nation First, Always First as becoming the fifth-largest economy in the world. Many sectors have played a pivotal role in making India a powerful country. The rapid pace of urbanization has been a key driver of Indias economic growth over the past few decades, with urban centers such as Bengaluru, Mumbai, NCR, Pune, and Hyderabad. As we have seen this infrastructural growth, we have also seen hazardous incidents taking too many lives. Fire Incidents are one of them. Maharashtra, which contributes the highest to the country's GDP, also sees the highest number of accidental fires. With 9,344 incidents in the last five years, Maharashtra has topped the list. Although, with the joint efforts of the State Government, Municipal Corporations, and Fire Department the numbers have declined. Maharashtra is working towards policies that can prevent and protect the citizens from Fire Incidents. Stating the state safety norms Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde Said, Maharashtra state has already begun its journey to becoming a leader of the country. As we are celebrating the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, I would like to take this opportunity to applaud Maharashtra Fire Department, and Energy Department, along with the Municipal Corporation of Mumbai and Maharashtra, for all the initiatives they have taken to ensure the safety of our citizens. Maharashtra is rising vertically high, and to ensure the safety of Citizens & Fire Fighters, the state government has taken a visionary step by incorporating a Fire Evacuation Lift for buildings 70 meters and above. They have our full support for the development of Maharashtra and its citizens. Also, it is remarkable how Municipal Corporations are making it stricter for safer living. This is a great solution for our heroes; firefighters to reach higher floors with almost zero fatigue to fight fire & rescues people. The state government has also ensured that a circular has been sent to all the lift manufacturers to adhere to the specifications of the Energy Department. It is time for the Nation to have Independence from Fire Emergencies." Additional Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide said, The Mumbai Fire Brigade of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation stands as a beacon of firefighting. In a metropolis like Mumbai, which is marked by towering structures and skyscrapers, evacuation holds paramount importance during fires. To enhance safety in tall buildings, the Maharashtra Energy Department mandates fire evacuation lifts for structures over 70 meters. This aids swift evacuation during fires, especially for vulnerable groups. Fireman evacuation lifts are also required for firefighting ease. The launch of the AgniRakshak training two years back, a civic awareness initiative by MFB, and the implementation of fire evacuation lifts in tall buildings underscore Mumbai's commitment to safety. This Independence Day, let's collectively pledge to prioritize fire safety, embracing evacuation protocols as a cornerstone of our city's resilience. With unity and awareness, we can ensure a secure and thriving Mumbai for all. Along with the CM, fire department officials have shared a message for the citizens of Maharashtra. R N Ambulgekar, Chief Fire Officer of Mumbai, said, Throughout the year, we firefighters do our best to ensure the safety of our citizens. Its the hardship of my fellow members that we have been able to save millions of lives during fire emergencies. I would like to salute all the firefighters who work 24x7 like a superhero. I request all citizens adhere to fire safety and evacuation norms for safer living." Girish Zalke, Chief fire Officer of Thane, has wished Happy 76th Independence Day Anniversary to all. He added, On this prestigious occasion, All citizens living in high-rise buildings are advised that the fire prevention measures installed in the building should be ascertained. The stairs in the building should be kept in order. Information about refuge areas should be taken care of, and maintenance of electrical appliances in your home should be done properly." Devendra Potphode, Chief Fire Officer of Pune said, In Maharashtra State aims to address fire-related emergencies through efficient evacuation strategies, advanced firefighting equipment, and comprehensive training programs. The initiative focuses on creating a robust framework that integrates early warning systems, well-defined unobstructed evacuation routes, a sufficient number of staircases, and collaboration among relevant authorities to ensure the safety of citizens during fire incidents. Maharashtra aims to set an example for the nation in effectively managing and mitigating fire emergencies. Dr. Vikram Mehta, an Industry Expert said, Maharashtra State government has done a tremendous work in Fire Safety and Evacuation. The introduction of new technologies and fully efficient equipment has made fire rescue operations safer. In July 2022, the state government introduced Fire Evacuation Lift to save lives and assets and for firefighters to reach higher floors faster. I urge the people of Maharashtra to follow the norms for safer living. The government is making strict rules for the safety of its citizens, and it is our job to follow them and respect those decisions. (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 New Delhi, Aug 12 (PTI) As many as 12 stalled hydropower projects of more than 11.5 GW generation capacity in Arunachal Pradesh have been handed over to state-owned firms, the Power Ministry said on Saturday. These hydropower projects are expected to attract investment of about Rs 1.26 lakh crore to Arunachal Pradesh, the ministry said in a statement. The Government of India and the Government of Arunachal Pradesh have come together to rejuvenate and execute 12 stalled hydroelectric power projects in the state, the ministry said. Towards this, Memoranda of Agreement (MoAs) have been signed in Itanagar on Saturday wherein 12 hydro-electric projects of cumulative installed capacity of about 11,517 MW have been allotted by the state government to hydro PSUs under the Union Ministry of Power, it stated. The MoA signing ceremony was attended by Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, R.K. Singh; Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Pema Khandu, Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Chowna Mein; Union Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal, and other officials of the Central and State Governments. Addressing the event, Union Minister for Power Minster said that implementation of these hydropower projects will contribute immensely to the richness of the state. "The per capita income of the state would become more than that of Maharashtra and Gujarat. All the developed nations including the USA, Canada, Norway etc., have harnessed 80%-90% of their hydropower potential. "In India also, the states which harnessed the potential of hydropower have become prosperous. Hydropower is a green source of energy. Its usage will also increase the groundwater level and promote the growth of flora & fauna, Singh said. Out of these 12 projects, five projects of 2,620 MW have been allocated by the State Government to North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Ltd (NEEPCO), five projects of 5,097 MW to SJVN Ltd and the remaining two projects of capacity 3,800 MW to NHPC Ltd. These projects were earlier allotted to private sector developers about 15 years ago but remained non-starters due to various reasons. The state government, therefore, decided to rope in central hydro PSUs to give a push to the languishing projects. Development of these projects will contribute towards achieving the declared Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) target of achieving 500 GW non-fossil energy capacity in India by 2030. Hydro Power will also be an effective contributor to the objective of achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by the year 2070. These projects are also expected to create huge employment opportunities in the region and boost the local economy as well as foster skill development and technical expertise in the region. The projects are expected to result in an estimated investment inflow of about Rs 1,26,500 crore to the state of Arunachal Pradesh, it stated. Mumbai, Aug 12 (PTI) Honey Trehan's feature "Punjab '95", based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, has been removed from the world premiere line-up of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) that begins next month. Starring Diljit Dosanjh as Kalra, the film was scheduled to premiere in the Gala Presentations section on September 11, but TIFF's website does not mention the biographical drama in its line-up any more. UK-based publication Screen quoted a TIFF spokesperson as saying that "Punjab 65" is no longer part of the programme. While the festival has not issued any official statement regarding the decision, Trehan declined to comment when contacted by PTI. Produced by Ronnie Screwvala's banner RSVP Movies, the film also stars Arjun Rampal and "Kohraa" actor Suvinder Vicky. Khalra investigated the cremation of thousands of unidentified bodies in Punjab during a 10-year period from 1984 to 1994. In 1995, Khalra apparently disappeared and four police officers were arrested for his alleged kidnap and murder in 2005. The Punjab and Haryana High Court extended the seven-year jail term of the four policemen to life imprisonment in 2007. "Punjab 95" marks the second feature film by Trehan after the 2020 Netflix movie "Raat Akeli Hai". The filmmaker was previously at TIFF in 2016 as a producer on "A Death In The Gunj". TIFF is scheduled to take place September 7 to 17. Chennai, Aug 12 (PTI) Music maestro AR Rahman has announced that he will be rescheduling his Saturday concert here owing to "adverse weather conditions and persistent rains". Rahman, who was set to perform the first gig of his concert tour "Marakkuma Nenjam" here at Adityaram Palace City, ECR, shared the news on his official social media pages. "My Dearest Friends... Owing to adverse weather conditions and persistent rains, it is only made advisable for the health and safety of my beloved fans and friends to reschedule the concert to the nearest best date, with the guidance of the statutory authorities," the Oscar winning composer wrote. "More details on the new date will follow soon!" he added. "Marakkuma Nenjam" (loosely translated from Tamil to mean 'will my heart be able to forget this') concert will celebrate Rahman's 30 years as a music composer. It is set to start from Chennai and move to other cities in India and abroad. The concert will also travel to France, Germany and Switzerland for the first time. Earlier Rahman had requested the concert-goers to leave early for the venue and secure their seats for "memorable concert experience". "Dear friends attending the Chennai concert tonight, I'm excited to see you all after so long! We request you to leave early and secure your seats early to have a memorable concert experience," he posted on Saturday afternoon. Many of the "Jai Ho'' composer's fans, who had flown down from cities such as Bengaluru and Pune to attend the concert here, expressed their disappointment over rescheduling. "I'm already halfway through the concert. Sheer disappointment thalaivar," a fan wrote on microblogging site X. Another said, "We are returning with disappointment sir! Hoping to see you back soon!" "My heart is broken...Was waiting for the musical experience so much... We were almost there at the venue... Hopefully I will get to witness @arrahman live one day in the near future...#MarakkumaNenjam," a user said. Rahman, who has worked in the south, in the Hindi film industry as well as Hollywood, Broadway and the London stage, burst into the music scene with Mani Ratnam's Roja in 1992. In his over three decade long career, Rahman has composed soundtrack for movies Ponniyan Selvan parts one and two, Enthiran, "Sivaji: The Boss", Rangeela, "Bombay", Taal, "Yuvraj" and "Rockstar" among others. He won two Oscars for Jai Ho from Slumdog Millionaire in 2009 -- best original score and best original song. Rahman also won a Grammy as well as a Golden Globe for his work on the Danny Boyle directorial. INTO University Partnerships has launched a Application Processing Centre (APC) in India. The regional hub will be handling applications from India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. London, United Kingdom--(Newsfile Corp. - August 12, 2023) - INTO University Partnerships, a global education partnering organization, has launched a state-of-the-art Application Processing Centre (APC) in India that will significantly speed up application turnaround times for international students applying to partner universities across the US, UK and Australia. Covering India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, the 45-staff operation will speed up application processing times and get offers to education agents and students faster. INTO launches flagship Application Processing Centre in India for university partners in the US, UK and Australia To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/176622_035ba90184b0aad1_001full.jpg The APC will be a regional hub handling applications from India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. According to UNESCO, the four countries collectively accounted for 11% of the global flow of tertiary-level students in 2020 with India alone contributing over 8%. The numbers have since risen further. The APC initiative brings INTO's admissions operation closer to the markets where the volume of applications is highest and continuously growing. "We recognized the need to be closer to our agents and students in high-demand regions to achieve the highest enrollment efficiencies," said John Sykes, CEO of INTO. "Our team of experts in India can now process and directly forward applications to our university partners for evaluation. This will result in faster processing times and improved service quality for students, agents and university partners." The establishment of the APC in India's capital New Delhi has involved significant investments in both human resources and infrastructure. "INTO's processing operation is a wholly owned facility with a dedicated in-house team of 45 permanent staff and growing. This allows us to achieve the highest standards and efficiencies," said Andy Fawcett, INTO's Executive Vice President of Admissions and Chief Technology Officer. Story continues The APC team in New Delhi can now process 4,000 applications per week, achieving much faster turnaround times than before. "This is a game changer for a high-volume student market. Our ability to package up complete applications and pass them to our university partners for decision-making has increased fourfold. We are now able to push applications through almost immediately and service our agents quickly and efficiently," said Mr Fawcett. "This is a real differentiator for universities and education agents partnering with us as we will be able to process applications faster and ultimately help students," he added. Agents will additionally benefit from the expertise of specialized, locally based staff who possess in-depth market knowledge and can provide services in the same time zone. "Application turnaround times play a critical role in student decision-making. Our experience shows that quicker processing has a huge positive impact on enrolment success and over student experience. With INTO setting up processing operations in-market, we are already seeing the difference," said Nirupama Das, CEO of Valmiki Group, India's leading overseas education company. For students, a streamlined application process with fast turnaround times would mean a better enrollment experience and a smoother journey towards their study abroad goals. INTO's university partners stand to gain from the presence of a large team of market-specialized staff in India. This enables greater collaboration, more efficient processing, and a higher volume of complete applications for decision-making. "We are excited about the addition of INTO's Application Processing Centre in India. The swift turnaround enables us to make more timely decisions and achieve our enrollment goals, even with the deluge of applications we receive. And it's also a major win for our students. With faster processing, we can provide top-notch customer service that truly makes a positive impact on their experience," said Marigold Setsuko Holmes, Director, International Admissions at Oregon State University. In addition to the workforce expansion, the APC operates from a spacious and technologically advanced office, offering an optimal environment for processing applications efficiently. Besides the APC in India, INTO maintains teams in Hong Kong, serving China and East Asia, as well as in the US, handling applications from the rest of the world. The global education partnering organization has also launched market facing University Access Centres (UACs) in 8 locations around the world, including New Delhi, where the demand for overseas higher education is rapidly rising. The UACs bring together education agents, onsite university representatives and local marketing teams under one seamless system to provide a complete study abroad solution to local students in a world-class facility. INTO University Partnerships connects ambitious international students with leading universities in the UK, the US and Australia. Since its inception in 2005, INTO has helped more than 130,000 students from 190 countries realise their dream of achieving a degree from a world-class university. Contact Info: Name: Davinder Kumar Email: davinder.kumar@intoglobal.com Organization: INTO University Partnerships Website: https://www.intoglobal.com/ To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/176622 New York, Aug 11 (AP) The transfer of more than a million barrels of oil from an aging tanker moored off the coast of war-torn Yemen has been completed, avoiding an environmental disaster, the United Nations said Friday. In a statement, Farhan Haq, the deputy spokesman for U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said the operation had prevented monumental environmental and humanitarian catastrophe. An international team began siphoning the oil from the dilapidated vessel known as SOF Safer on July 25. All of the oil is now aboard a replacement tanker called the MOST Yemen. Before the transfer, the Safer carried four times as much oil than was spilled in the 1989 Exxon Valdez disaster off Alaska, one of the world's worst ecological catastrophes, according to the U.N. International organizations and rights groups warned for years of the potential for a spill or an explosion involved the tanker, which has not been maintained and has seawater in its engine compartment and damaged pipes. It is moored 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) from Yemen's western Red Sea ports of Hodeida and Ras Issa, a strategic area controlled by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels who are at war with the internationally recognised Yemeni government. The warring sides blamed each other for blocking a salvage operation to remove the oil until a UN-led initiative succeeded in accessing the ship and raising money from international donors. The transfer marks a major milestone in a plan that needs additional funding to transport the oil away and to move the SOF Safer. The U.N. said a small amount of oil remains inside the Safer's hull and that the salvage team needs to install a secure system for mooring the replacement tanker in deep water. As much of the 1.14 million barrels has been extracted as possible, the U.N. statement said. However, less than 2% of the original oil cargo remains mixed in with sediment that will be removed during the final cleaning of the Safer. The United States welcomed the news of the operation's success and called on other countries to contribute to see the job through to the end. The U.N. urgently needs the international community and private sector's financial support to fill the remaining USD 22 million funding gap needed to finish the job and address all remaining environmental threats, U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said. The tanker, a Japanese-made vessel built in the 1970s, was sold to the Yemeni government during the 1980s to store for export up to 3 million barrels pumped from oil fields in eastern Yemen's Marib province. The ship is 360 meters (1,181 feet) long with 34 storage tanks. Peter Berdowski, CEO of maritime services company Boskalis, said the Safer's former cargo was now inside a modern double-hulled tanker. The U.N. contracted a Boskalis subsidiary, SMIT Salvage, to remove the oil. He congratulated the company's salvage team for "carrying out the work under very challenging conditions in the Red Sea. Yemen's ruinous civil war began in 2014 when the Iran-backed Houthi rebels seized the capital of Sanaa and much of northern Yemen and forced the government into exile. A Saudi-led coalition, including the UAE, intervened the following year to try to restore the internationally recognised government to power. (AP) MRJ MRJ Lahore, Aug 12 (PTI) Pakistan's law enforcement agencies on Saturday arrested 21 terrorists including 13 commanders of Daesh (ISIS) and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) from the country's Punjab province. "The CTD in collaboration with police and intelligence agencies arrested 21 terrorists from different cities of Punjab and shifted them to undisclosed locations for interrogation," the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) of Punjab police said in a statement. The terrorists had planned to target important installations and law enforcement personnel, it said. Out of 21 terrorists arrested, 13 belong to TTP and ISIS. "Initial investigation shows out of the 13 commanders, nine of them belong to TTP and four belong to ISIS," it said. The terrorists have been arrested from Lahore, Attock, Jehlum, Narowal, Sahiwal, Rawalpindi, DG Khan, Muzaffarnagar and Layyah districts of Punjab. The CTD said a huge quantity of explosives, a number of hand grenades, detonators and literature of banned organisations have been recovered from their possession. Hundreds of alleged terrorists of TTP and ISIS have been nabbed this year after the truce between the Pakistan government and TTP ended in November last year. The attacks on security forces have seen a rise in the country after the truce ended. Kyiv, Aug 12 (AP) Russia thwarted an attack by 20 Ukrainian drones targeting Moscow-annexed Crimea overnight, the Russian Defence Ministry said Saturday. Fourteen drones were shot down by Russian air defences and a further six were jammed electronically, the ministry said in a Telegram post. No casualties or damage were reported. Kyiv officials neither confirmed nor denied Ukraine's involvement in the attacks. As videos circulated on Russian social media Saturday appearing to show smoke rising above a bridge linking Russia to Crimea, the annexed peninsula's Moscow-appointed governor, Sergei Aksyonov, reported that Russian air defence had also prevented an attack there by shooting down two Ukrainian missiles. The bridge was not damaged, he said, although traffic was briefly halted. An adviser to Aksyonov, Oleg Kryuchkov, claimed that a smoke screen was put up by special services. Russia's Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the attempted attack on the Crimean bridge. The ministry said in a statement that such barbaric actions by the Armed Forces of Ukraine will not go unanswered. Shortly after reporting the downing of the two Ukrainian missiles, Aksyonov said Russian air defense had shot down another missile over the Kerch Strait. The bridge connecting Crimea and Russia across the Kerch Strait carries heavy significance for Moscow, both logistically and psychologically, as a key artery for military and civilian supplies and as an assertion of Kremlin control of the peninsula it illegally annexed in 2014. Last week, a Ukrainian sea drone hit a Russian tanker near the bridge, while an attack on the bridge last month killed a couple and seriously wounded their daughter, leaving a span of the roadway hanging perilously. The damage appeared to be less severe than that caused by an assault in October, but it again highlighted the bridge's vulnerability. The attempted drone and missile attacks follow three consecutive days of drone attacks on the Russian capital, Moscow. Firing drones at Russia, after more than 17 months of war, has little apparent military value for Ukraine but the strategy has served to unsettle Russians and bring home to them the conflict's consequences. Drone attacks have increased in recent weeks both on Moscow and on Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014 a move that most of the world considered illegal. Elsewhere, Russia claimed Saturday it had regained control of the village of Urozhaine in Ukraine's easternmost Luhansk region in an overnight counterattack. A 73-year-old woman was killed early Saturday morning in Russian shelling of Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv region, according to regional Gov. Oleh Syniehubov. Ukrainian internal affairs minister Ihor Klymenko said a police officer was killed and 12 people wounded when a guided Russian aerial bomb hit the city of Orikhiv in Ukraine's partially occupied southern Zaporizhzhia region. Four of the wounded were also police officers, he said. Local officials said explosions rang out Saturday morning in the central Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's hometown, but that there were no known casualties. On Ukraine's Black Sea coast, the city of Odesa opened several beaches for the first time since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Odesa Gov. Oleh Kiper said that six beaches were open, but he stressed that accessing beaches during air raid alerts was forbidden. The strategic port and key hub for exporting grain has been subject to repeated missile and drone attacks particularly since Moscow cancelled a landmark grain deal last month amid Kyiv's grinding efforts to retake its occupied territories while Russian mines have regularly washed up on the city's beaches. (AP) FZH Thane, Aug 12 (PTI) Police have seized a stock of food items, including different edible oils, worth Rs 4.82 lakh from a godown in Thane district of Maharashtra, after it was found to have been manufactured and stored allegedly using a fake licence, an official said on Saturday. The authorities conducted a raid at the godown located at Daighar on Thursday, and a case was registered against its four owners, he said. "A leading manufacturer of asafoetida approached the police with a complaint that the accused were manufacturing the products with a fake licence. After that, the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) officials raided the godown," the official of Shil-Daighar police station said. The FDA and police authorities seized various products, including compounded asafoetida, edible gum, mustard oil, cotton seed refined oil, refined rice bran oil along with some brown liquid. They used a fake licence of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to manufacture the products, he said. The value of the seized goods is Rs 4,82,500, he said. A case was registered against the four owners of the godown under various sections of the Food Safety and Standards Act and also under Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 420 (cheating), 34 (common intention), the police said. The four accused are identified as Mahesh Sheth, Abhishek Tripathi, Anil Yadav and Mohaziddin Mohammad Iqbal Memon, they said. Nagpur, Aug 12 (PTI) A worker was killed and another injured in a fire at the factory of the Economic Explosives Limited (EEL) in Maharashtra's Nagpur on Saturday, police said. The incident took place around 7.30 am at the company's plant in Siva Sawanga, where waste materials were being burned, an official from EEL told PTI. The burning of the waste materials caused an explosion, in which two workers were injured, he said. One of the workers who sustained severe burns died later in the day, while his colleague suffered 40 per cent burns and is undergoing treatment at a hospital, the official said. Superintendent of Police (SP) Vishal Anand said Pratik Khadatkar (21) was killed in the fire and the other injured employee is in treatment. The police will register a case of accidental death and probe the incident, he said. Mumbai, Aug 12 (PTI) Following are the top stories from the Western Region at 5:30 PM. BOM16 MP-PM-LD TEMPLE * Dalits, OBCs and tribals getting due respect now; previous governments remembered them only during polls: PM Modi Sagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said Dalits, OBCs and tribals are getting due respect from his government whereas previous rulers neglected these sections and remembered them only during elections. * BOM6 GJ-SHAH-NATURAL FARMING * India needs new green revolution to show path of natural farming to world: Amit Shah Gandhidham: Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said India needs a new green revolution under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to show the path of natural farming to the world and lead the way for prosperity of farmers. * BOM10 GJ-CLERIC-TRICOLOUR * Gujarat: Muslim cleric detained after his audio clip in which he 'insulted' national flag goes viral Porbandar: Police on Saturday detained a Muslim cleric in Porbandar city of Gujarat after an audio clip in which he allegedly insulted the national flag went viral on social media, an official said Saturday. * BOM5 MP-PRIYANKA-ALLEGATION-BJP * BJP warns of action against Priyanka Gandhi over her social media post alleging corruption by MP govt Bhopal: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders in Madhya Pradesh warned of action against Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra over her social media post, in which she accused the saffron party-led government in the state of indulging in corruption. * BOM7 MH-SEDITION LAW-RAUT * Centre shouldn't brag about repealing sedition law, it is using laws scarier than those framed by British against Oppn leaders: Raut Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Saturday said the Centre should not brag about repealing the sedition law as it is currently using legislations, which are scarier than what the British brought, against its political opponents. * BES6 CG-GST FRAUD-ARREST * Chhattisgarh: Businessman held for GST fraud of Rs 10.14 cr in Bilaspur Raipur: A businessman was arrested by the Central GST in Chhattisgarh's Bilasput district for allegedly availing and utilising input tax credit (ITC) worth Rs 10.14 crore by issuing bogus invoices, an official said on Saturday. * Kolkata, Aug 12 (PTI) The Trinamool Congress on Friday alleged that BJP goons had indulged in violence during the panchayat elections in West Bengal and not the ruling party's cadre as claimed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an address earlier in the day. Claiming that the PM's accusations against the TMC government were untrue, West Bengal minister Sashi Panja also accused the BJP government at the Centre of depriving West Bengal of its financial dues under various schemes. Virtually addressing the BJP's Panchayati Raj Parishad in West Bengal on Friday, the Prime Minister had earlier in the day criticised the TMC for using "terror and threats" to intimidate the opposition in the state during the rural polls held in July. "Is it because the BJP could not win the panchayat polls that terror and intimidation are being alleged? It is the BJP which indulged in violence in Bengal," Panja said, seeking to counter the PM's accusations against the Mamata Banerjee dispensation. "The Prime Minister does not have time to visit Manipur, but does find time to address party workers in Bengal," Panja said. Reacting to the PM castigating the opposition for walking out during the no-confidence motion, the TMC in a social media message, said, "It takes walking out of the opposition from Parliament for you to speak on Manipur." The party claimed that the opposition MPs waited patiently for 90 minutes during the PM's speech before walking out of the Parliament. She said that it was not true that atrocities were being perpetrated upon adivasis and Dalits in Bengal. "It is in the BJP-ruled states like Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh that Dalits and adivasis are victimised," Panja asserted. Claiming that the BJP is still unable to accept defeat in the 2021 assembly elections and 2023 panchayat polls in Bengal, Panja said that the Prime Minister is trying to paint a different picture of the TMC's victories by stating that there was violence during the polls. Claiming that a CAG report has pointed to gaps in Ayushman Bharat and some other central schemes, Panja said that the PM should throw some light on the issue. The TMC tweeted that according to a NITI Aayog report, West Bengal has surpassed Gujarat in tackling multidimensional poverty and out-performed the BJP-ruled state in indicators of health, education and standard of living. She also claimed Centre owes Rs 7,500 crore to Bengal on account of MNREGA, it asked for an immediate release of the funds to the state if the PM "cares about poor families." The TMC also claimed that the BJP had itself been guilty of unleashing unprecedented violence in the 2019 rural polls in Tripura which it said saw the saffron party winning some 80 per cent without any contest. "Violence and hooliganism run in the blood of BJP," the TMC claimed in a tweet. Kolkata, Aug 12 (PTI) Accusing the Centre of not acting against perpetrators of atrocities in Manipur, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday asserted that the slogan of 'BJP Bharat Chodo' (BJP Quit India) is reverberating across the country. She also said that "Prime Minister Narendra Modi can't speak on corruption" as his government was facing allegations of graft "in PM Care funds, Rafale deal and demonetisation". Her comments came hours after Modi, while virtually addressing the G20 Anti-Corruption Ministerial Meet here, said India has a strict zero-tolerance policy against corruption. Modi accused the opposition parties of "running away" from the Lok Sabha during a debate on the no-confidence motion, and said his government has countered the "negativity being spread" by them across the country. In response, the feisty TMC supremo said the PM was "blaming the opposition without any evidence as the BJP doesn't want the country's poor people to survive". "The prime minister is misleading the nation. He is speaking without any evidence. The BJP doesn't want any poor people in the country to survive. He cannot speak on corruption, as there are several graft allegations against the BJP government, be it the PM Care fund, Rafale (aircraft) agreement, selling defence PSUs or demonetisation," Banerjee said in an audio message. She also accused the prime minister of not taking any action against corruption within his party. In an apparent reference to the PM's allegation that the opposition didn't want a discussion on Manipur in Parliament, Banerjee said, "The BJP-led government at the Centre has not taken any action against those involved in atrocities in the northeastern state". "In West Bengal, too, 15-16 people have been killed by them (BJP) during rural polls," she alleged. Later, in another audio statement, Banerjee said just like Mahatma Gandhi's call for Quit India movement against British rule, in the present times, the slogan of 'BJP Quit India' is reverberating across the nation. "We want the BJP to be ousted. We are not asking their leaders to leave the country; they should be out of power. BJP quit India. INDIA (opposition bloc) will defeat the saffron party," she said. Banerjee said the TMC and the Opposition INDIA bloc will never allow the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code in the country. "The way we have stopped NRC (National Register of Citizens) and CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act), we will not allow UCC in the country. The tenure of the Union government is just six months, so they should stop using central agencies to threaten the state governments led by opposition parties," she said. She also slammed the prime minister for "stopping" funds for West Bengal under the MGNREGA scheme. "The only intention behind stopping of funds is to ensure that West Bengal starves financially. The Centre is trying to run a parallel government in the states by using the Raj Bhavan. Before maligning West Bengal, he should take care of BJP-ruled states," she added. Kolaghat (WB), Aug 12 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched a blistering attack on the opposition parties, accusing them of "running away" from Lok Sabha during a debate on the no-confidence motion, and said his government has countered the "negativity being spread" by them across the country. He also accused the opposition of "not being serious" about the discussion on Manipur as "it would have hurt them the most". Modi said an opportunity to find solutions through debates in Parliament could not be utilised as the opposition parties "prioritised their politics over people's welfare". In an apparent reference to the PM's allegation, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee claimed that the Centre has "not taken any action against those involved in unleashing atrocities in Manipur". The prime minister, who virtually addressed the Panchayati Raj Parishad in West Bengal, criticised the ruling TMC for using "terror and threats" to intimidate the opposition parties in the state during the rural polls last month but acting as "champions of democracy". "Only two days back, we had defeated the opposition's no-confidence motion in Parliament. We had also defeated the negativity being spread by them. The whole country has seen the opposition running away from the House. Unfortunately, they betrayed the people of Manipur," he said. The no-confidence motion against the Modi government was defeated through a voice vote in the Lok Sabha on Thursday after opposition MPs staged a walkout. A no-confidence motion is a formal proposal moved by a member against the government in Lok Sabha under Rule 198 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the lower House of Parliament. Before the commencement of the session, the government had written a letter to the opposition parties, saying that the Centre wanted to discuss the Manipur issue, PM Modi said. "But what happened, you all have seen. The opposition didn't allow it to happen. Had there been a discussion on such a sensitive subject, the people of Manipur would have felt relieved. Some solutions would have emerged to address that issue. "But the opposition parties did not want to discuss it as they knew that the truth of Manipur would sting them the most," PM Modi said at the BJP event. He also alleged that the opposition parties "were not serious" about any discussion and "just wanted to do politics" over the Manipur issue. "They don't care about pain and suffering of the people. All they care about is politics. That was why they chose to avoid the discussion and prioritised political debates by moving the no-confidence motion," he said. Banerjee, however, claimed that the BJP government at the Centre "has not taken any action against those involved in atrocities in the northeastern state". Notably, more than 160 people have lost their lives, and several hundred have been injured since the ethnic clashes broke out in Manipur on May 3, after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. Tribals -- Nagas and Kukis -- constitute little over 40 per cent and reside in the hill districts. Claiming that the central government had defeated the no-confidence motion of the opposition parties in Parliament with the "blessings of 140 crore Indians", PM Modi also urged BJP workers to unmask them before the people of the country. "The opposition might disrupt the proceedings of the House, but BJP workers and representatives must unmask them before the masses," he said. "The faith of people inspires me and boosts my confidence and vigour," he said, referring to the defeat of the no-confidence motion in Parliament. PM Modi claimed that "those who act as champions of democracy and question EVM" at the drop of a hat had "undermined" the democratic process in Bengal. Hitting out at the Congress' decade-old slogan 'Garibi hatao' (eliminate poverty), the prime minister said, "In reality, they have done nothing to remove poverty and uplift the living conditions of the poor people of the country." "In our country, for the last 50 years, slogans were given 'Garibi Hatao'. But those who gave this slogan could not remove poverty. The question is that the work which could not be done in five decades, how has the BJP done it in such a short time? We have taken steps for the overall development of the poor in the country," he said. He listed various projects for the development of eastern India and northeastern India. Kolkata/Kolaghat (WB), Aug 12 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday lashed out at the opposition and more specifically at TMCs record of violent local body polls, prompting an equally fiery response from West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee castigating the ruling party for lack of action on Manipur. Speaking virtually at a function organised by his party, at Kolaghat, a fishing town 70 km from Kolkata, Modi accused opposition parties of "running away" from the Lok Sabha during a debate on the no-confidence motion and said his government has countered the "negativity being spread" by them across the country. The Prime Minister also attacked the TMC which worsted his party in panchayat polls held recently, terming it a "Khooni Khela (bloody game)" where victory was secured by the use of "terror and threats" to intimidate the opposition. "Recently, panchayat elections were held in Bengal. The entire country saw TMC's khooni khel (bloody game). Violence has been used as a means to threaten the opposition. The TMC looted votes. But despite this, the love of the people of Bengal has led to the victory of BJP candidates," he said. PM Modi also claimed that those who act as "champions of democracy and question EVM" had "undermined" the democratic process in Bengal. "The TMC did everything to ensure that the BJP candidate can't file nomination. They threatened not only BJP workers but also the voters, the PM alleged. Reacting sharply to the PMs speech, TMC chief Mamata Banerjee in a recorded message to the media asked him to behave instead of maligning Bengal. "The Prime Minister and the BJP should not talk about West Bengal. He did not take action against his own corrupt party leaders and those involved in character assassination, atrocities on women, atrocities on wrestlers and atrocities in Manipur. "The BJP killed 15-16 people during rural polls in Bengal. You must behave properly instead of giving indulgence to such people," the TMC supremo said. Party spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said it seems the Prime Minister is yet to accept his party's defeat in the 2021 assembly polls. "It seems the Prime Minister is yet to accept his party's defeat in the 2021 assembly. His remarks against West Bengal and TMC reflected BJP's deep-rooted hatred for the state's people," he claimed. The prime minister who addressed his party workers at BJP's Panchayati Raj Parishad in West Bengal also accused the opposition of "not being serious" about the discussion on Manipur as "it would have hurt them the most". "Only two days back, we had defeated the opposition's no-confidence motion in Parliament. We had also defeated the negativity being spread by them. The whole country has seen the opposition running away from the House. Unfortunately, they betrayed the people of Manipur," he said. The no-confidence motion against the Modi government was defeated through a voice vote in the Lok Sabha on Thursday after opposition MPs staged a walkout. He said an opportunity to find solutions through debates in Parliament could not be utilised as the opposition parties "prioritised their politics over people's welfare". "Had there been a discussion on such a sensitive subject, the people of Manipur would have felt relieved. Some solutions would have emerged to address that issue. "But the opposition parties did not want to discuss it as they knew that the truth of Manipur would sting them the most," PM Modi said at the BJP event. In an apparent reference to the PM's claims, Banerjee retorted the Centre has "not taken any action against those involved in unleashing atrocities in Manipur". Notably, more than 160 people lost their lives, and several hundred were injured since the ethnic clashes broke out in Manipur in the first week of May. News reports have since then poured in of gang rapes and ethnic cleansing with whole villages and urban localities being burnt down. Banerjee also said that "Prime Minister Narendra Modi can't speak on corruption" as his government was facing allegations of graft "in PM Care funds, Rafale deal and demonetisation". She was apparently referring to Modis comments made earlier in the day while addressing the G20 Anti-Corruption Ministerial Meet here, where he said India has a strict zero-tolerance policy against corruption. Later, in another audio statement, Banerjee said just like Mahatma Gandhi's call for Quit India movement against British rule, in the present times, the slogan of 'BJP Quit India' is reverberating across the nation. "We want the BJP to be ousted. We are not asking their leaders to leave the country; they should be out of power. BJP quit India. INDIA (opposition bloc) will defeat the saffron party," she said. A screen displays the logo for HP Inc. at the NYSE in New York By Jonathan Stempel (Reuters) - A federal judge has rejected HP's bid to dismiss a lawsuit claiming that it intentionally designed its all-in-one printers to be unable to scan or fax when they are low on ink, as a means to increase profit by boosting ink sales. Customers in the proposed class action said HP concealed how its printers enter an "error state" when low on ink, disabling scanning and faxing functions that do not require ink, and forcing them to buy unnecessary, high-margin ink cartridges. U.S. District Judge Beth Labson Freeman in a decision on Thursday found sufficient allegations that HP knew about the defect, citing a message board post where a support agent told a customer that his printer "will not function" without ink. The San Jose, California-based judge also said customers could try to show HP had a duty to disclose the defect, based on its "superior knowledge" that the printers could be disabled. HP in seeking a dismissal said the customers failed to allege such a duty or that it "actively" concealed any defect. HP and its lawyers did not immediately respond on Friday to requests for comment. Lawyers for the customers did not immediately respond to similar requests. The lawsuit covers U.S. purchasers of HP all-in-one printers, and California and Minnesota subclasses. It is led by Gary Freund, of San Francisco, and Wayne McMath, of Minneapolis, who said they would not have bought or would have paid less for their printers had they known of the alleged defect. Printing products, including printers and supplies, generated $18.9 billion, or 30%, of Palo Alto, California-based HP's $63 billion of revenue in the year ending Oct. 31, 2022. The case is Freund et al v HP Inc, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, No. 22-03794. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Sharon Singleton) Guwahati, Aug 12 (PTI) The ruling BJP in Assam on Saturday expelled one of its members from party membership after his name cropped up in connection with the alleged suicide of a woman leader. A leader of BJP Kisan Morcha had died allegedly by suicide at her Guwahati residence on Friday, police said. She had taken an overdose of sleeping pills, leading to her death as per preliminary reports. BJP sources said the woman leader was driven to take the extreme step after her intimate photos with another party leader had surfaced. As the police launched an investigation into the matter, the leader with whom she was seen in the photos was expelled from the primary membership of the party. State BJP president Bhabesh Kalita ordered his expulsion with immediate effect. Police said a case of unnatural death has been registered and no arrests have been made so far. New Delhi, Aug 12 (PTI) Hold on to the legacy of a scientific culture and let it inspire you in all you do, eminent virologist Gagandeep Kang told graduating students at IIT Delhi at the institute's 54th convocation ceremony on Saturday, Kang is the first woman from India to be elected a Fellow of the Royal Society and the second elected to the US National Academy of Medicine. She is the only physician- scientist to receive the Infosys Award in Life Sciences. "IIT Delhi has a long-standing tradition of producing outstanding alumni who have excelled in various fields, making significant contributions to both India and the world. This culture of rigour, dedication, and pursuit of excellence has become the hallmark of an IIT graduate. As you enter the next phase of your life, hold on to this legacy of a scientific culture and let it inspire you in all you do," said Kang, professor of microbiology at Christian Medical College, Vellore. "You are stepping into the world equipped with the power of science and technology. Science has solutions to offer for many of the problems we face in society, and the privilege of receiving high-quality education and training from an esteemed institution like IIT Delhi comes with responsibility to use your skills for service," she said. More than 2,350 undergraduate and postgraduate students at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) here were awarded degrees at the convocation ceremony. Meritorious students were awarded the Presidents Gold Medal, the Directors Gold Medal, Dr Shankar Dayal Sharma (former President of India) Gold Medal, Perfect Ten Gold Medal and the Institute Silver Medal. The distinguished alumni awardees were Ashutosh Sabharwal (Professor, Rich University, Houston), Pawan Kumar Jain (MD, INOX Air Products), Nalin Shinghal (CMD, BHEL), Aarti Gupta (Professor, Princeton University) and Gurtej S Sandhu (Senior Fellow and VP, Micron Technology). The alumni chosen for Graduates of Last Decade (GOLD) award are Aayush Jain (Assistant Professor, Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh) and Ananth Govind Rajan (Assistant Professor, IISc Bengaluru). New Delhi, Aug 12 (PTI) Around 2.5 crore national flags have been supplied to post offices for sale as part of the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign, which has transformed into a "people's movement" with increasing 'janbhagidari', a top official of the culture ministry said on Saturday. Addressing a press conference here, Union Culture Secretary Govind Mohan said there is a lot of excitement in the country right now, with regard to this campaign, which saw an overwhelming response last year when it was first launched. "Our aim is to celebrate 'Har Ghar Tiranga' in 2023 on the same big scale and commitment as we had done last year. All preparations that were done last year have been done this year as well," he said. Later talking to reporters, he said, through the textile ministry, "we have ensured supply of flags to all states and UTs. And this year, around 2.5 crore flags have been supplied to post offices, compared to last year when the figure was one crore". As part of this initiative, the Department of Posts is serving as the designated entity responsible for selling and distributing high-quality national flags to the public, the culture ministry said in a statement. The flags can be purchased from www.epostoffice.gov.in till 11:59 pm on August 12, it said. "The Postal Department has placed requisition for 2.5 crore flags this year and 55 lakh flags have already been sent out through post offices. The Ministry of Textiles has already sent out 1.3 crore flags to states," Mohan was quoted as saying in the statement. Crores of flags are also being produced by self-help groups in states indicating a trend of Atmanirbharta in flag manufacturing, he added. During the briefing, the official said that low sales are also due to the fact that several families will be reusing the flags bought last year as part of the campaign. During a meeting, the nodal officers from different states informed that either the chief minister or a senior official will take part in activities related to 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign, Mohan said. The Gujarat chief minister on August 14 will lead a 'Tiranga Yatra' that will begin from Sabarmati riverfront. Also, it was in the news that the chief minister of Rajasthan will also take part in a 'Tiranga Yatra', he said. "Our feedback is that there is a lot of excitement in the country right now...We have made creatives based on our experiences last year, which have been uploaded on the website of 'Har Ghar Tiranga'. "We have done about five video conferences with officials of states and UTs, and after today's meeting we can say that each state and each UT is committed to celebrating 'Har Ghar Tiranga' in a big way with the same commitment as it was marked last year," he said. From August 13 to 15, 'Prabhat Pheris' and 'Tiranga Yatras' will be organised along with mega events at public places, schools, and colleges, the Union culture secretary said. Mohan said so far this year, the culture ministry has organised "more than 2,000 events", including nukkad nataks (street plays) and cultural events, under the 'Har Ghar Tiranga'. "'Tiranga (tricolour) is the most appropriate and highest symbol of country's fundamental emotions and respect and love for India by Indians," he said. Before 2022, the association with flags on August 15 used to be more on a government level, and it used to take place in offices, its buildings, Mohan said. Last year, under the guidance and inspiration of the prime minister, "we endeavoured to establish a personal connect with individuals and people. This effort was highly successful," he added. Around 26 crore families are there in India, and almost all of them hoisted the flag on their premises, a reflection of the respect and love for country, "we saw it on a large scale last year", the culture secretary asserted. It is a matter of pride that every person in this country links himself or herself to this great symbol and there is "more excitement this year" about it. Last year, around six crore selfies with the Indian flag were uploaded on the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' website. "We are hopeful, the figure will increase this time," he said. The government is celebrating 'Har Ghar Tiranga' from August 13-15 under the aegis of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. The idea behind this is to "bolster the sense of patriotism within citizens and commemorate the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav with the essence of collaborative participation and increased janbhagidari the ministry said. The 'Har Gar Tiranga' campaign launched by the Ministry of Culture has "transformed into people's movement with increasing 'janbhagidari'," and this year the 'Tiranga' rallies are under full swing in various parts of the country, witnessing immense public participation, Mohan said. "Every day lakhs of people are uploading their selfies with the 'Tiranga'. People are also participating in the 'Meri Maati Mera Desh' campaign where numerous Shilaphalakams memorialising the brave hearts of the country are being erected at important places," he added. New Delhi, Aug 12 (PTI) Black cat commandos of the National Security Guard conducted security drills over the last few weeks to effectively secure the national capital during the upcoming Independence Day celebrations and the G20 Leaders' Summit scheduled next month, officials said on Saturday. A contingent of about 500 commandos, snipers and VIP security personnel drawn from various Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) have been stationed in Delhi as part of the overall protection grid being laid by the central security and intelligence setup in view of the two events. "The National Security Guard (NSG) conducted aerial insertion drills at multiple locations in Delhi to fine-tune security preparedness for Independence Day and other upcoming international events. "Multiple contingencies were rehearsed involving other stakeholders to strengthen the response mechanism," the federal counter-terrorist force said on its official handle at X (formerly Twitter). A senior officer told PTI that multiple House Intervention Teams (HITs), snipers, K9 (canine) and bomb detection and disposal teams of the 'black cats' commandos force rehearsed these drills over the last few weeks, including air dropping of soldiers from a helicopter near the Akshardham temple in east Delhi. Commandos and VIP security duty personnel from various CAPFs like the CRPF, ITBP, BSF, CISF and the SSB have been called to Delhi from their various field formations to render "protocol and protection" duties during the G20 Leaders' Summit to be held here on September 9-10 at the Bharat Mandapam convention centre, earlier Pragati Maidan, and some other vital locations. These special units, including that of the Delhi Police, will function under the central command of the Ministry of Home Affairs till the G20 meet gets over and all the premiers and dignitaries leave for their respective destinations, the officer said. Meerut (UP), Aug 12 (PTI) Two men were arrested here on Saturday in connection with the recent alleged murder of a businessman and his wife, officials said. The accused said they committed the crime after being inspired by the 'Asur' web series, released in 2020, Senior Superintendent of Police Rohit Singh Sajwan said. On Thursday, Dhan Kumar Jain (70), a resident of the Brahmapuri area, was killed while his wife Anju Jain (65) was seriously injured when they resisted a robbery bid by two men who broke into their house, Sajwan said. The accused fled with cash and jewellery, he said. Anju succumbed to her injuries on Friday during treatment, the police said. The SSP said eight teams were formed to crack the case, which examined the CCTV footage, conducted electronic surveillance and also gathered inputs from informers, following which the two accused were nabbed. The arrested persons have been identified as Priyank Sharma (25) alias Parush, a final year LLB student and his friend Yash Sharma alias Yashu (24), a Class 8 pass-out who works in a battery shop, the police said. During interrogation, Priyank told the police that inspired by the 'Asur' web series, he looked up on YouTube ways to escape the police, the SSP said. The accused added that they used gloves, masks and helmets to hide their identity and changed the number plate of the bike after committing the crime, the SSP said. The duo chose an escape route where the CCTV cameras could not identify them, the police said. A day before the incident, the accused had gone to the businessman's house on the pretext of looking for a room to rent, they added. The SSP said a pistol, motorcycle, clothes, helmets and shoes worn during the commission of the crime, besides gold and silver jewellery and cash looted from the businessman's house have been recovered from the accused. After the incident came to light, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav had tried to corner the state government over the incident. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Yadav had said, "The murder of a businessman in Meerut by entering his house, looting and murderous attack on his wife is a heart-wrenching and extremely terrifying incident." "Recession during the BJP government, corruption of officials, collection of donations by the ruling party and above all, the fear of criminals have completely killed the business in UP," he added. New Delhi, Aug 12 (PTI) Days after the communal clashes in Haryana, prominent Muslim body Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind on Saturday hailed the role of Khap panchayats, social organisations, Sikhs and other people who contributed towards building communal harmony. In a statement, Jamiat president Maulana Arshad Madani said Khap Panchayats have shown the path for making the country the cradle of peace and unity once again. He welcomed the Khap panchayats, social organisations, Sikhs and other people of Haryana, who promoted communal harmony in the crisis situation after clashes in Nuh and its neighboring areas that erupted on July 31. They not only expressed complete solidarity and sympathy with the Muslims of Mewat, but also "exposed the conspiracies of the sectarian forces", Madani said. He said this has not only encouraged the "oppressed Muslims of Mewat but also foiled the dangerous conspiracy to accuse the community for creating an atmosphere of religious extremism". But he alleged police were making "arrests of Muslim youths". "Rallies are being held in the presence of the police in support of sectarian groups in which they are calling openly for an economic boycott of Muslims, but the ruling party is neither doing anything in the state nor in the Centre to stop this evil trend," Madani said. Six people, including two home guards and a cleric, have died in the clashes that erupted in Nuh over an attempt to stop a Vishva Hindu Parishad procession and spread to Gurugram. Opposition parties in Haryana have alleged that the violence in Nuh was the result of the failure of the BJP-JJP dispensation in the state. Jaipur, Aug 12 (PTI) A jawan was killed and 16 others were injured on Saturday after a truck carrying BSF personnel overturned in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer district, police said. The incident took place in an area under Shahgarh police station area of the district, killing SK Dubey on the spot, they said. The injured were taken to Jaisalmer where they are undergoing treatment at Jawahar hospital, police said. They said the family of the deceased have been informed and a post-mortem will be conducted after their arrival. New Delhi, Aug 12 (PTI) Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Saturday disapproved of demanding parents who push their children to pursue 'mainstream' professions and do not allow them to follow their dreams. Interacting with a group of students from Kerala who called on him at the Upa Rashtrapati Nivas here, he said, Parents want to live their life through their children. That is not good. There is achievement in every walk of life. The vice president expressed strong disapproval of certain demanding parents who push their wards to become civil servants or engineers when the child actually wants to become a musician or a photographer. Responding to a question from a student, Dhankhar described drug abuse as a menace to the world. Calling drugs a challenge to humanity, he said it destroys those minds who have the capacity to take the world to a higher level. Delving into the factors behind drug abuse, the vice president said it happens because we are drifting away from our core cultural values and family life. He also called for generating an ecosystem where one believes in friendship, community life, family, and respects elders. Praising the government for taking a tough stance on the drug challenge, Dhankhar appealed to the establishment to be "stringent with those who deal in drugs and never fear to expose those making money on account of drugs. New Delhi, Aug 12 (PTI) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Saturday said it has filed a charge sheet against a former Bihar Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) executive engineer and his family members in a disproportionate assets case. A special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Patna took cognisance of the prosecution complaint -- filed against former executive engineer of PHED, Samastipur Sanjay Kumar Singh, his wife Pushpa Singh, sons Abhishek Ashish and Anunay Ashish, and father Ambika Prasad Singh -- on August 10, the ED said in a statement. The agency said it has also requested the court to allow confiscation of the assets of the accused worth Rs 1.48 crore that were attached by it in March 2022. While working at different posts as engineer in the PHED, the ED said, Sanjay Kumar amassed "disproportionate" assets worth about Rs 1.83 crore during the period from July 15, 1987 to September 4, 2013 in his name and in the name of his family members (wife, sons and father). "The disproportionate assets amounting to Rs 1.83 crore have been acquired through corrupt and illegal means, by abusing his position as a public servant in violation of various sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988," it alleged. The ED case stems from a charge sheet filed by the Economic Offences Unit (EOU) of the Bihar government against the accused. Five immovable assets, including four plots and a flat, nine bank accounts with deposits worth Rs 48.26 lakh, and five insurance polices valued at Rs 7.69 lakh were earlier attached by the ED as part of this investigation. Thane, Aug 12 (PTI) A special court in Thane district acquitted six persons charged under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) for allegedly robbing a doctor's house at gunpoint in Navi Mumbai. Special (MCOCA) judge Amit M Shete in an order dated August 8 held that the prosecution had failed to prove the charges against the accused beyond reasonable doubts and hence they need to be set free. The court kept in abeyance the case relating to the seventh accused Vinodkumar Jain who is named in the FIR and who is still absconding. The court acquitted Ganesh Mohan Vishwakarma (37), Damarsingh alias Viraj Mohan Vishwakarma (30), Vinod Kishore Vaishnav (38), Rony Jerome Lobo (38), Asiruddin Badrudin alias Takdiruddin Khan (31) and Himmat Suraj Singh (29). Special public prosecutor Sanjay More informed the court that on the night of December 6, 2016, the accused entered a doctor's house in Belapur area of Navi Mumbai, pointed revolver and knife at the cook who was alone and decamped with valuables from the premises. The judge noted that the witnesses and prosecution had failed to establish that Vaishnav and Khan were part of an organised crime syndicate and by hatching conspiracy with the other accused, they committed crimes. The material produced in court was not enough to hold the accused guilty of any crime much less the alleged crime, the court said. The prosecution examined 20 witnesses but could not prove the crime against the alleged accused persons, it was stated. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chair Lina Khan will reportedly meet with representatives from Amazon (AMZN) next week in what could be the last face-to-face between the parties before the commission files an antitrust suit against the e-commerce giant. Khan, who became chair in 2021 at 32 years old, has made taking on Big Tech the cornerstone of her tenure at the FTC. She has confronted many of the industry's biggest names, with major lawsuits against Facebook parent Meta (META) and Microsoft (MSFT). Not all of them have produced victories, resulting in some political blowback in Washington and skepticism that her strategy is to lose so Congress will change antitrust laws. Khan, now 34, rose to prominence after publishing a 2017 article in the Yale Law Journal titled "Amazon's Antitrust Paradox." The article argued modern antitrust laws weren't equipped to tackle the tech industry's anticompetitive behavior because they were too focused on pricing as a means of determining consumer harms. FTC Chair Lina Khan, preparing to testify before a House committee last month. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images) Those laws, she argued, needed to be rethought to bring Big Tech companies to heel. Now she is attempting to rein in these companies as chair. "Love or hate her, [Khan] has a very clear vision of what the role of the FTC is and what the role of the chair is," former Federal Communications Commission Chair Harold Furchtgott-Roth told Yahoo Finance. "And that vision is a very aggressive and ambitious one and shes taking every step possible to make that vision become a reality." The FTC declined to comment. The US scrutiny of Big Tech Khan isnt the only government official going after the nation's biggest tech companies. The Department of Justice and a collection of state attorneys general are suing Alphabet's (GOOG, GOOGL) Google in two consolidated cases launched during President Trumps administration, alleging the company abuses its market power across search and search advertising to squeeze competition. Story continues Those cases go to trial next month before the US District Court of the District of Columbia, which has dismissed some of the claims. Google said "we look forward to showing at trial that promoting and distributing our services is both legal and pro-competitive." Khan is juggling cases against several other giants. In one case against Facebook-owning Meta, the FTC under Khan tried to block Meta's acquisition of virtual reality fitness company Within. Her agency is also trying to force the social media juggernaut to split apart Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, in a separate case filed before Khan took over as chair. Another target: Microsoft. Khan has fought to prevent the Windows maker from completing its acquisition of "Call of Duty" developer Activision Blizzard (ATVI). But Khans biggest test will be her challenge against Amazon. The suit, according to Politico, will likely focus on Amazons e-commerce business and whether it puts unfair pressure on sellers who use its marketplace. These arguments echo complaints made by the state of California and Washington DC, which argued that Amazons pressure on these sellers forced them to hike prices outside of the Amazon platform. Amazon has denied those claims, saying sellers set their own prices and that Amazon makes no effort to prevent them from offering lower prices elsewhere. The case filed by Washington DC was thrown out by a judge last year, and the California case is ongoing. An Amazon worker moves boxes last month in New York City. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) If FTC does decide to sue Amazon, it would be Khan's second case against the company. A separate lawsuit the commission filed in July accuses Amazon of tricking consumers into signing up for its Prime service and purposely making it difficult to cancel those subscriptions. Amazon declined to comment. Pushback in Washington Khans efforts, however, havent always been successful. In July, a federal judge blocked the commissions request for an injunction seeking to keep Microsoft from completing the deal. The FTC has since pulled out of its in-house suit, and will likely negotiate with Microsoft over potential concessions for the deal. The commission also failed in its battle to prevent Meta from being able to purchase VR company Within. During a July hearing before the House Judiciary Committee, some Republicans pounced on Khans failures, calling her a "bully" and arguing that her leadership of the agency had been a "disaster." But at least one expert says that the FTC is moving in the right direction despite recent misses. "I think the FTC is doing the right thing in trying to rein in mergers and challenging self-preferencing rules," Stanford Law School Professor Mark A. Lemley told Yahoo Finance. "I think they have run up against 40 years of entrenched (and outdated) attitudes that disfavor antitrust law, which has led to them losing cases in the courts that they clearly should have won," Lemley added. "It's not obvious to me how we can change that judicial resistance without legislation." Sign up for the Yahoo Finance newsletter. Khans prior losses against tech firms also have little to do with the FTCs chances in any potential case against Amazon, explained NYU School of Law professor Eleanor Fox. "I know the press makes a huge deal of losing the first case and losing the second case, but the fact isit was just lost because of proof of fact," Fox said. "And it really doesn't say a lot about what will happen next time in a big case." Khans potential tussle with Amazon would be among the most important battles between the Biden Administration and Big Tech. Whether it actually plays out at all could depend on Khans showdown with the company next week. Daniel Howley is the tech editor at Yahoo Finance. You can follow him on Twitter @DanielHowley. Alexis Keenan is a legal reporter for Yahoo Finance. Follow Alexis on Twitter @alexiskweed. Click here for the latest stock market news and in-depth analysis, including events that move stocks Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance Chennai, Aug 12 (PTI) The Enforcement Directorate on Saturday produced Tamil Nadu Minister V Senthil Balaji, who was arrested in connection with a money laundering case, before a sessions court here, after completion of its custody. Principal Sessions Judge S Alli before whom Senthil Balaji was produced by the ED, remanded him to judicial custody till August 25. The judge had on August 7 permitted the ED to take custody of Senthil Balaji for 5 days for the purpose of interrogation in connection with the case. Since the custody came to an end on Saturday, the ED produced him before the judge. Balaji was arrested in June in connection with a cash-for-jobs scam while being Transport minister in the earlier AIADMK regime. Mangaluru, Aug 12 (PTI) A team of Bengaluru CID police (Forest unit) have confiscated 125 kg of red sanders which was being transported illegally in Belthangady taluk of Dakshina Kannada district. Two persons have been arrested in the connection, police sources said. The accused and the confiscated sanders were handed over to the Venoor Forest department. The accused have been identified as Deekshith, a resident of Guruvayanakere and Khalid from Mavinakatte. Another accused Santhosh is stated to be absconding. Acting on specific information, a team of mobile forest department of Bengaluru led by ASI Janaki confiscated the red sanders and the vehicle used for transportation, sources said. Venoor zonal forest officer Mahim Jannu has taken up the investigation. The value of the confiscated goods and vehicle is estimated to be around Rs 6.5 lakh. FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried was sent to jail Friday to await trial after a bail hearing for the fallen cryptocurrency wiz left a judge convinced that he had repeatedly tried to influence witnesses against him. U.S. District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan ordered Bankman-Frieds bail revoked after prosecutors said hed tried to harass a key witness in his fraud case last month when he showed a journalist her private writings and in January when he reached out to the general counsel for FTX with an encrypted communication. His lawyers insisted he shouldnt be jailed for trying to protect his reputation against a barrage of unfavorable news stories. Kaplan said he had concluded there was probable cause to believe Bankman-Fried had tried to tamper with witnesses at least twice since his December arrest. A defense lawyer said an appeal of the incarceration order would be filed and asked for an immediate stay of the order. The 31-year-old has been under house arrest at his parents home in Palo Alto, California, since his December extradition from the Bahamas on charges that he defrauded investors in his businesses and illegally diverted millions of dollars worth of cryptocurrency from customers using his FTX exchange. Bankman-Frieds $250 million bail package severely restricts his internet and phone usage. Two weeks ago, prosecutors surprised Bankman-Frieds attorneys by demanding his incarceration, saying he violated those rules by giving The New York Times the private writings of Caroline Ellison, his former girlfriend and the ex-CEO of Alameda Research, a cryptocurrency trading hedge fund that was one of his businesses. Prosecutors maintained he was trying to sully her reputation and influence prospective jurors who might be summoned for his October trial. Ellison pleaded guilty in December to criminal charges carrying a potential penalty of 110 years in prison. She has agreed to testify against Bankman-Fried as part of a deal that could lead to a more lenient sentence. Bankman-Frieds lawyers argued he probably failed in a quest to defend his reputation because the article cast Ellison in a sympathetic light. They also said prosecutors exaggerated the role Bankman-Fried had in the article. They said prosecutors were trying to get their client locked up by offering evidence consisting of innuendo, speculation, and scant facts. Since prosecutors made their detention request, Kaplan has imposed a gag order barring public comments by people participating in the trial, including Bankman-Fried. David McCraw, a lawyer for the Times, had written to the judge, noting the First Amendment implications of any blanket gag order, as well as public interest in Ellison and her cryptocurrency trading firm. Ellison confessed to a central role in a scheme defrauding investors of billions of dollars that went undetected, McGraw said. It is not surprising that the public wants to know more about who she is and what she did and that news organizations would seek to provide to the public timely, pertinent, and fairly reported information about her, as The Times did in its story, McGraw said. (AP) Feeling wealthy? Or the reverse? We will hear a lot about worldwide wealth this week as Credit Suisse launches its annual Global Wealth Report. The bank has been calculating who has the most money and in which countries for the past 14 years, and looks as if it will continue to do so, despite the takeover by UBS. While we don't yet have the details, we can see a pattern from previous reports with some quite remarkable results. So which country had the most dollar millionaires at the end of 2021? The US of course. Which country had, on average, the greatest wealth per head? Switzerland, unsurprisingly, for it is great at attracting global billionaires. The US was number two, as it is pretty good at creating them. But, on the more meaningful tally of the wealth of the median person that is, someone right in the middle of the wealth spectrum, with as many poorer people below them as richer ones above the winner was Australia. That Antipodean everyman or woman, right in the middle of the wealth range, had net assets of nearly $275,000, or 215,000, as that is US dollars, not Australian ones. Next in line came Belgium, New Zealand and Hong Kong. Centre stage: That Antipodean everyman or woman, right in the middle of the wealth range, had net assets of nearly $275,000, or 215,000 The UK was number nine, with the median Brit worth more than $141,000, just behind the Canadians and Dutch, and slightly ahead of the French, though easily surpassing other rich countries such as Japan, Norway and Italy. So where was that middle person in the US? Right down at number 18, worth just over $93,000. And the Germans? They didn't even make the top 20. Canada has lower gross domestic product (GDP) per head than the US, and lower average wealth, but the man or woman in the middle is wealthier than the equivalent middle-class citizen living below the 49th parallel. Why does all this matter? For lots of reasons. For a start, there is so much focus on GDP growth and GDP per head, that we tend to forget that what is important to most people is whether they feel financially secure. Wealth is security not the only form but a mightily important one. You can understand why many middle-class people in the US find things a struggle. Despite the huge and sometimes ostentatious wealth of the very rich, they have less personal wealth than their counterparts in the UK. Or take Germany. It has a very successful economy, creates lots of jobs, and is the largest net contributor to the European Union's budget. Financially the country is very strong, with relatively low national debt compared with just about everywhere else. However, you can understand the resentment when Germans realise that at a personal level they own fewer assets than many other EU citizens, including Italians and Spaniards. You can also understand why so many Britons, and of course others, want to emigrate to Australia, New Zealand and Canada. It is not simply that there is no inheritance tax in those three countries, or that there are larger homes. The person in the middle is likely to end up richer. There are some caveats. Housing is one. The reason Hong Kong is so high up the list is because it has about the most expensive residential property in the world. People are rich because of the value of their flat, but have to put up with very little living space. Germans are poor, not in their daily lives, but because the median person rents their home. Or take the contrast between Britons and Americans. US homes are in general bigger and cheaper. So if you value living space, that middle-class Briton is worse off, whatever the figures suggest. Another note of caution is public services. If a country has really good public services, that is a form of wealth. Some European countries, including Belgium, Switzerland and the Netherlands, seem able to combine well-funded services with high personal wealth. So do Australia and New Zealand. And Canada compares well against the US on that score. So what next? We will get the results in a couple of days, and there are two things I will look out for. One will be inequality. The top 1 per cent own 45 per cent of global wealth. But prior to the pandemic that proportion was slowly falling. Has the decline resumed? The other will be the projections. Last time they thought the number of UK millionaires would rise rapidly in the next few years, faster than in the US, Germany or France. Do they still think so? If so, could we be doing something right? ABN AMRO Bank (OTCMKTS:AAVMY Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant decline in short interest in the month of July. As of July 31st, there was short interest totalling 800 shares, a decline of 76.5% from the July 15th total of 3,400 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 13,600 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.1 days. ABN AMRO Bank Stock Down 1.6 % OTCMKTS:AAVMY opened at $15.44 on Friday. ABN AMRO Bank has a 1-year low of $8.47 and a 1-year high of $17.93. The company has a 50-day moving average of $15.94 and a 200 day moving average of $16.13. Get ABN AMRO Bank alerts: ABN AMRO Bank Announces Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 26th. Investors of record on Monday, August 21st will be paid a $0.5311 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, August 18th. About ABN AMRO Bank ABN AMRO Bank N.V. provides various banking products and services to retail, private, and business clients in the Netherlands and internationally. It operates through three segments: Personal & Business Banking, Wealth Management, and Corporate Banking. The company provides savings and deposits products; labelled residential mortgage products under the Florius brands; and consumer loans under the Alpha Credit Nederland, Credivance, Defam, Moneyou, and ABN AMRO brands. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for ABN AMRO Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ABN AMRO Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. AmeriCann, Inc. (OTCMKTS:ACAN Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large decline in short interest during the month of July. As of July 31st, there was short interest totalling 100 shares, a decline of 95.0% from the July 15th total of 2,000 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 34,000 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.0 days. AmeriCann Price Performance OTCMKTS:ACAN opened at $0.27 on Friday. AmeriCann has a twelve month low of $0.08 and a twelve month high of $0.45. The companys 50 day moving average is $0.20 and its two-hundred day moving average is $0.22. Get AmeriCann alerts: AmeriCann Company Profile (Get Free Report) See Also AmeriCann, Inc operates as a specialized cannabis company in the United States. It engages in the product manufacturing and greenhouse cultivation facilities for licensed cannabis business. The company's flagship project is the Massachusetts Cannabis Center that is developed on a 52-acre parcel of land located in Freetown, southeastern Massachusetts. Receive News & Ratings for AmeriCann Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AmeriCann and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Agricultural Bank of China Limited (OTCMKTS:ACGBY Get Free Report) saw a large decline in short interest in the month of July. As of July 31st, there was short interest totalling 100 shares, a decline of 87.5% from the July 15th total of 800 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 30,400 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.0 days. Agricultural Bank of China Stock Performance OTCMKTS ACGBY opened at $8.42 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $117.80 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 3.40 and a beta of 0.26. The company has a current ratio of 0.90, a quick ratio of 0.90 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.68. The businesss 50 day moving average is $9.09 and its two-hundred day moving average is $9.20. Agricultural Bank of China has a 12-month low of $7.04 and a 12-month high of $10.41. Get Agricultural Bank of China alerts: Agricultural Bank of China Cuts Dividend The firm also recently declared a dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, August 23rd. Shareholders of record on Monday, July 10th will be paid a dividend of $0.6772 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, July 7th. Agricultural Bank of Chinas dividend payout ratio is presently 25.40%. Agricultural Bank of China Company Profile Agricultural Bank of China Limited provides banking products and services. The company operates through Corporate Banking, Personal Banking, and Treasury Operations segments. It offers demand, personal call, foreign currency call, time or demand optional, foreign exchange call, foreign exchange time, savings, agreed term, and negotiated deposit accounts, as well as certificates of deposit; and loans, including housing, consumer, business, fixed asset, working capital, real estate, and entrusted syndicated loans, as well as trade finances, guarantees and commitments, and loans with custody of export rebates accounts. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Agricultural Bank of China Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Agricultural Bank of China and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais S.A. (OTCMKTS:USNZY Get Free Report) crossed below its fifty day moving average during trading on Friday . The stock has a fifty day moving average of $1.54 and traded as low as $1.45. Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais shares last traded at $1.45, with a volume of 32,099 shares. Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais Price Performance The stocks 50 day moving average is $1.54 and its two-hundred day moving average is $1.49. About Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais (Get Free Report) Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais SA manufactures and markets flat steel products in Brazil and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Mining and Logistics, Steel Metallurgy, and Steel Transformation. It extracts and process iron ore, such as pellet and sinter feed and, granulated iron ore; provides storage, handling, and road cargo transportation services; and operates highway and railway cargo terminals. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BlackRock MuniVest Fund II, Inc. (NYSE:MVT Get Free Report)s stock price crossed below its fifty day moving average during trading on Friday . The stock has a fifty day moving average of $10.54 and traded as low as $10.32. BlackRock MuniVest Fund II shares last traded at $10.33, with a volume of 22,442 shares changing hands. BlackRock MuniVest Fund II Stock Performance The stock has a 50-day moving average of $10.54 and a 200-day moving average of $10.61. Get BlackRock MuniVest Fund II alerts: BlackRock MuniVest Fund II Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 1st. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, August 15th will be paid a dividend of $0.0315 per share. This represents a $0.38 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.66%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, August 14th. Institutional Trading of BlackRock MuniVest Fund II About BlackRock MuniVest Fund II A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Raymond James & Associates grew its holdings in shares of BlackRock MuniVest Fund II by 24.9% during the first quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 48,376 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $625,000 after buying an additional 9,656 shares in the last quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. lifted its position in shares of BlackRock MuniVest Fund II by 19.4% in the first quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 14,081 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $182,000 after buying an additional 2,283 shares during the last quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. lifted its position in shares of BlackRock MuniVest Fund II by 71.2% in the first quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 35,370 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $457,000 after buying an additional 14,715 shares during the last quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of BlackRock MuniVest Fund II during the 1st quarter worth about $316,000. Finally, Invesco Ltd. lifted its position in shares of BlackRock MuniVest Fund II by 19.3% during the 1st quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 205,239 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,650,000 after purchasing an additional 33,272 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 21.56% of the companys stock. (Get Free Report) BlackRock MuniVest Fund II, Inc is a closed ended fixed income mutual fund launched by BlackRock, Inc It is managed by BlackRock Advisors, LLC. The fund invests in fixed income markets. It invests primarily in long-term municipal bonds exempt from federal income taxes. BlackRock MuniVest Fund II, Inc was formed on March 29, 1993 and is domiciled in United States. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for BlackRock MuniVest Fund II Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BlackRock MuniVest Fund II and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Christina and her husband Jack may be high earners in Los Angeles but thanks to their lavish spending habits, when they were booted out of their last home, they were left scrambling with no savings for a deposit or first months rent. I honestly dont know what happened, we just decided to upgrade our lifestyle, Christina told Ramit Sethi on his podcast, I Will Teach You To Be Rich, offering up examples of spending on extravagant vacations and costly furniture. Im stealing from my future: A 33-year old doctor and her husband in LA make over $200K but were on the cusp of being homeless. 5 lessons you can learn from their mistakes Don't miss This janitor in Vermont built an $8M fortune without anyone around him knowing. Here are the 2 simple techniques that made Ronald Read rich and can do the same for you Here's how much money the average middle-class American household makes how do you stack up? Super-rich Americans are snatching up prime real estate abroad as US housing slumps but here's a sharp way to invest without having to move overseas Christina currently earns $136,800 a year and with Jacks income, the couple bring in a total of $207,000. Christinas expecting to make around $300,000 later this year when she becomes a fully licensed oncologist. Im stealing from my future, she admits. Im afraid that its going to be the same and it actually might get worse, I might have even more debt. How to consolidate credit card debt with a personal loan Here are five things you can learn from the couple to avoid landing in a similar situation. 1. Talk to your partner about money Despite being married for three years and having two kids together, Christina and Jack admit theyve never really sat down and had a direct, honest conversation about their finances. They have completely different philosophies when it comes to money habits as well Christina, who has worked 80 hours a week for three years, tends to be more of a spender, especially when it comes to splurging on big vacations during her limited time off. Having open conversations (thats right, multiple talks) about your finances, spending habits and goals can help kickstart a healthier relationship with not just money, but your partner as well. Story continues 2. Pay down your credit card debt On Sethis podcast, the couple says theyre deep in it with $87,500 in credit card debt and are only able to afford the minimum payments. They both owe money on multiple cards, including store credit cards, like at the Home Depot and Best Buy. Sethi recommends setting up an automatic payment plan, so that you never miss your monthly payments which can be damaging for your credit score. And itll help you control your expenses too. He also warns to avoid falling victim to gimmicks, like earning rewards points and introductory rates, if theyre only going to push you further into debt. Read more: Here's how much money the average middle-class American household makes how do you stack up? 3. Build an emergency fund When their landlord informed them she was planning to sell the building, Christina and Jack didnt know where theyd live. At the time, they were living paycheck to paycheck and so the couple didnt have the funds for a deposit and first months rent on a new place, which Christina says came to around $7,000. While her father ended up bailing them out, Sethi urged the couple to build an emergency fund to protect against similar situations down the road. 4. Save for your goals Whether it comes down to taking a well-deserved vacation or going to a concert, make sure youre not exceeding your earnings just to have fun. Sethi recommends Jack and Christina start planning and setting rules for themselves, like not taking a vacation unless they can pay for it in full. He even suggests creating a savings fund specifically for a trip to Singapore they were planning over the summer. 5. Dont let lifestyle creep get the better of you The couple had put thousands of dollars on their credit cards for a trip to Hawaii and they anticipated their vacation to Singapore could cost them around $25,000. Christina says as a doctor, she feels the pressure to spend more money, and this instinct only increases with the more she earns. Here, Sethi advises keeping a close eye on every dollar you're spending so youre never at risk of spending more than you make. One of the best ways to do that is to make and even more importantly, follow a budget. If youre keeping a record of how much youre spending month-to-month, your expenses are far less likely to spiral out of control. What to read next 3 big mistakes people make with cash back credit cards that cost them every time they swipe Millions of Americans are in massive debt in the face of rising rates. Here's how to get your head above water ASAP 36% of millionaires say itll take a miracle to retire amid rising costs and a shaky market here are the best shock-proof assets to grow your nest egg This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Workspace Group Plc (OTCMKTS:WKPPF Get Free Report) was the target of a significant drop in short interest in the month of July. As of July 31st, there was short interest totalling 100 shares, a drop of 75.0% from the July 15th total of 400 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 0 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently ? days. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities analysts recently commented on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada raised their price target on shares of Workspace Group from GBX 625 ($7.99) to GBX 725 ($9.27) in a research report on Wednesday, May 31st. Barclays increased their price objective on shares of Workspace Group from GBX 520 ($6.65) to GBX 550 ($7.03) in a research note on Monday, July 17th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on shares of Workspace Group from GBX 650 ($8.31) to GBX 700 ($8.95) in a research note on Tuesday, May 30th. Get Workspace Group alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on Workspace Group Workspace Group Stock Performance About Workspace Group Shares of Workspace Group stock opened at $5.89 on Friday. Workspace Group has a 12-month low of $5.89 and a 12-month high of $5.89. The firms 50-day moving average price is $5.89 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $6.06. (Get Free Report) Workspace is London's leading owner and operator of flexible workspace, managing five million sq. ft. of sustainable space with 76 core locations in London and the South East. We are home to some 4,000 of London's fastest growing and established brands from a diverse range of sectors. Our purpose, to give businesses the freedom to grow, is based on the belief that in the right space, teams can achieve more. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Workspace Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Workspace Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BlackSky Technology (NYSE:BKSY Get Free Report) had its price target decreased by investment analysts at Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft from $3.00 to $2.50 in a note issued to investors on Thursday, FlyOnTheWall reports. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschafts target price would suggest a potential upside of 57.73% from the companys current price. A number of other brokerages have also issued reports on BKSY. Craig Hallum initiated coverage on BlackSky Technology in a report on Thursday, July 6th. They issued a buy rating and a $2.50 price target for the company. Westpark Capital initiated coverage on BlackSky Technology in a report on Wednesday, July 12th. They set a buy rating for the company. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $3.00. Get BlackSky Technology alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on BlackSky Technology BlackSky Technology Trading Down 3.4 % Shares of NYSE BKSY opened at $1.59 on Thursday. The company has a current ratio of 4.56, a quick ratio of 4.38 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.90. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $1.91 and a 200 day moving average price of $1.65. BlackSky Technology has a 52-week low of $1.12 and a 52-week high of $2.67. BlackSky Technology (NYSE:BKSY Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, May 10th. The company reported ($0.14) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of ($0.13) by ($0.01). The firm had revenue of $18.40 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $20.60 million. BlackSky Technology had a negative net margin of 106.33% and a negative return on equity of 68.70%. As a group, equities analysts forecast that BlackSky Technology will post -0.39 EPS for the current fiscal year. Institutional Trading of BlackSky Technology Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in BKSY. Armistice Capital LLC purchased a new stake in shares of BlackSky Technology during the 1st quarter valued at $16,714,000. BlackRock Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of BlackSky Technology by 637.0% during the 2nd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 7,388,296 shares of the companys stock valued at $16,402,000 after purchasing an additional 6,385,819 shares during the last quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC purchased a new stake in shares of BlackSky Technology during the 1st quarter valued at $2,870,000. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of BlackSky Technology by 202.5% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 1,957,117 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,345,000 after purchasing an additional 1,310,047 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Bank of New York Mellon Corp lifted its holdings in shares of BlackSky Technology by 102.8% during the 1st quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 1,537,605 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,906,000 after purchasing an additional 779,523 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 43.90% of the companys stock. BlackSky Technology Company Profile (Get Free Report) BlackSky Technology Inc provides geospatial intelligence, imagery and related data analytic products and services, and mission systems that include the development, integration, and operations of satellite and ground systems to government and commercial customers in North America, the Middle East, Asia, and internationally. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for BlackSky Technology Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BlackSky Technology and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Local Bounti (NYSE:LOCL Get Free Report) had its price target lowered by Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft from $12.00 to $9.00 in a research report issued on Thursday, FlyOnTheWall reports. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschafts price target would indicate a potential upside of 112.26% from the companys current price. Local Bounti Price Performance NYSE:LOCL opened at $4.24 on Thursday. Local Bounti has a 12-month low of $2.50 and a 12-month high of $55.77. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.18, a quick ratio of 0.42 and a current ratio of 0.54. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $3.84 and its 200-day simple moving average is $6.56. Get Local Bounti alerts: Local Bounti (NYSE:LOCL Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, May 10th. The company reported ($0.23) EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($0.25) by $0.02. The business had revenue of $6.70 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.66 million. Local Bounti had a negative return on equity of 76.42% and a negative net margin of 327.71%. On average, equities analysts predict that Local Bounti will post -11.74 EPS for the current fiscal year. Institutional Trading of Local Bounti Local Bounti Company Profile Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in LOCL. Citigroup Inc. acquired a new stake in Local Bounti during the 1st quarter worth $40,000. BlackRock Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Local Bounti during the first quarter worth about $3,046,000. Allianz Asset Management GmbH boosted its position in shares of Local Bounti by 562.8% during the first quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH now owns 596,835 shares of the companys stock worth $5,067,000 after buying an additional 506,789 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its position in shares of Local Bounti by 101.9% during the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 1,276,014 shares of the companys stock worth $10,833,000 after buying an additional 644,115 shares during the period. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Local Bounti during the first quarter worth about $126,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 20.02% of the companys stock. (Get Free Report) Local Bounti Corporation grows and packs fresh greens in the United States. It produces lettuce, herbs, and loose-leaf lettuce. The company sells its products to food retailers and food service distributors. Local Bounti Corporation was founded in 2018 and is headquartered in Hamilton, Montana. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Local Bounti Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Local Bounti and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. raised its stake in Banco Bradesco S.A. (NYSE:BBD Free Report) by 73.2% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 17,804,548 shares of the banks stock after acquiring an additional 7,523,259 shares during the quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. owned about 0.17% of Banco Bradesco worth $46,648,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Natixis acquired a new position in shares of Banco Bradesco during the 4th quarter worth approximately $26,000. Dubuque Bank & Trust Co. acquired a new position in shares of Banco Bradesco during the 1st quarter worth approximately $27,000. Ieq Capital LLC acquired a new position in shares of Banco Bradesco during the 1st quarter worth approximately $29,000. Ballentine Partners LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Banco Bradesco during the 1st quarter worth approximately $30,000. Finally, HB Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Banco Bradesco during the 1st quarter worth approximately $31,000. 1.54% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Banco Bradesco alerts: Banco Bradesco Stock Performance NYSE BBD opened at $3.10 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 0.70, a quick ratio of 0.72 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.19. The firm has a market capitalization of $32.99 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.52, a P/E/G ratio of 0.61 and a beta of 0.73. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $3.41 and its 200 day simple moving average is $2.99. Banco Bradesco S.A. has a 1 year low of $2.34 and a 1 year high of $4.16. Banco Bradesco Cuts Dividend Banco Bradesco Profile The company also recently declared a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 10th. Investors of record on Tuesday, September 5th will be given a dividend of $0.0039 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, September 1st. This represents a $0.05 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.51%. Banco Bradescos dividend payout ratio is 16.00%. (Free Report) Banco Bradesco SA, together with its subsidiaries, provides various banking products and services to individuals, corporates, and businesses in Brazil and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Banking and Insurance. It provides current, savings, click, and salary accounts; real estate credit, vehicle financing, payroll loans, mortgage loans, microcredit, leasing, and personal and installment credit; debit and business cards; financial and security services; consortium products; auto, personal accident, dental, travel, and life insurance; investment products; pension products; real estate and vehicle auctions; cash management, and foreign trade and exchange services; capitalization bonds; and internet banking services. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BBD? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Banco Bradesco S.A. (NYSE:BBD Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Banco Bradesco Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Banco Bradesco and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Clearstead Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of The Toronto-Dominion Bank (NYSE:TD Free Report) (TSE:TD) by 9.4% during the first quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 3,559 shares of the banks stock after buying an additional 305 shares during the period. Clearstead Advisors LLCs holdings in Toronto-Dominion Bank were worth $213,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in TD. Norges Bank purchased a new position in shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank during the 4th quarter valued at $1,484,341,000. National Bank of Canada FI lifted its position in shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank by 14.9% during the 1st quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 30,793,768 shares of the banks stock valued at $1,842,844,000 after buying an additional 3,997,094 shares during the last quarter. Canoe Financial LP purchased a new position in shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank during the 1st quarter valued at $98,421,000. Bank of Nova Scotia lifted its position in shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank by 5.6% during the 4th quarter. Bank of Nova Scotia now owns 30,819,858 shares of the banks stock valued at $1,995,552,000 after buying an additional 1,633,502 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Morgan Stanley lifted its holdings in Toronto-Dominion Bank by 37.8% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 5,201,812 shares of the banks stock worth $336,869,000 after purchasing an additional 1,427,610 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 44.92% of the companys stock. Get Toronto-Dominion Bank alerts: Toronto-Dominion Bank Price Performance Shares of NYSE TD opened at $64.13 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $117.74 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.76, a P/E/G ratio of 1.69 and a beta of 0.90. The company has a quick ratio of 0.99, a current ratio of 0.99 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.11. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $62.21 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $62.40. The Toronto-Dominion Bank has a twelve month low of $55.43 and a twelve month high of $70.67. Toronto-Dominion Bank Cuts Dividend Toronto-Dominion Bank ( NYSE:TD Get Free Report ) (TSE:TD) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, May 25th. The bank reported $1.43 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.52 by ($0.09). The business had revenue of $9.12 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $9.10 billion. Toronto-Dominion Bank had a return on equity of 15.51% and a net margin of 17.72%. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that The Toronto-Dominion Bank will post 6.09 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, July 31st. Stockholders of record on Monday, July 10th were given a dividend of $0.709 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, July 7th. This represents a $2.84 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.42%. Toronto-Dominion Banks dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 48.66%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of analysts recently issued reports on the company. Credit Suisse Group raised Toronto-Dominion Bank from a neutral rating to an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, June 8th. CIBC raised Toronto-Dominion Bank from a neutral rating to a sector outperform rating in a report on Monday, April 17th. Barclays cut Toronto-Dominion Bank from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating in a report on Tuesday, May 9th. Finally, StockNews.com raised Toronto-Dominion Bank from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, July 15th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $101.83. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Toronto-Dominion Bank About Toronto-Dominion Bank (Free Report) The Toronto-Dominion Bank, together with its subsidiaries, provides various financial products and services in Canada, the United States, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Canadian Retail, U.S. Retail, and Wholesale Banking. The company offers personal deposits, such as chequing, savings, and investment products; financing, investment, cash management, international trade, and day-to-day banking services to businesses; and financing options to customers at point of sale for automotive and recreational vehicle purchases. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TD? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Toronto-Dominion Bank (NYSE:TD Free Report) (TSE:TD). Receive News & Ratings for Toronto-Dominion Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Toronto-Dominion Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of Navios Maritime (NYSE:NM Free Report) in a research report sent to investors on Wednesday morning. The firm issued a buy rating on the shipping companys stock. Navios Maritime Stock Performance Shares of NYSE NM opened at $1.79 on Wednesday. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $1.73 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $1.90. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.10, a current ratio of 1.36 and a quick ratio of 1.22. Navios Maritime has a one year low of $1.53 and a one year high of $2.97. The company has a market capitalization of $40.87 million, a P/E ratio of 0.64 and a beta of 1.64. Get Navios Maritime alerts: Navios Maritime (NYSE:NM Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, May 24th. The shipping company reported $0.25 EPS for the quarter. Navios Maritime had a return on equity of 97.48% and a net margin of 31.38%. The firm had revenue of $65.41 million for the quarter. Institutional Trading of Navios Maritime About Navios Maritime Several large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Renaissance Technologies LLC boosted its stake in shares of Navios Maritime by 83.4% during the 1st quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 908,070 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $3,296,000 after acquiring an additional 412,836 shares in the last quarter. Engineers Gate Manager LP boosted its stake in shares of Navios Maritime by 155.5% during the 1st quarter. Engineers Gate Manager LP now owns 112,258 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $407,000 after acquiring an additional 68,324 shares in the last quarter. Invesco Ltd. bought a new stake in shares of Navios Maritime during the 1st quarter worth about $328,000. XTX Topco Ltd bought a new stake in shares of Navios Maritime during the 1st quarter worth about $202,000. Finally, Privium Fund Management UK Ltd bought a new stake in shares of Navios Maritime during the 4th quarter worth about $72,000. Institutional investors own 12.62% of the companys stock. (Get Free Report) Navios Maritime Holdings Inc operates as a seaborne shipping and logistics company in North America, Australia, Europe, Asia, South America, and internationally. It focuses on the transportation and transshipment of dry bulk commodities, including iron ores, coal, and grains. The company operates in two segments, Dry Bulk Vessel Operations and Logistics Business. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Navios Maritime Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Navios Maritime and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BellRing Brands (NYSE:BRBR Get Free Report) had its price target upped by Barclays from $41.00 to $43.00 in a research note issued on Thursday, Marketbeat reports. The firm currently has an overweight rating on the stock. Barclayss target price indicates a potential upside of 15.28% from the stocks previous close. BRBR has been the subject of several other reports. William Blair assumed coverage on BellRing Brands in a research note on Wednesday, April 26th. They set an outperform rating for the company. Bank of America increased their price objective on BellRing Brands from $35.00 to $41.00 in a research note on Tuesday, May 9th. Citigroup increased their price objective on BellRing Brands from $34.00 to $42.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, April 12th. Stifel Nicolaus assumed coverage on BellRing Brands in a research note on Thursday, April 13th. They issued a buy rating and a $39.00 price objective for the company. Finally, Mizuho increased their price objective on BellRing Brands from $38.00 to $47.00 in a research note on Thursday, May 11th. Twelve equities research analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat, BellRing Brands presently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $40.62. Get BellRing Brands alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on BRBR BellRing Brands Price Performance Shares of BRBR stock opened at $37.30 on Thursday. The company has a market cap of $4.95 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.72, a PEG ratio of 2.11 and a beta of 0.83. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $36.03 and a 200-day simple moving average of $34.05. BellRing Brands has a 1-year low of $20.20 and a 1-year high of $38.63. BellRing Brands (NYSE:BRBR Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Monday, August 7th. The company reported $0.34 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.32 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $445.90 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $439.90 million. BellRing Brands had a negative return on equity of 44.58% and a net margin of 9.73%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 20.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $0.31 EPS. Analysts anticipate that BellRing Brands will post 1.29 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Hedge Funds Weigh In On BellRing Brands A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of BRBR. Cutler Group LLC CA purchased a new position in shares of BellRing Brands during the 2nd quarter worth $25,000. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. purchased a new position in BellRing Brands during the 1st quarter valued at about $31,000. Point72 Middle East FZE purchased a new position in BellRing Brands during the 4th quarter valued at about $33,000. Belpointe Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in BellRing Brands during the 4th quarter valued at about $34,000. Finally, Quadrant Capital Group LLC boosted its holdings in BellRing Brands by 1,088.7% during the 4th quarter. Quadrant Capital Group LLC now owns 1,367 shares of the companys stock valued at $35,000 after acquiring an additional 1,252 shares during the period. 94.34% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About BellRing Brands (Get Free Report) BellRing Brands, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides various nutrition products in the United States and internationally. It offers ready-to-drink (RTD) protein shakes, other RTD beverages, powders, nutrition bars, and other products primarily under the Premier Protein and Dymatize brands. The company sells its products through club, food, drug, mass, eCommerce, specialty, and convenience channels. See Also Receive News & Ratings for BellRing Brands Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BellRing Brands and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. California State Teachers Retirement System reduced its position in The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV Free Report) by 1.8% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 400,154 shares of the insurance providers stock after selling 7,430 shares during the quarter. California State Teachers Retirement System owned approximately 0.17% of Travelers Companies worth $68,590,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of TRV. Nordwand Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Travelers Companies during the 1st quarter valued at about $26,000. FWL Investment Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Travelers Companies in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $28,000. US Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Travelers Companies in the 4th quarter worth approximately $29,000. FNY Investment Advisers LLC acquired a new position in shares of Travelers Companies in the 1st quarter worth approximately $31,000. Finally, Capital Advisors Ltd. LLC lifted its position in shares of Travelers Companies by 203.3% during 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. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 81.06% of the companys stock. Get Travelers Companies alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several research analysts have issued reports on TRV shares. Barclays increased their price objective on Travelers Companies from $179.00 to $185.00 in a research note on Thursday, April 20th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price target on shares of Travelers Companies from $185.00 to $194.00 in a research report on Thursday, July 6th. Jefferies Financial Group dropped their price objective on shares of Travelers Companies from $183.00 to $180.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, July 25th. StockNews.com downgraded Travelers Companies from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, June 19th. Finally, Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an equal weight rating and set a $185.00 price target on shares of Travelers Companies in a report on Friday, July 21st. Eight analysts have rated the stock with 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, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $196.08. Travelers Companies Stock Down 0.0 % NYSE TRV opened at $166.89 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37, a quick ratio of 0.33 and a current ratio of 0.33. The Travelers Companies, Inc. has a 52 week low of $149.65 and a 52 week high of $194.51. The stock has a market capitalization of $38.21 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.77, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.40 and a beta of 0.59. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $172.44 and a 200-day moving average of $176.55. Travelers Companies (NYSE:TRV Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 20th. The insurance provider reported $0.06 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.05 by ($1.99). Travelers Companies had a return on equity of 10.75% and a net margin of 5.77%. The firm had revenue of $10.10 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $9.97 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $2.57 earnings per share. Travelers Companiess revenue for the quarter was up 10.5% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities research analysts forecast that The Travelers Companies, Inc. will post 12.01 EPS for the current year. Travelers Companies Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 29th. Investors of record on Friday, September 8th will be paid a dividend of $1.00 per share. This represents a $4.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.40%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, September 7th. Travelers Companiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 42.60%. Travelers Companies announced that its Board of Directors has approved a share 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 purchase 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 stock is undervalued. Insider Activity at Travelers Companies In other Travelers Companies news, EVP Michael Frederick Klein sold 10,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, July 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $175.05, for a total transaction of $1,750,500.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 14,080 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,464,704. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. 1.29% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Travelers Companies Profile (Free Report) The Travelers Companies, Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides a range of commercial and personal property, and casualty insurance products and services to businesses, government units, associations, and individuals in the United States and internationally. It operates through three segments: Business Insurance, Bond & Specialty Insurance, and Personal Insurance. Recommended Stories 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. California State Teachers Retirement System lowered its position in shares of Agilent Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:A Free Report) by 1.3% during the first quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 489,757 shares of the medical research companys stock after selling 6,235 shares during the quarter. California State Teachers Retirement Systems holdings in Agilent Technologies were worth $67,753,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other large investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its holdings in Agilent Technologies by 1.1% in the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 24,531,170 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $3,246,209,000 after buying an additional 261,435 shares during the last quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD increased its stake in shares of Agilent Technologies by 22.0% during the 4th quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 7,707,052 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $1,153,360,000 after purchasing an additional 1,392,128 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Agilent Technologies by 1.8% during the 4th quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 6,081,450 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $908,447,000 after purchasing an additional 106,712 shares in the last quarter. Morgan Stanley lifted its stake in shares of Agilent Technologies by 79.4% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 4,145,767 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $620,414,000 after purchasing an additional 1,835,413 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Principal Financial Group Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Agilent Technologies by 7.2% in the 4th quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 3,341,738 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $500,091,000 after purchasing an additional 223,008 shares during the last quarter. Get Agilent Technologies alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several brokerages have commented on A. Bank of America lowered their price target on Agilent Technologies from $164.00 to $144.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, May 24th. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price objective on shares of Agilent Technologies from $170.00 to $160.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, May 24th. Evercore ISI decreased their target price on shares of Agilent Technologies from $150.00 to $126.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, May 24th. SVB Securities dropped their price target on shares of Agilent Technologies from $170.00 to $145.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, May 24th. Finally, 58.com reaffirmed a maintains rating on shares of Agilent Technologies in a report on Wednesday, May 24th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and eleven have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $150.88. Insider Activity at Agilent Technologies In other Agilent Technologies news, CEO Michael R. Mcmullen sold 944 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, July 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $130.00, for a total transaction of $122,720.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 260,869 shares in the company, valued at approximately $33,912,970. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Agilent Technologies Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:A opened at $126.86 on Friday. The business has a fifty day moving average of $121.18 and a 200-day moving average of $132.43. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, a quick ratio of 1.71 and a current ratio of 2.37. Agilent Technologies, Inc. has a twelve month low of $113.28 and a twelve month high of $160.26. The firm has a market cap of $37.47 billion, a PE ratio of 27.94, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.07 and a beta of 1.02. Agilent Technologies (NYSE:A Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, May 23rd. The medical research company reported $1.27 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.26 by $0.01. Agilent Technologies had a net margin of 19.19% and a return on equity of 30.11%. The firm had revenue of $1.72 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.67 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $1.13 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 6.8% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities research analysts predict that Agilent Technologies, Inc. will post 5.61 EPS for the current fiscal year. Agilent Technologies Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, July 26th. Shareholders of record on Monday, July 3rd were given a $0.225 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, June 30th. This represents a $0.90 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.71%. Agilent Technologiess payout ratio is 19.82%. About Agilent Technologies (Free Report) Agilent Technologies, Inc provides application focused solutions to the life sciences, diagnostics, and applied chemical markets worldwide. The Life Sciences and Applied Markets segment offers liquid chromatography systems and components; liquid chromatography mass spectrometry systems; gas chromatography systems and components; gas chromatography mass spectrometry systems; inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry instruments; atomic absorption instruments; microwave plasma-atomic emission spectrometry instruments; inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry instruments; raman spectroscopy; cell analysis plate based assays; flow cytometer; real-time cell analyzer; cell imaging systems; microplate reader; laboratory software; information management and analytics; laboratory automation and robotic systems; dissolution testing; vacuum pumps, and measurement technologies. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding A? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Agilent Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:A Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Agilent Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Agilent Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. California State Teachers Retirement System reduced its holdings in The Hershey Company (NYSE:HSY Free Report) by 0.9% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 249,309 shares of the companys stock after selling 2,265 shares during the quarter. California State Teachers Retirement System owned approximately 0.12% of Hershey worth $63,427,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other large investors have also bought and sold shares of the business. Great Diamond Partners LLC grew its holdings in shares of Hershey by 0.7% during the first quarter. Great Diamond Partners LLC now owns 5,624 shares of the companys stock worth $1,431,000 after purchasing an additional 37 shares during the last quarter. Brighton Jones LLC lifted its position in Hershey by 1.2% during the 1st quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 3,296 shares of the companys stock worth $839,000 after buying an additional 38 shares in the last quarter. Caprock Group LLC grew its holdings in Hershey by 2.8% during the 1st quarter. Caprock Group LLC now owns 1,423 shares of the companys stock worth $362,000 after acquiring an additional 39 shares during the last quarter. V Wealth Advisors LLC increased its position in Hershey by 3.6% in the 1st quarter. V Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,151 shares of the companys stock valued at $293,000 after acquiring an additional 40 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Monterey Private Wealth Inc. raised its stake in shares of Hershey by 2.3% in the first quarter. Monterey Private Wealth Inc. now owns 1,795 shares of the companys stock worth $457,000 after acquiring an additional 41 shares during the last quarter. 54.96% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Hershey alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes HSY has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Mizuho decreased their price target on shares of Hershey from $263.00 to $233.00 in a research note on Monday, July 31st. Barclays lifted their target price on Hershey from $245.00 to $265.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Friday, April 28th. Jefferies Financial Group upped their price target on Hershey from $260.00 to $285.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Friday, April 28th. Evercore ISI lifted their price objective on Hershey from $255.00 to $265.00 and gave the stock an inline rating in a research report on Friday, April 28th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada boosted their price objective on Hershey from $255.00 to $280.00 in a report on Tuesday, May 2nd. Twelve analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $262.11. Hershey Stock Down 0.1 % Hershey stock opened at $223.57 on Friday. The Hershey Company has a twelve month low of $211.49 and a twelve month high of $276.88. The company has a quick ratio of 0.55, a current ratio of 1.06 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.11. The company has a 50 day moving average of $246.25 and a 200-day moving average of $249.03. The stock has a market capitalization of $45.71 billion, a PE ratio of 25.73, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.75 and a beta of 0.28. Hershey (NYSE:HSY Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, July 27th. The company reported $2.01 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.89 by $0.12. The firm had revenue of $2.49 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.50 billion. Hershey had a return on equity of 55.74% and a net margin of 16.49%. The companys revenue was up 5.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $1.80 EPS. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that The Hershey Company will post 9.54 EPS for the current fiscal year. Hershey Increases Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, August 18th will be paid a dividend of $1.192 per share. This is a boost from Hersheys previous quarterly dividend of $1.04. This represents a $4.77 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.13%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, August 17th. Hersheys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 47.64%. Insider Transactions at Hershey In related news, SVP Jason Reiman sold 150 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, June 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $256.21, for a total value of $38,431.50. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 15,575 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,990,470.75. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In related news, CEO Michele Buck sold 14,251 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, July 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $238.73, for a total value of $3,402,141.23. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 111,751 shares of the companys stock, valued at $26,678,316.23. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, SVP Jason Reiman sold 150 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, June 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $256.21, for a total transaction of $38,431.50. Following the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 15,575 shares in the company, valued at $3,990,470.75. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 292,761 shares of company stock valued at $76,197,764 over the last 90 days. 0.34% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Hershey Profile (Free Report) The Hershey Company, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the manufacture and sale of confectionery products and pantry items in the United States and internationally. The company operates through three segments: North America Confectionery, North America Salty Snacks, and International. It offers chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery products; gum and mint refreshment products, including mints, chewing gums, and bubble gums; pantry items, such as baking ingredients, toppings, beverages, and sundae syrups; and snack items comprising spreads, bars, snack bites, mixes, popcorn, and pretzels. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Hershey Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hershey and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. There was a lot of buzz in the beer industry this week as two brands bulked up their portfolio and another slimmed down. On Tuesday, cannabis and consumer packaged goods giant Tilray (TLRY) scooped up eight beer and beverage brands from Anheuser-Busch InBev (BUD) for a price tag of $85 million, while Molson Coors (TAP) acquired Blue Run Spirits for an undisclosed price. Both Tilray and Molson Coors are banking that the new brands will build on their existing portfolios and tap into the next big trend. "If you are a big branded food and beverage company right now you are looking for the next billion-dollar idea because that's the only way you can really move your earnings numbers," Greg Portell, a lead partner at Kearney Global Markets, told Yahoo Finance. "It's very difficult to create a $100 million brand and all of a sudden make it a billion dollar brand inside those big companies." Tilray aims to make 'craft beer cool again' Tilray has been challenged in recent years as the high around cannabis continues to fade. Shares of the cannabis and consumer brands company are down nearly 90% compared to 2018. As the company waits for weed legalization in the US, it has pushed into adjacent categories, such as beer and spirits. Tilray CEO Irwin Simon told Yahoo Finance on Tuesday he wants to "diversify the brand" and "make sure we were not dependent upon legalization." Tilray's stock soared 36% on Tuesday following the deal, a move Morningstar strategist Kristoffer Inton said he "didn't get." On the deal overall, though, Inton remained ambivalent. On one hand, "it's adding to a [craft beer] strategy that they've had been going down for a bit," Inton said. "Buying these wasn't a surprise, in that sense. It adds to that business." But on the other hand, he added, "I don't see a lot of synergy between cannabis and alcohol," due to their different distribution strategies. Story continues Jose Johnson grabs beers four at a time on the bottling line at the Breckenridge Brewery in Denver. (Photo By Joe Amon/The Denver Post via Getty Images) The eight brands now under Tilray's umbrella include some well-known names like Shock Top and Breckenridge Brewery as well as smaller regional brands like Blue Point Brewing Company, 10 Barrel Brewing Company, Redhook Brewery, Widmer Brothers Brewing, Square Mile Cider Company, and energy drink brand, HiBall Energy. Down the line, Simon alluded to the company making THC-infused alcoholic beverages. But for now, he said, the acquisition is aimed at making "craft beer cool again" and ramping up its manufacturing capabilities in the Northeast. The acquisition comes as Anheuser-Busch InBev's Bud Light sales are beginning to stabilize after months-long fallout from boycotts over an advertisement for the brand by transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney. Tilray CEO Simon said this acquisition was "totally separate" from the Bud Light controversy. He added that all employees from the respective brands will join Tilray, and the company is "working with them on a transition." In a statement to Yahoo Finance, Anheuser-Busch executive Andy Thomas said that Tilray reached out earlier this year "with interest in purchasing these brands and breweries." Although Anheuser-Busch shed some of its craft beer brands, Thomas added the Bud Light maker is still "committed to its craft brewery partners ... and focused on working with them to lead growth in the segment." Molson Coors exec: Whiskeys, bourbons 'are on fire' In the background, Molson Coors continues to gain momentum. In recent years, the US-Canadian company has been quietly expanding its overall beverage portfolio, partnering with energy drinks, and bringing on spirit brands. In 2020, the company even changed its name from Molson Coors Beer Co. to Molson Coors Beverage Co. "Beer will always be central to who we are," Michelle St. Jacques, an executive at Molson Coors Beverage Co., said in a statement to Yahoo Finance. "But we live in a world that extends beyond beer, and we have opportunities beyond beer, so our portfolio should extend beyond beer." Blue Run Spirits is the latest in that strategy. "High-end whiskeys, bourbons, and ryes are on fire, and we believe in the future of that space," St. Jacques said. "Our approach is working. Our beers are stronger than they've been in many years. Our portfolio is premiumizing. And we continue to expand our offerings beyond beer." The Kentucky-based bourbon brand, Blue Run, is known for its distinctive butterfly logo. Created in 2020, the founders, all of whom did not come from the industry, found success in "sneakerizing" the bourbon business by doing limited drops, similar to the sneaker business, to build a following. At the same time, St. Jacques added that beer is still core to the business and "have been on an upward trajectory for the past few years" In its quarterly earnings call, CEO Gavin Hattersley said, "Coors Light and Miller Lite, combined, we're 50% bigger than Bud Light by total industry dollars and 30% bigger than [Constellation Brands'] Modelo Especial in the second quarter." Still, it's far from guaranteed that Blue Run Spirits will get more attention following its acquisition by Molson Coors, per Portell, which has a portfolio that consists of a range of offerings from well-known household brands like Coors Light to lesser-known names like Hamm's and Mad Vine clean cola. "Companies that are better at managing smaller niche brands are going to be able to maximize the value of those brands more because they can put more resources to them," Portell said. "Imagine if you are sitting in that big branded company, and you have $1 to invest, where are you going to put it? It's very unlikely it's gonna go to the small niche brand." Brooke DiPalma is a reporter for Yahoo Finance. Follow her on Twitter at @BrookeDiPalma or email her at bdipalma@yahoofinance.com. Click here for the latest stock market news and in-depth analysis, including events that move stocks Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance Roundview Capital LLC bought a new position in shares of iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EMU ETF (NYSEARCA:HEZU Free Report) in the 1st quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm bought 6,796 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $214,000. Other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Kestra Advisory Services LLC grew its holdings in iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EMU ETF by 15.4% during the 4th quarter. Kestra Advisory Services LLC now owns 58,368 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,621,000 after buying an additional 7,778 shares in the last quarter. Financial Network Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EMU ETF during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $227,000. Bank of Montreal Can grew its holdings in iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EMU ETF by 7.0% during the 1st quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 14,223 shares of the companys stock valued at $495,000 after buying an additional 930 shares in the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. grew its holdings in iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EMU ETF by 9.9% during the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 13,983 shares of the companys stock valued at $479,000 after buying an additional 1,256 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Coppell Advisory Solutions Corp. purchased a new position in iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EMU ETF during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $174,000. Get iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EMU ETF alerts: iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EMU ETF Price Performance NYSEARCA HEZU opened at $31.77 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $333.59 million, a PE ratio of 14.12 and a beta of 0.91. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $32.04 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $31.66. iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EMU ETF has a 1-year low of $27.77 and a 1-year high of $34.83. iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EMU ETF Profile The iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Eurozone ETF (HEZU) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in total market equity. The fund tracks a cap-weighted index of large- and mid-cap securities from the eurozone, while hedging out its exposure to the euro currency relative to the US dollar. HEZU was launched on Jul 10, 2014 and is managed by BlackRock. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding HEZU? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EMU ETF (NYSEARCA:HEZU Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EMU ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EMU ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sompo Asset Management Co. Ltd. lowered its position in Exxon Mobil Co. (NYSE:XOM Free Report) by 7.9% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 7,630 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after selling 650 shares during the period. Sompo Asset Management Co. Ltd.s holdings in Exxon Mobil were worth $837,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other large investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Stone House Investment Management LLC purchased a new stake in Exxon Mobil during the 1st quarter valued at about $25,000. Dark Forest Capital Management LP purchased a new stake in shares of Exxon Mobil in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Corrado Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Exxon Mobil in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Artemis Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Exxon Mobil in the 1st quarter worth approximately $36,000. Finally, Koesten Hirschmann & Crabtree INC. acquired a new position in shares of Exxon Mobil in the 4th quarter worth approximately $36,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 58.59% of the companys stock. Get Exxon Mobil alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In other Exxon Mobil news, Director Jeffrey W. Ubben acquired 458,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, July 31st. The shares were bought at an average cost of $106.93 per share, with a total value of $48,973,940.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 1,635,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $174,830,550. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. 0.06% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In XOM has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. Mizuho decreased their price objective on shares of Exxon Mobil from $147.00 to $130.00 in a report on Friday, May 19th. HSBC upped their price objective on shares of Exxon Mobil from $110.00 to $116.00 in a report on Wednesday. Jefferies Financial Group decreased their price objective on shares of Exxon Mobil from $148.00 to $140.00 in a report on Monday, May 15th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Exxon Mobil in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Finally, Truist Financial reduced their target price on shares of Exxon Mobil from $118.00 to $110.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Monday, July 24th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have given a hold rating and eleven have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Exxon Mobil currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $124.32. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on XOM Exxon Mobil Trading Up 1.6 % NYSE XOM opened at $111.83 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18, a current ratio of 1.48 and a quick ratio of 1.09. The firms fifty day moving average price is $105.44 and its 200 day moving average price is $108.87. The company has a market capitalization of $447.68 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.95, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.58 and a beta of 1.09. 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 posted its earnings results on Friday, July 28th. The oil and gas company reported $1.94 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.00 by ($0.06). Exxon Mobil had a net margin of 13.72% and a return on equity of 25.82%. The company had revenue of $82.91 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $81.80 billion. During the same period last year, the business earned $4.14 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was down 28.3% on a year-over-year basis. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Exxon Mobil Co. will post 8.91 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Exxon Mobil Announces Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 11th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, August 16th will be given a dividend of $0.91 per share. This represents a $3.64 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.25%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, August 15th. Exxon Mobils payout ratio is currently 29.12%. Exxon Mobil Profile (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. Glenview Trust co raised its stake in shares of DTE Energy (NYSE:DTE Free Report) by 3.9% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 5,645 shares of the utilities providers stock after buying an additional 210 shares during the period. Glenview Trust cos holdings in DTE Energy were worth $618,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC acquired a new position in DTE Energy during the 1st quarter valued at about $26,000. U.S. Capital Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in DTE Energy during the 4th quarter valued at about $29,000. BerganKDV Wealth Management LLC increased its stake in DTE Energy by 462.0% during the 1st quarter. BerganKDV Wealth Management LLC now owns 281 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $31,000 after buying an additional 231 shares during the period. OLD Second National Bank of Aurora acquired a new position in DTE Energy during the 4th quarter valued at about $35,000. Finally, Carmichael Hill & Associates Inc. acquired a new position in DTE Energy during the 1st quarter valued at about $37,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 74.33% of the companys stock. Get DTE Energy alerts: DTE Energy Stock Performance DTE Energy stock opened at $107.89 on Friday. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $111.58 and its 200-day simple moving average is $84.28. The company has a market cap of $22.24 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.78, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.90 and a beta of 0.59. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.77, a current ratio of 0.89 and a quick ratio of 0.63. DTE Energy has a fifty-two week low of $100.64 and a fifty-two week high of $136.77. DTE Energy Cuts Dividend DTE Energy ( NYSE:DTE Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Thursday, July 27th. The utilities provider reported $0.99 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.89 by $0.10. The business had revenue of $2.68 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.04 billion. DTE Energy had a net margin of 8.02% and a return on equity of 10.44%. During the same period last year, the firm posted $0.88 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts predict that DTE Energy will post 6.18 EPS for the current year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Sunday, October 15th. Investors of record on Monday, September 18th will be issued a dividend of $0.952 per share. This represents a $3.81 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.53%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, September 15th. DTE Energys dividend payout ratio is currently 59.25%. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research firms have commented on DTE. Morgan Stanley raised their target price on shares of DTE Energy from $120.00 to $122.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, July 21st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price objective on shares of DTE Energy from $120.00 to $121.00 in a research note on Wednesday, July 12th. 58.com reaffirmed a maintains rating on shares of DTE Energy in a research note on Thursday, June 29th. 888 reaffirmed a maintains rating on shares of DTE Energy in a research note on Thursday, June 29th. Finally, StockNews.com started coverage on shares of DTE Energy in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $81.76. Get Our Latest Stock Report on DTE Insider Buying and Selling In related news, VP Lisa A. Muschong sold 700 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, June 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $110.41, for a total transaction of $77,287.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now directly owns 5,455 shares in the company, valued at $602,286.55. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. In related news, VP Lisa A. Muschong sold 700 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, June 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $110.41, for a total transaction of $77,287.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now directly owns 5,455 shares in the company, valued at $602,286.55. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, SVP Joann Chavez sold 2,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, August 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $113.53, for a total transaction of $283,825.00. Following the sale, the senior vice president now owns 12,107 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,374,507.71. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.61% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. About DTE Energy (Free Report) DTE Energy Company engages in the utility operations. The company's Electric segment generates, purchases, distributes, and sells electricity to approximately 2.3 million residential, commercial, and industrial customers in southeastern Michigan. It generates electricity through fossil-fuel, hydroelectric pumped storage, and nuclear plants, as well as wind and solar assets. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for DTE Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for DTE Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. US Bancorp DE decreased its holdings in shares of EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG Free Report) by 2.0% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 338,883 shares of the energy exploration companys stock after selling 7,007 shares during the period. US Bancorp DEs holdings in EOG Resources were worth $38,846,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). A number of other hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of EOG. Tejara Capital Ltd bought a new stake in shares of EOG Resources during the 4th quarter valued at $106,000. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. boosted its holdings in EOG Resources by 196.1% in the 1st quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 9,859,925 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $1,175,599,000 after buying an additional 6,529,464 shares during the period. Morgan Stanley boosted its holdings in EOG Resources by 87.8% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 7,787,281 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $1,008,609,000 after buying an additional 3,641,504 shares during the period. T. Rowe Price Investment Management Inc. boosted its holdings in EOG Resources by 126.2% in the 4th quarter. T. Rowe Price Investment Management Inc. now owns 5,111,339 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $662,021,000 after buying an additional 2,851,839 shares during the period. Finally, Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in EOG Resources by 103,083.3% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 2,272,097 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $294,282,000 after buying an additional 2,269,895 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 89.58% of the companys stock. Get EOG Resources alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In other EOG Resources news, COO Lloyd W. Helms, Jr. sold 5,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, June 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $115.87, for a total value of $579,350.00. Following the transaction, the chief operating officer now directly owns 149,689 shares in the company, valued at approximately $17,344,464.43. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. In other news, EVP Jeffrey R. Leitzell sold 2,031 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, July 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $117.26, for a total transaction of $238,155.06. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 37,607 shares in the company, valued at $4,409,796.82. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, COO Lloyd W. Helms, Jr. sold 5,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, June 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $115.87, for a total transaction of $579,350.00. Following the transaction, the chief operating officer now owns 149,689 shares in the company, valued at $17,344,464.43. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 0.30% of the companys stock. EOG Resources Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:EOG opened at $132.33 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $77.05 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.92, a PEG ratio of 0.43 and a beta of 1.55. EOG Resources, Inc. has a 12 month low of $98.52 and a 12 month high of $150.88. The firms 50-day moving average is $119.10 and its 200 day moving average is $118.00. The company has a current ratio of 2.39, a quick ratio of 2.02 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14. EOG Resources (NYSE:EOG Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, August 3rd. The energy exploration company reported $2.49 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.28 by $0.21. The business had revenue of $5.57 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.74 billion. EOG Resources had a net margin of 33.58% and a return on equity of 28.52%. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 24.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $2.74 EPS. Research analysts predict that EOG Resources, Inc. will post 10.55 EPS for the current year. EOG Resources Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 31st. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, October 17th will be paid a $0.825 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, October 16th. This represents a $3.30 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.49%. EOG Resourcess dividend payout ratio is currently 22.24%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research analysts recently weighed in on EOG shares. Jefferies Financial Group dropped their target price on shares of EOG Resources from $147.00 to $138.00 in a report on Monday, May 15th. Evercore ISI dropped their target price on shares of EOG Resources from $115.00 to $113.00 in a report on Monday, July 10th. Stifel Nicolaus boosted their price target on shares of EOG Resources from $141.00 to $143.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, July 24th. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of EOG Resources in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada decreased their price target on shares of EOG Resources from $150.00 to $145.00 in a research note on Wednesday, July 12th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eighteen have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $145.32. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on EOG Resources EOG Resources Profile (Free Report) EOG Resources, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, explores for, develops, produces, and markets crude oil, and natural gas and natural gas liquids. Its principal producing areas are in New Mexico and Texas in the United States; and the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The company was formerly known as Enron Oil & Gas Company. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EOG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for EOG Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for EOG Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 'You only get as far as your efforts': This man from Peru was detained in 2010 and received asylum shortly after he's now a US citizen who makes $420,000 a year with his wife. Here's how Eddie Nunez went from being detained at the border in 2010 to a U.S. citizen who boasts a gross household income of $420,000. Don't miss Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now use $100 to cash in on prime real estate without the headache of being a landlord. Here's how Worried about the economy? Here are the best shock-proof assets for your portfolio. (Theyre all outside of the stock market.) Commercial real estate has outperformed the S&P 500 over 25 years. Here's how to diversify your portfolio without the headache of being a landlord You only get as far as your efforts, he said in a recent interview with CNBCs Make It. Heres how Nunez and his wife made their American dream a reality. From Peru to Virginia At the age of 14, Nunez says he left Lima, Peru, with his mother and traveled north to cross into the U.S. via Mexico. Our life was very difficult back in Peru, he said. My mom really struggled. She saw the assassination of her parents right in front of her. She suffered domestic violence. For a while, Nunez and his mom lived as undocumented immigrants in Ashburn, Virginia. He eventually enrolled in a nursing college, where he met his wife, Stefani Nicole Penaranda. But when Penarandas parents, who didnt approve of Nunez, threatened to have him deported if he didnt annul the marriage, he tried to cross into Canada to seek asylum in 2010. Unable to lawfully gain asylum north of the border, Nunez was sent back to America, where he says he was detained for two months before he was able to argue his case in court and convince a judge to grant him asylum in the U.S. This allowed him to return to his wife in Virginia in 2011. In the years that followed, Nunez and Penaranda set up multiple businesses, acquired assets for passive income and gave birth to two sons. Nunez also became a U.S. citizen. Read more: 'Hold onto your money': Jeff Bezos says you might want to rethink buying a 'new automobile, refrigerator, or whatever' here are 3 better recession-proof buys Story continues Multiple income streams Nunez ditched nursing school, citing the high cost, and instead obtained a degree in cybersecurity. This allowed him to get a job as a government IT contractor, which brings in $113,000 annually. He supplements this income by working as a freelance consultant, last year earning over $3,500 from this side gig. Penaranda operates a daycare center from the couples home, looking after 12 kids. That adds another $168,000 a year to the family income. The couple also own a snow-plowing business, which has a contract with the Virginia Department of Transportation. They recently downsized this business, selling eight of their 10 trucks and deploying the proceeds into a portfolio of eight properties, which collectively generated over $107,000 last year. Altogether, the couple raked in $419,582 in 2022. The success isnt slowing them down. Nunez and Penaranda added a coffee shop to their portfolio this year, which is expected to add another stream of income. Motivated by family Nunez credits his wife and mother for supporting him while building these businesses. He says his greatest motivation is giving his kids a better life than he had. My idea to get to my goals faster was to have different streams of income and revenue, he said. This allows him to spend more time with his kids and to provide them with the lifestyle I didnt have as a child. What to read next This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. A global surge in demand for weight-loss treatments have catapulted the fortunes of Novo Nordisk, a drugmaker now more valuable than the entire economy of its native Denmark. The company has effectively cornered the U.S. market thanks to being the only FDA-approved manufacturer of a blockbuster pharmaceutical called semaglutidethe active chemical behind Ozempic, a Type 2 diabetes drug, and Wegovy, an obesity treatmentwhich is also helping Elon Musk shed weight. Since 2020 the stock has tripled, with the U.S.-listed company now worth over $400 billion, putting it within arms reach of dethroning French centibillionaire Bernard Arnaults luxury brand group LVMH as Europes largest company by market cap. We are serving more patients than ever before, CEO Lars Fruergaard Jrgensen said in a statement on Thursday, after hiking his full-year sales and earnings targets on the back of ever rising demand for his semaglutide treatments. Semaglutides work by prompting the body to produce more insulin, which helps diabetes patients reduce the amount of sugar in their blood. But in higher doses it also interacts with parts of the brain that regulate appetite by creating the feeling of being full. Novo Nordisks Jrgensen said his company helped 39 million people across the world tackle diabetes and weight loss in the first half of 2023, 4 million more than the prior year period. As a result, sales rose by nearly a third, as demand for its obesity care treatments alone surged a staggering 157%, owing in large part to the wide popularity of Wegovy in the U.S. This is the kind of growth more common for a tech startup than a company nearly a century old. It is not often that you have a 100-year-old company and youre still growing at 30%, the CEO told reporters on Thursday, according to the Financial Times. An optimistic earnings outlook wasnt the only cause for celebration for Novo Nordisk this week. The companys shares surged to record highs after a study on Tuesday revealed that Wegovy also reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes by 20%, marking a paradigm shift in the realm of obesity treatments. Story continues That was when Novo Nordisks market value vaulted past the annual size of Denmarks own economy, estimated at more than $400 million. The Danish pharma giants executive vice president, Martin Holst Lange, said Wegovy now has the potential to change how obesity is regarded and treated following the release of late trial results by the company. Meteoric rise of Novo Nordisks weight-loss drugs Obesity, a chronic disease leading to excessive weight gain, has been a subject of stigma, with few avenues to safe medication. Predictions by the World Obesity Federation suggest that by 2035, one in four people will be obese if current trends continue. Given the rising threat of this disease, the Danish drugmaker was brought to the forefront on obesity treatment after its injectables proved to cut weight down by around 15% on average when combined with lifestyle changes. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Ozempic to treat Type 2 diabetes in 2017, while Wegovy was approved in 2021making it the first ever weight-loss drug to be approved by the body in eight years. The drug instantly became popular, with the likes of Elon Musk crediting Novo Nordics wonder drug for helping him shed pounds after he was fat-shamed by his own estranged father last year. The effectiveness and subsequent rise in demand for Novo Nordisks miracle drugs led it to curb supply for some starter doses. The company intends to keep those restrictions in place and expects there to be supply shortages in the coming months across a number of products and geographies, it said on Thursday during its earnings call. In some ways, the scarcity helped further feed into the drugs popularity with more buzz surrounding the obesity drug. The demand-supply mismatch has led to a new crop of off-brand versions of Ozempic and Wegovy, which the FDA has warned consumers against. [Ozempic and Wegovy are] not for everyone, but they can be a godsend, a game changer for those for whom theyre clinically appropriate, Zach Reitano, CEO of health care company Ro, told Fortune earlier this year. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com More from Fortune: 5 side hustles where you may earn over $20,000 per yearall while working from home Looking to make extra cash? This CD has a 5.15% APY right now Buying a house? Here's how much to save This is how much money you need to earn annually to comfortably buy a $600,000 home [August 11, 2023] The Des Moines Register Iowa Poll Partners With NBC News Tweet The Des Moines Register, part of Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI) and the USA TODAY Network announced today that NBC News will partner with the Des Moines Register for the Des Moines Register/NBC News/Mediacom Iowa Poll ("The Iowa Poll"). The Iowa Poll is widely recognized for insights leading up to the 2024 Iowa presidential caucuses. The partners will work with Selzer & Company pollster J. Ann Selzer to develop questions that will be analyzed for broad distribution of polling results. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230811992546/en/ "The Iowa Poll has a storied history of setting the stage for the presidential election cycle," said Carol Hunter, Executive Editor of the Des Moines Register. "We are excited to join forces with NBC News and our longtime partners Selzer & Company and Mediacom to bring Iowans and the nation impactful information about the thinking of likely participants ahead of the 2024 Iowa caucuses." "The 2024 presidential election is well under way and it's critical to capture the thinking of the electorate at every stage of the cycle," said NBC News' Senior Vice President of Politics, Carrie Budoff Brown. "NBC News is committed to covering this election from on the ground and across every state, talking to voters and reporting on the issues that matter most. The Iowa Poll is a crucial and trusted instrument in understanding the sentiment of voters ahead of the First in the Nation caucuses and we are delighted to work with the Des Moines Register and pollster J. Ann Selzer this cycle." Established in 1943, the Iowa Poll celebrates its 80th anniversary this year. Selzer & Company will conduct the Iowa Poll, which will be developed in partnership with NBC News and the Des Moines Register. Polling is conducted with a random sample of voters registered in the state of Iowa, including those registered as Republican, Democrat, no party, or other party. The Iowa Poll, which is closely watched by political observers, will inform voters leading into the important Iowa caucuses, which are scheduled for January 15, 2024. "The Iowa caucuses pose perhaps the most difficult challenge a pollster can face. The number of Iowans who typically show up is small, and participation changes-sometimes dramatically-from caucus cycle to caucus cycle. It's our pleasure to work with The Register, with its deep roots in Iowa politics, and with the veteran political reporters and analysts at NBC News to help craft and interprt the results of our polls to serve the state and the nation with our best take on what is happening politically in the lead-up to the January 2024 caucuses," said J. Ann Selzer, Selzer & Company. "As the state's leading broadband provider, Mediacom recognizes the critical role our company plays in providing Iowa voters with access to information about key political and social issues," said Tom Larsen, Mediacom's Senior Vice President of Government & Public Relations. "This is why we began our partnership with the Iowa Poll in 2015 and are proud to continue supporting this invaluable resource during the 2024 caucus cycle." ABOUT GANNETT Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI) is a subscription-led and digitally-focused media and marketing solutions company committed to empowering communities to thrive. With an unmatched reach at the national and local level, Gannett touches the lives of millions with our Pulitzer Prize-winning content, consumer experiences and benefits, and advertiser products and services. Our current portfolio of media assets includes USA TODAY, local media organizations in 43 states in the U.S., and Newsquest, a wholly owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom with more than 150 local news media brands. Gannett also owns digital marketing services companies branded LocaliQ, and runs one of the largest media-owned events business in the U.S., USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures. To connect with us, visit www.gannett.com. ABOUT NBC NEWS More Americans watch NBC News than any news organization in the world. Its leading and award-winning television news broadcasts include TODAY, NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt, Meet the Press with Chuck Todd and Dateline NBC. Additionally, NBC News produces TODAY with Hoda & Jenna, The 3rd Hour of TODAY, Sunday TODAY with Willie Geist, Weekend TODAY and NBC News Daily, as well as primetime specials and breaking news reports. The NBC News Digital Group consists of online destinations NBCNews.com - a top three news site - and TODAY.com - a top three lifestyle brand - as well as its streaming networks, NBC News NOW, Dateline 24/7 and TODAY All Day. Additionally, the organization's award-winning audio unit is a top five podcast publisher in the U.S. and NBC News' Stay Tuned, a first-of-its-kind social newscast, is the premier destination for the Gen Z audience across TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube. NBC News also operates NBC News Studios, a unit producing premium documentaries, docuseries, select scripted programming, and content for emerging platforms, and the NBC NewsChannel affiliate news service. NBC News is part of the NBCUniversal News Group, a division of NBCUniversal, which is owned by Comcast Corporation. For more information about NBCUniversal, please visit www.NBCUniversal.com. ABOUT MEDIACOM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION Mediacom Communications Corporation is the 5th largest cable operator in the United States and the leading gigabit broadband provider to smaller markets primarily in the Midwest and Southeast. Through its fiber-rich network, Mediacom provides high-speed data, video, and phone services to 1.4 million households and businesses across 22 states. The company delivers scalable broadband solutions to commercial and public-sector customers of all sizes through Mediacom Business and sells advertising and production services under the OnMedia brand. More information about Mediacom is available at mediacomcable.com. ABOUT SELZER & COMPANY Selzer & Company, a Des Moines-based company founded by J. Ann Selzer, Ph.D., is a nationally recognized, industry leading polling and audience research firm. Since 1994, Selzer has worked with a wide variety of clients, including healthcare organizations, financial institutions, universities, advocacy groups and technology start-ups. Selzer & Company conducts the Iowa Poll, which is regarded by political insiders as the gold standard for its accuracy and insights about the Iowa caucuses. More information about Selzer & Company is available at www.selzerco.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230811992546/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] This week Mayor Q and council encountered a great deal of skepticism after passing municipal rules against gun tech that might or MIGHT NOT hold up in court. In the meantime, here's his defense of his power move . . . Some have questioned why the City felt the need to put these ordinances on the books, but Mayor Quinton Lucas says they give the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department a new way to take guns off the street. Whats wrong with having that additional tool? Lucas said. Whats wrong with letting our officers say, Im going to write you a ticket for an ordinance violation, too, and in the meantime, Im going to take your gun switch away so that you cant walk the streets with a fully automatic weapon? Kansas City is taking a local approach to combating gun violence. Instead of relying on state and federal laws, Mayor Lucas wants to give local law enforcement a new way to get ahold of those weapons. From our perspective . . . The response and arguments that we've heard against these efforts are simple: The municipal codes Mayor & Council passed this week are ALREADY ILLEGAL under federal law. And given that we all have limited resources and time, this effort seems geared toward garnering publicity rather than directing efforts toward more effective anti-crime strategies. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Right now hottie diva, producer, actress and internationally recognized influencer Angela inspires our morning peek at pop culture, community news and top headlines. Check TKC news gathering . . . Traffic Still Troubled Interstate 70 westbound shut down due to jackknifed semi truck Interstate 70 westbound is shut down past 18th Street Saturday morning due to a jackknifed semi truck Show Was Lit In Bad Way Electrical fire cancels Parker McCollum performance at Azura Amphitheater The cancellation was prompted by a electrical fire. South Side Dedication For the love of a brother: Patrick's Bar and No Grill holds monumental .1K fundraiser "He'd hate it." The event is Sunday, August 13 Local Name Game Dispute Kansas City Fashion Week sues Kansas City Fashion LLC for trademark infringement - Kansas City Business Journal Kansas City Fashion Week filed a federal lawsuit against Kansas City Fashion LLC, claiming the organization is infringing on its trademarks by offering similar events using similar designers/models often in the same location and, of course, the similarity of company names. Invented Cowtown Holiday Celebrated Only By Newsies & Hipsters 816 Day is when we celebrate everything Kansas City. Here's a guide to events around the metro 816 Day - held on August 16 - is an annual city-wide celebration of all things Kansas City, Missouri, inspired by the local area code. There are events on multiple days, including concerts, work out sessions, block parties and $8.16 deals at local businesses. ANGELA FOREVER!!! Porn star responds to fans urging her to retire after 900 hardcore scenes PORN star Angela White has responded to calls saying she should "give her body a break" after performing 900 hardcore scenes. The Aussie adult actress, 38, has told fans she has no intention of slo... First Son Stays Losing Election?!? Hunter Biden's growing legal woes throw a new wrench into 2024 election The appointment of special counsel David Weiss creates a fresh headache for Biden's re-election campaign, distracting from his message and potentially drawing attention away from likely GOP opponent Donald Trump's mounting legal problems. Legal Moves Against MAGA The constitutional case that Donald Trump is already banned from being president Two conservative lawyers make a strong 14th Amendment argument. But the politics of their theory are very, very dicey. Chose Life Over End Game Suicides hit all-time high in 2022: CDC data The number of U.S. suicide deaths reached an all-time high in the year of 2022, according to provisional data released Thursday from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). An estimated 49,449 people died by suicide in the United States last year, up approximately 2.6 percent from the estimated 48,183 in 2021. Tech Death From Above Russia is manufacturing its own version of Iran's Shahed attack drones to continue air attacks on Ukraine, report says The Geran-2 drone appears to be a Russian-made version of Iran's Shahed-136 attack drone widely used against Ukraine, a New York Times report says. Far East Economy FAIL?!? Behind the ticking time bomb - should we fear China's slide into deflation? China was expected to roar back into life after Covid, but its weak rebound has shocked analysts Holy Land Turmoil Inspired Tech Moves Startup nation no more? Investments plunge as Israel pushes on with judicial overhaul | CNN Almost every weekend for more than 30 weeks, tens of thousands of Israelis have taken to the streets of Tel Aviv to protest against government plans to weaken the judiciary and chip away at the independence of the Supreme Court. Bots Reporting . . . News Corporation profits plunge 75% - but media giant hails 'opportunity' of AI The media giant said higher newsprint costs and foreign currency fluctuations were among the reasons for the decrease, but said it was optimistic about the "remarkable opportunity" of AI. Steamy Forecast For Now . . . After a hot Saturday, storm chances on Sunday On Sunday, there are two opportunities for storms, one in the morning and one in the evening. Myke Towers - Lala is the song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now. Here's a peek at the future and social media consequences which often weaken local democracy & freedoms . . . . From our vantage looking at this small town crisis . . . This isn't so much a story with partisan implications but a reminder that any power unchecked can often be abused . . . And that's why it's important to ask questions. Also . . . This report makes us VERY GRATEFUL that most local police agencies in the Kansas City metro operate with a great deal of PROFESSIONALISM and realize they're protecting people over politicos. Here's the story . . . The citys entire five-officer police force and two sheriffs deputies took everything we have, Meyer said, and it wasnt clear how the newspaper staff would take the weekly publication to press Tuesday night. The raid followed news stories about a restaurant owner who kicked reporters out of a meeting last week with U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner, and revelations about the restaurant owners lack of a drivers license and conviction for drunken driving. Meyer said he had never heard of police raiding a newspaper office during his 20 years at the Milwaukee Journal or 26 years teaching journalism at the University of Illinois. Its going to have a chilling effect on us even tackling issues, Meyer said, as well as a chilling effect on people giving us information. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Following the weather delay . . . Check more deets and insight into the memorial planned for later today: Fairway Officer Jonah Oswald was killed in the line of duty this week. The big procession to honor him, which is expected to draw thousands to the streets of Johnson County, is now scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Saturday. The schedule, events, route and starting spot at 9300 Metcalf Avenue in Overland Park, all remain the same. The candlelight prayer vigil will begin Saturday night after 9 p.m. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Thousands expected for parade honoring fallen Fairway officer A large procession to honor Fairway Officer Jonah Oswald is expected to draw thousands to the streets of Johnson County, Kansas. Fairway residents tie together support for the city's police department The blue ribbons around trees in Fairway are there to honor the life of the city's first police officer killed in the line of duty while also providing support for a grieving police department. 'I'm proud of what he did': Father of fallen Overland Park police officer honors Jonah Oswald One Johnson County family knows this process all too well. Now City Council Member Scott Mosher lost his son Michael Mosher in 2020. Developing . . . In June, Steven Roth, the billionaire chairman of Vornado, one of New York Citys biggest commercial landlords, said that as far as in-office work is concerned, Fridays are dead forever. He added that Mondays werent far behind (touch and go, as he phrased it). Now, Nick Bloom, Stanford economics professor and head of WFH Researcha group that has been digging into remote work data since before the pandemichas officially deemed Roth correct. Friday has become the day to #wfh, Bloom tweeted on Friday, adding that it looks like [Steven Roth] was right. But as always with Bloom and his vaunted remote work research, there is more to the story. Despite the fact that offices have been completely desolate on Fridays for over three years now, Bloom told Fortune that he was nonetheless surprised that Roths prediction has ended up bearing out. I thought this would be more stable, but I guessFriday [is] increasingly winning out in the WFH stakes, Bloom told Fortune by email on Friday. I think its part of the bigger push towards coordinated hybrid, whereby we have firms pushing for folks to come in on the same days. In-person socializing and collaboration, as always, is the main appeal for office work. As a result, Bloom said, it makes sense to coordinate with ones coworkers, among whom the consensus has been made clear: That includes coordinating to be home on Friday. Indeed, coordinating in-office days among teams is the best way to pull off organized hybrid, the term Bloom uses to describe the gold standard working arrangement. The new Friday calculus shows Bloom that there is now a three-part week, he tweeted. Mondays through Thursday are one thing, the weekend, when offices are closed, is anotherand then theres Friday. Back-to-work mandates rarely include Friday While its certainly unlikely that cubicles will ever be populated on Saturdays and Sundays, Fridays may still have a fighting chanceespecially given how many major corporations have finally put their foot down about returning to the office. For years, many high-profile companies have faced fierce resistance from employees theyve ordered back to work. Story continues Amazon instituted a three-day minimum for in-person work back in February. The policy faced its latest snafu earlier this week when some employees got a disciplinary email even though theyd been complying with the new rules. Google also has a policy of a mandatory three days in the office, and will reportedly only consider full-time remote work in exceptional circumstances. Meanwhile, Salesforce upped the ante even further, with an obligatory four days in-person for some teams. Based on Blooms research one might suspect the lone work-from-home day for Salesforce employees might naturally be Friday. Bloom also has data to back up that employers and employees dont see eye to eye on the number of days theyre meant to be in the office. On average, theres about half a workdays difference between the number of days workers would like to be in the office compared with what their bosses expector require, WFH Research has found. Per a recent report from real estate consulting firm JLL, bosses have mandated a return (at least some days per week) for 1.5 million workers, and another million are set to be given the same threat in the back half of this year. Even though more and more companies are beginning to formalize exactly when employees are allowed to work from home, the practice remains widespread. An estimated 58% of workersa figure that when extrapolated to the entire U.S. workforce would be equal to 92 million peoplecan work remotely some days of the week, per June research from McKinsey. Naturally, the fact that at least one of those days will be Friday is all but a given. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com More from Fortune: 5 side hustles where you may earn over $20,000 per yearall while working from home Looking to make extra cash? This CD has a 5.15% APY right now Buying a house? Here's how much to save This is how much money you need to earn annually to comfortably buy a $600,000 home We're hoping against hope that this story sparks more interest in community newspaper AND maybe we'll see a movie version wherein Kevin Bacon reprises his Footloose dancing . . . Only this time through a rural newsroom in between the farm report. Check-it . . . The citys entire five-officer police force and two sheriffs deputies took everything we have, in the Friday raid, the newspapers owner and publisher, Eric Meyer said . . . Meyer said the police took action because a confidential source leaked sensitive information about a local restaurant owner, who allegedly took offense. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . . Police raid local Kansas newspaper office and homes of reporters City's entire five-officer police force seize computers, cellphones and reporting materials from Marion County Record Kansas cops raid Marion County Record newspaper office, seize records, injure reporter Police in Marion, Kansas, raided the office of the Marion County Record, along with the home if its publisher, amid a dispute with a local businesswoman. Kansas Newspaper Raided Over Leaked DUI Intel About Local Restaurateur The Marion County Record -- a small Kansas newspaper -- is getting national attention over a raid at their office Friday. Developing . . . Imagine the cosiest cottage and adorable alpacas a stay at this P.E.C. farm left us giddy with delight In the tiny community of Hillier, Ont., Chetwyn Farms invites you to be their guests. Starlink operates a network of thousands of satellites that beam wireless internet across the world - Malcolm Denemark/Florida Today Hackers from Russias intelligence services are deliberately targeting Elon Musks Starlink with custom hacking software, Ukraines counter-intelligence agency has said. A report published by Ukraines MI5 equivalent, the State Security Service (SBU), detailed how custom malware originating from Russias GRU spy agency had been written to try and spy on troop movements via Starlink satellites. Starlink operates a network of thousands of satellites that beam wireless internet across the world. Ukrainian commanders rely heavily on the infrastructure for communications. SBU experts discovered malicious software on Ukrainian tablet devices that were captured by the Russians before later being recovered from the battlefield. One common method of spreading malware is to leave an infected device such as a smartphone, tablet or USB stick lying around in the hope that they are picked up and used. The malware, one of five different types of information-stealing software found on the tablets, bore the hallmarks of the Sandworm hacker gang, the Ukrainian agency added. Britains GCHQ has previously said Sandworm is Unit 74455 of the GRU, Russias main military intelligence division. The SBU said in a technical report published this week: The functional purpose is to gather data from the Starlink satellite system. Elon Musk has been ambivalent about letting Starlink be used for active military operations - Chesnot/Getty Images Tony Adams, a researcher with Secureworkss Counter Threat Unit, said: The malware suite discovered by Ukraines SBU used a compromised devices Starlink connection to track Ukrainian armed forces. If successful, this attack could have yielded extremely useful operational intelligence for Russian battlefield commanders, a goal undoubtedly on the GRUs punch list. The revelation comes amid growing nervousness about Ukraines reliance on Mr Musks technology. The billionaire has been ambivalent about letting Starlink be used for active military operations and the New York Times has reported that senior military chiefs in Kyiv have sought assurances from US counterparts as to Mr Musks reliability. Story continues The SBU warning comes a month after Ukrainian cyber-security authorities warned that poorly secured Starlink terminals were potentially putting the countrys soldiers at increased risk. Earlier this year another Russian weapon developed specifically to target Starlink, called Tobol, was uncovered after a US airman leaked secret intelligence documents onto online chat service Discord. Tobol interferes with Starlink satellites communications to try and knock them offline, the Washington Post reported in April. SpaceX, the operator of Starlink, was approached for comment. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. Cruise AV, General Motor's autonomous electric Bolt EV, is displayed in Detroit in 2019. Autonomous vehicle taxis have been given the green light to operate in San Francisco. (Paul Sancya / Associated Press) One day after California green-lighted a massive expansion of driverless robotaxis in San Francisco, the implications became clear. At about 11 p.m. Friday, as many as 10 Cruise driverless taxis blocked two narrow streets in the center of the citys lively North Beach bar and restaurant district. All traffic came to a standstill on Vallejo Street and around two corners on Grant. Human-driven cars sat stuck behind and in between the robotaxis, which might as well have been boulders: no one knew how to move them. The cars sat motionless with parking lights flashing for 15 minutes, then woke up and moved on, witnesses said. Aaron Peskin, who represents North Beach on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, fears what could happen when a major fire or other life-threatening emergency breaks out with multiple robotaxis blocking the way. "Our houses in North Beach are made of sticks," he said. Peskin was flooded with texts, emails and videos from constituents as the robotaxis, programmed with artificial intelligence software, sat unresponsive. In one video, zeroing in on a robotaxis driver seat, a man says this is what our country has come to. Cruise blamed cellphone carriers for the problem. At 11:01 p.m. Friday, Peskin sent a text message to Cruise government affairs manager Lauren Wilson. At 8:25 a.m. Saturday, she texted back: As I understand it, outside lands impacted LTE cell connectivity and ability for RA advisors to route cars. Outside Lands is a three-day music festival held in Golden Gate Park, four miles from North Beach. Read more: Massive expansion of driverless robotaxis approved for San Francisco despite public safety concerns The situation is loaded with irony, as the California Public Utilities Commission on Thursday voted 3 to 1 amid great public controversy to allow a massive robotaxi expansion. The vote allows General Motors-owned Cruise and Waymo, owned by Googles Alphabet, to charge fares for driverless service and grow the fleet as large as theyd like. Cruise has said it plans eventually to deploy thousands of robotaxis in San Francisco. Story continues City officials in San Francisco, from the mayors office down, have been fighting the move, with officials saying the robotaxi industry needs to fix problems that endanger the public first before further expanding the business. The citysFire Department has logged more than 55 cases of robotaxis interfering with first responders. Fire Chief Jeanine Nicholson has repeatedly said Cruise and Waymo are getting in firefighters way and their technology is not ready for prime time. Read more: San Francisco's fire chief is fed up with robotaxis that mess with her firetrucks. And L.A. is next The CPUC decided to go ahead anyway. One of the three yes votes was cast by Commissioner John Reynolds, who served as head lawyer at Cruise before appointed to the CPUC by Gov. Gavin Newsom. The no vote came from Commissioner Genevieve Shiroma, who said the companies should explain the problems and how they plan to fix them first. Peskin said city officials are pursuing every means to have the CPUC decision reversed, and are discussing whether to seek a court injunction. Another option: fining Cruise and Waymo thousands of dollars for each robotaxi road blockage. The CPUC, and Gov. Gavin Newsom, in Peskins view, are putting big money ahead of basic public safety. The CPUC has not been held in high esteem by the people of California for a very long time, Peskin said. All five CPUC commissioners were appointed by Newsom, including the former Cruise attorney. If youre looking for an example of regulatory capture, youre seeing it now, Peskin said. "It's unethical and immoral but legal," he said. Bottom line, this all goes to Gov. Gavin Christopher Newsom. Representatives for Newsom and the CPUC could not be immediately reached for comment. In a Twitter post Saturday, Cruise said, We are actively investigating and working on solutions to keep this from happening again. 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. Over the past 24 hours, more than 30 combat engagements between the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Russian invaders took place in various directions. This is stated in the report by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine published on Facebook. "At night, the Russian Federation launched another air attack by Shahed-136/131 Iranian-made combat UAVs on Ukraine. The information about the consequences of this terrorist attack is being clarified. Over the past day, the Russian invaders launched five missile strikes, 31 airstrikes, and 49 MLRS attacks at the positions of our troops and populated settlements. As a result of the Russian terrorist attacks, unfortunately, civilians, including children, were killed and injured. Residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure objects were destroyed," the report reads. More than 30 combat engagements took place over the past 24 hours. In Volyn and Polissia directions, the operational situation has not changed significantly. In Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna directions, the enemy fired mortars and artillery on more than 20 settlements, in particular, Kliusy in Chernihiv region; Seredyna-Buda, Myropillia, Uhroyidy in Sumy region; Okip, Veterynarne, Strilecha, Hatyshche, Vovchanski Khutory, Okhrimivka in Kharkiv region. In Kupyansk direction, the enemy conducted unsuccessful offensive operations in the area of Synkivka and Ivanivka in Kharkiv region. Airstrikes were launched near Kyslivka and Pershotravneve in Kharkiv region. More than 15 settlements, including Kupyansk, Shyikivka, Cherneshchyna, and Proletarske in Kharkiv region, came under enemy artillery and mortar fire. In Lyman direction, the enemy launched airstrikes in the areas of Nevske, Bilohorivka in Luhansk region; Vesele, Zaliznianske, Klishchiyivka in Donetsk region. More than 25 settlements were hit with enemy artillery: Nevske, Dibrova, Bilohorivka in Luhansk region; Siversk, Verkhniokamyanske, Spirne, Vyimka, Rozdolivka in Donetsk region. In Bakhmut direction, the enemy carried out unsuccessful offensive operations in the areas of Bohdanivka, Klishchiyivka, and Bila Hora in Donetsk region. More than 20 settlements, including Chasiv Yar, Bila Hora, Oleksandro-Shultyne, Toretsk, Zalizne, and New York in Donetsk region, came under enemy artillery fire. In Avdiyivka direction, under heavy enemy aircraft and artillery fire, our defenders continue to hold back the advance of Russian troops in the area of Avdiyivka in Donetsk region. More than 10 settlements, including Novobakhmutivka, Stepove, Avdiyivka, Sieverne, Pervomayske, and Nevelske in Donetsk region, were hit with artillery. In Maryinka direction, the defense forces continue to hold back the advance of Russian troops in the area of Maryinka, Donetsk region. The enemy launched airstrikes near Krasnohorivka, Maryinka, and Novomykhaylivka in Donetsk region. More than 10 settlements, including Krasnohorivka, Maryinka, Maksymilyanivka, Paraskoviyivka, Novomykhaylivka, and Yelyzavetivka in Donetsk region, were hit with artillery. In Shakhtarske direction, the enemy made unsuccessful attempts to restore the lost position in the area of Urozhayne, Donetsk region. An airstrike was launched near Staromayorske, Donetsk region. Vodiane, Vuhledar, Bohoyavlenka, Prechystivka, Zolota Nyva, Blahodatne in Donetsk region came under artillery fire. In Zaporizhzhia direction, the enemy launched airstrikes in the areas of Novodanylivka and Orikhiv in Zaporizhzhia region. More than 20 settlements, including Lobkove, Pyatykhatky, Kamyanske, Plavni in Zaporizhzhia region, came under artillery fire. In Kherson direction, the enemy struck more than 25 settlements with artillery, including Kherson, Beryslav, Tokarivka, Antonivka, Komyshany, Kizomys in Kherson region; Kutsurub, Ochakiv in Mykolayiv region. At the same time, the defense forces of Ukraine continue to go on the offensive in Melitopol and Berdiansk directions, gain a foothold on the achieved boundaries, and carry out counter-battery fight. According to the General Staff, the enemy continues to use civilian educational institutions in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine for its own purposes. In particular, it was established that a school in Sieverne settlement in Luhansk region is used for military purposes. Local residents are prohibited from accessing the school. In Tokmak, Zaporizhzhia region, the occupiers set up a hospital for Russian occupation troops in a kindergarten located in the northern part of the town. "Over the past day, the aviation of the defense forces launched one strike on an enemy personnel, weapons, and military equipment cluster. Also, our defenders destroyed four reconnaissance UAVs of operational and tactical level. Missile and artillery units struck an enemy Strela anti-aircraft missile system," the General Staff informs. The Armed Forces of Ukraine eliminated about 253,290 Russian invaders in Ukraine from February 24, 2022 to August 12, 2023, including 510 invaders in the past day alone. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said this in a post on Facebook, according to Ukrinform. The Ukrainian defenders have also destroyed 4,295 enemy tanks (+5 in the past day), 8,324 armored combat vehicles (+6), 5,053 artillery systems (+10), 713 multiple launch rocket systems, 472 air defense systems (+1), 315 aircraft, 313 helicopters, 4,201 unmanned aerial vehicles (+4), 1,378 cruise missiles, 18 warships/cutters, 7,523 motor vehicles (+12), and 759 special equipment units (+3). The data are being updated. As reported by Ukrinform, more than 30 combat clashes between the Defense Forces of Ukraine and the Russian invaders were recorded in various directions in the past day. One civilian was killed and ten more were injured in Russian shelling of Kherson region on August 11. Oleksandr Prokudin, the head of the regional military administration, said this in a post on Telegram, Ukrinform reports. "Over the past day, the enemy launched 39 attacks, firing 159 projectiles from mortars, artillery, Grad MLRS and UAVs. The enemy fired 9 projectiles at the city of Kherson," wrote Prokudin. According to him, the Russian military targeted residential areas in the regions settlements, the territory of a factory, administrative buildings, an after-school educational institution, critical infrastructure objects, a church, shops, cafes in Kherson city community, a humanitarian aid distribution point and a store building in Beryslav. One person was killed and 10 others were injured by Russian shelling. As reported by Ukrinform, the Russian military shelled the village of Zolota Balka in Kherson region, damaging a residential building and farm buildings. The Russian Federation has likely redeployed units of its airborne forces from Kherson region to Orikhiv sector of Zaporizhzhia region, where fierce battles are taking place. The UK Defense Ministry said this in an intelligence update published on Twitter, Ukrinform reports. Russia has likely redeployed airborne forces (VDV) units from the Kherson region to the heavily contested Orikhiv sector in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. The 58th Combined Arms Army (58 CAA) has been in combat facing Ukrainian assaults since 4 June 2023, the report says. It is noted that as early as 11 July 2023, the then commander of 58 CAA was sacked, likely partially because of his insistence that elements of his force needed to be relieved. According to the British intelligence, reports suggest that the 70th and 71st Motor Rifle Regiments have faced particularly intense attrition and heavy combat on the front line. There is a realistic possibility that the arrival of VDV will finally allow elements of these regiments to be pulled out for rest and recovery. However, the redeployment will likely leave Russias defences near the east bank of the Dnipro River weaker, where they are increasingly harassed by Ukrainian amphibious raids, the report says. As reported by Ukrinform, more than 900 Ukrainian marines completed the course in the United Kingdom, which was conducted by Royal Marines and Army Commandos, during a six-month UK programme supported by international partners. Ukrainian air defense forces have already shot down 13 Kinzhal air-launched ballistic missiles, more than 20 Iskander cruise missiles, and S-400 missiles with which Russia is shelling the territory of Ukraine. "As for yesterday's [August 11, 2023] attack by the Russians, Kh-47 Kinzhal air-launched ballistic missiles were launched, one of which was shot down in Kyiv region. These missiles can be shot down with air defense systems capable of working against ballistic missiles. Ukraine does not have many such systems, but we have the result still. Not one Kinzhal has already been destroyed by the air defense forces of Ukraine. On May 16 six missiles were downed, on June 16 also six, and now we have one more. That is, Ukraines air defense forces have already downed 13 Kinzhal missiles. In addition, more than 20 ballistic missiles were shot down, including Iskander and S-400 missiles. Given that Kinzhal is moving in the sky at a huge speed, more than 7,000 km per hour, there is not much time to eliminate it," Yuriy Ihnat, the spokesman for the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, told the Ukrainian Radio in a comment. According to him, every month the Russians produce about 100 missiles of various types, including Kh-47 Kinzhal missiles. Although the enemy has a relatively small supply of Kinzhals. He also noted that the enemy always targeted infrastructure facilities and military objects, and yesterday's attack proved that the enemy had relevant information and used it. At the same time, the Air Force spokesman stressed that "the Ukrainian military leadership also understands this, and all necessary measures are being taken to preserve the equipment and personnel and do everything possible to prevent civilian casualties." "Yesterday, the Russians used four Kinzhal missiles to kill one child. The enemy uses huge funds to manufacture these missiles. Four missiles cost tens of millions of dollars. About 100 missiles of various types are produced every month, including Kh-47 Kinzhal. Perhaps, the enemy determines the priority targets for them because the enemy's arsenal still has fewer Kinzhal than other missiles," Ihnat said. As reported, one of the four enemy Kh-47 missiles was destroyed in the Ukrainian sky on the morning of Friday, August 11. Service members of the State Border Guard Service and Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine installed a border sign on Zmiinyi Island. Head of the State Border Guard Service Serhii Deineko announced this on Facebook, Ukrinform reports. Today, a border sign has been installed on Zmiinyi Island. Historical justice was restored by the service members of the State Border Guard Service with the full support of servicemen of the MoD Main Intelligence Directorate," he said. Deineko added: "Together with Dmytro Usov and guys, we paid tribute to all those who liberated Zmiinyi and who are liberating every piece of our land." As reported, the Ukrainian Defense Forces liberated Zmiinyi Island from the Russian invaders on June 30, 2022. In the past day, 133 demining units worked across the country, most of them in Kherson, Kharkiv and Donetsk regions. President Volodymyr Zelensky said this in his video address to the nation, Ukrinform reports. "In the past day, 133 demining squads operated throughout the country. Most of them were in the Kherson, Kharkiv, and Donetsk regions. Thank you to each and every one of you who is cleaning the Ukrainian land from the traces of Russian terror," the President said. Read also: Rescuers show how they demine water bodies using drones The Head of State reminded that currently about 174,000 square kilometers of Ukraines territory are potentially dangerous due to mines and unexploded ammunition. Ukraine also needs equipment from partners, and it is very important to create a production base in Ukraine so that we can clear our land of Russian mines. And this task should be completed not in decades, but in years," Zelensky said. He emphasized that the more equipment and special drones Ukraine has for demining, the more actively it will be able to restore security. As reported by Ukrinform, Ukrainian partners have already confirmed that they will provide $244 million dollars for demining by the end of the year. The United States is agreeing to allocate another $84 million to support a private operator that will work in Ukraine. Photo: Presidents Office Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is probably the only person in the world who can convince Russian President Vladimir Putin to return to the Black Sea Grain Initiative. According to Ukrinform, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said this in an interview with Reuters. "I think it is no exaggeration to say that President Erdogan is probably the only person in the world who can convince President Putin to return to the Black Sea Grain Initiative," he said. Russia's refusal last month to extend the grain deal that allows Ukrainian grain to leave Black Sea ports also hit Africa hard. Ukraine's Foreign Minister has already made three visits to the African continent since the beginning of Russia's war. According to him, Ukraine's goals in Africa include cooperation in areas such as education, construction, and digitalization. "Unlike Russia, we want to invest in Africa what will be beneficial for them and for us. Russia's largest investment in Africa is the Wagner PMC, which is an investment in the danger of Africa," Kuleba said. Read also: Almost 23M tonnes of new crop harvested in Ukraine Among other things, he also called a "breakthrough" the meeting in Jeddah, where the second meeting at the level of national security advisers and political directors on key principles of peace based on President Zelensky's Peace Formula was held on August 5-6. "We are fully satisfied with the dynamics of this process. I believe that the meeting in Jeddah was a breakthrough. For the first time we brought together countries representing the whole world, not just Europe and North America," the minister added. He noted that the number of countries interested in participating in meetings such as the one in Jeddah has increased significantly in recent weeks, adding that these events lay an important foundation for future negotiations on Ukraine's vision of peace. The Peace Formula, in particular, refers to ensuring radiation, nuclear, food, and energy security, releasing all war prisoners and deportees, implementing the UN Charter, restoring Ukraine's territorial integrity, withdrawing Russian troops, ending Russias hostilities, restoring justice, countering ecocide, preventing escalation, and fixing the end of Russias war. The combined unit of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine has started restoration works in the flood-affected Republic of Slovenia. As the State Emergency Service posted on Facebook, there are 51 Ukrainian rescuers and 19 pieces of equipment in the combined unit. They perform works in the area of Rechytsia village. At the moment, the combined unit of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine is carrying out restoration and rescue work in the area of the village of Rechytsia #Slovenia. pic.twitter.com/vYejcCnKFh (@Serhiy_Kruk) August 12, 2023 Specialists of the State Emergency Service have already deployed a mobile control post and a first-aid post, organized communication, and determined the procedure for involving people and equipment to eliminate the flood consequences. A working meeting was also held today with a representative of the RDC the governing body of the European Civil Protection Mechanism, which coordinates the work of rescue services from all countries working in the area, and with local authorities. For Ukrainian rescuers, two main locations have been identified for work in the Dreta River. The main tasks are constructing a dam for shore fortification, widening and changing the river bed, making drainage, clearing the river bed of trees and debris brought by high water. "The work is extremely difficult because the rescuers have to constantly work in a fast current. To perform it, the specialists of the State Emergency Service have and use heavy engineering equipment, in particular, five crawler excavators," the Service noted. According to the plan, the works will last for several days. After that, new locations will be determined. As reported, Slovenia has been suffering from heavy rains since the beginning of August. The adverse weather caused landslides and a dam breach in the country. At least six people have been killed by devastating floods in Slovenia. To overcome the flood consequences, Ukraine offered Slovenia a helicopter. On August 11, the President of Ukraine signed a decree on the provision of humanitarian aid to Slovenia to overcome the flood impacts. On the same day, Ukrainian rescuers went to help their Slovenian colleagues. Photo: @Serhiy_Kruk Already 58 countries support the Peace Formula which was announced by President Volodymyr Zelensky last November. "Fifth meeting with representatives of foreign diplomatic missions regarding the implementation of Volodymyr Zelensky's Peace Formula. Already 58 countries are with us," Head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak posted on Telegram. There were 43 representatives of countries at the previous meeting, he noted. "I will disclose the details later. We are working," the Head of the President's Office added. As reported, Yermak announced preparations for the next meeting at the level of advisers to the heads of the state dedicated to the discussion of the Ukrainian Peace Formula. The meeting of the advisers to the leaders of world countries regarding the Ukrainian Peace Formula took place in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) on August 5-6, 2023. Within the framework of the forum, the Ukrainian delegation also held bilateral meetings with delegations from more than 30 countries. The Peace Formula, first announced by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky at the G20 Summit in November 2022, contains 10 points: radiation and nuclear safety; food safety; energy security; release of all prisoners and deportees; implementation of the UN Charter and restoration of territorial integrity and world order; withdrawal of Russian troops and cessation of hostilities; restoration of justice, thus a tribunal for those guilty of aggression and compensation for damages; countering ecocide; security guarantees for Ukraine to prevent escalation; cementing the end of the war. Secure Trust Bank (LON:STB) First Half 2023 Results Key Financial Results Revenue: UK66.3m (up 3.9% from 1H 2022). Net income: UK12.3m (down 4.7% from 1H 2022). Profit margin: 19% (down from 20% in 1H 2022). The decrease in margin was driven by higher expenses. EPS: UK0.66 (down from UK0.69 in 1H 2022). All figures shown in the chart above are for the trailing 12 month (TTM) period Secure Trust Bank Earnings Insights Looking ahead, revenue is forecast to grow 17% p.a. on average during the next 3 years, compared to a 2.1% growth forecast for the Banks industry in the United Kingdom. Performance of the British Banks industry. The company's shares are up 19% from a week ago. Risk Analysis Don't forget that there may still be risks. For instance, we've identified 1 warning sign for Secure Trust Bank that you should be aware of. 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. U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland hailed the adoption of the law on strengthening the role of the Antimonopoly Committee. Nuland wrote this on X (formerly known as Twitter), Ukrinform reports. According to Nuland, Ukraine continues taking decisive action to strengthen accountability, transparency, and corporate governance even while fighting Russia's aggression. These efforts build confidence in a democratic future and attract private sector investment for Ukraines long-term recovery, the representative of the U.S. Department of State stressed. On August 9, the Parliament passed the law "On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of Ukraine on Improving the Activities of the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine." U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink called this an important step to increase Ukraine's competitiveness to help attract private sector investment for its recovery. Ukraine and Greece have held direct talks in order to negotiate a bilateral agreement on security guarantees for Ukraine. Thats according to Ekathimerini, Ukrinform reports. It is noted that a bilateral agreement that will result in a form of commitment on the side of Greece to give security guarantees to Kyiv in several sectors, not only defense. On a broader political level, the two sides are discussing the creation of a framework that will bring bilateral relations between Greece and Ukraine in line with the spirit of the G7 leaders declaration and, later, the European Council to continue long-term support for Kyiv on a practical level as well, the report says. The debate over the issues political dimensions is currently taking place at the level of foreign ministries. According to the publication, should these discussions be concluded, consideration will also be given to how certain dimensions of the agreement can be specified. However, representatives of the United States are also taking part in these contacts. This is an area where Athens is expected to seek to play a role, as Ukraine fundamentally respects the jurisdiction and judgments of all international courts. It is noted that the requirements are more or less widely known, and principally include anti-aircraft defense, artillery, armored vehicles, and fighter aircraft. The requirement for a steady supply of ammunition (155mm bullets and shells), is seen in Athens as an opportunity for the reconstruction of a portion of Hellenic Defense Systems. As reported by Ukrinform, on August 11, Ukraine and the United Kingdom launched the first round of negotiations at the working level regarding the bilateral agreement on the provision of security guarantees. Photo: Embassy of Ukraine in Greece Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak held the fifth meeting with representatives of foreign diplomatic missions accredited in Ukraine within the framework of implementing the Peace Formula. The meeting participants discussed the energy security point of the Formula, the Presidents Office informs. Ambassadors and representatives of the diplomatic missions of Japan, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Croatia, the Republic of South Africa, the United Kingdom, Estonia, Ethiopia, Jordan, the Netherlands, Portugal, Lithuania, Egypt, Brazil, Canada, the Republic of Korea, India, Belgium, Spain, Austria, Finland, Azerbaijan, Norway, Switzerland, Germany, Bulgaria, Denmark, Greece, the EU, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, North Macedonia, Romania, the United States, Turkiye, Hungary, France, Montenegro, Sweden, and United Nations Resident Coordinator for Ukraine Denise Brown, special representative of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iceland orlindur Kjartansson, the Exarch of the Ecumenical Patriarch in Ukraine, Bishop Mykhailo Komansky (Anishchenko) and charge d'affaires of the Apostolic Nuncio in Ukraine Joseph Maramreddy attended the event in person or via video links. Greeting the meeting participants, Yermak separately thanked those who joined this format of communication for the first time, namely the representatives of 16 countries: Austria, Belgium, Algeria, Portugal, Ecuador, Croatia, Switzerland, Guatemala, Greece, Ireland, Iceland, Hungary, Azerbaijan, Montenegro, New Zealand and Ethiopia. In general, according to the Head of the Presidents Office, representatives of 58 countries took part in the meeting, while 43 countries were represented at the previous event in the Verkhovna Rada. "This shows we are actively moving towards an appropriate solution to ensure peace in the world," Yermak said. He briefed foreign diplomats on the results of the second meeting at the level of national security advisors and political directors of foreign policy departments of countries and international organizations, which took place on August 5 in the city of Jeddah (Saudi Arabia). The Head of the President's Office said that the participants in the meeting in Jeddah affirmed their commitment to the principles of the UN Charter, international law and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states. He said the Peace Formula of President Volodymyr Zelensky was built on such principles. "We are working on a joint plan. Each country can take the lead in implementing either some separate or all ten points of the Formula. As far as I know, most of your countries have already determined their priorities and their role in implementing these points," Yermak said. He also presented the authorized responsible representatives of Ukraine for each of the points of the Peace Formula who would provide the utmost support for the process of their implementation. "Today, we touched on an extremely important point of the Formula energy security. Russia systematically uses energy as a weapon. The Kremlin began to put pressure on Europe by increasing energy prices six times since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, but Ukraine did everything to break its dependence on Russian energy, broke Russia's plans. However, the Russian Federation continues its attacks on the Ukrainian energy structure. The aggressor plans to create a humanitarian catastrophe, depriving millions of Ukrainians of access to basic resources during the winter," Yermak stressed. He said that Russia, receiving imported components bypassing sanctions, was increasing the production of long-range weapons to continue destroying Ukrainian infrastructure. In particular, he recalled the recent attack by an aggressor on an oil depot in Rivne region. In this context, the Head of the President's Office noted the importance of preparing the Ukrainian energy industry for the winter period and protecting it from heavy Russian attacks. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal told foreign diplomats in detail about the measures Ukraine is taking to prepare for the winter period. According to him, to ensure energy security, it is planned to create a multi-level protection of energy facilities by reinforcing them and decentralizing the energy system. European and global companies can take advantage of reliable Ukrainian underground gas storage facilities, capable of storing over 30 billion cubic meters of gas, which will make it possible to calmly pass the winter period and ensure Europe's energy security in the long term. Also, constant international monitoring of the safety of energy infrastructure facilities and the creation of an international coalition for protecting energy facilities with the help of strengthening air defense should be important factors of energy security in winter. In addition, the participation of partners in the energy restoration of Ukraine is foreseen. "We are implementing projects that no one in the world has done before, because no energy system in the world has experienced such large-scale attacks. In the future, Ukraine will be ready to share this experience so that, if necessary, other countries understand how to act in such scenarios. By the way, it is what we consider to be a very crucial element of the Peace Formula for Ukraine a unique exchange of experience that will protect each of us and every country," Shmyhal said. Minister of Energy of Ukraine German Galushchenko, Board Chairman of NPC Ukrenergo Volodymyr Kudrytsky, CEO of JSC Naftogaz of Ukraine Oleksiy Chernyshov informed those present about the current situation in the energy system of our country. The Head of the President's Office also told the audience in detail about implementing another important point of the Peace Formula, concerning security guarantees. He said that 13 states had already joined the Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine agreed by the G7 countries at the NATO Summit in Vilnius. Photo credit: President's Office Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak discussed Ukraines priority defense needs with National Security Advisor to the President of the United States Jake Sullivan. As part of the continuous dialogue with the allies, Yermak briefed the interlocutor on the current situation at the frontline, particularly in the most contested areas. The parties discussed Ukraine's priorities regarding the defense, the Presidents Office informs. The Head of the Presidents Office thanked for the participation of the US side in the meeting of national security advisors and political directors regarding Ukraine's Peace Formula, which took place on August 5-6 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The interlocutors also touched on the issue of preparations for the G19 summit in India in September. Yermak and Sullivan also discussed ongoing efforts to impose strong sanctions on the Russian Federation. The Head of the Presidents Office thanked the United States, President Joseph Biden, Congress and the entire American people for the help and support of Ukraine in the struggle for its freedom, sovereignty and territorial integrity. As reported, the meeting of advisers to the heads of state regarding the Ukrainian Peace Formula took place on August 5-6, 2023 in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia). The Ukrainian delegation also held bilateral meetings with delegations from more than 30 countries. Ukrainian rescuers have left for Slovenia to help their colleagues to tackle the aftermath of floods. Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Ihor Klymenko announced this on Telegram, Ukrinform reports. Klymenko said that in line with a decree signed by the President and an order issued by the government of Ukraine, a special group was formed and sent to participate in liquidation works in the north-east of the Republic of Slovenia. According to him, the group includes more than half a hundred specialists of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine and almost 20 units of specialized equipment. The minister noted that Ukrainian rescuers have "necessary, and sometimes even unprecedented experience, which will help to stabilize the situation as soon as possible." "Friends of Ukraine can always count on our support. We will never leave those who need help in trouble. Even if it is not easy for us," the minister emphasized. As reported by Ukrinform, Slovenia has been suffering from heavy rains since the beginning of August. Adverse weather conditions caused landslides and a dam breach in the country. Devastating floods have killed at least six people in Slovenia. To overcome the aftermath of floods, Ukraine offered Slovenia a helicopter. On August 11, the President of Ukraine signed a decree on the provision of humanitarian aid to Slovenia to tackle the consequences of floods. Key Insights The projected fair value for SGS is CHF107 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity SGS' CHF83.20 share price signals that it might be 22% undervalued The CHF88.23 analyst price target for SGSN is 18% less than our estimate of fair value Today we will run through one way of estimating the intrinsic value of SGS SA (VTX:SGSN) by taking the forecast future cash flows of the company and discounting them back to today's value. We will use the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model on this occasion. Before you think you won't be able to understand it, just read on! It's actually much less complex than you'd imagine. 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. Check out our latest analysis for SGS The Calculation We use what is known as a 2-stage model, which simply means we have two different periods of growth rates for the company's cash flows. Generally the first stage is higher growth, and the second stage is a lower growth phase. To start off with, we need to estimate the next ten years of cash flows. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years. A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, so we discount the value of these future cash flows to their estimated value in today's dollars: 10-year free cash flow (FCF) forecast 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF (CHF, Millions) CHF786.5m CHF833.4m CHF872.0m CHF938.3m CHF976.2m CHF1.00b CHF1.02b CHF1.04b CHF1.05b CHF1.06b Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x9 Analyst x9 Analyst x3 Analyst x3 Est @ 4.04% Est @ 2.83% Est @ 1.98% Est @ 1.39% Est @ 0.98% Est @ 0.69% Present Value (CHF, Millions) Discounted @ 5.1% CHF748 CHF754 CHF751 CHF768 CHF760 CHF744 CHF721 CHF696 CHF668 CHF640 ("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St) Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = CHF7.3b Story continues 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. 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 (0.01%) 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 5.1%. Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033 (1 + g) (r g) = CHF1.1b (1 + 0.01%) (5.1% 0.01%) = CHF21b Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= CHF21b ( 1 + 5.1%)10= CHF13b The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is CHF20b. The last step is to then divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of CHF83.2, the company appears a touch undervalued at a 22% 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 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 SGS as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 5.1%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.023. 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 SGS Strength Debt is well covered by earnings and cashflows. Weakness Earnings declined over the past year. Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Professional Services market. Opportunity Annual earnings are forecast to grow faster than the Swiss market. Good value based on P/E ratio and estimated fair value. Threat Dividends are not covered by earnings. Annual revenue is forecast to grow slower than the Swiss market. Looking Ahead: 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 instance, if the terminal value growth rate is adjusted slightly, it can dramatically alter the overall result. Why is the intrinsic value higher than the current share price? For SGS, there are three essential factors you should further research: Risks: For example, we've discovered 2 warning signs for SGS that you should be aware of before investing here. Future Earnings: How does SGSN'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 Swiss 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. Mastering the Mutual Legal Assistance Requests in Pakistan 10 - 11 August 2023, Islamabad Through a joint initiative with the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), and the Ministry of Interior (MOI), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) organized a two-day Workshop focused on drafting Mutual Legal Assistance Requests (MLARs) in cases concerning terrorism financing. This was made possible with financial support from Global Affairs Canada (GAC). The key aim of the workshop was to acquaint professionals with a comprehensive and tailored practical guide for procuring electronic evidence across international borders. Participants not only acquired crucial insights and competencies across various domains but also gained a thorough grasp of Pakistan's MLA framework and electronic evidence procedures. A meticulous exploration of the Central Authority's role in both soliciting and furnishing electronic evidence was undertaken, encompassing both informal and formal cooperation within Pakistan. The workshop was designed to deepen participants' understanding of international legal instruments and the invaluable resources offered by the UNODC concerning MLA and electronic evidence. A key facet of the workshop involved training officials to adeptly navigate and surmount challenges associated with MLA. The pivotal role played by Central Authorities in ensuring smooth cooperation was underscored. Furthermore, illuminating presentations from TikTok and Booking.com shed light on the intricacies of acquiring electronic evidence from service providers. Representatives from the Department of Justice Canada, the United States, and the Central Authority of the United Kingdom also provided insights into the process of sending mutual legal assistance requests to obtain electronic evidence from their respective jurisdictions. A total of twenty-two males and two females participated in the workshop. These participants represented diverse law enforcement agencies such as the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Counter Terrorism Department from Sindh, Balochistan, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as well as the Home Departments of Balochistan and Sindh. Through collaborative group activities, participants had the opportunity to identify and share operational-level challenges, subsequently seeking expert guidance to devise effective solutions. The workshop fostered transparency and a collaborative ethos among law enforcement agencies, ultimately streamlining the process of soliciting mutual legal assistance requests. The successful workshop was made possible with the generous support of Global Affairs Canada. Social Media https://twitter.com/UNODCPakistan/status/1689578646758109184 https://www.facebook.com/unodc.pakistan/posts/605015695168795?ref=embed_post https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7095341438464405504 It looks like The Sherwin-Williams Company (NYSE:SHW) is about to go ex-dividend in the next 4 days. The ex-dividend date is usually set to be one business day before the record date which is the cut-off date on which you must be present on the company's books as a shareholder in order to receive the dividend. The ex-dividend date is important as the process of settlement involves two full business days. So if you miss that date, you would not show up on the company's books on the record date. Meaning, you will need to purchase Sherwin-Williams' shares before the 17th of August to receive the dividend, which will be paid on the 8th of September. The company's next dividend payment will be US$0.60 per share, and in the last 12 months, the company paid a total of US$2.42 per share. Looking at the last 12 months of distributions, Sherwin-Williams has a trailing yield of approximately 0.9% on its current stock price of $273.72. Dividends are an important source of income to many shareholders, but the health of the business is crucial to maintaining those dividends. So we need to investigate whether Sherwin-Williams can afford its dividend, and if the dividend could grow. View our latest analysis for Sherwin-Williams If a company pays out more in dividends than it earned, then the dividend might become unsustainable - hardly an ideal situation. Fortunately Sherwin-Williams's payout ratio is modest, at just 26% of profit. That said, even highly profitable companies sometimes might not generate enough cash to pay the dividend, which is why we should always check if the dividend is covered by cash flow. Thankfully its dividend payments took up just 36% of the free cash flow it generated, which is a comfortable payout ratio. It's encouraging to see that the dividend is covered by both profit and cash flow. This generally suggests the dividend is sustainable, as long as earnings don't drop precipitously. Story continues Click here to see the company's payout ratio, plus analyst estimates of its future dividends. Have Earnings And Dividends Been Growing? Businesses with strong growth prospects usually make the best dividend payers, because it's easier to grow dividends when earnings per share are improving. If business enters a downturn and the dividend is cut, the company could see its value fall precipitously. With that in mind, we're encouraged by the steady growth at Sherwin-Williams, with earnings per share up 7.5% on average over the last five years. The company is retaining more than half of its earnings within the business, and it has been growing earnings at a decent rate. Organisations that reinvest heavily in themselves typically get stronger over time, which can bring attractive benefits such as stronger earnings and dividends. Many investors will assess a company's dividend performance by evaluating how much the dividend payments have changed over time. Sherwin-Williams has delivered an average of 17% per year annual increase in its dividend, based on the past 10 years of dividend payments. We're glad to see dividends rising alongside earnings over a number of years, which may be a sign the company intends to share the growth with shareholders. The Bottom Line From a dividend perspective, should investors buy or avoid Sherwin-Williams? Earnings per share growth has been growing somewhat, and Sherwin-Williams is paying out less than half its earnings and cash flow as dividends. This is interesting for a few reasons, as it suggests management may be reinvesting heavily in the business, but it also provides room to increase the dividend in time. It might be nice to see earnings growing faster, but Sherwin-Williams is being conservative with its dividend payouts and could still perform reasonably over the long run. It's a promising combination that should mark this company worthy of closer attention. With that in mind, a critical part of thorough stock research is being aware of any risks that stock currently faces. Case in point: We've spotted 1 warning sign for Sherwin-Williams you should be aware of. If you're in the market for strong dividend payers, we recommend checking our selection of top dividend stocks. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Lahaina, United States, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 12th Aug, 2023 ) :Hawaii's chief legal officer said Friday she was opening a probe into the handling of devastating wildfires that killed at least 80 people in the state this week, as criticism grows of the official response. The announcement and increased death toll came as residents of Lahaina were allowed back into the town for the first time -- with most finding their homes had been reduced to ashes, and even the lucky few angry at a sense of abandonment. "Everything has been coconut wire," said William Harry, referring to a system of rumours. "One person heard, then told another, but it's not official information. They don't come here and explain anything." Another man, who did not want to be named, told AFP he felt like he had been left to fend for himself. "Where is the government? Where are they?" he fumed. "This is insane. We can't move freely, we don't get the support, now we've heard about looting." Hawaii's Attorney General Anne Lopez said her office would be examining "critical decision-making and standing policies leading up to, during and after the wildfires on Maui and Hawai'i islands this week." "My department is committed to understanding the decisions that were made before and during the wildfires and to sharing with the public the results of this review."Late Friday, Maui county officials gave an updated death toll from the disaster. "The number of fatalities is at 80," the county said, adding that 1,418 people were at emergency evacuation shelters. Kuala Lumpur, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Aug, 2023 ) :Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's ruling coalition thwarted a challenge by an opposition alliance in state elections, official results showed Sunday, with analysts saying the win would buy him time to consolidate power in the largely Islamic Southeast Asian nation. Saturday's vote in six states had been the toughest political challenge yet to Anwar, who was appointed prime minister in November last year to head a unity government after an indecisive general election. The election of state assembly members does not affect Anwar's current two-thirds majority in parliament. It was, however, widely seen as a barometer of support for Anwar, including his push for a more inclusive society in which minority ethnicities could be allowed greater participation in the largely Malay Muslim nation, which also has large Chinese and Indian populations. Results released by the Election Commission showed that Anwar's Pakatan Harapan coalition retained three states: Selangor, Penang and Negeri Sembilan. The opposition alliance Perikatan Nasional -- whose key member the PAS party aims to create a theocratic state in Malaysia -- kept its hold on Kedah, Terengganu and Kelantan. Retaining Selangor, which hosts the country's biggest port, and Penang, home to Malaysia's thriving semiconductor industry, are prized wins for Anwar, analysts said. The ruling coalition, however, lost its two-thirds majority in Selangor, as the opposition made strong inroads. Perikatan is backed by the Malaysian Islamic Party, or PAS, whose strong performance in last year's general elections had sparked ruling party concerns it could spring a surprise and flip one or two states to the opposition. "This is a decision of the people. We have to respect this decision," Anwar said of the results at a late-night press conference as he also appealed for unity after a divisive campaign. "The Federal government remains strong after this poll and we will continue to promote a prosperous Malaysia," he added. Oh Ei Sun of the Pacific Research Center of Malaysia think tank said "it was a nail-biting win for Anwar after he thwarted the challenge from the powerful Islamic party PAS". Bridget Welsh, a Malaysia expert from the University of Nottingham, said retaining the three states was a "victory for Anwar" as "he had gone into this campaign defensively". "It was in many ways a stress reliever for Anwar not to be confronted with any major political shifts that could alter the status quo," said Mustafa Izzuddin, a political analyst with consultancy Solaris Strategies Singapore. But the outcome was also a disappointment in that "his coalition did not make much significant inroads" at the polls, he told AFP. Anwar "has more than enough time" before the 2027 general elections "to shore up support including the complex political bargaining that may need to happen within the coalition", according to Mustafa. - 'No guarantee' - James Chin, a Malaysia expert at the University of Tasmania in Australia, had warned earlier Saturday of "dire" consequences if Anwar lost even a single state, including shifting allegiances that could have threatened his future as prime minister. Anwar became prime minister last November after a long struggle as an opposition leader. His party had won the most seats in the general election but fell short of the outright majority needed to form a government. That forced him into an alliance with former foes in the United Malays National Organisation to secure a two-thirds parliamentary majority and approval from Malaysia's king to form a "unity government". The coalition has so far held together in a country that had seen three leadership turnovers in as many years after scandal-tainted Najib Razak was voted out as prime minister in 2018 over massive corruption at state fund 1MDB. But Oh, the analyst, said Anwar "must remain vigilant" even as he pushes for reforms. "There is no guarantee that his government will stay until the next general elections," he said. Washington, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 12th Aug, 2023 ) :Two and a half years into Joe Biden's presidency, and after exhaustive diplomacy with Iran's clerical leadership, his administration has reached a first deal -- to free five detained Americans. The delicate agreement heralds an easing of tensions between the longtime adversaries, and experts and diplomats believe it could bring further, quiet efforts to address concerns including Iran's nuclear work. Few people, however, expect major agreements anytime soon, with the clock ticking to the 2024 US presidential election. "I think both sides have an interest in using this initial agreement as the gateway to get back to dialogue, but not necessarily to a deal," said Ali Vaez, the Iran project director at the International Crisis Group, which promotes conflict resolution. European-led talks collapsed last year on reviving a 2015 nuclear deal, which constrained Iran's contested program in return for promises of sanctions relief but was trashed by former president Donald Trump. Biden himself, in a caught-on-camera encounter at a campaign stop late last year, said the nuclear deal was "dead" in all but name, at a time when the Islamic republic was putting down massive protests led by women. - De-escalation seen - A source familiar with the negotiations said the prisoner agreement was separate from the nuclear issue. But he also said diplomacy has been effective in lowering the temperature with Iran, pointing to the truce that has held unofficially for more than a year in war-ravaged Yemen, where Huthi rebels are backed by Iran. Attacks by Iranian-linked Shiite militias against US troops have also appeared to subside in Iraq, noted a diplomat from a US ally. "The tensions are still very much there but the two governments are communicating, and that makes a difference," the diplomat said. US and Iranian officials reopened diplomacy in May in indirect meetings arranged by Oman, with some talks exploring measures to cap Iran's nuclear program that stop short of fully restoring the nuclear deal, according to diplomats. "I think the de-escalatory context already exists," said Vaez, who helped outside efforts to bridge gaps to reach the 2015 accord. But he doubted the Biden administration has the appetite on a new nuclear deal with the election season opening. "Any substantive deal with Iran requires significant sanctions relief that will be extremely politically controversial in the US," he said. "On the Iranian side, given the proximity of US election, it doesn't make sense to them strategically to give away most of their leverage not knowing who the next US president is," he said, with Trump or another Republican likely to tear apart any new deal. Republicans have gone on the offensive over the prisoner deal, accusing Biden of enriching a hostile regime. In an agreement that Biden officials insist is not final, South Korea will unfreeze $6 billion in Iranian oil revenue blocked over US sanctions, with the funds transferred to an account in Qatar for humanitarian purchases. In an initial step, Iran moved five US citizens, one of them arrested nearly eight years ago on spying charges he strongly denies, from prison to a guarded hotel. - Poor sign to Iran protesters? - Holly Dagres, a nonresident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, agreed that the prisoner deal amounted to "a confidence-building measure and could revive talks over Iran's nuclear program." "But this also signals to Tehran that it can get relief from its hostage-taking model, which may prompt it to continue the status quo given that it can also sell oil due to weakly enforced sanctions," she said. She also questioned the timing of the agreement. September 16 marks one year since death in custody of Mahsa Amini, who had been arrested by the clerical state's morality police for not wearing the mandatory headscarf. Her death prompted mass demonstrations in one of the biggest challenges to the Islamic republic established after the overthrow of the pro-Western shah in 1979. "Doing a deal with the United States around such a sensitive period is, in essence, communicating to protesters that Washington doesn't care about their plight," Dagres said. Duan Yi, a Chinese gemstone trader who moved to Afghanistan about 18 months ago, has noticed clear changes on the streets of Kabul in recent months. Foreign tourists - mostly from Europe and the United States, and now an increasing number of Chinese - are back to the once deserted capital city. Li Xijing has seen the same trend. Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team. As a director of Kabul's Chinatown, Li has greeted dozens of Chinese businessmen making tentative steps back into the city. Journalists, from Britain to Japan, have also knocked on his door since spring. "[Chinatown] is getting crowded," he said. Since the Taliban took control of the war-torn country in 2021, Afghanistan's economy and security has not collapsed as some had expected. Instead, the central Asian country has begun to slowly pick up the pieces. But for Chinese businessmen who have chosen to return and stay, they know to take the good news with a grain of salt, and to be patient. While the Taliban regime has brought security since coming to power, terrorist attacks have not stopped. Moreover, the international community, including China, is yet to recognise the regime, with human rights - particularly while severe restrictions are imposed on women and girls - among concerns cited. In April, China's then-foreign minister Qin Gang said Beijing hoped the Afghan Taliban would heed the concerns of the international community and resolve issues relating to women's rights. However, he said that while the issue of women's rights and interests was very important, "it is not the whole of the Afghan issue and nor is it the core or root cause of the Afghan issue", according to a ministry statement. While most businesses on the street are back to normal as the Taliban promised, the country's economy still suffers as a result of foreign sanctions. Story continues "Afghanistan is not as scary as it was portrayed in the media, but you are always on edge," Duan said. Li, as an executive in Kabul's Chinatown, said his growing contact with businessmen in recent weeks was a sign of recovery. Located in Kabul's city centre, the Chinatown community is the first stop for most Chinese people who are new to the country. But when the Taliban took control of Afghanistan two years ago, only about a dozen Chinese chose to stay. Li said that in the whole of Afghanistan, fewer than 20 Chinese people remained. "In the past two years, when it comes to Afghanistan, the Chinese people always think that there are wars and terrorist attacks, but more are coming back now," he said. As Chinese people began to look to do business and invest in the country again, Li said they "need to choose the right way or method". "In the absence of normal diplomatic relations between countries, businesses are cautious about investing," he said. China may not have formally recognised the Taliban regime, but senior Chinese officials have held high-level meetings with their Afghanistan counterparts. Food aid from China is stored in a warehouse in Kabul, Afghanistan. Photo: Xinhua alt=Food aid from China is stored in a warehouse in Kabul, Afghanistan. Photo: Xinhua> Jennifer Brick Murtazashvili, founding director at the University of Pittsburgh's Centre for Governance and Markets, said China was hesitant to establish formal ties with the regime because of concerns about its stability. "Neighbours [of Afghanistan] are most familiar with Afghanistan's history and governance dynamics, and they recognise that without a more inclusive government, Afghanistan will be unstable for years to come." Zhu Yongbiao, a professor in Lanzhou University's school of politics and international relations, said security remained China's biggest concern. "At this stage, the essential problem [for China] is to urge Afghanistan to draw a line with terrorism," he said. In April, China issued its most comprehensive position paper on Afghanistan since the Taliban took power, listing 11 points on the regime. "China's Position on the Afghan Issue" appealed to the Taliban government to "adopt moderate and prudent domestic and foreign policies", and three of the 11 points in the paper referred directly to the Taliban's counterterrorism activities. The paper highlighted the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), a Uygur separatist group that Beijing has blamed in part for ethnic tensions in its far western Xinjiang region. Murtazashvili said Uygur separatist groups remained China's key worry in its counterterrorism ambitions. "China wants Afghanistan to be able to eliminate the terrorist groups, especially the small Uygur groups that have remained in the country. These groups are the biggest threats to China from a strategic perspective," she said. Beyond the separatist groups of concern to Beijing, Chinese people in Afghanistan also felt threatened by Isis-K, or Islamic State Khorasan, an Isis affiliate in Afghanistan. Five Chinese nationals were seriously wounded in an attack by Isis-K by Kabul's Longan Hotel in December. In January, the militants reportedly targeted members of the Chinese delegation in another suicide bomb attack outside the foreign ministry in Kabul that officials said killed at least five people. Isis-K was also known to be responsible for other attacks at the Russian and Pakistan missions in the capital city last year. Sun Fei, a 37-year-old trader who lives in Kandahar, said Chinese still lived under the shadow of attacks despite an overall improvement in security. "Security has got better, but [the terrorists] have started to pick on the Chinese and Russians more," he said. According to Sun, there were widespread rumours about terrorist attacks from Kabul to the southern city of Kandahar a month before the Longan Hotel attack. "The discrimination [directed at Chinese] is so obvious," he said. Nishank Motwani, a fellow with the Harvard Kennedy School's Edward S. Mason programme, said that by carrying out the attacks, the militants wanted to undermine the Taliban's legitimacy and sow doubts about security among foreign investors, diplomats and governments. "Isis-K is likely to execute more attacks against soft targets, which include Chinese nationals, because it amplifies their propaganda, humiliates the Taliban and undermines the security environment that helps them grow." However, Murtazashvili said she believed that attacks against Chinese people would continue, even as security in Afghanistan improved. "After two years of Taliban rule, Afghanistan does not have as much widespread fighting ... A big reason for this is that the Taliban now controls the government," she said. "The Taliban itself was the source of most of the insurgent violence we saw in the country." In January, after the deadly attack, Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen promised Chinese nationals would be safe. "The current government reiterates its obligation to maintain the safety of Chinese nationals and all other nationals who are coming to Afghanistan, either for investment, business or tourism," he said. Chinese gem trader Duan, who has also lived in Pakistan, is cautiously optimistic about safety in Kabul. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stands next to Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, acting deputy prime minister of the Afghan Taliban's caretaker government, in Kabul, Afghanistan, in March 2022. Photo: Xinhua via AP alt=Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stands next to Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, acting deputy prime minister of the Afghan Taliban's caretaker government, in Kabul, Afghanistan, in March 2022. Photo: Xinhua via AP> "To be honest, terrorist attacks targeting Chinese were even more dangerous in Pakistan [than in Afghanistan] but it doesn't mean that we are not worried," he said. Sun cited the cheaper airfares between Kandahar and Kabul and more road traffic in the past year as signs that security in the country had improved. "The reason more people are driving is because there are no bomb attacks or terrorist groups roaming the highways now," he said. But without international recognition and a stable security environment, Afghanistan's economic recovery will remain difficult and take years, if not decades. The country's economy appears to have benefited from the reopening. According to the World Bank, Afghanistan's government revenue collection for the first quarter of this year increased 8 per cent year on year. But Zhu said that while the data showed signs of stability or even improvement, it was largely achieved because of international aid. "There is still a huge hole in the entire budget of the Taliban, which is partly supported by foreign aid, and the country's own economic programmes are largely undeveloped," he said. "Due to the risk of sanctions and security, Chinese companies are still reluctant to invest in Afghanistan. "Most companies - after they come and have a real look - will become less interested in investing. And that's actually normal following the rules of economics." Business talks between Chinese state-owned companies and the Taliban are continuing, but according to Zhu, nearly all negotiations face long delays. In January, the privately run oil company Xinjiang Central Asia Petroleum and Gas Co (CAPEIC) signed a contract to extract oil from the Amu Darya basin, the first major extraction deal the Taliban administration had signed with a foreign company since retaking power. CAPEIC will invest US$150 million a year in Afghanistan under the contract, increasing to US$540 million in three years under the 25-year agreement. "We are optimistic about the future of Afghanistan. After all, it is still a country after [being] at war for so many years," Li said. He recalled a meeting with Taliban officials in Kabul after they returned to power two years ago. "All the foreigners have run away, but only you Chinese - you have been here for 20 years - are still here," he quoted a Taliban official saying at the time. This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright 2023 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Copyright (c) 2023. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Vietnam Briefing has developed into a premium source for insight on doing business in Vietnam. It publishes business news concerning foreign direct investment into Vietnam, including the most important tax, legal and accounting issues. The Vietnam Briefing Magazine was first published in 2009, and is contributed to by investment professionals based in Vietnam. Six Afghans died Saturday when a migrant boat heading to Britain sank in the English Channel, French officials said, as a search continued to find those still missing. "This shipwreck is a terrible human tragedy," French State Secretary for the Sea Herve Berville told reporters at the port of Calais, the hub for rescue operations. He denounced "criminal traffickers" who send migrants "to their death" and pledged to fight their smuggling networks. The deputy public prosecutor for the coastal city of Boulogne, Philippe Sabatier, told AFP all six fatalities were Afghan men believed to be in their 30s. The rest of the passengers were "almost all Afghans with some Sudanese, mostly adults with some minors," he added. The French and British coast guard services rescued 61 survivors, Berville said. French coastal authority Premar said two people could still be missing and that search efforts would continue until nightfall. "My thoughts and prayers are with those affected by the tragic loss of life in the Channel today," British Interior Minister Suella Braverman said on social media site X, formerly known as Twitter. French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne posted that her "thoughts go out to the victims" as she praised the efforts of the rescue teams. Border repression "It's pretty tough, they're humans. You will never get used to bringing back dead bodies," said Regis Holy, the captain of a boat that retrieved five of the victims. "There will be even more tragedies ... they (migrants) risk everything, it will never stop," he added. A spokesperson for the Utopia56 humanitarian group blamed border repression for the tragedy, telling AFP the difficulty of securing legal passage only "increases the dangerousness of crossings and pushes people to take more and more risks to reach England." Calais Mayor Natacha Bouchart of the right-wing Republicans party denounced a failure by the French government to stop such crossings and demanded migrants be moved inland. In England, the MP for the Channel port of Dover, Natalie Elphicke, a member of the ruling Conservative Party, called for more effective French government action. Perilous crossing The boat capsized around 2 a.m. local time (0000 GMT) off the northern coast of France, according to the prosecutor. An AFP reporter in Calais saw some of those rescued disembarking from a patrol boat with emergency services on site. The Channel between France and Britain is one of the world's busiest shipping lanes and strong currents are common. Around 1,000 migrants are on the northern French coast waiting for an opportunity to cross the Channel, according to the authorities. More than 100,000 migrants have crossed the Channel on small boats from France to southeast England since Britain began publicly recording the arrivals in 2018, official figures revealed Friday. French authorities have stepped up patrols and other deterrent measures after London agreed in March to send Paris hundreds of millions of euros annually toward the effort. Better weather In recent days there have been several attempts to cross the Channel in boats after weather conditions improved. Overnight Thursday, Premar reported that 116 migrants had been rescued, including children, on three separate boats. Some 755 migrants were detected Thursday on 14 small boats headed for England's southern coast, U.K. interior ministry statistics showed, the highest tally on a single day this year. Those boats brought the number of arrivals so far this year to nearly 16,000. Five migrants died at sea and four went missing while trying to cross to Britain from France last year. In November 2021, 27 migrants died when a boat capsized in the Channel. The following year saw a record 45,000 migrants make the crossing. Burkina Faso's junta-led government has suspended one of the country's most popular radio stations after it broadcast an interview deemed "insulting" to Niger's new military leaders. Radio Omega was immediately suspended on Thursday "until further notice," Communications Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo said in a statement. He said the measure was "in the higher interests of the nation." The station, part of the Omega media group owned by journalist and former Foreign Minister Alpha Barry, ceased broadcasting after the statement was issued late Thursday. The channel had run an interview with Ousmane Abdoul Moumouni, the spokesperson of a newly established Nigerien group campaigning to return President Mohamed Bazoum to power. The country's elected leader was overthrown on July 26 by members of the Presidential Guard. Moumouni made "insulting comments with regard to the new Nigerien authorities," said Ouedraogo, who is also a government spokesperson. His organization "is clearly campaigning for violence and war against the sovereign people of Niger" and seeks to restore Bazoum "by every means," he charged. Radio Omega on Friday said it would turn to "every means of recourse" to fight the suspension. The decision is a "blatant violation of current laws and an unacceptable attack on freedom of expression and freedom of the press," it said. The order, it added, came after "numerous death threats" had been made against the station's managers and journalists "from people describing themselves as supporters of the government." The country's leading journalists' association, OPM, said it "strongly" condemned the station's suspension and demanded its "immediate" lifting. Burkina Faso underwent two military coups last year, each triggered in part as in Mali and Niger by discontent at failures to stem a raging jihadist insurgency. It swiftly declared solidarity with Niger's new leaders and joined Mali in warning that any military intervention to restore Bazoum would be considered a "declaration of war" against them. The Burkinabe authorities in recent months have suspended the French TV outlets LCI and France24 as well as Radio France Internationale and expelled the correspondents of the French newspapers Liberation and Le Monde. China's plans to build a new embassy near the Tower of London have stalled following local opposition to what would be the biggest diplomatic compound in Britain. The borough of Tower Hamlets, the local government council in London responsible for the area, blocked the project in February, citing concerns about the increased risk of terror attacks, protests and traffic in an area visited by millions of tourists each year. Chinese authorities had until Thursday to appeal the decision to the U.K. government but did not, Tower Hamlets said. "If the applicant wanted to appeal through the public inquiry procedure then they would have already needed to have given notice to us as the local planning authority,'' Tower Hamlets said in a statement. "We haven't received any such notification from the applicant." China's plans called for comprehensive redevelopment of a 5.2-acre site that was home to the Royal Mint from 1811 to 1968, demolishing some of the existing buildings and restoring others. The new embassy compound would include some 57,000 square meters of floor space, including offices, a cultural exchange building and 225 apartments. That's about 18% bigger than the new U.S. Embassy in London, which opened in 2018 with 48,000 square meters of space. While Tower Hamlets planning officials recommended authorizing the project, the borough council voted on Feb. 10 to refuse planning permission. The Chinese Embassy in London called on the British government to intervene. "It is the international obligation of the host country to provide facilitations and support for the construction of diplomatic premises," the embassy in a statement. "We urge the U.K. side to fulfill its relevant international obligations." British authorities did not comment on the Chinese Embassy proposal, which in theory could come before the central government, where the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities oversees the planning system. But the government said it takes its "obligations under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations extremely seriously and we will continue to do so," and stressed that planning decisions are made by local councils, which give applicants the opportunity to appeal. There is growing concern in the U.K. about Chinese investments in critical infrastructure, as well allegations that it has attempted to influence British politicians and university researchers. The decision in February to block the embassy project came four months after a pro-democracy protester had to be rescued by police after he was dragged onto the grounds of the Chinese consulate in Manchester. After that incident, Britain's foreign secretary summoned the Chinese ambassador's deputy to his office and demanded an explanation. The Tower Hamlets council said the proposed embassy compound would strain local police resources, increase road congestion and have a negative impact on the area surrounding Tower of London. "The proposed embassy would result in adverse impacts on local tourism, due to concerns over the effect of potential protests, acts of terrorism and related security mitigation measures on the sensitive backdrop of nationally significant tourist attractions," the council said in announcing its decision. Thousands of Israelis took to the streets Saturday in Tel Aviv in the latest protest of the hard-right government's controversial plans for a judicial overhaul that opponents see as a threat to democracy. Since the government unveiled the changes in January, tens of thousands of Israelis have joined weekly demonstrations in what has turned out to be the biggest protest movement in the country's history one that has split the nation. While protests have rocked many cities including Jerusalem, the epicenter has been the commercial hub of Tel Aviv, where protesters have rallied every Saturday against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government. "Democracy, democracy," protesters chanted as they marched Saturday. "We won't give up until it gets better." "Despite months of protests, things are not going the way we wanted as one important part of the judiciary overhaul has been passed a few weeks ago," protester Ben Peleg, 47, told AFP. "But if we continue to apply pressure on the streets, there is a possibility that we can still stop these changes." Last month, the Israeli parliament voted to limit the so-called "reasonableness" law. The new legislation curbs judicial review by Israel's top court of some government decisions, and critics fear it could pave the way to more authoritarian government. Israel's traditional bedrock ally Washington has described parliament's vote as "unfortunate" and repeatedly raised concern about the political turmoil. Netanyahu's coalition government, which includes the far-right and ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties, argues the reforms are necessary to rebalance the relationship between elected officials and the judiciary. Opponents accuse Netanyahu, who has been fighting corruption charges in court, of a conflict of interest. It was the "reasonableness" clause that the Supreme Court cited in a recent high-profile ruling that barred a Netanyahu ally, Aryeh Deri, from serving in the cabinet because of his previous tax evasion conviction. The amendment of the clause is the first major component of the reform package to become law. Several petitions have been filed at the Supreme Court, with hearings set to be held in September. Other proposed changes include allowing the government a greater say in the appointment of judges. The protests have drawn support from across the political spectrum, among secular and religious groups, blue-collar and tech sector workers, peace activists and military reservists. But months of demonstrations including some in support of the government have led to fears about widening fissures within Israeli society. "Israel is being torn apart and we feel we are on the brink of a civil war," Peleg, a doctor, said. Bangladesh is struggling to deal with higher casualties and infections from dengue this year, with officials warning that the death toll this month could break records. The government's Directorate General of Health Services reports the 2023 death toll from the mosquito-borne illness has reached 364 in the south Asian country. More than 78,000 people have been infected since January this year, it said. Officials warn that the number of deaths and infections this month could set a new, grim record. In the first 10 days of August, more than 23,000 people were diagnosed with dengue, compared to 43,854 cases during all of July. More than 100 people have died so far this month, over a third as many deaths from the illness during all of last year. In 2022, 62,382 people were infected and 281 people died of dengue, according to government figures. Dengue causes flu-like symptoms that most people recover from, but also can rapidly lead to internal bleeding, organ failure and even death. There generally is no specific treatment for the disease, but vaccines are available. Other countries, such as Cyprus and Bolivia, also have seen outbreaks this year. Experts say monsoon season could exacerbate the outbreak in the country of more than 160 million people. Rain in August is one of the major reasons for the outbreak, according to experts. Many people work outside on Bangladesh's numerous construction projects, including residential and big infrastructure projects across the capital city of Dhaka. Infected people are overwhelming hospitals across the country, but some doctors and nurses are not sufficiently experienced, or trained, in how to treat dengue cases, experts say. Mohammed Niatuzzaman, director of Mugda Medical College Hospital, said on Thursday that they were struggling to provide critical support to serious patients who have other ailments. Many of the critical patients are dying, he said. People with immune suppression like cancer patients or people with co-morbidities like diabetes, kidney dialysis or organ transplants are particularly vulnerable, he said. "People who have weaker immune system are at higher risk to be infected multiple times by a virulent variant [of dengue]," he said. The Ministry of Health has arranged extra beds in state-run hospitals in Dhaka and elsewhere, but a shortage of IV saline has become a challenge. The authorities have asked the manufacturers to increase their production of IV fluid. Niatuzzaman said it's critical to fight the disease on multiple fronts. "It must start from individual level and rise to our collective effort. Doctors are only a part of it. If we work together and everybody shows awareness and acts responsibly, our collective effort will make dengue prevention possible," he said. Two city corporations in Dhaka created emergency teams to coordinate anti-mosquito drives and urged the residents to be aware of the breeding possibilities of Aedes mosquitoes, which thrive in the region. Mobile teams have been deployed to search homes to see if water is stored where mosquitoes could breed. But local residents gave the government effort mild reviews. Salma Jahan, a Dhaka resident and mother of a dengue patient, said that she was worried. "The government took a lot of measures last time. They applied insecticide in a lot of water bodies and its surroundings in our area. They also went to people's houses and applied liquid insecticide on drains and dirty places. We still have such places but no insecticide is being applied," she said, questioning whether the treatments are even effective. The teams come with insecticide every few days, she added, "but mosquitoes don't die from it." Ecuador will hold six Colombian men for at least a month as the country investigates their involvement in the slaying of a presidential candidate whose life's work was fighting crime and corruption, the national prosecutor's office said Friday. A public ceremony to mourn Fernando Villavicencio was held Friday in the capital convention center, while a separate funeral service was being held for relatives. "People need to know that his family's in danger and we can't go to such a big event," the victim's daughter, Tamia Villavicencio, told reporters outside the cemetery. The Colombian men were arrested Wednesday in connection with Villavicencio's killing in the capital, Quito earlier that day. The men, whose nationalities were announced late Thursday, will be detained for at least 30 days in the investigation, but will almost certainly be held for months or years as the case plays out. They face as many as 26 years in prison each. Villavicencio was not a front-runner in the race, but his assassination in broad daylight less than two weeks before a special presidential election shocked the country and demonstrated how surging crime will challenge Ecuador's next leader. Violence linked to gangs and cartels has claimed thousands of lives in the past few years. The suspects were captured hiding in a house in Quito, according to an arrest report reviewed by The Associated Press. Law enforcement officers seized four shotguns, a 5.56-mm rifle, ammunition and three grenades as well as a vehicle and one motorcycle, the report said. Investigators said they found 64 shell casings at the scene of the shooting. Villavicencio, 59, had said he was threatened by affiliates of Mexico's Sinaloa cartel, one of a number of international organized crime groups that now operate in Ecuador. He said his campaign represented a threat to such groups. Armed Colombian groups have long used the porous border with Ecuador to hide from the authorities in a region scarred by both cocaine trafficking and deadly political battles between Colombian factions and state forces. With almost 640 kilometers of Pacific coast, shipping ports and some key exports, Ecuador has been turned by international traffickers from a minor player in the drug business into a hub for the smuggling of cocaine from neighboring Colombia and Peru. A lack of opportunities and decades of conflict have produced some of the world's most renowned hired guns. Colombian assassins known as sicarios made headlines for decades in their own country for waves of high-profile killings. Perhaps the most notable case was the killing of presidential candidate and former leftist rebel Carlos Pizarro, who was shot in 1990 by an assassin aboard a commercial flight. In 1999, Ecuadorian presidential candidate Jamie Hurtado was assassinated, orders that allegedly came from Colombian paramilitaries. In 2021, a pack of Colombian ex-soldiers were found to be involved in the assassination of Haitian president Jovenel Moise, thrusting the Caribbean nation into chaos. Colombian soldiers can be highly trained, including by the U.S. military. When they leave the service, they often struggle to make ends meet and make up a pool of recruits for companies seeking anything from consultants to bodyguards. Teams have guarded Middle Eastern oil pipelines and have fought against Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. In Ecuador, an intensifying struggle over power and territory since the pandemic has seen drug cartels battle among themselves and enlist local gangs and even recruit children, leaving Ecuadorians reeling from unprecedented violence. The Ecuador National Police tallied 3,568 violent deaths in the first six months of this year, far more than the 2,042 reported during the same period in 2022. That year ended with 4,600 violent deaths, the country's highest in history and double the total in 2021. Villavicencio had received at least three death threats before the shooting and reported them to authorities, resulting in one detention. Lasso declared three days of national mourning and a state of emergency that involves deploying additional military personnel throughout the country. Villavicencio was an independent journalist who investigated corruption in previous governments before entering politics as an anti-graft campaigner. He was one of the country's most critical voices of the 2007-17 government of President Rafael Correa. Villavicencio, who was married and is survived by five children, filed many judicial complaints against high-ranking members of the Correa government, including against the ex-president himself. He was sentenced to 18 months in prison for defamation over his criticisms of Correa, and fled to Indigenous territory in Ecuador, later receiving asylum in neighboring Peru. One of Villavicencio's investigations led to criminal proceedings and an eight-year prison sentence on corruption charges against Correa. The former president, who moved to Belgium in 2017, was sentenced in absentia in April 2020. Authorities said that at least nine others were wounded in Wednesday's shooting, including a congressional candidate. After Ohio voters repealed a law pushed by Republicans that would have limited unions' collective bargaining rights in 2011, then-GOP Gov. John Kasich was contrite. "I've heard their voices, I understand their decision and, frankly, I respect what people have to say in an effort like this," he told reporters after the defeat. The tone from Ohio Republicans was much different this past week after voters resoundingly rejected their attempt to impose hurdles on passing amendments to the state constitution a proposal that would have made it much more difficult to pass an abortion rights measure in November. During an election night news conference, Republican Senate President Matt Huffman vowed to use the powers of his legislative supermajority to bring the issue back soon, variously blaming out-of-state dark money, unsupportive fellow Republicans, a lack of time and the issue's complexity for its failure. He never mentioned respecting the will of the 57% of Ohio voters across both Democratic and Republican counties who voted "no" on the Republican proposal. The striking contrast illustrates an increasing antagonism among elected Republicans across the country toward the nation's purest form of direct democracy the citizen-initiated ballot measure as it threatens their lock on power in states where they control the legislature. Historically, attempts to undercut the citizen ballot initiative process have come from both parties, said Daniel A. Smith, a political science professor at the University of Florida. "It has to do with which party is in monopolistic control of state legislatures and the governorship," he said. "When you have that monopoly of power, you want to restrict the voice of a statewide electorate that might go against your efforts to control the process." According to a recent report by the nonpartisan Fairness Project, Ohio and five other states where Republicans control the legislature Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Missouri and North Dakota have either passed, attempted to pass or are currently working to pass expanded supermajority requirements for voters to approve statewide ballot measures. At least six states, including Ohio, have sought to increase the number of counties where signatures must be gathered. The group found that at least six of the 24 states that allow ballot initiatives have prohibited out-of-state petition circulators and nine have prohibited paid circulators altogether, the group reports. Eighteen states have required circulators to swear oaths that they've seen every signature put to paper. Arkansas has imposed background checks on circulators. South Dakota has dictated such a large font size on petitions that it makes circulating them cumbersome. Sarah Walker, policy and legal advocacy director for the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center, said Republicans in Ohio and elsewhere are restricting the ballot initiative process in an era of renewed populism that's not going their way. She said conservatives had no interest in amending the ballot initiative process when they were winning campaigns in the 1990s and early 2000s. "Since then, you've seen left-leaning organizations really developing their organizational skills and starting to win," she said. "The reason given for restricting the ballot initiative is often to insulate the state from outside special interests. But if lawmakers are interested in limiting that, there are things they can do legislatively to restrict those groups, and I don't see them having any interest in doing that." Aggressive stances by Republican supermajorities at the Ohio Statehouse including supporting one of the nation's most stringent abortion bans, refusing to pass many of a GOP governor's proposed gun control measures in the face of a deadly mass shooting, and repeatedly producing unconstitutional political maps have motivated would-be reformers. That prompted an influential mix of Republican politicians, anti-abortion and gun rights organizations and business interests in the state to push forward with Tuesday's failed amendment, which would have raised the threshold for passing future constitutional changes from a simple majority to a 60% supermajority. Another example is Missouri, where Republicans plan to try again to raise the threshold to amend that state's constitution during the legislative session that begins in 2024 after earlier efforts have failed. Those plans come in a state where state lawmakers refused to fund a Medicaid expansion approved by voters until forced to by a court order, and where voters enshrined marijuana in the constitution last fall after lawmakers failed to. An abortion rights question is headed to Missouri's 2024 ballot. Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose is among Republicans in the state who cast Issue 1 as a fight against out-of-state special interests, although both sides of the campaign were heavily funded by such groups. He called the $20 million special election "only one battle in a long war." "Unfortunately," he said, "we were dramatically outspent by dark money billionaires from California to New York, and the giant 'for sale' sign still hangs on Ohio's constitution," said LaRose, who is running for U.S. Senate in 2024. Fairness Project Executive Director Kelly Hall said Ohio Republicans' promise to come back with another attempt to restrict the initiative process "says more about representational democracy than it does about direct democracy." She rejected the narrative that out-of-state special interests are using the avenue of direct democracy to force unpopular policies into state constitutions, arguing corporate influence is far greater on state lawmakers. "The least out-of-state venue is direct democracy, because then millions of Ohioans are participating, not just the several dozen who are receiving campaign contributions from corporate PACs, who are receiving perks and meetings and around-the-clock influence from corporate PACs," she said. This months destructive flooding in Beijing and surrounding provinces is expected to take a toll on Chinas already sputtering economy, leaving financially strapped local and regional governments struggling for resources to repair the damage. Analysts say the failure of various flood-control measures has also struck a blow to the nations reputation as an infrastructure superpower capable of girding the world with high-quality railroads, highways and ports. The full extent of the damage caused by flooding associated with Typhoons Doksuri and Kanu is difficult to assess because of late and incomplete reporting by local authorities, but by any measure it has been substantial. Beijing authorities announced at a press conference Wednesday that 1.29 million city residents had been affected, with 59,000 houses destroyed and another 147,000 severely damaged. Thirty-three people died in Beijing, with 18 others missing. The last available account from surrounding Hebei province on August 5 reported 10 dead, 18 missing and more than 1 million people affected. The direct economic loss was nearly $2.35 billion, according to statistics from the Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters in Baoding, the provincial capital. Zhuozhou, Bazhou and other places in Hebei province, as well as hard-hit Heilongjiang and Jilin provinces in the northeast, have not yet released data on the damage. Analysts said that because of China's tendency to underreport the extent of damage in such situations, the actual losses could be many times higher than the official figures. At a meeting of the State Council on August 8, Premier Li Qiang instructed all regions and departments to prioritize flood prevention, flood control and rescue work in order to "minimize casualties and ensure the basic life of the affected people," according to the official Xinhua News Agency. However, there was no mention of how much money the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China intends to spend for reconstruction. According to the website of the Ministry of Finance, it and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs urgently allocated roughly $101 million in "agricultural production disaster prevention and relief funds" on August 8 to support affected provinces and areas. The Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Water Resources announced on August 4 that they would urgently issue $62.2 million of "central fiscal water conservancy disaster relief funds" to support the repair of damaged dams and other water conservancy facilities in the three provinces and cities of Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei. But those sums fall far short of the billions of dollars of losses caused by the flooding, said He-Ling Shi, associate professor at the Department of Economics at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. "It's not because the Chinese government doesn't want to invest in relief and reconstruction. It's because it doesn't have the money," Shi said. He said before the flooding, Hebei, Heilongjian and other hard-hit areas already had to borrow money to survive. The Chinese digital newspaper The Paper reported that Hebei province had issued local bonds totaling about $14.18 billion, the highest in the country, based on data disclosed by ChinaBond.com.cn in February. Shi told VOA it shows the central and local governments have been financially drained by the draconian Zero-COVID policy in the past three years. Even since those measures were lifted, the expected post-pandemic economic recovery has faltered. According to data released by the General Administration of Customs of China on August 8, exports fell by 14.5% year-on-year in July, the largest drop since February 2020 in the early days of the pandemic. Imports fell by 12.4% year-on-year. The Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index for July announced by the National Bureau of Statistics was only 49.3%, which was below the 50% line for the fourth consecutive month. Shi said the flooding would further slow China's recovery, delaying the reconstruction of homes and businesses. That in turn could reduce the purchasing power of Chinese consumers, further holding back the recovery. Analysts said that the impact of the flooding may spill over to the global economy. Shi cited the once-vibrant China-Australia trading relationship as an example. Australia's top three export items to China are iron ore, coal and education, but if infrastructure construction slows in China, demand for iron ore and coal will fall. Similarly, an economic contraction will make it more difficult for Chinese families to send their children to universities in Australia, where they once accounted for more than 80% of international students. That figure is already below 50%. Kuo-Chen Sung, a research fellow at the Institute of International Relations at National Chengchi University in Taiwan, said China's global economic and trade influence is also likely to suffer. China once dominated the world as an "infrastructure monster," but that reputation was undermined when its most critical flood-control infrastructure projects failed amid flooding, Sung said. Coupled with the fact that the nations recent weak import and export performance has dragged down the global economy, China may eventually lose its credibility with other nations, he said. "The whole world has seen its ability to respond to disasters. It is very fragile, Sung said. And its sewage system is not sufficient. The whole world can see this. The Chinese Communist Party's ability to rule domestically and influence internationally is declining." Wang Weiluo, a Germany-based renowned hydrology expert, pointed out that if money can be found for post-disaster reconstruction, that could have a stimulative effect on the economy. But, he said, it remains to be seen whether the central government has the money to support reconstruction on the scale that is needed. Adrianna Zhang contributed to this report. A Georgia prosecutor investigating whether former President Donald Trump and his allies illegally sought to overturn the state's 2020 election results is expected to seek an indictment from a grand jury next week. Two witnesses who previously received subpoenas confirmed on Saturday that they have been told to appear before a grand jury in Atlanta on Tuesday, the clearest indication yet that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis will lay out her case to the jury after more than two years of investigating. Geoff Duncan, the state's former lieutenant governor, told CNN that he had been asked to testify on Tuesday. "I'll certainly answer whatever questions are put in front of me," said Duncan, a Republican who has criticized Trump's false conspiracy theories about the 2020 election. An independent journalist, George Chidi, said in a post on X, the site formerly known as Twitter, that he had also been instructed to appear on Tuesday. A spokesperson for Willis' office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Saturday. She has indicated she would seek charges by the end of next week, and security measures have visibly increased around the county courthouse in recent weeks. Already charged in Washington If Trump is charged in Georgia, it would mark his fourth indictment in less than five months, and the second to arise from his efforts to overturn Joe Biden's 2020 victory. He was charged earlier this month in Washington federal court with orchestrating a multistate conspiracy to reverse the election results. Special Counsel Jack Smith, who brought the Washington case, has also charged Trump separately in Florida with illegally retaining classified documents after leaving office and with obstruction of justice. Trump calls investigation 'witch hunt' Manhattan prosecutors, meanwhile, indicted Trump this spring for falsifying business records to conceal hush money payments to a porn actress who says she had a sexual encounter with Trump years ago. Trump remains the front-runner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, despite his legal woes. He has portrayed all of the investigations as part of a coordinated effort by Democrats to undermine his candidacy. In a post on his Truth Social site on Saturday, Trump again called the Georgia investigation a "witch hunt." Willis is expected to charge multiple people, possibly by using the state's broad racketeering statute. Her investigation began soon after Trump made a phone call to the state's top election official, Republican Brad Raffensperger, and urged him to "find" enough votes to alter the outcome. In addition to efforts to pressure Georgia officials, Willis has examined a breach of election machines in a rural county and a plot to use fake electors in a bid to capture the state's electoral votes for Trump rather than Biden. Chidi, the journalist, has written about happening upon a secret meeting of those electors at the state capitol in December 2020. The board of Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:SPB) has announced that it will pay a dividend on the 19th of September, with investors receiving $0.42 per share. This means that the annual payment will be 2.2% of the current stock price, which is in line with the average for the industry. Check out our latest analysis for Spectrum Brands Holdings Spectrum Brands Holdings' Dividend Is Well Covered By Earnings We aren't too impressed by dividend yields unless they can be sustained over time. Even though Spectrum Brands Holdings isn't generating a profit, it is generating healthy free cash flows that easily cover the dividend. This gives us some comfort about the level of the dividend payments. Looking forward, earnings per share is forecast to rise exponentially over the next year. If the dividend extends its recent trend, estimates say the dividend could reach 8.1%, which we would be comfortable to see continuing. Spectrum Brands Holdings' Dividend Has Lacked Consistency Spectrum Brands Holdings has been paying dividends for a while, but the track record isn't stellar. If the company cuts once, it definitely isn't argument against the possibility of it cutting in the future. The dividend has gone from an annual total of $10.42 in 2018 to the most recent total annual payment of $1.68. Dividend payments have fallen sharply, down 84% over that time. A company that decreases its dividend over time generally isn't what we are looking for. Dividend Growth Potential Is Shaky With a relatively unstable dividend, and a poor history of shrinking dividends, it's even more important to see if EPS is growing. Spectrum Brands Holdings' earnings per share has shrunk at 51% a year over the past five years. A sharp decline in earnings per share is not great from from a dividend perspective. Even conservative payout ratios can come under pressure if earnings fall far enough. Over the next year, however, earnings are actually predicted to rise, but we would still be cautious until a track record of earnings growth can be built. Story continues The Dividend Could Prove To Be Unreliable Overall, we don't think this company makes a great dividend stock, even though the dividend wasn't cut this year. In the past, the payments have been unstable, but over the short term the dividend could be reliable, with the company generating enough cash to cover it. We would probably look elsewhere for an income investment. Companies possessing a stable dividend policy will likely enjoy greater investor interest than those suffering from a more inconsistent approach. At the same time, there are other factors our readers should be conscious of before pouring capital into a stock. For example, we've picked out 1 warning sign for Spectrum Brands Holdings that investors should know about before committing capital to this stock. Looking for more high-yielding dividend ideas? Try our collection of strong dividend payers. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Bad weather continues to wreak havoc in China, where heavy rains have resulted in mudslides and flooding around the country. In the northwestern part of the country, at least two people were killed in mudslides in the outskirts of Xian and 16 people are missing, a state news agency said Saturday. Two houses were also washed away in the deluge. Roads, bridges and power supply facilities were also damaged. Search and rescue teams have been dispatched to the area. Train service was suspended Saturday in Beijing and the northeastern city of Harbin, officials said, because of the heavy rains and strong winds. Reuters reported that 500 military personnel have been dispatched to the northeastern province of Jilin to fortify a breach in a levee, which threatens 29 villages downstream. Some information for this report came from Reuters. Malaysian state elections Saturday ended in a return to the political status quo, with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's government and the Islamist opposition both retaining control of three states each as widely expected. The Election Commission announced that Anwar's multicoalition government triumphed in Selangor and Penang, two of the country's richest states, as well as Negeri Sembilan. It said the opposition Perikatan Nasional bloc (PN), which includes the conservative Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), captured three poorer Malay heartland states of Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu in the north. Analysts said the outcome would boost the stability of Anwar's nascent government. But it will still be challenging as the PN bloc, led by former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, made inroads in the three government-held states and a nearly clean sweep of seats in its three states. Of the 245 seats contested, PN swept 146 compared with 99 by Anwar's government. Anwar said his federal government remained stable and strong and urged all sides to accept the people's decision. "This is the time for everyone, for all the parties, whether they win or lose, to work together to protect national peace, raise the dignity of the country and concentrate on developing Malaysia," he told a news conference. ' 'People want change' But Muhyiddin said the people had rejected Anwar's unity government as his opposition bloc won 60% of the total assembly seats. "It is a clear sign that the people want change," he said, adding that Anwar must take moral responsibility and resign. The polls are widely viewed as an early referendum both on Anwar's leadership and the strength of the Islamist opposition after a divisive general election in November. Anwar has zig-zagged across the country pitching the appeal of political stability and his concept of a progressive government, even marking his 76th birthday on Thursday by giving fiery speeches late into the night at political rallies. He said a win for his unity government would save the country from racial and religious bigotry and appealed for time for his government to deliver on its promises for reforms. "The status quo result is a huge relief to Anwar and his government. He would have been in real political trouble had he lost one of the three states under his coalition. Now he has some room to undertake real reforms," said James Chin, professor of Asian studies at Australia's University of Tasmania. Election upended status quo Malaysia's politics were thrown into disarray after November's general election led to an unprecedented hung Parliament. At the behest of the king, rival parties came together to form Anwar's unity government. The support of the once-dominant United Malays National Organization and other smaller parties gave Anwar a two-thirds majority in Parliament, but analysts say this loose alliance is perceived as unstable and needs stronger support from the Malay majority. Many in the Malay community view Anwar as too liberal. They fear their Islamic identity and economic privileges under a decades-old affirmative action program could be chipped away. By law, all Malays are Muslims and Islam is the official religion in Malaysia. Malays make up more than two-thirds of Malaysia's 33 million people, with large Chinese and Indian minorities. The only way to avoid conflict between mutinous soldiers that ousted the president in Niger and regional countries threatening an invasion to reinstate him is to recognize the new regime, a rights defender with ties to the junta told The Associated Press on Friday. In his first interview with Western media, Insa Garba Saidou, a local activist who supports Nigers new military rulers in its communications and says he is in direct contact with them, said there will be no dialogue with regional countries until they acknowledge the new head of state. Nearly three weeks ago, mutinous soldiers led by the head of the presidential guard, Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, overthrew the West African country's democratically elected president, claiming they could do a better job of securing the nation from growing jihadi violence linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group. Tchiani was declared in charge of the country. The West African regional bloc ECOWAS has threatened to use military force if President Mohamed Bazoum, who took office two years ago, is not released and reinstated. The junta has dismissed its warnings and refused most attempts at dialogue. There is only one option, accepting the regime or war, said Saidou. It is finished for Bazoum. You must forget about him. It is a waste of time trying to restore him. It is not possible, he said. On Thursday, ECOWAS said it had directed the deployment of a standby force to restore democracy in Niger after its deadline to reinstate Bazoum expired. It's unclear when or where the force will be deployed, but analysts say it could include up to 5,000 troops from countries including Nigeria, Benin, Ivory Coast and Senegal. While the bloc says it wants mediation to prevail, multiple attempts by ECOWAS, as well as others, have yielded little. Last week a proposed visit by ECOWAS, the United Nations and the African Union was rejected. A day earlier, a top U.S. diplomat met some members of the junta but was unable to speak with Tchiani or see Bazoum. Many Western nations saw Niger as one of the last democratic countries in the Sahel region, the vast expanse south of the Sahara Desert, that they could partner with to beat back the growing jihadi threat. Hundreds of millions of dollars have been poured into providing equipment and training for Niger's military by specialized French and U.S. forces, all of which could now be used by the junta to tighten its grip on power. The military regime is already entrenching itself, appointing a new government and stoking anti-French sentiment toward its former colonial ruler, to shore up its support. Mercenaries from the Russian-linked Wagner Group already operate in a handful of other African countries and are accused of committing human rights abuses. Earlier this month during a trip to neighboring Mali, which is also run by a military regime and cooperates with Wagner, the junta reportedly asked the mercenaries for help. Days after ECOWAS' order for the standby force to deploy, it's still unclear what that entails or if they'll invade. The African Union Peace and Security Council could overrule the decision if it felt that wider peace and security on the continent was threatened by an intervention, say analysts. The African Union is expected to meet Monday to discuss Niger's crisis. Some Sahel experts say the insistence on force is a cover to spare ECOWAS from the embarrassment of having made a threat with no real capacity or notion of how to execute it. The bloc is acting like a poker player who tried [to] bluff and, when called on it, raised the stakes to buy time, said Peter Pham, former U.S. special envoy for West Africas Sahel region and a distinguished fellow at the Atlantic Council. The most battle-experienced and best-equipped militaries in West Africa either belong to Niger or are sympathetic to it, such as Mali and Burkina Faso. Both countries have opposed the intervention and sent delegations to Niger to discuss joint defense efforts. Aid workers who remained during the start of the coup are evacuating on U.N. flights to Burkina Faso. Several flights left on Friday, and more are scheduled for Saturday, according to a foreigner whos leaving on one of the flights and did not want to be named due to the sensitivity of the situation. In anticipation of a possible invasion, some Nigeriens have moved their families out of the capital. Others say they're not going anywhere and want ECOWAS to negotiate a peaceful transition of power with the junta. [What] we want to do now is to put things in order and move on. ... Were not expecting ECOWAS as an African society to come and attack us in this manner. Its not the best, we are not really happy about it, said Moussa Ahmed, a food seller in Niamey. Saidou, the activist who supports the junta, said no matter how ECOWAS plans to invade, be it by land through neighboring Benin or Nigeria or by air, any attack on the palace will result in Bazoum's death. While he didn't confirm a deliberate plan to murder the now-ousted president, he said that if an invasion began, soldiers would kill him. There is no one among the soldiers still loyal to Bazoum," he said. He dismissed reports that Bazoum's conditions under house arrest in his presidential compound were dire and said he had access to medical care if needed and still had his phone, a sign that no one wanted to harm him. He did not say how he had knowledge of the presidents condition. Saidou said Bazoum was being kept for his own security and the only way for him to be released was for ECOWAS to accept that his time in office was finished. Those close to the president, however, paint a much starker picture. Since the July 26 coup, Bazoum has been confined with his wife and son to the basement of his presidential compound, which is surrounded by guards and is now cut off from resupplies of food, electricity, water and cooking gas. Niger's ambassador to the United States, Mamadou Kiari Liman-Tinguiri, told the AP that the junta is trying to starve Bazoum to death. On Friday, United Nations human rights chief Volker Turk said he was extremely concerned about Bazoum's rapidly deteriorating condition, calling the family's treatment inhuman and degrading and in violation of international human rights law. Thousands of people gathered in Niger's capital Friday to demonstrate in favor of last month's coup as regional leaders were considering military intervention to restore civilian rule. Since the July 26 military ouster of elected President Mohamed Bazoum, many Nigeriens have joined junta-organized rallies to show support for the generals, criticize Western powers and laud Russia, which is vying for influence with the West in the region. The peaceful crowd on Friday numbered in the thousands, according to a Reuters witness. The rally began at a French military base in the capital, Niamey, then protesters with signs and flags spread onto surrounding streets. "Long live Russia," one protester's sign read. "Down with France ... Down with ECOWAS," referring to the Economic Community of West African States. At a summit on Thursday, the body ordered the activation of a standby force that could intervene to reinstate Bazoum. The military takeover was the seventh coup in West and Central Africa in three years, and demonstrations in Niger have mirrored street scenes in neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso after coups between 2020 and 2022. Popular anger is targeted at former colonial power France, whose forces were kicked out of Mali and Burkina Faso after the coups there and whose presence in Niger is under threat. Protesters in Niger attacked the French Embassy. "I am here to request the departure of the French forces," said protester Salamatou Hima on Friday. "We are free and we have the right to demand what is beneficial for our country." The military coup was triggered by internal politics but has repercussions far beyond Niger's borders, raising the specter of deepening conflict in a strategically important region. Uranium-rich Niger, one of the world's poorest countries, has been an ally for the West in the fight against Islamist militants in the Sahel region. U.S., French, German and Italian troops are stationed in Niger to repel local affiliates of al-Qaida and Islamic State that have killed thousands and displaced millions across the Sahel. Standby force Regional army chiefs were expected to meet in coming days. It was not yet clear how long the ECOWAS standby force would take to assemble, how big it would be and if it would actually invade. The organization stressed that all options were on the table and said it still hoped for a peaceful resolution. Security analysts said the force could take weeks to set up, potentially leaving room for negotiations. Ivory Coast is the only country so far to specify how many troops it would send, promising on Thursday to contribute a battalion of 850. Benin and Sierra Leone said on Friday they would contribute troops but did not say how many. Senegal said last week it would contribute troops if there were an intervention. Most other countries in the 15-nation ECOWAS have so far either declined to comment or not yet taken a decision. At Friday's rally, protester Ali Hassane vowed to defend his country. If the ECOWAS force invades, "it's us civilians who are going to fight," he said. Russia's foreign ministry said it supported ECOWAS efforts to mediate but warned against any military intervention in Niger, saying it could destabilize the country and region. France said it fully backed conclusions of the ECOWAS summit but did not outline any concrete support it would give to a potential intervention. Niger's junta has yet to react to the prospect of a forceful intervention by ECOWAS. But it has rebuffed repeated calls for dialog from the international community and named a new government hours before the summit. Military governments in neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso have said they will defend the junta in Niger. Worry about Bazoum Meanwhile, the African Union, the European Union, the United States and the United Nations all said they were increasingly worried about Bazoum's detention conditions. The U.N. Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk on Friday said the conditions were "rapidly deteriorating" and could amount to a violation of international human rights law. Human Rights Watch said it had spoken to Bazoum this week and that he had told them that his family's treatment in custody was "inhuman and cruel." "My son is sick, has a serious heart condition, and needs to see a doctor," HRW quoted Bazoum as telling the group. Bazoum's daughter Zazia Bazoum, who is in France, told Britain's Guardian newspaper the junta was keeping her father in deplorable conditions to pressure him to sign a resignation letter. Reuters could not independently confirm the conditions of his detention. Palestinian officials welcomed their first Saudi Arabian ambassador on Saturday. Saudi Arabia, Islam's birthplace, has championed the Palestinian cause and shunned official ties with Israel, but the U.S. is seeking to promote what could be a historic Middle East deal that would include normalizing Israeli-Saudi relations. At a ceremony in Jordan, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's diplomatic adviser Majdi al-Khalidi received a copy of the credentials of Ambassador Nayef Al-Sudairi as a non-resident envoy, official Palestinian news agency Wafa said. The move was "an important step that will contribute to further strengthening the strong brotherly relations that bind the two countries and the two brotherly peoples," al-Khalidi said, according to Wafa. Palestinian analyst Talal Okal said the diplomatic appointment was a half-step toward an official Saudi representation office in the occupied West Bank. "It is also a message Saudi Arabia was committed to the rights of the Palestinians in a fully sovereign state," he added. Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki said last week that Abbas's Western-backed Palestinian Authority is hoping to engage with Saudi Arabia over their concerns about the potential normalization with Israel. U.S., Israeli and Saudi officials have said any such agreement would be in the future, with complex issues to be resolved first, including an escalation in violence in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and the possibility of development of civilian nuclear power by Saudi Arabia. Palestinians are concerned that any agreement may weaken support for their cause in the wider Arab world and undermine their hopes of an independent Palestinian state. Saudi Arabia has quietly accepted the so-called Abraham Accords that have normalized ties between Israel and Gulf states United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. When asked if he would consider concessions to the Palestinians as part of a Saudi deal, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in an NBC interview this month: "The Palestinians should have all the power to govern themselves and none of the powers to threaten us." Since Russias Wagner Group paramilitary forces moved to Belarus after their failed mutiny in July, that countrys three NATO neighbors Poland, Lithuania and Latvia have been building up their border defenses and preparing for a range of possible provocations. In the case of Lithuania, authorities are planning for contingencies including infiltration of hostile migrants, cross-border shootings and a repetition of recent Belarusian helicopter flights that crossed into Polish airspace. Plans are also underway to close some border crossings. Rustamas Liubajevas, the commander of Lithuanias State Border Guard Service, assessed the current threat and described the measures taken to improve his services readiness in an interview Friday with VOA Eastern Europe Bureau Chief Myroslava Gongadze. The following transcript has been edited for clarity and brevity. VOA: Thank you very much, General, for this opportunity. So, what is the situation on the Polish-Lithuanian-Belarusian border? Rustamas Liubajevas, commander of the State Border Guard Service of Lithuania: I would probably say that the situation is stable, however very tense, because we can see that Belarus is actively participating in the aggression against Ukraine. And the security situation in our region is very tense also because of the presence of the Wagner Group in Belarus. VOA: In response to Wagner presence in Belarus, Poland recently sent an additional 2,000 troops to the border. Lithuania is planning to do something as well in that regard. Liubajevas: Absolutely right. We plan to increase border security in terms of deploying additional resources, human resources, technical equipment. The border is being now surveilled, while on high alert, because we still believe that there might be certain provocations at the border organized by [Belarusian President Alexander] Lukashenkos regime together with the Kremlin regime, of course, also with participation of Wagner persons. Well, we also will increase our staff number at the border with Belarus. VOA: There was a question of possibly closing the border. What is the status of that? Liubajevas: Apparently, the decision will be taken to close down two of six border crossing points. But we're talking about those at the border with Belarus used for cars to cross the border. I think it's very important to be in very close contact with the partners like Poland, Latvia, also Estonia. And the decision will be taken together with the countries of the region. VOA: Does it mean that other countries would close their border crossing as well with Belarus? Liubajevas: At least, this was discussed on the highest level between the countries. There was an agreement to have additional consultations in case of provocations. We also have a border with the Russian Federation, as you might know. So this will be further discussed, and apparently an appropriate decision will be taken. VOA: How close is your cooperation with other NATO countries in this regard? Liubajevas: I would say very good cooperation, everyday contacts, exchange of information, exchange of intelligence as well. That proved to be a very, very good tool. And next week or one week later, we are also planning to have a trilateral meeting with Poland and Latvia on the level of border guard services in order to discuss further cooperation in case of provocations or aggregation of the security situation at the border. VOA: You mentioned provocation. What kind of provocation are you expecting? Liubajevas: Well, we have identified a number of scenarios. For example, this might be a big group of migrants who might well act very aggressively and use weapons against border guards, infiltration of the smaller groups into Lithuania. Intentional border violations, like the one made just a couple of days ago at the border between Belarus and Poland, made by helicopter. So it might be persons, might be vehicles, it might be aircraft. So, also it might be shooting from the Belarusian territory at border guards on our side. We have identified courses of action for border guards how they should act in that or another situation. We also plan to carry out, I would say, tactical exercises very soon together with our partners. VOA: How are you seeing Wagner mercenaries right now - as a threat? Liubajevas: I would not overestimate the risks. We have to take a really good note of their presence, because they are a destabilization factor in the region. However, I would not overestimate the capacities and capabilities of the Wagner Group. And while I would not really expect open military aggression against an EU and NATO country, however, the risk of death and provocations, incidents at the border remains very high. VOA: For a couple of years, your country, Poland, Estonia, other countries bordering Russia and Belarus have been experiencing this border crisis or border tension. How has the life of your unit changed since that started? And how much effort are you putting into changing and training new forces? Liubajevas: First of all, I have to say that the security system we have in our country proved to be very efficient, even taking into account those challenges of the last year starting from the pandemic, regular migration crisis, war in the neighborhood of Lithuania, and the security situation. We are much stronger than three and four years ago, from the technical perspective, because we have invested quite a lot of financial resources in order to strengthen our capacity and capabilities. And two or three years ago, we theoretically could speak about cooperation, and we had, well, some formal agreements, nice papers. But now we know that the system works. It works very good. And we are much stronger. VOA: And the last question, about Russias full-scale invasion in Ukraine: How does it change the perspective and thinking in your country and other countries about the risks that Russia is posing to the region? Liubajevas: Well, it has definitely changed, drastically, the mentality, changed the perception of the security situation by the public, as well as by the law enforcement community. From our perspective, speaking about border guards, we started to pay much more attention to the national security issues. In accordance with our national legislation, the State Border Guard Service became part of the national defense forces in case of military conflict, in case of aggression. So it's a little bit challenging, but we really see now the high need of that work. Iran is getting a boost to its status as an international arms supplier. Tehran hosted defense ministers from Bolivia and Belarus in July and early August to discuss military cooperation with its fellow anti-American allies. Bolivia later said it is interested in obtaining Iranian drone technology, while U.S. research group the Institute for the Study of War said the visit likely indicates Belarus wants to do the same. The U.S. and Ukraine say Iranian drones have been a key weapon for Russia in the war it has waged against Ukraine since last year, something both Moscow and Tehran have denied. James Rogers, a war historian who advises the United Nations and NATO on drone warfare and serves as executive director of Cornell Universitys Tech Policy Institute, discussed Irans efforts to expand the market for its drones in this weeks edition of VOAs Flashpoint Iran podcast. The following transcript of Rogers August 6 interview has been edited for brevity and clarity. VOA: What can you say about the strength of international demand for Iran's military drone industry? James Rogers, Cornell Tech Policy Institute: The demand for Iranian drones is growing at a record rate. And this is something that is happening globally. It's not just an Iranian phenomenon. Any nation that has pivoted its industry toward the production of drones is seeing a massive increase in demand for those systems. Turkey is another example. China also produces a large array of drone systems. As I said to the United Nations Security Council in August 2022, we are starting to worry about the current and future state of international security. By our latest calculations, my colleagues and I think around 113 nation states have access to military drone technologies or have a military drone program. And that is just the nation states. We believe at the very least that 65 violent nonstate actor groups have access to these systems as well. So this is the proliferation of violent airpower globally. VOA: What is making Iranian drones particularly appealing to countries like Bolivia and maybe even Belarus? Rogers: It is a question that is steeped in history and goes back to the 1980s. So Iran, after the shah is deposed [in the 1979 Islamic revolution], is left with these big-ticket, high-tech items of piloted aircraft and tanks. But with the withdrawal of Western technical support for these systems [after the revolution], they are pretty much useless. And any pilot who could fly away, did. Iran is left in a very difficult situation. It quickly gets embroiled in the Iran-Iraq War and it needs to have the capacity to fight that war. So from the early 1980s, Iran turns towards these cheaper, easier to manufacture, easy to use systems that will give them a rudimentary, albeit powerful, air power capability. And this is where the drones are born. So Iran is not new to this game. They have been developing drones for decades. Skipping ahead to the current day, we can see that Iranian drones are having a massive impact in Russia's offensive war against Ukraine. This war has acted as a shop window for Iran, showing just how powerful its Shahed 136 and Shahed 131 loitering munitions can be, in terms of fulfilling Russian military aims. This is exactly why other countries want to buy Iranian drones, because they believe the drones are effective systems and want to get a slice of that pie. VOA: Russia's ally, Belarus, apparently is interested in having Iranian drones produced on its territory, according to a report by the Institute for the Study of War this month. Belarus did not immediately confirm that report. What do you think is the reality? Rogers: There are two points to make. First, there is a relationship between Belarus and Iran in which Iranian drones are being launched, we believe, from Belarus into Ukraine. That likely means there are Iranian personnel either inside Belarus training Russian operatives or stationed further back inside Russia. Either way, we can see that there already is a direct link between these Iranian military systems and Belarus. Second, one problem Russia has had is making sure that there are secure supply lines of Iranian drones. Russia needs hundreds, if not thousands, of them. Securing those supplies has become incredibly difficult because the U.S. has put very stringent and heavily enforced trade embargoes on Russia and Iran. So how do you get around this? One of the options is to build a Shahed 136 loitering munition factory in Belarus. Then you can make the drones exactly where you are firing from, and you are reducing the distance from the tail of your logistics to the teeth of your firepower. That is exactly what Russia is going to want to do to make gains in the war against Ukraine. VOA: Looking elsewhere, Bolivia has said publicly that it is interested in Iranian drones. How likely is it that Bolivia will acquire them? Rogers: It is certainly a possibility. We have seen attempts by Bolivia and Venezuela to strengthen their connections with Iran as allies against what they see as the imperialism of the United States and the West. So sharing expertise and even military equipment is plausible. In Venezuela, they were talking about building Iranian drone factories there 12 years ago. Some reports say these have become quite successful drone factories. For me, it is a worrying prospect. We have seen the proliferation of drones across Europe. We are increasingly seeing that proliferation across Africa. We saw that Iran supplied drone systems to Ethiopia [in 2021] when the West and the United States would not get involved in their civil war against Tigray rebels. So, what we are seeing now is the even further spread of drone systems to South America. VOA: Bolivia says it wants these drones to monitor its border regions. How concerning would its acquisition of Iranian drones be for the security of the region and the U.S.? Rogers: For the United States, it will be a worrying prospect. Iranian operatives, training and technology will follow these military systems into Bolivia if it purchases them. Iranians would be involved in training Bolivian officials or officers in piloting these drone systems. But it all depends on what type of Iranian drone they purchase. Bolivia's Defense Minister Edmundo Novillo Aguilar has said that these drones would be used to monitor its border regions and provide real time footage for its armed forces. If that is the case, there is less to worry about. If these are armed systems or loitering munitions that have an extended range of up to 2,500 kilometers, that brings a number of targets theoretically into range. Argentina is more worried about this. It shares a border with Bolivia and has demanded more information and transparency about what drone systems the Bolivians want to buy. Argentina wants to know what capability would be bordering it. Because of this, Argentina is looking to acquire Israeli systems. [Editors note: Argentina signed a contract to buy Israeli company Uvision's Hero-120 and Hero-30 loitering munitions in December.] So, you can see ideological divides playing out through the different acquisitions of military technologies across South America. Russia's Foreign Ministry said Saturday it thwarted Ukraines rocket strike on the Crimean Bridge, calling it a terrorist attack and vowing retaliation. Ukrainian forces targeted the Crimean Bridge and several other unspecified targets Saturday on the Crimean Peninsula with S-200 rockets and drones, but there were no casualties or damage, according to Russia's Defense Ministry. The 19-kilometer-long (11.8 mile) bridge that connects Russian-annexed Crimea to Russia has come under repeated attack from Ukrainian forces since Moscow launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022. Meanwhile, the British Defense Ministry said Saturday that Russian troops fighting in Ukraine are about to get a break from the fighting. In its daily intelligence update, the ministry said that early in July the commander of the 58th Combined Arms Army was fired, probably partially because he said elements of his forces needed to be relieved. The ministry said Russia is likely redeploying airborne forces units from the Kherson region to the heavily contested Orikhiv sector in Zaporizhzhia oblast. The report said the 58th Combined Arms Army has been engaged in combat since June. In addition, the Defense Ministry report said the arrival of the airborne forces units will also allow the 70th and 71st Motor Rifle Regiments, which have been under heavy fire, to take a break from the front line. However, this move, according to the report, will likely leave Russias defenses near the east bank of the Dnipro River weaker, where theyre increasingly harassed by Ukrainian amphibious raids. Belarus provocations Poland said Saturday that it has increased the number of troops on its border with Belarus as a deterrent amid destabilizing efforts by its pro-Russian neighbor. Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak visited some of the troops recently deployed close to the Belarus border. He said this week that up to 10,000 Polish Army and Territorial Defense troops will be stationed on the border with Belarus. Some will be in active training and patrolling, others on standby. Two Belarus military helicopters briefly entered Polands airspace last week, a move considered by Warsaw to be a provocation. Polish Defense Minister Blaszczak said that such actions by Belarus pose a threat to our security and for that reason Poland is building up its deterrence potential. According to analysts, Poland has become the personification of the collective enemy of Russia due to its support for Ukraine and because western military equipment sent to Ukraine goes through Poland. Belarusian independent analyst Valery Karbalevich told The Associated Press that Moscow very much doesnt like that it is Poland that insists on new sanctions, advocates for Kyiv and actively supports Ukraines accession to the EU and NATO. Poland is also concerned about the presence in Belarus of Wagner Group mercenaries and about sending migrants to the border in an act of hybrid warfare aimed at creating instability in the West. Russian airstrikes An elderly woman and a police officer were killed early Saturday by Russian shelling on a settlement in Kharkiv region in eastern Ukraine and Zaporizhzhia in the south. Twelve others were injured, Ukrainian officials said. On Friday, Russias airstrikes also targeted civilian infrastructure in western Ukraine killing an 8-year-old child. In a statement late Friday, France condemned the attacks as "war crimes and must not go unpunished," France's foreign ministry said in a statement late on Friday. The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it would reinforce its military support to Ukraine, notably in strengthening air defense capacities, in close cooperation with its partners. "France's support to Ukrainian and international jurisdictions to fight against the impunity of crimes committed by Russia in Ukraine remains total," the statement read. U.S.-Ukraine The White House says it is committed to training Ukrainian pilots on F-16s in the United States once such training programs in Europe have reached capacity. White House spokesman John Kirby said at a press briefing Friday it is important to speed up the process of pilot training on the military aircraft as well as caring for maintenance and other logistics. "It's going to be a while before jets can show up in Ukraine and for them to be integrated into the air fleet, he said. And it's not just a function of the transfer of actual airframes, but the appropriate training for pilots as well as setting up all the maintenance, logistics and sustainment efforts. Kirby noted that English language training for Ukrainian specialists is also critical. "All the tech manuals are in English and all the controls inside the aircraft are in English, said Kirby. And so, a pilot is going to have to have at least some basic proficiency in the language. The Biden administration has asked Congress to provide more than $13 billion in emergency defense funding to Ukraine and an additional $8 billion for humanitarian support through the end of the year. The White House supplemental spending request for Ukraine may prove to be too much for Republicans, who are facing great pressure from the partys presidential front-runner, Donald Trump, who has a tepid attitude toward the war, while a recent CNN poll indicated declining support for the effort among some voters. The U.S. Treasury Departments Office of Foreign Assets Control issued a new round of sanctions Friday, targeting prominent members of Russias financial elite, along with a Russian business association. Wealthy Russian elites should disabuse themselves of the notion that they can operate business as usual while the Kremlin wages war against the Ukrainian people, said Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo. Our international coalition will continue to hold accountable those enabling the unjustified and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. Some information in this report came from Reuters, The Associated Press, and Agence France-Presse. Scientists are wondering if global warming and El Nino have an accomplice in fueling this summers record-shattering heat. The European climate agency Copernicus reported that July was one-third of a degree Celsius (six-tenths of a degree Fahrenheit) hotter than the old record. Thats a bump in heat that is so recent and so big, especially in the oceans and even more so in the North Atlantic, that scientists are split on whether something else could be at work. Scientists agree that by far the biggest cause of the recent extreme warming is climate change from the burning of coal, oil and natural gas that has triggered a long upward trend in temperatures. A natural El Nino, a temporary warming of parts of the Pacific that changes weather worldwide, adds a smaller boost. But some researchers say another factor must be present. What we are seeing is more than just El Nino on top of climate change, Copernicus Director Carlo Buontempo said. One surprising source of added warmth could be cleaner air resulting from new shipping rules. Another possible cause is 165 million tons (150 million metric tons) of water spewed into the atmosphere by a volcano. Both ideas are under investigation. The cleaner air possibility Florida State University climate scientist Michael Diamond says shipping is "probably the prime suspect. Maritime shipping has for decades used dirty fuel that gives off particles that reflect sunlight in a process that actually cools the climate and masks some of global warming. In 2020, international shipping rules took effect that cut as much as 80% of those cooling particles, which was a kind of shock to the system, said atmospheric scientist Tianle Yuan of NASA and the University of Maryland Baltimore County. The sulfur pollution used to interact with low clouds, making them brighter and more reflective, but thats not happening as much now, Yuan said. He tracked changes in clouds that were associated with shipping routes in the North Atlantic and North Pacific, both hot spots this summer. In those spots, and to a lesser extent globally, Yuans studies show a possible warming from the loss of sulfur pollution. And the trend is in places where it really cant be explained as easily by El Nino, he said. There was a cooling effect that was persistent year after year, and suddenly you remove that," Yuan said. Diamond calculates a warming of about 0.1 degrees Celsius (0.18 degrees Fahrenheit) by midcentury from shipping regulations. The level of warming could be five to 10 times stronger in high shipping areas such as the North Atlantic. A separate analysis by climate scientists Zeke Hausfather of Berkeley Earth and Piers Forster of the University of Leeds projected half of Diamond's estimate. Did the volcano do it? In January 2022, the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Haapai undersea volcano in the South Pacific blew, sending more than 165 million tons of water, which is a heat-trapping greenhouse gas as vapor, according to University of Colorado climate researcher Margot Clyne, who coordinates international computer simulations for climate impacts of the eruption. The volcano also blasted 550,000 tons (500,000 metric tons) of sulfur dioxide into the upper atmosphere. The amount of water "is so absolutely crazy, absolutely ginormous, said Holger Vomel, a stratospheric water vapor scientist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research who published a study on the potential climate effects of the eruption. Volmer said the water vapor went too high in the atmosphere to have a noticeable effect yet, but that effects could emerge later. A couple of studies use computer models to show a warming effect from all that water vapor. One study, which has not yet undergone the scientific gold standard of peer review, reported this week that the warming could range from as much as 1.5 C (2.7 F) of added warming in some places to 1 C (1.8 F) of cooling elsewhere. But NASA atmospheric scientist Paul Newman and former NASA atmospheric scientist Mark Schoeberl said those climate models are missing a key ingredient: the cooling effect of the sulfur. Normally huge volcanic eruptions, like 1991s Mount Pinatubo, can cool Earth temporarily with sulfur and other particles reflecting sunlight. However, Hunga Tonga spouted an unusually high amount of water and low amount of cooling sulfur. The studies that showed warming from Hunga Tonga didnt incorporate sulfur cooling, which is hard to do, Schoeberl and Newman said. Schoeberl, now chief scientist at Science and Technology Corp. of Maryland, published a study that calculated a slight overall cooling 0.04 C (0.07F). Just because different computer simulations conflict with each other "that doesnt mean science is wrong, University of Colorado's Clyne said. It just means that we havent reached a consensus yet. Were still just figuring it out. Lesser suspects Lesser suspects in the search include a dearth of African dust, which cools like sulfur pollution, as well as changes in the jet stream and a slowdown in ocean currents. Some nonscientists have looked at recent solar storms and increased sunspot activity in the sun's 11-year cycle and speculated that Earth's nearest star may be a culprit. For decades, scientists have tracked sunspots and solar storms, and they dont match warming temperatures, Berkeley Earth chief scientist Robert Rohde said. Solar storms were stronger 20 and 30 years ago, but there is more warming now, he said. Look no further Still, other scientists said theres no need to look so hard. They say human-caused climate change, with an extra boost from El Nino, is enough to explain recent temperatures. University of Pennsylvania climate scientist Michael Mann estimates that about five-sixths of the recent warming is from human burning of fossil fuels, with about one-sixth due to a strong El Nino. The fact that the world is coming out of a three-year La Nina, which suppressed global temperatures a bit, and going into a strong El Nino, which adds to them, makes the effect bigger, he said. Climate change and El Nino can explain it all, Imperial College of London climate scientist Friederike Otto said. That doesnt mean other factors didnt play a role. But we should definitely expect to see this again without the other factors being present. Western-backed maritime forces in the Middle East on Saturday warned shippers traveling through the strategic Strait of Hormuz to stay as far away from Iranian territorial waters as possible to avoid being seized, a stark advisory amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States. A similar warning went out to shippers earlier this year ahead of Iran seizing two tankers traveling near the strait, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf, through which 20% of the world's oil passes. While Iran and the U.S. now near an apparent deal that would see billions of Iranian assets held in South Korea unfrozen in exchange for the release of five Iranian Americans detained in Tehran, the warning shows that the tensions remain high at sea. Already, the U.S. is exploring plans to put armed troops on commercial ships in the strait to deter Iran amid a buildup of troops, ships and aircraft in the region. U.S. Navy Cmdr. Timothy Hawkins, a spokesman for the Mideast-based 5th Fleet, acknowledged the warning had been given but declined to discuss specifics about it. A U.S.-backed maritime group called the International Maritime Security Construct is notifying regional mariners of appropriate precautions to minimize the risk of seizure based on current regional tensions, which we seek to de-escalate, Hawkins said. Vessels are being advised to transit as far away from Iranian territorial waters as possible. Separately, a European Union-led maritime organization watching shipping in the strait has warned of a possibility of an attack on a merchant vessel of unknown flag in the Strait of Hormuz in the next 12 to 72 hours, said private intelligence firm Ambrey. Previously, after a similar warning was issued, a merchant vessel was seized by Iranian authorities under a false pretext, the firm warned. The EU-led mission, called the European Maritime Awareness in the Strait of Hormuz, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Iran through its state media did not acknowledge any new plans to interdict vessels in the strait. Iran's mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Strait of Hormuz is in the territorial waters of Iran and Oman, which at its narrowest point is just 33 kilometers (20.5 miles) wide. The width of the shipping lane in either direction is only 3 kilometers (1.8 miles). Anything affecting it ripples through global energy markets, potentially raising the price of crude oil. That then trickles down to consumers through what they pay for gasoline and other oil products. There has been a wave of attacks on ships attributed to Iran since 2019, following the Trump administration unilaterally withdrawing the United States from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal and re-imposing crushing sanctions on Tehran. Those assaults resumed in late April, when Iran seized a ship carrying oil for Chevron Corp. and another tanker called the Niovi in May. The taking of the two tankers in under a week comes as the Marshall Island-flagged Suez Rajan sits off Houston, Texas, likely waiting to offload sanctioned Iranian oil apparently seized by the U.S. Those seizures led the U.S. military to launch a major deployment in the region, including thousands of Marines and sailors on both the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan and the USS Carter Hall, a landing ship. Images released by the Navy showed the Bataan and Carter Hall in the Red Sea on Tuesday. In this piece, we will take a look at the top 20 medical tourism destinations in the world. For more destinations, head on over to Top 5 Medical Tourism Destinations in the World. Every year millions of people travel from one country to another in search of specialized medical care. Likewise, people book trips to countries for various medical procedures, from cosmetic surgery to dental work to orthopedic procedures. The rise of healthcare costs and health tourism destinations that offer quality healthcare perks has given rise to a medical tourism market growing at a compound annual growth rate of 21.1%. While the market was valued at $11.56 billion in 2022, it stagnated significantly following the COVID-19 pandemic that closed borders. The sector experienced a 46.9% decline as people's movement was restricted significantly. The easing of travel restrictions is the catalyst that fueled a bounce back, starting in late 2021, with the market growing from $13.98 billion and expected to be worth $53.51 billion by 2028. According to the Medical Tourism Association, over 14 million people travel to other countries annually for medical care. Technological advancements in the healthcare sector in some countries, characterized by the launch of new medical devices, limited treatment, and non-invasive surgeries, fuel tourism for medical procedures. Cardinal Health Inc. (NYSE:CAH) is one of the companies that benefit from a booming medical tourism sector as it offers healthcare services and products around the globe. As people seek treatments in the US, Canada, or Europe, they are likely to leverage one of Cardinal Health's customized solutions for hospitals, healthcare systems, pharmacies, and clinical laboratories. The company provides products and solutions to almost all US hospitals, over 60,000 US pharmacies, and more than 10,000 clinics for specialty doctors. It also offers more than 46,000 products for home healthcare to more than 3.4 million patients. The company has a digital platform to help patients follow their medication plans, reaching over 23 million patients and over 60 payers. Story continues HCA Healthcare Inc. (NYSE:HCA) is another top healthcare stock that benefits from a booming medical tourism sector. HCA had 182 hospitals and about 2,300 sites for outpatient care, such as surgery centers, freestanding ERs, urgent care centers, and clinics for doctors, in 20 US states and the UK, as of June 30, 2023. The stock is already up by more than 20% for the year on investing billions of dollars to advance its facilities, systems, and equipment to offer high-quality healthcare services capable of attracting medical tourists. The company has also adopted patient-centered practices, such as providing multilingual staff, cultural sensitivity training, and concierge services, to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of medical tourists. Medical tourism becoming a multibillion empire has seen many countries invest billions of dollars to advance their healthcare systems in the race to attract medical tourists. Healthcare organizations and governments in some of the top medical tourism countries are investing billions of dollars to secure the right tools, resources, and talent to rank higher and attract millions of patients annually. Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG), which manufactures and markets products that enhance the quality of minimally invasive care, is at the heart of the global medical tourism destination. The top medical tourism destination increasingly relies on the company's da Vinci Surgical System to enable complex surgeries using a minimally invasive approach. As more people flock to these countries, the company benefits from increased sales of its solutions. In addition, disruption in the aviation industry continues to enhance the growth of the medical tourism industry. Low-cost airlines make it easy for people to move between countries in search of various treatment options. With some medical procedures costing six figures in developed countries like the US and the UK, many people are being forced to look elsewhere where the procedures cost as little as four figures. Delta Air Lines, Inc. (NYSE:DAL) is one of the airlines that benefits from Americans traveling to Latin American nations, including Mexico and Argentina, in pursuit of cost-effective medical procedures. People are increasingly leaving the US to Malaysia, Thailand, Costa Rica other countries in pursuit of dental procedures, plastic surgery, and cancer treatments that cost up to 60% less. In 2020, 290,000 Americans went abroad for dental procedures. Healthcare costs are 80% lower in Malaysia and 70% lower in Mexico compared to the US. According to the Medical and Health Tourism Congress, medical treatment is cheaper in most Asian countries than in private hospitals in the US. For instance, a heart bypass surgery in Thailand costs nearly nine times less at $13000 to $113,000 in the US. Hip replacement in Thailand costs about $7800 compared to $50,000 in the US. The lower costs of medical care contribute to an increasing number of medical tourists in Asia compared to North America. Medical tourists flock to most countries expecting to save 25% to 75% on various procedures and treatment options. Depending on the country, savings can reach 90% compared to the home country. For instance, medical services in Panama cost between 40% and 70% less than in the US and Canada. Top 20 Medical Tourism Destinations in the World Agencies and countries are increasingly setting up less expensive healthcare programs in the race to attract a high volume of foreign visitors from developed countries. The flow of patients from developed countries to other countries in search of affordable treatments is making medical tourism a considerable norm. Amid the robust growth, choosing a healthcare destination is proving to be a big challenge for consumers around the globe. The situation is becoming trickier as the media continues to sell multiple risks of moving from one country to another in pursuit of various medical treatments. Nevertheless, the Medical Tourism Index has sought to make it easy for patients worldwide to make informed decisions on the countries to visit for the best healthcare services. The index evaluates the country's healthcare system and procedures based on various indicators. Our Methodology Our list of the world's top 20 medical tourism destinations is based on the Medical Tourism Index. We analyzed the countries based on three key main metrics. First, we considered the Destination Environment, focusing on the country's socioeconomic and cultural factors that determine whether it's easy to move in and out of treatment. Secondly, we considered the medical tourism infrastructure in the countries, focusing on the level of communication in the countries, the competent programs on offer, and finally, the medical travel facilitation. The quality of the facilities and services offered was the final metric analyzed to rank the countries as top medical tourism destinations. We ranked the countries based on the medical tourism index score. The highest-ranking countries are best known for their advanced medical systems and ability to offer some of the most complicated procedures at highly affordable rates. Another factor considered is the availability of treatment options without any long wait times. Top Medical Tourism Destinations in the World 20. Argentina Medical Tourism Index Score: 66.26 Destination Environment: 16/46 Medical Tourism Industry: 18/46 Quality of Facilities and Services: 25/46 Argentina has one of the best healthcare systems in Latin America that includes a variety of doctors, dentists, and specialists that can carry out even the most complex procedures. It has emerged as a top medical tourism destination partly because of the always-available cost savings. Compared to the US and Canada, Argentina is relatively affordable on various medical procedures, attracting medical tourists from other developed nations. The robustness of its healthcare system also sees it attract patients from its neighbors. The country ranks 16 out of 46 as a destination environment and 18 in the medical tourism industry. On the quality of facilities and services, it ranks 25 out of 46. Overall, the country scores 66.26 on the medical tourism Index, to sum up the world's top 20 best medical tourism destinations. 19. Dominican Republic Medical Tourism Index Score: 66.32 Destination Environment: 14/46 Medical Tourism Industry: 9/46 Quality of Facilities and Services: 40/46 The Dominican Republic is a top tourist destination that attracts millions of tourists every year. While most come to explore the country's sights and sounds, others come to take advantage of its healthcare sector, which ranks higher in the region. On medical tourism, the country ranks 9 out of 46 countries surveyed and comes in at 40 on the quality of healthcare facilities and services. Its high ranking stems from high-quality facilities and healthcare services. A large pool of trained and experienced physicians makes the country a haven for expensive medical procedures from other countries with high costs. 18. Italy Medical Tourism Index Score: 66.75 Destination Environment: 23/46 Medical Tourism Industry: 17/46 Quality of Facilities and Services: 18/46 For years, Italy has been allowing international patients to have access to world-class healthcare services at some of the best and most advanced facilities. Backed by a highly experienced team of physicians, the country's healthcare sector is able to address all kinds of issues, from surgeries to oncology treatments. Being one of the most culturally and economically advanced countries, it attracts millions of tourists every year, some of whom use its healthcare sector. Some agencies in the country create package trips that allow people to go through treatment therapy and rehabilitation in the country in addition to a holiday stay. Being one of the biggest economies within the European Union, Italy guarantees access to some of the best treatment options or programs still under development. 17. Thailand Medical Tourism Index Score: 66.83 Destination Environment: 36/46 Medical Tourism Industry: 5/46 Quality of Facilities and Services: 15/46 Low healthcare costs affirm why Thailand makes the list of one of the top medical tourism destinations in the world. While a facelift might cost up to $15,000 in the US, such a procedure can cost $3,000 in Thailand. Bypass surgery, on the hand, can cost 80% less compared to prices in the US. Affordability is not the only reason why the country ranks higher. The country is home to highly trained and experienced doctors that specialize in various specialties and procedures. In addition, the country has made impressive strides in the use of advanced technologies and treatment options. Given that the country is well poised to offer a wide range of surgeries and other procedures at highly discounted prices, it scores 66.83 on the Medical Tourism Index. 16. Taiwan Medical Tourism Index Score: 67.93 Destination Environment: 18/46 Medical Tourism Industry: 16/46 Quality of Facilities and Services: 14/46 While Taiwan is best known as an industrial powerhouse, it also boasts a robust healthcare sector powered by some of the biggest inventions and innovations. Consequently, the country can offer a combination of quality and cost savings on a good chunk of medical procedures. The country has made impressive strides in Cancer treatments that offer a combination of traditional treatments and modern treatment options. It has become a top medical tourism destination in Asia as it attracts tourists worldwide, including the USA and Europe. The high quality of facilities and services on offer sees the country score 67.93 on the Medical Tourism Index. 15. Czech Republic Medical Tourism Index Score: 68.32 Destination Environment:10 /46 Medical Tourism Industry: 19/46 Quality of Facilities and Services: 16/46 The Czech Republic has carved a niche in offering high-quality healthcare services at affordable prices within the European Union. Discounts of up to 60% compared to the UK, Germany, and France underscores why it is one of the most sought-after medical tourism destinations within the European Union. The fact that the country is a low-tax haven has also made it one of the most traveled sites attracting millions of tourists. In addition, the country is a haven for retirees and entrepreneurs, most of whom also leverage the country's healthcare sector. The country is best known for services around teeth whitening and cosmetic surgeries, among others. It scores 68.32 on the MTI index. 14. South Korea Medical Tourism Index Score: 68.81 Destination Environment: 13/46 Medical Tourism Industry: 33/46 Quality of Facilities and Services:10 /46 South Korea is increasingly making a name for itself in medical tourism owing to technological advancement that has revolutionized its healthcare sector. Advancement in technologies supplemented with highly trained and experienced doctors has seen the country become the preferred destination for people looking to undergo plastic surgeries. In addition, the country is home to some of the best healthcare facilities capable of performing all kinds of medical procedures. The cost has never been an issue, as medical tourists can save up to 80% on some surgeries in the country. Consequently, the country scores 68.81 on the MTI index. 13. Oman Medical Tourism Index Score: 69.03 Destination Environment: 9/46 Medical Tourism Industry: 12/46 Quality of Facilities and Services:19 /46 Oman only ranks third behind Dubai and Abu Dhabi as one of the most visited destinations for medical tourism within the Arab peninsula. The country ranks higher partly because it offers a conducive environment whereby foreigners can seek treatment on various conditions and ranks nine on the destination environment. The quality of facilities and services is top-notch, attracting many patients, especially from the Arab world. The country has made impressive strides in adopting advanced technologies and treatments, therefore able to offer all kinds of treatments. Consequently, the country scores 69.03 on the Medical Tourism Index. 12. Germany Medical Tourism Index Score: 69.29 Destination Environment: 8/46 Medical Tourism Industry: 36/46 Quality of Facilities and Services: 7/46 Germany is often considered the Hospital of Europe because it boasts of high-quality treatments usually unavailable in other countries. The country is also home to advanced and high-quality healthcare facilities capable of performing all kinds of medical procedures. The country offers access to the newest equipment and expertise supported by highly trained and experienced physicians on the know of almost all the latest treatments. Being a leader in medical implants and pharmaceutical company's havens continues to affirm its status as a medical tourism destination. Being one of the most developed nations in the world, the country attracts premium medical tourist patients in search of high-quality medical services. Consequently, the country scores 69.29 on the MTI. 11. France Medical Tourism Index Score: 69.61 Destination Environment: 11/46 Medical Tourism Industry: 11/46 Quality of Facilities and Services: 12/46 It might not be in the top ten, but France's health and social services are second to none attracting thousands of medical tourists annually. While the French population are healthy and live longer says a lot about the quality of healthcare services on offer. The country's healthcare system plays a leading role in the world with excellent healthcare providers and dynamic biotech. The country has also affirmed its status as a leader in science and technology. The high quality of healthcare services on offer backed by advanced technologies explains why the country is ranked 11 with a 69.61 score on the Medical Tourism Index. 10. India Medical Tourism Index Score: 69.80 Destination Environment: 21/46 Medical Tourism Industry: 6/46 Quality of Facilities and Services: 6/46 India ranks in the top ten medical tourism destinations worldwide with a 69.80 score. It ranks higher on becoming a health tourism destination for cost savings on some higher-end surgeries and cancer treatments. The country attracts hundreds of thousands of patients annually, enabling cost savings of up to 75% over home country costs. The Indian government easing restrictions on citizens from other countries has seen the emergence of a $2 billion industry serving overseas patients. Additionally, the country stands out owing to its highly trained doctors in cities like Chennai and Noida. The country ranks sixth in the Medical Tourism Industry, and the Quality of Facilities and Services suffered. 9. United Arabia Emirates Medical Tourism Index Score: 70.26 Destination Environment: 7/46 Medical Tourism Industry: 13/46 Quality of Facilities and Services: 5/46 The United Arab Emirates, with its capital Abu Dhabi, has grown to become one of the most popular destinations for medical tourism. The Emirates boasts of some of the best-accredited hospitals supported by doctors trained in the US and Europe. Therefore, the country has emerged as a top surgery destination, including dental surgery and cancer treatment. Its popularity has grown partly because it offers cost savings on complex procedures compared to other nations. Likewise, the country comes in ninth with a 70.26 score on the Medical Tourism Index. 8. Israel Medical Tourism Index Score: 70.78 Destination Environment: 12/46 Medical Tourism Industry: 20/46 Quality of Facilities and Services: 3/46 Israel has made a name for itself as a top medical tourism destination owing to its excellent reputation for patient experience, quality of healthcare, and accreditation of healthcare facilities. It is a preferred destination for patients seeking IVF and other fertility treatments. Additionally, the country comes third on the quality of its healthcare facilities and services as it boasts of renowned healthcare institutions and highly trained and talented healthcare providers. The Sheba Medical Center is best known for complex surgical procedures that see it offers services to thousands of international patients from Russia to Cyprus and even the US. Consequently, the country comes in eighth on the medical tourism index with a 70.78 score. 7. Costa Rica Medical Tourism Index Score: 71.73 Destination Environment: 6/46 Medical Tourism Industry: 1/46 Quality of Facilities and Services: 13/46 Costa Rica might not be a developed country, but it has emerged as a leader in medical tourism owing to its affordable healthcare sector. In addition to being a top tourist destination, the country attracts millions of medical tourists from the US and Canada in search of cost savings on various medical procedures. The country ranks highest in dentistry and cosmetic surgery, well above the US and Canada. In addition, the country is also making a name for itself in surgeries, cancer therapy, and bariatric surgery. Consequently, it ranks first in the medical tourism industry and sixth overall in the destination environment dimension. Nevertheless, it scores 71.73 on the medical tourism Index. 6. Dubai Medical Tourism Index Score: 71.85 Destination Environment: 7/46 Medical Tourism Industry: 13/46 Quality of Facilities and Services: 5/46 Dubai is a top tourist destination attracting millions of people annually owing to its exotic beaches, good climate, and various sights and sounds. The pristine environment also attracts millions of international patients as it has made impressive strides in advancing its healthcare system. It ranks higher as a top medical tourism destination thanks to its world-class hospitals and international doctors across various specialties. The country ranks higher as it attracts most patients from the neighboring Arab and Gulf countries. The city-state, which is home to renowned hospitals like the Mediclinic City Hospital, scores 71.85 on the medical tourism index. Click to continue reading and see Top 5 Medical Tourism Destinations in the World. Suggested articles: Disclosure: None. Top 20 Medical Tourism Destinations in the World is originally published on Insider Monkey. Taiwans Vice President William Lai arrived in New York on Saturday night, a transit stop on a seven-day trip to Paraguay. He will pass through San Francisco on his return to Taiwan. China has condemned the stopovers and there are concerns it will respond to the visits by launching military exercises in protest. Before departing, Lai spoke to reporters but barely mentioned the United States. Earlier he posted a short message on X, formerly known as Twitter: "Departing soon for #Asuncion to attend [president-elect Santiago Pena's] inauguration & convey to him & the people of #Paraguay the best wishes of [Taiwan]. He also said: "[E]xcited to meet with #US friends in transit." Responding to his post, Laura Rosenberger, the chair of the American Institute in Taiwan Washington's de facto embassy, which manages relations with Taipei wrote that the AIT was looking forward to welcoming VP @chingtelai during his transit en route to Paraguay! The United States and Taiwan have characterized Lais stops as routine for Taiwanese officials. China says it firmly opposes such sneaky visits, especially by someone like Lai, a politician Beijing has branded a Taiwan independence separatist. Lai is the front-runner in Taiwans presidential elections slated for January, and because of that, this trip is unlike any other he has made. Analysts say Taipei and Washington will try to ensure Lais stopovers do not further exacerbate U.S.-China tensions, but the visit comes as challenges to relations between the worlds two biggest economies continue to mount. Taiwan and the U.S. will try to make this trip meaningful for Lai but not in a way that pokes the bear, Lev Nachman, a political scientist at National Chengchi University in Taiwan, told VOA. Taiwanese presidential candidates have visited the United States during election campaigns in the past, but experts say Lais role as Taiwans sitting vice president will make Washington handle his transit more carefully because it does not want to be perceived as endorsing Lai. The U.S. can neither treat Lai too well nor too badly, so letting him transit through New York and San Francisco is a compromise in my opinion, Chen Fang-yu, a political scientist at Soochow University in Taiwan, told VOA. Chen said that at a time when Washington hopes to have more military and diplomatic engagement with China, with Washington inviting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to visit Washington next month, it will try to make Lais stopovers less formal to avoid triggering any overreaction from Beijing. Diplomatically, the U.S. would like to avoid too many surprises, he said. So far, Taiwanese authorities have not revealed details of Lais itinerary, but sources with knowledge of the arrangement told VOA that he may hold events with the Taiwanese American community. On his way to attend the inaugural ceremony for Pena, Lai will stop in New York Saturday and make another stop in San Francisco Wednesday before returning to Taiwan. Lai made similar transit stops in the U.S. in January 2022 as part of his trip to Honduras. During those stopovers, he conducted online meetings with former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senator Tammy Duckworth. He also met with members of the Taiwanese community. This time, it is unclear whether he will have such high-level discussions. Beijings response With about five months to go before Taiwan holds its hotly contested presidential election, Lais transit stops come at a sensitive time for Taipei, Beijing and Washington. Lai has consistently led in most opinion polls, but his track record of characterizing Taiwan as a sovereign state has increased the Chinese governments distrust of him. China views Taiwan as an inseparable part of its territory and has long opposed high-level engagement between officials from Taiwan and other countries. In recent years, Beijing has increased the frequency of deploying fighter jets and naval vessels into Taiwans air defense identification zone or crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait, which serves as an unofficial demarcation between Taiwan and China. Over the past year, China staged two large-scale military exercises around Taiwan in response to visits, once after Pelosis visit to Taipei in August 2022 and again in April when Taiwans President Tsai Ing-wen met with U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in California. Following Tsais stopover in California and meeting with McCarthy and other U.S. lawmakers, Beijing staged a multiday, blockade-style military exercise around Taiwan. This time, experts think Beijing will launch a military response to Lais stopovers in the U.S., but the scale will depend on how official-looking his trip is. This includes who he meets with, what he says, and how public those meetings are, Amanda Hsiao, senior China analyst at the International Crisis Group, told VOA. As Taiwan gears up for the presidential election, Hsiao said, Beijing will try to moderate its response to Lais transit stops, as any reaction deemed too provocative could help increase Lais chance of winning the election. However, she added that Beijing also worries about sending the wrong signal if its responses are deemed too weak. They may respond with a small-scale military exercise, and it can simply be an increase in what they already do on an almost daily basis, she said. China has deployed 79 military aircraft and 23 naval vessels to areas near Taiwan since Sunday, according to Taiwans National Defense Ministry. Among them, 25 military craft have crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait or intruded on Taiwans southwestern and southeastern air defense identification zones. Making a good impression For Lai, the trip is an opportunity to make a good impression and his positions on relations with China and the U.S. clear. Before departing for the trip, in an interview with Taiwanese broadcaster SETN, Lai emphasized that Taiwan is not a part of China, expressed his willingness to be friends with China and highlighted the importance of Taiwans relationship with the United States. Pushing away our best partner, the U.S., would be unwise, he said. Analysts say Lai has largely inherited the four commitments put forward by Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen in 2021, which focus on defending Taiwans democratic system, safeguarding Taiwan's sovereignty, pushing back against pressure from China and letting Taiwan's people determine the islands future. Tsais approach has earned international recognition, so its a safe approach for Lai and the Democratic Progressive Party, Chen from Soochow University told VOA. Nachman from National Chengchi University said he thinks Lai should continue to try to make a good impression on the U.S. government. He needs to prove that he can be Tsai Ing-wen 2.0, and this trip is one of the big tests, he told VOA. Media freedom defenders have called on Afghanistan's Taliban authorities to immediately release at least nine journalists currently in prison for their work and stop their "brutal" crackdown on national press members. Operatives of the Taliban's spy agency, the General Directorate of Intelligence, or GDI, arrested five journalists during this weeks raids on offices of independent radio and television news networks in eastern and northern parts of the country, accusing them of reporting for self-exiled Afghan news outlets. The most recent GDI raids took place Thursday in eastern Jalalabad and in northeastern Kunduz province, targeting a radio station and a TV channel. The Afghanistan Journalists Center, an independent media freedom monitor, denounced the arrests on X, formerly known as Twitter, as a "serious violation of journalists rights and demanded the Taliban "release the nine journalists currently in prison." Taliban government officials do not publicly discuss the GDI's operations and reject allegations they are stifling media freedom in the country. The Committee to Protect Journalists, or CPJ, said Friday that the latest detentions just before the second anniversary of the Taliban's return to power showed they are determined to continue their brutal crackdown on the media." Beh Lih Yi, CPJ's Asia program coordinator, demanded the Taliban "immediately and unconditionally" release the journalists and "stop muzzling reporting, whether it is conducted for local media or the exiled press." The U.S.-based watchdog group noted that since the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan on Aug. 15, 2021, the country's media have been in crisis, with arrests, raids on offices and beatings. "The Taliban's General Directorate of Intelligence has emerged as a key threat to journalists in the country. Some journalists who fled the country have established media outlets to continue reporting on Afghanistan in exile," the CPJ said. Reporters Without Borders, an international media freedom advocacy group known by its French acronym RSF, released a report this week documenting efforts by Afghan male and female journalists, within the country and abroad, to keep journalism alive despite the Taliban's crackdown. "The media have been decimated in the past two years," the RSF noted in its report. It said that more than half of the 547 media outlets that were registered in 2021 have since disappeared. Of the 150 Afghan TV channels, fewer than 70 remain, and only 170 radio stations of the 307 are still broadcasting, while the number of news agencies has declined to 18 from 31. The RSF report finds that over 80% of women journalists have had to stop working since the hardline Taliban seized power and imposed their harsh interpretation of Islamic law, or Sharia, to govern the conflict-torn South Asian nation. "And of the roughly 12,000 journalists male and female that Afghanistan had in 2021, more than two-thirds have abandoned the profession." The RSF quoted journalists working in Afghanistan, saying they face "huge" challenges. A female TV reporter in Kabul, the Afghan capital, told the media watchdog that the situation is getting worse daily. "I have repeatedly been denied the right to cover events simply because I am a woman," she said, requesting anonymity. A Kabul-based male TV journalist said that his colleagues who reported objectively and accurately were imprisoned, forced to quit their jobs or had to flee Afghanistan. "Every journalist is now terrified, crushed, and despondent as a result of all the arrests and the harassment to which we have been subjected, and therefore all self-censor their work," the journalist told RSF. He also asked not to be identified, fearing retaliation by the Taliban. Under the clear skies of Sumskas nestled at Lithuania's border with Belarus, several dozen cars lined up Saturday, awaiting passage. But what for years has been a convenient journey to get cheaper goods and pay family visits will likely soon turn into a more challenging endeavor. Next week, Lithuania will shut two of its six border checkpoints with Belarus, including the crossing in Sumskas. The decision came as a response to escalating tensions between the neighbors, with Vilnius warning of a provocations threat by Minsk and the Wagner fighters now based in Belarus following their short-lived rebellion in Russia. For casual travelers, the move will mean extended waiting times at the remaining checkpoints, which will now also be shared with buses and trucks. Some Lithuanians say they would need to abandon their excursions to the neighboring state completely. Among them is 73-year-old pensioner Jadvyga, who crosses the border on her bicycle several times a year to buy cheaper medication. "They sell this drug for one and a half euros ($1.64), while here (in Lithuania) it costs from 10 to 12 euros," she told AFP while she queued at the Sumskas checkpoint. "But now I won't go," she added. 'You may fail to come back' Lithuanian authorities say around 230,000 Lithuanian citizens went to Belarus in the first half of 2023 despite political tensions and multiple warnings from the government to stay away from the authoritarian state. The surge in illegal migration from Belarus to the European Union, coupled with Minsk hosting Russian tactical nuclear weapons and letting Moscow use its territory to conduct strikes on Ukraine, has left Lithuania uneasy. This week, the government installed banners at all border checkpoints with Belarus bearing the inscription "Do not risk your safety do not travel to Belarus. You may fail to come back." "By granting shelter to the Wagner military group, Belarus has become a state that harbors a terrorist organization," Lithuanian Deputy Foreign Minister Mantas Adomenas told reporters. "New security challenges have emerged, and we must take them into account," he added. The officials in Vilnius say Minsk may be trying to recruit some travelers to Belarus for espionage, exert psychological pressure, or even blackmail the Lithuanian citizens by performing checks on their phones and social media. "Every citizen of Lithuania who goes to Belarus must assess all the risks, including those to their health and life," said Rustamas Liubajevas, head of the border guard service. Anger and disappointment But for many Lithuanians traveling to Belarus, the new restrictions only cause anger and disappointment. Sergey, a construction worker who declined to give his full name, used to go shopping in Belarus once a month and said he had never encountered anything that Lithuanian authorities warn of. "What can happen there? It's nonsense, it's funny," he told AFP. The middle-aged man said political tensions are "useless" to ordinary people. "It would be more beneficial to foster friendly relations with our neighbors, but for some reason they make a confrontation. Who is it good for?" Sergey added. Violeta Porsatovic, 33, said she didn't back the new restrictions but felt there was nothing she could do about it. Tuareg former rebels in northern Mali said their forces were attacked Friday by the army and Russian mercenary group Wagner. The Coordination of Azawad Movements (CMA) said in a Facebook post that their forces "repulsed a complex attack by the Fama (Malian army) and Wagner" in the town of Ber, in the northern Timbuktu region. "We call the international community to witness these serious acts," said CMA spokesperson Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane, denouncing the attack as a "violation of all security commitments and arrangements. Mali's army said it had "vigorously retaliated" against an "attempted incursion" into their position on Friday, blaming "terrorists" for the incident. On Thursday, the Tuareg former rebels announced the departure of all their representatives from Bamako for "security" reasons, further widening the gap with the junta, which has been in power since 2020. The CMA is an alliance of Tuareg-dominated groups seeking autonomy or independence from the Malian state. It is one of the parties to a 2015 peace agreement with the Malian government. Mali's military government has fallen out with former colonial power France and turned to Russia for political and military support. Wagner is openly active in Mali and at least three other African countries, typically shoring up fragile regimes in exchange for minerals and other natural wealth. In Mali, Wagner paramilitaries protect the regime, conduct military operations and training, and advise on the revision of mining laws and even the constitution. The regime in Bamako says the foreign military instructors in Mali are not from Wagner but from the regular Russian army. Lets talk Turkey or shall we say Turkiye? If the capital of China is rendered as Beijing in English, should we still be ordering Peking duck? Why does Bombay chicken remain on the menu, although the city is now Mumbai? The Dutch ditched Holland in 2020 and would like English speakers to call their country the Netherlands (which they spell Nederland). Does that mean we have to tell the waiter to hold the Hollandaise sauce? The foreign minister in Istanbul (formerly known as Constantinople), Mevlut Cavusoglu, last year said his country wanted to be known in foreign languages as Turkiye to boost brand value. The United Nations complied. Some U.S. government agencies, notably the Defense Department, adopted Turkiye (a critical NATO ally), while the State Department uses the old and the new. Some Turkish officials have long resented their country, previously the centerpiece of the Ottoman Empire, sharing a name with a bird and an idiom that denotes a dud. I cant really see anything wrong with countries wanting their names to reflect what they call themselves, said Emily Yeh, professor of geography at the University of Colorado. Country rebranding is about territory, sovereignty or national identity and in that sense is radically different from corporate rebranding, which is arguably ultimately about a calculation of profit. For names of countries and cities abroad, U.S. government agencies rely on the Geographic Names Server, maintained by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, where the entries are refereed by the official U.S. Board of Geographic Names. "We default on style matters, including place names, to the AP Stylebook because The Associated Press, as a cooperative of major U.S. news organizations, reflects a consensus of American journalism, said David Jones, deputy managing editor for the VOA central newsroom. However, we deviate from the AP when there is a compelling case to be made. This is often because the AP audience is mainly American while our audience is everything but. Journalists and diplomats still debate whether to use Burma or Myanmar, beset by civil war. Our official policy is that we say Burma but use Myanmar as a courtesy in certain communications, Jen Psaki, then the White House press secretary, said in early 2021. Africa has been the continent to see the greatest change as it cast off colonizers in the 20th century. You can date a globe by whether it has Upper Volta or Burkina Faso and Rhodesia or Zimbabwe (both changed in 1984), as well as Gold Coast or Ghana (1957) and Tanganyika (1961) or Tanzania (1964). Benin was once Dahomey (until 1975). Then there was Zaire from 1965 to 1977; it was and is again the Democratic Republic of the Congo, moving way up the alphabet. If youre an African country that's the product of colonialism and the name was imposed on you by the British [rule] or something like that, its totally understandable, said Ian Johnson at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). But a number of the leaders are "just trying to burnish their nationalist credentials." Under the kings decree in 2008, Swaziland transformed into Eswatini. Whenever we go abroad, people refer to us as Switzerland," King Mswati III lamented about a similar-sounding landlocked country 8,500 kilometers (5,282 miles) to the north. India, seeking to cast off British and other imperial power names, created tongue twisters for speakers of foreign languages. Trivandrum was the capital of the state of Kerala. It is now Thiruvananthapuram. You can try your luck matching the correct pronunciation in Malayalam. Madras is now Chennai; Calcutta became Kolkata; Bangalore rebranded as Bengaluru and Benares became Varanasi. Mysore, a memorable but perhaps painful name in English, is Mysuru. But some in India assert other location name changes are meant to erase the countrys Muslim monikers from when the Mughals ruled. Case in point: Prayagraj. Prime Minister Narendra Modis Hindu nationalist party came up with that name, referencing a Hindu pilgrimage site, to replace Allahabad. Some local institutions continue to resist the 2019 conversion. The University of Allahabad has been called that since its inception in 1887 and is not changing. Thailand has had a difficult time over the past century deciding whether to be known by that name or Siam. It shed Siam in 1939, only to reapply the shorter name from 1945 to 1949. It was well into the 1950s before Thailand reappeared in news dispatches from Bangkok. In Colombo you can still drink Ceylon tea, but the country has been Sri Lanka since 1972. What is unique about Turkey is that the government wants the world to use its Turkish spelling, if not pronunciation. It is as if the German government proclaimed all should call the country Deutschland. Or potentially more problematic for speakers of non-tonal languages, China could insist on universal usage of its native name: Zhongguo. I don't think you should start bullying NGOs, newspapers and the rest of the media to do this because it would be endless confusion to the world, said Johnson, CFR senior fellow for China studies. Rather than drawing us closer, it pushes us further apart. Johnson noted that Washington does not tell the rest of the world how to spell or pronounce the United States of America. In Chinese, America is (Meiguo). By why would Americans want that changed? It literally translates as beautiful country. Hard to beat that branding. China, meanwhile, wants Tibet, which it took over in 1951, to disappear and be replaced by Xizang. Xizang itself is a problematic term. Its certainly not what Tibetans call themselves in their own language, and so it doesnt work as an anti-colonial strategy, though China would say it does as it doesnt recognize itself as a colonizing power, said Yeh, past president of the American Association of Geographers. Depending on who has been in power in China, what is now the worlds most populous national capital has morphed in English from Pekin to Peking to Peiping to Beiping to Beijing, the latter in line with the Chinese Communist Partys preference for the pinyin script conversion system. It's just simply a different way of Romanizing the same Chinese characters, Johnson said. Ultimately, saying Beijing is no more accurate than saying Peking. The French continue to utilize Pekin, and the Germans, Peking. Most English language news outlets acceded to Beijing for their datelines by 1990, the BBC being among the last holdouts. But we, for the most part, have stuck with the (Peking) duck. The White House stressed Friday that there would be restrictions on what Iran could do with any funds unfrozen under an emerging agreement that has led to the release of five Americans from prison to house arrest in Tehran. White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told reporters that the United States would have "full visibility" into where any released Iranian funds were directed and used. An estimated $6 billion in Iranian assets are now held in South Korea. "Essentially, the funds can only be accessed for food, medicine, medical equipment that would not have a dual military use," he said. "And there will be a rigorous process of due diligence and standards applied with input from the U.S. Treasury Department." The five Americans will be allowed to leave Iran after the funds are unfrozen, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters. While stressing that negotiations are ongoing and "the deal is not done," Kirby said there would be "no impediment" to the transfer of the restricted account from South Korea to Qatar, where Iran would then be able to access the funds. The potential transfer has drawn Republican criticism that President Joe Biden, a Democrat, is effectively paying a ransom for the U.S. citizens. Moreover, they contend that allowing Iran to use the money for humanitarian goods could free up funds for its nuclear program or to back militias in nations such as Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken insisted Thursday that the deal does not mean that Iran would be getting any sanctions relief. As a first step in what may be a complex set of maneuvers likely to take weeks, Iran allowed four detained U.S. citizens to move into house arrest from Tehran's Evin prison Thursday. A fifth was already under home confinement. Under the deal, the United States would release some Iranians from U.S. prisons, Iran's mission to the United Nations said. On Friday, The Wall Street Journal cited people familiar with the matter as saying Iran has significantly slowed the pace at which it is accumulating near weapons-grade enriched uranium and has diluted some of its stockpile. Kirby said he could not confirm the report but said "any steps that Iran might take to slow down enrichment certainly would be welcome." "We're not in active negotiations about the nuclear program," he added. "But certainly, those sorts of steps, if they were to be true, would be welcome." Tensions have boiled since then-U.S. President Donald Trump, a Republican, withdrew from a 2015 nuclear deal designed to curb Iran's atomic program. Negotiations between the Biden administration and Iran for resumption of the accord have failed. Iran has denied it is seeking a nuclear weapon. Education skills and employability are the pathway to a better life that is the key takeaway expressed by 40% of young people across all age groups who participated in a survey to identify the hopes and aspirations of youth and learn what they need to enhance their prospects for a good, sustainable future. In a bid to make their voices heard by decision-makers around the world, more than 700,000 children and adolescents between the ages of 10 and 24 participated in the project that coincides with this years observance of International Youth Day. The Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health, or PMNCH, is a global alliance for the health and well-being of women, children and adolescents, hosted by the World Health Organization. In an effort to work toward improvements, PMNCH shared the preliminary findings of the largest survey into what young people want for their well-being. The project aims to collect the voices of at least 1 million young people by October, when PMNCH will convene a global forum for adolescents at which the results of this mammoth undertaking will be unveiled. To date, there has not been enough knowledge, there has not been enough accountability and evidence around adolescent well-being, said Helga Fogstad, PMNCH executive director. This is our effort, together with this 1 million young people, intended to rectify. Young people were asked to express their views on a multitude of issues, including climate change, good health, optimum nutrition, connectedness, positive values, contributions to society, safety and a supportive environment. Adolescents and young people are responding to a fragile world of high living costs, pandemic disruptions, climate crises and the rising complexities of the world in which they live, said David Imbago, a board member of PMNCH. Young people in low- and middle-income countries have been among the most affected of our increasingly fragile world, and there is no way to deny that, he said. For example, there are still consequences from the pandemic to school education, household food insecurity and income scarcity. UNICEF reports that more than 616 million students remain affected by full or partial school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic. In low- and middle-income countries, it says, school closures have left up to 70% of 10-year-olds unable to read or understand a simple text. More than two-thirds of respondents, 68.8%, are from the Africa region, followed by the Southeast Asia region at 27.5%, and a small minority from Latin America. Most respondents come from India. Uganda is the second-largest contributing country, followed by Indonesia and Zambia. The survey uses digital technology and face-to-face outreach through teams of trained youth mobilizers. I was excited to be a part of this campaign that was asking what we young people want for our well-being and try to be heard by policymakers and government and taking action on them, said Deep Shikha, a young mobilizer from India. Shikha said she and her mobilizing team gathered information from chatbots online, visited schools and colleges, and interviewed people in local communities. We discussed with young people about what they want, what challenges they face and what they felt was ignored by officers and policymakers, she said. Shikha said most of the young people wanted the opportunity to get a higher education but were frustrated by a lack of resources. She said girls were discouraged from getting an education. Their parents do not want to send their child to another city for their higher education because they are concerned about their safety, she said. And, of course, there are girls who do not get an education because of lack of financial support. The survey indicated that addressing the concerns of adolescent girls worldwide was more challenging than addressing adolescent boys concerns about health, education, safety, security and well-being. It is not a matter of perception, board member Imbago said. It is reality. PMNCH expects the upcoming Global Forum for Adolescents to energize the 1.8 Billion Young People for Change campaign. The campaign was launched last year to help young people reach their full potential by influencing governments to change current policies and investments that fail to meet their needs. The voices of young people and adolescents need to be amplified, and the governments budgets and plans need to be more explicit about what young people want, said Fogstad, the PMNCH executive director. This is a population and a generation that has not got enough attention because the evidence was missing, she said, adding that the evidence produced by the survey results puts an end to that argument. She said the movement of young people has been converted into a global movement where young people are now increasingly taking the lead. And that is how it should be. Nigers junta threatened to kill ousted President Mohamed Bazoum if neighboring countries attempt any military intervention to restore his rule, two Western officials said. Representatives of the junta reportedly told U.S. Undersecretary of State Victoria Nuland during her visit to the country this week that they would kill Bazoum if a foreign intervention was attempted, a Western military official told The Associated Press, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation. A U.S. official confirmed that account, also speaking on condition of anonymity, because the official was not authorized to speak to the media, the AP reported. The officials spoke to the AP shortly before the West African bloc ECOWAS directed the activation of a standby force for possible use to restore democracy in Niger. ECOWAS, the Economic Community of West African States, had given military leaders a deadline of this past Sunday to reverse the coup. Following the Sunday deadlines expiration, the Nigerien military closed the countrys airspace, citing the threat of intervention as the reason. The military also pledged to defend the country from any foreign attack. ECOWAS ordered the activation of its standby force on Thursday, while holding out hope of peacefully restoring the constitutional government in Niger after the July 26 coup there. The announcement came Thursday in a communique read at the end of a regional summit in Abuja, the Nigerian capital. But Nigers junta leaders snubbed the regional gatherings attempt to negotiate a peaceful end to the turmoil, instead naming a new government with 21 ministers. Three coup leaders were named as the heads of the ministries of defense, interior and sports. No further plans were given in the announcement on state television. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken voiced support for ECOWAS, without explicitly backing its call at the summit for military intervention. "ECOWAS, an organization that brings together West African countries, is playing a key role in making clear the imperative of a return to constitutional order, and we very much support ECOWAS's leadership and work on this," he said. The United States in recent days has cautioned that diplomacy is the best way forward in resolving the crisis, and military force should only be used as a last resort. Niger's ousted leader has been in detention at his residence since members of the presidential guard took power. Bazoums party said Wednesday that he and his family were running out of food and had been living without electricity and running water for a week. An adviser told The Associated Press that the family had only rice and canned goods left to eat. "We have deep concern for him, for his family, for his security and well-being," Blinken said. "We've also made clear to the military leaders that we will hold them responsible for his safety and well-being." On Wednesday, a former rebel leader and Niger politician launched a movement opposing the military junta that seized power two weeks ago the first sign of organized resistance to army rule in the country. In a statement, Rhissa Ag Boula said his group, the Council of the Resistance for the Republic, will aim to reinstate Bazoum. Boula is a former minister of tourism and a leader in two Tuareg ethnic insurgencies in Niger, one in the 1990s, the other from 2007 to 2009. Until Wednesday, Nigers military junta had rejected diplomatic overtures. But they allowed two envoys sent by Nigerian President Bola Tinubu into the country, despite its closed borders: Lamido Muhammad Sanusi and Abdullsalami Abubarkar, both prominent traditional leaders. Sanusi met with General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the coup leader, and Abukarkar met with other representatives at the airport. "Well continue to do our best to bring the two parties together to improve understanding. This is the time for public diplomacy," Sanusi told reporters upon his return to Abuja. A day earlier, Nigers military junta had rejected a proposed diplomatic mission from West African states, the African Union and the United Nations. The junta leaders said a climate of threatened aggression made it impossible to hold talks on ending the constitutional crisis in Niger. Late on Tuesday, ECOWAS said in a statement that it would "continue to deploy all measures in order to restore constitutional order in Niger." The 15-member bloc, along with Western allies of Niger, have placed a series of financial sanctions against the country since the coup. The financial sanctions could lead to a default on Niger's debt repayments, Reuters reported. The U.S. Embassy, meanwhile, has told Americans to avoid the presidential palace and downtown parts of the capital, Niamey, warning of an increased security presence to monitor demonstrations. A U.S. State Department spokesperson on Tuesday said the United States still had hope for reversing Niger's coup but was "realistic. Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters, "We are making clear, including in direct conversations with junta leaders themselves, what the consequences are for failing to return to constitutional order. Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse. Former South African president Jacob Zuma was released under a remission process Friday after he surrendered himself to a correctional facility in his home province of KwaZulu-Natal. Zuma had received a 15-month prison sentence in 2021 on corruption charges, but only served two months. He was released on a medical parole. Fridays appearance could have sent him back to prison to finish his term but instead he was granted a remission, which relieves him of completing the rest of his sentence. The remission program, approved by current South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, is designed to reduce South Africas low-risk prison population. Zumas imprisonment in 2021 sparked weeks of violent protests in which 300 people were killed. A court found his release from imprisonment in 2021 unlawful. However, the 81-year-old former president was freed from custody Friday after about two hours. The Democratic Alliance, South Africas main opposition party, says it will challenge the remission of the former president. Walmart is giving Massillon-based Gold'N Krisp prime display space at area stores as part of an initiative to feature local brands. This potato chip display is at the store at The Strip in Jackson Township. Walmart is giving Massillon-based Gold'N Krisp top placement at area stores as part of a new initiative to feature local brands. "The local snack will be the first snack a customer sees when they enter the chip aisle, so they can easily find their local favorite," Walmart said in a prepared statement. The corporation said it's spotlighting more than 35 regional chip brands across the nation and plans to add more local brands in the future. Stark County is home to three potato chip companies. In addition to Gold'N Krisp, there's Shearer's Foods, which is headquartered in Massillon, and Corell's in Beach City. Walmart conducted a survey where more than 85% of customers said it's important for retailers to sell U.S. goods and, in 2021, Walmart committed to investing an additional $350 billion in U.S.-based products over 10 years. A customer walks by a display featuring Massillon-based Gold'N Krisp potato chips at the Walmart at The Strip in Jackson Township. Walmart is giving Gold'N Krisp prime display space at area stores as part of an initiative to feature local brands. "The retailers goal is to strengthen communities and support local and regional brands and the American jobs they create," according to the statement. Walmart declined to provide interviews about the initiative. Walmart is giving Massillon-based Gold'N Krisp prime display space at area stores as part of an initiative to feature local brands. This potato chip display is at the store at The Strip in Jackson Township. Doug Roudebush, general manager and operational manager for Gold'N Krisp, said the chips first appeared in six Walmarts when the stores opened about 20 years. They're now in eight stores in a 30-mile radius and were added to the Walmart at 4572 Mega St. NW in Jackson Township about a month ago. Because of that, he said, it's difficult to say if the priority placement helped sales. "We just took it as they featured us because we're brand new in the store," Roudebush said. "So just everybody would recognize that we're finally in there." Walmart is giving Massillon-based Gold'N Krisp prime display space at area stores as part of an initiative to feature local brands. This potato chip display is at the store at The Strip in Jackson Township. The family-owned business was founded by Odell Gainey, whose recipe calls for chips to be kettle cooked in a blend of lard and oils. Gold'N Krisp has operated for more than 60 years in the factory at 1900 Erie Ave. NW in Massillon. Reach Kelly at 330-580-8323 or kelly.byer@cantonrep.comOn Twitter: @kbyerREP This article originally appeared on The Repository: Walmart highlights Massillon's Gold'N Krisp potato chips Photo: Fiona Goodall/Getty Images for Universal Pictures Heres a little travel tip, from Jason Momoa to you: dont go somewhere experiencing environmental devastation and massive displacement of its native population. The island of Maui has suffered catastrophic fire damage, with over 80 people dead and countless homes and businesses destroyed. Momoa went on Instagram to urge tourists to stay away while the island recovers. Maui is not the place to have your vacation right now, he wrote. Do not convince yourself that your presence is needed on an island that is suffering this deeply. Momoa directed would-be travelers to instead let their money take the Hawaiian vacation, by donating to the Hawaii Community Foundations Maui Strong fund. Momoa, raised in Honolulu and of Hawaiian descent, frequently takes on causes for the aina. He and Dwayne Johnson joined the Protect Mauna Kea protests in 2019. Momoas water company also focuses on eliminating single-use plastic by serving water in reusable/recylcable aluminum bottles. Momoa donated pallets of water to the 2023 Hollywood strike earlier this year. Photo: David Becker/Getty Images for iHeartRadio Bethany Joy Lenz, best known for playing Haley James Scott on One Tree Hill, is in the process of writing a book about the decade she spent in a cult. If that immediately makes you want to ask a few questions, youre in luck. Although the book isnt out yet, Lenz recently opened up about her experience in a lengthy interview with Variety. According to Lenz, the One Tree Hill cast and crew were aware of her cult membership while she was working on the WB turned CW teen soap. For a while, they were all trying to save me and rescue me, which is lovely and so amazing to be cared about in that way, Lenz recalled. But I was very stubborn. I was really committed to what I believed were the best choices I could make. Lenz described the cults leader as a sociopathic person, noting that he reminded her so much of NXIVMs Keith Raniere that she DMd Sarah Edmondson after watching The Vow to talk about the similarities. According to Lenz, the group began as a home Bible study in Los Angeles. She said it encouraged isolation from and distrust of non-members, which extended beyond just her One Tree Hill co-stars for Lenz, one of the most painful, shameful, difficult parts is that she distanced herself from friends and family, missing many major life events. Her loyalty to the cult also caused her to turn down opportunities to be in huge movies and Broadway shows at the height of her career, she said. Everything Id trained for, all my childhood dreams were coming true and I said no to all of it so I could go live with this remote, small group of people, convinced I was making a noble, spiritual sacrifice, she recalled. Ill tell you, any group that requires you to believe every detail of what they believe in order to be loved without condemnation please run the other way. Just run. Lenz left the cult very shortly after One Tree Hill ended in 2012. It helped that the show had kept her in North Carolina for nine months out of the year, she said, reflecting that the spatial separation made a big difference when it was time for me to wake up. Motherhood was also a factor. But even after her exit, her time in the cult continued to impact her. Lenz said she has struggled to trust others, as well as her own judgment. Still, she is hopeful that something good will come out of sharing her story. The actress said she plans to publish as many dirty details in her book as she can without causing harm, in hopes of allowing readers to recognize if people in their lives are behaving similarly. I just want to squeeze every ounce of help out of this experience, Lenz concluded. I want this experience to just be the fucking biggest lemon I ever had. Let me fucking squeeze out all the juice for everybody else were gonna make some lemonade. For Joyce Prigger, Minx is about being sexy and smart in equal measure. And, as we quickly learn in Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Sexiness, shes come away from last weeks chaotic back and forth with the Rolling Stone reporter trying to embrace more of the former. To wit, shes now shacked up with some British rock star named Graham at the Margeaux, a hotel that seems to suggest the glamour and rock-and-roll rebellion of the Sunset Marquis. (In fact, Im pretty sure they actually shot the pool scenes at the Sunset Marquis.) Im not sure who Graham is supposed to be some British dreamboat who we later learn collects admirers like guitar picks but he is good for Joyce. It might not seem that way, what with their late wake-up times, her blown meetings and deadlines, and the way he eventually does her a little dirty. But in a way, hes emblematic of her learning to take what she wants and to really embrace what she thinks it means to be a strong, sexy celebrity woman out in the world. But back at BDP, people arent necessarily seeing everything her way. Richie is frustrated when she nixes his bathhouse shoot, clearly afraid of what Constance would say about advertisers and Minx being a womens magazine. Obviously, she could have been more direct, and maybe there was a workaround a locker room with a peephole, maybe? but also, Richie knows Minxs audience, even if Joyce and Constance might not. Plus, it sounds hot, right? Shelly also doesnt seem all that thrilled with Joyce, whos not only running late on some edits she owes her but doesnt seem to even comprehend that her older sister could possibly be Bella LaRouche. (And Lenny is Gian-Paul! I live!) Joyce also has to contend with her past dalliances with Bambi and what all that might mean now that shes back in the office. Fortunately or unfortunately for that quest, shes quickly drawn in to help with Dougs big secret project, in which Bambi is also heavily involved. The two gals get on like a house on fire, per usual, but after Bambi propositions Shelly, the mom has to let her down, saying shed rather just be friends. Bambi, in typical fashion, replies, Friends are the family you choose, and you dont have sex with family unless its a step-sibling, and even then, you have to keep it a secret because of his political career. Never change, Bambi. Never change. After an interlude where Joyce has her wardrobe and confidence massaged by Constance, who tells her, We can be powerful and feminine and asks her to give our girls something to aspire to, we get to see Richie putting Joyces suggestion for a sexy backstage photo shoot into action. Theres a bored, fully clothed woman who looks just like Joyce, of course, complete with a typewriter because, as Richie says, she wants everyone to know how busy she is. Tina tells Richie hes at 90 percent fuck you, and you need to bring it down to about 10, but Richie seems committed to really getting all his frustration out on film. As we see later in the episode, Joyce actually does like the photos, so he must have done something down the road that made it look like less of a fuck you, but sadly, like most on-screen Minx shoots, well never get to truly examine the outcome. (And I want that! I need a real copy of the magazine, goddammit!) All dudded up in white, Joyce zips back to the Margeaux to check in on Grahams album shoot, where he ogles her and then sends her over to hang out in the gazebo green room zone. There, she quickly meets other band wives and girlfriends, but also a couple of groupies who say they were invited by Graham, who theyre not dating, per se, but who theyre definitely involved with. One of them tells Joyce that her mom loves the magazine, and after Joyce quips that a lot of older women love the magazine, the girl tells Joyce that her mom is 32, which ew. That means that, while its technically possible that the girl is 18, shes most likely underage, something which definitely induces an instant case of the ick. Joyce beats it out of there post haste. She seemingly had someplace to be, anyway, as Dougs secret project is set to be revealed in some nightclub or theater packed with women. After Bambi takes the stage as the acts main character, its revealed that the project is a stage show called Club Minx, which features a whole bunch of basically naked buff dudes doing things like making dinner, ironing clothes, taking care of kids, and even acting like some sort of sexy infant? At Club Minx, Doug says, women come first and often. All Doug really wants to do with Club Minx is impress Constance, who he thinks is the companys main decision-maker. Shes tasked him with creating big ideas, after all, so isnt she pulling the purse strings? He sends his hottest dude, Xavier, over to woo her, ply her with booze, and give her the best seat in the house. Unfortunately for Doug, though, Constance isnt the only voice who ends up having a say. Though the show is a smash hit, Joyce vetoes it, saying, You throw a great party, but I dont want to be a part of it. Club Minx doesnt represent the brand, she says, because while its certainly sexy, its not all that intelligent, and she doesnt see a world where it can find the balance between the two. I tend to disagree because I do think it was at least a little smart, but I didnt see the whole show, so who can say, really? Either way, Doug was doing Chippendales years before the troupe was even a thing, so good on him, even if he now does own about 3990 too many American flag Speedos. The episode ends with Joyce turning Graham away at her hotel door, telling him, Youre a star, Graham, and you should enjoy that. I plan on doing the same. Just not with you. After she closes the door, we see that shes actually got a naked Xavier waiting for her in the bed. Shes starting to claim her power and stardom, it seems, and shes certainly embracing both her sexuality and her intelligence. Heres hoping it doesnt all go straight to her head. Reflections of Desire You really have to admire Dougs commitment to jogging. Forty-three minutes is pretty good for someone who quickly lights up a cigarette the second he wraps up his workout! I live about a quarter of a mile from San Marino, and I agree: Those blocks are long and leafy, indeed. Love this line, which Im going to steal for my own life: Joyce and I used to have a dialogue. Now it feels like a lecture. Lets play Whos Graham? Does anyone have any good analogs? There are a lot of American guys he could act as a stand-in for, but Brits are more challenging, especially considering he wasnt really bringing big Zeppelin energy. Company Overview: We are a tour company that offers unique and exciting travel experiences to our customers. We are looking for a talented and creative Social Media Manager to join our team and help us grow our online presence, especially on TikTok and Instagram. Job Description: As a Social Media Manager, you will be responsible for managing and growing our social media accounts. You will be responsible for creating engaging content, managing social media campaigns, and analyzing data to improve our social media strategy. The ideal candidate should have experience in social media management. Responsibilities: Develop and implement social media strategies that align with the company's goals Create and publish engaging content on TikTok and Instagram Manage social media campaigns and track their success Monitor social media accounts and respond to customer inquiries and comments Analyze data to identify areas of improvement and adjust strategies accordingly Stay up-to-date with the latest social media trends and best practices Requirements: Proven experience as a Social Media Manager or similar role Excellent knowledge of TikTok and Instagram Strong communication skills Ability to think creatively and outside the box Knowledge of social media analytics tools If you are a creative thinker with a passion for travel and social media, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter explaining why you are the ideal candidate for this position. We look forward to hearing from you! What are the early trends we should look for to identify a stock that could multiply in value over the long term? One common approach is to try and find a company with returns on capital employed (ROCE) that are increasing, in conjunction with a growing amount of capital employed. This shows us that it's a compounding machine, able to continually reinvest its earnings back into the business and generate higher returns. However, after investigating Tristel (LON:TSTL), we don't think it's current trends fit the mold of a multi-bagger. Understanding Return On Capital Employed (ROCE) For those that aren't sure what ROCE is, it measures the amount of pre-tax profits a company can generate from the capital employed in its business. Analysts use this formula to calculate it for Tristel: Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) (Total Assets - Current Liabilities) 0.16 = UK5.3m (UK38m - UK4.4m) (Based on the trailing twelve months to December 2022). So, Tristel has an ROCE of 16%. On its own, that's a standard return, however it's much better than the 8.6% generated by the Medical Equipment industry. Check out our latest analysis for Tristel roce In the above chart we have measured Tristel's prior ROCE against its prior performance, but the future is arguably more important. If you're interested, you can view the analysts predictions in our free report on analyst forecasts for the company. How Are Returns Trending? On the surface, the trend of ROCE at Tristel doesn't inspire confidence. To be more specific, ROCE has fallen from 25% over the last five years. On the other hand, the company has been employing more capital without a corresponding improvement in sales in the last year, which could suggest these investments are longer term plays. It may take some time before the company starts to see any change in earnings from these investments. Our Take On Tristel's ROCE Bringing it all together, while we're somewhat encouraged by Tristel's reinvestment in its own business, we're aware that returns are shrinking. Since the stock has gained an impressive 48% over the last five years, investors must think there's better things to come. However, unless these underlying trends turn more positive, we wouldn't get our hopes up too high. Story continues One more thing to note, we've identified 1 warning sign with Tristel and understanding this should be part of your investment process. For those who like to invest in solid companies, check out this free list of companies with solid balance sheets and high returns on equity. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Since those early days Zimmermanns style signature has traversed swimwear, evening wear and childrens clothing. We obviously have a strong sense of femininity to a lot of what we create, but I always temper it with the more masculine, Nicky said in June. Be it in tailoring or accessories or other pieces. Its about balance. Developing a strong signature is the groundwork for billion-dollar deals, according to brand advisor Philip Corne, the former chief executive of Louis Vuitton in Australia. LVMH is run as tightly as you can imagine internally so that the creative talent has the best opportunity to do what they do, Corne says. When I first encountered the Zimmermann team that creative piece was there. They were all switched on and disciplined. By that time Nickys husband Chris Olliver was chief executive, joining the business in 2006. Brand is everything, Corne says. Aesop were disciplined with that. In March, beauty giant LOreal acquired Melbourne-founded skincare brand Aesop in a $US2.53 billion ($3.8 billion) deal. Like Aesop, Zimmermanns international exposure grew steadily over time. They secured the windows at Harvey Nicholls in London, following their runway debut at the first Australian Fashion Week in 1996, alongside Collette Dinnigan, Akira Isogawa and Alex Perry. As their range developed, they infiltrated Saks Fifth Avenue, Selfridges in London and e-boutique Net-a-porter, before the international roll-out of stores began in Los Angeles in 2011. Zimmermanns patience finding investors who fit their expansion goals, rather than just offering money, was crucial says Corne. Less fortunate were Australian designers Kit Willow and Peter Morrisey who were ousted from their namesake brands after outside investment. Taking your brand outside of Australia is hard and Zimmermann have done a fantastic job, Corne says. They found strategic investors that helped them into new markets. Its never only been about the money. Loyalty is another shimmering thread in the companys fabric. Many of Zimmermanns key players have worked with the brand from its early days. Leading florist Saskia Havekes of Grandiflora, hairdresser Renya Xydis and London-based stylist Michelle Jank are frequent collaborators. They have an unwavering, faithful approach to their teams, Jank says. They feel like family to me. There is a constant unwavering positivity, generosity and lightness, which feels rare and special these days. It runs through everything they do, and I believe you can feel it in their clothing. Interior designer Don McQualter of Studio McQualter worked on Zimmermanns second store, located on Sydneys Oxford Street, close to their market beginnings. He just completed work on Zimmermanns 58th boutique, in Hawaii, in April. Loading In our first meeting Simone said that they liked our work because she felt it wouldnt date, McQualter says. Weve always kept that in mind. We like to make the boutiques feel relatively low-key and comfortable, which is maybe what distinguishes them from many other brands. More stores are set to come, with Advent signalling greater ambitions in Asia and the Middle East in the investment announcement. And with Advent having recently partnered with beauty brands Parfums de Marly and Inition Parfums Prives, in a rumoured $US700 million ($1.1 billion) deal, a Zimmermann fragrance seems likely. Its a serious business but friends of the sisters, who remain with the business and have a significant minority shareholding, are confident that they will find cause for laughter on the journey ahead. Theyre supportive, kind and they havent changed, Xydis says. They havent allowed this to change them. Nicky, Simone and Chris work hard but have a great sense of joy about them and in what theyre doing, says Jank. Nothing is more infectious than Nicky and Simones laughter. For Brown, the Zimmermanns success gives hope to other Australian labels with aspirations for billion-dollar valuations. The labels influence can be seen in the work of Aje and Alemais, while in 2010 the sisters offered mentorship to Dion Lee, who shows at New York Fashion Week. Retirees in 2023 are grappling with a peculiar challenge that needs solving: once in retirement, most people fear running out of money so much they only draw the minimum amount required from their super funds. I suspect thats because we dont really understand that our super funds come into their own in the retirement phase usually generating better returns than in accumulation giving us the opportunity to consider drawing more retirement income than the minimum. Dont be afraid to dip into your super a bit more once you retire. Credit: Simon Letch Retirement phase (formerly known as pension phase) is when superannuation performance is most important, as it is the time of life when your fund makes the largest amount of money through compound investing. In fact, for most people, between 50 and 60 per cent of your total funds in superannuation are generated during your retirement years. So today were delving into the performance of retirement phase funds this year, and comparing the returns funds are making with the superannuation drawdown limits, and why you might consider drawing more than the minimum from your super fund in retirement. Its still one of the greatest ever moments in sport. In 1983, the yacht Australia II, owned and built by a West Australian syndicate helmed by Alan Bond, snatched the Americas Cup from its home country after 132 years. Alan Bond celebrates in 1983. Credit: Alamy On September 26, it will be 40 years since that historic win when then Prime Minister Bob Hawke declared the following day that any boss who sacks anyone for not turning up to work today is a bum! The win is considered one of Australias greatest-ever sporting accomplishments and now the state government will commemorate it with a free festival in Fremantle on September 24. In a scene intended to shock and antagonise the Muslim community, which was celebrating the holiday of Eid al-Adha, it was instead largely mocked, dismissed, or ignored by about 200 people gathered outside. But Momika, who sought political asylum in Sweden a few years ago, staged a further two protests in July where he set fire to the book outside the Swedish parliament and again stomped on a Koran and used the Iraqi flag to wipe his shoes outside Iraqs embassy in Stockholm. Salwan Momika is escorted by police to a location outside the Iraqi embassy. Credit: AP This time the incidents, given a permit by police in line with free-speech protections, triggered furious reactions from governments in Muslim countries including the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Jordan and Morocco. In Iraq, the Swedish ambassador was expelled and followers of a populist cleric stormed the countrys embassy in Baghdad. The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Saudi Arabia called Koran-burning an act of aggression which represented a culture of hatred and racism, and a manifestation of Islamophobia. It urged intervention from the United Nations. The imam of the Stockholm Central Mosque, Mahmoud Khalfi, says the increased spate of burnings has stirred anger among Muslim communities in Scandinavia. Earlier in the year, far-right demonstrators burned a Koran and chanted anti-Muslim slogans in front of Turkeys embassy in Stockholm and have spread through copycat actions by other anti-Islam groups. Khalfi believes Muslims in Sweden are facing growing harassment. Every time, you wait for this absurdity that nobody supports to be put to a stop. Its just negative and has dangerous consequences, he says, adding the recent string of protests have had nothing to do with freedom of expression. We understand the need for freedom of expression, but we want something to change in how we are treated. The burning [of the Koran] is part of a bigger pattern of hatred here that makes us feel very unsafe. He added that many young Muslims now felt Sweden was hostile to Islam, which he feared could fuel extremism. Protesters hold copies of the Koran as they demonstrate outside the Consulate General of Sweden in Istanbul, Turkey. Credit: Reuters Amid a fierce reaction from the Muslim world, both the Swedish and Danish governments are now seeking to limit protests burning the Koran and other holy books by countering strong freedom of speech laws that have permitted the acts. Swedish authorities can only stop protests if demonstrators are violent, disrupt traffic, cause a public health risk, or if there is not enough police to maintain security. And even for those uncomfortable with the antics of the protagonists, the potential move to crack down on the acts has triggered criticism in Scandinavia. Sweden and Denmark, along with Norway, are widely regarded as the most secular and progressive countries in the world, but the influx of Muslims from war-torn countries in the past decade has greatly impacted politics and society. In 2015, the Swedish government received a record-high 162,877 applications for asylum, primarily from Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan. It represented about 1.6 per cent of Swedens population of 10 million proportionally equivalent to more than 5 million people applying for asylum in the United States, which only received about 83,000 asylum applications that year. In just three months, 114,000 predominantly Muslim refugees arrived primarily into Malmo and small towns in the south, overwhelming the capacity of both government and civil society organisations while garnering continuous media attention. Demonstrators burn the Swedish flag during a protest in Tehran. Credit: Reuters It has fuelled massive support for the right-wing populist Sweden Democrats, who gained seats at a national and local level since, with the moderate-led coalition government now reliant on their support in parliament. Adding another layer of complexity to the issue has been Swedens bid to join NATO following Russias invasion of Ukraine, which has ended Stockholms active foreign policy defined by non-alliance. Russia has been accused of fuelling a social media backlash, with cyber experts pointing out posts were deliberately geo-located in countries such as Turkey, Saudi Arabia, India, Pakistan, and Indonesia targets, where Putin is using the crisis to provoke anti-Western feeling. Swedens prime minister, Ulf Kristersson, has used increasingly dramatic language to describe the crisis, while also accusing Russia and others of trying to spread disinformation about the burnings by falsely claiming that his government was behind the acts. Police members try to restrain a man outside Stockholms mosque at Medborgarplatsen in July. Credit: AP We are currently in the most serious security situation since the Second World War and, as for Sweden, we are aware that states and state-like actors are actively exploiting the situation, he said earlier this month. He added that the Swedish government had started analysing the legal situation including the Public Order Act with the purpose of exploring the scope for measures that would strengthen our national security and the security of Swedes in Sweden and abroad. Swedish police have several times tried to use public order legislation to stop the burnings but have been overturned subsequently by court decisions that have stated the burnings are permitted unless there is an immediate security threat. Local Muslim leaders fear this would not solve the problem and would only feed the narrative that action was being taken because of a violent reaction from the communities, and not race and religious baiting by others. They believe the burning of Holy books should come under laws that already ban hate speech against specific individuals and groups. Loading But Nils Funcke, a prominent Swedish freedom of speech advocate, says any attempts to curtail freedom of speech would signal that violent attacks, including on the Swedish embassy in Iraq, were successful. The distinction between criticism of religion and incitement against an ethnic group has been lost in the Koran burning debate. It is pointless to ban Koran burning, he says. EnerSys (NYSE:ENS), is not the largest company out there, but it saw a decent share price growth in the teens level on the NYSE over the last few months. As a well-established company, which tends to be well-covered by analysts, you could assume any recent changes in the companys outlook is already priced into the stock. But what if there is still an opportunity to buy? Lets take a look at EnerSyss outlook and value based on the most recent financial data to see if the opportunity still exists. See our latest analysis for EnerSys What Is EnerSys Worth? Good news, investors! EnerSys is still a bargain right now. My valuation model shows that the intrinsic value for the stock is $144.06, which is above what the market is valuing the company at the moment. This indicates a potential opportunity to buy low. Although, there may be another chance to buy again in the future. This is because EnerSyss beta (a measure of share price volatility) is high, meaning its price movements will be exaggerated relative to the rest of the market. If the market is bearish, the company's shares will likely fall by more than the rest of the market, providing a prime buying opportunity. What kind of growth will EnerSys generate? Investors looking for growth in their portfolio may want to consider the prospects of a company before buying its shares. Although value investors would argue that its the intrinsic value relative to the price that matter the most, a more compelling investment thesis would be high growth potential at a cheap price. In the upcoming year, EnerSys' earnings are expected to increase by 50%, indicating a highly optimistic future ahead. This should lead to more robust cash flows, feeding into a higher share value. What This Means For You Are you a shareholder? Since ENS is currently undervalued, it may be a great time to accumulate more of your holdings in the stock. With a positive outlook on the horizon, it seems like this growth has not yet been fully factored into the share price. However, there are also other factors such as capital structure to consider, which could explain the current undervaluation. Story continues Are you a potential investor? If youve been keeping an eye on ENS for a while, now might be the time to make a leap. Its prosperous future outlook isnt fully reflected in the current share price yet, which means its not too late to buy ENS. But before you make any investment decisions, consider other factors such as the strength of its balance sheet, in order to make a well-informed buy. If you'd like to know more about EnerSys as a business, it's important to be aware of any risks it's facing. Every company has risks, and we've spotted 2 warning signs for EnerSys you should know about. If you are no longer interested in EnerSys, you can use our free platform to see our list of over 50 other stocks with a high growth potential. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Southwest Airlines flights resume following the lifting of a brief nationwide stoppage in Chicago By David Shepardson (Reuters) -The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board said on Saturday they were investigating a near collision between a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 and a Cessna Citation 560X business jet in San Diego, the latest in a series of troubling U.S. aviation incidents. The FAA said its preliminary review shows that just before 12 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time (1900 GMT) on Friday, an air traffic controller at San Diego International Airport cleared the Cessna to land on a certain runway even though Southwest Airlines Flight 2493 had already been told to taxi onto the same runway and await instructions to depart. The facilitys automated surface surveillance system alerted the controller about the developing situation and the controller directed the Cessna to discontinue landing. A person briefed on the matter said the initial review shows the Cessna passed over the top of the Southwest airplane by about 100 feet. The FAA is sending a team to the facility to investigate. Southwest said on Saturday it is participating in the FAAs review of the incident. "Our aircraft departed without event and the flight operated normally, with a safe landing in San Jose as scheduled," the airline said. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating seven runway incursion events since January, including Friday's San Diego incident. A similar near-collision incident occurred in February in Austin, Texas, when a FedEx cargo plane and a Southwest Boeing 737 came within about 115 feet (35 meters) in poor visibility conditions. The controller had cleared the FedEx plane to land and the Southwest plane to depart. On Thursday, the NTSB cited the failure of a Lear 60 charter pilot to get a takeoff clearance in a February incident in Boston that resulted in a near-collision with a JetBlue flight. The NTSB said the airport surface detection equipment issued an alert, and the air traffic controller gave go-around instructions to the JetBlue flight. Story continues The JetBlue Embraer 190 was just 30 feet (9.1 m) above ground when it broke off the landing "close to the point where both runways intersected," the NTSB said, adding the Boston tower told the charter pilot the JetBlue flight passed about 400 feet above them. In March, the FAA said it was taking steps to improve its air traffic control operations after near-miss incidents telling employees: "There is no question that we are seeing too many close calls." The FAA held a safety summit and issued a separate safety alert in March to airlines, pilots and others citing the "need for continued vigilance and attention to mitigation of safety risks." (Reporting by David Shepardson in WashingtonEditing by Andrew Heavens, Matthew Lewis and Raju Gopalakrishnan) Today Mostly sunny and continued dry and pleasant; a bit warmer than Saturday. Some haze is possible later in the day from Canadian wildfire smoke. Tonight Mostly clear skies. Tomorrow Partly sunny, very warm, and more humid; spotty late shower or t-storm possible, especially north, however most remain dry. An Ecuadorian police report says the six men arrested as suspects in the assassination of an anti-corruption presidential candidate are Colombian nationals. Authorities are still investigating the motive behind a crime that has shocked a nation already reeling from a surge in drug-related violence. The police report viewed by The Associated Press on Thursday says the six men were captured hiding in a house in Quito, Ecuadors capital. Fernando Villavicencio was shot to death in the city Wednesday. He had said he was threatened by affiliates of Mexicos Sinaloa cartel, one of a slew of international organized crime groups that now operate in Ecuador. Harrisburg, Pa. Governor Josh Shapiro announced Friday that 77 municipalities across the Commonwealth will receive over $35.5 million to support traffic signal upgrades through PennDOTs Green Light-Go program. Thanks to these grants, drivers and pedestrians are now safer, and Pennsylvanians can get where they need to go quicker and more efficiently," said Governor Shapiro. Two Berks County municipalities are among those receiving funds for upgrades. Boyertown Borough will receive $606,797.84 for updated signal equipment at E. Philadelphia Avenue (Route 73) and Chestnut Street as well as E. Philadelphia Avenue at Washington Street. West Reading Borough is slated to get $209,975.60 for updated signal equipment along the S. 5th Avenue/Museum Road corridor. Green Light-Go grants are provided as reimbursement to municipalities for updates to improve the efficiency and operation of existing traffic signals. NEW YORK (Reuters) The U.S. Treasury Department will soon propose a rule that would effectively end anonymous luxury-home purchases, closing a loophole that the agency says allows corrupt oligarchs, terrorists and other criminals to hide ill-gotten gains. The long-awaited rule is expected to require that real estate professionals such as title insurers report the identities of the beneficial owners of companies buying real estate in cash to the Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). FinCEN is slated to propose the rule sometime this month, according to its regulatory agenda, though the timeline could slip, said two people briefed on the developments. Anti-corruption advocates and lawmakers have been pushing for the rule, which will replace the current patchwork reporting system. Criminals have for decades anonymously hidden ill-gotten gains in real estate, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said in March, adding that as much as $2.3 billion was laundered through U.S. real estate between 2015 and 2020. "That's why FinCEN is taking this important step to put something officially on the books that would root out money laundering through the sector once and for all," said Erica Hanichak, government affairs director of advocacy group the FACT Coalition. Some advocates say FinCEN, which declined to comment on the timing of the proposal, has moved too slowly. Officials first said in 2021 that they planned to implement the rule. FinCEN has been struggling to complete a related rule that would unmask shell company owners. A bipartisan group of lawmakers has pressed FinCEN to tighten up that proposal, according to an April public letter. That debate has slowed down FinCEN's work on the real estate reporting rule, one of the sources said. The American Land Title Association, which represents title insurers, says it welcomes the new rule but that FinCEN should delay it until the shell company rule is completed. Story continues The proposed rule will be open to public and industry feedback. Patchwork While banks have long been required to understand the source of customer funds and report suspicious transactions, no such rules exist nationwide for the real estate industry. Instead, FinCEN has operated real-estate purchase disclosure rules, known as geographic targeting orders (GTOs), in just a handful of cities including New York, Miami and Los Angeles. The new rule is expected to effectively expand GTOs nationwide. FinCEN implemented GTOs in 2016 after the New York Times revealed that nearly half of luxury real estate was bought by anonymous shell companies. But the orders are easy to skirt by simply buying property outside the targeted areas, said Jodi Vittori, an expert on illicit finance at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Transparency advocates pushing for a nationwide rule point to the example of Guo Wengui, an exiled Chinese businessman who, according to prosecutors, used an anonymous shell company to channel illicit profit from a fraud scheme into the $26 million purchase of a 50,000-square-foot New Jersey mansion in December 2021. Billionaire businessman Guo Wengui speaks during an interview in New York Had Guo brought property across the Hudson River in Manhattan, it would have been subject to a GTO and likely flagged immediately to law enforcement. Guo, a onetime business partner of former Donald Trump adviser Steve Bannon, has pleaded not guilty to fraud charges. His lawyers did not respond to a request for comment. A FinCEN spokesperson said GTO reports provide valuable data. Howard Master, a formal federal prosecutor, said law enforcement uses them to generate leads, but mainly to learn more about assets owned by individuals already under investigation. "It'll identify an asset that is beneficially owned by someone that you might not otherwise have known about," said Master, now a partner at investigations firm Nardello & Co. A 2020 report by the Government Accountability Office, Congress' investigative arm, found that nearly 7% of GTO reports identified individuals or entities connected to ongoing FBI cases. But the same report highlighted concerns about the ability of FinCEN, which has complained of chronic underfunding, to police the program. For the new rule to be effective, FinCEN will need more enforcement resources, said David Szakonyi, a political science professor at George Washington University. "FinCEN needs more people and more computers to process the information." (Reporting by Luc Cohen and Chris Prentice in New York; Editing by Amy Stevens, Michelle Price and Matthew Lewis) RICHMOND TWP., Pa. Police are revealing more information about Friday night's fatal crash in Richmond Township, Berks County. Fleetwood police said two men the 23-year-old driver and a 20-year-old passenger and a pet dog and were killed in the crash on Moselem Springs Road (Route 662) around 8 p.m. Friday. Berks County coroner George Holmes identified the driver as Jordan T. Barr of Maxatawny Township, and the passenger as Javan L. Forster of Schuylkill Haven. Fleetwood police said Barr was driving north on Route 662 toward the intersection with Forge Hill Road when he lost control of his vehicle for unknown reasons. The vehicle believed to be a pickup truck went off the road, hitting a utility pole and the residence at 1689 Moselem Springs Road. Barr, Forster and the dog were pronounced dead at the scene. Residents were not injured by the vehicle impacting their house, but the house sustained "moderate to major" damage. The residents will have to vacate until it can be inspected for structural integrity, police said. READING, Pa. Pennsylvania state Rep. Manny Guzman (D-Berks) announced that he will host a job fair in Reading on Wednesday, Aug. 16. According to a press release from Guzman's office, the job fair is a "business-casual" atmosphere that will feature nearly 60 local employers seeking to hire a wide range qualified candidates. It will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Olivet Boys and Girls Club, 1161 Pershing Blvd. in Reading. In hosting the fair, Guzman said he hopes to help families struggling with unemployment. I am committed to bringing resources to Reading. For many, the traditional recruiting process is not 100% effective, so it is why I am cutting red tape for my constituents, bringing opportunities to their doorstep, Guzman said. For more information, contact Guzmans office at (610) 376-1529. READING, Pa. "When I look into the eyes of these young people, I see our future and see this as the wisest of investments we can make in a community that cares deeply for all of God's children," said Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro. Shapiro and other officials visited Millmont Elementary School in Reading on Friday. During his visit, Shapiro held a ceremonial signing of the state's budget bill, which includes a $46.5 million increase to provide universal free breakfast to Pennsylvania public school students. After today, not only will the Millmont elementary school kids benefit from this, but more than 1 million students from all across the commonwealth will also be receiving free breakfasts. "Today is an exciting day not only for the Reading School District, but also for children across the State of Pennsylvania," said Reading School District superintendent Jennifer Murray. Murray says this is part of the largest increase in education funding in Pennsylvania's history a total increase of $567 million. "This funding is far-reaching and includes such things as increases in the basic education funding formula, historic increases." Says Murray. This universal breakfast program guarantees all of the nearly 70,000 students in Berks County the day's first meal. For some, like state Rep. Manny Guzman (D-Berks), this is personal. "I was one of those kids who came to school hungry, was hungry in class, and wondered where I was going to get my next meal," Guzman said. He says his only meal a day was lunch. Now, children will not have the same difficulties. "Because of this investment, countless children will begin their days with full bellies and ready minds." said Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Khalid Mumin. People in Pennsylvania are getting ready to make the trip to Hawaii to help wildfire victims. Both the Red Cross and Pennsylvania's Task Force One are deploying people to the island of Maui. At this time, 67 people have been confirmed dead, and more than 1,000 buildings have been destroyed by fires burning out of control. "The footage from Hawaii has been really, really terrifying. So we have begun mobilizing," said Pennsylvania Red Cross Rivers Chapter Executive Director Peter Brown. Brown already has four volunteers on their way to help the thousands of people now in need of shelter and supplies. He said Pennsylvania is uniquely suited to help. "Because we typically don't have the widespread natural disasters like hurricanes or wildfires, we're a resource area for other parts of the country that need trained volunteers to come in and help," said Brown. The State of Pennsylvania has also said it's stepping up to support Hawaii with experienced disaster professionals. "Pennsylvania Task Force One has some unique skill sets that were needed by the Hawaiian government, and so we were very happy to share that expertise with them," said Gov. Josh Shapiro on Friday. Task Force One is the same team that recently responded when the R.M. Palmer plant in West Reading exploded. "We are very proficient at searching wide, wide areas. We have the dogs, we have the doctors, we have the engineers, we have the heavy rigging specialists that can lay out the lifting and the rigging options when you're de-layering a large building collapse," said Task Force Program Manager Ken Pagurek. Task Force One is sending two of its members to spend at least two weeks in Hawaii, and it could be longer for them and the teams of volunteers. "Unfortunately this is going to become a much larger response, and we are starting to activate our volunteer networks to find out who has availability, who will be able to go and support," said Brown. At this time the fire threatening the Lahaina community on the island of Maui is 80 percent contained. That means there are still some areas too dangerous for the search and rescue teams like Task Force One to access. NORRISTOWN, Pa. A Doylestown woman faces vehicular homicide charges for her role in the 2022 Cheltenham crash that killed a 77-year-old Philadelphia woman. The Montgomery County District Attorney's office announced the arrest of 32-year-old Kaitlyn Dilemmo on Friday. Dilemmo was involved in the June 6, 2022, crash at Cheltenham Avenue and North Fifth Street that left the Philadelphia woman, Jacqueline Kovach, entrapped in her car in critical condition. Kovach died from her injuries on Aug. 18, 2022. According to a Cheltenham Police investigation, Dilemmo was driving very fast on eastbound Cheltenham Avenue as she approached a red light. Instead of stopping, Dilemmo moved into the left-turn lane and crossed over a raised concrete median and into the westbound lane, then continued driving eastbound in the westbound lane for 90 feet, police said. Dilemmos vehicle then struck Kovachs vehicle in the front drivers side. Due to the speed of Dilemmo's car, Kovach's car was pushed backwards and spun into the eastbound lanes of travel before coming to rest in the westbound lanes of Cheltenham Avenue, police said. Dilemmo who was ejected from her car during the crash tested positive for fentanyl in a urine test and possessed 11 total "baggies," according to the district attorney's office. Of these, seven baggies also contained fentanyl and four were empty but believed to have previously contained fentanyl. Dilemmo faces charges of vehicular homicide, DUI, possession of a controlled substance and other related offenses. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 25, before Magisterial District Judge Emmitt Madden, according to the district attorney's office. LAHAINA, Hawaii (AP) A new fire burning on the Hawaii island of Maui on Friday night triggered the evacuation of a community to the northeast of the area that burned earlier this week, police said. The fire prompted the evacuation of people in Kaanapali in West Maui, the Maui Police Department announced on social media. No details of the evacuation were immediately provided. Traffic was halted earlier after some people went over barricaded, closed-off areas of the disaster zone and entered restricted, dangerous, active investigation scenes, police said. The number of confirmed deaths from the Maui wildfires this week has increased to 67. Maui residents had already started returning to their neighborhoods to find blackened hulks of burned-out cars, the pavement streaked with melted and then rehardened chrome. Block after block of flattened homes and businesses. Incinerated telephone poles, and elevator shafts rising from ashy lots where apartment buildings once stood. A truck bed full of glass bottles, warped into surreal shapes by the furious heat. Anthony Garcia assessed the devastation as he stood under historic Lahainas iconic banyan tree, now charred, and swept twisted branches into neat piles next to another heap filled with dead animals cats, roosters and other birds killed by the smoke and flames. Somehow it made sense in a world turned upside-down. If I dont do something, Ill go nuts, said Garcia, who lost everything he owned. Im losing my faith in God. That was the scene residents found when they were allowed back home to take stock of their shattered homes and lives. The fire tore through parts of Maui and were still short of full containment and being battled by firefighters. Attorney General Anne Lopezs office announced it will conduct a comprehensive review of decision-making and standing policies leading up to, during and after the wildfires. My Department is committed to understanding the decisions that were made before and during the wildfires and to sharing with the public the results of this review, Lopez said in a statement. As we continue to support all aspects of the ongoing relief effort, now is the time to begin this process of understanding. Associated Press journalists also witnessed the devastation, with nearly every building destroyed on Front Street, the heart of Lahaina and the economic hub of the island. Surviving roosters, which are known to roam Hawaii streets, meandered through the ashes, and there was an eerie traffic jam of charred cars that didnt escape the inferno. It hit so quick, it was incredible, resident Kyle Scharnhorst said as he surveyed his apartment complexs damage in the morning. It was like a war zone. The wildfires are the states deadliest natural disaster in decades, surpassing a 1960 tsunami that killed 61 people. An even deadlier tsunami in 1946, which killed more than 150 on the Big Island, prompted the development of the territory-wide emergency system that includes sirens, which are sounded monthly to test their readiness. But many fire survivors said in interviews that they didnt hear any sirens or receive a warning that gave them enough time to prepare, realizing they were in danger only when they saw flames or heard explosions nearby. There was no warning. There was absolutely none. Nobody came around. We didnt see a fire truck or anybody," said Lynn Robinson, who lost her home. Hawaii emergency management records show no indication that warning sirens sounded before people had to run for their lives. Instead, officials sent alerts to mobile phones, televisions and radio stations but widespread power and cellular outages may have limited their reach. Gov. Josh Green warned that the death toll would likely rise as search and rescue operations continue. Authorities set a curfew from 10 p.m. until 6 a.m. Saturday. The recoverys going to be extraordinarily complicated, but we do want people to get back to their homes and just do what they can to assess safely, because its pretty dangerous, Green told Hawaii News Now. Fueled by a dry summer and strong winds from a passing hurricane, at least three wildfires erupted on Maui this week, racing through parched brush covering the island. The most serious one swept into Lahaina on Tuesday and left it a grid of gray rubble wedged between the blue ocean and lush green slopes. Skeletal remains of buildings bowed under roofs that pancaked in the blaze. Palm trees were torched, boats in the harbor were scorched and the stench of burning lingered. The wildfire is already projected to be the second-costliest disaster in Hawaii history, behind only Hurricane Iniki in 1992, according to calculations by Karen Clark & Company, a prominent disaster and risk modeling company. Summer and Gilles Gerling sought to salvage keepsakes from the ashes of their home. But all they could find was the piggy bank Summer Gerlings father gave her as a child, their daughters jade bracelet and the watches they gifted each other for their wedding. Their wedding rings were gone. They described their fear as the strong wind whipped the smoke and flames closer. But they said they were just happy that they and their two children made it out alive. It is what it is, Gilles Gerling said. Safety was the main concern. These are all material things. Cadaver-sniffing dogs were brought in to assist the search for the dead, Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen Jr. said. The wildfire is the deadliest in the U.S. since the 2018 Camp Fire in California, which killed at least 85 people and laid waste to the town of Paradise. Lahainas wildfire risk is well known. Maui Countys hazard mitigation plan, last updated in 2020, identified Lahaina and other West Maui communities as having frequent wildfires and a large number of buildings at risk of wildfire damage. The report also noted that West Maui had the islands second-highest rate of households without a vehicle and the highest rate of non-English speakers. This may limit the populations ability to receive, understand and take expedient action during hazard events, the plan noted. Mauis firefighting efforts may also have been hampered by a small staff, said Bobby Lee, president of the Hawaii Firefighters Association. There are a maximum of 65 firefighters working at any given time in the county, and they are responsible for three islands Maui, Molokai and Lanai he said. Those crews have about 13 fire engines and two ladder trucks, but the department does not have any off-road vehicles, he said. That means crews cant attack brush fires thoroughly before they reach roads or populated areas. Maui water officials warned residents in Kula and Lahaina who have running water that it may be contaminated and they should not drink it even after boiling and should take only short, lukewarm showers in a well-ventilated room to avoid exposure to possible chemical vapors. But Andrew Whelton, an engineering professor at Purdue University whose team was called in after the Camp Fire and the 2021 Marshall Fire in Colorado, said showering in water that potentially contains hazardous waste levels of benzene is not advisable and a do-not-use order would be appropriate until sampling and analysis have been done. When she fled Tuesday, Lahaina resident Lana Vierra thought it would be temporary. She spent Friday morning filling out FEMA assistance forms at a relatives house in Haiku. Though she knew the home where she raised five children was gone, along with treasured items like baby pictures and yearbooks, she was eager to return. To actually stand there on your burnt grounds and get your wheels turning on how to move forward I think it will give families that peace," she said. Riley Curran said he fled his home on Front Street after climbing up a neighboring apartment building to get a better look at the onrushing fire. He doubts county officials could have done more to stave off disaster, because it happened so fast. Its not that people didnt try to do anything. ... The fire went from 0 to 100, Curran said. Curran added that he grew up in California and has seen horrendous wildfires, but Ive never seen one eat an entire town in four hours. Kelleher reported from Honolulu. Associated Press writers Rebecca Boone in Boise, Idaho; Andrew Selsky in Bend, Oregon; Bobby Caina Calvan and Beatrice Dupuy in New York; Chris Megerian in Salt Lake City; Audrey McAvoy in Wailuku, Hawaii; Ada;m Beam in Sacramento, California; and Seth Borenstein in Washington contributed. 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. The federal judge overseeing the election conspiracy case against Donald Trump is warning that there are limits on what the former president can publicly say about evidence in the investigation as he campaigns for a second term in the White House. Martha Clark experienced the joy that Jessi the golden retriever brought her and many others who met the therapy dog and she felt the agony from Jessis unexpected loss. Clark rushed home from church one Sunday in June 2019 to find her dog horribly sick. A vet determined Jessi had cancerous tumors throughout, and Clark had to let her go. She had been my buddy for the past 10 years and I was devastated, said Clark, who reached out to friends at church. It was very comforting to have them there in that moment, it just really helped me to deal with her loss. And so, the Saint Francis Pet Ministry was born at Christ Episcopal Church in Spotsylvania County. Its team members pray with and console others who have lost four-legged loved ones or they take their dogs to visit shut-ins, either in their own homes or in medical facilities. Clark had started a Therapy Dog Ministry at Christ Church in 2013 after hearing about a similar program offered through Lutheran churches. Jessi was so outgoing, she seemed like a perfect fit. She had this empathy and could sense when people needed her and she did it over and over again, Clark said. Her death made Clark realize others need comfort at their time of loss, and a pet ministry might help with that. Team members include Clark, Linda and Cindy Rooney, Doug Reeves and Connie Hockaday. The ministrys goal is to provide spiritual and limited financial resources, comfort and pastoral care to all Gods creatures and to the individuals that love and care for them in the Spotsylvania community, wrote parishioner Rosanne Desmone in a news release. Parishioners, or members of the community, who have to euthanize a pet can ask a member of the ministry to be with them. They can request their pet be put on a prayer chain if theyre ill or about to undergo a procedure. In emergencies, the ministry can help with pet food, the cost of medication or even cat litter. Clark said the group did that recently for a man with post-traumatic stress syndrome who viewed his cat as his emotional support. The team also sends cards and small, stained-glass crosses to those grieving. These days, Clark brings her golden retriever, Maggi, to church every Sunday. During the passing of the peace part of the service, a parishioner may walk up to the dog and say, The peace of the Lord be always with you. Maggi will extend her paw to shake hands but hasnt yet mastered the response, And also with you. In addition, Linda Rooney visits local nursing homes and assisted-living facilities with her golden retriever, Tanner. At a recent visit to Spring Arbor of Fredericksburg, men and women alike reached out for Tanners rust-colored locks. Sandy Roberts wrapped her arm around Tanners neck and told him how beautiful he is. Theres nothing like a dog, she said. I love them. Dorothy Wheeler also leaned forward in her chair to love on Tanner. She grew up with a German shepherd named Jack and said that seeing Tanner brought back memories, when she and her family lived out in the boonies and relied on their dog for both company and protection. I miss that, Wheeler said. Sydney Moeller, the activities assistant at Spring Arbor, said she sees the way the eyes of residents light up as the dogs remind them of happier times. That seems especially true of residents with memory issues, she said. They are overwhelmed with joy, Moeller said. Its really magical to watch. Of course, the Spring Arbor workers were just as excited by Tanners visit as the residents. Moeller did her fair share of oohing, then noted the residents tend to be more energetic and cooperative after a visit from animals, be they dogs, rabbits or goats. The pets, and the ministry surrounding them, also speaks to the role fur babies play these days, Desmone said. They have become children, she said of pets, especially for people whove lost loved ones or dont have family close by. Its wonderful to have that little furry animal who can keep you company, maybe cuddle up next to you when you watch TV. Community members can contact the Christ Church secretary at 540/582-5033 to request prayer or assistance from the pet ministry. The church also accepts donations for the program which can be sent to Christ Episcopal Church, 8951 Courthouse Road, Spotsylvania, Virginia, 22553. A Maryland man was arrested Thursday afternoon following a manhunt in King George that started when a deputy spotted a suspected stolen car, police said. King George Sheriffs 1st Sgt. Kecia Wharton said 1st Sgt. Ryan Moneyhon was in the Oakland Park subdivision about 1:30 p.m. when he saw a vehicle that matched the description of one reported stolen in Fredericksburg. Moneyhon stopped the vehicle, approached it and briefly spoke with the driver. The driver refused to identify himself or turn off the vehicle. He then sped away from the deputy, striking a parked vehicle and several trash cans during the incident. The driver ended up in a ditch before getting out of the vehicle and running into the woods. Multiple deputies surrounded the area and a police dog was brought in to assist with the search. Sealston Elementary School, which is about three miles away, was locked down as a precaution, Wharton said. Lt. Drew Massey eventually spotted the man running toward the backyard of a residence off State Route 603 and ordered him to surrender. The suspect complied and was taken into custody without further incident. Jamil Raed Murray, 26, of Fort Washington, Maryland, was charged with felony eluding, felony hit and run, obstruction of justice, reckless driving and driving without a license. Murray was already wanted on a failure to appear charge in Maryland, while Fredericksburg police are investigating the stolen vehicle incident. Murray was placed in the Rappahannock Regional Jail under no bond. Bigelow Investment Advisors LLC trimmed its position in shares of Norfolk Southern Co. (NYSE:NSC Free Report) by 14.0% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 4,329 shares of the railroad operators stock after selling 706 shares during the quarter. Bigelow Investment Advisors LLCs holdings in Norfolk Southern were worth $918,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of NSC. Luken Investment Analytics LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Norfolk Southern during the 4th quarter valued at about $25,000. Capital Directions Investment Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Norfolk Southern during the 4th quarter valued at about $29,000. Worth Asset Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Norfolk Southern during the 1st quarter valued at about $30,000. Morton Brown Family Wealth LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Norfolk Southern during the 1st quarter valued at about $29,000. Finally, OLD Mission Capital LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Norfolk Southern during the 4th quarter valued at about $36,000. 71.97% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Norfolk Southern alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of analysts have recently issued reports on NSC shares. Sanford C. Bernstein dropped their price target on shares of Norfolk Southern from $239.00 to $226.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, April 27th. Royal Bank of Canada raised their price target on shares of Norfolk Southern from $210.00 to $227.00 in a report on Friday, July 28th. Morgan Stanley lowered their price objective on shares of Norfolk Southern from $177.00 to $174.00 in a research note on Friday, April 28th. TD Cowen increased their price objective on shares of Norfolk Southern from $243.00 to $253.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, July 28th. Finally, StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Norfolk Southern in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Thirteen research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fourteen 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 target price of $245.40. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, CEO Alan H. Shaw sold 2,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $209.55, for a total transaction of $419,100.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 30,654 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,423,545.70. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. 0.19% of the stock is owned by insiders. Norfolk Southern Price Performance Shares of NSC stock traded down $1.58 on Friday, reaching $215.91. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,152,226 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,469,191. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $226.15 and its 200-day simple moving average is $220.68. Norfolk Southern Co. has a 1 year low of $196.33 and a 1 year high of $264.22. The company has a current ratio of 0.68, a quick ratio of 0.59 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.15. The company has a market capitalization of $49.01 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.40, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.58 and a beta of 1.27. Norfolk Southern (NYSE:NSC Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, July 27th. The railroad operator reported $2.95 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $3.15 by ($0.20). The business had revenue of $2.98 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.08 billion. Norfolk Southern had a net margin of 20.25% and a return on equity of 24.88%. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 8.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the business posted $3.45 earnings per share. Analysts forecast that Norfolk Southern Co. will post 12.68 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Norfolk Southern Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, August 21st. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 4th will be paid a dividend of $1.35 per share. This represents a $5.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.50%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, August 3rd. Norfolk Southerns payout ratio is 48.56%. About Norfolk Southern (Free Report) Norfolk Southern Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the rail transportation of raw materials, intermediate products, and finished goods in the United States. The company transports agriculture, forest, and consumer products comprising soybeans, wheat, corn, fertilizers, livestock and poultry feed, food products, food oils, flour, sweeteners, ethanol, lumber and wood products, pulp board and paper products, wood fibers, wood pulp, beverages, and canned goods; chemicals consist of sulfur and related chemicals, petroleum products comprising crude oil, chlorine and bleaching compounds, plastics, rubber, industrial chemicals, chemical wastes, sand, and natural gas liquids; metals and construction materials, such as steel, aluminum products, machinery, scrap metals, cement, aggregates, minerals, clay, transportation equipment, and military-related products; and automotive, including finished motor vehicles and automotive parts, as well as coal. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding NSC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Norfolk Southern Co. (NYSE:NSC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Norfolk Southern Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Norfolk Southern and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Biondo Investment Advisors LLC decreased its holdings in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (NYSEARCA:RSP Free Report) by 1.3% in the first quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 9,736 shares of the companys stock after selling 125 shares during the period. Biondo Investment Advisors LLCs holdings in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF were worth $1,408,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Ironwood Wealth Management LLC. increased its position in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF by 59.6% during the first quarter. Ironwood Wealth Management LLC. now owns 8,585 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,354,000 after acquiring an additional 3,207 shares in the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. increased its position in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF by 0.4% during the first quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 170,508 shares of the companys stock valued at $26,891,000 after acquiring an additional 663 shares in the last quarter. Vontobel Holding Ltd. increased its position in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF by 25.7% during the first quarter. Vontobel Holding Ltd. now owns 11,000 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,735,000 after acquiring an additional 2,250 shares in the last quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. increased its position in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF by 46.5% during the first quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. now owns 333,958 shares of the companys stock valued at $52,669,000 after acquiring an additional 105,955 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Mather Group LLC. increased its position in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF by 89.8% during the first quarter. Mather Group LLC. now owns 2,604 shares of the companys stock valued at $411,000 after acquiring an additional 1,232 shares in the last quarter. Get Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF alerts: Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF Stock Performance Shares of RSP traded up $0.05 on Friday, hitting $151.29. 4,139,353 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 4,252,691. Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF has a one year low of $124.92 and a one year high of $155.77. The company has a market capitalization of $42.77 billion, a PE ratio of 16.13 and a beta of 1.05. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $149.88 and a 200 day simple moving average of $146.63. Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF Profile Guggenheim S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF, formerly Rydex S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF, seeks to replicate as closely as possible, the daily performance of the S&P 500 Equal Weight Index (the Index). The Index is a capitalization-weighted index covering 500 industrial, utility, transportation and financial companies of the United States markets (mostly NYSE Euronext issues). See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding RSP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (NYSEARCA:RSP Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Biondo Investment Advisors LLC reduced its holdings in iShares Core High Dividend ETF (NYSEARCA:HDV Free Report) by 2.9% during the first quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 8,733 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 265 shares during the quarter. Biondo Investment Advisors LLCs holdings in iShares Core High Dividend ETF were worth $888,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the business. RFG Advisory LLC increased its stake in iShares Core High Dividend ETF by 2.8% in the 1st quarter. RFG Advisory LLC now owns 117,853 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $11,981,000 after acquiring an additional 3,263 shares during the last quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp increased its stake in iShares Core High Dividend ETF by 2.1% in the 1st quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 21,479 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $2,184,000 after acquiring an additional 444 shares during the last quarter. Shira Ridge Wealth Management increased its stake in iShares Core High Dividend ETF by 9.7% in the 1st quarter. Shira Ridge Wealth Management now owns 90,131 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $9,163,000 after acquiring an additional 7,950 shares during the last quarter. OVERSEA CHINESE BANKING Corp Ltd increased its stake in iShares Core High Dividend ETF by 5.4% in the 1st quarter. OVERSEA CHINESE BANKING Corp Ltd now owns 25,739 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $2,617,000 after acquiring an additional 1,326 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Avidian Wealth Solutions LLC increased its stake in iShares Core High Dividend ETF by 17.0% in the 1st quarter. Avidian Wealth Solutions LLC now owns 2,390 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $243,000 after acquiring an additional 348 shares during the last quarter. Get iShares Core High Dividend ETF alerts: iShares Core High Dividend ETF Stock Up 0.6 % Shares of iShares Core High Dividend ETF stock traded up $0.58 during trading on Friday, hitting $103.92. 295,230 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 655,994. The stock has a market cap of $10.72 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.13 and a beta of 0.81. The firms fifty day moving average is $101.11 and its 200-day moving average is $101.40. iShares Core High Dividend ETF has a 52 week low of $91.24 and a 52 week high of $109.01. iShares Core High Dividend ETF Company Profile The iShares Core High Dividend ETF (HDV) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the Morningstar Dividend Yield Focus index. The fund tracks a dividend-weighted index of 75 high-yielding US equities, screened for high earnings potential and dividend sustainability. HDV was launched on Mar 29, 2011 and is managed by BlackRock. See Also Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core High Dividend ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Core High Dividend ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. GW&K Investment Management LLC increased its stake in Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Co. (NYSE:BAH Free Report) by 0.9% in the first quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 1,150,482 shares of the business services providers stock after purchasing an additional 10,090 shares during the period. Booz Allen Hamilton comprises 1.0% of GW&K Investment Management LLCs holdings, making the stock its 7th largest position. GW&K Investment Management LLCs holdings in Booz Allen Hamilton were worth $106,638,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. A number of other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of BAH. SouthState Corp acquired a new stake in Booz Allen Hamilton during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $35,000. Johnson Financial Group Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Booz Allen Hamilton by 281.5% in the 4th quarter. Johnson Financial Group Inc. now owns 412 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $43,000 after purchasing an additional 304 shares during the period. Heritage Wealth Advisors acquired a new position in shares of Booz Allen Hamilton in the 4th quarter valued at $55,000. New England Capital Financial Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Booz Allen Hamilton in the 4th quarter valued at $50,000. Finally, First Horizon Advisors Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Booz Allen Hamilton by 28.3% in the 4th quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. now owns 531 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $55,000 after purchasing an additional 117 shares during the period. 89.45% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Booz Allen Hamilton alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In other Booz Allen Hamilton news, CEO Horacio Rozanski sold 20,000 shares of Booz Allen Hamilton stock in a transaction on Tuesday, July 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $115.00, for a total value of $2,300,000.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 610,511 shares in the company, valued at $70,208,765. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In related news, EVP Susan L. Penfield sold 22,600 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, May 31st. The stock was sold at an average price of $100.78, for a total transaction of $2,277,628.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 19,793 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,994,738.54. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CEO Horacio Rozanski sold 20,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, July 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $115.00, for a total value of $2,300,000.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 610,511 shares of the companys stock, valued at $70,208,765. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 120,920 shares of company stock valued at $13,140,062 over the last quarter. 1.76% of the stock is owned by insiders. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities research analysts have recently commented on the company. TD Cowen raised their target price on Booz Allen Hamilton from $123.00 to $144.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, July 31st. Barclays raised their price objective on Booz Allen Hamilton from $108.00 to $125.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Monday, July 31st. Jefferies Financial Group upped their target price on Booz Allen Hamilton from $115.00 to $120.00 in a research note on Monday, June 12th. Truist Financial lifted their price target on shares of Booz Allen Hamilton from $106.00 to $120.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Monday, July 31st. Finally, Bank of America increased their price objective on shares of Booz Allen Hamilton from $105.00 to $110.00 in a report on Wednesday, June 7th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $119.00. Read Our Latest Analysis on Booz Allen Hamilton Booz Allen Hamilton Price Performance NYSE BAH traded down $0.02 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $120.67. 1,261,415 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,000,824. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.71, a current ratio of 1.21 and a quick ratio of 1.21. The firms 50-day moving average is $112.31 and its 200-day moving average is $100.72. Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Co. has a 52-week low of $87.99 and a 52-week high of $125.19. The company has a market capitalization of $15.81 billion, a PE ratio of 54.61, a PEG ratio of 2.38 and a beta of 0.61. Booz Allen Hamilton (NYSE:BAH Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Friday, May 26th. The business services provider reported $1.01 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.92 by $0.09. Booz Allen Hamilton had a return on equity of 58.40% and a net margin of 3.05%. The company had revenue of $2.43 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.39 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $0.86 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was up 8.7% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts forecast that Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Co. will post 5.03 EPS for the current fiscal year. Booz Allen Hamilton Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, August 31st. Investors of record on Tuesday, August 15th will be given a $0.47 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, August 14th. This represents a $1.88 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.56%. Booz Allen Hamiltons payout ratio is 85.07%. Booz Allen Hamilton Company Profile (Free Report) Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation provides management and technology consulting, analytics, engineering, digital solutions, mission operations, and cyber services to governments, corporations, and not-for-profit organizations in the United States and internationally. It also focuses on artificial intelligence services comprising of machine learning, predictive modeling, automation and decision analytics, and quantum computing. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BAH? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Co. (NYSE:BAH Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Booz Allen Hamilton Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Booz Allen Hamilton and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Chegg (NYSE:CHGG Free Report) had its price objective hoisted by BMO Capital Markets from $10.00 to $12.00 in a report issued on Wednesday morning, Marketbeat Ratings reports. They currently have a market perform rating on the technology companys stock. Several other research firms also recently commented on CHGG. Bank of America lowered their price objective on shares of Chegg from $20.00 to $11.00 in a research note on Wednesday, May 3rd. Jefferies Financial Group downgraded shares of Chegg from a buy rating to a hold rating and lowered their price objective for the stock from $25.00 to $11.00 in a research note on Tuesday, May 2nd. 888 restated a maintains rating on shares of Chegg in a research report on Wednesday, May 3rd. Piper Sandler boosted their target price on shares of Chegg from $11.00 to $13.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday. Finally, Craig Hallum decreased their target price on shares of Chegg from $25.00 to $18.00 in a research report on Tuesday, May 2nd. Eleven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $18.62. Get Chegg alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on CHGG Chegg Stock Performance Institutional Trading of Chegg Shares of NYSE:CHGG traded down $0.14 on Wednesday, hitting $10.15. 2,143,375 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 3,772,166. Chegg has a 1-year low of $8.55 and a 1-year high of $30.05. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $9.66 and its 200 day moving average price is $13.43. The company has a current ratio of 3.13, a quick ratio of 4.56 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.74. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.17 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.76, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 18.04 and a beta of 1.14. Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Natixis Advisors L.P. grew its stake in Chegg by 152.3% during the 1st quarter. Natixis Advisors L.P. now owns 33,910 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $1,230,000 after acquiring an additional 20,468 shares in the last quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC purchased a new stake in Chegg during the 1st quarter valued at about $265,000. Lord Abbett & CO. LLC purchased a new stake in Chegg during the 1st quarter valued at about $12,124,000. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board grew its stake in Chegg by 280.3% during the 1st quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board now owns 19,345 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $702,000 after acquiring an additional 14,258 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Cetera Investment Advisers purchased a new stake in Chegg during the 1st quarter valued at about $275,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 89.94% of the companys stock. Chegg Company Profile (Get Free Report) Chegg, Inc operates direct-to-student learning platform that supports students starting with their academic journey and extending into their careers with products and services to support learner with their academic course materials. The company offers Chegg Services, which include subscription services; and skills and other, including skills, advertising services, print textbooks, and eTextbooks. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Chegg Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chegg and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. GW&K Investment Management LLC boosted its holdings in Alamo Group Inc. (NYSE:ALG Free Report) by 0.2% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 331,576 shares of the industrial products companys stock after acquiring an additional 654 shares during the quarter. GW&K Investment Management LLCs holdings in Alamo Group were worth $61,063,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Russell Investments Group Ltd. increased its stake in Alamo Group by 8.8% in the first quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 6,197 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,141,000 after acquiring an additional 500 shares during the period. ClariVest Asset Management LLC increased its stake in Alamo Group by 63.2% in the first quarter. ClariVest Asset Management LLC now owns 7,778 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,433,000 after acquiring an additional 3,013 shares during the period. Barclays PLC increased its stake in Alamo Group by 11.9% in the first quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 11,016 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $2,030,000 after acquiring an additional 1,173 shares during the period. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in Alamo Group in the first quarter valued at about $784,000. Finally, KBC Group NV boosted its position in Alamo Group by 10.7% in the first quarter. KBC Group NV now owns 877 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $162,000 after buying an additional 85 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 91.07% of the companys stock. Get Alamo Group alerts: Insider Transactions at Alamo Group In other news, CFO Richard J. Wehrle sold 1,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $182.28, for a total transaction of $273,420.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 25,723 shares in the company, valued at $4,688,788.44. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, CFO Richard J. Wehrle sold 1,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $182.28, for a total transaction of $273,420.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 25,723 shares in the company, valued at $4,688,788.44. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CFO Richard J. Wehrle sold 1,166 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $183.57, for a total transaction of $214,042.62. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 27,057 shares in the company, valued at $4,966,853.49. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 2.30% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades ALG has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. DA Davidson boosted their price target on shares of Alamo Group from $208.00 to $212.00 in a research report on Thursday, June 8th. Raymond James reduced their price target on shares of Alamo Group from $220.00 to $210.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, August 4th. Finally, StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Alamo Group in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, According to MarketBeat.com, Alamo Group presently has an average rating of Buy and an average target price of $205.67. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on ALG Alamo Group Price Performance Shares of ALG stock traded down $1.95 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $174.86. 21,549 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 57,760. Alamo Group Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $118.73 and a fifty-two week high of $200.81. The stocks fifty day moving average is $185.87 and its two-hundred day moving average is $176.94. The company has a market cap of $2.10 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.78 and a beta of 1.01. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38, a current ratio of 4.06 and a quick ratio of 2.34. Alamo Group Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, August 1st. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, July 18th were given a dividend of $0.22 per share. The ex-dividend date was Monday, July 17th. This represents a $0.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.50%. Alamo Groups payout ratio is 8.45%. Alamo Group Company Profile (Free Report) Alamo Group Inc designs, manufactures, distributes, and services vegetation management and infrastructure maintenance equipment for governmental, industrial, and agricultural uses worldwide. It operates through two segments, Vegetation Management and Industrial Equipment. Its Vegetation Management Division segment offers hydraulically-powered and tractor and off-road chassis mounted mowers, other cutters and replacement parts for heavy-duty and intensive uses and heavy duty, tractor- and truck-mounted mowing and vegetation maintenance equipment, and replacement parts. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ALG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Alamo Group Inc. (NYSE:ALG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Alamo Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Alamo Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Tokyo Gas Co.,Ltd. (OTCMKTS:TKGSY Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant decline in short interest during the month of July. As of July 31st, there was short interest totalling 900 shares, a decline of 71.0% from the July 15th total of 3,100 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 6,200 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.1 days. Tokyo Gas Co.,Ltd. Stock Performance Shares of OTCMKTS:TKGSY traded up $0.20 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $11.95. 592 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 13,540. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $11.23 and its 200 day moving average price is $10.40. Tokyo Gas Co.,Ltd. has a 12 month low of $8.28 and a 12 month high of $12.03. Get Tokyo Gas Co.Ltd. alerts: Tokyo Gas Co.,Ltd. (OTCMKTS:TKGSY Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 27th. The company reported $0.64 earnings per share for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $4.73 billion for the quarter. Tokyo Gas Co.,Ltd. Company Profile Tokyo Gas Co, Ltd. engages in the production, supply, and sale of city and liquid gas, and LNG in Japan. The company operates through five segments: Gas, Electric Power, Overseas, Energy Related, and Real Estate. It offers engineering solutions; gas installation work and construction; and gas pipelines services, as well as engages in gas appliances business. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Tokyo Gas Co.Ltd. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Tokyo Gas Co.Ltd. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fresnillo (OTCMKTS:FNLPF Free Report) had its price objective decreased by Royal Bank of Canada from GBX 690 ($8.82) to GBX 625 ($7.99) in a research note released on Tuesday morning, FlyOnTheWall reports. Other research analysts have also recently issued research reports about the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their target price on Fresnillo from GBX 650 ($8.31) to GBX 600 ($7.67) in a report on Friday, April 28th. Morgan Stanley lowered their price objective on Fresnillo from GBX 620 ($7.92) to GBX 590 ($7.54) in a research note on Friday, July 28th. Credit Suisse Group lowered their price objective on Fresnillo from GBX 620 ($7.92) to GBX 580 ($7.41) in a research note on Wednesday, August 2nd. Barclays boosted their price target on Fresnillo from GBX 525 ($6.71) to GBX 650 ($8.31) in a research report on Thursday, August 3rd. Finally, Berenberg Bank cut their price objective on Fresnillo from GBX 700 ($8.95) to GBX 670 ($8.56) in a report on Friday, July 7th. Get Fresnillo alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on FNLPF Fresnillo Stock Up 0.4 % About Fresnillo OTCMKTS FNLPF opened at $6.93 on Tuesday. Fresnillo has a 1-year low of $6.88 and a 1-year high of $11.95. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $7.92 and a 200 day moving average price of $8.79. The company has a quick ratio of 2.10, a current ratio of 2.82 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.22. (Get Free Report) Fresnillo plc mines, develops, and produces non-ferrous minerals in Mexico. It operates through seven segments: Fresnillo, Saucito, Cienega, Herradura, Noche Buena, San Julian, and Juanicipio. The company primarily explores for silver, gold, lead, and zinc concentrates. Its projects include the Fresnillo silver mine located in the state of Zacatecas; Saucito silver mine situated in the state of Zacatecas; Cienega gold mine located in the state of Durango; Herradura gold mine situated in the state of Sonora; Noche Buena gold mine located in the state of Sonora; San Julian silver-gold mine situated on the border of Chihuahua/Durango states; and Juanicipio mine located in the state of Zacatecas. Featured Stories 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. Genpact (NYSE:G Get Free Report) updated its FY 2023 earnings guidance on Thursday. The company provided EPS guidance of $2.91-$2.94 for the period, compared to the consensus EPS estimate of $2.94. The company issued revenue guidance of $4.59 billion-$4.64 billion, compared to the consensus revenue estimate of $4.65 billion. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of research firms have weighed in on G. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Genpact in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a buy rating on the stock. Robert W. Baird decreased their price objective on Genpact from $48.00 to $44.00 in a report on Thursday. Needham & Company LLC decreased their price objective on Genpact from $56.00 to $50.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Friday. BMO Capital Markets decreased their price objective on Genpact from $46.00 to $41.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a report on Thursday. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft decreased their price objective on Genpact from $48.00 to $37.00 in a report on Thursday. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $42.13. Get Genpact alerts: Get Our Latest Research Report on G Genpact Stock Performance Shares of NYSE G traded down $0.22 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $37.18. The company had a trading volume of 1,938,003 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,144,367. The stock has a market cap of $6.84 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.98, a P/E/G ratio of 1.57 and a beta of 1.19. The company has a current ratio of 1.84, a quick ratio of 1.84 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $37.69 and its 200 day simple moving average is $41.93. Genpact has a 1 year low of $35.31 and a 1 year high of $48.85. Genpact (NYSE:G Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, May 10th. The business services provider reported $0.60 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.55 by $0.05. Genpact had a net margin of 9.25% and a return on equity of 25.42%. The business had revenue of $1.09 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.10 billion. On average, analysts forecast that Genpact will post 2.58 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Genpact Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 26th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 8th will be paid a $0.1375 dividend. This represents a $0.55 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.48%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, September 7th. Genpacts dividend payout ratio is currently 25.11%. Insider Transactions at Genpact In other news, SVP Piyush Mehta sold 41,062 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, June 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $37.02, for a total value of $1,520,115.24. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 135,703 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,023,725.06. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In other news, Director James C. Madden bought 2,500 shares of Genpact stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 16th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $36.86 per share, with a total value of $92,150.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director now directly owns 44,947 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,656,746.42. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, SVP Piyush Mehta sold 41,062 shares of Genpact stock in a transaction dated Thursday, June 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $37.02, for a total transaction of $1,520,115.24. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 135,703 shares in the company, valued at $5,023,725.06. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 113,144 shares of company stock valued at $4,176,520. Corporate insiders own 2.62% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Genpact A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of G. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC raised its stake in shares of Genpact by 21.5% in the 2nd quarter. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC now owns 5,547 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $208,000 after acquiring an additional 981 shares during the period. Vident Investment Advisory LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Genpact in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $207,000. Toroso Investments LLC raised its stake in shares of Genpact by 13.9% in the 1st quarter. Toroso Investments LLC now owns 4,730 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $206,000 after acquiring an additional 576 shares during the period. Centaurus Financial Inc. raised its stake in shares of Genpact by 14.6% in the 1st quarter. Centaurus Financial Inc. now owns 4,465 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $194,000 after acquiring an additional 570 shares during the period. Finally, Quantbot Technologies LP purchased a new stake in shares of Genpact in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $159,000. 96.46% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Genpact (Get Free Report) Genpact Limited provides business process outsourcing and information technology (IT) services in India, rest of Asia, North and Latin America, and Europe. It operates through three segments: Financial services; Consumer and Healthcare; and High Tech and Manufacturing. The company offers CFO advisory services; and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) services, such as data management, carbon accounting, human rights assessment, sustainability diligence, and ESG reporting. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Genpact Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Genpact and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fremont Ward 2 City Council Member Dev Sookram will be part of the soon-to-be formed Broad Street heavy truck traffic taskforce, a group, he said, will have a goal of getting as much in-depth feedback as possible from the public and local business owners about the key section of road in the city. The development of the new taskforce by the City of Fremont was revealed on Thursday by Public Works Director Justin Zetterman, and is an effort to help resolve concerns about semi-tractor trailer traffic on the primarily residential section of Broad Street between Military Avenue and 23rd Street. Zetterman said the proposed task force is still being developed, but will most likely be composed of representatives from the Fremont Police Department; city Planning Director Jennifer Dam; himself and City Council Members James Vaughan and Sookram. The need for a taskforce became obvious, both Sookram and Zetterman told the Tribune, following comments made during the July 11 and July 25 meetings of the council. At those two meetings, residents of Broad Street and officials from companies that utilize heavy trucks for their business needs gave feedback on a plan to ban altogether any heavy truck traffic on the segment of Broad Street. Those concerns centered on a possible plan by the City of Fremont to totally ban heavy truck and semi-tractor trailer traffic on Broad Street between Military Avenue and 23rd Street. The proposal was part of the change in jurisdiction of the roadway, shifting from the State of Nebraska ownership to the City of Fremont control, which arose from the construction of the new Fremont Southeast Beltway south of the city. The Tribune contacted Sookram and Vaughan seeking comment on the taskforce, with Sookram reaching out to the Tribune for a telephone interview about the taskforce and the issue of heavy trucks on Broad Street. QUESTION: Can you describe, in brief, the history of Broad Street in relation to heavy truck traffic? SOOKRAM: I am one of the city council (member) for Ward 2. Ive been getting feedback on this since (I was on) the planning commission, because we knew this was coming down the pike. Since (my time on) planning commission and since the beltway (project) was initiated, we knew there was probably going to be some changes on Broad Street because the bypass was (intended) to re-route traffic away from Broad Street from about 10th Street to 23rd Street. The state of that neighborhood has become much more residential than it has commercial. Its been a long time that it has been minorly discussed. We just didnt know when the beltway was going to be completely done. QUESTION: What is the main goal of the taskforce? SOOKRAM: To make sure we are on the same page that the public is on this. From what Ive gathered from the general public not businesses is that everybody knew this was coming at some point. I am not sure, I cant speak for what businesses felt, or if they felt targeted which we are not doing but the idea is to calm traffic down. You see more and more pedestrian traffic on Broad Street, people walking on sidewalks more, and it has just become much more residential in nature. That is via growth. QUESTION: At the July 11 city council meeting, numerous owners of local businesses complained about a possible heavy truck ban. What was your reaction to those comments? SOOKRAM: I know local businesses feel like they are being re-routed out of town. But, it is just more or less they are being bypassed around town. I was little surprised that local businesses kind of didnt know this was coming. Even from the (Southeast Beltway) planning time, if there would be a different route for trucks, the (city) would be re-routing them away from Broad Street. I know it is going to be a tough decision to be made, but this has been coming. It is not a secret, it did not just pop up. It has been going on for many years. I was a little surprised by businesses feeling targeted, because by no means is that what we are doing. QUESTION: You said constituents have contacted you about the trucks on Broad Street; what did they say. SOOKRAM: I have gotten a lot of feedback from residents on Broad Street in particular, that they have plates shaking on the wall. I was campaigning once and stopped at a place on Broad Street and was talking to a (resident) and as trucks went by, there was rattling plates on her wall. You see that, and youre like, Well, thats not good. QUESTION: Do the new proposed walking trail and Keene Memorial Library renovations create more urgency in stopping heavy trucks on that segment of Broad Street? SOOKRAM: There is going to be a walking trail on 19th going all the way though (from Broad Street) to connect by the (Fremont) high school. Now you are putting even more people on a trail. It is all proof of evidence that (the area) is heading to residential. Rolling 50,000 pounds (of heavy truck) throughthat is hard to stop. God forbid a young one run out in front of (a truck) and it not be able to stop. I dont even want to think about that. QUESTION: Does the shifting of jurisdiction of Broad Street from the State of Nebraska to the City of Fremont play a role in a possible decision? SOOKRAM: Yes. The bad shape Broad Street is in doesnt help it. Once the state has finished Broad Street, we take control and will be responsible for (the costs) of repairs. QUESTION: This issue has stirred passions within the community, notably between residents and businesses. Did that surprise you? SOOKRAM: I think the passions come from the original idea of widening Broad Street. If that would have come to pass, think of all the trees that would have been taken down to widen that. That would not have been good. The truth of the matter is, it has simply evolved into a residential area. Fremont has changed. It has grown. This is (Fremonts) growth moment. Taking truck traffic off of Broad Street was part of that. Ive never given two thoughts about it. It has been going on for some time as long as I can remember, and Ive had phone calls from constituents. It has not been a secret. The passion, the fiery passion, is because of the years and years ago idea of widening Broad Street. That has been removed. Now, it will be a tough decision but I think we have an idea what direction to go. HCI Group (NYSE:HCI Get Free Report) had its price target raised by investment analysts at Truist Financial from $75.00 to $80.00 in a report released on Wednesday, Marketbeat reports. The brokerage currently has a buy rating on the insurance providers stock. Truist Financials price objective indicates a potential upside of 36.43% from the stocks current price. A number of other research analysts have also weighed in on the company. StockNews.com began coverage on HCI Group in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating for the company. Compass Point lifted their target price on HCI Group from $66.00 to $67.00 in a report on Wednesday, May 17th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given 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 $80.67. Get HCI Group alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on HCI HCI Group Stock Performance HCI traded down $3.67 during trading hours on Wednesday, hitting $58.64. The stock had a trading volume of 114,122 shares, compared to its average volume of 86,588. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $59.69 and its 200 day simple moving average is $55.13. HCI Group has a 1 year low of $27.65 and a 1 year high of $70.00. The stock has a market cap of $504.30 million, a PE ratio of -23.02 and a beta of 0.87. The company has a quick ratio of 0.29, a current ratio of 0.29 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.10. HCI Group (NYSE:HCI Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, May 9th. The insurance provider reported $1.50 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.09 by $1.41. The company had revenue of $129.03 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $118.27 million. HCI Group had a negative return on equity of 10.06% and a negative net margin of 4.30%. Equities analysts anticipate that HCI Group will post 2.7 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Activity In other news, CFO James Mark Harmsworth sold 5,037 shares of HCI Group stock in a transaction dated Friday, May 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $56.38, for a total transaction of $283,986.06. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 43,531 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,454,277.78. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other news, Director Lauren L. Valiente bought 441 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 16th. The stock was bought at an average price of $56.81 per share, for a total transaction of $25,053.21. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 1,135 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $64,479.35. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CFO James Mark Harmsworth sold 5,037 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $56.38, for a total value of $283,986.06. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 43,531 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,454,277.78. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 25.25% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of HCI Group A number of hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. BlackRock Inc. lifted its position in HCI Group by 0.4% in the second quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 1,077,392 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $66,561,000 after purchasing an additional 4,127 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of HCI Group by 3.9% during the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 558,696 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $38,092,000 after purchasing an additional 21,054 shares in the last quarter. Hood River Capital Management LLC boosted its position in shares of HCI Group by 34.3% during the first quarter. Hood River Capital Management LLC now owns 532,607 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $28,548,000 after buying an additional 136,058 shares during the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP lifted its stake in HCI Group by 2.6% during the 1st quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 380,933 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $25,972,000 after acquiring an additional 9,798 shares during the period. Finally, Voya Investment Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of HCI Group by 83.0% during the 4th quarter. Voya Investment Management LLC now owns 377,416 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $14,942,000 after buying an additional 171,166 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 66.56% of the companys stock. About HCI Group (Get Free Report) HCI Group, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the property and casualty insurance, reinsurance, real estate, and information technology businesses in Florida. It provides residential insurance products, such as homeowners, fire, flood, and wind-only insurance to homeowners, condominium owners, and tenants for properties, as well as offers reinsurance programs. Read More Receive News & Ratings for HCI Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for HCI Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. RenaissanceRe (NYSE:RNR Get Free Report) and Hannover Ruck (OTC:HVRRF Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the better business? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their analyst recommendations, risk, earnings, dividends, institutional ownership, profitability and valuation. Institutional & Insider Ownership 93.2% of RenaissanceRe shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 20.0% of Hannover Ruck shares are held by institutional investors. 1.3% of RenaissanceRe shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. Get RenaissanceRe alerts: Profitability This table compares RenaissanceRe and Hannover Rucks net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets RenaissanceRe 5.60% 14.22% 1.91% Hannover Ruck N/A N/A N/A Dividends Analyst Recommendations RenaissanceRe pays an annual dividend of $1.52 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.8%. Hannover Ruck pays an annual dividend of $2.25 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.0%. RenaissanceRe pays out 19.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Hannover Ruck pays out 28.2% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. RenaissanceRe has increased its dividend for 28 consecutive years. This is a breakdown of current recommendations and price targets for RenaissanceRe and Hannover Ruck, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score RenaissanceRe 1 1 3 0 2.40 Hannover Ruck 2 0 0 0 1.00 RenaissanceRe currently has a consensus price target of $221.40, suggesting a potential upside of 20.02%. Hannover Ruck has a consensus price target of $149.50, suggesting a potential downside of 30.43%. Given RenaissanceRes stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, research analysts plainly believe RenaissanceRe is more favorable than Hannover Ruck. Earnings & Valuation This table compares RenaissanceRe and Hannover Rucks top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio RenaissanceRe $5.06 billion 1.87 -$1.06 billion $8.00 23.06 Hannover Ruck N/A N/A N/A $7.97 26.98 Hannover Ruck has lower revenue, but higher earnings than RenaissanceRe. RenaissanceRe is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Hannover Ruck, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Summary RenaissanceRe beats Hannover Ruck on 12 of the 14 factors compared between the two stocks. About RenaissanceRe (Get Free Report) RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, provides reinsurance and insurance products in the United States and internationally. The company operates through Property, and Casualty and Specialty segments. The Property segment writes property catastrophe excess of loss reinsurance and excess of loss reinsurance to insure insurance and reinsurance companies against natural and man-made catastrophes, including hurricanes, earthquakes, typhoons, and tsunamis, as well as winter storms, freezes, floods, fires, windstorms, tornadoes, explosions, and acts of terrorism; and other property class of products, such as proportional reinsurance, property per risk, property reinsurance, binding facilities, and regional U.S. multi-line reinsurance. The Casualty and Specialty segment writes various classes of products, such as directors and officers, medical malpractice, and professional indemnity; automobile and employer's liability, casualty clash, umbrella or excess casualty, workers' compensation, and general liability; financial and mortgage guaranty, political risk, surety, and trade credit; and accident and health, agriculture, aviation, cyber, energy, marine, satellite, and terrorism. The company distributes its products and services primarily through intermediaries. It also invests in and manages funds. RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. was founded in 1993 and is headquartered in Pembroke, Bermuda. About Hannover Ruck (Get Free Report) Hannover Ruck SE, together with its subsidiaries, provides reinsurance products and services worldwide. It operates through Property & Casualty Reinsurance, and Life & Health Reinsurance segments. The company offers property and casualty reinsurance solutions for agricultural, livestock, and bloodstock businesses; aviation and space businesses; catastrophe XL business; credit, surety, and political risks businesses; facultative business; and marine and offshore energy businesses, as well as insurance-linked securities and structured reinsurance. It also provides risk solutions in the areas of critical illness, disability, health, longevity, long term care, and mortality. In addition, the company offers group and individual retirement and lifestyle, credit life, and Takaful reinsurance products. Further, it provides various financial solutions, including new-business financing; monetization of embedded value; reserve and solvency relief; and divestiture of non-core businesses. The company was formerly known as Hannover Ruckversicherung AG and changed its name to Hannover Ruck SE in March 2013. The company was founded in 1966 and is based in Hanover, Germany. Hannover Ruck SE is a subsidiary of Talanx AG. Receive News & Ratings for RenaissanceRe Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for RenaissanceRe and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TranSwitch (OTCMKTS:TXCCQ Get Free Report) and MaxLinear (NYSE:MXL Get Free Report) are both computer and technology companies, but which is the superior investment? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their earnings, risk, profitability, valuation, dividends, institutional ownership and analyst recommendations. Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of current ratings and recommmendations for TranSwitch and MaxLinear, as reported by MarketBeat. Get TranSwitch alerts: Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score TranSwitch 0 0 0 0 N/A MaxLinear 0 3 4 0 2.57 MaxLinear has a consensus price target of $35.30, indicating a potential upside of 57.31%. Insider & Institutional Ownership Earnings & Valuation 86.3% of MaxLinear shares are held by institutional investors. 6.3% of TranSwitch shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 11.0% of MaxLinear shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth. This table compares TranSwitch and MaxLinears top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio TranSwitch N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A MaxLinear $1.12 billion 1.62 $125.04 million $0.80 28.05 MaxLinear has higher revenue and earnings than TranSwitch. Volatility & Risk TranSwitch has a beta of -2.72, suggesting that its share price is 372% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, MaxLinear has a beta of 1.87, suggesting that its share price is 87% more volatile than the S&P 500. Profitability This table compares TranSwitch and MaxLinears net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets TranSwitch N/A N/A N/A MaxLinear 6.41% 26.91% 15.80% Summary MaxLinear beats TranSwitch on 8 of the 8 factors compared between the two stocks. About TranSwitch (Get Free Report) TranSwitch Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, designs, develops, and supplies integrated circuit and intellectual property solutions that provide functionality for voice, data, and video communications equipment for the customer premises and network infrastructure markets. The company provides integrated multi-core network processor system-on-a-chip (SoC) solutions for fixed, 3G and 4G mobile, VoIP, and multimedia applications. It offers converged network infrastructure products, including infrastructure VoIP processors for wire-line and wireless carrier equipment; access VoIP processors; and EoS/EoPDH mappers and framers for carriers to transport data traffic over SONET, SDH, and PDH networks. The company also offers broadband customer premises equipment, such as connectivity solutions comprising HDMI, DisplayPort, MHL, HDP, Ethernet IP cores, and MHDP transceivers for consumer electronics, home network equipment, and industrial and automotive applications; and multi-service SoCs for customer premises equipment that support telephone voice, fax, and routing functionality over broadband access networks. TranSwitch Corporation sells its products to public network system original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), WAN and LAN equipment OEMs, Internet-oriented OEMs, and communications test and performance measurement equipment OEMs; and government, universities, and private laboratories. The company offers its products directly in North America, Taiwan, China, Japan, Korea, and Europe, as well as through a network of distributors in North America, Asia, and Europe. TranSwitch Corporation was founded in 1988 and is headquartered in Shelton, Connecticut. On November 21, 2013, TranSwitch Corporation filed a voluntary petition for liquidation under Chapter 7 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Connecticut. About MaxLinear (Get Free Report) MaxLinear, Inc. engages in the provision of communications systems-on-chip solutions for the connected home, wired and wireless infrastructure, and industrial and multi-market applications worldwide. Its products integrate various portions of a high-speed communication system, including radiofrequency, high-performance analog, mixed-signal, digital signal processing, security engines, data compression and networking layers, and power management. The company's products are used in various electronic devices, such as cable Data Over Cable Service Interface Specifications, fiber and DSL broadband modems and gateways; Wi-Fi and wireline routers for home networking; radio transceivers and modems for 4G/5G base-station and backhaul infrastructure; and fiber-optic modules for data center, metro, and long-haul transport networks, as well as power management and interface products. It serves electronics distributors, module makers, original equipment manufacturers, and original design manufacturers through a direct sales force, third-party sales representatives, and a network of distributors. The company was incorporated in 2003 and is headquartered in Carlsbad, California. Receive News & Ratings for TranSwitch Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TranSwitch and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Integral Health Asset Management LLC increased its position in Envista Holdings Co. (NYSE:NVST Free Report) by 52.0% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 152,000 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 52,000 shares during the quarter. Integral Health Asset Management LLC owned approximately 0.09% of Envista worth $6,214,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Russell Investments Group Ltd. increased its holdings in shares of Envista by 24.8% in the 1st quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 82,706 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,381,000 after acquiring an additional 16,461 shares during the period. FineMark National Bank & Trust grew its stake in shares of Envista by 2.5% during the first quarter. FineMark National Bank & Trust now owns 224,210 shares of the companys stock worth $9,166,000 after acquiring an additional 5,545 shares during the last quarter. Public Employees Retirement Association of Colorado grew its stake in shares of Envista by 1.0% during the first quarter. Public Employees Retirement Association of Colorado now owns 725,760 shares of the companys stock worth $29,669,000 after acquiring an additional 7,120 shares during the last quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. increased its position in shares of Envista by 5.8% in the 1st quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. now owns 74,452 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,044,000 after acquiring an additional 4,105 shares during the period. Finally, Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank increased its position in shares of Envista by 6.6% in the 1st quarter. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank now owns 24,392 shares of the companys stock valued at $997,000 after acquiring an additional 1,506 shares during the period. Get Envista alerts: Envista Stock Performance Shares of NYSE NVST opened at $33.38 on Friday. The companys fifty day moving average price is $33.88 and its 200 day moving average price is $36.33. Envista Holdings Co. has a 1 year low of $31.20 and a 1 year high of $43.29. The company has a market capitalization of $5.47 billion, a PE ratio of 27.14, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.87 and a beta of 1.41. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.20, a quick ratio of 1.04 and a current ratio of 1.29. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Envista ( NYSE:NVST Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 2nd. The company reported $0.43 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.41 by $0.02. Envista had a return on equity of 7.60% and a net margin of 8.40%. The company had revenue of $662.40 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $655.81 million. During the same period last year, the company earned $0.48 earnings per share. Envistas quarterly revenue was up 2.6% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts predict that Envista Holdings Co. will post 1.86 earnings per share for the current year. A number of equities analysts have issued reports 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 reduced their price target on shares of Envista from $47.00 to $45.00 in a research report on Tuesday, July 11th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Envista has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $45.50. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Envista About Envista (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. See Also 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. Invesco Municipal Trust (NYSE:VKQ Get Free Report) passed below its 200-day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of $9.56 and traded as low as $9.29. Invesco Municipal Trust shares last traded at $9.30, with a volume of 112,589 shares traded. Invesco Municipal Trust Stock Up 0.3 % The businesss fifty day moving average is $9.45 and its 200 day moving average is $9.56. Get Invesco Municipal Trust alerts: Invesco Municipal Trust Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, August 31st. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, August 15th will be given a $0.0364 dividend. This represents a $0.44 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.68%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, August 14th. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Invesco Municipal Trust Company Profile Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Landscape Capital Management L.L.C. grew its position in Invesco Municipal Trust by 57.2% during the second quarter. Landscape Capital Management L.L.C. now owns 23,697 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $223,000 after purchasing an additional 8,623 shares in the last quarter. Financial Engines Advisors L.L.C. purchased a new position in Invesco Municipal Trust during the second quarter valued at approximately $95,000. Moors & Cabot Inc. purchased a new position in Invesco Municipal Trust during the second quarter valued at approximately $102,000. Sit Investment Associates Inc. grew its position in Invesco Municipal Trust by 6.0% during the second quarter. Sit Investment Associates Inc. now owns 2,140,920 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $20,189,000 after purchasing an additional 121,159 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Robinson Capital Management LLC grew its position in Invesco Municipal Trust by 5.7% during the second quarter. Robinson Capital Management LLC now owns 198,944 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $1,890,000 after purchasing an additional 10,785 shares in the last quarter. 25.93% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. (Get Free Report) Invesco Municipal Trust is a closed-ended fixed income mutual fund launched by Invesco Ltd. The fund is co-managed by Invesco Advisers, Inc, INVESCO Asset Management (Japan) Limited, INVESCO Asset Management Deutschland GmbH, INVESCO Asset Management Limited, Invesco Hong Kong Limited, INVESCO Senior Secured Management, Inc, and Invesco Canada Ltd. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Invesco Municipal Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco Municipal Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Investment House LLC decreased its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Free Report) by 2.1% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 30,416 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after selling 667 shares during the period. Investment House LLCs holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $3,080,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). A number of other hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of ABT. Altshuler Shaham Ltd bought a new stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories during the 4th quarter valued at $28,000. Monumental Financial Group Inc. bought a new position in Abbott Laboratories in the 1st quarter worth $32,000. FWL Investment Management LLC bought a new position in Abbott Laboratories in the 4th quarter worth $33,000. True Wealth Design LLC bought a new position in Abbott Laboratories in the 4th quarter worth $33,000. Finally, WFA of San Diego LLC bought a new position in Abbott Laboratories in the 4th quarter worth $34,000. Institutional investors own 73.08% of the companys stock. Get Abbott Laboratories alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research analysts recently weighed in on ABT shares. Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an equal weight rating and issued a $112.00 target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a report on Friday, July 21st. Raymond James upped their target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $116.00 to $123.00 in a report on Thursday, April 20th. Wolfe Research raised shares of Abbott Laboratories from an underperform rating to a peer perform rating in a report on Friday, July 21st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $118.00 to $122.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, April 20th. Finally, Mizuho boosted their price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $110.00 to $115.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, July 21st. Six analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $120.82. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, EVP Andrea F. Wainer sold 10,400 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $105.03, for a total transaction of $1,092,312.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 65,027 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,829,785.81. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In related news, Director Daniel J. Starks sold 50,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, July 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $113.76, for a total transaction of $5,688,000.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 6,775,316 shares in the company, valued at $770,759,948.16. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Andrea F. Wainer sold 10,400 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $105.03, for a total transaction of $1,092,312.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 65,027 shares in the company, valued at $6,829,785.81. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 1.10% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Abbott Laboratories Stock Up 0.5 % ABT traded up $0.57 during trading on Friday, hitting $105.31. The stock had a trading volume of 3,477,062 shares, compared to its average volume of 5,041,118. The company has a market capitalization of $182.75 billion, a PE ratio of 35.48, a PEG ratio of 4.70 and a beta of 0.67. Abbott Laboratories has a twelve month low of $93.25 and a twelve month high of $115.83. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.39, a quick ratio of 1.16 and a current ratio of 1.64. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $107.30 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $106.08. Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, July 20th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.08 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.05 by $0.03. The company had revenue of $9.98 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $9.71 billion. Abbott Laboratories had a net margin of 12.83% and a return on equity of 20.50%. Abbott Laboratoriess revenue was down 11.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm earned $1.43 earnings per share. On average, research analysts predict that Abbott Laboratories will post 4.4 earnings per share for the current year. Abbott Laboratories Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, August 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, July 14th will be issued a $0.51 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, July 13th. This represents a $2.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.94%. Abbott Laboratoriess dividend payout ratio is currently 69.62%. About Abbott Laboratories (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. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ABT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Abbott Laboratories Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Abbott Laboratories and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mather Group LLC. cut its stake in shares of iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF (NYSEARCA:IEUR Free Report) by 4.0% in the 1st quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund owned 1,027,275 shares of the companys stock after selling 43,286 shares during the period. iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF comprises about 1.0% of Mather Group LLC.s holdings, making the stock its 19th largest position. Mather Group LLC.s holdings in iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF were worth $53,809,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the stock. FDx Advisors Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF during the 4th quarter valued at about $502,000. Stratos Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $271,000. WBH Advisory Inc. bought a new position in shares of iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $1,155,000. Naviter Wealth LLC bought a new position in shares of iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $262,000. Finally, Columbus Macro LLC grew its stake in shares of iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF by 20.3% during the 1st quarter. Columbus Macro LLC now owns 78,609 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,203,000 after acquiring an additional 13,252 shares during the period. Get iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF alerts: iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF Price Performance Shares of NYSEARCA:IEUR traded down $0.43 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $52.60. 715,271 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 727,514. The companys 50 day moving average price is $52.69 and its 200-day moving average price is $52.53. The firm has a market cap of $4.27 billion, a PE ratio of 12.11 and a beta of 0.95. iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF has a 52 week low of $38.54 and a 52 week high of $54.81. iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF Company Profile The iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF (IEUR) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI Europe IMI index, a market-cap-weighted index of developed European securities. IEUR was launched on Jun 10, 2014 and is managed by BlackRock. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IEUR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF (NYSEARCA:IEUR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nuveen Minnesota Quality Municipal Income Fund (NYSE:NMS Get Free Report) declared a monthly dividend on Tuesday, August 1st, Zacks reports. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, August 15th will be given a dividend of 0.036 per share on Friday, September 1st. This represents a $0.43 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.00%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, August 14th. Nuveen Minnesota Quality Municipal Income Fund has decreased its dividend by an average of 0.1% annually over the last three years. Get Nuveen Minnesota Quality Municipal Income Fund alerts: Nuveen Minnesota Quality Municipal Income Fund Trading Up 0.1 % Shares of NMS opened at $10.80 on Friday. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $11.11 and a 200-day moving average price of $11.53. Nuveen Minnesota Quality Municipal Income Fund has a 12-month low of $10.33 and a 12-month high of $15.22. Institutional Trading of Nuveen Minnesota Quality Municipal Income Fund About Nuveen Minnesota Quality Municipal Income Fund Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Captrust Financial Advisors bought a new stake in shares of Nuveen Minnesota Quality Municipal Income Fund during the 2nd quarter valued at about $30,000. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC boosted its position in shares of Nuveen Minnesota Quality Municipal Income Fund by 23.6% during the 2nd quarter. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC now owns 23,633 shares of the companys stock valued at $264,000 after acquiring an additional 4,508 shares during the last quarter. UBS Group AG boosted its position in shares of Nuveen Minnesota Quality Municipal Income Fund by 12.6% during the 3rd quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 25,425 shares of the companys stock valued at $306,000 after acquiring an additional 2,854 shares during the last quarter. Morgan Stanley boosted its position in shares of Nuveen Minnesota Quality Municipal Income Fund by 26.2% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 29,297 shares of the companys stock valued at $330,000 after acquiring an additional 6,076 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Bank of America Corp DE boosted its position in shares of Nuveen Minnesota Quality Municipal Income Fund by 731.5% during the 4th quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 31,598 shares of the companys stock valued at $355,000 after acquiring an additional 27,798 shares during the last quarter. (Get Free Report) Nuveen Minnesota Quality Municipal Income Fund is a closed ended fixed income mutual fund launched by Nuveen Investments, Inc The fund is co-managed by Nuveen Fund Advisors LLC and Nuveen Asset Management, LLC. It invests in the fixed income markets of the United States. The fund primarily invests in investment grade municipal securities that are exempt from regular federal and Minnesota personal income taxes. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Nuveen Minnesota Quality Municipal Income Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nuveen Minnesota Quality Municipal Income Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Oriental Culture Holding LTD (NYSE:OCG Get Free Report) was up 1.5% during trading on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $0.59 and last traded at $0.58. Approximately 4,052 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 93% from the average daily volume of 55,507 shares. The stock had previously closed at $0.57. Oriental Culture Stock Performance The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $0.59 and a 200 day simple moving average of $0.57. Get Oriental Culture alerts: Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in OCG. Citadel Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of Oriental Culture by 395.9% in the third quarter. Citadel Advisors LLC now owns 171,553 shares of the companys stock valued at $146,000 after buying an additional 136,962 shares during the period. Renaissance Technologies LLC boosted its holdings in Oriental Culture by 81.6% in the third quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 246,099 shares of the companys stock valued at $209,000 after acquiring an additional 110,599 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Virtu Financial LLC bought a new stake in Oriental Culture in the first quarter valued at approximately $229,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 2.36% of the companys stock. Oriental Culture Company Profile Oriental Culture Holding LTD, through its subsidiaries, operates an online platform to facilitate e-commerce trading of artwork and collectables in China and Hong Kong. The company facilitates trading by individual and institutional customers of various collectibles, artworks, and commodities on its online platforms. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Oriental Culture Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Oriental Culture and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Associated Banc Corp reduced its stake in Phillips 66 (NYSE:PSX Free Report) by 1.4% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 119,083 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after selling 1,752 shares during the period. Associated Banc Corps holdings in Phillips 66 were worth $12,073,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of PSX. Bornite Capital Management LP acquired a new position in Phillips 66 in the first quarter valued at approximately $8,639,000. Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan Trust Fund boosted its stake in Phillips 66 by 316.2% in the first quarter. Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan Trust Fund now owns 6,597 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $570,000 after acquiring an additional 5,012 shares during the period. Synovus Financial Corp boosted its stake in Phillips 66 by 5.1% in the first quarter. Synovus Financial Corp now owns 16,257 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $1,405,000 after acquiring an additional 788 shares during the period. Cibc World Market Inc. boosted its stake in Phillips 66 by 61.9% in the first quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. now owns 7,236 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $625,000 after acquiring an additional 2,766 shares during the period. Finally, Blair William & Co. IL raised its holdings in shares of Phillips 66 by 103.8% during the first quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 53,538 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $4,625,000 after buying an additional 27,267 shares during the last quarter. 77.52% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Phillips 66 alerts: Insider Activity In other news, EVP Brian Mandell sold 3,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, August 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $111.84, for a total transaction of $335,520.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 46,451 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,195,079.84. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. In other Phillips 66 news, EVP Brian Mandell sold 3,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, August 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $111.84, for a total transaction of $335,520.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 46,451 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,195,079.84. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CFO Kevin J. Mitchell sold 9,900 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $115.00, for a total transaction of $1,138,500.00. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 103,803 shares in the company, valued at $11,937,345. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders sold 182,300 shares of company stock worth $20,351,956. Insiders own 4.57% of the companys stock. Phillips 66 Price Performance Shares of NYSE:PSX traded up $1.97 on Friday, reaching $116.64. 2,557,344 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 3,431,338. Phillips 66 has a fifty-two week low of $74.02 and a fifty-two week high of $117.29. The companys 50 day moving average is $101.14 and its 200-day moving average is $100.27. The stock has a market capitalization of $51.94 billion, a PE ratio of 4.97, a P/E/G ratio of 0.42 and a beta of 1.37. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61, a current ratio of 1.33 and a quick ratio of 1.17. Phillips 66 (NYSE:PSX Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 2nd. The oil and gas company reported $3.87 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.54 by $0.33. Phillips 66 had a return on equity of 26.25% and a net margin of 6.81%. The company had revenue of $35.74 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $32.13 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $6.77 EPS. As a group, analysts anticipate that Phillips 66 will post 14.6 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Phillips 66 Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, August 18th will be given a dividend of $1.05 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, August 17th. This represents a $4.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.60%. Phillips 66s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 18.22%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades PSX has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. TD Cowen raised Phillips 66 from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and lifted their price target for the company from $110.00 to $123.00 in a report on Thursday, June 1st. Piper Sandler lifted their price target on Phillips 66 from $130.00 to $136.00 in a report on Friday, August 4th. StockNews.com cut Phillips 66 from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, August 3rd. The Goldman Sachs Group cut their price target on Phillips 66 from $124.00 to $119.00 in a report on Friday, May 12th. Finally, Mizuho lifted their price target on Phillips 66 from $106.00 to $118.00 in a report on Monday, July 10th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $124.77. View Our Latest Report on PSX Phillips 66 Profile (Free Report) Phillips 66 operates as an energy manufacturing and logistics company in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Midstream, Chemicals, Refining, and Marketing and Specialties (M&S). The Midstream segment transports crude oil and other feedstocks; delivers refined petroleum products to market; provides terminaling and storage services for crude oil and refined petroleum products; transports, stores, fractionates, exports, and markets natural gas liquids; provides other fee-based processing services; and gathers, processes, transports, and markets natural gas. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PSX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Phillips 66 (NYSE:PSX Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Phillips 66 Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Phillips 66 and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Two local businesses have now opened their long-planned patio spaces, and are serving customers in the great outdoors of Fremont. The owners of Black Label Premium Burgers and Shakes on Bell Street and Semo Pasta+Wine on Main Street had both applied for an expanded liquor license area where alcohol can be served and sold with the intention for both restaurants to add outdoor patio spaces to their existing locations. The two applications were approved by the Fremont City Council during the councils July 11 meeting. The plans were also OKd by the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission, allowing for both restaurants to serve alcohol to adults 21 and older on the patios. Laurel Korman, co-owner of Black Label with her husband, Jason, said the patio at the restaurant at 1755 N. Bell St. was unable to be opened in time for the John C. Fremont Days festival in mid-July, but it is now open for customers. It has only been open since the beginning of August. We got the approval from the city council, but we had to wait for our expanded liquor license to be approved, Laurel said in a telephone interview. When the weather has been good, (the patio) has done really well. The days it has been really hot, (the patio) has been slower. The Black Label patio is on the southside of the main structure of the restaurant, and is enclosed with a large security fence. Inside the fence are numerous tables with massive, colorful umbrellas for shade. In a prior interview with the Tribune, Jason said the patio is 15 feet by 65 feet in size, and had been on the couples radar for months. (We did it) so we would have outdoor seating for people to sit outside when it is nice out, Jason said in July. It is something weve talked about for a while. Over at Semo Pasta+Wine, the patio in front of the new restaurant has been open several weeks and features two four-seat tables surrounded by low-fencing and lush plants and flowers. Messages left for owner and founder Chef Drew Statz were not returned by press time. On Aug 8, the patio space at Semo was getting a new decorative paint scheme on the windows of the restaurant. Amber Rosete and Destiny Rosete, the mother-daughter artist team at Art & Soul Painting of Fremont, were working diligently to decorate and paint new signage onto the windows of the Semo storefront that are next to the patio space. Amber said Statz had hired the duo to add the hours and other details of the restaurant to the windows for better advertising to passersby. In a July interview, Statz said adding the patio dining option was an obvious goal of he and his partners at the new farm-to-table restaurant. Before the nice months end, we want to put a few tables out there so folks can enjoy the outdoors. Main Street is beautiful, and I would argue our stretch of Main Street is possibly the nicest with all the fresh flowers out front, Statz said. If I was out on a nice night, I would love to sit outside and eat and have a nice cold bottle of wine. Shares of PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund (NYSE:PCQ Get Free Report) passed below its 200-day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of $10.12 and traded as low as $9.86. PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund shares last traded at $9.95, with a volume of 25,069 shares changing hands. PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund Price Performance The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $9.96 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $10.11. Get PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund alerts: PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 11th will be issued a $0.036 dividend. This represents a $0.43 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.40%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, August 10th. Institutional Inflows and Outflows About PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Melfa Wealth Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund by 267.4% in the second quarter. Melfa Wealth Management LLC now owns 54,728 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $536,000 after buying an additional 39,830 shares in the last quarter. Guggenheim Capital LLC boosted its position in shares of PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund by 31.2% in the 1st quarter. Guggenheim Capital LLC now owns 342,796 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $3,455,000 after purchasing an additional 81,562 shares during the period. Core Wealth Partners LLC acquired a new position in shares of PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund in the 1st quarter valued at $350,000. Ackerman Capital Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund in the 1st quarter valued at $3,013,000. Finally, Robinson Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund in the 1st quarter valued at $1,796,000. (Get Free Report) PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund is a closed ended fixed income mutual fund launched and managed by Allianz Global Investors Fund Management LLC. It is co-managed by Pacific Investment Management Company LLC. The fund invests in fixed income markets of the United States. It seeks to invest in stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Meiji Yasuda Asset Management Co Ltd. boosted its stake in Sonoco Products (NYSE:SON Free Report) by 11.3% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 149,251 shares of the industrial products companys stock after acquiring an additional 15,130 shares during the period. Meiji Yasuda Asset Management Co Ltd. owned 0.15% of Sonoco Products worth $9,104,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in SON. Quent Capital LLC increased its position in Sonoco Products by 321.8% in the 1st quarter. Quent Capital LLC now owns 502 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $31,000 after acquiring an additional 383 shares during the period. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC acquired a new position in Sonoco Products in the 1st quarter valued at about $36,000. Belpointe Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in Sonoco Products in the 4th quarter valued at $45,000. Pinnacle Holdings LLC acquired a new position in Sonoco Products in the 1st quarter valued at $58,000. Finally, CI Investments Inc. increased its stake in Sonoco Products by 30.9% in the 4th quarter. CI Investments Inc. now owns 1,195 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $73,000 after buying an additional 282 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 75.74% of the companys stock. Get Sonoco Products alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several brokerages have issued reports on SON. StockNews.com cut shares of Sonoco Products from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, July 21st. Citigroup reduced their price target on Sonoco Products from $70.00 to $68.00 in a report on Monday, July 10th. Argus lowered Sonoco Products from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, August 3rd. Bank of America reduced their target price on Sonoco Products from $80.00 to $68.00 in a report on Monday, July 10th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company decreased their target price on shares of Sonoco Products from $61.00 to $55.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, August 2nd. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have assigned a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Sonoco Products currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $62.17. Sonoco Products Price Performance SON traded down $0.16 on Friday, hitting $56.66. 269,409 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 516,008. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.18, a quick ratio of 0.93 and a current ratio of 1.55. The firm has a market capitalization of $5.55 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.63, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.18 and a beta of 0.68. Sonoco Products has a fifty-two week low of $53.78 and a fifty-two week high of $65.96. The businesss fifty day moving average is $58.98 and its 200 day moving average is $59.42. Sonoco Products (NYSE:SON Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Monday, July 31st. The industrial products company reported $1.38 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.50 by ($0.12). The firm had revenue of $1.71 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.83 billion. Sonoco Products had a net margin of 6.89% and a return on equity of 26.15%. During the same period last year, the company posted $1.76 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Sonoco Products will post 5.2 EPS for the current year. Sonoco Products Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 8th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, August 10th will be given a $0.51 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, August 9th. This represents a $2.04 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.60%. Sonoco Productss dividend payout ratio is presently 41.80%. About Sonoco Products (Free Report) Sonoco Products Company, together with its subsidiaries, designs, develops, manufactures, and sells various engineered and sustainable packaging products in North and South America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. The company operates through two segments: Consumer Packaging and Industrial Paper Packaging. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Sonoco Products Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sonoco Products and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Swiss Re AG (OTCMKTS:SSREY Get Free Report) was the target of a significant decline in short interest during the month of July. As of July 31st, there was short interest totalling 6,000 shares, a decline of 68.8% from the July 15th total of 19,200 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 33,800 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.2 days. Swiss Re Price Performance Shares of OTCMKTS:SSREY traded down $0.76 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $24.36. The company had a trading volume of 22,068 shares, compared to its average volume of 20,286. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $25.43 and its 200 day moving average price is $25.43. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.80, a current ratio of 0.25 and a quick ratio of 0.25. Swiss Re has a 1-year low of $17.26 and a 1-year high of $27.29. Get Swiss Re alerts: Swiss Re Company Profile (Get Free Report) Read More Swiss Re AG, together with its subsidiaries, provides wholesale reinsurance, insurance, other insurance-based forms of risk transfer, and other insurance-related services worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Property & Casualty Reinsurance, Life & Health Reinsurance, and Corporate Solutions. Receive News & Ratings for Swiss Re Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Swiss Re and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Toast (NYSE:TOST Free Report) had its price target upped by The Goldman Sachs Group from $23.50 to $26.00 in a research report report published on Thursday, Benzinga reports. They currently have a neutral rating on the stock. TOST has been the topic of several other research reports. Robert W. Baird cut their target price on Toast from $24.00 to $21.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, April 19th. Needham & Company LLC raised their price target on Toast from $30.00 to $31.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday. Credit Suisse Group raised their price target on Toast from $23.00 to $25.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday. Jefferies Financial Group assumed coverage on Toast in a report on Tuesday, July 11th. They issued a buy rating and a $28.00 price target for the company. Finally, Bank of America assumed coverage on Toast in a report on Thursday, June 1st. They issued a buy rating for the company. Ten equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $24.53. Get Toast alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on Toast Toast Stock Performance TOST traded up $1.34 on Thursday, hitting $24.11. The company had a trading volume of 10,619,619 shares, compared to its average volume of 6,971,162. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $22.48 and a 200-day moving average price of $20.49. Toast has a 12-month low of $15.77 and a 12-month high of $27.00. The stock has a market capitalization of $12.79 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -33.03 and a beta of 1.73. Toast (NYSE:TOST Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, August 8th. The company reported ($0.19) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.14) by ($0.05). Toast had a negative net margin of 11.33% and a negative return on equity of 34.03%. The company had revenue of $978.00 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $943.06 million. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned ($0.11) EPS. Toasts revenue for the quarter was up 44.9% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts forecast that Toast will post -0.52 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insider Buying and Selling at Toast In related news, Director David Yuan purchased 135,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, May 15th. The stock was bought at an average cost of $19.44 per share, with a total value of $2,624,400.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director now owns 388,614 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,554,656.16. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. In related news, CEO Christopher P. Comparato sold 2,444 shares of Toast stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $20.74, for a total value of $50,688.56. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 325,382 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,748,422.68. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, Director David Yuan acquired 135,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, May 15th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $19.44 per share, for a total transaction of $2,624,400.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director now owns 388,614 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,554,656.16. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 2,832,506 shares of company stock valued at $62,005,159. 13.70% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Institutional Trading of Toast A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of TOST. Credit Suisse AG lifted its stake in Toast by 10.6% in the 2nd quarter. Credit Suisse AG now owns 171,966 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,881,000 after buying an additional 16,491 shares in the last quarter. Qsemble Capital Management LP acquired a new position in shares of Toast during the second quarter valued at approximately $357,000. BlackRock Inc. lifted its position in shares of Toast by 26.7% in the second quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 18,546,558 shares of the companys stock valued at $418,596,000 after acquiring an additional 3,907,219 shares in the last quarter. Penn Mutual Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Toast in the second quarter worth approximately $234,000. Finally, O Neil Global Advisors Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Toast during the second quarter worth approximately $263,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 57.12% of the companys stock. Toast Company Profile (Get Free Report) Toast, Inc operates a cloud-based digital technology platform for the restaurant industry in the United States and Ireland. The company offers Toast POS, a software module that integrates payment processing with point of sale functionality; Toast Invoicing that allows restaurants to send invoices and collect payment; Toast Mobile Order & Pay, which allows guests to scan a QR code to browse the menu, order, and pay from mobile; Kitchen Display System software that connects the house with the kitchen staff; and Multi-Location Management, a tool to manage operations and configure menus across multiple locations and channels. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Toast Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Toast and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BEIJING, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) China has set attaining high-quality development as its primary task in building a modern socialist country in all respects. President Xi Jinping once defined high-quality development as "a shift from pursuing growth to pursuing better growth," illustrating the evolution of the country's economic development from rapid expansion to a focus on quality. In addition to engaging in meetings and enacting policies, Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, has pushed forward high-quality development through his inspection tours. Since the start of the year, he has taken several inspection trips across the country, and made stops at tech companies, research institutes, industrial parks and nature reserves -- locations that indicate focal points crucial for achieving high-quality development. Sci-Tech Innovation According to Xi, the key to Chinese modernization is the modernization of science and technology. Xi has frequented prominent players in the field of sci-tech innovation on his inspection trips. In April, Xi visited GAC Aion New Energy Automobile Co., Ltd., a new energy vehicle producer in south China's Guangdong Province. The province is regarded as China's high-tech hub and hosts tech giants such as Huawei and Tencent. Xi emphasized that core technologies in key fields should be based on independent research and development, and also demanded further support for small and medium-sized enterprises in their innovation endeavors. During his inspection tour of north China's Hebei Province in May, Xi encouraged sci-tech researchers at an electronics technology research institute to achieve continuous progress in making cutting-edge technology breakthroughs. During a visit to the Purple Mountain Laboratories' comprehensive 6G lab in east China's Jiangsu Province in July, Xi called for pursuing innovation in a down-to-earth manner to bolster China's self-reliance and strength in high-level sci-tech advancements. Modern Industrial System China boasts the world's largest and most comprehensive industrial system. It is the leading global producer of over 220 types of industrial products, encompassing all the industrial categories on the United Nations' industrial classification list. A modern industrial system is the material and technological foundation of a modern country, Xi once stressed. The modernization of the industrial system has been another focus for Xi during his inspection trips. On multiple occasions, Xi has inspected local initiatives aiming to promote the green transformation of the energy industry and the development of advanced manufacturing. While inspecting the energy-rich Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in June, Xi said the pursuit of green development is a prerequisite, and it is of utmost importance that Inner Mongolia promotes the transformation and upgrading of traditional energy industries, boosts green energy, and develops itself into a key national energy base. In southwest China's Sichuan Province in July, Xi urged the construction of a new energy system for the complementary development of various energy resources such as water, wind, solar power, hydrogen and natural gas. In the provinces of Guangdong and Jiangsu, Xi called for industrial foundations to be advanced, industrial chains to be modernized, and the growth of strategic emerging industries to be fostered. Xi also stressed that Chinese modernization should not follow the path that leads to the real economy being sidelined, and urged accelerated efforts to develop a modern industrial system supported by the real economy. Ecological Conservation At a national conference on ecological and environmental protection last month, Xi underscored the significance of supporting high-quality development with a high-quality ecological environment. He stressed the need to accelerate the advancement of modernization featuring harmony between humanity and nature. Xi is deeply concerned about the ecological conservation and protection of cultural relics in the Yellow River Basin. During his visits to the provinces of Shanxi and Shaanxi in May, Xi said that all provinces and regions within the Yellow River Basin must take the protection of the Yellow River Basin's ecology as the baseline in planning development and promoting high-quality development, and must refrain from doing things that are not conducive to the ecological protection of the Yellow River Basin. While inspecting the country's largest mangrove nature reserve in Guangdong, Xi referred to mangrove forests as national treasures and said they should be protected with as much care as people take to protect their own eyes. In Inner Mongolia, Xi visited an afforestation project site and called for continuous efforts to prevent and control desertification, which he described as a long-term historic mission. Presently, China has the world's largest planted forest area, with its forest coverage rate more than doubling from 12 percent in the early 1980s to 24.02 percent last year. "We should continue to pursue green development, make unremitting efforts across generations to build a beautiful China, and contribute to the preservation of our global village," Xi has said. (Source: Xinhua) Our Denver editor, Luige Del Puerto, was telling me a story the other day about an ecologist in South Africa who had a problem on his hands. A band of adolescent male elephants in Pilanesberg National Park had started attacking rhinos in the park. More than 50 badly mutilated rhino carcasses were eventually discovered, and the ecologist, Gus Van Dyk, needed to find way to make the attacks stop. He identified the probable cause as a lack of adult male bull elephants in the herd. The park had been seeded with elephants from other national parks, but the big bulls were much more difficult to transport, so all the elephants in Pilanesberg were between 15 and 18 years old. Eight-foot-tall, 6-ton teenagers, in other words. Van Dyk got six large bulls introduced to the herd from Kruger National Park, according to a BBC Earth Podcast report, and literally within hours, the teen elephant thugs were under control. No more rhinos have been killed since by rampaging youngsters. The story was used in an academic paper recently as an example of the importance of a stable society and a father figure to provide boundaries and accountability for teen males. The young males that were getting into these elephant gangs had no template of good social behavior and were at the mercy of their rampaging hormones, which was putting them at as much risk as those around them, the study found. We heard a very similar thing from seven experts convened for a Denver Gazette/9News town hall last week to talk about Denvers raging epidemic of teen violence. All the programs, research, volunteers, therapy, addiction services, law enforcement efforts and wrangling over tougher laws boil down to one thing, the experts agreed. A caring, trusted adult consistently in a young persons life, from cradle to grave" is crucial in steering a child away from a violent path, said Jonathan McMillan, director of the Office of Gun Violence Prevention at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Education. "Having that person who a young person can go to to learn from, who they can confide in. Its hard to legislate being concerned and involved in someone elses life, McMillan said. McMillan knows of what he speaks. At age 25, he was incarcerated by the state of Colorado. Part of what drove him to prison, he said, was this normalization of this narrative that because I was a young Black man in the late '80s, early '90s that I was more likely to go to prison than college, more likely to drop out of high school, more likely to die before the age of 25. And that created a vacuum that sucked all of the hope out of me and I would say hundreds of thousands of young Black men like me at that time. But McMillan changed his own narrative, redirecting it to help others in the same boat he was once in. And I celebrated my 50th birthday this year, he told us all last Tuesday. He is concerned that normalization of the violent deaths of 12- to 18-year-olds suddenly seems to be happening again this spring and summer. A fusillade of violent crimes involving teenagers and children, both as perpetrators and victims, prompted us editors and reporters at The Denver Gazette a few months ago to launch a series of stories called Kids in the Crossfire. We wanted to explore why gunfire with young people pulling the trigger has become so constant that, at times, it has seemed omnipresent in parts of the city. That narrative hasnt gone away, McMillan remarked. And that hopelessness leads to recklessness. So when we have gang members whether they're OGs or the Tiny Dancers, Young Dancers, they dont care about criminal consequences, they are just looking to get the most out of what they think is going to be a short life anyway. Whats going to best redirect that behavior? Guess what Im going to say? Its a caring, trusted adult, McMillan repeated. It doesnt have to be a parent. It doesnt have to be a mentor. It actually can be law enforcement. Oftentimes, law enforcement people are the consistent adults in those lives so they need to know how to connect with young people and build those bridges to services and bridges to safety and bridges to justice. Were talking cops with mental health training, emotional intelligence training, not just guns. That town hall Tuesday transcended just talk. It ended up being a clarion call to arms for our communities, the kind of arms that wrap around the shoulders of at-risk kids who could use someone to believe in them. These are very complicated problems. These are not law enforcement problems. They are not social services problems. They are community problems, and it takes all of these different agencies and institutions working together in partnership, said Sarah Goodrum, a research professor with the Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence at the University of Colorado Boulder. And it starts with us. Goodrum suggested that everybody should learn and practice "skills for being a good upstander." "It really does take people like us, seeing someone going down the wrong path, a pathway toward violence, and ask, What is going on here? Practice those skills with your friends, with your children, so when the time comes, you know what to say, and you know what to do, she said. I was stuck by how solvable all the folks who dedicate their lives to at-risk youths believe this surge in violence is. Solvable, but the solution requires something from everyone. McMillan said during his time as director of gun violence prevention, he came to want every single person in the city to really recognize that they play a role in making sure that we all are safe, and happy, healthy and hopeful. And that may just be asking a colleague, Steve, are you Ok? It may be, You need someone to talk to? And then following up on that. It also means our government leaders have to make sure there is a framework that supports the support other people are offering. We all ought to be cognitive of the fact that not every young person is going to be in a gang, or not every gang member is going to pick up a firearm, and not every kid who picks up a firearm is actually going to be a shooter, so when we start to break down the reality of the situation of how very few youth are the ones that are at the highest risk and maybe have the highest need for services, it becomes a much more manageable issue, where each of us in the room, literally, if each of us in the room really wanted to reach out to one of those gang members or one of those young people who are most at risk of picking up a firearm, we would probably have more than enough people in this room right now for the city and county of Denver and probably Aurora. So consider this column a Help Wanted ad for Caring, Trusted Adults. Social media and the pandemic have sapped our sense of community and voluntary civic engagement around the country what Alexis de Tocqueville called the science of association that he saw as our country's greatest strength. What I heard Tuesday was a loud plea for its return. Is there anyone in your orbit, locally, within reach with the aid of your cellphone, that could use a parental arm around their shoulder, someone you believe in, someone you want to believe in? Pick one. Make a difference. Do you have those precious parenting skills that are so in demand by our at-risk kids but maybe you no longer employ regularly every day because you now have an empty nest? Or do you live in a retirement home and have some time on your hands? Or just looking for some extra meaning in your life? Parenting is zone defense. When one parent is out of commission, the rest of us parents need to step up. Together, we need to be the Distant Early Warning Line that lets the many organizations that are doing really good work on teen violence know who needs extra help. We need to be the program for the kids all the other programs dont reach. Especially us male parents. We need not underestimate how important our presence is, how vital our particular parenting skills are even if we dont see our caring reciprocated, even if mom gets all the hugs and attention. Those kids need male role models to set limits, set examples, hold them accountable, calm the herd. Just like those bull elephants. We are all of us, after all, involved in the family of man. Weather Alert ...EXCESSIVE HEAT WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MONDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH THURSDAY EVENING... * WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values of 105 to 110 expected. * WHERE...Portions of southern Illinois, southwest Indiana and western Kentucky. * WHEN...From Monday afternoon through Thursday evening. * IMPACTS...Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...This will likely be the worst heat wave we have experienced this summer in terms of duration. The multiple day aspect of this excessive heat will add to the impact. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for updates on this situation. Be prepared to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air- conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. This is especially true during warm or hot weather when car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes. && Weather Alert ...EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM CDT THURSDAY... * WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values of 105 to 115 expected. * WHERE...Southern Illinois and southeast Missouri along with the westernmost portions of southwest Indiana and western Kentucky. * WHEN...From noon today to 10 PM CDT Thursday. * IMPACTS...Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...This will likely be the worst heat wave we have experienced this summer in terms of duration. The multiple day aspect of this excessive heat will add to the impact. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1. && Kevin Edwards Le, a 23-year-old Army soldier, has been found guilty of attempting to commit sexual assault on a child, soliciting child prostitution, and patronizing a prostituted child. Le was found guilty by a jury on Aug. 9, as reported by the Colorado Springs Police Department. He's scheduled to be sentenced in November. The CSPD Internet Crimes against Children Unit was reportedly conducting an undercover investigation into subjects who lure and exploit minors using the internet, which led to Le's arrest in September 2022. Colorado Springs police lead the ICAC Task Force, which is composed of approximately 98 affiliate law enforcement agencies across the state and beyond, including the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Army Criminal Investigation Division. Speaking in the national parliamentary building on Thursday for the unveiling of a commemorative portrait of himself, former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd declared that there was a real threat of a major war in the near term. The possibility was no longer a hypothetical one, he said. We are in a region where the risk of crisis, conflict and war is realnot a theory, its a real threat, Rudd declared. He said the situation was far more difficult than when he was prime minister, despite his tenure coinciding with the 200809 global financial crisis. There were now enormous structural factors, including the development of great power competition in the Indo-Pacific region. Former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd with US Ambassador Caroline Kennedy for the commissioning of the USS Canberra in Sydney on July 23, 2023. The latter comment, and the entire context of the remarks, demonstrated that Rudd was speaking of a possible war between the US, its allies including Australia, and China. The former Labor PM, who is Australias current ambassador to the US, wrote a book last year examining the prospect of such a conflict. Given his history, connections and current position, Rudd is in a position to know of what he speaks. His comments are an indication of the planning and calculations taking place every day in the corridors of power, behind the backs of ordinary people. They are a warning of what is being prepared by American imperialism, as it seeks to offset its economic decline through full-scale confrontation with China, which is viewed as its chief rival. Rudds comments underscore the extraordinary recklessness of the program being implemented by the current Labor government, of completing Australias transformation into a militarised, frontline state in such a conflict. As striking as Rudds assessment of the danger of conflict was the banality of his advice to prevent it. Speaking in an almost meaningless jargon, Rudd said it was necessary for our democracies to navigate our security circumstances with a level of care, intention, foresight, and with hard decisions to be made. That requires acute management and leadership by our leaders here in this parliament, in this government. The history of Rudds own government speaks against this line. Rudd was fully committed to US-led militarism and war. But in the early stages of the US confrontation with China, he called for Washington to try to come to a modus vivendi with Beijing to mitigate against the prospect of all-out war. Rudds position was not anti-war in the slightest. Secret US cables published by WikiLeaks made plain he had declared that in the event of a war with China, his Labor government would participate. But even his highly limited and tactical concerns were intolerable. As a consequence, in June 2010, Rudd was ousted as prime minister in a backroom coup orchestrated by Labor and trade union apparatchiks later revealed by further diplomatic cables published by WikiLeaks to have been secret informants of the US embassy. Julia Gillard, who replaced Rudd as prime minister, rapidly signed on to the US pivot to Asia, a vast military build-up openly aimed at preparing for war with China. More than a decade on, the militarisation is far advanced. The Labor government is proceeding with AUKUS, the Indo-Pacific war pact with the US and Britain, and not a single figure within the government or the Labor leadership has raised a word of criticism. Rudd, meanwhile, has largely put his tactical differences back in his briefcase. As Australian ambassador to the US, he is involved every day in the implementation of AUKUS, alongside the political, diplomatic and military leaders of American imperialism. While pointing to the risk of war, his own activities and those of the Labor government are greatly increasing its likelihood. This real program, of escalating the drive to war, not diminishing its dangers, was spelt out the very same day as Rudds remarks at a Canberra event of the Australian American Leadership Dialogue. A keynote address was delivered by Republican congressman Mike Gallagher, who is co-founder of the Friends of Australia Caucus and co-chair of the AUKUS Working Group on Capitol Hill. Gallagher has also been appointed the chair of the Houses new select committee on the Chinese Communist Party, a McCarthyite body plotting provocations against Beijing and seeking to whip up a wartime atmosphere against it. In Canberra, Gallagher declared: The point is that the potential for AUKUSfrom the undersea domain, to munitions and critical technologies, to logisticsis limited only by our willpower and our imagination. That is, AUKUS must be the focal point for war planning on every conceivable front. According to the Australian Financial Review, Gallagher called for greater investment in Australias logistical infrastructure, pre-positioned fuel and material and enhanced basing. He declared: Not only could these investments better defend Australias northern approaches, especially through enhanced sensing, they would reduce the odds of conflict in the first place. Mike Gallagher, R-Wis., leads a special House committee dedicated to countering China chairs hearing at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023. [AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite] Of course, such logistics have nothing to do with defending northern Australia, which faces no conceivable threat from China or anyone else. Instead, the north of the continent is being transformed into a launching point for US-led activities throughout the Indo-Pacific, including in the event of conflict. The centrepiece is the decision to station nuclear-capable US B-52 bombers near the northern city of Darwin. The war planes, which are central to US strike capabilities, require complex logistical support. Gallaghers remarks were a call to escalate what is already underway, including the establishment of massive jet fuel tanks near Darwin, and the upgrading of air force runways and hangars to accommodate the bombers. Gallagher shot back at any suggestion that the US would turn away from delivering three Virginia-class nuclear powered submarines to Australia under the AUKUS agreement. Some congresspeople previously warned that the US does not have the capacity to follow through, but Gallagher insisted they were wrong. While those craft will not arrive for up to a decade, US nuclear-submarines are already beginning enhanced operations from Australian ports. Yet Gallagher insisted that there must be a quid pro quo. Australia would have to become a hub for US missile production. Such a program was unveiled late last month at the Australia-US Ministerial Consultations in Brisbane, but Gallagher insisted it must be a crash program, i.e., one that is rapidly accelerated. This was underscored by events in Ukraine, where the US has for the past year waged a proxy war against Russia. A purported lack of munitions showed how rapidly a country could go Winchester, i.e., run out of available arms, in the event of a modern war with heavy fighting. Consequently, as much as Australia is relying on the US for submarine delivery, the US is likewise going to rely on Australia to codevelop and supplement our munitions stockpiles, Gallagher declared. While claiming that this militarisation would ensure peace, Gallagher presented this program in almost apocalyptic terms. Such is the price of liberty, he proclaimed. For together, we are the beating heart of the free world, and if we dont guard our God-given freedom from communist aggression, no one will. That specific rhetoric, including the absurd description of capitalist China as communist, is no doubt bound up with Gallaghers far-right Republican politics. Whatever their trappings, however, it was clear that his comments were entirely in line with the program of the Biden administration. It too has presented the conflict with China in similar terms of a total war. That reflects not just the proclivities of individual politicians, but the historic crisis of American imperialism. As a formerly dominant power in decline, and one wracked by economic and social tensions, US capitalism increasingly sees no way out of its quagmire but through massive war aimed at eliminating all potential rivals. The confluence between Gallaghers presentation and the activities of the Biden administration was pointed to by the Financial Review. It noted that his visit to Canberra for the annual dialogue fits neatly with Americas aim of weaving Australia even more tightly into what Gallagher has called the existential struggle over what life will look like in the 21st century. The Labor government has, since its election in May 2022, functioned as the most militarist and hawkish Australian administration in decades. It has accelerated Australias military build-up, while functioning as Washingtons chief diplomatic and geopolitical attack dog throughout the region. Gallaghers remarks show that even more is being demanded. That was also indicated by the enthusiastic reception his comments received from the Australians foreign editor Greg Sheridan. One of the countrys most prominent hawks, Sheridan, who has close ties to the US military and intelligence establishment, has in recent weeks accused Labor of not proceeding with the war drive as rapidly as required. Gallaghers comments are a warning to the working class. So too is the fact that they have received virtually no critical commentary from within the political and media establishment. That underscores the fact that the fight against war requires the independent mobilisation of the working class, in Australia and internationally, against all the governments and the capitalist system, the source of war. The impoverished West African state of Niger is the latest flashpoint in the struggle by the imperialist powers for a redivision of the world. The issues involved in the NATO-Russia war in Ukrainea fight for territory, strategic resources and regime-changeare erupting all over the globe, in China and Taiwan, and now in the Sahel region of Africa. Though stalled for the moment, what would be a devastating war led by the most powerful country in the region, Nigeria, to oust the coup leaders in Niger and reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum is under active preparation. At a summit of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in the Nigerian capital Abuja Thursday, leaders agreed to activate a standby military force and threatened that no option had been taken off the table. Omar Touray, left, president of the ECOWAS Commission, welcomes Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould El-Ghazouani , center, for the ECOWAS meeting in Abuja, Nigeria. Thursday, August 10, 2023. [AP Photo/Gbemiga Olamikan] They agreed a new round of sanctions on Niger, which has been plunged into blackouts by electricity cut-offs and seen food prices rise 60 percent amid a blockade and the freezing of assets and trade. A conflict would draw in the entire region. Senegal, Benin and the Ivory Coast have already pledged to send troops to aid Nigeria. Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea have declared for the military coup leaders in Niger. Behind the proposed ECOWAS action stand the imperialist powers, who are intent on blocking Russia and China from further penetrating a continent whose strategic significance is growing rapidly. The long-term decline of Frances economic position in its former West African coloniesculminating in the last three years in a dramatic collapse of its military presence in Mali, Burkina Faso and now perhaps Nigerhas thrown open the Sahel region to intense geopolitical competition. Bazoum was considered an important Western ally. The US and the European powers have responded to the coup against him by cutting aid to Niger supposedly provided on humanitarian groundson which it relies for 40 percent of its annual government budget. They are determined to secure their interests whatever the cost. Speaking Tuesday after difficult talks with the coup leaders, US Acting Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nulandveteran of the US-backed 2014 coup in Ukrainethreatened, Well be watching the situation, but we understand our legal responsibilities and I explained those very clearly to the guys who were responsible for this and that it is not our desire to go there, but they may push us to that point. US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Wednesday, February 1, 2023. [AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena] Caution over a proposed military intervention by ECOWAS has centred on concerns that such action has not been properly prepared and would spark mass opposition throughout the region. A misjudged war could explode the social powder keg in Nigeria, where the US and Britain are heavily invested politically and economically. A great deal is at stake. The United States currently has 1,500 soldiers of its 6,500-strong declared African deployment stationed in Niger across two basesone of which is the regional hub for drone missions. France has 1,100 troops in the country, Italy 300 and Germany around 100. Niger is a major uranium producer, providing a quarter of Europes supply. It is due to start exporting oil and plays a central role in policing migration out of Africa to Europe. It has become a frontline state in a battle for economic and military pre-eminence in West Africa and across the whole continent. A uranium mine in Niger. [Photo by Korea Open Government License/Korea Aerospace Research Institute] Africa is home to an estimated 30 percent of the worlds mineral wealth, including 90 percent of its chromium and platinumcrucial to the green energy transition. Another such mineral is cobalt, of which 70 percent of the worlds supply is produced in the Democratic Republic of Congo. By the end of the century, Africa could also account for a fifth of the worlds lithium supply. The continent also produces 65 percent of the worlds diamonds and is home to 40 percent of its gold reserves, 12 percent of its oil and 8 percent of its natural gas, while Morocco alone is home to 75 percent of the worlds phosphate rock, crucial for fertiliser. In terms of markets, Africas consumer expenditure is on track to grow from $1.4 trillion in 2015 to $2.5 trillion in 2030. The US and Europe are concerned not to let Niger be another loss to the claims made by China and Russia on these riches and opportunities. Russias Wagner group (headed by Yevgeny Prigozhin) is operating in Mali, to Nigers immediate West, Libya, to its North East, the Central African Republic (CAR) and Sudanproviding armed forces for their governments in conflicts with local rebel groups. In the CAR and Sudan, Wagner also runs private gold and diamond mines. Russian President Vladimir Putin inaugurated a Russia-Africa summit in 2019 promising to help push back against an array of Western countries [that] are resorting to pressure, intimidation and blackmail of sovereign African governments. The second, far less well attended, summit held under conditions of anti-Russian sanctions and the war in Ukraine, took place last month, where a special effort was made to court Burkina Fasos interim leader Colonel Ibrahim Traore. Russia has sought to leverage its relatively meagre resources to gain allies and the occasional lucrative venture, but China is throwing enormous economic weight behind securing control of Africas resources markets. It has controlling stakes in large swathes of the continents mining industryincluding the bulk of uranium mines in Niger, plus its oil industryforming part of a total FDI (foreign direct investment) stock of $43.4 billion in 2020, a 100-fold increase in 17 years. China is Africas largest bilateral lender, loaning $153 billion in the two decades to 2019, and its second largest trade partner after the European Union, bigger than any other single country. Both Russia and China are also major arms suppliers to sub-Saharan Africa, accounting for 26 and 18 percent of sales respectively in the last five years, above third-place France at 8 percent, and the US at 5 percent. In 2019, US Africa Command (AFRICOM) launched a five-year plan to deter what it called Chinese and Russian malign action. Former head of AFRICOM, Marine Corps Gen. Thomas Waldhauser, told Congress that year that both were after access and influence to our detriment, and that, within the decade, China could gain the capability to inhibit US military access and operations. The policy has remained unchanged since Trumps Republicans were replaced by the Democrats under Biden. Colin P. Clarke, former RAND analyst and current director of research at the global intelligence and security consultancy The Soufan Group, bluntly explained to Newsweek the implications of the Nigerien situation. This could take on the dimensions of a regional proxy war, with Western countries supporting ECOWAS and Russia supporting Nigerand Burkina Faso and Mali, if they joined inwith muscle from the Wagner Group. Whats happening in the Sahel is not a sideshow to great power competition, it is great power competition. The events unfolding are not doing so in a vacuum. The US, France, China, and Russia each have their own vested interests in Sahelian countries. Workers and the rural poor in Niger and West Africa are confronted with the catastrophe warned of by the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI) at its 1991 Berlin Conference of Workers against Imperialist War and Colonialism, held in response to the Gulf War. The manifesto announcing that conference explained: This ongoing and de facto partition of Iraq signals the start of a new division of the world by the imperialists. The colonies of yesterday are again to be subjugated. The conquests and annexations which, according to the opportunist apologists of imperialism, belonged to a bygone era are once again on the order of the day. Based on Trotskys theory of permanent revolution, the statement warned that the struggle against imperialist oppression cannot be waged successfully as long as the working class remains under the political domination of any wing of the national bourgeoisie. It is inseparable from a fight against national ruling classes which have overseen the continued gruelling exploitation of the African masses, kept in power by militaries trained and funded by the imperialists. Niger must above all serve as a warning to the working class all over the world of the urgent need to oppose the predatory war aims of the imperialist powers. As the ICFI and the International Youth and Students for Social Equality insisted in calling for the building of a worldwide movement against the NATO-Russia war: The war in Ukraine is not an episode that will soon be resolved and followed by a return to normalcy. It is the beginning of a violent eruption of a global crisis that can be resolved only in one of two ways. The capitalist solution leads to nuclear war, though the word solution can hardly be rationally applied to what would amount to planetary suicide. Thus, the only viable response, from the standpoint of securing the future of mankind, is the world socialist revolution. The International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) continues to receive statements protesting the refusal of Macquarie University in Sydney to affiliate its student club despite having met all stipulated requirements. NTEU official addressing stopwork meeting at Macquarie University, May 31, 2023 Given the IYSSEs complete exposure of managements fraudulent pretext for denying its club official status, managements decision stands exposed as blatant political censorship of a socialist and anti-war voice on campus. Add your signature to the nearly 600 others on the petition demanding that the IYSSE be affiliated, and send in your own letters of protest to management, copied to the IYSSE so they can be posted at the WSWS. Below are the statements from two academics at Macquarie University, who will remain anonymous. *** To Student Engagement, Inclusion and Belonging, As a lecturer at Macquarie University, I protest the political censorship being conducted against the IYSSE. Student clubs are an important part of life on campus, promoting the cultural and academic interests of students. Preventing the registration of a club, which has met your own requirements, is an attack on the democratic rights of students. The reason given to oppose registration is non-existent. Supposedly, student engagement does not wish to have two clubs with the same purpose; they can be amalgamated. Why do you have both the Macquarie Overseas Vietnamese and Vietnamese Students Association? In medicine, registered clubs include: Medicine Society, Medical Science Society, Medical Society (Postgrad) and MQ Surgical Society. Other examples of significant overlap can be given. Is there in fact an overlap between the IYSSE and the Macquarie Socialists, as you claim? No. These are political clubs, and the political differencesthe class differenceshave been made as clear as day. The IYSSE represents the international working class and is a Trotskyist club. Macquarie Socialists articulates the interests of the upper middle class and defends capitalism. On every issue facing young people, there is a fundamental difference between the IYSSE and the Macquarie Socialists. Why is the affiliation being blocked? The reason is not difficult to determine. The IYSSE is an anti-war club; in fact, it is the only anti-war club on campus. No other organisation opposes the US-NATO proxy war against Russia in Ukraine. The IYSSE explains that the way to oppose war is to turn young people to the international working class on a socialist perspective of international socialism. The IYSSE is unique in fighting for this perspective. The IYSSE has a long record at Macquarie University. It has been a registered club on campus since 2010, and was only deregistered in 2022 by an anti-democratic decision by Student Engagement to insist that every club go through a re-registration process. The IYSSE has, in their May 2023 AGM, met all the requirements to be a registered club. The delays, extending over 2 months, in registration have already been an attack on the democratic rights of students. There is a clear decision now to be made by you: register the IYSSE. *** To the Macquarie University management, As a Macquarie University educator, I add my voice to the demands being raised by students, academics, IYSSE members and workers across Australia and internationally for you to affiliate the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) as a student club at Macquarie University. Your Student Engagement, Inclusion & Belonging administrators have claimed that the IYSSE and the Macquarie Socialists club share the same aim and purpose and is using this as a basis for refusing to affiliate the IYSSE. This claim has been refuted by the IYSSE, who have explained very clearly the political differences between the two groups. Furthermore, the Macquarie Socialists have also publicly rejected the claim that they share the same aim and purpose as the IYSSE. As the IYSSE wrote in their letter of July 5, The assertion that we have the same aims as Macquarie Socialists, you will recall, was the sole justification you gave for rejecting our affiliation. It has now been entirely refuted by all parties involved. The only institution that falsely claims that we have the same aims is your own. Aside from the complete impropriety of a university management body adjudicating on the politics of student organisations, your previous assertions are now entirely untenable. We therefore demand that you immediately rescind this position and affiliate our club forthwith. Given that both clubs have declared that your decision to block the IYSSEs affiliation was based on a completely false assertion, why are you still refusing to affiliate the IYSSE? It is clear that your Student Engagement, Inclusion & Belonging team have made this anti- democratic decision, declining a valid application for affiliation, on political grounds since the IYSSE has followed the guidelines to the letter. One can only conclude that the university is seeking to silence the only genuinely socialist and anti-war club on campus, with a long record of activity and meetings at the university. This anti-democratic act must be opposed. The IYSSE is the only youth organisation in the world fighting for the unity of the international working class on a socialist perspective directed against war. The IYSSE also provides a forum for students to engage in open and critical discussion on social, political, economic and scientific issues that are largely absent from public discussion but that are enormously important to young people. Students should be able to explore different political perspectives, as they seek answers to important questions like war, climate change, democratic rights, poverty and inequality. Universities should serve as spaces for diverse perspectives and robust intellectual exchange. In the Universitys strategic framework, we say We believe learning, enquiry and discovery improves lives; we conduct ourselves ethically, equitably, and for mutual benefit. The decision to not reaffiliate the IYSSE does not align with these broad principles. If the University values enquiry and discovery, and wishes to act equitably and ethically, it must reaffiliate the IYSSE. I call upon Macquarie University to rescind its decision to not affiliate the IYSSE and to uphold democratic principles and respect the rights of its students. It is critical for the university to provide an inclusive and open environment that encourages intellectual diversity, fosters democratic engagement and empowers students to shape a better future through informed and active participation. A concerned academic We call on all readers to support the fight to defend the IYSSE at Macquarie University by sending letters of protest over the rejection of the IYSSEs affiliation to the Student Engagement, Inclusion and Belonging division of university management at studentgroups@mq.edu.au, and CC iysse.macquarie@gmail.com. Get in touch with the IYSSE to find out how you can be involved: Email: iysseaus@gmail.com Facebook: facebook.com/IYSSEaustralia Twitter: @IysseA Instagram: @iysse.aus With virtually no media coverage, let alone public discussion, the Albanese Labor government last week released its official response to a parliamentary committee report on the power to go to war by sending troops overseas. Under conditions in which it is already participating in an escalating US-NATO war in Europe against Russia and intensifying preparations for a US-led war against China, the government doubled down on having unlimited powers to launch military operations entirely behind the backs of the population. Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles with Indian, Japanese, US and Australian navy commanders involved in Exercise Malabar off the east coast of Australia, 11-22 August, 2023. [Photo: @RichardMarlesMP] The government welcomed and praised the committees primary recommendation that decisions regarding armed conflict are fundamentally a prerogative of the Executivethat is a backroom cabal formally consisting of the prime minister and the national security committee of cabinet. Significantly, the government rejected a proposal from the committee that such decisions be formally made in the name of the governor-generalas per the countrys 1901 Constitutionparticularly in conflicts not rubberstamped by the United Nations Security Council or by a supposed invitation from the country invaded. That recommendation by the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade inquiry was revealing. It was, in effect, an indication that preparations are being made for wars that are illegal under international law, most obviously against Russia and China. The committee sought to protect the government from popular opposition and the danger of war crimes charges. It said such decisions made by the governor-general were not justiciablethat is, they could not be challenged in court. The Constitution, a colonial-era document adopted by the emerging Australian capitalist class, deliberately retained the centuries-old prerogative powers of the British monarchy, which include the power to declare war, and vested them in the hands of the governor-general. The government brushed aside the committees suggestion, saying it would cut across the existing arrangements. These support timely and flexible decision making as well as the security of highly-classified information that is necessary for governments to make critical decisions to enable the military to effectively and efficiently deploy into contested environments. That is, as it ramps up its commitment to a US-led war on China, including via the AUKUS pact and the opening of bases across the country to the US military, the Labor government is adamant that any decision to go to war, or deploy troops anywhere, must be made entirely in secret, with no formal process required whatsoever. This secrecy is directed against the people, not the designated enemy, which would be quite aware of military intervention. In a cursory media release, Defence Minister Richard Marles claimed that the governments response displayed a commitment to improving openness and accountability. It was important, he said, that parliament has effective mechanisms to examine and debate such decisions. Indian, Japanese, US and Australian navy vessels in Sydney Harbour about to begin Exercise Malabar off the east coast of Australia, 11-22 August, 2023. [Photo: @RichardMarlesMP] In reality, fearing deep-seated public concern and opposition to being plunged into potentially catastrophic wars, the government adopted suggestions from the committee for a token debate in parliamentbut only after the war was already underway, and confident of support from the parliamentary establishment. In its report, released in March, the parliamentary committee was clearly conscious of the hostility among workers and youth to another war, especially after the barbaric disasters, involving the deaths of millions of people, of the Vietnam War and the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraqall conducted on the basis of lies and propaganda concocted by the US, UK and Australian governments and their intelligence agencies. Media polls have provided some limited measure of the extent of this anti-war sentiment. The latest one, conducted earlier this year by Essential Research, reported 90 percent support for the proposition that the prime minister should be required to get approval from parliament before making a decision to go to war. Two polls produced similar results in 2020 and 2021, as noted in the committees report. In a bid to stifle such resistance by securing a parliamentary seal of approval for war, the government adopted the committees recommendation that after the Australian Defence Force (ADF) was engaged in major military operations, a written statement be tabled in parliament setting out the objectives of the intervention, the orders made and its legal basis. Even then, the government insisted that it must be able to keep the public in the dark about the legality of the operations. The Government reserves its right to determine the appropriateness of disclosures with respect to questions of international law and advice on questions of legality, it stated. No time frame was set for this process, except that a debate be conducted in both houses of parliament not later than 30 days from the deployment of the ADF, subject to any considerations of national security or imminent threat to Australian territories or civilian lives. In other words, even that 30-day timeline could be swept aside, based on government claims about national security or threats to Australian lives. Parliamentary complicity In any case, the purpose of a parliamentary debate would be to try to legitimise the war and quell popular opposition to it, with the political establishment reliably expected to perform that function. Parliaments role would be to seek to mobilise the population behind what would be a disastrous war of aggression, not to prevent one. That is politically in line with the submissions made to the committee inquiry by the Greens and Australians for War Powers Reform (AWPR), which have held out utterly false hopes that a Labor government would reform the war powers to make them more democratic. The committees report noted that AWPR said Parliament served as a means for the Government to convince the Australian public regarding the necessity for the war. At committee hearings, AWPR witnesses assured the inquiry that parliamentary approval would be all but a sure thing, due to Australias general bipartisanship on matters relating to defence. As these submissions showed, parliament is not the means to stop war. Rather, it is part of the capitalist state apparatus, dominated by the parties that defend the profit interests of the Australian ruling class, including its control and plunder of the South Pacific and other parts of the region. To reinforce parliaments role in justifying war, the government agreed to form a new parliamentary Joint Statutory Committee on Defence to facilitate the war-launching process. As with the existing foreign affairs, defence and trade committee, its membership would be shared between the government and the Liberal-National Coalition. Its members would be vetted by the military and intelligence agencies, and sworn to not divulge any information to the public. Greens members of the inquiry committee filed a dissenting report, urging support for a joint sitting of parliament to approve military deployments overseas. Even that proposal would have allowed the governor-general, by proclamation, to declare that an emergency required a deployment without parliamentary approval. The ruling capitalist class invariably launches war on the basis of claims of emergency, such as the fraudulent assertions of the imminent threat of weapons of mass destruction invented as the pretext for the 2003 invasion of Iraq. The real purpose was to establish US control over the oil and resource-rich country at the centre of the strategically crucial Middle East and the wider Eurasian landmass. The Labor government remains intent on covering up the real nature of that US-UK-Australian invasion, which the Labor Party falsely claimed to oppose in 2003, at least until it was, in effect, subsequently whitewashed by the UN. The government bluntly rejected a recommendation from the Greens dissenting committee report that the legal advice given to the then Howard Liberal-National government about that invasion should be made publicly available so that Australians can determine for themselves what was understood about entering Iraq. In reality, it is already known that the invasion of Iraq was conducted on the basis of lies that should see those responsible, in the Bush, Blair and Howard administrations, charged with the crime of conducting an unlawful war of aggression. Nevertheless, the government responded baldly to the Greens: As a matter of convention, the government of the day does not publicly disclose the confidential deliberations (including advice provided to inform cabinet decision making) of a former government. This is a longstanding and fundamental practice in the Westminster system. That only underscores the true character of the Westminster system. It exists to provide a facade of democracy over a secretive system of government in which the decisions are made, behind closed doors, in the geo-strategic and profit interests of the ruling class and its imperialist partners. In practice, any decision to go to war with China would be made in Washington. Labor and Liberal-National governments alike have increasingly integrated Australia into US military operations, making it an essential platform for a war against China. That has accelerated since 2011, when US President Obama announced Washingtons military and strategic pivot to Asia on the floor of the Australian parliament, courtesy of the Gillard Labor government. Australia hosts vital US military and intelligence facilities, such as the Pine Gap communications and surveillance station in central Australia and other war bases across northern Australia. This embodies the Australian ruling classs alignment behind US imperialism, on which it has depended since World War II to prosecute its own predatory imperialist interests in the Indo-Pacific region. Workers and young people must draw a warning from the moves to bolster the war powers. Far from being an accountability check on the threat of a third world war being provoked by the US and its allies, the parliamentary establishment is pivotal to the war preparations. That danger can be answered only by a mass movement of the working class, in Australia and globally, to overturn the source of conflict, the capitalist profit system itself. As the official death toll from the Maui wildfires reached 67 on Friday, questions were being raised about why Hawaiis disaster warning system was never activated when the climate change-fueled inferno was spreading rapidly across the island. A man walks through wildfire wreckage Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, in Lahaina, Hawaii. Hawaii emergency management records show no indication that warning sirens sounded before people ran for their lives from wildfires on Maui that wiped out a historic town. [AP Photo/ Rick Bowmer] According to a PBS report on Thursday, Hawaii emergency management records show no indication that warning sirens sounded before people ran for their lives from wildfires on Maui, and, instead, officials sent alerts to mobile phones, televisions and radio stationsbut widespread power and cellular outages may have limited their reach. Hawaii has what the state says is the largest integrated outdoor all-hazard public safety warning system in the world. This includes about 400 sirens across the archipelago to alert people to various natural disasters and other threats. The system was created in the aftermath of a tsunami that struck Hawaii in 1946 and killed more than 150 people. Along with the fact that the sirens were not activated, according to a report by BBC on Friday, Maui officials issued contradictory information about the extent and danger of the flames as they were being whipped up Wednesday. The Maui County website issued a statement on Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. that said a brush fire had been 100% contained, although winds in the area remain a concern. In addition to a warning to avoid blocked roads, the BBC report said, officials gave no further warnings, regarding the situation in Lahaina until 4:45 p.m. local time, when the county said, an apparent flare-up of the fire had caused the closure of a bypass near the town, as well as some evacuations. Further evacuations were announced later that afternoon, followed by an emergency declaration by Mayor Richard Bissen before 11:00 p.m. local time that night. Tourists in some hotels were instructed to remain in place to avoid clogging up local roads. However, by this time, flames driven by high winds from Hurricane Dora in the Pacific Ocean to the south of the islands had already engulfed parts of Lahaina, forcing some people to flee into the sea. Even though conditions for the eruption of wildfires were well known and warned about, local, state and federal officials were completely unprepared for the intensity and speed of the devastation. On Wednesday, acting Governor Sylvia Luke admitted as much during a press conference when she said, We never anticipated in this state that a hurricane which did not make impact on our islands will cause this type of wildfires, wildfires that wiped out communities, wildfires that wiped out businesses, wildfires that destroyed homes. Adam Weintraub of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency told the Associated Press (AP) that the records do not show that Mauis warning sirens were triggered when the Lahaina fire began on Tuesday. Weintraub said the county used emergency alerts sent to mobile phones, televisions and radio stations. Brad Ventura, chief of the Maui Fire Department, said the fire moved so quickly from brush to neighborhoods that it was impossible to get messages to the emergency management agencies responsible for issuing the alerts. What we experienced was such a fast-moving fire through the initial neighborhood that caught fire they were basically self-evacuating with fairly little notice, Ventura said. Survivors told news media on Thursday that they did not hear any sirens or receive any warnings giving them enough time to prepare and only realized they were in danger when they saw the flames or heard nearby explosions. The Maui wildfires are Hawaiis deadliest disaster since a 1960 tsunami killed 61 people. Officials are warning that the death toll will continue to rise as search and rescue operations continue, and more victims are found. Firefighters were still battling flames on parts of the island on Friday as rescue workers continued the work of trying to locate more than 1,000 people who are missing. Thousands of residents have been displaced by the fires that swept across the island and destroyed more than 1,700 structures and decimated the historic town of Lahaina. With power and cellular service out in most areas, evacuation and search and rescue efforts have been made extremely difficult. Another indication of the capitalist political establishments unpreparedness for the deadly wildfires is the fact that Mauis firefighting staff is very small and ill-equipped for the events of Tuesday and Wednesday. Bobby Lee, the president of the Hawaii Firefighters Association, spoke to AP and said there are a maximum of 65 firefighters working at any given time in Maui County, and they are responsible for fighting fires on three islands: Maui, Molokai and Lanai. The Maui crews have about 13 fire engines and two ladder trucks, all of which are designed for on-road use. The department does not have any off-road vehicles, which means fire crews are unable to attack brush fires thoroughly before they reach roads or populated areas, Lee said. Meanwhile, more reports are emerging that government officials knew about the danger of rapidly spreading wildfires in Hawaii from the experience of Hurricane Lane in 2018. The storm, which narrowly missed making direct landfall with Hawaii, still inundated Hawaiian islands with flooding and whipped up wildfires that burned 3,000 acres across Maui and Oahu. The fires fueled by winds from Lane were analyzed by a team of researchers from the University of Hawaii and the East-West Center. Their research was published in the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society two years after that storm entitled, Fire and Rain: The Legacy of Hurricane Lane in Hawaii. The researchers pointed to the confluence of conditions that would result from hurricane events in Hawaii. They said that further research was needed to determine whether hurricane-fire events were going to become more frequent. The research paper said, A complete understating of these factors is critical to understanding the vulnerability of people and resources exposed during a severe weather event. Another document written in 2014 entitled the Western Maui Community Wildfire Plan identified West Maui as specifically susceptible to wildfires. Elizabeth Pickett, co-executive director of the nonprofit Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization and a coauthor of the plan, said that the devastating Maui fire was foreseeable. Pickett told Honolulu Civic Beat, We keep hearing from certain elected officials and other people being quoted in the media, we had no idea, this is unprecedented. But actually, those of us in the wildfire community, meaning our fire agencies, our forestry natural resource management community, we have long been working to increase our risk reduction efforts. Of course, most of the actions recommended by the scientists were either ignored or never fully implemented. Pickett said even though the Maui fire had multiple factors that complicated fire control efforts, more could have been done to prevent it ahead of time. She added that Hawaiis policies, codes, enforcement and resources have not kept up with the accelerated threats. We know theres high risk. We know the science, we have the data, weve done the assessments, we have the community programs in place. It might not have been 100% preventable, but it could have been mitigated. It could have been lessened, Pickett said. On Friday, US Attorney General Merrick Garland announced that he had appointed as special counsel the US attorney for Delaware, David Weiss, who has been investigating Hunter Biden for five years. The appointment, coming several weeks after the collapse of a plea deal worked out between Weiss and Hunter Bidens lawyers, gives the US prosecutor expanded powers to potentially charge President Joe Bidens son with corrupt business dealings with foreign firms, including in Ukraine and China, and bring him to trial in the midst of the 2024 presidential election campaign. At a press appearance, where he refused to respond to reporters questions, the attorney general said: On Tuesday of this week, Mr. Weiss advised me that in his judgment his investigation had reached a stage at which he should continue his work as a special counsel, and he asked to be so appointed. Garland continued: Upon considering his request, as well as the extraordinary circumstances relating to this matter, I have concluded that it is in the public interest to appoint him as special counsel. US Attorney General Merrick Garland speaks at the Department of Justice in Washington D.C. on Friday, August 11, 2023. Garland announced that he was appointing a special counsel in the Hunter Biden probe, deepening the investigation of the presidents son ahead of the 2024 election. [AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough] Also on Friday, Weiss filed a motion on behalf of the Justice Department saying that the parties were at an impasse on reworking the plea deal and a trial was in order. Following additional negotiations after the hearing held on July 26, 2023, the filing stated, the parties are at an impasse and are not in agreement on either a plea agreement or a diversion agreement. Garlands move is clearly in response to efforts by the Republican-controlled House of Representatives to utilize Hunter Bidens well known lucrative and shady business dealings in Ukraine and China, in which the younger Biden traded on his fathers name and influence, to implicate the current president and leading 2024 Democratic presidential candidate in corrupt practices, including by means of an impeachment inquiry. These efforts are being spearheaded by the fascist wing of the GOP, which increasingly sets the political tone for the House Republicans and the Republican Party as a whole in supporting Donald Trumps reelection bid and defending or downplaying the former presidents attempt to overthrow the 2020 election result and remain in power as a de facto dictator. Garlands move at once underscores and intensifies the unprecedented crisis of the entire US political system. American capitalism is careening into a presidential election year under conditions where the leading Republican contender, Trump, is already facing three criminal indictments, including for seeking to overthrow the 2020 election and the US Constitution, and is expected to be indicted again next week for seeking to overturn Bidens 2020 election victory in Georgia. Trump is using his reelection campaign to incite fascist violence against Democrats and officials, including judges, involved in prosecuting him. He recently denounced Weiss for agreeing to the plea bargain for Hunter Biden, which a Republican judge subsequently rejected, and demanded that Hunter Biden be executed. He has repeatedly called for the deportation and jailing of Marxists and socialists. Both parties claim that their likely presidential opponent is a criminal and belongs in jail, as the political system as a whole lurches ever further to the right. The breakdown of bourgeois democratic forms of rule and moves toward dictatorship take place under conditions of escalating war against Russia in Ukraine, raising the danger of nuclear annihilation; a deepening financial crisis, including credit downgrades of US debt, major bank failures and bailouts, and growing challenges to the US dollar; and an explosive growth of the class struggle, at the center of which is a mounting rebellion against the corporatist trade union bureaucracies. Leading House Republicans dismissed the appointment of Weiss as special counsel as a maneuver by the Biden administration to sideline House hearings on Biden family corruption and a possible impeachment inquiry. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy tweeted: This action by Bidens DOJ cannot be used to obstruct congressional investigations or whitewash the Biden family corruption. If Weiss negotiated the sweetheart deal that couldnt get approved, how can he be trusted as a special counsel? House Republicans will continue to pursue the facts for the American people. A Trump spokesperson said in a statement: If this special counsel is truly independenteven though he failed to bring proper charges after a four-year investigation and he appears to be trying to move the case to a more Democrat-friendly venuehe will quickly conclude that Joe Biden, his troubled son Hunter, and their enablers, including the media, which colluded with the 51 intelligence officials who knowingly misled the public about Hunters laptop, should face the required consequences. President Joe Bidens son Hunter Biden leaves after a court appearance, Wednesday, July 26, 2023, in Wilmington, Delaware. [AP Photo/Julio Cortez] Trump and his fascist allies such as Steve Bannon claimed shortly before the 2020 election that a laptop computer abandoned by Hunter Biden at a Delaware computer repair shop contained emails proving that Joe Biden, when he was vice president under Barack Obama, interceded with the Ukraine government to shield his son Hunter from prosecution for corrupt business dealings while he was on the board of directors of the Ukrainian gas company Burisma. The Republicans will make sure that the president is dragged into any investigation involving his sons multimillion-dollar earnings in connection with Burisma in Ukraine, CEFC China Energy in China or other companies that either employed the younger Biden or paid fees to his consulting companies. And there is, in all probability, a substantial case to be made against Biden, Sr. As US attorney, Weiss charged Hunter Biden with two misdemeanor counts of tax evasion for failing to file tax returns in 2017 and 2018 for $100,000 each year due on income in excess of $1.5 million per year from his business operations overseas. Weiss also charged Biden with a gun law violation for illegally purchasing a pistol in 2018 while he was addicted to legally banned drugs, an addiction Hunter Biden has acknowledged. The Biden administration and the Democratic Party, including Garland, had hoped that the plea bargain worked out between Weiss and Hunter Bidens attorneys would end the younger Bidens legal problems and foreclose any further charges, at least prior to the 2024 election. Under the deal, Hunter Biden was to plead guilty to the misdemeanor tax counts and accept a diversion agreement on the gun charge, under which Biden would not have to plead guilty and prosecutors would be expected to lift the charge after two years probation if Biden remained drug-free. However, when the parties appeared before Judge Maryellen Noreika, a Trump appointee, on July 26, the deal blew up. First, Weiss made it clear that despite the plea deal, his investigation of Hunter Bidens business relations would continue, prompting Biden to plead not guilty to the tax charges. In the end, the judge refused to approve the agreement, an unusual occurrence in a plea deal involving misdemeanor charges. In the intervening period, the House Republicans have stepped up their hearings on Biden family corruption, including House Oversight Committee investigators taking hours of closed-door testimony from a former business associate of Hunter Biden, Devon Archer. The committee published hundreds of pages of Archers testimony, in which he described Hunter Biden on numerous occasions putting his father on the speaker phone during business meetings with clients or prospective clients to sell his access to the Washington D.C elite. Less than two weeks before the August 20 snap election in Ecuador, presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio was killed on Wednesday after a campaign rally at a high school in Quito. An alleged perpetrator was killed in the ensuing confrontation between hitmen and security forces, while six suspects were subsequently arrested. All the suspects are Colombian nationals. Fernando Villavicencio speaks at the Supervisory Commission of Congress in June 2019 [Photo: Fernando Lagla, Ecuadorian Congress] Villavicencio was a right-wing legislator whose campaign was based on anti-corruption rhetoric, condemnations of gang leaders and proposals for a militarized, law-and-order response to organized crime and a purge of criminal elements in the police. He had reported death threats in recent days by Fito, a local leader of the Mexican Sinaloa Cartel, which uses Ecuador as a key logistics hub for drug trafficking to the United States and Brazil. A video from alleged gang rivals surfaced claiming responsibility, which was followed by another video denying this. Ecuadors incumbent president, the wealthy right-wing banker Guillermo Lasso, had dissolved Parliament last month and convoked snap elections to forestall his impeachment on corruption charges. He has responded to the murder by declaring a 60-day state of exception enforced by the military, which will suspend the right of assembly, movement, free speech and other democratic freedoms. The elections will effectively be held at gunpoint. In a nationally televised address on Wednesday, Lasso condemned the murder as a political crime and then made a veiled threat to overturn the results. We are not going to hand power and the democratic institutions to organized crime, even if it is disguised as political organizations. We must banish hatred and vengeance as political practices. While Lasso cited the threats made by drug cartels, his statements and those of his political allies have sought to lay responsibility for the murder on the main opposition tendency led by exiled ex-president Rafael Correa. Villavicencio, who was polling in fourth or fifth place, was one of the most vocal critics of the Correistas, whom he accused of belonging to the mafia. Correas presidential candidate Luisa Gonzalez was polling first with a significant lead, but analysts expect that significant sectors of the population will blame the Correistas for the murder, which could affect the vote. On the other hand, Villavicencio was publicly close to Lasso and his allies, who will benefit electorally from his killing. This is only the latest of several assassinations of politicians this year, including the well-known mayor of Manta, Agustin Intriago, mayor candidates Oscar Menendez and Julio Cesar was and congressional candidate Rider Sanchez. While its still unclear who was behind the killing of Villavicencio, its effect will be to discredit the elections as a whole and create potential for their being overturned, either through a continuation of the Lasso regime or a military takeover. More broadly, the murders of politicians and the recent constitutional crisis in Ecuador are emblematic of the crisis of bourgeois rule across Latin America and beyond, as the ruling elites rely increasingly on attacks on democratic rights, states of emergency, military and police repression of social protests and strikes and other forms of political violence. Capitalism has demonstrated that it has nothing to offer to Latin American workers and the rural masses but the threat of dictatorship, super-exploitation, social misery and ecological destruction. This is chiefly the result of more than a century of semi-colonial domination by US imperialism, which has become increasingly reliant on regime change operations and its influence over the regional security forces to counteract the rapid decline of its economic influence relative to China, Europe and other economic rivals. Certain sections of the local ruling elites have exploited the channeling of popular opposition behind their political representatives by the Stalinists, Pabloites, indigenous groups and other petty-bourgeois nationalists to bargain for a larger slice of the profits from the exploitation of Ecuadorian workers. Villavicencios political record exemplifies this process. He entered politics in the 1990s as a union leader at the state-owned oil firm Petroecuador and later as an organizer of the indigenous nationalist party Pachakutik, which is historically tied to the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities (CONAIE). These forces have worked for decades with the Stalinist-controlled parties and unions to channel social opposition by giving a left cover to one faction of the ruling elite after the next, even as the national bourgeoisie as a whole has shifted further and further to the right. Villavicencio gained prominence after Pachakutik broke with the second administration of Rafael Correa in 2009. The partys legislator Clever Jimenez and Villavicencio, working as his advisor, claimed Correa had conspired to incite a deadly police riot on September 30, 2010, when the President was abducted by police and rescued by the military. Facing criminal convictions for defamation, Jimenez and Villavicencio hid in the Amazon. Villacencio continued to shift to the right and into the direct service of Washington, up to and including demands for US sanctions against Ecuador and the smearing of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, who faces life in prison or worse in the United States for exposing countless war crimes and anti-democratic conspiracies by US imperialism. In 2018, Villavicencio made unfounded claims that Assange had agreed to block the publication of proof of corruption by the Correa administration in exchange for political asylum at the Ecuadorian embassy in London. Numerous smears against Assange followed on Villavicencios social media. In 2019, Lenin Moreno, the hand-picked successor of Correa, withdrew Assanges asylum and allowed British police to drag him out of the embassy, which led to the ongoing extradition procedures to the US. The already crisis-ridden regimes in Latin America are being pushed to the brink, confronting an explosive sharpening of the class struggle combined with mounting pressure by US imperialism on the Latin American elites to oppose China as Washington prepares for a global conflagration. This takes place amid rampant poverty and inequalityover a third of Ecuadorians suffer multidimensional poverty, which surpasses 70 percent in rural areasafter decades of social cuts and privatizations at the behest of the IMF and finance capital. Meanwhile, capitalist politics have become clearly exposed as a door to enrichment schemes through bribes and ties to organized crime, further discrediting the political establishment. A recent report by the pollster Latinobarometro summarized the crisis of bourgeois rule. It indicates that 21 presidents have been sentenced for corruption, 20 did not end their mandates and a third violated democratic norms since the transitions to civilian rule after the US-backed military dictatorships of the 1970s-80s. The firm found that popular support for bourgeois democracy has fallen from 63 percent in 2010 to 48 percent, while 77 percent of those polled disagree that political parties function well. The fear of military coups is also rampant, according to the polls. Mass protests and strikes against social inequality erupted in 2022 and 2019, when Lenin Moreno was forced to temporarily move the government from Quito to Guayaquil, amid an ongoing escalation of the class struggle internationally. At each step, the Stalinist-led trade union bureaucracy, the CONAIE, the Correistas and their pseudo-left apologists have worked to chain the working class to the rotten capitalist regime in Ecuador and US imperialism. Today, these same forces are working to block the popular opposition to the authoritarian maneuvers of Lasso backed by the military. The defense of the democratic and social rights of workers and all oppressed masses in Ecuador demands that workers mobilize against all pro-capitalist and nationalist organizations and parties and take up the struggle for world socialist revolution. In another provocative move directed at Beijing, former Japanese prime minister and virulent anti-China hawk Taro Aso recently visited Taiwan for three days. He met with senior government officials, including President Tsai Ing-wen and declared that Japan, the US and Taiwan should ramp up plans for war with mainland China. Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen, right, chats with Taro Aso, vice president of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party during a visit to the Presidential Office in Taipei, Taiwan on Aug. 8, 2023. [AP Photo/Taiwan Presidential Office] Aso, who is a senior member of parliament, arrived in Taiwan on August 7 and delivered a keynote speech at the annual Ketagalan Forum: Indo-Pacific Security Dialogue the following day. He is the highest-ranking Japanese politician to visit Taiwan since 1972 when Tokyo broke off formal diplomatic relations with Taipei and recognized Beijing as the legitimate government of all China. A major figure in Japanese politics, Aso served as PM from 2008 to 2009 and is currently the vice president of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. He also served as the deputy prime minister of Japan from 2012 until 2021. He is close to Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, whose administration has accelerated Japans remilitarization. Speaking at the forum in Taipei on August 8, Aso directed his remarks at Beijing and sought to turn reality on its head, asserting that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are important to the stability of the international community. The phrase peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait has become a euphemism for its opposite: the ratcheting up of tensions and the preparation for war with China. In the same speech, Aso declared, I believe that now is the time for Japan, Taiwan, the United States, and other like-minded countries to be prepared to put into action very strong deterrence. He added that they must have the resolve to fight. Washington and its allies including Tokyo accuse China of attempting to unilaterally overturn the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. In reality, led by the US, they have challenged the One China policy through high-level diplomatic exchanges such as Asos visit, large-scale weapon sales to Taipei, and military maneuvers around Taiwan. This is despite the fact that Washington has de facto accepted this policy since 1979 when it established diplomatic relations with Beijing. More broadly, the US and Japan have inflamed territorial disputes in the East and South China Seas while engaging in a massive military buildup in the region. As with the US/NATO-instigated war against Russia in Ukraine, Washington is attempting to goad Beijing into a war over Taiwan in order to eliminate mainland China as an economic competitor. It is not enough to spend money and possess defense capability, Aso stated at the forum. It will become a deterrence when we let it be known to the other side that we have a focused intention to use it for maintaining the stability of the Taiwan Strait. In other words, while Washington and Tokyo continually challenge the One China policy, incorporating Taiwan into their war plans, any opposition from Beijing is met with the threats of a military response. Chinas Foreign Ministry responded to Asos visit, saying, We seriously urge Japan to deeply reflect on its history of aggression, abide by the one-China principle and its commitments regarding the Taiwan question, and stop meddling in Chinas internal affair and lending support to the Taiwan independence separatist forces in any form. Tokyo, however, is using its anti-China propaganda to justify remilitarization and the throwing off of the constitutional fetters on Japan waging war overseas. This includes acquiring offensive weaponry, such as cruise missiles, capable of striking targets in other countries. It also involves a massive rise in military spending, with budget plans of 11 trillion yen ($US76 billion) spent annually on military and military-related expenditures by 2027. Other aspects of Asos trip were also used to further this agenda. He met with President Tsai Ing-wen on August 8, when the two pledged to build closer ties between their respective governments. This included further developing economic connections involving supply chains, a point Tsai emphasized during her own remarks at the Ketagalan forum. This is significant as the US has led efforts to reduce economic reliance on mainland China as it steps up economic warfare against Beijing. Aso held other discussions with officials in Taiwans ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), including party chairman, Vice President Lai Ching-te, who is running for president in next Januarys election. Tsai is ineligible to run for reelection due to term limits. Lai is also planning trips to the US this coming week, including stops in New York on August 12 and 13 and then in San Francisco on August 16 and 17. Aso provocatively offered flowers at the gravesite of Lee Teng-hui, president of Taiwan from 1988 to 2000, who came from a family of Japanese collaborators. Lee downplayed or outright denied atrocities committed by Japanese imperialism prior to and during World War II, such as the Nanjing massacre and the militarys exploitation of comfort women, a euphemism for sex slaves. Tokyo also downplays or denies these crimes as it prepares to dragoon a generation of youth into going to war and whip up support in the population for such conflicts. Sections of the Taiwanese bourgeoisie, particularly around the DPP, promote Japans colonization of Taiwan from 1895 to 1945 as a benefit to the island in contrast to rule under the mainland. Japan seized Taiwan from China following the First Sino-Japanese War in 18941895. Tokyo then brutally ruled the island until the end of World War II when the Chinese Nationalists under Chiang Kai-shek took control of Taiwan. Following the Chinese Revolution in 1949, the US protected Chiang and the Nationalists after they fled to Taiwan, refusing to recognize Beijing as the legitimate government of China or allowing the reunification of Taiwan with the mainland. Chiang headed a vicious dictatorship and a decades-long period of martial law, the framework of which still exists. Today, rather than fight for the unity of workers throughout all of China, the DPP promotes independence in veiled forms in order to divide the Taiwanese working class. It also believes its material interests will be better served by aligning with US and Japanese imperialism. James Irwin Charter School Network will expand its School District 49 offerings next August, the districts board of education voted unanimously on Thursday. D-49 will replicate James Irwins existing K-5 charter school operating in Colorado Springs School District 11. Three elementary schools and six schools in all will comprise the James Irwin network come next fall, spread across four campuses and three school districts. I am in favor of all charter schools, all shapes and sizes, and thats what I love so much about District 49 is, we are very open to choice, board member Jamilynn Davola said. Charter schools are like free-market capitalism: The good rise to the top, and the ones that are not doing well end up going away. I support free-market capitalism just like I support school choice and charter schools. The James Irwin Charter School Network was founded on the principles of a liberal arts and character-based education, with an emphasis on Americas roots in Western civilization. Chief Executive Officer Rob Daugherty said the charter could be an especially attractive option for students who crave structure and might not fit the mold of a standard public school. A group of parents opened James Irwin Charter High School in Harrison School District 2 in 2000 as a rigorous college preparatory school before growing to include an elementary and middle school. In 2013, it expanded to D-11 with a replication of the D-2 elementary school campus, and in 2016, D-49 authorized the charter for pre-engineering and professional trade school Power Technical (PTEC) that serves grades 6-14. Several factors converged to make now an ideal time for expansion in the district, Daugherty said, including rapid growth as families continue moving to the area, a recently vacated school building under James Irwin ownership and encouragement from district leaders with which they had an existing relationship. 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. It really just was the time to pull the trigger on something like this, Daugherty said. We have a lot of parents that would like to come to a James Irwin elementary school, but it just isnt geographically in a good place for them. This will give more parents an opportunity to try something different. The new D-49 charter school will move into the recently vacated PTEC campus on Canada Drive. PTEC moved this summer to a new location in the former Lockheed-Martin building at Wyonaka Place. According to board President John Graham, 55% of enrolled students in D-49 are already attending charter schools or Education reEnvisioned BOCES. James Irwin Elementary School at Canada Drive is the latest addition in its demonstrated commitment to expanding parental choice by way of charter schools. I believe that the James Irwin family of schools is very compatible with what we want for our district, and I believe that this particularly application will support Mr. Hilts I say my Mr. Hilts our BHAG: Big, Hairy Audacious Goal of becoming a district with distinction, board Vice President Rick Van Wieren said. I believe that your school is going to help us achieve that. In late July, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed into law a change in the conscription age for Russian men. Previously, those 18 to 27 were eligible for mandatory military service. Now, from 2024 onward, those 18 to 30 years old will be eligible. The new legislation also bans conscripts who have been sent a draft notice from leaving the country. Russian President Vladimir Putin, center, Admiral Nikolai Yevmenov, Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy, left, and Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, right, arrive at The Peter and Paul Fortress to attend the Navy Day parade in St. Petersburg, Russia, Sunday, July 30, 2023. [AP Photo/Alexander Kazakov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo] The measure is a means of expanding the reserve without a general mobilization, which has long been called for by ultra-nationalist sections of the state apparatus and ruling class that have been routinely attacking the Putin regime for not waging the war in Ukraine against NATO proxy forces with sufficient consistency and rigor. Although the nominal age bracket for military service remains the samenine yearsthe changes will result in a significant expansion of the pool of reservists from which the government can draft recruits. Russian legislation allows for workers employed at enterprises that are considered strategically important, as well as college students, to be exempt from the draft. On average, college students in Russia are between 17 and 22 years old. The overwhelming majority of Russian youth receive a higher secondary education. This means that of those 18 to 22 years old, a large portion have in the past claimed exemption from the draft. With the elevation of the conscription age to 30, the pool of reservists will be significantly larger. Rostislav Ishchenko, a Russian political scientist, explained that the changes to the conscription age were bound up with the need to expand the Russian army in light of the threats posed by developments such as NATOs expansion to Finland. With about 200,000 conscripts each year, the Russian army would be able to create a reserve of about 1 million men.Raising the age of conscription, he said, allows for the replenishment of the Armed Forces in an unobtrusive way. The Russian army is based on a combination of contract servicemen and conscripts. Last September, following the debacle of the Russian army in the Kharkiv region, President Vladimir Putin introduced a partial mobilization of 300,000 men. Those mobilized were conscripted from the pool of reserviststhat is current or former servicemen. The vast majority of Russian soldiers come from the working class. Even before the war, mandatory military service was widely considered to be extremely harmful to both the physical and mental health of young men as the Russian army has a sordid record of serious abuse. Families who can afford itin privileged layers of the middle and upper classeshave a tradition of buying their sons out of military service. In a stark demonstration of the class dynamics unleashed by the war, wealthy layers of the middle class have responded to the war, and especially the partial mobilization order in September, by leaving the country in droves to avoid being conscripted. It is estimated that between 900,000 and 1 million people have left the country since February 2022, the vast majority of them highly educated and with substantial financial resources and connections abroad. The new legislation on conscription comes as the Ukrainian counter-offensive is now in its second month. So far, it has above all been a bloody debacle for Ukraine, with an estimated 1,000 troops lost every single day. However, Russian losses in the war, while no doubt lower than those of Ukrainewhich may now be well above 200,000 deadare also significant and there are indications that the Russian army is suffering a significant shortage of personnel. Speaking with the WSWS on conditions of anonymity, a former Russian soldier said that there were mass deaths at the front even among the most experienced layers of the army. He explained: This is due to a number of reasons. The top leadership treats soldiers with contempt and regards them as a mere resource. The conduct of the war is often incompetent, and there is a shortage of supplies of food and military equipment. Already, the war has caused an acute shortage of personnel. Therefore, officers often conduct agitation among conscripted servicemen in order to convince them to enter contract service. Officers will hold conversations with each serviceman, using various methods of manipulation, agitation, as well as pamphlets and propaganda to convince servicemen to sign a contract. In some cases, psychological pressure or punitive measures are applied. Many previously dismissed contract servicemen are also re-entering military service: their contracts were extended for an indefinite period. The former conscript noted, moreover, that the class divisions of Russian society are sharply reflected in the army. He said: Most conscript soldiers in Russia, except for those serving in the Chechen Republic, receive a monthly salary of only 2,319 rubles (less than $26), which is enough to buy a couple of cans of energy drinks and a couple of packs of cigarettes. Contract servicemen receive a salary of 20 to 30,000 rubles (between $221 and $331). Once promoted to a higher position and security clearance can add a certain additional percentage to the salary. Veterans of combat operations also receive a certain added percentage to the salary. In total, the average salary of experienced contract servicemen reaches a maximum of 60 to 70,000 rubles ($663 to $774). Sergeants, low-level officers and junior officers live in the same impoverished conditions as the working class of Russia. This includes even those who receive benefits after combat operations. Junior officers receive a salary slightly above the average. The pay of senior officers will put them on a par with layers of the small and middle classes. There is little question that a central reason why the Kremlin seeks to avoid a general mobilization is the fear that it would trigger large-scale unrest in the working class. Torn by internal infighting and crisis, the Putin regime is also trying to somehow avoid a further escalation of the war, an ever more desperate and hopeless endeavor, given the relentless provocations by NATO and the Kiev regime, including regular drone strikes on the Russian capital. By virtue of its historical origins and social position, the Russian oligarchy is organically incapable of conducting a consistent, let alone progressive, policy in the face of the onslaught of imperialism and fears nothing more but a movement by the working class. Throughout the war, there have been only two consistent elements to the Putin regimes erratic conduct of the war: First, the promotion of Russian nationalism with the aim of dividing and confusing the working class, and preempting a unified movement against the war and capitalism more broadly. Second, the delusional hope that, at some point, the imperialist powers will come to their senses and initiate negotiations with the oligarchs. However, the reality is that, from the standpoint of the imperialist powers, the war against Russia in Ukraine is but the first stage in an emerging new imperialist redivision of the world. The war in Ukraine has exploded the entire justification of the restoration of capitalism by the Stalinist bureaucracy between 1985 and 1991. At the time, the Soviet bureaucrats, who had usurped political power from the working class after the 1917 revolution and murdered their revolutionary opponents in the 1930s, proclaimed that imperialism was nothing but a myth and an invention of Marxism. This has been proven a delusional lie by the 30 years that followed. The destruction of the Soviet Union and the restoration of capitalism, carried out hand in glove with the imperialist powers by the former bureaucrats turned oligarchs, not only opened up the entire region to the criminal plunder by the oligarchs. It also marked the beginning of a series of ever more aggressive imperialist interventions and provocations that have now culminated in the eruption of the catastrophic war in Ukraine. with its hundreds of thousands of dead and millions maimed and wounded. The fratricidal war in Ukraine is ultimately the outcome of this process of historical reaction. It can only be ended based on a unification of the Russian, Ukrainian and international working class. Are you a Tyson worker? Tell us what you think about the layoffs by filling out the form below. All submissions will be kept anonymous. Tyson Foods plant in Joslin, Illinois, September, 2022 Tyson Foods will close four chicken plants across the country between late 2023 and early 2024, cutting 3,000 jobs, the company announced August 7. Despite generating tens of billions in revenue annually, Tyson has been laying off workers around the country. It announced in April it would lay off 15 percent of its senior leadership and 10 percent of its corporate employees. Late last year, it closed its corporate offices in Chicago and South Dakota. Three months ago, Tyson closed its plants in Van Buren, Arkansas and in Glen Allen, Virginia, affecting nearly 1,700 employees. The four additional plants now slated for closure are located in North Little Rock, Arkansas; Corydon, Indiana; Dexter, Missouri and Noel, Missouri. Production is being moved to new facilities closer to Tysons customer base. The four facilities account for approximately 10 percent of Tysons chicken slaughtering, according to Chief Financial Officer John R. Tyson. These closures will devastate the economies of the mostly rural communities in which they are located. In Corydon, Indiana, more than 500 jobs will be cut. Responding to the public backlash, a Tyson spokesperson said, We are closely coordinating with state and local officials, including the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, to connect all team members to resources and assistance available. Corydon has a population of a little more than 3,000 and is located 25 miles from Louisville, Kentucky. Its unemployment rate of 3.8 percent will almost certainly rise substantially. The annual income of a typical Corydon resident is only $19,825, significantly below the national average of $28,555. The plant in Dexter, Missouri employs more than 680 people and is set to close October 13. City Administrator David Wyman told the press the closure will have a ripple effect on the areas economy, including forcing the local government to halt plans to construct a new $18 million wastewater treatment plant. The town of Dexter has a population of 7,900. The plant closure in Noel, Missouri will affect 1,513 jobs. No way we can absorb that into existing jobs, Presiding Commissioner of McDonald County said on Tuesday. The entire town only has a population of 2,100 people. In North Little Rock, about 300 workers are set to lose their jobs. While the town of 68,000 has an unemployment rate of 2.8 percent, lower than the national average, household median income is only $45,590 and the poverty rate is 21.7 percent. In 2018, Tyson Foods marked the 50th anniversary of production at the North Little Rock plant. John H. Tyson, the billionaire chairman of Tysons board, said at the time: Our acquisition of the plant in 1969 marked the initiation of our production of further-processed chicken, which became a cornerstone of our poultry business. This move also paved the way for our entry into the food service industry. I take pride in the dedication of our North Little Rock team members and their ongoing efforts to serve our valued customers. The facility, spanning 76,000 square feet, commenced operations in April 1968 under Prospect Farms, Inc. of North Little Rock, before being acquired by Tyson Foods in 1969. However, despite enduring three years of COVID-19 with low wages, the workers who were celebrated just five years ago are now facing termination. Last year, Tyson announced it would target $1 billion in productivity savings by the conclusion of fiscal year 2024. It cut more than $700 million last year alone, and already surpassed its $1 billion target during the second quarter of 2023, reaching its target significantly ahead of schedule. While the company is citing declining revenues as the justification for the plant closures, Tysons sales are still up substantially from pre-Covid levels. For the quarter ending on June 30, 2023, Tyson Foods recorded revenues of $13.14 billion, a 2.63 percent decrease compared to the previous year. However, In 2022, the revenue reached $53.282 billion, a substantial 13.25 percent increase from 2021. In 2020, revenue stood at $43.18 billion, reflecting a 1.84 percent increase from 2019, the last full year before the pandemic. While current market dynamics remain challenging, Tyson Foods is fully committed to our vision of delivering sustainable, top line growth, and margin improvement, said King, Im encouraged by the improvements we made this quarter, including our Tyson Core Business lines that continue to outpace our peers in volume growth. The mass layoffs at Tyson show the complete subordination of human life to private profit in American and world society. The industry was among the most unsafe in the country even before Covid-19, owing mainly to repetitive motion injuries stemming from the slaughtering and butchering process. Dilapidated infrastructure also plays a role. Last year, 22-year old Casen Garcia died at the Tyson plant in Joslin, Illinois, apparently after being electrocuted by faulty machinery. Meatpacking workers were already among the most exploited industrial workers in the country, with the workforce drawn overwhelmingly from immigrants who lived in constant fear of immigration raids in their homes or even in the plants. The company reaped record profits in the early years of the pandemic, when, with the support of the White House and local governments, the meatpacking industry kept its plants open. One Tyson pork facility in Iowa became infamous when it was revealed that managers were taking bets on how many workers would eventually catch Covid. The United Food and Commercial Workers Union kept workers on the job around the country and opposed walkouts. By September 2021, there were nearly 60,000 confirmed cases among meatpacking workers and 298 confirmed covid deaths, according to the Food and Environment Reporting Network. Teamsters General President Sean O'Brien, speaking in Los Angeles, April 15, 2023. Since the announcement of the tentative agreement at UPS, the pseudo-left has sprung into action to shield the Teamsters bureaucracy from growing rank-and-file anger. Workers are furious not only that the so-called historic contract falls far below their demands, but at the way in which it was prepared by a deceitful strike ready campaign by the union. The pretensions of the new union administration of President Sean OBrien to represent a break with the unions corrupt old guard, of which OBrien was and is part, is collapsing under the weight of its own actions. The tentative agreement poses the need for a rank-and-file rebellion by workers against the union apparatus, not the reform of the bureaucracy from within by a non-existent progressive faction. Workers must fight to abolish the bureaucracy, which is joined at the hip with management and the corporate-controlled political establishment, and replace it with rank-and-file committees, organs of power which they genuinely control. Organizations that represent sections of the apparatus and the upper middle class are determined to prevent this. To use a military analogy, it has deployed into two groups manning two lines of defense against the counter-offensive by workers. The first line, and by far the largest, includes the Democratic Socialists of America, Labor Notes, the so-called reform caucus Teamsters for a Democratic Union and others. They are repeating the false claims that the contract is an historic win and presenting it as the product of rank-and-file pressure. These organizations have functioned openly for years as the public relations teams for the new Teamsters administration and were instrumental in organizing and promoting the fake strike ready campaign this year. They are nervously attacking rank-and-file opposition from below as the product of bad actors and outside agitators. However, the open support for the sellout contract is only discrediting these organizations and making them the target of rank-and-file anger as well. In and of itself, they are not sufficient to rein in the workers and keep them under the control of the bureaucracy. Therefore, a second line of defense is promoting a loyal opposition, calling for the development of a rank-and-file campaign to reject the contract and nothing more. While they make certain modest criticisms that the deal does not go far enough, their rank-and-fileism ignores and rejects the need for a rebellion against the apparatus. They promote the same program of mass pressure and bureaucratic self-reform which they, together with the DSA, TDU and other groups on the first line of defense, have promoted for decades. The most significant groups in this reserve line include Socialist Alternative and Left Voice. Socialist Alternative is the organization of Kshama Sawant, who has spent nearly a decade as a member of the Seattle City Council. She announced earlier this year that she would not seek re-election, instead focusing her attention on a Socialist Alternative-backed initiative called Workers Strike Back, which was formed largely in response to popular outrage over the DSAs open support for banning a rail strike last year. In a statement, she criticized the DSA, of which she is also a member, for the misleadership of its members in Congress and declared: The task of rebuilding the class struggle in America will go nowhere if young people and the rank-and-file of the labor movement are not clear about the role of the Democratic Party. In reality, Sawant herself has functioned as a Democrat her entire political career and was even endorsed by the Seattle Democratic Party for re-election. In 2015, she attended a fundraiser celebrating a local Democratic Party leader who had just voted in favor of a new juvenile prison, whom she declared the ally of working people for a long time. Left Voice is a Morenoite publication, a tendency which broke from Trotskyism in the 1960s and adapted to Castroism and other nationalist movements in Latin America. A comment on August 1 appearing in Left Voice, UPS Teamsters, We Can Fight for More: Vote No on the Tentative Agreement, declared: its clear that despite some important advances, this contract is far from historic and falls short on many counts, especially for part-timers. Left Voice tries to frame workers opposition to the deal as the continuation of the bureaucratically-controlled strike-ready campaign. Throughout the contract and strike campaign, our union has emphasized the need for us UPS workers to push back against the divisions of our classifications and fight with one fist. In that spirit, we urge our Teamsters siblings to vote no on this tentative agreement and use this unprecedented momentum to fight for a contract that leaves no one behind. They conclude: We need to take the struggle into our own hands, organizing our ranks on the shop floor to fight for the contract that we rightfully deserve. This contract is for workers, so workers should be the ones to decide on its outcome. Their reference to taking the struggle into our own hands leaves out completely any criticism of the maneuvers of the bureaucracy and the development of a struggle against itindeed, the name OBrien does not even appear once in the article. It is not only hollow, it demobilizes and politically disarms workers in the face of relentless attacks against them by the bureaucracy. Workers must reject the contract, but this must be combined with a strategy to mobilize workers against the entire apparatus. The Teamsters bureaucracy will not respond by going back and getting a better contract. It is determined to get this contract passed because behind it stands Wall Street and the Biden administration, which cannot tolerate a show of opposition from UPS workers that would embolden workers across the US and the world. Indeed, a rebellion against the bureaucracy is necessary even to ensure the integrity of the vote itself, given that the apparatus will pull out all the stops to manipulate the vote. The experience on the railroads last year, where the Teamsters and other unions used ballot fraud and endless delays to pave the way for Congress to ban a strike shows the type of conscious sabotage which UPS workers confront. Indeed, only last month, with a week to go before the deadline at UPS, the Teamsters called off a strike at freight carrier Yellow at the last minute in order to buy the company time to empty out its warehouses and prepare for bankruptcy. Socialist Alternatives Workers Strike Back (WSB) group spells out this pro-bureaucracy opposition even more openly. In a statement calling for a no vote, the group calls for the continuation of the Teamsters theatrical strike ready campaign: In the meantime theres no reason why the union should not continue with practice pickets, strike plans, and community mobilization. But these were designed from the start to get out in front of workers before they got out of the control of the Teamsters. By calling for these to be continued, they are demanding that the bureaucracy resume lying to workers. It then adds, Organizations like Teamsters for a Democratic Union, which has had thousands of UPS workers attending meetings, should provide a structure for discussions on the TA, and more importantly, how to increase the pressure on UPS if workers want to vote NO and fight for more. In other words, WSB is demanding that a bureaucratic faction that bears central responsibility for the contract, and that has spent years pulling the wool over workers eyes, take the leading role in building rank-and-file opposition! The statement does not even acknowledge, or attempt to explain, why TDU is now furiously promoting the contract. On Twitter, TDU co-chair Sean Orr even attacked WSBs lukewarm opposition to the contract as the product of outside agitators. These points were also stressed in an online meeting held by the group on July 30. Lead speaker Steve Capri, a WSB activist out of Pittsburgh, called on workers to vote no in order to continue this monumental 340,000 person organizing drive. The broader question workers faced, he claimed, was to break through this defeatism, this fear of a militant strategy against the bosses. But the bureaucracy is not gripped by a conservative defeatist attitude from which they can be shaken loose by rank-and-file pressure. They are consciously betraying workers, in close collaboration with both management and the government. Historically, Teamsters for a Democratic Union has played a really important role in leading the way on rank-and-file involvement, in real democracy in the union and standing up to the union leaders when it was necessary. Unfortunately, he added without further explanation, TDU has not filled that role in putting forward alternatives to the contract or providing a space for the widest discussion and debate on this TA so far. In fact, TDU never led the way in rank-and-file involvement, but, based on a perspective of reforming the bureaucracy by replacing bad leaders with good ones, has spent decades casting about for alliances with sections of the apparatus and the government. Those workers who had believed TDU was in some way opposed to the bureaucracy have left the organization long ago, especially after it moved to endorse OBrien in 2018, a notorious thug who was once even suspended for threatening TDU candidates. The panel also included Joe Allen, a former leading member of TDU and author of The Package King: A Rank-and-File History of UPS who spent much of his time hailing the Teamsters administration of Ron Carey in the 1990s, the last president who was backed by TDUuntil OBrien. Allen went so far as to call the 1997 UPS strike called by Carey as PATCO in reverse, referencing the Reagan administrations smashing of the air traffic controllers strike in 1981. In reality, Carey sold out the 1997 UPS strike, which resulted in a pathetic 50 cent increase in pay for part-timers. His re-election campaign was later caught embezzling money from the union, laundered through the Democratic Party. While this was used for factional purposes by his opponents in the apparatus to expel him, there is no doubt that this embezzlement took place. Allen, as well as TDU, continue to claim Carey as a martyr to this day. The real target of this loyal vote no campaign is not the contract. It is the growing support for rank-and-file committees. In its statement calling for a no vote, the UPS Workers Rank-and-File Committee clearly connected the fight against the contract with the fight against the entire bureaucratic apparatus: the bureaucrats will not see the light and come up with something better if we vote down the contract. Theyll try to make us vote again, or worse, go to Biden to get an injunction. Therefore, the no vote must be the starting point for the rank and file to build alternative structures outside the control of the bureaucracy, to transfer power to the rank and file where it belongs. The negotiating committee which bargained this deal must be thrown out and replaced with one composed of representatives chosen from, and accountable to, the rank and file only. The information blackout must end, with all future bargaining sessions being livestreamed and no more Non-Disclosure Agreements. Such a class-conscious rebellion is what the pseudo-left vote no campaign is trying to prevent. The Democratic Party in Washington D.C. has continued to escalate its demands for law and order in response to a spike in violent crime in the district which has killed 16 people in the first days of August, including nine people in a 48-hour period last Saturday. Trayon White, Sr., a Democratic Party council member for Ward 8 and former mayoral candidate, has repeatedly demanded the federal government deploy National Guard soldiers to the district to address the violence. In his latest statement, White gave a press conference on Tuesday in response to the crime wave, held at the site of a multiple victim shooting a few days prior. National Guard walk near the Capitol, Thursday, March 4, 2021, on Capitol Hill in Washington [AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin] White declared the city had become a war zone and that it may be time to call on the National Guard to protect the children and innocent people that are losing their lives to this senselessness. If acted upon, the D.C. councilmans demand for military deployment would mark the third time in just over three years in which the federal government has deployed troops in Washington D.C. According to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) website, 162 homicides have been reported so far this year as of August 9, rapidly approaching the 203 murders committed in Washington in all of 2022. The violence could potentially reach the highest levels since 2003, when 248 people were murdered. The latest victims include two unidentified men and a woman last Saturday on the 1600 block of Good Hope Road in Southeast D.C. On Monday, city officials reported that Jesus Sanchez of Northwest D.C., 45, succumbed to his wounds in a city hospital from a shooting that occurred the prior Thursday. Poverty, inequality and the policies that produce them and their attendant misery inevitably play a major part in crime. Wards 7 and 8, which have seen the bloodiest violence, historically have had the highest unemployment levels. After gradually hitting a relatively low rate of 11.6 per 100,000 in 2019, Ward 8s rate shot back up to 17.1 per 100,000 in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic was starting to take serious effect around the world. Furthermore, the cost of living has only increased as the pandemic greatly affects workers ability to survive. According to the home rental website Zumper, if an individual were to set aside 28 percent of his or her monthly income for rent, they would have to make at least $102,171 per year in order to afford an apartment. Despite this, the median salary in Washington is $65,000. Nearly 27.4 percent of all households in the city make an income of less than $50,000. Exacerbating this cost-of-living crisis is the ending of the limited measures put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic. The World Socialist Web Site noted in May that Washington D.C. homelessness increased by 18 percent in a one-year period, with the termination of those measures playing a heavy factor. Whites demand highlights the shift to the right of the Democratic Party and the growing regularity with which the two American parties of big business resort to the use of military force to respond to a deepening social crisis. It comes a few weeks after the Democratic Party-dominated Washington D.C. legislature passed an emergency bill that allowed for longer detainment of suspected violent offenders before trial and other invasive measures. More than three years have passed since worldwide protests against police violence took place in response to the police murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota on May 25, 2020. The response of the Trump administration was to threaten the peaceful protests with military violence. In the District of Columbia, this involved the deployment of National Guardsmen and other armed law enforcement to brutalize protesters. Likewise, National Guardsmen were sent into the capital on January 6, 2021 in a delayed response to mobs of Trump supporters who had tried to stop the US electoral vote certification and overthrow the government. The Democratic Party, having presided over the growth of social misery for decades in major cities, has nothing progressive to offer the working class. The Democrats since initially posturing as sympathetic to the George Floyd protests demands, have increasingly sought to present themselves as a party of law and order. Everywhere in the country, social programs have been slashed in favor of higher police budgets. In New York City, for example, it was announced last month that the New York Police Department would see a funding increase of $320 million while $397 million in rent and voucher assistance and $222 million for homeless shelters were cut. This has been directed from the White House, as the Democratic Biden administration has called for the government to give more funding to police, while also intervening against the Washington D.C. government directly to block minor criminal reforms this year. The calls for bringing in the National Guard have exposed the role of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and other so-called progressive groups who have provided cover to the escalating attack on working people. Last month, every member of the Council except one, Ward 4s DSA-backed Janeese Lewis George, lent their support to the emergency measure granting D.C. police expanded authority to detain and prosecute violent offenders. This includes Zachary Parker, who was endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America when he ran for office in 2022. Parker hosted two public safety meetings this week, one with D.C. Acting Police Chief Pamela Smith and Attorney General Brian Schwalb. Parker said he did not want to minimize the crime in DC but said there must be a comprehensive vision, all hands on deck to turn things around. Lewis George and fellow progressive council member Matthew Frumin (Ward 3) appear to have said nothing about their colleagues calls for the National Guard to be sent in. The District of Columbia Democratic Partys appeals to law and order have proceeded alongside efforts to reopen the citys downtown areas and return local revenue to pre-pandemic levels. The capitalist press and politicians have been urging that federal workers return to their jobs in-person. An opinion piece in the Washington Post by billionaire former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg led the pack, complaining last week that Federal offices are mostly empty and that taxpayers were footing the bill for empty floor space and the costs of maintenance. On August 4, Biden White House Chief of Staff Jeffrey Zients delivered an email to federal employees working remotely, stating that in-person work was critical to the well-being of our teams and will enable us to deliver better results for the American people. In the rush to restore the Districts downtown to full profitability, the capitalist class is provoking a confrontation with the working class. In February, the Biden administration began the clearing homeless encampments in the citys downtown area. The Colorado state teachers union and its Woodland Park affiliate are suing the Woodland Park School District and board of education for allegedly violating teachers First Amendment rights to free speech and free association. The federal lawsuit is the latest in a series of legal challenges brought against the district this summer. In February, Woodland Park changed its policy governing employees' outside communication, stating they may neither be interviewed by the press about school or student matters nor post on social media about district or school decisions without prior written consent from the superintendent. The policy deems any violation as insubordination, which is subject to disciplinary measures up to termination. The federal lawsuit brought by the Colorado Education Association and the Woodland Park Education Association also accuses the district of violating Colorado Open Meetings Law by amending the policy in secret and without public notice. Staff members were first notified retroactively two weeks after the change. Among its asks, the lawsuit requests the court strike down the policy as unconstitutional, nullify actions taken under its amended language and declare employees who speak publicly as private citizens about matters of public concern immune from retaliation or discipline. Educators have a right to talk about their working conditions, CEA President Amie Baca-Oehlert said. Our working conditions are our students learning conditions, and if they are a matter of public concern, we certainly should be able to lift our voices to raise those things up. In a written response, Superintendent Ken Witt likened the recent flurry of lawsuits to a coordinated political attack by various actors and progressive groups who are attempting to intimidate district leaders into walking back their recent parent and student friendly policies and practices. I believe the employees who may have been concerned about the (communication) policy are those who have been historically conditioned to feel free to take private HR and student matters into the public using social media. Whatever the court may decide in this case, the striking lack of professionalism and ethics on the part of those who are feigning to be offended is heartbreaking, Witts statement reads. The lawsuit, which names WPEA President Nate Owens as its plaintiff, also accuses the district of compelling its employees to join an anti-union organization. The district in May announced it would provide staff with professional liability insurance through memberships in the Professional Association of Colorado Educators (PACE), which claims union tactics such as strikes, sick outs and other disruptions to education denigrate the teaching profession. 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. WPE members who do not agree with PACE as an organization, its goals, its political beliefs, its messaging, or its purpose nor do they want to receive its propaganda were not allowed to opt out of joining the organization, the lawsuit alleges. Compelling speech in such a way is also a violation of the First Amendment, according to the lawsuit. Since Witt assumed the interim superintendent position in January, Woodland Park passed in quick succession a number of big-picture changes. Most notable among them were the so-called employee gag order; the decision not to reapply for $1.5 million of grants toward mental health services; and the adoption of a new markedly conservative social studies curriculum standard known as the American Birthright. Witt said at the time he did not anticipate large scale curriculum changes as a result of the new standard. A civil disobedience course was the first to undergo changes when the teacher was instructed to remove a book deemed racist toward white people from its required readings. It seems very unusual, as well as the way that those changes were made, many of them not being in public or with public input, Baca-Oehlert said. There are superintendent changes that happen often across the state in various districts, yet we don't see this level of chaos and change thats happening the way it is in Woodland Park. Its certainly not usual. The district was hit with two other lawsuits in recent weeks. In a July 31 lawsuit, a neo-pagan mother in the district who was banned from visiting her childrens elementary school after reading oracle cards to them during lunch alleges the district violated her First Amendment rights to freedom of religion by discriminating against her faith. Just last week the American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit against the district for banning a former employee from school property and district-hosted events after he made a brief sarcastic remark during a June 4 board meeting. The school board lifted its ban one day after the suit was filed. We want to stand in solidarity with the educators of Woodland Park School District, but also to show and send the message that this is about ensuring the rights of educators all across the state, no matter where they work, are protected and upheld, Baca-Oehlert said. It absolutely is not a political matter. It is a matter of ensuring that an educators rights are being upheld. Witt maintains the districts actions demonstrate its commitment to de-politicize education and to refocus on academics instead of ideologies. By Pascal Rossignol CALAIS, France (Reuters) -Six people died after a migrant boat trying to cross the Channel from France to Britain capsized early on Saturday, and another two people were possibly missing, French authorities said. French and UK rescue boats saved nearly 60 migrants and brought them to French or British shores, and search and rescue operations were ongoing, the maritime prefecture said. Local mayor Franck Dhersin said a large rescue operation was launched at around 6 a.m. (0400 GMT) as dozens of migrant boats tried to make the crossing at the same time. "Several of the boats were facing serious difficulties," he told Reuters. "Near (the coastal town of) Sangatte they unfortunately found dead bodies." The Channel between France and Britain is one of the world's busiest shipping lanes and currents are strong, making the crossing on small boats dangerous. People smugglers typically overload rickety dinghies, leaving them barely afloat and at risk of being lashed by the waves as they try to reach British shores. Anne Thorel, a volunteer who was on one of the rescue boats, described the migrants' frantic efforts to bail water out of their sinking vessel using their shoes. "There were too many of them on the (migrant) boat," she told Reuters by phone as she returned to the shore. Britain's coastguard said it sent a lifeboat from Dover to assist with the Channel rescue, along with a coastguard rescue team and ambulance staff. A UK Border Force vessel and two lifeboats helped rescue all those on board another small boat in the Channel in a separate incident on Saturday, the British coastguard added. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's government has spent the week making announcements about its efforts to reduce the number of asylum seekers arriving in small boats, hoping to win support from voters as the ruling Conservative Party trails in opinion polls. UK government figures show that the number of migrant Channel crossings so far this year stands at more than 16,000, with over 1,100 people arriving in the past week alone. In the first three months of this year, most of those on small boats were from Afghanistan, India, Iran or Iraq. In November 2021, 27 migrants died when their dinghy deflated as they tried to cross the Channel. The accident was the worst accident on record involving migrants in the narrow seaway separating the two countries. There are more frequent, more deadly disasters in the Mediterranean, where a charity rescue ship rescued 76 migrants on an overloaded wooden boat on Saturday. More than 22,000 people have died or gone missing in its waters since 2014, according to the International Organization for Migration. (Reporting by Pascal Rossignol in Calais and Ingrid Melander, Tangi Salaun, Christian Hartmann in Paris, David Miliken in LondonWriting by Ingrid MelanderEditing by Helen Popper, Ros Russell and Frances Kerry) Tad Cummins was spotted kissing 15-year-old Elizabeth Thomas on the lips in January 2017. Confronted with what was then an alleged sighting, both Thomas and her married 50-year-old health teacher denied it. But when another teacher observed that the two seemed to be spending too much time together, Thomas was barred from Cummins' class, according to school records obtained by NBC News. Thomas was then seen in Cummins' classroom on Feb. 3, per the records, and three days later the teacher was suspended without pay. And on March 13, 2017, Thomas' family reported her missing. The Culleoka, Tenn., high school freshman was found safe a month later and Cummins was arrested for allegedly kidnapping her. But then Thomas ran right into another nightmare as skeptics accused her of, at the very least, being a willing participant in a relationship with Cummins, who's now in prison for transporting a minor across state lines to engage in criminal sexual conduct. True Crime: Kidnapping Survivors "I'm still facing backlash," Thomas, now 22, told E! News' Francesca Amiker in an exclusive interview ahead of the Aug. 12 premiere of Lifetime's Abducted By My Teacher: The Elizabeth Thomas Story, starring Summer Howell and Michael Fishman. "Little snippets, like with the movie's premiere, there was a lot of backlash in this community. But I don't look at the comments. If it doesn't have to do with helping other people, I don't try to give them any power." Abducted By My Teacher (A+E Networks) Fellow kidnapping survivor and activist Elizabeth Smart, an executive producer on the film, called Thomas "one of the kindest, most lovely people you could ever hope to meet." "Even though people have been awful to her," added Smart, who faced her own gauntlet of questions ranging from insensitive to absurd when she was found in 2003 after being held captive for nine months, "she still wants to be there for her community, to make a difference." Thomas said Smart has inspired her in a number of ways. "Just the way she holds herself is something that I look up to," Thomas explained. "She has been through a lot, but seeing her on the other side of it years later and knowing I can be in that same place and look forward to a life of no fear." What happened to Elizabeth Thomas? On the day she went missing, Thomas told her older sister that she'd be home by 6 p.m., and "'if I'm not back by 6, call the police," Sarah Thomas, then 17, recalled to NBC affiliate WSMV. Between 7:30 and 7:45 a.m. that morning, a friend dropped Thomas off at Shoney's restaurant in Columbia, Tenn., according to a timeline compiled by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. Security footage showed Cummins gassing up his Nissan Rogue at a nearby Shell station at 8:32 a.m. Thomas' family reported her missing later that day, after which the Maury County Sheriff's Department entered her name into the online National Crime Information Center at 12:31 p.m., per the TBI timeline. Tennessee Bureau of Investigation After receiving an official request from the Maury County sheriff, the TBI issued an endangered child alert at 4:18 p.m. on March 14 and within the hour an arrest warrant had been issued for Cummins on one count of sexual contact with a minor. The TBI followed with a multi-state Amber Alert at 5:53 p.m. On March 16, TBI spokesman Josh DeVine told reporters the bureau had only received 125 tipsan "alarmingly low" number, he said, the lowest they'd seen during that amount of time for an open alert. By then, a charge of aggravated kidnapping had been added to the warrant, per a TBI news release. Unsolved Mysteries: How Kayla Unbehaun's Abduction Case Ended With Her Mother's Arrest The most likely conclusion, the public information officer explained, was that Thomas and Cummins were "out of the view of the general public" or had traveled past the geographical net cast by authorities. In turn, he added, they'd issued a second BOLO (be on the lookout) alert, this one nationwide. "It's absolutely important that everyone in this nation know about these individuals," DeVine said, "because, frankly, they could be anywhere by now." Hundreds of more leads came in as the days ticked by, but no credible sightings, according to TBI news releases. The first solid tip came in at the end of the month, leading investigators to surveillance video showing Thomas with Cummins at a Walmart in Oklahoma City on March 15. But a clearer picture of Cummins had already come into focus. Tennessee Bureau of Investigation What did Tad Cummins do to Elizabeth Thomas? "Investigative efforts have revealed a troubling pattern of behavior by Tad Cummins," read a March 16 TBI news release, "suggesting the 50-year-old may have been abusing his role as a teacher to groom this vulnerable young girl for some time in an effort to lure and potentially sexually exploit her." Maury County Public Schools said in a statement at the time, per WZTV, that the teacher was suspended as soon as the district was notified of the allegations. "Since then," the statement continued, "the teacher has been dismissed as a result of the investigation. The district does not tolerate any manner of behavior that is alleged in this incident and will take swift action to remove parties from school campuses who are involved with investigations of this type." Funder of Anti-Child Trafficking Film Sound of Freedom Charged With Accessory to Child Kidnapping Cummins researched teen marriage online on March 5, 2017, according to the TBI, and watched a YouTube video on how to dismantle his vehicle's GPS. "The more we're learning about him and the more we're learning about this situation indicates that he pre-planned this," DeVine told NBC News on March 21. "That he groomed this young girl for all of this." Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Thomas' father, Anthony Thomas, told NBC News that once word got around about Cummins kissing his daughter, the teacher told her "she would never be able to attend college, never be accepted at any college, and wouldn't be able to pursue a career after that." Thomas' older sister, who said she spent time in Cummins' classroom with her sibling and other students during lunchtime, called the teacher "a weirdo." Kids started bullying Thomas about the kiss, her sister told WSMV, and she "would say, like, 'I gotta to get out of here, we've got to leave.'" Authorities stressed that there was nothing consensual about what had occurred between Cummins and Thomas. "This is not a romance," Maury County District Attorney Brent Cooper told NBC News. "There's nothing pretty about this. This is a crime, and it's a serious crime." How was Elizabeth Thomas eventually found? In the end, more than 1,500 tips came in, but all it took was one. Thomas and Cummins were tracked to a remote cabin in Cecilville, Calif., on April 20, 2017, where Siskiyou County Sheriff's deputies rescued the girl and arrested Cummins, the TBI announced that day. Michael O'Hare, the owner of a stretch of property that included the cabin, told The Tennessean that Cummins had come into a local saloon and asked O'Hare's caretaker, Griffin Barry, for help finding work and a place to stay, claiming he and his daughter had lost everything in a fire. Tennessee Bureau of Investigation A week later, neighbor Pete Cafferata noticed that Cummins' car didn't have a license plate and remembered hearing about a missing girl. "I had remembered this news story about a younger girl running off with an older man," Cafferata told ABC News. "I googled it, and it certainly looked like the guy." Cafferata and Barry called the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office. Once Barry had obtained the Nissan's VIN for authorities and they confirmed it was Cummins' Nissan, deputies closed in and arrested Cummins early the next morning. "I would like to commend the citizens that played a role in bringing Mr. Cummins' activities to our attention," Siskiyou County Sheriff Jon Lopey said after the arrest, "which led to a response by members of the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office." Thomas family attorney Jason Whately confirmed April 22 that the teen had been reunited with her family. "There is no doubt that she suffered severe emotional trauma," he said, "and that her process of recovery is only just beginning." The lawyer also noted that seeing Thomas in person was a reminder that she was a kid, and that a more mature-looking photo that was widely disseminated was "very inaccurate." "She is a little girl in every sense of the word," he said. "This was the abduction of an impressionable, little child." What happened while Elizabeth Thomas was held captive by Tad Cummins? During a May 13, 2017, court hearing in Nashville, FBI Special Agent Utley Noble detailed the findings of their investigation. Before he abducted Thomas, Noble testified, Cummins took $4,500 in cash and two guns from his home and left his then-wife a note, which was entered into the court record, saying he was going to Virginia Beach or D.C. "just to think and clear my mind of all this crap." He wrote not to call the police because "they'll think I ran 'cause I'm guilty & I'm not!" Cummins devised a plan to pose as a married couple under the names John and Joanne Castro, ages 40 and 24, and take Thomas to Mexico, the agent testified. They eventually ended up in San Diego, Calif., where Cummins bought a kayak with the idea that they would go by water, Noble said. Realizing that was too dangerous, the agent continued, they headed north, stopping in Los Angeles to sell the kayak, and ending up in Cecilville. TV's Most Killer True Crime Transformations What happened to Tad Cummins? After his arrest, Cummins initially pleaded not guilty to charges of transporting a minor across state lines for the purpose of engaging in criminal sexual conduct and obstruction of justice, but in April 2018 he pleaded guilty to both counts. Whately, the Thomases' lawyer, said the family was "very relieved that Mr. Cummins decided to do the right thing by pleading guilty. We see this as one more step toward justice." In January 2019, Cummins was sentenced to 20 years in prison. "Today we got justice for a brave victim," U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee Don Cochran told reporters outside the federal courthouse in Nashville. "We feel good about it." Why the Unbelievable True Story of Abducted in Plain Sight Really Is That Disturbing Cummins, a father of two daughters, read from a statement in court, "As a father and as a parent, to the family of the victim, I'm so sorry. If someone had done this to my girls I would want to hurt them. I wish I could go back in time. To the victim, I want you to know: I agree. This was not your fault. You were a kid. My misguided attempt to help you went sideways. Anything I can do to give you closure, I stand ready." Thomas was in court to read a victim impact statement, but reportedly got so emotional a prosecutor ended up reading it for her. "What you did to me was unspeakable," the statement read, per NBC News. "You saw a broken girl, who was lonely, scared and traumatized. You made her feel safe and loved because you saw what she needed and made her believe you would be her protector. All you were was a man who just wanted sex, and you used me and manipulated me. Tad Cummins is a sick, disgusting criminal." Lifetime's 35 Craziest Moments in 35 Years Where is Elizabeth Thomas now? Thomas, 22, got married in 2019 and now she has joined forces with Elizabeth Smart to tell her story in a Lifetime movie and companion documentary, trusting she was in good hands. "I'm tired of hiding," Thomas told E! of her decision to reopen her life to scrutiny. "The fear of the community bashing me, they've done it for so long and I've just kind of hid in my own little corner. I'm tired of letting those people get to me, and I want other people to see that I'm not scared of them." Smart, who served as an executive producer on her own 2017 Lifetime biopic and the recent The Girl Who Escaped: The Kara Robinson Story, said that helping to tell true stories about fellow survivors remained a very personal mission for her. Abducted By My Teacher (A+E Networks) "I have been the recipient of many misportrayals myself," Smart told E!, "and it's always been important to me that, if there's any way I can help and allow them to portray their story in a way that's going to be true to themthen I want to give that to them." Thomas said that she's feeling stronger than ever now, but it admittedly took a long time, and her recovery is still a work in progress. "I used to be scared to go into stores," she shared. "I used to not want to leave my house, close the blinds, you know, have someone else go grocery shopping for meand I don't do that anymore. I just walk as if nothing bothers me, or at least I try to. Even if it does, I try not to let other people know about it." Asked if there was anything she would tell Cummins now, Thomas said, point blank, "I hope he rots and dies in there." Smart said she seconded that, adding, "But I'd also say, 'You did not break her. You did not destroy her. She is stronger than you ever thought she was.'" Thomas agreed. "I'm not scared," she said. "Nothing he can do is ever going to hurt me anymore." Abducted By My Teacher: The Elizabeth Thomas Story premieres Saturday, Aug. 12, at 8 p.m. on Lifetime, followed at 10 p.m. by Beyond the Headlines: The Elizabeth Thomas Story With Elizabeth Smart (E! and NBC News are both members of the NBCUniversal family.) Get the drama behind the scenes. Sign up for TV Scoop! Two days after Robbie Robertsons death at age 80 following a long illness, his friend and collaborator Bob Dylan is speaking out. This is shocking news, Dylan said in a statement provided to Billboard. Robbie was a lifelong friend. His passing leaves a vacancy in the world. More from Billboard The two legends share a long history. Robertson, whom Dylan famously called a mathematical guitar genius, played guitar with Dylan starting in the mid-1960s, after Dylan became aware of Levon and the Hawks, an early iteration of what became The Band. As Dylan notoriously switched from acoustic to electric, their reception was hardly positive. As Robertson recalled to Mojo in 2017, When The Hawks hooked up with Dylan, he found this explosive, dynamic thing. Because of his intensity, it raised everything up and we didnt come down enough and people were saying this music is so loud we cant hear the words. Part of that was he wanted that raging spirit on these songs. We got booed all over North America, Australia, Europe, and people were saying this isnt working and we kept on and Bob didnt budge. The Hawks backed Dylan for several months, with their efforts captured on 1998s The Bootleg Series, Vol. 4: Bob Dylan Live 1966: The Royal Albert Hall Concert. Their relationship was exploratory and revelatory, especially in the early days. The obvious thing we learned that everybody learned was there was a new way of songwriting. There was a much more colorful, descriptive, humorous, outrageous thrill ride of wordplay, Robertson told Mojo. We hadnt seen this before this was breaking some big rules. I remember saying to Bob one time, Maybe theres too many verses in this [Laughs], and he said, There probably are, but thats what I was thinking about when I wrote it. His spirit was on fire, and he was knocking down the boundaries that had been built up around music. It excited me to be part of this revolution. Robertson also played on Dylans legendary 1966 album Blonde on Blonde. Dylan and The Band famously recorded in 1967 at Big Pink, the house several members of The Band rented in West Saugerties, New York. The complete recordings from those sessions were released in the voluminous 2014 set The Bootleg Series Vol. 11: The Basement Tapes Complete. Robertson and Dylan continued to collaborate for decades, including The Band covering Dylans When I Paint My Masterpiece on 1971s Cahoots album and touring together in 1974, as well as recording Dylans No. 1 studio album Planet Waves together. For the very successful 1974 tour, the audience finally realized Dylan and The Band were right all those years ago, Robertson told Mojo: We do a tour, the [1974] Dylan/Band tour, we play the same way [as we did in 1966], same intensity and everybody says, Wow, that was amazing. The world came around we didnt change a note. Dylan also was one of a number of legendary musicians joining The Band for The Last Waltz concert, taped on Thanksgiving Day, 1976. The show concludes with Dylans I Shall Be Released. Best of Billboard Click here to read the full article. Hunter Bidens lawyer Abbe Lowell visited CNNs The Source with Kaitlan Collins Friday night, hours after Attorney General Merrick Garland named Trump-appointed U.S. attorney David Weiss as special counsel in the ongoing investigation into Hunter Bidens overseas affairs. Collins got straight to the point when she asked Lowell, Can you say with certainty that, based on what you know, theres no possibility that any of Hunter Bidens foreign business dealings will, in any way, connect back to his father, the president? Lowell was pointed in his reply: Youve had dozens of members of Congress, and their staff youve had a dozen members of right-wing media, picking and trying to find the connection, between Hunter and his business and other family members. And they have come up with nothing, because theres nothing to come up with. The attorney pointed to previous years of ongoing investigations into Hunter. What I know is what the evidence has revealed. I mean, that is what people should focus on. Lowell noted that investigations into Hunter Biden have been going on for five years, without many charges being filed. Its not as if this started yesterday or a week [ago], Lowell said. It started for five years, with so many people in the United States, including with the power of subpoenas as Mr. Weiss has had to look at every transaction that Hunter was engaged in, in any place in the world in which he was engaged. And what did they come up with? They came up with the decision that the only two charges to file were two misdemeanors and a gun diverted charge. Abbe Lowell on potential for new charges: Do I know that that will change in the future? It shouldn't change. This is not a new special counsel. This is an investigation that's gone on for five yearsSo, how should it be different tomorrow? It shouldn't be. pic.twitter.com/j5Uuj5Loo7 Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) August 12, 2023 The lawyer also pointed out that the charges filed against Hunter are a far cry from claims that conservative lawmakers, politicians and media outlets have made about his actions. Those claims have included allegations of money laundering and even acting as a foreign agent. The right-wing focus on Hunter has caused some members of the Republican Party to demand that party leaders fixate on something, or someone, else. In July, The Views Alyssa Farah Griffin commented, I do think theres probably corruption, I do think he probably traded off his name, but to my friends in the GOP, we cant make this our whole personality. She continued, Weve got a guy running for president whos likely to be the nominee whos soon to be thrice-indicted. How are you going to argue that the actions of the presidents son who is not elected, hes not appointed to office is somehow more important? MSNBCs Chris Hayes was even more pointed a month earlier, when he accused the party of an attempt to wield a sons addiction against the father for political purposes. The post CNN Host Asks Hunter Bidens Lawyer if Presidential Sons Foreign Business Will Connect Back to His Father (Video) appeared first on TheWrap. Bachelor In Paradise Season 9 will be here soon, and there are certain contestants wed love to see pair up in Mexico. We do not know much about Season 9 just yet. However, there are a number of contestants who have been rumored to be on the beach at some point. While Season 8 didnt have a high success rate, viewers hope Season 9 will produce more couples that last. Many of the women on Season 9 will likely be from Zach Shallcross season of The Bachelor, which was the most recent to air. By the same token, there will probably be a fair amount of men from Charity Lawsons season of The Bachelorette. As always, there will also be a handful of contestants from older seasons. Many contestants could be a great match for each other. However, these are four couples that we would love to see in Paradise. Ariel Frenkel & Aven Jones Ariel Frenkel and Aven Jones are two former contestants who are rumored to be on Bachelor In Paradise Season 9, and the two could potentially make a great match! On Zachs season, Ariel was sent home after fantasy suite week. Aven, on the other hand, fought for Rachel Recchias heart on The Bachelorette Season 19. Ultimately, he was her runner up. Both Ariel and Aven were fan favorites during their respective seasons, and the two have many similarities. Ariel and Aven are close in age since they are just one year apart. This means that they are probably at similar points in their lives. The pair also both seem to have laid-back personalities and go with the flow, which makes them compatible as well. Jess Girod & Sean McLaughlin Jess Girod and Sean McLaughlin would be another good match in Paradise, since the two are more compatible with each other than they were with the leads of their seasons. Jess was featured on Zachs season, where she was ultimately eliminated when she confronted Zach about not receiving a one-on-one. Sean was recently sent home on Charitys season, where he made it to the top six. Jess and Sean were both among the younger contestants on their seasons, with Jess being 24, while Sean is 25. The duo could be a great match, since they are both young but also mature. Jess and Sean also both have great senses of humor, and like to have fun. If Jess and Sean meet each other in Paradise, they could potentially have a great relationship. Kat Izzo & Brayden Bowers Kat Izzo and Brayden Bowers had similar experiences during their time on the show, which could possibly make them a good couple for Paradise. After she was eliminated right before hometowns during Zachs season, Kat faced some scrutiny from viewers. Brayden was recently sent home on Charitys season, where he was also one of the more controversial contestants. Both Kat and Brayden were seen as villains on their respective seasons, even though they werent really villains at all. Both Kat and Brayden had good intentions, but sometimes portrayed them in the wrong way. Kat and Brayden could have a second chance with one another, since the two are both very extroverted and outgoing, and seem compatible. Rachel Recchia & Tyler Norris Rachel and Tyler Norris first formed a connection on The Bachelorette Season 19, but Rachel ultimately eliminated Tyler when she didnt feel ready to meet his family. However, Rachel and Tyler have both been rumored to be on Bachelor In Paradise Season 9, so it is possible that the two could give their relationship a second chance. Rachel ultimately chose Tino Franco, who later cheated on her, which caused them to end their engagement. Tyler, on the other hand, briefly dated Brittany Galvin after Bachelor In Paradise Season 8, but they later broke up as well. Rachel and Tyler had a genuine and drama-free relationship on The Bachelorette, so the two may finally be ready to rekindle. Tyler has always been serious about Rachel, and even reached out to her before The Bachelorette. TELL US WHICH POTENTIAL COUPLES DO YOU WANT TO SEE ON BACHELOR IN PARADISE SEASON 9? The post Our Dream Bachelor in Paradise Couples appeared first on Reality Tea. Atlanta-area District Attorney Fani Willis appears poised to seek indictments in her investigation into the role that former President Donald Trump and others played in attempting to overturn the result of the 2020 election. Earlier Saturday, Georgias former Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan told CNNs Frederick Whitfield that he has been called to testify before a grand jury in Fulton County. Journalist George Chidi also revealed that he has been called to go to court and testify in the investigation on Tuesday. These requests are being considered the strongest indication yet that Willis could move to file charges against more than a dozen people. Former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan last week got a subpoena to testify before the grand jury. On Trumps legal team's argument that Trumps ask of Raffensperger was only aspirational, Duncan says, It sounds dangerous and pathetic, in my opinion. pic.twitter.com/9sIlZwFFsM Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) August 8, 2023 Hed earlier confirmed to CNNs Kaitlan Collins that he was subpoenaed. Duncan explained Saturday, I did just receive notification to appear on Tuesday morning at the Fulton County grand jury and I certainly will be there to do my part in recounting the facts. He added, I have no expectations as to the questions, and Ill certainly answer whatever questions are put in front of me, and certainly dont want to go any deeper than that to jeopardize or compromise the investigation. But, look, for me, this is a story that is important for Republicans to hear, Americans to hear. He continued, Lets hear the whole truth and nothing but the truth about Donald Trumps actions and the surrounding cast of characters around him. We watched a series of events happen here that were tragic and untruthful, and hes got a chance to present these facts and say, Hey, I didnt know what was going on.' I can confirm that I have been requested to testify before the Fulton County grand jury on Tuesday. I look forward to answering their questions around the 2020 election. Republicans should never let honesty be mistaken for weakness. https://t.co/3j73O1kLNj Geoff Duncan (@GeoffDuncanGA) August 12, 2023 Willis began her investigation three years ago and has been considering conspiracy and racketeering charges, CNN reports. Saturdays news prompted Trump to post on his social media platform Truth Social, lashing out against the Georgia DA. Trump accused Willis, who is a Black woman, of racism and wrote, I hear that RACIST Fulton County (Atlanta) District Attorney Phoney Fani Willis, who weakly presides over one of the deadliest communities in the U.S., with thousands of murderers, violent criminals & gang members roaming the streets while going untried, free, & are treated with kid gloves, is using a potential Indictment of me, and other innocent people, as a campaign and fundraising CON JOB, all based on a PERFECT PHONE CALL, AS PRESIDENT, CHALLENGING ELECTION FRAUD MY DUTY & RIGHT! He returned to the platform four hours later to add that he, of course, believes President Joe Biden has a role in the ongoing investigations into his own behavior. Trump added, The Lunatic Left, working closely with Crooked Joe Biden and his corrupt DOJ, is not only focusing on Election Interference, but on getting the Trump Campaign to spend vast amounts of money on legal fees, thereby having less to spend on ads showing that Crooked Joe is the WORST PRESIDENT IN U.S. HISTORY! One hour later, Trump queried, How can they charge me in Georgia? The phone call was PERFECT. WITCH HUNT! Watch Duncans interview with Kaitlan Collins in the video above. The post Georgia DA Calls Witnesses for 2020 Trump Election Investigation Grand Jury appeared first on TheWrap. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis appears ready to present her case regarding former President Donald Trump's attempts to overturn the 2020 elections before a grand jury as early as next week. At least two witnesses have been alerted that they will need to appear before a Fulton County grand jury on Tuesday, the clearest indicator so far Willis intends to move forward with making a presentation of her case before a grand jury. Willis is expected to seek charges against more than a dozen people with regard to the alleged attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 election. UP FOR DEBATE: WHERE TRUMP, DESANTIS, AND REST OF REPUBLICAN 2024 FIELD STAND ON KEY ISSUES "I did just receive notification to appear on Tuesday morning at the Fulton County grand jury, and I certainly will be there to do my part in recounting the facts," Former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan told CNN. Duncan served as lieutenant governor between 2019 and 2023 but declined to run after slamming Trump over his claims regarding the 2020 election. Independent journalist George Chidi also confirmed that he had been summoned the same day to appear before a Fulton County grand jury. Chidi reported in 2020 about seeing 16 Republicans signing Electoral College documents falsely claiming Trump won in Georgia. Before reports surfaced on Saturday that Willis had taken the most concrete steps yet to hand Trump his fourth indictment, the former president was raging about her investigation online. "I hear that RACIST Fulton County (Atlanta) District Attorney' Phoney' Fani Willis, who weakly presides over one of the deadliest communities in the U.S., with thousands of murderers, violent criminals & gang members roaming the streets while going untried, free, & are treated with 'kid gloves,' is using a potential Indictment of me, and other innocent people, as a campaign and fundraising CON JOB, all based on a PERFECT PHONE CALL, AS PRESIDENT, CHALLENGING ELECTION FRAUD - MY DUTY & RIGHT!" Trump posted on Truth Social on Saturday. "How can they charge me in Georgia? The phone call was PERFECT. WITCH HUNT!" He later 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. Willis opened her investigation into Trump following a reported phone call between the then-president and Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, during which Trump pressed the election official to "find" the necessary votes to turn the presidential contest in his favor. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER After Willis opened her investigation in February 2021, a special purpose grand jury was selected in May 2022 that did not have indictment powers, but it recommended multiple legal actions against Trump, including at least a dozen indictments. Gov. Brian Kemp (R-GA) gave closed-door testimony to the grand jury. Willis has hinted an indictment was likely to come down sometime before Aug. 18. Earlier this week, reports suggested the prosecutor is weighing at least 12 indictments in the investigation. Original Location: Fani Willis expected to present Trump election case before grand jury next week Washington Examiner Videos The actor's remains were discovered in Mount Baldy, California, in June, six months after he was reported missing charley gallay/wireimage Julian Sands The hikers who found Julian Sands' remains are describing the discovery as surreal." Sands was confirmed dead at 65 after his remains were discovered in Mount Baldy, California, by recreational hikers on June 24. The British actor was first reported missing on Jan. 13 after going on a solo hike. It was surreal, Bill Dwyer, one of the hikers who stumbled upon Sands remains in Goode Canyon in the area, told The Los Angeles Times. According to the outlet, the hiking group was three hours into their ascent on Mount Baldy when they discovered a boot, followed by another boot further up the mountain. They then found trekking poles and bones, and later came across a pile of dark winter clothes nearby, with a pocket containing a wallet with a driver's license that displayed Sands face. Marco Piraccini/Archivio Marco Piraccini/Mondadori Portfolio Sands' remains were discovered by hikers in Mt. Baldy in June Related: Julian Sands' Cause of Death Deemed 'Undetermined' 4 Weeks After His Body Was Found He was dressed like a ninja, one of the hikers recalled to the Times of the clothing found. Strapped to one of Sands boots were a set of microspikes, which are typically used for shallow snowy trails. I was a little shocked to see the microspikes, Dwyer told the outlet. They were just the wrong tools for the job at hand. The hiking group also said they were aware of the ongoing search for Sands when they embarked on their trail. They figured that Goode Canyon was a likely place for [Sands] to end up following his last reported cellphone ping at an icy ridge on Baldy Bowl trail, the Times reported. The group told the outlet that Sands' cellphone was also discovered on a rock under a tree though the hikers couldnt find any signal where they discovered his remains. No backpack was found with the remains as well, they said. Related: Julian Sands, 65, Confirmed Dead 5 Months After Actor Disappeared While Hiking Jon Kopaloff/WireImage The British actor was first reported missing in Jan. 13 while hiking in the area Prior to the discovery, search and rescue teams split into two groups, with one descending from the top of Goode Canyon, and the other ascending from the bottom in hopes of finding Sands. Both groups failed to reach the middle of the mountain, where the actor was eventually found, according to the Times. It was just one of those things, Donna Newlin, a member of San Bernardino Countys search and rescue team, told the outlet. If they had gone another 600 feet farther down, they might have found him. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Following the discovery of the remains, Dwyer sent an SOS to authorities on his Garmin InReach a satellite-messaging device and they responded in eight minutes, per the Times. Can you imagine the despair, the isolation? the groups organizer told the outlet. Hearing the helicopters, knowing people are looking for you, but having no way to signal to them. I still have nightmares about that. Sands' cause of death was previously confirmed to PEOPLE to be deemed "undetermined" by a public information officer for the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department. The officer clarified that his cause of death was ruled "undetermined due to the condition of the body and this is common when dealing with cases of this type." For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. The realm of entertainment stands on the precipice of change. It is a time when artists within the industry are coming together to advocate for the independent voice. It is a time when audiences understand more and more how to support the artistry of film production. It is a time of reflection where Ben Fox, founder and President of the blindCAN Film Festival, feels accepted to return to the industry as he plans fall events. Ben Fox, founder and President of the blindCAN Film Festival, has several events coming up for fall of 2023. On Oct. 15, White Cane Awareness Day, the organization plans for the Red Carpet White Cane Celebration. The art of Filmmaking Fox lives and breathes filmmaking. It's "the sculpting of the moments with the camera finding the stories. Since growing up in Utah, Fox and his family attended the Sundance Film Festival to watch the lines of people, the previews, and the power of film. One can see the memories roll as Fox tries to answer the age-old question of any cinephile: "Whats your favorite film?" With a long whistle that reverberates off the studio walls, Fox sighs. Ill have to go back to the movie that inspired me to become a filmmaker, "Great Expectations (1998). Fox pauses, then laughs, By the way, I read the book. He continues describing how it felt like he was watching an authentic, engaging art piece for the first time. Foxs pivotal description of the film encapsulates why the movie has stood the test of time. Fate, in so many ways, intertwines with this young mans life and takes him on a journey and I wondered to myself: could he have made different choices? It is an existential thought that bounces across everyones mind wondering if their choices could have been different. The blindCAN Film Festival took place in April 2023. On Oct. 15, White Cane Awareness Day, blindCAN plans a Red Carpet White Cane Celebration. Fox continues describing his life choices and how the love of his favorite film led him to pick up his schools old Video Home System (VHS) recorder. At 18, he filmed 30-second perspectives from people on what God meant to them, with 30-second pauses in between. I didnt mean for it to be arty, Fox describes. But all of a sudden, Sundance Film Festival put out a call (and) LOVED it; they thought it was super arty. He laughs, and one cant help but bask in the glow that shines on Foxs face. His description of filmmaking, respect for Sundance, and joy remembering the red-carpet gala would leave anyone with a newfound admiration for cinema. The experience was "legendary. Disability and arts go hand in hand Yet a few weeks later, fate intervened. The retinas started falling off both my eyes, Fox says when doctors informed him to prepare for blindness. After several surgeries, Fox spent five weeks on his side to avoid tearing the stitches. I watched every movie that anybody had on VHS every single movie, to keep my mind (going), Fox said. He says hell always hold that part of his life as pivotal, recalling the stack of VHS tapes and the people visiting him. It cemented his calling to be a filmmaker, phoning set after set as a backseat director on every B-movie that somebody brought me. Fox discusses how the current trends in filmmaking toward acceptance leave him feeling. I (get) emotional about it for so many years, I was too embarrassed and thats a me thing but now Im back, and Im grateful for it. Ben Fox will host a Game Night on the next First Friday in the blindCAN studio as a sensory-friendly experience. Its the VIP Room and who doesnt love karaoke? Looking back on his life and choices, Fox wanted to empower other visually impaired people to share their stories through film. Ultimately, it led him to found blindCAN, an organization of professionals in the blindness community that provides film industry training to those who are blind and visually impaired. Disability and arts go hand in hand [because both] when you actually take a minute and experience them, they make you stop. Fox certainly stopped people this past April with blindCANs annual film festival, which focuses on films made by people who are blind and with other disabilities. One of my personal missions in the blindness community is (showing) you can make a film if you have a story, 5 minutes, and a cell phone with a camera. And that applies to everybody, no matter how your eyes work. A season of events on the horizon This fall, blindCAN has several incredible opportunities on the horizon. On Oct. 15, White Cane Awareness Day, the organization plans for the Red Carpet White Cane Celebration. Foxs goal is to have influential locals attend and promote awareness. The event will include an option for audience members to receive blind simulator glasses, walk arm in arm with a person with a white cane, and enter on the red velvet carpet together. Fox also will host a Game Night on the next First Friday in the blindCAN studio as a sensory-friendly experience. Its the VIP Room and who doesnt love karaoke? Lastly, Fox plans to co-host an introductory video workshop series this September focusing on storytelling, framework, and all the small details in a video. He expands on small details, including lights or sound, and how they can negatively affect the impact of a films story. Theres a small fridge buzzing, an air-conditioner running, your camera captures (that sound) it takes you out of the momentLittle choices make huge differences. Events start with Breakfast by the BLIND from 8-11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 17. With the variety of programming blindCAN offers, the people of Tallahassee certainly have a fantastic lineup of choices. If you go What: blindCAN Fall Programming When: Aug. 17 Oct. 15 Where: 630-10 Railroad Square, Tallahassee, FL, 32310 Cost: Event prices vary | Free - $100 Tickets: www.blindcan.org/tickets Contact: Ben Fox | fox.ben1@gmail.com Samantha Sumler is the Marketing & Communications Manager for the Council on Culture & Arts. COCA is the capital areas umbrella agency for arts and culture (tallahasseearts.org). This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Early love of movies propels Ben Fox to found blindCAN Film Festival The Illinois law entitles children to a certain percentage of gross earnings from the content they appear in. Claire Savage/AP Photo A new Illinois law is designed to protect child social media stars financially. A portion of the money earned from a child's social media account must now be put into a trust until they are 18. The law is the first of its kind in the country. Washington is considering a similar bill. A new Illinois law is now the first in the country designed to protect the earnings of children who are social media influencers or who appear in their parents' social media content. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed the bill into law on August 11. Beginning July 1, 2024, children under 16 who are social media influencers or who appear in their parents' own content will be entitled to a certain percentage of earnings from that content, based on how much they appear. This money must be put in a trust until the child turns 18. Otherwise, they are entitled to sue, according to the law. This legislation was first championed by Shreya Nallamothu, who at 15 years old found herself concerned about protecting kids finding stardom online, the Associated Press reported. She contacted State Sen. David Koehler with her idea, and he later proposed the legislation. "I realized that there's a lot of exploitation that can happen within the world of 'kidfluencing,'" Nallamothu told the Associated Press. "And I realized that there was absolutely zero legislation in place to protect them. Koehler said he expects Illinois will not be the only state to adopt this law. "I think you'll see other states following us on this," Koehler told Teen Vogue. Washington is also considering a similar law, which has been stalled in the state House Committee since February. Read the original article on Insider Sisters Haynay Paw (left) and Hai Nay Say will cook Karen cuisine for Tables Across Borders on Monday at Tricklebee Cafe. When Hay Nay Paw, a refugee from Myanmar, moved to Milwaukee in 2017, she said her sisters and culture were about all she had. Paw is Karen, an ethnic group that largely resides in Myanmar, or Burma. The Paw family came to the United States to escape persecution and war in their home country. It is very difficult to transition, Paw said. There are a lot of new things. First of all, we dont speak the language so thats already difficult for us, and then also we live in a big city so everywhere you go, you have to use a car. Transportation is hard; everything is new. Cooking helped Paw and her sisters Hai Nay Say and Wah Nay Paw stay connected to their culture. Tables Across Borders builds bridges across cultures After working with refugees in a variety of capacities throughout her career, Kai Gardner Mishlove created Tables Across Borders to help Milwaukee refugees gain exposure. The project is not only entrepreneurial, she said, but also a way to increase public awareness, welcome newcomers and offer ways to learn from other community members. When Gardner Mishlove asked the Paw sisters to be a part of the program, they were excited by the opportunity to share their cultural cuisine. "Food and cooking helps to showcase to all the people, all cultures, like how Karen people eat and live our life," Paw said. The sisters will cook foods such as fried noodles with vegetables, samosas filled with veggies, fried chicken and coconut dumplings, a Gulab dessert and more at their next event, at 6 p.m. Aug. 14 at Tricklebee Cafe, 4424 W. North Ave. This is their fourth time cooking with Tables Across Borders. "We grew up cooking at home, and we learn it in our household," Paw said. "When you become a wife or become a mom, you also have to cook and prepare for your family. So we also teach ourselves cooking in different ways." All three Paw sisters are now married and have families of their own in Milwaukee. "It's a bridge builder. Food is a way to bind a culture together when you're in an unfamiliar territory or place, and retain your history and pass it down to your children," Gardner Mishlove said. Gardner Mishlove said many of the refugees use recipes that were passed down from their grandparents, great-grandparents or other family members. Sometimes their ingredients may be adapted when they move to a new place. It's also an opportunity for Milwaukee residents to connect with different refugee communities. Talking about plans for Tables Across Borders are (from left) executive director of JSS of Madison Kai Yael Gardner Mishlove, May Paw, Hai Nay Say, Hay Nay Paw, and executive director of Tricklebee Cafe Christie Melby-Gibbons Tricklebee Cafe is hosting Tables Across Borders event When Gardner Mishlove learned about Tricklebee Cafe through mutual connections in the community, the owner and executive director of the restaurant, Christie Melby-Gibbons, said she wanted to make her place available for hosting. "When you think about it, the restaurant, they're donating their space, their resources and everything for free. So they're not gaining anything from this other than maybe exposure," Gardner Mishlove said. Tricklebee Cafe is a "pay what you can" restaurant that offers vegan fare, all made from fresh local vegetables that would otherwise be wasted. While the Tables Across Borders event is a paid event, all profits go to the refugee chefs. Melby-Gibbons said they are intentionally open just a few days a week so they can share the kitchen with other people. It's also based on the Moravian Church. "The ministry itself is just that everyone can eat here no matter how much money they have," Melby-Gibbons said. "We love good food. We are all about hospitality. It just made sense to partner up, and we're very open to working with all different types of people." She said she enjoys working with the refugee chefs, like the Paw sisters. "Oh, I love them. It's very easy to work with them," Melby-Gibbons said. "They know how to work in the kitchen seamlessly. Some people have never had like Karen food ever, and it's really neat to see them taste it for the first time and to watch them have joy in serving their culture with each other." The Paw sisters are shopping for their ingredients at local stores, such as Viet Hoa and Cernak. Tables Across Borders breaks down barriers Gardner Mishlove said her favorite part about Tables Across Borders is seeing people come together who don't know each other, and breaking barriers between the refugee versus non-refugee community. "Because it's open seating, you are often sitting next to someone who you have never met before," Gardner Mishlove said. "It becomes an icebreaker where you might gain a new friend who may attend future events. And that's what we've seen. People who didn't know each other may have come to the first dinner in 2019. They're showing up at the dinners now together." Want to go? Here's how Monday's event is scheduled for 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $65 and are available at https://www.exploretock.com/Amilinda/event/424156/tables-across-borders-karen-dinner-at-tricklebee-cafe. Contact Skyler Chun at schun@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter at @skylerchun_. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Karen cuisine will be featured at Tables Across Borders Aubrey Plaza, Nick Offerman, Adam Scott, Ben Schwartz, Sam Elliott, Jim O'Heir, Retta, Allison Becker all took part in the protest outside of Amazon offices on Friday Chelsea Lauren/Shutterstock for SAG-AFTRA Adam Scott, Nick Offerman, Jim O'Heir, Aubrey Plaza, Retta and Ben Schwartz, alongside members of SAG-AFTRA and their supporters, pose for a photograph while picketing The cast of Parks and Recreation came together in support of the SAG-AFTRA strike. Aubrey Plaza, Nick Offerman, Adam Scott, Ben Schwartz, Sam Elliott, Jim O'Heir, Retta and Allison Becker reunited with the shows miniature horse Lil Sebastian on the picket line outside the Amazon offices in Culver City, California on Friday. For the outing, Plaza, 39, carried a sign which read, Ann Perkins works for the AMPTP, referring to Rashida Jones Parks and Recreation character who played her on-screen frenemie. For her part, Retta held a poster with the message, I sold that little red thing for health insurance. Chelsea Lauren/Shutterstock for SAG-AFTRA Nick Offerman and Sam Elliott Related: Everything to Know About the SAG Strike and How It Will Affect TV and Movies Earlier this month, Scott, 50, shared a photo on Instagram of him and Offerman, 53, picketing together. He wrote, In solidarity on the picket line at Warner Bros with our fellow @sagaftra @wgawest @wgaeast members, my boyfriend @nickofferman + one bonus Jesse Plemons #sagaftrastrong #wgastrong Offerman also showed his support of both SAG-AFTRA strike and the Writers Guild of America strikes on social media. It is a privilege to picket in solidarity with @WGAwest seeing new friends and old, all of us laborers striking for fair pay and so much more, he wrote alongside a photo of himself on the picket line. If it aint on the page, it aint on the stage, folks. @sagaftra #interactive #games #unionstrong #1u #safestudios #fairpay #wegotyourback #negotiatingcommittee Related: Rashida Jones and Her 'Parks and Recreation' Costars Snuggle Up to Celebrate Galentine's Day Plaza has also been outspoken about the strike, sharing a photo of herself with a sign that read, Do you have fair wages? Itd be a lot cooler if you did. On July 13, SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher excoriated Hollywood executives in a speech, announcing the unions intention to strike after failed contract negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). The entire business model has been changed by streaming, digital, A.I.," Drescher, 65, said in part during her passionate speech. "This is a moment of history that is a moment of truth. If we don't stand tall right now, we are all going to be in trouble." Ahead of the strike, members of SAG-AFTRA had been seeking pay and residual increases, higher caps on pension and health contributions as well as regulating the use of artificial intelligence, among other things. Many Hollywood stars have since hit the picket lines to support the strike, including Mariska Hargitay, Hilary Duff, Francia Raisa, Bryan Cranston and Jason Sudeikis. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Parks and Recreation is streaming now on Peacock. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. The siblings attended the Molly Dickson x Madewell Celebration Event held at Holloway House in West Hollywood, California, on Thursday Steve Granitz/FilmMagic; Tommaso Boddi/WWD via Getty Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe's children have a close bond! On Thursday, Ava, 23, and Deacon Phillippe, 19, looked perfectly in sync while attending the Molly Dickson x Madewell Celebration Event held at the Holloway House in West Hollywood, California. The event honored the launch of the stylist and luxury brand's denim capsule collaboration and saw the siblings wear similar fall-inspired outfits. Related: Reese Witherspoon Says Beyonce Was 'So Sweet' to Kids Ava and Deacon Phillippe at Ivy Park Shoot For the outing, Ava wore a low-cut halter top paired with a dark blue denim skirt and a wide brown belt. The look was paired with open-toe sandals, medium-sized hooped earrings, and red nail polish. She completed the look by parting her hair down the middle and wearing it in loose waves. Tommaso Boddi/WWD via Getty Her brother wore a black T-shirt underneath a long-sleeve cardigan and brown pants. He completed the look with a blue cap and sneakers. Ava and Deacon are Witherspoon's eldest children whom she shares with ex-husband Ryan Phillippe. She is also a mom to Tennessee James Toth, 10, whom she shares with talent-agent Jim Toth. Witherspoon, 47, and Toth, 53, announced that they were divorcing after 11 years of marriage in March. Related: Reese Witherspoon Talks 'Rewarding' Relationship with Her 'Adult Children': 'Makes Me Want to Cry' As Ava and Deacon continue to get older, however, their relationship with their famous mom has only gotten better. Witherspoon told Tracee Ellis Ross during a conversation for Interview in 2021 that it was something she "never expected." Stefanie Keenan/Getty "That makes me want to cry, the idea of having a long relationship with adult children," she said. "I never expected the kind of relationship that I have with them, but its so rewarding to be able to have kids that you can process life with a little bit, and they help me understand the complexities of what it means to be a human now." Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Expressing that she's grateful to have them in her life, she added, "Adult humans. I have two adult children now, Tracee. Its crazy." In an interview with PEOPLE in 2021, Phillippe revealed Deacon is his go-to workout buddy, and the two often hike in L.A. or hit the gym together. "We'll do the same workout and the way he looks after compared to the way I look is really defeating," joked the star. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Looking for some mid-August fun? We've got you covered, from our weekly Beach Guide to some best bets for entertainment around Delaware. Keith Bayha and Allen Collins were two of the scientists that discovered bay nettle, seen here, was a species separate from the Atlantic sea nettle. Summer runs through September, so there's still plenty of time for sand, surf, sun and everything else the Delaware beaches have to offer. Until then, keep your pumpkins to yourself, OK? Each week throughout the summer, Delaware Online/The News Journal offers this weekend guide to the Delaware beaches, with information on weather, events, news items and anything else locals and visitors in the area might need to know. Here's what's happening this weekend. You better get those reusable bags and dollies ready for a day of perusing produce because National Farmers Market Week is here. Delaware is filled with acres of flourishing farmlands with a harvest of crops just waiting to complete your farm-to-table dishes. If you arent already a frequent visitor to farm stands, consider National Farmers Market Week from Aug. 6 to Aug. 12 this year your personal invitation. Dirty Popcorn Black Film Festival Jet Phynx, film director and founder of Jet Phynx Films, at right, and other guests come to observe Avelo Airline's Boeing 737-700 take off on its first flight to Orlando, Fla., out of New Castle Airport in Wilmington, Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023. Avelo's inaugural flight marks the return of commercial flight services to Delaware and will offer non-stop trips to five Florida locations. Wilmington native Jet Phynx, a rapper and film director, returns with his second "Dirty Popcorn Black Film Festival." The festival, in partnership with Delaware Art Museum, celebrates minority voices in Delaware and beyond. The event includes short films, a chance to meet local filmmakers, Q&A panel, and an awards ceremony (3 to 4 p.m.) for select films, according to Del Art Museum's website. Delaware Art Museum (2301 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 12. Free event. Visit delart.org or (302) 571-9590. Disco Biscuits feed your appetite for fun The Disco Biscuits band performs on stage during the Montage Mountain rave on Oct. 23, 2020 in Scranton, Pennsylvania. A mighty, sweaty dance party is doing down in SoDel, all thanks to the cosmic force known as the Disco Biscuits. The Philly band is known for delivering transfusion, a mix of fusion and jam band. The Disco gang has been grooving listeners since the 90s with favorites like Portal to an Empty Head, On Time and We Like to Party. Bottle & Cork (1807 Highway One, Dewey Beach) at 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 13. Tickets $39. Visit bottleandcork.com or (302) 227-7272. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Food, films and farmers market: Late summer fun across Delaware When PoliticsNation host Rev. Al Sharpton asked Vice President Kamala Harris about voter turnout in next years presidential election, Harris confessed, Im worried about it. The vice president went on to add that much of her worry stems from a lot of effort and laws that have been passed to try and make it more difficult for people to vote. "I'm worried about it because I also know that there has been a lot of effort and laws that have been passed to try and make it more difficult for people to vote."@VP Harris shares her concerns about voter turnout especially people of color in the upcoming 2024 election. pic.twitter.com/MylnzMnga7 PoliticsNation (@PoliticsNation) August 12, 2023 Harris and Sharpton are well-positioned to share a conversation about voter suppression. Sharpton has been a tireless fighter for civil rights for decades and is the founder and president of the National Action Network. As a child, Harris often marched alongside her parents especially her mother and cited those experiences as part of what inspired her to run for president in 2020. The vice president turned the conversation back to the reverend and asked, I mean, can you imagine, Rev? In the United States of America, we went through all these fights, the March on Washington, John Lewis, all of that. And these so-called leaders who are so bold as to unapologetically propose laws and make it more difficult for the American people to vote. She concluded, So I do worry that we have to do everything we can to remind people of why it is important. The pair discussed another tough topic: parts of the country that like to target Harris. As Sharpton put it, They dont realize that you are used to that because you come out of that kind of fight. Harris agreed and explained, Theres no choice. And let me just say this also, theres a lot of joy in being in this fight for freedom, for the promise of America. Its a fight for something, not against something. Its also a fight, and this needs to be said, that is to try and bring us together, understanding we all have so much more in common than what separates us. Watch Vice President Harris express her concerns about voter turnout in the clip above. The post Vice President Kamala Harris Admits Shes Worried About 2024 Voter Turnout appeared first on TheWrap. Young Sheldon may be nearing the finish line but that doesnt have to mark the end of the Cooper familys on-screen journey. Prior to Hollywoods dual strikes, TVLine reported that preliminary talks had begun about whether Season 7 would be the Big Bang Theory offshoots last. And it makes sense! Assuming the prequels narrative keeps at a steady pace, Sheldon will turn 14 next year the age at which, per Big Bangs previously established timeline, the future Nobel Prize winner moves from Medford, Texas, to Pasadena, Calif., to begin his graduate studies at the California Institute of Technology. More from TVLine That same year, Sheldons older brother Georgie who recently put a ring on Mandys finger marries for the first time, and family patriarch George meets his maker, setting up Young Sheldon for a bittersweet sendoff not unlike early 90s classic The Wonder Years. There are certainly things we know we want to hit next season, exec producer Steve Holland previously told TVLine. And there are certain things where, if its the end versus if its just [another season], those things might be different. But we dont think the possibility of life beyond Season 7 should stop the powers that be from abiding to canon. Why not have the tragedy that befalls the Cooper clan drive the next chapter in the Big Bang franchise? Pretty good idea, no? Thats why were pitching The Coopers, a direct continuation of Young Sheldon that removes Sheldon from the equation in a years time and shows us what life is like for Mary, Georgie, Missy and Meemaw in the aftermath of Georges demise. Big Bang already established that Georgie will step up as the man of the house, while his brainiac brother, nearly 1,300 miles away at Caltech, is kept in the dark about his familys struggles. All they have to do is show it. The most recent (and arguably best) season of Young Sheldon demonstrated that Georgies portrayer, Montana Jordan, is more than capable of carrying the A-story, while Sheldons twin sister (played wonderfully by Raegan Revord) has only gotten more interesting as shes entered her rebellious teen phase. And it goes without saying, but seeing how a newly widowed Mary handles it all, while also recommitting herself to the church and transforming into the religious zealot embodied by Laurie Metcalf on Big Bang, would make for a feast of a showcase for Zoe Perry. The only question is whether The Coopers would air on CBS, or come in the form of the previously announced BBT offshoot for Max which, as far we know, is still in the earliest stages of development. What do you think? Would The Coopers make a fine show, or is there another Young Sheldon spinoff youd prefer? Let us know in Comments. Big Bang Theory Easter Eggs on Young Sheldon Young Sheldon: Every Big Bang Theory Cameo, Easter Egg and Future Reveal View List Best of TVLine Get more from TVLine.com : Follow us on Twitter , Facebook , Newsletter Click here to read the full article. Dangerous wildfires are spreading rapidly on Maui due to very dry conditions stemming from a drought combined with powerful winds across Hawaii. At least 80 people have died from the wildfires on Maui, marking the deadliest natural disaster in Hawaii since it became a state. Much of the historic town of Lahaina has been "destroyed," according to officials. A state of emergency has been declared for the whole island, while all nonessential travel to the popular vacation destination is being discouraged, officials said. The Big Island of Hawaii has also been affected by wildfires. PHOTO: maui wildfires (ABC News, AP, NASA) Latest Developments Aug 12, 10:13 AM 2,207 structures damaged or destroyed in Lahaina fire, with 2,170 acres burned: Officials According to the Pacific Disaster Center, an estimated total of 2,719 structures were exposed to the Lahaina fire; 2,207 structures were damaged or destroyed; and 2,170 acres burned. Of the buildings exposed to the fire, 86% were classified as residential. -ABC News' Flor Tolentino Aug 12, 4:37 AM Death toll climbs to 80 in Maui wildfires At least 80 people have died in Maui as wildfires continue to flare up, officials said in an update. Firefighters were working to contain three blazes in Lahaina, Upcountry Maui and near Pulehu and Kihei, official said at about 9 p.m. local time. A fire reported near Kaanapali was 100% contained. PHOTO: In an aerial view, homes and businesses are seen that were destroyed by a wildfire on August 11, 2023, in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) Restrictions on vehicle traffic were in place throughout West Maui, but the road leading out of Lahaina was open, county officials said. "The burned historic Lahaina town area remains barricaded, with people warned to stay out of the area due to hazards including toxic particles from smoldering areas," the update said said. "Wearing a mask and gloves is advised." PHOTO: Volunteers help with community donations of drinking water at King's Cathedral church as residents come together to help people effected by the wildfires on Maui island, in Hawaii, U.S., August 11, 2023. (Mike Blake/Reuters) About 1,400 people were at emergency evacuation shelters, county officials said. Aug 12, 3:48 AM Fire near Kaanapali 80% controlled, evacuations stopped A fire near Mauis Kaanapali area is now 80% controlled and evacuations have been stopped, the Maui Police Department said in an update. -ABC News Flor Tolentino Story continues Aug 12, 2:44 AM Evacuation underway in Kaanapali Residents and tourists in Kaanapali were being evacuated Friday evening as fires continued in West Maui, law enforcement officials said. "As of this posting, there is a fire in West Maui, residents in the Kaanapali are currently being evacuated," the Maui Police Department said in a statement posted to social media. Kaanapali, another area popular with tourists, is on the coast a few miles north of Lahaina. -ABC News' Amanda Morris Aug 11, 11:40 PM Many cultural landmarks cherished by the people of the island have been damaged One region particularly ravaged by the wildfires is the historic town of Lahaina, which has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1962. It was the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii from 1820 to 1845 before Honolulu became the capital and before the kingdom was overthrown and Hawaii was annexed by the United States, according to the Hawai'i Tourism Authority. This includes the historic Waiola Church, the first Christian church on Maui established in 1823, which can be seen in photos engulfed in the blaze. Buried here are several Hawaiian monarchs, including "Queen Keopuolani, the highest royalty by virtue of bloodlines in all Hawaii," the last king of Kauai King Kaumuali'i, High Chief Ulumaheihei Hoapili and more. A more than 60-foot-tall, 150-year-old Indian banyan tree that become a beloved landmark in the city of Lahaina was also damaged in the blaze, pictures show. The historic tree covers one-quarter of a mile and shades nearly two-thirds of an acre of land. Other historic homes, museums, and cultural centers were caught in the blaze. Learn more here. -ABC News' Kiara Alfonseca Aug 11, 7:28 PM Death toll now 67, marking deadliest natural disaster since Hawaii's statehood The death toll due to the Maui fires has increased to 67, officials said. Twelve additional fatalities have been confirmed as of 1 p.m. local time Friday, officials said, bringing the death toll to 67. That officially makes this the largest death toll from a natural disaster since Hawaii's statehood. Previously, the deadliest natural disaster in the state occurred in 1960, when a tsunami killed 61 people. The Lahaina fire is not yet contained, officials said. Aug 11, 6:46 PM Maui fires declared a public health emergency The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has declared a public health emergency for Hawaii due to the wildfires. The declaration "gives the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) health care providers and suppliers greater flexibility in meeting emergency health needs of Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries," the agency said. PHOTO: A man walks through wildfire destruction, Aug. 11, 2023, in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Rick Bowmer/AP) "We will do all we can to assist Hawaii officials with responding to the health impacts of the wildfires, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said in a statement. "We are working closely with state and local health authorities, as well as our partners across the federal government, and stand ready to provide additional public health and medical support." Aug 11, 6:45 PM Doctor in Maui describes treating patients injured by the fires Dr. Art Chasen, trauma medical director at Maui Memorial Medical Center, described to ABC News what it's been like treating patients who have been injured by the devastating wildfires. He said Tuesday night was the first night he experienced a mass casualty event in the 12 years since he has worked at the hospital. Staff saw about 40 patients throughout the night, eight with life-threatening severe burns and the rest with minor burns, smoke inhalation injuries and other fire-related injuries. Chasen described one patient, a fireman, who got seriously injured while trying to save people from a burning structure. "He just kept going back until he ran out of oxygen," Chasen said. "He ended up somehow taking off his mask and collapsing in the fire. His fellow firefighters went in and rescued him. He had severe burns on his legs at the scene." "He coded, his heart hard stopped and so he received CPR for three to five minutes...and they brought him back and he was in our ICU overnight." PHOTO: Dr. Art Chasen, the trauma medical director at Maui Memorial Medical Center, speaks with ABC News, Aug. 11, 2023, about seeing patients impacted by the wildfires. (ABC News) The fireman was transferred to Queen's Medical Center in Oahu. In total, nine patients were transferred to Queen's and Straub Medical Center, also in Oahu. Maui Memorial has seen about 60 patients total as of Friday morning, and Chasen expects a second wave of injured patients now that roads are reopening, but insisted that the hospital is not overwhelmed or struggling to accommodate patients. "We were not overwhelmed. We've never turned anybody away," he said. "We have beds available. We have ICU space available. We've been seeing regular trauma patients throughout the time, like motorcycle accidents and things like that. So our hospital surged to meet the demand." -ABC News' Mary Kekatos Aug 11, 5:56 PM How the wildfires are affecting people's physical and mental health Impacts from the deadly Maui wildfires go beyond evacuations and damaged buildings. Experts say the fires are also affecting residents' and tourists' physical health and could have impacts on their mental health. PHOTO: In an aerial view, smoke rises from businesses that were destroyed by a wildfire on Aug. 11, 2023, in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) Wildfire smoke is a mixture of gases, pollutants and particles that people can inhale, penetrating the lungs and even entering the bloodstream. Research has also shown wildfires and the subsequent smoke can lead to increased rates of anxiety and depression and become worse among people who already have these conditions. Read more about the possible health impacts here. -ABC News' Mary Kekatos Aug 11, 5:28 PM Jeff Bezos and fiancee pledge $100 million to Maui Jeff Bezos and his fiancee, Lauren Sanchez, have pledged $100 million to Maui, Sanchez announced on Instagram. "Jeff and I are heartbroken by what's happening in Maui," Sanchez said in the post, which Bezos also shared on his Instagram account. "We are thinking of all the families that have lost so much and a community that has been left devastated." She said they are creating a Maui Fund and dedicating $100 million "to help Maui get back on its feet now and over the coming years as the continuing needs reveal themselves." Click here to read the rest of the blog. Former President Donald Trump is bringing on key Florida Republican operatives, including some who used to work for opponent Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL), in an attempt to drive the governor from the race before it reaches the Sunshine State. Trump's campaign hired Brian Hughes on Friday, a veteran Republican operative, to become Florida director. Hughes has ties to DeSantis, working on his first campaign for Congress back in 2012, but has not worked on any of his other campaigns. Hughes isn't the only hire who has been in DeSantis's orbit previously. INFLATION COMPLICATES BIDEN'S PATH BACK TO THE WHITE HOUSE One of Trump's top Florida advisers, Susie Wiles, also worked for DeSantis and helped him win the governor's race in 2018. However, Wiles and DeSantis had a falling out after she went to work for Trump in 2020, and DeSantis allies insisted that she leaked information at the governor's expense, according to the New York Times. Trump's team has done extensive research on DeSantis, who has been seen as his No. 1 challenger for the Republican nomination. The former president is set to attend the Iowa State Fair on Saturday with an entourage of Florida guests seemingly meant to get under the skin of the former president's top rival in the GOP presidential primary: the nine Florida Republicans who snubbed DeSantis by endorsing Trump for president. The lawmakers who will accompany Trump are Reps. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Byron Donalds (R-FL), Matt Gaetz (R-FL), Carlos Gimenez (R-FL), Brian Mast (R-FL), Cory Mills (R-FL), Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), Greg Steube (R-FL), and Mike Waltz (R-FL), the Des Moines Register reported. The move could take media attention away from DeSantis's own messaging while he attends the state fair. Some GOP members of the House delegation feel burned by DeSantis, specifically those who served alongside him when he was the congressman from the 6th Congressional District. Many described him as a loner who built few relationships on Capitol Hill. After he was elected governor, some on Capitol Hill described being hopeful about building a relationship with Florida's chief executive, but that never happened. "I think the way I'd describe Gov. DeSantis is transactional. He is only out for himself, and that has rubbed many of my colleagues and myself the wrong way," said a Florida Republican who endorsed Trump but requested anonymity back in April. Aides who work with Republicans in the delegation have previously reported they found it difficult to get the governor on the phone to discuss important matters in their districts. Steube said DeSantis has never reached out to him in the five years he has served despite his trying to connect with the Florida governor, according to Politico. He recalled a news conference on the damage caused by Hurricane Ian at which the governor's team invited him to stand with DeSantis but then reversed course and told him he wouldn't be a part of the event when he arrived. 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. The congressman contrasted that with Trump, who was the first call he received when he was in the ICU after he was injured in a tree-trimming accident at the beginning of the year. While some Florida Republicans are eager to take sides, some are staying neutral. Florida Republican Party Chairman Christian Ziegler has offered praise for both Trump and DeSantis. Sens. Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Rick Scott (R-FL) also have not offered any endorsements either. Florida-based GOP strategist Ford O'Connell, speaking to the Washington Examiner earlier this year, predicted the Trump campaign would continue to pursue former DeSantis allies, with more defections in his own backyard. "When your calling card is Florida like it is for Ron, and your folks are defecting in your own backyard, that's never a good sign," O'Connell said in April. "They know what they're doing. They know what the focus is, and they know that they want to freeze him out," O'Connell added. Trump remains the leading candidate in the Republican 2024 nominating race, according to polling nationally and in Iowa. A New York Times-Siena College poll showed Trump at 44% support among Iowa Republicans, while DeSantis is at 20% support, a 24-point gap. All other rivals poll in the single digits. On the campaign trail, Trump repeatedly brags about his poll numbers and his sizable polling advantage over DeSantis. Original Location: Florida men: Trump looks to upstage DeSantis in his own state Washington Examiner Videos Looks like Cheryl Burke would be well-suited to take up house-flipping for a living! Barely a month after she hoisted her longtime Los Angeles residence onto the market, the Filipino-American dancer, model and TV host has already handed over the keys to a new owner for a mere speck under her asking price. Records show the property went to a non-famous buyer for $2.2 millionor an impressive $900,000 more than the Dancing With the Stars alum originally paid for the place some 14 years ago, back in July 2009. More from Robb Report A lot has changed since Burke paid almost $1.3 million for her stylish post-and-beam property tucked away in the Hollywood Hills neighborhood of L.A. Not only did she make a name for herself on the popular TV dance competition as a two-time Mirrorball Trophy winner, but she also wed and subsequently divorced Boy Meets World actor Matthew Lawrence almost a year ago this September after nearly three years of marriage. The midcentury modern home is fronted by double entry doors and an attached two-car garage. Resting directly off the street, on a compact parcel spanning less than a quarter-acre of land, the two-level structure was built back in the late 1950s and has since been updated with the help of Burkes actress friend Leah Remini. Inside, three bedrooms and an equal number of baths are filtered throughout 2,100 square feet of open-concept living space boasting new wide-plank floors and high wood-beam ceilings, plus walls of glass providing sweeping canyon and city lights views. The main floor centers around a fireside living room that spills out to a balcony hosting a cozy fire-pit with built-in seating, and a wet bar-equipped dining area that opens to a small yet stylish kitchen outfitted with a breakfast bar, double ovens, a Sub-Zero refrigerator and beverage cooler. Elsewhere is a library/lounge area, along with a striking spiral staircase that heads to a lower level holding a spacious primary bedroom sporting a private balcony, walk-in closet, and stone-clad bath with dual vanities, a soaking tub and glass-encased shower. The living room is warmed by a large stone fireplace. Born in San Francisco to a Filipino mother and American father, Burke, 39, is best known as a longtime professional dancer on ABCs DWTS. She competed on the show for 26 seasons beginning in 2006, and was the first pro to win twice and consecutively with celebrity partners Drew Lachey and Emmit Smith. She officially retired from the show in November 2022. The listing was held by Meredith Schlosser and Jeremy Hensley of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties; Justin Vold of Redfin repped the buyer. Click here for more photos of Cheryl Burkes home. 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. Don't be fooled by the tough guy, ex-body builder exterior actor Arnold Schwarzenegger is a certified softie when it comes to his beloved pets. The 76-year-old father of five considers himself more like a father of 12, if you take into account all of the animals he cares for on his six-acre estate in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles. That's right the ex-governor of California and beloved superstar has essentially amassed his own personal petting zoo, consisting of seven animals. There's a mini donkey named Lulu, a pig named Schnelly, a mini pony named Whiskey and four pups: Cherry, Noodle, Dutch and Schnitzel. Read on to learn more about the Austrian action hero and his adorable menagerie of BFFs! Get to know Arnold Schwarzenegger Born July 30, 1947, in Thal, Styria, Austria, Arnold Schwarzenegger began dreaming of moving to America at a young age. "I saw the skyscrapers, and the bridges, and the highways, and the cars with the fins sticking out, and all this stuff. Hollywood," Schwarzenegger told LA Weekly. "I said, 'What am I doing here on the farm? Oh, God, Ive got to move on. How do I move on?'" Schwarzenegger first gained recognition with an impressive career as a bodybuilder and achieved his dream of moving to the United States in 1968 at the age of 21, knowing very little English. But his risk paid off: He became known as "The Austrian Oak" in the body-building industry, racking up top titles including Mr. Universe and Mr. Olympia, which he won six times. Arnold Schwarzenegger flexing for fans, 1967 His dominating physique, ambition and natural charm soon caught the eye of Hollywood producers, and he was cast in Stay Hungry (1976) for which he won a Golden Globe Award for Best Acting Debut and ultimately lead to his first leading role in 1982's Conan the Barbarian. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Conan the Barbarian, 1982 His screen presence, chiseled good looks and fearlessness made him perfect for action films, and he dominated the 1980s and 1990s with smash hits such as The Terminator, Predator and Commando. Arnold Schwarzenegger, The Terminator, 1984 In the early 2000s, Schwarzenegger served as the Chair of the President's Council on Physical Fitness, appointed by President George H.W. Bush, and as Chair of the California Governors Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. He found a new love for politics and decided to put his charisma to work, serving as the governor of California from 2003 to 2011. Arnold Schwarzenegger running for governor of California, 2003 Adorable Arnold Schwarzenegger pets While Schwarzenegger is still acting today, recently starring in the Netflix comedy-drama series Fubar about a father-daughter CIA duo, he has been focusing more on loved ones, including his seven fur babies. I never thought this was going to be the additional kind of joy, because I just love animals because I grew up on a farm in Austria and I always enjoyed animals, Schwarzenegger said during An Evening with Arnold Schwarzenegger, marking the launch of his new book Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life. In an interview with TV Insider, Schwarzenegger's Fubar costar and Top Gun: Maverick actress Monica Barbaro recalled a hilarious meeting with the action star: On Zoom, hes got a cigar in his mouth. His [pet] donkey walks up, he gives him a cookie. Youre like, OK, this is not what I expected but also everything I could have possibly hoped for! Schwarzenegger with Lulu the mini donkey When there aren't donkeys crashing Zoom calls around the Schwarzenegger residence, rest assured that there's still bound to be an animal somewhere nearby, at least according to his pals. Danny DeVito is a longtime friend of Arnold's after the two worked together on the films Twins (1988) and Junior (1994). In an interview with The Sunday Times, DeVito shared what a visit to the Schwarzenegger house is like when the various pets take over. "The animals just roam around all over the place they're coming to getcha!" DeVito joked. Indeed, one of Schwarzeneggers favorite pastimes is herding his donkey, Lulu, and pony, Whiskey, around his property on his bicycle he's coming to get ya! Schwarzenegger also loves introducing his new family members to the world in sweet Instagram posts. He debuted his Alaskan Malamute pup in 2020, posting the fluffy face that his fans and followers have come to love. His caption read: Meet the newest member of the family, Dutch! Hes 10-months-old, named after my character in Predator, weighs 103 pounds, and is slightly afraid of Lulu [the donkey] but theyll be best friends soon. Schwarzenegger and Dutch Instagram In 2022, he added Schitzel to the crew, stating, "It's time to introduce the new member of the family to you. I got her for Christmas! Her name is Schnitzel, after my favorite Austrian dish and my own nickname," Schwarzenegger writes. "She and Dutch are already best friends. Cherry shows her teeth to her nonstop, and Lulu tried to trample her, so we are working on all of the relationship dynamics. At least Whiskey doesnt care about anything as long as she gets her food. But she is such a sweet little meatball." Schwarzenegger with puppy Schnitzel Here, he gives his sweet gal Cherry a little love saying she has gotten a little jealous of Lulu and Whiskeys celebrity. Schwarzenegger and Cherry The latest addition to the Schwarzenegger's collection of animals is none other than a pet pig by the name of Schnelly. Funnily enough, this isn't Schwarzenegger's first rodeo as a pig owner. In fact, he took inspiration from none other than George Clooney. In an interview with The Columbus Dispatch, when asked about George Clooney, his co-star in 1997's Batman & Robin, Schwarzenegger revealed: I always liked that he was into pigs; he has this little pig that he takes everywhere. So I bought a pig right after that," the actor admitted. "Only thing is, I must've bought the wrong one because, in no time, it was 300 pounds and I could barely lift the son of a gun," he joked. By the looks of his recent Instagram post introducing little Schnelly to the world, she's not quite there yet! Schwarzenegger with Noodle (left) and Schnelly (right) Instagram These days, it looks like everybody is getting along. In a 2023 post, Schwarzenegger is seen cradling Schnelly in his arms, while he sits surrounded by his dogs, Schnitzel and Dutch. "Schnelly, Schnitzel and Dutch demanded more time in the spotlight," the caption reads. Schnitzle (left), Dutch and Schwarzenegger holding Schnelly Instagram Arnold Schwarzenegger pets helping others During the pandemic, Schwarzenegger shared an adorable video to his followers, encouraging viewers to stay home, while he fed his donkey Lulu and pony Whiskey. We dont go out. We just eat with Whiskey and Lulu and we have a good time, he shares in the video. Arnold Schwarzenegger's pets have became so beloved across his social media platform during that time that he even decided to do some good with their popularity. Creating a humorous T-shirt with an illustration of himself with Lulu and Whiskey. The proceeds went to After School All Stars, a national nonprofit he founded. According to their website, they provide "free, comprehensive after-school and summer programs that keep children safe and help them succeed in school and life." Schwarzenegger with Whiskey and Lulu, wearing his shirt for charity The funds from these shirts were used to provide groceries for families in need during the pandemic as opposed to their typical contributions, since students weren't attending school in person. Sharing his love for animals with the next generation Katherine, my oldest daughter has two girls, and she comes over with [the] two girls like once a week and just plays around with the animals, Schwarzenegger shared during An Evening with Arnold Schwarzenegger discussion. And those kids have such a fun time. He went on to reveal that he wants to teach them every part of what it means to raise animals. Learning that they have to go to the stable and now we have to clean the stable. Its just fun. So you have to kind of teach those kids right away when theyre very young. Its really fantastic. Today, Arnold Schwarzenegger's pets continue to bring him peace and love, and we hope he'll be adding more cute faces to his fuzzy family soon. Want more fun stories? Read below: The Worlds Smallest Cat Breed Is Big-Time Adorable (See Pictures) How Maria Shriver Boosts Her Brain and Helps Women With Alzheimers Picture this: You order a lemonade mimosa while at brunch with a potential new friend you met on Bumble BFF when suddenly she asks you about your Big Threea.k.a your Sun, Moon, and Rising signs. If youre an astrology pro, youd probably light up with excitement before spilling all of your birth chart knowledge. But if youre a cosmic newbie, she may as well have been speaking a different language. So what do these three major determiners of your astrological personality say about you? Your Sun sign represents how you shine outwardly and go after what you desire, says professional astrologer Erin River Sunday. It reflects your ego, she adds, because of its external nature. Your Moon sign, on the other hand, relates to your emotional responses and represents your inner realm, per Sunday. Think: your deepest desires and intuition. The luminary also relates to your emotional landscape and how you digest experiences, Sunday adds. Lastly, your rising sign is a culmination of how you assert these energies and relates to your first impression and the characteristics that define how you show up in the world, according to Sunday. Meet the Experts: Erin River Sunday is an astrologer and the founder of TBH Magic. Ryan Marquardt is a professional, full-time astrologer based in West Hollywood, California. So what does all this mean for how you show up in the world? Ahead, professional astrologers break down everything you need to know about Sun, Moon, and Rising signs and what your Big Three say about you: What does my Sun sign mean? Spending about 30 days in each sign, your Sun sign marks the day you were born, explains Sunday. Its the sign you most likely refer to when someone asks, Whats your sign? Your Sun sign is said to symbolize your life force energy, says Sunday. It relates to your overall constitution and how you physically move through the world. This is where you get your individual quirks, like being extremely competitive (looking at you, Aries) or super sensitive (hi, Cancer). Basically, your Sun sign determines your most fundamental character traits, motivations, and natural expressions, says professional astrologer Ryan Marquardt. Ultimately, its the essence of who you are at your core. Hearst Owned What does my Moon sign mean? Underneath your outward expression lies your inner world, and that's where your Moon sign reigns supreme. The moon is the quickest-moving planet in astrology, according to Sunday. It changes signs every 2.5 days, visiting each sign at least once per month, she explains. So just because you and your bestie are both Gemini vegetarians (a la Elle and Bruiser Woods), you could have totally different Moon signs depending on the day you were born. Your Moon sign reflects how you respond emotionally (are you short-tempered? Overly sentimental? Passive?) as well as how you might counteract the universes twists and turns. The moon represents ones inward nature and the emotions that go along with the receptive side of your personality, says Sunday. Its where you download insights, too. The Moon sign impacts intuition by being your default setting for tapping into your inner knowing, Sunday adds. Hearst Owned What does my rising sign mean? Also called your ascendant, your Rising sign refers to what zodiac sign was rising over the Eastern horizon at the moment you were born, according to Sunday. And it changes about every two hours. The rising sign represents how you see the world, and how the world sees you, Sunday explains. Its most apparent when meeting new people and in social settings, she adds. (Tend to make great first impressions? Thank your Rising sign.) A Scorpio Rising, for example, may come off as secretive and guarded versus a Sagittarius Rising thats more of a glass-half-full-type thats ready to have fun. Hearst Owned How do I find my Sun, Moon, and Rising signs? Curious to find out what your Big Three are? In order to calculate your Sun, Moon, and Rising signs, youll need to know your exact birth date, location, and time you were born. Once you have all three, plug that information into an online birth chart calculator, such as Astro-Seek, Cafe Astrology, or Astro-Charts. Hearst Owned What does it mean to have a Sun, Moon, and Rising in each sign? Read on to learn more about what your specific Sun, Moon, and Rising signs reveal about your personality. Hearst Owned ARIES Aries Sun: As a Sun sign, Aries is brazen, assertive, and up for any task. Because they tend to be confident, headstrong, and willing to take charge at a moments notice, theyre also natural leaders, explains Marquardt. Aries Moon: Short-tempered and emotionally explosive at times, an emotional Aries Moon can come off a little harsh, according to Marquardt. They can react impulsively when an emotion arises, so they have to learn to take a step back and consider their options before making any significant moves from an emotional space, he says. Aries Rising: Whether at a party or during a job interview, Aries Risings certainly know how to stand out, Sunday says. Theyre not afraid to ask for what they want and show the world exactly why they deserve their wins. Aries Rising moves towards what they want unapologetically, in a way unique to them, Sunday adds. Aya Kakeda - Hearst Owned TAURUS Taurus Sun: Taurus Sun is grounded and patient, says Sunday. Ruled by Venus, theyre drawn to luxury and material comforts, while also being extremely headstrong yet down-to-earth. They gravitate toward anything they find to be naturally beautiful, Marquardt adds. Taurus Moon: Those with a Taurus Moon are in tune with their emotional world and are all about quality over quantity. Taurus Moon appreciates the finer things in life and prioritizes long-standing emotional bonds over superficial ones, says Sunday. Taurus Rising: A Taurus Rising may come off as posh yet practical. They have a presence that feels majestic and serene, says Marquardt. Its likely because this Venusian sign appreciates beauty in all things, per Sunday. Aya Kakeda - Hearst Owned GEMINI Gemini Sun: Quick-thinking and curious, Gemini Sun signs strive to be well-rounded. Gemini Sun loves to learn and might be the class clown, Sunday explains. They tend to have a youthful energy and might seem immature to others who dont share a similar sense of humor or thirst for new experiences, says Marquardt. Gemini Moon: As a logical air sign, a Gemini Moon might come off as aloof in the emotional department. Its likely because they tend to overanalyze and try to rationalize their emotions rather than actually feel them.Gemini Moon prioritizes talking things through and needs to logically understand the source of [their] emotions, says Sunday. Gemini Rising: At first, a Gemini Rising might come off as chatty and extremely friendly. But despite their charm, dont expect to pin these shapeshifters down right away, says Marquardt. They morph in and out of different versions of themselves, so it can take a while to learn all the distinct ways theyre able to show up, he explains. Aya Kakeda - Hearst Owned CANCER Cancer Sun: Those with a Cancer Sun are known to be intuitive and emotionally aware. They are sensitive people who usually seem soft and welcoming, explains Marquardt. But their soft middle is accompanied by a hard shell. They may not always be quick to open up to others and might be grappling with a much stronger emotional current underneath, Marquardt adds. Cancer Moon: As an emotional water sign, Cancer Moon tends to be moody and overly-sensitive. They also rely heavily on their gut feelings and need to feel safe in [their] environment in order to thrive, says Sunday. Oh, yeah, and theyre uber nostalgic, Sunday adds. Cancer Rising: A Cancer Rising is often a natural empath who can instantly pick up what strangers are feeling. But if they cant guess your situation, this caring water sign will certainly check in. Theyre constantly asking if others need something or doing pulse checks, explains Marquardt. Aya Kakeda - Hearst Owned LEO Leo Sun: You can spot a Leo Sun from a mile away because of their shining charismaand theyre life-of-the-party energy. Leo Sun is a natural performer and enjoys being on stage in front of a crowd, says Sunday. Leo Moon: A Leo Moon is highly passionate and doesas well as feelsthings with extreme heart. This fixed fire sign is immensely creative with dramatic affections, Sunday says. Leo Rising: Leo Rising lights up a room with heartfelt energy, says Sunday. They tend to be extra AF when you first meet them, plus extremely showy and dramatic in social settings. Aya Kakeda - Hearst Owned VIRGO Virgo Sun: Someone with a Virgo Sun tends to be put-together and extra organized. In fact, a Virgo Sun is the ultimate fixer and knows how to compartmentalize, says Sunday. Virgo Moon: As an earth sign, Virgo Moons are emotionally grounded. Theyre able to express effectively their emotions in a practical way because theyre great communicators and appreciate structured connections, Sunday explains. Virgo Rising: At first meeting, a Virgo Rising might seem like a type-A overachiever. Virgo Rising enjoys handling business and playing a supportive role, says Sunday. In other words, theyre the person you go to when you need practical advice or a stellar recommendation. Hearst Owned LIBRA Libra Sun: A Libra Sun prioritizes peace and appreciates beauty, Sunday explains. This social air sign is all about the aesthetic and romance of it all. If romanticize your life was a person, itd be Libra Sun. Libra Moon: Although theyre a logical air sign, a Libra Moon is understanding and emotionally aware. These people are loving and value fairness in relationships, Sunday explains. They also appreciate a well-curated home, per Sunday, to house all their sentimental items, of course. Libra Rising: Social and diplomatic, a Libra Rising often takes on the role of host. They have the best dinner parties and its likely because, a Libra Rising relies on one-on-one connections as a way of life, Sunday explains. Hearst Owned SCORPIO Scorpio Sun: Scorpio Suns are passionate and strive for deep connections. Ruled by fiery Mars and mysterious Pluto, theyre moody and often defined by intensely transformational moments throughout life, says Sunday. Scorpio Moon: A Scorpio Moon is willing to put in the emotional work, says Sunday. This sensitive water sign feels deeply and craves emotional intimacy. At the same time, they have lots of secrets, per Sunday, which may present a barrier to forming solid emotional connections. Scorpio Rising: It can be hard to crack a Scorpio Rising, as they often seem standoffish at first. But what they lack in openness, they make up for in their extreme willpower, according to Sunday. They will stop at nothing to achieve their desires. Hearst Owned SAGITTARIUS Sagittarius Sun: Those with a Sagittarius Sun are thrill-seekers with overly-curious minds. Safe to say, this fire sign isnt afraid to explore uncharted waters or unmarked paths. Their adventurous spirit proves they want to get the most out of life, says Sunday. Sagittarius Moon: As a fire sign, a Sagittarius Moon tends to be emotionally intense and excitable. [They] enjoy the thrill of the chase, Sunday says. Meaning, if they ever get you, dont be surprised if they get bored quickly and easily turn to the next shiny object of their affection. Sagittarius Rising: A Sagittarius Rising typically comes off as happy-go-lucky and has a refreshing sense of optimism, says Sunday. Theyre hopeful creatures and no matter what life throws at them they have no doubt that everything will work out, she adds. Hearst Owned CAPRICORN Capricorn Sun: A Capricorn Sun is steadfast and committed, says Sunday. This ambitious earth sign is a natural-born leader that strives for success in everything they do. Capricorn Moon: Pragmatic and emotionally disciplined, a Capricorn Moon tends to feel things from a logical standpoint. When it comes to romantic relationships, Capricorn Moon is a practical lover that takes their time, says Sunday. (Ahem, it may take a while before you crack their shell.) Capricorn Rising: Capricorn Risings tend to scope out social interactions for their networking potential. In other words, theyre always looking to further their ambitions. Oh, and youll learn this earth signs boundaries right away, says Sunday. Capricorn Rising understands that no is a full sentence. Hearst Owned AQUARIUS Aquarius Sun: Marching to the beat of their own drum, an Aquarius Sun strives to be one in a million. Those with an Aquarius Sun are true visionaries and catalysts for change, explains Marquardt. Theyre revolutionaries who arent afraid to stand out and fight for whats right. Aquarius Moon: Aquarius Moons may often come off as emotionally detached, but thats only because they simply prefer processing their emotions independently. Aquarius Moon has unique beliefs around relationships and requires a lot of space, Sunday says. Aquarius Rising: At first meeting, Aquarius Rising comes off as eccentricthey arent afraid of standing out from the crowd. Aquarius Rising is a trendsetter and unafraid to push boundaries, Sunday says. But while their IDGAF attitude is admirable, their natural urge to rebel can [also] make them seem reckless or troublesome, according to Marquardt. Hearst Owned PISCES Pisces Sun: When theyre not predicting the future or dabbling in their creative pursuits, a Pisces Sun can be found daydreaming. Pisces Sun is the ultimate dreamer and wants to be transported, says Sunday. This emotional water sign would rather have their head in the clouds than their feet placed firmly down on the ground. Pisces Moon: Because a Pisces Moon is deeply intuitive, they tend to be emotionally sensitiveto their own feelings and that of others. They have a desire to feel understood by others because their inner world is full of abstract thoughts and feelings, says Marquardt. For this reason, they really will go above and beyond to gain the approval of those around them. Pisces Rising: Pisces Risings tend to have wild imaginations and wax poetic, according to Sunday. These serial romantics know how to go with the flow and see the world through magical lenses, she adds. Hearst Owned You Might Also Like Lauren Beukes is used to living multiple lives. Born in Johannesburg, shes since worked out of Cape Town, New York, Chicago, and (currently) London. Shes been a journalist, a scriptwriter, a documentarian, andmost famouslyan award-winning novelist with a penchant for darkly speculative tales of strange science and distorted cities. In her latest novel, Beukes is facing the literal implications of multiple lives, each intersecting and colliding. Described in the authors own words, Bridge is a psychedelic, psychological thriller about a young woman, reeling in the wake of her mothers death, and then reeling again at the discovery of this strange artifactthe dreamwormthat allows her to switch between realities. The titular Bridge then goes in search of her mothers secrets, hijacking the bodies of her otherselves, all the while hunted by a sinister antagonist. Its the kind of bizarre high concept that typifies Beukes literature. Whether in the dystopian schism of her debut, Moxyland, in which a near-future Capetown is segregated according to the ownership of a cell phone and SIM card; or the animal familiars of Zoo City; or with the time-traveling serial killer who haunts The Shining Girls, Beukes has never shied away from a conceptual challenge. But Bridge is an even deeper step into the offbeat, an imaginative stew that folds in a rare array of ingredients: neuroscience and parasitology, musical theory and Haitian Voudou. The words wild and trippy have been coming up a lot, Beukes says. Hers is an imagination always on the lookout for an eccentric thought, or a novelty to be pocketed away for later use. She speaks of her cabinet of curiosities, in which she keeps the stuff Ive collected from interviews and weird research over the years. This includes the sloth scarf she wore to the Arthur C. Clarke Awards, as well as the jewelry gifted during her visit to the South African Occult Crimes Unit. During her research for Bridge, she came into ownership of a slice of rat brain: I call it Pinky. Its very dead, and not infected, and it looks like a glob of snot. Beukes may have enjoyed many lives, but its hard to imagine any of them are boring. The day after Bridges release, Beukes and I spoke about multiverses, Western condescension toward African fiction, and why she ultimately made the move from South Africa to the U.K. Bridge contains so many ideas and ingredients. Whats your perspective on how they coalesced into this story? Well, I found this strange object amongst my mothers things No, Im kidding. Ive been fascinated with alternate realities for years, and especially the idea of all the versions of our lives that we havent been able to live, because we made bad decisions or maybe really good ones, or because we got overwhelmed and paralyzed and were unable to make one at all. What if theres another version of you who is already living your best possible life? How would that make you feel, and what would you do if there was a way to experience that? Plus, we do exist in parallel universes right now. An anti-vaxxer, or a climate-change-denier just lives in a completely different reality to the one I inhabit. Thats scary; all these realities layered on top of each other. We have to interact, but we have no place to connect or find an objective or compassionate truth. Youre releasing the book into a world already very familiar with multiverses. Everything from the Marvel Cinematic Universe to Everything Everywhere All At Once Oh, I loved EEAAO! I saw it when I was waiting for my notes back on final edits, and I thought, Oh my God, the perfect mother-daughter multiverse story has already been told. I felt the same way about Moxyland when Margaret Atwoods Oryx and Crake came outthat she told that story better than I ever possibly could. But I got over it. There are no patents on ideas; its how you tell them, your voice that matters. I think I did something different with the book. I mean, there could have been more sausage fingers and talking rocks. No dildo fights either. In Bridge, you seem to actively make a point about the banality of these other realities. Youve certainly proved in the past that you can do wackywhy did you avoid that here? I wanted to keep it relatable, though I hate that word. I could have made it weirder, with alternate realities where everything is constantly shifting, and theres a manga romcom version of Bridge for example, or shes in an Animal Crossing world, or a crystalline spider version so alien as to be incomprehensible, but it would have taken away from the story. Bridge is about a young woman trying to understand who her mother wasand who she could be. I wanted to play with the idea of these other lives that you could have had, so all the universes are compatible with ours, close enough, but subtly different. Theres a great line in the book: So much of being young is auditioning for who you think you should be. To what extent is Bridge you reflecting on your own roads not taken? I got an ADHD diagnosis six months ago, and all of a sudden everything fell into place and suddenly I understood myself differently: why I jump around so much, why Im never going to write a sequel, and why I pick up all these shiny ideas like a magpie. I do relate to Jo [Bridges mother] wanting to use the dreamworm to find a better life for herself and her daughter. I emigrated from South Africa to the U.K. with my teenager a year and a half ago. It was a literal change of worlds and a voyage of discovery. Bridge focuses heavily on a mother-daughter relationship, as do several of your more recent novels. Are you writing more as a mother or as a daughter? Both, though generally I associate more with the daughters. I have an aging mum and a teenage daughter, and Im keenly aware of being caught between the generations, and of how much we dont understand our parents. I dont know my mother on that very deep level, and Im aware that my daughter doesnt really know me in that way or understand the choices Ive made necessarily, or why Im so very annoying. But the point is, she isnt supposed to know me; shes supposed to know herself. There is a loss there as well, though, that this person whom I love so much and whom I think is the best person in the world, she doesnt really know me. Maybe she will one dayor, at least, [know me] better, but right now thats the process. Shes becoming. You write so very well from a Gen Z perspective. Thats another alternate reality, right? Did you rely on your daughter for that? Oh God, no. She wouldnt tolerate me interrogating her, far too cringe, though I love her perspective and her understanding of the world and who she is. She has taught me a lot, and what a tremendous gift that is. Im lucky to have a wide range of friends, including twenty-somethings and thirty-somethings, and I try to be rooted in and engaged with the world. I aim to be intersectional as much as possible, and Im very political and aware of social issues were living withfrom how trans rights are under threat to systemic racism, xenophobia, the rise of fascism. I feel like that awareness helps, and sure, my teen will also keep me in check. Considering your political interests, would you ever go back to writing fiction set in South Africa? Im sure I will. I have an idea for a different take on an apartheid novel, but it might be better as a comic. Im always writing from that perspective of growing up under what was a utopia for me, and a repressive violent state that destroyed lives and futures for Black people when the racist government wasnt actively murdering them. Im keenly aware of the responsibility of history and how social issues play out now, which comes through in my work. The reality is that books set in the U.S. and the U.K. are more commercially viable, because thats the market. Some people may say Oh, youve sold out, but Im writing exactly the books I want to write, set in the places that make sense for the story and what Im trying to say. Is it not jarring, to be told that your homeland is not commercial enough? Of course, the Western world wants to highlight its citizens and its stories, but no one tells David Mitchell that he cant write about Japan. Ive lived an international life, so I dont personally feel that Im being suppressed, but I think there is definitely an aspect of racism against Black African voices. The idea that Oh. its too strange; that its ok to write about samurai in ancient feudal Japan, or alien spider matriarchs, but Africaas a whole damn continentis too complex, too difficult to understand. Black Panther is terrific, but we dont need to imagine a country with bright shining cities and monorails and a tech boom. We have Nairobi and Johannesburg and Lagos. And of course we have deep social issues across class and race and genderbut so does the U.K. and the U.S. We seem happy with Western writers setting their fictions elsewhere, but is there more resistance to African writers bringing their stories with them? I hope its changing. Certainly there are amazing new voices including Tanya Junghans and Alistair Mackay and Wole Talabi, and established writers like Mohale Mashigo, Tade Thompson, Nnedi Okorafor, Masande Ntshanga, and T.L Huchu, writing amazing speculative fiction. I do think having an outsiders perspective can be incredibly useful. Why did you end up moving to the U.K.? My career is here and in the U.S. Im suddenly able to accept invitations to go to a Spanish literary festival on a whim, or go and support my novel in the U.S. I can work in TV writers rooms and connect with peers and go to cool book launches and BAFTA screenings. But its also the possibility of a better life for me and my daughter. South Africa is facing such debilitating social issues. We have some of the highest gender-based violence in the world, the biggest divide between rich and poor, rolling blackouts practically daily for hours and hours at a time, a cruelly corrupt government and woefully ineffective policing. Its still one of the best places on earth, with one of the most progressive constitutions, and some of the most wonderful, resilient, hard-working and funny people. I love South Africa with everything in me, but its a very hard place to live. Of course, being able to swan away on a Global Talent Visa, I feel a lot of survivors guilt. Its not fair and it sucks and it breaks my heart. Your fiction seems to follow you around the world. Can we expect a British-set novel from you anytime soon? I was thinking about the next one being British, but I think Im probably heading back to America. Thats because Im interested in a very specific time period that Im not going to talk about today. Its going to be a sort of historical noir. Therell probably be a weird, high concept twist to it, too. Lets be real. This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. You Might Also Like Learn the potential benefits of this ancient practice and how to treat yourself to an at-home foot reflexology session. Foot reflexology is a natural therapy that can promote relaxation, enhance well-being, and support your overall health. By understanding and implementing basic reflexology techniques at home, you can experience the rejuvenating effects of this ancient healing practice. Below, you will find the basic principles behind reflexology. We also walk you through the potential health benefits and provide a step-by-step guide for getting started with foot reflexology at home. Related: 6 Pressure Points for Sleep That'll Calm Your Mind and Body What Is Foot Reflexology? Foot reflexology is a form of massage therapy that applies pressure and stimulation to different areas of the feet. Reflexology is a practice within Chinese medicine that has been around for thousands of years, explains Janine Mahon, doctor of Chinese Medicine, board-certified acupuncturist, and herbalist, based in Albuquerque, NM. In Chinese medicine, you can look at the whole body or various microsystems," she says. "Microsystemsthe ear, hand, foot, and scalpmirror the whole body, and imbalances in the body, wherever they are, can be treated by using points within the microsystem. Foot reflexology can be fast-acting and has lots of potential benefits, beginning with creating balance in the body. Balance in the body is created when Qi, or energy, and blood are flowing smoothly, explains Dr. Mahon. Think of watching traffic on the freeway back up right in front of you and then you miss the offramp, everything comes to a halt, she explains. We can feel this in our body right away, and you may feel the tension in your stomach, shoulders, hands, or in your mind. Once the buildup has been released, we breathe easier and no longer feel irritated or worried. In general, reflexology is excellent for removing the blockages (traffic), boosting our bodily function, and giving space for the body to heal. Sayonara negative energy. But that isnt the only potential benefit of this ancient practice. Foot reflexology can reduce stress, anxiety, and pain, improve digestion, and boost your immunity, says Gabriel A. Sher, chief of acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine development at ORA in New York, NY. Many people revert to foot reflexology to assist with symptoms and improve quality of life. Touch by another person has actually been found to be a relaxing and stress-relieving activity. If you love the foot massage part of a pedicure (TBH, that's our favorite part), you'll likely be a fan of reflexology. Reflexology Techniques and Tools During a reflexology treatment, the practitioner will ask questions about your current concerns along with questions about your lifestyle. This will be followed by palpating different points on the foot, says Dr. Mahon, which helps them create a treatment plan that is specific to your needs and different from a foot massage. In Chinese medicine, hands are used to see into the body, and practitioners are trained to cultivate the ability to sense what is happening in the body through the tips of their fingers, explains Dr. Mahon. Practitioners will first look with their eyes for areas of discoloration, changes in skin texture, moisture, dryness, and bumps. Then with our fingers we 'look' into the body, feeling for areas of tightness, excess (nodules and bumps) or deficiencies (depressions), sticky sensations, and roughness, says Dr. Mahon. Some reflexology techniques involve the slow movement of the thumb or index finger upon the hands or feet. Other strokes include flexion, rotation, crosshatching, Qi pulling, and hooking in, says Dr. Sher. A variety of tools can be used for reflexologies such as balls, rollers, and even sticks. Touch and pressure are extremely important when it comes to reflexology, as the way you touch an area sends a message to the body. Knots and tightness need to be broken up, while weak digestion needs to be gently stimulated, explains Dr. Mahon. The key is to approach gently at first making a connection and then go deeper. Treatments can be painful because they are stimulating areas that correspond to pain elsewhere in the body, but working through the pain to break up the tension can promote healing. The most crucial thing is to not injure yourself while applying pressure and be gentle when needed, says Dr. Sher. Related: The Best Foot Massagers of 2023, According to Customer Reviews Step-by-Step Guide for Foot Reflexology at Home The more that you learn about reflexology, the more prepared youll be to treat yourself. Developing the art of listening, not only to others but to ourselves, is the single most important step in finding balance. If youre looking to try foot reflexology at home, start by finding a calm space where you are comfortable. A safe space is probably the most ideal atmosphere for any bodywork and healing, explains Dr. Sher. Choose a place where there is not a lot of distraction or noise and add music if that helps you to relax. Adding in a few essential oils like lavender and rose will calm the mind, explains Dr. Mahon. Here is how you perform foot reflexology: Soak your feet for five to 10 minutes in warm to hot water to promote relaxation so you can get the most out of the treatment. Massage the whole foot gently, noticing tender areas. Start in the center of the foot and use both handsyours or your partnerswrapping one hand around either side of the foot gently pushing back and forth like a seesaw. This will gently start the flow of energy. Use your thumbs to move up from the base of your heel stopping where you feel tightness or pain and giving a little extra attention, says Mahon. You can use a reflexology map to treat certain areas for example if you have a headache or ovary pain. How Long Should I Massage My Feet? Reflexology sessions dont necessarily need to be lengthy. While you can give yourself an hour-long treatment, if youre tight on time, a foot reflexology session can be as short as 15 minutes. Theres really no rule on timing. Taking a bit more time on areas and understanding chief complaints helps to understand the tension of the body through the foot, says Dr. Sher. There are many nerve endings in the feet, so keep in mind that some people are very sensitive to specific areas, and that can take into account how often a foot reflexology should be performed. To complement reflexology, you can also engage in whole body massages, foot soaks with things like Epsom salts, and acupuncture, which are all complementary practices of reflexology. Related: How to Use a Gua Sha Tool, and the Gua Sha Benefits for Your Health and Skin Safety Considerations and Contraindications While foot reflexology is generally a safe practice, it can be dangerous for certain individuals. Therefore, before starting a foot reflexology practice or booking a treatment, consult with a reflexologist or healthcare professional if you have underlying health conditions. It is especially important for people with neuropathies, edema, or high blood pressure to get a healthcare provider's input before beginning. If you have an active rash or open wounds, reflexology may not be helpful for you either. And, if youre pregnant, its also important to consult with a reflexologist on which areas of the foot should and should not be treated. Since you are moving Qi, it is possible that you can stimulate labor, which could be helpful if that is what you want, but if thats not the goal, avoid reflexology," says Dr. Mahon. Because foot reflexology is a powerful form of medicine, you want to make sure you know how to practice it safely so that you stay healthy and get the most out of treatments. Related: The Benefits of Cupping Therapy Go Beyond Soothing Sore Muscles For more Shape news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Shape. If you've ever experienced some sort of discrimination, inequality, or bias just for being a woman, you're not alone. Recently, we asked women in the BuzzFeed Community to share their experiences where they were "other-ed" in situations at work and school solely because of their gender. While it happens way more often than it should, it makes it even more important to shed light on these eye-opening stories. Here's what they had to say: 1. "I had a high school math teacher who refused to answer questions from the young women in his class because, 'You won't need to know math after you graduate.' He made it clear that it was because he figured we'd all be married and pregnant." 2. "When I was in undergraduate school, I had a meeting with my major advisor at the beginning of my senior year to discuss my grad school applications. He told me that as much as he enjoyed having me in his classes, his specialty was one that he couldn't advise. The reason he gave: It was too dangerous for a woman to travel to the archaeological sites I was studying in his classes." "So, I shifted focus and applied to different grad programs. Now, fast-forward a few years, and I don't work in the field at all. I was told a few more times during grad school that archaeology just wasn't a good place for a woman, that I was specifically the wrong kind of woman to do archaeology, or that the things I was interested in wouldn't pan out as a career. Nobody ever really put faith in my ideas, despite some of the men in my class going on to pursue those same ideas in their research. And guess where they are now?" C, Washington 3. "During the first day of high school physics, my teacher was asking basic questions to get a feel for our general physics knowledge. He called on a few guys and gently corrected them when they were wrong. He called on me, and as I started to answer, he cut me off to tell me to 'use my science words.'" 4. "Whenever I'm talking about my finance job, and I mention my boss, people always assume they're a man." jellydinosaur 5. "Back in high school, I was overlooked for leadership positions in band for no reason other than the fact I was the only girl going for them. When I finally got president, I was co-president with a boy who got all the credit for doing none of the work. At the end of the year, he got the most prestigious award despite the fact that I had basically run the band for the year." moonsunrise Leezsnow / Getty Images 6. "The one thing that made me realize I would be discriminated against as a woman was in primary school when teachers would always ask for big strong boys to carry chairs, and I knew I could carry double what they could." isabelladibblechapman 7. "It was a comment that actually came from my male supervisor. As most women did during COVID, I pretty well stopped wearing makeup. Prior to that, I would wear a very light face of makeup to work. On a day I wasn't wearing makeup to the office, my male supervisor said to me, 'You should wear makeup to work again; it would make everybody happier.' I was so disgusted. He made me feel like as a woman, I HAD to wear makeup to work to please everybody else." Lauren, Canada Hiraman / Getty Images/iStockphoto 8. "My parents only allowed me to walk to the local convenience store with my brother who is five years younger. I also wasn't allowed to get a job or my license during high school, but he was encouraged to do so." Rachel, Pennsylvania 9. "In college, I was at a science fair with a group from my class. I was standing by our poster with a guy from my group. We were going to be discussing the material and answering questions from anyone who was interested. It was mostly me answering the questions, so we just needed two people at the poster. The head of one of the prestigious schools at the university came over to ask some questions. Any time I would answer one, he would turn and ask the exact same question to my partner. He seemed amazed at the answers, the same ones I had just given him. He GRILLED us for a solid 15 minutes, and I was the only one with answers to his questions, but he only seemed to hear the answers when spoken by my male partner." weatherboy TV Land / Via giphy.com 10. "I'm a disabled veteran and have disabled veteran plates on my car. On more than one occasion, someone approaches me and my husband to thank him for his service and sacrifice. He always corrects them by telling them it's me. Sometimes they'll then thank me, sometimes they'll walk away." Riss, Kentucky 11. "I worked at a camp one summer, and we had a manual truck as our camp vehicle. I knew in theory how to drive a stick, but wanted a chance to actually try it. The camp director let one of the boys on staff drive the vehicle for errands without any instructions (and he was entirely incompetent at it), but wouldn't even let me drive it around the parking lot." Anonymous, South Carolina Oliver Helbig / Getty Images 12. "Being excluded from activities my brothers were invited to because I 'wouldnt like it.'" Anonymous, California 13. "I worked for a major insurance company selling auto and home insurance. I have a bachelor's degree and have worked for 25 years in various sales and management roles. All of the sales agents were paid a base salary. I thought my salary was fair until I found out that a younger male employee with less experience and no degree made almost $7K more than me. Years later, at the same company, I took on a different role which several people were hired for. During my negotiations, I asked for a salary that was in the range for the position. I did not ask for the capped amount, slightly lower. They told me that they were not paying any of the new hires that amount, and my salary was set at the starting salary." "Several months later, I was talking with a male employee on my team. We got to talking about pay, and he said what he made, which was the amount I had asked for. I asked him how he got that salary, and he said he just asked. We had equal qualifications, and our metrics were the same as well. They just gave him what he asked for but told me no. I put in my notice a week later and am much happier where I am now, where they are very transparent about the pay." Marie Witthaya Prasongsin / Getty Images 14. "I applied for a joint mortgage with my husband. During the process of checking our current credit and commitments, we had a follow-up lender asking if Mr. N was planning to upgrade his car within the next year. I was a bit confused; my husband doesn't have a car. I realized that because there's one car between the two of us, the assumption was that it belongs to the man!" sophievariann 15. "My boyfriend at the time was having trouble sleeping so, like a good girlfriend, I read a bunch of peer-reviewed studies on sleep, how to fall asleep easier, and better your sleep health. I texted him what I learned and included the articles. Still, he complained about not being able to sleep. Fast-forward a week or two later, and he excitedly told me that his sleep schedule was finally on track! I was happy for him and asked how he did it. He told me his friend, a man, gave him advice and it worked. What, exactly, did his friend tell him? Why, only EXACTLY what I told him two weeks prior!" "He didn't even have to send him articles for my boyfriend to readily take his advice. He just readily followed his male friend's advice because he was a man. And we had been dating for well over a year at this point, so it's not like I was new. For this, and many, many other reasons, I am so glad he is my ex. And yes, I broke up with him." v_zerda ABC / Via giphy.com 16. "I worked for a Comcast call center. I was the tech support you called when your cable or cable box wasn't working or you were setting up your new cable box. I don't know how many times I have been asked by male customers to transfer them to a man because they know what they are doing, and we silly women don't know how to do that." "I would politely tell them I went through the exact same training that the males went through, and they are still like, 'Nope, I want to speak to a male.' Some of the other things that I would hear from men were, 'Wow, you're a female, and you fixed my issues, you must be one of the smart ones.'" Bridget, Michigan 17. "I used to work in retail customer-facing tech support as a repair technician. I was working in the repair room, and someone came in to see if I could take a last-minute customer out front. I let him know the cost of repair for a liquid-damage computer. Dude had the BALLS to look me right in the eye and say, 'I think I'll wait for the technician.'" "I looked him in the eye and said, 'Sir, I AM the technician. Would you like to leave your computer to be repaired?' in the coldest voice ever. I enjoyed watching him appear to shrink down in his seat, quietly say, 'Yes, please,' and got him sorted and out the door." cailian13 Oscar Wong / Getty Images 18. "In college, I was an engineering student and one of two women in my whole circuit's class. My professor called the girls up to the front of the room and auctioned us off, basically. He made the men compete to have us as lab partners 'because women are more organized and they'll write better reports.' I was LIVID. The other girl and I turned to each other and said, 'We choose each other as partners actually.'" Rowan, Colorado 19. "I worked for an ice cream shop that had a couple of steady employees. Four of us make ice cream cakes. The two men didn't like making the cakes but would if they had to. When the female employee left, I got saddled with cake decorating because, as a woman, it's something I should be good at, according to my boss. I wasn't good at it because I was a woman; I was good at it because I had studied cake decorating alongside my mother when I was growing up because she decorated cakes for 15+ years." "I also cared about the quality of the cakes I put out. My boss especially did not care. I had to take a week off work suddenly due to medical issues, so my boss was stuck making the cakes. When I returned, I was told by several younger employees that a lot of the customers complained about the cake quality and asked where the normal cake decorator was." Romi, Texas Sorrasak Jar Tinyo / Getty Images 20. "In grade school, boys were saying men were better at everything than women, including cooking because the greatest chefs in the world were men. I felt hopeless, like girls and women couldn't be good at anything." Anonymous, California 21. "My manager treated me differently after having a baby. I had more experience, more accounts, and the least amount of mistakes but wasn't even considered for a promotion. Multiple people in the company were SHOCKED that I wasn't even given a chance to apply. After further reflection, I thought it was also a little suspicious that my manager, the director, and VP weren't married or had kids!" Anonymous 20th Century Fox / Via giphy.com 22. "My first year teaching, I was the only female teacher at a new charter school. We were having some sort of gathering, and there was cake that no one had started eating yet. I didn't think much of it until one of the many male teachers handed me a serving knife to cut and serve the cake. They had been waiting the whole time for me to serve the cake because, apparently, that's something only women can do. I promptly put the knife down and excused myself to the restroom. Spoiler: I left after my contract for that year ended." Kimberley, California 23. "I have a PhD in chemistry. Just over a year ago, I got hired at a huge pharmaceutical company, and my husband and I were preparing for a major move for the job. An assessor from the moving service my company provided came to determine the amount of insurance we needed for the move. Even though her paperwork was in my (rather feminine) name and she had been in contact with me, she called my husband 'doctor' and asked him if he was excited about his new job. I was in shock, but my husband just pointed at me and said, 'Youll have to ask her, she's the doctor.'" Have you ever had an experience like the ones women shared above? Share your story with us in the comments below. Note: Some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity. Proper storage can make this ingredient more accessible and appealing. Michelle Lee Photography/Getty Images Many years ago, I bought a cookbook by Canadian chef and cooking instructor Bonnie Stern. Several of the recipes called for chipotles in adobo sauce, which I had never used. I found the small can in the Mexican food aisle at the grocery store and followed Stern's curious instructions for storage, which required some upfront work. Instead of removing a chile every time you need one and chopping it up (a messy and time-consuming job), Stern recommends pureeing the entire contents as soon as you open the can, then transferring it to a small jar or glass container in the fridge. (I prefer glass to plastic, as the sauce is acidic and could cause plastic to leach unpleasant chemicals.) Then, just scoop out a spoonful of chipotle puree whenever you want to add that smoky heat to a dish. This has proven to be a most wonderful and useful kitchen hack. I have lost track of the number of guests who have commented on the rich chipotle flavor in dishes I make, such as beef chili, braised pork for tacos, breakfast burritos, bean soups, and moreand many say they have started buying the little cans after seeing how I store and use the puree. And while I learned this tip from Stern, others are embracing the magic of this storage trick as well. Youtube cooking personality @Piloncilloyvainilla shows us just how simple this method is in a video short she posted in November 2022. I find that some ingredients get overlooked because they are tricky to handle or just require too much effort to incorporate into a dish, particularly if you are cooking in a hurry, as I always seem to be doing on busy weeknights with a big hungry family. Having easy shortcuts on hand, like this puree, make it much easier. Instead of dirtying a cutting board and getting spicy sauce all over my fingers, it's quick and easy to scoop out of a jar. Chipotles in adobo sauce are versatile and delicious. You can use them in many different ways, from flavoring fish tacos to seasoning roasted peanuts to boosting the flavor of hummus to improving mashed sweet potatoes. Stir into eggs before scrambling, add to enchilada sauce, or mix with ketchup for an amped-up burger topping. The sky's the limit! But don't forget to puree that whole can as soon as you open it. It will make your life easier and your food better! Jamie Grill/Getty Images Growing up I was terrified of weed after D.A.R.E officers visited my school. I now live in Maine, where cannabis is legal, and I consume it regularly. As a dad of two small children, it makes me more present. I was 10 years old when I met my first D.A.R.E. officer. I vividly remember his imposing, portly stature, black cop boots, and a close-to-the-scalp buzz cut that screamed, "I peaked in middle school." "Smoking one of these," he said, pulling a prop joint from his pocket, "is the equivalent of smoking 10 whole packs of cigarettes. You start on this, and you're heading down a bad path in life." His message was clear: weed made you dumb; weed was a gateway drug; weed shaved years off your life and flattened you out like a cartoon steamroller. Officer Tim was one of many D.A.R.E. "officers" around the country who spread their propaganda to impressionable young kids like me, instilling in them a decadeslong disdain and fear for a plant that I can now legally order to my door, like pizza. Twenty-six years later, I am a proud consumer of marijuana and father of two kids. Here's what happened. Baby steps I wasn't one of those cool, straight-edge guys, but one who'd constantly question and mock people who smoked weed or drank beer. In college, I succumbed to the peer pressure I'd skirted my whole life and found weed to be underwhelming. Maine legalized medicinal cannabis back in 1999, becoming only the fifth US state to embrace the controversial plant. It would be another 17 years before a Maine resident over 21 could enjoy weed recreationally. I moved to Vacationland with my wife in 2020, following the birth of our beautiful pandemic baby. Moving to a new town in a new state with a new child is a trying enough experience for any person, let alone a new family amid a pandemic. While I wouldn't understand the extent of the psychological fallout from the isolation, fear, and uncertainty of COVID-19 with a colicky infant and healing wife, weed allowed me to look at my life differently. It helped with my anxiety Marijuana is classified as a Schedule I drug with heroin, acid, peyote, and methaqualone. This puritanical stance on weed puts it in a category unlike typical pharmaceuticals like Lexapro or Wellbutrin, meaning it can't go used for medication on a federal level. I'd hit a wall with SSRIs, feeling the all-too-typical vague numbness punctuated by moments of extreme anxiety. Serendipity struck when I wandered into my first dispensary, a treasure trove of concentrates, edibles, flowers, and tinctures. Weed helps in ways prescribed drugs don't There are no Lexapro dispensaries where you can chat up the pill tender while purchasing SSRI-laced cupcakes. Pharmaceuticals work behind the scenes in ways people without depression, anxiety, or ADHD or, in my case, all three have a hard time imagining. The side effects can be crushing; zombification is a common complaint in which the world just becomes less interesting. One puff of a sativa-dominant strain can scratch that itch in a way that invigorates my mind and boost my mood without any side effects. I treat my cannabis like the prescriptions I keep in my medicine cabinet. Out of reach from children and never in a place to disrupt their lives. I try to stick to low-THC drinks, pills, gummies, and strains that won't cloud my judgment. I love playing with my daughter. I've stacked Magna-Tiles with her while drinking a beer, I've stacked Magna-Tiles with her after my morning coffee and Adderall, and I've stacked the very same Magna-Tiles with her while drinking a weed-infused drink. The clarity and calm I feel from the buzz of THC (or, again, any other legal substance) help me appreciate the girl in front of me without ruminating on the intrusive thoughts that have followed me around since childhood. Now, I know where to find the strains I can tolerate in a form that won't disrupt the lives of my family. Read the original article on Insider Beond, a Maldives-based all business class airline has revealed more details, as it gears up for its launch in the coming this fall. The company, which initiated in 2022, is preparing to introduce a business-class service aboard the Airbus A321. The aircraft will feature 68 flat seats with operations slated to start in fall 2023. Beonds initial fleet will consist of Airbus A319s, each accommodating 44 passengers. This strategy allows the airline to offer its services before moving to the larger A321 model. The carriers debut routes will link the Maldives with Dubai and Delhi. Italian firm Optimares developed the airlines interiors. Beond aims to provide a unique premium leisure airline experience, marked by refined interiors, quality meals and comfort. A recent $17 million investment round enabled Beond to expand its team. It has increased sales efforts and acquired a new aircraft. Tero Taskila, Beonds Chairman and CEO, highlighted the companys objectives. In a press release, the CEO said the fusion of premium customer experiences with good service. Beonds long-term vision encompasses nonstop connectivity between the Maldives and 60 destinations spanning Europe, Americas, Asia, Africa and Australia. This plan ensures the airlines commitment to enhancing air travel options. As fall approaches, the industry is poised to witness Beonds entry into the market. The company can offer a new approach to business class air travel rooted in the Maldives. The Maldives: A Luxury Destination Located in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is an archipelago with 26 coral atolls. Each atoll has numerous islands, offering visitors endless activities for adventure and discovery. Whether its snorkeling in vibrant coral reefs, diving with exotic marine life or simply lounging on wonderful beaches, the Maldives offers a truly unforgettable experience for all who visit. Over the past few decades, the Maldives have become synonymous with luxury travel. With its pristine white sandy beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters and exclusive resorts, it has attracted visitors seeking an idyllic tropical paradise. The Maldives offers unparalleled privacy and seclusion, making it a favorite destination for honeymooners and those looking to indulge in world-class amenities and services. On a blowout trip to the Greek island of Paros with friends, one travel writer found the kind of joy that poets write about. Margarita Nikitaki Christiana, a harborside restaurant in Ampelas, on the Greek island of Paros. We land by prop plane on the Greek island of Paros, almost exactly two years late. The plan had been to celebrate a friends 60th birthday but as we know, most plans in 2020 went awry. Time passed, Doug turned 60, then 61, and during those years spent in his New York apartment, love bloomed, and birthday plans gave way to wedding plans. And so we were all reinvited, two years later, to celebrate his marriage. I understood very well. I spent those lockdown years in Milan, and love bloomed there, too, so I am bringing Enrico, my Italian boyfriend, who taught me how to cook Italian. I know very few of the invited guests; Enrico, none. It is to be a week in a glass house above the Aegean. A murder mystery, I wrote to Doug when I accepted his invitation. Part of a long history of stories about characters trapped in a secluded place, like in Clue or an Agatha Christie novel or, I will later realize when I see the movie, Glass Onion. Doug asked who would be murdered. I wrote back: Guessing is the fun part. At the airport, Enrico and I are met by Thanos, a wiry, tanned man with wild white hair. He and his brother run a car-rental business together. Its windy on Paros, he warns us, just as we feel a burst of the strong Meltemi breezes that have touched these islands since antiquity. Margarita Nikitaki From left: Octopus with fava mash at Siparos Seaside Restaurant, in Naousa; bougainvillea in bloom in the town of Lefkes, on Paros. Paros has been famous since the sixth century B.C. for its flawless marble Parian marble, its called used to make the Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. It is an island of beaches, mountains, and windswept rocky cliffs, scattered with broken pillars, sarcophagi, mosaics evidence that the place was passed from the Greeks to the Romans, from the Byzantines to the Venetians, and from the Ottomans, at last, to independent Greece. Round-shaped Paros: an island worn smooth from so many hands. But it is also the birthplace of the truculent, bawdy warrior-poet Archilochus, of fox and hedgehog fame. Leaving it was hell, Archilochus wrote of a shield abandoned in battle, but in a tricky spot / I kept my hide. Good shields can be bought. A practical poet. It is an island of beaches, mountains, and windswept rocky cliffs. I navigate the winding road where we witness, across from a pizza shop, a stark-naked woman hanging up her clothes to dry. A practical laundress. We drive northeast, across a little isthmus, to the very end of the Santa Maria peninsula and down a long dirt road. How startling the first drive is in an unknown place. The wrong things stick out the naked woman, the pizza parlor while subtler details are invisible: old women on balconies drinking Coke and watching passersby, puppies yelping from garages, a fisherman shaking out a cigarette from a pack. Only later do we realize they were there all along. Enrico searches the radio for any song he recognizes. Then we are at the glass house, where Doug and Michael, two men of differing heights joined in matrimony, are waving away in delight. We head to the hamlet of Naousa once all the suspects are assembled the real estate baroness, the theater director, the doctor, the radio star, the art collector, the professional declutterer, and so on each arriving separately by plane or ferry from the mainland. All Americans except Enrico, and look at us, in our linen and sandals, ballooning pants and billowing caftans that hibernated for two years before being brought out into the sun. Margarita Nikitaki From left: Cafe tables in the main square in Lefkes; Naousa's Faneromeni Church. Whos going to be murdered? I ask the radio star, and in her cunning way she points at Enrico. The foreigner, she whispers, winking. Enrico looks over, none the wiser. Who would murder someone with a smile like that? We arrive at the seaside village, a white stone labyrinth where the Minotaur is merely the setting sun, hiding behind one building or another until it leaps out at us above the thrashing waves at Fotis, a bar where a table is already reserved along a half-moon bay. White houses and boats cluster before the suns garish tangerine display, which is reflected in stripes along the water. Related: The Best Beaches in Greece You can plan your travel around sights, or you can plan around food. It is almost impossible to do both. Doug and Michael have unashamedly chosen food. Dinner tonight is at the famous Mario, where tables are crowded beside one another and waiters dip in and out like bees in thyme. A plate of starters, the waiter suggests: tzatziki, choriatiki, melitzanosalata, favas. Horta, wild greens. Then a fish in a salt crust, no? Doug gestures to me and we go inside, to where Mario himself is waiting. He shows us an ancient-looking marble vessel, filled with fish and ice. A big one, I think! Mario says, and I merely point. Who can name a fish in a foreign place? We begin our feast, and later, out comes the fish, its salt crust set aflame. I look over at Enrico; he is wearing the grin he wears in English-language situations and a bright-yellow linen shirt we found in a secondhand shop in Milan. His eyes meet mine and widen as if to say: What? Two years trapped together in an apartment with a timid dog, another English-only situation. Margarita Nikitaki Sunbathing at Monastiri Beach. Ouzo is poured. Ya mas! everybody shouts. Cheers! In the morning, our first casualty: the radio star. She has a mild but detectable case of COVID, and so the rooms are rearranged and she is left on a balcony waving as we depart for Monastiri Beach. Not all of us Enrico has found a wild beach, as he calls it, without chairs or a button to push for cocktails, and he is headed there on foot. The rest of us drive to rocky Monastiri, where we find sun beds and pineapple and wine. More Trip Ideas: 3 Incredible Itineraries for Travelers Heading to Greece This Year A bold crew sets out on a long hike along a barren rocky outcropping, decorated by those little purple flowers that seem to sadden flower arrangements back home. Here, they look miraculous. The rocks are pitted from the wind and sea, hardly rocks anymore. We come across a lighthouse. I should have heeded Thanoss advice, because suddenly the wind changes direction and I am too late to save my hat. I watch as it elopes across the rocks to a separate destiny. I return unscathed and unworried. Good shields can be bought. Enrico is poolside when we return, brown from the sun and writing away in his notebook (his book is nearing deadline). Across from him at the pool, a tiny white-masked bird dips bread into the water. A practical bird. Margarita Nikitaki Boating around Antiparos. Afternoon is spent in Lefkes, a stunning town with a mountain setting that has left it untouched by development. Here are the steep, mortared-stone paths of Greece that one dreams about, without the crowds of Naousa. Pottery and bags, shawls and leather, restaurants offering precisely the food Americans wont eat: octopus, rabbit, and snails. A local potter is so handsome he makes our groups collective heart leap. In one piazza, a sign points to the Byzantine Road, laid a thousand years ago and leading down to the port of Piso Livadi. No time for that today; we are expected farther along the coast, in Ampelas, where the sun is sitting on the horizon. It seems to hover there: a dinner guest impatiently awaiting our arrival. Here the tables are set up along a seawall, and, after the sun finally sets, its understudy arrives: the moon. More of the same starters, just as delicious. Some of the local smoked mackerel, an octopus for the willful Italian, and another fish set aflame. The Broadway director turns to me and asks where Im from, and we discover we grew up two suburban blocks from one another. Rockville, Maryland! he shouts. Farmland Elementary! We remember Mrs. Yee, the second-grade teacher. The public swimming pool, the terrifying darkness of Tilden Park. We have to talk more about all this, he says as were getting into our cars. Margarita Nikitaki A terrace at the Rooster. But of course we dont; he is the second casualty, called back to New York for a casting crisis. The doctor, his husband, leaves with him. I imagine we are being picked off one by one. It isnt Clue! I tell Doug. Its And Then There Were None! He seems unworried. The director is already gone when I awaken to watch the sun rise behind a rock out in the sea Elephant Rock, its called. Imagine an ancient Greek fisherman naming something after an elephant! Everywhere, the circling birds of morning. "Dinner tonight is at the famous Mario, where tables are crowded beside one another and waiters dip in and out like bees in thyme. A plate of starters, the waiter suggests: tzatziki, choriatiki, melitzanosalata, favas. Horta, wild greens. Then a fish in a salt crust." Lunch is on Antiparos, the small sister island to Paros, after which we plan to board a boat. Enrico begs off again for his wild beach. Im anti-Antiparos, he explains. The radio star, from her balcony, shouts that we could pull her behind us in a little dinghy. But alas, she is still too sick to leave her room. A car ferry takes us across the water, and we drive to a resort called the Rooster. Small stone cabins with individual pools, a restaurant where we are seated at a table with a lemon tree growing through its center. Ridiculously, I wonder if I could pull this off at home. The real estate baroness returns from the gift shop, wearing a bolero made of golden rope, as if her thin, tanned arms were encaged like saplings. Do you think I can pull this off at home? Margarita Nikitaki The ferry to Antiparos. Back on Paros we board the rented boat. I am not made for boating, as I am not made for most activities conducted in broad daylight. I anoint myself with sunblock and cover myself head to toe in linen. The Minotaur wont catch me. We are taken by unstable dinghy to a grand wooden boat, where the captain gives us permission to come aboard. I sit in the shade, wondering what I will say to my dermatologist. Around the islands we go, past blue lagoons and arches sea-carved from the rock. On our way back, I see a boat similar to ours trailing a giant inflatable banana, on which a young woman tans herself. We could have taken the radio star after all if she were willing to sit in an inflatable banana. The captain takes us back to Paros, to Dionisos Beach, his secret swimming spot, and here is a surprise: it is Enricos wild beach. I see him with his notebook on the shore, surely irritated by the approaching boat of strangers. The captain informs us it is a nude beach we can see some impressively tanned people in chairs so I promptly shed my suit and swim toward Enrico. We are both surprised: he that Ive appeared out of nowhere, and me that everyone else in our party has kept their suit on. Including wild Enrico. I am a naked middle-aged American on a beach; I recognize a recurring nightmare. Enrico laughs. Related: Our Readers' Favorite Resorts in Greece of 2023 The professional declutterer, wanting me to feel at ease, promptly removes her top. I grew up with hippies, she explains. Enrico offers some fruit he brought, water, a sandwich. We lie in the sand and the waves come and go at our feet. Another poem, by the American James Schuyler: Quiet ecstasy and sweet content, why are not all days like you? Margarita Nikitaki From left: An open-air lounge at the Rooster, a resort on the island of Antiparos; dining by the harbor in the village of Naousa, on Paros. The six of us eat at a small joint in Naousa. Enrico comments that the food is a cycle of dips and salads and fish set aflame. In Italy we would not eat the same thing every day! he says in wonder. The power goes out just as we have paid. We find our way back through streets lit by candles and fishes set aflame. Perhaps Italy knows many things, but Greece only one. A good one. Say goodbye to the island Paros, Archilochus wrote. Farewell to its figs and the seafaring life. A private plane takes the art collector home; it is our last day, after all, and he has chosen an early departure. To compensate, the radio star has tested negative and joins us grandly for breakfast, her white linen floating around her. It has become clear to me that, with her airtight alibi, she could be the murderer. She gives her regal, squinting smile and tells us we should stay overnight in Athens; she is going to a friends concert and we could all have dinner. Enrico and I demur; our plans are strict. Margarita Nikitaki From left: The nighttime scene at Naousa's Fotis All Day Bar; cocktails on the beach at Fotis. But in fact, the radio stars suggestions will come to pass. Our flight will be delayed, and we will overnight in Athens and see the musician Laurie Anderson perform in the Acropolis and Enrico will sit beside her at dinner and giggle over people they somehow know in common. Above, the Parthenon will glow against the deep blue night. I will sit astounded by good luck, and beauty, by the surprising happiness of middle age. But before that, one by one, we depart for ferries or planes. The declutterer squeezes my hand in solidarity; we have braved nakedness together. Doug and Michael stand like good parents as they wave goodbye, definitely a married couple as one leans to the other with a logistical question. Then they also say their goodbyes; only Enrico and I are left. We drive to the one place we have not seen in Paros: the southern tip. Branching roads take us below the mountains until we arrive at a small seaside town, where locals are having coffee before the bobbing boats. Piso Livadi: precisely the town we could see from Lefkes, the end of the Byzantine Road. We take a table by the water and order coffee. As if on cue, a coffeepot-shaped cloud passes overhead. Quiet ecstasy and sweet content. Enrico smiles and brings out his book. Ah, I think, the murderer. My lover just wanting us to be alone. Here I lie... Archilochus wrote, struck through the bones with love. Paros Unpacked Where to Stay Cosme Paros: This 40-suite Luxury Collection hotel in Naousa, which opened in 2022, was designed to resemble a traditional Greek village. The Rooster: A secluded resort on neighboring Antiparos with 16 villas, a restaurant, and a spa. The Thinking Traveller: Founded in 2002, this Athens-based firm specializes in luxury villa rentals on Paros and other Greek islands including modern properties like the glass house in this story. Where to Eat Christiana: Find stuffed squid, fried zucchini, and other Greek standbys at this tavern in Ampelas. Fotis All Day Bar: This white-walled retreat in Naousa is famous for its hearty brunch. Mario by the Sea: Choose your own fish at this institution in the town of Livadia. Siparos Seaside Restaurant: Modern takes on Greek classics, such as orzo with shrimp in saffron sauce, near Xifara Beach. Where to Shop Petra Farm: Pick up olive oil, capers, jams, and spices at this family-run farm near Kolimpithres Beach. Yannis Sergakis: A Naousa boutique with simple, elegant jewelry that captures the spirit of summer on the islands. For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Travel & Leisure. A former Tennessee state senator was given a 21-month prison sentence Friday for violating campaign finance laws. Brian Kelsey, 45, pleaded guilty to concealing the transfer of $91,000 from his state Senate campaign and $25,000 from a nonprofit group into a national political organization that went on to fund ads for his failed bid for the U.S. House. Kelsey had initially pleaded not guilty until his co-defendant, Nashville social club owner Joshua Smith pleaded guilty last year. SOCIAL SECURITY UPDATE: DIRECT PAYMENT WORTH UP TO $4,555 GOES OUT TO MILLIONS IN FIVE DAYS "I'm truly sorry for the actions that led me here today," Kelsey said in court. "I knew I was taking a risk, and yet I did it anyway, and in doing so, I broke the law." Kelsey attempted to change his plea in March to not guilty due to personal matters that influenced him to plead guilty, like the death of his father and raising his twin sons. Judge Waverly Crenshaw of the U.S. District Court in Nashville denied him the change of plea in May. "I do think there's a need to sentence you that sends a message," Crenshaw told Kelsey in court. 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 Kelsey served from 2009 until November 2022, including his failed congressional bid in 2016. Before that, Kelsey was elected to the General Assembly in 2004. Kelsey will not have to begin his prison sentence until October. Original Location: Judge gives former Tennessee state senator 21-month sentence over campaign finance crime Washington Examiner Videos My grandmothers 1959 cookbook inspired me to seek out sage advice from modern hosts. Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller While cleaning out my grandparents home last year, my mom and her siblings rediscovered my grandmothers treasure trove of cookbooks, including Betty Crockers Guide to Easy Entertaining, a 1959 volume designed to school you in how to have guestsand enjoy them. Its practical (including a list of emergency shelf items you should have in the pantry to help stretch a meal for unexpected visitors); at times a little snarky (re: a crashing bore of a guest: Treat him as if he were fascinatingand maybe youll find that he has something.); and expectedly, a bit dated. This idea of enjoying your guests made me laugh: Was it a dig at dull conversationalists and incessant one-uppers? But then I realized that while I love having guests, Im terrible at enjoying them, given that I spend half the night running around topping drinks and sneaking things in the dishwasher, rather than savoring the company of friends, who are decidedly not crashing bores. In the spirit of changing my ways, I turned to five Southern hosts I respect and admire, including my mother. Here are their tips and tricks for hosting guestsand actually enjoying them. Lean On What You Know Dont be a party martyr, says Josh Miller, senior food editor here at Southern Living. (He wrote a whole summer menu based on this principle in our August 2023 issue. You should read it if you havent. Its really helpful, and the recipes are deliciously easy.) Miller is a recovering frantic host, which he ascribes to his old habit of using entertaining as an excuse to try new things. Now, hes big on serving tried-and-true dishes. When you start taking the guesswork out, you can go on autopilot in the kitchen, which is key to being engaged with your guests. Hes also in favor of those recipes that can be largely made ahead or popped in the oven just before guests arrive. When people see you hustling or stress, they feel guilty, he notes. I want folks to absorb good, calm vibes from me, as opposed to frantic ones. Relinquish A Little Control (and Fix Yourself A Drink) In order for your guests to be relaxed, you have to be (or at least appear to be) relaxed, says Rebecca Gardner, the creative mind behind Houses and Parties, an event planning and interior design collective based in Savannah, Georgia, and New York. Do not try to do everything yourself. Delegate. Make lists. Hire helpers. Then, when the time comes, have a glass of wine and let go! Do Your Research Try to customize the experience to your guests before they arrive, says Courtney Zentner, one half of the husband-wife duo behind The Drifter, a culinary and event design company in Charleston, South Carolina. If you know someone has a favorite drink, have the ingredients or batch pre-done so its simple for you and a thoughtful gesture for your guest. Always make sure to know any allergies ahead of time to ensure you arent pivoting quickly. And rather than keeping visitors out of the kitchen, she says to welcome them in. Try to host cocktail hour in or near the kitchen so you can be serving and keeping an eye on the food while youre with your guests. Outsource Guilt-Free Purchasing something great can cut back the work you have to complete, says Michael Zentner, the other half and culinary mind behind The Drifter, who advises writing the partys menu first and working backwards from there. Getting barbecue or banana pudding from your favorite place and flowers from a florist can help with the amount you need to complete. Sometimes we get Babas [a Charleston-based cafe and catering company] to make something for our parties, or well grab some brisket from Lewis Barbecue [another local restaurant]. You should not feel that it is cheating; its really sharing something you really like. Dont Sweat the Small Stuff If I waited until I set the table properly and had everything just right, I would never have anybody over, says Kari Cribb, my mom and patron saint of medical students craving a home-cooked meal. I love to sit with people and chat, so I keep the food very simple and try to make it a little bit ahead of time and dont get worried about fluffing up the table too much. A lot of my best meals are the ones where I grab everyday dinner plates and make it more about the people than the table. I think its about sharing what you have with others, whatever that is. Who knows what food youll sit down to at our house, but youll have good company and a warm hug at the end of the night." For more Southern Living news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Southern Living. The artefacts date back thousands of years and are worth millions of euros The United States has returned more than 250 ancient artefacts to Italy after police discovered that they had been stolen. The art unit of Italy's police force found the items had been looted and sold to US museums and private collectors in the 1990s. Among the precious artefacts are pots, paintings and sculptures - some up to 3,000 years old. Several of the mosaics are worth tens of millions of euros. The oldest item dates back to the Villanovan age (1000 - 750BC), while other artefacts were from the Etruscan civilisation (800 - 200BC), Magna Graecia (750 - 400BC) and Imperial Rome (27BC - 476AD). Most artefacts had been stolen in the 1990s, then sold through a series of dealers with one selection apparently being offered to the Menil Collection, a museum in Houston, Texas. The Italian Ministry of Culture said the artefacts were on display in the Menil Collection, but a spokesperson for the museum denied this and said they had never been a part of the collection. The spokesperson said the museum had been offered the artefacts as a gift, but instead referred the donor to Italy's culture ministry. The ministry said the owner of the collection "spontaneously" returned the items after police found that they had come from illegal excavations of archaeological sites. Separately, the ministry said that 145 of the returned artefacts had come from a bankruptcy procedure against an English antiques dealer, Robin Symes, who amassed thousands of pieces as part of a network of illegal traders. Italy has long sought to track down antiques and artefacts that have been stolen and sold to private collectors and museums. In September 2022, New York returned $19m (16m) worth of stolen art to Italy, including a marble head of the goddess Athena dated 200BC, worth an estimated $3m alone. There have been no shortage of long-running legal shows in TV history, from wacky workplace comedies like Ally McBeal to more serious, serialized fare like How to Get Away With Murder. Some of the best courtroom dramas have a hook that brings specificity to the genrethink the titular towncar in The Lincoln Lawyerand when it comes to a premise that can run and run, there aren't many that did better than Suits. The show began as the story of Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams), who talks his way into a job at a high-powered New York law firm, working with attorney Harvey Specter (Gabriel Macht), despite being a college dropout and completely unqualified to practice law. Much of the early conflict of Suits arose from Mike and Harvey struggling to keep Mike's secret while also working cases each episode. In Season 7, Adams departed the series, along with fellow cast member Megan Markle, who played his love interest Rachel Zane, and you might have thought: well, there goes the show. However, the popularity of Suits continued, and the cast was reshuffled for Season 8. Seasons 1 to 8 are currently streaming on Netflix. However, the show's abbreviated ninth and final season, which aired in 2019, is not on the platformand it's not entirely clear why. Don't worry, though: it's out there, just elsewhere. Where to stream Season 9 of Suits: You can watch all 10 episodes of Suits Season 9 on Amazon Prime Video. Alternatively, you can watch all nine seasons of the show on Peacock. You Might Also Like An artist's rendering shows the view looking north of the new state Route 8 replacement bridge in Akron. A groundbreaking ceremony for the bridge was held Friday under the current bridge. With a finish line more than five years away, local officials gathered Friday to mark the start of replacing Akron's most massive expressway bridge. Planners say the work to build a new state Route 8 bridge over the Little Cuyahoga River will cause minimal disruption for traffic moving through the key corridor between the Akron-Canton area and Greater Clevleand. The old viaduct must go because it is reaching the end of its functional life, Ohio Department of Transportation Director Jack Marchbanks said Friday at a groundbreaking ceremony beneath the steel span. "This bridge replacement project will provide a transportation system that is safe, well-maintained, accessible and positioned for the future," Marchbanks said. "Built in 1953, this bridge now carries nearly 114,000 vehicles per day, well above the original capacity. Having traveled this route many times in my career, I know how important it is for freight, local residents, businesses located in this region." Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan talks about the new state Route 8 bridge Friday during the groundbreaking ceremony under the current bridge. Two new side-by-side bridges will rise to replace the existing 1,500-foot-long bridge at an estimated project cost of $158 million. "These new structures, coupled with the work currently being done on the Akron Beltway, will continue to provide safe and efficient travel for everyone in Northeast Ohio well into the future," Marchbanks said. To minimize disruptions during construction, ODOT officials said, traffic on the existing bridge will continue as normal while the first of the two new bridges is being built on the west side of the current stretch. Once that bridge is complete, all six lanes of traffic on the existing bridge will be shifted to the new bridge. Then, the old bridge will be torn down and the second new bridge will be built in its place. The only interruption drivers should face are short-term ramp closures at the Perkins Street and Glenwood Avenue interchanges. Those closures will occur this fall. Central Interchange: ODOT planning even more work around Central Interchange in Akron The new bridges will have four lanes in each direction, an increase from the three lanes that the existing bridge currently has both ways. The northbound entrance ramp from Perkins Street will be extended across the bridge to become the exit ramp for the Glenwood Avenue interchange. The southbound entrance ramp from Glenwood Avenue will extend across the bridge to the exit ramp for the Perkins Street interchange. Breaking ground for construction of the new state Route 8 bridge Friday, from left: Jim Ruhlin, chairman of Ruhlin Co. ; Michael Ciammaichella, vice president of Ruhlin Co.; Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan; Jack Marchbanks, Ohio Department of Transportation director; and Laura Beese, ODOT District 4 design engineer. "Project development has taken place over the past decade in anticipation of this day," said Gery Noirot, ODOT's District 4 deputy director. "This existing bridge carries traffic over the valley and has undergone numerous repairs in recent years, and now the time has come for its replacement. The replacement bridges will maintain a safe route of travel and provide additional ramps in both directions that help with the tight merge conditions that exist today." Preparations have begun for the first stage of the project, said Josh Smith, an ODOT traffic engineer. "This fall, we will get into some tree-clearing and we will start looking at the off-ramp to Perkins and the on-ramp from Perkins southbound. We will have some minor closures there, and some minor impacts to the traveling public," he said. ODOT will provide updates as road closures occur, officials said. Some disruptions are expected along the Freedom Trail that runs underneath the bridge. ODOT said access-road construction will result in two separate six-month closures of the trail segment and other short-term closures or restrictions. Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan said the start of the project falls in line with his mission to improve local infrastructure. "I remember talking about this project in 2015 just in the summer before I started; Main and Broadway, this project, the Central Interchange and the numerous other projects represent a $400 million to $500 million investment into Akron's infrastructure," Horrigan said, noting how infrequently the city undertakes such extensive projects in quick succession. "That doesn't happen." In addition, it gives the city a chance to heighten the profile of one of its recreational attractions. "The project doesn't just replace the critical bridge; there's also work to the Freedom Trail, a trail that carries over 110,000 people a year," Horrigan said. Work on the Freedom Trail will include a monument, a seating area and a large gathering area that will contain homages to the different neighborhoods of Akron, Smith said. "The monument will be visible for northbound and southbound traffic as they are traveling on the SR-8 bridges," Smith said. "It's going to have various lighting in it that we can change depending on the occasion; this project is something that will happen down the road." Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@gannett.com. or on Twitter, @athompsonABJ This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron and ODOT mark start of 5-year project to replace Route 8 bridge "Our prayers remain with all those whose loved ones are missing and whose homes have been destroyed," the monarch said Victoria Jones - Pool/Getty; AP Photo/Ty O'Neil King Charles is expressing his "sympathy" and "prayers" to those affected by the Hawaii wildfires. In a message to President Joe Biden on Saturday, which was also shared on the Royal Family's official website, Charles, 74, began, "My wife and I were utterly horrified to hear of the catastrophic wildfires currently burning in Maui, Hawaii." Noting how they "can only begin to imagine the scale of the devastation engulfing the island, and the heartrending anguish of those whose livelihoods have been so disastrously affected," the monarch then said that he and Queen Camilla "both wanted to send our deepest possible sympathy to the families of those who have so tragically lost their lives, and our prayers remain with all those whose loved ones are missing and whose homes have been destroyed." "As the recovery effort continues, my special thoughts are with the extraordinarily brave emergency responders and Maui residents who are providing their support and assistance," the King concluded. Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! The King has sent a message to President Biden following the devastation caused by the wildfires in Hawaii. Read the message in full: https://t.co/FKcMPgmA5U pic.twitter.com/i4ZDk8LmrL The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) August 12, 2023 Related: Everything to Know About the 2023 Hawaii Wildfires, Including Ways to Help the Victims AP Photo/Rick Bowmer The King's message comes as the death toll in Maui, Hawaii, continues to rise, and as preliminary estimates of damages of the fire are set at over $1 billion. Maui County reported that the number of fatalities in Lahaina rose to 80 as of 9 p.m. local time on Friday, up from 67 deaths reported earlier that day. Firefighters are continuing to fight blazes and extinguish flare-ups in Lahaina, upcountry Maui and near Pulehu and Kihei, the county said in its latest press release. President Biden, 80, previously approved the state of Hawaiis disaster declaration, allowing additional federal funding to become available for people affected throughout the area. Uncredited/AP/Shutterstock Several large wildfires were first reported on the island on Tuesday, with the historic town of Lahaina a residential and tourist destination that dates back to the 1700s having received the bulk of the damage. That area has since been blockaded by police due to hazards, including toxic particles from the burnt-down buildings, according to Maui County. The total cost of damages from the Maui wildfires is estimated at $1.3 billion, according to a preliminary estimate by CoreLogic, which publishes reports on property data. CoreLogic said the estimate is based on a total of 3,088 residential properties that have burned down in Lahaina, Pulehu and Pukalani. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Leer en espanol A new, fast-spreading strain of the COVID-19 virus that's fueling new cases around the globe is in Arizona and expected to become more dominant here. "EG.5 does not seem to pose a significant public health threat. However, we are monitoring it out of an abundance of caution," Arizona State University virologist Efrem Lim wrote in an email. EG.5, nicknamed "Eris," comprised an estimated 17.3% of new U.S. COVID-19 cases as of the two-week period ending Aug. 5 and was the most prevalent strain in the country, tracking data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows. COVID-19 indicators, including hospital admissions, emergency department visits, test positivity, and wastewater levels, are increasing nationally, according to the most recent CDC data. In Arizona, the most recent data shows Eris at an estimated 13% to 15% of new cases, said David Engelthaler, who leads the infectious-diseases division of the Arizona-based Translational Genomics Research Institute. He emphasized that there's been less overall virus sequencing, so estimates both nationally and in Arizona are not as accurate as they have been in the past. The EG.5 subvariant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 does not appear to pose more of a threat to public health than other variants, according to the World Health Organization. WHO officials say EG.5 has been behind upticks in COVID-19 cases around the world, including in the U.S., China, South Korea, Japan and Canada. "It's definitely becoming one of the more commonplace variants, and it seems to be growing elsewhere and is likely to become one of the more dominant variants in Arizona as well as the rest of the U.S.," Engelthaler said. 'This is just the latest iteration of omicron' EG.5 is a descendant of the XBB.1.9.2 omicron subvariant. That means that it is another omicron sublineage branching out as the virus evolves over time, Lim said. Most of the other COVID-19 cases in Arizona are split between the XBB.1.5 and XBB.1.16 omicron subvariants, he said. Because EG.5 is a subvariant of the omicron strain, Engelthaler said, he doesn't see it as a significant public health concern. "Rather than being a summer blockbuster, it's really more like a boring sequel," Engelthaler said. "This is just the latest iteration of omicron. And everything we've seen in really the last year and a half has been totally omicron and they all act like omicron." Changed: 4 years of high school interrupted by COVID-19. Here's what 11 Arizona graduates have to say Omicron subvariants have the same characteristics: They seem to spread easily and also evade antibodies, which is why new subvariants keep emerging, he said. "But, maybe most importantly, it still causes the mild form of COVID, by and large. That really is good news, that we haven't seen something new, more serious, pop up over the past year and a half," he said. "It's all been omicron that everybody's transmitting and it's just giving us that same, bad COVID cold, which is not unlike a lot of other human coronaviruses" Though the federal public health emergency over COVID-19 ended in May, the virus never went away. Severe cases and deaths are extremely low when compared with the height of the pandemic, but they still happen. Since the beginning of the pandemic, state health officials have reported 33,698 COVID-19 deaths, with 12 deaths during the week ending Aug. 5. Nationwide, COVID-19 has caused 1.14 million deaths. Nationally, there were 473 COVID-19 deaths for the week ending July 15, CDC data shows. Virus's fallout: After 33,000 COVID-19 deaths, many Arizonans struggle with mental health Nearly 2,000 new Arizona COVID-19 cases were reported for the week ending Aug. 5, according to state health statistics. "We are seeing EG.5 increase in proportion each month, so there is a possibility that EG.5 will become the dominant variant over time," Arizona Department of Health Services spokesperson Tom Herrmann wrote in an email on Thursday afternoon. "It is hard to say how the new omicron subvariant will impact cases here in Arizona. As of now, cases increased slightly four weeks ago and have remained at the same elevated level." A new COVID-19 booster is expected this fall A new COVID-19 booster is expected in September, according to the Maricopa County Department of Public Health. "People who are concerned about their specific situation and potential risk should talk with their medical provider about timing of a booster," department spokesperson Sonia Singh wrote in an email. The new COVID-19 booster is based on the XBB.1.5 variant, which makes it a closer match to current strains, Lim said. So it's worth it to get the new booster rather than the old one, which was based on the older BA.4 and BA.5 variants, he said. However, if there's an early surge of COVID-19 cases in the fall or a delay in the new booster, people at high risk for severe COVID-19 disease may need to consider the bivalent booster, Lim added. A healthy person who received the bivalent COVID-19 booster last year or this year would be best to wait for the new booster, which is expected to be more closely aligned with the circulating variants, Engelthaler said. "I don't think that getting a booster now will provide actually much benefit," Engelthaler said. "Except for those individuals who have a real hard time maintaining any kind of immunity that is usually the immune-suppressed people and the elderly people, typically over the age of 75." The Maricopa County Department of Public Health is encouraging residents to get all recommended respiratory virus vaccines before the end of October to provide them with protection before the holiday season. Those vaccines include COVID-19, flu and, for some populations, the new RSV, respiratory syncytial virus vaccines. There's one for babies and one recommended for older adults over the age of 60 based on shared decision-making with their health care provider. New variants of COVID-19 are likely to appear, but following traditional COVID-19 prevention recommendations remains the best way to protect oneself, Herrmann wrote. State and county health officials advise the following prevention measures: Stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations. Stay home while sick or wear a mask if you can't. Avoid contact with those who are sick. Cover your cough and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water and avoid touching your face. New plan: How has COVID-19 changed procedures at emergency shelters? Reach health care reporter Stephanie Innes at Stephanie.Innes@gannett.com or at 602-444-8369. Follow her on Twitter @stephanieinnes. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: EG.5 strain of COVID-19 has been increasing in Arizona The Illinois Supreme Court upheld the state's semi-assault weapons ban on Friday -- a key push by Democratic lawmakers in response to gun violence throughout the state. In a 4-3 decision, the state's high court found the Protect Illinois Communities Act constitutional and overturned a ruling made earlier this year by a Macon County judge. Almost six months to the day of the Highland Park shooting, Gov. JB Pritzker signed the legislation which bans the manufacture, sale and possession of nearly 200 types of guns in January. Many types of grips, stocks, attachments are also banned along with limits on rounds per magazine for long guns and handguns. The Illinois Supreme Court upheld the state's semi-assault weapons ban on Friday in a 4-3 decision, overturning a ruling made earlier this year by a Macon County judge. This is a commonsense gun reform law to keep mass-killing machines off of our streets and out of our schools, malls, parks, and places of worship," the governor said in a statement. "Illinoisans deserve to feel safe in every corner of our state whether they are attending a Fourth of July Parade or heading to work and thats precisely what the Protect Illinois Communities Act accomplishes." More: Hundreds of bill signings: What still awaits on Gov. Pritzker's desk? Republicans had by-in-large opposed the bill, only receiving support from former House Minority Leader Jim Durkin. This lawsuit was brought up by Rep. Dan Caulkins, R-Decatur, who claimed the ban violated the Second Amendment and equal protection clause of the state constitution. Caulkins and his attorney, Jerrold Stocks, argued that exceptions for "trained professionals" like police officers, active-duty military, corrections officials and qualified security guards who can still carry these weapons had created this imbalance. They also took issue with the bills's grandfather clause which allows those that possessed semiautomatic guns before Jan. 10 to keep them as long as they are registered with state police by Jan. 1, 2024. Justice Elizabeth Rochford, writing for the majority, countered that in the case of grandfathered gun owners, theres no dissimilar treatment. And just having a Firearm Owner Identification card doesnt mean a gun owner has arrest powers or other duties assigned to the trained professionals, nor the training and experience with the firearms they carry. The equal protection clause guarantees that similarly situated individuals will be treated in a similar manner, unless the government can demonstrate an appropriate reason to treat those individuals differently, Rochford wrote. The equal protection clause does not forbid the Legislature from drawing distinctions in legislation among different categories of people as long as the Legislature does not draw those distinctions based on criteria wholly unrelated to the legislations purpose. House Minority Leader Tony McCombie said constitutional rights had been besieged" by the court again taking issue with the campaign funds that Pritzker spent on Democrats Elizabeth Rochford and Mary Kay OBrien. As The Chicago Tribune reported, the governor used his personal trust fund to get around a spending limit - giving both justices $500,000 each. O'Brien, however, joined conservatives Lisa Holder White and David Overstreet in dissenting from the majority opinion. Holder White and Overstreet took issue with the legislative process, claiming the bill was not present for three different days in each chamber as needed per the three-readings clause. In a separate dissent, O'Brien argued the ban of semi-assault weapons will not "reasonably remedy" the issue of mass shootings, which was the impetus of the bill. The challenge was the latest heard against the weapons ban, following up with the U.S. Supreme Court declining to block the law in May, and more are likely to come. Richard Pearson, executive director of the Illinois State Rifle Association, expects the ISRA's case will be heard by the federal court and be a victory. Since its enactment in January, this law has already prevented the sales of thousands of assault weapons and high capacity magazines, making Illinois safer for our families," Bill sponsor Rep. Bob Morgan, D-Deerfield, said. "The federal courts will continue to assess this law, but todays ruling prioritizes public safety over the gun lobby trying to impose their dangerous, extreme views through the judiciary. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Contact Patrick Keck: 312-549-9340, pkeck@gannett.com, twitter.com/@pkeckreporter. This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Illinois Supreme Court upholds assault-style weapons ban, more challenges to follow Donald Trump has said his lawyers will seek a venue change and new judge in his election fraud case. A federal judge has warned former US President Donald Trump against making "inflammatory" statements which could taint the jury pool ahead of his trial for conspiring to overturn the result of the 2020 election. But Judge Tanya Chutkan ruled that Mr Trump can publicly share some of the non-sensitive evidence which prosecutors disclose to his legal team. Friday's ruling was a blow to the special counsel who had expressed concern Mr Trump might reveal secret material and intimidate witnesses. At a 90-minute hearing in Washington DC, the judge said the historic case was proceeding as normal. "He is a criminal defendant. He is going to have restrictions like every single other defendant," she said. "The fact that the defendant is engaged in a political campaign is not going to allow him any greater or lesser latitude than any defendant in a criminal case." What Mr Trump can reveal publicly is one of several battles being fought between the former president's legal team and federal prosecutors. What is a protective order? Requests for protective orders are fairly routine in criminal cases. In many cases, defence teams are reluctant to oppose the orders because doing so would slow down "discovery" - the process in which prosecutors hand over evidence. In this case, however, Mr Trump and his lawyers argued that his free speech was being stifled and argued that only sensitive information should be kept under wraps. Judge Chutkan agreed. However, she said that his First Amendment rights was "not absolute" amid the ongoing case - and warned that she would not allow a "carnival atmosphere" at his eventual trial. The former president is already subject to a protective order in a separate upcoming New York case about alleged hush money payments to former adult film actress Stormy Daniels. His legal team also agreed to similar conditions in another case related to his alleged mishandling of classified documents. "The thing that's different about the Florida case is that the documents themselves are confidential," said Kevin McMunigal, a former federal prosecutor and law professor at Case Western Reserve University. "And there, a lot of the witnesses are going to be FBI agents who went in and seized the documents. They aren't going to be intimidated." Can the trial's venue be changed? The protective order is far from the only point of contention for Mr Trump in his Washington DC case. He has also argued that he cannot expect a fair trial in the US capital because the city's electorate votes overwhelmingly for Democratic candidates. His lawyer, John Lauro, has suggested nearby West Virginia as an alternative. Any venue change, however, is extremely unlikely. More than three dozen participants in the 6 January, 2021, riot at the US Capitol have already sought to have their trials moved out of the city, only to be rejected - sometimes by Trump-appointed judges. In a July filing, prosecutors argued "the fact that most [DC] residents voted against Donald Trump does not mean those residents could not impartially consider the evidence" in the case. The fact the courts in DC have handled a lot of cases related to the riot creates "a lot of precedent" that would work against Mr Trump's request to change venues, said Carl Tobias, a law professor at the University of Richmond in Virginia. "Many other judges on the same court have already said that [DC] is large and diverse enough that the presumption that you can't sit 12 impartial jurors is far-fetched," he added. Donald Trump believes he is unlikely to get a fair trial in Democrat-leaning Washington DC Should Judge Tanya Chutkan recuse herself? Following Mr Trump's initial arraignment on 3 August in the election fraud case , he also took aim at Judge Chutkan, arguing that "there is no way" that he can get a fair trial with her assigned to the case. He vowed that his legal team would ask that Ms Chutkan recuse herself on what he termed "very powerful grounds". They have yet to do so. The 61-year-old judge has earned a reputation for strictly punishing defendants accused of participating in the Capitol riot. Mr Tobias explained that in the US federal court systems, judges can and should be recused if they have a conflict of interest or "an appearance of unfairness" that would hinder their ability to oversee a case. "But [Judge Chutkan] has given no indication of that," he said. "I think she will stay on the case," he added. "[Trump] won't win on that point." A dramatic day in Washington on Friday shook up the 2024 presidential race, causing big problems for President Biden and former President Trump. The more shocking development came when Attorney General Merrick Garland announced the appointment of a special counsel to investigate the presidents son, Hunter Biden. The special counsel will be David Weiss, who had already been the lead prosecutor on the matter but with more circumscribed powers. Relatedly, negotiations about a plea deal for the younger Biden over a failure to pay taxes and a gun matter definitively broke down. A deal had seemed to be sealed in June but then crumbled during a court appearance in late July. The chances of the deal being resurrected were extinguished Friday. Shortly before all that, and less than a mile away, the judge in the most recent of Trumps three criminal cases imposed restrictions on what the former president can say and how he can use evidence unveiled in the recovery process. Judge Tanya Chutkan, who is presiding over the federal case pertaining to Trumps attempts to overturn the 2020 election, said that any attempt to intimidate witnesses or prejudice potential jurors would draw action from her. Chutkan asserted that Trump would not be able to share sensitive evidence in the case with the public. Trump is charged with four crimes in the matter. He has also been indicted on 40 criminal counts pertaining to sensitive documents kept at Mar-a-Lago and 34 counts of falsifying business records in New York. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The upshot of the two legal developments is stark for the front-runners in the 2024 battle for the White House. For Biden, he now confronts the reality that his sons behavior much of it tawdry or shady at a minimum will continue to be an issue into the 2024 election year. Thats a problem Biden doesnt need to have, given that he is already contending with low approval ratings and concerns about his status as the oldest president ever. Democrats express concern, even if the White House resolutely seeks to maintain a perception of its separation from the case. This is pretty bad, said one Democratic strategist granted anonymity to speak candidly. Any notion that this was going away before the election is basically gone, any notion that this was an isolated issue that would only affect Hunter Biden is gone, any notion that this is not going to bleed into the election and be ad serious problem is gone. Trump, for his part, faces multifaceted dangers. The former presidents ultracombative approach could land him in legal trouble with Judge Chutkan, especially if he goes after former Vice President Mike Pence, who wears two hats as both a GOP rival to Trump and a potential witness at trial in the 2020 election case. Trumps broader tendency toward bellicosity seen again last Friday, when he warned on social media, If you go after me, Im coming after you also holds its perils. The Truth Social posting was cited in a filing by prosecutors and, one week later, Chutkan warned specifically against inflammatory statements. Chutkan also suggested that misbehavior could lead her to move more speedily to trial if there were a risk of jury-pool contamination. The widespread assumption is that Trump and his team want to extend the legal process past the date in January 2025 when he would be inaugurated again if he won the presidency something that would enable him to discontinue any federal cases against him. On the other hand, if Trump submits to Chutkans warnings, it could make him look more cowed than his supporters are accustomed to seeing. It could also lower the decibels of his attacks on the rest of the GOP primary field. At Fridays hearing, Trump lawyer John Lauro claimed the former president had the right to speak out about things he remembers while on the campaign trail. Chutkan shot back: The existence of a political campaign will not have any bearing on my decision. Some former Trump allies seem highly doubtful that he can stop himself from transgressing the limits Chutkan has set. Trump is going to have his bail revoked, Anthony Scaramucci wrote on X, the social platform formerly known as Twitter, Friday afternoon. Scaramucci served an infamously brief spell as Trumps White House communications director in 2017. Meanwhile, on the Biden matter, Republicans have hit out at the appointment of Weiss as special counsel. The most vigorous critics of the president contend that Weiss pulled his punches at an earlier stage of the probe. They also note that an IRS whistleblower, Gary Shapley, previously testified that Weiss had wanted special counsel powers and been unable to get them. Weiss denies this. A spokesman for House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) asserted Friday that Weiss cant be trusted. House Oversight and Accountability Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) alleged that the appointment was part of the Justice Departments efforts to attempt a Biden family coverup. At a minimum, Republicans see some measure of validation in the appointment as well, however. It adds jet fuel to the fire of the crisis the Biden White House is having to manage, GOP strategist Ron Bonjean told this column. It looks to voters like an admission that where there is smoke, there could be some fire. No concrete evidence of wrongdoing by the president has emerged, while the White House has asserted he was never in business with his son. But the bottom line is that Friday added one more thing for both Biden and Trump to fend off just as they begin to square up for a likely 2024 rematch. The Memo is a reported column by Niall Stanage. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) reacted to the news of David Weiss being appointed special counsel in the investigation into Hunter Biden. Weiss was appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland on Friday after he led the investigation since 2019 based on allegations of "certain criminal conduct by, among others, Robert Hunter Biden," according to Garland. Graham called the announcement a "dumbest dumber-than-dirt political move" for its timing on a Friday afternoon. INFLATION COMPLICATES BIDEN'S PATH BACK TO THE WHITE HOUSE "On a Friday afternoon and anything bad you want to talk about on a Friday afternoon, then make a 4-minute announcement we're going to turn Weiss into a special counsel to remove any and all doubt," Graham said on Fox News's America Reports on Friday. "So, when I hear the attorney general tell me today, I'm gonna make Weiss special counsel,' that creates more problems than answers that it gives." Republicans in Congress have shared criticism over Weiss's authority in the investigation that appeared to limit him. Criticisms were partly based, at least in part, on testimony from two IRS whistleblowers who had worked with the Department of Justice on the Biden case. "Does anybody in their right mind trust the Weiss team to continue to fairly and impartially investigate the Hunter Biden-Joe Biden matter? I don't," Graham went on to say. "So, you change the title, but the problem is still the same." 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 "This was a political decision, not a legal decision," Graham posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, after his interview. "They were trying to put out a fire, but they actually poured gasoline on it." It will be up to Weiss to write a report on whether to prosecute Biden or not. Biden recently had his plea deal fail and has pleaded not guilty to both tax charges against him. Original Location: Lindsey Graham says David Weiss appointment 'creates more problems than answers' Washington Examiner Videos Nacho Figueras and Prince Harry have been friends for more than a decade (Michael Loccisano / Getty Images) Followers of the Royal Family will be no stranger to Nacho Figueras, who has been by Prince Harrys side through thick and thin for nearly two decades. Most recently, the two besties were spotted shopping for their wives in Japan, where they met to raise money for the Sentebale Polo Cup ahead of a summit on sport, community, and philanthropy. The duke and Figueras bonded over their love for polo all the way back in 2007 and have been inseparable ever since. And, over the years, as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have made the decision to step away from the Royal Family, Figueras has been one of their most vocal supporters and has even appeared in their controversial Netflix documentary. But who exactly is Nacho Figueras? Lets get to know the dashing athlete who always has Harrys back. Who is Nacho Figueras? Nacho Figueras, who was born Ignacio Figueras Bermejo, is a famed Argentinian polo player and model. Dubbed the David Beckham of Polo, Figueras is considered to be the most famous polo player in the world. The Buenos Aires natives polo journey began thanks to his fathers friend Lucas Monteverde, who played polo professionally. At the age of nine, Figueras started to play with Monteverde and, when he was 14, decided to move into Monteverdes estate so he could focus on polo. His professional career began when he was 17 years old. Over the years, he has played for the likes of White Birch, but he is currently the captain of Black Watch, a team he is a co-owner of. Figueras modelling career The polo players modelling career began more than a decade ago, when famed photographer Bruce Weber approached him at a dinner party in The Hamptons. Figueras realised that he could use the extra money he would make through modelling on polo and use the opportunity to raise awareness of the sport. In 2000, he modelled for Ralph Lauren and, by 2005, he was the face of Ralph Lauren Black Label. In 2009, he also became the face of the World of Polo fragrances. The handsome polo athlete is also no stranger to television appearances, having appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Ellen Degeneres Show, and the CW series Gossip Girl. Figueras personal life The Argentinian sportsman tied the knot with Delfina Blaquier, a former model and photographer who also happens to be the daughter of an Argentinian polo player, back in 2004. The pair first met at a polo match in Buenos Aires in 1997. The couple have since welcomed four children together: Hilario, Aurora, Artemio, and Alba. Figueras wealth The 46-year-old is believed to have a net worth of $30 million (23.5 million). His income is the result of his career as one of the most prominent polo players in the world and the face of Ralph Lauren. Also, in recent years, the sportsman has released a range of perfumes inspired by his travels across the globe, with a portion of the sale proceeds being donated to Prince Harrys charity Sentebale. Figueras relationship with Prince Harry Prince Harry and Nacho have been close friends since bonding over polo in 2007. When Harry first started dating Meghan, Nacho was one of the first people that the Prince discussed his relationship with. In the Harry & Meghan docuseries, the athlete shared that Harry told him and his wife that he had met a girl who might be the one. Figueras added: You could tell right away that those eyes were those of someone whod fallen in love. In 2019, he stood by his friend Harry when the couple were falling out of favour with the Royal Family and the British public. In a post, he shared: The world thinks they know everything about this man. I have been fortunate enough to spend enough time over the years to learn and understand the man he really is. Since Meghan and Harry moved to the US, Nacho has been a prominent figure in their new lives, playing polo with Harry in Santa Barbara and spending time together. From going on charity trips to African nations together to bonding over their love of fatherhood, Nacho and Harrys friendship seems like it will go on for many more decades. Things had started to look up for Maui after the COVID-19 shutdown that had doused its thriving tourist industry several years ago. Then came the trauma of last weeks deadly wildfires. We were just starting to rebound, said Debbie Cabebe, CEO of Maui Economic Opportunity, a nonprofit agency based on the island. Things were looking promising. The really sad part is there are still people missing and we dont know what their status is. But were going to stick together and make it through this. Tuesdays catastrophic blaze, fueled by hot, dry conditions and fanned by peripheral winds kicked up from a hurricane 500 miles to the south, is expected to become the worst disaster of Hawaiis statehood, with at least 55 confirmed deaths and close to 1,000 people still missing. With the fires largely contained and the scope of the devastation starting to become clear, island residents are beginning to comprehend the economic challenges that lie ahead with thousands displaced and more than 1,800 structures destroyed. Hawaii Gov. Josh Green said he expected recovery costs to run into the billions of dollars with damage that will take years to repair. Volunteers with King's Cathedral Maui unload donations of blankets and supplies on Aug. 10, 2023, in Kahului, Hawaii. Dozens of people were killed and thousands displaced after a wind-driven wildfire devastated the town of Lahaina on Tuesday. King's Cathedral Maui is providing food and shelter for displaced families. With this situation, the challenge is going to be that there are many people without homes, Cabebe said. Many of them are low-income, and theres not enough homes and places to house them. Thats the biggest challenge facing our community now: Where are we going to put them? Its going to take a long time to rebuild. Many homeless after fires, affordable housing crisis Maui Economic Opportunity is reaching out to real estate agents and hotel managers, hoping to identify available units and unoccupied homes used seasonally by mainland owners that could temporarily house evacuees. Mauis worst damage was in the areas of Lahaina, Pulehu and Upcountry. Much of the county has been struggling with affordable housing even before disaster struck. Homes are extremely expensive and inventory is limited, Cabebe said. Now that weve lost thousands of homes and rental units, thats just going to add to the problem. Thats something were going to have to figure out. A young boy walks through wildfire wreckage Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023, in Lahaina, Hawaii. The search of the wildfire wreckage on the Hawaiian island of Maui on Thursday revealed a wasteland of burned out homes and obliterated communities as firefighters battled the stubborn blaze making it the deadliest in the U.S. in recent years. Joe Kent, executive vice president for Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, a nonprofit policy research organization based in Honolulu, said the effect of the wildfires on the states economy will be immense, particularly given the destruction of much of the historic town of Lahaina, which was among the islands primary engines of tourism. Mauis west side was the main economic driver for the county, said Kent, who once taught at Lahainas King Kamehameha III Elementary School, which according to reports was leveled by the blaze. Now, thousands of people will be thrown out of work on the island with no place to live. This is billions of dollars in economic destruction. Cabebe described Maui, with a population of about 165,000, as an island community with a small-town feel, where everyone knows everyone. You go to Costco and see 15 or 20 people you know, she said. Its somebodys grandma or auntie or neighbor. Theres a lot of connectedness, and thats what makes it a special place. The Maui community is very strong and supportive of one another. Thats whats going to get us through this. Many were left struggling when the COVID-19 pandemic started in 2020. Authorities shut down Hawaiis tourism industry by requiring all incoming passengers to quarantine, and before long, state unemployment rates soared to 34%, among the highest in the nation. Helping victims with small boats and jet skis In the aftermath of the fires, Leonard Nakoa, of Lahaina, has been stuck in Honolulu, where he had been visiting his brother. He had hoped to return over the weekend until the wildfires threw everything into question. Instead, Nakoa, a prominent community activist and sometime consultant driven by the fight for Native Hawaiian rights, has been constantly on the phone, doing what he can from afar. The main road into town has been shut down, so Nakoa said he has been busy negotiating for supplies like gasoline and essentials to be delivered to Lahaina via an old fishing boat ramp in a narrow bay. Some of the boats are so big they cant come to shore, he said. So Ive got jet skis and small boats going in and out of the bay to pick stuff up and bring it in. Then Ive got three distribution centers where they can go drop off supplies. In an aerial view, search and rescue crews walk through a neighborhood that was destroyed by a wildfire on August 11, 2023 in Lahaina, Hawaii. Dozens of people were killed and thousands were displaced after a wind-driven wildfire devastated the town of Lahaina on Tuesday. Crews are continuing to search for missing people. It has been maddening to be away, knowing his beloved hometown has been largely razed, especially given Lahainas place as the seat of the Hawaiian kingdom overseen by King Kamehameha III before the capital was moved to Honolulu in the 1840s. Now, much of what was left of that heritage has turned to ash. Gone, too, is his daughters home, although she and her family are all accounted for, he said, now sheltered at his countryside home at Lahainas outskirts. 'The hotels are going to be empty' Lahaina is unique even on Maui; nearly a third of its population is foreign-born, compared with just 18% for the island as a whole. Situated in West Maui, which has the highest rate of non-English speakers and the second-highest rate of households without a vehicle, the community Nakoa knows is harmonious and multicultural, a mix of Native Hawaiians, Filipinos, Tongans, Mexicans, Japanese and Chinese. We live among each other with no hatred, Nakoa said. But tourists and mainlanders with getaway homes on the island have torn at the fabric of that existence, he said, with land once dedicated to growing pineapple and sugarcane now overrun with sprawling mansions. Burnt out cars line the sea walk after the wildfire on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, in Lahaina, Hawaii. The relationship between Maui locals and tourists is a complicated one, he said; residents are both resentful of and reliant on the business visitors bring. About 1 in 6 residents of Lahaina work in food preparation and service-oriented jobs, according to Data USA. I live it every day, he said. I hate it. But we need the tourism for our living. Before, he said, you could drive from one end of the town and sense the difference, with stretches of dry, brown land peppered with the homes of Lahainas waiters, bellhops, cooks and housekeepers giving way to lush, green, tourist-populated areas flourishing under sprinklers and fountains. Now, much of it has turned to ash. Though the tourist industry has offered plenty of job opportunities, Nakoa said, keeping up with living expenses has been increasingly difficult when gas costs $5 a gallon and a jug of milk runs near $10. From 2017 to 2021, the average price of a home on the island was $677,000, according to U.S. Census data. Now, with so much of the town destroyed, from the high-end homes near historic Front Street to the more affordable residences and low-income housing complexes beyond, he wonders where the income will come from. Front Street is all gone, he said. The hotels are going to be empty and tourists arent going to come. But we still have each other, and were going to make it. Meals, shelter, care needed for Maui residents With the focus now on emergency relief, Stephanie Fox, a spokeswoman for the American Red Cross, said its too early to speculate about the housing and recovery complications that lie down the road. Things are still evolving and fluctuating by the hour, Fox said. We continue to provide safe shelter, meals, comfort and care for those impacted by this terribly tragic event and stand ready to navigate the coming days, weeks and months alongside the people of Hawaii. Volunteers with King's Cathedral Maui help unload a donation of supplies on Aug. 10, 2023, in Kahului, Hawaii. Dozens of people were killed and thousands displaced after a wind-driven wildfire devastated the town of Lahaina on Tuesday. King's Cathedral Maui is providing food and shelter for displaced families. But the immediate need is clear. State officials are seeking as many as 2,000 rooms for temporary shelter, and more than 4,000 people have been evacuated to shelters on Maui and beyond. Meanwhile, friends and relatives have launched verified GoFundMe pages seeking relief for residents whose homes and businesses were incinerated by the blaze, such as the charter boat first mate who fled with only what they were wearing, a pair of expectant parents who lost two family homes, and a family of six forced to abandon their guinea pigs and rabbits. Another page sought relief for a Lahaina bar employee who had gone door to door warning neighbors about the approaching blaze rather than spending time rounding up his valuables. The fire destroyed his home and the bar where he worked. Cabebe, of Maui Economic Opportunity, said she has heard of many residents opening their homes to those displaced by the fires. Theyre saying Ive got a bed or Ive got a couch, she said. I saw a lady putting up a pup tent in her front yard and handing out food in Upcountry. "But thats the short term. Those of us who work in social services have to think about what the long term will look like. Contributing: The Associated Press This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Maui fires: Economic, housing challenges mean long road to recovery It appears that it is, at long last, time to acknowledge the extraordinary and vital role being played by Vice President Kamala Harris on behalf of the Biden administration and the United States. Finally, the narratives in the press that had for too long been colored by the political agenda, misogyny and racism of critics, have begun to change to reflect reality. That said, there is still an aspect to Harris performance as vice president that remains underappreciatedthe substance of her record as a full partner to the president, at the lead on domestic and international issues. That record not only makes her one of the most effective vice presidents in modern U.S. history, it has been part of President Joe Bidens active effort to ensure that no one is better qualified to succeed him as President of the United States. Israel and Saudi Arabias Proposed U.S-Brokered Deal Is No Sure Thing It is a subject that is especially significant to many voters given President Bidens age, and it is one that should be addressed directly. That is both because it is our responsibility as voters to assess the issue carefully and because, in so doing, we see the real strengths Harris brings to her role. Recently, positive stories about the role being played by Vice President Harris have become much more common in the media. The New York Times ran a major piece entitled, Kamala Harris Takes on a Forceful New Role in the 2024 Campaign. Bloomberg ran a piece citing the fact that she is now the most in-demand speaker at Democratic fund-raising events. Politico ran a piece arguing Harris is a better VP than you think. What is more, you can tell this about-face in the press is real and not just the result of some White House press campaign because of the outsized attention Republican presidential candidates have placed on the vice president. As argued in the Boston Globe, a re-energized Harris is living rent free in the heads of Republicans. GOP candidates from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley have targeted Harris. And Harris has proved very effective in responding to those attacks, a factor that has no doubt played a role in the current reappraisal of her. The presidents faith in Harris is not just offered in the form of public expressions of support. He has made the choice to place her out front and in the lead on a wide array of the issues that will be central to deciding the 2024 election. These include abortion, affirmative action, LGBTQ rights, the right to be safe from gun violence, and voting rights. 1592324964 U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris announced that 43 non-profit, community-based organizations, private sector entities and institutions of higher education will receive $125 million American Rescue Plan-funded Capital Readiness Program (CRP) awards, aimed at helping "underserved entrepreneurs launch and scale their small businessesa key pillar of Bidenomics." Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Further, she also has taken the lead in outreach to the communities that are likely to be most important to determining the outcome of the electionincluding young voters, women, people of color, and other communities targeted by discrimination and hate groups in the U.S. But digging deeper shows that the press coverage of the past few weeks is not simply based on her new role as the administration prepares for campaign 2024. Indeed, the role itself is not new. Not long ago, Harris traveled coast-to-coast and played a leading role in the media as the administration commemorated the anniversary of the Supreme Courts Dobbs decision that overturned Roe v. Wade. As EMILYs List president Laphonza Butler characterized it to Vanity Fair, Harris is seen as the convener, the leader, the empathizer, and the fighter that we need. White House officials have told us that they see this as one of the most crucial issues in the coming election. Last year, immediately after the Supreme Court decision striking down affirmative action, Harris spoke out, calling the issue a step backward for our nation. She specifically cited the importance of affirmative action to college students, a group with which she has been actively engaged in outreach. In the past year alone, she has visited a dozen college campuses, and her aides say many more such programs can be expected throughout the next 18 months. Her message, tailored for young voters, has been extremely well-received at all the colleges she has visited. The Right Needs to Ask: Why Do These Racists Keep Getting Hired by Us? Another of the hot button issues on which Harris has been leading for the White House is gun violence. This role, of course, draws directly on her strength and years of experience as a prosecutortwo terms as San Franciscos district attorney, two terms as attorney general of California, and her time in the U.S. Senate. In addition, throughout her time as vice president, Harris been an effective and impassioned Biden administration point person on LGBTQ issues, advancing efforts to enhance equality and fight hate both internationally and in the U.S.including very recently at gay pride celebrations including at New Yorks Stonewall Inn, a landmark location in the battle to ensure gay rights in America. 1259099131 Kamala Harris visited the Stonewall Inn in New York City in June this year. Angela Weiss/Getty Images Her work against hate has also been amplified by the unique and wide-reaching efforts played by her husband, second gentleman Douglas Emhoff, who has assumed the lead on administration efforts to combat anti-semitism. At a recent White House meeting, she focused on the urgency of combating hate in an atmosphere of growing intolerance in some parts of the United States with such passion that some in the audience were moved to tears. This role, of course, fits with the reputation shes built throughout her careerand especially in the U.S. Senateas a fighter. Indeed, many agree that when Harris champions causes in which she deeply believes that she is at her impassioned best. This Is the End of the U.S.-Israel Special Relationship She is, and has been throughout her career, an advocate. Remember her tough questioning of Brett Kavanaugh and others. But it is also clear, especially if you see her up close, that she is always acting from empathy, from a desire to protect the vulnerable. The centrality of her role however, extends beyond her role as a political spokesperson or championeven as she has already completed trips to 35 states, primarily focused on the questions cited above. She also plays a prominent, active role in Oval Office and cabinet-level discussions on these issues, and has special influence, of course, through her frequent one-on-one meetings with the president. Further, some of the most significant work she has done has not been on domestic issues at all. During her time as vice president, she has met with over 150 foreign leaders. She is typically at the presidents side during the morning intelligence briefings that take place on average several times a week and she regularly intervenes. She has a reputation for regularly asking tough, incisive questions during these sessions as a way to test policy proposals. Building on this, her role has included active leader-level diplomacy on issues from immigration to counterbalancing China and next-generation national security threats. 1241856518 Vice President Kamala Harris speaks with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador outside the Vice Presidents residence at Naval Observatory in July of 2022. Kent Nishimura/Getty Images Harris designation as the lead on immigration and border issues was a particular focus of the media early in the administration when plans were being developed and implemented. Receiving much less note ever since are the areas in which she was instrumental in achieving real progresswhich included new levels of cooperation with Mexico, brokered in her discussions with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, and her work helping to mobilize and direct $4 billion in U.S. investment to northern triangle countries (El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras) as part of an effort to create jobs within them and thus keep their residents from seeking to emigrate to the United States. Nothing defuses the critiques of her role on immigration issues quite so much as the fact that Mexican border crossings are down 50 percent since the expiration of Title 42. Also on the international front, she has twice led U.S. delegations to the Munich Security Conference and participated in other bilateral meetings helping to build support for the U.S.-led effort to back Ukraine as it fights Russian aggression. It was she who met with Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky in 2022, five days before the invasion, offering him the latest U.S. assessments of Russias intentions and helping to shape plans for future cooperation. 1239922923 Joe Biden and Kamala Harris walk back to the Oval Office after an event about gun violence in the Rose Garden of the White House in April 2022. Drew Angerer/Getty Images Another area in which her efforts have been vital (though not well understood) has been in the active diplomacy associated with countering Chinas influence worldwide. She has traveled throughout the Indo-Pacific (on three separate trips), as well as to Africa, Europe, and Latin America at the vanguard of the Biden teams effort to coordinate the creation of closer ties that will be central to our efforts to engage partners to help offset Chinas own efforts at deepening its ties worldwide. These included a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Bangkok on the margins of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders meeting. Trump Losing in Court (or in Another Election) Wont Be Enough to Save U.S. Democracy The vice presidency is often a low-profile job. It is seldom well understood by the public. But it is clear as the Biden-Harris team begins its efforts at seeking reelection that the relationship between our current president and his barrier-breaking vice president has grown into a genuine partnership. She has graduallyand with too little creditemerged as a significant, accomplished asset for the administration as the person, after Biden, who is best equipped to meet the challenges of the presidency. That, in turn, suggests yet another area in which Vice President Harris shares something significant with the president. The two are among the most underappreciated yet most successful American leaders of our times. Fortunately, gradually, thanks to their records people are waking up to their aligned, complementary and significant strengths. 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. For the past few decades, the entire planet has been conducting an experiment that could save us from climate change disaster. Its the kind of experiment that would never be allowed to happen under normal circumstances, due to how dangerous it is and how catastrophic the results could be. In fact, we didnt even realize we were conducting it until recently. In 2020, the United Nations International Maritime Organization (IMO) imposed a regulation requiring ships to cut down on sulfur pollution emitted by the fuel it burnt by more than 80 percent to improve air quality. A few years afterwards, scientists began studying the clouds formed from the exhaust of these vessels known as ship tracks. What they found was a double-edged sword. While the number of ship tracks were greatly reduced (indicating that the IMO regulation was working), this also resulted in something else: the warming of the planet. It turned out that the sulfur dioxide being emitted by the ships wasnt simply making air quality worse; it was also seeding low-lying ocean cloudsbrightening them and causing them to reflect sunlight away from the planet and cool things down. Ship tracks over the Pacific Ocean caused by shipping container vessels. It turned out that the sulfur dioxide being emitted by the ships wasnt simply making air quality worse; it was also seeding low-lying ocean cloudsbrightening them and causing them to reflect sunlight away from the planet and cool things down. NASA, Terra, MODIS You had a reflection effect that reflected sunlight back into space and produced a cooling, Michael Diamond, an assistant professor of meteorology and environmental science at Florida State University, told The Daily Beast. If we look before the regulation went into effect and after, we can already see the clouds changed. Theyre not brightening as much as they used to be. Diamond authored a paper published on July 25 in the journal Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics examining the changes in clouds over major shipping corridors in the Atlantic Ocean. He found evidence that suggests that the loss of cloud brightness resulted in a 50 percent increase of sunlight hitting the ocean surfacecausing warming temperatures as a result. These findingsalong with a number of other studies conducted examining the loss of high-sulfur ship tracks over the oceanmay help bolster the case for geoengineering, a term to describe the technologies that can be used to artificially alter the Earths climate. While its a controversial and potentially dangerous strategy, proponents say that its rapidly becoming one of the few options we have to stave off the worst impacts of climate change. Its really only natural to ask the question of should we be doing this deliberately to buy us time for decarbonization or to scale up carbon renewal technologies, Diamond said. While it seems like an idea torn from the pages of a sci-fi novel, the idea of blocking the sun to cool down the planet is quickly gaining favor. The White House has announced funding for a five-year research plan into geoengineering in response to a Congressional mandate developed with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. These initiatives typically come in a variety of different forms. The most common include some form of solar radiation management (SRM), which are systems to reflect sunlight away from the Earth. Weve seen this happen before in nature during large volcanic eruptions that throw massive clouds of debris and gasses like sulfur dioxide into the air, which block sunlight and can cause global temperatures to drop. Similarly, the ship tracks had previously been cooling down the Earth, all while poisoning the air. Decreased ship tracks resulted in a drop in sulfur dioxide emissions, but also caused temperatures to spike. Meet the People Who Want to Stop the Next Hurricane by Hacking the Ocean Of course, this brings up an odd and uncomfortable question: If reducing greenhouse gasses actually warms the planet, why would we want to do so? Diamond is quick to point out that the deleterious effects of greenhouse gas emissions are far more destructive than the warming temperatures caused by the diminished ship tracks. Moreover, the benefits of getting rid of greenhouse gasses like carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and methane will eventually provide a much stronger cooling effect. If you reduce [carbon dioxide], methane, and other aerosols, you do get a short term acceleration in warming, but that will cancel out over the longer term, he said. Using this idea, researchers can develop their own artificial marine cloud brightening systems to replicate the effects of ship tracksbut without toxic sulfur dioxide or other greenhouse gas emissions. One method would involve using nozzles specifically engineered to spray specifically sized seawater aerosols into the atmosphere atop ships to mimic the ship tracks. A few fleets of these vessels saturating the skies above our oceans would have a near immediate effect in cooling down our oceans. However, the ramifications of such a measure might be severe such as accidentally causing massive rainfall in ecosystems ill-prepared for them, or causing the world to cool down too much resulting in a Little Ice Age scenario where crops fail causing worldwide famine. Blocking the Sun Is a Risky Gambit for Fighting Climate Change. It May Also Be Our Best Option. Theres also the question of whether or not it would actually work at allsomething scientists are already asking when it comes to the latest ship tracks research. This might seem to be a clear indicator that solar geoengineering is not only a viable option, but one that weve already been inadvertently employing to cool our planet for decades. But experts are actually split on what the data means. Though Diamond believes that the evidence should encourage more scientists and institutions to invest more into geoengineering research efforts, he and other atmospheric scientists say it falls well short of providing any conclusive evidence that marine cloud brightening could be a panacea or even just an effective tool for our climate woes. Theres been some dimmingbut not as much as we expected, Duncan Watson-Parris, an atmospheric scientist at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, told The Daily Beast. He co-authored a number of different studies in the past few years regarding the impact of ship tracks on marine cloud brightening, and has seen his beliefs on the matter evolve over the years. A 2022 Nature study Watson-Parris helped lead used ship tracking data to analyze the clouds over where these vessels traveled to assess their impact on nearby clouds with no ship pollution. He and his team found that it resulted in the increase of cloud volume and brightened marine clouds causing a cooling effect. Could Cooling the Planet Through Geoengineering Lead to More Disease Outbreaks? But, in a preprint published May 16 in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, the same researchers looked at the brightening effects before and after 2020and discovered that there actually wasnt much of a change between the two. This shows that the clouds are pretty much saturated, according to Watson-Parris. Even by reducing 80 percent of the emissions, the clouds themselves dont get much darker because theyve already had plenty of aerosol, he explained. This leads me to think that actually, the clouds are already fairly saturated with aerosol and pollution. And therefore, the emissions reductions probably didnt have a massive effect. The effects of the lessening sunlight hitting the Earth due to the IMO regulation are also difficult to quantify, according to Rob Wood, an atmospheric scientist and principal investigator for the University of Washingtons Marine Cloud Brightening Project. He noted that carbon dioxide emissions have increased over this time and have a much longer lifetime in the atmosphere than sulfur dioxide, so comparing the effect of the IMO regulation with the increasing [carbon dioxide] is hard to do, he told The Daily Beast. Shocking Before-and-After Pics Show Hawaiian Town Obliterated by Deadly Wildfires In addition, on timescales of a decade or less, the natural variability of the climate system tends to control the temperature fluctuations, he added. In short, we are going to have to wait for a few more years to determine the impact of the IMO 2020 regulation. So its still fairly early after the IMO regulation to draw any hard conclusions about its impact. While solar geoengineering experts are hopeful about the new research, they caution that it all should be taken with a grain of salt. Our takeaway is that reduction in aerosols from ship emissions, and in fact, all emissions, is a critical near-term climate risk that we do not understand well enough, Kelly Wanser, co-founder and senior adviser of the Marine Cloud Brightening Project at the University of Washington, told The Daily Beast. In particular, we have not had sufficient observational coverage to gather the data needed to understand and quantify these effects. Despite this, both Wood and Wanser believe that this should encourage stakeholders such as world governments and academic institutions to invest in geoengineering research. More needs to be understood before deployingespecially when the consequences of doing so could be immense. This is controversial, Diamond said. There are potential downsides to the technology like maybe changing the circulations and rainfall patterns in ways that are potentially harmful to certain communities and ecosystems. We lack sufficient information about both the effectiveness and the side effect risks of marine cloud brightening to know whether to try to use marine cloud brightening, or how it might be used to maximize effectiveness and minimize risks, Wanser said. A great deal of research is needed. Like the clouds above our oceans, we want to look towards a brighter future. We just dont want to do it at the expense of our livesbut then again, we might soon not have much of a choice. 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. All of Ukraine's recruitment chiefs were fired after an investigation revealed widespread corruption. Officials who recruited troops accepted bribes up to $10,000 to help people dodge the draft. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the actions "treason" and has initiated criminal proceedings. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has fired all of his nation's army recruitment directors after an investigation revealed widespread corruption. In actions the Ukrainian president labeled "treason," the recruitment chiefs in charge of onboarding new soldiers who had been drafted instead accepted bribes to help men avoid conscription and escape the war-torn country, Zelenskyy said in a statement. "Some took cash, some took cryptocurrency that's the only difference. The cynicism is the same everywhere," Zelenskyy said. "Illicit enrichment, legalization of illegally obtained funds, illegal benefit, illegal transportation of persons liable for military service across the border." Criminal proceedings are ongoing against 33 officials of Ukraine's territorial recruitment centers. Regardless of whether they are facing criminal proceedings, the directors of every recruitment center have been dismissed and will be replaced with veterans of the war. "This system should be run by people who know exactly what war is and why cynicism and bribery during war is treason," Zelenskyy said. "Instead, warriors who have gone through the frontline or who cannot be in the trenches because they have lost their health, lost their limbs, but have retained their dignity and have no cynicism are the ones who can be entrusted with this system of recruitment." Representatives for Ukraine's Ministry of Defense did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment. Insider previously reported the Ukrainian Army is facing a dire need for more manpower to support its long-awaited counteroffensive following heavy casualties sustained during the ongoing battle of Bakhmut, where both Russia and Ukraine continue to rack up devastating losses. While Ukraine does not disclose the number of casualties it has sustained, Insider previously reported that General Mark A. Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, estimated in February that Ukraine had lost more than 100,000 soldiers since the war began last year. Read the original article on Business Insider You are the owner of this article. Jasper Kenzo Sundeen's reporting for the Yakima Herald-Republic is possible with support from Report for America and community members through the Yakima Valley Community Fund. For information on republishing, email news@yakimaherald.com. Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN) reiterated his calls for President Joe Biden to be challenged in the Democratic primary for the 2024 presidential election after a special counsel was appointed to investigate the president's son, Hunter. Phillips echoed his calls from over the weekend that most Democrats and independents are not satisfied with the current options in the Democratic presidential primary. He warned that the unpopularity of the current candidates could hurt Democrats' chances of maintaining the White House. His comments came while speaking on CNN's The Lead with Jake Tapper on Friday. UP FOR DEBATE: WHERE TRUMP, DESANTIS, AND REST OF REPUBLICAN 2024 FIELD STAND ON KEY ISSUES "It's not about me. This is about a message and a wake-up call that I am trying my darnedest to deliver to Democrats, 55% of whom, before today's news, wanted an alternative to the three candidates in the primary now, and I've said that from the very beginning, I've had concerns. The numbers are horrific the polling numbers: 55% of Democrats wanting an alternative, independents about 73% want an alternative, and let me just assume that 100% moderate Republican never-Trumpers are saying we want an alternative, we will not vote for the sitting president," Phillips said. The Minnesota Democrat also expressed how his calls for Biden to be challenged are not because of any disdain for the president, and he added that he loves Biden and thinks he has a great record but is rather sounding the alarm on polling numbers among all groups. "I am scared. I'm trying to raise that bell, be the clearing call if you will," Phillips continued. "I'm not best positioned to do this. There are ample well-prepared competent people of great character ready to go." 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. Phillips also called the appointment of a special counsel to investigate Hunter Biden "a sad day" and expressed his concerns that the investigation into the president's son could hurt Joe Biden's chances at winning the 2024 presidential election. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER The president is widely expected to cruise to the Democratic nomination with no major Democrats challenging him in the 2024 primary. He leads the Democratic presidential primary over Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Marianne Williamson by nearly 50%, according to RealClearPolitics. Expected top Democratic presidential contenders, including Govs. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) and Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI), have opted not to run in 2024 and have endorsed Biden for four more years in the White House. At 80 years old, Biden is the oldest commander in chief in U.S. history. Original Location: Rep. Dean Phillips calls on Democrats to challenge Biden in 2024 after special counsel appointment Washington Examiner Videos Today Cloudy early, becoming mostly clear after midnight. Low near 75F. Winds SSE at 15 to 25 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph. Tonight Cloudy early, becoming mostly clear after midnight. Low near 75F. Winds SSE at 15 to 25 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph. Tomorrow Mostly sunny. High 93F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph. Noile conditii de calatorie pentru copiii care au implinit varsta de 16 ani De duminica, copiii care au implinit varsta de 16 ani pot calatori in strainatate fara sa fie insotiti de un adult, dar numai in anumite situatii. Care sunt noile conditii de calatorie ne spune purtatorul de cuvant al Politiei de frontiera, [citeste mai departe] Former President Donald Trump claimed that his presence at the Iowa State Fair on Saturday helped set the record for the largest crowd at the state fair in its history. Trump said that he was "very honored" by the number of fans who had come to the fair to see him. KIM REYNOLDS FLEXES HER MUSCLE AT IOWA STATE FAIR WITH INTERVIEWS AND ENDORSEMENT SILENCE "I think it's a great honor to be here, we have a record set, the record is the largest crowd they ever had, and I can see that," Trump told reporters at the fairgrounds. "I can see that because you cannot get any more people here and I am very honored by it, it's a tremendous thing." Trump's appearance at the fair occurred on the same day as his chief rival for the party's presidential nomination next year, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL), prompting competing events that could overshadow the Florida governor. The former president, who is dominating in the polls so far but has seen a small dip in Iowa, is also not participating in a "fireside chat" with Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA) during his visit to the fair. Trump declined Reynolds' invitation to the one-on-one interview earlier this week. The relationship between Trump and Reynolds has been strained in recent months, after the former president slammed her neutrality in the Republican primaries. Reynolds has refused to endorse a Republican candidate for president, claiming the race is far from settled and wants every candidate to feel welcomed in Iowa. But Trump has grumbled over the governor's relationship with his arch rival. "Maybe down the road, we'll do something different," Reynolds told CNN. "But right now, it's really important that they [the candidates] feel like they have a fair shot, and they're welcome here in Iowa, and I want Iowans to have the chance to interact with them." 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. Trump's latest appearance comes as his presence at the first GOP debate remains uncertain. The former commander-in-chief has qualified for the debates under its polling and donor criteria. But the Republican National Committee requires all candidates to sign a pledge promising to support the eventual nominee, which Trump has yet to do. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER Five candidates have fully qualified for the party's debate, as well as having signed the pledge: DeSantis, Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), former Gov. Nikki Haley, Gov. Doug Burgum (R-ND), and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy. Trump's former Vice President Mike Pence has also qualified, but has not signed the pledge, but has indicated that he will sign. The first debate will be held Aug. 23, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with a start time of 9 p.m. Eastern, and will be moderated by Fox News. Original Location: Trump claims appearance drew 'record largest crowd' ever at Iowa State Fair Washington Examiner Videos New Delhi: Learning in one's native language, particularly during the initial years of formal education, contributes significantly to enhancing children's cognitive abilities, said the University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar. Prof Kumar made this point in a letter addressed to the Chairperson of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). He wrote to Chairperson of CBSE, Nidhi Chhibber, expressing his delight at CBSEs initiative to promote multilingual education nationwide. I am delighted to observe an important initiative by CBSE to foster multilingual education nationwide. It is heartening to note that CBSE has now permitted schools to provide instruction in Indian languages from pre-primary levels up to class XII. Schools play an immensely pivotal role in this endeavour. Learning in one's native language, particularly during the initial years of formal education, contributes significantly to enhancing children's cognitive abilities in numeracy and problem-solving and fostering creativity and innovation. CBSE-affiliated schools will be crucial in advancing this objective by imparting education in Indian languages, read the letter by the University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman. To promote teaching and learning in local languages, the National Education Policy 2020 emphasises multilingual and multicultural education. It highlights the substantial cognitive advantages that multilingualism offers young learners. In his letter, the UGC Chairman commended CBSE for allowing schools to provide instruction in Indian languages from pre-primary levels up to class XII. He pointed out in the letter that learning in one's mother tongue can considerably improve children's cognitive capacities in math and problem-solving as well as stimulate creativity and originality, especially during their initial years of formal education. The UGC Chairman also informed Chhibber that the UGC has formed an apex committee to prepare textbooks in different Indian languages, with an ongoing effort to translate all standard books into various Indian languages. This initiative encourages using Indian languages in the teaching-learning process. To facilitate this, there is an ongoing effort to translate all standard books into various Indian languages. This initiative extends to Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs), where textbooks and study materials are being made available in Indian languages for programs such as B.A., B.Sc., B.Com., and other technical courses. UGC has also requested that the Higher Educational institutions permit students to write the examinations in Indian languages, read the letter by the University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman. He concluded by saying, At this juncture, UGC would be happy to work with CBSE in our efforts to make education accessible in Indian languages across all levels, from primary to higher education, in the coming years. New Delhi: Delhi Police have registed an FIR against unknown persons over the alleged gas leak incident at the Nigam Pratibha Vidyalaya in Inderpuri, due to which 28 students fell ill, an official said on Saturday. Deputy Commissioner of Police (west) Vichitra Veer told IANS that the police were currently investigating the incident reported at the municipal school on Friday. Of the 28 students, 19 were admitted to the RML Hospital, while nine were taken to the Acharya Bhikshuk Hospital. Two students had received oxygen support, following which their conditions also improved subsequently, the DCP added. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi had officially stated that the gas leak took place near the railway tracks. But in response, the Railways denied any reports of gas leak from their stations and emphasized that their wagons never carry toxic gases that could endanger health. On Friday, the police received a PCR call from the school regarding some children who were not feeling well, including a few who had been vomiting. A police team immediately reached the spot and shifted the affected students to the hospitals. NEW DELHI: Congress on Saturday said that not allowing two BJP MPs to speak in parliament over the violence in their own state is not only unfortunate but an insult to the entire Manipur as well. BJP MP from Manipur was not allowed to speak in Parliament even after requesting. This is not only unfortunate but an insult to the entire Manipur. The divisive politics of the BJP first set fire to Manipur. When violence broke out, he was left to fend for himself. Still violence continues. It is shameful for the BJP to stop its own MP from Manipur and Minister of State for External Affairs from speaking at such a time, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh in a tweet said. The House of Minister of State for External Affairs and Education Rajkumar Ranjan Singh and one more BJP MP from Manipur was not allowed to speak on the violence in Parliament. The quest for a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in India has remained a contentious and long-standing issue since the country's independence. As the political landscape evolves and several BJP-ruled states join the call to implement the UCC, this topic continues to gain prominence in Indian politics and society. Senior Lawyer Sarthak Chaturvedi explains the intricacies of the UCC debate, its potential impact on family law, and how the drive for a gender-just civil code can contribute to Indian society. Explanation of the Uniform Civil Code: A Historical Perspective In India, there are two types of laws: public laws that uniformly apply to everyone irrespective of their religion, class, or creed (e.g., Indian Penal Code, Evidence Act, Income Tax Act) and personal laws that apply specifically to certain communities (e.g., Muslim Personal Law and Hindu Personal Law). Personal laws deal with matters related to marriage, divorce, adoption, maintenance, etc., within a community. The Uniform Civil Code, as the name suggests, refers to a single, comprehensive code of law governing matters related to marriage, divorce, adoption, inheritance, and other family matters, applicable to all citizens of India, irrespective of their religion, caste, or community. The demand for a UCC dates back to the drafting of the Indian Constitution when Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Constitution, strongly advocated for a UCC to be enshrined as a directive principle in the Constitution. The UCC is mentioned as a Directive Principle in Article 44 of the Constitution. However, it has not been implemented due to the delicate balance of Indian society's religious and cultural fabric. The landmark Shah Bano case (1985) brought the debate on UCC to the forefront of Indian politics, showcasing the inherent tensions between personal laws and the need for a uniform, gender-just civil code. How is the Shah Bano case related to the UCC debate? The Mohd. Ahmed Khan v. Shah Bano Begum case, often referred to as the Shah Bano case, was a landmark judgment delivered by the Supreme Court of India in 1985. In this case, Shah Bano, a 62-year-old Muslim woman, sought maintenance from her husband, Mohd. Ahmed Khan, after he divorced her through the triple talaq system. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Shah Bano, granting her the right to maintenance under Section 125 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), which is applicable to all Indian citizens irrespective of religion. The judgment ignited controversy as it was seen as an interference in the Muslim personal law. The uproar proved unfavorable for Rajiv Gandhi's Congress government, as they risked losing the support of Muslim voters. Rajiv Gandhi, who had an overwhelming majority in the Parliament, faced significant pressure from conservative Muslim groups who opposed the Supreme Court's decision in the Shah Bano case. To appease these groups, the government passed the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986, which effectively overturned the Supreme Court's verdict and restricted the rights of Muslim women to maintenance. The move to overturn the Shah Bano verdict was met with widespread criticism from various sections of society, including women's rights activists, progressive Muslim groups, and opposition political parties. They accused the Congress government of compromising secular values and gender justice in an attempt to gain political support from the Muslim community. Thus, the Shah Bano case and its aftermath brought the UCC debate to the forefront in India, with many arguing that a uniform set of laws would have prevented such inconsistencies and contradictions in the legal system. Family Laws in India: A Complex Landscape India's family law system consists of multiple personal laws specific to different religious communities, including Hindu, Muslim, Christian, and Parsi Personal Laws, as well as the secular Special Marriage Act, 1954. Though intended to respect India's religious and cultural diversity, these personal laws often perpetuate patriarchal norms and, at times, discriminate against women. Here are some examples of such issues in Muslim, Christian, and Parsi personal laws: Muslim Personal Law: 1- Polygamy: Muslim men are allowed to have up to four wives, provided they can treat them all equally. This is seen as discriminatory towards women, as they do not have a similar right. 2- Triple Talaq: Although banned by the Supreme Court in 2017, the practice of Triple Talaq (instant divorce) allowed a Muslim man to divorce his wife simply by saying "talaq" thrice. This created a significant gender bias as women did not have an equivalent method to end their marriage. 3- Inheritance: In Muslim law, a daughter receives only half the share of a son in inheritance. This perpetuates gender discrimination in property rights. Christian Personal Law: 1- Divorce: Divorce provisions under Christian law have been criticized for being less favorable to women. For instance, while men could obtain a divorce on the grounds of adultery, women must prove adultery in conjunction with other offenses, such as cruelty or desertion. 2- Custody of children: Christian law traditionally favors granting custody of children to the father, perpetuating gender bias against women. Parsi Personal Law: 1- Marriage: A Parsi woman marrying a non-Parsi loses her religious identity and rights within the community. However, Parsi men marrying non-Parsi women are allowed to retain their identity and rights, showcasing a clear gender bias. 2- Adoption: Parsi law does not recognize adoption, which can be particularly disadvantageous for women who cannot have biological children. The Uniform Civil Code aims to address these inconsistencies, biases, and discrimination by providing a common legal framework to ensure equal treatment of all citizens, regardless of their religion or gender. The Supreme Court's Persuasion for a Uniform Civil Code in India- Here are some instances where the court has advocated for a UCC: 1- Sarla Mudgal v. Union of India (1995): In this case, the Supreme Court addressed the issue of bigamy among Hindu men who converted to Islam to take advantage of the provisions under Muslim personal law. The court held that conversion to Islam solely for the purpose of bigamy was invalid and emphasized the need for a Uniform Civil Code. It observed that a common civil code would help promote national integration and eliminate disparities based on religious beliefs. 2- Shayara Bano v. Union of India (2017): Popularly known as the Triple Talaq case, this judgment dealt with the practice of instant triple talaq in the Muslim community. The court declared the practice unconstitutional and emphasized the importance of gender justice and the rights of women. The majority judgment highlighted the need for a UCC to promote equal rights for women across religions and communities. 3- Jose Paulo Coutinho v. Maria Luiza Valentina Pereira (2019): This case dealt with the application of the Portuguese Civil Code of 1867 in Goa, which is the only state in India that has a uniform civil code in place. The Supreme Court held that the Portuguese Civil Code would continue to govern certain aspects of family law in Goa, even after India gained independence. While this judgment does not directly advocate for a UCC, it does showcase the possibility of implementing a uniform code that accommodates the diverse nature of Indian society. Arguments for and against the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code The call for a UCC is supported by various political parties, legal experts, and social activists who argue that a single, comprehensive code would promote gender equality, social harmony, and legal consistency across different communities. They highlight that the UCC would: 1- Ensure gender equality by replacing patriarchal personal laws with a uniform law based on principles of equality and justice. 2- Eliminate legal complexities arising from the multiplicity of personal laws. 3- Promote national integration by removing religious barriers in civil matters. However, opponents of the UCC argue that it: 1- Infringes upon the fundamental right to religious freedom and cultural autonomy, guaranteed under Articles 25-28 of the Indian Constitution. 2- May not resolve the issue of gender inequality, as societal norms play a more significant role in perpetuating discrimination. 3- Imposes a majoritarian legal framework, undermining the diverse cultural fabric of India. How can a Uniform Civil Code strengthen family laws and their impact on families? The implementation of a UCC holds the potential to strengthen family laws by: 1- Establishing a common, gender-just legal framework that safeguards the rights of all citizens, irrespective of their religious or cultural background. 2- Addressing patriarchal biases and discriminatory provisions present in current personal laws, thereby promoting gender equality and women's empowerment. 3- Simplifying the legal process and reducing confusion arising from multiple personal laws, making it easier for citizens to navigate the system and seek justice. 4- Encouraging social harmony and interfaith understanding by fostering a shared legal identity among diverse communities. India's Journey Towards a Uniform Civil Code: Progress and Efforts The debate on the UCC continues to be a hotly contested topic in Indian politics and society. Here are some important milestones: 1- In August 2017, the Supreme Court of India declared the practice of instant triple talaq unconstitutional, a significant step towards addressing gender discrimination within Muslim Personal Law. 2- In September 2018, the Supreme Court of India decriminalized adultery, stating that it violated the fundamental rights to equality and life, thereby promoting gender equality. 3- In November 2019, the Law Commission of India released a consultation paper recommending the codification of personal laws while protecting religious and cultural diversity, as an alternative to a UCC. 4- Recently, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced that Uttarakhand will soon begin the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code. 5- The home minister of Gujarat has also recently announced the formation of a committee in the state to implement the Uniform Civil Code. In conclusion, the implementation of a gender-just Uniform Civil Code holds the potential to significantly alter India's legal landscape, promote gender equality, and ensure consistency across communities. With several BJP-ruled states joining the call for the UCC, it has become an increasingly prominent topic in Indian politics and society. While the debate around the UCC may face opposition from various quarters, the aspiration for a UCC remains rooted in the principles enshrined in the Indian Constitution, emphasizing the need for a unified, egalitarian legal framework that serves the diverse and evolving needs of India's citizens. New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi left for his parliamentary constituency in Keralas Wayanad on Friday from his residence in Delhi, for the first time after being reinstated as Lok Sabha MP. Lok Sabha Secretariat on Monday restored the membership of Rahul Gandhi after the Supreme Court on August 4 stayed his conviction in the Modi surname remark case. Earlier on Tuesday, Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee Working President VT Siddique said, "Rahul Gandhi will be coming to Wayanad on August 12. We are going to arrange a warm reception for him and the preparations have already started. There is a district Congress Committee meeting tomorrow. Rahul Gandhi will be present for it on August 12 and 13". There will be a very warm welcome ever had in the history of Wayanad for Rahul Gandhi, Siddique added. Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi has also been re-allotted the 12, Tughlaq Lane bungalow, as per party sources. Rahul Gandhi has got an official confirmation from the Estate office for the allotment of a bungalow to him as an MP in Delhi, the sources said on Tuesday. The Congress leader was disqualified as a member of the lower house on March 24 as a result of his conviction and a two-year jail term awarded to him for the 'Modi surname' remarks. The move to vacate the bungalow had come a day after Surat Session's Court pronounced an order on April 20 on his interim application for a stay on his conviction in the defamation case. Gandhi has since then moved into former Congress President Sonia Gandhi's 10 Janpath Road residence. As the echoes of freedom resonate once again this Independence Day, what better way to celebrate than by immersing yourself in a symphony of captivating audio series? These narratives aren't just stories; they're emotional journeys that pay homage to the sacrifices, courage, and indomitable spirit that led our nation to independence. From forgotten heroes to pivotal moments in history, each episode is a tribute to the legacy we inherit. So, grab your headphones and prepare to be moved, inspired, and connected to the heart of our nation's narrative. Here's a curated list of audio series that will make this Independence Day truly unforgettable. Surya Zinda Hai Enter the gritty world of Surya Zinda Hai, an audio series that unfolds in a town tainted by corruption. Meet Ex-Major Surya Shukla, a relentless force on a mission to dismantle the web of deceit. Against India's mighty power players, Surya vows an unwavering fight, ready to stake everything, even his life, for justice. Tune in to the pulse-pounding saga, exclusively on Pocket FM. Also read: Beauty Tips: Expert Shares 5 Home Remedies To Remove Upper Lip Hair Shanti Veer Embark on a gripping journey with Shanti Veer, an audio series that follows Indian army officer Ranveer Singh Negi's audacious international peacekeeping mission. Amidst unconventional challenges and adversaries, Ranveer strives to defend borders and lives. But his unyielding resolve faces the ultimate test. Can he conquer intricate obstacles, securing peace and forging a safer world? The globe watches, entranced by Ranveer's heroic odyssey. Bose Se Netaji Tak Step into the era of WWII with Boss Se Netaji Tak, an audio series that chronicles Subhash Chandra Bose's extraordinary journey to secure India's freedom. Forging unexpected alliances, he became Netaji, leading the Indian National Army from Nazi Germany. This unique blend of history and imagination pays tribute to Bose's legacy. Relive the past by tuning into the riveting saga. Hui Teri Deewani Dive into the captivating world of Hui Teri Deewani, an audio series on Pocket FM that weaves the enthralling tale of Mahikaa and Major Ayaan. Set against a backdrop of mystery and danger, their paths collide, sparking an undeniable bond that transcends their fates. As secrets from Mahikaa's enigmatic past merge with Ayaan's unwavering duty, their journey explores love, sacrifice, and the pursuit of truth. Amidst unrelenting challenges and imminent danger, their connection becomes a testament to resilience, showcasing the enduring strength of love in the face of life's uncertainties. My Commando Wife Step into the enchanting narrative of My Commando Wife, as Aarohi's life takes a breathtaking turn after a bomb blast catapults her a millennium into the past. With futuristic technology, her soul finds a new vessel, leading to a remarkable encounter with Vihaan Singh, an unyielding army chief with an unexpected bias. As their fates converge, questions arise about Aarohi's survival and the mysterious currents of time. This tale of improbable connections and time-bending turns unravels, weaving love and destiny across the ages. New Delhi: Amazon miniTVs latest offering Rakshak- Indias Brave Chapter 1 showcases the story of the bravery and tenacity of soldiers who fought for us and our country. Rakshak- Indias Braves Chapter 1, the first installment of the 3-part film franchise, is a journey of one of the greatest martyrs in Indias history, known for his valiant battle and intrepid spirit. What made Lt. Triveni Singh a one-man army was his fervor and devotion, which left everyone in awe of him. Tracing the life of the Ashok Chakra-awardee, with a backdrop of the terrorist attack on Jammu Railway Station, the movie captures and invokes the sentiment of patriotism and national pride. Directed by Akshay Chaubey, and produced by Juggernaut, the movie stars Kanika Mann, Mrinal Naval, Mrinal Kulkarni and Mohit Chauhan, along with Varun Mitra in the lead role. As the film went live, the streaming service released a warm video featuring actor Sonu Sood, as he paid a tribute and informed viewers about the real heroes. With the heart-capturing lines, Hero woh hai joh light aur camera on hone ka wait nahin karta, Har waqt action ke liye taiyaar rehta hai! Woh bade parde par nahin chamakta, Jung ke maidaan pe jaake real stunts karta hai!!'' He redefines the true definition of a hero. Chapter 1 of Rakshak witnesses Lt. Triveni bravely fighting and gunning down two terrorists in a direct battle, and then selflessly sacrificing his life to protect 300 civilians. Packed with an abundance of mind-blowing action scenes and emotions, this movie will send chills down your spine multiple times with your heart roaring with pride. This is a great initiative by Amazon miniTV and Juggernaut Productions to honor and remember the courageous soldiers who laid down their lives for the nation. Rakshak is a series of odes to all the heroes of India, who kept the nation before anything else. The chapter 1 is a tense, compelling, and ultimately extremely moving journey of an unsung hero, Lt. Triveni Singh trapped in a battle of patriotism and saving lives, and I'm proud to play a little part in sharing his story with the viewers across the country, said Sonu Sood. New Delhi: ISRO commemorated the birth anniversary of its founder and father of Indian space program Dr. Vikram Sarabhai in a post on X (formerly Twitter). "ISRO affectionately commemorates the birthday of visionary space scientist, Dr. Vikram A Sarabhai. His remarkable contributions laid the foundation for Indian Space Programme. His legacy lives on as ISRO upholds his vision and mission," ISRO noted in the post. Dr. Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai, a trailblazing visionary, is widely hailed as the father of the Indian space program and a relentless institution builder. Born on August 12, 1919, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, into the illustrious Sarabhai family, his journey from a privileged upbringing to becoming a pioneer in space exploration and science education remains an inspiring tale of determination, innovation, and nation-building. Early Years and Academic Pursuits: Vikram Sarabhai's early education took place at Gujarat College in Ahmedabad. His innate curiosity and academic brilliance led him to pursue further studies at the University of Cambridge. There, he immersed himself in natural sciences and earned the Tripos in Natural Sciences in 1940. Despite the outbreak of World War II, his passion for scientific exploration remained unwavering. Cosmic Ray Research and Institution Building: Returning to India during the war, Sarabhai joined the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore, working alongside Nobel laureate Sir C. V. Raman on cosmic ray research. His intellectual curiosity and dedication led to his attainment of a Ph.D. from Cambridge in 1947 for his thesis titled "Cosmic Ray Investigation in Tropical Latitudes." This marked the beginning of his scientific journey and the foundation for his future contributions. Establishing Institutions for Progress: One of Dr. Sarabhai's most remarkable traits was his ability to envision and create impactful institutions. He founded the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad in 1947 at the young age of 28. This was just the first step in his mission to transform India's scientific landscape. His involvement extended to diverse fields, including arts, management, and nuclear science. He played a pivotal role in establishing the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad, and contributed to the creation of institutions like the Community Science Centre and Darpan Academy for Performing Arts. The Space Odyssey Begins: Dr. Sarabhai's profound understanding of science's role in societal development led to his relentless advocacy for a space program for India. He emphasized the importance of applying advanced technologies to solve real-world problems. He worked alongside Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha to set up India's first rocket launching station in Thumba, Kerala, in 1963. This marked the beginning of India's journey into space exploration. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Legacy: One of his most significant achievements was the establishment of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in 1969. Dr. Sarabhai's vision and strategic leadership paved the way for India's successful ventures into space, including the launch of the first Indian satellite, Aryabhata, in 1975. His vision extended beyond technology; he believed in fostering a scientific temper and promoting science education among the masses. He founded the Vikram Sarabhai Community Science Centre to further this cause. Enduring Impact and Tribute: Dr. Vikram Sarabhai's untimely passing on December 30, 1971, marked the end of a remarkable era. His legacy lives on in the numerous institutions he founded, the Indian space program's continued success, and the scientific spirit he instilled in generations. His words, "There is no ambiguity of purpose," continue to inspire scientists, engineers, and visionaries to push the boundaries of innovation for the betterment of society. Dr. Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai's life exemplifies the profound impact that a dedicated individual can have on shaping a nation's scientific and technological trajectory. His story serves as an enduring reminder that determination, vision, and an unwavering commitment to progress can transform dreams into reality and inspire generations to come. Hawaii: The death toll from the devastating wildfires in Hawaii has climbed to 67, CNN reported citing the Maui County government. The government in the statement said, "The Lahaina fire is not yet contained." Earlier, Hawaii Governor Josh Green said that the death toll from the wildfires on the island of Maui in Hawaii reaches 59. Speaking to CNN, Green said that all those deaths occurred in the open and not in buildings, "as people were trying to escape the fire." He said that there will be more fatalities. Josh Green said, "Without a doubt, there will be more fatalities. We do not know, ultimately, how many will have occurred." Hawaii's Governor ordered a comprehensive review of the state's actions in the hours after the wildfires erupted on the islands, earlier this week, including why warning sirens were not utilised to alert people on Maui. Speaking to CNN, Green said, "I authorized a comprehensive review this morning, to make sure that we know exactly what happened and when." He said that the emergency officials particularly faced challenges as the flames burning near Lahaina, which ultimately turned into a firestorm that razed nearly all of the historic town had died down for sometime before suddenly reigniting, and firefighters had shifted their focus to other areas on the island. "The telecommunications were destroyed very rapidly" at that point, Green said, meaning that the tight-knit community was unable to alert one another by phone, as they typically do when there is an emergency. "That communication was cut off," the governor said. Green said he is not going to "make any excuse for anyone." However, the multiple fires burning at once had caused a "very fluid situation across the islands." He said that despite those challenges, they will do everything that can to find out to protect the people. US President Joe Biden spoke with Hawaii Governor Josh Green on Friday after the latter completed a survey of destruction across Maui. White House in a statement said, "The Governor provided the President with a firsthand update and assessment of Hawaiis latest needs, and thanked the President for the support of FEMA and other federal agencies," CNN reported. On Thursday, US President Joe Biden declared Hawaii wildfires a "major disaster" and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas impacted by the wildfires since August 8. Biden's action makes federal funding available to impacted people in Maui County. A White House statement said, "Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists in the State of Hawaii and ordered Federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by wildfires beginning on August 8, 2023, and continuing." The assistance announced by Biden includes grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help people and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster, according to the White House statement. ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's President Arif Alvi approved the appointment of Anwarul Haque Kakar as Caretaker Prime Minister for the country. On the social media account, X (formerly known as Twitter), the President's Office said that under Article 224 A of Pakistan's constitution, Alvi appointed Anwarul Haque Kakar as caretaker PM. "President Dr Arif Alvi has approved the appointment of Anwarul Haque Kakar as Caretaker Prime Minister The President approved the appointment under Article 224 A of the Constitution," the office said in a tweet. Earlier today, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the leader of the Opposition Raja Riaz met and concluded their last round of talks and decided to make Senator Kakar as caretaker PM. Balochistan lawmaker, Kakar was elected to the Senate in 2018 and has also served as the spokesperson of the provincial government prior to his election to the upper house, as per Geo News. The lawmaker was selected as the 8th interim head of the government, a statement from the Prime Minister's Office said Saturday. Kakar and his party had good ties with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) during its government and he was among the people who former prime minister Imran Khan consulted on the matters of Balochistan. For that reason, Balochistan Awami Party often faced criticism from PML-N for that reason. However, when the party changed sides, it faced criticism from PTI, reported Geo News. The newly-appointed caretaker premier was born in 1971 in Muslim Bagh, an area of the Killa Saifullah district of Balochistan. He completed his schooling at St. Francis School, Quetta, and later enrolled in Cadet College Kohat but returned to the Balochistan provincial capital after his father's demise. The senator has done a Master's in Political Science and Sociology from the University of Balochistan. Senator Kakar started his career by teaching in a school in his native town, according to Geo News. He is also one of the founding members of BAP and was appointed as the central spokesperson of the party in 2018. The first Republican presidential debate is fast approaching on August 23rd, where candidates will hope to close the gap on former president Donald Trump and separate from the rest of the pack. In this series, Up For Debate, the Washington Examiner will look at a key issue or policy every day up until debate day, and where key candidates stand. Today's story will examine foreign policy. Republican presidential hopefuls will assemble for the first presidential primary debate of the 2024 election season just days before the second anniversary of the chaotic and tragic United States withdrawal from Afghanistan, to face a GOP electorate that continues to evolve away from the legacy of the Iraq War but still values Uncle Sam's status as a global superpower. UP FOR DEBATE: WHERE TRUMP, DESANTIS, AND REST OF REPUBLICAN 2024 FIELD STAND ON KEY ISSUES Chinese General Secretary Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin have demonstrated their belief that geopolitical power is up for grabs. The so-called "new world order" that George H.W. Bush inaugurated after the Cold War in which peerless American power would ensure "the rule of law supplants the rule of the jungle" has given way to Russia's war in Ukraine, China's threats toward Taiwan and assertion of sovereignty over vast swathes of international shipping lanes, and simmering risk of nuclear proliferation among rogue states. Republican presidential candidates must navigate the paradoxes of a GOP voter base convinced that the U.S. needs to project more strength, take on fewer commitments, but uphold traditional alliances and friendships, especially with Israel. Former President Donald Trump threaded that political needle in 2016, but his iconoclastic approach has left room for rivals to appeal to more traditional GOP voters. "The peace through strength' crowd ... the shining city on a hill [crowd], that is up for grabs," a GOP campaign data strategist said. "It won't get you the nomination, but it might get you ten to 12%, which is a substantial number." This combination of photos shows Republican presidential candidates, top row from left, Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former president Donald Trump, and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, and bottom row from left, former Vice President Mike Pence, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and Vivek Ramaswamy. With less than a month to go until the first 2024 Republican presidential debate, eight candidates say they have met the qualifications for a podium slot. But that also means that about half of the broad GOP field is running short on time to make the stage. (AP Photo) AP Donald Trump Trump returns to the presidential debate stage after four White House years marked by intense trade disputes with China and also U.S. allies in Europe, the U.S. withdrawal from Barack Obama's Paris climate agreement and the Iran nuclear deal, the signing of the Abraham Accords between Israel and a pair of Gulf Arab states, and an impeachment arising from Rudy Giuliani's attempt to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to accuse Biden of corruption in 2019. His current campaign reprises those themes. He has proposed to revoke China's "most favored nation" trade status and impose "universal baseline tariffs" on most imports, even though he also pledges to "build on" the NAFTA free trade update his administration negotiated with Mexico and Canada. He promises to end the war in Ukraine in "one day" by threatening both Zelensky and Putin, and declared Biden a "Manchurian candidate" in light of Hunter Biden's lucrative foreign business dealings. "He's a dove, except for he doesn't want America screwed with, and in the case of China, he's been a hawk," the GOP data strategist said. "He really used his China hawkishness to keep people at bay on his right on the issue of strong national defense [China] and the U.S.-Israeli relationship." Gov. Ron DeSantis DeSantis, a second-term governor, brings to the contest a three-term congressional record as a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and a Bronze Star dating back to his deployment to Iraq in 2007 as a Navy lawyer. He reflected the nationwide suspicion of China even from Tallahassee, where he signed multiple bills to "counteract the malign influence of the Chinese Communist Party in the state of Florida." That legislation included a ban on donations or investments in higher and secondary education from based in or "controlled by a foreign country of concern" (a measure galvanized by China's establishment of Confucius Institutes at schools around the country), a restriction on Chinese government-affiliated farmland purchases, a move to block state and local government use of applications that "present a cybersecurity and data privacy risk." DeSantis also urges a revocation of China's privileged trade status but led a state trade delegation to Israel, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom in April. DeSantis has struggled to navigate Ukraine-related political pressures. He faulted Obama's "policy of weakness" for tempting Putin to seize Crimea in 2014 and favored the provision of "defensive and offensive" equipment to Ukraine. He renewed his denunciation of Putin's aggression in March, days after questioning the geopolitical significance of the "territorial dispute," and he opposes "escalating with more weapons" to Ukraine. "People have conflicting, conflicting priorities: Republican voters love killing Russians," a Republican strategist who works on behalf of a rival candidate told the Washington Examiner. "They hate paying for it. They do not want it to escalate into a broader conflict . . . or any risk to American lives." UP FOR DEBATE: TRUMP, DESANTIS, AND 2024 GOP HOPEFULS' STANCES ON ABORTION Sen. Tim Scott Scott joined the campaign fray in May, an effort presaged by his appointment to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in January. 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. He sees a "vital national interest" in Ukraine's resistance to Russia and argues that Biden has undermined the effectiveness of U.S. aid by "waiting too long to provide too little." He describes China as "the biggest threat to America's security" and deems the fentanyl crisis an especially pernicious form of that hostility. His proposal to sanction the drug's Chinese supply chain will pass in this year's national defense authorization package, along with legislation to require the U.S. universities to disclose "gifts and grants from entities in the Chinese military-industrial complex," and he thinks China should not enjoy the privileges of "developing nation" status at the United Nations. Yet Scott remains skeptical of tariffs he faulted Trump's administration in 2018 for restoring tariffs that they'd acknowledged had a "harmful economic impact on these importers and our economy" and he has a reputation for using his authority as the top Republican on the Banking Committee to weaken legislation that would curtail the U.S.-China economic relationship. That's an unfair criticism, his supporters would argue, but Scott, in any case, cautions that "policymakers must think beyond the Washington bubble and ensure that when the government uses its economic security tools, it evaluates the economic impact on communities and small businesses across our country." Nikki Haley Haley, the former South Carolina governor who appointed Scott to the Senate in 2012, herself accepted Trump's nomination to lead the U.S. mission to the United Nations at the outset of his presidency. Declaring herself "a new sheriff in town," she spent two years policing what she deemed "ridiculous" bias against Israel at the UN, adding diplomatic pressure on the 2015 Iran nuclear deal (which Trump exited in 2018). She also campaigned for tighter sanctions on rogue actors including one flap in which the White House abandoned an internal push to blacklist the Russian backers of Syrian dictator Bashar Assad's chemical weapons program after Haley had already announced the punishments. She argues that "a Russian defeat would be an enormous loss for China and a true victory for peace." Her campaign intends to undermine Trump's credibility as a China hawk by arguing that he had a myopic focus on trade issues. "Trump did too little about the rest of the Chinese threat," she said in June. "He did not stop the flow of American technology and investment into the Chinese military. He did not effectively rally our allies against the Chinese threat. Even the trade deal he signed came up short when China predictably failed to live up to its commitments." Vivek Ramaswamy Ramaswamy, a biotech Ivy Leaguer, branded himself a "traitor to his class" as a rising star opponent of "Woke, Inc." His bid to become the youngest president ever has necessitated a foray into foreign policy. Ramaswamy maintains that the war in Ukraine jeopardizes necessary efforts to prioritize China. The fast-talking businessman offers a simple solution to the war, which he thinks could be achieved by cutting off aid to Ukraine and forcing Zelensky to make "major concessions" to the Kremlin. He believes that in exchange, Putin would give the United States his promise to betray Xi, who joined hands with Putin to demand a "transformation of the global governance architecture and world order" just weeks before the Kremlin chief launched his bid to overthrow Zelensky. Others Former Vice President Mike Pence and former Gov. Chris Christie, former Trump allies both, also have criticized his foreign policy. Pence traveled to Kyiv in June, the first GOP candidate to make the trek, and Christie followed in early August. Pence maintains that Trump and DeSantis "just don't understand Americans' national interest in supporting the Ukrainian military" and says that a Russian defeat would discourage Chinese Communist aggression. "I don't think we have to choose between solving problems here at home and being the leader of the free world," Pence said in July. Christie has excoriated Trump for the many compliments he has paid Putin and Xi. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, an entrepreneur-turned-politician little known outside his state, visited the U.S.-Mexico border on Tuesday, just days after Scott made a border tour. The trips allow Republican aspirants to attack Biden while implicitly underscoring that "the wall's not done," despite Trump's promises, as the first GOP strategist put it. "I don't think anybody has cemented themselves as the alternative to Trump on foreign policy just yet," the data strategist said. Original Location: Up for debate: Where do Trump, DeSantis, and 2024 GOP hopefuls stand on foreign policy Washington Examiner Videos MOSCOW: Russian air defence claimed that it has foiled Ukraine's attack in the Belgorod region, as Moscow shot the Ukrainian drone, TASS News Agency reported citing Defense Ministry. "Today, at about 5:30 pm (Moscow Time), the Kyiv regimes attempt to carry out a terrorist attack with one unmanned aerial vehicle on targets on the territory of the Russian Federation was thwarted. Russian air defences detected the unmanned aerial vehicle and destroyed it over the Belgorod Region," the ministry said, adding that there was neither damage nor casualties as a result of the foiled attack. Earlier, Russia claimed that its air defence system detected and intercepted Ukraine's S-200 missile system, which was converted into a strike version. "On August 12, at around 1:00 p.m. Moscow time, the Kyiv regime attempted to launch a terrorist strike on the Crimean bridge with the S-200 surface-to-air guided weapon converted into a strike version. The Ukrainian missile was promptly detected and intercepted in the air by Russias air defence system," TASS News Agency quoted the ministry as saying. The incident caused no damage or casualties, it added. Meanwhile, Governor of Crimea Sergey Aksyonov on his Telegram channel said that two Ukrainian missiles have been shot down by the air defence system in the area of the Kerch Strait, adding that the bridge was not affected, reported TASS News Agency. "Two enemy missiles were shot down by the air defence system in the area of the Kerch Strait. The Crimean Bridge was not affected," he wrote. The attacks in the Crimea region have become very common. Earlier, in July, Moscow alleged that Ukraine launched 17 drones toward Crimea overnight, and referred to it as a terrorist attack. The ministry said 14 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) "were suppressed by means of radio-electronic warfare". Three of the drones were shot down by Russian air defences, while three fell into the Crimean peninsula and 11 of the drones fell into the Black Sea, CNN quoted the Russian Ministry of Defense as saying.There were no casualties, the MOD added. A Russian ammunition depot was also hit by the Ukrainian drone attack in Crimea, CNN reported. In view of Independence Day 2023, Noida Police has issued a traffic advisory for commuters traveling between Delhi and Noida. The advisory is to ensure the smooth movement of vehicles between the two cities during the Independence Day event in the surrounding districts. As per the advisory, heavy, medium, and light commercial vehicles will not be allowed to enter the national capital from 10 pm on August 12 to August 12 and from 10 on August 14 to August 15. During this time the multiple routes in Noida and Delhi will be closed and Noida Police has advised the commuters to take alternative routes to reach their destination. Here's the list of routes the commuters can follow to travel to their respective locations. Also read: Indian Youtuber Buys Porsche Boxster Super Car By Paying Rs 1 Crore In Coins Noida Traffic Police Advisory: Alternative Routes IndiGo is working on the expansion of its international flight network. With this new flight, the airline will improve connectivity with Central Asia. Specifically, the Indian carrier will operate flights four times a week between Azerbaijan's capital Baku and India's capital Delhi, starting from August 11. It is worth mentioning that Baku is the 30th international destination and 108th overall destination n the airline's network. Apart from improving connectivity and trade between the cities, the services will provide travellers with a journey full of cultural experience. It is to be noted that this is the first direct flight service between Baku and Delhi. Also read: DigiYatra Facility To Be Launched On 6 Airports In August: Check List Here Adding to it, by expanding its codeshare network with Turkish Airlines, the airline has been able to expand its international network. IndiGo now has the possibility to launch operations on European routes as a result of this partnership. Before this, IndiGo airlines announced services between Tbilisi and Delhi. Improving the connectivity between India and Georgia. It is to be noted that the Georgian city is the 29th city in the airline's international network. Prior to this, IndiGo announced that starting on August 7, 2023, Indonesia would become its 28th overseas site. IndiGo will be the first airline to provide a direct service between Jakarta and Mumbai. The airline claims that these flights, which would significantly cut the trip time to Jakarta, were developed in response to the rising demand for travel to Indonesia. The airline recently began operating flights to Nairobi, Kenya, its first stop in Africa. Improved connectivity between India and Africa is made possible by this new aircraft and the network of African carriers. IndiGo is currently both India's busiest domestic airline and its largest international airline, with a market share of over 55 percent and service to 29 foreign sites. Clearing the UPSC Civil Services Examination proves to be an immensely challenging feat, demanding years of unwavering commitment from aspirants who dedicate themselves to mastering the IAS recruitment evaluation. Ansar Shaikh stands as a beacon of inspiration for countless individuals as he triumphed over a series of obstacles to conquer the UPSC CS examination, ascending to the esteemed position of an IAS officer at the remarkably tender age of 21. Currently serving as the ADM in Cooch Behar, West Bengal, Shaikh's origins trace back to the Marathwada district of Maharashtra's Jalna village. Born into a humble background, with an autorickshaw driver father and a mother toiling in the fields, his family encountered financial struggles. However, this did not deter them from ensuring Ansar's access to education. From a young age, Ansar demonstrated exceptional academic prowess, culminating in a remarkable 91 percent score in his tenth-grade examinations. His academic journey subsequently led him to pursue a degree from Pune College. Following the completion of his graduation, Ansar embarked on an arduous journey to prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. His unyielding determination and dedication bore fruit in 2016, as he clinched a commendable All India Rank (AIR) of 361 in his first attempt at the examination. Ansar Shaikh's early life was marked by a firsthand encounter with adversity. He bore witness to his brother's premature departure from school, compelled to commence work at a garage in order to contribute to the family's meager income. Furthermore, his sister's marriage at the tender age of 15 presented yet another challenge. Despite the weight of these hardships, Ansar remained resolute in his pursuit of knowledge, diligently studying and ultimately conquering what is widely regarded as one of the most formidable examinations globally. Tata Motors recently celebrated the sales milestone of rolling out 1 lakh electric vehicles. Furthermore, the automaker commands a significant share when it comes to the Indian electric car market. Specifically, the brand holds the majority share in the Indian car scene. To boost the sales number even more the electric car manufacturer is offering discounts of up to Rs 80,000 on its various models including the Tata Nexon EV electric and Tata Tigor EV, as per Carblog India's report. Here are the details of the offers on these models. Tata Nexon EV Tata Nexon EV commands huge popularity in the Indian market. Hence, the model also reaps the benefits in terms of sales numbers. Currently, the car is sold in two variants in the Indian market, namely, Nexon EV Prime and NExon EV Max. Presently, Prime is being offered with discounts of up to Rs 56,000, Similarly, Max has benefits of up to Rs 61,000. Also read: Ather 450S Electric Scooter Launched In India Priced At Rs 1.30 Lakh: Check Range And More The Prime variant of the electric SUV is powered by a 30.2 kWh Li-ion battery offering an ARAI-certified range of 312 km on a single charge. The battery powers a permanent magnet synchronous motor producing 127 hp of peak power and 245 Nm of peak torque. The car is sold in the Indian market in five trim levels including two trims of the Dark Edition. The price of the electric car starts at Rs 14.49 lakh (ex-showroom) and goes up to Rs 17.19 lakh (ex-showroom) for the most expensive Dark XZ+ variant. The Nexon EV MAX model, in comparison, uses a larger 40.5 kWh Li-ion battery to power the same motor, producing a peak power output of 141 hp and torque of 250 Nm. Because of the bigger battery pack the Nexon EV Max offers an increased MIDC range of 453 km. Credit to the electric motor, the car is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 9 seconds. Tata Tigor EV Tata Tigor EV is being sold with a discount of up to Rs 80,000. The offer comprises of cash discounts, exchange offers, corporate discounts, additional warranty or accessories. The car uses a 26 kWh battery pack with 350 V Ziptron technology, resulting in a maximum output of 75 PS and 170 Nm in terms of power and torque. The EV can be charged from 0-80 percent using a conventional 15A wall outlet in around 7.5 hours, but the DC fast charger can complete the task in just 59 minutes. Under ideal circumstances, the ARAI-certified range is roughly 315 kilometers. Currently, the car is priced between Rs 12.49 lakh to Rs 13.75 lakh. (all prices ex-showroom) Maintaining good posture is essential for overall health and well-being, and incorporating yoga asanas into your daily routine can be a transformative step towards achieving it. Yoga, an ancient practice that blends physical postures with mindfulness and breath control, offers a plethora of poses specifically designed to enhance posture and alleviate discomfort caused by slouching or misalignment. Remember to practice with mindfulness and listen to your body's limits. Regular practice, combined with conscious awareness of your posture throughout the day, can lead to noticeable improvements in your overall alignment and well-being. Here are seven yoga asanas that can contribute to better posture: 7 Yoga Asanas For Better Posture Mountain Pose (Tadasana) Start by standing tall with your feet hip-width apart and arms relaxed at your sides. Tadasana helps align your spine, shoulders, and hips while promoting a sense of grounding. Also read: People With History Of Playing Football Have Increased Risk For Parkinson's Disease: Study Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana) Lie on your stomach, placing your palms beside your shoulders. Inhale as you lift your chest off the ground while keeping your lower body engaged. Bhujangasana strengthens the back muscles and encourages a lifted chest. Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana) Lie on your back with knees bent and feet hip-distance apart. Lift your hips while pressing into your feet and shoulders, creating a gentle arch in your spine. This pose strengthens the lower back and opens the chest. Child's Pose (Balasana) Begin on your hands and knees, then sit back onto your heels while extending your arms forward. Balasana releases tension in the back and neck, elongating the spine and promoting relaxation. Warrior II Pose (Virabhadrasana II) Stand with your legs wide apart and arms outstretched. Turn one foot outward and bend the front knee while keeping the back leg straight. Warrior II enhances lower body strength and encourages an upright torso. Cat-Cow Stretch (Marjaryasana/Bitilasana) Move between these two poses on all fours. Inhale as you arch your back, dropping your belly for Cow Pose, and exhale as you round your back, tucking your chin for Cat Pose. This sequence increases spine flexibility and awareness. Tree Pose (Vrikshasana) Stand on one leg and place the sole of the opposite foot on the inner thigh, calf, or ankle. Find your balance and bring your hands to your heart center. Vrikshasana improves stability and encourages an aligned spine. In the picturesque village of Bijrol, situated in the idyllic Baghpat district of Uttar Pradesh, an extraordinary act of reverence and love recently unfolded. The villagers came together in a poignant 'Brahmabhoj' ceremony to honor the memory of a remarkable soul who had touched their lives in a unique way Tommy, an affectionately named canine, who had become an inseparable part of their close-knit community. A Cherished Legacy of Companionship: For a remarkable span of 12 years, Tommy, often referred to fondly as Munna, had been an unwavering presence within the lives of the villagers. With unwavering loyalty and a heart full of love, he had endeared himself to the hearts of the villagers, etching a place for himself that transcended traditional human-animal relationships. A Departure That Leaves an Imprint: Tommy's sudden departure on August 6 cast a shadow of sorrow over the village, leaving behind an emptiness that echoed the void created by the loss of a dear friend. Moved by their collective grief and the remarkable bond they had shared with Tommy, the villagers decided to pay him a tribute that resonated with their profound respect and love. Extending a Tradition Beyond Bounds: In a touching departure from tradition, the villagers chose to bestow upon Tommy a 'Brahmabhoj,' a ceremonial feast customarily reserved for human souls. This remarkable gesture underscored the depth of their affection and the enduring legacy Tommy had left within their hearts. A Ritual of Remembrance and Reverence: The day of the ceremony witnessed a convergence of emotions as the villagers gathered for a solemn 'hawan' ritual, seeking to provide solace to Tommy's soul in the afterlife. The scent of incense and the crackling of flames mingled with the heartfelt memories shared by the villagers, creating a poignant atmosphere of remembrance. Feasting on Memories and Shared Moments: Following the 'hawan,' the village partook in a communal feast the 'Brahmabhoj.' In a symbolic act of unity and respect, the villagers shared a meal in honor of Tommy, relishing the moments and memories they had created with him. Through this shared experience, the villagers reaffirmed their bond with Tommy, cherishing his memory in a way that transcended the boundaries of species. A Resonating Message: The heartfelt 'Brahmabhoj' ceremony held in Bijrol serves as a testament to the profound impact that animals can have on human lives. Tommy's legacy resonates not only within the village but also beyond its boundaries, emphasizing the significance of the connections that can form between humans and their beloved animal companions. Through this remarkable gesture, the villagers have etched Tommy's memory into their hearts, showcasing the enduring power of love and companionship. Srinagar: India has deployed a squadron of upgraded MiG-29 fighter jets at the Srinagar air base to tackle threats from both the Pakistani and Chinese front. The Tridents squadron which is now also known as the Defender of the North has replaced the MiG-21 squadron at the Srinagar air base which has traditionally been responsible for taking care of the threat from Pakistan. Srinagar lies in the centre of Kashmir valley and its elevation is higher than plains. It is strategically better to place an aircraft with a higher weight-to-thrust ratio and less response time due to proximity to the border and is equipped with better avionics and long-range missiles. The MiG-29 fulfils all these criteria due to which we are capable of taking in the enemies on both fronts, Indian Air Force pilot Squadron Leader Vipul Sharma told ANI. The MiG 29s have multiple advantages over the MiG-21s which were able to successfully defend the area of their responsibility in the Kashmir valley for many years and also managed to strike down an F-16 in 2019 post Balakot air strikes on Pakistani terrorist camps on their mainland. The MiG-29 has also been equipped with very long-range air-to-air missiles and air-to-ground weaponry after the upgrades and has also been armed with lethal weaponry making use of the emergency procurement powers given to armed forces by the government. "The fighter aircraft have also been provided with the capability to jam the enemy aircrafts capabilities during times of conflict", officials said. Another pilot Squadron Leader Shivam Rana said the upgraded aircraft can operate at night with night vision goggles and has a longer range due to air-to-air refuelling capability. We have also included the air-to-ground armament which was not there earlier. The biggest capability of the aircraft are the pilots which are handpicked by the Indian Air Force to serve on these aircraft, he said. The MiG-29s moved to the Srinagar air base in January this year and have flown extensively in the Kashmir valley along with the Ladakh sector where they would be one of the first to respond in case of any air space violation attempts by the Chinese. The MiG-29s were the first aircraft to have been deployed in the Ladakh sector for tacking the threat from the Chinese side after the Galwan clash of 2020 and have thwarted multiple such attempts since then. NEW DELHI: Rajya Sabha MP and senior advocate Kapil Sibal on Saturday alleged that the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, 2023 which seeks to replace the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC), allows the use of "draconian police powers for political ends". Senior advocate Kapil Sibal further said that the government's agenda behind bringing such laws is to "silence opponents". "Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (2023) (BNS)...Allows for using draconian police powers for political ends BNS...Allows for police custody from 15 upto 60 or 90 days...New offences for prosecuting persons who threaten the security of state (redefined)...Agenda: To silence opponents," Kapil Sibal said in a tweet. "Wherever the BJP is in power, the political opponents will be attacked and police force is by and large working under the directions of the political persons in power...In this context you give police or enforcement agencies custody for 60-90 days, then it is a recipe for disaster," Sibal said. He further said that the way sedition law changed and put into place, provisions relating to national security without defining under what circumstances a person can be prosecuted for national security. "On one hand, they are giving more power to police and on the other hand silencing people...this is unacceptable...," Sibal said. Earlier on Friday, Amit Shah introduced The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita Bill, 2023 and Bharatiya Sakhshya Bill, 2023, aimed at giving justice and protecting the rights given to Indian citizens by Constitution. The bills will abolish the Indian Penal Code, 1860, Criminal Procedure Code, (1898), 1973 and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 made by the British. "The Indian Penal Code, 1860 will be replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, 2023; the Criminal Procedure Code, 1898 will be replaced by the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita Bill, 2023 and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 will be replaced by the Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, 2023," Amit Shah said. He said British-era laws were made to strengthen and protect their rule and their purpose was to punish, not to give justice. We (government) are going to bring changes in both these fundamental aspects. The soul of these three new laws will be to protect all the rights given by the Constitution to the Indian citizens. The objective will not be to punish anyone but give justice and in this process, punishment will be given where it is required to create a sense of prevention of crime," Shah stressed. He said from 1860 to 2023, the criminal justice system of India continued to be operated on the basis of the laws made by the British Parliament, but now these three laws will be replaced with new laws imbibing Indias soul. He said that in the current laws, heinous crimes like murder or crimes against women were placed very low and crimes like treason, robbery and attack on the official of the government were kept above these. Shah said that 18 states, six Union Territories, a Supreme Court, 16 High Courts, five judicial academies, 22 Law Universities, 142 Members of Parliament, about 270 MLAs and people gave their suggestions regarding these new laws and that for four years these were discussed in depth and he himself was present in 158 meetings. The Home Minister said that Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita Bill, which will replace CrPC, will now have 533 sections. "A total of 160 sections have been changed, nine new sections have been added and nine sections have been repealed," he said. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, which will replace the IPC, will have 356 sections instead of the earlier 511 sections, the minister said, adding that 175 sections have been amended, 8 new sections have been added and 22 sections have been repealed. Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, which will replace the Evidence Act, will now have 170 sections instead of the earlier 167. Shah said 23 sections have been changed, one new section has been added and five repealed. The inspiring odyssey of Garima Singh chronicles her evolution from a university student facing a bribe demand of 100 rupees to her triumphant rise as an esteemed IAS officer. This narrative underscores her resilience, courage, and unwavering commitment to public service, encapsulating moments that altered her trajectory and propelled her to excel in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examinations. From starting her career as an IPS officer to achieving the coveted IAS rank, Garima's story embodies the spirit of unwavering determination in the face of challenges. Early Life and Education: Garima Singh's journey began on February 14, 1987, in Uttar Pradesh's Balia district. After completing her education at Delhi University's St. Stephen's College with a history degree, Garima embarked on a path that eventually led her to the realm of civil services. Despite her initial aspiration to become a doctor, she heeded her father's call to serve the nation through civil services. Confronting Corruption: A Transformative Encounter: During her college days, Garima encountered corruption firsthand. While returning home from a mall, she found herself ensnared by a bribe demand of 100 rupees from the police. Her resolute refusal to succumb to the pressure left an indelible mark on her, fueling her determination to address such issues. Pursuit of IPS and Beyond: Driven by her ambition to bring about change, Garima commenced her UPSC preparation journey. Adopting a methodical study regimen, she focused on limited resources and conducted diligent revisions. In 2012, her relentless dedication bore fruit as her name graced the final list of civil services candidates, securing her the esteemed IPS position. Transition to IAS: A Testimony to Persistence: Garima's pursuit didn't culminate with her IPS appointment. She continued her service across various districts while harboring aspirations for an IAS rank. Fueling her ambitions with renewed vigor, she once again embarked on the arduous UPSC journey, clinching the remarkable 55th rank and elevating her to the esteemed role of an IAS officer. A Beacon of Resilience and Hope: Garima Singh's transformation from a disheartening tryst with corruption to her emergence as an IAS officer serves as a living testament to the potential of unyielding determination and a steadfast commitment to societal well-being. Her story resonates as a beacon of hope and inspiration, showcasing the remarkable heights that can be achieved when one confronts challenges with resilience and an unwavering pursuit of their dreams. Aspiring individuals can find solace in Garima's narrative, reaffirming that steadfast perseverance paves the way to even the loftiest goals. With nearly two dozen state prisons and multiple federal facilities in Colorado, federal judges routinely hear lawsuits from incarcerated men and women alleging violations of their rights. The claims range from excessive force and indifference to medical needs to unconstitutional infringements on prisoners' religious exercise. For the most part, the plaintiffs do not have a lawyer. As a consequence, those lawsuits which could involve a credible civil rights violation are more likely to be dismissed. Now, Colorado's federal trial court is quietly launching a new project to give those cases more traction. "It's been obvious to me since the beginning of the time I became a judge that when prisoners were fortunate enough to get counsel to represent them, cases were handled by the court in a much more efficient manner," said Kristen L. Mix. Mix, who retired earlier this month as a federal magistrate judge after 16 years on the bench, had the idea to connect incarcerated plaintiffs who file lawsuits on their own with volunteer lawyers who could answer questions about the legal process. The result is a pilot program the U.S. District Court will commence on Sept. 1. As envisioned, self-represented, or "pro se," litigants at one of the state's prisons Fremont Correctional Facility will have the opportunity to submit questions and be eligible for a 20-minute phone call with an attorney to discuss their case. While there are other initiatives in the federal and state justice systems that enable pro bono lawyers to help litigants with their cases, the 20-minute phone call for incarcerated plaintiffs appears to be a novel method of providing assistance. The phone call is ostensibly a one-time boost to pro se prisoners, but Mix suggested the program has the potential to entice attorneys into offering additional services after getting a sense of what the lawsuit is about. "A lawyer may talk to a prisoner and think that this prisoner's case seems to have some merit," she said. "The lawyer can have an opportunity to look at the case file on the electronic docket, find out everything thats going on in the case and make a decision about whether a lawyer wants to represent the prisoner." David Lane, a civil rights attorney who has represented incarcerated plaintiffs in federal court, praised the program as having the potential to uplift viable cases that otherwise would not have much of a shot. "A prisoner who is illiterate or semi-literate may have the best claim in the world, but is unable to articulate it in a way that is intelligible. And others may have very weak claims, but they are much better writers," he said. "Lawyers will undoubtedly stumble upon diamonds in the rough and run with them." Many options for pro bono lawyers Data from the federal courts show that petitions filed by pro se prisoners increased by nearly 19% in Colorado between 2000 and 2019 and pro se cases of all types rose by more than 35%. But even before the pilot program, options existed for attorneys who wished to assist unrepresented litigants in federal court. Operated through the Colorado Bar Association, a pro se clinic consults with litigants in person or remotely. In addition, attorneys who have joined the Civil Pro Bono Panel can take on cases after a federal judge determines a litigant's case merits appointed counsel. In 2022, half of the cases with judges' appointment orders were prisoner lawsuits. Other federal trial courts offer assistance programs for pro se litigants, but Colorado Politics could not locate any initiatives exactly like the proposed prison pilot. The Western District of New York, based in Buffalo, has a similar assistance program operated by law students and legal aid organizations but without the court's facilitation. The Eastern District of Missouri, in St. Louis, offers 30-minute Zoom appointments to self-represented litigants, although none are currently available. Annie Skinner, a spokesperson for the Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC), said a U.S. District Court working group asked the department to participate in its pilot program. Fremont Correctional Facility, with a population of nearly 1,500, was the most feasible location based on the amount of lawsuits filed. "There is no cost to CDOC to participate in the pilot. The court will set up an 800 number, CDOC will add that number to our phone list and the inmates participating in the program will be able to call that number directly," she said. Skinner added that calls at the facility are already limited to 20 minutes, and the department will treat the consultations as attorney-client communications, not to be monitored or recorded. "Since 2012, pro se cases have accounted for over one-third of all civil cases filed in Colorado's federal court each year," said Kevin Homiak, a commercial litigation attorney who served on the U.S. District Court's Pro Se Prisoner Task Force. "While pro se clinics for unrepresented individuals who are not incarcerated are quite common in the federal court system, I am not aware of any program that focuses specifically on increasing access to justice for incarcerated, unrepresented parties in the way that the pilot program does." How it will work Colorado's federal court has an intake mechanism to screen pro se prisoner complaints only 25-30% of which survive that screening, the district court's clerk estimated. Several law clerks review the cases, along with two judges: U.S. District Court Senior Judge Lewis T. Babcock and a magistrate judge. Prior to Mix, Gordon P. Gallagher was the assigned magistrate judge until the Biden administration appointed him to a district judgeship this year. In his questionnaire for the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, Gallagher explained his role was to evaluate whether a lawsuit should be dismissed if, for example, it failed to state a claim. Otherwise, the screening could result in an order for the plaintiff to amend their complaint. The 20-minute phone call is intended for those cases that survive screening and make it onto a judge's docket. Mix said the idea is for incarcerated plaintiffs to receive guidance on the basic tasks of litigating a civil case: Getting information from the opposing party, serving a witness with a subpoena and otherwise compiling evidence. 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 first positive result is they can end up actually getting a lawyer, but the second positive result is they could learn something about discovery and be able to conduct it more efficiently and effectively," she said. "And the third positive result is the court can handle the case more efficiently." Plaintiffs will need to sign a legal services representation agreement before they participate, and they will submit their questions to a volunteer coordinator. Colorado Politics requested to see both types of forms, but the U.S. District Court declined to provide them until the start of the pilot program. Mix, who stepped down from the court on Aug. 4, will be the volunteer coordinator during the pilot program. She anticipates speaking to lawyers about the effectiveness of the initiative, and she also plans to monitor judges' dockets to assess whether the phone call made any difference in the trajectory of a case. Some questions "how much money am I going to win?" would not be appropriate for the phone call, Mix said. Other questions may be legitimate, but would be better suited for an investigator than an attorney. If a plaintiff's question is rejected, they can submit another one and still receive their phone call. But the opportunity is limited to one call per case. There is nothing preventing a lawyer from continuing to engage with the plaintiff after the phone call is done. An incarcerated litigant may also wish to tell their assigned judge that they are scheduled for a call and ask for an extension of time to respond to the government's motion to dismiss, for example. "There's nothing inappropriate about that. But we dont intend to have a built-in part of the program that informs the judge that the prisoner has been assigned a volunteer attorney for a 20-minute phone call," Mix said. "Its something that happens behind the scenes for the most part." There are shortcomings and open questions with the pilot program. Mix acknowledged no incarcerated people had direct input in the development of the program, although judges do hear about the difficulties prisoners have in general in navigating the legal system. The program, starting out, only encompasses one facility and only civil lawsuits that have been drafted and submitted. "My hope would be that inmates could also get legal help to challenge their convictions when/if appropriate," said Thomas L. Dybdahl, a former public defender in the District of Columbia who now lives in Boulder. "That kind of program would have another whole set of problems, but its something Id like to see tried." Pro se cases are difficult, but not impossible Convincing a judge or a jury to believe a civil rights violation took place behind bars can itself be a tall feat, but so can getting a lawsuit off the ground to begin with. Last month, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit agreed a detainee who a guard allegedly slammed into the ground with surveillance footage seeming to corroborate that claim could not bring a lawsuit in the first place because she had filed her grievances with the prison system too quickly. In May, Mix threw out a lawsuit from an inmate who alleged prison guards failed to protect him from an attack. Her decision hinged on the unrepresented plaintiff's failure to show the guards knew a "substantial" risk of harm existed, as the law requires. "Some of them have minimal education and have a hard time communicating on paper. The pleadings are often handwritten. It takes a long time to decipher what they are trying to say," she told Colorado Politics. At the same time, self-represented prisoners are occasionally able to prevail against the government and its considerable resources. Earlier this year, U.S. District Court Judge Nina Y. Wang not only refused to dismiss two incarcerated men's claims that the CDOC improperly denies access to sex offender treatment, but she also authorized volunteer lawyers with the Civil Pro Bono Panel to take on the case. In 2020, the department asked a judge to end a case in its favor after an incarcerated man challenged prison officials' decision to withhold racy images of women he ordered. U.S. District Court Senior Judge Marcia S. Krieger dealt a blow to the state, concluding the self-represented plaintiff was actually entitled to prevail because the prison violated its own policies in confiscating some of the photos. In a reversal of the usual dynamics, she also slammed the lawyers at the Colorado Attorney General's Office for presenting "patently-absurd" arguments such as comparing cheerleading to a "sadistic practice" in an attempt to prevent her from ruling in the pro se prisoner's favor. Homiak said that in his view, the early stages of a civil case tend to be the most critical moments when a self-represented plaintiff could benefit from legal intervention. "These are complex, confusing procedures that involve a deep understanding of the substantive law, procedural rules, local rules and practice standards of each judge," he said. Mix is hopeful the court will be able to expand the program after its first year. Since the U.S. District Court enacted a rule for pilot programs less than a decade ago, all initiatives have been continued in some form. Mix estimated a couple of dozen prisoner cases from Fremont Correctional Facility are pending before the court at a given time. "Hopefully, we'll have enough 'customers,' so to speak, to make it viable," she said. "And well see how many of those result in prisoners asking good questions that we can get volunteer attorneys to take on." Targeting Cookies These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites. They are also used to limit the number of times you see an advert as well as help measure the effectiveness of an advertising campaign. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising. Bringing Colorado Springs into the future and solving some of its most important issues requires a common vision and collaboration between its top leaders. With that goal in mind, they gathered Friday at the Penrose House Mayor Yemi Mobolade and his administration, alongside the nine members of the City Council and their staff to discuss where they want to take the city, the challenges it faces and how to jointly address pressing topics like public safety, development and land use, economic vitality, homelessness, mental health and others. The group won't decide concrete solutions in one day, City Council President Randy Helms said early Friday afternoon at the annual Mayor Council Retreat. The event brings the executive and legislative branches of the local government together to discuss imperative issues Colorado Springs faces, promotes trust between both branches, and helps them uniformly serve residents. "Today, our objective is to gain the trust and confidence between the mayor, his administration, the City Council and our staff so that we can work together to eventually come up with solutions to some of these major issues," Helms said. "... We have the trust between the mayor's office and the council, so how do we continue that?" Mobolade hoped the group would take away a few "actionable items" at the end of the retreat to help them address the day's discussion topics. Development and public safety emerged as two of the most critical items. "A critical question that came up this morning when it comes to development is what type of city do we want to be in the next 20 to 50 years, and how do we work backward?" Mobolade said. "Because what we don't want to do is be too much in the minutiae, making everyday decisions without being a futurist about where our city is going." Leaders need to be mindful about balancing the need for housing of all types and for all income brackets and ensuring the city can keep up with growth, he said. Some residents at recent land use meetings have questioned the need for more housing in the city. For example, neighbors in Pine Creek opposed to a proposed affordable housing project at the intersection of North Powers and North Union boulevards have said sources like apartments.com, an online apartment listing website, show Colorado Springs already has thousands of vacant apartments. Public safety is another critical issue at the top of officials' minds, Mobolade and Helms said. Data show Colorado Springs Police Department average response times have worsened since 2019, a symptom police officials said was due to ongoing staffing shortages the department is working to address. 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 Police Department has 730 sworn officers, and 37 people who are in the academy and will join the department later this year, according to figures the department provided July 10. The city has designated enough funding for 818 sworn police officers but retaining them has also been a challenge. "We want our city to go forward not only in a safe manner, but (also) in a positive manner as we grow, because we know we're going to grow again," Helms said, adding that public safety is a broad topic encompassing police and fire response, offices of emergency management, traffic and emergency evacuations. "We want to provide a safe city. We want to provide a wonderful city (where) people want their kids and grandkids to stay." The Police Department's continuous hiring model, holding academies every 15 weeks, can help get more trained officers on city streets faster, Helms said. More officers working can reduce response times, Colorado Springs police officials said last week. On Monday, Mobolade, Colorado Springs Police Chief Adrian Vasquez and city CFO Charae McDaniel provided the City Council more details about a possible ballot question this November that would allow the city to retain $4.75 million in excess tax revenues to help build a second police academy. Mobolade and Vasquez have said another academy is critical to keeping the community safe and would "positively impact" the department's ability to recruit new officers and retain current officers. Councilmembers said they generally supported building a new facility for police training, but some disagreed over using excess tax revenues to fund the project. Some residents told the board during its regular meeting July 25 they would prefer those extra dollars address affordable housing or homelessness. Colorado Springs' economic vitality is another important issue, Helms said. "We seem to be doing really well right now," he said. Swiss solar manufacturer Meyer Burger recently announced plans to spend $403.5 million to expand into Colorado Springs and create more than 350 high-paying jobs, the latest deal in a series of new local economic development efforts. On Tuesday, the City Council approved an agreement between the city and an unidentified Colorado Springs-based aerospace and defense engineering company that wants to spend $3.4 million over 10 years to expand into Colorado Springs and add an estimated 620 high-paying jobs to the community over the next eight years. High tech manufacturers Entegris and Microchip Technology have also announced their intent to expand their existing Colorado Springs operations in recent months, adding more than 1,000 jobs and making combined investments of nearly $1.5 billion. Zivaro, a Denver-based information and technology firm, has also announced it will bring more than 300 jobs to the city. The Rev. Nathaniel Granger Jr. clears his throat, checks his notes, gazes upward, murmurs a few mmmms and begins reciting familiar words. His rich baritone voice and passionate cadence leave onlookers with an unexpected chill. Because the slightly built man dressed in a sharp suit and accent handkerchief that he removes from the breast pocket and uses for emphasis embodies the spirit of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.s iconic I Have a Dream speech with a large presence of greatness. Embedded in the 14- to 17-minute oration are power-packed words that Granger believes ring true today: I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal. King wasn't the only one with a dream. And 60 years after the famous civil rights leader delivered his historical speech at the culmination of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, residents of Colorado Springs are invited to participate in a commemorative public event and memorialize their own dreams for a better future. An I Have a Dream 60th Anniversary Service will be held from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Aug. 27 at Unity Spiritual Center In The Rockies, 1945 Mesa Road, in Colorado Springs. While many events are held around the nation each January to mark King's birthday, reaffirming the speech is new to the community. Its an important time and an important message, and in recognizing the 60th anniversary, we honor his dream and that much of it is still unrealized, said the Rev. David Goldberg, who leads Unity Spiritual Center In The Rockies, which he describes as honoring all people and all faith traditions. We want to recognize that each of us has a dream and encourage everyone to continue to dream and continue to act, he said. Its the perfect time to emphasize the positiveness of his message. Hes not telling us to be afraid or cower; hes saying what we are for: peace and social justice. Speakers will include Goldberg, Granger, recently retired Pikes Peak State College Associate Dean Regina Lewis, Ph.D., and the Rev. Michelle Medrano, associate minister at Mile Hi Church in Lakewood. Also, Granger will do his reenactment. Attendees are asked to bring a physical representation of their dream to share as an activity after the presentation. Spearheading that part of the event is Mark Joyous, a former park ranger and founder of the Earthseeds Project, an educational environmental program. Along with the civil rights movement gaining momentum, 1963 saw The Beatles first song released in America and the tragic assassination of President John F. Kennedy in Dallas. The Presidents dream of reaching the moon, which would happen some years after his death, inspired Joyous to call for a moonshot mentality among Colorado Springs residents. Hes asking children and adults to bring drawings, poems, notes or other symbols of their individual or global dreams to the anniversary event, where the items will be assembled into a traveling exhibit. We know that when we think about something thats important and commit it to something visible or tangible, it gives it even more power, Goldberg explained. For those who want to speak about their dream at the event, Joyous asks that people send in a synopsis of their dreams to [email protected], and several will be invited to voice their thoughts. Joyous dreams that all people will realize that humans are crew members aboard Spaceship Earth and are globally interconnected and interdependent. Sign up for free: News Alerts Stay in the know on the stories that affect you the most. Sign Up For Free View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. In line with Kings plea for all people to be judged not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character, Lewis dreams that all people will elevate their character, to ensure there is no room for treating all people with anything but dignity and respect. Goldberg dreams that Kings words of justice for all will be attainable in this lifetime, as not only a reasonable goal but also as a necessity for the continuation of life on Earth. He notes that as King referenced "Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York" to "the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania," that he included Colorado, saying, "Let freedom ring from the snowcapped Rockies of Colorado." "It strikes me that of all the choices he had, his mind, heart and vision were also focused on Colorado," Goldberg said. Many dreams swirl in Grangers mind. He wants to see Blacks exercise the right to vote and that Americas political system will operate with integrity. He dreams that Black lives will matter in the United States and the voices of Blacks who have died at the hands of police will no longer from the grave cry for justice. Granger, an ordained minister who holds a doctoral degree in psychology and founded Be Real Ministries, where he works with marginalized groups as a pastor and psychotherapist, remembers as a child seeing King on a small black-and-white television in inner-city Chicago. I was too little to understand what he was saying, but I knew it was for justice, for something right, he said. Granger began channeling King in the late 1980s, when he was in the Army, and did his interpretation of the speech at Black history events. Many people told him he sounded like King when he was ordained as a minister, which he said irritated him. I wanted to sound like myself as a new pastor. Over the decades, he came to appreciate his ability to tap into Kings work, not to entertain but to educate and share Kings vision of equal rights and justice. Hes given the speech at colleges and universities and public gatherings around the nation. Embodying King's speech is bittersweet for Granger. It is sweet in that it is educating America about perhaps the greatest man who ever lived, and it's very painful, too, he said. It feels more of a calling. There's a deep charge to again enlighten America and to awaken us. King was just 33 years old when he took the podium in front of an estimated 250,000 demonstrators in Washington, Lewis noted. Were torn with civil unrest now, and we were torn like this when Dr. King did his speech, she said. We made him the Dr. King. Can you be a Dr. King? Can you have your own speech? Anyone can. The spirit of Kings message wasnt rooted in the natural human desire for recognition but rather in love, Granger said. One of his goals was that the brotherhood of humanity could come together, whether Black, White, Jew or Gentile. We would come together and sit at the table of brotherhood, he said. We have to get back to recognize the importance of love. And the same sense of immediacy conveyed six decades ago exists today, anniversary event speakers believe. Granger invokes Kings words, It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment. This sweltering summer of the Negro's legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality. Kings work led to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. He was assassinated on April 4, 1968. China issues report on U.S. WTO compliance Xinhua) 09:21, August 12, 2023 BEIJING, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Commerce (MOC) issued a report on the World Trade Organization (WTO) compliance of the United States for the first time on Friday. The report reviewed U.S. performance on following WTO rules, and expressed concerns over U.S. policy measures that undermine the multilateral trading rules, impose unilateral sanctions, manipulate double standards in industrial policies, and disturb global industrial and supply chains. The concerns cover 11 areas, including tariff and non-tariff barriers, industrial subsidies, agricultural subsidies, trade remedies, standards and technical regulations, trade in services and intellectual property rights. The United States has not only selectively implemented WTO rulings, but has also blocked appointments of new Appellate Body members, which led to the "paralysis" of the Appellate Body. The United States has a long history of taking unilateral measures against other members under the guise of so-called "national security," "human rights" and "forced technology transfer," and has also coerced others into abiding by its diplomatic policies and illegitimate demands, the report said. In addition, the United States has implemented exclusive and discriminatory subsidy policies, and has disrupted other countries' industrial development through means like export control, the report added. It has instigated decoupling and fragmenting industrial and supply chains, tried to utilize unilateral tariff measures to force re-shoring of industrial chains, established U.S.-centered industrial and supply chains through massive subsidies, and promoted near-shoring and friend-shoring based on so-called "values," the report said. As the world's largest economy and an important founder and principal beneficiary of the multilateral trading system, the United States should have set a good example by abiding by the rules, honoring its commitments, and upholding the authority and efficacy of the multilateral trading system, according to the report. China will, as always, maintain close communication and cooperation with all parties, fully and deeply participate in the reform of the WTO, and work together to promote the multilateral trading system to play a bigger role in global economic governance, said the MOC. (Web editor: Zhao Tong, Hongyu) DES MOINES Francis Suarez made his way around the Iowa State Fairgrounds, largely unrecognized by the massive throng taking in all the fair has to offer. Two people recognized Suarez, the mayor of Miami and a Republican candidate for president, during his early Friday afternoon stroll, both having heard or watched him on recent media appearances. I just like him, said Zach Bogle, who introduced himself to and took a selfie with Suarez. Bogle, who lives in the Des Moines suburb of Pleasant Hill, said he heard Suarez recently on the Full Send podcast. A woman also recognized Suarez from a TV interview hed done that morning and also wiped a little bit of mustard from Suarezs cheek after hed had a corn dog. Outside of that, Suarez drew scant attention from fairgoers. Such is the challenge facing candidates like Suarez, who come to Iowa without the name recognition of other 2024 Republican presidential candidates like former President Donald Trump, former Vice President Mike Pence, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, U.S. Sen. Tim Scott or former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley. Suarez does not even register in most national polling on the Republican presidential primary, according to polls collected by Real Clear Politics. In trying to introduce himself to Iowans, he participated in Gov. Kim Reynolds Fair-Side Chats and the Des Moines Register Political Soapbox. Both events were modestly attended. Suarez also fielded questions from reporters after the Soapbox and did a number of one-on-one interviews with national and local media outlets. Suarez said his mission is to take on each hurdle, each little step in succession. The first task is qualifying for the first Republican presidential primary debate, Aug. 23 in Milwaukee. Then its qualifying for the next debate. Meantime, Suarez said, his goal is to tell his personal story and guide the campaign conversation to forward-looking issues that matter most to Iowans and Americans. In remarks to Reynolds and on the Soapbox, Suarez said he balanced Miamis budget. The city, he said, has seen double-digit economic growth in each of the past two years and its violent crime rate has fallen. Murders were down 36 percent in the first three months of this year and the number of shooting victims was down 70 percent, according to a local TV report on data provided by the city. As a presidential candidate, he said, he would be able to attract Hispanic, young and urban voters. If we win (those voters), its game over, he said. Ive already done that. I have a proven track record of connecting with those voters. Bogle, the Pleasant Hill voter, said he also likes Suarez because hes a younger candidate. Suarez is 45. We have too many old, white guys running, Bogle said. Suarez may not have encountered a large number of state fairgoers, but he tried more than his fair share of State Fair classic foods. Suarez, who is physically fit, ate a corn dog, some Mexican grilled corn on the cob, and a fried Oreo. That means working out before and after a day at the fair, Suarez said. You gotta burn the calories, he said. Some support, some heckling for Pence Pence met a mostly supportive crowd on his second day at the fair, where he flipped pork at the Iowa Pork Producers tent and mingled with voters as he chomped down a pork burger. While Pence talked with reporters, Andrew Wallace, a 21-year-old Republican from Wisconsin, held up a Trump sign and occasionally heckled the former vice president. Pence also was characterized as a traitor by passersby and encountered chants of Trump 2024. Trumps most loyal supporters have antagonized Pence for not rejecting the electoral votes from several states when he presided over the U.S. Senates certification of the 2020 presidential election results. Trump and his lawyers asked Pence to reject the count, but Pence has said he had no constitutional authority to reject the votes, and he has criticized Trump for trying to overturn the electoral process. Trump was indicted this month and accused of a conspiracy to overturn the election results to remain in power after the 2020 election. According to the indictment, Pences role in the electoral vote count was central to those plans. I was always loyal to Donald Trump until the day came that my oath to the Constitution required me to do otherwise, Pence said during a Fair-Side Chat with Reynolds on Friday. But Ill always be proud of the record of the Trump-Pence administration." Pence has been ramping up his criticism of the former president over his bid to subvert the 2020 election in recent weeks, saying Trump and his gaggle of crackpot lawyers asked him to overturn votes in violation of the Constitution. But Wallace, the Wisconsin Trump supporter, said Pence should have sent the electoral votes back to the states Jan. 6, despite Trumps dozens of court cases against those votes being thrown out for lack of evidence. All over the place, Mike Pence gets talked to by Trump supporters, Wallace said. He gets called out for what he is. Hes a liar, hes a sham, and hes not a Christian. Other Iowans thanked Pence for his actions as vice president as he mingled with fairgoers near the butter cow. Ted Hugghins, a Republican from Fort Dodge, said Pence saved our democracy by preserving the electoral count on Jan. 6. He said he isnt sure who hes supporting in the caucuses, but he doesnt like many of Trumps decisions and policies. That was a turning point in the nation, Hugghins said of Jan. 6. He had backbone. Backbone was real important. And were thankful that he was where he was. Burgum, Johnson talk ag North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and Michigan businessman Perry Johnson both appealed to agriculture during appearances at the fair Friday. Both candidates said they wanted to boost biofuels and tied the industry to national security. Fielding a pre-screened question from an Iowan at Gov. Kim Reynolds Fair-Side Chat, Burgum said Bidens ag and environmental policies have been penalizing American farmers and that he would work to strengthen food production. He said the farm bill, which Congress aims to reauthorize by the end of this year, should increase American competition on the global stage. The American farmers, if given a level playing field, can outperform anyone in the world, he said. Johnson warned about the Chinese government and citizens owning land and ag businesses in the U.S., something members of Iowas congressional delegation have introduced bills to ban. China is actually buying land across the United States, even though we cant buy any land in China, he said. We have to recognize that the most important thing is for us to make sure that we can provide for ourselves. Larry Elder trying to qualify for debate Speaking at the Des Moines Register Political Soapbox, Republican presidential candidate Larry Elder, a California radio talk show host, asked the crowd to donate to his campaign to help make him eligible for the debate stage on Aug. 23 in Milwaukee. He is about 15,000 donors short of qualifying for the debate, and also needs to pull in enough support in two qualifying polls over the next 10 days. Even if you want somebody other than the Elder to be the nominee, the issues that Elder is talking about, that you'll hear in just a second, are worth him being up there if for no other reason than to put those issues front and center, Elder said. Elder expounded on his main campaign points warning of the epidemic of fatherlessness in the United States, his opposition to claims of systemic racism in America, and concerns about failing education rates. Elder did not say whether he will drop out of the race if he does not qualify for the debate. I don't have any plans to not make it to the debate stage, he said. My Plan B is to make plan A work. Plan A is to get on that debate stage. And at the pace Im going, I should make it. Elder frequently said if he can bring up his key issues on the national stage he will feel accomplished even if he is not the nominee. But he told reporters he is taking his bid for the nomination seriously, despite his struggling support numbers. Anything can happen, and trust me, it will happen, he said. We have no idea whats going to happen. Do I believe Im a serious candidate? Hell, yes. SATURDAY SCHEDULE 8:30 a.m.: Vivek Ramaswamy, Reynolds Chat 9:30 a.m.: Nikki Haley, Reynolds Chat 10:30 a.m.: Ron DeSantis, Reynolds Chat 11:15 a.m.: Ryan Binkley, Register Soapbox Noon: Vivek Ramaswamy, Register Soapbox 1 p.m.: Donald Trump 1:30 p.m.: Marianne Williamson, Register Soapbox 2:15 p.m.: Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Register Soapbox 3 p.m.: Nikki Haley, Register Soapbox The reason that the Yongala shipwreck in Australia is considered the [ #permalink The reason that the Yongala shipwreck in Australia is considered the best dive site in the world is because of the abundance of underwater sea life that surrounds the sunken ship.A. The reason that the Yongala shipwreck in Australia is considered the best dive site in the world is because ofB. The reason that the Yongala shipwreck in Australia is considered the best dive site isC. The reason that the Yongala shipwreck in Australia is considered best dive site in the world isD. The Yongala shipwreck in Australia is considered a best dive site in the world because ofE. The Yongala shipwreck in Australia is considered the best dive site in the world because of_________________ Members of the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors are expected to decide next week the fate of a planned community proposed in the Axton area, a project investors tout as addressing the regions housing needs, but that some residents feel would open a Pandoras box to other mini-cities in whats now a vast rural landscape. Specifically, the board will vote after a public hearing Tuesday evening on a rezoning request from Southside Investing. The group is looking to amend the future land use designation from whats known as agricultural and rural residential to medium to high density residential. The zoning would change from agricultural district to residential planned unit development district, under the request. Simply put, the tweak would allow for more houses to be built in a certain area. Since it was first announced in May, the proposal has been met with backlash not only from neighbors, but residents in other parts of the county worried it would pave the way for similar endeavors elsewhere. The upcoming hearing was originally scheduled for last months meeting, but it was delayed so developers could work out sticking points of those living nearby. Since then, a co-applicant Bruce Lawrence, who owns land adjacent to the proposed development withdrew his 34 acres of the 614-acre project. Lawrence, who is not part of Southside Investing, owned land that originally was thought to be a connection point to the community along Martin Drive. By taking away these parcels, access points to the large-scale development along Martin Drive would be removed. This mixed-use community would sit on land within the Tunstall district of the county. The investment group said its ideally situated about 9 miles from the Southern Virginia Megasite at Berry Hill. Economic leaders have said its no longer a question of if a major industry will locate there, its just a matter of when. In fact, there were two near misses last year alone. Those megasite industries would lure thousands of jobs. Southside Investing is looking for a mix of single-family homes, townhouses and apartments on the land. They also want to build facilities for seniors, including a dependent and assisted-living campus. The planned community also would have a hotel, a day care facility and a community center. As far as retail, a shopping center anchored with a neighborhood grocery store, would round out the offerings, investors said. The project was in response to the housing shortage, Tom Gallagher, one of the four investors, told the Register & Bee in a conference call this week. The need for housing is a natural compliment of what the county is looking for on the megasite, he said. Gallagher cited a housing study last year that was part of a summit in Danville. That 2022 report revealed that Danville needs more than 1,000 additional homes to meet the demand of jobs expected to come to the region in just the next year. Those figures dont include prospects for tenants at the megasite. Gallagher said there are multiple reasons for the community backlash. First despite the study some residents may not be fully aware of the immediate need for housing. It is a large transformative project, he listed as another reason for some resistance. The size, a lot of people look at it and go this is just too much. And theres a fear of change that also stokes the debate. Todd Curtis, another investor, says theres a misconception the four developers are a bunch of out-of-towners. Curtis and his son Dale Harris Jr. the third investor grew up in Pittsylvania County. Curtis graduated from Tunstall High School in 1989 and Harris finished Dan River High School in 2003. However, some years ago they moved to Caswell County, North Carolina, just over the line from Danville. He said that gives fuel for some against the project to label them as outsiders, acknowledging he lives in another state thats only feet from Danville.We spend more money in Pittsylvania County than the county we live in, Curtis said. Tony Salah, the fourth investor, owns a farm in the Java area that straddles the Pittsylvania-Halifax line. That farm has been there since the 1760s. Salah became friends with Harris through a hunting club. The whole idea of the project started when Harris said he and his uncle had purchased property on Martinsville Highway and asked Salah what he thought of it. It wasnt some venture capital firm out of wherever, Salah said Wednesday. It was an investment that local businessmen made and we all just put our heads together to figure out what to do with it. The worries About 10 residents raised concerns with the plan at the July 18 board of supervisors meeting, even though it wasnt part of the agenda. The overall messaged delivered by each speaker was general support for housing opportunities on a moderate level, but opposition to the sheer scale of the endeavor laid out by Southside Investing. Most agreed and wanted more housing options, but said they didnt want to live near a city. This thing will affect the whole entire county, David Willis, a resident on Mount Cross Road, said in a phone interview Thursday evening. Willis formed a Facebook page against the density change. There are other social media pages many with videos dedicated to protesting the Axton plan. While Willis doesnt live near the area eyed for development, he says his mother owns a business nearby. Once they pass those codes, a lot of investors are going to want to have a lot of 10-year projects, he said, referencing the density change to the countys code and the long-term buildout visioned by Southside Investing. Willis said he doesnt see a housing shortage in the county. But as far as more homes, he suggests using the nearly 600 acres to construct about 1,200 houses. That has nothing to do with homes, that has to do with business and money, Willis explained, citing other things like grocery stores and hotels. After many meetings, Curtis said theyve made concessions with nearby property owners when it comes to setbacks. A setback references a distance a structure may be built from an existing property line. He said they increased the setback from 30 to 100 feet. Thats essentially double the requirement if an industry were to move in, Gallagher said. They also plan to donate 2 acres of the development to the county to use for emergency services, another worry residents have aired about straining the current fire and rescue resources. Southside Investing is also working with the Virginia Department of Transportation for a traffic study. That could take up to five months or more to complete and would be a guide to what could and couldnt be done. We are not going to be able to do anymore than the the Virginia Department of Transportation allows us to do, Curtis said. The traffic study is going to dictate the density.It wont be until the study is finalized Southside Investing will know the full scope of what can be built. Its going to be at least 18 months before we can even think about moving a piece of dirt, Curtis also said, explaining the many permits involved. Its a long process. We have followed the laws specifically according to the county and the state, he said. Salah also pointed to the six community outreach meetings theyve had of the course of the last few months trying to be consistant with the message and engage the people who call that area home. We arent trying to skirt anything, he said, mentioning conspiracy-style theories that they are are swooping in to invade. Other feedback With pushback from the community, the investors said theyve received support from government and community leaders. They have been nothing but positive about the idea of it, Curtis said of the county representatives. Gallagher specifically cited Vic Ingram a supervisor representing the Tunstall district where the development is planned who encouraged the group to work with the community on perceived issues. At the end of the day the housing needs are there, Gallagher explained. He feels most residents will be ultimately pleased with the planned community. He also looks forward to seeing them in the grocery store in the development, something that will benefit residents in that part of the county as a whole. I think they are going to he happier than they think they are going to be. Alleged text exchanges between actor Jonah Hill and his former girlfriend, surfer Sarah Brady, have sparked conversation about the potential harms of therapy speak when misused and the concept of gaslighting a popular buzzword among those in the mental health community and its enthusiasts. Gaslighting is so commonly discussed that Merriam-Webster deemed the expression its word of the year in 2022, after experiencing a 1,740% increase in searches for the term. But experts say there are a lot of misconceptions around what gaslighting is and isnt. When were challenged or confronted or told, Hey, I remember this differently, we might think were being gaslit, when actually were being confronted on a behavior and asked to change it as opposed to being told that were bad or that we dont remember things correctly or that were emotionally unstable, said Vanessa Kennedy, director of psychology at Driftwood Recovery, a residential rehabilitation center in Texas. Some people weaponize psychological terms like gaslighting when others simply do something they dont like, which is wrong, said Monica Vermani, a Canada-based clinical psychologist and author of A Deeper Wellness: Conquering Stress, Mood, Anxiety and Traumas. Gaslighting is actually a highly calculating form of manipulation which involves the destabilization of one individual by another over a protracted period of time, Vermani said. Most commonly, gaslighting also referred to as coercive control is carried out by someone in a position of trust who is in close contact with the target, she added. It is a complex and usually deliberate means of intentionally controlling an individual, which is carried out over an extended period of time. Since close contact is key here, Vermani added, the person gaslighting is often a romantic partner, an intimate friend or family member, or a close colleague. Someone who gaslights another person destabilizes and controls them by attacking their faculties to make the victim think their emotional stability, credibility or memory is flawed thereby making the victim distrust themselves and rely more on the person whos gaslighting them, Kennedy said. Gaslighting also helps the perpetrator avoid any blame or responsibility for their actions. The person plays more on your insecurities and tries to attack your self-esteem, she added. The concept of gaslighting originated from the 1944 film Gaslight and the 1938 play on which it was based. In it, a husband is trying to convince his wife that shes going insane and perceiving things inaccurately, Kennedy said. Throughout the course of the movie and over time, she begins to feel that she is, in fact, dipping into psychological insanity. The term gaslighting carries a lot of weight, and misusing it can have consequences for our relationships, emotional maturity or accurate understanding of psychological concepts. But at the same time, awareness of what constitutes emotional abuse can help people avoid unhealthy, threatening relationships. Heres more on what gaslighting is and isnt, and how to confront someone exhibiting this behavior toward you. Signs youre being gaslit There are other common misconceptions about the nature of gaslighting, experts said. If a loved one disagrees with you or tries to change your mind, prefers to be right in an argument, or acts surprised when confronted thats not necessarily gaslighting. Neither is someone trying to minimize their hurtful behavior or cast doubt on your opinions or perspectives, Vermani said. What pushes these behaviors into gaslighting territory has to do with what the person youre dealing with says and their intentions behind it. Gaslighters are typically emotionally abusive people often with low self-esteem who wish to control others rather than engage in mutually respectful relationships that require consideration, empathy, compassion and kindness, Vermani said. They seek ways to undermine and overpower someone they fear losing, regardless of the damage to their target. Not all gaslighting is intentional, as some people grow up witnessing these patterns and subconsciously adopt them as a coping mechanism or conflict resolution method, experts said. But generally, gaslighters often intentionally lie and deceive to confuse their target, Vermani said, or deny their own lies or their targets truth, even in the face of evidence to the contrary. Gaslighters often isolate targets from their social circles by insinuating their friends dont have their best interests in mind to weaken their sense of reality and self, experts said. They might say, Even if you were to tell other people about whats happening, you wouldnt be believed because people know you to be irrational or make things up, Kennedy said. All these statements serve to make the victim more dependent on the gaslighter. Other signs or effects of gaslighting can include thinking the other persons feelings always seem to matter more than yours, or being constantly anxious or tense around the person, said Duygu Balan, a psychotherapist specializing in trauma and attachment wounding in the San Francisco Bay Area. You might also refrain from sharing how you feel out of worry that the gaslighter is going to overreact, call you names or make fun of you. If theres no safety for you to voice yourself, then that is a situation where theres a toxic relationship, Balan said. The degree to which a person gaslights someone else can vary, but gaslighting is always emotional abuse, whether intentional or not, experts said. And gaslighting can have insidious consequences, especially after a long period of time. You start wondering if youre the reason why this person is doing this to you, Vermani said. That self-doubt can be quite damaging on an intrinsic level. You make excuses for the other persons behavior because that person makes excuses for their behaviors. You go out of your way to protect them sometimes because you believe that theyre smarter or more capable than you are. Your ability to trust your gut might also suffer. Over time, the effect of gaslighting can erode your self-respect and your ability to choose healthy situations for yourself that are going to make you happy and be fulfilling, Kennedy said. Confronting the problem If you feel safe enough to confront the person who might be gaslighting you, first focus on setting boundaries with them, experts said. It might be helpful to share your detailed experience of their behavior rather than simply telling them, I feel like youre gaslighting me. Additionally, you might end the conversation or disengage and say, Im not going to engage in this type of conversation anymore. I know what I saw, Kennedy said. If the gaslighter is someone very close to you, you can also suggest doing counseling or therapy together, she added. If the behavior persists, how long you stay in the relationship is a personal decision, Kennedy said. You could give the person a specific time frame within which youd like to see changes in their behavior, after which you would re-evaluate. But at any rate, you have to decide what the emotional toll is that its taking on you and your self-esteem, Kennedy said. Sometimes its not safe to approach the gaslighter in the relationship, and its safer to leave altogether. Getting help can be necessary if youre struggling in a relationship with a gaslighter or with the trauma gaslighting can cause. Seek the support of people you trust often people who know that you are in a difficult situation and who have been standing on the sidelines, waiting to offer you help, Vermani said. Talking to a therapist can help you get an objective perspective and see more clearly any signs of gaslighting behavior and psychological abuse, Kennedy said. ___ More than 11% of Americans may not be receiving the mental health care they need, data shows US average LGBTQ+ people Younger generations QUINCY Judge Robert Adrian emphasized the heinous nature of the crime Friday as he sentenced Timothy Bliefnick to natural life in prison for the murder of his estranged wife. "You researched this murder. You planned this murder. You practiced this murder," Adrian said. "You fired one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen times. I don't know how long it took you to do that." Bliefnick, 40, kept his back turned to the gallery during Friday's sentencing in Adams County Circuit Court and showed no emotion as he was led from the courtroom. "We deal sometimes with some of the worst aspects of humanity," Assistant State's Attorney Josh Jones said in asking the court for the maximum sentence. "This wasn't a bar fight. Hell, your honor, this wasn't a fight at all. This was a person who stalked his victim for days. He practiced." On May 31, following a six-day trial, it took a jury four hours to convict the Decatur native of first-degree murder, along with charges of home invasion and use of a firearm to commit first-degree murder. The victim, Rebecca Bliefnick, was found by her father in her Quincy home on Feb. 23 with multiple gunshot wounds. Following an investigation by the Quincy Police Department, Timothy Bliefnick was arrested and charged with her murder on March 13. Bliefnick did not take the stand and the defense did not present any evidence at the trial. Evidence showed that the Bliefnicks were involved in a contentious divorce at the time of Rebecca's death. The couple's three children were at Timothy's house when Rebecca was killed. "Your soul is black with hate," Bernadette Postel said in her victim impact statement. Postel is Rebecca Bliefnick's mother. "You only have love for yourself. "When you murdered Becky, you took from your boys the person who loved them most in the world." "You will sit in prison, and you will be forgotten," Chris Schultz, Rebecca's cousin, said. "Even to hold hate for you would be a waste." Sarah Reilly, Rebecca Bliefnick's sister, suggested Timothy Bliefnick should have searched for childhood PTSD out of concern for his children instead of researching subjects like homemade suppressors as it was noted during his trial. "They will always be known as the kids whose father murdered their mother." Following the sentence, Jones said he can't say whether or not justice was truly reached. "Justice is one of those ephemeral qualities," he said. "I think if you asked Becky's family, no number of years is justice for what happened. But I think we ensured that the defendant was held accountable for what he did. If that looks like justice to some people, then we achieved that, but ultimately, we're just trying to hold him accountable." Prior to the sentencing, Friday's hearing also had defense attorney Casey Schnack present a motion objecting to several pieces of evidence, such as Google searches and hearsay exceptions without a proper foundation in evidence. "Once (a) bell is rung, it can't be unrung," Schnack said. "There were several layers of protection of the defendant's rights," Jones argued. "The court followed the law, and that's what we're asking for today." In denying the defense's motion, Adrian said there was no error in admitting the evidence, and that both attorneys had the opportunity to share their view on what weight to give evidence. "Whatever weight was given, that's the jury's prerogative," he said. 50 best crime TV shows of all time Intro #50. Southland #49. Happy Valley #48. Boston Legal #47. Bosch #46. American Crime Story #45. The Americans #44. Banshee #43. Broadchurch #42. Person of Interest #41. Ozark #40. Brooklyn Nine-Nine #39. Love/Hate #38. Harley Quinn #37. The New Batman Adventures #36. Alfred Hitchcock Presents #35. Trailer Park Boys #34. Luther #33. Big Little Lies #32. Boardwalk Empire #31. The Punisher #30. Hannibal #29. Sons of Anarchy #28. Mr. Robot #27. Homicide: Life on the Street #26. Wentworth #25. Endeavour #24. Young Justice #23. Poirot #22. Justified #21. Deadwood #20. The X-Files #19. Mindhunter #18. Daredevil #17. Dexter #16. The Return of Sherlock Holmes #15. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes #14. Line of Duty #13. The Shield #12. Oz #11. The Boys #10. Better Call Saul #9. Twin Peaks #8. Narcos #7. Peaky Blinders #6. Fargo #5. True Detective #4. Sherlock #3. The Sopranos #2. The Wire #1. Breaking Bad 50 best crime TV shows of all time #50. 24 #49. Brooklyn Nine-Nine #48. Love/Hate #47. The New Batman Adventures #46. Alfred Hitchcock Presents #45. Bosch: Legacy #44. Southland #43. Harley Quinn #42. Happy Valley #41. Boston Legal #40. Bosch #39. Person of Interest #38. Big Little Lies #37. The Punisher #36. Hannibal #35. Ozark #34. Foyle's War #33. Mr. Inbetween #32. Wentworth #31. Endeavour #30. Trailer Park Boys #29. Poirot #28. Justified #27. Deadwood #26. Boardwalk Empire #25. The X-Files #24. Mindhunter #23. Sons of Anarchy #22. Mr. Robot #21. Daredevil #20. The Return of Sherlock Holmes #19. Homicide: Life on the Street #18. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes #17. Young Justice #16. Line of Duty #15. The Shield #14. Oz #13. The Boys #12. Dexter #11. Twin Peaks #10. Narcos #9. Peaky Blinders #8. Fargo #7. Better Call Saul #6. True Detective #5. Batman: The Animated Series #4. Sherlock #3. The Sopranos #2. The Wire #1. Breaking Bad CHICAGO With Ballys Chicago likely weeks away from opening its temporary casino at Medinah Temple, the talent pool for filling a variety of nongaming positions just got larger. Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed legislation Friday allowing convicted felons to apply for hospitality positions at the states soon-to-be 14 casinos. Previously under state law, anyone with a felony conviction was ineligible to work at a casino in any position. Here in the Land of Lincoln, we believe that people deserve second chances and that includes the formerly incarcerated and those who have been convicted of a felony, Pritzker said in a news release. The legislation, which was supported by unions, casino companies and the Illinois Gaming Board, removes automatic disqualification for nongaming positions such as restaurant staff, maintenance and housekeeping. Qualified applicants will be considered for an occupational license on a case-by-case basis, weighing everything from the circumstances of the crime to evidence of rehabilitation. Convicted felons are still ineligible to hold a gaming position at a casino, such as a dealer. This law preserves the IGBs necessary ability to protect the integrity of Illinois gaming while providing an opportunity for gainful employment in nongaming casino positions to applicants with prior convictions, Gaming Board Administrator Marcus Fruchter said in the release. The change comes as Ballys Chicago is staffing up in preparation to open its temporary casino at Medinah Temple in River North. The target date, which has been pushed back several months, is now slated for September, the casino company said during its second quarter earnings call last week. Rhode Island-based Ballys won a heated competition last year to build a $1.74 billion casino at the 30-acre site of the Chicago Tribune printing plant in River West, which is expected to open in 2026. The historic Medinah Temple will serve as a temporary casino for up to three years. In May, Ballys Chicago put out a help wanted sign, looking to hire more than 700 positions everything from card dealers and security to housekeeping and marketing for the temporary casino. Ballys said Friday the new legislation will help it find qualified applicants for the states largest casino and keep its hiring commitments to the city. At Ballys, we strongly believe that the gaming industry can provide deserving, qualified individuals with gainful employment and a compelling career path, George Papanier, president of Ballys, said in the release. This belief is embedded in our community-first policy, which focuses on generating substantial employment opportunities in the communities in which we operate. As part of the casino application process, Ballys agreed to create well-paying union jobs and hire 50% of the projected 3,000 employees at the permanent facility from within Chicago. Unite Here Local 1, which represents hospitality workers in Chicago, praised the new law Friday. Our union has worked hard to ensure that hospitality workers at Illinois casinos can have a path to good jobs, Karen Kent, president of Unite Here Local 1, said in the joint release. But our work is incomplete if so many of our friends, our neighbors, beloved members of our families and our communities, are forever locked out of these jobs because of a prior conviction. Today, were giving people hope for a second chance. SPRINGFIELD Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Friday vetoed a bipartisan proposal that would have lifted a decades-old ban on construction of nuclear power plants in Illinois. With the relatively rare use of his veto pen, the second-term Democrat handed a victory to environmentalists who opposed lifting the ban, while also dealing a defeat to labor unions, who saw the measure as a way to generate construction projects and preserve high-paying energy sector jobs as coal and natural gas plants are shut down in the coming decades. The issue was one of several in recent years that have pitted the two key constituencies of the Democratic Party against each other. Pritzker, who two years ago signed a sweeping energy policy overhaul that aims to achieve carbon-free power by midcentury, had previously expressed some interest in the idea of allowing smaller modular nuclear reactors in Illinois, while cautioning that the devils in the details. He ultimately decided the bill passed by legislators didnt address enough of those details. Unfortunately, the vague definitions in the bill, including the overly broad definition of advanced reactors, will open the door to proliferation of large-scale nuclear reactors that are so costly to build that they will cause exorbitant ratepayer-funded bailouts, Pritzker wrote in a veto message to lawmakers. Pritzker said he wants lawmakers to make another attempt at crafting legislation that would include more safeguards for people living near new nuclear plants and that would be more targeted toward small modular reactors. Pritzker also used his amendatory veto power to remove a provision in separate legislation that would have allowed local governments to enter into public-private partnerships for infrastructure projects. Labor unions had backed the provision as part of their push to bring privately operated toll lanes to a congested stretch of Interstate 55, though Pritzkers change would not affect that proposal. As written, the bill creates a pathway for private industry to enter (public-private partnership) agreements locally that skirts transparency and anti-corruption requirements established in state statute, Pritzker said in his veto message. The legislature, dominated by Pritzkers fellow Democrats, could override the governors vetoes. Spokespeople for House Speaker Emanuel Chris Welch of Hillside and Senate President Don Harmon of Oak Park did not respond immediately to requests for comment on whether their respective chambers would attempt to override the governor. In his message on the nuclear moratorium measure, Pritzker said he was vetoing it at the request of the leadership team of the speaker of the House and advocates. State Sen. Sue Rezin, a Morris Republican who sponsored the measure, said in a statement Friday that she had already filed paperwork to initiate an override vote when lawmakers return to Springfield this fall. The governor is clearly putting his own partisan political ambitions over what is in the best interest of the people of Illinois by his sole decision to veto bipartisan legislation to improve Illinois future energy portfolio sustainably and cost-effectively, Rezin said. Advocates for lifting the moratorium, including labor unions, argued that allowing the construction of nuclear plants would help smooth the transition from sources that produce climate-damaging carbon emissions while also providing more reliable power. Opponents, however, contended that investing in more nuclear plants would be an expensive distraction from developing more renewable energy while at the same time failing to address the long-running standoff over nuclear waste storage that prompted the ban in the first place. Environmental and consumer groups praised Pritzkers action, while the Illinois AFL-CIO, which advocated for lifting the ban, declined to comment. Nuclear power comes with significant safety risks and results in highly hazardous wastes that threaten our drinking water, with no safe, permanent waste solution in sight, Illinois Environmental Council Executive Director Jen Walling said in a statement. Rather than abandon all safeguards, Gov. Pritzker recognized that such substantial risks merit the highest protective guardrails our state can offer. Illinois, already home to more nuclear power plants than any state in the nation, was not alone in instituting a moratorium. More than a dozen states from California to Vermont had some type of restrictions on new nuclear power facilities, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. But in recent years, some of those states have ended those limits, including Wisconsin in 2016, Kentucky in 2017, Montana in 2021 and West Virginia last year, according to the NCSL. The Illinois moratorium which garnered little news coverage and virtually no debate on the floor of the Illinois House and Senate when it was approved in spring 1987, about a year after the Chernobyl disaster in Ukraine was driven by a national political stalemate over how to dispose of radioactive waste, a controversy that continues to this day. Although the Illinois moratorium has remained in place all these years, governors and lawmakers have remained mostly friendly and supportive of the nuclear industry. Exelon, parent of scandal-plagued utility Commonwealth Edison, repeatedly threatened to shut down some of the states nuclear plants because company officials said the plants werent making enough money. In response, lawmakers propped up the nuclear fleet and Exelon won ratepayer subsidies for its Clinton and Quad Cities nuclear plants in 2016 during Republican Gov. Bruce Rauners tenure and its Byron, Dresden and Braidwood plants five years later, after Pritzker was elected. In both instances, Exelon and ComEd partnered with labor unions and environmental groups to push for sweeping policy changes they argued would protect both jobs and the climate by properly accounting for the carbon-free benefits of nuclear power. Exelon has since spun off a new firm, Constellation Energy, to run the power generation business, which includes 11 reactors at six plants providing about half of the states power. Constellation was supportive of ending the moratorium but said the company currently ... has no plans to build new nuclear plants in Illinois. A long-time, local cancer fundraising effort established a new single-year record last month when the Creeper Trail Ride to End Cancer donated $100,000 to University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. The event, established by the late Penny Garrett and her family in Damascus, has now raised $1.25 million for research to treat rare cancers, since being established 14 years ago. We raised more money than we ever have before right at $100,000 this year. Our goal every year is to raise $100,000 and weve never done that before. We were close in 2021 and it came right at $100,000 event. It was incredible, event co-organizer Olivia French said. The event attracts teams from several states and the top three fundraising teams combined to raise nearly half of the total, she said. Our team captains are usually someone whos dealt with cancer or have a family member or someone close whose passed away or had cancer. So they know what its like; they really want to help find an end to cancer, French said. I think the event has reached out to more people and touched more people. There is just something really special about it. Dr. Robert Benjamin, who treated Garrett when she came to Houston, attended the event and accepted the check. He also spoke during the program along two of his patients from Richmond and Florida. Held July 28-29, the event also attracted over 100 cancer survivors, who were recognized for what theyve gone through. A silent auction also raised about $14,000. Penny Garrett was treated at M.D. Anderson for a rare sarcoma. Rare cancers are defined by the National Cancer Institute as fewer than 40,000 cases annually in the U.S., and the program hopes to bring awareness to the lack of funding for rare cancer research and treatment. This years event attracted about 40 teams, and all are asked to raise at least $1,000. The event added a 5K race on the Creeper Trail to the traditional walk and bicycle ride. There are about 250 total participants. We also held a celebration of life butterfly release. Pennys daughter Madison and my mom always see Penny as a butterfly when they see butterflies around in the yard or if one lands close to them, French said. So we released 120 painted lady butterflies in the town park on Saturday morning. That was fantastic. French said the Damascus community and the volunteers are essential to the events success. Its just spectacular to have all the support and dedication, she said. Next year will be the 15th annual event. Weve got some fun things were going to do to celebrate the 15th anniversary; recognizing our volunteers who contribute every single year and come out to help us run this event. Its a lot of work but its so much fun. Its like a reunion every year. " " The legacy of the Sandy Hook shootings in 2012 continues to reverberate nine years later, including in how conspiracy theories have changed since the tragedy. Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/AFP/Getty Images Conspiracy theories are powerful forces in the U.S. They have damaged public health amid a global pandemic, shaken faith in the democratic process and helped spark a violent assault on the U.S. Capitol in January 2021. These conspiracy theories are part of a dangerous misinformation crisis that has been building for years in the U.S. Advertisement American politics has long had a paranoid streak, and belief in conspiracy theories is nothing new. But as the news cycle reminds us daily, outlandish conspiracy theories born on social media now regularly achieve mainstream acceptance and are echoed by people in power. As a journalism professor at the University of Connecticut, I have studied the misinformation around the mass shooting that took place at Sandy Hook Elementary School Dec. 14, 2012. I consider it the first major conspiracy theory of the modern social media age, and I believe we can trace our current predicament to the tragedy's aftermath. Nine years ago, the Sandy Hook shooting demonstrated how fringe ideas could quickly become mainstream on social media and win support from various establishment figures even when the conspiracy theory targeted grieving families of young students and school staff killed during the massacre. Those who claimed the tragedy was a hoax showed up in Newtown, Connecticut, and harassed people connected to the shooting. This provided an early example of how misinformation spread on social media could cause real-world harm. " " Francine Wheeler is seen here with a photograph of her son, Sandy Hook Elementary shooting victim Ben Wheeler, at a 2018 gun control rally. Kena Betancur/AFP/Getty Images " " This statue of Scotland's hero king, Robert the Bruce, was unveiled in 2011 at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland. Diane Macdonald/Getty Images One of the most famous fine, infamous episodes in the biography of Robert the Bruce occurred Feb. 10, 1306, when Robert arranged a meeting with his longtime political rival, John "the Red" Comyn, inside a church. The two men openly despised each other, says Michael Brown, a professor of Scottish history at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. The last time they'd met, Comyn had to be pulled off Robert's throat. The meeting took place at a moment of high political tension in Scotland following the failure of William Wallace's armed uprising against the English King Edward I, who refused to allow Scotland to crown its own monarch. But that didn't stop people like Robert and Comyn, both leaders of powerful Scottish clans, from hatching schemes and hastily forming alliances to claim the Scottish throne for themselves. Advertisement "There's an awful lot of plotting going on in Scotland in 1305 and 1306," says Brown, author of "The Wars of Scotland: 1214-1371." No one knows exactly what went down inside that church in the town of Dumfries or what kind of deal Robert proposed to his bitter rival, but the negotiations quickly broke down. "It gets out of hand, the two men draw swords and Robert the Bruce's men are quicker or perhaps better prepared," says Brown. "Comyn and his uncle are cut down." Whether it was a planned assassination or a crime of passion, Robert murdered Comyn at the church altar, simultaneously breaking the laws of God and man, and turning him into both an outlaw and an outcast. While that's a wild story, what's even more amazing is that Robert the Bruce, this brazenly ambitious character, mounted a comeback in which he not only became king of Scotland, but won Scottish independence from the hated English. While Robert the Bruce isn't as "pure" a Scottish hero as Wallace, who was immortalized by Mel Gibson in the movie "Braveheart," he's still a legendary figure of Scottish national pride. " " Isabella MacDuff, Countess of Buchan, crowns Robert the Bruce at Scone in 1306, from a modern tableau at Edinburgh Castle. Wikimedia Commons (CC BY SA 3.0) SALISBURY Rowan-Cabarrus Community College recently held completion ceremonies for students in its Skills, Opportunity, Awareness, Readiness (S.O.A.R.) program for adults with intellectual disabilities. The students received their diplomas in their caps and gowns and were congratulated by faculty and staff, friends and family. Separate ceremonies were held for students at the colleges North and South campuses. North Campus S.O.A.R. graduates honored were: Hanna Blevins, Breanna Hernandez, Antwan Kight, Ryan Wilke, Michael Burnette, Daniel Latina, Daniel Myers, Amanda Sheets, Trent Edwards, Tavion Gray, Robert Walton, Anneliese Chapman, William Fuller, Emily Hall and Jonah Ridenhour. South Campus graduates were: Kimberly Anthony, Tyler Davis, David Forbes and Abril Pacheco. Six students participating in the culinary program who were honored for earning their ServSafe Food Handlers certificates were: Jennifer Font, Elizabeth Orellana, Grace Trevino, Kayla Lloyd, Kimberly Anthony and Makaiyla Oliver. The S.O.A.R. curriculum focuses on helping individuals become more independent and self-directed by teaching specific skills needed to function successfully in daily life. Classes are built around each students unique strengths and goals, covering functional academics, community living, health and safety, leisure activities, and humanities. Students in the program use computers and other technology and participate in campus and community activities tuition-free. The program is part of the colleges Corporate and Continuing Education division and is led by Bridget Henderson at North Campus and Mandy Thacker at South Campus. We are so proud of our graduating S.O.A.R. students and, in addition to celebrating their accomplishments, we treasure the many wonderful lessons they have taught us, said Dr. Carol S. Spalding, president of Rowan-Cabarrus. We are passionate about meeting all of our students where they are and empowering them to go as far as they can go. For more information about the S.O.A.R. program, visit www.rccc.edu/precollege/about-the-soar-program. For more information about Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, visit www.rccc.edu or call 704-216-RCCC (7222). Microsoft has been forced to pull an update it issued as part of its August Patch Tuesday after it was found that the patch in question, meant to fix a spoofing vulnerability in Microsoft Exchange Server, would not install properly on non-English systems. The company issued the patch, assigned CVE-2023-38181, on 8 August [Tuesday], describing it as follows: "An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could access a user's Net-NTLMv2 hash which could be used as a basis of an NTLM Relay attack against another service to authenticate as the user." In the update, issued on 9 August, the company said: "...an issue has been discovered with the non-English August updates of Exchange Server and you should postpone installing these updates. "The script protecting customers from the vulnerability documented by CVE-2023-21709 can be run to protect against the vulnerability without installing the August updates. Microsoft recommends running the script." The CVE-2023-21709 was assigned to an elevation of privilege flaw that had a CVSSv3 score of 9.8, but Microsoft rated it as an important flaw, not critical. "We are aware of Setup issues on non-English servers and have temporarily removed August SU from Windows / Microsoft update," Microsoft said. "If you are using a non-English language server, we recommend you wait with deployment of August SU until we provide more information." Commenting on the incident, experienced British security guru Kevin Beaumont said: "Microsoft should really take their staff off trying to find exploits in other vendor's products and put their staff on their own products. "The customer experience here is basically being shot at constantly by the same person with the same gun while MS are running around with their wangs out going 'we're the experts!!' "(This vuln allows PowerShell remoting, btw (not just spoofing) which is really powerful... and the patch got pulled as it breaks non-English Exchange servers)." Beaumont was referring to the fact that Microsoft often issues advisories about security issues with other companies' software, witrhout bothering to keep its own house in order. CORALVILLE, Iowa Ron DeSantis largely dismissed his own decision to replace his campaign leadership team as he returned to Iowa in the midst of a weekslong reset. The Republican presidential hopeful also made no mention of the two rounds of campaign layoffs he made recently in response to unexpected fundraising troubles. Instead, the Florida governor on Thursday leaned into his central message a self-described war on woke and flashed a big smile as he courted an audience of roughly 200 cheering Republicans gathered at a family restaurant for the first of four scheduled stops on his latest bus tour through the first-in-the-nation caucus state. Were clicking. Were doing well, DeSantis told reporters after a fiery speech, dismissing questions about the turmoil that has plagued his White House bid in recent weeks. He said the average voter is far more focused on his plans for the country than his campaign leadership. This process stuff, I think, is way overblown. Whether DeSantis acknowledges his challenges or not, they have not gone away. Five months before the first votes are cast in Iowas opening presidential contest, a growing chorus of would-be supporters within his own party is questioning DeSantis core message and political instincts amid a prolonged effort to stabilize his campaign that has involved three significant personnel decisions so far the two rounds of cuts and replacement of the campaign manager. At the same time, new signs of tension have emerged between DeSantis formal campaign and an allied super PAC thats now planning to dramatically increase spending on paid advertising to help make up for DeSantis financial challenges. It remains to be seen whether or not he can save his campaign. Hes not run a particularly effective one to date, obviously, said Eric Levine, a New York-based Republican donor who has been calling for the GOP to unify behind an alternative to former President Donald Trump. He needs to be able to speak to a broader range of issues than the culture wars. To me, that is fundamentally at the core of his problem. That message still resonates with many Iowa Republicans, who frequently mention DeSantis as one of their top two or three picks heading into the caucus. But most successful campaigns require steady leadership and donors who are willing to stick out the tough moments and thats where DeSantis appears vulnerable. After cutting one-third of his staff last month, DeSantis this week replaced campaign manager Generra Peck with James Uthmeier, his chief of staff in the Florida governors office. Uthmeier, who has never managed a campaign, was a central figure in some of DeSantis most controversial moves as governor, including the decision to fly migrants from Texas to an island off the Massachusetts coast last year. As part of the leadership overhaul, DeSantis tapped veteran political operative David Polyansky, a senior adviser to his allied Never Back Down super PAC, to serve as deputy campaign manager. Some close to DeSantis operation believe that while Uthmeier has the campaign manager title and DeSantis trust, Polyansky will be effectively running the campaign given his extensive experience in presidential politics, especially in Iowa. While DeSantis shrugs off his challenges, his allies are aware that multiple rounds of staffing cuts and stagnant polling numbers are undermining the campaigns central message that DeSantis is better positioned than Trump to defeat President Joe Biden next fall. Still, the DeSantis campaign tried to project optimism in a memo shared with campaign supporters and donors earlier in the week and obtained by The Associated Press. During the last few weeks, we have seen great success as a result of the changes we have made to run an insurgent campaign focused on the early nominating states, the memo says, highlighting an increased reliance on interviews with mainstream media to spread his message and a new focus on smaller, more intimate events organized by the super PAC at no cost to the campaign. In adopting the new strategy, DeSantis is testing the limits of federal laws that prohibit direct coordination between campaigns and super PACs by leaning more heavily on the Never Back Down super PAC, which can raise and spend unlimited sums of money unlike the campaign, which is bound by strict fundraising limits. Never Back Down has effectively adopted the role of candidate travel organizer, having chauffeured him, his wife and his children by bus to roughly 20 Iowa events over the past month, including this weekends three-day trip. Technically, DeSantis is only a guest of the super PAC, which is paying for the transportation and setup costs. In another shift, the super PAC is increasing its Iowa advertising investment, which was never the super PACs primary function, in direct response to the campaigns cash crunch. Reports of ad purchases in Iowa for the coming weeks show the super PAC tripling its spending in the state. DeSantis increasing reliance on the super PAC comes as Never Back Down faces the prospect of financial trouble of its own. The organizations biggest individual donor, hotel entrepreneur Robert Bigelow, told Reuters last week that he would not donate any more money unless the Florida governor attracts new major donors and adopts a more moderate approach. Extremism isnt going to get you elected, Bigelow said. Billionaire hedge fund manager Ken Griffin, who told Politico last year that he was ready to back DeSantis if he ran for president, has not met with DeSantis or donated to his campaign since its May launch, according to a person familiar with his thinking who spoke on the condition of anonymity to disclose private deliberations. Griffin has been unsettled by DeSantis policies about teaching gender and sexuality in Florida schools and his ongoing fight with Disney, according to the person. The Republican megadonor is also concerned that DeSantis has been pursuing policies that undermine individual rights and liberties. Griffin declined to comment on any particular campaign, but said in a statement that he was assessing how the policies of each candidate will strengthen our democracy. Meanwhile, DeSantis is showing no interest in backing off his focus on culture wars, which are popular with the GOPs most passionate voters and remained a central focus of his stump speech this week in Iowa. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, he said he gets a lot of questions about culture and made a direct connection between cultural issues and the economy. Specifically, he pointed to his opposition to ESG or environmental, social and governance investments that are guided by corporations policies. That is taking an ideological agenda and using the economy to try to advance it, DeSantis said. Thats bad because those policies are things that most Iowans dont support and that I dont support. DeSantis allies are also divided about his primary strategy. The super PAC continues to stress its commitment to winning or finishing a close second in the first three states Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina while they spend big to build out a pro-DeSantis political organization in several of the so-called Super Tuesday states that vote on March 5. Yet DeSantis campaign has shifted sharply toward Iowa in recent weeks. By the end of Friday, DeSantis will have appeared at more than two dozen events in Iowa since mid-July. Thats compared to just two events in New Hampshire and South Carolina over the same period. On Thursday, DeSantis noted that he was touching down in his 31st Iowa county and promised to campaign in all 99 on Iowas sprawling checkerboard before the states Jan. 15 presidential caucuses. But when asked, he avoided predicting a clear victory over Trump, who is the early heavy favorite. What you have to do is you have to win a majority of the delegates, you know, DeSantis told reporters after a brief stop in Cedar Countys Tipton Family Restaurant. In Iowa, he added, I think were ahead of where we thought we would be, thus far. Clint Walker Community Content Coordinator Follow Clint Walker Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today I remember watching the final moments of the flaming trainwreck that was the Woodstock '99 music festival and knowing that someday it was going to be studied in great detail. And given that Ive already talked about both previous Woodstocks, that someday is today. Im going to warn you, this is going to be music journalism on hard mode, so if you dipped out of popular tunes around the time Axl Rose began his long retreat, then Ill see you next week. Ill be talking about food. For those of you left, it goes a little something like this: By 1999, grunge was long gone. What replaced it was something similar, with leftover bits of post-punk rock broken-home suburban nihilism dressed up in spooky Halloween-town imagery swiped from Alice in Chains and infused with the one thing its practitioners knew could still tee off their divorced parents: rap. By 2000, this would mostly be called nu metal, and it would be inescapable for about four years, until we got ahold of our senses. But in 1999, organizers of the third and final Woodstock didnt know what to call it; they just knew it was what they needed. Then came more unwise decisions: They decided to hold the concert on an Air Force base full of concrete and no shade in sight; folks were price-gouged for bottled water and when that ran out, attendees had to contend with free water sources contaminated by the overflowing bathrooms; and an untrained security Peace Patrol, who wouldnt be able to stop someone from counterfeiting Book It coupons at Pizza Hut. So by day two, the yob oafs in attendance were drunk, mad, and had a soundtrack to match the mood. And thats how you get what happened when Saturday night headliners Limp Bizkit lit a match under the whole pile with a performance of (ahem) Break Stuff, prefaced by a long have you ever just had one of those days rant fit for the Royal Rumble and that Im positive was practiced in front of a mirror backstage. Watching footage of that now, a sea of 300,000 people become an undulating wave moving as one to the churning sludge of noise. Its both terrifying and, Ive got to say it, kind of seductive. Like riding a roller coaster you know you cant handle, theres a part of me that sees that giant mosh pit and wonders how long I could have survived in there. From that point the tone and tenor of the event was set. Going forward the crowd was an unruly mess, and every female artist in attendance from Jewel to Alanis to Sheryl Crow had to contend with a sea of frat boys screaming at them to take their tops off. After the desultory closing performance by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, when the crowd realized that The Stones or Prince werent going to parachute in as a surprise, they decided to use the free candles that were distributed to memorialize Columbine to set fire to the vendor booths and the Peace Wall, and suddenly MTV News luminaries like Kurt Loder and Carson Daly were evacuated out like the fall of Saigon. Proving me right about how much there is to study about Woodstock '99, theres been two recent documentaries on the subject, for those needing advance coursework or a visual reminder of the era when every girl they had a crush on looked like Helen Hunt. I did note that both have an unusual amount of moralistic Millennial tsk-tsk-ing, leading a late Gen-Xer such as myself to wonder if theres ever going to be moment where were not going to be preached at about the things we listened to or watched. And theres also a telling Punk Meets the Godfather moment where an old-school hippie staff member admonishes some of the attendees to respect the artwork they were tearing down, forgetting that many of them were almost literally dying of thirst. For those interested in the music, there is an official soundtrack album one they pulled a reverse Brundle-Fly on by splitting it into two themed discs, almost so you could pretend all that ugly stuff never happened. The red albumwell, its a snapshot of a particularly ugly phase in rock history, for sure. For homework, check out Godsmacks Get Away for a glimpse of the once-endemic, Im a dude and mad and dont know why emotional setting of all these bands. And I must admit the guy from Creed tackling the Doors Roadhouse Blues with the help of Robbie Krieger is amusing in a weird way. And that blue album? Well, light a scented candle and imagine a festival where Woodstock '94 just kept on going into 99, with all the crunchy-granola and coffee shop tunes you can handle, along with Everclears deathless Santa Monica as a reminder that there were some bands of the time that plundered the fun parts from the wreck of grunge. And Bruce Hornsby closing things out? Now thats definitely a dude that no ones going to get upset about, unless you happen to be one of my friends tired of me dancing like a fool to Valley Road. Meanwhile, folks younger than me keep trying to resurrect the reputations of bands like Limp Bizkit as their own nostalgia sets in. Cant blame them, I guess. And hey, Woodstock '99 also-rans like Buckcherry, Sevendust, and yes, Godsmack are, as of this writing, still playing the fair and festival circuits of the Midwest. But shouldnt your money mean more to you than that? Speaking of fairs, if you happen to be at the Illinois State Fair this weekend to see Alanis, please behave yourself. Shes earned your respect. And bring a canteen, just in case. Having a college student of my own, I can relate to this important article by Kathy Sweedler with Illinois Extension. Kathy says: Student loans, rental agreements, car purchases, employment contracts plus day-to-day spending all in the life of a college student! Between the ages of 18 to 25 years old, people go from spending money on fun to significant financial decisions that can affect them for many years. Launching young adults includes helping them develop healthy financial behaviors. What are the expenses? A good place to start is to help your student (or young adult living on their own) develop a spending plan. To begin, sit down with your student and make a list of all anticipated expenses. Include expenses that you plan to pay for as well as expenses your student will be responsible for. Do your best to estimate costs. Colleges usually have a list of expected expenses on their websites. Who pays? Once you have a list of expenses, talk about who will pay what. This is a good time for students to understand all of the expenses related to independent living including car and health insurance, car maintenance, clothing, food, and more. While you may still be paying some of these expenses, students need to be aware that these are expenses they will be paying in the not-too-distant future. Where will the money to pay for expenses come from? Will your student receive financial aid? Does part of their financial aid package include work study? Do you expect your student to work part-time during college? How much, if any, will you contribute? Now is the time to be clear about your expectations as well as to listen to your students ideas. Make a monthly plan. The next step is to build a monthly spending plan (budget). People have an easier time managing their spending when it is clear how much money is available to spend and what expenses are anticipated during a short period such as one month. A monthly plan lets you and your student check if your plan is working before too many problems occur. Try the free budget or income tracking worksheets from Illinois Extension at extension.illinois.edu. Track money and evaluate. To know if the spending plan is working, your student will need to keep track of where their money is going, and if their expected income comes in. This is a great habit to develop and especially useful during times of transition! Encourage students to jot down their spending once a day or as they spend money cell phone apps work well for this! It may be that after a month or two at college, the spending plan will need to be adjusted. Perhaps an expense category was missed, or some costs are more than anticipated. Income may not be as high as expected. Help your student evaluate choices of whether to decrease expenses or increase income. In summary, to help manage money effectively at college, take time to: List all anticipated costs. Determine all sources of anticipated income. Decide together who will be responsible for paying which costs. Develop a monthly spending plan. Evaluate how the spending plan works and make revisions as needed. Learning about finances is a lifelong process. While we cant expect college students to be experienced money managers and not make mistakes, we can help them start out right with a little planning. Now is a good time to start the money conversation. Kathy Sweedler's, "Plan Well, Retire Well" blog can be found at extension.illinois.edu/blogs/plan-well-retire-well/ MATTOON The Mattoon Area Family YMCA is once again hosting dance lessons, beginning Sunday, Sept. 10. Led by instructor Bruce Manola, the dance lessons will be held from 2:30-4 p.m. every Sunday for 12 weeks. Traditionally the first hour is spent learning a new step and the last 30-minutes are used for open floor dancing. Participants are not required to have a partner. During dance lessons, participants will learn the steps for the foxtrot, waltz, rumba, latin and swing dances, polka, and country-style dances. No previous experience is required. The lessons are free for members and $5 per session for non-members. There is no registration required. Call 217-234-9494 or email ehayden@mattoonymca.org for more information. MATTOON Michael White has been among the big rig drivers in the annual truck convoy for the Illinois Make-A-Wish Foundation since this fundraiser began five years ago. By taking part, the Oakland man has helped the foundation grant family vacations, special birthday parties and other wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions. Michael White and his wife, Natalie, are now preparing for their family to be a recipient of one of these wishes since their son, 4-year-old Leighton, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic B cell leukemia in December. He is now in remission. Natalie White said it feels good to know they can rely on the network of support from the Illinois Make-A-Wish Foundation after seeing it firsthand as convoy participants. Their whole family, now including 1-year-old Layne, rides together in the convoy in Michael White's truck from Mindco in Paris. "It's amazing. With all the people waving as you drive by, that makes you feel better," Natalie White said of riding in the convoy. "Leighton loves it." The convoy gained new waving well-wishers on Saturday when its regular route through Coles County expanded to also include Cumberland County. The event's name has been changed to the Central Illinois Truck Convoy, instead of just Coles County, to reflect this expansion. Approximately 60 semi-trucks headed out from the campus of Lake Land College, which hosted the convoy for a second year in a row, and followed a route that took them through the downtown business districts of Mattoon, Charleston, Greenup and Toledo. Dillon and Amanda Bushue of Toledo and their children, Boone and Gunner, and cousin Katie Martin were among the convoy spectators cheering from the Cumberland County Courthouse lawn. Other spectators in Toledo gathered on the front porch of the new Coffee + Creams coffee shop. "It was nice to have a new route come through small towns," Amanda Bushue said of the convoy. Dillon Bushue said their children enjoyed the bounce houses and other activities offered at the convoy's starting point on Lake Land's campus. He said the children later excitedly pumped their arms in the air and were happy when the passing truck drivers honked their horns in response. The Toledo resident said he also is glad the convoy puts a spotlight on truck drivers, who tend to be an underappreciated group. Participating truck drivers this year included convoy newcomer Hayden Hoene of Charleston, who was driving one of seven rigs from 3 Sisters Logistics in Teutopolis. "I'm happy to be here. It's a good cause," Hoene said while preparing his truck for the convoy. "I'm looking forward to it." Seth McLain of Petersburg, Indiana, said he and some of his fellow drivers with OTL LLC in Covington, Indiana, returned from their work routes Friday evening and then spent a couple of hours getting their trucks spotless for the convoy. "We are a very family-oriented company, so for anything like this that helps kids, we try to show up," McLain said as he prepared to drive in the convoy with his daughter, Renny, as a passenger. NEW YORK About 49,500 people took their own lives last year in the U.S., the highest number ever, according to new government data posted Thursday. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which posted the numbers, has not yet calculated a suicide rate for the year, but available data suggests suicides are more common in the U.S. than at any time since the dawn of World War II. Theres something wrong. The number should not be going up, said Christina Wilbur, a 45-year-old Florida woman whose son shot himself to death last year. My son should not have died, she said. I know its complicated, I really do. But we have to be able to do something. Something that were not doing. Because whatever were doing right now is not helping. Experts caution that suicide is complicated, and that recent increases might be driven by a range of factors, including higher rates of depression and limited availability of mental health services. But a main driver is the growing availability of guns, said Jill Harkavy-Friedman, senior vice president of research at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Suicide attempts involving guns end in death far more often than those with other means, and gun sales have boomed placing firearms in more and more homes. A recent Johns Hopkins University analysis used preliminary 2022 data to calculate that the nations overall gun suicide rate rose last year to an all-time high. For the first time, the gun suicide rate among Black teens surpassed the rate among white teens, the researchers found. I dont know if you can talk about suicide without talking about firearms, Harkavy-Friedman said. U.S. suicides steadily rose from the early 2000s until 2018, when the national rate hit its highest level since 1941. That year saw about 48,300 suicide deaths or 14.2 for every 100,000 Americans. The rate fell slightly in 2019. It dropped again in 2020, during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some experts tied that to a phenomenon seen in the early stages of wars and natural disasters, when people pull together and support each other. But in 2021, suicides rose 4%. Last year, according to the new data, the number jumped by more than 1,000, to 49,449 about a 3% increase vs. the year before. The provisional data comes from U.S. death certificates and is considered almost complete, but it may change slightly as death information is reviewed in the months ahead. The largest increases were seen in older adults. Deaths rose nearly 7% in people ages 45 to 64, and more than 8% in people 65 and older. White men, in particular, have very high rates, the CDC said. Many middle-aged and elderly people experience problems like losing a job or losing a spouse, and its important to reduce stigma and other obstacles to them getting assistance, said Dr. Debra Houry, the CDCs chief medical officer. Suicides in adults ages 25 to 44 grew about 1%. The new data indicates that suicide became the second leading cause of death in that age group in 2022, up from No. 4 in 2021. Despite the grim statistics, some say there is reason for optimism. A national crisis line launched a year ago, meaning anyone in the U.S. can dial 988 to reach mental health specialists. The CDC is expanding a suicide program to fund more prevention work in different communities. And theres growing awareness of the issue and that its OK to ask for help, health officials say. There was a more than 8% drop in suicides in people ages 10 to 24 in 2022. That may be due to increased attention to youth mental health issues and a push for schools and others to focus on the problem, CDC officials said. But even the smaller number masks tragedy for families. Wilbur lost her 21-year-old son, Cale, on June 16 last year. He died in her home in Land O Lakes, Florida. Cale Wilbur had lost two friends and an uncle to suicide and had been dealing with depression. On that horrible morning, he and his mother were having an argument. She had confronted him about his drug use, his mother said. She left his bedroom and when she returned he had a gun. I was begging him not too, and to calm down, she said. It looked like he relaxed for a second, but then he killed himself. She describes her life since as black hole of emptiness and sorrow, and had found it hard to talk to friends or even family about Cale. Theres just this huge 6-foot-2 hole, everywhere, she said. Everything reminds me of whats missing. Its hard to find professionals to help, and those that are around can be expensive, she said. She turned to support groups, including an organization called Alliance of Hope for Suicide Loss Survivors that operates a 24/7 online forum. Theres nothing like being with people who get it, she said. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, help is available; call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org. More than 11% of Americans may not be receiving the mental health care they need, data shows US average LGBTQ+ people Younger generations Interim City Manager Johnnie Taylor is taking the job of city manager in Lexington, capping off a his 30-year career with Winston-Salem. Taylor, named one of Winston-Salems assistant city managers in July 2019, will start on his new job in Lexington on Aug. 28. He will be making $210,000 annually. I want to bring all my skills and experience to this community and help it progress forward, and be the best possible place it can be, Taylor said. Lexington officials said that after an extensive executive search process, the Lexington City Council voted unanimously to name Taylor to the job. They said Taylor comes as a highly respected and highly recommended leader in the Winston-Salem workforce and in the broader community. We feel both excited and extremely fortunate to have a professional of Mr. Taylors caliber, Lexington Mayor Jason Hayes said. His strong commitment to municipal government and the development of the citys workforce are some of the many reasons why our council feels that he is the right choice for our city. Taylors background in Winston-Salem includes positions as director of operations and director of sanitation. Taylor holds a bachelors degree in business administration and engineering management, and an associate degree in computer science, from Salem University of West Virginia. Taylor is also a graduate of the Municipal Administration Program and the Executive Leadership Academy at UNC Chapel Hill. Taylor will be taking the place of Ralph Clark, Lexingtons interim city manager, who took over the city reins from former city manager Terra Greene earlier this year, following Greenes retirement. Taylor had become interim city manager here following the retirement of Lee Garrity after 17 years as Winston-Salem city manager. William Patrick Pat Pate will come aboard as Winston-Salems new city manager in November. It was not immediately clear who will serve as interim manager following Taylors departure. Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines said the city will have a new interim city manager lined up by the time Taylor leaves, and that he is in conversation with council members. I am proud of him but it is a huge loss, Joines said of Taylor. A legal settlement this week between conservation groups and the federal government will keep the North Carolina Zoo at the heart of efforts to restore the worlds only red wolf population living in the wild. Over the past quarter-century, 12 endangered red wolves from the Asheboro-based zoo have been released into the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge in eastern North Carolina or turned over to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to support the recovery process. Dozens more have been sent to other institutions also involved in growing the population of captive red wolves. As of June, the Fish and Wildlife Service said there were 16 known or collared red wolves living in the wild, while estimating the total wild population to be 32 to 34. There were 278 red wolves under human care, 30 of which are in Asheboro. That includes 11 puppies born in two litters in May. Just two of the zoos wolves are exposed to visitors. The rest are kept in an area out of view so they retain their fear of humans. Maintaining a balance between how the zoo and wild populations are managed is tricky, explained Richard Bergl, director of animal care, conservation, education and science at the North Carolina Zoo. On the one hand, all of those involved with the recovery of red wolves in the wild want the population to grow and do so quickly. On the other hand, the future of red wolves as a species is likely to rely heavily on a healthy zoo-based population from which to draw to allow future releases of wolves. This weeks settlement resolved a 2020 lawsuit filed against the Fish and Wildlife Service by the Southern Environmental Law Center on behalf of the Red Wolf Coalition, Defenders of Wildlife and the Animal Welfare Institute. The conservation groups argued in their suit that the Fish and Wildlife Service put the wild population in peril when it stopped releasing captive wolves in the 1.7 million-acre recovery area. By 2020, as few as seven red wolves lived outside zoos and wildlife refuges, the lawsuit claimed. For 25 years, North Carolina was home to one of the most successful predator reintroductions in the world, Ramona McGee, a Southern Environmental Law Center attorney, said in a statement. This settlement puts us on a path to restoring the red wolf to its rightful place as a celebrated success story. Important nuance Red wolves once occupied much of the Eastern U.S. but were driven to near extinction by trapping, hunting and habitat loss before they were reintroduced to North Carolina in 1987. The states wild population grew to more than 100 and remained stable through 2012. Those numbers were boosted by releases of captive-born pups including from the North Carolina Zoo and sterilization of coyotes that competed for space and interbred with red wolves. But the Fish and Wildlife Service put an end to the practice in 2015 after pressure from conservative politicians and landowners who deemed wolves a nuisance. Critics also questioned whether red wolves were a species unto themselves that deserved federal protections. However, in a 2019 research study funded by the National Academy of Sciences, a panel of top scientists concluded that the red wolf indeed is a unique species. Initial repopulation efforts focused on releasing adult red wolves in the recovery area but now rely on placing pups that are then raised as part of wild wolf litters. The two approaches illustrate an important nuance in repopulation strategy, Bergl explained. Releasing adult wolves is more challenging than pup fostering both in terms of logistics, and with regard to how readily the animals acclimate to life in the wild, he added. What now? In their lawsuit, the conservation groups argued that federal wildlife officials violated the U.S. Endangered Species Act when they halted the release of captive-bred wolves in 2015. A federal judge in 2021 ordered the Fish and Wildlife Service to produce a plan to increase the wild wolves numbers as the suit progressed. That included restarting pup placement. U.S. District Judge Terrence Boyle noted in his order that the conservation groups were likely to succeed, and had demonstrated that extinction is a very real possibility. According to the settlement agreement, the Fish and Wildlife Service will develop and publish red wolf release plans for a period of eight years. The plans will include metrics that can be used to measure performance. The agency responded that it acknowledges the importance of the Eastern North Carolina red wolf population and committed to managing the process in a way thats consistent with the Endangered Species Act. Constructive differences The red wolfs only existing natural home, on a remote peninsula between the Albemarle and Pamlico sounds, faces its own natural challenge. Sea rise tied to climate change threatens to permanently submerge the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, and hurricanes and other extreme weather fueled by warming temperatures are a growing concern all along the North Carolina coast. That vulnerability is one motivation in efforts to establish an additional red wolf recovery area. A number of different sites in several states are being considered, but no second recovery area has been identified yet, Bergl said. The recovery program is also investigating whether several additional larger soft release sites large, fenced areas where zoo wolves are gradually acclimated to life in the wild could help to contribute to the successful release of adult wolves. Meanwhile, this weeks settlement adds certainty and structure to ongoing efforts to grow the red wolf population. Overall, I think everyone involved with the red wolf recovery, from the (Fish and Wildlife Service), to the zoos breeding red wolves for release, to the plaintiffs in the case want the same thing: a healthy and sustainable population of red wolves in the wild, Bergl said. There certainly are differences of opinion in terms of the best way to achieve this, but I think all constructive dialogue around these issues helps us to move closer to our collective goal. Those differences of opinions reflect the complexities of reviving a species on the edge of extinction. If the solutions to conservation problems were straightforward, they would have been implemented long ago and we wouldnt be having this conversation, Bergl noted. The work of successfully saving species can be frustrating, especially when an apparent success unexpectedly becomes a challenge, but we all must keep diligently pursuing our goals and adjusting strategies in the face of new obstacles because this work is so important. Wells Fargo & Co. has informed its federal regulator the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency of the official closing of another 14 branches nationwide, though none in North Carolina. The bank also declared its intentions to close another 23 branches, also none in the state. There have been at least 65 Wells Fargo branch closings in North Carolina, including three in Winston-Salem and nine in the Triad, since July 2020. Our national news these days is a confluence of power struggles, political shenanigans and a sea swell of weak justifications for bad behavior thrown about with hopes for our gullibility, all accompanied by the usual titillating tale of a sex scandal. So, whats new? It was much the same 250 years ago, as our colonial predecessors were navigating their own world amid growing turmoil on how best to run a homeland. Only the cast of characters has changed and, as today, some were lacking any respectable qualities of character at all. After Royal Gov. William Tryon hanged six North Carolina citizens in June 1771, he moved on to become the new governor of New York. But that colony already had a governor, John Murray, Lord Dunmore, who was not pleased to be reassigned to Virginia, in his mind the disease-ridden backwater of America with no social life. He was booted out of an office of power and privilege by the powers that be serving Britains Parliament and the king. Dunmore resisted and deigned the appointment, bellowing in a drunken stupor, Damn Virginia. Did I ever seek it? I asked for New York New York I took, and they have robbed me of it without my consent. After months of delay and fitful outrage, Lord Dunmore at last showed up in Williamsburg. He was as unknown and unpopular as his predecessor, the late Lord Botetourt, was beloved. One early duty was serving as judge for a trial involving the claims of pretty young Kitty Eustace Blair, not yet 21, who was suing her young husband of one day, Dr. Blair, amid claims of not satisfactorily consummating the marriage on their wedding night. Dunmore may have known more than he let on. Reportedly, she had been his mistress in New York. All the tantalizing claims argued by Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson as opposing counsels aside, Dunmore delayed his decision until the fall of 1773, conveniently after the defendant died. Through the publicity of this court case, Dunmore believed he had somehow repaired his reputation and endeared himself to Virginians. Not so. The Whig faction found him to be bent toward despotism. As citizens across the 13 colonies began rethinking in 1774 their willingness to be governed at the whims of a government and its ministers from across an ocean, Dunmore calculated how to renew his popularity. He put himself at the head of a campaign, Lord Dunmores War, to quiet an uprising of Shawnees along the Ohio River resisting settlers encroachments. Dunmore took undeserved credit for the victory at Point Pleasant in October 1774 hand-to-hand combat between indigenous warriors and frontiersmen. As tensions increased between Americans and British overlords, Dunmore disbanded the House of Burgesses. After the shot heard round the world happened in April 1775, Dunmore escaped to safety aboard a ship in Chesapeake Bay. He offered to free any of the enslaved who would fight for the British. On New Years Day 1776, Dunmore fired a barrage of ships cannons on the town of Norfolk, starting fires which burned it all down. Later, as his ragtag flotilla of ships and boats was chased out of Chesapeake Bay, some claim he sold the supposedly freed Blacks back into slavery. Dunmore sailed for Canada. As a former, twice-impeached president receives a third indictment for wrongdoing, this one also bordering on treason, its helpful to remember that bad actors have always been a part of our history. We have successfully fended them off and retained our independence. Lets keep doing that. More of the same ilk will surely appear people with elevated hubris and little regard for others, those who game the system and try to convince others they are a savior of sorts. These of little character are eventually revealed as the weakest, the least worthy, and deserving more our disdain and ridicule. Pity them. They have brought it on themselves. We remember you, Lord Dunmore, and those just like you. If America deserves to celebrate 250 years of independence, liberty and equality, we must earn it. Hold fast to the Constitution and the rule of law, and deny the claims of authoritarian wannabes that they speak for you. Preserve our national character. Sputnik Kaputnik, 6 p.m. Thursday, Zoo Bar. Sputnik Kaputnik will release, or perhaps more appropriately, unleash "Turkey Burgers and Other Delights," at the Zoo on Thursday. A 13-song slab of spacey, dancey electropop with titles like "A Post From Your Worst Uncle or a Guy You Hated in High School," "Hats Are Bad, Dont Wear Them" and "PA for Michael Bay" with rapped, funny lyrics, the pro-meat "Beef Jerk-y," and the title cut, the album perfectly captures the wise-guy synth stylings that the band will deliver live Thursday night. JV Allstars with Sweats, Big World, Glow and Ghostlike, 8 p.m. Saturday, Bourbon Theatre. Lincoln pop-punk veterans JV Allstars will introduce their audiences to their favorite new Lincoln bands Sweats, Big World, Glow and Ghostlike at this nightlong all-ages show at the Bourbon. Dwight Carrier & BlackCat Zydeco, 9 p.m. Saturday, Zoo Bar. Veteran Louisiana accordion player Dwight Carrier is carrying on a family tradition with his band BlackCat Zydeco, who will make their Lincoln debut Saturday at the Zoo Bar. A professional since 13, Carriers family zydeco history goes back to the 1920s and includes his cousins BeyBey, Calvin and frequent Zoo visitor Chubby. Polly OKeary and the Rhythm Method, 5 p.m. Saturday, Zoo Bar. Polly OKeary and the Rhythm Method is an award-winning alternative blues band from the Pacific Northwest. The trio, fronted by OKeary, whos won blues society awards for her songwriting, singing and performing, is known for its joyous performances, O'Keary's powerful, expressive voice, and powerful bass grooves. Cairo Knife Fight, 8 p.m. Monday, Bourbon Theatre. Formed in New Zealand, now based in Las Vegas, Cairo Knife Fight is a two-man band made up of lead vocalist/drummer/keyboard bassist Nick Gaffaney and Grammy-winning guitarist George Pajon Jr., whos played with the likes of the Black Eyed Peas, Carlos Santana and Nas. Together they push the boundaries of what two musicians can do, using loops and other electronics to concoct a mix of heavy metal and pop. Less Than Jake, 8 p.m. Tuesday, Bourbon Theatre. Ska-punk veterans Less Than Jake celebrate the 25th anniversary of their album "Hello Rockview" at the Bourbon on Tuesday, playing it in its entirety on the Lincoln stop of its massive "Welcome to Rockville" 2023 tour. Formed in Gainesville, Florida, in 1992, Less Than Jake, known for singles like "Shes Gonna Break Soon" and "The Science of Selling Yourself Short" released its ninth album "Silver Linings" three years ago. Ghost Town Blues Band, 6 p.m. Wednesday, Zoo Bar. Memphis Ghost Town Blues Band, whose 2019 "Shine" topped the Billboard Blues Albums Chart, returns to the Zoo on Wednesday. The six-man band, formed in 2009 and led by vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Matt Isbell, has been hailed by Living Blues magazine as "21st-century blues at its best, with a stage show and energy that is unparalleled." Photos: The Zoo Bar celebrates 50 years A person watches Chicago police conduct an investigation on 111th Street between Racine Avenue and Aberdeen Street in Chicago after an officer-involved shooting on Aug. 11, 2023. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune) A man was shot and killed as he and Chicago police officers struggled over a gun in the Morgan Park neighborhood, police said. The officers had seen the man with a gun on the sidewalk at 5:30 p.m. on the 1100 block of West 111th Street, interim CPD Superintendent Fred Waller said at a news conference late Friday. When police tried to stop him, the man fled into a home, he added. Police chased after on foot, and a struggle ensued in which both the officers and the man fought to gain control of the gun, Waller said. Officers attempted to de-escalate the situation, then struggled with this subject over this weapon, and two shots were fired, Waller said. The man suffered a gunshot wound and was transported to Advocate Christ Medical Center in critical condition, according to the superintendent. Speaking late Friday, Waller said did not know whether the man had died. Cook County Medical Examiners Office records showed Saturday the 36-year-old man had died shortly after the shooting. The medical examiner had not released the mans name Saturday evening. A police spokesperson said Saturday they were unable to confirm the death. Earlier Friday, Chicago Fire Department spokesman Larry Langford said CFD paramedics had transported the man in extremely critical condition. Two officers were also hospitalized for observation, but were not shot, Waller said. The superintendent said he visited both officers, who are in good condition. Those officers involved will be placed on routine administrative duties for 30 days, the department said. Police recovered a gun from the man who was shot at the scene and the shooting remains under investigation, Waller added. The Civilian Office of Police Accountability confirmed the shooting in a tweet. COPA asked witnesses to reach out to the accountability office. Humanities Nebraska (HN) has selected educator and historian Beth S. Dotan, Ph.D., to receive the 2023 Sower Award in the Humanities in recognition of her efforts to increase understanding of the Holocaust. A research assistant professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) Harris Center for Judaic Studies, Dotan created Nebraska Stories of Humanity as part of her doctorate work. This digital web portal highlights stories of Holocaust survivors and servicemen who liberated Nazi camps and settled in Nebraska after World War II. Beths programs and projects have advanced scholarship in the humanities, and her advocacy of this work to the greater community has been uniquely effective, said nominator Robert Nefsky. Nefsky is former chairman of the Nebraska Humanities Council board (1995-96) and received the Sower Award in 1998. A native Nebraskan, Dotan served as the founding executive director of the Institute for Holocaust Education in Omaha. She has also served as director for the International Department of the Ghetto Fighters House Holocaust and Jewish Resistance Heritage Museum in Lohamei HaGetaot, Israel (2012-2015). Dotan received her Master of Arts in Jewish Education from Hebrew Union College, Jewish Institute of Religion in Los Angeles, and her Doctorate in Education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a particular focus on Holocaust Education and digital memory. Dotan will be honored Oct. 10 during the 28th annual Governors Lecture in the Humanities at the Holland Performing Arts Center in Omaha. Titled From Moscow to the Lincoln Highway: An Evening with Amor Towles, the free public event will begin at 7:30 p.m. following a benefit dinner to help raise funds to support HNs statewide programming. A livestream viewing option will also be available. Visit www.humanitiesnebraska.org/governors-lecture to stay up to date on details of the Governors Lecture and Sower Award presentation. Humanities Nebraska is a statewide nonprofit that is celebrating 50 years of helping people explore what connects us and makes us human. Spark your curiosity during Humanities Week Oct. 7-15 and all year with special online and in-person events. HN is funded in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities, an appropriation from the Nebraska Legislature, private donations and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment, a public-private partnership with state dollars matching private dollars to benefit the arts and humanities in Nebraska. Tyler White, professor of composition and director of orchestras at the University of Nebraska-Lincolns Glenn Korff School of Music, is one of 17 finalists for The American Prize in the division of Composers (opera/theater/film/dance-professional division) for his opera The Gamblers Son. Winners will be announced later this year. The American Prize National Nonprofit Competitions in the Performing Arts is the nations most comprehensive series of contests in the performing arts. The American Prize is designed to recognize and reward the best performing artists, directors, ensembles and composers in the U.S. at professional, college/university, community and high school levels based on submitted recordings. Im of course very pleased and gratified by this recognition for The Gamblers Son, White said. The opera was a joy to write, thanks largely to the superb libretto authored by my wife (Laura White, John E. Weaver Professor of English), and I hope it all leads to the works wider exposure. The American Prize means a lot to me since I have some history with it. O Pioneers! was an opera finalist in 2014, in 2020 my orchestral piece A Brand-New Summer won first prize in the Orchestral Composition category, my piano trio Three Views from the Mountain won second prize for Chamber Composition, my wind ensemble piece Caldera received honorable mention for Band Composition, and my choral De Profundis was a finalist for Choral Composition. The Gamblers Son premiered in 2019 by UNL Opera and was directed by William Shomos, the Richard H. Larson Distinguished Professor of Music (Voice) and director of opera. The opera was adapted from Nebraska author Mari Sandozs 1960 novel Son of the Gamblin Man, which tells the true story of the founding of Cozad, Nebraska, of its larger-than-life founder John J. Cozad, and of Cozads son, the illustrious American painter Robert Henri. The opera was performed in both Lincoln and Cozad with support from the James C. and Rhonda Seacrest Tour Nebraska Opera Fund. The subject of The Gamblers Son was first suggested by Nebraska arts supporter Jane Rohman, who spearheaded the operas commission and grew up in the Cozad area where the opera is set, White noted. The Gamblers Son was created with the generous support of Jane Rohman, the family of Williard Bellamy, the family of Ivan and Shirley Paulsen, the Lincoln Community Foundation, the UNL Friends of Opera and the Wilson Foundation. White has been at UNL since 1994. In 1997, his cello concerto Threnos (William Schuman in memoriam) became the first work by a Nebraskan to win the Omaha Symphonys International New Music Competition, and in 1999 his opera O Pioneers!, the first-ever operatic treatment of a Willa Cather novel, premiered at UNL and was televised on Nebraska Public Television. In 2001, White was named Composer of the Year by the Nebraska Music Teachers Association. In 2003, Whites Elegy For the orphans of terror was awarded the Masterworks Prize and was recorded by the Sofia Philharmonic on the inaugural volume of ERMMedias Masterworks of the New Era CD series. In 2006, his Mystic Trumpeter (Symphony No. 2) was awarded honorable mention in the ASCAP Foundation/Rudolf Nissim Prize competition. For more on White, visit https://go.unl.edu/tylerwhite. Starbucks employees at a northwest Lincoln location are the first store to successfully unionize in the city of Lincoln, according to a Facebook post by Nebraska State AFL-CIO. The store at 5040 N. 26th St. joins more than 300 Starbucks locations nationwide in successfully unionizing. The Lincoln location was the first in the city to attempt to unionize, and the first in the city and in Nebraska to succeed. The workers had previously sent a letter to Starbucks CEO Laxman Narasimhan detailing their reasons for unionizing, which included inconsistent scheduling, being short-staffed and working with faulty and defective equipment. These circumstances do not set partners up for success to thrive in our careers, and efficiently give guests the connections, service and products they deserve, the letter said. We want Starbucks to recognize the value we bring to the company as the faces customers connect with every day by joining us at the bargaining table, it said. So far, more than 330 Starbucks stores in 38 states and the District of Columbia have successfully unionized, although that represents only about 3% of the companys total workforce. In June, a Starbucks spokesperson said in an email that company officials, welcome the opportunity for partners at our Lincoln store to vote in a neutral, secret ballot election conducted by the NLRB which allows all partners to make their own informed decision regarding union representation. The company, however, has been accused of labor law violations, including firing labor organizers and closing unionized stores. The spokesperson also said that Starbucks believes a direct relationship with its employees is the right path forward for our company, and pointed out that it offers what it believes are industry-best pay and benefits, including a minimum wage of $15 an hour and an average wage of $17.50. The Most Unionized Industries in the U.S. The Most Unionized Industries in the U.S. Union membership has sharply declined in recent decades The difference between union and nonunion wages has also declined 15. Administration of economic programs and space research 14. Pulp, paper, and paperboard mills 13. Administration of environmental quality and housing programs 12. Natural gas distribution 11. Administration of human resource programs 10. Sewage treatment facilities 9. Public finance activities 8. Foundries 7. Air transportation 6. Elementary and secondary schools 5. Justice, public order, and safety activities 4. Bus service and urban transit 3. Rail transportation 2. Postal Service 1. Labor unions NEW YORK Donald Trump's campaign is seeking to blunt the efforts of a super PAC supporting rival Ron DeSantis' presidential campaign by sending a letter to all state Republican parties arguing that they cannot work with a super PAC as if it is representing a candidate. David Warrington, an attorney for Trump's 2024 campaign, contends in the letter that a super PAC, which can raise and spend unlimited amounts of money, should not be allowed to undertake traditional campaign activities that directly benefit a candidate or act as de facto campaign arms. While the letter does not specifically cite the well-funded Never Back Down organization, its aimed at the super PAC, which has been taking on an expansive role supplementing DeSantis campaign, such as helping voters fill out cards pledging to support him in Iowas caucuses and hosting the governor as a special guest on multi-city bus tours. The letter Thursday is the latest example of the efforts by Trump, the early frontrunner in the crowded GOP primary, to use his influence across state Republican parties to solidify his position. He has also been particularly aggressive in encouraging the parties to advance rules that favor him in the process of selecting delegations that will ultimately decide the GOP nominee next year. Trump's campaign said in a statement that it has received questions from some state parties and Republican voters who are worried that the process will be hijacked by outside entities that would put the integrity of their party process and rules in jeopardy and that individual Republican voters in their state will have their votes diluted by non-party actors such as superPACs. Erin Perrine, a spokesperson for Never Back Down, said in a statement that its abundantly clear that the former President and his campaign are terrified of Governor DeSantis and the Never Back Down movement behind his candidacy. Never Back Down will continue to do everything within the confines of the law to achieve our goal of retiring the former president. DeSantis campaign, which is facing a financial crunch, has repeatedly said it is taking advantage of offers to have him appear as a guest at Never Back Down events as part of its efforts to make the most of its resources. DeSantis also this week announced his new deputy campaign manager will be David Polyansky, a strategist who had been advising Never Back Down. The relationship was on full display Thursday as DeSantis and his wife were in Coralville, Iowa as the special guests of the super PAC, traveling on a Never Back Down-branded bus. We will continue to follow the law as we maximize our resources to bring Ron DeSantis message to reverse the decline of this country and lead our Great American Comeback to as many voters as possible," Andrew Romeo, the DeSantis campaign communications director, said in a statement. Trump, from his earliest days in the White House, has worked to expand his grip on the state parties. He's spent years helping allies win positions in the party, including chairmanships, and his political team has worked to rewrite the rules around delegates. His broad popularity in the GOP also makes him a big draw for parties as they seek to raise funds, as he did recently when his keynote speech at an Alabama Republican Party dinner brought in $1.2 million in contributions a record for the party. Trump's campaign declined to cite any specific states or activities where it feels there have been violations of election law, but said, It is common knowledge that a number of the lower-tiered campaigns, like the DeSantis campaign, have been unable to raise campaign funds and as a result have tried to outsource their campaigns to superPACs. The letter warns that in addition to any penalties under federal law that a candidate or super PAC could face for violating rules about illegal coordination, state parties that facilitate those activities could themselves face civil or criminal penalties. Its just generally saber-rattling and its overly broad in parts and a little heavy handed. But its basically a fair general description of the law," said Brett Kappel, a campaign finance lawyer who has advised Republicans and Democrats and reviewed a copy of the letter. Kappel said rules around illegal coordination are narrow and would need to involve something like a state party working with a super PAC to send communications to the public supporting or opposing a candidate. He said a super PAC that is acting independently of a campaign is perfectly free to speak on behalf of the candidate they are supporting but cannot hold themselves out as authorized or official representatives of a candidate. Warrington's letter also seeks to discourage any state party from allowing a super PAC to play a role in the process of recruiting people to serve as the delegates who formally select the nominee at the party's national convention. Allowing super PACs to interject themselves into this process dilutes the relationship between the voters and the candidates themselves," Warrington wrote in the letter. A Lancaster County District Court judge dismissed a challenge against Nebraska's new prohibitions against abortion and gender-affirming surgeries for transgender youth. Judge Lori Maret, in a 21-page order issued late Friday evening, rejected an argument brought by Planned Parenthood that a new law (LB574) passed by the Legislature this year violated the state's single-subject rule. "[T]he Court concludes that LB574 has the general object of health care and that all parts of the bill relate to health care," Maret wrote in her order. "They are both medical treatments involving surgery or pharmaceuticals." The ACLU of Nebraska sued the state on behalf of Planned Parenthood one week after the new abortion restrictions were signed into law by Gov. Jim Pillen in May. In court filings and oral arguments, Planned Parenthood's attorneys argued the Legislature violated the single-subject rule of the Nebraska State Constitution by "jamming together" two unrelated provisions into a single bill. After a 6-week abortion ban fell one vote short of advancing in April, senators successfully amended a 12-week abortion ban onto another bill (LB574) prohibiting certain medical procedures for transgender youth in Nebraska late in the legislative session. The bill passed on a 33-15 vote, just enough to defeat a filibuster. Attorneys for Planned Parenthood said the amended version of LB574 included two different issues with two separate tiles, enforcement schemes, and starting dates, and were not "naturally connected and incidental to" one another. The Nebraska Attorney General's Office, which defended the law in court, argued to Maret that Planned Parenthood's attorneys wanted the judicial branch to meddle in a policy choice made by the Legislature, and said doing so would violate the independence of a separate but equal branch of government. Instead, Assistant Attorney General Erik Fern asked the court to consider what was within the "four corners" of the bill, and argued abortions and medical treatments for transgender youth both fit under the banner of public health and welfare. In her order, Maret said that while the single-subject rule provided "fertile ground for litigation" in Nebraska's first 75 years as a state, the Nebraska Supreme Court "has been much more circumspect about acting as a super-parliamentarian" in recent years. A challenge of a 1967 law that amended provisions related to the sales and use tax, income tax and other provisions was rejected by the state's highest court, which found that "if an act has but one general object, no matter how broad that object may be" did not violate the rule. A more recent case from 1992 dealing with a 40-section bill amending the state's tax laws passed a year earlier cited the earlier case and found that "the on-general-object-no-matter-how-broad standard" was not out of line. Maret said the breadth of those decisions "might be somewhat striking" compared to more recent cases, such as a 2020 decision where justices ruled that a ballot initiative to enact medical marijuana in Nebraska violated the single-subject rule. Those cases dealt with petition initiatives, however, and not the work of the Legislature. Maret said there were several reasons to consider the single-subject rule more broadly when it came to acts of state lawmakers. The legislative process is more deliberative and senators have more time to consider and debate bills, and the Legislature also allows for some give-and-take in its debates, whereas a petition initiative is "take-it-or-leave-it," Maret wrote. The judge also said that as a co-equal branch of government, the court should consider the separation of powers. "Applying that standard here, the Court concludes that LB574 has the general object of health care and that all parts of the bill relate to health care," Maret wrote. "LB574 also regulates the conduct of licensed healthcare workers who provide abortion or gender-altering care unlawfully." Planned Parenthood did not dispute that abortion and gender-affirming surgeries were health care procedures, Maret said, but it did not matter because "health care" did not appear in the title of the bill. But Maret also rejected an argument put forward by the state that the question of whether or not a bill violated the single-subject rule was "a political question." "So far as this Court can tell, the Supreme Court never expressly answered that question," the judge said. "It is true that courts should be careful not to unduly interfere in the legislative process. It also might be true that if one asks how many 'subjects' a bill has, the answer will say more about the person who responds than the bill itself. "[T]he Supreme Court has effectively responded to these concerns by liberally construing the single-subject rule in the legislative context. In other words, the solution is judicial humility, not abdication." Friday's decision leaves in place Nebraska's 12-week abortion ban, which took effect when it was signed into law by Gov. Jim Pillen in May. LB574's provisions related to gender-affirming care are set to take effect on Oct. 1. Planned Parenthood Advocates of Nebraska indicated in a tweet Friday evening it would appeal the decision to the Nebraska Supreme Court. "No matter what happens, we will never stop fighting for the freedom of bodily autonomy, and health of our communities," the organization tweeted. "We are working tirelessly to assess every option and remain wholeheartedly committed to protecting Nebraskans' freedom to access abortions." In an email late Friday evening, Pillen and Attorney General Mike Hilgers praised the ruling. "I was proud to sign into law a measure that protects kids and defends the unborn, and I am pleased that it has been upheld," Pillen said. Hilgers thanked Maret for what he called "the court's thoughtful analysis and recognition of the Legislature's prerogatives and processes. "As a result of today's order, LB574 remains law in Nebraska," Hilgers said. Photos and video: Scene at Nebraska Capitol as lawmakers pass LB574 LAHAINA, Hawaii (AP) A new fire burning on the Hawaii island of Maui on Friday night triggered the evacuation of a community to the northeast of the area that burned earlier this week, police said. The fire prompted the evacuation of people in Kaanapali in West Maui, the Maui Police Department announced on social media. No details of the evacuation were immediately provided. Traffic was halted earlier after some people went over barricaded, closed-off areas of the disaster zone and entered restricted, dangerous, active investigation scenes, police said. The number of confirmed deaths from the Maui wildfires this week has increased to 67. Maui residents had already started returning to their neighborhoods to find blackened hulks of burned-out cars, the pavement streaked with melted and then rehardened chrome. Block after block of flattened homes and businesses. Incinerated telephone poles, and elevator shafts rising from ashy lots where apartment buildings once stood. A truck bed full of glass bottles, warped into surreal shapes by the furious heat. Anthony Garcia assessed the devastation as he stood under historic Lahainas iconic banyan tree, now charred, and swept twisted branches into neat piles next to another heap filled with dead animals cats, roosters and other birds killed by the smoke and flames. Somehow it made sense in a world turned upside-down. If I dont do something, Ill go nuts, said Garcia, who lost everything he owned. Im losing my faith in God. That was the scene residents found when they were allowed back home to take stock of their shattered homes and lives. The fire tore through parts of Maui and were still short of full containment and being battled by firefighters. Attorney General Anne Lopezs office announced it will conduct a comprehensive review of decision-making and standing policies leading up to, during and after the wildfires. My Department is committed to understanding the decisions that were made before and during the wildfires and to sharing with the public the results of this review, Lopez said in a statement. As we continue to support all aspects of the ongoing relief effort, now is the time to begin this process of understanding. Associated Press journalists also witnessed the devastation, with nearly every building destroyed on Front Street, the heart of Lahaina and the economic hub of the island. Surviving roosters, which are known to roam Hawaii streets, meandered through the ashes, and there was an eerie traffic jam of charred cars that didnt escape the inferno. It hit so quick, it was incredible, resident Kyle Scharnhorst said as he surveyed his apartment complexs damage in the morning. It was like a war zone. The wildfires are the states deadliest natural disaster in decades, surpassing a 1960 tsunami that killed 61 people. An even deadlier tsunami in 1946, which killed more than 150 on the Big Island, prompted the development of the territory-wide emergency system that includes sirens, which are sounded monthly to test their readiness. But many fire survivors said in interviews that they didnt hear any sirens or receive a warning that gave them enough time to prepare, realizing they were in danger only when they saw flames or heard explosions nearby. There was no warning. There was absolutely none. Nobody came around. We didnt see a fire truck or anybody," said Lynn Robinson, who lost her home. Hawaii emergency management records show no indication that warning sirens sounded before people had to run for their lives. Instead, officials sent alerts to mobile phones, televisions and radio stations but widespread power and cellular outages may have limited their reach. Gov. Josh Green warned that the death toll would likely rise as search and rescue operations continue. Authorities set a curfew from 10 p.m. until 6 a.m. Saturday. The recoverys going to be extraordinarily complicated, but we do want people to get back to their homes and just do what they can to assess safely, because its pretty dangerous, Green told Hawaii News Now. Fueled by a dry summer and strong winds from a passing hurricane, at least three wildfires erupted on Maui this week, racing through parched brush covering the island. The most serious one swept into Lahaina on Tuesday and left it a grid of gray rubble wedged between the blue ocean and lush green slopes. Skeletal remains of buildings bowed under roofs that pancaked in the blaze. Palm trees were torched, boats in the harbor were scorched and the stench of burning lingered. The wildfire is already projected to be the second-costliest disaster in Hawaii history, behind only Hurricane Iniki in 1992, according to calculations by Karen Clark & Company, a prominent disaster and risk modeling company. Summer and Gilles Gerling sought to salvage keepsakes from the ashes of their home. But all they could find was the piggy bank Summer Gerlings father gave her as a child, their daughters jade bracelet and the watches they gifted each other for their wedding. Their wedding rings were gone. They described their fear as the strong wind whipped the smoke and flames closer. But they said they were just happy that they and their two children made it out alive. It is what it is, Gilles Gerling said. Safety was the main concern. These are all material things. Cadaver-sniffing dogs were brought in to assist the search for the dead, Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen Jr. said. The wildfire is the deadliest in the U.S. since the 2018 Camp Fire in California, which killed at least 85 people and laid waste to the town of Paradise. Lahainas wildfire risk is well known. Maui Countys hazard mitigation plan, last updated in 2020, identified Lahaina and other West Maui communities as having frequent wildfires and a large number of buildings at risk of wildfire damage. The report also noted that West Maui had the islands second-highest rate of households without a vehicle and the highest rate of non-English speakers. This may limit the populations ability to receive, understand and take expedient action during hazard events, the plan noted. Mauis firefighting efforts may also have been hampered by a small staff, said Bobby Lee, president of the Hawaii Firefighters Association. There are a maximum of 65 firefighters working at any given time in the county, and they are responsible for three islands Maui, Molokai and Lanai he said. Those crews have about 13 fire engines and two ladder trucks, but the department does not have any off-road vehicles, he said. That means crews cant attack brush fires thoroughly before they reach roads or populated areas. Maui water officials warned residents in Kula and Lahaina who have running water that it may be contaminated and they should not drink it even after boiling and should take only short, lukewarm showers in a well-ventilated room to avoid exposure to possible chemical vapors. But Andrew Whelton, an engineering professor at Purdue University whose team was called in after the Camp Fire and the 2021 Marshall Fire in Colorado, said showering in water that potentially contains hazardous waste levels of benzene is not advisable and a do-not-use order would be appropriate until sampling and analysis have been done. When she fled Tuesday, Lahaina resident Lana Vierra thought it would be temporary. She spent Friday morning filling out FEMA assistance forms at a relatives house in Haiku. Though she knew the home where she raised five children was gone, along with treasured items like baby pictures and yearbooks, she was eager to return. To actually stand there on your burnt grounds and get your wheels turning on how to move forward I think it will give families that peace," she said. Riley Curran said he fled his home on Front Street after climbing up a neighboring apartment building to get a better look at the onrushing fire. He doubts county officials could have done more to stave off disaster, because it happened so fast. Its not that people didnt try to do anything. ... The fire went from 0 to 100, Curran said. Curran added that he grew up in California and has seen horrendous wildfires, but Ive never seen one eat an entire town in four hours. Kelleher reported from Honolulu. Associated Press writers Rebecca Boone in Boise, Idaho; Andrew Selsky in Bend, Oregon; Bobby Caina Calvan and Beatrice Dupuy in New York; Chris Megerian in Salt Lake City; Audrey McAvoy in Wailuku, Hawaii; Ada;m Beam in Sacramento, California; and Seth Borenstein in Washington contributed. MOUNT PLEASANT A Mount Pleasant man is accused of having just over three pounds of fentanyl laced marijuana that he is accused of planning to sell. Shawn Tucker was charged with possession with intent to deliver or manufacture between 1,000 and 2,500 grams of THC, possession with intent to deliver over 50 grams of fentanyl and maintain a drug trafficking place. On Aug. 6, an officer from the Mount Pleasant Police Department was called to the 1400 block of Oakes Road after a report of vandalism, according to the criminal complaint. The officer noticed that a back door to one of the units was open and a kitchen window was shattered. The officer also saw blood spatter and that the residence had been ransacked, and entered out of concern that someone could be injured. Dispatch contacted Tucker, who was the last known resident, the complaint said. He reportedly told them that he did not live there anymore and hung up, then called back and stated that he did live there and that police did not have permission to enter. While in the residence, the officer allegedly found two plastic bags with marijuana, according to the complaint. A search warrant was drafted and executed. During the search, the officer allegedly found several pieces of luggage that had been cut open and several small baggies of marijuana underneath the luggage, the complaint said. Just over three pounds, or 1,401.5 grams, of marijuana was allegedly found at the scene. The substance was tested using a NARK II test kit and allegedly tested positive for THC and fentanyl, according to the complaint. On Aug. 7, Tucker went to the Mount Pleasant Police Department to file a report for the damages to his residence and he was arrested. He is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing Aug. 17. 1. Yes. As long as the basic ordinance is still intact, its smart to adjust to the local market. 2. Yes. If part of the ordinance isnt workable, it doesnt make sense to force the issue. 3. No. City staff worked hard on those design standards; its not fair to scrap them now. 4. No. Developers and builders shouldnt get to set their own rules. Keep the standards intact. 5. Unsure. Its best if the city and developers work together, but the city has the last word. Vote View Results A sign for a gender-neutral restroom at the Conrad Hilton Hotel in Chicago during the National LGBTQ Task Force held at the downtown hotel in 2016. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune) SPRINGFIELD A measure that allows multiple-occupancy public restrooms to be labeled gender-neutral was among more than 40 bills signed into law Friday by Gov. J.B. Pritzker. The measure amends the states Equitable Restroom Act of 2019, which mandated all single-occupancy public restrooms to be available to all genders. The new law takes effect immediately. A similar ordinance was passed by the Chicago City Council in 2021. The bill passed by a 35-20 vote in the Senate this spring over strong opposition from Republicans. State Sen. Neil Anderson of Andalusia proclaimed that hed likely lose it if his 10-year-old daughter ever wound up sharing a public bathroom with a man. Im telling you right now, if a guy walks in there, Im gonna beat the living piss out of him, he said. Before the House followed up with a 63-41 vote, state Rep. Kelly Cassidy, a Chicago Democrat, condemned Andersons remarks, saying when one of our colleagues threatened physical violence as a result of this bill, that is what we should be concerned about. This bill is a victory for all who support the freedom of businesses to make their own decisions about how to conduct their day-to-day operations, Cassidy said. In a statement released by Equality Illinois, an advocacy group that championed the legislation, Democratic state Rep. Katie Stuart of Edwardsville said theres been a lot of confusion due to claims that this bill would force businesses to change their bathrooms. I cant stress enough how false that is. This bill is about removing a prohibition, not about imposing requirements, beyond those which are necessary to set basic standards for those establishments that may choose to make the change, Stuart said. Among other bills signed into law on Friday by the governor: A bill that allows a restaurant or retailer under certain conditions to fill or refill a consumer-owned container with ready-to-eat or dry bulk foods. The bill becomes effective in January. A bill that promotes salary transparency and equal pay by requiring businesses with 15 or more employees to include the pay scale in job postings. This law takes effect in January 2025. A measure that restricts the sale, sharing and access of automated license plate reader data by law enforcement when it interferes with someones abortion rights, particularly if they come to Illinois from out of state, or allows for the detention or investigation of a person based on their immigration status. The law takes effect in January. A bill expanding the liability for the actions and service of ride-share drivers. That law takes effect in January. A bill establishing compensation guidelines for children featured in video blogs, or vlogs. This bill also takes effect in January. On Saturday, Pritzker also signed into law a measure that would subject gun dealers and manufacturers to civil liabilities if they engage in improper marketing practices. jgorner@chicagotribune.com LINCOLN The Nebraska Supreme Court has publicly reprimanded a Hastings judge for pulling strings to help his friend and parish priest out of a ticket hed gotten for driving away from a gas station without paying. County Court Judge Michael P. Burns got no additional punishment for his misconduct, Chief Justice Mike Heavican, who chairs the Commission on Judicial Qualifications, wrote in the reprimand, which came out with Fridays opinions. Heavican said Burns, who had no history of prior discipline, expressed embarrassment and remorse and has acknowledged the consequences, albeit unintended, of this misconduct. The judge also immediately reported his own conduct and fully cooperated with the Judicial Qualifications Commission investigation that followed. According to the order, on March 16, during a noon break, Burns got a message from a county clerk magistrate who had noticed a misdemeanor charge being filed against someone the clerk recognized as Burns friend and parish priest, who isnt named in the reprimand. Although a judge hadnt yet been assigned and Burns had a clear conflict due to his friendship with the priest, he told the clerk to hold off processing the charge so he could look into it. Burns called the county attorney who had filed the charge, feeling certain that his friend wouldnt have intentionally driven away from a convenience store without paying and there must be some mistake. He asked if further investigation might be warranted before proceeding, and provided the defendants phone number to pass along to law enforcement, Heavican said. He also contacted his friend, notifying him of the charge and encouraging him to follow up with law enforcement to resolve it. Burns reported his conduct the same day. The commission found Burns actions improper, and said he should have told the clerk magistrate he had a conflict of interest. And he shouldnt have gone to the prosecutor. Although Judge Burns reasoned he was helping his parish priest avoid the public embarrassment of an unjust minor criminal charge, he was only able to do so by virtue of his judicial position, using knowledge and contacts afforded to him as a judge, Heavican said in the reprimand, which is intended to address the specific conduct as well as instruct other judges should they find themselves in similar circumstances. Burns has been a judge since 2011. Imagine being able to look at thousands of automated images of a human body on a computer screen. Not just the external body, but the internal body everything from the brain to bones to the tiniest of cells. Now imagine the images are on a three-dimensional, human-sized screen and that each is based upon a human body, real cadavers from people who donated their bodies to science. This is the kind of advanced technology being used in Chippewa Falls High School. Its so advanced that medical professionals, medical students and researchers across the globe use it daily, not just for learning or training but also for medical diagnoses. The Anatomage Table has been used at Chippewa Falls High School for several years to immerse students in the most technologically advanced 3D anatomy visualization and virtual dissection tools available. Just one high school teacher in the U.S. was honored for her use of the technology in teaching high schoolers. She happens to work in Chippewa Falls. Chippewa Falls High School anatomy, physiology, earth science and chemistry teacher Becky Salonen has received a national award for her use of Anatomages 3D technology that helps students learn about the human body. The tech is quickly replacing cadavers in medical classrooms. The Anatomage Outstanding Teacher Award ceremony, held in June in California, recognized one outstanding high school educator, undergraduate educator and graduate/post-graduate educator for their use of the technology. Salonen said Chippewa Falls High Schools Anatomage Table was delivered in March 2020 just before the school shut down because of COVID-19. We werent able to use it. It just sat there, but the following school year is when I began using the table with my human anatomy and physiology classes, she said. I had spent quite a lot of time learning from other educators across the country about best practices for the table and trying to make sure it went to good use. Salonen said when students returned to in-person classes, they were impressed with the new tech. Everyone just thought it was so cool. It reminded me of how amazing technology can really help students get excited; invested in something like anatomy, she said. It is so much better than a textbook because its three-dimensional. Salonen said there are many uses for the table. There is the cadaver library, but they also have a case library where they have real images of CT scans, MRIs and things like that of people, she said. They also have a library thats more of their physiology. And so they have these animations and things within the body. So you can see how things are working, like the heartbeat, and you can see the valves working and things like that. Because the images on the table are life-size and based on real bodies, its almost like the students are working on a real cadaver, Salonen said. We can zoom in and zoom out and things like that depending on what we need, she said. When were using the table, and were using the cadaver library on the table, we are looking at images of real human bodies. The other really cool thing about the table is that we can change what were seeing. So we can change the view so that we remove layers to look deeper into the body. So lets say were talking about the skeletal system in my class, and we only want to look at the skeleton system, I can turn off all of the other structures in the body so we just see that. As the winner of the award for high school educators, Salonen received a cash prize of $1,000, a complimentary pass to the Anatomage Conference in California, a commemorative certificate and a trophy for her achievement. When Tom was sitting on the curb outside the Cameron Street parking ramp, a La Crosse police officer gave him three options: leave, get a ticket or be taken to jail. I looked at him and said, Where are we supposed to go? said Tom, who has been homeless in the La Crosse community for a couple years. He said, I dont know. Since the passage of a La Crosse city ordinance explicitly prohibiting camping in parks and parking ramps and a lack of sufficient shelter space people living without permanent housing are left with nowhere to go. The Tribune has chosen not to use Toms last name out of concern for his safety. As of the end of July, 228 individuals and 61 families without permanent housing in the Coulee Region, which includes La Crosse, Monroe, Crawford and Vernon counties. Homeless service providers have expressed concern the additional restrictions and lack of direction as to where to go is leading to more instances of depression, anxiety and suicide among the unsheltered population. (People experiencing homelessness) are not welcome anywhere to begin with, said Julie McDermid, director of Karuna Housing. What people dont realize is when we push them out of the park and then we start chasing them around town and pushing them out of every place, people are more hopeless and despairing than theyve ever been. Then we see an increase in drug use and now were seeing more people actively harming themselves, McDermid continued. This is the worst Ive ever seen it, where people are just so hopeless about getting any kind of help. Were seeing people talk about suicide. Over the Aug. 4 weekend, two individuals without permanent housing died while living outside, according to the La Crosse County Medical Examiners office. So far this year, 15 people without housing have passed away based on the examiners data. The highest cause of death among the 15 individuals was accidental due to overdose. Overall mental health is a big kind of factor in their background in history, said Beth Lubinski, chief medical examiner. In most cases, theres some form of mental health documented, not to say that caused the death to occur, but it could be that they have mental health or chronic pain or something that caused them to start using substances that arent prescribed. Lack of shelter When the city camping ordinance went into effect mid-July, police officers were tasked with communicating the new rules and enforcement to the unsheltered community. Brian Sampson, homeless service coordinator for the city, thought the police did a good job informing people about the changes but acknowledged there was still no answer about where to direct people to go. One of the overall struggles in our community right now is safe, appropriate spaces for people to be, Sampson said. Were still trying to get a handle on where everyones going to be. Sampson said the city is working to figure out where people retreated and where they can safely stay. In a perfect world, everybody would have housing options and supportive services that they need, he said. The Salvation Army maintains about 60 shelter beds but only for single adults. New Horizons, a domestic violence shelter, changed sheltering programming during June and July, but has since resumed normal operations. Ruths House, a womens shelter operated by the YWCA, will cease operations Aug. 15. Theres no shelter at all for families, McDermid said. That leaves nearly 170 individuals and 60 families currently experiencing homelessness without emergency shelter. No place to go McDermid said when the new camping ban ordinance first passed, she was advised by city staff to tell individuals to camp at River Point North or city hall because those locations werent explicitly banned. However, direction quickly changed after the Board of Public Works voted July 31 to add additional areas to the prohibited camping list including city hall (400 La Crosse St.) and 621 Third St., an empty structure just south of the River Point District development. Now people dont know where they can sit down without being asked to leave. Its not like (police) coming along once a day, theyre out there patrolling the ramps two or three times a day and every park and telling people to move along, McDermid said. Tom said people are doing whatever it takes to find a place to rest their head at night. McDermid said people are retreating out to the bluff or marsh area to escape the day-to-day police contact. But living in more remote areas comes with other concerns, such as getting help in a medical emergency. Some people are moving as far out into the marshes where they are hopeful that the police wont bother to come out there and get to them, but the further out they go the further out they are from getting any help, she said. The further out we push them, the more were going to see where people are getting sick or hurt or dying. WASHINGTON The U.S. and its European allies are importing vast amounts of nuclear fuel and compounds from Russia, providing Moscow with hundreds of millions of dollars in badly needed revenue as it wages war on Ukraine. The sales, which are legal and unsanctioned, have raised alarms from nonproliferation experts and elected officials who say the imports are helping to bankroll the development of Moscows nuclear arsenal and are complicating efforts to curtail Russias war-making abilities. The dependence on Russian nuclear products used mostly to fuel civilian reactors leaves the U.S. and its allies open to energy shortages if Russian President Vladimir Putin were to cut off supplies. The challenge is likely to grow more intense as those nations seek to boost production of emissions-free electricity to combat climate change. We have to give money to the people who make weapons? Thats absurd, said Henry Sokolski, executive director of the Washington-based Nonproliferation Policy Education Center. If there isnt a clear rule that prevents nuclear power providers from importing fuel from Russia and its cheaper to get it from there why wouldnt they do it? Russia sold about $1.7 billion in nuclear products to firms in the U.S. and Europe, according to trade data and experts. The purchases occurred as the West has leveled stiff sanctions on Moscow over its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, blocking imports of such Russian staples as oil, gas, vodka and caviar. The West has been reluctant to target Russias nuclear exports, however, because they play key roles in keeping reactors humming. Russia supplied the U.S. nuclear industry with about 12% of its uranium last year, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Europe reported getting about 17% of its uranium in 2022 from Russia. Reliance on nuclear power is expected to grow as nations embrace alternatives to fossil fuels. Nuclear power plants produce no emissions, though experts warn that nuclear energy comes with the risk of reactor meltdowns and the challenge of how to safely store radioactive waste. There are about 60 reactors under construction around the world 300 more are in the planning stages. Many of the 30 countries generating nuclear energy in some 440 plants are importing radioactive materials from Russias state-owned energy corporation Rosatom and its subsidiaries. Rosatom leads the world in uranium enrichment, and is ranked third in uranium production and fuel fabrication, according to its 2022 annual report. Rosatom, which says it is building 33 reactors in 10 countries, and its subsidiaries, exported around $2.2 billion worth of nuclear energy-related goods and materials last year, according to trade data analyzed by the Royal United Service Institute, a London-based think-tank. The institute said that figure is likely much larger because it is difficult to track such exports. Rosatom's CEO Alexei Likhachyov told the Russian newspaper Izvestia the company's foreign business should total $200 billion over the next decade. That lucrative civilian business provides critical funds for Rosatom's other major responsibility: designing and producing Russia's atomic arsenal, experts say. Ukrainian officials have pleaded with world leaders to sanction Rosatom to cut off one of Moscows last significant funding streams and to punish Putin for launching the invasion. Ukrainian President Volodmyr Zelenskyy again pressed Western leaders to target Rosatom after Russian forces captured the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Rosatom is running the partially shutdown plant, and the International Atomic Energy Agency has repeatedly warned that a radiation leak at the Russian-occupied facility could be a major disaster. Ukraine does not understand why sanctions have not yet been introduced against Rosatom and its leadership, Zelenskyy said in May, when representatives of this company continue to occupy Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and put our general security at risk. Nuclear energy advocates say the U.S. and some European countries would face difficulty in cutting off imports of Russian nuclear products. The U.S. nuclear energy industry, which largely outsources its fuel, produces about 20% of U.S. electricity. The value of Russian nuclear fuel and products sent to the U.S. hit $871 million last year, up from $689 million in 2021 and $610 million in 2020, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. In terms of weight, U.S. imports of uranium products from Russia nearly doubled from 6.3 tons in 2020 to 12.5 tons in 2022, according to trade data from ImportGenius. The reasons for that reliance goes back decades. The U.S. uranium industry took a beating following a 1993 nonproliferation deal that resulted in the importation of inexpensive weapons-grade uranium from Russia, experts say. The downturn accelerated after a worldwide drop in demand for nuclear fuel following the 2011 meltdown of three reactors at Japans Fukushima Daiichi power plant. American nuclear plants plants purchased 5% of their uranium from domestic suppliers in 2021, the last year for which official U.S. production data are available, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The largest source of uranium for such plants was Kazakhstan, which contributed about 35% of the supply. A close Russian ally, Kazakhstan is the worlds largest producer of uranium. The Biden administration says it is trying to revive uranium mining and the production of nuclear fuel, and lawmakers have introduced legislation to speed up the process. However, President Joe Biden recently announced the formation of a national monument to preserve land around Grand Canyon National Park that would prevent new uranium mining in the region. It is critical that we stop funding Russias state-owned nuclear monopoly, Rosatom, said Sen. John Barrasso, the Wyoming Republican who introduced legislation earlier this year to fund Americas nuclear fuel supply chain. We also need to give Americas nuclear fuel suppliers market certainty. Photos: Russia bombards Ukraine's port city of Odesa, hitting beloved historic sites This Builder Is Open! They are Building and Selling Homes! Welcome to the "Palmer" Model! This is Proposed New Construction that is to be built. This Ranch Home is an example of what this Local Family Builder can Build for you. This Pricing is for the Palmer Model, Elevation B on Homesite 56 with a 2.5 Car Garage and Lookout Basement. This Proposed New Construction Ranch Home Features 3 Bedrooms, 2.1 Bathrooms, with an Optional Four Season Room, 2.5 Car Garage and Lookout Basement! **Note the 3 Car Garage in Photo can be added for an additional fee. Be Prepared to Be Amazed with the Quality Workmanship Throughout! With A Focus On Service, this Builder Works With Their Customers to Ensure Complete Satisfaction! Check Out The Awesome New Model In Person To Appreciate What Your New Home Could Be! Design Center Conveniently Located On Site to Select your Finishes and Upgrades. Several Home Sites to choose from. (**Please note the examples shown in the photos are available options at an additional cost.) Thank You & We Look Forward to Serving You! Estimated Delivery Date if you Build This Home is January 2024. View More Enrollment for the Lake Geneva school districts is expected to decrease by hundreds of students over the next decade. Student enrollment is expected to continue to decline during the next 10 years for the Lake Geneva Joint No. 1 School District and the Lake Geneva-Genoa City Union High School District. Michael Hacker of Cadence Consulting LLC in Whitefish Bay presented enrollment projections for both districts during the Lake Geneva Joint No. 1 School Board meeting, July 11. The projections were based on a study conducted by Applied Population Lab in Madison this spring. Applied Population Lab works with municipalities and school districts to help forecast population and enrollment trends. They look at the recent history. They look very, very closely at birth rates and trends around birth rates, Hacker said. We studied closely how the population ties to census data that we know and are forecasting going froward, and they look closely at housing trends and how many homes are being built and planned to be built in the future. Hacker said Lake Geneva Joint No. 1 School Districts current enrollment is about 1,760 students and is expected to decline by about 350 students during the next 10 years. Enrollment is projected to decline by about 200 students at the elementary school level and by about 150 students at the middle school level. The Lake Geneva Joint No. 1 School District includes Lake Geneva Middle School, Central-Denison Elementary School, Eastview Elementary School and Star Center Elementary School. Hacker said with the decrease in enrollment district officials need to determine how they are going to structure the school buildings during the next few years. He said the Lake Geneva Joint No. 1 School District is currently at 56% utilization with its school buildings and in about 10 years the district will be at 46% utilization with its buildings. Hacker said, during the next 10 years, district officials should determine how many classrooms will be needed for each grade level. For example, based on enrollment and building utilization projections, the district could have a total six classrooms per grade level. You should plan for six first-grade classrooms, six second-grade classrooms and so on to match the projected enrollment, Hacker said. This does not attempt to project where those six classrooms live today. This is district wide, maybe plan for those in some form somewhere in the district. Enrollment for the Lake Geneva-Genoa City Union High School District, which includes Badger High School, is expected to decrease by about 260 students during the next 10 years. Hakcer said many school districts across Wisconsin are experiencing a decrease in enrollment. At a real high level, I would say this is the type of information we are seeing at many, many school districts across the state, Hacker said. Its very common that districts are seeing a stable to slight decline in their projected enrollment in the next 10 to 15 years. So this falls in line to what were seeing as a trend. Superintendent Peter Wilson said he feels part of the reason for the decrease in enrollment with the Lake Geneva school districts is because of less school-age children living in the area. Both districts were reported as over the next 10 years as seeing a decline in enrollment, Wilson said. A lot of that is younger groups of people living in Walworth County and the districts is declining. Wilson said he feels another issue that is affecting school enrollment is the lack of affordable housing in the area for younger families. So I think part of it is the birthrates are slowing down, and I think part of it is the lack of housing opportunities for younger families, Wilson said. Young families dont appear to be moving to the district. We have a large growth rate, but the growth and the builds are specifically around non-school-aged individuals and families. Wilson said the decrease in enrollment will affect the amount of revenue and funding that will be available for the school districts during the next several years. Both districts over the next 10 years are expected to see a decline in enrollment which will, bottom line, affect school funding and school finance, Wilson said. So over the next course of years, there will be less funding available for both Lake Geneva school districts, Joint No. 1 and Badger. Lake Geneva school district officials are in the process of working on a long-range facility plan for the school buildings. The school districts recently hired CG Schmidt of Madison as construction managers to assist with the plan. Lake Geneva Business Improvement District concerned with decreased enrollment Spyro Condos, president of the Lake Geneva Business Improvement District, said, during the Aug. 2 Business Improvement District Board meeting, that he also is concerned with the school districts decreasing enrollments. Condos said he currently is working on initiatives with the superintendent to help students become more involved with the Business Improvement District. We need these students in our business district. We need them more than ever, Condos said. School enrollment has declined so much to a dangerous level. Condos said he also feels part of the reason for the decrease in enrollment is because of the lack of affordable housing and the increase of short-term rental properties in Lake Geneva. We need a variety. We need some single-family homes. We need more affordable housing. We need more duplexes, Condos said. We need all of that to provide for people who want to come to Lake Geneva and afford to stay here. Badger High School graduates receive their diplomas Watch now: Badger High School graduates enter the stadium Members of the Badger High School band perform before the June 4 graduation ceremony Badger High School class of 2023 students enter the football stadium for their graduation ceremony Haleigh Smith delivers a speech to her fellow graduating students A row of diplomas are lined up waiting to be taken by the graduating students Graduating student Logan Madison delivers a speech during the ceremony A stadium full of people wish the graduating class of 2023 the best of luck Badger High School graduates listen to speeches during their graduation ceremomy Superintendent Peter Wilson congratulates the students for graduating high school Badger High School Principal Jennifer Straus congratulates the students for everything they have accomplished during their high school career Members of the Badger High School chorus prepare to sing the national anthem Graduating students line up to receive their diplomas Badger High School graduating students wait for the ceremony to begin Superintendent Peter Wilson and Principal Jennifer Straus congratulate the students Lake Geneva-Genoa City High School Board Member Jeff Buntrock presents students with their diplimas Graduating students leave the stage after receiving their diplomas Watch now: Badger High School band performs before graduation More details have emerged in the controversial arrests of a Black man and woman that occurred inside an Applebees restaurant in Kenosha last month. Earlier this week, Kenosha community activists and a group of area residents strongly criticized the actions of some local police officers who they said brutalized and unnecessarily detained a Black man and traumatized his partner at an Applebees restaurant. The incident, which took place the night of July 20, occurred after a hit-and-run crash at Green Bay Road and Highway 50. The mans arrest was captured on a video by another man inside the restaurant and has been widely viewed via social media. The incident has sparked headlines. A crash occurred at about 11 p.m. and ended in the parking lot at the Applebees, 6950 Green Bay Road. Afterwards, the hit-and-run suspects being sought were found hiding inside the restaurants bathroom. The man arrested in the video was not involved in the hit-and-run. In the viral video of the arrest, the man being subdued tells police to let him go while a woman screams to someone telling them to get the baby. The man and the baby are then seen on the floor when the man tells at least two officers to let him go and someone appears to pull the child away. Officers continue to wrestle the man to the ground until they handcuff him behind his back. Officers later learned the man, and the woman he was with, were not involved in the hit-and-run. The man was charged with disorderly conduct and resisting an officer. The woman was arrested on the same charges and for possession of THC. When asked for comment about the incident Applebee's provided the Kenosha News the following statement from Cas Banaszek, vice president of operations at the local Applebee's franchisee. The safety and well-being of our guests and team members is a top priority and we do not condone violence or discrimination of any kind. We are committed to cooperating with the authorities in their investigation and any additional questions can be directed to the Kenosha Police Department," the statement reads. Criminal complaints The Kenosha News obtained the criminal complaints filed against the man, 24, and woman, 21, both of Zion, Ill. The Kenosha News is not naming those involved. Around 11 p.m., a Kenosha Police officer responded to the area of Highway 50 and Green Bay Road for a rollover crash with subjects who fled the scene, according to the complaints. Upon arrival, the officer reportedly learned that a Black male and female with a baby had run toward a nearby Kohls or Menards, and that the female had a red shirt with a bun on top of her head and a scarf. Around 11:11 p.m., Applebees staff reportedly called into dispatch to advise that a group of individuals matching the description had entered the restaurant and appeared nervous. The officer went to Applebees and located both a man and woman matching the description in the restaurant though the female had a white shirt instead of a red one, according to the complaints. The female did, however, have a bun in her hair, and the male was seated holding a baby, according to the complaints. Believing that both individuals were involved in the accident and that they were attempting to evade police, (the officer) approached them and attempted to ask them questions to see if they were involved in the hit-and-run incident, according to the complaints. After being asked what car they arrived in, they indicated that they did not need to answer any questions and refused to tell (the officer). The couple said that they had been at Applebees for about an hour-and-a-half, but the restaurants manager reportedly advised that they had only been there for maybe 20 minutes, according to the complaints. While officers were attempting to investigate, the man allegedly began walking toward the exit. In response, the officer reportedly informed the man that he was being detained and that he was not free to go. The man, however, reportedly told the officer that he was free to go and proceeded to try to walk past officers. Once again, according to the complaints, the officer asked them to let law enforcement know what car they came in and then they would be done investigating, but the man reportedly refused to provide the information. Another officer reportedly attempted to stop the man from walking away from officers with a modified escort hold to his right arm, according to the complaints, but the man pulled swiftly away from this officers grip, which resulted in a struggle taking place inside the restaurant. Despite being assisted by the Pleasant Prairie Police, (the man) continued to try to pull away and had to be decentralized to the ground. While (the man) was on the ground, he was ordered to put his hands behind his back and (an officer) delivered several strong side hand and forearm strikes in order ensure compliance, according to the complaints. Another officer also reported that while he was at Applebees assisting other officers, he observed the woman fighting with an officer, according to the complaints. This officer reportedly observed the woman actively pulling her arm away from an officer and actively resisting efforts to be taken into custody. After being taken into custody, the woman was reportedly found to have a baggie of a green leafy substance that later tested positive for the presence of marijuana. Some community activists have demanded the charged be dropped and all body camera video released. The man originally thought to be the suspect was then transported to a local hospital for treatment. The extent of his injuries are unclear, however, authorities were also reported to have used pepper spray on him. Both were scheduled to appear in Kenosha County Circuit Court Friday afternoon for pre-trial conferences. Both were released on $500 signature bonds the week of the arrests. We really are disheartened by how the police officers chose to go to that family, Tanya McLean, executive director of Leaders of Kenosha, said during a protest Wednesday evening. There was just a lack of de-escalation. Everything happened so quickly. It elevated so quickly. It just didnt seem that anyone was a voice of reason that had a uniform on. The only person that seemed to have a voice of reason was the Applebees employees, you know, trying to get the baby. But the police officers, it just does not appear that they were using good judgement and thats just not OK. Leaders of Kenosha is a nonprofit organization that advocates for equity and social justice. Kenosha Police Chief Patrick Patton said Sunday he was aware of the video and that the incident is undergoing an internal investigation. Patton said that the officers involved were investigating the incident in good faith given the information and the descriptions that were given to them. ACLU of Wisconsin condemns The ACLU of Wisconsin, All in Wisconsin, Leaders of Kenosha and Black Leaders Organizing For Communities (BLOC) issued a joint statement regarding the incident Friday. We are calling for answers and accountability. The actions of the police that were captured on video were disgraceful and endangered the safety of an innocent Black man, a baby, and others present at the restaurant, the prepared statement reads. KPD has a responsibility to the public to ensure there is a fully transparent and independent investigation into this incident. The victim, his family, and the entire community are owed a complete explanation for why this happened. SPRINGFIELD Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Saturday approved a measure that would allow firearm retailers or manufacturers to be sued for marketing guns to people under 18 and promoting other improper marketing ploys geared toward the sale of weapons. The bill was signed a day after Pritzker and his Democratic allies in the Illinois General Assembly scored a close victory when the state Supreme Court, in a 4-3 decision, voted to uphold the states ban on certain high-powered guns and high-capacity ammunition magazines. Pritzker and other elected officials discussed the gun marketing liability law in Chicago at McCormick Place during a conference for the national gun control group Everytown for Gun Safety. Vice President Kamala Harris spoke at the event on Friday. You know, we hold opioid manufacturers accountable. We hold vaping companies accountable. We hold predatory lenders accountable. Gun manufacturers shouldnt get to hide from the law and now they wont be able to, Pritzker said at the conference on Saturday. Dubbed the Firearm Industry Responsibility Act, the new law allows firearms businesses to not only be sued if they advertise to people under 18, but also if the businesses fail to take steps to prevent illegal sales, such as straw purchasing, sell guns to someone who is not allowed to own one or sell them to someone who the businesses believe could be a danger to themselves or someone else. The law also allows civil action against the firearms businesses if theyre found to have marketed guns for unlawful paramilitary or private militia-related activities. In the legislature, the measure passed 71-40 in the House and 34-22 in the Senate. Prior to the measures passage in May, Senate Republican Leader John Curran, of Downers Grove, raised concerns about the vagueness and the lack of notice and guidance that the measure gives firearms businesses when they try to comply with such a law by implementing certain safeguards. We already heavily regulate those who sell and transact weapons in this state. What this proposal before us does, it really just sets a whole myriad of additional liabilities for gun dealers, and quite frankly theres parts of it that would be impossible for them to follow, Curran said during a Senate floor debate. He also said he thinks the measure could be challenged in the courts. Before the bill passed, at least one of its other opponents argued it violates federal law, which provides protections for firearms manufacturers against civil liabilities. During the Illinois Senate floor debate, Senate President Don Harmon sought to assure others in the chamber that the bill does not conflict with federal law. I want to emphasize why were doing this. One of the key components of this is to prevent marketing to children, said Harmon, a Democrat from Oak Park. He also referenced what he said was an image of an ad of a young child holding a high-powered gun. This is how people are marketing guns to our children, Harmon said. I dont think the (states) Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act should allow that unchecked. In determining whether firearm advertising campaigns are geared toward minors, the law says that could mean promotions that use caricatures that reasonably appear to be minors or cartoon characters, offer brand name merchandise for minors such as clothing, toys, or stuffed animals, or products in sizes, colors, or designs that are specifically designed to be used by, or appeal to, minors. According to Attorney General Kwame Raouls office, which pushed for the legislation, the measure specifically excludes communications or promotional materials for lawful firearms safety programs such as hunting activities or sport shooting events. jgorner@chicagotribune.com A 19th-century minister, pharmacist, doctor and abolitionist, William Henry Brisbane was a man who knew how to start over. When decades prior to the Civil War he was run out of South Carolina for freeing the slaves hed inherited, Brisbane moved north, eventually landing in Wisconsin. When Madison didnt suit him, he moved 30 miles west to Arena. And when the home he built of wood burned to the ground, he built another one of stone. That home became known as the Brisbane House, and it has been reinvented once again in recent years, this time by Madisons Samantha Crownover and her team. The 1868 home is a charming architectural oddity, yet fresh and welcoming, tucked inside a woodland setting. The year after Crownover and her husband, Bruce, renovated the Brisbane House, their work earned a 2022 Preservation Award from the Madison Trust for Historic Preservation. At a public celebration of Arenas centennial at Brisbane House on Sept. 10, the project will be presented with yet another honor, the Wisconsin Historical Societys 2023 Board of Curators Restoration Award. If you go What: Celebrate Arenas Centennial at Brisbane House, with readings of William Henry Brisbanes poems and prose by actor Sam White, plus poetry by Fabu. Refreshments and house tours. When: Sunday, Sept. 10. Two presentations from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Where: Brisbane House, 7050 Reimann Road, Arena Admission: Free to the public, but suggested donations of $10 welcome. To register, email samanthacrownover@sbcglobal.net Website: brisbanehouse.net After saving the house from disrepair, Crownover now rents out the property on Airbnb and Vrbo for between $400 and $700 a night. The main house sleeps six people, and the converted summer kitchen another four. All but nine weekends until the end of the year are booked. It really is breathtaking!, a former guest gushes on the brisbanehouse.net website. We will always remember this as one of the best places we have ever stayed. Built in I-style Though its located in the Wisconsin River Valley, the three-story house, built from locally quarried stone, is designed in the I-style more commonly found in Brisbanes native South Carolina. Tall and skinny, the house is listed on both the national and state registers of historic places. The Crownovers had long admired it on their frequent visits to the nearby home and art studio of the late William Weege, a great friend of theirs. When Weeges wife told them one day that the Brisbane House was going up for sale, Crownover immediately called longtime friend and real estate developer Tom Neujahr. Jointly, they made the decision that same day to buy it. The house cost the partnership a little more than $220,000. Restoration work cost more than double that. The property needed a regrading of the yard and the removal of a sidewalk around the house that was caving in and jeopardizing the foundation. Interior walls had to be re-plastered, and a new furnace and air conditioning installed. The septic system had to be replaced. I was the president of the Madison Trust for Historic Preservation (in the early 2000s), so I knew it could be just a money pit, Crownover said. Even so, having to dig a new well on the property was a real bummer, she said. Crownover, who lives in Madison, also manages the Baskerville Condos at 121 S. Hamilton St., which are on the state and national registers of historic places. She has a huge Rolodex of people who work on historic buildings, she said. And once people saw this place, they said, Oh yeah, I want to work on this. It was so fun. We worked so fast and got (the main house) done in four months we closed (on the sale) April 1 and started renting it Aug. 22, in 2021, she said. Converting the summer kitchen into four-season bedrooms took longer, as delays related to the Covid-19 pandemic meant a six-month holdup on a shipment of windows. The house has been rented by visitors coming to the area for family reunions and weddings, guests from Chicago and the East Coast, and even a couple of museum curators from Minneapolis and Kansas City, Crownover said. Brisbane House is open for reservations year-round, and the garage is stocked with snowshoes and sleds. A new screened-in porch offers a green view of some of the propertys 18 acres. Countless trails wend through the forest and prairie lands nearby. Filled with art The previous owner lived in the house for 62 years, raising and home-schooling her six children there and running a toy shop out of the summer kitchen. She loved this place and was really into Brisbanes legacy, too, Crownover said. Brisbane was raised by his aunt and uncle, who had some 80 enslaved people on their property, she said. Through the Bible, Brisbane became convinced that slavery was immoral. When his uncle died, he inherited about 33 (enslaved) people and he sold them because he didnt believe in slavery, Crownover said. Then he thought to himself, Wait a minute, thats not right. He bought them back, then freed them. Starting a new life in Wisconsin, Brisbane worked as a ferry driver and innkeeper and eventually became a state Senate clerk for the Wisconsin Legislature. It was in that role that some historians think Brisbane also influenced the 1800s-era Wisconsin law that has effectively banned abortions since the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Crownover, however, says there is nothing in Brisbanes writings or journals that even mentions abortion. Today the Brisbane House is filled with samples of Brisbanes abolitionist writings and contemporary artworks by artists of color. A portrait of Abraham Lincoln painted in vivid hues by the Madison artist Romano Johnson hangs in the living room. Other rooms feature work by artists such as abstract painter Sam Gilliam, the late folk artist Simon Sparrow and silhouette artist Kara Walker. The pieces were personally collected by Crownover, also an art consultant for works on paper, and her husband, an artist and retired master printer for UW-Madisons Tandem Press. Crownover selected wall paint colors and even wallpaper on the ceiling to complement each artwork. House guests can page through a binder for an art tour explaining each piece on the walls. Rooms in the old house are bright and airy. Each bed is draped with a handmade quilt or coverlet most of them fashioned by the Crownovers ancestors. Arent they amazing? Crownover gushed over the antique handwork. And what are you going to do with quilts? Leave them in the closet? Or use them? The same is true for Brisbane House a place Crownover wants to share with visitors from around the world, she said. People who come here are so respectful, she said. Its important for me to respect who came before me and who had this place and loved it so for so long. Larry McClellan stands next to a historical marker at the former site of the Jan and Aagje Ton Farm during a walking and bus tour of Illinois Underground Railroad sites around the Beaubien Woods area Oct. 29, 2022, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) One of Larry McClellans favorite stories he researched as he was putting together his new book about freedom seekers and the Underground Railroad involved a group of bounty hunters in pursuit of people who had escaped slavery and were taking shelter on the outskirts of Chicago. The hunters sought information from Lewis Isbell, a formerly enslaved man who had come to Chicago in the 1830s and became a leader in the citys Black community. Isbell, who knew where the people were staying, told the men to come back the following day and he would lead them to the hiding spot. Upon arriving the next day, the slave hunters were greeted instead by all these Black guys with clubs who beat the crap out of them, McClellan said. Isbell had instructed the surprise party not to kill them, but to beat them so badly theyll never come back to Chicago, McClellan said. Its a great story. McClellan has been collecting stories about the Underground Railroad for decades. But over the years, his relationship with the very concept of the Underground Railroad has shifted dramatically. What became strikingly clear to me is that we really have to reframe the conversation, he said. For the 180 years weve been talking about the Underground Railroad, the focus has been on the activities of the people who were helping. Its important to reframe it so we understand deeply that all of this happened because of people making the decisions to escape from their enslavement. It was the movement of these freedom seekers that created responses. Eventually it created responses by Black and white abolitionists in Illinois and across the North. Its a message that got lost in the years following the Civil War, when it became fashionable in the North to have been part of the network of helpers. A lot of people white abolitionists and some Black abolitionists really made sure their stories were being told, so that information was more visible, McClellan said. "Onward to Chicago: Freedom Seekers and the Underground Railroad in Northeastern Illinois" by Larry McClellan is published by Southern Illinois University Press. (SIU Press) The press of the late 1800s and early 1900s was filled with stories glorifying these heroic white guys who were willing to break the law in the moral cause against slavery. There was a certain amount of danger, and we need to honor that, he said. But we also need to honor the incredibly dangerous long distance journeys the freedom seekers are making. McClellan, as he puts it, has been kicking around the area for a long time. He was among the educators who helped organize Governors State University 53 years ago and was mayor of University Park, then known as Park Forest South, in the 1970s. His interest in telling the stories of the Underground Railroad is a natural combination of his interest in social justice issues and fascination with history. In trying to understand the history of the Chicago Southland, I ran into these references of the Underground Railroad. It was really interesting to me that there were these people in Crete, the south end of Chicago, New Lenox, Lockport and other places that were helping on the Underground Railroad. Of course, fugitive slaves were coming through here, and that was who they were helping, but who were these interesting abolitionists? As he dove into those stories and started getting into intense research for earlier books, the protagonists began to shift, especially once he learned about Caroline Quarlls, whose journey to freedom started in Tennessee and eventually went through Naperville and Crete as she made her way to Detroit and Canada. We have to tell the freedom seeker stories, McClellan said. Thats where the real power is. Thats where the whole process needs to be humanized. Again and again in Underground Railroad accounts, the fugitive slaves are described by the way people did heroic things to help them. Thats upside down. The really remarkable stories are the ones of the people who made the decision to seek their freedom. The result of that realization became Onward to Chicago: Freedom Seekers and the Underground Railroad in Northeastern Illinois, just out from Southern Illinois University Press. It also was an opportunity to shed new light on what had been a long-established storyline in Chicago. The traditional Chicago story of the Underground Railroad starts in 1839 with a group of courageous white guys who assist this bewildered, bedraggled fugitive that just shows up, and they gathered him up and helped him and so on, McClellan said. That narrative likely originated with Zebina Eastman, editor of the abolitionist newspaper Western Citizen. The Illinois history books, the Chicago books, they all start with Eastmans story in 1839, he said. Thats just not true. For one thing, years before that, an established Black community in Chicago, including Lewis Isbell, was already assisting freedom seekers, he said. And while the tales of the helpers got picked up and repeated, the tales of the courageous travelers became buried by time. But many freedom seeker stories had to be pieced together from various sources, like assembling a jigsaw puzzle, he said, using material published in the late 19th century and then forgotten. While newspapers from the 1840s and 50s were a fascinating resource, they were really a mixed blessing because many of the stories got fictionalized or became overly dramatic. The Tribune, for example, had an enormous set of stories about individuals who made their way through Chicago, but you have to read them with a grain of salt. McClellan devoted much of his time to the stories of freedom seekers and their relationship to the region. He has regular speaking engagements and will do book signing events this fall. Historian Larry McClellan, center, tells a tour group in 2019 how the Indiana Avenue bridge over the Little Calumet River on Chicago's border with Riverdale was the site of a crossing as freedom seekers escaped to Canada along the Underground Railroad. (Ted Slowik/Daily Southtown) Hes also heavily involved with the Little Calumet River Underground Railroad Project. While hes adamant the stories of the freedom seekers should be the focus, its important to recognize the places they traveled, too. When he gives talks in Monee, he discusses peoples journeys up the Illinois Central Railroad line that runs through town. One of McClellans favorite spots is the Indiana Avenue bridge over the Little Calumet River in Riverdale, a regular stop on project tours. Its a place that gives modern people a reference point for the freedom seeker journeys. Every time we do that its a powerful experience for me, he said. To realize 500 people or more who were on their way to freedom walked right here. How more tied to a place can you get? So often, the journeys were diffuse, but because of an accident of geography, they had to get across the river to get around the bottom of Lake Michigan. This is a place where that concentration happens. Not all the tales in McClellans book end with freedom for those who sought it. Well never know how many people who undertook that dangerous journey ended up being recaptured and tortured or killed, he said. But thats part of the whole story, he said. Can you imagine the courage that took? Some of the people walked hundreds of miles. The stories are staggering. He likes the story of Lewis Isbell, not just for the comeuppance inherent in evil people being beat up. Isbell, one of the great Chicago figures that nobodys heard of, was part of a larger community of young Black families who became real activists in the 1840s, and the Underground Railroad becomes something of an open secret in Chicago. They end up working closely with a group of young white activists who are also working with freedom seekers, he said. Its not too much of a stretch to say Chicagos first great Civil Rights movement was not only the escaping freedom seekers, but the racially diverse movement for freedom that assisted them. Landmarks is a weekly column by Paul Eisenberg exploring the people, places and things that have left an indelible mark on the Southland. He can be reached at peisenberg@tribpub.com. NEW YORK As he gears up for reelection, President Joe Biden is already facing questions about his ability to convince voters that the economy is performing well. There's skepticism about the 80-year-old president's ability to manage a second term. On Friday, Biden faced a fresh setback when Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed a special counsel to probe his son Hunter. Biden's challenges pale in comparison with his predecessor, Donald Trump, who is facing three criminal indictments, with additional charges expected soon. Still, the appointment of the special counsel was a reminder of the vulnerabilities facing Biden as he wages another election campaign in a deeply uncertain political climate. There was little immediate sign that Garland's decision meaningfully changed Biden's standing within his party. If anything, it underscored the unprecedented nature of the next election. Rather than a battle of ideas waged on the traditional campaign trail, the next push for the presidency may be shaped by sudden legal twists in courtrooms from Washington to Delaware and Florida. "Prior to Trump, this would be a big deal," New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair Ray Buckley said of Friday's announcement. "Now, I don't think it means anything. Trump has made everyone so numb to this stuff." Referring to Trump's "Make America Great Again" slogan, Buckley added, "Because of how dismissive MAGA America is to the very real crimes of Trump and his family, it has numbed the minds of swing voters and Democratic voters or activists who would normally be fully engaged and outraged." Polling showed that Democratic voters were not excited about Biden's reelection even before Garland's announcement. Just 47% of Democrats wanted Biden to run again in 2024, according to an AP-NORC poll conducted in April. Democrats' enthusiasm for Biden's presidential campaign consistently trailed behind Republicans' enthusiasm for Trump: 55% of Republicans said they wanted Trump to run again in the AP-NORC poll. Biden's approval rating in polling by Gallup stood at 41% on average over the last three months. Only Jimmy Carter notched a lower average rating in Gallup's polling at this point in his presidency, while ratings for Trump were about the same at 43%. Garland announced Friday that he named David Weiss, the Trump-appointed U.S. attorney in Delaware, as the special counsel in the Hunter Biden investigation. It comes as plea deal talks involving tax and gun charges in the case Weiss already was probing hit an impasse. The appointment of a special counsel ensures that Trump will not stand alone as the only presidential candidate grappling with the fallout of a serious criminal investigation in the midst of the 2024 campaign season. There is no evidence that President Biden himself committed any wrongdoing. Meanwhile, Trump is charged in a plot to undermine democracy for his actions leading up to his supporters' Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. He also faces separate charges for refusing to turn over classified documents after leaving the White House and financial crimes in New York related to a hush-money case involving a porn star. Georgia prosecutors are investigating whether Trump broke state laws by interfering in the 2020 election. Still, Republicans were hopeful that the new special counsel may ultimately shift attention away from Trump's baggage while bolstering conservative calls to impeach the Democratic president, a proposal that divided the GOP on Capitol Hill, which long sought evidence linking Hunter Biden's alleged wrongdoings to his father. Rep. James Comer of Kentucky, the Republican chair of the House Oversight Committee, obtained thousands of pages of financial records from members of the Biden family through subpoenas to the Treasury Department and financial institutions as part of a congressional probe. He released a statement Friday accusing Garland of "trying to stonewall congressional oversight." Comer vowed "to follow the Biden family's money trail." Trump, the overwhelming front-runner in the crowded Republican presidential nomination fight, used the opportunity to put his likely general election opponent on the defensive, referring to the "Biden crime family" and the "Biden cartel." "If this special counsel is truly independent even though he failed to bring proper charges after a four year investigation and he appears to be trying to move the case to a more Democrat-friendly venue he will quickly conclude that Joe Biden, his troubled son Hunter, and their enablers, including the media, which colluded with the 51 intelligence officials who knowingly misled the public about Hunter's laptop, should face the required consequences," the Trump campaign said. Back in New Hampshire, Buckley acknowledged that voters are not excited about Biden's reelection. "But they're really not excited about Trump," he said. "There's a seriousness around this election. People can say they're not excited (about Biden). They can say, 'Oh, he shouldn't run again.' But the reality is that he's the only alternative to Trump." Meanwhile, it's unclear how closely key voters are paying attention. Democratic strategist Bill Burton suggested the GOP's focus on the president's son would backfire. "From a political standpoint, I think Republicans are stupid to spend so much time talking about the president's son," he said. "People are going to be voting on the economy. They're going to be voting on who's tougher on social media companies and national security." KENOSHA Kenosha community activists and area residents decried the actions of some local police officers who they said brutalized and detained the wrong person at an Applebees restaurant. The incident last month occurred after a hit-and-run crash at Green Bay Road and Highway 50. The mans arrest was captured on a video by a restaurant patron and has since gone viral on social media. The incident has sparked headlines across the region. The crash happened at about 11 p.m. on July 20 and vehicles ended in the parking lot at the Applebees, 6950 Green Bay Road. In the video, the man who is being subdued tells police to let him go while a woman screams to someone telling them to get the baby. The man and the baby are then seen on the floor when the man tells at least two officers to let him go and someone appears to pull the child away. Officers continue to wrestle the man to the ground until they handcuff him behind his back. However, the video appears to show an officers arm and elbow moving repeatedly over the man while the person recording tells them to stop. Another officer tells the man recording the scene to step back. Officers from Kenosha and Pleasant Prairie police departments were on scene. Officers later learned they had arrested the wrong man along with the woman he was with. Tanya McLean, executive director of Leaders of Kenosha, organized a protest Wednesday evening at the Public Safety Building, 1000 55th St. Leaders of Kenosha is a nonprofit organization that advocates for equity and social justice. McLean was accompanied by members of local groups Congregations United to Serve Humanity (CUSH), the Kenosha Coalition for Dismantling Racism, the NAACP Kenosha Branch and the Urban League of Racine and Kenosha. Were meeting today because weve all watched the video that is circulating about a young African American male who was assaulted by a police officer at Applebees in Kenosha, McLean told the 30 to 40 people in attendance. We really are disheartened by how the police officers chose to go to that family. There was just a lack of de-escalation. Everything happened so quickly. It elevated so quickly. It just didnt seem that anyone was a voice of reason that had a uniform on. The only person that seemed to have a voice of reason was the Applebees employees, you know, trying to get the baby. But the police officers, it just does not appear that they were using good judgement and thats just not OK. McLean also said they want to know why police officers are not being respectful to community members here in this city. What is it that makes you feel as if you need to be so overly aggressive, so confrontational? McLean said. What is it that just frightens you because we know that when people are fearful they act in irrational ways. So what is it that youre so afraid of? When you see me, when you see another person of color, what is it thats rattling you so bad that you feel like you have to escalate something to that level? McLean said she has been in contact with the Illinois man. McLean demanded any police body camera footage of the arrest be released to the public. Now we have another situation where a young man was assaulted with a baby in his arms and harm was brought to the baby. That is unacceptable, McLean said. What is it that youre so fearful of that you have to use that level of force against a young man, a baby and his wife? Angry, deeply saddened The Rev. Monica Cummings, vice president of CUSH, said that when she watched the video of the incident she was first, angry, and then, deeply saddened. She opened her remarks with a moment of silence. (I was) heartbroken that an incident where a Black man experienced the trauma of being forced to the ground by police for no reason while eating with his family, Cummings said. Heartbroken that a Black baby now has to live with the trauma of experiencing and witnessing her father being yelled at and her little Black body being yanked at by police. Heartbroken that a mother had to experience the trauma of standing by helpless while her partner and baby were being traumatized and hearing her baby cry and powerless to do anything about it. Cummings said I dont think its too much to ask for police to be guardians to the communities they are sworn to protect and serve and not military-minded warriors who behave like an occupying force and treat certain citizens like enemy combatants. Alex Whitaker, vice president of the Kenosha Coalition for Dismantling Racism, said the brutality in the viral arrest video was unacceptable. The Coalition for Dismantling Racism calls on the police department to initiate a thorough and transparent investigation into the details of that arrest, Whitaker said. We also request a third-party report as to whether use of force training protocols were followed by the arresting officers that night. ... We also call for a third-party assessment of the current culture within the Kenosha Police Department, Whitaker said. Recent and not-so-recent interactions between officers and the community reveal the possibility of a culture of us vs. them that has arisen and possibly impacts the interactions of officers and those they are there to serve, especially as it relates to historically marginalized groups. The purpose of our calls is reform. Organizers asked the dozens in attendance to write to their locally elected officials. The man was charged with disorderly conduct and resisting an officer. The woman was arrested on the same charges and for possession of THC. Police investigating incident Kenosha Police Chief Patrick Patton said Sunday he was aware of the video and that the incident is undergoing an internal investigation. Patton said the Wisconsin Department of Justice requires police to perform a use of force review. This use of force didnt meet that requirement, but us as a department, we go a step further by policy and we investigate all uses of force, Patton said, referring to the department policy which was initiated in 2022 and put in practice by early January. The process involves completing use of force logs, after an initial investigation indicates that such force is used, Patton said. That triggers an internal investigation for which a use of force expert is in the process of reviewing the incident. He said that process began the day after the incident occurred. The case was assigned to the Kenosha Police Departments office of professional standards. Patton has said that officers were following a lead in good faith that led to the couple in the restaurant that had matched the description of suspects in the hit-and-run. Patton said he did not know what injuries that man had, but said that pepper spray was involved while officers subdued him. The man was transported to a local hospital following the incident. People fled. They went into Applebees. We went and made contact with the Applebees employees and they pointed them out, Patton said. The chief said the man and woman matched the description given to police. Patton said the review will look to determine aspects that may have gone wrong or right, disciplinary action that may or may not be taken and whether additional training is needed. Ultimately, we were able to determine that they werent them, they just matched the description, Patton said. He said according to some Applebees employees, the couple had been acting nervous. However, the real suspects, the actual suspects that did commit the hit-and-run, were hiding in the bathroom, Patton said. IN PHOTOS: CUSH anti-Semitism cleansing walk in Downtown Kenosha on April 2, 2022 Cleansing Walk CBS News recently proclaimed that kids in the U.S. and around the world are in crisis. Self-harm among young people is on the rise, and enduring problems such as bullying and sexual assault wreak havoc. Young people feel the impending doom of climate change and await the day when their school is assaulted by an active shooter. These crises are exacerbated by decisions made by adults. In Florida, local and state legislators threaten and criminalize classroom conversations about gender and race. In Mississippi, voter restrictions create barriers for young voters. And dozens of states across the country have banned or are considering bans on gender-affirming health care for trans youth. Although young people are cited as the beneficiaries of some of these decisions, they play no role in making them. Its about time that we invite teens to the table. Jack Flasher coined the term adultism to describe adults attitudes and behaviors of superiority towards youth. Adultism shows up, for example, in stereotypes that young people, when left to their own devices, are reckless, short-sighted and selfish. At its most extreme, adultism can look like manipulation and abuse. How can we, as adults, address these tendencies and reconsider what young people have to offer? Participatory approaches turn adultism on its head by including youth in decision making with adults. They are founded on a belief that teens have the right to be present when and where their education, health and well-being are being discussed. In community organizing, participatory methods bring youth voices into important conversations where they are typically absent: on education, within nonprofit organizations, even with policymakers. These methods center young peoples interests and skills while acknowledging that youth are already agents of change in their communities. Decisions to involve youth as leaders are most often local, like a nonprofit rape crisis center that starts a youth advisory group, a university administrator who creates a peer education and support group on drug and alcohol use or a newspaper that gathers teen perspectives on the dangers of social media. But the impacts of participatory models expand beyond the local scale. The youth advisory group improves the reach of care and services for teen sexual violence survivors across an entire county. The peer education and support group allows hundreds of undergraduates to talk about addiction and prevention. Young peoples experiences with social media reflect a wide-reaching distaste for bans and a desire for education this intel suggests the solutions presented by adults might not be as effective. To welcome teens to the table, adults have to reduce barriers to their participation: offer lunch, bus passes or to host meetings at safe and easily accessed locations. Compensate youth for their time and labor. And most importantly, when young people voice their ideas, concerns or questions, listen and respond with action, not defensiveness. Start today by challenging your assumptions about what young people know and what they can contribute. The myriad crises we collectively face demand innovative and collaborative solutions. It is time for the expertise of teens and young adults to take center stage. Our future depends on it. Magic Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship The Challenges of Group Decision-Making Making an important decision can be tough, but it is much more complex when a group of individuals must make a choice together. Our 5th Principle calls for the use of the democratic process in our congregations and in society, but the ways we actualize democratic choice-making is often left unexamined. There are many ways to cast a vote and many ways to tally votes and determine a winner. In our current moment, voting and voting methods are under great scrutiny and consideration. This Sunday join CSI political science associate professor Perri Gardner for a conversation about the rules that we use to make rules. Our service Sunday will be both in person at our location 160 Ninth Ave. E. in Twin Falls as well as on ZOOM. Please note our ZOOM information has changed. If you have been using previous ZOOM sign in information please email us for the new ZOOM sign directions. To access ZOOM please email mvuuf83301@yahoo.com for ZOOM sign in information. In the SUBJECT line write ZOOM Service. Newcomers of all religious paths or none at all are always welcome. Unitarian Universalists believe in the dignity of every person regardless of race, creed [or none at all], immigrant status or sexual orientation. Everyone is welcome NO EXCEPTIONS. We believe in justice, equality and compassion in human relations; and acceptance of one another. We are handicapped accessible. Please park at the rear of the building or on the street. Childcare is available. Join us Sunday at 10:30 a.m. at 160 Ninth Ave. E. in Twin Falls. For further information, please call 208-420-1345 or email us at mvuuf83301@yahoo.com. The Episcopal Church of the Ascension The Episcopal Church of the Ascension invites you to a celebration of Holy Eucharist at 9 a.m. this Sunday, Aug. 13. All are welcome at Ascensions services of worship, including children. During the month of August, Ascension Church will collect school supplies to be shared with students in the Twin Falls School District. Many thanks to all who support our students and educators in the area. Ascension Churchs Sunday service is available online at Ascensions YouTube channel The Episcopal Church of the AscensionTwin Falls. The building is handicapped accessible and located at 371 Eastland Drive N., Twin Falls. More information about Ascension can be found at www.episcopaltwinfalls.org or 208-733-1248. First Presbyterian Church of Twin Falls 209 Fifth Ave. N. Pastor: Don Hammond Worship Time 10 a.m. Adult Bible Study 8:30 a.m. Everyone is Welcome! Community Outreach: Sandwich Saturday Free bag lunch at 10:30 a.m. every other Saturday (Aug. 19) located outside the church. Blessing Box Always available. Food for the needy, take some food or be a blessing to someone else and leave some. Located outside the church entrance. Its time to get ready to send your kids back to school, which is always a fun time of year. Full of new beginnings, a new teacher, and new ideas for kids lunches. As a parent, you know how much good nutrition means to your childs development. So, its so important they have the food to help them stay energized and focused at school. Instead of adding more stress to the school year, I want to help you with balanced and nourishing food ideas for your young kids. First things first: Ensure your children are involved in choosing their lunch and snacks. You can make this as simple as packing their water for the day or as complicated as making a sandwich, but having children involved in their nutrition is such a great learning opportunity. It can make them more invested in their nutrition and set a cornerstone for good, healthy habits. Additionally, we want kids to have balance. Be sure to include foods you know they love, while also adding new foods maybe theyve never tried before. Dont be discouraged if they dont eat a new food the first few times you offer it. New foods take time and practice, so be patient and start small. Here are some foods that provide energy that you can keep in mind next time you are grocery shopping for school lunches and snacks. Whole wheat bread Rice Pasta Pita bread Bagel English muffin Tortillas Pretzels Corn Fruit Yogurt Whenever we have foods that provide our bodies with energy, like the ones above, we want to make sure they provide balanced energy. For that we can look to include foods that have protein. Here are a few high-quality protein sources: Beans Chicken Turkey slices Eggs Hummus Peanut, almond, sunflower, cashew butter Cheese Tofu or tempeh Edamame There are many ways to incorporate these foods into different combinations of meals for your child. You can offer them separately in their lunch or combined. Some examples of lunches with these ingredients: Hummus sandwich with fruit and cheese sides Pasta with tofu cubes and corn English muffin pizza: toast, add sauce, cheese and veggies Tortilla wrapped around a banana with nut butter Turkey wrap with a fruit side Chicken salad on pita bread with edamame/cucumber side These are just a few tips and tricks to, hopefully, make back-to-school season less stressful. With these building blocks, I hope you and your children have a great start to the school year! Your news on your smartphone Your story lives in the Magic Valley, and our new mobile app is designed to make sure you dont miss breaking news, the latest scores, the weather forecast and more. From easy navigation with the swipe of a finger to personalized content based on your preferences to customized text sizes, the Times-News app is built for you and your life. Dont have the app? Download it today from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. M eeting in the middle. That was the headline on the front page of the Times-News print edition a week ago, for a story on the commendable efforts of leaders, managers and employees at Glanbia Nutritionals in Gooding to learn Spanish to improve communication with co-workers and promote a deeper culture of inclusion. Its the sort of thing worthy of a front-page story in the local news, right? That newspaper was on top of a stack on the table when Rep. Mike Simpson, along with four members of his national and local staff, showed up to meet with us on Monday. As Simpson took his seat, he pointed at the newspaper and, in jest, asked, Whats this headline? He wasnt likely aware of the nature of the story. This was, clearly, a jab at the dangerously divisive politics of our country. Where hard-right Republicans vilify and attack anybody who doesnt share their opinion (and, in Idaho, even actively purge them from their supposed big tent) and where far-left Democrats avoid looking themselves in the mirror and instead attempt to shift all blame onto their political opponents. OUR VIEW: What the Times-News Editorial Board has said in 2023 The voice of Twin Falls and the Magic Valley: Here's what the Times-News Editorial Board has said in 2023. Compromise, Simpson told us, has become a four-letter word among voters on the political fringes. There is no middle to them, only right or wrong and that such mindset only brings about greater strife. About an hour later, Sen. Mike Crapo sat in the same chair inside the Times-News building and picked up where Simpson left off. We live in a deeply divided society, and we are seeing that division in Idaho, too, Crapo told us. The common response to disagreement is personal attack and character assassination and thats one of the major problems in America. We all have a big responsibility but political leaders probably more so than other people because we have a bigger bully pulpit, he said. The way were responding in society, the way we engage in our differences, its degrading and damaging us deeply. While the loudest (Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Florida, for one), most extreme (Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Georgia, as an example) and, ironically, the least qualified of elected politicians (Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Alabama, for example) generally dominate the toxic brew of cable news in which biased anchors and partisan experts chase ratings by deepening the divide, Simpson and Crapo shared with us something that might come as a surprise. In Congress, Republicans and Democrats, at least the majority of them, strive to now, get this work together. Simpson went as far as putting a number to it, predicting about 350 House members, of 435 total, get along and get things done. Quote As if national politics werent already messy enough, the hyper-partisanship that has become far too common in state politics including here in Idaho only serves to further erode democracy. At least when it comes to everyday business, or the unsexy work we simply all take for granted as American citizens. The sort of matter-of-fact, behind-the-scenes legislation that doesnt make for a good chyron on CNN, MSNBC or Fox News. Theres a lot of bipartisan work that happens, Crapo admitted. But its not the big ticket items, the red-line battle issues. There are liberal obstacles, too, including the so-called Squad fronted by Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts, and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan. Their hardline stance on major issues such as Medicare for All, the Green New Deal and Supreme Court expansion stand in the way of productive dialogue to find middle ground. How were going to get back to normal politics, I dont know, Simpson conceded. Ive been saying that things always swing back. Ive been saying that for six or eight years now. As if national politics werent already messy enough, the hyper-partisanship that has become far too common in state politics including here in Idaho only serves to further erode democracy. Look no further than the Dorothy Moon-led Idaho Republican Party, which has consolidated power to a limited few while rallying around fear-mongering conspiracy theorists in the Idaho Legislature and political also-rans on the national scene like Kari Lake and Sarah Palin, their two most recent invitees to the state who werent brought in to cool the temperature. What either of them has truly accomplished in politics is a question worth asking. It scares me a little bit about where were headed, said Simpson, adding he was very disappointed when the party voted at its summer meeting at Challis in June to remove executive voting privileges from the Federation of Republican Women, Idaho Young Republicans and Idaho College Republicans. Where do Republicans lose? We lose the youth and we lose the women, said Simpson, alluding to typical election results. So we took them off the committee? Crapo took a more measured tone on the Idaho GOP, expressing confidence theyd work through internal conflicts and emerge as a strong voice for conservative politics. While he said he had good relations with the state party, Crapo added, That doesnt mean I agree with every decision they make. Neither do we, senator. Not that they would care. For the Idaho Republican Party and the like, its their way or no way. And until theres another way, a pathway toward compromise and cooperation, that idea of meeting in the middle will only make for a good headline on stories outside of politics. TAIPEITaiwans Vice President William Lai flies to the United States on Saturday in a sensitive trip that has angered Chinese officials. The democratic island is claimed by China, which has vowed to take the territory one day by force, if necessary and has ramped up political and military pressure. It opposes other countries official exchanges with Taiwan, and often reacts angrily to Taiwanese leaders stopovers in the United States. Laia candidate for Taiwans presidential elections next year is officially making only transit stops in the United States en route to and from Paraguay, where he will be attending the inauguration. Departing soon for #Asuncion to attend (president-elect Santiago Penas) inauguration & convey to him & the people of #Paraguay the best wishes of (Taiwan), Lai wrote on Twitter, now called X. (E)xcited to meet with #US friends in transit. In response, Laura Rosenberger, chair of the American Institute in Taiwana de-facto embassy for Taiwan based in Virginiawrote that officials were looking forward to welcoming Lai. Lai is expected to stop in New York en route to Paraguay, and San Francisco when flying back. Last week, Chinas foreign ministry urged US leaders to abide by the One-China principle and to stop official exchanges between the US and Taiwan. In April, China staged three days of military exercises simulating a blockade of Taiwan after President Tsai Ing-wen met US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in California. Ahead of Lais departure, Taiwan had sought to downplay the trip, with foreign ministry spokesman Jeff Liu saying there was nothing special about vice presidents transiting in the United States which has occurred 11 times before. China has no reason to overreact or take the opportunity to escalate the situation, Liu said in a briefing this week, adding that Lai was making the trip in his capacity as vice president, not as a presidential candidate. If China decides to take provocative actions, it is China, not Taiwan or the United States, that undermines the status quo of peace and stability in the region, Liu said. In the week leading up to Lais departure, incursions by the Chinese military around Taiwans waters and airspace which have been happening near-daily in the past year were larger than usual. On Wednesday, the defense ministry said 33 Chinese warplanes and six vessels were detected around the island over the past 24 hours. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. MOSCOW Russia said on Saturday it shot down 20 unmanned Ukrainian drones near the Crimean peninsula. Fourteen drones were destroyed by air defense systems and six more were suppressed by electronic warfare, the defense ministry said on Telegram. There were no casualties or damage, it said. In Moscow, officials said Friday they had destroyed a drone aimed at the capital, the latest in a string of attacks on the city in recent days. A Ukrainian drone was destroyed over the western outskirts of Moscow, the defense ministry said, adding there were no casualties or damage as a result of the incident. In July, Ukrainian drone strikes on Crimea blew up an ammunition depot and damaged the bridge across the Kerch Strait linking the peninsula to Russias mainland. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. KUALA LUMPURMalaysians in six states went to the polls Saturday to vote for state assembly members in elections widely seen as a barometer of support for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahims unity government. While the elections are unlikely to immediately affect Anwars current two-thirds majority in parliament, analysts said his hold on power could weaken if his Pakatan Harapan coalition suffers a setback, especially among Malay Muslim voters in the largely Islamic Southeast Asian nation. The coalition has so far held together in a country that had seen three leadership turnovers in as many years after scandal-tainted Najib Razak was voted out as prime minister in 2018 over massive corruption at state fund 1MDB. More than 9.7 million voters are expected to cast their ballots to elect 245 assembly members in the states of Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, Penang, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan. Of the six states, Anwars coalition holds three, while the rest are controlled by an influential rural-based Malay Muslim alliance led by former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin. Malays account for two-thirds of Malaysias 33 million population, which includes large ethnic Chinese and Indian minorities. Voter turnout was low at between 34-42 percent as of midday, the Election Commission said. The polls close at 6:00 pm (1000 GMT) At a voting centre in Petaling Jaya outside the capital Kuala Lumpur, factory worker Fazrul Hafiz, 26 said he voted for the ruling coalitions candidates. I hope Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will lead Malaysia for a full term until 2027, he told AFP. Anwar went on a whirlwind tour of the states during the two-week campaign period, promising increased financial subsidies to paddy farmers, economic aid and job opportunities. After casting his vote Saturday, he urged Malaysians to return to fostering relationships, local media reported. The 76-year-old, who had campaigned on a promise of reforms in last years general elections, is pushing for a more inclusive society where other races are allowed greater participation, while his opponents want primacy of the Malay Muslim majority. Dire consequences Opposition coalition Perikatan Nasional has expressed confidence in making further inroads. One key Perikatan member is the Malaysian Islamic Party, or PAS, which aims to create a theocratic state. Having won 49 parliamentary seats, or more than 20 percent of the 222-member parliament last year, PAS has in recent months stepped up racial and religious rhetoric to shore up support. I feel quite excited and I hope Perikatan can win again in this area, said housewife Jamilah Baharin, 48, who voted in Kedah state, a PAS stronghold. PAS spokesman Khairil Nizam Khirudin told AFP that Anwar promised a lot but has not delivered. James Chin, a Malaysia expert at the University of Tasmania in Australia, said the election was being watched for the level of support reformist Anwar draws among Malay Muslims. He warned of dire consequences if Anwar loses even a single state. The first direct implication is that he cannot undertake any major reforms or fundamental structural reforms to the economy or to politics, Chin told AFP. This will force his hand and Anwar (will have) to adopt a more pro-Malay and pro-Islamic policy. That means the end of reforms. A loss could prompt MPs to shift allegiances over the next 12 months, putting a question mark about the future of Anwar as the prime minister, Chin added. A win, however, would give Anwar enough political capital to carry out real reforms, Chin said. Anwar became prime minister last November following a political impasse that saw his party win the most seats in the general election but fall short of the outright majority needed to form a government. That forced him into an alliance with former foes in the United Malays National Organisation to secure a two-thirds parliamentary majority and approval from Malaysias king to form a unity government. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. ComEd plans on making security upgrades at its substation on National Street in Elgin to meet federal regulations created to protect critical infrastructure sites, officials said. The electricity utility company is replacing a 6-foot fence with an 8-foot one that has a foot of barbed wire, installing new gates and new security lights, and installing cameras, city of Elgin Senior Planner Damir Latinovic said at a recent Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. ComEd also planning to install 28-foot light poles that would be activated by motion detectors. The additional security will be added to the substation located north of National Street on the west bank of the Fox River. ComEd is making these enhancements in order to secure critical infrastructure sites such as substations, said Will Otter, an attorney representing the utility company. Substations are obviously a key part of the electric grid. The company is doing security updates to substations throughout its territory, Otter said. This is in line with the federal directive to protect against attacks, he said. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission established guidelines in 2013 following an attack on the the Pacific Gas and Electric Companys Metcalf substation in Coyote, California, where a team of gunmen took down 17 transformers. At the time, federal authorities required companies to do a risk assessment and develop standards to reach security goals, Otter said. ComEd identified six standards: deter, delay, detect, assess, communicate and respond, he said. Replacing the fencing at the National Street substation meets the first three standards, Otter said. Christina Deuchler, infrastructure manager for ComEd and a former Aurora police officer, said there have been other attacks on substations, including two late last year. One was in Moore County, N.C., where a targeted gunfire attack on two substations left 45,000 residents without power for up to five days. Vandals damaged four substations in Tacoma, Washigton, and left up to 14,000 utility customers without power on Christmas Day, she said. Locally, there have been burglaries, suspicious persons, explosives and thefts at substations in the Chicago area over the past 12 months, Deuchler said. While the most recent attacks have involved gunfire, ComEds improvements arent directly related to stopping gunfire attacks, Deuchler said. But the company is expecting more federal regulations to address those types of incidents, she said. We are actively looking at add on features that will address ballistics, vehicle rams and drones. I dont know what thats going to look like yet, Deuchler said. For now, ComEd is installing the fence, thermal analytics cameras and motion detectors, Deuchler said. She said the higher fence means attackers would have to spend more time onsite, giving authorities a chance to catch them. I know its just a chain link fence, Deuchler said. But theres technology being placed that was never there before. ComEd needs the citys approval for the upgrades. Planning and Zoning commissioners voted to recommend the enhancements proposal to the City Council. Gloria Casas is a freelancer. Etiqa Life and General Assurance Philippines Inc., received another award as Insurtech Initiative of the Year at the recent Insurance Asia Awards 2023. (Shown in phpto from left to right) Gladys Pascual, Etiqa Philippines Head of Strategy and Transformation; Rico Bautista, Etiqa Philippines President and CEO; Noel Tordesillas, Etiqa Philippines Head of eChannel. Etiqa Philippines innovative gadget insurance has once again demonstrated its excellence after being hailed as Insurtech Initiative of the Year at the Insurance Asia Awards 2023. As a pioneering product, Gadget Protection was Etiqas first venture into embedded insurance with a major e-commerce platform together in partnership with digital insurance provider, Igloo. Etiqas insuretech product first earned a nod from the famed International Finance Awards (IFA) as the Best Insuretech Initiative in the Philippines for 2022. At the core, the regional insurers first gadget microinsurance aims to protect users of smartphones and other electronic devices from unexpected repair costs brought about by unwanted incidents. Affirming this successful foray into gadget insurance for Etiqa were the 7 million new policies they have generated in Shopee alone by the end of 2022. Recognizing successful ventures With the recent challenges in the insurance industry, Insurance Asia Awards shines the spotlight on outstanding companies that propelled their business to new heights to innovate further and provide unique offerings to their clients. Since its inception eight years ago, the programme, which covers countries in the Asia Pacific region, highlights the hard work, dedication, and creativity of regional and country-level insurance companies who have stepped up to meet the growing demands of the ever-changing industry. Organized by Singapore-based leading business information group, the nominees were judged by topnotch insurance leaders in Asia based on the following criteria: uniqueness and innovation; effectiveness and impact, as well as dynamism. Supporting mobile-first mindset Pushing for a mobile and digital-first approach in the country involves securing the very gadgets that make it possible. We are honored to be recognized by the Insurance Asia Awards for a product that has been transformational not just for our company but more so for our kababayans, said Rico Bautista, President and CEO of Etiqa Philippines. He added: As we are constantly looking for new ways to use technology to improve the customer experience, this award is a validation of our efforts in championing insuretech to provide seamless solutions and services for the industry and the entire country. The pocket-friendly, accessible, and straightforward gadget insurance Cracked Screen Protection and Electronics are readily available online and can be availed immediately before checkout of an electronic or mobile device through Shopee. They can easily top up or purchase the insurance before checkout and activate the policy via Igloo Portal. For the same product, GCash e-wallet holders, meanwhile, can avail of Phone Screen Protect (PSP) and Full Phone Protection (360) via an affordable phone protection plan under GInsure for as low as Php 50 annually. To make it even more convenient and purely digital, clients can purchase phone protection plans, view their policies, and file claims right through the app. With the mission of making the Philippines a better place, Etiqa ensures that it will continue being a significant player in the insurance industry by offering life and non-life insurance products that leverage on technology in improving the customer experience. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) and the Jacobo Z. Gonzales Memorial School of Arts & Trade (JZGMSAT) have solidified their commitment to quality education and knowledge-sharing through the renewal of their memorandum of agreement (MOA). IPC, led by President Tetsuya Fujita and Executive Vice President Shojiro Sakoda, handed over a state-of-the-art 4-post lifter with wheel aligner, along with a unit of the Isuzu D-MAX pick-up, to TESDA CALABARZON Regional Director Baron Jose Lagran and JZGMSAT Vocational School Administrator Benito Reyes. Initiated in 2017, this CSR initiative has previously provided the school with essential resources such as desktop computers, mock-up Diesel engines, and two units of automotive lifters, all actively used by service mechanic trainees in practical classes. Following the spirit of their Auto Mechanic school in Tacloban, IPC extends specialized training programs within the MOA. These programs encompass Diesel Engine Technology, Common Rail Fuel System, and Engine Management System, enhancing the companys knowledge-sharing efforts. Expressing gratitude, Reyes stated, We are very thankful to Isuzu Philippines for their continuous support to our vocational school. The equipment and technical training that they provide to us are all very beneficial in improving the competency of our trainees. This will truly help them in their practical classes and prepare them for real-world scenarios. IPCs dedication to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has manifested across various nationwide endeavors. However, this partnership with JZGMSAT holds a special place, as Fujita emphasized, We truly believe in the power of education. This is something we can give to the younger generation and hope that it will be able to change their lives in the future. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Interview with Mark DeWeaver, Principal at Quantrarian Capital Management Why you are interested in the Iraq story and how you feel about the future of Iraq? As a stock market investor, I think the Iraq story is really a no-brainer because it combines a number of features that have been present in many of the top performing emerging markets since the 1970's. First of all, Iraq has enormous reserves of low-cost, untapped oil as well as natural gas, which makes it quite a lot like Russia in the early 90's. Then there is recovery from civil war which makes it much like Sri Lanka. That market had just incredible performance from 2000 to about 2008. There is also the story of the transition from a state-owned to a market economy, which of course anybody would immediately recognize as the story of the Chinese economy. I think it's inconceivable that a country that has enormous untapped, low-cost oil reserves, is recovering from a civil war, is in the midst of a transition from a state-controlled economy to a market economy, and where there is excess demand for just about everything, would not experience rapid economic growth. Of course, no one really thinks Iraq's oil production is going to go up to the ten million barrel a day level that the government initially claimed. People think maybe they'll be lucky to get to six million but even if they get to four or five, that's a doubling from what it was before. There is also a tremendous investment boom going on as Iraq's infrastructure is rebuilt. In addition to that, there is bound to be a dramatic expansion in the banking sector. I believe only about 20% of Iraqis have a bank account. In the telecom sector, I heard from Asiacell today that the penetration rates are still very low compared to the region and there is still all sorts of broadband coverage that isn't available at all. You've got this combination of extreme shortages with this amazing ability to purchase things due to the oil wealth. I don't see how even the most inept politicians could screw that one up. So that's why I think that the Iraq story is uniquely compelling among all of the economies of the world today. I suppose that there may be equivalent stories in parts of sub-Saharan Africa but I can't really imagine anything quite as good as this, anything that combines all of these things in one place at one time, or any place that has such an enormous amount of untapped oil wealth and such a low starting point. It seems to me the potential for growth in Iraq should be obvious to anyone. I think the Kurdistan region has an attraction in addition to all of this because it's safe. That makes it a natural gateway. Foreigners doing business in Iraq will try to do it in Kurdistan if they possibly can. Of course, not everyone can but anyone that could, me for example, would do so. I'm not elsewhere in Iraq because it's so much cheaper and easier for me to come here. That means that Rabee Securities, my broker, has to hold the conference here so I can come to it. That means that this hotel gets to host the conference. That means that they're going to build hotels here and there will be all manner of service providers from the rest of Iraq setting up offices here so that they can service their foreign clients or customers more easily. It also means that foreign investors that want to set up offices in Iraq will probably put them here unless there's some reason why they must be in Baghdad. So in addition to the rest of the Iraq story, the Kurdistan region also has this "gateway to Iraq" feature that gives it tremendous potential to develop as a service sector hub. Foreigners doing business in Iraq will try to do it in Kurdistan if they possibly can. I'm not elsewhere in Iraq because it's so much cheaper and easier for me to come here. You mentioned all these advantages but investments are lagging behind in Iraq. There are political reasons of course. Anything can happen in the Middle East. For example, the KRG might have a disagreement with the Federal government of Iraq and there could be a war. There are questions about Syria, Iran, Turkey and the PKK. We are in the midst of one of the most unstable environments in this world with the likely exception of West Africa. This is true of course and I think if it weren't for the oil wealth, those would be pretty serious problems. However, I think that the potential for the oil sector here is so enormous that somehow people will figure out how to solve these problems. Iran has enormous oil wealth though. I think production is peaking in Iran. I suppose it's true that there would be potential to increase production if Iran's oil industry were modernized. But as for the story that there's a risk of war between the Kurdistan region and the rest of Iraq, I believe that is very much less likely than you might gather from what is often reported in the papers simply because it's not in anyone's interests. The Kurdish region is going to prosper as part of Iraq; it stands to lose more than it would gain by separating from the rest of the country. I can't recall the details, but if you look at the Kurdish region's share of the Iraqi budget, it is a very big number and it's much larger than what the Kurdish region could earn by selling its own oil as an independent country. The share stated in the Constitution is 17%. I think 17% is right, yes, and that it is in the Constitution. But the Kurdish region really has nothing to gain by separating from the rest of Iraq. The only scenario in which Kurdistan could separate from the rest of the country would be one in which Kirkuk was incorporated into the area controlled by the KRG. If the KRG were to get its hands on Kirkuk's oil it would be an entirely different story. Then, as I understand it, they would have enough oil to generate a larger amount of oil revenues than their share of the Iraqi budget. But I don't think there's any realistic prospect of this happening. They haven't held the referendum for the Constitution. To me that seems far-fetched. I don't think that's something that is going to happen. But they have the right according to the Constitution to have a referendum in Kirkuk and this could happen. Yes, but Iraqi laws and regulations say all kind of things and they never seem to happen. It seems to me that the status quo works very well for the Kurds at the moment. Also consider the Kurdish role as king-maker in the Iraqi central government. They're in a very strong position when it comes to, for example, deciding who's going to be the Prime Minister. They have a very strong block in Parliament. They have a lot of advantages from the present arrangement and it's very hard to see what the advantages would be of the Kurdish region fighting a civil war with the rest of Iraq or declaring independence. What advantages would outweigh the extraordinary advantages that they enjoy under the present arrangement? However, I think that you are correct in saying that this kind of risk makes investors hesitant. When you read the 100 year history of the Kurdistan region, every ten years there is a rebellion, a civil war, or a foreign occupation. It's never been stable so why should it be stable now? It's more stable now I think than it ever could have been in the past. I guess I have the naive business person's idea that wars become less likely the more money there is at stake. But that logic might really apply to this particular case. I doubt there's ever been a time in the history of Kurdistan when there was so much to be gained by keeping the peace. Of course, these are all risks but they are worth taking simply because the potential is so vast. There is the potential growth of the rest of Iraq, and Kurdistan is kind of a leveraged play on that growth. Another factor is that there are enormous amounts of money in the region, in the Gulf states for example, that naturally could be expected to flow to Iraq even if Americans and Europeans never quite manage to feel that the country is secure enough. In the long run, investors within the region are unlikely to have such extreme qualms because they are just naturally going to know more about the reality of the situation. So this is a story that doesn't even need to convince everyone. Unlike many other emerging markets Iraq is surrounded by fantastically wealthy neighbors and it's only necessary for those guys to be convinced. In fact, there is already a lot of investment coming in from Turkey and the Gulf. Let's talk about the banking sector. Of course, the majority of the listed companies are banks. This is a traditional emerging or frontier market situation. You said the market covers around US $4 billion, right? I believe that's what I saw in the stock exchange presentation yesterday. Of course it's going to depend on the index but it's certainly not more than that and I think a lot of the time it's less than US $4 billion. A typical day is only going to have trading of about US $1 million so this is really miniscule. How are the banks in Iraq regulated? What sort of accounting systems do they use? Are you confident there is no risk to investors when it comes to internal banking risks? They are not using the international reporting standards and they do not comply with the Basel II standards. No, I'm certainly not confident that there's no risk in these banks. I think that they are very risky. They are certainly not compliant with Basel II and are also not reporting according to international financial standards. However, these are not really the main issues with the banks. With regards to the Iraqi accounting system, I believe that although the manner of presentation of the accounts differs somewhat from international reporting, the bottom line is essentially the same. The presentation format is different but as for the accounting standards that they are applyingin other words what counts as revenue or how assets are depreciatedthese are generally compliant with international financial standards. There are exceptions; for example, I understand that Iraqi companies are supposed to be consolidating subsidiaries but that they routinely fail to do so. You've got this combination of extreme shortages with this amazing ability to purchase things due to the oil wealth. I don't see how even the most inept politicians could screw that one up. So exceptions do exist but I don't believe these are the real problem. The real issue with the banks is not how they're reporting but what they're really doing. And a lot of what they're really doing involves related party transactions, in which the majority shareholder family is using bank funds for projects of its own. An interesting example of this is that majority shareholders apparently sometimes will get a line of credit from their own bank to subscribe to the bank's rights issues. In other words, when their bank has a rights issue, they'll take up the rights on the shares that they're holding by borrowing money from their own bank to pay for them. That means that the capital base of the banks is not quite what it seems. If those majority shareholders don't pay back these loans the new capital disappears. As long as everything's going fine for the majority shareholder family, such capital is real capital I suppose but it is very contingent on the majority shareholder's ability to repay the bank. It's a bit like the situation with the Japanese banks and it's certainly a phenomenon that we find all over the world. Somehow we often find that bank loans are being turned into bank capital. This problem is by no means unique to Iraq. You could also argue that related party transactions sometimes make sense because at least the bank knows what the related parties are doing with the money. If the bankers lend to someone they don't know, they have less control and may have little in the way of legal remedies if the loan isn't repaid. But I think that really it would be fanciful to say this was not a risk. In fact, I think that is the number one risk that I'm aware of. There are a lot of banks listed on the stock exchange. Which ones do you think have the most potential and have the most favorable risk-reward ratio for investments? I really don't feel that comfortable with any of them. The only thing that I'm comfortable doing is spreading out investment over all the listed banks. But if I'm going to overweight any banks, I'm going to overweight the ones that have a large foreign bank as a controlling shareholder. Even that is no guarantee because those foreign banks may pull out. There's really no way to pick stocks in the Iraqi market because no matter how much you like the story, there's always going to be idiosyncratic company risk. This has nothing to do with the growth potential. It has to do with some funny thing the chairman is doing that you never find out about until it's too late. What will happen is that one day, the Securities Commission will announce that trading in one of your companies is suspended and then you won't even really know why. Months later, you'll find out that the company in question is bankrupt. Finally, the stock will get delisted and you'll be stuck with a bunch of worthless shares. What is the stock market potential? What kind of growth do you predict? I think the potential for anyone buying in the Iraq stock market today, with a horizon of maybe three to five years, to make several times the initial investment is very clearly there. In analogous cases like Russia, Sri Lanka or China, the market went up by anywhere from five to ten times. That doesn't mean that any particular person is going to make five to ten times their money because people are going to sell at all different points. Not everybody is going to make that increase. The early investors may chicken out way before the top. Reckless people will hold beyond the top and maybe sell here. Some people may ride it all the way back down again and then all the way back up again. Maybe nobody's actually going to make ten times their money but there's no reason not to expect that you might triple or quadruple your money simply because in the process of the index going up ten times, you're going to have lots of chances to sell at many times what you paid for the stock. I think the potential for anyone buying in the Iraq stock market today, with a horizon of maybe three to five years, to make several times the initial investment is very clearly there. This is a case in which the potential reward far exceeds the risks. The crime rate in the cities of Martinsville and Danville is down, while the rate has risen in the counties of Henry, Patrick, Pittsylvania and Franklin. The annual crime report, compiled by the Data Analysis and Reporting Team for the Virgnia State Police, has been released for 2022 and although the rates of reported crime for the region remain similar to previous years, crime in the cities has trended downward while the rural areas have seen an increase. Rates are determined per 100,000 and classified by degree of seriousness, with the most egregious crimes categorized as Group A offenses. The rate of Group A offenses per 100,000 in the region is highest in Danville at 8,715, down from 9,103 in 2021 and 9,480 in 2020. Martinsville is next with a rate of 7,782, down from 8,596 in 2021 and 8,695 in 2020. Franklin County is the third highest jurisdiction in the region with 4,873, compared with 4,637 in 2021 and 4,866 in 2020. Patrick Countys rate in 2022 was 4,338, up from 4,004 in 2021 and 4,109 in 2020. Henry Countys rate was slightly below Patrick County with 4,193 in 2022, up from 3,966 in 2021 but down from 4,476 in 2020. Although the crime rate was up in Pittsylvania County, it remained the least of any jurisdiction in the region with a rate of 2,172, up from 1,922 in 2021 and down from 2,435 in 2020. In looking at the Crime in Virginia 2022 report, its clear that crime across the Commonwealth increased for 2022, said Henry County Sheriff Wayne Davis. The data also shows a gradual increase in crime since 2020. Davis said the number of crimes can change each year to a complex interplay of factors, including shifts in economic conditions, societal changes and variations in criminal behavior. Fluctuations in crime rates often result from changes in poverty levels, employment opportunities, social programs, or even advancements in technology that impact illegal activity and law enforcements ability to detect and prevent crimes. Patrick County Sheriff Dan Smith said he has looked at the report and didnt find any discernible trends in his jurisdiction. We still remain the third busiest rural county, behind Scott and Buchanan, in terms of arrests made, Smith said. We made 768 criminal arrests last year. There are 40 rural counties in Virginia where sheriffs serve a population of less than 20,000. Property crimes like larceny have been our Achilles heel. Fortunately, our violent crimes are not as common. We had one homicide last year, and that was a law enforcement officer involved shooting that was justified. Smith said the current rate for Patrick County is comparable to the two prior years and noted that an incident rate of less than 5,000 incidents per 100,000 is generally considered a low crime rate. Martinsville Police Chief Rob Fincher asked for a copy of the report before responding and didnt offer any details or specifics about his jurisdictions numbers. I am pleased to see the continued reduction in crime for Martinsville, said Fincher. It is reflective of the combination of hard work by the officers and the ongoing support of our great citizens. I am a little concerned about the overall increase in crime in other areas of the Commonwealth, especially the increase in the number of crimes of violence in some parts of the state. I would not want to see that trend spread here. In Virginia, in 2022 there were 355,077 incidents reported every 1 minute and 29 seconds. A crime against a person occurs every 4 minutes and 49 seconds and a crime against property occurs every 2 minutes and five seconds. The report shows that most murders occur at someones home, followed closely by a road, parking or camping area. The most serious crimes occur overnight on Saturday and into Sunday morning. For murders, the weapon of choice is overwhelmingly a firearm, followed by a knife and then personal weapons such as hands, fists, feet, arms or teeth. The firearm of choice is most frequently a handgun, followed distantly by a rifle or shotgun. Murders occur most frequently among family, acquaintances or intimate partners and most infrequently among strangers. Drugs continue to be the primary connection involving crime, either directly or indirectly and white offenders outpace Black offenders involving drug violations almost 2-to-1 and drug offenders are males 72% of the time. The most common drug involved in crime is methamphetamines, followed by cocaine, marijuana, and heroin. Most offenders of violent crimes are white, and males 83% of the time between 25 and 34 years of age. White offenders outpace Black offenders about two to one. In looking at violent crime, homicide specifically, Henry County had nine homicides in 2022, and eight of those were solved, making for an 89% clearance rate, Davis said. According to an independent analysis of FBI data, the national homicide clearance rates are currently below 50%. I would like to point out that for 2022 Henry County experienced a reduction in aggravated assaults, simple assaults and burglaries. Davis said his office was constantly looking at modern and enhanced methods, including new technology and proactive measures to fight crime. Said Davis: Regardless of the rate at which crime occurs, the Henry County Sheriffs Office will work diligently to solve crime and ensure a safe community for our citizens to enjoy a quality standard of life. The Patrick County School Board on Thursday approved all division schools improvement plans for the 2023-24 school year. We are schoolwide Title 1 in all of our elementary schools and they are required in the Every School Succeeds Act to submit a plan which we use as our school improvement plans, Superintendent of Schools Jason Wood said. Title 1 is a federal education program thats designed to bring more resources and funding for local schools that serve children who come from low-income households. Even though Patrick County High School is not a Title 1 schools, it is still required to submit a plan along with the other schools in the division. We require them to complete the same so we can better plan on what our students performance and areas of growth, Wood added. The PCHS plan, along with listing enrollment and other statistics on students and staff, reports Virginia Standards of Learning scores above state average in Math, an English SOL passing rate of 83.84% which is up 81.96% from the 2021-22 school year and a passing rate of 82.75% for SOL scores in science. The high schools plan also reports that CTE programming continues to increase along with the amount of work certified students each year. Areas of concern include the pass rate of special education students, the history pass rate of 74%, chronic absenteeism and writing scores even with the increase in pass rate in the previous school year. Blue Ridge Elementary Schools plan lists areas of strength as its high academic scores in SOL testing for English, Math, History and Science and areas of concern in the decreased pass rates in PALS (Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening) testing for the 2022-23 school year. Hardin Reynolds Memorial Schools area of strength is the steady increase of proficiency percentage in reading each year over a five year period. Its area of concern is with science testing scores which was the only subject that HRMS set goals were not met by students. Meadows of Dan Elementary Schools areas of strength include attendance rates, all core subjects making accreditation in grades three to seven, math and history pass rates exceeding expectations and an increase in English pass rates. The schools areas of concern include science instruction, emphasizing the importance of testing sessions without irregularities and phonological awareness based on PALS assessment. Patrick Springs Primary Schools plan lists its area of strength as an increase in reading and math SOL scores over the past three school years. Areas of concern are with the number of students identified in PALS testing and with students comprehension of fictional texts and use of word analysis strategies. Stuart Elementary Schools (SES) areas of strength include all subjects in grades three to seven being accredited, math and English pass rates exceeding goals set by SES and a 90% pass rate for science when science score were noted for concern in the previous year. SES area of concern is with special education students scores. Woolwine Elementary Schools (WES) areas of strength were in attendance and math, history and science SOL score growth. Areas of concern are around the special education scores and literacy scores that are not back to pre-COVID levels yet while also addressing the concerns that come from PALS testing in each grade. When McDowell Technical Community College recently searched for a new lead instructor in photography following the retirement of long-time instructor Blake Madden, the perfect candidate emerged in Rose Jerome someone capable of marrying two somewhat disparate constructs in photography: art and technology. We know our photography students tend to have professional interests in either the more artistic elements of photography or the more practical, technical side of photography the things that will help them succeed in their careers said Dr. Brian S. Merritt, MTCC president. But the most successful photographers are those who are trained in both elements, who have incredible artistic vision, but also understand how to adjust the settings to achieve the right balance of focus and light and vice versa. Rose will surely help our students reach their full potential. By virtue of her educational background and professional experiences over the years, Jerome is uniquely qualified to prepare students for professional careers that rely on technical expertise in the studio or elsewhere, but also inspire students who want to create art, realizing that both types of students must begin with a solid foundation in how to operate various types of photography equipment, from DSLR cameras to studio lights, filters, reflectors and more. Everything Ive done professionally in photography has been a balance of the technical aspects of photography and artistic vision, from working in commercial photography, especially in fashion photography in New York and London, to doing fine art photography, said Jerome. Educational and professional background She began her own career in photography studying the technical, how-tos of photography at Daytona State College, earning her associates degree in photographic technology before going on to City University of New York (CUNY) BA, where she received her bachelors degree in modern art history. She then completed a master of fine arts at Savannah College of Art and Design, one of the countrys premier colleges for art and design. In addition to creating fine art as a solo practitioner, Jerome has worked for some of the most well-known fashion photographers and agencies in the world as studio manager, photographer or first assistant, producing shoots for magazines such as Vogue, Allure, GQ and GQ Style. Her work has been featured in The Orlando Weekly, South by Southeast Photo Magazine, and will be featured in the upcoming issue of Create! Magazine! She has had solo exhibitions of her work at Hanesbrand Theatre in Winston-Salem (Establishing Kinship) and Revolve Art Space in Asheville (Black Mountain). Her work has frequently been chosen for group exhibits across the country, including recent shows at Decode Gallery in Tucson, Arizona; Xavier University Gallery in Cincinnati, Ohio; and Praxis Gallery in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The quality of Jeromes photography is well-documented. Recent awards have included publication in Communications Art Photography Annual 61; selection as a finalist in Photolucidas 2020 Critical Mass; Honorable Mention from the IPA: Intl Photography Awards 2020; and selection as a participant in the 33rd annual Eddie Adams Workshop. Teaching: seamless transition Jeromes interest in teaching evolved slowly over time as an outgrowth of various professional jobs she has held. Although she was in an administrative role at The Center for Photography at Woodstock, for example, she found that there were a number of artists and interns with whom she worked who had artistic vision, but were not fully prepared for some of the more technical aspects of photography. She made herself more relevant by offering to assist them or teach them what they needed to know. Unexpectedly, she found that she loved teaching and sharing her knowledge and skills with others. Experiences like that, however, also reinforced for her the importance of balancing all aspects of photography in a teaching role. You must master the tools of the trade to become successful in any job, and photography is no exception. Regardless of which professional direction you want to pursue, you have to have a strong foundation, said Jerome. Jerome has fully embraced her new role as instructor, while maintaining her passion as a solo practitioner on the side. It has been a seamless transition for me, said Jerome. I look forward to working with new students in the photography program at McDowell Tech, said Jerome. To be a successful student, you simply need innate curiosity, commitment to professional growth, an open mind and self-discipline. It is important, though, for students to also give themselves grace and patience, as mastering the skills they need to be a good photographer may take time. In addition to teaching at McDowell Tech, Jerome has also taught numerous workshops and summer art immersion classes at Sawtooth Center for the Arts in Winston-Salem and has been a teaching assistant for Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, Ga. An emerging theme in Jeromes work Another new role, however, has impacted her professional and personal life to a greater extent: motherhood. When she became a first-time mom recently, she found less time to travel for photography projects and exhibits and a significant shift in her work schedule. That was counterbalanced, however, by emerging ideas and themes in her work around womanhood and motherhood. Being a mom has inspired me to explore what is a woman and what is motherhood in my work. The responsibility of being a mom is very different, and I have been blessed to adopt the sacred task of raising a daughter. It has definitely connected me with the realm of mothers, she said. We are excited to bring someone with Roses depth of experience in photography and passion for teaching to our faculty, said Dr. Brian S. Merritt, MTCC president. We look forward to watching the lightbulb come on for students as they gain confidence through their newfound knowledge and skills in photography. I have no doubt that we will begin to see more beautiful images and art adorning our walls in weeks and months ahead. For more information on the photography program at McDowell Tech or to register for classes, contact Jerome at rwjerome76@go.mcdowelltech.edu. Financial aid is available to qualified students. 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) Event-related potentials and (B) difference waves from various electrode clusters. The arrows highlight a possible alternative marker of pre-attentive error detection in the visual systemearly deviant related positivity (EDRP). The lighter colors surrounding the difference waves give 1 standard error of the mean. Credit: PLOS Biology (2023). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001866 A University of California, Irvine-led team of researchers have discovered that a neural marker of error detection in the brain's visual system previously considered pre-attentive may actually require attention and that subtle visual irregularities may be revealed by other neural markers. Research findings were published in June in PLOS Biology in a new study titled, "Attention is required for canonical brain signature of prediction error despite early encoding of the stimuli." "According to predictive coding theory, a popular theory for how the brain efficiently processes its immediate sensory surroundings, extra processing is reserved for irregularities in sensory input that are signposted by prediction errors," said Alie G. Male, Ph.D., co-author and assistant project scientist in the Department of Psychiatry & Human Behavior at the UCI School of Medicine. For example, imagine a person's brain is a car engine; prediction errors are like a check engine light that signals something is wrong. This check engine light is crucial for beginning the process of investigation to rectify the issue. "There are, however, an increasing number of studies that failed to show the well-known neural marker of prediction error in the brain's visual system," Male said. Because of this, it is problematic for those exploring atypical early visual processing indexed by absent or impaired prediction error signaling, she explained. "For example, if the well-known neural marker of prediction error is not found in a patient sample, one might falsely conclude aberrant early sensory processing, namely failed irregularity detection when, in truth, the absence could be explained by the need for unmet experimental conditions, such as attention," Male said. To explain an unmet condition with the earlier analogy of a check engine light, it is like failing to see the check engine light before the engine overheats and assume the sensors aren't working, when in reality, the overheating was signposted by another error signal, like the temperature gauge, and the check engine light only illuminates after the vehicle has been in drive for more than 10 minutes. This study aims to qualify the electrophysiology of typical early sensory processing without attention, allowing others to later qualify the electrophysiology of atypical early sensory processing without attention, Male explained. "We find that the well-known neural marker of prediction error in the brain's visual system does not occur for unattended, subtle, visual irregularities, despite evidence that their corresponding regularities are indeed encoded, although such irregularities may be indexed by an earlier electrophysiological signal at the primary visual cortices," she said. In addition to this finding, their study also showed that subtle visual regularities are indeed encoded and observed via electrophysiology. Further research on the conditions needed for both indexes of error signaling will provide a more robust model of early visual processing in the visual cortex. Male's research was motivated by the frustrations of colleagues and peers with whom she discussed the difficulty in obtaining a reliable signal of the well-known neural correlate of prediction error signaling in the visual system, she said. They concluded that if there were no signal, but did find evidence of encoding, they might further bolster the argument that the known neural correlate may not be the only index of irregularity signaling. "We intend to further qualify the conditions needed for showing the well-known neural marker of error detection so that other researchers can adopt optimal parameters in their own irregularity detection research," she said. Male co-authored this research with Robert P. O'Shea, from the Discipline of Psychology at the College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education at Murdoch University in Perth, Australia. More information: Alie G. Male et al, Attention is required for canonical brain signature of prediction error despite early encoding of the stimuli, PLOS Biology (2023). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001866 Journal information: PLoS Biology 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 Many Americans really want to lose weightand a new poll shows nearly half of adults would be interested in taking a prescription drug to help them do so. At the same time, enthusiasm dims sharply if the treatment comes as an injection, if it is not covered by insurance, or if the weight is likely to return after discontinuing treatment, a new nationwide KFF poll found. Those findings display the enthusiasm for a new generation of pricey weight loss drugs hitting the market and illustrate possible stumbling blocks, as users potentially must deal with weekly self-injections, lack of insurance coverage, and the need to continue the medications indefinitely. For example, interest dropped to 14% when respondents were asked if they would still consider taking prescription medications if they knew they could regain weight after stopping the drugs. One way to interpret that finding is "people want to lose a few pounds but don't want to be on a drug for the rest of their life," said Ashley Kirzinger, KFF's director of survey methodology. The monthly poll reached out to 1,327 U.S. adults. The U.S. represents a large market for drugmakers who want to sell weight loss prescriptions: An estimated 42% of the population is classified as obese, according to a controversial metric known as BMI, or body mass index. In the KFF poll, 61% said they were currently trying to lose weight, although only 4% were taking a prescription medication to do so. That gap between the 4% taking any kind of prescription weight loss treatment and the number of Americans deemed overweight or obese is the sweet spot drugmakers are targeting for the new drugs, which include several diabetes treatments repurposed as weight loss drugs. The drugs have attracted much attention, both in mainstream publications and broadcasts and on social media, where they are often touted by celebrities and other influencers. Demand jumped and supplies have become limited. About 7 in 10 adults had heard at least "a little" about the new drugs, according to the survey. The newer treatments include Wegovy, a slightly higher dose of Novo Nordisk's diabetes drug Ozempic, and Mounjaro, an Eli Lilly diabetes treatment for which the company is currently seeking FDA approval as a weight loss drug. Weight loss with these injectable drugs surpasses those of earlier generations of weight loss medications. But they are also costlier than previous drugs. The monthly costs of the drugs set by the drugmakers can range from $900 to more than $1,300. At, say, a wholesale price tag of $1,350, the tab per person could top $323,000 over 20 years. The drugs appear to work by mimicking a hormone that helps decrease appetite. Still, like all drugs, they come with side effects, which can include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation. More serious side effects include the risk of a type of thyroid cancer, inflammation of the pancreas, or low blood sugar. Health officials in Europe are investigating reports that the drugs may result in other side effects like suicidal thoughts. The KFF survey found that 80% of adults thought insurers should cover the new weight loss drugs for those diagnosed as overweight or obese. Just over half wanted it covered for anyone who wanted to take it. Half would still support insurance coverage even if doing so could increase everyone's monthly premiums. Still, 16% of those surveyed said they would be interested in a weight loss prescription even if their insurance did not cover it. In practice, coverage for the new treatments varies, and private insurers often peg coverage to patients' BMI, a ratio of height to weight. Medicare specifically bars coverage for drugs for "anorexia, weight loss, or weight gain," although it pays for bariatric surgery. "Unfortunately, a lot of insurers have not caught up to the idea of recognizing obesity as a disease," said Fatima Cody Stanford, an obesity medicine specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Employers and insurers must consider the potential costs of covering the drugs for enrolleesperhaps for them to use indefinitelyagainst the potential savings associated with losing weight, such as a lower chance of diabetes or joint problems. Stanford said the drugs are not a miracle cure and do not work for everyone. But for those who benefit, "it can be significantly life-altering in a positive way," she said. It's not surprising, she added, that the drugs may need to be taken long term, as "the idea that there is a quick fix" doesn't reflect the complexity of obesity as a disease. While the drugs currently on the market are injectables, some drugmakers are developing oral weight loss drugs, although it is unclear whether the prices will be the same or less than the injectable products. Still, many experts predict that a lot of money will be spent on weight loss products in the coming years. In a recent report, Morgan Stanley analysts called obesity "the new hypertension" and predicted industry revenue from U.S. sales of obesity drugs could rise from a current $1.6 billion annually to $31.5 billion by 2030. 2023 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain When Denver Health wanted to open an inpatient opioid detox unit specifically for teens, doctors there searched high and low for a model to copy. They didn't find one. Teens who land in emergency rooms with an opioid overdose generally receive naloxone to reverse the effects of dangerous drugs in their system and are sent home with a list of places they can go for follow-up care. But too often, those teens never seek additional help. They are left to suffer through the agony of withdrawal with no medications to ease their cravings. As a result, many, seeking relief, go back to opioids, often with tragic consequences. Christian Thurstone, the director of behavioral health services at the Denver hospital, said six of his teen patients have died of fentanyl overdoses in the past two years. Denver Health has now opened what he believes to be the nation's first adolescent inpatient detox unit. "I've been doing adolescent substance treatment here in Denver for 20 years," Thurstone said. "I wouldn't know where to send somebody for adolescent detox." New research has found that most areas of the U.S. lack facilities that offer medically managed withdrawal for patients under 18. With adolescent overdoses continuing to rise along with the rapid growth of intentional and unintentional fentanyl use, there is a stark lack of options for teens. Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University posed as an aunt or uncle of a teen who recently overdosed. The researchers called every U.S. teen addiction treatment facility they could find to ask if their niece or nephew could go there to detox and whether the facility offered medications to help with the process. Of the 160 adolescent residential treatment facilities they contacted, only 63 said they would allow adolescents to detox on-site. Of those 63, only 18 offered buprenorphinethe one medication that's FDA-approved to treat opioid use disorder in kids as young as 16and some of those offered no additional medications to manage withdrawal symptoms. "I'm not sure if inhumane is too strong of a word," said Caroline King, an emergency medicine resident at Yale University, who graduated from OHSU in 2023 and led the research. "Offering nothing, offering no additional medication, even nausea medication or really basic things, is really a travesty." Staff members at one facility told the researchers they don't offer medications because kids are resilient, implying they don't suffer as much as adults, or perhaps that they deserve to suffer, King said. Workers at another told researchers they "try to push Gatorade down them and just lay them down in a cot," she said. King said multiple locations responded that they couldn't think of a single place in their state where kids could go to detox. "It's just really terrible to hear that that's the case," King said. The American Society of Addiction Medicine is revising its standards for treating opioid use disorder in adults (this year) and children (in 2024). Sandra Gomez-Luna, the chief medical officer for psychiatry at the Yale School of Medicine, who is leading the pediatric effort, said most adolescents do not experience significant withdrawal symptoms and that, in general, withdrawal isn't as intense for teens as it is for adults. "That doesn't mean that there isn't a portion of teens with substance use disorders that will require medically monitored withdrawal management," she said. Because teens usually haven't been using drugs for as long as adults, Gomez-Luna said, they may not suffer the consequences of chronic use or have as many accompanying health conditions that can make withdrawal more difficult, or more complex to treat. But the rise in the more potent opioid fentanyl may be changing that thinking. "As more and more teens will get involved in fentanyl use," Gomez-Luna said, "there will be more adolescents that will require medically monitored withdrawal." Gomez-Luna said the addiction medicine group is also concerned there are too few facilities for teens and a lack of specialized personnel to treat them. Scott Hadland, chief of adolescent and young adult medicine at Mass General for Children and Harvard Medical School, said there are fewer facilities for adolescents in part because many teens are never identified as needing help or connected to care, despite the growing number of overdoses. "The patient volume is surprisingly not always there to support a program like this, even though we know that this is a huge public health problem," Hadland said. "It becomes financially difficult to build a program whose sole service line is to provide detoxification services for young people." When no dedicated detox units are available, teens sometimes get admitted to a hospital, often to the intensive care unit, where more monitoring is available than on regular inpatient floors. But that also means teens are less likely to be cared for by a team specializing in adolescent addiction medicine. More from the Mountain States "Our pediatric workforce has not traditionally received strong training in the management of addiction," Hadland said. "When patients do go to general pediatric hospital settings, it's possible that there isn't someone there who has the expertise needed to manage that patient's care." Thurstone said the biggest hurdle in getting Denver Health's teen detox unit running was staffing. It took more than a year to find a certified addiction specialist to run the unit. Addiction specialists stress that not all teens with opioid use disorder need inpatient detox. Withdrawal can be managed at home if teens have a stable family environment to support them and monitor their symptoms. Many adolescents with opioid use disorders, however, come from broken homes in which the parents may be struggling with addiction themselves. And coming out of the pandemic, specialists are also seeing more teens with opioid use disorders who have other psychiatric problems, such as depression, anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or eating disorders. "All of these conditions have been on the rise in the wake of COVID, alongside the rise in overdoses that we're seeing," Hadland said. "Part of the charge of our pediatric workforce right now is not just to address addiction, but also to tackle the underlying mental health conditions that young people are working through." Thurstone said that nationwide about half of all adolescents drop out of treatment, but that it's worse in marginalized communities. Denver Health repurposed beds from an inpatient psychiatric unit to get its teen detox program running. The unit saw its first patient this spring and has been admitting about one patient a week, mostly teens with a fentanyl dependence. The teens start medication-assisted therapy, most often with buprenorphine, to address their cravings; get additional meds to manage any side effects of withdrawal; and receive cognitive behavioral therapy to help them with their recovery. Once they can be safely discharged, they are connected to addiction treatment programs in their communities. Thurstone believes providing that continuum of care will help reduce teen overdoses in the Denver region. "We can do better than, you know, an ER visit and a list of resources to call," he said. 2023 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Shutterstock If you asked me what's in e-cigarettes, disposable vapes or e-liquids, my short answer would be "we don't fully know." The huge and increasing range of products and flavors on the market, changes to ingredients when they are heated or interact with each other, and inadequate labeling make this a complicated question to answer. Analytical chemistry, including my own team's research, gives some answers. But understanding the health impacts adds another level of complexity. E-cigarettes' risk to health varies depending on many factors including which device or flavors are used, and how people use them. So vapers just don't know what they're inhaling and cannot be certain of the health impacts. What do we know? Despite these complexities, there are some consistencies between what different laboratories find. Ingredients include nicotine, flavoring chemicals, and the liquids that carry themprimarily propylene glycol and glycerine. Concerningly, we also find volatile organic compounds, particulate matter and carcinogens (agents that can cause cancer), many of which we know are harmful. Our previous research also found 2-chlorophenol in about half of e-liquids users buy to top-up re-fillable e-cigarettes. This is one example of a chemical with no valid reason to be there. Globally, it's classified as "harmful if inhaled." Its presence is likely due to contamination during manufacturing. How about polonium? One potential ingredient that has been in the news in recent weeks is radioactive polonium-210, the same substance used to assassinate former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko in 2006. The Queensland government is now testing vapes for it. Polonium-210 can be found in traditional cigarettes and other tobacco products. That's because tobacco plants absorb it and other radioactive materials from the soil, air and high-phosphate fertilizer. Whether polonium-210 is found in aerosols produced by e-cigarettes remains to be seen. Although it is feasible if the glycerine in e-liquids comes from plants and similar fertilizers are used to grow them. It's not just the ingredients Aside from their ingredients, the materials e-cigarette devices are made from can end up in our bodies. Toxic metals and related substances such as arsenic, lead, chromium and nickel can be detected in both e-liquids and vapers' urine, saliva and blood. These substances can pose serious health risks (such as being carcinogenic). They can leach from several parts of an e-cigarette, including the heating coil, wires and soldered joints. That's not all The process of heating e-liquids to create an inhalable aerosol also changes their chemical make-up to produce degradation products. These include: formaldehyde (a substance used to embalm dead bodies) acetaldehyde (a key substance that contributes to a hangover after drinking alcohol) acrolein (used as a chemical weapon in the first world war and now used as a herbicide). These chemicals are often detected in e-cigarette samples. However due to different devices and how the samples are collected, the levels measured vary widely between studies. Often, the levels are very low, leading to proponents of vaping arguing e-cigarettes are far safer than tobacco smoking. But this argument does not acknowledge that many e-cigarette users (particularly adolescents) were or are not cigarette smokers, meaning a better comparison is between e-cigarette use and breathing "fresh" air. An e-cigarette user is undoubtedly exposed to more toxins and harmful substances than a non-smoker. People who buy tobacco cigarettes are also confronted with a plethora of warnings about the hazards of smoking, while vapers generally are not. How about labeling? This leads to another reason why it's impossible to tell what is in vapesthe lack of information, including warnings, on the label. Even if labels are present, they don't always reflect what's in the product. Nicotine concentration of e-liquids is often quite different to what is on the label, and "nicotine-free" e-liquids often contain nicotine. Products are also labeled with generic flavor names such as "berry" or "tobacco." But there is no way for a user to know what chemicals have been added to make those "berry" or "tobacco" flavors or the changes in these chemicals that may occur with heating and/or interacting with other ingredients and the device components. "Berry" flavor alone could be made from more than 35 different chemicals. Flavoring chemicals may be "food grade" or classified as safe-to-eat. However mixing them into e-liquids, heating and inhaling them is a very different type of exposure, compared to eating them. One example is benzaldehyde (an almond flavoring). When this is inhaled, it impairs the immune function of lung cells. This could potentially reduce a vaper's ability to deal with other inhaled toxins, or respiratory infections. Benzaldehyde is one of only eight banned e-liquid ingredients in Australia. The list is so short because we don't have enough information on the health effects if inhaled of other flavoring chemicals, and their interactions with other e-liquid ingredients. Where to next? For us to better assess the health risks of vapes, we need to learn more about: what happens when flavor chemicals are heated and inhaled the interactions between different e-liquid ingredients what other contaminants may be present in e-liquids new, potentially harmful, substances in e-cigarettes. Finally, we need to know more about how people use e-cigarettes so we can better understand and quantify the health risks in the real world. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Hundreds of people lined up for the opening of the Temporary at American Place in February. (Steve Sadin / Lake County News-Sun) A developer whose longtime dream of bringing a casino to Waukegan was dashed when a partner pulled the plug has received another disappointment from the Second District Illinois Appellate Court. Alan Ludwig, a principal of Waukegan Gaming, LLC, first signed a predevelopment agreement with the City of Waukegan in 2003 giving him the right to bring a casino to the city. Eventually Ludwig joined forces with a finalist for the casino license issued in 2021Rush Street Gaminggiving that company final decision- making power. Rush Street withdrew from the competition and Ludwigs hopes went with it. Hoping to salvage something from years of trying, Waukegan Gaming sued the City of Waukegan in March of last year seeking cash compensation for its efforts and more than six months later, a Lake County Court judge dismissed the case. The Second District Illinois Appellate Court rejected Waukegan Gamings appeal of the Lake County Court decision Tuesday in Elgin because changes in Illinois law made the contract unenforceable. Stewart Weiss, an attorney with Waukegan corporation counsel Elrod Friedman LLP, said Waukegan Gamings lawsuit and the subsequent court decision will have no effect on the citys currently operating temporary casino or the permanent one planned. When the Illinois General Assembly amended the states gaming laws in 2019 to allow Waukegan to have a licensed casino, Waukegan Gaming lost its right to exclusively pursue the casino, according to the courts written opinion. When the law was amended, the city was required to consider all applicants and engage in a competitive process to recommend one or more applicant(s) to the Illinois Gaming Board. The board has the sole authority to grant a license to operate a casino. The General Assembly intended for the process of granting casino licenses to be open, competitive and transparent, the court said in its opinion. The city lacked the authority to grant Waukegan Gaming an open-ended, irrevocable and exclusive right to develop a casino in the city. Weiss said Waukegan Gaming did not have a case because Waukegan did not have a right to issue a gaming license due to the changes in the law. He added that the city fully complied with its obligation to hold an open and competitive process to certify applicants to the gaming board. Thats what Waukegan did in the fall of 2019, Weiss said. It certified multiple, worthy proposals to operate a casino in the city. The state made it clear there had to be a competitive process and that is what Waukegan did. In 2019, Weiss said five groups initially responded to Waukegans invitation to bid, one dropped out and three were certified to the gaming boardFull House Resorts, North Point Casino and Rush Street. Ludwig tied his hopes to Rush Street, giving the company full decision-making power, according to the court decision. Rush Street withdrew from the competition in September, 2019, to pursue a license in Chicago, ending Ludwigs hopes. The gaming board issued Full House a finding of preliminary suitability to begin its work on the casino in December 2021. It opened The Temporary at American Place Feb.17, 2023 and is developing its plans for a permanent casino. Students of all ages are getting ready for a new school year, our two grandkids among them. Their excitement and nervousness are held by a community who recognizes that they, along with their parents and caregivers, face significant challenges in preparing this year: Difficulty re-accessing Medicaid coverage for general health and therapeutic care Loss of access to free and reduced-cost school meals Expense of school clothes and required supplies Concerns over face-to-face and online bullying and other peer pressures Fear from recent experiences with threats of gun violence in our schools and neighborhoods Montanas high rates of expressed teen sadness/hopelessness and suicide attempts We appreciate that many of our schools, peer support groups, and community organizations and leaders are committed to providing some of the tangible essentials needed stuffed backpacks, clothing, computer use and the like. I am also grateful for the vital education and support for bolstering protective factors that I have come to count on from the people of Parenting Place, Brightways Learning, Missoula Food Bank and Community Center, Trauma-Informed Approaches, Be Smart and local law enforcement. And there are several groups of community members working on the variety of issues that challenge the well-being of children and families. It takes us all working together so that our communitys children can know and trust that there are people beyond their families who want to help them expand their safety nets and sense of empowerment to tackle this new year. As we consider back-to-school essentials, one worth extra consideration is our childrens spirituality. In reading the writings of psychologist Dr. Lisa Miller and from what I have witnessed in years as a church schoolteacher, I see truth in the scientific link Dr. Miller makes between spirituality and childrens health. As noted in her book The Spiritual Child, data shows that children who have a positive, active relationship to spirituality are 40% less likely to use and abuse substances, 60% less likely to be depressed as teenagers, and have significantly more positive markers for thriving, including an increased sense of meaning and purpose. These findings might stir us to consider what we can be doing as caregivers, good neighbors and faith communities to encourage an ever-growing sense of spirituality in the children around us as both a back-to-school and lifelong essential. Here are a few potential avenues for our efforts: Listen to their stories, their fears, their excitement and their disappointments. Spend time with them in nature or other places that can help them continue to develop a sense of wonder, awe and connectedness. Ask open-ended questions to help them reach a next step that seems workable for them. What might their inner compass be telling them about productive ways to move forward? Share ways that you nurture your faith and spirituality. May this new school year reveal healthy support for the variety of essentials needed by our children and families. A Missoula City Council member didnt win any votes from the rest of the council earlier this week in her attempt to defund Missoulas Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion program. On Wednesday, Ward 1 representative Heidi West asked for the citys budget to be amended so that the $147,180 allocated to the JEDI program would instead go to fund after-school recreation programming at Missoula Title I schools, which are federally recognized as having a certain amount of low-income students. West told her fellow council members that the JEDI program was created in the aftermath of the summer of 2020. "Several years into JEDI, it is still unclear what needs are being addressed, what this program is intended to do, or how success is defined, she told the council in her request. "Program accomplishments to date, such as standardizing pay for city staff, should be addressed through existing human resources standards. West said that the JEDI program has instituted and is training staff, administration and elected officials in definitions, processes and policy change theory synthesized by a single vendor called B-Culture. "These definitions are narrow, limited to a single context of a white dominant culture in exclusion of all other historical and cultural contexts, and are also in contrast to current definitions already adopted into city policy, West said. "The training provided through the JEDI program simplifies all decisions into relational power dynamics and also applies the grief curve to JEDI-led systems change. This undermines the basic function of government and creates a framework in which all meaningful discussion and dissenting opinions can be silenced. "Diversity that suppresses ideological diversity is not, and never will be, diversity," West continued. "The JEDI program does not uphold Missoula's expressly stated ideals of Justice, Equity, Diversity or Inclusion. The program is currently funded by one-time funding from the American Rescue Plan Act. West said the money should be re-allocated to fill a current community need and service gap that exists in Missoula today. She said the after-school programming would support justice, equity, diversity and inclusion for marginalized members of the community. "This year, the Western Montana Mental Health Center discontinued a long-standing after-school care program (Flagship) aimed at reducing substance abuse, West said. "This increases the vulnerability of an already marginalized demographic of Missoula youth. All $147,180 should be utilized to both provide direct services to students at Missoula's Title I schools and to identifying and secure funding for long-term operation. The goal of this investment is to provide safe and nurturing spaces that allow Missoula's youth to realize their potential, thus combating the underlying issues that lead to perpetuating generational poverty, alcohol and substance abuse and homelessness. City council member Daniel Carlino said he liked the idea of funding the after-school program, but he wanted to know if West was open to finding other funding sources besides defunding the JEDI program. West replied she didnt believe there was any other way to fund an after-school program. Angela Simonson, the citys human resources director, said West was wrong to say that the city only contracts with one vendor. She said there have been several vendors that the city has consulted with. "My ask of council to continue funding for the JEDI program goes beyond my personal and professional values that center on ensuring that all humans have a right to belong and that diversity in the workplace only makes us stronger, Simonson said. The continued support of the JEDI program is also essential for us to meet goals found in the citys strategic plan. Alex Lawson, the citys JEDI specialist since October of 2022, said the program is vital for the city. She said the city is fostering relationships with underserved members of the community, including newly resettled refugees, to teach about Missoulas local governance structure, health care access and equity-centric engagement strategies. City council member Mirtha Becerra was opposed to West's amendment. "As probably the only person on this council who doesn't check the box of 'white' on the census form, I have no interest in defunding JEDI with all due respect to Ms. West," Becerra said. "I believe that yes, Lowell School is a success, the program we have is a success and one that's worthy of replicating everywhere if possible, but not by defunding this program." Becerra said she wanted to apologize to Lawson for having to defend her job. "I want every kid, no matter what color their skin, gender, religion, etc., to have access to all the benefits of their community," Becerra continued. "I want the kids and their families to feel like they belong. I think it's obvious that the system is broken. It has been for decades and centuries, and we will not fix it overnight." Becerra said JEDI is "one tool and one step on a long journey to bring equity, to embrace diversity and strive for inclusion" in Missoula. Amber Sherrill said she thinks the citys JEDI program feels ambiguous from time to time but she supports the program. Wests motion failed, 8-1. A motion by Carlino to increase the city council's communication stipend by $30 per month for each city council member also failed. Carlino wanted $4,320 annually to come out of the mayor's salary to pay for the stipend. Montana VA Health Care System recently received recognition by Beckers Hospital Review for patient recommendations made for its Fort Harrison hospital. Fort Harrison VA Medical Center was one of eight Montana hospitals to receive a five-star rating for patient recommended hospitals from Becker's. The others were Barrett Hospital & Healthcare in Dillon, Clark Fork Valley Hospital of Plains, Community Hospital of Anaconda, Great Falls Clinic Hospital, Logan Health-Whitefish, St. Patrick Hospital of Missoula and St. Vincent Healthcare of Billings. The rating is based on patients recommending this hospital to their friends and family. This is not the first five-star Beckers rating for the Fort Harrison VA Medical Center in 2023, Montana VA officials said. Earlier this year, Fort Harrison received five-star recognition for physician communication with veteran patients, which was announced July 17, and a second five-star rating on staff responsiveness, which was announced July 28. Beckers Healthcare compiles a list of the best hospitals for patient experience nationwide using the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems scores from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. This five-star rating from Montanas veterans is one of the greatest acknowledgements we could receive," Montana VAs Chief of Staff Dr. Greg Normandin said in an email. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, along with the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, developed the survey to provide a standardized way to collect data about a patients thoughts on their hospital care. The survey is given to random patients throughout the year in the medical, surgical or maternity service lines after discharge. Patients are asked about 10 areas of their experiences including nurse communication, responsiveness of hospital staff, communication about medications, cleanliness of hospital and their willingness to recommend that hospital to others. Montana VA serves more than 47,000 enrolled veterans, cared for by 1,500 staff at 18 sites. Read the Becker's review at https://bit.ly/3Yxn7oH. By midday Saturday, the wind was blowing around 10 mph from the southwest over Billings Logan International Airport. There was roughly 10 miles of visibility. Although there were no commercial flights leaving the airport Saturday, the skies above Billings were far from clear. For the first time in two decades, military and stunt planes entertained thousands of spectators for the Yellowstone International Airshow. License plates in the parking area had the names of states throughout the Northwest, but 8-year-old Aiden Gilluly only had to travel a few minutes from his home in Billings to get his photo taken in a tank parked on airshow grounds. His mother, Donna Gilluly said she didnt expect a turnout as massive as what she saw Saturday. She brought her son to the show after hearing it announced on the radio. He really wasnt that into planes, but after hearing the jets overhead the past few days, he started getting so excited, she said. The air show went into its second day welcoming roughly 15,000 people. The weekend-long event had sold out by Thursday afternoon, the Gazette previously reported, with organizers anticipating some 30,000 visitors. Vehicles snaked to the bottom of the hill along North 27th Street in the hours before Saturdays show. Dana Bowman kicked off the show by dropping 4,500 feet out of a Cessna. The first double amputee to enlist in the U.S. Army, Bowman carried a massive U.S. flag on his descent to the earth. A performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner" concluded with a thunder of pyrotechnics that shook the ground. On the ground, visitors could climb inside the cockpits of several jets, helicopters, and armored transports. Between a fighter jet and an Osprey, the crew of Miss Montana offered tours of the plane thats touched down across entire continents. Proclaimed the states official plane by Gov. Greg Gianforte earlier this year, the polished DC-3/C-47 designated as N24320 shined bright in the noon sun. Shes a flying museum, said Bryan Douglas, one of those who championed Miss Montanas restoration. Bryan and others with Museum of Mountain Flying, based in Missoula, spend hundreds of hours to get Miss Montana airworthy for a commemorative flight over Europe to mark the 75th anniversary of the Allied invasion of Normandy during World War II. Along with making appearances at several airshows a year, Miss Montana has also played a key role in honoring 13 people killed in a wildfire more than 70 years ago: The smokejumpers who leapt from N24320 to battle the Mann Gulch Fire near Helena in 1949. The crew is currently accepting donations in order for Miss Montana to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Mann Gulch next year. In the air, pilots turned, flipped and dove at speeds of over 300 mph. The g-force exerted on anyone inside a plane at that speed operates with thousands of points of weight being pressed onto their body. Capping off the show Saturday were the Navy and Marines pilots in the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, better known as the Blue Angles. The blue and yellow airframes rocketing over the skies of Billings, sometimes prompting 911 calls, are those of the F/A-18. With a cruising speed of about 775 mph, wind hits the jets engine and mixes with the fuel. The eruption, combined with the force at which the wind leaves the planes exhaust, creates one of the loudest noises of any machine ever built. At an average of 140 decibels, the noise ripped through the air and across the spectators along the Rims below: Neeeoooow. Two hours into the show, Dallas Mathers favorite was a stunt plane dotted vibrantly with Jelly Belly jelly bean signage. When the plane touched back down, Dallas and his father, Mitch Mather, had lunch in the grass near the Jelly Belly plane. Dallas swatted grasshoppers off his dad while he ate. Its his first and my third, said Mitch Mather, who drove in from Wilsall to see the show. Its always a great time. Its not everyday you get to see something like this." Photos: Yellowstone International Airshow Saturday performance Yellowstone International Airshow Saturday Yellowstone International Airshow Saturday Yellowstone International Airshow Saturday Yellowstone International Airshow Saturday Yellowstone International Airshow Saturday Yellowstone International Airshow Saturday Yellowstone International Airshow Saturday Yellowstone International Airshow Saturday Yellowstone International Airshow Saturday Yellowstone International Airshow Saturday Yellowstone International Airshow Saturday Yellowstone International Air Show Yellowstone International Air Show While traveling around our state this summer, everyone is seeing Montana being built: new roads, to broadband, to critical infrastructure that keeps our water safe. As a state we have an exciting, once-in-a-generation opportunity to set Montanas businesses and Montanas workforce up for a bright future. But in order to ensure the best possible outcome for local businesses, consumers, and workers, we must connect this funding to strong labor standards. Together, we can keep these investments in our communities and build an exciting future for all Montanans. Investments in Montana through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law include: $3.1 billion for roads, bridges, and roadway safety, $628 million to ensure high-speed internet coverage across the state, billions of dollars for water reclamation projects in Indian and rural communities and $565,000 to remove sources of lead in Montana schools and child care facilities. Thanks to the advocacy of workers across the state and the work of Montanas senior senator to get this money into Montana, all of these investments will help local businesses grow and provide good paying jobs for the next decade. Even though this is a monumental opportunity to grow our state, it is critical that we invest these funds wisely, and that means making strong investments in our local workforce and the next generation of Montanans. The good news is that this is a win-win-win for local businesses, taxpayers, and working families. Research in recent years has shown that high labor standards such as prevailing wage laws protect work for in-state contractors and ensure the highest quality of work with fewer cost overruns. Montanas prevailing wage law also creates 1,800 jobs every year and improves the state economy by $248 million. Productivity per construction worker is 14% to 33% higher in states that have prevailing wage laws, leading to jobs being done quicker and at a higher quality. High labor standards also dont impact bid competition or the cost of construction, they simply ensure that workers are paid fair value and Montanas contractors arent undercut by out-of-state companies, ensuring these investments stay in Montana. By protecting Montanas labor standards and investing in our workforce, we are encouraging local contractors that invest in our local economies, in apprenticeship programs, and in safety on the job. For example, states with prevailing wage laws increase apprenticeship training by 8% and see reduced injury rates by 13%. Connecting infrastructure projects to strong labor standards is the most efficient way of spending this money in Montana to maximize the benefits to our local economies and working people across the state. Because this investment is not just building roads, bridges and broadband access but about building communities and families. As legislators who have represented or are currently representing Montana cities in the Legislature, we know the importance of strong, clear leadership in representing the needs of our communities. As Missoulians, we are passionate about our wonderful city but we also know that Missoula faces many challenges which will demand much of our next mayor. We believe Andrea Davis is the right person to meet these challenges and provide this leadership and we strongly endorse her to be Missoulas next mayor. Andrea Davis has a powerful combination of skills and experience that she will bring to the mayors office. As the executive director of Homeword, she has built an organization that is helping Missoula and Montana provide affordable, available housing to citizens across the state. As the chair of the Montana Housing Coalition, she has been a dynamic presence in the Legislature and in the last session helped pass the largest and most innovative affordable housing bill in Montanas history. As a member of the Missoulas Urban Transportation Board, Andrea understands the need to merge transportation planning with urban growth and economic development. In all these roles, Andrea has distinguished herself as a leader and collaborator, strengthening partnerships, providing strong management skills, and offering a vision that others want to follow. Andrea Davis understands that the great challenge facing Missoula is managing our unprecedented growth in a way that preserves and strengthens our sense of community and place. We stand behind her in that vision. Missoula is fortunate to have a slate of strong candidates running for mayor. As legislators, we pledge to work with whomever the voters select. But we believe that Missoula has a unique opportunity to elect a truly exceptional candidate to the mayors office. We urge Missoulians to vote for Andrea Davis. RALEIGH The N.C. Department of Transportation is launching two career-building programs to help fill vacancies for jobs that dont require college degrees. The department has hundreds of job openings across the state due primarily to promotions and retirements. Many are for entry-level transportation workers, which offer on-the-job training that can lead to higher pay and supervisory responsibility within the agency. Amanda Olive, NCDOTs Human Resources director, said the department has an overall 21% vacancy rate, and that a transportation worker has an entry-level starting salary of $38,377. You can come in and you will get your experience on the job, Olive said. You will learn the different skills that you need to know, depending on what area youre in. Learning on the job is what helped propel Mike Fisher through the ranks at NCDOT after he became a transportation worker with no experience right after high school in Bladen County in 2001. Fisher advanced in his career, and today he is the bridge maintenance engineer for Highway Division 6, which is based in Fayetteville and covers five southeastern counties. As long as you are willing to step through the door, you can take advantage of what DOT has to offer, and you can definitely succeed here, Fisher said. New training programs The NCDOT is trying two new initiatives to help fill critical needs. The first is known as the On-the-Job Training Program, offered through the departments Office of Civil Rights. It is a two-week summer course to help prepare high-school students for construction industry careers. This fall, the department will began another initiative, called the Transportation Apprenticeships Program, with a goal of hiring 100 high-school graduates to be transportation workers and engineering technicians. They will continue as full-time NCDOT employees after they complete their apprenticeships. Olive said some of the departments deputy division engineers, county maintenance engineers and other supervisors began as entry-level transportation workers. During employee orientation, I like to tell people, the world is your oyster, because you can work your way up to anything, Olive said. Career takes off Early in his career, Fisher operated small equipment, constructed secondary roads and performed various road maintenance tasks. He received his first promotion in 2008 to become an Engineering Technician I. In the ensuing years, Fisher took advantage of the free engineering and highway coursework made available by the department. He also earned an associate degree in engineering technology. Nowadays, he supervises about 30 employees, assigns work schedules for bridge work, reviews inspection reports, and plans other work. I think anybody who comes to DOT can have a good, happy career, if they choose to, Fisher said. People may learn more about working at this state agency by going to ncdot.gov and searching careers. A Whitehall woman and a Butte man recently appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto in a Missoula federal court, both pleading not guilty to separate charges. Agatha Noriz Carranza, 33, of Whitehall, appeared in federal court Aug. 7, on charges of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute meth and fentanyl, and possession with intent to distribute meth and fentanyl. Her co-defendants, all of whom appeared July 27 on the same charges were Juan Felipe Vidrio Fuentes, 25, of Anaheim, California; Martin Topete Garcia, 32, of Mira Loma, California; Johnathan Topete, 27, of Mira Loma; and Anthony Wayne Johnson II, 46, of Santa Ana, California. Garcia, Johnathan Topete and Johnson also face an additional charge of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the most serious charge, all defendants face a mandatory minimum 10 years to life in prison, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release on the drug charges. If convicted of the firearm charge, the defendants face a mandatory minimum of five years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release. All defendants were detained pending further proceedings. On Friday, Adrian Anthony Aragon, 52, of Butte, was charged with wire fraud, theft of government money and aggravated identity theft. If convicted of the most serious crime, Aragon faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, $250,000 fine and three years of supervised released on the wire fraud charge, and a mandatory minimum of two years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release, on the aggravated identity theft charge. Aragon was detained pending further proceedings. On Aug. 10, 2020, Chris Jasper, now the Muscatine County Emergency Management Coordinator, was working in the Muscatine County Communications Center. He noticed several 911 calls were coming in when the cameras mounted on the outside of the Muscatine County Safety Center suddenly started shaking. Sitting two floors underground, Jasper saw that the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a severe thunderstorm warning earlier in the day. He saw some reports of inclement weather in other counties, including Linn and Clinton counties. Then it hit winds with a sheer of about 100 mph that lasted more than 30 minutes. For the next nine hours, Jasper and two other dispatchers never moved from their phones as waves of emergency calls came in. At one point, they had 67 calls holding. I just remember sitting and looking at the cameras shaking and moving. It seemed to last forever, Jasper said. All of a sudden, 911 just blew up. Then we knew something was going on. A derecho, an intense straight line of windstorms that hit millions of acres from Nebraska to Indiana, had arrived in Muscatine County. Winds of up to 140 miles per hour the equivalent of a category 4 hurricane impacted eastern Iowa and left hundreds of thousands without power for weeks and months of cleanup. Jasper said the derecho, which caused over $1 billion in damage statewide, had not hit Muscatine County as hard. According to former county emergency manager Brian Wright, winds in Muscatine reached well over 60 mph that day. With these winds came the loss of many trees, roof damage in some areas, and some damage within three of Muscatines parks. It was later confirmed there had been 75 mph wind gusts in the downtown Muscatine area. Outside of the city, other parts of Muscatine County were also affected. Communities like Wilton, Atalissa and West Liberty experienced 80 mph winds, which caused West Libertys power grid to experience a brief shutdown. Several other communities were without power for extended periods. Former Muscatine County Dispatcher Lisa Suttons house was damaged during the storm when a tree fell on the roof, but she remained at the safety center. Looking back on that day, Jasper said, in his new role as emergency management coordinator, the county is prepared for that kind of storm. We have an extensive emergency operations plan that any time we get any kind of severe weather event, we put our plans into motion, he said. We have 15 support servers and, depending on how bad it is, we turn on various functions. He said derechos are uncommon, occurring about every five years. He said more common storms in Muscatine County are tornadoes and straight-line winds. But not like that, he said. Straight line winds usually last about 15 minutes around here. That was a constant, hour-long high wind event. We are used to high winds, just not to that extent. SIOUX CITY Watching a young dog named Dustin run, swim and bark at a Sioux City park, one would never imagine that six months ago he was hours, maybe only minutes, away from dying. Starved down to a skeleton, unable to even lift his head, Dustin's condition was grave when Brenda Iwen rushed him from Sioux City to Dakota Dunes Animal Hospital. "I didn't think he was even going to make it over to the Dunes," Iwen, co-founder of Noah's Hope Animal Rescue, said, calling it the worst rescue case she's ever seen in which the animal was still alive. All other dogs she's seen in that condition were already dead. Covered in dried urine, the Boxer-Mastiff mix had shrunk to 28 pounds, less than half of what's considered his normal weight. A relative of the dog's owner turned him over to Iwen on Feb. 18, and Iwen said she learned the dog had been kept in a kennel in an apartment, given water, but no food. "I could not believe my eyes. He was just a skeleton laying there limp," Iwen said, remembering the moment she first saw Dustin. His body temperature was so low, his treating veterinarian, Dr. Katie Bensen, couldn't measure it. She couldn't draw blood, the dog was so dehydrated. Dustin the dog Dustin, a boxer/mastiff mix, plays at Prairie Park in Sioux City with Rita Lott, who is fostering him with her husband, Robert. Nearly dead fr Dustin the dog Dustin, a boxer-mastiff mix, weighed only 28 pounds and was near death when Brenda Iwen, co-founder of Noah's Hope Animal Rescue received him But Dustin survived that night, and six days later was placed with Robert and Rita Lott, a foster couple who could accommodate the demanding feeding and treatment schedule Dustin needed. Now, this bundle of energy is fully recovered, showing no signs of the neglect he suffered through. "He was normal in every way except extremely emaciated," Robert Lott said of Dustin's condition when he and Rita took him into their home. "He just turned into a real dog real quick." The Lotts initially maintained a daily schedule of administering 13 doses of medication or supplements and several small meals to help Dustin's body adjust to receiving nourishment. Soon, Dustin was bounding back, recovering the puppy personality that starvation had sapped from him. Dustin the dog Dustin, a boxer/mastiff mix, plays at Prairie Park in Sioux City. Near death from starvation in February, he's now fully recovered, weighs a h Dustin the dog Full of energy, Dustin, a boxer/mastiff mix, enjoys playing at local parks with his foster couple. Near death from starvation six months ago, In the meantime, charges were filed against his former owner, Stephanie Pace, of Sioux City. She pleaded guilty to an aggravated misdemeanor charge of animal neglect, and on July 31 was sentenced to 90 days in jail, 60 of them suspended. She'll be required to serve 15 of those remaining 30 days in jail and may spend 30 days on electronic monitoring to satisfy the other 15 days. She also was placed on two years' probation and was ordered to pay nearly $4,000 in restitution to Noah's Hope. In many cases, neglected and abused dogs are found dumped somewhere, Iwen said, but this was a rare case in which animal rescue workers knew the owner's identity. Iwen said animal rescue and law enforcement authorities are committed to prosecuting animal abuse and neglect when possible. "I just want people to know here in Woodbury County we are not going to mess around with abuse and neglect. People are going to get charged," she said. "If you don't want your dog or you don't have the patience for your dog, then turn it over. For something like this to happen, there's no excuse for it." Dustin the dog Dustin, a boxer/mastiff mix, swims in the pond at Prairie Park in Sioux City. Recovered from severe starvation, Dustin loves to swim and run w Dustin the dog Dustin, a boxer/mastiff mix, left, plays with his foster brother, Cochise, at Prairie Park in Sioux City. Robert and Rita Lott, who have had D Dustin now weighs in at a healthy 53 pounds. He won't turn 2 until November, and his adolescent behavior was on full display on a recent afternoon at Prairie Park, one of the Lotts' favorite places to take him. He loves to swim in the pond there, finds the geese fascinating and has room to run and bark. Robert Lott said Dustin has overcome many of the fears of unfamiliar objects he had when he and Rita took him in. He obeys commands and picks up training quickly. "He's got a 100% clean bill of health," Lott said. Neutered, fully vaccinated and house trained, Dustin's been up for adoption since early May, but a permanent home still eludes him. Dustin's recovery has been amazing, and he's ready to show a new owner what an amazing pet he could be. U.S. "Indo-Pacific strategy" sparks alarming concerns of confrontation, division in Asia-Pacific Xinhua) 09:26, August 12, 2023 This photo taken on June 29, 2023 shows the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States. (Photo by Aaron Schwartz/Xinhua) With the aim of maintaining its global hegemony by building an alliance in the Asia-Pacific against China, the U.S. effort to implement its so-called "Indo-Pacific strategy" has raised alarming concerns due to its potential to escalate conflicts and foster division in the region. HONG KONG, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin conducted a Pacific tour in late July in a useless attempt to strengthen Washington's influence in the region by sowing discord between China and Pacific island countries. The tour is the latest U.S. effort to implement its so-called "Indo-Pacific strategy," which involves strengthening military cooperation with its regional allies and pitching the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) to exclude China from regional trading systems and supply chains. With the aim to maintain its global hegemony by building an alliance in the Asia-Pacific against China, the so-called "strategy" has raised alarming concerns due to its potential to escalate conflicts and foster division in the region. LAYERS OF ALLIANCES In line with the "Indo-Pacific strategy" unveiled by the Biden administration in early 2022, the United States has been trying hard to encircle China by establishing multiple layers of alliances. The most recent demonstration of these efforts was seen during the Pacific tour by Blinken and Austin. During his stop in Tonga, Blinken labeled China's engagement in the region as "problematic behavior." In New Zealand, Blinken tried to persuade the country to join the trilateral AUKUS alliance and in Papua New Guinea, Austin announced the deployment of a U.S. coast guard ship to the Pacific nation. Moreover, the United States is vigorously promoting military alliances with Japan and South Korea, aiming to build a trilateral military alliance. It is also accelerating the implementation of the AUKUS agreement and Quad alliance (formally the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) while strengthening military ties with the Philippines through joint exercises. It has deployed "strategic assets" more frequently around the Korean Peninsula and sought further military cooperation with South Korea and Japan, as a U.S. strategic nuclear submarine docked at South Korea's southeast port of Busan last month, the first time in over four decades. Civic groups and local residents take to the streets to protest against the U.S. biological labs near a U.S. military base in Busan, South Korea, April 5, 2022. (Photo by James Lee/Xinhua) Beyond the Korean Peninsula, the United States is also strengthening the construction of military bases in Papua New Guinea, Palau, the Marshall Islands and other places in the Pacific region. NATO, a trans-Atlantic cold-war relic led by the United States, is also trying to extend its reach to the Asia-Pacific. CAUSING CONCERNS The U.S. "Indo-Pacific strategy" is dividing the most vibrant region of the world and driving it closer to confrontation and conflicts, said experts. "Such actions not only escalate regional tensions and confrontation, raising the risk of war on the peninsula, but also provoke arms races in the region, which is worrisome," said Woo Su-keun, director of the Institute of East Asian Studies of South Korea. "Countries in the region, including South Korea, should be on high alert." For half a century, China and South Pacific island countries have enjoyed bilateral cooperation covering a wide range of fields. As Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has said, China always respects the sovereignty and needs of the island countries, and adheres to the principle of "island countries-led and island countries-owned." However, the United States is trying to instill a doctrine in its allies in the region to jointly assume that China is a threat to the region, said Yanyan Mochamad Yani, a professor of international relations at Indonesia's Padjadjaran University. What the United States has done in terms of a so-called construction of regional balance is nothing new, while its commitment to the prosperity of the region remains uncertain, said Yani. For regional countries, experts believe that aligning themselves with the U.S. "Indo-Pacific strategy" is imprudent and perilous. The Asia-Pacific countries are also clear about this, with Tonga's government saying that it had no concerns about its relationship with China and New Zealand refusing to join AUKUS. "It is unwise and dangerous for South Korea to abandon its balanced and neutral diplomacy and stand at the forefront of bloc politics by supporting the U.S.-led 'Indo-Pacific strategy,'" Woo said. The Philippines should continue to strive for what it calls an independent or, in other words, a balanced foreign policy, said Aaron Rabena, a research fellow at the Asia-Pacific Pathways to Progress Foundation. IPEF SERVES U.S. SELF-INTEREST U.S. officials have claimed that the IPEF, an economic arm of the "Indo-Pacific strategy," would become an important platform for the U.S. and Indo-Pacific countries to enhance economic links, and provide an alternative to China for the region. However, without arrangements such as an exemption of customs duties or market access provided, the so-called high standard set by the United States is only serving its own interests. Keshmeer Makun, a lecturer at the University of the South Pacific based in the Fijian capital Suva, said the Pacific country leaders are focused on what their partners offer, especially in the face of an infrastructure deficit, poverty and an existential threat posed by climate change, and China has provided the Pacific region with economic options. China's Belt and Road Initiative, featuring openness, cooperation, mutual benefit and win-win results, adopts an open approach without setting limits, while the U.S. IPEF, like an exclusive circle, is selective and vague in nature, which runs counter to "freedom, openness and inclusiveness," Woo said. This aerial photo taken on April 26, 2023 shows a construction site of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), a major infrastructure project under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in Kelantan, Malaysia. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei) The stability of the Asia-Pacific region should be based on respect for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all countries and on a harmonious and win-win development order. A Cold War mentality and concept based on a zero-sum game will inevitably lead to the destruction of the international order and social instability, said Zhao Shaofeng, deputy director of the China-Pacific Island Countries Climate Action Cooperation Center. (Web editor: Zhao Tong, Hongyu) After Indian restaurant Bombay Eats three locations in Chicago saw fewer customers during the COVID-19 pandemic, the owners were flooded with messages from people asking them if they would consider branching out to the suburbs. Inspiration struck the wife and husband owners Falguni and Ali Dewjee to open a new location in Napervilles Freedom Commons this summer at 1763 Freedom Drive, Suite 105. The fast-casual Indian restaurant started in the Chicago Loop about 12 years ago with a mission to make delicious and authentic food made easy and accessible, according to the owners. Ali Dewjee said a lot of the Indian restaurants they saw were either sit-down or buffet styles and not many options for on-the-go lifestyles. Bombay Eats offers a variety of what the owners consider fresh, authentic Indian food options, from chicken tikka to lamb curry. (Bombay Eats) As Bombay Eats expanded to locations in the Streeterville and Lakeview neighborhoods of Chicago, the duo also expanded their restaurants food options, adding rice bowls and brioche bun rolls to the menu. But when the pandemic struck, people working from home kept asking for more. COVID was the catalyst that changed our thinking, and we wanted to go where our customers are at, Dewjee said. Its a new world and we need to adapt and adjust. Naperville was a no-brainer for us. The couple both live in Chicago and Dewjee admits the leap to the burbs was a big step and a little nerve-racking for us to be honest. But the first three months of business were surprisingly good, he said. Napervilles diverse population and large Indian base also made the move easy, he said. Dewjee said it also helps that the city has a large selection of corporate offices too because Bombay Eats has a strong catering program. Our concept isnt Indian food for Indian people. We want to show the entire community, Ali Dewjee said. Born and raised in Bombay, India, Dewjee said he and his wife came to the U.S. in the 90s and were inspired by street vendors who used stovetops to cook fresh and healthy meats and vegetables on the go. The menu features meats chicken, tikka, lamb curry and beef kababs and fresh vegetables like cheese paneer, chickpea chana and samosas. The first wave of customers were people who knew us from the Loop and were excited for us to be here, Dewjee said. Now, new customers are trying us for the first time and its been really fun to immerse ourselves into the community. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. mejones@chicagotribune.com After two years of planning not to mention legal and administrative battles organizers of Mayacamas Charter Middle School say they will open the doors to students Wednesday morning. But serious legal questions remain. Heres what we know, what we dont know, and what comes next. Will the school open? Almost certainly. Officials have planned an orientation for parents and students this coming Monday, and its staff is hard at work organizing and decorating classrooms inside Mayacamas' downtown Napa building, which housed St. John the Baptist Catholic Church before its 2020 closure. Although the State Board of Education granted a charter to the school in September 2022, attorneys with the Napa Valley Unified School District filed suit in Sacramento Superior Court arguing the state body didnt have the authority to do just that. Judge Shellyanne W.L. Chang agreed with NVUSD on July 28, effectively overturning the state boards approval of the charter. OK, so how are they opening? Mayacamas officials filed notice of an appeal with the trial court on Aug. 3. According to attorneys for the proposed charter, this means the ruling is automatically stayed (or unenforceable) while it works its way through the process, allowing the school to open next week. However, no document in the trial or appellate courts filing systems state whether there is or is not a stay. In a call to Changs courtroom on Wednesday, a court clerk confirmed no such document had been signed by the judge. Instead, Chang has set a deadline of Aug. 18 two days after the start of the school year for attorneys to file briefs on the matter. A hearing date has not been set. What does NVUSD plan to do if Mayacamas opens on Wednesday? Julie Bordes, chief spokesperson for the Napa school district, did not directly respond to the question of whether or not NVUSD believes Mayacamas has legal standing to open its doors next week, but she said that the district is focused on welcoming students back for a strong first day of school on Aug. 16 and has no role in enforcing court rulings for schools not under their purview. How did Mayacamas get a charter originally and why is it being appealed? Mayacamass charter from the state was itself the result of multiple appeals. The petitioners, Lauren Daley and Jolene Yee, originally pursued a districtwide charter, so they first applied at the district level, in this case to NVUSD. The Napa district board denied that application in December 2021. Daley and Yee appealed this decision to the Napa County Office of Education. Under state law, the county looks at the charter application de novo, meaning it does not have to take into account the districts ruling and reasoning for denying the charter previously. NCOE's board upheld the denial in March 2022. As recently as two years ago, petitioners denied a school charter at the county level could also appeal to the State Board of Education, which would also look at the case with fresh eyes, not taking into account previous denials. However, Assembly Bill 1505, which went into effect on July 1, 2020, changed that. The bill came as a reaction to a trend some charter school experts were noticing: California charter schools approved at the state level were failing at much higher rates than those approved at the district and county levels. In fact, a study conducted by In the Public Interest in January 2018 stated that over one third of charters approved by the (state board) between 2002 (and) 2017 are not open as of 2018. Under the new law, when an appeal makes it to the state board, it is now only reviewed under an abuse of discretion standard, which means the state can only reverse the decision of the county or district if it believes that the local body abused its discretion in its hearing and decision-making process, for example by failing to hold a fair trial or showing bias toward one party. When Mayacamass charter came before the state board, the board ruled that the local bodies did abuse their discretion, reversing the district and county denials and effectively granting the school a charter. However, it was one of the first times the body had been hearing charter petition appeals under this new law and some experts think that they misinterpreted it. What changed with AB 1505, and why do some experts think the state board misinterpreted it? Aside from the type of review standard the state board is allowed to use in charter appeals, another big change made by AB 1505 that is relevant to Mayacamass case is that it expanded the reasons for which a charter can be denied by a district or county. Specifically, it added two new reasons that can be justifications for a charter rejection. Education Code section 47605(c)(7) and (8) state that the schools potential fiscal impact on the district as a whole as well as its community impact overall can be taken into account when deciding whether to accept or deny a charter. Both NVUSDs and NCOEs denials included financial analyses that showed what they interpreted as negative fiscal impact on the district. However, the state board voted 6-5 to grant Mayacamas a charter because a majority of members believed that the school district and county had failed to provide sufficient evidence to prove negative fiscal impact, which they deemed an abuse of discretion. Bill Koski, the director of the Youth and Education Law Project at Stanford Law School, explained that Changs judgment effectively means she does not believe the state board provided sufficient evidence to prove an abuse of discretion on the parts of NVUSD and NCOE, and therefore abused its discretion. So it all comes down to money? More or less, yes. According to NVUSD, Mayacamas could badly damage the districts ability to serve the students in its schools. This is because funding for public districts is largely based on attendance, and the charter would reduce NVUSDs overall student population. 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 NVUSD has significant financial reserves, right? It does. Still, while it has seen growth in its reserves in the past few years, Bordes said that districts with declining enrollment like NVUSD need greater reserves. Reserves refer to the balance in a school districts general fund. The funds are generally reserved for a few purposes: managing cash flow, mitigating volatility, addressing unexpected costs, and a few other, mostly rare, reasons, according to the Legislative Analyst's Office. Bordes added that reserves are just one of many indicators of the financial health of a school district, along with enrollment and deficit spending. She said that based on financial analysis predictions for the next two academic years, NVUSDs reserves are projected to decrease to 6.17%, which Bordes said is largely due to the impact of declining enrollment and forecasted impacts of the new charter school. Daley and Yee disagree. They claim that as a school between 1/50th of the size of the district, Mayacamass financial impact on the school would not be disruptive to the NVUSD. Interestingly, despite her boards denial of the charter on similar grounds as NVUSD, NCOE Superintendent Barbara Nemko agrees, stating in a declaration filed to the Sacramento Superior Court that the operation of Mayacamas poses no meaningful harm or hardship to the Districts continued operations for the coming school year. How many students does this affect? How many teachers and school staff? In an Aug. 1 update to the NCOE board, Daley and Yee reported that the school had a few teachers leave to find alternative work given the situation, but are comfortable with our backup plan given our lower planned student body in year one. Cathy Adams, the head of school at Mayacamas, said that the school has confirmed the enrollment of 60 students as of Thursday night, and expects that by opening day, the school will have 90 students showing up in the schools classrooms, barring any last-minute court actions. She said seven teachers and staff are currently in place. As of now, the school has art, science and language arts teachers, as well as a multi-subject sixth grade teacher. Adams herself will be teaching some math. She said Mayacamas needs about eight staff members, and hopes to add more soon. If Mayacamas does open, is it possible it will later have to close? Yes. If it is decided that the trial court ruling is enforceable during the appeals process, the school may have to close while the issue is decided. However, Adams said the school is also pursuing a different avenue applying for Mayacamas to be granted a charter at the countywide level, rather than the district one. She said she isnt sure if there would be a grace period during which the school could operate while awaiting a decision on that request if the trial courts ruling is deemed enforceable, or if it would have to take an early break in the academic year. Wait, what? Mayacamas officials have applied for a different charter? Yes. The Napa Foundation for Options in Education is in the process to operate the middle school under what is known as a countywide benefit charter. If approved by the Napa County Board of Education, it would effectively bypass NVUSDs jurisdiction. How would this charter be different from the one NVUSD and NCOE rejected? Charter schools that operate under districtwide charters do so within one school district. This is the kind of charter that Mayacamas originally applied for in 2021. However, countywide benefit charters are designed to serve students in multiple areas of a county, not just one school district. Because of this, they are authorized and operated by the county itself and do not need approval of any school district to operate. In theory, this version of the Mayacamas school that would operate under a countywide benefit charter would serve three communities the greater city of Napa region, American Canyon (which is part of the Napa school district) and the Angwin community. What does that process look like? To apply for a countywide benefit charter, the foundation first had to give 30 days notice to the school districts in the county it will be operating in. In this case, those districts are NVUSD and the Howell Mountain Elementary School District. The foundation gave notice to both districts on July 11, and as of Friday, will be able to submit its petition for the charter. Once a petition is submitted, the decision will be up to the county board directly. The county will have to give 15 days notice ahead of the hearing, so at the earliest, Adams said a hearing could take place at the end of August. At that hearing, the charter for the Napa Foundation will either be granted or denied. If that charter is granted, Mayacamas plans to switch over to operating under that charter. What if the countywide benefit charter is denied? It depends. If the trial court ruling revoking the charter approved by the state board is not stayed at that point or overturned on appeal, the school would presumably have to close. If the ruling is stayed, the school could still continue to operate while the case goes through the appeal process. Adams said she is hopeful the school would not have to shut not in the middle of the year, though its future would be uncertain. Photos: Mayacamas School prepping for first day of school SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) Melissa Crick was heartbroken this week while watching videos on her phone of people fleeing from a fast-moving wildfire in Hawaii. Sending love and support from Paradise, California," Crick commented on one woman's social media post. To Crick's surprise, the woman wrote back. She knew Paradise the small Northern California city in the Sierra Nevada foothills that was mostly destroyed by a wildfire in 2018. The woman told Crick her support meant a lot to her. That was a really heavy moment, Crick told The Associated Press. Lahaina, Hawaii, is a tropical paradise on the northwest coast of Maui. But wildfires ravaging the region have forever linked it to another Paradise, this one in California. The two small towns have the grim distinction of experiencing the deadliest U.S. wildfires in more than a century tragedies that played out in a remarkably similar way. Its not what we want to be remembered for, Crick said. Both blazes moved quickly, leaving people with very little time to flee. Both places were isolated, with few roads leading in or out. The California fire killed at least 85 people and destroyed more than 18,000 structures. The Hawaii fire has so far killed at least 80 people and destroyed more than 1,000 buildings. Most people would think a place like Paradise located in the forests of wildfire-prone California wouldn't share a lot of similarities with a small town in Hawaii, a state known for its lush landscapes. But the two places have more in common than you would think, especially when it comes to wildfires, said Hugh Safford, a fire and vegetation ecologist at the University of California-Davis. The wildfire risks for both places have been well known for years, especially as a changing climate has ushered in hotter, drier seasons that have made wildfires more intense, he noted. I'm not at all surprised that Hawaii has had a fire like this," Safford said. It was just a matter of time. As images filled news reports from Hawaii this week, Paradise was one of the only other places in the U.S. where people truly knew what it was like. It wasn't a good feeling, residents say. It immediately triggers, for all of us ... the emotions. It's remembering the fear, said Steve Woody Culleton, a member of the Paradise Town Council who lost his home in the 2018 fire. Its a tremendous sense of sadness, and you try to push it down. At the Paradise Rotary Club meeting on Wednesday, members acknowledged the Hawaii wildfire with a moment of silence. But they quickly moved on to how they could help. Pam Gray, a Rotary Club member who lost her home in the 2018 fire, said the local club received more than $2.1 million in donations in the weeks after the blaze. The club used the money to hand out gift cards to people and pay for things such as tree removal. Now, Gray said, the club will be looking to return the favor to Hawaii. This whole community of people experienced what we did. If we continue to wallow in it every day, all day, then we cant get better and our community cant get better and we cannot help anyone else, she said. We went through that experience for a reason. And I believe it was to help other people. But others, including Laura Smith, have not felt an urge yet to jump in and help. Smith lost her home and most everything she owned in the 2018 fire. She said it was so overwhelming, it felt like she was living in a lion's mouth. My sense is that the folks there just need space to process what just happened to them and to not be overflowing with platitudes with how everything is going to be fine, because it certainly will not be fine for a long time, Smith said. I mean, I am sure that theyll recover. We did. I have. My kids have. But its still a wound that we struggle with sometimes. In Paradise on Wednesday, hundreds of people showed up for a ceremony to celebrate the opening of a new, state-of-the art building at the local high school. The school was one of the few places that did not burn in the 2018 fire, becoming an anchor of sorts for the community's rebuilding efforts. The school library displayed various yearbooks from past classes, allowing alumni a chance to remember happier times. Conversations soon drifted to the Hawaii fire, and then inevitably back to the Paradise fire, said Crick, who attended the event as president of the Paradise Unified School District school board. Crick couldn't help but wonder: Would the survivors of the Hawaii wildfires gather in five years to peruse their own past? What does it look like for their community? she asked. How do we support somebody even more secluded than we were when our fire happened? Mayor Greg Bolin said everyone he spoke to at the Paradise recovery event said their minds were on the victims in Hawaii. You know what their life is going to be like. ... You know how hard and how difficult times are going to be," he said. "But if they stay with it, there is hope on the other side. It does come together. And our town is coming back. This story has been edited to correct that the fires in California and Hawaii are the deadliest in more than a century, not in U.S. history. Laurel Adams Ferns awoke Monday to no electricity at her Walnut Creek home, forcing a trip to a nearby cafe for an internet connection to get through her fourth outage in a little over a month, each stretching more than 10 hours. Pacific Gas & Electric Co., blamed for devastating wildfires sparked by power lines in recent years and under pressure to improve safety, has embarked on a new strategy this year that shifts focus from stepped-up tree trimming near its equipment to advanced circuit-breaker technology. The utility insists the change reduced fire risk with little additional impact on most customers. But customers complain the rollout has been bedeviled by repeated outages and one of PG&E's own reports to California regulators shows a spike in customer outages last year as it initiated the program. "For those of us who work remotely," said Ferns, a lawyer, "this is hell, let alone factoring how many times since this new 'strategy' went into place that I have had to throw out everything from my refrigerator." PG&E acknowledged that the change has increased "the number of customers impacted" under its new approach and that it's working to fine tune it to improve reliability. "PG&E is making the electric system safer and stronger for our communities," the utility said in a statement. "We know how difficult it was for the customers who did experience outages, which is why we are continuing to find ways to lessen the impact of power outages on our customers." At issue is what PG&E calls Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings, or EPSS, in which circuit breakers automatically cut power to a block of customers within a tenth of a second when there's a fault such as from a branch falling on a power line. PG&E introduced it in 2021 and completed the rollout last year in and around high fire-risk areas, including much of the East Bay, North Bay, Peninsula, South Bay foothills and Santa Cruz Mountains. The utility told state regulators last month the EPSS program in 2022 cut the number of fire ignitions over previous year averages by 68% compared to 7% under its vegetation management program. But a rash of power outages this summer has led some residents to start online petitions and caught the attention of some local officials. The city of Lafayette reached out to the utility after outages Monday and asked that company representatives attend a City Council meeting later this month to provide updates on the situation. PG&E is planning community events to answer questions there and in Los Gatos. The complaints have not gone unnoticed by agencies that oversee PG&E. The troubled utility that powers more than 5 million households in most of Northern California is facing questions from state authorities as it seeks approval of its updated wildfire safety plan. The California Public Utilities Commission in 2020 imposed a record $1.97 billion penalty against the utility over a series of deadly Northern California wildfires sparked by its equipment in 2017 and 2018. Most recently, PG&E settled with Shasta County authorities for $50 million over the deadly 2020 Zogg Fire sparked by a tree striking power lines. In a mandated response this week to the state Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety, which asked PG&E to revise its most recent wildfire plan, the utility said data show the EPSS technology didn't unduly affect outages for most customers. The agency is reviewing the response. PG&E's response said that of 1.8 million customers on EPSS-protected circuits in 2022, 58% experienced no outages from the technology, and 26% had no more than two last year, with the average outage shrinking to under three hours. The utility said most customers "experienced service reliability consistent with systemwide performance." However, PG&E's 2022 annual electric reliability report to the CPUC July 15 said its "reliability metrics were negatively affected as PG&E implemented Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings" and that "these wildfire mitigation efforts have resulted in customers experiencing more and longer sustained outages." PG&E added that its "electric system also experienced new and different stresses due to load shifts as many Californians continued to work remotely in 2022," a lingering effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. Two charts showing that PG&E's wildfire safety efforts including Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings resulted in customers experiencing more and longer sustained outages. Systemwide, the reliability report showed that annual customer outage frequency was up 44%, outage duration up 19% ,and annual minutes out increased 71% in 2022 over the average of the previous five years, with EPSS often cited as a factor. It was worse in several greater Bay Area regions, including Contra Costa County and the Santa Cruz Mountains. And that was just last year. This year, residents complain that outages have been frequent, rain or shine. Moraga saw outages July 13, 14 and 20 and August 3, 5 and 7. In Los Gatos, power was out July 17, July 20 and Aug. 7. PG&E said it has been working on sensitivity settings and other system tweaks to reduce unnecessary outages, and so far this year, outages are down more than 20% over the same period a year ago. Kathryn Hayes, of Boulder Creek, said she and her husband have suffered five outages from June 1 through Aug. 1. "We are sold this program in the name of safety. All I know is that as a customer, it is extremely inconvenient and upsetting," Hayes said. "You never know when it is going to happen next. During the winter we have frequent and prolonged power outages. Now we have frequent and sometimes long power outages in the summer, too." She and her neighbors believe PG&E set the circuit breakers too sensitive. She and her husband bought a power generator a few weeks ago, but with so many blackouts they wonder how long they can stay in their Santa Cruz Mountains home. "There has to be a better solution," Hayes said. "They applaud themselves for making us 'safer,' but all they're really doing is making us suffer." The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia received the EU Ambassador Azerbaijani units fired from fire arms towards the Armenian combat outposts in the vicinity of Verin Shorzha Ararat Mirzoyan will participate in a strategic conference in Slovenia Azerbaijani Armed Forces open fire on Armenian positions in Akhpradzor section. 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MFA Armenia PM is informed about plans to invest another $15M in Agarak Copper-Molybdenum Combine Azerbaijan does not allow body of young woman who died in tragic Armenia road accident to be sent back to Karabakh Azerbaijan plans to try abducted Karabakh resident Vagif Khachatryan Dollar, euro drop in Armenia Armenia deputy PM, Poland envoy confer about regional developments Central Electoral Commission registers electoral lists of political forces to run in Yerevan municipal elections Karabakh MoD: Azerbaijan statement, video footage are utter falsehood Ambassador Kvien emphasizes US support for Armenia sovereignty, security (PHOTOS) Karabakh MFA: We expect UN Security Council member countries to demonstrate consistency, principled stance Armenia ex-FM: Perhaps international community keeps open possibility of changing today's negotiation agenda Armenia MoD: Azerbaijan disseminates another disinformation London Coptic Church leader, UK Armenian Apostolic Church primate discuss crisis in Karabakh 11 medical patients from Karabakh are transferred to Armenia through Red Cross MFA official: China is closely following of North-South international corridor current operation Armenia battalion deputy commander is charged with causing soldier to commit suicide Armenia MFA: It is evident that Azerbaijan continues distorting international community appeals Armenia FM stresses to UN deputy secretary general urgency of reopening Lachin corridor US ambassador to Armenia visiting Jermuk town (PHOTOS) Artsakh President meets with group of militia fighters Karabakh President receives Free Motherland-UCA Faction MPs Presidential advisor: Azerbaijan cut fiber optic internet cable, disrupting Karabakh's stable internet connection Azerbaijan fires on tractor working in Karabakh village field Ardshinbank recognized as Retail Bank of the Year in Armenia by Asian Banking & Finance magazine Azerbaijan fires in direction of Armenias Kapan city airport EU Special Representative for South Caucasus meets with some other European officials, in Yerevan cafe Newspaper: What to expect after UN Security Council emergency meeting on Lachin corridor issue? France cities, regions want to deliver humanitarian aid to besieged Karabakh China interested in development of relations with Armenia Ambassador to Armenia on Zangezur corridor: Chinese initiative has nothing to do with it Armenia MoD: Azerbaijan fired in direction of Yeraskh village Mher Grigoryan, Toivo Klaar discuss humanitarian crisis in Karabakh Fan Yong: China is concerned about situation around Lachin corridor Armenia FM to Romania colleague: Karabakh crisis resolution requires international community to take clear steps Dollar gains, euro loses value in Armenia Ocampo: Armenians should not be side victims of Ukrainian conflict Chaarat Gold announces selling Kapan mine in Armenia for $54.5M Azerbaijan again fires at combine harvester working in Karabakh village field Armenia ambassador-at-large: Azerbaijan is blaming Karabakh children for eating cookies on their birthdays Demonstration in support of Karabakh held outside Israel MFA (VIDEO) Pashinyan: Next week we will start Yerevan-Kapan regular flights Armenia PM heads from Yerevan to Kapan by plane, tests new airline Arman Tatoyan: Azerbaijan is preparing new fascist disaster for Armenia Kirby: We continue to stay engaged diplomatically to encourage peaceful resolution between Armenia, Azerbaijan Karabakh presidential advisor: UN Security Council recorded that we are starving, but what does that change? Karabakh MoD: Azerbaijan defense ministry statement is completely false, disinformation Azerbaijan MFA tries to distort content of UN Security Council meeting on Lachin corridor issue Armenia ombudsperson sends letter to Azerbaijan counterpart 1 month ago, not received reply yet MoD: Azerbaijan fires at combine harvester working in Karabakh village field Armenia government petitions to European Court regarding soldier captured by Azerbaijan Armenia statements about Karabakh blockade are groundless, Bayramov tells Klaar Armenia PM: Azerbaijan is subjecting Armenians of Karabakh to genocide through starvation Armenia ombudsperson: Azerbaijan statement that Vagif Khachatryan committed crime as part of armed group is not true Azerbaijanis attack Armenian family outside UN headquarters in New York Karabakh MoD: Azerbaijan violated ceasefire Armenia MoD: Azerbaijan disseminated another disinformation EU representative at UN: Dialogue between Karabakh Armenians and Baku should be encouraged Azerbaijan representative speaks at UN Security Council, accuses Armenia US representative at UN: We call for direct talks between Baku authorities and Karabakh representatives Speech of Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia at the UN Security Council urgent meeting Russia representative at UN: We proposed parallel opening of Aghdam and Lachin corridors Armenia MFA spox: As there is meeting at UNSC, Azerbaijan opened fire on border several times in past 3 days President: People of Karabakh are anxiously anticipating todays special session of UN Security Council N Koreas Kim, Russias Putin exchange letters 55 dead from clashes in Libya's capital Armenia MoD: Azerbaijan fired at Armenian positions Alen Simonyan, Valentina Matviyenko discuss details of humanitarian disaster in Karabakh Photo of Armenia reservist detained by Azerbaijan appears in Azerbaijani domain of social media OSCE Chairman-in-Office reiterates his call, asks Personal Representative Andrzej Kasprzyk to visit Lachin area Armenia ranks 3rd in most visits to Georgia Azerbaijan MoD announces name of captured Armenia serviceman Azerbaijan MFA makes accusations against Armenia Azerbaijan holds tour for foreign diplomats to familiarize them with Aghdam road being proposed to Karabakh Group of Turkey intellectuals appeal to world regarding humanitarian disaster in Karabakh Azerbaijan soldiers approach Armenian reservist, apprehend him: Armenia MoD releases video footage France FM expresses concern about Azerbaijan shooting during patrol of EU monitors in Armenia Concerned citizens staging protest in front of UN office in Armenia Armenia FM heads for New York MoD: Theory of Armenia reservist ending up on Azerbaijan side is being investigated Azerbaijan announces capture of Armenia soldier Azerbaijan praises advantages of Aghdam road to Nagorno-Karabakh Azerbaijan MoD tries to misinform foreign embassies military attaches Armenians prevented Ataturk statue installation in Prague, Turkish ambassador says Armenia MoD: Reservist deserts combat position Azerbaijan fires at grain-harvesting combine in Karabakh (PHOTOS) Armenia to host Eurasian Intergovernmental Council special meeting Armenians continue demonstrations outside Los Angeles consulates of UN Security Council member countries US State Department: We urge Azerbaijan government to restore free transit through Lachin corridor Azerbaijan accuses France of efforts to aggravate the tension in South Caucasus Senators Menendez, Padilla send letter to US representative at UN regarding situation in Karabakh Karabakh residents block Russian military base entrance, peacekeepers reopen it The severe shortage of essential goods, including food, medicine and fuel, has been exacerbated since June 15, 2023, when Azerbaijan fully blocked the Lachin corridor - the only road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenia and the outer world - by banning any access to [Artsakh] Nagorno-Karabakh, even humanitarian, Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports. On August 11, the Republic of Armenia appealed to the United Nations Security Council with a request to convene an emergency meeting regarding the deterioration of the humanitarian situation as a result of the total blockade inflicted upon the civilian population of Nagorno-Karabakh. Permanent Representative of Armenia to the UN, Mher Margaryan, in a letter addressed to the President of the UN Security Council, particularly stated: Further to the letter from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia addressed to the President of the Security Council dated 12 July 2023, I am writing in relation to the deterioration of the humanitarian situation as a result of the total blockade inflicted upon the civilian population of Nagorno-Karabakh. The severe shortage of essential goods, including food, medicine and fuel, has been exacerbated since June 15, 2023, when Azerbaijan fully blocked the Lachin corridor - the only road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenia and the outer world - by banning any access to Nagorno-Karabakh, even humanitarian. The continued deliberate obstruction of natural gas and electricity supply to Nagorno-Karabakh by Azerbaijan has been detrimental for the daily life of the people. The suspension of all humanitarian supplies coupled with the gradual utilization of limited domestic stocks, targeted shootings of agricultural areas by Azerbaijani Armed Forces, has resulted in an acute food shortage and closures of shops. Due to the lack of essential food and vitamins, approximately 2,000 pregnant women, around 30,000 children, 20,000 older persons, and 9,000 persons with disabilities are struggling to survive under conditions of malnutrition. People with chronic diseases, including 4,687 individuals with diabetes and 8,450 individuals with circulatory diseases, are left almost without any medicine needed. As a result of this situation there has been a recorded increase of mortality from several diseases, including cardiovascular diseases and malignant neoplasms. From January to July, compared to the same period of the previous year, the level of anemia among pregnant women under medical observation has reached around 90%. This is due to inadequate nutrition and the absence or insufficiency of appropriate medications. Moreover, the hot weather conditions and absence of sanitizers and medicine create risks of epidemics in the region. As a result, today the people of Nagorno-Karabakh are on the verge of a full-fledged humanitarian catastrophe. These actions of Azerbaijan constitute a flagrant violation not only of the Trilateral Statement of November 9, 2020 but also of international humanitarian law and are in direct breach of the Orders issued by the International Court of Justice on 22 February and 6 July 2023, according to which Azerbaijan should take all measures to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions. The deliberate creation of unbearable life conditions for the population is nothing but an act of mass atrocity targeting the indigenous people of Nagorno-Karabakh and forcing them to leave their homes and homeland. Such an infliction of collective punishment upon the people of Nagorno-Karabakh constitutes an existential threat to them should they be left alone vis-a-vis the Azerbaijani aggressive policy. Under current circumstances, the Government of Armenia requests the intervention of the UN Security Council as a principal body of safeguarding global security and preventing mass atrocities including war crimes, ethnic cleansing, crimes against humanity and genocide. With reference to my letter dated 13 September 2022 addressed to the President of the Security Council (S/2022/688), and in follow up to the meeting of the Security Council held on 20 December 2022, I would like to request that an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council be convened based on Article 35 (1) of the UN Charter. I also ask that the delegation of Armenia be allowed to participate in the Councils meeting in accordance with the relevant provisions of the United Nations Charter and pursuant to rule 37 of the provisional rules of procedure of the Security Council. Please, accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration. 22:11 Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Saturday claimed Prime Minister Narendra Modi is losing respect within his own party and could soon face a 'revolt'. The senior Congress leader claimed PM Modi's respect among the common people is also on the wane as his party 'turns against' him because of his 'approach'. Gehlot targeted Modi for his attacks on the Congress over dynastic politics and his call for a Congress-free India. "Making the country Congress-free will never happen," Gehlot said. "The Congress is in every house of the country, while the condition of their party (BJP) is getting worse." "There is a split in their party. Modiji's respect is waning within his party. This should be a matter of concern for Modi ji himself. The respect that he earlier enjoyed among the public has also decreased," he said. The BJP has often took potshots at Chief Minister Gehlot over the infighting in the Rajasthan Congress. Addressing a rally in the state's Mount Abu in May, PM Modi had said, "What kind of government is it where the chief minister does not trust his MLAs and the MLAs don't trust the chief minister." Gehlot said on Saturday BJP people unnecessarily make statements on the Congress' internal affairs. "Ask them (BJP) what used to happen at their party meetings earlier and what happens now? When there is a meeting of their parliamentary board, what used to be the atmosphere earlier and how it is now? You find out. The approach of Prime Minister Modi is turning his party against him," he said. "Slowly a revolt can happen against you," he said, targeting Modi. Gehlot said he is not worried about the equations between the RSS and the BJP, but his concern is that the country should remain united. Gehlot also attacked the prime minister over the Manipur issue, alleging he was not worried about the situation in the violence-hit state and hence spoke only for 'two minutes' on the matter during his more than two-hour speech in Parliament. "The prime minister is wrong in believing that the people of the country are not able to understand this. They are very smart. The people of the country have a very strong common sense. They note everything and will never forgive," he said. -- PTI NewsVoir Noida (Uttar Pradesh) [India], August 12: Hongs Kitchen, the Indo-Chinese QSR brand of Jubilant FoodWorks Limited, is thrilled to announce its inaugural collaboration with celebrity chefs Doma Wang and Sachiko Seth. Together, they are bringing a Tibet Food Festival, offering a curated niche menu for Indo-Chinese food enthusiasts. Recognizing the evolving preferences of today's consumers and their growing love for appetizing cuisines, this unique dining experience resonates with many. The brand recognizes consumers' inclination with cuisines from the hills of northern and north-eastern India. With this innovative festival, the goal is to offer guests in Delhi and NCR a distinctive flavourful journey. The 'Taste Tibet' festival celebrates the rich flavors that have thrived in the heart of Tibet Food enthusiasts can look forward to tantalizing their taste buds with an exquisite selection of Tibet dishes, meticulously crafted to evoke the enchanting landscapes of the Himalayas. Highlights include 12 specially chosen dishes, such as Shaphalay, Shapta, and Gyuma Poli, ensuring a delightful dining experience for all. Avinash Kant Kumar, President of Jubilant FoodWorks Limited, commented on the occasion "We are delighted to introduce Taste Tibet Food Festival to our guests at Hongs Kitchen restaurants. This offers them a chance to explore the captivating flavors of Tibet. Our chefs have been diligent in ensuring each dish truly represents the essence of Tibet cuisine. This festivalembodies the rich culinary diversity that Indo-Chinese cuisine has to offer, and we eagerly anticipate sharing this experience with our patrons." The festival's menu showcases six veg and six non-veg dishes. Prepared in separate veg and non-veg kitchens, these dishes bring flavors from Tibet, thoughtfully reimagined for the Delhi palate. The 'Taste Tibet' Festival kicks off on the 12th of August and will be featured in 16 restaurants across Delhi, Gurugram, and Noida. Join Hongs Kitchen for this delectable culinary journey, expertly crafted by our special chefs. Jubilant FoodWorks Limited (NSE, BSE: JUBLFOOD) is Indias largest foodservice company and is part of the Jubilant Bhartia Group. Incorporated in 1995, the Company holds the exclusive master franchise rights from Dominos Pizza Inc. to develop and operate the Dominos Pizza brand in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal. In India, it has a strong and extensive network of 1,838 Dominos stores across 394 cities. In Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, the Company operates through its wholly-owned owned subsidiaries which currently has 50 and 20 stores respectively. Jubilant FoodWorks also enjoys exclusive rights to develop and operate Dunkin restaurants in India and Popeyes restaurants in India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan. The Company currently operates 21 Dunkin restaurants across six Indian cities and 17 Popeyes restaurants in four cities. In 2019, Jubilant FoodWorks launched its first owned-restaurant brand Hongs Kitchen in the Chinese cuisine segment which now has 15 stores across three cities. Note: ^All store counts as on June 30, 2023. Website:www.jubilantfoodworks.com,hongskitchen.in. (Disclaimer: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) Veteran talk show host Oprah Winfrey has come forward to show support for the island of Maui amid the current wave of deadly wildfires. She was recently spotted at shelters on Maui visiting with people displaced by the wildfires and bringing much-needed supplies, CNN reported. Local non-profit group Kakoo Haleakala posted a video on Instagram in which Winfrey is seen carrying pillows through crowds of people on cots and folding chairs. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cvy_MQLugJ7/?hl=en Winfrey owns property on the island, and her spokesperson confirmed to the outlet that she has been volunteering at emergency shelters. Oprah has been to several local shelters to ask first-hand what was most needed. She then went to Walmart and Costco to shop for the items and brought them back. It is heart-breaking devastation," Oprahs spokesperson said. Its not the first time Winfrey has helped out in times of wildfires. In 2019, she opened a private road on her property in Maui to help people quickly escape a brush fire that broke out. The death toll from the devastating wildfires in Hawaii has climbed to 67. The government in the statement said, "The Lahaina fire is not yet contained." Earlier, Hawaii Governor Josh Green said that the death toll from the wildfires on the island of Maui in Hawaii had reached 59. Speaking to CNN, Green said that all those deaths occurred in the open and not in buildings, "as people were trying to escape the fire." He said that there will be more fatalities. Josh Green said, "Without a doubt, there will be more fatalities. We do not know, ultimately, how many will have occurred." Hawaii's Governor ordered a comprehensive review of the state's actions in the hours after the wildfires erupted on the islands, earlier this week, including why warning sirens were not utilised to alert people on Maui. Green said, "I authorized a comprehensive review this morning, to make sure that we know exactly what happened and when."He said that the emergency officials particularly faced challenges as the flames burning near Lahaina, which ultimately turned into a firestorm that razed nearly all of the historic town had died down for sometime before suddenly reigniting, and firefighters had shifted their focus to other areas on the island." The telecommunications were destroyed very rapidly at that point, Green said, meaning that the tight-knit community was unable to alert one another by phone, as they typically do when there is an emergency. "That communication was cut off," the governor said. Green said he is not going to "make any excuse for anyone." However, the multiple fires burning at once had caused a "very fluid situation across the islands." He said that despite those challenges, they will do everything that can to find out to protect the people. Hollywood actor Jason Momoa, who is of Hawaiian descent, also reacted to the tragedy. We are devastated and heartbroken for our friends and ohana on Maui who have been impacted by the recent wildfires, the caption reads on one of Momoas posts, which reposted information from the community organization Aina Momona. (ANI) The Border Security Force (BSF) has foiled a major bid by terrorists to smuggle weapons from Bangladesh along the International Border and seized a big cache of arms and ammunition in West Bengals North 24 Parganas district, the officials said on Friday. Troops of Border Outpost Gojadanga, 153 Battalion under South Bengal Frontier thwarted the smuggling of arms and seized 4 Factory Made Air Rifle (Commando Brand) and 1 country-made pistol (Deshi Katta) along the International Border on Thursday, BSF said in an official statement. It further said that the smugglers were trying to take the seized weapons from India to Bangladesh. The force official further said that on the basis of intelligence inputs to BSF, the jawans of border outpost Gojadanga laid a special ambush in the suspected area near the International Border. At 12:25, jawans noticed suspicious movement of three smugglers trying to move towards the International Border near Shivtola (Nakuadaha village). When the BSF jawans challenged them, all three suspects started running back towards the Indian village. The ambush party gave quick chase to the smugglers but the smugglers managed to escape by taking advantage of low visibility and waterlogging. Actually, one of the smugglers' bags fell while running. When the ambush party conducted a thorough search of the area, they seized a big plastic bag (Potla) from the spot, on opening which the said weapons were recovered, the BSF said. According to the BSF, the estimated value of the seized weapons is Rs 61,000. The seized weapons have been handed over to Basirhat Police Station for further legal action. AK Arya, DIG, Public Relations Officer of BSF South Bengal Frontier has expressed happiness over the achievements of the force. He stated that the intelligence department of BSF is working to find out who is behind the seized weapons. (ANI) Haryana Government on Friday extended the suspension of mobile internet and SMS services in the Nuh district till August 13. The order passed by the Haryana Home Secretary stated that the conditions in the district are still "critical and tense". "Whereas it has been brought to my notice by Deputy Commissioner Nuh that the law andorder situation has been reviewed and the conditions are still critical and tense in thedistrict," the statement said. "And whereas, after assessment of the current prevailing law and order situation as well asrecommendation of the Deputy Commissioner, Nuh, I am of the considered view that thereis a clear potential for disruption of public utilities, damage to public assets and amenitiesand disturbance of public law and order in district Nuh on account of misuse of the internetservices by way of the spread of inflammatory material and false rumours, which arebeing/could be transmitted and circulated to the public through social media/ messagingservices on mobile internet service, SMS services and other dongle services," the statement added. Earlier, the mobile internet was suspended till August 8 and later extended to August 11. Nuh district has witnessed violence following clashes between two groups broke out after a religious procession passing through the district came under attack, leaving two home guards dead and dozens of peopleincluding around 20 policemeninjured in the frenzy of violence that followed. Meanwhile, schools and educational institutions on Friday opened in Nuh after being shut down due to incidents of violence. As per the district administration the curfew was be relaxed from 7 am to 3 pm on Friday. According to Ravinder Jain, Principal of Model Sanskriti Sr Sec School, some students from the primary section have returned to school, but higher-grade students are still not attending. "Some students of the primary section have come however the higher grade students are not coming. Students who are participating in the 15th August program have also come. This is a good move by the administration," he said. District Magistrate of Nuh, Dhirendra Khadgata issued an order lifting the curfew for public movement from 07.00 am to 03.00 pm (8.00 hours only) on August 11. A separate order has been issued for banks. The district magistrates order further states that any person found guilty of violating the curfew will be liable for punishment under section 188 of the Indian Penal Code and all other relevant rules. Superintendent of Police Nuh shall ensure the proper implementation of these orders, it read. (ANI) Jana Sena Party (JSP) chief Pawan Kalyan on Friday hits out at Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and said that the one who is supposed to protect the law is violating it. In view of Kalyan's visit to Rushikonda, hundreds of police personnel were deployed at various locations. Barricades were arranged to prevent bike rallies, and supporters or fans from following the JSP chiefs convoy. "A Chief Minister, who is supposed to protect the law, is violating it in Andhra Pradesh. CM Reddy has been blatantly violating environmental norms at the Rushikonda Hill here, by destroying it," he said. Responding to a question from the media that the State government had claimed the constructions at Rushikonda as government buildings, Kalyan said, What exactly is a government building? Is it Chief Ministers house? How many houses does the CM want? He may have used the Circuit House as his house or camp office. Does he want a scenic view (referring to the beach view from Rushikonda)? He said that people should understand that if they elect such people, all they do is exploit the government and private properties. "Every person in the State, especially from Uttarandhra, should know about the violations going on in Rushikonda. People should also understand that if they elect such people as political representatives, all they do is exploit the government and private properties, he said. "The Rushikonda Hill has been protecting several villages in this region from cyclones for many centuries. But they have destroyed it. The government claims there are minor violations at Rushikonda, but in reality, those are massive, Kalyan added. He said that the people of Telangana had disowned the Congress party, and now the same is happening here in the Uttarandhra region under the present government since the people of this region are peace-loving, and CM Reddy is taking advantage of this. Pawan Kalyans convoy was kept on hold by the police for some hours and later approved with many conditions. The police had asked the organizers to have only seven vehicles in Pawan Kalyans convoy. Citing traffic issues and public inconvenience, they prohibited bike rallies and stipulated that Kalyan should not come out of the vehicle or get onto its roof. At Rushikonda, the police did not allow Kalyan into the construction area. They strictly told the JSP leaders to stay put on the opposite side of the road (from the constructions). Rope parties were mobilized to ensure that the JSP leaders and supporters did not cross the road. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed his condolences over the tragic accident on the BavlaBagodara highway in Ahmedabad and announced an ex-gratia of Rs two lakh from Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) to the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50, 000 to the injured. "Pained by the road mishap on the Bavla Bagodara highway in Ahmedabad district. Condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is providing all possible assistance to those affected," PM Modi tweeted. "An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF will be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000," he added in his tweet. A total of 10 people, including five women and three children, were killed on Friday after their vehicle rammed into a truck that was parked at the roadside due to a puncture. The Ahmedabad-bound vehicle was carrying a total of 23 people out of which 10 died while two people have sustained serious injuries. According to Ahmedabad SP Amit N Vasava, "Today in the daytime, an incident took place in which a truck was parked at the roadside due to puncture and a vehicle was going to Ahmedabad from Rajkot and the passengers travelling in the vehicle belong to Kheda village... The vehicle collided with the truck parked by the roadside which led to the death of passengers. A total of 10 people have died including five females, two males and three children." The police officer said that an investigation into the matter is underway and RTO and NHAI are also involved in it. (ANI) Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Friday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his speech in Lok Sabha about Manipur and said that the PM didn't talk about any solution. Baghel also said that they will organise Sankalp Shivir in every Vidhan Sabha and all the senior leaders will participate in it. "We will organise Sankalp Shivir in every Vidhan Shabha and all our senior leaders will participate in it The no-confidence motion was brought for Manipur. He talked about Manipur in the end and only for two minutes. He didn't talk about any solution... They are making all efforts to stop Rahul Gandhi but he won't stop...'' CM Baghel said while talking to the media. Meanwhile, PM Modi on Thursday, while speaking on a no-confidence motion in Lok Sabha, assured for strictest punishment for the accused who indulged in crimes against women. Asserting that state and central government are working to restore peace in Manipur, the PM said that the government is taking steps to bring normalcy there. "Both the state and central governments are doing everything possible to ensure that the accused get the strictest punishment. I want to assure the people that peace will be restored in Manipur in the coming time, PM Modi said while replying to the no-confidence motion against his government. There are serious crimes against women and they are unforgivable," he added. He further said the country is with the people of Manipur. I want to tell people of Manipur including women and daughters of Manipur that the country is with you, he added. The no-confidence motion moved by the Opposition against the NDA government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was defeated in the Lok Sabha on Thursday. The NDA defeated the no-confidence motion comfortably with a voice vote in the Lok Sabha. The opposition moved a no-confidence motion against the Modi government on July 26 which was taken up by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. The three days of the motion witnessed a fierce battle between the ruling and the Opposition coalitions over the Manipur violence and other raging issues. (ANI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has condemned the incident in which a 17-year-old boy from the Scheduled Class community and his sister were allegedly attacked by his schoolmates in Nanguneri in the States Tirunelveli district. The incident in Nanguneri is shocking. This shows how deeply caste poison has permeated even among young students, Stalin posted on X (formerly known as Twitter). The chief minister said that the School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh has announced he will bear the medical and educational expenses of the students who were attacked. Those involved in the crime have been arrested. The law will do its duty properly, Stalin posted.It is intolerable to continue with such hate and difference without recognizing our fellow man as our equal, he said. The chief minister also urged the teaching community to inculcate social harmony and values among students and said that no success can be achieved by those who have a hateful mind. No success can be achieved by those who have a hateful mind. We are all one-mother people by spoken language! Younger society should realize that there should be no hatred and prejudice among us, Stalin said. Tamil Nadu Police on Friday apprehended six minor boys in the incident where a 17-year-old boy studying in class 12 in Valliyoor and his 14-year-old younger sister was allegedly attacked by with sickles by a group of class 12 boys from the same school. The police officials said that the victim's sister was also injured in the attack. Those apprehended include three boys studying in classes 11 and Class 12 at the victims school in Valliyoor, while the other three are their friends. The victim boy had previously complained to his school management against three of the boys alleging harassment. The polices handling of the crime, meanwhile, sparked outrage among the victims relatives and local community members. They blocked the road, during which a 60-year-old relative fainted and subsequently died of cardiac arrest, further escalating tensions. Police have registered a case under the Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and section of attempted murder. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that the Oppositions ghamandiaya (arrogant) alliance had got scared of voting in the no-confidence motion they had brought against him in Parliament. "We defeated the opposition's no-confidence motion in Parliament and gave a befitting reply to those spreading negativity in the entire nation. The members of the opposition left Parliament mid-way," PM Modi said while addressing the Kshetriya Panchayati Raj Parishad in West Bengal through video conferencing. "The truth is that the opposition got scared of voting on no-confidence motion. Had there been voting, the 'ghamandiya' alliance would have been exposed," PM Modi said. The no-confidence motion moved by the Opposition against the NDA government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was defeated in the Lok Sabha on Thursday. The opposition moved a no-confidence motion against the Modi government on July 26 which was taken up by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. The three days of the motion witnessed a fierce battle between the ruling and the Opposition coalitions over the Manipur violence and other raging issues. Members of Opposition parties staged a walkout while PM was replying to the debate in the Lok Sabha on the no-confidence motion. PM Modi further said that he had the opportunity to interact with representatives of 'Sthaniya Swaraj' in Haryana and today you all have assembled in West Bengal. "A few days ago, I had the opportunity to interact with representatives of 'Sthaniya Swaraj' in Haryana and today you all have assembled in West Bengal. As our national president (JP Nadda) said, no matter how busy I am, I find time for my party," PM Modi. Earlier on August 7, PM Modi participated in a two-day regional Panchayati Raj council held in Haryana. The Prime Minister further said that post 2014, the BJP government had worked a lot to strengthen Panchayati Raj and local Swaraj and for Panchayati Raj bodies a provision of over Rs 2 lakh crore had been made which is three times in compression to the last government. (ANI) According to officials, the victim's body was found with gunshot wound on his head in an open field in Khanpur village of Moradabad on Saturday morning. This is the second such incident reported in the district in last 48 hours. Bhojpur police said that the victim, identified as Vicky (21), had on Friday evening gone to watch a volleyball match, and later went missing. When he did not return home, his family and relatives started searching for him and later appraoched the police and lodged a complaint. "His body was found with bullet injury on head at a field this morning," the police said. Following information, a joint team of police and forensic experts reached the spot and launched a probe into the incident. The body has been sent for post-mortem and a seperate team has been formed to probe the matter, they said. This was the second such incident reported in UP's Moradabad in the last two days. Earlier on Friday, a 30-year-old man was shot dead by unidentified bike-borne miscreants outside his residence in Moradabad. The victim was identified as Anuj Chowdhary. Chaudhary was allegedly attacked by unknown assailants on motorcycles while he was taking a walk outside his apartment. He was taken to the hospital, where he died during treatment. (ANI) "National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS) makes its mark as the shining example of efficient governance as it wins DARPG's gold award in Category-1. The award for its excellence in delivering e-governance is a recognition of the dedication the entire NAFIS team has put into creating a fool-proof fingerprint identification system, in pursuit of PM Modi's vision of a secure India," Amit Shah said in a tweet. "My heartfelt congratulations to the team," he added. Earlier Home Minister Amit Shah had in August, 2022, inaugurated the National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS), which is developed by National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). This system is aimed at helping in the quick and easy disposal of cases with the help of a centralized fingerprint database, according to officials. (ANI) Two teams of Garud Special Forces of the Indian Air Force have been deployed in the Kashmir valley for counter-terrorism operations along with specialist operations in the Eastern Ladakh sector. Garud special forces carried out multiple operations in Kashmir valley practising counter-terrorism operations. Highly trained for conducting operations in hilly areas and urban terrain, the Garud Special Forces of IAF were initially deployed in the valley in 2007 and 2209 and redeployed in 2017, Commanding Officer of a Garud unit told ANI in an exclusive interaction. The forces were also deployed during the 2017 China-India border standoff or Doklam standoff, he said. Doklam is an area between India, Bhutan and China. The Doklam plateau issue rose to the limelight in 2017 when under the CCP's leadership, Chinese troops with construction vehicles and road-building equipment, began extending an existing road southward in Doklam. Speaking to ANI, a commander of the Garud Special Force said, "Garud Forces have undertaken various operations in the valley and they have also achieved a lot of success by eliminating a number of terrorists. At present, there are two teams that are deployed here along with the Indian Army." "The Special Forces commander recalled that the special forces were deployed in the valley in 2007 and 2009. "Thereafter, they were redeployed in 2017," he said. "We have got much success due to our rigorous training. We have also lost three Garuds in these operations also," he said. The commander added the special forces have been awarded one Ashok Chakra, five Shaurya Chakra and four Gallantry awards. "The forces are also conducting operations in hilly areas and Urban terrain. We have also been deployed in higher reaches as well," he said. On the role of Garunds during the stand-off on the Eastern front and on the Northern Borders as well, he said," Garunds are continuously deployed there since the 2017 ChinaIndia border standoff". (ANI) The Guwahati High Court on Friday acquitted all 13 accused, including militants-turned-politicians Niranjan Hojai and Jewel Gorlosa, along with former Chief Executive Member of North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC) Mohet Hojai and government official RH Khan. This verdict comes in connection with a multi-crore terror funding case that shook Assam's Dima Hasao district. The Division Bench, comprising Chief Justice Sandeep Mehta and Justice Mitali Thakuria, set aside a judgment from May 2017 that had resulted in the conviction and sentencing of the 13 accused by an NIA Special Court. The Guwahati High Court's judgment declared that the earlier verdict did not stand up to scrutiny and was consequently quashed and set aside. In the judgment, the Guwahati High Court highlighted significant lapses on the part of the Investigation Agency, the prosecution, and even the trial court itself. The court pointed out that crucial witnesses were not examined, and the evidence presented did not meet the threshold of being reliable, admissible, and legally acceptable. The prosecution's central claim, which alleged that the Dima Halim Daoga [DHD(J)] was a terrorist organization engaged in violent activities and that funds from the N.C. Hills Autonomous Council were funnelled to support these activities, was rejected by the Guwahati High Court after an exhaustive analysis of the presented evidence. As a result, charges related to offences under the UA (P) Act and Section 120B of the IPC were deemed unsustainable. The Guwahati High Court's ruling emphasizes the importance of rigorous and comprehensive investigation, reliable presentation of evidence, and adherence to legal standards in cases involving serious allegations. The court's directive to share the judgment with key authorities, including the Director General of Police, Assam, and the senior-most officer of the prosecution department, underscores the need for future cases to meet the highest standards of due process and transparency. (ANI) Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) Vice Chancellor Professor Najma Akhtar flagged off a Tiranga Rally on Saturday at the Vice Chancellor's Office premises as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM) to commemorate 76th year of Indian Independence, a statement issued by the Public Relations Office of the university said. Speaking on the occasion Professor Akhtar said, Jamia is celebrating 76th Independence Day with great zeal, enthusiasm and patriotic fervor. We are organising a number of programmes to celebrate these glorious years of progressive independent India. I appeal to everyone to hoist Tiranga at their offices and residences to foster the spirit of nationalism and make Har Ghar Tiranga campaign successful. Students from Jamia university, Jamia Schools, NCC cadets and NSS volunteers, teaching and non-teaching staff including Deans, HoDs and senior faculty members participated in the rally in large numbers with patriotic fervour, the statement read. The rally was organised under the supervision of Professor Muslim Khan, Dean of Faculty of Social Sciences in JMI. Holding tricolours in their hands and shouting patriotic slogans, the participants in the rally passed through the Maulana Mohammed Ali Marg, covered the whole campus and culminated at the Dean Office, Faculty of Social Science, JMI. As part of the Independence Day celebrations, Tiranga is being hoisted on top of buildings and other important places of the university. Sarojini Naidu Centre for Womens studies and Premchand Archives and Literary Centre of the university are jointly organising a program to commemorate Partition Horrors Remembrance Day where presentation, panel discussion, question and answer session and a Photo Exhibition on incidents leading up to Indias partition will be held on 14th August, 2023, the statement added. (ANI) A sessions court on Saturday sent Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji, who was arrested in connection to a money laundering case, to judicial custody till August 25. Senthil Balaji was produced by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) before Principal Sessions Judge S Alli after the 5-day custodial interrogation ended. The ED has also filed a 3,000-page charge sheet against the minister in the money laundering case. Judge S Ali remanded the minister to judicial custody till August 25. Senthil Balaji was arrested by the ED in June this year in connection to an Enforcement Case Information Register (ECIR) filed against him under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act in 2021. The ECIR was registered on the basis of three FIRs lodged against him by the local police in 2018 for his alleged involvement in a cash-for-job case when he was the Transport Minister in Jayalalithaas Cabinet in 2015. His arrested wasin connection with the alleged cash-for-jobs scam that occurred in the state's transport department. He however continues to be a Minister without portfolio. Senthil Balaji, after his arrest, had complained of chest pain, and was subsequently taken to a government hospital in Chennai. He was later allowed by the Madras High Court on June 15 to be shifted to a private hospital of his choice, and was later taken from the Tamil Nadu government's Multi Super Speciality Hospital to Kauvery Hospital at Alwarpet. Doctors treating him had recommended a bypass surgery. Since his second remand period was valid till July 19, Balaji was shifted to prison immediately after his discharge from the hospital. Arrested by the ED in a cash-for-jobs scam case, he was taken from Kauvery Hospital to Puzhal prison. The charges date back to his tenure as Transport Minister during the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) government from 2011 to 2015. The ED submitted a copy of the Supreme Court order before the Sessions Court judge, following which Justice Alli remanded Balaji in the agency's custody for 5 days, allowing officials to interrogate him at their office. Earlier, the Supreme Court dismissed the pleas of Balaji and his wife challenging the Madras High Court's judgement, holding his arrest by the ED in the money laundering case legal. (ANI) In a bid to promote the Toto community, a primitive and isolated tribal group of West Bengal's Alipurduar district, India Post has released a special cover based on the community's lifestyle. The special cover was released at the Siliguri's head post office on Friday. Special cover is similar to postal stamp, valued by the philatelists and stamp collectors. Akhilesh Kumar Pandey, Post Master General (PMG), North Bengal and Sikkim, released the special cover in the presence of Dhaniram Toto, a Toto language preserver, whose name was announced as one of the recipients of Padma Shri award in the field of Literature & Education on the eve of Republic Day. During the special cover launch ethnic music was also played by a Toto community member. A total number of 2 thousand covers were made and will be sold among the people and philatelic depositholders for Rs 25 each. The cover depicts the lifestyle of the Totos. Speaking at the event, Pandey, said, The Toto community was on the verge of extinction so we decided to preserve and promote the community through the massive awareness programme. We tried to design the cover based on the lifestyle of the Totos. This will help them to bring back into the mainstream and also generate interest among the public to discover the area. While Dhaniram Toto said, It's a great pleasure that the India Post took this initiative to promote our community. It will help us to get popularise in different parts of the country. Our community is developing and participating in the competitions as well. We appeal administration to build a museum based on Toto community at Totopara village. Totos are a very small tribal group, residing at Totopara enclave on the Western bank of Torsa river in Madarihat in Alipurduar district of West Bengal. People of Toto community used to live in houses made of Tim and bamboo on raised platforms. Totos are considered to have Mongoloid features and their language beings to the Tibeto-Burman family. A script Totobiko lawa has been developed recently for their language Totobiko Yewa by community elder Padma Shri Awardee Dhaniram Tato. The Totos were on the verge of becoming extinct in the 1950s, whereupon consistent efforts of the community and local administration, the population had increased to 1640 by March 2023. (ANI) Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav on Saturday launched a scathing attack against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and asked why he is not going to Manipur though the situation is deteriorating there. Tejashwi Yadav said that if Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and the opposition parties can go to Manipur why isnt the Prime Minister going? "If Rahul Gandhi can go to Manipur, opposition parties can go there, then why is the Prime Minister not going there? The situation is deteriorating there, what actions they have taken?... When our (opposition alliance) govt will be formed at the central level, a caste-based census will be conducted in the country, it is in the interest of the country...", Tejashwi Yadav said. He further slammed the PM over his statement that the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has been opened in Darbhanga district and called it a lie saying that no AIIMS has been opened in the district. "Today PM Modi said that he has opened AIIMS in Darbhanga. This is a lie. I appeal to PM to first inquire about it and then speak. No AIIMS has been opened in Darbhanga. It is the effort of CM Nitish Kumar that AIIMS will be opened in Darbhanga..., he said. Earlier on Friday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his speech in the Lok Sabha during a no-confidence motion, saying that it does not behove the PM to laugh and crack jokes in Parliament when Manipur has been on fire for over three months. Rahul Gandhi said that watching the PM spend two hours talking about Opposition and making ridiculous remarks about the coalition name I.N.D.I.A. is tragic adding that this does not do justice to an Indian Prime Minister. "Yesterday the PM spoke in Parliament for about 2 hours and 13 minutes. In the end, he spoke on Manipur for 2 minutes. Manipur has been burning for months, people are being killed, and rapes are happening but the PM was laughing, cracking jokes. It doesn't behove him...", the Congress MP said during a press briefing at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters in Delhi. Rahul Gandhi further said that PM Modi has a complete misunderstanding about what the Prime Minister of India is. However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday described the violence-hit Manipur as a "piece of one's heart", and said that all efforts will be made to restore peace in the northeastern state which will soon walk the path of progress. "The north-east is our 'jigar ka tukda'. The problems of Manipur are presented in such a manner as if they had begun in the recent past," Modi said. He assured the people of the strife-torn northeastern state that peace shall soon return as the government is doing everything possible to punish the accused. The country is with you; this Parliament is with you. We will together find ways to resolve this challenge, peace will be established again soon. I assure the people of Manipur that the state will again witness progress, Modi said. (ANI) Twelve stalled Hydro Power Projects of Arunachal Pradesh of more than 11.5 GW were handed over to the Hydro PSUs under Union Ministry of Power on Satuday, a press release from the Ministry of Power stated. The Union government and the Government of Arunachal Pradesh came together to sign Memorandums of Agreement in Itanagar wherein 12 hydro-electric projects of cumulative installed capacity of about 11,517 MW was allotted by the state government to Hydro PSUs under the Union Ministry of Power. The MoA signing ceremony was attended by Union Minister for Power and New and Renewable Energy, R.K. Singh; Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Pema Khandu, Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Chowna Mein; Union Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal, and other officials of the Central and State Governments, the press release stated. Addressing the event, Union Minister for Power and New and Renewable Energy RK Singh said that implementation of these hydropower projects will contribute immensely to the richness of the state. The per capita income of the state would become more than that of Maharashtra and Gujarat. All the developed nations including the USA, Canada, Norway, have harnessed 80 per cent to 90 per cent of their hydropower potential. In India also, the states which harnessed the potential of hydropower have become prosperous. Hydropower is a green source of energy. Its usage will also increase the ground water level and promote growth of flora & fauna, RK Singh said. Signing of these Memorandums of Agreement and allotment of these projects to Hydro CPSUs shall prove to be a significant step towards harnessing the immense hydro-electric potential of Arunachal Pradesh. Out of these 12 projects, five projects of 2,620 MW have been allocated by the State Government toNorth Eastern Electric Power Corporation Ltd. (NEEPCO), five projects of 5,097 MW toSatluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd. (SJVN)and the remaining two projects of capacity 3,800 MW toNational Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC). These projects were earlier allotted to private sector developers about 15 years ago but remained non-starters due to various reasons. The State Government therefore decided to rope in Central Hydro PSUs to give a push to the languishing projects. Development of these projects will contribute towards achieving the declared Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) target of achieving 500 GW non-fossil energy capacity of India by 2030. Hydro Power will also be an effective contributor to the objective of achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by the year 2070. These projects are also expected to create huge employment opportunities in the region and boost the local economy as well as foster skill development and technical expertise in the region. The projects are expected to result in an estimated investment inflow of about 1,26,500 Crores to the state of Arunachal Pradesh, the press release stated. (ANI) A Delhi court has recently granted bail to a man accused in a case of cyber fraud of Rs 63 lakh on the pretext of doing online tasks through a telegram channel 'easy job group 2023'. Delhi police special cell's IFSO unit had registered an FIR on the complaint of Commodore Shailendra Sharma (Retd) in July 2023. Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Snigdha Sarvaria granted bail to Prem Shankar Teli, a resident of Akola, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, after considering his period and judicial custody and other facts and circumstances. He was arrested on July 21, and since then he was in judicial custody. An amount of Rs 4,23,900 was allegedly transferred to a bank account by using his mobile phone. "Considering the overall facts and circumstances of the case and that the applicant/accused is in custody since 21.07.2023; recovery is already affected, role alleged against him is that in his mobile phone, a SIM was used which is connected to the Bank accounts in which a part of the cheated amount was received and co-accused disclosed that applicant used to give bank accounts to Praveen and Ashok, he is no more required for custodial interrogation and no keeping him behind the bars," the CMM Sarvaria said in an order passed on August 3, 2023. Accordingly, the bail application of the accused is allowed and applicant/accused Prem Shankar Teli is admitted to bail on furnishing personal bond in the sum of Rs 50,000 with one surety in the like amount, the CMM ordered. Advocate Sanjeev Malik, Counsel for the accused stated that the applicant is a victim of circumstances as he was not aware of the alleged offence because he was not a mastermind of this alleged offence. The counsel submitted that the only allegations alleged by the prosecution are that the accused's mobile was used by the main culprits and the said cheated amount is also not directly cheated from the complainant by him. On the other hand, the Additional Public Prosecutor (APP) for the State and the Investigating Officer (IO) opposed the bail application on the ground that recovery of the cheated amount of Rs 63 lakhs is yet to be done. The co-accused persons Hamid Mansuri, Parmesh Giri Goswami and Vinod Giri Goswami, all resident of Akola, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan needs to be traced and interrogated. It was stated that in this case some bank accounts of Mumbai and Jamnagar, Gujarat also used for receiving cheated amounts. A case of cyber fraud was registered on July 12, 2023, on the complaint received from Shailendra Sharma. In the status report filed by the Delhi police, it is mentioned that the complainant has alleged he was cheated of around Rs 63 lakh on the pretext of doing online tasks through telegram channels. The complainant stated that on February 2023, he received a message from a telegram channel @Easy Job Group 2023 wherein they provided 20 tasks during the day regarding liking YouTube channels for which they paid Rs 50 for each like. Other prepaid tasks were also given in which participants were required to add money to given bank accounts. Further, the telegram channel gave tasks for investment in cryptocurrency on the website crptopto.com, the report said. There were different tutors on separate telegram channels. In good faith the complainant ended up paying Rs 63 lakhs into various bank accounts, It added. It is alleged that When he demanded his money back then he was asked to pay another 35 lakhs to get his money back. Later complainant came to know that he had been cheated. (ANI) You are here: Business This photo taken on Feb. 27, 2023 shows the booth of Huawei at the 2023 Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain. [Photo/Xinhua] Chinese tech giant Huawei generated 310.9 billion yuan (43.4 billion U.S. dollars) in revenue in the first half of this year, up 3.1 percent year on year, according to the business results announced on Friday. The net profit margin was 15 percent in the first six months, Huawei said, adding that the overall performance was in line with forecast. The company's information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure business contributed 167.2 billion yuan, while its consumer business contributed 103.5 billion yuan to the revenue. Meng Wanzhou, the company's rotating chairwoman, said Huawei invested heavily in foundational technologies to harness digitalization, intelligence, and decarbonization trends, focusing on creating value for its customers and partners. In 2022, the company generated total revenue of 642.3 billion yuan, up from 636.8 billion yuan the previous year. The R&D expenditure rose to 161.5 billion yuan in 2022, accounting for 25.1 percent of the company's total revenue. Based in Shenzhen, Huawei is a leading global provider of ICT infrastructure and smart devices. Fifty nurses, along with their families, are among around 1,800 persons who have been invited to listen to Prime Minister Narendra Modis address to the nation from ramparts of the Red Fort on Independence Day. Among them, three nurses would be from the state of Haryana, a press release from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said on Saturday. Speaking to the media in Faridabad, Haryana, Savita Rani who works as Nursing Officer in the Blood Bank of Badshah Khan Civil Hospital, Faridabad, appreciated the initiative saying that she, her family and the hospital staff are feeling happy and honored for her to be a part of this grand occasion. Previously, Savita Rani was felicitated by President Droupadi Murmu on Nursing Day for her outstanding work during the COVID 19 crisis, the press release mentioned. As part of the Independence Day celebrations at the historic Red Fort on August 15, 2923, special guests from different walks of life, ranging from Sarpanches of Vibrant Villages, teachers, nurses, farmers, and fishermen, have been invited to participate in the celebarations, the release added. The initiative to invite the people from all walks of life, across India, and be a part of the celebrations has been taken by the Government in line with its vision of Jan Bhagidari, the release stated. (ANI) Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said that the state's law and order situation has become an example in the country in the past six years and that every investor was willing to invest in the state, said an official statement. He further emphasised that investment proposals worth Rs 36 lakh crore have come to UP through the Global Investors Summit, which was held early this year. The statement said that the Chief Minister made the remarks while addressing a gathering after taking part in the groundbreaking ceremony and laying the foundation stone of the ethanol and ENA plant of M/s Keyaan Distilleries Private Limited to be set up at the cost of Rs 1,200 crore, in GIDA Sector 26. The Chief Minister said, "Due to the weak law and order situation, people were afraid to start industries and businesses in UP six years ago and people of UP faced an identity crisis during the SP-BSP governments." He mentioned that the youth no longer faces an identity crisis now and they proudly identify themselves as being from Uttar Pradesh. CM Yogi also said that with the start of the new ethanol plant, Sahjanwa will be developed as a new centre of green energy, adding that the establishment of a grain-based ethanol plant will not only significantly increase the income of the farmers, but also enhance self-sufficiency in the fields of energy and petroleum, said the statement. Moreover, the money that used to go abroad for petroleum products will now go to the farmers, he pointed out. CM Yogi said that 10 years ago, the SP government wanted to set up a slaughterhouse in the Bhiti Rawot area of Sahajanwa where an ethanol plant is going to be set up, said the statement. He continued, "However, due to opposition and protests, they could not carry out their plan. Had the slaughterhouse been established here, no other industry would have come to the area." CM Yogi said that the dairy industry is being constructed by CP Milk in GIDA, the pipe manufacturing industry by Tatva Plastics, the bottling plant by Varun Beverage and the warehouse by Central Warehousing Corporation. Meanwhile, Ankur Udyog's steel plant has already been started, the statement added. The official statement stated, "Chief Minister said that the confluence of investment, employment and development works is being seen in Sahjanwa and GIDA." He added: "In Bhiti Rawot alone, the process of industrial development has progressed on 207 acres. Garment Park is also being constructed on 25 acres. There is significant demand for garment products worldwide, and if women are trained and integrated into this sector, they can earn an additional income of Rs 10,000 to 15,000 per month while managing household responsibilities." The CM further informed that 101 plots are being developed for Garment Park and a flatted factory complex is also being built for the garment sector. Moreover, the development of a plastic park with 92 units is also underway, said the statement. The Chief Minister informed that the construction of a polytechnic in Bhiti Rawot will also be completed soon. He further directed administrative officials to introduce trades in the polytechnic that are relevant to the industries in GIDA. He emphasized the establishment of skill development centres in Gida and suggested that the CM Internship Scheme connected youth with industries, with the government providing half of the training stipend and the industry providing the other half, said the official statement. Taking a dig at Congress and Samajwadi Party, Yogi said that whenever the two parties come together, they create chaos. "They wasted the public's money by establishing a sugar mill in Dhuriyapar, where even a single stalk of sugarcane does not grow. The mill didn't even run for a day and turned into a scrap", he remarked. CM Yogi Adityanath mentioned that the double-engine government is planning to establish a new industrial town in Dhuriyapar spanning 8,385 acres which will initiate employment opportunities for the youth of Dakshinanchal who used to travel to countries like Bangkok, Singapore, Laos, etc., in search of work, said the statement. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the image of the country has transformed in the past nine years. He said that the country has become the fifth-largest economy in the world today, it added. He also mentioned that the country has got the opportunity to lead the G-20, a group of the most powerful countries in the world during Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, it stated further. State Water Power Minister Swatantra Dev Singh, Sahajanwa MLA Pradeep Shukla, MD of Keyaan Distilleries Private Limited Vinay Kumar Singh, MLA Vipin Singh, MLC Dr Dharmendra Singh, former MLA Devnarayan alias GM Singh, Ashwini Tripathi, Yudhishthir Singh, Anil Singh, State Bank of India General Manager Anand Vikram Singh, Deputy General Manager Sanjeev Kumar etc. were present on the occasion. The 31-acre unit of Keyaan Distilleries will have a plant with a production capacity of 300 kiloliters per day of ethanol and 200 kiloliters per day of ENA. Once operational, this unit will provide direct employment to a thousand individuals and indirect employment to another thousand. The industry will be grain-based, meaning it will utilize rice, corn, and other grains for production, said the official statement. (ANI) The Radiation Oncologists and alumni of IGMC gathered in the north Indian hill town Shimla to make a roadmap for the future treatment of cancer patients in Himachal Pradesh. Nearly 100 doctors practising across the country gathered in Shimla for a two-day conference and have shown concern over the increasing number of cancer patients in the state. They are suggesting and demanding to stop the use of pesticides and chemicals in crops and are demanding that lawmakers form law to shift towards organic food crops. Lung cancer among males in Himachal Pradesh is higher than the National perspective. The head and professor of Shimla Cancer Hospital at IGMC said that the use of pesticides is a serious concern as the cancerous elements are getting into groundwater and are being supplied to the people. The IGMC will soon have new radiation technologies to treat patients. The two-day conference is planning a road map in the north Indian hill town of Shimla for future treatment of patients in the region. "Cancer is considered a lifestyle disease, lifestyle is going from bad to worse. We are getting everything including floor, fruits and vegetables not in original form. People are using pesticides. Our people are not doing exercises, using more mobile and other technologies, people are becoming lethargic. The number of patients is increasing each year, out of 6000 new patients of cancer each year in Himachal Pradesh 3000 come to IGMC, another 3000 go to Tanda Medical College and Hospital in Mandi and HPCR hospital Patient Case register data also says it is increasing. We had 2500 cases each year and now it is reaching 300 per year, said Dr Manish Gupta, Head of the Department of Cancer Hospital at IGMC Shimla. He said that the conference is planning a roadmap for the future use of technology in cancer treatment. "We have organized this conference so far. 85 people have registered today and over 100 practicing oncologists are participating in it. We have organized this with the thought that 56 students from IGMC have passed out and they are working at different hospitals across the country. Once we talk to them and with this interaction with their experience we shall use the new Radiation oncologists by the end of this year here in IGMC," Gupta added further. He said that the use of fertilizers and pesticides is getting into groundwater and the produce is being used by people and is causing cancers. He also said that the diagnostics have improved and data is also increasing. He said the lung cancer cases are increasing each year in Himachal and it is higher than the national data among males in the state. "Oral cancer is more as per data but here in Himachal Pradesh the lungs cancer patients are increasing each year we have 350 patients annually of lung cancer that is because of the use of smoking habits common in the region, here we dont have much population of tobacco chewing, and in female patients, we have Breast cancer cases that too is increasing and here we have diseases caused by lifestyle, said Dr Gupta further. The IGMC Cancer Hospital will get the benefits of new technologies. "Practicing radiation oncologists who have been using linear accelerators and CT simulators will help us here. We will be using the latest technology with these machines for the treatment of cancer with radiation. IMRT (Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy), IGRT (Image Guided Radiation Therapy), and SRS (Stereotactic Radiosurgery) these therapies cost one lakh to two lakhs to each patient. After we establish these techniques in our hospital we would be able to treat patients free of cost, we are expecting to start it by year-end, he further said. The doctors treating other patients of cancers in other parts of the country said that it is high time that the lawmakers should come forward and stop the use of pesticides and take India towards an organic food-producing country and it will help to prevent cancer in the country. I practice in Delhi-NCR. We studied the local river there and the chemicals from the factories are polluting the water. A content of lead-arsenic was found in the fruits and vegetables after we did a survey and conducted tests. The pesticides and chemicals need to be replaced by the organic. The doctors and society can draw attention that there is a need to make Law to regulate it, said Dr Kanika Sharma Sood, delegate and MD Oncology. The cancer cases are on the rise, the contribution should be to create prevention. We will have to cure and identify the cases and for that, we need new technologies as there are some cases where lifestyle and tobacco do not have any role. Our oncology society is planning a roadmap for the future to use the new technology. We should be able to save the organs at risk with these machines. Twenty years ago I joined the training. We had basic machines called Cobalt, today we have three hospitals here, now we will be having linear accelerators, and CT simulators and it is going to change in our state, Dr Kanika said further. (ANI) With an increase in the number of mental health concerns among prisoners, Odisha jail officials implemented the prisoner reformation skills programme and engaged mental health professionals. In Odisha, there are around 20 thousand prisoners housed in 87 facilities with the aim of preventing depression, acquiring abilities for their livelihoods, and keeping away from crime. As a part of the prison reform initiatives, the jails in Odisha are focusing on the mental health of the inmates to tackle growing anxiety and depression. The state has appointed 40 mental health professionals for the purpose. Prison is a place where the inmates face anxiety and depression. We face a lot of mental health issues in prison. Odisha is the first state in India where we have hired 40 mental health professionals to tackle the problem. We are hopeful that through this the issue of anxiety and depression can be tackled which will also reduce the cases of inmate suicides," Manoj Kumar Chhabra, DG of prisons & DCS, Odisha told ANI. He further said that the mental health initiative is also going on for the staff working in the prison. The staff working in the prison are also subjected to a lot of stress. The professionals are also training them how to handle the stress and work in the prison environment," he added. Mental health is among the slew of measures undertaken by the Directorate of Prisons and Correctional Services in Odisha. The authorities have introduced several skilled sessions for the inmates. The sessions are being conducted in collaboration with Amulya Jeevan Foundation. "We started as a pilot project inside the Special Jail, Bhubaneswar and named Mukta Vihangam. Where we have a community radio station called Azaad Vaani, more than 6000 songs, library-cum-skill development room well-stocked with 1900 books and a theatre -music-dance -art room for the inmates. The inmates of the prison have a lot of free time. The confined spaces often result in depression. Now, they are getting a chance to learn here. They have a chance to earn livelihood and reintegrate into the society, Project Head Sweta Kanungo said. Women prisoners are also engaged in hair and beauty skill training. These programmes are in addition to other ongoing programmes at the prison. Besides old skills like clothes making, plumbing, farming etc., we realized that the young prisoners are more interested in skills like radio jockey, beauty salon, horticulture, arts, computer and mobile repairing. So, we have started several of these programs inside the prison," Dr Chhabra added. Professional Radio Jockeys have been roped in to train the inmates. The under-trial prisoners have also welcomed the move. One of the inmates from Jaipur, Rajasthan RJ Abhishek who is staying in special jail for almost 5 years sharing his thoughts about jail reforms and skills told ANI, Generally we heard the negative picture of jail on TV or cinema, where the prisons do such work as digging ditches and breaking up rocks, but it's totally different I saw four to five jails in other states but in Bhubaneswar no feelings of jail for me it's like a boys hostel. According to time and technology here you can see the changes of jail. He further said that there was a perception of prisoners that they were unskilled labourers. However, with the advancement of technology, they are now being trained in fisheries, radio jockey, art classes, computer, etc," RJ Abhishek added. Another inmate, RJ Niranjan, Azad Vaani Radio said that the stress level of inmates has come down as they present a lot of motivational stories. There is a positive change happening in our lives. We are now confident of walking out and working as voice-over artists and RJs. The perception of prison was that it was a punishment. But now we know that it is a reformation centre. We can reflect on ourselves, and the crimes we have committed and lead a better life," said RJ Niranjan said. Nowadays 20 inmates of Bhubaneswar Special Jail are trained as Radio Jockeys. On August 15, a special Radio program will be aired, which is prepared by the prisoners of this jail, informed the officials. (ANI) Reacting to Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot's statement regarding the Central Government and the Prime Minister's speech in the Manipur violence case, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat hit out at Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and said that he had no right to comment as crimes against women were highest in the state. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that CM Gehlot must look at the statement of the Union Home Minister Amit Shah which came during the discussion on the no-confidence motion of the opposition in the Lok Sabha. Shekhawat said, "Chief Minister Gehlot's nature is such that he blames others to hide his own flaws, but he should not forget that when he points one finger towards others, three fingers also gets raised towards him. The Central Government was always ready to discuss the Manipur violence case and the Union Home Minister explained in detail in the House about the incidents that have happened in Manipur since Independence till now. Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited Manipur but when the UPA government was at the centre and violence took place in Manipur, the Union Home Minister nor the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs visited the state nor issued any statement." Shekhawat said that Ashok Gehlot's old habit of blaming others and hiding his failures and failures is known to all. Shekhawat said, "A state which is in number one position in rape and corruption, the state which has the highest unemployment and the most expensive petrol and diesel rate, where there are maximum incidents of crimes against innocent children, the Chief Minister of the state has no right to blame others. The people of Rajasthan know his trickery and this time they will settle the scores." On the statement of Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot that BJP was contesting state elections showing the face of Prime Minister Modi in Rajasthan, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that the party which has the world's most popular leadership and the people of the country and the poor have faith in his face, his (CM Gehlot's) jealousy and fear is understandable. Shekhawat said, "Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot is giving such a statement in fear. If the country has a leader like Rahul Gandhi and other like PM Modi then the people make a comparison and the media is also watching." He further said, "There is no division in the BJP. Those who might have left the party, also decided to return back to BJP after evaluating their future. Every worker of the BJP works loyally for the idea and not for any person, so the question of division in the BJP does not arise. We work for an idea." Ever since Jana Sangh was formed, we have worked for one goal that we will take India to peak, he said. "We work on a definite path to empower even the person standing last in the queue by bringing change in his life. We work under one flag, we work with a leader as his subordinate. We do not have differences and divisions anywhere and neither is there any possibility of this." Shekhawat said that there is a saying in Rajasthan, what is going on in your backyard is not visible but what is burning on the mountain is visible. "Rajasthan is burning, the daughters are being tortured here and she is not safe, the Chief Minister of that state does not have the right to comment by looking at others," he added. (ANI) According to Patna Sadar ASP Kamya Mishra, the deceased has been identfied as Soni Kumar. Detailing the incident, ASP Mishra said that the deceased was going to her hostel after completing her shift when the incident happened. The preliminary probe suggest that the deceased was stabbed due to personal enmity, however no arrest has been done so far and probe is underway. "She was going to her hostel after completing her shift when she was stabbed. Prima facie the matter seems to be of personal enmity. No one has been arrested so far. Further probe underway," ASP Kamya Mishra said while talking to the media. Further investigation into the matter is underway. (ANI) Baghel said, "It (joining of leaders) happens during elections. We welcome her." Earlier CM Baghel on Friday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his speech in Lok Sabha about Manipur and said that the PM didn't talk about any solution. Baghel also said that they will organise Sankalp Shivirs and all the senior leaders will participate in it. "We will organise Sankalp Shivirs and all our senior leaders will participate in it The no-confidence motion was brought for Manipur. He talked about Manipur in the end and only for two minutes. He didn't talk about any solution... They are making all efforts to stop Rahul Gandhi but he won't stop...'' CM Baghel said while talking to the media. (ANI) Acting on a tip-off, an Assam Rifles team launched a joint operation with police representatives from Ambassa Police Station from general area Ambassa, under Ambassa PS, Dhalai District, Tripura. The apprehended individuals alongwith seized contents were handed over to Ambassa PS for further investigation and legal proceedings. Assam Rifles have demonstrated its commitment towards drug free society. Earlier on Tuesday, in a joint operation, Assam Rifles and Kamalpur police station seized 23 grams of drugs worth over Rs 9.2 lakhs and apprehended a person in Tripura's Dhalai district, officials informed through a statement. Based on a tip-off, an Assam Rifles team of Radhanagar Battalion, under the aegis of HQ IGAR (E), launched a joint operation with a team from Kamlapur police station in the general area of Erarpar Bazar. During the operation, the joining team apprehended one person and recovered 23 grams of grade-1 heroin worth approximately 9.2 lakhs from his possession, as per the statement. (ANI) Accessing and studying the spinal cord is more challenging than doing so with the brain. It has been challenging to pinpoint exactly how it behaves due to its mobility and anatomical structure. The National Institutes of Health has awarded Rice University engineers a USD6.25 million, four-year grant to optimise an array of nanoelectronic threads, or NETs, for use in the spine. NETs are already successfully used for collecting high-fidelity, long-term data from neurons in the brain. In addition to recording neuronal activity, NET probes can stimulate nearby neurons in a controlled manner. By incorporating NETs into a more substantial data-processing system, Rice neuroengineers also hope to maximise the functional bandwidth of NETs. The new device may offer patients with injuries and other related medical conditions new hope as well as aid neuroscientists in unlocking the mysteries of spinal cord function. So far, we haven't had a good understanding of how the neurons in the spinal cord actually work, said Chong Xie, the principal investigator on the grant and an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering and neuroengineering. For example, if you move your arms or walk around, you have the intention in your brain and the muscles operate exactly as you want them to. This conversion of the initial intention into specific motions of each of the muscles is operated and implemented in the spinal cord, where circuits consisting of many, many neurons are responsible for carrying out this job. But we don't know exactly how this is achieved. Using electrodes to track neuronal activity in the brain has allowed neuroscientists to learn a great deal about brain function. The flexible NET probes developed by Xie and collaborators integrate seamlessly with brain tissue and perform better than rigid probes when used to record electrical information from individual neurons in the brain. Preliminary tests have shown that NET probes can achieve high-quality, long-duration recordings from the spinal cord neurons of mice. However, the scientists intend to further adapt NETs to the specific structural and functional demands of the spinal cord. In the brain, the distribution of neurons, or gray matter, and the bundles of nerve fibres known as the white matter is the exact inverse of spinal cord anatomy. We typically refer to this as the inside-out anatomy of the spinal cord, said Lan Luan, an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering and co-investigator on the grant. The outer layer of the brain the gray matter is where the neurons are, whereas the fibres called white matter are on the interior. In the spinal cord, the white matter or fibres are on the exterior, shielding the neurons. This makes accessing those neurons more challenging. To ensure better access, scientists plan to develop a probe design that is small enough to be implanted at different sites on the spine yet has greater depth coverage and enough channels to capture data from neurons in a spinal cord cross-section.Another goal is to equip the probes with stimulation capabilities in addition to their recording function. The electrode can do both, Luan said. This has a direct health relevance because, for patients with spinal cord injury or other types of injuries, stimulation could be a way to restore fine motor control. There are several very successful technologies demonstrating that stimulation in the cord can restore local motions. But to impact finer motor control, we believe we need to go inside the cord and have a greater degree of access and precision for applying this stimulation. The spinal cord plays a significant role in pain processes, so identifying which spinal neurons are directly involved with pain-signal relay could open the door to better pain-management therapies. Identifying the specific type of spinal neurons that play a significant role in processing pain information could potentially enable the development of drugs that target precisely those cells, Xie said. Or maybe we can use the electrodes to stimulate those neurons and modulate their activity so that they dont convey the pain signal to the brain. Scientists plan to not only optimize probe design but also to incorporate spinal NETs into an extremely miniaturized, integrated data-processing and stimulation-feedback system. In addition to developing the technology, Xie, Luan and their team have partnered with the Pfaff lab at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, the Weber lab at Carnegie Mellon University and the Basbaum and Ganguly labs at the University of California, San Francisco for a series of spinal cord studies that will test the devices across different spinal regions, animal models and research topics. Luan said she hoped that developing and optimizing NET-based technology for spinal cord research would provide a tool that can help the entire neuroscience community achieve a more fundamental understanding of spinal cord function. My real hope is that, four years down the road, at the end of this project, neuroscientists will be able to see and do new things that are impossible with current technology, Xie said. (ANI) Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday regretted the timing of the apex court's verdict on the Supreme Court (Review of Judgements and Orders) Act 2023, Pakistan-based Geo News reported. He said that the court's decision will not affect Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharifs plans to return to Pakistan. In an interview with Pakistan-based TV Channel PTV, Shehbaz Sharif said, "As far as Nawaz Sharifs return is concerned the [SC] decision has no link with it," Geo News reported. He further said Nawaz Sharif has completed the five-year disqualification period. Shehbaz Sharif said, "The law which is in the field right now states that the maximum period for disqualification is five years. Nawaz Sharif will return and this verdict will not be an obstruction," according to Geo News report. His remarks come a day after he said that Nawaz Sharif will return to Pakistan in September and face the law. The development comes at a time when the nation is heading toward general elections. In an interview with Geo News Capital Talk Programme, Shehbaz Sharif said he would visit London to meet his elder brother Nawaz Sharif as soon as the caretaker government takes charge. He said, "Nawaz Sharif will come back to Pakistan next month and will face the law and lead the election campaign." However, he did not reveal the exact date of Nawaz Sharifs return to Pakistan. PML-N supremo has been living in self-imposed exile in London since November 2019 due to health reasons. The signing of the bill seeking amendments to Section 232 (Qualifications and Disqualifications) of the Election Act, 2017 by Interim President Sadiq Sanjarani in June also paved the way for Nawaz Sharif's return to Pakistan.Nawaz Sharif and Istihkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) chief Jahangir Khan Tareen are among those who have benefited from the move. Shehbaz Sharif said he is "disappointed" by the timing of the verdict of the Supreme Court (Review of Judgments and Orders) Act 2023, Geo News reported. He said, "I am really disappointed that the decision came when parliament was dissolved after completing its tenure. I wish the verdict had come during the parliament's life then we would have debated this law on the floor or the house or made amendments with the parliaments collective wisdom." On Friday, the Supreme Court ruled that the Supreme Court (Review of Judgments and Orders) Act 2023 was "unconstitutional." The court's decision is seen by many as dampening the hopes of Nawaz Sharif and Jahangir Khan Tareen who were seeking to challenge their lifetime disqualifications, the report said. The apex court had disqualified both senior leaders under Article 62 of the Constitution. If the verdict on Friday had been in favour of the petitions, Nawaz Sharif and Jehangir Khan Tareen would have gotten an opportunity to challenge their disqualifications, considering their political ambitions amid the upcoming general elections in Pakistan. (ANI) This photo taken on March 21, 2023 shows metal barricades placed near the Capitol building in Washington, D.C., the United States. [Photo/Xinhua] China's Ministry of Commerce (MOC) issued a report on the World Trade Organization (WTO) compliance of the United States for the first time on Friday. The report reviewed U.S. performance on following WTO rules, and expressed concerns over U.S. policy measures that undermine the multilateral trading rules, impose unilateral sanctions, manipulate double standards in industrial policies, and disturb global industrial and supply chains. The concerns cover 11 areas, including tariff and non-tariff barriers, industrial subsidies, agricultural subsidies, trade remedies, standards and technical regulations, trade in services and intellectual property rights. The United States has not only selectively implemented WTO rulings, but has also blocked appointments of new Appellate Body members, which led to the "paralysis" of the Appellate Body. The United States has a long history of taking unilateral measures against other members under the guise of so-called "national security," "human rights" and "forced technology transfer," and has also coerced others into abiding by its diplomatic policies and illegitimate demands, the report said. In addition, the United States has implemented exclusive and discriminatory subsidy policies, and has disrupted other countries' industrial development through means like export control, the report added. It has instigated decoupling and fragmenting industrial and supply chains, tried to utilize unilateral tariff measures to force re-shoring of industrial chains, established U.S.-centered industrial and supply chains through massive subsidies, and promoted near-shoring and friend-shoring based on so-called "values," the report said. As the world's largest economy and an important founder and principal beneficiary of the multilateral trading system, the United States should have set a good example by abiding by the rules, honoring its commitments, and upholding the authority and efficacy of the multilateral trading system, according to the report. China will, as always, maintain close communication and cooperation with all parties, fully and deeply participate in the reform of the WTO, and work together to promote the multilateral trading system to play a bigger role in global economic governance, said the MOC. The United Nations has said that it has successfully completed a complex operation to transfer more than a million barrels of oil from an ageing supertanker off Yemens Red Sea coast onto a salvage vessel, averting a potential environmental catastrophe, Voice of America (VOA) reported. We have, I think against many odds, managed to complete an operation that many talked about for years, UN Development Program Administrator Achim Steiner told reporters in a video call on Friday. Many were concerned it couldnt really be done. Many questioned why it took the UN [so] long to implement it," he added. The planning, fundraising and obtaining permissions from the local authorities took years. The actual transfer of the oil took 18 days of around-the-clock pumping, VOA reported. Steiner noted that when the United Nations was asked to undertake the operation, there was no one else ready or prepared to do it. The UN has raised about USD 121 million of the USD 143 million needed to purchase a large crude carrier, retain a global salvage company, enlist experts, insure a dangerous operation in a war zone and carry out complicated logistics, VOA reported. The tanker was the subject of more than three years of appeals from the UN and environmental organizations who warned that a lack of maintenance during Yemens civil war meant the nearly 50-year-old vessel was at risk of spilling four times as much oil as happened in the 1989 disaster involving the Exxon Valdez off the coast of Alaska. Experts said if the tanker leaked or exploded, the environmental and economic damage could have cost USD 20 billion. The Safer was moored in an area controlled by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels, who have been at war with the Saudi-backed internationally recognized Yemeni government for eight years. The UN had sought access to the vessel for several years, but the Houthis withheld the necessary permissions and security guarantees until last year. Raising the money for the USD 143 million operation further delayed it. The United States welcomed the successful transfer operation, to which Washington contributed USD 10 million. It is one of 23 countries that have contributed to financing the operation. Funding has also come from the private sector and a crowdfunding campaign, VOA reported. This operation serves as a strong model for future international coordination and cooperation to proactively prevent crises before they occur, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement. We commend the UN and the Yemeni parties who came together to avert an environmental, economic and humanitarian disaster," he added. Experts delicately handled the 47-year-old vessel, called the FSO Safer, working to remove the crude without the tanker falling apart, the oil exploding, or a massive spill taking place, CNN reported. UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen David Gressly said that the operation utilised the skills of SMIT, the dredging and offshore contractor who assisted in removing the Ever Given ship, which blocked the Suez Canal for nearly a week in 2021, VOA reported. The team pumped between 4,000 and 5,000 barrels of oil every hour. However, who gets the oil remains a controversial matter, CNN reported. The Red Sea is a vital strategic waterway for global trade. At its southern end lies the Bab el-Mandeb strait, where nearly 9 per cent of total seaborne-traded petroleum passes. And at its north is the Suez Canal that separates Africa from Asia. The majority of petroleum and natural gas exports from the Persian Gulf that transit the Suez Canal pass through the Bab el-Mandeb, according to the US Energy Information Administration. The sea is also a popular diving hotspot that boasts an impressive underwater ecosystem. In places, its banks are dotted with tourist resorts, and its eastern shore is the site of ambitious Saudi development projects worth hundreds of billions of dollars, VOA reported. However, who gets to keep the oil is a question hanging all along. The tanker issue remains a point of dispute between the Houthi rebels that control the north of Yemen and the internationally recognized government, the two main warring sides in the countrys civil conflict. While the war, which saw hundreds of thousands of people killed or injured, and Yemen left in ruins is far from resolved. The ship had been abandoned in the Red Sea since 2015. The FSO Safer held four times the amount of oil spilled by the Exxon Valdez off Alaska in 1989 which resulted in a slick that covered 1,300 miles of coastline. A potential spill from this vessel would have been enough to make it the fifth largest oil spill from a tanker in history, a UN website said. (ANI) United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the safe release of five staff members who were kidnapped and held by a branch of al-Qaida for 18 months in Yemen, Voice of America (VOA) reported. The secretary-general is profoundly relieved that their ordeal and the anxiety of their families and friends have finally come to an end, spokesman Farhan Haq told reporters on Friday, adding that Guterres called for the perpetrators to be held accountable. All five worked for the Department of Safety and Security. They were kidnapped while returning to Aden from a field mission in the southern governorate of Abyan in February 2022, VOA reported. The United Nations would not comment on the negotiations that led to their release but did thank the government of Oman for assisting. The organization also has a policy of not paying ransom, VOA reported. Bangladeshi national Akm Sufiul Anam arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday. He told reporters there he never thought he would get home alive. The other four hostages were Yemeni nationals. The UN identified them as Mazen Bawazir, Bakeel Al-Mahdi, Mohammed Al-Mulaiki and Khaled Mokhtar Sheikh, VOA reported. UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator David Gressly told reporters that the four freed Yemenis are unharmed and in good health. I had a chance to speak with them on the way back, Gressly said. I am very much impressed by not only their good spirits but the strength that they have exhibited under extraordinary circumstances, he added. Two other UN staff members have been in detention in Houthi-controlled Sanaa since November 2021. A Jordanian staffer from the World Food Program was also shot and killed in southwest Yemen on July 21. (ANI) On August 20, a former first lady and the son of a former president will face off in Guatemala's presidential runoff, bringing to an end a contentious campaign that has alarmed observers about the country's future as inequality and corruption fuel political unrest in the region, according to CNN. Sandra Torres, who is primarily regarded as a continuity candidate for the political establishment, will face off against Bernardo Arvalo, an anti-corruption politician who exceeded expectations by placing second in the first round of voting in June. In the first round of voting in June, Torres received 16 per cent of the vote, while Arvalo received 11.8 per cent. However, more than 24 per cent of voters cast blank or invalid ballots, and about 40 per cent of eligible voters stayed home, which analysts have attributed to high levels of dissatisfaction with Guatemala's electoral system after the state disqualified opposition candidates who spoke out against corruption, according to CNN. Guatemala watchers are cautiously hopeful that the popular will might prevail. Rights groups say graft and impunity accelerated among the countrys political class after a United Nations-backed anti-corruption commission, known as CICIG, credited for assisting in hundreds of convictions, was dissolved in 2019, CNN reported. Prosecutors and judges associated with the commission were arrested, investigated, and many have been forced to flee the country in the ensuing years amid high rates of poverty and malnutrition. Worries about democratic backsliding began to mount in this years election cycle as anti-corruption candidates were barred from running, prompting widespread criticism from the US and Western allies, CNN reported. Arvalo, who previously served as ambassador to Spain, has also faced attempts to disqualify him. A Guatemalan court suspended his Movimiento Semilla party on the request of Rafael Curruchiche, who heads the Special Prosecutors Office Against Impunity and is on the US State Department Engelslist forcorrupt and undemocratic actors. Curruchiche said they were investigating Movimiento Semilla for allegedly falsifying citizens signatures a claim Arvalo has denied, CNN reported. But he was ultimately allowed to run in the first round following international outcry by theUS, European Union and a group of international donors, knownas the G13, which includes the United Kingdom and Canada. EvenTorresannounced she would suspend her political campaign in solidarity with Movimiento Semilla. Unemployment, corruption, and high living costs are at the top of voters minds as they head to the polls on August 20, CNN reported. Torres has pledged to expand the countrys social programs and has advocated for tough policies to tackle crime in the style of Nayib Bukele, the president of neighbouring El Salvador. She holds support among rural voters, garnered when she helped get more cash transfers and benefits as first lady more than a decade ago. The 67-year-old heads one of the countrys largest political parties, Unidad Nacional de la Esperanza (UNE), and served as the countrys first lady alongside her ex-husband, the centre-left former President Alvaro Colom, from 2008 to 2011. This is the third presidential cycle Torres has competed in, losing in 2019 to current President Alejandro Giammattei. Her time in the spotlight has made her one of the most recognized names in the political race, although many Guatemalans have indicated they will not vote for her, CNN reported. Current momentum appears to be behind the former diplomat. Arvalo is seen as a pragmatist from the centre-left Movimiento Semilla party, which he co-founded in 2017, and may be able to tap into widespread discontent against the current political class. His father, Juan Jos Arvalo, was Guatemalas first democratically elected president in 1945 and is fondly remembered for creating the countrys social security system. He has promised to bring back the journalists, judges and prosecutors who fled the country in the wake of the government shutting down CICIG this includes his partys former presidential contender, Thelma Aldana, known for her anti-corruption crusades that led to the conviction of a former president. Aldana was barred from running in the 2019 race, CNN reported. Guatemala currently recognizes Taiwan, and Arvalo hassaidhe would like Guatemala to have relations with both Taipei and Beijing. Guatemalas business elite have warmed to him, with Duolingo Chief Executive Luis Von Ahn announcing on X that he had contributed USD 100,000 to his campaign, CNN reported. Congress is set to be largely controlled by establishment parties following this years elections, including the outgoing presidents Vamos party and Torres UNE. Even if Arvalo does win at the polls Sunday, there may be many more hurdles to come. (ANI) The Islamabad High Court chief justice reserved theverdict on Imran Khans request to transfer him to Adiala jail from Attock, where his lawyers claim he is facing serious threats to life, the Dawn reported. IHC CJ Justice Amir Farooq has reserved theverdict on Khans transfer application, stating he will issue an appropriate order on it. During a hearing on Friday, Punjab Assistant Advocate General Rao Shaukat and PTI chairman lawyer Sher Afzal Marwat appeared in court. Khans counsel said the trial court had sent Khan to Adiala Jail but he was shifted to Attock Jail. Shaukat then presented the transfer letter to Attock Jail on behalf of the Punjab government. Later, during a press conference, Khans lawyers Naeem Haider Panjutha and Ali Ijaz Buttar expressed serious apprehensions regarding the safety and security of the PTI chairman. They said the former prime minister was facing serious threats to his life and demanded immediate steps to provide him with home-made food and other facilities. Panjotha said PTIs legal team tried their best to meet with Khan on Thursday but only his wife was allowed to meet him. The counsel stated that it was their legal right to meet with Khan as they needed his instructions regarding his various cases as well as signing the power of attorney to appear in court on his behalf. The petitions were dismissed after Khans counsel, Barrister Salman Safdar, failed to convince the court to exempt the PTI chairman from personal appearance due to his imprisonment in the Toshakhana case. At the last hearing, the counsel had submitted an application for adjournment and to exempt his client from personal attendance as his current circumstance was beyond his control. The application was fixed for hearing on Friday when Barrister Safdar again sought an adjournment saying he could not prepare his arguments. While talking with his lawyers in the Attock jail, Imran Khan said, "Take me out of here; I don't want to remain in jail," according to the officials. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman also stated that he remains holed up inside his prison cell in "distressing" conditions, as per the sources. Khan's counsel Naeem Haider Panjotha was granted access by the jail authorities Monday to meet him, who after seeing the PTI chairman said that the former premier was being kept in "distressing" conditions provided C-Class jail facilities. However, the sources said that the PTI chairman, during the meeting with his lawyer, conveyed his concerns regarding the environment at the prison with flies taking over his cell during the day and insects at night. Khan was arrested from his Zaman Park residence in Lahore soon after being convicted in the Toshakhana case, Geo News reported. (ANI) The Balochistan Assembly will be dissolved Saturday after the completion of its five-year constitution term, The Nation reported. The follows the dissolution of the National Assembly on Wednesday and the Sindh Assembly on Friday. Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Quddus Bizenjo will send the summary for the dissolution of the assembly to the Governor on Saturday. The governor on the advice of the chief minister will sign the summary. Meanwhile, no name has been finalized yet for the appointment of the caretaker chief minister of Pakistan. According to sources, the first round of talks between JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and BNP-M chief Sardar Akhtar Mengal was held in Islamabad on Friday, The Nation reported. Sources said that both JUI-F and BNP-M have proposed two names each for the post of caretaker chief minister. The opposition party vowed to reach a consensus on the name of the caretaker Chief Minister. The Sindh Assembly in Pakistan was dissolved on Friday as the province's Governor Kamran Tessori signed and gave approval to Chief Minister Murad Ali Shahs summary for the dissolution of the provincial legislature, Pakistan-based Dawn reported. The dissolution of the Sindh Assembly came just days before the completion of the Sindh Assembly's five-year tenure, which began on August 13, 2018. In a notification issued by the government, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori said, "As advised by the chief minister and in exercise of powers conferred upon me under clause (1) of Article 112 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and other provisions enabling me in this behalf, I, Muhammad Kamran Khan Tessori, governor of Sindh, hereby dissolve the Provincial Assembly of Sindh on Friday, the 11th day of August, at 9 pm." While addressing the last provincial cabinet session on Friday, outgoing Sindh CM Murad said he, his cabinet members, and all the PPP MPAs were going "back to the people with dignity and respect." He recalled that at the beginning of the term in 2018, the then-federal government led by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was not ready to cooperate and attempted to destabilize the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) government in Sindh, according to Dawn report. He said, "But under the guidance of Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, we kept serving our people steadfastly." Murad Ali Shah said that the province was still tackling the COVID-19 pandemic when the disastrous floods of 2022 swept the majority of the regions of Sindh. Sindh CM said, "I had almost lost hope to drain out such a deluge of the water but the cabinet members, party workers, and the leadership supported me and finally the water was disposed of, and wheat crops were sown," Dawn reported. He stated that all party leadership, ministers, advisors, special assistants, coordinators, MPAs and party workers "stood shoulder-by-shoulder" with the flood-impacted people. (ANI) Brother of former inspector general (IG) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police was shot dead allegedly after being abducted by unidentified bike-borne miscreants in Pakistan's Dera Ismail Khan district, reported Dawn. The District Police Officer (DPO), Waqar Ahmed, while giving details in a press conference on Friday said that unidentified assailants who were on two motorcycles abducted Malik Ghulam Habib Mehsud, the brother of ex-IG of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police, Salahuddin Mehsud, while he was on his way home and then killed him, as reported by Dawn. A police vehicle of SHO Gomal was passing along the road shortly after the incident and they spotted the motorcyclists rapidly going from a dirt road onto a main road. As the SHO got suspicious, they tried to intercept one of the motorcyclists, on which the two assailants were whisking away Ghulam Habib. Later, the motorcyclists sped up, following which, the policemen started chasing them and the motorcyclists started firing at the policemen. However, they did not get hurt, reported Dawn. Whereas, the policemen also retaliated and one of the assailants got injured. The police started a search for them. Following the incident, the SHO informed the control room about the firing, on which, other senior police officers rushed to the site. Upon their arrival, one of the motorcycles was found abandoned by the assailants as the police pursued them. The assailants escaped in a densely forested area located on the side of Dabara's main road, as per Dawn. Later on, as the police officials kept chasing them, the abductors found themselves unable to take Ghulam Habib with them. So, they killed him and his body was found near Manzai, Goldola Road, according to officials. Earlier, in a similar incident, three unknown armed motorcyclists fire on the mobile van of the Station House Officer (SHO) of Gomal Police Station on Wana Road, a police official said on Wednesday. To which, the police retaliated and injured one of the attackers. However, the police officers remain unhurt during the fire exchange, reported Dawn. But, the attackers managed to flee the scene by taking a dirt path. The officials have however initiated a search operation in the area. (ANI) Russian air defence system detected and intercepted Ukraine's S-200 missile system, which was converted into a strike version, TASS News Agency reported citing Defense Ministry. "On August 12, at around 1:00 p.m. Moscow time, the Kyiv regime attempted to launch a terrorist strike on the Crimean bridge with the S-200 surface-to-air guided weapon converted into a strike version. The Ukrainian missile was promptly detected and intercepted in the air by Russias air defence system," the ministry said. The incident caused no damage or casualties, it added. Earlier, Governor of Crimea Sergey Aksyonov on his Telegram channel said that two Ukrainian missiles have been shot down by the air defence system in the area of the Kerch Strait, adding that the bridge was not affected, reported TASS News Agency. "Two enemy missiles were shot down by the air defence system in the area of the Kerch Strait. The Crimean Bridge was not affected," he wrote. The attacks in the Crimea region have become very common. Earlier, in July, Moscow alleged that Ukraine launched 17 drones toward Crimea overnight, and referred to it as a terrorist attack. The ministry said 14 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) "were suppressed by means of radio-electronic warfare". Three of the drones were shot down by Russian air defences, while three fell into the Crimean peninsula and 11 of the drones fell into the Black Sea, CNN quoted the Russian Ministry of Defense as saying.There were no casualties, the MOD added. A Russian ammunition depot was also hit by the Ukrainian drone attack in Crimea, CNN reported. A Ukrainian security official claimed Kyivs responsibility for the drone strikes that hit the Russian capital of Moscow and Crimea overnight.Drones attacked the orc capital and Crimea last night. Electronic warfare and air defence are becoming less and less capable of protecting the occupiers' skies, said Mykhailo Fedorov, the Ukrainian minister of digital transformation, in a Telegram post on Monday.Whatever happens, there will be more of it, he added. Russia further claimed that its air defences successfully neutralized all drones that targeted Moscow on Monday.All the drones have been neutralized today, and measures are being taken, Peskov said. As for the development of the defence system, ensuring its more intensive work, this is a question for the Ministry of Defense," CNN quoted Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov as saying. (ANI) The Indian Himalayan Council of the Nalanda Buddhist Tradition organised a Buddhist Conference here in Leh, Ladakh on Friday. The conference was titled 'Nalanda Buddhism in the 21st Century: Challenges and Responses.' The conference was attended by around 550 delegates consisting of revered Rinpoches, Geshes, Khenpos, Monks and Nuns, and Scholars. Highlighting the objective behind organising the event, General Secretary of the Indian Himalayan Council of Nalanda, Maling Gonbo said The gap between the monastic community and the population of Leh is widening by the day. So, it becomes essential to bridge the gap between the people of Ladakh and the monastics. This is one of the prime challenges for us in the 21st century. Therefore, we are organizing programs, seminars, conferences, and workshops throughout the Himalayan region. We are focusing on how the Nalanda Buddhist Tradition reaches the common masses and how monastics play a crucial role in it. Nalanda Buddhism with cross-cultural relations, which is one of the powerful factors of cultural mobilization and social stability in the Himalayan region, has been striving for a key role in national integration and further consolidation of these strategic areas of the country. The event also held great significance for the people of Ladakh for they, especially the youngsters, were enriched with the nuances of the concept. The event being held in Ladakh provides a great opportunity for the local people. It is a significant chance for people, especially the youth, to understand the Nalanda tradition. I welcome the conduct of this event. said Tsering Dorjay, Vice President of the Ladakh Buddhist Association. Buddhism believes in the philosophy of attaining enlightenment through mindfulness. Stanzin Minjur, Professor of Buddhism History, CIBS Leh said Mahatma Buddha is a symbol of peace. He always preached about adopting the middle path. One should neither be too harsh nor too soft. The Himalayan region from Tawang, Sikkim, Lahoul-Spitti, Kinauur, Uttarakhand to Ladakh, is the repository of a rich cultural heritage of Buddhist traditions that flourished for thousands of years in harsh geographical conditions. With time the vibrant living Buddhist heritage is undergoing a rapid transformation in its polity, culture and socio-economic changes. (ANI) Taiwan's Vice President William Lai departed for his seven-day trip to Paraguay and will have a stopover in US in a transit stop which angered the Chinese side on Saturday. Taiwan Vice President informed on the social media platform X formerly known as Twitter and said, Departing soon for #Asuncion to attend @SantiPenaps inauguration & convey to him & the people of #Paraguay the best wishes of @iingwen & #Taiwan. Looking forward to meeting with @MaritoAbdo to express thanks for his staunch support & excited to meet with #US friends in transit. William Lai will stop for transit in New York on his way to the South American country and another in San Francisco on his return, reported the VOA news. China has firmly reacted to Taiwans Lai stopover and condemned it strongly. The VOA news reported that China said there are concerns it will respond to the visits by launching military exercises in protest. Meanwhile, the American and Taiwanese officials have characterized Lais stops as routine for Taiwanese officials. China says it firmly opposes such sneaky visits, especially by someone like Lai, a politician Beijing has branded a Taiwan independence separatist. In the month of April this year, Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-Wen met the speaker of the United States House of Representatives, McCarthy, on Wednesday (local time) in California, The New York Post reported. Notably, this was the first time when Taiwan's President met with a US House speaker on American soil. The meeting between the two leaders is seen as something China extremely disapproves of and has repeatedly shown opposition to. Ahead of their meeting, China dispatched several maritime vessels near Taiwan's coast. On Wednesday night local time, Beijing sent a "large scale patrol and rescue vessel" to the central and northern Taiwan Strait for a three-day "joint patrol and inspection" operation, China's Fujian Maritime Safety Administration said in a statement. Last year,Chinafired multiple missiles and launched military drills aroundTaiwanafter then-US House SpeakerNancy Pelosivisited the island. Her visit also strained the bilateral ties between US andChina. Recently,Taiwandetected the highest number of navy vessels around the country in a single day in recent times, reportedTaiwanNews. According toTaiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND), sixteen navy vessels and fifteen Chinese military aircraft were detected in the vicinity ofTaiwan. Beijing has sent 239 military aircraft and 94 naval ships around Taiwan so far this month. Since September 2020, China has amplified its use of grey zone tactics by incrementally increasing the number of military aircraft and naval ships operating around Taiwan. (ANI) Balochistan's Governor Malik Abdul Wali Kakar has dissolved Pakistan's Balochistan provincial assembly on the chief minister's advice, Geo News reported. "As advised by Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo, the Chief Minister of Balochistan and in the exercise of the powers conferred upon me under Article 112(1) of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan 1973, I, Malik Abdul Wali Khan Kakar, Governor Balochistan hereby dissolve the Provincial Assembly of Balochistan, this 12th day of August 2023 at 5 pm," said the notification issued by the Governor House. After the dissolution of the assembly, the provincial cabinet also stands dissolved. Chief Minister Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo will continue to hold the office until the appointment of the caretaker chief minister, according to Geo News. As the provincial assembly has now dissolved, the government have to make a caretaker setup, irrespective of whether or not the governor approves the summary undersigned by the chief minister. The assembly will stand dissolved in the next 48 hours as per the Constitution even if the governor does not approve it, reported Geo News. Meanwhile, no name has been finalized yet for the appointment of the caretaker chief minister of Pakistan. According to sources, the first round of talks between Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Balochistan National Party (M) chief Sardar Akhtar Mengal was held in Islamabad on Friday, The Nation reported. Sources said that both JUI-F and BNP-M have proposed two names each for the post of caretaker chief minister. The opposition party vowed to reach a consensus on the name of the caretaker Chief Minister. The Sindh Assembly in Pakistan was dissolved on Friday as the province's Governor Kamran Tessori signed and gave approval to Chief Minister Murad Ali Shahs summary for the dissolution of the provincial legislature, Pakistan-based Dawn reported. The dissolution of the Sindh Assembly came just days before the completion of the Sindh Assembly's five-year tenure, which began on August 13, 2018. (ANI) Photo taken on Feb. 17, 2023 shows a view of the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) in Beijing, capital of China. [Photo/Xinhua] The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) and the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) jointly announced the introduction of block trading, or manual trades, under the mutual market access program on Friday. Under Stock Connect, offshore investors will be able to conduct block trades on the Shanghai Stock Exchange and the Shenzhen Stock Exchange through the northbound trading link, while mainland investors will be able to conduct manual trades on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Ltd. through the southbound trading link. The initiative will further enhance the Stock Connect arrangements, make available more trading mechanisms, improve trading efficiency, and promote the mutual development of both capital markets, said the announcement. The CSRC and the SFC will supervise the respective exchanges and clearing houses on both sides in studying the business, technical, and regulatory arrangements to introduce block trading, conduct market consultation as appropriate, and develop an implementation proposal. Data showed that net capital inflow under the northbound trading of the Stock Connect programs between the Shanghai and Hong Kong exchanges and the Shenzhen and Hong Kong exchanges totaled 1.02 trillion yuan (about 142.5 billion U.S. dollars) and over 930 billion yuan, respectively, by the end of July. The Indian embassy in the US is deeply saddened and expressed its solidarity with the United States over the victims of wildfires in Hawaii, which resulted in the deaths of 80 people and multiple injuries. "Deeply saddened by the devastating wildfires in #Maui, Hawaii. Our hearts go out to the families of the bereaved at this difficult hour. We pray that the local community finds strength and normalcy returns soon," Indian Embassy said in a tweet. At least 80 people lost their lives in the Hawaii wildfires as the search teams sifted through the smoking blazes of Lahaina town. The officials are determined to find out how the inferno spread so rapidly through the historic resort area with so little warning, reported Al Jazeera. Hawaii's Attorney-General on Friday said that she will conduct a probe into how the authorities responded and acted to the deadly wildfires that have taken the lives of at least 80 people and have left 1,418 people at emergency evacuation shelters. The office of Attorney-General Anne Lopez said in a statement, "The Department of the Attorney-General will be conducting a comprehensive review of critical decision-making and standing policies leading up to, during, and after the wildfires on Maui and Hawaii islands this week." The fires have become the deadliest natural disaster in Hawaiis history and have surpassed the Tsunami that killed 61 people on the Big Island of Hawaii in 1960, reported Al Jazeera. This week at least three fires have erupted, caused by dry conditions, hot temperatures and strong winds from a passing hurricane. However, for the first time, the residents of Lahaina were permitted to return to their homes to assess the damage caused by fires. Moreover, according to the officials, the search teams with cadaver dogs could still find more dead from the fire that burnt 1000 buildings and left thousands homeless. They added that it will require many years and billions of dollars to rebuild, Al Jazeera reported. Further information revealed that the victims of the fire had died while trying to rescue them from the fast-moving blaze. The island however includes emergency sirens which are supposed to warn of natural disasters and other threats but they did not work during the fire. Even after three days of the disaster, it is still unclear whether some residents got any warning before the fire blazed their homes. Referring to the warning sirens, Hawaii Governor Josh Green told CNN, I authorised a comprehensive review this morning to make sure that we know exactly what happened and when."US President Joe Biden spoke with Hawaii Governor Josh Green on Friday after the latter completed a survey of destruction across Maui. White House in a statement said, "The Governor provided the President with a firsthand update and assessment of Hawaiis latest needs, and thanked the President for the support of FEMA and other federal agencies," CNN reported. On Thursday, US President Joe Biden declared Hawaii wildfires a "major disaster" and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas impacted by the wildfires since August 8. Biden's action makes federal funding available to impacted people in Maui County. A White House statement said, "Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists in the State of Hawaii and ordered Federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by wildfires beginning on August 8, 2023, and continuing."(ANI) On the social media account, X (formerly known as Twitter), the President's Office said that under Article 224 A of Pakistan's constitution, Alvi appointed Anwarul Haque Kakar as caretaker PM. "President Dr Arif Alvi has approved the appointment of Anwarul Haque Kakar as Caretaker Prime Minister The President approved the appointment under Article 224 A of the Constitution," the office said in a tweet. Earlier today, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the leader of the Opposition Raja Riaz met and concluded their last round of talks and decided to make Senator Kakar as caretaker PM. Balochistan lawmaker, Kakar was elected to the Senate in 2018 and has also served as the spokesperson of the provincial government prior to his election to the upper house, as per Geo News. The lawmaker was selected as the 8th interim head of the government, a statement from the Prime Minister's Office said Saturday. Kakar and his party had good ties with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) during its government and he was among the people who former prime minister Imran Khan consulted on the matters of Balochistan. For that reason, Balochistan Awami Partyoften faced criticism from PML-N for that reason. However, when the party changed sides, it faced criticism from PTI, reported Geo News. The newly-appointed caretaker premier was born in 1971 in Muslim Bagh, an area of the Killa Saifullah district of Balochistan. He completed his schooling at St. Francis School, Quetta, and later enrolled in Cadet College Kohat but returned to the Balochistan provincial capital after his father's demise. The senator has done a Master's in Political Science and Sociology from the University of Balochistan. Senator Kakar started his career by teaching in a school in his native town, according to Geo News. He is also one of the founding members of BAP and was appointed as the central spokesperson of the party in 2018. (ANI) Taliban-led prison administration revealed that there are five women among the 16 foreign prisoners in Afghanistan. In the governments accountability program, Habibullah Badr, the Taliban-appointed Military Deputy of the Office of Prisons Administration, stated there are 16,000 prisoners nationwide, with 1,194 women. As per earlier reports, individuals from the United States and the United Kingdom are among the foreign nationals imprisoned in Afghanistan. Earlier, in the meeting in Doha, Thomas West and Rina Amiri, the US envoys for Afghanistan affairs, discussed with the Talibans Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, regarding releasing American prisoners from Taliban prisons, according to Khaama Press. During the meeting, the representatives firmly insisted on the immediate and unconditional release of American citizens held within Taliban prisons. The exact number of American citizens currently held in Taliban prisons remains uncertain. Nonetheless, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken previously verified the presence of approximately 175 US citizens remaining in Afghanistan. some of these individuals entered the country after the governments collapse in August 2021. Meanwhile, the official also revealed that there are 1,089child prisoners, with this distressing number also encompassing 47 girls. This situation highlights a critical issue that requires immediate attention, as per Khaama Press. He said 250 military personnel from the Taliban forces had been incarcerated due to infractions ranging from breaches of government policies to involvement in traffic accidents. This significant number underscores the enforcement of discipline within the military ranks, ensuring adherence to regulations and maintaining order. (ANI) Russian air defence claimed that it has foiled Ukraine's attack in the Belgorod region, as Moscow shot the Ukrainian drone, TASS News Agency reported citing Defense Ministry. "Today, at about 5:30 pm (Moscow Time), the Kyiv regimes attempt to carry out a terrorist attack with one unmanned aerial vehicle on targets on the territory of the Russian Federation was thwarted. Russian air defences detected the unmanned aerial vehicle and destroyed it over the Belgorod Region," the ministry said, adding that there was neither damage nor casualties as a result of the foiled attack. Earlier, Russia claimed that its air defence system detected and intercepted Ukraine's S-200 missile system, which was converted into a strike version. "On August 12, at around 1:00 p.m. Moscow time, the Kyiv regime attempted to launch a terrorist strike on the Crimean bridge with the S-200 surface-to-air guided weapon converted into a strike version. The Ukrainian missile was promptly detected and intercepted in the air by Russias air defence system," TASS News Agency quoted the ministry as saying. The incident caused no damage or casualties, it added. Meanwhile, Governor of Crimea Sergey Aksyonov on his Telegram channel said that two Ukrainian missiles have been shot down by the air defence system in the area of the Kerch Strait, adding that the bridge was not affected, reported TASS News Agency. "Two enemy missiles were shot down by the air defence system in the area of the Kerch Strait. The Crimean Bridge was not affected," he wrote. The attacks in the Crimea region have become very common. Earlier, in July, Moscow alleged that Ukraine launched 17 drones toward Crimea overnight, and referred to it as a terrorist attack. The ministry said 14 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) "were suppressed by means of radio-electronic warfare". Three of the drones were shot down by Russian air defences, while three fell into the Crimean peninsula and 11 of the drones fell into the Black Sea, CNN quoted the Russian Ministry of Defense as saying.There were no casualties, the MOD added. A Russian ammunition depot was also hit by the Ukrainian drone attack in Crimea, CNN reported. (ANI) Days before the 77th Independence Day of India, Indian Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni in Germany addressed a gathering of the Indian community in front of the Brandenburg gate in Berlin on Saturday. The Indian embassy office in Germany informed about the event on the social media platform, X, formerly known as Twitter and said #AmbHarishParvathaneni addressed the Indian community ahead of the Independence Day celebrations @ Brandenburg Gate organised by @IndccBerlin along with @eoiberlin @thetagorecentre. He emphasised the role of the Indian community in Indias progress and strengthening India-Germany ties. Indian Ambassador while addressing the gathering said, Ties between Germany and India have become stronger and there is a huge contribution of the Indian community in this. I want to Thank you for this and I also hope that all of you will continue to contribute to strengthening Germany and India relations. In the video shared by the embassy, people were seen waving the Indian flag and a lot of people wearing traditional Indian attire. Meanwhile, around 1,800 special guests from all over India will be attending the Independence Day Flag hoisting by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Red Fort on August 15. As India completes 75 years of Independence this year, sarpanches from vibrant villages, teachers, nurses, farmers, fishermen, Shram yogis who helped build the Central Vista project in New Delhi, khadi sector workers, national award-winning school teachers, border roads organisation workers and those who helped and worked for the Amrit Sarovar projects and Har Ghar Jal Yojana Projects, implemented in various parts of the country, have been invited along with their spouse to attend the Independence Day celebrations in New Delhi this year, Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare said in a release on Friday. Two beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme (PM-KISAN), from the state of Maharashtra, will witness the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort. Fifty (50) beneficiaries of the scheme, along with their families, are among around 1,800 persons who have been invited to listen to PM Modis address.The initiative to invite people from all walks of life, across India, and be a part of the celebrations has been taken by the government in line with its vision of Jan Bhagidari, the ministrys release said. Meanwhile, ahead of the Independence Day celebrations, Delhi police have stepped up checks, and security measures across the National Capital, police officials said on Friday. (ANI) Reacting to the appointment of Senator Anwarul Haq Kakar as Pakistan's caretaker Prime Minister, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) spokesperson expressed hope that that caretaker PM-designate Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar will ensure free, fair and transparent election within the constitution limit of three months in the country, Pakistan-based Geo News reported. PTI spokesperson's remarks come afterPakistan's President Arif Alvi approved the appointment of Anwarul Haque Kakar as Caretaker Prime Minister for the country. Taking to Twitter, the President's Office said that under Article 224 A of Pakistan's constitution, Alvi appointed Anwarul Haque Kakar as caretaker PM. "President Dr Arif Alvi has approved the appointment of Anwarul Haque Kakar as Caretaker Prime Minister The President approved the appointment under Article 224 A of the Constitution," the Pakistan President's office said in a tweet. PTI spokesperson said that a heavy responsibility now lies with Pakistan's caretaker PM. The PTI spokesperson expressed hope that Pakistan's caretaker PM will not allow any further damage to the constitutional and democratic rights of the people. The spokesperson further said that one of the prime responsibilities of a caretaker government is to give equal opportunities to all political parties to run their election campaign, according to Geo News reported. On Saturday, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Leader of the Opposition in the outgoing National Assembly Raja Riaz met and concluded their last round of talks and decided to make Senator Kakar as caretaker PM. Kakar was elected to the Senate in 2018 and has also served as the spokesperson of the provincial government prior to his election to the upper house, as per the Geo News report. Speaking to the reporters after a meeting with Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif, Leader of the Opposition in the outgoing National Assembly Raja Riaz said, "We decided that the interim prime minister would be from a smaller province," according to Geo News report. He said that their main purpose was that the caretaker PM should be from a small province and have a non-controversial personality. He stated that their goal was to remove the sense of deprivation in small provinces. Riaz said that he had suggested Anwarul Haq Kakar's name and it was given approval, Geo News reported. Raja Riaz said that the Pakistan caretaker PM is expected to take the oath of his office on Sunday. When asked about the caretaker cabinet, he said no discussions regarding it. The development came after Pakistan President Arif Alvi wrote a letter to Shehbaz Sharif and the opposition leader, asking them to suggest a person for the caretaker interim PM by August 12. (ANI) The Taliban-led Herat Chamber of Industries and Mines said that a 70 per cent decline in manufacturing activities was witnessed within its industrial town, Afghanistan-based Khaama Press reported. The decline in manufacturing activities occurred due to severe power shortages, which led to the loss of thousands of jobs for the local people. According to officials, a significant portion of Herat city, covering its industrial hub, depends on imported electricity from Iran. However, there has been a reduction of 70 per cent in the volume of energy imported from Iran over the past week. This decline in the inflow of imported electricity has caused concerns regarding the stability of Herat's power supply and its potential impact on various sectors, including the industrial sector, which heavily relies on a consistent and abundant source of energy, Khaama Press reported. Hamidullah Khadim, head of the Taliban-led Chamber of Industries and Mines in Herat, said, "Herat industrial town has 30 megawatts of electricity, of which approximately 70 megawatts of electricity has been cut from the substation of Herat industrial town by the Islamic Republic of Iran, and this problem continues all the time," according to Khaama Press report. Khadim stressed that they have engaged in several discussions with the Taliban-led officials regarding the issue. However, no concrete action has been taken to address the issue. In the meantime, the factory owners and Herat residents expressed their concerns regarding the inadequacy of the inflow of electricity from Iran. The situation has sparked concerns among the local residents due to the persistent shortages in the supply of electricity, affecting various sectors and aspects of daily life. Meanwhile, Nisar Ahmad Elyas, a spokesperson for the Taliban-appointed Herat governor said that thelocal administration is actively making efforts to address the issue, as per the Khaama Press report. Elyas said that the administration is committed to finding a solution to the issue. (ANI) One Arlington restaurant was closed during the July 30-Aug. 5 health inspections and three restaurants failed, according to data from the city compiled by the Star-Telegram. New York Eats, located at 604 Doug Russell Road, scored 83 and was temporarily closed by the city on Aug. 4. Arlington does not list violations on the inspection report, so its not clear why New York Eats was closed. The establishment was allowed to reopen Aug. 7. New York Eats was also closed by the city on March 25, 2021, and again on Feb. 10, 2022. Out of the 66 establishments inspected, Golden Chinese BBQ at 1818 E. Pioneer Parkway scored the lowest at 57. Fresh Kabob LLC at 3115 S. Cooper St. and Real Thai Cuisine at 2230 S. Collins St. both scored 68. Restaurants that score 75 or less require a follow-up inspection, and a score of 70 is considered extremely poor. Two restaurants, two grocery stores and one warehouse received a perfect score of 100: Taco Bell at 1316 S. Cooper St. Whataburger at 4408 Little Road Albertsons (seafood) at 5950 S. Cooper St. Kroger (produce) at 5101 W. Sublett Road GNS Foods Inc. at 2109 E. Division St. Here are the inspection scores and violations for restaurants within the city limits of Arlington for July 30th - Aug. 5th, 2023. A score of 100 is a perfect score and 70 is considered to be extremely poor. Reinspections will be conducted for restaurants that score 75 or less. If serious health and sanitation violations are considered an imminent health hazard, the restaurant will be closed until the identified health hazard has been mitigated. To search the restaurant inspections, type in a restaurant name. You can also sort by score. A baby from Kershaw County was found safe in Tennessee after allegedly being abducted by her father, who is a registered sex offender in Illinois, deputies said. The infant was found in a Tennessee parking lot after being taken by her non-custodial father from the Cassatt area of Kershaw County Friday, according to a Facebook post from the Kershaw County Sheriffs Office. The father was taken into custody. His name has not been released. Kershaw sheriffs deputies assisted by SLED and the FBI began searching for the child after she was reported missing Friday afternoon. The child had allegedly been taken earlier that day. The fathers vehicle was located in Tennessee when his license plates were detected by automatic license plate readers, according to deputies. Tennessee State Troopers found the fathers car in a grocery story parking lot. After waiting for the father to exit the store, they were able to take him and the infant into custody. This multi-jurisdictional team work coupled with the latest technology made this infants timely rescue possible. As always, we are thankful to our state and federal law enforcement partners. A special thanks to Tennessee State Troopers for closing this case, said Kershaw County Sheriff Lee Boan. Deputies say that the child has been safely returned to her mother. The father is currently in jail and has been charged with kidnapping. A groundbreaking NASA spacecraft will return to Earth on Saturday (Aug. 12) after 17 years away from home. One-half of the agency's STEREO (Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory) mission, STEREO-A will fly close to our planet for the first time since its launch on Oct. 25, 2006, from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. STEREO-A will pass between Earth and the sun this weekend. STEREO-A is the lead component of a dual-spacecraft mission, which also includes the STEREO-B spacecraft. This was the first mission to capture a multiple-perspective or "stereoscopic" view of the sun. The STEREO mission also made history in February of 2011, when the two spacecraft achieved a 180-degree separation in their orbital pathway, taking positions on opposite sides of the sun and offering humanity its first glimpse of our star as a complete sphere. Akin to their titles, STEREO-A's "A" stands for "ahead" and STEREO-B's "B" stands for "behind." "Prior to that, we were 'tethered' to the sun-Earth line we only saw one side of the sun at a time," STEREO program scientist, Lika Guhathakurta, said in a statement. "STEREO broke that tether and gave us a view of the sun as a three-dimensional object." Related: Sun blasts out highest-energy radiation ever recorded, raising questions for solar physics The STEREO mission had achieved a number of other scientific feats since leaving Earth 17 years ago, and both spacecraft were providing views of space until STEREO-B broke contact with mission control in 2014 after a planned reset (B's mission officially ended in 2018). STEREO-A, however, has remained in contact with Earth since the loss of its compatriot, and this brief return home won't see it rest on its laurels. Instead, the spacecraft will team up with some newer NASA missions during its visit. By synthesizing its view of the sun with the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) and NASAs Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO), STEREO-A will once again provide a stereoscopic 3D picture of our host star, just like it used to with STEREO-B. The fact that STEREO-A will be changing its distance from Earth during its visit also means it'll be able to offer views of solar features with differing sizes. This would be kind of like changing the focus of a telescope with a million-mile-wide field of view. That should allow researchers to make vital solar measurements, identify active regions of the sun and even obtain 3D information about complex magnetic structures underlying sunspots. These structures are usually unavailable for study with 2D imagery. Further, this visit by STEREO-A could help solar physicists decode some longstanding mysteries regarding the sun. "There is a recent idea that coronal loops might just be optical illusions," STEREO project scientist, Terry Kucera, said. This refers to the fact that some scientists have suggested our limited viewing angles of massive bands of plasma emerging from the sun make them appear to have shapes they may not truly have. "If you look at them from multiple points of view, that should become more apparent," Kucera added. A gif showing the trajectory of STEREO-A's flyby of Earth. (Image credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center/Scientific Visualization Studio/Tom Bridgman) Star I used to know... STEREO-A won't just be collecting visual data as it makes its flyby of Earth over the weekend. The spacecraft will also feel eruptions from our star, called coronal mass ejections (CMEs). When blasted out into space, these massive plumes of charged particles can disrupt satellites orbiting Earth, interfere with radio signals across the planet and even damage power infrastructure. The influence of CMEs, in terms of whether they cause damage or disruption upon reaching Earth, is dictated by magnetic fields carried along with them. These fields can change dramatically as the charged particles cross the 93 million miles (150 million kilometers) of space between the sun and Earth. A black and white video showing a CME, taken by STEREO-A. This coronagraph image shows a coronal mass ejection escaping the Sun, which is occluded behind the black circle at the center of the image. STEREO-A imaged this Earth-directed CME eruption on July 17, 2023. (Image credit: NASA/STEREO-A/SECCHI) Scientists can build models of CMEs and their magnetic fields, but these models are limited when observations come from a single spacecraft. "It's like the parable about the blind men and the elephant the one who feels the legs says 'its like a tree trunk,' and the one who feels the tail says 'its like a snake,'" University of New Hampshire professor and principal investigator for one of STEREO-As instruments, Toni Galvin, said. "That's what we're stuck with right now with CMEs, because we typically only have one or two spacecraft right next to each other measuring it." In the months before it flies by our planet, STEREO-A has been collecting data about Earth-directed CMEs and it will continue to do this for months after it leaves our planet's vicinity again. As it has been doing this, so have other near-Earth spacecraft. Put together, these datasets should give solar scientists different views of the same CMEs, revealing the ejections' magnetic innards. A 3D view of the sun, spinning toward the right. This composite view shows the Sun as it appeared on Jan. 31, 2011, with simultaneous views from both of NASAs STEREO spacecraft and NASAs Solar Dynamics Observatory. These three distinct viewpoints allowed scientists to capture almost the entire sun at once, with only a small gap in data. (Image credit: NASA/Goddard/STEREO) RELATED STORIES: NASA's STEREO mission: A quest to learn more about the sun NASA's Parker Solar Probe to make closest flyby of Venus on Aug. 21 Powerful sun storm knocks out radio transmissions across North America It won't be all familiar territory when STEREO-A returns to Earth. Last time the NASA craft was so close to our planet, in 2006, the sun was in a phase called "solar minimum." This means is was in a relatively quiet phase, with little activity and few sunspots. By contrast, the sun STEREO-A will see this weekend is approaching a period of solar maximum in its roughly 11-year cycle, which should peak in 2025. "The sun was so quiet at that point! I was looking back at the data, and I said, 'Oh yeah, I recognize that active region there was one, and we studied it," Kucera said, "OK, it wasnt quite that bad but it was close." That means that STEREO-A will experience a "fundamentally different" star than it did some 17 years ago. "There is so much knowledge to be gained from that," Guhathakurta concluded. Zhang Huayu, former vice president of the China Everbright Bank, was sentenced Friday to 12 years and six months in prison for accepting bribes and abusing his personal influence. According to the verdict issued by the Intermediate People's Court of Heze City in east China's Shandong Province, Zhang was also fined 1.3 million yuan (around 181,600 U.S. dollars). His illicit money and items that have been sealed up or seized will be confiscated and turned over to the state treasury. The court found that, between February 2001 and September 2021, Zhang took advantage of his various positions in the bank to assist others in coordinating loans, expanding business and employment, and accepted money and valuables worth over 7.73 million yuan in return. Zhang was also found guilty of taking advantage of his previous positions in the bank to assist others on matters related to loans, credit rating adjustment and employment between January 2019 and November 2021 with the help of other state functionaries. In return, he accepted money and valuables worth over 6.9 million yuan. The verdict was made in light of various facts, including that Zhang has pleaded guilty, accepted punishment and turned over most of his illegal gains, said the court. Cars take up a lot of spaces in our lives, financially, emotionally and physically. Some financial calculators suggest that up to 20% of take-home pay should go to car expenses such as auto loans and insurance. Automobile advertising taps into deep psychological motivations, with sleek sports cars promising sex appeal on wheels and luxury cars projecting status. Meanwhile, about one-third of city land area in the United States is devoted to automobiles. There are an estimated eight parking spaces per car. Car culture first blossomed in the 1950s with cruise nights and drive-in movie theaters. Although cruises remain a proud tradition among classic car buffs Atascadero will hold its popular Hot El Camino Cruise Nite on Aug. 18 drive-thrus are most extinct with the exception of coffee kiosks and fast food restaurants. The city of San Luis Obispo banned drive-thrus in 1982, but that didnt stop two local businesses from deciding to flaunt the rules 16 years later. One drive-thru was owned by future real estate developer and Atascadero Citizen of the Year Kelly Gearhart, who would later serve time in federal prison for wire fraud and money laundering. This story by Mary Hadley ran in the Aug., 18 1998, edition of the Telegram-Tribune. Handoff: Sasha Boehling serves up an iced mocha at the Java Connection drive-through espresso bar in Madonna Plaza, Aug. 13, 1998. The business, which opened earlier this month, found a loophole in San Luis Obispos ban on drive-throughs. Joe Johnston/Telegram-Tribune Drive-throughs? In SLO? Despite the towns rules, two local businesses move into the fast lane Two drive-through businesses opened in San Luis Obispo this summer, hoping to cash in on convenience. In most cities, this would simply be a sign of the fast-paced times. Its not that simple here. In 1982, San Luis Obispos City Council tried to stamp out what it considered an ugly trend of asphalt and exhaust fumes when it passed an ordinance banning drive-throughs within city limits. Java Connection and San Luis Drive-Thru Market resurrected the issue 16 years later, proving that any law has loopholes and posing the question: How bad are drive throughs, anyway? Apparently, enough residents like the concept to keep business steady at San Luis Drive-Thru. The market, a boxy stucco building on Broad Street with a driving lane punched through its the center, opened in late July. Drivers enter one end, Jiffy-Lube style, and attendants basket and bag the selected groceries. Customers drive out with their purchases without ever having to leave their cars. People get really excited about it. They love the store, said manager Brad Hays. Some customers say they think its ridiculous that SLO doesnt have any more drive-throughs. Java Connection, a drive-through espresso bar, opened last week in the Madonna Plaza shopping center. Its owners hope to lure drivers to their tiny shop with the promise of a gourmet latte on-the-go. For a lot of people its going to be a very nice convenience, Said co-owner Ramona Neal. San Luis Obispo has never put a premium on convenience, however. In city planning circles, its know for passing tough yet progressive ordinances. It was one of the first to ban smoking indoors and is one of the few cities to ban drive-throughs. The no drive-through proposal cited the air-quality impacts of idling cars waiting for service and the visual impact of the paving used in drive-throughs. The ordinance passed with little fanfare, and no discussion of the issue is recorded in the minutes kept by the council. The planning Commission had already held public hearings and decided that San Luis Obispo residents wanted to do away with drive-throughs. City ordinances change based on the needs of what the community wants, said Mayor Allen Settle, who voted no on the issue as a councilman in 1982. Theyre the ones paying the bills. The ordinance passed 3-2. It didnt immediately do away with existing drive-throughs, but phased them out slowly. If a business stopped using its drive-through for more than six months, it could not re-establish one. One by one, the citys drive-throughs disappeared. The kiosk that currently housed Java Connection was formerly a store that bought and sold levies. Although ti was open for business just a few hours a week, it kept its drive-through status. When Neal and partner John Lisle decided to open a drive-through espresso bar, they approached the owners of the Madonna Plaza shopping center and eventually leased the kiosk. San Luis Drive-thru has more complicated history. Owner Kelly Gearhart of Atascadero began applying for building and use permits for the store in 1995. At the time the land was just outside city limits. After gaining county approval for the drive-through stores plans, Gearhart applied for his property to be annexed by the city. That was approved in 1996. But the Planning Commission tacked on a restriction that left the owners little wiggle room to change their plans. If the property changes hands or converts to a different kind of business, it loses drive-through privileges. (Planning commissioners) were wondering if this was done purposefully as a way to slip a drive-through in the city, by getting it approved in the county and then having it annexed, said Ron Whisenhand, development review manager in the citys planning department. Gearhart, who also owns a drive-through market in Atascadero, said this isnt the case. It wasnt done with the intentions of trying to get one over on someone. Gearhart said. Some have said that but its totally inaccurate. When building the store, Gearhart contends, he had trouble with the septic system. He decided it would be easier to have the project annexed by the city and connect to its sewage system. Drive-through markets could pose health risks, said Larry Allen, a supervisor at the Air Pollution Control District. I think its generally a bad idea to have a drive-through market/liquor store and have emissions generated in a semi-enclosed environment where theres food and and also people working, Allen said. But regular drive-throughs may not be as environmentally costly as was once thought, said Terry Parker, air quality specialist with the California Air Resources Board. The answer is generally no, drive-throughs are not worse. These days the fast-food restaurants generally move the customers through very quickly, cutting down on the idling time Parker said. The new drive-through businesses dont bother Mayor Settle, who says the ban was put in place mainly to keep the city more pedestrian friendly. The areas they occupy have little to no walking environment anyway, he said. They have mostly all vehicular activities. San Luis Obispo fastfood restauranteurs may not be so welcoming. We never tried to get a drive-through because we knew it was against the rules, said Tom Stenovec, the franchisee of San Luis Obispos three Taco Bells. It would be a real serious blow to our business if another fast-food restaurant did get a drive-through, and we would fight that tooth and nail, Stenovec said. He said he also agrees with the spirit of the ordinance. Its the little things like no drive-throughs that make this such a nice place, he said. I hat to see people getting around that through technicalities. Whisenand said he doesnt expect any more new drive-throughs in San Luis Obispo. Theres not that many opportunities to establish drive-throughs in town, he said. I really cant think of any others. French Doctor Karim Lunisi, 70, has cycled more than 4,000 kilometres from France to Ukraine to raise funds to purchase generators and first-aid kits for Ukrainians. Lunisi has visited Lviv and is heading to Kyiv, reported the Lviv City Council. In June 2023, Karim Lunisi travelled from France to Ukraine via Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Czechia and Poland. After the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Lunisi tried to join the Armed Forces of Ukraine as a volunteer, but he was not accepted due to his age and insufficient knowledge of English. Lunisi decided to help through charity. The main goal of his bike trip is to raise funds to purchase generators and first-aid kits for the military. Lunisi was presented with a King Danylo commemorative coin All Photos: Roman Baluk "I came here on behalf of all people who want peace, and with my visit, I want to remind the whole world that the war in Ukraine continues. It is important to inspire people to help your country by your example", Karim Lunisi notes. This is not the first time the Frenchman has been to Lviv, he visited the city in the spring of 2022, when the full-scale war had just begun. This is not the first time the Frenchman has been to Lviv, he visited the city in the spring of 2022 "The next time I come back to your beautiful city, I will bring the help for which I am raising funds," Karim Lunisi says. "I came here on behalf of all the people who want peace," Karim Lunisi says. In Lviv, Lunisi was met by Mayor Andrii Sadovyi and presented with a commemorative coin of Danylo of Galicia. 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 list of death sentences handed down in El Paso increased by one this week when Facundo Chavez, convicted of capital murder, received the death penalty in connection with the March 2019 fatal shooting of El Paso County Sheriff's Office Deputy Peter Herrera. One more capital murder case is pending, that of the Walmart shooter. El Paso County has seven other convicted offenders on Texas state death row. David Santiago Renteria's execution date has been set for Nov. 16. No execution dates have been set in other cases. The oldest pending case involved the murder of several young girls in the late 1980s. Since 1980, four men Justin Grant Hall in 2019, William Josef Berkley in 2010, Ricardo Ortiz in 2009 and Ramon Pedro Hernandez in 1987 in El Paso cases have been put to death. All were killed by lethal injection at the Huntsville Unit in Huntsville, Texas. Recent, upcoming death penalty cases Patrick Crusius The El Paso Walmart mass shooter, Patrick Crusius, is facing the death penalty in the state case pending against him. For subscribers: After El Paso Walmart shooting, debate over domestic terrorism law rages on. Here's why. State prosecutors said they will seek the death penalty against the Walmart shooter. The admitted white supremacist pleaded guilty in February to 90 federal charges. He was sentenced July 7 to 90 consecutive life sentences in federal court. The consecutive sentences handed down by Senior U.S. District Judge David C. Guaderrama means the gunman will spend the rest of his life in federal prison. A trial date in state court has not yet been set. Facundo Chavez Facundo Chavez was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to death in state court in connection with the March 2019 fatal shooting of El Paso County Sheriff's Office Deputy Peter Herrera. Chavez shot at Herrera 15 times with several shots striking the deputy during a traffic stop in San Elizario, Texas, sheriff's officials and court documents state. The "unprovoked" attack happened after Herrera pulled over Chavez's car because it had only one headlight and expired registration, officials said. El Paso Inmates on Death Row There are seven other El Pasoans currently on death row. David Leonard Wood Wood, known as the "Desert Killer," has been on death row since 1992 in connection with the slayings of six teen girls and young women. The bodies of the girls were found between 1987 and 1988 in a desert area in Northeast El Paso. The girls' ages ranged between 14 to 24 years old. Three girls reported missing during this time and whose bodies have not been found were also connected to Wood. Wood was convicted on a serial murder charge in connection with the Northeast murders. He was sentenced to death. Wood was scheduled to die by lethal injection on Aug. 20, 2009, but was granted a stay of execution just 24 hours prior. The stay was given as Wood and his lawyers filed an appeal, arguing that he suffered from severe intellectual disabilities. The appeal was denied in 2014. No execution date has been set for Wood as he and his lawyers have requested additional DNA testing, claiming it would show that another man murdered the women and young girls. David Santiago Renteria Renteria, 51, was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to death in 2003 in connection with the death of 5-year-old Alexandra Flores. David Renteria Renteria was accused of kidnapping Alexandra Nov. 18, 2001, from a Walmart at 9441 Alameda Ave., as her family went Christmas shopping, the El Paso Times reported. Alexandra's body was found naked and partially burned the next day in a carport near Downtown. He remains on death row after several appeals attempts by his lawyers have failed. His execution date has been set for Nov. 16. Fidencio Valdez Valdez, 42, was convicted of capital murder in 2014 and sentenced to death. Fidencio Valdez Valdez, a reputed Barrio Azteca member, was accused of killing Julio Barrios, 18, and trucker Ralph Ed Tucker, 51, at a strip club outside of Horizon City Nov. 25, 2010. Valdez was convicted of capital murder in 2014 and sentenced to death in connection with the slayings. Tucker was shot during a robbery attempt at the strip club. Barrios was killed during a drug deal to buy ecstasy. Valdez pulled out a gun and shot Barrios in his SUV and then pulled him out of the vehicle, El Paso Times reported. Valdez then shot Barrios a second time. An execution date has not been set. Fabian Hernandez Hernandez, 45, was convicted in connection with the deaths of his ex-wife Renee Urbina Hernandez, 28, and Arthur Lee Fonseca, 24, in 2006, the El Paso Times reported. Fabian Hernandez is on Texas death row for a double murder in El Paso in 2006. Hernandez was accused of killing them out of jealousy because his ex-wife had expressed a romantic interest in Fonseca. The shooting happened while Hernandez's two young sons were asleep in the home. Hernandez was sentenced to death in 2009. He was set to be executed April 23, 2020, but the execution was postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, El Paso Times reported. Irving Alvin Davis Davis, 38, was convicted of capital murder in connection with rape, mutilating and killing 15-year-old Melissa Medina in 2001. Davis was accused of following Medina home after she left a party. Davis allegedly dragged Medina into an elementary school yard, where he choked her with an unknown ligature, hit her in the head with an unidentified object and killed her. He is also accused of sexually assaulting her. Irving Davis Medina's body was later found in the elementary schoolyard. Davis was originally convicted and sentenced to death in 2002, but the sentence was overturned by an appeals court. A retrial was held in 2008 on the sentencing where he was once again sentenced to death. An execution date has not been set. Rigoberto Avila, Jr. Avila, 48, was convicted of capital murder in the death of his girlfriend's 19-month-old son, Nicolas Macias, in 2000. According to testimony by two medical experts at Avila's trial, Nicolas' injuries were caused by the same amount of force seen in high-speed traffic crashes and could not have been caused by an accident, El Paso Times reported. Avila allegedly confessed to stomping on Nicolas because he was jealous of the attention his girlfriend was giving the little boy, the El Paso Times reported. He was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to death in 2001. Avila was set to be executed Dec. 12, 2012, but it was postponed because it fell on the Catholic Church's feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe. An execution date was not reset as Avila's lawyers requested more time to go through evidence. A district court judge ordered a new trial to be held in the case in 2018 because of new scientific evidence, but the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals in 2020 rejected the judge's ruling and upheld Avila's conviction. An execution date has not been set. Tony Ford Ford, 48, was convicted of capital murder in the 1991 murder of 18-year-old Armando Murillo during a robbery at Murillo's home. Ford and an accomplice, Vanjarmar Nash Belton, are accused of forcing their way into the Murillo's home in East El Paso, according to death row records. Tony Ford. The men allegedly demanded money, jewelry and a vehicle. Ford allegedly shot Murillo, his mother and his sister during the robbery. He was convicted of capital murder and three counts of attempted capital murder. He was sentenced to death on the capital murder charge, and life in prison on each of the attempted capital murder charges. Several appeals have been filed in the case. No execution date has been set. Belton was convicted of aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon and sentenced to 60 years in prison. Former death penalty cases Angel Rivera was originally convicted of capital murder and sentenced to death for the 1984 death of 88-year-old Jewel Haygood. The sentence was reduced to life in prison in 2014, El Paso Times reported. Cesar Roberto Fierro had his death sentence thrown out in 2019. Fierro was convicted of murder and sentenced to death in connection with the 1979 robbery and slaying of El Paso taxi driver Nicolas Castanon. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals threw out the sentence, which ordered the sentencing phase of the trial to be retired. No date has been set on when the retrial will be held. Ignacio Gomez died due to natural causes in 2019 as he awaited execution. Gomez was on death row in connection with the murders of 16-year-old twin brothers Michael and Matthew Meredith and 19-year-old Tolbert "Toby" Hatheway Jr. in 1996. Trish Long may be reached at tlong@elpasotimes.com or 915-546-6179. This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Chavez joins 7 men sentenced to death in connection to El Paso murders While many educators take the summer away from the classroom, one 32-year-old English teacher from California instead spent two weeks teaching writing at a queer summer camp. Flint, who uses only their first name online and as a teacher, is trans and nonbinary. This summer, he worked with young LGBTQ+ students, many of whom had never met a trans adult. Just existing was enough for them to feel that they could make it, they could make it to adulthood and they could be happy and successful as well, he said. Flint teaching at a summer camp for LGBTQ+ students (Note: this is not his classroom, but rather a room at the camp). As teachers across the country begin the 2023-2024 school year, they face over 200 number of anti-LGBTQ+ education laws and ramped-up attacks by conservatives. While some members of the right, such as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Texas Governor Greg Abbott, have attacked LGBTQ+ teachers for indoctrinating students, many teachers say that narrative is harmful and inaccurate. Instead, queer teachers say they are just trying to exist and do their jobs while making their students feel safe and respected. Heres what it actually looks like inside the classrooms of queer and allied teachers across the country. Flint, they/he, 32, Orange County, CA "Just Flint" has been teaching since 2012. Flint (TikTok @justflintisfine) has been teaching for 11 years, since graduating college. Early in his teaching career, he got involved with the Queer Student Alliance at their high school. He went on to earn a master's degree focusing on how best to support LGBTQ+ students in classrooms. He now teaches English and Film at an Orange County high school in California. Flint tries to make sure his classroom is a safe space for all students. The way that you make LGBT students feel safe is you make everybody feel safe. If you have a classroom in which students feel connected and important and respected, then that's going to work for everyone, Flint said. He focuses on group work, discussions and projects in his classroom, and strives to listen to his students to make sure they feel completely heard. Plus, his classroom is cute he said. As the advisor to the Queer Student Alliance, Flint keeps a shelf of LGBTQ+ books in their classroom, though Flint is quick to note: students are not forced to read them as part of the curriculum. For the most part, Flints students, and their parents, are understanding. He receives the most backlash from parents in the community who do not have students in their class, he said, as well as vitriolic attacks from conservatives online. Fox News ran an article deadnaming Flint, and Majorie Taylor Greene tweeted Flints TikTok to her followers calling him a groomer. Flint said he even received bomb threats to his classroom. We come in peace, trans teachers are not predators, but man, I really hate the onus of that being on me, a trans person that has given absolutely no reason for anyone to not trust what I'm doing in a classroom. I know I'm a good teacher. And it is so frustrating, continually having to justify my existence in the classroom. Flint, 32, Orange County, CA. Flint advises between 40 and 50 LGBTQ+ students in the Queer Alliance every year. When students express concern for their own or their teachers safety, Flint responds, As much as it's challenging to be trans and out right now, it would have been impossible to be trans and out [as a teacher] 30 years ago. Nonetheless, Flint said he loves being trans and he loves his students. He has run into students at Disneyland Pride and had one student reach out to him the morning after waking up from top surgery. High school is not a place where a lot of people are ready [to come out], he said. "And so I always love getting to see my students when they graduate, find those communities, and find those people. Ms. Chang, she/her, 50, Atlanta, GA Jere Chang has been teaching since 2005 Every year, at the start of school, Jere Chang (TikTok @mschanggifted) gets the same question, without fail. Are you a boy or a girl? And each year, she calmly explains Im a girl, and then waits for their questions. Chang rocks a short, spikey haircut, which is usually what prompts students curiosity. She then says It's really easy to have short hair. I don't like spending time on my hair because I'm a mom, and I'm busy. Then shell say Oh, your hair is adorable! Jere Chang, 50, has been teaching at an Atlantic public school for 16 years. She teaches gifted education for grades first through fifth. With her wife, she has two children, both of whom go to her school. In her classroom, she keeps things simple. She answers kids' questions when they come up. You don't have to have this big gender studies discussion with a 5 year old. Jere Chang, 50, Atlanta. Chang promotes inclusivity in a way that makes sense for the ages she teaches. She highlights Black and brown scientists when teaching her second-graders about space. She reads her students a book called Its OK to be different. The ACLU is tracking 228 bills introduced in state legislatures that attack LGBTQ+ rights in education, 29 of which have been passed into law. These bills include limiting or banning discussions of LGBTQ+ identities in curriculum, preventing trans students from using the bathroom and requiring teachers to use students deadnames. A teacher in a school district near Changs was fired after reading students a book about gender identity called My Shadow is Purple. Chang said this creates fear among educators about what they can and cant say to their students. She said shes lucky enough to be in a district where her administrators are supportive and encourage teachers not to fear book bans. When Chang first started teaching, she was only out to a few of her coworkers. Now, she has a picture of her wife and kids on her desk and will answer students' questions when they come up. I just started living my life unapologetically queer and a lot of people misconstrue that and they assume that I'm literally marching down the hall, indoctrinating with flags and telling everybody to be queer, she said. That's not what I do. I exist. Teacher Robi, they/them, 28, Camden, NJ Robi Colon, a Camden area teacher During the pandemic, Robi Colon (TikTok @robigotsoles) came out to their middle school students as nonbinary. A few students had questions, which they made sure to answer after class, as to not disrupt from class time. Now, a few years later, all of their kids comfortably refer to them just as Teacher Robi. Theyll even correct each other on using they/them pronouns. Colon said their students value openness from their teachers. Kids appreciate the authenticity of being yourself and being different and being something that's outside of a societal norm, they said. Connecting with kids in the classroom, as a nonbinary teacher, it definitely kind of brings another level of understanding between us. Robi Colon, 28, Camden, NJ. Colon, 28, has loved working with kids since their first job as a YMCA counselor at 16. They teach art to students in sixth through eighth grades at a Camden, New Jersey, public school and also serve as the sixth-grade level chair. Colon said theyve experienced support from their fellow faculty as well as families in the school district. However, they do face backlash from strangers online, as they post to their TikTok account about their identity. At the end of the day, my nonbinary identity affects no one other than me and the people that I love, they said. Emily Petrin, she/her, 32, Wauwatosa, WI Emily Petrin has been teaching since 2014 Just last month, Emily Petrin (TikTok @emilycondon2) got married to her husband. She identifies as straight but still makes it a priority to ensure her LGBTQ+ students feel safe in her classroom. Petrin teaches engineering to students in sixth through eighth grade. On her classroom wall, she has a big Ally flag. She said LGBTQ+ students recognize that means shes on their side. My number one goal as a teacher is first and foremost to make the students feel welcome and included, she said. I feel like if they dont have that sort of connection with me, the likelihood they are going to learn something from me is slim to none. Petrin takes conscious steps to ensure all her students feel accepted. At the beginning of the year, she makes sure to ask students to let her know if their names and pronouns are different from the ones listed on the attendance sheet. She tells them to inform her at any point in the school year if theyd like her to use a different name. She also makes sure to note that some students go by a certain name and pronouns and school, but have not come out yet to their family, so she can use the appropriate names when talking with parents versus in the classroom. Im not part of their coming out story, Im part of their support system, she said. Emily Petrin, 31, Wauwatosa, WI. Four states have passed laws requiring teachers to inform parents if a student comes out to their teacher, according to the Movement Advancement Project. In most states, teachers are only required to inform parents if the student expresses thoughts of experiencing violence or harming themselves or others. As a teacher, Petrin said she is uniquely able to provide support for her students, as shes an adult figure they can trust but a little more removed from their immediate social circle. She also makes an effort to diversify her curriculum, highlighting the achievements of all scientists, including those of different genders, races, sexualities and abilities. I make sure that I mention these people in an organic wayI seamlessly loop them in and normalize it so its not a thing, its just part of what we talk about, she said. Petrin teaches respect in her classroom, of all identities and perspectives. She notes that some of her students disagree about LGBTQ+ issues, but shes not there to change their minds (even though sometimes shed like to, she said). She said a common misconception people have is that she tells all her students they have to be different. Petrin said she simply encourages her students to be themselves, whatever that looks like. They think that we are forcing kids to be gay by saying its ok, she said. Im saying your child is coming up to me saying This is the way I am please accept me. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: A look inside the classrooms of LGBTQ+ and allied teachers across the country Afghanistan's higher education minister Nida Mohammed Nadim is interviewed on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023 in Kabul, Afghanistan. Nadim says universities are ready to welcome back female students but the Taliban supreme leader has to give the order for their return. The Taliban barred women from campuses last December, triggering global outrage.(AP Photo/ Siddiqullah Alizai) KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) Afghanistans universities are ready to readmit female students, but the ruling Taliban's leader has the ultimate say on when that might happen if it happens at all, an education official said Saturday. The Taliban barred women from campuses last December, triggering global outrage. Girls had been banned from school beyond sixth grade soon after the Taliban returned to power in August 2021. Afghanistan is the only country in the world with bans on female education. Afghanistan's higher education minister, Nida Mohammed Nadim, said at the time the university ban was necessary to prevent the mixing of genders and because he believed some subjects being taught violated the principles of Islam. He said the ban, issued from the southern city of Kandahar by the Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, was in place until further notice. An adviser at the Higher Education Ministry, Molvi Abdul Jabbar, said universities were ready to readmit female students as soon as Akhundzada gives the order for the ban to be lifted. He was unable to say when or if that would happen. Akhundzada ordered that the universities be closed, so they closed, he told The Associated Press. When he says they are open, they will open the same day. All our leaders are in favor of (restarting girls education), even our ministers are in favor of it. Jabbar said he last met Akhundzada seven or eight years ago. He fought alongside him against the Russians during the 10-year Soviet war in Afghanistan and has been part of the Taliban for 27 years. It is only because of our obedience (to Akhundzada) that we are following his orders, he said. His comments are another sign of diverging opinions within the Taliban about the decision-making process and Akhundzadas edicts, with chief spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid moving quickly to reject reports of division. They also show the authority that Akhundzada wields over the Taliban. Minister Nadim had presented the ban as a temporary measure while solutions were found to fix issues around gender segregation, course material and dress codes. He said universities would reopen for women once they were resolved. The Taliban made similar promises about high school access for girls, saying classes would resume for them once technical issues around uniforms and transport were sorted out, but girls are still shut out of classrooms. Jabbar said the education sector was as it was before. Everything is ready in advance, whether its school or university studies. It may be that the (start) times are different, boys in the morning and in the afternoon there will be girls. Or there will be girls in the morning and boys in the afternoon. His comments come days ahead of the second anniversary of the Talibans return to power. The directory near the courtyard entrance of City Hall at Salem Civic Center. Debate over an application for a 436-unit apartment complex in west Salem will continue Monday after neighbors complained about traffic, removal of trees and the validity of the developer's application. the Salem City Council is set to review the planning administrator's decision on a site plan for the residential development in the 2100 block of Doaks Ferry Road NW. The administrator previously approved the application, and the West Salem Neighborhood Association appealed the decision. The issue came before the City Council during its last meeting on July 24 and drew lengthy public comment from neighbors and neighborhood association members concerned about traffic, the development's impact on city trees and the livability of the area, and technical issues with the developer's application. The six-lot subdivision Titan Hill Estates and the 436-unit Titan Hill Apartments would be located at Doaks Ferry Road and Orchard Heights Road NW near West Salem High School and Straub Middle School. The City Council voted during the July 24 meeting to close the public hearing but keep the record open until July 31 for new evidence, Aug. 7 for rebuttal testimony and Aug. 14 for the applicant's final written argument. No public written or oral testimony will be allowed during the Monday meeting. Other meeting agenda items include: A motion from Councilor Linda Nishioka to direct city staff to host open house-style meetings for residents of north, south, central and west Salem. In the meetings, the mayor and councilors would meet with residents and talk about upcoming infrastructure projects, hear about concerns facing their community and talk about new efforts regarding housing, homelessness and parks. Each meeting is expected to cost the city $5,000 in resources. In a separate motion, Councilor Vanessa Nordyke is requesting city staff provide resources for a south Salem Town Hall tentatively scheduled for Sept. 23. The meeting topics would be similar to the ones proposed in Nishioka's motion. An end-of-session report summarizing the city's legislative activities during the Oregon State Legislature's 2023 session. An information report on the referendum petition to send the Safe Salem Employee Payroll Tax to voters. A summary of recent activity stemming from the 2022 voter-approved infrastructure bond. Projects underway include the paving of two parking lots and Minto-Brown Island Park, the Union Street Family Friendly Bikeway and the McGilchrist Complete Street. An information report on a planning administrator's decision to approve a 75-unit multi-family housing development at 5080 MacLeay Road SE. How to participate in the meeting The meeting is at 6 p.m. It will be held in person at the City Council Chambers at the Salem Civic Center, 555 Liberty St. SE and also can be watched on Comcast Cable CCTV Channel 21 or on the Salem YouTube channel in English/American Sign Language and Spanish. Those wishing to comment in person can sign up on the rosters at the chamber entrance before the start of the meeting. Written public comments on agenda items can be emailed by 5 p.m. Monday to cityrecorder@cityofsalem.net. Or preregister between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday at cityofsalem.net/Pages/Public-Comment-at-Salem-City-Council-Meeting.aspx to speak during the meeting via Zoom. For questions, comments and news tips, email reporter Whitney Woodworth at wmwoodworth@statesmanjournal.com, call 503-910-6616 or follow on Twitter at @wmwoodworth This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Salem Titan Hill Estates development gets neighbor complaints The Air Force has reported shooting down three Shahed UAVs launched by Russia on the night of 11-12 August. Source: Air Force Details: It is specified that the occupiers attacked from the southeast with five Shahed-136/131 strike UAVs. Three Shaheds were destroyed by air defence in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. 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! Ukraine's Air Force reported on Aug. 12 that three out of five Shahed drones launched by Russia overnight were shot down by air defense in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Russia has been using Iranian-supplied Shahed drones to strike targets throughout Ukraine since last fall. According to Zaporizhzhia Oblast Governor Yurii Malashko, Russia launched the drones targeting the city of Zaporizhzhia, as well as the villages of Huliaipilske and Chervone. Malashko also said that Russia launched 67 attacks on 28 populated areas in Zaporizhzhia Oblast over the past 24 hours. In addition to the drones, this included artillery and missile strikes. The authorities said they had received 20 reports about the destruction of residential buildings, agricultural machinery, and infrastructure facilities as a result of the attacks. However, there were no reported casualties. Read also: Thats it, its death, guys. What we know about Russias killing of 2 Ukrainian teenagers in occupied Berdiansk Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. An Akron man was convicted of three misdemeanor charges and acquitted of two charges stemming from protests of Jayland Walkers shooting. A jury in Akron Municipal Court found the 40-year-old man guilty of resisting arrest and two counts of obstructing official business and not of two counts of disorderly conduct Friday. They did so after a trial that lasted two and a half days and about eight hours of deliberations. Judge James Kimbler, a visiting judge, ordered a pre-sentence investigation by the probation department; a sentencing date hasnt yet been set. More: Two people arrested, three cars towed during Akron protest in North Hill The man was among two people arrested on the evening of April 24 during a protest of a Summit County grand jurys decision not to indict the eight officers who shot and killed Walker. Police said the protesters blocked traffic on East Tallmadge Avenue and some drove recklessly, including having people hang out of car windows. Police said the man, who at times led the procession, blocked a police vehicle from leaving with his body and followed police to a second location. The man also faced charges for a prior protest. Walker, 25, was shot more than 40 times by officers after fleeing from them in his car and then by foot. He was unarmed but investigators found that he shot a gun out of his window while fleeing. A gun was found in his car. A grand jury on April 17 decided the officers who shot Walker shouldnt face criminal charges. Numerous protests occurred after Walkers shooting and the grand jurys decision. This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron man convicted of 3 protest charges and acquitted of 2 Dozens of political parties and organizations in Taiwan staged a protest in Taipei Friday against a planned "transit" trip to the United States by Lai Ching-te, a politician with Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). Hundreds of people took part in the protest to express their opposition to Lai's intended trip, which is viewed as an attempt to seek "Taiwan independence." The protesters issued a statement, saying that attempts by Lai and the DPP authorities to look for U.S. support for their independence agenda and change the status quo that both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one and the same China have gravely damaged Taiwan people's interest. Such acts erode the bonds and trust between compatriots on both sides of the Strait, and jeopardize the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, which may lead to disastrous consequences for Taiwan, the statement noted. The protesters said in the statement that escalating tensions across the Strait underscore that peaceful reunification is the best path that serves the interest of people from both sides. Wu Jung-yuan, chairman of Taiwan's Labor Party, said the pursuit of "Taiwan independence" leads only to a dead end, as such attempts alienate all Chinese people, including those in Taiwan. An Alaskan man accused of raping a woman in 2019 in Whatcom County while she slept was arrested earlier this week in King County, Washington. Shawaan Jackson-Gamble, 25, was charged Sept. 30, 2022, in Whatcom County Superior Court with one count of second-degree rape and one count of second-degree burglary. Jackson-Gambles rape charge alleges that the woman was incapable of consent because she was either physically helpless or mentally incapacitated at the time, according to court records. The alleged rape occurred in late October 2019, court documents show. A warrant was issued for Jackson-Gambles arrest on Oct. 3, 2022 almost three years after the incident was first reported. Jackson-Gamble was arrested Wednesday, Aug. 9. by Port of Seattle Police and transported to the Whatcom County Jail. His bail was set at $60,000 at his first appearance in court Thursday, Aug. 10. He was released from jail the same day on $6,000 cash bond, according to jail and court records. Jackson-Gambles arraignment is scheduled for Aug. 18. He will be allowed to reside in Alaska while his case is pending, court records show. A no-contact order was put in place between him and the female victim. Mr. Jackson-Gamble will be entering a plea of not guilty at the next hearing and his case will be set for a jury trial. We ask the community refrain from passing judgment until he is able to give his side. Please keep in mind there is a presumption of innocence unless a charge is proven beyond a reasonable doubt, said Emily Beschen, Jackson-Gambles defense attorney, in a statement to the Bellingham Herald. The assault According to Bellingham Police Lt. Claudia Murphy, officers were called to the PeaceHealth St. Joseph emergency room on Oct. 25, 2019, at about 5:22 a.m. for a report of a sexual assault. A woman told police that Jackson-Gamble allegedly sexually assaulted her earlier in the night. Court documents state that Jackson-Gamble, the woman and their female friend were playing board games and drinking that night until 2 a.m. in an apartment belonging to the female friend. The woman told police she went to sleep fully clothed alone and said she locked the bedroom door. Jackson-Gamble said he would call an Uber and also left the female friends apartment. The friend then locked the door to the apartment after Jackson-Gamble had left, according to court records. When the woman woke up around 4 a.m., she was naked and said Jackson-Gamble was lying next to her. He allegedly said, Im sorry, I thought it was mutual to the woman when she woke up, the court records show. The woman told police she did not remember the alleged assault occurring and said she never gave her consent. Jackson-Gamble then left the womans bedroom and went downstairs and slept on the couch. Keys to the apartment were later found on the sofa where Jackson-Gamble was sleeping after he left the womans room, court documents state. The victim immediately went to her friend to tell her what happened and they went to the hospital for treatment. According to court records, a hospital rape kit found the presence of DNA from two men. The woman told the nurse one of the DNA profiles was likely from her romantic partner at the time. A detective who was assigned to the case gathered evidence and statements. Murphy said that based on the totality of the case, the detective forwarded the file to the prosecutors office to request a warrant for Jackson-Gambles arrest as he was out of the state. The warrant was issued three years later, on October 3, 2022. Resources available If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault, you can contact the following local resources for free, confidential support: Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services: 24-hour Help Line: 360-715-1563, Email: info@dvsas.org. Lummi Victims of Crime: 360-312-2015. Tlils Taaaltha Victims of Crime: 360-325-3310 or nooksacktribe.org/departments/youth-family-services/tlils-taaaltha-victims-of-crime-program/ Bellingham Police: You can call anonymously at 360-778-8611, or go online at cob.org/tips. WWU Survivor Advocacy Services at the Counseling & Wellness Center: 360-650-7982 or https://cwc.wwu.edu/survivorservices. Brigid Collins Family Support Center: 360-734-4616, brigidcollins.org. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Justice Clarence Thomas Drew Angerer/Getty Images, left, and Alex Wong/Getty Images A group of House Democrats has asked the DOJ to investigate Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. The letter stated that Thomas should be investigated because of the dozens of gifts he failed to disclose. In recent months, Thomas has been under fire for taking undisclosed, luxury trips with wealthy friends. A group of House Democrats has upped the pressure on Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, asking the Department of Justice to probe his relationship with GOP megadonors. On Friday, five House Democrats, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, sent a letter to Garland asking him to investigate Thomas and the undisclosed gifts he received from donor Harlan Crow and other wealthy friends, which they claimed were, "in defiance of his duty under federal law." The letter comes a day after ProPublica revealed new details about Thomas' relationship with Crow and other rich associates, unearthing that the SCOTUS Justice had been treated to 38 vacations, boarded 26 private jet flights, and been given VIP access at sporting events and luxury resorts. On Thursday, after ProPublica published its latest report, a chorus of Democrats called on Thomas to resign, according to Politico. Reps. Ocasio-Cortez, Jamie Raskin, Hank Johnson, Ted Lieu, and Jerry Nadler signed on to the new letter. "Justice Thomas's consistent failure to disclose gifts and benefits from industry magnates and wealthy, politically active executives highlights a blatant disregard for judicial ethics as well as legal violations," the Democrats wrote in the letter. "No individual, regardless of their position or stature, should be exempt from legal scrutiny for lawbreaking." Thomas did not immediately return Insider's request for comment. In April, Crow and Thomas first faced scrutiny related to the 20 years worth of undisclosed trips Crow is accused of gifting to Thomas, per ProPublica. The outlet later reported that Crow purchased Thomas' mother's house and allowed her to live there without paying rent. In response, Thomas who asked for an extension to file his financial disclosure forms this year said that at the time he wasn't aware that he was meant to disclose the trips with Crow. Crow claimed to the Dallas Morning News that the revelations about his relationship with Thomas were a "political hit job." Crow did not immediately return Insider's request for comment. Some of the trips were aboard Crow's yacht, the Michaela Rose, and were organized through Rochelle Charter, a company registered to charter the yacht, according to ProPublica. Crow paid his own company for private trips on the yacht, allowing friends like Thomas aboard, and was able to secure tax breaks and lower his tax bill, according to tax data from 2003 through 2015 reviewed by ProPublica. A group of judges, the Committee on Financial Disclosure, is also investigating Thomas and disclosure rules, while Senate Democrats have mounted a separate attempt to investigate Thomas and other justices, requesting a hearing but being denied attendance by SCOTUS Chief Justice John Roberts. Read the original article on Business Insider A Great Dane dog. belu gheorghe/Shutterstock Gabriel Bogner, a startup founder, took his pet Great Dane on a flight from LA to New York. The 27-year-old's dog was deemed too large to fit in a crate in the cargo hold. He said passengers were "gobsmacked" at the sight of Darwin on the flight, per The New York Post. A startup founder surprised passengers when he boarded an American Airlines flight from Los Angeles to New York with his Great Dane dog, the New York Post reported. Gabriel Bogner paid for a row of seats on the flight for himself and his dog, Darwin, the outlet reported. He took the 140-pound Great Dane on the flight when he moved from LA to Brooklyn after he said she was deemed too big to fit into the airline's cargo crate, per the outlet. In a TikTok that's received over 17.9 million views and 2.9 million likes since it was posted at the end of May, Darwin is seen sprawled on her back in the airport before meeting the flight's pilots. "People were absolutely gobsmacked and shocked, but everyone was so excited to see her. I've never seen so many people smiling at an airport," he told South West News Service, per The Post. He added that it must have been "a shocker" for people to see a "literal horse coming toward them," The Post reported. During the five-hour flight, the TikTok also shows Darwin lounging across two seats next to her owner and sticking her head over the seats in front. Bogner said airline staff joked that Darwin had got an upgrade. He added that the trip was "smooth" and that "she was great, and the entire crew was amazing." In response to the TikTok, one user commented: "I would 1000% gladly sit next to your buddy than some of these humans who remove their damn shoes!," while others said they wished they'd been on the flight. Bogner, who has Crohn's disease, said Darwin had helped him cope with his illness and that his physicians told him she qualified as a service animal, The Post reported. Gentle giant Darwin helps him manage his symptoms by placing her head on his stomach and accompanying him to the bathroom, Bogner said in another TikTok. Read the original article on Business Insider Yahoo News Video footage of migrant families sleeping on cardboard boxes on the sidewalk while waiting outside a processing center in Manhattan spurred debate this week. To understand the causes of and the potential solutions to the current challenges, it helps to look at the underlying issues. The iconic banyan tree stands among the rubble of burned buildings days after a catastrophic wildfire swept through Lahaina, Hawaii. ( Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) Despite the horrific images of a community leveled by fire, the true scope of the Maui fire the worst natural disaster in Hawaii in decades has yet to come into full focus. The official death count stands at 89. And officials expect it to rise. The Maui fires are now the deadliest in the U.S. in the last century, surpassing the 2018 Camp fire that destroyed the Northern California town of Paradise, killing 85. Authorities have yet to search for victims inside buildings. About 1,000 people are missing, according to federal sources who were not authorized to speak publicly about the fires. One woman said even the ocean could not save those fleeing the flames. "They jumped in the ocean to escape that but then there were still people dying of smoke inhalation in the ocean, said Brittany Harris, 37. My friend, whose husband is a police officer, said there are bodies everywhere, there are bodies in trees. Officials estimated that as many as 2,200 buildings have been destroyed in the fires, hundreds of them in Lahaina. Even some of the vessels in Lahaina Harbor were burned. Read more: Mapping how the Maui fires destroyed Lahaina So how did the fire become such a disaster, leveling whole blocks of a historic city and destroying so many lives? Here is what we know about the origin of the fire and how it so rapidly became an unstoppable force. Search crews look for people among the wreckage of this week's devastating wildfires. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) Early confidence Bulletins posted on Maui Countys Facebook page indicate that the first report of a brush fire in Lahaina came in at 6:37 a.m. Tuesday, and evacuations were ordered within three minutes around Lahaina Intermediate School on the towns northeastern edge, at its highest elevations. The blaze hit as fire crews were battling another wildfire farther east. But the sense of alarm seemed to fade by around 10 a.m., when Maui County said it had declared the Lahaina brush fire 100% contained, although it did warn of power outages limiting the ability to pump water and a report of a downed electric line in the area. The Banyan tree stands among the rubble of burned buildings. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) Disastrous turn The Lahaina fire then flared up in the afternoon. Maui County said around 3:30 p.m. that the fire forced the closure of the Lahaina Bypass, a major road near the intermediate school also known as Highway 3000. The message on Facebook said evacuations were occurring in that area. Read more: Death toll in Maui fires rises to 67: 'We have not yet searched' buildings The blaze began burning homes in that upper area, Maui County Fire Chief Brad Ventura said. It then moved downhill, southwest toward the coast, following prevailing winds and toward the Kahoma neighborhood. It was around 3:30 p.m. that Dustin Kaleiopu said he noticed the smoke started to get thicker and make its way closer to his home, which was without power and communication, he told NBC's "Today" show. Then, he heard an explosion from a nearby gas station. "By 4:30, our neighbor's yard was on fire, and we had minutes to escape," Kaleiopu said. As homes were burning, the only two exit routes out of Lahaina were closed or jammed. The route up to the north a narrow road that is a one-lane highway in many places was closed Tuesday afternoon. And at certain points around the same time, so was the main exit south out of town, where roads were blocked by fallen power poles, according to a review of Facebook posts by county officials. Eventually, virtually all of central Lahaina was reduced to ash. After nightfall, conditions had deteriorated so much that Maui County urged all West Maui residents to shelter in place unless they were in an impacted area. Fire and smoke fill the sky at the intersection of Hokiokio Place and Lahaina Bypass in Maui. (Zeke Kalua / Associated Press) Dangerous conditions Experts said winds, drought and ground conditions all played roles in the disaster. Climate change could be one contributing factor, with hotter weather drying out vegetation, which can then fuel brush fires. The spread of highly flammable, nonnative grasses left after property owners abandoned sugar cane or pineapple farms and ranches has long been a concern. Nonnative grasses were brought to Hawaii to feed cattle when people of European ancestry arrived on the islands. But as farms and ranches shut down in recent decades because they were no longer as profitable, the flammable brush has been spreading throughout Hawaii, raising the risk of catastrophic wildfire. Read more: How to help Maui residents displaced by the devastating wildfires Meteorologists had also issued warnings about the dangerous weather conditions in place on Tuesday. With high pressure to the northeast and low pressure from Hurricane Dora far to the southwest and because wind flows from areas of high to low pressure Lahaina was arguably in the worst possible situation once a fire ignited, the target of swift winds that roared from the canyons above town right into residential subdivisions and then into the historic waterfront, leaving the ocean as the only exit path for many. A person walks past a destroyed vehicle. (Patrick T. Fallon / AFP via Getty Images) Chaotic evacuations Many residents have said they did not get warnings to evacuate, though others said they did. A communications breakdown left many to run for their lives, and some could not escape the flames. Records indicate that neither the state nor the county activated sirens Tuesday, said Adam Weintraub, a spokesperson for the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency. Weintraub described Hawaiis integrated outdoor siren system as the largest in the world, with about 400 sirens spread across the state. It is traditionally used in disasters and other threats, such as hurricanes or coastal hazards, to advise people to seek more information not to call for evacuations or advise that people seek shelter Weintraub said. Read more: How a perfect storm of climate and weather led to catastrophic Maui fire Three other public warning systems were used, Weintraub said: wireless emergency alerts to cellphones, broadcasts through radio and television stations and alerts that residents can sign up to receive through a local emergency alert system. But, with the power out and communications systems down, many residents reported receiving no alerts. Federal sources with knowledge of the fires but who were not authorized to speak publicly told The Times that a breakdown in emergency communications cost precious time, and a number of people in the historic town of Lahaina learned too late about the oncoming fire. Many of those killed were believed to have died in their vehicles, those sources said. Many of the deaths counted thus far are from the most urbanized areas, with some bodies recovered from the harbor, they said. Brittany Harris delivers supplies she collected to help victims of the Lahaina firestorm. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) Multiple red flags The potential for high fire danger was well anticipated by the National Weather Service. Four days before multiple wildfires broke out Tuesday, the weather service in Honolulu warned of high fire danger; two days before the fire, the agency published an animation showing how damaging winds and fire weather were expected Monday through Wednesday. Read more: Photos: Maui devastated by deadly wildfire Lahaina was in the direct line of downslope winds moving from the northeast to the southwest. As the air is forced to descend down the mountain slope, it increases speed, warms up, and dries out further, and you get that trifecta of hot, dry and windy and downslope winds, said UC Merced climatologist John Abatzoglou. Maui Countys 1,044-page hazard mitigation plan lists coastal West Maui as having a high wildfire risk. A map on Page 503 shows all of Lahainas buildings as being in a wildfire risk area, and the document warns that populations with limited access to information may not receive time-critical warning information to enable them to reach places of safety. 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. According to him, he participated in the war, but was all this time on the territory of the Russian Federation A Russian army lieutenant, Ivan Korolev, illegally crossed over into Lithuania, where he has requested political asylum, the Russian service of BBC said on Aug. 11. Korolev managed to get to the capital of Vilnius where he was detained by the Lithuanian Border Guard at the city's bus station on Aug. 10. Read also: Former Wagner mercenary in Norway now wants to go back to Russia The officer had served in the military unit 59313-39, the joint strategic command of the Eastern Military District of Khabarovsk Krai in Russia's Far East. The unit is stationed in the village of Teysin. The detained officer was returned to a border checkpoint, from where he reached out to BBC Russian special correspondent Ilya Barabanov. Read also: Poland to deport former FSB employee who sought asylum report "I decided to leave Russia on Aug. 3 as I didn't want to participate in the bloody war unleashed by my country. Now I am in Lithuania where I asked for political asylum," Korolev said. He did participate in the war, but stayed in Russia and has never been to Ukraine, he said. "We provided the Russian army with ammunition. We collected ammunition from all over Russia, from all units, and all arsenals, and then distributed them to brigades directly in Ukraine," the officer said about his participation in the full-scale war against Ukraine. Lithuania's Migration Department has yet to respond to BBC's request for comments. 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 More than a year after a former Akron man was sentenced for raping a girl in Ravenna when she was as younger than 10, he has been resentenced by order of an appeals court. Judge Becky Doherty sentenced Nicholas J. Taugner, 45, in Portage County Court of Common Pleas on Wednesday to serve 11 years in prison. Taugner has also been determined to be a Tier III sex offender, which will require him to register with the sheriff of any county he lives, works or goes to school in every 90 days for the rest of his life. According to a grand jury indictment, filed in February 2019, Taugner sexually assaulted the girl between May 2016, when the girl was 7, and July 2018, when she was 9. An investigation began after Portage County Job and Family Services contacted Ravenna police. According to a police report, the girl had previously known Taugner. Taugner pleaded guilty to first-degree felony rape in April 2022. In a plea deal, two lesser felony charges in the indictment were dismissed. Doherty sentenced him in July 2022 to an indefinite 11 to 16 1/2 years in prison. However, Taugner appealed the sentence to the Ohio 11th District Court of Appeals, which issued a unanimous opinion in June reversing Doherty's sentence and ordering a resentening. According to the opinion, this was due to the state law that allows indefinite sentences for some serious offenses not going into effect until March 2019. The appellate court ruled that since Taugner's offenses took place prior to that time, he should only have been sentenced to a definite term of up to a maximum of 11 years. Taugner is currently incarcerated in the Lake Erie Correctional Institution in Ashtabula County, according to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. Reporter Jeff Saunders can be reached at jsaunders@recordpub.com. This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: Akron man resentenced in rape of girl in Ravenna following appeal Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs on Friday issued an emergency declaration after this summer's record-breaking heat wave, a move that frees up funding for three counties' response. The governor also took several actions, including issuing a new executive order, that will make more funds and cooling centers available as well as help prepare the state for future periods of high heat. Arizonans deserve action," Hobbs said in a statement. "Ill use every resource at my disposal to help keep Arizonans safe as we recover from this unprecedented heat wave and prepare for future events to ensure our state has the tools to continue thriving and growing. Hobbs declared an emergency in Maricopa, Pinal and Coconino counties, areas where there were 30 or more consecutive days with excessive heat warnings, according to her emergency declaration. Across the three counties, 33 heat-related deaths were reported during the period of excessive heat and more are under investigation, the declaration says. More deaths: Maricopa County reports 20 new heat deaths, now outpacing 2022 The declaration makes $200,000 in taxpayer dollars available to those three counties through the state Department of Emergency Management to reimburse them for heat responses between June 30 and July 30, the declaration says. Coconino County Board of Supervisors Chair Patrice Horstman said northern Arizona, where desert residents typically go to cool down, experienced heat-related illness and deaths. However, even in Northern Arizona, this summer heat is lethal," Horstman said in a statement released by the Governor's Office. "Temperatures at the base of the Grand Canyon, a popular tourist destination, soared above 115 degrees, contributing to multiple heat-related hiker deaths and injuries in July." The governor's executive order cites the increasing number of people who fall ill or die because of heat each year. The order directs the Governor's Office of Resiliency to work across agencies to determine best practices for dealing with heat going forward and create a Extreme Heat Preparedness Plan by March 2024 and administer $13.3 million in Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Acts funds to prevent power outages across the state. The order directs the Department of Health Services to study ways to centralize or coordinate heat relief and cooling centers, and creates two new cooling centers that will be on the grounds of the Arizona Capitol about 2 miles west of downtown Phoenix. The governor has been under pressure, including from critics in her own party, including former Corporation Commission member Sandra Kennedy, to do more to respond to the unusual stretch of hot days in the state. The Phoenix area broke countless high-heat records, including setting the all-time record warm low basically the hottest overnight low temperature to date in July. Hobbs' earlier steps in response to the heat wave included ordering workplace safety inspections for workers in high-risk fields such as construction, manufacturing and other outdoor work. Fatal weather: We're underestimating the way heat harms our health and kills us, ASU researcher says Reach reporter Stacey Barchenger at stacey.barchenger@arizonarepublic.com or 480-416-5669. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Gov. Hobbs declares heat emergency in 3 Arizona counties A suspect was arrested and charged with manslaughter in the 2021 fatal shooting of a 15-year-old, the Arlington Police Department announced in a news release Friday. Members of the U.S. Marshals North Texas Fugitive Task Force and the Arlington SWAT Team located 19-year-old Jose Pino in Arlington and took him into custody without incident. In the early morning of Dec. 30, 2021, police responded to a gas station in the 700 block of East Division Street after Pino, who was 17 at the time, called 911 to report that his friend, Alejandro Montes, had been shot. Pino and Montes left the gas station and drove into Grand Prairie where an ambulance met them, according to the release. Montes was taken to a hospital in Dallas where he later died from his injuries. Pino initially told investigators that a person he did not know pulled up in a black Dodge Charger to their vehicle and shot at them. After reviewing street cameras in Arlington, a detective found that claim to be false, according to an arrest warrant affidavit. Officers also found that there was no damage from a bullet on or in Pinos vehicle. After being questioned on his first claim, Pino then told police Montes was handling a gun and, while he was trying to take pictures of the gun, he accidentally shot himself. Pino also said he then took the gun and threw it out a window, according to the affidavit. Officers recovered the weapon and sent it along with other items to forensic testing. The Dallas County Medical Examiners Office ruled Montes death a homicide, concluding he could have not shot himself, police said in the release. Lab reports found that gun shot residue was present on Pinos hands but not on Montes. The case was subsequently assigned to a new detective in 2023 for a follow-up investigation. In a re-interview with the new detective, Pino said the gun was discharged when he tried to take it out of Montes hands and Montes was shot in the head. He also said that he was scared and dialed 911. Pino told the detective that emergency services could not find them and decided to drive to another gas station located in Grand Prairie to meet with the ambulance. During this transition, Pino intentionally and knowingly tossed the firearm out of the window of the vehicle before police arrived because he was scared and did not want to get in trouble, police said in the affidavit. The detective then obtained a warrant for Pinos arrest. Pino is charged with one count of manslaughter. He is also charged with one count of tampering with evidence in relation to throwing the gun out of the window. Pino was booked into the Arlington City Jail and was transferred to the Tarrant County Jail. An armed car thief is still on the loose in Fort Lauderdale after police found the vehicle he took and the woman he briefly abducted, authorities said. At around 5:20 a.m., Fort Lauderdale police were called to a possible kidnapping near the 100 block of Southwest Second Avenue, the department said. Officers learned a man and woman were sitting inside a car when a gunman approached them. The man in the drivers seat ran away, leaving the woman behind in the passenger seat. The unidentified suspect jumped into the driver seat and drove away with the car and the woman still inside, police said. A short time later, the car and woman were found on Interstate 95 near Oakland Park Boulevard. She was treated for non-life threatening injuries. Police believe the suspect ran from the car before officers could reach the victim. There is still an on-going investigation into exactly what happened and where the armed carjacker is. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Fort Lauderdale Police Department at (954) 828-5700. It was from Platform 17 that 50,000 German Jews were deported to the Nazi camps (Odd ANDERSEN) A man set fire to a box of books on Nazism that was part of a Berlin monument dedicated to the Jews deported by the Nazis, city police said Saturday. "Nearly all the books have been burned," the police posted on Twitter, now rebranded as X, adding that they had opened an investigation into the incident. Police said two witnesses had reported seeing a man at dawn setting fire to the box of books -- an old telephone booth converted into a mini-library. The box of books was part of a memorial known as "Platform 17" in Grunewald station, Berlin. It was from Platform 17 that 50,000 German Jews were deported to Nazi concentration and death camps at Riga, Warsaw, Auschwitz and Theresienstadt from 1941 onwards. As part of the memorial, inaugurated in January 1998, Platform 17 now has 186 plaques alongside the track detailing the departure date of each train, the number of Jews on board and their final destination. The Berlin city website explains that the undergrowth that has sprouted around the tracks forms part of the memorial. "It is the symbol that no train on this track will ever leave this station again." clp/jj/imm AI is transforming education from grade school to grad school and making take-home essays obsolete. Here's everything you need to know: How is AI changing schooling? It's raising questions about whether age-old methods of educating people can or should survive in a world where sophisticated answers to virtually any question are just a few keystrokes away. The most popular AI tool, ChatGPT, can generate impressive essays on any subject in seconds. Stephen Chaudoin, a professor of government at Harvard, said ChatGPT produces "B-plus, B-minus work" and AI is evolving rapidly. ChatGPT4, the latest version of the chatbot, can pass the bar exam, score in the 99th percentile on the SAT's verbal section, and earn top scores on the Advanced Placement statistics and biology exams. As a result, some educators say the take-home essay is "dead." School districts in Los Angeles and Seattle have blocked ChatGPT from their Wi-Fi networks, and some universities warn students that using AI amounts to plagiarism. Teachers from kindergarten through graduate school are divided: Some say AI is the way of the future and contend that educators must adapt to the new reality, while others speak of it in apocalyptic terms. "It's just about crushed me," an English teacher in Florida said. "With ChatGPT, everything feels pointless." Has it made it easy to cheat? ChatGPT's release led to a rash of cheating scandals, including at a high school for gifted students in Cape Coral, Florida. A Santa Clara University student was caught using the chatbot to write an essay for an ethics course. "The irony is very clearly there," said the student's professor, Brian Green, noting that the essay had "a robotic feel." But even though AI-generated writing can be dry and formulaic, it's hard to know for sure that an essay wasn't drafted by a human. The chatbots essentially draw on everything on the internet, and their algorithms whose workings are mysterious even to AI's creators churn out a somewhat different response each time they're given the same prompt. A March survey of 1,000 undergraduate and graduate students found that half of them admitted to using AI on assignments or take-home exams, with 17% admitting they'd turned in assignments that were completely researched and written by AI. Only half of respondents said they consider it cheating to use AI to finish coursework and exams. Is writing instruction doomed? AI's writing still cannot match the most creative, original and stylish writing by humans, but many educators believe it will become a standard tool anyway. "The time when a person had to be a good writer to produce good writing ended in late 2022, and we need to adapt," said John Villasenor, a professor at UCLA. Antony Aumann, a professor of philosophy at Northern Michigan University, recalled reading "the best paper in the class" on the morality of burqa bans before growing suspicious about the essay's excellent examples, grammar and arguments. The student admitted to using ChatGPT. Aumann now plans to require students to write first drafts on classroom computers that block chatbots, then explain revisions in subsequent drafts. What are other concerns? AI frequently "hallucinates" and generates factually incorrect answers in a detailed, persuasive way making up events, books and people that don't exist. When pressed for the source of an assertion, AI sometimes cops to making things up. Fears about cheating extend far beyond English class: AI is also capable of writing code, solving math problems, and completing science homework. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, the San Francisco-based company behind ChatGPT, likens the technology to the calculator an innovation that required changes to how math is taught, but by no means rendered math instruction unnecessary. "This is a more extreme version of that, no doubt," he said, "but also the benefits of it are more extreme, as well." How can it help students? Zachary Clifton, a high schooler in Kentucky, uses the chatbot to generate study guides to help him understand and remember his work. Some students use AI to clean up grammar mistakes. Others debate with ChatGPT before writing an essay in order to hone their arguments. AI can offer personalized instruction and shows great promise for students with special needs; for example, AI can convert textbook material into bullet points, charts and images to help students with dyslexia or attention deficit disorder. There's also optimism that AI can be a powerful, affordable tutoring tool. A May survey of 3,000 high school and college students found that 90% prefer studying with ChatGPT over a human tutor, and 95% said their grades improved after studying with ChatGPT. What about teachers? Overworked teachers can use AI to create lesson plans, grade assignments and generate multiple-choice questions. AI can offer personalized assistance to students as they work to complete assignments. Jaclyn Major, a sixth-grade teacher at Khan Lab School in Palo Alto, California, uses ChatGPT to help teach math, even though it occasionally makes obvious mistakes. "Remember, we are testing it," she tells her students. "We're learning and it's learning." Detecting AI-generated work Millions of teachers have signed up for software that claims to be able to identify writing produced by AI. The makers of ChatGPT created such a service, which rated any submitted text as "very unlikely, unlikely, unclear if it is, possibly, or likely" AI-generated. The longer the text, the easier ChatGPT's creators say it is to tell the difference. Turnitin, one of the most popular plagiarism-detection services, claims to be able to spot AI's handiwork with 98% certainty. But Turnitin and its competitors are notorious for producing false accusations of cheating. Turnitin says one hallmark of AI-generated text is that the writing is "extremely consistently average." Of course, some real students produce consistently average work. The big obstacle to detecting cheaters is that each chatbot-generated essay or answer has variations that make it unique; some students mix AI-generated work with their own, making it even harder to discern. Ian Bogost, a professor at Washington University in St. Louis, investigated the effectiveness of AI-detecting software for The Atlantic and concluded that "identifying cheaters let alone holding them to account is more or less impossible." This article was first published in the latest issue of The Week magazine. If you want to read more like it, you can try six risk-free issues of the magazine here. You may also like Homepage Anthony Garcia stands under a charred banyan tree -- the spiritual center of Lahaina -- in the aftermath of a wildfire that devastated the historic Hawaiian town (Paula RAMON) For three days since a hurricane-fuelled wildfire tore through his town, Anthony Garcia has swept a square normally packed with tourists, but now filled with charred debris and the scorched remains of animals, trying to make sense of a catastrophe that came from nowhere. "I can't believe that God allowed this to happen," he told AFP, after losing everything in the fire that devoured Lahaina, a picturesque harbor on the Hawaiian island of Maui. Garcia came to Lahaina from California for a weekend in 1993 and never left, building his life in the laid-back town that was once home to Hawaii's royal family. His apartment looked down on a busy tourist street, where visitors packed bars, restaurants and trinket shops. All of that is now gone, subsumed in flames that killed at least 80 people and destroyed hundreds of houses. The 80-year-old has slept rough in the burned out shell of the town for the last few nights, unable to process the scale of destruction and absence in what was once a vibrant, joyful place. He clings now to the area underneath a huge spreading banyan tree, the spiritual center of the town, and -- until this week -- a symbol of its stability. "This tree? Standing for more than a century," he said. "And there? Lahaina's first courthouse. Beyond? The Pioneer, opened in 1901, Hawaii's first hotel!" The wildfire was first reported early Tuesday morning, but seemed distant enough from the town. It flared later in the day, and then powerful gusting winds blew it suddenly through the streets. Many residents knew almost nothing of the flames until they saw them coming, consuming homes, cars and public buildings. "It took everything, everything! It's heartbreaking," Garcia said. Under the still-spreading but blackened branches of the banyan tree, Garcia piles scorched debris and dead animals that he has collected in an almost futile effort to put things right. In his mind's eye, he can still see turquoise waves breaking on the boardwalk, as visitors take selfies and lick their ice creams. "In the mornings, this place was full of birds singing, exchanging stories," said Garcia. Now only the occasional pigeon scuttles through the ashes, pecking uselessly at the baked ground. Some of those who have returned to find their houses in cinders stop to greet him. For many, there is no reason to stay; nothing left to find among the ruins of their lives. "I'm sad for everyone," said Garcia, staring out to sea as a truck hauling rubble rumbles past. "But I'm staying here. I don't want to go to another place, I want to help rebuild." "This place gave me so much joy, it made me a happy man," Garcia added. "So I'm going to start over. We have to try again." pr/leg/hg/acb The body of the assassinated Ecuadorian presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio was buried in a private ceremony in the countrys capital on Friday night. The 59-year-old was laid to rest in the Monteolivo cemetery in northern Quito, his campaign team confirmed to CNN en Espanol. They said the burial was carried out in deep privacy, with his coffin escorted by members of the police along with his closest relatives. Villavicencio, an anti-corruption campaigner and lawmaker who was outspoken about the violence caused by drug trafficking in the country, was gunned down at a campaign rally in Quito on Wednesday. The killing of Villavicencio, who belonged to the Movimiento Construye political party, came just 10 days before the first round of the presidential election was set to take place. The Ecuadorean presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio speaks at a campaign rally in Quito, Ecuador, on August 9, 2023. - Karen Toro/Reuters Authorities said Thursday that they had arrested six suspects, all Colombian nationals and gang members, in connection with his assassination. The suspected shooter died earlier in police custody following an exchange of fire with security personnel, though his nationality remains unclear. The Andean country, a relatively peaceful nation until a few years ago, is now plagued by a deteriorating security crisis fueled by drug trafficking and a turf war between rival criminal organizations. Violence has been most pronounced on Ecuadors Pacific coast as criminal groups battle to control and distribute narcotics, primarily cocaine. The assassination prompted an outpouring of condemnation from inside Ecuador and around the world, including from the UN Human Rights chief, the United States and European Union. During the investigation, authorities seized a rifle, a machine gun, four pistols, three grenades, two rifle magazines, four boxes of ammunition, two motorcycles, and a stolen vehicle believed to have been used by the suspects. The attack also prompted President Guillermo Lasso to request help from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation, and he tweeted earlier that a delegation would soon be arriving in the country. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Until the Ukrainian Armed Forces receive Western fighters, Ukraines old Soviet-era aircraft carrying long-range Storm Shadow missiles will remain the main air threat to the Russian invasion forces. According to an article by BBC Ukraine correspondent Oleh Chernysh, dated Aug. 11, the Ukrainian Air Force already has a long-range strike squadron that includes both Su-24M bombers and converted Su-24MR reconnaissance aircraft. The 7th Tactical Aviation Brigade based in Starokostiantyniv, Khmelnytskyi Oblast, is to thank for dealing out the most painful strikes against Russian invasion forces, Chernysh notes. Read also: A critical moment for Ukraine in the sky. What is being decided now? - opinion Since the end of spring, the old Soviet Su-24M bombers in service with the brigade have been equipped with the latest British-French Storm Shadow missiles. They are used to hit enemy arsenals and headquarters of Russian troops in the rear, as well as bridges leading to Crimea. A source familiar with the matter told BBC Ukraine that since the beginning of the Russian invasion, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have lost a significant number of Su-24Ms, with no more than six remaining. However, a way out was found. Read also: US plans to triple artillery shell production, Pentagon confirms According to the source, the military managed to re-equip Su-24MR reconnaissance aircraft, of which there were about 10 in the Air Force. Due to their outdated characteristics, they were not used much during the fighting. But it turned out that reconnaissance aircraft could be modified. Special equipment was installed on them, turning the planes into strike aircraft. "This way, the Air Force was able to get a whole bombing squadron (usually consisting of 12-14 aircraft) of Su-24M and Su-24MR to use cruise missiles," BBC Ukraine writes. Read also: Five ironclad arguments why Storm Shadow missiles are better than ATACMS Russia regularly conducts missile strikes on the air base in Starokostiantyniv. The Air Force is "well aware" of Russia's desire to destroy its warplanes, so the planes have been dispersed, Air Force spokesman Yuriy Ihnat said on June 26. According to him, the aircraft are hidden, and then the aviators continue to perform their missions, embarking on dozens of combat missions every day. The last powerful strike on the air base in Khmelnytskyi Oblast took place on Aug. 5-6. In the Starokostiantyniv community, the blast wave damaged several private houses, shattered windows in a cultural institution, a bus station and a commercial building. A rescuer was killed while eliminating the consequences of the attack. Meanwhile, on June 22 and July 29, the Ukrainian Armed Forces fired long-range missiles at the Chonhar Bridge, which leads from Kherson Oblast to Crimea. The bridge was severely damaged, and the movement of ammunition and other military supplies over it is now impossible. Reports suggested that the attack was carried out using Storm Shadow missiles. 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 female black bear who wildlife authorities say broke into at least 21 California homes has been relocated to an animal sanctuary in Colorado. Henrietta is now getting used to her new digs at the Wild Animal Refuge near Springfield, according to a Facebook post shared Friday. WELCOME HOME! wrote the Wild Animal Sanctuary, the nonprofit that operates the refuge. Its social media post included photos of Henrietta inside a temporary introduction enclosure in a 230-acre habitat where shell ultimately be able to roam. Henrietta the bear in a temporary holding enclosure at the Wild Animal Sanctuary. Henrietta the bear in a temporary holding enclosure at the Wild Animal Sanctuary. Henrietta was formerly known as the notorious Hank the Tank though her identity is a little complex. In February last year, state officials pinned a series of 28 home invasions in South Lake Tahoe, California, on a 500-pound black bear, who came to be called Hank the Tank. But not long after, DNA evidence showed that the ursine break-ins were not the work of just one burglary-happy bear. It turned out that at least three different bears had been entering residences and seeking food in the wealthy neighborhood of Tahoe Keys. Henrietta was one of those three bears. She was captured earlier this month, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife said that DNA evidence proved she had personally broken into 21 homes between February 2022 and May 2023. A press release from the agency also said she was suspected in additional incidents. Henrietta is pictured in a paparazzi-style photo from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Henrietta is pictured in a paparazzi-style photo from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. I guess they all technically are Hank the Tank, department spokesperson Jordan Traverso told The New York Times. She added that the other two Hanks have not presented themselves as problems this year, so authorities are leaving them alone for now. Henriettas habitat at the sanctuary is forested with pine trees, and shell be able to interact with other black bears and hibernate as she would naturally, Wild Animal Sanctuary Executive Director Pat Craig told USA Today. Henrietta had three cubs that were also taken into custody. Instead of being sent to the sanctuary with their mother, the cubs went to Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue in Petaluma, where they will be rehabilitated with the goal of releasing them back to the wild. All in all, the bear family is lucky. Craig told the Times that most problem bears in the United States wind up being killed. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife even noted in its press release that decisions made about Henrietta and her cubs were influenced by widespread interest in her story from the public. Related... President Biden has repeatedly defended his son Hunter amid a wave of legal troubles, saying multiple times that he was confident his son has done "nothing wrong" prior to the Justice Department's appointment of a special counsel to further investigate the matter. Attorney General Merrick Garland on Friday appointed U.S. Attorney David Weiss as special counsel in the Hunter Biden probe, as well as any other matters that may arise from that investigation. Weiss is the federal prosecutor who has investigated the business dealings of Hunter Biden and brought charges against him in Delaware. His appointment as special counsel indicates that, contrary to Hunter's defense lawyers' claims, the Justice Department investigation into Biden's son is not over. But Weiss, who many Republicans feel will aide the Biden family in a "coverup" of Hunter Biden's crimes, announced in July a probation-only plea agreement for Hunter in which he would plead guilty to tax evasion charges . However, U.S. District Court Judge Maryellen Noreika, a Trump appointee, rejected the agreement after expressing several concerns over its provisions. REPUBLICANS BLAST 'COVERUP' OF HUNTER BIDEN SPECIAL COUNSEL APPOINTMENT: 'SOMETHINGS NOT RIGHT' President Biden insisted during a 2020 Democratic presidential primary debate in 2019 that neither he nor his son, Hunter, did anything "wrong" with regard to Hunter's past work in Ukraine. Republicans criticized the agreement as a "sweetheart" deal and have pursued their own investigation into the Biden family's business dealings, with an eye towards impeaching the president. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Despite the investigations, Biden, who took office in January 2021, has maintained that his son is innocent. Then-candidate Biden insisted during a 2020 Democratic presidential primary debate in 2019 that neither he nor his son did anything "wrong" with regard to Hunter's past work in Ukraine. "My son did nothing wrong. I did nothing wrong," Biden said at the time. "I carried out the policy of the United States government, which was to root out corruption in Ukraine, and thats what we should be focusing on." Biden was asked by Fox News in 2020, "Are you confident your son Hunter did nothing wrong?" "I am confident," then-candidate Biden said. In 2020, he also said that Hunter is "the smartest guy I know." JOE BIDEN LETTER TO DEVON ARCHER UNDERSCORES HIS CLOSENESS TO HUNTER BIDEN'S BUSINESS ACTIVITIES That same year, in December 2020, Biden told "Late Show" host Stephen Colbert that he and his wife, Jill, had "great confidence in our son." "I am not concerned about any accusations that have been made against him. It's used to get to me. I think it's kind of foul play, but look, it is what it is," Biden said at the time. This year, he was asked in an MSNBC interview about the ongoing DOJ investigation and how it may impact his presidency. "First of all, my son has done nothing wrong. I trust him I have faith in him, and it impacts my presidency by making me feel proud of him," Biden said in the May interview. In June, after the news of the plea emerged, the White House issued a brief statement on the matter. "The President and first lady love their son and support him as he continues to rebuild his life. We will have no further comment," spokesperson Ian Sams said. Talks between federal prosecutors and Hunter's defense team subsequently broke down after the government acknowledged that he was still under federal investigation. Garland confirmed Friday that the investigation is still ongoing. In a press release, the Department of Justice said that Weiss will serve as special counsel "for the ongoing investigation and prosecutions referenced and described in United States v. Robert Hunter Biden, as well as for any other matters that arose or may arise from that investigation." AG Merrick Garland conducts a news conference at the DOJ announcing that U.S. Attorney David Weiss will be appointed special counsel to investigate Hunter Biden on August 11, 2023. That language leaves open the possibility that other members of the Biden family, potentially even the president, could be part of this investigation. When asked whether President Biden is being investigated as part of this probe, a Department of Justice official declined to comment. House Judiciary Chairman Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, blasted Weiss' appointment in a statement issued through a spokesman. "David Weiss cant be trusted and this is just a new way to whitewash the Biden familys corruption. Weiss has already signed off on a sweetheart plea deal that was so awful and unfair that a federal judge rejected it. We will continue to pursue facts brought to light by brave whistleblowers as well as Weisss inconsistent statements to Congress," said Jordan spokesman Russell Dye. Fox News' Brooke Singman, Chris Pandolfo, Adam Shaw, and The Associated Press contributed to this report. NEW YORK (AP) As he gears up for reelection, President Joe Biden is already facing questions about his ability to convince voters that the economy is performing well. There's skepticism about the 80-year-old president's ability to manage a second term. And on Friday, Biden faced a fresh setback when Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed a special counsel to probe his son, Hunter. Biden's challenges pale in comparison with his predecessor and possible future rival, Donald Trump, who is facing three criminal indictments, with additional charges expected soon. But the appointment of the special counsel was nonetheless a reminder of the vulnerabilities facing Biden as he wages another election campaign in a deeply uncertain political climate. There was little immediate sign that Garland's decision meaningfully changed Biden's standing within his party. If anything, it underscored the unprecedented nature of the next election. Rather than a battle of ideas waged on the traditional campaign trail, the next push for the presidency may be shaped by sudden legal twists in courtrooms from Washington to Delaware and Miami. Prior to Trump, this would be a big deal, New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair Ray Buckley said of Friday's announcement. Now, I dont think it means anything. Trump has made everyone so numb to this stuff." Referring to Trump's Make America Great Again slogan, Buckley added, "Because of how dismissive MAGA America is to the very real crimes of Trump and his family, it has numbed the minds of swing voters and Democratic voters or activists who would normally be fully engaged and outraged. Polling has consistently shown that Democratic voters were not excited about Biden's reelection even before Garland's announcement. Just 47% of Democrats wanted Biden to run again in 2024, according to an AP-NORC poll conducted in April. Democrats enthusiasm for Bidens presidential campaign has consistently trailed behind Republicans enthusiasm for Trumps: 55% of Republicans said they wanted Trump to run again in the AP-NORC poll. And Bidens approval rating in polling by Gallup stood at 41% on average over the last three months. Only Jimmy Carter notched a lower average rating in Gallups polling at this point in his presidency, while ratings for Trump were about the same at 43%. Garland announced Friday that he was naming David Weiss, the Trump-appointed U.S. attorney in Delaware, as the special counsel in the Hunter Biden investigation. It comes as plea deal talks involving tax and gun charges in the case Weiss had already been probing hit an impasse. The appointment of a special counsel ensures that Trump will not stand alone as the only presidential candidate grappling with the fallout of a serious criminal investigation in the midst of the 2024 campaign season. Of course, the cases are hardly equal in the context of the next presidential election. There is no evidence that President Biden himself has committed any wrongdoing. Meanwhile, Trump has been charged in a plot to undermine democracy for his actions leading up the the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol. He's also facing separate charges for refusing to turn over classified documents after leaving the White House and financial crimes in New York related to a hush money case involving a porn star. And Georgia prosecutors are investigating whether Trump broke state laws by interfering in the 2020 election. Still, Republicans were hopeful that the new special counsel may ultimately shift attention away from Trump's baggage while bolstering conservative calls to impeach the Democratic president, a proposal that has divided the GOP on Capitol Hill, which has long sought evidence linking Hunter Biden's alleged wrongdoings to his father. Rep. James Comer of Kentucky, the Republican chair of the House Oversight Committee, has already obtained thousands of pages of financial records from various members of the Biden family through subpoenas to the Treasury Department and various financial institutions as part of a congressional probe. He released a statement Friday accusing Garland of trying to stonewall congressional oversight. Comer vowed to follow the Biden familys money trail. Trump, the overwhelming front-runner in the crowded Republican presidential nomination fight, used the opportunity to put his likely general election opponent on the defensive, referring to the Biden crime family and the Biden cartel. If this special counsel is truly independent even though he failed to bring proper charges after a four year investigation and he appears to be trying to move the case to a more Democrat-friendly venue he will quickly conclude that Joe Biden, his troubled son Hunter, and their enablers, including the media, which colluded with the 51 intelligence officials who knowingly misled the public about Hunters laptop, should face the required consequences, the Trump campaign said in a statement. Back in New Hampshire, Buckley acknowledged that voters are not excited about Biden's reelection. But they're really not excited about Trump, he said. Theres a seriousness around this election. People can say theyre not excited (about Biden). They can say, 'Oh, he shouldnt run again. But the reality is that hes the only alternative to Trump. Meanwhile, it's unclear how closely key voters are paying attention. A Marquette Law School Poll conducted last month found that about three-quarters of Americans had heard about Hunter Bidens agreement to plead guilty to misdemeanor charges of tax evasion and a gun charge. Republicans were slightly more likely than Democrats to say they have heard a lot about the topic, with independents being much less likely to be paying attention. Democratic strategist Bill Burton suggested the GOP's focus on the president's son would backfire. From a political standpoint, I think Republicans are stupid to spend so much time talking about the presidents son, he said. People are going to be voting on the economy. Theyre going to be voting on whos tougher on social media companies and national security. Burton continued, As a dad, I think its pretty disgusting that you would attack someones son like this. ___ AP polls and surveys reporter Linley Sanders in Washington contributed. A DeKalb County pastor and community leaders gave away thousands of dollars in free gas to their community on Saturday morning. Channel 2s Justin Carter was at the Exxon gas station off of Covington Highway where people were lined up as early as 6 a.m. By the end of the giveaway, more than 400 people had received a full tank of gas from Generation of Hope Church. Since our church is down the street, lets do something where we can get into the community, impact the community. Were not just about worshipping on Sunday morning, but impacting the community, Pastor Dwight Buckner Jr. said. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Saturdays event was the second annual Gas on God for the church. Drivers pull up, someone from the church prays with them if theyd like, then fill up their tank and send the drivers on free of charge. Buckner got help with the event from Atlanta attorney Justin Miller and wealth advisor Xavier Peoples. They planned to give away, $8,000 in gas, but it was so busy, they stuck around and gave another $1,000. According to GasBuddy, the current average price of a gallon of gas in Georgia is $3.61. TRENDING STORIES: I got five children so getting free gas is a blessing because youre able to afford other things, parent Candy O. said. Its a blessing. Miller says they want to make sure their community is taken care of. We wanna make sure that parents are okay to get the kids to and from school, to get them to their after-school activities, to get them to the store so that they can get the school supplies, he told Carter. The church hopes to be able to hold the event again next year. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN RELATED NEWS: Russia's crude oil surpassed the price ceiling set by the Group of Seven (G7), leading to a significant rise in income from oil exports, Bloomberg reported on Aug. 11., citing statistics provided by the International Energy Agency. Last month, the weighted mean price for the country's crude oil transported by sea reached $64.41 per barrel. Russia's oil revenues hit an eight-month peak in July at over $15 billion, up 20% from the previous month. However, their July revenues are still down over 20% from this time last year. The G7 introduced the cap to limit Moscow's funds for its war against Ukraine. Within the cap system, businesses are granted permission to transport Russian oil only when their payment falls below the threshold price. Otherwise, they lose access to certain G7 services. Caps and sanctions following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 have led Moscow to primarily seek buyers in India and China. Given the current scenario where Russian crude grades are being traded above the approved G7 price cap, the chance of triggering price increases gains momentum. If shipping firms and insurers become wary of accepting Russian shipments exceeding the cap, this could lead to a tightening of supplies and global price escalation. However, proponents of the cap system say it is still working. Any money Russia spends to create an ecosystem outside of the price cap takes resources away from its ability to fund its barbaric war, U.S. Treasury Department spokesperson Megan Apper said. Read also: Mark Dixon: A global Democratic Market is needed to protect democracy Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Chinese vice premier stresses health, farming in flood-hit areas Xinhua) 09:36, August 12, 2023 Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, learns about works on health and epidemic prevention, and restoration of agricultural production during his inspection tour in Hebei and Beijing, Aug. 11, 2023. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei) BEIJING, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong has called for efforts to improve health and epidemic prevention and restore agricultural production in areas impacted by the recent flooding disasters. Liu, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the comments during his inspection tour in Hebei and Beijing on Friday, during which he visited flood detention areas and affected villages. He stressed the need to ensure that major epidemics do not break out after the floods and that bumper harvests are achieved throughout the year. It is a crucial period for the autumn grain crop yield, said Liu, adding that it is necessary to promptly mobilize farmers to resume crop production according to local conditions. Liu said relevant departments should increase support, make good use of agricultural disaster relief funds and strengthen credit and insurance claim settlement services to help the affected areas swiftly resume agricultural production. Considering the high temperatures, epidemic prevention measures should also be taken as an important task of flood control and relief to protect people's health, Liu added. (Web editor: Zhao Tong, Hongyu) A man holds a newly-assembled AR-15 rifle in New Britain, Conn. in this 2013 file photo. Clay County business owner Kristopher "Justin" Ervin and a Wisconsin gun dealer with a big YouTube following are awaiting senecing for parts in sales of devices to illegally convert semiautomatic AR-15 rifles into fully automatic macine guns. A Jacksonville gun-crime case that drew wide interest from Second Amendment advocates veered into a First Amendment brouhaha this week after YouTube contributors discussed details from court records that attorneys consider confidential. Federal prosecutors alarmed writers covering the prosecution of Orange Park resident Kristopher Justin Ervin and co-defendant Matthew Hoover by asking a judge to order a cast of people including the YouTube figures to destroy copies of a document called a pre-sentencing report about Hoover. Prosecutors asked this Court to take a blowtorch to the First Amendment, and impose a prior restraint on legitimate reporting, John Crump, a journalist focused on firearms, argued when he asked U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard for permission to intervene in the case. Matthew Hoover, a Wisconsin gun dealer who talked about Orange Park resident Kristopher J. Ervin's AutoKeyCard in a popular YouTube channel, has been indicted with Ervin on gun and conspiracy charges. Prosecutors had told Howard earlier that Hoover, a Wisconsin gun dealer who has his own YouTube channel with 183,000 subscribers, had phoned both Crump and YouTube technology and gun commentator Richard Hughes and arranged for them to get copies of presentence report, which they then posted about. Ervin and Hoover were convicted in April of conspiracy and transferring unregistered devices for illegally converting semiautomatic rifles into fully automatic machine guns. Ervin sold the devices over a web-based business and Hoover promoted the devices and called Ervins AutoKeyCard.com the sponsor of segments of his YouTube channel. More: 'Society is pretty fragile,' client says about buying machine-gun converter from Clay firm More: Orange Park man had over a thousand devices that turn AR-15s into machine guns, feds say Both men are scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 6. Circulating information about the pre-sentencing report, which prosecutors described as preliminary, serves no legitimate purpose and rather appears to be aimed at generating vitriol with the intent to intimidate and obstruct these proceedings while generating views and profits for Hoover, Crump, and Hughes, Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Cofer Taylor argued in a motion filed Monday. This graphic appeared on a website federal agents said Kristopher Ervin used to sell card-shaped strips of metal laser-etched with a design that could convert a semiautomatic rifle into a machine gun. Ervin was charged with possessing machine gun conversion devices after agents found 1,552 pieces of metal etched with the design. The motion added that viewers of the YouTube postings had posted hostile messages, including some referencing that wished a cancer that Taylor is being treated for would spread. Attorneys said information about Ervin's case was also relayed without his agreement. By the time a hearing was held Friday, however, prosecutors had abandoned the talk of any order affecting who arent part of the case. That turned out to be a good choice, as the judge quickly said there was no basis for the order that had been suggested. I dont think theres any legal authority that would have supported that request, Howard told Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Coolican in a hearing where she said Crumps request to intervene was moot, as was a motion to file an amicus brief from an attorney representing other unnamed writers who follow gun-related subjects online and, the motion said, between them have more than 10 million subscribers. Howard also chided Hoover for the fact that the report had gotten into circulation, saying he had shown no respect for rules of a justice system where hell still be sentenced. Both sides have probably been engaging in language that is unnecessary, she said. This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Clay County man's machine-gun prosecution becomes 1st Amendment fight Sixteen people suffered injuries, including some who required hospitalization, after a boat exploded on Friday in the Lake of the Ozarks, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. State troopers were investigating the incident Friday afternoon after the boats engine blew up at the Millstone Marina. As of Friday evening, findings by Highway Patrol investigators indicated there was a buildup of gas fumes in the boats engine compartment that ignited with a spark. The injured included 15 people who were on the boat at the time. Another nearby person on the dock was also hurt, according to state troopers. Corporal Kyle Green, with the Highway Patrols Troop F covering the central part of the state, said Friday night some of the boaters were thrown into the water by the explosion. Unfortunately, he said, such incidents are known to happen with some regularity. State troopers have responded to several incidents this year, including a separate boat explosion Friday afternoon, Green said. It typically happens when boaters fail to turn on ventilation systems for the engine compartment, causing explosions that have been deadly in the past. It is a serious thing, and it happens so fast, Green said. A full account of those taken to the hospital in the Millstone Marina explosion was not immediately available, Green said, as state troopers were still working to figure out all who were involved and compile a crash report. Photographs shared by the state agency on Friday showed shattered glass littered across the front of the boat and a destroyed canopy. Bags of ice and tallboy cans of Michelob Ultra remained on the boats tail end. Troopers are investigating a boat explosion at the Millstone Marina at Lake of the Ozarks. Gas fumes built up in the engine area and a spark set off the explosion. A total of 16 people have been injured (15 on the boat and 1 on the dock). They range from minor to moderate. pic.twitter.com/U4aMbjTzne MSHP Troop F (@MSHPTrooperF) August 11, 2023 The boat explosion was one of two in the Lake of the Ozarks on Friday. Earlier in the afternoon, two men in their 50s were injured after a boat engine exploded while the vessel was being fueled. An Overland Park man was taken to the hospital with moderate injuries, and a suburban St. Louis man was treated for minor injures on scene. Another boat explosion in June sent two people to the hospital, including a 35-year-old Pennsylvania woman who was seriously injured. That case was thought to be a mechanical failure of the boat, which sank into the lake after the fire was extinguished. At 9:30 a.m. on Aug. 2, when Assistant Principal Danny Guidry walked past the high school library in Granbury, Texas, he saw two figures moving in the darkened interior. There were flashing lights from the phones looking at some books, he later reported in an email to the district office made public by a parents open records request. Guidry entered and asked if he could be of assistance. He informed the two they were in a restricted part of the building. It was dark and difficult to see, he wrote. One of the ladies identified herself as Karen Lowery, Board Trustee. Lowery is indeed a member of the Granbury Independent School District board. Security video would show that she and another woman, Carolyn Reeves, had entered the library an hour and a half earlier, around 8 a.m., repeatedly switching the lights off when a motion detector turned them on. Exactly what the two were doing there remains a mystery, and they have failed to respond to requests for comment, as has the school board, the school board president, and the school superintendent. But Lowery has been on a crusade against supposed smut in school libraries. The school board president accused Lowery of lying to gain access to the library and declared that she had never seen such a blatant breach of ethics in public schools. If Lowery was on a hunt for books with words or ideas that she doesnt like, she has plenty of company. As The Daily Beast reported just a few days ago, a Republican politicians wife in Arkansas has bragged of swapping out books in free little libraries for Bibles. Classic books have been banished from schools across the country and librarians who have protested have been publicly scorned or even fired. In May of 2022, Lowery went so far as to file a criminal complaint alleging the high school was illegally harboring obscene books. County Constable Chad Jordanwho reportedly once urged all law enforcement officers to join the far-right extremist Oath Keepers and who is said to have enlisted Lowery to sign on as a complainant in the smut casedispatched deputies to the library to commence an investigation that is described as ongoing. Lowery then made the supposedly obscene books the focus of a successful campaign for the school board. She was elected in November and continued to raise the specter of smut sullying the shelves. During a July 19 executive session of the board, a recording of which was obtained by The Daily Beast, Lowery gave some insight into just how far to the right she is when she spoke about a library website touting a book that won a Stonewall Award. Stonewall is a bar in New York, she said. We have opened the door for the evil to come through. She expressed concern that there was still what she considers smut in the high-school library, despite an exhaustive review by an independent committee. And she inquired of her fellow members if she had the right to go into any library at any school at any time. Board of Trustees President Barbara Herrington and District Superintendent Jeremy Glenn told her that she should first make an appointment with the principal of the particular school. But Lowery does not seem to have made any such arrangement when she arrived at the high school on the morning in question, accompanied by Reeves. The clerk would report in an email that she told the people at the front desk that she and her companion were there to participate in a program to aid disadvantaged kids. I thanked both of them for volunteering for the days duties during the disbursement of Operation School Supplies, a front-desk person would report in an email to the district office. The clerk reported that Lowery displayed her school board ID. Reeves was given a visitors pass indicating she was authorized to be in the cafeteria, where various school board members, teachers, and parents were giving kids backpacks full of school supplies. There was also face-painting and free back-to-school haircuts. Lowery and Reeves slipped into the darkened library, where they were confronted by Guidry. His report quotes Lowery saying, I have been asked by the superintendent to come and look at some books. Guidry says that he asked them to please exit as soon as possible and that Lowery replied, OK, thank you, it will be fine. But Reeves was not ready to just leave. She paused and asked what was inside a storage room. I informed her that was the storage room for computer carts and textbooks, Guidry reported. She continued to attempt to see in the room and open the storage room door, but it was locked and [the] window was blacked out. Board President Herrington subsequently viewed the video and the written statements by Guidry and the front-desk clerk. She conveyed her conclusions in an email to Lowery with the subject line: Results of Investigation of Your UNauthorized Presence in Library. Herrington reminded Lowery that she had been told at the July meeting that she needed to call a principal to make an appointment to go to any library. Herrington noted that district superintendent Glenn was at the school supplies event and could have given Lowery permission if she had actually gone to the cafeteria. Instead, you chose to violate every standard of ethics for school board members by using a very busy activity at the high school to enter the high school and misrepresent why you were there, Herrington wrote. You were completely untruthful when the assistant principal confronted you and told him Dr. Glenn had asked you to come and look at some books, Herrington noted. Herrington made some observations regarding the video that added to the intrigue. When you left, in addition to your purse, you have a stack of papers in your hand that were not in your hand when you entered, Herrignton wrote. Would you care to explain that? Herrington further observed, When you were leaving the library, you hesitated before entering the hallway, looked both ways and then stepped out into the hallway. The board president noted that Lowery had spoken of the importance of trust and transparency at the July 13 meeting. Your behaviors in this incident had neither built any trust nor were they evidence of transparency, she wrote. In my 33 years as public school educator, 10 years as an adjunct professor art Tarleton (State University) supervising interns in a masters programs for school administrators, and more than 18 years on the GISD school board, I have never seen such a blatant breach of ethics in public schools. The letter and video and the various reports were made public after a parent named Adrienne Quinn Martin filed an open records request. Martin is one of the tiny minority of Democrats in Granbury, a deeply conservative town of 11,000 named after confederate general Hiram Broson Granbury. She sees the reaction of Herrington and other respected conservatives to the library incident as a sign that the antics of Karen Lowery, her school-board ally Melanie Graft, and others on the extreme far right are beginning to alienate those who are simply on the far right. They are starting to eat their young, Martin said. Theres a bunch of anti-Karens. This is the first time since this whole book thing has started that Im seeing a portion of the public thats not the Democrats going against these people. People are sick of em because they just caused so many problems. And theyre hurting the schools. Theyre hurting the staff, and theyre beating a dead horse and people are tired of it. Another parent, who describes himself as a mid-range Republican cognizant of the need for social programs, sees an irony in Lowerys position. Its very unbecoming of somebody with the title of trustee to go rogue and lie to get what she wants, he said. The parent, who asked not to be named, agreed with Martin that people have begun to weary of Lowery. Then theres a small group of people who are trying to defend her, he said. They have not stopped talking about quote unquote pornography or smut in the library, and they just dont wanna let it go. Lowerys unexplained behavior is sure to be a major topic at the next school board meeting on Aug. 21. Im suspecting its gonna be wild, Martin said. 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. I've lived in Italy for many years and I have seen tourists make some pretty big mistakes. Federica Bocco I was raised in Italy, and I believe many mistakes tourists make in Italy are easily avoidable. Visitors should embrace the local culture through our local restaurants and water fountains. It's easy to avoid overpaying for food or tours if you take the time to do your research. I was raised in Italy and now live in Rome every day, I see numerous tourists making mistakes during their trips here. Keep reading for things I wish visitors would stop doing when they come to Italy, for their sake and the country's. Tourists often come here with wrong expectations about how things work in Italy. Italy isn't a perfect place but that doesn't make it any less special. Federica Bocco Too often, I've found that visitors have a preconceived notion of Italy being a romanticized version of their own countries and they're disappointed when it doesn't live up to sky-high expectations. In other cases, visitors are disappointed Italy doesn't operate exactly like their country does back home. Either way, when you visit Italy, balance your expectations and ditch the need to compare our country to your home. Visiting Italy is a learning experience of art, history, culture, and traditions. Tourists should keep an open mind and understand that cultural differences might take them by surprise. Do your research and don't solely rely on advice from influencers. Guidebooks can be a great resource. Federica Bocco I've seen a lot of TikToks lately about users complaining about how they were "lied to" by influencers who made prime Italian destinations, like the Amalfi Coast, seem unrealistically perfect. Every opinion counts, and it's fair for tourists to listen to what influencers have to say about a destination. However, you shouldn't solely rely on their takes. The truth is, influencers often have access to resources the average traveler doesn't, like gifted services, VIP access, or the ability to splurge on high-end perks. With that in mind, tourists should do research across multiple channels, whether it's reading guidebooks written by locals or comparing information found in multiple articles and blog posts about the same topic. Tourists often overpay for things, then complain about their trip being expensive. I've noticed tourists tend to want to pay more for things that are worth less. Federica Bocco Some visitors assume more expensive equals better quality when they compare goods and services. In reality, you should do a quick Google search to see what the average price should be for that thing in the location you're in. Also, read reviews. If you read on a restaurant's menu that a carbonara costs 20 and still choose to order it when you can get it just as good for 9 elsewhere, that's on you. Also, please avoid paying any unofficial vendor who promises they can help you skip a line at an attraction or museum. Just pay the regular ticket price and get in line like everybody else. It'll save you time and money. There's no need to litter or ignore waste-sorting rules. It's sad I have to remind anyone of this, but littering is harmful to the environment and incredibly disrespectful to the locals. Federica Bocco Every day, I see tourists fail to dispose of their trash properly. Littering is unacceptable, not to mention illegal and disrespectful to locals. As you should do in any place on earth, hold onto your waste until you come across a trash bin. And, if you're staying in an apartment or home rental, please don't just throw all of your trash in one bin. Take some time to try to understand our local system in Italy, where waste sorting is mandatory. Travelers should stop buying bottled water and instead make use of our public fountains. You'll likely see drinking fountains throughout Rome. Federica Bocco Speaking of trash, stop purchasing plastic water bottles when you visit. Drinking fountains are very common in Italy and, some cities here even highly encourage tourists to drink from them. In Rome alone, there are 2,500 drinking fountains called nasoni. These historic fixtures are oftentimes serving the same water that flows through the tap in nearby houses and hotels. I suggest carrying a reusable water bottle and refilling it at every nasone. It's free! If you're sightseeing anywhere in Italy and get thirsty but there is no fountain in sight, open Waidy, a free phone app that can direct you to the fountains nearest you. Visitors are basically committing culinary sins by not exploring our food scene. I can't believe some people travel all the way to Italy to visit fast-food chains. Federica Bocco Instead of ordering dishes you can find back home, skip the fast-food chains and let your senses experience your Italian holiday to the fullest. Support local restaurants and food vendors, which is yet another way of showing respect to locals while also authentically getting to know the culinary traditions of the place you're visiting. Trust me, you won't run out of options. Italian cuisine is so broad since every region has its own specialties based on the best local produce. You could go to the same restaurant for a week and never have the same dish twice. Seriously, stop defacing monuments and don't take pieces of them home with you, either. Don't carve your name (or anything, actually) on the Colosseum. FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP/Getty Images I can't believe I have to say this, but after everything tourists have ruined this year, let me remind you it's illegal to vandalize our monuments. Stop writing on the Colosseum or the Leaning Tower of Pisa or anywhere you shouldn't be, really. It can get you arrested, and it's incredibly disrespectful to our cultural heritage. Also, don't take home any artifacts or pieces of relics you might find at archaeological sites. The piece of a column from Pompeii is not yours to take, even if it's on the floor. If you want a souvenir so badly just purchase replicas or special items from nearby shops. Read the original article on Insider Once again, tragedy has struck in the Channel with the deaths of migrants crossing in small boats to reach England. This news highlights how vital it is to remove the incentives which lead people to undertake this dangerous journey. The incentives arise from the fact that the tangle of laws and treaties which apply in the UK make it virtually impossible to remove illegal migrants, however meritless their claims to asylum may be. The Governments solution is to remove illegal arrivals promptly to Rwanda. But in June the Court of Appeal said that would contravene Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which outlaws inhuman or degrading treatment. The judgment would have been read with absolute astonishment by lawyers only a generation ago. Our courts, conscious of their lack of expertise in foreign relations matters, have traditionally deferred to the judgment of the executive. The UK Governments assessment is that Rwanda would operate the asylum scheme properly, so asylum seekers transferred there would not be at risk of being returned to their home countries if they would be subjected to mistreatment there. Detailed agreements and monitoring arrangements between the UK and Rwanda would back this up. But the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) does not agree. His agency was allowed to intervene and effectively act as a party in the case, instructing counsel and submitting evidence to the court. So our domestic judges are left acting as referees on foreign relations matters between our own Government and a UN agency which seems committed to preventing the Rwanda scheme at all costs. So far, three senior judges (two in the High Court, and Lord Chief Justice Burnett who dissented in the Court of Appeal) have sided with the Government, and two in the Court of Appeal have sided with the UNHCR. That leaves the final decision with the Supreme Court, which may hear the case this autumn. So at best, a vital policy of the Government supported by Parliament will have been frustrated by months of legal delays during which illegal migrants have continued to cross the Channel. At worst, if the Supreme Court does not overrule the two to one majority decision in the Court of Appeal, that policy will be frustrated altogether. It is worth asking how we have got to this position. The ECHR itself does not contain any rights to asylum. This is not an accident. Instead, rights to asylum were covered in the Geneva Refugees Convention, which was drafted in parallel by very much the same group of countries. But the European Court of Human Rights decided a series of cases which held states responsible for what happens to people outside their borders if they are expelled, despite the words of the Convention which only require states to secure the convention rights to people within their jurisdiction. This case law expanded so that a mere risk, rather than a certainty or probability, that someone would be subjected to treatment contrary to Article 3 was sufficient to bar their removal. Nor were states allowed to take into account the risk of harm to the host country, for example from suspected terrorists. All this Strasbourg case law was cemented into UK law by Tony Blairs Human Rights Act, leading to the woeful state of affairs we face today. This is only one of the many doctrines which Strasbourg judges have invented over the years and pasted on to the original Convention under the guise of interpreting it. For example, the Strasbourg court has held (again contrary to its words) that the Convention extends outside the territory of its member states and applies to military operations abroad, subjecting our armed forces to the risks of lawfare. Judges should not be lawmakers, a task for which they have no democratic legitimacy and often very little aptitude. Rule by judges according to rules they make up themselves is the opposite of the rule of law. Yet we have supinely allowed ourselves to be subject to these legal doctrines and rules which we never agreed to in the first place. Therefore it is welcome if the pressure of events prompts a re-assessment of whether the UK should continue to belong to the ECHR. Unfortunately, we cannot remain a member of the ECHR without also having to accept the Strasbourg courts flawed jurisprudence. However, we could withdraw from the ECHR as a treaty but keep the Convention text as part of our domestic law, with our courts instructed to disregard the Strasbourg jurisprudence and interpret the text according to its original meaning. That would avoid constructing a new UK bill of rights, which could become a Christmas tree on which every passing lobby group would try to hang some new fundamental right. The last thing we need is even more decisions on political matters to be taken by judges instead of by our democratic institutions. Leaving the EU was supposed to give us back control of our borders. But we wont truly get back control until we leave the ECHR as well. We should ask ourselves what purpose is served by having a foreign court which supervises our rights and liberties. Canada, Australia and New Zealand seem perfectly happy that they can protect the rights of their citizens without needing to subject themselves to some external regional court. When the foreign court to which we have subjected ourselves is as deeply flawed as Strasbourg, the question should not be why should we leave but why on earth are we still a member?. Martin Howe KC is chairman of Lawyers for Britain 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. Two brothers drowned in a popular lake in the North Carolina mountains after one went in to save the other, sheriffs officials said after divers recovered the mens bodies on Friday. The brothers, 19-year-old Edgar Edwardo Garcia and 26-year-old Francisco Javier, were reported missing in Fontana Lake late Thursday afternoon, prompting an immediate search and rescue operation, Swain County Sheriff Curtis Cochran said on Facebook. Javier went into the water after seeing Garcia struggle, WLOS reported, citing the sheriff. The brothers were last seen at the T.A. Sandlin Bridge on the lake, according to the sheriffs office. The search was called off at 8:30 p.m. due to darkness and resumed Friday morning with the Henderson County Dive Team called in to help, the sheriffs office said. The bodies were recovered about 1:45 p.m. Friday, Cochran reported. The sheriffs office, Swain County Rescue Squad and N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission helped in the search. On Facebook, Cochran thanked everyone for their help and cooperation in this matter. Fontana Lake borders Great Smoky Mountains National Park and national forest land. The 29-mile long lake is popular for boating, fishing and paddling. Hikers and mountain bikers traverse its lakeside trails. Chicagos annual Bud Billiken parade brought joyful noise to Bronzeville Saturday afternoon as lifelong attendees, new arrivals and Chicago Public Schools families alike celebrated the start of back-to-school season. The parade, now in its 94th year, is the largest African American parade in the United States and the second largest parade overall, behind only the Rose Bowl.A beloved tradition and performance showcase, the event celebrates Black joy and Black community in Chicago and its historic roots in the South Side. The two-mile procession down Martin Luther King Drive in historic Bronzeville ended in Washington Park, where sponsors provided free backpacks, school supplies, haircuts and hair braiding. About 300,000 people attended this years parade. The parade launched from Pershing Road and King Drive just after 10 a.m., though King Drive was blocked off starting at 33rd Street for dozens of bands, dance and drill teams, tumbling groups and cheerleading squads to warm up. Near the start of the parade route, a group of students representing the Mathnasium drew with sidewalk chalk outside of Hartzell Memorial United Methodist Church, pausing to pet passing dogs. Bronzeville neighbors along the parade route stood on their porches and waved cheerfully. In the lots between apartments, some set up picnic tables, yard sales and even a bouncy castle. As the first floats and horses made their way south, parade Marshalls handed out tiny bottles of bubbles to Patricia Lightfoot, 79, and Evelyn Bridges, 84. Bridges has been coming to the parade every year since she was seven. As a child, Bridges marched in the parade with her Girl Scout Troupe. Reexperiencing the parade as an adult has been wonderful, Bridges said. She noted, however, that the parade has felt a lot more commercial to her in recent years. Its changed a lot since I grew up, Bridges said. Dozens of iconic Black politicians, athletes and entertainers have participated over the years, including President Barack Obama, Duke Ellington, Diana Ross, James Brown, Michael Jordan and Muhammad Ali. Two-time Grammy award-winning Chicago artist and poet J. Ivy was the parades Grand Marshal. Ivy, 46, won the first-ever Grammy for Best Spoken Word Poetry Album this year. Other honorary grand marshals this year included Mayor Brandon Johnson, Pier 31 restaurateur Nikki Hayes and My Block My Hood My City founder Jahmal Cole. Cole and My Block My Hood My City inspired this years theme, Parading in Peace, Block By Block. The days performers included the Bang Dance Team and the Carver Military Academy Challengers. Following large political contingents and a float of drummers representing the University of Chicago Urban Health Initiative, the Empire Dance Company was the first set of performers to dance their way down King Drive. Marching behind a sparkling blue and red float complete with a giant model rocket, dancers in blue and red jacket sets with Sonic The Hedgehog face paint performed a series of vibrant, up-tempo routines in the noon heat. Later, gymnasts from the Jesse White Tumbling Team drew gasps from viewers with death-defying backflips, rotating several times in the air before landing on a mat and running to catch their teams car. Edward Ford, 68, watched the parade from the sidelines this year after years spent as a featured baton twirler. His troupe always wore black and gold in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Known as The Bud, the parade was established in 1929 by Robert Sengstacke Abbott, who is known as the father of Black journalism in Chicago. Abbott founded the Chicago Defender, a historically Black newspaper, in 1905. The papers early coverage played a significant role in encouraging the migration of Black residents from southern states to Chicago. It also included a childrens section, which evolved into a youth social club and ultimately into the annual Bud Billiken parade. Abbotts descendants, the Sengstacke family, have led the Chicago Defender and organized the parade for four generations. Ford said he finds the parade a great way to celebrate Black heritage and history while encouraging kids to get excited for the start of school. Its good to watch and look back on it instead of being in it, Ford said. Tantalizing aromas of barbecue smoke with a hint of lighter fluid drifted above King Drive as parade viewers turned hot dogs, hamburgers and sausages on portable grills. A dizzying array of snacks and sweets for sale could be found all along the parade route, including chicken wings, nachos, cupcakes, butter cookies and sno-cones. Destiny Alicia, 8, and Jeremiah Alicia, 11, enjoyed ice cream bars as they watched the parade go by 40th Street. The Alicia family relocated from Bronzeville to Tinley Park last year, but came back for Destiny and Jeremiahs second-ever Bud. Jeremiah Alicia said hes more excited for the parade than he is to start sixth grade. But Destiny Alicia, whos entering third grade, said she cant wait to meet her teacher. Their mother Stephanie Alicia, 41, has been attending the parade on and off for thirty years. Its the same old glory, Stephanie Alicia said. Its so much fun. And now you have kids! Destiny Alicia chimed in. Stephanie Alicia has been preparing for the start of school by attending free school supply giveaway events around the city. She was also excited to see marching bands, while Jeremiah and Destiny were fans of the dancers. Destiny hoped to see a float go by in pink and purple, her favorite colors. Im glad we were able to get down here, Stephanie Alicia said. Like in 2022, the police presence at this years parade was noticeably heavy. Groups of eight to 10 Chicago Police Department officers on bikes rode up and down the street to the right of the parade route, with additional officers and police cards lingering at the blockade every few feet. Joe Young, 49, attended the parade with his three nieces and nephews. When he would come with his parents and grandparents as a child, security was much lighter and he could sit directly on the curb, he said. When I was a kid, they didnt have these barriers, Young said. It was a little bit more intimate. Kayla Seals, 27, has been coming to the parade for 15 years. When she was younger, she said, Seals would look forward to lining up at the front of the barrier to greet floats and collect candy and toys from paraders. Now, Bud Billiken marks the start of back to school season for Seals, Tena Jon, and their two children, 10 and 4. The kids arent excited for school to start. But Im excited for them to get out of my house, joked Jon, 30. This is Jons second year attending the parade. In recent days, hes looked forward to returning to last years high energy and sense of community. I like how [The Bud] brings Chicago together, Jon said. The St. Johns Builders Council (SJBC), a regional council of The Northeast Florida Builders Association (NEFBA), embarked on a heartening collaboration with the Emergency Services and Homeless Coalition of St. Johns County (ESHC) to breathe new life into a century-old, single-family home nestled in West St. Augustine. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< Under the leadership of Seth Kelley from the MasterCraft Builder Group, who also helmed the SJBC Board in 2022, the council voted to adopt and rejuvenate the historic property at 61 Chapin Street on the Homeless Coalitions campus. This partnership aimed to convert the aged dwelling into a safe and welcoming haven for the Homeless Coalition. The goal was to offer stable housing and essential services to homeless families with children, facilitating their path toward self-sufficiency and a brighter future while breaking the cycle of homelessness. What the house looked like before restoration: The projects extensive renovations kicked off in earnest in October 2022. What was initially anticipated as minor restoration work swiftly transformed into a comprehensive endeavor touching various facets of home construction, encompassing rough carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, drywall, and more. In the spirit of preserving the homes historical significance while ensuring its safety and modern functionality, SJBC engaged suppliers, tradespeople, and NEFBA members to pool resources, materials, and expertise, reviving the houses essence and charm. After weeks of dedication from professionals and volunteers alike, SJBC successfully completed the task. On June 26th, they handed over the keys to Debi Redding, the Executive Director of ESHC, signifying the commencement of a new chapter in the houses legacy. On June 28th, a single mother and her young son moved in. The restoration expenses surpassed $53,000 in estimates. However, thanks to the collective generosity of over 36 individuals and companies within the building industry, and the determination of Seth Kelley and his team at MasterCraft, the projects impact on ESHCs finances was minimized. Remarkably, NEFBA, SJBC, and their members contributed over $11,000 beyond the renovation costs to bolster ESHCs ongoing mission of aiding the less fortunate. Kelley expressed his gratitude, stating, We couldnt have completed this project without the support of over 36 building partners and members. If we asked, they said yes nobody ever said no. Especially Jackie and Parker Rowland with Russell Rowland, Mitch Szymczyk with Tri-State Builders, Justin Shonk with Gleckler and Sons Construction and Building Materials, Jamie Warrington with Builders FirstSource, and Steve Brogdon with Brogdon Builders they were all so generous. Im extremely proud and humbled by this experience. Founded in 1944, the Northeast Florida Builders Association is a dynamic trade organization comprising local builders and affiliated businesses dedicated to the building industrys advancement. Affiliated with the Florida Home Builders Association and the National Association of Home Builders, NEFBAs mission includes promotion, education, involvement, and community service. With over 1,260 members, it ranks as Floridas largest local builders association and the fourth-largest in the nation, actively serving the construction industry in seven Florida counties. For more information about NEFBA, visit www.nefba.com. What the house looked like after restoration: [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. Passengers on a flight that left from Charlotte Douglas experienced scary moments as their plane dropped 15,000 feet in a matter of minutes. The flight took off from Charlotte Douglas on Thursday afternoon and was heading to Gainesville, Florida. It was operated by Piedmont Airlines, a subsidiary of American Airlines. American Airlines said the pilot received a notification about a pressurization issue and immediately descended to a lower altitude until the plane could land safely. The flights path shown on FlightAware shows it dropping in South Georgia before landing in Gainesville, Florida. After traveling at a steady altitude of 30,000, it dropped to 15,000 feet in just three minutes. The flight had 48 passengers and three crew members. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: American Airlines flight experiences issues after taking off from Charlotte Douglas Passengers described the experience to Channel 9s Erika Jackson. Juliana Fernandes said she and her family were traveling from D.C. to Gainesville on Thursday with a layover in Charlotte. She didnt really understand what was happening. Im an optimist, Fernandes said. I didnt think much about this. She added that halfway through the flight, oxygen masks were dropped for passengers to wear. I think we stayed for about 20 minutes without knowing what was going on, Fernandes said. Actually, we didnt get any information. Fernandes co-worker Harrison called the event traumatic. Those in the back of the plane felt the most effect of the drop, Fernandes said. RELATED: Passenger sticks out 18-hour delay, gets whole plane to himself They said that they smelled burning smells, noises and ear popping. she said. And things like that. But they were in the back of the airplane. No one was hurt, according to American Airlines. Piedmont Airlines says the pilot learned the plan had a pressurization issue and quickly descended to a lower altitude. A emergency upon landing was not declared. Fernandes said that the experience will change her outlook on future flights. If Im on a flight and the masks deploy again, automatically, Im going to put it on my face, she said. Passengers told Jackson the crew on board kept everyone calm and the one flight attendant made sure everyone had their masks on. (WATCH BELOW: Injuries reported after severe turbulence on flight from Asheville) A California based wine company has lost more than 2,000 bottles of wine and other alcoholic beverages to the city government after illegally fermenting their product in the ocean. Ocean Fathoms was required to turn over their stash to the Santa Barbara District Attorneys Office as part of their plea agreement, the district attorneys office wrote in a press release Wednesday. Local wastewater treatment plants took care of the alcohol and the glass bottles were recycled. The disposal of Ocean Fathoms wine was the result of a plea agreement, one where two of the three founders pled guilty to three misdemeanor charges for illegally discharging material into U.S. waters, selling alcohol without a license, in addition to aiding and abetting investor fraud, the press release said. Ocean Fathoms driven by scarcity of product According to the attorneys office, Emanuele Azzaretto and Todd Hahn began to dump crates of wine one mile from the Santa Barbara coast as early as 2017. Azzaretto and Hahn did not obtain the necessary permits from the California Coastal Commission or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers before placing the crates on the ocean floor. The appeal of aging wine in the ocean to Ocean Fathoms was the idea of scarcity. A single bottle of rare and unique wine can engender unbroken dinner conversation even through the rise of the next morning sun. However, to most, scarcity is expensive; to the affluent its simply a part of The Story according to the Ocean Fathoms website. Those cases were left on the ocean floor for over a year, just long enough for a reef ecosystem to develop on the crates and bottles. The motive for engaging in this unlawful operation was financial, and the Peoples complaint alleged that nearly every aspect of their business was conducted in violation of state or federal law, the attorneys office wrote. Wine brewed in the ocean is not safe The business partners began to sell the bottles of wine for about $500 despite the Food and Drug Administrations warning that the wine was not fit for human consumption because it was submerged in the ocean and potentially contaminated. They also lacked federally approved labeling on the wine, an Alcoholic Beverage Control sales permit or business license, and were not paying the state of California sales tax. Ocean Fathoms also advertised that it would be donating a portion of its profits to a local environmental nonprofit, but there was no evidence to indicate that any donations occurred. The pair was required to pay one of their investors back and are not allowed to continue operating their business in any way that violates state or federal law. This case involved individuals who operated with complete disregard for our consumer and environmental laws The case highlights the importance of our offices relationship with outside agencies and it demonstrates our commitment to holding companies and individuals accountable for violating all types of consumer and environmental laws. District Attorney John T. Savrnoch wrote. Ocean Fathoms has not returned USA Todays request for comment. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: California wine company loses products over illegal fermenting process Striking California workers would be eligible for unemployment benefits if lawmakers approve a proposal that Democrats plan to introduce in the final stretch of the legislative year. The last-minute effort, first reported by Politico, comes as hundreds of thousands of California laborers including actors, writers, hotel workers and municipal employees have walked off the job during a summer ripe with union activity. Sen. Anthony Portantino, a Southern California Democrat who also chairs the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, confirmed to The Bee on Friday that he will carry the bill. The legislation is not yet in print, but Portantino said he hopes to change that within the next 10 days. Co-authors include Democratic Assembly members Laura Friedman and Chris Holden, Politico reported. Respect is hard to legislate but helping people pay their rent and feed their kids during these unprecedented times will lead to a better economic outcome for all, Portantino said in a statement to The Sacramento Bee through spokesperson Lerna Kayserian Shirinian. The bill is sponsored by the California Labor Federation, whose leader, former Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, previously introduced the bill in 2019. That bill failed and received intense backlash from industry groups ranging from grocers to hospitals. You really realize the longer the strike goes, the more leverage the employer has, Gonzalez Fletcher told The Bee in 2019. Workers sometimes have to agree to cuts to health care, to their retirement, just to insure they can put food on the table. At the time, an opposition letter from the California Chamber of Commerce said the bill would fundamentally change unemployment insurance by offering it to employees who are not actively looking for work and who have a job waiting for them once the dispute is settled. Legislators cant introduce new bills, but they can overhaul an existing bill that they no longer wish to pursue and repurpose it with new language a workaround known by some as a gut-and-amend. Lawmakers return from recess on Monday. A Southern California judge has been charged with murder in the fatal shooting of his wife. Orange County Superior Court Judge Jeffery Ferguson, 72, is accused of killing his wife Sheryl Ferguson, 65, at their Anaheim Hills home on August 3 after an argument at a nearby restaurant. Prosecutors claim in court documents that Ferguson threatened his wife during dinner by pointing his finger at her in a manner mimicking a firearm. When the couple returned home, prosecutors claim, Sheryl Ferguson dared her husband to shoot her, saying, Why dont you point a real gun at me? He then pulled out a pistol from his ankle holster and shot her, they say. Within minutes, documents say, Ferguson sent a text message to his court clerk and bailiff: I just lost it. I just shot my wife. I wont be in tomorrow. I will be in custody. I am so sorry. Jeffrey Ferguson - Anaheim Police Department/AP The Anaheim Police Department arrested Ferguson after his adult son called 911 to report that his mother had been shot, the Orange County District Attorneys Office said. Prosecutors say they recovered 47 weapons including rifles, shotguns, and handguns, and more than 26,000 rounds of ammunition from his home. Prosecutors say Ferguson was drunk when he shot his wife. He was charged with one felony count of murder, one felony enhancement of personal use of a firearm, and one felony enhancement of discharge of a firearm causing great bodily injury and death. He was released from custody the next day after posting $1 million in bond. Fergusons attorneys Paul Meyer and John Barnett told CNN, This is a tragedy for the entire Ferguson family. It was an accident and nothing more. Ferguson has served as an Orange County Superior Court judge since 2015. Before election, he was a prosecutor for the Orange County District Attorneys Office, beginning in 1983. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The Murrieta Valley Unified School District in Southern California has adopted a policy requiring faculty and staff to out transgender and gender-nonconforming students to their parents. The districts board of trustees approved the policy by a 3-2 vote Thursday night after a meeting that saw impassioned statements by both supporters and opponents, the Los Angeles Times reports. As a parent myself, I cant help but think how anti-family the current state guidance is, said Jessica Tapia, who supported the proposal. The California Department of Education has advised that students are entitled to privacy about their gender identity under the states constitution. Tapia is a former high school teacher who alleged the Jurupa Unified School District fired her for refusing to comply with gender-affirming policies, and shes suing the district, the Times notes. But people dont choose to be transgender; they are transgender, said another parent, Marinna De Brauwere, according to the paper. School may be the one and only affirming space for these transgender youth. Board members likewise expressed differing opinions, L.A. TV station KABC reports. I do think that passing it sends a strong signal to the community that we stand with parental rights, trustee Nicolas Pardue said. On that note, I would say that passing this board policy sends a clear message to our students that they are not safe in our schools, trustee Linda Lunn replied. The boards student trustee had urged other trustees to vote against it. California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond had advised the board not to consider the policy, which was proposed by board President Paul F. Diffley III, and the districts attorney had cautioned that it might bring about legal action. In an interview with the Times before Thursdays meeting, Diffley said, As a parent, I would want to know about everything that concerns my childs mental health and physical health while theyre at school. I dont think there should be anything hidden because I have a fundamental right as a parent to bring up my child. ... If I cant get all the information I need to have to have a reasonable discussion with my child, then the school is not doing its job. Another Southern California school district, Chino Valley Unified, recently adopted a similar policy, along with limits on what flags can be displayed (it excludes the LGBTQ+ Pride flag). The California attorney general has opened a civil rights investigation into the district, and the teachers union for Chino Valley has filed an unfair practice charge objecting to the policy. Yet another area district, Temecula Valley Unified, saw controversy over LGBTQ+ issues this year, with its board initially refusing to adopt an inclusive social studies textbook with supplemental materials that mentioned groundbreaking San Francisco gay politician Harvey Milk. One board member called Milk a pedophile. The board, under threat of a fine from the state, later OKd the curriculum but placed a hold on materials about Milk and the LGBTQ+ rights movement pending further review. The district remains under investigation by the California Department of Education and attorney general. California AG Rob Bonta issued a statement condemning Murrieta Valley's action but did not say if there would be an investigation. I am deeply disturbed to learn another school district has put at risk the safety and privacy of transgender and gender nonconforming students by adopting a forced outing policy, he said. My office remains committed to ensuring school policies do not target or seek to discriminate against Californias most vulnerable communities. California will not stand for violations of our students civil rights. Oregonians love to complain about all the Californians moving into the state. But it turns out, a few other states may have more reason to gripe. According to moving information tech company moveBuddha, 4.36% of California's moves so far this year have been to Oregon. But several other states are getting a higher portion of Californians: Florida: 7.49% Washington: 6.77% New York: 6.77% Arizona: 4.91% So who else is moving to Oregon? According to moveBudha's analysis based on searches made by people planning a move or looking to hire a moving company, there's also high interest in Oregon from residents of Nevada, Denver and Austin. U.S. Census data from 2016 to 2020 shows Marion, Lane and Polk counties' new residents are most often from other Oregon counties, California, Arizona and Hawaii. And where are Oregonians moving? Hawaii, Arizona, Montana, California, Colorado and Idaho are popular. Generally, data indicates people are looking for more affordable cities and areas with more open space continuing to reflect changes seen during the pandemic and the continuation of remote work. The southeastern United States is popular, and there's been a spike in interest in Hawaii. Oregon last year held steady, with about 100 moves into the state for every 100 moves out of it. In 2021, there were 106 moves into the state for every 100 moves out of it, and in 2000 there were 150 moves into the state for every 100 moves out of it. California, Louisiana, Illinois and New York were among the states that lost more people than they gained. Alaska, Hawaii, Montana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Maine and Vermont were among the biggest gainers of people. This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Are Californians all moving to Oregon? What the data shows A Chicago police officer and his sister were found guilty Friday of breaching the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, after a federal jury trial. Karol Chwiesiuk was charged in 2021 in a criminal complaint in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., with five misdemeanor counts, including entering a restricted building, disrupting government business and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds with intent to impede a congressional proceeding. His sister Agnieszka Chwiesiuk was charged with four misdemeanor counts. Jurors began deliberating Friday morning in D.C. after attorneys delivered closing arguments the previous day, according to court records. The trial began Monday with jury selection. The jury convicted Chwiesiuk of four of the charges related to breaching the Capitol building, but it acquitted him of a charge that accused him of entering a Democratic senators office. The criminal complaint had alleged that Chwiesiuk broke into Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkleys office and took a selfie while he wore a hooded sweatshirt with a Chicago Police Department logo on it. Prosecutors also accused him of sending texts to a friend that said, Busy planning how to (expletive) up commies two days before traveling to the capital for a rally for then-President Donald Trump. On Jan. 6, prosecutors alleged, Chwiesiuk texted the same friend, We inside the capital lmfao. After the siege made national news, the friend texted Chwiesiuk about it, who replied Yeah I was there and, with a racial slur, (Expletive) dont snitch. When agents went to arrest Karol Chwiesiuk at the familys home on the Northwest Side in June 2021, his sister spontaneously asked if they were going to arrest her too, according to the complaint. They told her they were not detaining her, but later recovered photographs from her brothers damaged cellphone that showed the two of them at the rally and later inside the Capitol, the complaint said. After Karol Chwiesiuks arrest, his lawyer told the Chicago Tribune he had been a Chicago police officer since 2018 and was most recently assigned to patrol the Harrison District. At the time, he was stripped of his police powers and reassigned to desk duty. Then-Chicago police Superintendent David Brown at the time said the charges against the officer made his blood boil. And yes, if these allegations are true, it breaks my heart. Participating in the siege on the Capitol in any way was a betrayal of everything we stand for, the oath (and) the law, he said at a 2021 news conference. _____ Former Chief Financial Officer James Miller of Barrett Business Services has been sentenced to 15 days in federal prison after faking the companys 2013 annual report. The court says that Miller cooked the books to hide increases in expenses while illegally inflating the companys worth. Between 2012 and 2013, Miller made entries that understated the amount workers compensation packages had increased, and instead, chose to attribute $12 million to compensation expenses for taxes and other costs. According to the court, Millers entries violated accounting principles while concealing important trends from the companys worth for investors. After falsifying each entry Miller told staff to initial the entry which made it look like the staff account had made the entries instead. After doing this he sold thousands of company shares, making $2.4 million in just two days. As a former auditor and CPA, Mr. Miller understood the importance of accurately disclosing financial information, said prosecuting U.S. Attorney Gorman. Nevertheless, he made fraudulent entries 29 times, totaling over $12 million. He cooked the books and then certified the financial reports as accurate keeping shareholders and company executives in the dark about the fraudulent entries for three years. Ten-year-old Miao Chunyou screamed for her mum as she disappeared into a brown torrent that had engulfed western Beijing. The strong currents ripped Miao from her father's grip as floods, triggered by incessant rains, chased the family of three to the roof of a neighbour's house. Her mother, clinging to a tree branch, watched helplessly. That was the last time she saw Miao. More than 10 days have passed but the couple has heard no news about their daughter. "It was like a scene from a movie, with huge, furious waves," Miao's mother tells the BBC. She only shared her last name, Chang. China is no stranger to floods, but July saw a trio of typhoons from the Pacific Ocean over three weeks, which exacerbated seasonal monsoon rains. Two of the three made landfall in the country, including super typhoon Doksuri, which churned slowly over large areas of north-west China for several days, inundating Beijing and surrounding provinces such as Hebei. That week, the Chinese capital experienced the most rainfall in 140 years. Sixty-two people have so far been confirmed dead in the deluge - 33 from Beijing and 29 from neighbouring Hebei province. Miao was swallowed by water "as high as two adults, one standing on the other", her mother says. "Villagers in their 70s or 80s said they had never seen floods this big in their lives." She says that it had been raining heavily until July 30, when the downpour eased. The family believed the worst had passed, but stayed home, worried that going outside could expose them to mudslides. But the following morning "the rain came down heavily", Ms Chang said. As water rapidly filled the house, she and her husband tried to pump it out. But within half hour, flood water and mud smashed through the front wall. This is the last photo Miao's family took of the 10-year-old Mr Chang is a migrant worker and spends much of the year in Beijing, where he sells spices. His wife and daughter were visiting him from Henan when the rains began. The three had mostly been apart during years of zero-Covid rules, and this was had been a much-awaited reunion. They had planned to visit Tiananmen square the day they lost Miao to the flood. Ms Chang and her husband adopted Miao as a baby. They have two older sons, 27-year-old twins, who were back home in Henan province in central China when the flood hit. Distraught at what happened to their sister, one of them is unable to even speak, Ms Chang says. China's flood control system allows for water to be diverted from major cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Tianjin to surrounding areas. During the floods, Hebei's Party Secretary Ni Yuefeng proudly declared that his province would act as a "moat" to protect Beijing, stirring anger among his constituents, who said the speed with which the flood waters hit caught them by surprise. Wan, who wished to reveal only his last name, lives in Beijing but was alerted to a distress message on WeChat on 2 August. The mountain village of Tangjiazhuang in Hebei province, where his family lives, was hit by a landslide two days earlier. It had cut off the village of 2,000 mostly elderly people. Some families had gathered there for the cool highland weather because parts of China had sweltered in heat waves before the typhoons brought deadly rains. Mr Wan says he rushed to Tangjiazhuang with his wife to rescue their relatives. But they were stopped at a neighbouring village by neck-deep water. Undeterred, they took an alternate route that involved a an uphill three-hour hike. The terrain caused him to slip and twist his ankle. "When we finally got there, all we saw was an ocean, with nothing left," Mr Wan's wife recalls. Severe damage to road networks is apparent in aerial views Rescuers reached Tangjiazhuang on 3 August, three days after the landslide, and a day after the Wan couple found the village where their family had been in ruins. Local authorities counted 10 people dead and 18 others missing. Mr Wan, citing anecdotal reports, says the death toll is likely higher than official tallies. Mr Wan says seven of his relatives are either dead or missing, including his two nephews, aged seven and four. He reads out their names: "Wan Hanying, my second uncle, Li Shulan, my second aunt, Wan Hechun, my third uncle, Jing Zhizhen, my third aunt, Wan Gongle, my sister, her children, Li Jiaqi and Li Jiaxin." China's state-run media, which has released death tolls outside Beijing over several days, has focused on the rescue efforts, with headlines such as: "There is a sense of security called the People's Liberation Army" and "Shandong rescue team work in floods, starving, with hands shaking uncontrollably from the cold". But that did not stop those on social media form noticing that President Xi Jinping did not visit any of the sites where disaster struck, unlike his predecessors. He did call for an "all-out" flood rescue effort, a message that was carried prominently on state media. Instead on 31 July, as parts of north-east China were submerged, and Miao was swept away, Mr Xi attended a ceremony in Beijing to promote generals in the Central Military Commission. A little girl in waterlogged street in Tianjin Mr Xi could be asserting his status as a princeling, or someone born to a Communist Party official, says Dr Ming Xia, a professor of political science and global affairs at the City University of New York. "He draws more legitimacy from the revolutionary tradition and does not urgently seek to derive some legitimacy from public opinion, as his predecessors Hu Jintao and Wen Jiabao, who were born into ordinary families, did." As the floods receded, people have begun piecing their lives back together, shovelling mud out of their homes, and washing clothes and appliances that have turned brown. But scientists say climate change will spawn stronger, more frequent typhoons like Doksuri. For Mr Wan, it is all too much. "The mountain still has fissures and future dangers are certain," he says. "We definitely won't live there anymore." Better cancer treatments, advances in longevity, groundbreaking medicines and vaccines: these are just some of the potential prizes on offer in an emerging global race to advance the biosciences. And China has been pouring billions of dollars into its efforts to become the preeminent force, with experts claiming its massive population of 1.4 billion people can provide a treasure trove of data. Vast amounts of this data already exists in biobanks and research centers around the country but the government is now launching a national genetic survey to collect information about and assert more oversight over these resources, say experts. In recent years, authorities have also been tightening controls around foreign access to this data in contrast to the many Western nations that have pledged to open up information for global sharing. The national survey and restrictions on foreign access are part of new regulations on Chinas genetic resources, which came into effect in July. A Chinese scientist works at a medical genetics laboratory at the Central South University in Changsha, China, in 2006. - Guang Niu/Getty Images However, some experts have warned that this genetic hoarding could make global research cooperation more difficult and potentially backfire on China. The government wants to have a very tight hand in this area as they realize this has a huge economic potential, but China needs international collaboration to realize that potential, said Joy Y. Zhang, director of the Centre for Global Science and Epistemic Justice. Zhang attended consultation meetings during the drafting of the new regulations. Currently youre just having a gold mine right at your door, but you actually dont know how to mine it, she said. The biosciences boom Theres a lot at stake: the genetic building blocks that make up our bodies could unlock discoveries with wide-ranging effects, from health care and the economy to national defense and biosafety. In recent years, Chinese scientists and authorities have emphasized how genetic material could be useful in studying and treating diseases; developing pharmaceuticals and medical devices; and in better understanding how birth defects are formed or how genes contribute to a persons longevity particularly important given Chinas looming demographic crisis as its birth rate falls and workforce ages. And the countrys genetics could offer a strategic resource and a treasure trove, thanks to the sheer number of people and its healthy and long-lived populations, officials have claimed though scientists caveat that each countrys genetic population is valuable in its own way. A medical worker performs genetic testing on embryos at the Shanxi Province Reproductive Science Institute in Taiyuan, China, on November 29, 2018. - Wei Liang/ICHPL Imaginechina/AP Reflecting this heightened focus, new research centers have popped up in various parts of China, with publicly listed biopharma companies worth hundreds of billions of dollars. In 2015, the government said its database was the worlds largest, with some 44 million entries, according to Chinese academics. The ruling Communist Party has thrown its support behind the boom, identifying biotechnology as one of the strategic emerging industries the country will focus on developing in the governments latest five-year policy plan. China has amassed the largest genomic holdings of anywhere in the world, Anna Puglisi, director of biotechnology programs at Georgetowns Center for Security and Emerging Technology, told a US Senate hearing on national security in 2021. A medical worker performs genetic testing at the Shanxi Province Reproductive Science Institute in Taiyuan, China, on November 29, 2018. - Wei Liang/ICHPL Imaginechina/AP Understanding what genes do is one of the most important questions in the next generation of both medicine and also biological research, Puglisi added. Access to that kind of data, both their own and from other places in the world, gives them an advantage in figuring out some of those problems. There are signs the United States Chinas longstanding rival in technology, regional influence, military might and economic power is feeling the pressure. Several reports from think tanks and research groups warn that the US risks losing its competitive advantage. But others say it could take years yet for that gap to close. And, Zhang said, the disorganized, scattered nature of Chinas existing databases poses a challenge one the government is now attempting to tackle. The national genetic survey Biobanking in China meaning the collection of biological samples is still very fragmented, and in an embryonic stage, said Zhang. For starters, its difficult to share data even domestically, such as trying to access data banks in different provinces with separate jurisdictions, she said. Furthermore, many smaller institutions dont have the proper infrastructure to curate, identify and store genetic material in a way that makes it usable in scientific research. Running a biobank costs a lot of money, and not being able to use the data or material thats been collected is a waste of resource, she said. China is hoping to take better stock of this data with the recently enacted rules, which expand upon a previous set of regulations introduced in 2019. One of the biggest developments includes the outlining of a national survey of human genetic resources, which aims to centralize and standardize existing data, from institutes and research centers, said Zhang. The survey will be held every five years, with provincial authorities compiling information in their regions then submitting it to the national science ministry, according to the new rules. The rules place emphasis on important genetic families and residents of specific regions, such as people with hereditary diseases or special physical characteristics or adaptive traits. But the rules published are vague, with few specifics on the scope or methodology of this survey, including what kinds of institutions or data will be included. Katherine Wang, a partner at global law firm Ropes & Gray who focus on life sciences, said the science ministry hadnt yet specified the contents or areas of focus of this exercise. However, she said, the survey would likely involve analysis of data already captured by the (ministry), such as information on important genetic pedigrees submitted by organizations and individuals as well as newly collected data. The ministry will likely create a catalogue of important genetic pedigrees and conduct security reviews of the outbound transfer of relevant data, Wang added. The passing of the rules come alongside questions how to protect individuals privacy in the age of biodata, especially in a country with heavy digital surveillance. The regulations assert that the collection of genetic resources in China will respect the privacy rights of their donors, come with written informed consent, and comply with an ethical review. A signboard of Chinese genome giant BGI Group in Wuhan, China, photographed on September 10, 2018. - Sun Xinming/ICHPL Imaginechina/AP But several recent incidents have highlighted the risk of data breaches. For instance, a massive online database with the personal information of up to one billion Chinese citizens was left unsecured and publicly accessible for more than a year until an anonymous user offered to sell the data in 2022. There have also been longstanding concerns from the international community about Chinas use of genetic data in policing especially after reports that authorities were collecting DNA samples and other biometric data from millions of residents in the far-west region of Xinijang, home to the Muslim Uyghur community and other ethnic minorities. China has long faced accusations of human rights violations in Xinjiang, which it has repeatedly denied. But these concerns arent new and the national genetic survey seems to be geared more toward scientific research than other purposes, several experts agreed. The government has always had the intention to have better visibility over important genetic pedigrees and important genetic resources concerning minority races, said Wang. So in this context, I think the survey is trying to provide a tool or means for the government to establish that visibility. CNN has reached out to the Ministry of Science and Technology for comment on its privacy protection measures. Cracking down on foreign usage With DNA increasingly seen as a valuable natural resource like oil or land, China is keen to protect its peoples genes to the alarm of some scientists who fear the loss of international collaboration. The initial 2019 regulations forbade foreign entities from collecting Chinese genetic material or providing that material abroad, largely to prevent them from using it for typical commercial purposes such as genomic sequencing services, Wang said. Though research collaborations like clinical studies are still allowed, they face much tighter scrutiny, with foreign parties and their Chinese partners required to notify the authorities and receive governmental approval with the new regulations including additional details on this process and stipulations for mandatory security reviews in certain circumstances. The changes come alongside an increasing emphasis on national security under Chinese leader Xi Jinping, with Beijing ramping up laws across a range of priority concerns from counter-espionage to biosecurity. The approach on human genetic resources is so stringent it basically grants exclusive access to Chinese nationals based in China to conduct this research, said Zhang, the global science center director. Chinese scientist He Jiankui speaks at a conference on human genome editing in Hong Kong on November 28, 2018. - Anthony Wallace/AFP/Getty Images There are a few reasons for this approach. Officials have said tighter restrictions are necessary to prevent the illegal outflow of Chinese genetic material perhaps reflecting the lingering impact of an infamous case near the turn of the century, when a Harvard scientist was accused of collecting genetic samples from poor Chinese farmers without proper informed consent, Zhang said. Other unethical examples cited by Chinese authorities include He Jiankui, the Chinese scientist who was widely condemned after creating the worlds first gene-edited babies in China in 2018. But China has another motive, too: establishing what some experts call genomic sovereignty, meaning full control of the genetic material within their country. While many other countries also have laws regulating the use and transfer of their populations genetic material, few are as strict as Chinas. For instance, the UK Biobank, a database supported by the governments National Health Service, provides anonymized genetic data from UK residents to researchers around the world who use it to make new scientific discoveries, according to the biobanks site. Similarly in the US, the government agency National Institutes of Health (NIH) runs a database of genomic information generated by NIH-funded research which eligible scientists around the world can apply to access. The NIH website calls genomic data a critical shared resource, adding that the timely sharing of research results can accelerate discoveries benefiting the wider scientific community. By contrast, Zhang said, China seems to have adopted the exact opposite approach China is closing things down, it just wants to keep everything domestic and looking inward. CNN has reached out to the Ministry of Science and Technology for comment on these data-sharing concerns. This could have broader implications for scientists ability to work with international peers with US-China collaborations already plummeting thanks to worsening political tensions, and Chinese researchers isolation during the Covid-19 pandemic. All this could ultimately hinder Chinas own hopes to break boundaries and rise above the competition. Chinese life sciences is a major power in the world, but is not yet a superpower. In a lot of cutting edge areas it still relies on international collaborations, Zhang said. Scientific advancement today looks very different from just a few decades ago, she added: Nowadays were talking about big data, were talking about mining the data. And in this context, restricting access will only be harmful to China. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Republican presidential hopeful Chris Christie said on Friday that GOP rival, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, sounds like a really angry guy and questioned whether he cares about healing the divide in the country. He sounds like a really angry guy, Christie said at a WMUR town hall in New Hampshire. Hes squinting his eyes all the time and pissed about something, you know. So, Im skeptical, right. Im skeptical that somebody whos that angry cares about healing the divide or has the ability to do it. The former New Jersey governor took aim at DeSantis earlier this week as well, as the Florida governor has continued to slip in the polls despite efforts to reset his struggling campaign. Top Stories from The Hill A recent NH Journal/co-efficient poll showed Christie and DeSantis tied in second place in New Hampshire with 9 percent support, while former President Trump lead the Republican field with 43 percent. We feel like its really moving in our direction, Christie said on Fox News on Wednesday. Our momentum is going the right way; Governor DeSantis is going in the wrong direction. So our first job is to get past Gov. DeSantis in New Hampshire, he added. Now, we need to pass him. And then were going to take on Donald Trump, one-on-one. The Hill Elections 2024 coverage Christie has largely focused his efforts on the Granite State instead of Iowa, where he is notably absent from this weekends state fair, which has drawn many of the other GOP candidates. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Few candidates have been as aggressive in their attacks against former President Trump or shown the ability to get under the former presidents skin quite like Chris Christie. While the former New Jersey governor is occasionally quizzed at town halls and in TV interviews about his policy positions, his frequent and at times personal criticisms of Trump have garnered him headlines and raised the question of whether he can make waves in the primary field either with his candidacy or by derailing Trumps. Trump has called Christie a fat pig, a failed governor and sloppy, and he posted an unflattering photo on social media of Christie sleeping on an airplane. He has blamed Christie for recommending the appointment of FBI Director Christopher Wray, who has become a lightning rod for criticism on the right. Christie has responded every step of the way, or in some instances triggered Trumps ire, calling the former president a failed leader, a coward, a one-man crime wave, and suggesting if the two fought, he would kick his ass. His campaign slogan Because the Truth Matters is a thinly veiled retort to Trump and his frequent falsehoods. Christie was quick to endorse Trump after dropping out of the 2016 primary race. He was a candidate to serve as Trumps White House chief of staff at one point, and the former governor aided in Trumps debate prep in 2020. But there is no love lost between the two men now, with Christie citing Trumps refusal to accept the 2020 election results as a turning point. And the former governors insults are one part of his larger argument that Trump would cost the GOP in a general election. And thats why I need to stand up and make sure the truth is told about this, Christie said this week on Fox News. And, quite frankly, I dont understand why my other colleagues in this race are not saying it, except that either theyre unwilling or too scared to do it. Im neither. No holds barred Christie has laid out his policy views on support for Ukraine he is supportive while Trump opposes more aid and abortion, where both he and Trump are anti-abortion but favor exceptions for cases of rape, incest and to protect the life of the mother. But it is his no-holds-barred approach to attacking Trumps character and fitness for office that has garnered Christie headlines and helped make him a regular presence on CNN, Fox News and Sunday morning news shows. Christie has drawn the interest of enough donors and voters to make the stage for the first GOP primary debate later this month in Milwaukee. But its less clear whether its a strategy for long-term success in a Republican primary. Hes running reportedly on a platform of, Weve got to stop Donald Trump from being president. The problem hes got is he needs voters who like Donald Trump a lot to be able to come and vote for him. I think its a hard road for Gov. Christie, Justin Clark, Trumps former deputy campaign manager, said on a podcast he hosts with former Christie aide and ex-Trump campaign manager Bill Stepien. Christie has more or less ignored Iowa, which will host the first caucus on the primary calendar next January. Instead, he has put all of his efforts into courting voters in New Hampshire, a more purplish state that is more likely to be receptive to his message. An NH Journal/co-efficient poll published this week found Trump receiving 43 percent in New Hampshire, with Christie and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) tied in second place at 9 percent. A University of New Hampshire poll published in mid-July found 6 percent of likely GOP primary voters picked Christie as their first-choice candidate, behind Sen. Tim Scott (S.C.) (8 percent), Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (23 percent) and Trump (37 percent). The same poll found that while Christie had seen a 5 percent boost in his support in the Granite State since April, 35 percent of likely primary voters said they would not vote for him under any circumstances, more than any other candidate. His pathway is hoping that the field dramatically clears out after Iowa and he somehow catches fire and shocks the world in New Hampshire, said Alex Conant, who worked on Sen. Marco Rubios (R-Fla.) 2016 presidential campaign. I think he wants to start a fight with Trump, but I think hed be happy to throw some haymakers at other candidates, he added. I think thats how he can increase his relevance, by landing punches. And I fully expect hell try to do that regardless of who else shows up [to the debate]. Building momentum Christie this week argued his campaign is building momentum, and he suggested most voters wont truly start paying attention until the first debate later this month. Trump has indicated he may not attend the debate, scheduled for Aug. 23 in Milwaukee. The former governors bare-knuckle style and background as a federal prosecutor make him a formidable opponent on the debate stage, as evidenced by his dismantling of Rubio during a 2016 presidential primary debate when Christie mocked the senator for reciting the same talking points repeatedly. Some strategists argue that whether or not Christie is ultimately the nominee, his candidacy serves a worthwhile purpose as many in the party remain concerned about Trumps electability and other anti-Trump voices, like Will Hurd and Asa Hutchinson, fail to break through. I think its something that Republican voters have to continually be confronted with, that Trump is unelectable and all the other things that Christie is pointing out, said Rob Stutzman, a California-based GOP strategist. Ironically its much like the role he played in being the hammer to Marco Rubio being the nail back in 2016, Stutzman said. Hes once again the hammer, and Trump this time is the nail. And [Christie] didnt win New Hampshire, but he effectively wiped out another candidate. I think its incredibly valuable that theres someone out there doing it and someone who can go toe to toe with Trump. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Earlier this year, hundreds of New York City retirees protested the city's plan to change their healthcare. (Luiz C. Ribeiro / Getty Images) More than half a century ago, while working as a teenage playground aide, I made my first payroll-deducted contributions to Social Security and Medicare. Recently the federal government sent me a letter informing me that Im about to begin collecting on my investment. Thats good news, but in a perfect world, thered be less paperwork and bureaucracy as you get older, and fewer hard choices and confusing options. With Social Security, youve got to decide whether to begin collecting at lower monthly amounts in your early to mid-60s or wait for the maximum payout at 70. Its a roll of the dice either way. I went with the latter, which meant leaving money on the table while worrying that Ill drop dead 10 minutes after getting my first check this October, when I turn 70. Medicare is a more complicated consideration. Its been a while since I looked inside a can of alphabet soup, but thats what were talking about in the big bowl of Medicare options. You have to get familiar with Parts A and B, and also Parts C and D. And then youve got the Medigap Plans, which supplement A and B and go all the way up through Plan N. For clarification, I visited a Medicare website that offered comparisons of Plans A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M and N, along with this helpful tip: The Medigap policy will only pay your coinsurance after youve paid the deductible (unless the Medigap policy also covers your deductible). I dont' speak gibberish, but it doesn't sound good. And I'm struck by what you dont get with basic Medicare coverage, known as Parts A and B. Read more: Medicare Advantage was meant to curb federal healthcare spending. Its costing more instead I'm glad it covers the catastrophic, said Bob Yates, a Pacific Palisades resident who shares his thoughts with me on the joys of aging. But what kind of healthcare plan doesn't cover teeth, ears, eyes and prostates? Exactly, and just when all those parts begin to fail. The basic plan doesnt cover prescriptions, either, just as you realize you need a small village of plastic pill compartments. But fear not, because coverage for vision, hearing, dental and prescription is available in one of the many Medicare Advantage plans, which are also known as Part C, and please dont ask me why. Im not lying when I tell you that on Wednesday afternoon, while trying to wade through all of this, I began seeing waves of bright light roll across my computer screen. I assumed my head was exploding, for which Part A would probably cover hospitalization, but youd need Part B for an aspirin. I reached a doctor who asked me to describe the symptoms. Read more: How to avoid Medicare late enrollment penalties Do you have a headache? he asked. Yes, I said. He told me Id had a visual aura migraine. No doubt, and with good reason. Beneficiaries are confused, and theyre overwhelmed by the choices, said Jeannie Fuglesten Biniek, a Medicare expert for KFF, a healthcare policy nonprofit. Theyre also overwhelmed by the ads on TV. In fact, the Biden administration launched a crackdown this year on inaccurate marketing pitches for Medicare Advantage plans, which cover roughly half of all beneficiaries. And some of the biggest Advantage insurers have been accused of raking in billions by exploiting Medicare. In a just world, those profiteers would be ordered to cover the millions of people including children now at risk of losing Medicaid because pandemic extensions have ended. But there is no just world, and no perfect healthcare system, including Medicare. The good news, said Fuglesten Biniek, is that the vast majority of beneficiaries are satisfied with Medicare, whatever their plan. Read more: Column: These family robots can play trivia and act as security. Can they cure loneliness? But which one is right for me? As someone with titanium knees and a pacemaker, Id like to make sure Ive got a fighting chance to keep cashing the Social Security checks. And I'll probably need them, because no Medicare plan covers the biggest medical bill many of us will ever have long-term care in nursing homes and private residences. When I got my Social Security payment notice, the same envelope contained an updated Medicare card. Ive had Part A (hospitalization coverage) since turning 65, and now Part B (basic medical) has been added, effective in 2024. I reached out to Tatiana Fassieux, a training specialist with California Health Advocates, a Medicare advocacy nonprofit, and learned two things. First, I will have to pay for Medicare when Part B kicks in next year, and the cost ($164.90) will be deducted monthly from my Social Security checks. Second, I don't need Part B as long as Im still working and covered by employer-sponsored healthcare. Dont laugh, but I didnt know you had to pay for basic Medicare coverage. And I dont know how I ended up with Part B if I dont need it. Did I make a mistake when I filed my Social Security application? Maybe there was a box you checked, said Fassieux, who advised me to call Social Security immediately. Read more: Column: They each lost almost $80,000. How to avoid becoming the next scam victim Before I cancel Part B, I need to line up my company plan against a Medicare plan and compare premiums, caps, out-of-pocket expenses and whats covered and not. Speaking of which, it was a bit unnerving to hear Fassieux a Medicare expert tell me she was worn out trying to unravel a coverage dispute involving her mother, who had taken a fall and was in recovery. If youre frazzled by coverage options, Fassieux said, you can call 1-800-434-0222 and speak to a counselor at the state-sponsored Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program. Or you can call a private Medicare insurance broker, or several, and do some comparison shopping. I called Judy Flowers, with Williams Insurance in Fullerton, and told her I had just entered the Medicare maze. When people call me feeling the same way youre feeling now, Flowers said, my job is to keep them calm and walk them through it. She gave me two sample options. A Medicare Supplement Gx plan, along with an additional prescription plan, would cost roughly $400 a month. It would include vision, dental and hearing, and allow me to see doctors of my choosing. The second, a Medicare Advantage Plan HMO, would cost less than half as much and cover the basics plus vision, dental, hearing and prescriptions, but limit me to a prescribed network of doctors. Its a lot to consider, with loads of fine print on caps, co-pays and whatnot, and there are more than 40 Advantage plans to choose from. I hope at least one of them covers visual aura migraines, but for my health, Im trying to remain calm. steve.lopez@latimes.com 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. Iran's naval special forces carrying by a military speedboat past a portrait of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a military parade marking Iran's Army Day anniversary near the Imam Khomeini shrine in the south of Tehran. Morteza Nikoubazl/NurPhoto via Getty Images The US Navy is warning commercial ships to avoid traveling near Iranian territory. Iranian forces have already seized two oil tankers this year. Attacks on ships in the region have increased ever since Trump pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal. A US Navy official on Saturday warned shippers traversing waters near Iran to stay "as far away" as possible from the Islamic Republic's territorial waters amid fears that a boat could be seized in the coming days. Already this year Iran has seized two oil tankers, one traveling through the Strait of Hormuz and another in the Gulf of Oman, including one carrying crude oil for Chevron. Iran has claimed, without evidence, that the seizures were carried out due to regulatory and safety issues. Speaking to the Associated Press, US Navy Cmdr. Timothy Hawkins said ships "are being advised to transit as far away from Iranian territorial waters as possible," noting a warning issued by the US-based International Maritime Security Construct. A European maritime organization has also warned that a ship could be seized "in the next 12 to 72 hours," according to a private intelligence analysis cited by the AP. Since 2021, Iran has "harassed, attacked, or interfered with" the navigation rights of 15 internationally flagged merchant ships, according to the US Navy. That has prompted the Biden administration to deploy more military assets in the region and to consider placing US soldiers on certain commercial vessels, a move meant to dissuade Iran from trying to thwart their passage but which critics, including the Islamic Republic itself, say could escalate tensions. Attacks linked to the nuclear deal Iran has stepped up its harassment of merchant vessels since 2018, when the Trump administration withdrew from the nuclear deal negotiated by the US and Europe that sought to prevent the country from developing an atomic bomb. Experts say that decision paired with a new round of economy-wide sanctions, as well as the killing of a top Iranian general empowered anti-American hardliners in Iran, undermining efforts to revive the agreement. Since the US withdrew from the nuclear deal, Iran has stockpiled a significant amount of highly-enriched uranium, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency, recently producing fuel that is considered just below weapons-grade. While Iran this week did agree to release some American prisoners in exchange for the United States lifting a freeze on some of its overseas assets, there are not yet any signs that Washington and Tehran are on the verge of a broader understanding, Michelle Grise, a senior policy researcher at the RAND Corporation, told Insider. "The decisions that the Trump administration made vis-a-vis Iran, specifically the decision to pursue this 'maximum pressure' strategy and adopt this much more aggressive stance toward Iran, particularly after 2018 I think that really constrained the decision space that was available to the Biden administration," Grise said. "I think it also perhaps made Iran question the utility of investing in reaching a new deal and pursuing diplomacy with the United States." Have a news tip? Email this reporter: cdavis@insider.com Read the original article on Business Insider Last week, The Atlantic published a plan to reverse Christianity's decline in popularity. But there is a problem with what Christian author Jake Meador proposes: is that it is the same old conservative Christian patriarchy that caused the decline only in disguise. Meador starts by observing: "Nearly everyone I grew up with in my childhood church in Lincoln, Nebraska, is no longer Christian." I also spent most of my life in Lincoln, and I also know a lot of people there who are no longer Christian. Judging by our mutual friends on Facebook, some of the ex-Christians Meador knows are the same people that I know. I wonder if he talked to any of them about why they left Christianity? Rather than draw on the experiences of any of those actual people, Meador writes about the hypothetical experiences of a couple of "composite characters" from a forthcoming Christian book called "The Great Dechurching." These composite people are busy with childcare, work, or friendships that take up their Sunday mornings. Yet, they want to attend church, Meador assures us. Because the book isn't out yet, we can't examine the social science that this assurance is supposedly based on. We must accept on faith that "a typical evangelical dechurcher" is someone who would be going to church if they could. Meador appears to assume that, aside from a few victims of abuse, people don't have a problem with church itself. They simply cannot find the time to attend. This isn't a new idea. Back in 2000, the book "Bowling Alone" documented a reduction in in-person community involvement of all kinds bowling leagues, churches, labor unions, etc. starting in the US in the 1960s. The pressures of work and childcare are one explanation that the book found for this decline. It is no surprise that, like other community organizations, churches continue to get squeezed out of the public's dwindling free time. The fact that this is happening to Christianity in particular is not newsworthy. But, the simple inability to schedule time in a church pew doesn't explain why Meador's childhood friends rejected the Christian religion entirely. They could have kept the faith in their hearts and homes, but they apparently didn't. For someone who wants to forestall Christianity's decline, Meador says remarkably little about why these people left. To his credit, Meador does acknowledge that abuse survivors have an understandable reason to leave religion. "Numerous victims of abuse in church environments can identify a moment when they lost the ability to believe, when they almost felt their faith draining out of them," he writes. Abuse does explain a disturbing share of deconversions. In 2021, the Nebraska attorney general uncovered credible allegations of the sexual abuse of hundreds of children in the state, and speculated that many more were abused but not discovered because of a cover-up in which "those in authority chose to place the reputation of the church above the protection of the children." Still, victims of abuse aren't numerous enough to explain the mass outflow of people from Christianity. Meador can comprehend an acute crisis of faith following the betrayal of abuse. He's also aware that many people give up belief less dramatically, "less like jumping off a cliff and more like driving down a slope." Yet he puts forth no idea of their motivations to stop believing. However, the reasons people leave religion have been investigated. In a cross-cultural survey in Psychology of Religion and Spirituality published in 2022, people most often explained that they outgrew religion intellectually, or that they rejected it because of problems like sex abuse scandals, hypocrisy, and hatefulness toward particular social groups. Similarly, in an online survey by Baptist News Global, the most popular initial reason for leaving American Christianity was the religion's mistreatment of LGBTQ people. Other common explanations were the bad behavior of believers, the religion's lack of intellectual coherence, Christianity's obsession with politics, and its maltreatment of women. Speaking with the ex-Christians in my social group in Lincoln, I've heard these same explanations many times. Yet I have never spoken to anyone who attributed their deconversion simply to their busy schedule. Nor do the surveys record this as a common reason. The sexism and homophobia that often drive people away from the religion are the very reasons that Christianity appeals to Meador. In its mission statement, Meador's blog is "committed to Nicean orthodoxy as well as the orthodox teachings of Scripture and the church concerning sex and gender." He is a "complementarian," a Christianese word for sacred sexism. Like the "separate but equal" regime of the Jim Crow South, complementarians pretend to regard men and women as equal while also saying (and doing) things that plainly treat women as inferior. His blog is full of typical reactionary material on gender, pining for the days "when our country still knew what marriage was and what men and women are" and opposing divorce. To justify these beliefs, conservative Christians sometimes claim their paternalism protects women and children. But it does not. In July, a 26-year-old man in Lincoln was charged with posing as a 17-year-old high school student using a fake birth certificate and other "incredibly well-crafted, fraudulent documents." Zachary Scheich faces two counts of sexual assault and one count of sex trafficking of a minor, having allegedly solicited sex from school children as young as 13. Scheich is a pastor's son. His father, Jeff Scheich, preaches at Christ Lincoln, a multi-campus conservative church that excludes women from leadership. Pastor Jeff advocates for "conversion therapy" of gay people; his denomination regards gay relationships as "intrinsically sinful." I do not blame Jeff Scheich for the allegations against his son; this situation would be a nightmare for any parent. Instead, I bring up these events as a demonstration that moralizing against gay people and women does not work to keep vulnerable people safer. Someone raised with these conservative sexual beliefs may go on to commit horrific acts. This example is not particularly unusual it just happened to be the example that occurred in Lincoln during the same week that Meador published in The Atlantic. Consider it a snapshot of the dysfunctional Christianity that Meador calls us to embrace. Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course. Rather than fix the prejudices that plague Christianity or address the abuse that he acknowledges but quickly discards, Meador has another suggestion: "A healthy church can be a safety net in the harsh American economy by offering its members material assistance in times of need: meals after a baby is born, money for rent after a layoff. Perhaps more important, it reminds people that their identity is not in their job or how much money they make; they are children of God, loved and protected and infinitely valuable." As his ideal of this safety-net church, Meador picks a small Bruderhof religious commune in New York where, he writes, "members do not have privately held property but share their property and money." The Bruderhof movement prohibits divorce, same-sex relationships, and all sex outside marriage. I'm sure the enforcement of these rules is simplified when the rule-makers have total control over all property. Laws against divorce were historically easy to enforce before women could have independent finances. He writes that churches are in decline because they "aren't asking nearly enough" from people. Meador wants Christianity to become a full-immersion experience. He imagines this ideal church lovingly caring for people's needs and incidentally exercising considerable financial and social control over people's lives. He tries to make it sound cozy: "What is more needed in our time than a community marked by sincere love, sharing what they have from each according to their ability and to each according to their need, eating together regularly, generously serving neighbors, and living lives of quiet virtue and prayer?" Of course, "each according to their ability and to each according to their need" is a famous saying of Karl Marx. Meador's anti-capitalist feelings come through when he complains about how work takes people away from church. What he doesn't say in The Atlantic but does say on his blog is that he's also opposed to capitalism because it causes women to work outside the home. He says paid labor is "hostile to life, care, and the design of women's bodies" because it gives women something to do other than bear and raise children. The utopia he appears to want is actually a misogynist dystopia. I don't think I need to explain that Marxism is pretty unpopular in Nebraska. The state's conservative Christian voters are conditioned to use the words "socialism" and "cultural Marxism" as the ultimate insults for anything that seems progressive or tolerant. The power structure they elect is extremely capitalist and brutally Christian. Nebraska's governor, Jim Pillen, is an agribusiness multimillionaire who thinks transgender people represent "Lucifer at its finest." In May, Pillen vetoed millions of dollars of social safety net spending from the state's already "austere" Republican-drafted budget. This includes cuts to Medicaid, rural housing assistance, a gun safety study, child welfare spending, and reductions to a program to provide court-appointed advocates for children who suffer abuse. Hence, conservative Christians already control the state's social safety net. They choose to let the needy suffer. They are not going to suddenly build a well-functioning safety net much less a Marxist utopia if their religion takes even more power over people's lives. Much the same is true in all red US states: they each have a highly Christian government that hates taking care of people's needs. Meador proposes a seemingly-compassionate Christian authoritarianism. The compassionate portion of his proposal will never be implemented. It can only serve to make authoritarianism more palatable. It only appears compassionate if you overlook its sexism and homophobia. To be charitable to Meador, perhaps he does not realize that no real-world conservative Christians will ever follow his advice. Nonetheless, he proposes a false bargain: cede power to conservative Christianity, and in return, get a promise of a social safety net that Christianity will never deliver. I'm not sure why The Atlantic chose a sexually conservative Marxist to represent the future of American Christianity. But they're not alone; in the immediate aftermath of the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade, the New York Times ran an essay by a conservative Christian woman who argued that outlawing abortion will help to bring about a compassionate, feminist Christian society that truly cares about women and children. But her proposal has the same problem as Meador's: powerful conservative Christians have never actually shown a willingness to create the compassionate policy that she suggests. These authors are promoting nothing more than the Christian patriarchy that Republicans on the religious right have long promoted; they've just decorated it with leftist ideas like Marxism and feminism. Their musings are as substantial as a late-night bull session in a college dorm room. Their only proposal to reverse the decline of Christianity is to do even more of the stuff that drove people away. Read more about this the Christian right An Ada County judge ruled Thursday that Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador had a notable conflict of interest when his office began investigating officials with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare over how it distributed federal child care grants. The health officials were the attorney generals clients. And a lawyer under Labrador had advised them that the grants in question were legally distributed. The attorney general provided an opinion to a client and cannot now seek to investigate whether ... the client violated the law on the same issue, 4th Judicial District Judge Lynn Norton wrote in Thursdays ruling. The attorney generals office in March launched an investigation into the Community Partner Grants, which are federal funds overseen by the Idaho health department that address learning loss among children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Labradors office demanded that the health officials hand over records related to the program around the same time Idaho lawmakers approved an audit of the grants, amid concerns that the federal funds werent distributed properly. Lawmakers dictated that the funding go to programs serving kids 5 to 13. Labrador previously told the Idaho Statesman that hes investigating whether those directions were followed. After receiving Labradors demands, health officials, through private attorneys, asked the 4th Judicial District to intervene. Idaho law directs the attorney general to represent state agencies and officials in legal matters. In a separate case, leaders of Idaho nonprofits and school districts that received the grants asked the Ada County court to block similar investigative demands from Labradors office. Norton in April ruled that the attorney general had the authority to demand the records and ordered dozens of child care providers to comply. The nonprofit and school leaders have since appealed the ruling. Norton ordered Labrador to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate state health officials distribution of the child care grant money. In a statement following Thursdays decision, Beth Cahill, Labradors spokesperson, pointed to the previous ruling and noted that Norton acknowledged our reasons to believe the law was violated. This is consistent with the pending legislative audit, authorized by the governor, reviewing the Department of Health and Welfares administration and expenditure of $14 million of public funds under the Community Partner Grant Program, Cahill said by email. The attorney general is reviewing his options for proceeding with the investigation. Legal opinions created a conflict, judge rules Central to the health officials case are two legal opinions, written by former deputy attorney general Daphne Huang, who advised health department officials that the child care grants were distributed legally. Huang issued one opinion in November, during former Attorney General Lawrence Wasdens tenure, and a nearly identical opinion in January, after Labrador assumed office and lawmakers questioned Jeppesen about the grants. Labrador was unaware of the Jan. 25 legal opinion and would never knowingly have put his name on a legal opinion like that, Cahill previously told the Statesman. But the legal advice created a client relationship with health department officials and a duty to act in protection of the departments interests, Norton wrote. Idaho State Bar ethical rules prohibit attorneys from advocating against their clients interests. Norton also wrote that an attempt by Labradors aides to seize the work phone of a former attorney assigned to the department shows that the attorney generals office failed to create a sufficient ethical firewall between investigating attorneys and the lawyers advising the Department of Health and Welfare. Thursdays ruling is the first time a judge has publicly analyzed the unique conflict between the executive branch officials and their own attorney. Its among a handful of clashes between Labrador and state agencies that have marked the Republicans first term in office. In a separate case, Labradors office sued the University of Idahos board of trustees, alleging it violated open meeting law when it secretly discussed a deal to acquire a for-profit university. The boards executive director said the deputy attorney general assigned to advise the board was aware of the closed-door meeting and raised no concerns about it. The Statesman reported in May that 26 attorneys have left the office, including half a dozen attorneys who previously represented the health department. Two of them accused Labrador of defying ethical rules in his handling of the child care grant investigation. Congressmen call on Biden to stop Greg Abbott from transporting migrants to Democratic-led cities after a 3-year-old child died on a bus headed from Texas to Chicago Migrants are led from one bus to another bus after arriving from Texas at Union Station in Chicago, Illinois. Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images Reps. Castro and Garcia are calling on President Joe Biden to block Gov. Abbott's busing of migrants. The lawmakers made the plea after a 3-year-old died on a bus headed to Chicago on Thursday. Abbott has been battling with the Biden administration over immigration issues for over two years. Two Democratic lawmakers are calling on the Biden administration to block Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott from transporting migrants from the US-Mexico border region to cities across the country after a three-year-old child died while en route to Chicago on Thursday. Reps. Joaquin Castro of Texas and Jesus "Chuy" Garcia of Illinois in a statement on Friday sharply criticized Abbott over his border control efforts, dubbed "Operation Lone Star," which has seen his administration bus more than 30,000 migrants to Democratic-led cities like Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, New York, and Washington, DC. The death of the young child added to their urgency. "Migrant parents make the journey to our country seeking safety and stability for their children. We are saddened and horrified, but not surprised, by the death of a three-year-old child on a state-sponsored bus from Texas to Chicago," the lawmakers said. "For months, Operation Lone Star has trafficked asylum-seekers across the country in squalid conditions. Governor Abbott's barbaric practices are killing people, and the Biden administration has an obligation to stop them." The child was being transported from Brownsville, Texas, to Chicago, according to officials. The Texas Division of Emergency Management confirmed the death of the child and stated that the passengers on the bus had not only been screened by US Customs and Border Protection, but also had their temperatures checked and were questioned about whether they required any medical attention before embarking on the long journey. "Following this check, prior to boarding, no passenger presented with a fever or medical concerns," the department said in a statement. "Once the child presented with health concerns, the bus pulled over and security personnel on board called 911 for emergency attention." "Every loss of life is a tragedy," the department also said in its statement. Castro, the San Antonio-area lawmaker who was briefed on the matter, told The New York Times that the parents of the young child were also on the bus and noticed that their child had developed an illness, which produced a fever and diarrhea. The child then lost consciousness, according to Castro. After being treated by paramedics, the child later died in Marion County, Illinois, in the southern region of the state, according to The Associated Press. The Illinois Department of Public Health in a Thursday statement said that it was "working with local health officials, state police, and federal authorities to the fullest extent possible to get answers in this tragic situation." Insider reached out to the Texas Division of Emergency Management for any updates. Insider also reached out to Abbott's office and the White House for comment. Abbott has repeatedly clashed with President Joe Biden over border security, accusing the administration of failing to secure the US-Mexico border as apprehensions began to soar early in the president's first term. While border apprehensions have declined in recent months, the issue has remained a major public policy flash point as Republicans hope to use the issue against Biden in next year's presidential election. The president has been sharply critical of Abbott's busing of migrants, calling the action "un-American" and "reckless." The mayors of the affected cities, notably New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, have also been highly critical of Abbott, with Adams specifically stating that cities run by Black mayors have been targeted as part of the governor's immigration-related actions. Read the original article on Business Insider A man who shot at police officers in downtown Meridian after stealing two vehicles could serve as many as 40 years in prison. Fourth District Judge Nancy Baskin on Friday sentenced Jake Cottrell, 40, of Boise, to 20 years fixed for two counts of aggravated assault on a police officer, plus 20 years indeterminate for robbery. That means he could serve the final 20 years of the sentence in prison or on parole. Cottrell pleaded guilty to those three charges last year in a plea agreement that dropped other charges filed against him, according to a news release from the Ada County Prosecutors Office. On June 9, 2022, parole officers went to Cottrells Boise trailer for a home visit, said Brett Judd, deputy Ada County prosecutor, during the sentencing hearing. Cottrell was on parole after a 2012 felony conviction for domestic violence, which he violated in 2018 after receiving a DUI. The officers found drug needles after going into the trailer and told Cottrell that they would be performing a pat-down search, Judd said. They asked if he had anything on his person. Cottrell pulled a gun as the officers approached him and fled the trailer. They followed him and shot Cottrell when he turned and pointed his gun at them, himself firing a round into a nearby shed, said Christian Collins, his public defender. Cottrell, wounded, kept running and stole a Camaro, Judd said. He drove 1.9 miles to an area near Eagle Road and State Street, where he stole a truck from its owner at gunpoint. Cottrell then drove the truck which contained guns belonging to its owner and also had a trailer hitched to it to the parking lot of an Eagle restaurant. He unhooked the trailer before police chased him into downtown Meridian, Judd said. In body camera footage prosecutors showed in court, officers were heard saying that Cottrell was driving as fast as 75 miles per hour directly into oncoming traffic. He came within 2 feet of a motorcyclist at one point during the chase, Judd said. An officer eventually used his patrol car to ram the truck Cottrell was driving at an intersection near Meridian City Hall, Judd said. Body camera footage showed Cottrell exchanging gunfire with police before being shot multiple times. The prosecutor said police found 14 shell casings, meaning Cottrell fired at least that many shots. Cottrell was hospitalized for six weeks and had multiple surgeries, Collins said. He lost part of the roof of his mouth, most of the vision in his left eye and the use of his right hand. Judd asked Baskin to sentence Cottrell to 50 years, with 20 fixed. Cottrells behavior was extreme, he said, and it was a miracle no one else was hurt. This level of violence, this level of risk to the community, is not acceptable, he said. Collins asked the judge for a sentence of 30 years, with eight years fixed. The sentence requested by the prosecution was basically a life sentence, the defense attorney said, and Cottrell demonstrated during his previous parole period that he could be successfully supervised. Due to the injuries he received that day, frankly I dont believe hes a danger to anyone anymore, Collins said. In a statement to the court before sentencing, Cottrell said he has nothing but remorse for his actions. I shouldnt have done what I did, and thats all there is to it, he said. Baskin said the case was extremely tragic because of the injuries Cottrell suffered, and the emotional and psychological harm he caused people and law enforcement. Cottrells actions will make parole offices more timid about doing their jobs, she said, citing a letter she read from an officer who said he thinks about the incident every day. The judge told Cottrell he had multiple opportunities to defuse the situation, but continued to escalate it. You are out of control, she said. 6 were shot by police in Boise area last year. Where are the investigations now? Details of Boise, Meridian shootings emerge in criminal complaint against Idaho man Boise police release name of man shot and injured by Meridian officers A lot of gunshots: Suspect hospitalized after police chase, shootings in Boise, Meridian Election denier groups are advising Wisconsin officials on poll observer rules. Election denier groups are advising Wisconsin officials on poll observer rules. When Wisconsins top election officials were considering drafting new rules for election observers earlier this year, they formed an advisory committee comprising representatives from the major parties, nonpartisan clerks from across the state and right-wing activists who called the legitimacy of the 2020 election into question. The Wisconsin Elections Commission, the states top election body, which is made up of three Democrats and three Republicans, is expected to consider the committee members input on draft rules for election observers volunteers who watch the voting process and can raise concerns to polling place managers when it meets next month. But the committee, which gathered for more than 12 hours in total across two meetings in March and June, carried the marks of a brutal 2020 election. True the Vote, the conspiracy theory organization that falsely claims an army of 2000 mules stole the election for Joe Biden, was represented on the committee by a local Republican who previously had said Wisconsin elections were being conducted by lawless groups of individuals. Another seat at the table went to the Wisconsin Election Integrity Network a local affiliate of a national, Donald Trump-backed group of the same name whose leader has said of Democrats, The only way they win is to cheat. Given the committees relatively small size fewer than 20 people attended each meeting the representatives from these organizations and others sympathetic to them constituted a significant presence. (True the Votes national leader, Catherine Engelbrecht, acknowledged the panels importance in a video post last month. We have had the opportunity to make requests and petitions for process changes in a very small environment, she said, adding that her group was making great headway. The organization did not respond to a request for comment for this story.) And with Wisconsin set to repeat its role as a crucial swing state in 2024, election observer rules could end up playing a significant part, especially given the possibility that the GOP will once again nominate the man whose claims of a stolen election have inspired widespread lies and conspiracy theories about voter fraud. The committee has received little press attention, and its meetings were low-key and bureaucratic, with few raised voices and a staff attorney guiding the discussion. But its conservative members have sought wide authority to monitor voters across the state, including allowing observers to stand so closely behind check-in tables that they would be able to see voters personal information, giving observers nearly free rein to wander around polling places, and granting observers access to retirement home residents bedrooms as they vote. At times, representatives of the Democratic Party and public interest groups pushed back on those proposals, and a draft rule created at the committees first meeting showed that the group hadnt reached a consensus on many issues. Still, multiple people on the committee told HuffPost that they felt it was worthwhile to include organizations that had called into question the legitimacy of the last presidential election. The issue with observer rules isnt about what people believe; its about their behavior at the polls, said Ann Jacobs, a Democrat on the Wisconsin Elections Commission, which approved the committee and chose its members. Whether you believe that Italian thermostats programmed by Che Guevara manipulated an election, or whether or not you just want to go and see democracy in process, observer rules need to apply to everyone, she added, referencing conspiracytheories that foreign actors hacked the 2020 election. The committees meetings raised crucial questions ahead of the 2024 presidential election: How should election administrators handle the supporters of a candidate accused of conspiring to overturn election results and what kind of welcome will those supporters input receive? Whether you believe that Italian thermostats programmed by Che Guevara manipulated an election, or whether or not you just want to go and see democracy in process, observer rules need to apply to everyone.Ann Jacobs, Wisconsin Elections Commission Trying To Find Evidence Of Fraud Wisconsin law includes just a few paragraphs on election observers, and details are sparse or nonexistent. Clerks and their chief inspectors may restrict observers to certain areas, but the law only states that those observation areas should be between 3 and 8 feet from check-in and registration tables. Observers can be removed for an act that disrupts a polling place but the law offers no more guidance than that. The law also requires the Wisconsin Elections Commission to promulgate rules for election observers consistent with the statute, but the commissions attempts to go through the formal rule-making process have failed most recently in October, when rules couldnt be passed due to a deadlocked vote along party lines. Instead, the commissions website has a brief Rules-at-a-Glance brochure that summarizes the commissions interpretation of the law. Without formal rules, its often up to municipal clerks all 1,851 of them, including some who do the job part time to interpret the law themselves. (Unlike most other states, Wisconsin elections are run at the city and town level, rather than by counties.) And the boundary between privacy and transparency can be fuzzy. Election observers, who in Wisconsin can include any member of the public except candidates, have at times been accused of voter intimidation and suppression. The New York Times noted in 2012 that a county Democratic Party chairman accused three poll observers, including one from True the Vote, of bogging down a polling place at Lawrence University with so many challenges such as objections to certain forms of ID that it slowed the pace of voting, causing some in line to give up. The already existing tensions came to a near-breaking point with Trumps claims before and after the 2020 election that Democrats had used measures meant to halt the spread of COVID-19, like early voting and ballot drop boxes, to steal the election. Those accusations fueled a surge of interest in observers searching for evidence of Trumps claims including from groups like True the Vote and the Election Integrity Network, which have at times worked with the former president. The observers that have come into the picture since 2020 are trying to find evidence of fraud, evidence that a voter shouldnt be there. I think thats been the shift, said Erin Grunze, a voting and elections consultant for Common Cause Wisconsin who previously led an election observation program at the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin. Trump said earlier this month that he would cite True the Votes false claims about the 2020 election as part of his defense against charges that he conspired to steal a second term under false pretenses. Engelbrecht said the group looked forward to the opportunity to tell the full story. And the nationwide Election Integrity Network is run by Cleta Mitchell, a prominent election attorney who was on the phone with Trump when the then-president demanded that Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger find the votes Trump needed to win the state. EINs parent organization, the Conservative Partnership Institute, employs former Trump chief of staff Mark Meadows as senior partner, and received $1 million from Trumps political action committee last year. An attorney representing Donald Trump gives instructions to poll observers before the presidential recount vote for Dane County on Nov. 20, 2020, in Madison, Wisconsin. An attorney representing Donald Trump gives instructions to poll observers before the presidential recount vote for Dane County on Nov. 20, 2020, in Madison, Wisconsin. Wandering Observers Despite the ill feeling created by Trumps false voter fraud claims in the last election, the advisory committee worked productively and found some common ground. Several committee members agreed that observers should be allowed to greet people in polling places, something they apparently had seen observers being thrown out of polling places for doing. In their June meeting, Ken Brown, the former Racine County GOP chair who previously sued to stop the city of Racine from using a mobile voting van to reach people who couldnt get to the polls, found an unlikely ally in Anita Johnson of Souls to the Polls, a group focused on Black churchgoers participation in elections, when he made an impassioned plea for observers to have the right to access polling place chairs and bathrooms. All I can say, Ken, is wow, Johnson remarked, according to video and transcripts of the meeting. Still, on issues that touched on Trumps 2020 claims for example, that election observers had been too sidelined to see the voting process a debate emerged between voter privacy and observer access. The Wisconsin Election Integrity Network, representative Julie Seegers said, would like to see observers to be able to roam, staying 3 feet away from any process that would interfere with elections. Ken Dragotta, True the Votes representative on the committee, argued that roaming is a necessary part of observing, and that setting aside limited areas for observers was akin to a penalty box and as offensive as can be. Several Democratic and nonpartisan participants put more weight on the need to protect voters privacy and make sure voters feel safe. The big concern was that, if observers were able to roam around, that poll workers would lose track of where they were, and thered be more potential of intimidation of voters, or people not knowing who these people were that were milling around the polling place, said Eileen Newcomer, who currently manages the Wisconsin League of Women Voters election observation program. Observing The Bedroom Things grew more heated when it came time to discuss voting in care facilities, such as retirement homes a major point of contention after the 2020 race. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Wisconsin Elections Commission determined that special voting deputies, or election workers trained to assist voters in these facilities, would not be dispatched. Instead, residents got absentee ballots, and the commission told facility staff members that they could assist residents in requesting and marking their ballots. That decision has become infamous to Trump supporters, thanks to a partisan investigation by a former state Supreme Court justice, Michael Gableman, who made a falseclaimabout many nursing homes registered residents voting at 100% rates. Trump, of course, ran with the erroneous finding, which also made its way to the advisory committee. In particular, some members referenced interview footage Gableman aired during a hearing last year that featured older voters who appeared to be confused. During the same hearing, Gableman suggested that legislators consider the decertification of the election, a legal impossibility. Near the end of Marchs meeting, Constitution Party representative Mark Gabriel echoed Gablemans claims. Some of these facilities have patients, residents, who dont even know the names of their children, you know? he said. Ive heard a lot about respecting peoples privacy and all of this, and medical situations, but how about some voter integrity? Gabriel added. How about having observers being able to see what is going on? Other than in 2020, election observers have traditionally been allowed to watch voting occur in shared common rooms of nursing homes and care facilities. (The Constitution Party of Wisconsin did not respond to a request for comment.) Separately, Seegers argued in the June meeting that nursing home residents bedrooms should be treated as polling places when election workers are present, meaning observers should be allowed as close as 3 feet away from voters. Others pushed back. Barbara Beckert, director of external advocacy at Disability Rights Wisconsin, stressed that people with disabilities retain their voting rights unless a judge declares them incompetent to vote. A 2023 review from Dane County identified 95 people whod voted in previous elections after being adjudicated incompetent to vote, though the nonprofit news outlet Wisconsin Watch subsequently reported that cases it reviewed pointed to human error, rather than coordinated or intentional illegal voting. Biden won Dane County in 2020 by a margin of 181,385 votes. The idea of having people coming to someones bedroom with observers and watching them vote, I find very troubling, Beckert told HuffPost. She said she was very concerned about calls to Disability Rights Wisconsins hotline from care facility staff members who reported receiving threatening calls amid the allegations of widespread election fraud. The idea of having people coming to someones bedroom with observers and watching them vote, I find very troubling.Barbara Beckert, Disability Rights Wisconsin Despite these concerns, Beckert said she thought it was worthwhile to invite the election deniers and skeptics to join the committee. I continue to hope that having a forum where you can have accurate information provided, and have civil discourse, that that may lift all boats, she said. Maybe it got them to question some of what they heard previously, but we wouldnt have had an opportunity to have that dialogue if they werent included in the committee. Politics And Election Administration Claire Woodall-Vogg, the nonpartisan executive director of Milwaukees election commission the states largest city has its own election bureaucracy faced a slew of death threats in 2020, and marveled at how civil the committee was. People who are in touch with election administration and know how it operates arent nearly as polarizing as what we see in the outside world, she told HuffPost. Woodall-Vogg has some history with Dragotta, the True the Vote representative on the committee. During the contentious 2020 recount that the Trump campaign pursued in Wisconsin, she recalled, Dragotta had been a voice of reason among Republicans in Milwaukee, reining in unruly observers. Yet just a few weeks after that process, Dragotta alleged during a legislative hearing that today in Wisconsin, some of the election process is being conducted by lawless groups of individuals and officials that have gone from exploiting our election laws to now openly disregarding them. (Reached by phone, Dragotta asked HuffPost to send him questions by email. He did not respond to that email.) I have to separate: Theres the politics, and then theres the election administration, Woodall-Vogg said. Thats the only way Ive learned to cope. Still, she said the ongoing election-related conspiracy theories make her nervous. Youre seeing people support a candidate who would have stolen an election, Woodall-Vogg said. I think it is very scary. Anyone who has a history background, and has read anything about history and politics and government, would be a little frightened. Had the committees progress its basic decency and overall adherence to democratic norms offered any hope in that regard? No, she responded quickly, chuckling a little. Not at all. Related... Four loud explosions boomed over the eastern Crimean city of Kerch and all traffic was halted on the Crimea Bridge in the morning on Aug. 12, with the bridge becoming enveloped in clouds of white smoke, local Telegram-channels reported. Soon, there were claims that two sections of the bridge were badly damaged, but the reports of hits on the bridge were unconfirmed, the Crimean Wind Telegram channel said in a posting. Pictures and videos of the smoke-covered bridge, as well as what appeared to be Russian air defense missiles launching into the sky and perhaps hitting something, quickly began circulating on social media as news of the incident spread. Crimean Wind . The Moscow-installed Crimean governor Sergei Aksyonov later wrote on Telegram that two missiles were allegedly intercepted over the Kerch Strait, but the Crimea Bridge over the strait was untouched. Nevertheless, all traffic across the bridge was suspended. Read also: What is happening with tourism in Crimea The smoke visible from Kerch was a "smokescreen", Aksyonov's advisor Oleh Kryuchkov said, adding that road and rail traffic on the Crimea Bridge would be restored soon. After the smokescreen cleared, a column of smoke could still still seen on video posted by the Telegram channel Romanov Lite, which some speculated could be evidence of a missile hitting the bridge. Russia's Defense Ministry claimed that Ukraine had tried to strike the bridge with an S-200 missile redesigned for attacks. It also claimed to have thwarted the attack with no casualties or damage caused. Read also: Hitting Black Sea fleet HQ would hurt occupiers most - Crimean Tatar leader But not long after the first incident, there were reports of more explosions, possibly the sound of Russian air defenses operating, and the bridge again became shrouded in dense white smoke, and it was reported by some Telegram channels that traffic over the bridge had again been halted. Ukraine has declared it will destroy the Kerch Bridge, which was illegally constructed on Ukrainian territory by Russia. It connects Ukraines Crimea, which has been under Russian military occupation since 2014, with Russia. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Map of the US at night lit up. HUM Images / Contributor / Getty Images City lights drown out the night sky. But there are still places to go for spectacular stargazing. Dark sky parks and IDA-certified locations are the best places to view cosmic events. From Alaska to Wyoming, here's a list of some of the darkest skies in each of the 50 US states. Light pollution, which is caused by artificial lights glaring into the night sky can impact your chance of seeing comets, distant planets, the Milky Way galaxy, meteor showers, and more. So in order to give yourself the best shot at seeing any cosmic show, you might want to head to an area that limits night lights. These are often officially zoned "dark sky parks", which have clear views of the night sky when the weather permits. There is even an International Dark-Sky Association, which can dole out an official dark sky park status. Only the clearest of night skies, unimpeded by light pollution, are allowed the honorable IDA-certified title. Over half of the 50 US states have at least one location that's IDA-certified. And some states, like Utah and Michigan, have many. We've compiled a list of some of the darkest places in each US state for the best front-row seats to any celestial show. Alabama: Cheaha Mountain You can drive right up Cheaha Mountain, outside Birmingham, and walk to an overlook called Bald Rock. Billy Pope, OutdoorAlabama.com If you're up for a longer drive, Conecuh National Forest in the south of Alabama may be even darker. Alaska: Murphy Dome This hilltop outside Fairbanks is a great place to see the aurora borealis in winter. Mark Thiessen/AP Photo You can get stellar night views, and even see the aurora, in most of Alaska. Other great stargazing spots include Eklutna Lake, Denali National Park, Flattop Mountain, Hatcher Pass, and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. Arizona: Chiricahua National Monument, IDA-certified The Cochise Head formation rises above a field of rhyolite rock pinnacles in Chiricahua National Monument. NPS/C. Bubar Arkansas: Buffalo National River, IDA-certified The Buffalo River cuts through the Ozark Mountains. NPS California: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, IDA-certified A massive spring wildflower bloom caused by a wet winter spreads in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Steve Gorman/Reuters California's other certified dark-sky sites include Death Valley and Joshua Tree National Park. Colorado: Black Canyon of the Gunnison, IDA-certified The sun sets over Black Canyon of the Gunnison. NPS / Victoria Stauffenberg Also, try Jackson Lake State Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area. Connecticut: Lovers Leap State Park The Housatonic River runs through the woods of Connecticut. Helen O'Neill/AP Photo Delaware: Trap Pond State Park Trap Pond State Park is home to the northernmost naturally occurring stand of bald cypress trees, like the ones pictured here in Louisiana. Tim Graham/Getty Images Florida: Big Cypress National Preserve, IDA-certified The Milky Way stretches above Big Cypress National Preserve. NPS Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park is also recognized as a dark-sky park by DarkSky International. Georgia: Stephen C. Foster State Park, IDA-certified Great Egret preens itself on the trunk of a fallen cypress tree along a wilderness water trail near the Stephen C. Foster State Park. Stephen B. Morton/AP Photo Hawaii: Mauna Kea Mauna Kea is topped with telescopes that astronomers use for professional stargazing. Caleb Jones/AP Photo Idaho: Craters of the Moon National Park, IDA-certified A couple watches the comet NEOWISE streaking across the skies above Craters of the Moon. NPS Photo / Matt Dietrich To the south, City of Rocks National Reserve also has breathtaking night skies. Illinois: Middle Fork River Forest Preserve Look for beavers while you're there. AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vasquez Indiana: Beverly Shores and Indiana Dunes National Park The town of Beverly Shores is on Lake Michigan, right next to Indiana Dunes National Park. Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for National Park Foundation Iowa: Whiterock Conservancy Iowa is famous for its corn fields, but it has plenty of spaces where nature still dominates. James Poulose / Getty Images The Whiterock Conservancy says it has the darkest skies in Iowa. Other locations recognized for stargazing in the Hawkeye State include Eastern Iowa Observatory, Preparation Canyon State Park, Annett Nature Center, and Eden Valley Wildlife Refuge. Kansas: Arikaree Breaks The large open fields of Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in Kansas offer visitors a clear view of the night sky with minimal light pollution. Education Images / Contributor / Getty Images Be careful, since roads can be rough in some places through the Arikaree Breaks' landscape of canyons, visitors have said. Other places in the Sunflower State to stargaze include Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve and Teter Rock. Kentucky: Mammoth Cave National Park, IDA-certified Beautiful night sky seen from the Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky. National Park Service Mammoth Cave National Park received IDA certification for its exceptionally clear night skies in 2021. It is the first site in the Bluegrass State to receive this designation. Louisiana: Kisatchie National Forest The Statesman Tree, shown here, is a 220-year-old pine tree in Kisatchie National Forest, Louisiana. Philip Gould / Getty Images Kisatchie is Louisiana's only National Forest and is often a popular place for astrophotographers for its stunning views of the Milky Way galaxy. Maine: Appalachian Mountain Club's (AMC) Maine Woods, IDA-certified There are plenty of reasons to visit Maine besides its darks skies. Laura Zamfirescu / Getty Images The Appalachian Mountain Club's (AMC) Maine Woods property was IDA certified in 2021 and the first International Dark Sky Park in New England. Maryland: Tuckahoe State Park The night sky in Tuckahoe State Park in Maryland. Heather Randall / Getty Images Both Tuckahoe State Park and Point Lookout State Park have minimal light pollution and are considered ideal spots for stargazers in Maryland. Massachusetts: Cape Cod National Seashore Beaches, like this one on Cape Cod Bay, are far from city lights and offer a spectacular view of the night sky. Education Images / Contributor / Getty Images The seashore is considered one of the darkest regions in the area. Farther north, Halibut State Park is also a good spot and local astronomy clubs will sometimes host star parties there. Michigan: Dr. T.K. Lawless Park, IDA-certified Headlands International Dark Sky Park, shown here, is another IDA certified spot in Michigan. Diana Robinson Photography / Getty Images Dr. T.K. Lawless Park is one of three IDA-certified locations in Michigan. The other two are Headlands Dark Sky Park and Keweenaw Dark Sky Park. Minnesota: Voyageurs National Park, IDA-certified The Voyageurs Wolf Project studies the wolves in and around Voyageurs National Park. Star Tribune via Getty Images / Contributor / Getty Images The park holds star parties each year. You can check when the next one is on the park's event calendar. If you're not near Voyageurs or missed its star party, you can find other star parties across the north star state on Bell Museum's webpage. Mississippi: Natchez Trace Parkway You can also check out these beautiful wild daffodils during your visit to Natchez Trace Parkway. UniversalImagesGroup / Contributor / Getty Images The region has three campgrounds so you can set up your tent and stargaze all night long if you like. Other places in Mississippi with noteworthy dark skies include Choctaw County and De Soto National Forest. Missouri: Whetstone Creek Conservation Area Whetstone Creek Conservation Area Missouri Department of Conservation. Other options include Echo Bluff State Park or Stacy Park. Montana: Glacier National Park, IDA-certified Goats standing on an overlook above a turquoise lake in the mountains. Jordan Siemens/Getty Images Another scenic place is Waterton Lakes National Park, which also spans into Canada. Nebraska: Merritt Reservoir State Recreation area, IDA-certified The annual Nebraska Star Party has been held at Merritt Reservoir since the '90s. Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Nevada: Great Basin National Park Star trails over Wheeler Peak in Great Basin National Park. Eric A Norris/Getty Images New Hampshire: White Lake State Park A view of White lake state park with the deciduous forest framing the water along the right. Visitnh.gov You can also catch some great cosmic views at Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park, White Lake State Park, and Coleman State Park. New Jersey: Cape May Lighthouse Cape May Lighthouse is still an aid to navigation. Visitors who climb the 199 steps to the top of the lighthouse are rewarded with a spectacular panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay, according to Visit New Jersey. Visit New Jersey Star parties are often held at Belleplain State Forest if you want to catch the view with some fellow sky enthusiasts. New Mexico: Capulin Volcano National Monument, IDA-certified Sunset over Capulin Volcano National Monument, which is part of the National Park Service's Dark Sky Ambassador program. Jim Schlett The state is rich with different places to view the stars. Some of your many other options include Chaco Culture National Park, Clayton Lakes State Park, and El Morro State Park. New York: Lake Taghkanic State Park Scenic view of lake against sky at night in Lake Taghkanic State Park. Bryan Dinello/Getty Images North Carolina: Cape Lookout National Seashore, IDA-certified A view of the Cape Lookout lighthouse just before sunset. NikonShutterman/Getty Images If Cape Lookout isn't what you're looking for, you can also head to Mayland Earth to Sky Park, Bare Dark Sky Observatory, or Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute. North Dakota: Theodore Roosevelt National Park Sky at night over Theodore Roosevelt National Park. NPS/Jeff Zylland If you'd rather take a little hike to your stargazing location, North Dakota Tourism Department recommends Pembina Gorge or Sully Creek State Park. Ohio: Observatory Park, IDA-certified A father and daughter gaze up at the stars in front of the Monteville Observatory Park in Ohio. Ohio Department of Development Oklahoma: Black Mesa State Park A rocky hoodoo stands against the night sky as the Milky Way sets near Black Mesa, Oklahoma. - John Davis/Stocktrek Images/Getty Images Oregon: Prineville Reservoir State Park, IDA-certified Stars begin to come out at twilight in Prineville Reservoir State Park. samafoto/Getty Images Pennsylvania: Cherry Springs State Park, IDA-certified Camping in Cherry Spring State Park under the stars. Michael Ver Sprill/Getty Images Rhode Island: Frosty Drew Observatory Rhode Island's Frosty Drew Observatory holds weekly star viewings during the summer. Marion Faria Photography via Getty Images Each Friday during the summer, the Frosty Drew Observatory & Science Center holds Summer Stargazing Nights from 6:30 to 11 p.m., weather permitting. For Rhode Island's darkest skies, head to Block Island, according to the Providence Journal. South Carolina: Capers Island Capers Island is remote, so you'll want to pack everything you need for an overnight, including a tent. Tom McCorkle via Getty Images Only accessible by boat, Capers Island is the definition of remote. If bringing your own camping gear is a little too rustic for you, the Oconee State Park in Mountain Rest has cabins and is ideal for stargazing according to the former director of South Carolina State Parks. South Dakota: Custer State Park Stars shine in the sky above Stockade Lake, the largest in Custer State Park. Doug Michaels via iStock/Getty Images South Dakotans are spoiled for choice when it comes to dark skies. The Black Hills Astronomical Society holds events at Custer State Park in the Black Hills National Forest. Throughout the spring, summer, and fall, the Badlands National Park also puts on Night Sky Viewing events. It's a great place to see the Milky Way, too. Tennessee: Obed Wild and Scenic River, IDA-certified Waterfalls spill into the Obed Wild and Scenic River. Kannan Sundaram via iStock/Getty Images Plus Tennessee boasts two IDA-certified dark parks: Obed Wild and Scenic River and Pickett CCC Memorial State Park and Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area. Both have regular star-viewing events hosted by astronomy groups. Texas: Big Bend Ranch State Park, IDA-certified The moon rises over an open road in the Big Bend Ranch State Park, near Presidio, Texas. John Moore/Getty Images Texas is huge, so it's only fitting that it has plenty of places to see the night sky on full display. Big Bend Ranch State Park in West Texas, Copper Breaks State Park in the Panhandle Plains, Hill Country's Enchanted Rock Natural Area, and South Llano River State Park are all IDA-certified. Plus, the Texas State Park website has a whole page listing parks and how dark they rank, so you can find the best option in your area. Utah: Zion National Park, IDA-certified Zion National Park is just one of many places in Utah to see lots of stars and the Milky Way. Carlos Fernandez via Getty Images Over 20 places in Utah have earned IDA designations. Northern Utah has Antelope Island State Park, Dinosaur National Monument, East Canyon State Park, Jordanelle State Park, North Fork Park, Rockport State Park, Steinaker State Park, and Timpanogos Cave National Monument. Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, Goblin Valley State Park, Goosenecks State Park, Hovenweep National Monument, Natural Bridges National Monument, and Rainbow Bridge National Monument are in the southeast. Southwestern Utah is home to Bryce Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Cedar Breaks National Monument, Fremont Indian State Park, Kodachrome Basin State Park, and Zion National Park. Vermont: Kettle Pond State Park Kettle Pond in Groton, Vermont offers fall foliage by day and starlight by night. Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images Several parks in Groton State Forest have dark skies, including, Big Deer State Park, Boulder Beach State Park, Kettle Pond State Park, Ricker Pond State Park, and Seyon Lodge State Park, according to Go Astronomy. Virginia: Natural Bridge State Park, IDA-certified The Natural Bridge State Park's eponymous landmark is reason enough to visit, even when it isn't lit up with Christmas lights. Andrew Lichtenstein/Corbis via Getty Images It can be hard to find light-free skies east of the Mississippi. Luckily, Virginians can travel to five IDA-certified dark sky parks in their state: James River State Park, Natural Bridge State Park, Rappahannock County Park, Sky Meadows State Park, and Staunton River State Park. Washington State: Mount Rainier National Park Mount Rainier in Washington has gorgeous views during the day and at night when the stars are out. bradwetli photography/Getty Images Washington State doesn't have any IDA-certified dark parks, but the National Park Service has a list of places dim enough to see stars. They include Mount Rainier National Park, North Cascades National Park, Olympic National Park, and San Juan Island National Historic Park. The state parks also have some stargazing events, including at Lake Wenatchee State Park. West Virginia: Watoga State Park, IDA-certified A groundhog sits in the grass in a park in West Virginia. Troy Harrison/Getty Images West Virginia's largest state park also happens to be IDA-certified. Forests surround Watoga State Park, helping keep light pollution low. Wisconsin: Newport State Park, IDA-certified The moon rises over Devils Island, one of the Apostle Islands in Wisconsin. Posnov/Getty Images Located on a peninsula between Green Bay and Lake Michigan, Newport State Park holds an IDA certification. Further north, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore also offers dark nights and lake views. Wyoming: Yellowstone National Park A full moon isn't the best time to see stars, even at a place as dark as Yellowstone National Park. Andrew Lichtenstein/Corbis via Getty Images Home to one of the most famous national parks in the US, Wyoming's wide-open spaces are great for seeing stars. While neither is IDA certified, both Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Teton National Park have low light pollution, as do the Devil's Tower National Monument and the Fossil Butte National Monument. Wyoming Magazine also recommends Jackson Hole, the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve Center, and Lake Flaming Gorge. Read the original article on Business Insider I am concerned about the response of our government to the extreme heat wave and its effect on Arizonans and, especially, citizens of Maricopa County. Extreme heat waves appear to be becoming the norm in our state. It is the No. 1 weather-related cause of death in the United States. Research shows that, compared with thinking about dramatic events such as storm surges and wildfires, people dont perceive the personal risk they face with extreme heat. This mismatch between the real dangers of extreme heat and disregard for personal safety can be traced to policy. Climate mitigation and adaptation plans do not often prioritize heat risks to human health. Read the order: Gov. Hobbs declares a heat emergency Why doesnt our federal government classify an extreme heat wave to warrant a FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Act) response? The president can declare a major disaster for any natural event, including any hurricane, tornado or storm. Shouldnt heat waves be included? An appalling number of people will die this year due to extreme heat. It is time our government helped those less fortunate. Myron R. Hammes, Paradise Valley The writer is chair of the board of directors of Human Services Campus Inc., which owns and manages the Human Services Campus. This evangelical never fell for Trump A loyal, lifetime Republican and dedicated evangelical Christian, I voted for Donald Trump in 2016. Trump lost me with his private, behind-closed-doors meeting with Vladimir Putin and his little sword dance with the crown prince of Saudi Arabia who had ordered Jamal Khashoggis murder. In 2020, I voted the Democrat ticket, and if ever again Donald Trump steps one foot in the White House, I will leave the Republican Party forever. When Trump pointed his hand to heaven and declared I am the chosen one, millions of evangelicals fell for it, but not me. Enough is enough. Janis Dorris, Glendale Why didn't Biden visit the border? Once again, President Biden continues to disappoint. On Tuesday he traveled to Arizona to assure the Native American community he has their backs. Although that is commendable, it is disappointing he didnt take the time to go to the border and see the unlawful mess he created there. Just as he wouldnt acknowledge his seventh grandchild (until recent days), he has not acknowledged the crisis at the border. People are dying due to the heat. Theyre dying due to fentanyl and human trafficking. His attitude, as it is with so many other issues, is that theres nothing to see here. He may have swayed a few votes with his speech to Native Americans, but his total lack of concern for the self-created mess at the border showed his true lack of leadership. Rick Schwartz, Florence Will uranium mines clean up waste? The Arizona Republic story Biden designates a new national monument on sacred tribal lands near the Grand Canyon quotes Curtis Moore, spokesman for Energy Fuels, Inc., saying, We implore people to follow the science. The Republic should allow Mr. Moore to explain the science and to answer the following questions: First, how much water would be used in mining uranium, and what is its source? Second, what will happen to the ore that is extracted? Will uranium tailings be left exposed as they were on the Navajo reservation at the Pueblo of Laguna and on the Spokane Indian reservation in the 1950s and the 1960s? Or will the tailings be cleaned up? Third, how will the aquifer that supplies drinking water to the Havasupai tribe and drains into the Colorado River be protected from radioactive contamination? If the water supply for the Havasupai is contaminated by radioactive waste, it will destroy their homeland. Too often, tribal lands have been harmed by mining operations, and the mining companies have abandoned contaminated sites, leaving taxpayers to pay for the cleanup. Michael Hughes, Phoenix Whats on your mind? Send us a letter to the editor online or via email at opinions@arizonarepublic.com. And consider joining our moderated Voices: Engaging Arizona group on Facebook. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix heat wave should be a natural disaster, so we can get help The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has observed tactically significant successes of the Defence Forces in the western part of Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Source: ISW Details: Analysts note that Ukrainian forces have made tactically significant gains in the western part of Zaporizhzhia Oblast as counteroffensive operations continued in at least three frontline areas on 11 August. Geolocation data released on 11 August confirms that Ukrainian forces have reached the northern outskirts of Robotyne (10km south of Orikhiv) in western Zaporizhzhia Oblast, although the permanence and extent of these positions are unclear. The ISW recalls that Ukrainian forces have been conducting regular ground attacks towards the settlement of Robotyne for several weeks now as part of operations aimed at weakening Russian defences. According to the report, the ability of the Defence Forces to advance to the outskirts of Robotyne, which Russian forces have spent considerable effort, time and resources defending, remains significant, even if Ukrainian gains to date have been limited. Geolocation footage released on 11 August shows that Ukrainian forces have advanced to Urozhaine (9 km south of Velyka Novosilka) along the border of Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia oblasts. According to the experts, Ukrainian counteroffensive operations seem to be forcing the Russian military to laterally redeploy Russian forces defending the western part of Zaporizhzhia Oblast. This indicates that Ukrainian efforts there could significantly weaken Russian defences. The ISW also points out that Russia's practice of conducting lateral redeployments in key areas of the front is likely to further weaken Russian defensive lines in general, as operations on both sides entrench Russian units in certain areas of the front. These lateral reinforcements are likely to disrupt Russian offensive and defensive operations in the sectors from which they come and threaten to rapidly degrade the forces that the Russian military uses as reinforcements. Furthermore, it is noted that Russia does not currently appear to have significant available forces that it could bring in for reinforcements without jeopardising other sectors of the front. Ukrainian counteroffensive operations have drawn elite Russian formations and units to the Bakhmut area and continue to hold them there. Russian forces have also deployed significant numbers of troops for localised offensives in the area of Kupiansk and Svatove, which are also aimed at drawing Ukrainian troops away from the areas of Ukrainian counteroffensive operations. "Even if the Russian command determines to end localised offensive pushes in these areas it would likely take some time for Russian forces to lower the tempo of their operations and withdraw forces for lateral redeployments without opening up areas of the front to successful Ukrainian counterattacks. The limited Russian lateral redeployment of elements of the 7th VDV Division from the left bank of Kherson Oblast in June appears to have set conditions that allowed Ukrainian forces to more freely operate in the area, and Ukrainian forces will likely similarly exploit weakened Russian groupings in other areas of the front where they are actively conducting offensive operations in the event of further Russian movements," the review says. On the other hand, analysts say, Ukrainian troops have reserves that allow them to rotate units instead of relying on redeploying units engaged in defensive and offensive operations to other parts of the front without rest. In the ISWs opinion, Ukrainian forces are likely to be able to maintain the necessary combat capability required to continue to degrade Russian forces defending themselves in the southern part of Ukraine and the Bakhmut area, while also holding back Russian advances along the Kupiansk-Svatove-Kreminna line. And the lateral redeployment of Russian troops is likely to increase the likelihood that the Russians will be forced to retreat to prepared defensive positions without significant support in the event of a Ukrainian breakthrough. "The further degradation of defending Russian forces thus creates opportunities for any Ukrainian breakthrough to be potentially decisive," the experts conclude. To quote the ISWs Takeaways on 11 August: Ukrainian forces made tactically significant advances in western Zaporizhia Oblast and reached the outskirts of Robotyne amid continued counteroffensive operations on at least three sectors of the front on 11 August. Ukrainian counteroffensive operations appear to be forcing the Russian military to laterally redeploy Russian forces defending in western Zaporizhia Oblast, indicating that the Ukrainian effort there may be significantly degrading Russian defences. Russias necessary practice of conducting lateral redeployments to key sectors of the front will likely further weaken Russian defensive lines in aggregate, as both Russian and Ukrainian operations are fixing Russian units to certain sectors of the front. The further degradation of defending Russian forces creates opportunities for any Ukrainian breakthrough to be potentially decisive. Russian forces appear to be intensifying offensive operations northeast of Kupyansk, likely to draw Ukrainian forces away from more operationally significant areas of the front. Russian forces conducted another series of missile strikes in Ukraine on 11 August and targeted a Ukrainian airfield for the second time in the last week. Russian sources claimed that the Wagner Group appears to be maintaining a presence at its facilities in Belarus, though the status of its rumoured withdrawal to Russian remains unclear. The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) is struggling with significant personnel shortages, especially in occupied territories in Ukraine, amid a broader power shift between other Russian internal security organs. The Kremlin and Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) are likely attempting to deflect blame for Ukrainian shelling in Russian border areas onto mid-level officers. Russian forces conducted offensive operations along the Kupyansk-Svatove-Kreminna line, near Bakhmut, on the Avdiivka-Donetsk City line, and in the Donetsk-Zaporizhia Oblast area on 11 August and advanced in some areas. Ukrainian forces conducted offensive operations on at least three sectors of the front on 11 August and advanced in the western Donetsk-eastern Zaporizhia Oblast border area and in western Zaporizhia Oblast. The Russian defence industrial base (DIB) has begun producing "Geran-2" drones, a modified version of the Iranian-produced Shahed-131/136 drone that will likely enable Russias ability to maintain or potentially increase the frequency of Russias drone strikes on Ukraine. Russian occupation authorities are taking steps to make the upcoming regional elections in the Russian occupied territories appear to be fair and competitive. 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! On Saturday, in Sumy Oblast, the Defence Forces made the Russian sabotage group retreat beyond Ukraine's state border. Source: Lieutenant General Serhiy Naiev, commander of the Joint Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, on Telegram Quote: "Today, on 12 August, in the area of responsibility of the Northern Strategic Group of troops, near one of the villages of the Znob-Novhorodske territorial hromada [an administrative unit designating a town, village or several villages and their adjacent territories], during reconnaissance, servicemen of a separate mechanised brigade identified a sabotage and reconnaissance group of the enemy. Having detected ten armed men visually and acoustically, the Ukrainian servicemen engaged in the shooting. Anti-sabotage reserves from the National Guard and the border post with UAV crews went to help our military on the scene. Heavy fire from our defenders forced the enemy to take their wounded and retreat beyond the state border of Ukraine." Details: Naiev said that the Russians covered the withdrawal of sabotage and reconnaissance forces with 120 mm mortars. 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! Protesters brandish flares during the latest protest against the Israeli government's controversial judicial reform plans (JACK GUEZ) Thousands of Israelis took to the streets of Tel Aviv on Saturday in the latest protest against the hard-right government's controversial judicial reform plans that opponents see as threat to democracy. Since the government unveiled the reform package in January, tens of thousands of Israelis have joined weekly demonstrations in what has turned out to be the biggest protest movement in the country's history -- one that has split the nation. While protests have rocked many cities including Jerusalem, the epicentre has been the commercial hub of Tel Aviv, where protesters have rallied every Saturday against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government. "Democracy, democracy," protesters chanted as they marched on Saturday. "We won't give up until it gets better." "Despite months of protests, things are not going the way we wanted as one important part of the judiciary overhaul has been passed a few weeks ago," protester Ben Peleg, 47, told AFP. "But if we continue to apply pressure on the streets, there is a possibility that we can still stop these changes." Last month, the Israeli parliament voted to limit the so-called "reasonableness" law. The new legislation curbs judicial review by Israel's top court of some government decisions, and critics fear it could pave the way to more authoritarian government. Israel's traditional bedrock ally Washington has described parliament's vote as "unfortunate" and repeatedly raised concern about the political turmoil. Netanyahu's coalition government, which includes far-right and ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties, argues the reforms are necessary to rebalance the relationship between elected officials and the judiciary. Opponents accuse Netanyahu, who has been fighting corruption charges in court, of a conflict of interest. It was the "reasonableness" clause that the Supreme Court cited in a recent high-profile ruling that barred a Netanyahu ally, Aryeh Deri, from serving in the cabinet because of his previous tax evasion conviction. The amendment of the clause is the first major component of the reform package to become law. Several petitions have been filed at the Supreme Court, with hearings set to be held in September. Other proposed changes include allowing the government a greater say in the appointment of judges. The protests have drawn support from across the political spectrum, among secular and religious groups, blue-collar and tech sector workers, peace activists and military reservists. But months of demonstrations -- including some in support of the government -- have led to fears about widening fissures within Israeli society. "Israel is being torn apart and we feel we are on the brink of a civil war," Peleg, a doctor, said. "When we go out on the streets to protest, we are afraid of those who are supporting the government... This government needs to be overthrown." sa-jd/kir Protesters brandish flares during the latest protest against the Israeli government's controversial judicial reform plans (JACK GUEZ) Thousands of Israelis took to the streets of Tel Aviv on Saturday in the latest protest against the hard-right government's controversial judicial reform plans that opponents see as threat to democracy. Since the government unveiled the reform package in January, tens of thousands of Israelis have joined weekly demonstrations in what has turned out to be the biggest protest movement in the country's history -- one that has split the nation. While protests have rocked many cities including Jerusalem, the epicentre has been the commercial hub of Tel Aviv, where protesters have rallied every Saturday against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government. "Democracy, democracy," protesters chanted as they marched on Saturday. "We won't give up until it gets better." "Despite months of protests, things are not going the way we wanted as one important part of the judiciary overhaul has been passed a few weeks ago," protester Ben Peleg, 47, told AFP. "But if we continue to apply pressure on the streets, there is a possibility that we can still stop these changes." Last month, the Israeli parliament voted to limit the so-called "reasonableness" law. The new legislation curbs judicial review by Israel's top court of some government decisions, and critics fear it could pave the way to more authoritarian government. Israel's traditional bedrock ally Washington has described parliament's vote as "unfortunate" and repeatedly raised concern about the political turmoil. Netanyahu's coalition government, which includes far-right and ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties, argues the reforms are necessary to rebalance the relationship between elected officials and the judiciary. - 'Threat is still there' - Opponents accuse Netanyahu, who has been fighting corruption charges in court, of a conflict of interest. It was the "reasonableness" clause that the Supreme Court cited in a recent high-profile ruling that barred a Netanyahu ally, Aryeh Deri, from serving in the cabinet because of his previous tax evasion conviction. The amendment of the clause is the first major component of the reform package to become law. Several petitions have been filed at the Supreme Court, with hearings set to be held in September. Other proposed changes include allowing the government a greater say in the appointment of judges. Protester Yael Katz-Levy said pressure on the government had to be maintained "or they would do anything" even if parliament is currently in a recess. "The threat is still there and we want to make sure that we are fighting," she said. Katz-Levy, 58, said there were about 200 new laws "ready for voting in the Knesset" when it is back in session in October, and most aim to "demolish the Supreme Court and the court system," apart from harming freedom of press and rights of citizens. Rallies were also held on Saturday in other Israeli cities, including Haifa, Netanya and Herzliya. The protests have drawn support from across the political spectrum, among secular and religious groups, blue-collar and tech sector workers, peace activists and military reservists. But months of demonstrations -- including some in support of the government -- have led to fears about widening fissures within Israeli society. "Israel is being torn apart and we feel we are on the brink of a civil war," Peleg, a doctor, said. "When we go out on the streets to protest, we are afraid of those who are supporting the government... This government needs to be overthrown." sa-jd/kir Rep. Summer Lee, D-Pa., attends the House Oversight and Accountability Committee hearing titled "Overdue Oversight of the Capital City: Part II," in Rayburn Building on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images Democratic Rep. Summer Lee has over $200,000 in student debt from college and law school. She told Insider that surging interest has prevented her from making a dent on her balance. She said that millions of borrowers will soon have to adjust their lives to afford another monthly bill. Pennsylvania Democratic Rep. Summer Lee has over $200,000 in student debt. That's a result of her education from both Pennsylvania State University and Howard University School of Law, which she graduated from in 2009 and 2015, respectively. Lee told Insider in an interview that as a first-generation college student, taking on student loans was her only option to obtain an education and progress in her career so that's exactly what she did. "When I went to college as a 17-year-old, I had a single mom who had been recently laid off who had no true ability to contribute to my college education, but it was really important that I went and got one," Lee said. "I either took this loan debt or I didn't get this education, I missed this educational opportunity," she continued. "So as a 17-year-old, that seemed like a no-brainer. It seemed like something that will work itself out once you entered your career field, but that is not necessarily the case." But despite making consistent payments on her balance since she became a member of the Pennsylvania state legislature in 2018, Lee said that her balance "never decreases" due to the surging interest on the loans that makes it difficult for many borrowers to pay down the principal balance. And while she, and millions of other federal borrowers, have had a reprieve from making payments for the past three years due the payment pause former President Donald Trump first implemented in March 2020, that pause is ending in September and Lee said her monthly payment is expected to be higher than her mortgage. She said she knows she is far from alone in that. "The reality is that we're on-ramping millions of borrowers right back into a debt servitude," she said. "People who may have bought homes will now have to delay that, people who would have started families who will now have to think again," she continued. "From doctors, to lawyers, to teachers, to social workers, people who are not going to pursue the passions that they have, or who are not going to fill positions that we need, because they're going to be deterred by seeing how hard it is for college graduates to survive and to contribute in our communities." At the end of June, the Supreme Court struck down President Joe Biden's broad plan to cancel up to $20,000 in student debt for federal borrowers. While the Education Department soon after announced a new plan to enact relief using a different law, it would not be ready in time for the payment resumption. To give borrowers some additional relief, the department announced a 12-month "on-ramp" period once payments resume in October during which missed payments would not be reported to credit agencies. Still, interest will still accrue during that time, and borrowers will have to determine how they will handle another monthly bill. "There is no end in sight," Lee said. "They're going to have to adjust their lives, postpone their lives, to figure out a burden that they should not have had to have had in the first place." 'We need a Plan C through Z' The Plan A for Biden's student debt relief was the HEROES Act of 2003, which gives the education secretary the ability to waive or modify student-loan balances in connection with a national emergency like COVID-19. The Supreme Court ruled that Biden was overstepping his authority using that law to give relief to borrowers as a result of the pandemic, so after the high court's decision, Biden announced his Plan B: using the Higher Education Act of 1965, which does not require reliance on a national emergency. Still, Lee said that more safeguards need to be in place given the constant legal challenges to student-debt relief: "Obviously we're holding out hope that there's going to be some relief, but I think that we need to start preparing. We need a Plan C through Z." Over the past few weeks, a number of Biden's targeted debt relief policies for borrowers on income-driven repayment plans and those who said they were defrauded by the schools they attended have been blocked due to conservative legal challenges. While an Education Department spokesperson said it's "not going to back down or give an inch when it comes to defending working families," some borrowers have previously told Insider the uncertainty is leaving them in financial limbo. While Republican lawmakers have been critical of relief and have introduced legislation to block it from being carried out, Lee said she will continue to push for debt cancellation to reach borrowers about to reenter repayment. "When we consider who our government has bailed out in the past, industries that have taken advantage of consumers and have taken advantage of our communities who have received bailouts, and we would look back and tell students, and we would tell generations of our nation that they're not worth protecting, that they're not worth helping, I think is a wrong message to send," Lee said. Read the original article on Business Insider Abortion rights advocates are looking to follow up on a win in Ohio this week with efforts in numerous states to enshrine abortion protections into state constitutions in 2024. The defeat of a ballot initiative in Ohio is the latest in a series of wins for Democrats and reproductive rights advocates. The proposal, called Issue 1, would have made it harder to amend the Ohio Constitution ahead of a November ballot measure to codify abortion rights in the state constitution. Activists expressed optimism following the Tuesday election that an abortion rights amendment is in a strong position to pass in November, and the result could inspire other similar efforts throughout the country. Democrats now say the effort to add abortion measures to the ballot in 2024 could help fracture the GOP in races next year and add to Democratic momentum that has been building in the year since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. It gives people something to vote for, not just against, and it frames up the choice for the candidates. And its been a powerful choice, and people have been very clear. Theyre choosing reproductive freedom, said Celinda Lake, a Democratic pollster and strategist. Abortion-related measures have been on the ballot in half a dozen states in slightly more than a year since the courts ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade. The side in favor of abortion rights has won in each of those elections in liberal-leaning, swing and conservative-leaning states. Voters rejected proposed amendments that would have made rolling back abortion rights easier in Kansas, Kentucky and Montana. They also voted to enshrine abortion protections in the state constitution in Vermont, California and Michigan during last years midterm elections. Polls throughout the 2022 election season indicated the courts ruling overturning Roe was a significant turning point in the race, as Republicans led in the generic congressional ballot before the ruling was handed down, but Democrats began to take a lead after. Exit polls showed abortion came in second as the issue that voters identified as the most important to them, and those who said so voted for Democrats by more than a 3-to-1 margin. With the defeat of the measure in Ohio that would have raised the threshold for amending the state constitution and thus made adding abortion protections more difficult, activists are turning their attention to an abortion rights measure in Ohio in November and many other states where advocates are trying to get similar measures on the ballot in 2024. Lake noted that the turnout for the Ohio measure was just more than 3 million voters, which she said was almost equal to the turnout from the states 2014 elections. She said the issue, which became a proxy for the battle over abortion rights, was definitely energizing, with 700,000 early votes and 30,000 voters who did not participate in the 2022 midterms, primarily women and African Americans. It definitely was mobilizing, energizing, and more so on the pro-choice side. It was very persuasive. And I think its a roadmap for the future for candidates, she said. Efforts are underway in states like South Dakota, Florida and Missouri, where abortion rights activists are trying to gather signatures to put measures on the ballot in 2024. A group of organizations in Arizona filed to add a ballot measure Tuesday to guarantee abortion access. If these measures receive enough signatures and make it to the ballot, they will be voted on as a presidential election and many congressional races are also playing out, which strategists said could bode well for Democrats running alongside them. Democratic strategist Simon Rosenberg said the issue could split the Republican coalition in the 2024 general election, as was seen in 2022, helping Democrats. The Hill Elections 2024 coverage Polling has largely shown bipartisan support for at least some amount of access to abortion. An Associated Press-NORC poll conducted at the first anniversary of the Dobbs decision found almost two-thirds of respondents said abortion should be legal in most or all cases, including 38 percent of Republicans. Ohio Democrats said after Issue 1 was defeated that they had a new hope for Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) in his reelection bid next year given that their message on reproductive rights seems to be resonating with voters. Brown is a Democratic incumbent representing a state that voted for former President Trump twice, but the no vote on Tuesday comfortably outpaced Browns two most recent elections. Rosenberg noted Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, the two leading candidates for the Republican presidential nomination, have tied themselves to abortion restrictions. Trump appointed three justices who gave key votes in overturning Roe and DeSantis signed a six-week ban in his state. And so the question is that, is the abortion issue, however it is placed into the decision-making process of voters, does this splinter the Republican coalition and make it far more difficult for them to win? It sure looks that way. And they should be very worried about what this means for 2024, he said. Rosenberg argued that an antidemocracy piece exists to the abortion issue with Republicans trying to advocate for abortion bans taking peoples long-held rights away that could further hurt the GOP beyond considerations of reproductive rights. There comes a point where when a party tries to take something of this significance and shove it down everybodys throats against their will, then they should anticipate some kind of significant backlash, which is whats happening, he said. President Biden has slammed MAGA Republicans, a reference to followers of Trump who backed his false claims of the 2020 election being stolen, for taking away abortion rights. His 2024 campaign manager, Julie Chavez Rodriguez, told CNN on Thursday that Biden will continue to emphasize protecting abortion rights as he campaigns for reelection. The success of abortion measures is also giving hope to Democrats in more conservative states that may face more uphill battles to get their amendments passed. Mone Holder, the senior director of advocacy and programs for Florida Rising, a progressive organization that is one of the groups trying to get a measure on the ballot in Florida, said the coalition is hopeful that having the measure on the ballot will energize voters and increase turnout, even as Florida has increasingly trended red in recent years. Holder said the coalition has collected more than 500,000 signatures of the roughly 900,000 that are needed for the measure to go to the ballot. At the rate that were going, its just a short period of time, not only does that put a bright light on the campaign as a whole but definitely is a true testament of the will of voters, how they feel about getting it on the ballot, how they will actually turn out to make sure that its passed. So we feel really good about it, she said. Holder also said the measure could give voters enthusiasm but also the efforts to restrict abortion access in general. So whether its an actual measure or a topic of discussion around where a candidate or incumbent whos seeking reelection, where they stand on the issue of abortion is definitely one that will come up in the standpoint that voters will have to assess and decide if they want to serve them, she said. But Jackson McMillan, a Tampa-based Democratic strategist, expressed concern about the prospects of the ballot measure and Democrats in the state even if it receives enough signatures, which he said appears likely. He said DeSantiss gubernatorial reelection last year was seen as a bit of a referendum on abortion as DeSantis went on to sign greater restrictions into effect and Democratic turnout was poor in that race. McMillan said states like Ohio, where initiatives are being proposed, have an infrastructure that Florida does not have to rally support for the measure. He also noted Florida requires a 60 percent threshold to amend its constitution, the same as what the measure that failed in Ohio would have required, making amendments harder to pass. So were going to have that much more difficult of a time. Deck would definitely be stacked against it, he said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Deputies are investigating the killing of a man found dead in North Carolina mountain woods Thursday, sheriffs officials said. The Buncombe County Sheriffs Office on Friday identified the man as 22-year-old Jeruan William Spencer, but didnt say where he lived or how investigators believe he died. Spencer lived in Brevard in Transylvania County, according to a search of public records by The Charlotte Observer. Brevard is about 35 miles southwest of Asheville and about 125 miles west of Charlotte. Spencers mother, Rasonna LaPierre-Brown, told WLOS she wants justice for her son. Somebody shot my son, and they left him here to die, LaPierre-Brown said. I want them to pay for what they did to my baby. Deputies have searched with dogs for clues to the killer since Thursday, along McKinney Road west of Asheville. Officers were dispatched there around noon after an unidentified body was found, according to a Buncombe County Sheriffs Office news release Thursday. An active criminal investigation by the Sheriffs Office is now underway with numerous Detectives, CSI, Patrol, and K9 handlers assigned to the case, officials said in the news release. The Sheriffs Office believes this is an isolated incident and has not yet identified a suspect, the sheriffs office said. Investigators urged anyone with information about the killing to call the Sheriffs Office at 828-250-6670. Neighbors on Facebook said theyre concerned by what they called authorities lack of details surrounding the death. This is less than a quarter of a mile from my house, a woman said. They need to tell us more!! A description would be helpful, another woman said. A sheriffs spokesman couldnt be reached by the Observer on Saturday. This is a developing story. Check back for updates. Republican presidential candidate and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said on Saturday that the investigation into Hunter Biden is going to be a total sham, following U.S. Attorney for Delaware David Weiss appointment as special counsel. The House, theyve been working on supposedly holding Hunter Biden accountable, DeSantis told reporters at the Iowa State Fair. And like, I dont know what these guys are doing, but I think this special counsel, I think theyre trying to checkmate that investigation. This is gonna be a total sham special counsel, he continued. You got the same guy who had been doing it with kid gloves anyways. And I think theyre trying to kneecap the Houses ability to investigate. Id like to see them get more mileage out of that Hunter Biden investigation. We want to see results. Weiss, who has been overseeing the investigation into Biden since 2018, was elevated to special counsel on Friday. While Republicans previously urged Attorney General Merrick Garland to appoint a special counsel in the probe, many criticized his decision to name Weiss. The Hill Elections 2024 coverage The U.S. attorney for Delaware has faced sharp criticism from Republicans since he reached a plea agreement with the presidents son earlier this year. The agreement, which would have seen Biden plead guilty to two minor tax offenses and enter into a pretrial diversion program on a gun charge, was denounced by many in the GOP as a sweetheart deal. However, the plea deal appears to have fallen apart in recent weeks. Weiss investigation into Hunter Biden has also come under increased scrutiny after two IRS whistleblowers accused the Justice Department of slow-walking the case, giving the presidents son preferential treatment and declining to pursue charges in other jurisdictions with stronger evidence. The two IRS agents testified last month before the House Oversight Committee, which has also been investigating Bidens foreign business dealings. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, his top rival for the Republican presidential nomination, didn't come face to face as they separately courted voters on Saturday at the Iowa State Fair. But DeSantis took aim at Trump, the commanding front-runner for their party's 2024 nomination, and supporters of the former president repeatedly heckled the Florida governor as he made his way around the fairgrounds, a necessary stop for White House hopefuls in the state that kicks off the GOP presidential nominating calendar. DeSantis who's trying to change the narrative after a series of setbacks the past two months, which triggered weeks of negative stories spotlighting his campaigns overspending, staff layoffs, change of leadership and other stumbles had planned for a couple of weeks to campaign at the state fair on Saturday. PENCE SAYS TRUMP MISSED AN OPPORTUNITY AT THE IOWA STATE FAIR Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a 2024 Republican presidential candidate, shakes hands with supporters after joining Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds (right) at her 'fair side chats' at the Iowa State Fair, on August 12, 2023, in Des Moines, Iowa Trump, who starting targeting DeSantis months before the Florida governor officially announced his candidacy in late May, announced on Tuesday that he would show up at the state fair on the same day as the Florida governor, to likely grab the spotlight from his rival. "Weve now done 38 out of the 99 counties. We did six counties yesterday," DeSantis touted as he spotlighted his barnstorming campaign through the first caucus state. "Thats really what its all about. And when you go there you bring the message. People do respond. Were seeing that on the ground." READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP THESE GOP PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES HAVE QUALIFIED TO MAKE THE DEBATE STAGE AT THE FOX NEWS SHOWDOWN But DeSantis, as he sat down with Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds of Iowa for her "fair side chats," was met with a group of protesters blowing whistles. And a plane flying a "Be Likeable Ron!" banner circled in the skies above. Minutes later, as he flipped pork chops at the Iowa Pork Producers Association building a tradition for presidential contenders stopping at the fair DeSantis was greeted with chants of "we love Trump" by supporters of the former president who were huddled yards away. And the former president's plane flew over the state fair grounds moments later, as fairgoers pointed to the sky. Trump, who earlier this summer criticized Reynolds for staying neutral in the race for the GOP presidential nomination race, was the only Republican presidential candidate attending the fair to not sit down with the Iowa governor for one of the fair side chats. Asked by Fox News whether Trump was missing out on an opportunity by not joining Reynolds at the fair, DeSantis blasted his 2024 rival. "I think Donald Trumps attacks on Kim Reynolds are totally out of bounds. I couldnt disagree with it any more. And shes done nothing but do a great job. Shes never done anything to him.," he said. WHO'S STILL FIGHTING TO QUALIFY FOR THE FIRST GOP PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE DeSantis argued, "Thats just how he operates to attack one of the best governors in the country. . . . I disagree with the attacks against her. Hes way out of bounds, and at the end of the day, Im glad that Kim Reynolds is at the helm here in the state of Iowa." Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a 2024 Republican presidential candidate, is joined by his family as he walks the fairgrounds at the Iowa State Fair, on August 12, 2023, in Des Moines, Iowa Trump has not committed to taking the stage at the first Republican presidential nomination debate, a Fox News-hosted showdown August 23 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He didn't answer when Fox News asked him on Saturday at the state fair whether he'll attend the debate. And the former president said a few days ago that he won't sign a Republican National Committee loyalty pledge in order to qualify for the face-off. WHAT PENCE SAID IN HIS FOX NEWS INTERVIEW AT THE IOWA STATE FAIR "We have signed the pledge to support the nominee because ultimately the mission of reversing the countrys decline is bigger than anyone person," DeSantis told reporters. "I think Ill be the nominee, and well get the job done, but at the end of the day, you dont take your ball and go home. Its not just about you. Youve got to be willing to stand up and support the team." Former President Donald Trump, a 2024 Republican White House candidate, greets supporters as he arrives at the Iowa State Fair, on August 12, 2023, in Des Moines, Iowa Pointing toward Trump without mentioning him by name, DeSantis said, "Someones not willing to do that, that just shows you theyre running their campaigns more about them than about the broader public and the American people. . . . I think every candidate should agree to support the nominee." Trump, who made multiple stops as he made his way through the fairgrounds, was surrounded by large crowds of enthusiastic supporters. "The other candidates came herethey had like six people," Trump said, as he dramatically underestimated the crowds for his rivals for the GOP presidential nomination. The former president - who enjoys a large double-digit lead over DeSantis and the rest of the large field of Republican White House hopefuls in the latest surveys in Iowa, the other early voting states, and national polls, vowed thta "well be back. We dont want to take any chances." Trump was accompanied by nine members of Florida's congressional delegation who are backing him, in an intentional dig at DeSantis. The Florida governor, accompanied by a dozen Iowa state lawmakers who are backing him, told reporters "I think its fine to bring folks in from Washington but I think Iowans are more concerned about people in their communities and Iowans that they know and work with and go to church with and see. I think we have 40 legislators from the Iowa House and Senate combined. I dont think anybodys had that many, certainly not this early in a caucus process." Former ambassador and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, a 2024 Republican presidential candidate, is interviewed by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds at the Iowa State Fair, on August 12, 2023 in Des Moines, Iowa Trump and DeSantis weren't the only GOP presidential contenders at the state fair on Saturday. Former ambassador and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and entrepreneur and best-selling author Vivek Ramaswamy were also courting voters. After she joined Reynolds, Haley was asked in a Fox News Digital interview about Trump's decision not to join the Iowa governor. "I think Donald Trump can do what he wants," Haley said. "I think that Kim Reynolds is the best governor in the country. To stand with the best governor in the country is a great thing. So its shame hes not doing it, but youll have to ask him." Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Marianne Williamson -two long-shot candidates primary challenging President Biden for the Democratic nomination - also enjoyed coverage from the large contingent of political reporters, as they made their way through the fairgrounds. Flash Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (R) meets with U.S. President Joe Biden in Kiev, Ukraine, Feb. 20, 2023. (Ukrainian Presidential Office/Handout via Xinhua) The United States is open to the idea of letting Ukrainian pilots come to the country for trainings on how to operate F-16 fighters, a spokesperson for the U.S. National Security Council (NSC) said Friday. "Our European allies, as I said, are leading the effort. But if the capacity for training in Europe is reached, we are certainly open to doing the training for Ukrainian pilots here in the United States," the NSC's coordinator for strategic communications John Kirby said during a virtual news briefing with members of the press. Kirby stressed that the training is a time-consuming "multi-step process" that ultimately aims to "improve the Ukrainian self-defense and military capabilities for the long term." "It's going to be a while before jets can show up in Ukraine and for them to be integrated into the air fleet, and it's not just a function of the transfer of actual airframes," he said, adding that the provision of F-16s and other fourth generation aircraft also involves "the appropriate training for pilots, as well as setting up all the maintenance logistics and sustainment efforts that go into having modern aircraft like the F-16 in your fleet." Language barrier stands as one of the obstacles for the Ukrainians, according to Kirby. "All the tech manuals are in English, and all the controls inside the aircraft are in English. And so a pilot is going to have at least some basic proficiency in the language to be able to just get in there and fly," he said, adding that trainers from Britain have expressed willingness to help with that. The spokesperson's remarks were in response to a reporter who, while asking a question, mentioned what seemed to be complaints from Ukraine about delays in the training that may result in Ukrainian pilots not being able to fly F-16s "until next summer at the earliest," thus constituting "an additional obstacle to them against Russia." U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told CNN's Jake Tapper last month that President Joe Biden "has given a green light" to European allies starting to train Ukrainians on the F-16. "We will allow, permit, support, facilitate, and, in fact, provide the necessary tools for Ukrainians to begin being trained on F-16s as soon as the Europeans are prepared," Sullivan said during CNN's "State of the Union" program that aired on July 16. In May, Biden informed leaders of the Group of Seven nations that the United States would support a joint effort by allies and partners to train Ukrainian pilots on fourth generation aircraft, including F-16s. Made days before Ukraine launched its highly publicized counteroffensive against Russia, Biden's decision was intended to give Ukraine air superiority. In doing so, the president reversed from his long-held hesitation, for fear that arming the Ukrainian Air Force with such advanced capabilities risks escalating Kiev's ongoing conflict with Moscow to a point where it spirals out of control. An F-16 fighter performs during the Breitling Huntington Beach Airshow, in Orange County, California, the United States, on Sept. 30, 2017. (Xinhua/Zhao Hanrong) Detectives are investigating after four people were shot in Bothell between late Friday night and early Saturday morning. The Snohomish County Sheriffs Office said the shooting happened in the 2005 block of 185th Place Southeast. Detectives said two men were shot in what appears to be a gang-related shooting. The men are now at Harborview with multiple wounds. Detectives also said several suspects fled in a white car. Sometime later, two more men were dropped off at Swedish in Mill Creek with gunshot wounds and later taken to Providence in Everett. Detectives said they believe those were the men who fled the shooting in Bothell. The investigation is ongoing. Detectives are investigating an overnight shooting in unincorporated Bothell, 2005 185 Pl SE. Two men were shot in apparent gang related shooting. These victims are now at Harborview with multiple gunshot wounds unknown condition. Multiple suspects fled in white car. Cont snocosheriff (@SnoCoSheriff) August 12, 2023 Detroit police searching for 3 suspects after officer shot in the leg A Detroit police officer was shot in the left leg early Friday, after police responded to a ShotSpotter call, a technology that detects when shots are fired, police said. Police are still searching for three suspects who fled after they came out of an apartment in an eastside neighborhood, allegedly shooting one of the officers in his calf. Officers returned fire, but the department isnt sure if any of the suspects were hit, Detroit Police Chief James E. White said in an early morning press conference. "The officers do amazing work. Day in, day out, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Its incredible. Im very proud of them," White said. KANSAS POLICE OFFICER DIES FROM INJURIES DAY AFTER BEING SHOT WHILE RESPONDING TO CAR THEFT Detroit Police Chief James E. White said early Friday that police were still searching for three suspects who allegedly shot at police. He added, "We are encountering violence like we haven't seen I mean just extreme violence, impulse decision-making, and they're constantly under threat, but they show up and they do this work. Keep this community safe and I couldn't be prouder." READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP FATAL POLICE SHOOTING OCCURS FOLLOWING CONFRONTATION IN SMALL MISSOURI TOWN When the officers first arrived at the scene following the ShotSpotter call, neighbors told them there were three men inside an apartment who didnt belong there. The suspects then ran out of the apartment and allegedly shot the officer. "Shots fired, shots fired! I need medics now, I'm shot. medics!" the officer called over the radio, according to FOX 2 Detroit. The officer was hospitalized for non-life-threatening injuries, the department told Fox News Digital. The suspect who allegedly shot the officer is described as an "African American male approximately 5-foot-8 to 5-foot-9, with dread[locks], and he escaped westbound from that location," White said. Four doctors from Tennessee clinics took part in a conspiracy that helped feed illegal drug sales in southeastern Kentucky, a jury has ruled. The jury in federal court in Frankfort convicted Mark Grenkoski, Evann Herrell, Stephen Cirelli and Keri McFarlane on a charge of conspiracy to illegally dispense controlled substances by way of prescriptions they wrote. The jury also convicted the doctors on related fraud and money-laundering offenses, according to a news release from the U.S. Department of Justice. These physicians focused on their own greed and self-interests, not the needs of their patients, Carlton S. Shier, IV, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, said in a news release. Their illegal scheme had a damaging impact on their patients, fraudulently preyed on health benefit programs, and undermined the publics faith in legitimate medical practices in this field. The doctors worked at one time at a business called EHC Medical that had offices in Harriman and Jacksboro, Tenn., but drew patients from several counties in southeastern Kentucky, according to court records. Two Kentucky drug dealers charged in the case, Brian Bunch and Elmer Powers, said they used EHC as a source of supply for buprenorphine and other drugs such as Xanax because it was easy to get prescriptions from doctors there. Bunch and Powers said they paid for other people to go to EHC and get prescriptions, then turn over some of the drugs to them to sell illegally in the Knox County area. Buprenorphine, commonly referred to by the trade name Suboxone, is a legal drug used to treat addiction to opioid painkillers, but federal authorities say people also abuse it to get high, and it is often diverted to illegal sales. Several other people associated with the clinics pleaded guilty earlier. They were a doctor named Robert Taylor, who owned the clinics; Lori Barnett, the clinic manager; physicians Helen Bidawid, Eva Misra and Matthew Rasberry; and Powers and Bunch. U.S. District Judge Gregory F. Van Tatenhove sentenced Taylor to two years and six months in prison and a fine of $200,000. Taylor also agreed to forfeit to the government $13.8 million seized from financial accounts. The other doctors who pleaded guilty have not been sentenced. Attorneys for the four doctors who went to trial argued that prosecutors didnt present sufficient evidence for a jury to convict them. Van Tatenhove overruled their request, saying there was sufficient evidence to justify convictions. The evidence included several indications of improper prescribing, such as doctors at the clinics writing prescriptions for people who failed drug screens and providing prescriptions even after blatant signs that patients were diverting the drugs, Van Tatenhove said. The EHC clinics didnt take insurance and patients traveled long distances to get there and arrived in groups, which also can be indicators of illegal activity. There also was evidence that the doctors, who were paid based on patient volume, saw so many patients that they didnt provide adequate medical evaluations, according to the judges order. On the last day of 2015, for instance, Taylor and four other doctors at his clinic saw a total of 345 patients, according to the court record. In addition to the drug conspiracy charge, which is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, evidence showed the doctors conspired to falsify medical records, and that Herrell, Grenkoski, and McFarlane conspired to cause millions of dollars worth of fraudulent bills to be submitted to Medicare, Medicaid, and other health programs, the news release said. Attempts to achieve police accountability have been met with obstacles on Capitol Hill and at the White House. Though the issue of policing and race in America was a signature issue in the 2020 presidential cycle, resulting in the historic election of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, three years later, policing has found a snag in Washington. Even with the U.S. Department of Justices recently announced a federal pattern-or-pratice probe of the Memphis Police Department after the beating death of Tyre Nichols, attempts to achieve police accountability on the federal level have been met with obstacles on Capitol Hill and at the White House. BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, UNITED STATES 2023/01/28: A protester holds a placard saying Cops Are Terrorist during the demonstration. Protesters in Boston held a rally following the release of the video which showed the police beating of Tyre Nichols. Nearly 100 rally goers met on the Boston Common to listen to speakers and activists from the community. Later, the rally moved to the street marching around Downtown Boston. (Photo by Vincent Ricci/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) A renewed effort to address the national concern of police brutality and misconduct in the Capitol was led by U.S. Senator Cory Booker. A source on The Hill with knowledge of Bookers legislative work told theGrio that the New Jersey lawmaker attempted to link COPS grant funding for new law enforcement hires to police accountability measures in the 2024 fiscal year budget. However, any such police funding agreement is not expected to make the upcoming appropriations bill, the source said. Booker notably led previous negotiations on the Hill related to police accountability with the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. The bipartisan effort tanked in 2021 after lead Republican broker, Sen.Tim Scott of South Carolina, now a 2024 presidential candidate, pulled out of negotiations over the issue of qualified immunity. Civil rights lawyer Ben Crump, personal attorney for the family of George Floyd, told theGrio that linking funding to police accountability wouldve been the easy part compared to getting the needed support for the Floyd bill in Congress. The legislative stalling on policing on Capitol Hill is also compounded by the lack of implementation of President Bidens executive order on policing that he signed on the second anniversary of Floyds murder. A mandate that all federal law enforcement officials must wear body cameras is said to be the challenge. The presidents FY-2024 budget proposal includes $90 million allocated to the civil rights division of the DOJ for body cameras to be worn by officials at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the U.S. Marshals Service. The funding also would be used for IT support and storage. However, a source tells theGrio that since fiscal year 2020, the amount of funding for body cameras has not been enough. The budget request for police funding, which must be approved by Congress, is to fulfill Bidens multi-pronged executive order. WASHINGTON, DC MAY 25: President Joe Biden signs an executive order to advance policing and strengthen public safety in the East Room of the White House Complex on East Room on Wednesday, May 25, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) Overall, police accountability has been intentionally left off the agenda this election cycle. For Democrats, it is said to spell political suicide. The topic often ignites police unions to target them, and Republicans regularly suggest that incidents of crime are a result of Democrats being soft on crime. Keith Ellison, the attorney general of Minnesota and former deputy chair of the Democratic National Committee, told theGrio that the perception is that if a Democrat is deemed anti-cop or soft on crime, theres a sentiment that they could pay at the ballot box. Ellison, who led the successful prosecution of Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin for the murder of Floyd, reflected that the first time he ran for office in 2018, he won by 100,000 votes. However, when he ran for reelection in 2022 following the Chauvin trial, he won by a significantly smaller margin of 20,000 votes. Even if you have somebody who is guilty like Derek Chauvin, youre gonna pay a political price, affirmed the first Black official elected to statewide office in Minnesota. LOUISVILLE, KY JUNE 05: Protesters carry a painting of (L-R) Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd while marching on June 5, 2020 in Louisville, Kentucky. Protests across the country continue into their second weekend after recent police-related incidents resulting in the deaths of African-Americans Breonna Taylor in Louisville and George Floyd in Minneapolis, (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) Political strategist Shermichael Singleton told theGrio, I dont think its the biggest priority for those running on either side. However, he added, That could clearly change if another [police-involved] shooting occurs. Policing has become a key issue in Kentuckys gubernatorial election. State Attorney Daniel Cameron, the Republican nominee who came to prominence for handling the Breonna Taylor police shooting case, was met with a resistance campaign endorsed by Taylors family. Tamika Mallory, co-founder of the social justice organization Until Freedom, noted that Cameron announced a 12-point plan on policing that is largely centered around protecting police, including ending the civil complaint review board. When asked how he plans to protect citizens, he did not respond, Mallory told theGrio. She added, True public safety must prevent all violence, including police violence. Mallory said policing in America continues to be a crisis for Black and other marginalized communities. Rather than deal with accountability in a real and concrete way, she said, We are seeing policymakers and political candidates use public safety and gun violence as a scapegoat. TheGrio is FREE on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku and Android TV. Also, please download theGrio mobile apps today! The post Dont expect to hear much about policing in the 2024 election cycle appeared first on TheGrio. Former President Donald Trump cruised into the Iowa State Fair Saturday as the established front-runner for the GOP presidential nomination, seeking to draw attention away from his competitors and lock down support ahead of the 2024 caucuses. While there, he was asked if he "intended to overturn the 2020 election" and if he would take a plea deal. He wasn't pleased with either question. More: Donald Trump, at Iowa fair, navigates crowds and questions about his legal battles The Register was on the ground with Trump throughout his visit. Here's what happened during his latest trip to the Hawkeye State. 11:34 a.m. Trump Force One buzzes Iowa State Fair Trump's private jet, called "Trump Force One," buzzed over the fairgrounds as Texas businessman Ryan Binkley spoke at the Des Moines Register's Political Soapbox, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis flipped pork at the Iowa Pork Producers tent, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley toured the animal barns and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy stopped for ice cream with Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig. A group of Trump supporters near the pork tent let out cheers as the plane flew overhead. Former President Donald Trump's private jet circles the Iowa State Fair Aug. 12, 2023. DeSantis previously spoke at Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds' Fair-Side Chat, drawing a big crowd and a couple of protesters who interrupted the event with whistles and cowbells before they were escorted away. Afterward, he and his wife and their three children traveled through the fairgrounds, taking selfies and shaking hands. 11:45 a.m. Trump's plane touches down in Des Moines Trump's plane touched down at the Des Moines International Airport, and Trump emerged in a blue suit with no tie. Over the roaring jet engine, Trump waved to those assembled and said "See you at the fair" to reporters before getting into his vehicle and departing in the motorcade. Joining Trump on board were members of the Florida congressional delegation who have endorsed him, including U.S. Reps. Matt Gaetz and Byron Donalds; campaign advisers Susie Wiles and Jason Miller; and body man Walt Nauta, who is co-charged with Trump in the ongoing Miami case involving alleged mishandling of classified documents. Several of the representatives and Trump held red Make America Great Again hats. Trump previously told the Des Moines Register he planned to travel with a lineup of Florida Republicans who endorsed his candidacy over DeSantis' a not-so-subtle implication that Floridians who know both men have chosen Trump. But DeSantis pushed back, saying he would bring along a group of his Iowa endorsers, who will have a bigger say in the first-in-the-nation caucus process. A much smaller plane trailing a "Be likeable Ron!" banner above the fairgrounds could be seen from the tarmac, another apparent dig at DeSantis. 11:54 a.m. Trump, DeSantis supporters offer dueling chants DeSantis flipped pork with Reynolds and two members of Iowa's congressional delegation, U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn and U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, as Trump supporters a few steps away began chanting "We love Trump!" Soon after, the DeSantis contingent began a "USA! USA!" chant. 12:25 p.m. Trump arrives at the Iowa Pork Producers tent A mob of supporters and fair attendees awaited Trump as he arrived at the Iowa Pork Producers tent shortly after arriving at the fair. He slowly made his way through the crowd, shaking hands, greeting workers and serving pork. He moved into the fenced-off grill station at the front of the pork tent, continuing to shake hands. He used a black Sharpie to sign a canvas handed to him by one supporter. Many of the attendees crowded around the other side of the fence, covering most of the street. Many donned traditional red MAGA hats as well as green ones declaring Team Trump "back-to-back Iowa champs" in 2016 and 2020. Trump came in second place in the 2016 Iowa caucuses but went on to carry Iowa in the 2016 and 2020 general elections. One woman told the Des Moines Register she had been waiting outside the tent for about an hour. 12:31 p.m. Will Trump go to the first debate? The Des Moines Register asked Trump whether he planned to attend the first Republican National Committee debate in Milwaukee later this month. He has so far declined to say whether he will attend. "It'll be interesting, won't it?" Trump answered. "Do you think I should?" 12:35 p.m. 'We need you back, Trump!' Trump moved around the grills where his Republican rivals have been flipping pork chops all week. He didn't partake, instead waving to the crowd and continuing to shake hands. "We need you back, Trump!" one man yelled. Cheers emanated frequently from the crowd. Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump steps off his plane at the Des Moines International Airport before his visit to the Iowa State Fair, Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023, in Des Moines, Iowa. 12:49 p.m. Trump visits baby goats Trump entered the Animal Learning Center building to another throng of supporters. Among those waiting for him were two young women holding baby goats. One mother had her young son reach his hand through the gap of a sign separating them from the president, hoping to shake the former president's hand, but he was unsuccessful. 12:52 p.m. Trump's Florida supporters play games Members of Trump's Florida contingent of endorsers played rounds of Skee-Ball behind the Steer N' Stein before Trump arrived, chatting with Trump campaign staffers and Iowans. Gaetz, the Florida congressman, posed for selfies and signed autographs. Donald Trumps Florida contingent is here playing Skeeball and signing autographs as Trump prepares to speak at the Steer n Stein at the Iowa State Fair pic.twitter.com/d1GcV6aYIz Brianne Pfannenstiel (@brianneDMR) August 12, 2023 12:55 p.m. Trump brags about his crowd size Trump turned to reporters as he moved through the building to brag about the crowd size at the fair. "We love breaking records," he said. The Register asked him whether he had a message for DeSantis, who also was at the fair. "He had a very small crowd," Trump remarked. "Only had a few people show up." The crowd for DeSantis' Fair-Side Chat with Reynolds was standing room only. 12:58 p.m. Trump is asked if he intended to overturn election As Trump was winding through the State Fair with a huge crowd surrounding him, a reporter asked him, "Did you intend to overturn the 2020 election?" Trump responded, "You know the answer." Then he turned away. Trump asked "did you intend to overturn the 2020 election?" He responds: "you know the answer." pic.twitter.com/aC6JNMlWJ2 Galen Bacharier (@galenbacharier) August 12, 2023 1:11 p.m. Crowds spill out of Steer N' Stein as Trump speaks to fairgoers Supporters who had mobbed the Steer N' Stein restaurant waited for Trump to arrive. "We love Trump," they chanted. The restaurant was holding a special "MAGA Deal": a double cheeseburger, chili fries and drink for $24. Hundreds of people lined up outside the Steer N' Stein, hoping to catch a glimpse of Trump as he spoke inside. They gathered in front of the building, spilling out across the Grand Concourse. And they gathered behind and around the building as well. Even though Trump was not visible from most vantage points, his voice echoed out across the crowd in front of the building. 1:18 p.m. Trump takes the stage at Steer N Stein Trump took the stage at the Steer N' Stein, thanking supporters. He brought up each of the members of Congress who traveled with him and have endorsed him, touting his prior victories in Iowa and support across the country. 1:32 p.m. Trump says farewell to the crowd as he prepares to depart Trump emerged from Steer N' Stein to a roaring crowd. A few attendees held up DeSantis 2024 signs, as others held MAGA flags and wore hats, cheering for him. He waved to the crowd and stepped into his car as the motorcade left the fairgrounds. 2:14 p.m. Iowa volunteers get photos with Trump at airport Trump joined the Florida congressional delegation on the airport tarmac, posing for photos with Iowa "super volunteers" who arrived at the airport in a separate bus. Miller, the campaign senior adviser, told the Register they had been selected based on how much work they had put in on the ground, including knocking on doors and getting Iowans committed to caucus for Trump. "These are the grinders," Miller said. The volunteers approached by the Register declined to be interviewed. 2:24 p.m. Trump answers questions on legal battles, relationship with Iowa governor Trump took questions from reporters, including several related to his three ongoing legal battles and an expected fourth one in Georgia. Asked if he would take a plea deal, Trump said no. "We don't take plea deals," Trump said. "We did nothing wrong. That's a wise-guy question." Asked by the Register whether Trump had spoken recently with Reynolds after criticizing her for staying neutral in the caucuses, he continued to take credit for her electoral success, noting that he has previously attended rallies with her. Trump was the only Republican candidate to visit the State Fair without sitting down for a Fair-Side Chat with Reynolds; she did not appear with him during his visit Saturday. "I like her very much," he said. "That's why I came to do rallies with her." 2:30 p.m. Trump boards jet Trump boarded his jet as the Iowa volunteers waved from behind a fence on the tarmac. 2:45 p.m. 'Trump Force One' takes off Trump's private jet was wheels up. Galen Bacharier covers politics for the Register. Reach him at gbacharier@registermedia.com or (573) 219-7440, and follow him on Twitter @galenbacharier. Brianne Pfannenstiel is the chief politics reporter for the Register. Reach her at bpfann@dmreg.com or 515-284-8244. Follow her on Twitter at @brianneDMR. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Trump's Iowa State Fair free-for-all packs in crowd, trolls Ron DeSantis Robert J. Duke Short, the long time chief of staff to the late U.S. Sen. Strom Thurmond of South Carolina, has died at the age of 89. Beginning his career as an investigator for the U.S. Department of Treasury, Short rose to power and influence as Thurmonds chief of staff during the senators final 15 years in office. An unquestionably loyal and devoted gatekeeper, Shorts influence was such that as Thurmonds health waned, the former federal agent came to be known as the 101st senator. Duke Short made an indelible impression on the lives of leaders and citizens all across his beloved South Carolina and his country. He was a good man. He was one in a million, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster wrote in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. A Georgia native, Short served in the U.S. Army following his graduation from North Georgia College in 1956. He served as a second lieutenant in the 82nd Airborne Division, the same unit his future boss served with during the Normandy landings in World War II. Over the following decades, Short served as a federal agent in a number of capacities. He was a special agent for the Treasury Departments organized crime strike force, one of the nations first Sky Marshals, and in the early 1970s he became chief of investigations for the Federal Protective Service. In 1965, Short received a doctorate of chiropractic from Palmer College in Davenport, Iowa. Richard Duke Short, former Chief of Staff to South Carolina Senator Strom Thurmond died at the age of 89. In 1974 he began a long career in the U.S. Senate as a senior investigator for its Subcommittee on Internal Security. By the mid-1980s, Short was the chief investigator for the Senate Judiciary Committee, where his responsibilities included security for its then chairman, Strom Thurmond. But it was in 1988 when Thurmond, more than 80 years old, appointed him chief of staff that Short took on the role that would define his life. Shorts commitment, diligence, selfless service, and loyalty to Senator Thurmond and to the entire staff during his tenure was unwavering and renowned, read a resolution passed this year by the South Carolina General Assembly shortly before Shorts 89th birthday. But as Thurmonds health worsened, Shorts power in his office grew. Short and his wife would have Thurmond over for dinner every weekend, according to biographers, and Roll Call, a Washington, DC, outlet that covers Congress, called him one of the 50 most powerful staffers in Congress. For Thurmond, he was a faithful guardian and watchdog too few got in to see Thurmond in his aging years without Dukes OK, said John Monk, who covered North and South Carolina for The Charlotte Observer in Washington, DC, from 1990 to 1995. During these years, Thurmond was chairman of the powerful Senate Armed Services Committee and served on the Judiciary Committee. He famously supported Clarence Thomas nomination for the Supreme Court, despite the senators previous segregationist beliefs. Short gets him (Thurmond) up in the morning and puts him to bed at night and basically guides him through the day. Everything is sort of in the area of protecting Senator Thurmond, one unnamed senator who served with Thurmond on the armed services committee was quoted as saying at the time. It was during these years that Short reportedly became a guardian to Thurmonds deepest secret: his mixed-race daughter, Essie Mae Washington-Williams, who was born following a sexual encounter between Thurmond, who would go on to be a prominent segregationist, and Carrie Butler, a 15 or 16-year-old Black teen who was a domestic servant for his family. Thurmond was 22 when the girl was born. On one occasion in 2000, Short sat with Thurmond in the senators Washington office while they met with Wanda Terry, Washington-Williams daughter and Thurmonds granddaughter, according to the book Strom: The Complicated Personal and Political Life of Strom Thurmond by Jack Bass and Marilyn W. Thompson. Thurmond was providing money to Terry for her mother, who was unable to travel after a knee surgery. After the meeting, Short reportedly pulled her aside and said: How has she (Washington-Williams) managed to go all these years without saying anything? Short later denied this conversation, according to Bass and Thompson. Shorts devotion to his boss remained legendary. He was a humble servant of our great state & nation and a beloved friend to so many, wrote U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman, a Rock Hill Republican, in a post to X. Following Thurmonds death in 2003, Short was one of a select few staffers who received a bequest from the senators estate. Writing about the $4,000 gift, reporters Lee Bandy and Monk of The State credited Short with the smooth functioning of Thurmonds office in his later years. In 2006, Short published a book, The Centennial Senator: True Stories of Strom Thurmond from the People Who Knew Him Best, which compiled stories from Thurmonds friends, staffers, colleagues, and constituents. Short was also awarded the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolinas highest honor, bestowed by Gov. Jim Hodges, a Democrat. Short married Denise Dee Powers in 1992. The couple celebrated their thirty-first wedding anniversary in May, according to the General Assemblys resolution. When Margaret Rossiter, Ph.D. began digging around for evidence of women's contributions to science in the 1970s, she hit a wall pretty quickly. "People said there weren't any women scientists," Rossiter, a professor emerita at Cornell University, told Salon in a phone interview. "[They said] you'll never find anything and you're wasting your time." But time would prove them wrong. Rossiter persisted and ended up uncovering a paper trail of letters and documents that illuminated the lives of hundreds of women forgotten in science history. Some worked as volunteers in laboratories and research settings, invisible in the public eye, with their contributions overshadowed by those of their male colleagues. Others were recognized as professors or scientists, but parallel research in other corners of the globe conducted by men took home the glory instead. Rossiter named the phenomenon in which women's work in science is repressed or denied the "Matilda Effect," and it persists today. The examples of how women's contributions to science are largely overlooked are myriad. There's Eunice Foote, a scientist studying the greenhouse gas effect in 1856, three years before John Tyndall, the "father of climate science," was credited with discovering it. And there's Ada Lovelace, who is said to have programmed the first computer in 1843, but wasn't recognized for her work until the late 20th century. Take Nettie Stevens, an American geneticist that discovered sex chromosomes while studying mealworms in 1905. Although this discovery has historically been attributed to E.B. Wilson, their research was published around the same time. The two also frequently exchanged correspondence. As historian Stephen G. Brush writes in "The History of Science Society": "Wilson probably did not arrive at his conclusion on sex determination until after he had seen Stevens' results. ... Because of Wilson's more substantial contributions in other areas, he tends to be given most of the credit for this discovery." About three decades later in 1938, Lise Meitner along with her colleague, Otto Hahn, and her nephew, Otto Frisch discovered nuclear fission, which would later be used by J. Robert Oppenheimer. (Another woman physicist, Chien-Shiung Wu was part of the team that developed the atom bomb but was excluded from the Nobel Prize award her male colleagues received.) After Meitner, who was Jewish, fled Germany during World War II, Hahn published the work in her absence and was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1944. Although huge steps have been made toward equity today, women in science still make less money than male scientists and are underrepresented in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics.) A 2022 study published in Nature also found women still aren't getting the credit they deserve and are "significantly less likely" to receive authorship when working on a scientific study. "Regardless of how you cut it, women get less credit than men," said study author Julia Lane, Ph.D., a professor at the NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service. "We followed up with a survey and what struck us was the strength of the response of the survey. It was completely consistent and people were writing in how passionately they felt about being excluded." That study didn't break down whether credit was given where credit was due for women of color or gender nonconforming people. Yet both groups face additional barriers to entering science and getting published. In addition to wage gaps and underrepresentation, a person's zip code has been shown to influence the quality of their education, while systemic racism in schools dissuades some aspiring scientists from pursuing higher education in the first place. In one qualitative study that surveyed Black women scientists about their experiences in STEM, one respondent said: "I have not even thought of my gender because my color has been so significant." Want more health and science stories in your inbox? Subscribe to Salon's weekly newsletter The Vulgar Scientist. Nevertheless, women of color have been working to solve science's greatest mysteries for more than a century. In 1915, Alice Ball, a Black Hawaiian chemist, discovered the world's leading leprosy treatment before antibiotics, which was nicknamed the "Ball Method." Ball died in her 20s before publishing her work, but after her death, two colleagues at the College of Hawaii, Arthur Dean and Richard Wrenshall, published her research in a couple of papers and even renamed her method the "Dean Method." In the 1970s, other researchers discovered Ball's work in archives, but she wouldn't be fully recognized until 2022 when the Hawaiian governor declared Feb. 28 Alice Augusta Ball Day. Racheida Lewis, Ph.D., an assistant engineering professor at the University of Georgia, told Salon in a phone interview that she was one of four women and one of four Black people in her graduating class. Academia can sometimes practice gatekeeping, she said, particularly against first-generation scholars. "Most of my teachers were older white men that had this idea of, 'If you don't understand what I say in class, maybe this isn't for you,'" Lewis said. "That was really disheartening. To think, at the beginning of the semester, you come in wanting to learn everything you can and you get to a point where you just need to survive." Although more and more women and women of color are getting published, they are still not cited as frequently as male researchers something that signifies colleagues value the work and leads to recognition in the scientific community, Lewis added. "You may have all these publications," she said. "But if no one is reading it someone might make a similar discovery or conclusion and try to take credit for it, not recognizing the work that was already done by someone else." Today, women represent 27% of professions in STEM, which is up from 8% in 1970. Efforts are being made to level the playing field in academia and improve access for women and women of color in science. Lewis said intentional collaboration between experienced and new researchers, especially first-generation scholars, is one way to bridge the gap. After all, innovation and creativity are both improved by diversity. And more recognition and representation will ensure this generation of women scientists is not forgotten. "When we talk about the next generation and being supportive of them, what does that actually mean?" Lewis said. "It's important to think about how we can make more scientists and great contributors in our field and be able to advance our society." Read more science and gender The running-mate of a murdered Ecuadorian politician is to contest the presidential election in his place. Fernando Villavicencio was shot three times in the head after a campaign rally in Quito. Police say all suspects are Colombian. His Construye party said it would put Andrea Gonzalez forward as its presidential candidate. The party added that it was in the process of choosing a vice-presidential candidate for the August 20 election. Ms Gonzalez, 36, whose career has mainly focused on environmental issues, is due to take part in Sunday's presidential debate in the capital. The party said on social media that she would "guarantee the legacy" of Mr Villavicencio "and millions of Ecuadorians will accompany her in this purpose". The candidate for the vice-presidency would come from "the most trusted of those who have shared the struggles of comrade Fernando Villavicencio", the party added. Mr Villavicencio, 59, a former journalist and member of the country's national assembly, was shot three times in the head as he left a public event in the capital on Wednesday. One attacker was killed in an exchange of fire with police while several others escaped. His death has shocked a nation that has largely escaped the decades of drug-gang violence, cartel wars and corruption that has blighted many of its neighbours. Crime has however shot up in recent years, fuelled by the growth of Colombian and Mexican drug cartels. Mr Villavicencio's campaign focused on corruption and gangs, and was one of only a few candidates to allege links between organised crime and government officials in Ecuador. On Saturday, his widow, Veronica Sarauz, told a news conference that she held the state responsible for her husband's death. "The state still has to give many answers about everything that happened, his personal guards did not do their job," she said. "I do not want to think that they sold my husband to be murdered in this infamous way." Ms Sarauz also expressed her displeasure that Ms Gonzalez had been named as her husband's replacement to contest the presidential election. According to Interior Minister Juan Zapata, six Colombians have been arrested, who were members of organised criminal groups. Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso has called on the FBI to help investigate Mr Villavicencio's death. Meanwhile, three men considered highly dangerous by Ecuador's authorities have been moved from a jail in the port city of Guayaquil where they were inmates in a maximum security prison. They included Jose Adolfo Macias, known as "Fito", the leader of one of Ecuador's main organised crime groups from whom Mr Villavicencio said he had received death threats. Mr Villavicencio, who was married and had five children, was one of eight candidates in the first round of the election - although he was not the frontrunner and was polling around the middle of the pack. Patricia Villavicencio, his sister, said "this crime can't go unpunished... We are hurting, with a broken soul, there is no justice, there is no protection". By Alexandra Valencia QUITO (Reuters) -The political party of Ecuador's assassinated presidential hopeful, Fernando Villavicencio, picked his would-be vice presidential candidate to replace him as the party standard-bearer on Saturday, just a week before the election. Villavicencio's Build party, or Construye in Spanish, announced on social media it had tapped Andrea Gonzalez to replace the slain 59-year-old in the Aug. 20 vote. Later on Saturday, the deceased candidate's widow criticized the party's replacement as unlawful. Villavicencio, an ex-lawmaker and journalist with a track record of exposing corruption, was gunned down last week after leaving a campaign event in the capital Quito despite his own government-provided security detail. Six suspects - all Colombian nationals whom police accuse of links to criminal groups - have been charged with the murder and remain in custody after a judge on Thursday ordered they remain behind bars as the criminal investigation continues. Veronica Sarauz, Villavicencio's widow, told reporters on Saturday she holds the state directly responsible for her husband's murder. "The government still has to provide a lot of answers for everything that happened," she said, after arriving at the press conference with an armed police escort and wearing a bullet-proof vest and helmet. Sarauz described the party decision to tap Gonzalez as "arbitrary" and said it breaks a law that forbids the vice presidential candidate from stepping down. The national electoral council must still approve the party's stand-in candidates. Gonzalez, an environmental activist who has not previously held public office, was selected by Villavicencio to be his running made in the snap election called by outgoing President Guillermo Lasso. While ballots have already been printed, by law votes for Villvicencio will automatically transfer to the party candidate. The South American nation of some 18 million has seen a rising tide of violence in recent years, including a sharp increase in the murder rate. Villavicencio had been polling around the middle of the pack in a field of eight candidates prior to his assassination. Beyond security, employment and migration have emerged as major campaign issues. (Reporting by Alexandra Valencia; Writing by David Alire Garcia; Editing by Sandra Maler) A bottlenose dolphin pictured in the Moray Firth, Scotland. Getty Images Egyptian paleontologists found a new, extinct whale species, about the size of a bottlenose dolphin. It is the smallest known whale of the extinct Basilosauridae family, says the scientists' new study. The species is named Tutcetus rayanensis, after King Tutankhamun, an ancient Egyptian pharaoh. To scientists' delight, it's the summer of the ancient whale, and an extinct species of a miniature one has been newly discovered in Egypt, according to research published Thursday. Dubbed Tutcetus rayanensis by researchers, the species is the smallest known member of the extinct family Basilosauridae a group of ancient, fully aquatic whales according to a paper on the species' discovery in Communications Biology. The distinction between fully aquatic whales is made because not all ancient whales were fully aquatic before the Basilosauridae, some whale ancestors walked, according to reporting from the Smithsonian. It's named in part "Tut" for the ancient Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun, or "King Tut," who died at 19, since researchers believe the specimen found had also not yet reached full maturity. Basilosauridae are usually found in Egypt, according to the scientists' findings, and the T. rayanensis was discovered roughly 25 miles from the Wadi El-Hitan World Heritage Site, which the findings say is "one of the world's most productive fossil whale sites." "The discovery of the new basilosaurid whale, Tutcetus rayanensis, has brought about a substantial shift in our understanding of cetacean life histories during the Eocene epoch," the lead study author Mohammed S. Antar, a paleontologist at the Mansoura University Vertebrate Paleontology Center in Egypt, said over email to CNN. Antar told CNN that the T. rayanensis might have "undergone faster developmental processes than previously believed, suggesting a diverse range of growth strategies within this group," differentiating it from other members of its family. From the incomplete fossil, according to the study, researchers determined the T. rayanensis to be one of the oldest discovered whale fossils but another study author doesn't think that will be true forever. Erik R. Seiffert, a coauthor of the study and professor at the University of Southern California, told CNN there's a chance scientists would be able to discover even more ancient and fully aquatic whales. "Our phylogenetic analysis suggests that the transition to a fully aquatic lifestyle likely occurred a few million years earlier than the age of Tutcetus, but we do not yet have any fossil evidence that conclusively documents these predicted earlier forms," Seiffert told CNN in an email. Antar and the MUVP didn't immediately respond to a request for comment from Insider sent outside regular business hours. Read the original article on Business Insider The famed Eiffel Tower in Paris was evacuated two times on Saturday due to bomb threats, according to French media BFM. The towers three floors as well as the courtyard below were cleared of tourists for over two hours early Saturday afternoon while authorities assessed the validity of the threat. Police quickly evacuated the tower and initially established a security perimeter at around 12:15 p.m. The landmark was reopened around 3:30 p.m. local time before being evacuated again at about 7:30 p.m. This is a usual procedure in this kind of situation, which is rare nevertheless, a monument spokesperson told the French news agency. The last bomb threat to clear the tower for that long came in September 2020, they said. The tower has closed for the evening but reopened after the second evacuation. The Eiffel Tower, in the heart of Paris overlooking the Seine River, is one of the worlds most popular tourist attractions. The site welcomed over 5.8 million visitors in 2022. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Everett police will be giving away free gift cards for people who want to trade in their unwanted guns on Sunday. From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Sunday, community members can bring their unloaded firearms to the Walmart parking lot on Evergreen Way. This time the department is setting up a bigger location with more staffing and expects a large turnout after a similar event last December. Gift cards will range from $25 dollars for 3D-printed guns and inoperable weapons, to $300 dollars for assault rifles. For more information visit the City of Everett website. . Former Aidar battalion company commander Yevhen Dykyi commented on the successful raid of the Ukrainian military near Kozachi Laheri on the east bank of the Dnipro River in Kherson Oblast in an interview with Radio NV on Aug. 10. Dykyi noted that several dozen soldiers took part in the raid near Kozachi Laheri. "Usually small groups of up to 10 people raid," he said. They blow up something in the rear, do not allow them to feel absolutely calm there, and interrupt their rear logistics. And this has been going on, by the way, since we liberated Kherson. Starting in November, even in winter, this was going on all the time. And as soon as it got warmer in the spring, it became massive. Our sabotage and reconnaissance groups are constantly landing there, walking around their rear. In fact, about 15-20 kilometers from the banks of the Dnipro is a grey area, so to speak, that is not fully controlled by Russian troops. Read also: Ukraine wont yet confirm Western reports of a Kherson Oblast breakthrough At the same time, he said, the Ukrainian military cannot gain a foothold and set up positions in this grey zone. "Actually, there was a big intrigue: Was Kozachi Laheri another attempt to make a permanent foothold and further expand it, or was it a raid?" said Dykyi. It turned out that it was a raid, just a powerful enough raid, a successful enough raid. They brought not just spoils, but an entire unit of prisoners back to the right bank. In other words, we are demonstrating who really owns the entire Dnipro floodplain. But so far, this is not a strategic story. Its still a tactical one. Read also: Ukrainian army hits Russian command post in occupied Nova Kakhovka He clarified that the Ukrainian military had captured "an entire platoon led by a major" and killed even more enemy troops. Earlier, the U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War reported that Ukrainian troops had managed to land near the village of Kozachi Laheri on the occupied east bank of Kherson Oblast, taking advantage of the weakening of Russian defenses in the area. ISW analysts drew attention to reports from several Russian milbloggers on Aug. 8, according to which Ukrainian forces landed a force of seven boats, each carrying about six to seven people, on the east bank of the Dnipro River near the village of Kozachi Laheri. The Ukrainian troops then allegedly broke through the Russian defenses and advanced 800 meters into their rear. Read also: ISW explains Russian milibloggers silence on attack on Chonhar bridge, Putins comments on counter-offensive "Ukrainian forces appear to have conducted a limited raid across the Dnipro River and landed on the east (left) bank of Kherson Oblast, although it remains unclear whether Ukrainian troops have established an enduring presence on the east bank," they said. The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces has not confirmed this information. 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 Alexandra Ulmer and Joseph Tanfani (Reuters) - As Florida Governor Ron DeSantis scrambles to shore up his struggling run for the Republican presidential nomination, he has spent far more than any rival on courting an influential Christian conservative leader and his following in the key early voting state of Iowa. Trailing far behind former President Donald Trump in national polls and beset by turmoil in his campaign, DeSantis and his advisers are spending heavily in Iowa in hopes of stalling Trumps momentum by beating him in the states caucuses on Jan. 15, where Republicans begin to choose their next presidential nominee. The states influential evangelical voting base is crucial to that strategy. The DeSantis campaign, a super PAC linked to him and a nonprofit group supporting him together paid $95,000 in recent months to the Family Leader Foundation, an Iowa-based nonprofit led by evangelical leader Bob Vander Plaats, according to campaign finance reports and a document prepared by an Iowa state lawmaker who was helping the Vander Plaats organization raise money for a July 14 presidential candidate forum. The document and the amount spent by DeSantis and his allies are previously unreported. For that money, DeSantis and supporting groups got three pages of advertisements in a booklet distributed at the July forum attended by 2,000 Christian conservatives, and tickets to the summit, lunch and an after-dinner event. But the real value may be more in building a relationship with Vander Plaats, whose endorsement is coveted in the early-voting state, said three campaign finance experts and an academic who studies Iowa campaign spending. Vander Plaats and his group are leaders in the states Christian conservative movement, which has enormous political influence in Iowa. Roughly two-thirds of the states Republican caucus-goers in 2016 identified as evangelical, according to pollsters Edison Media Research. Its a lot more money than you typically see allocated in Iowa, said Steffen Schmidt, an emeritus political science professor at Iowa State University who studies political spending in the state. It is a large amount for a very limited exposure in a booklet and for a single event, he said. In emailed comments to Reuters, Vander Plaats said the charges were not even close to exorbitant for the chance to be promoted before an audience of nearly 2,000 engaged grassroots activists at a forum that received extensive national political coverage. My only regret is that we probably should have charged more, he said. A spokesperson for DeSantis, Andrew Romeo, said the campaign was proud to sponsor an ad with one of the largest and most effective social conservative groups in the state of Iowa. IOWA 'KINGMAKER' Vander Plaats, 60, has deep influence in the conservative and religious midwestern state. The last three Republican presidential candidates he endorsed former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee in the 2008 election, former Senator Rick Santorum in 2012 and Senator Ted Cruz in 2016 won the Iowa caucus but did not go on to win the Republican nomination. In 2010, the year he took charge of the Family Leader group, he led a campaign that unseated three Iowa Supreme Court justices who had voted to overturn the states gay marriage ban. He has said publicly that he could endorse someone near the end of the year besides Trump, who he has publicly criticized. Vander Plaats said there was no link between money and his endorsement. My endorsement has never been and never will be for sale, Vander Plaats said. My only interest is in bold, courageous, principled leadership for this country. But the cost to appear in the Vander Plaats' group booklet in July was substantially above the prices of similar events. Another religious advocacy organization, the Iowa Faith & Freedom Coalition, also sponsors a forum for presidential candidates each cycle, scheduled this year for Sept. 16 in Des Moines. That event charges attendees $75 per ticket. Candidates can buy sponsorship packages ranging from $500 to $5,000, said the groups president, Steve Scheffler. At the higher end, Scheffler said, candidates get more seats, a mention in the program as a sponsor and a table to hand out literature. He said the group covers most of the cost from donors, not from candidates. Scheffler said he does not endorse anyone. Vander Plaats has long touted the power of his endorsement. In a 2015 email sent to a conservative group and reviewed by Reuters, he took credit for Santorum winning in Iowa in 2012. We endorsed Rick Santorum and he stormed to a caucus victory due to our base of supporters, Vander Plaats wrote. Vander Plaats clearly understands his political power, his kingmaker status in Iowa, and how thirsty candidates are for his endorsement, said Paul S. Ryan, a lawyer who worked previously at two nonpartisan campaign finance watchdogs, Common Cause and the Campaign Legal Center. A spokesperson for the pro-DeSantis super PAC Never Back Down, Jess Szymanski, said they had proudly sponsored the summit, like every other participating political organization. Neither the DeSantis campaign nor Never Back Down answered detailed questions from Reuters, including whether the payments were meant to influence an endorsement decision. PRICEY PACKAGES The states in the Republican nominating calendar that vote after Iowa, including New Hampshire and Nevada, look more unfavorable to DeSantis, putting pressure on his team to deliver an upset win in Iowa that would revive their flagging campaign. The fundraising document, reviewed by Reuters, lists contacts at Republican presidential campaigns, super PACs and other groups supporting the candidates, and details how much each was willing to spend ahead of the mid-July Family Leader forum, among the largest gatherings of social conservatives in Iowa before the caucuses. Six Republican presidential candidates spoke at the event. A note at the top of the document says it was created by a Republican state representative, Jon Dunwell, who was helping raise money for Vander Plaats group. Dunwell referred a request for comment to Vander Plaats, who said Dunwell had been paid as an independent contractor since June. According to the Vander Plaats group fundraising document, the DeSantis campaign paid $25,000 to the organization for its ad in a commemorative booklet distributed at the event and an invitation to a special after-event dinner with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson. A political nonprofit backing DeSantis, And to the Republic, agreed to buy a table at the after-event dinner for $20,000, the document said. Representatives of the group did not return requests for comment. Never Back Down paid for a two-page advertisement and dinner tickets for $50,000, according to the document and the groups filings with the Federal Election Commission (FEC). Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy and a group allied with Senator Tim Scott, another Republican candidate, spent $25,000 each on ads in the commemorative booklet, campaign finance reports and the document show. Tricia McLaughlin, a senior advisor to Ramaswamy, said they paid for advertising because the Vander Plaats event does a remarkable job of rallying conservative caucus-goers. A spokesperson for Scott referred questions to the pro-Scott super PAC, Trust In The Mission. A spokesperson for Trust In The Mission declined to comment. Some candidates balked at the expense. Former Vice President Mike Pence, a devout evangelical, declined to contribute. There was a request for a large contribution for sponsorship, which we declined, said Marc Short, Pences former chief of staff and a campaign advisor. We didnt think that was the best use for our donors money. The six candidates who attended the summit were not charged a fee, and those who did not pay for the booklet were also free to mingle with caucus goers. All six were interviewed by Carlson. An examination of campaign finance filings shows that presidential candidates and supportive groups have been contributing to the Vander Plaats organization since at least 2011. Before this year, the largest contribution appears to be from the Patriot Voices super PAC, founded by Santorum and his wife, Karen. Patriot Voices sent the Family Leader organization $25,000 in 2012. Santorum said in an email to Reuters that he and his wife founded the PAC after he dropped out of the race in order to support a grassroots movement of pro-family conservatives. Trump did not attend last months event in Des Moines. That was Trumps loss, Vander Plaats said in a post on the messaging platform X, formerly known as Twitter. He added that it becomes more clear...people want to turn the page. A spokesman for Trump declined to comment. Vander Plaats, meanwhile, has been making positive comments about presidential candidates Ramaswamy, Haley and Scott and especially DeSantis. On Aug. 6, Vander Plaats said he and his wife attended church with DeSantis and his wife, Casey. Theyre very easy people to be around. You like being around them, Vander Plaats said on conservative podcast host Steve Deaces show on Monday. If the caucuses were held today, I dont believe Trump wins. I think its probably DeSantis that wins. (Alexandra Ulmer reported from San Francisco. Joseph Tanfani reported from Washington. Additional reporting by Jason Lange. Editing by Jason Szep) Robyn Cain hadnt planned to go for another walk the evening of Aug. 6, having already walked earlier, but for some reason, the North Myrtle Beach resident was feeling restless. So she went out the back gate of her home something she doesnt normally do a little after 6 p.m. and started down the path along Live Oak Court. It was hot that day. There was a small, cool breeze that offered some relief, and she told herself to keep walking toward it. As she walked, Cain heard a noise that sounded like an animal, maybe a kitten, she thought, coming from a bush. Im thinking, My husband is going to shoot me if I bring home a herd of kittens, she said Aug. 10. As she got closer, Cain realized it wasnt a cat, but a baby that had been left at the edge of a bush. The baby was crying. Cain scooped up the infant, who was small with a head of black hair, wrapping the little girl in her shirt that she had pulled almost over her head. When Cain pulled the baby close to her, she stopped crying. Cain was able to get help from her neighbors and they then called 911. Since that day Cain held the little girl, she has tried to come to terms with what person would leave a newborn with no clothes and no blanket on the ground in the heat. Cain begins to cry as she recalls that moment. She gave the baby girl a name, Day, because God gave her this day to be found, and this day to live, Cain said. Im not a hero. It was a God-given thing, the 68-year-old said. That baby was meant to be on this earth. Im humbled that God used me to find the baby. It seemed like she was in a daze When police arrived at the scene, they began to question Cain about anything she might have seen earlier in the day, anyone who may have been in the neighborhood. She told police about a young woman she had given a ride to work earlier. Cain and her friend, who were riding in a golf cart, saw the woman when they passed by Cains house. The women waved and they drove on. The women were planning to ride to the beach, however, the cart began acting up and Cain was brought back home. She decided to continue walking when she got home and thats when she saw the woman again. She seemed a little confused, Cain said. The woman seemed like she was in a daze and lost, she said. The woman asked where Walmart was. Cain said the woman was wearing a Walmart shirt and said that she was going to work. Instead of trying to give directions, Cain offered to drive her the five minutes to the store. While driving, Cain learned the womans name was Britney. Cain said she never considered that Britney could be the mother of the child she would later find. Police find mother at Walmart North Myrtle Beach Police and Fire departments, as well as EMS, responded to the scene. The baby, who was believed to have been born within 24 hours of it being found, was transported to the hospital, North Myrtle Beach Police Officer Patrick Wilkinson said during a press conference Aug. 7. The baby was born premature but is in stable condition, he said. There were no signs of abuse on the baby, Wilkinson said. Pat Wilkinson, a North Myrtle Beach public information officer and K-9 handler, gives a press conference on Monday about the discovery of an infant child found under bushes in North Myrtle Beach and the arrest of the childs mother, Britney Wheatle, a 21-year-old student from Jamaica working in the U.S. under a J-1 student visa. The infants mother, Britney Wheatle, 21, was arrested on charges of a person who has custody of a child and places that child at risk, harm or abandons. Officers went to Walmart where they found Wheatle and she confessed that she had abandoned the child. It appears she gave birth at her apartment on Second Avenue. The mother also was transported to the hospital for treatment and then arrested, Wilkinson said. Wheatle was given a $10,000 bond and is still in the J. Reuben Long Detention Center as of Aug. 10. She could face up to 10 years in prison for the felony charge. Program brings thousands of international students to area Wheatle is from Jamaica and was living in North Myrtle Beach as part of the J-1 visa program that allows people from other countries to come to the U.S. for a work- and study-based exchange program. More than 3,000 international students come to the Grand Strand area each summer, often beginning in May, to work under the U.S. Department of States program. Kathy Winfree is a J-1 visa sponsor and has been involved with the J-1 program in the Myrtle Beach area for eight years. She often deals with housing issues, helping with housing and making relationships with landlords. The program is offered in resort areas throughout the U.S., she said. Participants sign up for the program through corporate sponsors and then there are other sponsors that help them find local housing and businesses to work at, according to Amy Vicks, the community engagement officer with the North Myrtle Police Department. Vicks works closely with the J-1 program in the city, offering orientations for the participants on things they need to know to work and live in the area, such as getting a Social Security card. She does not remember Wheatle coming through the orientations, but added that the time-frame when participants arrive in the area is sometimes staggered. There is also a J-1 liaison who is the point of contact for participants in case they need transportation, get injured or have other issues, Vicks said. Winfree said visa sponsors have a lot of paperwork and things they need to make sure participants know and understand when coming to the U.S. Winfree declined to provide the name of Wheatles sponsor, adding, It is a delicate time. Theres a lot of things that need to be investigated and finalized for the visa sponsor, for Britney and for the city. The program is trying to handle the situation both legally and emotionally, Winfree said. This is the first time we have ever had something like this happen in this area, she said. It appears that Wheatle was already pregnant when she came to the U.S. and may not have known she was pregnant until at least July. It is unclear if Wheatle told anyone in the program of her situation. We have laws in place to prevent this type of thing, Winfree said. Winfree said she was glad that the North Myrtle Beach Police Department is telling the community about Daniels Law, which allows a person to surrender their child to a safe haven location. With the exchange visitors, their laws are different from those in the U.S., Winfree said. We really have to learn to promote our laws, she said. Moving forward, Vicks said the J-1 orientations, in addition to bicycle and beach safety and human trafficking, will include information about the law, that theres a safe place to bring the baby if someone does get pregnant. Law helps protect babies Since 2009, there have been 60 babies, which includes four as of July 12, that were surrendered in South Carolina under Daniels Law. It was signed into law in 2001 according to the South Carolina Department of Social Services. A baby was surrendered under the law in Georgetown County in 2018, according to DSS. The baby girl was born and surrendered at Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital. It doesnt appear that any babies have been surrendered under the law in Horry County based on information from 2009 through now published on the DSS website. The law, named for an infant boy who survived after being buried in a landfill soon after his birth, allows a person to surrender their unharmed newborn baby up to 60 days old at a safe haven location. Safe havens are a hospital or hospital outpatient facility, law enforcement agencies, fire stations, emergency medical services stations or a house of worship during the time the church or synagogue is staffed. There have been questions about whether the baby girl found in North Myrtle Beach can be adopted. However, according to an Aug. 10 email from Danielle Jones, public information coordinator for the South Carolina Department of Social Services, questions about the potential adoption of the infant are not appropriate at this time. Jones said that social services is working alongside local law enforcement in the investigation of the case. The infant is the NICU at Grand Strand Medical Center, Jones said in the email. In regards to adoption of the infant in question, the agency is currently working to locate and make contact with other family members, including locating the father, Jones said by email. Jones said the agency wants to remind the public about Daniels Law. This unfortunate situation could have absolutely been avoided, Jones said. Baby near bush for about an hour Cain hopes that there is more education about the law. While Cain understands that Wheatle didnt consider human decency when she abandoned her baby, she also doesnt know what her mindset was and whether she even knew about Daniels Law. Cain estimates the baby was there for about 40 minutes to an hour before she found her. Cain credits the police, fire, detectives and rescue crews who came and got the baby and took care of her. But she still feels a great sadness about the young mother, wondering if she had anybody to help her. Cain wonders what she wouldve done if Wheatle asked can you help me or would have given her the baby instead of leaving it on the ground that evening. I wish she would have asked, she said. But what she does know is that there needs to be more education about the law, and that she is thankful she did find the child. I give God all the glory, Cain said. I could have found this baby dead. A swarm of 20 drones attacked Ukraines Russian-occupied Crimea, but all of them were shot down, the Russian Defense Ministry announced on Aug. 12, the Kremlin-controlled news agency RIA Novosti reported. The Russian authorities typically claim a 100% success rate in downing attacking drones, though there is evidence that some drones manage to strike their intended targets. Read also: Ukraine knocks out two critical bridges used by Russia to supply southern troops from Crimea ISW The Russian Defense Ministry accused Ukraine of the alleged drone attack. It said that 14 "Ukrainian UAVs" had been destroyed by air defenses, and six were suppressed by electronic warfare. There were no casualties or damage from the alleged drone attack, the ministry added. At the same time, the Telegram channel Crimean Wind reported that there had been explosions heard in Novoozerne, a small settlement north of Yevpatoria in the northwest of the Crimean Peninsula. Meanwhile, RIA Novosti claimed that air defense systems had been activated over various regions of Crimea. Read also: Russia starts to realize it cant hold on to Crimea interview with Refat Chubarov Russia typically claims the attacking drones are from Ukraine, and Ukraine in turn typically denies involvement in these attacks. Following the alleged attack, traffic on the Crimean Bridge connecting Ukraines Crimea to Russia was reported to have been temporarily suspended. As of 12:26 a.m., the bridge was reopened to vehicle traffic. The reasons for the temporary closure of the bridge, which has been attacked twice in the last nine months, were not reported by the Russian occupying authorities. In a previous claimed drone attack during the night of Aug. 10, the Russian Defense Ministry said that 11 drones flying toward the Russian-occupied city Sevastopol in Ukraines Crimea had been shot down by air defenses. 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 Blasts rocked the Ukraine's central city of Kryvyi Rih on Aug. 12 as the Russian military fired atballistic missile into the city, which lies far from the front line. So far no casualties have been reported and no further details about the attack have been provided by the city's mayor, Oleksandr Vilkul. Read also: Eight-year-old boy killed as Russian Kinzhal missiles strike western Ukraine Preliminary reports indicate the attack was carried out with a ballistic missile, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast governor Serhiy Lysak wrote on Telegram, without giving the type of the weapon. He also confirmed the report that no one was hurt in the strike. The details of the attack are still being clarified. Read also: Casualties in Russian missile strike on Kryvyi Rih's exceeds 80, including seven children Russians attacked the city last time on July 31, hitting a high-rise residential building and an educational facility. Six people were killed in that attack, including a 10-year-old girl. Over 80 people received injuries, also including children, Lysak said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Russia launched two ballistic missiles at a residential area of Kryvyi Rih in the July 31 attack. The missiles were launched from the Dzankoi area in the north of Ukraines Russian-occupied Crimea. 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 Explosions have been heard for the second time in a day in the vicinity of the Kerch (Crimean) bridge in occupied Crimea. Source: Krym.Realii; Meduza; Mash Details: Radio Svoboda (Liberty) reported on new explosions in the city of Kerch. Local residents reported eight explosions. Traffic on the bridge has been blocked again, and the Russians report that "air defence is operating". The occupiers also report on a "smokescreen" being laid down near the bridge. Sergey Aksyonov, the so-called "head" of Crimea, reported that a missile was downed this time just one. Background: Earlier on 12 August, Russian occupiers reported an "attempt of Ukrainian Armed Forces to attack the Crimean Bridge". They posted images of smoke rising over the bridge on the internet. 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! In the eastern and southern oblasts of Ukraine, an air-raid warning sounded for 30 minutes, while explosions were heard in the city of Kryvyi Rih. Source: map of air-raid warnings; Ukraines Air Force; Oleksandr Vilkul, Chairman of the Defence Council of Kryvyi Rih Details: An air-raid warning has been issued in 11 oblasts and the Crimean peninsula. The Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported the threat of the use of ballistic weapons in these oblasts. Vikul Quote: "Kryvyi Rih. Explosions. Do not record or post anything online." Update: The air-raid warning lasted almost 30 minutes. Vikul added that he will not report on the details of the explosion yet, but there are no casualties. The Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration stated that early reports indicate the city was struck by a ballistic missile. 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! Manuel Ranoque has been arrested following accusations of abuse - Raul Arboleda/AFP The father of two of the four children who survived a plane crash and 40 days on their own in the Amazon jungle has been arrested following accusations of abuse. Manuel Ranoque is the father of the two boys, aged one and four, involved in the crash, as well as the stepfather of the two girls, aged nine and 13. All four children were on board a plane that went down in the Colombian Amazon jungle on May 1. Their mother, Magdalena Mucutuy, who was also onboard, died in the crash, along with two other adults and the pilot. The wreckage of the plane that crashed in the jungle - Colombian Military Forces/Reuters/Reuters In a statement to the Associated Press, the Colombian Prosecutors Office confirmed Ranoques arrest, but gave no further details. Mr Ranoque has been battling his in-laws for custody of his two biological children since their mother was killed in the crash. Colombias child protection agency has said it would interview family members to determine who should care for them. Mucutuys mother, Narciso Mucutuy, says Mr Ranoque regularly beat his daughter and that the children would hide in the forest when fighting broke out between their parents. Mr Ranoque admitted to trouble in the home, but called it a private family matter and not gossip for the world. The children were rescued after 40 days in the jungle - Military Forces of Colombia/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock/Shutterstock Asked whether he had attacked his wife, Mr Ranoque said: Verbally, sometimes, yes. Physically, very little. We had more verbal fights. Astrid Caceres, head of the Colombian Family Welfare Institute, said after the crash it had assigned a caseworker to the children at the request of their maternal grandparents. Following Mr Ranoques arrest, she said: We learned of the capture of the father of two Mucutuy minor children and we believe that the prosecutor has operated within the full framework of the law. The children who went missing after the plane crash with members of the armed forces - Colombia's Armed Force Press Office/AP The discovery of the four children after so many weeks was hailed as a miracle. The jungle is home to dangerous animals, including poisonous snakes and jaguars, and armed gangs of drug dealers. Rescuers found the children about three miles west of the crash site. Clues such as footprints, a nappy, and half-eaten pieces of fruit put authorities on the right track to find the lost children. They lived on a type of cassava flour, recovered from the plane, and seeds, while the two older children are said to have put to use essential survival skills they had learned while growing up. 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. ORLANDO, Fla. The last of the $63 million raised through first lady Casey DeSantis Hurricane Ian relief effort has now been allocated, about 10 months after the storm cut a destructive path through Florida, state officials said Friday. Nearly $7 million in grants were awarded Friday to repair Lee Countys waterfront, fix public boat ramps and aid in other long-term recovery efforts, according to a news release from Gov. Ron DeSantis office. The latest awards came about a week after The Orlando Sentinel reported that about $7 million in relief funds remained to be spent as the anniversary of the storm approached. In the release, DeSantis praised the Florida Disaster Fund, which was activated shortly after Ian hit in September. Casey DeSantis led promotional efforts for the fund. The Florida Disaster Fund has helped to cut through red tape and get money quickly into the hands of those who need it most, the governor said. The latest awards include $2.3 million to 17 long-term recovery groups in counties hit hardest by Hurricane Ian; $2 million for waterfront repairs in Lee County; $900,000 for Lee County emergency management and the United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades counties; $500,000 for public boat ramp repairs; $500,000 for the Pine Island Beacon of Hope Organization; $500,000 to rebuild Fort Myers Bayside Park; and $200,000 for the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties relief efforts. The disaster relief fund was established in 2004 to help with losses not covered by insurance or government funding. Volunteer Florida, the nonprofit organization that oversees the fund, hasnt provided itemized details on where all of the funds went, including a $25 million program to provide lodging for volunteers, protective equipment and other necessary supplies and commodities. The organization should be more forthcoming, particularly with programs that send money to for-profit businesses, Laurie Styron, executive director of CharityWatch, told the Sentinel. Although its not unusual for funds to remain unallocated months after disaster strikes, charities shouldnt cling to their purse strings if people are in need, she said. People who donate in response to a natural disaster want to ease the suffering of the people affected, Styron said. Thats why they donate. So if you still have people who are unhoused, buried in debt as a result of disaster losses, or otherwise not back on their feet, it is safe to say that the intentions of donors are not being honored. A Central Florida woman has been sentenced to federal prison for wire fraud as part of a scheme to defraud the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) out of loan proceeds the IRS said. >>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<< According to a news release, Kerryanne Purkiss defrauded the Federal Governments Small Business Administration (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. Honorable Roy Dalton, Jr., said Purkiss was sentenced Wednesday to 12 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Read: The heat goes on: Sunday will also be a Weather Alert Day According to the news release, Purkiss fraudulently obtained a PPP loan by filing an application containing fabricated tax forms and included false information such as the number of employees, monthly payroll amount and intended use of funds. Purkiss used the proceeds of this loan, to purchase a house in Deltona, Florida, and to make other personal. purchases including a Maserati and other vehicles, the IRS said. Read: This weekend: Florida Kids & Family Expo returns for its 8th year While Purkiss drove around Orlando in her Maserati paid for with stolen PPP funds, hardworking Americans who truly needed a paycheck suffered, " said Brian Payne, IRSCI special agent in charge of the Tampa Field Office. This is why IRSCI will continue to pursue these crimes with fervor and tenacity, said Payne. Additionally, Purkiss is ordered to pay more. than $715,000 in restitution, according to the news release. 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 Georgia Bureau of Investigation announced Friday that a Georgia firefighter was charged with rape. According to the GBI, 35-year-old Michael Baker Jr. of Odum was arrested after an investigation of an allegation submitted in late July. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] When the allegation was submitted, GBI officials confirmed that Baker was employed as a Lieutenant at the Jesup Fire Department. During the investigation into the initial allegation, authorities said they located several victims who alleged that while interacting with Baker, he gave them a drink that caused them to black out. Officials said that Baker then engaged in sexual activity with the victims after they consumed the beverage. TRENDING STORIES: GBI officials confirmed that Baker resigned from his position at the fire department during the investigation. Baker was charged with three counts of rape and one count of aggravated sodomy. He was booked in the Wayne County Jail. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the GBI at 912-729-6198. IN OTHER NEWS: George Tyndall, the onetime University of Southern California campus gynecologist accused of preying on a generation of female students, will stand trial on sex crimes charges related to 16 former patients, a judge ruled Friday. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Larry Paul Fidler said prosecutors presented enough evidence in a series of hearings for Tyndall, 76, to face a jury. That trial is expected to take place next year. Tyndall, who practiced at the campus health clinic for three decades, is charged with 27 felonies 18 counts of sexual penetration of an unconscious person and nine counts of sexual battery by fraud. The alleged crimes occurred between 2009 and 2016. Prosecutors initially filed charges in 2019 related to 21 former patients, but had to drop counts related to five women. We were unable to make contact with one victim and four victims advised us that they were opting out of the case, said Deputy Dist. Atty. Reinhold Mueller, the lead prosecutor, in an email. Read more: Must Reads: How George Tyndall went from USC gynecologist to the center of LAPDs largest-ever sex abuse investigation Tyndalls lawyer Leonard Levine said his client is looking forward to the trial. He believes he will be exonerated after a fair trial, which he expects to get, Levine said. The Times revealed in 2018 that Tyndall had been the subject of numerous complaints from staff and patients during his 27 years at the clinic. They reported that he was photographing patients genitals, touching women inappropriately during pelvic exams and other creepy behavior. Hundreds of women subsequently sued USC and the university eventually paid out settlements totalling $1.1 billion the largest payout in higher education history to thousands of former patients. Some of these women testified in pretrial hearings in Tyndalls criminal case. One former patient, identified only as Jane Doe no. 21, flew in from New York to testify in May 2022. She recounted an August 2013 appointment at the campus health center that was prompted by her concern about a spot near her genitals. While she lay on her back, she recalled, Tyndall visually examined her and told her that he believed she had syphilis. Then, she testified, she felt him putting fingers inside her. Did he tell you he was going to insert his fingers into you? asked a prosecutor. No, she replied, adding that she was scared and very panicked because she believed she had syphilis. For the next five to 10 minutes, she recalled, he moved his fingers around inside her, applying pushing, consistent pressure in a forward and backward motion. Read more: The Times investigation of George Tyndall, former USC gynecologist accused of sexually abusing students Tyndall, she said, commented on the tightness of her vagina and repeatedly asked if she was sure she was not a virgin because I was so tight. It wasn't something I ever experienced in a medical setting, or after, she said, with him asking me multiple times, are you sure you're not a virgin? At the end of the examination, he told me I had a beautiful vagina, she testified. I thought it was a weird comment to make but I brushed it off. She did not remember there being a chaperone or medical assistant present for the exam. She was never diagnosed with syphilis. After changing the type of underwear she wore, the dry skin went away. Like others in the case, she said she did not come forward until after The Times' investigation in 2018, when she eventually reached an attorney and talked to the Los Angeles Police Department. Levine said the accounts of Jane Doe 21 and other victims supported the defense's contention that the newspapers coverage led women to file complaints about exams that they had not previously considered criminal in nature. We got a chronology that weve always believed was accurate and that is that no one ever complained about alleged sexual assault or any criminal conduct until after the article appeared in the L.A. Times, Levine said. Tyndalls arraignment is scheduled for Aug. 25. 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 Fort Worth bus station security guard was sentenced to life in prison after a jury found him guilty of aggravated sexual assault of a child, the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney announced in a social media post on Friday. A Tarrant County jury found Quincy Neighbors, 36, guilty after hearing testimony that Neighbors, while he was on the job, took advantage of a 12-year-old runaway girl. The girl was looking for help at a bus station in Fort Worth, the district attorney said in the post. Neighbors drove the girl to a park where he raped her, according to the district attorneys office. We tell our kids to trust people wearing a uniform and badge, Assistant District Attorney Deanna Franzen told the jury in closing arguments. That trust and innocence was ripped away when Neighbors savagely raped this child ... he is a threat to every child in Tarrant County, because this is not the first time. According to the district attorney, Neighbors was convicted of raping a 16-year-old in Louisiana. Assistant District Attorney Courtney Mowdy told the jury, He didnt think this rape was going to come back on him, since the girl was a runaway. She didnt matter to him, but she matters to us ... give her justice. The Fort Worth Police Department and Dallas Police Department assisted in the case. Four Nigerian stowaways set out for Europe on the rudder of a tanker. They had no idea they were bound for Brazil, and a two-week ocean voyage that would nearly kill them. Short presentational grey line A little after midnight on 27 June, Roman Ebimene Friday gathered up the food he had been collecting for a few months and set out in the dark for the large commercial port in the city of Lagos, Nigeria. Earlier that day, Friday had spotted a 620-foot (190m) tanker docked at the port and decided that it would be the ship to deliver him to Europe. Friday was aiming for the tanker's rudder - the only accessible point on its massive hull for a person who isn't supposed to be aboard. There was no way to bridge the gap from the dock to the rudder, other than convince a fisherman to ferry him across. "He was a holy man, that fisherman," Friday recalled. "He did not ask for money. He could see that I wanted to leave." The fisherman sidled up to the rudder and Friday, 35, pulled himself up, hauling his food bag behind him on a rope. As he steadied himself he saw, to his surprise, three faces in the dark. He was the last of four men with the same idea. "I was scared, at first," Friday said. "But they were black Africans, my brothers." Fearful of being caught, the four men perched silently on the rudder for the next 15 hours. At 5pm, they felt the ship's giant engines shudder to life. Over the din, they shouted a few words. They were all aiming for Europe. They expected to be shipmates for as long as a week. The tanker, called the Ken Wave, pushed out from the port and headed to sea - the beginning of a perilous two-week ocean voyage that would bring the stowaways close to death. Roman Friday accepts water, perched on the rudder that took him and three other men to Brazil Day one As Lagos receded behind them, the men tried and failed to find comfortable positions on the rudder, which moved constantly as it steered the ship. There was precious little space to stand, and the only place to lie was in one of two small nets strung precariously over the water, by previous stowaways, Friday assumed. It can be hard to understand, from the outside, what drives a person to risk their life on a rudder or a rickety boat across the Mediterranean. But the decision comes easy when you have already lost hope, Friday said. "In Nigeria there are no jobs, no money and no way for me to feed my younger brothers and my mother," he said. "I am the first born son and my father died 20 years ago, so I should take care of my family, but I cannot." Instead he had spent three years living on and off the street in Lagos, trying to find work. Each day in Nigeria was a gauntlet of "crime and sin," he said. "People fighting, killing each other, terrorists attacking, kidnappers. I want a brighter future than that." Friday, left, and Thankgod Yeye, right. "We became brothers on the way," Friday said (Victor Moriyama/BBC) Perched next to Friday on the rudder of the tanker was Thankgod Opemipo Matthew Yeye, a Pentecostal minister, businessman and father of two whose peanut and palm oil farm had washed away in the devastating floods that hit Nigeria last year. There had been no fallback or insurance to cover the loss. "My business was destroyed and my family became homeless. And that was the genesis of my decision to leave," he said. Yeye's decision became final after the recent presidential election, which was marred by anomalies and allegations of vote rigging. "The election had been our hope," he said. "But we know Nigeria well, we know the system is corrupt." So, without telling his family, he left his sister's home at night and set out for the port, where he knew the Ken Wave was waiting to depart. Nigeria has seen an exodus of people like Yeye and Friday in recent years, via regular and irregular routes, driven by recessions and record unemployment levels. Many travel across the Sahara and the Mediterranean, where at least 1,200 Nigerians have died already this year, according to the UN. Roman Friday sitting atop the rudder that carried him across the Atlantic Some choose to stow away. Last year, three men climbed on a rudder in a similar fashion to Friday and Yeye, and their journey took them 2,500 miles to the Canary islands, an entry point to Spain. Friday and Yeye believed they were following a similar route. With their two companions, William and Zeze, they passed the first few days on the ship in a mixture of boredom, discomfort, and fear, talking only a little, praying often and trying to stay awake, as the Ken Wave pushed into the vast stretch of the south Atlantic for the 3,500 mile journey to Brazil. Day five In some ways, ship stowaways are safer than those who cross parts of the Sahara on foot or the Mediterranean on rickety wooden boats. But as day five passed, Friday and Yeye began to reckon with the specific dangers of their situation. They were already weak from rationing their food and tired from lack of sleep. They tied a rope around their waists when they needed to pee off the side of the rudder. When the water was rough, waves lashed them. "We were all scared of the big waves," Yeye said. "I had never seen the ocean before but I used to watch documentaries about storms and I had seen big ships rocked from side to side by waves." Sleep was virtually impossible. "You try not to even close your eyes," Friday said. "The rudder turns 24 hours a day, seven days a week, you have to constantly be alert." The nets came loose and had to be inexpertly refastened. They lay in them again but Friday thought only of being awoken by the sudden feeling of falling and the hit of cold below. "If the net breaks, you go straight into the water and you are gone," he said. And you really were gone. There's no chance of rescue at sea when no-one knows you're lost. Map shows the 3,500 mile route from Nigeria to Brazil Day passed into night and into day again. The men grew weaker and stopped talking entirely. Friday kept track of the time on his wristwatch. He tried to remember the day. The nets came loose again and were refastened. The food was rationed in smaller parcels, the water in smaller sips. Their mouths began to dry out. Their stomachs ached. They tried to remain vigilant and tried not to fall in. Day 10 Day 10 brought the moment the four had been quietly dreading. Some time in the morning, they ate the last of their food and drank the last of their water. All four were already painfully hungry from spacing out the meagre rations they had. "This was the hardest moment of all," Yeye said. "My mouth was dry and completely cracked. For the first time in my life I really understood the meaning of water." There were a few lighter moments. Yeye told his brothers he was praying for rain and they laughed at him. What are you going to do with rain? they cried. How will you collect it? Rain was only dangerous for them, they chided. The laughter subsided. Hour by hour, they became more thirsty. Time seemed to move more slowly. The next day, Friday managed to attach a torn cellophane biscuit wrapper to a length of rope and lower it into the ocean, he said, and collect small mouthfuls of salty water for them to drink. They licked toothpaste. On day 12, sick from salty ocean water, one of the other men began to vomit from the side of the rudder block. "He was looking straight down into the water and vomiting," Friday said. "He had no strength to hold himself. He was about to fall. I was the only person who had strength left and I had to grab hold of him." Roman Friday in his new home in Sao Paulo (Victor Moriyama/BBC) The men were entering the phase of hunger and thirst that brings you close to death. In an effort to distract himself, Friday began to sit on the edge of the rudder alone, one leg hanging either side, scanning the ocean in vain for anything to interrupt the long unbroken line of the horizon. What the ocean gave him, on the 13th day of the voyage, was a whale. "The first time in my life I have seen such a thing!" he said, laughing at the memory. "If I told anyone at home I had seen a whale they will say I am lying. But I sat on the rudder and I saw a whale. And I forgot I was hungry and thirsty. I watched the whale and it was like watching creation. A holy moment." Day 14 As the first light appeared on the horizon on day 14 of the voyage, Friday was back on the edge of the rudder, staring into the distance, when he felt the ship's mighty engines begin to slow. Then, in the dim light, in the distance, he saw what looked like land. Then buildings. Then a boat. The Ken Wave was stopping off the coast to take on a fresh crew, and the resupply boat spotted the men. "Do you know where you are?" came a shout. Friday tried to shout back that he had no idea, but his throat was too dry. The boat left, then two hours later, in the clearer light, a police dinghy appeared. An officer stretched out a bottle of water to Friday. "You are in Brazil," he said. Safely back on dry land, the migrants used borrowed phones to call their families. Friday and Yeye's two fellow migrants, William and Zeze, decided to take up an offer of returning directly to Nigeria. Friday and Yeye decided to make Brazil their home. "We are joyful to be here," Yeye said. "It is a new beginning." They will likely face challenges. Migrants have automatic rights to healthcare and other benefits in Brazil, but African migrants often face racism and struggle to find well-paid work. Friday and Yeye have been taken in by a shelter in Sao Paulo and are being assisted by a Catholic mission, Missao Paz, with Portuguese lessons and other support. Yeye wants to start a new business and bring his wife and children over. Friday is focused on the more immediate future. "I am in a new place, I am trying to adapt, I am trying to learn the language," he said. The first journey he had ever made out of Nigeria had nearly killed him, but as the days passed after his rescue, he felt the hopelessness that had dogged him back home begin to ebb, he said. Roman Friday makes a video call to his family back home (Victor Moriyama/BBC) All images copyright FOX Corporation has partnered with the American Red Cross to collect donations for those impacted by the Hawaii wildfires, the largest natural disaster in the states history. Donations can be made online at the Red Cross website and by texting "HAWAII" to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Three wildfires began earlier this week on the island of Maui and have since scorched through a number of communities, such as historic Lahaina on the islands western coast. Noe Lopes sits with her granddaughter Leilani and great-granddaughter Kawehi as they to return home near Lahaina. August 10, 2023. At least 93 people are confirmed dead, and about 1,000 others are unaccounted for, according to Hawaii Gov. Josh Green. He noted that the death toll would likely continue to rise. FIFTH-GENERATION HAWAIIAN LOSES HOME IN LAHAINA WILDFIRE Images show homes and other structures across the island burned to the ground. The cost of the full extent of damages is yet to be determined, but Green noted that it will be in the billions of dollars. An aerial image taken on August 10, 2023 shows destroyed homes and buildings burned to the ground in Lahaina in the aftermath of wildfires in western Maui, Hawaii. "Its going to take a great deal of time to recover from this," he said. To help Hawaiians with these recovery efforts, people can make donations to the Red Cross by visiting the Red Cross website. Donations for the Hawaii relief efforts can also be made by texting "HAWAII" to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Full terms can be found at redcross.org/foxforward. GOP presidential candidate and Miami Mayor Francis Suarez during a campaign stop at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines argued that candidates should drop out of the 2024 primary if they dont meet the criteria for the first debate. I agree that if you cant meet the minimum thresholds, you shouldnt be trying to take the time involved away from being productive, the longshot candidate told reporters on Friday, echoing comments he made earlier this month. I dont think candidates should just sort of linger around if they dont have a credible path, he added. Suarezs remarks come even as he has yet to meet the requirements set by the Republican National Committee (RNC) for the first GOP debate in Milwaukee later this month. The Hill Elections 2024 coverage In order to secure a spot, candidates must have at least 1 percent support between July 1 and Aug. 21 in three well-known national polls or a mix of national and early-state polls and have at least 40,000 total donors with at least 200 in 20 states. While Suarez, 45, has met the donor requirement, he has yet to clinch the polling. The Florida mayor argued that the polling requirements are unfair for relatively unknown candidates like himself. More Iowa State Fair coverage from The Hill Im running against [people] who have been national figures for years, Suarez said. Ive been a national figure for 60 days. So, fortunately for me, youre sort of new so you have a different threshold, a different timeframe and were going to have to compete at the same level, he continued. Still, he told reporters he was confident he would meet the criteria. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Hundreds of South Koreans protested against Japan's plan to release nuclear wastewater into the ocean Hundreds of people in South Korean took to the streets of Seoul on Saturday to protest against Japan's contentious plan to release treated nuclear wastewater into the Pacific Ocean. Tokyo is set to release the water from the tsunami-hit Fukushima nuclear plant later this month. It has been approved by the UN nuclear watchdog, and a South Korean assessment found it meets international standards. But protesters fear marine life will be destroyed and seafood contaminated. Marching in central Seoul, they held signs reading "Protect the Pacific Ocean" and "Nuclear Power? No Thanks!". Choi Kyoungsook of activist group Korea Radiation Watch said radioactive substances in the water "will eventually destroy the marine ecosystem". "The sea is not just for the Japanese government, but for all of us and for mankind," she said. Last month, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), published a report endorsing Japan's plan. A few days later, South Korea released its own assessment that found that discharging the water should "not have any meaningful impact on our ocean areas," according to government minister Bang Moon-kyu. However Japan has faced criticism at home and abroad. Fishing and seafood industry groups in Japan and the wider region have voiced concerns about their livelihoods, as they fear consumers will avoid buying seafood. And several international experts have shared their concerns over the plans, including one in China who said the IAEA report was "hasty", according to China's state-run Global Times newspaper. More than a million tonnes of treated radioactive water is understood to be stored at the disabled plant in northern Tokyo. The water was used to cool the reactors destroyed by the devastating March 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Japan's plan to discharge the water into the ocean was first announced in 2018, where it said the process would be carefully managed and the water would be further diluted by seawater before being released. US President Joe Biden is due to meet his South Korean counterpart Yoon Suk Yeol and Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida next week for a trilateral summit, where the controversial plan will be discussed. "The governments of South Korea, the US, and Japan should view it an environmental disaster, rather than a political issue, and agree to block it for future generations," Ms Choi said. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) pushed back on critics of the House investigation into Hunter Biden, President Bidens son, on Friday, saying a future Republican attorney general like himself could push for charges years from now. I dont ascribe to the theory that we just have to surrender sending criminal referrals because somehow [Attorney General] Merrick Garland will never prosecute them, Gaetz said in a Newsmax interview on Friday. For many of the crimes that we are observing, the statute of limitations is five years, and so we could send criminal referrals to the Department of Justice, we go take the White House back, and you never know, David, it may be an Attorney General Matt Gaetz down the road or someone of my liking who will be there to actually enforce the law and provide the accountability. Not just the vision, but the actual accountability. Garland appointed a special counsel for the Hunter Biden investigation on Friday. The move was met by skepticism from Republicans, who dont trust attorney David Weiss to levy more charges, and from Hunter Bidens attorneys. Weiss led an agreed plea deal which fell through in recent weeks over questions about immunity. Appointed by former President Trump, He has investigated the younger Biden since 2018. New charges are expected in the case. The separate House investigation into Hunter Bidens business dealings in China and his tax records has been embroiled in controversy over the reliability of an IRS whistleblower. Democrats have called the investigation a witch hunt. Gaetz admitted that an appointment to lead the Department of Justice is unlikely. The world is not ready, probably, he said. Certainly Senate confirmation wouldnt be, but you know, a boy can dream. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Gov. Kemp on Thursday chided former President Trump over his refusal to sign a GOP loyalty pledge. By signing the pledge, a candidate commits to backing the eventual Republican presidential nominee. During a Newsmax interview earlier this week, Trump scoffed at the GOP debate requirement. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has a stern but simple message for former President Donald Trump: Sign the Republican presidential loyalty pledge. After Trump said on Newsmax on Wednesday that he wouldn't sign a pledge backing the eventual Republican presidential nominee should he come up short in the nomination process, the Georgia Republican on Thursday reiterated the importance of next year's presidential election and stressed the need for GOP unity. "Every Republican running for President would be better than Joe Biden," Kemp tweeted. "Any candidate who does not commit to supporting the eventual nominee is putting themselves ahead of the future of our country. 2024 is too important for political games." Kemp, who rejected Trump's push to overturn President Joe Biden's 2020 victory in Georgia, was not the former president's first choice when the governor sought reelection last year, as the ex-commander-in-chief backed ex-Sen. David Perdue in the GOP gubernatorial primary. But Kemp won the primary in a landslide and handily won reelection last year, making him one of the most important GOP surrogates headed into 2024 as Georgia will once again be one of the most heavily contested states in the entire country. Trump faces a potential indictment by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis connected to possible election interference in the 2020 election. So the former president remains in a precarious political situation in the presidential swing state ahead of 2024. A GOP candidate signing the loyalty pledge is one of the conditions of participating in the August 23 Republican presidential debate; Trump was already set to announce next week whether he would join the other candidates on the stage. Read the original article on Business Insider A 23-year-old Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) employee is accused of shooting and injuring a woman outside the fast-food restaurant Thursday during the lunchtime rush, Georgia police say. Savannah Police Chief Lenny Gunther said during a news conference that the suspect, Sherman Hendrix, allegedly shot and injured a woman during the popular fast-food chain's lunchtime rush. Police have charged Sherman Hendrix, 23, with aggravated assault after they said he shot a woman in a KFC parking lot Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023, in Savannah, Ga. Authorities responded to the KFC parking lot on W. Gwinnett Street in Savannah at 12:30 p.m. Following the shooting, the victim was taken to a local hospital with critical injuries, police said. The victim's condition was not known Friday. DETROIT POLICE SEARCHING FOR 3 SUSPECTS AFTER OFFICER SHOT IN LEG "We respond to the KFC and on our arrival we found an adult female in the parking lot suffering life-threatening injuries," Gunther said. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Police arrested 23-year-old Sherman Hendrix with aggravated assault after he shot and critically injured a woman in the KFC parking lot in Savannah, Ga. CALIFORNIA JUDGE TEXTED BAILIFF I WONT BE IN TOMORROW' AFTER ALLEGEDLY KILLING HIS WIFE: POLICE Gunther called the shooting, "not random," but did not share what led up to the altercation. Police charged Hendrix with aggravated assault following his arrest, and he is being held at the Chatham County Jail without bond. Georgia prosecutors have indicated they will present their election interference case against former President Donald Trump to a grand jury early next week, according to two witnesses who say they were given notices to appear. The grand jury would be expected to weigh criminal charges, potentially sticking Trump with his fourth criminal indictment this year. Former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan (R) told CNN on Saturday that he received a notice to appear before a grand jury in Fulton County which encompasses parts of Atlanta on Tuesday morning. I certainly will be there to do my part in recounting the facts, he said. Another witness, independent journalist George Chidi, said on social media that he had also been told to appear and provide testimony. I've just received a call from District Attoney Fani Willis' office. I have been asked to come to court Tuesday for testimony before the grand jury. George Chidi (find me on Threads and Substack) (@neonflag) August 12, 2023 Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis (D) has been investigating Trump and associates efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in Georgia, where voters picked President Joe Biden by a narrow margin. Her probe includes the Jan. 2, 2021, phone call in which Trump told Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (R) to find enough votes to flip the election results in his favor. All I want to do is this: I just want to find 11,780 votes, which is one more than we have, Trump said during the call. Because we won the state. Trump has claimed the phone call was perfect. But Willis investigation also goes beyond the phone call, and is believed to encompass a range of potentially illegal activity around the 2020 election. Chidi had burst into and was promptly thrown out of a meeting of Republican state lawmakers allegedly discussing how they might pull together an alternative slate of electors to hand the election to Trump. Willis office asked him to give testimony last year, and Chidi wrote about the whole experience for The Intercept. A special grand jury returned a report recommending indictments earlier this year, but they did not have the power to issue any indictments themselves, hence the need for a regular grand jury. I have no expectations as to the questions, and Ill certainly answer whatever questions are put in front of me, Duncan told CNN. For me, this is a story that is important for Republicans to hear Americans to hear. Lets hear the whole truth and nothing but the truth about Donald Trumps actions and the surrounding cast of characters around him. Hes got a chance to present these facts and say, Hey, I didnt know what was going on. Or what I think realitys going to be is they knew exactly what they were doing, Duncan said. In March of this year, Trump became the first former president to be criminally indicted when Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg charged him with nearly three dozen counts relating to hush money payments made in the lead-up to the 2016 presidential election. Jack Smith, the federal special counsel appointed by the Justice Department to oversee its Trump investigations, is also pursuing criminal charges against the former president in two locations: Florida and Washington, D.C. The Florida case centers on a trove of classified government documents that Trump is accused of mishandling, while the D.C. case revolves around his attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 election from the White House. Trump has pleaded not guilty to every charge against him so far. Related... When Anthony La Puente made it back to the place he had called home for the last 16 years, there was almost nothing left. His house, like most in Lahaina, had been razed by the wildfire that swept through this slice of Hawaiian paradise. "The only thing I can say is that it hurts. It takes a toll on you emotionally," the 44-year old said. "It sucks not being able to find the things you grew up with, or the things you remember." La Puente was one of dozens of people who were allowed back into what used to be Lahaina on Friday. The 12,000-strong town, which has stood on the island of Maui for hundreds of years, was once the proud home of the Hawaiian royal family. Thousands of tourists visit every year to soak up the atmosphere, to wander along the scenic harbor front, and to idle under a majestic banyan tree reputed to be the oldest in the United States. - 'You made it!' - An AFP team that walked through the town on Friday found the blackened corpses of cats, birds and other animals caught in flames that also killed at least 67 people. Electricity cables dangled uselessly from stricken poles, and small pockets of fire continued to burn. Spray-painted Xs marked the skeletal vehicles that lay in the street -- a sign to firefighters they have been checked for victims. All through the town, there were piles of still-warm ashes where family homes once stood. Using the metal frame of a chair as a makeshift shovel, La Puente sifted through what was once his kitchen, uncovering a Starbucks tumbler. But the boxes of photographs and the mementoes from his 16 years in the house were gone -- including the treasured items of his late father. "I had packed up my dad's belongings" hoping to sort through them at some point, he said. But that will never happen. "Now it's gone." Elsewhere there was shocked elation as neighbors hugged. "You made it!" cried Chyna Cho, as she embraced Amber Langdon amid the ruins. "I was trying to find you." For Keith Todd there was the unspeakable relief of finding his home still standing, his solar panels still pumping electricity to his kitchen. "I just couldn't believe it," Todd told AFP. "I'm so grateful, but at the same time it's so devastating," he said, looking around at the unrecognizable piles that were once his neighbors' homes. Todd was resolved to stay at his house, fearful of the looters that people say have been targeting empty properties. "I will stay here, now that I know my house and my things are here. I will sleep here just in case someone tries to come in," he said. - Banyan tree - Here and there in the warscape were pockets of improbable hope. The Maria Lanakila Catholic Church was seemingly unscathed, looming over the ashes of Waine'e Street, a small fire burning in front of it like some kind of perverse Eternal Flame. The stone walls of the historic Hale Pa'ahao prison still stood, but the wooden building that was used to punish unruly sailors was no more -- 170 years of history wiped out. Blocks away, Front Street, where restaurants had jostled with clothing stores for a view of the ocean, was all but gone. Boats that had been moored in the harbor days earlier were blackened, melted or sunk. Among the ruins, the huge banyan tree still stood upright, its branches denuded of green and its sooty trunk transformed into an awkward skeleton. The tree has dominated Lahaina for 150 years, watching over an island that was an independent monarchy, then a US territory, and finally a full US state. But the city it once guarded is now gone. pr-hg/leg Republican presidential candidate Will Hurd called Donald Trump a liar, a loser and a national security threat in a new round of jabs directed at his GOP rival. Hurd went after the former president in an interview with PBS Firing Line that aired Friday, roughly two weeks after he claimed that Trump was running for the White House to stay out of prison. Donald Trump is a liar, Donald Trump is a loser and Donald Trump is a national security threat to the United States of America, and we need to be honest about that, Hurd told host Margaret Hoover. If the GOP nominates him, then were giving Joe Biden and Kamala Harris four more years, he added, referring to the current Democratic president and vice president. Elsewhere in the interview, the former Texas congressman outlined his plans to invigorate moderate voters who have been demoralized by Trumps grip on the GOP base. The way you invigorate all those people that are frustrated, and the way you inspire the independents and the center-left Dems who are sick and tired of the direction the Democratic Party is going, is by being honest, Hurd said, noting that hes had an aversion to bullies since childhood. I was recently in Iowa and spoke at a group that had a lot of Donald Trump supporters, and I had to break the news to them that Donald Trump lost the 2020 election. The PBS program flashed back to a prison related dig that Hurd had made about Trump in the state comments leading the former president to sail into a rant on his Truth Social platform. Hurd noted that some folks in the booing and jeering crowd werent happy with him being honest. But guess what? It had to be said, noted Hurd, who last month called out his fellow GOP candidates for being afraid to talk about Trump. He added: If we cant have these honest debates within the Republican Party, then were not going to be able to ensure that this trend that has been happening for the last 20 years where a Republican has lost the national vote for 20 years that shouldnt be the case, and its going to require us to be honest and look at ourselves. (H/T Mediaite) Related... Top GOP leaders sharply criticized President Biden's recent plea to Congress for an extra $24 billion to Ukraine on Friday amid a surging border crisis and soaring fentanyl epidemic. Biden's request comprises $13 billion for defense and $11 billion for economic and humanitarian aid in Ukraine. The administration's petition is part of a larger supplemental package sent to Congress Thursday that includes $4 billion for the border crisis and countering foreign involvement in the fentanyl epidemic. The U.S. has sent more than $100 billion to Ukraine since the Russian invasion last year. Some Republican lawmakers say the US has already provided enough, especially after a $3 billion accounting error overvaluing Ukraine's weapons aid was reported in May. WHITE HOUSE REQUESTS SIX TIMES MORE SPENDING FOR UKRAINE THAN BORDER AND FENTANYL CRISIS Rep. Matt Gaetz, Sen. Josh Hawley, Rep. Rosendale and Sen. John Barrasso serious facial expressions "This additional spending request deserves strict scrutiny from Congress and the American people," Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., told Fox News Digital on Friday. "While the Biden Administration has ignored the security and humanitarian disaster happening at the border, their appetite to spend billions on other priorities has no end." READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP He added: "We have real work to do here at home. The United States has doubled what other NATO countries have contributed combined. Our NATO allies need to step up because the U.S. will not shoulder this alone." Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., who sits on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs committees and has been a vocal critic of aid to Ukraine, told Fox News Digital the request shows how "Joe Biden is totally out of step with the American people." BIDENS UKRAINE FUNDING REQUEST TRIGGERS HOUSE SHOWDOWN: SHOVELING MONEY OUT THE DOOR The administration's petition is part of a larger supplemental package petition sent to House Speaker Kevin McCarthy Thursday that includes a mere $4 billion on the border crisis and countering foreign involvement in the fentanyl epidemic. "By plowing billions more of our taxpayer dollars into a war in Europe, Joe Biden is sending a clear signal that Ukraine takes priority over securing our southern border, deterring China in the Pacific, and getting costs down for working families at home," Hawley said. Hawley, along with other members of Congress, has brought forth this year several pieces of legislation to restrict aid to Ukraine and institute an independent auditor. Last year, Rep. Matt Rosendale, R-Mt., a member of the House Border Security Caucus, introduced legislation to prohibit U.S. involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war until the southern border is secured. "This is nothing more than a ploy by the Biden Administration to direct more money to Ukraine and disingenuously send over $3 billion to the southern border," Rosendale said to Fox News Digital. "Not to secure it, but to house the tidal wave of illegals they are bringing to our country." UNLIKELY GROUP OF SENATE REPUBLICANS TEAM UP ON AMENDMENT TO AUDIT UKRAINE SPENDING IN DEFENSE BILL Rep. Matt Gaetz, another vocal critic of the outbound funds and a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, said to Fox News Digital, "We fought wars for decades in the Middle East because oil companies had their hooks in the Bushes." He added: "Now we plow arms and cash into the homeland of the Burisma Biden Bribers. No thanks." In July discussions, Gaetz and four House Republicans sought to amend the National Defense Authorization Act, aiming to significantly curtail Ukraine's aid. Although the amendment was rejected with bipartisan opposition, 70 Republicans voted in its favor. Meanwhile, in the upper chamber, a similar amendment to the NDAA was proposed by GOP Sens. Hawley, John Kennedy, Jim Risch, and Roger Wicker to create a Ukraine oversight office to audit funding. That was also rejected. GOP LAWMAKERS URGE BIDEN TO HALT UKRAINE AID IN NEW LETTER: REPORT But Biden's request is unlikely to gain support in the GOP-led House. McCarthy previously promised he wouldn't bring a supplemental funding bill to the floor. Biden's appeal coincides with an ongoing surge of illegal border crossings along Texas' border with Mexico. All sectors of the border are grappling with overcrowding by illegal entrants and are near or at capacity limits for detainment. As of the end of June 2023, Border Patrol so far this year had encountered nearly 1.8 million illegal entrants. Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Il., said to Fox News Digital Friday he supports continuing aid to Ukraine and that he would work to get those funds approved in the Senate. Meanwhile, Sen. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said in a statement he would carefully review Biden's request to make sure it's "necessary and appropriate to keep America safe, secure our borders, support our allies, and help communities rebuild after disasters." Fox News's Brandon Gillespie and Liz Elkind contributed to this report. Republican Senator Ron Johnson amplified a number of Covid-19 conspiracy theories in a Fox Business Network segment bloated with false claims about the disease amid a growing number of hospitalisations and infections. While public health officials are urging Americans to stay up to date with vaccinations, the Wisconsin senator and Fox personality Maria Bartiromo falsely refuted vaccine efficacy and safety while wrongly stating that ivermectin is an approved treatment. The senator also revived baseless conspiracy theories circulated by anti-vaccine influencers like Robert F Kennedy Jr, who has faced ongoing scrutiny for his bogus suggestion that the virus is a biological weapon used to target certain demographics and spare Jewish and Chinese people. This was all pre-planned by an elite group of people, Mr Johnson said on the network on 11 August. Were up against a very powerful group of people We are going down a very dangerous path, but its a path that is being laid out and planned by an elite group of people that want to take total control over our lives, and thats what theyre doing bit by bit. Mr Johnson and Ms Bartiromo also falsely claimed that the US Food and Drug Administration has approved ivermectin to treat Covid-19. Their bogus claims follow a recent appeals court hearing in a lawsuit from three doctors who have accused the federal agency of overstepping its authority by telling people not to take the drug. A federal judge appointed by Donald Trump dismissed the lawsuit last year. FDA attorneys argued that the agency did not prohibit doctors from prescribing the drug but had issued guidance recommending against its use. Right-wing media falsely interpreted those statements to mean that the agency now is endorsing the drug. Ms Bartiromo also admitted to taking ivermectin which still is not authorised or approved for use in preventing or treating Covid-19 before falsely stating that the FDA says its fine to use. It was hard to find my doctor to finally, you know, address this and prescribe ivermectin, she said. He did, my Covid was gone in a day when I took ivermectin. And now three years later, the FDA says, Oh, yeah, thats fine. Take ivermectin. The FDA has not said that. The segment aired as Covid-related hospitalisations begin to surge across the US, increasing 12.5 per cent over the last week to more than 9,000, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. EG.5, an offshoot of the omicron variant that sparked waves of new infections, has been circulating in the US since April, now accounting for more than 17 per cent of Covid infections, according to the CDC. Last month, Mr Kennedy a prominent anti-vaccine conspiracy theorist who is seeking an extremely long-shot bid for the Democratic nomination for president revived an antisemitic conspiracy that blames Jewish people for the emergence of the disease. He baselessly stated during a press event that there is an argument to be made that the disease is ethnically targeted. The Independent has requested comment from Fox and a spokesperson for Mr Johnson. Explosions were reported in Kryvyi Rih on Aug. 12 which Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Governor Serhii Lysak later confirmed were from a Russian missile strike. No additional information has yet been provided except that there were no casualties. Kryvyi Rih, the hometown of President Volodymyr Zelensky, is a city in central Ukraine with a pre-war population of over 600,000. In late July, a Russian missile attack on Kryvyi Rih killed six people and injured 75 others, including children. Read also: This Week in Ukraine Ep. 20 Tragedy of civilian life in Donbas Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russian troops have been shelling Kherson Oblast since the morning of Aug. 12, injuring at least two civilians, the regional governor Oleksandr Prokudin reported. The shelling hit a residential house in the village of Poniativka, causing multiple wounds to a 70-year-old resident, Prokudin said. According to Prokudin, the village of Odradokamianka in the Beryslav district was attacked by a Russian drone, hitting a residents yard. A 72-year-old man was severely injured there, Prokudin said. The Prosecutor Generals Office, however, reported that two people were injured in a Russian drone attack on a settlement in the Beryslav district. The aftermath of the Russian shelling of Kherson Oblast on Aug. 12. (Prosecutor Generals Office/Facebook) The city of Kherson was under attack as well, according to Prokudin. A local enterprise was damaged, but there were no casualties, the governor said. Kherson and other regional settlements on the Kyiv-controlled west bank of the Dnipro River have been continuously subjected to Russian shelling since Ukrainian forces liberated them in November 2022. Russian forces were pushed to the river's east bank, from where they have since been firing at the liberated territories, regularly resulting in civilian deaths and injuries. Read also: This Week in Ukraine Ep. 20 Tragedy of civilian life in Donbas Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. FORT LIBERTY The 18th Airborne Corps thanked outgoing Command Sgt. Maj. T.J. Holland while welcoming incoming Command Sgt. Maj. Bryan Barker during a change of responsibility ceremony Friday at Fort Liberty. Holland, who served as the senior enlisted leader for the Corps since June 2020, will remain in the area to serve as the next command sergeant major for the U.S. Army Forces Command. Barker arrives at Fort Liberty in his first North Carolina tour, most recently serving as the command sergeant major for the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command. Lt. Gen. Christopher Donahue, commander of the 18th Airborne Corps and Fort Liberty, presided over Fridays ceremony. Command Sgt. Maj. T.J. Holland, the outgoing senior enlisted leader for the 18th Airborne Corps, makes remarks during a change of responsibility ceremony Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, on Fort Liberty. Outgoing leader Donahue said that the Armys noncommissioned corps is a strategic advantage to the U.S. military. Our command sergeant majors are a strategic capability that no other military has in the world none and as you look at these two great command sergeant majors, like anything in the Army, we go from great to great, and that's what we're doing, Donahue said. All the great things that Command Sgt. Maj. Holland has done, Command Sgt. Maj. Barker is going to do. During Hollands 40 months on the job, Donahue said, hes been part of several no-notice deployments, while helping oversee the largest military installation in the world by population. Donahue said Holland was informed about barracks on the installation among other things, which included seeing Fort Bragg redesignate to Fort Liberty. Last year, leaders deemed Smoke Bomb Hill barracks on post as substandard and oversaw moving more than 1,000 soldiers into other soldier living quarters. Holland said the Corps insignia hes worn the past few years is one thats been handed down from legend to legend to include the Corps first Command Sgt. Maj. Kenneth Rock Merritt. Today Im transferring responsibility of this Corps and the insignia that represents generations of leaders who have forged the path ahead of myself and Brian Barker, Holland said. Command Sgt. Maj. Bryan Barker, the incoming senior enlisted leader for the 18th Airborne Corps, makes remarks during a change of responsibility ceremony Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, on Fort Liberty. Incoming leader According to Barkers biography, he enlisted in the Army in June 1996 as an infantryman and served in various positions in that role, including operations sergeant major with 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment at then-Fort Benning, Georgia; command sergeant major of 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade in Vicenza, Italy; regimental command sergeant major of 3rd Cavalry Regiment at then-Fort Hood, Texas; command sergeant major for 5th Armor Brigade at Fort Bliss, Texas; and command sergeant major of the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Barkers combat deployments include six to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom; eight to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom; and one deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Resolute Support. He knows how to do everything for this Army at this inflection point and what this Corps needs, Donahue said. Barker said he is humbled for the responsibility to lead soldiers to a unit with a storied history dating to World War II and continues not only on the battlefield but with humanitarian efforts, disaster relief and peacekeeping missions. Lt. Gen. Christopher Donahue, commander of the 18th Airborne Corps, passes the unit colors to incoming Command Sgt. Maj. Bryan Barker, while outgoing Command Sgt. Maj. T.J. Holland looks on during a change of responsibility ceremony Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, on Fort Liberty. I am acutely aware that the responsibility is not mine alone, but a collective endeavor. I pledge to work hand in hand with each soldier, civilian and partner fostering an environment of trust, mutual respect, and inclusivity, Barker said. Our strength lies not in our skills, but in the diversity of our experiences and perspectives that bring us each together to the table. Barker said he is confident that the Corps soldiers will rise to meet challenges in the ever-changing world, and that training will be rigorous to ensure the force is formidable and agile ... to face any challenge anywhere at any time. Staff writer Rachael Riley can be reached at rriley@fayobserver.com or 910-486-3528. This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: 18th Airborne Corps welcomes new enlisted leader on Fort Liberty Guatemalans are voting in a presidential runoff that sees a former first lady compete against the son of a former president, capping a troubled race that has worried observers about the countrys future. Sandra Torres, largely seen as continuity candidate for the political establishment, is running against the anti-corruption candidate Bernardo Arevalo who defied predictions with his second-place finish in the first round of voting in June. Torres won 16% of the first-round vote in June with Arevalo coming in with 11.8% of the votes cast. Still, more than 24% of voters cast blank or invalid votes and about 40% of registered voters abstained, which analysts have attributed to high levels of disenchantment with Guatemalas electoral system after the state disqualified opposition candidates who spoke out against corruption. As an outsider candidate, Arevalos surprise run in the second round has reinvigorated this years presidential cycle, which has been plagued by allegations of government interference and fears of democratic backsliding. Guatemala watchers are cautiously hopeful that the popular will might prevail. Guatemalans wanted an option on the ballot where they can vote to reject the current political system. And fortunately, they have that as one of two choices now, Will Freeman, a fellow in Latin America studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, told CNN of Arevalos progressive candidacy. Why has the race been so turbulent? Rights groups say graft and impunity accelerated among the countrys political class after a United Nations-backed anti-corruption commission, known as CICIG, credited for assisting in hundreds of convictions, was dissolved in 2019. Prosecutors and judges associated with the commission were arrested, investigated, and many have been forced to flee the country in the ensuing years amid high rates of poverty and malnutrition. Worries about democratic backsliding began to mount in this years election cycle as anti-corruption candidates were barred from running, prompting widespread criticism from the US and Western allies. Sandra Torres, presidential candidate with the UNE party, votes in the run-off presidential election in Guatemala City. - Santiago Billy/AP Her opponent -- Bernardo Arevalo, presidential candidate with the Semilla Movement -- also voted in Guatemala City. - Moises Castillo/AP Arevalo, who previously served as ambassador to Spain, has also faced attempts to disqualify him. A Guatemalan court suspended his Movimiento Semilla party on the request of Rafael Curruchiche, who heads the Special Prosecutors Office Against Impunity and is on the US State Department Engels list for corrupt and undemocratic actors. Curruchiche said they were investigating Movimiento Semilla for allegedly falsifying citizens signatures a claim Arevalo has denied. But he was ultimately allowed to run in the first round following international outcry by the US, European Union and a group of international donors, known as the G13, which includes the United Kingdom and Canada. Even Torres announced she would suspend her political campaign in solidarity with Movimiento Semilla. Who are the candidates? Unemployment, corruption, and high living costs are at the top of voters minds as they head to the polls on August 20. Guatemalans want to replace this broken political system that no matter what candidates say they end up doing the same things in office, Freeman said. Torres has pledged to expand the countrys social programs and has advocated for tough policies to tackle crime in the style of Nayib Bukele, the president of neighboring El Salvador. She holds support among rural voters, garnered when she helped get more cash transfers and benefits as first lady more than a decade ago. The 67-year-old heads one of the countrys largest political parties, Unidad Nacional de la Esperanza (UNE), and served as the countrys first lady alongside her ex-husband, the center-left former President Alvaro Colom, from 2008 to 2011. This is the third presidential cycle Torres has competed in, losing in 2019 to current President Alejandro Giammattei. Her time in the spotlight has made her one of the most recognized names in the political race, although many Guatemalans have indicated they will not vote for her. A woman casts her vote at a polling station during the presidential run-off election in Guatemala City, Guatemala, on August 20, 2023. - Cristina Chiquin/Reuters Current momentum appears to be behind the former diplomat. Arevalo is seen as a pragmatist from the center-left Movimiento Semilla party, which he co-founded in 2017, and may be able to tap into widespread discontent against the current political class. His father, Juan Jose Arevalo, was Guatemalas first democratically elected president in 1945 and is fondly remembered for creating the countrys social security system. Born in Uruguay, during his parents exile from the country, Arevalo returned to Guatemala in 2013, according to CNN Espanol. Tackling corruption is his first order of business, according to his 100-day plan if voted into power. Arevalo appears less interested in prosecuting corrupt actors and more focused on doing away with pork barrel spending, Freeman says. The theory is more that you need to fix corruption at the source and stop public contracts from being awarded in a non-competitive way. He has promised to bring back the journalists, judges and prosecutors who fled the country in the wake of the government shutting down CICIG this includes his partys former presidential contender, Thelma Aldana, known for her anti-corruption crusades that led to the conviction of a former president. Aldana was barred from running in the 2019 race. Guatemala currently recognizes Taiwan, and Arevalo has said he would like Guatemala to have relations with both Taipei and Beijing. Guatemalas business elite have warmed to him, with Duolingo Chief Executive Luis Von Ahn announcing on X that he had contributed $100,000 to his campaign. Congress is set to be largely controlled by establishment parties following this years elections, including the outgoing presidents Vamos party and Torres UNE. Even if Arevalo does win at the polls Sunday, there may be many more hurdles to come. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com GOP presidential candidate and former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley outlined her southern border policy at the Iowa State Fair on Saturday, saying she would defund sanctuary cities if elected president. We will come and we will finally deal with the border, Haley said in a fair-side chat with Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds. First of all, we will make sure we defund sanctuary cities once and for all. So-called sanctuary cities municipalities with additional protections for undocumented immigrants have been a popular target for Republicans for years. Republican governors, including Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and fellow presidential candidate Gov. Ron DeSantis (Fla.), have bused migrants from their states across the country to the cities, in a move thats been criticized as vindictive politics. The Hill Elections 2024 coverage Haley, the former South Carolina governor, proposed taking back the additional federal budget allotted for the IRS and giving it to U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) to hire 25,000 new agents for the border. She also proposed re-implementing a Trump-era border policy the Migrant Protection Protocols, but nicknamed Remain in Mexico which the Biden administration has attempted to stop. Well go back to the Remain in Mexico policy because, guess what, no one wants to remain in Mexico, Haley said. And then instead of catch-and-release, well go to catch and deport. Thats how you go and make sure you stop the border. Trumps policy, first implemented in 2018, forces asylum-seekers to stay on the Mexican side of the border while awaiting trial dates for their asylum cases, which can take months. Previous U.S. policy allowed those asylum-seekers into the U.S. to await their court dates. Over 80,000 migrants were returned to Mexico through the program and just under 900 of them were granted asylum as of November 2022, according to research from Syracuse University. The Biden administration attempted to halt the policy in early 2021, though a federal court injunction kept it going. The Supreme Court ruled the Biden administration could end the program last June, and it finally ended in late 2022. Haleys support has slightly waned in recent weeks as other candidates climb in poll results. She has received about 4 percent support in national polling averages, good for fifth in the field of candidates. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Author, critic and avid traveler Miles Marshall Lewis discovers food, wine and fun on Crete, Greeces largest isle and hidden gem. A solid travel story about Greece should start something like: A reflected full moon shimmers off the Gulf of Chania as we sip shots of raki with honey on the waterfront of Apostolis restaurant, or The shapely DJ at DNA nightclub spins Rick Ross Santorini Greece into DJ Khaleds Greece, Drake rhyming about speedboats as the universal language of gyrating hips expresses itself loud and clearly If the musical references dont intrigue you, Greeces special connections to many Black travelers bear some mention. Since the founding of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity at Cornell University, members of Black Greek Letter Organizations (BGLOs) have proudly sported symbols like and for more than a century. More recently, consider that Black folks have singlehandedly made the Greek Islands destination-worthy hotspots since the dawning of the Instagram era, turning flying dress photoshoots in Mykonos and Santorini into an entire industry. Plakias Beach, Crete (Photo: Miles Marshall Lewis) With those two touristy isles feeling a little overexposed, I joined a group of fellow travel writers to spend over a week on the nearby island of Crete to discover its food, wine and resort life. Nows the time to cue the intro: A brisk summer wind whips by as we speedboat through the crystalline blue waters of Aradena Gorge, whizzing toward the beachside Taverna Dialeskari under beaming Mediterranean sun rays Coming into Crete via either of its two international airports, a 50-minute flight from the nearby Greek capital of Athens makes the most sense. When creating a Crete itinerary, carving out a night (or two) in Athens adds overall value to this European jaunt. The Dolli hotel in downtown sets the mood nicely, with its rooftop infinity pool view of the Acropolis and plush bedrooms ranging from luxe to deluxe. (For an overnight stay on a more frugal budget, the centrally located Titania Hotel serves quite nicely, too.) A 24-hour layover in Athens means a trip to the ancient Acropolis, easily the most famous tourist attraction in the country. Lines are reasonable, about 20 minutes at a quick clip, and the winding cobblestone path (wear sneakers) leading to the rocky outcrop above the city results in a great payoff: a 360 view of nearly all of Greece stretches out in every direction. For all the fascinating info about the Parthenon temple, the Theater of Dionysus, and all the other must-see monuments significance to modern civilization, a trip to the nearby archeological Acropolis Museum is well worth a few hours of time. Then, its a speedy hours flight from Eleftherios Venizelos or Athens International Airport to the paradise island of Crete! Crete is the largest and most populous of the possible 6,000 Greek islands, 227 of which are inhabited. Mykonos, by comparison, is almost 100 times smaller which is still 10% bigger than Santorini (the most favored tourist spot of all the Greek isles). We arrived at the islands primary airport in the north shore capital of Heraklion and made a straight shot for espresso martinis and hors doeuvres at the modest seaside Marina Cafe. If you stop by, expect a lot of chic charcuterie boards full of feta cheese, cherry tomatoes and sesame sticks, but also traditional spanakopita (flaky pies full of sauteed spinach and feta cheese, worth every bite). One of the absolute best meals youll enjoy in Crete will be on Agreco Farmss estate, on the north coast of Rethymno. Located on a bucolic hill amidst extremely photo-friendly vineyards and olive trees, Agreco Taverna uses centuries-old organic farming practices for its farm-to-table experience. Serving a literally decadent menu of rice-stuffed vegetables, succulent oven-baked lamb and fresh farmhouse salad with locally produced oregano and their own branded olive oil, Agreco Farms promises to blow away any certified foodie at the table. Be sure to order extras of kalitsounia, the honey-drizzled appetizer of sweet cheese pastries. A camera-ready locale (especially around sunset), the estate often hosts weddings and anniversary celebrations, selling its own thyme honey, organic herbs, olive pate (Cretes caviar) and more in the gift shop. Its hard to rival Agreco Taverna, which Vanity Fair UK named the best organic restaurant in the world. And yet, the Cretan mountain retreat of Milia boasts its own one-of-a-kind culinary experience. After navigating a serpentine hill that recalls the twists and turns of Caribbean mountain roads in Jamaica or Martinique, the western Crete hideaway of Milia reveals itself. Discovering Crete The Cretan countryside. (Photo: Miles Marshall Lewis) Discovering Crete Plakias Beach (Photo: Miles Marshall Lewis) Discovering Crete Grecotel LUXME White Palace. (Photo: Miles Marshall Lewis) Discovering Crete Nautilux Hotel. (Photo: Miles Marshall Lewis) Discovering Crete The coastline of the Cretam village of Loutro. (Photo: Miles Marshall Lewis) Discovering Crete Agreco Taverna (Photo: Miles Marshall Lewis) Discovering Crete The hilltops of Crete. (Photo: Miles Marshall Lewis) Discovering Crete Holy Trinity (Agia Triada) Tzagaroli Monastery. (Photo: Miles Marshall Lewis) Discovering Crete The interior of Agia Triada Monastery (Photo: Miles Marshall Lewis) Discovering Crete Olive oil at the Anoskeli olive mill and winery. (Photo: Miles Marshall Lewis) Discovering Crete Anoskeli olive mill and winerys varietals. (Photo: Miles Marshall Lewis) Discovering Crete The vineyards at Anoskeli olive mill and winery. (Photo: Miles Marshall Lewis) Discovering Crete The entrance gate to the Rethymnon old town. (Photo: Miles Marshall Lewis) Discovering Crete The author, enjoying a Cretan sunset. (Photo: Courtesy of Miles Marshall Lewis) Discovering Crete The Cretan countryside. (Photo: Miles Marshall Lewis) A wellness eco-village of rustic, cabin-like houses provides the ultimate getaway to recharge your battery, topped off by the award-winning Milia restaurant, guided by chef Vasilis Makrakis. The place is like a spa, only the treatment is deep immersion in nature. The countryside surroundings make the food go down differently and only fresh ingredients factor into their delectable ratatouille, moussaka, beef short ribs, chicken, pork and goat. Sourcing from henhouse-picked eggs and surrounding mountain herbs, Milias farm-to-table menu is a winner. Not every drool-worthy restaurant in Crete requires winding pathways through the hills. Right in the heart of Rethymno, in a renovated 16th-century Venetian-style villa, lies Avli. Founded by Katerina Xekalou in the late 80s, Avlis decorative ferns, geraniums and exposed stone set up an amazing ambiance to enjoy some traditional dishes. The courtyard setup makes for a perfect date night (Avli also rents ten surrounding suites for a luxe vacay) or hours-long brunch to talk over your amazing time in Crete. Greece spares no shortage of cheese pastries, but Avlis kalitsounia cant be missed. Whether paired with grilled fish, roasted lamb, ravioli or something else, the top-tier wine selection has to be sampled as well; bottles are served from local Cretan wineries like Menexes, Zoumberakis and Zidianakis. Speaking of, wine connoisseurs will be all grins and smiling eyes at the tastings on offer in Crete. The Anoskeli olive mill and winery (named for a small village near Chania) sets up a tasting room for anyone reserving in advance to sample favorites. Try blended varietals like the Ano Playa Rose or single variety wines like their Anoferia Syrah. Likewise, the Kourkoulou winery accepts booking visits for wine tours of award-winning selections from their own local vineyard: try their fruity Vidiano or the Mikro-Mikraki rose. Finally, in the cellar of the 17th century Agia Triada monastery (yes, a monastery), past dozens of Greek-lettered wine barrels and a gift shop lies another trove of flavorsome wines. Savor the atmosphere and sample my favorite: their deep purple merlot with a blackcurrant-marmalade aftertaste. Other honorable mentions for great food and wine that wont break the bank youve already broken to get to Crete include the 7 Thalasses seafood restaurant in Heraklion, the family-owned Taverna Leventogiannis and the super down-home Poliou House. Eventually, it will be time for the beach, and maybe some culture. Hitting Plakias Beach on the south coast as often as possible will satisfy all your sunning and funning. If youre staying at a luxury beach resort like Nautilux (highly recommended), then the relaxing Rethymnon Beach is at your daily disposal. My eight-day trip coincided with the 13th annual Rethymno City Run; I sprinted a 5K race from the city square alongside Rethymnon Beach and back to the Nautilux hotel (in 34 minutes flat, thank you). For sportive globetrotters, a hike up the lushly green Mili Gorge might scratch that nature-lover itch while burning calories; the caves are gorgeous. Lastly, the museums of Crete offer all the intriguing historical information travelers would want to wrap their heads around, particularly at the Museum of Ancient Eleutherna, the Historical and Folklore Museum of Theriso and the Chania Archaeological Museum. Just remember to pack your worn copy of George G.M. Jamess Stolen Legacy for the requisite reminder that a lot of Greek philosophy actually has its roots in the mystery schools of North Africa. A final note: vacationing Black travel groups may want to tour some luxury villas as a last taste of the island, for ideas on lodgings for their inevitable return. Lavish accommodations at Villa Terra Creta or the Amphi Exclusive Residence offer rates that skew towards affordable when divided between parties of 10 to 12 on holiday together. Yamas! The Greek National Tourism Organization provided complimentary travel and accommodations for the writer of this article. Miles Marshall Lewis (@MMLunlimited) is an author and Harlem-based cultural critic whose work has appeared in The New York Times Magazine, GQ, Rolling Stone and many other outlets. Lewis is currently finishing a cultural biography of comedian Dave Chappelle, his follow-up to Promise That You Will Sing About Me: The Power and Poetry of Kendrick Lamar. 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 From Harlem to Heraklion: A soulful sojourn to Crete appeared first on TheGrio. After three sleepless nights worrying for her family in Maui, 21-year-old Kaleikaumaka Johnson still turns up for work - waitressing in Kahului, Maui. But her thoughts are miles away, at home. "I go to sleep and I just wake up gagging, throwing up and then I start crying because I can't even be alive without thinking about what is, has happened to my people, my family", she says. Fast-spreading wildfires caused devastation on the Hawaiian island of Maui and destroyed most of the historic town of Lahaina earlier this week. Hawaii Governor Josh Green said the fires were the "largest natural disaster in Hawaii state history" and that 80% of the beach-front town was gone. Dozens of people were killed in the inferno, and days after the fires ripped through the town, the death toll continues to rise. Speaking to the BBC on a break from work, she says images of bodies in Maui pervade her social media feeds. Many people became trapped by the flames in Lahaina, and some died trying to protect their homes, she says. Talking of one of her distant relatives, Ms Johnson says he was found "in a lawn chair in his yard burnt to a crisp... because he refused to leave his house". "That's all he knows and loves." Others tried to escape the flames by climbing the mountains into the forest - and many have yet to make contact. Of her relatives who live in Maui, four of their family homes were destroyed. The only one left standing belongs to her aunt. "They built all of their houses near each other so they'll all be living with each other forever... they all wanted to stay together forever and have their kids grow up together," she says. A cat looks out from a burned open field caused by the south Maui fire as Maui island deals with the aftermath of multiple wildfires. August 11, 2023 Now, as the town enters its third day without power and water, the houses that are left standing face another risk: looting. Ms Johnson says her mother stayed in Lahaina to protect her home. She has spent the day nailing boards to windows and doors to try and stop people from breaking in. But, the 21-year-old says people are not looting homes because they are criminals. "People are so desperate. They haven't eaten since the fire started. Their babies are wearing the same diapers since the fires started. They're so desperate. It was an apocalyptic situation. "I don't blame the reactions for most, even the most extreme reactions because they're in total survival mode." Despite her distance from Lahaina, the scale of the disaster is not lost on Ms Johnson. "I just told my bartender I'm not going back to school this year, because I no longer can afford to... I have to put that on hold for a semester to be able to take care of my family." As Tuesday's high winds stoked brush fires on the Hawaiian island of Maui into fast-moving wildfires that set off a frantic race to safety, no outdoor warning sirens were triggered by local or state emergency agencies. "Neither Maui nor HI-EMA activated warning sirens on Maui during the wildfire incident," Hawaii Emergency Services Administration said Friday. Instead, residents had to rely on three other forms of emergency warnings: alerts sent to mobile devices, to local radio and television stations and via Maui County's opt-in resident notification system. "The sirens are used to alert the public to seek additional information; they do not necessarily indicate an evacuation," emergency officials said. Follow along for live updates Scrutiny is mounting over whether enough warning was provided, even as the winds from Hurricane Dora, which has been churning over the central Pacific Ocean, knocked down power lines and disrupted cellphone communication. Some survivors believe they were not sufficiently warned through emergency alerts as the crisis deepened, adding to the confusion in what has become one of Hawaii's deadliest natural disasters. At least 67 people were killed as a result of the fires, officials said Friday. "They didn't give us no warning. No nothing," Lisa Panis, a resident of the historic seaside community of Lahaina in western Maui, said in a phone interview. "No siren, no alarms, no nothing." The initial reports of a brush fire came in after midnight Tuesday in Maui's Kula region and led to dozens of early-morning evacuations in that area. Then, another brush fire was reported after 6:30 a.m. in Lahaina, where the flames flared up and also prompted evacuations. But the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency said it had no record of any warning sirens with Maui's Emergency Alert System being triggered on Tuesday, department spokesperson Adam Weintraub said. The system, which includes 80 sirens across Maui, is intended to prod people to seek more specific emergency information through forms of communication, such as online or television or radio broadcasts. It's unclear when the other forms of emergency alerts were pushed out or how many people would have seen them, given how fast the flames spread and when and where power was knocked out on the island. "The siren is a message, but it's not a very specific message, and so each time we sound them, there is a balancing in the decision," Weintraub said. "Will it cause more good or more harm?" A request for comment from the Maui County Emergency Management Agency on why the outdoor sirens were not triggered was not immediately returned Friday. Weintraub said the agency may have decided to maximize its resources and firefighting assets in other urgent ways to protect lives and property. "The best I can say is that given the speed and demands of the incident, I don't have any concerns in the way that Maui County handled it the way I know now, but we can talk about that again after we're done ensuring people are safe," he said. Search and rescue crews walk through a destroyed neighborhood on Aug. 11, 2023 in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Justin Sullivan / Getty Images) The cause of the fires on Maui remains unclear, but severe drought conditions and hurricane-strength winds gusts reached as high as 80 mph are a confluence of extremes amplified by climate change, experts say. "It is much like an atomic bomb hit Lahaina," Hawaii Gov. Josh Green told "NBC Nightly News" anchor Lester Holt on Friday. Green said the situation grew increasingly dire once telecommunications were taken out by the winds and emergency responders had their hands full with multiple conflagrations. "It's too early for me to tell," Green said when asked whether the siren system wasn't employed because of human decision or equipment failure. "Much of the equipment was destroyed with fire and it's a very remote place. This was a western edge of the island of Maui," Green said. "Of course, we would never diminish any kind of responsibility. They were all fighting in fires across the islands." The growing frustration comes as medical workers tend to the wounded, authorities work to identify bodies, relief trickles in from the mainland, and state and local officials grapple with a massive recovery effort that will take years and billions of dollars to rebuild. Panis, a surfing instructor, said she lost her home in the fire, which decimated Lahaina, and is now living in her car. She said that she knew some of those killed and that other residents in her community remain stranded without food or water. "We need help," Panis said. "The military should do better. Our government should do better. Where are all of our tax dollars really going? Where is it going? Where is the help? Where is the aid?" Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary, said Thursday that the National Guard had activated 134 members from the Army and Air National Guards to assist in Hawaii. The guard also provided two Chinook helicopters for response operations and search and rescue efforts. Separately, the Army provided two Blackhawk helicopters and another Chinook to assist with firefighting, and the Navy sent two Seahawk helicopters to aid the U.S. Coast Guard, which had boats and helicopters already working to rescue survivors, with search and rescue operations. Army and Navy units have completed their support efforts but will also aid the Federal Emergency Management Agency as requests come in, officials said. The Army Corps of Engineers is also assisting with debris and getting temporary power. Residents say help remains critical on the island, which is home to about 165,000 people and draws hundreds of thousands of tourists every month. "They don't have enough resources and not enough people," said Maui resident Thomas Matthew Fevella Jr., who was handing out protein bars, snacks, water and gas for generators in Lahaina. "They need to send the military here to come and help because the Army Reserves, they're just blocking the roads. They're helping as well too, but we need all hands on deck." Claudia Garcia, who has lived in Upcountry Maui for 23 years, said she did receive text alerts beginning at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday about brush fires, but nothing about what was occurring in Lahaina. Her phone was also unreliable on Tuesday and Wednesday because of the spotty connection. "I'm not here to put blame on the government, but my honest opinion we're a tourist island. We have no resources and obviously our emergency risk management sucks," Garcia said. "Like really sucks." "There was no designated radio station or designated TV station where you could actually go and get information," she said. "Nothing. We have to go on Facebook." For others, the lack of any discernible warnings as the fires broke out deserves further examination. "They could have turned the tsunami sirens on so people knew to evacuate," Bryan Sizemore, a commercial sport fisherman and mechanic engineer who lives in Lahaina, said. "They're not handling this well at all. It's pathetic, heartbreaking really." Weintraub said the outdoor siren system was designed with the two main threats to the island in mind: hurricanes and tsunamis. "A wildfire of this magnitude was unprecedented," he said. As with any emergency disaster, an after-action report will be opened to review every element of what was decided, Weintraub said. "In this stage, we are still trying to feed people and still trying to shelter people," he said. "Once we get out of that phase, we will look at those decisions that were made and if they could have been improved." This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Fifty years after it was created in New York Citys Bronx borough, hip hop is a multi-billion dollar industry that doubles as a powerful political tool for Black Americans. The music for a half-century has highlighted the experiences that Black, Brown and poor people face in America, and has operated as a breaking news service of sorts often ahead of the rest of the media in drawing attention to injustice and police brutality. Its also become a global phenomenon, which Harvey Mason Jr., the CEO of the Recording Academy, says is because it is an art form that can be understood globally. Hip hop has absolutely put a voice to a lot of issues that many groups of people have had. Its been everything from a political tool, a power that can make people pay attention. Its been a lesson, history teacher, has been a future prognosticator, its been an outlet, a way for people to fantasize and imagine or aspire to things. Its been so many things to so many people, Mason told The Hill. Theres a lot of different communities, constituencies that can listen to it and find some commonality, the humanity of it, and the shared human experience of hip hop music goes across borders, it goes across socioeconomic fences, it goes to people that might not be living in the same community where the music is coming from, but theres something about it that resonates. Hip hop is unique in that there is no one specific way to create its music. It can incorporate hard beats, rapid-fire lyrics, DJs spinning on turntables, sampling and so much more; even breakdancing and visual art is part of the genre. DJ Kool Herc, a Jamaican immigrant, is credited as the founding father of hip hop. In 1973, he and his sister hosted the Back to School Jam, and Herc began spinning the same record on twin turntables, toggling between them to isolate and extend percussion breaks. The importance of the genre is, for many, embedded in the artists themselves. For Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.), hip hop filled a gap in his life from the time he was a young boy. Hip hop is my life. Its literally an art form and culture that raised me ever since I was about seven or eight years old, Bowman told The Hill. I didnt grow up with a father, so many of the artists were like father figures to me, and really gave me the intellectual, social and political blueprint that I lived by as a kid growing up and and I live by now as a member of Congress. Its been everything. Its the father I never had, pretty much. Revolt CEO Detavio Samuels referred to hip hop as the anchor to his life, telling The Hill that he listened growing up in Colorado to Tupac Shakur, DMX, Wu-Tang Clan and Jay-Z before dabbling in rap himself and releasing his own album. Revolt is a media company founded by hip hop mogul Sean P. Diddy Combs. You know, Im a child of the 80s and 90s and so as hip hop is going from what people think is going to be a fad to the globalization of this incredible cultural phenomenon, like thats my childhood, Samuels said. And so hip hop was the soundtrack to my life, it impacted everything that I do from the music I listen to, to the clothes that I wear, to the words that I use to how articulate and communicate hip hop has been core to my beings since I was probably like, seven years old. Bowman said he often thinks of one of the first hip hop songs The Message by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five for what it was telling American about itself. Its really important to discuss hip hop not just as an art form which in and of itself is incredibly powerful but as a political force. It has always been, said Bowman. The Message chronicled what life was like in the New York neighborhoods where the group grew up and lived. Broken glass everywhere, people pissin on the stairs, you know they just dont care. I cant take the smell, cant take the noise. Got no money to move out, I guess I got no choice, the artist raps. The songs last line a child is born with no state of mind, blind to the ways of mankind is now in the Library of Congress. It was born from neglect and marginalization and policy that defunded public education within redlining communities that were also devalued, Bowman said. It was born within a political context, so in that context, it has to be viewed and discussed and understood through a political lens. Hip hop has been controversial since its inception, with many often criticizing its lyrics as overtly sexual, violent or misogynistic. Rap is targeted because its rap and because its people of color, men of color, but its also targeted because thats also a genre that is probably the most popular genre in the world, said Bowman. And theres power in that, and not just financial power and economic power, but also political power, and thats another reason why that target remains on the backs of rappers. Artists such as Young Thug, Gunna and the Young Stoner Life (YSL) crew have had their lyrics used against them in a court of law when they were hit with RICO charges. But this infringes upon artists First Amendment rights, advocates say and theres also a bias thats cropping up in whose lyrics are being used. We know theres this inherent bias around Black music, and hip hop artists specifically, Mason said. So the idea that they would be using those types of lyrics or that type of a bias to prejudicially potentially incarcerate or accuse someone of a crime based on using their art form, as evidence is just unacceptable. Bowman added that other genres of music can also have dark and even violent undertones, but the bias around rap artists rests in the bias around Black communities in general. Because of our historic discrimination and bias and racism towards Black people, what we know, is structurally, prosecutors and juries view rap lyrics more as commentary, as documentation, of what that particular artists has done, he said. The recording academy has been working with rap artists to protect them. Bowman and Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.) earlier this year reintroduced the Restoring Artistic Protection Act, or the RAP Act. The legislation would limit the use of evidence of an artists creative or artistic expression against them in court. When the bill was reintroduced, Bowman and Johnson were joined by the Black Music Action Coalition, the Recording Academy, the Black Music Collective and SAG-AFTRA. More broadly, the wider music industry is taking care to honor hip hops 50th anniversary. The recording academy this year closed the Grammys with a 12-minute homage to rap, with artists like Grandmaster Flash, Run DMC, Flavor Flav, Ice-T, and Jay-Z. For years, such artists did not get primetime play with the Grammys. Grandmaster Flash is also now in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. More celebrations will take place throughout the year, Mason said, including a two-hour special. We havent always done everything exactly right around the genre, and Im pretty sure well make other mistakes and Im going to try not to, he added. We are very aware of the importance of hip hop and the community around that genre of music and how influential they are, how important they are and how we have to accurately honor and represent them going forward. So its going to be this year, but its also going to continue on into the future. Bowman said the Congressional Black Caucuss annual legislative conference will have a variety of parties recognizing the 50th anniversary of hip hop, along with panel discussions about how the culture is leaning into building political power. Bowman is also in the process of creating the first Congressional Hip Hop Caucus as well. Its really important to discuss hip hop not just as an art form which in and of itself is incredibly powerful but as a political force. It has always bee. It was born from neglect and marginalization and policy that defunded public education within redlining communities that were also devalued. It was born within a political context, so in that context, it has to be viewed and discussed and understood through a political lens. Olafimihan Oshin contributed to this article. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A lawsuit challenging Orange Countys now-defunct impact fees on new home construction has been appealed to the N.C. Supreme Court following a 2-1 appeals court ruling that most claims were rightly dismissed. The N.C. Court of Appeals backed part of a claim by Chapel Hill homeowners in its July 5 ruling that the county unlawfully included the cost of new school buses and completion of an impact fee study in what they were charged. The court concluded that fees related to those costs should be refunded. However, the evidence did not show how much money should be returned, because the fee was set at only 32% to 60% of the maximum possible cost calculated by TischlerBise consultants, the Maryland firm that performed the 2007 study. The 2-1 ruling sent the lawsuit back to Orange County Superior Court for a hearing on those claims. It backed Orange County Superior Court Judge Allen Baddours decision to dismiss the lawsuits other claims without a hearing. However, the new Superior Court hearing is now on hold, pending an N.C. Supreme Court ruling in the case. That could take a year or more, Orange County Attorney John Roberts told The News & Observer in an email Friday. Any future decision ordering the county to refund impact fees would be a tiny fraction of a fee that was not imposed at 100% of the lawfully allowed amount, Roberts said. Revised fee for school construction The General Assembly gave Orange County the authority to charge an impact fee in 1987 on each new housing unit built in the county. The fee raised roughly $45.7 million over 30 years to help pay for school construction projects that addressed rising student enrollment in the Orange County and Chapel Hill-Carrboro City school districts. It was changed over time to reflect whether new homes were built in urban or rural areas, and different types of dwelling units. State law required the county to budget for school needs over a 20-year period and spend the money that was collected within 10 years. In 2017, the fee generated roughly $2.8 million for both school districts. TischlerBise had estimated the countys capital costs in 2007 at roughly $17.3 million a year for both school districts over five years. The Orange County Board of Commissioners last revised the fee in 2016 based on the studys recommendations, setting lower fees for small, single-family homes of less than 800 square feet and for age-restricted housing. The board also amended the countys impact fee ordinance to limit when fee payers could seek a refund. The owners of this house at 310 Collum Road in Chapel Hill sued Orange County and Chapel Hill for a refund of their school impact fees paid in 2016. The lawsuit now includes several hundred residents and developers, attorneys said. Superior Court lawsuit filed In 2017, the General Assembly voted to take away the countys authority, the commissioners repealed the fee, and Chapel Hill homeowners Elizabeth Zander and Evan Galloway filed a lawsuit seeking a refund, plus interest. The couple stated in their lawsuit that the fee accounted for nearly 6% of the construction budget for their home. The lawsuit contends the county exceeded its authority by not following the legal process for determining and assessing the fee, including a cost analysis of the construction that would be needed over the next 20 years. TischlerBise consultants instead used the cost of schools that had already been built, student enrollment, and the previous costs for support facilities and portable classrooms, buses and other vehicles. Raleigh attorneys Matthew Tynan and Robert King III, representing the plaintiffs, eventually initiated a class-action complaint involving potentially thousands of homeowners and developers who paid the impact fee. They told The News & Observer at the time that the refund amount could be up to $12 million, plus attorneys fees and interest. Superior Court Judge Allen Baddour dismissed the lawsuit in June 2022, and the plaintiffs appealed. Appeals court mixed decision In July, Appeals Court Judges Allison Riggs and Fred Gore issued a ruling in which they agreed in part with Baddour, saying the countys policy plainly states a 10-year planning period was used in setting the impact fee rates. State law does not specify a specific planning timeline or itemization requirement, they said. The judges also considered money spent on transportation and other non-academic needs, taking a broad view that any buildings constructed by a scholastic institution to serve students are included. However, they said, the county should not have included the cost to purchase new buses or to complete the 2007 impact fee study. The ruling dismissed claims that the 2007 impact fee study, and a new study done in 2016, did not include up-to-date information and were not the only reason for the rate changes. Justice Michael Stading, in a dissenting opinion, argued that all of the lawsuits claims should be heard in Superior Court. TischlerBise did not use a planning period as required by state law, and as such, the consultants could not properly calculate the countys capital demands or accurately determine the cost of the fee, he said. A summary of income and expenses over a five-year period is a projection, not a planning period, he added, and if the countys consultant did not use a planning period in its analysis, then the county did not use one either. The use of a reasonable planning period not to exceed twenty years, is material to the litigation, Standing said in his opinion. Here, the statute must be strictly construed and, unlike horseshoes and hand grenades, strict compliance with its provisions is required. He also questioned whether the county followed its rules for refunding unlawfully collected impact fees and whether the fees were reduced for reasons other than an updated school impact fee study. The Countys own 30(b)(6) witness cited concerns of timing and the nature of the General Assembly. Thus, there is a genuine issue of material fact as to whether the County complied with the refund provision required by its Ordinance as amended in 2016, Stading wrote. Some government staff in San Francisco have been told to work remotely, a report says. Department of Health and Human Services staff were asked to work from home due to local crime. The city has been battling a drug epidemic and a homelessness crisis in recent years. Hundreds of employees at the Department of Health and Human Services in San Francisco have been told to work from home due to the high level of crime in the area around its office, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. The department recommended that employees worked remotely "for the foreseeable future," the report says, citing an August 4 memo sent to staff, a copy of which the Chronicle said it had obtained. The advice was given to workers "in light of the conditions at the (Federal Building)," Cheryl R. Campbell, assistant secretary for administration at the department, said, per the report. The Federal Building is located at 90 7th Street in San Francisco, which is known to be a drug hotspot, with dealers often peddling drugs near or across the street from the building, the Chronicle reported. Two men were charged in May on suspicion of carrying out drug deals in full view of surveillance cameras from the Federal Building, per a June press release from the US attorney's office. San Francisco has been battling a drug epidemic and a homelessness crisis in recent years. The California governor's office said in June that in just six weeks the California Highway Patrol had seized more than four kilos of fentanyl in the Tenderloin and the "immediate surrounding area" of San Francisco. It claimed that this was "enough to kill" the city's entire population nearly three times over. Elon Musk has also spoken out about crime in the city, where his company X, formerly known as Twitter, is headquartered. "Violent crime in SF is horrific," Musk said in a tweet in April. Following the fatal stabbing of Cash App creator Bob Lee, many also labeled San Francisco a "lawless" place to live. The US Department of Health and Human Services didn't immediately respond to a request for comment from Insider. Read the original article on Insider An attorney for Hunter Biden, President Bidens son, said the appointment of a special counsel for the Justice Departments 5-year investigation into him makes no difference. Abbe Lowell said in a CNN interview Friday that the promotion of special counsel David Weiss, who has led the Hunter Biden investigation from its inception, does not change the likely outcome of the case. What happened today, as a practical matter, is not much different than what was the case yesterday or three weeks before, Lowell said. The Attorney General and Mr. Weiss have said for weeks, months, that he had all the authority he needed to bring any charge that was merited, at any time that was appropriate, in any place that made sense. So, the power that a special counsel has is the power that he has had, he added. From a practical point of view, nothing really changed. Attorney General Merrick Garland named Weiss a special counsel on Friday after he requested the title earlier this week. Special counsel status allows additional leeway in seeking charges and additional resources, but Lowell said that Garland and Weiss previously communicated that he already had that authority. Hunter Biden was charged with two misdemeanor tax crimes and a gun possession charge in June. An agreed to plea deal over the charges fell through this month over questions about lenience and immunity for other conduct. Lowell said he is confident that Weiss will not find additional evidence or information to incriminate the younger Biden, and questioned whether any other outcome could show political bias. After five years of what has to be one of the most thorough investigations that office has ever done, started by a Republican attorney general, given to a Republican U.S. Attorney, given to a career set of experienced prosecutors, the only charges that were appropriate would be two misdemeanor failure to file charges and a diverted gun charge for the 11 days that Hunter possessed a gun, Lowell said. And that was after five years of painstaking investigation. So, whatever his title, and whatever happens next, were confident that should be the same conclusion, he continued. And if its not, then its something other than the facts and the law that has come into play. Weiss appointment has drawn criticism from Republicans, with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) saying he doesnt believe the title will lead to change in the case. McCarthy, along with others, has floated an impeachment inquiry into the president over investigations into his family. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. WASHINGTON For President Joe Biden, the legal troubles of his son appeared to be going away last month when Hunter Biden's attorneys reached terms with prosecutors to resolve tax evasion and gun charges. Then the deal fell apart. Now, with Attorney General Merrick Garland appointing a special counsel Friday to investigate the criminal case, the legal drama over Hunter Biden is sure to hang over the entirety of Joe Biden's 2024 reelection bid. Not only does the special counsel designation of David Weiss, the U.S. attorney in Delaware who has overseen the case for five years, signal a wider inquiry, the Justice Department also said in a motion Friday that it expects a trial over the charges already filed against Hunter Biden. The motion all but ensures a circus of television cameras outside a federal courthouse following the president's son just as the 2024 campaign will be in full swing. "This is not good for the president," said Richard Painter, a law professor at University of Minnesota who was chief ethics lawyer for President George W. Bush. He said Republicans will stay fixated on Hunter Biden's legal problems even more so if former President Donald Trump, the GOP primary front-runner, becomes their nominee. "Obviously, this is going to be made into a big issue in the campaign," Painter said. "Given the fact that Trump has been indicted three times and may be indicted a fourth time, the Republicans are going to grab for whatever they can." President Joe Biden, with son Hunter Biden, arrives at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base in Syracuse, New York, on February 4, 2023. The US Justice Department on Friday escalated its investigation into President Joe Biden's son Hunter, naming a special counsel amid allegations he engaged in illicit business deals overseas. How damaging is a special counsel probe for Joe Biden? A federal judge in Delaware refused last month to accept a plea deal between Hunter Biden and prosecutors after the judge raised concerns about the terms of the agreement, including assurances Hunter Biden's legal team sought for immunity from any future criminal charges. Had the judge accepted the plea agreement, it wasn't going to quiet Republicans who called the arrangement a "sweetheart deal" and accused Garland of politicizing the Justice Department. But it would have at least put Hunter Biden's legal ramifications to rest as Joe Biden, 80, seeks a second term while already facing questions about his age and lingering anxieties about the economy. "It's not something any candidate would wish to have happen," said Todd Belt, professor and political management program director at George Washington University. Still, Belt said, voters typically "disentangle" misbehavior of family from the candidate. And he said the appointment of a special counsel in a possible matchup with Trump may burnish Joe Biden's image as the candidate who adheres to the law even when his son is the target. "In a weird way, it is actually beneficial in terms of how he would wage his campaign against Trump the return to the Trump chaos versus normal function of government under Biden," Belt said. Even before the special counsel elevation, the Republican-led House Oversight Committee had accelerated its investigation into Hunter Biden as they seek to tie actions from then-Vice President Joe Biden to his son's business activities as chairman of the Ukrainian energy firm Burisma. Republicans have seized on testimony from Devon Archer, a business associate of Hunter Biden's, who said the president's son put his father on the speakerphone 20 times with his business partners present. But Archer said business was never discussed, and Republicans have yet to present evidence supporting their claims that Joe Biden accepted bribery payments. Attorney General Merrick Garland speaks at the Department of Justice, Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, in Washington. Garland announced Friday he is appointing a special counsel in the Hunter Biden probe, deepening the investigation of the president's son ahead of the 2024 election. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) ORG XMIT: DCSS406 Nevertheless, House Republicans have increasingly started talking about an impeachment inquiry. "It clearly means that it's going to hang over the entire remainder of the election cycle," veteran Democratic campaign strategist Joe Trippi said. "But I think that was clearly going to happen in any case." Biden allies point to polling that suggests most Americans are far less concerned with Hunter Biden than House Republicans. A majority of Americans, 58%, including 63% of independent voters, said Hunter Biden's legal problems won't influence their decision whether to vote for Joe Biden in 2024, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll in June. Democrats are bullish on abortion access as a major driver for their base as well as suburban independent voters after last year's Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe v. Wade. Voters in Ohio, which voted Republican in the past two presidential elections, overwhelmingly rejected a measure Tuesday that would have made it more difficult for voters to protect abortion rights via referendum. Democrats also reject any conflation between the legal problems for Trump, who has been indicted for conspiring to overturn the 2020 election and withholding classified documents, and those of the president's son. "The reality is, Trump is a former president who is running for president. Hunter Biden isn't on the ballot," said Trippi, a senior adviser for The Lincoln Project, a political group formed before the 2020 election to help defeat Trump. "And thus far, there's been no evidence tying (his business dealings) to Joe Biden." Where Hunter Biden's case goes from here House Republicans indicated the special counsel designation will not affect their congressional investigations into the overseas business dealings of Biden family members. "This action by Bidens DOJ cannot be used to obstruct congressional investigations or whitewash the Biden family corruption," House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., said in a statement. "House Republicans will continue to pursue the facts for the American people." Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., chairman of the House Oversight Committee, slammed Garland's appointment of Weiss as special counsel, saying it is "part of the Justice Departments efforts to attempt a Biden family cover-up" after his committee's "mounting evidence" he says has implicated Joe Biden. "The Biden Justice Department is trying to stonewall congressional oversight as we have presented evidence to the American people about the Biden familys corruption," Comer said. Rep. James Comer Jr., R-Ky., Chair of the Oversight and Accountability Committee, attends a committee hearing with IRS whistleblowers, Wednesday, July 19, 2023, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Garland, as he announced Weiss' appointment from the Justice Department headquarters, made clear the Hunter Biden investigation remains open. After the terms of his plea agreement unraveled in court, Hunter Biden pleaded not guilty last month to failing to pay more than $100,000 in taxes on $1.5 million in taxable income he made in 2017 and 2018. He faces a separate charge for possessing a firearm in 2018 as a drug user. Prosecutors filed a motion Friday saying that the two sides are at an "impasse" and that the government expects the Hunter Biden case to go to trial. The Justice Department is seeking to move the case to either a federal court in Washington or California, which prosecutors argue would be the appropriate venues for the charges. As special counsel, Weiss will have the authority to bring charges in any federal court he chooses. For his part, Joe Biden has made no effort to distance himself from his son. Im very proud of my son, he told reporters in June after Hunter Biden initially struck the plea agreement on the tax evasion charges. Hunter Biden traveled with his father to Ireland in the spring. He has attended state dinners and sometimes joins his father and other family members for weekends at Camp David, the presidential retreat in Maryland. But it seems a good bet Hunter Biden, who made several appearances on the 2020 campaign trail for his father, will be less visible in 2024. Painter said that he does not expect to see the president's son making campaign stops during his father's reelection bid. "I doubt it," Painter said. "I very much doubt it." Hunter Biden pleads not guilty to federal tax charges after judge rejects plea deal Reach Joey Garrison on X @joeygarrison. Reach Miles Herszenhorn on X @mherszenhorn. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hunter Biden controversy set to hang over Joe Biden's 2024 campaign Toxic algae has has existed in above-average levels at Wiser Lake in Whatcom County for nearly a decade, and health specialists are currently working to find a cause. Whatcom County warned people to avoid contact with Wiser Lake in advisory issued Friday, Aug. 11. Whatcom County Health and Community Services had posted a caution sign in 2019 at Wiser Lake warning people of the elevated toxin levels. Now, people and their pets are being told to avoid contact with the water in Wiser Lake. Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, produces multiple toxins, two of which microcystin and anatoxin-a can be found in unsafe levels at Wiser Lake, according to standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Microcystin can cause liver damage in people and pets, while anatoxin-a can damage the nervous system. Both toxins are harmful to people and can be fatal to pets. The toxins are most commonly introduced by ingesting lake water, Anna Mostovetsky, environmental health specialist with Whatcom County Health and Community Services told The Bellingham Herald in an interview. Symptoms of microcystin can take 30 minutes to 24 hours to appear. They include abdominal pain, severe thirst and vomiting. Anatoxin-a symptoms including muscle twitching, staggering and paralysis, especially in animals were death may occur within a few minutes to a few hours depending on the size of the animal and the amount of exposure, according to study from the Washington State Department of Health. The first phase of this study is a year long to find the cause of the increased levels of toxic algae. This study started in May and will continue into April 2024. Once the cause of the increased algae is identified, the second step of the project will be recommend remediation options to reduce the algae, Mostovetsky said. That is different from what we are studying now, Mostovetsky said. What we are studying now is a lot more comprehensive and the goal is to figure out what is driving these blooms. . Algae blooms are naturally occurring in many lakes. However, the toxin producing blue-green algae levels at Wiser Lake have been consistently elevated since 2014 and have reached unsafe levels according to Mostovetsky. The study will focus on discovering the cause of the increased algae blooms that produce these toxins. Funding for the project is through a Washington State Department of Ecology grant, Mostovetsky said. Until this grant, samples were taken from the lake only when local residents filed complaints about it. The earliest data point on samples from Wiser Lake go back to 2014. Wiser Lake, is really the only body of water (in the area) that has had consistent, elevated cyanotoxin levels since we started sampling, Mostovetsky said. So we wanted to look at this problem and investigate it further. An information session will be held Sept. 21 to inform residents and the public about the algae blooms and the toxins produced. The location of the meeting is still being decided, but the public can keep updated through the Wiser Lake page of the Whatcom County website. Gov. Kim Reynolds is eagerly rolling out the welcome mat for Republican presidential candidates in Iowa, showering each of the contenders with attention and pledging her neutrality in the 2024 race for now, at least. Maybe down the road, well do something different, the GOP governor told CNN. But right now, its really important that they feel like they have a fair shot, and theyre welcome here in Iowa, and I want Iowans to have the chance to interact with them. Reynolds is playing a central role in the opening stages of the Republican presidential contest, with candidates eager to bask in her glow in hopes of elevating their campaigns. Her popularity among Republicans in Iowa makes her an asset, and a possible late endorsement from Reynolds could sway voters, adding a wrinkle of unpredictability ahead of the Iowa caucuses. In an interview at the Iowa State Fair this week, Reynolds repeatedly left the door open to a late endorsement before the caucuses open the Republican nominating contest in January. She said she believed the primary race was far from settled. I dont think you should ever say, Never, never, Reynolds said when pressed on whether shes ruling out endorsing closer to the January 15 Iowa caucuses. Well see what happens. Ive made it clear, probably looking at neutral, especially in the beginning. As a parade of Republican presidential hopefuls descend on the Iowa State Fair, including dueling appearances Saturday from former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Reynolds told CNN that she believed surprises were in store over the next five months. Theres always surprises. Its part of the process, Reynolds said of the GOP race to take on President Joe Biden. I cant think of one caucus where there hasnt been a surprise. Candidates come courting Reynolds is hosting one of the main draws at this years fair: a series of conversations with Republican presidential hopefuls that offer them an opportunity to appear alongside the popular governor of a key early-voting state. All the major candidates competing in Iowa accepted her invitation except Trump. The former president, who visits the state fair on Saturday, lashed out at Reynolds last month for remaining neutral and for appearing alongside other candidates who have invited her to events across Iowa. In a social media post, Trump claimed credit for her ascent to the governorship and chastised her for not supporting him. Reynolds, as the states lieutenant governor, succeeded Gov. Terry Branstad in 2017 after he became Trumps ambassador to China, and she was elected to a first full term the following year. Reynolds took umbrage with the former president taking credit for her election, noting that the 2018 midterms saw Republicans suffer substantial losses in Congress and in statehouses across the country. Its actually Iowans who made the decision to elect me in a really tough year, Reynolds said. 2018 was not a good year for Republicans. Reynolds and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis are seen during an event in Des Moines on March 10, 2023. - Kathryn Gamble/BloombergGetty Images/FILE Following Trumps attack, many Republican candidates jumped to support Reynolds, including DeSantis, Trumps leading rival. Advisers to Trump voiced their agitation that Reynolds had appeared alongside DeSantis at several events and stood alongside his wife, Casey DeSantis, during her first solo trip to Iowa earlier this summer. During a stop in Ankeny, Iowa, last month, DeSantis said he would consider Reynolds as a potential running mate if he wins the nomination. He called her one of the top public servants in America. I thought the attacks on her were totally, totally out of hand and totally unnecessary, he told reporters. Anybody whos a Republican thats trying to denigrate her, I think, is way off-base on that. An ad released Thursday by the pro-DeSantis super PAC Never Back Down criticizes Trump for focusing his attention on Reynolds at the expense of other issues. The ad running in Iowa blasts the former president for attacking Republican governors while Joe Biden is destroying America and features a clip of Trump criticizing Reynolds. When asked about the ad, Reynolds told CNN: I cant control what people do, I cant. Im just going to continue to do my job. A recent New York Times/Siena College poll of likely Republican voters in Iowa showed Trump with a commanding 24-point lead over the next highest candidate, DeSantis. Reynolds acknowledged there was wide support for Trump, considering he carried Iowa in the 2016 and 2020 general elections, but said his nomination is not a foregone conclusion with many Republican voters just tuning into the race. People are paying so much attention to the national polls, she said. I can tell you, its just not reflective of what Im hearing from Iowans as Im traveling around. One of her roles, she said, is to help the field of Republican candidates draw crowds in Iowa. She has made appearances with almost every hopeful in the race this year, including DeSantis, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson. Former Vice President Mike Pence and his wife, Karen, visit with Reynolds before participating in the "fair-side chat" at the Iowa State Fair on August 11, 2023. - Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images A national profile Reynolds, who leads the Republican Governors Association, has carefully tended to her national profile. Her friendly conversations with candidates at the Iowa State Fair, which she calls fair-side chats, places her center stage in the 2024 race. Reynolds sat down with the candidates under the blistering sun outside a restaurant at the state fair on Friday, asking friendly questions and touting her own conservative record. Amen! she exclaimed when former Vice President Mike Pence called for less government spending. When North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum said hes looking forward to eating rattlesnake on a stick, one of the unconventional delicacies found at the fairgrounds, Reynolds laughed and admitted she has yet to indulge. Long seen as a rising star in the party, Reynolds delivered the Republican response to Bidens State of the Union address in 2022. She has frequently popped up as a guest at candidate events across Iowa, serving as a tour guide, party cheerleader and more. She also appeared with Trump at his first Iowa campaign visit of the year in March. She upstaged Republican hopefuls who spoke at the Iowa Family Leadership Summit last month when she opened the evangelical voter gathering by signing into law a statewide six-week abortion ban. The law, which an Iowa judge has since put on hold, received unanimous praise from the Republican candidates on hand. Reynolds, who turned 64 last week, said she has long been a political junkie. She served four terms as the Clarke County treasurer in southern Iowa before winning a seat in the state Senate in 2008. She was then tapped by Branstad to serve as his running mate in 2010. Reynolds dropped out of college and raised her family before completing online classes and receiving a bachelors degree from Iowa State University in 2016, while serving as lieutenant governor. A deep opposition to abortion rights and a strong Christian faith have helped guide her agenda in the governors office as Iowa has moved from a closely divided state to a reliably Republican one. After her narrow first win as governor in 2018, she romped to reelection last year by 19 points. Reynolds is the 43rd governor of Iowa but the first woman to hold the position. She and her husband, Kevin, have three children and 11 grandchildren. While she said Iowa voters will make up their own minds in the presidential race, the prospect of her making a recommendation or offering full-throated endorsement could be significant, given her popularity among Republican voters. Suzy Barker, a Republican from North Liberty, Iowa, who previously voted for Trump, said Pence and DeSantis are her top two candidates. She appreciates what Trump did for the country but thinks he just maybe comes across too crass. She said she values Reynolds leadership and believes the governor has Iowans best interests in mind. An endorsement from Reynolds, Barker said, could influence her vote, depending on whom the governor chooses. If she gets behind a candidate and it means that perhaps they will be the candidate and have a chance, then I guess I would get on that train, she said. So in that sense, yeah, I do care who she ultimately chooses. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Michael McGrath (left), Irelands finance minister, went out of his way to stress that Irelands apparently exemplary fiscal position masked considerable vulnerabilities - Valeria Mongelli/Bloomberg From basket case to economic pin-up boy in little more than ten years, with one of the highest growth rates in Europe and a burgeoning budget surplus to match thats the remarkable story of the Irish economy. Normally, this would be something to celebrate. Only the big wheels of the European Union are not as happy as you might think, for in an economic region whose mission is to harmonise the life out of everything, Irelands economic and fiscal success is substantially based on undercutting everybody else on corporation tax. Supposedly unfair tax competition, in other words. Irelands embarrassment of riches has also prompted much soul searching in the republic itself. Is it sustainable, and if it is, how on earth should the money be spent? With an election looming, the battle lines are already being drawn. Yet compared to where the UK is, with a barely growing, strike-bound economy in danger of being swept away on an incoming tide of public indebtedness, these are nice problems to have. Is the Irish economic model something that might work for Britain, where the rate of corporation tax has gone the other way in an attempt to plug persistent fiscal deficits up rather than down? Certainly the UK has to do something to improve its competitiveness, productivity and attractions to international capital. It also has to do something to make up the shortfall in the governments finances. If the Irish experience is anything to go by, cutting tax rates, rather than raising them, is more likely to do the trick. But lets not get carried away. A small, comparatively youthful nation which has benefited massively from its position as an entrepot between the British, European and US economies, has enjoyed significant fiscal transfers from the rest of Europe, and is almost completely unencumbered by the duties of sustained defence spending, may hold few lessons for a relatively large advanced economy and key Nato player such as the UK. As it is, the Irish Government can scarcely believe its luck, and is keen to dampen rising public expectations accordingly. In his summer economic statement last month, Michael McGrath, Irelands finance minister, went out of his way to stress that Irelands apparently exemplary fiscal position masked considerable vulnerabilities. Irelands sorely remembered economic catastrophe during the eurozones sovereign debt and banking crisis of 2009-11 gives good reason for playing it safe. Once bitten, twice shy. Rewind to the preceding decade, and much like today, Irelands economy was widely seen as a model for others to replicate. Known as the Celtic Tiger, after the fast growth tiger economies of the Far East, Irelands example was repeatedly cited by Alex Salmond, then Scotlands first minister, as evidence of how Scotland too could thrive once free of Westminsters yoke. Scotland would form part of some great arc of prosperity, pontificated Salmond, that would stretch from Ireland in the south, through Scotland and then down through the nordics to Denmark and beyond, notably bypassing a once-dominant England. Barely had he said it, the southern part of the arc went up in flames. As it turned out, Irelands economic miracle fanned by the one size fits all absurdities of Europes single currency had been substantially based on unrestricted credit. In the following meltdown, economic output collapsed, unemployment surged to 15pc, and the national debt ballooned to more than 120 percent of GDP. Speculation mounted that Ireland would be forced to leave the euro, and heaven forbid, perhaps, even rejoin the pound, though this latter eventuality was perhaps always more a case of wishful thinking by British eurosceptics than a real possibility. Most of the political class in Ireland would rather eat glass than contemplate such a humiliating return to past dependence. Old grievances die hard. The fall from grace was extreme; the Celtic Tiger label went extinct, to be replaced by inclusion among the PIIGS, the derogatory term used to describe the failing economies of Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Greece and Spain. Yet after a period of punishing austerity, the Irish economy came bouncing back, and today once again enjoys full employment, high labour market participation, and relatively fast growth. The public finances, moreover, are blessed with a substantial and seemingly ongoing budget surplus. These surpluses have already succeeded in reducing the national debt to 80pc of Gross National Income. Using an admittedly somewhat different measure, the International Monetary Fund forecasts that the ratio will carry on falling, reaching less than 20pc of GDP by 2028. It is the sort of debt trajectory of which Jeremy Hunt can only dream. The Irish Governments approach is nevertheless instructed by an abundance of caution. With justification, Leo Varadkar, the Taoiseach, worries about undue dependence on just a small number of big multinationals mainly from the US tech and pharmaceutical sectors. These are today much more than the artificial, letterbox companies they perhaps were when they originally decided to set up shop in Ireland. The double Irish and other elaborate tax avoidance schemes that originally attracted them are largely things of the past. Irelands foreign controlled multinationals today support thousands of well paid jobs in Dublin and beyond. The Irish Government has moreover bowed to outside pressure and signed up to the OECD international tax agreement, which will mean a slight increase in the countrys headline rate of corporation tax. This will somewhat reduce Irelands tax competitiveness, but no company has yet said it plans to pull out as a consequence. Yet it is the sheer concentration of this tax revenue that is the real concern. Corporation tax is a quarter of Irelands total tax take, and just three corporations account for a third of this tally. Roughly a half of last years bounty, moreover, is judged to be merely a windfall that is the amount that cannot be explained by underlying drivers and, therefore, may be vulnerable to external shocks. Given that these very same foreign corporations are responsible for many of Irelands most highly paid jobs, the dependence is even more alarming. In any case, the current government is not intending to squander its good fortune by letting rip on public spending. Instead, it plans to carry on paying down debt and, in preparation for the demographic timebomb fast approaching in all developed economies, to apply the windfalls to a sovereign wealth fund. This seems sensible, even if refusal to splash the cash might yet lose the incumbents the election. The Irish model could not easily be replicated in the UK, if only because small countries are more easily governed than big ones, and what makes a big difference to Ireland is bound to be less impactful in a larger economy. All the same, Ireland is proof positive that dealing with a deficit doesnt always have to be about raising the tax burden. 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. Geolocated footage published on Aug. 11 and analyzed by the Institute for the Study of War confirms that Ukrainian forces reached the northern outskirts of Robotyne, located 10 kilometers south of Orikhiv in western Zaporizhzhia Oblast. The ISW adds, however, that the permanence and extent of these positions are currently unclear. Ukrainian forces have conducted regular ground attacks towards Robotyne for weeks as part of their operations aimed at degrading Russian defenses. "The Ukrainian forces ability to advance to the outskirts of Robotyne which Russian forces have dedicated significant effort, time, and resources to defend remains significant even if Ukrainian gains are limited at this time," the experts concluded. Geolocated footage published on Aug. 11 shows that Ukrainian forces also advanced into Urozhaine settlement located some nine kilometers south of Velyka Novosilka along the Donetsk-Zaporizhzhia Oblast border area. Russian military bloggers claimed that Ukrainian troops pushed Russian forces back into the settlement on Aug. 10 and 11. The Ukrainian General Staff reported that Ukrainian forces continued counteroffensive operations in the Bakhmut, Berdiansk (Donetsk-Zaporizhzhia Oblast border area), and Melitopol (western Zaporizhzhia Oblast) directions. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Child killed in Russian Kinzhal attack aimed at airfield in Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The highly anticipated Cutest Pet Contest, organized by the Jacksonville Humane Society (JHS), has returned for its fourth consecutive year, promising heartwarming moments and a chance for pets to claim the title of Jacksonvilles most adorable. Presented in partnership with Subaru of Jacksonville, the virtual event aims to raise essential funds to support the well-being of JHSs furry residents. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< Starting from Tuesday, August 1st, enthusiastic pet owners from across the region have begun submitting their beloved four-legged companions for consideration. This years contest includes both dogs and cats, sparking a lively competition between the two popular pet categories. The submission window will remain open until Sunday, August 27th. However, the excitement doesnt end with submissions. From the heart of the community to digital platforms, the Cutest Pet Contest encourages people to cast their votes for the pets they find most endearing. Voting will continue until Thursday, August 31st, providing ample time for pet lovers to rally behind their favorite furry friends. The crowning jewel of the contest lies in the grand prize that awaits the ultimate victor. The winning pet, officially bestowed with the honor of Jacksonvilles Cutest Pet, will be granted a moment in the spotlight through digital billboards dotted across the cityscape. The adorable winner will also enjoy a professionally captured one-hour pet photoshoot, along with a generous prize package courtesy of JHS and Subaru of Jacksonville. Adding to the excitement, 11 runner-up pets will earn their place on the JHS websites prominent display throughout the coming year. These furry finalists will not only bask in online fame but also secure prize packages from JHS and Subaru. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] To participate, a minimum donation of $10 on their website is required for pet entry. The unique voting system allows supporters to contribute $1 per vote, with a minimum of 5 votes. The funds garnered from this joyful event will go a long way in supporting JHSs noble mission and caring for its furry residents. Denise Deisler, the CEO of JHS, shared her enthusiasm for the event, stating, The Cutest Pet Contest is a fun way for our friends in Northeast Florida to show off their beloved pets and use their competitive spirits to help pets in need in our community. This fundraiser would not be possible without the support of our partners at Subaru of Jacksonville, and we are so grateful to them! For comprehensive guidelines, entry details, and a glimpse of the enticing prizes that await, interested parties are encouraged to visit the official contest page at jaxhumane.org/photo. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. The Democratic strategist James Carville. Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Politicon James Carville recently gushed to The Hill about the potential 2028 Democratic presidential bench. With Biden running for reelection in 2024, many in the party are already looking toward the future. "These are some staggeringly talented politicians," Carville said of figures like Josh Shapiro and Wes Moore. Veteran Democratic strategist James Carville in a recent interview dismissed any intraparty concerns about the 2028 presidential bench, arguing that there are a wealth of candidates who'd be well-suited to succeed President Joe Biden in the White House. While speaking with The Hill, Carville, who in 1992 was a top political advisor for then-Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton's successful 1992 presidential bid, said that Democrats had a deep reservoir of talent as it looks to the future. With Biden seeking reelection next year and a level of uncertainty about Vice President Kamala Harris' political prospects in 2028, some Democrats have looked to the slew of governors and senators who have become recognizable under the glare of the national media in recent years. And Carville already has his eye on some of the highest-profile Democratic politicians out there. "So many people, it's breathtaking. The level of talent in the Democratic party in 2023 is and I say this with great confidence is as high as any political party has ever had in my lifetime, which is 1944," Carville told the publication. "You find me somebody more talented than a [Pennsylvania Gov.] Josh Shapiro or [Georgia Sen. Raphael] Warnock or [Maryland Gov.] Wes Moore or [Kentucky Gov.] Andy Beshear or [Michigan Gov.] Gretchen Whitmer, [former New Orleans Mayor] Mitch Landrieu, [North Carolina Gov.] Roy Cooper, I ain't seen them," he continued. "These are some staggeringly talented politicians. If they ever got out in the open and people saw them, holy moly." Carville told The Hill that the perception of a large GOP farm team and a small Democratic bench was not the reality that he sees as he envisions a 2028 Democratic primary. "The greatest myth in American politics is I hear this all the time well James, we don't have any bench. Are you shitting me?" he said. "We got a bench that's 100. The whole sideline is our bench." The Louisiana native also brought up Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, Arizona Rep. Ruben Gallego, and Colorado Gov. Jared Polis as potential candidates, while once again remarking on Shapiro. "I said this after the 2022 [midterms], Josh Shapiro might have run one of the most impressive statewide campaigns I've ever seen," Carville said of the Pennsylvania governor's landslide election victory last November. "And they opened the f----- interstate in three weeks," he said, referring to the quick repair of a segment of Interstate 95 in Philadelphia that had collapsed after a major accident in June. "The Democratic bench is really long," Carville added. Read the original article on Business Insider Jason Momoa is urging tourists to stay away from Maui in the midst of the wildfire devastation. (Paul Drinkwater / Associated Press) Jason Momoa is urging tourists not to travel to Maui amid the devastating wildfires that have ravaged the island. The actor has been active on social media this week, spreading awareness as wildfires have torn through the Big Island and Maui, decimating the historic town of Lahaina. Now he's pleading with tourists to stay away. "Maui is not the place to have your vacation right now," the Honolulu-born actor captioned a video he shared via Instagram. "Do not convince yourself that your presence is needed on an island that is suffering this deeply. Mahalo to everyone who has donated and shown aloha to the community in this time of need." In the montage, flames are seen ripping through the island, with a message overlaying the devastating footage: "Do not travel to Maui. If you were planning on traveling to Maui in the near future, cancel your trip. The devastation from the wildfires will have a lasting island-wide impact on Maui's resources. Our community needs time to heal, grieve & restore. That means the less visitors on island taking up critical resources that have become extremely limited the better." Read more: Death toll in Maui fires rises to 67: 'We have not yet searched' buildings The video continued by urging, "Do not book a hotel stay. The American Hotel & Lodging Association and Hawaii Hotel Alliance are currently working with hotels in other part[s] of Hawaii to house displaced residents. Survivors are the priority." More than four dozen people have died, dozens have been injured and hundreds of structures have been destroyed in the wildfires that have torn through Maui this week, forcing thousands to flee their homes and reducing much of the historic town of Lahaina to ash. Nearly 1,000 people are still missing. Hawaii Gov. Josh Green warned the death toll, now at 55, will likely rise as search-and-rescue operations continue. The catastrophe spurred President Biden to declare a major disaster in Hawaii, opening the door to federal aid and assistance. Officials said the Lahaina fire is now 80% contained, but many of the town's historic landmarks are lost. Several fires also broke out on the Big Island this week, though there were no reports of injuries or homes lost. One of the Maui fires tore through the town of Lahaina with such speed that people ran into the ocean for safety and left the former capital of the Hawaiian kingdom in smoking ruins. In an interview on the Today show Friday morning, Maui County Mayor Richard T. Bissen Jr. said the death toll so far reflects only those who were found outside of buildings. Read more: At 'Aquaman' premiere, Jason Momoa proves 'bringing culture to the carpet' matters What we saw was likely the largest natural disaster in Hawaii state history, Green said in a public briefing Thursday. Times staff writers Alexandra E. Petri, Richard Winton, Jack Dolan, Jaweed Kaleem and Summer Lin contributed to this report. 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. Billionaire Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his fiancee Lauren Sanchez will donate $100 million to help rebuild Maui after the island was devastated by wildfires this week, Sanchez announced on Instagram. Jeff and I are heartbroken by whats happening in Maui. We are thinking of all the families that have lost so much and a community that has been left devastated, Sanchez said in a Friday Instagram post. The immediate needs are important, and so is the longer term rebuilding that will have to happen even after much of the attention has subsided. Jeff and I are creating a Maui Fund and are dedicated $100 million to help Maui get back on its feet now and over the coming years as the continuing needs reveal themselves. Wildfires ravaged western Maui this week, completely destroying the popular tourist town of Lahaina and killing at least 80 people. Abnormally strong winds moved the fire quickly, trapping people in the town and forcing some into the ocean to escape the flames. The disaster has also attracted the attention of other celebrities. Oprah Winfrey, a Maui resident, purchased aid for evacuees at shelters across the island earlier this week. Local officials have compared the destruction to a war zone. The closest thing I can compare it to is perhaps a war zone or maybe a bomb went off. It was cars in the street, doors open, you know, melted to the ground. Most structures no longer exist, Maui Mayor Richard Bissen said. For blocks and blocks of this. Im familiar with what it looked like growing up here on Maui, especially with my mom working at one of the restaurants there for 17 years. And so it doesnt resemble anything that it looked like when I was growing up, Bissen added. President Biden made a natural disaster declaration for Hawaii on Friday, freeing up all federal assets, including Navy and Coast Guard forces, to assist Maui and Hawaii, he said. Hawaii Attorney General Anne Lopez said Friday that her office would conduct a comprehensive review of the critical decision-making and standing policies before, during and after the fires. The Department of the Attorney General shares the grief felt by all in Hawaii, and our hearts go out to everyone affected by this tragedy, Lopez said in a statement. My Department is committed to understanding the decisions that were made before and during the wildfires and to sharing with the public the results of this review, she added. As we continue to support all aspects of the ongoing relief effort, now is the time to begin this process of understanding, she added. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. NEWARK, N.J. Sheila Oliver's place in history might have been much different before she read Charles Dickens and John Steinbeck. She had originally planned to be an archaeologist, thinking it would be fun to travel to places like Greece, Egypt and Rome and dig up the past. But, as she said in a past video interview played at her funeral Saturday, she then read Dickens' "A Tale of Two Cities" and Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath," two classic novels exploring themes of class, hardship and renewal. And growing up in Newark during the race riots of 1967, Oliver witnessed the Civil Rights movement and, she said, "I began to have a heightened consciousness" about being Black in America. Oliver's journey away from digging up history to making it then began. Over four hours on Saturday at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Oliver's hometown, hundreds of mourners bid their final farewell to New Jersey's first Black woman to hold statewide office and, before that, first Black female speaker of the Assembly. Her funeral capped a three-day tribute to Oliver that began Thursday with her body lying in state at the Capitol building in Trenton and again at the Essex County courthouse on Friday. Oliver died earlier this month at age 71, one day after being hospitalized for undisclosed reasons. She had been serving as acting governor at the time because Gov. Phil Murphy was on an overseas vacation, but she transferred those duties to Senate President Nick Scutari until Murphy returned. Murphy and the Oliver family have not publicly disclosed her cause of death. On Saturday, the majestic French Gothic cathedral in Newark North America's fifth largest filled with mourners that included her family; the legendary performer Dionne Warwick; members of New Jersey's congressional delegation and the state Legislature; four former governors; and her predecessor, the state's first lieutenant governor, Kim Guadagno. Rev. Al Sharpton delivered the eulogy. Murphy, who wore a large button with Oliver's image on it, recalled in a speech how days of fires during the riots known as the Newark Rebellion "lit a fire in Sheilas heart" as a teenager. It inspired her to become a "champion" of her community, he said. "And in the decades since, Sheila rolled up her sleeves again and again and dedicated herself to extinguishing the embers of inequality, injustice and indigence," Murphy said. Oliver's political career began in the 1990s with the school board in East Orange, the town outside Newark she lived in until her death. She then rose to become elected an Essex County freeholder and then a member of the state Assembly. Oliver also worked for Essex County, whose executive, Joe DiVincenzo, said during a speech he plans to rename the county's family assistance and benefits building after her and commission a bust of Oliver to be displayed at the county courthouse. Oliver already had a school in East Orange named after her, and Murphy said he intends to commission an official portrait of her (and Guadagno) to hang in the Statehouse along with those of the state's past governors. In 2010, Oliver became speaker, the first Black woman in the country to lead a legislative chamber. Oliver held enormous influence in that position, determining what legislation made it to a vote and how the state spent taxpayer money. She was one of the state's most powerful officials alongside two white men Governor Chris Christie and Senate President Steve Sweeney. Multiple speakers said Oliver felt duty-bound to advocate for the interests of her community, which was mostly people of color, disadvantaged and, as Murphy said, "the forgotten families of our state." That advocacy included fighting for same-sex marriage and raising the hourly minimum wage as speaker even if those efforts failed, and it continued as lieutenant governor by championing affordable housing, investing in schools and combating gun violence, Murphy said. She was described by speakers as a calm "warrior" who led with compassion and didn't posture for political gain, and who always remembered why she went into public service. "She never forgot and she never let the folks in the room forget why she was in the room," Sharpton said. "She came not for a season, she came for a reason, and thats the reason were here." In one of the lighter moments of the funeral, Warwick, a native of East Orange, recalled that she nicknamed Oliver "my hat lady" for how well she wore one, and that Oliver "loved to laugh and she loved a good piece of gossip, too." Warwick called Oliver a "dear friend" she considered family, and said when she heard Oliver had died, she could hardly breathe. "We're all going to miss her because we're very selfish. But that's OK," Warwick said. "God said you're going to grieve, you're going to cry, you're going moan and do all the things that affect you now. But then all of a sudden all of those wonderful, laughing memories are going to flood your hearts, and all that moaning, groaning, crying and grieving will fly out the window. Only the good, warm, loving memories will you continue to have, as I will. God rest, God bless you, Sheila Y. Oliver." Pakistan expresses deep grief over loss of lives in China's floods Xinhua) 10:06, August 12, 2023 ISLAMABAD, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan on Friday expressed deep grief over the loss of lives in China's recent floods, according to the Pakistani Foreign Ministry. "We are deeply saddened to learn about the loss of precious human lives due to floods in China. Our thoughts and sympathies are with the affected people and the bereaved families," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said in a statement. In this difficult time, Pakistan stands ready to provide utmost support and humanitarian assistance to China, the spokesperson said. "Pakistan stands ready to work with China to achieve our shared objectives of mitigating climate change and upgrading our respective capacity for disaster management and prevention," the spokesperson said. (Web editor: Zhao Tong, Hongyu) John Wilson goes from getting stoned at home every night to getting ripped in his latest episode of How To with John Wilson, which aired Friday night on HBO. Its an inspirational path, even if it leads him to the strangest people in the worldlike body-builders participating in a 9/11-themed competition, cat photographers, and giant pumpkin growers. Wilson gets the idea for this episodewhich is all about how to work outfrom a muscularly built steward he sees on a flight. The man, he says, has biceps that look like they might burst out of his uniform. Wilson yearns to have a hulking bod. But hell be the first to admit: He looks a little like a couch potato at the moment. (Dont we all, after the pandemic?) After a harrowing stop at Planet Fitness, where Wilson feels threatened by the neon banana hues, the filmmaker visits his first subject. This episode is full of out-of-the-box characters, perhaps the weirdest Wilson has ever found. They only get more bizarre as the episode goes on. The first is a chronic masturbator. Wilson applauds him for being so committed to his craft. In fact, Wilson wishes he had the motivation to commit himself to something in the same way that the obsessive masturbator has done with pleasing himself. So, he looks past the blinding yellow pull-up bars at Planet Fitness and tries again. But not long after that, Wilson hires a personal trainer who sends him on another detour. In order to see how far his training has come, the fitness instructor suggests, Wilson should take a photograph of himself now. Leave it to Wilson to find the wonkiest person to take the Before pic: a photographer at a cat show. How To With John Wilson Season 3, Episode 2 Recap: Why Is Life So Dang Loud? Wilson fills out all the paperwork to pay for the semi-nude photos that will be taken by this feline photographer. (His breed is Irish, his color is white, and his owner is HBO.) But after he has the pics taken, the photographers equipment is stolen. Wilson asks a novelist who writes cat detective stories to help him out, and while she cant crack the case, she does finally take those Before pictures on her personal camera. But then Wilson starts to worry that fitness has consumed him. Everything is protein to this man who wants so badly to be buff. He daydreams that ferrets are actually sausages. In a clever bit, he hallucinates that a line of cops are actually bacon. Get it? Pigs? To figure out what it would be like to devote an entire life to being in overlit rooms with giant fans and dozens of treadmills, Wilson heads to a body-building competition in Manhattan. But its not just any body-building competition. This one is specifically 9/11 themed. Theres no real rhyme or reason. There are just a few banners that display the Twin Towers and say Never Forget. If youre as intrigued as I was, you can stalk what appears to be their official Instagram. The people competing seem miserable, having put their entire life into morphing their bodies and getting teased over it. The only happy person Wilson can find is a trainer who helps body-builders get into shape. Thomas Wilson/HBO Wilson invites himself over to this trainers gym, where he learns about another connection to 9/11. One of this instructors clients became a hijacker involved with 9/11. Its a harrowing moment for Wilson, who can only manage to ask how that makes the trainer feel. Made me feel proud, the instructor responds. Wilson is too shocked to respond. Made me feel good that Id trained somebody for something committed that they were able to pull off. We may not agree with them, but they were committed. Thats what I liked about it. Its times like these in How To With John Wilson where all viewers can do is let their jaw hang open, in complete awe of not only how bizarre people can be, but also how Wilson is able to get them to nab such wild quotes. In light of the 9/11 statement, Wilson retreats into his own memories of the event. On that tragic day, Wilson was not mourninginstead, as a young boy, he made a film about a hero whose only power was that he owned a ladder. In thinking about his youth, Wilson realizes that the only thing hes ever really committed to is filmmaking. Who needs Planet Fitness when you have a television? Then, Wilson launches into a roast of HBO that, frankly, Im shocked made it into the episode. He was nominated for an Emmy in 2022 for Outstanding Writing for a Nonfiction Program, so he attended the event. He filmed the Emmys with his smartphone. Wilson records the moment of loss when the award he was nominated for ultimately ends up in the hands of fellow HBO creator John Oliver. They picked the wrong John. In another shocking twist, he hopes to lift his spirits at the HBO afterparty only to learn he hasnt been added to the list. HBO needs to issue a public apology! How To With John Wilson Is Still TVs Most Profound and Bizarre Miracle Or maybe they dont, because it inspires Wilson to come to the conclusion that commitment shouldnt require winning or losing. There never needs to be an after photo. Committing yourself to something you enjoy should bring you, well, happiness. Duh. After his Emmys fiasco Wilson ponders: You start to wonder if getting big really ever made anyone happy, he says. Later on in the episode, he questions, You wonder if your ego will ever really be satisfied. To answer his question, Wilson ventures off to a Northeastern pumpkin farm where he finds the owner preparing for the yearly pumpkin contest. The farmer hopes that, this year, for the first time, he will have the largest pumpkin in the county. Flash forward: He comes in second. Wilson is crushed. But when he interviews the farmer, he smiles and says he looks forward to doing it all over again next year. Commitment, Wilson learns, is not about working out until youre ripped. Its about working out because fitness brings you joy. Keep obsessing! Sign up for the Daily Beasts Obsessed newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. A South Carolina mother faces up to life in prison after a jury found her guilty of homicide by child abuse almost 31 years to the day after her baby was found dead in a river, according to prosecutors and court records. Stacy Michelle Rabon, 50, was convicted late Friday night after a weeklong trial at the Moss Justice Center in York, prosecutors John Anthony and Leslie Robinson of the 16th Circuit Solicitors Office said in a written statement. Judge Bill McKinnon said sentencing would be Aug. 21, prosecutors said in the statement. Baby Angel Hope The female infant, named Baby Angel Hope by the community who buried her without identification in 1992, would have turned 31 Saturday. The baby girl was found dead in the river on Aug. 12, 1992. The baby was wrapped in a sheet inside a plastic bag. The death was unsolved for almost three decades. The baby was not identified until 2021 when York County Sheriffs Office deputies arrested Rabon. Officers and prosecutors said DNA taken from Rabon after her 2019 conviction for drugs matched DNA from the baby. The baby had been born healthy but had been stabbed and suffocated, prosecutors said in the trial. The child had cocaine in its system, prosecutors said during the trial. Hung jury on murder charge Rabon was tried on charges of homicide by child abuse and murder. The 12-member jury was unanimous in convicting Rabon of homicide by child abuse, prosecutors Anthony and Robinson said. The jury hung on a charge of murder, according to the prosecutors. Jurors deliberated much of Friday after trial testimony started Tuesday. The Herald exclusively reported earlier this week that the trial was starting 31 years after the baby was found dead. What happens now? McKinnon, the judge, has discretion to sentence Rabon up to life in prison for the homicide by child abuse charge, South Carolina law states. Anthony and Robinson declined comment to The Herald on the conviction, pending Rabons sentencing hearing on Aug. 21. Rabon has been in the York County jail since her arrest in August 2021 and remains there without bail pending sentencing, court and jail records show. Rabon has the legal right to appeal the conviction. Efforts to reach Rabons lead defense lawyer, 16th Circuit Deputy Public Defender Phil Smith, were unsuccessful Saturday. You can help K9s For Warriors clear the shelters and get these dogs out of the shelters and into their furever homes. Today, Saturday, August 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Seawalk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< Summer is one of the toughest times of the year for local shelters. The dogs are experiencing far fewer adoptions than in years passed, and the length of stay is slowly growing to months instead of days or weeks. The Nassau Humane states that alone, there are 164 animals in their current care and a list of 33 people that need to surrender their dogs. And unfortunately, every day they are seeing more strays come in from off the island, something that used to be rare. Also, the Jacksonville Humane Society and ACPS are at their maximum capacity with roughly 400 dogs between both organizations desperately in need of homes. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] At this adoption event, there will be some wonderful dogs from all of these shelters Plus, there will be vendors in attendance and all adopters receive a special gift bag. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. A Kansas newspaper whose offices were raided by an entire police department on Friday says its 98-year-old co-owner has now died after she was left stressed beyond her limits. Joan Meyer collapsed Saturday afternoon and died at her home, the Marion County Record reported, noting that she had been in good health for her age. The newspapers publisher and co-owner, Eric Meyer, told The Daily Beast that the tragic death came after a raid that lasted several hoursand included a visit from the Marion Police Department chief. She made a point last night to say the officers were polite. But it was just annoying to have them there, he said, adding that his mother was overwhelmed by the ordeal and could not eat after the raid. The raid at the 98-year-olds home was one of several the Marion Police Department, which includes five officers and two sheriffs deputies, conducted on Friday in an ongoing investigation. Police also hit Marion County Records office, Meyers home, and the home of one of its reportersresulting in the seizure of vital reporting materials. All the raids appeared to be simultaneous, Meyer said, adding that police wouldnt complete them until the police chief himself was there. The chief went to the newspaper offices first and officers were just standing at my mothers house for two, three hours before the chief showed up. They showed up like the Gestapo. He added that during the raid at the Marion County Records office, his business manager was left standing outside for hours. Meyer revealed in the Records article about the raid that the newspaper, which has been in operation for decades, now does not have the reporting and publishing materials necessary to print its next edition. He told The Daily Beast that among the items seized were three personal cellphones, a backup hard drive, a router, and at least six computers. We are going to publish, somehow, Meyer said. We have resurrected an old Windows XP. But its the nitty gritty stuff nobody can help us with. Like where is the ad log? Where is our nameplate? The publisher also revealed that the outlet has plans to file a federal lawsuit against the City of Marion and those involved in the search. The raid was first reported by the Kansas Reflector. Ammon Bundy Wants Arrest to Make Him a Martyr, Hospital Lawyer Claims According to Meyer, a retired University of Illinois journalism professor, the raid came after a confidential source leaked sensitive documents to the newspaper about local restaurateur Kari Newell. The source, Meyer said, provided evidence that Newell had been convicted of DUI and was driving without a licensea fact that could spell trouble for her liquor license and catering business. Meyer, however, said he ultimately decided not to publish the story about Newell after questioning the motivations of the source. Instead, he said, he alerted the police about the information. We thought we were being set up, Meyer said about the confidential information. The raid immediately sparked outrage online, calling into question why an entire police force was involved in a raid that could have violated federal law and could escalate the ongoing anti-press rhetoric that is dangerous for journalists simply doing their jobs. The raid was chilling and unprecedented, like a scene out of 1945 Nazi Germany, Danny Karon, an adjunct professor at Ohio State University's Moritz College of Law, told The Daily Beast. According to the search warrant for the Marion County Record Office obtained by the Reflector, officers allege the raid stems from an investigation into unlawful acts concerning a computer and identity theft. The two-page warrant also states officers were allowed to seize a host of material, including digital communications, servers, computer software, items containing passwords or access codes, and all correspondence and documents pertaining to Kari Newell. During the raid, according to the Marion County Records article, police also took Meyers mothers Alexa smart speaker, a move that left the 98-year-old in tears. Meyer told The Daily Beast that police did not say much on Friday when they were executing the raids, but that he immediately knew it was about Newell because of the undetailed search warrant. He said that since the raids, he and his attorney have filed several requests to see the probable cause affidavit that was used to apply for the search warrantbut have yet to receive a copy of the document. The Reflector reported the raid also came just after the Record published an article about Newell, who responded by kicking reporters out of a meeting last week with Rep. Jake LaTurner. She also alleged that the newspaper had illegally obtained and circulated sensitive documents, which the outlet responded to in its Thursday article. (Turner and Newell did not immediately respond to a request for comment.) Meyer told The Daily Beast that he has spoken to Newell since the raid, who he said admitted to him that she previously had a drunk driving conviction and that she had been driving without a license. He added that she did not apologize about the raid and that she said her lawyers were pursuing criminal charges. Sheriff Says Former Trump Doctor Threatened to Beat Officer For a criminal case, you have to prove there was criminal intent. There has to be an attempt to do something wrong. We had no intent to do anything that was illegal, Meyer said. Marion Police Department Chief Gideon Cody declined to provide details of the incident, but hinted to The Daily Beast that it is a criminal investigation that may have more to it than is currently being reported. The chief said that the federal Privacy Protection Act does protect journalists from most searches of newsroomsand requires police to use a subpoena rather than a search warrantunless the journalists themselves are suspects in the offense that is the subject of the search. He added that investigators must obtain a subpoena when seeking work product materials and documentary materials from the press, except in certain circumstances, including when there is reason to believe the journalist is taking part in the underlying wrongdoing. The Marion Kansas Police Department believes it is the fundamental duty of the police is to ensure the safety, security, and well-being of all members of the public, he added. This commitment must remain steadfast and unbiased, unaffected by political or media influences, in order to uphold the principles of justice, equal protection, and the rule of law for everyone in the community. The victim asks that we do all the law allows to ensure justice is served, he added. I believe when the rest of the story is available to the public, the judicial system that is being questioned will be vindicated. A spokesperson for the Kansas Bureau of Investigation said that at the request of the Marion Police Department on Aug. 8, the agency began an investigation into allegations of criminal wrongdoing in the town an hour outside of Wichita. But several experts and advocates consulted by The Daily Beast believe that the situation is a little more complicated and would have a chilling effect on local journalists reporting on public figures. Others are also calling into question whether the search warrant signed by Marion County District Court Magistrate Judge Laura Viar adhered to the federal law protecting journalists from searches and seizures. An attack on a newspaper office through an illegal search is not just an infringement on the rights of journalists but an assault on the very foundation of democracy and the publics right to know, Emily Bradbury, executive director of the Kansas Press Association, said in a statement. This cannot be allowed to stand. Steven J. Hyman, a trial lawyer and former President of the Board of Directors of the New York Civil Liberties Union, noted that the search seems so broad, using as an excuse some privacy violation with regard to an alleged DUI, that its purpose was more to silence the newspaper than get legitimate evidence of a crime. Under such circumstances, an argument certainly can be made that it goes well beyond the permitted use of a search warrant and therefore has serious first amendment implications, he added. Meyer added that in his nearly five decades of teaching and practicing journalism, he has never heard of a police department raiding a newspaper. This is my first rodeo of anyone coming into a newspaper office and searching it, Meyer said. Im sitting here waiting to see what other shoe is going to drop. 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. Kansas police raided a local newspaper after it got a tip that a local restaurant owner had a DUI. Marion County Record publisher said the raid will have a "chilling effect" on the newsroom. The National Newspaper Association said the raid is "unthinkable in an America that respects its First Amendment rights." A Kansas newspaper owner is dead after police raided her and her son's home last week a move the National Newspaper Association called '"unthinkable." Joan Mayer, 98, was a co-owner of the Marion County Record with her son. Eric Meyer, who is also the publisher of the Marion County Record, told the Kansas Reflector the message was clear after the raid: "Mind your own business or we're going to step on you." "It's going to have a chilling effect on us even tackling issues," said Meyer, who was home with his mother at the time of the raid. It will also have "a chilling effect on people giving us information," he added. According to the Record, four police officers and three Marion County Sheriff's deputies raided the newspaper's office, Meyer's home, and a local politician's home. They took personal cellphones, computers, the newspaper's file server, and "other equipment unrelated to the scope of their search," the Record reported. The Record announced Sunday that Joan Meyer had collapsed at her home on Saturday after becoming "stressed beyond her limits and overwhelmed by hours of shock and grief after illegal raids," according to The New York Daily News. Meyer was "otherwise in good health" before the raid, according to the report. According to the paper, police presented a search warrant signed by a local judge, which said that identity theft had been committed against Kari Newell, a local restaurant owner, using equipment at the newspaper. The Reflector reported that the raid followed a meeting with Newell and local Rep. Jake LaTurner, during which Newell kicked out the Record's reporters. Following the newspaper's coverage of that meeting, Newell posted "hostile comments" about Meyer and the paper on her Facebook page, according to the Reflector. A confidential source then contacted the Record with documents showing Newell had received a DUI and continued to drive her vehicle with a suspended license, putting her restaurant's liquor license in jeopardy, the Reflector reported. The Record ultimately decided not to publish a story about Newell's DUI, which the paper verified with a state website, Meyer told the Reflector. Meyer said he instead contacted police, who then notified Newell. Newell went to a city council meeting and incorrectly asserted that the newspaper had "illegally obtained and disseminated sensitive records," the Reflector reported. After police raided the newspaper office on Friday, Newell posted a Facebook post where she admitted to receiving a DUI in 2008 and said she "knowingly operated a vehicle without a license out of necessity," according to the Reflector. "Journalists have become the dirty politicians of today, twisting narrative for bias agendas, full of muddied half-truths," Newell wrote despite the paper never publishing a story about her DUI. "We rarely get facts that aren't baited with misleading insinuations." John Galer, the chairperson for the National Newspaper Association, said in a statement Saturday that "for a newspaper to be intimidated by an unannounced search and seizure is unthinkable in an America that respects its First Amendment rights." "Newsroom raids in this country receded into history 50 years ago," Galer said. "Today, law enforcement agencies, by and large, understand that gathering information from newsrooms is a last resort and then done only with subpoenas that protect the rights of all involved." The Marion County Sheriff's Department declined to comment when reached by Insider on Saturday. Rep. Jake LaTurner's office did not immediately return Insider's request for comment. Read the original article on Insider FILE - Jordan's King Abdullah II poses for photos before a reception and lunch at the Royal Palace in Madrid, Spain, on June 19, 2023. The King of Jordan approved a bill Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023, to punish online speech deemed harmful to national unity, according to the Jordanian state news agency, legislation that has drawn accusations from human rights groups of a new crackdown on free expression in a country where censorship and repression are increasingly common.(AP Photo/Paul White, Pool) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) AMMAN (AP) The King of Jordan approved a bill Saturday to punish online speech deemed harmful to national unity, according to the Jordanian state news agency, legislation that has drawn accusations from human rights groups of a crackdown on free expression in a country where censorship is on the rise. The measure makes certain online posts punishable with months of prison time and fines. These include comments promoting, instigating, aiding, or inciting immorality, demonstrating contempt for religion or undermining national unity. It also punishes those who publish names or pictures of police officers online and outlaws certain methods of maintaining online anonymity. With the approval of King Abdullah II, the bill now becomes law set to take effect one month after it is published in the state newspaper, Al-Rai. The newspaper is expected to publish the law tomorrow. After amending the bill to allow judges to choose between imposing prison time and fines, rather than ordering combined penalties, the Senate passed the bill Tuesday, Jordan's state-run news agency reported. The measure was passed by Jordans lower house of parliament in July. Lawmakers have argued that the measure, which amends a 2015 cybercrime law, is necessary to punish blackmailers and online attackers. But opposition lawmakers and human rights groups caution that the new law will expand state control over social media, hamper free access to information and penalize anti-government speech. A coalition of 14 human rights groups, including Human Rights Watch, has called the law draconian. The groups say vague provisions open the door for Jordans executive branch to punish individuals for exercising their right to freedom of expression, forcing the judges to convict citizens in most cases. The president of Jordans press association also warned the language could infringe upon press freedom and freedom of speech. The measure is the latest in a series of crackdowns on freedom of expression in Jordan, a key U.S. ally seen as an important source of stability in the volatile Middle East. A report by Human Rights Watch in 2022 found that authorities increasingly target protesters and journalists in a systematic campaign to quell peaceful opposition and silence critical voices. All power in Jordan rests with Abdullah II, who appoints and dismisses governments. Parliament is compliant because of a single-vote electoral system that discourages the formation of strong political parties. Abdullah has repeatedly promised to open the political system, but then pulled back due to concerns of losing control to an Islamist surge. Many countries of the world will advocate more strongly for peace talks with Russia this fall, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said during an Instagram interview with a journalist Vadym Karpiak on Aug. 11. "I warn everyone: a hard political season awaits for us," Kuleba said. Read also: Jeddah meeting a breakthrough for Ukrainian diplomacy FM Kuleba "We'll definitely win on all fronts, but the upcoming autumn will be tough." Asked about what exactly "a tough autumn" means in diplomacy, Kuleba said that a lot of international summits are scheduled this fall, where Ukraine will need "the support of the whole world and not only of the traditional friends from Europe and Northern America." Read also: Saudi summit helped isolate Russia, set-up Ukraines peace initiative for success Podolyak "You see all these voices about some problems and the need for peace talks which are coming from different parts of the world. They are not the official voices, however they have increased in strength internationally. Were doing our best within international legislation and criminal proceedings in order for these voices to fade away. 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 Rebecca Feldman, an aspiring fashion designer, wears a dress she made and designed. She planned to attend the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising until it merged with Arizona State University just weeks before she was supposed to start. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) For the record: 3:47 p.m. Aug. 14, 2023: An earlier version of this article incorrectly identified the surname of Arizona State University spokesperson Jay Thorne as Thorpe. Rebecca Feldman was just weeks away from finally pursuing, seriously, her fashion design dreams. The aspiring clothing designer was wrapping up her undergraduate degree in elementary education at Arizona State University but was zeroed in on her plans to spend the next year at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in downtown Los Angeles, better known as FIDM. Feldman, 22, had been accepted to FIDM's one-year professional designation program, which she was certain would be the perfect next step: providing fashion industry connections and know-how to boost her growing portfolio of self-taught sewing projects. I was on cloud nine when I got in," said Feldman, a Porter Ranch native. "I was like, all my dreams can actually come true. But within a matter of weeks, those plans unraveled. Not long after paying her deposit to FIDM, she heard on TikTok about changes coming to the fashion school, and soon after she received an email announcing the surprise merger of her current and future campuses, creating a new ASU FIDM, housed under ASU's design institute. Feldman wasn't sure how the change would affect her program, so she spoke with counselors from the schools. Read more: After years of cuts and financial turmoil, L.A.'s famed Fashion Institute finds a lifeline The guy from ASU basically told me the program that I applied and was admitted to no longer exists," Feldman said. The rug was completely just pulled out from under me with no warning. She said the counselor offered the option to pursue another bachelor's degree through the new ASU FIDM but that wasn't what she was looking for. Feldman sobbed in her car after that meeting, as her post-college plans had seemed to vanish in seconds. You would have thought when [FIDM leaders] negotiated whatever with ASU, they would have thought about their students they didn't, said Dan Feldman, Rebecca Feldman's father. "Its really a shame that shes being treated this way. My heart goes out to her and the other students." Several other current and former FIDM students who spoke with The Times say their education plans were derailed when FIDM's renowned fashion design program merged with ASU at the beginning of April far too late for students to change direction that spring, much less make new arrangements for the summer or fall. Feldman was supposed to start her one-year program in July. She's now spent the last few weeks trying to wiggle her way into other opportunities that can help her stay true to her passion. Its been a weird transition, trying to be determined to still be in fashion," she said. Ive just been making project after project, just working on my skill." Feldman was left to scramble after the ASU FIDM merger, signing up for a summer class at Orange Coast College. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) She got into a fashion course this summer at Orange Coast College and is on the waitlist for others this fall after missing the school's application and registration deadlines, but she worries the school doesn't have the same connections or name recognition that she was promised at FIDM. Rachel Padilla, a spokesperson for FIDM, declined to respond to questions about Feldman's situation or other specific students, citing privacy concerns. She did not respond to questions about specific programs that were cut in the merger. "We are doing everything we can to counsel students individually," Barbara Bundy, FIDM's vice president of education, said this spring in an interview with The Times. She declined to respond to questions about the extent of the discontinued programs or those expected to be cut when the partnership is fully implemented next spring, but said there's no "one size fits all" in this scenario. Read more: Elaborate duct tape dress wins Los Angeles teen a national scholarship contest Bundy emphasized that FIDM which had been in financial distress so dire it faced losing accreditation will continue operating independently through spring 2024, allowing many students to wrap up their current programs if they can complete the coursework before then. After that, all design-focused coursework will move under the new ASU FIDM, which is currently offering significantly fewer degree options than FIDM previously did, with promises to expand. ASU FIDM officials, who plan to offer courses in both L.A. and Phoenix, said that they will ensure a "seamless" transfer process for FIDM students and that costs will not exceed what students paid at FIDM. "We remain committed to helping every FIDM student find a pathway to complete a degree," said Katie Paquet, an ASU spokesperson. "We are actively meeting with students, listening to concerns and making adjustments as we progress." Almost 450 students have enrolled in ASU FIDM as of this month, according to ASU spokesperson Jay Thorne, but it wasn't clear how many are current or former FIDM students. The university is working toward providing associate degree options and certificate programs similar to FIDM's professional designation programs but they are still undergoing review processes, Thorne said. Padilla and Bundy did not respond to questions about how many students have dropped out of FIDM since the partnership was announced. "Wherever a student has identified themselves as wanting to attend another institution, we are working with them to reach that goal," Bundy said. But that helping-hand transition was not the experience of former FIDM film student Evan Gervase. Read more: LA Times Today: The FIDM Museum reopens with 2022 Oscar nominees Gervase, 21, was completing her first year at FIDM, working toward her bachelor's degree in digital media and cinema, when the unexpected ASU partnership was announced. Her advisor told her she could complete her associate degree over the next year from a still-independent FIDM, but that would require a full-time courseload for the next three quarters, Gervase said, including the summer when she had planned, and needed, to work. And perhaps more crucial to her, Gervase was seeking a bachelor's degree, and not one from ASU, which she considered a party school. Its just so cruel, Gervase said, who is considering filing a lawsuit against FIDM for misleading her. This is money I could have gone to another school. ... Im now way behind on my graduation date because of FIDM." Gervase, who's originally from Murrieta, dropped her FIDM classes soon after meeting with her counselor, worried the spring quarter would become more wasted time. She'd already transferred to FIDM from Fullerton Community College, and many of her credits were not accepted by the fashion school. "I feel like they just dug their hands into so many of the students pockets without no care in the world," Gervase said. Though FIDM refunded her spring classes, she's stuck in her apartment lease that she'd picked for its location near her school, limiting where she can apply to new four-year universities. "I feel like the entire weight of the world is on my shoulders because I feel so lost; I feel like I have no guidance anymore," said Gervase, who is back taking community college classes while she tries to figure out what university might be her best fit. Its definitely taken a large toll on my mental health. ... I just want them to understand what they have done to their students." As anxious students grapple with the transition, FIDM leaders say even more changes are on the way. This likely merger would affect the other half of its student body: those pursuing the fashion school's creative business majors, who weren't involved in the ASU FIDM changes. "We will move forward with all of our business programs in a partnership that will be announced very shortly," Bundy said in May, calling it a deal with an "international business school." Since then, she has not answered further questions about that change, including how it would affect current and prospective students. Lexy Silverstein, a digital marketing student at FIDM, has heard inklings about this potential partnership and said she could be affected, depending when it is implemented. A lot is up in the air," the 20-year-old said. "Everything has been a lack of communication." Read more: First came fast-fashion giant Shein. Now other Chinese brands are gunning for the same success Silverstein has been trying to petition FIDM leaders to end a new scholarship program with Shein, an ultra-fast-fashion company that's repeatedly come under scrutiny for working conditions and its environmental footprint. Though she supports scholarships for her classmates, she said Shein as a company contradicts what FIDM teaches about the future of fashion. The new Shein partnership, announced soon after the ASU merger, has left many students confused about the future of their school, Silverstein said. "It's two hard blows to the chest, back-to-back," she said. Her online petition asking the school to sever its ties with Shein has amassed more than 4,000 signatures approaching double the number of current students at FIDM but she said she hasn't heard anything from school leaders. Bundy declined to comment on student concerns about the scholarship program, saying the school doesn't "get involved politically" and mentioning the school's classes focused on sustainability. "We cant have a future of the fashion industry if we dont have a planet," said Silverstein, a Maryland native who moved cross-country for FIDM's renowned programs that she used to rave about. Now, not so much. "There's not an ounce of school pride here," she said. 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 viral video posted to TikTok shows officers mistakenly detaining a young Black man they believed to be a suspect in a string of car thefts in Michigan. The Lansing Police Department has addressed the video and calls it an unfortunate understanding. The video captures the young man in a parking lot near a large dumpster, shortly after a police officer has handcuffed him. Soon after, a man who appears to be his father comes out and defends the young man being detained. They traumatized my son, the man says in the video. The father and the person filming can both be heard saying that the young person was simply taking out the trash. In a Facebook statement posted on Friday, Lansing police said the young man, wearing neon shorts and a white shirt, matched the description of a car theft suspect that officers were actively pursuing. The officer who initially detained the young man then was able to clarify he was not the suspect, the statement said. The video then shows the young Black man being released as his father speaks to police officers. Many social media users are also sharing their thoughts regarding the video and the statement from the police. Whitney Alese, a popular TikTok user and social justice advocate, said she wasnt shocked when she first watched the video because of how frequent arrests occur with young Black people. She called the actions by the Lansing Police Department in the video harmful, hurtful and shameful. She said she believes the police officers were pervasively stereotyping the young man in the video. Too often, Black bodies are harmed while law enforcement hides behind the phrase they fit the description, Alese said to NBC News. While law enforcement calls it an unfortunate misunderstanding, they dont know what kind of harm they have done to the psyche of this child, this family or this community. The video currently has more than 2.6 million views and multiple comments defending the young man who was detained. Our hope is we can put this unfortunate case of wrong place, wrong time behind us and continue to represent the community that we serve, Lansing police said in a statement. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com I laughed because Ahmaud Arbery no longer can. Because this time, no one was murdered on an Alabama dock the way Arbery had been murdered like a rabid dog on the side of a Georgia road. Because the three white men who murdered him, or watched, felt Arbery had committed a grave sin jogging through their community while black knew they wouldnt be stopped, and werent. Because there have been far too many Ahmaud Arberys and far too few times a group of strangers assembles like The Avengers armed with little more than a folding chair and an impressive swim stroke as they did on a fateful day last week in Montgomery, Alabama. I laughed because it was a Not Today Satan! moment, a saying I dont have to explain to those who spent the days after the Montgomery Dock Brawl cracking up every time a silly meme scrolled across our social media timelines, at every re-enactment, singing along with every iconic song repurposed specifically for the occasion. Lift evry chair and swing, Till Earth and noggins ring, one of them began to the tune of Lift Evry Voice and Sing, the national black anthem Rep. James Clyburn wanted to become the nations nation hymn. On that Alabama dock, a Black riverboat co-captain, Damien Pickett, asked a group of white men to move their pontoon boat so the passenger ferry could dock in its regular spot. They spent 45 minutes refusing to move their boat only a few feet. As the black co-captain argued with one of the white men, another appeared and assaulted him. Im going to kill you, (expletive), Pickett heard one of the men scream. Within seconds, the Black man was on his back with six white men and one white woman either pummeling and repeatedly punching or hovering over him. Mary Todd, 21, Richard Roberts, 48, Allen Todd, 23, and Zachery Shipman, 25 would later be arrested and charged with third-degree assault. Freeze that frame in your mind and youd see more than just the shadow of some of this countrys worst periods. It was more than an echo. But bystanders refused to allow it to become a repeat. On Feb. 23, 2020 in Brunswick, Georgia, no one came to Arberys rescue as Gregory McMichael and Travis McMichael chased him down and shot him to death while William Bryan recorded that 21st century lynching. There would be no lynching on that Alabama dock because the calvary showed up. A Black bystander surveying the scene intervened. A young black man jumped from the ferry and swam to the dock to help. Others did as well, including one man wielding a white folding chair and unwittingly launching a million memes. This is the part where Im supposed to say that Im against violence and that the man with the folding chair got out of hand, especially when he used it during that chaotic scene to hit a white woman in the head as she was sitting not threatening anyone. Both those things are true. Maybe Im supposed to note that initially it was a young white man who tried to help the Black co-captain, though he was quickly repelled by the older-bigger angry white men. Thats also true. And I know I know there are those whod rather I focus on Chicago and black-on-black crime to deflect from the racial dynamics at play in this incident. But I wont. Not today Satan. Not today. Because I refuse to prioritize white comfort. Because there are moments white people should just listen, for understanding even if not agreement. Black peoples reaction to The Montgomery Brawl is one of those moments. We didnt laugh because there was a fight. Wed rather there had been no fists flying, chairs swung or kicks administered, like those Mary Todd landed on Pickett. We laughed because we didnt have to lament another Ahmaud Arbery or Trayvon Martin. Because another Black mother wouldnt have to make the type of excoriating decision Mamie Till had to. We laughed because, for once, we didnt have to cry. Or grieve. A three-year-old child has died while travelling on a bus sponsored by the government of Texas to remove migrants from the state and send them to Democratic-led cities across the country. The childs death on 10 August appears to be the first under the states Republican Governor Greg Abbott on state-sponsored buses that have sent thousands of people seeking asylum in the US to cities hundreds of miles from where they were initially processed. All of the passengers on the bus had been processed by federal authorities and the city of Brownsville, including temperature checks and medical screenings, according to Texas officials. A statement from the Texas Division of Emergency Management said the bus pulled over and an ambulance was called to the scene when the childs health began to deteriorate. The child died at a local hospital as the bus was entering Chicago. The Illinois Department of Public Health is working with local health officials, state police and federal authorities to the fullest extent possible to get answers in this tragic situation, the agency said in a statement. The statements did not include information about the childs nationality, age or gender. Each bus is stocked with food and water, which are distributed on board, and makes stops along the trip to refuel and switch drivers. Migrants are allowed to purchase any additional provisions or disembark at any of these stops, according to the Texas Division of Emergency Management. Democratic US Reps Joaquin Castro of Texas and Jesus Chuy Garcia of Illinois have urged President Joe Bidens administration to step in. Migrant parents make the journey to our country seeking safety and stability for their children. We are saddened and horrified, but not surprised, by the death of a three-year-old child on a state-sponsored bus from Texas to Chicago, they said in a joint statement. For months, Operation Lone Star has trafficked asylum-seekers across the country in squalid conditions, they added. Governor Abbotts barbaric practices are killing people, and the Biden administration has an obligation to stop them. The governor has been busing migrants to Democratic-led cities since April 2022 in what he has called an effort to relieve US-Mexico border cities, widely derided as a politically motivated stunt by the White House and critics. More than 30,000 people seeking asylum have been bused from Texas to several other states within the last year, including at least 4,600 migrants who were sent to Chicago. The governor also has sent several buses to Los Angeles in recent months. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who is seeking the 2024 Republican nomination for president, also is under law enforcement scrutiny after sending several chartered planes sponsored by his administration to Massachusetts and California. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has called the efforts despicable stunts after a Texas-sponsored bus dropped 42 people, including children, at her city in June. State-sanctioned kidnapping is not a public policy choice, it is immoral and disgusting, California Attorney General Rob Bonta said in a statement that month. At least four migrant children have died in federal custody this year. An eight-year-old child with a heart condition and sickle cell anemia died while in the custody of US Customs and Border Protection in May. An internal investigation revealed the failures of contracted personnel at the US-Mexico border to seek medical aid despite pleas from the childs mother, and a total lack of protocol for border agents to assess the medical needs of children arriving at the southern border. The Independent has requested comment from the White House, the Abbott administration and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. A European Union crackdown on forever chemicals might be a short-lived effort. The Guardian has reported on leaked documents showing that EU policymakers are backtracking due to pressure from powerful chemical companies. The newspaper reviewed the 77 pages of a leaked study with a revision of targets concerning chemical laws. Its an important development as health experts begin to better understand how these chemicals, also called PFAS, are saturating our world. They are often called forever substances because they take a long time to degrade, a fact detailed by the EUs own Chemical Agency and discussed in a video from the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment. About 17% of European children and adolescents are at risk for exposure to a combination of the chemicals, which could cause a variety of health problems, according to the European Environment Agency. The EUs failure to control harmful chemicals is written in the contaminated blood of almost all Europeans, Tatiana Santos, head of chemicals policy at the European Environmental Bureau, told the Guardian. Whats happening? The EU targeted PFAS with a proposed ban of 10,000 chemicals, phased into effect through the late 2030s, according to a Bloomberg report from February. The heavy use of PFAS means the regulations would impact all sorts of products. Bloomberg lists electronics, wind turbines, cosmetics, and cookware among them. Why is it important? The pledge to ban harmful chemicals in everyday products started in 2020 as part of Europes Green Deal. The Guardian reports that the chemical industry now appears to be influencing the process. We are being pushed to be less strict on industry all the time, an unnamed EU official told the Guardian. Government and industry leaders from France, Germany, and Belgium were quoted in the story with reservations about the rules. The common theme: fear of economic repercussions from overregulation. The hesitation could result in a severe setback in key environmental policymaking. The EUs regulatory retreat could be the nail in the coffin of the European Green Deal, fueling cynicism about untrustworthy elites doing deals with big toxic lobbies, unless the commission makes good on its promise to detox products and stand up to polluters, Santos told the Guardian. A leaked document shows that 1%, 10%, or 50% of products with hazardous chemicals could be regulated, according to the Guardians report. The newspaper noted that the EU typically selects the middle option. Whats being done to help? The U.S. is considering regulations on PFAS, mostly focused on cleaning up drinking water, PBS reports. You can start eliminating forever chemicals from your life by avoiding plastics. One example is edible produce wraps that keep fruit and veggies fresh without the chemical coating. Using loose coffee grounds and tea leaves to make hot beverages and avoiding throwaway pods and tea bags can prevent pollution and plastic exposure. If consumer preference moves away from products that include PFAS, the industry lobby protecting them wont be as powerful. Join our free newsletter for cool news and actionable info that makes it easy to help yourself while helping the planet. Police forces patrol by boat as they leave the port in Calais, France, on November 25, 2022. At least six migrants seeking to enter Britain died in the English Channel near the city on Saturday when their small boat capsized. File Photo by Yoan Valat/EPA-EFE Aug. 12 (UPI) -- At least six people are dead and more than 50 have been rescued after a boat carrying migrants capsized and sank near Calais in the English Channel early Saturday morning, French and British officials said. Two people still may be unaccounted for following the incident, which saw 58 people safely pulled from the water by British and French Coast Guards, according to French authorities. A rescue operation involved more than a dozen French and British ships and two helicopters, Franck Dhersin, mayor of the French town of Teteghem, told reporters. "My thoughts and prayers are with those affected by the tragic loss of life in the Channel today," British Home Secretary Suella Braverman said in a statement Saturday. "This morning I spoke with our Border Force teams who have been supporting the French authorities in response to this incident." My thoughts and prayers are with those affected by the tragic loss of life in the Channel today. This morning I spoke with our Border Force teams who have been supporting the French authorities in response to this incident. Suella Braverman MP (@SuellaBraverman) August 12, 2023 Witnesses describe the sunken vessel as being "overloaded" at the time. The incident technically took place in French territorial waters. French officials estimated there were around 66 passengers on board the ship, the BBC reported. Of those who were rescued, more than 20 were taken to the British port city of Dover while 36 were taken to Calais. British government officials confirmed more than 750 migrants crossed the Channel in small boats Thursday, the highest-ever daily total. Britain has been attempting to deal with a rising number of migrants seeking to enter the country by crossing the English Channel in small boats. The country introduced legislation in May aimed at stopping the influx of people using small boats each year by making it illegal. The government this month instituted a controversial plan to house asylum seekers on a barge moored on the south coast. In a historic legal win for religious freedom in the military, a member of the Sikh community graduated from Marine Corps recruit training Friday while wearing articles of faith intrinsic to the South Asian religion. Pfc. Jaskirat Singh stood at attention -- while wearing a turban, beard and unshorn hair -- as he listened to the national anthem play on the parade deck at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. For Singh, the day was not only the culmination of three months of hard training, but nearly two years of legal tumult that allowed him to don traditional Sikh wear at boot camp. He is likely the first enlisted Marine to graduate from recruit training while wearing articles of faith intrinsic to the Sikh tradition, specifically a beard and turban, according to the Sikh Coalition which, along with other advocates, has helped him and more than 50 Sikh Americans secure military accommodations for religious wear. Read Next: Army Reserve Fixes Tuition Benefits Breakdown Just Before Students Enter Fall Semester "I am honored to serve my country in the Marine Corps, and proud that I was able to do so while respecting my Sikh faith," Singh said in a press release from the Sikh Coalition. "I hope that my graduation sends a clear message to other young Sikhs who are considering military service: Your faith does not have to be a barrier to any career." Singh graduated as an 0311 military occupational specialty, or infantryman. His accomplishment represents an important step in years-long negotiations between the Sikh Coalition and the Marine Corps, which have butted legal heads since at least November 2021 over the accommodations, according to the press release. Those negotiations reached a fever pitch in April of last year when Singh and three other plaintiffs sued the U.S. government after the Marine Corps offered an accommodation that would require Sikhs to surrender their turbans and beards while at boot camp. Eventually, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals granted Singh a preliminary injunction and ruled that the Marine Corps must allow Sikhs to wear their hair and beards in uniform, including at recruit training. Singh shipped off for boot camp in May 2023. The legal win was only partial, however, and advocates are continuing to push for broader accommodations. Singh and another Sikh Coalition client, Marine Capt. Sukhbir Singh Toor, are prohibited from wearing unshorn beards when deployed to areas where they would receive hostile fire or imminent danger pay -- in other words, combat zones. "This presents an inherent limit on any Marine's career, given how much of the world such a prohibition covers and the forward-deployed nature of the branch," Giselle Klapper, the Sikh Coalition deputy legal director, told Military.com on Friday. "We will continue working to ensure that both of these men and others who come after them have full equality of opportunity." This prohibition represents a painful thorn for Sikhs who serve in the military, especially for Marines. In 2011, Marine Cpl. Gurpreet Singh was killed in action while serving in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was made to shave his beard and cut his hair on that deployment, and died without being able to wear important articles of faith. "I remember talks with him when we were deployed downrange in Afghanistan," Army Lt. Col. Kamaljeet Singh Kalsi, founder of the Sikh American Veterans Alliance and the first Sikh military officer to be awarded an accommodation by the Defense Department in 2009. "He said, 'Maybe someday the Marine Corps allows Sikhs to serve with our turbans and beards,'" Kalsi recalled Cpl. Singh saying in Afghanistan. Kalsi said he was determined to make that happen. "Of course, he passed away before he could see that," he said to Military.com on Friday. Kalsi said that he felt "immense pride" for Pfc. Singh during his graduation day, and that it was surreal to return a salute from him. "We've basically adopted him," Kalsi said. "So he's part of our family, and to have him salute back is just a very proud moment." The military has previously tried to make the argument that beard accommodations would interfere with military tasks like donning a gas mask and making a protective seal around one's face, but Kalsi said that he has had no problems performing any military task because of his articles. For example, he told Military.com that when he is in an environment that requires a helmet, he already has on his "patka" or small turban, which easily fits under his headgear. Pfc. Singh similarly did not experience any issues in training, and specifically told reporters Friday that he had no problem creating a seal for his gas mask. For the Marine Corps' part, a spokesperson told Military.com that Singh "did really well." "He was a squad leader throughout training," Maj. Joshua Pena, a spokesman for the Marine Corps Training and Education Command, told Military.com. "He met all the standards. He's a Marine. ... We're really excited to see what he does with his career." The Sikh Coalition's legal efforts are not limited to the Marine Corps. For more than a decade, the coalition has headed efforts to help Sikhs serve in the military. In 2017, the group facilitated religious accommodations in the Army and did the same for the Air Force three years later. While the Sikh faith centers around oneness and equality, it is also steeped in a deep "warrior-saint" tradition. Sikhs have been serving in the American military for more than 100 years, as well as other militaries around the world. Following leave, Pfc. Singh will go to Camp Pendleton in California for additional training, according to the Sikh Coalition. -- Drew F. Lawrence can be reached at drew.lawrence@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @df_lawrence. Related: First Sikh Marine Recruits Hope to Start Training in Weeks After Legal Win The European Union has delivered 223,800 shells to Ukraine as part of the plan to provide 1 million artillery rounds to help combat Russian aggression, EU spokesperson Peter Stano told AFP, DW reported on Aug. 11. "Member states have delivered around 223,800 artillery ammunition long-range self-propelled, precision-guided munitions as well as mortar ammunition and 2,300 missiles of all types," Stano said. Read also: UK delivered vastly more artillery shells to Ukraine than initially planned Wallace On March 20, the EU countries agreed to purchase 1 million rounds of ammunition for Ukraine. According to the Financial Times, Ukraine has asked the EU to send 250,000 artillery rounds to the Ukrainian Armed Forces every month to reduce its ammunition deficit. Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov said that Kyiv needs a total of one million shells. The first phase of the plan, which ran from Feb. 9 to May 31, provided for the allocation of EUR 1 billion to reimburse EU member states for about half the cost of rounds provided from their arsenals. In total, according to the EU, the value of the donated ammunition amounted to EUR 1.1 billion. Read also: US plans to triple artillery shell production, Pentagon confirms AFP writes that the EU money managed to reimburse only part of the costs, which indicates that the measure did not achieve its goal. The agency notes that this situation indicates that the EU's goal of providing Ukraine with one million rounds of ammunition is still far from being achieved. According to the second part of the plan, the European Defense Agency is negotiating with European manufacturers on joint contracts for the purchase of 155-mm artillery rounds and missiles. Earlier, several EU countries reportedly expressed skepticism about this promise, fearing that it would not be realized. 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 When Dan Sievert moved to San Luis Obispo with his two golden retrievers in 2012, it was supposed to be the beginning of some much needed relaxation, not the start of a 165,000-mile journey. An empty-nester after his twin sons reached adulthood, Sievert was ready for a change of pace following a long career as owner of a retail store in Big Bear Lake. It was the most beautiful, boring life youve ever lived, Sievert told The Tribune. I used to go out at night time and look at the beautiful stars and stand on my porch on the cool nights and go, Can anyone possibly die from boredom? It wasnt until Sievert was sitting in a coffee shop, watching the news on the morning of April 17, 2013, that he felt a new calling in life. Two days removed from the Boston Marathon bombings that killed three people, Sievert saw a clip from Good Morning America featuring five golden retriever service dogs and their handlers who were visiting survivors of the bombings. Then, he said, he heard a whisper from God, telling him simply to go. He stood up, got in his car with Jake and Emerson, his two golden retrievers, and immediately started preparing for a trip. The ensuing 3,200-mile journey turned out to be just the first of 55 missions to help people deal with trauma in the wake of tragedies across the United States through the power of a dogs unconditional love, Sievert said. I was walking the streets by where the bombings occurred, and people were walking, downtrodden, Sievert said. God put me in a place where a lot of the traumatized victims who were emotionally affected, holding that stress, were allowed a cathartic moment. Now, Sievert is looking back on a decade on the road with his canine companions, and sharing what makes connecting with dogs such an effective piece of therapy. Dan Sievert, founder of Golden Missions of America, plays with his service dog, Cooper. Dan Sievert and his golden retrievers have made 55 missions across the United States over the past decade, helping victims of tragedies work through their trauma. John Lynch/jlynch@thetribunenews.com Journey started with a series of unexpected trips Sievert said when he first set out for Boston in 2013, he thought it was going to be a one-time event, but fate had other plans. The return trip to San Luis Obispo was already delayed due to some complications with the rental car he was using, but God had a better plan for Sievert and the dogs, he said. Just days after wrapping up in Boston, a tornado tore through Moore, Oklahoma, leaving 24 people dead, including seven children in Plaza Towers Elementary School. Running low on money, Sievert said he didnt think he could keep the trip going much longer to get to Moore, until he received some unexpected help. I sat there in the lobby, and when church broke, every fifth or sixth person started handing me money, Sievert said. I never heard (the pastor) say, Please donate, but the people were so kind and gracious. That became the model for many of Sieverts trips, relying on donations from churches, friends, family and supporters of his cause to keep his gas tank full and his dogs fed, he said. Sievert returned to San Luis Obispo County periodically between his missions, usually staying between 30 and 60 days at rentals or hotels before setting out again Not long after visiting Moore, Sievert made a trip to Prescott, Arizona, where Jake and Emerson comforted firefighters and families after 19 firefighters died in an 8,400-acre wildfire. After that trip, Sievert realized working with people through dogs was his calling, and started Golden Missions of America to spread the word about his mission. Golden Missions has been there for survivors of some of the most notable tragedies of the past decade, including the 2014 Carlton Complex fire in northern central Washington, the Isla Vista killings in 2014 and the 2015 San Bernardino mass shooting, Sievert said. Cooper, an 8-year-old golden retriever, plays with a ball in his owners car. Dan Sievert and his golden retrievers have made 55 missions across the United States over the past decade, helping victims of tragedies work through their trauma. John Lynch/jlynch@thetribunenews.com Past experience with trauma and recovery guide missions Though Sieverts dogs have always been the star of the show during his missions, Sieverts own experience with trauma and recovery have guided the way he approaches victims of tragedy. When he was 20, Sievert climbed a high-voltage power tower near his San Diego apartment while trying to get a view of the sunset, he said. Sievert was electrocuted repeatedly by part of the tower, sustaining severe burns to much of his body that would require 17 surgeries in total. Sievert recalled the months of painful recovery in a hospital, not knowing if he would survive and feeling isolated in his pain. But he also recalled people walking in and sitting quietly next to me and saying, Theres hope. Youre gonna get through this. They didnt tell me how, when or where, and that is what these dogs do, Sievert said. They bring hope by their presence. With their heightened senses, dogs are uniquely attuned to the physical and emotional responses of people and make calming listeners, he said. Though Sieverts dogs are not trained service animals beyond the help they give their owner, and he is not a licensed counselor, it is in their nature to be there for others, Sievert said. In his experience, people who are suffering mostly want to be heard and comforted, Sievert said, but dont want to hear people just say they understand. We may understand the depth of an individuals pain, but everyone processes suffering uniquely, he said. My mission was and always is thereafter to be the quiet one, to be the listener, Sievert said. Let the dogs do the work. Dan Sievert, founder of Golden Missions of America, pets his service dog, Cooper. Sievert and his golden retrievers have made 55 missions across the United States over the past decade, helping victims of tragedies work through their trauma. John Lynch/jlynch@thetribunenews.com Whats next for Golden Missions? After a decade of travel, missions have become more sporadic in recent years, Sievert said. Sieverts original dogs, Jake and Emerson, passed away in 2018 and 2021, respectively, leaving him with Cooper, who was adopted a few months after Jake was put down, he said. In recent years, Sievert said he turned his attention closer to home, working with firefighters up and down the Central Coast in 2019. The agenda for 19 was just to go knock on firefighters doors on the Central Coast and say, Hi, you dont know us. Were here bringing some joy, Sievert said. We went everywhere from Santa Barbara County all the way up to Cambria and knocked on doors, and almost unanimously, everywhere we went, whether it was Goleta or Cambria or San Luis Obispo, stories came forth about PTSD and about how they were struggling, and my dogs just sat with them while they talked. Most recently, Sievert and Cooper spent the end of 2022 and early 2023 visiting nine states in six months, continuing their mission wherever it was needed, Sievert said. Now, Sievert said he still hopes to work with people through dogs, and said hes started working on a book about his experiences, which he hopes to publish next year. The biggest impact of my mission is still to keep people secrets safe with me to establish trust, and to bring the next level of healing to each person, Sievert said. The bandanas worn by dogs with Golden Missions of America hang from seats in Golden Missions founder Dan Sieverts van. Sievert and his golden retrievers have made 55 missions across the United States over the past decade, helping victims of tragedies work through their trauma. John Lynch/jlynch@thetribunenews.com More than 2,500 people have so far signed on to a Change.org petition that seeks to save The Brewery, a downtown State College business that the owners have said first opened on Beaver Avenue in the late 1960s. Owners Ray Rockey and Jay Horgas and much of the public discovered Monday that State College Borough is looking to exercise eminent domain, or the right of a government to take private property for public use (with compensation), on two downtown buildings to provide future parking spaces. One building houses popular businesses such as The Brewery, Canyon Pizza and Music Mart and is owned by the same group that owns The Brewery; the other property on McAllister Street holds a rental house and is owned by Rodney Hendricks. The ensuing backlash was swift, and the online petition was started soon thereafter. Lets not erase the tales and memories that lie etched in the corners of The Brew, petition organizer Harry Weidner wrote. Instead, lets rally, lets raise our voices, and lets ensure that future generations too can experience the magic of this place. For the love of tradition, for the sake of memories, and for the heart of State College, lets save The Brew. For the students, past, present and future. This isnt the first time State College Borough has sought to exercise eminent domain. It did the same in early 2004 for the 529-space Beaver Avenue Garage, without much pushback, although the displaced buildings at the time included an apartment building and a district justices office. This time, residents and Penn State students/alumni alike responded immediately. They didnt like that the owners werent notified ahead of Monday, a common legal practice but one council members apologized for. And they didnt appreciate that local landmarks would be forced to move, even if the borough was committed to keeping those businesses downtown. When asked to respond to the petition, or if State College Borough wanted to add anything about its plans, the borough issued a written statement Friday that said it invited feedback and reiterated it hopes to keep the businesses downtown. The Borough of State College welcomes all forms of engagements around this impactful capital project, the statement read. As stated previously, the borough is actively considering these concerns and seeks to address them in a thoughtful and holistic manner. The Borough of State College greatly appreciates the communitys concern, feedback and discourse around this topic. The Borough is committed to working collaboratively with the community and local businesses. This location has been identified as a replacement parking structure for the Pugh Street Garage, and the action on Monday, Aug. 7, by Borough Council was only an initial step in moving this project forward. The borough is dedicated to a collaborative effort with all the businesses and property owners to ensure a smooth transition and ensure the businesses remain a part of the Downtown State College Community for years to come. The borough will update the public as this project progresses and continues to welcome discourse from the community. The desire for exercising eminent domain came as a result of the 51-year-old Pugh Street Garage nearing the end of its useful life and needing to be demolished. Because borough officials concluded a new parking structure needed to be constructed before the Pugh Street Garage was demolished, that parking needed to come from somewhere and the two aforementioned properties were identified as making the most sense. There are no current plans for the Pugh Street site after the parking garage is demolished. However, a retired conductor has proposed a two-theater Nittany Performing Arts Centre, which remains in its very early stages. Still, whatever the plans, plenty of residents and alumni have expressed anger and concern over the use of eminent domain. On the petition page, dozens of comments echoed the thoughts of many in Centre County: We dont need another parking garage. We need to keep some of the State College charm. There will not be any character left in State College. Everything is being bought out and changed into big box stores, shopping, chain restaurants and bars. Who needs more parking if theres no businesses left to visit? This is idiotic on so many levels. On Monday, The Brewerys owners seemed to share a similar sentiment. Rockey told Borough Council that eminent domain is not how Americas supposed to work, not long before council voted 5-1 to approve moving forward with it. (Councilman Divine Lipscomb, who attended the meeting remotely, was not heard. But he told the CDT he would have voted no. Gopal Balachandran was the only audible nay vote.) Councilwoman Deanna Behring said she was personally assured no business would be kicked out. Council President Jesse Barlow wrote similarly on Facebook, adding that future discussions with the property owners will consider compensation, relocation during construction and permanent location after construction. As of 5 p.m. Friday, some 2,565 people had signed the Change.org petition. Borough Council is next scheduled for a regular meeting at 7 p.m. Aug. 21 in the Municipal Building. A work session is set for noon Monday. CalGems plan deserves support Re: your July 21 story, State officials propose plugging dozens of local oil wells: The article on CalGEMs plan to plug wells in California, including those in Ventura County, missed important context. Namely, it failed to distinguish between idle and orphan wells, ignored the extensive efforts of local producers, and misrepresented financial burdens. Idle and orphan wells are the subject of extensive state regulation. Since 2016, a whopping eight bills have emerged from Sacramento to address these topics, and five of them were championed by Ventura County legislators. The article conflates orphan wells with the idle wells of healthy companies that are addressing them through existing CalGEM programs. Producers in Ventura County work with CalGEM to achieve regulatory compliance, including participating in mandated well management programs. Local producers commit significant resources to advance environmental protection while upholding public safety. Additionally, excessive local regulatory and financial burdens will cause companies that are currently managing idle wells under the states rigorous requirements to not be able to do so. Healthy companies meet their regulatory obligations, and Ventura County must support these essential businesses. Local government funds are not being used for well elimination. As of August 2022, CalGEM had $28 million in special accounts paid for by California producers for the elimination of orphaned wells. Further, CalGEM has an operating budget of nearly $100 million, paid for by the industry via a per barrel assessment. The article leads the reader to believe that CalGEMs plan addresses an alarming issue, but quite contrarily, its a cause for optimism. CalGEMs efforts on this matter amplify existing initiatives. Its a collaborative effort between public and private sectors, including the proactive measures of Ventura Countys local oil and gas industry, that deserves recognition and support. Richard Atmore Jr., Ventura Now is time to fight for Ventura At a standing room-only Ventura City Council meeting on Aug. 7 to hear the appeal against the proposed 94-unit building at 211 Figueroa St., the people of Ventura got to see firsthand their city council in action. After the 10-minute appeal was read, over 40 residents spoke eloquently with fact-based arguments detailing why this project should be reduced in size to fit the historic neighborhood and preserve channel and island views belonging to all residents of Ventura. No one suggested the building shouldnt be built at all, or that the very low-income units werent needed in Ventura. Just that the enormous structure be reduced from 69-feet tall to 54, a closer height to the 3.25 floors the property is zoned for. After several councilmembers praised the speakers for their well-prepared arguments and passion for Ventura, councilmembers Halter, Sanchez-Palacios, McReynolds, and Duran predictably voted for the project to be built as the developer asked. This isnt news to those of us watching this councils voting. But its a wakeup call to all residents. I believe the majority of this council is very developer friendly. They pretended to listen to their constituents and then voted as planned. The cost to Ventura will be a town with huge high-rise condos on every buildable lot in the city with no thought given to historic buildings or blocked views. The closer to the beach the better. These councilmembers need to be voted out, and residents need to fight for the city they love. Planned projects are lining up to take advantage of our pro-developer council. There are better ways to add low-income housing than building condos at the beach. Add your voice to the discussion, get involved. Now is the time to fight for your city. Scott Spencer, Ventura This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Letters: Missed context in wells story; council still pro-development Law enforcement authorities in Ethiopia are targeting venues frequented by LGBTQ+ people in the nation, particularly in the capital city, Addis Ababa, in an effort to root out so-called homosexual activity, while LGBTQ+ Ethiopians are being subjected to violence by private citizens. On Friday, August 4, the Addis Ababa Tourism Bureau released a statement on its official Facebook page stating that it is working to bring attention to hotels and restaurants that are allegedly providing services to LGBTQIA+ persons, says a press release from the House of Guramayle, an LGBTQ+ organization in Ethiopia. This makes it the first government body to openly acknowledge the ongoing situation. The following day, on August 5, the Addis Ababa Police Commission issued a statement echoing the Tourism Ministrys message. The Addis Ababa Police Commission has encouraged the public to report business establishments that allow homosexual activities a generalisation that could lead to the incrimination of anyone, regardless of their sexual or gender identity. Also, Reuters reports, the Addis Ababa Peace and Security Administration Bureau issued a statement Thursday that it was investigating institutions where homosexual acts are carried out. It has raided a guest house and is looking into other venues based on tips from the public. If there is any sympathy for those who commit and execute this abominable act that is hated by man and God, [the bureau] will continue to take action, city officials said in a Facebook post, according to Reuters. The House of Guramayle adds that its activists have viewed several videos on TikTok that encourage violence against LGBTQ+ Ethiopians both in the country and abroad. There have been numerous physical attacks on LGBTQ+ people in Ethiopia as a result, the organization says. Sexual acts between people of the same gender are illegal in Ethiopia, but there is no record of anyone being convicted for these acts recently, Reuters reports. The House of Guramayle is calling on government bodies to protect LGBTQ+ people and for LGBTQIA+ communities around the world, allies, civil society, and international human rights organizations to stand in solidarity with the Ethiopian LGBTQIA+ community. It also urges social media platforms such as Meta, YouTube, and TikTok to take down content that encourages violence. "While similar increases in attacks against LGBTQIA+ communities are being reported by human rights organisations in other parts of the African continent, the escalation in Ethiopia is especially concerning due to the countrys religious history, current worsening socio-political climate, and growing nationalism," its press release says. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church, one of the oldest Christian bodies in the world, is deeply opposed to homosexuality. It was once the state church and is still influential, claiming about two-fifths of Ethiopians as adherents. Another one-fifth of Ethiopians belong to other Christian denominations, and the remainder are Muslims or practitioners of traditional African religions. New Jersey State Police officers stand near a portrait of Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver during her memorial service at Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023. (Julian Leshay/NJ Advance Media via AP) TRENTON, N.J. (AP) Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver, the first Black woman elected to statewide office in New Jersey history, was remembered in a memorial service Saturday as a trailblazer who fought to help those in need. The Rev. Al Sharpton and a host of New Jersey officials addressed mourners Saturday in the packed Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark. Mourners included Oliver's 95-year-old mother and other family members as well as five current and former governors of the state. Sharpton told mourners that Oliver, also the first Black woman to lead the state Assembly, never forgot why she was in the room. She never backed down, she never sold out, she never turned her back on the people that made her. She was and is ours and always will be, he said, drawing thunderous applause and bringing many in the crowd to their feet. Gov. Phil Murphy praised Oliver, 71, who died Aug. 1 following a hospital stay for an undisclosed medical issue, as a first-rate fighter for every New Jerseyan. No matter the office, Sheila won whatever victory she could for the forgotten families of our state. And as a changemaker, she was always ahead of the curve, said Murphy, a Democrat. He thanked Cardinal Joseph Tobin for sharing this holy ground with us as Sheila lifts up and takes flight as New Jerseys newest guardian angel. Dionne Warwick, a New Jersey native, called her friend a person who never, ever met a stranger" and who knew everyone intimately even though they were not intimately known. She loved to laugh and she loved a good piece of gossip, too, Warwick said, drawing laughter herself. Olivers U.S. flag-draped casket lay in state Friday near the state seal in the Capitol rotunda, drawing a stream of legislators, former staffers and members of the public to pay their respects. In addition to serving as Murphys top deputy, stepping in while he was out of the state, Oliver also oversaw the Department of Community Affairs, which coordinates state aid to towns and cities and supervises code enforcement. Oliver was in the Assembly, serving as speaker from 2010 to 2014, before becoming Murphy's running mate in 2017. Born and raised in Newark, Murphy earned a sociology degree from Pennsylvanias Lincoln University and had a masters degree in community organization from Columbia University. She won an Assembly seat in native Essex County in 2003 after serving on the Essex County board of chosen freeholders from 1996 to 1999. The state constitution requires Murphy to name a successor within 45 days of the vacancy. Until he does so, Senate President Nicholas Scutari will serve as acting governor if Murphy leaves the state or is incapacitated. A woman casts her vote at a polling station in Malaysia's Selangor state on Saturday (Mohd RASFAN) Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's ruling coalition thwarted a challenge by an opposition alliance in state elections, official results showed Sunday, with analysts saying the win would buy him time to consolidate power in the largely Islamic Southeast Asian nation. Saturday's vote in six states had been the toughest political challenge yet to Anwar, who was appointed prime minister in November last year to head a unity government after an indecisive general election. The election of state assembly members does not affect Anwar's current two-thirds majority in parliament. It was, however, widely seen as a barometer of support for Anwar, including his push for a more inclusive society in which minority ethnicities could be allowed greater participation in the largely Malay Muslim nation, which also has large Chinese and Indian populations. Results released by the Election Commission showed that Anwar's Pakatan Harapan coalition retained three states: Selangor, Penang and Negeri Sembilan. The opposition alliance Perikatan Nasional -- whose key member the PAS party aims to create a theocratic state in Malaysia -- kept its hold on Kedah, Terengganu and Kelantan. Retaining Selangor, which hosts the countrys biggest port, and Penang, home to Malaysias thriving semiconductor industry, are prized wins for Anwar, analysts said. The ruling coalition, however, lost its two-thirds majority in Selangor, as the opposition made strong inroads. Perikatan is backed by the Malaysian Islamic Party, or PAS, whose strong performance in last years general elections had sparked ruling party concerns it could spring a surprise and flip one or two states to the opposition. "This is a decision of the people. We have to respect this decision," Anwar said of the results at a late-night press conference as he also appealed for unity after a divisive campaign. "The federal government remains strong after this poll and we will continue to promote a prosperous Malaysia," he added. Oh Ei Sun of the Pacific Research Center of Malaysia think tank said "it was a nail-biting win for Anwar after he thwarted the challenge from the powerful Islamic party PAS". Bridget Welsh, a Malaysia expert from the University of Nottingham, said retaining the three states was a "victory for Anwar" as "he had gone into this campaign defensively". "It was in many ways a stress reliever for Anwar not to be confronted with any major political shifts that could alter the status quo," said Mustafa Izzuddin, a political analyst with consultancy Solaris Strategies Singapore. But the outcome was also a disappointment in that "his coalition did not make much significant inroads" at the polls, he told AFP. Anwar "has more than enough time" before the 2027 general elections "to shore up support including the complex political bargaining that may need to happen within the coalition", according to Mustafa. - 'No guarantee' - James Chin, a Malaysia expert at the University of Tasmania in Australia, had warned earlier Saturday of "dire" consequences if Anwar lost even a single state, including shifting allegiances that could have threatened his future as prime minister. Anwar became prime minister last November after a long struggle as an opposition leader. His party had won the most seats in the general election but fell short of the outright majority needed to form a government. That forced him into an alliance with former foes in the United Malays National Organisation to secure a two-thirds parliamentary majority and approval from Malaysia's king to form a "unity government". The coalition has so far held together in a country that had seen three leadership turnovers in as many years after scandal-tainted Najib Razak was voted out as prime minister in 2018 over massive corruption at state fund 1MDB. But Oh, the analyst, said Anwar "must remain vigilant" even as he pushes for reforms. "There is no guarantee that his government will stay until the next general elections," he said. jsm/mba/caw Malaysia's political blocs split victories in regional polls amid opposition gains A woman casts her ballot paper during a state election at Selayang By Rozanna Latiff and Yuddy Cahya Budiman KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) -Malaysia's ruling coalition retained control of three states in regional polls on Saturday, though official results showed a conservative opposition gaining in popularity in a challenge for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The election in six Malaysian states - Selangor, Penang, Negeri Sembilan, Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah - will not directly impact Anwar's two-thirds majority in parliament, but was widely seen as a referendum on his nine-month-old coalition government. Data from the Election Commission showed Anwar's progressive, multi-ethnic alliance had been re-elected in three of the states it had held prior to Saturday's vote - including Malaysia's wealthiest state, Selangor, which surrounds the capital of Kuala Lumpur. Perikatan Nasional, the opposition bloc led by former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and backed by a conservative Islamist party, also held the three states under its control while building on inroads it had made among the country's majority ethnic-Malay Muslims. Responding to the results, Anwar told reporters the ruling coalition would "continue working hard to serve the people in line with our desire to build Malaysia". Perikatan has sought to portray itself as clean of corruption, and has strongly criticised Anwar for forming an alliance with his coalition's former rival, the graft-tainted United Malays National Organisation, in order to gain a majority in parliament. Opinion surveys conducted ahead of Saturday's polling had also shown strong concerns among voters over economic issues such as rising prices, slowing growth, and the weakening ringgit currency. Asyraf Zainal Ludin, a 28-year-old Malay voter in the Selangor district of Selayang, said he hoped initiatives announced by Anwar's government would revive the economy. "Hopefully whoever wins can make changes to this country, especially in Selayang," he told Reuters outside a polling station. Since coming to power, Anwar has focused on introducing economic and institutional reforms, including reducing subsidies for the wealthy, easing listing rules for companies, and abolishing the mandatory death penalty. Critics, however, have raised concerns over increasing government scrutiny on online content and growing intolerance against the country's LGBTQ+ community. Anwar has said LGBTQ+ rights will not be recognised by his administration. (Reporting by Rozanna Latiff and Yuddy Cahya BudimanAdditional reporting by Hasnoor HussainEditing by Raju Gopalakrishnan and Helen Popper) Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar sought to tamp down speculations about a Ukrainian raid across the Dnipro River in Kherson Oblast. On Aug. 9, the Kyiv Independent's source in Ukraine's Armed Forces confirmed that Ukraine had successfully conducted a raid deep into Russian-held territories across the river. The source, granted anonymity to speak freely about Ukraine's military operations, told the Kyiv Independent that Ukraine's military had taken 16 Russian soldiers as prisoners and brought them back to the government-controlled side of the river. "There are no reasons for excitement. I just returned from those places," Maliar wrote. "Yes, certain units performed a certain task there," she added. "In order to get there, and not to be destroyed and also to gain a foothold, you need to clear the territory and repel the enemy," Maliar said. "We are saving our people, which is why we're using counter-battery fire," she added. Ukrainian forces in the area told the Kyiv Independent that they have been conducting small raids across the river under the cover of night for months. Read also: Ukrainian troops regularly cross Dnipro River, probing Russian defenses in Kherson Oblast Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Andrey "Cosmo" Thanh Nguyen, 37, is shown in this mug shot provided by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. (Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department) A 37-year-old man was arrested this week on suspicion of drugging and sexually assaulting five women in Los Angeles and West Hollywood, authorities said. Andrey Thanh Nguyen, also known as "Cosmo," was taken into custody Wednesday and has been charged with seven counts of rape by use of drugs, three counts of sexual penetration by anesthesia or a controlled substance, and one count each of forcible rape, oral copulation by anesthesia or a controlled substance and selling a controlled substance, according to the Los Angeles County district attorney's office. He pleaded not guilty Thursday. He remained in custody Friday with bail set at $1.23 million, sheriff's records show. According to the district attorney's office, the charges stem from alleged assaults this year and in 2021 and involve women between the ages of 18 and 21. Read more: Marine charged with sexual assault of 14-year-old girl found at Camp Pendleton The violence and trauma that the five survivors in this case endured is abhorrent and will not be tolerated, Dist. Atty. George Gascon said in a statement. My office is committed to working tirelessly to prevent sexual assault, support survivors and hold abusers accountable." Anyone with additional information is asked to call the L.A. County Sheriff's Department special victims bureau at (562) 946-7960. 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 raucous all-night Brooklyn house party ended in bloodshed early Saturday when a reveler was gunned down, with neighbors describing the East New York residence as a weekly nuisance with booming music and heavy boozing. Kelson Fleary, 37 who was once charged with attempted murder was leaving the gathering around 5:20 a.m. when he became a victim, fatally shot by a gunman who trailed him outside, an eyewitness told the Daily News. He didnt see this coming, said Ricky Gibson, who acknowledged he runs the regular parties at the house on Louisiana Ave. just south of Linden Blvd. and was cleaning up bottles when the shooting started. Fleary a regular guest known as Peewee reached for his cell phone when he was hit, but was then shot about four more times outside the home, said Gibson. He didnt know it was coming, Gibson said. I believe if there was an altercation, he would have never turned his back. The shots woke me up, recalled neighbor Kenneth Kitson. I heard a guy say, Youre running! Youre running! and fire two more shots. EMS rushed the victim to Brookdale University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The suspect fled the scene on foot and remained at large, with the source of the deadly dispute unclear. Detectives scoured the area Saturday for surveillance footage to help them identify the gunman, police said. Fleary lived in Crown Heights, about four miles from where he was killed. Court records show Fleary was arrested on Sept. 16, 2009, for attempted murder, assault and weapons possession in Brooklyn but never convicted. Details of the arrest were not immediately available Saturday. Frustrated local residents described the weekly get-togethers as a neighborhood nightmare, with booming Caribbean music that runs from 8 p.m. Friday until 6 a.m. the next day. Neighbor Curt Parris, 63, said he heard four or five shots and knew right away it was Gibsons party. Every weekend ... there is a whole heap of people making nothing but noise in the back, and theyre partying, said Parris. I dont know what else theyre doing. Another neighbor said area residents complaints about the house have fallen on deaf ears. Nobody did anything, said the outraged neighbor. It took for somebody to die for them to come down here and do something about this. This is deplorable because if it was in a rich neighborhood, something would have been done. Kitson, 69, said he constantly calls both the police and 311 about the problem without any results. Sometimes they go inside and tell them not to party, he said. And once the police step out they raise up the music. Every weekend. More than 200 complaints to 311 have been made against the home since 2010, according to city records. Since May, neighbors have filed 17 complaints about loud music, public urination and fireworks at the home to 311, city data shows. Most of the recent 311 complaints were about noise. In an Aug. 4 complaint, the caller reported a house party guest urinating in the street onto a neighbors property. Nearly all the complaints have been filed on the weekends, the data shows. Five 311 complaints about the building were directed to the NYPD in June and four in July, police said. So far this month, four complains were lodged: Three to the NYPD and one to the Department of Sanitation. Complaints were also made to the city Department of Sanitation about the trash and to the Department of Buildings about using a residential building for commercial use. Police say they were addressing the problem and had visited the address, but records showed no summonses filed against the property since 2010. According to local residents, roughly 100 people arrive at the parties every Friday night, drinking heavily and circulating in and out until after sunrise. Partiers also take up all the available parking spots. You go out in the morning and the people that have been partying all night cuss at you in your own neighborhood, the outraged neighbor said, adding the crowd leaves litter and bottles all over the street, and some partygoers urinate in public. The three-story home, which contains about four apartments, was last sold in 2015 for $580,000, according to the real estate website Redfin. The two owners havent paid their $2,718 monthly mortgage payment in some time and in February Lakeview Loan Service LLC started foreclosure proceedings, according to a lawsuit filed in Brooklyn Supreme Court. Im fed up with the police and Im fed up with the noise, Kitson said. The entire neighborhood is fed up. A man was shot and killed as he and Chicago police officers struggled over a gun in the Morgan Park neighborhood, police said. The officers had seen the man with a gun on the sidewalk at 5:30 p.m. on the 1100 block of West 111th Street, interim CPD Superintendent Fred Waller said at a news conference late Friday. When police tried to stop him, the man fled into a home, he added. Police chased after on foot, and a struggle ensued in which both the officers and the man fought to gain control of the gun, Waller said. Officers attempted to de-escalate the situation, then struggled with this subject over this weapon, and two shots were fired, Waller said. The man suffered a gunshot wound and was transported to Advocate Christ Medical Center in critical condition, according to the superintendent. Speaking late Friday, Waller said did not know whether the man had died. Cook County Medical Examiners Office records showed Saturday the 36-year-old man had died shortly after the shooting. The medical examiner had not released the mans name Saturday evening. A police spokesperson said Saturday they were unable to confirm the death. Earlier Friday, Chicago Fire Department spokesman Larry Langford said CFD paramedics had transported the man in extremely critical condition. Two officers were also hospitalized for observation, but were not shot, Waller said. The superintendent said he visited both officers, who are in good condition. Those officers involved will be placed on routine administrative duties for 30 days, the department said. Police recovered a gun from the man who was shot at the scene and the shooting remains under investigation, Waller added. The Civilian Office of Police Accountability confirmed the shooting in a tweet. COPA asked witnesses to reach out to the accountability office. A Marine at Camp Pendleton in Southern California was charged with sexual assault of a minor who was found in the camp barracks, the military announced Friday. The 14-year-old girl was missing from home for at least two weeks when she was discovered on the base on June 28. Family feared she had been sex trafficked, according to The Associated Press. Prosecutors charged the Marine with sexual assault of a minor and with violating a liberty restriction from an earlier, unrelated case, AP reported. The military did not release the identity of the Marine or the circumstances of the case. To protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation and the rights of the subject, further information is unavailable until this decision is made, Capt. Charles Palmer, a spokesman for the 1st Marine Logistics Group at Camp Pendleton, said in a statement obtained by ABC News. As a reminder, charges remain allegations, and all service members are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty, he added. A hearing on Thursday will determine if he is tried by court martial. The girl has been returned to her grandmother in suburban San Diego. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A Marine has been charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl who was found at Camp Pendleton. (Gregory Bull / Associated Press) Military prosecutors have charged a Marine with sexual assault of a minor after a 14-year-old girl was found in June in the barracks of Camp Pendleton, officials said. The teen girl was discovered June 28 on the military base, more than two weeks after she went missing from her Spring Valley home. Relatives of the unidentified minor told The Times they suspect she had been sold to the Marine for sex and said they were concerned officials were trying to cover up the incident. On Friday, Camp Pendleton officials announced that a Marine has been charged by military prosecutors with sexual assault of a minor but they declined to identify the suspect. Marine officials were not immediately available to say what prison time the marine faced if convicted. The Marine also faces an unrelated charge of violating liberty restriction, meaning he failed to follow a rule or order about his time off for example, being limited from leaving an area, or returning to base or barracks by a certain time. An Aug. 17 preliminary hearing has been scheduled. Read more: Family of 14-year-old girl found at Camp Pendleton demands answers A spokesperson for Camp Pendleton said more details regarding the charges could not be released. Officials said the Marine's identity would not be released unless the case was referred to a court-martial after the preliminary hearing. Casaundra Perez, the girl's aunt, alleged in a previous interview with The Times that her niece was raped on the base, and has criticized how military officials handled the case. In a statement Friday, Perez said she and her family were hoping for full accountability and transparency in the case. "If the defense tries to settle, the family will not accept the [Marine's] plea deal unless he takes a maximum sentence, is dishonorably discharged and registers as a sex offender," she said. Perez said she also wanted military officials to address what she said was mishandling of the case. "We want full transparency, accountability and justice," she said. In a previous interview, Perez said military police questioned her underage niece without a guardian present and before notifying her guardian that she had been found. She said investigators suggested her niece had been communicating with the Marine and alleged he was her boyfriend, which she has said is false. "She doesn't even know the Marine's name," she said. 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 14-year-old girl went missing in June, and was found two weeks later in the barracks of a Marine Corps base. A military spokesperson said a Marine has been charged with sexual assault of a minor. The Marine has not been publicly identified and is set to attend a preliminary hearing on August 17. Military prosecutors have charged a Marine with sexual assault of a minor after a 14-year-old girl who had been missing for two weeks was discovered in Camp Pendleton's barracks, according to a military spokesperson. Military police found the 14-year-old girl at the barracks on June 28. She originally ran away from her grandmother's home on June 9, and was reported missing on June 13, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department. A woman who identified herself as the girl's aunt posted a TikTok video that quickly went viral, alleging her niece was raped at the barracks. The woman, Casaundra Perez, told The Los Angeles Times that military police questioned her niece without a guardian present, and expressed concerns that the military would try to sweep the incident under the rug. "They're trying to cover it up and place the majority of the blame on her. However, the reality is the whole facility allowed this to happen," Perez said in her TikTok video. "The security looked her in the face and allowed this man to bring a minor onto the base, where he proceeded to have sex with her. Due to her age, she could not have given this consent." The Marine, who has not been publicly identified, is scheduled to attend a preliminary hearing on August 17, the military spokesperson said. The spokesperson added that the Marine has also been charged with a "violating liberty restriction from a prior, unrelated case." "After the preliminary hearing, the command will review all charges and evidence to determine whether the case should be tried by court-martial," a military spokesperson told Insider in a statement on Friday. "To protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation and the rights of the subject, further information is unavailable until this decision is made." Read the original article on Insider Attorney Monique Worrell of the 9th Judicial Circuit, which serves Orange and Osceola counties, speaks during a press conference, Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023, outside her former office in the Orange County Courthouse complex in Orlando, Fla. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended Worrell on Wednesday, again wielding his executive power over local government in taking on a contentious issue in the 2024 presidential race. Worrell vowed to seek reelection next year and said her removal was political and not about her performance. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel via AP) Elections have consequences, as election winners like to say whenever they do anything unpopular. In Florida, elections have consequences except when the winner is a Democrat in an urban area. Then, the governor sometimes decides that elections dont really count. And so, the governor has removed another Democratic state attorney from office because of policy differences rather than misconduct. Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Wednesday that he was suspending Orange-Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell. The suspension will become a removal when the state Senate votes to do so. And since the governor wants her gone, you may assume the Florida Senate will rubberstamp the decision. Customarily, Florida governors have been reluctant to remove elected officials. Overriding the will of the voters is a serious step in a democratic republic. Thats why in recent times, this has generally been done when criminal charges have been formally filed or a grand jury found wrongdoing. (An exception was when Gov. Rick Scot removed Broward County elections chief Brenda Snipes in 2018, a move decisively slapped down by a federal judge. Snipes resigned in 2019.) But so far, DeSantis has removed four elected officials who were never formally accused of wrongdoing. All Democrats. Last year, DeSantis had suspended Andrew Warren, a Hillsborough County prosecutor who had been re-elected in 2020 with 53% of the vote. The governor cited Warrens pledge not to prosecute those seeking or providing abortions or gender-affirming health care. More: DeSantis suspends Central Florida prosecutor, points to her 'political agenda' The governor suspended Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel, a Democrat, in 2019, citing his officers failures in reacting to the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shootings. A special master investigating the case for the Senate concluded there was not enough evidence to remove Israel. But the governor pledged to get the official out, and the Republican-controlled Senate dutifully voted to remove him. That same year, DeSantis removed Palm Beach County elections supervisor Susan Bucher, a Democrat, citing a slow ballot count. Those of us who have dealt with Bucher in her 10 years as Palm Beach Countys elections chief know that the charge of incompetence is bunk, the Palm Beach Post editorial page said of that removal. She resigned, saying she doubted shed get a fair hearing from the Senate. A reasonable suspicion. Its almost like theres a pattern here. The move comes as the DeSantis-for-president campaign is floundering in Iowa, a place where the governor needs to come out of the gate strong if he is to stay in the race. Using the word woke in every third sentence has not been making it with ordinary Republican primary voters. Maybe a tough-on-crime, law-and-order theme would work better. Highlighting this by ousting a progressive, Black prosecutor voted in by Democrats might be just the ticket as part of a broader campaign reset. Worrell, who won election with 66% of the vote in 2020, slammed DeSantis as a would-be dictator intent on nullifying elections. This is simply a smokescreen for Ron DeSantis failing and disastrous presidential campaign, Worrell said. He needed to get back in the media in some positive way that would be red meat for his base. DeSantis appointed a Federalist Society judge to replace Worrell, Andrew Bain. Bain quoted John Calvin, 16th-century theocrat, witch-burner and executioner of heretics (talk about a law-and-order message!) about the need to use the law to restrain evil. He blasted Worrell for allowing lawlessness to take root in our community. And he announced an immediate suspension of jail diversion programs. Lock em all up! Which is pretty much the opposite of what Worrells voters were looking for in 2020. But those votes dont matter anymore. And if those voters didnt matter, who will be the next group of Florida voters to have their decisions reversed? Mark Lane is a News-Journal columnist. His email is mlanewrites@gmail.com. Mark Lane This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Mark Lane: Another prosecutor out, another election voided The Mass. Chiefs of Police Association and local police departments are raising concerns about a massive gun reform bill introduced to the state legislature earlier this summer. The MCOPA, along with the Plymouth and Ware police departments, have separately criticized Democrat Rep. Michael Days Act Modernizing Firearm Laws, a 140-page proposal that promises to stem the flow of illegal firearms into the Commonwealth and increase protections from gun violence for our communities. The bill rewrites licensing procedures, revamps regulations for training and selling firearms, and expands the law regarding Extreme Risk Protection Orders, also known as red flag laws. It also cracks down on so-called ghost guns, or untraceable firearms. The legislation would require a guns receiver and barrel be registered and serialized and make it a crime to build and sell untraceable guns. Were not trying to go after or criminalize proper license [holders], people who can responsibly carry a firearm, Day said on July 10. This is really intending to get at those that are evading our code of laws through the advancement of technology and criminal behavior. But a July 7 MCOPA memo came down hard on the scope of the bill, raising questions about legal overreach and the ability to enforce it. Many Massachusetts police officers are not always familiar with the complexities of the current Massachusetts firearms laws. To introduce a tremendous number of new firearms laws will become a training and enforcement nightmare for law enforcement agenciesIt is strongly recommended that the MCOPA not support HD 4420 as written, retired Ashland Police Chief Vincent Alfano wrote in the report. MCOPA President and Salisbury Police Chief Tom Fowler said MCOPA members met multiple times with Rep. Day to discuss the organizations concerns. Were optimistic we can work with the committee and come up with some changes, Fowler said. [Were hoping] to keep the lines of communication open with Chairman Day. I know things have been put on hold until the fall so we hope to continue to have input. Ware Police Chief Shawn Crevier said the bill punishes law abiding citizens by restricting where license holders can carry concealed weapons. I was shocked by some of the aspects of the bill that they want to enforce, Crevier said. Rather than addressing the issue of these criminals being free on the streets and lenient sentencing in the court system, this bill does nothing to address that. Plymouth Police Chief Dana Flynn also blasted the bill in a July 15 Facebook post, urging residents to contact their local representatives. This bill seems more designed to invade the privacy and vandalize and confiscate the property of law-abiding citizens than it does protecting them, Flynn wrote. Speaker Ron Mariano put the bill on hold until the fall, telling House colleagues in a July 24 email they will spend the ensuing weeks working with you to address concerns and questions you and your constituents may have about the proposed legislation. A spokesperson for Rep. Day said he continues to talk to his colleagues, as they express their support and seek clarification on the bill. 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 Miami Hurricanes initially missed out on Elias Rudolphs commitment last month, but stuck with it and finally pried him away from Michigan on Saturday. Rudolph, who spent time at Deerfield Beach earlier this year before returning home to Ohio, flipped from the Wolverines to Miami after spending more than a month committed to Michigan. The four-star edge rusher, whos now back at Taft in Cincinnati, also took an official visit to Pittsburgh in June before initially picking the Wolverines. The Hurricanes now hope this is a final decision and Rudolph will sign with them once the early signing period arrives in December. It was a tough choice, tough decision, Rudolph told The Cincinnati Enquirer last month after he committed to Michigan. Miami jumped in the picture late. Miami now holds seven commitments from blue-chip recruits in the Class of 2024, according to the 247Sports composite rankings. Rudolph, who plays both defensive end and tight end for the Senators, is the No. 21 edge rusher in the nation. The 6-foot-4, 205-pound end had 87 tackles and 17 1/2 sacks last year, and was an all-state selection for the second time. He then briefly moved down to Florida before heading back to Taft, where hell play his senior season. Rudolph is the first player to commit to the Hurricanes 2024 recruiting class this month and it gives them another bit of momentum heading into a crucial part of the calendar. Miami also landed commitments from five-star athlete Joshisa Trader, four-star edge rusher Marquise Lightfoot and four-star Blountstown defensive lineman Artavius Jones earlier this summer, and now hope to beat out the Wolverines for another blue-chip prospect later this month: Elite Chaminade-Madonna safety Zaquan Patterson is set to make an oral commitment Aug. 23 and Miami is battling Michigan there, too. This image from video shows the family of Tashawn Bernard, a 12-year-old who was handcuffed by a police officer on Thursday, in what the Lansing (Mich.) Police Department described as an unfortunate case of wrong place, wrong time, speaks during a virtual press conference with their lawyers, Ayanna and Rico Neal, left, Friday, Aug. 11, 2023 in Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Joey Cappelletti) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) LANSING, Mich. (AP) A white police officer handcuffed a Black child outside his Michigan home in an unfortunate case of wrong place, wrong time, the Lansing Police Department said Friday. The department posted the explanation on Facebook after cellphone video circulated on social media showing the officer leading the boy whose hands are cuffed behind his back through the parking lot of an apartment complex on Thursday. The officer had been searching for a suspect in a string of car thefts when he spotted the child. The boy was identified as 12-year-old Tashawn Bernard during a Friday news conference held by his family and their lawyers. Tashawn was taking trash out to the Dumpster when he was approached by an officer that had his gun unholstered and was holding it in front of him, according to a lawyer representing the family. About three minutes into the video of the incident, an officer removed the handcuffs and spoke with Tashawn for about 30 seconds. Tashawn was then allowed to join his father on the sidewalk. Michael Bernard, Tashawn's father, said he could sense something was wrong when his son was taking longer than usual to bring out the trash. When he went outside, he said, his son had cuffs on and police were standing around him. The Bernard family's lawyers, Ayanna and Rico Neal, said Tashawn is traumatized" so much that he "doesnt not want to go outside anymore. Officials wanted to provide some background information on this unfortunate misunderstanding," police said Friday. A witness had described the suspects outfit before a person who matched the description ran from an officer into an apartment complex, police said. Another officer saw the child in a very similar outfit, stopped him and released him when the officer realized he was not the suspect, police said. Lawyers for the Bernard family say they have not received any additional details from police other than what was shared on social media. The family is exploring all legal options," including the possibility of filing a lawsuit, lawyers said. In Kenosha, Wisconsin, police have launched an internal investigation after another video posted to social media appears to show one of their officers on July 20 punching a Black man the officer mistakenly thought was involved in a hit-and-run crash. Police said witnesses told them two men and a woman carrying a child fled toward an Applebees restaurant. A restaurant employee directed officers toward a man holding a baby. Police then discovered the people responsible for the crash hiding in the restaurants bathroom. Mike Pence and wife Karen strolled through the Iowa state fair, their little fingers locked together, as soap bubbles drifted by and chairlifts trundled overhead. The couple donned red aprons his said Vice President Mike Pence and flipped pork chops on a giant grill while smiling for photographers. Then, with a bead of sweat rolling down his forehead and settling on his cheek on a hot August day, Pence told reporters that he was the most qualified candidate and most consistent conservative in the field for the Republican nomination for US president in 2024. But the carefully choreographed scene hit a glitch. Andrew Wallace was wearing a Make America great again cap and Buck Fiden T-shirt and holding a Trump sign as well as Pences memoir So Help Me God. The 21-year-old from Wisconsin said loudly: Mike Pence is a traitor and we all know it. He could have sent the votes back to the states but he chose not to do it because hes a coward. The episode offered a stark reminder that Pence, once loyal to the point of sycophancy, now stands accused of treachery by supporters of former president Donald Trump over his refusal to overturn their defeat by Joe Biden in the 2020 election. Some called for the then vice-president to be hanged as they stormed the US Capitol on January 6 2021 (this week in Iowa a man approached Pence and remarked: Im glad they didnt hang you.) Related: Struggling DeSantis and Pence attack criminal justice law they championed Now Pence has emerged as one of the central figures in a criminal indictment of Trump over his alleged effort to overturn his 2020 election defeat. Filed earlier this month by special counsel Jack Smith, the indictment documents Trumps many attempts to pressure Pence to disrupt the certification process on January 6. At one point, Trump allegedly told Pence, Youre too honest. Although constitutional experts agree that Pence had no authority to challenge the election results, his role in certifying Trumps defeat has won him few fans with Republican voters, 70% of whom believe Bidens win was illegitimate. That reality has complicated, if not erased, the hopes of a man seen by many as a throwback to a Republican party that has largely ceased to exist. Former vice-president Mike Pence and wife Karen visit the childrens section of the Iowa state fair. Photograph: Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters Pence used his platform at the Iowa state fair a rite of passage for candidates to gorge on fried food and woo middle America to defend his actions in protecting the constitution, affirm a hawkish approach foreign policy and endorse cutting welfare benefits in the name of fiscal responsibility. He spoke of his faith in God, civility and former president Ronald Reagan. These would once have been uncontroversial, even essential foundations of any Republican candidacy, especially in religiously conservative Iowa, which holds the first-in-the-nation caucuses in January. But Trump took over the party of Reagan and transformed it from within. He attacked constitutional democracy with a barrage of lies, promoted America-first isolationism and ran up a huge national debt. There is nothing traditional about his approach to civility or God. All of which has left Pence out of step with the party base. One example is over the Russian invasion of Ukraine, where Pence has pledged continued US support but Trump and his allies in Congress want to halt funding. Wallace, the Trump supporter, said: If Mike Pence was a true conservative, he would join the conservative movement and oppose the war in Ukraine. John Rusk, a Republican who opposes Trump, retorted: How would you like it if your country was overtaken your democratic country was attacked, bombed, raped, murdered, looted? Come on. Thats not the American way. The American way is to stop people like that, stop tyrants. Related: Trump rivals struggle for attention after classified documents indictment Wallace replied: Talk to the majority of young Republicans. They did a poll of that kind down in West Palm Beach and 96% opposed it. Those are the young people, Gen Z, millennials. If the people that are going to be fighting in a war dont want to fight the war then why are the people like you, the older generation, fighting for us to go to Ukraine? With that he left and Rusk shouted after him: You want Russia to come here then, dont you? Youd love it. Pence is also the only major candidate who supports a federal ban on abortion at six weeks, before many women know they are pregnant. Recent voters across America suggest this could be an electoral liability. But Pence said on Friday: I reject the notion that standing for the sanctity of life is a political loser. There are things more important than politics but I really believe that, when we stand for the sanctity of life on principle and with compassion, the American people will rally to our cause. Earlier, the former vice-president drew a crowd of about a hundred people to an event hosted by Iowa governor Kim Reynolds. Wearing checked shirt, blue jeans and brown boots, the white-haired Pence, once described by Trump as central casting, looked the part of a Republican candidate from another era. He played folksy by praising the food at the state fair, saying he would see its famed butter cow sculpture and recalling a meeting in Iowa with a cow called Chippy. Sherry Power, 78, a retired nurse from Corona, California, who said: I love him. Hes got integrity like we dont see any more here and hell build on that if he gets in. He doesnt have bad things to say about any of the other people that are running for president and I like that. He has experience and that is the big difference between he and a lot of the other people that are running. But Pences poor standing in opinion polls underscores the monumental challenge he faces. According to FiveThirtyEights national polling average, he stands at a distant fourth in the race, winning the support of roughly 5% of likely Republican primary voters across the country. A recent New York Times/Siena College poll showed Pence at just 3% in Iowa, which will hold its caucuses in January. There were also some Trump supporters in the crowd as former vice-president Mike Pence visited the Iowa state fair on Friday. Photograph: Brandon Bell/Getty Images In one bleak sign of his primary prospects, Pence raised a meagre $1.2m during the second quarter of the year. That haul put Pence behind two other candidates, former New Jersey governor Chris Christie and North Dakota governor Doug Burgum, who announced their campaigns the same week that he did. The Pence campaign is remaining upbeat and content with the notion that he represents traditional values. Marc Short, an adviser, said: I would argue that hes the only classical conservative in this race. But as he says, what the Trump-Pence era did was to build upon that, not to replace it. It took that as the foundation and there were some populist policies added on top of that. Theres a much broader number of classical Republicans still in our party and well test that theory. But political analysts regard his chances as slim. Michael DAntonio, co-author of The Shadow President: The Truth About Mike Pence, said: I dont know what hes doing in this race other than trying to keep himself in the public eye. His candidacy is really puzzling. I dont get it. Maybe hes trying to recover some of the dignity he lost as vice-president. DAntonio suggested the former vice-presidents campaign may be intended for the history books rather than the primary voters of today. The stand that he took on January 6 is the main thing that has distinguished him as a public official, and he could be trying to make sure that history doesnt forget, he said. In a way, defying Trumps base is similar to defying Trump himself on that day. But in Iowa, David Stelzer, who at the Des Moines Register newspapers political soapbox asked Pence if he had committed treason, thinks he should have spoken out much sooner after January 6. The sad thing is he wont get that chapter in a future Profiles in Courage book because he didnt finish the job and it was because hes so worried about alienating the Trump base. Stelzer, 63, a retired federal government employee who lives in Denver, added: His chances in the Republican primary are zero. This is the tragedy. He will not win because the Trump base will not allow it. I mean, Jesus, they set up gallows for him. Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko wrote on Aug. 12 that Russian forces struck the city of Orikhiv in Zaporizhzhia Oblast with a guided bomb, killing one person and injuring 12 others. According to Klymenko, Orikhiv's 31-year-old police captain was killed. Four of the injured were also police officers. The wounded are receiving medical treatment and several of them are in critical condition, Klymenko added. Intense fighting is currently ongoing on the front line near Orikhiv, making it a frequent target of Russian attacks. Russia also hit Orikhiv with guided bombs in late July. Read also: Russias new guided bombs pose increasingly serious threat to Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced on Aug. 12 that Ukraine has allocated $225,000 to fund 15 "revolutionary" defense tech products. They include drones resistant to electronic warfare, remote control robots, systems for the search and identification of mines, and AI tools for analysis. The funding is provided under the Brave1 government initiative, which was launched in April to invest in defense tech innovations that can be utilized by the Ukrainian military, as well as serve as a platform to connect the industry's stakeholders. "Technology and innovation play a key role in modern warfare," Fedorov wrote on Telegram. "They help bring victory closer and preserve the most valuable thing the lives of our soldiers." Fifteen more projects are in the process of making agreements with the government to receive $235,000 of funding. Fedorov once again encouraged those who have innovative defense tech ideas to apply for government support. Read also: Fighting smarter: Ukraines transformation into a military innovator Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A Minneapolis police officer was shot and wounded by automatic gunfire during an apparent ambush while pursuing a robbery suspect in an unmarked car on the city's North Side late Friday night, Police Chief Brian O'Hara said. The seven-year department veteran was struck in the back of the shoulder and taken to North Memorial Health in Robbinsdale, where he was treated and discharged overnight. Top police officials declined to name the injured officer, but three sources with knowledge of the investigation identified him as Jacob Spies. "By the grace of God, he is alive, awake and talking," O'Hara said during a late-night news conference. "This incident underscores the incredible courage, bravery and truly the restraint of our officers as they face incredible challenges today. Putting their lives on the line to protect strangers." Four suspects, including a teenage boy, were later taken into custody, O'Hara said. Investigators also recovered one firearm from the scene. O'Hara gave this account of the chaotic string of events Friday night: Just before 8 p.m., officers observed a white Chevrolet Equinox in the area of a robbery that had just occurred at 36th and Queen avenues N. in Minneapolis, O'Hara said. Officers from the Fourth Precinct attempted a traffic stop on the SUV. The vehicle had a COPS alert for fleeing from Brooklyn Park police on Thursday, he said. The vehicle initially pulled over but then fled. Around an hour later, a uniformed patrol officer driving alone in an unmarked, "unconventional" vehicle observed that same Chevy in the area of Dowling and Morgan avenues N. He pursued the suspect vehicle for about a mile, trailing behind and believing he was "undetected while he was calling for additional officers." At 9:16 p.m. on the 4300 block of Colfax Avenue N., the officer pursuing the suspect vehicle was ambushed by a volley of automatic gunfire as he drove past. At least 14 rounds were fired six struck the squad and one hit the officer in the shoulder. The officer drove west on Webber Parkway to Fremont Avenue N., where a backup officer pulled him from the vehicle and raced him to the hospital. O'Hara declined to name the injured officer, describing him only as a seven-year veteran and a member of the Fourth Precinct Community Response Team. Shortly after the shots were fired, backup officers spotted the same Chevy Equinox in the area of 42nd and Lyndale avenues N., O'Hara said. Several squad cars began pursuing the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop, but the driver refused to pull over. That pursuit continued with assistance from deputies from Hennepin County Sheriff's Office to 21st and Upton avenues N., where the suspect vehicle crashed into a parked car. Two men, one woman and a teenage boy were arrested. All three males were hospitalized with minor injuries, including one man who was bitten by a dog with the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, O'Hara said. Investigators roped off multiple crime scenes Friday night. Forensic analysts placed evidence markers over spent bullet casings at the site of the shooting as investigators combed side streets with flashlights. At the crash site, the heavily damaged Chevy Equinox could be seen with its airbags deployed and doors flung open. "The officer I would say is in shock. ... Looking at the car, listening to the gunfire it truly is a blessing he is still here with us," O'Hara said, flanked by newly appointed Assistant Chiefs Christopher Gaiters and Katie Blackwell. "That particular block, the way it's set up with a hillcrest, on a grade and on a curve is quite frankly a perfect area for somebody to be ambushed." "You wouldn't see it coming," he added. The officer, later identified as Spies, was released from North Memorial around 1:30 a.m. Saturday, where more than 120 Minneapolis and suburban officers waited outside to salute him. They applauded as he and his wife, Holly, slowly walked to their waiting SUV in the ambulance bay. Man in 70s fatally stabbed Also Friday night in Minneapolis, a man in his 70s was stabbed to death in a suspected domestic homicide on 17th and Dupont avenues S. and a woman in her 30s was arrested, police said. Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.) said on Friday that he has grave concerns about President Bidens reelection bid amid weak polling numbers and the controversy surrounding his son, and encouraged other Democrats to jump into the 2024 race. The Hill Elections 2024 coverage I love Joe Biden, Phillips told CNNs Jake Tapper. I think hes a man of decency, of competency. His record is extraordinary. I voted for it. Ive helped market it and distribute it. I think the world of him. But I also believe my job is not duty-bound to the president, to my party, but to the constitution and country, he continued. And right now, I have grave concerns I am scared. Im trying to raise that bell, be the clarion call if you will. Phillips, who is himself mulling a 2024 primary challenge against Biden, pointed to the large share of Democrats who would prefer an alternative to the president, as well as the growing controversy surrounding Hunter Biden. Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed David Weiss, the Delaware federal prosecutor who has led the investigation into the presidents son, to serve as special counsel on Friday, as a pending plea deal appears to have fallen apart. I do not think the president is corrupt, Phillips said. I want to make that really clear. But we are duty-bound to investigate, to ensure the facts come out. And the fact is we dont know where this goes. And I think its too much risk for Democrats to take this chance without a back-up plan because what we have right now in reserve is awfully consequential and frankly frightening, he added. However, the Minnesota congressman said on Friday that he does not believe he is best positioned to launch such a White House bid. There are ample well-prepared, competent people of great character ready to go, Phillips said. And I think if the president would consider passing that torch now, just imagine Jake, the energy behind a next generation on the Democratic primary stage. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Nearly two years after a Washington state six-year-old was reported missing, newly released court documents scratch the surface of the abuse she and her siblings endured at the hands of her uncooperative, drug-addicted biological parents as authorities fight to search the children's juvenile records for clues. The siblings of Oakley Carlson ages four, eight, and eleven have allegedly told detectives that their sister was physically abused and spent time locked away and starving in a "cell" underneath the stairs, according to court documents obtained by Fox News Digital. Oakley's sister allegedly said that "her mother . . . had told her not to talk about Oakley" and that the child "had gone out into the woods and had been eaten by wolves," court records show. Oakley was last seen alive in February 2021, but authorities would not learn of her disappearance until her family home burned down in December 2021. WASHINGTON OFFICERS FATALLY SHOOT MAN WHO OPENED FIRE FOLLOWING ATTEMPTS TO DE-ESCALATE SITUATION Oakley Carlson is pictured in an age-regressed picture provided by the Grays Harbor County Sheriff's Department. She would now be six years old, but she has not been seen since February 2021. Oakley's mother, Jordan Bowers, was sentenced this week to a 43-month prison term for identity theft unrelated to her daughter's disappearance. She was charged with the crime "just minutes" after she finished a 20-month prison sentence for child endangerment, according to local outlet KOMO News, after Oakley's siblings tested positive for "extremely high" levels of methamphetamine. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Andrew Carlson, the girl's father, is authorities' only other suspect. He was also slapped with child abuse charges and released in August 2022 due to his lack of previous criminal history. Both parents have been evasive with police throughout the search for Oakley and were initially jailed on obstruction charges, according to People. but no charges have been filed in relation to the girl's disappearance. Since 2013, the state's Department of Youth and Family Services received "11 intakes regarding the family, eight of which have been screened in for allegations of domestic violence, physical abuse, parental drug use, and medical neglect." Bowers has fought the release of these records, arguing that those concerning her other children are not "involved" in Oakley's disappearance and that their unsealing would violate her constitutional protections from undue search and seizure. Police first caught wind of Oakley's disappearance after school staff paid a visit to the girl's household after her mother "reported . . . that [Oakley] had started a fire at the family home sometime in November 2021." The family never called emergency services, according to the court document, and continued to live in the home for an unclear amount of time despite "an insurance agent advising that it was unsafe to do so." DAD OF MISSING WISCONSIN BOY, 13, WHO LEFT OME IN FAMILY VAN BELIEVES HE MAY HAVE BEEN COERCED The most recent pictures investigators have of Oakley Carlson were taken on her third birthday, two years before her disappearance. When they saw no sign of the girl and were told by siblings that "there is no Oakley," they contacted police. Despite the parents' claim that Oakley had started the fire by igniting the family's couch with her mother's lighter for which the children allegedly told police the girl "was subsequently beaten" investigators determined that the blaze likely started in a microwave, according to FOX 13 Seattle. One of the children allegedly told police that "all four children were home at the time of the fire and . . . everyone made it out except [Oakley]." DRUG EXPOSED BABIES PUT IN 'A VERY DANGEROUS POSITION' BY STATE'S NEW POLICY, CRITICS WORRY Oakley Carlson in an undated image provided by her previous foster parents, who have previously told Fox News that officials ignored their warnings before the girl was returned to her parents' custody. "As older siblings that were also in the mother's care and were present when the family's home burned, [Oakley's two older siblings] were witnesses to the events leading up to [Oakley's] disappearance," the Washington Court of Appeals' decision to allow authorities to review the other children's documents read. Criminal profiler John Kelly previously told Fox News Digital that he believed Oakley was still alive. Oakley Carlson, pictured in an undated image provided by her previous foster family. "These people are addicts if they did sell her or give her to another person or something, would they think about giving all the toys," Kelly said of his previous reasoning to Fox on Thursday. "Why would you put the effort into giving all the toys. Of course, they're irrational, but wouldn't it look better if her toys were scattered there?" His organization S.T.A.L.K. was previously offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the girl's safe return. That reward has now been extended to information leading to the recovery of her body. "With the escalation of this abuse that I'm hearing now, I have to be open-minded, and I have to accept the possibility that Oakley may not be alive," he said. "That's why we have to reframe the reward." A St. Joseph couple who documented their breach of the Capitol during the Jan. 6 riot including a photo of the woman climbing through a broken window have pleaded guilty to a single misdemeanor count. Steven and Kimberly Dragoo, who both were charged in June with four misdemeanors, entered guilty pleas Friday to parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building. The hearing took place before Judge Beryl A. Howell in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The two are scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 17. They face a maximum six months in jail, five years probation and a $5,000 fine. They also agreed to pay $500 restitution each for damage to the Capitol, which the government says was more than $2.9 million. Their plea agreements, which came just two months after they were charged, were reached faster than any of the other 18 Missouri residents who have entered guilty pleas to date. Steven Dragoo, 65, and Kimberly Dragoo, 54, were originally charged with entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds; disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds; disorderly conduct in a Capitol building or grounds; and parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building. In signed statements entered with their guilty pleas, the couple said they had flown to Washington, D.C., on Jan. 5, 2021, to protest Congress certification of the Electoral College. That day, the statements said, Kimberly Dragoo posted a now-deleted picture on Facebook of the two on a plane going to D.C. The post said, Washington DC Trump Rally #Stop the Steal Here we go. Kimberly Dragoos now-deleted Facebook post on Jan. 5, 2021, showing a picture of her and her husband, Steven, on a plane headed to Washington, D.C., to attend the Stop the Steal rally. The next morning, their statements said, the Dragoos attended the rally on the Ellipse. About 1:30 p.m., they headed to the Capitol with other protesters. While on the Capitol grounds, the documents said, Kimberly Dragoo posted videos on her Facebook account in which she narrated what she was seeing on the northwest side of the building. In one video, the statements said, Kimberly Dragoo stated, They stormed the CapitolWe got stuck in the crowd for like an hourIm not getting back in it again. Smoke was visible throughout the video, the documents said, along with temporary fencing marked with large lettering that said, AREA CLOSED. In another video posted on Kimberly Dragoos Facebook page, she could be heard saying, This part is all barricaded and These people all went through itTheyre not supposed to be up here. Flash bang diversionary devices were going off during the video, according to the statements, and loud emergency vehicle sirens were wailing in the background. Police cars arrived, and gray smoke was seen rising from the area. From another location, the documents said, Kimberly Dragoo filmed a large group of Metropolitan Police officers arriving in riot gear to jeers and objects being thrown from the crowd. After filming those scenes, the statements said, the Dragoos moved across the Capitol grounds and onto the terrace outside the Senate Wing Door. Steven Dragoo took a picture of his wife posing just outside a broken window near the door, the statements said, then both of them entered the Capitol about 3:15 p.m. through that window. They exited less than two minutes later and saw officers trying to barricade the broken window and direct rioters out of the building. Capitol security video showed the Dragoos re-entering the Capitol around 3:23 p.m., this time through the Senate Wing Door, their signed statements said. They walked with a crowd down a corridor and then retreated when confronted by a line of officers. Kimberly Dragoo After Steven Dragoo took several more photos of his wife inside the Capitol, the couple left through the Senate Wing Door, the statements said. A probable cause affidavit filed with the Dragoos criminal complaints said the FBI had interviewed them on Jan. 20, 2021, at the agencys St. Joseph office after receiving multiple tips that the two had invaded the Capitol. The couple advised they had been following a Stop the Steal Facebook page, which provided them with details for their attendance at the Trump rallies in Washington, D.C., on December 12, 2020, and January 6, 2021, the affidavit said. Kimberly Dragoo said she had started a similar Stop the Steal Facebook page for Missouri, it said. During that interview, the affidavit said, both Kimberly Dragoo and Steven Dragoo admitted to their presence inside the Capitol and stated that they had not done anything wrong. A picture of 20-year-old Sophia Van Dam and her 2-year-old son, Matteo, both smiling, stare up at Theresa Van Dam, Sophias mother and Matteos grandmother. The missing poster that Theresa Van Dam posted In Sumter, S.C. near the rental home of her missing daughter Sophia and Sophias child, Matteo. The headline reads: MISSING. Theresa rubs her hands across it, trying to press away its creases, as she speaks about what may have happened to her youngest child and beloved grandson and the agony of the nearly two months of uncertainty. I miss his little smile, you know? Van Dam says wistfully of Matteo. And his twinkly little eyes. Four law enforcement agencies have remained silent about the investigation since the beginning. What little she knows is procedural. Shes been told that the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is assisting Sumter Police and the Beaufort County Sheriffs Office in investigating the puzzling disappearance of her daughter and grandson. SLED has not returned telephone calls to the Island Packet and Beaufort Gazette, confirming they are involved in the investigation. Kevin Wheeler, spokesperson for the FBI, said they are aware of the case but would not provide information about whether the agency is involved. Sumter and Beaufort County law enforcement have been silent. Authorities, Van Dam said, have given her very little information, leaving the mother of five and former Marine drill instructor thinking endlessly about the final communications she had with her youngest and the things she knows about her that only a mother can know. What little is known is - the pair vanished after leaving Beaufort in June to return to the house Sophia rented in Sumter. From there the trail goes painfully cold. The family, she says, is still holding out hope Sophia and Matteo are alive but foul play cant be ruled out, Van Dam says. It is my sister and it is my nephew, says Sophias sister Mariah, I love them dearly, I love my nephew like hes my own son. The last time Theresa Van Dam saw Sophia and Matteo was at 1 a.m. Wednesday, June 21 at her Beaufort home. A day later, Theresa tried contacting her daughter by text and got through once by phone. Somebody picked up the phone but did not say, hello. Van Dam says she could hear Matteo laughing in the background, and a male voice, too, and I heard it go, click, she said as the call ended. A copy of the missing poster that Theresa Van Dam posted In Sumter, S.C. near the rental home of her missing daughter Sophia and Sophias child, Matteo. The last text she received from her daughter was on June. 24. Authorities were able to determine that the text had pinged off a cell tower near Santee Cooper Lake on Interstate 95. Van Dam is not aware of any subsequent pings from the cell phone. In a recent development, the home Sophia rented has been released by law enforcement. This will allow Theresa Van Dam to retrieve her daughters belongings and discover any clues in the house where her daughter was last believed to have been located. The mother and grandmother will be left looking for answers in the disappearance of her daughter and grandson. We still have hope and we still pray but without me being able to see the house, its really hard for me to, you know, come to a determination, Van Dam said. As a mother Ive thought about different scenarios. If there was foul play involved and they have all of the evidence that they need, at that point Ill make sure that whoever is responsible, if they have done anything wrong, it will be pushed to the fullest extent of the law to bring punishment upon them if they have enough evidence for that. Sumter and Beaufort connection Sophia had been living with her parents in Beaufort and commuting nearly an hour to work in a welding job in Walterboro. In mid-April she moved to Sumter, two hours north of the family home. Just before she went missing Sophia and Matteo had returned home to Beaufort. Sophia was upset, her mother said, and was planning to move back to Beaufort for good. She had even brought up the possibility of her parents helping her financially so she could get out of her Sumter lease. After going missing for several days, her disappearance was reported to Sumter Police on June 28. Officers were dispatched and found her car in the driveway but nobody answered the door. Theresa Van Dam called and told them to check again. I said, you dont understand, there is something wrong, Van Dam said. And I said, you need to go and do more than knock on the door and say no one answers and the car is there. I said, there is a 2-year-old child involved. I said, I need to know whats going on the inside of that house. I said go talk to the neighbors, see if theres been any movement, see if they have seen anything. Its very important. The anguish takes a toll Theresa Van Dam said she finally broke down emotionally last weekend from the stress of her daughter and grandson being gone. She misses them. It finally hit, she said. Theresa Van Dam, mother of missing Sophia Van Dam and her son Matteo, displays a family photo on Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023 at the Beaufort Library in downtown Beaufort. Van Dam is coming to grips that foul play may have been involved in her daughters disappearance but remains hopeful her grandson is safe. If anybody sees her, Van Dam says, dont assume that she is with people who are her friends and report it to authorities. If somebody sees just Matteo, or Sophia by herself, also report that, she added. Were hoping she ran away and had to leave everything and is hiding out, Van Dam said. A Facebook post previously reported seeing a person and small child resembling Sophia and Matteo panhandling along a highway in Maryland. The information was passed along to police who checked it and put out a be on the lookout notification. No additional sightings have been reported as far as Van Dam knows. Theyve always said, Well, we still have hope, we still have hope said Van Dam, referring to her discussions with investigators. And were praying for you and you keep praying for us. Which we have. Ive prayed, Lord please lead the detectives and all the law enforcement agencies that are involved in this in the right direction so we can get closure as to what has happened or we can locate and find them and bring them home. If there was foul play involved, Van Dam says, its going to come out, adding, Your sins will find you out and it will come out if there was foul play involved. Family members describe Sophia as bright and funny. She always found a way to make people laugh, says her sister, Mariah. She was once voted class clown and graduated from Battery Creek High School in 2020. She began private school early and graduated from high school ahead of time. Van Dam thinks it was because she was the youngest and picked up things from her older siblings. Later, she earned a certificate in welding. Sophia once told her mom she wanted a dozen kids, but then she had Matteo had realized how much work it was. She had a wild side, too, family members said, and ran away once, when she was 16. Ever since then, she was involved with the wrong people running the streets, Mariah says. I think Sophia wanted to grow up too quick, her mother said. Anyone with information is urged to contact Lt. Angie Crumpton with the Beaufort County Sheriffs Office at 843-255-3409 or the Sumter Police Department at 803-436-2700. Read more at: https://www.islandpacket.com/news/local/community/beaufort-news/article277279753.html#storylink=cpy The Peoria City/County Health Department conducts food inspections for a wide range of establishments in the area from restaurants to long-term care facilities and schools. Inspections look for issues that could contribute to the spread of foodborne illness, as well as general cleanliness and maintenance of the establishment. In July, the Journal Star examined routine inspections for restaurants, mobile establishments and bars/taverns in Peoria County. From these categories, over 100 routine inspections were completed. The establishments listed below received either no violations or enough violations to warrant a warning from the health department. Note: According to the Peoria City/County Health Department, "inspections only provide a snapshot of a food establishment's practices, as they are based on what is seen at the time of the inspection." More: 19 violations and live flies: The best and worst Peoria food inspections for June Terminology used by the health department Core violation: These violations relate to "general sanitation, operational controls, sanitation standard operating procedures (SSOPs), facilities or structures, equipment design, or general maintenance," according to the health department. Priority foundation violation: These violations could lead to priority violations if they are not corrected. Priority violation: These violations are considered the most high-risk by the health department, as they have the potential to directly contribute to foodborne illness. Establishments with no violations during routine July inspections Arby's Roast Beef Restaurant 9015 N. Allen Road, Peoria Caterpillar Tech L 14009 N. Old Galena Road, Chillicothe Christ Alive Church 9320 W. Route 150, Elmwood Fat Jack's Pizza 7016 N. University St., Peoria Hickory River Smokehouse 5101 W. Holiday Dr., Peoria Las Delicias 837 W. Main St., Peoria Tacos and Thai LLC Mobile The Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern 212 SW Water St., Peoria Marge's Tavern 930 N. Second St., Chillicothe Missing Zither Craft Cocktails 6035 N. Knoxville Ave. Ste 100-z, Peoria Thai food or tacos? Friends embark on journey with a new food truck and unique menu Establishments that received warning comments during routine July inspections Landmark Bar & Grill & Fitness Smoothie Center at 3225 N. Dries Lane, Peoria, received three priority, five priority foundation and 11 core violations. These included: Handwashing sink did not have paper towels, leading employee to incorrectly wash hands. Sanitizer was found with a concentration that exceeded "the maximum toxic level for use on a food-contact surface, as specified by manufacturer." Live drain flies and mouse droppings were found in the establishment. The health department noted that "Pans are stained with grease and other residues due to age and lack of proper cleaning throughout the years." Other cooking equipment was also found to be soiled and greasy. Floors, shelving and condenser lines were found in various states of disrepair. Sushigawa at 2601 W Lake Ave. A-2B, Peoria, received one priority, five priority foundation and eight core violations. These included: According to the health department, "inadequate hot water is available to all fixtures." Dirty food buckets were found in the kitchen. Food in the establishment was missing the "use-by date," which indicates how long an establishment can hold the food before needing to sell or discard it. The person in charge at the restaurant "is not a Certified Food Protection Manager who has shown proficiency of required information through passing a test that is part of an accredited program." This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Peoria health department restaurant inspections for July 2023 The News & Observer posted a story Wednesday a week ago that gave you insights on what its like to live, work and play during 24 hours on Glenwood South. A few days later, Raleigh police took actions in the Glenwood South neighborhood, letting the community know via Facebook that 14 guns had been seized and 36 arrested during the first weekend of August. Aaron Sanchez-Guerras story provided these details: The Raleigh Police Department made numerous drug and quality-of-life charges in the area, according to a Facebook post depicting seized firearms, cash, marijuana and other substances. These charges included assault on a law enforcement officer, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, open container violations, indecent exposure, careless and reckless driving and DWI charges, the post said. Raleigh police spokesman Lt. Jason Borne told The News & Observer that the charges occurred Friday and Saturday. Was it coincidental or causal inference that The N&Os reporting on Glenwood South intersected with Raleigh polices decision to chronicle their actions? Bill Church, Executive Editor of The News & Observer I tried Pilates once and realized that any effort to excessively slap my back required more stretching followed by two Aleve tablets. As my always-finds-the-best-in-others wife likes to say, Good for them! Arrests on Glenwood Avenue Its accurate to say there was no cooperation. The N&Os reporting on the many personalities of Glenwood South reflected a community interest. Your responses and our digital audience analytics validated this complex newsgathering project. Raleigh police did their own assessment of Glenwood Souths quality of life, and perhaps their actions were serendipitous (for everyone except those 36 arrested). As midnight approaches four Raleigh Police Department motorcycle officers gather at the corner of Glenwood Avenue and Johnson Streets on Friday July 21, 2023 in Raleigh, N.C. I highlighted our newsgathering approach to Glenwood South in a column last week. Im not a big fan of editors columns that skew institutional or have the excitement level of a defense attorneys closing argument in an IRS tax hearing. Ive been writing this weekly column for about a year with the goals of: 1) Making it conversational and personable (or as a reader once described not preachy). 2) Mention The N&Os connections with the topic (because, hey, thats why youre reading it). 3) Try to get it done before my column editors, Thad Ogburn or Brooke Cain, file a Missing Person report. (I write in spurts interrupted by meandering walks and cheeky conversations with anyone in a 2-mile radius.) The dont-be-preachy mantra isnt easy because Ive been an editor for a while and understand better than most that storytelling doesnt happen the same way you order a pizza. Unless youre ordering from a local pizza place that picks its own tomatoes and obsesses over the dough. There is no such thing as a 30-minute pizza if you include sourcing the ingredients. And there is no such thing as a 30-minute, one-ingredient story. Differentiating our journalism We talk often with our journalists about focusing on differentiated, essential ingredients in their reporting, writing and visuals. Your personal news stream is likely multifaceted and messy. How do we differentiate our journalism from others in a news stream that often feels like an angry ocean? This is why reporting by Brian Gordon and Richard Stradling on VinFasts new plant in Chatham County focused on impact and issues, such as why there have been NCDOT delays on roads to VinFast. I hope you spent time with When Birth Brings Death, a News & Observer and The Charlotte Observer investigation on North Carolinas troubling maternity mortality rate. N&O reporters Tyler Dukes and Teddy Rosenbluth dug deep into the data to reveal the public-policy gaps. Charlottes Lisa Vernon Sparks reported on the states high Black maternal death rate. Will anything happen to speed up construction of the roads to the VinFast plant? Will the states public-policy approach change when it comes to protecting North Carolina moms? Our job is to look after your interests, to be the publics watchdog, to do journalism with impact. If policy makers and state leaders take action, theres no back-slapping here. As my favorite person often says, Good for them! Because coincidence sometimes is a good thing. Bill Church is executive editor of The News Observer. A rocket motor thats part of the development program for NASAs Mars Ascent Vehicle is tested at a Northrop Grumman facility in Elkton, Maryland on March 29, 2023. NASA has test-fired rocket motors as part of the development of an ascent vehicle designed to launch samples off the Red Planet. NASA and its contractors are developing the Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV) for the NASA-European Space Agency Mars Sample Return mission campaign. The MAV is designed to get samples collected on Mars into orbit above the Red Planet, where they'll be grabbed by a spacecraft that will haul them to Earth. The MAV, which is planned to be the first rocket ever to launch from another planet, is a two-stage vehicle. Two development solid rocket motors, SRM1 and SMR2, for each stage have been fired in recent months to test their performance before building the real motors destined for Mars. Related: What's ahead in returning samples from Mars? a rocket motor blasts orange fire in a cement-walled room during a test SRM2 was tested at Northrop Grumman's facility in Elkton, Maryland, on March 29. Footage from a recently released video shows the engine firing up while spinning at 200 RPM. The second stage will use spin stabilization to keep the launcher on target toward its correct orbit. SRM1 was tested on April 7 at Edwards Air Force Base in California. Both trials were conducted to test performance of the motors at minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 20 degrees Celsius) to simulate conditions on Mars. The SRM1 test demonstrated a state-of-the-art trapped ball nozzle featuring a supersonic split line, which will allow the motor to alter the direction of its thrust and control its flight. This novel design was employed because normal gimballing solid rocket motor nozzles can't handle the extreme cold present on Mars, mission team members said. RELATED STORIES: Perseverance Mars rover stashes final sample, completing Red Planet depot Perseverance rover collects Mars samples rich in 'organic matter' for future return to Earth NASA's Mars Sample Return in jeopardy after US Senate questions budget "This test demonstrates our nation has the capacity to develop a launch vehicle that can successfully be lightweight enough to get to Mars and robust enough to put a set of samples into orbit to bring back to Earth," MAV Propulsion Manager Benjamin Davis, of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama, said in a statement . "The hardware is telling us that our technology is ready to proceed with development." MAV will land on Mars with the Sample Retrieval Lander (SRL) near or in Jezero Crater. NASA's Perseverance rover is already collecting Mars samples there to be gathered up and sent back to Earth. The sample return program is, however, facing a level of in jeopardy after the U.S. Senate raised questions about the mission's expanding budget. The Mars Sample Return Program is being managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. JPL released the footage on July 31. Through a name-change vote held this past week at its annual conference in Winnipeg, Canada, the National American Journalists Association (NAJA) is now the Indigenous Journalists Association (IJA). The vote was 89 to 55 -- or 62 percent of the vote. This transition was marked by the introduction of the new name and logo at the NAJA Membership Luncheon. IJA serves more than 850 members, including media professionals working in Indigenous, freelance, independent and mainstream news outlets, as well as academia and students covering Indigenous peoples and communities. Graham Lee Brewer (Cherokee Nation), president of IJA, expressed his enthusiasm for the name change, emphasizing the empowering movement of Indigenous journalists worldwide who are taking their rightful place as storytellers of their own narratives. Never miss Indian Countrys biggest stories and breaking news. Click here to sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. It's so inspiring to see Indigenous journalists around the world asserting themselves in newsrooms and taking their place as the rightful storytellers of their own narratives. It's long overdue, and we're so proud and excited to be a part of that movement,Brewer said. Connecting with our brothers and sisters across the globe, from Canada to New Zealand, has made it clear that as Indigenous peoples the struggles we face in this industry are universal. The organization was established forty years ago in 1983 when a gathering of Native American journalists led to the formation of the Native American Press Association. In 1990, the association underwent a name change to NAJA, a move aimed at extending support for Native voices across all media platforms and ensuring accurate representation of Native communities through contextual reporting. Despite the challenges posed by colonial influences on history and narratives, Brewer highlighted the commitment of Indigenous journalists to represent their communities authentically. He pointed out the contemporary opportunity to connect and establish meaningful relationships among Indigenous journalists globally, fostering knowledge-sharing and mutual support. IJA, in accordance with its principle of recognizing Indigenous peoples as unique groups with distinct traditions and cultures, endeavors to unite its members through journalism programs that emphasize diversity and address threats to free press, speech, and expression. The organization is dedicated to boosting the presence of Indigenous journalists in mainstream media and encourages both Indigenous and mainstream media to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and responsibility. As part of the new developments, the board of directors saw the election of Sunnie Clahchischiligi (Dine) and Joseph Lee (Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head), while Jourdan Bennett-Begaye (Dine) was reelected. Several existing directors, including Angel Ellis (Muscogee Creek Nation), Savannah Maher (Mashpee Wampanoag), Angel Moore (Peguis First Nation), Shondiin Silversmith (Dine), Jodi Rave Spotted Bear (Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation / Lakota), and Christine Trudeau (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation), will continue to serve for their respective terms. The Executive Director of IJA, Rebecca Landsberry-Baker, mentioned that the organization has been preparing for this rebranding for a year, which includes the development of a new website. She expressed excitement about the expansion of support for members and the communities they serve over the next chapter of the newly named Indigenous Journalists Association's journey. About the Author: "Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at editor@nativenewsonline.net. " Contact: news@nativenewsonline.net Big cash bonuses are not just for Navy recruits. The Navy is also offering more than $100,000 to naval aviators to stay in the service and become senior officers and admirals. In an administrative message released last week, the sea service announced that pilots who are commanders in rank and eligible to head up a squadron could receive $105,000 if they agree to three more years of service. The amount is $5,000 higher than in previous years, and the Navy has also introduced a two-year obligation option with a $35,000 bonus as well. Read Next: Army Reserve Fixes Tuition Benefits Breakdown Just Before Students Enter Fall Semester The message notes that officers who take the three-year bonus -- paid out in $35,000 increments over those years -- will have a 22-year obligation of service. The two-year bonus carries a 21-year obligation. Meanwhile, the Navy's recruiting website for new enlisted sailors boasts that future active-duty sailors who leave for boot camp before October can earn up to $140,000 between bonuses and loan repayment offerings. The Navy says that its goal with the large retention bonus for pilots is to keep "highly talented, hard-working naval aviators and naval flight officers, screened for aviation command" on active duty and hold on to "their invaluable and irreplaceable skill sets and leadership." "They are the major commanders and flag officers of tomorrow," the message added. While there is little recent data, historically, government investigations and reports have found that the Navy has struggled to retain pilots in necessary numbers. However, that problem is not as severe as the struggle the Navy's surface warfare community faces. It's also not the only branch facing the challenge. The Navy also runs a similar retention program for reserve pilots at the department head level. This year, it offered similar-sized bonuses for some pilots to stay past that mid-career point as well. Applications for the commanding officer bonus are due by the end of August. -- Konstantin Toropin can be reached at konstantin.toropin@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @ktoropin. Related: Navy Recruiting Boss Overruled by Superiors on 6-Day Workweek Plan The health ministry in Cyprus began administering human anti-COVID medication on Thursday in an effort to stamp out a virus that has killed thousands of felines on the Mediterranean island. Christodoulos Pipis, the veterinary services director for the Cypriot government, told The Guardian newspaper Thursday that the Cypriot health ministry has stocked 500 boxes of anti-COVID medication in an effort to quell the crisis. A stray cat eats at a cemetery in Nicosia on June 14, 2023. A new strain of feline coronavirus, Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) -- which is not transmittable to humans -- is wreaking havoc on the prolific cat population of Cyprus / Credit: CHRISTINA ASSI / AFP via Getty Images "This is the first batch of 2,000 packages that will be made available. Each one contains 40 capsules, so we are talking about a total of 80,000 [anti-COVID] pills," Pipis said. Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a virus that is not transmittable to humans, has rapidly spread across the feline population in Cyprus over the past few months. Local animal rights activists had claimed that as many as 300,000 cats had been wiped out by the deadly disease, but Cyprus Veterinarians Association President Nektaria Ioannou Arsenoglou told The Associated Press last week that the number had been greatly exaggerated. A survey of 35 veterinary clinics conducted by her association found an island-wide total that was closer to around 8,000 deaths, Arsenoglou said. Arsenoglou told the AP that FIP medication can nurse cats back to health in approximately 85% of cases but that providing treatment had proven challenging due to the high price of the medication for many cat care givers. The infection is almost always fatal if left untreated, she said. On Friday, the veterinarians association applauded the government's decision to let its stock of human coronavirus medication to be used on cats on the island. The association said in a statement that it had lobbied for access to the medication at "reasonable prices" since the beginning of the year, when the spread of the virus became noticeable in the island's cat population. FIP is not a new virus and has been in circulation since 1963. The disease typically spreads through cat feces and symptoms of the disease in felines include loss of appetite, weight loss, depression and fever, according to Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Nicknamed the "Island of Cats," Cyprus' link with felines goes back thousands of years. In 2004, a team of French archaeologists discovered what was described at the time as the earliest historical record of cat domestication, in a 9,500-year-old burial site. Helen of Constantinople was also said to have sent boatloads of cats to the island to hunt venomous snakes in 400 AD. Today, a large number of feral cats are known to wander the island although an exact figure is unknown. Parents should plan back-to-school eye exams for kids, experts say Assassinated Ecuadorian presidential candidate campaigned against drug cartels, corruption Exclusive discounts from CBS Mornings Deals House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., on Thursday said that he believes former President Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, "crossed the line of ethics" by accepting a $2 billion investment from Saudi Arabia. The Republican Kentucky representative, who is leading a congressional probe into President Joe Biden's eldest son Hunter's overseas financial dealings, acknowledged the transaction in response to former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's comments accusing Kushner of "grifting," according to The New York Post. "I have been vocal that I think that what Kushner did crossed the line of ethics," Comer told CNN's Jake Tapper, pointing out the differences between the business dealings of Hunter Biden and Kushner, who served as an adviser to Trump in the White House. "But what Christie said, it happened after he left office. Still no excuse, Jake, but it happened after he left office. And Jared Kushner actually has a legitimate business," Comer continued. "This money from the Bidens happened while Joe Biden was vice president, while he was flying to those countries. He look, days after he left Romania, his family started receiving wires from a corrupt Romanian foreign national, days, Jake, like four days after he left, including his granddaughter. What's his granddaughter doing getting a wire from a Romanian foreign national?" he added. Kushner reportedly received the $2 billion investment, which included an expected $25 million in annual management fees, from Saudia Arabia's sovereign wealth fund six months after his father-in-law left the White House. During his tenure in the Trump administration, Kushner was tasked with managing Middle East policy, resulting in him building a relationship with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince and leading efforts to create the Abraham Accords, which established Israel's diplomatic relations initially with Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, and later with Morocco and Sudan. Kushner's private equity firm, Affinity Partners, went forward with the investment deal despite a Saudi Public Investment Fund review panel citing concerns about the "inexperience of the Affinity Fund management" and a due diligence review that deemed the transaction "unsatisfactory in all aspects" among other considerations, according to meeting minutes obtained by The New York Times. But Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who chairs the fund, dismissed and overruled the panel's objections. Comer announced on Thursday that he aims to subpoena members of the Biden family after the committee published a third bank record memo on Wednesday that said the Biden family and Hunter Biden's associates had received $20 million in payments from sources in Russia, Kazakhstan and Ukraine. "What drives me crazy about this is the blinking red light around Jared Kushner," former Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., told MSNBC Thursday after declaring the "appearance of impropriety" in Hunter Biden's scandal. "Why does the Senate not start hearings?" "This is a huge scandal. I do not understand why the Senate is not doing a hearing on all of the Trump grift. And I'm not even talking about the money they netted off foreign governments while they were in office," the former prosecutor said after walking through the extent of Kushner's relationship and dealings with Saudi Arabia, and comparing the situation to former Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin outcome when trying to get an investment from the Saudi government. Democrats' failure to launch an investigation into Kushner, she added, is "a good way to make every headline about Hunter Biden and make everyone forget about what the Trump family did: massive grift while they were in office and even bigger grift trading off the influence of the name Trump after they got out of office. I really think that what Hunter Biden did I disagree what he did, I don't know if his father disagreed what he did. I know that he was tormented by the death of his other son and the addiction of Hunter. But I do know this. I know that the more we give them an open playing field to try to pretend like Joe Biden did something wrong because of Hunter, the bigger mistake we make." "We need to explain to the American people, first, that Joe Biden did nothing wrong, we have no evidence he did anything wrong, and secondly, don't look over here, look at the real sleaziness that occupied the White House the last time Republicans were in charge," McCaskill concluded. Progressive ethics watchdog Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington agreed with McCaskill Thursday, writing on X, formerly known as Twitter, that Kushner "should not get a free pass for his special relationship with Saudi Arabia." "Talk all you want about nepotism and conflicts of interest, but you're not serious people if you don't want to investigate Jared Kushner," the watchdog added in another tweet. Talk all you want about nepotism and conflicts of interest, but you're not serious people if you don't want to investigate Jared Kushner Citizens for Ethics (@CREWcrew) August 11, 2023 Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course. On Friday's edition of "Morning Joe," MSNBC host Joe Scarborough mocked Comer and the other Republican legislators piling on Hunter Biden instead of probing the Trump children's transactions while working in the White House, his comments also in response to Christie's comparison of Hunter Biden's laptop controversy to Kushner's $2 billion investment at a New Hampshire campaign event Thursday. "Let's see, $2 billion, laptop. I don't think it's the same," Scarborough began, raising his hands to weigh the value of Jared Kushner's scandal with that of Hunter Biden's in jest. "You know, you can't control family members, and you want to, but you can't," he continued before comparing both to former President Jimmy Carter's brother, Billy Carter's, contentious relationship with Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi in the 1980s. "There's a big difference between that and people having to be pulled in line when Billy starts showing up next to Muammar Gaddafi in parades and having somebody working inside the White House doing White House business and coming out the other side $2 billion richer." "I mean, the comparison, again. I'm not talking about [Christie] here so much as I'm talking about all the Republicans that are freaking out over Hunter Biden, when they don't look at all the things Donald Trump's children and in-laws got, who actually worked inside the White House," Scarborough added. "[They] got these sweetheart deals from Saudi Arabia and China while they were inside the White House, working inside the White House," he said, adding, "Talk about pay to play." Read more about the GOP probe Mohamed Bazoum is reported to have lost a "worrying" amount of weight Niger's president is in "good spirits" despite being held in "difficult" conditions by the junta that deposed him, his doctor has said after a visit. Mohamed Bazoum, his son and wife have been held in the basement of his palace in Niamey since the coup on 26 July. "Living conditions remain difficult, with the electricity still cut off," the doctor was reported as saying by French public radio station RFI. The visit was approved amid growing international demands for his release. RFI said it was the first outside contact the president had had since he was overthrown. Mr Bazoum, 63, is reported to have lost a "worrying" amount of weight, while his 20-year-old son, who has a chronic medical condition, was also reportedly denied care. "The doctor was able to talk to the Head of State, as well as his wife and son," RFI reported. "All are well, he said. The doctor was also able to bring them food and medicines." "Following the visit, President Bazoum's family said they were relieved," the radio station added. The decision by the junta, led by General Abdourahmane Tchiani, to bring in the family's doctor appears to be in response to widespread condemnation of the president's detention since the coup. UN human rights chief Volker Turk described the conditions of the detention as inhumane, degrading and in violation of international human rights law. His daughter Zazia, 34, who was on holiday in France during the coup, told the Guardian this week that her father, mother and brother had no clean water or electricity and were living on rice and pasta. Fresh food was rotting in the fridge because there was no power, she said. "The situation of my family is very difficult currently," she told the newspaper. "They say they will keep fighting, but it's hard to see our family in this situation and they can't go out." The Niger military overthrew the democratically elected president in a coup on 26 July. It mirrored similar military takeovers in neighbouring Burkina Faso and Mali, amid an Islamist insurgency and a growing Russian influence in the wider Sahel region through its mercenary group Wagner. Despite his captivity, Mr Bazoum was able to publish an article in The Washington Post stating that he was a hostage and that the coup would have "devastating consequences for our country, our region and the entire world". More than a week has passed since US President Joe Biden called for Mr Bazoum to be "immediately released", and for the "preservation of Niger's hard-earned democracy". That followed the expiration of a deadline by Ecowas, a power bloc of West African states, for the coup leaders to stand down. Its threats of military intervention were not followed through, and the junta continues to ignore demands for the president's freedom. Ecowas said on Saturday that it hoped to send a committee to Niger to meet coup leaders. The Jacksonville Sheriffs Office states that just before midnight on Friday, a man was shot outside a convenience store on Edgewood Avenue. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< Reports state that officers responded to Columbus Avenue and Melson Avenue because of calls stating that a person had been shot. When officers arrived, an adult male in his thirties was transported to a local hospital, he had suffered a single gunshot to the arm. JSOs initial investigation determined a fight at a convenience store near 800 Edgewood Avenue North led to gunfire. Currently, JSO has confirmed that there is a suspect in custody. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Robbery and Violent Crimes Detectives responded to the scene and stated that it is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information related to the incident is urged to contact the Sheriffs office at 904-630-0500 or go online to JSOCRIMETIPS@JAXSHERIFF.ORG or call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 866-845-TIPS. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. NOGALES A Nogales-area rancher accused of murder said he "could not confirm" to the U.S. Border Patrol if he shot at a group of nine people moving through his property in January 2022, about a year before he was accused of shooting and killing a Mexican citizen on Jan. 30. George Alan Kelly said he couldnt confirm if he was being shot at or if he shot at anyone in the group during a call with Jeremy Morsell, Border Patrol agent and ranch liaison. Kelly had called Morsell to report the group and yelled, Shots fired, shots fired, before the call dropped. The previous incident was revealed Friday in a video interview of Morsell with Santa Cruz County Sheriffs Office detectives shown during a hearing at the Santa Cruz County Superior Court in Nogales. George Alan Kelly enters Courtroom Three for his preliminary hearing on Feb. 22, 2023, in Nogales. Kelly, 75, is accused of killing Gabriel Cuen Buitimea, 48, after Buitimeas body was found Jan. 30 on Kellys roughly 170-acre Kino Springs property near Nogales. Texts reveal details: Prosecutors compare Nogales rancher to Unabomber as his texts cite 'mowing down migrants' Kelly is facing one count of second-degree murder and two counts of aggravated assault. However, state prosecutors recently filed a motion to dismiss one count of aggravated assault because they cannot locate one of the alleged victims in the shooting. No decision was made on the motion Friday. Judge Thomas Fink denied two motions from the defense and one from the state on Friday during a hearing. Fridays hearing was scheduled to hear arguments and witnesses regarding a number of motions from both the prosecution and the defense. Jorge Ainza, a Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office detective who arrested Kelly, admitted during Fridays hearing that he changed the language Kelly used during his interview to what Ainza wrote in the booking form. During his interview with detectives, Kelly said he shot over the group of people moving through his property on Jan. 30. In the booking forms probable cause statement, Ainza wrote that Kelly said he shot at the group of people, a seemingly small change of words that could make a big difference in the trial. George Alan Kelly (center) listens to his attorney Brenna Larkin (left) during his preliminary hearing on Feb. 22, 2023, in Nogales. Its a huge concern that Mr. Kellys words are being changed by law enforcement and put on probable cause booking forms, Kellys attorney Brenna Larkin said. When law enforcement arrests him, they change his words, they put incriminating words in his mouth and then they write those words down on a booking form. Larkin grilled Ainza on Friday during her cross-examination. Ainza, the lead detective in the case, said he never investigated an alternate theory regarding Buitimeas death because no evidence arose to support a different theory. Ainza said that detectives reviewed Border Patrol surveillance video in order to see if there was a group of people on Kellys property at the time of the shooting. The video only showed Kelly on the property, Ainza said. George Alan Kelly enters Courtroom Three for his preliminary hearing on Feb. 22, 2023, in Nogales. Kelly said in text messages that he put 27 migrants in the ground where they were growing daisies, according to court documents. Kelly said that he was mowing down migrants at a large clip, in text messages, court documents say. Prior conviction: Key witness in Nogales rancher murder trial previously smuggled cannabis across border Fink denied a defense motion that asked the court to suppress any statements Kelly made to law enforcement and any evidence gathered as a result of his statements, alleging that there was no probable cause to arrest Kelly. Larkin argued in the motion that Kelly was illegally arrested. Fink found that there was probable cause to arrest Kelly and denied the motion. Fink denied another defense motion that asked for a witness to not identify and point at Kelly during the trial, as they had done during a preliminary hearing. The witness claims that he witnessed the shooting of Buitimea and identified Kelly as the shooter. The witness remained anonymous during his testimony and was only identified by his initials, D.R.R. The witness dramatically reenacted how he reportedly saw Kelly shoot and kill Buitimea. It was later revealed that the witness was previously imprisoned for smuggling cannabis across the Arizona-Mexico border in 2015. Wanda Kelly (George Alan Kelly's wife) leaves Nogales Justice Court on Feb. 22, 2023, in Nogales. Fink also denied a states motion to further depose Kellys wife, Wanda. State prosecutors deposed Wanda Kelly for two and a half hours on July 6, asking questions about the shooting and communications she had with her husband. Fink found that Wanda Kelly fit an exception to spousal privilege, which protects spouses from being forced to testify against their spouse in a criminal case. Wanda Kelly gave a voluntary statement to law enforcement on the day of the shooting and thus fit the exception to the rule, Fink found. Still, Fink denied the states motion to further depose Wanda Kelly. A hearing to argue remaining motions is scheduled for Aug. 16. Have a news tip or story idea about the border and its communities? Contact the reporter at josecastaneda@arizonarepublic.com or connect with him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @joseicastaneda. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Nogales-area rancher in murder trial reported similar incident in '22 If necessary, the White House will again ask Congress for additional funds to further support Ukraine. Source: John Kirby, Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the National Security Council in the White House, quoted by Ukrinform Details: Kirby said that it is not known how long the war unleashed by Russia will last, so it would be irresponsible not to do everything possible to assess Ukraine's needs in the first quarter of the next fiscal year [after 30 September 2023 ed.] and submit a request to Congress. Commenting on the size of the new package for Ukraine of more than US$20 billion, which the US administration has addressed to MPs, Kirby stressed that this amount is based on careful calculations. However, if this proves to be insufficient, the government will make efforts to obtain additional funding. Quote: "We will not hesitate to go to Congress again if we feel we need to do so and ask for more after the first quarter, or if we need to make changes to what we have already demanded." Background: The US President Joe Biden's administration has submitted a request to Congress to allocate more than US$22 billion in support of Ukraine by the end of the year. 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! Ohio voters on Tuesday sent the Arizona Republican Party a message. Be very afraid. Ohio voters didnt just reject a Republican proposal to make it harder for voters to change the states constitution a move aimed at defeating a proposed constitutional amendment to guarantee a womans right to an abortion. They stoned the thing. Then they tossed it into the street and ran over it. Then they backed up and ran over it again, with 57% of Ohio voters defeating Issue 1. This, on the very day that abortion rights groups in Arizona launched an initiative drive to enshrine the right to an abortion into our constitution. With Ohio Issue 1 results, voters clearly affirmed abortion rights If I were the Center for Arizona Policys Cathi Herrod, Id be worried. If I were the Arizona Republican Party, Id be frantic. Momentum is not their friend. People celebrate the defeat of Issue 1 during an election night party at the Columbus Fire Fighters Local 67 on Aug. 8, 2023. Already six states including three red ones have sent a message that the right to abortion should be protected in the wake of the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade last year. Voters in the three blue states California, Vermont and Michigan actually enshrined the right to an abortion in their state constitutions. Red-leaning voters in Ohio are set to decide whether to join them in November, prompting Tuesdays preemptive strike: the Republicans doomed proposal to raise the threshold for changing the constitution to 60%. After Ohio vote, what's next? Abortion activists are targeting state constitutions. Next up? Ohio. Protecting abortion access? Arizona group wants to do the same. Meanwhile, a coalition of abortion rights groups in Arizona took out petitions on Tuesday to put a constitutional guarantee of right to abortion on next years ballot. The Arizona Abortion Access Act is an aggressively written proposal, expanding the right to an abortion from 15 weeks to the point of fetal viability, about 24 weeks. But it also would allow abortion beyond that if a doctor deems it necessary to protect the physical or mental health of the mother. Abortion rights demonstrators rally outside the Supreme Court on June 24, 2023. The language is vague, meaning Herrod the face of Arizonas anti-abortion movement will haul out the horror stories. It has already started. The measure not only allows abortion up to birth but forbids the state from shielding unborn babies from excruciating pain, dismemberment, or any other humane limitation, Herrod said on Tuesday. It quite literally is abortion on demand for any reason, at any stage of development, even partially born. Center for Arizona Policy President Cathi Herrod speaks during a news conference in Phoenix following the Supreme Court decision to overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade abortion decision on June 24, 2022. Anti-abortion activists will lose on this one Never mind that abortions in the final weeks of pregnancy are exceedingly rare. Terminations at 21 weeks or later account for about 1% of all abortions, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. My guess is Herrod and company lose this one. Im not the only one. Theyre in for a tough fight to preserve their way of thinking, longtime Republican political consultant Chuck Coughlin told me. Theyve known that for some time. Its going be on the ballot. Cathis point of view just doesnt represent the majority of the electorate. Should GOP be pro-choice? A post-Ohio message from the Republicans on abortion: On second thought, were pro-choice! Voters won't pare back their power Not everyone buys into the idea that Tuesday's Ohio vote was about abortion. Republican consultant Chris Baker points out that Ohio is the third state to reject a GOP proposal asking voters to rein in their own power to enact laws at the ballot box. The Ohio measure was doomed from the start, he told me. You cant discount peoples hostility to ideas that take power away from them. A lot of voters just wont do that, and now you have three states where voters not only said no but hell no. Opinion alerts: Get columns from your favorite columnists + expert analysis on top issues, delivered straight to your device through the USA TODAY app. Don't have the app? Download it for free from your app store. Theres a message there for Arizonas Republican legislators, who spend a fair amount of time plotting new ways to limit our constitutional right to make laws via initiative. Republicans have real reason to fear in 2024 As for abortion, polling shows Arizona voters support a womans right to choose to a certain point. Younger voters and women come out especially strong for abortion rights, and this ballot issue will bring them streaming to the polls in this swing state. Thats not great news for Donald Trump or for the Republicans who hope to retake a U.S. Senate seat. (Just ask Blake Masters, whose 2022 Senate campaign never recovered from his early call for a national abortion ban.) Expect a pitched battle as the abortion rights groups take to the streets to collect the 383,923 valid signatures they need to put it on the November 2024 ballot. If I were the Republicans, Id be afraid. Laurie Roberts is a columnist for the Arizona Republic, where this column first ran. Reach Roberts at laurie.roberts@arizonarepublic.com. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @LaurieRoberts You can read diverse opinions from our Board of Contributors and other writers on the Opinion front page, on Twitter @usatodayopinion and in our daily Opinion newsletter. To respond to a column, submit a comment to letters@usatoday.com. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Ohio Issue 1 results send GOP a message on abortion: Be afraid William Jamal Claiborne, left, was killed almost six months after P'Aris Mi-Unique Moore was shot to death in Hopewell. A Hopewell man is facing charges in both murders. HOPEWELL One of the suspects charged with killing an eight-year-old girl last December is also facing charges in a separate murder that happened less than two months ago. Forty-two days before he was indicted Tuesday for allegedly killing PAris Mi-Unique Moore, Jamari Antonio Taylor, 20, of Hopewell, was arrested for the death of 28-year-old William Jamal Claiborne of Hopewell. Claiborne was shot June 24 in the parking lot of Langston Park Apartments on Winston Churchill Drive and found dead a couple of blocks away on Palm Street. In the Claiborne case, Taylor is facing a second-degree murder charge, as is Kristopher Lorenzo Miller, 19, of Chesterfield County. Each also has a count of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony against them In the Moore case, Taylor and Raquan Latrel Harvell, 18, of Chesterfield County, have been charged with first-degree murder and related weapons charges, including use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Taylor also is facing charges of conspiracy to commit murder and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon. Taylor was in Riverside Regional Jail in Prince George County on the second-degree murder charge when he was indicted Aug. 8 in the childs death. PAris was just a few days away from her ninth birthday when she was shot in the chest Dec. 30, 2022, in front of a relatives house in east Hopewell. Police said at the time they thought she was caught in the crossfire of a drive-by shooting after witnesses reported seeing a light-colored car speed away around the time she was gunned down. Police have not released a motive in the Claiborne shooting. Officers were called to the scene after neighbors reported hearing several shots at the apartment complex. Taylor and Miller were arrested four days after Claibornes death. Taylor will appear Wednesday in Hopewell Circuit Court to answer the charges in the girls death. His preliminary hearing on the Claiborne case is set for Oct. 23 in Hopewell General District Court. PAris was Hopewells ninth homicide victim of 2022. Claibornes death was the fifth murder in the city this year. More: Hopewell Police arrest two men in connection with December 2022 shooting death of child Bill Atkinson (he/him/his) is an award-winning journalist who covers breaking news, government and politics. Reach him at batkinson@progress-index.com or on X (formerly known as Twitter) at @BAtkinson_PI. This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: Hopewell suspect in child's death also named in separate murder President Biden this week touted the year-old law meant to deliver the biggest expansion of veterans benefits in decades, though the effort is off to a rocky start. Exactly 365 days after putting into effect the PACT Act meant to expand Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits for former service members who were exposed to toxins during war and suffer illnesses as a result Biden on Thursday pledged that come hell or high water the United States would compensate the veterans and their families who have suffered the consequences of this tragedy. Since the bipartisan legislation was signed into law, more than 340,000 veterans and their survivors have had PACT Act-related claims approved, more than 4.1 million toxic exposure screenings have been given, and nearly $2 billion in benefits have been doled out to veterans and their surviving beneficiaries, according to the latest VA data. But even with the progress, the administration is contending with stressed resources and delays in getting such aid into the hands of the veterans who seek it from a department that has a well-documented struggle with backlogs. Those issues were on display this week with an eleventh-hour rush of online applications from veterans and their survivors trying to meet an Aug. 9 deadline for benefits backdated to August 10, 2022, the day Biden signed the PACT Act into law. The surge led to some 5,600 people receiving an error message when they attempted to submit their information, with the VA late Wednesday announcing it was extending the deadline by five more days, until 11:59 p.m. Aug. 14, out of an abundance of caution after experiencing technical difficulties with the departments website. The VAs phone lines also struggled under an extremely high call volume on Tuesday, with wait times spiking 10-15 minutes compared to the normal average of 10-30 seconds, according to the department. Bottom line: no veteran or survivor will miss out on a single day of benefits due to this issue, VA Secretary Denis McDonough wrote Wednesday on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. Anyone who now files a claim or an intent to do so by the new date could collect payments retroactive to last year should the VA approve it, otherwise there is no deadline to apply for PACT-related benefits. Despite the VAs mea culpa, House VA Committee Chairman Mike Bost (R-Ill.) said he wants answers on the technical issues that plagued the departments website ahead of the cutoff period. VAs failure to anticipate and prepare for the increased volume of submissions as the PACT Act deadline approached is unacceptable, given that the situation was easily foreseeable as this law is the largest expansion of healthcare and benefits for veterans in recent history, Bost wrote in a letter sent Thursday to McDonough. In addition to technical difficulties, the VA has also had to deal with quickly adding thousands of new staff members to contend with the large influx of PACT Act-related applications. Such staff is needed to sift through the backlog of disability claims, with those sitting for at least four months without a decision expected to grow from about 272,000 to more than double that next year. Many are not pleased with how the effort is faring, including retired Army Lt. Col. Beth Kubala, the executive director of the Betty and Michael D. Wohl Veterans Legal Clinic (VLC) at the Syracuse University College of Law. While the PACT Act has opened doors for easier approval of benefits, the VAs resources to process those claims are stretched thin, resulting in delays in getting those benefits into the hands of the veterans who earned and deserve them, Kubala told The Hill. She said shes seen this firsthand through the VLC, which serves many veterans and their families in upstate New York. Such individuals are missing out on benefits because of the significant holdup in applying and having their claims processed in a timely manner, according to Kubala. But Biden pledged that the PACT Act means veterans wont suffer painful, frustrating delays and denials, as it will allow the VA to move quicker to determine if a veteran qualifies for the benefits under the law such as monthly disability compensation and regular toxic exposure screenings. Veterans care is an issue close to Bidens heart, given that he believes that the brain cancer that killed his eldest son, Beau Biden, was caused by exposure to burn pits while he served with the Delaware National Guard in Iraq. He again recounted that Beau Biden had lived about 400 yards from a large burn pit during the year he was stationed overseas. Everything you can imagine is thrown in these pits to incinerate the waste of war, Biden said at the George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Salt Lake City. Tires, poisonous chemicals, jet fuels and so much more. Toxic smoke, thick with poison, spreads through the air and into the lungs of our troops. When such troops came home, many of them the fittest and best-trained warriors we ever sent anywherethey werent the same. One of those former service members, Roger Pinto a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan who served more than six years in the Army as an infantry paratrooper said he began experiencing his own burn pit-related symptoms in 2020 and discovered he had scarring along his esophagus that prevented him from eating solid food for three months. Pinto, now an associate with the advocacy group Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, told The Hill that both bases he was stationed at had active burn pits on them. The one in Afghanistan was within 15 yards of the tent he was living in. He said he applied for benefits under the PACT Act on Tuesday, and while a lot of concern has been focused on the technical difficulties with the VAs website, he was pleased with the level of communication the agency has given to veterans to alleviate their fears. Im not concerned, he said. Its just dealing with the common issues that come with any type of large program and benefits at the federal level. Moving forward, Pinto said he really wants to see an expansion of research into the various health impacts from exposure to burn pits as well as getting the message out to veterans that dont know if they could qualify under the law. We want to let everybody that served know that theyve got a right to these benefits, they have the ability to access them, Pinto said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. If theres one thing Americans can agree on, its disagreeing. That is, we dont like people telling us that we cant disagree with them. We also recognize that stifling dissent is an un-American step towards authoritarianism. Youll find anti-authoritarian, pro-speech advice throughout the political spectrum, from Jennifer Rubins anti-Republican columns to Yeonmi Parks anti-leftist book. One book, however, stands out for its simple, nonpartisan rules and lessons for cultivating and keeping a healthy democracy. That book is "On Tyranny" by history professor Timothy Snyder. He studies 20th-century totalitarian governments, from fascist Italy to communist Russia. His book contains advice for resisting all stripes of authoritarianism. Lesson one: Do not obey in advance. Specifically, dont do what you think a government will want you to do later. Do only what it is requiring you to do now. By obeying in advance, we tell a government what rights well tolerate it violating. Urbandale Community School District officials are obeying in advance. This year, Iowa Republicans passed Senate File 496. The law prohibits instruction about sexual orientation and gender identity before seventh grade and bans materials containing descriptions or visual depictions of a sex act as defined in section 702.17 from K-12 libraries. It goes into effect in January. Last week, Annies Foundation obtained a list of books that Urbandale was banning from classrooms and libraries. The list contained almost 400 books. Rather than following the law as written, Urbandale made a list of books it believed Iowas Republican politicians might have wanted to ban. Following major backlash, Urbandale announced that it will await guidance from the state Department of Education on instruction about gender identity/sexual orientation and pared down the list to 65 books it believes violate the sex acts portion of the law. Urbandale is still wrong. For one thing, the ban list appears to be composed of frequently-challenged books without considering the merits of those challenges. We havent read all of these books, but we have read some. Some do contain descriptions of sex acts. But several contain only characters having discussions about sex, which the law does not appear to prohibit. At least one, John Knowles "A Separate Peace," does not contain any descriptions of sex acts, discussions about sex, or even kissing. This calls into question how many of the books actually run afoul of the law. Further, the list misses materials that obviously do contain descriptions of sex acts. The Iowa Code describes sex acts in defining what they are. So does the dictionary. The ban list does not include either the Iowa Code or any dictionary. We doubt the Iowa Legislature meant to ban the dictionary, but it appears it did just that. We sympathize with Iowas school districts. The state has provided no guidance about how to handle this ill-considered law. It is impossible to read every book in every library, either before January or at all. The consequences of a mistake are draconian: for only two books overlooked, teachers and superintendents could lose their licenses. But rushing to throw books on the fire is still the wrong response. When communities allow state lawmakers to discard local teachers and teacher-librarians judgments about what is appropriate for their children, they show the state that it can violate the right to local decision-making. When school districts remove commonly challenged books just because they are commonly challenged, they teach the state that it can violate the First Amendment and ban books without writing laws that actually apply to their contents. This book ban law is an un-American attempt to stifle disagreement by putting two books and the whims of political appointees between any teacher and unemployment. Unless we want to continue to see disagreement systematically stifled, local control eroded, and schools degraded, we must support our schools by demanding state guidance before removing any books. Especially dictionaries. Kelcey Patrick-Ferree and Shannon Patrick live in Iowa City. And biannual time changes must be abolished. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Opinion: With Iowa book ban in schools, do not obey in advance Does the 1st Amendment shield Donald Trump from prosecution for conspiracy to obstruct the 2020 election results? Trumps lawyer has proclaimed the indictment an attack on free speech and political advocacy. He says Trump thought there was voter fraud, and as a president, hes entitled to speak on those issues. And the indictment by special counsel Jack Smith does repeatedly cite Trumps false public statements about voter fraud. Is Trump right to claim free speech as a defense? As American Civil Liberties Union lawyers, we take this question seriously. No organization has done more to defend speech rights than the ACLU sometimes to the dismay of our allies. Weve defended Trumps speech rights when he was sued for allegedly prompting a mob to beat up a protester. We criticized Twitters and Facebooks decisions to de-platform Trump, and applauded when Trump was allowed back. We defended white supremacist Jason Kesslers right to protest the removal of a Confederate memorial in Charlottesville, Va., supported the National Rifle Assn. in its 1st Amendment challenge to former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomos urging financial institutions to cut ties with the organization because of its pro-gun speech. And in the 1970s, the ACLU defended the right of a neo-Nazi group to march in Skokie, Ill., home to many Holocaust survivors at the time. Read more: Opinion: Trump's trials should be televised When it comes to free speech claims, we call them as we see them. But here, we dont think the 1st Amendment bars Trumps indictment. We pass no judgment on Trumps ultimate guilt or innocence. He is entitled to the presumption of innocence, even as we believe that no person is above the law. But Trumps 1st Amendment defense doesnt cut it here. Trump has been charged with conspiring to overturn the election results and obstruct the peaceful transfer of power. At times, he used words, including lies, to accomplish this. But that doesnt mean hes being prosecuted for constitutionally protected speech, any more than a bank robber who says, hand over the money, to a teller. If Trump had spread lies on Twitter, in public speeches or anywhere else but otherwise took no action to obstruct the election results, could he have been charged for merely claiming that he won when he knew he lost? Obviously not. The 1st Amendment protects even false speech in many circumstances. The indictment itself concedes that Trump had a right, like every American, to speak publicly about the election and even to claim, falsely, that there had been outcome-determinative fraud during the election and that he had won. The problem was not Trumps speech, but his alleged actions: his attempts to get state election officials to invalidate valid results and declare him the winner; to compel the Justice Department to claim that it had uncovered substantial evidence of fraud when it hadnt; to support efforts to create fake sets of electors to vote him into office in states that he lost; and to urge Vice President Mike Pence to refuse to certify the lawful election results. Of course, many of these actions involved communication. But the fact that a crime includes speech does not turn the 1st Amendment into a defense. A conspiracy is an agreement to commit a crime, and almost always takes the form of words. Teaching a would-be suicide bomber how to make a bomb with the intent that he detonate it also involves communication, but that kind of communication can be prosecuted. We do, however, have concerns about one aspect of the indictment. At several points, it charges that Trump repeated his lies in his speech on Jan. 6, 2021, to a crowd gathered at the White House. To the extent the Justice Department is seeking to hold Trump criminally responsible for the subsequent actions of the crowd that day, the prosecution would have to satisfy the legal standard that the ACLU helped established in Brandenburg vs. Ohio, which says that speech advocating criminal conduct can be punished only if it is intended and likely to produce imminent lawless action. Read more: Don't be too certain how Trump's indictment will affect the election. We've never been here before Reasonable minds can differ on whether Trumps remarks that day crossed that line. If the prosecutors seek to hold him accountable for the mobs actions, they would have to satisfy that demanding standard. In the context of political speech, courts should be very hesitant to hold speakers liable for the actions of others. But these concerns dont bear on the great majority of the actions for which Trump faces trial. As Justice Hugo Black, a 1st Amendment absolutist, wrote more than 70 years ago: It has never been deemed an abridgment of freedom of speech or press to make a course of conduct illegal merely because the conduct was in part initiated, evidenced, or carried out by means of language. The 1st Amendment provides no license to conspire to overturn an election. David Cole is national legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union. Ben Wizner is director of the ACLUs Speech, Privacy, and Technology Project. 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. CANTON John Green was going to a coffee shop in downtown Canton Saturday morning when he saw Mayor Thomas Bernabei speaking in Centennial Plaza to kick off Stark County Overdose Awareness Day. He got his shot of espresso, returned to Centennial Plaza and was mesmerized by yoga instructors Carrie Sibila and Leslie Schneider leading a yoga session. Sibilia said she's a certified instructor for Yoga of 12-Step Recovery. Green, 60, of Canton was among those drawn to the Stark County Overdose Awareness Day event at Centennial Plaza organized by 23 organizations to inform people about the resources available to help those with drug addictions. The hosts also wanted to honor the memory of those who had died from overdoses. "Anything that's going to help people who are addicted to anything is great," said Green, who added that he had once struggled with addiction to drugs. Related: Stark County Overdose Awareness Day set for Saturday Trevor Meyer with Warrior Beat leads a drum circle at Stark Countys Overdose Awareness Day held at Centennial Plaza in downtown Canton. Warrior Beat helps veterans with PTSD and substance abuse in recovery. 'It affects everybody. It's not just drug addicts.' About 25 organizations set up tables around the plaza offering information, as well as the overdose medication Narcan also known as naloxone. Nikolina "Your Mid-Day Diva" of Q92 introduced dance therapy and yoga sessions. The event also offered free haircuts. The event was timed to take place the same month as Overdose Awareness Day on Aug. 31. The Stark County Health Department nearly a year ago hosted an Overdose Awareness Day at Petros Lake Park. After putting on an awareness day event at Petros Lake Park last year, Shanna Kuikahi, the public health educator for Stark County Health Department, invited representatives of the organizations to be members of a committee to put on this year's event at a more central location by the Canton Farmers' Market. Related: Tuesday is International Overdose Awareness Day "Addiction in Stark County, it almost touches everybody in some way, shape or form," said James Fye, a community engagement coordinator for Ohio State Healing Communities Study. "So we want the person whether it be a friend of a friend or a family member or somebody that you know what are the resources, what are the opportunities. ... All you can do is provide (a drug addict) information and be supportive. You can't force anybody to do it. And (you can) just be there for when they're ready." Mitchell Baxter, the marketing development specialist for CommQuest, which provides drug recovery services, said some visitors to his booth had said they had family members who recently had overdoses. "It affects everybody. It's not just drug addicts," he said. 'All you have to do is pick up that phone.' Brook Harless, the Plain Township trustee, was sitting at the booth of Arrow Passage Recovery, where she's a community liaison. Harless, an Army veteran, said Arrow Passage Recovery provides rehabilitation to Department of Veterans Affairs patients. Harless said she's passionate about promoting drug recovery services because "my mother unfortunately did pass away (at the age of 52) from drug abuse. My grandmother died of alcoholism. And so did my father." She said decades ago, those struggling with addiction didn't have the recovery services from so many organizations available today. "All you have to do is pick up that phone and they'll be someone out there and some organization that'll be able to help you," Harless said. Reach Robert at robert.wang@cantonrep.com. Kimberly McCollum and her grandson Anthony Moore, 10, write motivational messages on rocks at the Stark County Health Department's table at the Stark County Overdose Awareness Day held at Centennial Plaza in downtown Canton. This article originally appeared on The Repository: Stark County Overdose Awareness Day event held in downtown Canton The "body" of a prehistoric ivory figurine was recently discovered in Germany. The head was found in 1999, and for years, archaeologists believed it to be a horse. Now, they're trying to figure out what animal it actually is. A minuscule, ivory figurine being pieced together over 20 years has confounded scientists, who thought the carving was a horse this whole time. The figurine's head was first found in 1999 in the Hohle Fels cave an important archaeological site of ice age artifacts nestled in Germany's Swabian Jura region and dates back 35,000 years ago. As scientists collected various parts of the 1-inch tall carving over the years, they stuck to the horse theory. However, archaeologists discovered their fifth piece, a body fragment, in 2022. Now they're debating what animal is meant to be represented by the ancient carving, according to a press release from the University of Tubingen. In the press release, Nicholas Conard, a professor at the University, said there are two main theories: a cave lion or a cave bear. Conard himself believes that it's a cave bear a prehistoric bear species that inhabited Europe because the figurine's "pronounced bear hump" matches the height of its shoulders and appears to imitate a bear's gait. The Hohle Fels animal figure from the front right Ria Litzenberg/University of Tubingen However, Conard said that his colleagues have also identified properties of the fragments that are similar to a Eurasian cave lion, a species also common in Europe during the ice age. "It is by no means always easy to identify Ice Age depictions with certainty, especially when they are preserved in such fragmentary form," Conard said in the press release. "It therefore makes sense to look extra carefully for the missing parts of this animal in the years to come." The figurines are on display at the Prehistoric Museum in Blaubeuren in Germany. Read the original article on Business Insider The death toll from a horrific wildfire in Hawaii climbed to 80 as residents confronted the devastation and criticisms grew Saturday over the emergency response. Over 2,200 structures were damaged or destroyed in the fire, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) said, estimating that it would cost some $5.5 billion to rebuild affected communities. Hawaiian authorities said they were opening a probe into the handling of the fire as a congresswoman from the state acknowledged that officials had underestimated the dangers. In the historic resort city of Lahaina on the island of Maui, resident Anthony Garcia said the fire had gutted the apartment he was renting and destroyed all his belongings and memories. "It took everything, everything! It's heartbreaking," the 80-year-old California native, who has lived in Lahaina for three decades, told AFP. "It's a lot to take in." The town of some 13,000, once the proud home of the Hawaiian royal family, has been reduced to ruins, its lively hotels and restaurants turned to ashes. A majestic banyan tree that has been the center of the community for 150 years has been scarred by the flames, but still stands upright, its branches denuded of green and its sooty trunk transformed into an awkward skeleton. - 'Underestimated the lethality' - Hawaii's Attorney General Anne Lopez said her office would examine "critical decision-making and standing policies leading up to, during and after the wildfires on Maui and Hawaii islands this week." Late Friday, Maui County officials revised the death toll to 80 and Governor Josh Green warned that the number of fatalities was sure to rise further. Over 1,400 people were in emergency evacuation shelters. "We underestimated the lethality, the quickness of fire," Hawaii Congresswoman Jill Tokuda told CNN on Saturday morning. Jeremy Greenberg, FEMA's director of operations and for years a volunteer fireman himself, said the recent blaze was of a type "extraordinarily difficult" to control. "We talk about these types of fires moving as quickly as the length of a football field in 20 seconds or less," he said on MSNBC. Maui suffered numerous power outages during the crisis, preventing many residents from receiving emergency alerts on their cellphones -- something, Tokuda said, officials should have prepared for. "We have got to make sure that we do better," she added. Greenberg said FEMA and its allied agencies were "bringing every resource that the state of Hawaii needs," including water for areas where the public sources are contaminated. He said FEMA, which has a permanent distribution center in Hawaii, was sending more than 150 employees to the affected area. The fires follow other extreme weather events in North America this summer, with record-breaking wildfires still burning across Canada and a major heat wave baking the US southwest. Europe and parts of Asia have also endured soaring temperatures, with major fires and floods wreaking havoc. Scientists have said global warming caused by carbon emissions is contributing to the extreme weather. - 'It hurts' - For some of those who made it back into Lahaina, there was a momentary sense of elation when they tearfully reconnected with neighbors they feared might not have gotten out alive. "You made it!" cried Chyna Cho, as she embraced Amber Langdon amid the ruins. "I was trying to find you." Fears of looting were also on residents' minds, and county authorities said anyone accessing Lahaina would have to prove they lived or were staying at a hotel there, and that a curfew would be in place between 10 pm and 6 am. Some of those who made it back to Lahaina wandered in stunned silence trying to take in the enormity of the destruction. Anthony La Puente, 44, said the shock of finding his home burned to nothing was profound. "It sucks not being able to find the things you grew up with, or the things you remember," he told AFP of the house he had lived in for 16 years. pr-hg/leg/lb/md/bbk The cast of Parks and Recreation reunited to show their support for the ongoing actors strike. Last month, the Screen Actors Guild American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) joined striking film and TV writers in the demand for fairer pay. It is the first time that screen actors as well as writers have simultaneously withheld labour in 60 years, and has resulted in an effective shutdown of Hollywood. Aubrey Plaza, Nick Offerman, Adam Scott, Ben Schwartz, Sam Elliott, Jim O'Heir, Retta and Allison Becker all came together on Friday (11 August) to join the picket line outside the Amazon offices in Culver City, California. Plaza was pictured holding a sign that read, Ann Perkins works for the AMPTP, referring to Rashida Jones character who is Aprils (Plaza) frenemie on the show. The AMPTP (Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers) is the trade organisation representing the film studios in their negotiations with SAG-AFTRA. Pawnee is a union town, Retta (who played Donna in Parks and Rec) wrote on her Instagram story, referencing the fictional city in which the comedy series is set. Some of the cast members had already shown their support. Last week, Scott posted photos of himself and his boyfriend Offerman alongside a bonus Jesse Plemons protesting outside a different studio. On his Instagram, Offerman wrote: It is a privilege to picket in solidarity with @WGAwest seeing new friends and old, all of us labourers striking for fair pay and so much more. If it aint on the page, it aint on the stage, folks. Meanwhile, Plaza shared a photo of herself three weeks ago holding a sign that read: Do you have fair wages? Itd be a lot cooler if you did. The actors strike is currently in its fourth week after the 160,000 member-strong actors union voted to join striking Hollywood writers who are fighting for better compensation and assurances that they will not lose work to artificial intelligence (AI), among other demands. In an interview this week, Pose star Billy Porter said that he had already had to sell his house as a repercussion of the strikes. To hear [Disney CEO] Bob Iger say that our demands for a living wage are unrealistic? While he makes $78,000 (61,000) a day? I dont have any words for it, but: f*** you. Thats not useful, so Ive kept my mouth shut, Porter said. I havent engaged because Im so enraged. Im glad Ive been over here. But when I go back I will join the picket lines. He continued: I was supposed to be in a new movie, and on a new television show starting in September. None of that is happening. So to the person who said, Were going to starve them out until they have to sell their apartments, youve already starved me out. Former Vice President Pence, during a campaign stop at the Iowa State Fair, brought back memories from his last debate, joking that this time he would bring a fly swatter. Pence was asked about his strategy on Friday, including how he would defend himself against other candidates and his former boss, the current GOP frontrunner, should former President Trump decide to attend. During an interview stop, NewsNations Kellie Meyers asked, No flies, right? Well, I think Im gonna bring a fly swatter this time, Pence quipped, adding You know they had a plexiglass wall at that Vice Presidential debate, but it wasnt tall enough to stop a fly. The Hill Elections 2024 coverage They were alluding to a 2020 vice presidential debate between himself and now-Vice President Kamala Harris. During the event, a fly made a surprise appearance on top of Pences head later becoming a viral moment on social media. President Biden, who was at the time the Democratic nominee, later made light of the moment by asking supporters to donate money to help his campaign fly. Pitch in $5 to help this campaign fly, Biden wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, at the time, including a link to his campaigns donation page and picture of himself holding a fly-swatter. Despite her proximity to the bug, Harris did not appear to acknowledge it during the debate. She later told MSNBCs Rachel Maddow that she noticed it. I think its important that we kind of find a way all of us to move on and, you know, kind of fly away from this subject on to something else, Harris joked. The moment was significant enough to garner a Saturday Night Live spoof. Pence announced on Monday that his campaign had met the criteria to qualify for the first Republican debate later this month. He told the Hill in a brief interview on Friday that hes ready to take on his opponents, most notably Trump. I think Ive been preparing for this debate my whole life, Pence told The Hill. I spent a lifetime in the Republican Party and in the conservative movement I think Im going to be the most consistent and experienced conservative on that stage. NewsNation is owned by Nexstar Media Group, which also owns The Hill. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Former Vice President Mike Pence signaled Friday he will go on attack on abortion at the upcoming Republican presidential primary debate. On a campaign visit to the Iowa State Fair, Pence told reporters he expects to call out former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for not supporting national abortion restrictions when the candidates meet on the debate stage in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, later this month. Pence has said he would sign a federal 15-week abortion ban into law if elected president. "My former running mate, the governor of Florida and others are suggesting that the Supreme Court returned the question of abortion to the states," Pence said, referencing the 2022 Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe v. Wade and ended federal protections for the procedure. PENCE SAYS TRUMP IS MISSING AN OPPORTUNITY WITH HIS DECISION ABOUT THE IOWA STATE FAIR "I truly do believe its vitally important that we seize the opportunity at the national level to advance protections for the right to life, and Ill do so as president," he added. "This is a really big issue. It will be on the stage in Milwaukee." Fox News will host the debate on Aug. 23 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The debate starts at 9 p.m. ET. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP MIKE PENCE PUSHES FOR NATIONAL 15-WEEK ABORTION BAN ONE YEAR AFTER FALL OF ROE V. WADE Pence knocked both Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (left) and former President Donald Trump (right) for saying abortion should be a state issue. Pence has called himself unapologetically pro-life and proposed a "minimum standard" of a 15-week national abortion ban if elected president. "That would align American law with most of the countries in Europe that literally ban abortion after 12 to 15 weeks," Pence said in June. "Our laws at the national level today are more aligned with North Korea, China and Iran than with other Western countries in Europe." Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., has also endorsed a 15-week ban. Trump's position that the legality of abortion should be determined by states, not the federal government, was sharply rebuked by top abortion opponents, including the Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America group. Trump's three Supreme Court nominees voted with the majority last year to overturn the 49-year-old decision that recognized a federal abortion right. PENCE CANT RELATE' TO BIDEN OVER HUNTER'S SPECIAL COUNSEL APPOINTMENT: MY SON WAS DEFENDING THIS COUNTRY Republican presidential candidate former Vice President Mike Pence shakes voters hands at the Iowa State Fair. As governor, DeSantis has signed legislation this year banning abortion in Florida at six weeks, but has not pressed for a national ban. That has also drawn criticism from the groups that rebuked Trump. So far, five candidates seeking the 2024 GOP presidential nomination have qualified for the debate under the Republican National Committee's criteria. Those candidates are North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, DeSantis, former U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy and South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott. WHO'S STILL FIGHTING TO QUALIFY FOR THE FIRST GOP PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Trump have each met the RNC's polling and fundraising criteria but have not signed a loyalty pledge promising to support the eventual nominee. Trump has not committed to attending the debate. The Associated Press contributed to this report. PERRY Perry residents said they were shocked by the damage from a confirmed EF-1 tornado that hit the city Friday night, downing dozens of large trees, damaging homes and covering streets in debris. Perry residents Gustavo Barahona and Kaitlyn Hampton took cover in the basement of their home in the 100 block of 3rd Street, east of M-52, with their 16-month-old toddler and pets when they heard the storm approaching. The two had just arrived home and turned on the Lions preseason game shortly before 8 p.m. when they saw notices for a storm watch in Perry. Gustavo Barahona and Kaitlyn Hampton talk Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023, about two big maple trees that fell on their house after a tornado ripped through downtown Perry Friday night. "I saw something that got to me when it said '8 o'clock, Perry, Michigan,'" Barahona said. "So I'm like, 'Wait a minute, what are they talking about?'" Barahona looked outside of the house and saw clouds building and power lines lighting up with electricity. The married couple heard a sound similar to a train passing and while they live near train tracks that run through Perry, they didn't see any other indications of the crossing being active. They knew it was time to take shelter. Tornado was on the ground for 3 miles The National Weather Service Detroit office confirmed Saturday morning that a tornado with winds of up to 95 mph had struck the area about 7:51 p.m. Friday. The NWS storm survey showed the tornado was on the ground for about 3 miles and had a maximum path width of about 430 yards while crossing the city. The tornado was on the ground from about 2.5 miles west of Perry, near Beardslee and West Britton roads, to about 0.6 of a mile southeast, in the vicinity of Washington and 2nd streets, the NWS said on its website. "The tornado intensified as it entered the city," the NWS said in a bulletin on its website. During the storm, several trees collapsed in front of Barahona's and Hampton's house, and on top of their car. Their house was mostly unscathed, other than possible roof damage. Barahona said their main concern during the storm was whether people in town had been injured. Perry Mayor Sue Hammond said Saturday morning that there were no reported injuries or destroyed homes. Downed trees made up most of the damage in the town, she said. The city declared a state of emergency Friday night after the storm passed. Damage mostly on north end of town Hammond said most of the damage was concentrated in a few areas the north end of Main Street, the neighborhood areas by 2nd and Main streets, and the city's public works area off Polly Street north of the railroad tracks. Three of four public works buildings were significantly damaged, Hammond said, and city hall also suffered damage. An EF-1 tornado Friday night left damage on Main Street in Perry, seen Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023, and about 670 Consumers Energy customers without power. A veterans memorial pavilion in Veterans Memorial Park next to city hall on Polly Street had visibly damaged support beams early Saturday. Hammond said the structure was totaled and would be demolished for safety reasons. Residents, including Hampton, said they didn't hear a tornado siren at any point in the night, and Hammond confirmed the siren didn't activate because the tornado destroyed it as it touched down. Hampton said without the siren, residents didn't receive any sort of notice on a tornado. Trees that were torn down by an EF-1 tornado Friday that ripped through the downtown area of Perry are seen Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023. Jazmin Friend, who lives in the 200 block of Madison Street on the east side of the city, took cover during the storm in a bathtub with her three children. Friend said she hadn't been aware of the severe weather possibility before the storm, only hearing about thunderstorm possibilities from a friend. Friend and her family didn't have time to reach a lower level and took shelter on the second floor, she said. The tornado was one of the scariest things she's experienced, she added. Friend said she heard crackling shortly after the intense winds began, which she assumed was trees outside of her house splitting. Saturday, there were multiple trees downed in her yard and in front of her property. Her street was completely blocked off until about 2 a.m., Friend said. The power line supplying electricity to their house also snapped. Friend and Hampton said the worst of the storm only lasted five to 10 minutes. Community support evident to residents Friend, Barahona and Hampton each expressed gratitude for the support of local officials and the community as they assessed the damage and began to consider their next steps. "A lot of neighbors came by and check to make sure that we were OK," Hampton said. "We've had a lot of support, people asking if we need anything." Friend said a few local businesses were providing food and supplies for impacted residents and emergency workers. "We've had so many people come out and offer help on trying to get the trees and stuff out," Friend said. "But our house is in pretty good condition, so I feel like we don't need it as bad as others." Jeff Kodet, owner of the True Value Hardware Store in downtown Perry, speaks to residents Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023, while offering anyone who needs a free lunch to get a burger or hot dog and water from a station he set up on the sidewalk. Friday an EF-1 tornado touched down and caused considerable damage to homes and businesses. Jeff Kodet, owner of a True Value hardware store on Main Street, has been giving out free food and collecting storm cleanup supplies to make sure his store is stocked. Kodet's store stayed open overnight from Friday until 4 a.m. Saturday, providing supplies for whoever needed them. "We just try to be part of the community and help out however we can," he said. "Everybody's kind of treated us like a hub and we're just trying to help out people however we can." Kodet said a nearby Sam's Club gave him 50% off his purchase after telling the manager he was assisting with storm relief, and Costco provided more than 30 cases of bottled water at no charge. Kodet, who owns hardware stores in several locations, said he's only had the Perry store for about a year. But local action over the last day has allowed him to see just how tight knit the community is. "Everybody came together," he said. "I've had close to 1,000 people respond or like my post and doing the same thing, 'How can we help out as I'm standing out here this morning?'" Hammond advised those looking to assist the community to bring food or water to emergency workers at the Perry Fire Station. Individuals can also reach City Hall at 517-6256155. An apparent tornado that was reported near Perry Friday night, Aug. 11, 2023, is seen in this photo taken by Owosso resident Bill Bouwman while driving home from Lansing on Interstate 69. Localized damage and outages Detroit NWS meteorologist Alex Manion said damage from the storm was localized to southern Shiawassee County. He said there were a few reports of straight-line wind damage in other areas and flash flooding reported in Flint. Areas of Livingston, Oakland and Macomb counties received as much as 2 inches of rain from the storm that swept through Shiawassee County. Consumers Energy was reported more than 670 customers in the Perry area without power as of 11:20 p.m. Friday, but that number had gone down by 10:15 a.m. Saturday when the largest single outage was about 160 and about a dozen smaller outages throughout residential areas. Late Friday, Perry officials declared a state of emergency that remained in effect Saturday. Hammond said the declaration would allow the city to receive federal funding if needed and that she had been in contact with U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Holly, about what help the government may be able to provide. Hammond said she has lived in Perry 71 years, but hadn't seen a storm like Friday's hit the downtown area. Tree cleanup companies were busy throughout town Saturday morning as residents sought their services. Debris on town roads were cleaned up by city services, but trees and branches on private property are the responsibility of property owners, Hammond said. Contact Sheldon Krause at skrause@lsj.com . Follow him on Twitter @sheldonjkrause . This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: EF-1 tornado Perry Michigan state of emergency in effect A long exposure photo shows meteor streaks crossing the night sky over the stone dolls in Kuklica, Republic of North Macedonia The annual Perseid meteor shower has lit up skies across the world to the delight of those hoping to catch a glimpse of a shooting star. The phenomenon brings up to 100 meteors an hour, as the Earth slams into the debris left behind from comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle. As the debris hits the Earth's atmosphere it burns up, resulting in the bright flashes known as shooting stars, which can be seen with the naked eye. The natural display happens at a similar time in July and August each year, and this year peaked between Saturday night and the early hours of Sunday. Heavy cloud over much of the UK meant many stargazers were disappointed, although some sightings were possible over Yorkshire, north-east England and parts of southern Scotland. Looking ahead to the chances of spotting a shooting star over the coming days, BBC weather forecaster Billy Payne said many should be able to get a glimpse despite less than perfect conditions. "Tonight, we'll see cloud and rain spreading across much of England and Wales, so viewing opportunities will be limited," he said. "East Anglia and the south-east and the far north of England may see some breaks for a time before cloud increases later. "Scotland and Northern Ireland will have a few clear spells overnight but even here there will be some areas of cloud around. "Tomorrow night should offer better conditions as cloud and rain gives way to clearer skies for many. "Rain may drag its heels across northern England though, while the far north and west are likely to see areas of cloud come and go, particularly towards coasts and hills." A meteor was spotted in front of the Sphinx Door at the ancient city of Hattusa, in Turkey Two meteors streaked across the night sky above Leeberg hill in Grossmugl, Austria The meteors - which can be as small as a grain of sand or as big as a pea - hit the Earth's atmosphere at speeds of 134,000 mph (215,000 km/h). The blazing debris does not pose any danger to us on Earth. It is considered one of the best astronomical events because it produces bright meteors and is one of the most active. This beautiful shot catches a shooting star and the lighthouse of the island of Lastovo in Croatia Sky watchers on the same island in Croatia brought out a telescope hoping to catch sight of a meteor This year, Nasa's All Sky Fireball Network, which observes meteors using a network of cameras, detected the first Perseid meteor on 26 July. A meteor streaks in the night sky during annual Perseid meteor shower at Shebenik National Park, in Fushe Stude, Albania. It is called a "Perseid" meteor shower because the meteors appear to originate from the constellation of Perseus - named after a figure from Greek mythology. The Milky Way can be seen behind a Perseid meteor in this photo taken in Cantabria in Spain A meteor can be seen during the annual Perseid meteor shower in Ronda, Spain Callum White said he spent Saturday night in the Wye Valley for the Perseid meteor shower. "I spent three hours looking out over the River Wye and although the cloud rolled in and out throughout, I saw quite a few meteors and the camera captured even more - they have all been combined to produce this photo." All pictures subject to copyright. Banner saying 'Get in touch' If you saw the Perseid meteor shower and took images of the event, you can send them to: haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk. You can also get in touch in the following ways: If you are reading this page and can't see the form you will need to visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your question or comment or you can email us at HaveYourSay@bbc.co.uk. Please include your name, age and location with any submission. Several German Shepherds died after their vehicle lost AC. R A Kearton via Getty Images At least 8 German Shepherds died after they overheated in a box truck in Indiana on July 27. PETA and other activists have called for an investigation into the responding police department. Now, PETA has accused Lake Station PD of violating First Amendment rights. The tragic saga of the German Shepherds who died after overheating in a box truck in Indiana continues to leave more questions than answers. At least eight German Shepherds heading for a police K-9 training facility died after they overheated in a box truck on July 27. Animal rights activists were alarmed after the Lake Station Police Department appeared to be overly lenient with the dogs' owner, a former law enforcement officer and K-9 police trainer. Since then, Lake Station PD has been nearly mum on the subject, even going as far as deleting social media comments from people concerned about the incident, according to a letter from an attorney for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). In the wake of the incident, LSPD posted a since-deleted update on Facebook calling the tragedy a "freak event," Insider previously reported. Some comments on the post seemed skeptical, raising concerns about police corruption and calling for an investigation. Jennifer Webber, the executive director of the Humane Society of Hobart, told Insider the LSPD did not follow protocol when officers arrived at the scene on July 27. Webber said the humane society should have been permitted to seize the dogs and investigate. Instead, Webber said the LSPD complied with the dogs' owner and allowed him to leave the scene with multiple dogs that urgently needed medical attention, as well as deceased dogs. Following the public backlash, the LSPD appears to have deleted its Facebook post, as well as comments left by concerned citizens on other police posts. "In response, the department deleted a post discussing the incident, limited the users who could comment on its recent posts, and deleted or hid many comments critical of the LSPD," PETA Foundation attorney Mary Maerz wrote in a letter to LSPD Chief James Richardson and city attorney Frank J. Koprcina. The police department has not responded to multiple requests for comment from Insider. "This conduct violates the First Amendment," Maerz wrote in the letter. "It is clearly established that government authorities, including law enforcement, commit unconstitutional viewpoint discrimination when they delete comments on or otherwise restrict access to an official social media page because they do not like posted content." In response to a records request from Insider, city attorney Koprcina said the police department's investigation is "still pending at this time and is not complete." Read the original article on Insider Police in Lansing, Michigan have issued an apology after a Black teen was put in handcuffs by a White police officer in an "unfortunate case of 'wrong place, wrong time.'" The police department made several statements on Friday after videos circulating on social media showed the incident. The Lansing Police Department said first that it was an "unfortunate understanding." Officers were investigating a string of Kia car thefts, the department said, including a "specific" theft reported on West Jolly Road. A witness to the theft, which had multiple suspects, described one suspect as wearing neon shorts and a white shirt. A responding officer saw someone matching the description in a similar outfit and attempted to make contact, but the person fled. A second officer saw the mistakenly-cuffed boy and "made contact with him," the Lansing Police Department said. Cellphone video reviewed by CBS Detroit showed an officer leading the boy, who was later identified as 12-year-old Tashawn Bernard, through a parking lot, with his hands cuffed behind his back. A voice can be heard saying that the "kid" was "bringing out his trash to the Dumpster." The department did not say why the boy was handcuffed. A lawyer representing the family told the Associated Press that the officer "had his "gun unholstered and was holding it in front of him." The video then shows a man who identified the boy as his son, then approached the officer. The officer walked Tashawn toward his father, later identified as Michael Bernard, before another officer brought the child to a patrol vehicle and put him in the rear seat, according to CBS Detroit. The video shows Bernard appear to be in distress and speaking with an officer while pacing. "They traumatized my son," Bernard could be heard saying to the person recording, according to CBS Detroit. After about three minutes, the handcuffs were removed, and Tashawn was able to join his father after speaking briefly with an officer. The department said that the "initial officer was able to respond and clarify the young man in the video was not the suspect who fled earlier." According to a second statement issued on Facebook a few hours later and credited to Chief Ellery Sosobee, the young man was "released to his father when eliminated as the accused." "I have reviewed the incident and can confirm the officer who contacted and detained the young man was respectful and professional during his investigation," said Sosobee. "It's unfortunate that incidents like this occur but through communication and sharing of information, we can help people understand the whole story. We understand that something like this has an impact on all parties involved. As the Chief of Police, I want to apologize that this incident had such an effect on this young man and his family. I'm asking for the community to consider all the facts of the situation before making a judgment." Police have released blurred photos showing the suspects. Once this information was obtained, the young man was released and officers continued to search the area. We are including pictures of both individuals. We have blurred both photos to protect the identities of the subjects. pic.twitter.com/HCPwYVBfST Lansing Police (@LansingPolice) August 11, 2023 Saturday Sessions: Deer Tick performs "If She Could Only See Me Now" Saturday Sessions: Deer Tick performs "Forgiving Ties" New Hampshire trail connects 42 ice cream spots for sweet challenge Police are looking for a man wanted for murder in connection to a 2022 fatal stabbing in Dorchester. According to police, Anthony Chester, 31, of Roxbury, was last seen in the area of Roxbury and is described as a black male, 59, 190 lbs. On Monday, May 30, 2022, just before 9 a.m., officers responded to the scene of 4 Beauford Lane in Dorchester for reports of a person stabbed. Upon arrival, police located Earnest Sims, 39, of Boston, suffering from life-threatening injuries. He was transported to a local area hospital where he was pronounced deceased. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Homicide Detectives at (617) 343-4470. 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 I write out of deep concern for American higher education, and do so as the former president of both Ohio Wesleyan University and the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, whose membership consists of nearly 1,000 private college presidents. Today we are witnessing a full-scale assault on the academy intended to diminish the role of higher education as an integral guiding force in our nation. In a 1957 opinion on Sweezy v. New Hampshire, Supreme Court Justice Felix Frankfurter identified what he saw as the four freedoms essential to a university: to determine for itself on academic grounds who may teach, what may be taught, how it shall be taught, and who may be admitted to study. All four of these principles are now under attack in more than 30 states across the country, according to PEN America. What we see, especially in Florida, are actions to usurp these fundamental university freedoms: legislation to censor courses; to remove public college and university presidents and their boards of trustees; and to restrict discussion of race, sex and gender issues in and out of the classroom. It is increasingly difficult for public college presidents to speak out Most recently, the search for president of Florida Atlantic University was suspended because of anomalies, though critics contend the real reason was that a legislative ally of the governor with no higher education experience was not among the finalists. In Ohio, Senate Bill 83, passed in May, would impinge on intellectual freedom and compromise the principles of academic shared governance. Students changing classes at Ohio Wesleyan University. In Ohio, a bill passed by the Senate in May 2023 would ban public university staff and employees from striking, require college students to take certain American history courses, make faculty tenure reviews include any evidence of bias and shorten the terms of boards of trustees. Ohio State University's Board of Trustees spoke out courageously against this legislation, and fortunately it has not yet become law. If passed by the House, however, public university staff and employees would be banned from striking, college students would be required to take certain American history courses, faculty tenure reviews would include any evidence of bias, and board of trustees terms would be reduced from nine years to four. Don't fail college students: Ending COVID SNAP benefits will leave many hungry Across the country, public colleges and universities are facing similar hostile legislation to undercut their historic mission, eliminate curriculum subjects and limit academic freedom. It is increasingly difficult for public college presidents to speak out under these circumstances. For those who do, the punitive response by many state legislatures has been to cut funding, replace the board of trustees, fire the president and arbitrarily appoint handpicked leadership of the institution. Opinion alerts: Get columns from your favorite columnists + expert analysis on top issues, delivered straight to your device through the USA TODAY app. Don't have the app? Download it for free from your app store. A group of concerned former college and university presidents Champions of Higher Education has organized to confront these challenges. The membership now numbers more than 200 and continues to grow. We are committed to write opinion pieces, address public gatherings and contact state legislators. Private colleges and their presidents also need to speak up There is also a key role here for private colleges and their presidents to speak out on behalf of their public college colleagues. It is urgent for us to take a stand of solidarity with them. At some point, such attacks can limit the autonomy of private colleges as well, either through restrictive new laws or by repeal of legal protections. Are school shootings rampant? As students head back to school, should parents worry about shootings? The math says no. It is our obligation to make our views known in support of free speech and our endangered public college colleagues and their institutions. That obligation is both moral and practical. Im reminded of a profound statement by the German pastor Martin Niemoller who was imprisoned in a concentration camp until the end of World War II:First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak for me. Before it is too late, it is time to speak out in defense of Justice Felix Frankfurters "four essential freedoms" and in support of American higher education. David L. Warren David L. Warren, president of Ohio Wesleyan University from 1984 to 1993, served as president of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities from 1993 to 2019. He now lives in Washington, D.C. This column first published in The Columbus Dispatch. You can read diverse opinions from our Board of Contributors and other writers on the Opinion front page, on Twitter @usatodayopinion and in our daily Opinion newsletter. To respond to a column, submit a comment to letters@usatoday.com. This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Political attacks put colleges in danger. Universities must speak out Why settle for an ordinary backyard that has a simple pool without any overhead protection from the elements? A home in Texas is fighting against basic cookie-cutter backyards by showcasing its very own pool barn. Yes, its exactly what it sounds like. The three-bedroom, three-bathroom home which is listed for $1.67 million in Rockport defies the conventional with its screened, 40-foot pool barn, which adds some flair to a backyard oasis. While the cool feature stands out, its not the only unique aspect about the place referred to as a new home with an old soul, a news release says. Pulling up youll immediately feel a sense of calm and likely be greeted by some of the abundant wildlife that also calls this land home, the listing on Douglas Elliman says. With input from Mell Lawrence Architects and final design by Stephen Haynes, the home allows one to feel connected with the landscape from every room. Every detail showcases creativity in designing the spaces - vintage, antique and eclectic objects along with repurposed materials and fixtures all have personal stories. Other features in and around the 2,515-square-foot home include: Vaulted reclaimed barn wood ceilings Private back porch Custom Mexican cement tile Indoor/outdoor floor plan Covered porches 1,000-gallon stainless steel rainwater cistern system with pump Hurricane impact windows and doors There is also an extra acre thats available to buy. The listing is held by Megan Gallagher and Emily Waldmann. Rockport is right on the Gulf of Mexicos coastline, about 160 miles southeast of San Antonio. Indoor-outdoor mansion of Hollywood producer power couple lists in California. See it FILE - Pope Francis reads his speech during the general audience in the Paul VI hall at the Vatican, on, Aug. 9, 2023. Pope Francis on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023, strongly condemned the unjustifiable assassination of an Ecuadorian presidential candidate and urged all Ecuadorans to work together for peace. The Argentine pope sent a telegram of condolence following the brazen assassination of Fernando Villavincencio at a political rally Wednesday night. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) ROME (AP) Pope Francis on Saturday strongly condemned the unjustifiable assassination of an Ecuadorian presidential candidate and urged all Ecuadorians to work together for peace. History's first Latin American pope sent a telegram of condolence following the brazen assassination of Fernando Villavicencio at a political rally Wednesday in the capital Quito. The killing of a figure whose life work was fighting crime and corruption has focused global attention on Ecuadors wave of violent deaths and the countrys vulnerability to crime. The Argentine Jesuit pope, who visited Ecuador in 2015 in one of the first trips of his pontificate, said he was praying for Villavicencios family and all Ecuadors people. Likewise, in the face of the suffering caused by unjustifiable violence, which he condemns with all his forces, His Holiness calls on all citizens and political forces to join in a common effort in favor of peace, said the telegram, which was signed by the Vatican secretary of state. Ecuador has detained six Colombian men in connection with the slaying. Closing in on a deal to free five Americans detained in Iran, US and Iranian delegations gathered in separate hotels in Doha within sight of each other, but not within earshot as Qatari diplomats shuttled back and forth trying feverishly to broker an elusive agreement between the two. None of the conversation played out in face-to-face meetings between the US and Iran over more than a year of on-and-off hotel meetings in the Qatari capital, a US official familiar with the negotiations told CNN. Instead, Qatari officials relayed messages back and forth, with some of the logistical work happening in the most discreet way possible, according to a US official familiar with the negotiations via text thread between the Qataris and the US diplomats. The indirect talks were part of a two-year process that brought about the deal announced this week, a potential diplomatic breakthrough between bitter adversaries who dont even talk to each other. The overall contours of the deals roadmap began to crystallize in Doha about six months ago, after two-and-a-half years of intensive on-and-off indirect discussions between Washington and Tehran. And on Thursday, those intense efforts yielded the first sign of payoff, when Iran released four Americans who had been detained in the notorious Evin Prison and moved them into house arrest. Its a positive step that they were released from prison and sent to home detention. But this is just the beginning of a process that I hope and expect will lead to their return home to the United States, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said after the transfer was announced. If that plays out as agreed, the intricate diplomacy will have produced a momentous agreement between long-time adversaries whose relationship has been strained by Irans growing nuclear program and its alleged human rights abuses. Befitting the relationship, the path has been thorny, according to accounts shared with CNN by several sources familiar with the talks. The United States and Iran dont have diplomatic relations, and public overtures by Washington to engage directly with Tehran on the matter were rebuffed. Instead, the US had to pursue indirect avenues, relying on partners in the Middle East and Europe including Qatar, Oman, the United Kingdom and Switzerland, all of whom served as interlocutors for the two sides over the course of the past two and a half years. US officials approached the negotiations with the understanding that there were no guarantees with the Iranians, according to a source familiar with the negotiations. But as things seemed to fall into place, the US government began reaching out to Congress and to family members. It was not until a couple of days before the transfer to house arrest that the American side realized the plan was going into motion. A fifth American was already under house arrest. On Wednesday, the US had what (appeared) to be concrete information that the first step in the deal moving the four Americans out of Evin Prison and into house arrest would be taken on Thursday, the source familiar with the negotiations said. Still, officials were wary. There are certainly elements of the Iranian system that do not want this to happen, the source warned. When Thursday came, US officials had a direct line to the Swiss Ambassador in Iran for updates as to progress on the ground, the US official said. Swiss diplomats serve as the protecting power the eyes and ears on the ground for the US in Iran. Early in the afternoon Thursday Washington time, National Security Council Spokesperson Adrienne Watson announced the White House had received confirmation that Iran has released from prison five Americans who were unjustly detained and has placed them on house arrest. The path forward now has been described as a step-by-step process, and American officials stress that the indirect negotiations are ongoing and sensitive. One component of the deal is an expected prisoner swap between the US and Iran, and another involves making $6 billion in Iranian funds that have been in a restricted account in South Korea more readily available for non-sanctionable trade of goods like food and medicine by moving them to restricted accounts in Qatar. Sources tell CNN the funds came from oil sales that were allowed and placed into accounts set up under the Trump administration. One source briefed on the agreement said the process to transfer the funds to Qatar is likely to take 30 to 45 days, and two sources said the money would go through Switzerland before getting to Qatar. The implementation wont be easy. The US Treasury will be heavily involved, as the transfer of Iranian funds to Qatar is expected to take weeks to complete particularly because the US is not lifting any sanctions in order to facilitate the transfer, sources said. The indirect negotiations involved officials from across the Biden administration, including the State Department and the White House, and they closely involved the US Treasury Department, the official said. Treasurys involvement made the process more arduous at times, but was necessary to be sure that any agreement would maintain strict oversight of the Iranian funds, the official added. The process to get to this point with the end goal of securing the Americans release has been a long road for Biden administration officials. Sources said that bringing the Americans back home had been a priority from the outset of President Joe Bidens tenure. The three Americans publicly known to be in the deal Siamak Namazi, Morad Tahbaz and Emad Shargi had been imprisoned for years before Biden took office, with Namazi being arrested when Biden was vice president and left behind in a deal secured under the Obama administration. Now, US officials say the work continues, but they are cautiously optimistic that the five could be coming home. My belief is that this is the beginning of the end of their nightmare and the nightmare that their families have experienced, Blinken said. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley told Iowa State Fair-goers Saturday it is important to help women who have abortions, even though she is pro-life. The 51-year-old Republican presidential hopeful said at the Des Moines Register Political Soapbox that she finds it unlikely that Republicans will be able to pass a federal ban on abortion and they should stop demonizing women who decide to have abortion. Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last year some states have allowed abortions to continue. Others, like Iowa, have passed near-total bans and been "pro-life," Haley said. But it would be challenging for any Republican administration to sign a federal ban, given the makeup of Congress, Haley said. "In order to pass a federal law, you have to have a majority of the house, 60 Senate votes, and a signature of a president. We haven't had 60 Senate votes in over 100 years," Haley said. "We might have 45. So no Republican can ban abortion any more than a Democrat can ban state laws." GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley speaks at the Des Moines Register Political Soapbox during day three of the Iowa State Fair on Saturday, August 12, 2023 in Des Moines. Republicans in South Carolina where Haley served as governor from 2011 to 2017 proposed subjecting women who have abortions to the state's homicide laws. Under South Carolina law, a person convicted of murder faces at least 30 years in prison and the possibility of the death penalty, according to NBC News. But Haley said that is the wrong approach. She said she had a college roommate who was raped and people need to be compassionate. "We have to stop demonizing that issue and humanize that," Haley said. "What we need to do is save as many babies as we can and support as many moms as we can." Haley on the campaign trail has touted that the U.S. needs to be tougher on adversaries such as China, Russia and Iran. She has called China a "national" threat for infiltrating the U.S. SFA Fund, a federal Super Pac that supports her, just released its first political TV ad in Iowa and New Hampshire, with Haley's stance against China front and center. On the Soapbox Saturday, Haley said Chinese businesses are buying Iowa land and hog farms. "We're going to make sure we deal with China once and for all, and Iowa is the front line," Haley said. "Iowa is an important state. Everybody likes to think that it's because of the caucus. But when you look at what is happening with the threat behind China, think Iowa." GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley speaks with a young girl during Gov. Kim Reynolds' Fair-Side Chat during day three of the Iowa State Fair on Saturday, August 12, 2023 in Des Moines. On Saturday morning, Haley said during her Fair-Side Chat with Gov. Kim Reynolds, ahead of her appearance at the Register's Soapbox, that Chinese companies steal millions of dollars worth of research at American colleges and "spread Chinese propaganda." "They steal $600 billion worth of intellectual property from us every year," Haley said. A former U.N. ambassador, Haley said she's negotiated with China and Russia before. With speaking to Chinese leaders, she said "you go to them with strength." "The first thing is we make sure they no longer buy U.S. soil, and we take back what they've already purchased. We go to our universities, and we say: 'You either take Chinese money or you take American money, but the days of taking both are over,'"she said. "We get that infiltration out of our universities. We go to China, we say we will end all normal trade relations with you until you stop killing Americans." F. Amanda Tugade covers social justice issues for the Des Moines Register. Email her at ftugade@dmreg.com or follow her on Twitter @writefelissa. Philip Joens covers retail, real estate and RAGBRAI for the Des Moines Register. He can be reached at 515-284-8184, pjoens@registermedia.com or on Twitter @Philip_Joens. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: GOP candidate Nikki Haley speaks on abortion, China at Iowa State Fair Editors Note: Father Michael Coren is an Anglican priest, journalist and writer. He is a columnist for the Toronto Star, frequent contributor to the Globe and Mail and the author of 18 books. The views expressed here are his own. Read more opinion on CNN. I dont think I was ever a homophobe, but I certainly came close. Michael Coren - Courtesy Rev Michael Coren That is a profoundly shocking thought, and extremely painful for me to say, especially as, for the past decade, Ive been regarded in Canada as a Christian champion of equal marriage, same-sex blessings and the full affirmation of LGBTQ+ people in the church. The change, the transformation, the conversion for that is what it was came about for various reasons, but mostly because of a new reading and understanding of the Bible. I became an ally because of a deeper faith. Here I now had to stand. I could do no other. Some background and context: Until 2013 I was a Roman Catholic, and as a journalist and broadcaster with a fairly high profile, spoke and wrote frequently in support of Catholic sexual teachings. There are, of course, many Catholics who dissent from the official line, but the official line it remains. And according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered and contrary to the natural law. Pope Francis has made some soothing and compromising comments but, at heart, very little has changed. In January 2023, Pope Francis told The Associated Press that being homosexual is not a crime, yet then reiterated that homosexuality was a sin under Catholic doctrine. And while he encouraged bishops to welcome gay people into their ministries with tenderness, he also discredited larger attempts to alter existing church practices, which included attempts to provide church blessings to same-sex couples. I suppose I could have tried to find a way to ignore this, but lifes messy realities do find a way. In March 2014, the humanitarian organization World Vision US announced that it would hire Christians in same-sex marriages in its US offices. The organizations motives were entirely noble, if a little naive. Within two days, numerous leading evangelical groups denounced the charity, threatening to withdraw support. World Vision apologized, reversed its new policy and asked for forgiveness. It seemed such a cruel over-reaction, such a humiliation of good people. At around the same time, Canadas then-foreign minister John Baird criticized the Ugandan president for legislation that could lead to life imprisonment for gay sex. I supported Baird on my television show, arguing that even those of us who disagreed with same-sex marriage surely condemned such a monstrous policy. As a result, I was roundly attacked by Christian conservatives, Catholic as well as Protestant. I felt as if I were being pushed against a wall of uncertainty. My defense of traditional Christian teachings on the issue was, Id always assumed, based on love rather than hate. I started to question myself. Was that a self-defense mechanism, a comforting denial of truth? Perhaps. And that creeping doubt led me to return to scripture. Tolle Lege, said that mysterious voice to St. Augustine. Take up and read. So, I did. The Bible can be as gentle as a watercolor and as powerful as a thunderstorm. It can be taken literally or taken seriously but not always both. Its a library written over centuries, containing poetry and metaphor as well as history and biography, and without discernment, it makes little sense. It has to be, must be, read through the prism of empathy and the human condition. The thing is, the Bible hardly mentions homosexuality, which is of course a word not coined until the late 19th-century. The so-called gotcha verses from the Old Testament are specific to ancient customs and are often misunderstood. The Sodom story, for example, wasnt interpreted as referring to homosexuality until the 11th-century. Lot the hero of the text offers his virgin daughters to the mob in place of his guests, so it cant exactly be used as a compelling morality tale! Ezekiel in the Hebrew Scriptures says, This was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy. They were haughty, and did abominable things before me (Ezekiel 16:49-50). The Old Testament never speaks of lesbianism, and its mentions of sex are more about procreation and the preservation of the tribe than personal morality and romance. It also has some rather disturbing things to say about slavery in Genesis and in Pauls letter to the Ephesians, about ethnic cleansing in Deuteronomy and even killing children in First Samuel. So a precise guide to modern manners its certainly not. Jesus doesnt mention the issue, and St. Pauls comments, mainly in his letters to the Romans, are more about men using young male prostitutes in pagan initiation rites than about loving, consenting same-sex relationships. There is, however, one possible discussion in the New Testament. Its when Jesus is approached by a centurion whose beloved male servant is dying. Will Jesus cure him? Of course, and Jesus then praises the Roman for his faith. The Greek word used to describe the relationship between the Roman and his beloved servant indicates something far deeper than mere platonic affection. Then theres the love of David and Jonathan, Jesus refusing to judge and the pristine beauty of grace and justice that informs the Gospels. Most of all, theres the permanent revolution of love that Jesus didnt request but demand. His central teaching, remember, is to love God and love our neighbors as ourselves. Were told this in three of the four Gospels Matthew (22:35-40), Mark (12:28-34) and Luke (10:27). Its a transformational moment for Christians, to know that only by loving others can we properly know and love God. As I read more, I prayed more. As I prayed more, I reached out to gay Christians, who taught me lessons in forgiveness that shamed me. I made a public apology in my syndicated newspaper column for harm caused to the LGBTQ+ community by my writing and broadcasting. As a consequence, I felt the full force of those on the political and religious right. Ive reported from Northern Ireland and the Middle East but seldom seen such visceral hatred. Abuse, threats, attacks on my children and campaigns to have me canceled and fired. Thank God, because it confirmed everything that Id come to believe. I became an Anglican, and three years later entered seminary. Im now a priest, spend my time trying to preach the genuine song of the Gospels, and write books and columns doing the same. In other words, Im a Christian conservatives nightmare. But for me, a dream lived. I found truth. I found Jesus. This straight, 64-year-old man, married for 36 years and with four children, has a lot to be grateful for. Most of all, I thank the gay community for teaching me so much about what Christianity really means. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Yevgeny Prigozhin, founder of Russia's Wagner mercenary force, speaks in Paraskoviivka, Ukraine in this still image from an undated video released on March 3, 2023. Concord Press Service/via REUTERS An investigative journalist predicted that the Wagner Group boss would either be killed or lead another coup. After an aborted mutiny, Yevgeny Prigozhin and many Wagner troops agreed to move to Belarus. A think tank said that Wagner troops were planning to return to Russia, suggesting the deal was collapsing. The leader of Russia's mercenary Wagner Group will either end up dead or will lead another coup against Moscow within six months, a journalist said. Christo Grozev, a journalist with the highly respected investigative outlet Bellingcat, said that he was not surprised to see Yevgeny Prigozhin's short-lived mutiny take place in June. "I said last January that Prigozhin would turn on Putin within six months and it just fit within my timeframe," he told the Financial Times. He said that his suspicions were sparked by the fact that there was an increase in telephone traffic between Russia's senior military, per data acquired by Bellingcat. "[Russian President Vladimir] Putin went on TV and called Prigozhin a traitor," Grozev said. "Everyone knows what they do with 'traitors,' and Putin hasn't done that. He wants to see him dead. He can't do that yet. In six months, Prigozhin will either be dead, or there will be a second coup. I'm agnostic between the two, but I can't see neither of these happening." Prigozhin led the aborted Wagner mutiny in an attempt to topple Russian military leaders that he had been feuding for months over the war in Ukraine. However, the rebellion, which saw Wagner troops taking over a military base in southern Russia before marching to Moscow, was suddenly called off by Prigozhin. The Wagner chief agreed to go into exile in Belarus with many of his fighters under a deal negotiated by the Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. Aspects of this deal are likely to now be collapsing, US-based think tank the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said in an update on Wednesday. The think tank said that Putin has "failed to decisively resolve" issues brought up by Prigozhin and Wagner following the rebellion. There are rumors circulating that hundreds of Wagner troops are leaving Belarus to return to Russia, and are ready to "activate" at the end of August, ISW said, citing Wagner-affiliated sources. A Russian insider source and a Wagner-affiliated source speculated that this might be because Lukashenko refused to finance Wagner as he had expected Russia would be responsible for them. The think tank did note that the validity of these claims are unclear at this time, and it remains to be seen how the Wagner Group will proceed and how Putin might respond. Read the original article on Business Insider PrimoHoagies has announced the opening of its new location in Wilmington. The hoagie shop, owned by local resident Kathy Rooney, will be located on the 3700 block of South College Road. To celebrate its grand opening, PrimoHoagies offered free primo-size hoagies to its first 100 customers. PrimoHoagies uses recipes passed down through the generations for its iconic hoagies. It layers Thumanns gourmet meats and cheeses, a secret blend of spices, and locally sourced, fresh vegetables onto award-winning, seeded rolls that are baked fresh throughout the day. The casual restaurants diverse menu features a variety of cold and hot hoagies, cheesesteaks, wraps, vegetarian options, antipasti salads, chips, drinks, fresh-baked cookies, and more! Rooney said she and her husband decided to open the shop after moving to Wilmton from Philadelphia. She said they wanted to introduce her beloved PrimoHoagies to the community while creating valuable job opportunities. ALSO READ: Preparations underway for the opening of Ballantynes new amphitheater Wilmington is a vibrant community of food fans and were excited to make Primos unique, authentic flavor the newest delicious option, Rooney said. Although some locals in Wilmington may not yet be familiar with hoagies, the many Philly transplants here have created great anticipation for the arrival of PrimoHoagies! Rooney said she has already begun collaborating with area nonprofits, including ACCESS of Wilmington and the North Carolina Coastal Federation, demonstrating her commitment to making a positive impact in the community. The 1,600-square-foot store is expected to employ about 15 people, with dine-in and outdoor seating, plus takeout, and delivery options. It will also offer catering, including its popular hoagie trays, which are perfect for special events, gameday, and luncheons. This shop will be open from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. VIDEO: Preparations underway for the opening of Ballantynes new amphitheater It would be easy to view Fridays police raid on a rural Kansas newsroom as another sign Russian President Vladimir Putins plan for world domination is not the only threat to our democracy. It appears to violate the Privacy Protection Act, which explicitly protects materials journalists collect in the course of their work from fishing expeditions by authorities. But lets look at the bright side. In some ways, local officials vendetta against Marion County Record owner and publisher Eric Meyer highlights the importance of local news coverage and the grit and dedication it takes keep it going against heavy economic odds. After decades working at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, followed by a couple more on the journalism faculty at the University of Illinois, the silver-haired newsman could be enjoying retirement. Instead, he returned to the same newspaper where his dad once worked. Meyer and his newsroom represent one of the green shoots sprouting in a nation of expanding news deserts, where they are the watchdogs of communities too small or too remote to attract the attention of big metropolitan dailies or TV stations. They do stories that make a difference to those communities. Todays Marion County Record webpage features stories about an alarming rise in property tax delinquencies, the arrest of an accused child pornographer and a heartwarming feature about a 10-year-old guitarist who regularly jams with a centenarian at a local senior center. Apparently this sort of work isnt appreciated by Magistrate Judge Laura Viar, who OKd the raid on the Marion County Record and Meyers home where, according to the Record, the zealous local constabulary confiscated the router that ran his 98-year-old mothers Alexa speaker. The Record reported that Joan Meyer collapsed and died at her home Saturday afternoon. Happily, others feel differently. Two journalism trade outlets, Nieman Reports and Editor & Publisher have recently reported a promising trend: veteran news reporters and editors coming out of retirement to report on local news. Meyer was ahead of this curve when, in 1998, he purchased the Record, which serves a community of some 12,000 souls. This kind of altruism can have an enormous impact. Democracys muscles atrophy when there arent reporters around to keep them in shape. Case in point: Missouri School of Journalism professor Fred Anklam, who helped start Mississippi Today after retiring from USA Today, tells a story of getting a call from a cub reporter dispatched to cover a state commission hearing. The young journalist said staffers insisted the meeting was private. Anklam had to school both the rookie and policymakers that, in fact, public business must be open to the public. According to the Kansas Reflector, the chain of events that led to the police raid on the Marion County Record began with a local restaurant owner kicking the newspapers reporters out of a meeting with U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner. The rest reads like an all-too typical saga of a local good ol boys (and gals) network trying to keep pesky folks from questioning how we do things in these here parts. Thats why local journalists who put principle above personal popularity are important. Its why theres a bipartisan congressional effort to provide tax credits for local news providers. Its why Eric Meyer should sue. Were betting it will be a win for democracy. Kathy Kiely is the Lee Hills Chair in Free Press Studies at the Missouri School of Journalism. She is joined in this op-ed by fellow Knight Chairs Stephen Wolgast of the University of Kansas, Damon Kiesow of the Missouri School of Journalism and John Affleck of Penn State University. Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy criticized U.S. Attorney for Delaware David Weiss appointment as special counsel in the Hunter Biden investigation on Saturday, dismissing it as a total fig leaf. On the face of it, it would make sense and its a good thing to have a special counsel appointed, Ramaswamy said on Fox News during a campaign stop in Iowa. The problem is that this is a total fig leaf. It is a distraction. The GOP hopeful noted that Weiss, who has been overseeing the investigation into the presidents son since 2018, negotiated the plea deal with the presidents son earlier this year that was widely criticized by Republicans as a sweetheart deal. The deal appears to have since collapsed, after a judge raised questions at a July hearing about the scope of Hunter Bidens immunity from potential future charges. This is the same individual, the same person, who actually negotiated that plea deal that the judge rejected handily, Ramaswamy said. This is also just a designation of a title for an administration that, in the case of Hunter Biden, has been repeatedly creating one deflection after another. I think the timing in comparison to the Donald Trump indictments are not an accident, for how long that investigation had been ongoing, he continued. And so, unfortunately, I just do see this as another maneuver to distract the public from the fact that we have two standards of justice. The controversy surrounding the presidents son has unfolded as former President Trump faced charges in three separate cases in the last six months over a 2016 hush money payment, his handling of classified documents and his efforts to remain in power after losing the 2020 election. While many Republicans previously called on Attorney General Merrick Garland to appoint a special counsel in the Hunter Biden investigation, his decision to elevate Weiss to the position on Friday drew widespread condemnation from GOP lawmakers. Like Ramaswamy, Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) questioned whether Weiss could be trusted after reaching the plea deal with Biden, and House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) claimed that the appointment was part of the Justice Departments efforts to attempt a Biden family coverup. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Speaking at the Iowa State Fair on Saturday, Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy warned that the United States was too dependent on China, promising that if elected he would push back forcefully on the countrys reach into U.S. domestic affairs. If Thomas Jefferson, my favorite president, were alive today, the Declaration of Independence he'd be signing is the Declaration of Independence from communist China, Ramaswamy told Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds. That's the Declaration of Independence that I will sign as your next president. With an assist from Reynolds, the entrepreneur drew the crowd into his idea of the country's "codependent relationship" with China as he brought up the Chinese surveillance balloon that flew across the continental U.S. earlier in the year before President Joe Biden ordered it shot down off the Atlantic coast. What would we have down in Iowa? Reynolds called out to a cheering crowd. Shot it down! Ramaswamy responded. If that were Russia, we would have ratcheted up sanctions. We didn't do it for China. You want to know why? It's because we're scared. ... We're scared because we depend on them. He argued specifically that Chinas manufacturing of fentanyl and its precursors, ownership of social media app TikTok and the American debt it holds all contribute to the U.S.'s addiction to Chinese president Xi Jinping. To fight against Chinese influence, Ramaswamy argued that the country needed to shore up its youths belief in the American core values. He pointed a recent survey that made waves in conservative circles that found young respondents would choose to give up voting for a year when asked to choose between the right and accessing TikTok. I think that theres no reason why every high school student who graduates in this country should not have to pass the same civics test that an immigrant like my parents had to pass in order to become citizens of this country, Ramaswamy said. Young people dont value a country theyre taught to hate. Young people dont value a country that they dont even know anything about. Ramaswamy, who has seen a steady rise in the polls, has attracted a following for his animated personality on stage. After the "fair-side chat" with Reynolds, the 38-year-old rapped along to Eminem's "Lose Yourself" before signing autographs for the crowd. A former International Criminal Court chief prosecutor has said there is reasonable basis to believe that genocide is being committed against Armenians in the contested region of Nagorno-Karabakh. There are no crematories and there are no machete attacks. Starvation is the invisible genocide weapon. Without immediate dramatic change, this group of Armenians will be destroyed in a few weeks, said Luis Moreno Ocampo in an expert opinion letter on Monday. Responding to the comments, a lawyer hired by Azerbaijan called the findings fundamentally flawed. Nagorno-Karabakh is a landlocked area between Eastern Europe and Western Asia that is home to a large Armenian population but is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan. Armenia and Azerbaijan have been battling over the region for decades. Ocampo worked at the Netherlands-based ICC until 2012. On Monday, UN experts urged Azerbaijan to lift a blockade on the Lachin corridor, the sole road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia. The blockade has been in place for the past seven months. In a press release, the OHCHR called on Azerbaijan to end the dire humanitarian crisis in the Nagorno-Karabakh region, which it said had resulted in shortages of food, medication, and hygiene products. The blockade of the Lachin corridor is a humanitarian emergency that has created severe shortages of essential food staples including sunflower oil, fish, chicken, dairy products, cereal, sugar and baby formula, it said. Medical supplies were also rapidly depleting, it added. An Azerbaijani checkpoint at the entry of the Lachin corridor, the Armenian-populated breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh region's only land link with Armenia, on July 30. - KAren Minasyan/AFPGetty Images/FILE The OHCHR urged the Azerbaijani government to uphold its international obligations to respect and protect human rights, and called on Russian peacekeeping forces in the region to protect the corridor. Both requests are in accordance with the ceasefire agreement of November 2020. It is essential to ensure the safety, dignity, and well-being of all individuals during this critical time, they added. The issue was raised at a UN Security Council meeting on August 3, with the Deputy Foreign Minister of Armenia, Vahe Gevorgyan, warning that Azerbaijans blockade had affected 2,000 pregnant women, around 30,000 children, 20,000 older persons and 9,000 persons with disabilities. In July, the European Union foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, said the EU was deeply concerned about the serious humanitarian situation in the Nagorno-Karabakh region, arguing that 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. A spokesperson for US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said last month that Blinken had spoken to Azerbaijans president to express deep concern for the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabak and underscored the urgent need for free transit of commercial, humanitarian, and private vehicles through the Lachin corridor. British lawyer Rodney Dixon was instructed by Azerbaijan to provide a legal assessment of Ocampos report. In a preliminary opinion letter obtained by CNN, Dixon described Ocampos genocide comments as an extremely serious accusation to make, and stated that the allegations are on their face unsubstantiated and manifestly lacking any credibility. It is vitally important that provocative allegations, without any firm basis in international law, are not allowed to hinder the peace negotiations presently underway between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and to stir tensions on the ground, Dixon said, stating that there is no basis for claiming that a genocide is currently being perpetrated. This is a groundless and very dangerous allegation which should not be taken seriously by any of the parties involved and the international community more generally, Dixon added. This story has been updated to add lawyer Rodney Dixons comments For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Former President Donald Trump may not show up at the first Republican presidential primary debate, but that doesnt bother North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum. The multi-millionaire former software company CEO turned two-term governor whos a dark horse for the 2024 GOP nomination said in a one-on-one interview with Fox News Digital as he walked through the Iowa State Fair that "were looking forward to the debate. Were excited to be there, and were excited regardless of who shows up." Burgum is one of eight candidates (so far) who have met the Republican National Committees criteria to make the debate stage at the Fox News hosted showdown on August 23 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. That list also includes Trump, former Vice President Mike Pence, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, former ambassador and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, and entrepreneur and best-selling author Vivek Ramaswamy. "Its obviously an opportunity for us," Burgum said in his Friday interview," becauseof the eight candidates whove made the stage, were the least well know. By definition that gives us the most upside. And part of that is weve already defied the odds because when we launched people said hell never make the debate stage. People said you could never build a global software company in Fargo, North Dakota. People said we would never get elected governor when we were down 60 points six months before the primary. So, we like our position, and we are looking forward to the debate." THIS REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE DROPS $10 MILLION OF HIS OWN MONEY INTO HIS PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, a 2024 Republican presidential candidate, is interviewed by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds at the Iowa State Fair, on August 11, 2023, in Des Moines, Iowa Burgums not well known outside his home state of North Dakota and has been running a positive campaign to date, as he introduces himself to voters. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Asked if hell have to eventually throw some punches, the governor said "people dont know who we are and I think people need to find out who we are, what weve done, what our vision is for the country. Presidential campaigns need to be about the future, not about the past. If it gets down to two people, then that would be the time to create differentiation but in the meantime, weve just got to keep telling our story." PENCE SAYS TRUMP'S MISSING AN OPPORTUNITY AT THE IOWA STATE FAIR But Burgum was apparently critical of some of his rivals, questioning whether they had the experience needed to serve as president. "I think one of the criteria for running for president ought to be some of your relevant experience," he emphasized. And Burgum pointed to those candidates who "havent had an opportunity to work in an executive branch role, which is what the presidency is, that would include people being governor, or if you havent worked in the private sector." "I think a lot of Americans would look forward to having president who understands what working Americans are actually going through and what it takes to make payroll every two weeks, what Ive been doing since I was 26 years old. And what it means to cut you own pay to make sure youve got enough money to pay people that are working for you," Burgum stressed. "These are things that I think are prerequisites and were counting on the voters to understand that." Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) does not think much of the appointment of U.S. Attorney David Weiss as special counsel for the Justice Departments investigation into Hunter Biden, the presidents son. Attorney General Merrick Garland knows Weiss will protect Hunter, Blackburn scoffed in a social media post on Saturday. But Weiss appointment is exactly what she and other congressional Republicans requested. Special counsel is the same designation Garland gave Jack Smith, currently prosecuting former President Donald Trump. Last September, a group of 31 Senate Republicans, including Blackburn, asked specifically for Weiss to be appointed to oversee the probe to provide additional assurances to the American people that the Hunter Biden investigation is free from political influence. Weiss had already led the investigation into his business dealings, which began under President Donald Trump. Republicans on the House side sent a similar letter in April 2022, although they did not name Weiss specifically. Blackburn and two other Republican senators reiterated their request for a special counsel two months ago. Now that theyve gotten their wish, some are complaining. This week, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) slammed the appointment despite signing the letter last fall. This is a political decision by the Biden administration to fix their political problem. I think they poured gasoline on a political fire, Graham told NewsNation. He added: Mr. Weiss team needs to be replaced with a new set of eyes. Merrick Garland appointed David Weiss as special counsel because he knows Weiss will protect Hunter. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (@MarshaBlackburn) August 12, 2023 Sen. Chuck Grassley offered similar criticism while speaking with Fox News after acknowledging that he also had signed the letter last year. I have some questions about Weiss doing it, Grassley said. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy suggested on social media that the appointment would be used to whitewash the Biden family corruption. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) echoed those words in a statement to CNN: David Weiss cant be trusted, and this is just a new way to whitewash the Biden familys corruption. Its worth noting that some Republicans like former Vice President Mike Pence have cheered the appointment, although they were less likely to do so openly, according to reporting by The New York Times. Others appear to have soured on Weiss because he was the one who negotiated the plea deal with Biden that fell apart dramatically in court earlier this summer. If Weiss negotiated the sweetheart deal that couldnt get approved, how can he be trusted as a Special Counsel? McCarthy said in his post. In late July, the presidents son walked into a federal courthouse where he was expected to plead guilty to misdemeanor tax charges as part of an arrangement with prosecutors to avoid a felony gun charge. But he pleaded not guilty after U.S. District Judge Judge Maryellen Noreika questioned the language in the agreement. Republicans had reacted incredulously to news of the plea deal, claiming that Biden was being given preferential treatment. Weiss appointment to special counsel signals the investigation may go to trial potentially in a year when Joe Biden is running for reelection. CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story incorrectly said Lindsey Graham is from Georgia. He represents South Carolina. Related... Ah, kale. Once a golden child among leafy greens a 2011 talking point for Gwyneth and Ellen, a 2012 Dish of the Year star for Bon Appetit, and the 2014 fashion focus of a Beyonce video kale has since had increasing detractors alongside its defenders. Now a pilot study has found toxic forever chemicals in kale samples especially organic ones though its authors present this as a critique of chemical pervasiveness, not an anti-kale attack. What happened? The nonprofit Alliance for Natural Health USA (ANH) tested supermarket kale from four states and detected the toxic chemicals in seven of eight samples. PFAS, also known as forever chemicals because of their practically endless lifespans, are compounds manufactured for special properties, including fire and water resistance. They appear in products ranging from fire extinguishers to dental floss. These chemicals persist in the human body as well as the environment, and emerging science links them to a drug disclaimers worth of health issues, including high cholesterol, liver damage, and risks of kidney and testicular cancers. Why are PFAS in kale concerning? Robert Verkerk, founder of ANH, told the Guardian that his group tested kale to look at an archetypal healthy vegetable. Researchers expected to find small amounts of PFAS, but the levels stunned them. The fact that kale, one of the healthiest foods you can get at the supermarket, is contaminated, is particularly concerning, ANH notes online. Verkerk told the Guardian it was also a shock finding that organic kale had high PFAS levels. The contamination source is unclear, though Verkerk suspected dirty water or sewage sludge spread as fertilizer. The results, released in June, contradict previous Food and Drug Administration (FDA) analyses that reported no PFAS kale contamination. The FDA states online that we have found that most foods not grown or produced in specific geographic areas with known PFAS contamination do not have detectable levels of PFAS. ANH takes issue with the FDA and Environmental Protection Agencys (EPA) testing as grossly inadequate. Although there are no limits for PFAS in U.S. foods, the EPA recently proposed a PFAS drinking water standard. What can I do about PFAS in produce? The EPA lists steps to reduce risks, including learning more. ANH notes that washing produce may not be effective against PFAS. The organization urges a PFAS ban and has tools for individuals to learn more and take action. Efforts to control PFAS may help reduce planet-heating pollution. The EPA has linked PFAS production to heat-trapping gases. For its part, ANH plans more tests, and it calls for government agencies to improve their tests and regulations: The issue isnt PFAS-contaminated kale per se, its more that we likely live in a PFAS-contaminated world. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more, waste less, and help yourself while helping the planet. A group of four companies is working to ensure forever chemicals, also called PFAS, arent everlasting. The innovators are using pressure and high heat to destroy the substances in wastewater before the toxins can harm people. If this latest tech breakthrough proves to be a reliable process, it could be the key to preventing the substances already estimated to be in the blood of 97% of Americans from further leaching into our lives. The effort is being showcased in Wyoming, Michigan, where Heritage-Crystal Clean uses the ingenious system to annihilate the harmful substances, tagged forever because of how long it takes them to degrade. Michigan Live detailed the process happening at Crystal Cleans waste treatment facility. The effort includes input from Allonnia, EPOC Enviro, and Revive Environmental the developer of the aptly named PFAS Annihilator. The process starts by taking liquid landfill waste and separating the forever chemicals. Once collected, the concentrated toxic wastewater is transported to Revives Annihilator, which fits into two shipping containers. Crystal Cleans Michigan facility can process 500 gallons a day. The chemical waste is treated with a special foam that helps to concentrate PFAS before being sent to the Annihilator. The treatment costs about 15 cents to 40 cents a gallon, all per Michigan Live. The process, using expertise from each of the companies involved, is being marketed as 4never. The technical name for the treatment is Supercritical Water Oxidation. In short, the heat and pressure transform the wastewater into a middle-ground state, neither liquid nor gas, according to Revives website. This process allows for the powerful chemical bonds that hold forever chemicals together to break. The temperature reaches as high as 700 degrees, combined with 3,200 pounds-per-square-inch of pressure, Michigan Live reports. The process leads to harmless water that can be sent back to municipal wastewater plants and eventually the environment. Destroying the PFAS takes about a minute. This is real now, Revive President David Trueba told Michigan Live about what is billed as the first closed-loop PFAS remediation solution. Heat and pressure have been used to purify water for decades, including purging radiation and nerve agents. This latest effort has been in the works for about five years. While the process requires a boost of electricity to work, Trueba told Michigan Live that some energy generated through chemical reactions from the operation itself can be recycled. The inventors said they are ready for more annihilation. Crystal Clean has 11 facilities set to onboard. Revive is hoping to ramp up manufacturing, producing up to 25 this year. Expect to see us in other states soon, Crystal Clean President Brian Recatto told Michigan Live. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the coolest innovations improving our lives and saving our planet. A woman was killed and a man seriously injured after a shooting on Columbus' Northeast Side Thursday evening. Columbus police arrested a Reynoldsburg man Friday after they allege he stabbed a man to death in July on the city's South Side. Authorities arrested and charged Donjulliane Moore, 20, of Reynoldsburg, accusing him of stabbing James Cummings, 61, to death in late July, according to court documents. Around 11:15 p.m. July 28, Columbus police responded to a report of a person being stabbed on the 600 block of East Stewart Avenue, where they found Cummings passed out with multiple stab wounds. He died about 11:40 p.m. Police found a blood trail, which they followed to a garage where they found a large knife, a black mask and a pool of blood that police believe Moore left behind, according to court documents. Police interviewed his girlfriend, who they say told them she took him to the hospital from the garage with a severe stab wound to his legs. More: Here's where homicides have occurred in Columbus Investigators interviewed Moore, who they say told them he believed he was shot but had no memory of the events leading to his hospitalization. He also had several cuts on his right hand from where police believe he used a knife. Moore appeared Saturday in a Franklin County court, where he pleaded not guilty and was released on $200,000 bond, court records show. @Colebehr_report Cbehrens@dispatch.com This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus South Side stabbing death: Reynoldsburg man arrested, charged Ron DeSantis first experience at the Iowa State Fair has been anything but Midwestern nice. For the second day in a row, the Florida governor was the only Republican at the event, which is hallowed political territory for any presidential candidate, interrupted by protesters imploring him to return to the Sunshine State. DeSantis' latest clash with the small group of demonstrators who say they were there to protest his policies on a range of issues, including abortion and education was on Saturday morning during his one-on-one interview with Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds. The protesters used a cowbell and whistles to disrupt DeSantis, who has a close relationship with Reynolds and said he would consider her as a running mate. Two of DeSantis' rivals for the GOP nomination, Vivek Ramaswamy and Nikki Haley, were also interviewed by Reynolds, ahead of DeSantis, and neither faced any vocal opposition from the audience. Hey, you know what, you know what? Were in Iowa, Reynolds told the protesters. And in Iowa, were Iowa nice. So, lets give everybody the opportunity to hear our candidates. After the incident, DeSantis called the protesters "radical leftists." "Well, look, I think when the left comes out thats a sign of strength because like, they know that we will beat [Joe] Biden and they know we will be able to turn this country around and they do not want that," he told reporters. It was the second day in a row that DeSantis was heckled by the apparent left-leaning group. On Friday, the protesters greeted DeSantis at the fair using a megaphone through which they chanted Ron DeFascist and pudding fingers, referring to a Daily Beast story that reported DeSantis ate a cup of pudding with his bare hands. A demonstrator clashes with security as Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at the Iowa State Fair (Stefani Reynolds / AFP via Getty Images) "Were Iowa nice by nature," one of the protesters, Heather Ryan, told NBC News on Friday. "Thats what were known for. But Im tired of being nice. Im tired of getting trampled on for our rights ... people like Ron DeSantis ... I mean, womens rights are, like, so unimportant to him that I almost dont even have to say that hes taking them away because you already know that." NBC News was unable to contact Ryan following Saturday's protest as she had been apprehended by authorities. Reynolds' "fair-side" chats with the GOP contenders have been friendly and formulaic, allowing each candidate to field a series of softball questions in front of grassroots Iowa Republicans who are set to play an outsize role in the GOP nominating contest. Most of her questions have steered away from any hint of controversy, including front-runner Donald Trumps indictments. During his chat with Reynolds on Saturday, DeSantis reiterated his long-standing talking points, from Floridas response to the Covid-19 pandemic to parental rights in education. He also spoke about how he navigates having three small children on the campaign trail, as a plane flew overhead carrying a banner that read Be likable, Ron! a reference to leaked video from debate preparation during his 2018 gubernatorial campaign where Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, a Republican who was a significant DeSantis adviser but now a Trump supporter, told DeSantis to be likable. A plane flies over the Iowa State Fair pulling a banner with a goading message for Gov. Ron DeSantis (Jeff Roberson / AP) Trump has maintained significant double digit leads in most public polling, with DeSantis coming in second place. The Florida governor has spent nearly all of his time in recent weeks traveling around Iowa, the first state on the GOP presidential nominating calendar, because his campaign sees it as a make or break for his chances at challenging Trump. Meanwhile, the former president's primary dominance was on full display when he flew over the fairgrounds in his Trump-branded private jet just hours after Reynolds interviewed Haley, Ramaswamy and DeSantis. He held his own event, which did not include Reynolds, that drew larger crowds than those seen by other candidates at the event. DeSantis briefly met with reporters after Trump arrived on the scene, and acknowledged he had work to do to try to overcome the former presidents obvious hold on the GOP base in Iowa and the rest of the nation. Asked by reporters how he aims to close the gap with Trump, DeSantis said, You work hard. Weve now done 38 of the 99 counties. We did six counties yesterday. They did six counties with us and had fun. Trumps arrival in Iowa also included several members of the Florida congressional delegation who were endorsing him over their own governor. Some of them posted on social media before leaving for the event that they would be traveling with Trump on his plane, a perceived slight at DeSantis, who has only one Florida congressional endorsement. DeSantis tried to counter the maneuver by bringing several elected Iowa Republicans who have endorsed his campaign. I had a big delegation from Iowa with us that were helping us out, DeSantis told reporters when asked about the Florida lawmakers traveling with Trump. And I think the reason is because the Iowa legislators, the governor, theyve had a lot of success, and theyve also seen how Florida had a lot of success. And thats just good leadership. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com In a rare August election on Tuesday, Ohio voters decisively rejected requiring popular supermajorities for referendums on constitutional questions. This Republican proposal was widely, and correctly, interpreted as an attempt to fend off an abortion rights referendum in 2024. These end-arounds rarely work; voters see through such transparent manipulation. Douglas Rooks Yet theres another story here, one Maine legislators, and Democrats in particular, need to heed. Majority rule is the basic principal of our representative democracy, and should be applied at all levels. Exceptions such as the federal Constitutions provisions for the executive veto, conviction following impeachment, and ratification of treaties are narrowly tailored and dont apply to elections. But the Constitution contains a huge flaw: the moribund, undemocratic, and utterly odd way we elect presidents, through an Electoral College that doesnt exist. The document itself mentions only electors, and they dont even meet in Washington, but cast ballots in respective state capitals under instructions specified in state law. The sheer weirdness of this rite is unfortunately lost on many voters (and legislators) who seem to believe that because weve always done it this way its somehow OK. This view ignores obvious facts. In the second contested presidential election, in 1800, the count ended in a tie because parties began fielding tickets, with Thomas Jeffersons election put into doubt because his running mate, Aaron Burr, sought to convince Congress to seat him instead. Jefferson represented the Republicans (now Democrats), while President John Adams, who lost his reelection bid, led the already declining Federalists. The Twelfth Amendment was then rushed through to create separate ballots for president and vice president just the beginning of a dubious history. In 1824, Andrew Jackson was the popular vote winner but, with four Republican candidates on the ballot after the Federalists demise, he lacked an electoral vote majority. For the first and so far only time, the election went to the House of Representatives, where each state, regardless of population, gets one vote. The House eventually installed John Quincy Adams, allegedly through a corrupt bargain with Henry Clay, his future secretary of State. Thus Jackson became the only candidate, along with another Democrat, Grover Cleveland, to win the popular vote three consecutive times until Franklin Roosevelt did it four times. That produced the Republican-inspired Twenty-Second Amendment for a lifetime two-term limit, another anti-majoritarian provision but at least one with constitutional sanction. And lets not forget 1876, when Democrat Samuel Tilden won the popular vote but electoral votes in four recently reconstructed Southern states were disputed. A Republican Supreme Court justice serving on a special commission cast deciding votes seating the Republican, Rutherford Hayes. There the misadventures of the Electoral College seemingly ended. Then in 2000, with recounts still pending, the Supreme Court installed George W. Bush over the popular vote winner, Al Gore. Sixteen years later, Donald Trump became president despite losing the popular vote by three million. Why, virtually everyone outside our political system asks, does the United States persist with a method no other nation uses, and is employed in no other federal, state, county or municipal election here? Would we accept counties electing the governor, or city wards choosing the mayor? Americans regularly support a popular vote for president when asked, and until Trump, opinion was bipartisan. Theres a simple, constitutional means to accomplish this, called the National Popular Vote Compact. It requires compact states to cast electoral votes not for their own states winner, but the national winner. Both provisions instructions by states to electors, and interstate compacts are in the original Constitution. Unfortunately, it now seems up to Democrats to create a democratic presidential election, and in each state thats had Democratic majority legislatures and governors, the compact has been adopted. Minnesota is the latest, and Michigan will likely follow suit. That would amount to 221 electoral votes pledged; when 270, a majority, are committed, the compact takes effect. That leaves one state controlled by Democrats Maine yet to act. The reasons are mystifying. The bill has been repeatedly introduced, and came close to passage in 2019. Yet it never received a vote in the 2021-22 session, and has been carried over, yet again, to 2024. The arguments against the compact are numerous, but ultimately amount to quibbling. Theres nothing dangerous about letting Americans elect our president. We should insist that all votes count equally, ending our fixation on swing states and in Maine the idea that small states would lose out. States shouldnt elect the president; the voters should. If you agree, contact your legislators on summer break and tell them to bring up LD 1578 and pass it next year. Douglas Rooks has been a Maine editor, columnist and reporter since 1984. His new book, Calm Command: U.S. Chief Justice Melville Fuller in His Times, 1888-1910, will be published later this year. He welcomes comment at drooks@tds.net This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Rooks: States shouldnt elect the president; the voters should The Russians say they shot down a drone in the Kaluga Oblast The wave of mysterious drone attacks continued in Russia in the early hours of Aug. 12, with an unidentified drone being shot down in Kaluga Oblast. The regions governor Vladislav Shapsha wrote on Telegram that Russian air defenses were activated in Kaluga Oblasts Dzerzhinsky District, about 150 kilometers to the southwest of the Russian capital Moscow. Read also: Two Dacha houses damaged as drones crash to ground in Russias Kaluga Oblast No damage or casualties in the attack were reported by Shapsha. Earlier, the governor of Russias Kursk Oblast, Roman Starovoit, announced on Telegram that on Aug. 10, at about 11 p.m., air defense forces allegedly shot down two Ukrainian UAVs that were approaching the city of Kursk. Meanwhile, in Moscow on Aug. 11, as the whole of Ukraine was under an air alert due to a Russian missile attack, there were reports of explosions in the west of the Russian capital, and videos appeared showing smoke drifting over the city from the alleged shoot-down of a drone. Read also: Damaged plant near Moscow was developing next-generation bomber aircraft report Video also appeared of a distinctive-looking drone with small canard front wings and a rear propeller a type that has been spotted over Moscow several times and which resembles a known type of drone manufactured in Ukraine. Moscows Vnukovo airport was closed for some time due to the reports of the drone activity, with several flights being delayed or diverted. In an earlier drone-related incident on Aug. 10, flight restrictions were imposed at two of Moscows main airports, Vnukovo and Domodedovo, with dozens of flights being delayed, while explosions were reported near the village of Domodedovo. Telegram channels said that airports were enacting the Kover security plan, a protocol activated in response to unidentified aircraft or other airborne objects perceived as potential threats. The incident in Kaluga Oblast on Aug. 12 is the latest in a wave of mysterious drone incidents occurring across Russia for the past few months. There have been at least four notable incidents in the past two weeks. Read also: Moscow airports in chaos after multiple reports of drone attacks On Aug. 9, Russia claimed there were "attempts" to attack Moscow by UAVs, with one drone allegedly shot down in the Domodedovo area, and residents reported explosions. On Aug. 6, Russian authorities claimed that a drone "tried to break through" to Moscow, and dozens of flights were delayed at Vnukovo airport. On July 30, Moscow was attacked by unidentified drones. In particular, the building of the IQ-quarter in Moscow City business district, where the offices of several Russian ministries are located, was destroyed. In an apparent follow-up attack in the early hours of Aug. 1, Moscow Mayor Sobyanin said that another drone had hit the same skyscraper that had been attacked two days earlier. Ukraine typically denies using drones to attack Russia, but drones of known Ukrainian types have been spotted in the skies of Russia, and wreckage of crashed drones of known Ukrainian manufacture has been discovered on the ground on numerous occasions. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Russia has likely moved its air assault forces from Kherson Oblast to Orikhiv district in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, where fierce fighting is ongoing. Source: UK Defence Intelligence, as reported by European Pravda Details: Russia's 58th Combined Arms Army (58th CAA) has been engaged in hostilities against Ukrainian forces in this area since 4 June 2023. The UK MoD noted that the then commander of the 58th CAA was sacked on 11 July, likely partly owing to his insistence on the need to pull out part of his forces. Reports indicate that the 70th and 71st Motorised Rifle Regiments faced severe attrition and heavy fighting on the battlefield. UK Defence Intelligence believes there is a real likelihood that the deployment of airborne forces will eventually give units of these regiments a chance to recover. However, the redeployment is likely to weaken Russian defences on the eastern bank of the Dnipro River, where they are increasingly under pressure from Ukrainian amphibious raids. Background: Last month, Russian Major General Ivan Popov, who goes by the alias of Spartak, told his subordinate soldiers that he had been fired after releasing a report on the current problems in Russia's Armed Forces. 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 drone, considered by Ukrainian authorities to be an Iranian-made Shahed-136, over Kyiv on October 17, 2022. REUTERS/Roman Petushkov Russia has built its own version of an Iranian attack drone to attack Ukraine, a report says. The Geran-2 drones are similar to Iranian Shahed-136s but made with different materials. Russia sought an effective replacement that could be "scaled up in significant quantities." Russia has started to build a version of Iranian attack drones and has used them against Ukraine, a report says. An independent UK-based research group, Conflict Armament Research, inspected the wreckage of two drones found in Kyiv in July that appeared to be Iranian Shahed-136s but which had electronic modules that matched those from Russian surveillance drones, The New York Times reported. The single-use drones, called Geran-2, appear to be Russian-made versions of the Iranian drones, the researchers said. Russian forces began using Iranian-made drones to strike cities across Ukraine last year. The small, propellor-driven weapons can be packed with explosives that detonate upon impact, which is why they are often referred to as "kamikaze" drones. "This new version will allow Russia to sustain its attack patterns and its reliance on these one-way drones," Damien Spleeters, who led the group's investigation, told The Times. "So the fact that they make it domestically will allow them to continue to rely on it." The Geran-2 drones are built with different materials to the Shahed, and they also appear to have been adapted to better suit Russian needs, per the report. The Russian drones are made with fiberglass over layers of woven carbon fiber, which is different from the honeycomb type of material used in the Iranian drones, The Times noted. The two drones that Conflict Armament Research inspected also contained electronic modules called Kometa in their guidance sections these have previously been found in Russian drones. Ukrainian news outlets also published photos of the drones that they say appear to have been made in Russia. The UK's Ministry of Defence said in an intelligence update on Wednesday that the performance of the Russian-produced weapons has been "variable" and that Ukraine has been able to neutralize the majority of them. An explosion of a drone is seen in the sky over the city during a Russian drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine May 4, 2023. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich Samuel Bendett, an expert on Russian military drones at the Center for Naval Analyses, told The Times that analysts have been waiting to see if Russia could make its own versions of the Iranian drones. "We've now seen in Russian media that these are, in fact, domestic assembly, and there are changes introduced in the design based on their own needs," he said. "This is indicative of Russians trying to come up with a drone that's just as capable as the original Shahed that could then be scaled up in significant quantities," he added. "The ultimate goal for them is to maintain the capacity while making them more effective and actually driving down the costs," he said. After Russia began its invasion of Ukraine, Western states imposed strict sanctions to curtail Russia's access to foreign-made technology. But Russia has continued to find ways to acquire many of the military supplies it needs. "Our findings also raise questions about export control and counter-diversion measures, as we see a lot of the components we found are made after February 2022," Spleeters told The Times. "So if they can keep on getting them, there's an issue, obviously." Read the original article on Business Insider The Ministry of Defence of Russia has reported an attempt by the Armed Forces of Ukraine to attack targets in Russia's Belgorod Oblast, which involved a drone, on Saturday evening. Source: Russia's Defence Ministry, Belgorod Oblast Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov on Telegram Details: The ministry states that the defence forces of Ukraine attempted an attack on "a target on the territory of the Russian Federation" with a drone at around 17:30. The Russian air defence system shot down a drone over the territory of the Belgorod Oblast. There were no injuries or damage. In turn, Belgorod Oblast Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov reported that the drone was shot down in the Shebekino district on the approach to the city. 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! Russian officials say multiple missiles were shot down over the crucial bridge connecting the annexed Crimea to the mainland on Saturday, the latest in a series of apparent Ukrainian attacks in the region. The bridge is one of Russian President Vladimir Putins pet projects and has frequently been targeted as a hated symbol of occupation. Two Ukrainian missiles were shot down on Saturday afternoon, the Russia-appointed Head of Crimea Sergey Aksyonov wrote in a post on Telegram, adding that the bridge was undamaged. Photos and videos circulating on social media platforms showed white smoke billowing from the bridge. CNN has not independently verified the images. An update from Aksyonov said later Saturday that another Ukrainian missile had been shot down in the area. Another enemy missile was shot down over the Kerch Strait. Thank you to our air defense troops for their high professionalism and vigilance! Aksyonov wrote on Telegram. Oleg Kryuchkov, an adviser to the Russian-appointed Head of Crimea, said special services put up a smoke screen, which are used to conceal any damage caused. Russias defense ministry also said earlier Saturday that its forces had destroyed 20 Ukrainian drones launched at the peninsula overnight. Barbaric Following the attempted strikes, Russias foreign ministry condemned Ukraine for what it described as a terrorist attack. The Crimean bridge is an object of purely civilian infrastructure, attacks on which are unacceptable. It has been subjected to such attacks since the autumn of last year, which also led to the death of civilians, Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said. Such barbaric actions cannot be justified and will not go unanswered, Zakharova continued. Meanwhile, traffic has resumed on the Crimean bridge, according to the Crimean bridge operative information Telegram account, after it was temporarily blocked. The Crimean bridge is a vital artery for supplying Russias war on Ukraine, allowing people and goods to flow into the Ukrainian territories that Moscow has occupied in the south and east of the country. Also known as the Kerch Bridge, it holds personal value for Russian President Vladimir Putin. In the Kremlin narrative it marks the reunification of Crimea with the Russian mainland. In October, the bridge was partially destroyed when a fuel tanker exploded and damaged a large section of the road. The Kremlin was quick to blame Kyiv for that explosion, and Putin alleged that it was an act of sabotage by Ukrainian security services. The bridge was also hit by two strikes in July in an attack a Ukrainian security official told CNN Kyiv was responsible for. Last week the head of the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) Vasyl Maliuk said that any explosions that happen to Russian ships or the Crimean bridge are an absolutely logical and effective step. Maliuk said that if the Russians wanted such explosions to stop they have the only option to do so to leave the territorial waters of Ukraine and our land. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Russian troops shelled six communities in Sumy Oblast, the Sumy Oblast Military Administration reported on Aug. 11. Over the course of the day, the oblast suffered nine attacks, resulting in at least 50 explosions. Russian forces deployed artillery, Iranian-made Shahed drones, and mortar shelling. The communities of Nova Sloboda, Seredyna-Buda, Krasnopillia, Khotin, Velyka Pysarivka, and Yunakivka came under fire. In the Seredyna-Buda community, two private residential buildings were damaged as a result of the shelling. No other casualties were reported. Ukraine's northeastern border communities are frequent targets of heavy shelling from Russian forces. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Child killed in Russian Kinzhal attack aimed at airfield in Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russian occupiers have dropped explosives from a drone in Kherson Oblast, injuring two people. Source: Prosecutor General's Office Details: The Prosecutor General's Office reported that at around 10:20, the Russian military dropped explosive projectiles from a drone in one of Beryslav districts settlements. Two local residents were injured, and doctors provided them with medical assistance. The Russian occupiers fired on Dariivka hromada in Kherson district at 03:00 on 12 August. A man with a head injury was taken to hospital. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a town, village or several villages and their adjacent territories ed.] Moreover, residential buildings, outbuildings, vehicles, and power lines were damaged during Russian attacks on the area. 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! Multiple Russian media outlets reported Ukraine's strike on the Crimean Bridge on Aug. 12, as videos showing smoke rising near the bridge emerged online. Russian proxy head of occupied Crimea, Sergey Aksyonov, said that air defense had intercepted two missiles over the Kerch Strait, adding that the Crimean Bridge was not damaged. According to Russian media Mash, the traffic on the bridge was halted due to the threat of another strike. Russian state-owned news agency RIA Novosti claimed, citing Aksyonov, that the traffic will be resumed soon. It also said that the occupation authorities "put up a smoke screen on the bridge." The Crimean Bridge connects the Russian-occupied Crimean Peninsula with Russia's Krasnodar Krai. It was constructed after Russia occupied and annexed Crimea in 2014. There have been increased attacks inside Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory and on the territory of Russia in recent months. Earlier on Aug. 12, Russian state media claimed that 20 Ukrainian drones had been shot down overnight in Crimea. Read also: Increased attacks on Crimea disrupt Russian logistics, attempt to derail its southern defenses Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The Rev. Ioann Koval stands inside an old Orthodox church in Antalya, Turkey, Sunday, July 16, 2023. Koval started serving in this church after the Russian Orthodox Church leadership decided to defrock him following his prayer for peace in Ukraine. Koval, who used to serve in a church in Moscow, appealed the decision to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, and the Constantinople ruled to restore his holy rank, allowing him to serve in one of its churches. (AP Photo/Kostya Manenkov) ANTALYA, Turkey (AP) Standing in an old Orthodox church in Antalya with a Bible in one hand and a candle in the other, the Rev. Ioann Koval led one of his first services in Turkey after Russian Orthodox Church leadership decided to defrock him following his prayer for peace in Ukraine. Last September, when President Vladimir Putin ordered a partial mobilization of reservists, Moscow Patriarch Kirill required his clergymen to pray for victory. Standing in front of the altar and dozens of his parishioners in one of Moscows churches, Koval decided to put the peace above the patriarchs orders. With the word 'victory' the prayer acquired a propagandistic meaning, shaping the correct thinking among the parishioners, among the clergy, what they should think about and how they should see these hostilities," Koval said. It went against my conscience. I couldnt submit to this political pressure from the hierarchy. In the prayer he recited multiple times, the 45-year-old priest changed just one word, replacing victory with peace but it was enough for the church court to remove his priestly rank. Publicly praying or calling for peace also poses risks of prosecution from the Russian state. Shortly after Russian troops invaded Ukraine, lawmakers passed legislation that allowed prosecuting thousands of people for discrediting the Russian army, a charge that in reality applies to anything that contradicts the official narrative, be it a commentary on social networks or a prayer in church. Similar to Putins authoritarian regime, Kirill built a harsh hierarchy in the church that demands total conformity, Andrey Desnitsky, professor of philology at Vilnius University in Lithuania, told The Associated Press. If a priest refuses to read the patriarchs prayer, his loyalty is suspect. If you are not loyal, then there is no place for you in church, added Desnitsky, a longtime expert on the Russian church. When the war started, most priests remained silent, fearing pressure from the church and state authorities; only a small fraction have spoken out. Of more than 40,000 clergymen in the Russian Orthodox Church, only 300 priests signed a public letter calling for peace in Ukraine. But each of the public voices against the war is crucial, said Natallia Vasilevich, the coordinator for the human rights group Christians Against War. It breaks what seems to be a monolithic position of the Russian Orthodox Church, she told AP. Since the beginning of the war, Vasilevichs team has counted at least 30 Orthodox priests who faced pressure by religious or state authorities. But there might be even more cases, she says, as some priests are afraid to talk about repressions, fearing it will bring more. The Russian Orthodox Church explains the repressions against the priests who spoke against the war are punishment for their so-called engagement in politics. The clergy who turn themselves from priests into political agitators and persons participating in the political struggle, they, obviously, cease to fulfill their pastoral duty and are subject to canonical bans, Vakhtang Kipshidze, the deputy head of the churchs press service, told AP. At the same time, the priests who publicly support the war in Ukraine do not face any repercussions and moreover are supported by the state, Vasilevich said. The Russian regime is interested in making these voices sound louder, she added. The priests who refuse to join this chorus or stay quiet can be reassigned, temporarily relieved of their duties, or defrocked losing their salary, housing, benefits, and most importantly their ministries to their flock. I never questioned the choice I made, Koval said. I, my whole soul, my whole being opposed this war. It was impossible for me to support the invasion of Russian troops into Ukraine with my prayer. After a Russian Orthodox Church court decided he should be defrocked, Koval appealed to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, who has asserted a right to receive petitions of appeal from other Orthodox churches' clergy, over Russia's objections. In June, the Constantinople patriarchate decided that Koval was punished for his stance on the war in Ukraine and ruled to restore his holy rank. The same day, Bartholomew allowed him to serve in his churches. The Rev. Ioann Burdin also wanted to leave the Russian Orthodox Church after he spoke out against the war at a small church near Kostroma and the local court fined him for discrediting the Russian army. He asked the patriarch to approve his transfer to the Bulgarian Orthodox Church but instead, Kirill banned him from service until the priest made a public apology. My position, which I first stated on the website, then in the church, and later during the trial was an expression of my religious convictions, the priest told AP. Since all people are brothers, then any war, any military conflict, one way or another becomes fratricidal. Not allowed to serve in the church, Burdin brought his sermons to a Telegram channel where he guides Orthodox Christians confused by the patriarchs support of the war. During his more than two decades in power, Putin has massively boosted the Russian Orthodox Church's standing, increasing its prestige, wealth and power in society after decades of oppression or indifference under Soviet leaders. In turn, its leaders, like Patriarch Kirill, have supported his initiatives. The church has thrown its weight behind the war in Ukraine and it has been commonplace to see its clergymen blessing troops and equipment heading into battle and invoking Gods blessings in the campaign. The Rev. Iakov Vorontsov, a priest in Kazakhstan, was shocked and desperate when he first heard the news of the war. He was hoping the church would step in to mediate the conflict. But neither his peers nor his superiors supported his calls to preach peace. I realized that no one hears the words about peace, the 37-year-old priest says. It should have been conveyed to the people, to our flock, but it was not. And then I realized that I have another tool: social networks. While his anti-war posts on Facebook received support online, the offline reaction was hostile. His superiors reassigned him several times, forbade him from giving sermons, and told parishioners to stay away from him. In the end, the priest lost hope and decided to temporarily stop serving in the Russian Orthodox Church. They wanted me to leave, and in the end, they got it, the priest says, sitting in his apartment without a black robe that he wore for the past 13 years. But I didnt renounce my rank, I just decided for the time being that I cant be among these people in this situation. The patriarchs influence goes far beyond the boundaries of his country and his orders apply even to priests serving abroad. In February, Kirill suspended for three months the Rev. Andrei Kordochkin, a priest at an Orthodox church in Madrid, for his anti-war stance. Kipshidze said Kordochkin was punished for inciting hatred among his parishioners. But the priest says its a warning to dissuade him from further criticism. I dont think that there is something that I have done wrong canonically, Kordochkin said. If there is no canonical crime, then it means that canon law is simply used as a mechanism of political repression. Since the first days of the war, Kordochkin has publicly condemned the Russian invasion and has been regularly praying for peace in Ukraine. He believes priests should not remain silent and must convey a Christian message to people. We have a duty to speak out, whatever the cost of that will be. ___ Associated Press journalists Iain Sullivan in Madrid and Vladimir Tretyakov in Almaty, Kazakhstan, contributed. ___ Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. Russian state media claimed on Aug. 12 that 20 Ukrainian drones had been shot down overnight in occupied Crimea. Fourteen drones were destroyed by air defense, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. Six others were "suppressed by means of electronic warfare." Both Russian state media and the Russian Defense Ministry claimed that there were no casualties or damage caused by the drone attack. Russia has occupied the Crimean peninsula since 2014 after annexing it by force. There have been increased attacks inside Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory and on the territory of Russia in recent months. President Volodymyr Zelensky said in late July that it was "an inevitable, natural, and absolutely fair process" that the war was slowly returning to Russian-controlled territory. Read also: Ukrainian troops regularly cross Dnipro River, probing Russian defenses in Kherson Oblast Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A Russian Su-30 two-seat fighter aircraft crashed in Kaliningrad Oblast, the Russian exclave sandwiched between Poland and Lithuania, Russian state news agency TASS reported on Aug. 12, referring to the Western Military District. The aircraft was performing a training flight. The crew was killed in the incident. In video circulating on social media showing the last seconds before the warplane crashed, the Su-30 is seen flying low over a crowd of people in a field. It attempts to turn, appears to stall, and then plunges nose-first towards the ground. The video stops as the warplane disappears behind a tree line. Read also: Cemeteries of Russian troops killed in Ukraine found near Irkutsk The fighter jet was not carrying any ammunition, the military said. It crashed due to a technical malfunction. Read also: Russias creation of new elite attack aviation group most likely propaganda, UA Air Force says Su-30 is a Soviet/Russian multi-role two-seat fourth-generation fighter jet. It was designed to play a major role in gaining air superiority. It can also function as long-range patrol and aircraft escort, and is capable of conducting electronic counter-countermeasures and early warning tasks, missile targeting and managing. It is used for training as well. This type of aircraft is often used by Russia in its air attacks on Ukraine, including those targeting civilian objects. Another Su-30 crashed in the residential area of the city of Irkutsk in Siberia, Russia on Oct. 23, 2022. Both pilots were killed. Russia has lost a total of 313 helicopters and 315 warplanes since it began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Over 253,000 of Russian troops have been eliminated in the same period of time. 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 Chinese mainland, HK securities regulators reach consensus on block trading Xinhua) 10:09, August 12, 2023 Photo taken on Feb. 17, 2023 shows a view of the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao) BEIJING, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) and the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) jointly announced the introduction of block trading, or manual trades, under the mutual market access program on Friday. Under Stock Connect, offshore investors will be able to conduct block trades on the Shanghai Stock Exchange and the Shenzhen Stock Exchange through the northbound trading link, while mainland investors will be able to conduct manual trades on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Ltd. through the southbound trading link. The initiative will further enhance the Stock Connect arrangements, make available more trading mechanisms, improve trading efficiency, and promote the mutual development of both capital markets, said the announcement. The CSRC and the SFC will supervise the respective exchanges and clearing houses on both sides in studying the business, technical, and regulatory arrangements to introduce block trading, conduct market consultation as appropriate, and develop an implementation proposal. Data showed that net capital inflow under the northbound trading of the Stock Connect programs between the Shanghai and Hong Kong exchanges and the Shenzhen and Hong Kong exchanges totaled 1.02 trillion yuan (about 142.5 billion U.S. dollars) and over 930 billion yuan, respectively, by the end of July. (Web editor: Zhao Tong, Hongyu) Russian invaders launched a guided air bomb on the city of Orikhiv in Zaporizhzhya Oblast in the morning on Aug. 12, Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko reported on Telegram. A 31-year-old police captain was killed in the attack, while another four police employees are among 12 people injured by the Russian attack, Klymenko said. Read also: Russia uses Kh-35 missile in Zaporizhzhya missile strike, police say Some of them are in serious condition. Doctors and paramedics have been fighting for their lives, he added. "The police are present even there, where the situation in Ukraine is the worst. They serve and protect people at the cost of their own health and life," the minister wrote. Paramedics provided people with immediate assistance and took them to hospital, the Interior Ministry said. Read also: Eight-year-old boy killed as Russian Kinzhal missiles strike western Ukraine The Police and Security Service of Ukraine have opened criminal proceedings over Russia's violation of the customs of war (Art. 438(1), (2) of the Criminal Code). Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Russia has attacked Orikhiv, Zaporizhzhia Oblast, with a guided aerial bomb on the morning of 12 August; at least 1 person has been killed and 12 wounded. Source: Ministry of Internal Affairs; Zaporizhzhia blast Military Administration Details: It is specified that a 31-year-old police captain was killed. Another 12 people were injured, including 4 police officers. Now doctors are fighting for the lives of the injured, and several people are in serious condition. 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! On the night of 11-12 August, Russian propagandists reported that traffic on the Crimean Bridge had been blocked and then restored. Source: RIA Novosti, a Kremlin-aligned Russian news outlet; Krymsky Veter (Crimean Wind), a local Telegram channel Quote: "Traffic on the Crimean Bridge is temporarily blocked." Details: Russian occupiers did not provide reasons for this decision. Later in the night, Krymsky Veter reported that there had been explosions in Novoozerne. Update at 03:17: RIA Novosti reported that traffic on the Crimean Bridge had been restored. Background: On the morning of 17 July, Sergey Aksyonov, the so-called head of the Russian-occupied Crimea, reported that an "emergency" had occurred on the Crimean Bridge and that traffic on the bridge was suspended. Russian TV channels reported that a span of the bridge had "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 uncrewed surface vessels. Later, the version about two uncrewed surface vessels was also stated by RIA Novosti, citing the National Anti-Terrorist Committee of the Russian Federation. Earlier, the Russian media reported that the Crimean Bridge was guarded by fighter jets from the sky and divers and fighting dolphins underwater. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the Crimean bridge is a legitimate target for Ukraine, as the occupiers use it to transport weapons. He 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! An air defence system was supposedly activated in occupied Crimea, and the Russian Ministry of Defence later reported an attack by 20 drones. Source: TASS, a Kremlin-aligned Russian news outlet, with reference to the Russian Defence Ministry; Ministry of Defence of Russia; Krymsky Veter (Crimean Wind), a local Telegram channel Quote from the Russian Defence Ministry: "Russian Armed Forces repelled attacks by 20 Ukrainian UAVs on Crimea on the night of 11-12 August. There were no casualties or damage reported." Details: The Russian Ministry of Defence said that 10 Ukrainian UAVs were supposedly destroyed by air defence forces. Another six drones were supposedly downed by electronic warfare systems. Background: On the night of 11-12 August, Russian propagandists reported that traffic on the Crimean Bridge had been blocked and then restored. The so-called authorities of occupied Crimea reported that air defence systems were responding "over different districts". 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 so-called authorities of occupied Crimea stated that air defence systems were responding "over different districts". Source: Oleg Kryuchkov, the so-called adviser to the head of Crimea, on Telegram Quote: "Air defence systems are responding over different districts of Crimea". Background: On the night of 11-12 August, Russian propagandists reported that traffic on the Crimean Bridge had been blocked and then restored. 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 Russians continued to make attempts to regain lost positions at the front, but they were unsuccessful in their offensive on the Bakhmut and Kupiansk fronts yesterday. Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook, information as of 06:00 on 12 August Quote: "Today at night [11-12 August ed.], the Russian Federation conducted another air attack with Iranian-made Shahed-136/131 strike UAVs on Ukraine. Information on the aftermath of this terrorist attack is currently being established." Details: Over the past day, the Russians launched 5 missile strikes, 31 airstrikes and 49 attacks using multiple-launch rocket systems at the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements. Unfortunately, Russian terrorist attacks have resulted in civilian casualties, both dead and injured, including children, as well as damage to residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure. Over 30 combat clashes took place over the last day. On the Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna fronts, the Russians launched mortar and artillery attacks on more than 20 settlements. On the Kupiansk front, the Russians conducted unsuccessful offensive operations near Synkivka and Ivanivka (Kharkiv Oblast). They launched airstrikes near Kyslivka and Pershotravneve (Kharkiv Oblast). Over 15 settlements came under Russian artillery and mortar fire. On the Lyman front, the Russian troops carried out airstrikes near Nevske and Bilohorivka in Luhansk Oblast and Vesele, Zaliznianske and Klishchiivka in Donetsk Oblast. They bombarded more than 25 settlements. On the Bakhmut front, the Russians conducted unsuccessful offensive operations near Bohdanivka, Klishchiivka and Bila Hora (Donetsk Oblast). More than 20 settlements were shelled by the Russians. On the Avdiivka front, Ukrainian defenders successfully repelled Russian attacks near Avdiivka (Donetsk Oblast) while under constant aircraft and artillery fire by the Russians. Over 10 settlements came under Russian artillery fire. On the Marinka front, the Ukrainian Defence Forces continue to hold back the offensive by Russian troops near Marinka (Donetsk Oblast). The Russians carried out airstrikes near Krasnohorivka, Marinka and Novomykhailivka (Donetsk Oblast). They also shelled over 10 settlements. On the Shakhtarsk front, the Russian troops failed to regain lost positions near Urozhaine in Donetsk Oblast. The Russians launched an airstrike near Staromaiorske in Donetsk Oblast. The settlements of Vodiane, Vuhledar, Bohoiavlenka, Prechystivka, Zolota Nyva and Blahodatne (Donetsk Oblast) came under Russian artillery fire. On the Zaporizhzhia front, the Russians launched airstrikes near Novodanylivka and Orikhiv (Zaporizhzhia Oblast). The Russians bombarded more than 20 settlements. On the Kherson front, more than 25 settlements came under Russian artillery fire. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian defence forces are continuing to conduct offensive operations on the Melitopol and Berdiansk fronts, reinforcing their positions and carrying out counter-battery operations. Over the past 24 hours, the Ukrainian Air Force conducted a strike on the area where Russian military personnel, weapons and equipment were concentrated. They also shot down four reconnaissance operational-tactical UAVs. Ukraines Rocket Forces and Artillery struck a Strela anti-aircraft missile system over the past 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! Russians report an "attempt of Ukrainian Armed Forces to attack the Crimean Bridge". They have posted images of smoke rising over the bridge on the internet. Source: Sergey Aksyonov, the Kremlin-appointed puppet leader of Crimea; Mash Telegram channel; Meduza, a Latvian-based Russian media outlet; social media Details: Kremlin propagandists report that "the Ukrainian Armed Forces tried to attack the Crimean Bridge" and explosions were heard, allegedly the work of air defence. Traffic on the bridge has been stopped in both directions. Meanwhile, local channels post videos of smoke near the Crimean Bridge. Whether the bridge has been damaged is unknown. Aksyonov later reported that the Russian air defence downed two missiles, and that the bridge "was not damaged". Updated: The Russian Defence Ministry stated that the Armed Forces of Ukraine allegedly attacked the bridge with S-200 missiles which were downed, and that the smoke is supposedly a Russian "smoke screen". 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 authorities have claimed that they have shot down a drone in Kaluga Oblast, bordering Moscow Oblast. Source: Vladislav Shapsha, Kaluga Oblast Governor, on Telegram Details: The UAV was supposedly shot down on the night of 11-12 August. The Russian authorities say "there was no impact on people or infrastructure". Shapsha did not specify any other details. Drones are occasionally "shot down" in Kaluga Oblast. For example, the Russians recently claimed to have shot down a UAV "heading towards Moscow". Background: On the night of 11-12 August, the Russians claimed that 20 drones attacked Russian-occupied Crimea. 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! (Reuters) - Russia's Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu inspected remote Arctic garrisons of the Northern Fleet, the ministry said on Saturday, as a detachment of warships was sent to the Arctic Ocean to perform tasks. Shoigu inspected the military infrastructure as well as "readiness for actions to protect and defend critical facilities", the ministry said on the Telegram messaging app. A detachment of warships, including the destroyer Vice-Admiral Kulakov, the landing ship Alexander Otrakovsky and the rescue tug Altai went to the Arctic, the ministry said. It was not clear when Shoigu visited the fleet. It started military training on Friday aimed at working out actions to protect Russia's sovereignty in the waters of the Northern Sea Route, the fleet said. As part of combat training, MiG-31 fighter-interceptors performed air defence, air reconnaissance and cover for troops and forces operating in the Arctic zone, the ministry said. (Reporting by Lidia Kelly in Warsaw; Editing by William Mallard) Boston Red Sox's Chris Sale pitches during the first inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers, Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) BOSTON (AP) Chris Sale retired Miguel Cabrera on a groundout for the second out in the fifth inning, the 14th straight Tigers batter to go down quietly. Then the Red Sox starter said something to the 2012 AL Triple Crown winner and two-time MVP as Cabrera jogged back to the dugout. Well, it wasnt fun learning how to pitch in the big leagues as a starter during his Triple Crown and MVP years. I can tell you that, Sale told reporters afterward. But I knew that this was going to be the last time I faced him, and I just wanted to know that I have a lot of respect for him, and I obviously appreciated the competition throughout the years." Cabrera came to the plate 70 times against Sale, batting .288 with four homers and 19 strikeouts. Youre welcome, Miggie. I helped you get to the Hall of Fame, Sale told reporters with a laugh. You look at his career and what hes done, I just wanted to say a little something to him and let them know that I appreciate what weve been through over the last few years. And kind of a tip of the cap on the way out. Hes earned it." ___ AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb Members of the public pack the Salem City Council Chambers July 10 to speak about a proposed payroll tax. A referendum petition to send the recently adopted employee-paid payroll tax to Salem voters has garnered enough valid signatures to get on the November ballot. The Marion County Clerk's Office determined Friday that the Refer the Tax on Salem Workers petition got more than 4,000 verified signatures surpassing the 3,986 needed to qualify for the ballot. After the Salem City Council voted to adopt the payroll tax in July, Oregon Business & Industry, a statewide chamber of commerce and trade association, launched the effort to refer the tax to voters. Petitioners submitted nearly 13,000 signatures prior to the Aug. 9 deadline. Salem residents have left no doubt that they want to vote on this tax, Angela Wilhelms, president and CEO of Oregon Business & Industry, said. People were eager to sign the petition. The Salem City Council voted July 10 in a 5-4 split to adopt a .814% Safe Salem employee-paid payroll tax for all work performed within city limits. The payroll tax was set to be imposed on wages for individuals working in Salem, regardless of where they live, as early as July 2024. The tax would not be imposed on those earning minimum wage. A payroll tax calculator is available at egov.cityofsalem.net/PayrollTaxCalculator/. A person earning the average hourly rate of $29.90, which equates to $62,192 a year, would be taxed $42.19 a month $506.24 a year. The funds generated could only be used for community safety, which includes police services, fire, emergency medical services, 911 call services, code enforcement and unsheltered services. Critics of the tax say it is burdensome and unclear. Dozens of people testified in opposition to the tax before the council passed it. Proponents said it is needed to keep the city safe and would be used to hire more police to decrease crime, hire more firefighters to reduce response times and maintain and expand existing homelessness services to keep people from living on the streets in unmanaged camps. City officials have said the funding is needed to maintain current services in light of a projected budget shortfall and warned that without it, cuts to services would have to be made. Some other Oregon cities, including Eugene, have a similar tax. OBI officials said that for employers, and especially for employers with hybrid workforces, the tax will create a significant compliance burden, as it applies only to work performed within the city of Salem. Preston Mann, OBIs director of political affairs and the referendums chief petitioner, thanked city and county staff for helping the group navigate the process of petitioning for the referendum. Salem residents will now have a chance to vote on a controversial tax that will affect thousands of workers and employers," he said. For questions, comments and news tips, email reporter Whitney Woodworth at wmwoodworth@statesmanjournal.com, call 503-910-6616 or follow on Twitter at @wmwoodworth This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Salem residents will get to vote on payroll tax in November Daloni Owen, who owns Cwt Tatws, says that every night she went home to restock her products Some stallholders are reporting booming sales at this year's National Eisteddfod despite the cost of living rising. With a stall in Boduan, Gwynedd, costing thousands of pounds to rent, some small businesses said they have been happy with the outcome. One stallholder said she has had to restock her products every night. However, not all stallholders said they had enjoyed such a good week. Daloni Owen, from Tudweiliog on the Llyn Peninsula in Gwynedd, owns Cwt Tatws (Potato Hut) and is a regular at the Eisteddfod. She started her business 14 years ago selling coffee, clothes, shoes and interiors. and began selling her products from a 500-year-old potato shed at her family farm. The former S4C journalist started without any business plan or experience and when it business began becoming successful, she built a shed close to the original one. Ms Owen said: "I have five children and I wanted to be home more with them and spend more time in my area. "It's been very busy and people are very supportive and positive. I've enjoyed every minute. "I am very lucky that I have sold out of quite a few of my ranges, I've gone home in the nights to restock." "My sales have been great and every day is getting busier," says Eisteddfod debutant Cleddon Getten, who owns Pimentos Eisteddfod first-timer Cleddon Getten, 44 owns Pimentos, a carribean food business, said: "My sales have been great and every day is getting busier". Originally from Jamaica, he went to London for a holiday when he was 19, and decided to move there permanently after loving the city. At the age of 10 he started cooking as his mother was always out working, he explained. After shying away from his hobby in his teens, he decided to study welding at school. He fell back in love with cooking after helping a friend out by catering for her baby shower. At 26 he bought a restaurant in Birmingham and that's where his catering business started. After the Covid pandemic, he took his business outdoors and he started attending food festivals. Having recently done the Cardiff food festival and the Eisteddfod yr Urdd in May, he said he finds "much love in Wales" and "would love to learn to speak the language". Mr Getten added: "I would like a restaurant here for my Jamaican Welsh customers. I also hope to come to the National Eisteddfod next year." Luis Caceres, 36 and Ayoen Caceres, 14 from Ecuador, run Sisarikg crafts Sisarikg Crafts is another business hoping to return next year. Luis Caceres, 36 from Ecuador, runs the business with his daughter and grandmother from Nottingham. Their family in Ecuador make the items and they ship them over ready to sell. His daughter, Ayoen, 14, said: "Business has been good. Saturday wasn't great due to the weather. We have had better sales this year than last year, so we are happy." "I think Welsh people like my items because they like wearing Welsh," says Anwen Jenkins, who owns Anibendod Anwen Jenkins, 28, from Aberystwyth owns Anibendod, a Welsh language clothing business, which began after five years ago, she started practising embroidery in her bedroom using wool from her farm's sheep. She was at last year's Eisteddfod in Tregaron and has also attended the Royal Welsh Show. She said: "Business has been very good this year. I'm very happy. "I think Welsh people like my items because they like wearing Welsh items, to feel proud of where they are from." Rhian Parry, 44 started her small business six months ago and was given a stall for free by Cyngor Gwynedd Council But the picture is not so rosy for everyone. Rhian Parry, 44, from Nefyn, Gwynedd, who owns Te Parti, selling Welsh T-shirts, mugs, bags and jewellery, said: "I started printing the T-shirts because my husband's English and he would always laugh at the name of Welsh things. "It all started with the buwch goch gota which is what we call ladybirds, and literally translated it is little red cow. "He would just laugh and laugh about it. So, yeah my products are basically literal translations of all the quirky Welsh words and phases." Ms Parry decided to turn her hobby into a business six months ago. Ms Parry's sausage dogs have been busy helping attract customers to her stall She applied through the local council Cyngor Gwynedd's scheme to rent a stall. The council granted six wooden stalls to encourage new small businesses to sell at the Eisteddfod. Ms Parry said: "We were very lucky to get one of the stalls. "I wouldn't have been able to cover the 1,600 fee myself at all. I haven't even made that in the four days I have been here." She had been at the festival since Saturday and left on Wednesday for the next six stallholders. She said sales had not been great and felt the impact of the cost of living crisis was "very evident". "People say they will stop on the way home and get something from my stall but they never do." She hopes next year the Eisteddfod will provide similar opportunities for small businesses like she has had in Boduan. Cruise AV, General Motor's autonomous electric Bolt EV, is displayed in Detroit in 2019. Autonomous vehicle taxis have been given the green light to operate in San Francisco. (Paul Sancya / Associated Press) One day after California green-lighted a massive expansion of driverless robotaxis in San Francisco, the implications became clear. At about 11 p.m. Friday, as many as 10 Cruise driverless taxis blocked two narrow streets in the center of the citys lively North Beach bar and restaurant district. All traffic came to a standstill on Vallejo Street and around two corners on Grant. Human-driven cars sat stuck behind and in between the robotaxis, which might as well have been boulders: no one knew how to move them. The cars sat motionless with parking lights flashing for 15 minutes, then woke up and moved on, witnesses said. Aaron Peskin, who represents North Beach on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, fears what could happen when a major fire or other life-threatening emergency breaks out with multiple robotaxis blocking the way. "Our houses in North Beach are made of sticks," he said. Peskin was flooded with texts, emails and videos from constituents as the robotaxis, programmed with artificial intelligence software, sat unresponsive. In one video, zeroing in on a robotaxis driver seat, a man says this is what our country has come to. Cruise blamed cellphone carriers for the problem. At 11:01 p.m. Friday, Peskin sent a text message to Cruise government affairs manager Lauren Wilson. At 8:25 a.m. Saturday, she texted back: As I understand it, outside lands impacted LTE cell connectivity and ability for RA advisors to route cars. Outside Lands is a three-day music festival held in Golden Gate Park, four miles from North Beach. Read more: Massive expansion of driverless robotaxis approved for San Francisco despite public safety concerns The situation is loaded with irony, as the California Public Utilities Commission on Thursday voted 3 to 1 amid great public controversy to allow a massive robotaxi expansion. The vote allows General Motors-owned Cruise and Waymo, owned by Googles Alphabet, to charge fares for driverless service and grow the fleet as large as theyd like. Cruise has said it plans eventually to deploy thousands of robotaxis in San Francisco. City officials in San Francisco, from the mayors office down, have been fighting the move, with officials saying the robotaxi industry needs to fix problems that endanger the public first before further expanding the business. The citysFire Department has logged more than 55 cases of robotaxis interfering with first responders. Fire Chief Jeanine Nicholson has repeatedly said Cruise and Waymo are getting in firefighters way and their technology is not ready for prime time. Read more: San Francisco's fire chief is fed up with robotaxis that mess with her firetrucks. And L.A. is next The CPUC decided to go ahead anyway. One of the three yes votes was cast by Commissioner John Reynolds, who served as head lawyer at Cruise before appointed to the CPUC by Gov. Gavin Newsom. The no vote came from Commissioner Genevieve Shiroma, who said the companies should explain the problems and how they plan to fix them first. Peskin said city officials are pursuing every means to have the CPUC decision reversed, and are discussing whether to seek a court injunction. Another option: fining Cruise and Waymo thousands of dollars for each robotaxi road blockage. The CPUC, and Gov. Gavin Newsom, in Peskins view, are putting big money ahead of basic public safety. The CPUC has not been held in high esteem by the people of California for a very long time, Peskin said. All five CPUC commissioners were appointed by Newsom, including the former Cruise attorney. If youre looking for an example of regulatory capture, youre seeing it now, Peskin said. "It's unethical and immoral but legal," he said. Bottom line, this all goes to Gov. Gavin Christopher Newsom. Representatives for Newsom and the CPUC could not be immediately reached for comment. In a Twitter post Saturday, Cruise said, We are actively investigating and working on solutions to keep this from happening again. 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. Miami Marlins ace and reigning National League Cy Young Award winner Sandy Alcantara tossed his third complete game of the season in a 3-1 win over the New York Yankees on Saturday at loanDepot park. The Marlins improve to 61-57 on the season. The Yankees fall to 60-57. Its the 12th career complete game for Alcantara, all with the Marlins. Thats the third-most in franchise history, behind only Dontrelle Willis (15) and A.J. Burnett (14). Alcantara held the Yankees to just five hits and two walks while striking out ten. He needed 116 pitches to log his 27 outs. His other complete games this season were his shutout of the Minnesota Twins on April 4 and his nine innings of one-run ball against the Tampa Bay Rays on July 26. The win came in front of an announced crowd of 33,908, the fifth-largest non-Opening Day crowd in loanDepot park history and the largest non-Opening Day crowd since April 5, 2014, against the San Diego Padres. Here are three takeaways from the game. What worked well for Sandy Alcantara? Alcantara was efficient with his pitch count Saturday despite rarely having a clean inning. He allowed a baserunner in five of his first eight innings, yet threw 16 or fewer pitches in all but one inning. This included three innings where he needed less than 10 pitches. The only inning when his pitch count got elevated was the seventh, when he gave up his lone run of the game on an Isiah Kinler-Falefa single that scored Billy McKinney, who reached on a one-out walk and moved to second on a balk. Alcantara responded in the eighth by striking out the side in order Kyle Higashioka looking, Jake Bauers and Aaron Judge swinging. Alcantara entered the ninth inning with 104 pitches, getting an ovation from the crowd as he emerged from the dugout. He allowed a leadoff single to Gleyber Torres before striking out Giancarlo Stanton, getting McKinney to fly out to left field and Kiner-Falefa to ground out to third base. Alcantara also moved his way up the Marlins record book in the win. With his fifth strikeout on Saturday, Alcantara moved into third place on the Marlins all-time strikeout list. He trails just Ricky Nolasco (1,001) and Josh Johnson (832). Alcantara now has 762 strikeouts with the Marlins. Miami Marlins second baseman Luis Arraez (3) celebrates after hitting a home run against the New York Yankees in the first inning of an MLB game at loanDepot park on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023, in Miami, Fla. Luis Arraez: Power hitter All-Star second baseman Luis Arraez batted third in the lineup for the Marlins on Saturday for the first time since May 31 and immediately came through for Miami in his first at-bat. Arraez sent a middle-in fastball from Yankees opener Michael King a projected 409 feet to right-center field for a two-run home run. It was the longest home run of Arraezs career, topping his previous long of 403 feet, done twice in 2022, and the fifth overall home run out of 18 he has hit as a big leaguer to go at least 400 feet. A Joey Wendle RBI single that scored Jake Burger in the fourth inning pushed Miamis lead to 3-0. A chance to take the series The Marlins wrap up their three-game series against the Yankees at 1:40 p.m. Sunday. Rookie Eury Perez will start for Miami opposite Yankees ace Gerrit Cole. Saudi officials welcome US President Joe Biden to Jeddah after he flew in directly from Israel in July last year (MANDEL NGAN) Saudi Arabia on Saturday named a non-resident ambassador for the Palestinian Territories who will also serve as consul general in Jerusalem, a new position announced amid speculation about possible future ties with Israel. The role will be filled by Nayef al-Sudairi, the current ambassador to Jordan, according to a social media post from the embassy in Amman confirmed by a Saudi foreign ministry official. The appointment represents "an important step" underscoring the desire of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman "to strengthen relations with the brothers of the State of Palestine and give it a formal boost in all areas", Sudairi said in a video broadcast by the Saudi state-affiliated Al-Ekhbariya channel. The file for the Palestinian Territories has traditionally been handled by Saudi Arabia's embassy in Amman. Saudi Arabia does not recognise Israel and did not join the 2020 US-brokered Abraham Accords that saw Israel establish ties with two of the kingdom's neighbours, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. But during US President Joe Biden's tour of the Middle East last year, the Saudi civil aviation authority announced that it was lifting overflight restrictions on "all carriers", paving the way for Israeli planes to use Saudi airspace. Biden himself flew directly to Jeddah from Israel's Ben Gurion airport for his talks with Saudi leaders. The kingdom denied at the time that the airspace move was "a precursor to any further steps" towards normalisation. Riyadh has repeatedly said it would stick to the decades-old Arab League position of not establishing official ties with Israel until the conflict with the Palestinians is resolved. - Normalisation push - Yet in recent months Riyadh and Washington have held talks on Saudi conditions for progress on normalisation, including security guarantees and assistance with a civilian nuclear programme with uranium enrichment capacity, according to people briefed on the meetings. Hesham Alghannam, a Saudi analyst at the Naif Arab University for Security Sciences in Riyadh, told AFP this week that Saudi Arabia needs to know whether the Israelis are "actively working towards making tangible progress on resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict". After a meeting on Saturday at the Palestinian embassy in Amman where Sudairi presented a copy of his credentials, Majdi al-Khaldi, Palestinian presidential adviser for diplomatic affairs, said he "welcomed" the appointment, official Palestinian news agency Wafa reported. It "will contribute to strengthening the strong and solid brotherly relations that bind the two countries and the two brotherly peoples," Khaldi said. A Palestinian Authority official said that with this announcement "Saudi Arabia has reaffirmed its recognition of the state of Palestine with Jerusalem as its capital". "This is one part of several steps and we will continue to develop the relationship with them," he told AFP on condition of anonymity as he was not authorised to speak to the media. A spokesman for the Israeli foreign ministry offered no immediate comment, referring AFP to recent comments by Foreign Minister Eli Cohen that "peace between Israel and Saudi Arabia is a matter of time". Saturday's move "gives insight into how diplomatic relations might be between Saudi Arabia and Israel: a Saudi ambassador to Palestine with a file for Israel," said Aziz Alghashian, a Saudi analyst and expert on Saudi-Israeli relations. "The immediate signal is to treat Saudi demands for Israeli concessions seriously." Sudairi's appointment also sends a "public message of support to the PA (Palestinian Authority)," said Ghaith al-Omari, a senior fellow at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy. "Given the PAs dire financial situation, Saudi assistance could make a huge difference" apart from offering "badly needed diplomatic support to the PA", he said. rcb-gb-jd/kir An area police department is warning people about a phone scam. >>SCAM ALERT: Ohioans warned of phone scams regarding cemetery, funeral services The New Lebanon Police Department says scammers are posing as representatives from a credit card company and falsely claiming a person has an outstanding debt that must be paid immediately, the department said on social media. They also added these con artists are experts at creating panic and urgency. The crooks may also threaten legal action or promise some one-time deal to put pressure on their victim to trick them into giving out financial information or even making a payment. >>SCAM ALERT: Area police department warns of phone call scams New Lebanon Police offers these suggestions: Verify Their Identity: If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from a credit card company, dont provide any personal or financial information. Hang up and independently look up the official customer service number to contact them. Double-Check Outstanding Debts: Before making any payments, contact your credit card company directly through their official website or customer service line to confirm any outstanding debts. Never Share Sensitive Information: Legitimate companies will never ask for your full credit card number, Social Security number, or other sensitive data over the phone. Report Suspicious Calls: If you receive a suspicious call, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at this website. >>SCAM ALERT: Scammers posing as officers demanding warrant payments, are sheriffs office warns The department is encouraging neighbors to spread the word about this scam. Frauds, scams, and bad practices can also be reported on this website. A group working with Afghan refugees has urged the Home Office to halt moves to force them to leave a hotel in Scarborough. About 40 refugees are due to leave the hotel by 16 August. The Refugee Council said many of those people were being put at risk of "being left homeless and destitute". The Home Office said hotels were not a long-term solution for refugees and it had worked with councils on hotel departures. Those working with the refugee families said it remained unclear how many would still be living at the hotel on Wednesday. The Home Office issued the refugees with "legalistic, untranslated eviction notices" in May, the group said. "The eviction of Afghan families from hotels is very concerning as it puts them at risk of being left homeless and destitute on our streets," a spokesperson for the Refugee Council said. "This is not how those who fled the Taliban and were promised a warm welcome in the UK should be treated." They urged the government to "halt evictions until accommodation is secured" for Afghans still in hotels. Thousands have fled Afghanistan since the Taliban took power in April 2021 North Yorkshire Council has made homelessness referrals for several families at the hotel and others are waiting to hear back from councils elsewhere or are planning to present as homeless in other parts of the country. The situation has improved since May when there were about 90 refugees still at the hotel, the Refugee Council said. This was due to working with a range of organisations to secure rental properties and jobs for a large number of families and the government has also provided each refugee with 7,000 to fund accommodation. North Yorkshire Council's corporate director of community development Nic Harne said they wanted to reassure people that they would provide temporary accommodation as required for any refugees left homeless when the hotel closes. A Home Office spokeswoman said hotels were never designed to be used as long-term accommodation for Afghans resettled in the UK. "We have worked closely with local authorities and NGOs on the hotel departures and we are all in agreement this is the right thing to do for the taxpayer and for Afghans," she said. She added that the Home Office was providing extensive support, backed by 285m in new funding, to "speed up the resettlement of Afghans" into permanent accommodation. Follow BBC Yorkshire on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Send your story ideas to yorkslincs.news@bbc.co.uk. Prosser police are looking for a car involved in a drive-by early Friday. A home on the 600 block of Ellen Avenue was targeted in what police believe is a gang-related shooting just after midnight on Friday, according to a release from Prosser police. Callers reported hearing between five and 15 gunshots, as they called into 911. They also heard a cars tires squeal as it sped away. No one was hit during the shooting. According to dispatch recordings the area has been a frequent scene of drive-by shootings in what is normally a quiet rural city of 6,100 in the Lower Yakima Valley, west of the Tri-Cities. The residence has been the target of a recent drive-by shooting and the occupants of the home were uncooperative with law enforcement during this incident, Prosser police said in a release. Police are looking for a gray or dark-colored Nissan style sedan. Prosser police are asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact officers through the non-emergency dispatch line at 509-628-0333 or email crimetips@ci.prosser.wa.us. St. Lukes has filed a new lawsuit against Ammon Bundy that accuses him of hiding assets to frustrate collection efforts by the health care system and other plaintiffs, who won a defamation case against Bundy and other defendants. In the 22-page complaint, which was provided to the Idaho Statesman by St. Lukes attorneys, the plaintiffs are asking the 3rd Judicial District to void any transfers of property or assets made by Bundy and his wife, including the sale of their 5-acre 4,760-square-foot Emmett home, which St. Lukes claims was done to avoid paying millions in damages. In July, a 12-person jury ordered Bundy and Diego Rodriguez, his former campaign adviser and close associate, and their organizations to pay a total of $52.5 million in damages to the health care system and others, the Idaho Statesman previously reported. Bundy who refused to participate in the legal process and never appeared in court previously said he has no plans to turn over any assets, money or property. I owe St. Lukes nothing, Bundy told the Statesman following the jury verdict on damages, which left him owing roughly half of the $52.5 million. In a separate filing, St. Lukes also asked the court to issue a temporary restraining order to prevent Bundy from trying to hinder the plaintiffs from collecting court-ordered damages. The plaintiffs are seeking an order that would prevent the defendants including Bundys wife, Lisa Bundy from making any further transfers, sales or conveyances of property they own. The memo also asks that Bundy is prevented from transferring ownership or assets of any of his entities, including the Peoples Rights Network and Bundys political organization. Bundy previously said hed sell his home because St. Lukes was going to take everything from him and he was making moves to stop them, according to statements Bundy made online that are published within the new lawsuit. The case stemmed from Bundy and Rodriguez-led protests at the St. Lukes hospitals in Meridian and downtown Boise in March 2022 over a child welfare case involving Rodriguezs 10-month-old grandchild. The lawsuit named as defendants both men, Bundys Peoples Rights Network, Bundys campaign for governor, and Rodriguezs Freedom Man website and political action committee. The jury trial in Ada County that ended with a $52M verdict against Mr. Bundy and the other defendants established that Mr. Bundy lied about the condition of an infant and lied about St. Lukes and the other plaintiffs, St. Lukes attorney Erik Stidham said in a statement to the Statesman. In contrast to Mr. Bundy, who was too cowardly to show up for trial, three doctors and a nurse practitioner testified under oath that the infant could have died if he had not been taken into protective care. Ammon Bundy responds to St. Lukes lawsuit seeking damages, says he sold Emmett home St. Lukes accuses Bundy of sham transaction In December, about seven months after the defamation lawsuit was filed, the Bundys sold the Emmett property to White Barn Enterprises, which is controlled by Aaron Welling, a former gubernatorial campaign treasurer for Bundy and his longtime friend, according to the St. Lukes filings and previous Statesman reporting. The health care system in its memo called the sale a sham transaction and said Bundy made public statements after selling his home that he did so in order to hide his assets. The roughly $1 million homes title was transferred to Welling on Dec. 5, and in exchange Welling paid the Bundys $250,000, which was later reimbursed through a bank loan, according to the memo. The Bundys who still live on the property then entered into a very favorable lease agreement and are paying minimal rent, the memo said. St. Lukes said Bundys public statements acknowledged that he disposed of assets, including selling his home, to protect his assets, and the legal filings called the home transaction a casebook example of a fraudulent transfer. I ended up selling my home. And I sold, you know, my other properties cuz I had to you know. They were going to take ... their whole design is to take everything from me, Bundy said in February, according to the new lawsuit. Stidham told the Statesman that Bundy owes for the damages caused by his lies and his grift for money and publicity. Now, Mr. Bundy is acting to hinder collection on the judgment. In fact, Mr. Bundy has been making statements in videos that he will call in his supporters to thwart collection of the judgment against him. Without shame, Mr. Bundy is recruiting his followers to be his protection in a stand-off to preserve the monies he has made off his grifts, which primarily targeted the same followers he now implores to protect him from accountability a grifter standoff using those he grifted as human shields. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., speaks during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing, July 11, 2023, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Manchin says he has been thinking seriously about leaving the Democratic Party and becoming an independent. The West Virginia senator made the comments on MetroNews Talkline, on Thursday. | Manuel Balce Ceneta, Associated Press Moderate Sen. Joe Manchin told a radio host he is thinking about leaving the Democratic Party and becoming an independent, potentially upsetting the balance of power in the Senate and giving Manchin a better chance at reelection in 2024. During an appearance Thursday on West Virginia radio show Talkline, Manchin told host Hoppy Kercheval he would think very seriously about becoming an independent. Ive been thinking about it for quite some time, he said, adding that he thinks both sides have become too extreme. The bottom line is will the middle speak up? Does the middle have a voice? If we can create a movement that people understand we could make a big, big splash and maybe bring the traditional parties the Democratic and Republican party, back to what they should be today, said Manchin. Last month Manchin spoke at a town hall in New Hampshire for No Labels, a political party courting big-name moderate lawmakers like Manchin to potentially run for president. Former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. spoke at the same event. The third party has been working to get 2024 ballot access in swing states like Arizona. Related Manchins current term ends next year, and several prominent West Virginia Republicans have already said they will challenge him, including Gov. Jim Justice, who polls show would likely beat Manchin in a hypothetical matchup. When Justice announced he would run in April, reporters asked Utah Sen. Mitt Romney if he would weigh in on the race. I wont in any way campaign against my friend Joe Manchin, Romney said. Hes a great friend, good leader. Romneys office clarified to the Deseret News at the time that the senator also said that he will probably stay out of the race. Romney and Manchin have often found themselves working together on bipartisan legislation. But Romney also raised warning bells last month after Manchin appeared at the No Labels event, saying if Manchin ran for president it could help propel former President Donald Trump back into the White House. The No Labels effort would elect Donald Trump, Romney, a Republican, told reporters last month. I asked my chief strategist: What would a candidate have to be like in order to draw (voters) from Donald Trump as opposed to drawing from Joe Biden? He said it would have to be someone to the right of Donald Trump. And a poll would prove it, he added. By the way, we do all this talking. Just run a poll. Run a poll: Biden versus Trump. Then run the same poll: Biden, Trump, Manchin and see who is affected. I know the answer. Manchin has not said whether he will run for Senate or the presidency in 2024. He has been a pivotal swing vote on legislation and judicial nominees important to Democratic leadership in the upper chamber, but has also frustrated their goals on issues like filibuster reform. But Democratic Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has to be careful with Manchin given the narrow margin in the Senate. Democrats currently control 48 seats, with three Democratic-leaning independents, and 49 Republicans. The nearly equal split gives swing votes like Manchin and Romney a lot of sway. In an interview with the Deseret News in May, Romney noted that several of his close allies in the Senate including Manchin face tough reelection bids in 2024, which would make it harder to work on bipartisan legislation if Romney decides to run again. This group of roughly 10 of us, there are a number that are in significant races like Kyrsten Sinema, I-Ariz., Joe Manchin, Jon Tester, D-Mont. Theyve been people Ive been collaborating with, he said. I want to get a sense of how theyre doing, but from my standpoint, its like, what can I get done as a senator? And if I feel there are things I can get done that are important to get done, thats going to lead me to want to (run again). If I feel like I cant get a lot more done, why then I wouldnt, if you will, take the personal burden of being there let someone else have a chance. Two people are dead following a head-on crash at the Miami-Shelby County line Friday afternoon. >>PHOTOS: 2 dead, 2 injured in crash on Miami-Shelby County line Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers were dispatched around 1:50 p.m. near the intersection of County Road 25A and East Miami Shelby Road, according to an OSHP spokesperson. Hannah Combs, 27, of Piqua, and David Lynch, 19, of Urbana, were identified by troopers as the drivers killed Friday afternoon. Both died at the scene. Combs was driving a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox eastbound on County Road 25A and crashed into a 2015 Nissan Rogue driven by Lynch that was going westbound on East Miami Shelby Road, state troopers said Friday night. Both passengers in each vehicle were hospitalized with serious injuries. >>ORIGINAL COVERAGE: Both drivers killed, passengers injured in head-on crash near Miami-Shelby County line News Center 7s Brandon Lewis was at the scene Friday and spoke with a man about what he heard. I was coming out to do some trimming around my trees and I heard a loud bang, said Roy Meeds. Its a shame, absolute shame. State troopers told Lewis both passengers were taken to area hospitals. We had two passengers that were transported, one by CareFlight and the other was taken by ground to Upper Valley Medical Center. >>Weve got to get her out; Video shows deputy, battalion chief rescue woman from Harrison Twp. fire Meeds lives just up the road from where the crash happened and says there are always crashes in this area. Ever since I was a kid and lived in town, there are always accidents out there, he said. And my dad used to always tell me to watch 25A where the 90-degree curves are because theres been a lot of people killed. >>Man accused of trying to abduct child at RiverScape formally charged by county grand jury He is also thinking about the families affected by this crash. I really feel sorry for them, he told Lewis. I really feel sorry for them. Lewis reports troopers think speed was likely a factor in the crash. The crash remains under investigation. In this photo released by the U.S. Navy, the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan travels through the Red Sea, Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023. Western-backed maritime forces in the Middle East on Saturday, Aug. 12, warned shippers traveling through the strategic Strait of Hormuz to stay as far away from Iranian territorial waters as possible to avoid being seized, a stark advisory amid heightened tensions between Iran and the U.S. (Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Riley Gasdia/U.S. Navy, via AP) DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) Western-backed maritime forces in the Middle East on Saturday warned shippers traveling through the strategic Strait of Hormuz to stay as far away from Iranian territorial waters as possible to avoid being seized, a stark advisory amid heightened tensions between Iran and the U.S. A similar warning went out to shippers earlier this year ahead of Iran seizing two tankers traveling near the strait, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which 20% of the world's oil passes. While Iran and the U.S. now near an apparent deal that would see billions of Iranian assets held in South Korea unfrozen in exchange for the release of five Iranian-Americans detained in Tehran, the warning shows that the tensions remain high at sea. Already, the U.S. is exploring plans to put armed troops on commercial ships in the strait to deter Iran amid a buildup of troops, ships and aircraft in the region. U.S. Navy Cmdr. Timothy Hawkins, a spokesman for the Mideast-based 5th Fleet, acknowledged the warning had been given, but declined to discuss specifics about it. A U.S.-backed maritime group called the International Maritime Security Construct is notifying regional mariners of appropriate precautions to minimize the risk of seizure based on current regional tensions, which we seek to de-escalate, Hawkins said. Vessels are being advised to transit as far away from Iranian territorial waters as possible. Separately, a European Union-led maritime organization watching shipping in the strait has warned of a possibility of an attack on a merchant vessel of unknown flag in the Strait of Hormuz in the next 12 to 72 hours, said private intelligence firm Ambrey. Previously, after a similar warning was issued, a merchant vessel was seized by Iranian authorities under a false pretext, the firm warned. The EU-led mission, called the European Maritime Awareness in the Strait of Hormuz, did not respond to a request for comment. Hours later, the British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, which also provides warnings to sailors in the Persian Gulf, issued its own alert. UKMTO have been made aware of an increased threat within the vicinity of Strait Of Hormuz," the warning said. All vessels transiting are advised to exercise caution and report suspicious activity to UKMTO." Irans state-run IRNA news agency cited this AP report without quoting any Iranian officials about it. Irans mission to the United Nations did not respond to a request for comment. The Strait of Hormuz is in the territorial waters of Iran and Oman, which at its narrowest point is just 33 kilometers (21 miles) wide. The width of the shipping lane in either direction is only 3 kilometers (2 miles). Anything affecting it ripples through global energy markets, potentially raising the price of crude oil. That then trickles down to consumers through what they pay for gasoline and other oil products. There has been a wave of attacks on ships attributed to Iran since 2019, following the Trump administration unilaterally withdrawing America from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal and re-imposing crushing sanctions on Tehran. Those assaults resumed in late April, when Iran seized a ship carrying oil for Chevron Corp. and another tanker called the Niovi in May. The taking of the two tankers in under a week comes as the Marshall Island-flagged Suez Rajan sits off Houston, likely waiting to offload sanctioned Iranian oil apparently seized by the U.S. Those seizures led the U.S. military to launch a major deployment in the region, including thousands of Marines and sailors on both the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan and the USS Carter Hall, a landing ship. Images released by the Navy showed the Bataan and Carter Hall in the Red Sea on Tuesday. BAILEYS HARBOR - Five months after a Door County shipwreck was added to the Wisconsin State Register of Historic Places, it's now listed on the national register as well. The Wisconsin Historical Society announced Friday the wreck of the Emeline, a late 19th-century lumber-carrying schooner that lies in Lake Michigan off Anclam Park in Baileys Harbor, was added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 28. She was placed on the state register Feb. 24. Divers take measurements on the remains of the Emerline, a 19th-century logging schooner in the water off Baileys Harbor that recently was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, five months after it was listed on Wisconsin's State Register of Historic Places. Originally built in Michigan in 1862, according to the Wisconsin Shipwrecks website, the Emeline was converted two years later into a three-masted, double-centerboard schooner and lengthened from 83 to 111.4 feet. It spent most of its career carrying lumber throughout the Great Lakes region. Wisconsin Shipwrecks goes on to say the Emeline was bringing a load of tamarack bark from Charlevoix, Michigan, to a tannery in Kenosha on Aug. 8, 1896, under the command of Capt. Adam Abrahamson, who had bought the ship just five months earlier. On that voyage, the ship was struck by a squall about 20 miles southeast of Baileys Harbor. The storm knocked her over onto her starboard side, then her deck load of bark rolled off, "after which she righted herself only to capsize to her port side," the site says. The Emeline's four-man crew was able to launch their rescue boat and row themselves to Baileys Harbor, so no lives were lost in the wreck. Attempts were made over the next couple of days to right the Emeline and bring her to harbor, but none were successful. The tug Sydney Smith from Sturgeon Bay tried towing it by one of the Emeline's three masts but ended up breaking the mast instead, and the schooner Nancy Dell was used to right the vessel only to have her roll back over later. The Emeline eventually sank in 18 feet of water near Anclam Pier on Aug. 22, 1896, two weeks after she initially capsized, with her gunwales, two remaining masts and spars protruding from the surface of the lake. By January of 1897, the wreckage had broken into pieces. By 1903, her masts were no longer visible, and she was declared a hazard to navigation and dynamited in September of that year. The dynamite was used just to flatten the hull and collapse its sides for the safety of passing vessels, said Tamara Thomsen, maritime archaeologist with the Wisconsin Historical Society, so divers still have plenty to see at the site. The Wisconsin Shipwrecks site says the remains sit upright on a sandy bed with many hull components still intact and more beneath the sand. Part of the shipwreck Emerline, a 19th-century logging schooner in the water off Baileys Harbor that recently was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, five months after it was listed on Wisconsin's State Register of Historic Places. Few examples and little documentation of schooners from the late 19th century with double-centerboard construction are known to exist today, one of the reasons the Emeline is considered a noteworthy and historic wreck. Thomsen told the Advocate in April that only six double-centerboard schooner wrecks are known to exist in Wisconsin waters and seven in all of the Great Lakes. A diagram showing an overhead view of the remains of the Emerline, a 19th-century logging schooner in the water off Baileys Harbor that recently was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, five months after if was listed on Wisconsin's State Register of Historic Places. The Emeline's history as a logging vessel, with its wreck lying off a county where the lumber and shipping industries played a huge role in its history, also adds to its historical significance, said Kay Dragan, curator and exhibits manager of the Door County Maritime Museum in Sturgeon Bay, when the ship was named to the state register. The Emeline is the 27th shipwreck off Door County to be listed on the national register, all of which are on the state register as well. Following the Emeline's listing with the state, the lumber schooners Boaz (also a double-centerboard schooner) and Sunshine, both in North Bay off Lake Michigan, in June became the 28th and 29th Door County wrecks to make the state register. The Wisconsin Historical Society also is considering the wreck of the Peoria off Baileys Harbor for the state register, with a decision expected around November. For divers interested in visiting the wreck, Thomsen said it can be reached with a short swim from Anclam Park, but visiting divers must bring a dive flag to signal their whereabouts to nearby boaters. State and federal laws protect this shipwreck. Divers may not remove artifacts or structure when visiting this site. Removing, defacing, displacing, or destroying artifacts or sites is a crime. For more information on the Emeline, visit wisconsinhistory.org or wisconsinshipwrecks.org. Contact Christopher Clough at 920-562-8900 or cclough@doorcountyadvocate.com. MORE: Southern Door school board shelves two projects proposed in $14.9 million referendum MORE: $100,000 Powerball ticket sold in Luxemburg FOR MORE DOOR COUNTY NEWS: Check out our website This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Door County shipwreck named to National Register of Historic Places PEARL HARBOR Petty Officer 2nd Class Reginald Parker, a native of Shreveport, Louisiana, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam operating out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Parker joined the Navy five years ago. Today, Parker serves as a yeoman. I joined the Navy to be an example to my siblings, and to get a jump start on my finances and education, said Parker. Growing up in Shreveport, Parker attended Southwood High School and graduated in 2018. Today, Parker relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Shreveport to succeed in the military. Petty Officer 2nd Class Reginald Parker, a native of Shreveport, Louisiana, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Growing up, I learned to remember my Why and that being in an office is better than being outside working in the 100-degree heat, said Parker. I also learned to always be a good example even if I thought nobody was watching." These lessons have helped Parker while serving at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Being stationed in Pearl Harbor, often referred to as the gateway to the Pacific in defense circles, means Parker is part of a team that is taking on new importance in Americas focus on strengthening alliances, modernizing capabilities, increasing capacities and maintaining military readiness in support of the National Defense Strategy. The Navy is important to national defense because the majority of the world is covered in water, so whoever controls the seas is the most powerful, said Parker. "We are one of the most versatile branches in the world." With 90 percent of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to trained sailors and a strong Navy. "Our mission remains timeless - to provide our fellow citizens with nothing less than the very best Navy: fully combat ready at all times, focused on warfighting excellence, and committed to superior leadership at every single level," said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. "This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy." Parker and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service. I'm most proud of helping people in the Navy better their lives along the way while serving, said Parker. "I'm also proud of all the activities I get to do like repelling down mountains, sky diving and snorkeling in some of the greatest oceans in the world." As Parker and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy. Serving in the Navy to me means starting a legacy because a lot of people from my hometown just end up staying there, said Parker. I want to be an example for them to show them there is more out there in the world. Parker is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible. I would like to thank my parents, Reginald E. Parker and Nefertiri Kilgore, for pushing me to better my education, excel at everything I do and instilling good habits that I carry with me today, said Parker. "I also want to thank my brother, Robert-Louis, and sisters, ReaKayiah and Rebekah." Parker offered some words of advice for those who may be seeking a career in the Navy. I think joining the military is a great opportunity to get to know yourself and to be able to discover the world, added Parker. This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Shreveport native serves US Navy in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii While most of Tuesday's primary elections ended without a runoff, six races for seats in the Legislature, all in the House, saw no candidate receive a majority of votes. The six runoffs will take place Aug. 29, with three coming from each political party. District Two In District Two, which is within Alcorn County, incumbent Republican Rep. Nick Bain, R-Corinth, fell about 2% short of the 50% needed to advance to the general election. Bain, who has served in the House since 2012, will face Bradford Mattox in the runoff. Mattox got about 35% of the vote Tuesday, compared to 48% for Bain. Bain chairs the Judiciary B Committee and was a prominent figure in passing the state's new ban on gender affirming care for transgender youth. The winner of the runoff will go on to represent the district for the next four years, as they will face no Democratic opposition in the general election. District 66 In District 66, which is in Hinds County and includes parts of Salem, Terry and a portion of Southwest Jackson, there will be a Democratic runoff to replace Rep. De'Keither Stamps, D-Jackson, who is running for the public service commission. Fabian Nelson, a real estate broker who is seeking to become the first openly LGBTQ state lawmaker, received about 42% of the vote Tuesday, while his runoff opponent Roshunda Harris-Allen received about 32%. Harris-Allen is a professor at Tougaloo College and alderman at large in the city of Byram. The winner of the runoff will go on to represent the district for the next four years, as they will face no Republican opposition in the general election. District 69 In District 69, which is in Hinds County and includes much of West Jackson, two candidates emerged to a runoff from the four-candidate race to replace longtime Rep. Alyce Clarke, D-Jackson, who announced her retirement earlier this year. Clarke was the first Black woman elected to the Legislature. Tamarra Butler Washington, who currently works for the Mississippi Department of Health, received more than 48% of the vote, falling short of the 50% needed. Butler-Washington's runoff opponent will be Patty Patterson, an entrepreneur who received about 30% of the vote Tuesday. The winner of the runoff will go on to represent the district for the next four years, as they will face no Republican opposition in the general election. District 72 In District 72, which includes parts of Hinds and Madison Counties, two candidates emerged from another four-candidate race, this one to fill a seat left vacant when former Rep. Debra Gibbs, D-Jackson, stepped down to become a judge. Her son, Justis Gibbs, an attorney and member of the Mississippi Democratic Party executive committee, received about 41% of the vote Tuesday. He will face off against community organizer Rukia Lumumba, who received about 31%, in the runoff later this month. The winner of the runoff will go on to represent the district for the next four years, as they will face no Republican opposition in the general election. District 105 In District 105, which includes parts of Perry County, incumbent Republican Rep. Dale Goodin, R-Richton, who is seeking his second term in the House, came within just a few percentage points of defeat Tuesday, as challenger Elliot Burch received more than 46% of the vote, compared to about 30% for Goodin. Goodin is a retired vocational-technical director, and Burch is an attorney. The winner of the runoff will face Democrat Matthew Daves in the general election. Daves ran unopposed on Tuesday. District 115 In District 115, which includes Biloxi and DIberville, where five-term Rep. Randall Patterson, R-Biloxi, is not seeking reelection, a three-candidate race was whittled down to two Tuesday. Zachary Grady, a former DIberville police officer who held various positions over his decade at the department, received about 47% of the vote Tuesday. Felix Gines, a member of the Biloxi City Council who became a Republican in December to fanfare from the state party, received about 38% of the vote. The winner of the runoff will go on to represent the district for the next four years, as they will face no Democratic opposition in the general election. If elected Gines would be the second Black Republican to be elected to the House this month. No Black Republicans have served in the House since 1894. The runoff election will be held on Aug. 29, with the general election coming Nov. 7. This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Mississippi primaries aren't over yet, runoffs for state House to come Robert Golob, Prime Minister of Slovenia, has personally met the Ukrainian rescue team who have come to provide assistance following floods in Slovenia. Source: press service of the Slovenian government, as reported by European Pravda Quote: "Ukraine has sent its best unit, which is completely self-sufficient and has all the necessary equipment. Therefore, I am sure that it [the rescue team ed.] will be able to help in the least accessible places," Golob said, thanking the Ukrainian side for their help. Details: The Slovenian governments press service said the 51-member team from the Ukrainian State Emergency Service will provide five excavators and 14 other vehicles to clear rubble and deal with the aftermath of flooding in the Zgornjesavska Dolina (Upper Sava Valley). Ukrainian rescuers are ready to help #Slovenia to manage the consequences of devastating floods We also involve specialized machinery and equipment. For @SESU_UA , there is no such thing as someone elses trouble! pic.twitter.com/u3h1bbBOZQ (@Serhiy_Kruk) August 12, 2023 "The same team helped, among other things, to tackle the flood after the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka Dam in Ukraines south in June of this year [2023], and now they will share their experience and knowledge with us," the statement said. Golob said he was delighted that the help from Ukraine had arrived so quickly. "We have offered them help with mine clearance, which we are very happy to do in the future, and they are helping us where they have the best equipment. I think this is the right way to go," Golob said. Photo: the Slovenian government official website The assistance between Slovenia and Ukraine is mutual, as Slovenia has provided Ukraine with humanitarian, financial and military aid since the beginning of the Russian invasion in February 2022. "I have said many times that we greatly appreciate the support we have received from Slovenia. That is why, as soon as we received information about what had happened in your country, the Foreign Minister reported [this information] to the President, and he approved the decision to provide assistance to Slovenia," said Andrii Taran, the Ukrainian ambassador to Slovenia. Reference: Recent heavy rains have caused significant damage in Slovenia, causing at least seven major bridges to collapse and affecting roads and energy infrastructure facilities. Thousands of people have had to leave their homes, many were evacuated by helicopters and boats, and some have lost their lives. The authorities say this is the worst flood in Slovenias recent history, affecting two-thirds of the country's territory. Background: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree on the provision of humanitarian aid to Slovenia. The EU has promised Slovenia 400 million for reconstruction following the devastating floods. 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! This is Small Bites, a South Florida Sun Sentinel feature with tiny tidbits on the food and beverage scene because we know that sometimes you just dont have room for a long article. You want a little news brief instead, an amuse bouche of information, if you will. Enjoy! WHAT: Attention food fans and history buffs theres a progressive dinner party traveling through Boca Raton (and Deerfield Beach) that just might satisfy both camps. A sip-and-sup tour known as Toasts, Tastes & Trolleys where you hop on and off a trolley while having dinner-by-the-bite and signature cocktails at a series of restaurants is returning in September for its ninth season since the last excursion in 2019. Along the way, historical tidbits will also be shared during this fundraiser by The Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum. The night starts with a reception at the Waterstone Resort & Marina, then a trolley ride to Privaira Hangar, American Social, Sushi by Bou, The Boca Raton resort and Cove Brewery (in nearby Deerfield Beach) Toasts, Tastes & Trolleys is a fun way to experience some of Boca Ratons history and learn about the future of our beautiful city while visiting a few of our favorite local restaurants, says Mary Csar, executive director of the Boca Raton Historical Society. WHEN: Toasts, Tastes & Trolleys is set for 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22. WHERE: The tour begins and ends at the Waterstone Resort & Marina, 999 E. Camino Real, Boca Raton. COST: Tickets are $150 per person. EXTRA TIDBIT: Before the Toasts, Tastes & Trolleys event, the museum will host another edition of its Summer Sips & Sounds concert series, on Thursday, Sept.7, with a cocktail reception at 6 p.m. followed by the performance at 6:45 p.m. The theme is Music of the 1980s. Tickets are $45 (or $40 for Boca Raton Historical Society members). To order, go to bocahistory.org/summer-sips-sounds. INFORMATION: For details on Toasts, Tastes & Trolleys, visit bocahistory.org or call 561-395-6766, ext. 100. Computers, cell phones and other work and personal materials of journalists in a small Kansas town have been seized by local police, the newspaper reported. Marion police and Marion County sheriff's deputies served the warrants Friday morning on the Marion County Record office, the Record reported. Law enforcement seized the file serve and other equipment necessary for publishing the weekly newspaper. A call to the newspaper offices wasn't immediately returned Saturday afternoon. "Our first priority is to be able to publish next week," publisher Eric Meyer said in a story on the newspaper's website, "but we also want to make sure no other news organization is ever exposed to the Gestapo tactics we witnessed today. We will be seeking the maximum sanctions possible under law." The newspaper threatened to file a federal lawsuit. The Marion County Record reported that its newspaper offices, the home of its publisher and the vice mayor's home were subjected to searches and seizures by local police and sheriff's deputies. Officials at the Marion Police Department said in Facebook post that it is an ongoing criminal investigation and thus cannot provide details. "I believe when the rest of the story is available to the public, the judicial system that is being questioned will be vindicated," the department post read. The Record reported that the warrants alleged identity theft and unlawful computer acts had been committed involving a local restaurant owner. The newspaper reported that it was provided with information, which had been obtained from a public website, but decided not to publish it. Meyer, a retired journalism professor of journalism at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, has been the longtime editor and publisher of the Marion County Record, Hillsboro Star-Journal and Peabody Gazette-Bulletin. He and his mother, Joan Meyer, are co-owners of Hoch Publishing. His late father, Bill Meyer, was the longtime journalist in Marion and is in the Kansas Press Association Hall of Fame. Joan Meyer's home was also subjected to a police search, as was the home of vice mayor Ruth Herbel, the newspaper reported. "An attack on a newspaper office through an illegal search is not just an infringement on the rights of journalists but an assault on the very foundation of democracy and the public's right to know," said Emily Bradbury, executive director of the Kansas Press Association. "The proper procedure would have been to use subpoena power to obtain the records not an unannounced search on a news outlet. This sets a terrible precedent, and we stand with the Marion County Record to help however we can." Police in their statement did acknowledge federal law that protects journalist from most searches and seizures, but police also pointed to an exception for "when there is reason to believe the journalist is taking part in the underlying wrongdoing." "The Marion Kansas Police Department believes it is the fundamental duty of the police is to ensure the safety, security, and well-being of all members of the public," the Facebook post read. "This commitment must remain steadfast and unbiased, unaffected by political or media influences, in order to uphold the principles of justice, equal protection, and the rule of law for everyone in the community. The victim asks that we do all the law allows to ensure justice is served. The Marion Kansas Police Department will nothing less." Reporter Jason Alatidd previously worked at the Marion County Record for about four months in 2017. He is a statehouse reporter for the Topeka Capital-Journal. He can be reached by email at jtidd@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @Jason_Alatidd. This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Kansas police search homes, offices of Marion County Record newspaper Motorcyclists ride along Mulholland Highway near Agoura Hills on Sept. 4, 2010. "The Snake," a windy portion of the roadway, is set to reopen next year after being closed to motorists since 2019. (Chris Carlson / Associated Press) Los Angeles County officials are getting ready to let "the Snake" out of its cage with some extra safety precautions in place. The 2.4-mile stretch of Mulholland Highway, named for its resemblance to the coiling reptiles, winds through the Santa Monica Mountains roughly between Kanan Road and Sierra Creek Road. Its curves and hairpin turns were long favored by motorcyclists and street racers, but the stretch of road was deemed a high-collision corridor by the county following multiple fatal crashes. It has been closed to drivers since 2019. With the roadway on track to reopen next year, the L.A. County Board of Supervisors approved a motion Tuesday to conduct a 180-day safety study as part of its Vision Zero traffic improvement plan. "Mulholland Highway is a historic scenic roadway beloved by the local community and visitors alike," Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, whose district contains the roadway, said in a statement. "While beautiful, it can also be dangerous even lethal when people choose to race or stage photo opportunities. In Los Angeles County, we have a Vision Zero goal to eliminate roadway fatalities, and Mulholland Highway is primed for this work." A stretch of Mulholland Highway through the Woolsey fire burn scar near Calabasas. (John Antczak / Associated Press) Mark Pestrella, the county's director of public works, said during Tuesday's meeting that "the Snake" ranked as the 79th worst out of 200 L.A. County high-collision corridors from 2013 to 2017, according to Vision Zero data. "The problem is speed in this, in a roadway that is not built to go at the speeds that people do travel it frequently," he said. "It's scary how fast people will travel on this, on motorcycles as well as vehicles, and we have seen some horrific accidents due to that." Among the safety enhancements made to "the Snake" earlier this year are center lane rumble strips, center lane pavement markers, speed reduction pavement markings, curve advisories and signage, and 6-inch edge line striping, which makes it uncomfortable to go faster, according to Pestrella. For the first six months after "the Snake" reopens, public works staff will evaluate whether such measures effectively boost roadway safety. Should the measures prove to reduce traffic collisions, county officials could then implement them in other high-collision corridors. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and the California Highway Patrol will assist by providing enforcement. Read more: The Snake | Cruising Mullholland Highway "The Snake" was damaged in the 2018 Woolsey fire, during which high-temperature flames fried pavement, melted guardrails and destroyed a bridge. Heavy rains in early 2019 further marred the highway, leading officials to close it between Lower Brewster Road and Seminole Drive. The street reopened for pedestrians and cyclists in April 2020, but has remained closed to motorists. 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. MILLERSBURG Devising ways to sneak into the fair as a trouble-making teen many, many years ago, using an extended pipe to help get across the Killbuck Creek at the old fairgrounds was just one of the many memories shared during senior day activities Thursday at the Holmes County Fair, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. Jim Schafer admits it probably wasn't the best idea, but that's one of fun things he remembered about the fair. "I've been coming to the fair for about 70 years," he said. "I've seen a lot of great things here over the years; hard part's remembering them. My oldest kid is 54, so I've been to a lot of fairs." Ruth Ann Brenly took a bow at the 100th anniversary celebration of the Holmes County Fair. Brenly was a longtime 4-H advisor and has attended the Holmes County Fair for many years. Ruth Ann Brenly of Clark is a longtime supporter of the Holmes County Fair who also served as a 4-H advisor. The soon-to-be 97-year-old recalled attending numerous fairs over the years, far too many to be specific. "I'm getting a bit forgetful, but I guess that goes with old age," she said with a laugh. "I don't go to the fair like I'd like to anymore because it's hard getting here, especially when you're old like me. I'm going to turn 97 in three more weeks. We used to go all the time." Brenly lost her husband Carl 14 years ago. She still drives herself around, but limits her travels anymore. Ruth Ann and Carl were fair regulars. They lived in Clark since 1947 in the house they built, and she plans to stay there as long as she can, despite her family members living across the country from Michigan to Oregon. Ruth Ann Brenly (right) wows representatives David Macfarland, Sarah Ecker and Kelley Clark of Ohio's Hospice as she shares with them about her daily regimen which includes plenty of walking. The soon-to-be 97-year-old is extremely active. Recognition for her time Brenly was honored at the 100th anniversary celebration on Monday as one of the old advisors. She was a 4-H advisor for many years. She said the fair has always been about the kids. "My daughter Patricia Ann did a lot of sewing and she won a lot of prizes," Brenly said. "The kidders always worked hard on their projects and did a good job, then we went to the fair and then it was over for another year." First time together at fair in nearly 60 years Sisters Carolyn Mohr and Norma Hoxworth have been coming to the Holmes County Fair for more than 50 years, but this was the first time they got to come and walk around together since they were young mothers pushing strollers around the grounds a long time ago. "We've been here a lot separately over the years with our families, but this is our first time here together in a long time," Hoxworth said. "It's fun walking around, visiting with friends and seeing people." "I enjoy seeing people and eating," Mohr added. "I really like the Italian sausage." The sisters watched a great granddaughter show her goat, another enjoyable experience for visitors to the fair. Sisters Carolyn Mohr and Norma Hoxworth enjoyed strolling around the fair together for the first time since they were pushing toddlers in strollers more than 50 years ago. More than 60 years of memories Ura Stutzman has great memories of the fair, the best being how fair activities brought families together. "The most noteworthy thing to me is how families have to work together to get here. If it wasn't for the fair projects, some of these families wouldn't be spending time together," Stutzman said. "If you look at the 4-H program, most of the time they are family projects. Ura Stutzman visits with representatives from the Holmes Center for the Arts at the senior day activities at the Holmes County Fair Thursday afternoon. Loading up on freebies Laura Miller of Millersburg raised her five kids on her own. She has seven grandkids and 47 great grandkids, and the Holmes County Fair has played a big part in all of their lives. "I'm an old farm girl," Miller said. "I like to go and see the animals, plus I like to get the give-aways and sign up for things." She remembered bringing her kids to the fair, and the first thing her son would go for was the cotton candy. Laura Miller of Millersburg displays some of her loot she gathered at the Holmes County Fair. "Two of my other sons would go for the Italian sausage sandwiches," she said. "That's what I always liked the best. That and the blueberry donuts from Lerch's." This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Senior day at Holmes County Fair filled with memories and giveaways Security forces take part in an operation at Prison 8 in Guayaquil, Ecuador (Gerardo MENOSCAL) Some 4,000 Ecuadoran military and police officers on Saturday entered a prison in search of a powerful gang leader accused of having threatened a popular presidential candidate killed earlier this week, officials said. Ecuador has been under a state of emergency after the shock assassination Wednesday of journalist and anti-corruption crusader Fernando Villavicencio. President Guillermo Lasso has blamed the murder on organized crime, and Villavicencio had complained of receiving death threats from Jose Adolfo Macias, alias "Fito," the head of the powerful "Los Choneros" criminal group. At dawn, heavily armed men in armored vehicles entered Prison 8 in Guayaquil in southwestern Ecuador, where "Fito" was serving his sentence. Images of the operation published by President Lasso on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, show a big bearded man being handled by security guards and the same man lying facedown on the floor in his underwear along with several dozen other inmates. The prison agency SNAI confirmed to AFP that the man is "Fito," held at that prison since 2011. A week before the 59-year-old Villavicencio was killed, he had said that Fito was threatening him. Villavicencio told a local program that an "emissary" of the gang leader had contacted him and warned "that if I continue... mentioning Los Choneros, they are going to break me." "Fito" was sentenced to 34 years in prison for organized crime, drug trafficking and murder. Villavicencio drew the ire of gangs and drug traffickers for his investigations. Six Colombians have been arrested in Villavicencio's murder, while a seventh was killed in a shootout with his bodyguards. Authorities haven't said who hired and paid the hitmen. Prisons have become the center of operations for drug trafficking in Ecuador. More than 430 inmates have died violently since 2021, dozens of them dismembered and incinerated amid disputes between rival gangs. das/sp/mr/md/bbk Police have asked anyone who has information to come forward A manhunt has been launched in South Africa after a mass shooting in which six people died, police say. Four suspects allegedly shot the victims in Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal, before midnight on Friday, initial information suggests. One of the suspects believed that one of the victims had his ID, dropped accidentally during a previous murder he was wanted for. South Africa has one of the highest murder rates in the world. It is thought the suspects shot two people inside the house, a third in a backroom and a fourth next to an outside toilet, a police statement says. The suspects then allegedly proceeded to shoot three people in a shack nearby. One of those victims was later rushed to hospital. Three of the suspects have been identified and police are calling on anyone who might have information on them to come forward. Police officers patrol around the Seohyeon subway station in Seongnam, South Korea, on Aug 4 - Hong Ji-won/Yonhap South Koreas police have arrested 119 people for posting online murder threats after two mass stabbings put the country on edge. The stabbing sprees, occurring within two weeks in crowded areas of greater Seoul, have ignited fears of copycat crimes. Police presence has been increased in response. A surge in threatening posts has been reported since Aug 3 when a man crashed a car into pedestrians near a Seongnam department store, subsequently killing one and injuring 13 in a knife rampage. The suspect, Choi Won-jong, 23, claims he was targeted by a group, and preliminary investigations support his claim. He has been charged with murder and attempted murder. Mr Chois premeditation is evident through weapon acquisition and statements, says Mo Sang-myo, Bundangs police station chief. Mr Choi, a delivery driver, has been diagnosed with schizoid personality disorder. Choi Won-jong, a 22-year-old man under arrest for a stabbing rampage, is escorted out of a police station in Seongnam, South Korea - Yonhap/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Despite South Koreas reputation for safety, concerns have risen following a similar mass stabbing near the Sillim subway station in Seoul on July 21, which killed one and wounded three. The demand for self-defence items like pepper spray and batons has surged. Sales to men jumped 263 per cent, while sales to women jumped by 168 per cent between July 22 and Aug 3, according to 11Street. Shopping centres have bolstered security, increasing guards and requiring stab vests. Teenagers are responsible for many online threats. The police warn of stern penalties for those spreading public fears. The Ministry of Justice aims to revise the law on public intimidation in response to rising cases. New provisions will be established, examining precedents from the United States, Germany, and other countries. 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. SEOUL (Reuters) - Hundreds of South Korean activists gathered in central Seoul on Saturday to protest against Japan's plan to release treated radioactive water from the tsunami-wrecked Fukushima nuclear power plant into the ocean. Japan's Asahi Shimbun daily reported earlier this week that the country plans to start releasing the water into the ocean as early as late August, citing unidentified government sources. "If it is discarded, radioactive substances contained in the contaminated water will eventually destroy the marine ecosystem," said Choi Kyoungsook of Korea Radiation Watch, an activist group that organised the protest. "We are opposed... because we believe the sea is not just for the Japanese government, but for all of us and for mankind." Hundreds of protesters held up signs saying "Keep It Inland" and "Protect the Pacific Ocean!" while singing songs and listening to rally organisers. Japan's nuclear regulator last month granted approval for plant operator Tokyo Electric Power to start releasing the water, which Japan and the International Atomic Energy Agency said is safe but nearby countries fear may contaminate food. U.S. President Joe Biden will meet Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol for a trilateral summit on Aug. 18. "There is talk that the dumping of contaminated water is on the summit agenda. The governments of South Korea, the U.S., and Japan should view it an environmental disaster, rather than a political issue, and agree to block it... for future generations," Choi said. (Reporting by Do Gyun Kim and Minwoo Park; Writing by Joyce Lee; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan) FILE - Teenager Shreya Nallamothu looks at her phone in Bloomington, Ill., on Tuesday, May 9, 2023. Watching social media posts during the pandemic lockdown, I realized that theres a lot of exploitation that can happen within the world of kidfluencing, she says, referring to the monetization of social media content featuring children. And I realized that there was absolutely zero legislation in place to protect them. (AP Photo/Claire Savage, File) CHICAGO (AP) Illinois is the first state in the U.S. to ensure child social media influencers are compensated for their work, according to Sen. David Koehler, of Peoria, who sponsored a bill that was signed into law and will go into effect on July 1, 2024. "The rise of social media has given children new opportunities to earn a profit, Koehler said in an emailed press release after the bill was signed Friday afternoon. Many parents have taken this opportunity to pocket the money, while making their children continue to work in these digital environments. The idea for the law, which covers children under the age of 16 featured in monetized online platforms, including video blogs (also known as vlogs), was brought to Koehler by a 15-year-old in his district, the Democratic senator said. Besides coordinated dances and funny toddler comments, family vlogs nowadays may share intimate details of their childrens lives grades, potty training, illnesses, misbehaviors, first periods for countless strangers to view. Brand deals featuring the internet's darlings can reap tens of thousands of dollars per video, but so far there are minimal regulations for the sharenthood industry, which experts say can cause serious harm to children. Videos with kids do really well, said Bobbi Althoff, a TikToker with more than 5 million followers who used to feature her young daughter in paid advertising, but has since decided not to for privacy reasons. Many states already require parents to set aside earnings for child entertainers who perform in more traditional settings such as movies and television, but Illinois' law will be the first to specifically target social media starlets, according to Landon Jacquinot, who is tracking child labor legislation for the National Conference of State Legislatures. We could see other states looking into doing something similar, especially in states that have a high volume of family vloggers and social media influencers, such as California and New York, Jacquinot said. It's kind of a new world. The Illinois law will entitle child influencers to a percentage of earnings based on how often they appear on video blogs or online content that generates at least 10 cents per view. To qualify, the content must be created in Illinois, and kids would have to be featured in at least 30% of the content in a 30-day period. Video bloggers or vloggers would be responsible for maintaining records of kids appearances and must set aside gross earnings for the child in a trust account for when they turn 18; otherwise, the child can sue. Children "deserve to be shielded from parents who would attempt to take advantage of their childs talents and use them for their own financial gain, said Alex Gough, a spokesperson for Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, after the governor signed the legislation. Shreya Nallamothu, the teen who brought her concerns to Koehler and set the legislation in motion, first zeroed in on the issue while scrolling through social media during quarantine three years ago. I realized that theres a lot of exploitation that can happen within the world of kidfluencing, said Nallamothu, now 16. And I realized that there was absolutely zero legislation in place to protect them. She clarified that the law is not meant for parents who share photos of their kids on social media for family and friends, or even those who post a viral video. This is for families who make their income off of child vlogging and family vlogging, she said. Lawmakers in Illinois, where Democrats hold a supermajority, passed the bill in May with bipartisan support. Other Democratic-led states have made efforts to regulate the child influencer industry with less success. A 2018 California child labor bill included a social media provision that was removed by the time it was passed. Washington states 2023 bill spearheaded by Chris McCarty, another teen and the founder of Quit Clicking Kids, an advocacy organization focused on protecting minors being monetized online stalled out in committee. I sincerely hope that this momentum continues in other states and eventually nationwide, McCarty said Friday about the Illinois law. But several Republican-led states this year have instead loosened child labor laws to help alleviate workforce shortages. An Iowa law signed at the end of May allows teenagers to work more jobs and for longer hours, and Arkansas in March eliminated permits that required employers to verify a childs age and a parents consent. ___ Savage 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 the aftermath of Stonie Butler's conviction for raping three young girls, there is hope for the victims. "You haven't destroyed these girls," said Phil Naumoff, Richland County Common Pleas Court judge. "These girls have the opportunity to heal over this, to put this behind them." Naumoff then dropped the hammer on Butler, sentencing him to three consecutive life terms in prison during a late-afternoon hearing Friday. "The only thing I can do is make sure the monster that was in their lives is no longer there," the judge said. "That's what the court intends to do today. "I want to be sure, Mr. Butler, that should the laws change and you have a chance to get out, that you don't get out. I want these girls protected." Stonie Butler listens to his attorney Josh Brown on Friday afternoon during his sentencing. Judge Phillip Naumoff sentenced Butler to three life sentences. Butler, 29, of Mansfield, was convicted Thursday of five counts of rape and five counts of gross sexual imposition at the end of a seven-day trial. He sexually abused three sisters, all of whom were under 7 at the time. Butler was an occasional caregiver for the girls and former boyfriend of the oldest sister's biological mother. The time frames were October 2018 to June 2020 and Dec. 1, 2020, to Nov. 30, 2021. The six-man, six-woman jury deliberated for 75 minutes before finding Butler guilty as charged. "The girls were left with you and trusted with you to protect them," Naumoff said. "You victimized them. There's no remorse, no apologies. "The only tears you shed were when you walked in prior to the jury yesterday. At that point, you knew what the verdict was. You knew what you did. The fact that you'd take advantage of these girls, I can't think of anything more disgusting in this world, nothing more." Butler did not make any comment in court When given the chance to address the court or the victims, Butler declined. He did say he would appeal his conviction. Defense attorney Josh Brown said only that he respected the jury's decision. Assistant Prosecutor Lauryn Calderhead, who asked the judge to impose a life sentence, credited the work of employees of Richland County Children Services and OhioHealth Marion General Hospital. "They are here today, and I want to recognize them," Calderhead said. In May 2022, the girls were placed with Isis and Sommer Eaton, who are seeking permanent custody of them, along with their younger brother. Isis Eaton is the godmother of the oldest girl, going back to her high school friendship with the girl's biological mom. Both women addressed the court, each reading from statements on their iPhones. "You ruined our girls' lives in 2018," Isis Eaton said to Butler. "It didn't even take you a year to violate their innocence. This has been a long time coming."' She then recognized the oldest sister, now 8, who was the key witness in the trial. "You did shatter her, but you didn't turn out her light," Isis said. She said she and Sommer have been left to pick up the pieces for the girls in the last year, nothing they had to teach a 2-year-old and a 4-year-old that it was not OK for anyone to touch their private parts. Godmother: Butler stole their innocence "You stole their innocence before they even knew what innocence was," Isis said. "It may take years to undo the damage you have caused, but today will be the day that they get to start healing, because you'll never be able to hurt them again." A tearful Sommer Eaton reads a prepared statement to the court Friday afternoon as she speaks on behalf of Stonie Butler's victims. An emotional Sommer Eaton was the next to address the court and Butler. She referenced how other adults in the girls' lives had failed them. "You couldn't silence them," she said. "Everyone around them told them to be quiet and they were lying. "It took my wife and I for (8-year-old) to use her voice, and, boy, did she. It took the three of us, never giving up and never backing down." Sommer Eaton said she was confident a jury would believe the oldest sister. "We knew once everyone could hear her story, there wouldn't be a single person with common sense that wouldn't say, beyond a reasonable doubt, that you didn't inflict all this hurt on these girls," she said. Naumoff also referenced the 8-year-old. "Her getting on that stand and testifying took a lot of guts," the judge said. "That young girl came in here facing her demons, which in essence were you, Mr. Butler." Jamie Akers, a victim advocate for the prosecutor's office, was asked by the 8-year-old to read a brief statement she wanted to convey to Butler. "You didn't win," the girl wrote. "You didn't win." mcaudill@gannett.com 419-521-7219 Twitter: @MarkCau32059251 This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Mansfield man sentenced to 3 consecutive life terms in child rape case After a special counsel appointment this week, Hunter Bidens federal and House investigations will likely be the focus of Sunday news shows this weekend, alongside devastating wildfires in Hawaii and the ever-nearing 2024 GOP presidential primary. David Weiss, the U.S. Attorney for Delaware, was appointed as a special counsel by Attorney General Merrick Garland on Friday after Weiss asked for the designation, giving him additional prosecutorial powers in the Hunter Biden case. Hunter Bidens lawyer, Abbe Lowell, is scheduled to appear on CBS Face the Nation. Lowell has downplayed Weiss appointment, saying that the prosecutor has had five years to investigate Hunter Biden and has only found minor crimes. What happened today, as a practical matter, is not much different than what was the case yesterday or three weeks before, Lowell said in a CNN interview Friday. So, whatever his title, and whatever happens next, were confident that should be the same conclusion, he continued. And if its not, then its something other than the facts and the law that has come into play, he added. House Intelligence Committee Chair Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio) has advocated for the House investigations into Hunter Biden. He is also expected to appear on Face the Nation. Wildfires tore through western Maui in Hawaii this week, completely destroying the town of Lahaina and killing at least 80 people. Fires were bolstered by unusually strong winds which trapped many in Lahaina, forcing some to flee into the ocean to escape flames. Local officials have described the destruction as like a war zone. President Biden signed a disaster declaration for the island on Friday, allowing federal relief aid. Hawaii Rep. Jill Tokuda (D) is scheduled to appear on Face the Nation, while Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) will be on CNNs State of the Union. The damage has attracted untold attention to the island, but Vice President Harris said this week that she and Biden wont be flying to Hawaii, explaining that they do not want to distract relief efforts. FEMA Director Deanne Criswell is also scheduled for Face the Nation, as the agency begins rolling out relief aid in Maui. The beginning of the 2024 presidential primary is just over 150 days away with the GOP Iowa caucuses set for Jan. 15. Many of the candidates traveled to the Hawkeye State this weekend for the Iowa State Fair, including former Vice President Mike Pence, who is set to headline NBCs Meet the Press. The former vice president qualified for the first GOP debate on Monday, bringing the total candidates who have qualified to eight. That debate will be Aug. 23 in Wisconsin. Pence told The Hill on Friday that hes excited for the opportunity to hit the stage. I think Ive been preparing for this debate my whole life, Pence said. I spent a lifetime in the Republican Party and in the conservative movement I think Im going to be the most consistent and experienced conservative on that stage. Biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, who also made an appearance at the Iowa State Fair, will be on Fox News Sunday Morning Futures this weekend. He used his Iowa appearances to shore up support for a campaign rising in popularity. In speaking appearances Saturday, Ramaswamy railed against the Hunter Biden investigation, claimed Biden is weak on China and called the climate agenda a hoax. Ramaswamy has also qualified for the first GOP debate later this month, as has former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R). Christie is scheduled to feature on ABCs This Week on Sunday. Christie continued his crusade against Trump this week, calling him a hot mess. He also notched his best poll performance yet, tying Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for second in a New Hampshire poll released Tuesday. He is the most staunch Trump critic in the 2024 candidate field, and has hit the former president hard over his newest criminal indictment, alleging Trump attempted to overturn the 2020 election. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), who sat on the House Jan. 6 committee and recommended similar charges against Trump, will also appear on This Week. Raskin said last week that special counsel Jack Smith may finally hold Trump accountable. I think that hes met his match now in his special counsel, who is holding him to the letter of the criminal law, he said in an NBC interview. Also appearing on shows this weekend is 2024 candidate former Rep. Will Hurd (R-Texas). A Trump critic, Hurd ripped into the former president in a PBS interview Saturday. Donald Trump is a liar. Donald Trump is a loser. And Donald Trump is a national security threat to the United States of America, Hurd said. And we need to be honest about that. And if we nominate him, if the GOP nominates him, then were giving Joe Biden and Kamala Harris four more years. Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.), who has considered a Democratic challenge to Biden, will appear on Meet the Press. Phillips urged fellow Democrats to consider primarying Biden after saying he has grave concerns about the presidents chances in 2024. I love Joe Biden, Phillips said in a CNN interview Friday. I think hes a man of decency, of competency. His record is extraordinary. I voted for it. Ive helped market it and distribute it. I think the world of him. But I also believe my job is not duty-bound to the president, to my party, but to the constitution and country, he continued. And right now, I have grave concerns I am scared. Im trying to raise that bell, be the clarion call if you will. Below is the full list of guests scheduled to appear on this weeks Sunday talk shows: ABCs This Week Rep. Jamie Raskin, (D-Md.), former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a Republican presidential candidate; Gabriel Sterling, chief operating officer of the Georgia Secretary of States office. NBCs Meet the Press Former Vice President Mike Pence, a Republican presidential candidate; Rep. Dean Phillips, (D-Minn.) CBS Face the Nation Reps. Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii) and Mike Turner (R-Ohio); Abbe Lowell, a lawyer to Hunter Biden; FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell; Robert Pape, professor of political science at the University of Chicago. CNNs State of the Union Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii); Rep. Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.); former Texas Rep. Will Hurd, a Republican presidential candidate. Fox News Sunday Reps. Michael McCaul (R-Texas) and Adam Smith (D-Wash). Fox News Sunday Morning Futures Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.); Vivek Ramaswamy, a Republican presidential candidate. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. An iconic Vogue cover, featuring Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington, Tatjana Patitz, Linda Evangelista and Cindy Crawford in 1990, which capture the age of the Nineties supermodel, has been recreated more than 30 years later. The story, which will appear on the UK and US editions with the cover line: The Greatest of All Time, will be missing German model Tatjana Patitz, who died earlier this year. The original photograph appeared on the cover of the January 1990 edition of Vogue and has been reimagined for the 2023 September cover. The four models will appear in the forthcoming four-part Apple TV+ docuseries, The Super Models, as they reflect on the beginnings of their modelling careers in the late Eighties and early Nineties. The show will be premiering on 20 September. The four women, now in their fifties, are often considered to be among the first supermodels to become celebrities and known as household names outside of the fashion industry. Speaking to Vogue, Campbell said of her early days of modelling: There was a sisterhood there, defined by caring and loyalty: when one is down you pick the other one up. Elsewhere in the interview, Campbell recalled how her life began to change when she became famous, like when photographers captured her outside a Narcotics Anonymous meeting in 2001. I was made to feel ashamed of my recovery, she said. It wasnt that I was in hiding, but this is something you talk about when you are ready. Meanwhile, Evangelista opened up about her own experience with Botox, after trying the CoolSculpting procedure that left her face disfigured. I dont mind and I never did mind ageing. Ageing gets us to where we want to be, and thats for me a long life, she said. [Makeup artist] Kevyn Aucoin was so afraid of wrinkles and he never got them. I want wrinkles but I Botox my forehead so I am a hypocrite but I want to grow old. Much of the feature focuses on what the four models have overcome and survived in their careers, such as grunge and the pre-#MeToo era. All four models said they largely avoided sexual exploitation despite working with photographers who have been accused of sexually inappropriate behaviour with models. Crawford explained she would avoid lots of parties, while Turlington said it was down to luck and grace and Campbell said she was taught to speak up by her family. Youd get invited to a party on someones yacht and Id think, What do you even wear on a yacht? What fork do you use? So I would just not go and, yes, I probably missed out on some fabulous opportunities but probably avoided some less than fabulous opportunities as well, said Crawford. See the full feature in the September issue of British Vogue, available via digital download and on newsstands from Tuesday 22 August (Rafael Pavarotti/Vogue) Edward Enninful, outgoing editor-in-chief of British Vogue he will step down from the role in March to become Vogues global creative and cultural adviser styled all four models for the cover shoot. Writing about the decision to put the four models on the September issue cover in his Editors Letter, Enninful wrote: For such a hallowed moment, my esteemed co-conspirator Anna Wintour editor-in-chief of American Vogue and Conde Nasts chief content officer and I decided there was only one thing for it. We had to put the legendary quartet simultaneously on the cover of both British and American Vogues. You can read the full Vogue cover story here. The Super Models will be available to watch on Apple TV+ from 20 September. NEW YORK A teen accused of fatally stabbing a gay Black man during a standoff at a Brooklyn gas station will likely tell jurors he was defending himself, his lawyer said Friday. Dmitriy Popov, 17, has been indicted on murder as a hate crime charges in the July 29 stabbing death of dancer OShae Sibley at the Mobil station on Coney Island Avenue near Avenue P in Midwood. Sibley, 28, was killed after a confrontation involving a crowd that objected when Sibley and his friends began dancing and performing vogue moves near the gas pumps. Cops said Popov plunged a knife into Sibleys chest after spewing racial and homophobic slurs at him and his friends. Popov had pleaded not guilty. I strongly suspect we will be going self-defense, that he had a reasonable ground to reasonably believe that he had to defend himself in this situation, said Popovs lawyer, Mark Pollard, after a hearing in Brooklyn Supreme Court. A lot of things the DAs office has said actually work in my favor. Popov surrendered with his lawyer on Aug. 4 after a week on the lam during which he shaved his head and shut off his phone in a failed attempt to evade the law, prosecutors said. Pollard declined to comment about the haircut, but said his client did not participate in any hate speech. I suspect that other people did that were not arrested, Pollard said. I dont know why. But he did not. Pollard also clarified that Popov is Christian. Early reports identified the attacker as Muslim and as part of a Muslim crowd that said the dancing offended their faith. Sibley, 28, and his friends were returning from a trip to the Jersey Shore, and pulled over to get gas. They spent the next few minutes blaring Beyonce songs and voguing making exaggerated poses near the gas pumps. Beyonce later paid tribute to Sibley on her website. Popov faces a minimum of 20 years and a maximum of 25 years in jail to life if convicted, In the caught-on-camera confrontation, a teen believed to be Popov can be seen taking a video of the dancers. Sibley appeared to object to something he said and confronted him in front of the stations convenience store. Pollard said Popov has been struggling with Sibleys death. Hes sorrowful. Hes sad. Hes afraid, as he should be at 17 years old, Pollard said. But he has faith and he prays and he has great family support and hes hanging in there. He regrets what happened. He certainly does. But it doesnt mean hes guilty of a crime. Its two different things. But yes, he certainly regrets everything that happened. _____ Suspended Clay County Sheriff Jeffrey Lyde leaves 97th District Court Friday, following a hearing in the Montague County Courthouse on a petition to remove him from elected office. MONTAGUE COUNTY, Texas -- A judge decided not to rule Friday on suspended Clay County Sheriff Jeffrey Lyde's push to jettison a suspension order and dismiss the petition to remove him from elected office. Senior Justice Lee Gabriel told Corey Johnson, one of Lyde's attorneys, during a hearing Friday that she first needed to review the record of suspension proceedings held in February. In addition, Gabriel said she would allow petitioners 97th District Attorney Casey Hall and Frank Douthitt, a lawyer and former district judge, to respond Friday, if they choose, to fresh filings from Lyde's attorneys. But his lawyers can have the last word, if they choose, by filing an answer to Hall and Douthitt. Lyde's lawyers must do that by Tuesday. At issue are alleged missteps on the part of the petitioners and whether the court has authority over the case, for instance, to order Lyde temporarily suspended from his role as sheriff until the removal case is resolved Johnson told Gabriel that Lyde was "unfairly and unjustly suspended." Lyde sat quietly in the gallery during the debate. After Friday's hearing, Hall declined to comment until after the judge rules. Lyde and his attorneys declined to comment. The suspended sheriff had a victory Friday morning when Gabriel granted his request to move two of his criminal cases to Montague County for a Sept. 11 trial. The prosecution and defense agreed on a change of venue although Special Prosecutor Staley Heatly at first opposed it in court filings. Criminal defense attorneys cited pretrial publicity, social media chatter and other issues they said have tainted the jury pool in Clay County. This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Suspended Sheriff Lyde's attorney: 'Unfairly and unjustly suspended' PORT CLINTON A local Arts Garage resident artist is celebrating after winning an award at the Ohio State Fair in Columbus this summer. Metal artist Jeff Jacksons Bolt a sculpted dog ingeniously created out of hundreds of nuts and bolts won an Ohio Arts Council Award last week at the State Fair. Jackson lives across the Thomas Edison Memorial Bridge in the village of Bayview in Erie County but has been an artist at The Arts Garage in Port Clinton, commonly known as TAG, for the past two years. The Arts Garage artist Jeff Jackson recently won an Ohio Arts Council award at the Ohio State Fair in Columbus for this intricate sculpture of a dog made of bolts and nuts named Bolt. A sheet metal fabricator by trade, Jackson stumbled upon his artistry while practicing welding. I always had basic metal parts laying around, and one day I just started welding pieces together just to practice, Jackson said. Then I started creating some ideas with the metal. After that he started searching for unique metal pieces to use, he said. COVID-19 pandemic gave artist time to practice his craft Over the last 10 years, hes grown in his art. The COVID-19 pandemic gave Jackson free time to make mistakes and learn, leveling up his work, he said. Bolt, the prize-winning dog sculpture, took about 50 hours to make. The State Fair was the first juried show he had participated in and he was happy to be accepted, he said. The Ohio State Fair 2023 Fine Arts Exhibition included more than 360 art works by more than 280 artists professionals and amateurs from throughout Ohio on view in the Cox Fine Arts Center at the south end of the Ohio State fairgrounds. Jeff Jacksons sculptures were on display in at the Ohio State Fair in Columbus. Bolt and other pieces in the exhibition were displayed through Aug. 6. The real prize is all the people that see my sculptures over the course of the fair, Jackson said. Winning an Ohio Arts Council award was a sweet bonus. The Greater Port Clinton Arts Council, the nonprofit organization that operates TAG, was proud of Jacksons recognition and to have him as a member, said President Carol Morgan. His ability to take ordinary items and create fine art is amazing, Morgan said. Dreams of a public art installation Morgan said she also hopes this spurs interest for Jacksons fundraising campaign for the installation of a 23-foot blue fisherman sculpture on the old fishing pier in Bayview. So far they have raised $3,148 of the $5,800 needed for Phase 1 of the project, with the GPCAAC helping in the fundraising process. To see a scale model of the sculpture, see more of Jacksons work and learn more about the project, visit The Arts Garage in the citys old maintenance garage at 317 W. Perry St., Port Clinton. Jacksons work, some of which is for sale, is on display at TAG. For more information about GPCAAC and things going on at TAG, please visit gpcaac.org. This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: Jackson's 'Bolt' artwork wins award at Ohio State Fair Taiwan vice president stops over in New York on way to Paraguay Taiwan's Vice President William Lai departs from Taoyuan International Airport By Jeenah Moon and Ben Blanchard NEW YORK (Reuters) -Taiwan Vice President William Lai arrived in New York on Saturday at the start of a sensitive U.S. stopover, which China has condemned and Taiwanese officials fear could prompt more Chinese military activity around the democratically governed island. Lai, the front-runner to become Taiwan's president in elections in January, is officially making only transit stops in the United States on his way to and from Paraguay for the swearing in of its president next week. Lai said that he had arrived in New York, on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. "Happy to arrive at the #BigApple, icon of liberty, democracy & opportunities," Lai posted. "Looking forward to seeing friends & attending transit programs in #NewYork." The China Airlines flight Lai took from Taipei landed at New York's John F. Kennedy Airport shortly after 8:15 p.m. local time (0015 GMT), according to flight tracking app Flightradar24. Neither Taiwan nor the U.S. have given exact details about his U.S. schedule, which both are aiming to keep low key, according to officials briefed on the trip. Laura Rosenberger, chair of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), a U.S. government-run non-profit that carries out unofficial relations with Taiwan, said on X that she would meet Lai in San Francisco. Taipei and Washington call U.S. stopovers by Taiwanese officials routine and no cause for China to take "provocative" actions, but Beijing has reacted with anger at what it sees as a further sign of U.S. support for Taiwan, which it claims as its own. China is likely to launch military drills next week near Taiwan, using Lai's U.S. stopovers as a pretext to intimidate voters ahead of a next year's election and make them "fear war," Taiwanese officials say. Lai, speaking to reporters before leaving Taiwan, made only fleeting mention of the U.S. part of his trip, simply noting he was going to New York first. Lai's U.S. stopover will be the 11th by a Taiwanese vice president, according to the State Department, which calls them routine but "private and unofficial." Washington does not have formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, but is its most important international source of weapons, and the islands contested status is a constant source of friction with Beijing. Paraguay is one of the few remaining countries in the world that retains formal ties with Taiwan. Lai has made one prior U.S. transit as Taiwans vice president, in January 2022 on a trip to Honduras, a then-ally of the island that switched its diplomatic recognition to Beijing in early 2023. Lai said he would use the Paraguay visit not only to deepen ties with that country but also to have "self-confident" exchanges with other countries and meet with delegations from like-minded partners. He did not say who. This would "let the international community understand that Taiwan is a country that adheres to democracy, freedom and human rights, and actively participates in international affairs," Lai added. Lai went to Honduras last year for the inauguration of its president and had a brief though symbolic chat there with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris. The United States has not announced who may be going to Paraguay next week. Three sources told Reuters the Biden administration was eager to keep Lais visit low-profile so as not to stoke tensions before Taiwan's election and to preserve the recent momentum in U.S. engagements with senior Chinese officials. That includes the prospect of a visit to the U.S. by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, which could pave the way for a meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinas leader Xi Jinping this year. Beijing particularly dislikes Lai, who has in the past described himself as a "practical worker for Taiwan independence". Lai has repeatedly said during the election campaign he does not seek to change the status quo. Before leaving, Lai wrote in English on X that he was "excited to meet with US friends in transit" and to be going to Paraguay, one of just 13 countries to maintain formal ties with Taipei. Lai is to return from Paraguay via San Francisco and is due back in Taiwan on Friday, according to the official schedule for the trip published on Saturday, which did not mention the U.S. legs. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard, Fabian Hamcher and Yimou Lee in Taipei, and Michael Martina and David Brunnstrom in Washington; Writing by Ben Blanchard and David Brunnstrom; Editing by William Mallard) Taiwan's Vice President William Lai is flying to the United States on Saturday in a sensitive trip condemned by Chinese officials (Sam Yeh) Taiwan's Vice President William Lai flies to the United States on Saturday in a sensitive trip that has angered Chinese officials. The democratic island is claimed by China, which has vowed to take the territory one day -- by force, if necessary -- and has ramped up political and military pressure. It opposes other countries' official exchanges with Taiwan, and often reacts angrily to Taiwanese leaders' stopovers in the United States. Lai -- a candidate for Taiwan's presidential elections next year -- is officially making only transit stops in the United States en route to and from Paraguay, where he will be attending the inauguration. Before boarding his flight on Saturday afternoon, he told reporters that he plans to "interact with leaders from various countries in the world and also meet delegations from like-minded countries" during his trip to Paraguay. "I will... let the international community know our many efforts to maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region," Lai said. Earlier in the day, he had also tweeted that he was "excited to meet with #US friends in transit". In response, Laura Rosenberger, chair of the American Institute in Taiwan -- a de-facto embassy for Taiwan based in Virginia -- wrote that officials were "looking forward to welcoming" Lai. Lai is expected to stop in New York en route to Paraguay, and San Francisco when flying back. Last week, China's foreign ministry urged US leaders to "abide by the One-China principle and... to stop official exchanges between the US and Taiwan". Ahead of Lai's departure, Taiwan had sought to downplay the trip, with foreign ministry spokesman Jeff Liu saying there was "nothing special" about vice presidents transiting in the United States -- which has occurred 11 times before. "China has no reason to overreact or take the opportunity to escalate the situation," Liu said in a briefing this week, adding that Lai was making the trip in his capacity as vice president, not as a presidential candidate. "If China decides... to take provocative actions, it is China, not Taiwan or the United States, that undermines the status quo of peace and stability in the region," Liu said. Leading up to Lai's departure, incursions by the Chinese military around Taiwan's waters and airspace -- which have been happening near-daily in the past year -- were larger than usual. On Wednesday, the defence ministry said 33 Chinese warplanes and six vessels were detected around the island over the past 24 hours. In April, when President Tsai Ing-wen met US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in California, China staged three days of military exercises simulating a blockade of Taiwan. aw/dhc/ssy Ukraine's 60-year-old national security secretary is a leading adviser to the countrys president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. And these days, some of the news hes passing on isnt all that good. We sat down with him for an exclusive update on where things stand. Danilov was blunt about Moscows brutal attacks on civilians in recent days and throughout the war. "Definitely, we have a war only with Russia," he said, "And Russia is ruled by Putin. So Putin is responsible." He addressed Ukraines more aggressive actions in the last several weeks, including drone attacks on Moscow and long-range missile strikes on targets in the south. UKRAINE ARRESTS WOMAN IN ALLEGED FOILED RUSSIAN ASSASSINATION PLOT AGAINST ZELENSKYY National Security Secretary Oleksiy Danilov sits down for an interview with Fox News' Greg Palkot "This is about justice," he said. "Our kids have to sit in bomb shelters. Why should we suffer and they dont?" READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Danilov blamed thousands of Russian landmines and countless airstrikes for the slow pace of Ukraines counter-offensive. Concerning its goal of driving Russia out, he said, "Once we get there, we will inform the whole world. Because its our country. We have to take it back." PENTAGON INSISTS US WEAPONS WILL STAY IN UKRAINE AS ZELENSKYY EYES ATTACKS IN RUSSIAN TERRITORY He said there would be no talking with Russia until there was a complete withdrawal and acknowledgment of war crimes. "If not," he added, "the war continues. How will you explain to soldiers who lost friends that they have to put weapons down and stop?" National Security Secretary Oleksiy Danilov speaks with Fox News' Greg Palkot How long can Putin last, and how does he maintain popularity at home? Danilov had another reflection on historys dark past. "Hitler had huge support at the beginning of his war, too," he said. "And you know how he ended up. In a bunker." As for the growing call among some politicians in the states to cut back military aid to Ukraine, Danilov noted, "Politicians use this in their political program. Democracy has to be protected. So, aid has to continue because its democracy." Near the end of our visit, Danilov showed us a huge LED screen displaying day-by-day Russian attacks on Ukraine during the war. He offered, unprompted, an observation about the early days of fighting in February 2022. President Biden welcomes Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the South Lawn at the White House in Washington, Dec. 21, 2022. "You know," he told us, "we had a Plan B." He was almost relishing the idea the Ukrainian government might have had to go underground and stage a resistance fight if Russia had been successful. But Ukraine fought back and is fighting back. And now, nearly 18 months into this war, Oleksiy Danilov is in the middle of a huge and sprawling battle for his and his countrys life. "Before the war, no one believed in us," he concluded. "Believe in us." Joe Bidens team sees the bombshell Ohio election this week as proof that he is yet again being underestimated. In a memo sent to the presidents allies Saturday and obtained by POLITICO, Bidens campaign took partial credit for the results in Ohio, where voters on Tuesday overwhelmingly defeated a proposal intended to thwart abortion rights and where the Democratic National Committee quietly invested in the race. Democrats across the country were ecstatic by the elections outcome, seeing it as evidence that more than a year after Roe v. Wade was struck down, voters are not any less frustrated by the elimination of abortion rights not even in solidly red states like Ohio. Within Bidens campaign, his aides also believe it shows that his strategy of empowering the DNC is paying off and that the party is performing strongly under his leadership. There are a lot of reasons we feel confident about this election, but this week alone, youre seeing even more evidence that President Biden and Vice President Harris message is the right one for 2024, wrote Julie Chavez Rodriguez, Bidens campaign manager. Our campaign is partnering with a stronger-than-ever national party that is already investing up and down the ballot, and organizing in communities year round. Biden has faced low approval ratings and doubts even among voters who like him about whether he should be nominated again, sparking concerns among some Democrats about his reelection campaign. But Bidens team views the fact that Democrats have overperformed in special elections this year as a sign that the polls are not telling the full story. It reflects the chip-on-their-shoulder approach that Biden world has taken since 2020, when Biden was counted out in the Democratic primary by many political insiders, and again in 2022, when some news coverage predicted a red wave that never materialized. Democrats continue to overperform in 2023 elections. Across the board, we have seen the presidents reelection message reflect the issues generating high turnout in elections this year, Chavez Rodriguez wrote in the memo. Thats because Democrats have invested across the country and up and down the ballot to make sure Americans know the stakes of these races. She added, Like we did in 2020 and 2022, we are already proving the prognosticators and pundits wrong again. Chavez Rodriguez added that volunteers marshaled by the DNCs national distributed organizing team have this year made more than 800,000 calls and sent millions of texts in down-ballot races, including Ohios ballot measure, Wisconsins state Supreme Court race, and the mayoral race in Jacksonville, Fla. Bidens aides sent the memo on Saturday to donors and members of his campaign national advisory board. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Vanderbilt University Medical Center is facing a federal civil rights investigation after turning the medical records of transgender patients over to Tennessees attorney general, hospital officials have confirmed. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services investigation comes just weeks after two patients sued VUMC for releasing their records to Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti late last year. We have been contacted by and are working with the Office of Civil Rights, spokesperson John Howser said in a statement late Thursday. We have no further comment since this is an ongoing investigation. VUMC has come under fire for waiting months before telling patients in June that their medical information was shared late last year, acting only after the existence of the requests emerged as evidence in another court case. The news sparked alarm for many families living in the ruby red state where GOP lawmakers have sought to ban gender-affirming care for transgender youth and limit LGBTQ rights. The patients suing over the release of their information say VUMC should have removed personally identifying information before turning over the records because the hospital was aware of Tennessee authorities hostile attitude toward the rights of transgender people. Many of the patients who had their private medical information shared with Skrmettis office are state workers, or their adult children or spouses; others are on TennCare, the states Medicaid plan; and some were not even patients at VUMCs clinic that provides transgender care. The more we learn about the breadth of the deeply personal information that VUMC disclosed, the more horrified we are, said attorney Tricia Herzfeld, who is representing the patients. Our clients are encouraged that the federal government is looking into what happened here. HHS did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the civil rights investigation. Meanwhile, Skrmetti has maintained he only requested the VUMC patient records because hes involved in a run of the mill investigation over possible medical billing fraud and that he is not targeting patients or their families. Yet Skrmetti has continued to attract skepticism from Democratic lawmakers and civil rights advocates after he joined a group of Republican attorneys general in opposing a proposed federal rule that would limit how law enforcement and state officials collect the medical records of those who flee their home state to receive abortion services or transgender health care. Skrmetti is also defending the states gender-affirming care ban for transgender youth and has repeatedly praised a federal appeals court decision to allow the law to temporarily go into effect. Skrmettis office says they had not heard anything about the civil rights investigation. Turning a disagreement about the law into a federal investigation would be plainly retaliatory and would reflect a dangerous politicization of federal law enforcement, said spokesperson Amy Wilhite. ___ An earlier version of this report had an incorrect first name for Vanderbilt University Medical Center spokesperson John Howser. In defending themselves against a lawsuit, Texas officials have argued that an unborn child may not have rights under the US constitution, putting them in tension with arguments made by the states attorneys generals office as well as Republican lawmakers to support restrictions to abortion. A guard at the state prison in the community of Abilene filed the lawsuit in question after she asserted that her superiors barred her from going to the hospital while she experienced intense labor pains and what she suspected were contractions while seven months pregnant and on duty. The guard who is named Salia Issa was finally able to leave to go to the hospital two and a half hours after the pain started. She was rushed into emergency surgery after doctors were unable to find a fetal heartbeat, and she ultimately delivered the baby in a stillbirth. The lawsuit claims that if Issa had been able to get to the hospital sooner, the baby would have survived. Issa and her husband sued the Texas department of criminal justice and three supervisors, arguing the state caused the death of their child. They seek restitution in medical and funeral costs and for pain and suffering. The prison agency and the Texas attorney generals office have argued in defense of the lawsuit that the agency should not be held responsible for the stillbirth and that it is not clear the fetus had rights as a person. Both entities advance those positions despite consistent arguments made in lockstep by the attorney generals office and Texas legislators that unborn children should be recognized as people starting at fertilization. Just because several statutes define an individual to include an unborn child does not mean that the 14th amendment does the same, the Texas attorney generals office wrote in a legal filing in response to the lawsuit, referring to the constitutional right to equal protections afforded to US citizens. The filing also notes that the stillbirth occurred before the US supreme court in June 2022 eliminated the Roe v Wade precedent which had established nationwide rights to abortion protection. The US magistrate judge Susan Hightower last week allowed the lawsuit to proceed in part, without addressing the arguments over the rights of the fetus. The overturning of Roe v Wade allowed several states to enact laws which prohibited the termination of many if not most pregnancies. Many states, however, have been met with lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of the bans which remain unresolved. A sign on the window of the former Louie's Grill and Bar in Midtown announces its closure. When owners of Cafe do Brasil and Brown's Bakery announced their retirements and subsequent closings earlier this year, Midtown residents saw two longstanding, and always busy, fixtures shutter. Now, another restaurant known for regularly having a crowd has quietly closed its doors with little explanation. The Midtown location of Louie's Grill and Bar, 1215 N Walker Ave., closed in July without much notice to customers, area residents or even the Midtown Redevelopment Corp. (Midtown OKC). "Our organization found out kind of through the grapevine honestly," said Jakey Dobbs, Midtown district manager for the downtown Oklahoma City partnership. "It was kind of a random one as well that we didn't really see coming." The Oklahoman reached out to the Hal Smith Restaurant Group, operators of Louie's, via their website about the closure on July 31 and did not receive a response. We also contacted the Louie's Instagram page and did not receive a response to that inquiry. More: Budget-friendly bites: 13 OKC restaurants serving meals for $15 and under A sign was placed on the window of the storefront reading, "Thank you for 12 amazing years! We are sorry to announce the closing of our Louie's Grill & Bar Midtown location. Our last day of service will be Sunday, July 23rd." While the sign did not give a reason for the closure, it went on to say, "Don't be too sad, there are still 14 Louie's locations across Oklahoma for you to enjoy!" and directed patrons to the restaurant's website. What will happen to the Louie's Grill and Bar building? Dobbs said she has been told another restaurant will eventually take over the space, though she does not have details on who will operate it or what kind of concept it will be. Restaurants are still adjusting to a "new normal" post-pandemic, but that is not exclusive to Oklahoma City or the Midtown area, its nationwide, Dobbs said. Overall, Oklahoma City residents can be rest assured that despite the latest closing, the Midtown District is carrying on, she said. "Louie's seemed like it was always busy and had great business as well, so, again, I'm not sure why they ended up closing. I don't think it was anything to do with lack of business or struggling in that regard for Midtown," she said. "If anything, I think Midtown's been pretty strong with retaining restaurants and opening new restaurants and things like that." This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Louie's Grill and Bar third Midtown OKC restaurant to close in 2023 The Air Force of Ukraine has warned of a threat of use of attack drones on the night of 11-12 August. Source: Ukrainian Air Force Quote: "Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk oblasts there is a threat of enemy use of attack UAVs!" Details: An air-raid warning was issued in these oblasts. Also, previously, the Air Force reported a missile threat in Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia oblasts. 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! Former President Trump is increasingly enmeshed in a tangled web of legal troubles, facing state and federal probes across the country. Trump is a party in more than a half-dozen civil lawsuits and faces 78 criminal charges across three cases, ranging from an alleged hush money cover-up to his purported efforts to overturn the 2020 election ahead of the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack. With some trials set and others yet-to-be decided, the cases will continue to overlap well into 2024 all while Trump mounts his third bid for the White House as the favorite to win the GOP nomination. Heres what we know about Trumps major criminal and civil cases. Criminal cases Trump so far faces three criminal indictments, with a fourth likely on the way. Hush Money Status: Indicted on March 30 Summary: The former president pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in connection with payments he sent to his then-fixer, Michael Cohen, allegedly as reimbursement for payments Cohen made to adult-film star Stormy Daniels to stay silent over an affair with Trump. Prosecutors accused Trump of improperly deeming the payments a legal retainer fee to conceal damaging information from the public ahead of the 2016 presidential election. Trump attempted to move the case to federal court, but a judge rejected the move. Trump is now appealing, but the case is meanwhile moving ahead in New York state court. Key players: Stormy Daniels: Adult-film star given $130,000 hush money payment by Michael Cohen Michael Cohen: Onetime Trump lawyer and fixer who made hush money payment Karen McDougal: Ex-Playboy model paid $150,000 for story over alleged Trump affair Prosecution: Alvin Bragg (D), Manhattan DA Trumps attorneys: Joe Tacopina, Susan Necheles, Todd Blanche Upcoming important dates: Key documents: Classified Documents Status: Indicted on June 8, additional charges brought on July 27 Summary: Trump is charged with 40 felony counts over alleged mishandling of classified records and attempting to obstruct the governments retrieval of those records. He pleaded not guilty to the charges. Prosecutors claim Trump willfully retained 32 documents containing national defense information after leaving the White House. The Justice Department originally brought 37 charges against Trump in June and weeks later unveiled a superseding indictment adding the additional counts. Key players: Walt Nauta: Trump aide indicted alongside the former president as a co-conspirator Carlos De Oliveira: Property manager of Trumps Mar-a-Lago Club indicted alongside the former president as a co-conspirator Evan Corcoran: Trump lawyer who played key role in communications between Trump and federal investigators during the document search. He also testified before the grand jury Prosecution: Jack Smith, special counsel Trumps attorneys: Chris Kise, Todd Blanche Upcoming important dates: Hearing on admissibility of classified evidence at trial: Jan. 16 Trial begins: May 20 Efforts to Overturn the 2020 Election Status: Indicted on Aug. 1 Summary: Trump pleaded not guilty to four felony counts over an alleged, multi-prong scheme to remain in power following the 2020 presidential election. Prosecutors claim Trump engaged in multiple criminal conspiracies by pressuring state legislators, developing false slates of electors, leveraging the Justice Department, pressuring then-Vice President Mike Pence and exploiting the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. Key players: Rudy Giuliani: Trump lawyer and long-time ally who may be Co-Conspirator 1. Charging documents say Co-Conspirator 1 is an attorney who was willing to spread knowingly false claims and pursue strategies that the Defendants 2020 re-election campaign attorneys would not. John Eastman: Trump lawyer who played key part in fake electors plot. Eastmans attorney has confirmed he is Co-Conspirator 2. The second co-conspirator is an attorney who devised and attempted to implement a strategy to leverage the Vice Presidents ceremonial role overseeing the certification proceeding to obstruct the certification of the presidential election, according to charging documents. Sidney Powell: Trump lawyer who spread far-fetched and false claims of election fraud, and may be Co-Conspirator 3. Charging documents say Co-Conspirator 3 is an attorney whose unfounded claims of election fraud (Trump) privately acknowledged to others sounded crazy, though the former president embraced and publicly amplified those claims. Jeffrey Clark: Former head of the Trump Justice Departments Environment and Natural Resources Division and later acting head of the Civil Division. He could be Co-Conspirator 4, who charging documents say is a Justice Department official who attempted to use the Justice Department to open sham election crime investigations and influence state legislatures with knowingly false claims of election fraud. Kenneth Chesebro: A lawyer who helped coordinate the fake elector scheme, believed to be Co-Conspirator 5. Charging documents say Co-Conspirator 5 is an attorney who assisted in devising and attempting to implement a plan to submit fraudulent slates of presidential electors to obstruct the certification proceeding. Co-Conspirator 6: The name of Co-Conspirator 6 is unknown at this time, though charging documents say the individual is a political consultant who helped implement a plan to submit fraudulent slates of presidential electors to obstruct the certification proceeding. Prosecution: Jack Smith, special counsel Trumps attorneys: John Lauro, Todd Blanche Upcoming important dates: Trump deadline to propose trial date: Aug. 17 Hearing likely setting trial date: Aug. 28 Key documents: Georgia 2020 Election Interference Status: Investigation Summary: Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis (D) charged Trump and 18 co-defendants in her investigation into efforts to overturn the battleground states 2020 election results. Willis brought sweeping Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) charges to weave together actions taken by numerous people involved in the plots, outlining 161 alleged acts prosecutors say Trump and his allied took in furtherance of the conspiracy. Prosecution: Fani Willis (D), Fulton County DA Trumps attorneys: Drew Findling, Jennifer Little Key players: Rudy Giuliani: Trump lawyer and long-time ally who helped lead efforts to overturn the 2020 election John Eastman: Trump lawyer behind the fake electors plot Brad Raffensperger: Georgias Secretary of State, whom Trump called on Jan. 2, 2021, and urged to find 11,780 votes for him in the state Fake electors: The 16 fake Georgia electors who planned to declare Trump the winner of the state in 2020 despite his loss Key documents: High-profile civil cases Trump also faces several civil cases spanning from alleged financial crimes to defamation regarding sexual assault. E. Jean Carroll Summary: Writer E. Jean Carroll filed two lawsuits against Trump after coming forward with accusations that Trump sexually assaulted her in the mid-1990s at a New York City department store. Trump denies her story. A jury in May found Trump liable for sexually abusing Carroll and defaming her in 2022, awarding Carroll $5 million. Trump is now appealing. Carrolls other lawsuit, which is set to go to trial January 15, accuses Trump of defamation when Carroll initially came forward in 2019. The Justice Department previously defended Trump as immune, since the statements were made during his presidency, but the department has since reversed its position. Read more: NY AG Fraud Summary: New York Attorney General Letitia James (D) filed a civil lawsuit against former President Trump, the Trump Organization and three of his adult children, alleging more than a decade of fraud. A state appeals court later dismissed Ivanka Trump from the suit. The lawsuit alleges Trumps company falsely inflated and deflated the value of assets in order to pay lower taxes and get better insurance coverage. It seeks $250 million in financial penalties, and asks the states Supreme Court to stop Trump or his children named in the lawsuit from serving as an officer or director for any New York-registered or licensed corporation. Read more: Cohen v. Trump Organization and Trump v. Cohen Summary: After Michael Cohen turned on Trump, following years of serving as his fixer, both men have filed lawsuits against each other. Cohen sued the Trump Organization for allegedly refusing to fulfill obligations to pay Cohens legal bills, and the parties settled for an undisclosed amount just before trial. Trumps $500 million lawsuit against Cohen for breach of contract and other claims has not yet reached trial. Trump has accused Cohen of enriching himself through his podcast and book at Trumps expense, among other claims. Read more: Pyramid Scheme Summary: A class-action lawsuit filed in 2018 by four once-anonymous plaintiffs claiming Trump, his company and three of his adult children promoted a pyramid scheme in exchange for millions of dollars in secret payments is set for trial in January. The plaintiffs say Trump and others promoted the multilevel marketing company called American Communications Network (ACN). That endorsement convinced the plaintiffs to invest hundreds of dollars in the business, which they never regained, the plaintiffs allege. Read more: For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. I decided to compare baked-bean recipes from three different celebrity chefs. Pascale Mondesir I tried three baked-bean recipes from Gordon Ramsay, Rachael Ray, and Giada De Laurentiis. Ray's recipe called for precooked barbecue baked beans that overpowered the other ingredients. Giada's recipe was hearty enough to be a stand-alone dish with a blend of smoky and sweet notes. Baked beans are a classic and delicious side accompanying many American mains. Although supermarkets offer them ready-to-eat out of the can, adding tasty ingredients and a few extra steps can elevate the simple dish. I decided to test out recipes from Giada De Laurentiis, Gordon Ramsay, and Rachael Ray to see which ones were worth making again. De Laurentiis' recipe took the longest to make and included the most ingredients. Giada De Laurentiis' list of ingredients was extensive. Pascale Mondesir De Laurentiis' Italian-inspired recipe called for 6 ounces of chopped pancetta along with onions, garlic, beer (which I replaced with chicken broth), balsamic vinegar, molasses, mustard, and brown sugar. She also suggests using cannellini beans. I was excited to try this take because it was my first time eating pancetta, a tougher, more aromatic relative of bacon. After cooking the pancetta separately, I prepared the onions and garlic and mixed everything together. I combined all of Giada De Laurentiis' ingredients in a pot. Pascale Mondesir After frying the pancetta and onion in a separate pan, I cooked the garlic and added all the remaining ingredients to simmer over the heat. The recipe said to transfer the beans to a 400-degree Fahrenheit oven for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The beans were amazing and resembled the thickness and taste of chili. The dish was good enough to eat by itself. Pascale Mondesir The beans were smoky, hearty, and fatty with a subtle hint of sweetness. The molasses and sugar added a chili-like thickness. Due to its consistency, I think De Laurentiis' take on the classic dish had enough flavor and presence to be enjoyed as a stand-alone dish instead of just a side. Ramsay's cooking instructions were simple. I decided to use navy beans for this recipe. Pascale Mondesir I found a video of Ramsay's baked-beans recipe, which had fewer ingredients than De Laurentiis' and came together in less time. Since Ramsay didn't provide exact measurements, I also referenced an approximation from the video from the food blog Hell's Kitchen Recipes. The recipe called for either cannellini or navy beans, and I went with the latter. The rest of the ingredients included thick pancetta pieces, garlic, onions, sugar, apple-cider vinegar, Worcestershire and tomato sauces, salt, and pepper. The recipe called for red chili pepper, but I couldn't find any in nearby stores, so I used red-pepper flakes instead. Ramsay's recipe said to add the beans last. I boiled all the ingredients together before adding the beans. Pascale Mondesir I cooked the pancetta in oil before adding the garlic, onion, sugar, and vinegar. Then I let the ingredients boil together for a few minutes before throwing in the Worcestershire sauce and some more sugar. I added the beans to the pot last and brought the dish to a simmer. Everything was cooked together for 10 minutes until the ingredients thickened and the beans became tender. These tasted great and felt more versatile than the other beans. I liked that Gordon Ramsay's baked beans were thick and hearty. Pascale Mondesir Ramsay's dish was quite salty but not unbearably so. The beans tasted much meatier than the other recipes and had a different flavor profile. Although they were hearty, I still think I preferred De Laurentiis' consistency. But I could see this version being used as a topping on a baked potato. Ray's recipe was appealing because of the short cook time. The list of ingredients for Rachael Ray's recipe was minimal. Pascale Mondesir As someone who hasn't mastered cooking yet, I like when there aren't too many steps and the list of ingredients is short. Other than the can of barbecued beans, I had everything from Ray's list in my kitchen already: bacon, onions, sugar, pepper, and parsley flakes. The preparation was easy and everything cooked in about 10 minutes. The baked beans were extremely easy to make. Pascale Mondesir I cooked the bacon on my stove and added it to the rest of my ingredients (minus the parsley) in a baking dish. Then I baked everything at 425 F for 10 minutes and garnished it with parsley for extra presentation and flavor. I appreciated the simple approach, but this was my least favorite recipe. I wasn't a fan of the strong flavors in this recipe. Pascale Mondesir Because Ray's recipe called for a can of barbecued beans, that smell and flavor overpowered everything else. I couldn't taste the onions, brown sugar, or bacon just barbecue sauce. The beans tasted good overall and would probably pair well with main dishes like ribs, plus the recipe makes a large serving, so it's great for leftovers. But I wish the end product wasn't so smoky and sweet. I wonder what the outcome would've been if I'd used plain beans. De Laurentiis' recipe was the winner in my eyes. I'll probably make two of these recipes again. Pascale Mondesir De Laurentiis' recipe took the longest to complete and had the most ingredients, but the attention to detail made it my favorite dish of the three. Its hearty and filling notes made it seem like an inexpensive standalone dish. Although Ramsay's dish was pretty good, it ended up being a bit unmemorable. But I could still see myself making it again. Ray's recipe, on the other hand, involved too many barbecue flavors that overwhelmed the dish. I probably wouldn't make her baked beans again. Click to check out the other celebrity-chef recipes we've put head-to-head so far. Want to try more recipes from these celebrity chefs? Check out some delicious dishes from their cookbooks: Read the original article on Insider Truist Financial Corp. is making its second lead investment into Charlottes Housing Impact Fund. The Charlotte-based financial institution, alongside Truist Community Capital, announced Thursday its $15 million investment into the funds $67 million second round. Keitt King, head of Truist Community Capital, said after the success of the first fund, Truist knew it wanted to participate again. READ MORE: Truist Bank says times up for remote work The goal of Housing Impact Fund II is to preserve 1,200 units of naturally occurring affordable housing throughout Mecklenburg County over the next two years. The fund, established in 2020 by Nelson Schwab and Erskine Bowles, was created to preserve apartment communities affordable for low- to moderate-income households, particularly ones under threat of being demolished or converted into more expensive housing. When we see something is working well, we want to do more of that, King said. The need here in Charlotte is around 30,000 to 40,000 (affordable units). You cant get out of a hole until you stop digging, and that preservation piece is the stop digging. SEE PREVIOUS: UNC Charlotte recieves investment from local organzation for education literacy Read more here. (WATCH: The Political Beat: Bringing affordable housing to Charlotte) Former President Trump questioned the decision to elevate U.S. Attorney for Delaware David Weiss to special counsel in the Hunter Biden investigation on Friday, claiming that the federal prosecutor would not have been picked by me. David Weiss was picked by the two Democrat Senators from Delaware under Blue Slip, Trump said in a post on Truth Social. He would not have been picked by me. Weiss was nominated by the former president in 2017 and confirmed by a unanimous Senate vote in early 2018. The blue slip process allows senators to indicate their support for or opposition to judicial nominees in their home state. While both Democratic senators from Delaware supported Weiss nomination, his appointment was relatively noncontroversial, according to The New York Times. Top Stories from The Hill Weiss began investigating Hunter Biden in 2018 and was not asked to resign when President Biden took office in 2021. He has since drawn the scorn of Republicans, after announcing a plea agreement with the presidents son in June. However, the deal now appears to have largely fallen apart. I have a great idea. Why dont they use Deranged Jack Smith, Trump said in Fridays post, referring to the special counsel overseeing the Justice Departments cases against him. Weiss has been investigating Hunter for 4 years, giving him the sweetheart deal of all sweetheart deals. But a brilliant Judge in Delaware saw through it all, he continued. Now, I read, the Department of Injustice wants a new Judge and Jurisdiction. But so do I, with far stronger reasons than Hunter & Crooked Joe. Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump walks to his vehicle after arriving at the Des Moines International Airport before his visit to the Iowa State Fair, Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023, in Des Moines, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) Attorney General Merrick Garland announced Weiss appointment as special counsel on Friday in response to a request from the U.S. attorney for Delaware. On Tuesday of this week, Mr. Weiss advised me that in his judgment, his investigation had reached a stage at which he should continue his work as a special counsel, and he asked to be so appointed, Garland said at a press conference. Upon considering his request, as well as the extraordinary circumstances relating to this matter, I have concluded that it is in the public interest to appoint him as special counsel, he added. Sign up for the latest from The Hill here The special counsel designation will allow Weiss to charge Hunter Biden with crimes outside of Delaware, should he decide to do so. While many Republicans previously urged Garland to appoint a special counsel in the case, they largely criticized Weiss appointment on Friday. If Weiss negotiated the sweetheart deal that couldnt get approved, how can he be trusted as a Special Counsel? Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) said on X, the platform former known as Twitter. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. By Joseph Ax (Reuters) - A Georgia prosecutor probing whether Donald Trump and his allies illegally sought to overturn the state's 2020 election results is expected to seek an indictment from a grand jury next week. Two witnesses who previously received subpoenas confirmed on Saturday that they have been told to appear before a grand jury in Atlanta on Tuesday, the clearest indication yet that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis will lay out her case to the jury after more than two years of investigating. Geoff Duncan, the state's former lieutenant governor, told CNN that he had been asked to testify on Tuesday. "I'll certainly answer whatever questions are put in front of me," said Duncan, a Republican who has criticized Trump's false conspiracy theories about the 2020 election. An independent journalist, George Chidi, said in a post on X, the site formerly known as Twitter, that he had also been instructed to appear on Tuesday. A spokesperson for Willis's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Saturday. She has already indicated she would seek charges by the end of next week, and security measures have visibly increased around the county courthouse in recent weeks. If Trump is charged in Georgia, it would mark his fourth indictment in less than five months, and the second to arise from his efforts to overturn Joe Biden's 2020 victory. He was charged earlier this month in Washington federal court with orchestrating a multistate conspiracy to reverse the election results. Special Counsel Jack Smith, who brought the Washington case, has also charged Trump separately in Florida with illegally retaining classified documents after leaving office and with obstruction of justice. Manhattan prosecutors, meanwhile, indicted Trump this spring for falsifying business records to conceal hush money payments to a porn star who says she had a sexual encounter with Trump years ago. Trump remains the front-runner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, despite his legal woes. He has portrayed all the investigations as part of a coordinated effort by Democrats to undermine his candidacy. In a post on his Truth Social site on Saturday, Trump again called the Georgia investigation a "witch hunt." Willis is expected to charge multiple people, possibly by using the state's broad racketeering statute. Her investigation began soon after Trump made a phone call to the state's top election official, Republican Brad Raffensperger, and urged him to "find" enough votes to alter the outcome. In addition to efforts to pressure Georgia officials, Willis has examined a breach of election machines in a rural county and a plot to use fake electors in a bid to capture the state's electoral votes for Trump rather than Biden. Chidi, the journalist, has written about happening upon a secret meeting of those electors at the state capitol in December 2020. Duncan, the former head of the state Senate, publicly criticized Republican lawmakers and Trump associates who pushed the false narrative that the election was tainted by fraud. (Reporting by Joseph Ax; Editing by Daniel Wallis) WASHINGTON - The first Republican primary debate is in two weeks, and candidates who have qualified to hit the stage must also sign a loyalty pledge that they will support the eventual Republican nominee. But the party's leading candidate, former President Donald Trump, has refused to do so. Trump said in a Newsmax interview on Wednesday that he will announce whether he will participate in the debate next week. But he made it clear he won't support the loyalty pledge. "Why would I sign a pledge? Trump said. "There are people on there that I wouldnt have. I wouldnt have certain people as, you know, somebody that Id endorse." The pledge says that candidates must "honor the will of the primary voters and support the nominee in order to save our country and beat Joe Biden" and not seek to run as an independent, write in a candidate or seek and accept the nomination of another party. Here's a closer look at which candidates who've qualified for the debate have signed the pledge to support the eventual nominee even if it is Trump. Nikki Haley Republican presidential candidate former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley speaks at the Republican Party of Iowa's 2023 Lincoln Dinner in Des Moines, Iowa, Friday, July 28, 2023. Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley signed the Beat Biden pledge on Thursday, as reported first by Fox News, and shared an image of the document on her Instagram with the caption Alright fellas, your turn. But more notably, Haley crossed out Bidens name at the top and instead put President Kamala Harris a move that comes amid her previous arguments that if Biden is re-elected, Harris will have to eventually step up due to his old age, as Politico reported. Haley had indicated on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, that it was absolutely irresponsible for Trump and other candidates to not 100% commit to supporting the Republican nominee. Theres no room for personal vendettas in this battle to save our country, Haley wrote. Vivek Ramaswamy Vivek Ramaswamy, biotech entrepreneur and author from Ohio. Biotechnology entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy was the first GOP candidate to sign the loyalty pledge, his spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin told USA TODAY. Vivek is a first-time candidate who started with very low name ID, no political donors, and no pre-existing fundraising lists. If an outsider can clear the bar, politically experienced candidates should be able to as well, McLaughlin told The Washington Post. Vivek has achieved what no one has said is possible. We look forward to Vivek participating in his first debate. McLaughlin previously told USA TODAY that Ramaswamy would sign the pledge if other candidates do. Ramaswamy has defended Trump on the campaign trial amid the former president's indictments in various federal and state investigations but has made it clear he will take the presidency further than Trump could. Chris Christie Republican presidential candidate former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie addresses a gathering during a campaign event at V.F.W. Post 1631, Monday, July 24, 2023, in Concord, N.H. It is not clear whether former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has signed the loyalty pledge. His campaign did not immediately respond to USA Today's request for comment. Christie called the loyalty pledge a useless idea on CNNs State of the Union in June, but said he will do what is needed to be on the debate stage. "Its only in the era of Donald Trump that you need somebody to sign something on a pledge. So I think its a bad idea, Christie said. But in an ABC News interview, Christie said he will take the pledge as seriously as Donald Trump did eight years ago, when Trump signed the pledge but refused to agree to back the eventual nominee. Tim Scott 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 South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott signed the loyalty pledge on Thursday and shared an image of the document on X. I look forward to sharing my positive, optimistic message on the GOP Debate stage in Milwaukee, Scott wrote. Republicans are ready for conservative leadership with a backbone, one that will crush the cartels, stand up to China, and protect the America we all love. Scott had previously dodged questions on whether he would support the Republican nominee a few months back. But during an interview on "Fox & Friends," Scott told host Brian Kilmeade he would "absolutely" support whoever becomes the Republican nominee even if it isn't him. "I will be the nominee and I certainly will support myself, but no matter who the nominee is, I've already committed to supporting our nominee without any question," Scott said. Doug Burgum North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum's campaign told USA TODAY that he signed the loyalty pledge. "He will be the outsider, governor and business leader on the debate stage, spokesman Lance Trover said. He got there by being different and talking about the economy, energy, and national security; and how we can improve every American life." One of the lower polling candidates to hit the stage, Burgum qualified for the debate by using several tactics. The most notable was him offering a $20 gift card to people who donated $1 to his presidential campaign. Burgum previously told USA TODAY that he would support whoever wins the GOP nomination, including Trump, but that he is running to win. Mike Pence Republican presidential candidate, former Vice President Mike Pence delivers remarks at the Christians United for Israel (CUFI) summit on July 17, 2023 in Arlington, Virginia. Former Vice President Mike Pence, who qualified for the debate on Monday, told Fox News that he will sign the loyalty pledge. "Im confident Ill be able to support the Republican nominee, especially if its me, Pence said. When asked what he would do if Trump became the nominee, Pence denounced the former president's false claim that Pence had the right to overturn the 2020 election. It took Pence nine weeks to qualify for the debate. After Trump was indicted on four counts for allegedly overturning the 2020 election, Pences team started selling hats and T-shirts with the label Too Honest a reference to an instance described in the indictment as a way to bolster his presence in the crowded GOP field. Pence has been critical of Trump on the campaign trial, particularly around Trump's latest indictment saying that "anyone who asks someone else to put them over the Constitution should never be president of the United States again. Ron DeSantis Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis s campaign shared an image of his signed loyalty pledge on X with the caption See you in Milwaukee! His campaign proclaimed that the DeSantis "is focused on uniting Republicans around a positive vision for beating Biden and reviving America, Donald Trump is focused on himself." DeSantis, who's trailing behind Trump in the GOP primary polls, had previously dodged the question about whether he would support Trump if he became the Republican nominee during an event in June. He made clear on the Wisconsin Right Now radio show that he wouldn't be Trump's running mate because he said the vice presidency doesnt really have any authority. Both Trump and DeSantis have lashed out at each other on the campaign trial. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump wont sign the "Beat Biden" pledge. What about the other candidates? Danny Luecke (enrolled member of Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma), developer/instructor for the bachelors degree in Secondary Math Education at Turtle Mountain Community College. Luecke is currently completing his Ph.D. in math and math education at North Dakota State University. (Photo/American Indian College Fund) The focus of tribal colleges work is to seek connections between the cultures and heritage of the Indigenous communities they serve and mainstream education curricula. Danny Luecke (Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma), a member of the Teacher Education Department at Turtle Mountain Community College, and Dr. David Sanders (Oglala Sioux Tribe), vice president of research at the American Indian College Fund, explored the connections between math content, local culture, and the classroom. While using an Indigenous research paradigm at Sitting Bull College, located on the Standing Rock Reservation, their work looks at how to connect language and culture in the tribal college math classroom and has contributed to a change in the theory of knowledge incorporated at tribal colleges and universities. Never miss Indian Countrys biggest stories and breaking news. Click here to sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Their resulting co-authored, peer-reviewed research paper titled Dakota/Lakota Match Connections: an epistemological framework for teaching and learning mathematics with Indigenous communities and students, was published in Frontiers in Education on July 27, 2023. My main thought was how to connect the TCU math classroom with language and culture. Most of us were taught math with the Western value of separation/abstraction (that is removing relationship) as the only and superior way to think mathematically. The myth that Western math is placeless, without culture, and contains all mathematical knowing is very prevalent, but does not align with the SBC mission statement that has D/Lakota language, culture, and values influencing every classroom, including the math class," Luecke said of his research and work at Sitting Bull College as a math teacher partnering with its immersion school, Through conversations at Sitting Bull College with elders, language instructors, math instructors, and people in the community, Luecke said he found many examples of the connections between the Dakota/Lakota language and math. \ The research methodology Luecke and Sanders used incorporated the voices of community members, elders, Native speakers, and culture bearers. Around the same time, Luecke said he was doing work personally to learn what it means to be a member of the Choctaw Nation. Luecke is the developer/instructor for the bachelors degree in Secondary Math Education at Turtle Mountain Community College. He is currently completing his Ph.D. in math and math education at North Dakota State University. His research focuses on Dakota/Lakota Math Connections at Sitting Bull College. He was born and raised in Fargo, North Dakota. In addition to his membership in the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Luecke has ancestry from multiple European nations as well. He says he is honoring all his ancestors and the Creator through his life and work with the Standing Rock and Turtle Mountain communities. He has also written other articles about Indigenous math connections, including the forthcoming article "Dakota/Lakota Math Connections: Results from Developing a Community-based Math Resource" submitted for publication in 2024 in the Tribal College and University Research Journal, and Ojibwe Math at Turtle Mountain Community College, to be published in the Fall 2023 issue of Tribal College Journal. His forthcoming dissertation (December 2023) is titled Dakota/Lakota Math Connections: Applying an Indigenous Research Paradigm to Research in Undergraduate Math Education. Danny has taken up an important strand of practical research, applying an Indigenous methodological approach which requires Indigenous communities to be involved throughout the process. In Danny's work, community members have shaped, developed, and drive the connections between Western Mathematics, English, Dakota/Lakota Mathematics and the Dakota/Lakota languages while not privileging one over the other. Stemming from this work is the idea that mathematics can increase Dakota/Lakota language fluency and Dakota/Lakota languages can help increase mathematical conceptual understanding. In essence, the intersection of these four areas helps to demystify the subject of mathematics, with the understanding that all cultures use mathematics," Sanders said, Cheryl Crazy Bull, President and CEO of the American Indian College Fund says making making cultural connections with teaching students leads to meaningful education for Native students. Naming our traditional knowledge and linking that knowledge with teaching and learning in our schools and homes is one of the ways that we ensure quality, meaningful education for our children. When scholars make those connections for us, we honor and appreciate that scholarship and the opportunity to share it with the broader educational community," Crazy Bull said. About the Author: "Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at editor@nativenewsonline.net. " Contact: news@nativenewsonline.net The likely redeployment of Russia's airborne troops from Kherson Oblast to Orikhiv in Zaporizhzhia Oblast would leave Russia's defenses on the east bank of the Dnipro River vulnerable, the U.K. Defense Ministry wrote on Aug. 12. Intense fighting is currently ongoing on the front line near Orikhiv. The U.K. Defense Ministry wrote that there is a "realistic possibility" that the redeployment of Russia's airborne troops would allow certain regiments to be pulled out from the front line for rest and recovery. According to the U.K. Defense Ministry, the 58th Combined Arms Army has been facing Ukrainian assaults since early June. The commander was dismissed from his position as early as July 11 "likely partially because of his insistence that elements of his force needed to be relieved." Reports also suggest that the 70th and 71st Motor Rifle Regiments have "faced particularly intense attrition and heavy combat on the front line." Redeploying its airborne troops would leave Russia's defenses on the east bank of the Dnipro River vulnerable to increased amphibious raids led by Ukrainian troops, however. Read also: Ukrainian troops regularly cross Dnipro River, probing Russian defenses in Kherson Oblast Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Oksana Markarova, Ukrainian ambassador to the United States, speaks to reporters Wednesday on the war in Ukraine in her office at the Ukrainian Embassy in Washington. Oksana Markarova, Ukrainian ambassador to the United States, speaks to reporters Wednesday on the war in Ukraine in her office at the Ukrainian Embassy in Washington. WASHINGTON With lawmakers questioning American assistance to Ukraine more intensely than ever, the beleaguered nation is open to more scrutiny of the aid it is receiving to resist Russian invaders, according to Oksana Markarova, the Ukrainian ambassador to the U.S. We are supportive of transparency and accountability, Markarova told HuffPost in an exclusive Wednesday interview. Whatever additional measures your people would think...and the Congress would need to do, we are open and ready and we are doing it already. Whatever additional requirements would be there, of course we are ready to discuss. The Biden administration said this week that it wants $20 billion in additional funding for Ukraine through a special budget request this fall and its likely that Congress, particularly the Republicans who control the House of Representatives, will raise additional concerns about how the money would be spent. The question of how to oversee the billions being sent to Ukraine became a top issue in congressional negotiations over the Pentagons annual defense policy bill last month, with Democrats narrowly defeating a GOP amendment to create a lead inspector general overseeing accountability efforts. Legislators could resurrect the idea when the House and Senate finalize the legislation later this year. The U.S. government already has three watchdogs tracking the more than $75 billion in previously approved Ukraine aid, Markarova noted, at the Defense Department, the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Those offices are really doing exceptional work, Markarova argued. The three inspectors told lawmakers at a March hearing that they have not found evidence of mass misuse. Still, they conceded that its hard to account for American funds and material while conducting what Pentagon Inspector General Robert Storch called oversight at the speed of war. Storchs office has previously found that criminal groups were able to obtain U.S. weapons sent to Ukrainian armed forces during the early stages of the defense against Russias full-scale invasion in February 2022, according to a Defense Department report obtained by Military.com. Ukraines security services stymied the efforts to sell and misuse the arms, the report said. Ukrainian soldiers of the 4th Brigade operate a tank during military training in southern Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine on July 18. Ukrainian soldiers of the 4th Brigade operate a tank during military training in southern Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine on July 18. Marakova acknowledged Ukraines historic issues with corruption. She described multiple ways the country is trying to ensure its past doesnt jeopardize current support for its effort to maintain its independence, from sending daily reports to USAID and the Treasury Department to supporting activists on the ground who want to hold their government to account. Our civil society is monitoring very actively what were spending our money on, and, believe me, their criteria towards the partner support is even more strict, the ambassador said. She added that she this week received a first-of-its-kind report signed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other high-ranking officials detailing Ukraines understanding of how U.S. assistance has been spent. As Ukraines face in Washington, Markarova is key to defusing political debates over support for the country. She described a strategy for dealing with skeptics thats gracious but informative, taking into account concerns ranging from Kyivs handling of American support to whether the U.S. is taking on too much of the burden of defying Russian President Vladimir Putin. Some people would be just skeptical and skeptical and we just keep trying, you know? Markarova said. I will find as much time for people on [Capitol] Hill as they will have for me. U.S. and Ukrainian flags are seen in the office of Oksana Markarova in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 9. U.S. and Ukrainian flags are seen in the office of Oksana Markarova in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 9. In her view, Ukraines critics should see that they share fundamental values with her nation: Everyone understands the stakes in this are much higher than Ukraine, she said. It is in the national security interest of any democracy. Markarova highlighted how other nations are continuing to invest in Ukraine, including through a recently announced European Union plan to devote up to $55 billion to the country, and said Kyiv has examined its own budget to mobilize all the resources it could possibly marshal on its own. We depend on our friends and partnersthe support that were receiving right now allows also for people not to leave, for people to stay in Ukraine, for us to have bomb shelters so that kids can go to school, the ambassador said. The upcoming fight over President Joe Bidens proposed new influx of aid will test whether Ukraines message is getting through. I cannot say that we all are confident and the support even when you have it its given that its there forever, Markarova said. No, its constant work. Russian state space agency Roscosmos launched its first lunar expedition in 50 years on Aug. 11. "Russia not only returns to the Moon, but makes a step to stay there for a long time," Roscosmos said in a joint statement with Russian state news agency TASS. The unmanned Luna-25 mission is aiming for the moon's south pole, which scientists believe could contain water, raising "the possibility of a future human colony on the moon," according to the Guardian. But according to analysts, Russia's aims are more political than scientific. "Luna-25 plays today a mostly psychological and propaganda role for the Kremlin," Pavel Luzin, an expert on the Russian aerospace industry, told the Guardian. "It needs to demonstrate that it is capable to do something even without the west. International sanctions following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine have taken their toll on Moscow's space program. Luna-25 offers a chance to recapture lost glory as Russia's isolation deepens. The timing of the launch also suggests Russia hopes to prove itself in a competitive race. In July, India launched Chandrayaan-3, another mission to the moon's previously unexplored south pole. While both launches are scheduled for the end of August, Roscosmos said that "if successful," Luna-25 would make Russia "the first" nation to land in the lunar south pole. "There is enough space for everyone on the moon," Roscosmos said in a statement published by Reuters. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Child killed in Russian Kinzhal attack aimed at airfield in Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russian occupation authorities plan to conduct an "audit" of movable and immovable property of Ukrainians in the occupied part of Kherson Oblast, the Defense Ministry's National Resistance Center reported on Aug. 11. Namely, the Russian occupation administration plans to conduct an inventory of "non-economic objects." Read also: Russian units in Kherson Oblast and Crimea, stricken in cholera outbreak, losing combat effectiveness Under this name, the Russians mean the property that Ukrainians left behind when fleeing from Russian occupation. Special inspectors will be looking for both movable and immovable property with no owners. According to the agency, the Russians will also identify the property of "self-captured" objects, that is, the property of Ukrainians who remained in the areas now under Russian military occupation but who did not re-register their ownership with the Russian occupation authorities. Read also: Moscow plans to plunder Chersonesus museum in Crimea, Ukraine says "After discovering such property, the Russians threaten to 'nationalize it, that is, officially steal it from local residents," the National Resistance Center 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 FILE PHOTO: A grain ship carrying Ukrainian grain is seen in the Black Sea near Ukrainian port of Odesa KYIV (Reuters) - Ukraine, which is seeking to form safe shipping routes in the Black Sea, has started registering ships willing to use the corridor it announced earlier this week, a local news agency said on Saturday. Ukraine on Thursday announced a "humanitarian corridor" in the Black Sea to release cargo ships that have been trapped in its ports since Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022. The corridor is a new test of Russia's de facto blockade since Moscow abandoned a deal last month to let Kyiv export grain. "Registration is now open and the coordinator is already working," Interfax Ukraine quoted Ukrainian Navy spokesman Dmytro Pletenchuk as saying. He gave no more details while an industry source told Reuters on Friday that no ships had yet passed through the corridor. "Of course, everything will take place under the supervision of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. We are doing everything we can to ensure security," Pletenchuk said. Russia has not indicated whether it would respect the shipping corridor, and shipping and insurance sources have expressed concerns about safety. At least initially, the route would apply to vessels such as container ships that have been stuck in Ukrainian ports since the war began, and were not covered by the deal that opened the ports for grain shipments last year. (Reporting by Pavel Polityuk; Editing by Helen Popper) Ukrainian air defence shot down a total of 13 Kinzhal aeroballistic missiles, as well as more than 20 Iskanders and S-400s. Source: Yurii Ihnat, spokesman for Ukraines Air Force, in an interview with Ukrainske Radio (Ukrainian national radio broadcaster). Details: Ihnat says that the Russians produce about 100 missiles of various types every month, including the Kh-47 Kinzhals. However, Russia has a relatively small supply of these missiles. Quote: "Regarding yesterday's (11 August ed.) attack by the Russians, these were Kh-47 Kinzhal aeroballistic missiles, one of which was shot down in the Kyiv Oblast. These missiles can hit air defence equipment capable of working against ballistic missiles. There isn't much equipment [of such kind] in Ukraine, but there is still a result. The air defence system of Ukraine has destroyed more than one Kinzhal. Six missiles [were downed] on 16 May, and six more on 16 June, and now we have one more. That is, the air defence of Ukraine shot down 13 Kinzhal missiles. Add more than 20 downed ballistic missiles, including Iskanders and S-400s. Considering that a Kinzhal moves in the sky at a huge speed, more than seven thousand kilometres per hour, there is little time for its downing." Details: Ihnat said the Russians' attack on 11 August confirms that Russian forces have information about infrastructure and military targets, and they are using it. "The Ukrainian military leadership also understands this, and all the necessary measures are being taken to preserve the equipment and personnel and to ensure that the civilian population suffers as little as possible," Ihnat emphasised. Background: 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! Ukrainian Armored Technology has emerged as a top weapons supplier for Kyiv. The company, whose sales have skyrocketed, is believed to be controlled by Serhiy Pashinsky. Before the war, Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskyy described Pashinsky as a "criminal." A Ukrainian arms dealer widely suspected of corruption before Russia's full-scale invasion has now emerged as a top weapons supplier for the government in Kyiv. Serhiy Pashinsky, a former member of parliament, is today head of Ukraine's arms trade association. Sales at his company, Ukrainian Armored Technology, have jumped from less than $3 million before the war to hundreds of millions of dollars today, The New York Times reported Saturday. Ukrainian Armored Technology has since February 2022 helped secure scores of bombs and bullets across Europe for use by the country's armed forces, according to the Times. Since the war began, it has been one of Kyiv's most reliable suppliers. That's despite the fact that Pashinsky, before the war, was a pariah, a man who was put under house arrest over a road rage incident and described by Zelenskyy himself as a "criminal" amid allegations of corruption. But, according to the Times, Pashinsky's ties to arms dealers made officials overlook those earlier accusations. Bulgaria, for example, would not sell Ukraine the Soviet-era ammunition it needs, the Times reported, fearing it would invite retaliation from Russia. Pashinsky was able to negotiate a deal whereby the ammunition was sold to a middleman in Poland who in turn passed it on to Ukraine, for a cost. Ukrainian Armored Technology experienced a windfall. In 2021, according to the Times, it reported just $2.8 million in sales. In 2022, that figure rose to more than $350 million. The company's use of middlemen may have been essential in the early days of the war. But Ukraine's reliance on them is a reminder of the country's decades-long struggle with corruption, one that its leadership is once again taking steps to publicly address. The Times noted that Pashinsky and Ukrainian Armored Technology are once again the subject of an anti-corruption investigation. And the outlet's report comes a day after Zelenskyy announced the firing of military officials tasked with recruitment, citing reports that some were accepting bribes in return for exempting men from the draft. Ukraine, Zelenskyy said earlier this year, will not "return to the way things used to be." "Of course, now the main focus is the issue of defense, this is the issue of foreign policy, this is the issue of war," he said. "But this does not mean that I do not see and hear what is being said in society at various levels, both at the central level and in the regions." Despite concerns about corruption in Ukraine, however, experts told Insider last year that there's no evidence that weapons meant for the front lines are being diverted to the black market in any sizable numbers. Have a news tip? Email this reporter: cdavis@insider.com Read the original article on Business Insider Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, has met with Tony Radakin, Chief of the UK Defence Staff, in Kyiv, briefing him on the situation on the battlefield and telling him about the pressing needs of the Ukrainian army. Source: Zaluzhnyi on Telegram Quote: "The visit of Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, the UK Chief of the Defence Staff, to Kyiv. A constructive meeting with our partners from the UK. We worked at one of the control points, and I briefed Admiral Radakin on the situation on the battlefield, and our offensive and defensive actions. We discussed the urgent needs of the Ukrainian army." 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! Ukrainian border guards, with the support of Defence Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, have installed a border sign on Zmiinyi (Snake) Island. Source: Serhii Deineko, Head of the State Border Service, on Facebook Quote: "Today, 12 August 2023, servicemen of the Izmail border detachment, with the full support of servicemen from Defence Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, have restored historical justice: a border sign has been installed on Zmiinyi Island. The previous one, which stood here before the full-scale invasion, was brazenly destroyed by Russian invaders. The next border sign will be installed in our Ukrainian Crimea after its liberation by the defence forces of Ukraine." Details: Deineko recorded a video address on Zmiinyi Island jointly with Dmytro Usov, Deputy Head of Defence Intelligence. "Together with Dmytro Usov and our lads, we paid tribute to all those who liberated Zmiinyi Island and those liberating every piece of our land," Deineko said. Background: On 30 June 2022, Russian forces fled from Zmiinyi (Snake) Island after Ukrainian forces launched multiple attacks on it, some of them with the Ukrainian-made Bohdana howitzers. Russian authorities have claimed that Russian military forces had "completed their mission on the Zmiinyi (Snake) Island" and have withdrawn the garrison stationed there "as a gesture of good will". The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has said that all of Odesa Oblast had been liberated from Russian occupation forces. 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! While Ukraine does not disclose the number of casualties it has sustained, General Mark A. Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, estimated in February that Ukraine had lost more than 100,000 soldiers since the war began last year. Mykola Tys/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images Ukraine began its summer counteroffensive in June, armed with Western tanks and weapons. In the time since, morgues are seeing "more or less double" the fatalities, NYT reported. US officials estimated this year that Ukraine had lost more than 100,000 soldiers since the war began. The Ukrainian summer counteroffensive began in June, and, despite Western allies supplying advanced tanks and weaponry, the country's recent moves against Russian combatants have resulted in only modest gains and heavy casualties. The New York Times reported morgues in the country are seeing vastly increased fatalities due to the heightened fighting. "There are many more bodies at the moment," the outlet reported Taras Svystun, a soldier on a six-man crew responsible for recovering and identifying deceased servicemen, said. The total dead in the local morgues is "more or less double since the counteroffensive" started, added. Though Ukraine doesn't publicly share the total number of casualties it has sustained, Insider reported General Mark A. Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, estimated in February that Ukraine had lost more than 100,000 soldiers since the war began last year. Representatives for the Russian Ministry of Defense did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment. Insider previously reported that Ukrainian troops are taking heavy damage from old-fashioned wartime tactics, including mines and booby traps, high-tech drone attacks, and advanced weapons systems. While the US and other allies have provided formidable battle tanks, armored fighting vehicles, and massive amounts of ammunition, Insider reported the modest gains won so far in the summer counteroffensive have prompted Ukrainian troops to abandon Western tactics and strategies in favor of wearing the enemy down with barrages of missiles. Seth Jones, the director of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, or CSIS, International Security Program, previously told Insider that, while it remains unclear how the Russian invasion of Ukraine will continue to unfold, the war could drag on without a cease-fire for years. Read the original article on Business Insider 51 Ukrainian rescuers and 19 units of equipment have begun restoration works in flood-affected Slovenia. Source: State Emergency Service of Ukraine At the moment, the combined unit of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine is carrying out restoration and rescue work in the area of the village of Rechytsia #Slovenia. pic.twitter.com/vYejcCnKFh (@Serhiy_Kruk) August 12, 2023 Details: At the moment, the combined detachment of the State Emergency Service is involved in restoration works near the settlement of Racice. The rescuers deployed a mobile control post, a medical post, and also organised communication and determined the procedure for involving people and equipment to eliminate the consequences of the flood. A working meeting was held with a representative of the RDC, the governing body of the European Civil Protection Mechanism, which coordinates the work of rescue services from all countries operating here and with local authorities. Two main locations have been identified for work in the Dreta River for Ukrainian rescuers. The main tasks are the arrangement of a dam for shore fortification, widening and changing the river bed, drainage, and clearing the river bed of trees and debris brought by high water. The work is extremely difficult because the rescuers have to work in a rapid current constantly. Specialists of the State Emergency Service have and use heavy engineering equipment for the tasks implementation, particularly five crawler excavators. The works are planned to be carried out within a few days. After that, new locations will be determined. Background: Robert Golob, Prime Minister of Slovenia, personally met the Ukrainian rescue team, arriving to provide assistance due to the floods in Slovenia. Recent heavy rains have caused significant damage in Slovenia, collapsing at least seven major and regional bridges and affecting roads and energy infrastructure facilities. Thousands of people had to leave their homes, many were evacuated by helicopters and boats, and fatalities were reported. The authorities said this is the worst flood situation in Slovenia in its recent history, affecting two-thirds of the country's territory. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree on providing humanitarian aid to Slovenia. 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! Editors Note: This is issue 99 of Ukrainian State-Owned Enterprises Weekly, covering events from July 29 August 11, 2023. The Kyiv Independent is reposting it with permission. Ukrainian SOE Weekly is an independent weekly digest based on a compilation of the most important news related to state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and state-owned banks in Ukraine. This publication was produced with the financial support of the European Union within the project Supporting Ukraine in rebuilding and recovery implemented by the KSE Institute. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of the editorial team of the Ukrainian SOE Weekly and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union. Corporate governance of SOEs The OECD Secretariat to assess a key draft law regarding the corporate governance of SOEs. On Aug. 10, lawmaker Dmytro Natalukha of President Volodymyr Zelensky's ruling Servant of the People Party and chair of the Economic Development Committee of the Verkhovna Rada, announced that the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Secretariat will offer its opinion on Draft Law No. 5593-d. This would clear the way for a second reading of the bill in parliament. Draft Law No. 5593-d is aimed at significantly improving corporate governance of SOEs. Its current wording is not yet in full compliance with the OECD Guidelines on Corporate Governance of SOEs and needs improvement. Oleksandr Lysenko, a member of the SOE Weekly team, has been formally asked by the Economic Development Committee of the Verkhovna Rada to assist it in the development of improvements for Draft Law 5593-d. Natalukha highlighted that reforming the corporate governance of SOEs is a foremost priority and a commitment of Ukraine to the international community. He also added that the Committee is dedicated to aligning the final version of Draft Law No. 5593-d with best international practices. According to Natalukha, the Committee officially reached out to the OECD on 12 July, formally requesting an assessment of this draft law. According to him, the OECD Secretariat is expected to deliver such an assessment by Sept. 8. Natalukha also said that last week, Group of Seven (G7) ambassadors in Ukraine sent the authorities a joint letter urging for this reform. He expressed gratitude for their support and underscored that the Economic Development Committee has already worked on the draft law for a long time and actively engaged with international partners and experts to refine it. In SOE Weekly (Issue 82), we reported that the IMFs current program requires that Ukraine adopt a law that brings Ukraines corporate governance framework in line with the OECD Guidelines on Corporate Governance of SOEs. Draft Law No. 5593-d is supposed to strengthen the accountability and broaden the powers of supervisory boards so they have the ultimate authority to appoint and dismiss CEOs, among other things. According to the IMF program, the law must be adopted by October 2023. In Issue 36, we reported that the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, approved this bill in the first reading on July 15, 2021. Former Antonov EO, whose negligence led to destruction of the Mriya aircraft, will be tried. On July 28, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) reported that prosecutors of the Prosecutor Generals Office (PGO) had indicted him for negligence. As we wrote in Issue 78, Serhiy Bychkov was the CEO in question at the time. According to the PGO, the ex-CEO improperly performed his duties to ensure the safety of property. As a result, the AN-225 Mriya transport aircraft was not transported from the danger zone the Antonov airfield in Hostomel in a timely manner, before the start of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Read also: Mark Dixon: A global Democratic Market is needed to protect democracy As a result of shelling by Russian troops, the aircraft was destroyed, a loss of Hr 8.5 billion ($229.5 million). The SBU and PGO said that the suspect was already in custody. In SOE Weekly (Issue 78), we wrote that the SBU charged Bychkov with obstructing the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In Issue 82, we reported that he was charged with negligence that allegedly caused the destruction of the world-famous AN-225 Mriya. Ukreximbanks supervisory board gets a new state representative. On Aug. 4 2023, the Cabinet of Ministers appointed Oleksandr Bevz as a state representative to Ukreximbanks supervisory board, nominated by the Verkhovna Radas Committee on Finance, Taxation, and Customs Policy. Oleksandr Bevz was the Director of the Licensing Department of the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) in 2017-2021. In June 2021, Bevz and his subordinates filed their resignations. See more in SOE Weeklys Issue 34. Currently, he is the project manager of the working group on international security guarantees for Ukraine, which was established by the presidents office in May 2022. In addition, Bevz has worked as a non-staff adviser to the head of the presidents office since March 2023. Bevz will replace Yuriy Terentyev, who had been a Rada-nominated member of the supervisory board since December 2020 and whose powers were terminated on Aug. 4. In addition, the cabinet reappointed state representatives Viktoriya Strakhova (nominated by the president) and Yuriy Butsa (nominated by the cabinet) for a second term. Strakhova has been a member of Ukreximbanks supervisory board since July 2019, and Butsa since May 2019. In SOE Weekly (Issue 90), we reported that the cabinet appointed new independent members to Ukreximbanks supervisory board. (See more about independent members in Issue 90.) High Anti-Corruption Court extends Kobolyevs pre-trial detention for another two months. The Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutors Office (SAPO) reported that, on Aug. 9, the High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC) made a decision to extend the Hr 229 million ($6.2 million) bail for another two months and left procedural obligations, including pre-trial restrictions, of the former Naftogaz CEO Andriy Kobolyev unchanged. Kobolyev also wrote on his Facebook page that the HACC refused to broadcast the hearing due to no requests from the press." He also said that the prosecution did not present the results of interrogations of independent members of Naftogazs supervisory board. According to him, no reasonable explanation for this fact was provided. In SOE Weekly (Issue 84), we reported that on April 17, the HACC issued a two-month extension on a ruling concerning Kobolyev, including pre-trial restrictions. Among other things, Kobolyev must continue to submit to wearing an electronic monitoring device. As we reported earlier, on Jan. 19, NABU and SAPO charged Kobolyev with illegally awarding himself a bonus of Hr 229 million ($6.2 million) for Naftogazs victory against Russias Gazprom in Stockholms court of arbitration in 2018. For an extended background on the Kobolyev case, see SOE Weeklys Issues 71, 72, 73, 77, 78, 79, 83, 84, 88, and 91. For a detailed analysis of this case from a corporate governance perspective, see series of columns by SOE Weekly team members Andriy Boytsun, Oleksandr Lysenko, and Dmytro Yablonovskyy: "Are Kobolyevs bonuses a threat to corporate governance reform?"Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, and Part 5. Energy sector European traders start storing gas in Ukrainian underground storage facilities. On Aug. 8 2023, Reuters reported that European gas traders had begun storing natural gas in Ukrainian underground storage facilities to take advantage of lower prices and available capacity there, in spite of the risks. According to the media outlet, the European Union (EU) is expected to fill its own storage facilities to 90% capacity by November 2023. According to the transparency platform GIE, EU countries gas storage facilities were 87% full on Aug. 7. Traders said there was commercial logic to storing gas in Ukraine to take advantage of cheaper prices now versus for future delivery, Reuters added. The Czech EPH group said that its decision to use Ukrainian storage facilities was also a sign of confidence in the country. Slovakias state-owned SPP, which supplies most of the Slovak market with gas, some of it Russian, said it was looking at the possibility of using Ukrainian storage, as its own is already 90% full. Read also: Minister: Ukraine will need at least $42 billion in foreign financial aid in 2024 According to Reuters, other European traders said there are risks due to possible military strikes or questions over what happens to the network if Russia stops pumping the gas it still sends westward via Ukraine. The Brussels-based think tank Bruegel said in July that Ukraine could increase Europes storage capacity by about 10%, the media added. At the same time, the gas storage operator Ukrtransgaz, a Naftogaz subsidiary, reported on gas injections by foreign traders into Ukrainian facilities. Naftogaz said that foreign customers could use more than 10 billion cubic meters of storage. The country has around 30 billion cubic meters of capacity, mostly in the west, far from the front lines. Foreign traders can store their gas in Ukraine without customs clearance for three years and re-export it to gas storage facilities in other countries without any obstacles, Naftogaz explained. In SOE Weekly (Issue 92), we reported that the EU was considering the possibility of storing gas in the Bilche-Volytsko-Uherske underground storage facility in Lviv Oblast and other gas storage facilities in Ukraine, when demand and gas prices increase in winter. Naftogaz pays over Hr 48 billion in taxes for the first seven months of 2023. On Aug. 9, Naftogaz Group reported that it paid over Hr 48 billion ($1.3 billion) into state and local budgets for JanuaryJuly 2023. According to the company, that accounts for 12% of Ukraines total tax revenue for this period. As we reported in SOE Weekly (Issue 87), Naftogaz paid Hr 33 billion ($891 million) in taxes for the first four months of 2023. In Issue 85, we reported that the Cabinet of Ministers established how much SOEs must pay in dividends for 2022. Naftogaz must allocate 30%, and the rest of the profit must be used to purchase natural gas produced in Ukraine. In Issue 77, we reported that Naftogaz expected to post a loss of Hr 40 billion ($1.1 billion) in 2022, according to preliminary results. If Naftogaz gets losses, it will not pay any dividends. Naftogazs CEO Oleksiy Chernyshov blamed significant receivables that arose due to the states use of Naftogazs working capital to meet the needs of energy consumers. He said that the underlying receivables of the company had three components: the difference in tariffs (Hr 36 billion), the debt of regional gas suppliers and gas distribution companies (Hr 76 billion), and public service obligations (PSOs) for 2022-2023 (Hr 158 billion). It appeared at that time that, if Naftogaz got the compensation for PSOs from the state budget as expected, its net fiscal impact in 2022 would be negative. Infrastructure SAPO completes the pre-trial investigation in the Pyvovarsky case. On Aug. 2, the Specialzed Anti-Corruption Prosecutors Office (SAPO) reported that the HACC extended procedural duties, including pre-trial restrictions, for Volodymyr Shulmeister, former First Deputy Minister of Infrastructure. Later, on Aug. 9, SAPO announced that the pre-trial investigation was completed and the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) detectives were instructed to open the case file to the defense for review. Shulmeister and former Minister of Infrastructure Andriy Pyvovarsky are suspected of abuse of power, which caused the state almost $50 million in losses, SAPO reported. As we wrote in SOE Weekly (Issue 82), in April 2023, the HACC imposed a measure of restraint on Shulmeister, including a bail of Hr 4 million ($108,000). Read also: This Week in Ukraine Ep. 20 Tragedy of civilian life in Donbas As we reported in Issue 85, NABU and SAPO served Pyvovarsky with a notice of suspicion for allegedly causing over $30 million in damage to the state in 2015 by allowing private companies to charge half the harbor dues at Pivdenny seaport. For a detailed overview of the Pyvovarsky case, see SOE Weeklys Issues 76, 77, 79, 80, 82, 83, 85, 88, and 98. Other sectors The Cabinet returns notorious Yanukovych-era monopolist EDAPS to state contracts with Polygraph Combine Ukraina. According to Ukrainska Pravda, in 2021-2023, the Cabinet of Ministers under Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal made a series of decisions that allowed the notorious document producer of the 2000s, the former EDAPS consortium, to monopolize the industry again. According to the media outlet, since the autumn of 2021, EDAPS has actively participated in public procurement. This became possible due to the cabinets decisions, Ukrainska Pravda wrote. The Prime Ministers advisor Serhiy Stefurak allegedly lobbied for EDAPS, Ukrainska Pravdas sources said. Ukrainska Pravda wrote that in October 2021, the cabinet changed the requirements for passports, driving licenses, and technical passports, introduced a monopoly on the production of notarial forms, and returned the requirement that excise stamps should feature a hologram. Materials for all of these productions are currently only supplied by Polly-Service, a company owned by the former EDAPS. The production itself is carried out by the state-owned Polygraph Combine Ukraina, whose top management is represented by people close to EDAPS, the media outlet said. Polygraph Combine Ukraina specializes in producing passports, ID cards, and other secure documents and printing products. According to Ukrainska Pravda, EDAPS has received at least Hr 2.3 billion ($62 million) in subcontracts from the printing plant alone over almost two years. The company had other, yet much smaller, government customers. In their comments to Ukrainska Pravda, the government and Polygraph claimed that the technologies, materials, and suppliers were changed at NABUs initiative to get rid of the monopoly of companies allegedly linked to the former CEO of Polygraph, Maksym Stepanov. The innovations themselves have significantly increased state budget revenues, they responded. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Child killed in Russian Kinzhal attack aimed at airfield in Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast As we reported in SOE Weeklys Issue 98, NABU and SAPO reported that they exposed a massive misappropriation scheme at Polygraph Combine Ukraina. Over Hr 450 million (12 million) has been stolen, they said. The former CEO, Maksym Stepanov, was charged. See more in Issue 98. Ukrainska Pravda said that NABU did not comment on this issue, in particular, to indicate which innovations it had initiated. It also did not want to disclose whether it was investigating the current events at Polygraph, the media added. According to biz.censor.net, Polly-Service has received contracts worth Hr 8.9 billion ($240 million) since Russias full-scale invasion. According to the media outlet, in early 2021, Yuriy Onyshchenko, Polygraphs CEO, who was close to Stepanov, was fired, and Tetyana Bondarenko was appointed instead. The media outlet claimed that she was close to Iryna Obydenko, the head of the former EDAPS, and was approved by the presidential office. Obydenko is now a co-owner of the Innovation and Industrial Group (a new name for the former EDAPS), which has taken over the companies that were previously part of the consortium, biz.censor.net wrote. Privatization SPFU fails to sell Investagro, previously seized from Russian oligarch Shelkov. According to Prozorro.Sale, the Aug. 10 auction of agricultural company Investagro, which previously belonged to sanctioned Russian oligarch Mikhail Shelkov, failed to take place. According to the auction results protocol, there were no bidders. (There was no public comment from the State Property Fund of Ukraine (SPFU) at the time of writing.) The starting price was Hr 55 million ($1.4 million), and the deposit fee to participate in the auction was Hr 11 million ($297,000) 20% of the starting price, as required by law. Prozorro.Sale has automatically announced a second auction for the privatization of the asset with a 50% reduction in the starting price of Hr 27.5 million ($743,000). Potential buyers have seven days to apply. In SOE Weekly (Issue 74), we reported that on Feb. 3, the High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC) satisfied an appeal by the Justice Ministry and confiscated the Demurinsky Mining and Processing Plant formerly owned by Shelkov. In Issue 75, we reported that on Feb. 15, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) exposed attempts by sanctioned Russian oligarchs Sergei Chemezov and Mikhail Shelkov to prevent nationalization of assets that both men formerly owned in Ukraine. In Issue 77, we reported that the Cabinet of Ministers transferred the assets of Shelkov to the SPFU, including Investagro and Demurinsky Mining and Processing Plant. As we reported in Issue 97, the SPFU announced the start of privatization of assets seized from Russian oligarchs. Read also: Bloomberg: Russian oil breaks price cap, revenue soars in July Fifth attempt to sell Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi seaport fails, SPFU announces yet another auction. According to Prozzoro.Sale, the fifth auction to try to sell the Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi trade seaport, scheduled for Aug. 7, was not held due to the absence of bidders. Thus, the fifth attempt to sell the asset failed. The starting price was set at Hr 184.92 million ($5 million), excluding VAT. The SPFU announced a new auction scheduled for 15 August. The starting price halved to Hr 92.45 million ($2.5 million). In SOE Weekly (Issue 93), we reported on the previous attempts to sell Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi seaport. The first privatization auction for Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi failed as no one registered. At the second auction, the seaport was sold for Hr 220 million ($5.9 million) to Ukrdoninvest LLC, owned by Ukrainian businessman Vitaliy Kropachov. However, Ukrdoninvest did not pay up. As we reported in Issue 85, the company said that it backed out while hashing out the terms of the purchase agreement with SPFUs regional office in Odesa and Mykolaiv oblasts. Later, SPFU announced that it would put Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi up for privatization for a third time, which also failed (see Issue 93). For more detail, see SOE Weeklys Issues: 74, 78, 79, 84, 85, 87, and 93. Confiscation of the aggressor states assets, nationalization, and asset seizure Seized Tatneft filling stations to be transferred to Ukrnaftas management. On July 28, the Asset Recovery and Management Agency (ARMA) reported that more than 100 petrol stations seized from Russian company Tatneft will be given to Ukrnafta. According to ARMA, the transfer of the remaining assets in Kharkiv and Poltava oblasts will follow a special procedure. The cabinets draft resolution of this procedure was considered at a meeting with the Economy and Finance ministries and the Anti-Monopoly Committee on July 28. In June 2022, Ukraine seized the property of Ukrainian subsidiaries of Russian financial and industrial groups worth Hr 4.5 billion ($121.5 million), including the Rostec Corporation, the aluminum company RusAl owned by oligarch Oleg Deripaska, and the Tatneft oil holding. In July 2022, at the request of the Prosecutor Generals Office (PGO), the corporate rights of 19 Ukrainian companies controlled by Russian corporations were transferred to ARMA. Their value totals over Hr 7.75 billion ($209 million), including the corporate rights of Tatneft. ARMA takes over Glusco petrol station chain from Naftogazs management and wants to transfer it to Ukrnafta. On July 25, ARMA said that it suspected that Naftogaz subsidiary, Naftogaz Oil Trading, which operates the seized Glusco petrol station chain, did not submit or properly document information on the activities of the chain. The Glusco chain, which includes 81 petrol stations, oil depots, and other property, was formed on the basis of Rosnefts retail business, which was bought by international trader Proton Energy Group S.A. in 2016 through its sister company Glusco Energy S.A. From then until the end of 2021, the network was owned by Israeli businessman Nisan Moiseev, who is associated with Ukrainian politician Viktor Medvedchuk, who is suspected of high treason. Moiseev himself said that they were friends with Medvedchuk, but had no business relations. Read also: Minister: Ukraine allocates $225,000 to fund 15 revolutionary defense tech products In May 2022, the cabinet transferred more than 170 Glusco filling stations to the management of Naftogaz, with Naftogaz subsidiary Naftogaz Oil Trading becoming the manager. These filling stations now operate under the U.GO brand. On Aug. 3, ARMA unilaterally terminated its petrol station management agreement with Naftogaz Oil Trading. The key allegation was that the manager systematically provided false information about revenues from the use of petrol stations and oil depots. As a result, the state budget received only about Hr 1.5 million ($40,000) in revenue for more than a year, ARMA said. Naftogaz disagreed with this conclusion and said the management change was illegal. The company said that it reported the management results to ARMA every month and received no complaints about data inaccuracy. The company said that it planned to continue managing the network. Later, Naftogaz CEO Oleksiy Chernyshov sent a letter to Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, stating that Hr 280 million ($7.6 million) had been spent to restore the operation of these assets and the management agreement for the filling stations should not be terminated until these costs are compensated. On Aug. 8, ARMA reported that the Energy Ministry supported its proposal to transfer the Glusco network to the management of Ukrnafta under a special procedure. According to Ukrainska Pravdas sources in the government, despite Chernyshovs statements, the cabinet is likely to side with ARMA and transfer the petrol stations to Ukrnafta. Naftogaz owns 50% + 1 share of Ukrnafta. In Issue 68, we reported that the shares of Ukrnafta (other than those owned by Naftogaz) were seized for the needs of the state and transferred to the Defense Ministry. Read also: Investigative Stories from Ukraine: Russia hits Ukraine with missiles that once belonged to Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Wang Chang (R), charge d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Laos, and Deputy Minister of the Lao Ministry of Health Phaivanh Keopaseuth attend a handover ceremony of emergency medical supplies under ASEAN plus China, Japan and South Korea (ASEAN+3) framework between China and Laos, in Vientiane, Laos, Aug. 11, 2023. (Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua) VIENTIANE, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- A handover ceremony of emergency medical supplies under ASEAN plus China, Japan and South Korea (ASEAN+3) framework between China and Laos, was held in Lao capital Vientiane on Friday. Deputy Minister of the Lao Ministry of Health Phaivanh Keopaseuth, charge d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Laos Wang Chang, and representative from China and Laos attended the ceremony. Speaking at the ceremony, Wang Chang said the handover of medical supplies from China to Laos is an important measure to implement the strategic consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties and countries. This is the first practice of the ASEAN Plus Three emergency medical supplies reserve center and a new starting point for regional health cooperation. Wang said that China is willing to continue to work with neighboring countries to help each other through thick and thin, and to build a solid firewall to protect the safety and health of people in the region. Lao Deputy Minister of Health Phaivanh Keopaseuth expressed his gratitude to China for its strong support for Laos' medical and health work. He said that the medical equipment provided by China will be an important contribution in preparation for Laos' chairmanship of ASEAN in 2024. It will also raise the quality of services in line with the strategy of the Ministry of Health by taking hygiene and disease prevention as the main priority, Phaivanh added. An instructor briefs Ukrainian soldiers during grenade training at a training center near Yavoriv, Ukraine, on April 29, 2017. Oklahoma Army National Guard/Sgt. Anthony Jones Ukrainian troops trained by NATO say they are left underprepared for the war with Russia. They said their Western instructors don't have experience in fighting this kind of war. Western armies have been focused on fighting insurgencies in the Middle East in recent years. Ukrainian troops trained by NATO are being left underprepared for the realities of the war with Russia, a report says. Western training is often limited because instructors have never fought a war like the Russia's invasion of Ukraine, media platform openDemocracy reported. "I don't want to say anything against our partners, but they don't quite understand our situation and how we are fighting," a senior intelligence sergeant in the 41st Mechanised Brigade, who goes by the name "Dutchman," told openDemocracy. About 63,000 Ukrainian troops have been trained in the West mostly in the UK and Germany, per the report. All of them go through a 35-day "crash course" of basic soldier training, a UK source told the outlet. Nick Reynolds, a land warfare expert at the UK-based defense think tank the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), said that the training provided by the West was safer but less comparable to actual warfare. "We do have a lot of health and safety regulation. Yet this means they are going on to the battlefield less prepared," Reynolds told openDemocracy. He noted that this strategy may increase the risk of things going wrong during live operations. "Dutchman" said that while NATO training can be useful for things like shooting and learning to use equipment, most major combat training occurred in Ukraine. One limitation is that Western armies have been focused on fighting insurgencies in the Middle East in recent years. Members of Ukraine's 41st Brigade said that NATO instructors often used examples from the conflict in the Middle East, which largely involved clearing houses and identifying insurgents among the locals, which they said was "not really relevant to us." Scott Peterson/Getty Images "Dutchman" said that Western instructors have experience in urban warfare, fighting in cities and towns but in Ukraine, much of the fighting is on flat ground. "We need people to understand how to effectively clear trenches, enter them, how to throw grenades effectively, how not to trip on booby traps, to understand what grenades the [Russians] throw essentially to understand the enemy," he said. Western instructors also typically planned "with a weaker enemy in mind," Dutchman said, as NATO forces sought to overwhelm their enemies with the type of firepower that Ukraine does not possess. Another limitation is that NATO health and safety regulations require troops to undergo basic training before moving on to more advanced levels. But due to time constraints, Ukrainian troops often don't reach those levels, Reynolds said. "From a legal, regulatory, safety, and permissions perspective, we can't do [the type of training Ukrainians want] unless we make some fairly serious policy changes," he said. One significant upside of the Western training is that Ukrainian troops take home expensive equipment, including body armor and medical supplies, a source involved in the UK training process told openDemocracy. Read the original article on Business Insider When we arrived for our family vacation on July 31, I spoke with my wife about how dry the island of Maui felt, reminding me of the dry hills around Los Angeles instead of the lushness one expects in Hawaii. Our Uber driver talked about how dry it had been, which led us into a conversation about climate change. We were staying at the Marriott Maui Ocean Club in Kaanapali, 3 miles north of Lahaina village, and over the next few days we traveled to Lahaina a few times, where we shopped, ate and took a ferry to Lanai to visit a cat sanctuary. We also saw the historic banyan tree that was burned in the wildfires; I had wanted to come back to the tree to enjoy it a bit more. Strengthening winds and power outages On Monday evening, Aug. 7, the winds from Hurricane Dora picked up as we were eating dinner at the Feast at Lele, a restaurant and entertainment venue in Lahaina and I urged us all to get home as soon as it ended. Our power, cell service and Wi-Fi all went out late that night. Yahoo editor Nigel Tierney's family vacation to Maui was interrupted by raging wildfires. (Nigel Tierney/Yahoo News) Tuesday morning we woke up early and found that the power was still out at the hotel. There was smoke on the horizon, in the direction of Lahaina, but it didnt seem too bad. We loaded the kids into the car and went out in search of food, thinking wed surely find a local business that had a generator. But everything was closed except for the Honolua store, where a long line snaked through the aisles and out the front door. As we waited for two hours to buy something to eat, a local couple informed us how lucky we were to have stumbled upon the store, as it was one of the only places open since the ferocious winds of Hurricane Dora had knocked out power to parts of the island. Still largely unaware about how bad things were getting, we headed south to visit the Maui Ocean Center aquarium. But after we'd gotten stuck in another traffic jam, the sight of downed trees and power lines made clear this was no ordinary windstorm. We finally decided to turn around, having not even made it out of Lahaina, and head back to the resort. It was then we realized the extent of the smoke. Read more on Yahoo News: From food banks to shelters and cash donations, heres how you can help Hawaiis wildfire victims When we arrived back at the hotel, the winds were terrible; our kids had trouble standing and my wife had to grab my daughter to keep her from falling. We lost some beach gear, and my son lost his glasses as they blew off his head. Then my wife got hit by a large trash can blowing in the wind, for which she received medical attention. There was a lot of debris flying around bell carts, towels, small branches and dust and the hotel staff was rushing around trying to secure everything in place. A wasteland of burned-out homes in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Rick Bowmer/AP) We spent most of the day in our dark hotel room. For dinner, I waited in a long line at an impromptu grill the resort set up. But when the food ran out, a lot of people were upset. I went to the resort shop that didnt have any power, and it was packed with people stocking up on food and using their flashlights on their phones. My family just ate snacks for dinner: some almonds, Pringles and a box of Honey Nut Cheerios. Whole town is burned down By Wednesday morning, we were still without cell service and power. I waited hours to get some warm ramen for my family, and it was while standing in line that I started hearing how badly the fires had affected Lahaina. The whole town is burned down, one worker told me. Probably going to be weeks without power, said another. There were rumors about the airport being shut down. Fire is coming toward the resort, one person warned. Cruise ships were on the way to evacuate our side of the island, another guest said. Without the internet or phone service, we didnt know what to believe. We were scheduled to leave our hotel that night. I heard we could drive north, but workers at the front desk advised us not to use the Kahekili Highway, as it's a pretty dodgy road. After my wife and I discussed our options, we agreed it was worth attempting the drive. We did try to get gas before we drove, but the gas stations were already empty and crowded with people waiting for shipments to arrive. With half a tank, we assured ourselves that if we got stuck we could shut the engine off to save gas. Read more on Yahoo News: Photos capture Lahaina devastation as death toll rises from Maui wildfires: 'Feels like a bomb was dropped' The one-lane, cliffside road was indeed a dangerous drive, but cars were mostly headed in the same direction as us, so being part of a caravan made it a bit more comfortable. Locals were trying to help control the flow of traffic, but it was a chaotic scene, with many cars from the opposite direction stalled at the side of the road and people uncertain of which way to go. A view of Lahaina on Friday. (Rick Bowmer/AP) It was only after we got past the windy cliffside section of the road and got cell service that we understood the severity of the situation we had just left, and the reality of devastation and the lives lost. Later we would learn that at least 80 people were dead from the wildfires one of the deadliest in history and that the toll is expected to rise. We knew it was an international news story when texts started to pour in from loved ones asking if we were safe. Kahului Airport was packed with people trying to get out, but most were calm and courteous. While we felt deep gratitude for being able to return home, our departure from Maui was mostly filled with sadness for the locals we were leaving behind, many who had lost family members, friends, homes and businesses. A search for a Georgia man who vanished in July resumed Saturday. Hart County Sheriff officials said they are looking for 36-year-old Douglas Cordell Barnes, who was last seen at his home in White County on July 19. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Authorities said on July 21, deputies located a gold Ford F150 sitting off the roadway, stuck in the mud at Providence Church Road and Knox Bridge Crossing, near I-85. After running the vehicle registration, deputies concluded that the vehicle belonged to Barnes. Deputies found no signs of Barnes near the vehicle. TRENDING STORIES: Barnes was last seen wearing jeans and a t-shirt. He is described as five feet eight inches tall and weighing 160 pounds. Authorities said a search for Barnes is being conducted at the Georgia State Patrol post located at 1529 Knox Road in Lavonia. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Barnes was also entered into the Texas EquuSearch database. Anyone with information regarding Barnes location is asked to call the Hart County Sheriffs Office at 706-376-3114. IN OTHER NEWS: GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy railed against climate-conscious business policy at an Iowa State Fair appearance Saturday. In an fireside chat with Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, Ramaswamy said that environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) business policies are among the grave threats to liberty, and said the climate change agenda is a hoax. Theyre using our money to implement social and environmental agendas through the backdoor. Through corporate America, Ramaswamy said. Using your retirement funds and your investment accounts to vote for racial equity audits or Scope 3 emissions caps that you didnt know they were using your money to do, and that Congress would have never passed through the front door. ESG has become a political punching bag for conservatives, who view it as corporations overreaching into the political space. The policies increase diverse hiring, reduce carbon emissions and manage how they invest their money with climate in mind. The Hill Elections 2024 coverage This is actually one of the grave threats to liberty today. Wherever you stand on climate change I think most of the climate change agenda is, Im just going to say it, is a hoax, Ramaswamy said. Im going to call that for what it is. The entrepreneur also claimed ESG is comparable to the back-rooms deals of Old World Europe, and called for more public debate on the topic. Wherever you stand on that, we should settle that through free space and open debate in the public square in a constitutional republic, he said. Thats the way we do things, post-1776, on this side of the Atlantic. Top Stories from The Hill Conservatives crusade against ESG has drawn ire from Democrats, who have called many of the follies a waste of time. Rep. Katie Porter (D-Calif.) called a House hearing over the issue the stupidest hearing Ive ever been to. Ramaswamys campaign has gained steam in recent months, rising from an unknown political figure to third in national polling averages passing former Vice President Mike Pence last month. A biotech entrepreneur from Ohio, Ramaswamy has garnered about 7 percent support in recent polls. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A chromatic estate thats shaded hot pink, turquoise and burnt orange sticks out as it rests on top of a scenic hill in a coveted neighborhood in Malibu, California. And good news its for sale. The five-bedroom, three-bathroom house is listed for $5.45 million and comes with two extra plots, one with 15 acres and one with about 2.5. The house itself sits on 7.7 acres and has the most remarkable views. Deer Creek is unique in that the views are unsurpassed, listing agent Kirby Kotler told Realtor.com. Deer Creek is the best part of Malibu. It has lesser crowds, better views, and larger parcels. The colors were chosen for the specific reason of sticking out in a crowd, Realtor reports, and while the exterior looks like a regal dollhouse, the inside is chic, modern and will make your jaw drop with its ocean views. Features in and around the 3,000-square-foot residence include: Chefs kitchen High ceilings Patios Porcelain tile floors Balconies Rooftop decks Office Jacuzzi Storage space The listing is held by Kolter, Bill Moss and Daniel Moss at Coldwell Banker and Chris Cortazzo at Compass. Equestrian ranch for sale offers seclusion and serenity in Washington. Take a look What people really mean when they say that Starmer should be bolder is that a 20-point lead in the opinion polls gives him scope to calibrate the balance between the size of his majority and the ambition of his manifesto (PA Wire) In the inward-looking debate that followed Labours defeat in 2010, one argument was especially dangerous: that it would have been better for Labour if John Smith had lived and won a smaller majority on a more left-wing platform in 1997. It was expressed in its purest form by Neal Lawson, a former adviser to Gordon Brown, who said that when Tony Blair won a landslide, the wrong people were voting Labour. This meant, he said, that the New Labour government was too afraid of offending the rich people who voted for it, and therefore it made no real change in the Thatcherite weather. There is a similar debate raging in Labour circles now: that Keir Starmer needs to make bolder promises, even at the cost of putting off a few potential voters, in order to win a mandate for radical change. Otherwise, the argument runs, Labour risks being just a continuation of the Conservative government with different faces. It is the same argument that lies behind many of the different disputes over Labour policy. It was particularly sharp over Starmers refusal to promise to lift the two-child limit on welfare benefits. What is the point of a Labour government, critics asked, if all it offered on child poverty was a cross-departmental cabinet committee? There was a reflex whiplash of it when Stephen Kinnock, the shadow immigration minister, this week said that a Labour government wouldnt dispense with barges for housing asylum-seekers straight away. It also lies behind the disquiet over Rachel Reeves, the shadow chancellor, ditching (sorry, I mean postponing) the 28bn-a-year green investment programme. And there is a flicker of it about the less well-reported tensions over deputy leader Angela Rayners employment rights policy. Usually, the argument is not explicit. Starmers critics tend not to say it would be better for Labour to win fewer votes in return for a more socialist manifesto. Indeed, they pretend that bolder policies would win more votes, which is why Lawson, chair of the Compass think-tank, performed such a public service in clarifying what is really at stake. What people really mean when they say that Starmer should be bolder, more radical or go big is that a 20-point lead in the opinion polls gives him scope to calibrate the balance between the size of his majority and the ambition of his manifesto. This is the same fallacy that inspires John Smith nostalgia: the belief that Blair overdid the reassurance of Tory middle England. It is dangerous because it is only possible to make the case in hindsight. After the 1997 election, it seemed likely that Labour would have won comfortably even if it hadnt made the compromises that Blair asked it to. But it wasnt obvious beforehand. One of the keys to understanding the 1997 election is that the opinion polls had been wrong at the previous election, and so nobody in the Labour Party took victory for granted. It was only afterward that the if only school of thought took hold mostly some time afterwards, when disappointment with Blairs foreign policy grew. If only Smith had lived, it was said, we would never have joined the US in invading Iraq. Well, who can say? And who can say that Smith would have won a second term and still been in government by then? Blairs view was always that what he called plain Labour could win once, but it needed a thoroughly modernised Labour Party to win and to keep on winning. All of which is an interesting academic debate about the New Labour period, but it is reckless to engage in such theoretics before an election now. Starmer is right to take no chances, and to treat a 20-point lead in the polls as a snare and a delusion. He will no doubt be circulating to all members of the shadow cabinet the analysis of postwar opinion polls by Ben Walker of the New Statesman, which showed that Harold Wilsons government nearly overcame an even bigger deficit in public opinion this far out from the 1970 election. Starmers ruthless focus on reassuring Tory middle England can often seem frustratingly uninspiring. Blair was able to overcome that problem by being young and charismatic, at a time when the state of the economy allowed optimism. Starmer has none of those advantages, but the approach remains correct. The Labour leader is right to ignore the siren voices of the Trades Union Congress, calling yesterday for a wealth tax on the richest 0.3 per cent of the population. It is only 0.3 per cent, says the TUC, calling its proposal modest. But John Smith thought the same about his plan to raise taxes on the top five per cent of incomes in 1992. The problem then and now is that such policies are seen as confiscatory rather than compensatory, and they narrow Labours appeal rather than broaden it. The weakness of John Smiths approach to politics was that he appeared to believe in the pendulum theory. He didnt believe you had to go out to win, one of the leading Blairite ministers of the period told me. If you just happened to occupy the post of leader of the Labour Party, your turn would come. The TUC is making the same mistake, imagining that Starmers turn has come, and all it has to do is to load him up with its favoured policies to see them delivered in government. But what it is really saying is that it thinks a 20-point opinion poll lead is big enough to allow it to take the risk of driving some voters away. If it were more honest, it would fall back on Neal Lawsons argument, that these are people that Labour doesnt want to have voting for the party anyway. That is not an argument that anyone should expect Starmer to take seriously. Washingtons oldest and largest wine maker is curbing its grape purchases and shifting fall crushing activities away from one of its most prominent labels. Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, based in Woodinville, confirmed it canceled contracts for 40% of its grape buys during a recent meeting with its growers at the Walter Clore Wine Center in Prosser west of the Tri-Cities. It also confirmed production of 14 Hands wines is moving from its Prosser winery during the 2023 harvest. This harvest our 14 Hands winemaking teams will be producing 14 Hands wines at our heritage Columbia Crest winery ... as we look to make the best use of our winemaking facilities, Lynda Eller, spokeswoman, told the Tri-City Herald. Our 14 Hands winery tasting room will remain open to welcome our customers and wine club members, she said. Bullish on 14 Hands Ste. Michelle emphasized its commitment to 14 Hands, the horsey-themed label that has grown into a prominent consumer brand since it was established in 2005 to make wines for restaurants. We are very bullish about the future of 14 Hands Winery, said the company. As Washingtons second largest premium wine brand, we are building upon our recent success with the launch our 14 Hands Unicorn wines and the addition of new experiences for visitors to our tasting room in Prosser. The winery and tasting room are at 660 Frontier Road, near Interstate 82 in Prosser. 14 Hands Winery in Prosser will not use their own facilities during the 2023 grape harvest, according the Ste. Michelle Wine Estates company officials. Instead, the 14 Hands team will make wine at Columbia Crest, a sister winery that is in Paterson. The 14 Hands tasting room, one of the busiest in the crowded Prosser market, will remain open to visitors. The move comes as Ste. Michelle, owned since 2021 by Sycamore Partners, a New York private equity firm, works to rebalance its business to meet less demand from young adults, price pressures and oversupply. Sycamore bought Ste. Michelle assets from Altria Group Inc., the tobacco giant, after Ste. Michelle wrote off millions in inventory losses amid a five-year downward trend attributed to a glut of wine and grapes. At the time, it produced an estimated 7.3 million cases annually. Younger drinkers The industry is still challenged by rising costs, aging customers, and dimming enthusiasm for wine among adults under age 60. Wine sales continued to slide in early 2023, according to Terrain, an agricultural economics research firm. In its most recently quarterly report, Terrain said the slump is affecting every aspect of the wine industry. 14 Hands Winery in Prosser will not use their own facilities during the 2023 grape harvest, according the Ste. Michelle Wine Estates company officials. Instead, the 14 Hands team will make wine at Columbia Crest, a sister winery that is in Paterson. The 14 Hands tasting room, one of the busiest in the crowded Prosser market, will remain open to visitors. Prosser Mayor Randy Taylor said it makes sense for Ste. Michelle to consolidate crush activities at Columbia Crest in Paterson, which is 30 miles south of Prosser. There wont be as many grapes to process. The big story is they cut everybodys contracts 40%, he said, but added the economic impact on Prosser should be minimal. 14 Hands Winery in Prosser will not use their own facilities during the 2023 grape harvest, according the Ste. Michelle Wine Estates company officials. Instead, the 14 Hands team will make wine at Columbia Crest, a sister winery that is in Paterson. The 14 Hands tasting room, one of the busiest in the crowded Prosser market, will remain open to visitors. As far as jobs in Prosser, those guys still have to be at the (14 Hands) winery because it is full of wine right now. Jean-Paul Estey, executive director of the Prosser Chamber of Commerce, was less concerned about where 14 Hands makes wine than he was about where wine enthusiasts can go to taste it. Estey said 14 Hands is one of the most asked-about tasting rooms in Prosser, among the 30 or so clustered in the city that markets itself as the birthplace of Washington wine. 14 Hands Winery in Prosser will not use their own facilities during the 2023 grape harvest, according the Ste. Michelle Wine Estates company officials. Instead, the 14 Hands team will make wine at Columbia Crest, a sister winery that is in Paterson. The 14 Hands tasting room, one of the busiest in the crowded Prosser market, will remain open to visitors. 2 million cases 14 Hands was established to make merlot, cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay for restaurants. It grew into a consumer brand and opened its tasting room in Prosser in its 10th year. The following year it shipped more than 2 million cases. Its parent, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, is easily the largest wine producer in the region, producing millions of cases a year under a variety of labels: Chateau Ste. Michelle, Columbia Crest, 14 Hands, Col Solare, Antinori, Erath and many more. Its scale eclipses all other wineries: 90% of Washingtons 1,000-plus wineries produce 5,000 cases or less, according to the Washington Wine Commission. The commission declined to talk about the cuts, calling Ste. Michelles recent moves a business matter best addressed to the company itself. Columbia Crest Winery near Paterson Sycamore has made several moves to balance its wine business. In 2022, Ste. Michelle executed its first acquisition under Sycamore when it bought A to Z Wineworks, an Oregon brand that gave it access to the states best-known offering, pinot noir. About the same time, Ste. Michelle confirmed it would consolidate operations in Eastern Washington where most of its grapes are grown and its red wines are produced. At the time, Eller cited logistics and fuel costs associated with ferrying grapes to its Woodinville facilities near Seattle. It even put its flagship property up for sale. Right moves Rob McMillan, executive vice president and founder of the Silicon Valley Bank wine division, now part of First Citizens Bank, has traced the economics of the wine industry for years. Columbia Crest fans are getting a say in the management of one acre of the Paterson winerys estate vineyard and in the wine made from that acre. McMillan said Sycamore is making the right moves with Ste. Michelle. They relocated and consolidated wine production to improve efficiency and sold some company assets, including their wineries in Napa. They had to shrink given the demand realities, but focusing entirely on the Pacific Northwest is a good sign, McMillan told the Herald. McMillan acknowledged that the companys move to cut grape contracts by 40% will be painful for vineyards. He predicts a happy ending. If Sycamore Partners can leverage their consumer branding and marketing expertise, the Washington wine and grape growing community could be pulled along in Chateau St Michelles wake, and that will signal another period of industry growth, he said. The grape quality is certainly there to pull it off, and its exciting to see what the future holds for this iconic winery. Sign Up: Boom Town Tri-Cities Stay up to date on Tri-Cities growth and development with our weekly business newsletter. Get the latest on restaurant and business openings and closings, plus the regions top housing and employment news. Click here to sign up. In your inbox every Wednesday. Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis is having a long, hot summer in his quest to catch up with former President Donald Trump in the polls. As a result the Florida governor hit the reset button again this week by replacing his campaign manager with his chief of staff, which is latest in a series of shakeups, such as cutting campaign staff after running low on cash. DeSantis is also mixing it up politically, whether on the trail against Trump or with foes at home. This week he again suspended a democratically elected Florida prosecutor, claiming her personal "political agenda" was interfering with her role in a move that has infuriated liberals in the state. And during an interview with NBC News he acknowledged Trump lost the 2020 presidential election. Of course he lost, DeSantis said. "Joe Bidens the president." Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis campaigns for the Republican presidential nomination on July 31, 2023, in Rochester, N.H. Trump's chief concern these days doesn't appear to be any of his political rivals catching up in the polls as much as his ongoing, and increasingly serious, legal troubles. We learned this week that Department of Justice special counsel Jack Smith, who is pursuing two criminal cases against Trump, obtained a search warrant for the former commander-in-chief's long-dormant Twitter account. Specifically the government looked for activity before and during the Jan. 6, 2021 attacks on the U.S. Capitol building. The courtroom drama is picking up in that case, which alleges Trump tried to steal the 2020 presidential election after the judge warned him against making "inflammatory" statements online. Democrats aren't all kumbaya either as Sen. Joe Manchin, of West Virginia, revealed that he is considering dumping the party to become an independent lawmaker. "The brand has become so bad," he said. Congress remains on break during its August recess, but when they come back President Joe Biden has a $21 billion favor he'd like lawmakers to do in the form of emergency military assistance and humanitarian support for Ukraine in its ongoing war with Russia. A similar aid package sailed through Congress the last time, but Biden should expect more pushback from House Republicans this time around. Outside of Washington voters in Ohio rejected an effort to make it harder to amend the state constitution ahead of a critical November ballot question on abortion rights. The side opposing the change, which was spearheaded by state Republicans, prevailed 57% to 43% with many taking the special election results as a bellwether for the rest of the country in the post-Roe era. The DeSantis reboot Gov. Ron DeSantis holds a press conference Aug. 9 in Tallahassee to announce that he has suspended State Attorney Monique Worrell. Ron DeSantis needs another do-over, and the conservative Florida governor started by ousting his presidential campaign manager in a move that he hopes will jumpstart his battle to be the GOP's top dog. James Uthmeier, who has served as chief of staff in the governor's office, will take over from Generra Peck, who led DeSantis's reelection campaign when it won by landslide last year. Within Florida circles Uthmeier is thought of as a close and trusted adviser, though he lacks campaign experience which the Trump team is eager to exploit. "SHAKEUP!" Jason Miller, a top Trump adviser, said via social media: "Is this DeSanctimonious Reboot 4.0?" DeSantis is also doing more mainstream media interviews too, where he is being pressed on his differences with Trump and his record of challenging Democratic opponents and liberal-leaning companies which some supports admit doesn't play well with national voters. What the guy did in Florida doesnt resonate well in America, Hugh Culverhouse, a DeSantis donor, told the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, which is part of the USA TODAY network. Trump deals with Twitter search warrants, protective orders MIAMI, FLORIDA - JUNE 09: (EDITORS NOTE: Image contains profanity.) Xavier Presley protests in front of the Wilkie D. Ferguson Jr. United States Federal Courthouse where former President Donald Trump may appear on June 09, 2023 in Miami, Florida. Trump is reported to have been indicted by a federal grand jury as part of special counsel Jack Smiths investigation into Trump's handling of classified documents. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775988595 ORIG FILE ID: 1497268579 Juggling a presidential campaign and multiple legal cases will be Donald Trump's life for at least the next several months, and this week underscores how dizzying that will be for voters and the country. For starters, the Justice Department obtained the search warrant in January that directed Twitter, now known as X, to produce data and records related to his @realDonaldTrump account as part of its investigation. A district court found probable cause to search the Twitter account for evidence of criminal offenses," according to the appeals court opinion. Beyond that revelation, U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, citing concerns about harassment and intimidation of witnesses, imposed a protective order against Trump, who continues to use this Truth Social account to slamsome say threatenpolitical and legal opponents. Chutkan said she will take whatever measures necessary to safeguard the integrity of the case, and scolded Trump's legal team, saying "your clients defense is supposed to happen in this courtroom, not on the Internet." Smith has requested that the judge set a trial date of Jan. 2, less than two weeks before the Iowa Caucuses. Ohio referendum a proxy war on coming abortion fight An abortion rights supporter protests in support of abortion rights near the Supreme Court of Ohio. The protest comes a day after a U.S. Supreme Court draft decision overturning Roe v. Wade was leaked. The 1973 landmark ruling protects a woman's right to choose to have an abortion. Ever since the U.S. Supreme Court handed down its watershed decision overturning Roe v. Wade last year, the country has seen multiple states tackle the question of reproductive rights through ballot initiatives. In 2022, there were six different ballot measures about abortion from California to Kansas, and the progressive side won each of those. Ohio faces that question in November when a constitutional amendment enshrining abortion rights will be on the ballot. But before that vote could happen the state GOP, led by Secretary of State Frank LaRose, introduced a plan to raise the needed votes to pass a new constitutional amendment to 60% instead of a simple 51% majority. That idea went down in flames this week by a convincing 14 percent margin as Buckeye State voters rejected the plan, which Democrats and their allies believe is a good sign for the fall referendum. Today, Ohio voters rejected an effort by Republican lawmakers and special interests to change the states constitutional amendment process. This measure was a blatant attempt to weaken voters voices and further erode the freedom of women to make their own health care President Biden (@POTUS) August 9, 2023 A USA TODAY Network/Suffolk University survey of Ohio voters released in July found 58% supported the amendment, which would guarantee access to reproductive services if passed. That includes a third of Republicans and 85% of independent women. Manchin dumping the Dems? President Joe Biden signs the Inflation Reduction Act, Democrats landmark climate change and health care bill, at the White House in August 2022. From left are Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va.; Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.; House Majority Whip Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C.; Rep. Frank Pallone, D-N.J.; and Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Fla. Joe Manchin has been flirting with the idea of breaking up with the Democratic Party for a minute now, and during a West Virginia radio appearance he explained why. The brand has become so bad," he said. "The D brand and R brand. In West Virginia, the D brand because its nationally bad. Its not the Democrats in West Virginia. Its the Democrats in Washington or the Washington policies of the Democrats." Manchin is one the most vulnerable Democrats up for reelection in 2024 despite his reputation as a more centrist lawmaker who has thwarted more liberal elements of the Biden administration's agenda. He hasn't announced if he's even running for another term, but he has talked up the possibility of running for president as an independent. Biden to Congress: Can you spare a few billion for Ukraine? US President Joe Biden (L) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky pose during an event with G7 leaders to announce a Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine during the NATO Summit in Vilnius on July 12, 2023. President Joe Biden has pledged to help Ukraine for as long as it takes to win the war against Russia, and he is asking for another huge amount of money to back up that promise. This time he wants more than $13 billion in emergency funding for military equipment and $8 billion for humanitarian support, which is part of a larger deal that also includes money for U.S. border security and disaster relief. Americans are beginning to sour on U.S. involvement with a CNN poll released this month showing 55% believe Congress should not dole out more money for Ukraine. That means a showdown with House Republicans, who have already expressed hesitance. "I don't see House conservatives getting behind a request like this," Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Florida, said. "There's going to be some domestic things that members are going to want to see occur before we even go back down this rabbit hole again." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Week in politics: Trump hit with Twitter search warrant, protective order European officials took some small comfort when China attended a summit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, last weekend. The meeting aimed to find a peaceful solution to the conflict in Ukraine. While Beijing didnt budge from its stated position of impartiality, Chinas mere presence at a meeting to which Russia says it was not invited has, some sources claim, sent a message to the international community that its not willing openly to pick Russias side against the West. It might be a very small victory, but in the diplomatic world of zero-sum games, Russian President Vladimir Putin not getting exactly what he wants is something to celebrate. We never expected China to move fully to the Western position, but supporting this meeting will be a major disappointment to Russia, a senior EU official told CNN. From our point of view, China is visibly engaging with the West, talking to the Ukrainians, and pushing back on Russia. We really welcome that, the official said. Multiple European sources have echoed this view. However, while Chinas engagement with the international community might be a blow for Russia, its still being viewed with suspicion by Western allies, not least because of the continued economic, diplomatic and security ties the countries share. Despite the optics of its delegations attendance in Jeddah, Beijing has not appeared to scale back ties with Russia. Its top diplomat, Wang Yi, called his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov a day after the Jeddah talks concluded, reiterating Beijings impartiality in the conflict. Representatives from China, the US and Saudi Arabia attend talks intended to make progress towards a peaceful end to Russia's war in Ukraine, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, last weekend. - Saudi Press Agency/Reuters The two countries militaries have continued joint exercises throughout the war, including a naval patrol off the coast of Alaska last week. Putin is also expected to visit China in October, according to Russia media, after being invited by Chinas Xi Jinping in March. The same senior EU official acknowledged that there is little incentive in China for the war to stop outside of Beijings external relations with economic partners. From their perspective, its biggest rival, the US, is distracted and Russia has become even more of a junior partner. The only downside is how it makes others think about China. Its no secret that Chinas relationship with Europe has become tetchy. That, officials say, is bad for Chinese leaders who see European nations as up for grabs in the battle for global dominance between Beijing and Washington. Its also no secret that Chinas close ties with Russia and failure to condemn Moscows full-scale invasion have made a number of European countries, especially those geographically close to Russia, uncomfortable and led to a rethink in what Europes relationship with China should be. Chinas key objective is to maintain ambiguity in the European position, so they dont go as far as the US would like, a European security source told CNN. Maintaining economic links makes it harder for hawks to pull Europe away from China. We suspect Jeddah is a reaction to Russia pushing Europe closer to the US. China will feel they need to re-engage on Ukraine. Alicja Bachulska, a policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, agrees: Chinas current activities are definitely about damage control in terms of PR. China is sitting on the fence and it will continue doing so until it can. Attending this kind of meeting, especially if Russia is not involved, fits very much into this strategy. It makes good headlines for all those who still believe, quite naively in my view, that China can make a difference. In short, China coming to the table hasnt moved the dial in Brussels on what is arguably the EUs most complicated but important international relationship. Multiple officials explained to CNN that the relationship with China is in a sort of stasis that tries to balance what Europe needs versus what Europe wants. Europe still imports vastly more from China than it exports, a reflection of the level of dependency it has on China. In 2022, the trade deficit was 396bn ($436 billion), more than double that of 2020. However, this has happened against the backdrop of Europe cooling on signing official treaties and agreements. The Comprehensive Agreement on Investment, negotiated for nearly a decade before being agreed in principle, is on ice because China has sanctioned Members of the European Parliament for criticizing Chinas human rights record. Europe has also changed its official view of China, acknowledging in 2019 that Beijing is a systemic rival. Since 2019, Brussels has undertaken specific policy initiatives that deliberately aim to challenge Chinas dominance in Eurasia. An EU official told CNN that Brussels has not solidified its position yet on China. A statement like Jeddah is definitely welcome, but its not a game changer. We wanted China to do something like this since the start of the war. The official explained that even positive steps like this are ultimately weighed against other behaviors, such as Beijings respect for human rights, its threatening stance toward Taiwan and alleged state-sponsored corporate espionage. In that respect, Chinas action or inaction on Ukraine is just another lens through which Brussels can view its various gripes against Beijing. This dual reality, Europe needing China for some things but deeming it a security risk and nefarious actor on the world stage, is what makes all this such a headache. Indeed, even with relations as tricky as they are, China has welcomed the leaders of France, Germany, Spain and even the European Commission president herself, Ursula von der Leyen, in recent months. Chinese President Xi Jinping and France's President Emmanuel Macron meet at the Guandong province governor's residence, in Guangzhou, China, on April 7, 2023. - Jacques Witt/Reuters Brussels has set itself ambitious objectives in areas like climate change, leading the way on new technologies and having an independent foreign policy. The EU didnt want to pick between the two main powers of the East and West, so opted for a third way where the US remained its primary partner, but it would deepen economic ties to China. In doing so, it hoped it could encourage China to fall in line with European thinking on climate change, the rules-based international order and human rights, among other things. In 2023, European officials know that China represents a major security concern and that becoming overly dependent on China is a risk. But they also accept that if theyre to achieve their lofty aims, they might need Chinas help. The big dependencies of the future will be things like cheap electric vehicles, solar panels, steel for wind farms. These are things that China can produce cheaply and already has a head-start in terms of becoming a major provider for the international market, says Sam Goodman, from the China Strategic Risks Institute. Goodman also notes that Europes current economic outlook could leave smaller states susceptible to the lure of Chinese money in terms of big infrastructure projects. China has historically been keen to buy up or heavily invest in European infrastructure projects, be they nuclear power stations, roads or water companies, he said. European nations have cooled on this lately, but it might be tempting for countries struggling economically to take some money as a quick-fix. The security concerns officials have repeatedly flagged are wide-ranging. Senior EU security sources have told CNN that China is still a primary source of cyberattacks, most focused on corporate espionage. Others say that Europe doesnt want to end up in the same position it did with Russia in terms of relying on one provider so heavily for energy or other resources, especially in the event China becomes even more forceful in its own backyard and goes from systemic rival to full-blown international pariah, as seen with Putins Moscow. Between these fears over security, Europes international ambitions and Chinas global ambitions, it might seem hard to pin down exactly what either side want from their future relationship. I dont think that China yet sees Europe as a lost cause. It hopes it can still turn the heads of enough European countries that it can stop America running away in the battle over new technology, says Charles Parton, former first counsellor to the EU delegation in Beijing. They have lost on things like Huawei recently and will be desperate to remain competitive on semiconductors, AI, all the things that will matter a lot in the coming years, he adds. For Europe, its more complicated. Officials say Brussels is committed to walking the narrow path of the US remaining its closest ally while resisting Washingtons calls to completely disengage with China. It will achieve its global aims without becoming overly dependent on China, they say, while simultaneously working with China on some of the most important issues facing the world today. Its an ambitious approach, but one leaves much of its own future in the hands of fate. Or at the very least, in the hands of a country that has been downgraded as a partner to Europe so significantly in the past decade. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Whatcom County will continue to have an elected sheriff for the immediate future after the County Council scuttled a request to consider making it an appointed position. Councilman Todd Donovan submitted a resolution that could have led to a ballot initiative to amend the Whatcom County charter its constitution and make the sheriff a department head under the executive branch. But Donovans proposal never made it to the discussion stage as the County Council rejected it for introduction Tuesday by a vote of 4-2-1, tabling the issue indefinitely. I believe strongly that we should have an elected sheriff. Its not just tradition but its democracy, council Chairman Barry Buchanan said during the meeting. Donovan and Councilwoman Carol Frazey voted against tabling the measure and Councilwoman Kaylee Galloway abstained. I think its an important discussion to have as a government issue, Donovan told The Bellingham Herald in a phone interview. He said he wanted to start a conversation about the issue now, as Sheriff Bill Elfo is set to leave office, so that the discussion would be about the office and not the person. Whatcom County Sheriff Bill Elfo is seen in the file photo from 2017. But Elfo, who been sheriff for two decades, called it political maneuvering to consolidate power and control in an address to the council on Tuesday. He expressed his gratitude for the vote in a phone interview with The Herald. I think its a vote of confidence not to me personally but to the men and women who are out there every day, doing their job, he said. As sheriff, Elfo oversees a department of 212 total positions and a 2023 budget of $21.6 million. That includes 95 law-enforcement officers and 78 corrections officers. The Sheriffs Office runs the Whatcom County Jail and the Division of Emergency Management. Sheriffs deputies patrol all of the unincorporated parts of the county. Elfo himself was appointed by the County Council in 2003 to replace Dale Brandland when Brandland was elected to the state Senate. Whatcom County Councilman Todd Donovan is shown on the council dias in chambers at the Whatcom County Courthouse in July 2022. He has faced the voters five times since then, three times running unopposed and twice winning by wide margins. Donovan said he supported Elfos run in 2019, when Elfo beat civic activist Joy Gilfilen, who was not a sworn law-enforcement officer. He said it wasnt about party, because county offices are nonpartisan, even though Donovan is a Democrat and Elfo is a Republican. There are sheriffs in Washington state who have said they wouldnt enforce gun regulations. What if we get somebody like that? Donovan told The Herald. Those are problems with an elected sheriff that we should talk about, Donovan said. That constitutional sheriff movement has grown in Washington state over the past several years, but Elfo never said he would not follow state law, even though hes been a vocal critic of a series of state measures aimed at police reform. An elected sheriff is the norm Most U.S. cities have a police chief who is hired, usually by a mayor or city manager, and it sometimes requires the consent of a city council. But in Whatcom County, and in most counties around the U.S., the sheriff is an elected position, along with the assessor, auditor, prosecuting attorney and treasurer. Those officials can hire and train their own staff using county resources, but they must seek budget approval through the County Council. Whatcom County has been electing those positions since voters adopted a home rule charter in 1978. A Charter Review Commission is elected to study proposed changes every 10 years, and the next review is due in 2025. Donovan said that a discussion could have been less contentious now, before a new sheriff is elected in November. When is the best time to have this discussion except right now? Its an important discussion to have, he told The Herald. A child eats food bought from a food truck during the Richmond Fusion Fest in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada, Aug. 11, 2023. The Richmond Fusion Fest is a food truck festival featuring more than 20 food trucks that provide various kinds of street food. The event runs from Aug.11 to 13. (Photo by Liang Sen/Xinhua) A food truck vendor prepares food for his customer during the Richmond Fusion Fest in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada, Aug. 11, 2023. The Richmond Fusion Fest is a food truck festival featuring more than 20 food trucks that provide various kinds of street food. The event runs from Aug.11 to 13. (Photo by Liang Sen/Xinhua) Food trucks are seen during the Richmond Fusion Fest in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada, Aug. 11, 2023. The Richmond Fusion Fest is a food truck festival featuring more than 20 food trucks that provide various kinds of street food. The event runs from Aug.11 to 13. (Photo by Liang Sen/Xinhua) People visit the Richmond Fusion Fest in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada, Aug. 11, 2023. The Richmond Fusion Fest is a food truck festival featuring more than 20 food trucks that provide various kinds of street food. The event runs from Aug.11 to 13. (Photo by Liang Sen/Xinhua) A customer buys food at a food truck during the Richmond Fusion Fest in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada, Aug. 11, 2023. The Richmond Fusion Fest is a food truck festival featuring more than 20 food trucks that provide various kinds of street food. The event runs from Aug.11 to 13. (Photo by Liang Sen/Xinhua) A customer looks at the food menu outside a food truck during the Richmond Fusion Fest in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada, Aug. 11, 2023. The Richmond Fusion Fest is a food truck festival featuring more than 20 food trucks that provide various kinds of street food. The event runs from Aug.11 to 13. (Photo by Liang Sen/Xinhua) The White House said on Aug. 11 the United States is certainly open to training Ukrainian F-16 pilots on U.S. soil. However, this process might take some time. White House spokesperson John Kirby, speaking to reporters, said it's going to be a while before the jets can show up in Ukraine, and for them to be integrated into the air fleet. On Aug. 9, the Pentagon confirmed that U.S. President Joe Biden "has given the green light" to allow and support the training of Ukrainian pilots to fly F-16 fighter jets. The reason we're doing this is part of a longer, broader effort to make sure that we are continuing to improve Ukrainian self-defense and military capabilities for the long term, Kirby told the press. In addition to transferring planes and training pilots, Ukrainian allies also had to set up "all the maintenance logistics and sustainment efforts that go into having modern aircraft like the F-16 in your fleet." The Washington Post reported earlier that first Ukrainian pilots to undergo F-16 jet fighter training will not be ready to fly them until summer 2024, according to Ukrainian government and military officials. Only six pilots, which is about half a squadron, will undergo the first round of training, two unnamed Ukrainian officials reportedly said. Two more pilots have been identified as reserve candidates, the Washington Post reported. Read also: ISW: Ukrainian forces make significant advances in western Zaporizhzhia Oblast amid continued counteroffensive Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Candles and flowers are placed at the scene of the fatal shooting in Irvine, near Athel Avenue and Sego Street. (Grace Toohey / Los Angeles Times) When Yubi Kim left his Irvine home on Aug. 3, nothing seemed out of the ordinary in his quiet corner of one of the nation's safest cities. It was only later he learned that, just down the block, a 19-year-old man had been gunned down in broad daylight. It was really scary because I heard the incident happened around 12:30 [p.m.], and I left around 12," he said. "I dont know if I drove by them. The ambush, which authorities allege was premeditated and stemmed from a drug dispute, left the victim's family mourning after a "senseless act of violence" and residents grappling with unfamiliar pangs of uneasiness in a community long renowned for its safety. I do feel like it is still a safe place to live, and Im trying to remind myself this was a very targeted situation and no one who actually lives here was being targeted," said Tracy Jorgenson, 36, who also lives in the neighborhood where the shooting occurred. "Weve just all had the question of, like, why here? According to Irvine police officials, on Aug. 3, a woman baited Nicholas Alistair Neaimi-Pour into her car on Athel Avenue, a well-groomed street lined with single-family homes. Once Neaimi-Pour got into the passenger side of the car, two other suspects one armed pulled up alongside the vehicle and opened fire, authorities allege. Neaimi-Pour, a Costa Mesa resident, later died at a hospital. Jorgenson called 911 after hearing pleas for help from a nearby street, not realizing what had happened until minutes later when she saw a man who was trying to help Neaimi-Pour covered in blood. Read more: Irvine police arrest assault suspect caught on video near UC Irvine My mind was kind of racing: 'Is there a gun still out there, is this man a shooter, is there a shooter nearby?' she said, thinking about the safety of her young children. The panic of the day continues to flood her memory as visitors stop by a makeshift memorial at the scene of the shooting, marked by a row of candles, a photo and some wilting roses. "We're definitely upping our security," Jorgenson said, echoing many of her neighbors' plans to invest in cameras. It's just very unexpected. It kind of puts into perspective that anything could happen at any time. It's not clear why the quiet neighborhood, just blocks from College Park Elementary, was chosen for the ambush, said Irvine Police Department spokesperson Sgt. Karie Davies, adding that three suspects have been arrested. Authorities identified them as Jayden Browndorf, 21, of Irvine; Noah Farmer, 22, of Tustin; and Hailey Angelique Rangel, 20, of Lake Elsinore. "They didnt have any connection to this actual neighborhood, but we know that Browndorf lived over the wall from where this happened," Davies said. Browndorf and Farmer, whom Davies described as girlfriend and boyfriend, were arrested the day after the shooting. Browndorf is accused of luring Neaimi-Pour to her vehicle, and Farmer is the alleged gunman, according to police. Rangel, who Davies said was an acquaintance of the couple, was arrested days later. She is accused of driving Farmer to the location and waiting nearby until Neaimi-Pour arrived. All three remain in custody without bail. It wasn't clear if Neaimi-Pour knew the three, but Davies said it appears they ran in the same circles and that the shooting followed a dispute over drugs. Mayor Farrah Khan sent her condolences to the family of Neaimi-Pour. She called the violence in the case chilling and said she was especially shaken by how young everyone involved was. "We just lost a 19-year-old life," Khan said. "And then to see the three suspects arrested being in their early 20s, they pretty much ruined the rest of their lives. Read more: Irvine man arrested on suspicion of homicide after dad's body found in home they shared According to the criminal complaint filed by the Orange County district attorney's office, the three suspects worked to "conspire together and with another person, whose identity is unknown," but Davies said there are no outstanding suspects. A spokesperson for the district attorney's office did not respond to questions about a potential fourth suspect. Neaimi-Pour's family declined to speak with The Times this week, asking for privacy as they plan his funeral. But his father wrote on Facebook that they are still trying to process the loss. "Sadly, his life was taken by a senseless act of violence," Ali Neaimi Pour wrote. "Words cannot explain how much we will miss him. ... Thank you to everyone who was a good friend to Nick. We are forever grateful for the impact you made on his life." While homicides are not unheard of in Irvine, Davies called such a killing "pretty rare." She said their detectives usually handle one or two a year. FBI statistics from 2021 the most recent year available show only two homicides in Irvine, a city of about 300,000. Irvine's violent crime rate of 71 per 100,000 people was the lowest that year of any U.S. city with at least 250,000 residents, marking the 17th consecutive year the city notched that distinction, according to data from city officials. Such crimes include homicide, rape, aggravated assault, robbery, burglary, arson, certain theft cases and human trafficking. Read more: Orange County's big shift: Older cities lose population as Irvine, south county boom Crime statistics haven't been released since 2021, but information put out by Irvine police show only a few other more recent killings. One thing I am confident in saying: The city of Irvine is still an incredibly safe community," said Khan, Irvine's mayor. With isolated incidents like this, we never know when or where they might occur, but we know our police chief, Michael Kent, and our officers are committed to maintaining the high standards that our community expects. Multiple neighbors said they appreciated how quickly police responded to the shooting and made arrests. We dont have control over when incidents like this occur, but we do have control over what we do next," Khan said. Police leaders are working to increase enforcement efforts since the shooting, presenting at a council meeting this week plans to add security cameras at parks and community centers, as well as expanding Irvine's pilot real-time crime center, which embeds crime analysis staff in the emergency communications center. Were taking the next steps to go even beyond what weve already accomplished in our city, Khan said. Its always about letting people know whats going on, what were doing and how were going to continue being the safest city. 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. President Donald Trump holds a Bible in front of a church in Washington on June 1, 2020, amid protests over racial inequality in the U.S. President Donald Trump holds a Bible in front of a church in Washington on June 1, 2020, amid protests over racial inequality in the U.S. WASHINGTON Donald Trump attempted a violent coup to remain in power the last time he was president, so why would he step down at the end of his term if hes elected a second time, particularly knowing that prison may await him once he leaves office? To a range of increasingly alarmed authoritarianism scholars and Republican officials and consultants, the answer is simple: He will never leave willingly. The signs are all there that he would not leave voluntarily, said Heather Cox Richardson, a history professor at Boston College. After all, he did his best to stay in office in 2021, sparking an insurrection to do it, and he has vowed to use the power of the presidency more forcefully in a possible second term. David Jolly, a former Republican congressman from Florida, which is now Trumps home state, agreed that a second Trump term could mean the end of American democracy as it has existed for 236 years. If Trump gets reelected, all bets are off on the Constitution surviving the tests hell throw at it, he said. His movement would support anything he tries, regardless of constitutional provisions. Trump is so unpredictable that anything could happen. Literally anything, said GOP pollster Frank Luntz, who added that Trumps hold on his base of supporters today is even stronger and more intense than it was in 2016. Trumps campaign staff did not respond to multiple queries about whether he would honor the constitutionally prescribed end of his second and final term, but his statements through the years suggest that he does not see the Constitution as necessarily binding. As the 2020 election approached, Trump repeatedly suggested that he was owed a third term, because so much of his first was consumed with a Justice Department investigation into his campaigns coordination with Russia to help him win in 2016. And as Election Day grew closer and he lagged far behind Democrat Joe Biden in the polls, Trump floated a postponement of the vote because of the coronavirus pandemic an idea quickly shot down by then-Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. More recently, while repeating his lie that the 2020 election had been stolen from him, Trump last year called for the termination of all rules, regulations, and articles, even those found in the Constitution, so he could be immediately reinstated as president. Despite this, many if not most Republicans even those who dislike Trump and think he betrayed his oath with his actions leading up to and on Jan. 6, 2021, when a mob he had incited attacked the U.S. Capitol to keep him in power believe that those who worry about a second Trump term morphing into a dictatorship are catastrophizing. While he can damage the wheels of democracy, I dont know that he can break them, said Oscar Brock, a Republican National Committee member from Tennessee. David Kochel, a Republican consultant in Iowa with decades of experience, said what Trump may want and what Trump can get are two entirely different things. It wouldnt matter what he did. The Constitution is what it is, Kochel said. The military swears an oath to defend it, not the president. No chance he stays longer than the constitutionally allowed term. Those arguments, though, echo the ones Republicans made after Trump lost the Nov. 3, 2020, election, when the GOP establishment largely humored Trumps lies about fraud on the theory that there was nothing he could do to stop Bidens inauguration. Instead, Trump actively used the threat of violence, and then actual violence in the Jan. 6 insurrection, to try to coerce then-Vice President Mike Pence and lawmakers into giving him a second term in office. About 140 police officers were injured by Trumps mob, and five ended up dying. Gail Helt, who watched for signs of democratic decay abroad as a CIA analyst and now runs the Security and Intelligence Studies program at King University in Tennessee, said too many Americans continue to assume that rules, norms and even laws would protect the nation, when Trump cheerfully ran roughshod over them during his first term. We have to stop applying norms to Trump and expecting he will abide by them, she said. We have to get that through our heads. Four more years of Trump will be our undoing. Learning The Powers Of The Presidency Trumps authoritarian tendencies go back decades, but were not particularly noteworthy coming from a New York City real estate developer or, later, a television game show host. In 1990, following the brutal crackdown of protests in Beijing, Trump said: When the students poured into Tiananmen Square, the Chinese government almost blew it. Then they were vicious, they were horrible, but they put it down with strength. That shows you the power of strength. As he began campaigning for president in 2015, his rhetoric began to grow more ominous. He proposed rounding up every undocumented immigrant in the United States for deportation and banning the entry of all Muslims into the country. He also continued his public admiration for murderous dictators like Russias Vladimir Putin, even calling him a better leader than U.S. President Barack Obama. In 2016, Trump professed respect for North Koreas Kim Jong Un for killing his uncle and others as a way to consolidate power. Its incredible. He wiped out the uncle. He wiped out this one, that one, Trump said. After winning the presidency later that year, Trump moderated his tone somewhat, and focused on bringing people into his administration he believed would win him respect. He recruited, for example, former Marine Corps Gen. James Mattis for defense secretary, Marine Corps Gen. John Kelly to run the Department of Homeland Security, and ExxonMobil chairman Rex Tillerson as secretary of state. Yet almost without exception, these well-regarded leaders wound up leaving after clashes with Trump, and the former president now attacks them personally as part of the swamp or the deep state that was supposedly always out to thwart him. As Trumps term progressed, more and more of his original staff departed, to be replaced by those whose primary qualification appeared to be personal loyalty to him. By the final months, many of those in key roles had the acting qualifier in their titles meaning they had not been confirmed to their jobs by the Senate. The former president didnt fully come to understand his powers or to abuse them until the very end of his term, said Norm Eisen, a lawyer in Obamas White House who later worked on the first impeachment of Trump for extorting Ukraine. Necessity is the mother of invention, and that includes autocracy. Trump learned from the mistakes of relying on institutionalist and deep state puppets who refused to adhere to his will when he required them to, added Michael Steele, a former RNC chairman. He will not make that mistake again. Making Fascism Great Again Another mistake Trump will likely learn from was neglecting to fill the upper echelons of the military and the intelligence services with devoted acolytes. On June 1, 2020, when Trump exhibited his most authoritarian display to date by ordering the violent clearing of Lafayette Square across Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House so that he could walk to a nearby church to be photographed holding a Bible, he was accompanied by Joint Chiefs Chair Mark Milley and Defense Secretary Mark Esper. Both men within days apologized for their presence, calling it inappropriate. Trump and his top aides were incensed by what they considered disloyalty, which came on top of the militarys refusal to take part in crackdowns on protests across the United States in response to the murder of a Black man by police in Minneapolis. Those statements and positions, Boston Colleges Richardson believes, were critical seven months later, when Trump understood that he could not depend on the military to back his coup attempt. The resistance of the military to Trumps demands three years ago, during the June 2020 crisis, was so crucially important, she said. To this day, Trump and his allies disparage Milley, Esper and other top military leaders as disloyal which all but guarantees that Trump, should he return to the White House, will work hard to have loyalists in those and other key positions by 2028, Steele and others said. His test for leadership in the administration and federal agencies will be pure fealty, likely people akin to the lawyers he surrounded himself with in the run-up to Jan. 6, Jolly said. Yet regardless of what Trump may want come the end of his term, said former Trump White House lawyer Steven Groves, he would face an obstacle that did not exist for him in 2020: a Republican presidential primary that will produce a 2028 nominee. If that person were to beat the Democratic nominee, there would be a Republican president-elect waiting to take the oath of office on Jan. 20, 2029, who would also have Secret Service protection and the almost certain backing of the Supreme Courts chief justice. There would have been an entire election process that will have happened, Groves said, adding that the oath of office would go forward, and the new president would have the right to take control of the White House. Once that motorcade rolls up Pennsylvania Avenue, theres only one president at a time. To avoid that, Trump in 2027 would have to put himself forward as a candidate for the GOP nomination, which would bring all manner of legal challenges citing the Constitutions limit of two terms, Groves said. Others who believe Trump cannot seriously damage American democracy point to laws requiring, for example, that Trumps top appointments be approved by the Senate, which would prevent him from bypassing Congress and simply labeling every top official acting from the get-go. But such a process- and rules-oriented faith in the system is misplaced when it comes to Trump, say those warning about a second term, because hes shown that he doesnt care about norms, rules or laws. I have an Article 2, where I have the right to do whatever I want as president, he boasted to supporters in 2019. Whats more, Republicans in Congress who currently control the House and may well control the Senate, too, in 2025 have to date shown little inclination to challenge Trump, who retains a powerful hold over a large swath of the GOP voting base. The 2020 impeachment of Trump for extorting Ukraine got just a single Republican vote in Congress, while his second impeachment, carried out just days after his followers had overrun the Capitol, received precisely 17 GOP votes. And this time, Trump could have a much stronger incentive to not leave office. Although as president he would almost certainly be able to end any federal prosecution against himself, he would not have that power over criminal cases against him in New York and Georgia, the latter of which could potentially bring him decades in prison. They warn that if Trump has had four years to purge those loyal to the Constitution out of government including the upper ranks of the military, the Justice Department, the Secret Service and the intelligence community and replaced them with those primarily loyal to him, then there will be no realistic way of forcing him to leave the White House when his term is up. He will be attempting to appoint collaborators, Eisen said. If Donald Trump is elected president in 2024, there is literally no predicting the future of representative democracy in America. The one thing we can be sure of, if past is prologue, is that there is no length to which he would not go to remain in power, including attempting to delay or cancel the 2028 election altogether, said Mac Stipanovich, a longtime Republican consultant in Florida. The man is a no-kidding existential menace to the republic. NEW YORK An attorney for the families of two Gilgo Beach murder victims accused the wife of alleged serial killer Rex Heuermann of involvement in the newly uncovered Long Island murders but her lawyers denied any link to the heinous killings. Its part of one large criminal enterprise, said the families lawyer John Ray on a day of dueling news conferences outside the Central Islip federal courthouse. She should be considered a suspect and not just a bystander or someone whos been victimized by her husband. Robert Macedonio, attorney for Heuermann spouse Asa Ellerup, dismissed the allegations out of hand at his own media appearance. Let me reiterate: Asa or the children are not suspects, said Macedonio. I think the DAs office made that clear. They stated on numerous occasions they were out of the jurisdiction when these alleged crimes took place. But Ray said he had a credible witness who could confirm Ellerup was inside the Massapequa Park residence when her husband brought sex workers to their home, although the witness, a woman, has refused to speak publicly. Ellerup was there, he insisted. And she therefore is part of the conspiracy, and that conspiracy of bringing sex workers into the home led to the deaths. Long Island officials have not identified Ellerup, her son or her daughter as suspects in the serial killings. The wife had previously said she was suffering from depression and trauma after her spouses arrest. Earlier Friday, attorneys for the spouse said she was battling cancer and added the family had filed a notice of claim over damages to their home caused by investigators as they scoured the residence for evidence over 12 days. A notice of claim is a prelude to filing a lawsuit against a government agency. Macedonio said Ellerup has not visited Heuermann since his July 13 arrest. The suspect is being held without bail in three of the killings occurring from 2009 to 2010. According to her attorney, Ellerup suffers from breast cancer and skin cancer and is currently under treatment expected to last 12 to 18 months. On Wednesday, a Suffolk County judge ordered Heuermann to turn over a DNA sample as the prosecutors gathered evidence in the case. Relatives of victims Jessica Taylor and Shannon Gilbert expressed their dismay with efforts to raise funds for Ellerup and her family via a GoFundMe page set up by Melissa Moore, the daughter of the man dubbed the Happy Face Killer, who is serving life in prison and is believed to have killed at least eight women across the U.S. in the 1990s. Shannon Gilberts sister Sherre Gilbert said she and a lot of the victims families feel its disgusting, because we were never given that much support when our loved ones went missing. I dont know about you guys, but Ive never heard of a murder victims family getting $45,000 (in donations), Gilbert said via speakerphone. Ray read a statement from a relative of Taylor, who said she was disturbed to see how this family has remained in the spotlight since the arrest. _____ What started as a fun, relaxing evening of inner tubing down the Jefferson River turned into a traumatic experience for Jen Royce and her two friends after they were attacked by an otter. All three women received treatment for their injuries, some of which were more serious than others. Royce recounted the incident in a Facebook post where she called the otter vicious and relentless as it left her with more stitches than she could count. CNN has received permission from Royce to use the information in the post. The three women were in the middle of a wide stretch of the river on Wednesday evening when the otter appeared behind one of them and attacked, Royce explained. I didnt even get a chance to get the words, There is an otter behind you, out of me before it attacked her, Royce said. Royces face, arms, ears, hands, legs and ankle were all bit by the otter as it attacked for about five minutes. When Royce attempted to kick the otter off her friends, it continued to attack her elsewhere on her body. Eventually the three women managed to get to shore, in different areas, and the otter swam away. Without ANY exaggeration, Gods honest truth, I did not think I was going to make it out of that river, Royce wrote, I had no clue if my friends were going to make it out. But by the grace of God we did. The otter bit Royce on her face, ears, arms and legs, leaving her with more stitches than she could count - Jen Royce Between the three of them, they had one phone and they were able to call 911 using SOS mode, but it was difficult to locate them as they were in such a remote area of the river, which flows through a portion of southwestern Montana, east of Butte. I was covered in blood and it just kept pouring out of my face and nose. It was cold. We were wet. It was dark, Royce said. A little less than hour later, Royce says they saw the red and blue lights approaching the area, but it was not close enough to them to make contact. One of the women made the tough decision to leave the other two and run more than two miles to meet the rescue team, Royce said. At that point, Royce says she was extremely faint and didnt know what was happening. She told her friend that she loved her and to watch over her kids as she didnt think she would wake up if she closed her eyes. In an attempt to stay awake, Royce says she focused on the weeds in front of her and counted backwards from 99 to refocus her mind and remain calm. When rescue teams finally reached them, Royce says she was overcome with emotion. I cannot explain how seeing those lights felt. I was hopeful again. They found us. THEY FOUND US. We werent alone anymore, she said. Royce was flown to a local hospital by a helicopter while the other two were treated on scene. They were eventually brought to the hospital later for further treatment. All three women received multiple doses of rabies vaccine and were treated. Royce was stitched up in multiple areas and underwent surgery on her face and ears. I am lucky, and I am grateful, and I am alive, she added. In an updated post, a week after the incident, Royce wrote she has returned home and her wounds are healing well, with no sign of infection so far. The Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has posted signs at various recreational fishing sites advising people of otter activity in the area. While attacks from otters are rare, otters can be protective of themselves and their young, especially at close distances, Montana FWP said. They give birth to their young in April and can later be seen with their young in the water during the summer. They may also be protective of food resources, especially when those resources are scarce. CNNs Macie Goldfarb contributed to this story. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The Oklahoma City Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting that took place Thursday evening in southwest Oklahoma City. The victim, identified as 30-year-old Maria Bunner, was pronounced dead after being transported to OU Medical Center. According to a police news release, the shooting occurred at the intersection of Southwest 25th Street and South Broadway Avenue. No suspects have been identified. Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information about the shooting to call the homicide tip-line at (405)297-1200. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma City police investigate fatal shooting of woman Erin Honeycutt broke the world record for the longest female beard. Courtesy of the Guinness World Records. A Michigan woman living with PCOS broke the Guinness World Record for the longest female beard. Erin Honeycutt, 38, grew a beard that measured 11.8 inches. She said she's been embarrassed about her facial hair since it began growing at age 13. A woman with polycystic ovary syndrome just broke a world record for the longest female beard. Erin Honeycutt, a 38-year-old from Michigan, has been growing her 11.8-inch beard for about two years, according to a press release from Guinness World Records. Honeycutt lives with PCOS, which causes hormone imbalances that can lead to hair growth on the face in women and other symptoms. She began growing facial hair at age 13 and spent years shaving and waxing before her wife encouraged her to grow a beard during the COVID-19 lockdown, according to the press release. "It really gave me a chance to build my confidence in growing a beard," Honeycutt says in the press release. "Wearing masks really helped with building my confidence in going out in public." Honeycutt doesn't take supplements or hormones, so her beard is natural. The previous record for the longest female beard was held by 75-year-old Vivian Wheeler, who grew a 10.04-inch beard, according to Guinness World Records. "I never thought that I would be able to attain or achieve a goal that would let me be in a book, and it's just kind of a nice thing to be recognized for, even though it's just something that happens naturally for me," Honeycutt said. Read the original article on Insider Police Friday said they knocked down a door on Dorchester Street to arrest a wanted man after the residents of a third-floor apartment that he allegedly climbed into refused to let them inside. WORCESTER - Police Friday said they knocked down a door on Dorchester Street to arrest a wanted man after the residents of a third-floor apartment that he allegedly climbed into refused to let them inside. The man, 32-year-old Jarrell Grayson, was arrested on warrants for armed robbery, assault and battery with a knife, kidnapping and strangulation, police said, as was another man they alleged refused to exit the apartment. According to a Worcester police press release portions of which a lawyer for one of the people present in the home disputed Saturday officers broke down the door to the apartment after occupants refused to let them inside. Police said Worcester officers, along with Massachusetts State Police and United States Marshals, went to a Dorchester Street address they did not specify at about 10 a.m. looking for Grayson. Police said that when they approached the address, a detective called out to Grayson after spotting him on the roof, at which time he climbed into a third-floor window. Police said they knocked on the door of the third-floor apartment and explained to residents that they believed Mr. Grayson was in the apartment. They showed residents a copy of the arrest warrant for Mr. Grayson. The residents denied that Mr. Grayson was in the apartment, did not grant consent for the officers to enter, and demanded to see a search warrant before letting anyone inside, police wrote. Police said they set up a perimeter around the home and activated their Crisis Negotiation Team to make contact with Grayson. A search warrant was granted, they said, and brought to the home about four hours into the incident. Police said they told the residents that they had a search warrant, and attempted to show it to them, but that the residents continued to refuse to open the door. The WPD SWAT team forced entry into the apartment, and eventually located Mr. Grayson hiding in an attic crawl space that was only accessible through a tile in the bathroom, police said. Police said when the SWAT team initially entered the apartment, a 29-year-old man went into a room with a barking dog and refused to exit. He continued to refuse to comply with officers, and was placed under arrest for Accessory after the Fact, Resisting Arrest and Interfering with a Police Officer, police wrote. Joseph Hennessey, a Worcester criminal defense lawyer who separately represents one of the people who was present in the home, said Saturday that its occupants dispute the police account. Hennessey said occupants in the home told him police did not show the warrant to them so they could see it, and detailed other allegations of misconduct that he anticipates investigating. This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Worcester police arrest Jarrell Grayson after impasse in apartment Worcester police are investigating a serious motorcycle crash on Blithewood Ave. According to police, Worcester officers were called to the scene of Blithewood Ave and Oakwood Lane for a report of a motorcycle crash around 7:40 p.m. Upon arrival, officers saw a small group of people with a twenty-four-year-old Millbury man who had crashed his motorcycle and suffered serious injuries. A nurse who happened to be on the scene was giving him medical aid, and officers assisted until paramedics arrived, police say. The man was transported to the hospital by ambulance with life-threatening injuries. Initial investigation shows that the man was traveling west on Blithewood Ave when he lost control of the motorcycle, struck the curb, then struck two poles. The crash remains under investigation. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Greece has become the 14th country to join the Group of Seven (G7) joint declaration on "security guarantees" for Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky reported on Aug. 12. "I thank Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis for his commitment to the Ukrainian-Greek partnership. We are working together on Ukraine's path to NATO," Zelensky wrote on Telegram. Apart from Greece, the countries that have already joined the declaration, announced at the NATO summit in Vilnius in 2023, include Belgium, Denmark, Ireland, Iceland, Spain, Norway, the Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Finland, the Czech Republic, Sweden, and Latvia. The security guarantees are meant to be explicit and long-lasting obligations with the aim of bolstering Ukraine's ability to resist Russian aggression. They will also address sanctions, financial aid, and post-war reconstruction. Earlier in August, Zelensky said that during the second half of this year, the package of security guarantees for Ukraine will become more concrete. "We need to make sure that all the decisions made about Ukraine, about Ukrainians, have to be for Ukraine and for the Ukrainian people," Zelensky said on Aug. 2. Read also: Ukraine war latest: G7 agrees on long-term security commitment for Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. VLADIVOSTOK, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Nine cities in Russia's Far East have declared a state of emergency due to Typhoon Khanun bringing heavy rains and flooding. Local emergency services said that from Thursday to Saturday, Typhoon Khanun brought severe flooding to some areas in the Primorsky Krai, forcing the evacuation of residents. On Friday night, heavy rainfall in the western part of the Primorsky Krai and Ussuriysk city caused floods that cut off 32 settlements from the outside world, submerged 543 private houses and 40 road sections. On Saturday morning, a dam in Ussuriysk collapsed, and floods inundated residential areas and streets. The Ussuriysk city government said that it had to shut down natural gas pipelines to ensure safety. Additionally, the rainfall on Friday flooded some sections of the highway connecting Vladivostok and Khabarovsk, disrupting traffic. Fifty-eight countries have already supported the peace formula presented by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak said in a post on his Telegram channel on Aug. 12. "The fifth meeting with representatives of foreign diplomatic missions on the implementation of Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Peace Formula (has been held)," Yermak said. Read also: Negotiations on Ukrainian peace formula begin in Saudi Arabia Already 58 countries are with us (at the previous meeting, there were 43 representatives of states). President Zelenskyy presented his ten-point peace formula at the G20 summit in November 2022. It includes the restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity, the withdrawal of Russian troops, the release of all prisoners, a tribunal for those responsible for military aggression, and security guarantees for Ukraine. At the end of March, during his address to the Council of Europe, Zelenskyy called for a summit on the peace formula for Ukraine to be held in one of Europes capitals. China, Brazil, the Vatican, and representatives of African countries are also trying to present their own versions of a peace plan for Ukraine. Read also: Ukraine peace formula summit helping to consolidate international consensus China FM On Feb. 24, 2023, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a "position paper" on resolving the war in Ukraine. It consisted of 12 points, including: a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, the resumption of peace talks, the end of "unilateral sanctions" against Russia, the functioning of the Black Sea grain corridor, safety at nuclear power plants, and the abandonment of nuclear weapons. However, the Chinese position did not include a Russian withdrawal from the parts of Ukraine it has occupied. Meanwhile, on April 30, Catholic Church leader Pope Francis announced that the Vatican would set up a peacekeeping mission to end Russia's war against Ukraine, but the activities of this mission have not yet been made public. On May 10, Brazilian President Lula da Silva announced his willingness to mediate between Ukraine and Russia in peace talks. He stated that he had already discussed this initiative with the leadership of China and the UAE. Earlier, Lula da Silva called on the United States to stop military support for Ukraine. He said the United States and the European Union should "start talking about peace." Read also: Brazil to propose a peace conference to end the war in Ukraine A large majority of Ukrainians want Western military aid to Ukraine to continue, and for talks with Russia to begin only after all Russian troops have been withdrawn from all of Ukrainian territory, including Crimea and the parts of the Donbas Russia invaded in 2014. On May 16, African leaders launched a new initiative for peace in Ukraine. It provides for the start of "negotiations" with Russia, even if the occupation forces do not leave the territory of Ukraine. In early June, a "peacekeeping mission" visited Kyiv and Moscow, which included the presidents of South Africa, Egypt, Zambia, the Republic of Congo, and Uganda. Read also: Russia's war against Ukraine to top agenda at BRICS summit, says South African president Zelenskyy's administration emphasized that Ukraine is ready to listen to all peace formulas offered by other states, but that only the Ukrainian one can be applied. 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 President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has emphasised that Ukraine must fulfill the task of demining its territory not in decades, but in years, in particular by creating a production base in Ukraine. Source: Zelenskyy's evening address Quote: "Azerbaijan is ready to provide a new package of humanitarian support, including mine clearing equipment. This is also one of the key directions of our work with partners the demining. Ukraine also needs equipment from partners, and it is critical to create a production base in Ukraine so that we can clear our land of Russian mines. And this task should be completed not in decades, but in years." Details: Zelenskyy says that a total of 174,000 square kilometres of Ukrainian territory is potentially dangerous due to mines and unexploded ammunition. "Every day, our bomb disposal experts detect hundreds of explosive objects. And the more demining machines we have, the more special drones for demining we have, the more actively we can restore security. Thank you to every country that helps us!", he said. Zelenskyy also thanked the Ukrainian bomb disposal experts engaged in demining. "Yesterday (12 August), 133 bomb disposal groups worked across the country. Most of them were in the Kherson, Kharkiv, and Donetsk oblasts," Zelenskyy said. The President also thanked the countries that took new steps for greater security of Ukraine this week, in particular Germany and the Netherlands. "It is very important that every week, Russia sees new international activity supporting Ukraine and normal life," Zelenskyy 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! The Lynchburg Police Department arrested two individuals Friday after it seized four ounces of methamphetamine and guns from two different locations, according to a news release from the department. At 12:16 p.m. on Aug. 7, officers proactively were patrolling hotels in the 1900 block of University Boulevard, where K9 Kairos and his handler responded to the scene to perform a scan of a vehicle and room where two individuals were staying, according to the release. Between the vehicle and the room, LPD said, four ounces of methamphetamine were found and seized. After finding the drugs, a search warrant was obtained for a storage unit in the 2700 block of Mayflower Drive. In the unit, officers seized a pistol and an AR-style rifle, according to the release. LPD said Mackenzie Criswell, 36, of Lynchburg, and Joshua Holton, 23, of Rustburg, were both arrested. Holton was charged with possession of a schedule I/II substance, while Criswell was charged with possession with the intent to sell or distribute a schedule I/II substance. Criswell additionally was charged with two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and is being held at the Blue Ridge Regional Jail without bond, according to the release. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Lynchburg Police Department at (434) 455-6050, or by calling Central Virginia Crime Stoppers at (888) 798-5900. An anonymous tip can also be made online using http://p3tips.com or by downloading the P3 app on any mobile device. A cash reward from Crime Stoppers of up to $1,000 may be available for tips that lead to an arrest in this crime. The Bedford Community Health Foundation and the Town of Bedford have partnered to provide public transportation in the town with a second grant from the state, according to a news release from the foundation. The need for transportation within the town has been identified in multiple Centra Community Health Needs Assessments over the years, the foundations release said. The Otter Bus initiative was 100% funded by the BCHF, while the town provided logistical and infrastructure support, and early success of the Otter Bus encouraged the town officials to apply for funding from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation. The foundation, the town and Ride Source, the transportation company providing the bus and the driver, submitted applications for state grant funding. The first grant award in 2022 for the Otter Bus Initiative funded 80% of a total project budget of roughly $140,500. The foundation provided the remaining 20% as a grant match. This award allowed the Otter Bus to add Mondays as a fourth day to the three-day service schedule that was in place through the Foundation support, the release said. The most recent grant award from the Commonwealth Transportation Board is for 80% of the $175,560 operating budget, which will increase the hours of operation, making the bus available to more citizens. The new hours of operation will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. The bus operates within the towns limits stopping at 18 locations on a one-hour cycle. Ridership has steadily increased since the beginning of the service, providing transportation to roughly 2,300 people. So far in 2023, about 32% of riders are from subsidized housing in Bedford, 43% visited grocery, pharmacy and shopping areas, and 10% went to health and wellness stops including the Centra Bedford Memorial Hospital, mental health providers and the Bedford Area YMCA. The bus continues to be free to riders. The grant will assist operators in studying a pay model that will help determine the best method to fund the bus in the future. The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation is pleased to provide funding for the Bedford Otter Bus, a valuable transit service that connects residents to their community, DRPT Director Jennifer DeBruhl said in the release. With this funding, DRPT is supporting an innovative rural transportation solution that improves transit access to more Virginians. Denny Huff, the foundations executive director, said transportation is a vital resource for the health and wellness of individuals and communities. The Otter Bus helps to serve that need, Huff said in the release. Bedford has amazing resources, and we want every citizen to be able to access all that our town has to offer. Whether someone needs groceries, has a doctors appointment or just wants to get out and about, we hope that they will use the Otter Bus. For more information and hours of operation, visit www.otterbus.com. By Oladipo Abiola The political situation in Edo State has taken a fresh turn with the State Governor, Godwin Obaseki alleging that his current deputy, Philip Shaibu has a desperate ambition to become the next governor of the state. The Governor lamented that Shaibu is so desperate and exploring every possible option to achieve his aim including engineering a coup to remove him (Obaseki) from power. The Governor was quoted to have made the allegation during a meeting with elders and leaders from Etsako West, East and Central Local Government Areas of the State, held in Jattu, Etsako West LGA, as part of campaigns for the September 2, 2023, local council election. The details of Obasekis submission were made available to Naija News on Friday in a statement by the office of his media aide, Crusoe Osagie. Governor Obaseki according to the statement expressed shock and disappointment with the deputy governors actions. The statement reads: My Deputy Governor (Shaibu) has become so desperate to take over and is ready to do anything including carrying out a coup detat to ensure he kicks me out and become the governor of Edo State. Speaking further on the actions of his deputy, Obaseki added that, What struck me was his action after the proclamation of the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) and preparing to elect officers in the House. He was in Abuja and came back that day. I am the Chief Security Officer of the State, I get any information I need but keep quiet about it and use that information quietly. My Deputy called a leader in APC telling him that during the election of Speaker of the House of Assembly the next day, that he has five loyal members and that he would like the seven members of the APC in the House to work with him to produce the Speaker. I called the PDP members to my house to familiarise myself with them following this information. Shaibu tried to barge in. I said you cant come into my house. Its my private house, not even the Government House. You have to have the courtesy, but now its my prerogative to allow you in or out. After hearing what he did, I didnt allow him to come in. The next day, we went to the House and he came and we elected our Speaker. What he did is not working in the interest of the party. How can he have a different candidate aside from what the governor wants? I Sacrificed To Make Shaibu My Deputy Obaseki further narrated how he insisted Shaibu must remain his deputy despite objections from some quarters after their fall out with the All Progressives Congress (APC) and subsequent move to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the runup to the 202o guber elections in Edo State. He said, Remember the unfortunate incident that made a lot of you to leave with me from the other party? When that problem started, I told you and you said where ever I go, you will go with me. As one family fighting injustice, we went to PDP and many of the leaders in unity said Obaseki must return. In that process, I insisted that for me to be governor, Philip Shaibu must be my deputy and never allowed any negotiation on that stand. If you want me to serve as governor of Edo State, it must be me and my deputy. But you have had my deputy say many times that he escorted me to PDP and many times we have challenges in integrating into the PDP platform but since we started, I learned to give people responsibility because of my background to enable us to build institutions rather than individuals. In anything I am doing, I am open to the SSG and my deputy and give them responsibility. When I went on vacation I handed over power to my deputy. He called me while on vacation on some issues but I told him that he is in charge, urging him to go ahead and make mistakes. When I am back, we would correct it together. I am an individual and anything that happens to me, Edo must continue as no vacuum in power. We work as a trio and everybody must know what each other is doing and that can only be possible if there is absolute trust that the person will not go back to betray you. That is how we ran Edo State in the last seven years, facing crisis but we cant continue to live in crisis. At some point, we look for peace. Obaseki added, Election that brought us in was a difficult one for us in Edo North, and after the election, I felt it was time to correct the mistakes made in the election. In all, I trusted him to manage it, including appointments, asking him to talk to leaders and make me know what they want. Even contract, I left for him to preside over and look at how we fell in the election. Shaibu Didnt Manage Edo North Politics Well Obaseki knocked his deputy for the political misfortune of the PDP in Edo North, saying Shaibus style of handling political issues in the area is why the party does not have a representative from the area in the Edo State House of Assembly. He submitted that the same applies to the local government elections but he still continued to manage the situation created by Shaibu. According to the Governor, Today PDP doesnt have one member in the House of Assembly from Etsako, and this has never happened before. In my background, if you are given responsibility and you fail, we change you immediately but I didnt do that. Rather, I decided to continue to manage the situation. Local government elections came, and the same thing happened. I called on him severally to settle issues here in Edo North but everywhere we went, it was trouble and crisis and we cant run a party like this, but I didnt react but continued managing the party. We came to Chairmanship and the problems continued. First, it was in Owan and then Akoko-Edo followed. In Akoko-Edo, the people said this is the person they wanted but my deputy said no, this is who I want and will give you but I insisted that he gives the people what they want. After consultations, I insisted that he allows the people to have their way and lead. There Can Only Be One Governor Obaseki noted that the constitution does not give room for the position of a co-governor and the deputy governor is expected to know his place and understand his role. He further denied any plan in conjunction with the state lawmakers to impeach Shaibu as the deputy governor of Edo State. The governor further stated, The constitution made me the Governor of Edo State and gives me the power of the governor and I know the powers of the governor. The constitution never provides for a co-governor. It provides for a deputy governor who carries out the responsibility the governor gives to him but does not give the deputy the power of the governor. Obaseki said, He (Shaibu) went to Abuja and didnt tell me only for me to see him on social media and television as the video was all over the place. He was going around boasting to leave the party. Before now, he has been going around saying he is consulting. We had a meeting and I urged them to ensure we finish strong as whatever we do now will help us sell who will succeed me. I charged them to all come together to solidify the party, as PDP will produce the next governor of the State. I took an interest in the local government elections so that we can consolidate and unify our party. Issues were out during the nomination and everywhere I went there were already camps for the deputy governor but I told him I have not finished my term as governor, he should allow me to finish. But he has never come to me to tell me he wants to contest. He told me he is going on holiday and I approved it for him as usual. He didnt tell me he is travelling but the next thing I saw was a court summons that he wants to be impeached. I called the Speaker to find out from him but he said there is nothing like that going on. But what bothers me is for him to swear an affidavit that we stopped him from coming into EXCO. This is wrong information from a public officer. I Am Disappointed Governor Obaseki said he is not angry as a result of the happenings but he is disappointed. The governor added, I am not angry but disappointed because there is nothing to life as God alone gives power. I dont have the power to say who will succeed me but only have a say. The person you are apologizing for has not told you he did anything wrong as the first thing is to get your son to first agree that he has done something wrong. I cannot stay without defending myself in Court. If he is really ready and shows remorse, we will look at the situation. NAIJANEWS Praising a giant corporation feels about as weird as praising a national politician. After all, as the cliche goes, even a broken clock is right twice a day. But in the case of Google, we'll make an exception. The big tech company has shown over the past decade that it's genuine about its desire to build community here in Council Bluffs. Many of us benefit from its generosity every day, yet alone from the products and services that we likely use throughout each day we spend on this Earth. The massive investment another $350 million was announced on top of the more than $5 billion already spent is welcome news, and the jobs it continues to support are critical for our local economy. But the real benefits, as we see it, are from the investments in our community, which is particularly visible with the BLink public Wi-Fi network that Google has helped to build over the past decade. Googlers have helped local schools deploy Chromebooks and keep their networks safe. They've volunteered to promote science, technology, engineering and math education at the local and state levels, too. On Tuesday, Google took another step in shaping southwest Iowa by pledging $250,000 to start an entrepreneurial resource hub and co-working space that's being developed by Advance Southwest Iowa. The hub has the potential to transform the economy of Council Bluffs by providing the support necessary for more people to start businesses and find success with existing businesses. We're excited by the idea. And we'd like to join Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg, U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst and Mayor Matt Walsh in sharing our appreciation for everything Google does for the benefit of the local community. Life is better in southwest Iowa because of Google. As we said in the beginning, we're not inclined toward such praise. We'd note, in fairness, no one is perfect. To extend Mitt Romney's infamous 2011 Iowa State Fair quip "corporations are people, my friend," no corporation is perfect, either. That is unless, of course, our own corporate policy unbeknownst to us requires us to say otherwise about our own firm. Google raised eyebrows in 2018 when Google dropped "don't be evil" from its code of conduct. Privacy advocates raise serious concerns about the business model underpinning most internet companies, which collect data and use it to make money in Google's case, largely by being an advertising platform. The data centers behind Google and other tech companies are also colossal users of electricity. Google says its energy use in Iowa is 96% carbon-free. The Sierra Club might point out the nearby coal plant that provides electricity for much of the rest of us. Still, we benefit from having Google in our backyard, and we and the rest of American society aren't about to stop using the internet or electronic devices in general anytime soon. We're glad to have them as neighbors. Allie Hopkins, Google's head of data centers for Iowa and Nebraska, said Tuesday the company is proud that Council Bluffs is home to one of Google's largest data centers in the world. We're proud, too. Leaders from West African bloc ECOWAS will meet on Thursday August 10 for an emergency Summit on the coup in Niger after the military intervention threat becomes weak and amid support from Russia for peaceful resolution of the crisis. Nigeria-led ECOWAS on July 30 gave August 6 deadline for the junta in Niger to restore elected and west-backed leader Mohamed Bazoum or face a military intervention. The junta backed by Mali and Burkina Faso, both also led by military controlled governments, defied the regional bloc and appointed a transitional Prime Minister earlier this week. ECOWAS which had adopted a strong position on the July 26 coup seems to tone down its voice and indicated that it is seeking a diplomatic solution, but has not ruled out using force to resolve the crisis. Important decisions are expected from the gathering in Nigerias capital Abuja. Meanwhile Russia, whose intervention is demanded by populations in Niger, indicated this Wednesday August 9 it backs mediation efforts to defuse the crisis. We support the mediation efforts undertaken by the African community to help the people of Niger emerge from this crisis, said Deputy Director of Russian Foreign Ministrys Information and Press Department, Alexey Zaitsev. We believe that the swiftest possible restoration of law and order and an inclusive national dialogue are the only way to remedy the situation, he added. Many believe that ECOWASs threat for military intervention came from France, the former colonial power. Wednesday the new Nigerien leaders accused France of having unilaterally freed captured terrorists who then gathered to plan an attack on military positions in the tri-border area, a hotspot region where the frontiers of Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali converge. Malis Foreign ministry announced Wednesday August 9 decision by authorities to suspend indefinitely issuance of visa to French nationals after the European country also made similar decision and classified the West African country red zone on the grounds of strong regional tensions. Frances embassy in Malis capital Bamako has closed its visa center and indicated that the strong regional tensions stem from Niger, where the military ousted democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26. In application of reciprocity, the ministry suspends, until further notice, the issuance of visas to French nationals by the diplomatic and consular services of Mali in France, the Malian Foreign ministry said in reaction. Ties between two countries have gone sour with transitional Malian government led by Col. Assimi Goita. The military leader turned President cut ties with France and turned to Russia for support. Mali has voiced support for the military takeover in Niger where France is being asked to pull out. Bamako and Ouagadougou vowed to declare war to France-backed West African economic community ECOWAS that wielded a military intervention in Niger if Bazoum is not restored, after giving August 6 deadline to the junta in Niger. North Platte property owners are about to begin finding out whether next years local budgets will blunt or exacerbate the impact of sharply higher taxable values most of them got in June. Nebraskas 2023-24 local government budget season will play out over the next two months, starting in earnest when county assessors finalize taxing entities total 2023 valuations Aug. 20. Budget hearings and votes will follow through Sept. 30, when local governments must approve and submit finished budgets to the State Auditors Office. County boards must ratify 2023 tax rates by Oct. 20. The Telegraph once again will not only cover budget and tax decisions by North Plattes eight local governments but also illustrate the relative impact of each decision on final property tax bills. Our periodic tax tracker stories, starting with this one, will follow three homes in different parts of North Platte for the sixth consecutive tax year. Well also present the tax experiences of three sample agricultural operations in different parts of Lincoln County, which we introduced in these pages and online last December. As always, our stories will offer general descriptions but wont identify the owners of our sample homes or ag operations. New values just 1st step The Telegraphs tax-tracker coverage starts with the previous years final property tax bills. As each new 2023 figure is set taxable values, tax requests, tax rates and finally state credits well show whether it drove those homes and ag operations projected tax bills up or down. But its vital to remember, as long as the tax-setting process isnt finished, that our interim tax-bill figures assume that every valuation and tax figure not yet changed wont change at all. Thats unlikely to happen in most cases. And its basically impossible with the first two figures we plug in every tax year: new individual taxable values in June, followed by final total valuations for each local government in August. If most property owners valuations went up, so will total taxable values. If all the governments were to keep their tax requests the same which were assuming for the moment their tax rates will go down. So will our sample properties projected tax bills. Its unlikely every government will ask for exactly the same in property taxes as this year, either. Thats why property tax requests will have the greatest impact on whether our sample homes and ag operations, as well as any properties you own, will face higher or lower 2023 tax bills payable in 2024. Resetting the stage As The Telegraph reported June 9, two of our three North Platte sample homes and all three sample ag operations saw their 2023 taxable values go up by substantial but varying degrees. Final valuations will depend on whether their owners filed and won protests to Lincoln County commissioners. The exception was our Home 1, a 1914 home with 1 stories, three bedrooms and a full basement north of North Plattes Union Pacific tracks. Its 2022 taxable value had gone up by 7%, matching an across-the-board increase County Assessor Julie Stengers office imposed that year to keep valuations north of the tracks between 92% and 100% of market value. A similar 4% boost was imposed south of the tracks last year. For 2023, Stengers office similarly imposed an 11.5% across-the-board increase south of the tracks. But this year also was the north sides turn to have its properties individually reviewed. Homes south of the tracks get their turn next year. Many north-side homes got 2023 double-digit valuation increases this year. But Home 1s taxable value fell 3.1% from $117,647 to $114,007 when assessors accounted for wear and tear after their external review. Thus Home 1s projected gross 2023 tax bill would drop by $74.21 if no other figures in its tax equation were to change. Final total taxable values likely will increase its owners projected savings at least for now. Our other two homes interim gross tax bills naturally followed the 11.5% boost south of the tracks. Home 2, a one-story, two-bedroom home built in 1960 near Westfield Shopping Center, would pay $257.66 more in gross taxes should nothing else change. Its taxable value went up from $109,538 to $122,177. Home 3, a 1973 home with two stories and four bedrooms closer to the South Platte River, would pay $698.97 more because its taxable valuation rose from $297,149 to $331,435. Our initial projection of tax bills for our three rural ag operations, by contrast, depends on their particular mixes of agland types. Ag 1, a seven-parcel cattle operation in the Sandhills northwest of Sutherland, saw a net 10.1% valuation increase across its varying types of rangeland. Its owners first tax projection is $3,044.07 higher than in 2022 again, if no other figures were to change. The other two operations are primarily crop-based. Both include eight parcels, covering varying subtypes of grassland, irrigated land, dryland, wasteland and accretion land. Ag 2, in a primarily irrigated area southeast of Maxwell near the Platte River, saw its combined taxable value rise by 7.4% in June. Its initial projected 2023 tax bill would be $4,725.33 higher than in 2022. Ag 3, located in a more generally dryland area north and west of Wallace, received only a net 5.5% valuation increase that translates for the moment into a $2,763.99 tax boost for 2023. We hope youll follow our budget coverage and our tax-tracker stories. Theyre meant to help you judge whether to contact your elected officials or show up at budget hearings and make your opinions known. Illustration: Alicia Tatone Richard Hanania, an intellectual muse of the Silicon Valley right, once argued against apologies in a 2015 op-ed for the Washington Post in part because males who show social dominance are judged more attractively as potential mates. It was perhaps inevitable that Hanania, a writer whose forthcoming book, The Origins of Woke, has been effusively praised by Peter Thiel, presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, and the entrepreneur David Sacks, would eventually be forced to apologize himself. The words Im sorry dont appear in his August 7 essay in Quillette, but his attempts to explain the repugnant views he once held, exposed days earlier in a damning HuffPost report, convey a clear sense of regret. I truly sucked back then, Hanania admits, confirming that, between 2008 and 2012, he posted pseudonymously on several white-supremacist and misogynistic websites, including VDare and Richard Spencers Alternative Right. Hanania inveighed against miscegenation, called for the sterilization of Black people with a low IQ, and claimed that women didnt evolve to be the decision makers in society. He confesses he had few friends or romantic successes and no real career prospects at the time and was projecting his personal unhappiness onto the rest of the world. Hananias rise from dweller on racist message boards to right-wing public thinker in good stead with bylines in the New York Times and The Atlantic, a book deal with HarperCollins, and endorsements ranging from Elon Musk to Senator J. D. Vance has been held up as proof of the anti-woke campaigns deeper beliefs. Bolstering this case are revelations that a staffer for Ron DeSantis, who has made the battle against wokeness the centerpiece of his presidential bid, had created and promoted a video depicting DeSantis inside a Nazi symbol. That racists are now crawling all over conservative politics is no surprise given that DeSantis recently extolled the supposed benefits of slavery and Ramaswamy declared that Juneteenth was a useless holiday just the latest evidence of the GOPs renewed audacity on the issue of race, which has generally been accepted as one of the monuments of a Trump-dominated landscape. However, one of the lessons of the Hanania affair is that anti-Black concepts are entrenched within not only the GOP but also the political mainstream, a reality made evident by the anti-woke fervor that has gripped both parties in the long aftermath of the George Floyd protests. Even if Hanania were to disappear into the ranks of the canceled, even if wokeness were to be replaced as a rallying cry, his ideas would remain all too normal. In fact, his trip back to the good graces of respectable discourse may be a quick one. His mea culpa in Quillette, titled My Journey Out of Extremism, was described as worth reading by The Atlantics David Frum, who said we should affirm that there can be a road back from extremism to normality. The indefatigable blogger Matthew Yglesias said that, though Hanania is clearly quite racist, he also had written some good pieces. Even the HuffPost expose said Hanania has moderated his words to some extent since his days in the seediest corners of the right-wing web. The reality is that Hanania is seen as more moderate today because he has shrouded many of his old arguments about race in the mainstream terminology of crime prevention, a subtle shift in emphasis that makes him appealing to both the transgressive right and the broad middle. One of the most dishonest parts of the Huffington Post hit piece is the argument that I maintain a creepy obsession with so-called race science and talk about blacks being inherently more prone to crime, he writes in Quillette. I do no such thing, and ultimately believe that what the sources of such disparities are doesnt matter. The Old Hanania said Black people are naturally stupid and cant control their animal impulses, leading to high crime rates in their neighborhoods. The New Hanania leaves out the first part the sources of such disparities while heaping blame on Black people for their problems and calling for aggressive action. On May 13, he tweeted, We need more policing, incarceration, and surveillance of black people. Blacks wont appreciate it, whites dont have the stomach for it. In a post on his popular Substack that day, he explained that Black crime has ensured that some of the most valuable urban real estate in the country is basically uninhabitable, ascribing the near-total absence of white people from many Black neighborhoods to bad Black behavior. White liberals, he explained, simply pay top dollar to avoid living near Black people. Liberals are correct that entire swaths of a major city dont end up with zero white people by accident, Hanania wrote. They just attribute this to racism rather than the desire not to be sexually assaulted or physically harmed. Hanania is proudly ignorant of the fact that his laboratory for proving this theory, Chicago, is a source of some of the richest scholarship available on the subject of residential segregation and its relationship to crime. The work of historians like Arnold Hirsch and Beryl Satter, along with that of sociologists Douglas Massey and Nancy Denton, details how the citys white residents and political and financial institutions transformed formerly white neighborhoods into Black ghettos through the early-to-mid-20th century. In Chicago and elsewhere, enterprising white real-estate agents would use a socially mobile Black family to frighten away white homeowners with threats of declining home values a veritable guarantee given that neither banks nor the federal government would insure mortgages where Black people lived. They would then divide the evacuated houses into smaller segments, converting garages and guest bedrooms to create entire housing units for poor and working-class Black families. As the borders of these neighborhoods hardened and they became overcrowded and physically degraded, one result was a concentration of povertys ills, like joblessness, homelessness, addiction, and crime effects whose ecological and intergenerational implications have been further documented by sociologists like Robert Sampson and Patrick Sharkey. White people did not flee Black neighborhoods to escape rampant criminality, as Hanania claims. They fled white neighborhoods because Black people started living there. Contrary to Hananias proclamation that these areas are uninhabitable, people do still inhabit them, and his proposed solution to what ails them amounts to transforming much of Black America into a police state. He writes floridly about the so-called Bukele miracle, named for the crime-fighting tactics of El Salvadors president, Nayib Bukele, who has overseen a dramatic reduction in crime by suspending basic civil liberties and imprisoning tens of thousands of citizens. You need more cops, more prisons, and more use of DNA databases and facial recognition technology, Hanania writes on Substack a mass removal in the interests of society at large, as the Old Hanania put it 13 years ago. Whats striking about Hananias ideas about race and crime today is how conventional they are. When he holds forth about the criminal character of Black people being the cause of urban turmoil and white flight, it is with the imprimatur of Musk, the worlds richest man, who has called the idea interesting. When Hanania argues that focusing on basic rights for Black people like the right not to be murdered by racist vigilantes is absurd in the face of rampant Black-on-Black crime, hes deploying the same dodge that Rudy Giuliani used to discredit Black Lives Matter protests. And when he proposes that the solution is to lock up Black people en masse, he is simply reiterating the dominant American criminal-justice policy of the past 50 years. It was always apparent that even the more moderate version of Hanania holds racist beliefs. But the widespread acceptance of these beliefs is an indictment less of his chilling openness than of what passes for moderation. China to explore frontier science, tech, using AI Xinhua) 10:13, August 12, 2023 BEIJING, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- China strives to make frontier breakthroughs in science and technology via the advancing computing power of artificial intelligence (AI) that has seen explosive growth in the country. Scientists and AI developers applauded the revolution of AI-driven scientific research at the two-day AI for Science Summit in Beijing, which started on Thursday. "AI development benefited from science," said Tang Chao, a professor from the Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies (AAIS) at Peking University, at the meeting. "Now, we're looking forward to embracing a stage where AI facilitates scientific progress." AI for Science (AI4Science) can form an interdisciplinary platform and help scientists to solve complicated problems to improve research efficiency and quality, said E Weinan, president of the AI for Science Institute in Beijing. AI4Science demands four pillars of infrastructure -- algorithm models and software, effective measures to represent experimental data, database and knowledge repository, and integrated computing platform, said E. The Ministry of Science and Technology and the National Natural Science Foundation of China jointly kickstarted a project to promote the use of AI in frontier sci-tech research in March. The project will deploy AI models and algorithms in gene research and biology breeding breakthroughs. Also, interdisciplinary research and development teams will be brought together to promote the establishment of an innovation consortium and build international academic exchange platforms to offer solutions to human scientific challenges, including cancer treatment and the climate crisis. E said AI4Science might bring revolutionary changes in new materials, energy, aviation, and pharmaceuticals. Using AI and one of the world's fastest supercomputers, Chinese scientists have already started to engineer otherwise unknown chemicals to be clinically used in the future. With the Tianhe-2 supercomputer in south China's Guangdong Province, scientists and computer experts with Beijing-based AI startup Galixir developed a practical deep-learning toolkit to predict the biosynthetic pathways for natural products, the primary source of clinical drug discovery. Empowered by AI-based algorithms, the computer also offers clinicians tools to discern types of gastric cancer and discover signs of nasopharynx cancer among high-risk populations. The new application scenarios are also a source of opportunities for the AI industry. "Scientists can bring giant advancement to AI when they're solving problems," said Wang Jian, director of Zhejiang Lab. (Web editor: Zhao Tong, Hongyu) Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (L), who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Malaysian Foreign Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir in Penang, Malaysia, Aug. 11, 2023. (Photo by Chong Voon Chung/Xinhua) GEORGE TOWN, Malaysia, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- China is ready to work with Malaysia to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and deliver more tangible outcomes in building the China-Malaysia community with a shared future, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said. During a meeting with Malaysian Foreign Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir on Friday, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said China regards Malaysia as a friendly neighbor and a priority of its neighborhood diplomacy. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the China-Malaysia comprehensive strategic partnership, and the two countries will mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties next year, Wang added. The Chinese side supports Malaysia in pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions and playing a greater role in regional and international affairs, he said. Wang called on the two sides to enhance communication and coordination, increase strategic mutual trust, support each other in safeguarding their core interests and legitimate rights and interests, and jointly uphold the basic norms governing international relations. As two flagship projects of the Belt and Road Initiative, the construction of the East Coast Railway Link and "Two Countries, Twin Parks" are progressing well, Wang said, adding that China and Malaysia have sound cooperation in automobile manufacturing, digital economy and new energy. Noting that China encourages more Chinese companies to invest and start business in Malaysia to foster more new growth areas for cooperation, Wang said China is willing to deepen bilateral cooperation in agricultural technology and food security among other fields, and import more quality farm products from Malaysia. For his part, Zambry said the two countries have enjoyed strong and close relations and witnessed substantial progress in practical cooperation. Malaysia will continue to support and actively participate in the joint construction of the Belt and Road, make every effort to promote key cooperation projects, and look forward to strengthening ties in all fields and at all levels to expand mutually beneficial cooperation, said Zambry. Malaysia highly appreciates and supports a series of global initiatives put forward by China, calls for harmonious coexistence of different civilizations, and looks forward to strengthening people-to-people exchanges and mutual learning between civilizations with China, he added. The two sides also exchanged in-depth views on regional and international issues of common concern. They agreed to strengthen communication and coordination, maintain ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) centrality and promote regional peace, stability and development. Wang is on a Southeast Asia tour to Singapore, Malaysia and Cambodia. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Malaysian Foreign Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir in Penang, Malaysia, Aug. 11, 2023. (Photo by Chong Voon Chung/Xinhua) After 10 years, the Niffers at the Tracks restaurant in downtown Opelika has decided to permanently closes their doors. Individuals with the business took to Facebook Friday afternoon to announce the decision, which comes five months after the restaurant closed in March due to storm damage. The damage to the building was simply too much to repair to a level that would allow us to serve you the way we have been, the business announced on Facebook Friday afternoon. Were extremely thankful for your support and well wishes... They went on to invite the public to dine, carry-out and cater from their Niffers Place restaurants in Auburn and Lake Martin. Those locations remain open for business. Representatives with the business thanked customers for 10 great years. Niffers received plenty of love from its customers online Friday after it announced it was closing the Opelika location. The restaurant reiterated they were bummed about it, but loved all our customers. The Opelika Fire Department responded to Niffers at the Tracks on March 27 after the back side of the buildings roof fell in. The roof collapsed after a severe storm blew through the Auburn-Opelika region the night before. Niffers manager Brian Payne said they closed the restaurant at 5:30 p.m. the night before and found the damage that morning. No one was in the building at the time of the collapse. Initially, Payne believed they would be able to make repairs. Since then, theyve come to the conclusion thats not the case. Auburn University alumna and former swimmer Keely Beasecker opened the first Niffers Place in Auburn in 1991. She eventually expanded the business to include both the Opelika and Lake Martin locations. I found this article about Hallmark's 2022 movies which had some good info (I rarely watch tv movies so I wasn't aware of all this info) and a hilarious quote. The highlights: The Holiday Sitter was Hallmarks first movie to be centered on a gay romance. Previous movies had featured LGBTQ characters, but this was the first time to feature them as the main characters/romance. Jonathan Bennett (Mean GIrls), who starred in The Holiday Sitter, had previously played a gay character in Hallmark's 2020 movie The Christmas House and its 2021 sequel, The Christmas House 2: Deck Those Halls. Hallmark's 2022 movie lineup also included The Gift of Peace (the companys first-ever truly faith-based movie about a woman who returns to faith after losing her husband), a Hanukkah movie (Hanukkah on Rye), Hallmark's first Kwanzaa movie (Holiday Heritage), a movie about a Chinese American family (Christmas at the Golden Dragon), and the first Christmas movie released by Hallmark's Mahogany division (which is aimed at Black women). Toni Judkins, Hallmarks senior vice president of programming and development, saying: "All the African American women who have been watching Hallmark for a while, with this Mahogany initiative, its time for them to have their happy ending." She said a diverse lineup of movies is more enjoyable on principle: Could you imagine if four people brought mashed potatoes to a potluck? Where are the other dishes? She said that rather than excluding anyone, creating movies like these is "just inviting more people in." Lisa Hamilton Daly, Hallmarks executive vice president of programming, said that Hallmarks goal isnt necessarily to be known as a diverse media brand but to accurately represent a diverse world in its movies. It was a fun episode. Her mimes to express her discomfort was top knotch Reply Thread Link she looked adorable, I can't. Perfect casting for Wonder Woman, I wish the second movie didn't suck :( Reply Parent Thread Link Box office giant my ass Reply Thread Link Is the box office giant in the room with us right now? Edited at 2023-08-12 02:11 pm (UTC) Reply Thread Link She looked so cute, but omg the amount of spitting lmaoooo Also I wonder what makeup they use on her because she legit looks like she has barely any makeup...so beautiful Reply Thread Link Also she took a TINY ass bite of DaBomb, how did it do all that shit to her? lmao like...she baaarely bit it lmaooo Reply Thread Link That's the box office giant's ACTING right there, babes! Reply Parent Thread Link it makes sense that she's a giant then! Reply Parent Thread Link the box office giant ate the rest Reply Parent Thread Link the only time i tried that sauce was on a cracker and i put about 'o' that much sauce on and freaked the fuck out, so, i'm not surprised that having even the tiniest bite mixed with the cumulative effect of all the previous wings would fuck someone who is not great around spice up. (she didn't seem great around spice considering she was already getting fucked up aroung mako shark). Reply Parent Thread Link Shouldn't her name be pronounced "Ga-dot" and not "Ga-doh"? It's not French like Bardot. Also she's so pretty to me - that sparkle in her eye is so charming. Reply Thread Link yeah its dot not doh - I'm surprised sean mispronounced bc he's so well researched but i also wonder if she's just tired of correcting people Reply Parent Thread Link Yes, its Ga-Dot, we dont really have silent Ts in Hebrew, its a common mistake. Reply Parent Thread Link he pronounces it gah-dote, which is the same way she pronounces it at the very end when she speaks to the camera. Reply Parent Thread Link Box office giant? I am gonna serve Kevin Costner's ex-wife and ask them to define giant. Edited at 2023-08-12 02:27 pm (UTC) Reply Thread Link wow i was not expecting to hear the name alia bhatt come out of her mouth lol Reply Thread Link she's her co-star in the movie she's promoting Reply Parent Thread Link i know, i just wasnt expecting alia and gal to be in a movie together lol Reply Parent Thread Link She took the teeniest tiniest bit of Da Bomb and was drooling and spitting all over the damn place and did not give a shit, I was cackling. (Better than my weak ass could handle it, no doubt.) The questions were so lackluster though, I was surprised. Reply Thread Link Yeah, that was actually my take away. She was hilarious, the whole thing was a fun watch, but Sean usually does DEEP dives into the persons background and comes up with little questions from something that appeared or happened 20 years earlier on the back of a magazine. Like, its always so detailed and specific and the guests are always in awe of the research. This one just felt like basic questions. Wonder if there just wasnt much there to back over . Reply Parent Thread Link Should have asked her if serving in the IDF helps her in the roles she plays. Reply Parent Thread Link Learn more about LiveJournal Ratings in Hello! Your entry got to top-25 of the most popular entries in LiveJournal!Learn more about LiveJournal Ratings in FAQ Reply Thread Link Her wearing all black was a wrong idea. She looks like a floating head Reply Thread Link She's cute and very charming here. I watched Heart of Stone last night. Wouldn't watch it again, but I guess I'd watch a sequel if Netflix goes that way. Alia stole the show. Reply Thread Link idf murdering queen Reply Thread Link she is such a terrible actress i cant watch her movies (plus they always suck) Reply Thread Link She's pretty but she can't act and this Netflix dreck is getting horrible reviews. Edited at 2023-08-12 10:34 pm (UTC) Reply Thread Link As late as the mid-noughties, it was almost inconceivable to marry together the idea of generating a positive impact on the planet or society while simultaneously making a profit. But as the list of successful impact tech companies gets longer, the venture capital industry has shown a growing interest in impact investing. So much so that the impact tech sector has grown by 64 per cent since the end of 2020. This trend is encouraging, but the lack of clear regulation has led to an increase in VCs labelling themselves impact investors. To address this issue and combat greenwashing, in 2020, the EU introduced the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) and a supporting taxonomy. These initiatives aim to establish a common language and categorise funds within impact investing, providing structure, governance, and accountability. EU regulations define the purest form of impact fund as Article 9 fund or dark green fund. It means sustainability is at the core of the investment philosophy, and all startups supported must have a clear impact objective, tracked with data. If theres no impact, theres no investment. In contrast, Article 8 funds, known as light green, promote environmental and social characteristics, but dont have them as core investment objectives. Lastly, theres Article 6 or grey funds, which are generalist funds that make no claims of promoting sustainability in their investment strategy, though they might still dabble with impact startups. Approximately 55 percent of early-stage impact VC investors in Europe have publicly opted to be dark green funds, or Article 9. The rest are Article 8. That percentage is sobering, though not surprising. Put simply, tracking impact whether thats tonnes of carbon reduced from the atmosphere per year, or tonnes of would-be food waste thats saved is important, but hard work. Its costly and resource intensive, proving a challenge for huge corporates, let alone early-stage, ambitious, yet resource-light startups that are likely pre-product and thus pre-measurable impact. If youre a dark green early-stage impact investor, you must consider all this pre-investment, and support your backed startups navigate complex impact reporting as the company scales, without becoming obstructive. Its a difficult dance, when all you really want to do as an investor is to be founder-friendly and see your portfolio companies thrive. All this added portfolio relations, due diligence, and impact tracking is perhaps why 45 percent opt for what can be seen as the easier way instead. But theres missed value and opportunity here. The higher level of impact investment provides guidance for tracking impact, as well as helps expose and reduce greenwashing, while raising awareness of the measurable impact these startups can reach in the process. These funds, as well as the companies they invest in, also get access to new or additional pockets of capital through a more diverse range of limited partners. Rather than singling out VC peers for falling short of the higher bar of Article 9 funds, we must make it easier to understand these dark green efforts. A big step is moving beyond relying solely on EU regulation and allowing collaboration within the ecosystem something inconceivable in the VC world even a decade ago. Some funds are starting to do this by offering up their entire investment methodology and impact assessment framework for other VCs to learn from, adopt and eventually add to. This holds immense potential for a practical, data-led impact investing repository. This resource would not only allow any fund aspiring to be a true early-stage impact investor to gain the dark green status, but help pave the way for more founders to launch ventures addressing todays challenges. ADVERTISEMENT By Tove Larsson via CityAM More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: A City University of Hong Kong research team recently developed a stable artificial photocatalytic system that is more efficient than natural photosynthesis. The new system mimics a natural chloroplast to convert carbon dioxide in water into methane, a valuable fuel, very efficiently using light. This promising discovery could contribute to the goal of carbon neutrality. Photosynthesis is the process by which chloroplasts in plants and some organisms use sunlight, water and carbon dioxide to create food or energy. In past decades, many scientists have tried to develop artificial photosynthesis processes to turn carbon dioxide into carbon-neutral fuel. Professor Ye Ruquan, Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at CityU, one of the leaders of the joint study explained, However, it is difficult to convert carbon dioxide in water because many photosensitizers or catalysts degrade in water. Although artificial photocatalytic cycles have been shown to operate with higher intrinsic efficiency, the low selectivity and stability in water for carbon dioxide reduction have hampered their practical applications. In the latest study published in Nature Catalysis, the joint-research team from CityU, The University of Hong Kong (HKU), Jiangsu University and the Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry of the Chinese Academy of Sciences overcame these difficulties by using a supramolecular assembly approach to create an artificial photosynthetic system. It mimics the structure of a purple bacterias light-harvesting chromatophores (i.e. cells that contain pigment), which are very efficient at transferring energy from the sun. The core of the new artificial photosynthetic system is a highly stable artificial nanomicelle a kind of polymer that can self-assemble in water, with both a water-loving (hydrophilic) and a water-fearing (hydrophobic) ends. The nanomicelles hydrophilic head functions as a photosensitizer to absorb sunlight, and its hydrophobic tail acts as an inducer for self-assembly. When it is placed in water, the nanomicelles self-assemble due to intermolecular hydrogen bonding between the water molecules and the tails. Adding a cobalt catalyst results in photocatalytic hydrogen production and carbon dioxide reduction, resulting in the production of hydrogen and methane. Using advanced imaging techniques and ultrafast spectroscopy, the team unveiled the atomic features of the innovative photosensitizer. They discovered that the special structure of the nanomicelles hydrophilic head, along with the hydrogen bonding between water molecules and the nanomicelles tail, make it a stable, water-compatible artificial photosensitizer, solving the conventional instability and water-incompatibility problem of artificial photosynthesis. The electrostatic interaction between the photosensitizer and the cobalt catalyst, and the strong light-harvesting antenna effect of the nanomicelle improved the photocatalytic process.In the experiment, the team found that the methane production rate was more than 13,000 mol h1 g1, with a quantum yield of 5.6% over 24 hours. It also achieved a highly efficient solar-to-fuel efficiency rate of 15%, surpassing natural photosynthesis. Most importantly, the new artificial photocatalytic system is economically viable and sustainable, as it doesnt rely on expensive precious metals. The hierarchical self-assembly of the system offers a promising bottom-up strategy to create a precisely controlled, high-performance artificial photocatalytic system based on cheap, Earth-abundant elements, like zinc and cobalt porphyrin complexes, said Professor Ye. Professor Ye also commented he believes the latest discovery will benefit and inspire the rational design of future photocatalytic systems for carbon dioxide conversion and reduction using solar energy, contributing to the goal of carbon neutrality. The study was supported by various funding sources, including the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Fund, the Shenzhen Science and Technology Program, and the Hong Kong Research Grant Council. *** The artificial leaf of producing fuel from the CO2 in the atmosphere has gained a lot of ground over the years. One does suspect that the technology might be the solution to the ever increasing costs of fossil fuels. It does neatly offer human civilization a route to participate in the planets carbon cycle without a vast change in the atmosphere or a whole new infrastructure. One could net meter methane as well as electrons. And the flow back to a centrally run storage system, many of which are already in use, would not be a huge capital outlay. And certainly not one on an individual basis, rather the concentration of production would enhance the value of concentrated capital. But politics and extremism are in the way. Decarbonizing and other such schemes soak up attention and badly dilute process solution information that would greatly benefit the planets ecosystems as well as the human condition. ADVERTISEMENT This technology looks pretty close. Well be watching for this one perhaps getting to market. By Brian Westenhaus via New Energy and Fuel More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: These days, Lisa Solberg is getting used to being hailed as a hero. Solberg, the owner of Gentlemans Choice Formalwear, has navigated many ups and downs throughout her 34 years in the menswear business. But nothing has compared to the chaos that ensued after Tip Top Tux, a tuxedo rental shop with four locations in Nebraska, shuttered its doors with no warning earlier this week. On Monday, employees of Dapper & Dashing, the company that owned Tip Top Tux and seven other formalwear outlets, received an email at 2 a.m. notifying them that all employees and managers were laid off effective immediately. At each location, a notice was posted on the door informing customers that the store would be closed, and anyone who had a tuxedo from the weekend could keep it without being charged late fees. No one would ever just give away their inventory if they were planning to refinance or restructure, Solberg said, referencing the sign posted to the door. Im embarrassed that any formalwear shop would act in such an unethical manner. For those who had booked tuxedo rentals for their upcoming weddings through Tip Top Tux, the closing and lack of communication from the business left them scrambling to make new arrangements for weddings happening as soon as this weekend. Immediately upon seeing the news Monday morning, Solberg knew she had to help. She posted fliers on the doors of both Omaha Tip Top Tux locations offering last-minute assistance to anyone affected by the abrupt closure. We have a fully stocked warehouse right here in Omaha and the necessary staff to pull together any last minute orders, including an entire wedding party, the flier says. In just four days, Solberg said, shes booked at least 35 wedding parties from people who had previously booked through Tip Top Tux. These brides and grooms, they did plan ahead, Solberg said. They did everything they should have done, and now with no warning they have to start over. Theyre just crushed, because when you follow all the rules, you should have a happy ending. So I guess I want to be responsible for making that happy ending happen for them. One such couple is Brent Bean and Alexis Sharkey, who were legally married at a small ceremony in 2020 but plan to have a large ceremony and reception for all of their family and friends in mid-September. In January, Bean booked 10 tuxedo rentals through Tip Top Tux for himself, his groomsmen and the fathers of Bean and Sharkey. Each person paid about $185 for their tuxedo. About two weeks ago, Bean received confirmation from Tip Top Tux that his order was ready to go for their upcoming date. But on Monday, Bean received a concerning text from his best man. He just texted and was like, well, are we hung out to dry now? Bean said. I hadnt even heard about it yet. Thats when panic kind of ensued. After perusing the social media posts and news articles about the closing, Bean came across a Facebook post from Gentlemans Choice offering help. The couple immediately canceled their Tuesday night plans and headed to the shop. Though options were slightly less robust than what Tip Top Tux had to offer, especially with the tight turnaround, Bean and Sharkey were able to order similar tuxedos for their whole party. The employees were super helpful, and they obviously understood the situation, Bean said of their experience at Gentlemans Choice. Thankfully we kind of knew what we wanted, and although we had a little less of a selection and less customization than what we had already picked out through Tip Top Tux, we were able to find something that made up for it and was pretty similar to what we had before. Solberg knows that couples might have to compromise on a few things, especially if their wedding is right around the corner. But as more and more people show up for help, shes just focused on making sure couples can get to their special day without any more hiccups. People are telling me, you know, youre a hero, this is a godsend, Solberg said. But you cant let that get to your head because I still have to fulfill all these promises. But Ive got a great group of people working for me, and were pulling it off. Were making it happen. Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of August 2023 Many words were said Friday when Habitat for Humanity of Omaha celebrated a milestone in its 85-home Bluestem Prairie development, but four little words stood out from the crowd. This one is mine. Destiny Gunter spoke that simple sentence quietly. It was more of a direction to people attending the event than it was a declaration. Gunter, her four little children and her mother were walking away after the orations and invocations when they came to a gray split-level on the normally quiet cul-de-sac. Her house. The depth of the words hit home as Gunter, a 37-year-old caregiver to elderly and disabled people who had never owned her own home before Friday, walked up the driveway. Mine! she exclaimed. WOOOO! I couldnt believe that I would be the one to do this. Im so very, very, very happy. Gunter and five other families closed on their new homes Friday. They are the first six houses to built as part of the initial 85 in Bluestem Prairie, north of Sorensen Parkway near 52nd Street. Habitat for Humanity is building the development on and near the well-located but long-vacated site of what had become the notoriously ill-maintained Wintergreen Apartments, formerly Myott Park. Another 112 homes are planned for future phases, which will be on the former home of Scatter Joy Acres nearby. If all goes as planned, Bluestem Prairie could provide sorely needed affordable homes for some 600 people in the heart of Omaha. The first six houses were built between existing homes on a cul-de-sac. The remainder will be built on land whose steep slopes had been too forbidding to prospective developers. But the nonprofit Habitat is tackling the effort thanks to a partnership with the City of Omaha and help from philanthropists, corporations, state government and thousands of hours of volunteer labor including at least 350 hours of sweat equity from the homebuyers. The purpose of a nonprofit is to do what otherwise cant be done, to meet the needs of what the market cant do, Habitat Omaha CEO Amanda Brewer said at a dedication Friday. And I see the miracle of that again and again. Habitat leaders timed the dedication of the development to the first families purchases. More than 100 people gathered to hear speeches from dignitaries. Dedications and ceremonial handing-over-of-keys happened at each house. New and old neighbors gathered with Habitat workers and volunteers for a barbecue. This is a beautiful day for homeownership, said Spencer Danner, a First National Bank of Omaha vice president who has been involved with Habitat for Humanity for 20 years. He called the opportunities life changing for families. Danner was one of several dignitaries to speak; others included Mayor Jean Stothert and North Omaha Neighborhood Alliance President Precious McKesson. Omaha City Councilwoman Juanita Johnson said Habitats collaboration with our community showcases the remarkable results that can be achieved when public and private entities come together with a shared vision. Their dedication serves as an inspiration to all of us, Johnson said. A reminder that transformation is possible and that the restoration of hope is a catalyst for progress. State Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha told the crowd that the difference today from when he used to play with his cousins who lived at Myott Park almost left him speechless. There were always proud and happy families there, he said. The difference between today and back when I was growing up running around here, is that today these families are building equity in something, something that they can pass on to the next generation, Wayne said. People buying the Habitat houses represent multiple races and creeds, and included couples just starting as families as well as multi-generational and extended families. Bluestem is designed to be multi-generational. It will include zero-entry villas and a few homes with accessory dwelling units, essentially independent living space for an extended family member. The three- to five-bedroom homes will be sold at their appraised value, around $250,000, to qualifying low- to moderate-income people, who make less than 80 percent of the median income for metropolitan Omaha. Habitat can help prospective homebuyers clean up any credit issues they have, and the buyers are required to work on their own and/or other peoples houses. Because of donors, partners and volunteers, and not having to make a profit, Habitat is able to keep costs down, homeowners get low-interest mortgages and Habitat can help with some down payment assistance. Weve seen so many people have their housing pulled out from under them than when the landlord wanted to raise the rent $400 or $500 a month, or when a house got sold out from under people, Brewer said. More than ever, we are shouting from the mountaintops that homeownership really is the way to create permanent housing stability. Habitat Omaha is taking applications from prospective homeowners for Bluestem houses. Theyre still raising money for the next Bluestem phases. They also need more volunteers, including employee groups and individuals. Destiny Gunter has long wanted to own a home for the certainty of it, but also the independence. Its something her mother, Linda Floyd, had never managed for herself, but has always wanted for her daughter and Destinys children: Major, 7; Honor, 5; Sianni, 3; and Shaunie, 2. Gunter couldnt really see herself buying a house. But she decided to give Habitat a try. What changed my mind was me trying, and then the people at Habitat, Gunter said Friday, standing on the driveway of her new home. They always told me, dont give up, you can do it. You got this. And I just stuck it out. When she saw the layout of the new development, Gunter thought, I gotta get to Bluestem. And then when I came up here, and I was doing my sweat equity and stuff, I said, Oh yeah, this is it, this is me. Outside the home, she said shes excited that nobody can tell her she cant put a swing set in the yard, let alone raise the rent or sell the house out from under her. Shes glad her kids will have their own rooms and looking forward to telling them: Go to your rooms! Inside, Gunter gleefully accepted her keys from Mona McGregor, the leader of the all-woman volunteer crew who built Gunters house. Do you know what that is? McGregor asked, extending the keys. I know what that is, Gunter said. Success! Photos: Habitat for Humanity of Omahas opens Bluestem Prairie Even in Antarctica one of the most remote and desolate places on Earth scientists say they are finding shattered temperature records and an increase in the size and number of wacky weather events. The southernmost continent is not isolated from the extreme weather associated with human-caused climate change, according to a new paper in Frontiers in Environmental Science that tries to make a coherent picture of a place that has been a climate change oddball. Its western end and especially its peninsula have seen dramatic ice sheet melt that threatens massive sea level rises over the next few centuries, while the eastern side has at times gained ice. One western glacier is melting so fast that scientists have nicknamed it the Doomsday Glacier and theres an international effort trying to figure out whats happening to it. And Antarctic sea ice veered from record high to shocking amounts far lower than ever seen. What follows if the trend continues, a likely result if humans fail to curb emissions, will be a cascade of consequences from disappearing coastlines to increased global warming hastened by dramatic losses of a major source of sunlight-reflecting ice. That's something scientists have long been watching and are even more concerned about now. A changing Antarctica is bad news for our planet, said Martin Siegert, a glaciologist, professor of geosciences at University of Exeter and lead author on the paper. Siegert said he and his team wanted to understand more about the causes of extreme events, and whether more of those events would happen as a result of burning fossil fuels, so the team synthesized research on a wide range of topics including atmosphere and weather patterns, sea ice, land ice and ice shelves and marine and land biology. The study found climate change extremes are getting worse in a place that once seemed slightly shielded from global warmings wildness. The continent is not a static giant frozen in time, they said, but instead feels climate changes wrath and extremes sporadically and unpredictably. Anna Hogg, a co-author on the paper and professor at the University of Leeds, said that their work illustrates complex and connected changes between the ice, ocean and air. Once youve made a big change, it can then be really hard to sort of turn that around, she said. And it's a change with links to human activity. This is indeed a strong signature of climate change, said Helen Fricker, a professor of geophysics with the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego, who was not involved with the study. Its not good. Siegert and Hogg's team looked at several factors including heat waves, loss of sea ice, collapse of ice shelves and impacts on biodiversity. Siegert described last year's heat wave in Antarctica, which brought research station thermometers to a whopping 70 degrees Fahrenheit above normal temperatures. Hogg said that sea ice is at an all-time low, a major cause for concern: In the Antarctic, the July average for sea ice extent fell below previous low set in 2022. And ice shelves, which can be the size of several large buildings, are also under threat as they melt and eventually collapse. Sea ice and ice shelves work like a cork in a bottle, holding back glaciers that would otherwise rush into the ocean. When they disappear, glaciers flow many times faster. What's more, the disappearance of large swaths of ice accelerates warming like swapping a white T-shirt for a black one on a hot summer day replace ice with land or water, and suddenly the earth is absorbing the sun's rays rather than reflecting them. The topic of extremes is with us more frequently and will be with us even more frequently in the future, said Peter Schlosser, vice president and vice provost of the Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University not involved with the research. Systems like Antarctica are extreme by nature, but that doesn't mean they're not vulnerable, he added they're highly susceptible to small changes. I'm not an alarmist, but what we see is alarming, said Waleed Abdalati, an environmental researcher at the University of Colorado not involved with the study. He said that extreme events are one thing, but when superimposed on a trend a trend of global warming that heightens those extreme events that's a cause for concern. We can handle events, he added, but we can't handle a steady increase of those destructive events. That's something climate scientists say we'll need to prepare for, by continuing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while introducing adaptation measures for sea level rise and extreme weather around the world. We've been saying this for 30 years, said Ted Scambos, an ice scientist at the University of Colorado whose paper from 2000 was cited in Siegert and Hogg's article. I'm not surprised, I'm disappointed. I wish we were taking action faster." How climate change drives hotter, more frequent heat waves How climate change drives hotter, more frequent heat waves Is climate change to blame? Understanding heat waves Analyzing the likelihood of a heat wave under climate change Protecting at-risk populations from heat waves LINCOLN A Lancaster County District Court judge on Friday granted a motion to dismiss a lawsuit challenging a new law that increases restrictions on abortions and gender-affirming care for minors, but an appeal is likely on the horizon. Judge Lori Maret filed her decision Friday after hearing arguments from lawyers for Planned Parenthood of the Heartland and the Nebraska Attorney Generals Office last month. The lawsuit claimed the law, enacted through Legislative Bill 574, violated the State Constitutions single-subject rule. In her decision, Maret sided with the states arguments that all regulations within LB 574 fell under the category of health care. We are thankful for the courts thoughtful analysis and recognition of the Legislatures prerogatives and processes, Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers said in an email. As a result of todays order, LB 574 remains law in Nebraska. Planned Parenthood sought a temporary injunction through the challenge to halt the enforcement of the 12-week gestational ban on abortions, which took effect immediately, while the gender-affirming care restrictions wont begin until October. Marets decision keeps the abortion restrictions in place. In response to the decision, the American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska which supplied most of the lawyers representing Planned Parenthood immediately stated their intent to appeal the decision. Ruth Richardson, CEO of Planned Parenthood North Central States, in an email statement described the decision as a devastating blow to Nebraskans rights. She said LB 574s abortion restrictions will primarily hurt people of color, rural residents and low-income households. We will never stop fighting for the freedom, bodily autonomy and health of our communities, Richardson said. The final version of LB 574 that was signed into law in May immediately banned abortions after 12 weeks based on gestational age, and will restrict hormone therapy and puberty blockers for individuals under 19 starting Oct. 1, while also banning gender-affirming surgeries for the same age group. The bill started out as an attempt solely to ban gender-affirming care for people under 19, while a separate bill sought to ban abortions after embryonic cardiac activity could be detected, at about the six-week mark. But the abortion measure, LB 626, was blocked when supporters failed to get enough votes to cut off a filibuster. Supporters then combined the two topics into an amendment that replaced the original language of LB 574. Gov. Jim Pillen called the resulting bill an important law and said he was grateful for Fridays decision. I was proud to sign into law a measure that protects kids and defends the unborn, and I am pleased that it has been upheld, he said. Opponents had a different view. We strongly disagree with the courts conclusion, said Mindy Rush Chipman, executive director of the ACLU of Nebraska. State senators combined unrelated restrictions into a single bill in their rush to take away Nebraskans rights. Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of August 2023 TEHRAN, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani on Saturday strongly condemned the deadly "terrorist" attack by the Islamic State (IS) militants on a Syrian military bus in east Syria on early Friday. Kanaani made the remarks in a statement published on the ministry's website, expressing Iran's sympathy with the Syrian government, people and army. He attributed the rise in "terrorist" operations and attacks in Syria over the past few months to the continued foreign support for "terrorist" groups with the aim of preventing complete stability and security in Syria. The IS militants ambushed the bus in the desert region of Al-Mayadeen City in Syria's eastern province of Deir al-Zour predawn Friday, killing 33 soldiers, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The Friday incident has brought the fatalities due to the increasing IS attacks in the desert region to 420 since the beginning of 2023, according to the war monitor. A year ago, I was stuck in my efforts to properly learn Clojure. So I decided to take a step back and work through SICP: slowly, but steadily. I sticked to it rather well, even finished an exercise on the day I moved. Neither did I take a break on Christmas. However, I had to stop in March, because working on the first project with two colleagues in our own company (Composed GmbH) was too much besides working two other jobs. With that project finished, and one of the two jobs quit, I have some time again. Satisfied with SICP I quickly took up SICP again in July to learn about lazy evaluation and streams, which is also used in Clojure. But now that I got out of it what I needed, I'm back to Clojure. Those nine months of SICP with Scheme and Racket really paid off. And since I'm not particularly interested in building my own LISP, I won't continue with SICP for the moment and leave the two last chapters unread but I'll leave the bookmark where it is (almost at the end of the third chapter). So what's up next? A lot of teaching from August to February (15 lessons a week) including a completely new course (on software testing), which takes up three days a week, plus some preparation. Then there's a lot to do for our own company; maybe project work, or building up some infrastructure and creating a proper website (probably using Hugo). But I'd also like to learn something new besides, and doing so systematically (again). Programming Languages? I looked at a lot of different programming languages in the last couple of years. I wrote some code in AWK, Bash, C, C#, Clojure, Elixir, Elm, Erlang, Go, Haskell, Io, Java, JavaScript, Lua, Octave, PHP, Python, Prolog, R, Racket, Ruby, Rust, Scheme, Standard ML, and SQL. I was exposed to 25 languages in the last, say, five years. This is very broad, but therefore also rather shallow. So instead of picking up fresh ones (like OCaml or Perl), I'd rather get deeper into the ones I already know. For me, the most interesting ones are: Erlang and Elixir: Actually two (functional) languages both based on the same technology; the Erlang VM (Beam) and OTP. I'm very interested in Concurrency, and Go's CSP model was a revelation in that respect for me. Now I'd like to learn more about the Actor Model, and on how to build resilient applications. For practical purposes (e.g. building web applications), I'll use Elixir. But since Elixir is a hosted language, I should also spend some time with the host language Erlang. Clojure: In my opinion, this is the most beautiful language. The basic data structures (lists, vectors, maps, and sets) just feel right. There's a powerful and intuitive API for them, they can be made up with (nested) literals, and once you get the hang on persistent data structures, you don't want to go back. I already know the host language (Java), and this interoperability makes it a great choice for practical projects like web applications. I haven't used macros yet, so there's even more power lurking beneath. Rich Hickey created Clojure out of frustration with all the other languages. The result is a great pleasure to work with, even though I probably need to improve my workflow with Emacs in order to become really productive. Rust: Just in case Erlang/Elixir and Clojure should be too slow or too memory intensive for certain tasks, Rust will solve both issues. It's quite functional in some respects (iterators, enums, pattern matching) and, unlike the other languages mentioned here, strongly typed. However, its collections are basically mutable, and many operations on them only work if they are declared so. This is one step back from the persistent data structures of the other languages/platforms, but exactly what is needed for uncompromising performance. With those three (or four) platforms (or languages), I'll cover a lot of ground. I did neglect languages suited for writing web frontends, but this is not my main concern. (And Elm would probably be my choice for it. Or maybe ClojureScript.) But what should I do with these programming languages? Without a proper project, I won't stick to them and do something else. and Algorithms! For the lack of a productive project (with deadlines and payment, but also with the option to pivot to a language I'm already familiar with), I have to make up some kind of project. There's a very big book at the very bottom of my bookshelf: Introduction to Algorithms (4th Edition), which I now own since its release in spring 2022. I wasn't able to read a single page of it yet, but now the time has come. Being more confident with academic computer science texts after my encounter with SICP, I'd like to tackle this one. The algorithms are given as pseudo-code, so much I already figured out. I don't know yet if there are exercises, and whether or not they involve mathematical proofs. (I'm writing this during my holidays, away from my bookshelf.) However, I'd like to focus on the implementation, for which I only need to understand the algorithms, but not to proof their correctness. Besides building up an arsenal of algorithms for different kinds of problems, I'd like to practice the programming languages mentioned above on those algorithms. But learning two new thingsalgorithms and languagesprobably will be too hard. So here's my plan: Reading and Understanding: I'll probably need to read every section two or three times until I understand it. And I should also make some sketches and play through some examples using pen and paper. With that understanding, I'll go ahead with the implementation of the algorithm. Go: The pseudo-code descriptions are a good fit for the structured programming model of Go. I already know Go quite well, and it comes with all the tools needed to play with algorithms: Data structures (slices, maps, structs), relatively lean syntax, and a built-in test module with benchmarking capabilities, besides appropriate tooling. Using Go, I can focus on the algorithm and play with it, until I really understand it. Rust: Having a working version in Go, I can just translate it to Rust. There will be a few language-specific issues to deal with (immutability, the need for smart pointers when using recursive data structures), but that is exactly what I need to learn. Doing some runtime comparisons with Go will also be interesting. Erlang: Now towards functional programming: Having implemented an algorithm in two languages, I'll now translate it to a different paradigm. This will teach me the basics of Erlang. Making the algorithms work concurrently would also be a good exercise, for which I probably should first go back to Go (and Rust), which also yields interesting comparisons for the different concurrency models. (Elixir can wait for later.) Clojure: Having grasped the functional implementation of an algorithm, re-writing it in Clojure should amount to simplification and more concise code. (Some additional benchmarking with comparisons to other languages would also be interesting to finish off each algorithm.) So this is quite some project, and I wonder for how long I'll be able to stick to it. I once again try to work on it every day, without having any goals in terms of finishing the book. I'll put the code into my algorithms repository. I'll also write a diary, so that I at least have a commit every day, even if I just read and don't manage to write any code. MORE STATE FAIR COVERAGE SPRINGFIELD If you don't eat meat but still want to take part in the Illinois State Fair's celebrated food scene, fear no longer. While meat is an unavoidable part of some classic fair favorites like corn dogs, cheesesteaks or Springfield's signature horseshoe sandwich, vegetarians can still enjoy a variety of options from vendors scattered across the 366-acre site. At the fair's opening day, reporters from The Pantagraph, Herald & Review and Journal Gazette & Times-Courier teamed up to explore food options at the Illinois State Fair. Among them was Pantagraph intern Charlotte Calmes, who has been a vegetarian for more than four years. Below, Charlotte shares her favorite meat-free eats for those who prefer to admire the fairs livestock from afar, rather than consume it. Ice cream nachos A mountain of vanilla soft serve topped with hot fudge on a waffle cone chip base, this mouth-watering shareable dessert did turn out to be as delicious in taste as it sounds when described. The contrasting textures of the gooey hot fudge, creamy soft serve and slightly crunchy waffle cone pieces work together to create a true masterpiece of a dessert experience, making your typical ice cream cone feel downright disappointing. Warning: Definitely come prepared with a friend or two, or even a group, to share with if you decide to order the nachos simply order on a completely empty stomach. Regardless, be prepared for an ice cream creation that you will still be thinking about the next day (I'm speaking from experience). Vendor: Dippin Mervs Price: $7.50 Scorchin squares Fairs tend to be dominated by deep-fried favorites, from funnel cakes to Oreos, but this menu item caught my eye right away. As an avid fried cheese curd lover, I had to see how the scorchin squares, deep-fried white cheddar cubes, matched up to the classic Wisconsin snackable. Complete with the perfect dusting of jalapeno flakes, these cheese bites are fresh, gooey and more flavorful than a classic curd, without being too spicy and making you sweat even more in the already-scorching state fair sun. Vendor: Diggity Dawgs Price: $5 Cream puff How could picking up a sugary pastry filled with fresh-from-the-farm cream ever sound like a bad idea? The first sweet treat we put to the test this airy, fluffy dessert oozing with Cool Whip-tasting cream set the bar high for the rest of the fairs vegetarian eats, and served as the perfect precursor to our mission. Despite the fact that we were some of the only customers ordering massive cream puffs at 11:30 a.m., they were delicious nonetheless. Vendor: Midwest Dairy Association Price: $7 each Falafel with tzatziki sauce A Village of Cultures at a Midwest state fair has serious potential to completely miss the mark or even butcher recipes perfected and passed down through families and generations in various parts of the world. However, while I cant speak to the other booths at this subsection of the fair, the falafel with tzatziki sauce at the Mediterranean booth was a pleasant surprise. Despite appearing small and insignificant, the falafel was one of my favorite eats of the day. These bite-sized snackables, which consist of a pleasantly earthy and abundantly flavorful mix of vegetables, herbs and spices cased in a crispy deep-fried coating, are offered in a perfectly sized portion as part of the fairs new "Small Plates, Big Tastes" campaign. The deal offers guests sample-size portions from Village of Cultures vendors for just $3, adding a budget-friendly bonus to an already excellent snack item. Vendor: Mediterranean booth - Village of Cultures Price: $3 Thai tea boba & popping boba lemonade While boba tea is one of my all-time favorite drinks (and doubles as a mini-snack of sorts), it was far from the first thing I would have expected to see at a state fair. But our stop at Tri Boba served as a much-needed refreshing interlude during our intense, high-calorie and carb-heavy taste-test adventure. Boba tea tends to be an acquired taste, especially for those drinks with classic tapioca pearls instead of fruit-flavored popping boba. But Tri Bobas Thai tea boba and popping boba lemonade, which we ordered with strawberry-flavored popping boba, were both beverages that all five reporters could get behind, as they were light and flavorful, instead of overly thick and sickeningly sweet. Plus, as reporter Donnette Beckett added, with boba tea drinks, you get the unique experience of slurping up something tasty and unexpected along with your milk tea base. Vendor: Tri Boba Tea Price: $8 each Flavored watermelon If youre raising an eyebrow at the title of this snackable, dont worry, we did too. But not for long. This one-of-a-kind food item consists of pieces of fresh watermelon sprayed with your choice of flavoring, with options including peach, blue raspberry and cotton candy, the most popular flavor. As Kandymellons operator Thomas Brown told us, and we soon found to be true, there is no single word that encapsulates the experience of trying flavored watermelon for the first time. But Ive concluded that magical might be the most accurate adjective. Vendor: Kandymellons Price: $5 Vegetable lo mein & fried rice Chans has more than just sizzling chicken skewers on its menu, offering vegetarian items that may be more filling and stomach-friendly than a massive dessert or sugary snack. Sweet and slightly tangy without being dense and overpowering, you can't stop after only one bite of the vegetable lo mein unless it's to move to the flavorful fried rice on the other side of the boat. Even without the stands signature chicken on a stick to complement the rice and lo mein, this meat-free combination will keep you fueled during your daylong trip to the fair. Vendor: Chans Concessions Price: Included in combo meal, around $20 total Photos: Illinois State Fair political days through the years 2012 State Fair 2012 State Fair 2015 State Fair 2015 State Fair 2015 State Fair 2007 State Fair 2008 State Fair 2008 State Fair 2009 State Fair 2012 State Fair 2012 State Fair 2005 State Fair 2004 State Fair 2003 State Fair 2003 State Fair 2006 State Fair 2007 State Fair 2012 State Fair 2018 State Fair 2012 State Fair 2021 State Fair 2021 State Fair BLOOMINGTON A McLean County judge has ruled a Bloomington woman, who is serving 55 years for a 2011 murder, will not get a new trial on a related charge. Misook Nowlin, 57, was convicted in 2012 of first-degree murder in the strangulation death of her mother-in-law, Linda Tyda. Before her trial began, she pleaded guilty to one count of concealment of a homicidal death. Earlier this year, her attorney Jeff Brown filed a petition on her behalf asking the court to conduct an evidentiary hearing, vacate her guilty plea on the concealment charge and set the matter for a new trial. Having taken their arguments under advisement, Kording issued a ruling Friday afternoon, denying the motion. In the petition, the defense argued Nowlin had ineffective assistance of counsel because her trial attorney, Brian McEldowney, did not file a motion to withdraw her guilty plea when given the opportunity during the early appeal process. He instead filed a motion to reconsider the sentence on the concealment charge. McEldowney testified in May that he had advised her to choose a reconsidered sentence motion rather than a withdrawn plea because the evidence on that count was substantial. Tydas body was found Sept. 12, 2011, in a shallow grave near a forest preserve off Interstate 55 in Will County, The Pantagraph previously reported. Nowlin agreed with his recommendation and asked Judge Robert Freitag to reconsider her sentence, a motion the judge denied. During his ruling Friday, Kording noted Nowlin did not ask McEldowney to file a motion to withdraw her guilty plea and said McEldowneys performance was not ineffective. The judge said in consideration of the two-pronged test of an ineffective assistance of counsel claim, known as the Strickland test, not only was McEldowney not deficient in his role as counsel the first prong but if he had been, the outcome likely would not have been different the second prong. I dont see any real likelihood that the defendant would have avoided another conviction on count four, Kording said. McEldowneys trial strategy, as the attorney testified, was to increase Nowlins credibility with the jury for her self-defense claim by entering the guilty plea on the concealment. Kording said he thought McEldowneys trial strategy was coherent and reasonable. Following the ruling, Brown said Nowlin wanted to appeal Kordings decision. Kording reappointed the Office of the State Appellate Defender to take up her case.READ THE DOCUMENTS:(tncms-asset)cbd52f16-fcaf-11ed-aa16-37d3725a76f0[2](/tncms-asset) Photos: Misook Nowlin sentencing 3/1/2012 Misook Nowlin Sentencing Misook Nowlin Sentencing Misook Nowlin Sentencing Misook Nowlin Sentencing Misook Nowlin Sentencing Misook Nowlin Sentencing Misook Nowlin Sentencing Misook Nowlin Sentencing Misook Nowlin Sentencing Prosecutors said that on Aug. 3, Shickel sold drugs, including 1 gram of cocaine, to Illinois State Police Task Force 6. Authorities arrested Shickel on Wednesday at her residence, where they also found an amount of cocaine, according to the prosecution. Shickels bond was set at $150,000 with 10% to apply, meaning she would have to post $15,000 plus court fees to be released from the McLean County Detention Facility. If she were to post bond, she would have to prove in court the money was not obtained through criminal activity. BLOOMINGTON A Bloomington man faces nearly a dozen felony charges related to the possession and sale of drugs over a two-month period. Earnest M. Bell, 46, was charged with the following: one count of unlawful possession with the intent to deliver between 400 and 900 grams of methamphetamine, a Class X felony one count of unlawful possession with the intent to deliver between 100 and 400 grams of methamphetamine, a Class X felony one count of unlawful possession with the intent to deliver between 15 and 100 grams of cocaine, a Class X felony one count of unlawful possession of between 400 and 900 grams of methamphetamine, a Class X felony one count of unlawful possession of between 100 and 400 grams methamphetamine, a Class X felony one count of unlawful possession of between 15 and 100 grams of cocaine, a Class 1 felony four counts of unlawful delivery of cocaine, between 1 and 15 grams, Class 1 felonies one count of unlawful delivery of cocaine, less than 1 gram, a Class 2 felony. According to prosecutors, Bell made four separate drug sales between July and August to a confidential informant with Illinois State Police Task Force 6. On Wednesday, authorities believed they had probable cause and arrested Bell at his residence, where police also found Bell in possession of 16 baggies of methamphetamine weighing a total of 475 grams, 47 grams of cocaine, and suspected drug sale proceeds totaling $1,170, according to the prosecution. Bells bond was set at $750,000 with 10% to apply, meaning he would have to post $75,000 plus court fees to be released from the McLean County Detention Facility. Bell must also prove that, if he does post bond, the funds were not gained through criminal activity. His next court date is 9 a.m. Sept. 1. Updated mug shots from The Pantagraph Bryant Lewis Derek Roesch Justin M. Mata Marcus D. Wesley Phillip Tinch Trisha L. Hanke William B. Givens David L. Oliver Kenneth E. Funk Jordan R. King Holly M. Isaacson Kenneth L. Minton Tony L. Jackson Britley L. Hilger Jasmine L. Smith Jackie S. Claypool Noah R. Demuth Brandon L. Parsano Alexander N. Williams Carlos Sanchez-Solozarzano Jaylin S. Bones Jordan R. King Dominique M. Banks Austin T. Daugherty Sandra M. Lewis Samantha E. Morris Nolan C. Love Nikkita L. Sandefur Katlin M.B. Wilson Eli C. Garozzo Tysean T. Townsend Curtis J. Byrd Noral K. Nelson Charles J. Tankson Davis, Micah S Livingston, Joshua D. Kevin L. Ewen Emmanuel K. Mpay Ahmad S. Manns Dylan R Mann Tony L. Jackson William R. Linden Zadek U. Moen Zachary T. Willis Cecily M. Sexton Tonisha A. Jackson James A. McConnaughay Jessica M. Longberry Barry D. Guyton Keon E. Spiller Melina Aguilar Carlos D. Cregan Wayne M. Damron Terrance L. Ford Stanley M. Miller Darryl R. Vinson Jarvis K. Heads Wesley M. Noonan Brad Carter Brian K. Burnett Kenneth D. Downey Kenyon J. Bones How Time Flies is a daily feature looking back at Pantagraph archives to revisit what was happening in our community and region. 100 years ago Aug. 12, 1923: Michael Fahy, representative from the district that includes Minonk, is confident that it can be arranged to have contracts let on the Meridian highway so that there will be an unbroken hard road from Dixon to Bloomington. He believes it is possible to have these contracts let this fall so that work can be done next year. 75 years ago Aug. 12, 1948: The lion kingdom was complete again at the Miller Park Zoo this week with Duke, a new 700-pound African lion now residing in the enclosure formerly occupied by 13-year-old Whiskers. Duke was sold by the Clyde Beatty circus on account of having become too mean for show business. 50 years ago Aug. 12, 1973: One hundred Mexican-American migrant workers and their wives and children were safely evacuated from their homes on the Stokely-Van Camp Inc. factory grounds in Gibson City as a raging blaze destroyed four warehouses and more than 100,000 cases of canned goods. Fire Chief Lawrence Swartzell said workers on the night shift saw a bolt of lightning hit one of the warehouses. 25 years ago Aug. 12, 1998: It took some effort this summer, but several area school districts say they have enough substitute teachers for the upcoming year putting them a step ahead of many U.S. school systems. Unit 5 and District 87 will start the 1998-99 school year Aug. 26 with about 200 college graduates on their substitute teacher lists. Olympia will start the same day without about 100 potential substitutes. 101 years ago: See vintage Pantagraph ads from 1922 Gerthart's Union Gas and Electric Co. Hoover Dr. J.A. Moore Dentists Moberly & Klenner W.P. Garretson W.H. Roland Pease's Candy Thor 32 Electric Washing Machine The Kaiser's Story of the War Ike Livingston & Sons Gossard Corsets Cat'n Fiddle 'Stolen Moments' Case Model X The Johnson Transfer & Fuel Co. The Pantagraph want ads Franklin Motor Car Co. 'A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court' Calumet Baking Powder Mayer Livingston & Co. Newsmarket 'The Emperor Jones' 'California Fig Syrup' BLOOMINGTON The newest Illinois State Historical Marker honors the legacy and contributions that Bloomington-Normal had to the circus, especially the flying trapeze. The marker sits at 200 E. Washington St. in downtown Bloomington, the site of a former YMCA gym where aerialists and trapeze performers trained from the 1900s to 1950s. In a small ceremony Saturday afternoon, the marker was unveiled by the McLean County Museum of History with support from Milner Library at Illinois State University, the Illinois State Historical Society and Bloomington Stars Take Flight, an organization that's also seeking to put a public statue at the site. Maureen Brunsdale, special collections librarian at Milner Library, oversees the Circus & Allied Arts Collection. "As librarian of one of the greatest circus collections at Illinois State University, I stand in this spot in awe. ... Here, at the Y, so many people learned how to take flight on the trapeze," she said in prepared remarks on Saturday. Brunsdale said she hoped the marker would help Bloomington-Normal residents "embrace our circus past." Citing Robert Lewis Taylor's 1956 book "Center Ring," Brunsdale hammered home Bloomington's significance to the circus. "'With the possible exception of Sarasota, Florida, Bloomington Bloomington," she emphasized, "has contributed as much to the glamour of circuses as any other town in the world. "That's a 'mic-drop' moment," Brunsdale said. Julie Emig, executive director of the McLean County Museum of History, said the YMCA, which stood from 1908 to 1972 at the present-day parking lot, started with a fund drive in 1906. Project leaders had just 30 days to raise $100,000, she said. On the final day of the fundraiser, Emig said thousands of people gathered on the lawn of what was then the McLean County Courthouse, now the history museum. They kept tally on a large blackboard and counted down the minutes, she said. "It seemed that the campaign might fall short at $99,112. But at the last minute, a pledge of $1,000 sent them over the top," she said. That final donation came from a "well-known and respected agriculturist from Normal," Emig said, one Samuel Noble King. Later, when the cornerstone for the new building was set in 1907, then-U.S. Vice President Charles Fairbanks attended and spoke, Emig said. She quoted him, saying, "'We must promote to the utmost the cause of education, making education as free as the air to all the children of the community. We must also give encouragement and support all those things that promote physical and moral health of the entire neighborhood.'" Emig said that community relationship from the turn of the century was familiar. "It struck me that over 100 years ago, residents in Bloomington were feeling that familiar tension between the development of infrastructure, bricks and mortar, and the development of community a place worthy of its people. Soul and stone intertwined," she said. "While the building is gone," Emig said, "the memories of the circus and the performers who trained here live on through the engraving of this marker." After the unveiling, Brunsdale said, "The marker, I think, really relates the gravitas gives significance that word of mouth doesn't have." She added that Bloomington-Normal's history is richer and more varied than most people know. "We're multi-faceted," she said. "We're not just Steak 'n Shake, Beer Nuts and Country Financial. We've got the arts here as well." And while some in Central Illinois may not realize that, there are others around the world who do. "The first time I went to Sarasota, Florida, people went, 'Oh my god, you're from Bloomington? Bloomington, Illinois? Do you know what that means? Is the barn still there? The Wards, they were there?'" she said, referring to a famous trapeze family and the practice facility they built. (The practice facility on Emerson Street was torn down in the 1960s, according to Milner Library.) "Then I would come back to Bloomington and start talking to people who have been here a long time and they didn't really know. They lost that history. I would hope that this plays a small part in bringing pride to the community for our circus past." AUSTIN, Texas A 3-year-old child riding one of Texas' migrant buses died while on the way to Chicago, officials said Friday, the first time the state has announced a death since it began shuttling thousands of migrants from the U.S.-Mexico border last year. Texas authorities confirmed a child's death in a statement Friday but did not say where the child was from or why they became ill. The Illinois Department of Public Health said the child was 3 years old and died Thursday in Marion County, in the southern part of that state. "Every loss of life is a tragedy," the Texas Division of Emergency Management said in a statement. "Once the child presented with health concerns, the bus pulled over and security personnel on board called 9-1-1 for emergency attention." Texas has bused more than 30,000 migrants to Democratic-controlled cities across the U.S. since last year as part of Republican Gov. Greg Abbott's sprawling mission on the border, called Operation Lone Star. The operation has come under a burst of new scrutiny in recent months over additional hard-line measures the governor has authorized in the name of deterring migrants from crossing from Mexico. The Biden administration is suing Texas over wrecking ball-sized buoys placed on the Rio Grande this summer, saying the water barrier poses environmental and humanitarian concerns. Texas has also begun separating some migrant families on the border in what marks a shift by state police, who have previously said that families should stay together. Abbott spokesperson Renae Eze referred questions Friday night about the child's death to the state's emergency management agency, which has operated the bus program since it launched in 2022. The child received treatment from paramedics and later died at a hospital, according to the agency. The bus departed from the Texas border city of Brownsville. All passengers had their temperature taken and were asked if they had any medical conditions, according to Texas' emergency management agency, which did not immediately respond to requests for more details Friday night. Illinois officials said in a statement they were working with health officials, state police and federal authorities "to the fullest extent possible to get answers in this tragic situation." U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, a Democrat whose district includes the Texas border, said Friday night that he had not been briefed on details of the child's death. Still, he criticized Abbott, saying the governor should be working more with the federal government on border security. "You can't use the migrants as political pawns. You still got to be accountable to taking care of them, especially if you're transporting kids," Cullear said. Besides Chicago, Texas has also sent buses to Washington, New York, Philadelphia, Denver and Los Angeles. On Thursday, Abbott freshly touted the bus program on Twitter, posting, "We will continue busing migrants to sanctuary cities until Biden does his job & secures the border." Under Texas' bus program, the state says migrants sign consent waivers and agree on the destinations where they're headed. Texas officials say the buses are stocked with food and water and that migrants are allowed to get off early at stops before the destination city. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called the buses a "despicable stunt" by Abbott after 42 people, including some children, were dropped off in the city in June. At least four migrant children have died this year in federal custody. That includes an 8-year-old girl from Panama who died in May and had arrived with a heart condition and sickle cell anemia. Last month, an independent report found that Border Patrol does not have protocols for assessing medical needs of children with preexisting conditions. ___ Associated Press writer Valerie Gonzalez in McAllen, Texas, contributed to this report. 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 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 Serabi Medinas family is currently raising money online to pay for her funeral. Youve probably read or heard about how the nine-year-old girl was allegedly deliberately shot in the head and murdered by a neighbor in Chicagos Portage Park neighborhood earlier this month. But the fundraising shouldnt be necessary. Last year, House Bill 2985 created the Murdered Children Funeral and Burial Assistance Act. The measure unanimously passed both legislative chambers and was signed into law on May 10, 2022. The law was named after Mychal Moultry, a four-year-old boy murdered in 2021. My son will be remembered, Mychals mom told a reporter last year. The law allows the Illinois Department of Human Services to pay up to $10,000 per murdered child funeral and burial starting July 1 of this year, but that spending was subject to appropriation. That legalese means the services can only be paid for if the program is specifically added to the states budget law with a dollar amount attached to it. And, as so often happens with legislation like this, the money was not properly inserted into the final bill, which means families like Serabis might not see a dime although there is hope that a solution will be found. The problem with the system is that the buck doesnt seem to really stop anywhere. The original Senate sponsor retired. The governor signed the bill at a Peoria event, but his budget office and the Department of Human Services didnt include it in the spending plan Gov. Pritzker proposed in February. The legislative staffs also apparently dont track bills to make sure programs are funded. It looks like the program slipped through the cracks because, according to the governors office, the bills House original sponsor apparently made an honest mistake and mistook an appropriation for another burial program to be a funding source for the child burial legislation. Rep. Camille Lilly is the original House sponsor of the murdered child funeral bill and also chairs the House Health & Human Services Appropriations Committee. She claimed first through a spokesperson and then in a phone conversation with my associate Isabel Miller that the law had been funded last year and, when no money was spent, $5 million was re-appropriated this year. Trouble is, the law didnt fully take effect until July 1, 2023, so it wouldnt have been funded during the 2022 budget process. More importantly, according to the governors office, the $5 million appropriations line Rep. Lilly pointed to is for an existing burial program for adults within three different Public Aid Code articles identified in the bills language, but not for the childrens program, which is in a different article of the code. The Department of Human Services is, committed to implementing this law and is planning to utilize some of this appropriation to cover the childrens program, explained Jordan Abudayyeh at the governors office. But the department will have to draft and implement rules to accomplish this because theres no clear appropriation for the child program. The rules, Abudayyeh said, will be retroactive so funeral/burial expenses up to $10,000 may be covered related to tragedies that occurred between July 2022 and July 2024. Hopefully, this will all be fixed. But, as I mentioned above, this is all too common in Springfield. Legislators and advocates regularly pass bills that require government spending and then dont adequately engage during the budget-making process (which is not what appears to have happened here). The Department of Human Services was required by last years law to have new administrative rules in place by this July 1, but since the funding wasnt in the budget, DHS put it on the back burner. That shouldnt have happened. Staffs in both the legislative and executive branches are already stretched thin. The Houses appropriations staff is trying to form a union and their director recently announced his pending resignation. Theres lots of flux everywhere. Even so, somebody smarter than me needs to come up with a solution to this. Separately, Rep. Lilly also pointed out to Isabel that the state still has trouble convincing funeral homes to conduct the services and then wait for reimbursement because of the states long history of extremely slow payments. State reimbursements flow a whole lot faster now, but its hard to live down a bad reputation. In the meantime, if you would like to help Serabi Medinas family pay for her funeral and burial, go here: www.gofundme.com/f/serabi-medina President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has charged tertiary institutions across the country to find innovative and effective ways of linking up with industry and corporate organisations to find practical solutions to real-life challenges. He said the government was committed to strengthening existing systems and structures to ensure that universities lived up to their mandate of producing graduates who would be able to facilitate the accelerated development of the country and the world. Addressing a thanksgiving service to climax the 75th anniversary of the University of Ghana at Legon in Accra yesterday, President Akufo-Addo said the government fully supports and shares in your vision to become a research-intensive university, and we will do all in our power to help you realise it. President Akufo-Addo said 75 years in the life of any institution was no mean feat, and that from the modest beginnings in 1948 when the university was housed on the premises of the Achimota College, the then University College of Gold Coast had evolved into one of Africa's leading universities. Today, there is a worldwide recognition of the excellent performance of the universitys faculties and students, and professional successes chalked up by her alumni, both home and abroad, he said, adding that the university continues to be a proud pacesetter in mentoring and nurturing higher institutions and think tanks in the country. The President further said that the university had over the years lived up to its mission of developing world-class human resource and capabilities to meet the development needs of the nation and global challenges. He also said that graduates from the university had contributed to national and global development, and had been a source of pride to the nation. Source: graphic.com.gh Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 12) Kris Aquino told friends and supporters on Instagram that she is "finally, on the correct path to remission" after her latest tests showed improvement in her health. "Thank you because our prayers are being answered," Aquino posted on Instagram on Thursday. "My last blood panel showed improvement -- it's slow progress, I have a long way to goit's likely that after a few months, another medication will be introduced to my body by UCLA's Dr. Belperio." "But I am, against all odds (because of all my limitations with medicinal options), finally, on the correct path to remission and a better quality of life. Thank you to all. Thank you, God. #faith," she added. Aquino said she decided to share the update and thank her supporters at the midpoint of the death anniversaries of her mother, former President Cory Aquino, and father, former Senator Ninoy Aquino. Her parents died on Aug. 1, 2009, and Aug. 21, 1983, respectively. She said it has been 17 months since she was diagnosed with Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA, formerly Churg-Strauss Syndrome). Cleveland Clinic, an American academic medical center, said it is a disease caused by inflammation that occurs in certain types of cells in a person's blood or tissues. The Queen of All Media is in the United States since June last year to undergo treatment for her auto-immune diseases. In her latest update, Aquino said she has toughened up in receiving treatment, adding her doctor called her a "badass." The Philippines' Queen of Talk said currently, she needs to get a dose of her biological injectable "every other week, optimistically for me to reach 'remission' over the next 10 to 12 months." This was on top of her chemotherapy medication which would help her reach remission for three of her auto-immune conditions, she added. "Autoimmune disorders have no cure, but life-threatening damage on the patient's organs can be prevented or managed if diagnosed early and/or given the proper treatment," Aquino said. The 52-year-old's Instagram post was accompanied by pictures of her getting treatment, along with her son Bimby and Batangas Vice Gov. Mark Leviste. Last July, Aqunio confirmed that she was in a relationship with Leviste, but had to put their romance on hold due to her current health condition. "Kids and I will always be by your sidefor better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish forever," Leviste commented on the Instagram post. Russia has warned that military intervention in Niger would lead to a "protracted confrontation" after regional bloc Ecowas said it would assemble a standby force. Such an intervention would destabilise the Sahel region as a whole, the Russian foreign ministry said. Russia does not formally back the coup. But the US, which backs efforts to restore deposed leader Mohamed Bazoum, says its Wagner mercenary group is taking advantage of the instability. On Friday coup supporters, some waving Russian flags, protested at a French military base near the capital NIamey, some chanting "down with France, down with Ecowas". Both France and the US operate military bases in Niger and they have been used to launch operations against jihadist groups in the wider region. Military officials from Ecowas countries are reportedly set to meet on Saturday to draft plans for a military intervention. The bloc has said it remains open to finding a diplomatic solution to the crisis, but Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu said on Thursday that "No option is taken off the table, including the use of force as a last resort". The US has not explicitly backed military action but has called on the junta to step aside and allow the restoration of the country's democratic constitution. The Niger junta has not responded to the latest statements from Ecowas leaders. Meanwhile fears are growing for the health and safety of Mr Bazoum, who has been held captive since the military seized power on 26 July. He and his family had been "deprived of food, electricity and medical care for several days", EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said. UN rights commissioner Volker Turk said he had received credible reports that the conditions of detention "could amount to inhuman and degrading treatment". Rights group Human Rights Watch said Mr Bazoum had told them this week that he and his family were being treated in an "inhuman and cruel" way. "My son is sick, has a serious heart condition, and needs to see a doctor," HRW quoted Mr Bazoum as telling them. 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 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: Labrador Tea is one of the boreal plants that are classified as pests or weeds. The plant is important to Indigenous communities for its healing properties. Credit: J. Baker, Author provided Labrador Tea, fireweed, chokecherry and raspberry are some of the boreal plants that are classified as weeds by the Canadian Weed Science Society. These plants are targeted with herbicide by logging companies across the Canadian boreal forest. However, these boreal plant species are important traditional plants for many Indigenous peoples in Canada and around the world. In addition to their use as food, these traditional native plants hold tremendous medicinal, ceremonial and material value. These plant species thrived before the arrival of Europeans and are respected and cared for by Indigenous communities, in ways that help increase biocultural diversity. As a cultural and environmental anthropologist, I have been working for and with First Nations communities in the boreal forests in Alberta since 2006. In my recently published paper, I reveal how the misappropriation of these plants from traditional territories is grounded in a colonial bias for the economic value of plants. Boreal forests under threat Over recent decades, boreal forests in Canada have been facing numerous threats, including attempts to extract plants for economic gain or eradicate them using herbicides. The issue lies in what gets referred to as "merchantable timber" versus the abundance of boreal forest plants that cover the ground below the trees. When government agencies and logging companies follow their Duty to Consult First Nations, they tend to overlook expressed concerns about the destruction of traditional plants that grow in abundance. For example, balsam and aspen poplar trees, birch trees, Labrador Tea, blueberries and wild mint are all plants that grow in abundance in the boreal forest that have high cultural value. In the consultation process, when an Elder or community member identifies these plants for protection, company representatives often respond saying that these plants grow throughout the forest, so their destruction has no significant impact on inherent rights protected by treaty. This outside ruling can affect First Nation members' access to their particular familial stewardship area. Wild mintused as food and medicinefrom the boreal forest laid out to dry. Credit: J. Baker, Author provided The loss of access to seemingly abundant plants is exacerbated by the use of the herbicide glyphosate in the reforestation process, and along roads, pipelines and power lines. Plants with great nutritional and medicinal value like Labrador Tea are sprayed so that they do not compete with monocropping reforestation practices that focus on timber. This reflects a bias toward merchantable timber rather than a biodiverse and healthy forest. Boreal destruction impacts Indigenous communities When people lose their collecting areas, they have to search larger areas for the same plants, request access in other people's areas and risk collecting plants contaminated by volatile organic compounds, heavy metals or herbicides. Research in the boreal forest has revealed that glyphosate remains in plant tissues for at least a decade. The communities I collaborate with during my research continue to be very concerned about the use of herbicides in their territories, and with reason. Elders from First Nations communities are also concerned about the impacts of bioaccumulationthe gradual accumulation of substances such as pesticides or other chemicals through the food chain. These concerns are based on Elders' own systems of natural law, oral traditions and enacting respect and reciprocity in the forest. Reconciliation includes plant species As Canada attempts to reconcile with Indigenous communities through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action, the recognition of species of traditional value is critical in this process. Calls to Action for improvements in Indigenous-centered education, youth programs, language and culture, and health supports are connected to people's abilities to participate in land-based activities. Plant species must be available for these activities to be possible. The availability of these species means that they need to be respected and conserved based on Indigenous approaches and ecological knowledge. Not caring for plant species in the context of Indigenous natural legal systems ignores the ancient and ongoing stewardship by Indigenous Peoples living within the boreal forests. Ignoring native species results in the continued misappropriation of traditional territories, one plant at a time. 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: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Like many other utilities, Georgia Power's days of burning coal for electricity are dwindling. Just 12 years ago, 62% of the company's power supply came from coal. By 2028, it's likely to have just one coal-fired power plant remaining in the state. Even as it moves away from coal, Georgia Power is still grappling with how to remediate the lakes of toxic ash produced by decades of burning coal around the state. Now, a proposed action by the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Alabama is leading to fresh scrutiny of Georgia Power's own waste management plans. Here's what you need to know about the government's move and what it could mean for Georgia Power's own coal ash cleanup. What is coal ash? Coal ash is a dust-like byproduct of burning coal in power plants. To keep the material from blowing away, utilities often store the waste in watery lagoons known as ash ponds. Coal ash can be safely repurposed as an ingredient in concrete, but it contains dangerous heavy metals like lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic, which are known to cause cancer and other serious illnesses, according to the EPA. If left sitting in groundwater or in contact with other bodies of water, it can pose serious risks to human health and the environment. How many ash ponds does Georgia Power have? Georgia Power has 29 ash ponds at 11 sites around the state in various states of construction and decommissioning. The company also has 12 landfills used for storing ash. At some ash pond sites, the company is drying out the waste, excavating it and transporting it to lined landfills or selling it for use in building materials. But at several locations, the company wants to cap the ash in place, sometimes with it in contact with groundwater. At Plant Hammond near Rome, Plant McDonough south of Vinings, Plant Scherer outside Macon and Plant Yates near Newnan, Georgia Power plans to cap and permanently store millions of cubic feet of coal ash in unlined pits with material submerged in groundwater. Environmentalists say that risks contaminating the water supplies surrounding communities rely on. How is coal ash managed in Georgia? In Georgia, coal ash oversight is the responsibility of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD). That's because Georgia is one of only three states allowed by the federal government to oversee the closure of its own ash ponds. The two others are Oklahoma and Texas. For a state to gain approval to manage ash pond closures, the EPA requires that its program is "at least as protective as federal regulations currently in place." What does Alabama have to do with this? Alabama had applied to join Georgia, Oklahoma and Texas in managing its own coal ash program. But last week, the EPAwhich has taken a more aggressive approach to enforcing coal ash regulations under President Joe Bidenput the kibosh on those plans. The agency announced Friday it plans to reject Alabama's application after finding that the state's program is "significantly" less protective than federal rules require. Specifically, EPA said ponds cannot be closed with coal ash in contact with groundwater, and it found that Alabama's permitting does not require facilities to adequately prevent and monitor for groundwater infiltration. Federal regulations say that coal ash ponds must be closed in a manner that controls, minimizes or eliminates contamination of groundwater to the "maximum extent feasible." Several of the ash ponds at issue in the state are owned by Georgia Power's sister company, Alabama Power. What does that mean for Georgia? For years, environmental groups have condemned Georgia Power's plans as dangerous and potentially in violation of federal rules. Now, they say the Alabama decision is more evidence that Georgia EPD needs to force the company to change course. "If you leave the ash in contact with groundwater, it does not meet the federal standards," said Fletcher Sams, executive director of the Altamaha Riverkeeper. Questioned about its plans, Georgia Power spokesman Jacob Hawkins said the company was aware of the Alabama decision and would continue to work with Georgia EPD to ensure it complies with federal rules. He added that the company is "committed to closure plans that are protective of the environment and the communities we serve." While the Alabama determination is significant, it's not the first time the EPA has signaled that Georgia Power's plans may be inadequate. In January 2022, the EPA sent a letter to Georgia EPD asking the agency to review pending or issued ash pond permits to ensure they meet federal standards. The EPA pointed to a then-proposed decision involving an ash pond in Ohio, which the agency said had material sitting in groundwater. Late last year, the EPA formally denied that facility's request to continue dumping coal ash in its unlined pond. Frank Holleman, a senior attorney for the Southern Environmental Law Center, said the message to Georgia EPD is clear. "What the EPA has said is that you're not following the national standards if you allow coal ash to sit in groundwater in unlined pits when you issue permits," Holleman said. "Anybody who can read the English language knows this is what the rule requires," he added later. What happens next? It was not immediately clear whether Georgia EPD will require Georgia Power to adjust its plans. So far, EPD has released only one draft permit to a facility in Georgia where ash would remain in groundwater after closure. That's at Plant Hammond. In a statement, Georgia EPD spokeswoman Sara Lips said the agency would continue evaluating each permit to "ensure they meet the performance criteria established in the rules." "EPD will also continue to work with EPA to ensure all issued permits are protective of human health and the environment," she added. Lips did not directly respond to a question asking if the agency thinks Georgia Power's proposed coal ash closures comply with federal rules. The EPA said in a statement that it is "engaged in productive dialog on closure strategies" with Georgia EPD. "EPA is committed to our partnership with Georgia and to pursuing our shared goals of protecting groundwater from contamination and ensuring robust protections for communities," the agency added. 2023 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain The world is burning. Death Valley, Calif., shattered the record in July 2023 for the hottest temperature on earth. Meanwhile, July 2023 is now the hottest month in recorded history and scientists have noted heat waves are 1,000 times more likely with climate change. The effects of this heating are myriad and inter-connected. However, one underappreciated impact of global heating is its influence on language itself. Language evolves and adapts to environmental pressures in a delicate balance with its surroundings, just like any other ecological system. This matters, as understanding the complex and evolving inter-connections between ecology and language, what we call "discursive ecology," may provide key insights into how to better articulate effective climate responses. The web of language Most people in North America can feel the effects of the world getting hotter due to climate change. While most understand the nature of rising temperatures and ever more present wildfires, fewer people have effective language to talk about the realities and fears of climate change with their friends and families. The impact of this is that citizens are without the developed layered languages, or the metalanguages, required to talk about the ecological issues surrounding us. One of the challenges of climate change is representing the scale and magnitude of it in an easily understandable way, especially when it comes to how it affects humans and non-humans alike. We wanted to find a metalanguage to explain this phenomenon. A BBC News segment about how treescommunicate using underground fungal networks. Some of the research and education we have been engaged in at the University of British Columbia, both as sustainability fellows and in the Systems Beings Lab, examines what we are calling discursive ecologiesor the correspondence of language and ecological systems. Put simply, both language and ecology are self-regulatory feedback systems that can respond and feed back into their environments. The act of creating meaning relies on interactive systems and influences how we share language across public discourses, cultural representations (TV, podcasts, social media etc.), and scientific communication. This creates balance in an ever-changing world. This discourse ecology comprises, in the broadest sense, the complex communications of all living (and perhaps even non-living) beings. Creating worlds Words matter as they create meaning in our shared worlds. Drawing on the philosophers Ludwig Wittgenstein and Abraham Joshua Heschel, however, allows us to see that words do not just create meaning, they create entire worlds. This is why storytelling plays such a huge role in human development. The language of stories, as illustrated in the book "Rewriting Our Stories: Education, Empowerment, and Well-being," can both heal and alter our reality through the networks of meaning and language. Stories are the lifeblood of discursive ecologies. Imagine how trees or fungal networks speaksensing, learning, and making decisions through chemical signals and electrical impulses. Stories co-create worlds, much like fungal or human networks, drawing on living languages in various cultural or social systems. Similar comparisons can be made with terms like "heat" and "warming," both of which produce various stories that are associated with systems of thought or understanding and corresponding actions. A brief overview produced by Babbel USA on the impacts of climate change for language. Simply put, discursive ecologies allow us to see stories involving multiple people, cultures and languages as interconnected systems connected to their environmentsand also allow us to grasp the impact of language upon human discourse. The power of discourse How people think, act and communicate about rising temperatures influences social progress. And yet, polarization has become commonplace in social and political discourse. This is particularly true around the term climate change. By understanding the discursive metalanguagesor the systems of languages and meaning that connect humans and non-humanscitizens can re-imagine the divisive block of social discourse. Instead of using terms such as "climate crisis" or "climate emergency," people of the world might consider the context in which we now find ourselves: in an age of mass extinction. Such a shift in language invites collective action towards the mass extinction of wildlife instead of reducing individual human actions to fear responses. What if we, as engaged citizens, refocused the emphasis from the deficit language of "emergency" or "urgency" or even "heat" and to the fundamental issue: human-caused actions are affecting many species and living systems at record rates, including human species? The term mass extinction already elicits urgency, but also invites collective engagement, instead of zero-sum words intended to generate emotion over action. Language as an ecology to live by Language in use, as we have referred to as discourse, is maintained through delicate balance. The greater the diversity of language, the more robust and culturally productive it becomes. This is also true of ecosystems. Change itself is a part of every system. It is the basis of survival-adaptation. However, change is occurring at an unprecedented scale and speed. If we treat language and ecology as disconnected, our efforts will fall short of sustainable futures. Language, and communication as a whole, is the richest resource we have in the effort to stabilize the future. But it is a frequently wasted and inappropriately used resource. Embracing and supporting diverse discourses assists the effort to adapt human behavior to impede catastrophic events and gives us humans a chance to turn down the temperature of the heating world. 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 A new scientific study shows how periods of drought affect photosynthesis throughout the course of the day. The study found that plants in regions that are typically dry increase their CO 2 intake during the morning hours during a heat wave and decrease photosynthesis in the mid-day and afternoon. Researchers analyzed data from new-generation geostationary satellites. Dr. Benjamin Dechant is a postdoctoral researcher at Leipzig University and conducts his research at the Synthesis Center of the German Center for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv). Dechant, a physicist and ecologist, focuses his research on the spatial-temporal patterns and dynamics of photosynthesis of plants as well as on the properties of leaves and treetops. The data for the study were gathered in part during a heat wave in the U.S. in 2020. Dechant contributed to the publication by the South Korean research group and discussed the most important findings in an interview. Dr. Dechant, when it's unusually hot and dry, plants shift their photosynthesis activity to the morning hours. Why is this finding so important for research? Although this insight isn't new as such, it had previously only been based on small-scale studies of individual types of plants or ecosystems, for example at the level of a forest area, and had not yet been observed at a larger scale with satellites. The new study is the first to quantify this shift toward the morning across the entire continental U.S. based on satellite measurements. The results could be used to evaluate and improve simulation results of vegetation models, for example, as these are important for predicting the global carbon cycle. As global warming increases, the phenomenon of shifted photosynthesis activity will probably occur more frequently. What effects can this have for individual plants but also for entire ecosystems? To carry out photosynthesis, plants have to open the pores on their leaves, and this causes water to evaporate. During droughts and heat waves, individual plants need to minimize their water loss while still maintaining a minimum amount of photosynthesis. If these kinds of conditions continue for a longer period of time and the plants can't take in sufficient amounts of water through their roots, then this could lead to more plants dying, especially types of plants that are not adapted to such extreme environmental conditions. At the level of ecosystems, the drastically reduced evaporation of water from the leaves at later times of the day could also influence temperatures. This water evaporation typically cools the air, and the cooling effect will be decreased compared to normal conditions. That could have a negative effect on animals that live in these ecosystems, for example, and of course could also have a tangible effect in cities. It could also lead to feedback effects in which droughts are intensified due to the reduced evaporation. The research group you participated in evaluated data from geostationary satellites for the study. Those are satellites that are always above the same spot of the Earth's surface. What makes these satellites so valuable for your research? Geostationary satellites have been used for communication purposes and weather observations (e.g., hurricanes and cyclones) for decades, but they had only limited utility for vegetation research. The newer kinds of geostationary satellites have been equipped with sensors that also cover the part of the electromagnetic spectrum needed to observe vegetation. Even though the spatial resolution of these geostationary satellites isn't as high as that of "conventional" satellites, they have the considerable advantage of having a very high temporal resolution between five minutes to one hour. That enables us to carry out relevant measurements continually throughout the course of a day, something that is otherwise only possible with measurement towers on the Earth's surface. With this technology, researchers can also get far more measurements under cloudless conditions. This is also important for studies working with seasonal time scales, for example plant phenology, and is key in regions with greater cloud coverage such as the tropics, which play an essential role in the global carbon cycle. In the future, there will be a network of several geostationary satellites taking similar measurements that cover almost the entire globe. One of these will be the ESA satellite Sentinel-4, which will be sent into orbit next year as part of the highly successful Copernicus program. More information: Xing Li et al, New-generation geostationary satellite reveals widespread midday depression in dryland photosynthesis during 2020 western U.S. heatwave, Science Advances (2023). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adi0775 Journal information: Science Advances By Chernor Alimamy Kamara The Sierra Leone Embassy in Moscow, Russia has in a press release issued out on Friday 25th February stated its awareness of the current situation in Ukraine and said they are in contact with Sierra Leoneans in embattled East European nation. The Sierra Leone Ambassador in Moscow, Mohamed Yongawo said that they are in regular communication with the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Sierra Leone in Ukraine, Madam Liudmla Rusalina. In an earlier meeting held on 15-02-22, we agreed contingencies in support of Sierra Leoneans in the event of the situation escalating to all out armed conflict, he said. Ambassador Yongawo noted that Madam Rusalina advised that her home will be available to host Sierra Leoneans whilst awaiting for evacuation. Her residence, she informed is on the outcast of Kyiv which is safe and well-guarded with armed security, he said. He added that the Sierra Leone community organization in Ukraine, which was set up by Rusalina has been able to register 97 Sierra Leoneans of which 40 are private students. The Ambassador noted that at the time of going to press they had not received any information of harm to any of their citizens. Yongawo appealed to countries neighboring Ukraine though the Mission in Moscow to offer temporary sanctuary if and when their citizens show up in their territories whilst the government considers other options including evacuation. Meanwhile, the Sierra Leone Moscow Mission also held zoom meetings with Sierra Leonean community and students residing in Ukraine where information was shared with regards the ongoing conflict, risk and safety measures to be adopted by Sierra Leoneans, he said. Russian Forces together with their allies in the separatist region of Donbas in Eastern Ukraine early last week launched a full- scale military offensive on Ukraine. Russia President Vladimir Putins ordering of troops into Ukraine has sparked international condemnation and there have been demonstrations in cities around the world in support of the people of Ukraine. Western Powers have imposed tough economic sanctions on Putin himself, his close associates and the entire country, in opposition to the invasion. Putin says the government in Ukraine was becoming a threat to Russia. The situation continues to worsen for especially civilians who are becoming trapped as Russian forces close in on towns and cities, though reports say they continue to face stiff resistance from the Ukranian army. Copyright 2022 Politico Online (28/02/22) Keeping a business afloat can be a challenge, but the Navarro Canoe Co. has navigated its way to success in Rock Island. Today the company is co-owned by Todd McGreevy, Jeff O'Hearn and Chris Barnard, but Navarro originally started in the late 1970s in California, named for the Navarro River in northern California, where the canoes were being built. In 2011, the company was purchased by Bruce and Sue Peterson who relocated it to 2219 3rd Ave. in downtown Rock Island, where it has been headquartered ever since. Bruce was the former CEO of a hospital in Rochelle, Ill., and Sue a teacher in Aledo, according to previous reporting. The pair was looking for a lifestyle change and a business they could bring into the city, Bruce told a reporter in 2016. Barnard said he and his business partners entered the business when the Petersons were looking to retire. His group was looking for a manufacturing business they could get into for themselves. "COVID was really good for outdoor kayaking and canoeing. People rediscovered the outdoors and they're not going back inside," he said. "We're seeing a whole new category of people that are looking for ways to spend more time outside." The trio officially purchased the company in May 2022 and a year in, Barnard said, they are continuing to work on improving the boat designs, cleaning up the factory and improving marketing. Last year the company turned out 15 canoes, Barnard said, and is hoping to double that number in the second year. Navarro will be hosting an open house on Friday, Aug. 18 from 3-9 p.m. at its downtown Rock Island shop, one day before Floatzilla kicks off on the Mississippi River. Paddlers will launch from multiple sites in the Quad-Cities in an effort to create a record-setting raft of canoes and kayaks. Last year, 1,648 people registered for the paddling event. This year Floatzilla will need 1,500 more people to beat the world record of 3,151. Participants must paddle their way to Lake Potter in Rock Island for the world-record attempt. For those who may not make Floatzilla, Barnard said, the company offers an experience called Navarro-X, which is an overnight excursion that allows buyers to test their canoe with the owners as their guides. "If you're out of market, we bring you in and put you up at the Blackhawk Hotel and put you onto Loud Thunder, Lost Grove or the Rock River," he said. The canoes are luxury products, with prices ranging from $5,500 up to $8,000 before shipping. Barnard said he considers them to be heirlooms, because most customers purchase them with the intention of passing them down. Those who are local can pick up their boat in Rock Island, but they are otherwise shipped. Navarro also has a retail location in Land O' Lakes, Wis. Once the boats are dropped off, the crew takes the new owners through what Barnard called a christening ceremony, where the boat is officially placed in the water for the first time. The whole idea is to create not just a product but an experience. To maximize on that, Navarro is now offering customization, including custom bow and stern deck plates and a name of choice on the port and starboard outer hull. "If you have a family crest, a favorite color, if you have a company where you want to put your company's colors and logos on it, we are directing people to do that," Barnard said. "We're having the most interest with people wanting to customize the boat themselves." O'Hearn said they can even customize the canoe, depending on use. Recently, Navarro was commissioned to build one for a more than 1,300 mile journey on the Columbia River. "Generally, these are flat-water canoes, but I overbuilt the interior (of that one) to handle rougher water," he said. "We are capable of customizing the canoe to the user's needs." In the back of the shop is where O'Hearn makes the magic happen, completely by hand. The process of acquiring a canoe can be in-person for those who are close by, or online with a customer choosing the size and style they want. The canoes range from 13 feet at the smallest, generally for beginners or recreational canoers, to 17 feet at the largest, better for day tours, expeditions and families. Once an order is placed, the company keeps in close contact, sending photo and video updates to the customer to keep them involved in the process. Because customization is so important, O'Hearn said, he spends a lot of time speaking directly with customers to ensure the boats comes out exactly as desired. "The last boat that went out of here went to Steam Boat Springs, Colorado, and I probably spent 15 hours on the phone with the owner before, during and after the process to make certain they got exactly what they wanted," he said. The boats are shipped globally, Barnard said, with a particularly large market in Japan. The company is exploring the possibility of global distributors as a result. Until then, the boats will continue to be made by O'Hearn in downtown Rock Island. The process begins with a plug, a wooden model built to the exact dimensions of the real canoe. From there, a fiberglass mold with a gel interior is created. Navarro has the original plugs and one mold for each of the eight canoe designs it offers. Once the interior sets, it is popped out of the mold and coated with marine gel coat paint until it hardens. Next, a resin process is used to put in a layer of fiberglass fabric, then a layer of Kevlar, a thick synthetic fiber. Next, O'Hearn bends hand-cut black cherry wood to the shape of the canoe. A series of these cuts extend all the way down the canoe, called ribs, because of their function and look. They are spring-loaded, or clamped, in place for 24 hours. Once he pulls the springs out, O'Hearn sands and cleans the boat before covering it with a few more coats of resin for stability and a glossy finish. The vessels then go to the woodshop to be fitted with upper pieces, such as gunwales (top railing) and the yoke, which is the removable crossbeam used for carrying. The boat then is polished and waxed. To learn how to make the boats, O'Hearn uses what he refers to as "the Bible" a book created by the original owners, which contains blueprints and instructions. For an average 17-foot boat, it takes 80 to 100 hours per build, he said. While O'Hearn leads the projects, Navarro has part-time employees who help with portions of the work that require extra hands. "All these different processes ... at one time or another in my life, I did them as a job or a family member of mine did something similar that I did with them and learned the process," he said. "And I'm having a lot of fun. It's a total riot." Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 12) The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) has warned New Bilibid Prison inmates that their rooms will be searched daily if they do not surrender all contraband items by Sunday, Aug. 13. BuCor Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr. gave the ultimatum after a group of persons deprived of liberty surrendered several weapons on Thursday, including a hand grenade, improvised shotguns and cartridges, and bladed weapons, the bureau said on Saturday. It added that it will investigate how these goods were smuggled into prison. I am appealing to other groups inside the national penitentiary to cooperate with us, to come forward and surrender their contrabands because we will be relentless in our efforts," Catapang said. "I assure you that it is not just a ningas cogon," he added. "We will not waver until we find those contraband." The BuCor chief also warned that those caught in possession of contraband will have to serve a longer prison sentence. Rock Island-Milan schools will continue to provide breakfast and lunch at no charge to students this year. The district announced last week it would continue participating in the Community Eligibility Provision for the 2023-2024 school year. Established by federal law, CEP is an alternative to household applications for free and reduced-price meals for local educational agencies or schools with higher levels of low-income students. All students enrolled in CEP schools can participate in the program, and all breakfast and lunch meals follow United States Department of Agriculture guidelines. This applies to all district elementary and junior high schools, as well as Rock Island High School. Rock Island-Milan students are encouraged to participate in the meal program. For additional information, contact the district's food service department at (309)-793-5900 at the Rock Island-Milan Administration Center, located on 2000 7th Ave. in Rock Island. Photos: Rock Island-Milan Booster Club Turkey Tournament Classic The last words from Breasia Terrell to her mother were typed out in a text message. Goodnight Mom, the 10-year-old wrote when she used Henry Dinkins' cell phone to text Aishia Lankford between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. on July 9, 2020. Moments later, Lankford replied to her daughter: Goodnight. I love you Brea. Thank you. Hours later in the early morning of July 10, 2020 Breasia disappeared. Dinkins' bench trial entered its second day Friday at the Scott County Courthouse in Davenport. He is accused of abducting and killing Breasia and faces life in prison if Judge Henry Latham finds him guilty of first-degree kidnapping and murder. Former Davenport police officer Dustin Garner, a member of the Special Victims Unit when Breasia was reported missing, testified Friday to collecting the text messages between the mother and daughter, as well as other messages on the cell phones used by Lankford and Dinkins. Garner was one of five witnesses called to the stand Friday by Scott County Attorney Kelly Cunningham and Assistant County Attorney Liz ODonnell. The last to testify was Breasia's 11-year-old brother, identified in the courtroom as "D.L." "Brea was gone" Breasia's younger brother, identified as D.L., testified that he called his sister "Brea." He said they were "really close," and he covered his face with his hands after he offered the description. He was eight years old when the two stayed the night with his father, Dinkins. Questioned by O'Donnell, D.L. testified that Dinkins showed up at his grandmother's house on July 9, 2020. He said he wanted Brea and his older brother, identified as C.S., to stay with him at his "dad's house." Only Breasia was allowed to go. Dinkins took D.L. and Breasia in his black Camaro to the apartment he shared with Andrea Culberson. He played Grand Theft Auto in the living room while Breasia, Dinkins and Culberson were on the bed in the apartment's only bedroom. D.L. testified that it "was weird," because his father left him alone. He told the court that his mother dropped clothes off for both children, including pajamas. He said Breasia tried to bring the family dog back to the apartment, but she wasn't allowed. D.L. then testified to the next "weird thing" that happened: After both children had taken separate showers, they were each given one of Dinkins' T-shirts to wear to bed. He said the shirts were long on them, "going to about my knees." In response to questions from O'Donnell, and just before the court adjourned for the weekend, D.L. told the court that Breasia fell asleep before him and that after he fell asleep he felt "a kick" on his leg. He testified that the two had shared a bed before and Breasia never kicked him. He said he woke up later and "Brea was gone." He also testified that he felt that Dinkins "took her, because he was gone." He told the court Culberson was awake and looking out the window in the bedroom. That window faced the parking lot. D.L. testified that Dinkins returned "when there was a little bit of daylight" and his father was "acting a little weird." He said Dinkins "grabbed something out of the closet and left." D.L. then said Dinkins returned a second time, then left. He said his father returned a third time. "He came for me," D.L. told the court. His testimony is scheduled to resume at 9:30 a.m. Monday. A 4XL T-shirt Sgt. Geoffrey Peiffer returned to the stand during the second day of testimony Friday in Dinkins murder trial. Peiffer said Breasia wore a size 4XL T-shirt to bed the night before she disappeared from the apartment. She was reported missing on the morning of July 10, 2020, and Dinkins was immediately considered a person of interest in the case. Her remains were recovered near a small pond in rural Clinton County on March 22, 2021. Dinkins was charged with first-degree kidnapping and murder in early May of 2021. Peiffer testified that when Breasias remains were recovered, investigators found a 4XL T-shirt nearby. That testimony came after Dinkins' attorney, Chad Frese, cross-examined Peiffer, raising the issue of an investigation of a murder in Clinton that was committed roughly 10 days after Breasia disappeared. Frese noted a bloody childs T-shirt was found in the trunk of a car and that shirt was roughly the size of shirt worn by Breasia. Peiffer said the evidence never was considered connected to Breasias disappearance. After Frese suggested the evidence was never tested, Peiffer said the shirts from Clinton were tested, and the blood did not match Breasia's. Frese then asked Peiffer if Breasias blood was ever found in Dinkins Impala, Camaro or mobile trailer. Peiffer answered no. Frese asked if any trace evidence of Breasia, including blood, hair or other fluids, was ever found in the case. The witness again answered no. A Davenport man on parole nine months after serving a prison term for selling meth and heroin was arrested Thursday by Davenport Police for allegedly again trafficking in meth and heroin. Daniel Lloyd Scharfenberg II, 57, is charged with two counts of possession with the intent to deliver more than 5 grams of methamphetamine. Each of the charges is a Class B felony under Iowa law that carry a prison sentence of 25 years. Scharfenberg also is charged with one count of possession with the intent to deliver 5 grams or less of heroin, a Class C felony that carries a 10-year prison sentence, and three counts of violating Iowas drug tax stamp law, each of which is a Class D felony that carry a prison sentence of five years. According to the arrest affidavits filed by Davenport Police Sgt. Brandon Koepke, at 10:33 a.m. Thursday, officers with the Davenport Police Departments Tactical Operation Bureau were conducting a narcotics trafficking investigation involving Scharfenberg. During surveillance of Scharfenbergs home in the 2300 block of McKinley Avenue, officers saw him get into the passenger side of a vehicle that then drove away. A traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle on which officers conducted a probable cause search. During a search of Scharfenberg, officers seized from him 7.3 grams of crystal meth, seven-tenths of a gram of powder cocaine and 5 grams of marijuana. During a search of the vehicle officers found a small leather bag jammed between the passenger seat and the passenger door. From inside the bag officers seized a total of 25.85 grams of meth individually wrapped for sale in 11 bags. Also seized from the bag was 1.8 grams of heroin and .35 grams of fentanyl. Scharfenberg also had $850 in cash. During a search of Scharfenbergs home officers seized 26.8 grams of meth, packaging materials, 10 grams of marijuana wax and two digital scales. The meth Scharfenberg had in his possession totaled 59.95 grams. Police have said that one-tenth of a gram is the normal dose of meth, meaning Scharfenberg allegedly had 599.5 doses of meth to sell. During a post-Miranda interview Scharfenberg admitted to the police that all of the drugs found belonged to him and that he sells heroin and meth. Scharfenberg also admitted that he is on parole for selling meth and heroin. During a first appearance on the charges held Friday in Scott County District Court, Magistrate Peter Gierut scheduled a preliminary hearing for Aug. 18. Scharfenberg was being held Friday night in the Scott County Jail on a bond of $50,000, cash or surety. According to Iowa Department of Corrections electronic records, Scharfenberg is on parole until Feb. 3, 2029. On Jan. 2, 2020, Scharfenberg was arrested on a Class B felony charge of possession with the intent to deliver more than 5 grams of meth and a Class C felony charge of possession with the intent to deliver heroin. On Oct. 5, 2020, during a hearing in district court, he pleaded guilty to the lesser included charge of possession with the intent to deliver less than 5 grams of meth and possession with the intent to deliver heroin, both Class C felonies. On Nov. 13, 2020, District Court Judge Tom Reidel sentenced Scharfenberg to 10 years in prison on the meth charge and a consecutive term of 10 years in prison on the heroin charge for a total of 20 years in the Iowa Department of Corrections. He was placed on parole and released from prison on Nov. 9, 2022. EveryChild has named human services leader Nicole Mann as their new executive director. The local agency provides child abuse prevention, education and treatment programs for children and families. Throughout her career, Mann's work has focused on providing services that address the needs of vulnerable children and families in the Quad Cities region. She spent almost 20 years working to prevent youth and families from entering the juvenile justice and child welfare systems. Most recently, Mann served as director of Scott County Kids, an umbrella organization that provides for the physical and mental health of children from birth to 18 years. In this role, she worked closely with community partners to identify service gaps and helped create and support programming. Prior to Scott County Kids, Mann oversaw domestic abuse comprehensive services in Clinton, Jackson, Louisa, Muscatine and Scott Counties for Family Resources' SafePath Survivor Resources. She has also served as a family therapist for Friendly House where she provided therapy and case management services for a therapeutic day treatment program for adolescent males in Scott County. Among her many professional and volunteer activities, Mann serves as a member of Scott County and Clinton/Jackson Counties Community Partnerships for Protecting Children Planning Committees; Child Abuse Prevention Advisory Council; Scott, Des Moines and Dubuque County Cultural Equity Committees; and Southeast Iowa Link Children's Advisory Council. She is a licensed social worker and has both an MBA and MSW from St. Ambrose University and a BA in criminal justice from the University of Nebraska. A Pennington County Judge Friday morning sentenced a 36-year-old Rapid City man to 20 years in prison with five suspended for stabbing a man in the stomach during what a prosecutor said started as a "shoving match" at an apartment on Surfwood Drive in Rapid City. On Dec. 30, 2021, Samuel Silk stabbed 40-year-old Waldron Jealous of Him Jr. once in the stomach. According to police reports, Jealous of Him and Silk had not met each other prior to the stabbing. Jealous of Him who lived for four days before he died in the hospital told police Silk had been "taking advantage of his father," and admitted he "swung" at Silk before he was stabbed. Silk's defense attorney, Matt Stephens, said at the sentencing it's difficult to tell exactly what happened because everyone at the apartment was intoxicated at the time. According to a police report, Silk's blood alcohol content was .204 about an hour after the stabbing. Silk pleaded no contest to first-degree manslaughter at a hearing in June. There are several subcategories to first-degree manslaughter in South Dakota. Silk pleaded no contest to the fourth: "unnecessarily, either while resisting an attempt by the person killed to commit a crime or after such attempt has failed." "The defendant did take a life," said Deputy Pennington County State's Attorney Kevin Krull. Krull asked the judge to sentence Silk to 20 years with five suspended, the amount the state agreed to recommend in the plea agreement. Stephens asked the judge to consider suspending a larger portion of 20 years. He suggested 12 or 13 years. The lawyer said "a bunch of unfortunate events" led to Jealous of Him's death. He noted the infection that developed after the stab wound, stating that's what ultimately killed Jealous of Him. The medical examiner's report stated the knife wound killed Jealous of Him, although he did note the severe infection that caused him "severe abdominal pain" before his death. Circuit Court Judge Jeffrey Connolly said he "gave it great thought" before ultimately sentencing Silk to the amount of time the state requested. He noted Silk's past convictions, which included simple assaults, DUIs, and threatening law enforcement. Silk did not speak at his sentencing, but his lawyer said he "genuinely shows remorse." The familiar feel of bass pounded chests Thursday night as English rock band Def Leppard took the stage again at the Buffalo Chip. Flashing bright lights made the stage shine, illuminating the smiles in the crowd as puffs of smoke from the crowd mingled with the machine-produced fog on stage. The comfortable warmth from the day stayed in the tightly packed crowd of hundreds as the subtle smell of beer clung to the air. Def Leppard kicked off their show with Take What You Want, before rocking out to Lets Get Rocked and Foolin. People enjoyed the show however they wanted. Some jumped and danced while others sat comfortably in lawn chairs brought along. As the final notes of each song resonated in the air, the crowd showed their appreciation with a joyous blend of applause, cheers, whistles and revving motorcycles. The night was rounded out with a few classics, Pour Some Sugar on Me, Rock of Ages and Photograph. Def Leppard has now seen the Wolfman Jack Stage four times. They first performed in 1999, then returned for the 2011 and 2015 concert series. The 2019 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band had its first rehearsals November 1977 in a spoon factory near Bramall Lane, Sheffield in the U.K. Joe Elliot, Rick Savage, Pete Willis and Tony Kenning then performed their first gig for six friends at Christmas. Steve Clark joined the band as the second guitarist January 1978 before their first public gig in July at Westfield School in Sheffield. Drummer Kenning was replaced by Frank Noon for the bands first record The Def Leppard EP before Rick Allen joined the band full time in November 1978. Then in January 1983, Pyromania was released along with the single Photograph. The album sold 100 thousand in a week in the U.S. for most of the years, which led it to sell over seven million copies. The band's first major hardship happened on New Years Eve 1984, when Rick Allens car rolled and he lost his left arm. He ended up learning how to drum with one arm with an adapted Simmons electronic kit. Def Leppard faced another tragedy Jan. 8, 1991, when guitarist Steve Clark died while mixing alcohol with painkillers that were prescribed to him after he broke three ribs earlier that year and the band had to continue recording their fifth album as a four piece. Vivian Campbell joined the band in 1992. And that year they also released their album Adrenalize, which sold six million copies and entered the U.S. charts at number one and stayed there for five weeks. Buffalo Chip was a stop on their world tour with nine more performances on their schedule ranging from Texas to Japan to Australia. Virginias offensive coordinator says Demick Starling has top end speed. The teams special teams coordinator says Starling is probably the fastest player on the team. And Starlings position coach says he is an exceptional athlete and blessed with his ability to run. Nikki Chrimes was thinking about buying a home after a decade of renting an aging Powhatan County house where she raised her 13-year-old son, Aiden. Problem is, the median sales price for a house in Powhatan last month was $428,500, and Chrimes pay working at a physical therapists office could not stretch that far. I looked and looked and couldnt find anything, she said. Eventually, Chrimes and dozens of volunteers from Habitat for Humanity worked this spring and summer to erect a home for her on Old Tavern Road. In rural areas, Habitats sweat equity and volunteerism approach is one way to tackle the often-neglected problem rural Virginians face trying to find a place they can afford. It is particularly acute because rural populations are aging which means fixed incomes and there are far fewer apartments to rent, in part because of strict zoning ordinance limits, according to the nonprofit group Housing Forward Virginia. Most of what is for rent for those who cannot afford high home prices are single-family homes, often in need of repairs, but rehabilitation assistance programs are often available only to homeowners. Chrimes home county, Powhatan, is one example. Its a county that is growing in population and is trying to balance retaining its rural character with its residential communities and economic development, especially along and off U.S. 60, said Susan Winiecki, executive director of Habitat for Humanity Powhatan. Because most minimum residential lots sizes are now between 5 and 10 acres, trying to find affordable, grandfathered lots that are 1 to 3 acres (is) like finding needles in the haystacks you see dotting the county, she said. The few lots that Habitat can even consider also often require alternative septic systems, which are in the $30,000 range, she said. Roads may be key to Chesterfield County's economic growth. Here's why. Three key county roads show how transportation arteries are catalysts for economic development. Chesterfield's economic development director says: "A transportation network makes development happen." Addressing whats becoming a dire need Modular homes, like the one Chrimes moved into, are one way to hold down costs they are built in a factory and, once installed on a foundation and finished by Habitat volunteers, they exceed building code requirements. They are one answer Habitat is relying on in Powhatan, and one Winiecki thinks could help in other rural communities. Habitat is also looking at developing a 110-acre conservation subdivision, building 14 houses on 2-acre lots with the rest of the land kept in a conserved, permitted use, she said. - "Its a county that is growing in population and is trying to balance retaining its rural character with its residential communities and economic development, especially along and off U.S. 60." Susan Winiecki, executive director of Habitat for Humanity Powhatan But the need is there. A county worker making $45,000, aiming to keep housing costs at no more than the traditional 30% of gross income guideline, would need to find a mortgage or rent of $1,125 or under. In Powhatan, that means a house that costs $200,000 another needle in a haystack, Winiecki said. Many, many families are paying 40 to 50% right now, she said. Affordable housing is a real challenge here, says Bret Schardein, county administrator. Thats true across all of rural Virginia. Habitats efforts help, while the Board of Supervisors recent decision to clear the way for one popular approach accessory dwelling units, or the kind of small stand-alone structures people used to call mother-in-law apartments or granny flats has eased some pressure, he said. Theres a lot of interest in these, he said. Larger, more suburban jurisdictions such as Chesterfield and Hanover counties are also looking at accessory dwelling units as a tool to encourage more affordable housing options, as is the city of Richmond. Schardein says ADUs address a couple of rural needs: older residents who want to stay but cannot afford to continue to live in homes with rapidly rising assessed value for taxes and ever-increasing maintenance costs, as well as younger members of county families who cannot afford a place of their own in their home community. In many rural counties, some of the other options such communities as Chesterfield are turning to town homes, smaller lot sizes for denser single-family developments, apartment buildings can be a tough sell, the nonprofit Housing Forward Virginia said in its current survey of rural housing needs. The community facilities water, sewer and utility lines needed for such approaches to affordable housing can also be a roadblock in counties where houses traditionally rely on wells for water and septic tanks for waste, the nonprofit said. In Louisa County, where the Charlottesville Area Association of Realtors reports median sales price for homes rose 7% to $369,900 in the first quarter, affordable housing has been an issue for new firefighters, teachers and other county workers to find places to live in the community they serve, said Josh Gillespie, community development director. That mid-point selling price half of homes sell for more, half for less is about eight times what a firefighter EMT earns and about six times what a first-year teacher does. In both cases, thats well above the three to five times income range that financial advisers recommend, depending on how much other debt a person has. US probing Virginia fatal crash involving Tesla suspected of running on automated driving system U.S. safety regulators have sent a team to investigate a fatal crash in Virginia involving a Tesla suspected of running on a partially automated driving system. The latest crash in July brings to 35 the number of Tesla crashes under investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration since 2016. In all the cases, the agency suspects the Teslas were operating on a partially automated driving system such as Autopilot. At least 17 people have died. The safety agency said in documents Thursday that the Tesla ran beneath a heavy truck, but gave no details. A spokesman for the Fauquier County Sheriff's office said that on July 19, a Tesla ran underneath the side of a tractor trailer, killing the Tesla driver. Messages were left seeking comment from Tesla. And while there are more places for rent in Louisa than in Powhatan about 15% of housing units in Louisa can be rented compared with just 8.5% in Powhatan, the median rent for a two-bedroom apartment accounts for more than 37% of what a person with a $15-a-hour paycheck well above the long-established guide that rent or mortgage and utilities should not exceed 30% of household income. Less than 1% of Louisas housing units are available for rent at any one time. In Powhatan and Louisa, and across rural Virginia, county populations are graying. Even faster than in decades past, young people are moving out in search of jobs, so that roughly one out of five rural residents are elderly, according to Housing Forward Virginia. They are more likely to live alone and, in recent years, the numbers whose housing costs exceed that benchmark 30% figure has been growing faster than in more metropolitan parts of the state. Aging, too, are many of the houses where older residents live. They are often found in pockets corners of rural counties where census housing surveys do not reach but in one Fluvanna County community, Fork Union, data showed the average age of houses was 70 years, and that more than 30% were valued at $80,000 or less. This suggests a state of disrepair that Kim Hyland, executive director of the Fluvanna-Louisa Housing Foundation, keeps seeing with the nonprofits 3-decades-old effort to help elderly and low-income residents with the repairs needed to keep their homes habitable. If they need a new roof and its going to cost $10,000, they get $800 a month from Social Security, they just cant do it, she said. We can come in and do a roof (for) $6,000, find grants or low-interest loans, but then well see the foundation is failing or they need new HVAC or new windows or, this is common, the porch is falling away. ... If youve got a home thats worth $40,000 and it needs $40,000 or $50,000 in repairs to be habitable, thats what rural homelessness looks like. In such cases, the more responsible option is to demolish the falling-apart home and build something new, or to find another home, but people who find themselves in that situation often cannot afford to do either. One-bedroom rental units look like a real answer, Hyland said. The foundation has already built one small project on U.S. 33 a few miles outside the town of Louisa. Its four single-bedroom homes with 576 square feet of living space, handicap accessible bathrooms, individual kitchens and laundry facilities look a bit like a ranch house from the road and, while each unit is separate, the four look like a ranch house from the road. Residents with cars will help those without, Gillespie said. Opioid epidemic overwhelming Virginia's foster care system with children of addicts The pivotal years of the opioid epidemic track with a huge increase in state interventions to take custody of children. And theres a waiting list for it, Hyland said. She wants to tweak that model for a larger project, with 25 small bungalow-style houses on a corner of a nearly 800-acre tract off Chalk Level Road, midway between the towns of Louisa and Mineral, where developers had hopes to build a business park that never materialized. The foundation wants to build 16 similar one-bedroom units for elderly individuals, laid out around a courtyard, and nine larger 2-bedroom units for county workers who cannot find anywhere they can afford to live. The site is next to the campus of the Louisa Resource Council, which provides a range of support services from a food bank and a clothing closet to a dental program and help with car repairs so people can get to work even more supports than the good neighbors at the U.S. 33 units offer one another, Gillespie said. Elderly individuals with annual incomes of 60% or less than the countys $70,974 median and essential workers with incomes of 80% or less than that median would be eligible for the units. The federal funding programs the foundation wants to tap for the $3.5 million to $4 million program say rents should be about 30% of the residents income. The foundation has resources as well from the rental homes it has built and sold over the years. Takes everyone pulling together to make these things happen Hyland is already eyeing land in Fluvanna County for a similar project there, and she is talking with a builder about possibly using modular houses the same approach Habitat for Humanity used for Chrimes home in Powhatan to get the project off the ground quickly. Chrimes home is the first such Habitat home in the Richmond region, but the Powhatan chapter is looking to build more, seeing them as an affordable way to get more people into a place to live sooner. In Louisa, Hyland is hoping people will be able to move in to the first eight single-bedroom units as early as next summer. And shes thinking modular homes, especially once a production line is started, might be a fast and more affordable way to help when an aging home that is not really habitable but that still has a functioning well and septic system needs to be replaced. It means we could get them into a place expeditiously, she said. Theres still work to do and options to explore for the Chalk Level Road project, and more ideas to consider, such as a U.S. Department of Agriculture Section 502 loan program, which offers longer-term mortgages at rates lower-income rural residents can afford. The paperwork can be daunting, but Hyland hopes that rounding up volunteers to help with that chore would make the program more accessible. Weve been lucky here, with the countys being so supportive, she said. It takes everyone pulling together to make these things happen. From the Archives: The Capitol Hotel Capitol Hotel Capitol Hotel Capitol Hotel Capitol Hotel Capitol Hotel Capitol Hotel Earlier this month, the National Labor Relations Board announced that it had adopted a new standard for evaluating the lawfulness of certain work rules. In its 3-to-1 decision, the board overruled long-standing standards for evaluating the legality of employer policies, and adopted a new legal standard for policies that are challenged as unlawful under Section 8(a)(1) of the National Labor Relations Act. Many employers have questioned what this means about their own employment policies and whether this impacts them. The National Labor Relations Act applies to most private employers, but not public sector employers (state, federal or local governments). It also generally applies only to non-management employees. Even private employers without existing unions must comply with the NLRAs requirements. Covered employees have a right to engage in conduct under Section 7 of the act, to include the right to self-organization, to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to bargain collectively and to engage in other concerted activities for the purpose of collective bargaining or other mutual aid or protection. Section 8(a)(1) of the NLRA makes it an unfair labor practice for an employer "to interfere with, restrain, or coerce employees in the exercise of the rights guaranteed in Section 7" of the act. Work rules and policies come into play when employees allege that a policy or work rule of their employer restricted their right to engage in Section 7 activities, even if not plainly stated in the policy. For example, a policy that prohibits covered employees from discussing wages would violate Section 8(a)(1) because by prohibiting employees from discussing wages, the employees cannot engage in concerted activity to bargain for better wages. Of note, many state laws, including Virginia, prohibit such a policy as well. In the matter before the board, policies in question included those around personal conduct, conflicts of interest, prohibitions on recordings in the workplace, and confidentiality of harassment complaints. According to the case and the boards announcement, under the new standard, the general counsel of the NLRB must only prove that a challenged rule has a reasonable tendency to chill employees from exercising their rights. If the general counsel does so, then the rule is presumptively unlawful. However, the employer may rebut the presumption by proving that the rule advances a legitimate and substantial business interest and that the employer is unable to advance that interest with a more narrowly tailored rule. If the employer proves its defense, then the work rule will be found lawful to maintain. The new standard adopts a case-specific consideration of work rules. The ruling is troubling for employers who are trying to protect company information, and promote a civil and respectful workplace with specific policies that address those concerns. The ruling has been widely criticized because it creates confusion for employers as it is now at least the fourth iteration of board policy on this matter over the years, and because it is retroactive, which makes it extremely concerning for employers. Others acknowledge that policies change with different administrations, and this one is widely known as employee-centric. In the sole dissenting opinion, the board member explained the difficulty for employers to comply with the new rule, including an example of a rule stating that employees can be disciplined for their inability or unwillingness to work harmoniously with other employees, which the board member said would be presumptively unlawful under the new standard. The dissenting board member stated, Because it is unlikely that findings of presumptive unlawfulness can be overcome, employers only real hope is to avoid that finding in the first place. And because it is virtually impossible to craft work rules that are general enough to serve their intended lawful purpose without being susceptible to an interpretation that infringes on Section 7 rights, the only reliably predictable way that employers might insulate their work rules from board invalidation would be by adding a legally sufficient disclaimer to their employee handbooks, i.e., language that would reassure even the majoritys hypervigilant 'reasonable employee' that none of the rules contained therein applies to Section 7 activity. The dissenting member also criticized the retroactive nature of the opinion, stating that the new board under this current administration is taking an approach of rarely seeing a challenged rule it did not find unlawful. Experts have taken varying approaches: some recommending that employers immediately change their policies and others taking a wait-and-see approach since the decision will surely be appealed and possibly reversed. I recommend that employers take a middle ground and make sure that they have the safe harbor language in their policies, and also review their policies from what the board held is a perspective of an employee who is subject to the rule and economically dependent on the employer, and who also contemplates engaging in protected concerted activity. Employers should make sure that they can articulate a legitimate business purpose for the rules, and that no other more narrowly tailored rule would be similarly effective to enforce the business need. They should also include disclaimer language in the policies/handbook, but it is unclear how much protection this will provide to employers. From the Archives: 250 photos of Richmond in the 1940s Belle Isle Bellwood Drive-In Bowler School Cowardin Avenue Christian Recreation Center Floods Glenwood Country Club Grace Street Maggie Walker Powerline Public bath house Schools Semmes Shawondasee Sixth Street Market Sixth Street Market Streetcars on Main Street Swimming and diving championship The Mosque Trolley Water tower Stockyards Richmond fires Trolley organ grinder Mail box Mooer's Field 1940s floods Cornshusk rug farmer Sixth Street Market Tredegar Sixth Street Market Sixth Street Market Patsy Garrett boys club Hunting draft pool hall Mosque pool rollerskate Times-Dispatch Beavers Blues Armory Boulevard Byrd Field C&O Central State Hospital Central Station Post Office Churchill City Stadium Cowardin Avenue and Hull Street Curles Neck Dairy Dixie Elba Fishing Forest Lodge Fountain Freedom Train Friendship Train 1947 Monument Avenue Grocery Ice Kensington Avenue apartments Main Street Main Street Mayo Bridge Memorial Day parade Mules Nickel prank Oilfield Old Manchester water works Shawondasee Shriners parades Skyline Sledding State toxicologist Street Sweepers Sunshine Sue Tickets Traffic Trolley Tuberculosis ward University of Richmond Valentine Museum Fire Cary St Paper Powhatan Hill Playground Street scene race car Doll hospital West Avenue Broad St. mill Main Street Station Churchill Draft Air Scouts Maggie Walker pinball machines 1945 Allied Victory Day American Red Cross American Red Cross Armistice Belgian Friendship Building and Bell Tower Blackout Bojangles Braille cookbook Broad Street Station Bryan Park Carter Sisters Cigarettes City Stadium Confederate Soldiers Home Defense Special No. 1 train Draft Elba School Executive Mansion Fire Gasless parade Grace Arents School Grace St Grace Street pollution Henrico Red Cross Motor Corps Highland Springs Volunteer Fire Department Holden Rhodes House Ice James River flood Magnet mailboxes Main St Mayo Bridge Medical College of Virginia Melons Military parade Miller & Rhoads wagon mobile canteen Mobile kitchen Mooers Mooers Field Pamunkey Indians Parade Parking ban Parking Lot Canteen Quiz Kids Ration tokens Rationing Red Cross Richmond Quartermaster Depot Robert E. Lee Camp Confederate Soldiers Home Rosa D. Bowser library Scrap metal drive Shoe ration Sixth Street Market Street Sweepers Thomas Jefferson High School Cadet Corps Tin drive Toll house Trolley Typewriter repair Virginia Department of Agriculture War bonds Water tower Weimans Bakery Wilcox Lake WLEE WLEE Women in Production Service Womens Army Corps Works Progress Administration George Wythe Laundry Dog fortune teller Air Raid Wardens YMCA Charter Change Travelers Aid Society street sweepers Dupont 1940s floods Acca Temple elevator Restaurants Restaurants Red Cross Motor Corps shoe ration Air Raid WWII WWII Bikes sampson Dorothy Lamour Rationing typewriters Bellwood Native Americans Fort Lee ScrapMetal WWII WWII American Red Cross Production Corps archery bricklaying class Camp Lee Camp Lee Clark Gable Deep Run races Deep Water Terminal Em Bowles Locker First and Merchants National Bank of Richmond Gasless Sundays Liquid stockings Monument Methodist Mrs. Cupid nurses Old-fashioned swimsuit contest Pearl Harbor front page Rats Rockingham National Turkey Festival Sergeant Jack Blizzard Seven Pines Baptist Church Snowstorm Snowstorm State Library WWII Cavalier Arena Pamunkey Brookfield Patrick Henry carriages rollerskate Railroads Red Cross Richmond Terminal Richmond Colts 1940s floods With stacked hot pastrami, spicy brown mustard, a grilled split knockwurst and melted, gooey Swiss cheese all packed between two toasted, buttery rye slices, the sailor sandwich has become a fan favorite for generations. Its a legacy that transcends across city and state lines with numerous restaurants offering up the classic creation. While there are countless cooks slinging the sandwiches every day, its origin story can be traced back to Richmonds own New York Deli. The best sandwiches in town. Often copied never equaled, the New York Deli stated in an advertisement placed in the Wednesday, Oct. 8, 1958, edition of The Times-Dispatch. By the start of World War II, the New York Deli, 2920 W. Cary St., had been serving up its traditional Jewish cuisine for over a decade. From hot pastrami on rye to Reubens to grilled Swiss cheeses, the restaurant had made a name for itself for its kosher creations. But it wouldnt be until former owner Arthur Brandeis took over that the signature sandwich would take hold. In the Monday, Feb. 2, 1957, edition of The Times-Dispatch, Brandeis told reporter William Bien that his goal was to always serve up a piece of his culture with each sandwich. Brandeis, an Austrian immigrant, had never planned to leave his home country. His family had built a legacy in the capital city of Vienna. But when the first German tanks began setting up along the nations border in 1938, Brandeis and his two brothers decided to apply for American visas a decision Brandeis said saved their lives. When the tanks inevitably rolled in and the Nazis began rounding up Jewish communities, Brandeis, his brothers and parents were put on a train and sent to the Dachau and Auschwitz concentration camps. With their names recorded in American books, Brandeis and his brothers survived and fled to former Yugoslavia before ultimately immigrating to the states in 1939. His parents were not so lucky. They were among the estimated 1.1 million murdered at Auschwitz. When Brandeis arrived in Richmond, he set out to start a new life, and it did not take him long to find a home at the classic delicatessen. After abandoning a fortune in Vienna, Brandeis and his two brothers had scraped and squirreled away enough money from working long hours wrapping at Thalhimers, the former Richmond staple department store, to make the first payment on the restaurant. Were very happy here. We have a good business and many friends. Three, four hundred people come to eat for dinner every day and as many on the weekends to buy for home, Brandeis said in the Feb. 2, 1957, edition of The Times-Dispatch. In the early 1940s, the restaurant began to host a new group of regulars Navy seamen from the University of Richmonds Navy V-12 training program. The World War II-era program, created by the Navy in 1943, aimed to produce officers with specialized skills in order to help in the national emergency. The university adopted the program and saw hundreds of participants. During those regular lunch rushes, Brandeis regularly served up his favorite pastrami and knockwurst sandwich to full counters of hungry Navy seamen. While chowing down, the group began expressing to Brandeis that the only thing that could elevate the sandwich was the addition of cheese. So, Brandeis, the self-proclaimed culinary pioneer, obliged by adding a thick slice of melted Swiss cheese and the sailor sandwich was born named for the men who led to its creation. They all the time wanted cheese on it, too, Brandeis told The Times-Dispatch. So, we started calling it the sandwich for a sailor. While the Navy V-12 program shuttered in 1945 with its members transferred to the University of Virginia and Duke University, the sailor sandwich carried on their legacy. Since then, the sandwich has continued to be a mainstay on the New York Delis menu. For 30 years, the restaurant advertised its famous sandwich in The Times-Dispatch, promising a deliciously unique lunch. As the sandwichs popularity began to grow, other local eateries recognized the demand and began to add their own versions of the sandwich to their menus. Additionally, the mobile nature of the Navy helped spread the sandwich to other parts of the country, all the while retaining its namesake. Now, nearly 70 years later, the sandwich has continued to keep up its legendary status in the city. About this story "From the Archives" is a series of stories exploring the history of Richmond and the reqion through the files of The Times-Dispatch. Have a topic you'd like us to check out? Email reporter Em Holter at eholter@timesdispatch.com and visit richmond.com to see more from our archives. In November 2007, renowned chef and Food Network star Guy Fieri tried Bellevue staple Dot Back Inns version of the sailor sandwich for his long-running Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives series that highlights local restaurants and local food. After spending an hour crafting the sandwich, the platinum spike-haired, backward sunglass-wearing chef gave restaurant owners an out of this world seal of approval. Throughout the years, the sandwich has seen some variations. At the Quantico Marine base, the sandwich is served on Italian bread with either pastrami or salami, spicy mustard and peppers. On the West Coast, it is often served with tomatoes on the side. In Richmond, however, most restaurant-goers will be hard-pressed to find a sailor sandwich that differs from its original inception of rye bread, pastrami, knockwurst, mustard and Swiss cheese as eateries hold true to its nearly 100-year legacy. From the Archives: C.F. Sauer Co. through the years C.F. Sauer Co. through the years C.F. Sauer Co. through the years C.F. Sauer Co. through the years C.F. Sauer Co. through the years C.F. Sauer Co. through the years C.F. Sauer Co. through the years C.F. Sauer Co. through the years C.F. Sauer Co. through the years C.F. 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Sauer Co. through the years C.F. Sauer Co. through the years C.F. Sauer Co. through the years C.F. Sauer Co. through the years C.F. Sauer Co. through the years C.F. Sauer Co. through the years C.F. Sauer Co. through the years C.F. Sauer Co. through the years C.F. Sauer Co. through the years C.F. Sauer Co. through the years C.F. Sauer Co. through the years -- HIDE VERTICAL GALLERY ASSET TITLES -- Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 12) Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri is calling to exclude Chinese contractors in infrastructure projects, which is part of his suggestions to protest against Beijing following the latest incident of harassment in the West Philippine Sea. Zubiri said many public infrastructure projects managed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr), which supervises the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), utilize Chinese state-owned companies. China Coast Guard on Aug. 5 blocked and fired water cannons at PCG vessels that were escorting indigenous boats chartered by the country's armed forces in a resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal. "Eh 'di bumawi na lang tayo. I-blacklist natin 'yong mga kumpanyang 'yon," Zubiri said in a radio interview on Thursday night. "Bakit naman iyung mga buwis pa ng mga kababayan nating Pilipino ang gagamitin para ipambayad dito sa mga state-owned companies?" "Tapos 'yong income po niyan, babalik po sa Tsina, gagamitin ng Tsina pambayad doon sa kanilang navy at coast guard na nangha-harass po sa atin dito," he added. "Hindi po tama 'yon." [Translation: Let's get back at them by blacklisting those companies. Why should Filipino taxpayers fund their projects? Then the income will return to China to pay their navy and coast guard personnel that are harassing us. That's not right.] Zubiri also said he had a one-on-one meeting with Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista at the Senate regarding the incident. "Ang sabi ko, 'Secretary, nakikita niyo naman kung ano ang ginagawa nila sa Coast Guard ninyo?' he recalled. "Sabi ko, 'pag ganoon, huwag na natin bigyan ng project ang Chinese state-owned companies dito sa Pilipinas." [Translation: I told him, "Secretary, you have seen what they have done to the Coast Guard, right?" I said, let's stop giving projects to Chinese state-owned companies.] Zubiri urged Bautista not to award the North-South Commuter Railway project to China but to South Korea or Japan instead. The senator previously made the same call to the DPWH, asking to award big-ticket projects such as the 32-kilometer Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge to "friendlier countries." "Natuwa po ako at ang sabi po ni Sec. Bautista, hindi na po sila gagamit ng Chinese state-owned companies para sa kanilang trains, airports at malalaking big-ticket items," Zubiri said. [Translation: I was glad that Sec. Bautista said they will not tap Chinese state-owned companies for their trains, airports, and other big-ticket items.] CNN Philippines has sought comment and confirmation from the DOTr regarding this matter but it has yet to respond as of publishing. In a privilege speech on Aug. 8, Zubiri said the Philippines could learn from Vietnam in replacing China as its top trading partner and instead make trade deals with other countries or enhance existing ones. READ: Senators push for executive session amid water cannon incident He also suggested boycotting Chinese products and companies amid the bullying of Beijing in the contested waters. A federal appeals court reluctantly agreed Friday that it no longer has the power to stop the Mountain Valley Pipeline. The last remaining legal challenges of permits issued for the hotly debated pipeline were dismissed by the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which ruled that a law passed by Congress fast-tracking the project left it with no other choice. Here, Congress has removed our jurisdiction to hear the merits of the present petitions, a three-judge panels unanimous opinion stated. Late last month, the U.S Supreme Court lifted a stay imposed by the Fourth Circuit, allowing construction of the long-delayed natural gas pipeline to resume. But until Friday, there was a chance or at least a hope for pipeline opponents that the lower court would agree with arguments made by environmental groups: that Congress violated the separation of powers outlined in the U.S. Constitution by encroaching on the authority of the courts. That question is no longer one for the Fourth Circuit, which in the past has repeatedly stuck down Mountain Valleys government permits, ruling they did not adequately protect the environment. While conceding it no longer has jurisdiction, the court questioned how that came to be. There can be no mistake, Judge Roger Gregory wrote in a concurring opinion, that the court was bound by a law he called a blueprint for the construction of a natural gas pipeline by legislative fiat. Part of a broader law that raised the U.S. debt ceiling to avert a government default, a provision called Section 324 ordered federal agencies to approve all remaining permits for the pipeline and removed the Fourth Circuits authority to hear any challenges. Gregory expressed fears that Congress had undermined the Constitution and, in the process, it has made the court an accessory to its deeds. If that is so, I wonder if Section 324 is a harbinger of erosion not just to the environment, but to our republic, Gregory wrote. That, only our Supreme Court can decide. Judge Stephanie Thacker raised similar concerns in her own concurring opinion. Congresss use of its authority threatens to disturb the balance of power between co-equal branches of government, Thacker wrote. This case makes clear that the line is fine and perhaps were are getting far too close to tipping the balance of power. Mountain Valley and its supporters argue that a project vital to the countys energy security had been caught up for far too long in a regulatory and legal abyss. Congress and President Biden declared the timely completion of construction and operation of the Mountain Valley Pipeline as being in the national interest, Mountain Valley spokeswoman Natalie Cox said Friday, adding that the pipeline should be completed this year. The law is valid, its supporters say, in part because it allows any challenge of its constitutionality to be filed with a federal appeals court in Washington, D.C. After the legislation was signed by President Joe Biden, Mountain Valley asked the Fourth Circuit to dismiss both cases. The pipeline, which passes through the New River and Roanoke valleys, has long been opposed by those who say muddy runoff from construction is polluting nearby streams and rivers. And once the project is completed, opponents say, the natural gas it will carry will only worsen what is already a global climate change crisis. We are deeply saddened and concerned that Mountain Valley has been granted the ability to sidestep critical conservation protections and silence the voices of community members in harms way, Jamie Williams, president of The Wilderness Society, said in a statement. The Wilderness Society, one of the groups involved in the case, has not made a decision yet on whether it will appeal to the nations highest court, a spokesperson said. Michael Paul Williams Columnist Follow Michael Paul Williams 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 Montgomery riverfront brawl had the makings of yet another triggering moment for Black America: an onslaught of white violence against a lone Black man in a state steeped in racial terror. But something funny happened in this viral moment: What was shaping up to be yet another episode of Black victimization somehow became gumbo for our souls, as skinfolk rallied triumphantly to the mans defense. Black people and even some white folks began posting amusing internet memes. Some people called for Aug. 5 to become a national holiday. Suddenly, it was instructive to recall that Alabama, for all its historical horrors, was also the site of some of the greatest triumphs of the Civil Rights Movement. For more than a year in Montgomery, people chose to walk rather than ride in segregated mass transit buses. Nine years later, they marched from Selma to Montgomery to gain full voting rights for Black people. But first, a recap, for those who somehow missed our latest viral moment. The Harriott II, a popular riverboat attraction, was attempting to dock, but a pontoon boat was in its space. Damien Pickett, co-captain of the Harriott II, took a smaller craft ashore in an attempt to get the owners to move the pontoon. An animated discussion turned violent when one of the men charged Pickett and shoved him in the face. Other men attacked Pickett, taking him to the ground. A 16-year-old boy dove off the riverboat and swam ashore to aid Pickett. The riverboat eventually docked and a melee ensued, with a man wielding a folding chair. The youth dubbed Aquamayne on social media became an instant hero; folding chairs, an instant meme. Picketts tossing of his cap in the air after being attacked was duly noted as something of a Bat Signal for help. Perhaps part of our collective relief in the aftermath is that what transpired, for the most part, was an old-fashioned fistfight in a nation where the default response to conflict too often is gunplay. But theres more at work, according to Shawn Utsey, a professor of psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University and president of the Virginia Association of Black Psychologists. It wasnt really about the violence, Utsey said Thursday. It was about the idea that we have been witnessing the abuse and the violence against us on Facebook, on social media ... and we tend to always be in situations where we were helpless and couldnt defend ourselves. This was a time when the reverse was true, he said. We werent victims, and we werent helpless. We were able to fight back. And then there was the teenager and what he embodied as he cut through the water to aid his colleague. Its not about him swimming to fight; it was about him swimming to help, Utsey said. To come to the assistance of an elder who was being abused. We might think of the memes that followed as the byproduct of our social media-obsessed age. But humor has long been a Black American coping mechanism for racism and its inherent absurdities. If we can laugh in the aftermath, its because usually these videos dont end with a cavalry of Black folks coming to the rescue, by land and by water. Our knowledge of the history of Alabama itself provides an element of relief and what Utsey called a cathartic effect. Montgomery was the first capital of the Confederacy, before Richmond assumed the role. Also like Richmond, Montgomery was a major market in the buying and selling of human beings. Enslaved Black people were unloaded in chains along the very riverfront where the brawl took place. Its also the city where Rosa Parks said enough to Jim Crow degradation on public transportation, and where the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., as pastor of Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, led the subsequently successful bus boycott. But that city, with a population today that is nearly two-thirds Black, did not elect its first African American mayor until 2019. One unfortunate meme that the brawl has tapped into is the slogan We Are Not Our Ancestors, with add-ons such as Sincerely, these hands. T-shirts with that slogan, and a folding chair, have recently popped up. The implication is insidious and insulting: that our ancestors, ever passive, did not resist in the face of oppression. Youre damn right, were not our ancestors, an annoyed Utsey said. We dont have half the courage they had. Indeed, throughout our history in this nation, there have always been courageous Black people fighting oppression covertly, overtly and subversively. To survive at all took more fight than we can imagine. We wouldnt be here otherwise. They dont know our history. Even though theyre thinking about resistance in terms of violence ... we were resisting every day, on many levels, all the time, Utsey said. Today, on a variety of fronts, resistance is necessary. We have to be mindful, the reason that we celebrate is we have few opportunities to celebrate much these days, he said. I think we are celebrating the small victories because were feeling the squeeze of all thats going on around us. And it doesnt feel good. This was therapeutic for that reason. But we cant forget that it doesnt reflect the success that were having on the larger scale. For him, the takeaway was not the fight itself, but the show of unity on display on the dock that day. We can do things beyond throwing punches, right? We can still do things to come to the assistance of each other, Utsey said. He says what happened in Montgomery has the potential to set a new standard for expectations of how we treat each other. Forget about the white folks in the video. ... Its about us, and how we responded to each other. Nothing projects strength more than unity. It is only through greater unity that we can stop the violence inflicted among us and upon us. Our ancestors understood this. Thats the way we move from small victories to larger ones. From the Archives: Professional baseball in Richmond, 1953-1990 PROGRAMS AT THE CAPITOL Erik Conyers smiled as he stepped into Virginia's House of Delegates chamber a room he spent a formative period of his life in a decade ago. Now 24, he works as a special assistant to constituent engagement in Gov. Glenn Youngkin's office, but at 14 he was among a handful of teens buzzing around Virginia's Capitol, running errands for lawmakers and watching democracy in action. The House of Delegates and state Senate are accepting applications for their page programs in which several dozen 13and 14-year-olds from around the state spend the legislative session assisting lawmakers with various tasks (like meal and paper deliveries) and observing committee and floor meetings. The program culminates with the pages conducting their own mock session, debating model policies from the floor of the chamber, and electing members of the group to serve in positions like lieutenant governor or Speaker of the House to oversee the process. In what is essentially a paid internship, the pages spend full days in the Capitol, receive meal stipends and lodge in the Omni hotel in their off hours. They also have to stay on top of their schoolwork. "It was a good challenge," Conyers said. "I think it really prepared me for the real world." He noted how the program falls at a pivotal time in participants' lives newly into adolescence and just before starting high school. "I felt like it really allowed me to balance my time and figure out my priorities," he said. "I had to balance schoolwork and then being here from 8 to 5 o'clock every day." A balancing act Applications for the programs, which opened this month, will close in October. Teens and their families can get information on how to apply through the Capitol Classroom portion of the General Assembly website. Next year's legislative session is scheduled for Jan. 10 to March 9. The Senate says it receives 150 to 200 applications each year for 36 to 40 spots. The Speaker of the House usually gets about 250 applications for 32 available appointments. Students accepted into the programs are responsible for coordinating time away from their classrooms and for the assignments they must complete while away. The experience also fed Conyers' growing interest in government. When he later attended Virginia Commonwealth University, he studied political science along with his passion for fashion merchandising. Eventually, he went on to work for Republican Garrison Coward's 2019 House campaign. (Coward lost to Democrat Dawn Adams.) Following an internship in the Secretary of the Commonwealth's office, Conyers took on the full-time role he now holds in the administration. Virginia is among over 30 states to have page programs in at least one chamber, most of which are geared toward middle school or high school students. Paul Nardo, the clerk of the House of Delegates, called pages "the arms and legs" of keeping things moving during sessions. Each year, the House program costs an average of $300,000, and the Senate program costs about $264,000 accounting for housing the students, chaperones, salaries and stipends. "You get what you invest in," Nardo said of the programs. More than administrative work during legislative sessions, pages participate in professional development workshops and community service projects. Some alumni have gone on to careers in public service or politics. House and Senate records indicate that Virginia's page programs date to the 1850s. The positions were held by adults then and later geared toward teens. It wasn't until 1967 that Vincent Tucker became Virginia's first Black person to serve as a page and, in 1970, Sallie McCutcheon became Virginia's first female page. Nowadays, it's a more diverse cohort of blazer-adorned teens shuttling around the Capitol. While the pages come from around the state and bring different insights, passions and backgrounds, interests in public service and professional development are threads connecting them. "My time there instilled public service in me," said Karli Foster, who was a Senate page in 2013. When the session ended, she got involved in a nonprofit in Martinsville called The Harvest Foundation and interned in local government in Southside's Henry and Franklin counties. She now works as an economic development specialist in Roanoke County, which feeds her interest in economics. Originally from Martinsville, more than three hours southwest of Richmond, she said she had not known about the program. Her father, who worked for the Department of Juvenile Justice, was in Richmond frequently and suggested that she apply. Foster said experiencing debates and amendments as bills passed and failed was a thrilling experience. "It was really cool to see another part of the state and get to interact with our state legislators on a daily basis," she said. Making connections Sometimes a page's name badge matches that of a sitting legislator. When pages are introduced on the first day of session, this is when a collective "oooooh" can be heard from some of the lawmakers. But applications for the programs are open to any interested teenager around the state so long as they will be 13 or 14 during the legislative session. It was by chance that Drew Goodove learned of the program. A Virginia Beach resident, he initially learned of the opportunity while visiting his grandparents in Richmond. They took him for a tour of the Capitol and, when he learned about the page program, he knew it was the professional development experience he was seeking. Beyond performing tasks during the workday, pages are also exposed to workshops on such topics as fiscal management or cybersecurity. Page alumni often visit to discuss their careers or education as young, or older adults. For Goodove, a highlight of his 2019 experience was the mock session where he was the mock lieutenant governor. "You sit where the lieutenant governor actually sits in the Virginia Senate chamber; you get to use their gavel," Goodove explained. "The really funny part about it is that the senators are actually pages that come and attend the mock session. So it's kind of like the roles reverse, which was funny." Goodove enjoyed serving as a Senate page so much that he went on to serve in the U.S. Senate's page program in Washington in 2022. The vibe, he said, was not as jovial as in the Virginia Senate, where there are only 40 lawmakers who, despite partisan differences, have formed a camaraderie. But yet again, he witnessed lawmaking in action. Now 18, Goodove will soon attend Duke University, where he plans to pursue a career in technology an asset he said he may someday bring to Congress if he decides to run and prevails. "I would take the expertise I get from whatever (science, technology, math and engineering) field I go into, probably, and apply that to politics, because I think that's where our country is moving," Goodove said. Like Goodove, Bill Oglesby learned of the program serendipitously. A friend of his had taken part in the program, and Oglesby became intrigued enough to apply. This was back in 1970, when Oglesby was a Richmond-area teen, years before he would work as a broadcast journalist and VCU professor. When applying for the program, he recalled being so determined that he walked into the office of his state senator at the time, William Parker, a Democrat who served in the chamber from 1980 to 1988. Oglesby recalled walking downtown with a friend when they realized they were near his office. So he decided to be bold. "Being a clueless 14-year-old, I just went in and took the elevator up to his office and asked if I can see him," Oglesby said with a laugh. He remembers his mom answering the phone one night with the senator on the other line to tell his family he'd been accepted. Oglesby went on to be assigned to then-Sen. Doug Wilder, a future lieutenant governor and governor. Oglesby described seeing history in action when Wilder, the first African American elected to the Senate since Reconstruction, gave a floor speech urging the legislature to change Virginia's state song, "Carry Me Back to Old Virginia," which had references to slavery. (Lawmakers made multiple attempts to amend and/or replace the song in the coming years, before legislators eventually shelved it, declaring it state song emeritus.) Wilder went on to become the nation's first elected Black governor. "It was just a really great experience to see," Oglesby said. While Oglesby's experience as a page reaffirmed his growing interest in law the reporters he watched on the sidelines also influenced his future career in journalism. Flash-forward 53 years and he still visits the Capitol with a cohort of other pages who'd served in 1970. Their reunions happen every five years, and it's a chance to revisit their old haunts before having lunch or dinner and checking in on one another's lives. One of them, Ben Dendy, never fully left the Capitol. Dendy first became a House page at 13, when he was fresh from volunteering in Democrat William Battle's gubernatorial campaign. (Battle lost the 1969 election to Republican Linwood Holton.) Dendy says growing up in a politically engaged household sparked his interest at a young age. So his time as a page continued his early political education inspiring him to go on to serve as a legislative aide, work on more campaigns and eventually serve as a senior staff member for Democratic Govs. Chuck Robb and Gerald Baliles. In his work as president of the Vectre Corp., a communications and lobbying firm, Dendy can still be found wandering around the Capitol. Dendy is also a member of the VCU board of visitors. "I think a key thing definitely was connections," he said of a skill he gained during his time in the program. And "you just learned a great deal about the governmental process." Oglesby, who is part of the reunion of 1970-era pages, agrees. At least 20 navy personnel arriving in Tulum to tighten public security Tulum, Q.R. Nearly two dozen navy personnel are expected to arrive in Tulum next month to help tighten public security. On Thursday, Tulum Mayor Diego Castanon Trejo, said at least 20 navy personnel are expected. In a brief interview, the mayor said the municipality will continue to ask for help if necessary to maintain peace, which is the reason they have requested the 20 navy personnel for September. We are going to continue bringing in help even though everything is good, he said. We cannot let our guard down when it comes to security. We have to work 24 hours a day. His request came during the same week the municipality of Tulum began hiring new police recruits. On Monday, the municipality opened job offerings for between 15 and 20 new officers. The successful candidates will eventually be integrated into the corporations current 222 officers. Fugitive wanted in California murder since 1993 extradited from Mexico Mexico City, Mexico A man wanted for the stabbing death of a Florida woman in 1993 has been returned to the U.S. On Friday, the Attorney General of the Republic (FGR) extradited Anselmo A to the United States to face charges. In an FGR statement, the agency said that Anselmo A was wanted by the Tenth Judicial Circuit Court of the State of Florida for first degree murder and trespassing. In March 1993, Anselmo A entered a womans house where he attacked her with a knife causing injuries that caused her death. He was arrested in July 2022, in Madero, Michoacan, the agency reported. On Friday, Anselmo A was transferred to the Mexico City International Airport where he was met by federal U.S. agents who escorted him back to California where he will face trespassing and first degree murder charges. Quintana Roo criminal leader and her hitman arrested in neighboring state for murder of four in Cancun Cancun, Q.R. A woman who was on the states most wanted list of criminals has been arrested along with her hitman. Yolanda N was taken into police custody in Campeche Wednesday in collaboration with the Campeche State Attorney Generals Office. According to the Quintana Roo branch, an arrest warrant was served on Yolanda N, who the FGE says, is the leader of one of the main criminal groups in Quintana Roo. Along with Yolanda N, her hitman Pedro N was also captured in Campeche, they reported. Both are suspects in the murder of four people in Cancun. The murders, according to the Quintana Roo FGE, took place on June 18 of this year. According to investigations, these homicides occurred in a context of drug related crimes where Yolanda N allegedly ordered that they be deprived of their lives, in two different events, for not complying with an agreement, the agency said. Yolanda N and her hitman Pedro N, were captured in the state of Campeche for the murder of four in Cancun. Photos: FGE August 11, 2023. Derived from field, intelligence and technological investigation work, elements of the Quintana Roo State Attorney Generals Office, with the collaboration of the Campeche Attorney Generals Office, managed to arrest Yolanda N and Pedro N in that state, they added. Both have been transferred to Quintana Roo and admitted to the Benito Juarez Social Reintegration Center (Cereso) where they will face charges. Students and researchers at Virginia Tech are fine-tuning an experimental satellite before it is rocketed off to test new spacefaring technology. After the Ut ProSat-1 hitchhikes on a rocket, scheduled for December, and deploys more than 200 miles above Earths surface, the Virginia Tech team will control the spacecraft from the universitys Ground Station in Blacksburg, said Jonathan Black, a university professor and co-director of the Space @ VT program. We build, test and fly satellites right out of Blacksburg, here in Southwest Virginia, Black said. Virginia Tech students and research staff are building basically everything on the satellite, except for the boom itself, which is the experiment. The Ut ProSat-1 named after Virginia Techs motto, Ut Prosim will test an experimental boom NASA made using lightweight carbon fiber material. The boom is a compact arm or pole capable of extending and retracting. Its got plenty of potential scientific and structural uses in space, if the device works properly, Black said. Were doing a couple of deployment and retraction experiments that are going to test the overall structural integrity of the boom, Black said. The experiment is to test the deployment, just kind of see how robust the overall technology is, and how well it survived all of the space launch components. The boom attached to Ut ProSat-1 has copper traces running along it, so power and data can be sent from its tip back to the spacecraft, which is a new functionality, Black said. Theyre one of a kind, Black said. NASA and Penn State tested the booms themselves, then were building the rest of the system around that, to do all these kinds of tests. Scientists imagine deployable composite boom technology will have implications in advancing space construction, according to a video posted by the NASA Langley Research Center. These booms could be used to help record scientific data, but also potentially configured to create equipment ramps and structural beams for astronauts colonizing the moon. Before any of that can happen, though, comes the Ut ProSat-1 testing. Itll be the first test of the overall system, Black said. Itll be taking the vibration data, and then were going to try to get measurements of how straight did it deploy, how rigid is the boom? And correlate that to some of our ground data. Ut ProSat-1 is conducting those tests, years in development, to support a broader NASA mission called ACS3. That mission plans to deploy booms as part of a solar sail, which uses sunlight to propel spacecraft for cheap deep-space travel, a NASA webpage said. Theres a company in Roanoke that did the coating on the chassis for us, Black said of Ut ProSat-1. We use as much of the local area and suppliers as were able to. Launching alongside the Ut ProSat-1 is another spacecraft, this one created by Old Dominion University with the Coast Guard Academy. Its a big effort, which is great because then we get so many students involved in the process, and they can get all of that great experience, Black said. Its great educationally, and its going to be good research, good science that were able to provide. And good engineering. Lightweight secondary payloads like these universities experimental satellites, neither much larger than a loaf of bread, are increasingly common passengers on larger rocket flights as space becomes more accessible, Black said. Some high schools have even sent secondary payloads up to space, he said. Theyre just boxes that bolt to the bottom of the rocket, and they get dispensed after the primary purpose of the rocket, Black said. Theyll deploy these secondary and experimental payloads kind of after the fact, just to make sure that theyre using all of the capacity of the rocket. Plans originally called for launching the satellites in April on a resupply rocket to the International Space Station from NASAs Wallops Flight Facility in Accomack County, Black said. That was nice because truly the whole end-to-end mission, the launch and everything, wouldve been out of the Commonwealth of Virginia, Black said. Virginia is one of the only states that can say we can do all of that. Instead, the Virginia Tech and Old Dominion spacecrafts were bumped to launch from California in December, he said. In rocket programs when youre an experimental satellite, things like that happen, Black said. Because we changed rockets and changed dispensers, theres some modifications that have to be made. Ut ProSat-1 will orbit Earth for a few years after its mission is carried out, until gravitational forces gradually drag it down to burn up during atmospheric reentry. Black said its not the first spacecraft made and controlled at Virginia Tech, and hopefully it wont be the last. We get maybe three or four space hardware experiments that are flying on an annual basis, Black said. We have a couple of pending proposals to do additional launches. Warm weather brings out ticks. In Virginia, the lone star tick and the blacklegged tick give us the most reason to worry as they are everywhere and carry diseases that can make people sick. Ticks can be found anywhere there is vegetation, whether in a city park, a country field, or even your backyard, especially if where you live is near a wooded area where deer roam. Both the lone star and the blacklegged tick can spread multiple diseases. Deer are a main source of blood meals for adult ticks of both species, and deer populations are plentiful in and around many suburban forests. If deer wander in and out of your backyard, they likely bring ticks with them. Blacklegged ticks are best known for spreading Lyme disease, believed to be the most common tick-borne disease in the United States. States collectively report about 30,000 Lyme disease cases to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) each year. In 2019, Virginia reported 1,199 Lyme disease cases to the CDC. Case numbers for many states, Virginia included, dropped during 2020 and 2021, affected by the pandemic and incomplete reporting. Researchers analyzing insurance claims estimate that 300,000 to 476,000 people are treated for Lyme disease each year in the United States. Lone star ticks transmit ehrlichiosis, an illness caused by bacteria. A lone star tick bite can also trigger a red-meat allergy called alpha-gal syndrome. New reports from the CDC suggest alpha-gal cases may be increasing. Lone star ticks are also implicated in the transmission of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), which can also be spread by other ticks. RMSF can be deadly if not caught and treated early. A telltale splotchy or pinpoint dot rash may not show up until the disease is further along. Hence, its important to be alert for other symptoms, such as fever, headache, nausea, chills, tiredness, and aches and pains. Other symptoms of tick bites to look out for include a bulls-eye rash in Lyme disease and a similar spreading red rash for a tick-borne illness called Southern tick-associated rash illness. Not every tick bite will make you sick. See a health care provider if you develop symptoms. New tickborne illnesses are being identified. The Heartland virus, another illness spread by the lone star tick, was discovered in 2009 in Missouri. It has since been detected in multiple other states. Virginia reported its first case in 2021. For surveillance, VDH staff regularly do seasonal tick drags in which light-colored cloths are passed over grassy and leafy areas to collect ticks that grab on. The collected ticks are identified by species and sent to the CDC or academic partners to test for diseases. Citizen science like the Virginia Tick Survey, offers to identify ticks found attached to people to inform individuals of the diseases they could have been exposed to if the tick was carrying disease. Legislation passed by the General Assembly this year directed the Virginia Department of Health to convene a tick-borne disease workgroup focused on preventing the occurrence and impact of tick-borne diseases. Workgroup members represent clinicians, academics, public health experts, other state agencies, and other groups. A report is due to the General Assembly in November. How do you prevent tick bites? Wear light-colored clothing when going into areas where ticks are likely to be, whether your backyard or a hiking trail. Permethrin spray, which you can buy at retailers, is an insect repellant and insecticide applied to clothing and shoes and lasts through several washes. Follow package instructions. For maximum protection, tuck your treated pants into your treated socks. This makes it so that the tick must crawl on your pants, which you can spot, but it also ensures it gets a dose of permethrin. Apply an insect repellant with DEET to uncovered skin when outdoors, or if you are allergic to DEET, other repellants such as picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus can be used. Once inside, do a tick check. Check your body, clothing, equipment, and pets. Take a shower. The longer a tick is attached to you, the greater the risk for disease transmission. Remove them by using tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and slowly and firmly pull straight out. Enjoy the outdoors and be safe! CALmatters is a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how California's state Capitol works and why it matters. Dan Walters has been a journalist for nearly 60 years, spending all but a few of those years working for California newspapers. The Basilica of Saint-Denis, built in 1135, is considered the first Gothic building. It evolved out of Romanesque style, which included many arches, vaulted ceilings and small stained-glass windows. Gothic architecture exaggerated these, making arches much larger and stained-glass windows more ornate, even adding detailed storylines. "In the early Middle Ages, you had pilgrims who went to these sites on pilgrimages, and these structures needed space to accommodate crowds who often did not know how to read and write," Colberg says. Advertisement But Gothic style also abandoned the thick, solid walls of Romanesque style to make way for taller, more massive structures. To accommodate these thinner and lighter walls, Gothic-era builders used flying buttresses (more on these shortly) to support the added weight. Gothic architecture also varied by, and was influenced by, the building location and when it was built. Many of the characteristics of Gothic architecture served multiple purposes, from adding more stability to allowing in more natural light. "Features like high pointed or Gothic arches and flying buttresses were in buildings located mostly in Northern Europe where sunlight can be scarce, depending on location and time of year, and they are in big spaces that are hard to light with candlelight," Colberg says. But there are five characteristics of Gothic architecture that stand out from other styles. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 11) President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s campaign promise of rice being sold at 20 per kilogram under his administration is unlikely to happen in the next two years, former Agriculture Secretary William Dar said Friday. "With all of what is happening, that is not tenable presently...It will take some time," Dar told CNN Philippines' The Exchange. He said the main problem was that rice landholdings were very small with an average of one to 1.3 hectares per farmer. "How can you do much with technology and mechanization when you have these small landholdings? Dati-dati [Before], land and labor would be the major sources of productivity, ngayon [now] the major sources of productivity levels and income increase is the use of new technologies and innovations," Dar explained. He added that the government should pursue cluster farming, or the merger of smallholder farms. Philippine Chamber of Agriculture & Food Inc. National Chairman Danilo Fausto agreed that the 20 per kilogram goal could not be attained anytime soon. "We really need to increase productivity and decrease the cost of producing rice. Without that condition, then the government can bring down to 20 only if it heavily subsidizes the price and demand side," Fausto said. Marcos, who's also Department of Agriculture (DA) secretary, earlier said the government wanted to fulfill the goal as soon as possible, but that this was hindered by bad weather. READ: Marcos: 20/kilo rice price goal eyed 'ASAP,' but weather a factor The DA also said the goal was achievable, but in the long run. Naturally occurring coal deposits are called "seams" in the mining industry. Wherever such veins occur, coal-seam fires (like the one under Centralia) are apt to break out. "They are quite common," Anupma Prakash a geologist at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks tells us in an email. Advertisement China's 3,106-mile (5,000-kilometer) coal mining belt is notorious for its seam fires. So is the town of Jharia, India, where unwanted fires have claimed about 41 million tons (or roughly 37 million metric tons) of coal since 1918. "The issue is more prevalent in areas where coal was extracted in the past with limited efforts to ensure that the 'hole' left from the extraction ... was filled up," says Prakash. Mines that don't provide "structural support" to keep the ground from collapsing likewise risk seam fire outbreaks. Granted, humans aren't always responsible. Down in New South Wales, Australia, there's a famous coal seam under Mount Wingen that's been burning for 6,000 years straight. Scientists think it was first ignited by an ancient brush fire or lightning strike. " " Smoke from below curls through the abandoned town of Centralia, Pennsylvania. Scott Drzyzga/Flickr (CC By 2.0) And coal doesn't need much encouragement to catch fire. Under the right circumstances, the material can actually light itself ablaze through spontaneous combustion. "The decomposition of pyrite present in coal produces heat, and in some cases, this self-heating can start the coal on fire. This is a problem even where coal is transported long distances in ships," says research geologist Allan Kolker in another email exchange. Screen time. Whether its TV, phone, video games, we know that blue screens inhibit the melatonin release that we naturally have at bedtime. And so, when they spent a lot of time, especially in the evening hours in front of those screens, the melatonin level is lower. Plus, they are entertained, right? They have no interest in going to bed. Caffeine. Children that drink caffeinated beverages during the day, we encourage them not to do it because caffeine sticks around for 12 hours in your system. So if you want to drink coffee or something with caffeine and you have trouble falling asleep, drink the coffee in the morning. Because if you do it in the afternoon, that will affect your ability to sleep at bedtime. Physical activity. Physical activity during the day helps improve sleep at night. However, it is better not to have very strenuous physical activity just before bedtime because children need time to unwind and calm down. Especially with young kids, I tell the parents to keep the environment quiet, possibly with dim lights, and follow the same routine every night. Why sleep is important There are good reasons she has all of those suggestions. We need our body to rest. If children dont sleep sufficiently, theyre going to be tired, and theyre going to be sleepy in school. And for the very young ones, they have difficulty controlling their behavior. So theyre fussy all day long. But theres more to it than that. There is also a strong hypothesis suggesting that our brain cells clean themselves from the toxins that we accumulate during the day. And then there are hormones, like growth hormones and others, that are secreted during sleep that are very important for childrens growth. Riva said some disorders can disrupt sleep. Our pediatric sleep clinic treats all types of problems, including snoring, sleep apnea, excessive body movements, trouble breathing or restlessness during sleep. We also treat narcolepsy and other conditions such as hypersomnia. But while children with those conditions need a doctors care, most childrens sleep problems can be solved more simply. Keep the environment quiet, possibly with dim lights, and follow the same routine every night, Riva said. I suggest that teenagers put the phone and electronics up by 8, 9 at night. Ideally, two hours before bedtime but at least one hour before. There are other steps to sleep hygiene, like keep the pets out of your bedroom, having dark curtains. For young kids that go to bed a little bit earlier, they need to have a dark environment, cool bedroom and not too much noise around. In the summertime, the use of electronics and daytime napping are big obstacles to falling asleep at night. Felicia Frazar is the managing editor of the Seguin Gazette. You can e-mail her at felicia.frazar@seguingazette.com . A protester holds a sign about imposing an internet blackout in Iran during a demonstration in Athens Over 4 billion people suffered from some form of digital oppression in 2023 alone, with Iran being the biggest perpetrator of internet shutdowns so far. That's the grim scenario depicted by VPN service provider, Surfshark, in its latest report. Experts counted a total of 82 incidents affecting 29 countries in the first half of the year, with 42 of those being recorded as new restrictions. Iran, India, and Pakistan ranked as the top three countries that disrupted the internet most this year, counting 14, 9, and 3 new recorded cases respectively. Surfshark's report cites Asia as the epicenter of this worrying trend, which disproportionately affects citizens' well-being, human rights, and the affected countries' economies. Iranians' digital freedom under siege "It's been a busy first half of the year," said Alp Toker, founder of UK internet watchdog NetBlocks, regarding the Surfshark findings. "But I think it's also been a period of consolidation of internet disruptions. A lot of the incidents we've been tracking have actually tied into incidents that have happened to the end of 2022especially so for Iran." Everything started in September 2022, following the news that a 22-year-old Iranian woman had died in the custody of Iran's morality police in Tehran for allegedly violating strict hijab rules. As a wave of demonstrators quickly erupted across the country, authorities throttled internet connections and restricted access to Instagram and WhatsApp as a means to silence protesters. Iranians have suffered further restrictions ever since, with 14 new recorded cases so far. All of these incidents occurred in the Zahedan region, where rallies are held every Friday to remember the so-called Zahedan massacres and the 100 people who were killed by security forces during the 2022 demonstrations. Confirmed: Live network data show a significant disruption to internet connectivity in Zahedan, #Iran; the incident continues the cycle of internet shutdowns targeting weekly anti-government protests during Friday prayers pic.twitter.com/4lg5t3oCrxJuly 21, 2023 See more Story continues NetBlocks' data confirms a series of weekly restrictions currently taking place across the country, coinciding with Friday prayers. During this time, protesters take to the streets to voice their concerns on how the government treats minority communities. Human rights journalist, Natasha Phillips, highlighted the correlation between the internet shutdowns and the protests taking place in parts of Iran. "We know that the Iranian government doesn't like the outside world to see how it responds to anti-government protests," she said. "So, it does look very much as if these are orchestrated curfews in order not just to chill dissent and freedom of expression, but also to conceal some equally serious human rights violations in relation to the way the government deals with protesters, which we now know often involves lethal force." For the 31st week in a row, the people of Zahedan in southeastern Iran held anti-regime rallies following their Friday prayers, chanting Death to Khamenei and Death to Republic of Execution. Iran regime has executed 19 Baluchs in the past few days amid an internet shutdown. pic.twitter.com/WXIkTxa0PsMay 5, 2023 See more These weekly curfew-style internet shutdowns added to an already restricted digital world, where many popular social media platforms cannot be accessed without the help of a reliable VPN app. By spoofing the users' location and encrypting internet connections, the security software can grant secure access to blocked apps and content within seconds. However, authorities are well aware of this strategy. That's why Iran also earned a silver medal in VPN censorship this year, by blocking the most VPN providers right after China. Yet, battling against a highly restricted digital space isn't a new challenge for Iranians. "Young people in Iran especially are very tech savvy and have methods of sharing information on social media and messaging platforms, which are really effective," said Phillips. Internet shutdowns on the rise across the globe Internet shutdowns aren't a new problem, either. Over 5.8 billion people from 77 different countries have been deprived of internet access since 2015. These incidents reached a new high in 2022, and 2023 is on track to beat this record. There were already 40 ongoing internet restrictions across the globe prior to the start of 2023 in countries like China, Ethiopia, and the UAE. Many of those are still ongoing at the time of writing. "But, the worst of all is that new ones keep on happening," added Egle Grasys, PR Manager at Surfshark. On top of these existing restrictions, the secure VPN provider mapped 42 completely new ones enforced in the first half of the year across 14 different countries. These disruptions to the internet affected 2.4 billion people, almost a third of the global population. As mentioned above, India and Pakistan ranked after Iran as major offenders enforcing a majority of shutdowns occurring during times of political turmoil. Additionally, protests were listed as the leading cause of government-imposed internet disruptions for the first half of 2023 and ultimately triggered 30 of the new restrictions. After Asia, Africa was the continent that enforced the most shutdowns this year so far. Ethiopia has been restricting access to popular social media platforms since February 10, amid protests over the split of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. Meanwhile, Mauritania imposed two nationwide internet shutdowns in 2023 following anti-government protests. Meanwhile, Senegal, which was once regarded as the democratic center of West Africa, suffered two waves of internet restrictions in less than three months. Curfew-style mobile data shutdowns were added to social media bans, which a Senegalese cyber-revolution managed to easily overcome by using reliable VPNs. "Turkey is another country that had some trouble cases as well," said again Grasys. Contrary to the aforementioned countries, the restrictions recorded in Turkey were not triggered by protests. The Turkish government blocked Twitter in February when users needed it the most: following the devastating earthquake that killed over 15,000 people in both Turkey and Syria. The disaster triggered a spike in Turkey VPN downloads, with Proton VPN recording peaks of over 30,000% more hourly sign-ups than usual. Access to the popular social platform Eksi Sozluk was also restricted in the lead-up to this year's Turkish elections. Confirmed: Metrics show the primary mirror domain of Turkish social media platform Eksi Sozluk has been restricted in #Turkey on the eve of election day, on grounds of national security and the protection of public order; the website was initially banned in February https://t.co/WxqqAVWsou pic.twitter.com/Eof6qaSAI1May 13, 2023 See more What's next? If we compare the first half of 2023 with the data coming from the same period in 2022, we can see a 31% reduction in new internet restrictions. However, the number of countries engaging in these incidents has increased from 13 to 14. "The consequence is that more people are now impacted by new internet restrictions (excluding ongoing cases), the number rising from 2.08 billion in the first half of 2022 to 2.35 billion in the same period in 2023," noted Surfshark. According to researchers, the decrease in new restrictions (from 42 in the first half of 2023 to 61 in the same period the year before) primarily results from the drop in cases across Jammu and Kashmir (from 35 to only 2). So, if we excluded this region, global restrictions suddenly increased by 54% compared to last year, suggesting that digital freedoms across the world "may have worsened." Although they can't be used during a total internet shutdown, VPNs, Tor browser and similar circumventing/privacy tools can help bypass geo-restrictions applied to social media, news outlets, and other content at ease. We invite readers to visit our best free VPN page for the most secure freebies out there. Also, providers like Surfshark are committed to supporting journalists, NGOs, and activists when their internet freedom is at riskso, reach out when in need. Finally, watch out for promotions like the Pakistan relief code launched by Windscribe in May. PRIME | PROFILE Three words come to mind when meeting Dr. Phyllis Loeff : stylish, gracious and smart. Loeff , like so many others, gets up early every day to prepare for work. She exercises, gets dressed and dons makeup before seeing patients in the study at her Highland Park, Illinois, home. At 96, Loeff is a psychiatrist who has been practicing for over 50 years. While working at such an age may seem a feat unto itself for many, Loeff is humble. "There's people who have bad things happen people who get very depressed and can't find a way out of the depression these are patients that I have experience of working with and helping," Loeff said. "There are people who have behavior patterns that they have to understand or find a way of changing because it bothers other people. I help them readjust themselves to an acceptable place in relationship to those who are close to them. There are people who have lost somebody recently, older people, people over 65, I'm sure I have more of those patients than most younger doctors have because they know that I understand that time of life." Daily, she can be found in a leather chair surrounded by tomes of her youth and education in her wood paneled study or at her computer on her sun porch poring over her patient notes, with orchids and greenery at her back and children's books nearby, which she reads to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The bespectacled psychiatrist has a calming demeanor and cadence when she speaks, and offers a variety of jams that she makes and bottles herself to houseguests. Cooking is a passion for her; her fudge brownies are her piece de resistance, according to daughter Nanette Allen. Loeff 's life is a robust, blessed one, as evidenced by the many pictures of her family (four children, eight grandchildren and a few greatgrandchildren) throughout her home, where the Talmud sits in a room with a baby grand piano. And at the center of her life is a passion to help others, as her daughter Wendy Freeman attests. "To the best of my memory, when my mother was a very young and very serious intern at Cook County Hospital she had many experiences with patients that have become part of her story and our family history," Freeman said. Stories such as how Loeff once came to the aid of a non English-speaking Polish woman in labor, who she met during her obstetrics and gynecology rotation at Cook County. Loeff , who was pregnant with Freeman at the time, couldn't imagine being alone while going through labor. So she insisted on taking over the Polish woman's care, staying with her during her labor and delivering the baby. Taking her cues from Shakespeare In looking back at her career that began in 1949, Loeff is very matter of-fact about her trajectory: "I took my chances." Loeff graduated with a medical degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago's College of Medicine at the age of 22 she was one of 33 women in the medical school class. She married Harold Loeff , a war veteran and OB-GYN physician at Michael Reese Hospital, the day before she started her 1-year internship at Cook County Hospital. She would later take a 17-year break from her career to have her three girls and one boy. She picked up her profession when her youngest, Thomas, was 9 years old. She remembers being a 39-year-old first-year resident at the Illinois State Psychiatric Institute. "I really didn't know how I was ever going to be able to manage getting trained at that time of life and taking care of my family, and I had no idea I could do it, but I took my chances because I felt like if I ever got to be 60 years old and had never used my medical training, I wouldn't forgive myself. That's a major philosophy for me: I took my chances and found my way," Loeff said. By 42, Loeff went into the practice of psychiatry. A peek behind Loeff 's office door and one can see the license she received from Cook County Hospital as a member of the house staff . Raised by a religious, domestic mom and a journalist father (Louis Saxon, a financial editor of Chicago's American, which the Chicago Tribune bought in 1959), Loeff credits reading William Shakespeare's "Hamlet" at the age of 16 as leading her to the psychiatric field. "I thought the poor soul (Hamlet) was so sick, and his girlfriend was so sad, she threw herself away and killed herself. There was a lot of behavior and responses and interactions that made me think, 'What is this all about?'" Loeff said. "I didn't think of it as being a make-believe, fantasy kind of thing it was so strongly written and so convincing that this is something that human beings suffer from, I was really involved in wondering how this happened, or why does it happen. I felt so sad for him and that's when I said I have to find out what's going on in people's brains. And you have to be a doctor to do that. So that's how I got to medical school." Following her ambitions She was also inspired by her late uncle, Dr. Harry Asher, a dentist who practiced in Chicago for more than 60 years, doing so for his last 35 years with only one arm. He was the dentist of the late Mayor Richard J. Daley. Loeff said Asher exposed her to many cultural things like the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and gave her books. She read a medical book at the age of 9, and while she couldn't tell what it meant, the idea of what she could do with her life was there. "He was the one who seemed to recognize that I had a certain kind of potential," she says. "I sort of give myself credit for keeping my hope that I could do something. I was surrounded by ambitious people and very early on I began to admire what being a doctor meant. It stayed with me." With over five decades of experience in psychiatry, Loeff says what separates her from other practitioners is that she spends an hour with each client to learn about who they are as a person, going back as far as their grandparents to get a decent history. She says that's necessary to get to the root of the person's concerns. She's seen the profession change with the introduction of more medications, but she still prefers digging for a patient's reality through an in-depth, in-person, holistic approach. She's had clients who have been with her since their 20s and 30s who are now grandparents themselves. She says it's "a rewarding kind of thing." "If I pull out an appointment book from five or 10 years ago, you'll find that I'm busier now and I see more patients," she said. "It took 60some odd years before I had the maturity of understanding. I'm thinking much better than I ever did before. After years and years of seeing what the outcome is, I watch people grow up and go through it and get old. I've had that privilege of watching to see what time does bring, and that's a blessing in its way, because it helps me to understand what I'm dealing with or what the depth of something is." Inspiring her family Loeff is recuperating from a recent fall that left her with a broken left ankle, but you can't tell. Sitting in her study with her pearls and Italian brown and ivory brogues on, Loeff said she wants her legacy to be one where she helps people look into troubling things without being destroyed by learning from them, instead coming out wiser and stronger. It's a legacy of compassion and resilience that she would like to pass on. She hopes her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren will see it so they can be noble and brave about what they believe in and pursue it. Loeff 's granddaughter Ariel Freeman Sanett said Loeff was her first best friend. "Her work is so completely who she is, but in a way that includes her family," Sanett said. "I would sit outside her office door waiting for her to finish with a patient, and when she introduced me, her patients already knew who I was. This interplay between work and family is what humanizes her even further, and what informs her work." The Allen family said Loeff 's "open-mindedness and the coexistence of an exacting diligent mind with a constant need to keep learning and broadening her horizons" speaks to her extraordinariness. Loeff 's eldest daughter, Deborah Loeff , a pediatric surgeon at the University of Chicago, said her mom is a remarkable role model and force of nature. Phyllis introduced her children to the world of puppetry and children's theater when they were young and that influenced Deborah's decision to become a children's surgeon. "I combined a commitment to the care of children with all the manual, creative skills needed in the 'operating theater' as the British refer to the operating room," Deborah Loeff said. And Phyllis Loeff 's legacy is practiced in her work every day in hopes of giving people peace, and sending them off with a stronger sense of comfort and control, happiness and contentment. "They know they can't change the past but they're gonna change the future," Loeff said. "You have to come to a place of contentment, a tolerance for the past. And that does give you a lot more contentment than you had before, so that you can go forward with a sense of confidence that you'll be able to handle and do certain things without fear of your vulnerabilities or other problems of the past. My blessing is that I still can do my work, which I love, and which I find every human being I talk to has their own soul and their own story. I'm very grateful to have lived long enough to get smart." SIOUX CITY A brisk north breeze brought a late-fall chill to hundreds of Sioux Cityans who traveled to the U.S. Naval Academy to witness the Nov. 17, 2018, commissioning of the USS Sioux City. It did nothing to cool the warmth Sioux City felt for the first ship to bear the city's name. A community that had poured thousands of dollars into the celebration, impressing Navy brass with its enthusiasm and support for its namesake ship, looked forward to a relationship expected to last 30 years or more for the duration of the ship's service. USS Sioux City Commissioning Ceremony Sailors line the rail during the USS Sioux City's commissioning ceremony on Nov. 17, 2018, at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. A The relationship will end much sooner than expected. On Monday, the USS Sioux City will be decommissioned, mothballed after less than five years of service. "I was both surprised and disappointed," said Siouxland Chamber of Commerce President Chris McGowan, who worked closely with the commissioning committee that raised money for and organized the commissioning ceremony and festivities. "Surprised in that we had been assured by officials in Washington that the USS Sioux City was secure through fiscal 2024, which is over a year from now. I was disappointed because our community demonstrated an unprecedented level of support, and all involved with this ship deserved a better fate." Source of pride The news, which spread on Aug. 4, shocked local residents who had excitedly followed news of the ship since its naming was announced in February 2012, through its construction and January 2016 christening at a Wisconsin shipyard until it officially joined the Navy fleet on that November day in 2018 at Annapolis, Maryland. They had helped raise a significant portion of the $800,000 needed for commissioning, plus more than $250,000 to create a legacy education fund to help USS Sioux City crew members and their families pay for educational expenses. Ship commanders and crew members who visited Sioux City received celebrity treatment, and the ship's sailors of the year were honored each fall at the Chamber of Commerce's annual dinner. Chris McGowan Mug Chris McGowan, president of the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce and The Siouxland Initiative is shown with a copy of the delegate's position pap "This community did what it always does, it stood up to say thank you to the men and women who serve in our armed forces, and I could not be prouder of the way Sioux City and Siouxland responded to and supported this ship and the crew," McGowan said. The abrupt end to the USS Sioux City's service shouldn't dim the city's pride in the ship and its crew, said the ship's sponsor, Mary Winnefeld, whose role will end on Monday when she, along with McGowan, witnesses the decommissioning at Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, Florida, the ship's home port. "While I wish we had more notice regarding the upcoming decommissioning of the USS Sioux City, the most important thing is that this ship and her crew served extremely well both overseas and in the Caribbean. The ship did everything our nation asked her to do, with distinction," said Winnefeld, who made her share of trips to Sioux City in the lead-up to the commissioning. "The people of Sioux City and Iowa should be very proud of everything USS Sioux City accomplished in her short life. I certainly am," Winnefeld continued in her emailed statement. "I'm also delighted to have enjoyed such a wonderful relationship with the ship and her namesake city, from the day we laid this beautiful ship's keel through her last day of service. Sioux City has truly set the standard for the responsibility a namesake city carries in supporting a U.S. Navy ship." No longer wanted It obviously takes more than support from a namesake city to keep a ship among the Navy's active fleet, and the USS Sioux City was among a group of littoral combat ships, LCS for short, that had come under scrutiny. The LCS was conceived as a small, fast ship that, thanks in part to a jet propulsion system, could maneuver in shallow, or littoral, waters closer to shore than other Navy ships. It was designed to be reconfigured quickly to take on various missions rather than serve only one specific purpose. But the Freedom class variant to which the USS Sioux City belonged was plagued almost from the start with mechanical issues that cost millions of dollars to repair, making it a target for criticism from military experts, some of whom said the ships were a waste of money and were no longer wanted by the Navy. In an emailed response to questions, Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, who spoke at the ship's commissioning at Annapolis, implied as much, saying it costs $50 million-$70 million annually to maintain the LSC fleet. According to Ernst, there was discussion that the Department of Homeland Security may want the ships for drug interdiction missions, but it now seems no one wants them. Ernst expressed disappointment at what appears to be a waste of millions of taxpayer dollars and thousands of dollars more Siouxlanders spent supporting the ship and its crew. "I first learned about the USS Sioux City being decommissioned in July. There is so much pride and heritage that goes with the city of Sioux City, and we dedicated all of that toward this ship," Ernst said. "To find out the Navy knew they did not want the USS Sioux City is very frustrating. I'm extremely disappointed the Navy allowed Siouxlanders to spend thousands of dollars to help fund the commissioning of their namesake ship. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I'm continuing to look for answers as to how this happened and the plan going forward for decommissioned ships and the money wasted on this program." 'Fiscal constraints' In March 2022, a U.S. Navy budget proposal recommended the decommissioning of the USS Sioux City and several other LCS. A Navy ship inactivation schedule in August 2022 listed the ship's decommissioning for June 30. That date passed, and the ship remained, apparently through some sort of political dealing, and was expected to be in service for at least another year. Explanations for the decommissioning of a relatively new $362 million ship short of that 2024 time line have been hard to find. "To maintain our strategic advantage, particularly under fiscal constraints, it is important for the Navy to carefully review our force structure regularly and divest of legacy capabilities that no longer bring sufficient lethality to maximize our effectiveness in deterring and defeating potential adversaries," said a spokeswoman at Littoral Combat Ship Squadron Two at Naval Station Mayport, where other LCS in addition to the USS Sioux City are based. Retired Rear Adm. Frank Thorp, chairman of the USS Sioux City's commissioning committee, said he didn't learn of the decommissioning until informed by McGowan a week ago Friday. While he didn't know the reasons for the decision, Thorp said, he understood the Navy leadership's responsibility to use its resources wisely. "Decisions have to be made how to best apportion resources for our nation's defense," said Thorp, who will be unable to attend the decommissioning. "The Navy needs to put our limited resources in the best place, and it's all about national security. "We all love this ship and the crew and the connection we have with them," Thorp said. "When you're involved in the life of a ship ... it becomes like a relative, so there's that emotional connection." Counter drug trafficking During its service, the USS Sioux City participated in counter drug trafficking operations in the Caribbean Sea, on one occasion in 2021 working with the U.S. Coast Guard to stop two vessels and seize approximately 1,080 kilograms of cocaine worth an estimated $44 million. Last year, the USS Sioux City was the first LCS to operate with other Navy vessels in the Baltic Sea, Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Northern Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman and Arabian Gulf. The ship returned to Mayport from that mission in October. USS Sioux City commissioning tour The USS Sioux City, LCS 11, is shown at berth Nov. 15, 2018, at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, two days before its commissioning Instead of going out on new missions, the USS Sioux City, come Monday, will be designated as Out of Commission, In Reserve, the Navy spokeswoman said in emailed responses to questions. The ship's approximately 75 crew members will receive new assignments. Once decommissioned, the spokeswoman said, the USS Sioux City will be eligible for sale to another country's military and will be docked at one of three Inactive Ships Maintenance Offices, the nearest of which is in Philadelphia. Its equipment could be removed for use on remaining LCS. Future recommissioning is unlikely. Barring a last-minute reprieve, it appears the ship's service is over. "Be assured that our community is exhausting every avenue to express our disappointment and dissatisfaction with this development," McGowan said. "Siouxland earned a national reputation for the lengths to which we went to build an exceptionally strong long-term bond with this ship and her crew, and we will forever be known for that." Photos: USS Sioux City departs Annapolis Close A USS Sioux City crew member casts off the ship's bow line while preparing the ship to depart from Annapolis, Maryland, Sunday. The ship pulled away from the U.S. Naval Academy, where it was commissioned on Saturday, and began heading to its home port in Mayport, Florida. The tug Brooklyn McAllister ties up to the USS Sioux City as it prepares to depart Annapolis, Md. on Nov. 18, 2018. USS Sioux City commanding officer Cmdr. Randy Malone hugs commissioning committee member Beverly Veit prior to the ship's departure from Annapolis, Maryland, Sunday. Voit and several other commissioning committee members watched the USS Sioux City depart for its home port in Mayport, Florida. USS Sioux City crew members are seen through the windows of the bridge prior to the ship departing Annapolis Sunday morning, Nov. 18, 2018, down the Severn River to go to its home port in Mayport, Florida. The USS Sioux City, LCS 11, was commissioned during a ceremony Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Sioux City Journal photo by Tim Hynds The USS Sioux City departs Annapolis, Maryland, on Nov. 18, 2018, a day after it was commissioned. USS Sioux City crew members prepare the ship prior to it departing Annapolis Sunday morning, Nov. 18, 2018, down the Severn River to go to its home port in Mayport, Florida. The USS Sioux City, LCS 11, was commissioned during a ceremony Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Sioux City Journal photo by Tim Hynds A bird flies over the USS Sioux City as it leaves Annapolis Sunday morning, Nov. 18, 2018, down the Severn River to go to its home port in Mayport, Florida. The USS Sioux City, LCS 11, was commissioned during a ceremony Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Sioux City Journal photo by Tim Hynds Crew members are shown on the USS Sioux City prior to the ship departing Annapolis Nov. 18, 2018, down the Severn River to go to its home port in Mayport, Florida. The USS Sioux City, LCS 11, was commissioned during a ceremony Nov. 17, 2018, at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Sailors prepare to cast off the the USS Sioux City's lines as it readies to leave Annapolis Sunday morning, Nov. 18, 2018, down the Severn River to go to its home port in Mayport, Florida. The USS Sioux City, LCS 11, was commissioned during a ceremony Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Sioux City Journal photo by Tim Hynds The tug Brooklyn McAllister pulls the USS Sioux City away from the U.S. Naval Academy's seawall and into the Severn River on Sunday so it can begin its voyage to its home port in Mayport, Florida. The ship and its crew had been in Annapolis, Maryland, since Tuesday preparing for the ship's commissioning, which took place Saturday. The tug Brooklyn McAllister, not shown, pulls the USS Sioux City away from the seawall while departing Annapolis, Maryland, on Nov. 18, 2018. Chris McGowan, president of the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce, right, jokes with Frank Thorp, USS Sioux City Commissioning Committee chairman, left, as USS Sioux City commanding officer Cmdr. Randy Malone looks on prior to the ship's departure from Annapolis, Md., Sunday morning. Ship and city leaders will be key in developing the relationship between the USS Sioux City and its namesake city in the future. USS Sioux City crew members stand at the rail and salute as the ship departs Annapolis, Maryland, on Nov. 18, 2018 to go to its home port in Florida. The ship was decommissed on Aug. 14. USS Sioux City crew members carry out a large bag of garbage from the ship while preparing to depart from Annapolis, Maryland, Sunday morning. USS Sioux City commanding officer Cmdr. Randy Malone, right, talks about Saturday's commissioning ceremony prior to departing Annapolis Sunday morning, Nov. 18, 2018, down the Severn River to go to its home port in Mayport, Florida. The USS Sioux City, LCS 11, was commissioned during a ceremony Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. At left is Lt. j.g. Amaia Maldonado. Sioux City Journal photo by Tim Hynds Workers remove a walkway while preparing the USS Sioux City to depart Annapolis Sunday morning, Nov. 18, 2018, down the Severn River to go to its home port in Mayport, Florida. The USS Sioux City, LCS 11, was commissioned during a ceremony Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Sioux City Journal photo by Tim Hynds +15 +15 +15 +15 +15 +15 +15 +15 +15 +15 Photos: USS Sioux City christening Close USS Sioux City launch Ship sponsor Mary Winnefeld christens the ship with a bottle of champagne during the launch and christening of the USS Sioux City, Littoral Combat Ship 11, Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016, at Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Marinette, Wisconsin. The Sioux City will be the 11th of the new class of ships, designed to sail nearer the coast and into shallower waters than other naval vessels. Sioux City Journal photo by Tim Hynds USS Sioux City launch Ship sponsor Mary Winnefeld christens the USS Sioux City with a bottle of champagne during the launch of the USS Sioux City, Littoral Combat Ship 11, in January 2016, at Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Marinette, Wisconsin. Winnefeld said she's disappointed the ship will be decommissioned unusually early into its service on Monday, but Siouxlanders should be proud of the service of the ship and its crew. USS Sioux City launch Ship sponsor Mary Winnefeld christens the ship with a bottle of champagne during the launch and christening of the USS Sioux City, Littoral Combat Ship 11, Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016, at Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Marinette, Wisconsin. The Sioux City will be the 11th of the new class of ships, designed to sail nearer the coast and into shallower waters than other naval vessels. Sioux City Journal photo by Tim Hynds USS Sioux City launch The official party, including ship sponsor Mary Winnefeld, moves up a walkway to christen the ship during the launch and christening of the USS Sioux City, Littoral Combat Ship 11 on Jan. 30 at Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Marinette, Wis. USS Sioux City launch Ship sponsor Mary Winnefeld prepares to christen the ship with a bottle of champagne during the launch and christening of the USS Sioux City, Littoral Combat Ship 11, Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016, at Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Marinette, Wisconsin. The Sioux City will be the 11th of the new class of ships, designed to sail nearer the coast and into shallower waters than other naval vessels. Sioux City Journal photo by Tim Hynds USS Sioux City launch The USS Sioux City slides into the Menominee River after being christened by sponsor Mary Winnefeld during the launch and christening of the USS Sioux City, Littoral Combat Ship 11, Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016, at Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Marinette, Wisconsin. The Sioux City will be the 11th of the new class of ships, designed to sail nearer the coast and into shallower waters than other naval vessels. Sioux City Journal photo by Tim Hynds USS Sioux City launch The USS Sioux City is launched into the Menominee River after being christened during a ceremony in Marinette, Wis., in January 2016. USS Sioux City launch The USS Sioux City slides into the Menominee River after being christened by sponsor Mary Winnefeld during the launch and christening of the USS Sioux City, Littoral Combat Ship 11, in January 2016, at Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Marinette, Wis. The ship will be the 11th of the new class of ships, designed to sail nearer the coast and into shallower waters than other naval vessels. USS Sioux City launch The USS Sioux City slides into the Menominee River after being christened by sponsor Mary Winnefeld during the launch and christening of the USS Sioux City Jan. 30 in Marinette, Wisconsin. The Sioux City will be the 11th of the new class of ships, designed to sail nearer the coast and into shallower waters than other naval vessels. USS Sioux City launch The USS Sioux City rocks in the Menominee River after being christened by sponsor Mary Winnefeld during the launch and christening of the USS Sioux City, Littoral Combat Ship 11, Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016, at Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Marinette, Wisconsin. The Sioux City will be the 11th of the new class of ships, designed to sail nearer the coast and into shallower waters than other naval vessels. Sioux City Journal photo by Tim Hynds USS Sioux City launch Ship sponsor Mary Winnefeld speaks during the launch and christening ceremonies for the the USS Sioux City, Littoral Combat Ship 11, in January 2016, at Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Marinette, Wisconsin. USS Sioux City launch Ship sponsor Mary Winnefeld points to a member of the audience while speaking during the launch and christening of the USS Sioux City, Littoral Combat Ship 11, Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016, at Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Marinette, Wisconsin. The Sioux City will be the 11th of the new class of ships, designed to sail nearer the coast and into shallower waters than other naval vessels. Sioux City Journal photo by Tim Hynds USS Sioux City launch Admiral Michelle Howard, Vice Chief of Naval Operations, speaks during the launch and christening of the USS Sioux City, Littoral Combat Ship 11, Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016, at Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Marinette, Wisconsin. The Sioux City will be the 11th of the new class of ships, designed to sail nearer the coast and into shallower waters than other naval vessels. Sioux City Journal photo by Tim Hynds USS Sioux City launch Wisconsin US Sen. Tammy Baldwin speaks during the launch and christening of the USS Sioux City, Littoral Combat Ship 11, Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016, at Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Marinette, Wisconsin. The Sioux City will be the 11th of the new class of ships, designed to sail nearer the coast and into shallower waters than other naval vessels. Sioux City Journal photo by Tim Hynds USS Sioux City launch Members of the audience stand and watch during the launch and christening of the USS Sioux City, Littoral Combat Ship 11, Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016, at Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Marinette, Wisconsin. The Sioux City will be the 11th of the new class of ships, designed to sail nearer the coast and into shallower waters than other naval vessels. Sioux City Journal photo by Tim Hynds USS Sioux City launch Retired Navy Adm. James A. Winnefeld Jr., the ninth vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, talks during the launch and christening of the USS Sioux City, Littoral Combat Ship 11, Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016, at Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Marinette, Wisconsin. He is the husband of ship sponsor, Mary Winnefeld. The Sioux City will be the 11th of the new class of ships, designed to sail nearer the coast and into shallower waters than other naval vessels. Sioux City Journal photo by Tim Hynds USS Sioux City launch A tug moves the USS Sioux City into position on the Menominee River following the launch and christening of the USS Sioux City on Jan. 30, 2016, in Marinette, Wisconsin. The commissioning of the ship has been rescheduled for sometime this fall at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. USS Sioux City launch The Navy Band of the Great Lakes prepares to play during the launch and christening of the USS Sioux City, Littoral Combat Ship 11, Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016, at Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Marinette, Wisconsin. The Sioux City will be the 11th of the new class of ships, designed to sail nearer the coast and into shallower waters than other naval vessels. Sioux City Journal photo by Tim Hynds USS Sioux City launch Crew members sell USS Sioux City merchandise during the launch and christening of the USS Sioux City, Littoral Combat Ship 11, Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016, at Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Marinette, Wisconsin. The Sioux City will be the 11th of the new class of ships, designed to sail nearer the coast and into shallower waters than other naval vessels. Sioux City Journal photo by Tim Hynds USS Sioux City launch Audience members stand during the launch and christening of the USS Sioux City, Littoral Combat Ship 11 at Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Marinette, Wis. USS Sioux City launch The Navy Band of the Great Lakes performs during the launch and christening of the USS Sioux City, Littoral Combat Ship 11, Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016, at Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Marinette, Wisconsin. The Sioux City will be the 11th of the new class of ships, designed to sail nearer the coast and into shallower waters than other naval vessels. Sioux City Journal photo by Tim Hynds USS Sioux City launch The ship is shown during the launch and christening of the USS Sioux City, Littoral Combat Ship 11, Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016, at Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Marinette, Wisconsin. The Sioux City will be the 11th of the new class of ships, designed to sail nearer the coast and into shallower waters than other naval vessels. Sioux City Journal photo by Tim Hynds USS Sioux City launch Crew members sell USS Sioux City merchandise during the launch and christening of the USS Sioux City, Littoral Combat Ship 11, Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016, at Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Marinette, Wisconsin. The Sioux City will be the 11th of the new class of ships, designed to sail nearer the coast and into shallower waters than other naval vessels. Sioux City Journal photo by Tim Hynds USS Sioux City launch The ship is shown during the launch and christening of the USS Sioux City, Littoral Combat Ship 11, Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016, at Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Marinette, Wisconsin. The Sioux City will be the 11th of the new class of ships, designed to sail nearer the coast and into shallower waters than other naval vessels. Sioux City Journal photo by Tim Hynds USS Sioux City launch Young USS Sioux City launch The USS Sioux City, Littoral Combat Ship 11, is shown at Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Marinette, Wis. USS Sioux City launch Admiral Michelle Howard, Vice Chief of Naval Operations, speaks during the launch and christening of the USS Sioux City, Littoral Combat Ship 11, Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016, at Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Marinette, Wisconsin. The Sioux City will be the 11th of the new class of ships, designed to sail nearer the coast and into shallower waters than other naval vessels. Sioux City Journal photo by Tim Hynds USS Sioux City launch Mary Winnefeld +27 +27 +27 +27 +27 +27 +27 +27 +27 +27 DICKINSON, N.D. Maksym Bunchukov remembers hearing rockets explode in Zaporizhzhia as the war in Ukraine began. It was terrible, he said. He and his wife sent their adult daughter west to Lviv for safety and joined her later with their pets. Now, about 18 months after the war broke out, Bunchukov is in North Dakota, like thousands of Ukrainians who came over a century ago. He is one of 16 new arrivals who are part of a trade groups pilot effort through the Uniting for Ukraine humanitarian program to recruit refugees and migrants during a workforce shortage. Twelve more Ukrainians are scheduled to arrive by Aug. 15 as part of the North Dakota Petroleum Councils Bakken Global Recruitment of Oilfield Workers program. Some workers want to bring their families to North Dakota while others hope to return to Ukraine. I will try to invite my wife, invite my daughter, invite my cat and invite my dog," Bunchukov said a week after his arrival. The Bakken program has humanitarian and workforce missions, said Project Manager Brent Sanford, a former lieutenant governor who watched the Bakken oil rush unfold during his time as mayor of boomtown Watford City from 2010 to 2016. The oil boom initially was met by an organic workforce" of western North Dakotans with experience in oil field jobs elsewhere, but as the economy reeled from the Great Recession, thousands of people flocked to the Bakken oil field from other states and even other countries to fill high-wage jobs, Sanford said. Technological advances for combining horizontal drilling and fracking injecting high-pressure mixtures of water, sand and chemicals into rocks made capturing the oil locked deep underground possible. People came by planes, trains and automobiles, every way possible from everywhere for the opportunity for work, Council President Ron Ness said. They were upside down on their mortgage, their life or whatever, and they could reset in North Dakota. But the 2015 downturn, the coronavirus pandemic and other recent shocks probably led workers back to their home states, especially if moving meant returning to warmer and bigger cities, Sanford said. Workforce issues have become very acute in the past 10 months, Ness said. Ness estimated there are roughly 2,500 jobs available in an oil field producing about 1.1 million barrels per day. Employers don't advertise for every individual job opening, but post once or twice for many open positions, he said. An immigration law firm told Ness that Uniting for Ukraine would fit well for North Dakota given its Ukrainian heritage, similar climate and agrarian people, he said. The program's sponsors, including company owners, managers and employees, agree to help Ukrainians find work, health care, schools for their children and safe and affordable housing. About 160 Ukrainians have arrived in North Dakota, the majority in Bismarck, as part of Uniting for Ukraine, according to State Refugee Coordinator Holly Triska-Dally. Applications from prospective sponsors from around the state have gone up considerably in recent months, likely due to more awareness but also Ukrainians who are working and beginning to thrive and filing to support their family, she said. The two dozen or so Ukrainians might not seem like many arrivals on national or statewide scales, but they will make a significant difference for cities like Minot and Dickinson. The cities haven't traditionally been major resettlement hubs, but now "there's a strong likelihood" the workers' families will join them, adding to the economy and schools, Triska-Dally said. Bunchukov, who had jobs in mechanics and furniture sales in Ukraine, works for road contractor Baranko Bros. Inc. He and other new arrivals have experience in Alaskas seafood industry. Others have worked on cruise ships or held different seasonal jobs. Because of those jobs, many workers already hold Social Security numbers and have studied English, Sanford said. Dmytro Haiman, who said his English skills steered him toward the Bakken program, recalled sheltering with relatives in his grandmother's cellar as the war began and bombs fell on his hometown, Chernihiv. In the first months of the war he drove people west to safety and brought canned food, medicine and even generators to Chernihiv amid supply shortages. He said he expected to work in water transportation and hopes to earn enough money to help his family, to help us to rebuild our country. The Bakken program aims to recruit 100 workers by the end of 2023, and 400 after one year. Those 400 may not all be Ukrainians. Some will drive, start in shops or build roads, pads and fences, everything from there up to well site operations, Ness said. The workers will start in construction and other basic jobs starting at $20 an hour and can rise quickly. They also can leave their jobs or the state while theyre in the Uniting for Ukraine program, which grants humanitarian parole lasting two years with a goal of a longer path beyond, but that depends on the federal government, Sanford said. Four translators help workers with forms, training and community acclimation, Sanford said. One employer has rented eight apartments for workers, while others are in extended-stay hotels until they can find apartments. Glenn Baranko, president of the contractor building paths to drilling rigs and providing environmental services in the oil field, planned to assign jobs to five initial workers based on their skillsets. The labor shortage led his company to hire a full-time recruiter, but there's still a need, said Baranko, whose great-grandfather came to the area from Ukraine. Ivan Sakivskyi, who works for Baranko, said he looks forward to opportunities for promotion, such as driving heavy equipment, and gaining new experience. Though he doesnt plan to live long-term in the U.S., Sakivskyi said he would like to return for work after visiting loved ones in his home country. My heart and my soul are in Ukraine. Its my friends, the Odesa native said. Its my family. Photos: Children of Ukraine war struggle after thousands of schools destroyed DES MOINES Iowa U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley said on Friday he welcomes the appointment of a special counsel in an investigation into Hunter Biden, but said he has reservations about the person selected for the post. U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland announced on Friday he had appointed U.S. Attorney David Weiss as a special counsel as part of an ongoing investigation into President Joe Bidens son. The appointment comes after congressional Republicans have waged several of their own investigations into Hunter Bidens business dealings while his father was vice president. Its about time for a special counsel, Grassley told reporters at the Iowa State Fair, but he said he has concerns about political bias in the Justice Department and the appointment of Weiss to the position. Weiss, a U.S. attorney appointed by former President Donald Trump, was already leading an investigation into Hunter Biden over unpaid federal taxes and an alleged gun possession crime. A plea deal between the prosecution and Bidens attorneys fell apart last month when a judge rejected the deal. I have some questions about Weiss doing it, because (Sen. Ron) Johnson and I sent all of this material we had in regard to the payments that were made to Hunter Biden, and we don't know what they did with them," Grassley said. Grassley has been critical of Hunter Biden as Republicans have launched wide-ranging investigations against him. In September of 2022, Grassley called for Weiss to be appointed special counsel, and in 2022 he and U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wisconsin, sent prosecutors a trove of bank records to Weiss asking they be included in his investigation. The appointment will give Weiss an extra layer of independence from the U.S. Justice Department and requires that he provide a report to the attorney general after the investigation is completed. Garland said Friday he intends to make much of that report public. This appointment confirms my commitment to provide Mr. Weiss all the resources he requests, Garland said when he announced the appointment. It also reaffirms that Mr. Weiss has the authority he needs to conduct a thorough investigation and to continue to take the steps he deems appropriate independently, based only on the facts and the law. Prosecutors in the case said Friday plea deal talks in Hunter Bidens tax case have broken down, and it will likely go to trial. Grassley said he hopes the appointment as special counsel does not delay the trial. Is a special counsel set up to interfere with going to a trial right away, or is there some other reason for doing it? he said. And since this administration has exemplified so much political bias in the FBI and the Department of Justice, I think theres a reason to raise questions. Since beginning writing a Regulars column for the Sioux City Journal I have had numerous suggestions about column topics. One of the most intriguing was when I was handed a book with the encouragement to write about this! The book is The Power Code by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman. The encouragement was to highlight the challenges and realities that women face in our communities and world. The book is a fascinating read about gender, power and leadership. The subtitle is more joy, less ego, maximum impact for women (and everyone). Kay and Shipman provide a wise guide offering women a blueprint for shaping their own professional futures, maximizing their impact for the benefit of others, and experiencing the real joy that comes from taking the reins and influencing outcomes. Last October I had the opportunity to visit and tour the United Nations in New York City. I learned about The Sustainable Development Goals. This is a call for action by all countries poor, rich and middle-income to promote prosperity while protecting the planet. These goals recognize that ending poverty must go hand-in-hand with strategies that build economic growth and address a range of social needs including education, health, social protection, and job opportunities, while tackling climate change and environmental protection. The 17 Goals were adopted by all of the UNs Member States in 2015, as part of the UNs 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which set out a 15-year plan to achieve the goals. The first five goals are: end poverty in all its forms; achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture; good health and well-being; quality education; and gender equality and womens empowerment. The United Nations report states that gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world. There has been progress over the last decades, but the world is not on track to achieve gender equality by 2030. Womens health services, already poorly funded, have faced major disruptions. Violence against women remains endemic. And despite womens leadership in responding to the recent global pandemic, women still trail men in securing the decision-making positions they deserve. A checklist for community leaders and elected leaders: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation Recognize and value unpaid care and domestic work through the provision of public services, infrastructure and social protection policies and the promotion of shared responsibility within the household and the family Ensure womens full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic and public life Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health Undertake reforms to give women equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to ownership and control over land and other forms of property, financial services, inheritance and natural resources, in accordance with national laws Enhance the use of enabling technology, in particular information and communications technology, to promote the empowerment of women Adopt and strengthen sound policies and enforceable legislation for the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls at all levels Recently the news outlet Iowa Starting Line highlighted this information: It pays to be a white manliterally. Heres what women make, on average, compared to white men, for the same job (all other factors being equal) - White man, one dollar. White woman, 84 cents. Black woman, 67 cents. Latina woman, 57 cents. Indigenous woman, 57 cents. Women of retirement age are also facing significant inequity issues. Statistically, women live longer than men, which means they will need more savings in general to support themselves, but also to afford health care and basic assistance as they age. Even so, white men over age 65 have an annual income of $44,200 while white women bring in about $23,000, Black women about $21,900, and Latina women $14,800. And here are a few more interesting (and local) numbers from the helpful Directory of Public Officials and Voters Guide (from the League of Women Voters of Sioux City) : Iowa State Senators and State Representatives from our area: 7 men, 0 women. Woodbury County Board of Supervisors: 5 men, 0 women. City Council of Sioux City: 4 men, 1 woman. Sioux City Community Schools Board of Directors: 5 men, 2 women. Ban Ki-moon, a South Korean politician and diplomat who served as the eighth Secretary-General of the United Nations, said Achieving gender equality requires the engagement of women and men, girls and boys. It is everyones responsibility. Coretta Scott King, American civil rights leaders, said, I can't help but believe that at some time in the not-too-distant future, there is going to be another movement to change these systemic conditions of poverty, and injustice in people's lives. That is where we've got to go, and it is going to be a struggle. (CNN) Chinas civilian spy agency has exposed a Chinese national for allegedly providing sensitive military information to the CIA, the latest in a string of highly public espionage accusations between Washington and Beijing. In a statement Friday, Chinas Ministry of State Security said the suspect, identified by his surname Zeng, worked for an unidentified Chinese military industrial group in a role which gave him access to important classified information. The ministry said Zeng, 52, was sent by his employer to advance his studies in Italy. While there he was allegedly approached by a US embassy official, and they gradually developed a close relationship through activities such as dinner parties, outings and watching operas, according to the statement. The ministry claimed that as their engagement deepened, the US official revealed himself to be a CIA officer. Zeng was allegedly offered a huge amount of money and immigration to the US for his family, in exchange for sensitive information about the Chinese military, the statement said. It said Zeng signed an espionage agreement with the US and received assessment as well as training. Upon completing his studies, Zeng returned to China and allegedly met with CIA personnel multiple times to provide a large amount of core intelligence, according to the statement. The ministry said it had taken compulsory measures against Zeng after obtaining evidence of his espionage activities in an investigation. The case has been handed to the prosecutors for review and indictment, it added. Chinas announcement about the alleged CIA spy came a week after two US Navy sailors in California were arrested for allegedly providing sensitive US military information to Chinese intelligence officers. Chinas Ministry of State Security is a civilian agency that oversees intelligence and counterintelligence both within China and overseas. Its remit has encouraged analogies to a combined CIA and FBI, but is far more secretive about its work without even a public website describing its activities. But recently, the ministry has taken a higher profile. On August 1, it launched a public account on Wechat, Chinas super app, calling on all members of society to join its fight against espionage and offering rewards and protection for those who provide information. Fridays statement about Zengs case was also released on the ministrys Wechat account. Chinas military also has its own intelligence agency. The United States and China have long spied on each other but the recent deterioration in ties between the worlds two largest economies has supercharged this rivalry. Chinas Communist Party rulers have long pushed the narrative that foreign forces are trying to undermine the countrys rise while Xi Jinping, Chinas most assertive and authoritarian leader in a generation, has made state security his top priority. Last month, China introduced a revised version of its already sweeping counter-espionage law, which further expanded the definition of espionage. CIA operations in China suffered a staggering setback starting in 2010, according to The New York Times, when the Chinese government killed or imprisoned more than a dozen sources over two years. In 2021, CNN reported that the agency was overhauling how it trains and manages its network of spies as part of a broad transition to focus more closely on adversaries like China and Russia. This story was first published on CNN.com, "China says military company worker exposed as CIA spy" Remember when U.S. Navy officials said they were naming a ship in Sioux Citys honor? Remember how excited and supportive we were? The city was asked to raise money for its launch and Siouxland residents responded. We were all in, you might say, and cheered when it was launched and continued to support the sailors who occupied the ship. The Siouxland Chamber of Commerce even celebrated outstanding personnel each year. Local businesses provided goods and services to make the place seem more like home. And then? The Navy said it didnt need the ship anymore. Littoral combat ships were plagued by mechanical issues and were considered a waste of money. Sioux Citys commitment? No longer needed. USS Sioux City departure Crew members are shown on the USS Sioux City prior to the ship departing Annapolis Nov. 18, 2018, down the Severn River to go to its home port At its very heart, this move sends an unsettling message. How, in all good conscience, can you tell a community no thanks when they open their hearts and pocketbooks to a project that the government can dismiss on a whim? At the very least, those callous leaders should think before they leap. Naming something after a community isnt something to be taken lightly and it should be recognized, not dismissed. A ship with a simple number could be discarded. A ship with a name cant. At the very least, the U.S. Navy and those who fund it should have researched the longevity of something like the USS Sioux City. Attaching the citys name to something else would be the right thing to do. Now, we realize, Siouxlanders would be wise to question everything about such projects and gauge the risk of getting involved. We still support the fine men and women who served on the ship. We just wonder about those who authorized it. Next time theres a naming opportunity, we need to think twice -- particularly when the U.S. government is involved. Governor Reynolds recently praised Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird for filing a lawsuit against the Biden administration's EPA. Reynolds is the same Governor who used her hand-picked Legislature and veto power to stop former Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller from filing similar lawsuits against the then Trump administration and eventually forced him to have to ask her permission before filing future lawsuits or briefs in support of others' filings. This leads me to the question does Brenna Bird have to ask permission before filing lawsuits, or was that just for the Democratic Attorney General? 2023 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #32 Posted on 12 August 2023 by John Hartz Skeptical Science Facebook Page during the past week: Sun, Aug 6, 2023 thru Sat, Aug 12, 2023. A chronological listing of news and opinion articles posted on theduring the past week: Sun, Aug 6, 2023 thru Sat, Aug 12, 2023. Story of the Week With Temperature and Other Climate Extremes Shattering Records, Should We Call it 'Global Boiling'? 'Weirding'? Or...? The U.N. Secretary-General says the era of 'global boiling' has arrived. Is that over the top, or an effective metaphor? Climate scientists, communication experts, and others weigh in. Broad swaths of Earth's seas are running very hot right now, as seen in this map showing how sea surface temperatures on July 30, 2023 compared to the long-term average. (Credit: Climate Reanalyzer) At a news conference a few days ago, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced that July will go down as the warmest month on record. And it won't be remotely close. "We don't have to wait for the end of the month to know this," he said, speaking on July 27. "Short of a mini ice age over the next days, July 2023 will shatter records across the board." Continuing, he said, "Climate change is here. It is terrifying. And it is just the beginning." Then he used a stunning metaphor to drive home what we humans are doing to planet Earth: "The era of global warming has ended; the era of global boiling has arrived." Since my first story about climate change in 1984, I've heard all manner of rhetorical attempts to describe it in just a few words. But this one really took me aback. I've long believed that "doomist" rhetoric prompts many people to flee, rather than fight for a sustainable future. There's a fair amount of support for this view. For example, Per Espen Stocknes, a psychologist and economist at the Norwegian Business School, has written extensively about it (for example, here), arguing that doomist rhetoric backfires. In a Ted Talk that's been viewed nearly 100,000 times on Youtube, he summarizes why he holds this view: Click here to access the entire article as originally posted on the Discover Magazine website. With Temperature and Other Climate Extremes Shattering Records, Should We Call it 'Global Boiling'? 'Weirding'? Or...? by Tom Yulsman, Environment, Discover Magazine, July 31, 2023 Articles posted on Facebook Sunday, Aug 6, 2023 Monday, Aug 7, 2023 Tuesday, Aug 8, 2023 Wednesday, Aug 9, 2023 Thursday, Aug 10, 2023 Friday Aug 11, 2023 Saturday Aug 12, 2023 Youre all making a big mistake when you fly, according to Slates editor in chief, Hillary Frey. The current conventional wisdom is that taking a carry-on aboard the plane is a safer, more economical alternative to checking a bag and having to entrust your belongings to a chaotic airline industry. But that line of thinking is wrong. Frey argues: You know what is beautiful and relaxing? Walking through the airport without your suitcase. Going to the bathroom without your suitcase. Wedging yourself into the bar for a preflight drink and burger and not having to shove your suitcase between stools. It is the closest thing to lightness and freedom in an environment engineered to annoy you. And thats not the only perk of checking your luggage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Plus: If youre frustrated by your last canceled flight, try being a travel agent right now. Erica Wilkinson gives us a firsthand look at the troubling new normal in the travel industry. And catch up on all of Airplane Mode, Slates series on the businessand pleasureof travel right now. An unnatural disaster The town of Lahaina, Hawaii, burned to the ground this week as devastating wildfires tore through Maui. As of Friday, the death toll stands at 55 and is expected to rise. As climate changefueled catastrophes become more common, there are several factors that make this a particularly shocking tragedy. Henry Grabar explains. Bring back the hack Advertisement Advertisement Greta Gerwigs Narnia, Barry Jenkins Lion King Hollywoods greatest directors keep getting drafted to make bad franchise movies. The solution is obvious, writes Sam Adams. Rather than conscripting auteurs and grinding them up, why not bring in a hack? Battle over the border Texas has constructed a series of nightmarish obstacles in the Rio Grande to try to prevent people from crossing into the U.S. illegally. The states scheme clearly violates federal law, so Republican lawmakers and lawyers have resorted to making some head-scratching legal claims, such as citing the biblical story of Noahs Ark (yes, really). Mark Joseph Stern analyzes why the case is at once comical and deeply disturbing. Publish or perish The publishing industry has a new nightmare. While consolidation has long been the boogeyman of the book world, another existential threat has arrived. Alex Kirshner writes: A private equity firm taking over an enormous legacy publisher is different from another publisher doing it. But it remains to be seen if it will be any better, particularly if your interest in this story is as a writer or reader of books. Sticking the landing Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Simone Biles continues to boggle the mind. After training in secret, she suddenly emerged to blow the roof off the competition at the U.S. Classic gymnastics competition. Rebecca Schuman recaps Biles surreal return and breaks down just how excitingand unprecedentedthese developments are. Today, Slate is * LEADING A RENAISSANCE OF THE NATIONAL SPIRIT much like Bob Iger if he were Americas president. Instead, the Disney CEO has had to adjust his ambitions: He is currently trying to hose the fraternity smell off a second-tier online casino (aka launching an ESPN-themed gambling app). Thanks so much for reading! Well be back on Monday. Are you wondering how to sell Amazon products on Instagram and boost your Amazon stores presence on social media? Tired of relying solely on Amazon search for new sales and eager to expand beyond the platform? Selling products from your Amazon store on Instagram is a prime opportunity for eCommerce companies. It allows you to showcase your products, connect with your target audience, and build a broader presence that keeps your brand at the forefront of your ideal customers minds. Learn how to sell Amazon products on Instagram and elevate your online reach today! Heres a related video from Learn from Shopify that teaches you how to sell by setting up an Instagram shop in no time that you can check out after reading: Sell Your Business Drive Traffic to Your Website Small Business Spotlight Advertise Your Business Here The Main Challenges with Selling on Amazon Often, brands that sell on Amazon become too reliant on internal mechanisms to generate sales. Particularly brands that dont operate a separate eCommerce property and rely on the platform for the majority of their sales. They too often focus on what they can do on Amazon, without putting enough thought into how they can grow their sales by promoting on outside channels and establishing brand credibility that differentiates their listings. But identifying the right platform can be tough. There are so many social media platforms to choose from, and knowing where your demographic spends their time requires that you dig in and conduct some research. Even so there are few platforms that perform as well as Instagram does for eCommerce companies and Amazon sellers. Instagram provides a visual medium, engaged audience, and a user-base with demographics that put them among the most frequent online shoppers. Utilizing Instagram for Amazon Sales: Building Real Community and Brand Credibility without Expensive Ads But how do amazon sellers market their products on Instagram to build a real community without expensive ads? Vizns social media management is a new product that allows Amazon sellers the ability to target niche audience and then reach out to them using anti-fake follower technology. This allows brand to create a fanbase of real followers that convert to sales in an environment that is normally notorious for bot traffic. The best part is that their algorithms help boost you to the top of the explore page which repeatedly makes your posts viral. We will talk about e-commerce features shortly but first lets talk about why Instagram is the best platform for these strategies. Why Instagram for Amazon and Not Another Social Platform? Instagram is often cited as the best platform for eCommerce companies to establish a presence. While Facebook and Twitter can be helpful and viable choices for eCommerce companies, Instagram typically stands heads and shoulders above the competition in terms of ROI produced. First, it is important to understand that when you establish a presence on Instagram, you are securing your position on a rapidly growing platform. After their acquisition by Facebook in 2012, the company has seen sustained growth each year and grew to more than 1 billion users worldwide in 2018. Showing no signs of slowing down, we can expect to see more rapid growth from the platform in 2019. But the importance of Instagram as a network is about more than just the total number of users. Understanding who those users are and how they use the internet in their buying decisions helps to paint the picture of how useful Instagram can be to eCommerce companies. Instagrams Demographics Benefit eCommerce Companies Instagram is used by more than 35% of all U.S. adults. Their users are very engaged, with more than 500 million (of the 1 billion total) using the platform on a daily basis. They are slightly more popular with women with 39% of online women using the platform vs. 30% of online men. Their users skew young and engaged very young. More than 70% of all 13-17 year olds are on the platform. But their young user-base doesnt mean that they arent popular with the prime buying ages. A whopping 40% of U.S.-based 30-49 year olds use Instagram as well. U.S. Instagram User Reach by Age Source: Pew Research Center The upside of Instagram having the audience it does it that it can help eCommerce companies to reach a younger audience without missing out on individuals within the prime buying age bracket of 30-49. Instagram users also tend to be educated, with 42 percent of adults who graduated college using the platform. They earn more than the user bases of other platforms. 32% of adults that make between $50,000-$74,999 use Instagram, and 42 percent of adults who make over $75,000 use the platform. In other words Instagram users have money to spend. Instagram has Embraced eCommerce with New Features Instagram is not just a social media platform; it has evolved into a robust channel for eCommerce, especially for Amazon sellers. In the sections below, well explore how Instagram has aligned with eCommerce demographics, engaged active shoppers through specific features, and evolved to support brands with innovative tools. Aligning with eCommerce Demographics Beyond the fact that Instagrams demographics closely align with what any eCommerce business would like to have access to, the platform is an exceptional choice for Amazon sellers. Instagram has gone out of their way to embrace eCommerce companies, recognizing the potential for both buyers and sellers, and has provided numerous features and tools to accommodate both. Shopping on Instagram: Engaging Active Shoppers The most prominent example of Instagrams commitment to eCommerce comes from their Shopping on Instagram features. While not a requirement, it could be an ideal strategy for some businesses. Engagement with Shopping Posts : Shopping on Instagram allows access to over 90 million people who engage with shopping posts monthly. : Shopping on Instagram allows access to over 90 million people who engage with shopping posts monthly. Visual Information Sharing : Provides eCommerce companies with a visual way to share more information about products rather than just linking to their store. : Provides eCommerce companies with a visual way to share more information about products rather than just linking to their store. Direct User Engagement: Companies can show product prices, direct users to product pages, and reach an audience of active shoppers. Evolution of eCommerce Features on Instagram These features are part of Instagrams ongoing support for eCommerce brands. Shop Now Button (2016) : Launched the Shop Now button, allowing users to be redirected to outside websites. : Launched the Shop Now button, allowing users to be redirected to outside websites. Shopping in Explore (2018) : Announced a new Shopping section in the Explore category, boosting their Shopping on Instagram program. Over 200 million accounts visit the Explore section daily, offering significant exposure. : Announced a new Shopping section in the Explore category, boosting their Shopping on Instagram program. Over 200 million accounts visit the Explore section daily, offering significant exposure. Product Tagging in Stories: Enabled product tagging in Instagram Stories, which features over 400 million daily users. These features all taken together make one thing clear Instagram understands the power that their platform has for driving eCommerce sales and appears to be wholly committed to furthering that bond in the coming years. Now that we know how important Amazon is to eCommerce companies and Amazon sellers, now well dive into why. What benefits does the platform bring to Amazon sellers to make it rise into such a powerful tool in the last ten years? Benefits of Instagram to Amazon Sellers Instagram can provide a number of benefits to Amazon sellers. 60 percent of users learn about new products through Instagram. More than 200 million users visit a business profile on the platform at least once per day. By creating a reliable presence on the platform, you position your products to be the one that Instagram users are learning about. Some of the benefits that Amazon sellers will find in maintaining and growing a presence on Instagram include: A Visual Platform The fact that Instagram is a visual-first platform makes it ideal for Amazon sellers. You want to make sure that you are getting your products in front of interested parties, and nothing can do that better than a picture. Shoppers want to see what they are buying. They want to see the product image, and if you can, images that show how the product works to the benefit of your buyers, either in its usefulness or in the lifestyle that it helps to create. Get Your Products In Front of Your Intended Audience Instagram has become a giant in the social networking space. With more than one billion users, you can rest assured that a healthy portion of your audience uses the platform. Additionally, Instagram allows for unfettered access to audiences. Facebook compels companies to pay for their advertising services. They restrict the reach of organic business pages, pushing companies to pay for ads. Instagram, on the other hand, doesnt have those sorts of limitations in place. All of your followers will be able to fully access all of your posts. While Instagram does offer advertisement placements it is best to build an organic audience simultaneously. Promote a Trusted Name One benefit that Amazon sellers are keenly aware of is the fact that promoting products that are sold on Amazon are generally much easier than trying to promote products on your own website. Amazon is a name that packs a lot of built-in trust with any audience. The trust is inherent. That makes for fewer objections and more conversions on Instagram and other social traffic sources. Stay Top-of-Mind For Amazon sellers, its so important to stay top-of-mind with your audience. Amazon is a big site and users can quickly lose interest in your product, stumble across a competitor, or forgot to come back and buy after initially discovering your item. Instagram provides you with the ability to consistently drip-feed information about and images of your products to your audience. Your ability to engage in real-world conversations and develop connections with your ideal customers and industry influencers can put you in a position to reach a wide cross-section of your audience, driving targeted traffic to your Amazon product pages regularly. Instagram for Amazon Sellers Best Practices Even though Instagram is often the right choice of social platform for Amazon sellers, it can still be a tough nut to crack. There are still best practices that must be followed to ensure that you are continually growing your presence and getting your posts in front of your intended audience. As you start the journey of establishing your brand on Amazon and promoting your Amazon products, keep these best practices in mind: Consistency is Key Consistency matters when it comes to Instagram. You need to find the happy medium between posting often enough to stay on the radar of your intended audience without letting the quality of your posts dip. Brands see engagement rates that are 10x on Instagram than they are on Facebook. Instagram images in particular receive an average of 23 percent more engagement than Facebook images. But brands work hard to drive that engagement, with the average brand posting an average of 27+ times per month. Aim to post consistently but not sacrifice quality in the process. Create Instagram Stories Instagram Stories are perhaps the hottest feature on Instagram. With more than 400 million daily active Instagram Stories users, the video-centric feature produces high levels of engagement and helps you to stand out from the competition because Instagram Stories show up in a different section of the app than typical postings. Creating regular Instagram stories can be a great way to stay top-of-mind with your customers and grow awareness over time. Additionally, Instagram stories help to create more reach for your standard posts as well. The more that a user interacts with your Instagram Stories, the more likely your posts are to show up on their feed. Getting good leads is one of the top marketing challenges. As such, there are many good reasons for your small business to look at integrated marketing. Exploring integrated marketing campaign examples can provide valuable insights and inspiration. With a blend of different marketing strategies, these campaigns offer a cohesive and effective approach to promoting your brand. In this article, well explore 15 integrated marketing campaign examples to inspire your strategy, showcasing how various businesses have successfully harnessed the power of integration in their marketing efforts. What is an Integrated Marketing Campaign? According to Hubspot, Sell Your Business Small Business Spotlight Drive Traffic to Your Website Advertise Your Business Here Integrated marketing is any marketing campaign that uses multiple channels in execution. For example, you might see a popular new donut flavor in a commercial, then drive past the donut shop to see posters of the donut. And if you flip through Instagram once you get to your destination, you might see a GIF on your feed, displaying the donut. Mark Schmukler, the CEO and Co-founder of the Sagefrog Marketing Group, adds to that by saying, Integrated Marketing combines both outbound, traditional marketing with inbound marketing and other tactics to promote accelerated success in businesses. That means you can and should use social media to promote a live event where youre highlighting your goods and services. After all, what better way to fill the hall with prospects than by reaching out to them directly on Twitter or Facebook? Still, thats just one possibility because integrated marketing builds a bridge between online marketing and its more traditional print and PR cousin in a variety of ways. Heres a related word about integrated marketing communications from the Division of Outreach at the University of Mississippi Integrated Marketing Campaign Examples Here are 15 examples of great integrated marketing campaigns that work by combining content, digital and website marketing with traditional marketing methods like PR. Old Spice: Smell Like a Man This heads up our list not only because it was integrated with great videos and social media but solid copywriting for the complete package. This integrated marketing campaign held your attention first and sold you later. GoPro: Be a Hero A great example of a small start-up that took off is when GoPro launched its recent campaign, Be a Hero. It uses a variety of outdoor ads, brand-related sponsorships, and even a firefighters original video. Always: #LikeAGirl Designed to further a cause rather than promote a product, Always, a feminine hygiene brand, ran its #LikeAGirl campaign. The videos jumping-off point worked with the hashtag to spark a debate centering around gender equality. SFPCA: Condoms For Pets You read that correctly! San Francisco Society For Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals ran this ad to highlight the need to spay and/or neuter your pet in 2015, but it stands up. They developed a website and a brochure filled with these mock condoms. Mikes Hard Lemonade: Mikehacks Another blast from the past if you consider 2015 all that long ago, the Mikehacks videos for Mikes Hard Lemonade included a barbeque-in-a-can of the beverage and paired this with in-store retail displays. Snap Inc.: Spectacles Another great example of integrated marketing with a twist, Snap Inc. understood the possibilities and how to blend brick and mortar with online efforts. The company placed Snapbots in select cities. These were actually vending machines for Snap Inc.s Spectacles product, and people posting on social media while they waited in line caused the buzz to intensify. H&M: Come Together Heres proof positive that the old blends well with the new as far as integrated marketing is concerned. This interesting and innovative Christmas ad featured Adrian Brody and brought old-school star power to cyberspace and YouTube. Levi Strauss & Co: Ready To Work Documentaries about rebuilding efforts in a rundown steel town across multiple media sources made this campaign an integrated marketing gem. It was real Norman Rockwell stuff that stuck a chord. Volkswagen: Kombis Last Wishes When Brazil closed the last assembly line for the Volkswagen Kombi in 2013, they decided to host an unlaunch. The company asked people who had bought the vehicle to place stories about their experiences on a special website. The campaign spurred a worldwide conversation across various mediums and was promoted with a series of well-placed ads reflecting the trucks last wishes. Pret A Manger: Customer Outreach Natural food store Pret A Manger actually asked their customers what they wanted and then acted on it. When they asked for input on recipes and menus, they got it to the extent that feedback has been shared worldwide. Seeing your menu items in print after youve posted them and having that kind of input engages both customers and prospects. The integrated campaign didnt stop there, either. The company opened a second vegetarian location in London last month with 20 new items on the menu. There are plans to crack the U.S. market in the future. Southwest Airlines: Transfarency The airline started this campaign three years ago, and its still working for them. Stressing customer education online even got them some ink. Cancer Research UK They covered all the bases for a good cause here. The campaign drive even reached all the way back to print and television, combining everything with a digital presence. The campaign asked people to leave something in their will for cancer research. The TV angle featured cancer survivors and scientists. LinkedIn: In It Together You might not have expected it, but this social media giant launched a campaign with a TV spot under the bannerIn it Together, last year. It was especially interesting because it highlighted a number of businesses with videos shot in black and white documentary-style footage. Outdoor ads, video spots and, of course, videos were just a few of the other tools they implemented. ESSC- Change the Way You See Disability Easterseals Southern California makes the list and does good things with its integrated marketing campaign that features the people who benefit from it. Dont Exclude. Include., is just one of the slogans used across several platforms like social media and outdoor ads. Intuit: A Giant Story A great narrative video that personalizes our digital world with a character invented by an entrepreneur is at the center of this integrated campaign. This is a bold move that marks the very first branding campaign for this titan in the corporate world. The company recently said they were looking to target the 750 million people globally who work for themselves, so small businesses should be looking at this campaign carefully to see what the takeaways are. How to Start an Integrated an Integrated Marketing Campaign If youre thinking, Where do I sign up?, follow these steps to get started designing and executing a successful integrated marketing campaign: Determine the Overall Objective of the Campaign: Understand the primary aim you want to achieve with the entire campaign. Select Marketing Platforms and Define Individual Goals: Pick the best mediums to reach your audience and set specific targets for each. Customize Your Approach to Different Channels by Understanding Your Audience: Recognize who you want to engage and adapt your strategy for each channel. Appoint Managers for Each Channel: Depending on your marketing teams size, individual members or entire teams may oversee different channels. In a multi-channel campaign, its crucial to identify who will be responsible for aligning each channel with the overall campaign goals. Create Adaptable Content and Consistent Messaging: Design clear and uniform messages, along with versatile visual content that can be modified for different channels. Plan Your Lead Collection Strategy: Identify the methods for gathering and handling leads generated during the campaign. Initiate, Monitor, and Refine Your Campaign: Activate the planned elements, continuously assess the results, and adjust as needed to enhance the outcomes. Below is a table that outlines the key steps for starting an integrated marketing campaign if youd like to mark things off checklist-style: Step Description Determine the Overall Objective of the Campaign Understand the primary aim you want to achieve with the entire campaign. Select Marketing Platforms and Define Individual Goals Pick the best mediums to reach your audience and set specific targets for each. Customize Your Approach to Different Channels by Understanding Your Audience Recognize who you want to engage and adapt your strategy for each channel. Appoint Managers for Each Channel Depending on your marketing team's size, individual members or entire teams may oversee different channels. It's crucial to identify who will be responsible for aligning each channel with the overall campaign goals. Create Adaptable Content and Consistent Messaging Design clear and uniform messages, along with versatile visual content that can be modified for different channels. Plan Your Lead Collection Strategy Identify the methods for gathering and handling leads generated during the campaign. Initiate, Monitor, and Refine Your Campaign Activate the planned elements, continuously assess the results, and adjust as needed to enhance the outcomes. Snapchat is launching a new incentive program called Lens Creator Rewards. This innovative scheme looks to financially reward Augmented Reality (AR) creators, developers, and teams for developing top-performing Lenses on the platform. Snapchats global AR community, which comprises more than 300,000 AR creators, developers, and teams, has produced over 3 million Lenses, viewed more than 5 trillion times by users. Snapchats recognition of the burgeoning AR creation and its deep user engagement has driven the platform to support AR creators as they enhance their skills and expand their businesses by rewarding creativity. Lens Creator Rewards will reward creators up to $7,200 monthly for their best-performing Lenses. The program is currently active in the United States, India, and Mexico, with plans to extend to new and existing Lens Studio community members in nearly 40 countries. AR creators interested in participating can build their Lenses and verify their eligibility for the program via Lens Studio. Sell Your Business Drive Traffic to Your Website Small Business Spotlight Advertise Your Business Here For small businesses, the launch of the Lens Creator Rewards program signifies an opportunity to engage in and capitalize on the increasing popularity of AR. Businesses that create innovative Lenses for Snapchat stand a chance not only to increase their visibility and engagement with Snapchats massive user base but also receive financial rewards, offering an additional stream of revenue. Over the past five years, Snapchat has enabled its AR community to build Lenses for brands and partners, experiment with creating Lenses with digital goods, and explore the future of AR today through their GHOST Innovation Lab and Spectacles creator program. The introduction of the Lens Creator Rewards program underscores Snapchats commitment to fostering creativity and encouraging AR creators to push the boundaries of their craft. With the support and incentives offered by this program, the future of AR content on Snapchat promises to be more creative and engaging than ever before. For the latest, follow us on Google News. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230811/uk-welcomes-ecowas-call-for-peaceful-restoration-of-order-in-niger-1112547245.html UK Welcomes ECOWAS Call for Peaceful Restoration of Order in Niger UK Welcomes ECOWAS Call for Peaceful Restoration of Order in Niger The United Kingdom supports the determination of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to peacefully resolve the situation in Niger, the UK government said. 2023-08-11T22:07+0000 2023-08-11T22:07+0000 2023-08-11T22:06+0000 africa united kingdom (uk) niger nigeria economic community of west african states (ecowas) military power takeover /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/08/07/1112441955_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_94407e2b1d3731b279009230edd63e05.jpg An emergency summit of the 15-nation ECOWAS concluded in Nigeria's capital Abuja on Thursday, less than a day after Niger's rebel military announced the lineup of a transitional government. Nigeria's president and the chairman of ECOWAS, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said during the summit that nothing is ruled out when it comes to the situation in Niger, including the use of force as a last resort. The UK condemned the detention of Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum and called for the immediate release of Bazoum, his family, and members of the government. A military takeover unfolded in Niger on July 26. Bazoum was ousted and detained by his own guard, led by Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani. The caretaker National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland closed the country's borders, ignoring security agreements with France, its former colonizer. ECOWAS gave military leaders one week to reinstate Bazoum and restore order, hinting it would resort to military intervention otherwise. Its ultimatum expired this past Sunday. ECOWAS members Mali and Burkina Faso have rejected the intervention scenario in Niger, a sign of discord in the ranks of what is generally considered a pro-French regional alliance. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230811/wests-concern-for-democracy-in-niger-masks-lust-for-uranium-1112533031.html africa united kingdom (uk) niger nigeria 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 united kingdom, economic community of west african states, ecowas, niger military takeover, https://sputnikglobe.com/20230812/biden-asks-congress-for-13-billion-more-to-ukraine-1112549197.html Biden Asks Congress for $13 Billion More to Ukraine Biden Asks Congress for $13 Billion More to Ukraine On this episode of Fault Lines, host Jammarl Thomas and Melik Abdul discussed a number of topics from around the globe, including the new round of monetary aid the Biden administration plans to send to Ukraine even though a recent poll revealed the majority of Americans opposed sending more aid to Ukraine. 2023-08-12T04:04+0000 2023-08-12T04:04+0000 2023-08-16T11:24+0000 fault lines ukraine joe biden donald trump imran khan west russia radio pakistan /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/08/0c/1112549038_0:0:1920:1080_1920x0_80_0_0_c0f63f7e1713fe6052d8fcb5fbdadaee.png Biden Asks Congress for $13 Billion More to Ukraine On this episode of Fault Lines, host Jamarl Thomas and Melik Abdul discussed a number of topics from around the globe, including the new round of monetary aid the Biden administration plans to send to Ukraine even though a recent poll revealed the majority of Americans opposed sending more aid to Ukraine. Hamza Azhar Salam - Editor of The Pakistan DailyMark Sleboda - International Relations and Military AnalystLarry Ward - Political CommentatorManila Chan - Co-Host of The Final CountdownIn the first hour, the Fault Lines team discusses the federal charges against former US President Donald Trump, despite the continuation of his 2024 presidential campaign. Attorney Tyler Nixon talks about the charges and the double standards in prosecuting Trump, but ignoring the multitude of allegations against current head of state Joe Biden.In the second hour, Fault Lines' show explores the situation of Ex-Pakistani Prime Minister Imran after he was deposed. Khan's comments on neutrality sparked outrage in the West and his removal from power led many to question if the United States and its allies played a role in his downfall. Journalist Hamza Azhar Salam discusses the Imran Khan saga and provides insight into Pakistan's political climate.In the third hour, the Fault Lines hosts discuss how much more Joe Biden will send to Ukraine after he requested to Congress an approval of a $13 billion aid package, despite sending $200 million from the "accounting error" fund days earlier. Military analyst Mark Sleboda explores Joe Bidens request and the ongoing struggles the Ukrainian military is facing in their current offensive.Later in the third hour, the Fault Lines team deep dives into the migrant crisis in New York City as NYC grapples with its economic issues and its growing migrant population. Political commentator Larry Ward speaks about the city's ongoing issues, with emphasis on the migrant crisis.Fault Lines team ends the show with Co-Host of The Final Countdown Manila Chan to talk about how Biden is at war with journalists as hundreds of journalists have found their White House press passes revoked.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. ukraine west russia pakistan Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Jamarl Thomas https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/12/1082114086_0:0:373:374_100x100_80_0_0_c7506df4524fd8cdd4e40ad19918cd78.png Jamarl Thomas https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/12/1082114086_0:0:373:374_100x100_80_0_0_c7506df4524fd8cdd4e40ad19918cd78.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 Jamarl Thomas https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/12/1082114086_0:0:373:374_100x100_80_0_0_c7506df4524fd8cdd4e40ad19918cd78.png fault lines, imran khan, us aid to ukraine, charges againts donald trump, pakistan's political climate, migrant crisis in new york city https://sputnikglobe.com/20230812/bidens-big-ask-1112548146.html Biden's Big Ask Biden's Big Ask In a letter to Congress US President Joe Biden requested an additional $24 billion for Ukraine aid, of which $13 billion has been allocated for military aid to Ukraine for next year. The request comes amid US opposition. 2023-08-12T00:30+0000 2023-08-12T00:30+0000 2023-08-12T00:30+0000 americas ukraine us military aid us foreign aid americans public approval public condemnation us cartoons ted rall /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/08/0b/1112547988_0:0:2000:1125_1920x0_80_0_0_08b9b13a0a04e6a6fdd14c396894eed7.jpg Adding to its ever growing iterations of aid packages, US President Joe Biden called on congressional lawmakers to submit to yet another funding package for Ukraine, regardless of growing opposition by lawmakers and the American public.Although Congress proved supportive of aid to Ukraine in the past, that is no longer the case as hurdles have emerged since the start of the year, when House Republicans took control of the lower chamber.House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said in early June that any further aid requests would not be taken up in the lower chamber, even if it received bipartisan support in the Senate. Other GOP members are also growing hesitant about continued support for Ukraine. A recent poll also found that some 55% of surveyed Americans were unsupportive of continued aid packages in light of growing domestic concerns. When asked about the polling, Biden administration officials chose to redirect by underscoring that the Ukraine conflict was a matter of national security concerns. americas 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 congress, us president joe biden, ukraine, us military aid, public opinion (CNN) West African leaders on Thursday ramped up the rhetoric against Nigers coup leaders, ordering the activation and the deployment of a regional standby force to restore constitutional order in the coup-hit country. Meeting in Abuja, Nigeria after the expiration of the one-week ultimatum they gave to the Nigers military junta, leaders from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) called for a deployment to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger, according to a statement read by Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission. It was not immediately clear what the deployment and activation of the force would entail. The statement also emphasized a determination to keep all options on the table for the peaceful resolution of the crisis. Nor is it clear the size of the force involved. Following the ECOWAS announcement, Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara said his country would provide between 850-1100 troops as soon as possible to supplement the standby force. They will start preparing, mobilizing and putting in place everything they need to deploy to Niger as soon as possible, he said. Before the coup, Nigers defense ministry said its army was 25,000-strong. Niger has been engulfed in political chaos since late last month, when President Mohamed Bazoum was ousted in a coup detat by the presidential guard. ECOWAS responded days later by enacting sanctions and issuing an ultimatum to the ruling military junta: stand down within a week or face a potential military intervention. That deadline came and went on Sunday, August 6, without any change in the political situation. ECOWAS leaders have said their preference is to find a diplomatic solution to the crisis and would send in troops as a last resort. The regional bloc will uphold all measures and principles agreed upon by the extraordinary summit held on Niger on 30th July 2023, at which strong sanctions were decided against the military junta in Niger. Touray also warned of consequences for member states who by their action directly or indirectly, hinder the peaceful resolution of the crisis. In a separate televised interview, the Ivorian president revealed that all heads of ECOWAS, which is made up of 15 countries, had tried dialogue with the junta, but was told they would keep the president as a hostage. We cannot let this continue, we have to act, Ouattara said. He said the military junta should fight militants and not try to kidnap a democratically elected president, adding that he had instructed his country to mobilize troops in anticipation of the ECOWAS operation. Mali and Burkina Faso, led by soldiers who seized power, have expressed solidarity with Nigers junta and warned that any military intervention would be seen as a declaration of war. Guinea has also said it backs Niger. Nigers armed forces appeared to be preparing for possible military intervention this week, a military source told CNN. A convoy of about 40 pick-up trucks arrived in the capital at nightfall on Sunday evening, bringing troops from other parts of the country. Protests in the capital Amid the heightened tensions, thousands of supporters of the junta gathered near the French military air base in Niamey on Friday, chanting slogans hostile to France and ECOWAS. Some demonstrators chanted Down with France, down with ECOWAS. Others waved Nigerien and Russian flags. Another student, Ismael Karim, said ECOWAS is not playing its role in Africa, adding the West African community was not there for Africans but for France. Niger was a French colony for more than 50 years before its independence in 1960. Diplomatic ties between the two countries were strong before Thursdays putsch, but many Nigeriens believe France has continued to act as imperial power when dealing with Niger. There are some 1,500 French troops in Niger, according to the French Armed Forces. The French military has been using Niger as its main partner in the Sahel region and set its deployable air base in Niamey since its forced disengagement from Mali last year. Russia has, in recent years, attempted to capitalize on that anti-colonial sentiment to bolster its influence across the continent. On Friday the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that Moscow supports ECOWAS mediation efforts, but warned that military intervention could lead to drawn-out conflict. We believe that the military way of resolving the crisis in Niger can lead to a protracted confrontation in this African country, as well as to a sharp destabilization of the situation in the Sahara-Sahel region as a whole, the ministry said. Confusion and concern Several analysts told CNN that a military intervention in Niger would probably not be imminent, as it takes time to assemble the ECOWAS troops. The communique is about mobilizing the required resources should an intervention be needed, but its also a signal to the junta in Niger that ECOWAS is prepared to take necessary actions including force should talks fail, Abuja-based defense and security analyst Murtala Abdullahi told CNN. The bloc did not give any timelines and Nigerian president Bola Tinubu whos the current chair maintained that the use of force would be a last resort. However, the news could be received in more urgent terms in Niger, security analyst Abdourahamane Alkassoum told CNN, pointing out that the Nigerien military has been gaining support locally as ECOWAS continued to talk tough. Another expert recalled that it took seven weeks for ECOWAS to deploy to Gambia in 2017 a less complicated mission than Niger would be. The mission to Gambia was much more straightforward, says Cameron Hudson, a senior associate at the Center for the Strategic and International Studies. Niger would not be just an intervention, its a hostage rescue of a president who is under house arrest and being used as a human shield by the junta. Niger has a significant army trained by the US, battle-tested from years of a counterinsurgency, he added. This story was first published on CNN.com, "ECOWAS orders immediate activation of standby force in Niger" https://sputnikglobe.com/20230812/dc-scholars-us-press-pushing-american-public-to-confrontation-with-china-1112558149.html DC Scholars: US Press Pushing American Public to Confrontation With China DC Scholars: US Press Pushing American Public to Confrontation With China Russia and China joint naval drills near the Alaska coast have been used by the US mainstream press to fan an anti-China sentiment among the US public even though the Pentagon earlier explained that the patrols posed no challenge, as per DC scholars. 2023-08-12T18:50+0000 2023-08-12T18:50+0000 2023-08-12T18:50+0000 us americas dan sullivan lisa murkowski china alaska russia us northern command (northcom) pentagon society /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/105579/06/1055790644_0:103:3277:1946_1920x0_80_0_0_f9a97b0e32f493a675d8a4aee6e3b9bb.jpg Earlier this month Moscow and Beijing wrapped up joint patrols in the western and northern Pacific, off the coast of Alaska. The exercises, comprising 11 warships, took place in neutral waters without violating generally accepted norms.Nonetheless, US Sens. Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski blew a gasket last Saturday, describing the drills as nothing short of an "incursion", something that was denied by the US Northern Command: "The patrol remained in international waters and was not considered a threat," the command's spokesperson stated on August 6.Meanwhile, the US mainstream press poured some more gasoline on the fire. On the very same day when the Pentagon said that the Russo-Chinese patrols posed zero challenge to the US, a mainstream American broadcaster told this story in its own way, hyping up the non-existent threat to gargantuan proportions.Per the broadcaster, the passage of the warships somewhere off Alaskan shores was "just the latest close call" between Russia and China and the US. The media claimed that the exercises were an "aggressive maneuver" and even "called an incursion". Remarkably, at the end of the segment it was said that Alaska senators apparently those who raised the red flag about a non-existent "incursion" renewed calls for increased investment in military power in Alaska in the wake of the Russo-Chinese drills.The mainstream media narrative attracted the attention of the DC-based Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, which concluded that the news segment "exemplifies the fourth estate's complicity in a march to a new Cold war with Beijing" driven by US neocons and hawks.As per DC scholars, politicians in Washington, the US military-industrial complex and "other financially or politically interested parties" are seeking to create an atmosphere of fear and confrontation around China and its actions and use the media as a convenient tool to shape the public mood.The think tank also pointed out that the news story clearly contradicted the Pentagon's assessment of the event, making the situation even more controversial.As the US is trying to navigate a changing geopolitical order with China emerging as its primary competitor, Washington hawks are embracing a militarist approach instead of healthy competition and cooperation and the US press is eagerly playing into their hands, the think tank concluded. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230806/us-northern-command-denies-russian-chinese-naval-patrol-entered-alaskan-waters-1112429239.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230811/bidens-china-ticking-bomb-remark-shifts-attention-from-us-economic-woes-1112543252.html americas china alaska russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Ekaterina Blinova Ekaterina Blinova News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Ekaterina Blinova russia-china joint drills, russo-china drills near alaska, anti-china sentiment, chinese russian ships alaska, aleutian islands, how close is russia to alaska, dan sullivan, lisa murkowski, us northern command, us neocons https://sputnikglobe.com/20230812/majority-of-danes-support-ban-on-quran-burning---poll-1112557911.html Majority of Danes Support Ban on Quran-Burning - Poll Majority of Danes Support Ban on Quran-Burning - Poll MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Slightly over a half of Danes believe there should be a ban in place on protests that involve the burning of the Quran, a holy Muslim book... 12.08.2023, Sputnik International 2023-08-12T16:36+0000 2023-08-12T16:36+0000 2023-08-12T16:36+0000 world denmark quran burning protests opposition poll /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/07/15/1112026815_0:143:2729:1678_1920x0_80_0_0_720acaaa268d95f89a2d3513d10d8ca8.jpg The Megafon survey conducted for a local TV news channel found that 51% of 1,008 people polled totally or mostly agreed with the governments motion to ban Quran-burning outside of embassies, while 39% were against it. A group that calls itself "Danish Patriots" stamped on and burned copies of the Quran in multiple demonstrations outside embassies of Muslim countries in the Danish capital of Copenhagen last month following similar protests in Sweden. Most Muslim countries condemned what they see as desecration of the religious scripture. denmark 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 denmark, quran, burning, protests, opposition, poll https://sputnikglobe.com/20230812/new-measure-on-investment-in-china-does-not-mark-downturn-in-us-sino-relations---white-house-1112549984.html New Measure on Investment in China Does Not Mark Downturn in US-Sino Relations - White House New Measure on Investment in China Does Not Mark Downturn in US-Sino Relations - White House The new US restrictions on American investment in China do not signal a downturn in the relationship between the two countries, White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said on Friday. 2023-08-12T02:59+0000 2023-08-12T02:59+0000 2023-08-12T02:58+0000 world investment john kirby joe biden china beijing treasury us congress white house us-china relations /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/0b/1082049363_0:140:2687:1651_1920x0_80_0_0_ed7b8c4934cf65905175bc1c9d511d3d.jpg Earlier this week, US President Joe Biden signed an executive order that authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to restrict certain American investments into Chinese entities engaged in activities involving national security sensitive technologies in three sectors: semiconductors and microelectronics, quantum information technologies, and certain artificial intelligence systems. "I would like to push back a little bit on the premise of the question that we've sharpened our language or that we're executing some sort of turn in the relationship, and that is just not so," Kirby said during a briefing. The United States will continue to seek to improve its lines of communication with China, according to Kirby. The US-China relationship is difficult, complex, and the most consequential one in the world, Kirby added. A senior US administration official told reporters on Wednesday that Biden imposed the new US measures after a thoughtful, deliberate assessment, which included extensive consultations with allies and partners in the US Congress, industry and other stakeholders. Chinese Embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu told Sputnik that Beijing is very disappointed Biden moved forward with plans to roll out new restrictions on US economic investment in China. Liu said the US overuses national security concerns to politicize and weaponize trade, scientific and technological issues and to deliberately create obstacles to normalize economic and trade exchanges and technological cooperation. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230811/why-bidens-investment-ban-wont-stop-chinas-microchip-industry-1112538373.html china beijing 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-sino relations, american investment in china, white house national security council spokesperson john kirby, us restrictions, https://sputnikglobe.com/20230812/russian-defense-minister-shoigu-inspects-northern-fleet-and-main-nuclear-site-in-arctic-1112552175.html Russian Defense Minister Shoigu Inspects Northern Fleet and Main Nuclear Site in Arctic Russian Defense Minister Shoigu Inspects Northern Fleet and Main Nuclear Site in Arctic Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has checked the Russian grouping of troops in the Arctic zone and has flown over Russia's Central Test Site on Novaya Zemlya 2023-08-12T06:46+0000 2023-08-12T06:46+0000 2023-08-12T07:46+0000 russia sergei shoigu rosatom russia russian defense ministry novaya zemlya arctic /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/105565/42/1055654222_0:93:1701:1050_1920x0_80_0_0_fc8d3574d4facae2f24fa4e40dff2cf4.jpg "The Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation, General of the Army Sergei Shoigu, inspected the remote Arctic garrisons of the Northern Fleet. The head of the Russian military department checked the organization of official activities and the fulfillment of tasks for the purpose of special units and units deployed on the Novaya Zemlya archipelago, including readiness for actions to protect and defend critical facilities," the ministry said on Saturday.The ministry added that Shoigu has also inspected social infrastructure, such as a school and a kindergarten, on Novaya Zemlya and has flown over the Central Test Site of Russia on Novaya Zemlya together with Alexey Likhachev, the head of Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom.Amid the visit, a detachment of ships of the Northern Fleet went to sea to perform their duty in the Arctic zoneAccording to a statement, during a combat training class, a combined air group of MiG-31 fighter-interceptors counducted drills, finessing their mastery in air defense, air reconnaissance and cover for troops and forces operating in the Arctic zone. russia novaya zemlya arctic 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 northern fleet, russian nuclear test, russian defense minister in arctic, russia's arctic fleet https://sputnikglobe.com/20230812/shots-fired-at-ecuadorian-parliamentary-candidate-days-after-villavicencio-killing-1112550565.html Shots Fired at Ecuadorian Parliamentary Candidate Days After Villavicencio Killing Shots Fired at Ecuadorian Parliamentary Candidate Days After Villavicencio Killing A left-wing Ecuadorian opposition politician running for a parliamentary seat in the country's National Assembly has come under an armed attack, Ecuadorian media reports. 2023-08-12T03:18+0000 2023-08-12T03:18+0000 2023-08-12T03:17+0000 americas ecuador quito national assembly fbi killing assassination /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/08/0c/1112550408_0:161:3071:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_a6409ad7960b171c6a71236987c94be7.jpg Estefany Puente Castro was attacked in the city of Quevedo, in the Ecuadorian province of Los Rios, on August 10, while driving downtown in a car with her father and a company employee. Citing police, local media reported that an unknown armed individual had approached the car and demanded Puente stop. The opposition politician then tried to accelerate, prompting the attacker to shoot at the car from the drivers side. Puente was not injured and no evidence of a firearm having been fired was found inside her vehicle; however, photos from the scene showed damages to the vehicle, including shattered glass.The FBI confirmed to Sputnik on Friday it was sending agents to Ecuador to assist authorities in investigating the recent murder of Ecuadorian presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio in Quito. Diana Atamaint, the president of the National Electoral Council of Ecuador, said on Thursday that the date of Ecuador's early presidential election scheduled for August 20 would remain unchanged despite the assassination of Villavicencio. The officials underscored the country's armed forces would guarantee the security of Ecuadorians throughout the planned electoral process, adding that the protection for the remaining presidential candidates would be doubled. americas quito 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 estefany puente castro, ecuador, quevedo, ecuadorian parliamentary candidate, assassination of fernando villavicencio https://sputnikglobe.com/20230812/six-migrants-dead-and-50-rescued-after-boat-crash-off-french-coast-1112556771.html Six Migrants Dead and 50 Rescued After Boat Crash Off French Coast Six Migrants Dead and 50 Rescued After Boat Crash Off French Coast MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Six migrants died and about 50 were rescued after their boat capsized as they attempted to cross the English Channel, the French maritime... 12.08.2023, Sputnik International 2023-08-12T15:38+0000 2023-08-12T15:38+0000 2023-08-12T15:38+0000 world france calais united kingdom (uk) capsized vessel illegal migration migrants migrant crisis refugees /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/06/05/1110932966_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_1eb0e05612ec404f25eac2b210c9b047.jpg A commercial vessel passing by the French commune of Sangatte spotted a boat overnight that appeared to be idle and reported it to the Regional Operating Surveillance and Rescue Center. France sent five ships and a helicopter to the rescue. They picked up 43 people, including six in serious condition. One person was airlifted to a Calais hospital. Two British vessels came to assist in the rescue effort, bringing some 13 people to safety. The migrants were transferred to the port of Calais, while the 13 picked up by British ships were taken to the port town of Dover. French Prime Minister Elisabeth Born praised rescue crews for saving the lives of about 50 shipwrecked people and offered her thoughts to the victims. Herve Berville, a French secretary of state in charge of marine affairs, has been dispatched to Calais. france calais united kingdom (uk) Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International france, calais, united kingdom (uk), capsized vessel, illegal migration, migrants, migrant crisis, refugees https://sputnikglobe.com/20230812/telegram-to-get-unblocked-in-iraq-sunday---ministry-1112558893.html Telegram to Get Unblocked in Iraq Sunday - Ministry Telegram to Get Unblocked in Iraq Sunday - Ministry The Iraqi Communications Ministry says that the Telegram messaging app will be unblocked in the country this Sunday. 2023-08-12T22:29+0000 2023-08-12T22:29+0000 2023-08-12T22:29+0000 world iraq telegram social media social media censorship /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/106189/42/1061894238_0:180:3003:1869_1920x0_80_0_0_d10b7de55d7cde8e92fb1fe8a6d2451c.jpg Earlier this month, the ministry announced that it was banning Telegram for refusing to comply with guidelines on data security. The release specified that Telegram had agreed to comply with the demands of Iraqi security authorities and expressed its full readiness to cooperate with the competent authorities of the country. Prior to the ban, Iraq had repeatedly asked the Dubai-based company to take down channels that publish sensitive data obtained through leaks from state institutions as well as the Iraqi citizens private information. The Iraqi Communications Ministry has repeatedly stressed that the Iraqi authorities respect freedoms of expression and communication but has stressed that national security comes first. Telegram is widely used in Iraq for communication and news sharing. https://sputnikglobe.com/20220603/telegram-messenger-sends-data-to-german-law-enforcement-despite-denying-it-reports-say-1095971071.html iraq 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 telegram in iraq, messaging apps in the us, telegram is banned, where is telegram banned https://sputnikglobe.com/20230812/turkiye-eyeing-putin-erdogan-summit-in-august---source-1112558663.html Turkiye Eyeing Putin-Erdogan Summit in August - Source Turkiye Eyeing Putin-Erdogan Summit in August - Source A Turkish source told Sputnik that a meeting between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin could comed in August. 2023-08-12T20:13+0000 2023-08-12T20:13+0000 2023-08-12T20:13+0000 russia vladimir putin turkiye ankara russia recep tayyip erdogan /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/0a/0d/1101807873_0:153:3101:1897_1920x0_80_0_0_00dc0e05d3cd02f12e73b1340414b105.jpg "Ankara hopes that the negotiations will take place in August," the source said, adding that "nothing is certain yet, and as soon as there is clarity we will inform the public." Turkish news reported on Saturday that the summit could take place in Russia in late August or early September. A Russian presidential spokesman said earlier that the presidents had agreed to choose the place and time of their next meeting as soon as possible. The potential talks will focus on Ukraine and the Black Sea grain deal. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230811/orban-and-erdogan-to-hold-hungary-turkiye-meeting-on-august-20-in-budapest-1112544237.html turkiye ankara 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 turkiye-russian relations, turkey-russian relations, erdogan and putin https://sputnikglobe.com/20230812/us-got-rude-awakening-in-ukraine-after-downplaying-russian-air-power---ex-pentagon-analyst-1112544523.html Ex-Pentagon Analyst: US Got Rude Awakening in Ukraine After Downplaying Russian Air Power Ex-Pentagon Analyst: US Got Rude Awakening in Ukraine After Downplaying Russian Air Power August 12 is Russian Aerospace Forces Day. In light of the critical role played by Russian air power in the military operations in Ukraine, Sputnik decided to... 12.08.2023, Sputnik International 2023-08-12T13:00+0000 2023-08-12T13:00+0000 2023-08-12T17:27+0000 military karen kwiatkowski ukraine russia nato pentagon russian aerospace forces air force /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/103652/56/1036525606_0:177:3012:1871_1920x0_80_0_0_e6ec5e20ca4000051dcd5bcbfe65610c.jpg Saturday marks the 111th anniversary of the August 12, 1912 order establishing the Imperial Russian Air Service as a separate branch of the armed forces. In the century-plus since, Russias air forces have faced multiple reorganizations, and been known by multiple names, from the Soviet Air Forces (1918-1991) to the Russian Air Force (1992) and finally the Russian Aerospace Forces (2015 on). But throughout, its mission remained the same to defend the nations airspace and provide ground support for the Army.From the very beginning of the escalation of the Donbass crisis into a full-blown Russia-NATO proxy war in Ukraine in February 2022, the Aerospace Forces have played a key role in Russian offensive and defensive operations.Its role has become especially noticeable amid Ukraines two-month old counteroffensive attempt, which US and NATO officials and generals now openly agree seems extremely unlikely to succeed, as Ukrainian forces have failed to break through even a single major Russian defensive line while taking staggering losses in troops and equipment.Russias overwhelming superiority in the air has played a decisive role in halting Ukraines offensive operations, striking whenever they attempt a major armored maneuver, and keeping an eye out for movements in coordination with satellite intelligence and reconnaissance drones. So intense has the devastation of Ukrainian forces been that panicky NATO and Ukrainian officials have begun to blame one another over tactics or the lack of equipment and ammo instead of asking questions about the reasonableness of pushing Ukrainian troops to attack entrenched Russian positions without air cover or artillery superiority.Rude AwakeningThe Russian Aerospace Forces' performance in Ukraine "has probably surprised many in the West," says retired US Air Force veteran, former Pentagon analyst, anti-war whistleblower and activist Karen Kwiatkowski, "in part because of Western assumptions.""I suspect also that how the Russian Air Force uses these systems in battle is also a surprise for the West, and particularly the US. Obviously, the Ukraine battlefield has been a testing ground for high-tech and rapidly adapting drone warfare, even as in some ways it reminds of a slogging land war in Europe faced in World War I," she said.Characterizing the Russian Aerospace Forces as a true "national defense air force," as opposed to the "offensive, forward-operating Air Force" which the US has, Kwiatkowski said that Russian air power seems geared toward supporting land and sea operations "in a tightly integrated way" with "focus and exceptional skill set for ground support." This is as opposed to the US and NATO powers, "where air forces seek to dominate the skies in a somewhat competitive way with the separate Army and Navy missions," she said.Kwiatkowski highlighted the Lancet drone in particular, which is used by the Ground Forces, as a major "game changer" in Ukraine, given its success in devastating even the latest NATO ground-to-air weapons and Leopard tanks."The Lancet represents the evolution of Russian drone technology and design. It can carry different munitions, and serve different purposes on and above the battlefield, and appears to be cost effective to produce. It really represents what rapid evolution and development in a weapon, using real world data and learning, can produce," the former Pentagon analyst said.Unconventional Times Call for Unconventional TacticsAlong with strategy and weapons, Kwiatkowski also pointed to the surprising and "non-traditional, almost experimental" aerial disruption tactics employed by Russian military pilots in recent months, including against US-operated reconnaissance drones over the Black Sea and in Syria, by making close approaches and dumping fuel on them, or conducting other unpredictable aerial maneuvers. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230804/watch-russian-su-25-aircraft-destroy-ukrainian-mortar-units--1112384746.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230809/su-57-edges-out-f-35-to-emerge-sentinel-of-skies-1112468913.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230317/dont-fear-the-reaper-how-can-heavy-drones-be-detected-identified-and-brought-down-1108508647.html ukraine russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Ilya Tsukanov Ilya Tsukanov News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Ilya Tsukanov russian aerospace forces, holiday, anniversary, karen kwiatkowski, us air force, analysis, ukraine, nato, united states, tactics, strategy, pilots https://sputnikglobe.com/20230812/us-lawmaker-files-articles-of-impeachment-against-biden-1112549344.html US Lawmaker Files Articles of Impeachment Against Biden US Lawmaker Files Articles of Impeachment Against Biden US Rep. Greg Steube filed an impeachment resolution on Friday against US President Joe Biden for his alleged role in bribery, extortion, obstruction of justice, fraud and financial involvement in drugs and prostitution. 2023-08-12T01:28+0000 2023-08-12T01:28+0000 2023-08-12T01:28+0000 americas joe biden kevin mccarthy congress white house impeachment resolution /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/0a/0b/1101736891_0:131:3177:1918_1920x0_80_0_0_6632b966a65a4b34437d48bfa7b76e78.jpg "Joseph Robinette Biden, Jr. has undermined the integrity of his office, has brought disrepute on the presidency, has betrayed his trust as president, and has acted in a manner subversive of the rule of law and justice, to the manifest injury of the people of the United States," the resolution reads. The resolution lists four articles of impeachment, including abuse of power, bribery, extortion, fraud, obstruction of justice, and financial involvement in drugs and prostitution. On Thursday, Steube said in an interview that he hoped US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy would start the impeachment process when Congress returns from the summer recess. Also Thursday, Steube previewed his new legislation, the Hunter Act, which is expected to be published later Friday. Steube said he designed the Hunter Act to help get to the bottom of the cocaine story when a package with the drug was found at the White House, because he alleged the Secret Service is doing everything possible to cover up the Biden family's actions. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230808/white-house-blasts-mccarthy-for-floating-lies-over-gops-biden-impeachment-inquiry-push-1112471975.html americas Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International us rep. greg steube, impeachment articles, joe biden, alleged role in bribery, extortion, obstruction of justice, fraud and financial involvement in drugs and prostitution (CNN) Guatemalas presidential runoff on August 20 will see a former first lady compete against the son of a former president, capping a troubled race that has worried observers about the countrys future as inequality and corruption drives political turbulence throughout the region. Sandra Torres, largely seen as continuity candidate for the political establishment, will run against the anti-corruption candidate Bernardo Arevalo who defied predictions with his second-place finish in the first round of voting in June. Torres won 16% of the first-round vote in June with Arevalo coming in with 11.8% of the votes cast. Still, more than 24% of voters cast blank or invalid votes and about 40% of registered voters abstained, which analysts have attributed to high levels of disenchantment with Guatemalas electoral system after the state disqualified opposition candidates who spoke out against corruption. As an outsider candidate, Arevalos surprise run in the second round has reinvigorated this years presidential cycle, which has been plagued by allegations of government interference and fears of democratic backsliding. Guatemala watchers are cautiously hopeful that the popular will might prevail. Guatemalans wanted an option on the ballot where they can vote to reject the current political system. And fortunately, they have that as one of two choices now, Will Freeman, a fellow in Latin America studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, told CNN of Arevalos progressive candidacy. Why has the race been so turbulent? Rights groups say graft and impunity accelerated among the countrys political class after a United Nations-backed anti-corruption commission, known as CICIG, credited for assisting in hundreds of convictions, was dissolved in 2019. Prosecutors and judges associated with the commission were arrested, investigated, and many have been forced to flee the country in the ensuing years amid high rates of poverty and malnutrition. Worries about democratic backsliding began to mount in this years election cycle as anti-corruption candidates were barred from running, prompting widespread criticism from the US and Western allies. Arevalo, who previously served as ambassador to Spain, has also faced attempts to disqualify him. A Guatemalan court suspended his Movimiento Semilla party on the request of Rafael Curruchiche, who heads the Special Prosecutors Office Against Impunity and is on the US State Department Engels list for corrupt and undemocratic actors. Curruchiche said they were investigating Movimiento Semilla for allegedly falsifying citizens signatures a claim Arevalo has denied. But he was ultimately allowed to run in the first round following international outcry by the US, European Union and a group of international donors, known as the G13, which includes the United Kingdom and Canada. Even Torres announced she would suspend her political campaign in solidarity with Movimiento Semilla. Who are the candidates? Unemployment, corruption, and high living costs are at the top of voters minds as they head to the polls on August 20. Guatemalans want to replace this broken political system that no matter what candidates say they end up doing the same things in office, Freeman said. Torres has pledged to expand the countrys social programs and has advocated for tough policies to tackle crime in the style of Nayib Bukele, the president of neighboring El Salvador. She holds support among rural voters, garnered when she helped get more cash transfers and benefits as first lady more than a decade ago. The 67-year-old heads one of the countrys largest political parties, Unidad Nacional de la Esperanza (UNE), and served as the countrys first lady alongside her ex-husband, the center-left former President Alvaro Colom, from 2008 to 2011. This is the third presidential cycle Torres has competed in, losing in 2019 to current President Alejandro Giammattei. Her time in the spotlight has made her one of the most recognized names in the political race, although many Guatemalans have indicated they will not vote for her. Current momentum appears to be behind the former diplomat. Arevalo is seen as a pragmatist from the center-left Movimiento Semilla party, which he co-founded in 2017, and may be able to tap into widespread discontent against the current political class. His father, Juan Jose Arevalo, was Guatemalas first democratically elected president in 1945 and is fondly remembered for creating the countrys social security system. Tackling corruption is his first order of business, according to his 100-day plan if voted into power. Arevalo appears less interested in prosecuting corrupt actors and more focused on doing away with pork barrel spending, Freeman says. The theory is more that you need to fix corruption at the source and stop public contracts from being awarded in a non-competitive way. He has promised to bring back the journalists, judges and prosecutors who fled the country in the wake of the government shutting down CICIG this includes his partys former presidential contender, Thelma Aldana, known for her anti-corruption crusades that led to the conviction of a former president. Aldana was barred from running in the 2019 race. Guatemala currently recognizes Taiwan, and Arevalo has said he would like Guatemala to have relations with both Taipei and Beijing. Guatemalas business elite have warmed to him, with Duolingo Chief Executive Luis Von Ahn announcing on X that he had contributed $100,000 to his campaign. Congress is set to be largely controlled by establishment parties following this years elections, including the outgoing presidents Vamos party and Torres UNE. Even if Arevalo does win at the polls Sunday, there may be many more hurdles to come. This story was first published on CNN.com. Guatemalans prepare to vote in troubled presidential election In the latest Rewind Robert Smith takes readers back to 1970 and recalls that year's Prix D'Ete race at Montreal's Blue Bonnets Raceway. This race was Canada's premiere event at that time and was growing rapidly each year in stature which was reflected in increasing purses. When Montreal racing officials were planning the 1970 edition of the then fairly new Prix D' Ete race, it was in just its fourth year of existence as it was not held in 1969. It had already gone through a couple of name changes and had quickly become Canada's richest race in terms of purse size. One only needed to look back a short time to see how purses for top races had escalated. As recently as early 1966 the then new Windsor Raceway staged its first Provincial Cup, the track's signature race. The $15,000 purse for the inaugural was the highest amount for a Canadian race to that point in history. Later that same year the first Prix (then called Prix d'Automne or Autumn Classic) carried the huge purse of $25,000 and was won by Bret Hanover. Now just four years later that amount had increased to $75,000. Little wonder that nearly the entire field was from U.S. stables, including a two-horse entry from the ever powerful Billy Haughton stable. A number of the eight entrants for the 1970 event, five to be exact, were flown into Montreal which was becoming more of a regular occurrence when horses travelled from other tracks for a short stay. This time instead of a sleek jet as you might expect would be used to haul millions of dollars worth of horseflesh, the plane carrying the five entrants was an aging 30-year-old C-46 Cargo plane. Raceway officials and customs officers heaved a sigh of relief as the plane finally arrived at the Dorval Airport; it was three hours late. The horses eventually made their way to the track much to the delight of race organizers. It had already been a long and tiring day as the plane had been at Kennedy Airport since 5 a.m. The tests by U.S. vets had taken three hours but the worst was yet to come. Sunnie Tar, a mare owned by the Canadian based stable of Armstrong Bros. refused to go on the plane and eventually had to be tranquilized. She had been vanned at 3 a.m. from the Brandywine track in Delaware. Her groom Ken Crockett dismissed her erratic behavior by saying "Oh mares are like that sometimes; once they gave her a shot she settled right down." Sunnie Tar, the lone mare in the field for the 1970 Prix D'Ete, is shown in front of the plane that delivered five of the entrants for Canada's biggest race to Montreal's Dorval airport. Caretaker Ken Crockett holds the mare with the rather ancient plane known as "T R B" in the background. Photo courtesy of Montreal Gazette archives These horses were quite used to travelling by air and their handlers were aware of their idiosyncrasies by now. Fulla Napoleon had to be at least two stalls away from Good Chase or they would be at it in a flash. Good Chase didn't get along with Rum Customer so they had to be kept apart and to accomplish that the easy going Laverne Hanover was in a stall between them. A truck had to be sent from Belmont Park to Montreal to provide a proper ramp for unloading the horses as no such vehicle could be found in Montreal. The plane had quite a history behind it, having been through WWII and had even flown through the Amazon jungle. The field for the 1970 Prix race was an impressive group with lifetime earnings of $1,285,000. This was an unusually high figure for this era of racing. One contributing factor was that this race included a number of aged performers that had already enjoyed long racing careers. The above photo was taken a few days prior to the 1970 Prix D'Ete race day as post positions were drawn for that year's Sunday afternoon affair. L-R: Raymond Lemay, Blue Bonnets Pres.; Mireille Hotte, Miss Blue Bonnets; and presiding Judge Don Perfect The 1970 race was held on Sunday, June 7, an afternoon affair which was traditionally the biggest race card of virtually every week at Blue Bonnets. It went as the ninth race on a 10-race card. The big race drew an overflow crowd of 22,985 eager fans and they wagered a rather healthy $948,442. The attendance figure failed to top the crowd of 24,454 that were on hand to see the first "Prix" race which as mentioned above was called Prix d'Automne (Autumn Classic). On race day the press were not at all certain who to back as a winner of this big race. There were no Bret Hanovers or Nevele Prides who would be almost "shoe in" winners. This field had several horses who had already beaten each other. Harness writer Doug Gilbert said in a Montreal Gazette article, "This field has eight horses with a chance." As the race unfolded it soon became evident that one horse was going to control things and that was Laverne Hanover. He had not raced well in recent events leading up to this day but whatever was ailing him was not a factor on this day. At the start Canada's top contender Super Wave and driver Jack Kopas quickly grabbed the lead from post position three. He was soon challenged by Good Chase and Del Insko and by the half a "fresh" Laverne Hanover was out and moving. Once he reached the lead many in attendance felt the race was over. Fulla Napoleon took a run at him on the backstretch but a healthy Laverne was not going to be beaten on this day. The winning time of 1:57.2 was just a tick off the existing Canadian record set by another Haughton horse, Romulus Hanover, in winning this event in 1967. A disappointed Dick Thomas driver of Fulla Napoleon grumbled a few minutes after the race, "the winner just jogged." He was a bit upset at having to race against a tough two horse entry from the Haughton barn. Winning driver George Sholty was all smiles and said "I knew turning for home I had a lot of horse left but I didn't want to use him until I had to but no one came." Winning driver George Sholty piloted Laverne Hanover to victory in the 1970 Prix D'Ete at Montreal's Blue Bonnets track for owner Thomas W. Murphy Jr. of New York City. This four-year-old son of Tar Heel was an amazing horse who had been at the top of his class in each of his three seasons on the track. Thus closed another great day in Canadian harness racing history. The Prix D'Ete was held for 26 years (1966-1992) during Montreal's golden era of racing. Each year seemed to bring out the best in racing talent and competition and the fans responded by turning out year after year in record numbers. A lot of great memories were created. Final Results - 1970 Prix D'Ete Race Laverne Hanover - 1 Good Chase - 2 Fulla Napoleon - 3 Sunnie Tar - 4 Little Jerry Way - 5 Rum Customer - 6 Super Wave - 7 Tiger Wave - 8 Photo courtesy of Montreal Gazette archives Quote For The Week: "Judge each day not by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you sow." William A. Ward, writer Who Is It? This fellow was not in the featured Prix D'Ete race described above but did drive two winners that Sunday afternoon. Can you identify him? Who Else Is It? This horse and driver were in the 1970 Prix D'Ete race described today. Can you identify them both? PRIX D'ETE TRIVIA QUESTIONS Choices are shown in alphabetical order. #1 - Who was the oldest driver to ever win a Prix D'Ete race in the Blue Bonnets era? (1966-1992) a - Stanley Dancer b - Frank Ervin c - Keith Waples #2 - Who were the only father - son duo to register wins in the Prix D'Ete during the Blue Bonnets era? (1966-1992) a - Del and Gary Cameron b - Billy and Peter Haughton c - Keith and Gord Waples The Culpeper Cosmetology Training Center continues to help people seeking a better life after almost 20 years in operation. Since its opening in 2004, it has become one of the more notable cosmetology schools in Northern Virginia, attracting students from around the region. According to manager Sue Hanshon, the school cultivated their reputation from having good instructors and manageable class sizes, which allows teachers to give students individual attention. Its been so much fun, its hard, its easy, its everything all wrapped up in one and we have so many success stories, said Teri Dickerson, who has taught at the center for 15 years. Hanshon said between tuition and salon services, the school pulls in about $60,000 to $70,000 a year, which offsets its operating costs. They have also been able to offer financial aid to prospective students. She estimates the school has had about 1,000 students since opening. Culpeper Cosmetology Training Center is fully accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences and the State Council for Higher Education for Virginia. Its a good career for young adults the majority of our students are young mothers in their 20s young people in their 20s and 30s who have left high school and are thinking what theyre going to do, said Hanshon. Some tried college and it wasnt for them and found that this is what they want to do and they have a passion for it. Emma Roach left a career as a dental assistant to pursue a career as a hairstylist. The student said she has more passion for this work than with her previous career path because many of her family members are cosmetologists. Once she started classes, Roach said she learned the fundamentals and found herself excelling thanks to the hands-on experience. You really use the basic principles of how to do hair and they take the time to show you and make sure you understand how to do things before you do it. Another student, Jordan Wright, found that college wasnt right for him and wanted to do something that would bring out his artistic side. He said he found cosmetology, particularly hair coloring, helped bring out that side he was looking to draw out. Ive always loved beauty and selfcare because there was a point in my life where I lacked that ability, said Wright. So I just love helping other people to feel beautiful in their own ways. According to Hanshon, an entry level job in cosmetology pays about $35,000 a year. The center has helped place their students in salons in local areas and beyond. She also said some graduates have gone on to open their own businesses. Some former students came back after graduation, including admissions instructor, Jessica Lillard. She said she was attracted to the school by the attention instructors gave her and it inspired her to return as an instructor herself. Watching all our students come in as this quiet little person to growing into this amazing hairstylist is rewarding to me and I enjoy that, Lillard said. The training school operates as an independent arm of Culpeper Countys Human Services. Hanshon said being part of that means, not only do they prepare students for a job, but for life as well, whether it is helping with understanding daycare programs or buying a car. The salon also helps the local community by giving free haircuts to seniors, veterans and underprivileged children. I think its a very good way to give back to the community and get more involved and learn about people from here, said student Rachel Shipe. The Culpeper Cosmetology Training Center continues to move forward and has become a beacon of skills-based job training centers that have been emerging in Culpeper and the surrounding communities in the last few years, an aspect Hanshon said she is proud of. The Culpeper Cosmetology Training Center is located at 311 South East Street #120, in downtown Culpeper. The Virginia Department of Corrections is actively searching for an inmate who escaped from a hospital in Henrico County, according to a release Saturday. Naseem Isaiah Roulack, 21, who was incarcerated at Greensville Correctional Center in Jarratt, escaped around 5:50 a.m. on Saturday from two state corrections security officers while under their supervision at Bon Secours St. Marys Hospital. The Woodbridge man is serving a 13-year sentence for charges of aggravated malicious wounding, grand larceny, and hit and run, according to DOC. Roulack was last seen exiting a bathroom in the hospital. He was wearing a white gown, white socks and no shoes, according to the release. The hospital was placed on lockdown at approximately 7 a.m. Saturday. Authorities described Roulack as Black male, 58, 177 pounds with brown eyes. VADOC is working with other law enforcement agencies to locate him. Roulack has three identified tattoos, including one on his chest that reads Marie, one on his left arm that reads RIP Ish and one on his right arm that reads Faith Is Seeing Light With Your Heart When All Your Eyes See Is Darkness. Anyone with information is urged to dial 911 and to not approach Roulack. According to online court records, Roulack, was previously convicted in 2018 in Prince William for robbery, grand larceny of a firearm and grand theft auto. Earlier this year, also in Prince William, he pleased guilty in the aggravated malicious wounding case, according to court records. North Carolinas newest historical highway marker will be unveiled at 1 p.m. on Oct. 15 beside the Statesville Civic Center, honoring the Wallace Brothers Herbarium (Botanic Depot). A reception at the Congregation Emanuel Synagogue, 206 Kelly St., Statesville, will follow the unveiling ceremony. All are invited. A century ago, the mention of the Wallace Brothers and their Botanic Depot would have brought instant recognition on the part of almost any then-resident of Statesville. The Wallace Brothers, Isaac (1828-1902) and David (1832-1899), were the owners of a large wooden building that served as a collection and storage facility for a wealth of medicinal plants. Their building, the Botanic Depot, also known as the herb house, occupied the space now taken up by the Plaza Apartments Building at 120 S. Meeting St., Statesville. The Wallaces and their numerous employees ran what was touted as Americas largest collection point for herbal roots, barks and fruits. These natural products were used by the pharmaceutical industry to make patent medicines and by local distillers to add flavoring to their products. Some sources go even further and state that the Wallace Brothers herbarium was the largest such collection point in the world. Talking with Chester Middlesworth one time, Chet remarked on the unique, pungent aroma that permeated the air in and around the herb house. When I asked him to describe the odor, he was unable to because of its complexity, and just commented that it was very pungent. Every year the brothers shipped from Statesville boxcar loads of berries, leaves, barks, fruits and roots to medicinal drug-making facilities in the northern states and to Europe. The Wallaces began operations in Statesville in 1859. There was also a similar, but smaller, herb business in Statesville run by Louis Pinkus. Although Iredell County has a number of historical markers within county bounds, as yet there is no North Carolina historical highway marker informing visitors and residents of Statesville of the historical significance of the Wallace Herbarium. This will soon change. For several years, JoAnne Aronson Rosenblum, in partnership with Jewish Heritage N.C., has worked to have the state erect a historical marker near where the herbarium once stood in downtown Statesville. Rosenblum and her husband, Charles Chuck of Asheville, recently received word that the state will be erecting this historical marker, with the dedication ceremony on Oct. 15. Following the unveiling of the marker, a reception is planned to be held in the Congregation Emanuel Synagogue. JoAnne is a graduate of Statesville High School, Class of 1967. Charles is a native of New Jersey. He and JoAnne met in college in Maryland. JoAnne is the great-granddaughter of Isaac Wallace. I was honored to help JoAnne collect some of the necessary documentation to have a marker erected. The wording on the marker will be as follows: WALLACE BROTHERS HERBARIUM World-renowned supplier of medicinal herbs, barks, berries &roots. Est. by Jewish immigrants, 1871. One block NW until 1942. Statesville-born author Doris Waugh Betts (1932-2012) wrote a notable short story centered on the Wallaces herbarium, Spies in the Herb House, which was in her collection, "The Astronomer and Other Stories" (1995). In her fictional story set in World War II, some Statesville children come to believe that the old herb building might be a place of rendezvous for Nazi spies and saboteurs. Wallace exhibits won gold medals The Wallace Brothers were awarded a gold medal at the Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition in 1876 and at the 1878 Paris Exposition for their display of 300 varieties of fruits, 125 varieties of mosses, 200 kinds of wood and 400 boxes of the types of roots that the brothers purchased. The brothers continued in the herb business until 1942 and the old, wooden herb house, which measure about 100 feet by 40 feet and which was two stories tall. Believed constructed ca. 1859, with subsequent additions (one in 883), it was razed in December of 1944. Statesville, The City of Progress, was chosen by the Wallaces as their headquarters, as it had rail connections and was located fairly near the Appalachian Mountains, where many desirable medicinal plants, such as ginseng, could be collected. American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) was probably the most valuable plant the Wallaces collected. Dried parts of ginseng roots, made into a tea, is believed by some to boost energy, lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, reduce stress, promote relaxation, treat diabetes, and manage sexual dysfunction in men. Besides being a prominent part of Statesvilles business community, the Wallaces were founders of Congregation Emanuel Synagogue, said to be the states third-oldest Jewish house of worship. Before the synagogue was built, members of the congregation met in the Wallace home. Two of the towns leaders, J.P. Caldwell, editor of The Landmark, and the Rev. William Wood, minister of the towns large and influential First Presbyterian Church, both realized the importance of the Wallaces and their herb house to Statesville. Wood saw the Jewish congregation as a religious resource and had the rabbi explain Jewish customs mentioned in the Bible. Editor Caldwell treated the towns Jewish population just as he would any other religious congregation. Funny money Wallace script The Wallaces issued their own form of coupons in various denominations that could be exchanged for merchandise at their retail store on Center Street. This was called funny money by locals and examples of it are collectible. Dr. Steve Hill, at the Statesville Historical Collection, has examples of the Wallaces funny money. Their system The Wallaces and their agents had an ingenious system to collect plants for their herbarium. First of all, the Wallaces sent the respected botanist, Mordecai E. Hyams, to the areas where the herbs grew. He instructed the local folks, mostly farmers, in what plants to pick and when. He was careful to remind them not to pick all of a plant, leaving some plants to regenerate. Next, those who collected the plants took what they had collected to certain rural stores, where their accumulation was weighed and recorded. These rural collectors called their herb gathering activity yarbin. The collectors were given credit at the store to purchase items they needed, such as cloth, coffee, glass, paper, salt and hardware items. These products were supplied to the rural stores by the Wallaces. When enough of a certain plant had been collected, say 20 pounds of ginseng, it was shipped to the Wallaces in Statesville. This herb-collecting sideline provided mountain farmers with extra income and items they could not fabricate for themselves. Lastly, the Wallaces put the small collections of herbs from their several points together and then shipped the plants and plant parts throughout the US and Europe to be made into medicines and as flavorings for medicines. To give an idea of the size of shipments by the Wallace Brothers from Statesville, in 1876, they shipped 15 tons of roots, leaves, fruits and herbs to such European cities as Amsterdam, Bremen, Liverpool, London and Rotterdam. In 1887 it is recorded that the Wallaces shipped 41 freight car loads of dried apples. Ginseng, in particular, was shipped to China by the ton. Statesville and Iredell County have waited long enough for a historical marker honoring the Wallace brothers legacy. Even if youve never read Orwells Animal Farm (1945), youre likely familiar with his satirical phrase, more equal. When the U.S. Supreme Court sanctioned separate, but equal, via Plessy v. Ferguson (1896), they basically sentenced southern Blacks to six more decades of less equal treatment due to historic racial segregation and discrimination. Those of us in the Silent or Baby Boomer generations came of age during some of the most significant and volatile years of what came to be known as the Civil Rights Movement. The movement, in short, was a concerted effort to raise awareness and overcome the hypocrisy of the separate, but equal doctrine. Historians generally consider the movement to encompass 1954-1968. Here are just a few of the seminal events that made history during my coming of age (1956 -1965). Brown v. Board of Education, 1954 Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott, 19551956 Desegregating Little Rock Central High School, 1957 Sit-ins, 1958-1960, including Greensboro, NC, 1960 Civil Rights Act of 1964 Thanks to the evening news, I was somewhat aware of the events above, but realistically, few, if any, affected my day-to-day life. For the most part, schools, churches, and much of my college and community life remained firmly segregated. Perhaps there were some attempts to desegregate some local institutions, but I have no memory of such. However, I do recall that during my freshman or sophomore year of high school in the late 50s, a new student entered our class. Ordinarily, this was no big deal but in this case it was. Erlindo, who wed later call Lindy, had brown skin and straight, jet-black hair. Im quite sure there were students at Carver, the countys only Black high school, whose skin tone was the same or lighter than Lindys. The question my friends and I never asked was, Why wasnt Lindy enrolled at Carver? Not that we felt he should. Soft-spoken and with a big smile, he made friends easily. I may not have the conclusive answer, but I think I have a good guess. Lindy and his older brother, also enrolled at our school, were Filipinos and lived with a local couple. I dont recall hearing anything about their parents or how the arrangement came to be, but the boys also worked for the family. David and Winifred Lindsay lived in an attractive, white-frame home with some acreage just north of Rutherfordton. Mr. Lindsay was a retired textile engineer, banker, and philanthropist. Much of their acreage was pasture land where Mrs. Lindsay raised goats and sold goat milk. Their award-winning Chimney Rock Goat Farm was no small operation; in 1959 they were milking some 200 goats. Heres a personal recollection shared by a friend who visited the farm: I remember going there as a young girl to visit with my paternal grandmother who was a good friend of Mrs. Lindsay. We lived very close to the goat farm on Chimney Rock Road. During hot summer days you could definitely smell the goats. Im almost positive the Lindsays had no children. They kept some of their favorite goats in their home as pets. They treated them like their children. I cant say whether the forced integration of Central High in Little Rock, Arkansas, had any impact on the selective integration of R-S Central High in our small North Carolina community, but both occurred around the same time. Suffice it to say the Lindsays were well-off pillars of the community who just happened to be friends with Mr. and Mrs. Carl Sandburg (yes, the Carl Sandburg) who also had a goat farm less than an hour away in Flat Rock. No doubt, the families or at least the women had a mutual interest in their kids. Perhaps in this milieu, Lindy and his brother were considered more equal than the brown-skinned students at Carver High. The struggle for racial equality is an ongoing societal issue. Until there is no more blatant or obviously camouflaged equal under the law, there can only be continued less than equal treatment and opportunities. Unfortunately, well into the 21st century, there are still some segments of our society who see themselves as more equal than their fellow human beings of a different skin tone. To achieve authentic equality, the words of Maya Anjelou seem like a good place to start: Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better. LINVILLE Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, has announced that tickets are on sale now for the fourth of the Thursday evening presentations in its Grandfather Presents 2023 speaker series. On Saturday, Sept. 7, Dr. Baker Perry, Appalachian State University geography professor and National Geographic explorer, will share his unique experiences in alpine mountaineering and in installing weather stations at elevations above 5,000 meters worldwide. The new Wilson Center for Nature Discovery will play host to the event. Guests will get to experience a night at the museum atmosphere, the speaker presentation and book-signing/meet-and-greet opportunities. Dr. Perry has long had a connection with Grandfather. He began working closely with the mountain in 2005 when former president, Crae Morton, invited the scientific community to collaborate on the siting and management of a new weather station. He worked with the State Climate Office to install and manage a new station from 2006 to 2009. With support from a NASA education/outreach grant, Dr. Perry took over the management of the station in 2009 and worked with Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation staff to open an exhibit and conduct citizen-science activities on the mountain. As part of a grant from the National Science Foundation, GMSF members (including current president and executive director, Jesse Pope) traveled to the Andes Mountains of Peru with Dr. Perry and App State students to study climate change, glaciers and water resources in 2014, 2016 and 2018. He passed off the operation and management of the Grandfather Mountain weather station to the State Climate Office in 2019. Dr. Perrys research interests include alpine precipitation formation, snow and ice and precipitation-glacier-climate interactions. He has led or co-led 23 research expeditions and along with local collaborators has installed and maintained 11 weather stations above an elevation of 5,000 meters. In 2022, Dr. Perry led two National Geographic and Rolex Perpetual Planet Expeditions: one to Nevado Ausangate (6,384 meters) in southern Peru to assess climate change impacts, and another to install the highest weather station in the world just below the summit at Bishop Rock (8,810 meters, on the Nepalese side of Mount Everest) and to maintain other stations installed in 2019. He also co-led the National Geographic and Rolex Perpetual Planet Expedition to Tupungato Volcano in Chile that installed the highest weather station in the Americas in February of 2021. His more than 30 years of alpine mountaineering experience also include an installation of a weather station at 8,430 meters at the Balcony on Mount Everest in Nepal; an installation of a weather station at 6,349 meters on Ausangate in Peru; ascents of Illimani (6,435 meters) and Ancohuma (6,427 meters) in Bolivia for data collection from snow pits; a first ascent of the southwest face of Soral Este (5,460 meters) in Bolivia; and extensive fieldwork on glacierized surfaces above 5,000 meters. Dr. Perry has slept at elevations above 5,000 meters on 134 nights (above 6,000 meters on 17 nights) and has climbed to his teams weather station at 5,650 meters on the summit plateau of the Quelccaya Ice Cap in Peru 22 times since 2014. We are so thrilled to have Dr. Baker Perry back on the mountain for this presentation and to hear about his extensive research and remarkable explorations in alpine mountaineering, said Jesse Pope, president and executive director of the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. Dr. Perrys expertise when it comes to the installation of weather stations is vast, and we know firsthand how instrumental he has been to the accurate recording and monitoring of climate patterns both here at Grandfather and on mountains across the globe. On Tuesday, Aug, 8, more than 400 educators from Wythe County Public Schools attended the EduPrep conference held at Wytheville Community College. EduPrep was designed to provide professional development opportunities for WCPS teachers and to create a venue for local educators to share new perspectives and discuss challenges and solutions. More than a dozen administrators and faculty from WCC and teachers and administrators from the schools facilitated an all-day conference with subjects ranging from Managing a Classroom to Effectively Integrating Technology into your Classroom Instruction. Teachers in attendance earned development points toward license renewal. In one of the sessions, Jen Otey, a middle school engineering and computer science teacher, presented Melding Creativity and Technology in Your Classroom to model how to use the Engineering Design Process as a means to use plugged (with electronics) and unplugged (without electronics) technologies to provide fun, creative, student- driven projects and activities for teaching any subject. Director of Middle Schools Shannon Vaught and Charles Debord, director of high schools for the division, talked about how to promote good attendance in classrooms. Today has been really exciting, but our biggest surprise happened when Wythe County Sheriff Charles Foster and Chief Deputy Anthony Cline attended and surprised teachers with 30 $250 gift cards, Vaught said. Names were drawn throughout the day, and $7,500 in funds for classroom supplies were given to the winning teachers. According to Cline, the Wythe County Sheriffs Office fundraised over the summer to put money into its Shop Wythe a Cop program, created by Cline in 2017. We wanted to give back to the kids in Wythe County, Cline said. What better way than to buy supplies for our educators who are teaching our youth? Chris Terry, Wayne Kirby and Stu Vaught of the Wythe County Sheriffs Office led sessions during the professional development day. They spoke to teachers about classroom and online safety and the current trends with substance abuse. Speaking from 21 years of classroom teaching experience, Rural Retreat High School Principal Brandon Blankenship presented the The Art of Teaching, providing teachers with techniques in planning engaging lessons that help them find their own art form in the classroom. Blankenship said, We appreciate the hospitality shown today by WCC. It was nice to see all the smiling faces on those who are excited to get back into the classroom and make a difference in a childs life. The professional development day ended with a Vendor Fair where multiple businesses provided information and door prizes for teachers. WCC and Wythe County Public Schools have a wonderful partnership in so many ways, said Josh Floyd, WCCs coordinator of dual enrollment and one of the EduPrep planners. Now in its fifth year, the annual EduPrep event is a perfect example involving this critical partnership. We are so pleased to host WCPS educators each August on campus for a full day of professional development and pivotal learning prior to the start of the academic year. Additionally, this years vendor fair featured 14 local businesses and non-profit organizations who spent a full afternoon supporting these hard-working individuals. Vendors provided valuable information and resources to educators as part of this wonderful event. School starts for Wythe County Public Schools on Aug. 16. Wytheville Community Colleges fall semester begins on Aug. 21. There is still time for students to register for fall classes at WCC. Visit wcc.vccs.edu to find out more or call (276) 223-4700. Interested in teaching? WCC has a teacher education program. Call Susan Evans, dean of transfer and educational programs, at (276) 223-4740, for more information. 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 Elon Musk's recent rebranding of Twitter as X is a step toward the CEO's goal of developing an "everything app." Musk's vision is for X to mark the spot for all your digital needsto chat with your friends, order groceries, watch videos and manage your finances, all on one platform. His recent announcement might have left you wondering what an everything app is and whether you need really one. If everything apps are so great, why isn't there one that's widely used in the U.S. already? As someone who studies how consumers use social media and what that means for digital marketing, I find the idea of an everything app intriguing. I think that an everything app has the potential to be widely adopted in the U.S. if it's well designed and is valuable to its users. But there are lots of obstacles standing in the way of successfrom data privacy concerns to building a larger user base. What is an everything app? An everything app, also known as a "super app," provides a wide range of featuresfrom social networking to online shopping and financial services. Essentially it's a fusion of many apps you may often use, like Instagram, Uber, WhatsApp and PayPal. The intended goal of an everything app is to simplify daily tasks by saving time and effort needed to use multiple platforms. Through partnerships with third-party servicers, everything apps create an ecosystem where users can switch between different tasks without having to leave the app or install any others on their devices. Over the past few years, everything apps have gained popularity, particularly in some Asian countries, as users appreciate the increased efficiency and convenience of having all their contacts and favorite app features in the same place. WeChat, known as Weixin in China, is considered one of the first successful everything apps. This multifunctional app offers communication servicesmessaging, calling and social mediaas well as many financial services, like mobile payment for peer-to-peer transactions and WeChat Pay, which helps users manage bill payments and investments. WeChat's widespread popularity has transformed the way people in China communicate and conduct daily tasks. It has become an essential app for over 1 billion users and is an important marketing tool for many businesses. Other examples of everything apps include Line in Japan and KakaoTalk in South Korea. Privacy and security concerns But the very thing that makes an everything app so appealingputting everything in one placeis also a source of concern. In order to function, an everything app needs to collect an extensive amount of data, including your personal information, your contact lists, your location and even how much you use the app. Users are often not fully aware of how much of their data is collected and shared. When was the last time you carefully read through an app's privacy policy? Some apps retain data for extended periods of time, even after a user has abandoned the app. Storing so much data in one place also increases the risk of a breach. This extensive amount of tracking raises concerns about surveillance and user profiling, especially in countries with weak data protection laws. An everything app may be subject to government surveillance and data requests, further compromising users' privacy. The app may also share this data with third-party service providers. WeChat has been criticized for its data collection, political censoring and surveillance. Research has found that WeChat complies with government and police requests for data and information, so it can be used as a surveillance tool and for content censorship. Some countries have banned or are considering banning WeChat because of security concerns. To address privacy concerns, I believe everything apps need to be transparent about their data collection practices. Users will be more open to embracing an everything app if they have the means to manage their privacy settings and delete their data. Building a user base It's difficult to predict whether an app will take off. Advertising can motivate someone to download an app, but word of mouth is often far more effective. As you see more of your friends join a specific social media platform, you might be more tempted to download that app so you don't miss out. Good security and privacy aren't enough to build a strong user basethe app also needs to be easy to use. While the goal of the app is to put everything in one place, some users may feel alienated by a confusing or cluttered interface. Familiar icons, navigation and terminology can help users feel more comfortable and encourage them to use the app more. In addition, an app with so many features requires lots of resources, like storage and processing power. Users with older mobile devices may be frustrated with slow loading times or buggy responsiveness, pushing them away from using an everything app. There's also the possibility that some U.S. users may not buy into the idea of an everything app. Although integrating finances into WeChat has been successful in China, where more than 84% of adults use mobile payments, it may not be as easily accepted in the U.S., where less than 33% of adults use mobile payments and previous attempts to connect social features with finances have failed. Just look at Snapchat, which shut down Snapcash in 2018. Even if developers managed to build the perfect everything app, there may be some people who just won't want itespecially if that app is held by a private company subject to the whims of a controversial owner like Musk. So where does this leave X? The app has a long way to go before it becomes an everything app, and Musk's many changes to the platform already have users jumping ship in search of a Twitter substitute. But, whether it's X or not, I think there's certainly room in the U.S. for an everything app to move in. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. (CNN) A former International Criminal Court chief prosecutor has said there is reasonable basis to believe that genocide is being committed against Armenians in the contested region of Nagorno-Karabakh. There are no crematories and there are no machete attacks. Starvation is the invisible genocide weapon. Without immediate dramatic change, this group of Armenians will be destroyed in a few weeks, said Luis Moreno Ocampo in an expert opinion letter on Monday. Nagorno-Karabakh is a landlocked area between Eastern Europe and Western Asia that is home to a large Armenian population but is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan. Armenia and Azerbaijan have been battling over the region for decades. Ocampo worked at the Netherlands-based ICC until 2012. On Monday, UN experts urged Azerbaijan to lift a blockade on the Lachin corridor, the sole road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia. The blockade has been in place for the past seven months. In a press release, the UNHCR called on Azerbaijan to end the dire humanitarian crisis in the Nagorno-Karabakh region, which it said had resulted in shortages of food, medication, and hygiene products. The blockade of the Lachin corridor is a humanitarian emergency that has created severe shortages of essential food staples including sunflower oil, fish, chicken, dairy products, cereal, sugar and baby formula, it said. Medical supplies were also rapidly depleting, it added. The UNCHR urged the Azerbaijani government to uphold its international obligations to respect and protect human rights, and called on Russian peacekeeping forces in the region to protect the corridor. Both requests are in accordance with the ceasefire agreement of November 2020. It is essential to ensure the safety, dignity, and well-being of all individuals during this critical time, they added. The issue was raised at a UN Security Council meeting on August 3, with the Deputy Foreign Minister of Armenia, Vahe Gevorgyan, warning that Azerbaijans blockade had affected 2,000 pregnant women, around 30,000 children, 20,000 older persons and 9,000 persons with disabilities. In July, the European Union foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, said the EU was deeply concerned about the serious humanitarian situation in the Nagorno-Karabakh region, arguing that 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. A spokesperson for US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said last month that Blinken had spoken to Azerbaijans president to express deep concern for the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabak and underscored the urgent need for free transit of commercial, humanitarian, and private vehicles through the Lachin corridor. This story was first published on CNN.com. "Reasonable to believe genocide against Armenians being committed, former ICC chief prosecutor says" Texas A&M University officials told The Eagle on Friday that Kathleen McElroys settlement of $1 million for her botched hiring this summer will be paid with licensing funds. A&M officials response answers questions from State Rep. Brian Harrison, R-Midlothian and A&M Class of 2004, who posted a letter written to A&M Chancellor John Sharp on social media Thursday that requested A&M not pay the settlement or for A&M officials to ensure no tax dollars would be used to fulfill McElroys settlement. Harrison said if tax dollars were used, he would request the state auditor to investigate the propriety of the settlement. A&Ms official account on X, formerly known as Twitter, responded to Harrison and said McElroys settlement will not be funded with any donor funds, any funds from the state or federal government, or any funds from our students. Any suggestion of improper use of funds is just incorrect. A&M officials and McElroy announced last Thursday the parties reached a settlement in regard to their differences in her hiring. A&M leaders acknowledged there were mistakes during McElroys hiring process and university leadership gave a formal apology to McElroy in addition to the payout. McElroy will continue as a tenured professor at the University of Texas at Austin after she rescinded her resignation last month. Over 500 pages of documents, including texts and emails from both the flagship university and the System level were released last Thursday in an internal report by the A&M Systems Office of General Counsel that coincided with the announcement of the settlement. A five-page memo also provided a summary of the investigations findings to provide a timeline of McElroys hiring process, conversations that led to her spurning her alma maters offer, and the subsequent events after her situation became a national news story. The mishandling of McElroys hiring resulted in the resignation of A&M President M. Katherine Banks on July 20 and prompted the general counsels investigation. Allocation of state funds to the Texas A&M University System earlier this summer has helped position the Lone Star State to potentially land one of the federal semiconductor clusters the Department of Commerce is seeking to create through programs from the CHIPS and Science Act. Next week, the A&M Board of Regents will vote to approve the Systems Fiscal Year 2024 to 2028 Capital Plan, which includes a $100 million project in planning for quantum & artificial intelligence chip fabrication at the RELLIS campus in Bryan. In May, A&M Regents greenlit the establishment of the A&M Semiconductor Institute. The states investment in higher education and in chips overall is going to help invigorate new semiconductor industries and the Department of Commerce investment in the state, said David Staack, interim director of A&Ms Semiconductor Institute. Semiconductor chips were developed by American scientists and are used to power items such as cars, cellphones and computers. The strong push for domestic semiconductor production is rooted in concerns to Chinas threat toward Taiwan, according to U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, who represents Bryan-College Station and Brazos County in District 10. In 1990, 37% of the worlds semiconductors were made in America, but McCaul said that number dwindled to just 12% in 2020. If China were to eventually take over Taiwan as the mainland has threatened to do McCaul said it could put America in a vulnerable position in terms of chip manufacturing. Last August, the CHIPS and Science Act was signed into law after it combined two bipartisan bills, one of which was sponsored by McCaul. The act appropriated $52.7 billion in funding toward the domestic semiconductor industry across the Department of Commerce, the Department of Defense, the Department of State and the National Science Foundation. Since then, over 50 semiconductor projects have been announced nationwide worth more than $210 billion, including six projects in Texas worth more than $61 billion that are expected to create over 8,000 jobs. The United States is expected have at least two new large-scale clusters of leading-edge logic fabrication facilities by the end of the decade, according to the Department of Commerce. Decisions on where the semiconductor clusters will be placed could come sometime this fall or winter, according to McCaul. Frontrunners for the clusters are Arizona, New York and Texas. McCaul said hes talked with Democrats on the Senate side, including Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), about a New York-Texas alliance. While China was making more of these massive investments, we were behind and we need to catch up with the great power competition, McCaul said. A&M and the University of Texas have been designated by Gov. Greg Abbotts office to coordinate the states response to DOC solicitations in different areas, Staack explained. A&M has been designated to coordinate the response to projects for the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) and Manufacturing USA Institutes, while Texas has been designated to coordinate the response to projects for the National Advanced Packaging Manufacturing Program (NAPMP). Should Texas land one of the coveted clusters, Staack said A&M officials would take a leadership role in making it serve the entire state. We think A&M probably provides the best impetus for them to come here because in what they need are a lot of engineers, A&M Chancellor John Sharp said. We graduate more engineers than any school in the United States of America, so we think thats going to be a good part of it and having this Semiconductor Institute is going to be a big attraction for them to come to Texas as well. In June, Abbott signed the Texas CHIPS Act, which set aside $200 million to the A&M System through the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund for quantum and artificial intelligence chip fabrication. With those funds, Staack said A&M expected to put facilities at RELLIS they would propose to be part of a potential cluster, a proposal that would also include existing facilities and potential new ones in other parts of the state. We think that would be a strong proposal and to have other institutes around the state also include their capabilities as part of the workforce development kind of feeders into the research and development and statewide workforce development efforts, Staack said. McCaul said one benefit for the A&M-Texas alliance is that A&M has available land between the RELLIS campus and other possible locations. A&M owns a 9-acre parcel inside the Texas 79 loop in Taylor just over 3 miles northeast of Samsungs $17 billion-dollar semiconductor plant thats expected to open in 2024. Staack said that land was a donated property they are looking into possibly using for a potential cluster facility site. Some advantages of that are the proximity of the new Samsung facilities and other supply-chain facilities that are going into that area, but proximity here in College Station to our workforce is also a very useful component, Staack said. Texas, and specifically the Austin area, has been a domestic semiconductor hub for years. The Lone Star State is currently the nations No. 1 exporter of semiconductors, first in research and development funding from the National Science Foundation and No. 2 in industry employment, according to Staack. Bringing innovative semiconductor manufacturing domestically is an important challenge, Staack said. We invented the semiconductor. We are still a leader in the design of semiconductors. We are still a leader in the manufacturing of the tools that are used to manufacture semiconductors, so bringing it all together helps to have the facility. A&M has a long history of partaking in semiconductor R&D and has almost 30 courses combined at all levels of higher education related to the topic, explained Staack, who noted the institute brings all those pieces together. Coupling state money with federal funding could provide more value down the road, Staack said. Now the wait continues if Texas will receive one of the federal clusters and if A&M officials will have involvement in its implementation and operations. Our hope through the Texas CHIPS Act and federal CHIPS Act is to get stronger partnerships in the industry and to be able to increase the semiconductor manufacturing capabilities across the state, Staack said. Bryan-College Station is a great home for a future company in this space, so we would invite them. The state and the federal funding will improve our ability to attract those kinds of partners. Suspects charged with Bryan murder The Brazos County Sherriffs Office arrested two suspects charged with murder Friday, following an investigation for a suspicious death on Pleasant Hill Road in Bryan. The first suspect is a juvenile that was arrested within the first 48 hours on related changes; the second suspect was arrested Aug. 10 for burglary and firearms changes related to the homicide and identified as 20-year-old Nariah Reeves. Law enforcement officers were notified Aug. 2 of a deceased person located on Pleasant Hill Road, according to a Friday press release from the sheriffs office. Deputies and investigators arrived on scene and began an investigation for a suspicious death. The following day, investigators began investigating the death as a homicide and found the cause of death was a gunshot wound. The victim was identified as 41-year-old Brandon Hall. With the help of several agencies we were able to obtain information that led us to a residence in Brenham where a search warrant was obtained, the release stated. Evidence was discovered linking the two suspects to the murder. Interviews were conducted and two arrest warrants were obtained for the murder. This investigation is ongoing. Man arrested for unlawful use of fireworks A College Station man was arrested July 12, after he allegedly threw lit fireworks at police officers, according to a Bryan Police Department probable cause statement released Friday. Neiman Lamar Drones, 20, was charged with assaulting a peace officer and unlawful use of fireworks among several other charges, according to police. On July 4, police said officers responded to a report of fireworks being set off within the city limits in the 1500 block of Military Drive. When police arrived at the intersection of E. Martin Luther King Jr. Street and Military Drive, two individuals allegedly began firing and throwing fireworks and mortar shells at the officers as they attempted to exit their car. Before they left the area, as instructed by command, police said one officer was hit with a motor shell and received burns on his stomach, hand, thigh and knee. On July 6, police said they received a video of the assault from a resident that showed a suspect throwing fireworks at the patrol car. On that same day, while officers were monitoring jail calls at the Brazos County Detention Center, police said they heard two inmates talking about how Drones had hit one of the officers. Pair enter race for District 14 Copy Corner founder Larry Hodges and former Brazos County Sheriff Chris Kirk each announced their candidacy for Texas House District 14 representative on Thursday. The announcements came a day after current representative John Raney announced that he would not seek re-election in 2024. According to the press release, Hodges steering committee includes Brazos County Commissioners Nancy Berry and Chuck Konderla, Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez and College Station Mayor John Nichols among others. Hodges, who is also general partner of the Bryan and College Station DoubleDaves restaurants, is a self-described respected business owner, community leader and conservative Republican from College Station, according to his press release. In a press release, Kirk said he established himself as an outstanding leader, public servant and problem solver during his four decades of service to Brazos County. In my tenure as Sheriff, I was a very active member and leader of the Sheriffs Association of Texas, he said in the statement. For nearly 20 years I served as the chairman of the Legislative Committee for the association, making numerous trips to Austin to testify in committees and participate in the legislative process. Kirk said he managed over 240 employees and a $24 million budget during his time as sheriff. The primary election is slated for March 2024 with the general election set for November 2024. Fred Brown, District 14 representative from 1999 to 2011, announced Wednesday that he would run for the position again but then renounced his candidacy Friday on Facebook and endorsed Hodges Man arrested for hitting bicyclist A College Station man was arrested Wednesday for running a stop sign and hitting a bicyclist, according to the College Station Police Department. Triston Darious Clark, 24, was charged with causing a motor vehicle accident involving a pedestrian/road user in a crosswalk. At around 7 p.m. Thursday, police said they responded to a crash involving a bicyclist at the intersection of University Oaks Boulevard and Munson Avenue. In a series of tweets, the CSPD said that the victim, a 23-year-old male, received serious bodily injuries and was taken to a local hospital. Causing a motor vehicle accident involving a pedestrian/road user in a crosswalk is a state jail felony punishable by up to two years in prison and $10,000 fine if the victim suffers serious bodily injury. Clark was released on a $5,000 bond, according to Brazos County Jail records.